bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous peripheral perfusion index in patients admitted to hospital wards – An observational study
Authors: Rasmussen Patrick S. , Aasvang Eske K. , Olsen Rasmus M. , Haahr‐Raunkjaer Camilla , Elvekjaer Mikkel , Sørensen Helge B. D. , Meyhoff Christian S.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Risk patients admitted to hospital wards may quickly develop haemodynamic deterioration and early recognition has high priority to allow preventive intervention. The peripheral perfusion index (PPI) may be an indicator of circulatory distress by assessing peripheral perfusion non‐invasively from photoplethysmography. We aimed to describe the characteristics of PPI in hospitalized patients since this is not well‐studied.

Materials and Methods

Patients admitted due to either acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) or after major abdominal cancer surgery were included in this study. Patients were monitored continuously up to 96 hours with a pulse oximeter. Comparisons between median PPI each day, time of day and admission type were described with mean difference (MD) and were analysed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and related to morbidity and mortality.

Results

PPI data from 291 patients were recorded for a total of 9279 hours. Median PPI fell from 1.4 (inter quartile range, IQR 0.9‐2.3) on day 1 to 1.0 (IQR 0.6‐1.6) on day 4. Significant differences occurred between PPI day vs evening (MD = 0.18, 95% CI 0.16‐0.20, P = .028), day vs night (MD = 0.56, 95% CI 0.49‐0.62, P < .0001) and evening vs night (MD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.33‐0.42, P = .002). No significant difference in median PPI between AECOPD and surgical patients was found (MD = 0.15, 95% CI −0.08‐0.38, P = .62).

Conclusion

Lower PPI during daytime vs evening and night‐time were seen for both populations. The highest frequency of serious adverse events and mortality was seen among patients with low median PPI. The clinical impact of PPI monitoring needs further confirmation.
Managerial risk appetite and asymmetry cost behavior: evidence from China
Authors: Li Ziyang , Ying Qianwei , Chen Yuying , Zhang Xuehui
Published: September 2020

Managerial risk preferences have considerable impacts on a firm’s cost management through committed resource adjustment decisions. We investigate whether a firm’s cost behaviour is influenced by managers’ risk appetite and find that cost stickiness increases with managers’ risk‐seeking. The positive relationship between risk‐seeking and cost stickiness is weaker for firms with higher levels of manager capacity. We further find that the moderating effect of managerial capacity is more pronounced in non‐state‐owned enterprises, in less competitive industries, and in areas with lower degrees of marketisation. These results suggest that managers’ personal characteristics are key factors that affect sticky cost behaviour.
General anaesthetic and airway management practice for obstetric surgery in England: a prospective, multicentre observational study*
Authors: Odor P. M. , Bampoe S. , Moonesinghe S. R. , Andrade J. , Pandit J. J. , Lucas D. N. ,   Pan‐London Perioperative Audit and Research Network (PLAN), for the DREAMY Investigators Group
Published: September 2020

There are no current descriptions of general anaesthesia characteristics for obstetric surgery, despite recent changes to patient baseline characteristics and airway management guidelines. This analysis of data from the direct reporting of awareness in maternity patients’ (DREAMY) study of accidental awareness during obstetric anaesthesia aimed to describe practice for obstetric general anaesthesia in England and compare with earlier surveys and best‐practice recommendations. Consenting patients who received general anaesthesia for obstetric surgery in 72 hospitals from May 2017 to August 2018 were included. Baseline characteristics, airway management, anaesthetic techniques and major complications were collected. Descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression modelling and comparisons with earlier data were conducted. Data were collected from 3117 procedures, including 2554 (81.9%) caesarean deliveries. Thiopental was the induction drug in 1649 (52.9%) patients, compared with propofol in 1419 (45.5%). Suxamethonium was the neuromuscular blocking drug for tracheal intubation in 2631 (86.1%), compared with rocuronium in 367 (11.8%). Difficult tracheal intubation was reported in 1 in 19 (95%CI 1 in 16–22) and failed intubation in 1 in 312 (95%CI 1 in 169–667). Obese patients were over‐represented compared with national baselines and associated with difficult, but not failed intubation. There was more evidence of change in practice for induction drugs (increased use of propofol) than neuromuscular blocking drugs (suxamethonium remains the most popular). There was evidence of improvement in practice, with increased monitoring and reversal of neuromuscular blockade (although this remains suboptimal). Despite a high risk of difficult intubation in this population, videolaryngoscopy was rarely used (1.9%).
The etiology of stillbirth over 30 years: A cross‐sectional study in a tertiary referral unit
Authors: O’Leary Bobby D. , Walsh Molly , Mooney Eoghan E. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Knowles Susan J. , Mahony Rhona M. , Downey Paul
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Stillbirth remains an often unpredictable and devastating pregnancy outcome, and despite thorough investigation, the number of stillbirths attributable to unexplained causes remains high. Placental examination has become increasingly important where access to perinatal autopsy is limited. We aimed to examine the causes of stillbirth in normally formed infants over 30 years and whether a declining autopsy rate has affected our ability to determine a cause for stillbirths.

Material and methods

All cases of normally formed singleton infants weighing ≥500 g that died prior to the onset of labor from 1989 to 2018 were examined. Trends for specific causes and uptake of perinatal autopsy were analyzed individually.

Results

In all, 229 641 infants were delivered, with 840 stillbirths giving a rate of 3.66/1000. The rate of stillbirth declined from 4.84/1000 in 1989 to 2.51 in 2018 (P < .001). There was no difference in the rate of stillbirth between nulliparous and multiparous women (4.25 vs 3.66 per 1000, P = .026). Deaths from placental abruption fell (1.13/1000 in 1989 to 0 in 2018, P < .001) and the relative contribution of placental abruption to the incidence of stillbirth also fell, from 23.3% (7/30) in 1989 to 0.0% (0/19) in 2018 (P < .001). Stillbirth attributed to infection remained static (0.31/1000 in 1989 to 0.13 in 2018, P = .131), while a specific causal organism was found in 79.2% (42/53) of cases. Unexplained stillbirths decreased from 2.58/1000 (16/6200) in 1989 to 0.13 (1/7581) in 2018 (P < .001) despite a fall in the uptake of perinatal autopsy (96.7% [29/30] in 1989 to 36.8% (7/19) in 2018; P < .001). Placental disease emerged as a significant cause of stillbirth from 2004 onwards (89.5% [17/19] in 2018).

Conclusions

The present analysis is one of the largest single‐center studies on stillbirth published to date. Stillbirth rates have fallen across the study period across parity. A decrease in deaths secondary to placental abruption contributed largely to this. Infection‐related deaths are static; however, in one‐fifth of cases a causative organism was not found. Despite a decreasing autopsy rate, the number of unexplained stillbirths continues to fall as the importance of placental pathology is increasingly recognized.
Characterization of tryptophan‐containing dipeptides for anti‐angiogenic effects
Authors: Khedr Sherif , Klotzsche‐von Ameln Anne , Khedr Maha , Elsayed Mohamed H. , Sudha Thangirala , Mousa Shaker A. , Deussen Andreas , Martin Melanie
Published: September 2020

Aims

In the pathogenesis of several diseases, neo‐angiogenesis is increased (e.g. tumour growth). The peptide L‐glutamyl‐L‐tryptophan (EW/IM862) has been claimed to exhibit inhibitory effects on tumour growth in vivo. However, the potential role of natural peptides with respect to anti‐angiogenic properties is unsettled. The current study explores anti‐angiogenic effects of the dipeptides WL, EW, IW and WE.

Methods and Results

Using a bottom‐up strategy, we first evaluated the effects of the peptides on VEGFR‐2 signalling and quantified their effects in different angiogenesis assays. WL consistently had the strongest effects on phosphorylation of VEGFR‐2 and downstream signalling. Therefore, this peptide was chosen in comparison with EW to further assess anti‐angiogenic properties. However, sprout formation in three‐dimensional (3D) fibrin gel bead assay was significantly inhibited by EW only. Furthermore, vessel sprouting in the mouse aortic ring assay was decreased by the presence of WL and EW compared to control. Results from a chorioallantoic membrane assay showed that under vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation WL and EW decreased the number of blood vessels versus control. These results were in line with those obtained in a matrigel plug assay. The VEGF‐induced increase in the haemoglobin content was nearly abolished when treatment was combined with either WL or EW application. In the murine model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy, WL exhibited a small albeit significant anti‐angiogenic effect.

Conclusion

Comprehensive screening of WL suggests an anti‐angiogenic effect, demonstrated in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. Thus, WL is a dipeptide with potential anti‐angiogenic effects and is worthy for further exploration.
Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non‐surgically
Authors: Tajima Shigeyuki , Uchikura Kenzo , Kurita Takayuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

This study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of 10–15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns‐ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2‐day and 1‐day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0‐day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns‐ET was then evaluated. Ten–15 V/W ExBs were transferred non‐surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2‐day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10–15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns‐ET.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone is expressed and secreted by bovine oviductal and endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Nasrin Ferdousy Raihana , Kereilwe Onalenna , Kadokawa Hiroya
Published: September 2020

In this study, we investigated whether bovine oviducts and endometria produce anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) (for paracrine and autocrine signaling). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting detected AMH expression in oviductal and endometrial specimens. Immunohistochemistry revealed robust AMH expression in the ampulla and isthmus epithelia, and the glandular and luminal endometrial epithelia (caruncular endometria). AMH mRNA (measured by real‐time PCR) and protein expression in these layers did not significantly differ among estrous phases in adult Japanese Black (JB) heifers (p > .1). Furthermore, the expression in these layers also did not differ among Holstein cows (93.8 ± 5.8 months old), JB heifers (25.5 ± 0.4 months old), and JB cows (97.9 ± 7.9 months old). We also compared AMH concentrations in the oviduct and uterine horn fluids among the three groups (measured by immunoassays). Interestingly, the AMH concentration in the oviduct fluid, but not in the uterine horn fluid, of Holstein cows was lower than those in JB heifers and cows (p < .05). Therefore, bovine oviducts and endometria express AMH and likely secrete it into the oviduct and uterine fluids.
A pharmacological framework for integrating treating the host, drug repurposing and the damage response framework in COVID‐19
Authors: Martin Jennifer H. , Head Richard
Published: September 2020

With any new disease a framework for the development of preventative or treatment therapeutics is key; the absence of such in COVID‐19 has enabled ineffective and potentially unsafe treatments to be taken up by governments and clinicians desperate to have options for patients. As we still have few therapies and nil vaccines yet available, the void of a clear framework for research and practice is increasingly clear. We describe a framework that has been used to prioritise therapeutic research in previous pandemics which could be used to progress clinical pharmacology and therapeutics research in COVID‐19.

This is particularly relevant as discussion has already moved on from antiviral therapeutics to delineating the treatment of the host from treatment and elimination of the infective agent. Focussing on the host brings together three concepts: host treatment, the damage response framework and therapeutic repurposing. The integration of these three areas plays to the traditional strength of pharmaceuticals in providing a period of stabilization to permit time for the development of novel antiviral drugs and vaccines. In integrating approaches to repurposing, host treatment and damage response we identified three key properties that a potentially effective repurposed drug must possess by way of a framework. There must be homology, i.e., the same or similar relation with the pathogenesis of the disease, ideally targeted to the conserved pathophysiological outcomes of the viral attack; there must be a defined locus within the spectrum to prevention to severe disease and the framework must draw upon the historical dose and safety experience of the repurposed drug. To illustrate, we have mapped therapeutics that impact upon a key dysregulated pathway in COVID‐19 – the renin angiotensin system – using this approach. Collectively this type of analysis reveals the importance of existing data (repurposed information and administrative observational data) and the importance of the details of the known pathophysiological response to viruses in approaches to treating the host.
The application of positive parenting interventions to academic school readiness: A scoping review
Authors: Prime Heather , Andrews Krysta , McTavish Jill , Harris Madeleine , Janus Magdalena , Bennett Teresa , Gonzalez Andrea
Published: September 2020

Background

Positive parenting interventions were traditionally developed for use in infant and preschool mental health. However, there is increasing application to a broader range of developmental outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to map the landscape of the diverse applications of positive parenting interventions to academic school readiness.

Methods

Positive parenting interventions that took place in the early childhood period (prenatal to 6 years) and included an assessment of academic readiness were eligible (i.e., problem‐solving/reasoning, language, executive functions and preacademics). The search strategy included four electronic databases from inception to July 2020 and backward/forward searching of the majority of eligible studies. Data charting was completed by double, independent reviewers and included theoretical frameworks, academic readiness outcomes, parenting behaviour targets, populations serviced and methodological approaches used. The synthesis included quantitative descriptives and tabular/visual representations.

Results

Ninety‐nine studies met eligibility criteria. There has been a steady increase in published studies since 2005, with each academic readiness skill represented in varying proportions. Attachment theory was the most commonly referenced framework for applying interventions to academic readiness, with a more recent shift towards biobehavioural frameworks. The majority of studies included parental responsiveness as a parent behaviour target, whereas behavioural management was more commonly used with older children and/or those with social–emotional/behavioural difficulties. Most studies used a selective prevention approach, with low socioeconomic families being the most frequently studied group. Research gaps were identified in the measurement of follow‐up and parenting behaviour.

Conclusion

We discuss changing conceptualizations of academic readiness, applications to public health and practice, and future directions in research.
Top 100 most‐cited papers in core dental public health journals: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mattos Flávio de Freitas , Perazzo Matheus França , Vargas‐Ferreira Fabiana , Martins‐Júnior Paulo Antônio , Paiva Saul Martins
Published: September 2020

Objective

This quali‐quantitative study analysed the 100 most‐cited papers in core dental public health (DPH) journals focusing on understanding international knowledge production.

Methods

The DPH journals were selected from titles and scopes at Web of Science Core Collection database up to March 2020. Further comparisons were performed at Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Some bibliometric parameters were extracted as follows: title, number of citations, citation density (number of citations per year), first author's country, year of publication, study design and subject. VOSviewer software was used to create graphical bibliometric maps.

Results

Papers were ranked by the total number of citations, which ranged from 104 to 1,019, and six papers were cited more than 400 times. Papers were published from 1974 to 2013, mainly in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Most frequent study designs were cross‐sectional (30%) and nonsystematic review (25%). Most papers were from Europe (54%) and North America (31%). First authors were predominantly from the United Kingdom (17%), United States of America (17%) and Canada (14%). VOSviewer map of co‐authorship demonstrated the existence of clusters in the research collaboration. Although epidemiology was the most frequent subject (84%), health services research presented eight times higher citation density.

Conclusions

Top 100 most‐cited papers in core DPH journals were predominantly observational studies from Anglo‐Saxon countries. Top 100 most‐cited papers in core DPH journals tend to be cross‐sectional studies carried out in the United States with highest citation in health services research. Locker D, Petersen PE and Sheiham A are a landmark for DPH field.
Clinical factors influencing implant positioning by guided surgery using a nonmetal sleeve template in the partially edentulous ridge: Multiple regression analysis of a prospective cohort
Authors: Park Jin‐Young , Song Young Woo , Park Seung‐Hyun , Kim Jang‐Hyun , Park Ji‐Man , Lee Jung‐Seok
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine the positional accuracy of implants placed with a three‐dimensionally printed template having nonmetal sleeves and to determine the contributing factors to observed deviations.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and eighty‐seven implants placed in 72 patients were analyzed. Presurgical intraoral scans and cone‐beam computed tomography images obtained before and after surgery were superimposed, and vertical, angular, platform, and apex deviations were measured between the virtually planned and actually placed positions. A multiple linear regression model was designed for identifying the contributing factors. Statistical significance was set at p < .05, with Bonferroni correction if necessary (p < .0167).

Results

A total of 187 implants demonstrated deviations of 0.65 [0.56, 0.75] mm (mean [95% confidence interval]) vertically, 3.59° [3.30°, 3.89°] angularly, 1.16 [1.04, 1.28] mm at platform, and 1.50 [1.36, 1.65] mm at apex. Implants placed in the mandible showed larger angular, platform, and apex deviations compared with those in the maxilla (p = .049, p = .014 and p = .003, respectively). Implants placed at the third or fourth nearest sites from the most‐distal tooth had larger deviations than those placed at the first or second nearest sites, in vertical, platform, and apical aspects (p = .015, p = .011 andp = .018, respectively). This was only applicable to free‐ending‐supported templates (p < .0167), and anchor pin‐supported free‐ending templates (p < .0167).

Conclusion

Using a three‐dimensionally printed surgical template with a nonmetal sleeve in the partial edentulous ridge resulted in larger deviations in implants placed in the mandible or distal free‐end third or fourth nearest site.
Spindle cell melanoma coexisting with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma: a rare collision tumor in multiple sites
Authors: Dirilenoglu Fikret , Yukselen Ozen Ozden , Mocan Gamze
Published: September 2020

A strong association has been reported between chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) and malignant melanoma (MM). In rare cases of MM, lymphoid malignancies may be detected incidentally during sentinel lymph node biopsies. In this case, we found a unique collision of MM and CLL infiltration in the skin. An 88‐year‐old male patient presented with a mass on the nasal root. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsy specimen revealed a deeply infiltrative, atypical spindle cell proliferation in the background of a collagenous stroma. Accompanying this lesion, there were foci of monotonous lymphoid cell populations involving skin appendages. In the immunohistochemical studies, the spindle cells were diffusely positive for S100, and focally positive for Melan‐A and HMB45; the lymphoid cells were positive for CD20, CD5, and Bcl‐2 and negative for CD3, Bcl‐6, CD10, and Cyclin D1. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with diagnoses of spindle cell melanoma and CLL. Interestingly, these two tumors together in their same morphological appearance were confirmed in a subsequent liver biopsy. Active skin surveillance of patients with CLL may be important to detect MM at an early stage that correlates with a better prognosis.
Cocaine self‐administration abolishes endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression of glutamatergic synapses in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Wang Ruixiang , Hausknecht Kathryn A. , Gancarz‐Kausch Amy M. , Oubraim Saida , Shen Roh‐Yu , Haj‐Dahmane Samir
Published: September 2020

Drugs of abuse, including cocaine, alter the mechanisms underpinning synaptic plasticity, including long‐term potentiation of glutamatergic synapses in the mesolimbic system. These effects are thought to underlie addictive behaviors. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), glutamatergic synapses also exhibit long‐term depression (LTD), a type of plasticity that weakens synaptic strength. This form of synaptic plasticity is induced by low‐frequency stimulation and mediated by endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, which also modulates addictive behaviors. However, it remains unknown whether eCB‐LTD in the VTA could be altered by cocaine use. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the impact of cocaine self‐administration on eCB‐LTD of glutamatergic synapses onto VTA dopaminergic (DA) neurons. To that end, male rats underwent cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion) or saline self‐administration under the fixed ratio 1 schedule for 6–9 days. One day after the last self‐administration session, the magnitude of eCB‐LTD was examined using ex vivo whole‐cell recordings of putative VTA DA neurons from naïve rats and rats with saline or cocaine self‐administration. The results revealed that cocaine self‐administration abolished eCB‐LTD. The cocaine‐induced blockade of eCB‐LTD in the VTA was mediated by an impaired function of presynaptic CB1 receptors. Collectively, these findings indicate that cocaine exposure blunts eCB‐mediated synaptic plasticity in midbrain DA neurons. This effect could be one of the cellular mechanisms that mediate, at least in part, addictive behaviors.
T‐cell responses and therapies against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Toor Salman M. , Saleh Reem , Sasidharan Nair Varun , Taha Rowaida Z. , Elkord Eyad
Published: September 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, a novel coronavirus strain. Some studies suggest that COVID‐19 could be an immune‐related disease, and failure of effective immune responses in initial stages of viral infection could contribute to systemic inflammation and tissue damage, leading to worse disease outcomes. T cells can act as a double‐edge sword with both pro‐ and anti‐roles in the progression of COVID‐19. Thus, better understanding of their roles in immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is crucial. T cells primarily react to the spike protein on the coronavirus to initiate antiviral immunity; however, T‐cell responses can be suboptimal, impaired or excessive in severe COVID‐19 patients. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of T cells in COVID‐19 pathogenesis and rationalizes their significance in eliciting appropriate antiviral immune responses in COVID‐19 patients and unexposed individuals. In addition, we summarize the potential therapeutic approaches related to T cells to treat COVID‐19 patients. These include adoptive T‐cell therapies, vaccines activating T‐cell responses, recombinant cytokines, Th1 activators and Th17 blockers, and potential utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with anti‐inflammatory drugs to improve antiviral T‐cell responses against SARS‐CoV‐2.
On the nonlinear temperature dependence of residual stresses in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Lara‐Curzio Edgar , Cakmak Ercan , Lin Lianshan , Marquez‐Rossy Andres E. , Armstrong Beth , Flores‐Betancourt Alexis , Macias Antonio
Published: September 2020

The residual stresses in a dense yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer bonded to a porous NiO‐YSZ substrate were measured by X‐ray diffraction in air between 25°C and 900°C. It was found that the residual stresses on the outer surface of the YSZ layer were compressive, that their magnitude increased with decreasing temperature, and that the temperature dependence was nonlinear particularly at temperatures below 600°C. An elastic model that incorporates micromechanics and laminate theory was formulated to successfully predicts the nonlinearity of the temperature dependence of the residual stresses by accounting for the effect of the order‐disorder transition experienced by YSZ around 600°C and the magnetic transition of NiO at the Néel temperature around 265°C, on the properties of these materials. The implications of the results for the reliability of solid oxide fuel cells are discussed.
Circ_0007331 knock‐down suppresses the progression of endometriosis via miR‐200c‐3p/HiF‐1α axis
Authors: Dong Lan , Zhang Lu , Liu Hua , Xie Meiting , Gao Jing , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhao Qinghong , Zhang Silin , Yang Jing
Published: September 2020

Endometriosis is considered a benign gynaecological disease with cancer‐like characterizations, which has a high incidence among women of reproductive age. However, this disease has so far lacked timely diagnosis and effective treatment owing to its unclear aetiology. In this study, we identified aberrant high expression of circ_0007331 in ectopic endometrial cells by comparing the endometrial samples from patients with and without endometriosis. Further functional experiments revealed that circ_0007331 knock‐down effectively suppressed the viability, proliferation and invasive capacity of ectopic endometrial cells. Additionally, we attempted to define the molecular mechanism of circ_0007331 in the initiation and progression of endometriosis. Circ_0007331 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR‐200c‐3p to indirectly regulate the function of HIF‐1α, which plays a key role in the local angiogenesis and hypoxic mechanisms of ectopic endometrium. A final in vivo experiment confirmed that circ_0007331 knock‐down could suppress the development of endometriosis through down‐regulating the expression of HIF‐1α. Collectively, we preliminarily characterized the role and possible insights of circ_0007331/miR‐200c‐3p/HIF‐1α axis in the proliferation and invasion of ectopic endometrial cells. We hope that by exploring the potential function and molecular mechanism of circ_0007331, we can increase our biological insight into the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which will bring the new ways for the diagnosis and therapy of this disease.
The Effects of Absorptive Capacity on Innovation Performance: A Cross‐country Perspective*
Authors: Harris Richard , Krenz Astrid , Moffat John
Published: September 2020

This article has two objectives: the construction of enterprise‐level estimates of absorptive capacity to allow comparison of absorptive capacity levels across Europe and the analysis of whether the effects of absorptive capacity on R&D and innovation vary across countries. The dataset is the Community Innovation Survey, which provides information on the innovation activities of enterprises in Europe. The estimates of absorptive capacity are generated using a structural equation model that considers absorptive capacity to be a latent variable that predicts the use of information sources and cooperation partners for innovation activities. The effects of absorptive capacity are estimated econometrically using probit models. The results show that absorptive capacity levels vary substantially across European countries, with western European enterprises (particularly those in Germany) generally having higher absorptive capacity than eastern European enterprises (especially Romanian enterprises). The effects of absorptive capacity on R&D and innovation are uniformly positive but also demonstrate substantial heterogeneity across countries. This has important implications for policy as it suggests that not only should government aim to enhance absorptive capacity levels but it should also attempt to enhance the value of external knowledge available for enterprises to exploit.
Symposium Introduction: The Paradox of Structure: The UK State, Society and ‘Brexit’
Authors: Wincott Daniel
Published: September 2020

Ostensibly motivated by ‘taking back control’, is Brexit an opportunity to enhance the UK's capacity for self‐government? If driven by an aspiration to maximise the central state's governing autonomy, it confronts a paradox: governance structures at once enable action and constrain it. Exploring this paradox of structure, this article sets Brexit in long‐term perspective. As well as reshaping its external relations, Brexit inevitably unsettles the UK's internal structures, not least in (partly) disentangling he UK state and organised civil society from EU institutions and processes. Equally, those internal structures were themselves rarely static. Brexit has complicated the processes of their flux. The article introduces a symposium which addresses issues of this kind in three important domains: feminist civil society organisations (Minto), Westminster's role and scrutiny of European affairs (Cygan, Lynch and Whitaker) and the legal rights and access to justice of EU migrants under English law (Barnard and Fraser Burton).
UK Parliamentary Scrutiny of the EU Political and Legal Space after Brexit*
Authors: Cygan Adam , Lynch Philip , Whitaker Richard
Published: September 2020

This article considers the effect of Brexit upon the UK Parliament and whether Brexit will reverse the ‘de‐parliamentarisation’ that has been identified through EU membership. Supporters of Brexit identified an end to ever closer integration, or Europeanisation, and restoration of parliamentary control over repatriated competences as a key benefit of Brexit. Firstly, this article explores how Parliament may adapt to leaving the institutional structures of Europeanisation and whether this may lead to ‘de‐Europeanisation’ of UK law, policy and practice, including how UK courts may respond to ‘de‐Europeanisation’ in their application of Retained EU law. Secondly, the article examines the extent to which Brexit might produce a ‘reparliamentarisation’ as Parliament exercises repatriated competences. We argue that this depends on the future UK‐EU agreement and the extent to which it utilises EU legislative norms and principles. Finally, we review how different future relationship scenarios may impact upon Parliament’s engagement with EU affairs.
Impact of the ambient light illuminance conditions on the shade matching capabilities of an intraoral scanner
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Methani Mohammad Mujtaba , Özcan Mutlu
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To compare the shade matching capabilities between an intraoral scanner (IOS) and a spectrophotometer under different ambient light illuminance conditions.

Material and methods

The shade of three teeth of a patient was obtained using an IOS (IOS group) (TRIOS 3; 3Shape) and a spectrophotometer (DS group) (EasyShade V; Vita Zahnfabrik) at 4 ambient illuminances: 10000‐, 1000‐, 500‐, and 0‐lx. Ten shade measurements were documented using Vita Classical and 3D‐Master guides per tooth at each lighting condition. Data was analyzed using the Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests (α = .05).

Results

Significant shade discrepancies were obtained between the groups in different lighting conditions (P < .05). The IOS group presented significant shade discrepancies in different lighting conditions when evaluated using either shade guide, with lower variation under the 0‐lx condition. However, the DS group did not present significant shade discrepancies among the different lighting conditions with either shade guide, except for the maxillary lateral incisor measured under 10 000‐lx condition using the 3D‐Master guide.

Conclusions

Lighting conditions influenced the shade matching competency of an IOS. The IOS tested obtained high variation in the different lighting conditions evaluated and provided a lower shade value than the spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer revealed high consistency amongst the various lighting conditions evaluated.

Clinical implications

Ambient light illuminance conditions can impact the shade matching capabilities of IOSs. The results of this investigation suggest the use of a supplementary instrumental method for assessment of tooth shade.
CD40 induces an antimicrobial response against the intracellular pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Xia Hongli , Fan Huimin , Long Meng , Cheng Jun , Chen Wenjie , Yu Dapeng , Xia Liqun , Lu Yishan
Published: September 2020

Streptococcus agalactiae is a Gram‐positive facultative intracellular bacterium that leads to severe economic loss of tilapia worldwide. Previous studies demonstrated that CD40 contributes to host protection against intracellular injection. In this study, CD40 was characterized from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), named OnCD40. Sequence analysis showed that open reading frame of OnCD40 was 933 bp, containing a single peptide, a transmembrane domain and four cysteine‐rich domains. The qRT‐PCR revealed that OnCD40 was expressed in all examined tissues with the most abundant ones in spleen and thymus. After S. agalactiae stimulation, the expression of OnCD40 was significantly induced in most of the detected organs. Moreover, OnCD40‐overexpressing fish elicited significant protection against subsequent S. agalactiae challenge; approximately 10000‐fold fewer bacteria were detected in spleen of OnCD40‐overexpressing fish in comparison with control fish. Thus, CD40 had protecting function in Nile tilapia against intracellular pathogens.
Long‐term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sandi Bianca Boff , Leão Gabriel Stefani , de Mattos Angelo Alves , de Mattos Ângelo Zambam
Published: September 2020

Background and Aim

Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis, and it is associated with increased mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of long‐term albumin administration in decreasing mortality and other complications of patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and Embase databases. Randomized controlled trials evaluating long‐term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites were considered eligible, as long as at least one of the following outcomes was evaluated: mortality, recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis, refractory ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, or adverse events. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random‐effects model, through the Mantel–Haenszel method. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO platform (CRD42019130078).

Results

The literature search yielded 1517 references. Five randomized controlled trials fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in this meta‐analysis, involving 716 individuals. Patients receiving long‐term albumin had significantly lower risk of recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis when compared with controls (risk ratio = 0.56, 95% confidence interval = 0.48–0.67, P < 0.00001). There was no evidence of significant difference between the long‐term albumin and control groups regarding mortality, refractory ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy, gastrointestinal bleeding, or adverse events.

Conclusions

Long‐term albumin administration in patients with cirrhosis and ascites decreases recurrence of ascites/need for paracentesis. At this point, there is no evidence of significant benefits of long‐term albumin administration regarding mortality or other complications of cirrhosis.
Borderline intellectual functioning: an increased risk of severe psychiatric problems and inability to work
Authors: Peltopuro M. , Vesala H. T. , Ahonen T. , Närhi V. M.
Published: September 2020

Background

The use of facilities such as disability pension, psychiatric care, health care and services for people with intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) were compared with the general population and two other study groups comprising people with mild intellectual disabilities (MIDs) and learning problems (LPs).

Methods

The population‐based sample (N = 416,973), ‘Finland‐in‐Miniature’, was gathered in 1962 and followed until 1998. For the purpose of the present study, three groups were formed: BIF (n = 416), MID (n = 312) and LP (n = 284). The use of services was examined with the help of national registers.

Results

As compared with the general population, people with BIF had been granted disability pension 2.7 times more often and had been patients in psychiatric care 3.4 times more often. They had also systematically used more services than people with LP.

Conclusions

People with BIF are at risk of inability to work and facing severe mental health problems. They also seem to have more severe psychiatric problems than people with MID and LP. There is, therefore, a crucial need for increasing the awareness in society of BIF. Although this study's follow‐up data were collected about 20 years ago, it is still relevant because people with BIF are a neglected group and still face growing demands in school and work life with no marked changes in services.
The interplay between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, pannexin‐1 channels and P2X7 receptors elicit exocytosis in chromaffin cells
Authors: Maldifassi María C. , Momboisse Fanny , Guerra María J. , Vielma Alex H. , Maripillán Jaime , Báez‐Matus Ximena , Flores‐Muñoz Carolina , Cádiz Bárbara , Schmachtenberg Oliver , Martínez Agustín D. , Cárdenas Ana M.
Published: September 2020

Pannexin‐1 (Panx1) forms plasma membrane channels that allow the exchange of small molecules between the intracellular and extracellular compartments, and are involved in diverse physiological and pathological responses in the nervous system. However, the signaling mechanisms that induce their opening still remain elusive. Here, we propose a new mechanism for Panx1 channel activation through a functional crosstalk with the highly Ca2+ permeable α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that activation of α7 nAChRs induces Panx1‐mediated dye uptake and ATP release in the neuroblastoma cell line SH‐SY5Y‐α7. Using membrane permeant Ca2+ chelators, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in SH‐SY5Y‐α7 cells expressing a membrane‐tethered GCAMP3, and Src kinase inhibitors, we further demonstrated that Panx1 channel opening depends on Ca2+ signals localized in submembrane areas, as well as on Src kinases. In turn, Panx1 channels amplify cytosolic Ca2+ signals induced by the activation of α7 nAChRs, by a mechanism that seems to involve ATP release and P2X7 receptor activation, as hydrolysis of extracellular ATP with apyrase or blockage of P2X7 receptors with oxidized ATP significantly reduces the α7 nAChR‐Ca2+ signal. The physiological relevance of this crosstalk was also demonstrated in neuroendocrine chromaffin cells, wherein Panx1 channels and P2X7 receptors contribute to the exocytotic release of catecholamines triggered by α7 nAChRs, as measured by amperometry. Together these findings point to a functional coupling between α7 nAChRs, Panx1 channels and P2X7 receptors with physiological relevance in neurosecretion.

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A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nutrition and Dietary Intervention for Early Care and Education Providers
Authors: Chuang Ru‐Jye , Cox Jill N. , Mincemoyer Claudia C. , Sharma Shreela V.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary impact of the Create Healthy Futures program, a self‐paced, 6‐lesson, web‐based intervention on promoting healthy eating for Early Care and Education (ECE) providers, using a group‐randomized controlled trial design with 3 repeated measurements.

METHODS

Nine ECE facilities in Ohio were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention (N = 4) and comparison (N = 5). The 111 participants are mostly female (97.3%), college graduated (59.5%), and overweight or obese (75.2%). Nutrition‐related psychosocial and environmental factors and individual behaviors were assessed at baseline, post‐test, and 3‐month follow‐up. We used mixed model analyses to compare changes between time points, controlling for ethnicity, age, and center effect, and calculated effect size to assess the magnitude of change.

RESULTS

We observed significant between‐group changes in improving nutrition knowledge (p = .003), increasing perceived support for staff wellness (p = .038), and reducing perceived barriers to eating fruits and vegetables (p = .004) and promoting nutrition in classrooms (p = .038), with small to medium effect sizes. The study demonstrated high feasibility with 94.1% enrollment rate, 87.5% intervention completion rate, and 83.8% retention rate.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability of nutrition intervention programs using an online platform among ECE providers.
Medication Education Provided to School‐Aged Children: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Guirguis Lisa M. , Singh Reshmi L. , Fox Lanae L. , Neufeld Susan M. , Bond Irena
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the educational interventions regarding prescription and nonprescription medication use for school‐aged children, we systematically reviewed evidence of programs available for this age group.

METHODS

Searches in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts were conducted. Search terms focused on: population education, school‐age children, and medications. Studies were excluded if they were specific to a particular disease state or class of medication, drugs of misuse and illicit drugs. Data extraction included study design, location, educational intervention and duration, research methods, and main findings.

RESULTS

We found 14 studies representing 8 separate projects. Six projects were identified in the gray literature. Projects ranged from individual sessions to national programs. Quantitative studies showed improvement in knowledge, medication literacy, and confidence. The adoption of medication education strategies was dependent on the educator's comfort level and beliefs regarding medication safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Credible medication education resources are available and have been shown to improve students' knowledge. There remains a need for multifaceted implementation and evaluation strategies. Strategies and resources are available to implement interventions in communities to address medication education in school‐age children. Frameworks should be used to facilitate the implementation of effective health promotion strategies around safe‐medication use for school‐aged children.
Reduced work absenteeism in patients with hepatitis C treated with second‐generation direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Lindgren Peter , Löfvendahl Sofia , Brådvik Gunnar , Weiland Ola
Published: September 2020

The cost‐effectiveness of the second‐generation direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) has received considerable attention; however, their effect on wider societal costs has remained relatively unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect the new drugs have on sick leave compared to older treatment paradigms. This retrospective study utilized Swedish registry data to identify three cohorts: (a) patients treated with ribavirin and/or peginterferons (peg‐IFN) during 2005‐2011; (b) patients treated with the first generation of DAAs and ribavirin and/or peg‐IFN 2011‐2013; and (c) patients treated with the new generation of DAAs 2014‐2018. Individual‐level data on sick leave and early retirement were used to compare days away from work the year prior to the year following treatment initiation. A difference‐in‐difference model was estimated to test for differences between the cohorts adjusting for age and gender. Days away from work prior to treatment initiation was similar in the cohorts: 106, 85 and 94 days in cohorts 1 to 3. After treatment initiation, the number of days away from worked increased in cohort one and two to 150 and 140 days, while it remained similar in cohort three (88 days). The monetary value of the avoided sick leave was 7000‐10 000 €. In conclusion, patients treated with second‐generation DAAs without peg‐IFN had fewer days of sick leave in the year following treatment initiation compared to older treatments. Some caution is advised when interpreting the absolute figures due to potential heterogeneity between cohorts as they were treated at different points in time.