bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Detection of bla OXA-48 Gene Encoding Carbapenem Resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates from Khartoum State Hospitals, Sudan
Authors: Ali Doha Omer , Nagla Mohamed M.A.
Published: June 2020

Abatract

Carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas.aeruginosa is particularly worrisome because this class of β-lactam represents the last therapeutic resource for control of bacterial infection.So this study aimed to detect the frequency of bla OXA-48 resistance gene among Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates during the period from November 2018 to November 2019.

Hundred Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, 81 carbapenems (imipenem meropenem) resistant and 19 carbapenems sensitive were collected from Omdurman Teaching Hospital, Fedail Hospital and Soba Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State-Sudan. All isolates were re-identified using conventional bacteriological techniques, their susceptibility to carbapenems were tested using Kirby-Bauer method for confirmation and investigated for the presence of the bla OXA-48 gene using conventional PCR technique.

60 (60.0%) out of 100 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates were positive for blaOXA-48 gene. Out of 81 carbapenem resistant isolates 54(66.7%) were positive for bla OXA-48 gene, while among the (19) carbapenem sensitive isolates 6 (31.6%) were positive for blaOXA-48 gene. There was statistically significant association between carbapenem resistant isolates and the presence of blaOXA-48 gene (P-value = 0.006).

Wound swabs were the predominant clinical samples detected harboring bla OXA-48 gene both among the sensitive 5 (83.3%) and carbapenem resistant isolates 29(53.7) (P.value> 0.05).

Our findings revealed high frequency of bla OXA-48 among carbapenem resistant isolates so identification of bla OXA-48 producing strains and taking efforts to reduce the rate of transferring these gene between the different strains is essential for optimization of therapy and improves of patients outcomes.
Neuroscience-Informed Psychoeducation for Recovery (NIPER): A Program to Promote Metacognition in People with Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Rezapour Tara , Barzegari Mohammad , Sharifi Elham , Malmir Nastaran , Ghiasvand Hamid Reza , Salehi Mohammad , Noroozi Alireza , Ekhtiari Hamed
Published: June 2020

Background

A brief neuroscience-informed psychoeducation program (neuroscience-informed psychoeducation for recovery, NIPER) was developed to promote awareness (metacognition) in the main cognitive domains affected by drug and alcohol use to increase willingness to invest time and effort in the brain and cognition recovery process. The primary aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the NIPER program and its potential effectiveness in terms of increasing metacognition, psychological wellbeing and willingness for the brain and cognition recovery programs among people with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methodology

56 individuals with SUDs recruited from four outpatient treatment centres in Tehran, Iran and attended four 90-min sessions delivered weekly adjunct to their treatment as usual. The effectiveness was measured in terms of metacognition, and psychological wellbeing at baseline and at the end of the program. Rate of adherence and participation as well as willingness to continue with brain and cognition recovery programs were measured as feasibility outcomes.

Results

A total of 51 participants completed the study. Compared to the baseline assessments, participants reported significantly higher problems in dimensions of attention, memory, inhibitory control, decision making, motor/speech, interocpetion and insight, as well as higher level of psychological wellbeing (t=4.66. p<0.001). In terms of feasibility outcomes, the adherence and participation rates were found above 85%. The majority of participants expressed their high willingness to continue the brain and cognition recovery programs (86.2%) and introduce NIPER to their peers (98%).

Conclusion

Taking into account the results in terms of feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of NIPER in clinical context of addiction treatment, we consider NIPER as a potentially beneficial interventions to be offered to people with SUD to increase their awareness and engage them to the brain and cognition recovery process. The clinical efficacy of the intervention should be tested in future randomized clinical trials.
Hydroxychloroquine serum concentrations in non-critical care patients infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: MacGowan Alasdair , Hamilton Fergus , Bayliss Mark , Read Liam , Attwood Marie , Noel Alan , Grier Sally , Morley Anna , Arnold David , Maskell Nicholas
Published: June 2020

Hydroxychloroquine(HCQ) has been widely used to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection however HCQ pharmacokinetics in this condition have not been studied in non-critical care patient groups. Here we report the serum concentrations of HCQ in a small cohort of patients treated with HCQ as part of the RECOVERY trial.
Qualitative assessment of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody avidity by lateral flow immunochromatographic IgG/IgM antibody assay
Authors: Valdivia Arantxa , Torres Ignacio , Huntley Dixie , Alcaraz María Jesús , Albert Eliseo , Colomina Javier , Ferrer Josep , Carratalá Arturo , Navarro David
Published: June 2020

Qualitative assessment of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody avidity was conducted using an urea (6M) dissociation test performed on a lateral flow immunochromatographic IgG/IgM device. We included a total of 76 serum specimens collected from 57 COVID-19 patients, of which 39 tested positive for both IgG and IgM and 37 only for IgG. Sera losing IgG reactivity after urea treatment (n=28) were drawn significantly earlier (P=0.04) after onset of symptoms than those which preserved it (n=48). This assay may be helpful to estimate the time of acquisition of infection in patients with mild to severe COVID-19.
The role of corporate credibility and bandwagon cues in sponsored social media advertising
Authors: Li Ruobing , Vafeiadis Michail , Xiao Anli , Yang Guolan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Sponsored social media content is one of the advertising strategies that companies implement so that ads appear as native to the delivery platform without making consumers feel that they are directly targeted. Hence, the current study examines whether prominently featuring corporate information on social media ads affects how consumers perceive them. It also investigates whether an ad's evaluation metrics on Twitter (e.g. number of likes/comments) influence its persuasiveness and consumers' behavioral intentions towards the sponsoring company. Underlying cognitive and affective mechanisms through which sponsored content operates are also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (corporate credibility: low vs high) by 2 (bandwagon cues: low vs high) between-subjects experiment was conducted.

Findings

The findings showed that corporate credibility and bandwagon cues can influence social media ad effectiveness. Sponsored content from high-credibility companies – evoked more favorable attitudes and behavioral intentions – is perceived as less intrusive, and elicits less anger than equivalent posts from low-credibility companies. Furthermore, it was found that bandwagon cues work via different pathways. For high-credibility corporations, a high number of bandwagon cues improved ad persuasiveness by mitigating consumers' anger towards intrusive sponsored content. Conversely, for low-credibility corporations high bandwagon cues enhanced ad persuasiveness, and this triggered more positive attitudes towards it.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to test corporate credibility and bandwagon effects in social media ads, while also exploring consumers' cognitive and affective responses to sponsored content. Implications for how companies with varying popularity levels should promote products on social media are discussed.
Older employees' postretirement work planning: an application of the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Peng Yisheng , Min Hanyi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Based on the theory of planned behavior, this study aims to examine antecedents of older workers' intentions to engage in postretirement work (PRW) and actual planning for PRW.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was used. About 469 nurses (≥45 years old) from Midwestern United States completed an online survey containing various self-reports on attitude, perceived control, subjective norm, intentions to engage in PRW and actual planning for PRW.

Findings

Results found that attitude and subjective norm (but not perceived control) were positively related to older employees' intentions to engage in PRW. Perceived control was positively related to actual planning for PRW. PRW intentions mediated the effects of attitude and subjective norm on older workers' actual planning for PRW. Finally, perceived control enhanced the positive effect of PRW intentions on actual planning for PRW.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research by testing the application of the theory of planned behavior to the literature on PRW, further increasing our knowledge of the roles of individuals' attitudinal and cognitive factors in predicting older employees' PRW intentions and actual planning for PRW.
Tiki-taka algorithm: a novel metaheuristic inspired by football playing style
Authors: Ab. Rashid Mohd Fadzil Faisae
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Metaheuristic algorithms have been commonly used as an optimisation tool in various fields. However, optimisation of real-world problems has become increasingly challenging with to increase in system complexity. This situation has become a pull factor to introduce an efficient metaheuristic. This study aims to propose a novel sport-inspired algorithm based on a football playing style called tiki-taka.

Design/methodology/approach

The tiki-taka football style is characterised by short passing, player positioning and maintaining possession. This style aims to dominate the ball possession and defeat opponents using its tactical superiority. The proposed tiki-taka algorithm (TTA) simulates the short passing and player positioning behaviour for optimisation. The algorithm was tested using 19 benchmark functions and five engineering design problems. The performance of the proposed algorithm was compared with 11 other metaheuristics from sport-based, highly cited and recent algorithms.

Findings

The results showed that the TTA is extremely competitive, ranking first and second on 84% of benchmark problems. The proposed algorithm performs best in two engineering design problems and ranks second in the three remaining problems.

Originality/value

The originality of the proposed algorithm is the short passing strategy that exploits a nearby player to move to a better position.
Liability risks in shareholders’ engagement via electronic communication and social media
Authors: Mohd-Sulaiman Aiman Nariman , Hingun Mohsin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the potential liability of companies and their board members arising from the use of digital technology and social media as communication and engagement tools with investors and shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The research relies on a qualitative study using legal analysis of corporate and capital market laws as well as the outcome of legal proceedings and regulatory actions to ascertain conduct that could expose companies and boards to liability risks.

Findings

Social media characteristics expose unwary directors and companies to potential liability for oppressive conduct, selective disclosure or misleading statements.

Research limitations/implications

This paper informs boards and companies of the types of conduct that could expose companies and boards to liability when social media is relied on to communicate with shareholders and investors.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on social media, capital market and corporate communication by presenting the legal perspective concerning reliance on social media as shareholders’ engagement and corporate communication tool.
WASPAS based MULTIMOORA method under IVIF environment for the selection of hub location
Authors: Aydin Nezir , Seker Sukran
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Low cost carriers (LCCs) have become one of the most significantly growing parts of the airline servicing market. This new player has redesigned the whole airline industry, which was previously led by the national/international full-service airline companies. Considering such advancements, the hub locations of LCCs became an important issue than ever before. Within this concept, a guiding framework is developed for an LCC company, which is in search of a new hub airport location within Turkey to satisfy the demand and attract new passengers.

Design/methodology/approach

An interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy (IVIF) sets based weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) and multi-objective optimization by ratio analysis (MULTIMOORA) methods are developed for decision-making processes.

Findings

Five airport locations are evaluated using the developed method. Results showed that in determining hub locations for LCCs, potential number of passengers of the city, airport quality and the number of hotels within the city are obtained as the three most important criteria among 12 evaluation criteria. The best location for the LCC company is determined as Antalya Airport.

Research limitations/implications

To apply the proposed method to a different set of alternatives, data gathered on comparing location of alternatives from experts should be updated.

Originality/value

Proposed hybrid framework is presented as the first time in the literature as a decision-making tool. In order to validate framework's applicability, efficiency and effectiveness, a comparison and a sensitivity analysis are conducted at the end of the study.
Data-driven online service supply chain: a demand-side and supply-side perspective
Authors: Li Lei , Ma Shaojun , Han Xu , Zheng Chundong , Wang Di
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) and machine learning (ML) can be used to identify the influencing factors of online service supply chains (OSSCs) and can help in the formulation of optimal pricing strategies. This paper analyzes the influencing factors of customer online shopping from the demand-side perspective and formulates optimal pricing strategies from the supply-side perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses ML and the Stackelberg game approach to discuss OSSC management. ML's feature selection algorithm is used to identify the important influencing factors of 12,330 customers' online shopping intention data using four different classifiers. The Stackelberg game approach is used to analyze the pricing strategies of integrators and suppliers in OSSCs.

Findings

First, the feature selection algorithm can improve the efficiency of optimization in big data samples of OSSCs. Second, the level of visualization and the quality of information (page value) will affect the purchase behavior of customers. Finally, the relationship between the optimal pricing and the level of visualization is obtained through the Stackelberg game approach.

Practical implications

This paper reveals the phenomenon of “mystery customers,” and the results of this paper can provide insights and suggestions regarding the decision-making behavior of integrators and suppliers in OSSC management.

Originality/value

Considering customer behavior intention, this paper uses a data-driven method to explore the influencing factors and pricing strategies of OSSCs. The empirical results enrich the existing OSSC management research, proposing that the level of product visualization and information quality plays an important role in OSSCs.
Financial-tax reporting conformity, tax avoidance and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Alsaadi Abdullah
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and aggressive tax avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample comprising firms domiciled in Europe for the period 2008–2016, this study uses regression analysis to test the impact of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between CSR and aggressive tax avoidance.

Findings

The empirical results show that there is a positive association between CSR and tax avoidance, and firms headquartered in low financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions are more likely to engage in CSR to hedge against the potential negative consequences of aggressive tax-avoidance practices as compared to firms domiciled in countries with high level of financial-tax reporting conformity.

Practical implications

This study confirms Sikka’s (2010, 2013) view of “organised hypocrisy” act committed by firms to cover their socially irresponsible activities of aggressive tax avoidance by engaging in CSR. Results have implication for various regulatory bodies and investors in that the type of financial-tax conformity does impact the link between CSR and tax avoidance, and based on that, CSR firms may engage in CSR to overcome any negative reactions that could be caused as a result of tax avoidance.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the impact of financial-tax reporting conformity jurisdictions on the association between CSR and aggressive tax avoidance. This study also contributes to the literature in that, it uses an alternative data set which offers a more objective assessment of CSR measure and covers multiple countries.
Self-enhancement and cross-cultural adjustment: overclaiming in a global mobility context
Authors: Templer Klaus J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to test Early and Ang’s (2003) proposition that self-enhancement hinders successful cross-cultural adjustment. The literature on self-enhancement is reviewed, and the overclaiming technique as an unobtrusive measure of self-enhancement is introduced for use in global mobility contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the overclaiming technique, an international-cultural overclaiming test was developed. Expatriates in Singapore stated their familiarity with international-cultural knowledge items, with some of them being foil items, and rated their cross-cultural (general, interaction, work) adjustment. Supervisors rated the expatriates on their work adjustment and performance.

Findings

Overclaiming was not related to self-rated cross-cultural adjustment. However, overclaiming was negatively related to supervisor rated work adjustment and performance. Additionally, the results showed that international-cultural knowledge accuracy was positively related to self-rated general adjustment and to supervisor rated work adjustment and performance.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size with a majority of expatriate teachers from international schools in the sample makes it necessary for the results to be replicated with larger and more varied expatriate samples.

Practical implications

While further validation is needed, this research indicates that the overclaiming technique could be a valuable tool for assessing self-enhancement in candidates for expatriate positions in order to gauge potential cross-cultural (mal)adjustment, as perceived by others.

Originality/value

This study was (likely) the first study that has applied the overclaiming technique in a global mobility context. An international-cultural knowledge overclaiming test is provided to academic researchers for future use.
Fault diagnosis of internal combustion engine gearbox using vibration signals based on signal processing techniques
Authors: KN Ravikumar , Kumar Hemantha , GN Kumar , KV Gangadharan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the fault diagnosis of internal combustion (IC) engine gearbox using vibration signals with signal processing and machine learning (ML) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Vibration signals from the gearbox are acquired for healthy and induced faulty conditions of the gear. In this study, 50% tooth fault and 100% tooth fault are chosen as gear faults in the driver gear. The acquired signals are processed and analyzed using signal processing and ML techniques.

Findings

The obtained results show that variation in the amplitude of the crankshaft rotational frequency (CRF) and gear mesh frequency (GMF) for different conditions of the gearbox with various load conditions. ML techniques were also employed in developing the fault diagnosis system using statistical features. J48 decision tree provides better classification accuracy about 85.1852% in identifying gearbox conditions.

Practical implications

The proposed approach can be used effectively for fault diagnosis of IC engine gearbox. Spectrum and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) provide better information about gear fault conditions using time–frequency characteristics.

Originality/value

In this paper, experiments are conducted on real-time running condition of IC engine gearbox while considering combustion. Eddy current dynamometer is attached to output shaft of the engine for applying load. Spectrum, cepstrum, short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and wavelet analysis are performed. Spectrum, cepstrum and CWT provide better information about gear fault conditions using time–frequency characteristics. ML techniques were used in analyzing classification accuracy of the experimental data to detect the gearbox conditions using various classifiers. Hence, these techniques can be used for detection of faults in the IC engine gearbox and other reciprocating/rotating machineries.
Revisiting Fama–French’s asset pricing model with an MCB volatility risk factor
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Gao Nicholas Ray-Wang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Since the introduction of VIX to measure the spot volatility in the stock market, VIX and its futures have been widely considered to be the standard of underlying investor sentiment. This study aims to examine how the magnitude of contango or backwardation (MCB volatility risk factor) derived from VIX and VIX3M may affect the pricing of assets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on the statistical inference of three defined MCB risk factors when cross-examined with Fama–French’s five factors: the market factor Rm–Rf, the size factor SMB (small minus big), the value factor HML (high minus low B/M), the profitability factor RMW (robust minus weak) and the investing factor CMA (conservative minus aggressive). Robustness checks are performed with the revised HML-Dev factor, as well as with daily data sets.

Findings

The inclusions of the MCB volatility risk factor, either defined as a spread of monthly VIX3M/VIX and its monthly MA(20), or as a monthly net return of VIX3M/VIX, generally enhance the explanatory power of all factors in the Fama and French’s model, in particular the market factor Rm–Rf and the value factor HML, and the investing factor CMA also displays a significant and positive correlation with the MCB risk factor. When the more in-time adjusted HML-Dev factor, suggested by Asness (2014), replaces the original HML factor, results are generally better and more intuitive, with a higher R2 for the market factor and more explanatory power with HML-Dev.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the term structure of VIX to Fama–French’s asset pricing model. The MCB risk factor identifies underlying configurations of investor sentiment. The sensitivities to this timing indicator will significantly relate to returns across individual stocks or portfolios.
Low body mass index is associated with ectopic pregnancy following assisted reproductive techniques: a retrospective study
Authors: Cai J , Liu L , Jiang X , Li P , Sha A , Ren J
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and ectopic pregnancy (EP) following embryo transfer (ET).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University‐affiliated hospital.

Population

A total of 16 378 pregnancies derived from either fresh ET or frozen–thawed ET between January 2008 and December 2017.

Methods

We used the generalised estimating equation (GEE) to analyse the association between BMI categories and EP, as one woman may contribute to more than one pregnancy. Generalised additive models were also used to demonstrate the non‐linear association. Models were adjusted for age, parity, gravidity, previous history of ectopic pregnancy, duration of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, diagnosis of tubal problems, ovarian reserve markers, ovarian stimulation parameters, insemination protocol, endometrial thickness and embryo transfer policies.

Main outcome measures

Ectopic pregnancy.

Results

According to the WHO criteria, the number of cycles with low (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and high (≥25 kg/m2) BMI were 2155, 13 447 and 776, respectively. In comparison with the normal BMI group, the rate of EP was significantly increased in the low BMI group (2.92% versus 2.02%, relative risk 1.45, 95% CI 1.11–1.90), but not in the high BMI group (2.84%, relative risk 1.41, 95% CI 0.92–2.20). Adjusted for confounding factors, the odds ratio for EP comparing low BMI versus normal BMI was 1.61 (95% CI 1.19–2.16) and that comparing high BMI versus normal BMI was 1.12 (95% CI 0.72–1.76).

Conclusions

Low BMI is associated with an increased risk of EP.

Tweetable abstract

The ectopic pregnancy rate after embryo transfer for lean women is higher than that for women of normal weight.
Predicting risk of postpartum haemorrhage: a systematic review
Authors: Neary C , Naheed S , McLernon DJ , Black M
Published: June 2020

Background

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. A reliable prognostic tool for PPH has potential to aid prevention efforts.

Objective

Systematically to identify and appraise prognostic modelling studies for prediction of PPH.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched using a combination of terms and synonyms including ‘prediction tool’, ‘risk score’ and ‘postpartum haemorrhage’.

Selection criteria

Any observational or experimental study developing a prognostic model for women's risk of PPH. English language publications.

Data collection and analysis

Predesigned data extraction form to record: data source; participant criteria; outcome; candidate predictors; actual predictors; sample size; missing data; model development; model performance; model evaluation; interpretation.

Main results

Of 2146 citations screened, 14 studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies addressed populations of women who experienced placenta praevia, placenta accreta spectrum, vaginal birth, caesarean birth (CS) and the general obstetric population. All studies were at high risk of bias due to low sample size, no internal validation, suboptimal or no external validation or no reporting or handling of missing data. Five studies raised applicability concerns. Three externally validated and three internally validated studies show potential for robust external validation.

Conclusion

Of 14 prognostic models for PPH risk, three have some potential for clinical use: in CS, in placenta accreta spectrum disorders with MRI placental Evaluation and in placenta praevia. Future research requires robust internal and external validation of existing tools and development of a model for use in the general obstetric population.

Tweetable abstract

Current PPH prediction tools need external validation: one for CS, one for placenta praevia and one for placenta accreta. Tools are needed for labouring women.
Acute effects of a very low nicotine content cigarette on laboratory smoking lapse: Impacts of nicotine metabolism and nicotine dependence
Authors: Schlagintweit Hera E. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Hendershot Christian S.
Published: June 2020

Reducing cigarette nicotine content to nonaddictive levels facilitates smoking cessation; however, very low nicotine content cigarettes (VLNCs) may not be equally effective across heterogeneous smokers. We evaluated the impact of acute VLNC smoking versus control (sham puffs) on craving, withdrawal and smoking lapse behaviour and whether genetically influenced differences in nicotine metabolism and individual differences in nicotine dependence moderate observed effects. Thirty‐three overnight‐abstinent smokers (15 slow vs. 17 normal nicotine metabolizers; 17 low vs. 16 high nicotine dependence) smoked a 0.05‐mg nicotine VLNC during one session and took sham VLNC puffs during another session, in a counterbalanced order. Craving and withdrawal were assessed before and after smoking and sham puffing. Next, participants completed the McKee Smoking Lapse Task, which measures ability to resist smoking and quantity of ad libitum smoking. VLNC (vs. sham) reduced craving and withdrawal, increased ability to resist smoking and reduced ad libitum smoking. VLNC‐induced reduction in craving for positive reinforcement was greater in slow (vs. normal) metabolizers. Nicotine metabolism did not moderate any other VLNC responses. High‐dependence (vs. low‐dependence) participants engaged in greater ad lib smoking across VLNC and sham conditions. Nicotine dependence did not moderate VLNC responses. VLNC reduced craving, withdrawal and smoking lapse behaviour. Individual differences in nicotine metabolism and dependence had a minimal impact on VLNC responses; however, VLNCs were less effective at reducing craving for positive reinforcement among normal (vs. slow) metabolizers. These findings suggest that desirable VLNC effects may extend across heterogeneous groups of smokers.
Race, Ethnicity, and Clinical Features of Alcohol Use Disorder Among US Military Veterans: Results From the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study
Authors: Carr Meagan M. , Potenza Marc N. , Serowik Kristin L. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent in US military veterans, though little is known about whether the psychiatric comorbidities and functional outcomes (ie, clinical features) of AUD differ across race/ethnic groups. We aimed to identify differences in the clinical features of veterans with AUD by race/ethnicity.

Methods

In a sample of veterans with AUD (n = 1212) from the nationally representative National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, we compared the clinical features associated with AUD across racial/ethnic groups using analysis of covariance and logistic regression.

Results

Black veterans (n = 60, 34.0%) were less likely to screen positive for lifetime AUD compared with white (n = 1099, 42.7%) and Hispanic (n = 53, 41.5%) veterans. Among those with lifetime AUD, Hispanic veterans were more likely than white veterans to have lifetime and current mood or anxiety disorders (adjusted odds ratio range [AORR] = 2.21‐2.52, P < .05). Black veterans were more likely than white veterans to have current mood and anxiety disorders (AORR = 2.01‐3.07, P < .05). Hispanic veterans reported poorer functioning and quality of life than white and black veterans (Cohen's d range = 0.12‐0.37, P < .05).

Discussion and Conclusions

Black and Hispanic veterans with lifetime AUD may experience a higher disease burden relative to white veterans. Results underscore the importance of race/ethnicity‐sensitive assessment, monitoring, and treatment of AUD for veterans.

Scientific Significance

This is the first known study to examine differences by race/ethnicity in the clinical features of Veterans with AUD in a nationally representative sample. Findings suggest higher disease burden for racial/ethnic minority veterans. (Am J Addict 2021;30:26–33)
Method for Successfully Inducting Individuals Who Use Illicit Fentanyl Onto Buprenorphine/Naloxone
Authors: Antoine Denis , Huhn Andrew S. , Strain Eric C. , Turner Gavin , Jardot Jasmyne , Hammond Alexis S. , Dunn Kelly E.
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

Individuals exposed to fentanyl are at risk of precipitated withdrawal using typical buprenorphine/naloxone induction procedures.

Methods

This case series describes buprenorphine/naloxone inductions of four individuals who tested positive for fentanyl.

Results

Buprenorphine‐precipitated withdrawal was observed in two individuals who completed a conventional buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy. Two more individuals completed a revised buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy that did not precipitate withdrawal.

Discussion and Conclusion

Using multiple 2 mg doses of buprenorphine/naloxone in patients already in mild/moderate withdrawal improved outcomes.

Scientific Significance

Persons who use illicit fentanyl might be less likely to experience precipitated withdrawal from this revised buprenorphine/naloxone induction strategy. (Am J Addict 2021;30:83–87)
Renal immune‐related adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitor
Authors: Hu Rongrong , Chen Minjiang , Xu Yan , Wang Mengzhao , Zheng Ke , Li Xuemei
Published: June 2020

The status of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) is raising in the treatment of malignancy for their effectiveness. The ICPIs therapy takes the risk of off‐target toxicity because of immune system overactivation, including renal toxicity. It was declared that the renal toxicity was rare. However, with the increasing experience of ICPIs therapy, the renal immune‐relate adverse events of ICPIs were reported more and their management was launching an enthusiastic discussion nowadays. In this review, we focused on the mechanism of ICPIs related renal irAEs (immune‐related adverse events), the clinical and pathological manifestation of different forms of renal injury, and management strategies when the renal irAEs happened. Good management of irAEs might need help from Multi‐Disciplinary Treatment and could promote a better clinical practice on ICPIs.
Decidual memory T‐cell subsets and memory T‐cell stimulatory cytokines in early‐ and late‐onset preeclampsia
Authors: Kieffer Tom E. C. , Laskewitz Anne , Vledder Annegé , Scherjon Sicco A. , Faas Marijke M. , Prins Jelmer R.
Published: June 2020

Problem

Preeclampsia is a major cause of fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Disturbed fetal‐maternal immune tolerance, and therewith memory T cells, might be involved in its etiology. This study aims to give insight into memory T‐cell populations and its associated cytokines in the decidual layers in early‐onset preeclampsia (EO‐PE) and late‐onset preeclampsia (LO‐PE).

Method of Study

Lymphocytes were isolated from the decidua parietalis and basalis from EO‐PE (n = 6), LO‐PE (n = 8) and healthy (n = 15) pregnancies. CD4+ and CD8+ central‐ (CCR7+), effector‐ (CCR7−), tissue resident‐ (CD103+), and regulatory‐ (Foxp3+) memory cell (CD45RO+) populations and their activation status (CD69+) were analyzed using flow cytometry. qRT‐PCR analysis was performed on decidua parietalis and basalis biopsies to detect mRNA expression of interferon‐gamma, interleukin‐1B, IL2, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL10, IL15, and IL23.

Results

CD4+ central‐memory (CM) cell proportions were lower in the decidua parietalis in LO‐PE (P < .0001) and EO‐PE (P < .01) compared to healthy pregnancies. CD8+ memory (P < .05) and CD8+ CM (P < .01) cell proportions were also lower in the decidua parietalis in EO‐PE compared to healthy pregnancies. This was accompanied by higher IL15 (P < .05) and IL23 (P < .05) and lower IL7 (P < .05) mRNA expression in decidua basalis biopsies from EO‐PE compared to healthy pregnancies, analyzed by qPCR.

Conclusion

In conclusion, decidual memory T‐cell proportions, their activation status, and associated cytokines are altered in preeclampsia and might therefore be involved in fetal‐maternal immune tolerance and the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
Comparison of skin autofluorescence, a marker of tissue advanced glycation end‐products in the fistula and non‐fistula arms of patients treated by hemodialysis
Authors: Tangwonglert Theerasak , Vareesangthip Kornchanok , Vongsanim Surachet , Davenport Andrew
Published: June 2020

Advanced glycosylation end‐products (AGEs) are reported to be a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. As serum AGEs can change with dialysis, measurement of AGEs deposited in the skin by autofluorescence (SAF) is now a recognized method of measuring AGEs. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred way to access blood in HD patients, and as the creation of an AVF changes blood flow distribution in the arm, we wished to determine whether this affected SAF deposition in the skin. SAF was measured using the AGE reader, which directs ultraviolet light at an intensity range of 300‐420 nm (peak 370 nm) in the arms of HD patients dialyzing with an AVF. We measured SAF in 267 patients, 60.3% male, 46.1% diabetic, median duration of dialysis 34.7 (15.1‐64.2) months with AVF. The median SAF was lower in the AVF arm (median 3.4 (2.9‐4.2) vs. 3.7 (3.2‐4.5) AU, P < .001), and for the 160 patients with an upper arm AVF (3.5 (2.9‐4.3) vs. 3.8 (3.2‐4.5) AU, P < .001), but not for the 107 patients dialyzing with a forearm AVF ((3.4 (2.8‐4.2) vs. 3.6 (3.0‐4.5) AU, P = .085). Blood flow was greater for upper arm AVF compared to forearm AVFs (1190 (770‐1960) vs. (930 (653‐1250) mL/min, P = .007), but there was no association between blood flow and SAF (P > .05). AVF alters blood flow in the arm, and we found that SAF measurements were lower in the arm with AVF. We suggest that SAF measurements are made in the non‐AVF arm.
Retinal vessel oximetry in children with inherited retinal diseases
Authors: della Volpe Waizel Maria , Scholl Hendrik P. N. , Valmaggia Christophe , Todorova Margarita G.
Published: June 2020

Background

Retinal vessel oximetry (RO) has been used to show altered metabolic function in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). The aim of this study was to investigate RO parameters of children with IRDs and presumed IRD carriers (pIRDc) and to compare them to controls.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional cohort study, 142 eyes from 71 Caucasian subjects were included: 40 eyes with IRDs, 26 eyes with pIRDc and 76 control eyes. The oxygen saturation was measured with the Retinal Vessel Analyser (IMEDOS Systems UG, Jena, Germany). Mean oxygen saturations in the peripapillary retinal arterioles (A‐SO2; %) and venules (V‐SO2; %) were estimated, and their difference (A‐V SO2; %) was calculated. In addition, we evaluated the mean diameter in all major retinal arterioles (D‐A; μm) and venules (D‐V; μm). anova‐based linear mixed‐effects models were calculated with SPSS®.

Results

In general, children suffering from IRDs differed from controls when the A‐SO2 and A‐V SO2 were taken into account: both the A‐SO2 and the A‐V SO2 were significantly increased (p = 0.012). In subgroup analyses, children suffering from rod–cone dystrophy (RCD) presented an A‐SO2 increase (99.12 ± 8.24%) when compared to controls (91.33 ± 10.34%, p = 0.014) and pIRDc (92.37 ± 6.57%, p = 0.065). For V‐SO2 significant changes in RCD (67.42 ± 9.19%) were found in comparison with controls (58.24 ± 11.74%, p < 0.041), pIRDc (56.67 ± 7.16%, p = 0.007), cone–rod dystrophies (CRD, 52.17 ± 5.32%, p < 0.001) and inherited macular dystrophies (IMD, 55.74 ± 6.96%, p = 0.004), In addition, A‐V SO2 was decreased in RCD (31.69 ± 3.92%) when measured against CRD (41.9 ± 8.87%, p = 0.017) or IMD (39.52 ± 8.95%, p = 0.059).

Conclusion

In general, we found that children with IRDs presented early metabolic changes. Within IRDs, children with RCD showed more affected metabolic changes. Thus, RO may support early screening to rule out IRDs in children, and more precisely may help to differentiate those suffering from RCD.
A virtue ethics critique of ethical dimensions of behavioral economics: Comments from a behavioral economist
Authors: Livingston Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2020

In “A Virtue Ethics Critique of Ethical Dimensions of Behavioral Economics,” Professor Daryl Koehn criticizes the field of behavioral economics. She argues that behavioral economists ignore many important factors that affect how people make decisions, that their results are derived from experiments where subjects make choices in overly restrictive, artificial, and thin contexts that do not capture the richness of reality, and that the approach brings up psychological motivations that affect behavior in a piecemeal, ad hoc way that does not capture the overall tapestry of the factors that influence the choices that we make. In this comment, I offer responses to many of these criticisms, and note where I think we have common ground.
Paracetamol‐induced metabolic and cardiovascular changes are prevented by exercise training
Authors: Ayres Júlio Cesar , Porto Hellen Karine Paes , de Andrade Daniela Medeiros Lobo , Junior José Britto , Ribeiro Marco Tulio Lacerda , Rocha Matheus Lavorenti
Published: June 2020

Paracetamol (PAR) is the most frequently consumed non‐prescription drug, yet it is well known to induce toxicity. Here, we have evaluated the effects of exercise training on vascular dysfunction induced by PAR. Rats were distributed among four groups: (a) Sedentary; (b) Exercise; (c) Sedentary+PAR; and (d) Exercise+PAR. The exercise comprised swimming 50 min/d, 5 d/wk for 6 weeks (+PAR in the last 2 weeks, at 400 mg/kg/d/p.o.). After killing, the rats' blood and aortas were collected for biochemical analysis of hepatic transaminases, TBARs reaction, glutathione, glutathione reductase, SOD, and catalase. In vitro vascular relaxation was measured using acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in the presence or absence of tiron (an antioxidant). Vascular protein expression (eNOS and sGC) also were analysed. Increased transaminases after PAR treatment were found to be reduced by exercise. Vasodilation was impaired by PAR only in the sedentary group. Exercise prevented alterations in lipoperoxidation and glutathione levels after PAR exposure. Glutaathione reductase and SOD also were increased by PAR but were normalized in the exercised group. Catalase activity and protein expressions did not change in any group. PAR treatment caused impairment in both vasodilation and redox balance; however, exercise training prevented the vascular and redox system dysfunction induced by PAR treatment.
Heterogeneity of cancer‐associated fibroblasts: Opportunities for precision medicine
Authors: Kanzaki Ryu , Pietras Kristian
Published: June 2020

Despite marked development in cancer therapies during recent decades, the prognosis for advanced cancer remains poor. The conventional tumor–cell‐centric view of cancer can only explain part of cancer progression, and thus a thorough understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Among cells within the TME, cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are attracting attention as a target for cancer therapy. However, CAFs present a heterogeneous population of cells and more detailed classification of CAFs and investigation of functions of each subset is needed to develop novel CAF‐targeted therapies. In this context, application of newly developed approaches to single‐cell analysis has already made an impact on our understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs. Here, we review the recent literature on CAF heterogeneity and function, and discuss the possibility of novel therapies targeting CAF subsets.
Synthesis of celastrol derivatives as potential non‐nucleoside hepatitis B virus inhibitors
Authors: Zhang He , Lu Gongxi
Published: June 2020

A series of para‐quinone methide (pQM) moiety and C‐20‐ modified derivatives of celastrol were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effect on the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg as well as the inhibitory effect against HBV DNA replication. The results suggested that amidation of C‐20 carboxylic group could generate derivatives with good anti‐HBV profile, among them compound 14 showed the best inhibitory activity on the secretion of HBsAg (IC50 = 11.9 µμ) and HBeAg (IC50 = 13.1 µμ) with SI of 3.3 and 3.0, respectively. In addition, 14 also showed potent inhibitory effect against HBV DNA replication (48.5 ± 15.1%, 25 µM). This is, to our knowledge, the first report of celastrol derivatives as potential non‐nucleoside HBV inhibitors.
The role of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family member artemin in neurological disorders and cancers
Authors: Zhu Sipin , Li Yihe , Bennett Samuel , Chen Junhao , Weng Isabel Ziwai , Huang Lin , Xu Huazi , Xu Jiake
Published: June 2020

Artemin (ARTN) is a member of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs), which encompasses family members, GDNF, neurturin (NRTN) and persephin (PSPN). ARTN is also referred to as Enovin or Neublastin, and bears structural characteristics of the TGF‐β superfamily. ARTN contains a dibasic cleavage site (RXXR) that is predicted to be cleaved by furin to yield a carboxy‐terminal 113 amino acid mature form. ARTN binds preferentially to receptor GFRα3, coupled to a receptor tyrosine kinase RET, forming a signalling complex for the regulation of intracellular pathways that affect diverse outcomes of nervous system development and homoeostasis. Standard signalling cascades activated by GFLs via RET include the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase or MAPK (p‐ERK, p‐p38 and p‐JNK), PI3K‐AKT and Src. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is an alternative signalling receptor for ARTN in the presence of GFRα1, leading to activation of Fyn and FAK. Further, ARTN also interacts with heparan sulphate proteoglycan syndecan‐3 and mediates non‐RET signalling via activation of Src kinases. This review discusses the role of ARTN in spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain and other neurological disorders. Additionally, ARTN plays a role in non‐neuron tissues, such as the formation of Peyer's patch‐like structures in the lymphoid tissue of the gut. The emerging role of ARTN in cancers and therapeutic resistance to cancers is also explored. Further research is necessary to determine the function of ARTN in a tissue‐specific manner, including its signalling mechanisms, in order to improve the therapeutic potential of ARTN in human diseases.
Treatment of borderline infiltrates with minimal inflammation in kidney transplant recipients has no effect on allograft or patient outcomes
Authors: Dale Leigh‐Anne , Brennan Corey , Batal Ibrahim , Morris Heather , Jain Namrata G. , Valeri Anthony , Husain Syed A. , King Kristen , Tsapepas Demetra , Cohen David , Mohan Sumit
Published: June 2020

In 2005, the Banff committee expanded the “borderline changes” category to include lesions with minimal (<10%) inflammation: “i0” borderline infiltrates. Clinical significance and optimal treatment of i0 borderline infiltrates are not known. Data suggest that i0 borderline infiltrates may have a more favorable prognosis than borderline infiltrates with higher grades of interstitial inflammation. In this single‐center, retrospective, observational study, we assessed 90 renal transplant recipients with i0 borderline infiltrates on biopsies indicated for graft dysfunction. We studied the impact of treatment with corticosteroids on allograft function, allograft survival, and patient survival. We found no differences between treated and untreated groups with respect to eGFR at 4 weeks and 6 months after biopsy. Follow‐up biopsies, available in 67% of patients, were negative for rejection in almost half of all cases, regardless of treatment status. The frequencies of persistent borderline infiltrates (38%) and higher‐grade T cell–mediated rejection (1A or greater, 14%) on follow‐up biopsies were similar between the two groups. There were no differences in rejection‐free allograft survival, death‐censored graft failure, or patient mortality among treated vs non‐treated i0 borderline patients. Our findings suggest that the natural history of i0 borderline infiltrates, in relatively low immunologic risk patients, is not affected by corticosteroid treatment.