bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applications of MCDM methods in research on corporate sustainability
Authors: Chowdhury Priyabrata , Paul Sanjoy Kumar
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Corporate sustainability (CS) is becoming a popular research topic. In recent years, researchers have conducted a significant number of studies in this area. Although a number of those studies have used a variety of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, to date there is no systematic literature review of this area of research. This paper fulfills this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis approach to analyze the applications of MCDM methods in research on CS.

Findings

The authors have observed that both single and integrated MCDM methods have been used in this domain; however, single MCDM methods are dominant. Further, this review shows that most of the integrated methods use only two MCDM methods and that there has been no comparison of results obtained from different MCDM methods. After reviewing these developments and summarizing the findings, the authors propose directions for future research, including investigating and formulating strategies for specific CS initiatives, integrating three or more MCDM methods, integrating MCDM methods with optimization techniques, analyzing results from a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) perspective, reconsidering the tenets of existing theories via MCDM methods, and comparing the results of studies of CS in different kinds of economies, as well as the results of using different MCDM methods.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that has conducted a systematic literature review to analyze applications of MCDM methods to different aspects of corporate sustainability, including enablers of and barriers to CS, the evaluation and design of CS initiatives, system or strategy formulation, and performance evaluation, among others.
Effect of the university on the social entrepreneurial intention of students
Authors: Bazan Carlos , Gaultois Hannah , Shaikh Arifusalam , Gillespie Katie , Frederick Sean , Amjad Ali , Yap Simon , Finn Chantel , Rayner James , Belal Nafisa
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study aims to test the applicability of a variant of the model proposed by Hockerts (2017) for assessing the social entrepreneurial intention (SEI) of male and female students. It extends the model by incorporating the university's environment and support system (ESS) as an additional more distal construct. The university's ESS, coupled with the experience with social, cultural and environmental issues can affect SEI by influencing the more proximal precursors of empathy towards others, perceived self-efficacy, perceived community support and social, cultural and environmental responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured non-disguised questionnaire was administered to students at a Canadian university. A sample of 485 usable responses was analysed by means of second-order structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results provide confirmation that the proposed model is a multi-group invariant and appropriate for analysing the SEI of male and female students. They also show that the university's ESS helps predict SEI indirectly through the complete mediation of the more proximal antecedents.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire is limited to universities with social innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Practical implications

Outcomes of the study can help universities assess the efficacy of their social innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives for instilling a social entrepreneurial mind-set in students. Consequently, universities will be better equipped to raise the perceptions of venture feasibility and desirability, thus increasing students' perceptions of opportunity.

Originality/value

The study advances the social entrepreneurial knowledge of the university's effect on the precursors of SEI.
Lessons from the MH‐17 transboundary disaster investigation
Authors: Kuipers Sanneke , Verolme Ellen , Muller Erwin
Published: February 2020

Transboundary crises, incidents, and disasters, such as chemical spills, airplane crashes, and critical infrastructure breakdowns, involving multiple levels and domains of governance pose a particular set of challenges (Ansell et al, 2010; Boin, 2019; Kuipers & Boin, 2015). These challenges also pertain to the investigation and learning phase of a crisis. We study a typical transboundary case: the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17), with 298 people on board from a variety of nationalities but the majority from the Netherlands, that crashed in Ukraine in a conflict zone near the Russian border. The MH17 case contains valuable lessons on transboundary disaster investigations. The Dutch Safety Board (DSB) took the lead of the international independent investigation into the causes of the crash. With an international group of stakeholders, the DSB investigated a crash that resulted from a bilateral conflict, requiring the support from Ukraine's powerful neighbour Russia that meanwhile stood accused of withholding evidence and supporting Ukrainian separatists. Retrieving evidence and researching the causality of the crash was no easy task. If countries wish to follow their ambition to learn from accidents in order to “prevent the past repeated,” they may more often need to investigate such transboundary cases. This case study probes into how challenges that are typical to transboundary crises affected the accident investigation into the MH17 disaster. We search for lessons on transboundary accident investigation that transcend the boundaries of this single case. Such lessons may prove invaluable for learning from future accidents.
Current status and progress of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer prior to the approval of durvalumab
Authors: Fukui Tomoya , Hosotani Shinji , Soda Itaru , Ozawa Takahiro , Kusuhara Seiichiro , Kakegawa Mikiko I. , Kasajima Masashi , Hiyoshi Yasuhiro , Igawa Satoshi , Yokoba Masanori , Mitsufuji Hisashi , Kubota Masaru , Katagiri Masato , Sasaki Jiichiro , Ishiyama Hiromichi , Naoki Katsuhiko
Published: February 2020

Background

The standard treatment for patients with unresectable locally advanced (LA) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Consolidation therapy with durvalumab after CRT demonstrated survival benefits and was approved in Japan in July 2018. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is entering routine oncological practice, and here we investigate the feasibility of concurrent CRT for LA‐NSCLC patients based on the PACIFIC criteria.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of concurrent CRT prior to the approval of durvalumab. We assessed consecutive patients with LA‐NSCLC treated with CRT between January 2012 and June 2018.

Results

We analyzed a total of 108 consecutive patients who received radical thoracic radiotherapy and concurrent platinum‐based chemotherapy. Of those patients, 105 (97%) completed the planned radiotherapy. Radiation pneumonitis was observed in 93 patients (85%), with a median of 130 days (range: 41–317 days) from the initiation of radiation to the onset of the complication. Among the patients, 74 (69%) were considered eligible for consolidation therapy with durvalumab. The overall response rate was 64%, and the two‐year survival rate was 63%. Patients who received an ICI after relapse were associated with significantly better survival than those who did not receive an ICI (two‐year survival rate: 87% vs. 41%, respectively; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Prior to the approval of durvalumab, the clinical application of ICIs improved the outcome of patients with relapsed NSCLC after CRT for LA‐NSCLC. The management of radiation pneumonitis remains a challenge following the approval of durvalumab.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii for treating acute gastroenteritis in children—a 2020 update
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Kołodziej Maciej , Zalewski Bartłomiej M.
Published: February 2020

Background

There is still controversy with regard to the efficacy of individual probiotic strains for the management of acute gastroenteritis.

Aim

To update evidence on use of Saccharomyces boulardii for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to December 2019 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared use of S boulardii with no S boulardii (defined as placebo or no treatment). The grey literature was searched through Google search. Authors of the original papers and S boulardii manufacturers were contacted for additional data.

Results

Twenty‐nine RCTs (among them, 20 newly identified trials) were included. Only 38% of trials adequately generated their randomisation sequence, only 17% adequately concealed allocation and only one trial adequately blinded participants, study personnel and outcome assessors. However, 83% provided complete outcome data. None of the trials evaluated the effect of S boulardii on stool volume. Compared with placebo or no treatment, S boulardii use reduced the duration of diarrhoea (23 RCTs, n = 3450, mean difference −1.06 day, 95% CI −1.32 to −0.79; high heterogeneity [I2 = 90%]) (very low quality of evidence). S boulardii use was also associated with a reduced duration of hospitalisation (8 RCTs, n = 999, mean difference −0.85 day, 95% CI −1.35 to −0.34; I2 = 91%) (very low quality of evidence). S boulardii reduced the risk of diarrhoea on day 2 to day 7 (low quality of evidence).

Conclusions

In children with acute gastroenteritis, low‐ to very low‐quality evidence suggests that S boulardii confers a benefit for several diarrhoeal outcomes.
Estuarine fish and tetrapod evolution: insights from a Late Devonian (Famennian) Gondwanan estuarine lake and a southern African Holocene equivalent
Authors: Gess Robert W. , Whitfield Alan K.
Published: February 2020

The Waterloo Farm lagerstätte in South Africa provides a uniquely well‐preserved record of a Latest Devonian estuarine ecosystem. Ecological evidence from it is reviewed, contextualised, and compared with that available from the analogous Swartvlei estuarine lake, with a particular emphasis on their piscean inhabitants. Although the taxonomic affinities of the estuarine species are temporally very different, the overall patterns of utilisation prove to be remarkably congruent, with similar trophic structures. Significantly, both systems show evidence of widespread use of estuaries as fish nurseries by both resident and marine migrant taxa. Holocene estuaries are almost exclusively utilised by actinopterygians which are overwhelmingly dominated by oviparous species. Complex strategies are utilised by estuarine resident species to avoid exposure of eggs to environmental stresses that characterize these systems. By contrast, many of the groups utilising Devonian estuaries were likely live bearers, potentially allowing them to avoid the challenges faced by oviparous taxa. This may have contributed to dominance of these systems by non‐actinoptergians prior to the End Devonian Mass Extinction. The association of early aquatic tetrapods at Waterloo Farm with a fish nursery environment is consistent with findings from North America, Belgium and Russia, and may be implied by the estuarine settings of a number of other Devonian tetrapods. Tetrapods apparently replace their sister group, the elpistostegids, in estuaries with both groups having been postulated to be adaptated to shallow water habitats where they could access small piscean prey. Correlation of tetrapods (and elpistostegids) with fish nursery areas in the Late Devonian lends strong support to this hypothesis, suggesting that adaptations permitting improved access to the abundant juvenile fish within the littoral zone of estuarine lakes and continental water bodies may have been pivotal in the evolution of tetrapods.
Leveraging diverse knowledge sources through proactive behaviour: How companies can use inter‐organizational networks for business model innovation
Authors: Micheli Maria Rita , Berchicci Luca , Jansen Justin J.P.
Published: February 2020

The relevance of business model innovation (BMI) for strategic renewal and competitive advantage has been increasingly recognized by both strategy scholars and managers. In this paper, we explore how inter‐organizational networks and firms' proactiveness influence BMI. By examining Dutch design companies, we show that having a network of companies with different sizes has a positive effect on BMI. We also observe a positive effect of ties change. Finally, we show the importance of firms' proactiveness. Through the discussion of network elements and proactiveness as antecedents of BMI, we contribute to the business model and social network literature.
CD4/CD8 ratio is a prognostic factor in IgG nonresponders among peptide vaccine‐treated ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Waki Kayoko , Kawano Kouichiro , Tsuda Naotake , Komatsu Nobukazu , Yamada Akira
Published: February 2020

The identification of useful biomarkers is an urgent issue in cancer treatment, particularly for immunotherapy, as only some patients experience benefits from this treatment. The early induction of the IgG response has been reported as a useful biomarker of favorable prognosis for cancer patients treated with a personalized peptide vaccination, but a portion of these patients (IgG nonresponders) fail to achieve an early induction of IgG response yet experience long‐term survival. It is thus necessary to identify other biomarkers of favorable prognosis among these patients. Here we report the usefulness of classical T‐cell markers (ie, the CD8 content and the CD4/CD8 ratio in peripheral blood) in IgG nonresponders among advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer patients treated with a personalized peptide vaccination. Among IgG nonresponders (n = 25), the overall survival (OS) of the increased‐CD8 group (n = 7) was significantly longer than that of the decreased‐CD8 group (n = 18; P = .018), and the OS of the patients with a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio (n = 10) was significantly longer than that of the patients with an increased ratio (n = 15; P = .0055). Thus, an increased content of CD8 and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio are each favorable prognosis markers in IgG nonresponders treated with a personalized peptide vaccination.
Biocompatibility and osseointegration of nanostructured titanium dental implants in minipigs
Authors: Hoornaert Alain , Vidal Luciano , Besnier Romain , Morlock Jean‐Francois , Louarn Guy , Layrolle Pierre
Published: February 2020

Objectives

It is well known that surface treatments of dental implants have a great impact on their rate of osseointegration. The aim of this study was to compare the biocompatibility and the bone–implant contact (BIC) of titanium dental implants with different surface treatments.

Material and methods

Test implants (Biotech Dental) had a nanostructured surface and control implants (Anthogyr) were grit‐blasted with biphasic calcium phosphate and acid‐etched surface. Both titanium implants were inserted in mandible and maxillary bones of 6 Yucatan minipigs for 4 and 12 weeks (n = 10 implants/group). Biocompatibility and osseointegration were evaluated by non‐decalcified histology and back‐scattered electron microscopy images.

Results

The reading of histology sections by an antomo‐pathologist indicated that the test implants were considered non‐irritating to the surrounding tissues and thus biocompatible compared with control implants. The BIC values were higher for test than for control dental implants at both 4 and 12 weeks.

Conclusions

In summary, the new nanostructured titanium dental implant is considered biocompatible and showed a better osseointegration than the control implant at both 4 and 12 weeks.
Mapping legal authority for terrestrial conservation corridors along streams
Authors: Stahl Amanda T. , Fremier Alexander K. , Cosens Barbara A.
Published: February 2020

Wildlife corridors aim to promote species’ persistence by connecting habitat patches across fragmented landscapes. Their implementation is limited by patterns of land ownership and complicated by differences in the jurisdictional and regulatory authorities under which lands are managed. Terrestrial corridor conservation requires coordination across jurisdictions and sectors subject to site‐specific overlapping sources of legal authority. Mapping spatial patterns of legal authority concurrent with habitat condition can illustrate opportunities to build or leverage capacity for connectivity conservation. Streamside areas provide pragmatic opportunities to leverage existing policy mechanisms for riverine and terrestrial habitat connectivity across boundaries. Conservation planners and practitioners can make use of these opportunities by harmonizing actions for multiple conservation outcomes. We formulated an integrative, data‐driven method for mapping multiple sources of legal authority weighted by capacity for coordinating terrestrial habitat conservation along streams. We generated a map of capacity to coordinate streamside corridor protections across a wildlife habitat gap to demonstrate this approach. We combined values representing coordination capacity and naturalness to generate an integrated legal‐ecological resistance map for connectivity modeling. We then computed least‐cost corridors across the integrated map, masking the terrestrial landscape to focus on streamside areas. Streamside least‐cost corridors in the integrated, local‐scale model diverged (∼25 km) from national‐scale least‐cost corridors based on naturalness. Spatial categories comparing legal‐ and naturalness‐based resistance values by stream reach highlighted potential locations for building or leveraging existing capacity through spatial coordination of policy mechanisms or restoration actions. Agencies or nongovernmental organizations intending to restore or maintain habitat connectivity across fragmented landscapes can use this approach to inform spatial prioritization and build coordination capacity.

Article impact statement: Combined mapping of legal authority and habitat condition reveals capacity to coordinate actions along streams for clean water and wildlife.
Generation lengths of the world's birds and their implications for extinction risk
Authors: Bird Jeremy P. , Martin Robert , Akçakaya H. Reşit , Gilroy James , Burfield Ian J. , Garnett Stephen T. , Symes Andy , Taylor Joseph , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Butchart Stuart H. M.
Published: February 2020

Birds have been comprehensively assessed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List more times than any other taxonomic group. However, to date, generation lengths have not been systematically estimated to scale population trends when undertaking assessments, as required by the criteria of the IUCN Red List. We compiled information from major databases of published life‐history and trait data for all birds and imputed missing life‐history data as a function of species traits with generalized linear mixed models. Generation lengths were derived for all species, based on our modeled values of age at first breeding, maximum longevity, and annual adult survival. The resulting generation lengths varied from 1.42 to 27.87 years (median 2.99). Most species (61%) had generation lengths <3.33 years, meaning that the period of 3 generations—over which population declines are assessed under criterion A—was <10 years, which is the value used for IUCN Red List assessments of species with short generation times. For these species, our trait‐informed estimates of generation length suggested that 10 years is a robust precautionary value for threat assessment. In other cases, however, for whole families, genera, or individual species, generation length had a substantial impact on their estimated extinction risk, resulting in higher extinction risk in long‐lived species than in short‐lived species. Although our approach effectively addressed data gaps, generation lengths for some species may have been underestimated due to a paucity of life‐history data. Overall, our results will strengthen future extinction‐risk assessments and augment key databases of avian life‐history and trait data.
A Simple and Rapid UPLC‐UV Method for Detecting DPD Deficiency in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Marin Clémence , Krache Anis , Palmaro Chloé , Lucas Mathilde , Hilaire Valentin , Ugdonne Renée , De Victor Bénédicte , Quaranta Sylvie , Solas Caroline , Lacarelle Bruno , Ciccolini Joseph
Published: February 2020

Detecting patients with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency is becoming a major concern in clinical oncology. Monitoring physiologic plasma uracil and/or plasma uracil‐to‐dihydrouracil metabolic ratio is a common surrogate frequently used to determine DPD phenotype without direct measurement of the enzymatic activity. With respect to the increasing number of patients rquiring analysis, it is critical to develop simple, rapid, and affordable methods suitable for routine screening. We have developed and validated a simple and robust ultraperformance liquid chromatography‒ultraviolet (UPLC‐UV) method with shortened (i.e., 12 minutes) analytical run‐times, compatible with the requirements of large‐scale upfront screening. The method enables detection of uracil (U) over a range of 5–500 ng/ml (265 nm) and of dihydrouracil (UH2) over a range of 40–500 ng/ml (210 nm) in plasma with no chromatographic interference. When used as part of routine screening for DPD deficiency, this method was fully able to discriminate nondeficient patients (i.e., with U levels < 16 ng/ml) from deficient patients at risk of severe toxicity (i.e., U > 16 ng/ml). Results from 1 month of routine testing are presented and, although no complete deficits were detected, 10.7% of the screened patients presented DPD deficiency and would thus require s decresed dose. Overall, this new method, using a simple preanalytical solid‐phase extraction procedure, and based on use of a standard UPLC apparatus, is both cost‐ and time‐effective and can be easily implemented in any laboratory aiming to begin routine DPD testing.
Clinical Trial Generalizability Assessment in the Big Data Era: A Review
Authors: He Zhe , Tang Xiang , Yang Xi , Guo Yi , George Thomas J. , Charness Neil , Quan Hem Kelsa Bartley , Hogan William , Bian Jiang
Published: February 2020

Clinical studies, especially randomized, controlled trials, are essential for generating evidence for clinical practice. However, generalizability is a long‐standing concern when applying trial results to real‐world patients. Generalizability assessment is thus important, nevertheless, not consistently practiced. We performed a systematic review to understand the practice of generalizability assessment. We identified 187 relevant articles and systematically organized these studies in a taxonomy with three dimensions: (i) data availability (i.e., before or after trial (a priori vs. a posteriori generalizability)); (ii) result outputs (i.e., score vs. nonscore); and (iii) populations of interest. We further reported disease areas, underrepresented subgroups, and types of data used to profile target populations. We observed an increasing trend of generalizability assessments, but < 30% of studies reported positive generalizability results. As a priori generalizability can be assessed using only study design information (primarily eligibility criteria), it gives investigators a golden opportunity to adjust the study design before the trial starts. Nevertheless, < 40% of the studies in our review assessed a priori generalizability. With the wide adoption of electronic health records systems, rich real‐world patient databases are increasingly available for generalizability assessment; however, informatics tools are lacking to support the adoption of generalizability assessment practice.
No evidence for the ‘rate‐of‐living’ theory across the tetrapod tree of life
Authors: Stark Gavin , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel , Meiri Shai
Published: February 2020

Aim

The ‘rate‐of‐living’ theory predicts that life expectancy is a negative function of the rates at which organisms metabolize. According to this theory, factors that accelerate metabolic rates, such as high body temperature and active foraging, lead to organismic ‘wear‐out’. This process reduces life span through an accumulation of biochemical errors and the build‐up of toxic metabolic by‐products. Although the rate‐of‐living theory is a keystone underlying our understanding of life‐history trade‐offs, its validity has been recently questioned. The rate‐of‐living theory has never been tested on a global scale in a phylogenetic framework, or across both endotherms and ectotherms. Here, we test several of its fundamental predictions across the tetrapod tree of life.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Land vertebrates.

Methods

Using a dataset spanning the life span data of 4,100 land vertebrate species (2,214 endotherms, 1,886 ectotherms), we performed the most comprehensive test to date of the fundamental predictions underlying the rate‐of‐living theory. We investigated how metabolic rates, and a range of factors generally perceived to be strongly associated with them, relate to longevity.

Results

Our findings did not support the predictions of the rate‐of‐living theory. Basal and field metabolic rates, seasonality, and activity times, as well as reptile body temperatures and foraging ecology, were found to be unrelated to longevity. In contrast, lower longevity across ectotherm species was associated with high environmental temperatures.

Main conclusions

We conclude that the rate‐of‐living theory does not hold true for terrestrial vertebrates, and suggest that life expectancy is driven by selection arising from extrinsic mortality factors. A simple link between metabolic rates, oxidative damage and life span is not supported. Importantly, our findings highlight the potential for rapid warming, resulting from the current increase in global temperatures, to drive accelerated rates of senescence in ectotherms.
Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide rapidly activates trigeminal sensory neurons and may contribute to pulpal pain
Authors: Kaewpitak A. , Bauer C. S. , Seward E. P. , Boissonade F. M. , Douglas C. W. I.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To determine whether Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can directly activate trigeminal neurons, to identify which receptors are involved and to establish whether activation leads to secretion of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and/or the translocation of NF‐κB.

Methodology

Mouse trigeminal ganglion (TG) cells were cultured in vitro for 2 days. The effect of P. gingivalis LPS (20 μg mL−1) on calcium signalling was assessed (by calcium imaging using Cal‐520 AM) in comparison with the transient receptor potential channel A1 (TRPA1) agonist cinnamaldehyde (CA; 100 μmol L−1), the TRP channel V1 (TRPV1) agonist capsaicin (CAP; 1 μmol L−1) and high potassium (60 mmol L−1 KCl). TG cultures were pre‐treated with either 1 μmol L−1 CLI‐095 to block Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling or with 3 μmol L−1 HC‐030031 to block TRPA1 signalling. CGRP release was determined using ELISA, and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB was investigated using immunocytochemistry. Data were analysed by one‐way analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test as appropriate.

Results

Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS directly exerted a rapid excitatory response on sensory neurons and non‐neuronal cells (P < 0.001 to P < 0.05). The effects on neurons appear to be mediated via TLR4‐ and TRPA1‐dependent pathways. The responses were accompanied by an increased release of CGRP (P < 0.001) and by NF‐κB nuclear translocation (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS directly activated trigeminal sensory neurons (via TLR4 and TRPA1 receptors) and non‐neuronal cells, resulting in CGRP release and NF‐κB nuclear translocation. This indicates that P. gingivalis can directly influence activity in trigeminal sensory neurons and this may contribute to acute and chronic inflammatory pain.
Physiological characteristics and irrigation water productivity of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) in response to deficit irrigation imposed at different growing stages—A field study from Southern Iran
Authors: Razzaghi Fatemeh , Bahadori-Ghasroldashti Mohammad Reza , Henriksen Signe , Sepaskhah Ali Reza , Jacobsen Sven‐Erik
Published: February 2020

Iran has been faced to drought during last decades, and one way to overcome this phenomenon is to improve the water productivity by introducing new crops tolerant to water stresses such as quinoa. Two‐year field experiment was performed to find out the response of quinoa (cv. Titicaca) to deficit irrigation imposed at different growing stages. Hence, the effect of full irrigation (100% irrigation water requirement) and deficit irrigation (50% full irrigation) on physiological parameters, yield, irrigation water productivity and root density of quinoa was investigated during 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. The result showed that there was a significant difference between all variables in two years. Higher average air temperature in 2017 (2.0°C) resulted in a reduction of seed yield and water productivity (55% and 40% of that obtained in 2016, respectively). Application of deficit irrigation during different growing stages reduced crop height, stomatal conductance and seed yield, while it increased the root length density in both years. In conclusion, flowering stage of quinoa was very sensitive to deficit irrigation, and irrigation at grain filling stage would not help to recover the seed yield. Furthermore, the seed yield was lower than that obtained in other studies performed in other countries using same quinoa cultivar, which could be due to higher amount of applied irrigation water and different phenology under different climatic conditions. A decision on cultivating this crop under semi‐arid conditions has to be made considering limited water resources.
Phenol metabolism of two cultivars of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) as affected by ozone and flooding stress
Authors: Chen Chong , Chen Songsong , Jha Rohit Kumar , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , Nali Cristina , Lorenzini Giacomo , Ma Limin
Published: February 2020

To compare the phenolic responses under oxidative stressors, plants of two Italian cultivars of durum wheat (Claudio and Mongibello) were (a) exposed to ozone (O3) (80 ppb, 5 hr/day for 70 consecutive days), with the aim to investigate the changes of phenolic compound contents in their leaves, or (b) flooded (seven consecutive days). Plants showed O3‐induced visible injury, but their photosynthetic performance was not affected by the pollutant. Specifically, Claudio showed a higher O3 tolerance than Mongibello. The major value of the present study is undoubtedly the pioneering investigation of phenolic metabolism of durum wheat under O3. We identified 12 foliar phenolic compounds in all leaf samples (i.e. controls, exposed to O3 and flooded): ten phenolic acids, a flavanol (catechin hydrate) and a phenolic aldehyde (syringaldehyde). Overall, O3 exposure resulted in accumulations of phenolic compounds, especially in Claudio. These responses can be likely considered a fine‐regulated repair process that equipped Claudio stressed plants with an antioxidant system capable of scavenging oxidative stress. Different phenolic variations were found in flooded plants, suggesting that phenolic response to environmental constraints is stress specific. Our study confirms that investigations and characterization of specific phenolic profiles of crop cultivars under oxidative stress may be helpful in breeding programmes.
LncRNA TUG1 alleviates cardiac hypertrophy by targeting miR‐34a/DKK1/Wnt‐β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Fang Qingxia , Liu Ting , Yu Chenhuan , Yang Xiuli , Shao Yanfei , Shi Jiana , Ye Xiaolan , Zheng Xiaochun , Yan Jieping , Xu Danfeng , Zou Xiaozhou
Published: February 2020

The current study was designed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of lncRNA taurine up‐regulated gene 1 (TUG1) in cardiac hypertrophy. Mice were treated by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery to induce cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiomyocytes were treated by phenylephrine (PE) to induce hypertrophic phenotype. Haematoxylin‐eosin (HE), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and immunofluorescence (IF) were used to examine morphological alterations. Real‐time PCR, Western blots and IF staining were used to detect the expression of RNAs and proteins. Luciferase assay and RNA pull‐down assay were used to verify the interaction. It is revealed that TUG1 was up‐regulated in the hearts of mice treated by TAC surgery and in PE‐induced cardiomyocytes. Functionally, overexpression of TUG1 alleviated cardiac hypertrophy both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, TUG1 sponged and sequestered miR‐34a to increase the Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) level, which eventually inhibited the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. In conclusion, the current study reported the protective role and regulatory mechanism of TUG1 in cardiac hypertrophy and suggested that TUG1 may serve as a novel molecular target for treating cardiac hypertrophy.
FoxO1 regulates TLR4/MyD88/MD2‐NF‐κB inflammatory signalling in mucosal barrier injury of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Han Chenyang , Guo Li , Sheng Yongjia , Yang Yi , Wang Jin , Gu Yanling , Li Wenyan , Zhou Xiaohong , Jiao Qingcai
Published: February 2020

In this study, FoxO1 transgenic mice (transgenic, FoxO1‐Tg) and C57BL/6 wild‐type (wild‐type, FoxO1‐WT) mice were used to establish chronic colitis by drinking water containing dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Afterwards, we observed the life changes in mice and assessed the pathological changes by H&E tissue staining. In addition, the TLR4/MyD88/MD2‐NF‐κB inflammatory signals were detected. As a result, under DSS treatment, the activation level of TLR4/MyD88/MD2‐NF‐κB inflammatory signal was higher in FoxO1‐Tg mice than that in FoxO1‐WT mice. Meanwhile, the intestinal mucosal tissue damage was more severe, the down‐regulation of tight junction protein level was more significant and the life quality was decreased to a higher degree in FoxO1‐Tg mice compared with those in FoxO1‐WT mice. Caco‐2 cells were used to mimic the intestinal mucosal barrier model for in vitro assays. In addition, lentiviral packaging FoxO1 overexpressing plasmid was transfected into Caco‐2 cells for FoxO1 overexpression. TNF‐α intervention was performed for intestinal mucosal inflammatory response model. Consequently, the down‐regulation of FoxO1 inhibited the activation of TLR4/MyD88/MD2‐NF‐κB inflammatory signal, decreased the mucosal barrier permeability and up‐regulated the expression of tight junction protein. By contrast, the overexpression of FoxO1 increased the mucosal barrier permeability and down‐regulated the level of tight junction protein.
Life cycle greenhouse gas emission and cost analysis of prefabricated concrete building façade elements
Authors: Zhang Chunbo , Hu Mingming , Yang Xining , Amati Arianna , Tukker Arnold
Published: February 2020

Buildings are responsible for approximately 36% of carbon emissions in the European Union. Besides, gradual aging and a lack of adaptability and flexibility of buildings often lead to destructive interventions, resulting not only in higher costs but also in a large amount of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Recently, an innovative system (Ref. VEEP project) has been developed to recycle CDW for the manufacturing of energy‐efficient prefabricated concrete elements (PCE) for new building construction. By applying life cycle costing (LCC) and life cycle assessment (LCA), this study aimed to determine whether the use of VEEP PCE leads to lower carbon emission and lower associated costs over the life cycle of an exemplary four‐story residential building in the Netherlands than a business‐as‐usual (BAU) PCE scenario. This paper provides a case study on the alignment and/or integration of LCA and LCC in an independent and a combined manner (via monetization). This study examines how the internalization of carbon emission and discount rate will affect the final life cycle costs over a 40‐year life span. The simulation results show that the key to economic viability and environmental soundness of VEEP PCE is to reduce production cost and to optimize the thermal performance of the novel isolation material Aerogel; internalization of external cost monetarizes the environmental advantage thus slightly expands the cost advantage of low carbon options, but leads to larger uncertainty about the LCC result.
H3K36me2 is highly correlated with m6A modifications in plants
Authors: Shim Sangrea , Lee Hong Gil , Lee Hongwoo , Seo Pil Joon
Published: February 2020

The intimate linkage between H3K36me3 and m6A modifications has been demonstrated in mammals. In this issue, Shim et al. (2020) show that similar crosstalk between histone modification and mRNA methylation is conserved in plants, but H3K36me2 is more important for m6A deposition in plants.
Synaptotagmin‐7 enhances calcium‐sensing of chromaffin cell granules and slows discharge of granule cargos
Authors: Bendahmane Mounir , Morales Alina , Kreutzberger Alex J. B. , Schenk Noah A. , Mohan Ramkumar , Bakshi Shreeya , Philippe Julie M. , Zhang Shuang , Kiessling Volker , Tamm Lukas K. , Giovannucci David R. , Jenkins Paul M. , Anantharam Arun
Published: February 2020

Synaptotagmin‐7 (Syt‐7) is one of two major calcium sensors for exocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells, the other being synaptotagmin‐1 (Syt‐1). Despite a broad appreciation for the importance of Syt‐7, questions remain as to its localization, function in mediating discharge of dense core granule cargos, and role in triggering release in response to physiological stimulation. These questions were addressed using two distinct experimental preparations—mouse chromaffin cells lacking endogenous Syt‐7 (KO cells) and a reconstituted system employing cell‐derived granules expressing either Syt‐7 or Syt‐1. First, using immunofluorescence imaging and subcellular fractionation, it is shown that Syt‐7 is widely distributed in organelles, including dense core granules. Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging demonstrates that the kinetics and probability of granule fusion in Syt‐7 KO cells stimulated by a native secretagogue, acetylcholine, are markedly lower than in WT cells. When fusion is observed, fluorescent cargo proteins are discharged more rapidly when only Syt‐1 is available to facilitate release. To determine the extent to which the aforementioned results are attributable purely to Syt‐7, granules expressing only Syt‐7 or Syt‐1 were triggered to fuse on planar supported bilayers bearing plasma membrane SNARE proteins. Here, as in cells, Syt‐7 confers substantially greater calcium sensitivity to granule fusion than Syt‐1 and slows the rate at which cargos are released. Overall, this study demonstrates that by virtue of its high affinity for calcium and effects on fusion pore expansion, Syt‐7 plays a central role in regulating secretory output from adrenal chromaffin cells.

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The Anatomical Society’s Core Anatomy Syllabus for Dental Undergraduates
Authors: Matthan J , Cobb M , McHanwell S , Moxham B J , Finn G M
Published: February 2020

The Anatomical Society has developed a series of learning outcomes in consultation with dentists, dental educators and anatomists delivering anatomical content to undergraduate dental students. A modified Delphi methodology was adopted to select experts within the field that would recommend core anatomical content in undergraduate dental programmes throughout the UK. Utilising the extensive learning outcomes from two UK Dental Schools, and neuroanatomy learning outcomes that remained outside the Anatomical Society's Core Gross Anatomy Syllabus for Medical Students, a modified Delphi technique was utilised to develop dental anatomical learning outcomes relevant to dental graduates. The Delphi panel consisted of 62 individuals (n = 62) from a wide pool of educators associated with the majority of undergraduate dental schools in the UK, representing a broad spectrum of UK Higher Education Institutions. The output from this study was 147 anatomical learning outcomes deemed to be applicable to all dental undergraduate programmes in the UK. The new recommended core anatomy syllabus for dental undergraduates, grouped into body regions, offers a comprehensive anatomical framework with which to scaffold clinical practice. The syllabus, presented as a set of learning outcomes, may be used in a variety of pedagogic situations, including where anatomy teaching exists within an integrated dental curriculum (both horizontally in the basic sciences part of the curriculum and vertically within the clinical years).
Squamate egg tooth development revisited using three‐dimensional reconstructions of brown anole (Anolis sagrei, Squamata, Dactyloidae) dentition
Authors: Hermyt Mateusz , Janiszewska Katarzyna , Rupik Weronika
Published: February 2020

The egg tooth is a hatching adaptation, characteristic of all squamates. In brown anole embryos, the first tooth that starts differentiating is the egg tooth. It develops from a single tooth germ and, similar to the regular dentition of all the other vertebrates, the differentiating egg tooth of the brown anole passes through classic morphological and developmental stages named according to the shape of the dental epithelium: epithelial thickening, dental lamina, tooth bud, cap and bell stages. The differentiating egg tooth consists of three parts: the enamel organ, hard tissues and dental pulp. Shortly before hatching, the egg tooth connects with the premaxilla. Attachment tissue of the egg tooth does not undergo mineralization, which makes it different from the other teeth of most squamates. After hatching, odontoclasts are involved in resorption of the egg tooth's remains. This study shows that the brown anole egg tooth does not completely conform to previous reports describing iguanomorph egg teeth and reveals a need to investigate its development in the context of squamate phylogeny.
Abomasitis in calves: A retrospective cohort study of 23 cases (2006‐2016)
Authors: Guarnieri Eloi , Fecteau Gilles , Berman Julie , Desrochers André , Babkine Marie , Nichols Sylvain , Francoz David
Published: February 2020

Background

Abomasitis is a syndrome affecting young milk‐fed calves. The current veterinary literature describes mainly its necropsy findings.

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentation, complementary tests, treatments, and case‐fatality rate of calves with a clinical diagnosis of abomasitis and to identify potential factors associated with outcome.

Methods

Observational retrospective cohort study (2006‐2016). Review of the medical records of calves <3 months of age presented with abdominal and abomasal distension for <7 days that were clinically diagnosed with abomasitis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Université de Montréal. A follow‐up examination was conducted by telephone interview.

Animals

Twenty‐three calves clinically diagnosed with abomasitis.

Results

Median age of presentation was 3 days (range, 0‐62 days). The typical duration of the clinical course was <24 hours (15/23). On admission, the 2 most common clinical signs were anorexia (13/14) and positive succussion (13/14). Hyper‐l‐lactatemia (15/16) and increased γ‐glutamyl‐transferase activity (13/14) were the most common laboratory abnormalities. Hypoproteinemia (19/22) and a left shift (15/18) of the neutrophils also were observed. The short‐term case‐fatality rate was 52% (12/23). The clinical diagnosis was confirmed on all necropsied calves. Clostridium spp. and Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Based on univariate statistical analysis, the surviving calves were significantly (P < .05) less hypothermic, less acidemic, less hyper‐l‐lactatemic, and had lower serum creatinine concentrations on admission than did the deceased calves.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In our study, abomasitis was associated with a guarded prognosis.
Evaluation of a serum tumour marker‐based recurrence prediction model after radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoo Jeongin , Lee Min Woo , Lee Dong Ho , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Han Joon Koo
Published: February 2020

Background & aims

A recent study showed that serum tumour marker‐based MoRAL score (11×√protein induced by vitamin K absence‐II [PIVKA] +2×√alpha‐foetoprotein [AFP]) can reflect both tumour burden and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to evaluate whether baseline MoRAL score could predict tumour recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for very‐early/early‐stage HCC.

Methods

A total of 576 HCC patients who underwent RFA as initial treatment were enrolled from two tertiary referral hospitals (256 in development cohort and 320 in validation cohort). The primary endpoint was recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and the secondary endpoints included cumulative risks of intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) and extrahepatic metastasis (EM).

Results

In the development cohort, MoRAL score was an independent prognostic factor of RFS (P = .02). The optimal cutoff MoRAL score for predicting RFS was 68. Patients with high MoRAL score (>68) showed significantly shorter RFS than did those with low MoRAL score (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.04, P < .001). The 5‐year RFS rates were 32.3% and 53.2% in high‐ and low‐MoRAL groups respectively. Risks of both IDR (HR = 1.76, P = .003) and EM (HR = 8.25, P = .006) were also significantly higher in high MoRAL group. These results were reproduced in the validation cohort: RFS (HR = 1.81, P < .001; 5‐year RFS rates = 27.7% vs 53.6%) was significantly shorter and risks of IDR (HR = 1.59, P = .003) and EM (HR = 6.19, P = .004) were significantly higher in high MoRAL group.

Conclusion

A high MoRAL score of >68 was significant a predictive factor of tumour recurrence after RFA for very‐early/early‐stage HCC. Moreover, it might be warranted to evaluate EM in patients with high baseline MoRAL scores.
Concurrent and Longitudinal Contributions of a Brief Assessment of Reading‐Specific Executive Function to Reading Comprehension in First and Second Grade Students
Authors: Cartwright Kelly B. , Marshall Timothy R. , Hatfield Nathan A.
Published: February 2020

Executive function (EF) contributes significantly to reading comprehension across the lifespan. Emerging research indicates domain‐specific assessments of EF are better suited for assessment and intervention in academic contexts. For example, graphophonological‐semantic cognitive flexibility (GSF), the ability to flexibly switch between the graphophonological and semantic components of printed words, contributes uniquely to reading comprehension across the lifespan, and GSF training improves children's reading comprehension. This study compared the original GSF measure, which is problematic for use in schools due to its subjectively interpreted explicit explanation component, to an abbreviated implicit task that is better suited for assessment of GSF in practical contexts in 68 first and second grade students. Implicit and explicit GSF contributed uniquely to reading comprehension concurrently and longitudinally when children (n = 31) were in third and fourth grades, beyond verbal ability, decoding ability, and matrix reasoning.