bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Ancient DNA and Radiocarbon Dating Data to Increase Chronological Precision
Authors: Sedig Jakob W. , Olade Iñigo , Patterson Nick , Reich David
Published: September 2020

This paper examines how ancient DNA data can enhance radiocarbon dating. Because there is a limit to the number of years that can separate the dates of death of related individuals, the ability to identify first-, second-, and third-degree relatives through aDNA analysis can serve as a constraint on radiocarbon date range estimates. To determine the number of years that can separate related individuals, we modeled maximums derived from biological extremes of human reproduction and death ages and compiled data from historic and genealogical death records. We used these estimates to evaluate the date ranges of a global dataset of individuals that have been radiocarbon dated and for which ancient DNA analysis identified at least one relative. We found that many of these individuals could have their date ranges reduced by building in date of death separation constraints. We examined possible reasons for date discrepancies of related individuals, such as dating of different skeletal elements or wiggles in the radiocarbon curve. Our research demonstrates that when combined, radiocarbon dating and ancient DNA analysis can provide a refined and richer view of the past.
Smartphone use and travel companions' relationship
Authors: Tan Wee Kheng , Lu Kuan-Ju
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The impact of smartphone use at tourist destinations on the relationship of travel companions and trip satisfaction remains unclear. This study considers differences in relational outcomes arising from smartphone use to kill time and reduce boredom during leisure travel with different companions, either family or friends, and uses the Riva's emotion regulation model to examine whether such smartphone use provides immediate relief from ostracism.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square (PLS) method and PLS multigroup analysis were used to analyze the data collected from 205 Taiwanese tourists (104 respondents vacationing with friends and 101 respondents with family).

Findings

This study found no negative effect of smartphone use to kill time and reduce boredom on relationship satisfaction and overall trip satisfaction. Smartphone use is rather limited as a contributor to trip satisfaction, and the effect of smartphone use depends on who the tourists are traveling with. The results reflect the effect of the established position of smartphones in everyday life, extending to tourism. The use of smartphones to kill time and avoid boredom is not a sufficiently “active” activity to serve as an effective immediate response to ostracism.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the continuing debate on the impact of new technologies on social relations. Although past studies have examined the relational outcomes of smartphone use, few have investigated this subject in the context of different travel companions. Using Riva's emotion regulation model, this study considers smartphone use as a possible response to ostracism.
Integrated capitals reporting and companies' sustainable value: evidence from the Asian continent
Authors: Anifowose Mutalib , Abang Salihin , Zakari Muntaka Alhaji
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the going concern of integrated reporting  as the pessimistic about its sustainable value relevance is gaining momentous. The study employs a quantitative approach to data analysis and mainly sourced secondary data from integrated reports of 83 sampled companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilising data from the companies' integrated reports from 2015 to 2018, the study analyses the impact of  capitals disclosure on corporate sustainable value.  was proxied by its six capital elements, which include financial, manufactured, human, intellectual, natural and social, and relationship capitals, while sustainable value was surrogated by the cost of financing and revenue growth rate. The study develops a checklist and utilises content analysis to score the quality of disclosure by sample companies during the period.

Findings

The longitudinal panel data analysis results reveal that on overall disclosure,  capital has a significant positive effect on the revenue growth but fails to document such on the cost of financing. Meanwhile, on the individual level, human capital and natural capital disclosure have an indirect effect on the cost of financing, while all the six subclassifications affect the revenue growth of the sampled companies.

Research limitations/implications

The study sampled only 83 companies across the region due to the limited availability of data. Therefore, the generalisation of findings might be hindered, and further examination might be considered as more data become available.

Practical implications

The study would support the regulators in developing countries to monitor  practices for their domestic companies. It would assist the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) to review the industry's current  practices and give the reason for better  implementation in the future, from both minority and majority economies.

Originality/value

The study is among the pioneer studies that would consider  research across the Asian continent. The study contributes to the recent discussion about sustainable value relevance of . Also, it would provide some level of incentive to those charged with governance concerning the voluntary compliance with the  framework.
Meat reduction, vegetarianism, or chicken avoidance: US omnivores’ impressions of three meat-restricted diets
Authors: Asher Kathryn E. , Peters Paul
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Meat consumption has a variety of implications in society. While various types of meat-restricted diets exist to address this, not enough is known about how the average meat consumer views different avenues to lessening their intake. In response, this study aims to assess US omnivores’ impressions of three meat-restricted diets.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a cross-sectional, census-balanced sample from Nielsen of 30,000+ US adults. Omnivores (N = 928) were randomized into one of the three conditions where they were asked about their perceptions of a vegetarian diet, a reduced-meat diet or a chicken-free diet as individuals not currently following that dietary pattern.

Findings

The findings showed that omnivores had a more favorable perception of a reduced-meat diet on a greater number of study variables as compared to the vegetarian or chicken-free diets. The research also demonstrated that a majority of omnivores were in the precontemplation stage of cognitive change, suggesting that most American omnivores are not actively demonstrating a readiness to alter their meat consumption in the ways presented.

Originality/value

This research is the first to examine the comparative trends around these three diets among omnivores. It also speaks to how the desirability of meat restriction varies by type of approach, i.e. elimination or reduction, and if the latter, what type. The findings may be of relevance for efforts to reduce global meat consumption for ethical, health, or environmental reasons.
How does perceived crowding moderate tourist shopping experience and satisfaction relationship?
Authors: Albayrak Tahir , Güzel Özlem , Caber Meltem , Kılıçarslan Özge , Dursun Cengizci Aslıhan , Güven Aylin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct impact of shopping experience of tourists on their satisfaction with shopping, while perceived crowding is used as a moderator in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed conceptual model was tested by an empirical study where the data were collected from 411 German tourists, visiting Kaleiçi, Antalya-Turkey.

Findings

The study results revealed that tourist shopping experience (consisting of education, esthetic, entertainment and escapism dimensions) significantly determines satisfaction with shopping. Moreover, crowding perception has a two-dimensional structure, as human and spatial crowding. Human crowding, which reflects high human density, is found to negatively moderate the effect of shopping experience on satisfaction, where spatial crowding, which is related to high space density, does not influence this relationship.

Originality/value

This study exceptionally shows that crowding perceptions of German tourists in shopping are affected by both human and spatial crowding. In addition, the moderating role of perceived crowding is clarified in the relationship between shopping experience and satisfaction.
A systematic review of the characteristics and needs of older prisoners
Authors: Wilkinson Dean , Caulfield Laura
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and understand what the existing evidence base concludes about the needs of this population. The older prisoner population is growing faster than the older general population and placing a strain on prisons. Much of the existing literature focusses on the health-care needs of, or in-prison initiatives for, older prisoners. Typically, these are responsive and lacking an evidence-based understanding of the characteristics and needs of this group.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a systematic review of the existing literature on the needs and characteristics of older people in contact with the criminal justice system. After a thorough search and selection process, 21 papers, from 2002 onwards, were included in the final analysis. The review process was structured through (People, Intervention/Exposure, Comparison, Outcome) and reported using (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Findings

The contradictions within the existing evidence base make it difficult to reach firm conclusions about the needs and characteristics of older prisoners. What is clear from the existing research are the relatively high levels of need. There is also some consensus that where older people commit homicide, the victim is likely to be an intimate partner. Overall, there is a need for consistent recording and reporting of characteristics and demographics and more systematic study design.

Originality/value

This paper has highlighted the key findings and limitations in the existing literature. Future research should make use of secondary official data sources to provide a clearer understanding of the characteristics of this group, their routes to prison, their needs and challenges they present.
The digital transformation of corporate reporting – a systematic literature review and avenues for future research
Authors: Lombardi Rosa , Secundo Giustina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a systematic literature review (SLR) of the relationship between smart and digital technologies and organisations’ reporting processes, proposing a future research agenda. The paper examines the effects of data and digital technology on the corporate reporting process by analysing the various kinds of reports by organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-decade assessment of studies was analysed to answer research questions. A SLR explored the role of digital and smart technologies for corporate reporting processes. The Scopus database was used as a leading source for access to the articles. Initially, 163 items were collected. After reading the abstract and several refinements, 43 prioritised publications were analysed and categorised to derive significant results.

Findings

Results of the analysis highlight the following emerging research streams about the digital transformation of corporate reporting: digital technology for corporate information management and decision-making processes; digital technologies as a tool of stakeholder engagement and sustainable reporting practices; and finally, digital technologies as a way to address earning management, corporate social responsibility, accountability and transparency.

Research limitations/implications

How digital technology and data analytics may potentially transform the corporate reporting process to make it more effective, resulting in greater transparency for shareholders and all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper derives from connecting, for the first time, smart and digital technologies and corporate reporting processes, drafting the state of the art of this research topic for future research.
What makes peer review helpfulness evaluation in online review communities? An empirical research based on persuasion effect
Authors: Wang Yani , Wang Jun , Yao Tang , Li Ming
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanism of how peer review helpfulness evaluation in online review communities is established, drawing upon the internalization and identification routes of persuasion effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on book reviews selected from Douban.com (a prestigious review community in China), this study used econometric models to investigate the effects of both reviews and reviewers’ characteristics on peer review helpfulness evaluation in review communities.

Findings

Review internalization is more persuasive than reviewers’ identification in peer evaluations, in terms of both short and long reviews. Reviews with extreme negative ratings tend to obtain higher level of helpfulness evaluation than those with positive or moderate ratings. The influence of reviewers’ characteristics is a significant cue in helping consumers to establish the trust perception in the context of short reviews, while its function diminishes in the context of long reviews, thus suggesting the importance of reviewers’ identification for short reviews in review communities.

Social implications

The findings will enhance current understanding of peer review review helpfulness evaluation in online review communities and help practitioners administrate community reviews intelligently, help members write better reviews and customers in their product browsing experience.

Originality/value

First, this study enriches review evaluation research in review communities by demonstrating the importance of internalization and identification lens of persuasion effect when explaining review helpfulness; second, this study helps to confirm the existing findings that reviews with extreme negative ratings are more helpful than those with moderate or positive ratings in review communities; third, this study proposes a new perspective pertaining to the relationship between reviewers’ identification and helpfulness evaluation.
Seven-waste framework of waste identification and elimination for computer-based administrative work
Authors: Widodo Steven Montana , Astanti Ririn Diar , Ai The Jin , Samadhi T.M.A. Ari
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper tries to generalize business process improvement (BPI) methodology. It utilizes the seven-waste framework as an essential step in the methodology. While the seven-waste concept is usually applied for manufacturing activities, this paper tries to explore the applicability of it to office-work activities. Also, this paper demonstrates that information technology can be used as a tool for reducing waste in the office-work.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review of BPI methodology studies was conducted in order to propose systematic flowcharts to represent the sequence of processes involved in each step of BPI methodology. The proposed flowcharts are applied to a case study in supply chain planning and allocation planning at a manufacturing company. The seven-waste framework is designed as part of the step, in which equivalency between the definition of waste found on the production floor and waste found in office work is presented.

Findings

The BPI methodology generally follows five steps: initialization, selection, design, implementation and evaluation. The seven-waste framework is effectively applied in the selection step. The case study shows that information technology can be used as a tool in business process improvement to reduce waste in the business process.

Practical implications

The case study indicates that the proposed framework and methodology are proven able to reduce the three key performance indicators. They are the number of steps from 54 to 24 (55% reduction), processing time from 890 min to 313.5 min (64% reduction) and the number of the manual process from 41 to 17 (59% reduction).

Originality/value

This paper proposes a generalization of BPI methodology, the seven-waste framework in the selection step of the BPI methodology, the seven-waste concept in office-work activity and the use of information technology for BPI by reducing waste in office-work activity.
Cloning of hok gene into anhydrotetracycline inducible pASK75 vector reveals potent antimicrobial effect of 19 amino acid long N‐terminal fragment of hok peptide
Authors: Kaur Anit , Muthukumarappa Thungapathra , Kanta Poonam , Banday Aaqib Zaffar , Chidananda Mohana Kumari
Published: September 2020

An important toxin‐antitoxin (TA) system hok/sok, encoded by R1 plasmid of Escherichia coli, is involved in the post segregation killing of cells that have lost the plasmid. The lethal properties of hok protein have been utilized for the environmental containment of microbes and the development of potential vaccine candidates. This study aimed to demonstrate the potent anti‐microbial property of a 19 amino acid (AA) long N‐terminal fragment of hok peptide. This was accomplished by designing a conditional suicide system based on hok gene expression cloned in an anhydrotetracycline (aTc) inducible vector – pASK75. Heat shock and electroporation were utilized for the transformation of Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholerae cells, respectively. The minimal induction concentration (MIdC) of aTc, determined by analyzing the expression of green fluorescent protein cloned separately into pASK75 vector, was 30 ng/mL. As hok gene was synthesized de novo (using recombinant polymerase chain reaction) in our study, various random sized hok fragments were generated (as a result of the error‐prone nature of Taq polymerase). The smallest hok fragment able to bring about effective antimicrobial killing was a 19 AA long N‐terminal fragment of hok having the wild type sequence, except for the carboxy terminus AA residue. The MIdC of aTc in our experiments was 6‐fold lower than previously reported, making our bacterial clones suitable for use in mammalian systems as potential vaccine candidates. Based on our experiments, we hypothesize the 19 AA long N‐terminal fragment of hok peptide to be the smallest possible hok fragment sufficient to bring about effective antimicrobial killing.
Men, masculinities and diabetes: ‘doing gender’ in Italian men’s narratives of chronic illness
Authors: Quaglia Valeria
Published: September 2020

There has been a growing interest in the study of masculinity and its intersection with health. However, and despite epidemiological data showing men’s general disadvantage in health, there are only a few empirical studies that explore men’s experiences of chronic illness. Drawing on empirical data collected in qualitative research on masculinity and autoimmune diabetes, this article investigates the multiple ways in which gender may intersect with health, in an attempt to go beyond the widespread thesis that ‘masculinity is bad for men’s health’. In line with more recent critical perspectives on the study of men’s health that have challenged this oversimplistic assumption, this work further problematises masculinity in relation to health and illness. In‐depth interviews have been conducted with 40 young/adult diabetic men from working/middle‐class backgrounds. The findings show that gender might intersect health in complex ways and diabetic men can embody and re‐signify health practices in order to fulfil or redefine dominant ideals of masculinity. From the analysis, three different ‘diabetic masculinities’ have been identified and will be discussed: the Diabetic Quantified Self, the Athlete and the Free Spirit.
Cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity in pregnant and postpartum women: development and internal validation of risk prediction models
Authors: Malhamé I , Danilack VA , Raker CA , Hardy EJ , Spalding H , Bouvier BA , Hurlburt H , Vrees R , Savitz DA , Mehta N
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To develop and internally validate risk prediction models identifying women at risk for cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity (CSMM).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An obstetric teaching hospital between 2007 and 2017.

Population

A total of 89 681 delivery hospitalisations.

Methods

We created and evaluated two models, one predicting CSMM at delivery (delivery model) and the other predicting CSMM postpartum following discharge from delivery hospitalisation (postpartum CSMM). We assessed model discrimination and calibration and used bootstrapping for internal validation.

Main outcome measures

Cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity comprised the following confirmed conditions: pulmonary oedema/acute heart failure, myocardial infarction, aneurysm, cardiac arrest/ventricular fibrillation, heart failure/arrest during surgery or procedure, cerebrovascular disorders, cardiogenic shock, conversion of cardiac rhythm and difficult‐to‐control severe hypertension.

Results

The delivery model contained 11 variables and 3 interaction terms. The strongest predictors were gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, multiple gestation, cardiac lesions or valvular heart disease, maternal age ≥40 years and history of poor pregnancy outcome. The postpartum model comprised eight variables. The strongest predictors were severe pre‐eclampsia, non‐Hispanic Black race/ethnicity, chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, non‐severe pre‐eclampsia and maternal age ≥40 years at delivery. The delivery and postpartum models had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.85–0.89) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.90), respectively. Both models were adequately calibrated and performed well on internal validation.

Conclusions

These tools may help providers to identify women at highest risk of CSMM and enable future prevention measures.

Tweetable abstract

Risk assessment tools for cardiovascular severe maternal morbidity were developed and internally validated.
Nutrition management for critically and acutely unwell hospitalised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Chapple Lee‐anne S. , Fetterplace Kate , Asrani Varsha , Burrell Aidan , Cheng Allen C. , Collins Peter , Doola Ra'eesa , Ferrie Suzie , Marshall Andrea P. , Ridley Emma J.
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) results from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The clinical features and subsequent medical treatment, combined with the impact of a global pandemic, require specific nutritional therapy in hospitalised adults. This document aims to provide Australian and New Zealand clinicians with guidance on managing critically and acutely unwell adult patients hospitalised with COVID‐19. These recommendations were developed using expert consensus, incorporating the documented clinical signs and metabolic processes associated with COVID‐19, the literature from other respiratory illnesses, in particular acute respiratory distress syndrome, and published guidelines for medical management of COVID‐19 and general nutrition and intensive care. Patients hospitalised with COVID‐19 are likely to have preexisting comorbidities, and the ensuing inflammatory response may result in increased metabolic demands, protein catabolism, and poor glycaemic control. Common medical interventions, including deep sedation, early mechanical ventilation, fluid restriction, and management in the prone position, may exacerbate gastrointestinal dysfunction and affect nutritional intake. Nutrition care should be tailored to pandemic capacity, with early gastric feeding commenced using an algorithm to provide nutrition for the first 5–7 days in lower‐nutritional‐risk patients and individualised care for high‐nutritional‐risk patients where capacity allows. Indirect calorimetry should be avoided owing to potential aerosol exposure and therefore infection risk to healthcare providers. Use of a volume‐controlled, higher‐protein enteral formula and gastric residual volume monitoring should be initiated. Careful monitoring, particularly after intensive care unit stay, is required to ensure appropriate nutrition delivery to prevent muscle deconditioning and aid recovery. The infectious nature of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the expected high volume of patient admissions will require contingency planning to optimise staffing resources including upskilling, ensure adequate nutrition supplies, facilitate remote consultations, and optimise food service management. These guidelines provide recommendations on how to manage the aforementioned aspects when providing nutrition support to patients during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation by washed preparation in patients with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Chen Min , Liu Xiao Lei , Zhang Yu Jie , Nie Yong Zhan , Wu Kai Chun , Shi Yong Quan
Published: September 2020

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the short‐term efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) by washed preparation for moderate to severely active UC.

Methods

An open‐label prospective trial was conducted in an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tertiary referral center from April 2016 to March 2018. Patients with moderate to severely active UC were randomly assigned to undergo FMT thrice on day 1, 3 and 5 by nasojejunal tube (NJT) or transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET). The primary end‐point was a clinical response at week 2 post‐FMT. The secondary end‐points were clinical and endoscopic remission at week 12 post‐FMT, safety and disease progression.

Results

Of the nine patients included, 77.8% (7/9) achieved a clinical response at week 2. And 55.6% (5/9) and 33.3% (3/9), respectively, achieved clinical remission and endoscopic remission at week 12. In two patients who had no response to FMT, one switched to anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α therapy, and the other underwent a colectomy. FMT was delivered through NJT in 44.4% (4/9) of the patients, while TET was used in 55.6% (5/9). The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly based on the delivery route (P > 0.05). Adverse events, all mild and self‐limiting, were observed in 33.3% (3/9) of the patients.

Conclusions

FMT by washed preparation appears to be a safe and effective adjunct therapy for moderate to severely active UC during a short‐term follow‐up. The efficacy did not differ significantly between the NJT or TET delivery routes. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) E6 but not E7 inhibits the antitumor activity of LKB1 in lung cancer cells by downregulating the expression of KIF7
Authors: Hu Yue , Wu Ming‐Zhe , Gu Na‐Jin , Xu Hong‐Tao , Li Qing‐Chang , Wu Guang‐Ping
Published: September 2020

Background

The E6 and E7 proteins in human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) are the main oncogenes in the occurrence of lung cancer. In recent studies, we found that E6 and E7 downregulated the expression of LKB1 in lung cancer cells. However, it is still unclear how E6 and E7 regulate LKB1 in lung cancer cells.

Methods

Double directional genetic manipulation and nuclear plasma separation technology were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of E6 and E7 inhibiting the antitumor activity of LKB1 in well‐established lung cancer cell lines.

Results

E6 but not E7 significantly downregulated the expression of tumor suppressor KIF7 at protein level, and the inhibition of KIF7 further reduced the expression of LKB1 both in the nuclei and in the cytoplasm, whereas reduced the expression of p‐LKB1 in the cytoplasm only. This suggested that HPV 16 E6 but not E7 downregulates the antitumor activity of LKB1 by downregulating the expression of p‐LKB1 in the cytoplasm only.

Conclusions

Here, we demonstrated for the first time that E6 but not E7 inhibits the antitumor activity of LKB1 in lung cancer cells by downregulating the expression of KIF7. Our findings provide new evidence to support the important role of KIF7 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and suggests new therapeutic targets.
Primary tumor resection of non‐small cell lung cancer patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination (M1a) in the era of targeted therapy
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Taorui , Sun Zewen , Yang Fan
Published: September 2020

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination (M1a) are generally contraindicated for surgery. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that these patients might benefit from primary tumor resection (PTR). However, whether PTR is beneficial for driver oncogene‐positive patients treated with targeted therapy, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of PTR on survival in the era of targeted therapy.

Methods

In total, 105 NSCLC patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination were identified. The mode of systemic treatment was assessed in this study. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. The overall survival (OS) of patients with or without PTR was compared between propensity score‐matched groups (caliper: 0.02).

Results

In the entire cohort, PTR was associated with improved OS in both unmatched (median survival time [MST]: 50.0 vs. 29.6 months, P = 0.019) and matched (MST: 50.0 vs. 34.4 months, P = 0.052) cohorts. Multivariate regression models showed that surgery was an independent favorable prognostic factor for OS. A total of 70 patients underwent genetic testing, and targeted therapies, such as EGFR‐TKIs or ALK‐TKIs, were used in the driver oncogene‐positive patients. Subgroup analysis showed that PTR did not improve OS in the targeted therapy group (MST: 57.1 months vs. 50.4 months, P = 0.840). However, surgery significantly prolonged survival in the nontargeted therapy group (MST: 39.8 vs. 14.2 months, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that PTR could prolong OS in stage IV NSCLC patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination, especially in patients who are not candidates for targeted therapy.

Key points

Non‐small cell lung cancer patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination can benefit from primary tumor resection.

Primary tumor resection could prolong overall survival (OS) in non‐small cell lung cancer patients with ipsilateral pleural dissemination who are not candidates for targeted therapy.
Morphological and morphometrical aspects of the auditory ossicles in goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Martonos Cristian Olimpiu , Gudea Alexandru , Damian Aurel , Lăcătuș Radu , Purdoiu Robert , Cocan Daniel , Stan Florin Gheorghe
Published: September 2020

The present paper deals with a detailed description of the auditory ossicles in Capra hircus. The paper focuses on the morphological and morphometrical description of the ossicular assembly, formed by malleus, incus and stapes. The malleus (overall length, as average‐ 8.16 mm) comprises the head of malleus (Caput mallei), a slightly strictured part—neck (Collum mallei) with 3 distinctive processes (lateral, rostral and muscular) (Processus lateralis, Processus rostralis and Processus muscularis) and a handle (Manubrium mallei). The head of malleus has an oval aspect with an obtuse articular surface on its medial surface (Facies articularis). The neck is evident with three bony processes described—the anterior, almost triangular, the muscular one quite reduced and the lateral one which is the most developed one. The manubrium is the longest sector—4.4 mm and appears as a slightly curved piece. The incus presents a body of 1.3 mm and two processes—the short and long crus (Crus breve and Crus longum). The overall shape of the ossicle resembles a biradicular molar. The lenticular process is a continuation of the distal part of the long crus. The stapes—the smallest in size of the three ossicles (2.7 mm), has a head (Caput stapedis), an anterior (Crus rostrale) and a caudal (Crus caudale) arm and a footplate (Basis stapedis). The two processes are slightly different in size and morphology, delimiting the intercrural space that shows the presence of a bony spicule. The footplate (1.6 mm2 area) is ellipsoidal, with an anterior narrower extremity.
Comparison of cytokines in the peritoneal fluid and conditioned medium of adolescents and adults with and without endometriosis
Authors: Bailey Amelia P. , Hill Abby S. , Beste Michael T. , Cook Christi D. , Sarda Vishnudas , Laufer Marc R. , Isaacson Keith B. , Griffith Linda G. , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: September 2020

Problem

To compare inflammatory‐ and immune‐associated peritoneal cytokines of adolescents and adults with and without endometriosis.

Methods of study

In a nested case‐control study in multiple university‐affiliated scientific centers, ten adolescents and thirteen adults with visually and histologically confirmed endometriosis (cases), thirteen adolescents with visually suspected endometriosis but indeterminate (seven patients) or negative (six patients) histology, and fifteen adults undergoing surgery for non‐malignant gynecologic disease without endometriosis (controls) underwent laparoscopic aspiration of peritoneal fluid (PF), from which PF and conditioned medium (CM) cytokine levels were assayed.

Results

Compared to adults with endometriosis, MCP‐3, IL‐12p40, MIP‐1β, and IL‐15 were significantly higher among adolescents with endometriosis, while TNF‐β and CTACK were lower among adolescents. These differences were similar comparing adolescents with endometriosis to adult controls except for MIP‐1β, which was not statistically different. MIP‐1β was, however, the only cytokine observed to differ between adult cases and controls. There were no significant differences in CM cytokines among the three groups. Results were similar when analyses were restricted to samples collected (a) during menstrual cycle days 1‐10, (b) from patients unexposed to exogenous hormones, or (c) from all adolescents despite presence or absence of histologic endometriosis.

Conclusion

Biologically relevant and statistically significant differences in six PF cytokines were observed and suggest a more pro‐invasion cytokine profile among adolescents with endometriosis. Adolescents with endometriosis have unique peritoneal cytokine profiles and molecular behavior when compared to adults with and without endometriosis.
A prospective observational study of the rapid detection of clinically‐relevant plasma direct oral anticoagulant levels following acute traumatic injury
Authors: Oberladstätter D. , Voelckel W. , Schlimp C. , Zipperle J. , Ziegler B. , Grottke O. , Schöchl H.
Published: September 2020

In urgent clinical situations, such as trauma, urgent surgery or before thrombolysis, rapid quantification of direct oral anticoagulant plasma drug levels is warranted. Using the ClotPro® analyser, we assessed two novel viscoelastic tests for detection of clinically‐relevant plasma drug levels in trauma patients. The ecarin clotting time was used to assess the plasma concentration of dabigatran and Russell´s viper venom clotting time to determine the plasma concentration of direct factor Xa inhibitors. In parallel, plasma concentrations were analysed using plasma‐based chromogenic assays. A total of 203 simultaneous measurements were performed. Strong to very strong linear correlations were detected between ecarin clotting time and plasma concentration of dabigatran (r = 0.9693), and between Russell´s viper venom clotting time and plasma concentrations of apixaban (r = 0.7391), edoxaban (r = 0.9251) and rivaroxaban (r = 0.8792), all p < 0.001. An ecarin clotting time ≥ 189 seconds provided 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity for detecting plasma dabigatran concentrations ≥ 50 ng.ml‐1. Corresponding Russell´s viper venom clotting time cut‐off values were ≥ 136 seconds for apixaban (80% sensitivity, 88% specificity), ≥ 168 seconds for edoxaban (100% sensitivity, 100% specificity) and ≥ 177 seconds for rivaroxaban (90% sensitivity, 100% specificity). Detection of drug levels ≥ 100 ng.ml‐1 was also investigated: for dabigatran, an ecarin clotting time ≥ 315 seconds yielded 92% sensitivity and 100% specificity; while Russell´s viper venom clotting time cut‐offs of 191, 188 and 196 seconds were calculated for apixaban (67% sensitivity, 88% specificity), edoxaban (100% sensitivity, 75% specificity) and rivaroxaban (100% sensitivity, 91% specificity), respectively. We have demonstrated strong positive correlations between plasma drug levels and clotting time values in the specific ClotPro assays. Cut‐off values for detecting clinically‐relevant drug levels showed high levels of sensitivity and specificity.
Rates and risk factors of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection in 2008‐2016 compared with 1986‐1998
Authors: Hamrin Johan , Bennet Rutger , Berner Jonas , Rotzén‐Östlund Maria , Eriksson Margareta
Published: September 2020

Aim

Since the introduction in 1979 of rapid testing using immunofluorescence, we have collected information about children hospitalised for confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in the northern Stockholm area. We here report hospitalisation rates, risk factors and complications in 2008‐2016 compared with 1986‐1998.

Methods

Microbiological laboratory reports and retrospective chart review. Comparison of the two periods was complicated by changing testing routines, with a more sensitive method and increased testing of older children in the late period.

Results

In infants, there was an 12.3% increase in the population‐based rate of hospital admission for RSV infection from 12.2 to 13.7/1000. Including all children <5 years, there was a 48% increase from 2.7 to 4.0/1000. The median length of stay remained unchanged at 3 days. The need of intensive care decreased in healthy infants but remained high in older children with comorbidity.

Conclusion

Considering the changed diagnosis routines, we believe that the rate of hospital admission of infants for RSV infection was unchanged throughout the observed years. The increased rates of older children with confirmed RSV likely resulted from increased testing of children with risk factors for a complicated course.
Social Media Use and Mental Health during the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Moderator Role of Disaster Stressor and Mediator Role of Negative Affect
Authors: Zhao Nan , Zhou Guangyu
Published: September 2020

Background

Informed by the differential susceptibility to media effects model (DSMM), the current study aims to investigate associations of COVID‐19‐related social media use with mental health outcomes and to uncover potential mechanisms underlying the links.

Methods

A sample of 512 (62.5% women; Mage = 22.12 years, SD = 2.47) Chinese college students participated in this study from 24 March to 1 April 2020 via online questionnaire. They completed measures of social media use, the COVID‐19 stressor, negative affect, secondary traumatic stress (STS), depression, and anxiety as well as covariates.

Results

As expected, results from regression analyses indicated that a higher level of social media use was associated with worse mental health. More exposure to disaster news via social media was associated with greater depression for participants with high (but not low) levels of the disaster stressor. Moreover, path analysis showed negative affect mediated the relationship of social media use and mental health.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the disaster stressor may be a risk factor that amplifies the deleterious impact of social media use on depression. In addition, excessive exposure to disaster on social media may trigger negative affect, which may in turn contribute to mental health problems. Future interventions to improve mental health should consider elements of both disaster stressor and negative affect.
Cardiomyocytes' prolonged IL‐2 incubation induces enhancement in L‐type Ca2+ channels mediated by inhibitory‐kappaB kinase/nuclear factor‐kappaB signalling
Authors: Mitrokhin Vadim , Gorbacheva Lyubov , Vachrushev Nikita , Hadzi‐Petrushev Nikola , Kamkin Andre , Mladenov Mitko
Published: September 2020

The main objective of this study was to determine the primary intracellular signalling pathway affected by prolonged (2 hours) incubation in interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). Based on the inflammatory nature of IL‐2, priority was given to the involvement of inhibitory‐kappaB kinase/nuclear factor‐kappaB (IKK/NF‐κB) signalling. All of the experiments were performed on freshly prepared cardiomyocytes isolated from rat left ventricles. After isolation, the whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recordings were performed on single cells. After 2 hours of incubation in IL‐2, the current at 0 mV was approximately 100% higher than at the start of the incubation. ACHP, a highly specific kinase β inhibitor, in a concentration of 10 nmol/L, caused significant reduction in the ICa,L. IL‐2 (2 ng/mL) in the presence of 0.1 μmol/L IMD‐0354 as a specific inhibitor of IKKβ, caused nearly no changes in the ICa,L. IL‐2 (3 ng/mL) induced a significant increase in phosphorylated NF‐κB p65. The cardiomyocytes incubated in a Kraftbrühe solution containing IL‐2 plus PDTC as a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) for 2 hours had a similar ICa,L increase compared to the cells incubated only in IL‐2. IL‐2‐induced enhancement in L‐type Ca2+ channels was mediated by IKK/NF‐κB signalling, but not via iNOS‐mRNA signalling.
Circulating tumor cells with FGFR2 expression might be useful to identify patients with existing FGFR2‐overexpressing tumor
Authors: Kuroda Kenji , Yashiro Masakazu , Miki Yuichiro , Sera Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yurie , Sugimoto Atsushi , Nishimura Sadaaki , Kushiyama Shuhei , Togano Shingo , Okuno Tomohisa , Ohira Masaichi
Published: September 2020

Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) is associated with proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of carcinomas, and FGFR signaling inhibitors are considered a key drug for the treatment of solid tumors with FGFR overexpression. Amplification of FGFR2 is reportedly identified in 3%‐10% of gastric cancers (GCs). The aim of this study is to clarify whether the identification of the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with FGFR2 overexpression is useful to detect patients with FGFR2‐overexpressing GC. One hundred GC patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled. A total volume of 8 mL of peripheral blood was collected from each patient just before gastrectomy, and mononuclear cells were enriched by Ficol density gradient centrifugation. These cells were immunostained with PI/CD45/EpCAM/FGFR2. The number of CTCs with FGFR2 expression in each sample was enumerated by FACScan. The FGFR2 expression level of the resected primary tumor was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The number of FGFR2‐positive CTCs in the GC patients' peripheral blood was significantly correlated with the FGFR2 expression level of the primary GC. The relapse‐free survival of the patients with FGFR2‐positive CTCs (≥5 cells/10 mL blood) was significantly poorer (P = .018, log‐rank) than that of the patients without FGFR2‐positive CTCs (<5 cell/10 mL blood). These findings suggested that the determination of FGFR2‐positive CTCs might help identify an existing tumor with FGFR2 overexpression.
4‐Sulfonyloxy/alkoxy benzoxazolone derivatives with high anti‐inflammatory activities: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and mechanims of action via p38/ERK‐NF‐κB/iNOS pathway
Authors: Tang Li , Luo Jie‐ran , Wang Xiao‐yan , Zhao Bei , Ge Rui , Liang Tai‐gang , Ban Shu‐rong , Li Qing‐shan
Published: September 2020

In an effort to discover new agents with high anti‐inflammatory activity, 22 new 4‐sulfonyloxy/alkoxy benzoxazolone derivatives were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production and TNF‐α expression in RAW 264.7 cells in vitro. Most of these compounds displayed greater inhibitory ability against NO production than the lead compound 4‐o‐methyl‐benzenesulfonyl benzoxazolone, and the most active compound 2h exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity against NO, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 production with IC50 values 17.67, 20.07, and 8.61 μΜ, respectively. The effects of 2h were comparable or stronger than those of the positive control celecoxib. Compound 2h also displayed higher activity in vivo than celecoxib in a mouse model of xylene‐induced ear edema, based on their inhibitory rates of 42.69% and 30.87%, respectively. Further molecular analysis revealed that compound 2h significantly reduced the iNOS levels in cell supernatant and suppressed the protein expression of iNOS, p‐p38, p‐ERK, and nuclear NF‐κB. The results indicated that the anti‐inflammatory effect of 2h might be realized through the regulation of ERK‐ and p38‐mediated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐NF‐κB/iNOS signaling, thereby reducing the excessive release of NO, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Our findings demonstrated that compound 2h, a new benzoxazolone derivative, could inhibit activation of the MAPK‐NF‐κB/iNOS pathway, supporting its potential as a novel anti‐inflammatory agent.
A systematic review of antiandrogens and feminization in transgender women
Authors: Angus Lachlan M. , Nolan Brendan J. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Cheung Ada S.
Published: September 2020

Antiandrogens are frequently used with estradiol in transgender women seeking feminization. Antiandrogens act by various mechanisms to decrease the production or effects of testosterone, but it is unclear which antiandrogen is most effective at feminization. A systematic review was performed using PRISMA guidelines. We searched online databases (Medline, Embase and PsycINFO) and references of relevant articles for studies of antiandrogens in transgender women aged 16+ years to achieve feminization (namely changes in breast size, body composition, facial or body hair) or changes in serum total testosterone concentration when compared to placebo, estradiol alone or an alternative antiandrogen. Four studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in a narrative review. The addition of cyproterone acetate, leuprolide and medroxyprogesterone acetate may be more effective than spironolactone or estradiol alone at suppressing the serum total testosterone concentration. Body composition changes appear similar in transgender women treated with estradiol and additional cyproterone acetate or leuprolide. No eligible studies adequately evaluated the effects of antiandrogens on breast development or facial and body hair reduction. It remains unclear which antiandrogen is most effective at achieving feminization. Cyproterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and leuprolide may be more effective than spironolactone at suppressing the serum total testosterone concentration. However, due to spironolactone's antagonism of the androgen receptor, it is unclear whether this results in clinically meaningful differences in feminization. Further research with clinically meaningful endpoints is needed to optimize the use of antiandrogens in transgender women.