bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA22: The unsuspected role of gut microbiota in cancer therapies: Antigen mimicry between intestinal phage and tumor antigens
Authors: Zitvogel Laurence
Published: March 2020

We recently highlighted the crucial role of gut microbiota in eliciting innate and adaptive immune responses beneficial for the host in the context of effective therapies against cancer. Chemotherapeutic agents facilitate the gut permeability and selective translocation of gram-positive bacteria in secondary lymphoid organs. There, anticommensal pathogenic TH17 T-cell responses are primed, facilitating the accumulation of TH1 helper T cells in tumor beds post-chemotherapy as well as tumor regression (Viaud, Science 2013). These findings have been extended to platinum salts as well as to a combination of anti-IL-10R mAb+CpG (Iida et al., Science 2013 Nov). The immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) anti-CTLA4 Ab and anti-PD1/PD-L1 Ab are first-in-class compounds approved for reinstating cancer immunosurveillance and prolonging survival in metastatic patients. Zitvogel’s group showed that antibiotics compromise the efficacy of these ICB in mice and patients and unveiled the immunomodulatory role of distinct commensals from the intestinal ecosystem in mobilizing anticancer immunosurveillance. Vétizou et al. showed that the antitumor effects of CTLA4 blockade, largely dependent upon Toll-like receptor (TLR)2/TLR4 receptors, markedly rely on the regulatory commensal Bacteroides fragilis (in coordination with Burkholderia cenocepacia; Science 2015 Nov). Next, the demonstration of the deleterious role of antibiotics in the clinical efficacy of PD-1 blockade in lung, kidney, and bladder cancer patients was brought up, highlighting the role of Akkermansia muciniphila as the main player in the immunomodulatory effects of pembrolizumab or nivolumab (Routy et al., Science 2017 Nov 2). The mechanisms by which distinct microbes restoring gut dysbiosis can mediate antitumor effects will be uncovered, including the demonstration of antigen mimicry between intestinal phages and tumor antigens. From these findings, we infer that oncomicrobiotics and/or fecal microbial transplantation could be considered as adjuvants to the current oncologic armamentarium in dysbiotic cancer bearers.

Citation Format: Laurence Zitvogel. The unsuspected role of gut microbiota in cancer therapies: Antigen mimicry between intestinal phage and tumor antigens [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA22.
Abstract IA24: T cells as a drug for the personalized immunotherapy of cancer
Authors: Rosenberg Steven
Published: March 2020

Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy using T lymphocytes with antitumor activity is a living therapy that can be highly effective in patients with a variety of metastatic cancers. Naturally occurring tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) expanded in vitro and administered following a lymphodepleting preparative regimen mediated objective regression of metastatic melanoma in 56% of 194 patients, including complete regressions in 24% of patients who remain ongoing disease-free 3 to 10 years later. Recent studies have shown that TIL recognized random somatic mutations that served as the targets of treatment, resulting in complete cancer regressions. To extend ACT immunotherapy to additional patients, we developed an approach based on deep exomic sequencing and immunologic testing to generate T cells that recognized immunogenic mutations in a variety of human cancer types, including esophageal, colorectal, bile duct, gastric, pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancer. 81 of 99 patients with a variety of common epithelial cancers contained T cells that recognized the expressed products of 197 unique cancer mutations. Targeting these unique mutations opens the possibility of using ACT to treat patients with common epithelial cancers. In preliminary studies, we used this approach to treat a patient with metastatic cholangiocarcinoma using autologous mutation-reactive T cells and mediated durable regression of lung and liver metastases ongoing at five years. ACT using T cells that recognized the mutated KRAS oncogene product mediated objective regression of multiple lung metastases in a patient with metastatic colon cancer. Responses have also been seen in patients with metastatic cervical and breast cancer. In addition to the use of naturally occurring mutation-reactive cells, we have genetically engineered autologous lymphocytes to express antitumor T-cell receptors (TCR) or chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) for use in ACT immunotherapy. These cells can mediate durable cancer regressions in heavily pretreated patients with refractory lymphomas, sarcomas, and melanoma. Thus, autologous T cells can potentially be used to provide a highly personalized ACT immunotherapy for cancer patients refractory to conventional cancer treatments.

Citation Format: Steven Rosenberg. T cells as a drug for the personalized immunotherapy of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA24.
Abstract IA25: Tumor-intrinsic drivers of response and resistance to checkpoint blockade in MRD tumors
Authors: Diaz Luis A.
Published: March 2020

Tumors with mismatch repair deficiency are highly sensitive to checkpoint blockade. We will examine the mechanism of this sensitivity and also discuss mechanisms of treatment failure in tumors with this genotype.

Citation Format: Luis A. Diaz. Tumor-intrinsic drivers of response and resistance to checkpoint blockade in MRD tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA25.
Abstract PR4: Modulation of integrin CD11b as a novel therapeutic strategy against lung cancer
Authors: Geraghty Terese D. , Rajagopalan Anugraha , Aslam Rabail , Gupta Vineet
Published: March 2020

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With a 5-year survival rate at 19%, lung cancer patients are urgently in need of new therapeutic options. A major problem facing cancer therapy is the immune suppression by the tumor and its subsequent escape from the immune response, which is mediated by the tumor microenvironment. Tumors have large numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which suppress the adaptive immune response, increase neovascularization of the tumor, and promote tumor survival. Integrin heterodimer CD11b/CD18 (aka Mac-1 or αMβ2) is highly expressed on MDSCs and plays an important role in innate cell recruitment and other biologic functions. GB1275 (previously known as ADH503) is a novel small-molecule CD11b allosteric modulator. In experimental models of pancreatic cancer, GB1275 reduces MDSC infiltration and M2 macrophage polarization leading to tumor growth inhibition. GB1275 is currently in phase 1/2 clinical development in patients with pancreatic, esophageal, gastric/GEJ, triple-negative breast, castration-resistant prostate, or microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. To investigate the impact of CD11b modulation in the context of lung cancer, GB1275 treatment effects on tumor growth and immune infiltrates were assessed in the Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) syngeneic tumor model, propagated in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice. Additionally, we developed a transgenic CD11b knockin (KI) mouse that renders CD11b in a partially active state. CD11b KI mice were engineered to express partially active CD11b by introducing a point mutation at position 332 causing an isoleucine to glycine switch (I332G). We studied LLC tumor growth in CD11b KI mice as an orthogonal approach to test the mechanism of action. We will present data showing that pharmacologic modulation of CD11b with GB1275 significantly reduces LLC tumor growth. Concomitantly, we will present our studies with the CD11b KI mice that show a significant reduction in both the size and the rate of LLC tumor growth, as compared to the WT mice, mimicking treatment effects with GB1275. Our comprehensive pharmacologic and genetic studies show that CD11b activation reprograms MDSCs to enhance the adaptive immune response and is a novel strategy against lung cancer.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster B71.

Citation Format: Terese D. Geraghty, Anugraha Rajagopalan, Rabail Aslam, Vineet Gupta. Modulation of integrin CD11b as a novel therapeutic strategy against lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr PR4.
Abstract PR6: Disrupting enhancers within the core epigenetic program of exhaustion improves T-cell responses and enhances tumor control
Authors: Sen Debattama R. , Weiss Sarah A. , Miller Brian C. , Tonnerre Pierre , Abosy Rose Al , Yates Kathleen B. , Bi Kevin , Lafleur Martin W. , Wolski David , Georg Lauer , Sharpe Arlene H. , Haining W. Nicholas
Published: March 2020

T-cell exhaustion describes an acquired dysfunction common in settings of cancer and chronic viral infection. Despite clinical efforts to rescue exhaustion, the fundamental mechanisms specifying this state, and the potential for reprogramming exhausted T cells, remain poorly understood. We profiled accessible chromatin in chronic viral infection to show that exhausted CD8+ cells acquire a state-specific landscape of enhancers that profoundly differs from functional memory. Critically, CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes shared significant epigenetic and transcriptional features with chronic viral infection, suggesting that T-cell exhaustion is a fundamental adaptation to settings of chronic stimulation. Comparison of mouse cells to those isolated from patients infected with HCV or HIV showed that the core epigenetic program of exhaustion is conserved across species. Importantly, curative therapy, which reduces viral antigen load, as well as anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, which reduces inhibitory T-cell signaling, failed to reverse the exhausted epigenetic profile. T-cell exhaustion is therefore a stable epigenetic state that is not rescued by common treatment modalities. We then sought new strategies to modulate T-cell exhaustion. We used Cas9-mediated genome editing to generate a novel mouse strain with germline deletion of a core exhaustion-associated enhancer near PD-1. We observed 2- to 3-fold enrichment in vivo of PD-1 enhancer-null cells over control cells in chronic infection, suggesting that CD8+ T cells in these mice might be less prone to exhaustion. PD-1 enhancer-null mice also exhibited slower tumor growth and increased survival when challenged with B16-ova melanoma. The establishment of a core program of T-cell exhaustion and increased insight into its epigenetic modulation has crucial implications for the future of immunotherapy and rational engineering of T cells for clinical use.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster A3.

Citation Format: Debattama R. Sen, Sarah A. Weiss, Brian C. Miller, Pierre Tonnerre, Rose Al Abosy, Kathleen B. Yates, Kevin Bi, Martin W. Lafleur, David Wolski, Lauer Georg, Arlene H. Sharpe, W. Nicholas Haining. Disrupting enhancers within the core epigenetic program of exhaustion improves T-cell responses and enhances tumor control [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr PR6.
Continuous Digital Assessment for Weight Loss Surgery Patients
Authors: Ramirez Ernesto , Marinsek Nikki , Bradshaw Benjamin , Kanard Robert , Foschini Luca
Published: March 2020

We conducted a survey about recent surgical procedures on a large connected population and requested each individual’s permission to access data from commercial wearable devices they may have been wearing around the time of the procedure. For subcohorts of 66–118 patients who reported having a weight loss procedure and who had dense Fitbit data around their procedure date, we examined several daily measures of behavior and physiology in the 12 weeks leading up to and the 12 weeks following their procedures. We found that the weeks following weight loss operations were associated with fewer daily total steps, smaller proportions of the day spent walking, lower resting and 95th percentile heart rates, more total sleep time, and greater sleep efficiency. We demonstrate that consumer-grade activity trackers can capture behavioral and physiological changes resulting from weight loss surgery and these devices have the potential to be used to develop measures of patients’ postoperative recovery that are convenient, sensitive, scalable, individualized, and continuous.
Chemically Soluble Fluoride in Na2FPO3/CaCO3-Based Toothpaste as an Indicator of Fluoride Bioavailability in Saliva during and after Toothbrushing
Authors: Coelho Camila Siqueira Silva , Cury Jaime Aparecido , Tabchoury Cínthia Pereira Machado
Published: March 2020

The relationship between the concentration of chemically soluble fluoride found in toothpaste and that present in saliva, during and after brushing, was evaluated as an indicator of potentially bioavailable fluoride in toothpaste. Ten adult participants brushed their teeth with the assigned toothpastes: group I: fresh sample of a fluoride toothpaste: Na2FPO3/CaCO3, 1,378 µg F/g of total soluble fluoride (TSF); groups II–IV: aged samples of toothpaste presenting TSF concentrations of 1,160, 900, and 597 µg F/g, respectively; group V: non-F placebo toothpaste. The volunteers brushed their teeth for 1 min with 0.7 g of the toothpaste, all toothbrushing residues (TR) produced were collected, the mouth was rinsed with water, and saliva samples were collected up to 120 min. Total fluoride (TF) and TSF concentrations were determined in TR and in saliva samples using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. TSF concentration (µg F/mL) in TR was determined as an indicator of fluoride bioavailability during toothbrushing and the areas under curves of saliva fluoride concentration versus time (area under the curve, AUC = µg F/mL × min) were calculated as an indicator of fluoride bioavailability after toothbrushing. A significant correlation was found between the TSF concentrations in the toothpastes and the variables TR (r = 0.850; p = 0.0001) and AUC (r = 0.445; p = 0.004). For TF no significant correlation was found for TR (r = –0.099; p = 0.542) and AUC (r = –0.018; p = 0.912). The findings suggest that TSF concentration chemically found in Na2FPO3/CaCO3-based toothpaste could estimate how much fluoride would be bioavailable in saliva when the teeth are brushed.
Prevalence and Clinical Implications of the Mirror and TV Signs in Advanced Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Nagahama Yasuhiro , Fukui Toshiya , Akutagawa Hiroshi , Ohtaki Hiroko , Okabe Momoka , Ito Tatsuya , Suga Hiroko , Fujishiro Hiroshige
Published: March 2020

Objective: To explore the prevalence and clinical implications of the mirror and TV signs in the moderate to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Methods: We retrospectively examined the prevalence of clinical and psychiatric symptoms including the mirror and TV signs in 200 subjects with AD and 200 with DLB and evaluated the relationships among the symptoms. Results: The mirror sign was found in 3.0% of AD and 4.5% of DLB subjects. The TV sign was found in 1.5% of AD and 4.0% of DLB subjects. The prevalence of the mirror and TV signs was not significantly different between the AD and DLB groups. Visual hallucination, visual illusion, misidentification of person, and sleep talking were significantly more frequent in DLB than in AD subjects. The mirror sign was significantly associated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores, whereas the TV sign was significantly associated with the misidentification of person. Conclusions: Both the mirror and TV signs were rare even in the moderate to advanced stages of AD and DLB. The mirror sign may be independent from other delusional misidentification syndromes (DMSs). Being associated mainly with global cognitive decline, the mirror sign is unlikely attributed to any specific cognitive impairment or the dysfunction of localized brain areas. In contrast, the TV sign was significantly more often coexistent with the misidentification of person, suggesting that the TV sign may partly share common neuropsychological mechanisms with DMSs.
Outcomes following Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Tears: A Comparative Study between Trainees and Specialists
Authors: Lankry Polina , Loewenstein Anat , Moisseiev Elad
Published: March 2020

Objective: To compare the outcomes of laser retinopexy for the treatment of retinal tears between residents and specialists, and to identify tear characteristics associated with the risk of progression to retinal detachment (RD). Methods: A retrospective review of 307 eyes treated by laser retinopexy, categorized by the performing physician, either a resident (217 cases) or a specialist (90 cases). Recorded parameters included the number, size, and location of the retinal tears, the presence of bridging vessels, vitreous hemorrhage (VH), or subretinal fluid (SRF), the need for additional laser, progression to RD, and surgery. Results: Additional laser was performed in 42.3% of cases in the resident group and 35.5% in the specialist group (p = 0.26). Progression to RD occurred in 6.9% of cases in the resident group and 5.5% in the specialist group (p = 0.66). The presence of VH and SRF were associated with an increased risk of progression to RD (p < 0.0001 and 0.003, respectively). A higher proportion of cases with SRF were treated by specialists (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Laser retinopexy is safely and effectively performed by residents, with no worse outcomes than procedures performed by specialists. A high rate of additional laser may be needed to achieve RD prophylaxis, and higher-risk cases can be identified at presentation and then referred to specialists.
Additions of woody climbers (Lianas) to the flora of Manipur, India
Authors: Chanu Longjam Malemnganbee , Bhattacharyya Debjyoti
Published: March 2020

Five species of woody climbers—Ampelopsis rubifolia (Wall.) Planch. (Vitaceae), Argyreia wallichii Choisy (Convolvulaceae), Combretum sundaicum Miq. (Combretaceae), Jasminum lanceolaria Roxb. (Oleaceae), and Tetrastigma obovatum Gagnep. (Vitaceae)—are reported here as new distribution records of lianas for the state flora of Manipur, India.
Molecular characterization of stinkhorn fungus Aseroë coccinea Imazeki et Yoshimi ex Kasuya 2007 (Basidiomycota: Agaricomycetes: Phallales) from India
Authors: Bobade Vivek , Dahanukar Neelesh
Published: March 2020

In this note we provide the first report of stinkhorn fungus Aseroë coccinea from northern Western Ghats of India and first report of this species from outside its type locality in Japan. In addition to the morphological characters, we also provide sequences for two molecular markers and provide a phylogenetic tree, which questions the generic position of the species. Our report highlights the need for more exploratory surveys for understanding diversity, distribution and taxonomy of Phallales and in general fungal diversity of India.
Mating behavior of the Yellow-throated Marten Martes flavigula (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae)
Authors: Parida Abinash , Murthy Meesala Krishna , Solanki G.S.
Published: March 2020

In this study, we report the mating behavior of Yellow-throated Marten Martes_flavigula.  A pair was observed mating on a Sterculia villosa tree at the Tuilut anti-poaching camp situated near the core of Dampa Tiger Reserve at 05.35h on 25 November 2018.  Copulation between the pair was observed 14 times with successive coupling rhythms approximately four minutes apart.
The insect fauna of Tenompok Forest Reserve in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Chung Arthur Y.C. , Paul Viviannye , Bosuang Steven
Published: March 2020

The insect fauna in Tenompok Forest Reserve, adjacent to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah was surveyed.  Nocturnal insect diversity was moderately high, compared to other forest reserves surveyed earlier.  Species richness, however, was moderate, with an average of 73 species from 84 individuals recorded from a 1m2 area of the light-trapping cloth.  At least 20 Bornean endemic insect species were recorded from this rapid biodiversity assessment, which include 19 moth species and one beetle species.  The endemics and other insects of conservation interest recorded during the survey provide salient information to enhance the conservation effort of this forest which connects Kinabalu Park and the Crocker Range Park.  Such information provides inputs towards recommendations on high conservation value (HCV) of the area that would be incorporated in the formulation of the forest management plan.  Issues affecting the insect fauna and recommendations on insect diversity enhancement and conservation are highlighted in this paper.
Analysis of stereotypic behaviour and enhanced management in captive Northern Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis housed at Zoological Garden Alipore, Kolkata
Authors: Kulkarni Tushar Pramod
Published: March 2020

In the wild, giraffes live complex social lives exhibiting fission-fusion social systems.  They have sophisticated communication which likely forms a crucial component regulating subgroup dynamics.  They spend a large part of their day browsing and traveling over large distances.  In captivity, lack of continuous browsing opportunities and limited space can lead to various abnormal and stereotypic behaviours.  These stereotypic behaviours can have cascading detrimental health consequences.  A behavioural analysis of stereotypic behaviours in giraffes under human care was conducted to evaluate sources of variation within a population and provide management recommendations.  The aim of this investigation was threefold: 1. to examine current behaviour of giraffes in Zoological Garden Alipore, Kolkata to advise on their enhanced management; 2. to highlight any behavioural abnormalities and recommend enrichment mechanisms; and 3. to compare the observed stereotypic behaviours with behaviour described in other zoological institutions and in the wild to provide a focal trajectory in the development of guidelines.  Four individuals (two adult males, one adult female, and one male calf) were observed outdoors for seven days, three times a day for 30 minutes by instantaneous scan sampling method.  During the observation period, the giraffe exhibited oral stereotypy more than any other behaviour recorded, though this was recorded disproportionally between individuals.  The giraffe spent a larger amount of time exhibiting oral stereotypy compared to feeding/foraging activities.  The study suggests incorporating diet and feeding strategies with provision of natural browse as well as offering enrichment methods to increase the foraging time using various time-engaged feeding devices to mitigate the observed abnormal stereotypic behaviour.  Additionally, recommendations are made for expanding the size of the open enclosure to meet guidelines by the Central Zoo Authority, as a minimum.
Molecular and morphological evidence for a new species in the genus Sirodotia (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from the State of Assam, India

Authors: ROSSIGNOLO NATALIA L. , YASMIN FARISHTA , WEST JOHN A. , GANESAN E.K. , NECCHI JUNIOR ORLANDO
Published: March 2020

In India the genus Sirodotia has been documented solely on morphological data. A new species of Sirodotia (Sirodotia assamica sp. nov.) was found in two localities in the State of Assam, India. Phylogenetic relationships of the new species were inferred on the basis of DNA sequence data for the plastid rbcL gene and the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI-5P gene. Taxonomic affinities of the new species were determined by morphological analyses and a distinctive character was found for this species: spermatangia arranged in clusters. Although this character is also observed in S. huillensis, both species are genetically highly divergent (4.5–5.0% for rbcL and 9.6–10.1% for COI-5P). DNA sequences from Indian specimens formed a well-supported clade, sister to S. delicatula from Malaysia. DNA sequence divergence between S. assamica and S. delicatula varied from 2.5–2.7% for rbcL and COI-5P. Intraspecific divergence between the two sequences from India were low (0.4–0.5%). A full description and photographs of the new species are provided, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar and phylogenetically allied species reported from India and other Asian regions.
Catalogue of Tortricidae Latreille, 1802 (Lepidoptera: Tortricoidea) of India
Authors: PATHANIA PRAKASH C. , DAS APURVA , BROWN JOHN. W. , CHANDRA KAILASH
Published: March 2020

We present a catalogue of the species of Tortricidae Latreille, 1802 recorded from India. The documented fauna consists of 487 species belonging to 168 genera in three subfamilies: Chlidanotinae (14 species), Tortricinae (175 species), and Olethreutinae (298 species). Five species included in the catalogue were previously “named” but not properly described and are considered nomen nuda. We include these species because they are almost certainly distinct taxa and represent a part of the tortricid fauna. The catalogue is based primarily on literature in which Indian tortricid species have been described or mentioned. For each species the type locality, geographic distribution (within and outside of India), known host plants, and references to illustrations are provided.
Public Interest and EU Competition Law
Authors: Dunne Niamh
Published: March 2020

While European Union (EU) competition law has long been understood as a variety of public interest law, the extent to which the rules can be applied directly to advance noneconomic public interest-oriented goals is more contentious. This contribution considers whether and how such concerns can be accommodated within the framework of Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). It considers both the conventional approach to addressing public interest concerns within the analytical structure of the antitrust rules and also how broader public interest objectives have shaped recent EU-level enforcement efforts in three key sectors: the liberalizing public utilities markets, the pharmaceutical sector, and the digital economy.
Retention and release of odorants in cotton and polyester fabrics following multiple soil/wash procedures
Authors: Mukhtar Abdul-Bari M , McQueen Rachel H , Paulina de la Mata A , Batcheller Jane C , Harynuk James J
Published: March 2020

Odorous clothing can be an annoying and unpleasant problem, particularly when odorants are not effectively removed via laundering. Cotton and polyester knit fabrics were soiled with three selected odorants, representing different polarities and lipophilicities (i.e. octanoic acid, 2-nonenal, dodecane). Fabrics were subjected to 1, 5 and 10 soil/wash cycles using a regular liquid detergent (Tide® Free and Gentle) or a sport liquid detergent (Tide® Plus Febreze Sport). Odorants released into the headspace were collected using solid phase micro-extraction, and odorants retained within the fabric were collected using solvent extraction. Analysis of odorant peaks was carried out using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection. Prior to laundering, higher amounts of all odorants were released into the headspace above polyester fabrics than above cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics retained more octanoic acid within the fabric and lower amounts of 2-nonenal than polyester. Laundering was more effective at removing odorants from cotton than from polyester, and the polar octanoic acid was more readily removed than the two non-polar odorants from both fabrics. Accumulation of odorants occurred as soil/wash cycles increased from 1 to 5 cycles. However, between 5 and 10 soil/wash cycles the amounts of compounds did not significantly increase, with significantly lower amounts of octanoic acid extracted from cotton at 10 cycles compared to 5 cycles. The results from this study indicate that incomplete removal of odorants during washing, especially from oleophilic polyester fabrics, is a cause for odor build-up in clothing.
Stent performance in palliative transhepatic treatment of malignant biliary obstruction: a randomized study comparing covered versus uncovered stents
Authors: Elkilany Aboelyazid , Alwarraky Mohamed , Geisel Dominik , Maaly Mohamed A , Denecke Timm
Published: March 2020

Background

Considering the limitations in both uncovered self-expandable metallic stents (USEMS) and covered self-expandable metallic stents (CSEMS), it is difficult to make a general recommendation for their application in percutaneous decompression of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).

Purpose

To compare percutaneous transhepatic CSEMSs versus USEMSs for the palliative treatment of MBO in terms of technical success, clinical success, stent patency, patient survival, complications, and stent dysfunction.

Material and Methods

This prospective randomized study included 66 patients with unresectable MBO. CSEMSs were inserted in 31 patients (26 men, 5 women; mean age = 63.8 ± 7.96 years) and USEMSs were inserted in 35 patients (26 men, 9 women; mean age = 62.3 ± 11.7 years).

Results

Mean primary stent patency duration was 138 ± 92.7 days in CSEMSs versus 150 ± 77.9 days in USEMSs ( P = 0.578). Tumor overgrowth occurred exclusively in one patient with CSEMS ( P = 0.470) and tumor ingrowth exclusively in two patients with USEMS ( P = 0.494). Stent migration occurred in two patients with CSEMSs versus one patient with USEMSs ( P = 0.579). Hemobilia occurred in five patients with CSEMSs versus three patients with USEMSs while bile leakage occurred in one patient in each group despite the larger introducer sheath caliber with CSEMSs (9 F vs. 6–7 F). There was no significant difference regarding patient survival ( P = 0.969).

Conclusion

In our cohort of patients with rather poor life expectancy, there was no significant difference between covered and uncovered stents for the palliative treatment of MBO. However, considering the higher cost of CSEMs and the larger introducer diameter necessary for their placement, USEMSs can be preferred.
Value of multi-detector computed tomography during intra-arterial infusion of contrast medium for locating insulinomas
Authors: Song Peng , Yan Jie-Yu , Wang Yan , Li Xiao
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography (CT) during intra-arterial infusion of contrast medium (MDCT-IA) for locating insulinomas.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with insulinomas who underwent surgery at the Chinese PLA General Hospital in 2013 to 2014. The patients’ case notes and investigation results were reviewed. Preoperative tumor localization was carried out by MDCT-IA and noninvasive methods including MDCT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Insulinoma localization using these methods was compared with the histologically confirmed location following surgical excision.

Results

Twelve insulinomas were identified in 12 patients, all of which were treated surgically. All patients received MDCT-IA (100%), 11 patients also underwent MRI (91.7%), seven underwent CT (58.3%), and all 12 underwent CEUS (100%). Tumor localization was determined successfully in 12/12 patients by MDCT-IA (100%), in 9/11 by MRI (81.8%), 4/7 by CT (57.1%), and 7/12 by CEUS (58.3%). Overall, MDCT-IA correctly localized 100% of the lesions.

Conclusions

MDCT-IA can be used to determine the preoperative localization of insulinomas.
Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report
Authors: Qiao Zhenguo , Chen Yi , Shi Wangtianyi , Yang Jun , Song Yi , Shen Jiaqing
Published: March 2020

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare bleeding disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The pathogenesis of GT mainly involves structural abnormalities and dysfunction of platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (integrin αIIbβ3). The most common symptoms of GT are various types of bleeding, including recurrent nasal bleeding, mucocutaneous bleeding, unremitting bleeding after injury or operation, and menorrhea in women. Such hemorrhage may be fatal in some patients. GT with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively rare. In the present report, we describe a middle-aged man who was hospitalized with spontaneous upper gastrointestinal bleeding. His main symptom was recurrent chronic and intermittent melena. Gastroscopy revealed oozing of blood in the gastric antrum wall. However, no obvious lesions such as erosion or ulceration were found. Upon further inspection, we found that the patient’s platelet aggregation was poor, and flow cytometry assay revealed low expression of platelet membrane integrin αIIbβ3. The patient was eventually diagnosed with GT and exhibited clinical improvement after active treatment.
Dynamics evaluation of parallel manipulators considering gravity and driving force uniformity
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Dong , Wu Jun
Published: March 2020

Dynamics evaluation is one of the core research contents of robotics, especially for the parallel manipulators, which are usually working with high acceleration. The general dynamics evaluation methods mainly deal with the acceleration of end-effector and magnitude of driving force based on the general inertia/mass matrix, and ignore the gravity. However, with the change of the placement mode of a parallel manipulator, the gravity would have a great effect on the dynamics of a heavy parallel manipulator. On the other hand, there still some other properties should be evaluated, such as the acceleration sensitivity of each driving shaft caused by gravity, the driving force uniformity when driving force achieves its maximum value. For these reasons, this paper investigates a dynamics evaluation method considering gravity and driving force uniformity. First, the limitations of general evaluation methods are described; next, the proposed dynamics evaluation method is given, including acceleration sensitivity analysis and the driving force uniformity; finally, by taking a typical horizontal parallel tool head as an example of study, a complete dynamics evaluation work is performed by using the proposed method.
Natural fibres as promising environmental-friendly reinforcements for polymer composites
Authors: Karim Muhammad Ramzan Abdul , Tahir Danish , Haq Ehsan Ul , Hussain Azhar , Malik Muhammad Sohail
Published: March 2020

Polymer composites are an important class of materials widely being used for many applications. But the main concern of non-degradability and adverse environmental impact of the polymer matrices and the synthetic reinforcements have given forth the need of environmental-friendly polymer matrices and reinforcements used in them. An attempt of such kind is to use the natural plant fibres as the reinforcements that have no harmful impact on the environment and also, they are cost effective. With growing interest in natural fibres in recent years, a lot of work is being done in various directions, which need to be gathered up for a specific interest. So, the present article is an attempt to review and discuss the research works that have evaluated the natural plant fibres as reinforcements in polymer composites. Natural fibre composites show variation of properties such as fibre’s source, type and structure. Interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the matrix is the most important factor when tensile properties of natural fibre composites are under consideration. The interfacial strength can be improved by some chemical modification of fibre surface, which changes the adhesion between fibre and matrix. These features of natural fibres as compared to synthetic fibres are motivating manufacturers and the end users to switch to natural fibre-based products.
Impact of losses on Love wave propagation in multilayered composite structures loaded with a Newtonian liquid
Authors: Piotr Kiełczyński , Szalewski Marek , Balcerzak Andrzej , Wieja Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

In this study, we analyze theoretically and numerically the properties of Love surface waves propagating in lossy multilayered composite waveguides, loaded on the upper surface with a Newtonian liquid. The propagation of Love surface waves was formulated in terms of a direct Sturm–Liouville problem. An analytical form of the complex dispersion equation of the Love surface wave was derived using the Thomson–Haskell transfer matrix method. By separating the complex dispersion equation into its real and imaginary parts, we obtained a set of two nonlinear algebraic equations, which were subsequently solved numerically. The effect of various physical parameters of the lossy viscoelastic waveguide on the velocity and attenuation of the Love surface wave was then analyzed numerically. It was found that because of the presence of losses in the analyzed waveguide, Love surface waves displayed a number of new original phenomena, such as resonant-like maxima in attenuation as a function of thicknesses [Formula: see text] of the first viscoelastic surface layer and thickness [Formula: see text] of the second elastic surface layer. These phenomena are completely absent in lossless waveguides.
‘Weekends became something other people did’: Understanding and intervening in the habitus of video game crunch
Authors: Cote Amanda C , Harris Brandon C
Published: March 2020

‘Crunch’ – a period of unpaid overtime meant to speed up lagging projects – is a common labor practice in the video game industry and persists despite many costs to developers. To understand why, we conducted a critical discourse analysis of Game Developer magazine (2000–2010) to explore how industry members perceive and discuss gamework (1) in a publication for developers, by developers and (2) during the first decade in which serious conversations about labor emerge in the games industry. Our analysis found that many gameworkers treat crunch as ‘inevitable’ due to three specific themes: games as an unmanageable creative industry, an anti-corporate ethos, and a stereotypical developer identity based on passion and perfectionism. These constructions – combined with the industry’s project-based nature and cultures of passion and secrecy – build crunch into the habitus of gamework, helping reproduce exploitative labor practices. However, habitus can and does change over time, providing interested employees, companies, and labor organizers a means to intercede in existing work practices. We suggest a multipronged intervention that could build a healthier, more sustainable habitus of gamework.
Official access to encrypted communications in New Zealand: Not more powers but more principle?
Authors: Keith Ben
Published: March 2020

Although New Zealand is a member of the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence community, it has taken a relatively cautious and in recent years often deliberative approach to counterterrorism powers, including in relation to access to encrypted communications. That approach can be seen to reflect New Zealand’s security, legal and political context and in particular its tendencies to independence, pragmatism and support for human rights. It is also apparent in the responses to date to the deaths of 51 people in the March 2019 attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and, in particular, in the Christchurch Call, an initiative against terrorist and violent extremist content online. The Call is a non-binding standard adopted in cooperation with numerous other governments and large online service providers and includes commitments to transparency and human rights. As Five Eyes countries’ individual and collective positions concerning access to encrypted communications become increasingly forceful, the question is whether New Zealand will follow those positions or pursue more principled, collaborative and likely more workable measures, in line with its wider approach and the example of the Call.
Regression from prediabetes to normal glucose regulation: State of the science
Authors: Sallar Anthony , Dagogo-Jack Samuel
Published: March 2020

Prediabetes, an intermediate stage between normal glucose regulation and type 2 diabetes, is diagnosed based on documentation of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or a hemoglobin A1c level of 5.7–6.4%. Individuals with prediabetes have increased risks for the development of type 2 diabetes and multiple vascular complications. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the feasibility of preventing progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, using lifestyle or pharmacological interventions. Lifestyle modification has a sustained effect on diabetes prevention, whereas medications lose efficacy when discontinued. Few studies have pre-specified reversal of prediabetes as the primary outcome. There is emerging evidence that reversal of prediabetes (i.e. restoration of normal glucose regulation) confers significant protection from future diabetes and complications, including premature death, during long-term follow-up. Current lifestyle intervention protocols have been more effective in preventing progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes than restoring normal glucose regulation; thus, interventions that prevent type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes do not always reverse prediabetes. Given the compelling benefits of restoration of normal glucose regulation, specific protocols for reversal of prediabetes need to be developed and tested. The design of such protocols requires a deeper understanding of the pathobiology of prediabetes and early glucose dysregulation. The present review focuses on those studies that have assessed the impact of interventions on regression of the prediabetes state and restoration of normal glucose regulation. Furthermore, we discuss alterations in adiposity, glucoregulatory mechanisms, metabolomics, inflammatory markers, and other factors that predict the initial escape from normoglycemia. Such knowledge could inform the future development of novel, refined, and targeted interventions for the reversal prediabetes/early dysglycemia and restoration of normal glucose regulation.

Impact statement

Prediabetes increases the risks of future type 2 diabetes (T2D) and vascular complications, risks that can be prevented by restoring normal glucose regulation (NGR). Few studies have pre-specified reversal of prediabetes and restoration of NGR as primary outcome, and current approaches that prevent T2D in people with prediabetes do not always reverse the prediabetes. The present review focuses on studies that have assessed reversal of the prediabetes, and discusses known and emerging predictors of prediabetes. We argue that fuller knowledge of such predictors could inform the discovery of novel, targeted interventions for reversing prediabetes.
A randomized controlled trial of real versus sham acupuncture for basal thumb joint arthritis
Authors: Barnard Anna , Jansen Victoria , Swindells Mark G. , Arundell Melanie , Burke Frank D.
Published: March 2020

We report a single-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing acupuncture to sham (non-penetrating) needling for relief of symptoms of basal thumb joint arthritis. Seventy acupuncture naive patients with basal thumb joint arthritis were randomized to receive true acupuncture or sham needling with 35 patients in each arm. Blinded baseline and post-treatment assessments included visual analogue pain scores for different grips and movement. Function was assessed using the Nelson questionnaire. Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in pain at week one post-treatment compared with baseline, but there was no difference between the treatment groups. The pain relief was comparable with published data for some standard treatments. Acupuncture did not perform better than sham needling in this study, indicating that pain relief may have been achieved through non-specific mechanisms.

Level of evidence: I
Skeletal Deformity in Patients With Unilateral Coronal Craniosynostosis: Perceptions of the General Public
Authors: Robertson Emilie , Kwan Peter , Louie Gorman , Boulanger Pierre , Aalto Daniel
Published: March 2020

Study Design:

A two-alternative forced choice design was used to gather perceptual data regarding unicoronal synostosis (UCS).

Objective:

Cranial vault remodeling aims at improving the aesthetic appearance of infants with UCS by reshaping the forehead and reducing the potential for psychosocial discrimination. People's perception of craniofacial deformity plays a role in the stigma of deformity. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between objective skull deformity in UCS patients and laypersons’ perception of skull normality.

Methods:

Forty layperson skull raters were recruited from the general public. Skull raters were asked to categorize 45 infant skull images as normal or abnormal. Twenty-one of the images were UCS skulls, and 24 were normal skulls. Skulls were displayed briefly on a computer to simulate a first impression scenario and generate a perceptual response. A χ 2 analysis and mixed-effects regression model were used to analyze the response data.

Results:

Members of the general public were good at distinguishing between skull groups, χ 2 (1) = 281.97, P < .001. In addition, skull raters’ responses were predicted by the severity of deformity in the UCS skulls ( b = −0.10, z = −2.6, P = .010, CI: −0.18, −0.02). A skull with a deformity value of 2.8 mm (CI: 1.8, 4.1) was equally likely to be rated normal or abnormal.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to investigate the relationship between objective skull deformity in UCS and public perception. Laypersons were good at distinguishing the difference between normal and UCS skulls, and their perceptions of normality were predicted by the degree of skull deformity.
Iterative four-phase development of a theory-based digital behaviour change intervention to reduce occupational sedentary behaviour
Authors: Stephenson Aoife , Garcia-Constantino Matias , McDonough Suzanne M , Murphy Marie H , Nugent Chris D , Mair Jacqueline L
Published: March 2020

Introduction

As high amounts of occupational sitting have been associated with negative health consequences, designing workplace interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour (SB) is of public health interest. Digital technology may serve as a cost-effective and scalable platform to deliver such an intervention. This study describes the iterative development of a theory-based, digital behaviour change intervention to reduce occupational SB.

Methods

The behaviour change wheel and The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy were used to guide the intervention design process and form a basis for selecting the intervention components. The development process consisted of four phases: phase 1 – preliminary research, phase 2 – consensus workshops, phase 3 – white boarding and phase 4 – usability testing.

Results

The process led to the development and refinement of a smartphone application – Worktivity. The core component was self-monitoring and feedback of SB at work, complemented by additional features focusing on goal setting, prompts and reminders to break up prolonged periods of sitting, and educational facts and tips. Key features of the app included simple data entry and personalisation based on each individual’s self-reported sitting time. Results from the ‘think-aloud’ interviews ( n=5) suggest Worktivity was well accepted and that users were positive about its features.

Conclusion

This study led to the development of Worktivity, a theory-based and user-informed mobile app intervention to reduce occupational SB. It is the first app of its kind developed with the primary aim of reducing occupational SB using digital self-monitoring. This paper provides a template to guide others in the development and evaluation of technology-supported behaviour change interventions.