bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outpacing the pandemic? A factorial survey on decision speed of COVID-19 task forces
Authors: Wegmann Reto M. , Schärrer Laura
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine how individual competencies, team collaboration and clear assignment of tasks and roles predict the decision speed of temporary task forces employed to handle the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes COVID-19 task forces and bases of previous research on the performance of temporary teams and human and social capital literature. Linear multilevel regression is used with data from a factorial survey, covering six different continents, various industries and leadership levels from chief executive officers (CEOs) to specialist task force members.

Findings

The study reveals that all analyzed predictors (individual competencies, team collaboration and assignment of tasks and roles) are positively associated with the task force decision speed, with the individual competencies standing out in importance.

Practical implications

Team member selection is likely to be one of the first tasks necessary when such a temporary task force is created. Additionally, competent individuals might be successful even when not embedded in clear structures and even when not working in their own specialist roles.

Originality/value

The sudden pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted governments, corporations and individual people alike. As handling a pandemic is new for most involved people, and many such task forces are shown to be manned by personnel not formally trained in crisis management, this study's results represent important contributions to team performance, decision-making and crisis management literature in general. Furthermore, avenues for further research into the comparative analysis of predictors are revealed.
On the management of retirement age indexed to life expectancy: a scenario analysis of the Italian longevity experience
Authors: Coppola Mariarosaria , Russolillo Maria , Simone Rosaria
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to measure the financial impact on social security system of a recently proposed indexation mechanism for retirement age by considering the Italian longevity experience. The analysis is motivated by the progressive increase in life expectancy at advanced age, which is rapidly bringing to the fore noticeable socio-economic consequences in most industrialized countries. Among those, the impact on National Social Security systems is particularly relevant if people live longer than expected; this will lead to greater financial exposure for pension providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Referring to the Italian population for illustrative purposes, the authors contemplate different scenarios for mortality projection methods and for the implementation of pension age shift while accounting for gender and cohort gaps and model risk. Synthetic indicators to measure the impact of the indexation mechanism on social security system are introduced on the basis of pension cash flows.

Findings

An indexation policy that manages gender gap while adjusting retirement age for varying life expectancy is proposed. As a result, sustainability of public retirement expenditure is improved.

Originality/value

The paper is a concise scenario analysis of the reduction of costs and risks that pension providers would have if the system resorted to link retirement age to life expectancy. The ideas fostered by the paper follow a recent proposal of the Authors on a flexible retirement scheme that deals with model risk for mortality projection and accounts for gender gap in mortality rates.
Customer perceptions of frontline employees’ extra-role helping behaviors
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Keh Hean Tat , Yan Li
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Frontline employees (FLEs) play a pivotal role in service delivery. Beyond their expected in-role behaviors, FLEs often have to perform extra-role behaviors such as providing additional help to customers. The purpose of this study is to investigate how customers’ power distance belief (PDB) influences their perceptions of FLEs’ warmth and competence when FLEs perform extra-role helping behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Four experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses. The first three experiments used a one factor two-level (PDB: low vs high) between-participants design. The fourth one used a 2 (PDB: low vs high) × 2 (firm reputation: low vs high) between-participants design.

Findings

The results indicate that, compared to high-PDB customers, low-PDB customers perceive greater warmth in FLEs’ extra-role helping behaviors but no significant difference in FLEs’ perceived competence. Importantly, these effects are mediated by customer gratitude. Moreover, these effects are moderated by firm reputation such that customers’ perceptions of FLEs’ warmth and competence are both enhanced when the firm has a favorable reputation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first to identify the differential effects of PDB on customer perceptions of FLEs’ warmth and competence in the context of FLEs’ extra-role helping behaviors and to reveal the mediating role of gratitude. These findings contribute to the literatures on FLEs’ extra-role behaviors and social perceptions of both warmth and competence.
Why do older consumers avoid innovative products and services?
Authors: Bae Hyeyoon , Jo Sang Hyun , Lee Euehun
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of consumer innovativeness during aging. This study explores why older consumers have decreased innovativeness and how awareness of age-related change affects the adoption of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on 200 older consumers aged 50 and older to investigate whether awareness of age-related change influences innovativeness.

Findings

The results show that awareness of age-related change causes older consumers to have a decreased tendency to adopt novel products. Moreover, the stereotype threat of older consumers is found to play a mediating role. Older individuals who sense they are negatively viewed as older people restrict their innovativeness to avoid situations that would confirm their incompetence to others. Furthermore, the effects of older consumers’ stereotype threat on innovativeness are moderated by self-monitoring. Older consumers who exhibit high self-monitoring cope with stereotype threat by showing increased innovativeness; however, the opposite effect occurs in older consumers with low self-monitors.

Originality/value

The findings deepen the understanding of older adults’ consumption behavior regarding innovative products and show why people are reluctant to adopt innovative products and services because they grow older by identifying the underlying process that hinders customer innovativeness.
Employee age and the impact on work engagement
Authors: Douglas Stephanie , Roberts Robin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Employee engagement studies are popular in contemporary research because of the complexity organizations face in nurturing the performance and productivity of multi-generations of workers. The purpose of this paper is to assess association of age and dimensions of work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 181 participants completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) to measure work engagement including the dimensions of absorption, vigor and dedication as well as demographics. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were conducted to examine the relationship between age and work engagement.

Findings

Employees 50 years of age and older were found to have statistically significant higher work engagement scores than the employees under the age of 50. Statistically significant scores were also found to be higher in absorption and dedication.

Originality/value

The workforce is aging with older employees becoming larger populations in organizations. Understanding how age influences employee work engagement supports human capital management strategy within organizations. HR professionals can also use the findings to develop targeted employee engagement to leverage the dedication and talents of older employees.
A systems theory for lean describing natural connections in an XPS
Authors: Osterman Christer , Fundin Anders
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Many organizations report difficulties in integrating lean. A possible cause could be that methods and tools do not support each other. The purpose of this research is, therefore, to explore the nature of the connections within the system. Understanding these provides practitioners with a better way of defining their system and offers researchers a conceptual model with a new way of understanding a company-specific production system (XPS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is designed as a multiple case study with three organizations and, in total, 25 lean experts serving as respondents.

Findings

The connections between the elements of an XPS act as a duality based on a problem–solution (P–S) relation. These are categorized according to complexity and can be mapped into a conceptual model, where the connections can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Research limitations/implications

The results provide a method to analyze causes and effects in an XPS and a conceptual model. Given the limitations of a multiple case study, future research should explore connections depending on a broader variety of contextual conditions.

Practical implications

The results present a way to avoid a cherry-picking problem through understanding connections between elements in an XPS. This provides a new way to understand the weaknesses of an XPS.

Originality/value

The research provides a new approach with insights on how to conduct research in lean production by facilitating how to understand and interpret connections between elements in a system.
The role of ecosystem for entrepreneurship development in Sudan
Authors: Arabi Nahla G.A. , Abdalla Abdelgadir M.A.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The components of the ecosystems differ from one ecosystem to another. The purpose of this paper is to identify the components of entrepreneurial ecosystem and investigate its role in entrepreneurship development in the Sudanese manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study is explanatory in nature and designed to be cross-sectional, using a quantitative approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data from a stratified sample, ten industrial subsectors drawn from the total population of the study. It includes 106 manufacturing firms, all located in Khartoum State. Data are analyzed with help of exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression model. .

Findings

Among the major findings is that the relationship between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and entrepreneurship development was found to be significant in six factors, namely: finance, government policy, human capital, infrastructure, research and development and innovation and regulatory framework, whereas it was insignificant in three factors, namely; culture, market and support services. These former factors explain 65.8% of the variation in entrepreneurship development.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional nature of the study entails that its conclusions be limited to relevant parties.

Practical implications

In conclusion, a broad process to develop entrepreneurship ecosystem initiatives is proposed alongside the crucial roles that governments and other stakeholders should play.

Originality/value

This paper provides the most influential factors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sudan. The study will be among the first studies that focuses on evaluating the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sudan, given that relatively little systematic efforts have been devoted to examine the relationship between ecosystem and entrepreneurship development in Sudan.
Trehalose‐6‐phosphate‐mediated phenotypic change in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Hubloher Josephine Joy , Zeidler Sabine , Lamosa Pedro , Santos Helena , Averhoff Beate , Müller Volker
Published: July 2020

The stress protectant trehalose is synthesized in Acinetobacter baumannii from UPD‐glucose and glucose‐6‐phosphase via the OtsA/OtsB pathway. Previous studies proved that deletion of otsB led to a decreased virulence, the inability to grow at 45°C and a slight reduction of growth at high salinities indicating that trehalose is the cause of these phenotypes. We have questioned this conclusion by producing ∆otsA and ∆otsBA mutants and studying their phenotypes. Only deletion of otsB, but not deletion of otsA or otsBA, led to growth impairments at high salt and high temperature. The intracellular concentrations of trehalose and trehalose‐6‐phosphate were measured by NMR or enzymatic assay. Interestingly, none of the mutants accumulated trehalose any more but the ∆otsB mutant with its defect in trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase activity accumulated trehalose‐6‐phosphate. Moreover, expression of otsA in a ∆otsB background under conditions where trehalose synthesis is not induced led to growth inhibition and the accumulation of trehalose‐6‐phosphate. Our results demonstrate that trehalose‐6‐phosphate affects multiple physiological activities in A. baumannii ATCC 19606.
The use of host cell DNA methylation analysis in the detection and management of women with advanced cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a review
Authors: Kremer WW , Steenbergen RDM , Heideman DAM , Kenter GG , Meijer CJLM
Published: July 2020

This paper briefly reviews the role of hypermethylation of host cell genes in cervical carcinogenesis and discusses potential clinical applications of methylation analysis in the management of high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) ‐positive women. We argue that methylation assays can be used: 1. for primary triage of hrHPV‐positive women to detect cervical cancer and advanced cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN); 2. as secondary triage for women with minor cytological abnormalities to identify those with the highest risk of CIN3 or worse; 3. as exit test for women leaving the screening programme to identify cervical cancer and advanced CIN; and 4. to support management of CIN.

Tweetable abstract

This paper discusses potential clinical applications of DNA methylation analysis in the management of women with a high‐risk HPV infection.
Placental extracellular vesicles and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Schuster Jessica , Cheng Shi‐Bin , Padbury James , Sharma Surendra
Published: July 2020

Pre‐eclampsia is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy characterized by new‐onset hypertension, with either proteinuria and/or organ dysfunction. Pre‐eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not well understood. There is consensus that the underlying mechanism(s) resulting in pre‐eclampsia is centered around abnormal placentation, inadequate spiral‐artery remodeling, and deficiency in trophoblast invasion, resulting in impaired maternal blood flow to the placenta and a release of signals and/or inflammatory mediators into maternal circulation triggering the systemic manifestations of pre‐eclampsia. ER stress, resulting in impaired autophagy and placental release of aggregated proteins, may also confer systemic stress to maternal organs in pre‐eclampsia. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid‐bilayer enclosed structures containing macromolecules including proteins, miRNA, and other important nucleotides, have been suggested to play an important role in this maternal‐fetal communication. Circulating EVs are present in greater quantity in the plasma of pre‐eclampsia subjects compared to normal pregnancy, and the placental derived EVs have been shown to have altered protein and RNA cargo. In this review, we will focus on EVs and their role in pre‐eclampsia, specifically their role in immune responses, inflammation, altered angiogenesis, and endothelial dysfunction.
Compliance with follow‐up for patients with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumour
Authors: Cheung King Tung , Dat Anthony , Wong Peter , Dowling Caroline , Davis Ian D. , Sengupta Shomik
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the compliance and loss‐to‐follow‐up (LTFU) rate in patients with stage 1 testicular germ cell tumours (GCTs) on active surveillance protocol at a metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

Patients with stage 1 testicular GCTs diagnosed between 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2018 were identified. Compliance of surveillance programme was classified into three groups: ‘adequate’, ‘missed appointment(s)’ or ‘LTFU’. The LTFU rate was assessed using Kaplan–Meier methodology. Log‐rank test was used for univariate analyses.

Results

Forty‐eight patients had stage 1 testicular GCTs during the 6‐year period. Twenty‐two (46%) of them were managed with active surveillance and 26 (54%) of them were given adjuvant therapy. Compliance with active surveillance was assessed as adequate in 12 (55%), missed appointment(s) in six (27%) and LFTU in four (18%). The LTFU rates in patients with active surveillance at 12, 24 and 36 months were 9%, 9% and 19%, respectively. The LTFU rate in patients with active surveillance was not significantly different from patients who received adjuvant therapy (hazard ratio 0.71 (95% confidence intervals 0.22, 2.30), P = 0.56). Three (14%) of the 22 patients managed with active surveillance had recurrence of disease, all of which occurred in the first 12 months, compared to two (8%) of the 26 patients who had adjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

Active surveillance is a commonly utilized management option for stage 1 testicular GCTs, but has a LTFU rate of almost 20% that may limit its effectiveness. The recurrence rate was comparable to published literature.
The effect of miR‐10b on growth hormone in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle by somatostatin receptor 2
Authors: Ji Jiuxiu , Jin Taihua , Lou Angang , Zhang Rui , Chen Yingying , Xiang Siyu , Cui Changyan , Yu Longzheng , Guan Lizeng
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of miR‐10b on growth hormone (GH) in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle. According to analysis of GH and somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) mRNA and protein expression levels, we found that miR‐10b targeted 3′UTR of SSTR2. Compared with the negative control (NC) group, GH mRNA transcription and protein expression in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle were significantly increased by adding miR‐10b mimics (p < .01), while these were significantly decreased by adding miR‐10b inhibitor (p < .05); compared with the NC group, SSTR2 mRNA transcription and protein expression were significantly inhibited by the addition of miR‐10b mimics (p < .01), while these were significantly increased by the addition of miR‐10b inhibitor compared with the iNC group (p < .05). This study suggested that miR‐10b could regulate GH level by regulating SSTR2 gene expression in pituitary cells of Yanbian yellow cattle.
Super‐mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) vs standard PCNL for the management of renal calculi of <2 cm: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Guddeti Raja Sekhar , Hegde Padmaraj , Chawla Arun , de la Rosette Jean J.M.C.H. , Laguna Pes Maria Pilar , Kapadia Aseem
Published: July 2020

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and safety of standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (sPCNL) and super‐mini PCNL (SMP).

Patients and Methods

A total of 150 patients presenting with renal calculi of <2 cm were randomised to either sPCNL (Group 1) or SMP (Group 2). Randomisation was based on centralised computer‐generated numbers. Variables studied included: stone‐free rates (SFRs), operative time, intra‐ and postoperative complications, postoperative pain score, analgesic requirement, and hospital stay. Statistical analysis was performed using at‐test or Mann–WhitneyU‐test for continuous variables and chi‐squared test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables.

Results

Between September 2018 and April 2019, 75 patients were included in each group. The SFRs of the groups were similar (97.33 vs 98.66%,P= 0.56). The mean (sd)operative time was significantly longer in Group 2, at 36.40 (14.07) vs 23.12 (11.96) min (P< 0.001). The mean (sd)decrease in haemoglobin was significantly less in Group 2, at 3.0 (4.9) vs 7.5 (6.5) g/L (P< 0.001). The mean (sd)pain score at 24 h was significantly lower in Group 2, at 0.3 (0.46) vs 0.75 (0.53) (P< 0.001). The mean (sd)analgesic requirement was significantly less in Group 2, at 67 (22.49) vs 91.5 (30.56) mg tramadol (P< 0.001). The mean (sd) hospital stay was significantly less in Group 2, at 28.38 (3.6) vs 39.84 (3.7) h (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

SMP is equally as effective as sPCNL for managing renal calculi of <2 cm, with improved safety. Although SMP is associated with a longer operative time, it has a significantly lower incidence of bleeding and postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay.
Biology and grading of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma—what have we learned about it?
Authors: Vaubel Rachael , Zschernack Valentina , Tran Quynh T. , Jenkins Sarah , Caron Alissa , Milosevic Dragana , Smadbeck James , Vasmatzis George , Kandels Daniela , Gnekow Astrid , Kramm Christof , Jenkins Robert , Kipp Benjamin R. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Orr Brent A. , Pietsch Torsten , Giannini Caterina
Published: July 2020

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare astrocytoma predominantly affecting children and young adults. We performed comprehensive genomic characterization on a cohort of 67 patients with histologically defined PXA (n = 53, 79%) or anaplastic PXA (A‐PXA, n = 14, 21%), including copy number analysis (ThermoFisher Oncoscan, n = 67), methylation profiling (Illumina EPIC array, n = 43) and targeted next generation sequencing (n = 32). The most frequent alterations were CDKN2A/B deletion (n = 63; 94%) and BRAF p.V600E (n = 51, 76.1%). In 7 BRAF p.V600 wild‐type cases, alternative driver alterations were identified involving BRAF, RAF1 and NF1. Downstream phosphorylation of ERK kinase was uniformly present. Additional pathogenic alterations were rare, with TERT, ATRX and TP53 mutations identified in a small number of tumors, predominantly A‐PXA. Methylation‐based classification of 46 cases utilizing a comprehensive reference tumor allowed assignment to the PXA methylation class in 40 cases. A minority grouped with the methylation classes of ganglioglioma or pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 2), anaplastic pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 2) or control tissues (n = 2). In 9 cases, tissue was available from matched primary and recurrent tumors, including 8 with anaplastic transformation. At recurrence, two tumors acquired TERT promoter mutations and the majority demonstrated additional non‐recurrent copy number alterations. Methylation class was preserved at recurrence. For 62 patients (92.5%), clinical follow‐up data were available (median follow‐up, 5.4 years). Overall survival was significantly different between PXA and A‐PXA (5‐year OS 80.8% vs. 47.6%; P = 0.0009) but not progression‐free survival (5‐year PFS 59.9% vs. 39.8%; P = 0.05). WHO grade remained a strong predictor of overall survival when limited to 38 cases defined as PXA by methylation‐based classification. Our data confirm the importance of WHO grading in histologically and epigenetically defined PXA. Methylation‐based classification may be helpful in cases with ambiguous morphology, but is largely confirmatory in PXA with well‐defined morphology.
DNA methylation down‐regulates integrin β4 expression in asthmatic airway epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Mengping , Yang Yu , Yuan Lin , Yang Ming , Wang Leyuan , Du Xizi , Qin Ling , Wu Shuangyan , Xiang Yang , Qu Xiangping , Liu Huijun , Qin Xiaoqun , Liu Chi
Published: July 2020

Background

Integrin β4 (ITGB4) is a hemi‐desmosome protein which is downregulated in the airway epithelial cells of asthma patients. The proximal promoters and exons of ITGB4 contain CpG islands or multiple CpG sites both in human and mice, which indicated the possible methylation regulation of ITGB4 in airway epithelial cells.

Objective

We sought to unveil that DNA methylation regulates the decreased ITGB4 during the pathogenesis of asthma.

Methods

Mice were exposed to house dust mite (HDM) extracts to construct an asthma model. 5‐Aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (5‐AZA) or dexamethasone (DEX) were added in the last two weeks. Besides, the primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were incubated for the detection of ITGB4 expression and methylation status after HDM stress. Furthermore, DNA methylation of ITGB4 in peripheral blood was measured in asthma patients. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between methylation sites and asthma patients’ ages in the control of potential confounders. Moreover, the correlations between differentially methylated sites (DMSs) and clinical parameters in asthma patients were assessed. Finally, the ability of candidate DMSs to predict asthma was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

We found that in HDM‐stressed asthma model, DNA methylation regulated the reduced ITGB4 expression in airway epithelial cells. Moreover, alteration in the specific CpG sites (chr17:73717720 and chr17:73717636) of ITGB4 may regulate ITGB4 expression and further may be associated with the clinically phenotypic of asthma. The specific DMSs of ITGB4 in peripheral blood can distinguish asthma patients from healthy controls (HCs) effectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study confirmed that DNA methylation regulates the decreased expression of ITGB4 in the airway epithelial cells of asthma patients. These results supply some useful insights to the mechanism of the decreased ITGB4 in asthmatic airway epithelial and provide possible targets for early prediction and screening of asthma.
What is being revealed in 2020?
Authors: Bloomquist Karen L.
Published: July 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic is exposing how humans have long related to nature, and revealing aspects of classism and racism that have long been ignored. Drawing on spiritual resources, such as Luther, might the polarizing, self versus other tendencies be overcome and the long pandemic rooted in economic class and racism more effectively addressed today? Can this result in a “new normal”?
The effect of referral to an open‐group behavioural weight‐management programme on the relative risk of normoglycaemia, non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes: Secondary analysis of the WRAP trial
Authors: Ahern Amy L. , Griffin Simon J. , Wheeler Graham M. , Sharp Stephen J. , Aveyard Paul , Boyland Emma J. , Halford Jason C. G. , Jebb Susan A.
Published: July 2020

Aim

To examine the impact of open‐group behavioural weight‐management programmes on the risk of diabetes among those with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥28 kg/m2 and those with non‐diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH).

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data from the WRAP trial, in which participants (N = 1267; aged ≥18 years, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) were randomized to brief intervention (BI; self‐help booklet), a weight‐management programme (WW; formerly Weight Watchers) for 12 weeks, or WW for 52 weeks. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the effect of intervention group on the risk of hyperglycaemia and diabetes at 12 months in all participants with glycaemic status at both time points (N = 480; 38%) and those with NDH at baseline (N = 387; 31%). We used mixed effects models and linear fixed effects models to examine the effect of intervention group on body weight and HbA1c at 12 months in people with NDH.

Results

There was a 61% relative reduction in the risk of NDH at the 12‐month follow‐up (12 weeks vs. BI: relative risk ratio [RRR] = 0.39 [95% CI 0.18, 0.87], P = .021; 52 weeks vs. BI: RRR = 0.38 [95% CI 0.17, 0.86], P = .020). For intervention effects on the risk of diabetes, confidence intervals were wide and overlapped 1 [12 weeks vs. BI: RRR = 0.49 [95% CI 0.12, 1.96], P = .312; 52 weeks vs. BI: RRR = 0.40 [95% CI 0.10, 1.63], P = .199). Participants with hyperglycaemia at baseline in the weight‐management programme were more probable to have normoglycaemia at the 12‐month follow‐up [12‐week programme vs. BI: RRR = 3.57 [95% CI 1.24, 10.29], P = .019; 52‐week programme vs. BI: RRR = 4.14 [95% CI 1.42, 12.12], P = .009).

Conclusions

Open‐group behavioural weight‐management programmes can help to prevent the development of NDH in people with overweight and obesity and to normalize glycaemia in people with NDH.
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes by baseline albuminuria status and renal function: Results from the LEADER randomized trial
Authors: Mosenzon Ofri , Bain Stephen C. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Idorn Thomas , Mann Johannes F. E. , Persson Frederik , Pratley Richard E. , Rasmussen Søren , Rossing Peter , von Scholten Bernt Johan , Raz Itamar ,   LEADER Trial Investigators
Published: July 2020

Aim

To assess cardiorenal outcomes by baseline urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the contemporary LEADER cohort.

Materials and methods

LEADER was a multinational, double‐blind trial. Patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular (CV) risk were randomized 1:1 to the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue liraglutide (≤1.8 mg daily; n = 4668) or placebo (n = 4672) plus standard care and followed for 3.5 to 5 years. Primary composite outcomes were time to first non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or CV death. Post hoc Cox regression analyses of outcomes by baseline UACR and eGFR subgroups were conducted with adjustment for baseline variables.

Results

In the LEADER population, 1598 (17.5%), 2917 (31.9%), 1200 (13.1%), 1611 (17.6%), 845 (9.2%) and 966 (10.6%) had UACR = 0, >0 to <15, 15 to <30, 30 to <100, 100 to <300 and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Increasing UACR and decreasing eGFR were linked with higher risks of the primary outcome, heart failure hospitalization, a composite renal outcome and death (P‐values for the Cochran‐Armitage test for trends were all <.0001). Across UACR and eGFR subgroups, risks of cardiorenal events and death were generally lower or similar with liraglutide versus placebo.

Conclusions

In a contemporary type 2 diabetes population, increasing baseline UACR and declining eGFR were linked with higher risks of cardiorenal events and death.
Practical use of insulin degludec/insulin aspart in a multinational setting: beyond the guidelines
Authors: Mehta Roopa , Chen Roger , Hirose Takahisa , John Mathew , Kok Adri , Lehmann Roger , Unnikrishnan Ambika Gopalakrishnan , Yavuz Dilek Gogas , Fulcher Gregory
Published: July 2020

Insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is a fixed‐ratio co‐formulation of insulin degludec, which provides long‐lasting basal insulin coverage, and insulin aspart, which targets postprandial glycaemia. This review provides expert opinion on the practical clinical use of IDegAsp, including: dose timings relative to meals, when and how to intensify treatment from once‐daily (OD) to twice‐daily (BID) dose adjustments, and use in special populations (including hospitalized patients). IDegAsp could be considered as one among the choices for initiating insulin treatment, preferential to starting on basal insulin alone, particularly for people with severe hyperglycaemia and/or when postprandial hyperglycaemia is a major concern. The recommended starting dose of IDegAsp is 10 units with the most carbohydrate‐rich meal(s), followed by individualized dose adjustments. Insulin doses should be titrated once weekly in two‐unit steps, guided by individualized fasting plasma glucose targets and based on patient goals, preferences and hypoglycaemia risk. Options for intensification from IDegAsp OD are discussed, which should be guided by HbA1c, prandial glucose levels, meal patterns and patient preferences. Recommendations for switching to IDegAsp from basal insulin, premixed insulins OD/BID, and basal‐plus/basal–bolus regimens are discussed. IDegAsp can be co‐administered with other antihyperglycaemic drugs; however, sulphonylureas frequently need to be discontinued or the dose reduced, and the IDegAsp dose may need to be decreased when sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists are added. Considerations around the initiation or continuation of IDegAsp in hospitalized individuals are discussed, as well as in those undergoing medical procedures.
Left ventricular ejection fraction using manual and semi‐automated biplane method of discs in very preterm infants
Authors: Phad Nilkant , de Waal Koert
Published: July 2020

Background

Biplane left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a valuable echocardiographic parameter for assessment of LV systolic pump efficiency in adults and children, but not often reported in preterm infants. The primary aim of this study was to longitudinally measure biplane LVEF in very preterm infants during the neonatal intensive care period. Secondary aim was to compare manual and semi‐automatic determination of LVEF for agreement and variability.

Methods

Stable preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestation were scanned on day 3, day 28, and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The LV endocardium was traced manually and semi‐automatically using integrated speckle tracking software in apical 4‐chamber and apical 3‐chamber images to obtain end‐diastolic volume and end‐systolic volume, and calculate LVEF. Agreement between methods and variability within and between observers was determined using an interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

Sixty‐six preterm infants with a mean birth weight of 1100 (239) g were analyzed. The average manual biplane LVEF was 58 (3)%, 59 (3)%, and 55 (4)% at the three respective time points. Manual LVEF showed good agreement with semi‐automatic LVEF (ICC 0.76) with a small bias of −1.5 (3.0)%. Interobserver variability of LVEF improved with semi‐automatic tracing of the LV endocardial border (ICC manual 0.68 vs semi‐automatic 0.80).

Conclusion

Left ventricular systolic pump efficiency in preterm infants remains stable during the neonatal intensive care period. Semi‐automatic biplane LVEF has less interobserver variability and can be used interchangeably with manual biplane LVEF.
Distinct neural correlates of social and object reward seeking motivation
Authors: Dubey Indu , Georgescu Alexandra L. , Hommelsen Maximilian , Vogeley Kai , Ropar Danielle , Hamilton Antonia F. de C.
Published: July 2020

The “Choose‐a‐Movie‐CAM” is an established task to quantify the motivation for seeking social rewards. It allows participants to directly assess both the stimulus value and the effort required to obtain it. In the present study, we aimed to identify the neural mechanisms of such cost‐benefit decision‐making. To this end, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were collected from 24 typical adults while they completed the CAM task. We partly replicated the results from our previous behavioural studies showing that typical adults prefer social over object stimuli and low effort over higher effort stimuli but found no interaction between the two. Results from neuroimaging data suggest that there are distinct neural correlates for social and object preferences. The precuneus and medial orbitofrontal cortex, two key areas involved in social processing are engaged when participants make a social choice. Areas of the ventral and dorsal stream pathways associated with object recognition are engaged when making an object choice. These activations can be seen during the decision phase even before the rewards have been consumed, indicating a transfer the hedonic properties of social stimuli to its cues. We also found that the left insula and bilateral clusters in the inferior occipital gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule were recruited for increasing effort investment. We discuss limitations and implications of this study which reveals the distinct neural correlates for social and object rewards, using a robust behavioural measure of social motivation.
The anterior insular cortex in the rat exerts an inhibitory influence over the loss of control of heroin intake and subsequent propensity to relapse
Authors: Joshi Dhaval D. , Puaud Mickaël , Fouyssac Maxime , Belin‐Rauscent Aude , Everitt Barry , Belin David
Published: July 2020

The anterior insular cortex (AIC) has been implicated in addictive behaviour, including the loss of control over drug intake, craving and the propensity to relapse. Evidence suggests that the influence of the AIC on drug‐related behaviours is complex as in rats exposed to extended access to cocaine self‐administration, the AIC was shown to exert a state‐dependent, bidirectional influence on the development and expression of loss of control over drug intake, facilitating the latter but impairing the former. However, it is unclear whether this influence of the AIC is confined to stimulant drugs that have marked peripheral sympathomimetic and anxiogenic effects or whether it extends to other addictive drugs, such as opiates, that lack overt acute aversive peripheral effects. We investigated in outbred rats the effects of bilateral excitotoxic lesions of AIC induced both prior to or after long‐term exposure to extended access heroin self‐administration, on the development and maintenance of escalated heroin intake and the subsequent vulnerability to relapse following abstinence. Compared to sham surgeries, pre‐exposure AIC lesions had no effect on the development of loss of control over heroin intake, but lesions made after a history of escalated heroin intake potentiated escalation and also enhanced responding at relapse. These data show that the AIC inhibits or limits the loss of control over heroin intake and propensity to relapse, in marked contrast to its influence on the loss of control over cocaine intake.
Is Procrastination Related to Low‐Quality Data?
Authors: Voss Nathaniel M. , Vangsness Lisa
Published: July 2020

While it is easy to assume that university students who wait until the last minute to complete surveys for their class research requirements provide low‐quality data, this issue has not been empirically examined. The goal of the present study was to examine the relation between student research procrastination and two important data quality issues—careless responding and measurement noninvariance. Data gathered from university students across two semesters tentatively indicated that procrastination is related to low‐quality survey data. Procrastination was slightly more problematic for certain data quality issues (measurement noninvariance) than others (careless responding). These relations, however, were small and contingent on how procrastination and careless responding were measured. Accordingly, it seems more beneficial for researchers to select a sampling window that supports their research goals and statistical power requirements rather than select a sampling window that attempts to minimize careless survey responding or other measurement issues.
Prognostic tools for hypertrophic scar formation based on fundamental differences in systemic immunity
Authors: de Bakker Erik , van der Putten Mirthe A. M. , Heymans Martijn W. , Spiekstra Sander W. , Waaijman Taco , Butzelaar Liselotte , Negenborn Vera L. , Beekman Vivian K. , Akpinar Erman O. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Niessen Frank B. , Gibbs Susan
Published: July 2020

Unpredictable hypertrophic scarring (HS) occurs after approximately 35% of all surgical procedures and causes significant physical and psychological complaints. Parallel to the need to understanding the mechanisms underlying HS formation, a prognostic tool is needed. The objective was to determine whether (systemic) immunological differences exist between patients who develop HS and those who develop normotrophic scars (NS) and to assess whether those differences can be used to identify patients prone to developing HS. A prospective cohort study with NS and HS groups in which (a) cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and (b) the irritation threshold (IT) after an irritant (sodium lauryl sulphate) patch test was evaluated. Univariate regression analysis of PBMC cytokine secretion showed that low MCP‐1, IL‐8, IL‐18 and IL‐23 levels have a strong correlation with HS (P < .010‐0.004; AUC = 0.790‐0.883). Notably, combinations of two or three cytokines (TNF‐a, MCP‐1 and IL‐23; AUC: 0.942, Nagelkerke R2: 0.727) showed an improved AUC indicating a better correlation with HS than single cytokine analysis. These combination models produce good prognostic results over a broad probability range (sensitivity: 93.8%, specificity 86.7%, accuracy 90,25% between probability 0.3 and 0.7). Furthermore, the HS group had a lower IT than the NS group and an accuracy of 68%. In conclusion, very fundamental immunological differences exist between individuals who develop HS and those who do not, whereas the cytokine assay forms the basis of a predictive prognostic test for HS formation, the less invasive, easily performed irritant skin patch test is more accessible for daily practice.
Trophic dynamics of a reservoir fishery following an introduction of a top predator: Insights from stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes
Authors: Wamboldt James J. , Wanamaker Alan D. , Carroll Hannah M. , Schultz Randall D. , Morris Joseph E.
Published: July 2020

Trophic dynamics and conceptual niche spaces of top piscivores were assessed using stable isotope analysis following the introduction of hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis (Walbaum) × Morone chrysops (Rafinesque) into an established reservoir fishery devoid of gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum (Lasueur). Hybrid striped bass were initially stocked into Three Mile Lake, Iowa as an attempt to biologically control pervasive yellow bass, Morone mississippiensis Jordan & Eigenmann, populations. From the analyses, it concluded that hybrid striped bass predominately targeted prey fish located in the littoral habitats of the reservoir and did not selectively consume yellow bass as intended. Bayesian isotope mixing models described the diets of hybrid striped bass to include a variety of prey fish, predominantly consisting of young bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and yellow bass. Food resource overlap among hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides Lacépède, and walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill), appeared substantial based on the isotopic niche overlap model. Results from this case study, in conjunction with the hindsight that yellow bass populations became prolific even with stockings of hybrid striped bass, suggest that their use to control yellow bass populations may not be a viable management strategy in southern Iowa.
Life cycle assessment of forest biomass energy feedstock in the Northeast United States
Authors: Quinn Ryan J. , Ha HakSoo , Volk Timothy A. , Brown Tristan R. , Bick Steven , Malmsheimer Robert W. , Fortier Marie‐Odile P.
Published: July 2020

Life cycle assessment (LCA) was combined with primary data from nine forest harvesting operations in New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont, from 2013 to 2019 where forest biomass (FB) for bioenergy was one of several products. The objective was to conduct a data‐driven study of greenhouse gas emissions associated with FB feedstock harvesting operations in the Northeast United States. Deterministic and stochastic LCA models were built to simulate the current FB bioenergy feedstock supply chain in the Northeast US with a cradle‐to‐gate scope (forest harvest through roadside loading) and a functional unit of 1.0 Mg of green FB feedstock at a 50% moisture content. Baseline LCA, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty analyses were conducted for three different FB feedstock types—dirty chips, clean chips, and grindings—enabling an empirically driven investigation of differences between feedstock types, individual harvesting process contributions, and literature comparisons. The baseline LCA average impacts were lower for grindings (4.57 kg CO2eq/Mg) and dirty chips (7.16 kg CO2eq/Mg) than for clean chips (23.99 kg CO2eq/Mg) under economic allocation, but impacts were of similar magnitude under mass allocation, ranging from 24.42 to 27.89 kg CO2eq/Mg. Uncertainty analysis showed a wider range of probable results under mass allocation compared to economic allocation. Sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of variations in the production masses and total economic values of primary products of forest harvests on the LCA results due to allocation of supply chain emissions. The high variability in fuel use between logging contractors also had a distinct influence on LCA results. The results of this study can aid decision‐makers in energy policy and guide emissions reductions efforts while informing future LCAs that expand the system boundary to regional FB energy pathways, including electricity generation, transportation fuels, pellets for heat, and combined heat and power.
Working for only financial reasons attenuates the health effects of working beyond retirement age: A 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Nemoto Yuta , Takahashi Tomoya , Nonaka Kumiko , Hasebe Masami , Koike Takashi , Minami Ushio , Murayama Hiroshi , Matsunaga Hiroko , Kobayashi Erika , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: July 2020

Aim

The health benefits of paid employment in late life are understood, but they might vary according to work motives. We examined the health effects of employment among older adults, focusing on motivation.

Methods

We carried out a 2‐year longitudinal survey from 2013 (baseline) to 2015 (follow up). Among 7608 older adults, the analysis included 1069 who completed both surveys and were employed at baseline. Work motives were assessed using a questionnaire. Participants were assigned to groups based on their responses: (i) financial reasons; (ii) motivation other than financial reasons; and (iii) both financial and non‐financial reasons. Self‐rated health, mental health and higher‐level functional capacity were evaluated as health outcomes.

Results

There were group differences in baseline demographic variables and health status; those with financial reasons had lower socioeconomic status and worse mental health. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that compared with older workers with non‐financial reasons, those with financial reasons were more likely to decline in self‐rated health (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.00–2.03) and higher‐level functional capacity (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.16–2.07), which was independent of potential covariates, including socioeconomic status. However, no differences were evident between those with only non‐financial reasons and those having both financial and non‐financial reasons.

Conclusions

We found that the participants who worked only for financial rewards had reduced health benefits through working in old age. A prolonged working life among older workers can contribute to maintaining health and can be enhanced by non‐financial reasons, such as finding meaning in life and social contact. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 745–751.
Students' financial concerns in higher education
Authors: Mazhari Tuba , Atherton Graeme
Published: July 2020

Focus groups were conducted to explore prospective students' perceptions of tuition fees, maintenance loans and how these impact their decision to engage with higher education. Views on rebranding of the term ‘tuition fees’ to ‘student/graduate contributions/tax’ and the introduction of differential fees for different courses were explored. Concerns around high living costs of being at university featured largely in conversations with students, and much more so than tuition fees. Students were averse to the idea of differential tuition fees which they felt could create an elitist system where only affluent students could access some high‐cost subjects. There was little agreement with the concept of rebranding ‘tuition fees’ to a ‘graduate contribution, or tax’. Overall knowledge of student finance, in particular tuition fees, was limited, which in turn led to doubts and anxiety around the concept of student finance overall.