bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary teachers' perspectives on sustaining growth mindset concepts in instruction
Authors: Jorif Maria , Burleigh Cheryl
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore perspectives of secondary (9–12) teachers on how to sustain growth mindset concepts within instructional practices as well as identifying barriers to sustainment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an exploratory case study to obtain the lived experiences of participants. An inductive analysis process was utilized on the data collected through structured interviews and a semi-structured focus group.

Findings

Four major themes emerged from an in-depth analysis process: embed growth mindset practices in daily classroom instruction, communicate verbal affirmations and implement growth mindset learning tasks, allow students to experience academic successes and failures and teachers should receive continual support.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to secondary grades (9–12). Therefore, it is recommended to expand the study to gradesK-8.

Originality/value

Due to a gap in the literature, this study provided insights into sustaining an innovative psychological approach, growth mindset, within academic instruction. Growth mindset concepts have been supported through the work of seminal researcher Carol Dweck and other prevalent educational researchers (e.g. Robert Marzano) to provide teachers with effective classroom instructional practices that can academically progress students.
Evaluating research performance of Coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic using scientometric indicators
Authors: Sahoo Sidhartha , Pandey Shriram
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study is an attempt to evaluating the growth of scientific literature in the domain of coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic research based on scientometric indicators: prolific countries and relative citation impact (RCI); influential institutions; author analysis and network, h-index and citation; DC (degree of collaboration), CC (collaboration coefficient), MCI (modified collaboration index) in the subject domain of coronavirus and Covid-19 research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted approaches to obtain the literature data from Scopus database from 2000 to 2020 by conducting a systematic search using keywords related to the studied subject domain. In total, 15,297 numbers of records were considered for the literature analysis considering the real significant growth of this subject domain. This study presented the scientometric analysis of these publications. Furthermore, statistical correlations have been used to understand the collaboration pattern. Visualization tool VOSviewer is used to construct the co-author network.

Findings

The present study found that 53.57% (8,195) of the research documents published on the open-access platform. Journal of Virology was found to be most preferred journal by the researcher producing around 839(5.48%) articles. USA and China dominate in the research output, and the University of Hong Kong has produced the highest number of research paper 547(3.58%). A significant portion of the research documents are published in the subject domain of medicine (49.70%), followed by immunology and microbiology (35.72%), and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology subject domains (22.32%). There has been an unparalleled proliferation of publications on COVID-19 since January 2020 and also a significant distribution of research funds across the globe.

Research limitations/implications

The study exclusively examines 15,297 research outputs which have been indexed in the Scopus database from 2000 to 2020 (till 01 April 2020). Thus, documents published in any other different channels and sources which are not covered in Scopus are excluded from the purview of research.

Practical implications

It will be beneficial for researchers and practitioners worldwide for understanding the growth of scientific literature in the coronavirus and COVID-19 and identifying potential collaborator.

Originality/value

Considering the global impact and social distress due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, this study is significant in the present scenario for identifying the growth of scientific literature in this field and evolving of this domain of research around the globe. The research results are useful to identify valuable research patterns from publications and of developments in the field of coronavirus and COVID-19.
Corporate social responsibility impact on talent retention among Generation Y
Authors: Zainee Intan Azurin , Puteh Fadilah
Published: October 2020

Purpose

As the new emerging workforce, Generation Y (Gen Y) is said to be demanding, influential and possessing strong bargaining power. This study examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee retention among Gen Y in the accounting profession. CSR is widely researched subject due to its applicability in multidisciplinary fields and industries. This research intends to investigate the nexus between CSR and human capital disciplines. It employs Carroll's pyramid of CSR as the main theoretical framework to establish its relationship with talent retention among Gen Y employees. This study has a threefold aim: (1) to determine the level of CSR awareness, (2) to determine the relationship between CSR dimensions and talent retention and (3) to examine the effect of CSR dimensions on talent retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using the structured questionnaire. A total of 377 Gen Y accountants who are currently working in accounting firms located in Klang Valley, Malaysia, were involved as respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlation and regression analyses to answer the research objectives.

Findings

The paper provided empirical insights about the impact brought by CSR practices in financial-based firms on employee retention. It was found that all CSR elements, as suggested by Carroll, have a significant relationship with employees’ retention. The interaction between the CSR elements and employee retention accounts for 16% of the research model. Based on the multiple regression analysis, it was found that only two CSR elements are the significant predictors of employee retention among Gen Y in the case of financial-based firms in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

This research covers Gen Y employees in accounting firms; thus, generalization is not applicable to other generations. Besides, the predictors of the research study utilize Carroll’s pyramid of CSR. Therefore, future research studies are encouraged to validate the research model into other sectors. Other models of CSR could also be used.

Practical implications

This paper includes implication for the organization to understand employee retention practices on Gen Y who are currently dominating the workforce.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how CSR practices could enhance employee retention among Gen Y in the organization.
A fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city development in developing countries
Authors: Aghimien Douglas Omoregie , Aigbavboa Clinton , Edwards David J. , Mahamadu Abdul-Majeed , Olomolaiye Paul , Nash Hazel , Onyia Michael
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study presents a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city realisation in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. By defining and delineating the problems faced by the country, more viable directions to attaining smart city development can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance with a deductive approach. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from built environment professionals involved in the delivery of Nigerian public infrastructures. Six dimensions of the challenges of smart cities were identified from literature and explored. They are governance, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal issues. Data gathered were analysed using Cronbach alpha test for reliability, Shapiro-Wilks test for normality, Kruskal-Wallis H-test for consistency and fuzzy synthetic evaluation test for the synthetic evaluation of the challenges of smart city attainment.

Findings

The findings revealed that all six assessed dimensions have a significant impact on the attainment of smart cities in Nigeria. More specifically, issues relating to environmental, technological, social and legal challenges are more prominent.

Originality/value

The fuzzy synthetic approach adopted provides a clear, practical insight on the issues that need to be addressed before the smart city development can be attained within developing countries.
Terrestrial laser scanning reveals convergence of tree architecture with increasingly dominant crown canopy position
Authors: Martin‐Ducup Olivier , Ploton Pierre , Barbier Nicolas , Momo Takoudjou Stéphane , Mofack Gislain , Kamdem Narcisse Guy , Fourcaud Thierry , Sonké Bonaventure , Couteron Pierre , Pélissier Raphaël
Published: October 2020

To fulfil their growth and reproductive functions, trees develop a three‐dimensional structure that is subject to both internal and external constraints. This is reflected by the unique architecture of each individual at a given time. Addressing the crown dimensions and topological structure of large tropical trees is challenging considering their complexity, size and longevity. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) technology offers a new opportunity for characterising and comparing these properties across a large number of individuals and species.

In the present study, we specifically developed topology and geometry metrics of crown architecture from TLS data and investigated how they correlated with metrics of tree and crown form, crown position and shade tolerance.

Fifty‐nine trees belonging to 14 coexisting canopy species in semideciduous forests of Cameroon were scanned with TLS and reconstructed using quantitative structural models (QSMs). The species belonged to different shade‐tolerance groups and were sampled in different crown positions. Crown‐form metrics and branch topology metrics were quantified from the TLS data, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to study how the 59 sampled trees were distributed along axes of architectural diversity. Allometric scaling parameters derived from West Brown and Enquist (WBE) metabolic theory were also quantified from the QSMs, and their correlations with the PCA axes were evaluated.

The results revealed that the branch topology and crown‐form metrics were not correlated since similar topologies could lead to contrasting crown forms. Crown form, but not branch topology, changed with tree shade tolerance, while convergence in tree topology and towards expected WBE parameters was observed for all trees reaching dominant crown positions independent of species shade tolerance.

This convergence is interpreted as resulting from a liberation effect of canopy trees from side‐shading constraints, leading to crown development processes through sequential reiteration.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Towards linking species traits to demography and assembly in diverse tree communities: Revisiting the importance of size and allocation
Authors: Iida Yoshiko , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: October 2020

One of the important goals in plant ecology is to form a mechanistic link between the underlying processes driving the dynamics and structure of communities and the observed demography (i.e., growth, survival, and recruitment) and assembly (i.e., distribution of species) in a community via traits. Although the importance of traits to performance is evident, their direct links to demography and the resulting assembly in tree communities are often found to be fairly weak probably because a single “mean” trait value for a species is not enough to capture complex life histories. In this paper, we review how traits at the organ‐level and at the whole plant level, demography, and assembly change with size in diverse tropical forests and summarize what know so far. We argue the importance of trait‐based life‐history strategies revealing trait‐environment‐demography linkages across ontogenetic stages to achieve the ultimate goal of forming a mechanistic link between the underlying processes driving the dynamics and structure of communities and the observed demography and assembly.
Evaluation and applicability of Alere iCup DX 14 for rapid postmortem urine drug screening at autopsy
Authors: Towler Steven , Concheiro Marta , Pearring Sue , Rodda Luke N.
Published: October 2020

Performing point‐of‐care urine drug screen testing at autopsy by a forensic pathologist may provide an early indication of the presence of analytes of interest during autopsy. An evaluation for the screening of 14 classes of common drugs of abuse in postmortem urine by the point‐of‐care screening device, Alere iCup DX 14, is presented. One hundred ninety postmortem urine samples were screened with the iCup occurring at autopsy by the forensic pathologist. Positive and negative results obtained from the screening kit were evaluated against confirmatory test results obtained using routine forensic toxicology analyses that employed LC‐MS/MS and GC‐MS to detect a combination of over 85 common drugs of abuse and medications. Sensitivity for each respective iCup drug class ranged from 66% (buprenorphine) to 100% (methadone, tricyclic antidepressants). Specificity for each respective iCup drug class ranged from 89% (benzodiazepines) to 100% (amphetamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methadone). Positive predictive values ranged from 44% (benzodiazepines) to 100% (amphetamines, barbiturates, buprenorphine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methadone), while negative predictive values ranged from 96% (methamphetamine) to 100% (barbiturates, methadone, tricyclic antidepressants). A high false‐positive rate was yielded by the benzodiazepine class. The lack of fentanyl screening in the point‐of‐care device is a significant limitation considering its prolific prevalence in forensic casework. The results obtained in the study should be acknowledged when considering the use of the Alere iCup DX 14 in the context of postmortem casework to help indicate potential drug use contemporaneously with autopsy and when requiring such preliminary results prior to the release of a final forensic toxicology report.
Eligibility criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation at Auckland City Hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iwashita Michael , Waqanivavalagi Steve , Merz Tobias , Jones Peter
Published: October 2020

Objective

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a promising adjunct to routine advanced cardiac life support. Growing worldwide interest in ECPR‐use has seen more tertiary centres offering ECPR programmes. New Zealand's nationwide extracorporeal membranous oxygenation service is provided at Auckland City Hospital (ACH). Despite the potential benefits of ECPR, it is currently only offered on an ad hoc basis. It remains unknown whether ACH would manage sufficient numbers of patients to warrant an ECPR programme.

Methods

A 12‐month retrospective cohort study of the medical records of patients who were managed for cardiac arrest in the resuscitation room of the ED was conducted. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were analysed descriptively and audited against a unique set of criteria for a hypothetical ECPR programme.

Results

Between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019, 286 patients died or had a cardiac arrest for which they were managed at ACH. Sixty‐five of these patients had an in‐hospital cardiac arrest in the ED. Seven (10.8%) of these patients were deemed eligible for hypothetical ECPR. Only one of these seven patients survived to hospital discharge with full neurological recovery.

Conclusions

An ECPR programme at ACH using standardised and agreed criteria may benefit a small number of patients and improve rates of survival to hospital discharge with preservation of neurological function. An ECPR guideline would help clarify for referring services cases that are appropriate for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation consideration, rather than discussing on an ad hoc basis.
On the future fermentation
Authors: Chen Guo‐Qiang , Liu Xinyi
Published: October 2020

Microbial fermentations produce chemicals, materials, biofuels, foods and medicines for many years. The processes are less competitive compared to chemical industries. To increase its competitiveness, technologies must be developed to address the following issues including fresh water shortage, heavy energy consumption, microbial contaminations, complexity of sterile operations, poor oxygen utilization in the cultures, food‐related ingredients as substrates, low substrate to product conversion efficiency, difficult cells and broth separation, large amount of wastewater, discontinuous processes, heavy labour involvements and expensive bioreactors. Future industrial fermentations should be more effective with the above issues reasonably addressed. Recently, extremophilic bacteria have well addressed the above issues for future fermentation.
Integrative analysis of hepatic metabolomic and transcriptomic data reveals potential mechanism of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high‐fat diet–fed mice
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Zheng Junping , Ren Xianghui , Wang Shaojiang , Wang Guizhou , Hu Baifei , Yang Huabing , Liu Hongtao
Published: October 2020

Background

Due to the complex pathogenesis, the molecular mechanism of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the comprehensive metabolic and signaling pathways in the occurrence of NASH.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were treated with high‐fat diet for 4 months to mimic the NASH phenotype. After the treatment, the physiochemical parameters were evaluated, and the liver tissues were prepared for untargeted metabolomic analysis with ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Then, three relevant Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were selected for integrative analysis of differentiated messenger RNA and metabolites.

Results

The levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (16:1(9Z)/20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)), oleic acid, and sphingomyelin (SM) (d18:0/12:0) were significantly increased, and the content of adenosine was severely reduced in NASH mice. The integrated interpretation of transcriptomic and metabolomic data indicated that the glycerophospholipid metabolism and necroptosis signaling were evidently affected in the development of NASH. The high level of SM (d18:0/12:0) may be related to the expression of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), and the elevated arachidonic acid was coordinated with the upregulation of cytosol phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in the necroptosis pathway.

Conclusions

In summary, the inflammatory response, necroptosis, and glycerophospholipid may serve as potential targets for mechanistic exploration and clinical practice in the treatment of NASH.
KRAS oncogene may be another target conquered in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Chen Hanxiao , Zhao Jun
Published: October 2020

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is one of the most common mutant oncogenes in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The survival of patients with KRAS mutations may be much lower than patients without KRAS mutations. However, due to the complex structure and diverse biological properties, it is difficult to achieve specific inhibitors for the direct elimination of KRAS activity, making KRAS a challenging therapeutic target. At present, with the tireless efforts of medical research, including KRAS G12C inhibitors, immunotherapy and other combination strategies, this dilemma is expected to an end. In addition, inhibition of the downstream signaling pathways of KRAS may be a promising combination strategy. Given the rapid development of treatments, understanding the details will be important to determine the individualized treatment options, including combination therapy and potential resistance mechanisms.
Predicting the fine‐scale factors that correlate with multiple carnivore depredation of livestock in their enclosures
Authors: Chaka Susan N. M. , Kissui Bernard M. , Gray Steven , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: October 2020

We used multiple methods to examine livestock depredation by African lions (Panthera leo), spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta), leopards (Panthera pardus) and black‐backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) in livestock enclosures across the Maasai steppe of Northern Tanzania. In this landscape, pastoralists keep cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys. All are vulnerable to depredation by carnivores. Various factors, such as boma characteristics, landscape attributes and attacks by multiple carnivores, were analysed to understand the best predictors of livestock loss at a boma. We found that livestock depredation was significantly correlated with the number of carnivore species that attacked the boma, the number of boma fences and proximity to protected areas, rivers and roads. Bomas with one fence experienced more loss than those with two walls of fencing. We also found that livestock depredation increased farther from protected areas (β = 0.50, SE = 0.10) and rivers (β = 0.39, SE = 0.10) and closer to roads (β = −0.28, SE = 0.11). These results highlight the complex interaction of fine‐scale factors that influence carnivore depredation of livestock at any given boma. We recommend that mitigation address the range of factors, including the structural integrity of a boma, landscape attributes and multiple carnivore raids.
Identification of Pru du 6 as a potential marker allergen for almond allergy
Authors: Kabasser Stefan , Hafner Christine , Chinthrajah Sharon , Sindher Sayantani B. , Kumar Divya , Kost Laurie E. , Long Andrew J. , Nadeau Kari C. , Breiteneder Heimo , Bublin Merima
Published: October 2020

Background

Oral food challenges have demonstrated that diagnosis of almond allergy based on extract‐sIgE tests displays low specificity. Molecular allergy diagnosis is expected to improve accuracy, but its value in diagnosing almond allergy remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify relevant almond allergens and examine their ability to improve almond allergy diagnosis.

Methods

IgE‐reactive proteins were purified from almond kernels. IgE binding to almond extract and the allergens was analyzed by quantitative ELISA using sera from 18 subjects with a proven almond allergy. The control group consisted of sera from 18 subjects allergic to peanut and/or tree nuts but tolerant to almond.

Results

Three IgE‐binding proteins were identified: legumin (Pru du 6), alpha‐hairpinin (Pru du 8), and mandelonitrile lyase (Pru du 10). Positive IgE (≥0.35 kU/L) to almond extract showed 94% sensitivity but only 33% specificity. IgE to Pru du 6 maintained high sensitivity (83%) and provided superior specificity (78%). Sera from almond‐allergic subjects had significantly higher IgE levels to almond extract (P < .0001) and Pru du 6 (P < .0001) than sera from tolerant donors. Sensitization to Pru du 6 was highly specific for almond allergy, while frequencies of sensitization to legumins from peanut, walnut, hazelnut, and cashew were similar in both groups. IgE to Pru du 8 and Pru du 10 was less sensitive (41% and 67%), but showed specificities of 100% and 61%.

Conclusion

The use of almond allergens markedly increases the diagnostic specificity compared to the extract. Pru du 6 is a potential new molecular marker for almond allergy.
The Abdominal Re‐Approximation Anchor device (ABRA®) has the potential to be useful in both emergency and elective dynamic temporary fascial closure
Authors: Chen Nelson , McLaren Mairi , Slater Kellee
Published: October 2020

Background

The management of an open abdomen (OA) remains an evolving field because of its relative rarity. Many techniques to achieve temporary abdominal closure exist, but often require multiple returns to the operating theatre and usually do not address the issue of lateral fascial retraction and do not achieve primary fascial closure (PFC). The ensuing incisional hernias result in a significant surgical challenge affecting both the physical and mental health of the patient. We describe our experience with the Abdominal Re‐approximation Anchor (ABRA) device, which addresses some of these issues.

Methods

The records of patients with an OA managed by a single surgeon using the ABRA device at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia, between December 2014 and April 2020 were analysed retrospectively.

Results

Six patients with OA were managed with the ABRA. All patients required an OA for the ramification of intraabdominal sepsis. Three patients were managed with the ABRA device electively and three in the acute setting. 100% of patients achieved PFC. Average follow‐up was 40 months with three developing incisional hernias that were subsequently repaired.

Conclusion

The OA in critically ill surgical patients remains one of the most challenging problems in general surgery. The ABRA device is simple to use and has shown positive outcomes in both the acute and elective setting. Our use has resulted in 100% PFC, which demonstrates that the ABRA device is an important tool for the general surgeon in managing these complex cases.
Protein O‐GlcNAcylation levels are regulated independently of dietary intake in a tissue and time‐specific manner during rat postnatal development
Authors: Dupas Thomas , Denis Manon , Dontaine Justine , Persello Antoine , Bultot Laurent , Erraud Angélique , Vertommen Didier , Bouchard Bertrand , Tessier Arnaud , Rivière Matthieu , Lebreton Jacques , Bigot‐Corbel Edith , Montnach Jérôme , De Waard Michel , Gauthier Chantal , Burelle Yan , Olson Aaron K. , Rozec Bertrand , Des Rosiers Christine , Bertrand Luc , Issad Tarik , Lauzier Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Aim

Metabolic sources switch from carbohydrates in utero, to fatty acids after birth and then a mix once adults. O‐GlcNAcylation (O‐GlcNAc) is a post‐translational modification considered as a nutrient sensor. The purpose of this work was to assess changes in protein O‐GlcNAc levels, regulatory enzymes and metabolites during the first periods of life and decipher the impact of O‐GlcNAcylation on cardiac proteins.

Methods

Heart, brain and liver were harvested from rats before and after birth (D‐1 and D0), in suckling animals (D12), after weaning with a standard (D28) or a low‐carbohydrate diet (D28F), and adults (D84). O‐GlcNAc levels and regulatory enzymes were evaluated by western blots. Mass spectrometry (MS) approaches were performed to quantify levels of metabolites regulating O‐GlcNAc and identify putative cardiac O‐GlcNAcylated proteins.

Results

Protein O‐GlcNAc levels decrease drastically and progressively from D‐1 to D84 (13‐fold, P < .05) in the heart, whereas the changes were opposite in liver and brain. O‐GlcNAc levels were unaffected by weaning diet in any tissues. Changes in expression of enzymes and levels of metabolites regulating O‐GlcNAc were tissue‐dependent. MS analyses identified changes in putative cardiac O‐GlcNAcylated proteins, namely those involved in the stress response and energy metabolism, such as ACAT1, which is only O‐GlcNAcylated at D0.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that protein O‐GlcNAc levels are not linked to dietary intake and regulated in a time and tissue‐specific manner during postnatal development. We have identified by untargeted MS putative proteins with a particular O‐GlcNAc signature across the development process suggesting specific role of these proteins.
Decreased alpha‐1,4‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine glycosylation in biliary tract cancer progression from biliary intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive adenocarcinoma
Authors: Okumura Motohiro , Yamanoi Kazuhiro , Uehara Takeshi , Nakayama Jun
Published: October 2020

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is typically lethal due to the difficulty of early stage diagnosis. Thus, novel biomarkers of BTC precursors are necessary. Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) is a major precursor of BTC and is classified as low or high grade based on cell atypia. In normal gastric mucosa, gastric gland mucin‐specific O‐glycans are unique in having α1,4‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (αGlcNAc) attached to MUC6. Previously, we reported that αGlcNAc functions as a tumor suppressor of differentiated‐type gastric adenocarcinoma and that decreased αGlcNAc glycosylation on MUC6 in gastric, pancreatic, and uterine cervical neoplasms occurs in cancer as well as in their precursor lesions. However, αGlcNAc and MUC6 expression patterns in biliary tract neoplasms have remained unclear. Here, we analyzed MUC5AC, MUC6, and αGlcNAc expression status in 51 BTC cases and compared the expression of each with progression from low‐grade BilIN to invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC). The frequency of αGlcNAc‐positive and MUC6‐positive lesions decreased with tumor progression. When we compared each marker’s expression level with tumor progression, we found that the MUC6 expression score in IAC was significantly lower than in low‐grade or high‐grade BilIN (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively). However, the αGlcNAc expression score was low irrespective of histological grade, and also lower than that of MUC6 across all histological grades (P < 0.001 for low‐grade and high‐grade BilIN, and P < 0.01 for IAC). These results suggest that decreased expression of αGlcNAc relative to MUC6 marks the initiation of BTC progression.
Age of onset and behavioral manifestations in Huntington's disease: An Enroll‐HD cohort analysis
Authors: Ranganathan Megha , Kostyk Sandra K. , Allain Dawn C. , Race Jonathan A. , Daley Allison M.
Published: October 2020

Huntington's disease is associated with motor, cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. Behavioral symptoms may present before, after, or simultaneously with clinical disease manifestation. The relationship between age of onset and behavioral symptom presentation and severity was explored using the Enroll‐HD database. Manifest individuals (n = 4469) were initially divided into three groups for preliminary analysis: early onset (<30 years; n = 479); mid‐adult onset (30‐59 years; n = 3478); and late onset (>59 years; n = 512). Incidence of behavioral symptoms reported at onset was highest in those with early onset symptoms at 26% (n = 126), compared with 19% (n = 678) for mid‐adult onset and 11% (n = 56) for late onset (P < 0.0001). Refined analysis, looking across the continuum of ages rather than between categorical subgroups found that a one‐year increase in age of onset was associated with a 5.6% decrease in the odds of behavioral symptoms being retrospectively reported as the presenting symptom (P < 0.0001). By the time of study enrollment, the odds of reporting severe behavioral symptoms decreased by 5.5% for each one‐year increase in reported age of onset. Exploring environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors that affect age of onset and further characterizing types and severity of behavioral symptoms may improve treatment and understanding of Huntington's disease's impact on affected individuals.
An enhanced recovery programme improves the comfort and outcomes in children with obstructive sleep apnoea undergoing adenotonsillectomy: A retrospective historical control study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Dawei , Chen Xiumei , Ma Jiahai , Song Xicheng
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore the effects of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme on postoperative rehabilitation in children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during the perioperative period of adenotonsillectomy.

Design

A retrospective historical control study.

Setting

Service improvement project.

Participants

The study included 394 children with OSA (207 males, 187 females; age range, 2.5 years to 14 years) who underwent adenotonsillectomy.

Main outcome measures

The children who had undergone adenoidal ablation and bilateral tonsillectomy were divided into an ERAS group (208 patients) treated with the combined optimisation measures and a control group (186 patients) treated with traditional measures during the perioperative period. The postoperative incidence of complications, pain scores, anxiety scores and postoperative diets in the two groups were assessed.

Results

Patients in the ERAS group had significantly a lower overall complication rate and incidence of fever for 2 weeks of follow‐up when compared to patients in the control group through the application of perioperative optimisation measures. Furthermore, patients in the ERAS group had less post‐surgical pain, had better dietary intake at days 1, 3 and 7 after surgery and had lower preoperative anxiety scores after admission education and while waiting in the operation room.

Conclusion

The ERAS programme consisting of combined optimisation measures can reduce physical and psychological trauma during the perioperative period of adenotonsillectomy performed for children with OSA.
Human adaptation strategies are key to cobenefits in human–wildlife systems
Authors: Killion Alexander K. , Ramirez Julianna M. , Carter Neil H.
Published: October 2020

Sustainable development goals such as global food security and biodiversity conservation can conflict because these efforts create situations where humans and wildlife share landscapes, often leading to interactions that detrimentally affect both groups. Therefore, coexistence between humans and wildlife is more likely when adaptation strategies produce and sustain cobenefits, rather than benefitting one group only. However, we lack a good understanding of how different social and ecological factors contribute to cobenefit outcomes, which limits our opportunities to address local issues and scale up successful conservation actions. Here, we performed the first global review of the human–wildlife interaction literature to assess which human adaptation strategies generated cobenefits and how stakeholder involvement and other context‐specific conditions mediated those outcomes. We found that active guarding, fencing, repellents, and socioeconomic mechanisms consistently led to cobenefits across species and contexts. Thus, these interventions might be the best candidates for scaling up coexistence from local to regional or national scales. Surprisingly, stakeholder involvement was less consequential than other variables, yet, overall, it played an important role in sustaining cobenefits regardless of adaptation strategy or social–ecological context. We highlight future research directions to help manage tradeoffs and achieve sustainable coexistence outcomes in shared landscapes.
Describing the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on alcohol‐induced blackout tweets
Authors: Ward Rose Marie , Riordan Benjamin C. , Merrill Jennifer E. , Raubenheimer Jacques
Published: October 2020

Introduction and Aims

COVID‐19, considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization, overwhelmed hospitals in the USA. In parallel to the growing pandemic, alcohol sales grew in the USA, with people stockpiling alcohol. Alcohol‐induced blackouts are one particularly concerning consequence of heavy drinking, and the extent to which blackout prevalence may change in the context of a pandemic is unknown. The purpose of the current study is to describe the prevalence of publicly available tweets in the USA referencing alcohol‐induced blackouts prior to and during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Design and Methods

We used Crimson Hexagon's ForSight tool to access all original English tweets written in the USA that referenced alcohol‐related blackouts in 2019 and 2020. Using infoveillance methods, we tracked changes in the number and proportion of tweets about blackouts.

Results

More alcohol‐related blackout tweets were written between 13 March and 24 April in 2020 than 2019. In addition, a greater proportion of all tweets referenced blackouts in 2020 than in 2019. In the period prior to the ‘stay at home’ orders (January to mid‐March), the proportion of blackout tweets were higher in 2020 than 2019.

Discussion and Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that references to high‐risk drinking persist during the pandemic despite restrictions on large social gatherings. Given that the internet is a common source of information for COVID‐19, the frequent posting about blackouts during this period might normalise the behaviour. This is concerning because alcohol use increases susceptibility to COVID‐19, and alcohol‐related mortality can further tax hospital resources.
Identification of frailty and sarcopenia in hospitalised older people
Authors: Echeverria Iñaki , Besga Ariadna , Sanz Begoña , Amasene María , Hervás Gotzone , Barroso Julia , Rodriguez‐Larrad Ana , Irazusta Jon
Published: October 2020

Background

People with frailty and/or sarcopenia have an increased risk of negative health outcomes. However, their diagnosis is often difficult. Considering the potential value of myostatin and follistatin as biomarkers of these conditions, we aimed to compare the association between both myokines and frailty and/or sarcopenia in post‐hospitalised older people. In addition, the capability of myostatin and follistatin for identifying frailty and sarcopenia was compared with physical tests.

Materials and methods

Participants in this cross‐sectional study consisted of 84 post‐hospitalised patients immediately after discharge. Participants met the following inclusion criteria: aged ≥ 70 years, score of ≥20 on the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and able to stand up and walk independently for at least 4 m. Serum myostatin and follistatin concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Body measures and results from 4 physical tests (hand grip, chair stand, 8‐foot timed Up and Go (8TUG) and gait speed (GS)) were also recorded. Frailty was evaluated by the Fried index, and sarcopenia by the criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People.

Results

Myostatin concentration was lower and follistatin concentration higher in people with frailty or sarcopenia. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that GS and 8TUG tests had the greatest capability for identifying frailty. Myostatin was the only variable capable of identifying sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Myostatin may be a useful biomarker for sarcopenia in post‐hospitalised older adults. However, it has a lower capability for identifying frailty than physical tests. Further studies using larger samples and these myokines together with other biomarkers are warranted.
Relationship between European postgraduate programme accreditation and national research output: The case of the Network of Erasmus‐Based European Orthodontic Postgraduate Programmes (NEBEOP) in orthodontics. A bibliometric study
Authors: Rafflenbeul Frédéric , Dot Gauthier , Séverac François , Bolender Yves
Published: October 2020

Aims

To assess in each European country the correlation between the number of Network of Erasmus‐Based European Orthodontic Postgraduate Programmes (NEBEOP) members and orthodontic research activity. Secondary objectives were to describe and quantify Europe's orthodontic research.

Materials and methods

Articles published between 2014 and 2018 in 4 major orthodontic journals (American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, European Journal of Orthodontics, The Angle Orthodontist, Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research) and oral presentation abstracts of five European Orthodontic Society (EOS) congresses were analysed. For each European country, the total number of orthodontic programmes and NEBEOP memberships were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed, and Spearman correlation coefficients and risk ratios were calculated.

Results

2039 articles and 261 oral presentation abstracts were included. Correlation coefficients between national number of publications, oral presentations, sum of these, all adjusted for population, and number of NEBEOP members in each country were 0.64, 0.65 and 0.62, respectively. Risk ratios were all above 1 and statistically significant for number of NEBEOP memberships per country, indicating positive associations with national orthodontic research productivity. Europe accounted for 30.5% of publications and 68.6% of oral presentations at EOS congresses during this period. European orthodontic research was not evenly distributed, since 9 countries were responsible for around 80% of the output.

Conclusions

A positive association was found between number of NEBEOP programmes and national research activity. These results could be an additional argument to support similar pan‐European initiatives and guidelines for postgraduate education, not only in orthodontics but in all other dental specialties.
Academic performance of dental students: A randomised trial comparing live, audio recorded and video recorded lectures
Authors: Shqaidef Abedalrahman J. , Abu‐Baker Dima , Al‐Bitar Zaid Bakri , Badran Serene , Hamdan Ahmad M.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To compare the academic performance of 4th‐year dental students randomly divided into three learning groups: live lecture, video recorded lecture and audio recorded lecture. To assess students’ attitudes towards the three learning methods.

Materials and methods

4th‐year undergraduate students, enrolled in the Orthodontics Theory—1 course, were randomised into three groups receiving different teaching methods; video recorded lecture, audio recorded lecture and live lecture. Subjects were asked to answer two open‐ended questions. The first was a simple basic knowledge question in which the answer involved transcribing information from the question, while the second required analytical thinking. Students were also asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their attitudes towards the three learning methods.

Results

94 students participated in the study and were randomly allocated to each learning method. There were no significant differences in scores between the 3 study groups when answering the basic knowledge question (P > .05). The mean score for the analytic question was significantly higher for the live lecture and video recorded lecture groups compared to the audio recorded lecture group (P < .05). The majority of students agreed that lectures were an essential part of their learning experience and that lectures allowed interaction between students and lecturer. Two‐thirds of students reported that watching a video recorded lecture provided a similar learning experience to attending a live lecture.

Conclusion

Video recorded, audio recorded and live lectures were found to be equally effective for providing basic knowledge. Video recorded and live lectures were more effective than audio recorded lecture at assessing higher levels of analytical thinking. Students attending video recorded lecture performed as well as those attending the live lecture.
Statistical analysis of unidirectional and reciprocal chemical connections in the C. elegans connectome
Authors: Wright Edgar A.P. , Goltsev Alexander V.
Published: October 2020

We analyze unidirectional and reciprocally connected pairs of neurons in the chemical connectomes of the male and hermaphrodite Caenorhabditis elegans, using recently published data. Our analysis reveals that reciprocal connections provide communication between most neurons with chemical synapses, and comprise on average more synapses than both unidirectional connections and the entire connectome. We further reveal that the C. elegans connectome is wired so that afferent connections onto neurons with large numbers of presynaptic neighbors (in‐degree) comprise an above‐average number of synapses (synaptic multiplicity). Notably, the larger the in‐degree of a neuron the larger the synaptic multiplicity of its afferent connections. Finally, we show that the male forms two times fewer reciprocal connections between sex‐shared neurons than the hermaphrodite, but a large number of reciprocal connections with male‐specific neurons. These observations provide evidence for Hebbian structural plasticity in the C. elegans.
A modified butterfly optimization algorithm: An adaptive algorithm for global optimization and the support vector machine
Authors: Hu Kun , Jiang Hao , Ji Chen‐Guang , Pan Ze
Published: October 2020

A modified adaptive butterfly optimization algorithm is established with the aim of addressing the “early search blindness” and the relatively poor adaptability of the sensory modality. A normal‐distribution‐based model and a Weibull‐distribution‐based adaptive model of sensory modalities are respectively proposed for the global search process and iteration process. Among them, the Weibull‐distribution‐based adaptive model of sensory modalities is mainly manifested as the c value, that is, the adaptive change trend based on the Weibull model. The performance of the modified butterfly optimization algorithm is validated using a 14‐benchmark test function and compared with performances of some latest algorithms. The experimental results indicate that the modified algorithm performs competitively in terms of accuracy and stability. Following the experiment, the modified algorithm is further tested by running a support‐vector‐machine prediction model based on engineering data of a pipe belt conveyor's flat‐pipe/pipe‐flat transition segment. The results of the modified algorithm are then compared with test‐run outcomes of the back‐propagation prediction model and KCV‐SVM model. The results show that the prediction error is well within 10%, demonstrating the method's competence as a reliable reference for future designs of pipe belt conveyors.
An Evaluation of theELEVATEProgram for Couples: Considering Vulnerabilities and Relationship Length
Authors: McGill Julianne , Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Garneau‐Rosner Chelsea
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study investigates the effects of a new research‐informed couple relationship education (CRE) curriculum, ELEVATE, in a diverse sample of 300 adults.

Methods

Using a quasi‐experimental design and propensity score adjustments, change trajectories were compared over a 6‐month period with multilevel growth‐curve modeling. Variations in outcomes based on income, family harmony, and relationship length were also explored.

Results

Results indicate sustained program effects of ELEVATE over 6 months in four of the nine target outcomes (intimate knowledge of partner, social connections, conflict management skills, and couple relationship quality). Participants experiencing more stressful family contexts at baseline experience a greater amount of change in intentionality, developing a couple identity, use of caring behaviors, relationship quality, and depressive symptoms. Participants in more established relationships experienced greater change in conflict management skills and relationship quality. Participants with higher levels of income experienced greater change in developing a couple identity and social connections.

Conclusion

These findings evidence several positive program effects for the ELEVATE program for a broad group of participants and also reveal some distinctions in change patterns for subgroups.

Implications

This research provides information relevant to the development of best practices for CRE in diverse communities.