bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the factors of China's seasonal retail sales of consumer goods using a data grouping approach–based GRA method
Authors: Wang Zheng-Xin , Wu Ji-Min , Zhou Chao-Jun , Li Qin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Seasonal fluctuation interference often affects the relational analysis of economic time series. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a new grey relational model for relational analysis of seasonal time series and apply it to identify and eliminate the influence of seasonal fluctuation of retail sales of consumer goods in China.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the whole quarterly time series is divided into four groups by data grouping method. Each group only contains the time series data in the same quarter. Then, the new series of four-quarters are used to establish the grey correlation model and calculate its correlation coefficient. Finally, the correlation degree of factors in each group of data was calculated and sorted to determine its importance.

Findings

The data grouping method can effectively reflect the correlation between time series in different quarters and eliminate the influence of seasonal fluctuation.

Practical implications

In this paper, the main factors influencing the quarterly fluctuations of retail sales of consumer goods in China are explored by using the grouped grey correlation model. The results show that the main factors are different from quarter to quarter: in the first quarter, the main factors are money supply, tax and per capita disposable income of rural residents. In the second quarter are money supply, fiscal expenditure and tax. In the third quarter are money supply, fiscal expenditure and per capita disposable income of rural residents. In the fourth quarter are money supply, fiscal expenditure and tax.

Originality/value

This paper successfully realizes the application of grey relational model in quarterly time series and extends the applicable scope of grey relational model.
Technology as a driver to achieve the performance of family businesses supply chain
Authors: Hendayani Ratih , Febrianta Mochamad Yudha
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between technology and efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of family business halal supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology used in this research is a quantitative method. The research's type is explanatory research with multivariate data analysis methods using partial least square (PLS). Samples used in this research are 100 family halal food businesses in Indonesia.

Findings

The result shows that there is a positive and significant relationship between each technology and effectiveness. Technology can be used to ensure that all supply chain processes follow Sharia procedures effectively in the family halal food business, but on other hand the technology does not show a positive effect on family halal food business efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can be done by applying the model provided in this study for other industries. And investigating the model in a big company to prove the technology may also show a positive relationship to the efficiency.

Practical implications

The contribution of this research is that the family halal food business can guarantee that technology they use can improve the effectiveness of their supply chain.

Social implications

The improvement of halal supply chain effectiveness through the technology can improve the product's quality and fulfill the customers' requirements. Also, the family business can assure the society about their halal product.

Originality/value

This research proves that the family business can improve their halal supply chain effectiveness through technology, although lowering their efficiency, which is empirically proven.
Learning in The World Café: an empirical evaluation
Authors: Ropes Donald , van Kleef Han , Douven Giovanni
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate The World Café (TWC) method as a social collaborative learning environment. TWC is a widely used large-scale intervention for such things as organizational change and development or community development programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Three World Cafés were organized as part of a university research project on promoting sustainability-oriented innovation in the logistics sector. A total of 18 participants representing public and commercial organizations were interviewed on their experiences.

Findings

Learning processes are linked to social and cognitive aspects that TWC intervention effectively structures.

Practical implications

If a World Café is implemented according to the basic principles, it can be an effective environment for organizing non-formal learning in organizations.

Originality/value

Although the gray literature on World Cafés is full of anecdotal evidence about its effectiveness, there is a dearth of empirical research underpinning the claims.
Controllable preparation and functionally graded programming of carbon aerogel
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhong Jie , Xie Fang , He Xiaoyang , Du Liwen , Yan Yaqian , Li Meiyu , Ma Wuqian , Wang Wenxin , Wang Ning
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to controllably synthesize a carbon aerogel with programmable functionally graded performance via a simple and effective strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) via the controllable sol-gel, lyophilization, and carbonization approach to achieve a programmable carbon aerogel. This design has the advantages of low raw material and preparation cost, simple and controllable synthetic process and low carbonization temperature.

Findings

The thermal stability and microstructure of PVA aerogel can be controlled by the crosslinking agent content within a certain range. The crosslinking agent content and the carbonization temperature are the key factors for functionally graded programming of carbon aerogels, including microstructure, oxygen-containing functional groups and adsorption performance. The adsorption ratio and adsorption rate of uranium can be controlled by adjusting initial concentration and pH value of the uranium solution. The 2.5%25 carbon aerogel with carbonization temperature of 350 °C has excellent adsorption performance when the initial concentration of uranium solution is 32 ppm at pH 7.5.

Research limitations/implications

As a new type of lightweight nano-porous amorphous carbon material, this carbon aerogel has many excellent properties.

Originality/value

This work presents a simple, low cost and controllable strategy for functionally graded programming of novel carbon aerogel. This carbon aerogel has great potential for application in various fields such as uranium recovery, wastewater treatment, sound absorption and shock absorption.
Sport brands' attraction factors and international fans
Authors: Bodet Guillaume , Geng Hui (Eric) , Chanavat Nicolas , Wang Chengcheng
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The overall aim of this study is to improve our understanding of the strength of attraction factors of professional football club brands with foreign fans, and of the influence of demographics and individual characteristics on the influence of these factors in the context of sport spectatorship services.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was based on a quantitative study surveying 1,160 Chinese fans of English Premier League clubs and its results were produced through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. They identify the relative importance of 21 organisation– (e.g. star players, charismatic managers, team kits, partnerships and alliances, etc.), market and environment– (e.g. peer influence, TV coverage, etc.), and experience– (e.g. personal bonds, past attendance, etc.) induced service brand attraction points that were categorised into six main factors: star players, on-the-field performance, brand identity, marketing and merchandising, localism and experience.

Findings

Organisation-induced factors are the most important club brand attraction factors for Chinese fans. ANOVA analysis showed that demographic (i.e. gender, age, and education) and individual (i.e. brand identification and loyalty levels) characteristics influence the importance of attraction factors for fans. For instance, fans who had previously supported a different club brand rated the marketing and merchandising dimensions lower, localism higher, on-the-field performance lower and brand identity lower than those who had always supported the same club.

Originality/value

These results emphasise the importance of segmentation when considering consumer attraction to professional sport brands. They also provide specific practical knowledge that is useful when expanding into new foreign markets.
Implementing supplier management strategies for supply chain sustainability risks in multinational companies
Authors: Juettner Uta , Windler Katharina , Podleisek André , Gander Maya , Meldau Sandrina
Published: April 2020

Purpose

In a time where stakeholders increasingly demand social, environmental, and economic sustainability, mismanaging suppliers can impose substantial sustainability risks for a company and harm its reputation and business severely. This research explores the implementation of a corporate sustainable supplier strategy designed to cope with such risks from an agency theory perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a multinational enterprise, a provider of leading mobility solutions in the realm of escalators, moving walkways and elevators, is conducted. Data is collected from multiple sources of evidence, including strategy documents, a focus group and semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The study identifies several implementation challenges and coping mechanisms in firstly, the agency relationships between the headquarter and the regional subsidiary units and secondly, the relationships between the regional subsidiary units and their suppliers.

Research limitations/implications

A framework conceptualising the implementation of sustainable supplier strategies is proposed. The framework positions the topic at the interface between supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management as well as agency relationships and identifies avenues for further research. The key limitations refer to the single case study methodology and the exclusion of suppliers in the data collection approach.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can support multinational enterprises in developing corporate sustainability strategies and in implementing them in the supplier network.

Originality/value

The originality of the framework lies in the integrated approach combining supply chain sustainability risk, supplier quality management and triadic agency relationships.
Antioxidant‐related catalase CTA1 regulates development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and virulence in pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhu Zhuo , Yang Mingkun , Bai Youhuang , Ge Feng , Wang Shihua
Published: April 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce the synthesis of a myriad of secondary metabolites, including aflatoxins. It raises significant concern as it is a potent environmental contaminant. In Aspergillus flavus., antioxidant enzymes link ROS stress response with coordinated gene regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis. In this study, we characterized the function of a core component of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CTA1) of A. flavus. Firstly, we verified the presence of cta1 corresponding protein (CTA1) by Western blot analysis and mass‐spectrometry based analysis. Then, the functional study revealed that the growth, sporulation and sclerotia formation significantly increased, while aflatoxins production and virulence were decreased in the cta1 deletion mutant as compared with the WT and complementary strains. Furthermore, the absence of the cta1 gene resulted in a significant rise in the intracellular ROS level, which in turn added to the oxidative stress level of cells. A further quantitative proteomics investigation hinted that in vivo, CTA1 might maintain the ROS level to facilitate the aflatoxin synthesis. All in all, the pleiotropic phenotype of A. flavus CTA1 deletion mutant revealed that the antioxidant system plays a crucial role in fungal development, aflatoxins biosynthesis and virulence.
God, Fatherland, Home: revealing the dark side of our anthropological virtue
Authors: Goodale Mark
Published: April 2020

The article uses ethnographic research on right‐wing anti‐government movements in Bolivia conducted at the height of social conflict and cultural violence in 2008 and 2009 to reflect more generally on the relationship between anthropological research, ethical commitment, and the politics of knowledge. The article first describes the relevant epistemological and political contexts in which engaged anthropology emerged as an important disciplinary current. It then goes on to consider how and why the author's research on right‐wing political practice in Bolivia diverged from the disciplinary expectations of engaged anthropology. After reflecting on the implications of this shift, the article concludes by arguing for a methodological recalibration that allows anthropologists to take seriously the ideologies and cultural logics of contemporary right‐wing mobilization, particularly social and political movements that are animated by what Edmund Burke described as ‘just prejudice’.
Beneficial effects of Aronia melanocarpa berry extract on hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus rats
Authors: Mu Jingjing , Xin Guang , Zhang Bo , Wang Yuehua , Ning Chong , Meng Xianjun
Published: April 2020

We aimed to investigate) the effects of Aronia melanocarpa berry extract (AMBE) on hepatic insulin resistance and its mechanism at the molecular level in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐ and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were supplemented with AMBE at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw) daily for 8 weeks. AMBE significantly reduced blood glucose and serum insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance score; improved glucose tolerance; increased hepatic glycogen content; and regulated glucose metabolism enzyme activity, including glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucose‐6‐phosphatase in the liver. AMBE also reduced lipid accumulation and oxidative stress along with inflammation in the hepatic tissue of T2DM rats and improved hepatic function. The phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was activated by AMBE through the elevation of insulin receptor substrate‐2, PI3K, Akt, and glycogen synthase kinase‐3β phosphorylation and glucose transporter 2, which might contribute to the promotion of glycogen synthesis and improvement of hepatic insulin resistance. AMBE shows promise as an ingredient of functional foods for alleviating hepatic insulin resistance in T2DM.

Practical Application

The extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott (AMBE), with its relatively high content of polyphenolic compounds, has been shown to exert hypoglycemic effects in animal models of diabetes. Our findings support the use of A. melanocarpa as a functional food additive for the alleviation of hepatic insulin resistance and the management of glucose homeostasis in T2DM.
Do nitrogen sources and molybdenum affect the nutritional quality and nitrate concentrations of hydroponic baby leaf lettuce?
Authors: Rocha Daiane Cristina , da Silva Bruna Franciele Iversen , Moreira dos Santos Jéssica Maria , Tavares Davi Santos , Pauletti Volnei , Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa
Published: April 2020

Lettuce is one of the most popular vegetables, and the market niche of the baby leaf variety is expanding. The manner in which nitrogen (N) is supplied and the available concentration of the micronutrient molybdenum (Mo) affect N metabolism, with reflects on the nutritional quality of that vegetable. Here, two Mo concentrations (0.06 and 0.12 mg/L) and four proportions (%) of nitrate (NO3−)/ammonium (NH4+)(100/0, 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75) were supplied to hydroponic baby leaf lettuce floating type to evaluate their effects on plant growth and leaf mineral and NO3− compositions. Shoot dry mass did not differ among the different treatments, although fresh mass was lower in treatments with larger proportions of NH4+. Higher leaf concentrations of NO3− were observed in plants treated with 100% N–NO3−, but they were still below tolerable limits for human health. The enzyme nitrate reductase was not found to be sensitive to the nitrogen sources or to Mo concentrations. N proportions and Mo concentrations differently affected macro‐ (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn) leaf concentrations. Although treatment with 100% N–NO3− favored higher mineral concentrations in lettuce leaves, the addition of 25% N–NH4+ allowed fresh mass production with the lowest NO3− concentrations. As such, and considering the healthy reduction of NO3− consumption by humans and the maintenance of plant productivity, the 75/25 NO3−/NH4+ proportion is recommended for the hydroponic cultivation of baby leaf var. Mimosa lettuce.

Practical Application

We demonstrate a direct link between the constitution of nutrient solution with nitrate accumulation by hydroponic lettuce and indicate the best source of N as well as the concentration of Mn to healthy reduction of NO3− consumption by humans and the maintenance of plant productivity.
Epicutaneous sensitization in the development of food allergy: What is the evidence and how can this be prevented?
Authors: Brough Helen A. , Nadeau Kari C. , Sindher Sayantani B. , Alkotob Shifaa S. , Chan Susan , Bahnson Henry T. , Leung Donald Y. M. , Lack Gideon
Published: April 2020

There is increasing evidence regarding the importance of allergic sensitization through the skin. In this review, we provide an overview of the atopic march and immune mechanism underlying the sensitization and effector phase of food allergy. We present experimental models and human data that support the concept of epicutaneous sensitization and how this forms one half of the dual‐allergen exposure hypothesis. We discuss specific important elements in the skin (FLG and other skin barrier gene mutations, Langerhans cells, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, IL‐33, TSLP) that have important roles in the development of allergic responses as well as the body of evidence on environmental allergen exposure and how this can sensitize an individual. Given the link between skin barrier impairment, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis, it is logical that restoring the skin barrier and prevention or treating atopic dermatitis would have beneficial effects on prevention of related allergic diseases, particularly food allergy. We present the experimental and human studies that have evaluated this approach and discuss various factors which may influence the success of these approaches, such as the type of emollient chosen for the intervention, the role of managing skin inflammation, and differences between primary and secondary prevention of atopic dermatitis to achieve the desired outcome.
The effectiveness of either ustekinumab or vedolizumab in 239 patients with Crohn's disease refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor
Authors: Alric Hadrien , Amiot Aurélien , Kirchgesner Julien , Tréton Xavier , Allez Matthieu , Bouhnik Yoram , Beaugerie Laurent , Carbonnel Franck , Meyer Antoine
Published: April 2020

Background

There is no head‐to‐head trial comparing ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF).

Aim

To compare the effectiveness and safety of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with CD refractory to anti‐TNF in a multicentre retrospective observational cohort.

Methods

All consecutive patients with CD refractory or intolerant to anti‐TNF who initiated either vedolizumab or ustekinumab were included between May 2014 and August 2018. Clinical remission, steroid‐free clinical remission (SFCR) and treatment persistence were assessed at week 48 with intention‐to‐treat analysis and propensity scores weighted comparison.

Results

A total of 239 patients were included, 107 received ustekinumab and 132 received vedolizumab. At week 48, ustekinumab was associated with a higher clinical remission rate (54.4% vs 38.3%; odds ratios, OR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.09‐3.39]) and treatment persistence (71.5% vs 49.7%; OR = 2.54, 95% CI [1.40‐4.62]) than vedolizumab. The rate of SFCR did not differ significantly between ustekinumab and vedolizumab (44.7% vs 34.0%; OR = 1.57, 95% CI [0.88‐2.79]). Subgroup analyses showed that ustekinumab was associated with a higher clinical remission rates at week 48 in patients with ileal location (OR = 3.49, 95% CI [1.33‐9.17) and penetrating behaviour (OR = 6.58, 95% CI [1.91‐22.68]). Regardless of the treatment group, combination therapy at initiation was associated with a higher clinical remission rate at week 48 (OR = 1.93, 95% CI [1.09‐3.43]).

Conclusion

This study suggests that ustekinumab is associated with a higher rate of clinical remission and treatment persistence than vedolizumab after 48 weeks of follow‐up, in patients with CD refractory or intolerant to anti‐TNF. The rate of SFCR was not significantly different.
Effects of itraconazole and rifampicin on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker esaxerenone in healthy Japanese subjects
Authors: Kirigaya Yoshiaki , Shiramoto Masanari , Ishizuka Tomoko , Uchimaru Hinako , Irie Shin , Kato Manabu , Shimizu Takako , Nakatsu Takafumi , Nishikawa Yasuhiro , Ishizuka Hitoshi
Published: April 2020

Aims

To investigate the effects of the strong cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitor itraconazole and the strong CYP3A inducer rifampicin on the pharmacokinetics of single‐dose esaxerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, in healthy Japanese subjects.

Methods

Two open‐label, single‐sequence, crossover studies were conducted in healthy Japanese males aged 20–45 years. In Study 1 (n = 20), subjects received a single oral 2.5 mg dose of esaxerenone (Days 1, 13), with itraconazole 200 mg twice daily (Day 8) and once daily (Days 9–16). In Study 2 (n = 12), subjects received a single oral 5 mg dose of esaxerenone (Days 1, 13), with rifampicin 600 mg once daily (Days 8–16). The plasma concentration of esaxerenone and esaxerenone metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis, and safety was assessed.

Results

Esaxerenone exposure increased when coadministered with itraconazole. Geometric least‐square mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of peak plasma esaxerenone concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from zero until the last measurable concentration (AUClast) and AUC from zero until infinity (AUCinf) were 1.13 (1.05, 1.20) ng mL−1, 1.47 (1.40, 1.54) ng h mL−1 and 1.53 (1.45, 1.62) ng h mL−1, respectively. Esaxerenone exposure decreased when coadministered with rifampicin. Geometric least‐squares mean ratios (90% confidence interval) of esaxerenone Cmax, AUClast and AUCinf were 0.659 (0.599, 0.724), 0.315 (0.300, 0.332) and 0.312 (0.297, 0.328), respectively.

Conclusion

Itraconazole increased esaxerenone AUCinf by 53.1%, and rifampicin decreased esaxerenone AUCinf by 68.8%. These results suggest that caution is recommended when coadministering esaxerenone with strong inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A.
Diagnostic performance of peripheral leukocyte telomere G‐tail length for detecting breast cancer
Authors: Koi Yumiko , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Nishiyama Yukie , Kanda Miyuki , Shiroma Yoshitomo , Yamamoto Yuki , Sasada Shinsuke , Akita Tomoyuki , Masumoto Norio , Kadoya Takayuki , Takahashi Ryou‐u , Tanaka Junko , Okada Morihito , Tahara Hidetoshi
Published: April 2020

The telomere G‐tail (G‐tail) plays an essential role in maintaining chromosome stability. In this study, we assessed the leukocyte G‐tail length of breast cancer (BC) patients and cancer‐free individuals and evaluated the association between the G‐tail length and the presence of BC. A significant shortening of the median G‐tail length was observed in BC patients compared with cancer‐free individuals and was found in the early phase of BC. Our study indicated that the leukocyte G‐tail length might be a potential biomarker for BC detection.
Germline mutations predisposing to melanoma
Authors: Toussi Atrin , Mans Nicole , Welborn Jeanna , Kiuru Maija
Published: April 2020

Nearly 15% of melanomas occur in patients with a family history and a subset of these patients have a germline mutation in a melanoma predisposing gene. CDKN2A mutations are responsible for the majority of hereditary melanoma, but many other susceptibility genes have been discovered in recent years, including CDK4, TERT, ACD, TERF2IP, POT1, MITF, MC1R, and BAP1. Additionally, melanoma risk is increased in mixed cancer syndromes caused by mutations in PTEN, BRCA2, BRCA1, RB1, and TP53. While early onset, multiple tumors, and family cancer history remain the most valuable clinical clues for hereditary melanoma, characteristic epithelioid cytology of melanocytic tumors may suggest an underlying BAP1 mutation. Herein, we review the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of melanocytic tumors associated with these germline mutations and discuss the role of genetic counseling.
What is the best indicator of the harmful use of alcohol? A narrative review
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Crépault Jean‐François , Wettlaufer Ashley , Manthey Jakob , Shield Kevin
Published: April 2020

Issues

The monitoring of the harmful use of alcohol is a key focus of global health efforts, including the Sustainable Development Goals. The current indicator of harmful alcohol use for Sustainable Development Goals is the national adult (15+ years) alcohol per capita consumption (APC) in litres of pure alcohol. Recently, the age‐standardised prevalence of heavy episodic drinking (HED) has been advanced as an alternative indicator.

Approach

This narrative review is composed of a review of advantages and disadvantages of both indicators and an empirical analysis of their associations with alcohol‐attributable health harm.

Key findings

APC is greatly associated with harm and is available for almost all countries on a yearly basis as it is largely derived from routinely collected statistics. HED is based on responses to population surveys not routinely performed for most countries. These surveys commonly exclude heavy drinking populations (e.g. army personnel, institutionalised, homeless). Even when included within the sampling frame, heavy drinkers are less likely to participate than other groups. The questions used to measure HED are susceptible to biases due to issues with respondents' comprehension, recall and misreporting. Furthermore, in a regression analysis of 182 countries, APC was better at predicting alcohol‐attributable harm than HED. APC was also correlated with changes in the alcohol‐attributable burden of disease (from 2010 to 2016), while HED was not.

Implications

Based on these factors, APC was found to be the preferred indicator.

Conclusions

APC should be retained as the main indicator of the harmful use of alcohol.
Antireflux metal stent for biliary obstruction: Any benefits?
Authors: Hamada Tsuyoshi , Nakai Yousuke , Isayama Hiroyuki , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: April 2020

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with stent placement has been utilized as standard palliative management of distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Compared to plastic stents, metal stents can provide longer‐term relief of symptoms. When a large‐bore metal stent is placed across the ampulla, patients are predisposed to the risk of cholangitis or stent dysfunction due to reflux of duodenal contents. To mitigate the risk of adverse events associated with the duodenobiliary reflux, efforts have been directed to development of antireflux metal stents (ARMSs). The antireflux property has been introduced through adding of an antireflux valve to the duodenal stent end. Evidence from clinical studies indicates that ARMSs may not only reduce the risk of ascending cholangitis during follow‐up but also prolong stent patency time. However, the results of clinical studies testing ARMSs are inconsistent owing to heterogeneous designs of antireflux valves and stent bodies. Metal stents are increasingly indicated for benign biliary strictures and MBO in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and therefore, research is warranted to evaluate ARMSs for those indications. Given that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided transmural biliary drainage has gained popularity, the optimal timing of placing an ARMS in relation to EUS‐guided and percutaneous drainage should be investigated. Development and evaluation of ARMSs require an integrative approach utilizing phantom and animal models, measurements of stent mechanical properties, and in vivo functional study after stent placement. In this review article, we summarize updated evidence on ARMSs for MBO and discuss issues that should be addressed in future studies.
Propensity score methods in real‐world epidemiology: A practical guide for first‐time users
Authors: Loke Yoon Kong , Mattishent Katharina
Published: April 2020

Real‐world epidemiology gives us the unique opportunity to observe large numbers of people, and the actions and events that characterize their encounters with healthcare providers. However, the heterogeneity and sheer diversity of the population and healthcare systems makes it impossible for researchers to compare “like with like” when attempting to draw causal inferences about interventions and outcomes. The critical issue in epidemiological datasets relates to high risk of bias due to confounders that stem from baseline differences between groups. Propensity score (PS) techniques are statistical approaches that have been used to tackle potential imbalance in the comparison groups. The PS is the estimated probability (based on measured baseline covariates) that the patient receives a particular intervention. Patients that share similar PS will most likely have the same distributions of underlying covariates included in the PS. Implementation of PS methods may achieve better balance of covariates, but there is no consensus on the best way of capturing all relevant confounders for incorporation into the PS model. Should covariates be selected by clinical or epidemiological experts, or would data‐driven algorithms (machine learning) offer more efficient and reliable methods of estimating PS and controlling for confounding? The PS can be incorporated into the analysis in different ways, each with its own strengths and limitations, and researchers must choose the best fit for their study objectives. PS methods are particularly advantageous in situations where there are large numbers of measured covariates but relatively few outcome events captured in healthcare administrative databases.
Emerging opportunities to harness real world data: An introduction to data sources, concepts, and applications
Authors: O'Leary Colin P. , Cavender Matthew A.
Published: April 2020

While randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for comparative effectiveness research, they are unable to provide the answers to all pertinent clinical and research questions. Real world evidence (RWE), that is, clinical evidence obtained outside RCTs and often through routine clinical practice, offers the potential to conduct observational studies that accelerate advances in care, improve outcomes for patients, and provide important insights that can answer important questions. Once appropriate information technology is available, real world data can be cost‐effective to generate. RWE serves a vital role in the evaluation of treatment strategies for which there are no RCTs and for describing patterns of care. RWE also serves as an important adjunct to RCTs and can be used to determine if benefits seen in RCTs extend to clinical practice, provide insight into the findings of RCTs, generate hypotheses for future RCTs, and inform the design of future RCTs. These potential benefits must be balanced against some of the important limitations of RWE, including variable data quality, lack of granularity for important clinical variables, and the potential for bias and confounding. By using appropriate analytic techniques and study design, these limitations can be minimized but not eliminated. Going forward, RWE studies may be enhanced by using rigorous data quality standards, incorporating randomization, developing more prospective registries, and better leveraging data from electronic health records.
Behaviour and survival of wild versus stocked fingerling walleye
Authors: Weber Robert E. , Weber Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Walleye Sander vitreus Mitchill have been progressively raised in hatcheries to larger sizes under the paradigm that larger stocked fish have higher survival. However, extended time in hatcheries may result in domestication, with stocked individuals lacking behaviours that promote survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate behaviour and survival of wild versus stocked fingerling (>200 mm) walleye in two Iowa reservoirs. Radio telemetry was used to evaluate walleye movement rates, depth use, home range size, habitat selection and apparent survival. Depth use increased with days since stocking and varied between lake‐years but was similar between walleye groups. Daily movement rates varied by the interaction between group and day, with rates declining through time. Home ranges did not differ between groups but were significantly greater in Big Creek than Brushy Creek. Walleye in both lakes generally used habitat in proportion to availability, with few differences between groups detected. Weekly apparent survival ranged from 0.948 to 1.000, varied across lakes, years and seasons, and was higher for stocked than wild walleye in Big Creek but not Brushy Creek. The results indicate that hatchery‐reared fingerling walleye behave similar to but can have higher survival than wild fish, suggesting that domestication may not be occurring and that stocking autumn fingerling walleye may help supplement year‐class strength.
Latitudinal patterns in tachinid parasitoid diversity (Diptera: Tachinidae): a review of the evidence
Authors: Burington Zelia L. , Inclán‐Luna Diego Javier , Pollet Marc , Stireman John O.
Published: April 2020

Insect parasitoids may be an exception to the typical biogeographic pattern of increasing species richness at lower latitudes exhibited by most taxa. Evidence for this ‘anomalous’ latitudinal gradient has been derived from observations of hymenopteran parasitoids and it has been argued that other parasitoid groups should show a similar pattern of diversity. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this disparity, most notably the nasty host and resource fragmentation hypotheses.

We review and evaluate these hypotheses with respect to tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae), and bring to the argument evidence from eight trapping surveys from temperate and tropical regions in the Americas including the United States, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. We find no evidence that tachinid fly diversity is lower in the tropics than in the temperate region. Our results, along with other lines of evidence, rather suggest that New World Tachinidae likely conform to the same negative relationship between latitude and richness as their largely phytophagous host taxa.

We discuss geographic patterns of tachinid diversity in relation to ecological and evolutionary processes, and why they may differ from their hymenopteran parasitoid counterparts. Parasitoid taxa appear to vary strongly in their diversity responses to latitude and we concur with previous researchers that more survey data are necessary to reach strong conclusions about parasitoid latitudinal diversity patterns.
Reproductive Justice: The Role of Community‐Based Organizational Participation in Reproductive Decision‐Making and Educational Aspirations among Women in Nicaragua
Authors: Grabe Shelly , Rodríguez Ramírez Daniel , Dutt Anjali
Published: April 2020

Across the world, women experience violations to their reproductive health and threats to their educational aspirations that limit their achievement. Reproductive health and education are examples of women's human rights that are connected by systemic gender inequalities that lead millions of women to experience discrimination and stereotyping that threaten these basic rights. The current study uses a reproductive justice framework to examine how a community‐based organization led by a group of women in rural Nicaragua challenges gendered psychosocial processes related to women's rights violations. In partnership with a grassroots local organization, we used structural equation modeling to demonstrate, in a sample of almost 300 women, that organizational participation was positively related to women's reproductive decision‐making and educational aspiration, in part due to relationships with women's self‐esteem and sense of powerlessness in sociopolitical matters. Given the persistent role of gendered inequities in the reproductive decision‐making and educational aspirations of girls and women, considering the social‐structural contexts that enable or limit rights is imperative to creating viable routes to gender justice.
Support needs of Canadian adult siblings of brothers and sisters with intellectual/developmental disabilities
Authors: Redquest Brianne K. , Tint Ami , Ries Helen , Goll Eric , Rossi Becky , Lunsky Yona
Published: April 2020

Background

It is becoming more common for siblings to fulfill a caregiving role for their brother or sister, particularly because people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are often living longer and outliving their parents. However, most of what we know about siblings of people with IDD is based on research with children, and limited studies on the adult sibling experiences in Canada have been published. To meet the support needs of Canadian adult siblings, “The Sibling Collaborative”, a grass‐roots initiative, conducted a needs assessment.

Specific Aims

The purpose of this study was to better understand the current challenges siblings experience and how requested resources may differ across three age groups: adults between the ages of 20 and 29 years, 30 to 49 years, and 50 years of age and older.

Method

A total of 260 siblings of individuals with IDD from across Ontario completed an online survey.

Findings

Siblings endorsed a relatively low rating of intensity of support that they provided for their brothers or sisters with IDD at the time of survey completion; however, the majority indicated that they intended to take a greater caregiving role in the future. Ratings of support differed by sibling age groups, as did challenges related to supporting brothers or sisters with IDD. Overall, participants reported a range of desired resources and preferred methods of accessing resources.

Discussion

Siblings' caregiving relationships with their brothers and sisters with IDD differed across age groups. Results from the current study indicate different supports may be needed for different age groups. As policies around the world continue to encourage continued family involvement in caregiving for adults with IDD, it is important to understand how systems can better support sibling caregivers.
Comparative repeatability of pancreatic lipase assays in the commercial and in‐house laboratory environments
Authors: Cridge Harry , Mackin Andrew J. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Sensitivity and specificity for commercial and in‐house pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) assays have been reported, but repeatability under routine clinical conditions is unknown.

Objectives

To determine:

Coefficient of variation (CV) between replicates of a commercial assay (Spec cPL) and 2 in‐house assays (VetScan cPL, Vcheck cPL) under routine conditions.

Effects of sample condition or personnel on results.

Potential directional bias between assays.

Animals

Serum from 12 canine clinical patients.

Methods

Prospective study. Serum Spec cPL, VetScan cPL, and Vcheck cPL (6 aliquots each) were measured, and CVs were calculated, effects of sample condition and personnel were assessed using a linear mixed model, and direction of bias was assessed using least square mean cPLI concentration.

Results

Mean %CVs for Spec cPL, VetScan cPL, and Vcheck cPL were 5.5, 17.0, and 23.7%. Three of 6 VetScan cPL samples and 5/9 Vcheck cPL samples had an unacceptably high %CV (>20%). Transportation (Spec cPL) and sample condition or personnel (VetScan cPL, Vcheck cPL) did not affect repeatability. Least square mean cPL was higher for Spec cPL (807.9 μg/L) than for VetScan cPL (558.5 μg/L) or Vcheck cPL (399.8 μg/L).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

For clinical use, the commercial Spec cPL has the highest repeatability, and Vcheck cPL has significantly lower repeatability. Both in‐house assays evaluated may provide discrepant categorical results (“pancreatitis” versus “equivocal” versus “not pancreatitis”) for the same sample. In‐house pancreatic lipase concentrations may be lower than those determined by the Spec cPL assay.
Host stimuli and operator binding sites controlling protein interactions between virulence master regulator ToxR and ToxS in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Lembke Mareike , Höfler Thomas , Walter Ada‐Natsuko , Tutz Sarah , Fengler Vera , Schild Stefan , Reidl Joachim
Published: April 2020

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are key mechanisms in the maintenance of biological regulatory networks. Herein, we characterize PPIs within ToxR and its co‐activator, ToxS, to understand the mechanisms of ToxR transcription factor activation. ToxR is a key transcription activator that is supported by ToxS for virulence gene regulation in Vibrio cholerae. ToxR comprises a cytoplasmic DNA‐binding domain that is linked by a transmembrane domain to a periplasmic signal receiver domain containing two cysteine residues. ToxR‐ToxR and ToxR‐ToxS PPIs were detected using an adenylate‐cyclase‐based bacterial two‐hybrid system approach in Escherichia coli. We found that the ToxR‐ToxR PPIs are significantly increased in response to ToxR operators, the co‐activator ToxS and bile salts. We suggest that ToxS and bile salts promote the interaction between ToxR molecules that ultimately results in dimerization. Upon binding of operators, ToxR‐ToxR PPIs are found at the highest frequency. Moreover, disulfide‐bond‐dependent interaction in the periplasm results in homodimer formation that is promoted by DNA binding. The formation of these homodimers and the associated transcriptional activity of ToxR were strongly dependent on the oxidoreductases DsbA/DsbC. These findings show that protein and non‐protein partners, that either transiently or stably interact with ToxR, fine‐tune ToxR PPIs, and its associated transcriptional activity in changing environments.
Genomic Landscape of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in Commercial Turkey Production in the United States
Authors: Smith Emily A. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Weber Bonnie P. , Munoz Aguayo Jeannette , Flores Figueroa Cristian , Huisinga Jared , Nezworski Jill , Kromm Michelle , Wileman Ben , Johnson Timothy J.
Published: April 2020

The whole-genome approach enhances our understanding of evolutionary relationships between clinical
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale
isolates from different commercial turkey producers and allows for identification of genes associated with virulence, antimicrobial resistance, or mobile genetic elements that are often excluded using traditional typing methods. Additionally, differentiating
O. rhinotracheale
isolates at the whole-genome level may provide insight into selection of the most appropriate autogenous vaccine strain, or groups of strains, for a given population of clinical isolates.
Synergy between Cell Surface Glycosidases and Glycan-Binding Proteins Dictates the Utilization of Specific Beta(1,3)-Glucans by Human Gut
Bacteroides
Authors: Déjean Guillaume , Tamura Kazune , Cabrera Adriana , Jain Namrata , Pudlo Nicholas A. , Pereira Gabriel , Viborg Alexander Holm , Van Petegem Filip , Martens Eric C. , Brumer Harry
Published: April 2020

Bacteroidetes
are a dominant phylum of the human gut microbiota (HGM) that target otherwise indigestible dietary fiber with an arsenal of polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs), each of which is dedicated to the utilization of a specific complex carbohydrate. Here, we provide novel insight into this paradigm through functional characterization of homologous PULs from three autochthonous
Bacteroides
species, which target the family of dietary β(1,3)-glucans. Through detailed biochemical and protein structural analysis, we observed an unexpected diversity in the substrate specificity of PUL glycosidases and glycan-binding proteins with regard to β(1,3)-glucan linkage and branching patterns. In combination, these individual enzyme and protein specificities support taxon-specific growth on individual β(1,3)-glucans. This detailed metabolic insight, together with a comprehensive survey of individual 1,3GULs across human populations, further expands the fundamental roadmap of the HGM, with potential application to the future development of microbial intervention therapies.
Histidine-Triad Hydrolases Provide Resistance to Peptide-Nucleotide Antibiotics
Authors: Yagmurov Eldar , Tsibulskaya Darya , Livenskyi Alexey , Serebryakova Marina , Wolf Yury I. , Borukhov Sergei , Severinov Konstantin , Dubiley Svetlana
Published: April 2020

Uncovering the mechanisms of resistance is a required step for countering the looming antibiotic resistance crisis. In this communication, we show how universally conserved histidine-triad hydrolases provide resistance to microcin C, a potent inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis.
Complementing 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Sequencing with Total Bacterial Load To Infer Absolute Species Concentrations in the Vaginal Microbiome
Authors: Tettamanti Boshier Florencia A. , Srinivasan Sujatha , Lopez Anthony , Hoffman Noah G. , Proll Sean , Fredricks David N. , Schiffer Joshua T.
Published: April 2020

Microbiome studies primarily use 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess the relative abundance of bacterial taxa in a community. However, these measurements do not accurately reflect absolute taxon concentrations. We sought to determine whether the product of species’ relative abundance and total bacterial load measured by broad-range qPCR is an accurate proxy for individual species’ concentrations, as measured by taxon-specific qPCR assays. Overall, the inferred bacterial concentrations were a reasonable proxy of species-specific qPCR values, particularly when bacteria are present at a higher relative abundance. This approach offers an opportunity to assess the concentrations of bacterial species and how they change in a community over time without developing individual qPCR assays for each taxon.
Reducing time to treatment of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in an HIV cohort
Authors: Kennedy Richard , Winter Andrew J
Published: April 2020

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known to increase the risk of transmission of HIV and care of sexual health needs should form part of routine HIV care. Delayed treatment of STIs can lead to complications and avoidable onward transmission. Management of acute STIs in UK specialist sexual health services usually involves a multidisciplinary approach to ensure patient recall, antimicrobial treatment and partner notification. While this works well in dedicated sexual health clinics, we found this was less optimal in our hospital-based HIV care unit. We describe a quality improvement project to improve interdisciplinary pathways by using electronic shared worklists that reduced time to treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections. Use of electronic shared worklists could be applied to other settings where rapid treatment is required or has transmission implications.