bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Signs of Sinoatrial Reinnervation in the Transplanted Heart
Authors: Christensen Anders Haugom , Nygaard Sissel , Rolid Katrine , Nytrøen Kari , Gullestad Lars , Fiane Arnt , Thaulow Erik , Døhlen Gaute , Saul J. Philip , Wyller Vegard B.B.
Published: December 2020

Background.

Heart transplantation (HTx) surgically transects all connections to the heart, including the autonomic nerves. We prospectively examined signs, timing and consequences of early sympathetic and parasympathetic sinoatrial reinnervation, as well as explored indirect evidence of afferent cardiopulmonary reinnervation.

Methods.

Fifty HTx recipients were assessed at 2.5, 6, and 12 mo after HTx. For comparison, 50 healthy controls were examined once. Continuous, noninvasive recordings of hemodynamic variables and heart rate variability indices were performed at supine rest, 0.2 Hz controlled breathing, 60° head-up-tilt, during the Valsalva maneuver and during handgrip isometric exercise.

Results.

In HTx recipients, supine low-frequency heart rate variability gradually increased; supine high-frequency variability did not change; heart rate variability indices during controlled breathing remained unaltered; heart rate responses during tilt and isometric exercise gradually increased; the tachycardia response during Valsalva maneuver increased, while the bradycardia response remained unchanged; and indices of baroreflex sensitivity improved. Responses remained low compared to healthy controls. A negative correlation between indices of preload and heart rate response during head-up tilt emerged at 12 mo.

Conclusions.

Results suggest that sympathetic reinnervation of the sinoatrial node starts within 6 mo after HTx and strengthens during the first year. No evidence of early parasympathetic reinnervation was found. Indirect signs of afferent reinnervation of cardiopulmonary low-pressure baroreceptors emerged at 12 mo. Better sympathetic sinoatrial control improved heart rate responsiveness to orthostatic challenge and isometric exercise, as well as heart rate buffering of blood pressure fluctuations.
Identification of a repressor for the two iol operons required for inositol catabolism in Geobacillus kaustophilus
Authors: Yoshida Ken-ichi , Shirae Yusuke , Nishimura Ryo , Fukui Kaho , Ishikawa Shu
Published: December 2020

Geobacillus kaustophilus

HTA426, a thermophilic Gram-positive bacterium, feeds on inositol as its sole carbon source, and an iol gene cluster required for inositol catabolism has been postulated with reference to the iol genes in

Bacillus subtilis

. The iol gene cluster of

G. kaustophilus

comprises two tandem operons induced in the presence of inositol; however, the mechanism underlying this induction remains unclear. B. subtilis iolQ is known to be involved in the regulation of iolX encoding scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase, and its homologue in HTA426 was found two genes upstream of the first gene (gk1899) of the iol gene cluster and was termed iolQ in

G. kaustophilus

. When iolQ was inactivated in

G. kaustophilus

, not only cellular myo-inositol dehydrogenase activity due to gk1899 expression but also the transcription of the two iol operons became constitutive. IolQ was produced and purified as a C-terminal histidine (His)-tagged fusion protein in

Escherichia coli

and subjected to an in vitro gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay to examine its DNA-binding property. It was observed that IolQ bound to the DNA fragments containing each of the two iol promoter regions and that DNA binding was antagonized by myo-inositol. Moreover, DNase I footprinting analyses identified two tandem binding sites of IolQ within each of the iol promoter regions. By comparing the sequences of the binding sites, a consensus sequence for IolQ binding was deduced to form a palindrome of 5′-RGWAAGCGCTTSCY-3′ (where R=A or G, W=A or T, S=G or C, and Y=C or T). IolQ functions as a transcriptional repressor regulating the induction of the two iol operons responding to myo-inositol.
General method to calculate the elastic deformation and X-ray diffraction properties of bent crystal wafers
Authors: Honkanen Ari-Pekka , Huotari Simo
Published: December 2020

Toroidally and spherically bent single crystals are widely employed as optical elements in hard X-ray spectrometry at synchrotron and free-electron laser light sources, and in laboratory-scale instruments. To achieve optimal spectrometer performance, a solid theoretical understanding of the diffraction properties of such crystals is essential. In this work, a general method to calculate the internal stress and strain fields of toroidally bent crystals and how to apply it to predict their diffraction properties is presented. Solutions are derived and discussed for circular and rectangular spherically bent wafers due to their prevalence in contemporary instrumentation.
Synthesis and crystal structures of [Al(H2O)6](SO4)NO3·2H2O and [Al(H2O)6](SO4)Cl·H2O
Authors: Svensson Fredric G.
Published: December 2020

Two novel aluminium double salts, [Al(H2O)6](SO4)NO3·2H2O, hexaquaaluminium sulfate nitrate dihydrate, (1), and [Al(H2O)6](SO4)Cl·H2O, hexaquaaluminium sulfate chloride hydrate, (2), were obtained in the form of single crystals. Their crystal structures are each based on an octahedral [Al(H2O)6]3+unit and both structures have in common one charge-balancing SO42−anion. The final positive charge from the aluminium(III) cation is balanced by an NO3−or a Cl−anion for (1) and (2), respectively. Compound (1) further contains two unligated water molecules while compound (2) only contains one unligated water molecule. In the crystal structures, all components are spatially separated and interactions are mediatedviamedium–strong hydrogen bonding, compared to many other reported aluminium sulfates where corner-sharing of the building units is common. The two compounds represent rare cases where one aluminium(III) cation is charge-balanced by two different anions.
Determining the diurnal variation in comfort temperature in school buildings in the warm and humid climate
Authors: Munonye Charles
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to determine the thermal comfort perception of schoolchildren from a warm and humid environment. There is a concern about the effect of high temperature on the health and academic performance of schoolchildren.

Design/methodology/approach

Objective and subjective methodological approaches were adopted to collect data during the fieldwork in the selected primary schools. ASHRAE adaptive comfort model was adopted to analyze the data.

Findings

The paper provided empirical results about the comfort requirements of schoolchildren from the warm and humid environment. During the occupied school time, the studied schoolchildren were found to tolerate temperatures higher than the upper limit temperature recommended by ASHRAE Standard 55. The paper recommends that the studied children may not need any active ventilator to be thermally comfortable during the occupied school hours

Originality/value

The paper found the range of temperatures that schoolchildren from the warm and humid environment can adapt to. The information may be useful to architects, engineers and facility managers
Aesthetics and comfort requirements of breast prosthesis in the case of mastectomy in cancer patients
Authors: Oh Hee-Kyoung , Vu Chi Cuong , Kim Jooyong
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate an appropriate breast prosthesis of pattern with center of gravity that exerts less clothing pressure on women who are breast cancer patients.

Design/methodology/approach

From November 2018, clothing pressure was measured with silk fabric breast prosthesis (SBP) of three different patterns above an affected breast (AB) by the force-sensitive resistance (FSR) sensor.

Findings

When wearing SBP above the AB, clothing pressure was significantly different in the healthy breast (HB) and the AB; the highest clothing pressure was at the center of nipple in the AB. Meanwhile, the top of the nipple area in the HB experienced higher clothing pressure than before wearing it. Because wearing heavy breast prosthesis presses down, influencing the HB as well. However, below the bottom of the breast bra curve in the AB, clothing pressure becomes lower than before wearing it. Because when the breast prosthesis was inserted into the bra, the clothing pressure not only increased generally but also the clothing pressure divided at some areas. Also, when comparing three different patterns of SBP, the result indicated a significant difference in clothing pressure only inside of breast cap and the center of gravity of the lower breast prosthesis has the lowest clothing pressure.

Research limitations/implications

A comparison in pressure based on a circuit design (FSR sensors) and an air pack (AP) device was presented. Further work will be focused on the generation of pressure clothing for breast cancer patients.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that wearing breast prosthesis with a center of gravity in the lower position from the nipple area has less effect on breast cancer women. The results of this paper facilitate the pattern design of clothing for patients.
The paratext of digital documents
Authors: Skare Roswitha
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a discussion on how to apply Genette's concept of the paratext to analyze digital documents. The article argues that the concept, despite its shortcomings, is useful because it gives us the terminology to analyze elements often ignored and overlooked.

Design/methodology/approach

By taking Gérard Genette's concept of the paratext as point of departure, the paper focuses on three controversial issues in the scholarly work about paratext and digital documents: the division of paratext into peritext and epitext, the explosive growth of paratext and the question of authorization of text and paratext.

Findings

Questions related to the spatial division of the paratext into peritext and epitext, the difficulty of where to draw the line between text and paratext and the question of authorization are not new for digital documents but did already occur in the analog world. Even if many decisions like what to include and what to exclude in an analysis are left to the researcher, this does not mean that Genette's concept is unsuitable for digital documents. On the contrary, the concept gives us the terminology to analyze elements of often ignored and overlooked, also for digital documents.

Research limitations/implications

As a scholar in the humanities the author can only relate to and therefore analyze what the author can experience and observe on screen level.

Originality/value

In providing a discussion of digital documents and some of the controversial issues discussed by other researchers, this article shows the relevance of Genette's concept, also for our work with digital documents.
Innovation resistance theory perspective on the use of food delivery applications
Authors: Kaur Puneet , Dhir Amandeep , Ray Arghya , Bala Pradip Kumar , Khalil Ashraf
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The current study tries to better understand the resistance toward food delivery applications (FDAs). This study has adapted the existing criteria to measure different consumer barriers toward FDAs. It also examined the relationships between various consumer barriers, intention to use FDAs and word-of-mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized the innovation resistance theory (IRT) and a mixed-method approach comprised of qualitative essays submitted by 125 respondents and primary surveys (N = 366) of FDA users.

Findings

Tradition barrier (trust) shared a negative association with use intention, while image barrier (poor customer service) shared a negative association with WOM. The intention to use was positively associated with WOM. Additionally, the study results reveal that image barrier (poor customer experience) and value barrier (poor quality control) were, in fact, positively related to WOM. This study also discusses the managerial and theoretical implications of these findings and the scope for further research on FDAs.

Originality/value

FDAs have revolutionized the food delivery industry and made it more comfortable and convenient for the consumers. However, FDA service providers are facing challenges from both customers and restaurants. Although scholars investigated customer behavior toward FDAs, no prior study has focused on consumer barriers toward FDA usage.
Property investment: gearing and portfolio returns
Authors: French Nick , Patrick Michael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to comment upon the relatively straightforward but often misunderstood role of gearing (or leverage) on the potential equity return of a property investment portfolio.

Design/methodology/approach

This education briefing is an explanation of the how the addition of individual assets to a portfolio can, with gearing, impact upon the portfolio return.

Findings

Although, this case study is relatively straightforward, it shows how portfolios can be geared to give enhanced returns at differing, aggregate and levels of risk.

Practical implications

The process of borrowing at a bank rate below the return rate on an investment project can increase the equity return of the project as long as all incomes and discount rate remain at appropriate levels.

Originality/value

This is a review of existing models.
An analysis of the experiences based on experimental marketing: pandemic COVID-19 quarantine
Authors: Tavares Fernando , Santos Eulália , Diogo Ana , Ratten Vanessa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the experiences experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, based on an experimental marketing perspective and to validate a scale of experiences for the quarantine context.

Design/methodology/approach

The life of a human being is a sum of the experiences that occur in their daily life, from experiences at home, to experiences at work, shopping, holidays and, essentially, with other human beings. However, experiences during the quarantine period became limited to experiences at home. For this, we used a questionnaire survey that analyzes the experiences experienced by individuals. The sample consists of 726 individuals who were in Portugal during the quarantine and confinement period.

Findings

The results show that the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis produced a structure with four factors that the authors called Sense and Feel, Pandemic Feel, Pandemic Think and Act. The experiences are manifested with greater intensity in the factors Pandemic Think and Sense and Feel. The scale of experiences used showed to have convergent and discriminant validity and adequate internal consistency. It is expected that the present study will contribute to increase scientific knowledge in the behavioral area and in the area of positive psychology in the context of pandemic and confinement situations.

Originality/value

The results achieved become useful for health and marketing professionals, which allow them to define appropriate strategies to better serve the population in order to improve people's health, well-being and quality of life.
A generation of bricoleurs: digital entrepreneurship in Kenya
Authors: Grzeslo Jenna
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the uptake of digital technologies influences youth entrepreneurship in Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes 28 semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs age 21–35 in Nairobi, Kenya. Interview transcripts were analyzed using open- and closed-coding.

Findings

Millennial entrepreneurs embrace change and challenges by harnessing mobile technologies and social media. In doing so, they are engaging in what French sociologist Lévi-Strauss called “bricolage,” or “making do with what's at hand.”

Originality/value

This study explores a unique segment of entrepreneurs, Millennials in Kenya and identified the ways in which digital entrepreneurship represents a form of bricolage.
Preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy MRI characteristics favouring pathologic complete response in patients with rectal cancer: Usefulness of MR T2‐stage as an ancillary finding for predicting pathologic complete response
Authors: Lee Hyeon Jin , Chung Woo‐Suk , An Ji hae , Kim Jung Hoon
Published: December 2020

Introduction

This study sought to assess preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based findings according to a structured MRI report template for primary staging of rectal cancer, and to evaluate the prognostic relevance of the pre‐CRT MRI‐based findings in patients with rectal cancer after CRT.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated pre‐ and post‐CRT MRI data of patients with pathologically proven rectal adenocarcinoma, between January 2008 and October 2019. Image interpretation was performed independently by two radiologists and each reviewer assessed the cancer characteristics on MRI, based on the structured MRI report for primary staging. MRI‐based findings associated with pathologic complete tumour regression grade (TRG) after CRT were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Significant factors from pre‐CRT MRI were weighted to score mrTRG in post‐CRT MRI.

Results

On univariate analysis, MR T‐stage, tumour infiltration, mesorectal fascia involvement, extramural vascular invasion and serum carcinoembryonic antigen level correlated significantly with pathologic complete response (pCR). Multivariate analysis identified that only MR T‐stage was independently associated with pCR (odds ratio, 3.89, 95% confidence interval, 1.18–12.84; P = 0.0278). Adding MRI‐based T2‐stage as an ancillary finding to mrTRG statistically significantly improved the sensitivity as compared to using only mrTRG for considering a CR. T2_mrTRG was significantly different in terms of the time to tumour progression between the CR and non‐CR group.

Conclusions

The MR T2‐stage was independently associated with pCR after CRT in patients with rectal cancer and was helpful as ancillary predictive factor, adding to mrTRG for prediction of pCR.
Co‐ablation versus cryoablation for the treatment of stage III–IV non‐small cell lung cancer: A prospective, noninferiority, randomized, controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: Yang Wuwei , An Yonghui , Li Quanwang , Liu Chuanbo , Zhu Baorang , Huang Qianfu , Zhao Mengfei , Yang Fei , Feng Huasong , Hu Kaiwen
Published: December 2020

Background

This study compared a co‐ablation (CA) system, which is a novel ablation device, with an argon‐helium cryoablation (AHC) system. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of CA and AHC for the treatment of stage III–IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether CA was noninferior to AHC. The primary efficacy endpoints were the iceball coverage rate (ICR) and the disease control rate (DCR) one month after treatment. Noninferiority was declared if the lower limit of two‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was less than 10%. The ICR and DCR were identified by logistic regression. Treatment safety was assessed.

Results

A total of 81 patients underwent randomization (41 assigned to the CA and 40 assigned to the AHC groups)and transthoracic ablation. The ICRs in the CA and AHC groups were 99.24% ± 2.18% and 98.66% ± 3.79%, respectively. Central lesions were associated with an increased risk of an incomplete ICR. The DCRs in the CA and AHC groups were 97.6% and 95%, respectively. A smaller lesion area in the CA group was significantly correlated with a better DCR. The rate of complications was 29.26% in the CA group and 30% in the AHC group. (P = 0.943). There was less probe usage per patient in the CA group.

Conclusions

We determined that CA is noninferior to AHC in terms of efficacy and safety for the treatment of stage III–IV NSCLC. A smaller lesion area in the CA group was significantly correlated with a better DCR.

Key points

CA was noninferior to AHC for stage III–IV NSCLC.
Effects of hypercapnia in sepsis: A scoping review of clinical and pre‐clinical data
Authors: Clyde Thomas P. , Coletta Michael , Jones Christopher W. , Kilgannon Hope , Fuller Brian M. , Trzeciak Stephen , Roberts Brian W.
Published: December 2020

Background

Perform a scoping review of (1) pre‐clinical studies testing the physiological effects of higher PaCO2 levels in the setting of sepsis models and (2) clinical investigations testing the effects of hypercapnia on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.

Methods

We performed a search of CENTRAL, PUBMED, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Study inclusion criteria for pre‐clinical studies were: (1) bacterial sepsis model (2) measurement of PaCO2, and (3) comparison of outcome measure between different PaCO2 levels. Inclusion criteria for clinical studies were: (1) diagnosis of sepsis, (2) receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, (3) measurement of PaCO2, and (4) comparison of outcomes between different PaCO2 levels. We performed a qualitative analysis to collate and summarize the physiological and clinical effects of hypercapnia according to the recommended methodology from the Cochrane Handbook.

Results

Fifteen pre‐clinical and nine clinical studies were included. Among pre‐clinical studies, the individual studies found higher PaCO2 augments tissue blood flow and oxygenation, and attenuates inflammation and lung injury; however, all pre‐clinical studies were found to have some degree of risk of bias. Six of the nine clinical studies were deemed to be good quality. Among clinical studies hypercapnia was associated with increased cerebral perfusion and oxygenation; however, there were conflicting results testing the association between hypercapnia and mortality.

Conclusion

While individual pre‐clinical studies identified potential mechanisms by which changes in PaCO2 levels could affect pathophysiology in sepsis, there is a paucity of clinical data as to the optimal PaCO2 range, demonstrating a need for future research.

Registration

PROSPERO number CRD42018086703.
The rise of the Red Crescent
Authors: Yurdakul Eray S. , Gunes Nuray , Namal Fatih , Coskun Ali K. , Watters David A.
Published: December 2020

This paper addresses the establishment of the Red Crescent, an equivalent of the Red Cross, in the Ottoman Empire in 1868 through the founding of ‘the Society of Care and Aid for Wounded and Disabled Soldiers’ (Mecrȗhȋnve Marzȃ‐yi Askeriyeye İmdad ve Muavenet Cemiyeti). Following initial slow development, the Society was revitalized in April 1877 in preparation for war with Russia. Importantly, the 1877–1878 Ottoman–Russian conflict was the first major war conducted by signatories of the 1864 First Geneva Convention, which made provisions for the treatment of wounded and sick soldiers and protection for those providing care. Although both the Ottoman Empire and Russia were signatories, major issues remained to be resolved in practice and the heat of conflict. One of the unresolved issues was international and Russian recognition of a red crescent on a white background as a sign of neutrality, in addition to a red cross. An interim agreement was signed between the two sides with international support. Full international approval of the red crescent symbol took much longer and was only confirmed at the ninth Red Cross Conference in Washington in 1912, 35 years later. Today, the red crescent represents all majority Muslim countries' aid institutions.
Cardiac sensory afferents modulate susceptibility to anxio‐depressive behaviour in a mouse model of chronic heart failure
Authors: Kermorgant Marc , Ben Salem Jennifer , Iacovoni Jason S. , Calise Denis , Dahan Lionel , Guiard Bruno P. , Lopez Sébastien , Lairez Olivier , Lasbories Antoine , Nasr Nathalie , Pavy Le‐Traon Anne , Beaudry Francis , Senard Jean‐Michel , Arvanitis Dina N
Published: December 2020

Aim

Impairments in cerebral structure and cognitive performance in chronic heart failure (CHF) are critical components of its comorbidity spectrum. Autonomic afferents that arise from cardiac sensory fibres show enhanced activity with CHF. Desensitization of these fibres by local application of resiniferatoxin (RTX) during myocardial infarction (MI) is known to prevent cardiac hypertrophy, sympathetic hyperactivity and CHF. Whether these afferents mediate cerebral allostasis is unknown.

Methods

CHF was induced by myocardial infarction. To evaluate if cardiac afferents contribute to cerebral allostasis, RTX was acutely applied to the pericardial space in controls (RTX) and in MI treated animals (MI/RTX). Subjects were then evaluated in a series of behavioural tests recapitulating different symptoms of depressive disorders. Proteomics of the frontal cortices (FC) was performed to identify contributing proteins and pathways responsible for behavioural allostasis.

Results

Desensitization of cardiac afferents relieves hallmarks of an anxio/depressive‐like state in mice. Unique protein signatures and regulatory pathways in FCs isolated from each treatment reveal the degree of complexity inherent in the FC response to stresses originating in the heart. While cortices from the combined treatment (MI/RTX) did not retain protein signatures from the individual treatment groups, all three groups suffer dysregulation in circadian entrainment.

Conclusion

CHF is comorbid with an anxio/depressive‐like state and ablation of cardiac afferents relieves the despair phenotype. The strikingly different proteomic profiles observed in FCs suggest that MI and RTX lead to unique brain‐signalling patterns and that the combined treatment, potentially through destructive interference mechanisms, most closely resembles controls.
Generalized multi‐SNP mediation intersection–union test
Authors: Zhong Wujuan , Darville Toni , Zheng Xiaojing , Fine Jason , Li Yun
Published: December 2020

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic variants identified from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for a variety of phenotypic traits encompassing binary, continuous, count, and survival outcomes, we propose a novel and flexible method to test for mediation that can simultaneously accommodate multiple genetic variants and different types of outcome variables. Specifically, we employ the intersection–union test approach combined with the likelihood ratio test to detect mediation effect of multiple genetic variants via some mediator (e.g., the expression of a neighboring gene) on outcome. We fit high‐dimensional generalized linear mixed models under the mediation framework, separately under the null and alternative hypothesis. We leverage Laplace approximation to compute the marginal likelihood of outcome and use coordinate descent algorithm to estimate corresponding parameters. Our extensive simulations demonstrate the validity of our proposed methods and substantial, up to 97%, power gains over alternative methods. Applications to real data for the study of Chlamydia trachomatis infection further showcase advantages of our methods. We believe our proposed methods will be of value and general interest in this post‐GWAS era to disentangle the potential causal mechanism from DNA to phenotype for new drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of hepcidin regulation: clinical implications for iron disorders
Authors: Xu Yang , Alfaro‐Magallanes Víctor M. , Babitt Jodie L.
Published: December 2020

The discovery of hepcidin has provided a solid foundation for understanding the mechanisms of systemic iron homeostasis and the aetiologies of iron disorders. Hepcidin assures the balance of circulating and stored iron levels for multiple physiological processes including oxygen transport and erythropoiesis, while limiting the toxicity of excess iron. The liver is the major site where regulatory signals from iron, erythropoietic drive and inflammation are integrated to control hepcidin production. Pathologically, hepcidin dysregulation by genetic inactivation, ineffective erythropoiesis, or inflammation leads to diseases of iron deficiency or overload such as iron‐refractory iron‐deficiency anaemia, anaemia of inflammation, iron‐loading anaemias and hereditary haemochromatosis. In the present review, we discuss recent insights into the molecular mechanisms governing hepcidin regulation, how these pathways are disrupted in iron disorders, and how this knowledge is being used to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Creativity in non‐routine jobs: The role of transformational leadership and organizational identification
Authors: Liu Huihua , Bracht Eva , Zhang Xin‐an , Bradley Bret , van Dick Rolf
Published: December 2020

An increasing number of individuals work in jobs with little standardization and repetition, that is, with high levels of job non‐routinization. At the same time, demands for creativity are high, which raises the question of how employees can use job non‐routinization to develop creativity. Acknowledging the importance of social processes for creativity, we propose that transformational leaders raise feelings of organizational identification in followers and that this form of identification then helps individuals to develop creativity in jobs with little routinization. This is because organizational members evaluate and promote those ideas as more creative, which are in line with a shared understanding of creativity within the organization. To investigate these relationships, we calculated a mediated moderation model with 173 leader–follower dyads from China. Results confirm our hypotheses that transformational leadership moderates the relationship between job non‐routinization on employee creativity through organizational identification. We conclude that raising feelings of social identity is a key task for leaders today, especially when working in uncertain and fast developing environments with little repetition and the constant need to develop creative ideas.
Curcumin analog B14 has high bioavailability and enhances the effect of anti‐breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shen Hui , Shen Jianfen , Pan Huan , Xu Longsheng , Sheng Han , Liu Beibei , Yao Ming
Published: December 2020

Curcumin has a variety of anticancer properties, but low bioavailability prevents its use in chemotherapeutic applications. To address this problem, we tested the efficacy of the synthetic curcumin analog B14 in breast cancer cells and explored the mechanism by which B14 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer cells. We used the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231 to study the anticancer effects of B14 and assessed cell viability, cell migration and invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis, in addition, the antitumor effect of B14 in vivo was examined in mice bearing MDA‐MB‐231 cells. We found that, as the concentration of B14 increased, cell viability decreased in a dose‐dependent manner. Compound B14 exerted the best antitumor activity and selectivity for MCF‐7 and MDA‐M‐231 cells (IC50 = 8.84 μmol/L and 8.33 μmol/L, respectively), while its IC50 value for MCF‐10A breast epithelial cells was 34.96 μmol/L. B14 has been shown to be a multi‐targeted drug that alters the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and ultimately induces G1 phase cell cycle arrest. At the same time, B14 activates the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, B14 was more effective than curcumin in inhibiting cell migration, invasion, and colony formation. In tumor‐bearing mice, analog B14 significantly reduced tumor growth and inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis. The pharmacokinetic test found that B14 was more stable than curcumin in vivo. Our data reveal the therapeutic potential of the curcumin analog B14 and the underlying mechanisms to fight breast cancer cells.
Unrecognized: Kinship care by young aunts, siblings and other young people
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , Humphreys Cathy , Kertesz Margaret
Published: December 2020

Much literature about kinship care has focused on grandparents, with limited attention to other kinship carers. This article describes results from the second part of an Australian research project that explored the prevalence, experiences and support needs of kinship carers aged 18–30 years through interviews with 41 kinship carers. Most were sisters or aunts. Findings included deep commitment of the carers to children in their care and the children's positive development over time. Young kinship carers described personal costs of caring, including sudden adjustment to the task of parenting distressed children, suspension of studies, jobs and career development, pressures of intrafamilial conflict, a lack of recognition of their existence and support needs, and above all, financial stress. The need for multifaceted support to be available to this group of kinship carers is identified.
Machine learning for predictive data analytics in medicine: A review illustrated by cardiovascular and nuclear medicine examples
Authors: Jamin Antoine , Abraham Pierre , Humeau‐Heurtier Anne
Published: December 2020

The evidence‐based medicine allows the physician to evaluate the risk–benefit ratio of a treatment through setting and data. Risk‐based choices can be done by the doctor using different information. With the emergence of new technologies, a large amount of data is recorded offering interesting perspectives with machine learning for predictive data analytics. Machine learning is an ensemble of methods that process data to model a learning problem. Supervised machine learning algorithms consist in using annotated data to construct the model. This category allows to solve prediction data analytics problems. In this paper, we detail the use of supervised machine learning algorithms for predictive data analytics problems in medicine. In the medical field, data can be split into two categories: medical images and other data. For brevity, our review deals with any kind of medical data excluding images. In this article, we offer a discussion around four supervised machine learning approaches: information‐based, similarity‐based, probability‐based and error‐based approaches. Each method is illustrated with detailed cardiovascular and nuclear medicine examples. Our review shows that model ensemble (ME) and support vector machine (SVM) methods are the most popular. SVM, ME and artificial neural networks often lead to better results than those given by other algorithms. In the coming years, more studies, more data, more tools and more methods will, for sure, be proposed.
Conversion to everolimus in pediatric heart transplant recipients is a safe treatment option with an impact on cardiac allograft vasculopathy and renal function
Authors: Grimm Kathrin , Lehner Anja , Fernandez Rodriguez Silvia , Orban Madeleine , Fischer Marcus , Rosenthal Laura L. , Jakob Andre , Haas Nikolaus A. , Dalla Pozza Robert , Kozlik‐Feldmann Rainer , Ulrich Sarah M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and nephrotoxicity affect long‐term survival after heart transplantation (HTX). Studies, mostly conducted in adults, showed a positive effect of everolimus (EVL) on these problems. We describe the effects of conversion of the immunosuppressive therapy to an everolimus including regime on CAV, renal function, and safety in heart transplanted children/adolescents.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center study included 36 participants (mean time after HTX 6.3 ± 4.7 years). Descriptive pre/post‐comparisons were performed with an observation period partially up to 4 years. Impact on CAV was assessed based on intravascular imaging and Stanford grading. Safety analysis included cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐infection and acute rejection.

Results

In terms of CAV (9 out of 36 patients) four showed no progression, three an improvement, one a worsening; one new diagnosis. The average CrCl showed a significant improvement 6, 12, and 24 months after conversion regarding all patients (n = 29). There was no acute rejection or CMV‐infection.

Conclusion

Conversion to an EVL‐based therapy after pediatric HTX is a safe immunosuppressive regime without increasing risk of acute rejection or CMV‐infection. There was some evidence of reduction in progression of CAV and a significant improvement of the renal function.
Diabetogenic effects of cardioprotective drugs
Authors: Bell David S.H. , Goncalves Edison
Published: December 2020

Drugs that protect against cardiovascular events in the patient with diabetes may also positively or negatively affect glycaemic control in the patient with established diabetes and may induce the development of diabetes in the predisposed patient. Mainly through increasing insulin resistance, beta‐blockers, statins and high‐dose diuretics have the potential to worsen glycaemic control. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, low‐dose diuretics, vasodilating beta‐blockers, alpha‐blockers and pitavastatin have little or no effect on glycaemic control. Blockers of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system, colesevelam, ranolazine and verapamil, through slowing breakdown of bradykinin, vasodilation, increasing cholecystokinin levels, blocking sodium channels and decreasing beta cell apoptosis, may improve glycaemic control and avoid the development of diabetes.
Largest on earth: Discovery of a new type of fairy circle in Angola supports a termite origin
Authors: Jürgens Norbert , Gunter Felicitas , Oldeland Jens , Groengroeft Alexander , Henschel Joh R. , Oncken Imke , Picker Mike D.
Published: December 2020

1. Circular bare patches occur in high numbers among the vegetation of the Namib Desert margin. There is an ongoing scientific debate on the origin of these so‐called “fairy circles” (FCs). One of the most frequently discussed hypotheses regards the bare patches to be the result of localised herbivory by sand termites of the genus Psammotermes (family Rhinotermitidae).

2. In all earlier publications, the fairy circles of the Namib Desert region within their entire range from Angola through Namibia to South Africa were, in principle, regarded to be of one type, albeit increasing in size towards the north. Here we present evidence that at −16.23° latitude there is an abrupt discontinuity which separates the FCs on either side from each other.

3. South of this discontinuity all studied FCs share the properties of the previously described fairy circles in Namibia and South Africa, especially the presence of Psammotermes termites.

4. In contrast, north of −16.23°S the FCs are much larger and are caused by a different and undescribed termite species, most closely related to the harvester termite genus Microhodotermes (family Hodotermitidae). The two sets of fairy circles differ in a specific set of morphological features, associated termites, and soil parameters.

5. The observed juxtaposition of the newly discovered large structures caused by a hodotermitid termite and the Psammotermes FCs caused by a rhinotermitid species is interpreted as an interesting example of convergent evolution resulting in similar ecological structures.
The impact of wrong‐site surgery on dental undergraduate teaching: a survey of UK dental schools
Authors: Dargue Anna , Fyfe Eithne , French Kathryn , Ali Kamran , Bailey Edmund , Bell Aileen , Bolt Robert , Bulsara Yogesh , Carey James , Emanuel Charlotte , Green Rachel , Khawaja Nadine , Kushnerev Evgeny , Patel Neil , Shepherd Simon , Smart Binthan , Smyth Joanna , Taylor Kate , Varma Datla Kumar
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Patient safety within dental education is paramount. Wrong‐site surgery (WSS) tooth extraction is not uncommon and is a significant never event (NE) in dentistry. This study aimed to explore dental schools’ undergraduate experience of NEs, safety interventions implemented and the impact on student experience.

Methods

All 16 UK dental schools were surveyed via email.

Results

The response rate was 100%. A modified World Health Organization (WHO) checklist was used within institutions (94%) including pre‐operative briefings and recording teeth on whiteboards (81%, respectively). Students were directly supervised performing extractions (63%) utilising a 1:4 staff: student ratio. WSS by students was reported in 69% of schools, with student experience being impacted by an increased patient safety focus.

Discussion

This study demonstrated an increased utilisation of an adapted WHO checklist. Modification of practices to ensure patient safety was demonstrated at all schools, irrespective of student WSS occurrences. Institutions experiencing student NEs commonly implemented WHO checklists and recording teeth for extraction on whiteboards. Other strategies included direct staff supervision and pre‐operative briefings.

Conclusion

UK dental schools have increased the emphasis on patient safety by the implementation of national healthcare models, for example WHO checklists and pre‐operative briefings. These strategies both aim to improve communication and teamwork. Increased levels of staff supervision foster greater quality of teaching; however, this has resulted in reduced student clinical experience. A proposed minimum standard for undergraduate surgery is suggested to ensure safe and competent dental practitioners of the future.
Association between sleep disturbance with motoric cognitive risk syndrome in Chinese older adults
Authors: Zeng Weifang , Zhang Lu , Feng Beili , Li Hengdong , Wang Dongjuan , Zheng Zaixing , Zhang Yuelin , Jiang Longfu , Ye Honghua
Published: December 2020

Background and purpose

Sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment are common and related in the elderly population worldwide. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between sleep disturbance and motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, which is characterized by subjective cognitive complaints and objective slow gait in older individuals without dementia or any mobility disability in the community‐dwelling elderly Chinese population.

Methods

We recruited 940 participants aged ≥65 years from November 2016 to March 2017 in the Ningbo Community Study on Aging (NCSA). Self‐reported sleep duration and sleep‐quality variables, comprehensive geriatric evaluation, as well as indicators for diagnosing MCR syndrome were evaluated in this cross‐sectional study.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a 1‐SD increase in night (1.1 h) and 24‐h sleep duration (1.3 h) was associated, respectively, with a 21% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1%–47%; p = 0.04) and 30% (95% CI, 3%–64%; p = 0.03) higher odds of having MCR syndrome. Considering sleep duration as a categorical variable, longer night‐sleep duration (>8.5 h) was associated with MCR syndrome (OR, 2.03; p = 0.02) compared to shorter night‐sleep duration (<8 h). For sleep‐quality factors, increasing frequency of trouble falling asleep, waking early or easily, nightmares, and taking sleep drugs were significantly associated with MCR syndrome after adjusting for potential covariables (all p for trend < 0.05), but not for self‐perceived sleep quality (p for trend = 0.10).

Conclusions

Long sleep duration, poor sleep quality, and taking sleep drugs were associated with higher odds of having MCR syndrome in the community‐dwelling elderly Chinese population. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Decision making on antenatal screening results: A comparative Q‐method study of women from two Chinese cities
Authors: Dong Dong , Ahmed Shenaz , Nichini Elena , Yi Huso , Jafri Hussain , Rashid Yasmin , Ahmed Mushtaq , Zhu Jianfeng
Published: December 2020

Background

Although an integral part of ethical and quality health care, little is known about the informed decision making of Chinese women with different socioeconomic backgrounds within the context of antenatal testing.

Methods

To explore women's viewpoints on informed decision making regarding antenatal screening, a Q‐methodology study that combines both quantitative factor analysis and interviews was conducted between June 2016 and February 2017 in Shanghai and Duyun. A total of 169 women (84 Shanghai and 85 Duyun) participated in the study of 41 ranked statements along a Q‐sorting grid.

Results

Using by‐person factor analysis, five distinct viewpoints are identified: (a) choice is shared with the partner/husband, but the mother has the right to make the final decision; (b) having antenatal tests is not about choice but about a mother's responsibility; (c) choice is a shared decision led primarily by the partner/husband and secondarily by the doctors; (d) choice should be made using the advice of doctors, but the decision should be made with the partner/husband; and (e) choice is a responsibility shared with the partner, family and doctors.

Conclusions

The study reveals that women with better education and higher incomes demonstrate more autonomy than those with less education. The nuclear family clearly emerges as the main decision makers in health‐care services in China.

Patient and Public Contribution

The 169 participants shared their views and stories for at least an hour. They were debriefed after the interviews and contributed their thoughts on our study design and interpretation of the data.
Determination of conformational changes of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase in peach juice during mild heat treatment using FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Baltacıoğlu Hande , Coruk Katibe Sinem
Published: December 2020

The effect of thermal treatment on activity and structural changes of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in peach juice was investigated. The D70 values for PPO and POD were 10.38 and 13.68 min, respectively. The z values for PPO and POD were found to be 3.35 and 23.15 °C, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to determine the conformational changes. With the increase in temperature, α‐helix and β‐sheet were decreased, and β‐turn and aggregated β‐sheet structure were increased for PPO, random coil and β‐sheet decreased, while aggregated β‐sheet structure increased for POD. In contrast, an increase in α‐helix structure of POD was observed which was thought to be effective in POD regeneration. Furthermore, native and denatured forms of enzymes were discriminated by using principle component analysis (PCA), and models that correlated activity and secondary structural components with infrared spectra were constructed by using partial least square (PLS).
The impact of skin calcinosis on digital ulcers in patients with SSc: clinical and prognostic stratification using the “wound bed score”
Authors: Barsotti Simone , Venturini Valentina , Di Battista Marco , Janowska Agata , Dini Valentina , Della Rossa Alessandra , Mosca Marta
Published: December 2020

Digital ulcers (DUs) represent one of the major burdens for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially when associated with skin calcinosis (SC). The aim of this work is to evaluate the impact of SC in DUs of patients with SSc for clinical characteristics and prognosis assessed by the wound bed score (WBS). We prospectively enrolled 55 patients with DUs and SSc followed in our dedicated wound care clinic. For all the patients we collected clinical and anthropometric data and characteristics of the DU, and we calculated the WBS for each DU. Ninety‐nine DUs were evaluated (24 with SC). SC was prevalent in limited cutaneous SSc (75%) and in patients with longer disease duration (P = 0.02). SC‐DUs were prevalent at the fingertip (P = 0.04). The healing time was significantly higher in patients with SC (10.4 ± 7.9 weeks) compared with non‐SC (7.0 ± 5.7 weeks) P = 0.03. The WBS negatively correlated with the time to achieve complete healing (r = −0.237 P = 0.023) and the correlation was maintained in the non‐SC (r = −0.46, P = 0.033). DUs in SSc patients with SC are common and difficult to heal. When DUs are treated in dedicated centres, the prognosis is good. The WBS is fast and easy and maybe commonly applied in clinical practice.