bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐Stop Shopping for Recovery: An Investigation of Participant Characteristics and Benefits Derived From U.S. Recovery Community Centers
Authors: Kelly John F. , Stout Robert L. , Jason Leonard A. , Fallah‐Sohy Nilofar , Hoffman Lauren A. , Hoeppner Bettina B.
Published: February 2020

Background

Recovery community centers (RCCs) are the “new kid on the block” in providing addiction recovery services, adding a third tier to the 2 existing tiers of formal treatment and mutual‐help organizations (MHOs). RCCs are intended to be recovery hubs facilitating “one‐stop shopping” in the accrual of recovery capital (e.g., recovery coaching; employment/educational linkages). Despite their growth, little is known about who uses RCCs, what they use, and how use relates to improvements in functioning and quality of life. Greater knowledge would inform the field about RCC's potential clinical and public health utility.

Methods

Online survey conducted with participants (N = 336) attending RCCs (k = 31) in the northeastern United States. Substance use history, services used, and derived benefits (e.g., quality of life) were assessed. Systematic regression modeling tested a priori theorized relationships among variables.

Results

RCC members (n = 336) were on average 41.1 ± 12.4 years of age, 50% female, predominantly White (78.6%), with high school or lower education (48.8%), and limited income (45.2% <$10,000 past‐year household income). Most had either a primary opioid (32.7%) or alcohol (26.8%) problem. Just under half (48.5%) reported a lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Participants had been attending RCCs for 2.6 ± 3.4 years, with many attending <1 year (35.4%). Most commonly used aspects were the socially oriented mutual‐help/peer groups and volunteering, but technological assistance and employment assistance were also common. Conceptual model testing found RCCs associated with increased recovery capital, but not social support; both of these theorized proximal outcomes, however, were related to improvements in psychological distress, self‐esteem, and quality of life.

Conclusions

RCCs are utilized by an array of individuals with few resources and primary opioid or alcohol histories. Whereas strong social supportive elements were common and highly rated, RCCs appear to play a more unique role not provided either by formal treatment or by MHOs in facilitating the acquisition of recovery capital and thereby enhancing functioning and quality of life.
Green M&A, legitimacy and risk‐taking: evidence from China’s heavy polluters
Authors: Li Bin , Xu Lei , McIver Ron , Wu Qian , Pan Ailing
Published: February 2020

Green merger and acquisition (M&A) activities may improve heavy polluters’ regulatory and organisational legitimacy, allowing greater access to resources and enhancing risk‐taking capacity. Adopting a proprietary 2008–2013 dataset, we examine outcomes from green M&A for China’s heavy‐polluting firms. We find that heavy polluters’ green M&A is associated with greater risk‐taking. Greater access to resources, and reduced financing constraints and tax liabilities suggest improved legitimacy. These effects are positively related to state ownership and government intervention in the M&A process. Our findings support the Porter hypothesis and have policy implications for green management of heavy polluters in emerging markets.
Firm life cycle and debt maturity structure: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Xu Longbing
Published: February 2020

This study examines the effect of firm life cycle on debt maturity structure (DMS) in China. We reveal that DMS is relatively low in the introduction and recession periods, while long‐term debt ratio of growth companies is high. Companies in booming industries need funds but have difficulty obtaining long‐term loans, whereas companies in recession can use more long‐term loans. The Chow test shows that DMS changed markedly before and after the new normal of China’s economy and the implementation of the ‘mass entrepreneurship and innovation campaign’. It is urgent to address sunset industries to improve the efficiency of resource allocation.
LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN THE LONG RUN: JAPAN, 1600–1909
Authors: Settsu Tokihiko , Takashima Masanori
Published: February 2020

This article examines long‐term labour productivity change in Japan from the early seventeenth century to the nineteenth century. We constructed sectoral labour force estimates based on the methodology presented in a previous study, who provided a sectoral GDP series covering the Tokugawa period. Our results show the industrial structure in the Tokugawa period remained relatively stable in comparison with the economy after the Meiji Restoration. Nevertheless, the estimates of sectoral labour productivity suggest expansion of the market economy in Tokugawa Japan influenced the development of industrialisation after the Meiji Restoration.
Altitudinal distribution and diversity of insects in miombo woodlands in Inhamacari, Manica Province, central Mozambique
Authors: Nhiuane Osório , Cuaranhua Cláudio , Rombe Bandeira Romana
Published: February 2020

To evaluate the role of altitude on distribution pattern and diversity of entomofauna on miombo woodlands, four altitudes (850, 1,000, 1,250 and 1,400 m) were selected in a characteristic mountainous forest of Inhamacari in Mozambique in July 2015. In each sampling altitude, a linear transect with 16 yellow pan traps spaced 2 m apart was established for insect capture. Capture results allowed assessment of insect distribution by determination of insect abundance and relative frequency. Insect diversity estimates were determined by Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indices. Altitude similarity was assessed by the Jaccard coefficient. The chi‐square test () was used to compare insect abundance and distribution along the altitudinal gradient. Altitude significantly affected insect abundance, relative frequency and distribution, with a nonlinear decrease with increasing altitude. Families Formicidae (Hymenoptera) and Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) were most dominant. Highest diversity and more families confined to unique altitudinal positions were found at 1,250 m while the lowest diversity was observed at 1,000 m.a.s.l. Among the altitudes, greater similarity was found between 1,000 and 1,400 m. In conclusion, altitude had a significant effect on insect family's distribution. However, further research is recommended in order to understand effect of vegetation composition and structure on insect diversity at different altitudes.
An analysis of citations of publications in anaesthesia journals
Authors: McHugh U. M. , Yentis S. M.
Published: February 2020

Which journals cite work published in anaesthetic journals is of potential interest to authors, editors and publishers. We analysed citations made in 2017–2018 for articles, reviews, editorials and letters published by 12 anaesthetic journals in 2016, using the Web of Science™ citation index platform. We analysed 12,544 citations made for 3518 items. Citations were most often made by specialist anaesthesia journals and critical care journals, and occurred most commonly in articles, followed by reviews, editorials and letters. The median (IQR [range]) number of citations made per item was 3.3 (2.6–4.1 [1.6–5.1]). The median (IQR [range]) number of journals that cited the 12 source journals was 302 (236–449 [139–671]). The median (IQR [range]) proportion of citations made by the same journal that published the items (i.e. ‘self‐citations’) was 15% (11–17% [5–32%]). There were 1305/1932 (68%) citations made by North American journals for items published in North American journals and 1712/2063 (83%) citations made by European journals for items published in European journals, p < 0.0001. Our analysis may inform authors, editors and publishers where to submit work, what editorial policy to pursue and what journal strategy to follow, respectively.
A systematic review of phenylephrine vs. noradrenaline for the management of hypotension associated with neuraxial anaesthesia in women undergoing caesarean section
Authors: Heesen M. , Hilber N. , Rijs K. , Rossaint R. , Girard T. , Mercier F.J. , Klimek M.
Published: February 2020

Phenylephrine is recommended for the management of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia in women undergoing caesarean section. Noradrenaline, an adrenergic agonist with weak β‐adrenergic activity, has been reported to have a more favourable haemodynamic profile than phenylephrine. However, there are concerns that noradrenaline may be associated with a higher risk of fetal acidosis, defined as an umbilical artery pH < 7.20. We performed a systematic review of trials comparing noradrenaline with phenylephrine, concentrating on primary outcomes of fetal acidosis and maternal hypotension. We identified 13 randomised controlled trials including 2002 patients. Heterogeneity among the studies was high, and there were too few data to calculate a pooled effect estimate. Fetal acidosis was assessed in four studies that had a low risk of bias and a low risk of confounding, that is, studies which used a prophylactic vasopressor and where women received the allocated vasopressor only. There were no significant differences between these studies. No significant differences were observed for hypotension. Two trials found a significantly lower incidence of bradycardia when using noradrenaline. Cardiac output was significantly higher after noradrenaline in two of three studies. For other secondary outcomes including nausea, vomiting and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, no studies found significant differences. The evidence so far is too limited to support an advantage of noradrenaline over phenylephrine. Concerns of a deleterious effect of noradrenaline on fetal blood gas status cannot currently be assuaged by the available data from randomised controlled studies.
The Internet of Landlords: Digital Platforms and New Mechanisms of Rentier Capitalism
Authors: Sadowski Jathan
Published: February 2020

Digital platforms are a nearly ubiquitous form of intermediary and infrastructure in society. By positioning platforms in the geographical political economy/ecology literature, this paper provides a critical analysis of platforms as a dominant form of rentier in contemporary capitalism. In doing so, I extend this work on rent theory beyond applications to land and nature so that it also includes platforms and data. I argue that the rapid rise of the “X‐as‐a‐service” business model across nearly all sectors of the economy is creating rentier relations by another name. This model is premised on the platform latching onto and inserting itself into the production, circulation, or consumption process, thus creating opportunities to capture value. To better understand the operations and implications of platforms, I outline three key mechanisms: data extraction, digital enclosure, and capital convergence.
Six commonly used empirical body surface area formulas disagreed in young children undergoing corrective heart surgery
Authors: Sigurdsson Theodor Skuli , Lindberg Lars
Published: February 2020

Aim

Formulas for empirical body surface area (BSA), which is used to estimate body size and standardise physiological parameters, may disagree in children. We compared six commonly used BSA formulas—Du Bois, Boyd, Costeff, Haycock, Meban and Mosteller—in a surgical cohort.

Methods

This retrospective single‐centre cohort study comprised 68 children who had corrective heart surgery at Skåne University Children's Hospital, Lund, Sweden, from February 2010 to March 2017.

Results

The children (51% female) underwent surgery at a mean weight of 7.0 kilograms (range 2.7‐14.1 kg) and a mean age 11 months (range 0‐43 months). All the BSA formulas showed good correlation with mean BSA, but there were considerable variations between them. Mosteller's formula was exactly the same as the mean BSA (bias 0.000). The Du Bois and Boyd formulas had the largest mean BSA deviations (bias −0.012 and 0.015). Costeff's formula showed good agreement with mean BSA, Haycock's formula showed minimal overestimation and Meban's formula demonstrated a systemic error in older children.

Conclusion

Commonly used BSA formulas did not agree in young children undergoing heart surgery, but they were all close to the overall mean of the six formulas, with the Mosteller formula producing the same value.
Renal oxygenation: From data to insight
Authors: Gardiner Bruce S. , Smith David W. , Lee Chang‐Joon , Ngo Jennifer P. , Evans Roger G.
Published: February 2020

Computational models have made a major contribution to the field of physiology. As the complexity of our understanding of biological systems expands, the need for computational methods only increases. But collaboration between experimental physiologists and computational modellers (ie theoretical physiologists) is not easy. One of the major challenges is to break down the barriers created by differences in vocabulary and approach between the two disciplines. In this review, we have two major aims. Firstly, we wish to contribute to the effort to break down these barriers and so encourage more interdisciplinary collaboration. So, we begin with a “primer” on the ways in which computational models can help us understand physiology and pathophysiology. Second, we aim to provide an update of recent efforts in one specific area of physiology, renal oxygenation. This work is shedding new light on the causes and consequences of renal hypoxia. But as importantly, computational modelling is providing direction for experimental physiologists working in the field of renal oxygenation by: (a) generating new hypotheses that can be tested in experimental studies, (b) allowing experiments that are technically unfeasible to be simulated in silico, or variables that cannot be measured experimentally to be estimated, and (c) providing a means by which the quality of experimental data can be assessed. Critically, based on our experience, we strongly believe that experimental and theoretical physiology should not be seen as separate exercises. Rather, they should be integrated to permit an iterative process between modelling and experimentation.
Can vancomycin lock therapy extend the retention time of infected long‐term catheters?
Authors: Alonso Beatriz , Fernández‐Cruz Ana , Díaz Marta , Sánchez‐Carrillo Carlos , Martín‐Rabadán Pablo , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia , Guembe María
Published: February 2020

We assessed the success rate of vancomycin catheter lock therapy (VLT) in combination with systemic antimicrobials in patients with staphylococcal catheter‐related bloodstream infection (C‐RBSI). Over a 6‐year period, we retrospectively collected clinical and microbiological data from patients with long‐term central venous catheters and staphylococcal C‐RBSI who were treated with systemic antimicrobials and VLT. We then assessed the success rate of VLT based on two criteria: 1) catheter retention time> 3 months and 2) catheter in place until end of use. We found 217 staphylococcal C‐RBSI episodes, 115 (53.0%) of which were managed with conservative therapy. Of these, 76 (66.1%) were treated with VLT (85.5% coagulase‐negative staphylococci and 14.5% Staphylococcus aureus). The success rate of VLT was 42.1% with criterion 1 and 71.1% with criterion 2. We did not find statistically significant differences between success and failure in the majority of the clinical data recorded. We only found differences for crude mortality in criterion 1 and for parenteral nutrition in criterion 2. The success of catheter retention using VLT was moderate, reaching slightly more than 70% when the catheter was kept in place until the end of use.
Measurement invariances of the PHQ‐9 across gender and age groups in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Leung Doris Y.P. , Mak Yim Wah , Leung Sau Fong , Chiang Vico C.L. , Loke Alice Yuen
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) is widely used to determine the severity of depression in adult populations, but its psychometric properties with regard to adolescents has been poorly explored. The present study aims to identify the factor structure and examine the measurement invariance of this instrument across genders and age groups in a Chinese adolescent sample.

Methods

A large sample of Chinese schoolchildren completed the PHQ‐9 in a cross‐sectional survey in Hong Kong (N = 10 933). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test the factor structure and a multiple group CFA to test the gender and age invariances of the PHQ‐9 in adolescents were conducted. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the reliability of the questionnaire, and Pearson correlations with anxiety, self‐esteem, and perceived control were used to assess its construct validity.

Results

The CFA results indicate that a one‐factor model with three pairs of item correlations fitted the PHQ‐9 data well, and measurement invariances by age and gender were supported. The PHQ‐9 also possesses adequate internal consistency (>.84) and is strongly correlated with anxiety (>.77), self‐esteem (<−.57), and perceived control (<−.56) in the expected directions in the overall sample and in the gender and age subsamples.

Discussion

The results support the claim that the PHQ‐9 is a reliable and valid scale and can be used to assess and compare depressive severity across ages and genders during the period of adolescence.
Single‐incision laparoscopic colectomy for ascending colon tumor with relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Teranishi Ryugo , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Kido Kansuke , Nishide Masayuki , Fujino Shiki , Ogino Takayuki , Takahashi Hidekazu , Uemura Mamoru , Matsuda Chu , Mizusima Tsunekazu , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: February 2020

A 69‐year‐old man underwent single‐incision laparoscopic colectomy for a colon tumor. He had comorbid relapsing polychondritis, an uncommon and intractable chronic inflammatory disease that shows various symptoms and systemically invades the cartilaginous tissue throughout the body. In this case, the bronchial wall was edematous and the glottis was incompetent. Steroids were also administered. Although the patient had high‐risk factors for surgical complications, none occurred during the perioperative period. Once the C‐reactive protein value returned to within the normal range after surgery, we reduced the steroid dose. This is the first report of single‐incision laparoscopic colectomy for a patient with relapsing polychondritis.
Climate‐based approach for modeling the distribution of montane forest vegetation in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Huan‐Yu , Li Ching‐Feng , Chen Tze‐Ying , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Wang Guangyu , Wang Tongli , Hu Jer‐Ming
Published: February 2020

Aims

Climate shapes forest types on our planet and also drives the differentiation of zonal vegetation at regional scale. A climate‐based ecological model may provide an effective alternative to the traditional approach for assessing limitations, thresholds, and the potential distribution of forests. The main objective of this study is to develop such a model, with a machine‐learning approach based on scale‐free climate variable estimates and classified vegetation plots, to generate a fine‐scale predicted vegetation map of Taiwan, a subtropical mountainous island.

Location

Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 3,824 plots from 13 climate‐related forest types and 57 climatic variable estimates for each plot were used to build an individual ecological niche model for each forest type with random forest (RF). A predicted vegetation map was developed through the assemblage of RF predictions for each forest type at the spatial resolution of 100 m. The accuracy of the ensemble RF model was evaluated by comparing the predicted forest type with its original classification by plot.

Results

The climate environment of regions higher than 100 m above sea level in Taiwan was classified into potential habitats of 13 forest types by using model predictions. The predicted vegetation map displays a distinct altitudinal zonation from subalpine to montane cloud forests, followed by the latitudinal differentiation of subtropical mountain forests in the north and tropical montane forests in the south, with an average mismatch rate of 6.59%. An elevational profile and 3D visualization demonstrate the excellence of the model in estimating a fine, precise, and topographically corresponding potential distribution of forests.

Conclusions

The machine‐learning approach is effective for handling a large number of variables and to provide accurate predictions. This study provides a statistical procedure integrating two sources of training data: (a) the locations of field sampling plots; and (b) their corresponding climate variable estimates, to predict the potential distribution of climate‐related forests.
Acute exposures to e‐cigarettes and heat‐not‐burn products reported to the Czech Toxicological Information Centre over a 7‐year period (2012‐2018)
Authors: Obertova Nikola , Navratil Tomas , Zak Ivan , Zakharov Sergey
Published: February 2020

E‐cigarettes and heat‐not‐burn cigarettes (HNBC) present new health risks due to their rising popularity, high content of nicotine and serious adverse effects. The objective of the study was to analyse the cases of acute exposure to e‐cigarettes, e‐liquids and HNBC products containing nicotine that led to toxicological consultations at our poisons control centre during a 7‐year period (2012‐2018) and identify the categories of special concern that require further investigation and intervention. The demographic, toxicological and clinical data were analysed by descriptive statistics. Poisoning severity score (PSS) was estimated. From 119 229 consultations, 148 cases concerned acute exposure to e‐cigarettes. Children and adolescents were exposed in 91 (61%) cases, including exposure of neonates and infants in 54 (36%) cases. The main route of exposure was ingestion in 129 (87%), inhalation in nine (6%), ocular in six (4%) and intravenous administration in three (2%) cases. The source of exposure was the cartridge with e‐liquid (107; 72%), refillable tank in 29 (20%) and HNBC refill in nine (6%) cases. The reason for exposure was accidental in 110 (74%), incorrect application of the device in 10 (7%), abuse in six (4%), suicide attempt in six (4%) and other/unknown in 16 (11%) cases. The dose estimation was severe/lethal in 6 (4%), toxic in 53 (36%), low‐to‐moderate in 35 (24%) and unknown in 54 (36%) cases. Vomiting was observed in 38 (26%) patients; 72% of patients were hospitalised. In symptomatic cases, 41 patient had PSS 1, 12 patients had PSS 2, and one patient had PSS 3. Activated charcoal was applied in 57 (39%) patients, and symptomatic treatment was recommended in 75 (51%) patients. Cases of unintentional exposure of children demonstrate the need for preventive risk reduction measures.
A Bayesian nonparametric testing procedure for paired samples
Authors: Pereira Luz Adriana , Taylor‐Rodríguez Daniel , Gutiérrez Luis
Published: February 2020

We propose a Bayesian hypothesis testing procedure for comparing the distributions of paired samples. The procedure is based on a flexible model for the joint distribution of both samples. The flexibility is given by a mixture of Dirichlet processes. Our proposal uses a spike‐slab prior specification for the base measure of the Dirichlet process and a particular parametrization for the kernel of the mixture in order to facilitate comparisons and posterior inference. The joint model allows us to derive the marginal distributions and test whether they differ or not. The procedure exploits the correlation between samples, relaxes the parametric assumptions, and detects possible differences throughout the entire distributions. A Monte Carlo simulation study comparing the performance of this strategy to other traditional alternatives is provided. Finally, we apply the proposed approach to spirometry data collected in the United States to investigate changes in pulmonary function in children and adolescents in response to air polluting factors.
Self‐disgust mediates the relationship between childhood adversities and psychosis
Authors: Simpson Jane , Helliwell Ben , Varese Filippo , Powell Philip
Published: February 2020

Objective

Traumatic events in childhood have been implicated in the development of psychosis, but given that trauma is not in itself sufficient to cause psychosis, researchers have started to investigate other psychological constructs potentially involved in explaining this relationship. Given that self‐disgust as a transdiagnostic construct plays a role in the development/maintenance of a range of mental health difficulties, the objective of this study was to investigate whether self‐disgust mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis.

Method

A cross‐sectional quantitative study design was used. Seventy‐eight participants (Mage = 37.64 years, SDage = 11.57 years; 77% women; 88% White Caucasian) who reported experiencing clinical levels of psychosis were recruited using social media. The participants completed online survey measures of childhood trauma, self‐disgust, experiences of psychosis, self‐esteem, and external shame. The data were analysed using correlation and mediation analyses.

Results

Significant indirect effects of childhood trauma on both positive (β = .17, BC 95% CI [0.06, 0.30]) and negative symptoms (β = .26, BC 95% CI [0.14, 0.40]) of psychosis via self‐disgust were observed. These effects remained despite the inclusion of self‐esteem and external shame as control variables in the mediation models.

Conclusion

This study is the first to show a mediating role for self‐disgust in the relationship between childhood trauma and later psychosis. Although the findings should be considered preliminary until strengthened by further research, they nevertheless provide corroboration of the potential utility of self‐disgust as a transdiagnostic construct not only from a theoretical perspective, but also from its potential to inform formulation and interventions.

Practitioner points

When assessing individuals with psychosis, especially those with a trauma history explore experiences and feelings related to the construct of self‐disgust. Such experiences are likely to centre on feelings of repulsion towards the self/need for distance and might also manifest in the content of their psychotic experiences.

Individuals with significant levels or experiences of self‐disgust are likely to need specific interventions to address these; while interventions seeking to improve positive aspects of their identity might well be useful, they are unlikely to address the specific maladaptive elements of self‐disgust.

While self‐disgust‐focused interventions have not been widely researched, limited current evidence suggests cognitive restructuring and affirmation techniques might be useful.
Long‐term data from a phase 3 study of radotinib versus imatinib in patients with newly diagnosed, chronic myeloid leukaemia in the chronic phase (RERISE)
Authors: Do Young Rok , Kwak Jae‐Yong , Kim Jeong A. , Kim Hyeoung Joon , Chung Joo Seop , Shin Ho‐Jin , Kim Sung‐Hyun , Bunworasate Udomsak , Choi Chul Won , Zang Dae Young , Oh Suk Joong , Jootar Saengsuree , Reksodiputro Ary Harryanto , Lee Won Sik , Mun Yeung‐Chul , Kong Jee Hyun , Caguioa Priscilla B. , Kim Hawk , Park Jinny , Kim Dong‐Wook
Published: February 2020

In the phase 3 study RERISE, patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukaemia in chronic phase demonstrated significantly faster and higher rates of major molecular response (MMR) with twice‐daily radotinib 300 mg (n = 79) or 400 mg (n = 81) than with once‐daily imatinib 400 mg (n = 81) after 12 months. With ≥48 months’ follow‐up, MMR was higher with radotinib 300 mg (86%) or 400 mg (83%) than with imatinib (75%). Among patients with BCR‐ABL1 ≤ 10% at three months, MMR and molecular response 4·5 (MR4·5) were achieved within 48 months by more radotinib‐treated patients (300 mg: 84% and 52%, respectively; 400 mg: 74% and 44%, respectively) than imatinib‐treated patients (71% and 44%, respectively). Estimated overall and progression‐free survival rates at 48 months were not significantly different between imatinib (94% and 94%, respectively) and radotinib 300 mg (99% and 97%, respectively) or 400 mg (95% and 93%, respectively). The treatment failure rate was significantly higher with imatinib (19%) than with radotinib 300 mg (6%; P = 0·0197) or 400 mg (5%; P = 0·0072). Safety profiles were consistent with previous reports; most adverse events occurred within 12 months. Radotinib continues to demonstrate robust, deep molecular responses, suggesting that treatment‐free remission may be attainable.
Effects of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), GSK2849466A, on stress urinary incontinence and bladder activity in rats with ovariectomy‐induced oestrogen deficiency
Authors: Kadekawa Katsumi , Kawamorita Naoki , Shimizu Takahiro , Kurobe Masahiro , Turnbull Philip S. , Chandra Sundeep , Kambara Takahito , Barton Joanna C. , Russell Alan J. , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To report the effect of a selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) on the urethral continence mechanisms in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX).

Materials and methods

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats with bilateral OVX were used. Rats were divided into five groups; sham operated, vehicle‐treated OVX, low‐dose SARM‐treated OVX (GSK2849466A: 0.005 mg/kg/day, per os [p.o.]), high‐dose SARM‐treated OVX (GSK2849466A: 0.03 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)‐treated OVX (1 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous) groups. After 4 weeks of SARM treatments or 3 weeks of DHT treatment (6 weeks after OVX), rats were subjected to evaluation of the sneeze‐induced continence reflex using microtransducer‐tipped catheter methods, sneeze‐induced leak‐point pressure, and continuous cystometry measurements, followed by histological analyses of urethral tissues.

Results

(i) OVX significantly impaired urethral continence function after 6 weeks to induce SUI during sneezing. (ii) Low‐dose SARM treatment restored urethral baseline pressure (UBP) without affecting the amplitude of urethral response during sneezing (A‐URS), partially reversing OVX‐induced SUI during sneezing. (iii) High‐dose SARM treatment reversed decreases in both UBP and A‐URS, more effectively preventing SUI during sneezing. (iv) DHT treatment only restored A‐URS without affecting UBP, partially preventing OVX‐induced SUI during sneezing. (v) The high‐dose SARM treatment induced hypertrophy of the striated and smooth muscle around the urethra. (vi) SARM treatment did not affect bladder function in sham or OVX rats.

Conclusion

Treatment with SARMs could be a more effective modality for the treatment of SUI than DHT, without affecting bladder function, by enhancing smooth‐ and striated muscle‐mediated urethral function under stress conditions such as sneezing.
Distinct petrographic responses to basin reorganization across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary in the southwestern Barents Sea
Authors: Line Lina H. , Müller Reidar , Klausen Tore G. , Jahren Jens , Hellevang Helge
Published: February 2020

A general shift towards higher mineralogical and textural maturity changes the reservoir character across the Triassic–Jurassic transition in the southwestern Barents Sea basin (SWBSB), largely affecting the hydrocarbon prospectivity in the region. Petrographic and geochronological provenance data presented in this paper suggest that the shift from mineralogically immature to mature sandstones initiated during the deposition of the Norian–Rhaetian Fruholmen Formation, and varies with basin location. Strong contrasts between the Fruholmen Formation and underlying formations are associated with proximity to the rejuvenated Caledonian and Fennoscandian hinterlands and are mainly restricted to the southern basin margins. In the basin interior, subtle petrographic variations between the Fruholmen Formation and older Triassic sandstones reflect a distal position relative to the southern hinterland. The long‐lived misconception of a regional compositional contrast in the Arctic at the turn of the Norian can be attributed to higher sampling frequency associated with hydrocarbon exploration activity along the southern basin margins, and masking by increased annual precipitation and subsequent reworking during the Jurassic. Geothermal signatures and rearrangement of ferric clay material across the Carnian–Norian transition support a recycled origin for the Fruholmen Formation in the basin interior. As the closest tectonically active region at the time, the Novaya Zemlya fold‐and‐thrust belt represents the best provenance candidate for polycyclic components in Norian–Rhaetian strata. In addition to recycling in the hinterland during the Late Triassic, local erosion of exposed intrabasinal highs and platforms at the Triassic–Jurassic transition represents a second process where thermodynamically unstable mineral components originally sourced from the Uralides may be removed. Textural and mineralogical modification may also have occurred in marginal‐marine depositional environments during periods with elevated sea level. Mature sediment supply from the rejuvenated hinterland in the south, multiple cycles of reworking and gradual accumulation of polycyclic grains have likely led to the extreme compositional maturity registered in the Tubåen, Nordmela and Stø formations in the SWBSB. It is likely that increased annual precipitation since the latest Carnian had an amplifying effect on sandstone maturation across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, but we consider the effect to be inferior compared to provenance shifts and reworking. Findings from this study are important for understanding compositional and textural maturity enhancement processes in siliciclastic sedimentary basins.
Tree communities and soil properties influence fungal community assembly in neotropical forests
Authors: Schimann Heidy , Vleminckx Jason , Baraloto Christopher , Engel Julien , Jaouen Gaelle , Louisanna Eliane , Manzi Sophie , Sagne Audrey , Roy Mélanie
Published: February 2020

The influence exerted by tree communities, topography, and soil chemistry on the assembly of macrofungal communities remains poorly understood, especially in highly diverse tropical forests. Here, we used a large dataset that combines inventories of macrofungal Basidiomycetes fruiting bodies, tree species composition, and measurements for 16 soil physicochemical parameters, collected in 34 plots located in four sites of lowland rain forests in French Guiana. Plots were established on three different topographical conditions: hilltop, slope, and seasonally flooded soils. We found hyperdiverse Basidiomycetes communities, mainly comprising members of Agaricales and Polyporales. Phosphorus, clay contents, and base saturation in soils strongly varied across plots and shaped the richness and composition of tree communities. The latter composition explained 23% of the variation in the composition of macrofungal communities, probably through high heterogeneity of the litter chemistry and selective effects of biotic interactions. The high local heterogeneity of habitats influenced the distribution of both macrofungi and trees, as a result of diversed local soil hydromorphic conditions associated with contrasting soil chemistry. This first regional study across habitats of French Guiana forests revealed new niches for macrofungi, such as ectomycorrhizal ones, and illustrates how macrofungi inventories are still paramount to can be to understand the processes at work in the tropics.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
GINS complex subunit 4, a prognostic biomarker and reversely mediated by Krüppel‐like factor 4, promotes the growth of colorectal cancer
Authors: Rong Zeyin , Luo Zai , Zhang Jianming , Li Tengfei , Zhu Zhonglin , Yu Zhilong , Fu Zhongmao , Qiu Zhengjun , Huang Chen
Published: February 2020

GINS complex subunit 4 (GINS4) is essential for DNA replication initiation and elongation in the G1/S phase cell cycle in eukaryotes, however, its functional roles and molecular mechanisms remain unclear in many aspects. Our study was designed to investigate the clinical significance, biological function, and molecular mechanism of GINS4 in colorectal cancer (CRC). First, we confirmed that GINS4 expression was significantly overexpressed in CRC cells and tissues. The immunohistochemical results in tissue microarray from 106 CRC patients showed that a high level of GINS4 expression was positively correlated with advanced T stage, higher tumor TNM stage, and poor differentiation. The results from univariate and multivariate survival analysis models based on 106 CRC patients revealed that GINS4 might serve as an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival and disease‐free survival of CRC patients. Moreover, downregulated GINS4 can inhibit growth and the cell cycle and accelerate cell apoptosis progression in vitro as well as inhibit tumorigenesis in vivo. Besides, our results also indicated that Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) can negatively regulate GINS4 expression at the transcriptional level and the KLF/GINS4 pathway might play a vital role in the growth and prognosis of CRC.
Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration or core needle biopsy for diagnosing follicular thyroid carcinoma?
Authors: Park Ko Woon , Shin Jung Hee , Hahn Soo Yeon , Oh Young Lyun , Kim Sun Wook , Kim Tae Hyuk , Chung Jae Hoon
Published: February 2020

Objective

We evaluated the preoperative diagnostic values of ultrasound (US), fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) leading to surgery in patients with FTC.

Methods

From October 1994 to July 2016, 298 patients with FTC who had preoperative US images and underwent US‐guided FNA or CNB and surgery were included in this study. We evaluated the results of preoperative FNA or CNB based on the Bethesda system and the US findings according to the Korean thyroid imaging reporting and data system (K‐TIRADS).

Results

Predominant US features of FTC showed solid, hypo‐ or iso‐echogenicity, oval smooth margin and halo with no calcification. Based on K‐TIRADS, 140 (47.0%) patients with FTC were categorized as low suspicion, 133 (44.63%) as intermediate suspicion and 25 (8.4%) as high suspicion at US. Considering only FNA cytology (n = 230), 6.9% were revealed as Bethesda class I, 16.1% as class II, 37.0% as class III, 29.1% as class IV and 10.9% as class V. Considering the 68 cases with CNB results, 2.9% were revealed as class I, 4.4% as class II, 20.6% as class III and 72.1% as class IV. Despite multiple FNAs, 16.7% of the 84 patients with FTC still obtained Bethesda class I or class II. CNB results in patients with FTC had a significantly higher rate of Bethesda class IV compared to the FNA results (P < .001). FTCs with distant metastasis exhibited a significantly higher rate of Bethesda classes IV and V compared to those without distant metastasis (P = .004).

Conclusion

Surgery for FTC is deferred only with preoperative US and FNA. CNB in patients with FTC can lead to surgery better than FNA. Therefore, if the US feature is characteristic and a serially growing large nodule is suspected, the first attempt of CNB may be helpful in selecting a surgical candidate.
Clinical and esthetic outcomes of two different prosthetic workflows for implant‐supported all‐ceramic single crowns—3 year results of a randomized multicenter clinical trail
Authors: Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Gavric Jelena , Sailer Irena , Buser Daniel , Wismeijer Daniel
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of this randomized multicenter clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the performance of anterior all‐ceramic implant crowns based either on prefabricated zirconia abutments veneered with pressed ceramics or on CAD/CAM zirconia abutments veneered with the hand build‐up technique. The null hypothesis was that there is no statistically significant difference between the two study groups.

Material and methods

Forty implants were inserted in sites 14–24 (World Dental Federation [FDI]) in two centers, the Universities of Bern and Geneva, Switzerland. Twenty patients each were randomized into either Group A and restored with one‐piece single crown made of a prefabricated zirconia abutment with pressed ceramic, or Group B using an individualized CAD/CAM zirconia abutment with the hand‐layered technique. After 3 years, clinical, esthetic, and radiographic parameters were assessed.

Results

Group A exhibited one dropout patient and one failure resulting in a survival rate of 89% after 3 years and two failures for Group B (90%). Clinical parameters presented healthy peri‐implant soft tissues. Overall, no crestal bone level changes were observed (mean DIB of 0.13 mm [Group A] and 0.24 mm [Group B]). There were no significant differences at baseline, 6 months, and 1 and 3 years for DIB values between the two groups. PES and WES values evaluated at all three time points indicated stability over time for both groups and pleasing esthetic outcomes.

Conclusions

Both implant‐supported prosthetic pathways represent a valuable treatment option for the restoration of implant crowns in the anterior maxilla.
A randomized controlled study comparing guided bone regeneration with connective tissue graft to re‐establish buccal convexity: One‐year aesthetic and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: De Bruyckere Thomas , Cosyn Jan , Younes Faris , Hellyn Jade , Bekx Jonas , Cleymaet Roberto , Eghbali Aryan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To compare guided bone regeneration (GBR) with connective tissue graft (CTG) in terms of aesthetic and patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs).

Materials and methods

Patients with a single tooth gap in the anterior maxilla and horizontal alveolar defect were enrolled in a single‐blind RCT. All sites had a buccopalatal bone dimension of at least 6 mm, received a single implant and were randomly allocated to the control (GBR) or test group (CTG) to re‐establish buccal soft tissue convexity. Primary outcomes were Pink Esthetic Score (PES) and Mucosal Scarring Index (MSI) assessed after 1 year. Secondary outcomes included PROMs registered during the early stages of healing and after 1 year.

Results

Twenty‐one patients were included per group (control: 11 females, mean age 51; test: nine females, mean age 48). Although there was no significant difference in the PES between the groups (control: 10.11; test: 10.48; p = .577), the MSI was significantly lower in the test (1.10) than in the control group (2.53) (p = .017). Based on descriptive statistics, the latter demonstrated wider scars, more colour mismatch and slightly more suture marks. However, these were not considered disturbing by the patients given similar VAS on soft tissue aesthetics (control: 84; test: 87). Oedema and haematoma were rated twice as high in the control group on at least two postoperative time points, and patients took more painkillers (7.10 vs. 4.86). OHIP‐14 decreased in both groups between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up, indicative of less discomfort in daily life. Differences in MSI and PROMs between the groups may be explained by the need of a vertical releasing incision in order to achieve sufficient access for GBR, periosteal incisions and the use of biomaterials that may induce inflammation.

Conclusion

GBR and CTG resulted in favourable aesthetic outcomes as assessed by professionals and patients. However, given additional vertical and periosteal incisions, GBR resulted in more scarring, postoperative discomfort and a higher need for painkillers.
Comparable survival outcome between transplantation from haploidentical donor and matched related donor or unrelated donor for severe aplastic anemia patients aged 40 years and older: A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Mo Wen‐Jian , Zuo Yang‐Yang , Zhou Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Yu , Li Yu‐Miao , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Chen Yu‐Hong , Chen Xiao‐Wei , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Wang Cai‐Xia , Lin Fan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Wang Shun‐Qing , Xu Lan‐Ping
Published: February 2020

This retrospective multicenter cohort study aimed to compare the outcome of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HID‐HSCT) with matched sibling donor (MSD) and unrelated donor (URD) transplantation in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients 40 years of age and older. With a median follow‐up time of 17.6 months, 85 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, and the median patient age was 45 years (40, 58). The cumulative engraftment rates of neutrophil and platelet were 98.8 ± 0.0% and 92.9 ± 0.1%. The cumulative incidences of Grade 2‐4 acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD) and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGvHD) at 3 years were 14.1 ± 0.1% and 17.3 ± 0.2%. The 3‐year estimated overall survival (OS) and failure‐free survival (FFS) were 91.2 ± 3.2% and 89.7 ± 3.5%. In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with inferior survival was an ECOG score ≥2. HID‐HSCT was associated with a higher incidence of GvHD, but the difference of 3‐year estimated OS between HID group and the other two cohorts was not significant (86.7 ± 6.4% for HID vs 92.1% ± 4.4% for MSD and 100% for URD, P = .481). HID‐HSCT might be a feasible alternative option for selected SAA patients aged 40 years and older without a matched donor.
Wound senescence: A functional link between diabetes and ageing?
Authors: Wilkinson Holly N. , Hardman Matthew J.
Published: February 2020

Arguably, the two most important causes of pathological healing in the skin are diabetes and ageing. While these factors have historically been considered independent modifiers of the healing process, recent studies suggest that they may be mechanistically linked. The primary contributor to diabetic pathology is hyperglycaemia, which accelerates the production of advanced glycation end products, a characteristic of ageing tissue. Indeed, advanced age also leads to mild hyperglycaemia. Here, we discuss emerging literature that reveals a hitherto unappreciated link between cellular senescence, diabetes and wound repair. Senescent cells cause widespread destruction of normal tissue architecture in ageing and have been shown to be increased in chronic wounds. However, the role of senescence remains controversial, with several studies reporting beneficial effects for transiently induced senescence in wound healing. We recently highlighted a direct role for senescence in diabetic healing pathology, mediated by the senescence receptor, CXCR2. These findings suggest that targeting local tissue senescence may provide a therapeutic strategy applicable to a broad range of chronic wound types.
Small‐molecule MDM2 inhibitor LQFM030‐induced apoptosis in p53‐null K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: de Oliveira Ribeiro Higor , Cortez Alane Pereira , de Ávila Renato Ivan , da Silva Artur Christian Garcia , de Carvalho Flávio Silva , Menegatti Ricardo , Lião Luciano Morais , Valadares Marize Campos
Published: February 2020

Our group designed and synthesized the N‐phenyl‐piperazine LQFM030 [1‐(4‐((1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1H–pyrazol‐4‐yl)methyl) piperazin‐1‐yl) ethanone], a small molecule derived from molecular simplification of the Nutlin‐1, an inhibitor of the human homologue of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) protein that is expressed in several types of cancer. To better investigate the effects of LQFM030 regarding the p53 mutation status, this study investigated the antiproliferative activity of LQFM030 against the p53‐null K562 leukemia cells as well as the cell death pathways involved. In addition, the effects of LQFM030 on the levels of the p53/MDM2 complex were also carried out using 3T3 cells as a p53 wild‐type model. Our data suggest that LQFM030 triggered apoptosis in K562 cells via different mechanisms including cell cycle arrest, caspase activation, reduction of mitochondrial activity, decrease in MDM2 expression, and transcriptional modulation of MDMX, p73, MYC, and NF‐ĸB. Additionally, it promoted effects in p53/MDM2 binding in p53 wild‐type 3T3 cells. Therefore, LQFM030 has antiproliferative effects in cancer cells by a p53 mutation status‐independent manner with different signaling pathways. These findings open new perspectives to the treatment of leukemic cells considering the resistance development associated with cancer treatment with conventional cytotoxic drugs.