bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corruption and anti-corruption strategies in Iran
Authors: Salihu Habeeb Abdulrauf , Jafari Amin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the various anti-corruption strategies used to fight economic and financial crimes in both the public and private sectors in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relied essentially on a secondary source of information. Materials used were collected in an eclectic manner from published outlets such as journal publications, books, online sources and newspaper reports. Also, official documents and statutes were also used. This study’s scope is limited to issues and analysis relating to measures adopted to combat corruption in Iran.

Findings

The legal and institutional frameworks analysed indicated that Iran has a robust anti-corruption scheme. However, there is no adequate measure available to gauge the effectiveness of these measures.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that conventional anti-corruption methods are not enough to fight corruption in this present time, thus, the implementation of whistle-blower policy and allowing freedom of operation of the civil society organisations and media would assist in the fight against corruption in Iran.

Originality/value

The paper provides the legal and institutional anti-corruption frameworks in Iran. It explores the three major approaches or methods of combating corruption and other corrupt practices in Iran.
Variation in host home range size decreases rabies vaccination effectiveness by increasing the spatial spread of rabies virus
Authors: McClure Katherine M. , Gilbert Amy T. , Chipman Richard B. , Rees Erin E. , Pepin Kim M.
Published: January 2020

Animal movement influences the spatial spread of directly transmitted wildlife disease through host–host contact structure. Wildlife disease hosts vary in home range‐associated foraging and social behaviours, which may increase the spread and intensity of disease outbreaks. The consequences of variation in host home range movement and space use on wildlife disease dynamics are poorly understood, but could help to predict disease spread and determine more effective disease management strategies.

We developed a spatially explicit individual‐based model to examine the effect of spatiotemporal variation in host home range size on the spatial spread rate, persistence and incidence of rabies virus (RABV) in raccoons (Procyon lotor). We tested the hypothesis that variation in home range size increases RABV spread and decreases vaccination effectiveness in host populations following pathogen invasion into a vaccination zone.

We simulated raccoon demography and RABV dynamics across a range of magnitudes and variances in weekly home range size for raccoons. We examined how variable home range size influenced the relative effectiveness of three components of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programmes targeting raccoons—timing and frequency of bait delivery, width of the ORV zone and proportion of hosts immunized.

Variability in weekly home range size increased RABV spread rates by 1.2‐fold to 5.2‐fold compared to simulations that assumed a fixed home range size. More variable host home range sizes decreased relative vaccination effectiveness by 71% compared to less variable host home range sizes under conventional vaccination conditions. We found that vaccination timing was more influential for vaccination effectiveness than vaccination frequency or vaccination zone width.

Our results suggest that variation in wildlife home range movement behaviour increases the spatial spread and incidence of RABV. Our vaccination results underscore the importance of prioritizing individual‐level space use and movement data collection to understand wildlife disease dynamics and plan their effective control and elimination.
Impact of electronic bedside meal ordering systems on dietary intake, patient satisfaction, plate waste and costs: A systematic literature review
Authors: MacKenzie‐Shalders Kristen , Maunder Kirsty , So Daniel , Norris Rebecca , McCray Sally
Published: January 2020

Aim

Hospital foodservices provide an important opportunity to deliver valuable dietary support to patients, address hospital‐acquired malnutrition risk and enhance patient satisfaction. Modifying the meal ordering process through the adoption of technology may actively engage patients in the process and provide an opportunity to influence patient and organisational outcomes. This systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the impact of electronic bedside meal ordering systems in hospitals on patient dietary intake, patient satisfaction, plate waste and costs.

Methods

A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science for randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing the effect of electronic bedside meal ordering systems with traditional menus on dietary intake, patient satisfaction, plate waste and cost. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research tool.

Results

Five studies involving 720 patients were included. Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, the results were narratively synthesised. Electronic bedside meal ordering systems positively impacted patient dietary intake, patient satisfaction, plate waste and costs compared with traditional menus.

Conclusions

Despite the increase in healthcare foodservices adopting digital health solutions, there is limited research specifically measuring the impact of electronic bedside meal ordering systems on patient and organisational outcomes. This study highlights potential benefits of electronic bedside meal ordering systems for hospitals using traditional paper menu systems, while also identifying the need for continued research to generate evidence to understand the impact of this change and inform future successful innovations.
The dietetic workforce distribution geographic atlas provides insight into the inequitable access for dietetic services for people with type 2 diabetes in Australia
Authors: Siopis George , Jones Alexandra , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret
Published: January 2020

Aim

Dietetic intervention delivered by Accredited Practising Dietitians is demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to assess the accessibility to dietetic intervention for people with type 2 diabetes in Australia.

Methods

Prevalence data and dietitian workforce distribution data were sourced from Diabetes Australia and Dietitians Association of Australia, respectively. Geographical information system mapping and statistical analysis were used to compare the ratios of dietitians to people with type 2 diabetes across the states of Australia and by index of socio‐economic advantage and disadvantage in each state.

Results

An inequitable distribution of the dietetic workforce and that of the people with type 2 diabetes across Australia was demonstrated. An uneven distribution of the workforce is evidenced across states when compared to the distribution of type 2 diabetes prevalence; with New South Wales having a better ratio than Victoria and South Australia. Maps and prevalence data revealed the dietetic workforce was mostly concentrated in affluent urban centres whereas the type 2 diabetes prevalence rates were higher in rural and remote areas and in areas of lower socio‐economic status.

Conclusions

This research highlights the need to address the limited access to dietetic intervention for those in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas which also have the greatest need. The financial burden of treating diabetic complications on the national health budget necessitates government initiatives. These should include better use of telehealth dietetic consultations and incentives for dietitians to work in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas.
Microbial composition of Kombucha determined using amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics
Authors: Arıkan Muzaffer , Mitchell Alex L. , Finn Robert D. , Gürel Filiz
Published: January 2020

Kombucha, a fermented tea generated from the co‐culture of yeasts and bacteria, has gained worldwide popularity in recent years due to its potential benefits to human health. As a result, many studies have attempted to characterize both its biochemical properties and microbial composition. Here, we have applied a combination of whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) and amplicon (16S rRNA and Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 [ITS1]) sequencing to investigate the microbial communities of homemade Kombucha fermentations from day 3 to day 15. We identified the dominant bacterial genus as Komagataeibacter and dominant fungal genus as Zygosaccharomyces in all samples at all time points. Furthermore, we recovered three near complete Komagataeibacter genomes and one Zygosaccharomyces bailii genome and then predicted their functional properties. Also, we determined the broad taxonomic and functional profile of plasmids found within the Kombucha microbial communities. Overall, this study provides a detailed description of the taxonomic and functional systems of the Kombucha microbial community. Based on this, we conject that the functional complementarity enables metabolic cross talks between Komagataeibacter species and Z. bailii, which helps establish the sustained a relatively low diversity ecosystem in Kombucha.
Efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in Crohn’s disease: a new target treatment?
Authors: Xiang Liyuan , Ding Xiao , Li Qianqian , Wu Xia , Dai Min , Long Chuyan , He Zhi , Cui Bota , Zhang Faming
Published: January 2020

The efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Crohn’s disease (CD) remains unclear due to lack of data. This study aimed to assess the value of FMT in treating CD‐related clinical targets. The use of FMT for CD as a registered trial (NCT01793831) was performed between October 2012 and December 2017. Seven therapeutic targets included abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hematochezia, fever, steroid‐dependence, enterocutaneous fistula and active perianal fistula. Each target was recorded as 1 (yes) or 0 (no) during the long‐term follow‐up for each patient. The primary outcome was the rate of improvement in each therapeutic target. Overall, 174 patients completed the follow‐up. The median follow‐up duration was 43 (interquartile range, 28–59) months. The median score of the total targets was 2 (range, 1–4) before FMT, and it decreased significantly at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after FMT (P < 0.001 respectively). At 1 month after FMT, 72.7% (101/139), 61.6% (90/146), 76% (19/25) and 70.6% (12/17) of patients achieved improvement in abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hematochezia and fever respectively. Furthermore, 50% (10/20) of steroid‐dependent patients achieved steroid‐free remission after FMT. The present findings indicate that it is important to understand the efficacy of FMT in CD as a targeted therapy, especially for abdominal pain, hematochezia, fever and diarrhoea.
The Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Pain Interference in a Nationally Representative Sample: The Moderating Roles of Gender and Alcohol Use Disorder Symptomatology
Authors: Yeung Ellen W. , Lee Matthew R. , McDowell Yoanna , Sher Kenneth J. , Gizer Ian R.
Published: January 2020

Background

Prior research on alcohol consumption and pain has yielded inconsistent results regarding the directionality of effects for both consumption‐to‐pain and pain‐to‐consumption relations. The present study sought to examine directionality of these relations by testing bidirectional longitudinal associations between consumption and pain interference, a crucial aspect of pain that captures pain‐related disability and has been regarded as a valuable measure of treatment outcome. In addition, this study explored possible moderation of these bidirectional longitudinal associations by gender and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptomatology.

Methods

Analyses included 29,989 current/former drinkers who were interviewed at both waves (2001 and 2004) of the U.S. National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Analyses used self‐report data from both waves on past‐year average daily volume of alcohol consumed and past‐month pain interference (1 item from the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey [MOS‐SF‐12]). AUDADIS‐IV data from Wave 1 were used to index baseline AUD symptomatology (i.e., symptom count). Cross‐lagged panel modeling and multigroup analyses were employed.

Results

Regarding the consumption‐to‐pain‐interference relation, in general, higher baseline alcohol consumption was associated with lower subsequent pain interference at follow‐up. However, among men with higher AUD‐symptom counts, the opposite pattern emerged, with higher baseline alcohol consumption being significantly related to higher subsequent pain interference at follow‐up. Regarding the pain‐interference‐to‐consumption relation, higher baseline pain interference was significantly associated with lower subsequent alcohol consumption at follow‐up, and no moderating effects were observed.

Conclusions

The distinctive patterns of the consumption‐to‐pain‐interference relation observed among men with elevated AUD symptomatology suggest that this relation might be driven by different mechanisms across different groups of individuals. Specifically, the detrimental effect of alcohol on pain interference might emerge at relatively advanced stages of AUD among men, consistent with Koob’s Dark Side of Alcohol Addiction theory in human research.
Reduction in Late‐Night Violence following the Introduction of National New Zealand Trading Hour Restrictions
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Parker Karl , Mavoa Suzanne , Casswell Sally
Published: January 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the early impact of national alcohol trading hour restrictions on nighttime violence in New Zealand. The new national maximum trading hour restrictions prohibited 24‐hour trading by reducing hours to between 8 am and 4 am for on‐premises and between 7 am and 11 pm for take‐away outlets.

Methods

A telephone survey of alcohol outlets was undertaken to determine actual trading hours before the law change. Interrupted time‐series analysis modeled weekly nighttime police calls for service for assault (i.e., between 9 pm and 6 am) and late‐night police calls for service for assault (i.e., between 4 am and 6 am) from 2005 to 2015. Daytime police calls for service for assaults were used as the comparison group. Abrupt permanent changes and gradual permanent changes were assessed.

Results

The survey found that only 1% of alcohol shops, 9% of supermarkets, and 6% of bars/nightclubs were affected by the hour restrictions because they did not trade as long as their licensed hours permitted in the first place. The time‐series analysis found no effect of the national trading hour restrictions on nighttime police calls for service for assaults. However, a significant gradual permanent decrease of 12.4% was found for late‐night assaults between 4 am and 6 am (i.e., those likely related to the on‐premises hour restriction). This equated to a weekly average decrease of 4.3 police calls for service for assaults between 4 am and 6 am following the law change.

Conclusions

The national trading hour restrictions for on‐premises and take‐away outlets affected only a small proportion of premises, and no change in the overall level of nighttime violence was found following the restrictions. Late‐night assaults likely related to on‐premises, however, did reduce showing the likely effectiveness of trading hour restrictions even when the impact of the law change on the ground was minimal.
GRIN2B Gene Polymorphism in Chronic Ketamine Users
Authors: Fan Ni , An Lina , Zhang Minling , He Hongbo , Zhou Yanling , Ou Yufen
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

We examined the allelic variants of N‐methyl‐
d‐aspartate receptor 2B (GRIN2B) and analyzed the associations between GRIN2B gene polymorphism with ketamine use conditions and psychopathological symptoms in chronic ketamine users.

Methods

A total of 231 subjects were recruited. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms of GRIN2B, rs1805502, rs7301328, rs890, and rs1806201 were examined in 151 male chronic ketamine users and 80 controls. Psychopathological symptoms in chronic ketamine users were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory.

Results

The genotype CC of rs1806201 had a lower frequency in ketamine users than that in control subjects (χ2 = 8.167, P = .004) and the T allele frequency of rs1806201 in ketamine users was higher than that in the control subjects (P = .009, odds ratio = 2.019 [1.196‐3.410]). Ketamine users of genotype TT and CC of rs1806201 had an earlier onset of ketamine use than subjects of genotype TC (P = .038, P = .049, respectively). The dose of ketamine consumption per day of use was higher in genotype GG of rs7301328 than that in those with CG in ketamine users (P = .026). There were no significant differences of the severity of psychopathologic symptoms among different genotypes tested.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

GRIN2B gene polymorphism may play a role in ketamine abuse. (Am J Addict 2020;29:105–110)
Critical appraisal of the learning curve of minimally invasive hepatectomy: experience with the first 200 cases of a Southeast Asian early adopter
Authors: Goh Brian K. P. , Prieto Mikel , Syn Nicholas , Koh Ye‐Xin , Lim Kai‐Inn
Published: January 2020

Background

A recent study analysing the experience of fellowship‐trained early adopting surgeons during stage 3 of the IDEAL paradigm demonstrated that the learning curve (LC) of minimally invasive hepatectomy (MIH) can be shortened compared to the long steep LC of pioneering surgeons. In this study, we aimed to critically appraise the contemporary learning experience with MIH of a ‘self‐taught’ early adopter during stage 3 of the IDEAL paradigm.

Methods

A review of the first 200 patients who underwent MIH over an 88‐month period since 2011 by a single surgeon who had no prior training in MIH was conducted. The cohort was divided into four groups of 50 patients. Risk‐adjusted cumulative sum analysis of the LC was performed.

Results

Two hundred patients underwent MIH and there were 13 (6.5%) open conversions. There were 55 (27.5%) major resections and 94 (47.0%) were graded as high/expert difficulty according to the Iwate criteria. Fifty‐one (25.5%) patients had cirrhosis and 98 (49%) had previous abdominal surgery including 28 (14%) with previous liver resections. There were five (2.5%) major (Grade 3b–5) morbidities, zero 30‐day mortality and one (0.5%) 90‐day mortality. Comparison across the four groups demonstrated a significant trend towards increased adoption of total MIH, increased multifocal tumours, increased performance of major hepatectomies and decreased blood loss. Risk‐adjusted cumulative sum analysis demonstrated that the LC in terms of blood loss, blood transfusion rate, open conversion rate, operation time and post‐operative length of stay to be 65 cases. The LC for MIH of Iwate low/intermediate difficulty and of Iwate high/expert difficulty were 35 and 30 cases, respectively.

Conclusion

MIH of all difficulty levels is feasible and can be safely adopted today even by surgeons with no prior formal training. The LC of the ‘self‐taught’ early adopter is about 65 cases.
Protocol for the PRIMARY clinical trial, a prospective, multicentre, cross‐sectional study of the additive diagnostic value of gallium‐68 prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron‐emission tomography/computed tomography to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostic setting for men being investigated for prostate cancer
Authors: Amin Amer , Blazevski Alexandar , Thompson James , Scheltema Matthijs J. , Hofman Michael S. , Murphy Declan , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Sathianathen Niranjan , Kapoor Jada , Woo Henry H. , Chalasani Venu , Rasiah Krishan , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Tang Reuben , Cusick Thomas , Stricker Phillip , Emmett Louise
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Primary objectives: To determine the additive value of gallium‐68 prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission topography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) when combined with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men undergoing initial biopsy for suspicion of PCa, and to determine the proportion of men who could have avoided prostate biopsy with positive mpMRI (PI‐RADS ≥3) but negative PSMA‐PET/CT. Secondary objectives: To determine the proportion of men who had csPCa detected only by PSMA‐PET/CT or only by systematic prostate biopsy; to compare index lesions by template biopsies vs targeted lesions identified on mpMRI or PSMA‐PET/CT; to assess whether there may be health economic benefit or harm if PSMA‐PET/CT is incorporated into the diagnostic algorithm; and to develop a nomogram which combines clinical, imaging and biomarker data to predict the likelihood of csPCa.

Patients and Methods

The PRIMARY trial is a multicentre, prospective, cross‐sectional study that meets the criteria for level 1 evidence in diagnostic test evaluation. PRIMARY will investigate if a limited (pelvic‐only) PSMA‐PET/CT in combination with routine mpMRI can reliably discriminate men with csPCa from those without csPCa. We conducted a power calculation based on pilot data and will recruit up to 600 men who will undergo PSMA‐PET/CT (the index test), mpMRI (standard test) and transperineal template + targeted (PSMA‐PET/CT and/or mpMRI) biopsies (reference test). The conduct and reporting of the mpMRI and PSMA‐PET/CT will be blinded to each other.

Results

The PRIMARY trial will measure and compare sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of both mpMRI and PSMA‐PET/CT vs targeted prostrate biopsy. The results will be used to determine the proportion of men who could safely avoid biopsy without compromising detection of csPCa. Furthermore, we will assess whether there is a health economic benefit in incorporating PSMA‐PET/CT into the diagnostic algorithm.

Conclusions

This trial will provide robust prospective data to determine the diagnostic ability of PSMA‐PET/CT used in addition to mpMRI. It will establish if certain patients can avoid biopsy in the investigation of PCa.
Using next‐generation sequencing to redefineBRCAnessin triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lin Po‐Han , Chen Ming , Tsai Li‐Wei , Lo Chiao , Yen Tzu‐Chun , Huang Thomas Yoyan , Chen Chih‐Kai , Fan Sheng‐Chih , Kuo Sung‐Hsin , Huang Chiun‐Sheng
Published: January 2020

BRCAnessis considered a predictive biomarker to platinum and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. However, recent trials showed that its predictive value was limited in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) treated with platinum. Moreover, tumors with mutations of DNA damage response (DDR) genes, such as homologous recombination (HR) genes, could be sensitive to platinum and PARP inhibitors. Thus, we aim to explore the relationship between mutation status of DDR genes andBRCAnessin TNBC. We sequenced 56 DDR genes in 120 TNBC and identifiedBRCAnessby array comparative genomic hybridization. The sequencing results showed that 13, 14, and 14 patients hadBRCA, non‐BRCAHR, and non‐HR DDR gene mutations, respectively. Array comparative genomic hybridization revealed thatBRCA‐mutated and HR gene‐mutated TNBC shared similarBRCAnessfeatures, both having higher numbers and longer length of large‐scale structural aberration (LSA, >10 Mb) and similar altered chromosomal regions of LSA. These suggested non‐BRCAHR gene‐mutated TNBC shared similar characteristics withBRCA‐mutated TNBC, indicating non‐BRCAHR gene‐mutated TNBC sensitive to platinum and PARP inhibitors. Among tumors with mutation of non‐HR DDR genes, 3PTENand 1MSH6mutation also contained significant LSAs (BRCAness); however, they had different regions of genomic alteration toBRCAand HR gene‐mutated tumors, might explain prior findings thatPTEN‐andMSH6‐mutated cancer cells not sensitive to PARP inhibitors. Therefore, we hypothesize that the heterogeneous genomic background ofBRCAnessindicates different responsiveness to platinum and PARP inhibitors. Direct sequencing DDR genes in TNBC should be applied to predict their sensitivity toward platinum and PARP inhibitors.
Genome organization in proximity to the BAP1 locus appears to play a pivotal role in a variety of cancers
Authors: Sharma Amit , Liu Hongde , Tobar‐Tosse Fabian , Noll Angela , Chand Dakal Tikam , Li Huamei , Holz Frank G. , Loeffler Karin U. , Herwig‐Carl Martina C.
Published: January 2020

Cancer studies primarily focus on the characterization of the key driver genes and the underlying pathways. However, the contribution of other cancer‐associated genes located in the genomic neighborhood of the driver genes could help to understand further aspects of cancer progression. Given the frequent involvement of chromosome 3 in multiple human cancers, in particular in the form of the prognostically highly relevant monosomy 3 in uveal melanoma (UM), we investigated the cumulative impact of cancer‐associated genes on chromosome 3. Our analysis showed that these genes are enriched with repetitive elements with genes surrounded by distinctive repeats (MIR, hAT‐Charlie, ERVL‐MaLR, LINE‐2, and simple/low complexity) in the promoter being more precisely associated with cancer‐related pathways than the ones with major transposable elements (SINE/Alu and LINE‐1). Additionally, these genes showed strong intrachromosomal chromatin interactions in 3D nuclear organization. Further investigations revealed a genomic hotspot in the vicinity of BAP1 locus, which is affected in 27 types of different cancers and contains abundant noncoding RNAs that are often expressed in a tissue‐specific manner. The cross‐species comparison of these cancer‐associated genes revealed mostly a shared synteny in closer primates. However, near to the BAP1 locus signs of chromosomal inversions were observed during the course of evolution. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the entire genomic neighborhood of cancer‐associated genes located on any single chromosome. Based on our results, we hypothesize that monosomy of chromosome 3 will have important clinical and molecular consequences in the respective diseases and in particular in UM.
Evolution of macroprolactinomas during pregnancy: A cohort study of 85 pregnancies
Authors: Barraud Sara , Guédra Lucile , Delemer Brigitte , Raverot Gérald , Ancelle Déborah , Fèvre Anne , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Litré Claude‐Fabien , Wolak‐Thierry Aurore , Borson‐Chazot Françoise , Decoudier Bénédicte
Published: January 2020

Objective

Pregnancy in patients with macroprolactinomas has been associated with a higher risk of pituitary tumour growth. However, the incidence and risk factors remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the evolution of macroprolactinomas during pregnancy and to identify potential risk factors.

Design, patients and measurements

This is a two‐centre, retrospective, observational study. All patients with macroprolactinomas, treated with a dopamine receptor agonist (DA), and who had at least one pregnancy were included.

Results

There were a total of 85 viable pregnancies in 46 patients with macroprolactinomas. At diagnosis, mean size of pituitary adenomas was 17.9 ± 8.2 mm (10‐43 mm) and mean plasma prolactin level was 1012.2 ± 1606.1 µg/L (60‐7804 µg/L). Tumour growth‐related symptoms were identified 12 times in 9 patients (19.6%) including 3 cases of apoplexy. Restarting, changing and/or increasing DA treatment was effective in 10 cases. Emergency surgery had to be performed twice (due to pituitary apoplexy). Patients with tumour progression tended to present with larger tumours after initial treatment and before pregnancy (9.9 vs 5.9 mm; P = .0504 and 11.5 vs 7.3 mm; P = .0671, respectively), whereas adenoma size at diagnosis did not seem to be a significant factor. The obstetrical outcomes were comparable to the general population.

Conclusions

Symptomatic growth of macroprolactinoma during pregnancy occurred in 19.6% of medically treated patients. This risk seems higher for patients with poor initial tumour response to the DA treatment. Tumour progression is generally well controlled with medical treatment during pregnancy.
Implications of zero‐deforestation commitments: Forest quality and hunting pressure limit mammal persistence in fragmented tropical landscapes
Authors: Deere Nicolas J. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Platts Philip J. , Mitchell Simon L. , Baking Esther L. , Bernard Henry , Haysom Jessica K. , Reynolds Glen , Seaman Dave J. I. , Davies Zoe G. , Struebig Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

Zero‐deforestation commitments seek to decouple agricultural production and forest loss to improve prospects for biodiversity. However, the effectiveness of methods designed to meet these commitments is poorly understood. In a highly fragmented tropical landscape dominated by oil palm, we tested the capacity for the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach to prioritize forest remnants that sustain mammal diversity. Patches afforded high priority by HCS protocols (100 ha core area) provided important refuges for IUCN‐threatened species and megafauna. However, patch‐scale HCS area recommendations conserved only 35% of the mammal community. At least 3,000 ha would be required to retain intact mammal assemblages, with nearly 10 times this area needed if hunting pressure was high. While current HCS protocols will safeguard patches capable of sustaining biodiversity, highly fragmented tropical landscapes typical of zero‐deforestation pledges will require thinking beyond the patch toward strategically configured forest remnants at the landscape level and enforcing strict controls on hunting.
Human monocytes subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion inhibit angiogenesis and wound healing in vitro
Authors: Hummitzsch Lars , Albrecht Martin , Zitta Karina , Hess Katharina , Parczany Kerstin , Rusch René , Cremer Jochen , Steinfath Markus , Haneya Assad , Faendrich Fred , Berndt Rouven
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The sequence of initial tissue ischaemia and consecutive blood flow restoration leads to ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, which is typically characterized by a specific inflammatory response. Migrating monocytes seem to mediate the immune response in ischaemic tissues and influence detrimental as well as regenerative effects during I/R injury.

Materials and Methods

To clarify the role of classical monocytes in I/R injury, isolated human monocytes were subjected to I/R in vitro (3 hours ischaemia followed by 24 hours of reperfusion). Cellular resilience, monocyte differentiation, cytokine secretion, as well as influence on endothelial tube formation, migration and cell recovery were investigated.

Results

We show that I/R supported an enhanced resilience of monocytes and induced intracellular phosphorylation of the prosurvival molecules Erk1/2 and Akt. FACS analysis showed no major alteration in monocyte subtype differentiation and surface marker expression under I/R. Further, our experiments revealed that I/R changes the cytokine secretion pattern, release of angiogenesis associated proteins and MMP‐9 activity in supernatants of monocytes exposed to I/R. Supernatants from monocytes subjected to I/R attenuated endothelial tube formation as indicator for angiogenesis as well as endothelial cell migration and recovery.

Conclusion

In summary, monocytes showed no significant change in cellular integrity and monocyte subtype after I/R. Functionally, monocytes might have a rather detrimental influence during the initial phase of I/R, suppressing endothelial cell migration and neoangiogenesis.
Active interfacial dynamic transport of fluid in a network of fibrous connective tissues throughout the whole body
Authors: Li Hongyi , Yin Yajun , Yang Chongqing , Chen Min , Wang Fang , Ma Chao , Li Hua , Kong Yiya , Ji Fusui , Hu Jun
Published: January 2020

Fluid in interstitial spaces accounts for ~20% of an adult body weight and flows diffusively for a short range. Does it circulate around the body like vascular circulations? This bold conjecture has been debated for decades. As a conventional physiological concept, interstitial space is a micron‐sized space between cells and vasculature. Fluid in interstitial spaces is thought to be entrapped within interstitial matrix. However, our serial data have further defined a second space in interstitium that is a nanosized interfacial transport zone on a solid surface. Within this fine space, fluid along a solid fibre can be transported under a driving power and identically, interstitial fluid transport can be visualized by tracking the oriented fibres. Since 2006, our data from volunteers and cadavers have revealed a long‐distance extravascular pathway for interstitial fluid flow, comprising at least four types of anatomic distributions. The framework of each extravascular pathway contains the longitudinally assembled and oriented fibres, working as a fibrorail for fluid flow. Interestingly, our data showed that the movement of fluid in a fibrous pathway is in response to a dynamic driving source and named as dynamotaxis. By analysis of previous studies and our experimental results, a hypothesis of interstitial fluid circulatory system is proposed.
Identification and characterization of chronic lung allograft dysfunction patients with mixed phenotype: A single‐center study
Authors: Verleden Stijn E. , Von Der Thüsen Jan , Van Herck Anke , Weynand Birgit , Verbeken Erik , Verschakelen Johny , Dubbeldam Adriana , Vanaudenaerde Bart M. , Vos Robin , Verleden Geert M. ,   the Leuven Lung Transplant Group
Published: January 2020

Rationale

Patients can change chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) phenotype, especially from BOS to mixed phenotype. Our aim was to further characterize these patients.

Method

Mixed CLAD was defined as a restrictive physiology with persistent CT opacities, after initial bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) diagnosis. The incidence, prognosis, pulmonary function, radiology, pathology, and airway inflammation were compared between patients with restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS) and mixed CLAD.

Result

A total of 268 (44%) patients developed CLAD of which 47 (18%) were diagnosed with RAS “ab initio,” 215 (80%) with BOS, and 6 (2%) an undefined phenotype. Twenty‐five patients developed a mixed CLAD phenotype (24 BOS to mixed and 1 RAS to mixed). Survival after mixed phenotype diagnosis was comparable (P = .39) to RAS. More emphysema patients developed a mixed phenotype (P = .020) compared to RAS ab initio, while mixed CLAD patients had a lower FEV1 (P < .0001) and FEV1/FVC (P = .0002) at diagnosis compared to RAS ab initio. CT scans in patients with the mixed phenotype demonstrated apical predominance of the opacities (P = .0034) with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis on histopathology.

Conclusion

We further characterized patients with a mixed phenotype of CLAD. Although the survival after diagnosis was comparable to RAS ab initio patients, there was a difference in demography, pulmonary function, radiology, and pathology.
Development of an objective, standardized tool for surgical assessment of deceased donor kidneys: The Cambridge Kidney Assessment Tool
Authors: Ayorinde John O. O. , Hamed Mazin , Goh Mingzheng Aaron , Summers Dominic M. , Dare Anna , Chen Yining , Saeb‐Parsy Kourosh
Published: January 2020

Quality assessment in kidney transplantation involves inspection to identify negative markers of organ quality. However, there is a paucity of evidence guiding surgical appraisal, and currently there is no evidence to differentiate important features from those that can be safely ignored. We propose a method to standardize surgical assessment and derived a simple rule to rapidly identify kidneys suitable for transplantation. Donor and recipient data were recorded alongside clinical outcomes in a prospectively maintained database. We developed a proforma (Cambridge Kidney Assessment Tool, CKAT) and used it to assess deceased donor kidney transplants. Factors predictive of utilization were identified by multivariate and univariate logistic regression analysis of CKAT‐assessment scores, and test performance was evaluated using standard 2 × 2 contingency tables. Ninety‐seven kidneys were included at a single center (2013‐2014), and 184 CKAT assessments were performed. A CKAT threshold of “Carrell + Perfusion >3” was highly specific (99%) and performed favorably to consultant opinion (specificity 95%). 96% of the kidneys implanted in accordance with the rule survived to 1 year (mean eGFR 45.3 mL/min/1.73 m2). To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to objectively define macroscopic features that are relevant to kidney utilization. Common language could support training in organ assessment and ultimately help address unnecessary discard of donor kidneys.
Role of pretransplant anti‐thymocyte globulin in matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation after reduced intensity conditioning for myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Yahng Seung‐Ah , Min Gi‐June , Park Sung‐Soo , Park Silvia , Jeon Young‐Woo , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Shin Seung‐Hwan , Lee Sung‐Eun , Cho Byung‐Sik , Eom Ki‐Seong , Lee Seok , Min Chang‐Ki , Kim Hee‐Je , Lee Jong‐Wook , Kim Yoo‐Jin
Published: January 2020

Objective

We investigated the role of anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG; Thymoglobulin) in matched sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (MSD‐HSCT) after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Methods

Forty‐seven patients with 10 mg/kg ATG (ATG group; median age 53 years) and 33 without ATG (no‐ATG group; median age 43, P < .0001) were compared.

Results

Median time to engraftment was similar. Two‐year cumulative incidence of moderate‐to‐severe chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) was significantly lower in the ATG group (15% vs 55%, P < .0001), while that of acute GVHD was similar compared with the no‐ATG group. After a median follow‐up of 60 months (range, 14‐184), the 3‐year cumulative incidences of non‐relapse mortality and relapse were 9% and 21% for ATG group and 15% and 19% for no‐ATG group (P = .408 and P = .717), respectively, leading to a significantly better 3‐year GVHD‐free and relapse‐free survival (GRFS) in the ATG group (55% vs 19%, P = .006): The 3‐year overall and disease‐free survival were similar. Infectious complication occurred with similar frequencies in both groups.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ATG can be safely used to decrease moderate‐to‐severe chronic GVHD with improved GRFS for patients with MDS receiving MSD‐HSCT in RIC setting.
Surgical osteochondral defect repair in the horse—a matter of form or function?
Authors: Fugazzola Maria C. , van Weeren Paul R.
Published: January 2020

Focal cartilaginous and osteochondral lesions can have traumatic or chondropathic degenerative origin. The fibrocartilaginous repair tissue that forms naturally, eventually undergoes fibrillation and degeneration leading to further disruption of joint homeostasis. Both types of lesion will therefore eventually lead to activity‐related pain, swelling and decreased mobility and will frequently progress to osteoarthritis. Most attempts at realising cartilage regeneration have so far resulted in cartilage repair (and not regeneration). The aim of this article was to review experimental research on surgical cartilage restoration techniques performed so far in equine models. Currently available surgical options for treatment of osteochondral lesions in the horse are summarised. The experimental validity of equine experimental models is addressed and finally possible avenues for further research are discussed.
Tetraspanin 33 (TSPAN33) regulates endocytosis and migration of human B lymphocytes by affecting the tension of the plasma membrane
Authors: Navarro‐Hernandez Itze C. , López‐Ortega Orestes , Acevedo‐Ochoa Ernesto , Cervantes‐Díaz Rodrigo , Romero‐Ramírez Sandra , Sosa‐Hernández Víctor A. , Meza‐Sánchez David E. , Juárez‐Vega Guillermo , Pérez‐Martínez César A. , Chávez‐Munguía Bibiana , Galván‐Hernández Arturo , Antillón Armando , Ortega‐Blake Iván , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo , Hernández‐Hernández José M. , Maravillas‐Montero José L.
Published: January 2020

B lymphocytes are a leukocyte subset capable of developing several functions apart from differentiating into antibody‐secreting cells. These processes are triggered by external activation signals that induce changes in the plasma membrane properties, regulated by the formation of different lipid‐bilayer subdomains that are associated with the underlying cytoskeleton through different linker molecules, thus allowing the functional specialization of regions within the membrane. Among these, there are tetraspanin‐enriched domains. Tetraspanins constitute a superfamily of transmembrane proteins that establish lateral associations with other molecules, determining its activity and localization. In this study, we identified TSPAN33 as an active player during B‐lymphocyte cytoskeleton and plasma membrane‐related phenomena, including protrusion formation, adhesion, phagocytosis, and cell motility. By using an overexpression model of TSPAN33 in human Raji cells, we detected a specific distribution of this protein that includes membrane microvilli, the Golgi apparatus, and extracellular vesicles. Additionally, we identified diminished phagocytic ability and altered cell adhesion properties due to the aberrant expression of integrins. Accordingly, these cells presented an enhanced migratory phenotype, as shown by its augmented chemotaxis and invasion rates. When we evaluated the mechanic response of cells during fibronectin‐induced spreading, we found that TSPAN33 expression inhibited changes in roughness and membrane tension. Contrariwise, TSPAN33 knockdown cells displayed opposite phenotypes to those observed in the overexpression model. Altogether, our data indicate that TSPAN33 represents a regulatory element of the adhesion and migration of B lymphocytes, suggesting a novel implication of this tetraspanin in the control of the mechanical properties of their plasma membrane.
Going public through mergers with special purpose acquisition companies
Authors: Kim Hyunseok , Ko Jayoung , Jun Chulhee , Song Kyojik “Roy”
Published: January 2020

In this study, we find that private operating firms with larger controlling shareholders' ownership merge with special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) rather than take the conventional initial public offering (IPO) route to go public in Korea. This finding indicates that compared to U.S. SPACs, the controlling shareholders' motive to avoid their ownership dilution makes SPAC mergers popular in Korea. In addition, we document that the merged firms do not reveal difference in stock and operating performance over the long run compared to conventional IPO firms. However, SPAC mergers incur higher direct cost and do not generate marketing benefits for the listing firms.
Critical role of cationic local stresses on the stabilization of entropy‐stabilized transition metal oxides
Authors: Bhaskar Lalith K. , Nallathambi Varatharaja , Kumar Ravi
Published: January 2020

Entropy‐stabilized transition metal oxides ([MgNiCoCuZn]O) (ESO) in recent years have received considerable attention owing to their unique functional properties. Solution combustion and solid state syntheses resulted in crystallites varying from 5‐15 nm to 3‐5 μm respectively. Phase stability studies showed that all the systems containing Cu2+ions in the ESO lattice segregated upon slow cooling in the furnace. It was only when ESO was quenched in air from 1000°C the lattice stabilized to a single phase. Experiments concomitant with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations demonstrated that the local stress fields around the cations played a critical role in stabilizing the single phase. The local stress fields are a result of Jahn‐Teller distortion induced by the Cu2+ions in the lattice. It is clearly established that in the absence of the minimization of the local stress fields around the Cu2+ions, segregation leading to the formation of a multi‐phase material is imminent for this particular composition.
Pioglitazone attenuates advanced glycation end products‐induced apoptosis and calcification by modulating autophagy in tendon‐derived stem cells
Authors: Xu Langhai , Xu Kai , Wu Zhipeng , Chen Zhonggai , He Yuzhe , Ma Chiyuan , Moqbel Safwat A. A. , Ran Jisheng , Zhang Caihua , Wu Lidong , Xiong Yan
Published: January 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the prominent risk factors for pathological development and progression of tendinopathy. One feature of DM‐related changes in tendinopathy is accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in affected tendons. Pioglitazone (Pio), a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ agonist, performs a protective effect against AGEs. The present study aimed to investigate the pathogenetic role of AGEs on tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) and to determine the effect of Pio on AGEs‐induced TDSC dysfunctions. Results indicated that AGEs induced TDSC apoptosis as well as compensatory activation of autophagy. Pharmacologic activation/inhibition of autophagy leaded to alleviate/exacerbate apoptosis induced by AGEs. We further confirmed the effect of Pio on autophagy, which ameliorated apoptosis and abnormal calcification caused by AGEs both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we suggest that Pio ameliorates the dysfunctions of TDSCs against AGEs by promoting autophagy, and we also reveal that Pio is a potential pharmacological choice for tendinopathy.
PARP inhibitor Olaparib increases the sensitization to radiotherapy in FaDu cells
Authors: Liu Chuan , Gross Neil , Li Yanshi , Li Guojun , Wang Zhihai , Zhong Shixun , Li Yuncheng , Hu Guohua
Published: January 2020

Radioresistance causes a major problem for improvement of outcomes of patients treated with radiation. Targeting for DNA repair deficient mechanisms is a hallmark of sensitization to resistance. We tested whether Olaparib, a (poly) ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, can sensitize the radioresistant FaDu cells to radiotherapy. Radioresistant FaDu cells, called FaDu‐RR cells, were used as the radioresistant hypopharyngeal cancer models. The expression of PARP1 was detected in both FaDu and FaDu‐RR cells. The role of Olaparib in radiosensitization was analysed with several assays including clonogenic cell survival, cell proliferation and cell cycle, and radioresistant xenograft. High expression of PARP1 had a significant effect on enhancing radioresistance in FaDu‐RR cells compared with FaDu cells. After treatment of Olaparib, FaDu‐RR cells showed significantly less and smaller surviving colonies, lower proliferation ability and G2/M arrest than those in the group without treatment. Moreover, Olaparib significantly reduced growth of tumours in FaDu‐RR cell xenografts treated with ionizing radiation. Olaparib can significantly inhibit PARP1 expression and consequently has significant effects on radiosensitization in FaDu‐RR cells. These results indicate that Olaparib may help individualize treatment and improve their outcomes of hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated with radiation.