bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving strategic flexibility in the era of big data
Authors: Rialti Riccardo , Marzi Giacomo , Caputo Andrea , Mayah Kayode Abraham
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This research unpacks the micro-mechanisms that exist between an organisation's ability to conduct big data analytics (BDA) and its achievement of strategic flexibility. Knowledge management capabilities and organisational ambidexterity have long been considered factors influencing the aforementioned relationship. In order to assess this, the authors build on dynamic capabilities as the main theoretical lens through which to examine.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling (SEM) is the main methodological approach used in this research. A structural model was developed and tested based on 215 survey responses collected from managers of organisations in continental Europe.

Findings

The results indicate that BDA capabilities are a significant antecedent of an organisation's strategic flexibility. This relationship, however, is influenced by knowledge management capabilities and ambidexterity.

Practical implications

Managers wishing to properly exploit the potential of big data should invest in the elaboration of knowledge management processes across their organisation. This strategy can foster strategic flexibility.

Originality/value

Previous research has explored the theoretical links between big data, knowledge management and strategic flexibility. However, little attention has been paid to the quantitative investigation of the phenomenon.
CEO characteristics and sustainability business model in financial technologies firms
Authors: Sannino Giuseppe , Di Carlo Ferdinando , Lucchese Manuela
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and discover the demographic characteristics of corporate leaders (CEOs) in Fintech sector firms representing the implementation of the sustainable business model. Particularly, the purpose is to identify a benchmark profile of CEOs and to understand which are the main features (e.g. age, tenure, education specification, education level, gender, nationality, years of entrepreneurship, years in financial functions, years in IT functions), giving more opportunity to develop and maintain sustainable business models using innovative platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions are answered through a quali-quantitative methodology using descriptive and statistical approaches. The researchers collected a sample of 100 Fintech firms from the main Fintech firms in 2018 identified by the annual KPMG Report (2019). Thus, the research observed and tested the average level of the major CEO demographic features. Additionally, the paper explored whether these variables have a major probability to affect Fintech leading.

Findings

Assuming a relevant part of Fintech firms, the main results of this paper show the relevance of several CEO demographic characteristics. Additionally, the age, the tenure and the presence of an MBA are significant elements in affectingLeadingcompanies.

Originality/value

The paper is novel because it contributes to the literature examining the internal governance and sustainable business model, still not explored. Moreover, this study contributes to identifying the CEO demographic characteristics that foster financial institutions' transition towards sustainable business models.
Stock returns, illiquidity and feedback trading
Authors: Chen Jing , McMillan David G.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relation between illiquidity, feedback trading and stock returns for several European markets, using panel regression methods, during the financial and the sovereign debt crises. The authors’ interest here lies twofold. First, the authors seek to compare the results obtained here under crisis conditions with those in the existing literature. Second, and of greater importance, the authors wish to examine the interaction between liquidity and feedback trading and their effect on stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors jointly model both feedback trading and illiquidity, which are typically considered in isolation. The authors use panel estimation methods to examine the relations across the European markets as a whole.

Findings

The key results suggest that in common with the literature, illiquidity has a negative impact upon contemporaneous stock returns, while supportive evidence of positive feedback trading is reported. However, in contrast to the existing literature, lagged illiquidity is not a priced risk, while negative shocks do not lead to greater feedback trading behaviour. Regarding the interaction between illiquidity and feedback trading, the study results support the view that greater illiquidity is associated with stronger positive feedback.

Originality/value

The study results suggest that when price changes are more observable, due to low liquidity, then feedback trading increases. Therefore, during the crisis periods that afflicted European markets, the lower levels of liquidity prevalent led to an increase in feedback trading. Thus, negative liquidity shocks that led to a fall in stock prices were exacerbated by feedback trading.
Analysing the gaps in the conventional e-complaint method for maintenance management at Malaysian polytechnics
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Several previous studies have described the use of maintenance management (MM) at polytechnic institutions. However, a major drawback of those studies is that they did not reveal the actual support for MM as practiced using the conventional method. To describe the full situation at polytechnics, the gaps in the conventional method must be determined. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyse the gaps in the conventional method for actual MM as practiced at Malaysian polytechnics.

Design/methodology/approach

The existence of these gaps must be explored further to reach a better understanding of the utilisation of the conventional method for MM. Primary data were gathered through interviews to develop the proposed system. The major conclusion drawn from the interview results is that there is a lack of comprehensive MM systems that integrate the operation and maintenance processes of facilities management and software programming to guide the decision-making processes. The interview results also reveal irregularities within the MM database used by Malaysian polytechnics related to e-complaints, as well as the fact that the database is unsystematic.

Findings

The findings show the need for sophisticated MM at polytechnics.

Originality/value

The identified gaps will guide future improvements to develop MM systems that meet the solution needs.
In the red: substances and materials in the Australian Western Desert
Authors: Young Diana
Published: March 2020

This article discusses the diversity, distribution, and qualities of materials and substances categorized as red among Pitjantjatjara‐ and Yankunytjatjara‐speaking Western Desert Aboriginal people: Anangu. Valued red materials and substances include elements of the encultured landscape – country – such as ochre, timber, food, blood, and fire, alongside cloth and other industrially produced materials. Previous scholarship defines reds among central Australian Aboriginal cultures only in static symbolic terms as representing blood. Based on long‐term fieldwork, this article discusses how Anangu employ a system of analogy across domains which connects together red materials and substances with particular affordances. I argue that Anangu conceptualize these red materials and substances as making visiblekurunpa/spirit. This has implications for concepts of health and for constructing the local cultural value of consumer goods and substances found in country. Reds connect the mental and the material. The article contributes to studies of how contemporary Anangu mediate relationships between kin and country and participate in a wider market economy. It addresses anthropological knowledge about, and the importance of, the materiality of colours and the role of coloured materials and substances in shaping local ontologies and epistemologies.
Cross‐linked casein micelle used as encapsulating agent for jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) phenolic compounds by spray drying
Authors: Nogueira Márcio H , Tavares Guilherme M , Casanova Federico , Silva Carolina RJ , Rocha Juliana CG , Stringheta Paulo C , Stephani Rodrigo , Perrone Ítalo Tuler , de Carvalho Antonio F
Published: March 2020

Phenolic compounds from jaboticaba (Plinia jaboticaba) fruit were encapsulated by spray drying using transglutaminase cross‐linked casein micelles as encapsulating agents. The encapsulations were performed at pH 2.0 and pH 7.0. The addition of phenolic compounds did not dramatically alter the water activity or the morphology of the obtained powders. Despite some degradation of the phenolic compounds encapsulated with the cross‐linked casein micelles at pH 2.0 during the spray‐drying process, the compounds' antioxidant capacity remained stable after drying. The results clearly demonstrate the potential use of cross‐linked casein micelles as encapsulation agents at highly acidic conditions.
Projectile Wound to Head from Modified Electronic Cigarette Explosion
Authors: Beining Tyler , Thogmartin Jon R. , Kurz Wayne
Published: March 2020

One of the dangers of a rapidly growing technology industry is the risk involved in being intimately close to lithium‐ion batteries. When exposed to improper conditions, lithium‐ion batteries in a variety of devices have been reported to ignite and, in some cases, explode. With the rise of electronic cigarette use and modifications, the lithium‐ion batteries in these devices are subject to a higher risk of malfunction. This is a retrograde analysis of a 38‐year‐old man who experienced fatal penetrating head trauma while using a modified electronic cigarette device. The findings suggest that the trauma from the explosion was caused by the thermal runaway of the lithium‐ion battery in the modified e‐cigarette.
The Identification of a Steel Mold’s Marks on Fake Drug Bottles
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zang Taiqi , Zhou Hao
Published: March 2020

Plastic bottles are commonly encountered in drug cases where they are used as packaging materials and produced with polymers. However, to the best of our knowledge, systematic studies on the evidential values of medicine bottles have not been carried out. Therefore, it is difficult practically to determine if it is possible to identify whether the plastic bottles are manufactured with the same steel mold by comparing the manufacturing marks on plastic bottles. This paper reports the successful attempt of the authors in establishing a definite relationship between three different medicine bottles with a steel mold recovered from suspects. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) was used to characterize the chemical composition of submitted medicine bottles, and then some physical characteristics (viz., total length, length, and diameter of different parts) and the manufactured marks on these bottles were examined. The results showed that the linkage of the medicine bottles to a steel mold was successfully established using the similarities in physical characteristics and manufacturing marks. In the process, the FT‐IR was only complementary in the identification process. The individual characteristics of plastic medicine bottles included the imperfections and striated impressions that were produced by the grinding patterns on the inner surface of a steel mold.
Overlooking Feigning Behavior May Result in Potential Harmful Treatment Interventions: Two Case Reports of Undetected Malingering
Authors: van der Heide Douwe , Boskovic Irena , van Harten Peter , Merckelbach Harald
Published: March 2020

Clinicians tend to overestimate their ability to recognize feigning behavior in psychiatric patients, especially if it concerns patients who have been admitted for observation. Feigning can be either externally motivated (e.g., for financial compensation, known as malingering) or internally motivated (e.g., to assume the “sick role,” known as factitious disorder). Persistent presentation of severe symptoms is usually associated with the factitious disorder. We present two patients with strong external incentives who consistently and convincingly feigned severe psychiatric symptoms during a protracted period of inpatient observation in a specialized center; both were engaged in a procedure for medical asylum. The first case presented with the clinical picture of a psychotic depression with severe motor symptoms, and the second case showed symptoms of a chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder with secondary psychotic symptoms. Both cases were thoroughly investigated but feigning was overlooked, and unnecessary and harmful treatment interventions were given. To prevent iatrogenic damage, we recommend a critical attitude that takes malingering as an option into account in settings where patients are often involved in high stake legal procedures. A clinical sign that might indicate feigning is therapy‐resistant symptoms. To rule out feigning a comprehensive, multimethod approach is required, but an active stance toward collateral information is essential. Specialized psychological tests may be useful for preliminary screening, but for their use in culturally diverse populations as in refugee mental health more research is needed.
Shifts in microbial community, pathogenicity‐related genes and antibiotic resistance genes during dairy manure piled up
Authors: Zhang Xu , Ma Chenjie , Zhang Wen , Li Wu , Yu Jialin , Xue Di , Wu Xiaoling , Deng Guangcun
Published: March 2020

The uncomposted faeces of dairy cow are usually stacked on cow breeding farms, dried under natural conditions and then used as cow bedding material or they may be continuously piled up. However, no information is available to evaluate variations in the human and animal pathogen genes and antibiotic resistance during the accumulation of fresh faeces of dairy cow to manure. Here, we present the metagenomic analysis of fresh faeces and manure from a dairy farm in Ning Xia, showing a unique enrichment of human and animal pathogen genes and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in manure. We found that manure accumulation could significantly increase the diversity and abundance of the pathogenic constituents. Furthermore, pathogens from manure could spread to the plant environment and enphytotic pathogens could affect the yield and quality of crops during the use of manure as a fertilizer. Levels of virulence genes and ARGs increased with the enrichment of microbes and pathogens when faeces accumulated to manure. Accumulated manure was also the transfer station of ARGs to enrich the ARGs in the environment, indicating the ubiquitous presence of environmental antibiotic resistance genes. Our results demonstrate that manure accumulation and usage without effective manure management is an unreasonable approach that could enrich pathogenic microorganisms and ARGs in the environment. The manure metagenome structure allows us to appreciate the overall influence and interaction of animal waste on water, soil and other areas impacted by faecal accumulation and the factors that influence pathogen occurrence in products from dairy cows.
Autotrophic carbon fixation pathways along the redox gradient in oxygen‐depleted oceanic waters
Authors: Ruiz‐Fernández Paula , Ramírez‐Flandes Salvador , Rodríguez‐León Edwin , Ulloa Osvaldo
Published: March 2020

Anoxic marine zones (AMZs), also known as ‘oxygen‐deficient zones’, contribute to the loss of fixed nitrogen from the ocean by anaerobic microbial processes. While these microbial processes associated with the nitrogen cycle have been extensively studied, those linked to the carbon cycle in AMZs have received much less attention, particularly the autotrophic carbon fixation — a crucial component of the carbon cycle. Using metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data from major AMZs, we report an explicit partitioning of the marker genes associated with different autotrophic carbon fixation pathways along the redox gradient (from oxic to anoxic conditions) present in the water column of AMZs. Sequences related to the Calvin‐Benson‐Bassham cycle were found along the entire gradient, while those related to the reductive Acetyl‐CoA pathway were restricted to suboxic and anoxic waters. Sequences putatively associated with the 3‐hydroxypropionate/4‐hydroxybutyrate cycle dominated in the upper and lower oxyclines. Genes related to the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle were represented from dysoxic to anoxic waters. The taxonomic affiliation of the sequences is consistent with the presence of microorganisms involved in crucial steps of biogeochemical cycles in AMZs, such as the gamma‐proteobacteria sulfur oxidisers, the anammox bacteria Candidatus Scalindua and the thaumarcheota ammonia oxidisers of the Marine Group I.
Application of Different Commercial Tourniquets by Laypersons: Would Public‐access Tourniquets Work Without Training?
Authors: Portela Roberto C. , Taylor Stephen E. , Sherrill Cameron S. , Dowlen Whitman S. , March Juan , Kitch Bryan , Brewer Kori
Published: March 2020

Background

The White House “Stop the Bleed” campaign has renewed interest in public‐access bleeding kits and the use of tourniquets by the lay public. The objective of this study was to determine which type of tourniquet could be applied most effectively by the lay public using only manufacturer instructions included with each tourniquet.

Methods

This prospective study randomized participants to one of four different tourniquets (SOFTT‐W, CAT, RMT, SWAT‐T). Participants were all over 18 years of age. Individuals with prior military, EMS, or patient‐care medical experience were excluded. Using only the manufacturer's packaging instructions, participants were asked to apply a tourniquet on a simulated bleeding arm. A trained observer noted if tourniquet application by the participant was effective, partially effective, or ineffective based on reduction or cessation of simulated blood flow. Participant's application of the tourniquet was also timed (in seconds) by the observer. The primary outcome of our study was the effectiveness of application for each of the four tourniquets. Secondary outcome was time to effective application.

Results

A total of 176 participants were enrolled. For untrained laypersons the RMT had the highest effective application rate of 64.4% and was also the most rapidly applied at 100.9 ± 8.8 seconds (95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.1 to 118.6). The SWAT‐T had the highest ineffective application rate (55.5%) than any other tourniquet type (p = 0.002). There was no effect of age or education on time to application for any tourniquet type. Effective applications were performed significantly faster than partially effective or ineffective applications (93.4 ± 5.8 [95% CI = 81.7 to 104.9] vs. 136.7 ± 8.7 [95% CI = 118.8 to 154.7] vs. 151.9 ± 8.3 [95% CI = 135.2 to 168.6]; p ≤ 0.001). There was no difference in time between partial and ineffective applications (p = 0.261).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that laypersons could benefit from prior training to effectively apply tourniquets in emergency situations. Of the tourniquets studied, the RMT was the most effectively and most rapidly applied.
Incidence of Postoperative Opioid Overdose and New Diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder Among US Veterans
Authors: Siglin Jonathan , Sorkin John D. , Namiranian Khodadad
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Perioperative exposure to opioids is associated with adverse outcomes. We aim to determine the associations between surgery and subsequent opioid overdose, an acute event, and a new diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD), a chronic relapsing disease, in parallel.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of US veterans used surgery as exposure and the two outcomes were (1) occurrence of overdose and (2) new diagnosis of OUD in the first postoperative year. Surgical group was matched to the reference controls based on the propensity score of having surgery, and matched logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR).

Results

A total of 261 208 surgical patients were matched to 479 531 controls. Overdose occurred in 1893 (0.7%) of the surgical patients and in 518 (0.1%) of the matched controls in the first postoperative year (OR, 6.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.80‐7.75; P < .001). Among patients with no history of OUD, surgery was also associated with a new diagnosis of OUD in the first postoperative year (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.24; P = .015).

Discussion and Conclusions

The postoperative period is strongly associated with opioid overdose, but only weakly associated with new diagnosis of OUD. This is likely due to the difficulty of diagnosing OUD in the postoperative period.

Scientific Significance

This is the first study that has examined opioid overdose and new‐onset OUD in the postoperative period in parallel. Our analysis suggests different risk factors for each, as well as different strengths of association with surgery. More sensitive diagnostic criteria for postoperative OUD are needed to promptly diagnose and treat this condition. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Facial aesthetic injections in clinical practice: Pretreatment and posttreatment consensus recommendations to minimise adverse outcomes
Authors: Goodman Greg J. , Liew Steven , Callan Peter , Hart Sarah
Published: March 2020

Facial aesthetic treatment with injectable neuromodulators and hyaluronic acid fillers is well established, with favourable safety profiles and consistent outcomes. As with any medical treatment, adverse events and complications may occur. Adverse events associated with these products are typically transient and mild to moderate in severity. Serious adverse events, such as infection and intravascular occlusion, are rare. Proper patient selection, consent and counselling, preparation and impeccable injection technique are important risk reduction strategies. Both clinicians and patients must be alert to the signs and symptoms of complications so that appropriate treatment can be started promptly. In this article, the authors review the current literature and provide their consensus recommendations for minimising adverse outcomes when treating patients with botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid fillers.
When Do Foreign Institutional Blockholders Passively Promote Firm Innovation in a Local Market? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Joe Denis Yongmin , Chung Chune Young , Morscheck Justin
Published: March 2020

Using extensive hand‐collected data on granted patents, we examine the effect of institutional blockholder monitoring on corporate innovation in Korea. Specifically, we focus on the relation between institutional blockholding and firm innovation. We find that institutional blockholders positively influence firm innovation and that this positive effect is driven primarily by foreign institutional blockholders, particularly when they engage in passive monitoring. The Korean market features limited participation by shareholders and pressure‐sensitive domestic institutions. Thus, we demonstrate the importance of corporate governance for firm innovation in emerging markets, where corporate innovation is increasingly important for long‐term economic growth, competitiveness, and value creation.
The incidence of birth injuries decreased in Finland between 1997 and 2017: A nationwide register study
Authors: Kekki Maiju , Salonen Anne , Tihtonen Kati , Mattila Ville M. , Gissler Mika , Huttunen Tuomas T.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Birth injuries are rare complications that can have a significant impact on neonates and their families. This population‐based study describes the rates and trends of all birth injuries in Finland over a 21‐year period.

Methods

The study is based on a national Medical Birth Register that includes all live‐born neonates of more than 22 gestational weeks or 500 g who were born in Finland between 1997 and 2017. The ICD‐10 codes of the birth injuries were obtained from the Finnish Medical Birth Register and the Care Register for Health Care. The incidence of birth injury, changes over time and incidence at different gestational ages were determined.

Results

A total of 28 551 birth injuries were diagnosed, and the total incidence decreased from 34.0 to 16.6 per 1000 live births. The incidence of clavicle fracture, cephalohaematoma, and Erb paralysis decreased while the incidence of chignon and epicranial subaponeurotic haemorrhage increased.

Conclusion

The incidence of birth injury halved during the 20‐year study period. This was mainly due to a decrease in the number of clavicle fractures. The incidence of birth injury increased with gestational age, and most injuries occurred after 37 weeks of gestation.
The contribution of HERV‐E clone 4‐1 and other HERV‐E members to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Talotta Rossella , Atzeni Fabiola , Laska Magdalena Janina
Published: March 2020

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV)‐E consist of a family of more than 1300 elements, stably integrated in the human genome. Some of them are full‐length proviruses able to synthesize the viral proteins gag, pol and env. The reactivation of HERV‐E elements has been associated to placentation, cancer and autoimmunity. In this narrative review, we aimed to report the status of the art concerning the involvement of HERV‐E in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Following a research on PubMed database, a total of 87 articles were selected. The highest amount of evidence derives from studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), whereas a few to no data are available on other immune‐mediated diseases. In SLE, the hyper‐expression of HERV‐E clone 4‐1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or differentiated lymphocytes has been associated with disease activity and autoantibody production. It is likely that HERV‐E take part to the pathogenesis of rheumatic autoimmune diseases but additional research is needed.
A Chlamydia trachomatis 23S rRNA G1523A variant escaping detection in the Aptima Combo 2 assay (Hologic) was widespread across Denmark in July–September 2019
Authors: Hadad Ronza , Jensen Jørgen Skov , Westh Henrik , Grønbæk Ida , Schwartz Lasse Jessen , Nielsen Lene , Vang Tobias Müller , Nielsen Rikke , Weinreich Lenette Sandborg , Skov Marianne N. , Olsen Marlene , Møller Jens Kjølseth , Kolmos Birte , Unemo Magnus , Hoffmann Steen
Published: March 2020

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are recommended for highly sensitive and specific diagnosis. In early 2019, the Finnish new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis (FI‐nvCT) was identified. The FI‐nvCT has a C1515T mutation in the 23S rRNA gene, making it escaping detection in the Aptima Combo 2 (AC2; Hologic) NAAT, and the FI‐nvCT has been subsequently reported in Sweden and Norway. In the present study, we investigated the presence of the FI‐nvCT and other AC2 diagnostic‐escape CT mutants in July–September 2019 in Denmark. The FI‐nvCT was present but rare in Denmark. However, another AC2 diagnostic‐escape CT mutant (with a 23S rRNA G1523A mutation) was found to be widespread across Denmark, accounting for 95% (76/80) of AC2 diagnostic‐escape nvCT samples from five Danish CT‐diagnostic laboratories. This nvCT‐G1523A has previously only been detected in one single sample in the United Kingdom and Norway, respectively. It is vital to monitor the continued stability of the NAAT targets in local, national and international settings and monitor as well as appropriately analyse incidence, unexplained shifts in diagnostics rates and/or annual collections of samples diagnosed as negative/equivocal using NAATs with different target(s). Furthermore, diagnostic CT NAATs with dual target sequences are crucial, and fortunately, an updated Hologic AC2 assay including one additional target sequence is in advanced development.
The constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor in the brain
Authors: Torres‐Vergara Pablo , Ho Yu Siong , Espinoza Francisca , Nualart Francisco , Escudero Carlos , Penny Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

Since their discovery, the orphan nuclear receptors constitutive androstane receptor (CAR;NR1I3) and pregnane X receptor (PXR;NR1I2) have been regarded as master regulators of drug disposition and detoxification mechanisms. They regulate the metabolism and transport of endogenous mediators and xenobiotics in organs including the liver, intestine and brain. However, with proposals of new physiological functions for NR1I3 and NR1I2, there is increasing interest in the role of these receptors in influencing brain function. This review will summarise key findings regarding the expression and function of NR1I3 and NR1I2 in the brain, hereby highlighting the need for further research in this field.
Exogenous interleukin-2 can rescue in-vitro T cell activation and proliferation in patients with a novel capping protein regulator and myosin 1 linker 2 mutation
Authors: Shamriz O , Simon A J , Lev A , Megged O , Ledder O , Picard E , Joseph L , Molho-Pessach V , Tal Y , Millman P , Slae M , Somech R , Toker O , Berger M
Published: March 2020

Capping protein regulator and myosin 1 linker 2 (CARMIL2) deficiency is characterized by impaired T cell activation, which is attributed to defective CD28-mediated co-signaling. Herein, we aimed to analyze the effect of exogenous interleukin (IL)-2 on in-vitro T cell activation and proliferation in a family with CARMIL2 deficiency. This study included four children (one male and three females; aged 2·5–10 years at presentation). The patients presented with inflammatory bowel disease and recurrent viral infections. Genetic analysis revealed a novel homozygous 25-base pairs deletion in CARMIL2. Immunoblotting demonstrated the absence of CARMIL2 protein in all four patients and confirmed the diagnosis of CARMIL2 deficiency. T cells were activated in-vitro with the addition of IL-2 in different concentrations. CD25 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were measured after 48 h and 5 days of activation. CD25 surface expression on activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells was significantly diminished in all patients compared to healthy controls. Additionally, CD8+ T cells from all patients demonstrated significantly reduced IFN-γ production. When cells derived from CARMIL2-deficient patients were treated with IL-2, CD25 and IFN-γ production increased in a dose-dependent manner. T cell proliferation, as measured by Cell Trace Violet, was impaired in one patient and it was also rescued with IL-2. In conclusion, we found that IL-2 rescued T cell activation and proliferation in CARMIL2-deficient patients. Thus, IL-2 should be further studied as a potential therapeutic modality for these patients.
The synergetic effect of bioactive molecule–loaded electrospun core‐shell fibres for reconstruction of critical‐sized calvarial bone defect—The effect of synergetic release on bone Formation
Authors: Wu Zhenzhen , Bao Chongyun , Zhou Shaobing , Yang Tao , Wang Liao , Li Mingzheng , Li Long , Luo En , Yu Yingjie , Wang Yushu , Guo Xiaodong , Liu Xian
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Bone regeneration is a complex process modulated by multiple growth factors and hormones during long regeneration period; thus, designing biomaterials with the capacity to deliver multiple bioactive molecules and obtain sustained release has gained an increasing popularity in recent years. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel core‐shell electrospun fibre loaded with dexamethasone (DEX) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) on bone regeneration.

Materials and methods

The core‐shell electrospun fibres were fabricated by coaxial electrospinning technology, which were composed of poly‐D, L‐lactide (PLA) shell and poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) core embedded with BMP‐2 and DEX‐loaded micelles. Morphology, hydrophilicity, gradation, release profile of BMP‐2 and DEX, and cytological behaviour on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were characterized. Furthermore, the effect on bone regeneration was evaluated via critical‐sized calvarial defect model.

Results

The electrospun fibres were featured by the core‐shell fibrous architecture and a suitable degradation rate. The sustained release of DEX and BMP‐2 was up to 562 hours. The osteogenic gene expression and calcium deposition of BMSCs were significantly enhanced, indicating the osteoinduction capacity of electrospun fibres. This core‐shell fibre could accelerate repair of calvarial defects in vivo via synergistic effect.

Conclusions

This core‐shell electrospun fibre loaded with DEX and BMP‐2 can act synergistically to enhance bone regeneration, which stands as a strong potential candidate for repairing bone defects.
What is the emergency application differences concerning diseases pertinent to the chest between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sengoren Dikis Ozlem , Demirci Hakan , Sezgin Bişar , Haberal Miktat Arif , Akar Erkan , Kaya Halil
Published: March 2020

Aim

Millions of Syrians were displaced after the Syrian civil war broke in 2011. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees. This study aimed to describe the disease patterns of Syrian refugees applying to an emergency department.

Material and methods

The study included patients who presented to an emergency department between 2017 and 2018. Study data were retrieved from the hospital’s electronic medical records registry. The main study outcome was the ICD‐10 codes pertinent to “chest diseases.” Additionally, analyzed data were nationality, age, sex, triage status on admission, hospitalization status, and examination date.

Results

The number of emergency department admissions included in the study period was 378 487 persons, of which 14 262 (3.8%) were Syrian refugees. A total of 62 345 diagnoses (16.5%) were related to the respiratory system. Turkish patients had a significantly higher median age than Syrian refugees. Also, there were significantly more women among Syrian applicants, and acute bronchitis and asthma were more common among Syrian patients. However, the hospitalization rates were similar between the two groups. Moreover, Syrian patients had more applications during the summer seasons and had higher “Yellow” labels in the emergency triage.

Conclusion

There are differences in the disease patterns of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens applying to the emergency department. This may be explained by the difficulty in communication which, to our opinion, may be reversed as language barriers are overcome and adaptation to the society is completed over time.
TERT and TERT promoter in melanocytic neoplasms: Current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis
Authors: Motaparthi Kiran , Kim Jinah , Andea Aleodor A. , Missall Tricia A. , Novoa Roberto A. , Vidal Claudia I. , Fung Maxwell A. , Emanuel Patrick O.
Published: March 2020

Background and objective

Located on chromosome locus 5p15.33, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT or hTERT) encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase which permits lengthening and preservation of telomeres following mitosis. Mutations in TERT promoter (TERT‐p) upregulate expression of TERT, allowing survival of malignant cells and tumor progression in wide variety of malignancies including melanoma. The objective of this review is to examine the roles of TERT and TERT‐p in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognostication of cutaneous melanoma.

Methods

All studies of TERT or TERT‐p in cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms with the following inclusion criteria were reviewed: publication date between 2010 and 2019, English language, and series of ≥3 cases were reviewed for evidence supporting the role of TERT in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis. Studies with <3 cases or focused primarily on mucosal or uveal melanocytic tumors were excluded.

Results and conclusion

TERT‐p mutations are frequent in chronic and non‐chronic sun damage melanoma and correlate with adverse prognosis, inform pathogenesis, and may provide diagnostic support. While TERT‐p mutations are uncommon in acral melanoma, TERT copy number gains and gene amplification predict reduced survival. Among atypical spitzoid neoplasms, TERT‐p mutations identify biologically aggressive tumors and support the diagnosis of spitzoid melanoma. TERT‐p methylation may have prognostic value in pediatric conventional melanoma and drive tumorigenesis in melanoma arising within congenital nevi. Finally, TERT‐p mutations may aid in the differentiation of recurrent nevi from recurrent melanoma.
Understanding concurrent stimulant use among people on methadone: A qualitative study
Authors: McNeil Ryan , Puri Nitsaha , Boyd Jade , Mayer Samara , Hayashi Kanna , Small Will
Published: March 2020

Introduction and Aims

Opioid‐related overdoses are an epidemic in North America, prompting a greater use of medications for opioid use disorder, such as methadone. Although many people work toward overall drug abstinence while on methadone, a sub‐population of people with and without histories of polysubstance use engage in stimulant use while on methadone treatment. This study explores motivations for concurrent stimulant and methadone use in a street‐involved drug‐using population.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 39 people on methadone in Vancouver, Canada. Participants were recruited from among the participants in two community‐based prospective cohort studies consisting of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative people who use drugs. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive and iterative approach.

Results

Our analysis identified three primary themes. First, participants articulated how stimulants were used to counter the sedating effects of methadone and enable them to engage in daily and survival activities (e.g. income generation). Second, participants described increased stimulant use to compensate for reduced stimulant intoxication while taking methadone. Finally, participants described the desire to achieve intoxication on stimulants once stable on methadone, as their substance use treatment goals did not involve drug abstinence.

Discussion and Conclusion

Among a street‐involved drug‐using population in which people do not have abstinence‐based treatment goals, there are several functional reasons to use stimulants concurrently while on methadone. A deeper and more nuanced understanding of substance use motivators may contribute to further research and inform policy and guideline changes that support low threshold and harm reduction‐focused methadone treatment programs and other interventions to reduce drug‐related harms.
INSTITUTIONS, HOUSEHOLD CREDIT COMPOSITION, AND THE BUSINESS CYCLE
Authors: Bahadir Berrak , Valev Neven
Published: March 2020

We show that the negative effect of household credit growth on subsequent economic growth documented in the recent literature is not the same across countries. The effect is stronger in countries with weak institutions where the fraction of consumer credit in total household credit is greater. That is an important nuance as consumer credit is a sizable part of household credit in many emerging markets and its rapid buildup should be observed with the same caution as a rapid buildup in housing credit. (JEL G21, E32, E44)
Understanding the challenge of comparative effectiveness research in focal epilepsy: A review of network meta‐analyses and real‐world evidence on antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Thieffry Solène , Klein Pavel , Baulac Michel , Plumb Jonathan , Pelgrims Barbara , Steeves Sara , Borghs Simon
Published: March 2020

Objective

Head‐to‐head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for assessing comparative treatment effects. In the absence of direct comparisons between all possible antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), however, clinical decision‐making in focal (partial onset) epilepsy relies on alternative evidence borne from indirect comparisons including network meta‐analyses (NMAs) and from real‐world evidence (RWE) studies. We review NMAs and observational RWE studies comparing AEDs in the adjunctive setting to compare the robustness of these methods and to formulate recommendations for future evidence development.

Methods

A literature review identified NMAs and RWE studies comparing AEDs for the adjunctive treatment of focal seizures published between January 2008 and October 2018. NMAs were evaluated for robustness using a framework based on guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. RWE studies were evaluated using the GRACE checklist.

Results

From a total of 1993 records, 11 NMAs and six RWE studies were eligible. Key limitations identified in the NMAs include nonsystematic selection of RCTs, unexplored heterogeneity between included RCTs in terms of study and patient characteristics, and selection of AEDs and AED doses or dosing strategies that are not reflective of clinical practice. The main limitations of RWE studies concern sample size, design, and analysis methods. Approximately 90% of comparisons between individual AEDs were nonsignificant in the NMAs. None of the RWE studies adjusted for baseline differences between comparator groups; therefore, they lack the validity to make comparative conclusions.

Significance

Current NMAs and RWE studies provide only nominal comparative evidence for AED treatments in focal epilepsy, and should be used with caution for decision‐making due to their methodological limitations. To overcome these hurdles, adherence to methodological guidelines and concerted efforts to collect relevant outcome data in the real world are needed.
Phylogenetic farming: Can evolutionary history predict crop rotation via the soil microbiome?
Authors: Kaplan Ian , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Enders Laramy S. , Ghanem Wadih , Ingerslew Kathryn S.
Published: March 2020

Agriculture has long employed phylogenetic rules whereby farmers are encouraged to rotate taxonomically unrelated plants in shared soil. Although this forms a central tenet of sustainable agriculture, strangely, this on‐farm “rule of thumb” has never been rigorously tested in a scientific framework. To experimentally evaluate the relationship between phylogenetic distance and crop performance, we used a plant–soil feedback approach whereby 35 crops and weeds varying in their relatedness to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were tested in a two‐year field experiment. We used community profiling of the bacteria and fungi to determine the extent to which soil microbes contribute to phenotypic differences in crop growth. Overall, tomato yield was ca. 15% lower in soil previously cultivated with tomato; yet, past the species level there was no effect of phylogenetic distance on crop performance. Soil microbial communities, on the other hand, were compositionally more similar between close plant relatives. Random forest regression predicted log10 phylogenetic distance to tomato with moderate accuracy (R2 = .52), primarily driven by bacteria in the genus Sphingobium. These data indicate that, beyond avoiding conspecifics, evolutionary history contributes little to understanding plant–soil feedbacks in agricultural fields; however, microbial legacies can be predicted by species identity and relatedness.
Experimental study on low‐cycle fatigue behaviours of the specimen consisting of the composites (Al‐12Si/ABOw) and matrix Al‐12Si alloys
Authors: Chen Guozheng , Zhang Weizheng , Yuan Yanpeng
Published: March 2020

The low‐cycle fatigue tests of the specimen, which was composed of half composites reinforced by aluminium borate whisker (ABOw) and half unreinforced matrix alloys, were performed under different temperatures. The results showed that the specimen exhibited obvious cyclic hardening at low temperature while increasingly remarkable cyclic softening with the increase of temperature. Meanwhile, the micromorphology of the fracture surface revealed apparent brittle characteristics at low temperature but dominated ductile characteristics at high temperature. The analysis of curves of total strain amplitude versus fatigue life indicated that the dominant fatigue damage mechanism changed from the elastic damage to the plastic damage with the increase of total strain amplitude. In addition, the description of fatigue behaviours based on energy criterion suggested that the capacities of specimen to absorb and dissipate plastic strain energy improved with increasing of temperature but may also be weakened by the strengthening effect of composite part.
Regional development platforms as incubators of business ecosystems. Case study: The Lahti urban region, Finland
Authors: Harmaakorpi Vesa , Rinkinen Satu
Published: March 2020

This paper combines three major concepts: regional development platforms, business ecosystems and competitiveness policy. The framework of business and innovation ecosystems is gaining ground in the discussion of competitiveness and innovation policy. The framework challenges competitiveness and innovation policies because ecosystems are seen as highly self‐organising and self‐renewing systems. Is there still room for innovation and competitiveness policies? This paper focuses on ecosystem‐facilitating competitiveness policy at the regional level and argues that the emergence, growth and renewal of business ecosystems can be facilitated by a competitiveness policy focused on related variety platforms embedded in a regional innovation ecosystem. As a case illustrating this point, we present the strategic themes and development platforms in the Lahti urban region, which are constructed following the ecosystem theory. This paper contributes to the previous literature on regional development and innovation policy by presenting a policy framework for a modern competitiveness policy that is based on constructed competitiveness, development platforms and business and innovation ecosystem theory. For policy practice, this paper provides a real‐life example of a regional competitiveness strategy and the construction of a strategy that is based on the ecosystem frame.
ADVERSE SELECTION WITH HETEROGENEOUSLY INFORMED AGENTS
Authors: Davoodalhosseini Seyed Mohammadreza
Published: March 2020

A model of over‐the‐counter markets is proposed. Some asset buyers are informed in that they can identify high‐quality assets. Sellers with private information choose what type of buyers they want to trade with. When the measure of informed buyers is low, a unique equilibrium exists, and interestingly, price, trading volume and welfare typically decrease with more informed buyers. When the measure of informed buyers is intermediate, multiple equilibria arise. A switch from one equilibrium to another can lead to large drops in liquidity, price, trading volume, and welfare, like a financial crisis. Implications of an endogenous measure of informed buyers are also studied.
BUFFER‐STOCK SAVING AND HOUSEHOLDS' RESPONSE TO INCOME SHOCKS
Authors: Fella Giulio , Frache Serafin , Koeniger Winfried
Published: March 2020

We exploit information on the joint dynamics of household labor income, consumption, and wealth in the Italian Survey of Household Income and Wealth to structurally estimate a buffer‐stock saving model. We compare the degree of consumption smoothing implied by the model to the corresponding empirical estimates based on the same data set. We estimate that Italian households smooth 12% of permanent income shocks in the data that is comparable to the model counterpart of 11% . This result contrasts with existing evidence, and our own findings in this article, of substantially more consumption smoothing in U.S. data.