bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High prevalence of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from fresh vegetables sold by selected formal and informal traders in the most densely populated Province of South Africa
Authors: Richter Loandi , Plessis Erika Du , Duvenage Stacey , Korsten Lise
Published: December 2020

Contaminated fresh produce has increasingly been implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks. As microbiological safety surveillance in South Africa is limited, a total of 545 vegetable samples (spinach, tomato, lettuce, cucumber, and green beans) were purchased from retailers, street traders, trolley vendors and farmers’ markets. Escherichia coli, coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated and the prevalence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes determined. E. coli isolates were characterized phenotypically (antibiotic resistance) and genotypically (diarrheagenic virulence genes). Coliforms, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae counts were mostly not significantly different between formal and informal markets, with exceptions noted on occasion. When compared to international standards, 90% to 98% tomatoes, 70% to 94% spinach, 82% cucumbers, 93% lettuce, and 80% green bean samples, had satisfactory (≤ 100 CFU/g) E. coli counts. Of the 545 vegetable samples analyzed, 14.86% (n = 81) harbored E. coli, predominantly from leafy green vegetables. Virulence genes (lt, st, bfpA, eagg, eaeA, stx1, stx2, and ipaH) were not detected in the E. coli isolates (n = 67) characterized, however 40.30% were multidrug‐resistant. Resistance to aminoglycosides (neomycin, 73.13%; gentamycin, < 10%), penicillins (ampicillin, 38.81%; amoxicillin, 41.79%; augmentin, < 10%), sulfonamides (cotrimoxazole, 22.39%), tetracycline (19.4%), chloramphenicol (11.94%), cephalosporins (cefepime, 34.33%), and carbapenemases (imipenem, < 10%) were observed. This study highlights the need for continued surveillance of multidrug resistant foodborne pathogens in fresh produce retailed formally and informally for potential consumer health risks.

Practical Application

The results indicate that the microbiological quality of different vegetables were similar per product type, regardless of being purchased from formal retailers or informal street traders, trolley vendors or farmers’ markets. Although no pathogenic bacteria (diarrheagenic E. coli, Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes) were isolated, high levels of multidrug‐resistance was observed in the generic E. coli isolates. These findings highlight the importance of microbiological quality surveillance of fresh produce in formal and informal markets, as these products can be a reservoir of multidrug resistant bacteria harboring antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, potentially impacting human health.
Effects of waste fig seed powder on quality as an innovative ingredient in biscuit formulation
Authors: Bölek Sibel
Published: December 2020

Being a rich source of antioxidants, phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, the fig seed could be valuable health‐promoting food ingredient. The possibility of using fig seed powder in biscuits was investigated. For this purpose, wheat flour was replaced by fig seed powder at levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15%. The effects of replacement on proximate composition, color values, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity, textural characteristics, and sensorial properties of biscuit samples were investigated. The composition of fig seed powder showed a significantly higher concentration of fiber (56.6 ± 0.27%), protein (14.32 ± 0.21%), fat (20.32 ± 0.32%), and total phenolic content (665.12 ± 0.52 mg GAE/100 g). The biscuit samples were obtained with increased fiber content by adding fig seed powder to the biscuit formulation. Moreover, fig seed powder increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of biscuits significantly (P < 0.05). The addition of fig seed powder to the biscuit formulation up to 10% increased the sensory scores of the biscuits in terms of odor, flavor, and overall impression.

Practical Application

The use of waste products in food industry is relevant in terms of the circular economy context. The enrichment of biscuit with waste fig seed powder could also supplies accessional channel for valorization of a food waste. Fig seed powder could be used to produce acceptable biscuits with improved nutritional quality.
Genesis of S‐type Granites in the Pengshan Sn‐polymetallic Ore Field, Northern Jiangxi Province and its Implications
Authors: YIN Qingqing , XIANG Xinkui , YU Zhendong , YANG Xiufeng , WANG Tianchen , ZHONG Bo , TAN Rong , LIAO Jianhai , ZHU Yuansong
Published: December 2020

The Pengshan Sn‐polymetallic ore field is located in the southeastern part of the Yangtze block, spanning the southeast edge of the MLYDZ and the northern edge of the mid‐segment of the Jiangnan Uplift, and on one side of the MLYDZ. The studies of LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb chronology and petrogeochemistry for Early Cretaceous acid granites from the Pengshan ore field were carried out in this paper. We report zircon U–Pb geochronology and whole‐rock geochemistry for acid granites in the Pengshan ore field. The zircon U–Pb ages of the muscovite‐granite, biotite adamellite and granite‐porphyry are 127.6 ± 1.7 Ma, 126.9 ± 1.6 Ma and 126.6 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. The granites in Pengshan are characterized by a high silicon content and are rich in alkali. They belong to high‐potassium, calc‐alkaline, peraluminous granite. The rocks have a relatively high Rb/Ba ratio, and the data points for muscovite‐granite and biotite adamellite all fall within the clay‐rich sources region, near the pelite‐derived end‐member, showing that the Pengshan muscovite‐granite and biotite adamellite mainly originated from the partial melting of metapelites with high maturity. The transformation of the compressional and extensional tectonics in this region approximately 128 Ma obviously lags behind that in the mid‐segment of the Jiangnan Uplift (135 Ma), but occurred earlier than the MLYDZ (126 Ma). The Pengshan ore field extends from the mid‐segment of the Jiangnan Uplift to the MLYDZ. Although the tectonic stress field is constrained by the combination of the two secondary tectonic units, the time of tectonic system transformation is closer to the MLYDZ because the spatial orientation of the area is enclosed in the MLYDZ. Relevant geophysical and drilling data confirm the rationality of Pengshan–Ao'xia as a multi‐center vertical zoning ore field, and show the scientificity of the prospecting idea of abutting joint between the north‐west of Pengshan area and the south‐east of Ao'xia area.
Role of chemotherapy for survival in patients with second primary non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Zhile , Wu Yijun , Wang Li , Gong Liang , Han Chang , Xie Fucun , Li Shanqing
Published: December 2020

Background

The therapeutic effect of chemotherapy is still unclear for clinical usage among second primary non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The aim of this study was to verify the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy and identify the prognostic factors among patients who had received chemotherapy for second primary NSCLC.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was constructed based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, univariate Cox and multivariate Cox regression, we identified the prognostic factors among clinicopathological features. Propensity score matching analysis was used to verify the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. Survival curves were plotted among the subgroups of the selected factors. We further selected clinicopathological features that would affect the prognosis among patients who had received chemotherapy through a similar process.

Results

A total of 769 patients were enrolled to verify the therapeutic value of chemotherapy for second primary lung cancer. Significant differences were observed between the chemotherapy and nonchemotherapy group for cancer‐specific survival. 215 patients who had received chemotherapy were analyzed to identify the factors that might influence outcome on the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. Age, tumor size, histology and treatment were selected as significant factors.

Conclusions

The therapeutic effect of chemotherapy for second primary NSCLC was found to be significant. Age, tumor size and histology were significant prognostic factors among patients who had received chemotherapy for second primary NSCLC.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

A significant therapeutic effect of chemotherapy for second primary non‐small cell lung cancer was proven through univariate Cox regression and propensity score matching analysis.

Prognostic factors for second primary non‐small cell lung cancer patients who had received chemotherapy.

What this study adds

Chemotherapy could be applied in clinical practice as an additional therapeutic method for second primary non‐small cell lung cancer patients.

We selected prognostic factors for patients who had received chemotherapy to identify patients who were appropriate for chemotherapy.
A novel digital clock drawing test as a screening tool for perioperative neurocognitive disorders: A feasibility study
Authors: Buckley Richard A. , Atkins Kelly J. , Fortunato Erika , Silbert Brendan , Scott David A. , Evered Lisbeth
Published: December 2020

Background

We developed a digital clock drawing test (dCDT), an adaptation of the original pen and paper clock test, that may be advantageous over previous dCDTs in the perioperative environment. We trialed our dCDT on a tablet device in the preoperative period to determine the feasibility of administration in this setting. To assess the clinical utility of this test, we examined the relationship between the performance on the test and compared derived digital clock measures with the 4 A's Test (4AT), a delirium and cognition screening tool.

Methods

We recruited a sample of 102 adults aged 65 years and over presenting for elective surgery in a single tertiary hospital. Participants completed the 4AT, followed by both command and copy clock conditions of the dCDT. We recorded time‐based clock‐drawing metrics, alongside clock replications scored using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) clock scoring criteria.

Results

The dCDT had an acceptance rate of 99%. After controlling for demographic variables and prior tablet use, regression analyses showed higher 4AT scores were associated with greater dCDT time (seconds) for both command (β = 8.2, P = .020) and copy clocks (β = 12, P = .005) and lower MoCA‐based clock scores in both command (OR = 0.19, P = .001) and copy conditions (OR = 0.14, P = .012).

Conclusion

The digital clock drawing test is feasible to administer and is highly acceptable to older adults in a preoperative setting. We demonstrated a significant association between both the dCDT time and clock score metrics, with the established 4AT. Our results provide convergent validity of the dCDT in the preoperative setting.
Resting state hypothalamic and dorsomedial prefrontal cortical connectivity of the periaqueductal gray in cocaine addiction
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Zhornitsky Simon , Wang Wuyi , Le Thang M. , Dhingra Isha , Chen Yu , Li Chiang‐shan R.
Published: December 2020

Cocaine‐dependent (CD) individuals demonstrate significant anxiety and dysphoria during withdrawal, a negative emotional state that may perpetuate drug seeking and consumption. An extensive body of work has focused on characterizing reward circuit dysfunction, but relatively little is known about the pain circuit during cocaine withdrawal. In an earlier study, we highlighted how cue‐elicited functional connectivity between the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a subcortical hub of the pain circuit, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex supports tonic craving in recently abstinent CD. The functional organization of the brain can be characterized by intrinsic connectivities, and it is highly likely that the resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the PAG may also be altered in association with cocaine use variables. Here, we examined this issue in 52 CD and 52 healthy control (HC) participants. Imaging data were processed with published routines, and the findings were evaluated with a corrected threshold. In a covariance analysis, CD as compared with HC showed higher PAG rsFC with the hypothalamus, dorsomedial prefrontal, and inferior parietal cortices. Further, these connectivities were correlated negatively with tonic cocaine craving and recent cocaine use, respectively. Higher hypothalamic and frontoparietal rsFC with the PAG may reflect a compensatory process to regulate craving and compulsive drug use. The findings provide additional evidence in humans implicating the PAG circuit and may help research of the role of negative reinforcement in sustaining habitual drug use in cocaine addiction.
Characteristics of oxycodone‐related ambulance attendances: analysis of temporal trends and the effect of reformulation in Victoria, Australia from 2013 to 2018
Authors: Nielsen Suzanne , Sanfilippo Paul G. , Scott Debbie , Lam Tina , Smith Karen , Lubman Dan I.
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

In Australia, oxycodone has been associated with increasing rates of harm over time, despite reduced use, reformulation to a tamper‐resistant form and in contrast to most prescription opioids. We explored characteristics of oxycodone‐related ambulance attendances to understand whether presentation characteristics could explain increasing oxycodone harm.

Design

Retrospective study of coded ambulance patient care records related to extramedical oxycodone use, January 2013 to September 2018.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Cases

A total of 2788 oxycodone‐related ambulance attendances.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were temporal changes in characteristics of oxycodone presentations over time (from 2013 to 2018) and following reformulation. Covariates include demographic characteristics, presentation severity, mental health, substance use and poisoning intent.

Findings

Average age was 41.3 (± 16.4) years with females comprising 56.4% of attendances (n = 2788). The proportion of females in oxycodone‐related attendances increased over time [an average increase in the odds ratios of 5% per year (OR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.10]. Other temporal trends included a reduced likelihood of naloxone administration (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85–1.00), heroin involvement (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.66–0.99), comorbid mental health symptoms (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.82–0.92) and unknown intent poisoning (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85–0.96); and a greater risk of alcohol involvement (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.11), non‐opioid extramedical pharmaceutical use (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.10), comorbid suicidal thoughts or behaviours (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05–1.15) and past history of psychiatric issues (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.16–1.27). Interrupted time–series analysis showed that reformulation was associated with an immediate effect on sex, severity, accidental poisoning and unknown intent poisoning, although these were not sustained over time. Alcohol involvement in the attendance (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.17–1.74, i.e. an average increase in the odds of 43% per year), Glasgow Coma Scale (OR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.04 – 1.57), a previous history of psychiatric issues (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.70–0.92, i.e. an average decrease in the odds of 20% per year, heroin involvement (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05 – 0.98) and illicit drug use (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23 – 0.87) showed statistically significant relative changes following the reformulation.

Conclusions

The characteristics of oxycodone presentations in Australian ambulances attendances appear to be changing over time, including more female presentations; increasing alcohol use, extramedical use of non‐opioid pharmaceuticals and suicidal thoughts or behaviours and decreasing heroin and illicit drug involvement.
Constructing a representative in‐silico population for paediatric simulations: Application to HIV‐positive African children
Authors: Wasmann Roeland E. , Svensson Elin M. , Walker A. Sarah , Clements Michelle N. , Denti Paolo
Published: December 2020

Aims

Simulations are an essential tool for investigating scenarios in pharmacokinetics‐pharmacodynamics. The models used during simulation often include the effect of highly correlated covariates such as weight, height and sex, and for children also age, which complicates the construction of an in silico population. For this reason, a suitable and representative patient population is crucial for the simulations to produce meaningful results. For simulation in paediatric patients, international growth charts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide a reference, but these may not always be representative for specific populations, such as malnourished children with HIV or acutely unwell children.

Methods

We present a workflow to construct a virtual paediatric patient population using WHO and CDC growth charts, suggest piecewise linear functions to adjust the median of the growth charts by sex and age, and suggest visual diagnostics to compare with the target population. We applied this workflow in a population of 1206 HIV‐positive African children, consisting of 19 742 observations with weight ranging from 3.8 to 79.7 kg, height from 55.5 to 180 cm, and an age between 0.40 and 18 years.

Results

Before adjustment, the WHO and CDC charts produced weights and heights higher compared to the observed data. After applying our methodology, we could simulate weight, height, sex and age combinations in good agreement with the observed data.

Conclusion

The methodology presented here is flexible and may be applied to other scenarios where WHO and CDC growth standards might not be appropriate. In addition we provide R scripts and a large ready‐to‐use paediatric population.
Characteristics of mobile phone use in adolescents identified with mild intellectual disability who attend special schools in Serbia and their non‐disabled peers in mainstream schools
Authors: Glumbić Nenad , Brojčin Branislav , Đorđević Mirjana , Žunić‐Pavlović Vesna
Published: December 2020

Accessible summary

The aim of this research was to identify possible differences in how non‐disabled adolescents and their peers identified with mild intellectual disability use mobile phones.

The sample comprised 420 non‐disabled participants and 67 participants identified with mild intellectual disability.

Non‐disabled adolescents used these devices more often than their peers identified with mild intellectual disability.

Adolescents identified with mild intellectual disability should be encouraged to expand the use of mobile phones.

Background

Mobile phones are multifunctional devices which allow adolescents to belong to their peer group, communicate with them, and also expand their digital interactions. The aim of this research was to identify possible differences in the areas and ways of mobile phone use in non‐disabled adolescents and their peers identified with mild intellectual disability of both genders.

Materials and Methods

The sample comprised 420 non‐disabled participants and 67 participants identified with mild intellectual disability, aged 15–19 years in Serbia. Areas of mobile phone use were assessed through a questionnaire developed for this research, while the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale was used to assess problematic mobile phone use.

Results

In all assessed areas, it was observed that non‐disabled students used mobile phones more frequently, except in Skype video calls, which were used significantly more often by participants identified with mild intellectual disability. The obtained results demonstrate that girls used mobile phones more frequently than boys for schoolwork, daily communication with family and friends, fun activities, sending and receiving text messages, taking photographs, and making videos. With regard to problematic mobile phone use, a significant gender difference was observed only in the subsample of non‐disabled participants where girls used mobile phones in a problematic way much more frequently.

Conclusions

Adolescents identified with mild intellectual disability should be encouraged to expand the use of mobile phones with appropriate monitoring and education so that their use does not become problematic.
The use of growth hormone therapy in adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Frixou Mikaela , Vlek Diane , Lucas‐Herald Angela K. , Keir Lindsay , Kyriakou Andreas , Shaikh M. Guftar
Published: December 2020

Objective

Despite clear benefits in the management of children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), the role of growth hormone (GH) in adults is unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effects of GH on body composition, bone health and cardiovascular health in adults with PWS.

Design

A systematic computerized literature search of the PubMed database was conducted by two independent reviewers. Inclusion criteria were individuals over the age of 16 years with a genetic diagnosis of PWS who had received GH therapy, together with assessment of body composition, bone health or cardiovascular health.

Results

Twenty full‐text papers met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 364 unique patients. No differences in body mass index (BMI) were noted, although 2 studies reported increased BMI after GH cessation. Data demonstrated statistically significant increases in lean body mass and reductions in percentage fat mass. Studies reported inconsistent effects of GH on cholesterol and echocardiography parameters. No studies reported differences in bone mineral density, although one reported improved bone geometry. Minor adverse events including pretibial oedema, headache and transient impaired glucose tolerance were reported in 7 studies.

Conclusions

These data suggest that GH is safe and well tolerated in adults with PWS, with evidence of improvement in body composition. Further longitudinal studies are still required to investigate the effects of GH on bone and cardiovascular health. Where GH is used in adults with PWS, this should be managed by a specialist multidisciplinary team with regular monitoring initiated.
Women's perceptions of femininity after craniopharyngioma: a qualitative study
Authors: Eydoux Raphaëlle , Castinetti Frédéric , Authier Magali , Vialle Manon , Albarel Frédérique , Brue Thierry , Courbiere Blandine
Published: December 2020

Background

Previous quantitative studies have shown a reduced quality of life in patients treated for craniopharyngioma (CP). However, few have assessed their sexual quality of life and other issues related to patient intimacy have not yet been addressed. Standardized questionnaires limit the approach to sexuality and the exploration of patient experiences. A qualitative study, which allows in‐depth analysis, may represent an interesting approach to explore intimacy in women with a history of CP.

Objective

To assess the impact of a CP history on femininity and relationships in women.

Design and patients

A qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews was conducted with 15 adult women treated for CP during childhood, adolescence or at childbearing age up to 40 years of age. Interviews were audio recorded, anonymized and transcribed literally. Data analysis was carried out with an inductive approach according to the grounded theory method.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (a) apparent changes leading to altered self‐perception that may impact on femininity and generate lower self‐esteem; (b) managing the hidden disabilities of the disease inducing a need for permanent control; and (c) building parenthood and couple relationships: coping with sexual dysfunction and infertility.

Conclusions

Our study highlighted alterations in self‐perception and femininity due to body change and disability resulting from CP treatment, impacting both couple and social relationships. Interviewing women who underwent CP surgery at different ages highlighted specific needs and different expectations of medical professionals which emphasize the importance of offering both global and personalized care.
Pregnancy in multiple sclerosis: A reflection on the importance of individualizing management
Authors: Pinto Maria João , Seabra Mafalda , Sá Maria José , Guimarães Joana
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy has changed in recent years; it is no longer viewed as hindering the evolution of the disease. Lower relapse rates are expected during gestation, while the early puerperium may be more critical.

Case report

We present two cases of active relapse‐remitting multiple sclerosis in pregnant women with different clinical courses, mirroring the disease heterogeneity and unpredictability. The first one, despite the ongoing activity, had two uneventful pregnancies. The second woman, previously controlled, experienced an increase in the disease activity during pregnancy.

Discussions

The decision of maintaining disease‐modifying therapy throughout gestation could be a strategy to reduce postpartum relapses.
The importance of tangible and intangible factors in human–carnivore coexistence
Authors: Jacobsen Kim S. , Dickman Amy J. , Macdonald David W. , Mourato Susana , Johnson Paul , Sibanda Lovemore , Loveridge Andrew
Published: December 2020

Conflict with humans is one of the major threats facing the world's remaining large carnivore populations, and understanding human attitudes is key to improving coexistence. We surveyed people living near Hwange National Park about their attitudes toward coexisting with lions. We used ordinal regression models with the results of the survey to investigate the importance of a range of tangible and intangible factors on attitudes. The variables investigated included the costs and benefits of wildlife presence, emotion, culture, religion, vulnerability, risk perception, notions of responsibility, and personal value orientations. This was for the purpose of effectively tailoring conservation efforts but also for ethical policy making. Intangible factors (e.g., fear and ecocentric values) were as important as, if not more important than, tangible factors (such as livestock losses) for understanding attitudes, based on the effect sizes of these variables. The degree to which participants’ fear of lions interfered with their daily activities was the most influential variable. The degree to which benefits accrue to households from the nearby protected area was also highly influential, as was number of livestock lost, number of dependents, ecocentric value orientation, and participation in conflict mitigation programs. Contrary to what is often assumed, metrics of livestock loss did not dominate attitudes to coexistence with lions. Furthermore, we found that socioeconomic variables may appear important when studied in isolation, but their effect may disappear when controlling for variables related to beliefs, perceptions, and past experiences. This raises questions about the widespread reliance on socioeconomic variables in the field of human–wildlife conflict and coexistence. To facilitate coexistence with large carnivores, we recommend measures that reduce fear (through education and through protective measures that reduce the need to be fearful), reduction of livestock losses, and ensuring local communities benefit from conservation. Ecocentric values also emerged as influential, highlighting the need to develop conservation initiatives tailored to local values.
Vascular endothelial growth factor on Runt‐related transcript factor‐2 in aortic valve cells
Authors: Li Shao‐Jung , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chung Cheng‐Chih , Cheng Wan‐Li , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: December 2020

Background

Calcific aortic valve disease is associated with ageing and high mortality. However, no effective pharmacological treatment has been developed. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor are overexpressed in the calcified aortic valve tissue. However, the role of VEGF in calcific aortic valve disease pathogenesis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Materials and methods

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression and calcium‐related signalling were investigated in porcine valvular interstitial cells with or without human VEGF‐A recombinant protein (VEGF165, 1‐100 ng/mL) treatment and/or calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor (KN93, 10 µmol/L) and inositol triphosphate receptor inhibitor (2‐aminoethyldiphenyl borate, 30 µmol/L) for 5 days.

Results

VEGF165‐treated cells had higher Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression and CaMKII/ adenosine 3',5'‐monophosphate response element‐binding protein (CREB) signalling activation than did control cells. KN93 reduced Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression and CREB phosphorylation in VEGF165‐treated cells. The 2‐aminoethyldiphenyl borate also reduced Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression in VICs treated with VEGF165.

Conclusion

VEGF upregulated Runt‐related transcription factor 2 expression in VICs by activating the IP3R/CaMKII/CREB signalling pathway.
Functional imaging in youth at risk for transdiagnostic serious mental illness: Initial results from thePROCANstudy
Authors: Metzak Paul D. , Addington Jean , Hassel Stefanie , Goldstein Benjamin I. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Lebel Catherine , Wang Jian Li , Kennedy Sidney H. , MacQueen Glenda M. , Bray Signe
Published: December 2020

Background

In their early stages, serious mental illnesses (SMIs) are often indistinguishable from one another, suggesting that studying alterations in brain activity in a transdiagnostic fashion could help to understand the neurophysiological origins of different SMI. The purpose of this study was to examine brain activity in youth at varying stages of risk for SMI using functional magnetic resonance imaging tasks (fMRI) that engage brain systems believed to be affected.

Methods

Two hundred and forty three participants at different stages of risk for SMI were recruited to the Canadian Psychiatric Risk and Outcome (PROCAN) study, however only 179 were scanned. Stages included asymptomatic participants at no elevated risk, asymptomatic participants at elevated risk due to family history, participants with undifferentiated general symptoms of mental illness, and those experiencing attenuated versions of diagnosable psychiatric illnesses. The fMRI tasks included: (1) a monetary incentive delay task; (2) an emotional Go‐NoGo and (3) ann‐back working memory task.

Results

Strong main effects with each of the tasks were found in brain regions previously described in the literature. However, there were no significant differences in brain activity between any of the stages of risk for SMI for any of the task contrasts, after accounting for site, sex and age. Furthermore, results indicated no significant differences even when participants were dichotomized as asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Conclusions

These results suggest that univariate BOLD responses during typical fMRI tasks are not sensitive markers of SMI risk and that further study, particularly longitudinal designs, will be necessary to understand brain changes underlying the early stages of SMI.
Matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation for sickle cell disease: Results from the Spanish group for bone marrow transplantation in children
Authors: Benítez‐Carabante María Isabel , Beléndez Cristina , González‐Vicent Marta , Alonso Laura , Uría‐Oficialdegui María Luz , Torrent Monserrat , Pérez‐Hurtado José María , Fuster José Luis , Cela Elena , Díaz‐de‐Heredia Cristina ,   Grupo Español de Trasplante de Médula Ósea en Niños (GETMON), Grupo Español de Trasplante Hematopoyético (GETH)
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Spain is markedly inferior compared with other European and Mediterranean countries. However, the diagnosis of new patients with SCD is expected to increase. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyze the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) results obtained in Spain.

Methods

Forty‐five patients who underwent a matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT between 1999 and 2018 were included. Primary endpoint was event‐free survival (EFS), and secondary endpoints included acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Bone marrow was the most frequent stem cell source (93.3%). Most patients received a conditioning regimen based on busulfan and cyclophosphamide (69%). Cumulative incidence of grade III‐IV acute GvHD and chronic GvHD was 6.8% (95% CI: 2.3%‐20.1%) and 5.4% (95% CI: 1.38%‐19.9%), respectively. EFS and overall survival (OS) at 3 years post‐HSCT were 89.4% (95% CI: 73.9%‐95.9%) and 92.1% (95% CI: 77.2%‐97.4%), respectively. All patients aged ≤ 5 presented 100% EFS and OS.

Conclusions

An early referral to HSCT centers should be proposed early in life, before severe complications occur. MSD HSCT should be considered a curative option for all patients aged ≤ 5 years and for older pediatric patients who present complications derived from the disease.
Employee Performance in Temporary Organizations: The Effects of Person‐Environment Fit and Temporariness on Task Performance and Innovative Performance
Authors: Goetz Nicolas , Wald Andreas
Published: December 2020

This study investigates individual employee performance, both task‐oriented and innovation‐generating, in temporary organizations (TOs) by applying the person‐environment (P‐E) fit concept. Prior research on work outcomes has revealed distinct differences between TOs and their surrounding permanent organizations (POs) but has not included a differentiated investigation of the antecedents of employee performance in TOs. Accordingly, we examine the influence of different P‐E fit dimensions and the moderating role of the temporariness of the organizational unit on task performance and innovative performance using a cross‐industry sample of 341 TO members and 20 of their supervisors. Our findings suggest that (i) both task and innovative performance in TOs are significantly increased by overall P‐E fit, within which (ii) the dimension of Person‐Job fit has the largest impact, and (iii) temporariness can increase the positive effect of P‐E fit on task performance.
Bridging Research‐Practice Tensions: Exploring Day‐to‐Day Engaged Scholarship Investigating Sustainable Development Challenges
Authors: Easter Sarah , Ceulemans Kim , Kelly Dara
Published: December 2020

This paper adds to literature on engaged scholarship by exploring how previous experience, study expectations, and multiple identities are key factors that shape how management researchers perceive and experience the research‐practice divide in sustainable development research. Highlighting ways to navigate tensions in engaged scholarship, the authors identify five major strategies: remembering the purpose of the research, emphasizing relationships, engaging in self‐learning, practicing reflexivity, and framing emerging results. To do so, the authors draw on findings from three management research projects which sought to use engaged scholarship to address the sustainable development challenges of homelessness, Indigenous approaches to economics and development, and sustainability reporting in higher education. Taking a collaborative auto‐ethnographic approach to analyzing their experiences as researchers, the authors demonstrate the potential for future management researchers to utilize a similar methodology to improve engaged scholarship research focused on sustainable development challenges.
Ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, exhibits potential effect in dystrophin‐deficient mdx mice
Authors: Micheletto Maria Laura Jorge , Hermes Tulio de Almeida , Bertassoli Bruno Machado , Petri Giuliana , Perez Matheus Moreira , Fonseca Fernando Luiz Affonso , Carvalho Alzira Alves de Siqueira , Feder David
Published: December 2020

Dystrophin deficiency makes the sarcolemma fragile and susceptible to degeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The proteasome is a multimeric protease complex and is central to the regulation of cellular proteins. Previous studies have shown that proteasome inhibition improved pathological changes in mdx mice. Ixazomib is the first oral proteasome inhibitor used as a therapy in multiple myeloma. This study investigated the effects of ixazomib on the dystrophic muscle of mdx mice. MDX mice were treated with ixazomib (7.5 mg/kg/wk by gavage) or 0.2 mL of saline for 12 weeks. The Kondziela test was performed to measure muscle strength. The tibialis anterior (TA) and diaphragm (DIA) muscles were used for morphological analysis, and blood samples were collected for biochemical measurement. We observed maintenance of the muscle strength in the animals treated with ixazomib. Treatment with ixazomib had no toxic effect on the mdx mouse. The morphological analysis showed a reduction in the inflammatory area and fibres with central nuclei in the TA and DIA muscles and an increase in the number of fibres with a diameter of 20 µm2 in the DIA muscle after treatment with ixazomib. There was an increase in the expression of dystrophin and utrophin in the TA and DIA muscles and a reduction in the expression of osteopontin and TGF‐β in the DIA muscle of mdx mice treated with ixazomib. Ixazomib was thus shown to increase the expression of dystrophin and utrophin associated with improved pathological and functional changes in the dystrophic muscles of mdx mice.
A Prudent dietary pattern is inversely associated with liver fat content among multi‐ethnic youth
Authors: Perng Wei , Harte Robyn , Ringham Brandy M. , Baylin Ana , Bellatorre Anna , Scherzinger Ann , Goran Michael I. , Dabelea Dana
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To identify dietary patterns associated with hepatic fat fraction (HFF), a measure of liver fat content and risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, in a prospective study of 397 multi‐ethnic youth.

Methods

We obtained information on habitual dietary intake via the Block Kids Food Frequency Questionnaire at age 6 to 15 years (‘T1’) and 12 to 19 years (‘T2’), and measured HFF using magnetic resonance imaging at T2. We derived dietary patterns via principal components analysis and examined associations with ln‐transformed HFF using linear regression models that accounted for maternal education, gestational diabetes exposure and smoking habits; and child pubertal status, BMI and physical activity.

Results

At T1, none of the dietary patterns identified were associated with HFF measured at T2. At T2, a Prudent dietary pattern characterized by high fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with HFF (−0.08 [95% CI: −0.16, −0.00]). Similarly, increased adherence to the Prudent pattern across T1 and T2 corresponded with lower ln‐HFF (−0.11 [−0.18, −0.04] units). On the other hand, adherence to a Western pattern comprising fried foods and refined carbohydrates at T2 correlated with higher HFF among non‐Hispanic White participants (0.16 [0.06, 0.26]). These findings persisted after accounting for child BMI.

Conclusions

Even in healthy youth, a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with lower HFF, whereas a diet high in fried foods and refined carbohydrates is related to higher HFF. Dietary changes may serve as an early preventive measure to mitigate liver fat accrual.
A modified exchange algorithm for distributional robust optimization and applications in risk management
Authors: Sun Hailin , Zhang Dali , Wu Soon‐Yi , Chen Liang
Published: December 2020

Convex semi‐definite semi‐infinite programming problems (SDSIP) represent a special class of distributionally robust optimization (DRO) problems with a wide range of applications in engineering and economics. In this paper, we propose a modified exchange algorithm for convex SDSIP that arises from DRO with matrix moment constraints. We first explore the convergence results of the modified exchange algorithm and perform the efficiency analysis based on a set of benchmark tests. In addition, we apply the SDSIP framework to investigate an optimized certainty bound risk with an ambiguity uncertainty set and implement the algorithm to solve a practical risk minimization problem in portfolio selection. The empirical results show both the efficiency of the algorithm and the robustness of the risk measure.
COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL ROUNDTABLE ON Broken Models of Public Finance
Authors: Bernstein Jared , Kazarian Paul B. , Rajgopal Shiva
Published: December 2020

Joe Biden's chief economic adviser joins a proactive investor who was one of the largest private investors in Greek government bonds in dispelling a number of widespread misconceptions about public finance and sovereign debt, with particular focus on the inadequacies of the conventional measures used by politicians, the media, and even many economists when assessing the financial performance and condition of national governments. After describing the limitations of the “traditional debt and deficit model,” Paul B. Kazarian proposes the use of an alternative called Public Financial Management, or “PFM,” that has been implemented in New Zealand, the U.K. and 12 other countries. Such a model aims to provide a general government total balance sheet (federal, state, and local governments) that reflects all government assets and liabilities. And when using PFM, one finds, for example, that New Zealand is consistently ranked first or second in the world on Government Total Net Worth as percentage of GDP and Citizens' Wealth (CW1), whereas the U.S. falls well below the top tier.

Jared Bernstein, on the other hand, is much less concerned by the understatement of U.S. debt and other liabilities than by the failure of conventionally reported U.S. debt and spending statistics to distinguish between “good” and “bad” debt, and between positive‐ and negative‐NPV public expenditures. While conceding that U.S. unfunded liabilities “sound very scary,” Bernstein points out that financial markets seem relatively unconcerned, if only because these future costs and liabilities are estimated on the basis of current law and practices, and sovereign governments, to a far greater extent than private corporations, have the power to limit liabilities or increase projected revenues just by reducing benefits or imposing or raising taxes.
The Euro @ 20: How Economic and Financial “Asymmetries” Marred the Promise of the Single Currency
Authors: Alogoskoufis George , Jacque Laurent
Published: December 2020

The launch of the single currency in 1999 rekindled the European Union's momentum toward deeper integration. And yet progress during its first decade of low interest rates was undermined by bulging budgetary and current account deficits in several eurozone sovereigns that brought them to the brink of default in 2010. The second decade of sluggish and lopsided recovery since then has deeply scarred Europe's social fabric and widened the divide between the single currency's winners (Northern European nations) and losers (Mediterranean countries).

This article provides a retrospective, cast in the form of a play in five acts, of the EU's protracted quest for monetary union that begins by explaining how the euro crisis was seeded. In Act I the authors recount the quest for a European Monetary Union and document the gradual deepening of monetary cooperation among member states. The launch of the euro in 1999, as presented in Act II, held out promise for the single currency, but was later broken by a euro crisis that is viewed (in Act III) through the lens of the optimal currency area construct. The likely future of the euro, now in its 20th year, is projected in Act IV in terms of a “muddling through” scenario. Act V closes by providing a view of two other possibilities issuing from the pandemic—one that leads to a splintering of the European monetary union, and the other to the passage of bold reforms that end up strengthening the union.
Cross‐cultural applicability of the Self‐Care Self‐Efficacy Scale in a multi‐national study
Authors: Yu Doris Sau‐Fung , De Maria Maddalena , Barbaranelli Claudio , Vellone Ercole , Matarese Maria , Ausili Davide , Rejane Rabelo‐Silva Eneida , Osokpo Onome Henry , Riegel Barbara
Published: December 2020

Aim

The Self‐Care Self‐Efficacy Scale (SCSES) was newly developed as a self‐report measure for self‐care self‐efficacy for chronic illness. This study investigated its measurement equivalence (ME) in different cultural groups, including United States, China (Hong Kong), Italy, and Brazil.

Design

A multi‐national study for cross‐cultural validation of the Scale.

Methods

From January 2015 ‐ December 2018, investigators recruited 957 patients (United State: 200; Hong Kong: 300; Italy: 285; and Brazil: 142) with chronic illness from inpatient and outpatient settings. The SCSES was administered and clinical and demographic data were collected from participants. Based on the Meredith framework, multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis evaluated the configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance of the scale across the four populations through a series of nested models, with evaluation of reliability and coherence of the factor solution.

Results

The mean ages of the groups ranged from 65–77 years, 56.4% was male. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the single‐factor SCSES were 0.93, 0.89, 0.92, and 0.90 for the United States, China (Hong Kong), Italy, and Brazil, respectively. Three of the four levels of ME were partially or totally supported. The highest level achieved was partial scalar invariance level (χ2 [52] = 313.4, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.067; 95% CI = 0.056–0.077; CFI = 0.966; TLI = 0.960, SRMR = 0.080).

Conclusion

Patients from the four countries shared the same philosophical orientation towards scale items, although some of the items contributed differently to represent the concept and participants shared the same schemata for score interpretation.

Impact

Self‐efficacy is important in producing effective and sustainable self‐care behavioural changes. Cultural ideation shapes the ways individuals interpret and report their self‐care self‐efficacy. The study findings support cross‐cultural and cross‐national utility of the SCSES for research on self‐care across United States, China (Hong Kong), Italy, and Brazil.
Use of behaviour change techniques by direct support professionals to support healthy lifestyle behaviour for people with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities
Authors: Overwijk Annelies , van der Putten Annette A. J. , van der Schans Cees P. , Willems Mariël , Hilgenkamp Thessa I. M. , Waninge Aly
Published: December 2020

Background

Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) can be employed to support a healthy lifestyle for people with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study is to determine whether and which BCTs are used by direct support professionals (DSPs) for supporting healthy lifestyle behaviour of people with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities.

Method

Direct support professionals (n = 18) were observed in their daily work using audio‐visual recordings. To code BCTs, the Coventry Aberdeen London Refined (CALO‐RE‐NL) taxonomy was employed.

Results

Direct support professionals used 33 BCTs out of 42. The most used BCTs were as follows: ‘feedback on performance’, ‘instructions on how to perform the behaviour’, ‘doing together’, ‘rewards on successful behaviour’, ‘reward effort towards behaviour’, ‘DSP changes environment’, ‘graded tasks’, ‘prompt practice’ and ‘model/demonstrate behaviour’.

Conclusions

Although a variety of BCTs is used by DSPs in their support of people with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities when facilitating healthy lifestyle behaviour, they rely on nine of them.