bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prognostic significance of BMI1 expression in invasive breast cancer is dependent on its molecular subtypes
Authors: Althobiti Maryam , Muftah Abir A. , Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Joseph Chitra , Toss Michael S. , Green Andrew , Rakha Emad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

BMI1, which is a major component of the polycomb group complex 1, is an essential epigenetic repressor of multiple regulatory genes and has been identified as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in several cancers. However, its role in breast cancer (BC) remains to be defined. In this study, we have evaluated the prognostic significance of BMI1 among the different molecular subtypes and assessed its association with other breast CSC markers (BCSC).

Material and method

BMI1 copy number and mRNA was assessed in large and well-characterised cohorts of early-stage BC patients [METABRIC (n = 1980) and the Bc-GenExMiner (n = 9616) databases]. BMI1 protein expression was assessed using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 870 invasive BC patients with long-term outcome data and the expression of a panel of BCSC markers was monitored.

Result

BMI1 expression, prognostic significance and its association with BCSC markers were differed between molecular classes. In the luminal oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC, BMI1 showed significantly higher expression compared to ER− tumours. BMI1 showed positive correlation with favourable prognostic features and it was negatively associated with the expression of key BCSC markers (ALDH1A1, CD24, CD44, CD133, SOX10 and SOX9). High expression of BMI1 was associated with longer breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) independent of other prognostic variables. In the basal triple negative BC subtype, BMI1 expression showed positive association with CD133 and SOX10 and it was significantly associated with shorter BCSS.

Conclusion

High BMI1 expression is associated with clinicopathological variables and outcome in BC. However, this association is dependent on the molecular subtypes. Further functional assessment to detect its underlying mechanistic roles in BC subtypes is warranted.
On the Application of Nash Bargaining in Reverse Payment Cases in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Ecer Sencer , Montes Rodrigo , Weiskopf David
Published: June 2020

Some applications of Nash bargaining in the antitrust analysis of reverse payment settlements estimate the bargaining power parameter as the split of the surplus in the actual settlement with alleged reverse payments. This estimated parameter is then used as the bargaining power parameter in the but-for world where reverse payments are prohibited. We demonstrate that this approach is incorrect. Indeed, in the but-for world there could theoretically be an alternative “no payment” settlement where reverse payments are prohibited. However, the prohibition on reverse payments disproportionately affects the shape of the bargaining set in favor of the patent holder. With this asymmetry in the bargaining set, the estimated “bargaining power” in the actual world (with a settlement) no longer accurately reflects the split of the surplus that would have been agreed during the but-for negotiation with no payments. Moreover, we find that keeping the split of the surplus constant between the actual and but-for worlds is not innocuous because it overestimates the extent of alleged generic delay.
Living on the Edge: Changes in the Foraging Strategy of a Territorial Ant Species Occurring with a Rival Supercolony – a Case Study
Authors: Maák István , Czekes Zsolt , Erős Katalin , Pálfi Zsófia , Markó Bálint
Published: June 2020

Territorial strategy in animals is characterized by the monopoly of resources inside a protected area, the territory. The presence of territorial species considerably alters the behavior of co-occurring submissives, as it is known in several submissive ant species living on the territories of red wood ants in temperate regions. On the other hand, as a rule, territorial species cannot share the same territory and usually exclude each other. However, this ‘rule’ is inferred from the almost complete lack of data on the coexistence of rival territorials, and not from observations regarding the effective exclusion or behavioral inhibition of one territorial species by other. In the frame of this study, we investigated the foraging strategy of the territorial red wood ant Formica pratensis that occurred inside a large polydomous system of another territorial ant species, F. exsecta. Formica pratensis colonies outside the supercolony served as control. Within the F. exsecta supercolony, F. pratensis showed the characteristics of a subordinate species characterized by low discovery and exploitation success of artificial food sources. On the contrary, control colonies outside the polydomous system clearly behaved like typical territorials as they successfully monopolized the majority of the baits. In addition, submissive species were more successful around the F. pratensis nests within the supercolony, than outside of it. As suggested by our results, territorial species could co-occur with other territorials given certain plasticity in their behavior and small colony size. Nevertheless, exclusion also happens as proven by our field observations.
Openness and trust in data-intensive science: the case of biocuration
Authors: Gabrielsen Ane Møller
Published: June 2020

Data-intensive science comes with increased risks concerning quality and reliability of data, and while trust in science has traditionally been framed as a matter of scientists being expected to adhere to certain technical and moral norms for behaviour, emerging discourses of open science present openness and transparency as substitutes for established trust mechanisms. By ensuring access to all available information, quality becomes a matter of informed judgement by the users, and trust no longer seems necessary. This strategy does not, however, take into consideration the networks of professionals already enabling data-intensive science by providing high-quality data. In the life sciences, biological data- and knowledge bases managed by expert biocurators have become crucial for data-intensive research. In this paper, I will use the case of biocurators to argue that openness and transparency will not diminish the need for trust in data-intensive science. On the contrary, data-intensive science requires a reconfiguration of existing trust mechanisms in order to include those who take care of and manage scientific data after its production.
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the child perceptions questionnaire for 8–10-year-old children
Authors: Al-Blaihed Deem , El-Housseiny Azza A. , Farsi Nada J. , Farsi Najat M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To develop an Arabic version of the CPQ8–10 and test its validity and reliability for use among Arabic-speaking children.

Methods

The 25-item professionally translated questionnaire included two global rating questions across four domains, which was assessed through a pilot study on 20 participants who were not included in the main study. Children (n = 175) aged 8–10 years were consecutively recruited: group I (n = 120) included pediatric dental patients, group II (n = 25) included children with orofacial clefts, and group III (n = 30) included orthodontic patients. Construct (convergent and discriminant) validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. All children were clinically examined; 66 children completed the questionnaire a second time. A cross-sectional study design was employed.

Results

CPQ8–10 scores and global ratings were positively correlated. CPQ8–10 scores were highest in group II, followed by groups I and III, respectively. CPQ8–10 scores were significantly higher in children affected with caries or malocclusion compared to unaffected children. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.95 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97.

Conclusions

The Arabic CPQ8–10 was valid and reliable; therefore, it can be utilized with Arabic-speaking children in this age group.
Social media marketing strategy: definition, conceptualization, taxonomy, validation, and future agenda
Authors: Li Fangfang , Larimo Jorma , Leonidou Leonidas C.
Published: June 2020

Although social media use is gaining increasing importance as a component of firms’ portfolio of strategies, scant research has systematically consolidated and extended knowledge on social media marketing strategies (SMMSs). To fill this research gap, we first define SMMS, using social media and marketing strategy dimensions. This is followed by a conceptualization of the developmental process of SMMSs, which comprises four major components, namely drivers, inputs, throughputs, and outputs. Next, we propose a taxonomy that classifies SMMSs into four types according to their strategic maturity level: social commerce strategy, social content strategy, social monitoring strategy, and social CRM strategy. We subsequently validate this taxonomy of SMMSs using information derived from prior empirical studies, as well with data collected from in-depth interviews and a quantitive survey among social media marketing managers. Finally, we suggest fruitful directions for future research based on input received from scholars specializing in the field.
Effects of Load Reductions on Phosphorus Concentrations in a Baltic Estuary—Long-Term Changes, Seasonal Variation, and Management Implications
Authors: Walve Jakob , Sandberg Maria , Elmgren Ragnar , Lännergren Christer , Larsson Ulf
Published: June 2020

Nutrient concentrations in coastal waters are influenced not only by land runoff, point sources, and water exchange with the sea but are also modified by settlement to and release from sediments. This complicates evaluation of measures to reduce nutrient loads. We used a mass-balance box model to calculate long-term (1968–2015) and seasonal source contributions to phosphorus (P) concentrations and cycling in the stratified Stockholm inner archipelago (IA), Baltic Sea. A drastic reduction of sewage P loads in the early 1970s reduced sewage from the major to a minor P source. Further P load reductions in the 1990s cut the direct contribution from the sewage point sources to the annual mean surface water P concentration from 10 μg l−1(25%) to < 4 μg l−1(12%). The largest contributions to the surface water P concentration are now (from 1996) inflowing seawater (37%), freshwater (25%), and P recycling from sediments below 20 m depth (26%). Variations in freshwater flushing give higher P concentrations in dry years, when dilution of P inputs from sediments and sewage is small, while in wet years, these inputs are greatly diluted. Source-partitioned phosphate uptake shows that the spring bloom is fueled mainly by P of seawater and freshwater origin, while the contribution from sewage point sources is minor. Since sediment P release is mostly recycled P from the settled spring bloom, the P inputs from seawater and freshwater are now the major drivers of the IA P cycle. Recycling of P from sediments boosts surface water P concentrations in autumn and winter, affecting management target concentrations.
Treatment of Primary Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia with Mycophenolate
Authors: Hadjivassiliou M. , Grunewald R. A. , Shanmugarajah P. D. , Sarrigiannis P. G. , Zis P. , Skarlatou V. , Hoggard N.
Published: June 2020

Immune-mediated ataxias account for a substantial number of sporadic otherwise idiopathic ataxias. Despite some well-characterised entities such as paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration where diagnostic markers exist, the majority of immune ataxias remained undiagnosed and untreated. We present here our experience in the treatment of suspected primary autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (PACA) using mycophenolate. All patients reported attend the Sheffield Ataxia Centre on a regular basis and had undergone extensive investigations, including genetic testing using next-generation sequencing, with other causes of ataxia excluded. The diagnosis of PACA was strongly suspected based on investigations, pattern of disease progression, and cerebellar involvement. Patients were treated with mycophenolate and monitored using MR spectroscopy of the cerebellar vermis. Thirty patients with PACA are reported here. Of these, 22 received mycophenolate (group 1). The remaining 8 were not on treatment (group 2-control group). Out of the 22 treated patients, 4 underwent serial MR spectroscopy prior to starting treatment and thus were used as controls making the total number of patients in the control group 12. The mean change of the MRS within the vermis (NAA/Cr area ratio) in the treatment group was + 0.144 ± 0.09 (improved) and in the untreated group − 0.155 ± 0.06 (deteriorated). The difference was significant. We also demonstrated a strong correlation between the spectroscopy and the SARA score. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of mycophenolate in the treatment of PACA. The results suggest that immune-mediated ataxias are potentially treatable, and that there is a need for early diagnosis to prevent permanent neurological deficit. The recently published diagnostic criteria for PACA would hopefully aid the diagnosis and treatment of this entity.
Comment on “Energy levels, oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for sulfur-like scandium, Sc VI” by El-Maaref et al. [Indian J. Phys. 91 1029 (2017)]
Authors: Aggarwal Kanti M
Published: June 2020

In this comment, through our independent calculations, we assess that the recently reported results of El-Maaref et al. [Indian J. Phys.91 1029 (2017)] for energy levels, oscillator strengths, radiative rates, and lifetimes are inaccurate and unreliable for several levels and transitions of S-like Sc VI.
Comparison of tick-borne encephalitis between children and adults—analysis of 669 patients
Authors: Krawczuk Katarzyna , Czupryna Piotr , Pancewicz Sławomir , Ołdak Elżbieta , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: June 2020

The aim of our study was to compare the course of TBE in children and adults. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 669 patients was performed. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: Group I with 68 children and group II with 601 adults. TBE symptoms in children were milder compared with adults, with meningitis in 97% of cases. In adults, meningoencephalitis and meningoencephalomyelitis made up 49.26% of cases. Nausea and vomiting are more frequent in children, while neurological manifestations are more frequent in adults. There were no differences in CSF pleocytosis at the onset of disease in both groups, while CSF protein concentration was higher in adults. Children treated with corticosteroids over 7 days had higher checkup pleocytosis than pleocytosis at the onset of disease compared with adults. Corticosteroid use prolongs the disease duration but does not influence the development of TBE sequelae. Children had more favourable outcomes than adult patients.
High efavirenz levels but not neurofilament light plasma levels are associated with poor neurocognitive functioning in asymptomatic HIV patients
Authors: Hakkers Charlotte S. , Hermans Anne Marie , van Maarseveen Erik M. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Verberk Inge M. W. , Arends Joop E. , Hoepelman Andy I. M.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of efavirenz exposure on neurocognitive functioning and investigate plasma neurofilament light (Nfl) as a biomarker for neurocognitive damage. Sub-analysis of the ESCAPE-study, a randomised controlled trial where virologically suppressed, cognitively asymptomatic HIV patients were randomised (2:1) to switch to rilpivirine or continue on efavirenz. At baseline and week 12, patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA), and serum efavirenz concentration and plasma Nfl levels were measured. Subgroups of elevated (≥ 4.0 mg/L) and therapeutic (0.74 to< 4.0 mg/L) baseline efavirenz concentration were made. Differences between these groups in baseline NPA Z-scores and in delta scores after efavirenz discontinuation were assessed. Nfl level was measured using an ELISA analysis using single molecule array (Simoa) technology. Correlation of plasma NFL with NPA Z-scores was evaluated using a linear mixed model. The elevated group consisted of 6 patients and the therapeutic group of 48. At baseline, the elevated group showed lower composite Z-scores (median − 1.03; IQR 0.87 versus 0.27; 0.79.p0.02). This effect was also seen on the subdomains verbal (p0.01), executive functioning (p0.02), attention (p < 0.01) and speed (p0.01). In the switch group, the elevated group improved more on composite scores after discontinuing efavirenz (mean 0.58; SD 0.32 versus 0.22; 0.54,p0.15). No association between plasma Nfl and composite Z-score was found. High efavirenz exposure is associated with worse cognitive functioning compared with patients with therapeutic concentrations. Plasma Nfl is not a suitable biomarker to measure cognitive damage in this group.
Customer participation in firm-initiated activities via social media: Understanding the role of experiential value
Authors: Quach Sara , Shao Wei , Ross Mitchell , Thaichon Park
Published: June 2020

This study aims to examine the effects of experiential value in firm-initiated social media activities on brand attitude and purchase engagement. An online survey with the experimental design was used to collect data from 181 social media users who were over 18 years old. The results of this study showed that experiential value positively influenced both brand attitude and purchase engagement. In addition, brand attitude mediated the relationship between experiential value and purchase engagement. The most significant effects of experiential value on brand attitude and purchase engagement were observed at the medium level of participation required in the activity. It was also revealed that the more privacy concern customers had, the stronger the effect of experiential value on brand attitude became. In contrast, as privacy concern increased, the impact of experiential value on purchase engagement decreased. The study extends the current understanding of customer experience and provides important managerial implications.
Beyond Data Recovery: Developing Digital Information Systems for Cultural Resources in the Online Era
Authors: Wollwage Lance K. , Brooks Allyson , Smith Rob , McLemore Morgan , Strader Annie , Gant Kim
Published: June 2020

For historic property types such as archaeological sites and historic buildings, data recovery is often the main part of mitigation plans offered by federal agencies with undertakings that will destroy part or all of a cultural resource. In theory, by extracting important information before destruction, we recover some part of a historic resource's cultural value. In some situations, however, data recovery is impossible or otherwise undesirable, and “creative” or off-site mitigation measures are necessary to mitigate adverse effects. In such circumstances, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has accepted funding from federal agencies to create, implement, and enhance an online digital information system for cultural resources. This article describes the Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Records Data (WISAARD) and provides an example of a federal agency funding WISAARD development as creative mitigation for the transfer of archaeological sites out of federal ownership. We discuss the benefits of such systems and address how their development meets preservation goals established by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
Automated outbreak detection of hospital-associated pathogens: Value to infection prevention programs
Authors: Baker Meghan A. , Yokoe Deborah S. , Stelling John , Kleinman Ken , Kaganov Rebecca E. , Letourneau Alyssa R. , Varma Neha , O’Brien Thomas , Kulldorff Martin , Babalola Damilola , Barrett Craig , Drees Marci , Coady Micaela H. , Isaacs Amanda , Platt Richard , Huang Susan S. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To assess the utility of an automated, statistically-based outbreak detection system to identify clusters of hospital-acquired microorganisms.

Design:

Multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

The study included 43 hospitals using a common infection prevention surveillance system.

Methods:

A space–time permutation scan statistic was applied to hospital microbiology, admission, discharge, and transfer data to identify clustering of microorganisms within hospital locations and services. Infection preventionists were asked to rate the importance of each cluster. A convenience sample of 10 hospitals also provided information about clusters previously identified through their usual surveillance methods.

Results:

We identified 230 clusters in 43 hospitals involving Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and fungi. Half of the clusters progressed after initial detection, suggesting that early detection could trigger interventions to curtail further spread. Infection preventionists reported that they would have wanted to be alerted about 81% of these clusters. Factors associated with clusters judged to be moderately or highly concerning included high statistical significance, large size, and clusters involving Clostridioides difficile or multidrug-resistant organisms. Based on comparison data provided by the convenience sample of hospitals, only 9 (18%) of 51 clusters detected by usual surveillance met statistical significance, and of the 70 clusters not previously detected, 58 (83%) involved organisms not routinely targeted by the hospitals’ surveillance programs. All infection prevention programs felt that an automated outbreak detection tool would improve their ability to detect outbreaks and streamline their work.

Conclusions:

Automated, statistically-based outbreak detection can increase the consistency, scope, and comprehensiveness of detecting hospital-associated transmission.
A NEW PENAL POPULISM? RODRIGO DUTERTE, PUBLIC OPINION, AND THE WAR ON DRUGS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Authors: Kenny Paul D. , Holmes Ronald
Published: June 2020

Drawing on evidence from the Philippines, this paper investigates the so-called penal populism thesis. Penal populism refers to an understanding of justice in which criminal and anti-social activity should be harshly punished. The paper tests whether support for harsh penal policies, including the use of extrajudicial killings, is associated with underlying populist attitudes and preferences for charismatic leadership. Since coming to power in 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte has waged a violent and highly popular campaign against drug-related criminality. Based on survey modules fielded in 2016 and 2017, the paper demonstrates a positive relationship between populist attitudes and support for the campaign against illegal drugs in general and the extra-judicial killing of suspected drug users and dealers in particular. It also demonstrates a relationship between belief in the charisma of Duterte and support for the campaign against illegal drugs. The implications of the theory and results for the fields of populism and penal populism research are discussed.
Anti-icing performance of hydrophobic material used for electromechanical drill applied in ice core drilling
Authors: Cao Pinlu , Chen Zhuo , Cao Hongyu , Chen Baoyi , Zheng Zhichuan
Published: June 2020

Using an anti-icing coating to prevent ice accretion on the drill surface is a feasible solution to address the drilling difficulties in warm ice. In this study, four types of commercially available hydrophobic coating materials were tested to evaluate their water repellency and anti-icing properties, namely, a mixture of silica and fluorocarbon resin with polytrifluoroethylene, modified Teflon, silica-based emulsion and an acrylic-based copolymer. Their water contact angles are ~107°, 101°, 114° and 95°, respectively. All these hydrophobic coatings can significantly reduce the strength of the ice adhesion within a temperature range of −10 to −30°C on a planar or curved surface. The coating of an acrylic-based copolymer, in particular, can reduce the average tensile strength and the shear strength of the ice adhesion by 87.08 and 97.11% on planar surfaces at −30°C, and by 98.06 and 96.15% on a curved surface, respectively. The main challenge in the practical application of these coatings is their durability. An acrylic-based copolymer coating will lose its water repellency performance after 140 cycles of abrasion. The shear strength of ice adhered on curved surfaces coated with this material will approach that achieved on uncoated surfaces after 11 cycles of icing and de-icing tests.
Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Inclusive Education: The Reality of Professional Experience Placements
Authors: Aprile Kerry Therese , Knight Bruce Allen
Published: June 2020

Developing the knowledge and practical skills for implementing inclusive education is a legislative and policy imperative for contemporary graduate teachers. In this qualitative study, the authors investigated the experiences of 18 preservice teachers during their practical school placements in primary and secondary school settings and the impact of these experiences on their attitudes towards students with special needs and their readiness to teach in mainstream inclusive settings. Sixteen of the participants had completed 2 or more placements. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and analysed to categorise the observed and enacted practices and define themes that contribute to a deeper understanding of preservice teachers’ learning about inclusion through their practice in schools. The 4 identified themes show that contact, responsibility for instruction, modelled practices, and expectations for student learning all have significant impacts on the quality and outcomes of preservice teachers’ placements. Findings suggest that placement settings do not consistently represent contexts where aspiring teachers are exposed to the types of meaningful contact or successful experiences claimed to be fundamental preparation for inclusive practice. The implications for the preservice teachers themselves and for their future practice are discussed.
Effects ofin ovofeeding of vitamin C on post-hatch performance, immune status and DNA methylation-related gene expression in broiler chickens
Authors: Zhu Yufei , Li Shizhao , Duan Yulan , Ren Zhouzheng , Yang Xin , Yang Xiaojun
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effect ofin ovofeeding (IOF) of vitamin C at embryonic age 11 (E11) on post-hatch performance, immune status and DNA methylation-related gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Arbor Acres breeder eggs (63 (sem0·5) g) were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline and vitamin C (VC) groups. After incubation, newly hatched chicks from each group were randomly divided into six replicates with ten chicks per replicate. Hatchability, average daily feed intake (D21–42 and D1–42), and average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (D1–21) were improved by vitamin C treatment (P< 0·05). IOF of vitamin C increased vitamin C content (D1), total antioxidant capacity (D42), IgA (D1), IgM (D1 and D21), stimulation index for T lymphocyte (D35) and lysozyme activity (D21) in plasma (P< 0·05). On D21, vitamin C increased the splenic expression of IL-4 and DNMT1 and decreased IL-1β, Tet2, Tet3 and Gadd45βexpression (P< 0·05). On D42, vitamin C increased the splenic expression of IL-4 and DNMT3A and decreased IFN-γ, Tet3, MBD4 and TDG expression (P< 0·05). In conclusion, the vitamin C viain ovoinjection can be absorbed by broiler’s embryo and IOF of vitamin C at E11 improves the post-hatch performance and immune status and, to some extent, the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. The expression of enzyme-related DNA methylation and demethylation indicates that the level of DNA methylation may increase in spleen in the VC group and whether the fluctuating expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is related to DNA methylation change remained to be further investigated.
Effects of Spirulina platensis on insulin secretion, dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and both carbohydrate digestion and absorption indicate potential as an adjunctive therapy for diabetes
Authors: Hannan J. M. A. , Ansari Prawej , Azam Shofiul , Flatt Peter R. , Abdel Wahab Yasser H. A.
Published: June 2020

Spirulina platensis has been found to be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The present study aims to elucidate the effects of ethanol extract and butanol fraction of S. platensis on insulin release and glucose homoeostasis in type 2 diabetic rats, together with their mechanism of actions. In vitro and in vivo methods were used including cellular studies to determine potential role of ion channels and cAMP in the insulinotropic actions of the extracts. The ethanol extract and butanol fraction stimulated insulin release from mouse islets and pancreatic β-cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The butanol fraction also similarly stimulated insulin release from perfused rat pancreas. The insulin-releasing action was augmented by glucose, isobutylmethylxanthine, tolbutamide and a depolarising concentration of KCl. The insulin secretory effect was attenuated with diazoxide and verapamil and by omission of extracellular Ca2+. Butanol fraction was found to significantly inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV enzyme activity. Moreover, butanol fraction improved glucose tolerance following oral glucose administration (2·5 g/kg body weight (b.w.)). The butanol fraction was tested on 24 h starved rats given an oral sucrose load (2·5 g/kg b.w.) to examine possible effects on carbohydrate digestion and absorption. S. platensis substantially decreased postprandial hyperglycaemia after oral sucrose load and increased unabsorbed sucrose content throughout the gut. During in situ intestinal perfusion with glucose, the butanol fraction reduced glucose absorption and promoted gut motility. Finally, chronic oral administration of butanol fraction for 28 d significantly decreased blood glucose, increased plasma insulin, pancreatic insulin stores, liver glycogen and improved lipid profile. The characterisation of active compounds from butanol fraction revealed the presence of p-coumaric acid, β-carotene, catechin and other antioxidant polyphenols. In conclusion, S. platensis could be an adjunctive therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes.
Can COVID-Era Export Restrictions Be Deterred?
Authors: Pelc Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has led some 75 countries to restrict their exports of hundreds of essential products, ranging from antibiotics and face masks to medical ventilators. Since banning exports decreases global supply and leads to price surges on world markets, the cost of these measures may ultimately be counted in human lives.
Explaining Foreign Support for China's Global Economic Leadership
Authors: Broz J. Lawrence , Zhang Zhiwen , Wang Gaoyang
Published: June 2020

We analyze the factors that increase the likelihood that other nations will follow China's global economic leadership. While our theoretical framework incorporates the conventional argument that China pulls in followers with economic benefits, we focus on grievances with the current global order that have the effect of pushing countries toward the rising new leader. We find that grievances about global financial instability are particularly important push factors. Our results show that countries that have experienced more financial crises, more variable capital account policies, more volatile portfolio capital outflows, and more social unrest during IMF programs are more likely to support China's global leadership than leaders of nations that have been less exposed to these problems. We find no evidence that grievances about global governance, or grievances about discriminatory US trade policies, are related to foreign support for China's global economic leadership. Overall, our evidence is consistent with the interpretation that leaders want to reform and preserve the WTO and the IMF, which have worked reasonably well for them under US leadership. At the same time, they have incentives to follow China's economic leadership on global capital flows, emphasizing long-term infrastructure and development finance over short-term flows which, under the current order, have imposed large costs on many economies.
Tangled Lands: Burma and India's Unfinished Separation, 1937–1948
Authors: Guyot-Réchard Bérénice
Published: June 2020

In 1937, Burma formally separated from India. The separation might seem self-evident, given India and Burma's framing as distinct, bounded spaces. Yet, in the Patkai mountains straddling them, separation was a complex process with only a murky sense of finality, more problematic and contested than generally acknowledged. The border ran through similar groups and complex networks, which posed recurring problems for local inhabitants and frontier officials. As independence neared, colonial officials unsuccessfully tried to reshape the Patkai's territorialization. Viewed from the Patkai, the narrative of an amiable divorce between two ill-suited partners crumbles. The separation was one of several partitions that created bounded spaces across South Asia during the twentieth century. Seeing Burma and India as distinct others privileges spatio-cultural hierarchies rooted in colonial frameworks, assimilated by postcolonial political arrangements and nation-state-centric scholarship. This article foregrounds the need to explore how India and Burma were made against one another and recover alternative spatialities.
Combined LC-MS and 1H-NMR metabolomic profiling uncovers dietary biomarkers in a cohort of healthy Northern Irish older adults:
Authors: da Silva Gonçalo Rosas , Graham Stewart F. , Yilmaz Ali , Ugur Zafer , Young Ian , Kee Frank , Neville Charlotte E. , Woodside Jayne , Green Brian D
Published: June 2020

A longstanding issue in the field of nutrition is the potential inaccuracy of methods traditionally used for dietary assessment (i.e. food diaries and food frequency questionnaires). It is possible to overcome the limitations and biases of these techniques by combining them with analytical measurements in human biofluids. Metabolomic technologies are gaining popularity as nutritional tools due to their capacity to measure metabolic responses to external stimuli, such as the ingestion of certain foods. This project performed both LC-MS and 1H-NMR metabolomic profiling on serum samples collected as part of the NICOLA study (Northern Irish Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Aging) in order to discover novel dietary biomarkers. A dietary validation cohort (NIDAS) was incorporated within NICOLA, involving 45 males and 50 females, aged 50 years and over. Participants provided detailed dietary data (4-day food diary) and blood samples at two time-points, six months apart. Serum samples were processed on two analytical platforms. 1H-NMR spectra were acquired using a Bruker 600 MHz Ascent coupled to a TCI cryoprobe and processed using Bayesil (University of Alberta, Canada). A Waters TQ-S coupled with an Acquity I-class UPLC was used in combination with a targeted commercially available kit (AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit, Biocrates). Mass spectra obtained were processed with MetIDQ and verified using MassLynx (v4.1). Data were tested for normality, and metabolite concentrations were correlated with recorded dietary intake of each food type using SPSS. Additional tests (PCA, PLS-DA, ROC Curves) were performed on MetaboAnalyst 4.0 (University of Alberta, Canada). More than 50 statistically significant (P < 0.05) food-metabolite correlations were detected, 15 of which remained significant after eliminating potential confounding from sex, age and BMI. The strongest correlations were between fruit consumption and acetic acid, and between dairy consumption and certain glycerophospholipids (e.g. LysoPC aa C20:3). Stratifying the cohort by gender yielded further correlations, including PC ae C38:2 (dairy; males), PC aa C34:4 (dairy; females), PC aa C36:4 (dairy; females) and trans-4-Hydroxyproline (meat; males). A number of potential blood-based food biomarkers were detected, many of which are gender-specific, and some are corroborated by previously published studies. However, further validation work is required. For example, biological plausibility needs to be established, and the findings need to be reproduced in other cohorts to demonstrate their applicability in larger and more diverse populations. These results contribute greatly to the ongoing efforts to discover and validate reliable nutritional biomarkers as an objective and unbiased measurement of food intake.
Maternal night-eating and lower diet quality during pregnancy are associated with substantial postpartum weight retention
Authors: Loy See Ling , Cheung Yin Bun , Marjorelee Colega , Chia Airu , Han Chad Yixian , Godfrey Keith M. , Chong Yap-Seng , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Tan Kok Hian , Lek Ngee , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Chong Mary Foong-Fong , Yap Fabian
Published: June 2020

Recent evidence suggests that synchronizing eating-fasting schedules with body's circadian rhythms or day-night cycles is important for metabolic health. Besides food quantity and quality, food timing may contribute to weight regulation. However, it is unclear if this factor during pregnancy can influence maternal weight retention after childbirth. Using data from a prospective cohort, the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study, we examined the associations of maternal circadian eating pattern and diet quality in pregnancy with substantial postpartum weight retention (PPWR) at 18 months. We assessed 687 pregnant women for their circadian eating pattern (night-eating, night-fasting and eating episodes) and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index) based on information derived from 24-h dietary recall at 26–28 weeks’ gestation. Night-eating was defined as > 50% of total energy intake during 1900–0659 h; night-fasting duration was determined based on the longest fasting interval between consumption of a calorie-containing food or beverage during 1900–0659 h; eating episodes were defined as events that provided ≥ 210 kJ with time intervals between eating episodes of ≥ 15 min; diet quality was ascertained using the Healthy Eating Index which measures adherence to the Singapore dietary guidelines for pregnant women. PPWR was calculated by subtracting the weight at the first antenatal clinic visit from weight at 18-month postpartum. Substantial PPWR was defined as weight retention of 5 kg or more. Adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, education, parity, night shift, mood, body mass index and total energy intake, multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratio (OR) of substantial PPWR in relation to circadian eating pattern and diet quality. Of 687 women, 110 (16%) had substantial PPWR. After confounders adjustment, night-eating (OR 1.95; 95% confidence interval 1.05, 3.62) and lower diet quality (1.91; 1.17, 3.10) were independently associated with higher odds of substantial PPWR. No associations with substantial PPWR were observed for night-fasting duration and number of eating episodes. During pregnancy, women with higher caloric consumption at night and lower diet quality had a greater likelihood of substantial PPWR. These findings suggest that aligning eating time with day-night cycles and adherence to dietary guidelines during pregnancy may help to alleviate overweight and obesity risk in postpartum life. There is a possibility that these eating patterns persist beyond pregnancy and pose implications for long-term obesity development. Further investigation on this area is required.
Nudge interventions needed to promote healthy diet among employees with physical work and employees not eating in a staff restaurant
Authors: Rantala Eeva , Pentikäinen Saara , Absetz Pilvikki , Tilles-Tirkkonen Tanja , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Poutanen Kaisa , Karhunen Leila
Published: June 2020

Nudge interventions aim at changing people's behaviour by altering the choice architecture of environments. Workplaces provide an appropriate setting for these interventions, since the majority of adults make a remarkable proportion of daily dietary choices there. Using the baseline data of a choice architectural “StopDia at Work” study, we here aim to identify differences in diet quality between various employee groups.

Altogether 1205 employees of 16 Finnish employers answered an anonymous questionnaire comprising items on: 1) work quality (how the employee mainly works: seated, standing or moving a little, moving), 2) habitual eating location (staff restaurant, other restaurant, recreation room/own workstation/etc. place at the workplace, elsewhere), and 3) consumption of vegetables/fruit/berries, unseasoned nuts/almonds/seeds, foods high in salt and fat, foods high in sugar and fat, and water during working hours. A diet quality score was computed based on foods consumed at work. Kruskall-Wallis test was used to assess differences in dietary patterns.

Forty-eight percent of respondents worked mainly seated, 27% by standing or moving a little, and 24% by moving. Twenty-four percent typically ate their main meal in a staff restaurant, 5% in a restaurant outside the workplace, and 67% in a recreation room/own workstation/etc. place at the workplace. Vegetable intake differed depending on work quality (χ2(2) = 25.450, p < 0.001) and eating location (χ2(3) = 27.511, p < 0.001), being the highest among employees working seated, and employees eating in a staff restaurant. Consumption of foods high in salt and fat differed according to work quality (χ2(2) = 22.715, p < 0.001), employees with physical work reporting higher intakes compared to employees working seated (p < 0.001). Consumption of nuts/almonds/seeds, foods high in sugar and fat, and water did not differ between employee groups. Diet quality scores differed depending on work quality (χ2(2) = 22.153, p < 0.001), employees working seated, standing or moving a little scoring higher than employees with physical work (p < 0.01).

Employees with physical work had poorer diet quality than employees with sedentary work. As nudge interventions are assumed to influence behaviour independent of individual's background, they thus provide a potential approach to target also employees with physical work. Consumption of vegetables was lower among employees not eating in a staff restaurant. Therefore, nudge interventions aimed at increasing vegetable intake should be designed also to other workplace settings than staff restaurants, the predominant study setting thus far.
Dietary-lifestyle patterns associated with adiposity and metabolic abnormalities in young men: cross-sectional study (MeDiSH Project)
Authors: Lonnie Marta , Wadolowska Lidia , Kowalkowska Joanna , Bandurska-Stankiewicz Elzbieta
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) with adiposity and metabolic abnormalities in young Polish men. The cross-sectional study included 367 men 19–40-year-old. Dietary and lifestyle behaviours were determined with food frequency questionnaire (Jezewska-Zychowicz et al. 2018, http://www.knozc.pan.pl). DPLs were derived with Principal Component Analysis. Body size and composition was assessed using measuring tapes and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Adiposity was determined by the assessment of excessive body weight (body mass index, BMI = 25–29.9kg/m2 for overweight and ≥ 30kg/m2 for obesity), body-fat content (percentage body fat, %BF > 25%), central obesity status (waist circumference, WC > 102cm) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM < 31kg/m2). Metabolic abnormalities were determined if parameters exceeded: 100mg/dL for fasting blood glucose (FBG), 150mg/dL for triglycerides (TG), 200mg/dL for total cholesterol (TC) and at least one component of blood pressure (BP) was above the norm (SBP ≥ 130mmHg or/and DBP ≥ 80mmHg). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and verify the association between variables. Four DLPs were derived, explaining 33% of the variance. Greater adherence (upper vs. bottom tertile) to “Protein food, fried-food and recreational physical activity” (DLP1) and “Healthy diet, activity at work, former smoking” (DLP4) patterns was associated with higher odds of being overweight (odds ratio, OR = 2.12, 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 1.15–3.89; 3.05,1.69–5.53) but with high SMM (2.62, 1.53–4.49; 3.27, 1.91–5.59) and lower odds of central obesity (0.36, 0.16–0.83; 0.30, 0.12–0.74) and high body-fat content (0.22, 0.11–0.43; 0.37, 0.19–0.72). In addition, men from the upper tertile of DLP1 had lower odds of increased TC (0.43, 0.24–0.75). Greater adherence to “Sandwiches and convenience foods” pattern (DPL2) was associated with higher odds of central obesity (3.36,1.38–8.12), high body-fat content (3.69, 1.88–7.24) and high TC (2.50, 1.47–4.59) and lower odds of high SMM (0.54,0.32–0.90). Greater adherence to “Fast foods and stimulants” pattern (DLP3) was associated with higher odds of general and central obesity (2.56,1.00–6.56; 3.54, 1.53–8.19), high body-fat content (4.47, 2.05–9.73), but not with metabolic abnormalities. No associations between upper tertiles of DLPs and FBG, TG and BP were found. The clustering of dietary and lifestyle behaviours in men revealed that healthy diet attempts combined with active lifestyle, at work or leisure time, reduced risk of adiposity and metabolic abnormalities, despite some unhealthy components, former smoking or fried-food consumption. The study strengthens previous findings that unhealthy dietary behaviours have an adverse effect on adiposity outcomes and metabolic health, potentially through the mechanisms associated with central obesity.