bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The APOE ε4 allele in relation to pre‐ and postsurgical cognitive functioning of patients with primary brain tumors
Authors: Butterbrod Elke , Sitskoorn Margriet , Bakker Marjan , Jakobs Bernadette , Fleischeuer Ruth , Roijers Janine , Rutten Geert‐Jan , Gehring Karin
Published: December 2020

Background

Recent studies suggest a relationship between the APOE ε4 allele and cognitive outcome in patients treated for malignant brain tumors. Still, longitudinal investigations that include a pretreatment cognitive assessment are lacking and APOE’s effects in patients with benign tumors are understudied. This study investigated presurgical cognitive performance and postsurgical change in ε4‐carrying and non‐carrying patients with glioma and meningioma.

Methods

Neuropsychological test scores (CNS Vital Signs battery [seven measures], Digit Span Forward/Backward, Letter Fluency test) were obtained as part of a prospective study in which patients with meningioma and glioma underwent cognitive assessment 1 day before (T0,n = 505) and 3 (T3,n = 418) and 12 months after (T12,n = 167) surgery. APOE isoforms were identified retrospectively. ε4 carriers and non‐carriers were compared with regard to pretreatment cognitive performance on the group and individual level. Changes in performances over time were compared with longitudinal mixed model analysis in the total sample and the subgroup receiving adjuvant treatment.

Results

Carriers and non‐carriers did not differ with regard to pretreatment performance. No significant main effect of ε4 carrier status or interaction between time (T0–T12) and carrier status was found on any of the tests in the whole sample nor in the sample receiving adjuvant treatment.

Conclusions

This study found no evidence of increased vulnerability for pretreatment cognitive dysfunction or cognitive decline within 1 year after surgery in APOE ε4‐carrying meningioma and glioma patients. Investigations that include larger samples at longer‐term follow‐up are recommended to investigate potential late treatment effects.
Automated identification and quality measurement for pediatric convulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Hess‐Homeier David L. , Parikh Karishma , Basma Natasha , Vella Adam E. , Grinspan Zachary M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Treatment delays for refractory convulsive status epilepticus (RCSE) are associated with worse outcomes. In the United States, treatment for pediatric RCSE is slower than guidelines recommend. To address this gap, the American Academy of Neurology and Child Neurology Society (AAN/CNS) developed a quality measure: the percentage of RCSE patients that receive third‐line treatment within 60 minutes. We aimed to develop computable phenotypes for convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) and RCSE to automate calculation of the quality measure.

Methods

From an observational cohort of children presenting to the emergency department for seizures or epilepsy, we identified presentations of RCSE and its precursors: CSE and benzodiazepine‐resistant status epilepticus (BRSE). These served as a gold standard for computable phenotype development. Using multivariate analyses, we constructed and evaluated statistical models for case identification. We then evaluated adherence to the AAN/CNS RCSE quality measure.

Results

From 664 charts, we identified 56 patients with CSE, 36 with BRSE, and 18 with RCSE. Four predictors were used: International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, and receiving first‐, second‐, or third‐line agents shortly after presentation to the emergency department (ED). Combinations of these predictors identified CSE with 84% sensitivity and 81% positive predictive value (PPV), BRSE with 67% sensitivity and 89% PPV, and RCSE with 94% sensitivity and 85% PPV. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) time to treatment for first‐line agent was 13 (5‐27) minutes for CSE, second‐line for BRSE was 24 (9.5‐43.5) minutes, and third‐line for RCSE was 52 (27‐87) minutes. Sixty percent of RCSE patients received a third‐line agent within 60 minutes of ED arrival.

Significance

RCSE and its precursors can be identified automatically with high fidelity allowing automated calculation of time to treatment and the RCSE quality measure. This has the potential to facilitate quality improvement work and improve care for RCSE.
Unmet Mental Health Needs of Jailed Parents With Young Children
Authors: Milavetz Zoe , Pritzl Kaitlyn , Muentner Luke , Poehlmann‐Tynan Julie
Published: December 2020

Objective

Mental health symptoms in jailed parents with young children were examined in relation to gender, race, trauma, parenting stress, and supports.

Background

Most U.S. incarceration occurs in jails, which are notorious for high rates of mental illness. Jail incarceration is a significant stressor for families because most incarcerated individuals are parents.

Method

The sample included 165 jailed parents with children (aged 2–6 years) who completed an interview and questionnaires. Relative risk analyses determined symptom severity, and multivariate analysis of variance tested differences in White and non‐White mothers and fathers. Ordinary least squares regression examined predictors of mental health symptoms.

Results

Depression and thought problems (hallucinations, strange thoughts, self‐harm) were the most common problems. Jailed mothers reported more depression, anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and drug abuse than fathers. Childhood physical abuse and parenting stress were associated with more symptoms, whereas family support related to fewer symptoms.

Conclusion

Jailed parents experienced 3 to 5 times the odds of symptoms compared with norms, with a high rate of comorbidities relative to the low proportion of parents who received any mental health treatment.

Implications

Mental health interventions for jailed parents are needed, especially gender‐responsive, trauma‐informed services that decrease parenting stress and foster positive family connections.
Career constructions and a feminist standpoint on the meaning of context
Authors: Karam Charlotte M. , Afiouni Fida
Published: December 2020

This paper explores how context shapes the career constructions of 40 Lebanese female professionals. Starting with career construction theory (CCT), we leverage feminist standpoint theory (FST) to propose a hybrid analytic framework. With this framework, we invite CCT researchers to theorize career constructions as situated. The situatedness of career constructions calls for the exploration of an individual's career choices, coupled with the simultaneous potential constraints on choice emanating from collective experiences of historical and sociopolitical oppression. Theorizing contextual complexities in this way leads to a more nuanced tracing of how the personal experiences of challenge, and for some, the oppressive aspects of collective histories are selectively used to construct a cohesive sense of career storied self, each with distinctive implications for the domains of CCT—Vocational Personality (the what), Career Adaptability (the how), and Life Theme (the why). Our analysis reveals three key patterns: (1) advancing the professional field (vocational expert), (2) seeking self‐vindication (adaptive rebel), and (3) engaging in activism (sympathetic activist vs. epistemically privileged activist). We conclude by discussing the value of our framework, thereby highlighting how acknowledging situatedness helps to inform our understandings of career patterns and of the “politicization” of career trajectories.
Gender, business and human rights: Academic activism as critical engagement in neoliberal times
Authors: Grosser Kate
Published: December 2020

This paper contributes to the debate about academic activism in organization studies through an exploration of my engagement with recent international policy‐making relating to gender, business, and human rights. It brings social movement theory to the debate to elucidate how our work as academic activists can be conceived of in terms of social movement strategies with respect to political opportunities, mobilizing structures, and strategic framing processes. The aim is to further elucidate what we do as academic activists, and how such actions might advance feminist social movement agendas through a process that is both critical AND engaged in neoliberal contexts. I conclude with a discussion of the implications for Gender, Work & Organization (GWO) scholars and the GWO journal.
Quality of work life and job performance: A study of faculty working in the technical institutions
Authors: Singh Agyapal , Maini Jiwan Jyoti
Published: December 2020

The study examines the relationship between Quality of work life (QWL) and job performance among the faculty of technical institutions in the state of Punjab, India. Data collected from a sample of 445 respondents through a structured questionnaire have been put to data analysis with the help of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20). Four factors that are associated with QWL (i.e., management policies, fair pay, work environment, and job design & social space) have been identified through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Subsequently, the relationship between the identified factors of QWL and job performance is modelled through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS‐SEM). The results infer that all four factors of QWL have a substantial association with job performance of the faculty. The study puts forward improvement in the level of existing institutional measures to ensure a superior QWL and improved performance of faculty in the technical education sector.
Synthesized K2O·11Al2O3 as sagger matrix for the preparation of Li‐ion battery cathode materials at high temperatures
Authors: Zhai Pengtao , Liu Mingyang , Zhou Wenying , Chen Liugang , Ding Dafei , Ye Guotian
Published: December 2020

Refractory materials such as mullite, andalusite, forsterite, and cordierite are generally used to prepare saggers for the calcination of Li‐ion battery Li(NixCoyMnz)O2 (LNCM) cathode material. However, these compounds are prone to be attacked by the LNCM materials, thereby leading to short life spans and contamination of the Li‐ion battery cathode materials. To improve the corrosion resistance of refractory sagger materials, the most clear cut‐way is enhancing the corrosion resistance of matrix using a new refractory component. Potassium aluminate (K2O·11Al2O3, KA11) with an excellent corrosion resistance against alkaline oxide was synthesized via solid‐state method using potassium carbonate (K2CO3) and industrial alumina powder (Al2O3). Interactions between KA11 and LNCM cathode materials at 800°C–1100°C were characterized by refractory‐LNCM precursor laboratory‐scale tests to understand the corrosion behavior of KA11. The microstructure and phase composition of synthesized KA11 and the calcined KA11‐LNCM mixture cylinders were analyzed with SEM and XRD. The observations reveal that KA11 shows a better corrosion resistance to LNCM materials compared with mullite, cordierite, and forsterite. The addition of synthesized KA11 also favors the thermal shock resistances of mullite‐based sagger materials.
An assessment of the adequacy of iron deficiency anaemia management in the Namibian private healthcare system
Authors: Gonzo Martin , Nendongo Ashishe , Ephraim Mugweni Kudzanai
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Anaemia, a condition characterized by reduced oxygen‐carrying capacity, is a widespread public health problem with major consequences for human health as well as social and economic development. Prompt and accurate diagnosis as well as effective management of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is important to prevent the undesired adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

The purpose of the study was to assess the adequacy of IDA diagnosis and management within the Namibian private healthcare system. In this study, we used a quantitative, descriptive research design and data collection methods. The design was also nonexperimental in nature, employing a survey instrument to collect data. In total, 51 questionnaires were administered to private medical practitioners.

Results

The surveyed medical practitioners used different Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) in managing IDA cases, with the majority (76.5%) using the Namibia STGs. The other guidelines and their usage rates were as follows: World Health Organization guidelines (39.2%), Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicine List for South Africa (19.6%) and Essential Medicine List and Standard Treatment Guidelines for Zimbabwe (19.6%). Most of the medical practitioners used Namibian STGs although others used other treatment guidelines at their discretion.

Conclusion

The study concluded that medical practitioners follow different guidelines and reference documents when dealing with patients with suspected IDA. Adherence to a single reference document would enable standardization of clinical practice. Management of IDA in the Namibian private healthcare system could be improved. To ensure adequate IDA management and prompt resolution of iron deficiency anaemia, we recommended the need to review the Namibia Standard Treatment guidelines and to ensure that training on the guidelines is offered.
Pilot study of a machine‐learning tool to assist in the diagnosis of hand arthritis
Authors: Reed Mark , Le Souëf Timothy , Rampono Elliot
Published: December 2020

Background

Arthritis is a common condition, which frequently involves the hands. Patients with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to experience significant delays in diagnosis.

Aim

To develop and test a screening tool combining an image of a patient's hands, a short series of questions and a single examination technique to determine the most likely diagnosis in a patient presenting with hand arthritis. Machine learning techniques were used to develop separate algorithms for each component, which were combined to produce a diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 280 consecutive new patients presenting to a rheumatology practice with hand arthritis were enrolled. Each patient completed a nine‐part questionnaire, had photographs taken of each hand and had a single examination result recorded. The rheumatologist diagnosis was recorded following a 45‐min consultation. The photograph algorithm was developed from 1000 previous hand images and machine learning techniques were applied to the questionnaire results, training several models against the diagnosis from the rheumatologist.

Results

The combined algorithms in the present study were able to predict inflammatory arthritis with an accuracy, precision, recall and specificity of 96.8%, 97.2%, 98.6% and 90.5% respectively. Similar results were found when inflammatory arthritis was subclassified into rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The corresponding figures for osteoarthritis were 79.6%, 85.9%, 61.9% and 92.6%.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates a novel application combining image processing and a patient questionnaire with applied machine‐learning methods to facilitate the diagnosis of patients presenting with hand arthritis. Preliminary results are encouraging for the application of such techniques in clinical practice.
Structure evolution and tunable magneto‐optical multifunctional property study of novel Ca18K3Sc1‐xSmx(PO4)14 phosphors
Authors: Li Zhuowei , Zhu Ge , Li Yu , Gao Miao , Dai Heng , Yan Yuehui , Zhou Faguang , Wang Chuang , Xin Shuangyu
Published: December 2020

The optical‐magnetic multifunctional materials are of great importance owing to their potential applications in intersect discipline fields. However, the multifunctional materials with satisfied optical and magnetic property are limited, and the modulation mechanism of their magneto‐optical property related to their structure feature is ambiguous. Here, a new multifunctional solid solution phosphors Ca18K3Sc1‐xSmx(PO4)14 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are designed based on composition engineering and are successfully synthesized. The detailed structure feature including the structural evolution of the crystallographic parameters and local lattice environment as well as polyhedral distortion behavior are investigated through X‐ray diffraction Rietveld structure refinement for Ca18K3Sc1‐xSmx(PO4)14 in the full range (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The photoluminescence spectra indicate that Ca18K3Sc1‐xSmx(PO4)14 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) can emit intense orange‐red emission (IQE~42.6%) under ultraviolet light excitation ascribed to the4G5/2 ‐6H7/2 transition of Sm3+ ions. The structure modulated luminescence behavior, for example, the tunable emission ratio of I648/I565, high quenching content, and electric multipole interaction mechanism are studied. The versatile phosphors can exhibit tunable orange‐red cathodoluminescence emission along with increasing the accelerating voltage. The electron transition mechanism of the photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence behavior is further discussed through a simple schematic diagram. Moreover, Ca18K3Sc1‐xSmx(PO4)14 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) shows a ferromagnetic behavior with controllable magnetization and coercive field. Finally, the impact of Fe ions on the photoluminescence and magnetic property of Ca18K3Sc1‐yFey(PO4)14: 0.4Sm3+ (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.05 and y = 1) phosphors are investigated. The current research can provide some ideas and mechanism to design and investigate more novel magneto‐optical muntifunctional materials for versatile applications in intersect disciplines.
Synthesis, structure, and characterization of the thorium zirconolite CaZr1‐xThxTi2O7 system
Authors: Blackburn Lewis R. , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Gardner Laura J. , Maddrell Ewan R. , Stennett Martin C. , Corkhill Claire L. , Hyatt Neil C.
Published: December 2020

A series of zirconolite ceramics with composition CaZr1‐xThxTi2O7 (Δx = 0.10) were reactively sintered at 1350°C for 20 h, in air (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.60) and 5% H2/N2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.40). A sample with composition corresponding to x = 0.20 was also produced by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at 1300°C and 100 MPa for 4 hours. Th4+ immobilization was most readily achieved under oxidizing conditions, with Th4+ preferentially incorporated within a pyrochlore‐structured phase in the range 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.50, yet formation of the zirconolite‐4M polytype was not observed. We report the novel synthesis of single‐phase pyrochlore with nominal composition CaZr0.40Th0.60Ti2O7 when targeting x = 0.60. Th4+ incorporation under reducing conditions produced a secondary Th‐bearing perovskite, comprising 24.2 ± 0.6 wt% of the phase assemblage when targeting x = 0.40, alongside 8.8 ± 0.3 wt% undigested ThO2. Under reducing conditions, powder XRD data were consistent with zirconolite adopting the 3T polytype structure. The sample produced by HIP presented a nonequilibrium phase assemblage, yielding a major phase of zirconolite‐2M alongside accessory Th4+‐bearing phases ThTi2O6, ThO2, and perovskite. These data highlight the efficacy of Th4+ as a Pu4+ surrogate, with implications for the formation of Zr‐stabilized Th‐pyrochlore phases as matrices for waste with elevated Th4+ content.
Exploring the roles of advanced practice nurses in the care of patients following fragility hip fracture: A systematic review
Authors: Allsop Sharon , Morphet Julia , Lee Susan , Cook Olivia
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to explore the role and impact of advanced practice nurses (APNs) in care of patients following fragility hip fracture by systematically reviewing the available evidence.

Review Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

A search of the databases Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted from January–February 2019.

Method

This systematic review adhered to The PRISMA Statement. Study selection was managed using the Covidence software platform and quality was assessed using JBI Critical appraisal tools. Studies included adults >18 years and described the role and impact of APNs in care of patients following fragility hip fracture on clinical and non‐clinical outcomes.

Results

There were 19 papers identified that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Quality was graded as moderate to low risk of bias. Six characteristics of APNs were identified: (1) coordination; (2) collaboration; (3) education; (4) assessment, investigation and treatment recommendations; (5) discharge planning, support and follow up; and (6) documentation. Overall mortality and LOS improved when characteristics of the APN role were present.

Conclusion

Key findings from this systematic review showed: (1) The APN title and role are not clearly defined, but characteristics of the APN role are evident; (2) characteristics of APNs promote the delivery of best practice hip fracture care and have a positive impact on mortality and LOS; and (3) innovative service delivery models involving APNs should be considered to address future projections of hip fracture rates and improve outcomes.

Impact

This systematic review provides evidence of the role characteristics of APNs in fragility hip fracture and the impact of the role on outcomes. Findings from this research could be used to develop service delivery models using APNs to care for patients following fragility hip fracture and to inform practice where APN roles may improve outcomes for other patient cohorts.
Influence of past and current factors on the beta diversity of coastal lagoon fish communities in South America
Authors: Guimarães Taís de Fátima Ramos , Petry Ana Cristina , Hartz Sandra Maria , Becker Fernando Gertum
Published: December 2020

Aim

Fish community composition is shaped by current and historical factors. In recently formed ecosystems, however, as the Quaternary coastal lagoons of South America, the influence of historical factors has less frequently been investigated. The low rate of endemism in these lagoons suggests a limited role for speciation while their dynamic formation history suggests local extinction and dispersal limitation could have affected present species composition. We aimed to assess the influence of past and current factors on the beta diversity of those communities and explore the main processes involved.

Location

Atlantic coast of South America.

Taxon

Fishes (173 species).

Methods

We built a dataset of species occurrence in 129 lagoons across eight freshwater ecoregions of the world (FEOWs) located between latitudes 0° and 36°, and calculated beta diversity (βjac) and its turnover (βjtu) and nestedness (βjne) components. We used a partial Mantel test and multiple regressions on distance matrices to evaluate the importance of past and current factors, and of geographical distance in determining beta diversity. Past variables were those representing the historical freshwater habitat during the last glacial maximum (LGM), and contemporary variables were those related to current habitat.

Results

We found high values of βjac within the FEOWs, with βjtu prevailing over βjne. Both past (palaeodrainage) and current (drainage area, salinity and lagoon area) factors affected species dissimilarity (βjac = 46%) and its components (βjtu = 44% and βjne = 20%), although explanation was, in part, shared with geographical distance. Individually, the influence of past factors was prevalent in beta diversity and its components.

Main conclusions

The large influence of the past factors on beta diversity suggests that major changes in the availability of freshwater habitats and connectivity since the Pleistocene must have affected the colonization, extinction and recolonization processes of fishes along the eastern coast of South America. We suggest that the high beta diversity values result from limited dispersal after extinctions in the LGM. The dissimilar freshwater fish communities currently seen result from heterogeneous subsets of the regional species pool that persisted in landscape refuges during past sea level increases and then recolonized coastal lagoons.
Isolation by environment and recurrent gene flow shaped the evolutionary history of a continentally distributed Neotropical treefrog
Authors: Camurugi Felipe , Gehara Marcelo , Fonseca Emanuel M. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Haddad Célio F.B. , Colli Guarino R. , Thomé Maria Tereza C. , Prado Cynthia P.A. , Napoli Marcelo F. , Garda Adrian A.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Phylogeographic studies show how historical and current changes in landscapes shape the geographic distribution of genetic diversity in species of animals and plants. In particular, for the species of the Diagonal of Open Formations (DOF), the compartmentalization of the Central Brazilian Plateau (CBP) during the Tertiary and climatic oscillations during the Quaternary have often been invoked to explain the origin and current patterns of biodiversity. We investigated how landscape changes and climatic oscillations shaped the distribution and diversification history of a widespread South American treefrog.

Location

South American Diagonal of Open Formations (DOF) including Caatinga, Cerrado, and Chaco biomes.

Taxon

Treefrog Boana raniceps.

Methods

We used a multi‐locus dataset from 288 individual frogs collected at 115 localities throughout most of the species’ distribution. We used population assignment analysis, species distribution models, historical demography models, approximate Bayesian computation and landscape genetic analyses to test alternative hypotheses of diversification.

Results

We found two genetic lineages that diverged during the mid‐Pleistocene with continued gene flow. Approximate Bayesian computation supported a scenario of isolation with migration until the Last Glacial Maximum, followed by more recent population expansion in north‐eastern Brazil and stability at the southwest in South America. Isolation by environment was the best predictor of genetic distance between populations, which is in accordance with their different environmental niches. As Boana raniceps is a lowland species, steep slopes in the CBP likely restrained gene flow enough to sustain population divergence. We found evidence for major range contraction during the Last Glacial Maximum, raising the possibility of synergic action of climate change and the CBP compartmentalization in regulating migration.

Main conclusions

Our findings highlight how landscape and climatic changes can shape the diversification of DOF biota. Past climatic fluctuations and environmental resistance due to topography acted in concert, forming a semipermeable barrier to gene flow, promoting intraspecific differentiation in a continentally distributed species.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0008003 facilitates tumorigenesis and development of non‐small cell lung carcinoma via modulating miR‐488/ZNF281 axis
Authors: Gu Runhuan , Shao Koufeng , Xu Qiaoxia , Zhao Xue , Qiu Haibing , Hu Haibo
Published: December 2020

As one of the most aggressive malignancies, non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has high risks of death. It has been demonstrated that circRNAs accelerate NSCLC progression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in NSCLC were still obscure. In the first place, the circRNA microarray of NSCLC was investigated in this study, and hsa_circ_0008003 (circ‐0008003) was chosen as the research object. Then, it was unveiled that the expression of circ‐0008003 examined via qRT‐PCR was elevated in tumour tissues relative to the non‐tumour tissues, which was associated with TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis in NSCLC. Additionally, the prognosis of NSCLC patients with high circ‐0008003 level was poor. Besides, circ‐0008003 silencing dampened the invasion and proliferation of NSCLC cells. Next, according to the mechanistic studies, circ‐0008003 functioned as a ceRNA of ZNF281 in NSCLC by acting as the endogenous sponge for miR‐488, which was proved to be a tumour suppressor in NSCLC. Additionally, ZNF281 overexpression and miR‐488 suppression recovered the influences of repressed circ‐0008003 on NSCLC cellular processes. It was validated in this research that circ‐0008003 triggered tumour formation in NSCLC, which was adjusted via miR‐488/ZNF281 axis, casting a novel light on the resultful target for treating NSCLC and predicting the prognosis.
Extracellular vesicles‐derived miR‐150‐5p secreted by adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibits CXCL1 expression to attenuate hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Du Zhiyong , Wu Tianchong , Liu Linsen , Luo Biwei , Wei Cuifeng
Published: December 2020

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is involved in aggravated wound‐healing response as chronic liver injury. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying microRNA (miR) have been reported as therapeutic targets for liver diseases. In this study, we set out to explore whether adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs)‐derived EVs containing miR‐150‐5p affect the progression of HF. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was firstly used to induce HF mouse models in C57BL/6J mice, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was achieved using transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). EVs were then isolated from ADMSCs and co‐cultured with HSCs. The relationship between miR‐150‐5p and CXCL1 was identified using dual luciferase gene reporter assay. Following loss‐ and gain‐function experimentation, HSC proliferation was examined by MTT assay, and levels of fibrosis‐, HSC activation‐ and apoptosis‐related genes were determined in vitro. Additionally, pathological scores, collagen volume fraction (CVF) as well as levels of inflammation‐ and hepatic injury‐associated genes were determined in in vivo. Down‐regulated miR‐150‐5p and elevated CXCL1 expression levels were detected in HF tissues. ADMSCs‐derived EVs transferred miR‐150‐5p to HSCs. CXCL1 was further verified as the downstream target gene of miR‐150‐5p. Moreover, ADMSCs‐EVs containing miR‐150‐5p markedly inhibited HSC proliferation and activation in vitro. Meanwhile, in vivo experiments also concurred with the aforementioned results as demonstrated by inhibited CVF, reduced inflammatory factor levels and hepatic injury‐associated indicators. Both experiments results were could be reversed by CXCL1 over‐expression. Collectively, our findings indicate that ADMSCs‐derived EVs containing miR‐150‐5p attenuate HF by inhibiting the CXCL1 expression.
Expression of CAMK1 and its association with clinicopathologic characteristics in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lei Yangyang , Yu Tianzhu , Li Changyu , Li Jianke , Liang Yicheng , Wang Xinyuan , Chen Yi , Wang Xiaolin
Published: December 2020

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (CAMKs) can control a wide range of cancer‐related functions in multiple tumour types. Herein, we explore the expressions and clinical significances of calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase 1 (CAMK1) in pancreatic cancer (PC). The expression of CAMK1 in PC was analysed by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA 2) database and the Oncomine database. For further validation, the protein level of CAMK1 in PC tissues was also detected in the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database and the tissue microarray (TMA)‐based immunohistochemistry (IHC). GEPIA 2 and Kaplan‐Meier Plotter (KM Plotter) databases were used to explore the prognostic significances of CAMK1 in overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of PC at mRNA level. The relationship between CAMK1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of PC was further explored. Additionally, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database was used to analyse protein‐protein interactions (PPI). We found CAMK1 was highly expressed in PC both in bioinformatics analyses and TMA‐IHC results. The prognostic analyses from the public databases also showed consistent results with follow‐up data. The PPI network suggested that CALM1, CALM3, CREB1, CALM2, SYN1, NOS3, ATF1, GAPDH, PPM1F and FBXL12 were important significant genes associated with CAMK1. Our finding revealed CAMK1 has prognostic value in PC patients, suggesting that CAMK1 may has a distinct role in PC patients and can be used as a candidate marker for investigating clinical prognosis of PC.
Sex differences in parent–offspring recurrence of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Solberg Berit S. , Hegvik Tor‐Arne , Halmøy Anne , Skjærven Rolv , Engeland Anders , Haavik Jan , Klungsøyr Kari
Published: December 2020

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder sharing genetic risk factors with other common psychiatric disorders. However, intergenerational recurrence patterns of ADHD from parents to sons and daughters are not known. We aimed to examine the risk of ADHD in offspring of parents with ADHD and parents with other psychiatric disorders by parental and offspring sex, using parents without the specific disorders as comparison.

Methods

In a generation study linking data from several population‐based registries, all Norwegians born 1967–2011 (n = 2,486,088; Medical Birth Registry of Norway) and their parents were followed to 2015. To estimate intergenerational recurrence risk, we calculated prevalence differences (PD) and the relative risk (RR) of ADHD in offspring by parental ADHD, bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SCZ), major depression (MDD), all by parental and offspring sex.

Results

The absolute prevalence of ADHD in offspring of parents with ADHD was very high, especially in sons of two affected parents (41.5% and 25.1% in sons and daughters, respectively), and far higher than in offspring of parents with BD, SCZ or MDD. Intergenerational recurrence risks were higher for maternal than paternal ADHD (RRmaternal8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.2–8.6 vs. RRpaternal6.2, 6.0–6.4) and this was also true on the absolute scale (PDmaternal21.1% (20.5–21.7) vs. PDpaternal14.8% (14.3–15.4)). RRs were higher in daughters, while PDs higher in sons. Parental SCZ, BD and MDD were associated with an approximately doubled risk of offspring ADHD compared to parents without the respective disorders, and estimates did not differ significantly between daughters and sons.

Conclusions

The intergenerational recurrence risks of ADHD were high and higher from mothers with ADHD than fathers with ADHD. Other parental psychiatric disorders also conferred increased risk of offspring ADHD, but far lower, indicating a sex‐ and diagnosis‐specific intergenerational recurrence risk in parents with ADHD.
Multigenerational social support in the face of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Suitor J. Jill , Rurka Marissa , Silverstein Merril
Published: December 2020

Research documents high levels of instrumental, financial, and expressive support exchanges within multigenerational families in the 21st century. The COVID‐19 pandemic poses unique challenges to support exchanges between the generations; however, the pandemic may provide opportunities for greater solidarity within families. In this review, we draw from theoretical perspectives that have been used to study family relationships to understand the implications of the pandemic for multigenerational families: the life course perspective, the intergenerational solidarity model, and rational choice/social exchange theory. We review literature on multigenerational relationships in the United States and discuss how established social support patterns and processes may be altered by the COVID‐19 pandemic. We reflect on how the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on multigenerational relationships may vary by gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Finally, we provide directions for future researchers to pursue in order to understand the lasting impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on multigenerational ties.
“Why Couldn't I Go in To See Him?” Bereaved Families' Perceptions of End‐of‐Life Communication During COVID‐19
Authors: Feder Shelli , Smith Dawn , Griffin Hilary , Shreve Scott T. , Kinder Daniel , Kutney‐Lee Ann , Ersek Mary
Published: December 2020

Background/Objective

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in rapid changes to end‐of‐life care for hospitalized older adults and their families, including visitation restrictions. We examined bereaved families' perceptions of the quality of end‐of‐life communication among Veterans, families and staff in Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study using data from a survey of bereaved family members of Veterans administered from March–June 2020. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Setting

VA medical centers with the highest numbers of COVID‐19 cases during the study period.

Participants

Next‐of‐kin of 328 Veterans who died in one of 37 VA medical centers' acute care, intensive care, nursing home, or hospice units.

Measurements

Open‐ended survey questions (response rate = 37%) about family member's perceptions of: (1) communication with the healthcare team about the patient, (2) communication with the patient, and (3) use of remote communication technologies.

Results

Bereaved family members identified contextual factors perceived to impact communication quality including: allowing family at the bedside when death is imminent, fears that the patient died alone, and overall perceptions of VA care. Characteristics of perceived high‐quality communication included staff availability for remote communication and being kept informed of the patient's condition and plan of care. Low‐quality communication with staff was perceived to result from limited access to staff, insufficient updates regarding the patient's condition, and when the family member was not consulted about care decision‐making. Communication quality with the patient was facilitated or impeded by the availability and use of video‐enabled remote technologies.

Conclusion

Communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams at the end of life remains critically important during times of limited in‐person visitation. Families report that low‐quality communication causes profound distress that can affect the quality of dying and bereavement. Innovative strategies are needed to ensure that high‐quality communication occurs despite pandemic‐related visitation restrictions.
Rho‐kinase inhibition by fasudil modulates pre‐synaptic vesicle dynamics
Authors: Saal Kim Ann , Warth Pérez Arias Carmina , Roser Anna‐Elisa , Christoph Koch Jan , Bähr Mathias , Rizzoli Silvio O. , Lingor Paul
Published: December 2020

The Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is an attractive therapeutic target in neurodegeneration since it has been linked to the prevention of neuronal death and neurite regeneration. The isoquinoline derivative fasudil is a potent ROCK inhibitor, which is already approved for chronic clinical treatment in humans. However, the effects of chronic fasudil treatments on neuronal function are still unknown. We analyzed here chronic fasudil treatment in primary rat hippocampal cultures. Neurons were stimulated with 20 Hz field stimulation and we investigated pre‐synaptic mechanisms and parameters regulating synaptic transmission after fasudil treatment by super resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, live‐cell fluorescence imaging, and western blotting. Fasudil did not affect basic synaptic function or the amount of several synaptic proteins, but it altered the chronic dynamics of the synaptic vesicles. Fasudil reduced the proportion of the actively recycling vesicles, and shortened the vesicle lifetime, resulting overall in a reduction of the synaptic response upon stimulation. We conclude that fasudil does not alter synaptic structure, accelerates vesicle turnover, and decreases the number of released vesicles. This broadens the known spectrum of effects of this drug, and suggests new potential clinical uses.

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Late onset hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers manifesting as cutaneous and visceral angioedema
Authors: Alawami Amal Z. , Tannous Zeina
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Hyaluronic acid fillers are gaining popularity all across the globe. Although this aesthetic treatment is considered relatively safe, or that most unwanted effects are related to technical faults of the injections or infections, hypersensitivity reactions are being reported in acute or delayed forms. We herein describe an unusual case of hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers of 12‐month latency, manifesting as cutaneous and visceral angioedema, and refractory to steroids, antihistamines and omalizumab.

Aim

We aim to raise awareness of delayed hypersensitivity reactions to hyaluronic acid fillers since patients often unaware due to the time lapse from the procedure.

Patients/Method

A 47‐year‐old female, presenting with cutaneous and visceral angioedema 12 months after uneventful injection of hyaluronic acid‐based dermal fillers.

Results

Angioedema was refractory to systemic steroids, antihistamines and omalizumab. Symptoms resolved miraculously after dissolving the fillers with hyaluronidase.

Conclusion

In almost all previously described cases of late‐onset response to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, swelling was restricted to the treated area, was responsive to steroids or required no intervention at all. To our knowledge, this is an unusual case of hypersensitivity reaction to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers of 12‐month latency, manifesting as refractory cutaneous and visceral angioedema.
EFFECTS OF GRADE RETENTION POLICIES: A LITERATURE REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES APPLYING CAUSAL INFERENCE
Authors: Valbuena Javier , Mediavilla Mauro , Choi Álvaro , Gil María
Published: December 2020

The identification of the causal effects of grade retention policies is of enormous relevance for researchers and policymakers alike. Taking advantage of the availability of more detailed longitudinal datasets, researchers have been able to apply different identification strategies that address the classical problems of selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity that have plagued previous studies on the effect of retention. We present a systematic literature review of empirical studies aiming to unveil the causal effects of retention. This study underlines the need to consider and evaluate different kinds of grade retention polices as their effects vary depending on several dimensions (such as timing of the policy, comparison groups, length of the effects or institutional settings). According to the results of our review, we conclude that grade retention is unlikely to be an efficient policy as the costs associated to the policy can easily outweigh the potential (weak) benefits of retention. It is therefore necessary to consider alternative policies to retention, or policies that can be used in combination with it, in order to enhance the performance of low achievers, in particular those students at risk characterized by a low ability profile.
From the Editors: Introduction to Managing Supply Chains Beyond Covid‐19 ‐ Preparing for the Next Global Mega‐Disruption
Authors: Flynn Barbara , Cantor David , Pagell Mark , Dooley Kevin J. , Azadegan Arash
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has forced supply chain management researchers and practitioners to question many of our firmly held assumptions about the discipline. Perhaps the most interesting question is, where does supply chain management go from here? This issue of the Journal of Supply Chain Management begins to answer that question via a combination of invited essays and a regular submission. We consider this issue as only a starting point, and we hope to see its impact on future research on mega‐disruptions in supply chains.
A Typology of Supply Network Resilience Strategies: Complex Collaborations in a Complex World
Authors: Azadegan Arash , Dooley Kevin
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has illustrated the broad and diverse challenges that supply networks face in preparing for and adapting to significant supply and demand disruptions. While much has been written about resilience strategies, few consider resiliency from a network level perspective. In this essay, we explain a typology of resiliency strategies linked to different types of collaboration within and between supply networks. Existing literature focuses on two of these types, micro‐ and macro‐level supply network resilience. Micro‐level resilience occurs when buyers and suppliers coordinate directly on supply risk prevention and recovery. Macro‐level resilience occurs when corporations, including competitors, collaborate with institutions such as government or trade associations to manage or regulate longer‐term supply risks. This essay identifies a third type, meso‐level resilience. Meso‐level resilience emerges when multiple supply networks collaborate on short‐ to medium‐term supply risks. These collaborations tend to be more opportunistic and ad hoc than micro‐ or macro‐level collaborations, and we argue that they can be viewed as complex adaptive systems, exhibiting self‐organization and dynamism. We identify a number of novel characteristics of meso‐level resilience and discuss research implications.
Racialized Religion and Judicial Injustice: How Whiteness and Biblicist Christianity Intersect to Promote a Preference for (Unjust) Punishment
Authors: Perry Samuel L. , Whitehead Andrew L.
Published: December 2020

America's judicial system is both exceptionally punitive and demonstrably unjust toward racial minorities. While these dual realities are structured into America's institutions, we propose they are also partially sustained by the intersection of ideologies that are both racialized and sacralized. Using multiple waves of the General Social Surveys and a unique measure that asks Americans to choose between two forms of judicial injustice (wrongful conviction or erroneous acquittal), we examine how white racial identity intersects with biblical literalism to bolster America's bent toward unjust punitiveness. In the main effects, Americans who affirm biblical literalism are more likely to show a preference for convicting the innocent, as are whites compared to Black Americans. Examining interaction effects, however, we find whiteness moderates the influence of biblical literalism such that only white biblical literalists (as opposed to non‐white biblical literalists or white non‐biblical literalists) are more likely to prefer wrongful conviction. Indeed, in our full model, being a white biblical literalist is the strongest predictor of preferring wrongful conviction. We theorize that preference for wrongful conviction over erroneous acquittal stems, at least in part, from the combination of sacralized authoritarianism and perceived racial threat.
Could the environment limit dispersal between Sunda and Sahul?
Authors: Trethowan Liam A.
Published: December 2020

Dispersal limitation is cited as the driver of biogeography in archipelagic southeast Asia. Could environmental filtering play an equally important role? From west to east across the archipelago there are three bioregions: Sunda, Wallacea and Sahul. Historic spatial separation of Sunda and Sahul is thought to limit species exchange. Here, I hypothesise that the Wallacean environment may be too stressful for many lineages originating from Sunda and Sahul — limiting dispersal between these two regions. I highlight that Wallacea has: (a) proportionally less lowland habitat; (b) more phytotoxic, heavy metal‐rich ultramafic soils; (c) sea currents flowing toward drought‐prone seasonal areas; and (d) forests that may be shorter with a different biotic environment. Preliminary results show that genera previously identified as originating from Sunda (using fossil and phylogenetic data) are shorter in stature (an indicator of stress tolerance), are more likely to be found in the smaller lowland areas and seasonal habitat of Wallacea and occupy islands further east. Shorter genera originating from Sahul are more likely to occupy ultramafic‐rich areas of Wallacea and to be found further west. Incorporating species strategies, such as stress tolerance, into future work should clarify environmental filtering's influence upon southeast Asian biogeography.