bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot study of assisting IVF by personalized Endo-Gym®exercises
Authors: Csehek Katalin , Tompa Peter
Published: April 2020

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), especiallyin vitrofertilization (IVF) have revolutionized human reproduction technology, helping millions of subfertile couples to conceive and deliver a baby. IVF, however, is not an easy procedure, as treatment cycles incur heavy financial, physical and psychological burden, yet they result in live birth less than once in four attempts. Based on our experience with 251 women, many in their 40s, here we suggest that Endo-Gym®method (for endocrine gymnastics), a combination of personalized physical exercises, fertility-optimizing diet and personal coaching, can significantly increase IVF success, probably by both reducing distress caused by repeated cycles and alleviating fertility-affecting problems, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian failure (POF). The program can also relieve other gynecological conditions, such as irregular or painful period, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and incontinence, and is also often chosen by women as their regular fitness regime for general wellbeing. We provide detailed statistics of success in various conditions and suggest that distinct elements of Endo-Gym®cooperate to exert positive physiological and psychological effects that help re-establish sexual hormone balance and boost reproductive fitness. We anticipate that further, controlled testing will enable to put the benefits of Endo-Gym®on a rational basis and enable to introduce this approach as a beneficial complement of IVF, and maybe also other branches of ART.
The impact of telomere shortening on human hippocampal neurogenesis: Implications for cognitive function and psychiatric disorder risk
Authors: Palmos Alish B. , Duarte Rodrigo R. R. , Smeeth Demelza M. , Hedges Erin C. , Nixon Douglas F. , Thuret Sandrine , Powell Timothy R.
Published: April 2020

Telomere shortening is one hallmark of cell ageing that can limit the proliferative capacity of cell populations and increase risk for age-related disease. It has been hypothesized that short telomeres, and subsequently a limited proliferative capacity of hippocampal progenitor cells, could contribute to smaller hippocampal volumes and impaired cognition, amongst psychiatric disorder patients. The current study employed a systematic, multidisciplinary approach which aimed to model the effects of telomere shortening on human hippocampal neurogenesis, and to explore its relationship with cognition and psychiatric disorder risk. We modelled telomere shortening in human hippocampal progenitor cellsin vitrousing a serial passaging protocol that mimics the end-replication problem. Aged progenitors demonstrated shorter telomeres (p<0.05), and reduced rates of cell proliferation, as marked by bromodeoxyuridine staining (p<0.001), with no changes in the ability of cells to differentiate into neurons or glia. RNA-sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis revealed an effect of cell ageing on gene networks related to neurogenesis, telomere maintenance, cell senescence and cytokine production. Downregulated transcripts showed a significant overlap with genes regulating cognitive function and risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Collectively, our results suggest that reductions in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, caused by telomere shortening, could represent a cellular mechanism contributing to age-related cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorder risk.
Effects of genomic and functional diversity on stand-level productivity and performance of non-native Arabidopsis
Authors: Turner Kathryn G. , Lorts Claire M. , Haile Asnake T. , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: April 2020

Biodiversity can affect the properties of groups of organisms, such as ecosystem function and the persistence of colonizing populations. Genomic data offer a newly available window to diversity, complementary to other measures like taxonomic or phenotypic diversity. We tested whether native genetic diversity in field experimental stands ofArabidopsis thalianaaffected their aboveground biomass and fecundity in their colonized range. We constructed some stands of genotypes that wea prioripredicted would differ in performance or show overyielding. We found no relationship between genetic diversity and stand total biomass. However, increasing stand genetic diversity increased fecundity in high resource conditions. Polyculture (multiple genotype) stands consistently yielded less biomass than expected based on the yields of component genotypes in monoculture. This under-yielding was strongest in stands with late-flowering and high biomass genotypes, potentially due to interference competition by these genotypes. Using a new implementation of association mapping, we identified genetic loci whose diversity was associated with stand-level yield, revealing a major flowering time locus associated with under-yielding of polycultures. Our field experiment supports community ecology studies that find a range of diversity-function relationships. Nevertheless, our results suggest diversity in colonizing propagule pools can enhance population fitness. Furthermore, interference competition among genotypes differing in flowering time might limit the advantages of polyculture.
Sensory capability and information integration independently predict cognitive status of healthy older adults
Authors: Misselhorn Jonas , Göschl Florian , Higgen Focko L. , Hummel Friedhelm C. , Gerloff Christian , Engel Andreas K.
Published: April 2020

Ageing is characterized by changes in sensory and cognitive abilities. While there is evidence that decline in sensory acuity and enhanced multisensory integration predict cognitive status in healthy older adults, potential mechanistic links between these age-related alterations remain unclear. In the current study, we assessed performance of younger and older healthy adults in a visuotactile delayed match-to-sample task and related indices of multisensory integration to unisensory perceptual thresholds and cognitive assessment data. Additionally, we applied transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to modulate cortical networks found to underlie visuotactile interactions and working-memory matching in our previous work. Analysing response times and signal detection measures, we found older adults to show enhanced multisensory integration and benefit more from successful working memory matching. Both measures predicted cognitive status and correlated positively with each other, suggesting that they likely reflect a common underlying tendency to integrate information. Sensory capability, however, independently predicted cognitive status. tACS with beta frequency (20 Hz) accelerated task performance and this effect was more pronounced in the older group. We conclude that sensory capability and information integration represent independent predictors of cognitive status. Finally, we discuss a potential role of the parietal cortex in mediating augmented integration in older adults.
Involvement of I-BAR protein IRSp53 in tumor cell growth via extracellular microvesicle secretion
Authors: Hu Hooi Ting , Sasakura Naoto , Matsubara Daisuke , Furusawa Naoko , Mukai Masahiro , Kitamura Narufumi , Obayashi Takeshi , Nishimura Tamako , Oono-Yakura Kayoko , Funato Yosuke , Okamura Yasunobu , Tarao Kento , Nakano Yasushi , Murakami Yoshinori , Kinoshita Kengo , Takahashi Chiaki , Miki Hiroaki , Gonda Kohsuke , Scita Giorgio , Hanawa-Suetsugu Kyoko , Suetsugu Shiro
Published: April 2020

Cellular protrusions mediated by the membrane-deforming I-BAR domain protein IRSp53 are involved in cell migration, including metastasis. However, the role of IRSp53 in cell proliferation remains unclear. Here, we examined the role of IRSp53 in cell proliferation and found that it acts through secretion. Coculture of gingiva squamous carcinoma Ca9-22 cells and their IRSp53-knockout cells restored proliferation to parental Ca9-22 cell levels, suggesting possible secretion dependent on IRSp53. Notably, the amounts of microvesicle fraction proteins that were secreted into the culture medium were reduced in the IRSp53-knockout cells. The IRSp53-knockout cells exhibited decreased phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, suggesting the decrease in the proliferation signals. The phosphorylation was restored by the addition of the microvesicles. In mice xenograft Ca9-22 cells, IRSp53-containing particles were secreted around the xenograft, indicating that IRSp53-dependent secretion occursin vivo. In a tumor mice model, IRSp53 deficiency elongated lifespan. In some human cancers, the higher levels of IRSp53 mRNA expression was found to be correlated with shorter survival years. Therefore, IRSp53 is involved in tumor progression and secretion for cellular proliferation.
Synthesis of N-substituted 3-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)-3-hydroxyindolin-2-ones and their conversion to N-substituted (E)-3-(2-aryl-2-oxoethylidene)indolin-2-ones: synthetic sequence, spectroscopic characterization and structures of four 3-hydroxy compounds and five oxoethylidene products
Authors: Becerra Diana , Castillo Juan , Insuasty Braulio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: April 2020

An operationally simple and time-efficient approach has been developed for the synthesis of racemic N-substituted 3-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)-3-hydroxyindolin-2-ones by a piperidine-catalysed aldol reaction between aryl methyl ketones and N-alkylisatins. These aldol products were used successfully as strategic intermediates for the preparation of N-substituted (E)-3-(2-hetaryl-2-oxoethylidene)indolin-2-ones by a stereoselective dehydration reaction under acidic conditions. The products have all been fully characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, by mass spectrometry and, for a representative selection, by crystal structure analysis. In each of (RS)-1-benzyl-3-hydroxy-3-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl]indolin-2-one, C24H21NO4, (Ic), and (RS)-1-benzyl-3-{2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-2-oxoethyl}-3-hydroxyindolin-2-one, C25H24N2O3, (Id), inversion-related pairs of molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds to form R
2
2(10) rings, which are further linked into chains of rings by a combination of C—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds in (Ic) and by C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds in (Id). The molecules of (RS)-1-benzyl-3-hydroxy-3-[2-oxo-2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl]indolin-2-one, C22H18N2O3, (Ie), are linked into a three-dimensional framework structure by a combination of O—H...N, C—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. (RS)-3-[2-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-oxoethyl]-1-benzyl-3-hydroxyindolin-2-one, C24H19NO5, (If), crystallizes with Z′ = 2 in the space group P\overline{1} and the molecules are linked into complex sheets by a combination of O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. In each of (E)-1-benzyl-3-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]indolin-2-one, C23H16FNO2, (IIa), and (E)-1-benzyl-3-[2-oxo-2-(thiophen-2-yl)ethylidene]indolin-2-one, C21H15NO2S, (IIg), the molecules are linked into simple chains by a single C—H...O hydrogen bond, while those of (E)-1-benzyl-3-[2-oxo-2-(pyridin-4-yl)ethylidene]indolin-2-one, C22H16N2O2, (IIe), are linked by three C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form sheets which are further linked into a three-dimensional structure by C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds. There are no hydrogen bonds in the structures of either (E)-1-benzyl-3-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]indolin-2-one, C24H19NO3, (IIc), or (E)-1-benzyl-5-chloro-3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-oxoethylidene]indolin-2-one, C23H15Cl2NO2, (IIh), but the molecules of (IIh) are linked into chains of π-stacked dimers by a combination of C—Cl...π(arene) and aromatic π–π stacking interactions.
Sodium sulfite heptahydrate and its relation to sodium carbonate heptahydrate
Authors: Weil Matthias , Mereiter Kurt
Published: April 2020

The monoclinic crystal structure of Na2SO3(H2O)7 is characterized by an alternating stacking of (100) cationic sodium–water layers and anionic sulfite layers along [100]. The cationic layers are made up from two types of [Na(H2O)6] octahedra that form linear 1
∞[Na(H2O)4/2(H2O)2/1] chains linked by dimeric [Na(H2O)2/2(H2O)4/1]2 units on both sides of the chains. The isolated trigonal–pyramidal sulfite anions are connected to the cationic layers through an intricate network of O—H...O hydrogen bonds, together with a remarkable O—H...S hydrogen bond, with an O...S donor–acceptor distance of 3.2582 (6) Å, which is about 0.05 Å shorter than the average for O—H...S hydrogen bonds in thiosalt hydrates and organic sulfur compounds of the type Y—S—Z (Y/Z = C, N, O or S). Structural relationships between monoclinic Na2SO3(H2O)7 and orthorhombic Na2CO3(H2O)7 are discussed in detail.
The relationship between empowering leadership and volunteers' service capability: intention to share knowledge as mediator
Authors: Siachou Evangelia , Gkorezis Panagiotis , Adeosun Faith
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between empowering leadership and volunteers' service capability in the context of nongovernmental organizations. In doing so, the mediating role of intention to share knowledge was highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from volunteers from two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Greece through a web-survey tool. To test our hypotheses, we used bootstrapping analysis.

Findings

Our study provides support for the positive effect of empowering leadership (EL) on volunteers' service capability. In addition, we highlighted volunteers' intention to share their knowledge as an underlying mechanism that explains the above relationship.

Originality/value

The present study highlights the important role of EL in increasing service capability in the context of NGOs. Even more, the mediating role of intention to share knowledge provided new knowledge into why EL affects employees' extra-role behavior and more specifically, service capability.
Dynamics of energy consumption, real sector value added and growth in energy deficient economies
Authors: Kalu Ebere Ume , Nwafor Uchenna Florence , Okoyeuzu Chinwe R. , Onodugo Vincent A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the energy–growth linkage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with emphasis on real sectors’ contribution to aggregate growth using dynamic panel estimation techniques that are practically and conceptually superior to the static models.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic panel econometric techniques pooled mean group, mean group and dynamic fixed effect were used to investigate the linkage among energy consumption, real sector value added and economic growth from 1967 to 2016 in 48 SSA countries.

Findings

A strong empirical evidence in favor of energy dependence and growth hypothesis in the investigated SSA countries was found. The finding that real sector value added and overall growth rate adjust reasonably to the shocks and dynamics of the energy consumption variables makes energy consumption an enabler for growth. This indicates that well thought-out and implemented energy development policy will not only increase energy consumption but also elicit multi-sectoral growth while addressing the obvious energy deficiency in the SSA region.

Research limitations/implications

It is also important to note the policy implications of the high adjustment profiles indicated by the error correction representations. All the speeds of adjustment of the three models denominated in time are slightly above a year and are all within predictable limits (they fall below unity or 100%). We found that when agriculture value added, manufacturing value added and overall economic growth rate in our SSA panel estimation exceed equilibrium levels as a result of deviations arising from energy related variables, downward adjustments at 66%, 62% and 78% per year, respectively, take place.

Practical implications

The study indicates that well thought-out and implemented energy development policy will not only increase energy consumption but also elicit multi-sectoral growth while addressing the obvious energy deficiency in the SSA region.

Social implications

Much as this study has made some addition to the literature on energy-growth nexus in the SSA region, which undoubtedly is an unveiling of economic forces in a collection of developing and energy deficient economies, it will be of great research significance if the form and style of this study is adopted for other economic blocs in the shapes and sizes of the SSA region.

Originality/value

This study ensured currency of data, novelty of approach and disaggregated energy consumption into emerging sources, traditional sources and geographical access.
System dynamics applications in performance measurement research
Authors: Oladimeji Olufunke Olufunmi , Keathley-Herring Heather , Cross Jennifer A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study investigates system dynamics (SD) applications in performance measurement (PM) research and practice. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the maturity of this research area and identify opportunities for development.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to provide a comprehensive and rigorous review of the existing literature. The search was conducted on 10 platforms identifying 97 publications, which were evaluated using bibliometric analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed that applications of SD are most commonly used in the PM system design phase to model organisational performance. In addition, the bibliometric results showed a highly dispersed author set, with most studies using exploratory methods, suggesting that the research is in a relatively early stage of development. The results also showed that over 50 per cent of the causal models were not validated, emphasizing an important methodological gap in this research area.

Research limitations/implications

This SLR is limited to indexed publications on 10 platforms, the search strategy was relatively precise and only available papers in English language were used for the literature review.

Practical implications

PM systems supported by SD can help managers understand and improve organisational behaviours by addressing dynamic complexities and relationship between variables. This study evaluates the maturity of this research area including information about the current development of this area and opportunities to build on existing knowledge.

Originality/value

This study identifies how SD approaches are applied to PM and highlights areas that require further research consideration. This paper is the first of two publications to result from this study and focuses on evaluating the current state of this research area.
The information content of discretionary accruals during systemic crises
Authors: Moscariello Nicola , Fera Pietro , Cinque Ettore
Published: April 2020

Purpose

By analyzing the relationship between discretionary accruals and information asymmetry throughout the latest global financial crisis, this paper deepens our understanding of the effect of managerial discretion on the informativeness of earnings in the case of a negative exogenous shock in business fundamentals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the relationship between discretionary accruals and the bid–ask spread within the Italian Stock Exchange over the period of 2007–2012. The authors focus on one country in order to avoid systematic cross-country performance variation in discretionary accruals models, and they use the bid–ask spread as a proxy for information asymmetry.

Findings

This paper shows the role played by discretionary accruals in unblocking private information in the case of a negative exogenous shock in business fundamentals and finds a significant negative relationship between discretionary accruals and the bid–ask spread during the global financial crisis, although only limited to firms with strong corporate governance.

Research limitations/implications

Since the paper focuses on one country, the findings might not be necessarily generalizable. Moreover, the relatively small sample size could be another limitation.

Practical implications

This paper offers useful evidence to identify settings in which discretionary accruals increase the informativeness of earnings. Further, it suggests controlling for macroeconomic variables to mitigate the risk of an erroneous interpretation of discretionary accruals models.

Originality/value

This paper extends knowledge and collects new evidence on the information content of discretionary accruals by investigating the relationship between discretionary accruals and information asymmetry during a systemic crisis.
Money laundering through consulting companies
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian , Falker Marie-Christin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how illegally obtained funds are laundered by employment of consulting companies in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis of 28 semi-standardized expert interviews with both criminals and prevention experts, and a quantitative survey of 200 compliance officers led to the identification of concrete money-laundering techniques involving the employment of consulting companies.

Findings

Consulting companies continue to be used for money laundering in European German-speaking countries, especially in the layering and integration stages of the money laundering process, during which the origins of funds are concealed, and the money is integrated into the legal economy.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative findings from the analysis of semi-standardized interviews are limited to the 28 interviewees’ perspectives.

Practical implications

Identification of gaps in existing anti-money-laundering mechanisms provides compliance officers, law enforcement agencies and legislators with valuable insights into how criminals operate.

Originality/value

The existing literature focuses on organizations that combat money laundering and the improvement of anti-money-laundering measures. This paper outlines how money launderers avoid detection. Both preventative and criminal perspectives are considered.
Cellular life from the three domains and viruses are transcriptionally active in a hypersaline desert community
Authors: Uritskiy Gherman , Tisza Michael J. , Gelsinger Diego R. , Munn Adam , Taylor James , DiRuggiero Jocelyne
Published: April 2020

Microbial communities play essential roles in the biosphere and understanding the mechanisms underlying their functional adaptations to environmental conditions is critical for predicting their behaviour. This aspect of microbiome function has not been well characterized in natural high‐salt environments. To address this knowledge gap, and to build a general framework relating the genomic and transcriptomic components in a microbiome, we performed a meta‐omic survey of extremophile communities inhabiting halite (salt) nodules in the Atacama Desert. We found that the major phyla of this halophilic community have different levels of total transcriptional activity, at the selected time‐points, and that different metabolic pathways were activated in their transcriptomes. We report that a novel Dolichomastix alga—the only eukaryote found in this system—was the most active community member. It produced the vast majority of the community's photosynthetic transcripts despite being outnumbered by Cyanobacteria. The divergence in the transcriptional landscapes of these segregated communities, compared with the relatively stable metagenomic functional potential, suggests that microbiomes in each salt nodule undergo unique transcriptional adjustments to adapt to local conditions. We also report the characterization of several previously unknown halophilic viruses, many of which exhibit transcriptional activity indicative of host infection.
Functional responses between PMP3 small membrane proteins and membrane potential
Authors: Kwok Alvin C. M. , Zhang Fang , Ma Zhiyi , Chan Wai Sun , Yu Vivian C. , Tsang Jimmy S. H. , Wong Joseph T. Y.
Published: April 2020

The Plasma Membrane Proteolipid 3 (PMP3, UPF0057 family in Uniprot) family consists of abundant small hydrophobic polypeptides with two predicted transmembrane helices. Plant homologues were upregulated in response to drought/salt‐stresses and yeast deletion mutants exhibited conditional growth defects. We report here abundant expression of Group I PMP3 homologues (PMP3(i)hs) during normal vegetative growth in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, at a level comparable to housekeeping genes, implicating the regular cellular functions. Expression of eukaryotic PMP3(i)hs was dramatically upregulated in response to membrane potential (Vm) variability (Vmvar), whereas PMP3(i)hs deletion‐knockdown led to Vm changes with conditional growth defects. Bacterial PMP3(i)h yqaE deletion led to a shift of salt sensitivity; Vmvar alternations with exogenous K+ addition downregulated prokaryotic PMP3(i)hs, suggesting [K+]‐Vmvar axis being a significant feedback element in prokaryotic ionic homeostasis. Remarkably, the eukaryotic homologues functionally suppressed the conditional growth defects in bacterial deletion mutant, demonstrating the conserved cross‐kingdom membrane functions by PMP3(i)hs. These data demonstrated a direct reciprocal relationship between PMP3(i)hs expression and Vm differentials in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Cumulative with PMP3(i)hs ubiquitous abundance, their lipid‐binding selectivity and membrane protein colocalization, we propose [PMP3(i)hs]‐Vmvar axis as a key element in membrane homeostasis.
Origins and Characteristics of Macro‐Nationalism: A Reflection on Pan‐Latinism's Emergence at the Turn of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: GILADI AMOTZ
Published: April 2020

Appearing across Europe in the late nineteenth century, macro‐nationalist movements or pan‐movements – pan‐Latinism among them – participated in the ‘first globalisation’. During that period, European powers’ new domination of a considerable part of the world gradually homogenised the planet politically and economically. In this context, the pan‐movements placed nationalism on a larger scale than ever before. Mining various cultural, linguistic and ‘racial’ criteria, each macro‐nationalist movement promoted projects of supra‐national integration among all German‐speaking, Slavic‐speaking or Romance‐speaking peoples. Proposing a conceptual framework for analysing this phenomenon, this article situates macro‐nationalism within nationalism's broader history, underscoring similarities and differences in relation to the dominant model of nation‐state nationalism. I show how the pan‐movements drew constitutive elements from different phases in nineteenth‐century nationalism and became crystallised in a context marked by intensified armed conflicts and imperial rivalries. Focusing on the case of pan‐Latinism, I highlight the major role played by intellectual and political elites in this ideology's development and discuss the extent of its relevance to other social classes.
Put to the test: For a new sociology of testing
Authors: Marres Noortje , Stark David
Published: April 2020

In an age defined by computational innovation, testing seems to have become ubiquitous, and tests are routinely deployed as a form of governance, a marketing device, an instrument for political intervention, and an everyday practice to evaluate the self. This essay argues that something more radical is happening here than simply attempts to move tests from the laboratory into social settings. The challenge that a new sociology of testing must address is that ubiquitous testing changes the relations between science, engineering, and sociology: Engineering is today in the very stuff of where society happens. It is not that the tests of 21st‐century engineering occur within a social context but that it is the very fabric of the social that is being put to the test. To understand how testing and the social relate today, we must investigate how testing operates on social life, through the modification of its settings. One way to clarify the difference is to say that the new forms of testing can be captured neither within the logic of the field test nor of the controlled experiment. Whereas tests once happened inside social environments, today’s tests directly and deliberately modify the social environment.
Occupational inequalities in volunteering participation: Using detailed data on jobs to explore the influence of habits and circumstances
Authors: Lambert Paul S. , Rutherford Alasdair C.
Published: April 2020

In this paper we present empirical results that show that detailed occupations have distinctive patterns of association with voluntary participation. We draw upon data from four secondary survey datasets from the UK (coverage 1972–2012). Occupations are shown to link to volunteering in a wide range of scenarios and in individual, household, and longitudinal contexts. We argue that these linkages provide insight into social inequalities in volunteering, and that they can help us to understand the relative influence of “circumstance” and “habits” in enabling or inhibiting voluntary participation.
Multilayer packaging: Advances in preparation techniques and emerging food applications
Authors: Anukiruthika T. , Sethupathy Priyanka , Wilson Anila , Kashampur Kiran , Moses Jeyan Arthur , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy
Published: April 2020

In recent years, with advantages of versatility, functionality, and convenience, multilayer food packaging has gained significant interest. As a single entity, multilayer packaging combines the benefits of each monolayer in terms of enhanced barrier properties, mechanical integrity, and functional properties. Of late, apart from conventional approaches such as coextrusion and lamination, concepts of nanotechnology have been used in the preparation of composite multilayer films with improved physical, chemical, and functional characteristics. Further, emerging techniques such as ultraviolet and cold plasma treatments have been used in manufacturing films with enhanced performance through surface modifications. This work provides an up‐to‐date review on advancements in the preparation of multilayer films for food packaging applications. This includes critical considerations in design, risk of interaction between the package and the food, mathematical modeling and simulation, potential for scale‐up, and costs involved. The impact of in‐package processing is also explained considering cases of nonthermal processing and advanced thermal processing. Importantly, challenges associated with degradability and recycling multilayer packages and associated implications on sustainability have been discussed.
Effects of ice storm on species richness and abundance of resident birds in subtropical forest in southern China
Authors: LEE Myung‐Bok , HONG Yongmi , SHU Zufei , ZHANG Qiang , ZOU Fasheng
Published: April 2020

Between January and February 2008, a severe ice storm occurred in southern China. The storm damaged nearly 21 million hectares of forest lands with broken branch, trunk breakage, and stem bending of many trees. This natural disturbance provides a unique opportunity to study impacts of extreme climatic event on forest birds. Using hierarchical multi‐species occupancy model (species richness; 27 species) and N‐mixture model (abundance; 3 species), we investigated how the storm affected resident bird species in subtropical forest in southern China. We sampled birds at Chebaling National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province, monthly for 1 year each before and after the storm by mist nets. To take into account variations in temperature between years and between months, we incorporated monthly mean temperature into the models as an additional covariate. Observed species richness was greater before the storm. Estimated species richness (from the hierarchical model) also tended to be greater before than after the storm although 95% Bayesian credible intervals of these estimates were overlapped. Temperature showed a negative effect on estimated species richness, indicating greater species richness during winter. Among three species captured the most, abundance of Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus) significantly decreased after the storm. Other two species, Grey Treepie (Dendrocitta formosae) and Huet's Fulvetta (Alcippe hueti) showed insignificant responses to the storm. Our study indicates that the 2008 ice storm may not have a significant impact on species richness of resident birds in subtropical forest; however, the effect can be species‐specific and negative to some species’ population.
Investigation and diagnostic imaging of suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy and the puerperium: A review of the literature
Authors: Tester Jodie , Hammerschlag Gary , Irving Louis , Pascoe Diane , Rees Megan
Published: April 2020

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality with women at increased risk of PE during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Clinical assessment of suspected PE during pregnancy is challenging as signs and symptoms associated with PE overlap with physiological changes of pregnancy. Clinical tests and rules commonly used to assess pre‐test probability of PE were historically not well validated in the pregnant population. The challenges of clinical assessment in the pregnant and postpartum population result in a lowered threshold for diagnostic imaging. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and nuclear medicine lung scintigraphy or ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scans are the main types of diagnostic imaging for suspected PE. Both methods are associated with small levels of ionising radiation exposure to mother and foetus. Accuracy of the diagnostic imaging tests is paramount. Haemodynamic changes of pregnancy, including increased heart rate, increased blood volume and altered flow velocity in the pulmonary arteries, may influence the quality of imaging. This comprehensive review examines the literature and evidence for the investigation and diagnostic imaging of suspected pulmonary embolism during pregnancy with CTPA and V/Q. Clinical decision‐making tools, biomarkers and diagnostic imaging during pregnancy and postpartum will be considered with a focus on diagnostic accuracy and yield, radiation dose exposure (maternal–foetal) and protocol modifications. Current practice guideline recommendations and recent literature on diagnostic pathways are also presented.
Postoperative short‐term outcomes of minimally invasive versus open esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akhtar Naeem M. , Chen Donglai , Zhao Yuhuan , Dane David , Xue Yuhang , Wang Wenjia , Zhang Jiaheng , Sang Yonghua , Chen Chang , Chen Yongbing
Published: April 2020

Background

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to synthesize the available evidence regarding short‐term outcomes between minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and open esophagectomy (OE).

Methods

Studies were identified by searching databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library up to March 2019 without language restrictions. Results of these searches were filtered according to a set of eligibility criteria and analyzed in line with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

There were 33 studies included with a total of 13 269 patients in our review, out of which 4948 cases were of MIE and 8321 cases were of OE. The pooled results suggested that MIE had a better outcome regarding all‐cause respiratory complications (RCs) (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.41–0.78, P = <0.001), in‐hospital duration (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI = −0.78−0.24; P = <0.001), and blood loss (SMD = −1.44; 95% CI = −1.95−0.93; P = <0.001). OE was associated with shorter duration of operation time, while no statistically significant differences were observed regarding other outcomes. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed for a number of different postoperative events.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that MIE had more favorable outcomes than OE from the perspective of short‐term outcomes. Further large‐scale, multicenter randomized control trials are needed to explore the long‐term survival outcomes after MIE versus OE.
Opportunistic infections complicating immunotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Ziwei , Liu Tao , Zhang Xiaotong , Si Xiaoyan , Wang Hanping , Zhang Jingjia , Huang Hui , Sun Xuefeng , Wang Jinglan , Wang Mengzhao , Zhang Li
Published: April 2020

Immunotherapy has produced durable responses in numerous advanced and metastatic cancers, especially advanced non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, opportunistic infection has become a major risk for patients who have received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Early diagnosis of infection is difficult due to an acute disease course and heterogeneity in clinical manifestation. We retrospectively analyzed four cases with NSCLC who received ICIs and developed opportunistic infections. Two of our cases received antecedent glucocorticoids to treat immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), whereas immunosuppressive agents were not used beforehand in the other cases. We highlight that opportunistic infections complicating immunotherapy can be severe and even fatal. When patients deteriorate after initial remission from irAEs by glucocorticoids, infections should be thoroughly investigated and carefully distinguished from an irAE flare. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are essential. In patients where limited results from traditional microbiological tests have been obtained, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of BAL fluid is beneficial in guiding a precise antimicrobial treatment. An antipneumocystis prophylaxis may also be considered in selected patients.
Stability of At‐risk Alcohol Use Screening Results in a General Population Sample
Authors: Staudt Andreas , Freyer‐Adam Jennis , John Ulrich , Meyer Christian , Baumann Sophie
Published: April 2020

Background

In combination with systematic routine screening, brief alcohol interventions have the potential to promote population health. Little is known on the optimal screening interval. Therefore, this study pursued 2 research questions: (i) How stable are screening results for at‐risk drinking over 12 months? (ii) Can the transition from low‐risk to at‐risk drinking be predicted by gender, age, school education, employment, or past week alcohol use?

Methods

A sample of 831 adults (55% female; mean age = 30.8 years) from the general population was assessed 4 times over 12 months. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test—Consumption was used to screen for at‐risk drinking each time. Participants were categorized either as low‐risk or at‐risk drinkers at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months later. Stable and instable risk status trajectories were analyzed descriptively and graphically. Transitioning from low‐risk drinking at baseline to at‐risk drinking at any follow‐up was predicted using a logistic regression model.

Results

Consistent screening results over time were observed in 509 participants (61%). Of all baseline low‐risk drinkers, 113 (21%) received a positive screening result in 1 or more follow‐up assessments. Females (vs. males; OR = 1.66; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] = 1.04; 2.64), 18‐ to 29‐year‐olds (vs. 30‐ to 45‐year‐olds; OR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.26; 4.20), and those reporting 2 or more drinking days (vs. less than 2; OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.93; 5.01) and heavy episodic drinking (vs. none; OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.06; 5.20) in the week prior to the baseline assessment had increased odds for a transition to at‐risk drinking.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the widely used time frame of 1 year may be ambiguous regarding the screening for at‐risk alcohol use although generalizability may be limited due to higher‐educated people being overrepresented in our sample.
Mainstream consent programs for genetic counseling in cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Scheinberg Tahlia , Young Alison , Woo Henry , Goodwin Annabel , Mahon Kate L. , Horvath Lisa G.
Published: April 2020

As demand for germline genetic testing for cancer patients increases, novel methods of genetic counseling are required. One such method is the mainstream consent pathway, whereby a member of the oncology team (rather than a genetic specialist) is responsible for counseling, consenting, and arranging genetic testing for cancer patients. We systematically reviewed the literature for evidence evaluating mainstream pathways for patients with breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Article references were checked for additional studies. Trial databases were searched for ongoing studies. Of the 13 papers that met inclusion criteria, 11 individual study groups were identified (two study groups had two publications each). Ten of the 11 studies evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and impact of BRCA testing for patients and/or clinicians in different clinical settings in breast and ovarian cancer, while the final study explored the attitudes of colorectal specialists toward genetic testing for colorectal cancer. None involved prostate cancer. Overall, mainstream pathways were acceptable and feasible. Medical oncologist‐ and nurse‐driven pathways were particularly successful, with both patients and clinicians satisfied with this process. Although the content of pretest counseling was less consistent compared with counseling via the traditional model, patients were largely satisfied with the education they received. Further research is required to evaluate the mainstream pathway for men with prostate cancer.
Commentary on ICH guideline on genomic sampling and data management‐enabling opportunities in drug development and patient treatment
Authors: Ehmann Falk , Aerssens Jeroen , Blanchard Rebecca
Published: April 2020

The ability to benefit from knowledge of human genomic data in medicine has been anticipated since the sequencing of the human genome. That promise has experienced some degree of realization, particularly in oncology where biomarker‐specific clinical trials and patient treatment specific to the genetics of their tumours now occur. With whole genome sequencing and related technologies becoming more affordable, and the generation and management of vast amounts of data and information, more capable, new opportunities to benefit from these developments lie ahead. Already emerging are many studies describing the association of genomic variation with molecular underpinnings of disease, association with patient response to drugs and informing the nomination of new drug targets. These developments are accompanied by some ethical, legal and regulatory challenges, which we discuss in this article.
Homocysteine is associated with severity of microvasculopathy in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Samarron Sandra L. , Miller Joshua W. , Cheung Anthony T. , Chen Peter C. , Lin Xin , Zwerdling Theodore , Wun Ted , Green Ralph
Published: April 2020

The pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) includes vasculopathy as well as anaemia. Elevated plasma homocysteine is a risk factor for vascular disease and may be associated with increased risk of vascular complications in SCD patients. In the present study, microvascular characteristics were assessed in the bulbar conjunctiva of 18 paediatric and 18 adult SCD patients, using the non‐invasive technique of computer‐assisted intravital microscopy. A vasculopathy severity index (SI) was computed to quantify the degree of microvasculopathy in each patient. Plasma homocysteine and several of its determinants [serum folate and vitamin B12, plasma pyridoxal‐5'‐phosphate (vitamin B6 status) and creatinine (kidney function)] were measured. Age was strongly correlated with microvasculopathy in the SCD patients, with the SI increasing about 0·1 unit per one‐year increase in age (P < 0·001). After adjusting for age, gender, B‐vitamin status and creatinine, homocysteine concentration was directly correlated with severity index (P < 0·05). Age and homocysteine concentration were independent predictors of microvasculopathy in SCD patients. It remains to be determined whether lowering homocysteine concentrations using appropriate B‐vitamin supplements (folate and vitamins B12 and B6) ‒ particularly if started early in life ‒ could ameliorate microvasculopathy and its associated complications in SCD patients.
Assessment of romiplostim immunogenicity in adult patients in clinical trials and in a global postmarketing registry
Authors: Mytych Daniel T. , Park Joseph K. , Kim June , Barger Troy E. , Boshier Andy , Jawa Vibha , Kuter David J.
Published: April 2020

Antibodies to first‐generation recombinant thrombopoietin (TPO) neutralized endogenous TPO and caused thrombocytopenia in some healthy subjects and chemotherapy patients. The second‐generation TPO receptor agonist romiplostim, having no sequence homology to TPO, was developed to avoid immunogenicity. This analysis examined development of binding and neutralising antibodies to romiplostim or TPO among adults with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in 13 clinical trials and a global postmarketing registry. 60/961 (6·2%) patients from clinical trials developed anti‐romiplostim‐binding antibodies post‐baseline. The first positive binding antibody was detected 14 weeks (median) after starting romiplostim, at median romiplostim dose of 2 µg/kg and median platelet count of 29.5 × 109/l; most subjects had ≥98·5% of platelet assessments showing response. Neutralising antibodies to romiplostim developed in 0·4% of patients, but were unrelated to romiplostim dose and did not affect platelet count. Thirty‐three patients (3·4%) developed anti‐TPO‐binding antibodies; none developed anti‐TPO‐neutralising antibodies. In the global postmarketing registry, 9/184 (4·9%) patients with spontaneously submitted samples had binding antibodies. One patient with loss of response had anti‐romiplostim‐neutralising antibodies (negative at follow‐up). Collectively, anti‐romiplostim‐binding antibodies developed infrequently. In the few patients who developed neutralising antibodies to romiplostim, there was no cross‐reactivity with TPO and no associated loss of platelet response.
The declining place of music education in schools in England
Authors: Bath Naomi , Daubney Alison , Mackrill Duncan , Spruce Gary
Published: April 2020

This article addresses the provision of music education in schools in England, arguing that access to music education is the right of every child and therefore that a high‐quality and sustained curriculum offer must be provided in all state‐funded schools. Music education in England is widely recognised as being marginalised in state schools, despite it being a statutory requirement as part of the National Curriculum. This policy review examines several threats to music education, such as accountability measures, funding cuts, curriculum narrowing and erosion of the teaching workforce, identifying some of the key evidence in each case.