Is poverty an obstacle for economic growth? A dynamic panel data approach

Despite global modern economic growth, most countries remained stuck in persistent poverty. Jeffrey Sachs suggested considering poverty itself as the explanation for persistent levels of poverty and low growth. The theory is based on the existence of poverty traps, which keep families and countries caught in poverty. This research contributes to the poverty trap literature by evaluating the effect that poverty has on growth by means of a dynamic panel data approach. In so doing, we find evidence of a negative effect of poverty on growth. Moreover, this text aims to identify the channels of transmission of such effect by means of a theoretical and empirical analysis

Colorectal Cancers Mimic Structural Organization of Normal Colonic Crypts

Colonic crypts are stereotypical structures with distinct stem cell, proliferating, and differentiating compartments. Colorectal cancers derive from colonic crypt epithelia but, in contrast, form morphologically disarrayed glands. In this study, we investigated to which extent colorectal cancers phenocopy colonic crypt architecture and thus preserve structural organization of the normal intestinal epithelium. A subset of colon cancers showed crypt-like compartments with high WNT activity and nuclear beta-Catenin at the leading tumor edge, adjacent proliferation, and enhanced Cytokeratin 20 expression in most differentiated tumor epithelia of the tumor center. This architecture strongly depended on growth conditions, and was fully reproducible in mouse xenografts of cultured and primary colon cancer cells. Full crypt-like organization was associated with low tumor grade and was an independent prognostic marker of better survival in a collection of 221 colorectal cancers. Our findings suggest that full activation of preserved intestinal morphogenetic programs in colon cancer requires in vivo growth environments. Furthermore, crypt-like architecture was linked with less aggressive tumor biology, and may be useful to improve current colon cancer grading schemes

Use of concept mapping to characterize relationships among implementation strategies and assess their feasibility and importance: Results from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) study

BackgroundPoor terminological consistency for core concepts in implementation science has been widely noted as an obstacle to effective meta-analyses. This inconsistency is also a barrier for those seeking guidance from the research literature when developing and planning implementation initiatives. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) study aims to address one area of terminological inconsistency: discrete implementation strategies involving one process or action used to support a practice change. The present report is on the second stage of the ERIC project that focuses on providing initial validation of the compilation of 73 implementation strategies that were identified in the first phase.FindingsPurposive sampling was used to recruit a panel of experts in implementation science and clinical practice (N = 35). These key stakeholders used concept mapping sorting and rating activities to place the 73 implementation strategies into similar groups and to rate each strategy’s relative importance and feasibility. Multidimensional scaling analysis provided a quantitative representation of the relationships among the strategies, all but one of which were found to be conceptually distinct from the others. Hierarchical cluster analysis supported organizing the 73 strategies into 9 categories. The ratings data reflect those strategies identified as the most important and feasible.ConclusionsThis study provides initial validation of the implementation strategies within the ERIC compilation as being conceptually distinct. The categorization and strategy ratings of importance and feasibility may facilitate the search for, and selection of, strategies that are best suited for implementation efforts in a particular setting.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-015-0295-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Expert recommendations for implementing change (ERIC): Protocol for a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND: Identifying feasible and effective implementation strategies that are contextually appropriate is a challenge for researchers and implementers, exacerbated by the lack of conceptual clarity surrounding terms and definitions for implementation strategies, as well as a literature that provides imperfect guidance regarding how one might select strategies for a given healthcare quality improvement effort. In this study, we will engage an Expert Panel comprising implementation scientists and mental health clinical managers to: establish consensus on a common nomenclature for implementation strategy terms, definitions and categories; and develop recommendations to enhance the match between implementation strategies selected to facilitate the use of evidence-based programs and the context of certain service settings, in this case the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services. METHODS/DESIGN: This study will use purposive sampling to recruit an Expert Panel comprising implementation science experts and VA mental health clinical managers. A novel, four-stage sequential mixed methods design will be employed. During Stage 1, the Expert Panel will participate in a modified Delphi process in which a published taxonomy of implementation strategies will be used to establish consensus on terms and definitions for implementation strategies. In Stage 2, the panelists will complete a concept mapping task, which will yield conceptually distinct categories of implementation strategies as well as ratings of the feasibility and effectiveness of each strategy. Utilizing the common nomenclature developed in Stages 1 and 2, panelists will complete an innovative menu-based choice task in Stage 3 that involves matching implementation strategies to hypothetical implementation scenarios with varying contexts. This allows for quantitative characterizations of the relative necessity of each implementation strategy for a given scenario. In Stage 4, a live web-based facilitated expert recommendation process will be employed to establish expert recommendations about which implementations strategies are essential for each phase of implementation in each scenario. DISCUSSION: Using a novel method of selecting implementation strategies for use within specific contexts, this study contributes to our understanding of implementation science and practice by sharpening conceptual distinctions among a comprehensive collection of implementation strategies

Messung von Ressourceneffizienz mit der ESSENZ-Methode

Eine belastbare Methode zu entwickeln, um den Ressourceneinsatz zu bewerten, ist das Ziel dieses Buches. Notwendig ist dies, da das starke Wirtschaftswachstum der letzten Jahrzehnte zu einer intensiven Beanspruchung natürlicher Ressourcen geführt hat. Mit ihrer steigenden Nutzung gehen auch zusätzliche Belastungen der Umwelt sowie Restriktionen der Verfügbarkeit von Ressourcen einher. Aus diesen Gründen ist ein effizienter Einsatz von Ressourcen als wichtiger Beitrag zu einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung erforderlich. Die ESSENZ-Methode (Integrierte Methode zur ganzheitlichen Berechnung/Messung von Ressourceneffizienz) wurde in einer Kooperation der Technischen Universität Berlin mit den Industriepartnern Daimler AG, Deutsches Kupferinstitut Berufsverband e. V., Evonik Industries AG, Siemens AG, ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG und Wissenschaftlicher Gerätebau Dr. Ing. Herbert Knauer GmbH entwickelt. Sie unterstützt die umfassende Messung und Bewertung von Ressourceneffizienz innerhalb der vier Dimensionen „Verfügbarkeit“, „Gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz“, „Umweltauswirkungen“ und „Nutzen“. Um diese vier Dimensionen wissenschaftlich abzubilden, werden 21 anwendbare Indikatoren entwickelt und vorgestellt. Die ESSENZ-Methode kann sowohl für die Analyse und Optimierung eines einzelnen Produktes als auch für den Vergleich mehrerer Produktalternativen verwendet werden. Ihre Anwendbarkeit ist für Metalle und fossile Rohstoffe bereits erprobt.BMBF, 033R094A-F, r³ - Strategische Metalle, Verbundvorhaben: Integrierte Methode zur ganzheitlichen Berechnung/Messung von Ressourceneffizienz - ESSEN

Integrated method to assess resource efficiency – ESSENZ

With increasing demand of abiotic resources also the pollution of natural resources like water and soil has risen in the last decades due to global industrial and technological development. Thus, enhancing resource efficiency is a key goal of national and international strategies. For a comprehensive assessment of all related impacts of resource extraction and use all three sustainability dimensions have to be taken into account: economic, environmental and social aspects. Furthermore, to avoid burden shifting life cycle based methods should be applied. As companies need operational tools and approaches, a comprehensive method has been developed to measure resource efficiency of products, processes and services in the context of sustainable development (ESSENZ). Overall 21 categories are established to measure impacts on the environment, physical and socio-economic availability of the used resources as well as their societal acceptance. For the categories socio-economic availability and societal acceptance new approaches are developed and characterization factors are provided for a portfolio of 36 metals and four fossil raw materials. The introduced approach has been tested on several case studies, demonstrating that it enhances the applicability of resource efficiency to assess product systems significantly by providing an overall framework that can be adopted across sectors, using indicators and methods which are applicable and can be integrated into existing life cycle assessment based schemes.BMBF, 033R094A-F, r³ - Strategische Metalle, Verbundvorhaben: Integrierte Methode zur ganzheitlichen Berechnung/Messung von Ressourceneffizienz - ESSEN

Bearings House: Community Reintegration Project

Research poster documenting the following project: Long Creek Youth Development Center offers a variety of activities, an education, mentorship, and structure for Bearings House residents. In addition to those programs, we hoped through building a relationship with residents we could identify their occupational interests and assist in their transition to life in the community. We strived to support residents through their transition to Bearings House and give them an opportunity to further explore their interests as well as expose them to new occupations they may have not previously participated in order to help as they reintegrate into the community.https://dune.une.edu/cecespring2020/1010/thumbnail.jp

Educational nursing intervention to reduce the hyperphosphatemia in patients on hemodialysis

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational nursing intervention to reduce hyperphosphataemia in chronic renal patients on hemodialysis. Method: quasi-experimental study with 63 hyperphosphatemic patients on hemodialysis. The intervention consisted of developing and providing a printed and illustrated manual to patients containing information on disease control. The participant was asked to complete a daily checklist with the aim to reinforce aspects provided in the manual. Laboratory tests and itching intensity were analyzed at the beginning of the study, and at 30 and 60 days after the educational intervention. Results: the mean age of participants was 58 +/- 13.1 years, with a treatment time of 51.1 +/- 44.7 months. A reduction in serum phosphorus values of 7.06 +/- 1.43 to 5.80 +/- 1.53 (p <0.001) and the intensity of itching after the intervention was observed. Conclusion: the educational nursing intervention was effective in reducing phosphate and decreasing itching in hyperphosphatemic patients.Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade de uma intervenção educacional de enfermagem para redução da hiperfosfatemia em pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise. Método: estudo quase experimental realizado com 63 pacientes hiperfosfatêmicos em hemodiálise. A intervenção se constituiu em orientar e disponibilizar um manual impresso e ilustrado aos pacientes, contendo informações sobre o controle da doença. Foi solicitado o preenchimento de um checklist diário, com finalidade recordatória dos aspectos abordados no manual. Os exames laboratoriais e a intensidade do prurido foram analisados no início do estudo, aos 30 e 60 dias após a intervenção educacional. Resultados: a média de idade dos participantes foi 58±13,1 anos e tempo de tratamento de 51,1±44,7 meses. Houve redução dos valores séricos do fósforo de 7,06±1,43 para 5,80±1,53 (p<0,001) e da intensidade do prurido após a intervenção. Conclusão: a Intervenção Educacional de Enfermagem foi efetiva para redução do fosfato e diminuição do prurido nos pacientes hiperfosfatêmicos.Univ Reg Noroeste Estado Rio Grande do Sul, Dept Hlth Sci, Nursing Course, Ijui, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Santa Maria, North Higher Educ Ctr, Palmeira Das Missoes, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Santa Maria, Hlth Sci Ctr, Dept Nursing, Santa Maria, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Santa Maria, Univ Hosp Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Nursing, Dept Nursing, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Paulista Sch Nursing, Dept Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem. São Paulo-SP, BrasilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina. São Paulo-SP, BrasilWeb of Scienc

EWS-FLI1-mediated suppression of the RAS-antagonist Sprouty 1 (SPRY1) confers aggressiveness to Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is characterized by chromosomal translocations fusing the EWS gene with various members of the ETS family of transcription factors, most commonly FLI1. EWS-FLI1 is an aberrant transcription factor driving Ewing sarcoma tumorigenesis by either transcriptionally inducing or repressing specific target genes. Herein, we showed that Sprouty 1 (SPRY1), which is a physiological negative feedback inhibitor downstream of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) and other RAS-activating receptors, is an EWS-FLI1 repressed gene. EWS-FLI1 knockdown specifically increased the expression of SPRY1, while other Sprouty family members remained unaffected. Analysis of SPRY1 expression in a panel of Ewing sarcoma cells showed that SPRY1 was not expressed in Ewing sarcoma cell lines, suggesting that it could act as a tumor suppressor gene in these cells. In agreement, induction of SPRY1 in three different Ewing sarcoma cell lines functionally impaired proliferation, clonogenic growth and migration. In addition, SPRY1 expression inhibited extracellular signal-related kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling induced by serum and basic FGF (bFGF). Moreover, treatment of Ewing sarcoma cells with the potent FGFR inhibitor PD-173074 reduced bFGF-induced proliferation, colony formation and in vivo tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, thus mimicking SPRY1 activity in Ewing sarcoma cells. Although the expression of SPRY1 was low when compared with other tumors, SPRY1 was variably expressed in primary Ewing sarcoma tumors and higher expression levels were significantly associated with improved outcome in a large patient cohort. Taken together, our data indicate that EWS-FLI1-mediated repression of SPRY1 leads to unrestrained bFGF-induced cell proliferation, suggesting that targeting the FGFR/MAPK pathway can constitute a promising therapeutic approach for this devastating disease.FC-A, LG-G, JCL, AS, PG-M, SEL-P, SM and JA are supported by Asociación Pablo Ugarte and Miguelañez SA, ASION-La Hucha de Tomás, Fundación La Sonrisa de Alex and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI12/00816 and Spanish Cancer Network RTICC RD12/0036/0027). TGPG is supported by a grant from ‘Verein zur Förderung von Wissenschaft und Forschung an der Medizinischen Fakultät der LMU München (WiFoMed)’, the Daimler and Benz Foundation in cooperation with the Reinhard Frank Foundation, by LMU Munich’s Institutional Strategy LMUexcellent within the framework of the German Excellence Initiative, the ‘Mehr LEBEN für krebskranke Kinder—Bettina-Bräu-Stiftung’, the Walter Schulz Foundation, the Fritz Thyssen Foundation (FTH-40.15.0.030MN) and by the German Cancer Aid (DKH-111886 and DKH-70112257). The ‘Genetics and Biology of Cancers’ team (TGPG, DS and OD) is supported by grants from the Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer (Equipe labellisée). This work was also supported by the European PROVABES, ASSET and EEC FP7 grants. We also thank the following associations for their invaluable support: the Société Française des Cancers de l’Enfant, Courir pour Mathieu, Dans les pas du Géant, Olivier Chape, Les Bagouzamanon, Enfants et Santé and les Amis de Claire. We thank Dr S Navarro (University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain) and Dr TJ Triche (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA) for providing us with Ewing sarcoma cell lines A4573 and TTC-466, respectively.S