bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Maternal Cortisol, Inflammation, Hemoglobin, Iron Status, and BMI with Birth Outcomes in Pregnant Women in Ghana
Authors: Oaks Brietta , Stewart Christine , Laugero Kevin , Adu‐Afarwuah Seth , Lartey Anna , Baldiviez Lacey , Vosti Steve , Ashorn Per , Dewey Kathryn
Published: June 2021

Cortisol, inflammation, hemoglobin, iron status and BMI have been linked with birth outcomes, but no study has examined all factors simultaneously. In a cohort of 1,320 Ghanaian women enrolled at 蠄 20 wk gestation in a randomized controlled nutrient supplementation trial (iLiNS‐DYAD), we measured morning salivary cortisol, hemoglobin, zinc protoporphyrin, plasma soluble transferrin receptor, CRP and AGP at 蠄 20 wk and 36 wk gestation. Birth data were available for 1,159 women. Controlling for intervention group and other factors, higher CRP, AGP, and cortisol were associated with a shorter duration of gestation, and women with high cortisol (> 80th percentile) at 蠄 20 wk gestation had a higher risk of preterm birth (RR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.3, p = 0.01), but this association was only evident in women with male fetuses. Higher CRP, AGP, and cortisol were also associated with lower infant weight (WAZ), length (LAZ) and head circumference (HCZ) z‐scores. Adjusted for duration of gestation, associations for cortisol and CRP were no longer significant, but remained for AGP. Higher BMI was associated with higher WAZ, LAZ, and HCZ, and higher hemoglobin at 蠄 20 wk (but not 36 wk) was associated with a longer duration of gestation. Iron status in early pregnancy was not associated with any birth outcome, yet poorer iron status in late pregnancy was associated with higher WAZ and LAZ.
Silkworm Pupa Oil Exerts Hypolipidemic and Antioxidative Effects on Rat Model of High‐fat Diet Induced Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Zou Yuxiao , Shi Ying , Liu Jun , Mu Li‐Xia , Liao Sen‐Tai
Published: June 2021

Silkworm pupa oil (SPO) is considered excellent dietary supplements for hyperlipidemia in China. However, more knowledge is needed about the SPO given its potential use as a functional food with hypolipidemic effect. Quantification and qualification of fatty acids in SPO were carried out by GC‐MS.Five saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and four unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were found in SPO, and up to 70% of SPO are unsaturated. Oleic Acidis present in the highest concentration (34.45%) followed by 29.18% α‐ linolenic acid.

Fatty Acids (%)
Silkworm Pupa Oil (%)

Lauric Acid (C12: 0)
0.093

Myristic Acid (C14: 0)
0.19

Palmitic Acid (C16: 0)
23.91

Stearic Acid (C18: 0)
4.6

Eicosanoic Acid (C20: 0)
0.17

Palmitoteic Acid (C16:1)
1.28

Oleic Acid (C18: 1, n‐9)
34.45

Linoleic Acid (C18: 2, n‐6)
6.13

Linolenic Acid (C18: 3, n‐3)
29.18

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs)
28.96

monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)
35.73

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
35.31

n‐3/n‐6
4.76

UFAs/SFAs
2.45

Effect of SPO on dyslipidemic Wistar rats adapted to high‐fat diets was investigated. 6‐week SPO supplementation resulted in lower concentrations of serum TC and LDL‐C (P蠄 0.05) statistically as compared to HFDC group.

Group
Dose (mL/kg/d)
TC mmol/L
TG mmol/L
LDL‐C mmol/L
HDL‐C mmol/L
LDL‐C/ HDL‐C

NC
vehicle
2.48 ± 0.33a
0.60 ± 0.10
1.13 ± 0.12a
1.47 ± 0.15
0.87 ± 0.056a

HFDC
vehicle
3.77 ± 0.41c
0.69 ± 0.23
2.53 ± 0.31d
1.38 ± 0.28
2.51 ± 0.47b

SPO
1
2.95 ± 0.35b
0.68 ± 0.24
1.75 ± 0.48cd
1.34 ± 0.45
2.79 ± 1.27b

SPO
2
2.13 ± 0.44a
0.65 ± 0.16
0.75 ± 0.24b
1.51 ± 0.34
2.09 ± 0.85b

SPO
4
2.34 ± 0.58a
0.70 ± 0.19
0.97 ± 0.28bc
1.51 ± 0.35
2.17 ± 0.89b

High and middle dose of SPO supplementation (2, 4 mL/kg/d) resulted in higher T‐AOC, SOD and GSH‐Px level and lower MDA level(P蠄0.05) both in serum and liver against HFDC group. Taken together, SPO can help improve lipid profile and alleviate oxidative stress in dyslipidemic rats induced by high‐fat‐diets. It is suggested that SPO may be beneficial as treatment for hyperlipidemia.
Medical Student Grit and Performance in Gross Anatomy: What are the Relationships?
Authors: Fillmore Erin , Helfenbein Robert
Published: June 2021

Our understanding of the non‐academic factors that drive successful knowledge acquisition and development in gross anatomy is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the links between a novel character trait, grit, defined as the passion and perseverance for long‐term goals, and student performance in medical gross anatomy. Grit entails working vigorously, maintaining effort despite failure, and has been shown to be a superior predictor of success beyond that explained by IQ. In 2014, a survey including the validated Short Grit Scale was sent to all medical students at Indiana University School of Medicine; the response rate was 39% (n = 385/999). Higher grit scores correlated with higher performance in gross anatomy as indicated by course grade and overall % (r = .34, p <.0001); with a significant difference between high and low grit students (X2 = 33.01, p <.0001). Specifically, students with above‐median grit scores were more likely to earn either a high pass or honors grade in the course when compared to students with below‐median grit scores (p <.0001). Moreover, a moderate positive association (r = .13, p = 0.0178) was found between above‐median grit students and those that believed intelligence was a malleable rather than fixed character trait. Examining medical student grit offers a unique perspective on the important individual non‐academic factors influencing learning in gross anatomy.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Downregulates Antioxidant Enzyme Expression by Triggering Nrf2 Degradation
Authors: Komaravelli Narayana , Tiang Bing , Ivanciuc Teodora , Brasier Allan , Garofalo Roberto , Casola Antonella
Published: June 2021

Respiratory syncytial virus is the most important cause of viral acute respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations in children, for which no vaccine or treatment is available. RSV infection leads to rapid generation of reactive oxygen species, which are associated with oxidative stress and lung damage, due to a significant decrease in the expression of antioxidant enzymes (AOEs). Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RSV‐induced lung disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the unknown mechanism(s) of viral induced inhibition of AOE expression. This study shows for the first time that RSV infection induces a progressive reduction in nuclear and total cellular level of the transcription factor Nrf2, resulting in decreased binding to endogenous AOE gene promoters and decreased AOE expression. RSV induces Nrf2 deacetylation, ubiquitination, and degradation via the proteasome pathway. Histone deacetylase and proteasome inhibitors block Nrf2 degradation and increase Nrf2 binding to AOE endogenous promoters, resulting in increased AOE expression. Known inducers of Nrf2 are able to increase Nrf2 activation and subsequent AOE expression during RSV infection in vitro and in vivo, with significant amelioration of oxidative stress. This is the first study to investigate the mechanism(s) of viral‐induced inhibition of AOE expression. Therapeutic strategies aimed to increase antioxidant airway capacity by increasing Nrf2 activity could be beneficial in RSV‐induced lung disease.
Relationship Between Level of HbA1C and Breast Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Jousheghany Fariba , Phelps Josh , Crook Tina , Hakkak Reza
Published: June 2021

Diabetes and cancer are public health issues worldwide; studies have shown diabetes is related to increased breast cancer mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between HbA1C and tumor stage and mortality among breast cancer patients. Data for 82 patients (36‐89 years of age) diagnosed with breast cancer were provided by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Data Trust Warehouse. Subjects were diagnosed and treated at UAMS between 1999 ‐2009. Data included age, race, HbA1C, tumor stage, start date of service, date of last follow‐up and life/death status. Survival time was estimated from start date of service to date of last follow‐up or date of death. The Kaplan‐Meier method provided descriptive analysis of survival curves for two groups of HbA1C (HbA1C<6.5% versus HbA1C 蠅 6.5%) and two groups of BMI (BMI < 30 versus BMI 蠅 30 kg/m2); survival curves were compared using log‐rank tests. Association between HbA1C and BMI, and between HbA1C and tumor stage were determined by chi‐square. There was not a statistically significant relationship between tumor stage and HbA1C levels (x2= 0.093, p=0.47, df=1).The relationship between obesity and HbA1C was statistically significant (X2=6.13, p=0.013, df=1). Log‐rank tests determined there were not statistically significant differences between survival curves (HbA1C curves, p=0.4; BMI curves, p=0.09). There was not a statistically significant association between HbA1C and tumor stage. There may be clinically meaningful relationships based on observed trends. Future directions for research may involve exploring the role of therapeutic regimens on blood sugar levels and BMI of breast cancer patients, and their influence on breast cancer prognosis.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of the Effects of Soy Products on Blood Cholesterol Levels
Authors: Benkhedda Karima , Boudrault Cynthia , Sinclair Susan , Marles Robin , Xiao Chaowu , Underhill Lynne
Published: June 2021

A systematic review was undertaken to assess the evidence for effects of soy products on blood cholesterol. Peer‐reviewed studies were included if they described intervention or observational (cohort and nested case‐control) studies; included a non‐soy protein control; quantified soy protein intake; included generally healthy or mildly hypercholesterolemic adults (蠅18 y) not taking lipid level‐altering medications, not dieting; lasted 蠅 3 weeks; and reported changes in serum triglycerides, total, LDL‐, and/or HDL‐cholesterol.

Significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) and LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels were observed with soy products vs. non‐soy control. Weighted mean differences for TC were ‐5.8 (95% confidence interval ‐8.1 to ‐3.1) mg/dL and for LDL‐C ‐5.8 (‐7.3 to ‐4.3) mg/dL, representing reductions of 2.6% and 4% for TC and LDL‐C, respectively. For TC, reduction was significantly greater in hypercholesterolemic (p<0.00001) than normocholesterolemic subjects (p=0.08). For LDL‐C, subgroup analyses showed that baseline cholesterol levels, source of soy protein, study design, gender, type of diet, pattern of consumption, quality of studies and balancing of caloric and macronutrient profiles between control and treatments groups had little influence on weighted mean differences and statistical significance.

Scientific evidence supports a cholesterol‐lowering effect for foods containing soy protein with associated isoflavones. Epidemiological and intervention data suggest that for every 1% reduction in LDL‐C there is a corresponding 1‐2% reduction in cardiovascular events, making reduction of elevated LDL‐C a significant public health goal.
ADP GloTM: A One Platform Ideal for Assay Development, Screening and Profiling of All Phosphotransferases
Authors: Goueli Said , Hsiao Kevin , Vidugiris Gediminas , Hennek Jacquelyn , Zegzouti Hicham
Published: June 2021

Drug safety is of significant important importance in the pharmaceutical industry indicating that minimal side effects constitute a major requirement in drug development. Thus, after rigorous screening and lead optimization of the lead compounds, profiling of the compound against a broad panel of kinases is important for providing a better understanding of its activity and obviating any off‐target activities. The luminescent ADP‐GloTM kinase assay is a universal and robust platform that measures kinase activity by quantifying the amount of ADP produced during the enzymatic reaction. We have tested the utility of this platform against panels of different families of the human kinome here we show that using the new kinase profiling format we could easily generate selectivity profiles using small or large kinase panels, as well as identifying compound promiscuity towards members of a single kinase subfamily or different subfamilies of the kinome including lipid kinases. The ADP‐Glo™ KES platforms now address all the needs of basic kinase characterizations, kinase screening, mode of action (MOA) studies and profiling in an affordable manner using one assay format during the drug discovery process
Systemic Nitric Oxide (NO) Production is Increased in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Receiving Fortified Supplementary Food
Authors: Marealle Alphonce , Makani Julie , Prentice Andrew , Kamuhabwa Appolinary , Sasi Philip , Minzi Omary , Siervo Mario , Cox Sharon , Wassell Sara
Published: June 2021

Background

Low bioavailable NO is implicated in the pathophysiology of SCD. Within a clinical trial of a daily ready‐to‐use supplementary food (RUSF) fortified with arginine (ARG, 0.2g/kg/d), the substrate of endothelial NO synthase, and citrulline (CITR, 0.1g/kg/d) vs. non fortified RUSF we conducted a nested feasibility study of systemic NO production.

Methods

Children (N=29, 70% male, 9‐11 years) with SCD underwent a modified Oral Nitrate Test (ONT) with reduced fasting time to measure the decay in serial saliva samples of an oral dose of labelled nitrate (Na15NO3) by GC/MS [figure 1] (Siervo et al. 2011). Both groups received intervention for 12 weeks before the ONT and a further 5 weeks before plasma amino acids (Biochrom 30) and NO mediated endothelial function were assessed by flow mediated dilatation (FMDmax). Data were analysed using Wilcoxan ranksum or signrank tests.

image

Results

The intervention groups were similar for age and weight. NO production (µmol/kg/hr) was not associated with age or sex. Results by intervention group and for both intervention groups combined are presented in [figure 2]. No associations between NO production and amino acid concentrations or endothelial function (FMDmax) were observed.

image

Conclusions

This method is feasible in young children in a low resource setting. NO production in malnourished children with SCD can be increased by protein energy supplementation and may be increased further with additional arginine and citrulline.
The Phoenix Rises: Reversal of Cave Adaptations in the Blind Cave Salamander, Proteus anguinus?
Authors: Sessions Stanley , Bulog Boris , Bizjak Mali Lilijana
Published: June 2021

Six isolated populations of the Blind Cave Salamander, Proteus anguinus are thought to represent six species distributed in the Dinaric Karst of Central Europe. Five of these are troglobitic “white” forms, with little or no pigment and vestigial eyes, and are currently assigned to the subspecies P. a. anguinus. A single population of pigmented, non‐troglobitic “black” Proteus with fully developed eyes is currently assigned to a separate subspecies, P. a. parkelj, that is thought to resemble the common ancestor from which the troglobitic forms evolved. Recent comparative molecular studies, however, reveal that the dark Proteus is more closely related to a geographically adjacent population of white Proteus than that population of white Proteus is to other populations of white Proteus. Thus, either the troglobitic form has evolved multiple times independently, or the black form evolved from a white ancestor. In this study we show that the most parsimonious hypothesis is that the common ancestor of living Proteus was a white troglobitic form, and that the black form evolved once from a white ancestor by reversing troglobitic transformations to re‐adapt to surface habitats. We discuss the possible genetic mechanisms that may have been involved in this case of “reverse evolution”. This research was supported in part by a Faculty Research Grant from Hartwick College and a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF # 0966085) to S.K.S., and by a grant from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Slovenia (contract grant number: P1‐0184) to B.B. and L.B.M.
Higher Fruit and Vegetable Consumption May Be Associated with Improved Lipid Profiles in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Navaei Negin , Johnson Sarah A. , Pourafshar Shirin , Akhavan Neda S. , Elam Marcus L. , Foley Elizabeth , Clark Elizabeth A. , Arjmandi Bahram H.
Published: June 2021

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. This syndrome is a major public health concern and a clinical challenge in the United States as it is associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lifestyle interventions are the primary approaches for treatment of MetS. While certain dietary modifications such as diets high in fiber and whole grains are known to positively influence at least one or more parameters of MetS, there are a lack of studies examining the relationship between the consumption of fruits and vegetables and parameters of MetS. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and lipid profiles in fifty men and women aged 45–65 years with 3 of the 5 characteristics of MetS. The intake of fruits and vegetables were assessed using validated seven‐day food frequency questionnaires. Total fruit and vegetable intake was divided into three groups (A: 60–90 servings/week, B: 90–110 servings/week, and C: > 110 servings/week). Fasting blood samples were collected for measurements of lipid profiles using the Alere Cholestech LDX system. One‐way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in mean values between groups. The group with the highest intake of fruits and vegetables (group C) had significantly (P < 0.05) lower triglyceride levels (0.33 mg/dL) and tended (P = 0.1) to have lower LDL‐C (−2.3 mg/dL), while HDL‐C levels were not significantly different in comparison with the group with the lowest intake of fruits and vegetables. These findings concur with a number of studies reporting that higher fruit and vegetable intake is associated with improved lipid profiles in men and women with MetS.
Dermal Lymphatic Invasion, Survival, and Time to Recurrence or Progression in Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Authors: Hirko Kelly A. , Regan Meredith M. , Remolano Marie C. , Schlossman Julia , Harrison Beth , Yeh Eren , Jacene Heather , Nakhlis Faina , Block Caroline , Rosenbluth Jennifer M. , Garrido-Castro Ana C. , Overmoyer Beth A.
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Dermal lymphatic invasion (DLI) with tumor emboli is a common pathologic characteristic of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), although its presence is not required for diagnosis. We examined whether documented DLI on skin biopsy was associated with survival and time to recurrence or progression in IBC.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 340 women enrolled in the IBC Registry at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 1997 and 2019 were included in this study. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations of DLI and overall survival, time to locoregional recurrence/progression, and distant metastasis by stage at presentation.

Results:

DLI was detected in 215 (63.2%) of IBC cases overall. At disease presentation, IBC with DLI had a higher prevalence of de novo metastases (37.7% vs. 26.4%), breast skin ulceration (6.1% vs. 2.4%), and lymphovascular invasion within the breast parenchyma (52.9% vs. 25.5%) and a lower prevalence of palpable breast mass (48.2% vs. 70.6%) than IBC without DLI. Over a median follow-up of 2.0 years, 147 deaths occurred. DLI was not associated with survival or recurrence in multivariable models (all P ≥0.10). For example, among women with stage III disease, hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for DLI presence was 1.29 (0.77-2.15) for overall survival, 1.29 (0.56-3.00) for locoregional recurrence, and 1.71 (0.97-3.02) for distant metastasis.

Conclusion:

Although the extent of tumor emboli in dermal lymphatics may be associated with biological features of IBC, DLI was not an independent prognostic marker of clinical outcomes in this study.
Index Finger Pollicization Incisions for Congenital Thumb Aplasia: Review and Design of an Educational Anatomical Model for Skin Incisions
Authors: Delgove Anaïs , Camuzard Olivier , Perez Manuela , Braun Marc , Journeau Pierre , Dautel Gilles
Published: June 2021

Background:

Pollicization of the index finger can be considered the gold standard technique for the treatment of congenital thumb aplasia. The aim of this study was to review the described incisions for pollicization and to create an anatomical framework enabling the study and comparison of these incisions.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed to collect descriptions of incision sets. An anatomical model was created from the two upper limbs of the same cadaver. Thumb aplasia was modeled on both hands of this cadaver by severing the thumbs; an index finger pollicization was performed on one of the two hands. Comparative analysis of scar positions, first web size, and neothumb aspect of each incision set was conducted using a surgical glove modeling the skin. The glove was fitted onto the aplastic model to draw the incisions and then onto the pollicized hand to adjust the resulting flaps after cutting.

Results:

Twelve articles, two textbooks, and one DVD were included in the review, either containing an original description of incisions, or describing an incision pattern with figures and references to the initial author. A total of five different incision sets, described by Buck-Gramcko, Blauth, Foucher, Ezaki, and Malek, were identified and compared using the anatomical model.

Conclusions:

This work summarizes five original incisions described for index pollicization in thumb aplasia and presents a standardized and reliable model to study and compare these different sets. The model can be used for educational purposes, either to teach or to optimize an incision set.
Viremia controls Env-specific antibody-secreting cell responses in simian immunodeficiency virus infected macaques pre and post-antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Silveira Eduardo L.V. , Hong Jung Joo , Amancha Praveen K. , Rogers Kenneth A. , Ansari Aftab A. , Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Villinger Francois
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics of Env (gp140)-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) during acute and early chronic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, and prior to and postantiretroviral therapy (ART) in rhesus macaques.

Design and methods:

At week 0, rhesus macaques were inoculated intravenously with SIVmac239 and the viral loads were allowed to develop. Daily ART was initiated at week 5 post infection until week 18, though the animals were monitored until week 28 for the following parameters: enumeration of SIV gp140-specific ASCs by ELISPOT; quantification of viremia and SIV gp140-specific IgG titres through qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively; estimation of monocytes, follicular helper T cells (Tfh) and memory B cell frequencies using polychromatic flow cytometry.

Results:

Direct correlations were consistently found between blood SIV gp140-specific ASC responses and viremia or SIV Env-specific IgG titres. In contrast, SIV gp140-specific ASC responses showed inverse correlations with the percentage of total memory B cells in the blood. In lymph nodes, the magnitude of the SIV gp140-specific ASC responses also followed the viral load kinetics. In contrast, the number of SIV gp140-specific ASCs presented did not correlate with frequencies of circulating activated monocyte (CD14+CD16+) or Tfh cells.

Conclusion:

Blood and/or lymph node viral loads may regulate the onset and magnitude of SIV gp140-specific ASCs during SIV infection and following ART in rhesus macaques.
Effect of Text Messaging Plus Peer Navigation on Viral Suppression Among Youth With HIV in the iCARE Nigeria Pilot Study
Authors: Taiwo Babafemi O. , Kuti Kehinde M. , Kuhns Lisa M. , Omigbodun Olayinka , Awolude Olutosin , Adetunji Adedotun , Berzins Baiba , Janulis Patrick , Johnson Amy K. , Okonkwor Ogochukwu , Oladeji Bibilola D. , Muldoon Abigail , Adewumi Olubusuyi M. , Amoo Paul , Atunde Hannah , Kapogiannis Bill , Garofalo Robert
Published: June 2021

Background:

Consistent with the global trend, youth with HIV (YWH) in Nigeria have high rates of viral nonsuppression. Hence, novel interventions are needed.

Setting:

Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods:

In a single-arm trial, participants aged 15–24 years received 48 weeks of a combination intervention, comprising daily 2-way text message medication reminders plus peer navigation. The primary outcome measure was viral suppression less than 200 copies/mL. The secondary outcome measures included self-reported adherence on a visual analog scale and medication possession ratio, each dichotomized as ≥90% (good) or <90% (poor) adherence. The outcomes were analyzed using McNemar test. Retention in care, intervention feasibility and acceptability, and participants' satisfaction were also assessed.

Results:

Forty YWH (50% male participants) were enrolled: mean age 19.9 years (SD = 2.5), 55% perinatally infected, and 35% virologically suppressed at baseline. Compared with baseline, the odds of virologic suppression was higher at 24 weeks (odds ratio = 14.00, P < 0.001) and 48 weeks (odds ratio = 6.00, P = 0.013). Self-reported adherence (≥90%) increased from baseline at 24 weeks (63%, P = 0.008) and 48 weeks (68%, P = 0.031). Medication possession ratio ≥90% increased at weeks 24 and 48 (85% and 80%, respectively), achieving statistical significance at 24 weeks alone (P = 0.022). Retention in care at 48 weeks was 87.5%. All (37/37) participants at week 48 were fully or mostly satisfied with the intervention.

Conclusion:

Daily 2-way text message reminders plus peer navigation is a promising combination intervention to improve viral suppression among YWH in Nigeria.
“Forget it, let’s go with a handshake”: contracting practices of exporting small to medium size enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Kahiya Eldrede T. , Butler Petra
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to dissect cross-border contracting practices among exporting businesses. The under-representation of exporter-importer dynamics and the superficial understanding of contracts are the motivation for this exploratory study.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative multiple case study design focuses on 18 small to medium size enterprise (SMEs) exporting from New Zealand. The analysis encompasses coding, pattern matching and explanation building. This paper uses coding to uncover themes and pattern matching/cross-case comparison to facilitate explanation building.

Findings

The paper underlines the scant use of formal international sales/distribution contracts, the lack of knowledge concerning contracting, barriers to contract formation, misgivings about the court system and litigation and the adoption of proxy contracts. This paper depicts varieties of contracting practices, namely, no formal contract, improvisational, normative, and formal contractual arrangements and underlines the context in which each approach applies.

Research limitations/implications

Similar to most studies in this area, the dissection of contracting practices derives from the exporter side of the dyad. This robs the research of a holistic view of the exchange. Nonetheless, this paper contributes to a better understanding of contract formation and formalization and to the role of context in shaping the activities of exporting SMEs.

Practical implications

Although formal contracts are vital, they are not obligatory in all exchanges. Contracts matter more for high intensity exporters with comparatively short relationship histories, selling knowledge-intensive products in predominantly non-relational cultures. Policymakers should highlight the importance of contracts in such contexts and direct SMEs to several freely available resources on cross-border contracting.

Social implications

The research casts fairness/equity and access to justice as pertinent structural disadvantages impacting the contracting practices of exporting SMEs.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first studies to provide an in-depth portrayal of the contracting practices of exporting SMEs, to detail the pervasiveness of non-contractual contracting practices and to depict contracting as nuanced and context-dependent.
Parosteal lipoma of the rib: A rare condition in an uncommon location
Authors: White Roland Z , Au John , Nguyen Thi , Sampson Matthew J
Published: June 2021

A 36‐year‐old female patient was diagnosed with a parosteal lipoma arising from the left 3rd rib. This was preluded by a 5‐year history of an asymptomatic and stable mass at the medial aspect of the left scapula. It had displayed an interval enlargement in the preceding 3 months which prompted investigation to rule out an aggressive lesion. The patient was investigated with CT, MRI and PET scan which demonstrated a well‐circumscribed juxtacortical fatty mass with osseous excrescence and no enhancing soft tissue components or FDG avidity in the fatty component, in keeping with a parosteal lipoma. CT‐guided biopsy allowed histopathological correlation which facilitated the exclusion of an aggressive lesion and supported the imaging diagnosis. This case is a pertinent educational tool for radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons as it characterises a rare and benign pathology in an uncommon location, with mimicry of malignant differential diagnoses such as liposarcoma and chondrosarcoma. We aim to bring awareness to this condition and its typical imaging characteristics and thus allowing radiologists to make more confident conclusions in future cases.
Exhaustive reanalysis of barcode sequences from public repositories highlights ongoing misidentifications and impacts taxa diversity and distribution
Authors: Fort Antoine , McHale Marcus , Cascella Kevin , Potin Philippe , Perrineau Marie‐Mathilde , Kerrison Philip D. , da Costa Elisabete , Calado Ricardo , Domingues Maria do Rosário , Costa Azevedo Isabel , Sousa‐Pinto Isabel , Gachon Claire , van der Werf Adrie , de Visser Willem , Beniers Johanna E. , Jansen Henrice , Guiry Michael D. , Sulpice Ronan
Published: June 2021

Accurate species identification often relies on public repositories to compare the barcode sequences of the investigated individual(s) with taxonomically assigned sequences. However, the accuracy of identifications in public repositories is often questionable, and the names originally given are rarely updated. For instance, species of the Sea Lettuce (Ulva spp.; Ulvophyceae, Ulvales, Ulvaceae) are frequently misidentified in public repositories, including herbaria and gene banks, making species identification based on traditional barcoding unreliable. We DNA barcoded 295 individual distromatic foliose strains of Ulva from the North‐East Atlantic for three loci (rbcL, tufA, ITS1). Seven distinct species were found, and we compared our results with all worldwide Ulva spp. sequences present in the NCBI database for the three barcodes rbcL, tufA and the ITS1. Our results demonstrate a large degree of species misidentification, where we estimate that 24%–32% of the entries pertaining to foliose species are misannotated and provide an exhaustive list of NCBI sequences reannotations. An analysis of the global distribution of registered samples from foliose species also indicates possible geographical isolation for some species, and the absence of U. lactuca from Northern Europe. We extended our analytical framework to three other genera, Fucus, Porphyra and Pyropia and also identified erroneously labelled accessions and possibly new synonymies, albeit less than for Ulva spp. Altogether, exhaustive taxonomic clarification by aggregation of a library of barcode sequences highlights misannotations and delivers an improved representation of species diversity and distribution.
Petrogenesis of Early Carboniferous Ultramafic–Mafic Volcanic Rocks in the Southern Changning–Menglian Belt, Southeastern Tibetan Plateau: Implications for the Evolution of the Paleo‐Tethyan Ocean
Authors: XIE Zhipeng , WU Xuelu , WANG Tengfei , XUE Chuandong , YANG Tiannan , WANG Wei , SUI Binxi , XIN Di
Published: June 2021

The Changning–Menglian Belt represents the main Paleo‐Tethyan Suture in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, which divides Gondwana‐ and Eurasia‐derived continental fragments from each other. The belt contains ultramafic–mafic volcanic rocks that provide evidence of the tectonic processes which operated during the evolution of the Paleo‐Tethyan Ocean. New geochemical data for Early Carboniferous volcanics in the southern Changning–Menglian Belt show that wehrlites have cumulate and poikilitic textures, and contain low‐Fo (84.2–87.2) olivine, clinopyroxene with low Mg# values (79.4–85.6), and spinel with high Cr# values (67.8–72.4). Estimated equilibrium temperatures obtained using olivine‐spinel Fe‐Mg exchange geothermometry range from 978°C to 1373°C (mean = 1205°C; n = 3). These observations combined with a lack of reaction or melt impregnation textures indicate that these units represent magmatic cumulates rather than having formed as a result of mantle‐melt reactions. Both wehrlites and basalts in the belt have subparallel rare earth element (REE)‐and primitive‐mantle‐normalized multi‐element patterns with slightly positive Nb‐Ta anomalies, but negligible Eu and Zr‐Hf anomalies. The volcanics have similar Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic compositions with εNd(t) values of 4.2–4.5 (mean = 4.3; n = 3) and 4.0–4.4 (mean 4.2; n = 4), respectively, and also have similar immobile element ratios, such as Nb/La, Nb/U, Th/La, Zr/Nb, Th/Ta, La/Yb, Nb/Th, Nb/Y, and Zr/Y. These characteristics indicate both units have ocean island basalt (OIB)‐like geochemical affinities, consistent with the fact that the clinopyroxene in the wehrlites is compositionally similar to OIB‐related cumulus clinopyroxene. This suggests that both the wehrlites and basalts were derived from similar parental magmas that underwent generally closed‐system magmatic differentiation dominated by fractionation of the olivine and clinopyroxene. This parental magma was likely generated in an oceanic seamount setting from an OIB‐type mantle source (i.e., asthenospheric mantle) containing garnet‐spinel lherzolite material. Combing this new data with that from oceanic seamount volcano‐sedimentary suites derived from previous research enables the identification of a mature late Paleozoic ocean basin between the passive northeastern Gondwanan margin and the northward‐migrating microcontinent of Lanping–Simao.
No difference in clinical outcomes between portable navigation and conventional instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty: A randomised trial
Authors: Ali Stephen F. , Gharaibeh Monther A. , Wood Jil A. , Chen Darren B. , MacDessi Samuel J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Portable accelerometer‐based navigation devices (PAD) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been proposed to combine the alignment precision of computer navigation with the efficiency of conventional instrumentation (CON). The aim of this study was to determine if PAD was more effective than CON in TKA in improving clinical outcomes at medium term follow‐up.

Methods

Participants undergoing primary TKA were randomly assigned to either PAD or CON. The primary outcome was the mean between‐group difference in the four subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (∆KOOS4) between preoperative status and latest follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included analysis of between‐group differences in all KOOS subscales, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (∆WOMAC) scores, complications and reoperation rates.

Results

Of the 178 participants allocated to a treatment arm, 159 (89.3%) completed follow‐up at a mean of 4.3 years (range 3.2–5.8 years). There was no statistically significant or clinically meaningful difference in ∆KOOS4 between preoperative status and latest follow‐up (PAD = 41, CON = 43; p = 0.5). There was no difference in mean ∆WOMAC scores (PAD = 39, CON = 41; p = 0.9) or ∆KOOS subscales between groups. In addition, there were no differences in complications or reoperations between groups.

Conclusions

PAD was not superior to CON in improving patient‐reported outcomes or reducing complications and reoperation rates at medium term follow‐up. The use of PAD in TKA to improve clinical outcomes alone cannot be justified based on the results of this study.
PDL1‐positive exosomes suppress antitumor immunity by inducing tumor‐specific CD8+ T cell exhaustion during metastasis
Authors: Chen Ji , Song Yang , Miao Feng , Chen Gang , Zhu Yongjun , Wu Ning , Pang Liewen , Chen Zhiming , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: June 2021

Metastasis is the main cause of death in individuals with cancer. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can potentially reverse CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) dysfunction, leading to significant remission in multiple cancers. However, the mechanism underlying the development of CTL exhaustion during metastatic progression remains unclear. Here, we established an experimental pulmonary metastasis model with melanoma cells and discovered a critical role for melanoma‐released exosomes in metastasis. Using genetic knockdown of nSMase2 and Rab27a, 2 key enzymes for exosome secretion, we showed that high levels of effector‐like tumor‐specific CD8+ T cells with transitory exhaustion, instead of terminal exhaustion, were observed in mice without exosomes; these cells showed limited inhibitory receptors and strong proliferation and cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, the immunosuppression of exosomes depends on exogenous PD‐L1, which can be largely rescued by pretreatment with antibody blockade. Notably, we also found that exosomal PD‐L1 acts as a promising predictive biomarker for ICB therapies during metastasis. Together, our findings suggest that exosomal PD‐L1 may be a potential immunotherapy target, suggesting a new curative therapy for tumor metastasis.
Leveraging social media and deep learning to detect rare megafauna in video surveys
Authors: Mannocci Laura , Villon Sébastien , Chaumont Marc , Guellati Nacim , Mouquet Nicolas , Iovan Corina , Vigliola Laurent , Mouillot David
Published: June 2021

Deep learning has become a key tool for the automated monitoring of animal populations with video surveys. However, obtaining large numbers of images to train such models is a major challenge for rare and elusive species because field video surveys provide few sightings. We designed a method that takes advantage of videos accumulated on social media for training deep‐learning models to detect rare megafauna species in the field. We trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with social media images and tested them on images collected from field surveys. We applied our method to aerial video surveys of dugongs (Dugong dugon) in New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific). CNNs trained with 1303 social media images yielded 25% false positives and 38% false negatives when tested on independent field video surveys. Incorporating a small number of images from New Caledonia (equivalent to 12% of social media images) in the training data set resulted in a nearly 50% decrease in false negatives. Our results highlight how and the extent to which images collected on social media can offer a solid basis for training deep‐learning models for rare megafauna detection and that the incorporation of a few images from the study site further boosts detection accuracy. Our method provides a new generation of deep‐learning models that can be used to rapidly and accurately process field video surveys for the monitoring of rare megafauna.
Oral submucous fibrosis presenting with histopathological lichenoid changes as predominant feature: Report of five cases and review of the literature
Authors: Campos María C. , Tubau Carla , Segura Sonia , González‐Farré Monica , Iglesias‐Sancho Maribel , Fernández‐Figueras María Teresa , Garcia‐Muret Maria Pilar , Mozos Ana
Published: June 2021

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition of the oral cavity associated with habitual chewing of quid, with a high incidence among populations of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Clinically, its initial manifestation may mimic oral lichen planus or lichen sclerosus. If the habit is not halted, the mucosa gets leathery and thickened, and fibrous bands form causing significant morbidity. Microscopically, it is characterized by atrophic epithelium, loss of rete ridges, and hyalinization of lamina propria. Of note, these hallmark histopathological features may be overlooked in the unusual presence of lichenoid interface changes, which may lead to the wrong diagnosis. We present herein five cases in which the rare joint appearance of OSF and lichenoid reaction features posed a diagnostic challenge. Due to its progressive nature and malignant potential, the presence of oral lichenoid changes overlying submucous hyalinization, in the right clinical and demographic setting, should raise suspicion of OSF and prompt actions directed at quid‐chewing discontinuation.
The leaf economic and plant size spectra of European forest understory vegetation
Authors: Cubino Josep Padullés , Biurrun Idoia , Bonari Gianmaria , Braslavskaya Tatiana , Font Xavier , Jandt Ute , Jansen Florian , Rašomavičius Valerijus , Škvorc Željko , Willner Wolfgang , Chytrý Milan
Published: June 2021

Forest understories play a vital role in ecosystem functioning and the provision of ecosystem services. However, the extent to which environmental conditions drive dominant ecological strategies in forest understories at the continental scale remains understudied. Here, we used ~29 500 forest vegetation plots sampled across Europe and classified into 25 forest types to explore the relative role of macroclimate, soil pH and tree canopy cover in driving abundance‐weighted patterns in the leaf economic spectrum (LES) and plant size spectrum (PSS) of forest understories (shrub and herb layers). We calculated LES using specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and PSS using plant height and seed mass of vascular plant species found in the understories. We found that forest understories had more conservative leaf economics in areas with more extreme mean annual temperatures (mainly Fennoscandia and the Mediterranean Basin), more extreme soil pH and under more open canopies. Warm and summer‐dry regions around the Mediterranean Basin and areas of Atlantic Europe also had taller understories with heavier seeds than continental temperate or boreal areas. Understories of broadleaved deciduous forests, such asFagusforests on non‐acid soils, or ravine forests, more commonly hosted species with acquisitive leaf economics. In contrast, some coniferous forests, such asPinus,LarixandPiceamire forests, orPinus sylvestrislight taiga and sclerophyllous forests, more commonly hosted species with conservative leaf economics. Our findings highlight the importance of macroclimate and soil factors in driving trait variation of understory communities at the continental scale and the mediator effect of canopy cover on these relationships. We also provide the first maps and analyses of LES and PSS of forest understories across Europe and give evidence that the understories of European forest types are differently positioned along major axes of trait variation.
Antecedents of psychological Capital at Work: A Systematic Review of Moderator–mediator Effects and a New Integrative Proposal
Authors: Vilariño del Castillo David , Lopez‐Zafra Esther
Published: June 2021

Psychological Capital has been proposed as one of the main bases of the current competitive advantage of any organization; therefore, many studies have assessed the effects of this variable on different work environments. However, to date, no study has addressed systematically the existing research on PsyCap as a mediating and moderating variable in the workplace. The aim of this paper is to respond to the need for reconstruction and reinforcement of the theory surrounding PsyCap and to shed light on the factors that seem to influence the PsyCap levels. Studies included in the Web of Science (WOS) and PsycINFO databases from 2004 to 2020 are reviewed. The results show the importance of PsyCap within the fields of creativity, psychological health, performance, job satisfaction, organizational climate, leadership and other emerging issues. Furthermore, we propose a new classification to integrate all these antecedents of PsyCap, which has important theoretical and practical implications.
Le surtravail ou la fragmentation? Transactions familiales et temps de travail en période de COVID‐19
Authors: CLOUET Hadrien
Published: June 2021

Comment évolue le temps de travail des salariés contraints au télétravail par les mesures sanitaires françaises en 2020? À partir d'une enquête qualitative conduite dans une régie municipale de l'eau, qui associe entretiens, observations directes et questionnaires, l'auteur montre que le télétravail pour motif de COVID‐19 restructure le temps de travail et redistribue le pouvoir de régulation. En période de confinement, la durée du travail s'allonge et les rythmes laborieux se modifient, avec des variations importantes selon la configuration familiale: le confinement en famille jugule l'allongement des journées de travail mais favorise leur fragmentation. Pour les télétravailleurs isolés, les effets sont inversés.
Sunbirds' tendency to hover: the roles of energetic rewards, inflorescence architecture and rain
Authors: Sejfová Zuzana , Mlíkovský Jiří , Ewome Francis Luma , Janečková Petra , Klomberg Yannick , Njie Marcus Mokake , Janeček Štěpán
Published: June 2021

Although the Old World sunbirds are generally considered to be an ecological analogue of the New World hummingbirds, it is commonly believed that in contrast to hummingbirds, sunbirds perch while feeding. Nevertheless, recent studies have shown that Old World nectarivores hover while feeding more frequently than previously thought, and some Old World plants seem to have adapted to hovering bird pollinators. To reveal the importance of sunbird foraging behavior in nectar acquisition and to test whether this behavior is determined by plant architecture and rain intensity, we focused on the specialized West African pollination system of Impatiens sakeriana and its two major pollinators, the Cameroon sunbird Cyanomitra oritis and the northern double‐collared sunbird Cinnyris reichenowi. C. oritis hovered more often than C. reichenowi while feeding on flowers, although both species were observed hovering regularly. For both species, hovering reduced the feeding time, but this reduction and the consequent estimated changes in energetic intake were species‐specific. We found that both floral pedicel and peduncle length, as well as precipitation, negatively affected the probability of C. reichenowi hovering but did not have any significant effect on the behavior of C. oritis. Our study demonstrates that hovering behavior is common in the studied sunbird taxa and that plant architecture and environmental factors can influence sunbird foraging behavior. Nevertheless, the extent of hovering versus perching behavior, as well as the effects of biotic and abiotic factors, is species‐specific.
That’s Not Molluscum! A literature review of 109 cases of subepidermal calcified nodules
Authors: Patel Akash D. , Bellet Jane S.
Published: June 2021

Subepidermal calcified nodule (SCN) is a rare presentation of idiopathic calcinosis cutis. A literature review was conducted, with 109 cases reported in 268 articles. We report the demographic data, SCN clinical and histological characteristics, common differential diagnoses, and treatments performed from this analysis.