bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term individual and population functional outcomes in older adults with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Parks Anna L. , Jeon Sun Y. , Boscardin W. John , Steinman Michael A. , Smith Alexander K. , Fang Margaret C. , Shah Sachin J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) have multiple risk factors for disablement. Long-term function and the contribution of strokes to disability has not been previously characterized.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal, observational study in the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (1992-2014). We included participants ≥65 years with Medicare claims who met incident AF diagnosis claims criteria. We examined the association of incident stroke with three functional outcomes: independence with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and community-dwelling. We fit separate logistic regression models with repeated measures adjusting for comorbidities and demographics to estimate the effect of stroke on function. We estimate the contribution of strokes to the overall population burden of functional impairment using the method of recycled predictions.

Results

Among 3530 participants (median age 79 years, 53% women, median CHA2DS2-VASc 5), 262 had a stroke over 17,396 person-years. Independent of stroke and accounting for population comorbidities, annually, ADL dependence increased by 4.4%, IADL dependence increased by 3.9%, and nursing home residence increased by 1.2% (p<0.05 for all). Accounting for comorbidities, of those who experienced a stroke, 31.9% developed new ADL dependence, 26.5% developed new IADL dependence, and 8.6% newly moved to a nursing home (p<0.05 for all). Considering all causes of function loss, 1.7% of ADL disability-years, 1.2% of IADL disability-years, and 7.3% of nursing home years could be attributed to stroke over 7.4years.

Conclusion

Older adults lose substantial function over time following AF diagnosis, independent of stroke. Stroke was associated with a significant decline in function and an increase in the likelihood of nursing home move, but stroke did not accelerate subsequent disability accrual. Because of the high background rate of functional loss, stroke was not the dominant determinant of population-level disability in older adults with AF.

Impact statement

We certify that this work is novel. Little is known about long-term function (ADL, IADL, community-dwelling) among older adults with AF and the association with stroke. This nationally representative study finds a high rate of function loss independent of stroke, and among those who suffer a stroke, a dramatic and immediate decline in function. Because of the high rate of function loss independent of stroke and the relatively low rate of stroke, on a population level, stroke is not the dominant determinant of disability in older adults with AF.
AXTEX-4D™: A Novel 3Dex vivoplatform for preclinical investigations of immunotherapy agents
Authors: Baru Ambica , Sharma Swati , Purkayastha Biswa Pratim Das , Khan Sameena , Mazumder Saumyabrata , Gupta Reeshu , Kundu Prabuddha Kumar , Arora Nupur Mehrotra
Published: November 2020

The latest advancements in oncology are majorly focused on immuno-oncology (I-O) therapies. However, only ~7% of drugs are being approved from the preclinical discovery phase to phase 1. The most challenging issues in I-O is the problem of developing active and efficient drugs economically and on time. This mandates an urgent need for better preclinical screening models that closely mimic thein vivotumor microenvironment. The established and most common methods for investigating the tumoricidal activity of I-O drugs are either two-dimensional (2D) systems or primary tumor cells in standard tissue culture vessels. However, they do not mimic the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the morein vivo-like three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids are quickly becoming the favored model to examine immune cell-mediated responses in reaction to the administration of I-O drugs. Accordingly, we have demonstrated the utility of the three-dimensionalex vivooncology model, developed on our novel AXTEX-4D™ platform to assess therapeutic efficacies of I-O drugs by investigating immune cell proliferation, migration, infiltration, cytokine profiling, and cytotoxicity of tumor tissueoids. The platform eliminates the need for additional biomolecules such as hydrogels and instead relies on the cancer cells themselves to create their own gradients and microenvironmental factors. In effect, the more comprehensive and invivolike immune-oncology model developed on AXTEX-4D™ platform can be utilized for high-throughput screening of immunotherapeutic drugs.
Cryo-EM structure of a proton-activated chloride channel TMEM206
Authors: Deng Zengqin , Zhao Yonghui , Feng Jing , Zhang Jingying , Zhao Haiyan , Rau Michael J. , Fitzpatrick James A.J. , Hu Hongzhen , Yuan Peng
Published: November 2020

TMEM206 has been recently identified as an evolutionarily conserved chloride channel that underlies ubiquitously expressed, proton-activated, outwardly rectifying anion currents. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of pufferfish TMEM206, which forms a trimeric channel, with each subunit comprising two transmembrane segments, the outer and inner helices, and a large extracellular domain. An ample vestibule in the extracellular region is accessible laterally from the three side portals. The central pore contains multiple constrictions preventing ion conduction. A conserved lysine residue near the cytoplasmic end of the inner helix forms the presumed chloride ion selectivity filter. Unprecedentedly, the core structure and assembly closely resemble those of the epithelial sodium channel/degenerin family of sodium channels that are unrelated in amino acid sequence and conduct cations instead of anions. Together with electrophysiology, this work provides insights into ion conduction and gating for a new class of chloride channels that is architecturally distinct from previously characterized chloride channel families.
Nucleoid associated proteins and their effect onE. colichromosome
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Wasim Abdul , Mondal Jagannath
Published: November 2020

A seemingly random and disorganized bacterial chromosome, in reality, is a well organized nucleus-like structure, called the nucleoid, which is maintained by several nucleoid associated proteins(NAPs). Here we present an application of a previously developed Hi-C based computational method to study the effects of some of these proteins on theE. colichromosome. Simulations with encoded Hi-C data for mutant, hupAB deficient,E. colicells, revealed a decondensed, axially expanded chromosome with enhanced short range and diminished long range interactions. Simulations for mutant cells deficient in FIS protein revealed that the effects are similar to that of the hupAB mutant, but the absence of FIS led to a greater disruption in chromosome organization. Absence of another NAP, MatP, known to mediate Ter macrodomain isolation, led to enhanced contacts between Ter and its flanking macrodomains but lacked any change in matS sites’ localization. Deficiency of MukBEF, the only SMC complex present inE. coli, led to disorganization of macrodomains. Upon further analysis, it was observed that the above mutations do not significantly impact the local chromosome organization (~ 100 Kb) but only affect the chromosome on a larger scale (>100 Kb). These observations shed more light on the sparsely explored effects of NAPs on the overall chromosome organization and helps us understand the myriad complex interactions NAPs have with the chromosome.
Interrogation of SLFN11 in pediatric sarcomas uncovers an unexpected biological role and a novel therapeutic approach to overcoming resistance to replicative stress
Authors: Gartrell Jessica , Mellado-Largarde Marcia , Martinez Nancy E. , Clay Michael R. , Bahrami Armita , Sahr Natasha , Sykes April , Blankenship Kaley , Hoffmann Lauren , Xie Jia , Plumley Hyekyung , Twarog Nathaniel , Connelly Michele , Yan Koon-Kiu , Yu Jiyang , Porter Shaina N. , Pruett-Miller Shondra M. , Neale Geoffrey , Tinkle Christopher L. , Federico Sara M. , Stewart Elizabeth A. , Shelat Anang A.
Published: November 2020

Pediatric sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies that exhibit variable response to DNA damaging chemotherapy. Schlafen family member 11 protein (SLFN11) increases sensitivity to replicative stress, andSLFN11gene silencing has been implicated as a common mechanism of drug resistance in tumors in adults. We found SLFN11 to be widely expressed in our cohort of pediatric sarcomas. In sarcoma cell lines, protein expression strongly correlated with response to the PARP inhibitor talazoparib (TAL) and the topoisomerase I inhibitor irinotecan (IRN), with SLFN11 knockout resulting in significant loss of sensitivityin vitroandin vivo.However, SLFN11 expression was not associated with favorable outcomes in a retrospective analysis of our patient cohort; instead, the protein was retained and promoted tumor growth and evasion. Furthermore, we show that pediatric sarcomas develop resistance to TAL and IRN through impaired intrinsic apoptosis, and that resistance can be reversed by selective inhibition of BCL-XL.

Statement of Significance

The role of SLFN11 in pediatric sarcomas has not been thoroughly explored. In contrast to its activity in adult tumors, SLFN11 did not predict favorable outcomes in pediatric patients, was not silenced, and promoted tumor growth. Resistance to replicative stress in SLFN11-expressing sarcomas was reversed by selective inhibition of BCL-XL.
Effective implementation of a food safety management system and its relationship with business motivations
Authors: Rincon-Ballesteros Lucia , Lannelongue Gustavo , González-Benito Javier
Published: November 2020

Purpose

A food safety management system (FSMS) is a dynamic resource with the potential to generate competitive advantages, whose implementation may be certified according to internationally recognised standards such as the Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS). This research sets out to discover why companies implement these systems and the influence each one of them exerts.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been gathered via a questionnaire administered in Spanish-speaking countries on both sides of the Atlantic, compiling a sample of 574 companies certified to BRCGS. The hypotheses formulated were verified by structural equation modelling.

Findings

The analysis reveals a four-dimensional motivational structure (ethics, efficiency, commercial and legitimacy) and three dimensions for the implementation of the FSMS (food safety management, analysis of hazards and control points and best practices). Motivations of an ethical and commercial nature have a positive effect on the degree of effective implementation, while those based on the search for legitimacy reveal a negative relationship.

Originality/value

While most of the studies on the implementation of management systems are based on a dichotomous measurement of this process (companies with a management system compared to those without one, or companies certified according to a standard compared to those that are not), this study uses a continuous variable of the degree of effective implementation of the system's different dimensions or components. Little has so far been reported about why companies implement an FSMS, and here we not only identify their reasons but also assess those dimensions with the greatest impact.
Campaigning for sustainable food: sustainably certified consumer communities
Authors: Discetti Roberta
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between consumer movements and sustainability certification bodies in the development of food-related consumer campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a longitudinal approach to the study of an empirical case, the Fairtrade Towns (FTT) movement in the UK. It combines netnographic analysis on the FTT’s online forum with interviews with members of the community and of the certification body coordinating the movement.

Findings

The author conceptualises Sustainably Certified Consumer Communities (SCCC) as a distinct sub-group of consumer movements whose identity coalesces around a sustainable certification and that mobilises supporters with the purpose of promoting social change through the marketplace. The longitudinal approach allows the identification of definitional elements, main practices and unresolved tensions of this concept.

Originality/value

Research addressing the social movement dimension of contemporary food-related sustainability certification is limited. The present study advances consumer research through the conceptualisation of SCCC and contributes to a new understanding of the political roles that market-oriented certification bodies can play in consumer activism. From a managerial perspective, it provides valuable insights into practitioners interested in fostering community engagement.
Enhancing dynamic capabilities to improve sustainable competitiveness: insights from research on organisations of the Baltic region
Authors: Karman Agnieszka , Savanevičienė Asta
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The research is aimed at elaborating a model in which dynamic capabilities affect sustainable competitiveness via organisational sustainability practices and the mediating role of organisational ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

Emphasising the need for business sustainability in the face of technological breakthroughs, resource depletion and increasing expectations of stakeholders, it is necessary to reflect on a long-term organisational resilience that would enable sustainable competitiveness through dynamic capabilities. Hence, the paper provides insights on how an organisation can sustain its competitiveness by constantly balancing between the need for continuous improvement due to the pressure in economic, social and ecological environment, and the pursuit of continuous improvement of performance. The authors used structural equation modelling on data collected via a survey of 455 organisations from the Baltic region.

Findings

The results confirm the relationships between sensing and reconfiguring capabilities and sustainability practices, but reject them for scanning capabilities. They also confirm the impact of sustainability practices on some of the pillars of sustainable competitiveness. The research disclosed that ambidexterity was a mediator between dynamic capabilities and sustainable competitiveness.

Originality/value

The paper discloses the link between dynamic capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage by identifying the main characteristics of the constructs and revealing the linkage between them.
Fiery phoenix PLC – entrepreneurial survival in Zambia
Authors: Natasha Katuta Mwila
Published: November 2020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: students should be able to provide definitions for ethical dilemmas; students should be able to identify ethical dilemmas in a real business context; and students should be able to determine the outcomes of applying given decision-making models to a specific scenario.

Case overview/synopsis

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the complexity of ethical decision-making in start-up enterprises in emerging markets. The study draws on two well-known decision-making models to illustrate how their application in this context may lead to conflicting outcomes. The study data was collected through reflective entries provided by the business proprietor. These were followed up by three in-depth interviews. The data was supported by analysis of company documents provided by the case. The study demonstrates the crucible moments in entrepreneurial startups that give rise to ethical questions and the need for decision making. It demonstrates the complexity of ethical decision making in emerging contexts. The study business elected to maintain anonymity for commercial protection. This limits the scope of information that may be divulged. The study and the accompanying teaching note provide context for how to apply decision-making frameworks to real business dilemmas. This study contributes to scholarly work on teaching business ethics to undergraduate students.

Complexity academic level

Final Year Undergraduate.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Punjabi Jutti: the case of a missing brand
Authors: Pandey Mithilesh , Poonia Rajesh
Published: November 2020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to familiarize students with the concept of segmentation, targeting and positioning; to make students understand the need and process of building a brand; to help students to identify the market gap and meet customer’s requirement by delivering the right value proposition; and to examine the feasibility of business opportunity, develop a business plan and run a successful firm.

Case overview/synopsis

This case is about the quest of three MBA students who accidentally get into argument about footwear brands. This argument leads them to Punjabi ethnic footwear popularly known as “Punjabi Jutti.” They decide to understand the background of “Punjabi Jutti” and the possibility of developing a brand for the same. An extensive research was carried out through the various online and offline platforms. The research included searching through the existing literature, collecting data from the various online platforms such as e-commerce websites and interviews from the field. The research revealed that this traditional artwork is an unorganized sector. The manufacturers and marketers are two main parts of this business. However, the mainstay of the business is the skilled labors who know the art of making “Punjabi Jutti.” This art has been inherited by them from their previous generations. Also, it was found that there was good demand of the “Punjabi Jutti” in India and it was exported to various countries as well. Customers had a mix response toward these products. This extensive research has now put these students in a dilemma as to what should be the next step. Should they step into this business by creating their own brand? Will this entrepreneurship venture be sustainable? If they created a brand for the “Punjabi Jutti” then what kind of brand it would be?

Complexity academic level

Post graduate, entrepreneurs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Breaking out of your comfort zone: an archival research on epistemology in inclusive education pedagogy for Industry 4.0
Authors: Khandelwal Rahul , Kolte Ashutosh , Pawar Prafulla , Martini Elvira
Published: November 2020

Purpose

As skills need to be changed in a dynamic learning environment, employability depends not just on what people already know but on how well they learn, apply and adapt breaking out their comfort zone. This study explores how students from all backgrounds and teachers can engage with inclusive education without discrimination through pedagogy. The research provides a platform through implication for other international readers of developing countries to implement pedagogies of the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This archival research focuses on the topical literature to scrutinize efficient ways to elevate the realization of all learners in inclusive settings. What inclusive pedagogy teaching approaches, focusing on the key competences and sustains learning which are effectual in elevating the academic success of all novices.

Findings

Educators need to develop their skills and competency by breaking their comfort zone, and individual recital of every faculty affiliate is a decisive feature in accomplishing quality for inclusive education. An education institution also needs to provide passable facilities to academicians and students in order to adapt and utilize technology efficiently without any discrimination. This is an important method of assisting educators to recognize and investigate using this epistemology in new innovative inclusive teaching pedagogy with technologies in industry 4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The study momentarily suggests an innovative pedagogy approach for stakeholders and users to be adapted in current digital arena.

Originality/value

Review of the concepts can provide valuable pointers for policy makers in other jurisdictions contemplating inclusive education. The issues that are dealt with relate to how all students with and without disability can be engaged in a classroom without discrimination, and development is incentivized using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching pedagogy.
CSR disclosures and profit persistence: evidence from India
Authors: Jaisinghani Dinesh , Sekhon Amritjot Kaur
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures on firms' profitability and its persistence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been conducted for listed firms operating in India from 2008 to 2017. Content analysis has been utilized to estimate the CSR disclosures score. Further, dynamic panel regression has been utilized to estimate the relationship between CSR disclosures and profit persistence.

Findings

The results confirm positive profit persistence for Indian companies. The results further show that different dimensions of CSR disclosure have differential impact on firms' profitability. CSR dimensions concerning total community development and product-related disclosures have a positive relationship, whereas dimensions related to environmental and customer-related disclosures have a negative relationship with financial performance. The results also indicate that CSR disclosures are significantly related to profit persistence.

Originality/value

The study is first of its kind that analyzes the impact of CSR disclosure on profit persistence for Indian companies. The results can provide useful implications for managers and regulators in terms of formulation of overall CSR policies.
Extending structural capital through pro-environmental behaviour intention capital: an outlook on Spanish hotel industry
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Aurora , Cegarra-Navarro Juan-Gabriel , Garcia-Perez Alexeis , Vicentini Francesca
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring the attention of the intellectual capital (IC) research and practice communities to the value of IC in hotels' efforts to resolve or mitigate environmental problems over time. This research has been set to examine the relationships between key KM and IC concepts including environmental knowledge structures and exploitation and exploration of environmental knowledge (EK) as drivers of environmental organisational learning. The research has also examined the relevance of pro-environmental behavioural intention capital (PEBIC) as a component of structural capital and therefore an integral part of the intellectual capital of hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysis technique used to test the proposed conceptual model is partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Sample received from 87 companies from the Spanish hospitality sector in a longitudinal study (six years).

Findings

The results support that environmental knowledge structures (exploitation and exploration) has a positive impact on PEBIC over time. In other words, environmental organisational learning has the capability to create structural capital in hotel over time.

Originality/value

The research has addressed the challenges of exploration and exploitation of EK and PEBIC from a perspective not previously covered in the extant literature, further improved by the longitudinal nature of this study. Our focus on the hospitality sector makes this research relevant for management structures at numerous of hotels, as well as to their supply chains around the world. In addition, this research highlights the value to create structural capital through EK and organisational learning in the context of take care of our natural resources.
Learned predators enhance biological control via organizational upward and trophic top‐down cascades
Authors: Schausberger Peter , Çekin Demet , Litin Alena
Published: November 2020

Learning is a behavioural change based on memory of previous experiences and a ubiquitous phenomenon in animals. Learning effects are commonly life‐stage‐ and age‐specific. In many animals, early life experiences lead to pervasive and persistent behavioural changes.

There is broad consensus that learning has far‐reaching implications to biological control. Proximate and ultimate factors of individual learning by parasitoids and true predators are relatively well understood, yet the consequences of learning to higher organizational levels, populations and communities, and top‐down trophic cascades are unexplored.

We addressed this issue using a tri‐trophic system consisting of predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii, Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis and whole common bean plants, Phaseolus vulgaris. F. occidentalis are notorious horticultural pests that are difficult to control. Therefore, practitioners have much to gain by optimizing biological control of thrips.

Previous studies have shown that early life experience of thrips by A. swirskii improves foraging on thrips later in life due to decreased prey recognition times and increased predation rates, together enhancing predator fecundity. Here, we hypothesized that early learning by A. swirskii enhances biological control of thrips via immediate and cascading effects. We predicted that release of thrips‐experienced predators enhances predator population growth and thrips suppression and reduces plant damage as compared to release of thrips‐naïve predators.

The behavioural changes brought about by early learning cascaded up to the population and community levels. Thrips‐experienced predators caused favourable immediate and cascading effects that could not be compensated for in populations founded by thrips‐naïve predators. Populations founded by thrips‐experienced predators grew faster, reached higher abundances, were more efficacious in suppressing an emerging thrips population and kept plant damage at lower levels than populations founded by thrips‐naïve predators. Plant fecundity correlated negatively with thrips abundance and positively with predatory mite abundance. Improved biological control was mainly due to thrips‐experienced founders providing for a head‐start in predator population growth and thrips suppression.

Synthesis and applications. Our study suggests that learned natural enemies have high potential to optimize augmentative biological control on a larger scale due to favourably modulating organizational upward and trophic top‐down cascades.
Immigrants’ net direct fiscal contribution: How does it change over their lifetime?
Authors: Zhang Haozhen , Zhong Jianwei , de Chardon Cédric
Published: November 2020

Life‐cycle direct public fiscal contributions and transfers are studied using longitudinal income tax data from 1982 to 2016 and administrative files for immigrants landed in Canada from 1980 to 2016. Relative to a comparison group comprising the Canadian‐born and immigrants landed before 1980, immigrants since 1980 have a lower average net direct fiscal contribution (NDFC) during their working years due to their lower taxes and social security contributions but a higher average NDFC after 65 years of age because of reduced public pension eligibility and entitlement. Immigrants who landed at younger than 19 years old have much higher direct fiscal contributions than other age‐at‐arrival groups and reach their peak of contributions around 10 years earlier in life than other age‐at‐arrival groups. Immigrants whose age at arrival is above 65 have a less negative average NDFC than other age‐at‐arrival groups over the above‐65 life cycle. These life‐cycle age𠄁at‐arrival trajectories are stable for immigrants in different landing cohorts. We apply the life‐cycle estimates to project the present discounted value of lifetime NDFCs for immigrants who landed in 2016. For each landing age group, refugees and family class immigrants have negative or zero average present values of life‐cycle NDFCs, much below that of economic immigrants.
Hemagglutinating virus of Japan‐envelope containing programmed cell death‐ligand 1 siRNA inhibits immunosuppressive activities and elicits antitumor immune responses in glioma
Authors: Sugii Narushi , Matsuda Masahide , Okumura Genki , Shibuya Akira , Ishikawa Eiichi , Kaneda Yasufumi , Matsumura Akira
Published: November 2020

The programmed cell death‐1/programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) pathway is involved in preventing immune system‐mediated destruction of malignant tumors including glioblastoma. However, the therapeutic influence of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition alone in glioblastoma is limited. To develop effective combination therapy involving PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition, we used a non‐replicating virus‐derived vector, hemagglutinating virus of Japan‐envelope (HVJ‐E), to inhibit tumor cell PD‐L1 expression by delivering siRNA targeting PD‐L1. HVJ‐E is a promising vector for efficient delivery of enclosed substances to the target cells. Moreover, HVJ‐E provokes robust antitumoral immunity by activating natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and by suppressing regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg). We hypothesized that we could efficiently deliver PD‐L1‐inhibiting siRNAs to tumor cells using HVJ‐E, and that synergistic activation of antitumoral immunity would occur due to the immunostimulating effects of HVJ‐E and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibition. We used artificially induced murine glioma stem‐like cells, TS, to create mouse (C57BL/6N) glioblastoma models. Intratumoral injection of HVJ‐E containing siRNA targeting PD‐L1 (siPDL1/HVJ‐E) suppressed the expression of tumor cell PD‐L1 and significantly suppressed tumor growth in subcutaneous models and prolonged overall survival in brain tumor models. Flow cytometric analyses of brain tumor models showed that the proportions of brain‐infiltrating CTL and NK cells were significantly increased after giving siPDL1/HVJ‐E; in contrast, the rate of Treg/CD4+ cells was significantly decreased in HVJ‐E‐treated tumors. CD8 depletion abrogated the therapeutic effect of siPDL1/HVJ‐E, indicating that CD8+ T lymphocytes mainly mediated this therapeutic effect. We believe that this non‐replicating immunovirotherapy may be a novel therapeutic alternative to treat patients with glioblastoma.
Nowhere to hide: The importance of instream cover for stream‐living Coastal Cutthroat Trout during seasonal low flow
Authors: Penaluna Brooke E. , Dunham Jason B. , Andersen Heidi V.
Published: November 2020

Through their multiple functions, refuges may be important for stream‐living fishes, particularly during stressful events such as seasonal low flow or drought. Coastal Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii is an ideal study organism to understand the importance of refuge. During seasonal low flow, lower water levels limit access to refuge and emigration, survival of fish is low, and predation risk is high. Under these conditions, we studied patterns of cover use from field observations and tested predictions from multiple hypotheses about cover use in a semi‐natural experiment. Boulders were the main cover selected by trout in natural streams. Trout disproportionately used cover near deeper water, and they selected larger‐sized cover in shallower water. Trout showed plasticity to switch among behaviours, concealing under cover and emigrating as first options, followed by grouping, and then habitat shifting. Lack of feeding and growth suggested that perceived threat of predation was a more important driver of behaviour than foraging. Emigration was also linked to cover, with higher levels of emigration associated with less cover availability, revealing a potential link between refuge and demography through emigration. Except for feeding, the intensity of alternative behaviours can increase or decrease depending on refuge availability. Collectively, findings of this work indicate that cover can be considered a critical limiting resource along with other fundamental resources of food and space for stream‐living fish.
Mechanical forces and Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Boer Jurr , Jemec Gregor B.E.
Published: November 2020

The mechanism by which inflammatory skin disease forms localized patterns of lesions is poorly understood. Hidradenitis suppurtiva (HS) is strikingly located to intertriginous areas. These areas are subject to considerable mechanical stress (friction, pressure and shear forces). Koebner phenomenon (KP) describes the appearance of typical skin lesions of a pre‐existing dermatosis on previously clear skin following trauma, such as friction, pressure and more often penetrating injury with subsequent scarring. Striae distensae (SD) are a form of dermal scarring and can be considered as a form of inflammation‐driven dermal disarray. Ectopic HS lesions may occur as KP due to trauma and locally increased susceptibility consisting of either altered mechanical qualities or inflammation. SD and mechanical stress may thus provide a model for the development of lesions. In the absence of an (animal) model or experiment, two patients are described who show HS (‐like) lesions along co‐localized with SD. The suggested two‐hits model may be necessary for the development of KP in HS, that is that the general susceptibility, conferred by obesity, requires a local susceptibility factor to result in ectopic lesions. Ultimately, if ectopic HS lesions are considered true HS lesions it may be speculated that similar interaction occurs in the naturally stressed skin areas offering a possible explanation of the localized pattern of the disease.
Type of underlying fracture after the surgical treatment of geriatric trauma patients has no effect on mortality during intensive care treatment
Authors: Knauf Tom , Jensen Kai Oliver , Hack Juliana , Barthel Juliane , Althaus Hannah , Buecking Benjamin , Aigner Rene , Knobe Matthias , Ruchholtz Steffen , Eschbach Daphne
Published: November 2020

Aim

Due to demographic change, the number of geriatric patients is still rising. Although hip fractures are the subject of current research, little is known about the remaining geriatric trauma entities. The aim of this study was to collect data of the age‐related traumatological intensive care unit (ICU) population, its underlying diagnosis, and the influence on mortality and length of stay in the ICU.

Methods

Geriatric trauma patients (aged ≥65 years) treated postoperatively in our surgical ICU were included in this retrospective observational study covering the period 2013–2017. In addition to the underlying fracture entities, patient characteristics, such as age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, length of stay and mortality, were collected to identify possible independent predictive factors for mortality in the ICU using multivariate analysis.

Results

During the observation period, 805 (60.5%) patients met the inclusion criteria. 47.6% of the patients suffered from a proximal femoral fracture. The total mortality rate during the stay in the ICU was 7.5%. Significant predictive factors for mortality in the ICU were Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < 0.001) and length of stay (P < 0.001). The different fracture types themselves were not a significant risk factor for mortality (P = 0.862).

Conclusion

Patients with proximal femoral fractures account for approximately half of the patients in intensive care. The mortality rate of these patients is no higher than that in geriatric trauma patients with other fractures. The progression is essentially influenced by the patient's comorbidities. Nowadays, the focus shifts from trauma care to the therapy of concomitant diseases. Nevertheless, this cohort, when adequately treated, shows a comparatively low mortality rate. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1120–1125.
Inclusion of multiple high‐risk histopathological criteria improves the prediction of adjuvant chemotherapy efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sereno Marco , He Zhangyi , Smith Claire R , Baena Juvenal , Das Madhumita , Hastings Robert K , Rake Grace , Fennell Dean A , Nakas Apostolos , Moore David A , Le Quesne John
Published: November 2020

Aims

The decision to consider adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for non‐small cell lung cancer is currently governed by clinical stage. This study aims to assess other routinely collected pathological variables related to metastasis and survival for their ability to predict the efficacy of AC in lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods and results

A retrospective single‐centre series of 620 resected lung non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma cases from 2005 to 2015 was used. Digital images of all slides were subjected to central review, and data on tumour histopathology, AC treatment and patient survival were compiled. A statistical case matching approach was used to counter selection bias. Several high‐risk pathological criteria predict both pathological nodal involvement and early death: positive vascular invasion status (VI+) (HR = 2.10, P < 0.001), positive visceral pleural invasion status (VPI+) (HR = 2.16, P < 0.001), and solid/micropapillary‐predominant WHO tumour type (SPA/MPPA) (HR = 3.29, P < 0.001). Crucially, these criteria also identify patient groups benefiting from AC (VI + HR = 0.69, P = 0.167, VPI + HR = 0.44, P = 0.004, SPA/MPPA HR = 0.36, P = 0.006). Cases showing VI+/VPI+/SPA/MPPA histology in the absence of AC stage criteria were common (170 of 620 total), and 8 had actually received AC. This group showed much better outcomes than equivalent untreated cases in matched analysis (3‐year OS 100.0% versus 31.3%). Inclusion of patients with VI+/VPI+/SPA/MPPA histology would increase AC‐eligible patients from 51.0% to 84.0% of non‐mucinous tumours in our cohort.

Conclusions

Our data provide preliminary evidence that the consideration of AC in patients with additional high‐risk pathological indicators may significantly improve outcomes in operable lung adenocarcinoma, and that AC may be currently underused.
Pre‐transurethral prostate resection anxiety on postoperative pain and sleep quality: A correlational study
Authors: Atay Seda , Aydin Sayilan Aylin
Published: November 2020

Does pre‐transurethral prostate resection (TURP) anxiety have any effect on postoperative pain and sleep quality? This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was planned to determine the effect of pre‐TURP anxiety on postoperative pain and sleep quality in adult male inpatients scheduled for TURP surgery in a urology clinic. Studies investigating the relationship between preoperative anxiety and TURP have reported side‐effect‐related quality of sleep impairment and higher pain levels in patients. The study was completely conducted from June to December 2018. Eighty‐five participants meeting the inclusion criteria were involved. Informed consent was provided before the study outset. A patient identification form, the Surgery‐Specific Anxiety Scale (SSAS), a numerical pain scale (Visual Analog Scale, VAS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were employed. Descriptive statistical methods and parametric tests were used with NCSS 2007 software for data analysis. Significance was set at P < .05. The mean age of the patients undergoing TURP was 70.79 ± 7.40 years, the mean SSAS score was 19.79 ± 3.72, the mean postoperative VAS score was 4.65 ± 1.91 and the mean PSQI score was 6.75 ± 3.21. A statistically significant positive correlation was determined between total SSAS scores and post‐operative VAS scores (P < .01). Poor sleep quality was present in 71.8% of individuals (n = 61), but there was no significant association between preoperative anxiety and sleep quality (P > .05). Preoperative anxiety levels in patients undergoing TURP surgery positively affected pain during the post‐operative period but had no effect on sleep quality. The limitations of the present study include the time restriction in the sample selection, and the fact that the results are specific to the group involved in the research. Another limitation was the research design that obviated any conclusion being drawn concerning the cause and effect relationship between anxiety and pain and sleep quality. The effect of preventing anxiety before surgery on pain and sleep quality can be investigated in future studies.
Soil disturbance levels, soil water content and the establishment of rainfed chickpea: Mechanised seeding options for smallholder farms in north‐west Bangladesh
Authors: Vance Wendy H. , Bell Richard W. , Johansen Chris , Haque M. Enamul , Musa Abu M. , Shahidullah Abul K. M.
Published: November 2020

Optimum soil physical conditions for crop establishment are more likely to occur with mechanised row‐sowing using metered seeding and controlled depth placement of seeds than with broadcast sowing, that is common in many traditional South Asian cropping practices. Establishment success is a limitation for post‐rice crops in medium to heavy textured soils in the Eastern Gangetic Plain because sowing coincides with rapid topsoil drying and increases in soil strength. In addition, due to lack of rainfall in the post‐rice season the crop relies on access to stored soil water during vegetative and reproductive growth to achieve adequate yields. Our aim was to determine whether decreased soil disturbance (from full tillage to zero tillage (ZT) to undisturbed soil (Fallow)) and direct seeding (using small‐scale seeders) could 1) enhance chickpea crop establishment by conserving seedbed soil water and 2) alter crop water use of the water stored in the soil profile. The silt loam soil has an estimated volumetric soil water content (θv) of 34% at field capacity. At sowing, θv in the seedbed was between 25% to 29%. This was adequate for successful chickpea crop establishment, but slightly wetter than optimum for tillage. In the wet soil at sowing, there was evidence of smeared furrow walls and poor soil covering of the seed in the seedbed in strip planting (SP; rotating blades in front of tine) and ZT. Uncovered furrows (in ZT; using a tine opener) and the fallow soil lost more surface soil water (9%, 23 days after sowing) than the seedbeds created with greater levels of soil disturbance. In 2008, grain yield of single‐pass shallow tillage (SPST) was greater than SP but in 2009, grain yields of all one‐pass tillage techniques (ZT, SP, SPST) were greater than in the broadcast seeding in fully tilled soils. The improvement in chickpea yields was attributed to greater plant numbers, early plant vigour and root growth. Chickpea roots were found to 60 cm depth in the soil profile, and soil water content was less than the θv of wilting point to this depth at podding. There is evidence that root growth and plant water uptake occur deeper in these soil profiles to achieve the grain yields > 1,000 kg/ha recorded in this study. Mechanised sowing in rows with small‐scale seeders has the capability to overcome establishment and yield limitations for chickpea on medium to heavy soils in the post‐rice season.
The Windblown: Possible Explanations for Dinophyte DNA in Forest Soils
Authors: Gottschling Marc , Czech Lucas , Mahé Frédéric , Adl Sina , Dunthorn Micah
Published: November 2020

Dinophytes are widely distributed in marine‐ and fresh‐waters, but have yet to be conclusively documented in terrestrial environments. Here, we evaluated the presence of these protists from an environmental DNA metabarcoding dataset of Neotropical rainforest soils. Using a phylogenetic placement approach with a reference alignment and tree, we showed that the numerous sequencing reads that were phylogenetically placed as dinophytes did not correlate with taxonomic assignment, environmental preference, nutritional mode, or dormancy. All the dinophytes in the soils are rather windblown dispersal units of aquatic species and are not biologically active residents of terrestrial environments.
Development of a decorticator for Buchanania lanzan nuts and its process optimization
Authors: Said Prashant Pandharinath , Jadhav Vinayak Shankar
Published: November 2020

The study was aimed to develop a decorticator and to standardize the process for separation kernels from nuts. The developed machine was optimized using independent parameters, that is, cold water soaking, steaming, and sand roasting, different moisture levels (7 and 9%), cylinder speed (150 and 300 rpm), and concave clearances (7.5 and 8 mm). The optimum performance of a developed decorticator was obtained when sand roasted nuts (7% moisture content) fed at a cylinder speed of 300 rpm and a concave clearance of 8 mm. At this condition, decortication efficiency, capacity, and whole kernel recovery were 96.10, 64.15, and 12.60%, respectively. The decorticator produced 126 g whole kernels (56.71%) from 1 kg of nuts. The independent process parameters have significant effect on response variables. The machine had low labor requirement, high efficiency, and ease to operate; thus, the results will be useful for processing of nuts and in other studies.

Practical applications

The chironji nut decorticator has application to decorticate nuts to produce kernel at manufacturing site of food, flavor, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The kernels have very short shelf‐life because they are very soft and susceptible to mechanical damage and spoilage. The available decorticators have very limited efficiency and more breakage thus the results can be utilized to fill existing gap to obtain increased efficiency and less damage. The results of different treatments to nuts will assist future studies as well.
Evolution of Basic Activities of Daily Living Function in Older Patients One Year After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Bertschi Dominic , Moser André , Stortecky Stefan , Zwahlen Marcel , Windecker Stephan , Carrel Thierry , Stuck Andreas E. , Schoenenberger Andreas W.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To assess the course and prediction of basic activities of daily living (ADL) function in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The setting was a single academic center in Switzerland.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included individuals aged ≥70 years (n = 330) undergoing TAVI.

MEASUREMENTS

A frailty index (based on geriatric assessment) and cardiac risk scores (EuroSCORE, Society of Thoracic Surgeons [STS] score) were determined in patients before TAVI. Basic ADL function was measured with patient or proxy interviews at baseline and 1‐year follow up. We used logistic regression models to investigate the association between baseline factors and functional decline.

RESULTS

At 1‐year follow up, 229 (69.4%) of the 330 patients had stable or improved basic ADL function, 49 (14.8%) experienced a decline in basic ADL function, and 52 (15.8%) died. The frailty index, but not cardiac risk scores, significantly predicted decline in basic ADL function. Among the 34 surviving very frail patients, 12 (35.3%) experienced a functional status decline, and the remaining 22 (64.7%) had stable or improved functional status at 1‐year follow up.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that a frailty index, and not cardiac risk scores, identifies patients at an increased risk of functional status decline after TAVI. Identifying patients with a high frailty index before TAVI is clinically relevant as these patients might benefit from targeted geriatric management and rehabilitation after TAVI. However, based on current data, it is not justified to use information on frailty status as the criterion for identifying patients in whom TAVI might be futile. Although the probability of poor outcome is high, very frail patients also have a high probability of favorable long‐term functional outcome.