bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Assessment of the Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ)—Patient Burden, Reliability, and Longitudinal Assessment of Quality of Life in Hernia Repair
Authors: Patel Viren , Cunning Jessica R. , Rios-Diaz Arturo J. , Mauch Jaclyn T. , Nathan Shelby L. , Messa Charles A. , Whitely Cutler B. , Kozak Geoffrey M. , Broach Robyn B. , Fischer John P.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study assesses the user burden, reliability, and longitudinal validity of the AHQ, a novel VH patient-reported outcomes measure (PROM).

Background:

We developed and psychometrically validated the AHQ as the first VH-specific, stakeholder-informed PROM. Yet, there remains a need to assess the AHQ's clinical applicability and further validate its psychometric properties.

Methods:

To assess patient burden, pre- and postoperative patients were timed while completing the corresponding AHQ form. To measure test-retest reliability, a subset of patients completed the AHQ within a week of initial completion, and consecutive responses were correlated. Lastly, patients undergoing VH repair were prospectively administered the pre- and postoperative AHQ forms, the Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and the Short Form-12 both preoperatively and at postoperative intervals, up to over a year after surgery. Quality-of-Life scores were correlated from the 3 PROMs and effect sizes were compared using analysis of normal variance.

Results:

Median response times for the pre- and postoperative AHQ were 1.1 and 2.7 minutes, respectively. The AHQ demonstrates high test-retest reliability coefficients for pre- and postoperative instruments (r = 0.91, 0.89). The AHQ appropriately and proportionally measures expected changes following surgery and significantly correlates with all times points of the

Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and Short Form-12 MS and 4/5 (80%) SF12-PS.

Conclusion:

The AHQ is a patient-informed, psychometrically-validated, clinical instrument for measuring, quantifying, and tracking PROMs in VH patients. The AHQ exhibits low response burden, excellent reliability, and effectively measures hernia-specific changes in quality-of-Life following ventral hernia repair.
An EMT-primary cilium-GLIS2 signaling axis regulates mammogenesis and claudin-low breast tumorigenesis
Authors: Wilson Molly M. , Callens Céline , Le Gallo Matthieu , Mironov Svetlana , Ding Qiong , Salamagnon Amandine , Chavarria Tony E. , Peasah Abena D. , Bhutkar Arjun , Martin Sophie , Godey Florence , Tas Patrick , Jetten Anton M. , Visvader Jane E. , Weinberg Robert A. , Attanasio Massimo , Prigent Claude , Lees Jacqueline A. , Guen Vincent J
Published: December 2020

The Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and primary ciliogenesis induce stem cell properties in basal Mammary Stem Cells (MaSCs) to promote mammogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that EMT transcription factors promote ciliogenesis at intermediate EMT transition states by activating ciliogenesis inducers, including FGFR1. The resulting primary cilia promote BBS11-dependent ubiquitination and inactivation of a central signaling node, GLIS2. We show that GLIS2 inactivation promotes MaSC stemness, and GLIS2 is required for normal mammary gland development. Moreover, GLIS2 inactivation is required to induce the proliferative and tumorigenic capacities of the Mammary-Tumor-initiating cells (MaTICs) of claudin-low breast cancers. Claudin-low breast tumors can be segregated from other breast tumor subtypes based on a GLIS2-dependent gene expression signature. Collectively, our findings establish molecular mechanisms by which EMT programs induce ciliogenesis to control MaSC and MaTIC biology, mammary gland development, and claudin-low breast cancer formation.
Will supply side policies work with Millennials?
Authors: Pantuosco Louis J. , Tarabar Danko
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to hypothesize on the relationship between the Millennial workforce and US firms’ response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. The authors postulate that societal pressure from the younger generational cohorts will motivate socially cognizant corporations to share their newly acquired tax benefits with their workforce to attract, retain and inspire employee productivity and retention, as well as customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically examine work-related cultural attitudes of the Millennial generational cohort in the USA, and by exploring related literature on organizational management and supply side economics, the authors aim to connect them to firms’ response to tax cut windfall in a simple theoretical model. The authors complement their methods by using descriptive statistics on firm tax responses that followed the 2017 TCJA.

Findings

The authors offer support for the notion that companies are behaving rationally by providing short-term benefits to employees when employees are, on average, younger. The competitive nature of the global market acts as an incentive to avoid permanent obligations such as wage and benefits increases. The data reveal that a significant number of companies had a transitory reaction to the latest tax cut.

Research limitations/implications

The authors encourage future research, once sufficient time elapses, to exploit the time periods before and after the tax cut to provide a better assessment of the empirical impact of the 2017 tax cut on firm responses, conditional on workforce makeup.

Originality/value

The authors examine whether and how the Millennial cohort might shape firm behavior following changes in tax policy.
Information technology governance: legitimation, theorization and field trends
Authors: Falchi de Magalhães Fábio Luís , Gaspar Marcos Antonio , Luciano Edimara Mezzomo , Napolitano Domingos Márcio Rodrigues
Published: December 2020

Purpose

investigate and analyze the aspects of legitimation, theorization and trends for the evolution of research in information technology governance (ITG) in Brazil, according to researchers familiar with the matter.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of a qualitative and quantitative research of exploratory-descriptive approach, the Delphi method was applied using a questionnaire supported by content analysis.

Findings

ITG is an increasingly interdisciplinary research field, with significant help from other fields of knowledge, such as administration, computer science and engineering. The main means of ITG publication are periodicals (MISQ, JMIS, JISTEM RESI), scientific events (AMCIS, ECIS, HICSS, EnANPAD, CONTECSI) and researchers, such as Peter Weill and Edimara Mezzomo Luciano. Best practice models are the most significant theoretical frameworks, and the main trend of research are on emerging technologies such as cloud computing and Internet of things (IoT) in the context of ITG.

Research limitations/implications

To the unavailability of some researchers to participate in the second phase of the Delphi research performed, as well as the non-completion of a third Delphi round. Likewise, the “Block B (open answer questions)” it was not contemplated in the second phase for a new collection of answers, which could partially change the results presented here.

Practical implications

The results show important insights for ITG researchers that can allow new researches about its applications, jointly reflecting on relevant aspects for the advancement of this research field.

Social implications

There are several research contributions to broaden the discussion and the evolution of this new scientific field in Brazil and that can be grouped for each set of stakeholders: academia and related researchers; the practicing community of business managers and private and public organizations; the academic legitimizing bodies; the non-academic legitimating bodies and researchers from other areas of knowledge.

Originality/value

ITG is a concept that emerged as part of corporate governance (CG), which has evolved as an emerging theme and is expanding in the international academic arena. However, the current stage of legitimation, theorization and trends of ITG in the Brazilian researches are lacked greater understanding, in order to provide better targeting for new researches.
Engaging nursing students and older adults through service-learning
Authors: Gipson Christine S. , Delello Julie A. , McWhorter Rochell R.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine nursing students’ (n = 18) perceptions of interrelating with older adults to understand how such interactions might improve students’ levels of cultural competence and enhance their future nursing practice. Additionally, the study sought to contribute to a higher level of technological competency in older adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A basic qualitative study design (Merriam and Tisdell, 2016) was used to direct the data collection and analysis to achieve the aims of this study.

Findings

Four themes emerged from the data collected based on cultural knowledge, cultural skills, cultural desire and engaging in cross-cultural interactions. Students reflected on how their experiences would help them to interact with older adults in their future nursing practices.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the research is that the exploratory study cannot be generalized for a wider demographic. Also, the students’ prior experiences working with older adults were not considered and their reflections may not have accurately portrayed their true biases.

Practical implications

Reflection is a valuable practice to help students think through their experiences and is considered a key component of service-learning. In this study, students reflected on how their experiences would help them to interact with older adults in their future nursing practices.

Social implications

Nursing students who are later used take with them empathy, more sensitivity and positive attitudes toward older people to benefit the nurse-patient relationship with this population.

Originality/value

This is one of a handful of studies located that pairs nursing students with older people in teaching technology skills through iPad technology.
Use of duration and rise time cues in the labelling of affricate and fricative speech sounds by children with reading difficulties
Authors: Antony Hughes J. , Tree Jeremy , Reed Phil
Published: December 2020

Differentiation of speech is predictable from abilities to discriminate the speed at which a sound reaches its optimum amplitude (rise time). This study investigated whether rise time identification of an affricate–fricative continuum would be impacted upon by dyslexia. Children between 10 and 14 years old identified sounds along a continuum of fricative to affricate sounds (cha–sha continuum), using a novel automated learning rise time identification task. Those with higher dyslexia likelihoods (measured by the Dyslexia Screening Test – Secondary), and poor reading scores (measured by the British Abilities Scales), showed a difference in rise time identification; greater distances between rise times were needed for those with a high risk of dyslexia to recognise fricative–affricate differences than for controls. These results were not impacted upon by IQ scores.
Effects of wildfire on vegetation and understory avian communities in montane rainforests, north‐eastern Tanzania
Authors: Mapunda Rajabu , John Jasson R.
Published: December 2020

The Eastern Arc Mountains are part of the Eastern Afromontane global biodiversity hotspot with a remarkable concentration of endemic species. Wildfire is among the major threats to biodiversity of forested mountains. This study assessed the effect of forest fire on the vegetation and understory birds in the Magamba montane forest, 5 years post a major fire outbreak. Mist‐net transects were used to sample understory birds. During the breeding season, active bird nests were searched using the time‐constrained method in both burnt and unburnt forests. Vegetation plots were sampled along the mist‐net transects, and shrubs and trees were identified and counted. The diversity of trees and shrubs, tree density per plot and canopy cover were significantly higher at unburnt than burnt sites with no difference in shrub density per plot. Bird species composition and number of nests between burnt and unburnt forests differed significantly with a considerable decline of forest interior bird specialists in burnt areas. An invasive plant species, Acacia melanoxylon, was found in dense groves within burnt sites and if not controlled, would escalate the fire regimes to further affecting plants and avian communities. Fire management, restoration and rehabilitation of burnt areas are among the immediate recommended actions.
Exploring the impact of patient and public involvement with young people with a chronic condition: A multilevel analysis
Authors: van Schelven Femke , Groenewegen Peter , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Rademakers Jany , Boeije Hennie
Published: December 2020

Background

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) of young people with a chronic condition (YPCC) receives increasing attention. However, evidence of its impact is lacking. This study explores the impact of PPI on outcomes of projects in health and social care, using quantitative measures.

Methods

Data were collected from projects funded by a 4‐year participatory program addressing the social position of YPCC. These projects addressed challenges associated with, for example, going to college with a physical disability, transitions in care and finding a job. Project coordinators filled out project reports with questions about PPI, that is, to what extent were YPCC involved, were they involved as co‐deciders and were they involved in developing the project idea. YPCC filled out questionnaires with questions about PPI, that is, the number of PPI activities and self‐perceived importance for the project. They also answered questions about the influence of the project on their social position. Based on these questions, a project outcome scale was developed.

Results

The data concerned 17 projects and 146 YPCC. Variation existed in project outcomes, of which 27% was associated with differences between projects. Using multilevel analyses, a significant relation was found between the self‐perceived importance of YPCC for the project and the project outcomes they experience (0.232, p < 0.01). There was no significant association with the other PPI variables.

Conclusions

This study provided some first quantitative evidence that PPI has a positive impact on the YPCC involved. It is suggested that the meaningfulness of PPI matters more to them than the number of activities and amount of influence provided to YPCC. We strongly recommend conducting more research that critically examines impact of PPI.
Comparative efficacy and safety of biologics in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a multiple‐treatments meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Gao Xing , Deng Jixiang , Yang Jiajia , Pan Faming
Published: December 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of biologics for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

We systematically reviewed 60 randomized controlled trials (34,020 participants), which compared 14 biological drugs for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The main assessment criteria were ≥ 90 % reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 90) and the number of patients who reported treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs). Secondary criteria were ≥ 75 % reductions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75), Physician’s Global Assessment 0/1 (PGA 0/1) and infections.

Results

This network meta‐analysis showed that biologics were significantly more effective than placebo. Ixekizumab, risankizumab, and bimekizumab were among the most effective treatments, and tildrakizumab, guselkumab and risankizumab were better than the other drugs with respect to safety. Risankizumab and guselkumab performed relatively stable with respect to both efficacy and safety. At the class level, blockers of interleukin (IL)‐17A showed favorable efficacy while inhibitors of the p19 subunit of IL‐23 were best tolerated of all efficient biologics.

Conclusions

Ixekizumab was the most effective biologic in PASI 90, while IL‐23p19 inhibitors, risankizumab and guselkumab performed relatively stable with respect to efficacy and safety.
HIV medicine for dermatologists and venereologists
Authors: Esser Stefan , Sammet Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Broad administration of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality of the HIV‐infection and substantially improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH). PLWH, who are effectively treated with an ART, are considered to be unable to transmit HIV. The standard of care is usually an antiretroviral single tablet regimen. Since 2015 the Robert Koch Institute has reported a slight decrease in the rate of recently diagnosed HIV‐infections in Germany, but the proportion of late presenters (initial diagnosis in advanced stages of infection) has remained consistently high at around 32 % since 2005. HIV‐infections have not been diagnosed in 10,800 PLWH so far. In comparison to the general population PLWH suffer more frequently from skin diseases. Depending on the stage of immunodeficiency, untreated PLWH develop HIV indicator diseases of the skin and the mucocutaneous membranes. Knowledge of these diseases facilitates the selection of individuals who should be offered HIV testing. Early diagnosis of HIV‐infections allows early introduction of the ART, prevents the spread of HIV and reduces the mortality rates and treatment costs associated with late diagnosis. HIV is a predominantly sexually transmitted infection. Through focused sexual anamnesis and the diagnosis of HIV indicator diseases and other sexually transmitted infections, dermatovenereologists in particular may be able to identify previously undiagnosed PLWH and persons with an increased risk of HIV infection, enabling initiation of ART in the former and pre‐exposure prophylaxis counseling in the latter.
A decrease in plasma glucose levels is required for increased endogenous glucose production with a single administration of a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor tofogliflozin
Authors: Yamasaki Nozomu , Tamura Yoshifumi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Sato Motonori , Kiya Mai , Kadowaki Satoshi , Suzuki Ruriko , Furukawa Yasuhiko , Sugimoto Daisuke , Funayama Takashi , Someya Yuki , Kakehi Saori , Nojiri Shuko , Satoh Hiroaki , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: December 2020

Aim

To investigate whether changes in endogenous glucose production (EGP) and insulin and glucagon levels are elicited by the decrease in plasma glucose (PG) levels induced by the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitor tofogliflozin.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated EGP in 12 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes under the conditions of no drugs administered (CON), single administration of the SGLT2 inhibitor tofogliflozin (TOF), and single administration of TOF with adjustment of PG levels with exogenous glucose infusion to mimic changes in PG levels observed with CON (TOF + G). We evaluated changes in EGP and levels of C‐peptide and glucagon from baseline to 180 minutes after drug administration.

Results

Endogenous glucose production decreased in the CON (−0.22 ± 0.11 mg/kg·min) and TOF + G experiments (−0.31 ± 0.24 mg/kg·min), but not in the TOF experiment (+0.08 ± 0.19 mg/kg·min). The decrease in C‐peptide was significantly greater in the TOF experiment (−0.11 ± 0.06 nmol/L) than in the CON (−0.03 ± 0.06 nmol/L) and the TOF + G experiments (−0.01 ± 0.11 nmol/L), while the increase in glucagon was significantly greater in the TOF experiment (+11.1 ± 6.3 pmol/L), but not in the TOF + G experiment (+8.6 ± 7.6 pmol/L) compared to the CON experiment (+5.1 ± 4.3 pmol/L).

Conclusions

These results indicate that the decrease in PG levels induced by SGLT2 inhibitor administration is required for the increase in EGP and decrease in insulin secretion.
Growth of marine ectotherms is regionally constrained and asymmetric with latitude
Authors: Reed Adam J. , Godbold Jasmin A. , Grange Laura J. , Solan Martin
Published: December 2020

Aim

Growth rates of organisms are routinely used to summarize physiological performance, but the consequences of local evolutionary history and ecology are largely missed by analyses on wide biogeographical scales. This broad approach has been commonly applied to other physiological parameters across terrestrial and aquatic environments. Here, we examine growth rates of marine bivalves across all biogeographical realms, latitude, and temperature, with analyses to determine regional effects on growth on global scales.

Location

Global: marine ecosystems.

Time period

1930–2018.

Major taxa

Bivalves.

Methods

We use a comprehensive data set of bivalve growth parameters (n = 966, 243 species) representing all biogeographical realms to calculate overall growth performances. We use these data with environmental temperature to analyse global patterns in growth, accounting for regional primary productivity and phylogeny using general additive mixed and linear models. The Arrhenius relationship and corresponding activation energies are used to quantify the sensitivity to temperature in each biogeographical realm and province.

Results

Our analyses show that bivalve growth demonstrates latitudinal asymmetry and exhibits nonlinear relationships with latitude. We find that overall growth performance is affected by temperature and particulate organic carbon, but the form of these relationships differs with phylogeny. Growth is slower and more sensitive to increasing temperature in the Antarctic than it is in the Arctic, and decreases with increasing temperature in some tropical realms, a previously unidentified and fundamental difference in growth and physiological sensitivity.

Main conclusions

Our findings provide compelling evidence that the widely used curvilinear relationship between temperature and growth rates in marine ectotherms is an inappropriate descriptor of thermal sensitivity, because it normalizes regional variations in physiological performance. Without a more detailed assessment of global physiological patterns, the responses of species to local variations associated with climate change will be under‐appreciated in global assessments of climate risk, minimizing the effectiveness of management and conservation.
Discussion of “Prediction, Estimation, and Attribution” by Bradley Efron
Authors: Friedman Jerome , Hastie Trevor , Tibshirani Robert
Published: December 2020

Professor Efron has presented us with a thought‐provoking paper on the relationship between prediction, estimation, and attribution in the modern era of data science. While we appreciate many of his arguments, we see more of a continuum between the old and new methodology, and the opportunity for both to improve through their synergy.
Potential overdiagnosis of long QT syndrome using exercise stress and QT stand testing in children and adolescents with a low probability of disease
Authors: Roston Thomas M. , De Souza Astrid M. , Romans Hilary V. , Franciosi Sonia , Armstrong Kathryn R. , Sanatani Shubhayan
Published: December 2020

Background

Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a dangerous arrhythmia disorder that often presents in childhood and adolescence. The exercise stress test (EST) and QT‐stand test may unmask QT interval prolongation at key heart rate transition points in LQTS, but their utility in children is debated.

Objective

To determine if the QT‐stand test or EST can differentiate children with a low probability of LQTS from those with confirmed LQTS.

Methods

This retrospective study compares the corrected QT intervals (QTc) of children (<19 years) during the QT‐stand test and EST. Patients were divided into three groups for comparison: confirmed LQTS (n = 14), low probability of LQTS (n = 14), and a control population (n = 9).

Results

Using the Bazett formula, confirmed LQTS patients had longer QTc intervals than controls when supine, standing, and at 3–4 min of recovery (p ≤ .01). Patients with a low probability of LQTS had longer QTc duration upon standing (p = .018) and at 1 min of recovery (p = .016) versus controls. There were no significant QTc differences at any transition point between low probability and confirmed LQTS. Using the Fridericia formula, differences in QTc between low probability and confirmed LQTS were also absent at the transition points examined, except at 1 min into exercise, where low probability patients had shorter QTc intervals (437 vs. 460 ms, p = .029).

Conclusion

The diagnostic utility of the QT stand test and EST remains unclear in pediatric LQTS. The formula used for heart rate correction may influence accuracy, and dynamic T–U wave morphology changes may confound interpretation in low probability situations.
Bile‐duct ligation renders the brain susceptible to hypotension‐induced neuronal degeneration: Implications of ammonia
Authors: Clément Marc‐André , Bosoi Cristina R. , Oliveira Mariana M. , Tremblay Mélanie , Bémeur Chantal , Rose Christopher F.
Published: December 2020

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a debilitating neurological complication of cirrhosis. By definition, HE is considered a reversible disorder, and therefore HE should resolve following liver transplantation (LT). However, persisting neurological complications are observed in as many as 47% of LT recipients. LT is an invasive surgical procedure accompanied by various perioperative factors such as blood loss and hypotension which could influence outcomes post‐LT. We hypothesize that minimal HE (MHE) renders the brain frail and susceptible to hypotension‐induced neuronal cell death. Six‐week bile duct‐ligated (BDL) rats with MHE and respective SHAM‐controls were used. Several degrees of hypotension (mean arterial pressure of 30, 60 and 90 mm Hg) were induced via blood withdrawal from the femoral artery and maintained for 120 min. Brains were collected for neuronal cell count and apoptotic analysis. In a separate group, BDL rats were treated for MHE with the ammonia‐lowering strategy ornithine phenylacetate (OP; MNK‐6105), administered orally (1 g/kg) for 3 weeks before induction of hypotension. Hypotension 30 and 60 mm Hg (not 90 mm Hg) significantly decreased neuronal marker expression (NeuN) and cresyl violet staining in the frontal cortex compared to respective hypotensive SHAM‐operated controls as well as non‐hypotensive BDL rats. Neuronal degeneration was associated with an increase in cleaved caspase‐3, suggesting the mechanism of cell death was apoptotic. OP treatment attenuated hyperammonaemia, improved anxiety and activity, and protected the brain against hypotension‐induced neuronal cell death. Our findings demonstrate that rats with chronic liver disease and MHE are more susceptible to hypotension‐induced neuronal cell degeneration. This highlights MHE at the time of LT is a risk factor for poor neurological outcome post‐transplant and that treating for MHE pre‐LT might reduce this risk.

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Activated KCNQ1 channel promotes fibrogenic response in hereditary gingival fibromatosis via clustering and activation of Ras
Authors: Gao Qian , Yang Chengcan , Meng Liuyan , Wang Ziming , Chen Dong , Peng Yao , Yang Kai , Bian Zhuan
Published: December 2020

Background and Objective

Activated potassium channels were found to be strongly correlated with gingival overgrowth (GO) phenotype as we reviewed syndromic hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF). Nevertheless, the functional roles of potassium channels in gingival fibrosis or gingival overgrowth remained uncovered. The aim of the present study was to explore the pathogenic role of aberrantly activated potassium channel in Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF).

Methods

Gingival tissues were collected from 9 HGF patients and 15 normal controls. Expression of KCNQ1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Gingival fibroblasts were isolated, and outward K+ currents were detected by whole‐cell patch‐clamp analysis, transmembrane potential was determined by flow cytometry. Normal human gingival fibroblasts (NHGFs) were transfected with KCNQ1 adenovirus or treated with KCNQ1 selective agonist ML277 and antagonist chromanol 293B. Accumulation of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) was measured by Western blotting and Sircol Soluble Collagen Assay. Content of secreted TGF‐β1 was measured by ELISA. Active RAS pull‐down assay and cell immunofluorescence were utilized to verify RAS activation.

Results

KCNQ1 was upregulated in gingival tissues derived from HGF patients and HGF gingival fibroblasts presented increased outward K+ currents than NHGFs. Overexpression of KCNQ1, or KCNQ1 agonist ML277, promoted fibrotic responses of NHGFs. TGF‐β1 and KCNQ1 channels formed a positive feed‐back loop. ML277 generated lateral clustering and activation of Ras on plasma membrane, followed by augmented MAPK/AP‐1 signaling pathway output. JNK or ERK1/2 inhibitors suppressed ML277‐induced AP‐1 and ECM upregulation.

Conclusion

Activation of KCNQ1 potassium channel promoted fibrogenic responses in NHGFs via Ras/MAPK/AP‐1 signaling.
The organizational growth mindset: Animating improvement and innovation in medical education
Authors: Osman Nora Y. , Hirsh David A.
Published: December 2020

Using ‘organization growth mindset’ while drawing on Dweck's 'self‐theories,' Osman and Hirsh encourage medical education leaders to imagine and animate cultures of improvement and innovation.
Dual Bayesian inference for risk‐informed vibration‐based damage diagnosis
Authors: Sajedi Seyedomid , Liang Xiao
Published: December 2020

Automation in structural health monitoring (SHM) has greatly benefited from computer science's recent advances. Unlike images, the existing datasets for other types of input, such as vibration‐based damage data, are relatively smaller, less diverse, and highly imbalanced. Therefore, the reliability of data‐driven models developed for safety‐critical assessments can be questionable. This paper proposes a dual Bayesian inference where damage predictions are accompanied by measuring the model's confidence in predictions. First, it is shown how dual classification is integrated with Bayesian inference. Later, we introduce a surrogate deep learning module to transform the raw uncertainty output into an easily interpretable prediction uncertainty index (PUI). The PUI metric can be used to alarm a decision‐maker of the potential mistakes. The proposed dual Bayesian models are investigated on a 2D structure with seven different sensor layouts. Our approach yields increased robustness for different metrics compared with the benchmark. In addition to the performance boost, PUI information paves the way for a risk‐informed implementation of deep learning models in vibration‐based damage diagnosis.
PG1659 functions as anti‐sigma factor to extracytoplasmic function sigma factor RpoE in Porphyromonas gingivalis W83
Authors: Dou Yuetan , Rutanhira Hiel , Schormann Norbert , Deivanayagam Champion , Fletcher Hansel M.
Published: December 2020

Anti‐sigma factors play a critical role in regulating the expression of sigma factors in response to environmental stress signals. PG1659 is cotranscribed with an upstream gene PG1660 (rpoE), which encodes for a sigma factor that plays an important role in oxidative stress resistance and the virulence regulatory network of P. gingivalis. PG1659, which is annotated as a hypothetical gene, is evaluated in this study. PG1659, composed of 130 amino acids, is predicted to be transmembrane protein with a single calcium (Ca2+) binding site. In P. gingivalis FLL358 (ΔPG1659::ermF), the rpoE gene was highly upregulated compared to the wild‐type W83 strain. RpoE‐induced genes were also upregulated in the PG1659‐defective isogenic mutant. Both protein‐protein pull‐down and bacterial two‐hybrid assays revealed that the PG1659 protein could interact with/bind RpoE. The N‐terminal domain of PG1659, representing the cytoplasmic fragment of the protein, is critical for interaction with RpoE. In the presence of PG1659, the initiation of transcription by the RpoE sigma factor was inhibited. Taken together, our data suggest that PG1659 is an anti‐sigma factor which plays an important regulatory role in the modulation of the sigma factor RpoE in P. gingivalis.
UV‐B signalling in rice: Response identification, gene expression profiling and mutant isolation
Authors: Idris Muhammad , Seo Nobu , Jiang Lei , Kiyota Seiichiro , Hidema Jun , Iino Moritoshi
Published: December 2020

Responses of rice seedlings to UV‐B radiation (UV‐B) were investigated, aiming to establish rice as a model plant for UV‐B signalling studies. The growth of japonica rice coleoptiles, grown under red light, was inhibited by brief irradiation with UV‐B, but not with blue light. The effective UV‐B fluences (10−1‐103 μmol m−2) were much lower than those reported in Arabidopsis. The response was much less in indica rice cultivars and its extent varied among Oryza species. We next identified UV‐B‐specific anthocyanin accumulation in the first leaf of purple rice and used this visible phenotype to isolate mutants. Some isolated mutants were further characterized, and one was found to have a defect in the growth response. Using microarrays, we identified a number of genes that are regulated by low‐fluence‐rate UV‐B in japonica coleoptiles. Some up‐regulated genes were analysed by real‐time PCR for UV‐B specificity and the difference between japonica and indica. More than 70% of UV‐B‐regulated rice genes had no homologs in UV‐B‐regulated Arabidopsis genes. Many UV‐B‐regulated rice genes are related to plant hormones and especially to jasmonate biosynthetic and responsive genes in apparent agreement with the growth response. Possible involvement of two rice homologs of UVR8, a UV‐B photoreceptor, is discussed.
Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome with renal tumor 10 years after brain tumor
Authors: Fukushima Hiroko , Yamasaki Kai , Sakaida Miho , Tsujio Nozomi , Okuno Takahiro , Ishii Naomi , Okada Keiko , Fujisaki Hiroyuki , Matsusaka Yasuhiro , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Yoneda Akihiro , Hara Junichi , Inoue Takeshi
Published: December 2020

We report a case of rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome with a renal tumor developing 10 years after a brain tumor, which demonstrated an unexpectedly favorable outcome. A 2‐year‐old boy underwent gross total resection of a brain tumor located in the fourth ventricle, and received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. At the age of 11 years, a renal tumor was found and nephrectomy was performed. He is currently alive without evidence of disease over 2 years without postoperative therapy. Histologically, rhabdoid cells were observed in both brain and renal tumors. Loss of SMARCB1 (also known as INI1) expression was found in the nucleus of both tumor cells. Genetic testing revealed pathogenic variants of SMARCB1 exon 5 in the renal tumor and SMARCB1 exon 9 in the brain tumor. In addition, heterozygous deletion of 22q11.21‐q11.23 containing the SMARCB1 locus was shared by both tumors and this deletion was identified in normal peripheral blood. Considering the histopathological and genetic findings, our case was considered to be rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor and late‐onset rhabdoid tumor of the kidney.
Sources of Evidence for Risks and Benefits in Agricultural Biotechnology Policy in India: Exploring Links to Setting and Plot in Policy Narratives
Authors: Huda Juhi
Published: December 2020

Although introduced more than two decades ago, agricultural biotechnology remains contentious. New technologies bring uncertainty concerning their risks and promises and create new policy process challenges for governments assessing risks and benefits in the face of contradictory evidence. Stakeholders typically claim to have evidence to support their positions, which often focuses on risks and benefits. Using the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), this study examines the commercialization process for a genetically modified variety of eggplant in India focusing on evidence in support of claims concerning risks and benefits in policy narratives. It examines how evidence and risk are used within policy narratives and explores possible links with setting and plot since the latest NPF research situates evidence and risk in that context. Findings indicate that stakeholders use evidence, risks, and benefits differently, often in connection with other narrative elements and strategies. Proponents de‐emphasize risks and exclusively highlight benefits while opponents invoke multidimensional risk. Evidence was used to portray heroes, villains, victims, and beneficiaries and, since plot situates characters in time and space, there is some support for situating evidence within plot. Risks and benefits were employed as a narrative strategy to expand or limit the scope of the policy issue and were articulated through policy problems. Setting in policy narratives includes policy problems lending support to situating risks and benefits within setting. Findings have implications on the role of evidence and risks and benefits within policy narratives.

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Policy Change Through Negotiated Agreements: The Case of Greening Swiss Agricultural Policy
Authors: Metz Florence , Lieberherr Eva , Schmucki Aline , Huber Robert
Published: December 2020

Negotiated agreements are a promising pathway for policy change. This paper revisits and extends characteristics of negotiated agreements using the Advocacy Coalition Framework. We focus on two characteristics of negotiated agreements that previous literature has not explicitly addressed. First, we scrutinize the role of policy core and secondary policy beliefs in actor constellations. Secondly, we address partial success, that is, the notion that actors concede on some points, but in return succeed in others. We investigate these two characteristics in the 2014 reform of Swiss agricultural policy. Based on cluster and social network analysis, we exemplify how negotiated agreements embedded in a participatory policy process lead to a surprising level of policy change by promoting agricultural production practices with an intended positive effect on the environment. We show that rather than coalitions based on policy core beliefs, the formation of groups of actors based on secondary beliefs who span across the coalitions formed the basis for a negotiated agreement. Green and conservative groups were both able to achieve partial success. We conclude that insights from this exemplary case study should revive the concept and initialize a research agenda on negotiated agreements as a pathway for change in domestic policymaking.
Educational inequalities in suicide in a middle‐income country: A socioeconomic approach of mental health
Authors: Ordóñez‐Monak Ivonne , Arroyave Ivan , Cardona Doris
Published: December 2020

Objective

This research aims to describe trends in inequalities in suicide mortality by educational level in Colombia between 1998 and 2015.

Method

Standardized suicide mortality rates (SMR) were calculated by educational level, sex, and age in adult men and women over 25 years of age. Poisson regression models were used to calculate the RR (rate ratio) with those highly educated as a reference, and the RII (relative index of inequality).

Results

The number of reported deaths by suicide between 1998 and 2015 was 24,654, of which 84.7% were men. By age‐group, 48.5% of suicides were among young adult men and women (25–44). Men had higher suicide rates than women (SMR men = 10.44/100,000; SMR women = 1.72/100,000). The age‐standardized mortality rates (SMR) were higher in the groups with the lowest educational level in both sexes and all age‐groups, except for senior adult women (65+). Broadly, while SMR reduced throughout most of the period, inequalities grew.

Conclusions

We found that the educational inequities associated with suicide in Colombia grew slightly. This suggests the need to work on suicide prevention strategies that go beyond the individual risk factors. Socioeconomic issues need to be considered as a key tool to prevent suicide by improving peoples' quality of life and their mental health.
Clinical features and outcome of septic shock in dogs: 37 Cases (2008‐2015)
Authors: Summers April M. , Vezzi Noel , Gravelyn Tara , Culler Christine , Guillaumin Julien
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To describe patient characteristics of dogs with septic shock, investigate markers of disease severity, and assess treatment impact on outcome.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Single center, university veterinary teaching intensive care unit.

Animals

Thirty‐seven dogs with septic shock.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Mean number of organ dysfunction was 3.24 ± 1.0, and included cardiovascular (100%), respiratory (73%), hematologic (68%), renal (49%), and hepatic (32%) dysfunction. The gastrointestinal tract was the most common source of sepsis. Mean blood pressure prior to resuscitation was 50 ± 8 mm Hg. All dogs were given IV fluids before vasopressor therapy with a mean rate of 12.1 ± 11.0 mL/kg/h. All dogs were given antimicrobials, administered within a mean of 4.3 ± 5.7 hours after diagnosis. Dopamine or norepinephrine was administered IV, respectively in 51.3% and 37.8% of dogs, with a mean duration of hypotension of 2.6 ± 3.0 hours. Mortality rate was 81.1%. Survivors were more likely to have a feeding tube (P = 0.007) and to have gastrointestinal sepsis (P = 0.012), and less likely to have respiratory dysfunction (P < 0.001). APPLEFull scores (P = 0.014) and time to antimicrobial therapy (P = 0.047) were identified as predictors of mortality. Treatment bundles consisting of 7 interventions that may improve outcomes in people with septic shock were evaluated. Survivors received 4.1 ± 1.3 interventions, whereas nonsurvivors received 2.4 ± 1.4 (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Septic shock in dogs confers a guarded prognosis. Early antimicrobial therapy and the utilization of treatment bundles may increase survivability in dogs with septic shock. More research is warranted to investigate the impact of specific interventions on survival.
Use of a surgical safety checklist after implementation in an academic veterinary hospital
Authors: Hawker William T. G. , Singh Ameet , Gibson Thomas W. G. , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Weese J. Scott
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine the use and barriers to uptake of a surgical safety checklist (SSC) after implementation in a veterinary teaching hospital.

Study design

Voluntary online survey and retrospective study.

Sample population

All personnel actively involved in the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre small animal surgery service between October 2, 2018 and June 28, 2019.

Methods

Surgical case logs and electronically initiated SSC were reviewed to calculate checklist use. The sample population was surveyed to identify factors and barriers associated with use of the SSC. Participants were allowed 1 month to respond, and five reminder emails were sent.

Results

Forth‐one of 50 (82%) participants completed the survey. The SSC was used in 374 of 784 (47.7%) surgeries. Use rates declined over sequential three‐month intervals (P < .0001). Twenty‐six of 41 (63%) respondents overestimated checklist use. Staff attitudes were largely supportive of the SSC, with 29 of 41 respondents suggesting mandatory application. Forgetfulness, hierarchal concerns, timing issues, perceived delays in care, lack of clarity regarding roles, and inadequate training were identified as obstacles to use of the SSC.

Conclusion

The SCC tested in this study was used in approximately half of the surgical procedures performed after its implementation. Hospital personnel were supportive of the SSC; forgetting to use the SSC was the most common barrier identified by respondents (24/41 [59%]).

Clinical significance

The SSC implementation experience and user feedback described here should be taken into consideration to improve design and implementation of future SSC.
Capsaicinoid and Capsinoids as an Ergogenic Aid: A Systematic Review and the Potential Mechanisms Involved
Authors: de Moura e Silva Vilton E.L. , Cholewa Jason M. , Billaut François , Jäger Ralf , de Freitas Marcelo C. , Lira Fabio S. , Rossi Fabrício E.
Published: December 2020

Context: Capsaicinoids and capsinoids (CAP) are natural substances found primarily in chili peppers and other spicy foods that agonize the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Several studies have shown CAP to be a potential antiobesity agent and to exhibit an analgesic effect in both rodents and humans. However, there is no scientific consensus about the effects of CAP on physical exercise performance and its physiological mechanisms of action. Purpose: This systematic review aimed to better elucidate the effects of CAP compounds as ergogenic aids and to discuss underlying mechanisms of action by which this supplement may potentially enhance endurance performance and muscular strength. Conclusions: Among 22 studies included in the review, 14 examined the effects of capsaicinoid or capsinoid compounds on endurance and resistance exercise performance in animals, with 9 studies showing benefits on performance. In humans, 8 studies were included: 3 demonstrated significant acute endurance benefits and 2 showed acute resistance exercise performance benefits compared with a placebo condition. Therefore, while more mechanistic studies are necessary to confirm these outcomes in humans, the available scientific literature appears to suggest that these compounds could be considered an effective nutritional strategy to improve exercise performance.
Validity of Tools to Measure Physical Activity in Older Adults Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Jasper Lisa , Beaupre Lauren A. , Spence John C. , Jones C. Allyson
Published: December 2020

Few validated tools exist for measuring physical activity following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite the importance of returning to sufficient levels of physical activity post-TKA to achieve health benefits. This study examined the validity of two clinical measures—the Fitbit, a commercially available personal activity monitor, and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), a self-report questionnaire—compared with a reference standard accelerometer, the SenseWearTM Armband (SWA). At 6-month post-TKA, 47 participants wore the Fitbit and SWA for 4 days and then completed the CHAMPS. Moderate-to-good correlation was observed between the Fitbit and SWA for steps (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .79), energy expenditure (ICC = .78), and energy expenditure <3 METS (ICC = .79). Poor-to-moderate correlation was observed between the CHAMPS and SWA (ICC = .43) with the questionnaire reporting lower daily energy expenditures than the SWA. Results showed that Fitbit may be a reasonable measurement tool to measure steps and energy expenditures in older adults following TKA.