bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Mymonaviridae
Authors: Jiāng (姜道宏) Dàohóng , Ayllón María A. , Marzano Shin-Yi L. ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: September 2019

Members of the family Mymonaviridae produce filamentous, enveloped virions containing a single molecule of linear, negative-sense RNA of ≈10 kb. The family currently includes a single genus, Sclerotimonavirus. Mymonaviruses usually infect filamentous fungi, and one virus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum negative-stranded RNA virus 1, induces hypovirulence in the fungal host. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Mymonaviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/mymonaviridae.
An in silico survey of Clostridioides difficile extrachromosomal elements
Authors: Hornung Bastian V. H. , Kuijper Ed J. , Smits Wiep Klaas
Published: September 2019

The Gram-positive enteropathogen

Clostridioides difficile

(Clostridium difficile) is the major cause of healthcare-associated diarrhoea and is also an important cause of community-acquired infectious diarrhoea. Considering the burden of the disease, many studies have employed whole-genome sequencing of bacterial isolates to identify factors that contribute to virulence and pathogenesis. Though extrachromosomal elements (ECEs) such as plasmids are important for these processes in other bacteria, the few characterized plasmids of

C. difficile

have no relevant functions assigned and no systematic identification of plasmids has been carried out to date. Here, we perform an in silico analysis of publicly available sequence data to show that ~13 % of all

C. difficile

strains contain ECEs, with 1–6 elements per strain. Our approach identifies known plasmids (e.g. pCD6, pCD630 and cloning plasmids) and six novel putative plasmid families. Our study shows that plasmids are abundant and may encode functions that are relevant for

C. difficile

physiology. The newly identified plasmids may also form the basis for the construction of novel cloning plasmids for

C. difficile

that are compatible with existing tools.
Promoting respect as a solution to workplace harassment
Authors: Robotham Kathrina , Cortina Lilia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Despite organizational policies aimed at harassment prevention, harassment based on gender and ethnicity remains pervasive in places of work. Although previous research has identified other antecedents such as harassment climate, the purpose of this paper is to consider whether a climate of respect leads to reductions in identity-based harassment.

Design/methodology/approach

In a military sample of active duty men and women (Study 1) and a sample of working adults (Study 2), the authors use survey methods to test whether a climate of respect predicts the occurrence of two forms of identity-based abuse: sexual harassment (Study 1) and ethnic harassment (Study 2).

Findings

The authors find that a climate of respect uniquely predicts harassment based on sex and ethnicity, above and beyond effects of climate for harassment.

Originality/value

These results suggest that, while traditional harassment prevention efforts remain important for deterring identity-based harassment, promotion of a respectful work environment is also an effective tool.
Climbing robots: recent research and emerging applications
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide details of recent research into robots capable of ascending vertical or near-vertical surfaces and to illustrate how the ability to climb is set to resolve a critical industrial need arising from the growth in renewable energy.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, the first parts of this paper describe a selection of recent research activities that involve innovative concepts and designs. The second part discusses climbing robot developments aimed at the automated inspection, maintenance and repair of wind turbine blades. Brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

Robots that can ascend vertical or near-vertical surfaces are the topic of an extensive and technologically innovative research effort. Many developments take their inspiration from the climbing abilities of living creatures. Drones with the ability to adhere to and climb vertical surfaces are also being developed. Potential applications include inspection, surveillance and search and rescue. Climbing robots are poised to provide a solution to the need to de-man and reduce the cost of inspecting and maintaining composite wind turbine blades.

Originality/value

This provides an insight into recent innovations in climbing robot concepts and designs and shows how the ability to ascend vertical surfaces is being exploited in the robotic inspection, maintenance and repair of wind turbine blades.
Experiment and numerical simulation of micro dent fabricated by laser shocking 2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Fang Yezhong , Ji Xiaotian , Zhang Xingquan , Wang Jun , Chen Bin , Duan Shiwei , Tong Jinyu , Fang Guangwu , Pei Shanbao
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamic forming process of the micro dent fabricated by laser shock processing on 2024-T3 aluminum alloy. The effect of laser pluse energy on the deformation of micro dent was also discussed in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses finite element analysis method and the corresponding laser shocking experiment.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the dynamic formation process of micro dent lasts longer in comparison with the shock wave loading time, and the depths of micro dents increase with the increasing laser energy. In addition, laser shocking with higher energy can result in more obvious pileup occurred at the outer edge of micro dent.

Originality/value

Surface micro dents can serve as fluid reservoirs and traps of the wear debris, which can decrease the effects of the wear and friction in rolling and sliding interfaces. The investigations can not only be propitious to comprehensively understand the forming mechanism of laser-shocked dent, but also be beneficial to get sight into the residual stress field induced by laser shocking.
Does combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Heriz I and beta glucan improve quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy?
Authors: Monshikarimi Alireza , Ostadrahimi Alireza , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , EivaziZiaei Jamal , Barzeghari Abolfazl , Esfahani Ali , Payahoo Laleh , Aamazadeh Fatemeh , Farrin Nazila
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the impact of combination Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan on quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer (BC) patients receiving chemotherapy.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 30 women with BC were enrolled in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Intervention group received either daily one capsule of L. rhamnosus strain Heriz I (2 × 107 CFU) and two 10-mg capsules of soluble1–3,1–6,D-beta glucan and the placebo group receiving placebo, interval between two courses of chemotherapy. Health-related QOL was evaluated at baseline and end of the trial using the EORTC QOL Questionnaire version.3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30).

Findings

The results showed that combination of L. rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan supplementation in BC patients during chemotherapy improved functional scales score from 37.3 ± 12.1 to 39.8 ± 6.8 and this increase in comparison with placebo was significant after adjusting baseline value (p = 0.015). Changes in symptoms scores were not significant after intervention (p = 0.05) but the decreased score (66.1 ± 12.9 to 60.6 ± 9.4) was considerable clinically. As well as, changes in global health status/QOL score in intervention group in comparison with the placebo group was not significant (p = 0.93).

Originality/value

The findings suggest that combination of L. rhamnosus Heriz I and Beta glucan may be associated for improving functional scales and symptoms in patients with BC who underwent chemotherapy. To prove positive effect of supplements on other aspects of QOL, further studies are needed.
Unpackaging stakeholders’ motivation for participating in the social media of the higher education sector
Authors: Saraite-Sariene Laura , del Mar Gálvez-Rodríguez María , Haro-de-Rosario Arturo , Caba-Perez Carmen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Increasingly, universities are adopting social media as a strategy to improve their competitive advantage. However, little is known of whether or not stakeholders are actually engaging with universities in such online environments. The purpose of this paper is, first, to analyze the level of stakeholders’ engagement via social media, particularly Facebook, in European and US universities. Second, to examine the influencing factors that boost online interactions, in particular, “location,” “transparency,” “size,” “academic performance” and “activity.”

Design/methodology/approach

An engagement index and a multivariate regression analysis were carried out. Regarding the sample, European and US universities belonging to the “Top 100” of the Academic Ranking of World Universities were analyzed.

Findings

Despite the large online community that US universities possess, European universities attain the higher level of online engagement from its stakeholders. In particular, the greatest level of engagement is achieved by European universities of greater size, in terms of students, with lower academic performance and a lower level of online activity.

Social implications

This study contributes to existing literature by identifying the actual social impact of social media to build successful relationships with the stakeholders of higher education entities.

Originality/value

This paper can contribute to the current scarcity of literature concerning social media to improve new models of accountability in higher education entities with different managerial models.
Sport
Authors: Masdeu Yelamos Gerard , Carty Catherine , Clardy Aisling
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine current momentum in the sport policy arena congruent with the sustainable development agenda. It presents two consensus frameworks endorsed by the UN that provide mechanism for coherent action to 2030. With a human rights backdrop it outlines the role of organisations operating in the domains of physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS), promoting multidisciplinary partnerships and aligning to global agendas that enhance health and well-being for all.

Design/methodology/approach

This position paper is a narrative literature review reporting on the status of sports policy frameworks in the UN system of relevance to the sport sector generally. It relates these to research evidence on the interlinkage between sport, human rights, health and well-being based on critical literature.

Findings

The advent of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the Kazan Action Plan, the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 and allied developments across the sports movement provides an opportunity for revisiting and realigning the definitions and policy objectives of sport and health.

Research limitations/implications

The author’s bias as a UNESCO chair towards UN frameworks is acknowledged as is leniency towards physical education, PEPAS.

Practical implications

Multilateral agencies, health and sport authorities, are encouraged to review and leverage their resources and engage with the call for action of global agendas to improve public health.

Originality/value

This paper presents the global policy backdrop for action and investment in inclusive sport, physical education and physical activity. It presents a fresh new health and well-being perspective aligned to wider interdisciplinary agendas, on which sport organisations can make a significant contribution.
Petrophysics and mineral exploration: a workflow for data analysis and a new interpretation framework
Authors: Dentith Michael , Enkin Randolph J. , Morris William , Adams Cameron , Bourne Barry
Published: September 2019

As mineral exploration seeks deeper targets, there will be a greater reliance on geophysical data and a better understanding of the geological meaning of the responses will be required, and this must be achieved with less geological control from drilling. Also, exploring based on the mineral system concept requires particular understanding of geophysical responses associated with altered rocks. Where petrophysical datasets of adequate sample size and measurement quality are available, physical properties show complex variations, reflecting the combined effects of various geological processes. Large datasets, analysed as populations, are required to understand the variations. We recommend the display of petrophysical data as frequency histograms because the nature of the data distribution is easily seen with this form of display. A petrophysical dataset commonly contains a combination of overlapping sub‐populations, influenced by different geological factors. To understand the geological controls on physical properties in hard rock environments, it is necessary to analyse the petrophysical data not only in terms of the properties of different rock types. It is also necessary to consider the effects of processes such as alteration, weathering, metamorphism and strain, and variables such as porosity and stratigraphy. To address this complexity requires that much more supporting geological information be acquired than in current practice. The widespread availability of field portable instruments means quantitative geochemical and mineralogical data can now be readily acquired, making it unnecessary to rely primarily on categorical rock classification schemes. The petrophysical data can be combined with geochemical, petrological and mineralogical data to derive explanations for observed physical property variations based not only on rigorous rock classification methods, but also in combination with quantitative estimates of alteration and weathering. To understand how geological processes will affect different physical properties, it is useful to define three end‐member forms of behaviour. Bulk behaviour depends on the physical properties of the dominant mineral components. Density and, to a lesser extent, seismic velocity show such behaviour. Grain and texture behaviour occur when minor components of the rock are the dominate controls on its physical properties. Grain size and shape control grain properties, and for texture properties the relative positions of these grains are also important. Magnetic and electrical properties behave in this fashion. Thinking in terms of how geological processes change the key characteristics of the major and minor mineralogical components allows the resulting changes in physical properties to be understood and anticipated.
Susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and Acacia mearnsii seedlings to five Phytophthora species common in South African plantations
Authors: Bose Tanay , Roux Jolanda , Burgess Treena I. , Shaw Christopher , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: September 2019

Eucalyptus grandis and its hybrids, as well as Acacia mearnsii, are important non‐native trees commonly propagated for forestry purposes in South Africa. In this study, we conducted pathogenicity trials to assess the relative importance of five commonly isolated Phytophthora spp. (Phytophthora alticola, P. cinnamomi, P. frigida, P. multivora and P. nicotianae) from the plantation environment on E. grandis and A. mearnsii seedlings. Overall E. grandis was more susceptible to the tested Phytophthora spp. than A. mearnsii. Phytophthora cinnamomi was the only pathogen that had a significant negative effect on both the host tree species, leading to a reduction in root and shoot weight as well as to death in the case of E. grandis. Phytophthora alticola and P. nicotianae exclusively affected E. grandis and A. mearnsii, respectively. This study updated the current knowledge on the pathogenicity of Phytophthora spp. on two important non‐native commercially propagated tree species from South Africa.
Racialized Geographies and the “War on Drugs”: Gender Violence, Militarization, and Criminalization of Indigenous Peoples
Authors: Hernández Castillo Rosalva Aída
Published: September 2019

En este artículo reflexiono sobre el impacto que está teniendo la llamada “guerra contra el narco” en los cuerpos y territorios de los pueblos indígenas de México. Tomando como ventana analítica las historias de vida de mujeres víctimas de violencia sexual en regiones militarizadas y paramilitarizadas, así como las historias de exclusión de mujeres indígenas presas en el marco de la lucha contra el narcotráfico, me interesa establecer un vínculo entre la ocupación mediante la violación de los cuerpos de las mujeres indígenas, su control y encarcelamiento, con la ocupación de sus territorios y el despojo de sus recursos naturales. Se trata de procesos que se dan de manera simultánea y que responden a las lógicas neocoloniales del capitalismo en cuya reproducción han sido fundamentales las desigualdades de género y raza. [derechos humanos, género, legalidad, México, pueblos indígenas]
VEGF‐Trap is a potent modulator of vasoregenerative responses and protects dopaminergic amacrine network integrity in degenerative ischemic neovascular retinopathy
Authors: Rojo Arias Jesús E. , Economopoulou Matina , Juárez López David A. , Kurzbach Anica , Au Yeung Kwan H. , Englmaier Vanessa , Merdausl Marie , Schaarschmidt Martin , Ader Marius , Morawietz Henning , Funk Richard H. W. , Jászai József
Published: September 2019

Retinal hypoxia triggers abnormal vessel growth and microvascular hyper‐permeability in ischemic retinopathies. Whereas vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) inhibitors significantly hinder disease progression, their benefits to retinal neurons remain poorly understood. Similar to humans, oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) mice exhibit severe retinal microvascular malformations and profound neuronal dysfunction. OIR mice are thus a phenocopy of human retinopathy of prematurity, and a proxy for investigating advanced stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Hence, the OIR model offers an excellent platform for assessing morpho‐functional responses of the ischemic retina to anti‐angiogenic therapies. Using this model, we investigated the retinal responses to VEGF‐Trap (Aflibercept), an anti‐angiogenic agent recognizing ligands of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 that possesses regulatory approval for the treatment of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration, macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema. Our results indicate that Aflibercept not only reduces the severity of retinal microvascular aberrations but also significantly improves neuroretinal function. Aflibercept administration significantly enhanced light‐responsiveness, as revealed by electroretinographic examinations, and led to increased numbers of dopaminergic amacrine cells. Additionally, retinal transcriptional profiling revealed the concerted regulation of both angiogenic and neuronal targets, including transcripts encoding subunits of transmitter receptors relevant to amacrine cell function. Thus, Aflibercept represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the treatment of further progressive ischemic retinal neurovasculopathies beyond the set of disease conditions for which it has regulatory approval.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14743.
How do plant communities differ between fire refugia and fire‐generated early‐seral vegetation?
Authors: Downing William M. , Krawchuk Meg A. , Coop Jonathan D. , Meigs Garrett W. , Haire Sandra L. , Walker Ryan B. , Whitman Ellen , Chong Geneva , Miller Carol , Tortorelli Claire
Published: September 2019

Aims

Wildfires in dry forest ecosystems in western North America are producing fire effects that are more severe than historical estimates, raising concerns about the resilience of these landscapes to contemporary disturbances. Despite increasing fire activity, relatively little is known about the structure and composition of fire refugia — unburned or low‐severity burned patches where trees survived fire — or the degree to which their understory composition differs from fire‐generated early‐seral forests.

Locations

Four recent large fires in dry mixed‐conifer forest in eastern Oregon, USA.

Methods

We sampled vegetation and environmental factors in 187 plots (100‐m2) in fire refugia (n = 52) and stand‐replacement patches (SRPs) (n = 135). We used non‐metric multidimensional scaling, indicator species analysis, and randomization tests to compare understory plant communities and diversity in fire refugia and SRPs 12–17 years post‐fire.

Results

Understory plant communities in fire refugia and SRPs showed strong compositional affinities, but exhibited shifts in reproductive trait prevalence and differences in landscape‐scale species richness. There were no differences in plot‐scale species richness or the occurrence of two prominent invasive annual grasses (Bromus tectorum, Ventenata dubia). The abundance of common obligate seeding species was similar between plot types, but resprouting and seed‐banking species became substantially more abundant in SRPs. Significantly more plant species occurred only in fire refugia, and significantly fewer in SRPs, than expected by chance.

Conclusions

Similarities in understory plant communities between fire refugia and early‐seral forest in SRPs provide evidence for the resilience of historically frequent‐fire forest understory communities to contemporary fire effects. However, fire refugia may serve an ecologically important role as patches with relatively intact forest structure, seed sources that contribute to post‐fire forest recovery, and as reservoirs of species and age structure that may be absent from the higher‐severity burned matrix.
Intraoral Ultra‐High Frequency Ultrasound study of oral lichen planus: A pictorial review
Authors: Izzetti Rossana , Vitali Saverio , Oranges Teresa , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco , Caramella Davide , Gabriele Mario
Published: September 2019

Background

Ultra‐High Frequency Ultrasound (UHFUS) is a recently introduced diagnostic technique involving the use of higher frequencies compared to conventional ultrasound. Among the several fields of application, intraoral usage of UHFUS appears still limited. We report the intraoral evaluation of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) by means of UHFUS and describe typical UHFUS aspect of different forms of presentation of OLP.

Materials and Methods

Patients with clinical and histological diagnosis of OLP were enrolled in the study. OLP lesions were evaluated by means of intraoral UHFUS performed at 70 MHz, using B‐mode and C‐mode, in order to characterize the echostructure of each form of presentation.

Results

Fifty patients in total were enrolled, and UHFUS features were described for different OLP forms. All the lesions showed a thick, hypoechoic superficial layer in the mucosal stratum, suggesting that such UHFUS alteration can be pathognomonic of OLP.

Conclusion

Ultra‐High Frequency Ultrasound was able to differentiate superficial alterations of the oral mucosa, giving insight on possible applications of UHFUS in the study of OLP beyond clinical and histological investigations. Due to a limited study sample, we cannot draw firm conclusions. However, it is reasonable to think that UHFUS evaluation of OLP may provide useful information to the clinician.
Modulation of Death and Inflammatory Signaling in Decidual Stromal Cells following Exposure to Group B
Streptococcus
Authors: Flaherty Rebecca A. , Magel Maja , Aronoff David M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Petroff Margaret G. , Manning Shannon D.
Published: September 2019

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that contributes to miscarriage, preterm birth, and serious neonatal infections. Studies have indicated that some multilocus sequence types (STs) of GBS are more likely to cause severe disease than others. We hypothesized that the ability of GBS to elicit varying host responses in maternal decidual tissue during pregnancy is an important factor regulating infection and disease severity.
mSphere of Influence: Uncovering New Ways To Control Multidrug Resistance by Dissecting Essential Cell Processes
Authors: Flores-Mireles Ana L.
Published: September 2019

Ana L. Flores-Mireles works in the fields of microbial pathogenesis and development of new therapeutics. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the papers “Bacterial cell wall biogenesis is mediated by SEDS and PBP polymerase families functioning semi-autonomously” by H.
Risk of myocardial infarction among people living with HIV: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eyawo Oghenowede , Brockman Gwenyth , Goldsmith Charles H , Hull Mark W , Lear Scott A , Bennett Matthew , Guillemi Silvia , Franco-Villalobos Conrado , Adam Ahmed , Mills Edward J , Montaner Julio S G , Hogg Robert S
Published: September 2019

Objective

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading non-AIDS-defining causes of death among HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals. However, the evidence surrounding specific components of CVD risk remains inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the available evidence and establish the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) among HIV+ compared with uninfected individuals. We also examined MI risk within subgroups of HIV+ individuals according to exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), ART class/regimen, CD4 cell count and plasma viral load (pVL) levels.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews until 18 July 2018. Furthermore, we scanned recent HIV conference abstracts (CROI, IAS/AIDS) and bibliographies of relevant articles.

Eligibility criteria

Original studies published after December 1999 and reporting comparative data relating to the rate of MI among HIV+ individuals were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers working in duplicate, independently extracted data. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis and reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% CI.

Results

Thirty-two of the 8130 identified records were included in the review. The pooled RR suggests that HIV+ individuals have a greater risk of MI compared with uninfected individuals (RR: 1.73; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.08). Depending on risk stratification, there was moderate variation according to ART uptake (RR, ART-treated=1.80; 95% CI 1.17 to 2.77; ART-untreated HIV+ individuals: 1.25; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.67, both relative to uninfected individuals). We found low CD4 count, high pVL and certain ART characteristics including cumulative ART exposure, any/cumulative use of protease inhibitors as a class, and exposure to specific ART drugs (eg, abacavir) to be importantly associated with a greater MI risk.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that HIV infection, low CD4, high pVL, cumulative ART use in general including certain exposure to specific ART class/regimen are associated with increased risk of MI. The association with cumulative ART may be an index of the duration of HIV infection with its attendant inflammation, and not entirely the effect of cumulative exposure to ART per se.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42014012977.
What arguments and from whom are most influential in shaping public health policy: thematic content analysis of responses to a public consultation on the regulation of television food advertising to children in the UK
Authors: Razavi Ahmed , Adams J , White Martin
Published: September 2019

Objectives

We explore one aspect of the decision making process—public consultation on policy proposals by a national regulatory body—aiming to understand how public health policy development is influenced by different stakeholders.

Design

We used thematic content analysis to explore responses to a national consultation on the regulation of television advertising of foods high in fat, salt and sugar aimed at children.

Setting

UK.

Results

139 responses from key stakeholder groups were analysed to determine how they influenced the regulator’s initial proposals for advertising restrictions. The regulator’s priorities were questioned throughout the consultation process by public health stakeholders. The eventual restrictions implemented were less strict in many ways than those originally proposed. These changes appeared to be influenced most by commercial, rather than public health, stakeholders.

Conclusions

Public health policy making appears to be considered as a balance between commercial and public health interests. Tactics such as the questioning and reframing of scientific evidence may be used. In this example, exploring the development of policy regulating television food advertising to children, commercial considerations appear to have led to a watering down of initial regulatory proposals, with proposed packages not including the measures public health advocates considered to be the most effective. This seems likely to have compromised the ultimate public health effectiveness of the regulations eventually implemented.
Prospective longitudinal study of tobacco company adaptation to standardised packaging in the UK: identifying circumventions and closing loopholes
Authors: Evans-Reeves Karen A , Hiscock Rosemary , Lauber Kathrin , Gilmore Anna B
Published: September 2019

Objectives

UK standardised packaging legislation was introduced alongside pack size and product descriptor restrictions of the European Union Tobacco Products Directive to end tobacco marketing and misinformation via the pack. This paper aims to assess compliance with the restrictions and identify attempts to continue to market tobacco products and perpetuate misperceptions of harm post legislation.

Design, setting and intervention

A prospective study of the introduction of standardised packaging of tobacco products to the UK.

Participants and outcomes

We analysed commercial sales data to assess whether the legally required changes in pack branding, size and name were implemented. To explore any adaptations to products and packaging we analysed sales data, monthly pack purchases of factory-made (FM) cigarettes and roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco, tobacco advertisements from retail trade magazines and articles on tobacco from commercial literature (retail trade, market analyst and tobacco company publications).

Results

One month after full implementation of the UK and European Union policies, 97% FM and 98% RYO was sold in compliant packaging. Nevertheless, tobacco companies made adaptations to tobacco products which enabled continued brand differentiation after the legislation came into force. For example, flavour names previously associated with low tar were systematically changed to colour names arguably facilitating continued misperceptions about the relative harms of products. Tobacco companies used the 1-year sell-through to their advantage by communicating brand name changes and providing financial incentives for retailers to buy large volumes of branded packs. In addition, tobacco companies continued to market their products to retailers and customers by innovating exemptions to the legislation, namely, filters, packaging edges, seals, multipack outers, RYO accessories, cigars and pipe tobacco.

Conclusions

Tobacco companies adapted to packaging restrictions by innovating their tobacco products and marketing activities. These findings should enable policy makers globally to close loopholes and increase the potential efficacy of standardised packaging policies.
Measuring precarious employment in Sweden: translation, adaptation and psychometric properties of the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES)
Authors: Jonsson Johanna , Vives Alejandra , Benach Joan , Kjellberg Katarina , Selander Jenny , Johansson Gun , Bodin Theo
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Precarious employment (PE) is a determinant of poor health and health inequality. However, the evidence of health consequences and mechanisms underlying the associations, are still limited due to a lack of a comprehensive multidimensional definition and measurement instrument. The Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES) is a Spanish, multidimensional scale, developed to measure degree of PE. The aim of this study was to translate the EPRES-2010 into Swedish, adapt it to the Swedish context and to assess the psychometric properties of the Swedish EPRES.

Method

EPRES was translated, adapted and implemented for data collection within the research project PRecarious EMployment in Stockholm (PREMIS). During 2016–2017, questionnaire data were collected from 483 non-standard employees in Stockholm, Sweden, sampled with web-based respondent-driven sampling. Analyses included item descriptive statistics, scale descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis.

Results

The final EPRES-Se (Swedish version of the EPRES),consisted of six dimensions and 23 items. There was a high response rate to all items and response options. Global Cronbach’s alpha was 0.83. Subscales ‘vulnerability’, ‘rights’ and ‘exercise rights’ had reliability coefficients between α=0.78–0.89 and item-subscale correlations between r=0.48–0.78. ‘Temporariness’ had poor reliability (α=−0.08) and inter-item correlation (r=−0.04), while ‘disempowerment’ showed acceptable psychometric properties (α=0.5; r=0.34). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the original EPRES factor structure.

Conclusions

‘Vulnerability’, ‘wages’, ‘rights’, ‘exercise rights’ and ‘disempowerment’ worked in the Swedish context; however, ‘temporariness’ would need revising before implementing the EPRES-Se in further research. Continued work and validation of EPRES-Se is encouraged. In order to enable international comparisons and multinational studies, similar studies in other European countries are also called for.
Psychosocial problems in women attending French, German and Spanish genetics clinics before and after targeted or multigene testing results: an observational prospective study
Authors: Brédart Anne , Kop Jean-Luc , Dick Julia , Cano Alejandra , De Pauw Antoine , Anota Amélie , Brunet Joan , Devilee Peter , Stoppa-Lyonnet Dominique , Schmutzler Rita , Dolbeault Sylvie
Published: September 2019

Objectives and setting

Advances in multigene panel testing for cancer susceptibility has increased the complexity of counselling, requiring particular attention to counselees’ psychosocial needs. Changes in psychosocial problems before and after genetic testing were prospectively compared between genetic test results in women tested for breast or ovarian cancer genetic susceptibility in French, German and Spanish clinics.

Participants and measures

Among 752 counselees consecutively approached, 646 (86%) were assessed after the initial genetic consultation (T1), including 510 (68%) affected with breast cancer, of which 460 (61%) were assessed again after receiving the test result (T2), using questionnaires addressing genetic-specific psychosocial problems (Psychosocial Aspects of Hereditary Cancer (PAHC)-six scales). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected.

Results

Seventy-nine (17.2%), 19 (4.1%), 259 (56.3%), 44 (9.6%) and 59 (12.8%) women received aBRCA1/2, another high/moderate-risk pathogenic variant (PV), negative uninformative, true negative (TN) or variant of uncertain significance result (VUS), respectively. On multiple regression analyses, compared with women receiving another result, those with a VUS decreased more in psychosocial problems related to hereditary predisposition (eg,coping with the test result) (ß=−0.11, p<0.05) and familial/social issues (eg,risk communication) (ß=−0.13, p<0.05), almost independently from their problems before testing. Women with a PV presented no change in hereditary predisposition problems and, so as women with a TN result, a non-significant increase in familial/social issues. Other PAHC scales (ie, emotions, familial cancer, personal cancer and children-related issues) were not affected by genetic testing.

Conclusions

In women tested for breast or ovarian cancer genetic risk in European genetics clinics, psychosocial problems were mostly unaffected by genetic testing. Apart from women receiving a VUS result, those with another test result presented unchanged needs in counselling in particular about hereditary predisposition and familial/social issues.
A cross-sectional study investigating the associations of person-organisation and person-group fit with staff outcomes in mental healthcare
Authors: Herkes Jessica , Ellis Louise A , Churruca Kate , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Organisational and workplace cultures are fundamental determinants of health systems performance; through better understanding of the dimensions of culture there is the potential to influence them, and subsequently improve safety and quality of care, as well as the experiences of both patients and staff. One promising conceptual framework for studying culture in healthcare is person-environment (P-E) fit. Comprising person-organisational (P-O) and person-group (P-G) components, P-E fit is defined as the extent to which individuals are compatible with their work environment. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of P-O and P-G fit with staff outcomes in mental healthcare.

Setting and participants

Participants (n=213) were staff and volunteers at 31 primary mental health facilities across six states of Australia.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Staff outcomes, comprising burnout (depersonalisation and emotional exhaustion), job satisfaction and work stress.

Design

A multidimensional survey tool was used to measure P-O and P-G fit, and staff outcomes. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the associations between fit and outcome measures.

Results

The regression analyses indicated that, based on a Bonferroni adjusted alpha value of α=00417, P-O fit accounted for 36.6% of the variability in satisfaction (F=8.951, p≤0.001); 27.7% in emotional exhaustion (F=6.766, p≤0.001); 32.8% in depersonalisation (F=8.646, p≤0.001); and 23.5% in work stress (F=5.439, p≤0.001). The P-G fit results were less conclusive, with P-G fit accounting for 15.8% of the variability in satisfaction (F=4.184, p≤0.001); 10.0% in emotional exhaustion (F=2.488, p=0.014); 28.6% in depersonalisation (F=8.945, p≤0.001); and 10.4% in work stress (F=2.590, p=0.032). There was no statistically significant increase in the variability accounted for when the interaction term of P-O and P-G fit was added to the regression.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that staff’s perception of their workplace and organisational culture can have implications for staff well-being.
Developing assistive robots for people with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: a qualitative study with older adults and experts in aged care
Authors: Law Mikaela , Sutherland Craig , Ahn Ho Seok , MacDonald Bruce A , Peri Kathy , Johanson Deborah L , Vajsakovic Dina-Sara , Kerse Ngaire , Broadbent Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

Objectives

This research is part of an international project to design and test a home-based healthcare robot to help older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early dementia. The aim was to investigate the perceived usefulness of different daily-care activities for the robot, developed from previous research on needs.

Design

Qualitative descriptive analysis using semistructured interviews. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, participants watched videos of a prototype robot performing daily-care activities; in the second study, participants interacted with the robot itself.

Setting

Interviews were conducted at a university and a retirement village.

Participants

In study 1, participants were nine experts in aged care and nine older adults living in an aged care facility. In study 2, participants were 10 experts in aged care.

Results

The themes that emerged included aspects of the robot’s interactions, potential benefits, the appearance, actions and humanness of the robot, ways to improve its functionality and technical issues. Overall, the activities were perceived as useful, especially the reminders and safety checks, with possible benefits of companionship, reassurance and reduced caregiver burden. Suggestions included personalising the robot to each individual, simplifying the language and adding more activities. Technical issues still need to be fixed.

Conclusion

This study adds to knowledge about healthcare robots for people with MCI by developing and testing a new robot with daily-care activities including safety checks. The robot was seen to be potentially useful but needs to be tested with people with MCI.
Gastric Cancer in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Figueroa-Protti Lucía , Soto-Molinari Rebeca , Calderón-Osorno Melany , Mora Javier , Alpízar-Alpízar Warner
Published: September 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most important malignancies worldwide because of its high incidence and mortality. The very low survival rates are mainly related to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. GC is the final clinical outcome of a stepwise process that starts with a chronic and sustained inflammatory reaction mounted in response toHelicobacter pyloriinfection. The bacterium modulates innate and adaptive immunity presumably as part of the strategies to survive, which favors the creation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment that ultimately facilitates GC progression. T-cell exhaustion, which is characterized by elevated expression of immune checkpoint (IC) proteins, is one of the most salient manifestations of immunosuppressive microenvironments. It has been consistently demonstrated that the tumor-immune microenvironment(TIME)‐exhausted phenotype can be reverted by blocking ICs with monoclonal antibodies. Although these therapies are associated with long-lasting response rates, only a subset of patients derive clinical benefit, which varies according to tumor site. The search for biomarkers to predict the response to IC inhibition is a matter of intense investigation as this may contribute to maximize disease control, reduce side effects, and minimize cost. The approval of pembrolizumab for its use in GC has rocketed immuno-oncology research in this cancer type. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge centered around the immune contexture and recent findings in connection with IC inhibition in GC.
Inhibition of Autotaxin with GLPG1690 Increases the Efficacy of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in a Mouse Model of Breast Cancer
Authors: Tang Xiaoyun , Wuest Melinda , Benesch Matthew G.K. , Dufour Jennifer , Zhao YuanYuan , Curtis Jonathan M. , Monjardet Alain , Heckmann Bertrand , Murray David , Wuest Frank , Brindley David N.
Published: September 2019

Autotaxin catalyzes the formation of lysophosphatidic acid, which stimulates tumor growth and metastasis and decreases the effectiveness of cancer therapies. In breast cancer, autotaxin is secreted mainly by breast adipocytes, especially when stimulated by inflammatory cytokines produced by tumors. In this work, we studied the effects of an ATX inhibitor, GLPG1690, which is in phase III clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, on responses to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer. Tumors were treated with fractionated external beam irradiation, which was optimized to decrease tumor weight by approximately 80%. Mice were also dosed twice daily with GLPG1690 or vehicle beginning at 1 day before the radiation until 4 days after radiation was completed. GLPG1690 combined with irradiation did not decrease tumor growth further compared with radiation alone. However, GLPG1690 decreased the uptake of 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]-fluorothymidine by tumors and the percentage of Ki67-positive cells. This was also associated with increased cleaved caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 levels in these tumors. GLPG1690 decreased irradiation-induced C-C motif chemokine ligand-11 in tumors and levels of IL9, IL12p40, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IFNγ in adipose tissue adjacent to the tumor. In other experiments, mice were treated with doxorubicin every 2 days after the tumors developed. GLPG1690 acted synergistically with doxorubicin to decrease tumor growth and the percentage of Ki67-positive cells. GLPG1690 also increased 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts in these tumors. These results indicate that inhibiting ATX provides a promising adjuvant to improve the outcomes of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Diversification and CXCR4-Dependent Establishment of the Bone Marrow B-1a Cell Pool Governs Atheroprotective IgM Production Linked to Human Coronary Atherosclerosis
Authors: Upadhye Aditi , Srikakulapu Prasad , Gonen Ayelet , Hendrikx Sabrina , Perry Heather M. , Nguyen Anh , McSkimming Chantel , Marshall Melissa A. , Garmey James C. , Taylor Angela M. , Bender Timothy P. , Tsimikas Sotirios , Holodick Nichol E. , Rothstein Thomas L. , Witztum Joseph L. , McNamara Coleen A.
Published: September 2019

Rationale:

B-1 cell-derived natural IgM antibodies against oxidation-specific epitopes on low-density lipoprotein are anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective. Bone marrow (BM) B-1a cells contribute abundantly to IgM production, yet the unique repertoire of IgM antibodies generated by BM B-1a and the factors maintaining the BM B-1a population remain unexplored. CXCR4 (C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4) has been implicated in human cardiovascular disease and B-cell homeostasis, yet the role of B-1 cell CXCR4 in regulating atheroprotective IgM levels and human cardiovascular disease is unknown.

Objective:

To characterize the BM B-1a IgM repertoire and to determine whether CXCR4 regulates B-1 production of atheroprotective IgM in mice and humans.

Methods and Results:

Single-cell sequencing demonstrated that BM B-1a cells from aged ApoE
−/−
mice with established atherosclerosis express a unique repertoire of IgM antibodies containing increased nontemplate-encoded nucleotide additions and a greater frequency of unique heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 sequences compared with peritoneal cavity B-1a cells. Some complementarity determining region 3 sequences were common to both compartments suggesting B-1a migration between compartments. Indeed, mature peritoneal cavity B-1a cells migrated to BM in a CXCR4-dependent manner. Furthermore, BM IgM production and plasma IgM levels were reduced in ApoE
−/−
mice with B-cell–specific knockout of CXCR4, and overexpression of CXCR4 on B-1a cells increased BM localization and plasma IgM against oxidation specific epitopes, including IgM specific for malondialdehyde-modified LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Finally, in a 50-subject human cohort, we find that CXCR4 expression on circulating human B-1 cells positively associates with plasma levels of IgM antibodies specific for malondialdehyde-modified LDL and inversely associates with human coronary artery plaque burden and necrosis.

Conclusions:

These data provide the first report of a unique BM B-1a cell IgM repertoire and identifies CXCR4 expression as a critical factor selectively governing BM B-1a localization and production of IgM against oxidation specific epitopes. That CXCR4 expression on human B-1 cells was greater in humans with low coronary artery plaque burden suggests a potential targeted approach for immune modulation to limit atherosclerosis.