bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social paper wasp (Agelaia pallipes) predates songbird nestling
Authors: Frankhuizen Sjoerd , Esteves Lopes Leonardo , C. R. Cunha Filipe
Published: July 2020

The social paper waspAgelaia pallipesis known to eat carrion and scavenge on vertebrates. There are few records of wasps predating vertebrates, including an attack on an adult hummingbird and the predation of bird nestlings. During a project monitoring reproductive behaviour of a neotropical songbird, the Lined SeedeaterSporophila lineolain south‐eastern Brazil, we recorded the predation of a four‐day‐old nestling by a social paper wasp. In the video, the adult female bird attempted to visit the nest prior to the predation. The male could be seen with its crest feathers erect after a wasp left the nest, when the nestling was presumably already dead. When we arrived at the nest to remove the camera, we found the nestling dead, and did not observe the parents in the vicinity. We also registered two other dead nestlings in a different nest with similar wounds. However, the conclusive cause of death of those nestlings is unknown. Nest predation is a major selective pressure in birds, and insects are rarely assumed to play a notable role in this process. Further research is needed to better understand the nature of the relationship between wasps and birds.
Socio‐eco‐evolutionary dynamics in cities
Authors: Des Roches Simone , Brans Kristien I. , Lambert Max R. , Rivkin L. Ruth , Savage Amy Marie , Schell Christopher J. , Correa Cristian , De Meester Luc , Diamond Sarah E. , Grimm Nancy B. , Harris Nyeema C. , Govaert Lynn , Hendry Andrew P. , Johnson Marc T. J. , Munshi‐South Jason , Palkovacs Eric P. , Szulkin Marta , Urban Mark C. , Verrelli Brian C. , Alberti Marina
Published: July 2020

Cities are uniquely complex systems regulated by interactions and feedbacks between nature and human society. Characteristics of human society—including culture, economics, technology and politics—underlie social patterns and activity, creating a heterogeneous environment that can influence and be influenced by both ecological and evolutionary processes. Increasing research on urban ecology and evolutionary biology has coincided with growing interest in eco‐evolutionary dynamics, which encompasses the interactions and reciprocal feedbacks between evolution and ecology. Research on both urban evolutionary biology and eco‐evolutionary dynamics frequently focuses on contemporary evolution of species that have potentially substantial ecological—and even social—significance. Still, little work fully integrates urban evolutionary biology and eco‐evolutionary dynamics, and rarely do researchers in either of these fields fully consider the role of human social patterns and processes. Because cities are fundamentally regulated by human activities, are inherently interconnected and are frequently undergoing social and economic transformation, they represent an opportunity for ecologists and evolutionary biologists to study urban “socio‐eco‐evolutionary dynamics.” Through this new framework, we encourage researchers of urban ecology and evolution to fully integrate human social drivers and feedbacks to increase understanding and conservation of ecosystems, their functions and their contributions to people within and outside cities.
pH sensing in skin tumors: Methods to study the involvement of GPCRs, acid‐sensing ion channels and transient receptor potential vanilloid channels
Authors: Stolwijk Judith A. , Sauer Lisa , Ackermann Kirsten , Nassios Anaïs , Aung Thiha , Haerteis Silke , Bäumner Antje J. , Wegener Joachim , Schreml Stephan
Published: July 2020

Solid tumors exhibit an inversed pH gradient with increased intracellular pH (pHi) and decreased extracellular pH (pHe). This inside‐out pH gradient is generated via sodium/hydrogen antiporter 1, vacuolar‐type H + ATPases, monocarboxylate transporters, (bi)carbonate (co)transporters and carboanhydrases. Our knowledge on how pHe‐signals are sensed and what the respective receptors induce inside cells is scarce. Some pH‐sensitive receptors (GPR4, GPR65/TDAG8, GPR68/OGR1, GPR132/G2A, possibly GPR31 and GPR151) and ion channels (acid‐sensing ion channels ASICs, transient receptor potential vanilloid receptors TRPVs) transduce signals inside cells. As little is known on the expression and function of these pH sensors, we used immunostainings to study tissue samples from common and rare skin cancers. Our current and future work is directed towards investigating the impact of all the pH‐sensing receptors in different skin tumors using cell culture techniques with selective knockdown/knockout (siRNA/CRISPR‐Cas9). To study cell migration and proliferation, novel impedance‐based wound healing assays have been developed and are used. The field of pH sensing in tumors and wounds holds great promise for the development of pH‐targeting therapies, either against pH regulators or sensors to inhibit cell proliferation and migration.
Rational, emotional, and attentional models for recommender systems
Authors: Almomani Ameed , Monreal Cristina , Sieira Jorge , Graña Juan , Sánchez Eduardo
Published: July 2020

This work analyses the decision‐making process underlying choice behaviour. First, neural and gaze activity were recorded experimentally from different subjects performing a choice task in a Web Interface. Second, choice models and ensembles were fitted using rational, emotional, and attentional features. The model's predictions were evaluated in terms of their accuracy and rankings were made for each user. The results show that (a) the attentional models are the best in terms of its average performance across all users, (b) each subject shows a different best model, and (c) ensembles may perform better than single choice models but an optimal building method has to be found.
Current climate, but also long‐term climate changes and human impacts, determine the geographic distribution of European mammal diversity
Authors: Santos Ana M. C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , Barbosa Ana Márcia , Bini Luis Mauricio , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Faleiro Frederico V. , Gouveia Sidney F. , Loyola Rafael , Medina Nagore G. , Rangel Thiago F. , Tessarolo Geiziane , Hortal Joaquín
Published: July 2020

Aim

Historical climate variations, current climate and human impacts are known to influence current species richness, but their effects on phylogenetic and trait diversity have been seldom studied. We investigated the relationship of these three factors with the independent variations of species, phylogenetic and trait diversity of European mammals. Considering the position of the 0 ºC isotherm in the Last Glacial Maximum as a tipping point, we tested the following hypotheses: northern European assemblages host fewer species than southern European ones; northern areas harbour trait and phylogenetically clustered assemblages, while the more stable southern areas host random or overdispersed assemblages; and species richness correlates positively with human influence, while phylogenetic and trait diversity show clustered patterns in areas with stronger human influence.

Location

Western Palaearctic.

Time period

Current and Late Pleistocene effects on present‐day diversity.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial mammals.

Methods

We used a novel analytical approach based on distance matrices to separate the independent variations of species, phylogenetic and trait diversity, and assessed their relationships with current climate, climate stability and human influence through structural equation models.

Results

The species‐poor assemblages from northern Europe show higher phylogenetic and trait clustering than the more stable richer southern areas. However, no assemblage presented trait or phylogenetic overdispersion. Current climate is the primary driver of phylogenetic and trait diversity, while species richness is affected similarly by both current and past climates. Higher human influence correlates positively with species richness and trait diversity, both directly and by mediating indirect effects of present climate.

Main conclusions

Current climate, climate stability and human influence affect the studied aspects of diversity, although the form and magnitude of their effects vary through space. Importantly, higher levels of human disturbances correlate with more species rich and trait diverse assemblages, an apparently counterintuitive result that deserves further study.
Development and Certification of Synthetic Zinc Isotopic Reference Materials
Authors: Lu Hai , Wang Jun , Ren Tongxiang , Zhou Tao , Wu Bing , Zhou Yuanjing , Wang Song , Song Panshu
Published: July 2020

The development, uncertainty evaluation and certification of eleven newly developed zinc isotope ratio reference materials (GBW04465‐04475) are described. The reference materials were gravimetrically prepared with enriched isotopic materials. During the certification, calibrated MC‐ICP‐MS measrements were performed. The improved techniques for certification in this study are as follows: (a) the isotopic compositions of purified enriched isotopes used for preparation of synthetic isotopic mixtures were obtained by total evaporation‐TIMS instead of the traditional iteration method; and (b) the mass discrimination effect in MC‐ICP‐MS was investigated through a series of isotopic mixtures with a wide range of isotopic compositions, and a non‐linearity effect of K factors was observed, and a new correction proposal was employed. The reference materials were certified with a point‐to‐point proposal instead of the traditional mean and stable K method. Further, the uncertainties were evaluated in detail, and contributions from characterisation, homogeneity and long‐term stability were taken into consideration. Among them, contributions from characterisation were particularly detailed: any budgets, for example, weighing and impurity checking, were clearly addressed, and the combined uncertainties were derived by a mathematical differentiation method. In addition, the traceability chain was established, directly pointing to the SI unit, the mole, and a between‐laboratory comparison was carried out to validate the reference values.
Cutting height and interval effects on yield of palisadegrass cv. MG5 in temperate zone
Authors: Kaneko Makoto , Nakamura Yoshi‐nori , Kobayashi Ryoji , Yamada Akihisa
Published: July 2020

In southwestern Japan located in the temperate zone, palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha [Hochst. ex A. Rich.] R.D. Webster syn. Brachiaria brizantha [A. Rich.] Stapf) cv. MG5 does not head or overwinter. Under this condition, the responses of palisadegrass to cutting height and interval were examined in a field study for three consecutive years. Treatments were the factorial combinations of three cutting heights (10, 20 and 50 cm) and two cutting intervals (2 and 4 weeks) in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results reconfirmed that palisadegrass does not head in this area. Although the effects of cutting height and interval vary from year to year, cutting height and interval were effective (p = .07 and p = .08, respectively) for three consecutive years. These results demonstrated that the dry matter production of palisadegrass is better adapted for higher and infrequent cutting under field conditions in this area.
How to identify, incorporate and report patient preferences in clinical guidelines: A scoping review
Authors: Kim Claire , Armstrong Melissa J. , Berta Whitney B. , Gagliardi Anna R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Clinical guidelines optimize care delivery and outcomes. Guidelines support patient engagement and adherence if they reflect patient preferences for treatment options, risks and benefits. Many guidelines do not address patient preferences. Developers require insight on how to develop such guidelines.

Objective

To conduct a scoping review on how to identify, incorporate and report patient preferences in guidelines.

Search

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, OpenGrey and GreyLit from 2010 to November 2019.

Eligibility

We included English language studies describing patient preferences and guidelines.

Data extraction and synthesis

We reported approaches for and determinants and impacts of identifying patient preferences using summary statistics and text, and interpreted findings using a conceptual framework of patient engagement in guideline development.

Results

Sixteen studies were included: 2 consulted patients and providers about patient engagement approaches, and 14 identified patient preferences (42.9%) or methods for doing so (71.4%). Studies employed single (57.1%) or multiple (42.9%) methods for identifying preferences. Eight (57.1%) incorporated preferences in one aspect of guideline development, while 6 (42.9%) incorporated preferences in multiple ways, most commonly to identify questions, benefits or harms, and generate recommendations. Studies did not address patient engagement in many guideline development steps. Included studies were too few to establish the best approaches for identifying or incorporating preferences. Fewer than half of the studies (7, 43.8%) explored barriers. None examined reporting preferences in guidelines.

Conclusions

Research is needed to establish the single or multiple approaches that result in incorporating and reporting preferences in all guideline development steps.
The globalization of missed nursing care terminology
Authors: Willis Eileen , Zelenikova Renata , Bail Kasia , Papastavrou Evridiki
Published: July 2020

Aim

To determine if there are cross‐national differences in nurse understandings of the terms: missed care, rationed care and care left undone.

Background

Nurse researchers from a number of countries have published studies on missed and rationed care. It is not clear if there are differences in understanding the key terms across various language groups.

Design

A mixed method questionnaire was distributed to 26 member countries of a nursing research consortium in 2017.

Methods

Forty‐five responses to a qualitative questionnaire were received; 80% were nurse researchers. These responses were categorized into language groups and analysed for congruence and differences.

Findings

There was congruence across all language groups in interpreting the three terms. Giddens' theory of globalization provides an explanation for this congruence.

Conclusion

Shared understandings are explained by the fact that the majority of participants are nurse researchers with knowledge of English and the research literature. Shared understanding within the globalized academic community does not necessarily translate for clinical or nurse managers, nor does it predetermine solutions.
A systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify barriers and facilitators to the adoption of prescribing guidelines
Authors: Paksaite Paulina , Crosskey Joel , Sula Eni , West Celine , Watson Margaret
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Evidence-based guidelines have the potential to reduce variation and increase prescribing quality. Identifying the key determinants to their uptake, using a theory-based approach, may assist in the design of successful interventions to increase their adoption into practice. This systematic review investigated barriers and facilitators identified using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to the implementation of prescribing guidelines.

Methods

Electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed) were searched. Studies were included if they used the TDF to identify key determinants of guideline implementation. Only studies published in English were included.

Key findings

Of the 407 studies identified, 15 were included. A range of patient populations and therapeutic categories were represented. Multiple determinants were identified that affected guideline implementation, with similarities and differences identified across studies. Barriers to guideline adoption included time restriction, lack of awareness, guideline complexity, lack of clinical evidence, social influences and disagreement. Facilitators included peer influence, guideline simplicity, confidence and belief about the positive consequences derived from guideline adoption, for examples improved care and patient outcomes.

Conclusions

Multiple behavioural factors affect the adoption of prescribing guidelines. The results aided the understanding of factors that may be targeted to increase guideline compliance. However, barriers and facilitators can vary significantly in different environments; therefore, research that targets particular healthcare settings and patient populations may provide further evidence to increase the specificity and credibility of intervention strategies.
Duration of immunotherapy – should we continue ad infinitum?
Authors: Smith Annabel , Shaghayegh Gohar , Menzies Alexander M. , Roberts‐Thomson Rachel
Published: July 2020

The optimal duration of immunotherapy treatment for cancer patients is unknown. As the survival data from early immunotherapy trials mature we are beginning to appreciate how durable responses can be post‐discontinuation. The purpose of this brief communication is to comment on treatment duration of immunotherapy in patients with melanoma and non‐small cell lung cancer and to provide practice guidance in support of discontinuation.
Anthropogenic noise reduces avian feeding efficiency and increases vigilance along an urban–rural gradient regardless of species’ tolerances to urbanisation
Authors: Merrall Eve S. , Evans Karl L.
Published: July 2020

Anthropogenic noise can adversely impact urban bird populations by interfering with vocal communication. Less research has addressed if anthropogenic noise masks the adventitious sounds that birds use to aid predator detection, which may lead to increased vigilance and reduced feeding efficiency. We test this hypothesis using a controlled playback experiment along an urban–rural gradient in Sheffield (UK). We also test the related predictions that anthropogenic noise has the greatest impacts on vigilance and feeding efficiency in rural populations, and on species that are more sensitive to urbanisation. We focus on six passerines, in order from most to least urbanised (based on how urbanisation influences population densities): blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus, robin Erithacus rubeculla, great tit Parus major, chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, coal tit Periparus ater and nuthatch Sitta europaea. We used play‐back of anthropogenic urban noise and a control treatment at 46 feeding stations located along the urban–rural gradient. We assess impacts on willingness to visit feeders, feeding and vigilance rates. Exposure to anthropogenic noise reduced visit rates to supplementary feeding stations, reduced feeding rates and increased vigilance. Birds at more urban sites exhibit less marked treatment induced reductions in feeding rates, suggesting that urban populations may be partially habituated or adapted to noisy environments. There was no evidence, however, that more urbanised species were less sensitive to the impacts of noise on any response variable. Our results support the adventitious sound masking hypothesis. Urban noise may thus interfere with the ability of birds to detect predators, reducing their willingness to use food rich environments and increase vigilance rates resulting in reduced feeding rates. These adverse impacts may compromise the quality of otherwise suitable foraging habitats in noisy urban areas. They are likely to be widespread as they arise in a range of species including common urban birds.
Intimate partner violence in adolescents: Preventive strategies for psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioners
Authors: Kameg Brayden N. , Constantino Rose
Published: July 2020

Topic

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant public health problem that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. IPV has become increasingly prevalent in adolescents, with 20% of adolescents between 13 and 18 years reporting physical IPV, and 9% reporting sexual IPV. To assure the best outcomes for adolescents at‐risk for or experiencing IPV, it is critical for psychiatric‐mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to implement preventive interventions, spanning from primary to tertiary prevention, to address IPV.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of primary, secondary, and tertiary preventative strategies needed to improve outcomes for adolescents experiencing IPV within the context of the socioecologial model.

Sources Used

Utilizing PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, a literature review was conducted to identify relevant publications spanning from 2015 to present. Reference lists of identified articles were also searched.

Conclusions

PMHNPs must be competent in psychoeducation and counseling, screening, and management of comorbidities and safety planning to assure best outcomes for adolescents exposed to IPV.
The effect of Internet addiction on sleep quality in adolescents
Authors: Çelebioğlu Ayda , Aytekin Özdemir Aynur , Küçükoğlu Sibel , Ayran Gülsün
Published: July 2020

Problem

This cross‐sectional type study was conducted to investigate the effect of Internet addiction on sleep quality in adolescents.

Methods

The study was conducted between September and December 2017 in three high schools located in the city center of Erzincan determined according to three socioeconomic levels. The population of the study was composed of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in the high schools determined. In the study, sample group selection was not made and all students, for whom parental permission and student permissions were obtained, were included in the study. A total of 1487 students were included in the study.

Findings

The average age of adolescents who participated in the study was 16.16 ± 1.19, 60.6% were male, and 27.6% were 9th grader. Adolescents' Young Internet Addiction Test‐Short Form (YIAT‐SF) total score average was 25.12 ± 9.14 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score average was 5.11 ± 3.02. Poor sleep quality was found in 61.6% of adolescents. A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the YIAT total score and the PSQI total score of adolescents (p < .01).

Conclusions

It was determined that adolescents have a moderate Internet addiction, poor sleep quality, and Internet addiction negatively affects sleep quality.
Platform–merchant competition for sales services
Authors: Mariotto Carlotta , Verdier Marianne
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study whether a monopolistic platform prefers to impose price parity on sellers when the latter may sell directly to consumers. The platform delivers a higher quality to consumers than the direct sales channel and may generate efficiency gains for sellers. We show that the platform imposes price parity if the degree of heterogeneity between consumers is high with respect to the quality of service on the seller side. This restriction lowers the total transaction fee paid by consumers and sellers. Consumers who buy from sellers with low transaction benefits pay a lower purchase price. The average consumer and seller surplus may either increase or decrease.
“Colonization routes and demographic history of Chirostoma humboldtianum in the central Mexican plateau”
Authors: García‐Martínez Rosa María , de los Angeles Barriga‐Sosa Irene , López Benjamín , Mejía Omar
Published: July 2020

In the present study we evaluate the population structure and potential colonization routes of the silverside Chirostoma humboldtianum through approximate Bayesian computations. Six microsatellite loci were amplified in a total of 288 individuals from six different locations covering the complete geographic distribution of the species. Additionally, two mitochondrial DNA markers, a D loop control region and cytochrome b were amplified in a subset of 107 individuals. The results found with microsatellites allow recovering well‐structured populations that have experienced a drastic reduction in the effective population size. On the other hand, mtDNA sequences showed a moderate phylogeographic structure with shared haplotypes between geographic localities and signalsof a slight increase in the effective population size. Finally, the approximate Bayesian computation analysis performed with both datasets suggested a west‐to‐east colonization route for the species in Central Mexico.
CORPORATE BONDS AND PRODUCT MARKET COMPETITION
Authors: Platt Katarzyna
Published: July 2020

I examine the effect of product market competition on the yield spread of corporate bonds. I find that firms that face more competitive threats also face a higher cost of corporate bond debt. After controlling for common bond‐level, firm‐level, and macroeconomic variables, my results show that bondholders of firms that are subject to increased competition demand significantly higher credit spreads than holders of otherwise similar bonds. Furthermore, this effect is more pronounced for firms that have assets that are difficult to redeploy. Overall, my findings provide evidence that competitive threats are being reflected in corporate debt prices.
ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND BOARD MONITORING: EVIDENCE FROM CEO TURNOVERS
Authors: Frye Melissa B. , Pham Duong T.
Published: July 2020

We examine whether economic policy uncertainty (EPU) affects a board's chief executive officer (CEO) replacement decision. We find that high EPU reduces the likelihood of forced CEO turnover. Our results support the idea that performance assessment may be more difficult when uncertainty is high. We provide evidence that succession planning may be important to firms in reducing the effects of EPU, as firms with an identifiable heir apparent are not influenced by high EPU. Likewise, voluntary CEO turnovers are not affected by EPU. Overall, our results provide evidence that boards make personnel decisions in response to external macroeconomic pressures.
Drying kinetics behavior of turkey breast meat in different drying methods
Authors: Elmas Feyza , Bodruk Anıl , Köprüalan Özgün , Arıkaya Şeyma , Koca Nurcan , Serdaroğlu Fatma Meltem , Kaymak‐Ertekin Figen , Koç Mehmet
Published: July 2020

In this study, turkey breast meat samples were dried with hot air (60, 75, 90°C), microwave (180, 360, 540 W) and freeze (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 mbar) drying and parameters related to the drying kinetics of turkey breast meat were investigated. Although a constant drying rate was not observed for all drying methods, the drying process occurred only during the falling drying rate period. Microwave drying process times were lower than those of hot air and freeze drying because of volumetric heating. Drying times decreased by increasing temperature, power and vacuum pressure. Kinetic parameters were determined by using the semi‐empirical models of 2. Fick's diffusion equation. Two terms, Logarithmic and Page models were found to be better for hot air, microwave and freeze drying, respectively. In addition, the effective diffusion coefficient values were found in range of 2.03–2.53 × 10−10, 27.89–103.96 × 10−10 and 2.99–3.36 × 10−10 m2/s for hot air, microwave and freeze drying, respectively. Effective diffusion coefficients increased in direct proportion with temperature, microwave power and vacuum pressure. The activation energy obtained by the modified Arrhenius equation were 7.481 kJ/mol to 6.043 W/g for hot air and microwave drying respectively.

Practical Applications

The drying kinetics behavior of foods is important for protecting the final product quality, determining the process method and optimizing the process parameters in the food industry. Despite the availability of many drying kinetics studies, meat products exhibit different behaviors during the drying process due to their structure and composition. The drying kinetics behavior of turkey breast meat with different drying techniques was investigated in this study. When the effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy data were considered, it was noticed that microwave drying provided a faster and more effective drying process. The moisture content and water activity values, which are very important especially for meat products, showed that freeze drying provided a more reliable product by reducing the moisture content and water activity of final product more than other drying methods.
Roadmap to resuming care for liver diseases after coronavirus disease‐2019
Authors: Kapuria Devika , Bollipo Steven , Rabiee Atoosa , Ben‐Yakov Gil , Kumar Goutham , Siau Keith , Lee Hye‐Won , Congly Stephen , Turnes Juan , Dhanasekaran Renumathy , Lui Rashid N ,   the Global Online Alliance for Liver Studies (GOAL)
Published: July 2020

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has led to significant disruptions in healthcare delivery. Patients with chronic liver diseases require a high level of care and are therefore particularly vulnerable to disruptions in medical services during COVID‐19. Recent data have also identified chronic liver disease as an independent risk factor for COVID‐19 related hospital mortality. In response to the pandemic, national and international societies have recommended interim changes to the management of patients with liver diseases. These modifications included the implementation of telehealth, postponement or cancelation of elective procedures, and other non‐urgent patient care‐related activities. There is concern that reduced access to diagnosis and treatment can also lead to increased morbidity in patients with liver diseases and we may witness a delayed surge of hospitalizations related to decompensated liver disease after the COVID‐19 pandemic has receded. Therefore, it is paramount that liver practices craft a comprehensive plan for safe resumption of clinical operations while minimizing the risk of exposure to patients and health‐care professionals. Here, we provide a broad roadmap for how to safely resume care for patients with chronic liver disease according to various phases of the pandemic with particular emphasis on outpatient care, liver transplantation, liver cancer care, and endoscopy.
Markedly prolonged QTc interval in end‐stage liver disease and risk of 30‐day cardiovascular event after liver transplant
Authors: Kim Kyoung‐Sun , Kwon Hye‐Mee , Jung Kyeo‐Woon , Sang Bo‐Hyun , Moon Young‐Jin , Kim Bomi , Jun In‐Gu , Song Jun‐Gol , Hwang Gyu‐Sam
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

The proportional increase of corrected QT interval (QTc) along end‐stage liver disease (ESLD) severity may lead to inconsistent outcome reporting if based on conventional threshold of prolonged QTc. We investigated the comprehensive QTc distribution among ESLD patients and assessed the association between QTc > 500 ms, a criterion for diagnosing severe long‐QT syndrome, and the 30‐day major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) after liver transplantation (LT) and identified the risk factors for developing QTc > 500 ms.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively from the Asan LT Registry between 2011 and 2018, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Multivariable analysis and propensity score‐weighted adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Thirty‐day MACEs were defined as the composite of cardiovascular mortality, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, pulmonary thromboembolism, and/or stroke.

Results

Of 2579 patients, 194 (7.5%) had QTc > 500 ms (QTc500_Group), and 1105 (42.8%) had prolonged QTc (QTcP_Group), defined as QTc > 470 ms for women and >450 ms for men. The 30‐day MACE occurred in 336 (13%) patients. QTc500_Group showed higher 30‐day MACE than did those without (20.1% vs 12.5%, P = 0.003), with corresponding adjusted OR of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.06–1.46, P = 0.007). However, QTcP_Group showed comparable 30‐day MACE (13.3% vs 12.8% without prolonged QTc, P = 0.764). Significant risk factors for QTc > 500 ms development were advanced liver disease, female sex, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, high left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, and tachycardia.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that, among ESLD patients, a novel threshold of QTc > 500 ms was associated with post‐LT 30‐day MACE but not with conventional threshold, indicating that a longer QTc threshold should be considered for this unique patient population.
HOW DO YOU CAPTURE LIQUIDITY? A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON LOW‐FREQUENCY STOCK LIQUIDITY
Authors: Le Huong , Gregoriou Andros
Published: July 2020

Researchers have various ways to measure liquidity but most of them come with both merits and demerits. This study provides a literature review of low‐frequency liquidity measures with a primary focus on liquidity measurement as well as its implication on asset pricing. Based on the dimension it captures, a range of existing low‐frequency measures are divided into four categories of liquidity proxies including transaction cost, volume, price impact, and multidimension‐based measures. We review some well‐established liquidity proxies, a new bid–ask spread estimator and price impact ratios proposed recently. Finally, we discuss how good low‐frequency liquidity measures are at capturing standard liquidity benchmarks, which are constructed from high‐frequency intraday data.
The Impact of Supervision on Bank Performance
Authors: HIRTLE BEVERLY , KOVNER ANNA , PLOSSER MATTHEW
Published: July 2020

We explore the impact of supervision on the riskiness, profitability, and growth of U.S. banks. Using data on supervisors' time use, we demonstrate that the top‐ranked banks by size within a supervisory district receive more attention from supervisors, even after controlling for size, complexity, risk, and other characteristics. Using a matched sample approach, we find that these top‐ranked banks that receive more supervisory attention hold less risky loan portfolios, are less volatile, and are less sensitive to industry downturns, but do not have lower growth or profitability. Our results underscore the distinct role of supervision in mitigating banking sector risk.
Immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor α, Bcl‐2 and NF‐κB P65 in the polyps of patients with and without endometriosis
Authors: Jiang Rufang , Yang Yihua , Huang Qiuyan , Jin Yufu , Feng Yu , Huang Xinyue , Qin Aiping , Liu Bo
Published: July 2020

Aim

To compare the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα), Bcl‐2 and NF‐κB P65 in endometrial polyps from patients with and without endometriosis.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the expression of ERα, Bcl‐2 and NF‐κB P65 in proliferative phase endometrial polyps from patients with and without endometriosis. H‐Scores indicating the staining intensity for ERα, Bcl‐2 and NF‐κB P65 in the glandular epithelium and stroma were measured separately. Apoptotic cells were detected with the use of the dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results

Bcl‐2 was expressed in the cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells, whereas ERα was expressed in the nuclei of both glandular epithelial and stromal cells. NF‐κB P65 was observed in the cytoplasm of both glandular epithelial and stromal cells. The H‐scores for Bcl‐2 in the endometrial glands significantly higher in the endometriosis polyp group than in the non‐endometriosis polyp group. The H‐scores for ERα in both stromal and glandular epithelial cells were significantly higher in the endometriosis polyp group than in the non‐endometriosis polyp group. The H‐scores for Bcl‐2 and ERα were positively correlated in all of the women examined. Apoptotic cells in the endometriosis polyp group were significantly less than that of the non‐endometriosis polyp group.

Conclusion

There expression levels of Bcl‐2 and ERα, both of which were significantly increased in the polyps of endometriosis patients compared to those of patients without endometriosis, were positively correlated. These results suggested that imbalanced apoptosis secondary to abnormally high ERα expression was responsible for the high prevalence of polyps in endometriosis patients.
Critical Appraisal of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias: Lipid Modification to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) 2019 Guidelines
Authors: Alhmoud Eman N , Barazi Raja , Fahmi Amr , Abdu Abdullah , Higazy Alya , ElHajj Maguy
Published: July 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of the recently published European clinical practice guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias, utilizing the refined Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation tool.

Method

The 2019 European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk was appraised and scored for methodological rigour and transparency by 5 independent appraisers using a validated tool.

Key findings

The guideline scored highest in the domains that evaluated editorial independence (100%) and clarity of presentation (98.6%) and lowest in the domains that addressed stakeholder involvement (55.56%) and rigour of development (63%). Overall the quality of the guideline was high, and all reviewers recommended its use in practice.

Conclusion

The guideline’s overall quality was judged to be high, and all appraisers recommended its use in practice without modifications.
Cost analysis and utilization of antihypertensive drug therapy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Mohammad Daud
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Mentioned study is carried out to assess the prescription pattern, utilization of drug and cost analysis of antihypertensive medications used in the treatment of hypertension in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. Cost analysis and patterns of outpatient and inpatient antihypertensive drugs used among hypertensive patients between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019 were investigated, including incidence, prevalence, duration of use of therapy, class of antihypertensive drugs and therapy for cost-effective use.

Key findings

Monotherapy (78.32%) was leading trends of antihypertensive therapy that followed fixed dose combination with or without multidrug therapy (21.68%). The most frequent antihypertensive class to be prescribed was nonselective beta-blockers (39.36%) followed by calcium channel blockers (16.51%). The status in terms of cost utilized average per unit was the highest for telmisartan (3.371 (0.90) SR (USD)). The propranolol was most cost-effective (average cost per unit 1.43 (0.38) SR) in relative to the other antihypertensive prescribed.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that the prescription pattern of drugs used for the treatment of hypertension adhered with the JNC 8 guidelines. Monotherapy was reliably more recommended in the initial stages of hypertension. Higher percentage of patients (78.32%) was found to be on monotherapy. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has overwhelmed for fixation of prices of drugs.
Is the mental health of young students and their family members affected during the quarantine period? Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic in Albania
Authors: Mechili Enkeleint A. , Saliaj Aurela , Kamberi Fatjona , Girvalaki Charis , Peto Ela , Patelarou Athina E. , Bucaj Jorgjia , Patelarou Evridiki
Published: July 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Mental health is deteriorated during the quarantine period.

Mental health status is affected by the quarantine even after the end of it and for an extended period.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Depression levels among nursing/midwifery students during the quarantine period are high.

Depression levels among students’ family members during the quarantine period are high.

Those who are not satisfied with COVID‐19 prevention measures and those who believe that COVID‐19 and quarantine can cause problems on health, have elevated levels of depression.

What are the implications for practice?

Provision of mental health services during the quarantine period should be a priority for the healthcare system.

Offering mental health first aid training and support can improve the mental health status of students and their family members.

Introduction

The use of quarantine method has a significant impact on mental health status.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the levels of depression among bachelor and master university students (nurses/midwives) and their family members’ during the quarantine period of COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in Vlora University, Albania. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) was used. Institutional e‐mails of all active students were used for their recruitment.

Results

In total, 863 students and 249 family members participated in the study. The mean PHQ‐9 score was 6.220 (SD = 5.803) and 6.280 (SD = 5.857) for students and family members, respectively. Being unsatisfied with COVID‐19 prevention measures, beliefs that COVID‐19 infection and quarantine process can cause problems on their health status were the key factors for students to be screened positive for mental problems in multiple regression analysis. For parents, the last two factors were found to contribute significantly.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that quarantine measures have a significant impact on the levels of depression among both university students and their family members. Broader population studies are necessary to safeguard these results.

Implications for Practice

Provision of mental health services during the quarantine period is of paramount significance. Mental health first aid training and support could benefit both students and their parents significantly. Additionally, follow‐up services after the end of quarantine are recommended.
Barriers and facilitators to growth monitoring and promotion in Nepal: Household, health worker and female community health volunteer perceptions
Authors: Pollifrone Madeline M. , Cunningham Kenda , Pandey Rana Pooja , Philbin Morgan M. , Manandhar Shraddha , Lamsal Krishna P. , Mandal Raj Nandan , Deuja Vikash
Published: July 2020

Growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) is both a service for diagnosing inadequate child growth in its earliest stages and a delivery platform for nutrition counselling. The widespread use of GMP services in developing countries has the potential to substantially reduce persistent child undernutrition through early diagnosis and by linking caregivers and their children to key health and nutrition services. However, researchers have questioned the effectiveness of GMP services, which are frequently undermined by underdeveloped health systems and inconsistent implementation. This analysis examined both supply‐ and demand‐side factors for GMP utility in Nepal from the perspectives of beneficiaries and service providers, particularly focusing on three components of GMP: growth assessment, analysis of growth status and counselling. The most common factors influencing GMP uptake included beneficiaries' perceptions of the relative importance of GMP and the knowledge and skill of frontline workers. Both providers and beneficiaries viewed GMP as a secondary health and nutrition activity and therefore less important than curative services. We found deficits in GMP‐related knowledge and skills among providers (i.e. health workers and female community health volunteers), as well as indications of poor training quality and coverage. Furthermore, we found variation in GMP utilization by maternal age, education and residency (alone, nuclear or extended), as well as household socio‐economic well‐being and rurality. This study is the first to assess factors influencing both beneficiaries and service providers for GMP utilization. Further research is needed to explore the implementation of improved GMP protocols and to evaluate facility‐level implementation barriers.
Natural variation in meiotic recombination rate shapes introgression patterns in intraspecific hybrids between wild and domesticated barley
Authors: Dreissig Steven , Maurer Andreas , Sharma Rajiv , Milne Linda , Flavell Andrew John , Schmutzer Thomas , Pillen Klaus
Published: July 2020

Meiotic recombination rates vary considerably between species, populations and individuals. The genetic exchange between homologous chromosomes plays a major role in evolution by breaking linkage between advantageous and deleterious alleles in the case of introgressions. Identifying recombination rate modifiers is thus of both fundamental and practical interest to understand and utilize variation in meiotic recombination rates.

We investigated recombination rate variation in a large intraspecific hybrid population (named HEB‐25) derived from a cross between domesticated barley and 25 wild barley accessions.

We observed quantitative variation in total crossover number with a maximum of a 1.4‐fold difference between subpopulations and increased recombination rates across pericentromeric regions. The meiosis‐specific α‐kleisin cohesin subunit REC8 was identified as a candidate gene influencing crossover number and patterning. Furthermore, we quantified wild barley introgression patterns and revealed how local and genome‐wide recombination rate variation shapes patterns of introgression.

The identification of allelic variation in REC8 in combination with the observed changes in crossover patterning suggest a difference in how chromatin loops are tethered to the chromosome axis, resulting in reduced crossover suppression across pericentromeric regions. Local and genome‐wide recombination rate variation is shaping patterns of introgressions and thereby directly influences the consequences of linkage drag.
Function of gold nanoparticles in oral cancer beyond drug delivery: Implications in cell apoptosis
Authors: Essawy Marwa M. , El‐Sheikh Sahar M. , Raslan Hanaa S. , Ramadan Heba S. , Kang Bin , Talaat Iman M. , Afifi Marwa M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used to deliver drugs and therapeutic small molecule inhibitors to cancer cells. Evidence shows that AuNPs coated with nuclear localization sequence can cross the nuclear membrane and induce cellular apoptosis. To determine the therapeutic role of AuNPs, we compared two nanoconstructs conjugated to doxorubicin (DOX) through pH‐sensitive and pH‐resistant linkers.

Materials and Methods

We tested DOX nanoconjugates' cytotoxicity, cellular and nuclear uptake in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Furthermore, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of pH‐sensitive and pH‐resistant DOX bioconjugates in hamster buccal pouch carcinoma model.

Results

Our data indicate that pH‐resistant and pH‐sensitive DOX‐nanoconjugates were equally localized in cancer cells, but the pH‐resistant DOX nanoparticles were more localized in the nuclei inducing a 2‐fold increase in the apoptotic effect compared with the pH‐sensitive DOX nanoparticles. Our in vivo results show significantly higher tumor shrinkage and survival rates in animals treated with DOX pH‐resistant AuNPs compared with pH‐sensitive ones.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that AuNPs enhance the cytotoxic effect against cancer cells in addition to acting as drug carriers. DOX pH‐resistant AuNPs enhanced accumulation of AuNPs in cancer cells’ nuclei inducing a significant cellular apoptosis which was confirmed using in vitro and in vivo experiments without deleterious effects on blood cell count.