bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro susceptibility testing for black grain eumycetoma causative agents
Authors: van de Sande Wendy W J 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical implantation mycosis characterized by large subcutaneous swellings. Inside the infected tissue, the causative agents are found in grains. The most common causative agents form black grains and are sterile upon isolation. In vitro susceptibility assays were developed for eumycetoma causative agents. They were based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38A protocol and modified to enable the use of hyphae as a starting inoculum. To ease endpoint reading, viability dyes such as resazurin or XTT have been used. So far the in vitro susceptibility assays developed have mainly been used to establish if causative agents are inhibited in growth by various antifungal agents, but not for clinical decision making. For drug discovery, the assay proved useful in determining which compounds were able to prevent hyphal growth. However, a clear correlation between in vitro inhibition in terms of the half maximal inhibitory concentration or 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and therapeutic efficacy assayed in a novel model system in terms of Galleria mellonella larval survival was not found. For clinical decision making, a range of MICs were found for each antifungal agent. However, no clinical breakpoints have been established for any of the causative agents. For itraconazole, the MIC50 of most causative agents was below the attainable serum levels, which might indicate that they are susceptible. However, before in vitro susceptibility can be used in clinical decision making for mycetoma, a correlation between MIC and clinical outcome needs to be made.
Increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness associated with increased metabolic risk and the presence of heart failure in patients with Chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Rodeles Luz María , Castro Maximiliano , Zamora María Ayelen Gaitán , Savarino Roberto , Peverengo Luz María , Prochetto Estefanía Soledad , Marcipar Iván , Arias Pablo , Vicco Miguel Hernán 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
It has been described that Trypanosoma cruzi is capable of promoting metabolic disturbances currently considered as cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, it has been observed that the protozoa can remain in adipose tissue and alter its immune endocrine functions. The aim of this study was to characterize the thickness of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in patients with chronic Chagas disease (CCD) concerning their cardiovascular metabolic risk profile compared with those without CCD.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was performed including T. cruzi seropositive individuals categorized according to a standard CCD classification and a matched seronegative control group. Complete clinical examination, metabolic laboratory tests and transthoracic echocardiography to assess cardiac function and to quantify EAT were performed.

Results
Fifty-five individuals aged 46.7±11.9 y, 34 with CCD and 21 in the control group, were included. The CCD group presented higher EAT thickness in relation to controls (4.54±1.28 vs 3.22±0.99 mm; p=0.001), which was significantly associated with the presence of insulin resistance (OR=3, 95% CI 1.58 to 5.73; p&lt;0.001). This group presented lower levels of plasmatic adiponectin than controls, especially in those patients with EAT ≥4.5 mm (p=0.005) who also presented with heart failure more frequently (p=0.01).

Conclusion
In patients with CCD, a higher EAT thickness is observed and is associated with an increased metabolic risk profile indicated mainly by insulin resistance.
Expansion of the LabBM Score
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Yobuta Rosalba , Mannsåker Bård 
Published: December 2020

Objectives:
The objective of this study were to improve the 3-tiered, purely biomarker-based LabBM score, which predicts the survival of patients with brain metastases, by adding the well-established prognostic factor performance status (PS), and to define its role in comparison with the recently proposed Extracranial-Graded Prognostic Assessment score, which is based on the well-known Diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment and 2 of the same biomarkers.

Materials and Methods:
This was a retrospective single-institution analysis of 212 patients, managed with upfront brain irradiation. Survival was stratified by LabBM and LabPS score. Each included serum hemoglobin, platelets, albumin, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase (plus PS for the LabPS). Zero, 0.5, or 1 point was assigned and the final point sum calculated. A higher point sum indicates shorter survival.

Results:
The new LabPS score predicted overall survival very well (median: 12.1 to 0.7 mo, 1-y rate: 52% to 0%), P=0.0001. However, the group with the poorest prognosis (3 or 3.5 points) was very small (4%). Most patients with comparably short survival had a lower point sum. The LabPS score failed to outperform the recently proposed Extracranial-Graded Prognostic Assessment score.

Conclusions:
Integration of blood biomarkers should be considered when attempting to develop improved scores. Additional research is needed to improve the tools which predict short survival, because many of these patients continue to go undetected with all available scores.
Second-line Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival in Real World Patients With Advanced Biliary Tract and Gallbladder Cancers
Authors: Zaidi Adnan , Chandna Nicholas , Narasimhan Gopinath , Moser Michael , Haider Kamal , Chalchal Haji , Shaw John , Ahmed Shahid 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Limited evidence is available regarding the survival benefit of second-line therapy in real world patients with advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancer. Until very recently, there was a lack of randomized clinical trials to address this important question. In this multicenter population-based cohort study, the authors evaluated whether second-line therapy improves the survival of real world patients with advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancer.

Methods:
Patients with biopsy-proven advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancer who were diagnosed during the period of 2006 to 2015 and had received first-line chemotherapy were assessed. Cox proportional multivariate analysis was performed to determine the survival benefit of second-line therapy.

Results:
One hundred thirty-six eligible patients with a median age of 66 years and male:female ratio of 1:1.34 were identified. Sixty-eight percent of patients had metastatic disease. Primary tumor sites were as follows: gallbladder 31%, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma 36%, extrahepatic bile duct 23%, and ampullary cancer 10%. Overall, 37% of patients received second-line therapy. The median overall survival of the treatment group was 17 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.5-21.5) compared with 7 months (95% CI: 5.3-8.7) in the control (P<0.0001). Patients who received combination chemotherapy had a median overall survival of 20 months (14.0-26.1) compared with 17 months (13.5-20.5) if they received single-agent second-line therapy (P=0.73). Multivariate analysis of second-line therapy, hazard ratio: 0.55 (95% CI: 0.36-0.83) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio >2, HR: 1.10 (1.05-1.15) showed a significant correlation with survival.

Conclusions:
This well-designed population-based retrospective cohort study suggests that second-line chemotherapy improves survival of real world patients with advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancers and should be offered to the patients who are potential candidates for chemotherapy.
RECURRENT ACUTE RETINAL NECROSIS
Authors: Spaide Richard F. , Byun Stephanie S. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose:
To describe a patient with recurrent acute retinal necrosis (ARN), her treatment, and propose a possible pathophysiologic mechanism.

Method:
Case report.

Results:
A 4-year-old girl presented elsewhere with bilateral ARN, was treated, but developed a retinal detachment in the left eye that failed vitrectomy surgery. She was referred 10 years later with recurrent ARN. The infection was difficult to get under control, but eventually responded to intravenous acyclovir and foscarnet. She was given laser photocoagulation. She was placed on oral valacyclovir prophylaxis and was disease-free for 10 years at which point she decided to go to South America on vacation and stop her valacyclovir. Within a few days she developed a recurrence of ARN and flew back for treatment. She had discrete areas of retinal necrosis, vasculitis, and the laser photocoagulation lesions seemed to be ringed by a retinal change suggestive of retinitis. She responded to antiviral treatment, but developed a retinal detachment that was successfully treated. Her visual acuity was 20/20 six years later, and she was using antiviral prophylaxis.

Conclusion:
Recurrent ARN can respond to aggressive treatment. Chorioretinal scars, such as from photocoagulation, may be potential sites of viral invasion during recurrences. Antiviral prophylaxis may be indicated for at-risk patients.
Presentation of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms in Adulthood
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Past research has linked the development of borderline personality disorder to earlier exposure to violence. However, the causal link by which this relationship exists has not yet been fully identified. The present study sought to examine how exposure to violence predicted heterogeneity in the development of depressive systems and results in the arousal of borderline personality disorder symptoms in adulthood. The Pathways to Desistance data were used in the analyses. This data set consisted of the responses of 1354 juvenile offenders followed across 7 years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify latent trajectories of depressive symptoms. Ordinary least squares regression was used to model covariate effects on borderline personality disorder symptoms in adulthood. Results indicated that a three-group depression trajectory model best fit the data. Direct victimization early in life was associated with increased borderline personality disorder symptoms in adulthood. When trajectory group assignment was accounted for in the model, the relationship between direct victimization and borderline personality disorder symptoms was attenuated by around 30%. Implications are discussed.
Internship assessment in professional program accreditation: a 10-year study
Authors: Bender Diane 
Published: December 2020

PurposeProfessional program assessment is necessary in an accreditation process, in order to ensure educational quality and public accountability. One avenue of assessment is through an internship. The challenge is to determine how evidence from this indirect learning experience can aid in accreditation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of internship supervisor evaluation feedback within the accreditation process for a professional interior design degree program.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, internship assessment was provided by feedback from intern supervisors. Ten years of supervisor feedback were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a content analysis of supervisor comments.FindingsTwo hundred forty-seven internship supervisor evaluation documents were analyzed. Overall, supervisors positively evaluated the performance of the intern as Good to Excellent. A majority of supervisors (91%) provided comments that were positive yet vague, as most could not differentiate between the intern and the intern's performance.Practical implicationsThis study links experiential learning to its evidence that can be used in an accreditation process. The challenges for educators in developing an assessment tool useful for accreditation evidence and to be shared by multiple program degree stakeholders are also described.Originality/valueResearch on internships usually focuses on the student's viewpoint. This study is original in that it examines the use of internship supervisor's evidence in program accreditation.
Assessing the 2010–2018 financial crisis in Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, and Cyprus
Authors: Hausken Kjell , Welburn Jonathan W. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe article develops a model to interpret the 2010–2018 financial crisis in Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Cyprus, and the loan programs from the IL (International Lender; i.e. the European Union, the European Commission, and the International Monetary Fund).Design/methodology/approachFor each country, an isoelastic utility with constant relative risk aversion is assumed. For the IL a Cobb Douglas utility is assumed with consumption, the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to debt ratio, and market stability as inputs, accounting for time discounting. This article applies two methods to assess the empirics. The first method considers the IL's strategy as a whole over the 2010–2018 period. The second method assumes that the IL maximizes its utility in one period to determine its optimal loan, accounting for the empirics in that period, and the debt in the previous period.FindingsFor the first method, when the output elasticity in the IL's Cobb Douglas utility is high favoring consumption, the IL prefers offering a higher loan than its actual loan. Otherwise the IL prefers to offer no loan. The output elasticity at which the IL prefers to offer a loan is lowest for Greece, second lowest for Cyprus, third lowest for Portugal, and highest for Ireland and Spain. A high loan to Greece over a larger range of the output elasticity for Greece's consumption is supported by Greece being prioritized through the loan program. For the second method, the IL prefers to offer no loan to Greece which is too burdened with debt. Thus, the first method seems preferable, considering the entire duration of the crisis holistically.Originality/valueThe article offers a novel perspective of how to assess debt crises, enabling the IL to weigh various factors such as consumption, GDP, loan offered, and each country's debt to credit markets.
What shapes Muslim business operators’ attitudes towards value-added tax? Evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kasim Mohd Ariff , Mohd Hanafi Siti Rosmaini , Mohd Suki Norazah 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This study aims to examine what factors shape Muslim business operators’ attitudes towards pre- and post-value-added tax (VAT) implementation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal approach is employed to collect data from a total of 200 respondents, during both the pre-VAT implementation period and the post-VAT implementation period. A partial least squares structural equation modelling approach was performed to analyse the research.

Findings
Empirical findings revealed that challenges in implementing the VAT system were the primary predictors of Muslim business operators’ attitudes regarding the pre-VAT implementation period in the UAE because they were aware that the penalties associated with non-compliance would outweigh the costs incurred in preparing for the VAT. During the post-VAT implementation period, awareness was the strongest influence on Muslim business operators’ attitude because there are no income taxes imposed on businesses and individuals in the UAE.

Practical implications
The introduction of VAT in the UAE ignited great controversy on the part of Muslim business operators, who viewed the new tax system as a significant challenge or risk to their careers, especially when they realised that they would have to play a significant role in tax collection. VAT registration should be required for all businesses regardless of size since they are going to be the tax agents for the government. Indeed, the government should finalize policies and procedures on the penalties for non-compliance since such legalities could greatly contribute towards the acceptance of VAT.

Originality/value
Challenges prompted Muslim business operators to become more knowledgeable about VAT, whereas also developing a greater awareness and sense of preparedness regarding the implications of the system on their businesses. This discovery has advanced the theoretical understanding of the topic and its managerial implications.
Gap assessment and comparison of the quality of services between central libraries of the University of Tehran and Allameh Tabataba'i University
Authors: Jabbari Leila , Jalali Dizaji Ali , Malekolkalami Mila 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to measure the gap and compare the quality of services provided by the Central Library of the University of Tehran and Allameh Tabataba'i University and identify the components of service that need improvement in these libraries.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, a descriptive survey method is used for data collection. The study sample contains 205 people selected out of 31,000 members of Tehran University and 100 people out of 15,000 members at Allameh Tabataba'i University. The LibQual tool is used to measure different levels of users' perceptions of library service quality.FindingsBased on the findings of the study, the level of service received at the University of Tehran was higher than the minimum expected level, and at Allameh Tabataba'i University, the level of service received was lower than the minimum level of expected, which indicates users' satisfaction at this index at the University of Tehran and users' dissatisfaction at Allameh Tabataba'i University. In the index of information control and library as a place in Tehran University, the level of service received was higher than the minimum level and in Allameh Tabataba'i University, the level of service received was lower than the minimum level, which indicates the satisfaction of users in this index at the University of Tehran and users' dissatisfaction at Allameh Tabataba'i University.Practical implicationsService quality, or quality of service, is the measurement and comparison of the size of service provided with users' expectations. The following principles illustrate the dimensions of service quality: Quality of service is much more difficult to measure than the quality of goods. The quality of service is based on users' expectations. Quality of service varies in status, meaning that the quality of a service is measured against the customer's initial expectations of that service (Parasuraman et al., 1985).Originality/valueBeing the first performance evaluation, community synchronization, economic justification, user satisfaction and customer orientation are the values of the present study.
Aid for trade and inflation: Exploring the trade openness, export product diversification and foreign direct investment channels
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDrivers of inflation have been extensively investigated in the literature. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of official development assistance flows, let alone the part of this aid allocated to the trade sector (the so‐called Aid for Trade [AfT] flows) on inflation in the recipient‐countries. This paper explores the effect of AfT flows on inflation in recipient‐countries, using a set of 126 countries over the period 1995–2015, and the two‐step system generalised methods of moments technique. Results have shown that AfT flows contribute to reducing inflation, with the magnitude of this negative effect being higher than that of NonAfT flows (that is, other development aid flows than AfT flows). Interestingly, AfT flows tend to exert a higher negative effect on inflation in countries that enjoy a greater export product diversification, higher FDI inflows, greater trade policy liberalisation and trade openness. These findings show that a scale up of AfT flows (ideally not at the expense of NonAfT flows) by donor‐countries can contribute to greater macroeconomic stability, including through lower inflation rates in recipient‐countries.
Development and functional evaluation of pedotransfer functions for soil hydraulic properties for the Zambezi River Basin
Authors: Kalumba Mulenga , Bamps Brecht , Nyambe Imasiku , Dondeyne Stefaan , Van Orshoven Jos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWater retention and saturated hydraulic conductivity are soil properties that are key determinants in crop growth and hydrological modelling. They are commonly estimated from basic soil characteristics such as bulk density, organic carbon content and texture by means of pedotransfer functions (PTFs). In order to assess and compare the inherent performance and the functional applicability in the Zambezi River Basin (ZRB) of the widely used Saxton & Rawls PTFs and a set of newly developed PTFs, we compiled measurements of water retention at pF0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 2.8, 3.4 and 4.2 and of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) on 631 soil samples throughout the ZRB. A total of 329 of the samples were related to 55 soil profiles available in the Africa Soil Profile database, whereas our own field campaign carried out in a 2,426‐km2 subbasin of the ZRB provided the remaining 302 samples related to 119 soil profiles. Apart from evaluating the Saxton & Rawls PTFs, we developed multiple linear regression (MLR) PTFs, and PTFs derived by three machine learning (ML) models: artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). All PTFs were first evaluated based on a comparison of the estimated and measured property values by means of R2, mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE). For the ensemble of MLR‐PTF and ML‐PTFs, the R2 of the six water content variables and the Ksat ranged from 0.55 to 0.85, whereas for the Saxton & Rawls PTFs the range was between 0.10 and 0.50. Secondly, all PTFs were subjected to a functional evaluation using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) AquaCrop crop growth model. Dry season irrigation requirements for maize as computed by AquaCrop with measured versus estimated soil hydraulic properties revealed that ANN‐PTFs provide AquaCrop outputs that come closest to AquaCrop outputs generated with measured soil hydraulic properties. This study shows the importance of performing functional evaluation of pedotransfer functions before their widespread application.Highlights
Developed machine learning and multiple linear regression pedotransfer functions (PTFs).
The Saxton & Rawls PTFs are not recommended for use in the Zambezi River Basin.
PTFs were functionally evaluated through use of estimated soil hydraulic properties in AquaCrop.
More accurate PTFs have better functional performance, although differences are small.