bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet and physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown period (March-May 2020): results from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort study
Authors: Deschasaux-Tanguy Mélanie , Druesne-Pecollo Nathalie , Esseddik Younes , de Edelenyi Fabien Szabo , Allès Benjamin , Andreeva Valentina A. , Baudry Julia , Charreire Hélène , Deschamps Valérie , Egnell Manon , Fezeu Leopold K. , Galan Pilar , Julia Chantal , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle , Latino-Martel Paule , Oppert Jean-Michel , Péneau Sandrine , Verdot Charlotte , Hercberg Serge , Touvier Mathilde
Published: June 2020

Background

Since December 2019, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has massively spread, with overwhelming of health care systems and numerous deaths worldwide. To remedy this, several countries, including France, have taken strict lockdown measures, requiring the closure of all but essential places. This unprecedented disruption of daily routines has a strong potential for disrupting nutritional behaviours. Nutrition being one of the main modifiable risk factors for chronic disease risk, this may have further consequences for public health. Our objective was therefore to describe nutritional behaviours during the lockdown period and to put them in light of individual characteristics.

Methods

37,252 French adults from the web-based NutriNet-Santé cohort filled lockdown-specific questionnaires in April-May 2020 (nutritional behaviours, body weight, physical activity, 24h-dietary records). Nutritional behaviours were compared before and during lockdown using Student paired t-tests and associated to individual characteristics using multivariable logistic or linear regression models. Clusters of nutritional behaviours were derived from multiple correspondence analysis and ascending hierarchical classification.

Results

During the lockdown, trends for unfavourable nutritional behaviours were observed: weight gain (for 35%; +1.8kg on average), decreased physical activity (53%), increased sedentary time (63%), increased snacking, decreased consumption of fresh food products (especially fruit and fish), increased consumption of sweets, biscuits and cakes. Yet, opposite trends were also observed: weight loss (for 23%, −2kg on average), increased home-made cooking (40%), increased physical activity (19%). These behavioural trends related to sociodemographic and economic position, professional situation during the lockdown (teleworking or not), initial weight status, having children at home, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as diet quality before the lockdown. Modifications of nutritional practices mainly related to routine change, food supply, emotional reasons but also to voluntary changes to adjust to the current situation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the lockdown led, in a substantial part of the population, to unhealthy nutritional behaviours that, if maintained in the long term, may increase the nutrition-related burden of disease and also impact immunity. Yet, the lockdown situation also created an opportunity for some people to improve their nutritional behaviours, with high stakes to understand the leverages to put these on a long-term footing.
Structural definition of polyspecific compensatory ligand recognition by P-glycoprotein
Authors: Le Christina A. , Harvey Daniel S. , Aller Stephen G.
Published: June 2020

The multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (Pgp)/ABCB1/MDR1 plays an important role in multidrug resistance (MDR) and detoxification owing to its ability to efflux an unusually large and chemically diverse set of substrates. Previous phenylalanine-to-alanine scanning mutagenesis of Pgp revealed that nearly all mutations retained full MDR function and still permitted substrate transport. This suggests that either the loss of any single aromatic side chain did not affect the ligand-binding modes or that highly adaptive and compensatory drug recognition is an intrinsic property including ligand-binding shifts that preserve function. To explore this hypothesis, the ATPase function and crystallographic localization of five single-site mutations in which the native aromatic residue directly interacted with the environmental pollutant BDE-100, as shown in previous crystal structures, were tested. Two mutants, Y303A and Y306A, showed strong BDE-100 occupancy at the original site (site 1), but also revealed a novel site 2 located on the opposing pseudo-symmetric half of the drug-binding pocket (DBP). Surprisingly, the F724A mutant structure had no detectable binding in site 1 but exhibited a novel site shifted 11 Å from site 1. ATPase studies revealed shifts in ATPase kinetics for the five mutants, but otherwise indicated a catalytically active transporter that was inhibited by BDE-100, similar to wild-type Pgp. These results emphasize a high degree of compensatory drug recognition in Pgp that is made possible by aromatic amino-acid side chains concentrated in the DBP. Compensatory recognition forms the underpinning of polyspecific drug transport, but also highlights the challenges associated with the design of therapeutics that evade efflux altogether.
A composite control for UAV systems with time delays
Authors: Chen Tim , Dkuo Nai Jau , Chen C.Y.J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a composite form of the robust disturbance fuzzy control scheme. The proposed method uses the beneﬁts of fuzzy system modeling and Lyapunov direct methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The effciency of the control technique was demonstrated with assistance of numerical simulation in control problems of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) simulation.

Findings

To evaluate the control performance, the comparison of the proposed controller was made with conventional control techniques. The Lyapunov stability theorem has been used to testify for asymptotic stability and convergence of the closed loop system.

Practical implications

Implementation of the control law in the real world environment can be easier due to signiﬁcant reduction in the fuzzy rules, tuning parameters and computation stages.

Originality/value

Simulation results conﬁrm that the proposed control scheme performs remarkably well in terms of the robustness and disturbance attenuation.
Influence of mechanical imperfection on the transference of Love-type waves in viscoelastic substrate overloaded by visco-micropolar composite structure
Authors: Maity Manisha , Kundu Santimoy , Kumhar Raju , Gupta Shishir
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This mathematical analysis has been accomplished for the purpose of understanding the propagation behaviour like phase velocity and attenuation of Love-type waves through visco-micropolar composite Earth’s structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The considered geometry of this problem involves a micropolar Voigt-type viscoelastic stratum imperfectly bonded to a heterogeneous Voigt-type viscoelastic substratum. With the aid of governing equations of motion of each individual medium and method of separation of variable, the components of micro-rotation and displacement have been obtained.

Findings

The boundary conditions of the presumed geometry at the free surface and at the interface, together with the obtained components of micro-rotation, displacement and mechanical stresses give rise to the determinant form of the dispersion relation. Moreover, some noteworthy cases have also been extrapolated in detail. Graphical interpretation irradiating the impact of viscoelasticity, micropolarity, heterogeneity and imperfectness on the phase velocity and attenuation of Love-type waves is the principal highlight of the present study.

Practical implications

In this study, the influence of the considered parameters such as micropolarity, viscoelasticity, heterogeneity, and imperfectness has been elucidated graphically on the phase velocity and attenuation of Love-type waves. It has been noticed from the graphs that with the rising magnitude of micropolarity and heterogeneity, the attenuation curves shift upwards, that is the loss of energy of these waves takes place in a rapid way. Hence, from the outcomes of the present analysis, it can be concluded that heterogeneous micropolar stratified media can serve as a helpful tool in increasing the attenuation or in other words, loss of energy of Love-type waves, thus reducing the devastating behaviour of these waves.

Originality/value

Till date, the mathematical modelling as well as vibrational analysis of Love-type waves in a viscoelastic substrate overloaded by visco-micropolar composite Earth’s structure with mechanical interfacial imperfection remain unattempted by researchers round the globe. The current analysis is an approach for studying the traversal traits of surface waves (here, Love-type waves) in a realistic stratified model of the Earth’s crust and may thus, serves as a dynamic paraphernalia in various domains like earthquake and geotechnical engineering; exploration geology and soil mechanics and many more, both in a conceptual as well as pragmatic manner.
Authentic leadership and career satisfaction: the meditating role of thriving and conditional effect of psychological contract fulfillment
Authors: Chang Wen , Busser James , Liu Anyu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims examine the impact of authentic leadership on the career satisfaction of hospitality employees through the lens of thriving. The two components of thriving, that is, learning and vitality, are tested as mediators, and psychological contract fulfillment is tested as a boundary factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected using an online survey through the Qualtrics panel service in the USA. Structural equation modeling and an invariance test are conducted to investigate the framework.

Findings

The findings show that authentic leadership can determine career satisfaction through the influence of learning and vitality. Moreover, psychological contract fulfillment exerts a conditional effect on this mediation.

Practical implications

The findings of this study extend the understanding on authentic leadership and its impact under specific conditions. This study offers several meaningful recommendations to hospitality managers on how to influence employees’ career success to maintain sustainable performance. Detailed approaches include establishing practices for regular and authentic leadership development, increasing attention on employee thriving states and addressing employee psychological contracts.

Originality/value

This study enriches research on authentic leadership and career management in the hospitality industry. Moreover, this study provides meaningful insights by examining the relationships between authentic leadership, thriving, career satisfaction and psychological contracts.
Retaliatory effect on whistle blowing intentions: a study of Indian employees
Authors: Kanojia Sunaina , Sachdeva Shikha , Sharma Jai Prakash
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper attempts to find the essence of whistleblowing in organizational structures, to reflect on whistleblowing mechanism and the perception of whistleblowing in the working class of a country. Whistleblowing is exhibited as one of the quintessential elements of corporate governance to prevent or detect inundating corporate frauds. This study examines the whistleblowing intentions and its precursors with the knowledge of repercussions, in context of Indian employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data has been analysed herein using a structured questionnaire from 396 Indian employees of public and private sector companies of India using, multiple regression analysis.

Findings

It provides evidence that personal factors like organizational commitment, locus of control impact whistleblowing intentions vary by the type of fraud the employee encounters. The study presents a case for variation of considerable extent in non-financial fraud and financial fraud. Further, the kind of organization the employee is working in is an essential antecedent for whistleblowing behaviour of an employee. It highlights higher the perceived power or status held by the wrongdoer; higher would be an employee’s intentions to blow the whistle against him.

Practical implications

It would help managers in developing an environment which would encourage the employees by creating a self-check mechanism in the organization for improved conduct and better corporate governance. The shreds of evidence show that locus of control plays a vital role in moderating the impact of other antecedents on whistleblowing intentions of the employees.

Originality/value

Organization’s expectation from the employees to blow the whistle against wrong doing also makes the organization responsible for protecting the employee from the retaliation, which could follow after the act of whistleblowing. Also, prompts for imbibing ethical conduct throughout the organizational hierarchy.
SMEs strategic networks and innovative performance: a relational design and methodology for knowledge sharing
Authors: Vătămănescu Elena-Mădălina , Cegarra-Navarro Juan-Gabriel , Andrei Andreia Gabriela , Dincă Violeta-Mihaela , Alexandru Vlad-Andrei
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In the context of resource scarcity, the affiliation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to strategic networks has emerged as a fruitful path towards knowledge sharing as a reaction to fierce competition and with a view to enhance their innovative performance. In this framework, this paper aims to investigate the influence exerted by a specific relational design (i.e. types of strategic networks) and methodology (i.e. channels and content) of knowledge sharing on SMEs innovative performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey with 102 top managers of European SMEs in the industrial field was conducted from June to August 2019 and a partial least squares structural equation modelling technique was used. The database was initially filtered to ensure the adequacy of the sample and data was analysed using the statistics software package SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

The results concluded that the structural model explains 38.5% of the variance in SMEs innovative performance, indicating the positive effects exerted by offline and online and by competitive knowledge sharing on the dependent variable.

Research implications

The study has both theoretical and practical implications in that it sets out a reference point for the key performance indicators for strategic networks structure, formation and development and, implicitly, for the selection of the most efficient relational design and methodology.

Originality/value

The pivotal originality elements reside in the advancement of a more comprehensive conceptual and structural model combining a two-fold operationalization of SMEs strategic networks (founded on business abilities or on the personality of the partner) and in the investigation of knowledge transfer processes at the inter-organizational levels within a context-centric approach.
Enhancing teachers' and administrators learning experiences through school–university partnerships: a qualitative case study in China
Authors: Sang Guoyuan , Zhou Jun , Muthanna Abdulghani
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This qualitative study aimed to explore how the school–university partnership (SUP) enhances the elementary teachers' professional development in a school-based setting.

Design/methodology/approach

By following the qualitative case study methodology, this case study employs semi-structured interviews (the authors designed) with 10 school teachers and administrators. The authors adapted the iterative process analysis (Miles and Huberman, 1984) for compiling, coding, annotating the data and interpreting the interview transcripts. The authors also used the member checking technique that establishes credibility in a qualitative study (Lincoln and Guba, 1985) with six participants.

Findings

The findings suggest that participating in a series of professional learning activities led to the enhancement of teachers' and administrators learning experiences in view of educational theories, action research abilities, teaching efficiency, teaching research capacities and improvement of school guidelines. Further, they reveal that the participants' expectations for future SUP collaborations centred on realizing the sustainability and effectiveness of collaborations, and autonomy of teachers.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the current study include its focus on a single SUP within one school and the reliance on data collected only by interviews during the SUP process. This study offers implications for teacher learning within SUP collaborations. First, schools should consider how to involve and influence all teachers rather than SUP core members only. To this end, authentic professional learning communities need to be constructed. Second, universities should pay much more attention to the professional development of their faculty members towards integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences.

Originality/value

This original study explores practical ways of improving teachers' theoretical and practical teaching practices/experiences through SUP projects, and contributes new knowledge to the teaching professional development of school teachers and administrators.
School leadership during a pandemic: navigating tensions
Authors: Netolicky Deborah M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper explores, from the perspective of an Australian pracademic, how school leaders are leading during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay explores the tensions navigated by school leaders leading during this time of global crisis, by looking to research as well as the author's lived experience.

Findings

The author finds that school leaders are navigating the following: accountability and autonomy; equity and excellence; the individual and the collective and well-being and workload.

Originality/value

This paper offers insights into school leadership, at all times but especially during times of crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authentic leadership and job satisfaction among long-term care nurses
Authors: Wong Carol , Walsh Edmund J. , Basacco Kayla N. , Mendes Domingues Monica C. , Pye Darrin R.H.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of managers’ authentic leadership, person–job match in the six areas of worklife (AWLs) and emotional exhaustion on long-term care registered nurses’ job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary analysis of baseline data from a national survey of 1,410 Canadian registered nurses from various work settings was used in this study, which yielded a subsample of 78 nurses working in direct care roles in long-term care settings. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for mediation analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

Findings showed that authentic leadership significantly predicted job satisfaction directly and indirectly through AWLs and emotional exhaustion.

Practical implications

Authentic leadership may provide guidance to long-term care managers about promoting nurses’ job satisfaction, which is essential to recruiting and retaining nurses to meet the care needs of an aging population.

Originality/value

As demand for care of the aged is increasing and creating challenges to ensuring a sufficient and sustainable nursing workforce, it is important to understand factors that promote long-term care nurses’ job satisfaction. Findings contribute to knowledge of long-term care nurses by suggesting that managers’ authentic leadership can positively affect nurses’ job satisfaction directly and indirectly through positive perceptions of AWLs and lower emotional exhaustion.
Assurance on CSR reports: impact on the credibility perceptions of non-financial information by bank directors
Authors: Quick Reiner , Inwinkl Petra
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify whether assurance on non-financial corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports impacts the perceptions and decisions of banks as capital providers. The authors investigate the effects of the type of assurance provider and the level of assurance provided on decisions by banks to grant credit, make their own personal investments or recommend share purchases to their customers. The study aims to expand the domain of assurance on CSR reports (CSRR) by taking up a call by Cohen and Simnett (2015), who ask for behavioral research on how non-financial report’s intended users interpret and react to assurance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an experiment case on a fictitious company with a 2 × 2 + 1 between-subjects design. To overcome concerns regarding external validity and to prove results in a real-world setting, the authors selected German bank directors as subjects due to the extremely high relevance of banks to the German economy. The authors investigated the perceptions of 69 bank directors and analyzed the influence of CSR assurance on their decisions.

Findings

The findings suggest that assurance positively influences confidence in CSRR and that, consequently, bankers are more likely to make favorable decisions toward the reporting companies, such as approving applications for credit, investing themselves in the company or recommending the purchase of shares to their clients. These effects are stronger when an accounting firm provides the assurance and when the assurance level is reasonable rather than limited.

Research limitations/implications

The arguments presented are, strictly speaking, limited to the case in the experiment and the views held by the bank directors at the time the authors sent out the questionnaires. Moreover, the cell sizes are quite small. Nevertheless, the authors were able to find highly significant results.

Practical implications

The main implication of the paper is that the purchase of CSRR assurance services has a positive effect on bank directors’ perceptions and decisions. They favor the provision of such services by accounting firms and they prefer a reasonable assurance level. Thus, it can be concluded that bank directors perceive quality differences between assurance providers, are able to recognize the difference between reasonable and limited assurance and that the related information is relevant for their decisions.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the influence of CSRR assurance on decisions by bank directors. The observation of a high decisions-usefulness of CSRR assurance suggests that regulators should consider mandating some form of assurance on non-financial reports throughout the EU member states.
The effects of security and traceability of blockchain on digital affordance
Authors: Shin Donghee , Hwang Yujong
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study takes an affordance approach to explain how users perceive the affordance of user action within blockchain and examines how it influences the subsequent user experience. Focusing on the effect of trust on cognitive processes, the authors analyze how affordances in blockchains affect the user experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The blockchain affordances are examined through a two-stage process. The authors employ a qualitative analysis based on insights gained from the current literature and interviews. The authors then apply a quantitative survey to examine the role of trust in interactions with blockchain services. A structural user model was tested in which their appreciation of affordances of blockchain predicted the trust and satisfaction.

Findings

Users' appreciation for transparency and reliability explained to what extent they trust and are satisfied, thereby suggesting the heuristic roles of trust in blockchains. The study findings indicate a heuristic role for trust regarding underlying links to technological and affective affordances. A user's cognitive heuristics affect their attitudes toward blockchain, in which technological features are processed through users' perceptions and experience.

Research limitations/implications

The model contributes to the conceptualization of security, privacy and traceability along with trust, which is then linked to transparency and reliability. The findings show how the frame of affordances gains explanatory power by being linked to the concepts of affect and emotion. The heuristics of direct perception of security–traceability–privacy (STP) can be used to understand the trajectory of heuristics and ongoing choices of blockchain.

Practical implications

The study results offer a lens through which to address the technology's most common problems by pairing user experience principles and heuristics to blockchain technologies. This study offers insights into the understanding of user actions related to blockchains and into practical implications for developing trust-based services. The results guide the application and tailoring of motivational affordances in blockchain.

Originality/value

While blockchain technology has gained popularity and momentum, there has been little research on how specific features of blockchain technology create value. This study contributes to the research gap by highlighting the role and dimension of trust in relation to STP in blockchains and provides meaningful implications for theory and practice.
A BIM-based construction claim management model for early identification and visualization of claims
Authors: Parchami Jalal Majid , Yavari Roushan Tayebe , Noorzai Esmatullah , Alizadeh Maryam
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims at introducing a claim management model based on building information modeling (BIM) for claims that can be visualized in BIM models.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the results of a questionnaire survey, 10 claims were identified as claims that can be visualized in BIM models (named hard claims in this study). Then, a BIM-based claim management model was developed and used in a case study.

Findings

A BIM-based claim management model is represented. The claim management process through this model consists of four steps: (1) extracting project information, identifying conditions prone to claim and storing them into a relational database, (2) automatically connecting the database to building information model, (3) simulation of the claims in building information model and (4) final calculations and report.

Practical implications

The proposed model can provide benefits to parties involved in a claim, such as early identification of potential claims, large space for data storage, facilitated claim management processes, information consistency and improved collaboration.

Originality/value

There are a few studies on providing solutions to claim management based on BIM process. Hence, the original contribution of this paper is the attempt to set a link between BIM and claim management processes.
Genesis of Kaolinite Deposits in the Jungar Coalfield, North China: Petrological, Mineralogical and Geochemical Evidence
Authors: LIU Linsong , ZHANG Tongjun , LIU Jianping , LIU Qinfu , LI Kuo , LIU Di , LIU Wanyue
Published: June 2020

Petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies carried out on kaolinite deposits in Haerwusu surface mine, Jungar Coalfield, northern Ordos Basin, North China, define their characteristics, ore genesis and economic interest. Based on the crystalline size, two different types of kaolinite rocks, cryptocrystalline and grainy, were identified under the microscope. XRD data show that kaolinite is the predominant mineral, associated with boehmite, magnesite, anatase, pyrite, diaspore and calcite. However, high boehmite content (mean 70%) shows up in the middle layers. Kaolinite minerals present homogeneous shape and a good crystallinity (HI = 0.96–1.26). Geochemical studies show that the SiO2/Al2O3molar ratio of kaolinite is close to the theoretical value, and the contents of Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO are less, suggesting a strong chemical weathering environment. The REE and Eu anomalies show a close relationship between kaolinite and the Yinshan Oldland granite. A Ce anomaly reflects a continental sedimentary environment with shallow water. A temperature range of 26.7–34°C was calculated on the basis of the isotopic signatures (δ18O,δD) of the kaolinite rocks. All these data indicate that the formation of the kaolinite is caused mainly by the dissolution, coagulation, precipitation and recrystallization of aluminosilicate clastics in acidic conditions. The formation of boehmite in the middle layers indicates that the source rocks have changed. Boehmite is mainly formed by dehydration and compaction of an aluminum‐rich colloid which transported into peat swamp during diagenesis. In addition, it formed by desiliconization of kaolinite under acidic conditions. Due to its high kaolinite content (up to 90%) and low iron mineral content (less than 1%), and good crystallinity, kaolinite deposits occurred at Haerwusu surface mine probably have great economical value in the future.
Grain‐size Age Model in Reconstructing Orbital‐ and Suborbital‐scale Climate Changes on the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau Since the Late Glacial
Authors: LI Yuan , ZHAO Hui
Published: June 2020

Reconstructions of past climatic changes on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP) can provide insights into the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) variability. However, the regional climate changes on both orbital and suborbital time scales since the late Glacial remain controversial. Here we present the results of high‐resolution geochemical and grain‐size analyses of a sediment core from Genggahai Lake, a small, shallow lake in this area. Changes of the accumulation rate of the core sediments show a similar trend with variations of the coarse fraction. Accordingly, the chronological framework is constructed using a grain‐size age model. In addition, the histories of chemical weathering and aeolian activity since the late Glacial are reconstructed based on the Al/Ti ratios and coarse fractions, respectively. The results suggest that an enhanced chemical weathering and a weakened aeolian activity occurred on the NETP under a warmer, wetter climate during the early to mid‐Holocene (11.3–6.3 ka cal BP), compared with the late Glacial (17.1–11.3 ka cal BP) and the late Holocene (6.3 ka cal BP to present), which responded mainly to the strengthened ASM on orbital time scale. In addition, the synchronous occurrences of weakened chemical weathering, low lake level and intense aeolian activity on suborbital time scale reflect several episodes of weakened ASM. Furthermore, these episodes largely coincide with the centennial‐ to millennial‐scale cold events in the North Atlantic, which demonstrates the close connection between the ASM and the cooling at high latitudes.
How Much do Households Respond to Electricity Prices? Evidence from Australia and Abroad
Authors: Conway Lorraine , Prentice David
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we review studies to understand how much households change their electricity consumption when there is a price change. Many studies find residential households have long‐term and short‐run elasticities behaving as economic theory would suggest. Long‐run elasticities range from −0.75 to −0.3, and short‐run elasticities range from −0.47 to −0.026. Household responsiveness seems to increase when paired with technology. The major gaps in research from the empirical economic literature are how low‐income and vulnerable Australian households could be affected by price changes and how Australians respond to within‐day variation in prices.
Repetitive elements as a transcriptomic marker of aging: Evidence in multiple datasets and models
Authors: LaRocca Thomas J. , Cavalier Alyssa N. , Wahl Devin
Published: June 2020

Transcriptomic markers of aging can be useful for studying age‐related processes and diseases. However, noncoding repetitive element (RE) transcripts, which may play an important role in aging, are commonly overlooked in transcriptome studies—and their potential as a transcriptomic marker of aging has not been evaluated. Here, we used multiple RNA‐seq datasets generated from human samples and Caenorhabditis elegans and found that most RE transcripts (a) accumulate progressively with aging; (b) can be used to accurately predict age; and (c) may be a good marker of biological age. The strong RE/aging correlations we observed are consistent with growing evidence that RE transcripts contribute directly to aging and disease.
A case of indirect inguinal bladder hernia treated by laparoscopic hernia repair
Authors: Kohga Atsushi , Okumura Takuya , Yamashita Kimihiro , Isogaki Jun , Suzuki Kenji , Kawabe Akihiro
Published: June 2020

Inguinal bladder hernia is a rare clinical condition, and only a small number of reported cases have been treated by laparoscopic surgery. In the present case, the patient was a 78‐year‐old man who presented to our emergency department with a chief complaint of right inguinal bulge and pain. CT imaging revealed an incarcerated right inguinal hernia containing the small intestine and a portion of the urinary bladder. We performed manual reduction of the incarcerated intestine, and he was admitted to the surgical ward for follow‐up. On the 19th day after discharge, recurrence of incarceration developed, and he was readmitted after manual reduction. A laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair was performed. After careful reduction of the protruding bladder from the hernial orifice, we repaired the right inguinal hernia with a mesh prosthesis. We experienced a rare case of right indirect inguinal bladder hernia that was treated successfully with laparoscopic repair.
Pharmacogenomics of anticancer drugs: Personalising the choice and dose to manage drug response
Authors: Carr Daniel F. , Turner Richard M. , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: June 2020

The field of pharmacogenomics has made great strides in oncology over the last 20 years and indeed a significant number of pre‐emptive genetic tests are now routinely undertaken prior to anticancer drug administration. Many of these gene–drug interactions are the fruits of candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies, which have largely focused on common genetic variants (allele frequency>1%). Examples where there is clinical utility include genotyping or phenotyping for G6PD to prevent rasburicase‐induced RBC haemolysis, and TPMT to prevent thiopurine‐induced bone marrow suppression. Other associations such as CYP2D6 status in determining the efficacy of tamoxifen are more controversial because of contradictory evidence from different sources, which has led to variability in the implementation of testing.

As genomic technology becomes ever cheaper and more accessible, we must look to the additional data our genome can provide to explain interindividual variability in anticancer drug response. Clearly genes do not act on their own and it is therefore important to investigate genetic factors in conjunction with clinical factors, interacting concomitant drug therapies and other factors such as the microbiome, which can all affect drug disposition. Taking account of all of these factors, in conjunction with the somatic genome, is more likely to provide better predictive accuracy in determining anticancer drug response, both efficacy and safety.

This review summarises the existing knowledge related to the pharmacogenomics of anticancer drugs and discusses areas of opportunity for further advances in personalisation of therapy in order to improve both drug safety and efficacy.
Acute toxicity related to misuse (nonmedical use) of tramadol: Experience of the European Drug Emergencies Network Plus
Authors: Layne Kerry A. , Dargan Paul I. , Dines Alison M. , Leaper Craig , Yates Christopher , Hovda Knut Erik , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Archer John R.H. , Giraudon Isabelle , Wood David M. ,   Euro‐DEN Plus Research Group
Published: June 2020

Following the development of the tramadol crisis currently affecting countries in the Middle East, and Africa, there has been increasing international interest in the regulation of tramadol. This study investigates the misuse of tramadol in patients presenting to emergency departments across Europe. Data from 32 emergency departments in 21 countries were extracted from the Euro‐DEN Plus database for the 4‐year period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017. Of the reported 24,957 emergency department presentations, tramadol misuse was reported in 105 (0.4% presentations). Tramadol misuse was most common in Bratislava (Slovakia; n = 11, 7.5% of all presentations to this centre), Riga (Latvia; n = 4, 4.9%) and Munich (Germany; n = 17, 2.9%). On arrival, 14 (13.3%) of presentations were in coma/Glasgow coma score ≤ 8 and 9 of these had a respiratory rate <12 breaths/min. These presentations potentially pose a significant burden on emergency departments with a large proportion requiring admission to hospital for ongoing care.
Beyond the Stereotype: Restating the Relevance of the Dependency Research Programme
Authors: Kvangraven Ingrid Harvold
Published: June 2020

This article evaluates the relevance of dependency theory for understanding contemporary development challenges, especially in the light of changes in the global economy over the past 50 years. In order to do so, the article rectifies previous misunderstandings of the scholarship and offers a new definition of dependency theory as a research programme, rather than a singular theory. Four core tenets of this research programme are identified: a global historical approach; theorizing of the polarizing tendencies of global capitalism; a focus on structures of production; and a focus on the specific constraints faced by peripheral economies. While each of these elements can be found in many contemporary theories, what makes dependency theory unique — and a particularly strong research programme — is the combination of these elements. The article demonstrates how this approach provides a deep and broad understanding that is necessary to appreciate the persistence of uneven development with reference to two case studies, namely successful industrialization in South Korea, and how the fragmentation of global value chains has impacted industrialization in Indonesia. Finally, the article argues that approaching these kinds of cases through a dependency research programme can contribute to a fruitful renewal of development studies.
Psychotic‐like experiences in Chinese children and adolescents: The effect of earthquake exposure, maltreatment and negative life events
Authors: Tang Wanjie , Xu Dun , Yang Yanchun , Xu Jiuping
Published: June 2020

Aim

Psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) are common in adolescents who have experienced or are experiencing trauma. However, the potential relationships between exposure to a major earthquake, negative life events or maltreatment and PLEs in Chinese adolescents are poorly understood. Therefore, this study explored the prevalence of PLEs and the psychosocial correlates in adolescent earthquake survivors.

Methods

A total of 6132 adolescents from 11 primary and high schools in the areas most severely affected by the Ya'an earthquake completed questionnaires on earthquake exposure, maltreatment, negative life events and PLEs, which included paranoid ideation and psychoticism.

Results

It was found that earthquake exposure significantly contributed to the PLEs, child maltreatment explained a significant amount of the PLE variances, emotional abuse had the most important PLE role and negative life events also explained a large amount of the PLE variances, of which interpersonal difficulties and academic pressure had the greatest effects.

Conclusions

Interventions should seek to reduce parental emotional abuse, reduce academic performance pressure, improve interpersonal skills and resolve interpersonal difficulties, and specific interventions should target children and adolescents exposed to the earthquake to prevent PLEs, schizophrenia or other mental illnesses arising from multiple traumas.
Dynamics of water extractable organic carbon at a subtropical catchment using fluorescence excitation‐emission matrix spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor analysis
Authors: Ma Wenming , Li Zhongwu , Ding Keyi , Zhou Qingping
Published: June 2020

The vertical and horizontal movement of water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) has a significant influence on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and water quality. However, how the amount, components and chemical qualities of WEOC change at horizontal and vertical levels, as well as desorption in the cascade model in subtropical red soils, are not fully understood. We sampled soils from four types of land (Elaeocarpus, Masson Pine, Crape‐Myrtle and a deposition site) in a subtropical catchment as replicated cores (n = 96) and investigated changes in the molecular and structural constituents of WEOC using excitation‐emission matrix fluorescence and UV–visible absorbance spectroscopy. Our results showed that WEOC concentration changed remarkably in all four plots, and that the concentration coupled with the relative abundance of aromatic compounds decreased with increasing soil depth, whereas low‐molecular‐weight materials increased with increasing soil depth. Five fluorescent components were identified by parallel factor analysis (i.e., tryptophan‐like, tyrosine‐like and three humic‐substance‐like components). The relative abundance of these components suggested that WEOC composition shifted along vertical soil layers. Dynamic variations in fluorescent indices indicated that WEOC from the subsoil has strong biological characteristics. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between WEOC and SOC in subsoil, indicating that much of the WEOC within mineral soils is of local microbial origin rather than from local soil organic matter. Sorption processes alone or stepwise exchange processes of WEOC on the soil minerals do not readily occur, as the red soil in a subtropical area is typically unsaturated and potentially has a large sorption capacity. Once soil carbon is adsorbed, it is difficult to release it into soil water by microbial processing. Data from the deposition site suggest that components of hydrophilic WEOC with low molecular weight are preferentially transported.
The N‐terminal and C‐terminal halves of histone H2A.Z independently function in nucleosome positioning and stability
Authors: Sato Shoko , Tanaka Naoki , Arimura Yasuhiro , Kujirai Tomoya , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: June 2020

Nucleosome positioning and stability affect gene regulation in eukaryotic chromatin. Histone H2A.Z is an evolutionally conserved histone variant that forms mobile and unstable nucleosomes in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we reconstituted nucleosomes containing human H2A.Z.1 mutants, in which the N‐terminal or C‐terminal half of H2A.Z.1 was replaced by the corresponding canonical H2A region. We found that the N‐terminal portion of H2A.Z.1 is involved in flexible nucleosome positioning, whereas the C‐terminal portion leads to weak H2A.Z.1‐H2B association in the nucleosome. These results indicate that the N‐terminal and C‐terminal portions are independently responsible for the H2A.Z.1 nucleosome characteristics.
Microwave vs conventional porcelain firing: Macroscopic properties
Authors: Santos Tiago , Hennetier Luc , Costa Vítor A. F. , Costa Luis C.
Published: June 2020

This paper provides an overview of the macroscopic properties of porcelain tableware fired in a microwave furnace with six magnetrons (each with a nominal power of 900 W) operating at the frequency of 2.45 GHz. The dependence of firing temperature on physical properties such as shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, and impact resistance was analyzed. Emphasis is on the differences in the macroscopic properties of microwave and conventionally (gas and electric) fired porcelain. Batches were fired from room temperature up to above the optimum firing temperature (1380°C). Results show similar macroscopic properties for both firing methods, microwave heating required lower firing temperatures (between 1300°C and 1350°C), and shorter processing times (about 70 minutes). The main differences between microwave and electric firing methods occur in a temperature band of 300°C above the porcelain eutectic temperature (close to 1000°C).
Healing of deep dermal burns by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation
Authors: Wittig Olga , Diaz‐Solano Dylana , Chacín Tulio , Rodriguez Yudith , Ramos Giselle , Acurero Gleriset , Leal Fredy , Cardier Jose E.
Published: June 2020

Background

Deep dermal and full‐thickness burns are not only difficult to treat, but they are also associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent reports have proposed the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for inducing tissue repair in burn injuries.

Objective

We aim to evaluate the effect of allogeneic MSC transplantation on full‐thickness burns with delayed healing.

Material and methods

This study includes five patients with AB B/B burns. All patients received conservative treatments, including cleaning, debridement of necrotic tissue, and silver based dressing on the burn wounds. Cryopreserved allogeneic MSCs were thawed and rapidly expanded and used for application in burned patients. MSCs were implanted into preclotted platelet‐rich plasma onto the surface of burn wounds.

Results

All treated burn wounds showed early granulation tissue and rapid re‐epithelialization after MSC transplantation. Healing took between 1 and 5 months after MSC transplantation. Repair of burn wounds was associated with slight discoloration of the regenerated skin without hypertrophic scarring or contractures.

Conclusion

Our results provide evidence of healing in deep‐ and full‐thickness burns by allogeneic MSC transplantation. Rapid healing of burn patients, after MSC transplantation, improves their quality of life and reduces the length of hospitalization. Future studies incorporating a larger number of patients may confirm the results obtained in this work.
Geriatric 8 screening of frailty in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Momota Masaki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Soma Osamu , Tanaka Toshikazu , Hamano Itsuto , Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Teppei , Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Imai Atsushi , Yoshikawa Kazuaki , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association between the score of the Geriatric 8 screening tool and treatment by disease stages in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

Between January 2017 and June 2019, we prospectively evaluated the Geriatric 8 in 540 prostate cancer patients who were treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy alone and standard of care for metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer or castration‐resistant prostate cancer. The primary purpose was the association between frailty (Geriatric 8 ≤14) and robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy alone, and metastatic diseases. Secondary purposes included a comparison of the Geriatric 8 scores among the disease status and the influence of Geriatric 8 score on overall survival.

Results

The median age was 75 years. Geriatric 8 scores ≤14 were seen in 36% of robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (n = 78/214), 57% of radiotherapy (n = 119/209), 91% of androgen deprivation therapy alone (n = 19/21) and 70% of metastatic diseases (n = 67/96). The median Geriatric 8 score in patients treated with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy alone and metastatic diseases was 15.0, 14.0, 12.0 and 12.8, respectively. The median Geriatric 8 score was significantly higher in the metastatic disease than that in localized disease (14.5 vs 12.8, respectively). Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy patients had a significantly higher Geriatric 8 score than radiotherapy patients, with the cut‐off value of <14.5. The overall survival was significantly different between Geriatric 8 scores ≤13 and >13 in metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer patients, and between Geriatric 8 scores ≤12 and >12 in castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients.

Conclusion

The Geriatric 8 score is significantly associated with treatment by disease stages in patients with prostate cancer.