bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF-A, PDGF-BB and HB-EGF engineered for promiscuous super affinity to the extracellular matrix improve wound healing in a model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: White Michael JV , Briquez Priscilla S , White David AV , Hubbell Jeffrey A
Published: June 2021

Chronic non-healing wounds, frequently caused by diabetes, lead to lower quality of life, infection, and amputation. These wounds have limited treatment options. We have previously engineered growth factors to bind to exposed extracellular matrix (ECM) in the wound environment using the heparin-binding domain of placental growth factor-2 (PlGF-2123-144), which binds promiscuously to ECM proteins. Here, in the type 1 diabetic (T1D) NOD mouse model, engineered growth factors improved both re-epithelialization and granulation tissue formation. Engineered growth factors were even more potent in combination, and the “triple therapy” of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-PlGF-2123-144), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB-PlGF-2123-144), and heparin-binding epidermal-growth factor (EGF-PlGF-2123-144) both improved wound healing and remained at the site of administration for significantly longer than wild-type growth factors. In addition, we also found that changes in the cellular milieu of a wound, including changing amounts of M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages and effector T cells, are most predictive of wound healing success in the NOD mouse model. These results suggest that the triple therapy of VEGF-PlGF-2123-144, PDGF-BB-PlGF-2123-144, and EGF-PlGF-2123-144may be an effective therapy for chronic non-healing wounds in that occur as a complication of diabetes.
Consumption attitudes and behaviors in Asia: a “discovery-oriented” fresh look
Authors: Batra Rajeev , Li Dongmei , Chiu Chi-Yue
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify distinct consumption patterns among Asian consumers and examine how these relate to cultural antecedents and key human values.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a large, representative sample of almost 7,000 Asian consumers in 10 culturally varying markets, using latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify the consumption profiles.

Findings

The findings empirically demonstrate that the two profiles are “inner-directed nationalistic frugals” (IDNF) and “outer-directed self-eekers” (ODSS). IDNF consumers spend more time and money on education and prefer ethnocentric consumption. ODSS consumers emphasize individuality, self-expression, seeking novelty and impressing others. Consumers with more collective values in Schwartz's typology tend to demonstrate the IDNF pattern; those with more individualistic values demonstrate the ODSS pattern. The distribution of IDNF and ODSS profiles is influenced by demographics, religion and geographical region: IDNF is greater than ODSS in Southeast Asia; ODSS is greater than IDNF in East Asia; IDNF is roughly equal to ODSS in Northeast Asia. IDNF tends to be found among older and more religious consumers, while ODSS is the opposite. Importantly, in the more religious Southeast Asian countries, even younger consumers are more IDNF than ODSS.

Research limitations/implications

This research uses an exploratory and discovery-oriented approach; future research can use more confirmatory approaches to systematically examine the relationship between cultural dimensions (e.g. individualism-collectivism) and consumption patterns.

Practical implications

For their brands to grow in Asian markets, marketing practitioners are advised to use multiple brands to segment Asian consumers based on their values, demographics, geographical location and what religious/faith traditions they follow.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to identify consumption profiles in Asian markets using LPA without prior conceptual biases and relate them to cultural values and demographic variables.
Introducing a fuzzy MCDM model for financial management in multiple project environments
Authors: Afshar Mohammad Reza , Asadzadeh Zenozi Hamed
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Statistics in the construction industry show that lack of timely injection of funds to projects by clients is one of the common problems confronted by contractors. This problem is intensified when contractors construct multiple projects simultaneously. In these situations, it is rational that contractors share their financial resources among projects according to project conditions and the firm’s vision. This study aims to propose a fuzzy multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) model for financial management in multiple project environments.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the project evaluation criteria are defined using exploratory study and interviews with experts. Second, the weights of criteria are determined based on company strategies. Then, each of the projects are evaluated in each criterion. Finally, the fuzzy weighted average approach is used to determine the proportion of each project from the financial resources.

Findings

The proposed model is prepared as an applicable model for general contractors to assign financial recourses among the multiple projects optimally.

Originality/value

As a lack of applicable model assigning the financial resources among the multiple projects, this study is one of the first research studies that proposed a fuzzy MCDM model to assign financial resources to multiple projects optimally.
Student venture creation: developing social networks within entrepreneurial ecosystems in the transition from student to entrepreneur
Authors: Longva Kjersti Kjos
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide insight into how students navigate entrepreneurial ecosystems and make use of social networks as they create their own ventures. Such ecosystems for students are an understudied phenomenon and there is a need for more profound insights into the issue in order to build better support systems for student entrepreneurs. The study aims to increase understanding on the elements that are important in students' entrepreneurial ecosystems and how these impact on students' venture creation processes, with emphasize on the role social networks play. Student entrepreneurs account for a substantial number of the startups that come into being at universities. Understanding more about how the surroundings affects this process is important for facilitating student entrepreneurship in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is qualitative and makes use of in-depth interviews with student entrepreneurs, educators and support actors in the ecosystems. Multiple actors were interviewed in order to capture different perspectives on the matter, with a total of 15 interviews conducted.

Findings

Two main findings arose from the study. First, it provides insight into elements that are perceived as important for student venture creation by the student entrepreneurs themselves, by educators and by support actors in the ecosystems. Second, it describes how the elements make up the entrepreneurial ecosystems surrounding the students, which serve as platforms from which students can develop their social networks. Therefore, the study highlights how such ecosystems can serve as sources from which students can gain access to ideas, resources and identity processes.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that the interviews took place in one country. Consequently, further investigation is necessary to establish whether the findings are valid in other contexts. The research has implications for higher educational institutions, policymakers and researchers concerned with student entrepreneurship and student venture creation.

Originality/value

The study contributes empirical findings on a topic that is currently not well understood and on which there are few empirical studies. While student ventures represent a substantial proportion of university spin-offs, the topic has received little attention compared to research on academic entrepreneurship. The study represents a step towards enhancing understanding of students' entrepreneurial ecosystems and how students gain access to resources through social network ties within these systems.
Websites' hue-context congruence as a vector of trust and behavioral intentions
Authors: Khrouf Lilia , Frikha Azza
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the effect of the congruence between a website's background color and its context (product category) on online trust and resulting behavioral intentions in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment, conducted on 240 web-surfers, compared two versions of a website (high vs low color-context congruence) in terms of online trust and resulting behavioral intentions. The authors also studied the moderating role of the online shopping experience on the color-context congruence impact on online trust.

Findings

Results revealed that a website's color-context congruence enhances online trust. The authors have also demonstrated that online trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between color-context congruence and behavioral intentions. Moreover, they found out that the influence of the color-context congruence on online trust is enhanced when the web-surfer is highly experienced in online shopping.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to fill in the theoretical gaps and to better understand the influence of color-context congruence on online trust and behavioral intentions in emerging markets. Indeed, past studies had focused on the color impact on online trust without taking into consideration congruence with the website context. However, this study is limited to a single category of products (tourist products) and only two colors (blue and red) were manipulated in the experiment.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of selecting a background's color that matches with the sold product category to reassure web-surfers so that they trust the commercial website and express some favorable intentions like buying.

Originality/value

Prior studies had focused on the website's color effect on online trust neglecting color-context congruence. Our study helps to highlight the importance of selecting background colors matching the product category.
Longer working lives – what do they mean in practice – a case of the Baltic countries
Authors: Aidukaite Jolanta , Blaziene Inga
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The article seeks to contribute to a better understanding of older people's situation in the labour market in three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Three Nordic countries are taken as a reference point to compare the countries in order to better understand the situation from a comparative point of view. The article asks the questions: Does a longer working life for older people contribute to their better economic situation? How satisfied are they with a longer working life and their working conditions? Do they experience any discrimination in the labour market because of their age?

Design/methodology/approach

In order to understand the situation of older people in the labour market, the authors employ welfare state models and the Active Ageing Index. The welfare state models help us to understand the context in which the working life of older people is taking place. The Active Ageing Index helps to gain a better understanding of the employment domain of active ageing. The analysis is based on several Europe-wide data sources: statistics on earnings from Eurostat database, information on income, job prospects, occupational safety and health, training, working life perspectives from the European Working Conditions Survey as well as a special survey, conducted by the authors, of Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian residents aged 50 years and older.

Findings

Analysis conducted reveals that in the Baltic countries older employees, although actively participating in the labour market, face unfavourable material, physical and psychological situation in the labour market more frequently than their younger colleagues. The findings show that the most important factors influencing older employees' decision to stay longer in the labour market in the Baltic countries are linked mostly to welfare state-related issues, i.e. financial benefits, healthcare, possibility to reconcile work and family obligations. These welfare state-related issues are even more important for those who are going to stay longer in the labour market after reaching the retirement age.

Originality/value

This article contributes to a better understanding of older (50+) people's situation in the labour market. It suggests that, while the increasing employment of older people increases the Active Ageing Index and is generally viewed positively, in some countries with less developed welfare states high employment rates of older employees, although providing them with an additional means of livelihood, do not ensure a higher quality of life and, on the contrary, act as a factor reducing the quality of work and, at the same time, the quality of life.
Traceability and transparency for sustainable fashion-apparel supply chains
Authors: Garcia-Torres Sofia , Rey-Garcia Marta , Sáenz Josune , Seuring Stefan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The relationship between sustainability, traceability and transparency in the fashion-apparel industry, characterised by complex, labour-intensive and geographically dispersed supply chains (SCs), needs further clarification. The first goal of this study is to revise, refine and adapt to the scope of this industry, the conceptualisation of traceability and transparency and their interrelations with sustainability. The second goal is to uncover the key elements responsible for fostering and hindering their relationship in the fashion-apparel practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi study with fourteen experts representing key stakeholders in the entire fashion-apparel SC was carried out.

Findings

Operational definitions for and clear boundaries amongst sustainability, traceability and transparency are identified, and a relational model including stakeholder groups and roles, drivers and barriers is developed. Traceability, defined as an ability, together with transparency, conceptualised as an internal decision and assisted (inter alia) by cross-sector collaboration are found to be necessary but not sufficient conditions to achieve SC sustainability, which is conceived as an outcome.

Originality/value

The work adapts concepts from the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) literature to the particular fashion-apparel context, incorporating the practical vision and nuances of all the key stakeholder groups and highlighting the mutually reinforcing relationship among traceability, transparency and cross-sector collaboration for effective SSCM in the fashion-apparel industry.
Effective police investigative practices: an evidence-assessment of the research
Authors: Prince Heather , Lum Cynthia , Koper Christopher S.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Detective work is a mainstay of modern law enforcement, but its effectiveness has been much less evaluated than patrol work. To explore what is known about effective investigative practices and to identify evidence gaps, the authors assess the current state of empirical research on investigations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the empirical research about the effectiveness of criminal investigations and detective work in resolving cases and improving clearance rates.

Findings

The authors’ analysis of the literature produced 80 studies that focus on seven categories of investigations research, which include the impact that case and situational factors, demographic and neighborhood dynamics, organizational policies and practices, investigative effort, technology, patrol officers and community members have on case resolution. The authors’ assessment shows that evaluation research examining the effectiveness of various investigative activities is rare. However, the broader empirical literature indicates that a combination of organizational policies, investigative effort and certain technologies can be promising in improving investigative outcomes even in cases deemed less solvable.

Research limitations/implications

From an evidence-based perspective, this review emphasizes the need for greater transparency, evaluation and accountability of investigative activities given the resources and importance afforded to criminal investigations.

Originality/value

This review is currently the most up-to-date review of the state of the research on what is known about effective investigative practices.
Risk, ambiguity and willingness to participate in crop insurance programs: Evidence from a field experiment*
Authors: Ali Williams , Abdulai Awudu , Goetz Renan , Owusu Victor
Published: June 2021

This paper analyses smallholder farmers’ willingness to participate in crop insurance programs, using recent data from cocoa farmers in Ghana. Given the significance of output uncertainty and imperfect capital and insurance markets, we develop a theoretical framework to analyse how risk and ambiguity aversion, and liquidity constraints influence farmers’ crop insurance participation decisions. We employ field experiments to elicit farmers’ ambiguity and risk aversion, the stated preference approach to obtain information on farmers’ willingness to participate in crop insurance programs, and a discrete choice model to examine the factors that influence their participation decisions. We find that risk preferences, ambiguity aversion, and liquidity constraints influence farmers’ willingness to participate in crop insurance programs. The results also reveal that the probability of participating in crop insurance programs is positively influenced by wealth, trust and education of the farmers.
A randomised, double‐blind study investigating the relationship between early childhood trauma and the rewarding effects of morphine
Authors: Carlyle Molly , Broomby Rupert , Simpson Graham , Hannon Rachel , Fawaz Leah , Mollaahmetoglu O Merve , Drain Jade , Mostazir Mohammod , Morgan Celia J. A.
Published: June 2021

Experiences of childhood trauma (abuse and neglect) are disproportionately higher in those with opioid use disorder (OUD). Childhood trauma may affect the reinforcing and rewarding properties of opioid drugs and responses to pain, potentially via developmental changes to the endogenous opioid system. This has been supported by preclinical research, yet this has not been investigated in non‐addicted humans. Physically healthy participants with either a history of severe childhood trauma or no previous history of childhood trauma attended two sessions where they received either an intramuscular active dose of morphine (0.15 mg/kg) or a very low dose control (0.01 mg/kg) in a randomised, double‐blind crossover design. Sessions were held 1 week apart. Participants' physical pain threshold and tolerance were measured pre‐ and post‐drug administration using the cold water pressor test, alongside acute subjective and behavioural responses over 2.5 h. The trauma group reported liking the effects of morphine, feeling more euphoric and wanting more of the drug over the session, as well as feeling less nauseous, dizzy, and dislike of the effects of morphine compared to the non‐trauma comparison group. Morphine increased pain threshold and tolerance, yet this did not differ between the groups. Childhood trauma may therefore sensitise individuals to the pleasurable and motivational effects of opioids and reduce sensitivity to the negative effects, providing compelling evidence for individual differences in opioid reward sensitivity. This may explain the link between childhood trauma and vulnerability to OUD, with consequent implications on interventions for OUD, the prescribing of opioids, and reducing stigmas surrounding OUD.
Natural history of small asymptomatic kidney and residual stones over a long‐term follow‐up: systematic review over 25 years
Authors: Lovegrove Catherine E. , Geraghty Robert M. , Yang Bingyuan , Brain Eleanor , Howles Sarah , Turney Ben , Somani Bhaskar
Published: June 2021

Objective

To systematically review the natural history of small asymptomatic kidney and residual stones, as the incidental identification of small, asymptomatic renal calculi has risen with increasing use of high‐resolution imaging.

Materials and methods

We reviewed the natural history of small asymptomatic kidney and residual stones using the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, Cochrane library and Clinicaltrials.gov using themes of ‘asymptomatic’, ‘nephrolithiasis’, ‘observation’, ‘symptoms’, ‘admission’, ‘intervention’ and similar allied terms for all English language articles from 1996 to 2020 (25 years). Inclusion criteria were studies with ≥50 patients, stones ≤10 mm, and a mean follow‐up of ≥24 months. Primary outcomes were occurrence of symptoms, emergency admission, and interventions.

Results

Our literature search returned 2247 results of which 10 papers were included in the final review. Risk of symptomatic episodes ranged from 0% to 59.4%. Meta‐analysis did not identify any significant difference in the likelihood of developing symptoms when comparing stones <5 mm to those >5 mm, nor those <10 mm to those >10 mm. Risk of admission varied from 14% to 19% and the risk of intervention from 12% to 35%. Meta‐analysis showed a significantly decreased likelihood of intervention for stones <5 vs >5 mm and <10 vs >10 mm. Studies had variable risk of bias due to heterogeneous reporting of outcome measures with significant likelihood that observed differences in results were compatible with chance alone (Symptoms: I2=0%, Cochran’s Q = 3.09, P = 0.69; Intervention: I2=0%, Cochran’s Q = 1.76, P = 0.88).

Conclusions

The present systematic review indicates that stone size is not a reliable predictor of symptoms; however, risk of intervention is greater for stones >5mm vs <5 mm and >10 vs <10 mm. This review will inform urologists as they discuss management strategies with patients who have asymptomatic renal stones and offer insight to committees during the development of evidence‐based guidelines.
Co‐immunization with L‐Myc enhances CD8+ or CD103+ DCs mediated tumor‐specific multi‐functional CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Chai Dafei , Zhang Zichun , Jiang Nan , Ding Jiage , Qiu Dong , Shi Shang Yuchen , Wang Gang , Fang Lin , Li Huizhong , Tian Hui , Yang Jie , Zhang Qing , Zheng Junnian
Published: June 2021

Renal carcinoma shows a high risk of invasion and metastasis without effective treatment. Herein, we developed a chitosan (CS) nanoparticle‐mediated DNA vaccine containing an activated factor L‐Myc and a tumor‐specific antigen CAIX for renal carcinoma treatment. The subcutaneous tumor models were intramuscularly immunized with CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX or control vaccine, respectively. Compared with single immunization group, the tumor growth was significantly suppressed in CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX co‐immunization group. The increased proportion and mature of CD11c+ DCs, CD8+CD11c+ DCs and CD103+CD11c+ DCs were observed in the splenocytes from CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX co‐immunized mice. Furthermore, the enhanced antigen‐specific CD8+ T lymphocyte proliferation, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, and multi‐functional CD8+ T cell induction were detected in CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX co‐immunization group compared with CS‐pCAIX immunization group. Of note, the depletion of CD8 T cells resulted in the reduction of CD8+ T cells or CD8+CD11c+ DCs and the loss of anti‐tumor efficacy induced by CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX vaccine, suggesting the therapeutic efficacy of the vaccine was required for CD8+ DCs and CD103+ DCs mediated CD8+ T cells responses. Likewise, CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX co‐immunization also significantly inhibited the lung metastasis of renal carcinoma models accompanied with the increased induction of multi‐functional CD8+ T cell responses. Therefore, these results indicated that CS‐pL‐Myc/pCAIX vaccine could effectively induce CD8+ DCs and CD103+ DCs mediated tumor‐specific multi‐functional CD8+ T cell responses and exert the anti‐tumor efficacy. This vaccine strategy offers a potential and promising approach for solid or metastatic tumor treatment.
Exploring the use of Halliwick aquatic therapy in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Rohn Stephanie , Novak Pavlic Monika , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Halliwick aquatic therapy is a rehabilitation intervention that is gaining popularity for people with disabilities. This scoping review provides an overview on the state of research about the impact of Halliwick aquatic therapy for children with disabilities.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched to obtain research on the use of the Halliwick method for paediatric rehabilitation: Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO. Potential citations were first screened by title and abstract, and full texts were then examined on the second round of screening. We analyzed the demographic details of their study population, how therapy was implemented (e.g., lesson frequency or structure), and what measurements were used, with measured variables mapped onto the domains of the framework for health of the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Results

Twenty‐four publications met the inclusion criteria for this review. The majority of research included children with cerebral palsy (n = 12) or autism spectrum disorder (n = 8), with very few studies including other disabilities (n = 5). There was a wide variation in the number of lessons per study and how each lesson was structured. Fourteen studies lacked a control group. Looking at ICF domains, all 24 articles measured variables pertaining to body structure and functions, four looked for changes in performance of daily activities, four into ability to participate in social roles, and seven into changes in personal factors.

Conclusion

There is no consensus on how the Halliwick method should be structured for participants, leaving a gap for future research on programme implementation. To shift our viewpoint beyond what a disability prevents to what one's level of health and functioning allows, it is important to broaden the scope of research into the other ICF domains.
The 2018 adult heart allocation policy change benefits low‐volume transplant centers
Authors: Kim Samuel T. , Tran Zachary , Xia Yu , Hadaya Joseph , Williamson Catherine G. , Gandjian Matthew , Choi Chun Woo , Benharash Peyman
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The effect of the 2018 adult heart allocation policy change at an institution‐level remains unclear. The present study assessed the impact of the policy change by transplant center volume.

Methods

The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried for all adults undergoing isolated heart transplantation from November 2016 to September 2020. Era 1 was defined as the period before the policy change and Era 2 afterwards. Hospitals were divided into low‐(LVC) medium‐(MVC) and high‐volume (HVC) tertiles based on annual transplant center volume. Competing‐risks regressions were used to determine changes in waitlist death/deterioration, while post‐transplant mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional‐hazards models.

Results

A total of 3531 (47.0%) patients underwent heart transplantation in Era 1 and 3988 (53.0%) in Era 2. At LVC, Era 2 patients were less likely to experience death/deterioration on the waitlist (subhazard ratio .74, 95% CI .63–.88), while MVC and HVC patients experienced similar waitlist death/deterioration across eras. After adjustment, transplantation in Era 2 was associated with worse 1‐year mortality at MVC (hazard ratio, HR, 1.42 95% CI 1.02–1.96) and HVC (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.02–1.98) but not at LVC.

Conclusion

Early analysis shows that LVC may be benefitting under the new allocation scheme.
Visuospatial dysfunction is associated with posterior distribution of white matter damage in non‐demented cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Su Ya , Fu Jiayu , Zhang Yanrong , Xu Jiajie , Dong Qiang , Cheng Xin
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a well‐recognized contributor to cognitive decline in the elderly. The posterior cortical predilection of CAA pathology would cause visuospatial dysfunction, which is still underexplored. We aimed to investigate whether the visuospatial dysfunction in CAA is associated with the posterior distribution of small vessel disease (SVD) imaging markers.

Methods

We recruited 60 non‐demented CAA cases from a Chinese prospective cohort and 30 cases with non‐CAA SVD as controls. We used the Visual Object and Space Perception (VOSP) battery to evaluate visuospatial abilities, and multivariable regression models to assess their associations with SVD imaging markers.

Results

There was visuospatial dysfunction, especially visual object perception impairment, in CAA compared to controls (Z‐score of VOSP: −0.11 ± 0.66 vs. 0.22 ± 0.54, p = 0.023). The VOSP score in CAA was independently related to the fronto‐occipital gradient of white matter hyperintensity volumes (coefficient = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.003–0.05, p = 0.030) and mean fractional anisotropy values on diffusion tensor imaging (coefficient = 4.72, 95% CI = 0.97–8.48, p = 0.015), but not the severity of global SVD imaging markers or the gradient of lobar cerebral microbleeds with adjustments for age and global cognition score.

Conclusions

This finding suggests that the damage of posterior white matter rather than global disease severity may be a major contributor to visuospatial dysfunction in CAA.
Predictive factors of smell recovery in a clinical series of 288 coronavirus disease 2019 patients with olfactory dysfunction
Authors: Saussez Sven , Sharma Shilpee , Thiriard Anaïs , Olislagers Véronique , Vu Duc Inès , Le Bon Serge‐D. , Khalife Mohamad , Hans Stephane , De Riu Giacomo , Hopkins Claire , Lechien Jerome R. , Vaira Luigi A. , Marchant Arnaud
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

The aim was to evaluate potential predictive factors of smell recovery in a clinical series of 288 patients presenting olfactory dysfunction (OD) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Potential correlations were sought between epidemiological, clinical and immunological characteristics of patients and the persistence of OD at 60 days.

Methods

COVID‐19 positive patients presenting OD were prospectively recruited from three European hospitals. Baseline clinical and olfactory evaluations were performed within the first 2 weeks after OD onset and repeated at 30 and 60 days. In a subgroup of patients, anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antibodies were measured in serum, saliva and nasal secretions at 60 days.

Results

A total of 288 COVID‐19 patients with OD were included in the study. Two weeks after the onset of the loss of smell, 52.4% of patients had OD on psychophysical tests, including 113 cases (39.2%) of anosmia and 38 cases (13.2%) of hyposmia. At 60‐day follow‐up, 25.4% of the patients presented persistent OD. There was no significant correlation between sex, age, viral load on nasopharyngeal swab or COVID‐19 severity and poor olfactory outcome. In a subgroup of 63 patients, it was demonstrated that patients with poor olfactory outcomes at 60 days had lower levels of salivary and nasal immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG1, but similar levels of antibodies in the serum.

Conclusions

No clinical markers predicted the evolution of OD at 60 days. Patients with poor olfactory outcome at 60 days had lower saliva and nasal antibodies, suggesting a role for local immune responses in the persistence of COVID‐19 related OD.
Neonatal presentation of genetic epilepsies: Early differentiation from acute provoked seizures
Authors: Cornet Marie‐Coralie , Morabito Valeria , Lederer Damien , Glass Hannah C. , Ferrao Santos Susana , Numis Adam L. , Ferriero Donna M. , Sands Tristan T. , Cilio Maria Roberta
Published: June 2021

Objective

Although most seizures in neonates are due to acute brain injury, some represent the first sign of neonatal onset genetic epilepsies. Delay in recognition and lack of expert assessment of neonates with epilepsy may result in worse developmental outcomes. As in older children and adults, seizure semiology in neonates is an essential determinant in diagnosis. We aimed to establish whether seizure type at presentation in neonates can suggest a genetic etiology.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics of seizures in neonates admitted in two Level IV neonatal intensive care units, diagnosed with genetic epilepsy, for whom a video‐EEG recording at presentation was available for review, and compared them on a 1:2 ratio with neonates with seizures due to stroke or hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy.

Results

Twenty neonates with genetic epilepsy were identified and compared to 40 neonates with acute provoked seizures. Genetic epilepsies were associated with pathogenic variants in KCNQ2 (n = 12), KCNQ3 (n = 2), SCN2A (n = 2), KCNT1 (n = 1), PRRT2 (n = 1), and BRAT1 (n = 2). All neonates with genetic epilepsy had seizures with clinical correlates that were either tonic (18/20) or myoclonic (2/20). In contrast, 17 of 40 (42%) neonates with acute provoked seizures had electrographic only seizures, and the majority of the remainder had clonic seizures. Time to first seizure was longer in neonates with genetic epilepsies (median = 60 h of life) compared to neonates with acute provoked seizures (median = 15 h of life, p < .001). Sodium channel‐blocking antiseizure medications were effective in 13 of 14 (92%) neonates with tonic seizures who were trialed at onset or during the course of the epilepsy.

Significance

Seizure semiology is an easily accessible sign of genetic epilepsies in neonates. Early identification of the seizure type can prompt appropriate workup and treatment. Tonic seizures are associated with channelopathies and are often controlled by sodium channel‐blocking antiseizure medications.
Negative relationship between thermal tolerance and plasticity in tolerance emerges during experimental evolution in a widespread marine invertebrate
Authors: Sasaki Matthew C. , Dam Hans G.
Published: June 2021

Whether populations can adapt to predicted climate change conditions, and how rapidly, are critical questions for the management of natural systems. Experimental evolution has become an important tool to answer these questions. In order to provide useful, realistic insights into the adaptive response of populations to climate change, there needs to be careful consideration of how genetic differentiation and phenotypic plasticity interact to generate observed phenotypic changes. We exposed three populations of the widespread copepod Acartia tonsa (Crustacea) to chronic, sublethal temperature selection for 15 generations. We generated thermal survivorship curves at regular intervals both during and after this period of selection to track the evolution of thermal tolerance. Using reciprocal transplants between ambient and warming conditions, we also tracked changes in the strength of phenotypic plasticity in thermal tolerance. We observed significant increases in thermal tolerance in the Warming lineages, while plasticity in thermal tolerance was strongly reduced. We suggest these changes are driven by a negative relationship between thermal tolerance and plasticity in thermal tolerance. Our results indicate that adaptation to warming through an increase in thermal tolerance might not reduce vulnerability to climate change if the increase comes at the expense of tolerance plasticity. These results illustrate the importance of considering changes in both a trait of interest and the trait plasticity during experimental evolution.
Effects of a simulation‐based education programme on delirium care for critical care nurses: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ho Mu‐Hsing , Yu Lee‐Fen , Lin Pu‐Hung , Chang Hui‐Chen (Rita) , Traynor Victoria , Huang Wen‐Cheng , Montayre Jed , Chen Kee‐Hsin
Published: June 2021

Aims

To evaluate the effects of a simulation‐based education programme on critical care nurses’ knowledge, confidence, competence and clinical performance in providing delirium care.

Design

Single‐blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Registered nurses who work in intensive care units were recruited from a university‐affiliated acute major metropolitan teaching hospital. The intervention group received: (i) five online‐learning delirium care videos, (ii) one face‐to‐face delirium care education session and (iii) a simulation‐based education programme with a role‐play scenario‐based initiative and an objective structured clinical examination. The control group received only online videos which were the same as those provided to the intervention group. Delirium care knowledge, confidence, competence, and clinical performance as outcomes were collected at: baseline, immediately after intervention, and within 6 weeks post‐intervention to test whether there were any changes and if they were sustained over time. Data were collected between 2 October and 29 December 2020. The repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to examine for changes in delirium care knowledge, confidence, and competence within groups.

Results

Seventy‐two critical care nurses participated with 36 each allocated to the intervention group and control group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in outcome variables at 6 weeks post‐intervention. In the intervention group, significant within‐group changes were observed in terms of delirium care knowledge, confidence, and competence over time. By contrast, no significant changes were observed in outcome measures over time in the control group.

Conclusion

The simulation‐based education programme is an effective and feasible strategy to improve delirium care by enhancing the knowledge, confidence, competence and clinical performance of critical care nurses.

Impact

Our findings provide evidence regarding the development and implementation of a simulation‐based education programme in hospitals for health professional education in Taiwan.
Rebranding School Health: The Power of Education for Health Literacy
Authors: Vamos Sandra D. , McDermott Robert J.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The relationship between health and learning generally goes without question in developed countries, and has a philosophic, economic, and statutory basis. Historically, school health and school health education have evolved in response to addressing the public health needs of the times. Health literacy skills are more important now than ever. Living in an ongoing COVID‐19 global pandemic reminds us of the vital role of being in control of our health, wherein health literacy plays a “life or death” role in our daily lives.

METHODS

Considering the evolution of school health education, we examine the significance of health literacy in our society and schools in contemporary times.

RESULTS

We must take a critical look at a place for education for health literacy and why it should be an innovative path in adaptive, reimagined, and revitalized schools.

CONCLUSIONS

It is time to rebrand school health in general, and school health education specifically. Improved health literacy is an asset leading to greater opportunities for health and life‐long learning.
Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bandara Y. , Bayton W. A. , Williams T. L. , Scase T. , Bexfield N. H.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Canine hepatobiliary disease is common; however, data determining disease frequency and breed predispositions are lacking. The primary objective was to identify the frequency of different hepatobiliary disease in a United Kingdom population of dogs and consequently determine breeds at both an increased and decreased risk of hepatobiliary disease.

Materials and Methods

Anonymised histopathology reports from a commercial veterinary diagnostic laboratory, which were submitted between August 2013 and February 2018, were analysed. Data were retrospectively categorised into hepatobiliary diseases according to World Small Animal Veterinary Association Standards and the breed, age and genders recorded. Cases with incomplete data or no definitive diagnosis were excluded. Breed predisposition was calculated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals against a United Kingdom‐based control population of micro‐chipped dogs.

Results

Histopathology results from 4584 cases met inclusion criteria. The most frequent histological diagnoses were reactive hepatitis (n=770); chronic hepatitis (n=735) and reversible hepatocellular injury (n=589). A number of breeds were shown to be at an increased or decreased risk of individual liver diseases.

Clinical Significance

This is the first study to document the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases in a large cohort of dogs in the United Kingdom, as well as novel possible breed and age predispositions. Despite multivariable analysis not being performed to account for confounding factors, this information hopes to inform and support future investigations for hepatic disease in particular breeds and potential predispositions.
The importance of social zeitgeber in paediatric type 1 narcolepsy: What we can learn from the COVID‐19 restrictions adopted in Italy?
Authors: Filardi Marco , D'Anselmo Anita , Mazzoni Alice , Moresco Monica , Pizza Fabio , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

The lockdown due to the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19) has led to unparalleled changes in several aspects of human behaviour. During the lockdown, the general population delayed sleep timing and spent more time in bed; however, little is known on the effects of COVID‐19 restriction on children and adolescents suffering type 1 narcolepsy. In the last months of 2019, we performed follow‐up actigraphy in 18 type 1 narcolepsy children and adolescents under stable pharmacological treatment with sodium oxybate. We contacted these patients for a follow‐up actigraphy during the first Italian lockdown. Actigraphs and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale for children and adolescents (ESS‐CHAD) have been sent to participants’ homes. Differences in motor activity were analysed through functional linear modelling. During lockdown, type 1 narcolepsy children and adolescents went to bed and woke up later, slept more during the daytime and napped more frequently. No difference emerged in time in bed, estimated total sleep time and nocturnal sleep quality. Similarly, no difference emerged in ESS‐CHAD and body mass index. The time‐series analysis of motor activity documented reduced activity during the early morning and in the evening during the lockdown period compared with pre‐lockdown. Our study objectively showed that type 1 narcolepsy children and adolescents delayed the sleep phase and slept more during the daytime during the lockdown. The analysis of type 1 narcolepsy children and adolescents’ behaviour during the lockdown has provided new information that could pave the way to a personalized school programme.
Natural history of NASH
Authors: Armandi Angelo , Bugianesi Elisabetta
Published: June 2021

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fastest growing cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Although only a small proportion of NAFLD patients will progress to end‐stage liver disease and death, the clinical burden of NAFLD is substantial due the sheer number of individuals affected worldwide. In fact, recent estimates suggest that 25% of the world have NAFLD, which is now one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and indications for liver transplantation. Although liver‐related mortality is common, the most common cause of death in patients with NAFLD is related to cardiovascular diseases, followed by extra‐hepatic cancers. There is a significant interindividual variability in the susceptibility to liver disease. The severity of metabolic alterations is the main risk factor for progressive NAFLD, but the qualitative components of diet, physical activity and genetic factors also play an important role. In particular, common variants in patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), membrane bound O‐acyl transferase 7 (MBOAT7) and glucokinase regulator (GCKR) have been shown to contribute to the full spectrum of NAFLD. In those at risk of a potentially progressive form of NAFLD or non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis or in those with hepatic fibrosis, additional assessment must be made.
ANALISIS SESAR-SESAR MAJOR SEMENANJUNG MALAYSIA DENGAN TEKNIK GRAVITI DEKONVOLUSI EULER 3D
Authors: Bahrudin Nurul Fairuz Diyana , Hamzah Umar , Wan Yaacob Wan Zuhairi
Published: June 2021

The application of biotechnology in upland rice improvement programs depends on the availability of efficient regeneration protocols.  Although protocols for shoot regeneration of upland rice are available, none has been reported for pigmented cultivars.  This study reports on a protocol for callus induction and regeneration of Tadong, a pigmented upland rice cultivar from Sabah.  For callus induction, immature embryos were cultured on media containing 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) at various concentrations (0 – 2.5 mg/L) and on different types of media (MS; MSB5; N6B5; N6).  To induce shoot regeneration, callus explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with combinations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) at various concentrations (0 – 3.0 mg/L) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 1.0 mg/L.  To induce shoot development, callus explants were pre-treated with Thidiazuron (TDZ) at various concentrations (0-1.0 mg/l) and exposed to different desiccation periods (0 – 72 hours).  2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic at 2.5 mg/L and N6B5 medium resulted in the highest percentages of explant forming callus which were 60.3 ± 17.0 % and 58.7 ± 9.8 % respectively.   The regeneration media failed to induce shoot on callus explants, instead, green spots were formed on the surface of the callus.  The green spots were stimulated to develop into shoots when the callus explants were pre-treated with 0.5 mg/L TDZ or exposed to partial desiccation for 24 h, the percentages of explant forming shoot were 35.7 ± 4.8 % and 47.7 ± 6.8 % respectively.   Shoots developed into complete plants on hormone-free MS medium and acclimatized.
NONLINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF TWO STOREY RC BUILDING MODEL
Authors: Haider Syed Muhammad Bilal , Nizamani Zafarullah , Yip Chun-Chieh , Wong Jing-Ying
Published: June 2021

Peninsular Malaysia lies in a low seismic zone, but its building structures had come across the concrete deterioration due to the seismic ground motion originated from far or near field. Notably, most of the building structures in this country are designed based on wind load only. Moreover, current practice to analyze or design a building such as FEMA 368 and EC8 underestimated the effect of repeated excitations. These guidelines only considered single vibrations to evaluate the framed structure. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of private educational institute reinforced concrete building with generic 3D two storey frame structure under multiple seismic motions. Structural model was examined under series of earthquake motions which include pre-shock, main shock and aftershock scenario. Total of 7 seismic ground motions were selected to quantify the structural frame model by nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. Pseudo-dynamic ground motions were recorded on shaking table ranging from 0.18 g to 0.82 g were applied onto the building model for assessment. The outcome of this study has identified that the low-rise building model survived at higher PGA values. Moderate damages (0.25 ≤ DI < 0.40) were recorded after passing through multiple ground motions. Moreover, low seismic vibrations with large ground movement had caused ground floor storey act as soft storey. The study concluded that low rise building model had higher tendency to absorb lower to higher ‘g’ values and resist the earthquake loading due to the strength of framed structure.