bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polymicrobial gastroenteritis in children
Authors: Vergadi Eleni , Maraki Sofia , Dardamani Evangelia , Ladomenou Fani , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: March 2021

Aim

Co‐infections with viral and bacterial enteropathogens often augment severity of diarrhoea, however, there is limited evidence on the clinical importance of bacterial enteric co‐infections. We investigated the rate, type and impact of bacterial enteropathogens and their associations in children with gastroenteritis.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study that included children 0–18 years old with acute bacterial diarrhoea during a 27‐year period (1993–2019), in Crete, Greece. Differences in clinical characteristics and pathogen associations were investigated between single and multiple infections.

Results

Two or more bacteria were isolated in stool culture in 53 out of 1932 children (2.74%). Patients with co‐infections were younger (p 0.0001) and had higher hospitalisation rates (p 0.03). Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most prevalent pathogen associated with co‐infections, in particular the E. coli enteropathogenic strains O127 and O111 (p 0.001), and Salmonella spp the least (p 0.001). Co‐occurrence analysis revealed two positively associated pathogen pairs, E. coli with Campylobacter spp and E. coli (p 0.001) with Salmonella spp (p 0.04).

Conclusion

Bacterial enteropathogen co‐infection was most common with E. coli strains and related to higher hospitalisation rates and younger age.
Job stress and well‐being among internal migrant workers in China: A review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Qianfeng , Du Hongfei , Chi Peilian
Published: March 2021

This review synthesized the findings from twenty‐one studies of the associations between job stress and well‐being among migrant workers in China. We conducted a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of the correlations between two types of job stress (i.e. high job demands and lack of job resources) and two aspects of well‐being (i.e. positive aspects and negative aspects). The results revealed a modest but significant association between job stress and positive aspects of well‐being (r = −.179), and a modest but significant association between job stress and negative aspects of well‐being (r = .256). Importantly, the association between job stress and negative aspects of well‐being was larger than the association between job stress and positive aspects of well‐being. Neither association was moderated by the indicators of job stress or by a set of study characteristics and sample characteristics. The findings contribute to the literature by clarifying the inconsistent findings of occupational health psychology research regarding the effect of job stress on Chinese migrant workers’ well‐being. The findings suggest that future studies should distinguish the differential effects of job stress on positive versus negative aspects of well‐being.
Perceived organizational support and PTSD symptoms of frontline healthcare workers in the outbreak of COVID‐19 in Wuhan: The mediating effects of self‐efficacy and coping strategies
Authors: Zhou Ting , Guan Ruiyuan , Sun Liqun
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed to examine the effect of perceived organizational support on the PTSD symptoms of frontline healthcare workers, and to examine the mediating effects of coping self‐efficacy and coping strategies in this relationship. A short‐term longitudinal study design was used to conduct two waves of online surveys in March and April 2020. Participants comprised 107 medical staff in both waves of investigation. Self‐efficacy, coping strategies, and perceived organizational support were reported at Wave 1, and PTSD symptoms were reported at Wave 2. Results indicated that (1) The prevalence of probable PTSD was 9.3% and 4.7% on the Chinese version of the Impact of Events Scale‐Revised of 33 and 35, respectively. Local healthcare workers had greater risks of PTSD than the members of medical rescue teams. Doctors reported higher PTSD symptoms than nurses. (2) Perceived organizational support had a significant indirect effect on PTSD symptoms through the mediation of problem‐focused coping strategies and the sequential mediating effect of coping self‐efficacy and problem‐focused coping strategies. The findings highlight the importance of providing adequate organizational support to reduce PTSD symptoms in frontline medical staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Association of FKBP5 gene variants with depression susceptibility: A comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Fan Beifang , Ma Jianping , Zhang Huimin , Liao Yuhua , Wang Wanxin , Zhang Sheng , Lu Ciyong , Guo Lan
Published: March 2021

Background

This comprehensive meta‐analysis aimed to combine data from different studies and to estimate the association between FKBP5 polymorphisms and depression.

Methods

We performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies. An electronic search was conducted on four databases for articles published before July 1, 2020.

Results

A total of 5125 patients with depression and 8399 controls from 16 independent studies were included in the analysis. The results showed that FKBP5 rs1360780 was associated with the risk of depression in the codominant model (CT vs. CC; OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00–1.20, P = .04); rs4713916 polymorphism was associated with depression in the codominant model (AG vs. GG; OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05–1.34, P = .008) and recessive model (AA vs. AG + GG; OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56–0.99, P = .04); a significant association between rs3800373 and depression was found in the codominant genetic model (AC vs. AA; OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05–1.34, P = .007) and dominant model (CC + AC vs. AA; OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.03–1.30, P = .02); there was no significant association of FKBP5 rs9470080 or rs9296158 with depression in any genetic model (P > .05). No publication bias was observed in our analysis. Moreover, sensitivity analyses demonstrated the Zobel's study significantly affected the heterogeneity for rs4713916 and rs3800373.

Conclusions

FKBP5 rs1360780 was associated with an increased risk of depression in the codominant model. We also found that rs4713916 and rs3800373 were involved in depression, rs4713916 was positively associated with depression in the codominant model and recessive model, and rs3800373 was related to an elevated risk of depression in the codominant model and dominant model.
Relationships matter! — Utilising ethics of care to understand transitions in the lives of adults with severe intellectual disabilities
Authors: Jacobs Paula , Quayle Ethel , Wilkinson Heather , MacMahon Ken
Published: March 2021

Accessible summary

People with severe and profound intellectual disabilities need others to support them in most areas of their life. It can be difficult to communicate with people about change and transitions have been identified as an area of concern.

As part of this research, we spent time with six adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. We talked to their families and professionals about their transitions and how they were involved in decisions that were made.

Relationships people had with family members and key staff facilitated their engagement and experiences of the world.

Our findings show that it is important that those who know the person well are closely involved in the planning of transitions. There should be a greater focus on maintaining the relationships that people have so that we can build bridges between settings and improve transitions for people with intellectual disabilities.

Background

Within the current literature, there is a focus on early transition experiences, such as people's school years, while adulthood remains a lesser researched chapter in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, most studies focus on those with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities and people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities are often excluded from research.

Methods

This article explores the transition journeys of six adults with severe intellectual disabilities, including transitions from school to adult services and moving out of the family home. Data collection involved observations, document reviews and interviews with families and professionals in Scotland. Taking an ethics of care perspective, our focus was to explore in how far each person had people in their lives able to listen to them and if, in turn, those close to them were listened to during times of transition.

Findings

Our findings demonstrate that transitions are complex processes that occur across different systems. Additionally, our findings emphasise the importance to consider relationships that are available to people within their adult lives when planning and supporting transitions. Combining interviews with observations helped us to see how the six adults showed agency and were communicating their preferences through the relationships they had with people within their immediate environment.

Conclusions

The need to reconceptualise participation from a relational and interdependent perspective is stressed to facilitate the involvement of people with severe intellectual disabilities within decision‐making processes.
Antibody‐drug conjugate MORAb‐202 exhibits long‐lasting antitumor efficacy in TNBC PDx models
Authors: Furuuchi Keiji , Rybinski Katherine , Fulmer James , Moriyama Tomoyuki , Drozdowski Brian , Soto Allis , Fernando Shawn , Wilson Kerrianne , Milinichik Andrew , Dula Mary Lou , Tanaka Keigo , Cheng Xin , Albone Earl , Uenaka Toshimitsu
Published: March 2021

The antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC) MORAb‐202, consisting of farletuzumab paired with a cathepsin B–cleavable linker and eribulin, targets folate receptor alpha (FRA), which is frequently overexpressed in various tumor types. MORAb‐202 was highly cytotoxic to FRA‐positive cells in vitro, with limited off‐target killing of FRA‐negative cells. Furthermore, MORAb‐202 showed a clear in vitro bystander cytotoxic effect in coculture with FRA‐positive/negative cells. In vivo antitumor efficacy studies of MORAb‐202 were conducted with a single administration of MORAb‐202 in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patient–derived xenograft (PDx) models expressing low and high levels of FRA. MORAb‐202 exhibited durable efficacy proportional to tumor FRA expression. Toxicology studies (Q3Wx2) in nonhuman primates suggested that the major observed toxicity of MORAb‐202 is hematologic toxicity. Overall, these findings support the concept that MORAb‐202 represents a promising investigational ADC for the treatment of TNBC patients.
Designing a leucine‐rich antibacterial nonapeptide with potent activity against mupirocin‐resistant MRSA via a structure–activity relationship study
Authors: Ang Qi An , Arfan Giovinna , Ong Chu Yang Fann , Ng Fui Mee , Ong Esther H. Q. , Chia Cheng San Brian
Published: March 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is the main aetiological agent responsible for the majority of human skin infections. Of particular concern is the methicillin‐resistant variety, commonly known as MRSA. The extensive use of the first‐line topical antibiotic of choice, mupirocin, has inevitably resulted in the emergence of resistant strains, signalling an urgent need for the development of new antibacterials with new mechanisms of action. In this work, we describe how we designed a novel cationic nonapeptide, containing only leucine and two lysine residues, with potent anti‐MRSA activity and a rapid bactericidal mode of action. Coupled to a favourable safety profile towards human skin fibroblasts, we believe nonapeptide 11 has high potential for further development as a mupirocin replacement candidate to treat skin infections caused by MRSA.
A Developmental Hierarchical‐Integrative Perspective on the Emergence of Self‐Regulation: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Wu Qiong , Yan Jia , Cui Ming
Published: March 2021

This study replicated and extended the Feldman (2009) study by applying the developmental hierarchical‐integrative model to understand the emergence of self‐regulation. Participants included 360 children (48.6% boys; 62.8% identified as Caucasian and 36.9% African American) and their families, predominantly from a low‐income, rural background. Families completed assessments on child physiological, attention, emotion, and self‐regulation when children were 6‐, 15‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old, when caregiver sensitivity was observationally assessed. A path model revealed that child attention regulation at 6 months predicted physiological regulation at 15 months, and child attention regulation at 15 months predicted emotion regulation at 24 months. Attention regulation at 24 months predicted better self‐regulation at 36 months. Notably, caregiver sensitivity moderated several developmental pathways. Findings support a continuous model of early self‐regulation development and the ongoing individual‐environment interplay in early childhood.
Chyme reinfusion nutritional management for enterocutaneous fistula: first international application of a novel pump technique
Authors: Solis Edgardo , Wright Danette B. , O’Grady Greg , Ctercteko Grahame
Published: March 2021

Aim

High‐output enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) are an established cause of intestinal failure. Parenteral nutrition (PN) remains the gold standard for nutritional management but is complex, expensive and associated with significant complications. Chyme reinfusion (CR) has been reported by multiple centres as a viable option for nutritional management that improves nutritional status, provides the capacity to cease PN and is cost‐effective. The aim of this paper is to describe the first use of a novel pump device (The Insides System™) by an independent centre in Australia for the nutritional management of a patient with high‐output ECF.

Method

CR was performed on a 66‐year‐old woman with a high‐output ECF. The device consists of two main components: a centrifugal pump that sits inside the stoma appliance and a battery‐powered driver that is magnetically coupled externally onto the pump. The device allows for bolus CR at a rate of infusion that is manually controlled by the patient based on comfort, volume and effluent viscosity.

Results

CR provided adequate nutritional support, with successful cessation of PN. Effective use of the device was learnt easily by the patient with minimal demands on nursing assistance. Side effects of CR (diarrhoea, abdominal cramping) were overcome by the patient's ability to manually adjust the reinfusion rate.

Conclusion

Our experience with the novel Insides System™ device showed promising results in maintaining nutritional status as well as providing a minimally invasive, easy to use and low‐cost system for CR. CR should be considered as a viable alternative for the nutritional management of patients with a high‐output ECF.
Internal and external barriers to entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdulghaffar Nadia A. , Akkad Ghadeer Siraj
Published: March 2021

In many large and fast‐growing economies, entrepreneurship is widely promoted among the youth. Recent studies show an increased youth interest in entrepreneurship, resulting in decreased unemployment. Following the announcement of the Saudi Vision 2030, the government of Saudi Arabia has undertaken policies to boost interest in entrepreneurship. This study aims to analyze the internal (personality) and external (business environments) barriers to an entrepreneurial attitude in Saudi Arabia and further identify the factors behind the slow entrepreneurial growth in the Kingdom. Based on the theory of planned behavior and institutional economic theory, a conceptual model is developed. Findings of the study indicate a significant positive impact of personality traits, entrepreneurial education and competency, formal and informal support, and financial support on entrepreneurial attitude, while regulations have a negative impact on entrepreneurial attitude. Therefore, it can be concluded that individual personality traits—followed by business environment—are significant role factors in molding an entrepreneurial attitude.
Pattern of macrovascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Guarino Maria , Cucchetti Alessandro , Pontillo Giuseppina , Farinati Fabio , Benevento Francesca , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Rodolfo Sacco , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Marra Fabio , Mega Andrea , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati‐Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Missale Gabriele , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Raimondo Giovanni , Azzaroli Francesco , Vidili Gianpaolo , Oliveri Filippo , Trevisani Franco , Giannini Edoardo G. , Morisco Filomena ,   ITA.LI.CA Group
Published: March 2021

Background and aims

In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), macrovascular invasion (MaVI) limits treatment options and decreases survival. Detailed data on the relationship between MaVI extension and patients' characteristics, and its impact on patients' outcome are limited. We evaluated the prevalence and extension of MaVI in a large cohort of consecutive HCC patients, analysing its association with liver disease and tumour characteristics, as well as with treatments performed and patients' survival.

Methods

We analysed data of 4774 patients diagnosed with HCC recorded in the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) database (2008‐2018). Recursive partition analysis (RPA) was performed to evaluate interactions between MaVI, clinical variables and treatment, exploring the inter‐relationship determining overall survival.

Results

MaVI prevalence was 11.1%, and median survival of these patients was 6.0 months (95% CI, 5.1‐7.1). MaVI was associated with younger age at diagnosis, presence of symptoms, worse Performance Status (PS) and liver function, high alphafetoprotein levels and large HCCs. MaVI extension was associated with worse PS, ascites and greater impairment in liver function. RPA identified patients' categories with different treatment indications and survival, ranging from 2.4 months in those with PS > 1 and ascites, regardless of MaVI extension (receiving best supportive care in 90.3% of cases), to 14.1 months in patients with PS 0‐1, no ascites and Vp1‐Vp2 MaVI (treated with surgery in 19.1% of cases).

Conclusions

MaVI presence and extension, together with PS and ascites, significantly affect patients' survival and treatment selection. The decision tree based on these parameters may help assess patients' prognosis and inform therapeutic decisions.
Recreational angler satisfaction: What drives it?
Authors: Birdsong Max , Hunt Len M. , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: March 2021

Satisfaction is the reward that recreational anglers receive from their experiences, and it constitutes a relevant management target. Angler satisfaction also shapes preferences for regulations, compliance with rules and general angler behaviours. Because of its central role in recreational fisheries management, it is important to understand what drives angler satisfaction. Our objective was to study the catch and non‐catch‐related determinants of recreational angler satisfaction using a standardized literature search and synthesizing the literature using meta‐analytical techniques. After identifying and screening 279 papers, we obtained K = 172 effect sizes extracted from N = 23 studies that met our inclusion criteria. A three‐level random‐effects model on Pearson's R, derived from studies relating component satisfaction to overall satisfaction assuming a sum‐of‐satisfaction model, was fitted. The aggregated effect sizes revealed that catch‐related (i.e. catch rate, size of caught fish, fish harvest) and two non‐catch‐related components (i.e. access to fishing sites and crowding) were most related to angler satisfaction. Other non‐catch components (e.g. environmental quality, facilities, perception of relaxation quality) also contributed to angler satisfaction but were of less importance, more variable across studies and in some cases not significant (e.g. perceived water quality, quality of social experience). We conclude changes to access to fishing sites, crowding and a reduction in catch qualities, will in many cases produce dissatisfied anglers. In the absence of local studies, focusing management attention on these components can be recommended if the aim is to satisfy anglers or avoid managerial or social issues that emerge from dissatisfied anglers.
Molecular mechanisms regulating Proteinase‐Activated Receptors (PARs)
Authors: Chandrabalan Arundhasa , Ramachandran Rithwik
Published: March 2021

Proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs) are a four‐member family of G protein‐coupled receptors defined by their irreversible proteolytic mechanism of activation. PARs have emerged as important regulators of various physiological responses and are implicated in numerous pathological conditions. Importantly, PAR1 and PAR4 are critical regulators of platelet function, while PAR2 is well established as a driver of inflammatory responses. PAR‐targeted drug development efforts are therefore of great interest. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying PAR activation, effector interaction, and signaling. We also provide an overview of the diverse proteolytic enzymes that are now established as PAR regulators and describe the ability of different enzymes to elicit biased signaling through PARs. Finally, we highlight recent advances in the development of PAR‐targeted pharmacological agents and discuss recent structure–activity relationship studies.
Fine‐scale mapping of deep‐sea habitat‐forming species densities reveals taxonomic specific environmental drivers
Authors: Dijkstra Jennifer A. , Mello Kristen , Sowers Derek , Malik Mashkoor , Watling Les , Mayer Larry A.
Published: March 2021

Aim

Environmental variables are strongly tied to species occurrence and population growth, but approaches to predicting the location of deep‐sea species or their ability to withstand a changing environment stem primarily from presence data. We coupled environmental data with observed densities of deep‐sea habitat‐forming corals and sponges to determine the environmental variables and geomorphology that contributed best to their occurrence.

Location

Northwest Atlantic.

Time period

2013 and 2014.

Major taxa studied

Deep‐sea coral and sponge communities.

Methods

Multivariate and univariate analyses were used to determine significant environmental contributors to densities of genera and families of corals and sponges. We then assessed the relationship of densities of genera and families of corals and sponges with environmental variables found to be significant contributors to their occurrence and to geomorphology.

Results

Sponge and coral genera and families were influenced by different environment variables. Temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen contributed to the occurrence of sponges, whereas seafloor properties of slope and substrate contributed to the occurrence of corals. Although individuals of corals and sponges were observed across a range of a contributing environmental variable, high densities were observed only in very narrow ranges.

Main conclusions

Geomorphic setting is an effective approach for discerning the associations of coral with seabed features. High densities of coral and sponge genera and families restricted to narrow environmental ranges might be at greater risk of local extinction. Differences in the occurrence of coral and sponge genera and families with environmental conditions suggest that they will differentially respond to predicted environmental changes. As conditions in the deep sea change with ongoing changes in climate, population expansion might be limited owing to suboptimal conditions, and established populations might persist but might have fewer individuals or species, which might lead to a loss in biodiversity.
The association between inflammatory bowel disease and migraine or severe headache among US adults: Findings from the National Health Interview Survey, 2015‐2016
Authors: Liu Yong , Xu Fang , Wheaton Anne G. , Greenlund Kurt J. , Thomas Craig W.
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the prevalence of migraine or severe headache among US adults by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) status.

Background

Emerging evidence in clinical settings suggests a higher prevalence of migraine among patients with IBD than those without IBD.

Methods

Data from 60,436 US adults aged ≥18 years participating in the 2015 and 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed. The relationship between IBD status and migraine or severe headache was assessed overall and stratified by levels of selected characteristics including sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, poverty status, marital status, smoking status, obesity status, serious psychological distress, and major chronic condition status.

Results

Overall, the age‐adjusted prevalence of migraine or severe headache was 15.4% (n = 9062) and of IBD was 1.2% (n = 862). A higher age‐adjusted migraine or severe headache prevalence was reported among participants with IBD than those without IBD (28.1% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.0001). The association of migraine or severe headache with IBD remained significant overall [adjusted prevalence ratio (95% CI) = 1.59 (1.35‐1.86)] and within the levels of most other selected characteristics after controlling for all other covariates.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed a higher prevalence of migraine or severe headache among US adults with IBD than those without. Healthcare providers might assess migraine or severe headache among patients with IBD to improve management and quality of life.
A new technique in the treatment of ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture: Repair of ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture with low lombotomy incision (retroperitoneal approach)
Authors: Kalemci Serdar , Kizilay Fuat , Simsir Adnan
Published: March 2021

Introduction and aim

Ureteroenteric anastomosis stricture (UEAS) is one of the complications of urinary diversion and may lead to serious consequences. In this study, we evaluated our UEAS revision technique outcomes performed with a low lombotomy incision in the lateral decubitus position.

Materials and methods

Eleven patients who underwent surgical repair due to isolated right UEAS between January 2010 and June 2019 were included in the study. Anastomosis stricture was confirmed by ultrasonography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance urography techniques. Ultrasonography was used to detect hydronephrosis, which is a finding secondary to stricture. However, opaque urography imaging methods were used to confirm the definitive diagnosis of the stricture. Demographic and clinical data, preoperative and postoperative 3rd month serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dynamic renal scintigraphy data of patients were evaluated.

Results

The mean operation time was 49.7 ± 9.3 minutes. No perioperative complications were observed. While the overall stricture rate was 11.4%, the isolated right‐sided stricture rate was 5.7%. Preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine values were similar. Preoperative eGFR value was 58.8 ± 12.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and postoperative value was 53.5 ± 11.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. T½ level decreased in postoperative period (22.3 ± 8.2 min vs 15.1 ± 4.3 min).

Conclusions

Open revision of the UEAS with retroperitoneal approach provides lower morbidity rates and shorter hospitalisation time compared to other methods. The retroperitoneal approach is the main advantage of this technique and prevents morbidity caused by other techniques performed intraperitoneally and owing to it is an open technique, it can be easily applied in isolated right‐sided UEAS.
Seroprevalence of rubella virus among pregnant women: A 4‐year registered‐based study from family medicine and obstetric clinics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlShamlan Nouf A. , AlOmar Reem S. , AlOtaibi Amani S. , Almukhadhib Omar Y. , AlShamlan Abeer A. , Alreedy Abdullah H. , Zabeeri Najwa A. , Darwish Magdy A. , Al Shammri Malak A.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to determine rubella virus infectivity and immune status in pregnant females who visited the family medicine and obstetrics clinics at a large hospital in Saudi Arabia, and to identify the possible predictors of rubella susceptibility.

Methods

This registered‐based, cross‐sectional study included pregnant, aged between 18 and 50 years old, who presented for the first antenatal visit between 2017 and 2020. Data on sociodemographic, antenatal characteristics and serological results were collected. Chi‐Squared or Fisher's Exact test and t tests were used for bivariate analysis followed by the multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 4328 pregnant were included in the study. Seroprevalence of rubella immunity was 76.41%. Positive rubella IgM antibody was identified in 1.21% of those who performed the test (17/1409). Odds of susceptibility were decreased with an increase in age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95‐0.97) and in non‐Saudis’ (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.36‐0.54).

Conclusions

Approximately 24% of pregnant were susceptible to rubella virus infections in this study. Screening females of child‐bearing age and reimmunisation of susceptible cases before pregnancy are suggested. Further studies to investigate the impact of applying this policy in premarital screening are recommended.
Use of surgical checklist during transurethral resection increases detrusor muscle collection rate and improves recurrence‐free survival in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Taoka Rikiya , Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Matsuoka Yuki , Kohashiguchi Kana , Miura Takayoshi , Tohi Yoichiro , Miyauchi Yasuyuki , Kato Takuma , Ueda Nobufumi , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: March 2021

Objective

To elucidate the therapeutic benefits of using a surgical checklist during transurethral resection for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.

Methods

A nine‐item surgical checklist was established in January 2016 to assess disease risk and resection adequacy, and it was prospectively implemented into clinical practice. Patients diagnosed with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer who underwent complete resection from January 2009 to August 2019 were included in this study. The presence of detrusor muscle in the transurethral resection specimen and the intravesical recurrence‐free survival were compared between patients who underwent transurethral resection before and after surgical checklist implementation.

Results

A total of 125 patients who underwent transurethral resection after surgical checklist implementation were reviewed and compared with 125 patients who underwent transurethral resection before surgical checklist implementation. The use of the surgical checklist led to an increase in the proportion of transurethral resection specimens containing detrusor muscle (92% vs 69.6%, P < 0.01) and a decrease in the recurrence rate (19.2% vs 49.6%, P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that transurethral resection without a surgical checklist was an independent predictive factor influencing the absence of detrusor muscle in the transurethral resection specimen (odds ratio 4.78, P < 0.01) and intravesical recurrence (hazard ratio 1.92, 95% confidence interval 1.14–3.23; P = 0.01). Kaplan–Meier plots showed that the recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly lower when the surgical checklist was not used (log‐rank test result P < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study shows the therapeutic benefits of surgical checklist in improving the quality of resection during transurethral resection and reducing the recurrence rate in patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer.
Addressing work‐life balance challenges of working women during COVID‐19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Mahi
Published: March 2021

Working women face various challenges regarding work‐family balance due to societal, cultural, family, and gender norms. These challenges have become more difficult since the emergence of COVID‐19 worldwide. This qualitative research addresses work‐family issues of working women in the distinct Bangladeshi socio‐cultural context. Guided by a thematic analysis, this study explores various driving forces and challenges faced by working women, and strategies adopted by women to manage work‐family obligations. The findings reveal flexibility and homeworking, family and spousal support, and organisational support as key driving forces for women's work‐life balance during the COVID‐19. Lack of available time, socio‐cultural and family norms, and gender stereotypes are key challenges women face in a Muslim patriarchal societal context. Effective time management, stress management, keeping husbands and family members happy, sustainable management of professional and personal lives, and listing out priorities are useful techniques women adopt to integrate work‐family commitments. The findings provide potential solutions for women to effectively manage work‐family responsibilities in a patriarchal societal context.
Early‐ And late‐waterlogging differentially affect the yield of wheat, barley, oilseed rape and field pea through changes in leaf area index, radiation interception and radiation use efficiency
Authors: Ploschuk Rocio Antonella , Miralles Daniel Julio , Striker Gustavo Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Waterlogging is a severe stress that constrains crop production. We studied ecophysiological traits related to waterlogging tolerance in wheat, barley oilseed rape and field pea. Outdoor experiments using canopies of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) were subjected to a 14‐day‐waterlogging at early (vegetative) or late (reproductive) stages and a non‐waterlogged treatment (as control). Leaf area index (LAI), radiation interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE) and aerial dry matter were monitored along the life‐cycle; quantifying yield and its components at maturity. Wheat was able to withstand waterlogging, with similar yields than controls. Barley showed no differences in yield at early stage, but late‐waterlogging resulted in 64%–66% lower yield owing to fewer spikes/m2 and poor recovery of radiation interception and RUE. Oilseed rape showed yield penalization due to waterlogging, but responses differed from 17%–30% to 42%–69% for early and late stages, respectively; due to the limited ability to restore radiation interception and RUE in late stage; and the additional losses in seed number and weight. Field pea was unable to restore LAI, radiation interception, or RUE and suffered substantial yield reductions (85%–100%). Wheat could be cultivated in areas prone to transient waterlogging (i.e., early or late stages) of up to 2 weeks; barley and rapeseed are recommended only with waterlogging occurring in early stages and field pea is not suitable for areas facing waterlogging.
Preparation of ZrO2 beads by an improved micro‐droplet spray forming process
Authors: Chen Jun , Xue Wan‐Qing , Xu Chang‐Ming , Luo Pai‐Feng , Cheng Ji‐Gui , Lu Ying‐Wei
Published: March 2021

Monodisperse ZrO2 ceramic beads with size larger than 1 mm have been prepared by an improved micro‐droplet spray forming process, through which a compressor and a dispenser were employed to produce droplets continuously. Furthermore, the slurry recipe and drying temperature have been optimized to enhance the sphericity and smoothness of the beads. The sintered ZrO2 ceramic beads present promising mechanical performance, including a relative density of 84.6%, a crush strength of 256.2 ± 36.6 N as well as a Vickers hardness of 1344.4 ± 58.3 HV. Such procedure reveals great potential in mass production of ceramic beads.
Doping‐induced coloration in titania
Authors: Mane Rahul B. , Sahoo Ramkrishna , Reddy Bapathi Kumaar Swamy , Ravula Vijay , Panigrahi Bharat B. , Borse Pramod H. , Chakravarty Dibyendu
Published: March 2021

Thermal decomposition of Ti3GeC2 MAX phase at 1773 K yields an orange‐colored titania powder. Micro‐XRD of the powder under oscillation mode reveals a pure rutile phase (space group P42/mnm). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed substitutional doping of Ge in the titania lattice. The presence of Ti‐O‐Ge bond was observed in O 1s spectrum and confirmed by the shift in binding energy in Ti 2p3/2 and Ge 3d peaks. The UV‐visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectrum studies on the Ge‐doped titania powder show wide absorption in the visible region (380 to 650 nm) yielding a bandgap of 2.83 eV, which is desirable for photocatalytic applications. Defect states formed due to Ge doping led to lowering of the titania conduction band inducing an orange coloration in the powder.
Enhanced thermal stability of high yttria concentration YSZ aerogels
Authors: Olson Nathaniel S. , Hurwitz Frances I. , Guo Haiquan , Madden Nathan J. , Stokes Jamesa L. , Rogers Richard B. , Krogstad Jessica A.
Published: March 2021

Aerogels are a promising class of materials for lightweight, high‐performance insulation. However, their high specific surface area contributes to rapid densification of the structure at elevated temperatures. Upon densification, the favorable properties of low thermal conductivity and low density are lost. Investigation of doped metal oxide systems presents a route to stabilization of porous structures at high temperatures and a platform to study parameters conducive to thermal stability. Our work focuses on yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) aerogels prepared via a sol‐gel method and supercritically dried. Yttria concentrations were studied from 0 to 50 mol% YO1.5 to stabilize porosity to temperatures of 1200°C and develop an understanding of properties contributing to improved stability. Increased yttria content improved the thermal stability of the pore structure by reducing densification and suppressing crystallite growth, resulting in retention of the mesoporous structure to 1200°C. The improvement in thermal stability is related to associated reductions in specific surface energy and cation diffusivity at higher yttria concentrations. This work demonstrates that tuning thermodynamic and kinetic factors is a viable route to improved thermal stability in highly porous structures for use as insulation in extreme environments.
ESG did not immunize stocks during the COVID‐19 crisis, but investments in intangible assets did
Authors: Demers Elizabeth , Hendrikse Jurian , Joos Philip , Lev Baruch
Published: March 2021

Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) scores have been widely touted as indicators of share price resilience during the COVID‐19 crisis. Contrary to this conventional wisdom, we present robust evidence that once industry affiliation, market‐based measures of risk and accounting‐based measures of performance, financial position and intangibles investments have been controlled for, ESG offers no such positive explanatory power for returns during the COVID crisis. Specifically, ESG is insignificant in fully specified returns regressions for each of the Q1 2020 COVID market crisis period and for the full COVID year of 2020. By contrast, a measure of the firm's stock of investments in internally generated intangible assets is an economically and statistically significant positive determinant of returns during each of the Q1 market implosion and full 2020 COVID year periods. Our results are robust to alternative measures of returns, as well as for using Refinitiv, Refinitiv II and MSCI data to capture ESG performance. We conclude that ESG did not immunize stocks during the COVID‐19 crisis, but those investments in intangible assets did.
Fed's Policy Changes and Inflation in Emerging Markets: Lessons from the Taper Tantrum
Authors: LÓPEZ‐VILLAVICENCIO ANTONIA , POURROY MARC
Published: March 2021

We use the taper tantrum to measure the effects of a sudden depreciation of the exchange rate. We treat this announcement in the United States of America as an exogenous shock in emerging markets and use a difference‐in‐differences approach. We show that, before the tantrum, the impact of exchange rate changes on inflation is low in both the control and the treatment groups. However, the tantrum increased the gap between groups and impacted inflation regardless of the exchange rate regime or central bank practices. Nevertheless, inflation in economies with flexible exchange rate, inflation target, or highly credible central bank is less exposed to depreciations.
Public Development Banks and Credit Market Imperfections
Authors: ESLAVA MARCELA , FREIXAS XAVIER
Published: March 2021

What should be the role of a public development bank (PDB)? Which projects/firms should the PDB target? What can theory say about the types of loans and ways of delivering them that PDBs around the world use? We analyze these questions in the context of a model where screening is costly to banks. Underprovision of credit results from the inability of banks to (i) appropriate the full benefits of projects they finance, more pronounced for high value projects; and (ii) internalize the benefits of screening in terms of aggregate lending. PDB intervention naturally addresses inefficiencies originating in failures in the private provision of credit. Though lending to commercial banks at subsidized rates or providing credit guarantees are valid alternatives, guarantees are less effective than subsidies at equivalent cost. PDB lending is particularly important in recessions, when liquidity/capital shortages are likely, and risk profiles deteriorate potentially leading to further credit underprovision. Subsidized lending is further preferred to guarantees when banks are facing a liquidity shortage, while a credit guarantees program has additional benefits when banks are undercapitalized.
On the structure and development of the parasphenoid and the ventral rostral bones in Acipenser baerii and Polyodon spathula (Actinopterygii, Acipenseriformes)
Authors: Tsessarsky Alexey A.
Published: March 2021

Acipenseriformes (sturgeons and paddlefishes) are currently recognized as sister‐group of Neopterygii (bowfin, gars and teleosts) and along with Polypteriformes (bihirs) constitute the two most basal taxa among living ray‐finned fishes. Acipenseriforms uniquely possess a large preoral snout which distinguishes them from other actinopterygians. It is covered ventrally by a longitudinal series of exoskeletal elements which extends along the middle part of the snout from the parasphenoid to the very anterior tip of the head. These cranial elements, highly variable in size, number and proportions, are generally referred to as ventral rostral bones. The homologies of these bones remain unresolved. The issue is getting even more complicated because of vague nature of the parasphenoid of acipenseriforms, with which the ventral rostral series is in a contact. Paradoxically, the homology of this bone of acipenseriforms has never been subjected to thorough survey based on the early development and morphology of this bone. Here, the development of the parasphenoid and the ventraI rostral bones in Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii and American paddlefish Polyodon spathula is investigated based on a large sample of specimens of both species ranging from larvae just posthatching to juveniles of 50 days posthatching. Data obtained in this study allowed to establish primary homologies of the parasphenoid and the ventral rostral bones of Acipenseriformes and to address the evolutionary history of the snout in these fishes.
The effect of taxifolin on oxidative ovarian damage and reproductive dysfunctions induced by antipsychotic drugs in female rats
Authors: Ince Sefa , Ozer Mehmet , Kadioglu Berrin Goktug , Kuzucu Mehmet , Ozkaraca Mustafa , Gezer Arzu , Suleyman Halis , Cetin Nihal
Published: March 2021

Aim

Typical antipsychotics (TAPs) are commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, extrapyramidal disorders, hyperprolactinemia, and reproductive dysfunctions have been observed in women during the use of TAPs. For this reason, less toxic and prolactin‐sparing atypical antipsychotic (AAP) drugs such as clozapine (CLN) have been developed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of taxifolin on possible ovarian and reproductive toxicity associated with CLN and haloperidol (HPL) in female Wistar albino rats.

Methods

The rats were grouped as healthy control group (HCG), CLN, HPL, taxifolin + clozapine (TCL), and taxifolin + haloperidol (THL). Drugs were administered to the groups for 28 days. At the end of that time, ovarian tissues of six rats from each group were taken for histopathological and biochemical analyses. Remaining six rats in groups were examined for evaluation of reproductive dysfunctions.

Results

Severe degeneration and vacuolization were observed in the primary, secondary, and primordial follicles of the ovarian tissues of CLN‐ and HPL‐treated groups, of which malondialdehyde (MDA) level was high and total glutathione (tGSH) level was low. In the taxifolin‐treated groups, taxifolin significantly prevented the increase of MDA level and decrease of tGSH level, and the severity of histopathological damage was found to be lower. In addition, it was found that taxifolin significantly prevented infertility and delay in pregnancy associated with CLN and HPL.

Conclusions

The results of this experiment suggest that taxifolin can be beneficial in treating oxidative ovarian damage, infertility, and reproductive dysfunctions induced by CLN and HPL.
Early standardized clinical judgement for syncope diagnosis in the emergency department
Authors: du Fay de Lavallaz J. , Badertscher P. , Zimmermann T. , Nestelberger T. , Walter J. , Strebel I. , Coelho C. , Miró Ò. , Salgado E. , Christ M. , Geigy N. , Cullen L. , Than M. , Javier Martin‐Sanchez F. , Di Somma S. , Frank Peacock W. , Morawiec B. , Wussler D. , Keller D. I. , Gualandro D. , Michou E. , Kühne M. , Lohrmann J. , Reichlin T. , Mueller C. ,   for the BASEL IX Investigators
Published: March 2021

Background

The diagnosis of cardiac syncope remains a challenge in the emergency department (ED).

Objective

Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the early standardized clinical judgement (ESCJ) including a standardized syncope‐specific case report form (CRF) in comparison with a recommended multivariable diagnostic score.

Methods

In a prospective international observational multicentre study, diagnostic accuracy for cardiac syncope of ESCJ by the ED physician amongst patients ≥ 40 years presenting with syncope to the ED was directly compared with that of the Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study (EGSYS) diagnostic score. Cardiac syncope was centrally adjudicated independently of the ESCJ or conducted workup by two ED specialists based on all information available up to 1‐year follow‐up. Secondary aims included direct comparison with high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations and a Lasso regression to identify variables contributing most to ESCJ.

Results

Cardiac syncope was adjudicated in 252/1494 patients (15.2%). The diagnostic accuracy of ESCJ for cardiac syncope as quantified by the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84–0.89), and higher compared with the EGSYS diagnostic score (0.73 (95% CI: 0.70–0.76)), hs‐cTnI (0.77 (95% CI: 0.73–0.80)) and BNP (0.77 (95% CI: 0.74–0.80)), all P < 0.001. Both biomarkers (alone or in combination) on top of the ESCJ significantly improved diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusion

ESCJ including a standardized syncope‐specific CRF has very high diagnostic accuracy and outperforms the EGSYS score, hs‐cTnI and BNP.