bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning-based segmentation and quantification of podocyte foot process morphology
Authors: Butt Linus , Unnersjö-Jess David , Höhne Martin , Sergei German , Witasp Anna , Wernerson Annika , Patrakka Jaakko , Hoyer Peter F. , Blom Hans , Schermer Bernhard , Bozek Katarzyna , Benzing Thomas
Published: June 2021

The kidneys constantly filter enormous amounts of fluid, with almost complete retention of albumin and other macromolecules in the plasma. Diseases of podocytes at the kidney filtration barrier reduce the intrinsic permeability of the capillary wall resulting in albuminuria. However, direct quantitative assessment of the underlying morphological changes has previously not been possible. Here we developed a deep learning-based approach for segmentation of foot processes in images acquired with optical microscopy. Our method – Automatic Morphological Analysis of Podocytes (AMAP) – accurately segments foot processes and robustly quantifies their morphology. It also robustly determined morphometric parameters, at a Pearson correlation of r > 0.71 with a previously published semi-automated approach, across a large set of mouse tissue samples. The artificial intelligence algorithm wasWe applied the analysis to a set of human kidney disease conditions allowing comprehensive quantification of various underlying morphometric parameters. These results confirmed that when podocytes are injured, they take on a more simplified architecture and the slit diaphragm length is significantly shortened, resulting in a reduction in the filtration slit area and a loss of the buttress force of podocytes which increases the permeability of the glomerular basement membrane to albumin.
Pharmacological inhibition of the VCP/proteasome axis rescues photoreceptor degeneration in RHOP23H rat retinal explants
Authors: Sen Merve , Kutsyr Oksana , Cao Bowen , Bolz Sylvia , Arango-Gonzalez Blanca , Ueffing Marius
Published: June 2021

1.

Rhodopsin (RHO) misfolding mutations are a common cause of the blinding disease autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). The most prevalent mutation, RHOP23H, results in its misfolding and retention in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). Under homeostatic conditions, misfolded proteins are selectively identified, retained at the ER, and cleared via ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and/or autophagy. Overload of these degradation processes for a prolonged period leads to imbalanced proteostasis and may eventually result in cell death. ERAD of misfolded proteins like RHOP23H includes the subsequent steps of protein recognition, targeting for ERAD, retrotranslocation, and proteasomal degradation. In the present study, we investigated and compared pharmacological modulation of ERAD at these four different major steps. We show that inhibition of the VCP/proteasome activity favors cell survival and suppresses P23H-mediated retinal degeneration in RHOP23H rat retinal explants. We suggest targeting this activity as a therapeutic approach for patients with currently untreatable adRP.
Surprise-induced enhancements in the associability of Pavlovian cues facilitate learning across behavior systems
Authors: Márquez Inmaculada , Loewinger Gabriel , Vargas Juan Pedro , López Juan Carlos , Díaz Estrella , Esber Guillem R.
Published: June 2021

Surprising violations of outcome expectancies have long been known to enhance the associability of Pavlovian cues; that is, the rate at which the cue enters into further associations. The adaptive value of such enhancements resides in promoting new learning in the face of uncertainty. However, it is unclear whether associability enhancements reflect increased associative plasticity within a particular behavior system, or whether they can facilitate learning between a cue and any arbitrary outcome, as suggested by attentional models of conditioning. Here, we show evidence consistent with the latter hypothesis. Violating the outcome expectancies generated by a cue in an appetitive setting (feeding behavior system) facilitated subsequent learning about the cue in an aversive setting (defense behavior system). In addition to shedding light on the nature of associability enhancements, our findings offer the neuroscientist a behavioral tool to dissociate their neural substrates from those of other, behavior system- or valence-specific changes. Moreover, our results present an opportunity to utilize associability enhancements to the advantage of counterconditioning procedures in therapeutic contexts.
Dynamic autonomic nervous system patterns differentiate human emotions and manifest in resting physiology
Authors: Pasquini Lorenzo , Noohi Fatemeh , Veziris Christina R. , Kosik Eena L. , Holley Sarah R. , Lee Alex , Brown Jesse A. , Roy Ashlin R. K. , Chow Tiffany E. , Allen Isabel , Rosen Howard J. , Kramer Joel H. , Miller Bruce L. , Saggar Manish , Seeley William W. , Sturm Virginia E.
Published: June 2021

Whether activity in the autonomic nervous system differs during distinct emotions remains controversial. We obtained continuous multichannel recordings of autonomic nervous system activity in healthy adults during a video-based emotional reactivity task. Dimensionality reduction revealed five principal components in the autonomic time series data, and these modes of covariation differentiated periods of baseline from those of video-viewing. Unsupervised clustering of the principal component time series data uncovered separable autonomic states that distinguished among the five emotion-inducing trials. These autonomic states were also detected in baseline physiology but were intermittent and of smaller magnitude. Our results suggest the autonomic nervous system assembles dynamic activity patterns during emotions that are similar across people and are present even during undirected moments of rest.

One Sentence Summary

Dynamic autonomic patterns distinguish among emotions and are evident in resting physiology.
Discovery and mechanism of action of small molecule inhibitors of ceramidases
Authors: Healey Robert D. , Saied Essa M. , Cong Xiaojing , Karsai Gergely , Gabellier Ludovic , Saint-Paul Julie , Nero Elise Del , Jeannot Sylvain , Drapeau Marion , Fontanel Simon , Maurel Damien , Basu Shibom , Leyrat Cedric , Bossis Guillaume , Bechara Cherine , Hornemann Thorsten , Arenz Christoph , Granier Sebastien
Published: June 2021

Sphingolipid metabolism is tightly controlled by enzymes to regulate essential processes such as energy utilisation and cell proliferation. The central metabolite is ceramide, a pro-apoptotic lipid catabolized by ceramidase enzymes to ultimately produce pro-proliferative sphingosine-1-phosphate. Human ceramidases can be soluble proteins (acid and neutral ceramidase) or integral membrane proteins (alkaline ceramidases). Increasing ceramide levels to increase apoptosis has shown efficacy as a cancer treatment using small molecules inhibiting a soluble ceramidase. Due to the transmembrane nature of alkaline ceramidases, no specific small molecule inhibitors have been reported. Here, we report novel fluorescent substrates (FRETceramides) of ceramidases that can be used to monitor enzyme activity in real-time. We use FRETceramides to discover the first drug-like inhibitors of alkaline ceramidase 3 (ACER3) which are active in cell-based assays. Biophysical characterization of enzyme:inhibitor interactions reveal a new paradigm for inhibition of lipid metabolising enzymes with non-lipidic small molecules.

Table of contents summary

Use of synthetic fluorescent ceramide molecules allows the discovery of the first selective drug-like small molecule inhibitors for alkaline ceramidase 3, an intra-membrane enzyme involved in sphingolipid metabolism in health and disease.
Acute depletion of METTL3 implicates N6-methyladenosine in alternative intron/exon inclusion in the nascent transcriptome
Authors: Wei Guifeng , Almeida Mafalda , Pintacuda Greta , Coker Heather , Bowness Joseph S. , Ule Jernej , Brockdorff Neil
Published: June 2021

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification plays important roles in multiple aspects of RNA regulation. m6A is installed cotranscriptionally by the METTL3/14 complex, but its direct roles in RNA processing remain unclear. Here, we investigate the presence of m6A in nascent RNA of mouse embryonic stem cells. We find that around 10% of m6A peaks are located in alternative introns/exons, often close to 5′ splice sites. m6A peaks significantly overlap with RBM15 RNA binding sites and the histone modification H3K36me3. Acute depletion of METTL3 disrupts inclusion of alternative introns/exons in the nascent transcriptome, particularly at 5′ splice sites that are proximal to m6A peaks. For terminal or variable-length exons, m6A peaks are generally located on or immediately downstream from a 5′ splice site that is suppressed in the presence of m6A and upstream of a 5′ splice site that is promoted in the presence of m6A. Genes with the most immediate effects on splicing include several components of the m6A pathway, suggesting an autoregulatory function. Collectively, our findings demonstrate crosstalk between the m6A machinery and the regulation of RNA splicing.
Larval zebrafish display dynamic learning of aversive stimuli in a constant visual surrounding
Authors: Xu Jiale , Casanave Romelo , Guo Su
Published: June 2021

Balancing exploration and anti-predation are fundamental to the fitness and survival of all animal species from early life stages. How these basic survival instincts drive learning remains poorly understood. Here, using a light/dark preference paradigm with well-controlled luminance history and constant visual surrounding in larval zebrafish, we analyzed intra- and intertrial dynamics for two behavioral components, dark avoidance and center avoidance. We uncover that larval zebrafish display short-term learning of dark avoidance with initial sensitization followed by habituation; they also exhibit long-term learning that is sensitive to trial interval length. We further show that such stereotyped learning patterns is stimulus-specific, as they are not observed for center avoidance. Finally, we demonstrate at individual levels that long-term learning is under homeostatic control. Together, our work has established a novel paradigm to understand learning, uncovered sequential sensitization and habituation, and demonstrated stimulus specificity, individuality, as well as dynamicity in learning.
N-[6-(Dimethylamino)-9-phenyl-3H-telluroxanthen-3-ylidene]-N-methylmethanaminium hexafluorophosphate monoclinic polymorph
Authors: Myers Shea , Johnson Patrick , Benedict Jason B.
Published: June 2021

The title compound C23H23N2Te+·PF6
−, is a monoclinic polymorph of the previously reported triclinic structure [Calitree et al. (2007). Organometallics, 26, 6248–6257]. In the crystal, parallel offset π–π stacking [shortest centroid–centroid separation = 3.9620 (9) Å] and ionic interactions help to establish the packing.
Profiling referrals to a trauma support service: needs and outcomes for staff working in a secure adult developmental disorder pathway
Authors: Webb Elanor Lucy , Greenwood Annette , Hamer Abbey , Sibley Vicky
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Forensic health-care workers are frequently exposed to behaviours that challenge and traumatic material, with notably high levels in developmental disorder (DD) services. The provision of support is key in alleviating distress and improving work functioning. This paper aims to incite clarity on whether staff in DD services are more likely to access trauma support. The prevailing needs and outcomes for this population are also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was extracted retrospectively from a database held by an internal trauma support service (TSS) for staff working in a secure psychiatric hospital. Overall, 278 permanent clinical staff accessed the TSS between 2018 and 2020, 102 (36.7%) of whom worked in an adult DD forensic inpatient service.

Findings

Staff working in DD services were over-represented in referrals to the TSS with a greater number of referrals per bed in DD services than in non-DD services (0.94 vs 0.33). DD staff were comparatively more likely to access support for non-physical, psychologically traumatic experiences. Psychological needs and outcomes following support were comparable between staff across services.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the more frequent need for trauma support of staff in forensic inpatient DD settings. Embedding a culture of safety and openness, and establishing appropriate and responsive models of staff support reflect key priorities for inpatient DD health-care providers, for the universal benefit of the organisation, workforce and service users.

Originality/value

This study offers novel insight into levels of access to support for staff working with people with DDs.
A high-power PCCM LED driver based on GaN eHEMT with hybrid dimming modes
Authors: Lin Xixian , Zhang Yuming , Zhang Yimeng , Rong Guangjian
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a more flexible and larger range of the dimming circuit that achieves the independence of multiple LED strings drive and can time-multiplex the power circuit.

Design/methodology/approach

The state-space method is used to model the BUCK circuit working in Pseudo continuous conduction mode, analyze the frequency characteristics of the system transfer function and design the compensation network. Build a simulation platform on the Orcad PSPICE platform and verify the function of the designed circuit through the simulation results. Use Altium Designer 16 to draw the printed circuit board, complete the welding of various components and use the oscilloscope, direct current (DC) power supply and a signal generator to verify the circuit function.

Findings

A prototype of the proposed LED driver is fabricated and tested. The measurement results show that the switching frequency can be increased to 1 MHz, Power inductance is 2.2 µH, which is smaller than current research. The dimming ratio can be set from 10% to 100%. The proposed LED driver can output more than 48 W and achieve a peak conversion efficiency of 91%.

Originality/value

The proposed LED driver adopts pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming at a lower dimming ratio and adopts DC dimming at a larger dimming ratio to realize switching PWM dimming to analog dimming. The control strategy can be more precise and have a wide range of dimming.
Exploratory and exploitative innovation influenced by contextual leadership, environmental dynamism and innovation climate
Authors: Visser JD , Scheepers Caren Brenda
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Organisations have to be ambidextrous to survive in modern times. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of contextual leadership on exploratory and exploitative innovation. Environmental dynamism was the moderator in this relationship, and innovation climate was the mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was a quantitative study, using a Web-based survey questionnaire, which consisted of valid and reliable scales. There were 1,204 respondents who completed the survey. Analyses included reliability, validity tests and structural equation modelling to test the hypothesised relationships among the variables.

Findings

The results show that exploitative and exploratory innovation is predicted by the innovation climate, which in turn is predicted by contextual leadership. The findings include a slight moderating effect of environmental dynamism on these relationships. The results suggest that contextual leadership is a significant predictor for improving innovation climate.

Practical implications

As contextual leadership explains 33% of the variance in organisational climate, companies can benefit from developing their leaders to create climates that promote innovation. At increased levels of environmental dynamism, innovation efforts should increase.

Originality/value

Contextual leadership is a crucial element to build innovation-friendly workplaces. The study addresses the gap in research on the influence of contextual leadership on exploitative and exploratory innovation with the mediating and moderator effect on this relationship.
Validating multidimensional entrepreneurial orientation in emerging economies
Authors: Saha Kaustav , Kumar Rohit , Dutta Swarup Kumar , Tiwari Preeti
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the Lumpkin and Dess (1996) conceptualization of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in an emerging economy, focusing on India. It ascertains the dimensions of EO that are valuable in securing superior firm performance in emerging economies, which might differ from a developed market setting. It further examines the difference in the significance of dimensions between the manufacturing and services industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel primary data set consisting of responses from 228 new ventures incorporated in India was created through an online questionnaire survey following the tailored design method principles. A disaggregated approach was adopted and the data were analyzed using multiple regression in SPSS 21.

Findings

Among the dimensions of EO, competitive aggressiveness positively affected new venture performance, whereas proactiveness did not show any effect. Autonomy also exhibited a positive impact, except for new venture growth in manufacturing firms. Innovativeness exhibited partial support, only for the effectiveness of service firms. Risking-taking exhibited a negative effect on performance, particularly for manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

The findings guide entrepreneurs and managers operating their new ventures in emerging economies by suggesting the dimensions that are most likely to benefit firm performance and those that might be detrimental.

Originality/value

This study empirically validates the multidimensional conceptualization of EO in India and extends previous studies, which have typically focused on an aggregated EO scale. This study’s findings attest that the manifestation of EO in emerging economies might be different compared to mature economies. The contrast between the manufacturing and service sectors is also shown.
An empirical analysis of SMES’ triple bottom line practices
Authors: Edeigba Jude , Arasanmi Chris
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the determinants of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sustainability practices in New Zealand from the triple bottom line (3BL) perspective. Unlike large companies and government agencies whose sustainability practices are driven by regulations and attempts to legitimise business operations, little is known about the drivers of SMEs’ sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey approach was adopted for the data collection. The analysis was mainly descriptive, while the covariates’ effects were measured based on partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

This paper identified that SMEs’ 3BL practices are significantly influenced by local bylaws, voluntary adoption of 3BL operational policies and company size. This paper finds that the SMEs’ industry type is not statistically significant as a determinant of their 3BL practices. This implies that regulation and operational policies increase sustainability practices in the SME sector.

Practical implications

These findings provide insights to SMEs’ managers on the importance of sustainability policies adoption and bylaws. Government departments and local government councils could adopt the findings in developing regulatory policies that support SMEs’ 3BL.

Social implications

This study provides support for economically, environmentally and socially sustainable business practices amongst SMEs.

Originality/value

A dearth of studies on SMEs sustainability practices exists in the extant literature, particularly in New Zealand. The study focusses on SMEs sustainability in the viewpoint of 3BL practices based on an empirical analysis.
How a halfway house became a road toward freedom: a case study of the Kalatapae community
Authors: Chokprajakchat Srisombat , Techagaisiyavanit Wanaporn , Iyavarakul Tongyai
Published: June 2021

Purpose

A common challenge found in the establishment and operation of a halfway house is the local community’s opposition, which can lead to community disengagement and the exclusion of the halfway house residents from the locality. This study aims to examine, and present a unique, alternate experience of the Kalatapae halfway house, which is located in a less privileged community in the southern part of Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses mixed methods by using a qualitative methodology through conducting in-depth interviews with 16 halfway house residents and the house’s manager, and a focus group with government officials and adopting a quantitative methodology through conducting public surveys with the local residents in Kalatapae and its 6 other surrounding communities to inquire about their support for the halfway house and its residents.

Findings

The study found certain key factors that help secure emotional support for the halfway house residents through the local community’s acceptance. These are needs recognition of the house residents, community involvement and the perceived mutual benefits gained by the community from the operation of the halfway house. The community’s positive social engagement arguably increases the ability of the halfway house residents to desist from crime and better facilitate their transition back into society.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative data were analyzed based on the frequency of responses to quantify the overall level of support of the local residents. Individual factors that would have an effect on the responses were not determined.

Practical implications

The experience can serve as a strategy for operating other halfway houses to facilitate transition and reintegration of the house’s residents into the society.

Originality/value

The study provides a practical aspect in the implementation of an aftercare program by presenting new key elements for a halfway house to secure local community acceptance and maintain a positive relationship with the halfway house's residents.
Satisfaction of Pakistan’s Islamic banking system during the COVID-19 pandemic Logistic model-based identification of the determinants to improve customer
Authors: Alharthi Majed , Hanif Imran , Ur Rehman Hafeez , Alamoudi Hawazen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential determinants of customers’ satisfaction with the Islamic banking system and highlights the fact that both internal and external factors play key roles in customer satisfaction (CS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data from six Islamic banks (Al Baraka Bank Ltd, BankIslami Pakistan Ltd, Burj Bank Ltd, Dubai Islamic Bank Ltd, Meezan Bank Ltd and MCB-Islamic Bank Ltd) were analysed using a binary logit method.

Findings

The results showed that internal factors such as hand sanitisation facilities, strict compliance with wearing a mask before entering the bank, the distance between customers and dealing officers, an organised network of branches (in terms of health safety protocols), the behaviour of dealing officers and extended banking hours contributed significantly to enhancing the satisfaction of Islamic banking customers during the pandemic in Pakistan. The results showed that high service charges on loans have a significant adverse impact on CS. Concerning external factors, the results showed that mass media platforms that can update customers about new services and customer transactions’ processing timing, the number of operational branches in the pandemic period, available parking space in front of a bank and recommendations from family and friends to open an account with a particular bank increase CS levels.

Practical implications

The study’s results will be helpful for the policymakers and practitioners to design such policies that can promote the Islamic banking system in developing countries such as Pakistan.

Originality/value

Under the pandemic situation, the present study highlights the internal and external determinants of Islamic banking customers’ satisfaction in Pakistan. The study provides a foundation for Islamic Banks to revise their policy frameworks and marketing strategies to attract customer interest and improve their satisfaction levels.
More cooperative ... more competitive? Improving competitiveness by sharing value through the supply chain
Authors: Fontoura Pedro , Coelho Arnaldo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze how corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects a company's value. It does this specifically by analyzing the effect of socially responsible behaviors on shared value (SV) creation, in order to foster higher performance (PRF) and greater competitive advantages, considering the moderator role of the supply chain leadership dependency (SCLD). It provides new insights into CSR management to ensure business sustainability for supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a structured questionnaire to gather data from a cross-sectional sample of 425 supply chain partners for Portugal's biggest energy supplier. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypotheses, and a multigroup analysis is conducted to find how a supplier's dependency can impact the suggested relationships.

Findings

The findings suggest that CSR positively impacts CA, SV and PRF. Additionally, this study reveals that SV has a positive impact on PRF. Additionally, the SCLD appears to moderate some of the proposed relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides some empirical evidence of the influence of CSR on organizational value creation, contributing toward a better understanding of the impacts of socially responsible behaviors on business sustainability. The overall results may support the importance of CSR, identifying how a socially responsible company may create value for itself and share it with partners, thereby improving performance and competitiveness, while considering the role of dependency in moderating these relationships. Yet, the research considers only one company supplier. The relationships between variables need to be explored in other practical case studies and longitudinal investigations to improve upon the potential for making generalizations.

Practical implications

Results show that being cooperative might make a company more competitive, which might be one of the foundations of CSR and sustainability.

Social implications

This study claims that profit alone is no longer sufficient for the legitimization of business. As an alternative, SV creation has become the new goal for businesses seeking to regain and improve societal trust.

Originality/value

The overall results may support the importance of CSR, identifying how a socially responsible company may create value for itself and share it with partners, thereby improving performance and competitiveness, while considering the role of dependency in moderating these relationships.
Formal salesforce control mechanisms and behavioral outcomes
Authors: Shin Kwan Soo , Amenuvor Fortune Edem , Boateng Henry , Basilisco Richard
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The current study aims to empirically examine the impact of formal salesforce control systems on salespeople and customer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 704 salespeople and their respective visiting customers (704) in Ghana. The suggested hypotheses are tested through the structural equation (SEM) modeling technique.

Findings

The study results show that all three formal control mechanisms have positive and significant effects on customer-directed problem-solving and adaptive selling behaviors. Similarly, the study finds that salespeople's customer-directed problem-solving behavior increases, respectively, customer-directed opportunism and relationship continuity. Adaptive selling behavior also has significant positive effects on both customer-directed opportunism and relationship continuity, respectively.

Practical implications

The study offers practical and theoretical insights into understanding salesforce control dynamics, customer-directed opportunism, adaptive selling behavior, customer-directed problem-solving behavior and continuity of relationships. The results also have significant consequences for sales organizations as they can help sales managers decide on the best form of salesforce control systems to deploy.

Originality/value

The current research demonstrates how control mechanisms can influence both adaptive selling and customer-directed problem-solving behaviors and how these could generate both customer-directed opportunism and relationship continuity.
How to empower parental responsibility: parents’ views on personalized advertising and online data collection targeting their teens
Authors: Holvoet Sanne , Hudders Liselot , Herrewijn Laura
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether parents perceive themselves as responsible for helping their teenage children (aged 13–17 years) cope with the persuasive effects of personalized advertising and the related process of online data collection. In addition, this study aims to examine how this parental responsibility is shaped.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey among parents (N = 354) of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years was conducted.

Findings

Exploratory analyses showed that parents are highly concerned about their teens’ exposure to personalized advertising and online data collection, and that they consider themselves and the commercial companies behind these practices as responsible for protecting teenagers. Furthermore, the study showed that parents who believe that their children have higher levels of media skills presume less negative and more positive influences of personalized advertising on their children. The presumed negative influences increase parental concerns and responsibility, while presumed positive influences decrease parental concerns and responsibility.

Originality/value

Most previous studies on personalized advertising and online data collection were conducted among the teenagers themselves or discussed the regulatory framework concerning this topic. This study, however, focuses on one of the most important socialization agents that could help teenagers cope with these practices. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to examine parents’ views regarding personalized advertising targeting teenagers and it provides insights in how parents perceive their own responsibility.
Salvage surgery following downstaging of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer by targeted therapy
Authors: Li Kuo , Cao Xiaonian , Ai Bo , Xiao Han , Huang Quanfu , Zhang Zheng , Chu Qian , Zhang Li , Dai Xiaofang , Liao Yongde
Published: June 2021

Background

Advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for a high proportion of lung cancer cases. Targeted therapy improve the survival in these patients, but acquired drug resistance will inevitably occur. If tumor downstaging is achieved after targeted therapy, could surgical resection before drug resistance improve clinical benefits for patients with advanced NSCLC? Here, we conducted a clinical trial showing that for patients with advanced driver gene mutant NSCLC who did not progress after targeted therapy, salvage surgery (SS) could improve progression‐free survival (PFS). Herein, we retrospectively reviewed our former clinical trial and thoracic cancer database in our medical institutions.

Methods

We identified patients with advanced driver gene mutant NSCLC treated with targeted therapy plus SS or targeted therapy alone in our former clinical trial and our thoracic cancer database from July 2016 to July 2019. PFS was compared between the targeted therapy plus SS group and the targeted therapy only group using the log‐rank test.

Results

We identified 73 patients with driver gene mutant NSCLC who were treated with targeted therapy and 18 treated with targeted therapy plus SS.Among the 18 patients treated with targeted therapy plus SS, there were no obvious perioperative complications and deaths. Targeted therapy followed by SS resulted in a significantly longer PFS compared with targeted therapy alone (23.4 months VS 12.9 months, p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Salvage surgery after tumor downstaging is a promising therapeutic strategy for some patients with advanced (stage IIIB–IV) NSCLC and may offer a new therapeutic option for multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment of lung cancer.
Debate: Is there a true global children and young people's mental health crisis, fact or fiction?
Authors: Ford Tamsin , Cross Lauren
Published: June 2021

Following COVID‐19, there has been increasing concern about the well‐being of children and young people across the United Kingdom; however, our major problem is the lack of robust data. We discuss emerging research capturing the impact of restrictions and experiences of COVID‐19 on children and young people. We suggest further and more detailed analysis is urgently required to inform an evidence‐based response. We conclude that although most of the UK’s kids are probably OK, it is essential that those who are in need of support receive timely and informed intervention.
Coaching Teachers to Improve Students’ School Readiness Skills: Indirect Effects of Teacher–Student Interaction
Authors: Pianta Robert C. , Lipscomb Daniel , Ruzek Erik
Published: June 2021

This study examined indirect associations of MyTeachingPartner coaching with pre‐K students’ (N = 1,570; 73% low income) school readiness, via improvements of teachers’ (N = 393; 47% Black; 41% Head Start) classroom interactions. Data were collected across 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 in 10 urban sites across the eastern United States. The number of completed coaching cycles was examined as a predictor of teacher–student interactions, as were direct or indirect associations with students’ literacy, receptive language, and working memory skills. Significant findings indicated that teachers engaged in more feedback cycles showed greater improvements in instructional interactions, in turn predicting greater increases in students’ early literacy and working memory. Results confirm the theory of change for coaching and an ecological‐developmental conceptualization of school readiness.
Evaluation of different materials used for sealing of implant abutment access channel and the peri‐implant sulcus microbiota: A 6‐month, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rubino Caroline V. , Katz Brandon G. , Langlois Kylie , Wang Howard H. , Carrion Julio A. , Walker Stephen G. , Collier Jackie L. , Iacono Vincent J. , Myneni Srinivas R.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Peri‐implantitis has been attributed to a myriad of factors, including microleakage at the abutment‐implant interface. Implant abutment access channel sealing materials (IACSM) are readily used in implant dentistry, with little evidence on their effect on microleakage. This study aims to evaluate the effect of IACSM on the microbial composition in the implant access channel and the peri‐implant sulcus.

Methods

A total of n = 8 patients (64 implants) were included in this single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial, whereas four different materials (cotton, polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], synthetic foam, or polyvinyl siloxane [PVS]) were randomly placed as an IACSM. Following 6 months, microbial analysis was completed on the IACSM and samples from the peri‐implant sulci via PCR and high‐throughput sequencing. Bacterial samples on the IACSM and in the peri‐implant sulci were classified according to Socransky's microbial complexes.

Results

There was a preponderance of early colonizing bacteria within the IACSM, while the peri‐implant sulci were dominated by Orange complex bacteria. The proportion of Red and Orange complex members on the IACSM was significantly less than in the peri‐implant sulci. The proportion of Green, Yellow, and Blue complex members found on the IACSM was significantly greater than in the peri‐implant sulci. Atopobium, a diverse species not included in the microbial complexes, was frequently detected in the peri‐implant sulcus samples.

Conclusions

No detectable effects of IACSM on the microbial community in the peri‐implant sulcus or on the IACSM were identified. Variation of bacterial species was most dependent on the individual patient. No significant differences were found in the periodontal parameters between the different treatment groups.
Parkinson's disease‐related changes in the behavioural synergy between eye movements and postural movements
Authors: Bonnet Cédrick T. , Delval Arnaud , Singh Tarkeshwar , Defebvre Luc
Published: June 2021

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD patients) have been shown to exhibit abnormally low levels of synergy in their posture control. The goal of this study was to determine how synergic interactions between vision and posture are affected in PD patients. These synergic interactions were expected to be impaired because PD affects the basal ganglia, which are involved in the modulation of both types of movement. Twenty patients (mean age: 60) on levodopa and 20 age‐matched‐controls (mean age: 61) performed a precise visual task (searching for targets in an image) and an unprecise control task (randomly looking at an image) in which images were projected onto a large panoramic display. Lower back, upper back, head and eye movements were recorded simultaneously. To test behavioural synergies, Pearson correlations between eye and postural movements were analysed. The relationships between eye movements and upper and lower back movements were impaired in the patients. The age‐matched controls did not show any significant correlations between eye and postural movements. Overall, our results showed that the PD patients failed to adjust and control their postural stability for success in the visual task. The impaired synergy between eye and postural movements was not related to clinical variables—probably because our patients had early‐stage PD. Our results showed that impairments in synergy can occur very early in PD. Hence, the analysis of this synergy might provide a better understanding of postural instability, visual task performance in the upright stance, and perhaps the risk of falls in PD patients.
Stressful life events can predict post‐stroke fatigue in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Tao Chunrong , Gu Mengmeng , Xu Pengfei , Wang Jinjing , Xiao Lulu , Gui Wei , Li Fengli , Jiang Shiyi , Liu Xinfeng , Hu Wei , Sun Wen
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate whether stressful life events (SLEs) can predict post‐stroke fatigue (PSF) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

This prospective cohort study included data from patients with AIS who were followed up to 2‐year interview. PSF was assessed at admission and at 6 (n = 916), 12 (n = 880), and 24 (n = 857) months with the fatigue severity scale (FSS). SLEs were measured with the Social Readjustment Rating Scale questionnaire at 6, 12 and 24 months’ interview.

Results

A significant dose‐response association was found between SLEs and FSS score across all examined time‐points: compared with those did not experience SLEs, FSS score was higher for those experiencing SLEs ≥3 at 6 months (β 0.53, 95% CI 0.28–0.78), 12 months (β 0.54, 95% CI 0.30–0.78) and 24 months (β 0.48, 95% CI 0.29–0.68). Longitudinal analyses indicated a significantly positive relationship between the number of SLEs and FSS score (SLEs: ≥3 vs. 0, β 0.14, 95% CI 0.09–0.19). Moreover, a distinct interaction of follow‐up time and SLE numbers on FSS score was observed (p < 0.05), which means elevated exposure to SLEs during follow‐up was associated with a lower rate of fatigue decline. A similar association was found in SLE load analysis.

Conclusion

Patients with severe fatigue were more likely to report increased number of SLEs in the previous 6 months, which could suggest that a non‐specific stressful event leads to an extra burden to an already vulnerable psychological system.
Subspecialty training of neurology residents and junior neurologists in the Baltic States
Authors: Jokubaitis Mantas , Kõrv Janika , Karelis Guntis , Jatužis Dalius , Vaitkus Antanas , Ryliškienė Kristina
Published: June 2021

Background

Neurology is a field of increasing subspecialization. There is no published data regarding the proportion of neurology subspecialists in the Baltic States. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to identify factors associated with neurology subspecialty choice, to examine possible differences between neurology residents’ and junior neurologists’ view of subspecialty, and to assess perceived subspecialty acquisition opportunities and subspecialty attractiveness.

Methods

The research was conducted as an anonymous online survey between December 28, 2020, and January 24, 2021 of neurology residents and neurologists who completed their residency during the last 5 years in the Baltic States.

Results

In total, 72 residents and 65 neurologists participated. “Cerebrovascular diseases” and “multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diseases of the nervous system” were rated as the two most attractive subspecialties by residents, whereas “headache” and “clinical neurophysiology” were the most attractive among junior neurologists. “Vertigo and dizziness” and “dementia” were ranked the least attractive among both groups. “Cerebrovascular diseases” were perceived as having the most acquisition opportunities. The two most common determinants of subspecialty choice were “medical content of the subspecialty" and "influence of mentor during undergraduate studies or residency”.

Conclusions

Two‐thirds of junior neurologists subspecialize in at least one subspecialty, and one‐third of residents are already determined to pursue subspecialty training. Junior neurologists rated most outpatient‐related subspecialties as more attractive than neurology residents. Between the Baltic States’ universities, there was a significant difference in the number of residents who were determined to pursue subspecialty training.
Epilepsy surgery in infants up to 3 months of age: Safety, feasibility, and outcomes: A multicenter, multinational study
Authors: Roth Jonathan , Constantini Shlomi , Ekstein Margaret , Weiner Howard L. , Tripathi Manjari , Chandra Poodipedi Sarat , Cossu Massimo , Rizzi Michele , Bollo Robert J. , Machado Hélio Rubens , Santos Marcelo Volpon , Keating Robert F. , Oluigbo Chima O. , Rutka James T. , Drake James M. , Jallo George I. , Shimony Nir , Treiber Jeffrey M. , Consales Alessandro , Mangano Francesco T. , Wisoff Jeffrey H. , Teresa Hidalgo Eveline , Bingaman William E. , Gupta Ajay , Erdemir Gozde , Sundar Swetha J. , Benifla Mony , Shapira Vladimir , Lam Sandi K. , Fallah Aria , Maniquis Cassia A. B. , Tisdall Martin , Chari Aswin , Cinalli Giuseppe , Blount Jeffrey P. , Dorfmüller Georg , Christine Bulteau  , Uliel‐Sibony Shimrit
Published: June 2021

Objective

Drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) during the first few months of life is challenging and necessitates aggressive treatment, including surgery. Because the most common causes of DRE in infancy are related to extensive developmental anomalies, surgery often entails extensive tissue resections or disconnection. The literature on “ultra‐early” epilepsy surgery is sparse, with limited data concerning efficacy controlling the seizures, and safety. The current study's goal is to review the safety and efficacy of ultra‐early epilepsy surgery performed before the age of 3 months.

Methods

To achieve a large sample size and external validity, a multinational, multicenter retrospective study was performed, focusing on epilepsy surgery for infants younger than 3 months of age. Collected data included epilepsy characteristics, surgical details, epilepsy outcome, and complications.

Results

Sixty‐four patients underwent 69 surgeries before the age of 3 months. The most common pathologies were cortical dysplasia (28), hemimegalencephaly (17), and tubers (5). The most common procedures were hemispheric surgeries (48 procedures). Two cases were intentionally staged, and one was unexpectedly aborted. Nearly all patients received blood products. There were no perioperative deaths and no major unexpected permanent morbidities. Twenty‐five percent of patients undergoing hemispheric surgeries developed hydrocephalus. Excellent epilepsy outcome (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] grade I) was achieved in 66% of cases over a median follow‐up of 41 months (19–104 interquartile range [IQR]). The number of antiseizure medications was significantly reduced (median 2 drugs, 1–3 IQR,p < .0001). Outcome was not significantly associated with the type of surgery (hemispheric or more limited resections).

Significance

Epilepsy surgery during the first few months of life is associated with excellent seizure control, and when performed by highly experienced teams, is not associated with more permanent morbidity than surgery in older infants. Thus surgical treatment should not be postponed to treat DRE in very young infants based on their age.
Anti‐oxidant and anti‐fatigue properties of apple pomace polysaccharides by acid or alkali extraction
Authors: Chang Xiangna , Chen Xuefeng , Gong Pin , Yang Wenjuan , Wang Lan , Liu Ning , Su Yao , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: June 2021

The anti‐fatigue effects and structure‐activity relationship of apple polysaccharides (APPs), the active components in apple pomace, remain unknown. We examined the effects of different extraction methods on polysaccharide structures and anti‐fatigue activities. Additionally, the structural and biochemical properties of APPs prepared under acidic (ACAPP) or alkaline (ALAPP) conditions, were characterised. ACAPP and ALAPP were acidic heteropolysaccharides primarily comprising arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, xylose and galacturonic acid. The molecular weights of ACAPP and ALAPP were 110 kDa and 89.6 kDa, respectively. ALAPP had more branched chains than ACAPP and showed stronger free radical‐scavenging and anti‐fatigue properties. The anti‐fatigue properties of APPs correlated with their anti‐oxidant activities and were exerted through eliminating free radicals and mediating an oxidative balance. The stronger anti‐fatigue activity of ALAPP is probably related to its structural characteristics. Collectively, our study provides a fundamental basis for the development and use of APPs in medicine and functional foods.
Changes in phenolic compounds, antioxidant potential and antinutritional factors of Teff (Eragrostis tef) during different thermal processing methods
Authors: Kataria Ankita , Sharma Savita , Dar B.N.
Published: June 2021

Brown teff exhibits superior antioxidant characteristics and is categorised as a super grain. Thermal treatments are common processing steps prior to domestic consumption or at industrial production. This study aimed to analyse the effect of thermal processing treatments (moist heat – conventional heating (2, 3.5 and 5 min), autoclaving (121°C for 15 min); dry heat – roasting (5, 7.5 and 10 min), microwave processing (2, 3.5 and 5 min)) at different experimental conditions on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), potential antioxidant activities, antioxidant potency composite index and antinutritional factors of brown teff (Eragrostis tef). Raw grains contained appreciable quantities of TPC (2.52 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and TFC (14.68 mg quercetin equivalents/g), but roasting and microwave processing further improved their levels (10–24%). Results showed that microwave processed grains exhibited higher antioxidant activities with the highest average antioxidant potency composite index (81.52). Phytic acid and tannins were effectively reduced by all the thermal processes (26–37%). During, roasting and microwave processing, the reduction in saponins occurred after higher processing times. These results suggest that thermal processing can be utilised to improve the antioxidant properties along with a reduction of antinutritional compounds to approve regular consumption of this super grain.