bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication stress conferred by POT1 dysfunction promotes telomere relocalization to the nuclear pore
Authors: Pinzaru Alexandra M. , Kareh Mike , Lamm Noa , Lazzerini-Denchi Eros , Cesare Anthony J. , Sfeir Agnel
Published: October 2020

Mutations in the telomere-binding protein POT1 are associated with solid tumors and leukemias. POT1 alterations cause rapid telomere elongation, ATR kinase activation, telomere fragility, and accelerated tumor development. Here, we define the impact of mutant POT1 alleles through complementary genetic and proteomic approaches based on CRISPR interference and biotin-based proximity labeling, respectively. These screens reveal that replication stress is a major vulnerability in cells expressing mutant POT1, which manifests as increased telomere mitotic DNA synthesis at telomeres. Our study also unveils a role for the nuclear pore complex in resolving replication defects at telomeres. Depletion of nuclear pore complex subunits in the context of POT1 dysfunction increases DNA damage signaling, telomere fragility and sister chromatid exchanges. Furthermore, we observed telomere repositioning to the nuclear periphery driven by nuclear F-actin polymerization in cells with POT1 mutations. In conclusion, our study establishes that relocalization of dysfunctional telomeres to the nuclear periphery is critical to preserve telomere repeat integrity.
Structural characterization of a nonhydrolyzing UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase fromNeisseria meningitidisserogroup A
Authors: Hurlburt Nicholas K. , Guan Jasper , Ong Hoonsan , Yu Hai , Chen Xi , Fisher Andrew J.
Published: October 2020

Bacterial nonhydrolyzing UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerases catalyze the reversible interconversion of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and UDP-N-acetylmannosamine (UDP-ManNAc). UDP-ManNAc is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of certain cell-surface polysaccharides, including those in some pathogenic bacteria, such asNeisseria meningitidisandStreptococcus pneumoniae. Many of these epimerases are allosterically regulated by UDP-GlcNAc, which binds adjacent to the active site and is required to initiate UDP-ManNAc epimerization. Here, two crystal structures of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase fromNeisseria meningitidisserogroup A (NmSacA) are presented. One crystal structure is of the substrate-free enzyme, while the other structure contains UDP-GlcNAc substrate bound to the active site. Both structures form dimers as seen in similar epimerases, and substrate binding to the active site induces a large conformational change in which two Rossmann-like domains clamp down on the substrate. Unlike other epimerases, NmSacA does not require UDP-GlcNAc to instigate the epimerization of UDP-ManNAc, although UDP-GlcNAc was found to enhance the rate of epimerization. In spite of the conservation of residues involved in binding the allosteric UDP-GlcNAc observed in similar UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerases, the structures presented here do not contain UDP-GlcNAc bound in the allosteric site. These structural results provide additional insight into the mechanism and regulation of this critical enzyme and improve the structural understanding of the ability of NmSacA to epimerize modified substrates.
Consumer awareness and willingness to purchase probiotic food and beverage products: a study of Sonipat district, Haryana
Authors: Arora Sapna , Prabha Krishna , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Mishra Vijendra
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In a developing country like India, consumers are shifting from high-energy diet to balanced nutritional diet, which enhances the metabolic, physiological, functional and health benefits of consumers. The growing self-care and health-embracing population made the probiotic sector as lucrative market for functional food manufacturers and suppliers. Therefore, an analysis is required to understand consumers’ knowledge and buying behavior regarding probiotic products for product innovation and development.

Design/methodology/approach

Awareness, knowledge and consumption patterns of probiotic products were investigated among randomly selected 306 consumers in the Sonipat city of Haryana, which comes in the proximity of national capital, i.e. Delhi, India. A structured questionnaire with exploratory characteristics was developed and face-to-face interviews were conducted as a part of data collection.

Findings

The inference is that there is immense potential for the probiotic fruit beverage market as a higher proportion of the population was interested in probiotic products delivered with fruits as a base matrix followed by dairy products. Further, government’s initiation and support are required not only for manufacturing such health-beneficial products having therapeutic value but also to spread awareness regarding the necessity of including such products in the meals of the growing children.

Originality/value

The study shows changing customer attitudes toward probiotic products and sheds light on consumers’ preference on the medium (food matrix) of probiotic delivery, thereby exploring market opportunities in the area of the functional food sector.
A conceptual model of subcontractor development practices for LEED projects
Authors: Ofori-Boadu Andrea Nana , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Edwards David John , Asiseh Fafanyo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper presents a conceptual model of effective subcontractor development practices to guide general contractors' development of a network of high-performing subcontractors (SCs) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from supplier development theories and practices in the manufacturing sector, a mixed interpretivist and empirical methodology is adopted to examine the body of knowledge within literature for conceptual model development. A self-reporting survey questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale is used to assess 30 construction professionals' perceptions of the effectiveness of 37 SC development practices classified into five categories. Descriptive statistics, weighted means, and t-tests are used for data analysis.

Findings

SC prequalification, commitment, incentives, evaluation and feedback practices can be effective in generating high-performing SCs. Practices that require more direct involvement and linkages between GC and SC are perceived to be less effective.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretical contributions include a framework to foster future research to advance knowledge and understanding to enhance the adoption of SC development practices in the construction sector.

Practical implications

Implementation of ranked SC development practices can equip GCs with a network of high-performing SCs for improved competitive advantage and revenues.

Originality/value

The proposed conceptual model expands discussions on the modification of supplier development theories and practices currently utilized in the manufacturing sector toward their application in the construction sector. This research differs from previous research, which primarily focused on the manufacturing sector.
Holistic renovation of historic and heritage buildings: comparing New Zealand and international scenarios
Authors: Paschoalin Rachel , Isaacs Nigel
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Holistic renovation of historic and heritage buildings involving different stakeholders has the potential to reduce environmental impact. Climate change concerns are emphasizing environmental issues of cultural built heritage leading to new policies, guidelines and methods dealing with the challenge on how to lessen the environmental impact of built heritage without damaging its cultural significance. The purpose of this paper is to review existing international and New Zealand holistic guidelines for renovation of historic and heritage buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review is used to identify international projects, methods and criteria within the holistic approach. Secondly, the New Zealand context is explored and compared with best international practices.

Findings

For instance, in New Zealand one increasingly important issue is the many vacant heritage and historic buildings in provincial town centres that need action to deal with building code seismic changes. Upgrades and adaptive reuse are opportunities to make them more sustainable and climate change resilient. However, the lack of national holistic guidelines regarding the challenge of reducing environmental impact whilst keeping the heritage values is a critical gap which urgently needs to be resolved. The need is further increased within the context of the recently passed Zero Carbon Act 2019, which aims for national zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Originality/value

These shared responsibilities for conserving historic and heritage buildings to maintain life in provincial towns on one hand, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on the other, have the potential to contribute to a sustainable development of cities and communities.
Cross-blockchain protocol for public registries
Authors: Konashevych Oleksii
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a concept of the protocol for public registries based on blockchain. New database protocol aims to use the benefits of blockchain technologies and ensure their interoperability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is framed with design science research (DSR). The primary method is exaptation, i.e. adoption of solutions from other fields. The research is looking into existing technologies which are applied here as elements of the protocol: Name-Value Storage (NVS), Berkley DB, RAID protocol, among others. The choice of NVS as a reference technology for creating a database over blockchain is based on the analysis and comparison with two other similar technologies Bigchain and Amazon QLDB.

Findings

The proposed mechanism allows creating a standard database over a bundle of distributed ledgers. It ensures a blockchain agnostic approach and uses the benefits of various blockchain technologies in one ecosystem. In this scheme, blockchains play the role of journal storages (immutable log), whereas the overlaid database is the indexed storage. The distinctive feature of such a system is that in blockchain, users can perform peer-to-peer transactions directly in the ledger using blockchain native mechanism of user access management with public-key cryptography (blockchain does not require to administrate its database).

Originality/value

This paper presents a new method of creating a public peer-to-peer database across a bundle of distributed ledgers.
Sustainability reporting challenges in developing countries: towards management perceptions research evidence-based practices
Authors: Tauringana Venancio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it aims to identify managerial perceptions-based research determinants of sustainability reporting. Second, it sets out to evaluate the impact of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) efforts in increasing SR in developing countries. Third, the researcher argues for the adoption of management perceptions research evidence-based practices (EBP) to address SR challenges in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken using a desk-based review of management perceptions-based research literature on the determinants of SR. The impact of GRI efforts in increasing adoption of SR was undertaken through both desk-based research and descriptive analysis of data obtained from the GRI database from 2014 to 2019 relating to 107 developing countries. The call for the adoption of management perceptions research EBP is based on a critical analysis of both the management perceptions of the determinants of SR research and evaluation the impact of GRI efforts to increase SR in developing countries.

Findings

Training, legislation, issuing of guidance, stakeholder pressure, awareness campaigns, market and public pressure were identified as some of the determinants of SR. The evaluation of the impact of GRI efforts shows they had limited impact on increasing SR in developing countries. Research needed to adopt management perceptions research EBP is identified.

Research limitations/implications

This study is conceptual. Management perceptions-based research is needed in more developing countries to better understand the determinants of SR and identify the most effective policies or practices to address related challenges.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the calls to make academic research more relevant to policy formulation. In particular, the proposal for research needed to inform EBP adoption to address SR challenges in developing countries is new.
Questioned parents and the professional gaze. Negotiating the organizational narratives of the at-risk parent
Authors: Dahl Silje Louise , Andenes Ellen Madssen , Dahl Johanne Yttri
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims at a better understanding of parents’ identity work when their parenting skills are questioned, in an organizational setting. The parents in this study were assessed as at risk of unsatisfactory parental functioning because of problems related to drugs, mental health and/or psychosocial functioning, and they were observed and offered guidance at an extended health centre in Norway. The study explores how individual self-presentations are interwoven with and dependent on organizational narratives of identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an analysis of 16 qualitative interviews, three exemplary cases are analyzed in detail. Narrative identity and professional gaze constitute the theoretical framework.

Findings

Parents and service providers negotiate which organizational narratives of identity are available, and the narratives are integrated in parents’ self-presentations in different ways. The most common strategy is to accept the organizational narratives offered, but they are also transformed and rejected. The experience of being seen by an empathic professional gaze contributes to the creation of an acceptable self-narrative.

Practical implications

Tending to parents’ identity needs should be an integral part of services provided. If parents are to cooperate with state services and engage in interventions, their needs for preserving an acceptable and coherent self-narrative must be considered.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the understanding of how identity work is a central feature of service provision. It also adds to the literature on relationships between identity narratives at different levels of society.
Asymmetric transport costs and welfare implications through a firm-delocation effect
Authors: Karavidas Dionysios
Published: October 2020

Purpose

With the use of a two-region monopolistically competitive model, the paper primarly studies how unilateral changes in a country's intra-regional and/or inter-national transport costs affect its own and its trading partner's welfare. Moreover, by considering a three-region monopolistically competitive model that consists of an external region and two integrated regions, with the one having a location advantage with respect to the external market, the paper studies how within-country asymmetries in transport costs affect trading partner's welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines how investments in the infrastructure affect welfare in the home country and in its trading partner by primarily using a model with direction-specific intra-regional and inter-national trade costs. Moreover, it focuses on the within-country asymmetries in transportation costs and their impacts on trading partners' welfare.

Findings

The first model shows that a unilateral reduction in a country's transport costs is beneficial for its domestic firms, while it hurts firms located in its trading partner country. Other findings show that an equal bilateral reduction in inter-national transport costs is a Pareto improvement, since it is beneficial for both countries. The second model shows that a reduction in intra-regional transport costs benefits the two integrated regions, while it has no impact on the welfare of the external region.

Originality/value

Two monopolistically competitive models are considered, in order to study how investments in the infrastructure affect welfare in the home country and in its trading partner. Interestingly, the models sheds light on an important mechanism, that of firm-delocation effect.
Religion and social network analysis: the discipline of early modern quakers
Authors: Fincham Andrew , Burton Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The importance of networks has been established in the development of commerce and capitalism, with key concepts reflecting both the dynamic and permeable characteristics of networks. Such attributes are exemplified by religious networks, which have been typically dismissed in terms of economic contribution as being both risk-averse and bounded by ethical barriers imposed by theology. This paper aims to examine the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the long 18th century to evidence the multi-plexity and density of connections and suggest that adherence to the Quaker discipline acted as a trust-based attribute and substituted for repeated iteration.

Design/methodology/approach

The archival investigation centres upon an analysis of “The Catalogue of Quaker Writing” and a close re-reading of the seminal text “Quakers in Science and Industry”, an authoritative account of Quaker firms and families in industry and commerce. By identifying multiple possible social network connections in Raistrick’s work, this paper reviewed and analysed The Catalogue of Quaker Writing to examine the presence or absence of these connections in the Quaker network in the long 18th century.

Findings

This paper shows how the Quaker network was an unusually dense network that benefited co-religionists by enabling commerce through its unique topography. In a period characterized by the absence of formal institutional mechanisms to regulate behaviour, Quaker discipline acted as a quasi-regulatory mechanism to regulate membership of the network and to govern member moral behaviour.

Originality/value

The Quakers offer an opportunity to examine an early modern network to gain important insights into key aspects of network topography. By using social network analysis, this paper shows how Quakers performed a multiplicity of roles, which encouraged multiple modes of contact between members of the society in a dense network of contexts, which, in turn, provided high levels of connectedness between individuals. This unique range of roles, shared among a relatively small group of individuals, ensured that the degrees of separation between roles were very few; similarly, the plethora of connections resulted in a density, which not only allowed for multiple ways to engage with other individuals but also ensured no individual would become a bottle-neck or indeed a gateway that would prevent access. This unique topography was also highly unusual in that it was permeable to any aspirant member upon acceptance of the discipline – neither poverty nor lack of social status was barriers to membership. This unusual network offered atypical commercial advantages for its members.
The COVID-19 pandemic: a challenge for US nonprofits' financial stability
Authors: Johnson Andrew F. , Rauhaus Beth M. , Webb-Farley Kathryn
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Nonprofit organizations rely on earned income, government funding, charitable donations and investment income to support numerous programs and services for the public good. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, some nonprofits become even more critical to provide for those in need, but the funding streams to support activities may be even more stressed. The purpose of this article is to understand how COVID-19 might affect the financial stability of nonprofits in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

The article reviews historical financing patterns for US nonprofits and then uses reports and secondary data to understand how COVID-19 might change nonprofit financing in the US.

Findings

Earned revenues, the largest source of revenues for nonprofits historically, are down significantly as venues remain closed or at reduced capacity. Federal government grants and contracts have not been aimed specifically at the nonprofit sector and state and local budgets are stressed, suggesting government funding may be at risk. Charitable contributions from large foundations, corporations, and individual givers have increased, with some added flexibility, but this may not be a viable source for many smaller or community-based organizations. Nonprofit leaders may need to find new ways to collaborate to overcome the pandemic and researchers should seek to understand the impacts on different types of nonprofits and their revenues.

Originality/value

The value of this article lies in understanding COVID-19's early financial impacts on nonprofits to suggest research and operating paths for academics and practitioners.
Strategic change: the impact of senior foreign managers, firm size and uncertainty avoidance
Authors: Kalasin Kiattichai
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how senior foreign executives in a top management team catalyse strategic change in firms that originated from emerging markets (EMs). It further examines the moderating effects of organisational size and uncertainty avoidance (UA) on the positive relationship between senior foreign manager and strategic change in an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel data econometrics and multilevel analyses were adopted to run the model. The author tests hypotheses on 263 emerging market firms (EMFs), originating from nine EMs.

Findings

Empirical results reveal that senior foreign managers are active agents who can promote and implement strategic change in an organisation. They possess a different set of values, knowledge and experiences that can trigger strategic change. In addition, firm size and UA weaken the relationship between senior foreign manager ratio and strategic change of a firm..

Practical implications

This study indicates that recruiting committees of EMFs should consider hiring senior foreign managers to foster a higher degree of strategic change. Nevertheless, firm size and UA may impose implementation difficulties for senior, foreign managers. As a result, the focal firm should be flexible and open to change.

Originality/value

This study aims to contribute to strategic change and top management team internationalisation literature by promoting the role of senior foreign managers and national culture on strategic change.
Biot effective stress parameter in poroelastic anisotropic media: Static and dynamic case
Authors: Morshed Sharif M. , Chesnokov Evgeny M. , Vikhoreva Alexandra A.
Published: October 2020

Stress, rock microstructure and frequency are the three key factors that influence the velocities of elastic waves and, hence, are sensitive to the Biot effective stress parameter (α) in porous rocks. The effective stress in an isotropic poroelastic medium relates to applied pressure and pore pressure, with the Biot parameter (α) as a scaling factor of the pore pressure. This paper provides an independent derivation of the tensor characteristics of α through elastic moduli, a microscopic effective medium derivation, and frequency‐dependent behaviour of α for an anisotropic medium. We provide an explicit expression, especially for isotropic rock under uniaxial stress, considering the nonlinear part of elastic constants. In the effective medium derivation, we assumed that the rock contained both isolated pores and connected pores saturated with liquid. To support our theoretical formulation, we calculated the Biot tensor of sandstone and shale by inverting the ultrasonic velocities of transversely isotropic rock under uniaxial stress where mineralogical composition and porosity are known. Even though porosity and rock microstructure play significant roles in α as stress varies, we also see as much as a 21% difference between horizontal and vertical components of α for rocks with transversely isotropic symmetry. We then estimated the frequency‐dependent Biot tensor for transversely isotropic models using numerical calculations. We noticed significant differences between vertical (α33) and horizontal (α11) components of α, especially at the surface seismic frequency band. However, uniaxial stress and horizontally aligned microstructure influence the elastic moduli and Biot tensor contrarily. In general, anisotropy due to uniaxial stress shows lower α33 and higher α11. The proposed method shows an excellent prediction of α33 and α11 for given data of uniaxial stress and vice versa.
Employment status and counterproductive work behaviour: a chain mediating effect in the Chinese context
Authors: Liu Shanshi , Qin Chuanyan , Liu Xiaolang , Lu Wenzhu
Published: October 2020

The current significant change from traditional to hybrid employment arrangements may contribute to counterproductive work behaviour by workers of differing employment status. However, limited efforts have been made to solve the problem. In this study, we utilise a psychological contract lens to develop a counterproductive work behaviour model in hybrid employment that includes pay satisfaction and job security. We use 215 dyads of workers and supervisors from a Chinese state‐owned airline company. Our findings show that employment status can elicit workers' counterproductive work behaviour, and pay satisfaction and job security serve as chain mediators that link differential human resource management behind employment status to counterproductive work behaviour. We contribute to the knowledge of employee behaviour under hybrid employment by exploring the differences through a psychological mechanism. This work provides practical implications for organisations to develop appropriate motivating practices.
Multitarget protection of Pterospartum tridentatum phenolic‐rich extracts against a wide range of free radical species, antidiabetic activity and effects on human colon carcinoma (Caco‐2) cells
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Carolina , Bento Catarina , Nunes Ana R. , Simões Manuel , Alves Gilberto , Silva Luís R.
Published: October 2020

Pterospartum tridentatum is an edible endemic plant common in Portugal. Its flowers are used in culinary and are part of the popular medicine owing to its therapeutic properties. In this study, P. tridentatum flower infusion and hydroethanolic extracts were characterized concerning their phenolic composition and biological potential. By high‐performance liquid chromatography method coupled to a diode array detector analysis were detected 13 phenolics. Genistein was the major one. Concerning the biological potential, the hydroethanolic extract was the most active against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl● and also as α‐glucosidase inhibitor, while the infusion proved to be a remarkable free radical scavenger. Concerning human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cells, it was observed that both extracts displayed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity on the viability of Caco‐2 cells, presenting cytotoxic selectivity for these cancer cells when compared to the NHDF normal cell line. Additionally, they also showed protective effects against oxidative stress induced by tert‐butyl hydroperoxide on Caco‐2 cells. The obtained results suggest that these extracts may be interesting to enrich nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries; however, more studies need to be done for their inclusion in pharmaceutical preparations and/or food additives.

Practical Application

Pterospartum tridentatum is an endemic plant commonly used in folk medicine due to its depurative and hypoglycaemic properties. For this reason, we decided to determine the phenolic content of infusion and hydroethanolic extracts of P. tridentatum and their biological potential. The obtained results proved that P. tridentatum extracts are a rich source of bioactive compounds and possess great antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, ability to protect human erythrocytes against oxidative damage, inhibiting hemolysis, hemoglobin oxidation, and lipid peroxidation, and to interfere with Caco‐2 cells growth and to protect these cells when subject to tert‐butyl hydroperoxide oxidative stress conditions.
Generalized herpes zoster and cutaneous metastasis during chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Yasokawa Naoya , Yasuda Yuri , Chin Houhi , Kurose Koji , Aoyama Yumi , Oga Toru
Published: October 2020

Although herpes zoster is known to occur in some patients with lung cancer, generalized (disseminated) herpes zoster is an uncommon form whereby hematogenous dissemination of the virus occurs and leads to the development of widespread cutaneous lesions. Similarly, skin is an uncommon site of metastasis in patients with lung cancer. Here, we report a clinical case of a 53‐year‐old male patient who developed generalized herpes zoster during chemotherapy for non‐small cell lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) and subsequently developed cutaneous metastasis of lung cancer after generalized herpes zoster was cured by treatment with intravenous aciclovir. The coincidence of these two conditions, generalized herpes zoster and cutaneous metastasis, in the patient during lung cancer treatment might be associated with an impaired or dysregulated immune system partly due to repeated chemotherapy, indicating a poor prognosis. Close observation and accurate diagnosis of changes in the skin of patients with lung cancer are important when evaluating their immune status and considering their therapy and prognosis.
Fast, flexible alternatives to regular grid designs for spatial capture–recapture
Authors: Durbach Ian , Borchers David , Sutherland Chris , Sharma Koustubh
Published: October 2020

Spatial capture–recapture (SCR) methods use the location of detectors (camera traps, hair snares and live‐capture traps) and the locations at which animals were detected (their spatial capture histories) to estimate animal density. Despite the often large expense and effort involved in placing detectors in a landscape, there has been relatively little work on how detectors should be located. A natural criterion is to place traps so as to maximize the precision of density estimators, but the lack of a closed‐form expression for precision has made optimizing this criterion computationally demanding.

Recent results by Efford and Boulanger (2019) show that precision can be well approximated by a function of the expected number of detected individuals and expected number of recapture events, both of which can be evaluated at low computational cost. We use these results to develop a method for obtaining survey designs that optimize this approximate precision for SCR studies using count or binary proximity detectors, or multi‐catch traps.

We show how the basic design protocol can be extended to incorporate spatially varying distributions of activity centres and animal detectability. We illustrate our approach by simulating from a camera trap study of snow leopards in Mongolia and comparing estimates from our designs to those generated by regular or optimized grid designs. Optimizing detector placement increased the number of detected individuals and recaptures, but this did not always lead to more precise density estimators due to less precise estimation of the effective sampling area. In most cases, the precision of density estimators was comparable to that obtained with grid designs, with improvement in some scenarios where approximate  < 20% and density varied spatially.

Designs generated using our approach are transparent and statistically grounded. They can be produced for survey regions of any shape, adapt to known information about animal density and detectability, and are potentially easier and less costly to implement. We recommend their use as good, flexible candidate designs for SCR surveys when reasonable knowledge of model parameters exists. We provide software for researchers to construct their own designs, in the form of updates to design functions in the r package oSCR.
Prevention of Alcohol‐Exposed Pregnancies and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Erng May Na , Smirnov Andrew , Reid Natasha
Published: October 2020

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including in some cases fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Thus, there is pressing need for effective interventions to prevent alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEPs).

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to provide an up‐to‐date analysis of the current prevention literature. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for relevant English‐language articles published from 1970 onward. Studies were eligible for the current systematic review if the interventions included pregnant and postpartum women and/or their support networks to prevent AEPs and FASD. Outcomes of interest included alcohol consumption, knowledge, contraceptive use, neonatal outcomes, family well‐being or functioning, economics, and healthcare utilization outcomes.

Results

Thirty‐four peer‐reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies employed brief intervention (BI) methods, 6 used long‐term/intensive strategies, and 5 were educational interventions. A further 3 studies assessed counseling approaches, 2 evaluated multicomponent interventions, and 3 assessed nutritional supplementation interventions.

Conclusions

The current review identified variable results from available interventions to prevent alcohol use among pregnant and postpartum women. Preliminary evidence demonstrated that BIs may be effective among subgroups of pregnant women with higher initial alcohol consumption, those with partner involvement, and those who used alcohol and other substances concurrently. Some preliminary evidence relating to long‐term interventions with pregnant women with polysubstance use emerged, specifically case management that not only focused on reduction in substance use, but also on addressing the complex interplay between health and social well‐being of families. Overall, additional research is required to improve the effectiveness of preventative approaches during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Impact of braconid wasps on larval performance of longhorned borer Coptocercus rubripes Boisduval (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Eucalyptus forest of southwestern Australia
Authors: Seaton Stephen A , Hardy Giles E St J
Published: October 2020

In southwestern Australia, outbreaks of cerambycids have been associated with infestation of drying and stressed trees. Felled timber provides an abundant habitat for a variety of subcortical beetles where their development can be modified by attack from natural enemies, including parasitoids. There are a variety of parasitoid wasps of cerambycids native to Australia, yet their effectiveness in controlling the larval performance of borers has been little studied. Approximately 700 Eucalyptus trees felled to realign a forest road provided an opportunity to determine how a mass of drying logs influences borer infestation rates and whether parasitoid wasps were effective in controlling borer survival. The native borer Coptocercus rubripes (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) caused an extensive infestation of fallen trees at the clearfell site. These infestations were subsequently limited by the direct effect of parasitism from the native braconid wasps Callibracon limbatus and Syngaster lepidus emerging from a single hole in a white cocoon. The effects of parasitism showed inverse density dependency where high borer larval densities increased the chances of borer larval survival. The absence of parasitism in caged logs promoted high borer larval densities and greatly improved adult borer survival, and while this increased the demand for sapwood resources, it promoted early adult borer emergence. Control by native braconid wasps of high infestations of Co. rubripes borers attacking drying and stressed trees limits adult borer emergence and has the potential to partially regulate borer populations.
Analysis of Brexit and its policy lessons for Asian integration
Authors: Park Donghyun , Castillejos‐Petalcorin Cynthia , Kim Jungsuk
Published: October 2020

Galvanised by the devastation of the Second World War, European countries achieved a historically unprecedented and unparalleled level of regional economic integration in the post‐war period. Intensive cooperation between the two biggest powers of continental Western Europe, France and Germany, lay at the core of Europe's seemingly relentless momentum towards integration, crystallised by the European Union (EU). The Franco‐German alliance also provided strong eadership and sense of direction for the EU, which gained further traction with the admission of Central and Eastern European states after the fall of communism and the establishment of a monetary union among many of its members. However, more recently, the European integration process no longer seems unstoppable or inevitable. Most shockingly, the United Kingdom, a core EU member and the EU's third largest economy, has opted to leave the union, triggering the ‘Brexit’ process. Nor is Brexit the only sign of growing fractures within the EU. The current standoff between the EU and Italy over Italy's unwillingness to rein in its fiscal deficit is just one additional example of the loss of momentum. The central objective of the paper is to examine EU's past successes and current problems from the perspective of Asian countries, in particular ASEAN+3 countries that have achieved some measure of integration, although well below that of the EU. Both past successes and current problems hold valuable lessons for ASEAN+3 countries as they chart their own course towards regional integration. Given that the level of integration among ASEAN+3 is much lower than that of the EU, it would be unwise to draw lessons, positive or negative, without the proper context. Nevertheless, the European experience can provide valuable insights for Asia's integration process.
Using a limited sampling strategy to investigate the interindividual pharmacokinetic variability in metformin: A large prospective trial
Authors: Kuhlmann Ida , Arnspang Pedersen Sidsel , Skov Esbech Peter , Bjerregaard Stage Tore , Hougaard Christensen Mette Marie , Brøsen Kim
Published: October 2020

Aims

Recently a limited sampling strategy (LSS) for determination of metformin' pharmacokinetics was developed. The LSS utilizes the plasma concentration of metformin 3 and 10 hours after oral intake of a single dose to estimate the area under the concentration–time curve up to 24 hours (AUC0–24h). The main purpose of this study was to support the feasibility of this strategy in a large prospective trial.

Methods

Volunteers orally ingested two 500‐mg tablets of metformin hydrochloride. A blood sample was drawn three and ten hours after the ingestion. Urine was collected for 0–10 and 10–24 hours and urine volumes recorded. The AUC0–24h was calculated using the equation AUC0–24h = 4.779 * C3 + 13.174 * C10. Additionally, all participants were genotyped for the single‐nucleotide polymorphism A270S in OCT2, g.‐66 T > C in MATE1, R61C, G465R, G401S and the deletion M420del in OCT1.

Results

In total, 212 healthy volunteers participated. The median (25th ‐ 75th interquartile range) AUC0 − 24h, CLrenal, C3 and C10, were 10 600 (8470–12 500) ng* hr* mL−1, 29 (24–34) L* hour−1, 1460 (1180–1770) and 260 (200–330) ng* mL−1, respectively, which is in agreement with our previous results. GFRi was correlated with metformin AUC and CLrenal (P < .001). As expected, we found a great pharmacokinetic interindividual variability among the volunteers and no effect of the OCT1 genotype on the AUC0 − 24h. We were unable to reproduce our previous finding of a gene–gene interaction (OCT2 and MATE1) effect on CLrenal in this cohort.

Conclusion

This study further supports the use of the 2‐point LSS algorithm in large pharmacokinetic trials.
Challenges of drug development during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Key considerations for clinical trial designs
Authors: Shi Jun , Xiao Yubo , Zhang Yiting , Geng Donghao , Cong Danhua , Shi Kevin X. , Knapp Richard J.
Published: October 2020

There is an urgent need for targeted and effective COVID‐19 treatments. Several medications, including hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, lopinavir–ritonavir, favipiravir, tocilizumab and others have been identified as potential treatments for COVID‐19. Bringing these repurposed medications to the public for COVID‐19 requires robust and high‐quality clinical trials that must be conducted under extremely challenging pandemic conditions. This article reviews translational science principles and strategies for conducting clinical trials in a pandemic and evaluates recent trials for different drug candidates. We hope that this knowledge will help focus efforts during this crisis and lead to the expedited development and approval of COVID‐19 therapies.
Prevalence of open neural tube defects and risk factors related to isolated anencephaly and spina bifida in live births from the “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca” Civil Hospital of Guadalajara (Jalisco, Mexico)
Authors: Corona‐Rivera Jorge Román , Olvera‐Molina Sandra , Pérez‐Molina J. Jesús , Aranda‐Sánchez Cristian Irela , Bobadilla‐Morales Lucina , Corona‐Rivera Alfredo , Peña‐Padilla Christian , Ruiz‐Gómez Adolfo , Morales‐Domínguez Guadalupe Elena
Published: October 2020

We determine the prevalence and trends of open neural tube defects (ONTDs) during 1991 to 2019 at the “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca” Civil Hospital of Guadalajara (Mexico). Also, details of potential risks were obtained in 662 newborns, including those 143 patients with anencephaly and open spina bifida (OSB) classified as isolated (cases) and 519 controls. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among 267 201 live births during the study period, 336 were born with ONTDs, yielding an overall prevalence of 12.6 per 10 000. After folic acid (FA)‐related programs began in Mexico (2003‐2019), only OSB showed a decline of 20.6%. For anencephaly, associated risks included relatives with neural tube defects (NTDs) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 67.9, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 11.3‐409.8), pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1‐6.0), insufficient gestational weight gain (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3‐7.1), parity ≥4 (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3‐7.7), and exposure to analgesic/antipyretic drugs (aOR: 9.0; 95% CI: 2.5‐33.0). For OSB, associated risks included consanguinity (aOR: 14.0, 95% CI: 3.5‐55.9), relatives with NTDs (aOR: 22.4, 95% CI: 4.5‐112.9), BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (aOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.6‐4.2), insufficient gestational weight gain (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1‐3.1), and exposures to hyperthermia (aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2‐4.3), common cold (aOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 3.6‐12.7), and analgesic/antipyretic drugs (aOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.3‐10.0). Our high rate probably results from exposures to preventable risks, most related to FA, indicating a need for strengthening existing FA‐related programs in Mexico.
PROPAGATION OF POSITIVE EFFECTS OF POST‐DISASTER POLICIES THROUGH SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors: Kashiwagi Yuzuka , Todo Yasuyuki
Published: October 2020

This study evaluates the impact of “group subsidies,” a policy intervention intended to repair and reinstall damaged capital goods and facilities of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises after the Great East Japan earthquake. Employing a propensity‐score‐matching and difference‐in‐differences approach, we find a positive effect of the subsidies on post‐disaster sales and employment of small recipient firms. We also find a positive indirect effect of group subsidies on firms in disaster‐hit prefectures that did not receive any group subsidy but were linked through supply chains with a recipient firm. Our results indicate the propagation of post‐disaster policy effects through supply chains. (JEL H20, L14, Q54)
Portal vein guidewire insertion: Rare complication of wire‐guided cannulation during single‐balloon enteroscopy‐assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Fukuda Koshiro , Sasaki Takashi , Sasahira Naoki
Published: October 2020

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Glycaemic profiles of diverse patients with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin: MOBILE study baseline data
Authors: Peters Anne , Cohen Nathan , Calhoun Peter , Ruedy Katrina J. , Beck Roy W. , Martens Thomas W. , Bao Shichun , Njeru Nelly M. , Beck Stayce E. , Price David A.
Published: October 2020

Basal insulin is often prescribed to patients with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, its therapeutic efficacy is inadequate in many. During the MOBILE study's baseline phase, we evaluated 173 participants' continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data (mean ± SD age 57 ± 9 years; 50% female; HbA1c 9.1% [range 7.1%‐11.6%]; 40% using sulphonylureas; 19% using NPH; reported self‐monitored blood glucose [SMBG] frequency median 1.0 checks/day) who were using basal, but not prandial insulin. Blinded CGM data were recorded for 10 days prior to randomization. The mean glucose value was 208 ± 47 mg/dL and it was lowest in the early morning. Mean time in the 70‐180 mg/dL range was 9.6 ± 6.1 hours/day (40% ± 25%). Hyperglycaemia was extensive with medians of 14.7 (61%) and 5.0 (20.9%) hours/day with glucose greater than 180 and 250 mg/dL, respectively. Hypoglycaemia was infrequent (median [IQR] 0 [0, 4.3] minutes/day [0.0% {0.0%, 0.3%}] with glucose less than 70 mg/dL). Blinded CGM highlights the limitations of infrequent SMBG in basal insulin users with T2D and allows characterization of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia in basal insulin users with suboptimal control. The MOBILE study randomized phase will define the benefits of using real‐time CGM compared with SMBG in this population.
Selection on individuals of introduced species starts before the actual introduction
Authors: Baños‐Villalba Adrián , Carrete Martina , Tella Jose Luis , Blas Julio , Potti Jaime , Camacho Carlos , Diop Moussa Sega , Marchant Tracy A. , Cabezas Sonia , Edelaar Pim
Published: October 2020

Biological invasion is a global problem with large negative impacts on ecosystems and human societies. When a species is introduced, individuals will first have to pass through the invasion stages of uptake and transport, before actual introduction in a non‐native range. Selection is predicted to act during these earliest stages of biological invasion, potentially influencing the invasiveness and/or impact of introduced populations. Despite this potential impact of pre‐introduction selection, empirical tests are virtually lacking. To test the hypothesis of pre‐introduction selection, we followed the fate of individuals during capture, initial acclimation, and captivity in two bird species with several invasive populations originating from the international trade in wild‐caught pets (the weavers Ploceus melanocephalus and Euplectes afer). We confirm that pre‐introduction selection acts on a wide range of physiological, morphological, behavioral, and demographic traits (incl. sex, age, size of body/brain/bill, bill shape, body mass, corticosterone levels, and escape behavior); these are all traits which likely affect invasion success. Our study thus comprehensively demonstrates the existence of hitherto ignored selection acting before the actual introduction into non‐native ranges. This could ultimately change the composition and functioning of introduced populations, and therefore warrants greater attention. More knowledge on pre‐introduction selection also might provide novel targets for the management of invasive species, if pre‐introduction filters can be adjusted to change the quality and/or quantity of individuals passing through such that invasion probability and/or impacts are reduced.