bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsible leadership and COVID-19: small Island making big waves in cruise tourism
Authors: Pounder Paul
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore responsible leadership and crisis management. Many sectors and economies have faced the stark effect of coronavirus; however, the damage done was felt more in some areas than others. Cruise tourism is one such sector dramatically affected, as it ground to a screeching halt in March 2020. This has led to crisis management, as passengers, cruise-line crew, large cruise companies and governments were now faced with a new reality as countries around the world closed their borders. This article aims at discussing in detail how responsible leadership, in the small island of Barbados, championed a response to support the cruise tourism sector and assist in managing the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a literature review on the current knowledge relating leadership and crisis management. Thus building a better understanding in the field and identifying gaps for making new arguments for best practices of leadership development in crisis management established in the cruise tourism sector. The author gave viewpoints based on the leadership style of the Prime Minister of Barbados.

Findings

Responsible leadership is a style that has been best observed as one that emphasizes a commitment to the common good and provides a constructive societal impact. With this approach, the leaders navigated the uncertainty surrounding the crisis and provided fresh hope to future plans. Thus, the coronavirus was perceived in a positive way, producing opportunities for progress and change.

Research limitations/implications

By developing an understanding of traditional leadership theories, it provides a framework for the adaptation of responsible leadership approach in crisis management. Moreover, the practice of responsible leadership in this COVID-19 era is shown to be crucial to crisis management and enhancing performance. Limitations on viewpoint are based on the author's philosophies.

Practical implications

This paper provides a better understanding of the principles surrounding leadership and fashions a framework for discussing responsible leadership from a crisis management standpoint. The viewpoint provides an optimistic difference in managing a crisis.

Social implications

The paper provides a better understanding of responsible leadership as an integrated approach to governance, ethics and social responsibility. The paper provides a basis to assess the intersection of the literature on leadership and crisis management.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature on responsible leadership within the context of crisis management.
Preparing for a crisis: examining the influence of fear and anxiety on consumption and compliance
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Bui My (Myla) , Porter, III McDowell
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This research aims to examine the unique emotional distress experienced during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It explores the role of fear and anxiety, what fueled it and how fear and anxiety impacted consumption and behaviors of conformity and compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory assessment of the emotions and behaviors of individuals during the early part of the coronavirus outbreak (early March 2020) was conducted by sending a questionnaire to a national panel (n = 42). The insight offered from these individuals, in conjunction with prior literature, provided the basis for the development of a conceptual model that was tested using survey methodology (n = 691).

Findings

Both exploratory and empirical research indicate that ruminative thoughts were positively related to feelings of fear and anxiety, whereas trust in leadership was negatively related to fear and anxiety. Feelings of fear and anxiety were also associated with purchasing in large quantities, in compliance with guidelines to slow the spread of the virus and the management of negative feelings through consumption.

Practical implications

Important insight for marketers and public policymakers in how fear and anxiety might be both tempered and mitigated during emergencies is offered.

Originality/value

This research provides new insight into what fuels fear and anxiety during a pandemic and investigates how fear and anxiety impacts consumption and behaviors of conformity and compliance.
Shopping well-being: the role of congruity and shoppers’ characteristics
Authors: El Hedhli Kamel , Becheur Imene , Zourrig Haithem , Chaouali Walid
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Although shopping well-being has become a focal construct in retail shopping studies, little is known about the key drivers of this construct. This study aims to further discern some of the key antecedents of shopping well-being by particularly focusing on the role of congruity. Furthermore, the study explores whether shoppers’ demographic characteristics moderate the effects of congruity on shopping well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a survey of actual shoppers in two urban Canadian shopping malls via a mall intercept. Structural equation modeling using SmartPLS was conducted to validate the study’s model.

Findings

Functional congruity has a stronger effect than self-congruity on shopping well-being. Shoppers’ demographic variables do not generally act as moderators in the investigated linkages.

Practical implications

This study can help mall managers formulate better marketing programs that would ultimately enhance shopping well-being.

Originality/value

The study advances the retailing literature by putting forward a conceptual model that remedies identified shortcomings related to functional and self-congruity and establishes new linkages between functional congruity, self-congruity and shopping well-being. Furthermore, the study explores whether shoppers’ demographic variables moderate the effects of functional and self-congruity on shopping well-being.
Challenges and enablers of women entrepreneurs’ career advancement in Vietnam’s coffee industry
Authors: Nguyen Giang NT , Hoang Thinh Gia , Nguyen Tam Minh , Ngo Thanh Thien
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the motivational factors and contextual facilitators of female entrepreneurs in Vietnam’s coffee industry and also the barriers facing them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the grounded theory approach, using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 31 women entrepreneurs in the coffee industry in the rural Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Findings

This study found that necessity-driven factors play an important role in motivating female entrepreneurs to advance their careers. However, these factors may be transformed into the opportunity-driven motives. Furthermore, the findings suggest that Asia’s collectivism culture and family support significantly affect the success of the women entrepreneurs, although gender inequality is not perceived as a serious constraint in entrepreneurial activities.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for the literature of women entrepreneurs regarding motivations and contextual influences in agricultural and rural areas of Vietnam. However, the sample size is relatively small which limits the concept generation of the study. For further research, a larger sample size with different business sectors should be considered to generate more explicit findings.

Practical implications

The findings from this study can assist the policymakers in developing strategies and governmental policies to support the career advancement of women entrepreneurs and improving gender equality in Vietnam.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature about understanding the motives and the roles of socioeconomic contexts in women’s entrepreneurial activities in agricultural and rural areas.
Workplace ostracism, paranoid employees and service performance: a multilevel investigation
Authors: Al-Atwi Amer Ali , Cai Yahua , Amankwah-Amoah Joseph
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the literature on victim precipitation theory, workplace ostracism (WO) and paranoia, this paper examines the mediating role of WO on the paranoia–service performance (SP) relationship. This paper further postulates that team cognitive diversity (TCD) moderates the paranoia–WO relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 228 nurses from a leading hospital located in an eastern province of China. Hypotheses developed from the literature were tested using multivariate hierarchical linear modeling (HLM).

Findings

WO had a negative effect on SP, while TCD had a positive effect on WO. Cognitive diversity moderated the paranoia–WO relationship, such that the positive relationship was stronger when group diversity was high.

Originality/value

This paper develops and tests a model exploring the antecedents of WO and its effect on SP.
Filling structural holes? Guanxi-based facilitation of knowledge sharing within a destination network
Authors: Liu Jiayuan , Yan Jianzhou
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study examines the relationships between structural holes, guanxi and knowledge sharing among groups of stakeholders within a Chinese destination network.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted surveys, social network analysis and semi-structured interviews to gather data from the stakeholders of a popular Chinese tourist destination to test its hypotheses.

Findings

Knowledge sharing within the destination network was impeded by structural holes but facilitated by guanxi. Furthermore, the impeding effect of structural holes on knowledge sharing is alleviated by guanxi.

Originality/value

This study illustrates the ways that stakeholders exploit structural holes and guanxi to promote knowledge sharing, and thus offers novel insights into how destination network structures affect the efficacy of stakeholders when it comes to sharing knowledge and promoting their destination.
Knowledge mobilisation in sub-Saharan Africa: an impact evaluation of CPDL in improving primary school children’s performance
Authors: Mason Miriam , Galloway David
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) with schools in Sierra Leone prioritises admission of the most disadvantaged children but nevertheless achieves high educational and social standards. These schools were asked to provide continuing professional development and learning (CPDL) for other schools. This paper aims to report the design, development and delivery of CPDL which aimed to mobilise effective practices more widely. It also reports the design and results of an impact evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

It was recognised that CPDL delivered by foreigners would be (1) unaffordable in this impoverished West African country and (2) culturally inappropriate. It was therefore delivered by local teachers from the NGO's own schools. Most had obtained no formal teaching qualification. They were trained to collect data using a quasi-experimental design for an impact evaluation of children's attendance and literacy. A total of five schools participated in the CPDL, with ten control schools.

Findings

A largely unqualified team succeeded in mobilising knowledge in the experimental schools. Children's attendance in experimental schools improved over that in control schools. Performance in literacy also improved significantly and was maintained at follow-up.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of the impact evaluation are seen as indicative rather than causal because a quasi-experimental study was conducted rather than a randomised controlled trial.

Originality/value

This lies in (1) teachers in schools with a severely disadvantaged intake providing a structured programme of CPDL for teachers in other schools; (2) school improvement through knowledge mobilisation in CPDL; (3) an impact evaluation with a quasi-experimental design showing improvement in children's performance.
Investigating the logistics costs model: recent update in Indonesia
Authors: Subiyanto Effnu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to shed light on defining precisely variables of logistics costs model in Indonesia’s cement projects and generally other projects scientifically. The variables have previously so far been identified based on pragmatism and practical experience without rigorous scientific and empirical findings. The models are deeply awaited by every project practitioner, especially project controllers, in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the period 2010–2018 of eight cement projects were taken in quarterly and tested with a statistical tool EVIEWS10 to develop a robust proposed model. Investigating models were done by literature studies and empirical studies, and the results had been examined by statistical tests to be determined as robust or not-robust models. The certain period taken due to the availability data of the cement projects in which after 2018 was unavailable because the cement product is overcapacity in Indonesia.

Findings

The model proposed is resulted by synthesizing logistics literature and empirical from the cement projects in which the model consists of foreign logistics costs, domestic manufacture, and domestic logistics costs as the best findings to develop logistics model for the cement projects with a-10 independent variable. It significantly found the variable of foreign logistics costs have taken higher portions in the model, and therefore must be prior carefully anticipated.

Practical implications

To guide investors to alert with several important variables of logistics in Indonesia. As education that to invest in Indonesia, the best logistics model must prior be known to anticipate further uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study is advanced applied research of logistics models developed by author for future possibility implementation in the sector beyond cement projects.
Motives in creating an LGBTQ inclusive work environment: a case study
Authors: Opall Brent S.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this inquiry is to examine why companies create LGBTQ-inclusive work environments and how these firms advance LGBTQ-inclusiveness through CSR practices and address challenges presented by strategic duality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative multiple case study design, data was collected and then triangulated from interviews and company documents. NVivo, a qualitative research program, was used to organize, sort, query and model the data.

Findings

Several themes were identified as reasons why Fortune 500 organizations sought to create LGBTQ-inclusive work environments. Themes include a positive return on investment, advancing human rights issues within the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR), internal organizational pressure and parity with other Minnesota companies. Findings are examined through the theoretical lens of strategic duality.

Research limitations/implications

Primary theoretical implications include contributions to our understanding of strategic duality by providing a first-hand account from people in organizations that encountered imperatives that to some degree are in conflict. By design, the multiple case study methodology does not allow generalizations to be drawn beyond the organizations included in this study.

Practical implications

Both managers and researchers will find this study provides valuable insight on how people and organizations experience and navigate strategic duality (pairs of competing imperatives) within the context of the motivation behind creating an LGBTQ-inclusive work environment.

Originality/value

This inquiry provides a unique and valuable account as to why organizations choose to invest resources in creating a LGBTQ-inclusive work environment, the return on investment (ROI) and examines competing imperatives (strategic dualities) faced by management. Similar multiple case studies of this qualitative nature are rare, possibly even non-existent and, therefore, this study makes a significant contribution to the literature.
Antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolated from arthropods in Gifu City, Japan
Authors: Odoi Justice O. , Yamamoto Miku , Sugiyama Michiyo , Asai Tetsuo
Published: February 2021

The wide occurrence of antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria in various environments is of great concern. Here, we examined the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from 88 wild arthropods, collected in Gifu city, Japan. In total, 168 isolates of Enterobacteriaceae were obtained from 61 arthropods. All isolates were susceptible to all the antimicrobial agents tested, except colistin (31 isolates) and kanamycin (one isolate). The aph(3′)‐Ia gene, responsible for kanamycin resistance, was detected in Klebsiella oxytoca. Although synanthropic arthropods (houseflies and cockroaches) serve as vectors for AMR Enterobacteriaceae, other wild arthropods are not crucial carriers of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to antimicrobial agents.
Think piece on parents, ‘off rolling’ and wavelength methodology: issues for SENCos
Authors: Done Elizabeth J. , Knowler Helen , Warnes Eleanor , Pickett‐Jones Beverley
Published: February 2021

This think piece argues for a novel qualitative methodology that permits social justice researchers, including National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination students, to highlight the profound affects of exclusionary school practices for parents of children with SEN and/or disabilities (SEND). Such children are proportionately effected by these practices. The piece was prompted by multi‐strand research into ‘off rolling’ (illegal exclusionary practices), in which 53 parents described the process through which their child was removed from roll and their relationship with the school’s SEN coordinator (SENCo). A preview of the latter is given, which suggests that SENCos’ capacity to influence senior leader decision making around exclusion can be limited. A ‘wavelength methodology’ permits the highlighting of moral injury and provokes difficult questions around school policy, discriminatory practices and SENCo efficacy in minimising exclusion of students with SEND.
Activity and bioavailability of food protein‐derived angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme–inhibitory peptides
Authors: Xue Lu , Yin Rongxin , Howell Kate , Zhang Pangzhen
Published: February 2021

Angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides are able to inhibit the activity of ACE, which is the key enzymatic factor mediating systemic hypertension. ACE‐inhibitory peptides can be obtained from edible proteins and have the function of antihypertension. The amino acid sequences and the secondary structures of ACE‐inhibitory peptides determine the inhibitory activities and stability. The resistance of ACE‐inhibitory peptides to digestive enzymes and peptidase affect their antihypertensive bioactivity in vivo. In this paper, the mechanism of ACE‐inhibition, sources of the inhibitory peptides, structure–activity relationships, stability during digestion, absorption and transportation of ACE‐inhibitory peptides, and consumption of ACE‐inhibitory peptides are reviewed, which provide guidance to the development of new functional foods and production of antihypertensive nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
Characterizing the chemical and sensory profiles of traditional American meads
Authors: Senn Kaylie , Cantu Annegret , Heymann Hildegarde
Published: February 2021

The compositional and sensorial profiles of traditional American meads were determined using standard enological, volatile, and descriptive analyses. Forty‐one commercial meads produced by 35 meaderies across 20 states were selected to encompass a broad product range. The meads were analyzed for ethanol content, residual sugar, pH, titratable acidity, acetic acid, and free and total sulfur dioxide. Forty‐three volatile compounds (alcohols, esters, acids, terpenes, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) were tentatively identified using a nontargeted HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS method. Ethyl octanoate, phenylethyl alcohol, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl acetate were the most relatively abundant volatile compounds across the sample set. A trained panel (n = 11) evaluated each mead using descriptive analysis and the chemical and sensory analyses were compared. Acidity, sweetness, and cloying and viscous mouthfeel sensations, and alcoholic heat were the most influential sensory attributes and were driven by titratable acidity, residual sugar, and ethanol content, respectively. Ethyl octanoate and ethyl decanoate were correlated with manure aroma, phenylethyl alcohol with yeast and green aromas, and ethyl acetate with citrus, solvent, and green olive aromas. This research further elucidates the empirical relationship between the chemical composition and sensory profiles of commercial meads.

Practical Application

This work provides the mead industry with further understanding of the compositional drivers of the sensory profiles of commercial meads and demonstrates product categories (dry, semi‐sweet, sweet) do not necessarily indicate compositional or sensory attributes.
Refraction and its development in young adults born prematurely and screened for retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Pétursdóttir Dýrleif , Holmström Gerd , Larsson Eva
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate refraction and its development in young adults born prematurely, screened for retinopathy of prematurity, and to compare with individuals of the same age born at term.

Materials and methods

The participants were 59 preterms, with a birthweight of ≤ 1500 g, and 43 term‐born controls, all born during 1988–1990. The refraction was measured in cycloplegia, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth and corneal radius (CR) were measured, and the AL/CR ratio was calculated.

Results

The mean SE was −0.5 dioptres (D) (SD 2.5) in right eyes (REs) and −0.4 D (SD 2.3) in left eyes (LEs) of preterms, and −0.2 D (SD 1.5) in REs and −0.2 D (SD 1.5) in LEs of controls. The distribution of refraction was wider in the preterm group compared to the control group. In the preterm group, 12% had a SE ≥ 1.5 D, but none of the controls. Ten preterms, but none of the controls, had anisometropia ≥ 1.0 D. The prevalence of astigmatism ≥ 1.0 D was higher in preterms than controls. The SE decreased around 1 D in both preterms and controls from 10 to 25 years of age. The AL and CR were shorter in the preterms; however, the AL/CR ratio was similar in both groups. Within the preterm group, cryotherapy was correlated with astigmatism, but not with SE and anisometropia at this age.

Conclusion

Prematurely born individuals had higher prevalence of refractive errors in young adulthood compared to term‐born controls.
Information‐incorporated Gaussian graphical model for gene expression data
Authors: Yi Huangdi , Zhang Qingzhao , Lin Cunjie , Ma Shuangge
Published: February 2021

In the analysis of gene expression data, network approaches take a system perspective and have played an irreplaceably important role. Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) have been popular in the network analysis of gene expression data. They investigate the conditional dependence between genes and “transform” the problem of estimating network structures into a sparse estimation of precision matrices. When there is a moderate to large number of genes, the number of parameters to be estimated may overwhelm the limited sample size, leading to unreliable estimation and selection. In this article, we propose incorporating information from previous studies (for example, those deposited at PubMed) to assist estimating the network structure in the present data. It is recognized that such information can be partial, biased, or even wrong. A penalization‐based estimation approach is developed, shown to have consistency properties, and realized using an effective computational algorithm. Simulation demonstrates its competitive performance under various information accuracy scenarios. The analysis of TCGA lung cancer prognostic genes leads to network structures different from the alternatives.
Pursuing sources of heterogeneity in modeling clustered population
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Chun , Zhao Yize , Yao Weixin , Aseltine Robert H. , Chen Kun
Published: February 2021

Researchers often have to deal with heterogeneous population with mixed regression relationships, increasingly so in the era of data explosion. In such problems, when there are many candidate predictors, it is not only of interest to identify the predictors that are associated with the outcome, but also to distinguish the truesources of heterogeneity, that is, to identify the predictors that have different effects among the clusters and thus are the true contributors to the formation of the clusters. We clarify the concepts of the source of heterogeneity that account for potential scale differences of the clusters and propose aregularized finite mixture effects regressionto achieve heterogeneity pursuit and feature selection simultaneously. We develop an efficient algorithm and show that our approach can achieve both estimation and selection consistency. Simulation studies further demonstrate the effectiveness of our method under various practical scenarios. Three applications are presented, namely, an imaging genetics study for linking genetic factors and brain neuroimaging traits in Alzheimer's disease, a public health study for exploring the association between suicide risk among adolescents and their school district characteristics, and a sport analytics study for understanding how the salary levels of baseball players are associated with their performance and contractual status.
Emerging role of cysteinyl LTs in cancer
Authors: Saier Lou , Peyruchaud Olivier
Published: February 2021

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are inflammatory lipid mediators that play a central role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory diseases. Recently, there has been an increased interest in determining how these lipid mediators orchestrate tumour development and metastasis through promoting a pro‐tumour micro‐environment. Up‐regulation of CysLTs receptors and CysLTs production is found in a number of cancers and has been associated with increased tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of CysLTs and their receptors in cancer progression will help investigate the potential of targeting CysLTs signalling for anti‐cancer therapy. This review gives an overview of the biological effects of CysLTs and their receptors, along with current knowledge of their regulation and expression. It also provides a recent update on the molecular mechanisms that have been postulated to explain their role in tumorigenesis and on the potential of anti‐CysLTs in the treatment of cancer.
Mobile health technology to improve emergent frailty after lung transplantation
Authors: Diamond Joshua M. , Courtwright Andrew M. , Balar Priya , Oyster Michelle , Zaleski Derek , Adler Joe , Brown Melanie , Hays Steven R. , Sutter Nicole , Garvey Chris , Kukreja Jasleen , Gao Ying , Bruun Allan , Smith Patrick J. , Singer Jonathan P.
Published: February 2021

We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a mHealth‐supported physical rehabilitation intervention to treat frailty in a pilot study of 18 lung transplant recipients. Frail recipients were defined by a short physical performance battery (SPPB score ≤7). The primary intervention modality was Aidcube, a customizable rehabilitation mHealth platform. Our primary aims included tolerability, feasibility, and acceptability of use of the platform, and secondary outcomes were changes in SPPB and in scores of physical activity, and disability measured using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and Lung Transplant‐Value Life Activities (LT‐VLA). Notably, no adverse events were reported. Subjects reported the app was easy to use, usability improved over time, and the app enhanced motivation to engage in rehabilitation. Comments highlighted the complexities of immediate post‐transplant rehabilitation, including functional decline, pain, tremor, and fatigue. At the end of the intervention, SPPB scores improved a median of 5 points from a baseline of 4. Physical activity and patient‐reported disability also improved. The DASI improved from 4.5 to 19.8 and LT‐VLA score improved from 2 to 0.59 at closeout. Overall, utilization of a mHealth rehabilitation platform was safe and well received. Remote rehabilitation was associated with improvements in frailty, physical activity and disability. Future studies should evaluate mHealth treatment modalities in larger‐scale randomized trials of lung transplant recipients.
Starting small: exploring the origins of successor function knowledge
Authors: Schneider Rose M. , Pankonin Ashlie , Schachner Adena , Barner David
Published: February 2021

Although most U. S. children can accurately count sets by 4 years of age, many fail to understand the structural analogy between counting and number — that adding 1 to a set corresponds to counting up 1 word in the count list. While children are theorized to establish this Structure Mapping coincident with learning how counting is used to generate sets, they initially have an item‐based understanding of this relationship, and can infer that, e.g, adding 1 to “five” is “six”, while failing to infer that, e.g., adding 1 to “twenty‐five” is “twenty‐six” despite being able to recite these numbers when counting aloud. The item‐specific nature of children's successes in reasoning about the relationship between changes in cardinality and the count list raises the possibility that such a Structure Mapping emerges later in development, and that this ability does not initially depend on learning to count. We test this hypothesis in two experiments and find evidence that children can perform item‐based addition operations before they become competent counters. Even after children learn to count, we find that their ability to perform addition operations remains item‐based and restricted to very small numbers, rather than drawing on generalized knowledge of how the count list represents number. We discuss how these early item‐based associations between number words and sets might play a role in constructing a generalized Structure Mapping between counting and quantity.
Analysis of ascending aortic diameter and long‐term prognosis in patients with ascending aortic dissection
Authors: Wu Yuduo , Gong Ming , Fan Ruixin , Gu Tianxiang , Qian Ximing , Zhang Hongjia
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study was designed to review the ascending aortic diameter of patients undergoing surgery for AAD in China and its influence on prognosis.

Methods

In the period between January 2018 and January 2020, 265 patients eligible for analysis of ascending aorta were included in this study. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was assessed using preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan for patients.

Results

The mean diameter of the ascending aorta of the reference population was 48.16 ± 9.37 mm, and the percentage of subjects with an aorta <55 mm was 80.38%. In this study, we found that BMI, hypertension, and bicuspid aortic valve are the main factors affecting the widening of the ascending aorta, and the diameter of the ascending aorta in patients with AAD is negatively correlated with the patient's long‐term prognosis. However, there is no significant difference in survival rates among patients with different ascending aortic diameter.

Conclusions

Ascending aortas with smaller diameter are also prone to dissection, most of which occur at a lower surgical threshold than recommended by current guidelines. Therefore, the diameter of ascending aorta cannot be used as an independent risk factor for high‐risk patients with aortic dissection, but it can be used as an important indicator to evaluate the long‐term prognosis of patients.
CDK 4/6 inhibitors are associated with a high incidence of thrombotic events in women with breast cancer in real‐world practice
Authors: West Malinda T. , Smith Claire E. , Kaempf Andy , Kohs Tia C. L. , Amirsoltani Ramin , Ribkoff Jessica , Choung Josh Lee , Palumbo Alison , Mitri Zahi , Shatzel Joseph J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are integral treatment for advanced hormone receptor positive breast cancer; however, venous thromboembolic events (VTE) occurred in 1%‐5% of clinical trial patients. Thrombosis rates in the real‐world setting remain unclear. We aimed to define the rate of thromboembolic events, risk factors for thrombosis on CDK 4/6 inhibitors and evaluate the Khorana VTE risk score as a predictive tool for VTE in patients on CDK 4/6 therapy.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective analysis of adult breast cancer patients prescribed palbociclib, ribociclib, or abemaciclib. The primary endpoint was thrombosis during treatment or within 30 days of CDK inhibitor discontinuation. Cox regression was used to model time‐to‐thrombosis, starting from a patient's initiation of CDK 4/6 therapy. The extended Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox modeling were used to assess the effect of time‐varying thrombosis status on overall survival.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐six patients were included (89% on palbociclib, 14% on abemaciclib, 7% on ribociclib). Twenty‐nine thrombotic events occurred in 26 (9.8%) women. Of these events, 72% were venous and 34% were arterial. The 1‐year incidence of thrombosis was 10.4% overall, 10.9% on palbociclib, 8.3% on ribociclib, and 4.8% on abemaciclib. Hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL was a statistically significant predictor of thrombosis (HR 3.53, P: .014). Khorana score ranged from 0‐3, with the majority between 0 and 1 and was not predictive of VTE. Thrombosis was associated with reduced overall survival (HR 1.28, P: .128, median 7.3 months) compared to not having a CDK‐associated clot (median 35.7 months).

Discussion

VTE in our analysis is higher than reported in clinical trials and arterial thrombosis comprised over one‐third of events. The highest incidence was with palbociclib, followed by ribociclib. Khorana score did not predict VTE risk. Larger, real‐world studies are needed. The role for prophylactic anticoagulation is yet to be defined in this patient population.
The role of prostaglandins in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Chovarda Eleni , Sotiriou Eleni , Lazaridou Elizabeth , Vakirlis Efstratios , Ioannides Demetrios
Published: February 2021

Background

Though androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is one of the most common diseases affecting both sexes and all races, its pathogenesis is not completely clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the four major prostaglandins (PGs) (PGE2, PGD2, PGF2α, and PI2 or prostacyclin) in the pathogenesis of AGA in males and females.

Methods

Human scalp biopsies were obtained from 30 adults (17 males and 13 females) suffering from AGA and from 30 healthy adults (18 males and 12 females). In each subject, two skin biopsies were performed, one from the frontal bald area and another one from the occipital area with normal hair growth. In the healthy group, biopsies were taken from both areas too. In each sample, all four PGs were measured.

Results

In the patient group, PGD2 and prostacyclin or PGI2 levels were increased in bald compared to haired scalp. On the contrary, measurements of PGE2 and PGF2α showed that they were diminished in bald areas compared to haired areas. PG levels in healthy samples were comparable to the haired areas.

Conclusion

These results support that there is a fine balance between these four proteins in scalp hair follicles, and its maintenance may be crucial for hair growth. Furthermore, their receptors could be potential targets for treatment of AGA.
Patterns of azithromycin use in obstructive airway diseases: a real‐world observational study
Authors: Thomas Dennis , McDonald Vanessa M. , Simpson Jodie L. , Smith Amber , Gupta Sachin , Majellano Eleanor , Gibson Peter G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Low‐dose long‐term azithromycin is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for obstructive airway diseases (OAD); however, an optimal therapeutic regimen is not yet established.

Aim

To understand the patterns of azithromycin use in OAD, characterise the patients who received it and evaluate its safety and efficacy using real‐world data.

Methods

We audited 91 patients who had received azithromycin for at least 4 weeks for the management of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

Results

The mean age was 65 ± 18 years, 60% were female and 48% were ex‐smokers. The majority had asthma (75%), either alone (50%) or in combination with COPD (12%) or bronchiectasis (13%). Most (64%) reported cough or sputum at baseline. The most common treatment regimen was azithromycin 250 mg daily (73%) for more than 1 year (57%), with only seven adverse events. There was a significant reduction in the proportions of patients requiring emergency department visits (48% vs 32%; P < 0.001) and hospital admissions (35% vs 31%; P < 0.001) after starting azithromycin. In 88% of cases, physicians favoured the use of azithromycin.

Conclusion

Physicians are currently using low‐dose azithromycin for a long duration of more than 1 year for the management of OAD. The typical case definition is an older non‐smoking adult with persistent asthma, often in combination with another OAD and presenting with bothersome cough or sputum. Azithromycin was well tolerated and led to reduced healthcare utilisation. Further research is required to establish an optimal dosage regimen of azithromycin in OAD.
Beyond platitudes: a qualitative study of Australian Aboriginal people's perspectives on biobanking
Authors: Hermes Azure , Wiersma Miriam , Kerridge Ian , Easteal Simon , Light Edwina , Dive Lisa , Lipworth Wendy
Published: February 2021

Background

Biobanks are vital resources for genetics and genomics, and it is broadly recognised that for maximal benefit it is essential that they include samples and data from diverse ancestral groups. The inclusion of First Nations people, in particular, is important to prevent biobanking research from exacerbating existing health inequities, and to ensure that these communities share in the benefits arising from research.

Aims

To explore the perspectives of Australian Aboriginal people whose tissue – or that of their family members – has been stored in the biobank of the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG).

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 42 Aboriginal people from the Titjikala, Galiwinku, Tiwi Islands, Yarrabah, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, One Arm Point and Mulan communities, as well as a formal discussion with A. Hermes, an Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator at the NCIG who had conducted the interviews. The interviews and the structured discussion were double coded using a procedure informed by Charmaz's outline of grounded theory analysis and Morse's outline of the cognitive basis of qualitative research.

Results

In this article, we report on A. Hermes' interviews with members from the above Aboriginal communities, as well as on her personal views, experiences, and interpretations of the interviews she conducted with other community members. We found that participation in the NCIG biobank raised issues around broken trust, grief and loss, but also – somewhat unexpectedly – was perceived as a source of empowerment, hope and reconnection.

Conclusions

This research reminds us (again) of the need to engage deeply with communities in order to respond appropriately with respect for their cultural values and norms, and to develop culturally relevant policies and processes that enhance the benefits of biobank participation and minimise potential harms.
The challenge of biological control of Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Col. Curculionidae): A review
Authors: Tresson Paul , Tixier Philippe , Puech William , Carval Dominique
Published: February 2021

The banana weevil (also known as banana root borer) Cosmopolites sordidus Germar (Coleoptera Curculionidae) is the major pest of banana and plantain. Because banana ranks 2nd in fruit production worldwide, this pest has substantial social and economic importance. The biological control of the C. sordidus remains challenging because of its behaviour and resistance to parasitism and predation. The last review concerning the biological control of C. sordidus was published two decades ago, and relevant knowledge and methods have developed in the interim. The present paper provides an update of that knowledge and summarizes past and current challenges as well as providing perspectives on achieving sustainable control of C. sordidus. We first discuss studies on the classical biological control of C. sordidus, underlining the limits of classical biological control methods such as the importation of predators, parasitoids or pathogens. Next, we consider conservation biological control of C. sordidus, with a focus on ants. We also highlight an ‘arthropod bias’ that has led to a lack of information on the role of vertebrates in the regulation of C. sordidus.
Quercetin relaxes human gastric smooth muscles directly through ATP‐sensitive potassium channels and not depending on the nitric oxide pathway
Authors: Modzelewska Beata , Drygalski Krzysztof , Kleszczewski Tomasz , Chomentowski Andrzej , Koryciński Krzysztof , Kiełczewska Aleksandra , Pawłuszewicz Patrycja , Razak Hady Hady
Published: February 2021

Background

Quercetin has recently become a remarkably popular subject of research due to its broad beneficial pharmacological properties. The goal of our study was to observe its effects on contractility of human gastric smooth muscles in reference to the NO pathway and direct influence of potassium channels.

Methods

Tissues were obtained from patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy due to morbid obesity (n = 10 aged 24–56; BMI 47.16 ± 1.84). The following parameters were evaluated in the recordings: area under the curve (AUC), average baseline muscle tone, and relative change in muscle contraction.

Key Results

Quercetin induced noticeable, dose‐dependent relaxation of the carbachol treated gastric strips. The substantial effect was noted at concentrations higher than 10−7 mol/L and maximal at 10−4 mol/L (81.82 ± 3.32%; n = 10; p < 0.0001) of the control. Neither NOS blockers nor guanylyl cyclase blockers had inhibitory effects on the relaxation of strips induced by examined polyphenol. Glibenclamide inhibited the relaxing effect of quercetin, significant at concentrations higher than 5⋅10−5 mol/L. Preincubation with charybdotoxin or apamin extended the relaxing effect of quercetin (from 10−6 mol/L). Tamoxifen, in turn, significantly increased muscle relaxation at all quercetin concentrations.

Conclusions & Inferences

In conclusion, the current study was the first to show that quercetin‐induced relaxation of human gastric smooth muscle occurs directly through K+ATP channels and independently to NO pathways. The present results suggest that quercetin is a potential nutraceutical in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal dyspepsia and other minor gastric muscle motility disturbance.
Plant low‐K responses are partly due to Ca prevalence and the low‐K biomarker putrescine does not protect from Ca side effects but acts as a metabolic regulator
Authors: Cui Jing , Davanture Marlene , Lamade Emmanuelle , Zivy Michel , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: February 2021

Potassium (K) deficiency is a rather common situation that impacts negatively on biomass, photosynthesis and N assimilation, making K fertilization often unavoidable. Effects of K deficiency have been investigated for several decades and recently progress has been made in identifying metabolomics signatures thereby offering potential to monitor the K status of crops in the field. However, effects of low K conditions could also be due to the antagonism with other nutrients like calcium (Ca) and the well‐known biomarker of K deficiency, putrescine, could be a response to Ca/K imbalance rather than K deficiency per se. To sort this out, we carried out experiments in sunflower grown at either low or high K, at high or low Ca, with or without putrescine added to the nutrient solution. Using metabolomics and proteomics analysis, we show that a significant part of the low K response, such as lower photosynthesis and N assimilation, is due to calcium and can be suppressed by low Ca conditions. Putrescine addition tends to restore photosynthesis and N assimilation but unlike low Ca does not suppress but aggravates the impact of low K conditions on catabolism, including the typical fall‐over in pyruvate kinase. We conclude that (a) the effects of K deficiency on key metabolic processes can be partly alleviated by the use of low Ca and not only by K fertilization and (b) in addition to its role as a metabolite, putrescine participates in acclimation to low K via the regulation of the content in enzymes involved in carbon primary metabolism.
Technological exaptation and crisis management: Evidence from COVID‐19 outbreaks
Authors: Ardito Lorenzo , Coccia Mario , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: February 2021

One of the key issues in the field of technology analysis and innovation management is how new technologies origin and evolve in the presence of environmental threats. We confront this problem focusing on emerging innovative solutions to cope with unexpected and harmful problems posed by crises and needing a rapid, effective response. We specifically analyze the patterns of critical innovations to cope with new coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) that is generating public health and economic issues worldwide. Accordingly, in the context of the theory of technological exaptation, we adopted a narrative approach examining vital innovations that ended up treating COVID‐19 even though they were originated to treat other diseases (more or less distant from the COVID‐19 domain), as the antiviral drug Remdesivir and the antirheumatoid arthritis drug Tocilizumab. Results reveal that technological exaptation, especially if characterized by a longer exaptive distance, is a potential driving force of innovation to cope with COVID‐19 in the short‐term and other similar issues. On this basis, we provide propositions for a more general crisis model of innovation. This study adds a new perspective that may be helpful to explain the evolution of innovation in the presence of crises, considering technological exaptation in a context of environmental threats.
The Evolution of Inequality of Opportunity in Germany: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Brunori Paolo , Neidhöfer Guido
Published: February 2021

We show that measures of inequality of opportunity (IOP) fully consistent with the IOP theory of Roemer (1998) can be straightforwardly estimated by adopting a machine learning approach, and apply our method to analyze the development of IOP in Germany during the past three decades. Hereby, we take advantage of information contained in 25 waves of the Socio‐Economic Panel. Our analysis shows that in Germany IOP declined immediately after reunification, increased in the first decade of the century, and slightly declined again after 2010. Over the entire period, at the top of the distribution we always find individuals who resided in West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, whose fathers had a high occupational position, and whose mothers had a high educational degree. East German residents in 1989, with low‐educated parents, persistently qualify at the bottom.