bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reticulocyte Infection Leads to Altered Behaviour, Drug Sensitivity and Host Cell Remodelling byPlasmodium falciparum
Authors: Naidu Renugah , Chu Trang TT , Tripathi Jaishree , Hu Yang , Subramanian Gowtham , Tong Jie Xin , Tripathi Pallavi , Fang Kong , Tan Kevin SW , Lim Chwee Teck , Chan Jerry K.Y. , Bozdech Zbynek , Chandramohanadas Rajesh
Published: December 2019

Plasmodia are host-specific, both at the organism and cellular levels. During asexual development,Plasmodium spp.infect cells of erythroid lineage, with an overall propensity towards reticulocytes. This applies to evenPlasmodium (P.) falciparum, the most common causative agent of human malaria, implications of which remain unexplored. Herein, for the first time, we characterize the developmental stages and features ofP. falciparumculturedin vitroin young reticulocytes (CD71+) in comparison to standard normocyte (CD71-) cultures. We demonstrate that there are notable differences in the patterns of invasion, development and sensitivity to potent antimalarials (such as artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin) for parasites residing in CD71+reticulocytes. Through a transcriptomic approach, we report thatP. falciparumparasites are able to sense the host cell environment, and calibrate their metabolic and host cell remodelling pathways through differential gene expression. These results form an exciting avenue on which hitherto unexplored interactions betweenPlasmodium sppand different stages of host red blood cells could be investigated in the broader contexts of drug resistance, host tropism and zoonosis.

Author Summary

Parasites causing malaria infect red blood cells for development and proliferation during asexual development. This asexual erythrocytic stage determines higher parasite densities and eventual disease manifestation. Although the most virulent species of Plasmodium infecting humans known asPlasmodium falciparumis able to infect red blood cells of all ages, these parasites show a preference for younger blood cells. Of note, the biochemical and biophysical properties of young and adult red blood cells vary significantly. Herein, we undertook a comparative profiling of invasion process, parasite development and drug response ofPlasmoddium falciparumin two host cells: young red blood cells (reticulocytes) and mature red blood cells (normocytes). We demonstrate thatP. falciparuminfects human reticulocytes with higher affinity and demonstrate differential sensitivity to drugs such as artemisinin while they reside within reticulocytes. Furthermore, we show thatP. falciparumis able to detect differences in host environment and adapt to it by changing the expression of genes required for host cell remodelling.
Genomics of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Attenuation
Authors: Junier Thomas , Kaiser Laurent , Chaturvedi Nimisha , Hartert Tina , Fellay Jacques
Published: December 2019

The human orthopneumovirus (HRSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children worldwide. Despite decades of efforts, no vaccine is available. In this work, we report mutations that are frequent in vaccine candidates and rare in wild-type genomes, taking into account all the publicly available HRSV sequence data. These mutations are different from the ones already known to attenuate the virus, and thus may contribute to the effort towards producing a live attenuated vaccine against HRSV.
Using real-time fluorescence and deformability cytometry and deep learning to transfer molecular specificity to label-free sorting
Authors: Nawaz Ahmad Ahsan , Urbanska Marta , Herbig Maik , Nötzel Martin , Kräter Martin , Rosendahl Philipp , Herold Christoph , Toepfner Nicole , Kubankova Marketa , Goswami Ruchi , Abuhattum Shada , Reichel Felix , Müller Paul , Taubenberger Anna , Girardo Salvatore , Jacobi Angela , Guck Jochen
Published: December 2019

The identification and separation of specific cells from heterogeneous populations is an essential prerequisite for further analysis or use. Conventional passive and active separation approaches rely on fluorescent or magnetic tags introduced to the cells of interest through molecular markers. Such labeling is time- and cost-intensive, can alter cellular properties, and might be incompatible with subsequent use, for example, in transplantation. Alternative label-free approaches utilizing morphological or mechanical features are attractive, but lack molecular specificity. Here we combine image-based real-time fluorescence and deformability cytometry (RT-FDC) with downstream cell sorting using standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW). We demonstrate basic sorting capabilities of the device by separating cell mimics and blood cell types based on fluorescence as well as deformability and other image parameters. The identification of blood sub-populations is enhanced by flow alignment and deformation of cells in the microfluidic channel constriction. In addition, the classification of blood cells using established fluorescence-based markers provides hundreds of thousands of labeled cell images used to train a deep neural network. The trained algorithm, with latency optimized to below 1 ms, is then used to identify and sort unlabeled blood cells at rates of 100 cells/sec. This approach transfers molecular specificity into label-free sorting and opens up new possibilities for basic biological research and clinical therapeutic applications.
Vaping Perpetuates Cardiac Electrical Instability
Authors: Abouassali Obada , Chang Mengmeng , Reiser Michelle , Kanithi Manasa , Soni Ravi , Chidipi Bojjibabu , Noujaim Sami F.
Published: December 2019

Background

Tobacco cigarette smoking is on the decline, but the usage of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is gaining popularity, specifically in the teen and young adult age groups. While the cardiac toxicity of tobacco cigarette smoking has been widely studied and is well established, the possible cardiac toxicity of ENDS products and their design characteristics, such as added flavorings, are largely underexplored. Vaping, a form of electronic nicotine delivery, uses “e-liquid” to generate “e-vapor”, a smoke-like aerosolized mixture of nicotine and flavors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that vaping results in cardiac electrophysiological instability and arrhythmogenesis. We thus investigated how e-liquids with different flavors affect cardiac in-vitro and in-vivo toxicity, in cell culture and in animals.

Methods

Three e-liquids with vanilla, cinnamon or fruit flavors were studied. We quantified apoptosis and oxygen consumption rate in HL-1 cells cultured with e-vapors extracts. In human iPSC derived ventricular cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) cultured with e-vapor extract, beating frequency and repolarization duration were measured using multiple electrode arrays (MEA). Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the composition of the e-vapors. Telemetric ECGs were obtained in freely moving C57BL/6J mice exposed to vanilla flavored e-vapor for 10 weeks and heart rate variability was analyzed (HRV). In-vivo inducibility of ventricular tachycardia as well as optical mapping of voltage in isolated Langendorff-perfused hearts were also carried out.

Results

E-vapor caused a dose dependent increase in toxicity in Hl-1 myocytes and e-vapors containing vanilla and cinnamon flavorings, as indicated by GC-MS, were more toxic, and inhibited cellular respiration more than the fruit flavored e-vapor. In hiPSC-CM cultured with 25% cinnamon flavored e-vapor for 24 hours, beating frequency increased, and the field potential duration significantly increased compared to air control. Inhalation exposure to vanilla flavored e-vapor for 10 weeks caused significant effects on HRV. Additionally, inducible VT was significantly longer, and in optical mapping, the magnitude of ventricular action potential duration alternans was significantly larger in the exposed mice compared to control

Conclusion

The widely popular flavored ENDS are not harm free, and they show potential toxicity to the heart, in-vitro, and in vivo. Further studies are needed to further assess their cardiac safety profile, and long-term health effects.
Differential response trajectories to acute exercise in blood and muscle
Authors: Amar David , Lindholm Malene E. , Norrbom Jessica , Wheeler Matthew T. , Rivas Manuel A. , Ashley Euan A.
Published: December 2019

A physically active lifestyle is essential for maintaining health, and is a powerful way to prevent chronic disease. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive exercise adaptation and transduce its beneficial effects, are incompletely understood. Here, we combined data from 49 studies that measured the whole transcriptome in humans before and after exercise to provide the power to draw novel observations not seen in any individual study alone. The resulting curated and standardized resource includes samples from skeletal muscle (n=1,260) and blood (n=726) in response to endurance or resistance exercise and training. Using a linear mixed effects meta-regression model selection strategy, we detected specific time patterns and novel regulatory modulators of the acute exercise response. Acute and long term responses to exercise were transcriptionally distinct. Exercise induced a more pronounced inflammatory response in skeletal muscle of older individuals. We identified multiple sex-specific response genes, where MTMR3 is a novel exercise-regulated gene. These results deepen our understanding of the transcriptional responses to exercise and provide a powerful resource for future research efforts in exercise physiology and medicine.
Comparative analysis on Chinese and foreign innovation performance research—based on Bibliometrics and science mapping analysis
Authors: Fang Xiaochen , Zhu Jinwei
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a systematic review of the literature concerning major aspects of innovation performance and compare the research hotspots of innovation performance in the twenty-first century with three primary purposes: first, to view the trend of Chinese and English literature on innovation performance research; second, to summarize the research streams in innovation performance; and third, to predict possible directions for future innovation performance research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first introduce a framework of innovation performance research developments. Then they construct a representative data set of bibliographic records, obtaining 1,768 articles in the SSCI citation index database and 1,431 articles in the CSSCI database. The authors then make a comparative analysis from two aspects: research themes and development of academic communities. The research objects are keywords and references so that co-word and co-cited reference networks are established. Finally, the authors combine the direction of research streams about “innovation performance” to summarize 28 questions in three research fields that can be studied in the future.

Findings

The momentum of the literature in English on innovation performance is increasing, whereas the Chinese literature has declined in recent years. The direction of research streams in Chinese and English literature is the same: they are the “innovation system/elements” research stream, the “innovation activity/ability” research stream and the “innovation network/social capital” research stream. Although the directions are the same, the specific contents of the research are different. The direction of future development of innovation performance research can be undertaken in three aspects: follow research into expanding hot topics, mine the research of typical academic circles and develop research into exploring more fields. Combined with the direction of research streams, 28 questions in three research fields are summarized.

Originality/value

Based on the background of “mass entrepreneurship and innovation” in China, the research on enterprise “innovation performance” is becoming more and more important. The findings help us summarize the research streams related to innovation performance research, better understand the themes that point to directions for future development of innovation performance research and summarize 28 questions.
The impact of information technology investment on enterprise financial performance in China
Authors: Ji Peinan , Yan Xiangbin , Yu Guang
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of information technology (IT) investment, including innovative IT investment and non-innovative IT investment, on comprehensive enterprise financial performance in a developing country, China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies the method proposed by Barber and Lyon to construct the control group to study the impact of IT investment on financial performance of enterprises, using a sample of 229 IT investment announcement data of Chinese listed companies between 2011 and 2015.

Findings

The analysis of the financial benefits of these IT implementations yields mixed results. The results show that companies investing in IT can significantly improve profitability both the implementation and post-implementation periods for the full sample, improve the solvency only during the implementation phase, improve the growth ability after implementation time and cannot reduce business costs in all periods. At the same time, the authors find that, compared with non-innovative IT investment, the innovative samples do not achieve better financial performance, except the profitability financial indicator.

Research limitations/implications

There are several limitations in this research. First, there is no large sample about the IT investment information data set in China, so this study was compelled to use limited sample data from China; hence, this could lead to errors of too early generalization. Second, the firms in the sample are all in China’s listed companies, so this may either not accurately or possibly could reflect the entire environment of developing countries.

Originality/value

First, it extends the scope of the established literature by examining the influence of IT investment with China’s public firms data and IT investment to see if such spending has had an influence on corporate financial performance. Second, there is a lack of research on the impact of IT investment on comprehensive financial performance of an enterprise, compared with the previous one-sided financial performance, such as profitability or financial cost. Third, as far as the authors are aware, there are no studies on the impact of IT investment on firm financial performance based on innovative and non-innovative classification.
A blockchain-based trusted security zone architecture
Authors: Jo Jeong Hoon , Rathore Shailendra , Loia Vincenzo , Park Jong Hyuk
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a trusted security zone architecture that uses a blockchain technology to provide secure sharing of data in the security zone while maintaining the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data. The blockchain uses a distributed network to ensure data availability and uses public ledgers to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed architecture uses a blockchain technology to provide secure sharing of data in the security zone while maintaining the integrity, confidentiality and availability of data. The blockchain uses a distributed network to ensure data availability and uses public ledgers to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Findings

Analysis of the proposed architecture with a use case scenario demonstrates that it provides a robust security measure against unauthorized network intrusions.

Originality/value

Unlike the existing security zone, this paper adopts a method of storing data by using blockchain. It meets the need to study integrated authentication management methods of future research.
International competitiveness of China’s biomass products: a CMS and RCA analysis
Authors: Shuai Jing , Huang Fubin , Leng Zhihui , Cheng Xin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate the international competitiveness of China’s biomass energy products during 2007-2016 in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors used the constant market share model and the revealed comparative advantage index to analyze the evolution trend of China’s biomass products’ international competitiveness during the past decade from 2007 to 2016 based on the market structure of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Findings

The results show that: China’s major biomass energy products have no comparative advantages in the world market, nevertheless, their international competitiveness is on the rise; China’s biomass energy products have been agglomerated to the regional markets where the market demand growth is fast in the Belt and Road countries; and the unreasonable structure is an important factor influencing the international competitiveness of China’s biomass exports.

Originality/value

The authors analyzed the international competitiveness of China’s biomass energy products based on the “Belt and Road Initiative” with all the trading items, in an effort to propose policy implications for enhancing the comparative advantages of China’s biomass products in the international market especially in the Belt and Road regions.
Firesetting and arson in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic PRISMA review
Authors: Allely Clare Sarah
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify studies which have investigated arson or firesetting in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic PRISMA review was conducted.

Findings

The present review highlighted the relatively little research that has been conducted to date exploring firesetting or arson in individuals with ASD. In sum, 11 papers were identified in the present review study: 6 were case studies and 5 were empirical studies. The case studies identified in the review highlighted some of the ASD symptomology which may contribute to this type of criminal behaviour. Also, the empirical studies indicate that there is a higher prevalence of individuals with ASD who engage in such criminal behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

There is an urgent need for further empirical research in this area and for there to be an increased awareness and understanding of how ASD can contribute to arson and firesetting in both a legal and clinical context.

Originality/value

This is the first review, to the author’s knowledge, to explore the literature on firesetting or arson in individuals with ASD.
Joint order allocation and transportation planning under uncertainty within a socially responsible supply chain
Authors: Ghasemy Yaghin R. , Sarlak P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated supplier selection, order allocation, transportation planning model, along with investment planning for corporate social responsibility (CSR), over a given multi-period horizon under uncertainty. Furthermore, a customer’s behavior to pay more money for items with CSR attributes is considered in the total market demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective functions, i.e. social value of purchasing, total profit (TP), total delivery lead-time, total air pollution, total water pollution and total energy consumption with regard to a number of constraints are jointly considered in a multi-product system. It is worth noting that operational- and sustainable-related parameters are usually vague and imprecise in this area. Therefore, this paper develops a new fuzzy multi-objective optimization model to capture this inherent fuzziness in critical data.

Findings

Through the numerical examples in the textile industry, the application of the model and usefulness of solution procedures are carried out. The numerical results obtained from the proposed approach indicate the efficiency of the solution algorithm in different instances. Moreover, the authors observe that social investment of the buyer, to stimulate market demand, can affect the TP and also involve the total contribution of suppliers in social responsibility.

Originality/value

This research work concentrates on providing a procurement and inventory model through the lens of sustainability to enable textile supply chain managers and related industries to apply the approach to their inventory control and supply management. Totally, the proposed methodology could be applied by many fabric buyers of textile industry tackling purchasing issues and attempting to perfect understanding of social supply chains.
When and why do negative reviews have positive effects?
Authors: Yang Shuai , Li Tao , Chen Sixing , Li Bin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

People generally believe that business with negative word-of-mouth, such as negative customer reviews can hardly have good sales. But a number of intriguing examples seem to contradict such beliefs. Academic has so far begun to explore the possible positive effect of negative customer reviews, but without unfolding its underlying mechanism. This paper proposes a mechanism through which the variance of customer reviews moderates the effect of negative reviews on sales.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a multi-method approach in explaining the phenomenon, including an empirical analysis using secondary data from a movie review website and a movie box office website and a subsequent experimental study in a controlled experiment.

Findings

The findings of the study show that the effect of negative customer reviews on product sales is positive when the variance of customer reviews is large. Moreover, customers’ motivation to learn fully mediates the moderating effect of review variance on valence.

Practical implications

The findings provide vital managerial implications and suggest that managers should realize the important role of the review distribution.

Originality/value

This study mainly contributes to research on the negativity bias by identifying an important unexplored moderator and mediator and thus explains why negative customer review increases movie sales.
“One does not forget, it all comes back”: elderly people with intellectual disability review adversities and stress-protection in their lives
Authors: Schepens Hadewych R.M.M. , Van Puyenbroeck Joris , Maes Bea
Published: December 2019

Purpose

People with intellectual disability are reported to encounter many negative life events during their increasingly long lives. In the absence of protective elements, these may cause toxic stress and trauma. Given the reported negative effects of such adverse events on their quality of life (QoL), the perspective of older people with intellectual disability themselves may be of relevance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors questioned nine participants with mild intellectual disability, aged 61–88 years old, in four 90-min focus group sessions and thematically analysed the data.

Findings

Many recent and bygone negative life events still weighed heavily on the participants. Negative interactions, experiences of loss, lack of control and awareness of one’s disability caused stress. Their emotional response contrasted with their contentment, compliance and resilience. Having (had) good relationships, having learnt coping skills, remaining active, talking about past experiences and feeling free of pain, safe, well supported, capable, respected and involved seemed to heighten resilience and protect participants from toxic stress.

Research limitations/implications

Monitoring and preventing adverse (childhood) experiences, supporting active/emotional coping strategies, psychotherapy and life story work may facilitate coping with negative events and enhance QoL of elderly people with intellectual disability.

Originality/value

Elderly people with mild intellectual disability run a higher risk of experiencing (early) adverse events in life. They are very capable of talking about their experiences, QoL, and the support they need. Focus groups were a reliable method to capture their insights.
Fetishism and the problem of disavowal
Authors: Kuldova Tereza
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Fetishism has been often linked to misrecognition and false belief, to one being “ideologically duped” so to speak. But could we think that fetishism may be precisely the very opposite? The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of this at first sight counterintuitive notion. It locates the problem of fetishism at the crux of the problem of disavowal and argues that one needs to distinguish between a disavowal – marked by cynical knowledge – and fetishistic disavowal, which can be understood as a subcategory of the same belief structure of ideology.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper is based on literature review and utilizes examples from the author’s ethnographic fieldworks in India (2008-2013) and central Europe (2015-2019).

Findings

The paper provides a new insight into the structure of fetishism, relying on the psychoanalytic structure of disavowal, where all disavowal is ideological, but not all disavowal is fetishistic, thereby positing a crucial, often unacknowledged distinction. Where disavowal follows the structure “I know quite well how things are, but still […],” fetishistic disavowal follows the formula: “I don’t only know how things are, but also how they appear to me, and nonetheless […].”

Originality/value

The paper develops an original conceptualization of fetishism by distinguishing ideological disavowal from fetishistic disavowal.
Thermal analysis of three motorcycle disc brakes
Authors: García-León Ricardo Andres , Quintero-Quintero Wilder , Rodriguez-Castilla Magda
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The braking system on motorcycles is of vital importance, taking into account that its operation is based on the friction between the surfaces in the contact that are found heat and, therefore, the brake liquid, the thermoelastic deformation on the contact surface, the degradation and failure of the material, as can be attributed to the safety of the occupants. The purpose of this paper is to perform mathematical calculations regarding the phenomena of the transfer of heat generated in the brake system.

Design/methodology/approach

Using SolidWorks simulation software, the geometric model of the three disc brakes of the different cylinders was carried out to identify the elements with the variations of the maximum temperature, and the verification with the calculations was made under ideal condition (80 Km/h and 12°C).

Findings

The results obtained show that with the mathematical calculations it was possible to validate the correct functioning of the braking system under different operating conditions, the systems that have higher capacity of displacement generate higher heat loss at higher speed so that their time of cooling according to Newton is major.

Originality/value

Through the analysis of finite elements, it was possible to identify that the braking system in severe working conditions is not overheated, assuring a natural convection cooling in approximately 12 min according to the mathematical calculations made.
Social isolation and loneliness among urban older people: a study of Cooch Behar municipal town, West Bengal, India
Authors: Debnath Angana , Roy Piyal Basu
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Alienation and isolation is an off-seen social aspect of gerontological crises. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the social isolation and loneliness of older people that emerge from inadequate integration with the social network, coupled with increasing social chasm between the aged and the young. The sample population is Cooch Behar municipal town, West Bengal, India.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct the study, data have been collected through a questionnaire followed by purposive random sampling and analyzed with the help of loneliness scale and correlated variables.

Findings

The study reveals that marital status, social network, social class and health are some of the parameters that influence the level of social isolation and loneliness among the older people.

Originality/value

The result highlights the importance of social relationships and interaction on the ageing process.
MicroRNA‐627‐5p inhibits the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting BCL3 transcription coactivator
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Tianxiang , Wang Liang , Yao Bowen , Sun Liankang , Chen Shuangjiang , Liu Qingguang
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumour. An increasing number of studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators in the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. MiR‐627‐5p has been identified as a tumour suppressor in colorectal cancer and glioblastoma multiforme. However, the function of miR‐627‐5p in HCC progression remains unclear yet. In our present study, miR‐627‐5p was determined to be low‐expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, miR‐627‐5p was expressed at significantly lower levels in HCC tissues with tumour size >5 cm or advanced tumour stages (III+IV). Additionally, HCC patients with low miR‐627‐5p level had a significantly poorer overall survival. Functionally, ectopic expression of miR‐627‐5p obviously inhibited the proliferation, and induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis of Hep3B and SMMC‐7721 cells. Conversely, miR‐627‐5p silencing facilitated HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. In vivo experiments further confirmed that miR‐627‐5p overexpression repressed the growth of Hep3B cells in mice. Mechanistically, BCL3 transcription coactivator was predicted as a direct target of miR‐627‐5p. MiR‐627‐5p overexpression reduced, whereas miR‐627‐5p knockdown enhanced the expression of BCL3 protein in HCC cells. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct binding between miR‐627‐5p and 3′UTR of BCL3. The expression of BCL3 protein was negatively correlated with miR‐627‐5p level in HCC tissues. More importantly, re‐expression of BCL3 partially reversed miR‐627‐5p induced inhibitory effects on Hep3B cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that miR‐627‐5p functioned as a tumour suppressor in HCC possibly by attenuating BCL3. This finding might offer a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
MicroRNA‐367‐3p overexpression represses the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through downregulation of SPAG5‐mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Yang Ting , Tian Sijuan , Wang Linlin , Wang Yaohui , Zhao Juan
Published: December 2019

MicroRNA‐367‐3p (miR‐367‐3p) has been previously reported as a cancer‐related miRNA that is dysregulated in various cancer types and functions either as an oncogenic or as tumour suppressive miRNA. However, whether miR‐367‐3p is dysregulated in cervical cancer and, further, whether it contributes to the development and progression of the disease remains unknown. Here, our results demonstrated that miR‐367‐3p expression was markedly decreased in both cervical cancer tissues and cell lines compared with corresponding controls. In vitro experiments revealed that miR‐367‐3p overexpression repressed the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Notably, sperm‐associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) was identified as a target gene of miR‐367‐3p. Moreover, decreased expression of miR‐367‐3p was correlated with high expression of SPAG5 in cervical cancer tissue specimens. SPAG5 inhibition or miR‐367‐3p overexpression significantly downregulated Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in cervical cancer cells. However, the antitumour effect mediated by miR‐367‐3p overexpression was partially reversed by SPAG5 overexpression. Overall, these findings demonstrate that miR‐367‐3p overexpression restricts the proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through targeting SPAG5 to downregulate Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, suggesting a mechanism for the tumour suppressive function of miR‐367‐3p in cervical cancer. Our study highlights the involvement of miR‐367‐3p/SPAG5/Wnt/β‐catenin signalling axis in regulating the malignant progression of cervical cancer.
Geographical distribution of dioecy and its ecological correlates based on fine‐scaled species distribution data from a subtropical island
Authors: Lin Huan‐Yu , Tseng Yu‐Hsin , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Hu Jer‐Ming
Published: December 2019

Dioecy is a rather rare sexual expression system guarantees outcrossing to avoid the deleterious effects of inbreeding. The incidence of dioecy varied among local floras and suggested inclining to tropical and oceanic environments, but its eco‐correlates received little research attention. In this article, we explored geographical patterns and variations in sexual expression systems of angiosperms in mountainous environments of Taiwan, a subtropical island in East Asia. A comprehensive geo‐database of vegetation inventories and herbarium specimens were used to identify eco‐correlates causing variations in the horizontal geographical extent and along a large elevational gradient of more than 3,500 m. We found the average incidence of dioecy in the flora of Taiwan to be 8.2%, but it exhibits geographical variations from islets in the Taiwan Strait to the Pacific Ocean. Detailed studies on the main island of Taiwan revealed that the incidence of dioecy varied among land cover types and elevational zones. An apparent two‐step decreasing pattern of dioecy percentages with elevation was found, with the highest proportion in the lowlands (0–600 m; 23.96%), followed by middle elevations (600–2,700 m; 20.87%) and subalpine regions (2,700–3,900 m; with a range of 11.38–0%). We found that spatial variations of dioecy were associated with eco‐correlates of land cover, elevation, woodiness, species richness, and mean annual temperature. Results of this study partially support Bawa's hypothesis of a higher incidence of dioecy on oceanic islands, and is consistent with Baker and Cox's observations of richer dioecious species on high‐mountain islands in the tropics and subtropics.
Lung metastases in low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Frijstein MM , Lok CAR , van Trommel NE , ten Kate‐Booij MJ , Massuger LFAG , van Werkhoven E , Short D , Aguiar X , Fisher RA , Kaur B , Sarwar N , Sebire NJ , Seckl MJ
Published: December 2019

Objective

Presence of lung metastases in low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is generally considered not to influence prognosis. However, in a recent study in the Netherlands, GTN patients with lung metastases had a higher recurrence rate and more disease‐specific deaths compared with patients without metastases. The aim of the present study was to validate these findings in a different country.

Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Charing Cross Hospital, United Kingdom.

Population

A total of 1040 low‐risk GTN patients treated with methotrexate (MTX) between 2002 and 2016 were identified: 65 with lung metastases (group 1) and 975 without metastases (group 2).

Methods

Baseline characteristics, MTX resistance, survival and recurrence rates were recorded and compared between both groups.

Main outcome measures

MTX resistance, recurrence rate and survival.

Results

The occurrence of MTX resistance and median number of MTX courses to achieve remission was significantly higher in patients with lung metastases than patients without metastases (60% versus 38.9%, P = 0.001; and nine versus six courses, P < 0.001). All choriocarcinoma patients (n = 4) with lung metastases developed MTX resistance. The recurrence rate was also higher in group I (9.2% versus 2.7%; P = 0.012). Disease‐specific survival was 100% in both groups.

Conclusions

The presence of lung metastases at the start of MTX therapy is associated with increased incidence of MTX resistance and recurrence in low‐risk GTN without affecting overall survival, which remains 100%. However, individuals with low‐risk choriocarcinoma with lung metastases are likely to become resistant to MTX and primary multi‐agent chemotherapy should be considered.

Tweetable abstract

The presence of lung metastases appears to increase the risk of recurrence in low‐risk GTN, but does not affect overall cure rates and survival.
Application of Structured‐Light 3‐D Scanning to the Documentation of Plastic Fingerprint Impressions: A Quality Comparison with Traditional Photography
Authors: Zhang Wuchen , Kosiorek Deborah A. , Brodeur Amy N.
Published: December 2019

Plastic fingerprint impressions found at crime scenes are often too delicate for collection, leaving photography as the best option for documentation. However, traditional photography techniques can be inadequate in documenting minute 3‐D details due to limitations of the camera and lighting conditions. This study investigated the feasibility of applying commercially available structured‐light 3‐D scanners in the documentation of plastic prints. Attempts were made to develop a procedure to extract curvature features from 3‐D scanned fingerprints and flatten the friction ridge features into two‐dimensional (2‐D) images to allow direct comparison with the traditional photography in the CSIpix® Matcher and NFIQ 2.0 software. Two 3‐D scanners were evaluated a Dentsply Sirona inEos X5® and an Artec Space Spider. In this study, 3‐D scanners demonstrated robustness as well as efficiency in the collection of plastic fingerprint impressions in select substrates. One of the developed methods utilizing a discrete geometry operator and convexity features outperformed traditional photography, achieving higher software detection scores in minutiae count and match quality, while traditional photography could not always capture enough high‐quality minutiae for comparisons, even after digital enhancement.
Development and validation of the semi‐quantitative brief food frequency questionnaire to assess the magnesium intake in young women
Authors: Głąbska Dominika , Wojtas Małgorzata , Guzek Dominika
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of the study was to develop and validate the semi‐quantitative brief food frequency questionnaire to assess the magnesium intake (Mg‐FFQ).

Methods

The developed questionnaire consists of 39 questions and it was validated in a group of 75 women aged 20‐30. The validity was assessed with reference to the 3‐day dietary record and the reproducibility was assessed for a period of 6 weeks.

Results

The Bland‐Altman index for the assessment of validity was 6.7% and for reproducibility—8.0%, while the kappa statistic indicated a slight and substantial agreement, respectively. The high reproducibility was confirmed by a high share of respondents correctly classified into tertiles (73.3%) and correctly classified into categories of adequate/inadequate intake (85.3%).

Conclusion

For the developed and validated Mg‐FFQ, a high reproducibility, accompanied by a satisfactory validity, was confirmed, so it may be used to assess the magnesium intake in the epidemiological studies in young Polish women aged 20‐30.
National Level Preparedness for Implementing the Health‐related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Seven South Asian Countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
Authors: Razzaq Saadiya , Ahmad Maisam Najafizada Said , Sheel Acharya Sanghmitra , Ellepola Yolanthika , Chaudhry Kashmala , Tabassum Rabia , Elahi Chowdhury Mahbub , Neupane Sunisha , Kumar BC Rajendra , Pelgen Ugyen , Ali Akbar Ashrafi Shah , Pal Gobinda C , Wangdi Tshering , Kunwal Nabila
Published: December 2019

The objective of this research is to explore national institutional arrangements for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), describe the roles of different stakeholders in SDG implementation, and identify where gaps may lie at national and regional level. This paper analysed initiatives taken by seven South Asian countries towards implementing the health‐related SDGs thus far. The analysis for the paper is based on the findings of a research project on ‘Research Institutions and the Health SDGs: Building Momentum in South Asia’ conducted in seven South Asian countries led by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Pakistan and study conducted by country research teams in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The extent to which SDGs have been localized and implemented varies across the South Asian countries. While, Bangladesh and Bhutan have initiated the adoption of SDGs with development plans and programs, others have established national level institutional structures and coordination channels. An overarching concern is inadequate ownership of the SDGs by the sub‐national governments for implementation and coordination. The level of engagement of non‐state stakeholders such as non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, think tanks, research institutes, academia, and media, however, varies across countries. This engagement ranges from raising awareness, to consultations, membership in committees, and planning and policymaking.
Low frequency of mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and arrangement of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma
Authors: Yin Kai , Feng Hui‐Bo , Li Lin‐Lin , Chen Yu , Xie Zhi , Lv Zhi‐Yi , Guo Wei‐Bang , Lu Dan‐Xia , Yang Xue‐Ning , Yan Wen‐Qing , Wu Yi‐Long , Zhang Xu‐Chao
Published: December 2019

Background

Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (PLELC) is a rare and unique subtype of lung cancer. However, the prevalence of driver alterations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements, and the response of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs) in PLELC has not been thoroughly investigated.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the genetic profiles and treatment course of 330 PLELC patients at the Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute (GLCI) from 1st January, 2008 to 30th December, 2018. We searched and analyzed related literature published in PubMed and Web of Science from 1st January, 2000 and 31th August, 2019 based on their mention of “driver mutations” and “the response of TKIs to mutant PLELC”.

Results

Genetic alterations of EGFR/ALK were tested in 203 patients (203/330, 61.5%). Five patients (5/175, 2.9%) had EGFR mutation and three patients (3/140, 2.1%) had ALK alteration. From the total of 15 articles identified from electronic searches, 1071 PLELC cases mentioned the driver mutations. EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement were detected in 15 patients and one patient, respectively. In total, there were four EGFR/ALK mutant PLELC patients who received targeted therapy as palliative treatment at the GLCI and in the literature. However, there was disease progression in all cases one month after use of TKIs.

Conclusion

The mutation rates of EGFR and ALK were low in PLELC. EGFR and ALK TKIs showed limited response in EGFR/ALK mutant PLELC. Further studies are needed to explore other molecular targets to optimize the therapeutic strategy for PLELC.
Relative accuracy of computerized intrapartum fetal heart rate pattern recognition by ultrasound and abdominal electrocardiogram detection
Authors: Hayes‐Gill Barrie R. , Martin Terence R. P. , Liu Chong , Cohen Wayne R.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring using transabdominal fetal electrocardiographic detection is now commercially available and has been demonstrated to be an effective alternative to traditional Doppler ultrasonographic techniques. Our objective in this study was to compare the results of computerized identification of fetal heart rate patterns generated by ultrasound‐based and transabdominal fetal electrocardiogram‐based techniques with simultaneously obtained fetal scalp electrode‐derived heart rate information.

Material and methods

We applied an objective computer‐based analysis for recognition of fetal heart rate patterns (Monica Decision Support) to data obtained simultaneously from a direct fetal scalp electrode, Doppler ultrasound, and the abdominal‐fetal electrocardiogram techniques. This allowed us to compare over 145 hours of fetal heart rate patterns generated by the external devices with those derived from the scalp electrode in 30 term singleton uncomplicated pregnancies during labor. The direct fetal scalp electrode is considered to be the most accurate and reliable technique used in current clinical practice, and was, therefore, used as the standard for comparison. The program quantified the baseline heart rate, long‐ and short‐term variability. It indicated when an acceleration or deceleration was present and whether it was large or small.

Results

Ultrasound was associated with significantly greater deviations from the fetal scalp electrode results than the abdominal fetal electrocardiogram technique in recognizing the correct baseline heart rate, its variability, and the presence of small and large accelerations and small decelerations. For large decelerations the two external methods were each not significantly different from the scalp electrode results.

Conclusions

Noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring using maternal abdominal wall electrodes to detect fetal cardiac activity more reliably reproduced the computerized analysis of heart rate patterns derived from a direct fetal scalp electrode than did traditional ultrasound‐based monitoring. Abdominal‐fetal electrocardiogram should, therefore, be considered a primary option for externally monitored patients.
Pregnant women with IBD are more likely to be adherent to biologic therapies than other medications
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Seow Cynthia H. , Adhikari Kamala , Metcalfe Amy
Published: December 2019

Background

There are differences in the efficacy and safety profiles of medications used to treat IBD that may impact a woman's perceived risk of medication exposure during pregnancy, potentially leading to medication non‐adherence, poor disease‐control and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Aim

To assess whether medication adherence patterns differ by drug class during pregnancy and influence birth outcomes for women with IBD.

Methods

Of 143 491 women, a validated case definition was used to identify 370 women with IBD in five administrative health databases in Alberta, Canada (2012‐2015). Women who had ≥2 consecutive medications prescription for maintenance therapy for IBD in the year prior to pregnancy were included (n = 230). Prescription‐based medication possession ratio ≥0.8 defined adherence. Chi‐squared tests were used to compare adherence patterns by drug class and outcomes.

Results

Of the 159/230 women who were adherent during the year prior to pregnancy, 20 (12.6%; 95% CI: 8.2%, 18.8%) were not adherent and 21 (13.2%; 95% CI: 8.7%, 19.5%) discontinued their medications during pregnancy. Medication adherence during pregnancy differed significantly by drug class. A greater proportion of women on biologics (41.5%; 95% CI 32.9%, 50.7%) were adherent during pregnancy than women on thiopurines (22.9%; 95% CI 16.1%, 31.5%; P = 0.006); adherence was not significantly different for 5‐aminosalicylates (35.6%; 95% CI 27.4%, 44.8%; P = 0.204). Women were more likely to be adherent to biologics (49.3%, 95% CI 37.3%, 61.3%) than thiopurines (20.9%; 95% CI 12.6%, 32.6%; P = 0.014) and 5‐aminosalicylates (29.9%; 95% CI 19.9%, 42.1%; P = 0.030) in the first trimester. This was similar in the third trimester. In the second trimester, adherence pattern did not significantly differ by drug class (biologics vs thiopurines: P = 0.348; biologics vs 5‐aminosalicylate: P = 0.999). Infants born to women with IBD (adherent: RR 1.58. 95% CI 1.02, 2.27; non‐adherent: RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.97, 1.81) were more likely to be admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit than the general obstetric population, but this was not significantly different between women who were adherent or not adherent to their IBD medication (P = 0.711).

Conclusion

Almost a quarter of women with IBD who were previously adherent to medical therapy were not adherent during pregnancy. Adherence pattern differed by drug class.