bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The imitation-innovation link, external knowledge search and China's innovation system
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhang Xinhe , Zhuo Shuaihe , Meyer Martin , Li Bin , Yan Haifeng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The authors attempt to answer the basic questions: How is imitation tied to innovation? This question is addressed in the context of China's innovation system in the 2000s where Chinese industrial firms simultaneously implement innovation and imitation strategies in their new product developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first build on lattice theory and supermodularity theory to provide a rigorous and careful mathematical proof. The authors further conduct the empirical analyses using an original data on Chinese manufacturing firms' innovation and imitation strategies in the development of new products in 2002.

Findings

This article reveals the complementarity relation between imitation and innovation strategies and identifies external knowledge search as the boundary condition that influences the extent to which two strategies reinforce each other.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the imitation-innovation complementarity suggest that imitation is not only an indispensable strategy independent of innovation, but also is vital to the effectiveness of innovation itself.

Practical implications

The imitation-innovation complementarity finding provides some evidence for the contention that Chinese latecomers exploit the synergies of imitation and innovation, transforming themselves from imitators to innovators and vibrant competitors in the global market (Wu et al., 2016) and, as a result, national innovation system has evolved from a state-sponsored imitation program to the imitation-innovation mixture.

Originality/value

In contrast to earlier innovation studies in which innovation and imitation are unrelated, this study reveals that imitation complements innovation, and the extent of Chinese firms' external knowledge search affects the complementary relationship between imitation and innovation. These findings add important insights to the innovation management literature and contribute empirical evidence to the interplay of innovation and imitation enhancing national innovation system.
Evaluation of seven indices of on‐plant seed storage (serotiny) shows that the linear slope is best
Authors: Lamont Byron B.
Published: May 2020

On‐plant storage of seeds (serotiny) is a feature of many fire‐prone dominant trees and shrubs in North America, Mediterranean Basin, South Africa and Australia. Understanding how it has responded to the prevailing fire regime and recruitment/growing conditions, and its genetic basis and adaptive significance, depends on the use of an accurate index of the level of serotiny.

Seven indices, three measuring ‘apparent’ serotiny and four measuring ‘inherent’ serotiny, were evaluated for their ability to reflect the extent to which seeds are stored in the crown for later release. The most widely used indices ignore the temporal aspects of seed attrition and are vulnerable to plant size, age, fecundity and local growing‐condition effects, while age of the oldest crop year with closed cones/fruits depends on the accuracy of a single observation. Presence/absence of serotiny at the individual tree level ignores the effect of plant age on the expression of serotiny.

The slope of the line through the percentage of cones/fruits that still retain their seeds in progressively older crop years, the ‘degree of serotiny’ (100/slope), is shown to be unbiased by annual fluctuations in crop size, differences in plant age or variations in local growing conditions. It also corresponds to a probability, and thus more accurate, estimate of age of the oldest unopened structures. Since seeds have a lower % viability than the % of supporting cones/fruits closed at any age, there is a case for applying the slope method to the fraction of viable seeds retained to arrive at an estimate of the age of the oldest viable seeds on the plant, as the ultimate index of serotiny.

If the level of serotiny is to be related to the fire regime, then care needs to be taken to use records over a sufficiently long time to have had an evolutionary impact, unless this is being used against controls to examine a genetic response to the new fire regime.

Synthesis. Among seven currently available indices of serotiny, the slope measure is shown to be the most accurate for studies that relate the level of serotiny to the fire regime and habitat conditions under which the species evolved, as well as for examining its heritability. Attention needs to shift from just recording cones/fruits closed to include the viability of seeds that remain as a better basis for understanding the role of serotiny in post‐fire recruitment.
Delivering healthcare’s ‘triple aim’: electronic health records and the health research participant in the UK National Health Service
Authors: Wyatt David , Lampon Scott , McKevitt Christopher
Published: May 2020

The UK National Health Service (NHS) is changing. Consecutive UK industrial strategies have supported the shift from an NHS that provides free‐at‐point‐of‐delivery healthcare to one that also facilitates research. Said to promote healthcare’s triple aim of ‘better health, better healthcare, and lower cost’ (Wachter, 2016, 3), the digitisation of patient records is a core part in opening routine aspects of the health system to potential research. In this paper, we thematically analyse 11 policy documents and ask, how does the NHS discuss its decision to digitise patient records and what are the implications of such practices on the citizen? We document how (1) digitisation is presented as a collective endeavour for patients and NHS professionals, offering new possibilities for patients to participate in their own health and that of the population through research and, (2) digitisation contributes to the building of an efficient health system. Through this analysis we reflect on how discussions of digitisation present uncritically the potential of Electronic Health Records and big data analytics to improve care and generate wealth through research, and reconfigure patienthood, by placing research participation as a routine part of accessing NHS healthcare.
“Lord Come to Our Aid”: Islamisation, Civil War, and the Pastoral Letters of the Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Authors: Tounsel Christopher
Published: May 2020

During the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005), the Sudanese government attempted to fashion the country as an Islamic state. The Sudan Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SCBC) penned a series of letters condemning the lack of religious freedom, making demands of the state, and encouraging the laity with particular biblical references. The letters occasionally framed the war as a chance to prove a familial relationship with Christ, suggesting a compelling link between citizenship and faith. This article explores these letters and argues that they represent an important chapter in the genealogy of Sudanese church–state relations. Ongoing challenges with religious freedom in Sudan and South Sudan show the continuing relevance of earlier church discourse towards and about the state.
Antifatigue effects of anshenyizhi compound in acute excise‐treated mouse via modulation of AMPK/PGC‐1α‐related energy metabolism and Nrf2/ARE‐mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Peng Xiaoming , Gao Li , Aibai Silafu
Published: May 2020

The anshenyizhi compound (AC), a mixture from Chinese medicine herbs, has numerous biological effects. In the present study, the acute exercise‐treated mice model was established to explore the antifatigue properties of AC and its underlying mechanisms. AC increased exercise endurance in the weight‐loaded forced swimming test and rota‐rod test. The antifatigue properties of AC were closely correlated with enhancing the body's exercise endurance by increasing the levels of cyanmethemoglobin, testosterone/corticosterone, and creatine kinase, while decreasing the levels of lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen in serum. Moreover, our results confirmed the antioxidant ability of AC by improving the activities of superoxide dismutase while reducing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels in serum. The AC also improved the storage of glycogen by increasing the levels of succinate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase in liver and muscle. Additionally, AC displayed the antifatigue and antiapoptosis effects via regulating Nrf2‐mediated oxidative stress, AMPK‐related glucose metabolism, and p53 pathways. Our experimental results first provided a support that AC had effects on antifatigue through regulating AMPK/PGC‐1α‐related energy metabolism and Nrf2/ARE‐mediated oxidative stress. Consequently, AC could be developed into a new functional food supplement for the prevention and treatment of diseases related to fatigue in the future.
Characteristics and nutrient function of intestinal bacterial communities in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae in livestock manure conversion
Authors: Ao Yue , Yang Chongrui , Wang Shengchen , Hu Qingyi , Yi Li , Zhang Jibin , Yu Ziniu , Cai Minmin , Yu Chan
Published: May 2020

The potential utility of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to convert animal waste into harvested protein or lipid sources for feeding animal or producing biodiesel provides a new strategy for agricultural waste management. In this study, the taxonomic structure and potential metabolic and nutrient functions of the intestinal bacterial communities of BSFL were investigated in chicken and swine manure conversion systems. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in the BSFL gut in both the swine and chicken manure systems. After the larvae were fed manure, the proportion of Proteobacteria in their gut significantly decreased, while that of Bacteroidetes remarkably increased. Compared with the original intestinal bacterial community, approximately 90 and 109 new genera were observed in the BSFL gut during chicken and swine manure conversion, and at least half of the initial intestinal genera found remained in the gut during manure conversion. This result may be due to the presence of specialized crypts or paunches that promote microbial persistence and bacteria–host interactions. Ten core genera were found in all 21 samples, and the top three phyla among all of the communities in terms of relative abundance were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The nutrient elements (OM, TN, TP, TK and CF) of manure may partly affect the succession of gut bacterial communities with one another, while TN and CF are strongly positively correlated with the relative abundance of Providencia. Some bacterial taxa with the reported ability to synthesize amino acids, Rhizobiales, Burkholderia, Bacteroidales, etc., were also observed in the BSFL gut. Functional analysis based on genes showed that intestinal microbes potentially contribute to the nutrition of BSFL and the high‐level amino acid metabolism may partly explain the biological mechanisms of protein accumulation in the BSFL body. These results are helpful in understanding the biological mechanisms of high‐efficiency nutrient conversion in BSFL associated with intestinal microbes.
TORC1 signaling regulates cytoplasmic pH through Sir2 in yeast
Authors: Devare Mayur Nimbadas , Kim Yeong Hyeock , Jung Joohye , Kang Woo Kyu , Kwon Ki‐Sun , Kim Jeong‐Yoon
Published: May 2020

Glucose controls the phosphorylation of silent information regulator 2 (Sir2), a NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylase, which regulates the expression of the ATP‐dependent proton pump Pma1 and replicative lifespan (RLS) in yeast. TORC1 signaling, which is a central regulator of cell growth and lifespan, is regulated by glucose as well as nitrogen sources. In this study, we demonstrate that TORC1 signaling controls Sir2 phosphorylation through casein kinase 2 (CK2) to regulate PMA1 expression and cytoplasmic pH (pHc) in yeast. Inhibition of TORC1 signaling by either TOR1 deletion or rapamycin treatment decreased PMA1 expression, pHc, and vacuolar pH, whereas activation of TORC1 signaling by expressing constitutively active GTR1 (GTR1Q65L) resulted in the opposite phenotypes. Deletion of SIR2 or expression of a phospho‐mutant form of SIR2 increased PMA1 expression, pHc, and vacuolar pH in the tor1Δ mutant, suggesting a functional interaction between Sir2 and TORC1 signaling. Furthermore, deletion of TOR1 or KNS1 encoding a LAMMER kinase decreased the phosphorylation level of Sir2, suggesting that TORC1 signaling controls Sir2 phosphorylation. It was also found that Sit4, a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)‐like phosphatase, and Kns1 are required for TORC1 signaling to regulate PMA1 expression and that TORC1 signaling and the cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway converge on CK2 to regulate PMA1 expression through Sir2. Taken together, these findings suggest that TORC1 signaling regulates PMA1 expression and pHc through the CK2–Sir2 axis, which is also controlled by cAMP/PKA signaling in yeast.
The Effects of Low‐Risk Drinking on Neurocognition Among Older Persons Living With HIV as Compared to Those Without HIV
Authors: Kohli Maulika , Paolillo Emily W. , Saloner Rowan , Umlauf Anya , Ellis Ronald , Moore David J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Heavy alcohol use negatively impacts neurocognition, but some studies report neurocognitive benefits associated with light drinking among HIV‐seronegative (HIV−) older persons, suggesting a nonlinear or an inverted “J‐shaped” association of alcohol consumption on neurocognition. Alcohol use is common among people with HIV (PWH); however, the association between recent “low‐risk” alcohol consumption and neurocognition among PWH is poorly understood.

Methods

Participants included 310 PWH and 89 HIV− older (≥50 years) adults who reported alcohol abstinence or “low‐risk” drinking, defined per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria (i.e., ≥15 drinks/wk or ≥5 drinks/d for men; ≥8 drinks/wk or ≥4 drinks/d for women). Neurocognition was measured using global and domain‐specific demographically correctedT‐scores. Multiple linear regressions examined the interaction between total drinks in the last 30 days (linear and quadratic terms) and HIV serostatus on neurocognition, covarying for age, sex, lifetime major depressive disorder, lifetime nonalcohol substance use disorders, and lifetime alcohol use disorder.

Results

Total drinks consumed in the last 30 days did not differ by HIV serostatus (p = 0.202). Among HIV− older adults, quadratic effects of total drinks on neurocognition occurred such that optimal neurocognition (i.e., global function, executive function, learning, delayed recall, and motor skills) was detected at intermediate levels of “low‐risk” drinking (~20 to 40 drinks), with poorer performance at the lower and higher ranges of “low‐risk” consumption. In PWH, total drinks did not exhibit linear or quadratic associations with neurocognition.

Conclusions

In HIV− “low‐risk” drinkers, intermediate levels of recent alcohol use were associated with better neurocognition, consistent with the inverted J‐shaped association. The same nonlinear effect of recent alcohol consumption on neurocognition was absent in PWH, indicating there may be no beneficial or deleterious effects of low‐risk alcohol consumption on neurocognition among PWH. Future research is warranted to examine associations between alcohol consumption and HIV‐related biopsychosocial disadvantages that may supersede the neurocognitive benefits of alcohol.
Microvascular anatomy of ovary and oviduct in the adult African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis DAUDIN, 1802)–Histomorphology and scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts
Authors: Lametschwandtner Alois , Minnich Bernd
Published: May 2020

Ovaries and oviducts of the adult African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis DAUDIN, 1802) were studied by light microscopy (LM) of paraplast embedded tissue sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Histomorphology revealed that ovarian vessels located in the thecal layers. Ovarian and interlobar arteries displayed a horse‐shoe shaped longitudinally running bundle of vascular smooth muscle cells. Follicular blood vessels showed flattened profiles, which were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy in vascular corrosion casts. The flattened profiles obviously led to high intravasal pressures, which locally prevented filling of the follicular capillary bed. Oviduct arteries pierced the fibrous stroma surrounding the oviduct mucosa. In the pars convoluta, the mucosa consisted of a ciliated simple columnar epithelium and tubular oviduct glands that opened between ciliated epithelial cells into the oviduct lumen. Oviduct arteries branched at the basolateral surfaces of tubular glands. After a short tangential course, arterioles branched into capillaries which ran radially between oviduct glands towards the subepithelium. Anastomoses at different heights connected capillaries of neighbouring glands. Subepithelially, capillaries ran longitudinally and undulated. Postcapillary venules radiated centrifugally towards the stroma to finally drain into oviduct veins located in the stroma. Oviduct vascular densities clearly reflected non‐ovulatory and ovulatory states.
Inflation expectations of households in India: Role of oil prices, economic policy uncertainty, and spillover of global financial uncertainty
Authors: Ghosh Taniya , Sahu Sohini , Chattopadhyay Siddhartha
Published: May 2020

Inflation expectations are an important marker for the conduct of monetary policy. Using a Bayesian structural VAR‐X model we analyze the macroeconomic factors that determine inflation expectations of the general public in India. Besides the standard macroeconomic factors such as output, inflation rate, monetary policy, and exchange rate, we include economic policy uncertainty as an endogenous variable, while international factors such as oil prices and financial volatility that have spill‐over effects are included as exogenous variables. We find that oil prices and the exchange rate have considerable effects on expectations of inflation, and that in a longer horizon, international financial volatility also matters. Our model generates results free from the “price puzzle” and the “exchange rate puzzle” that otherwise exist in the literature on monetary transmission mechanisms for India.
Climatic sensitivity of species’ vegetative and reproductive phenology in a Hawaiian montane wet forest
Authors: Pau Stephanie , Cordell Susan , Ostertag Rebecca , Inman Faith , Sack Lawren
Published: May 2020

Understanding how tropical tree phenology (i.e., the timing and amount of seed and leaf production) responds to climate is vital for predicting how climate change may alter ecological functioning of tropical forests. We examined the effects of temperature, rainfall, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on seed phenology of four dominant species and community‐level leaf phenology in a montane wet forest on the island of Hawaiʻi using monthly data collected over ~ 6 years. We expected that species phenologies would be better explained by variation in temperature and PAR than rainfall because rainfall at this site is not limiting. The best‐fit model for all four species included temperature, rainfall, and PAR. For three species, including two foundational species of Hawaiian forests (Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha), seed production declined with increasing maximum temperatures and increased with rainfall. Relationships with PAR were the most variable across all four species. Community‐level leaf litterfall decreased with minimum temperatures, increased with rainfall, and showed a peak at PAR of ~ 400 μmol/m2s−1. There was considerable variation in monthly seed and leaf production not explained by climatic factors, and there was some evidence for a mediating effect of daylength. Thus, the impact of future climate change on this forest will depend on how climate change interacts with other factors such as daylength, biotic, and/or evolutionary constraints. Our results nonetheless provide insight into how climate change may affect different species in unique ways with potential consequences for shifts in species distributions and community composition.
Tree seedling responses to leaf‐cutting ants herbivory in Atlantic Forest restoration sites
Authors: Garcia Jéssica Magon , Bordignon Alexandre de Mello , Gonzaga Géssi de Sousa , Torezan José Marcelo Domingues
Published: May 2020

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCA) are generalist herbivores capable of causing severe plant damage. Negative impacts of ant herbivory vary according to the density of nests and availability of palatable plants; however, it is not yet clear how these herbivores affect tropical forest restoration sites. To investigate how LCA preference affects plant species performance, we evaluated the herbivory of Atta sexdens rubropilosa on native tree species seedlings in Atlantic Forest restoration sites. We expected pioneer species to suffer higher herbivory by LCA when compared with non‐pioneer species and that species with higher damage will have poorer growth and higher mortality. The experiment was conducted in three restoration sites in northern Paraná state, southern Brazil, with 1,500 seedlings of 5 pioneer and 5 non‐pioneer species. Sites share similar age, stand size, tree species composition, and LCA nest density. The number of attacks, degree of leaf damage, number of leaves, plant height, and survival were recorded. Specific leaf area, leaf polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and nitrogen content were analyzed for each species. Plant damage was similar between pioneer and non‐pioneer plant species. This could be explained by trait variability among species in each group and by LCA generalist foraging. Preferred species suffered decreases in growth and survival. Less preferred species suffered fewer ant attacks and no change in performance. Results suggest that ant herbivory can influence plant species establishment and thus species composition in restoration sites by reducing performance and increasing mortality of some, but not all species, making LCA an important ecological filter.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Trends in the utilization of a peer‐supported youth hotline
Authors: Kerner Berit , Carlson Michelle , Eskin Cheryl Karp , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Ho Janika‐Marie Gia‐Yee , Zima Bonnie , Leader Elaine
Published: May 2020

Background

Peer‐supported youth hotlines have been in operation for many years but studies on the acceptance of this hotline model or on the demographics of the callers are lacking. This study was performed to examine the utilization of a metropolitan peer‐supported youth hotline between 2010 and 2016.

Method

The change in demographics, contact channels, and the reasons for contact were analyzed with standard linear regression analysis in 67,478 contacts over 7 years.

Results

The data revealed a significant increase in hotline utilization from 8008 annual contacts in 2010 to 12,409 contacts in 2016 (p = .03). The majority of contacts were made by 15‐year‐old and 16‐year‐old girls, but contacts by children aged 13 years old and younger have also increased significantly over the years (p = .003). In 2016, anxiety and stress were among the leading reasons for contact (20.14%), followed by sadness and depression (17.21%), suicidal ideation (14.18%), and self‐harm (8.15%). Recommendations for follow‐up with outside mental health resources were made in 56.22% of contacts. More than 60% of contacts had found information about the hotline on the Internet. More than 30% used text messaging to reach out to the hotline.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that adolescents increasingly utilize a peer‐supported youth hotline to get help for mental health concerns. Therefore, it should be explored whether this hotline model could also be used for prevention and early intervention.

Key Practitioner Message

Peer‐supported youth hotlines are well accepted and frequently utilized by adolescents to get help for mental health issues.

Our data indicate that peer‐supported youth hotlines could be utilized to identify youth at risk for depression and suicide.

Further research should evaluate whether peer‐supported youth hotlines could serve in the prevention and in early mental health intervention, and how they could be effectively linked to other mental health resources in the community.
Peptide vaccine as an adjuvant therapy for glypican‐3‐positive hepatocellular carcinoma induces peptide‐specific CTLs and improves long prognosis
Authors: Taniguchi Masatake , Mizuno Shoichi , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Fujinami Norihiro , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kobayashi Shin , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru , Gotohda Naoto , Nakatsura Tetsuya
Published: May 2020

There is no established postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and improvement of patient prognosis has been limited. We conducted long‐term monitoring of patients within a phase II trial that targeted a cancer antigen, glypican‐3 (GPC3), specifically expressed in HCC. We sought to determine if the GPC3 peptide vaccine was an effective adjuvant therapy by monitoring disease‐free survival and overall survival. We also tracked GPC3 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, CTL induction, and postoperative plasma GPC3 for a patient group that was administered the vaccine (n = 35) and an unvaccinated patient group that underwent surgery only (n = 33). The 1‐y recurrence rate after surgery was reduced by approximately 15%, and the 5‐y and 8‐y survival rates were improved by approximately 10% and 30%, respectively, in the vaccinated group compared with the unvaccinated group. Patients who were positive for GPC3 IHC staining were more likely to have induced CTLs, and 60% survived beyond 5 y. Vaccine efficacy had a positive relationship with plasma concentration of GPC3; high concentrations increased the 5‐y survival rate to 75%. We thus expect GPC3 vaccination in patients with HCC, who are positive for GPC3 IHC staining and/or plasma GPC3 to induce CTL and have significantly improved long‐term prognosis.
Aortic root dilatation in PFO‐related cryptogenic stroke: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Beyls Christophe , Bohbot Yohann , Marion Bourgain , Canaple Sandrine , Guillaumont Marie‐Pierre , Jarry Geneviève , Fournier Alexandre , Malaquin Dorothée , Abou‐Arab Osama , Mahjoub Yazine , Tribouilloy Christophe , Leborgne Laurent
Published: May 2020

Background

Dilatation of the ascending aorta has an important role in the anatomical conformation of interatrial septum (IAS) especially when a patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ascending aortic dilation and PFO‐related cryptogenic stroke in a cohort of cryptogenic strokes.

Methods

It is a retrospective, single‐center echocardiographic study assessing aortic root dilatation in 315 consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke between January 2011 and January 2019. Aortic root dilatation was defined by a diameter of the Valsalva sinuses of the proximal aorta >40 mm. Predictive factors of PFO were assessed by a multivariate analysis. Propensity score matching was applied to account for clinical differences.

Results

Of the 315 patients, 68 (22%) had an aortic root dilatation and 167 (53%) had a PFO. In the aortic root dilation group, PFO was more often diagnosed (n = 47/68 [69%], vs n = 120/247 [49%], P = .004). In the PFO group with aortic dilatation, IAS was more mobile (n = 37/47[79%] vs n = 69/120[57%], P < .012) and smaller (2.3 ± 0.5 vs 2.5 ± 0.5 mm, P < .009). On multivariate analysis, aortic root dilatation (OR: 2.6; 95% CI [1.2–5.6]; P = .001) and IAS hypermobility (OR: 5.2 95% CI [2.7–10]; P = .001) were associated with PFO. After propensity matching, aortic root dilatation remained strongly associated with PFO (n = 34/107 [32%] vs 15/107[14%], P = .002).

Conclusion

Aortic root dilation and IAS hypermobility were strongly associated with PFO‐related cryptogenic stroke.
Dental injuries at the Xi’an, China Stomatological Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tan Yi‐zhou , Levin Liran , Guo Weiwei , Chen Yongjin
Published: May 2020

Background/Aim

In order to enrich epidemiological knowledge regarding traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in China, and to further improve the treatment, prevention and education of TDI, the aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the TDI that presented to the emergency dental department at the Stomatological Hospital in Xi'an, China.

Methods

This retrospective study included all first‐visit patients who presented with TDI at the Stomatological Hospital affiliated with the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi'an, China, between January 2013 and June 2019. Data were extracted using the terms of diagnosis of TDI from the hospital database.

Results

Overall, 965 (606 males and 359 females) files were reviewed. The average age was 22.8 ± 13.4 years. Among the 2059 teeth injured (average of 2.1 teeth per patient), the maxillary incisors (1751; 85.0%) were the most prevalent teeth to present with injuries, while the main types of injuries were concussions (14.8%) enamel‐dentin‐fractures (14.50%) and enamel‐dentin‐pulp fractures (14.0%). After initial examination and diagnosis, 4.2% patients refused treatment.

Conclusions

The epidemiological statistics of TDI in Xi'an, China show consistency with other studies from around the world, but they also vary in diagnosis proportion and the choice of treatments. This information may further instruct treatment, prevention and emergency resources distribution to target the high‐risk groups.
A participatory approach: Shifting accountability in microenterprise development
Authors: Chu Vien , Luke Belinda
Published: May 2020

Although non‐government organisations (NGOs) play an important role in poverty alleviation, their accountability to beneficiaries (the poor) for sustainable poverty alleviation is often criticised. In the literature, a participatory approach to strengthening NGO downward accountability has been widely discussed and various mechanisms for participation are identified; however, it is unclear how a participatory approach is implemented in practice to enhance NGO accountability to beneficiaries. Using accountability concepts, this study examines a participatory approach within the practices of NGOs engaging in microenterprise development in Bangladesh and Indonesia. Findings show that an effective participatory approach needs to address three questions: who participates, what to participate in, and how to participate. Within this approach, participation for beneficiary empowerment involves three stages: consulting, partnership, and delegated control. These stages are not linear, but rather a recurring, iterative process, providing a graduated, progressive approach to empowering beneficiaries. These stages recognise mutual accountability between the poor, as well as the public and private sectors, providing a basis for enhanced NGO accountability to beneficiaries at a strategic level – and enhanced sustainable outcomes for poverty alleviation.
Heteronormative Relationship Education for Same‐Gender Couples
Authors: Hatch S. Gabe , Rothman Karen , Roddy McKenzie K. , Dominguez Rebecca M. , Le Yunying , Doss Brian D.
Published: May 2020

In recent years, same‐gender group‐based relationship education has emerged as a viable intervention to prevent relationship distress among same‐gender couples. However, many of these programs are conducted in metropolitan areas and lack the ability to reach rural populations. The current study sought to investigate whether two wide‐reaching web‐based heteronormative relationship education programs could positively impact same‐gender relationships. In a sample of 49 same‐gender couples, heteronormative relationship education had small (Cohen's d = 0.16–0.39) but reliably positive effects on key areas of relationship functioning and perceived stress relative to a waitlist control group. Additionally, when same‐gender couples were matched with different‐gender individuals with similar baseline characteristics, no reliable differences between the two groups emerged even though the program effects were sometimes half as large for same‐gender couples. Finally, same‐gender participants were as satisfied with the program as the matched different‐gender individuals. Though the results of the present study indicate that heteronormative relationship education can be helpful for same‐gender couples, additional tailoring should be undertaken to ensure that same‐gender couples experience as much benefit as possible. Estimates from the current study could be used in future studies to detect what might be small‐sized differences.
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Migraine Triggers and Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hindiyeh Nada Ahmad , Zhang Niushen , Farrar Mallory , Banerjee Pixy , Lombard Louise , Aurora Sheena K.
Published: May 2020

Background

Migraine is a disabling primary headache disorder often associated with triggers. Diet‐related triggers are a common cause of migraine and certain diets have been reported to decrease the frequency of migraine attacks if dietary triggers or patterns are adjusted.

Objective

The systematic literature review was conducted to qualitatively summarize evidence from the published literature regarding the role of diet patterns, diet‐related triggers, and diet interventions in people with migraine.

Methods

A literature search was carried out on diet patterns, diet‐related triggers, and diet interventions used to treat and/or prevent migraine attacks, using an a priori protocol. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies assessing the effect of diet, food, and nutrition in people with migraine aged ≥18 years. Only primary literature sources (randomized controlled trials or observational studies) were included and searches were conducted from January 2000 to March 2019. The NICE checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of randomized controlled trials and the Downs and Black checklist was used for the assessment of observational studies.

Results

A total of 43 studies were included in this review, of which 11 assessed diet patterns, 12 assessed diet interventions, and 20 assessed diet‐related triggers. The overall quality of evidence was low, as most of the (68%) studies assessing diet patterns and diet‐related triggers were cross‐sectional studies or patient surveys. The studies regarding diet interventions assessed a variety of diets, such as ketogenic diet, elimination diets, and low‐fat diets. Alcohol and caffeine uses were the most common diet patterns and diet‐related triggers associated with increased frequency of migraine attacks. Most of the diet interventions, such as low‐fat and elimination diets, were related to a decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks.

Conclusions

There is limited high‐quality randomized controlled trial data on diet patterns or diet‐related triggers. A few small randomized controlled trials have assessed diet interventions in preventing migraine attacks without strong results. Although many patients already reported avoiding personal diet‐related triggers in their migraine management, high‐quality research is needed to confirm the effect of diet in people with migraine.
Classic and targeted anti‐leukaemic agents interfere with the cholesterol biogenesis metagene in acute myeloid leukaemia: Therapeutic implications
Authors: Chen Fangli , Wu Xue , Niculite Cristina , Gilca Marilena , Petrusca Daniela , Rogozea Adriana , Rice Susan , Guo Bin , Griffin Shawn , Calin George A. , Boswell H. Scott , Konig Heiko
Published: May 2020

Despite significant advances in deciphering the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), therapeutic outcomes of this haematological malignancy have only modestly improved over the past decades. Drug resistance and disease recurrence almost invariably occur, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of these processes. While low O2 compartments, such as bone marrow (BM) niches, are well‐recognized hosts of drug‐resistant leukaemic cells, standard in vitro studies are routinely performed under supra‐physiologic (21% O2, ambient air) conditions, which limits clinical translatability. We hereby identify molecular pathways enriched in AML cells that survive acute challenges with classic or targeted therapeutic agents. Experiments took into account variations in O2 tension encountered by leukaemic cells in clinical settings. Integrated RNA and protein profiles revealed that lipid biosynthesis, and particularly the cholesterol biogenesis branch, is a particularly therapy‐induced vulnerability in AML cells under low O2 states. We also demonstrate that the impact of the cytotoxic agent cytarabine is selectively enhanced by a high‐potency statin. The cholesterol biosynthesis programme is amenable to additional translational opportunities within the expanding AML therapeutic landscape. Our findings support the further investigation of higher‐potency statin (eg rosuvastatin)–based combination therapies to enhance targeting residual AML cells that reside in low O2 environments.
Risk of type 2 diabetes according to the cumulative exposure to metabolic syndrome or obesity: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lee You‐Bin , Kim Da Hye , Kim Seon Mee , Kim Nan Hee , Choi Kyung Mook , Baik Sei Hyun , Park Yong Gyu , Han Kyungdo , Yoo Hye Jin
Published: May 2020

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the risk of incident type 2 diabetes according to the cumulative exposure to obesity or metabolic syndrome (MetS) during annual or biennial health examinations.

Materials and Methods

The Korean National Health Insurance Service datasets from 2002 to 2017 were used for this retrospective longitudinal study. The risk for type 2 diabetes was analyzed according to the cumulative exposure to obesity and MetS among individuals who underwent four health examinations from 2009 to 2012 or 2013 (n = 2,851,745).

Results

During examinations, 28.56 and 17.86% of the total participants showed fluctuations in metabolic health state and obesity, respectively. During a mean 5.01 years of follow up, 98,950 new type 2 diabetes cases developed. The risk for type 2 diabetes increased with the increase in exposure to MetS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.86–2.99; HR 4.96, 95% CI 4.85–5.08; HR 7.46, 95% CI 7.30–7.63; HR 12.24, 95% CI 12.00–12.49 in groups with number of exposures one to four, respectively) and obesity (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.56–1.65; HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.81–1.92; HR 2.25, 95% CI 2.19–2.31; HR 3.46, 95% CI 3.41–3.51 in groups with number of exposures one to four, respectively), showing a more detrimental effect of cumulative exposure to MetS, when compared with the exposure to obesity.

Conclusions

Metabolic health and obesity fluctuated within a relatively short period of 4–5 years. Although the impact was much greater for MetS than for obesity, the cumulative duration of both obesity and MetS was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in a dose‐response manner. Therefore, continuously maintaining metabolic health and normal weight is crucial to prevent incident type 2 diabetes.
Designing clinical trials for future space missions as a pathway to changing how clinical trials are conducted on Earth
Authors: Nasser Mona , Peres Nicholas , Knight Jacqui , Haines Agatha , Young Charlie , Maranan Diego , Wright Julian , Carvil Philip , Robinson Karen , Westmore Matthew , Griffin Joanna , Halkes Matthew
Published: May 2020

Objective

The project aims to build a framework for conducting clinical trials for long‐term interplanetary missions to contribute to innovation in clinical trials on Earth, especially around patient involvement and ownership.

Methods

We conducted two workshops in which participants were immersed in the speculative scenario of an interplanetary mission in which health problems emerged that required medical trials to resolve. The workshops used virtual reality and live simulation to mimic a zero‐gravity environment and visual perception shifts and were followed by group discussion.

Results

Some key aspects for the framework that emerged from the workshops included: (a) approaches to be inclusive in the management of the trial, (b) approaches to be inclusive in designing the research project (patient preference trials, n‐of‐1 trials, designing clinical trials to be part of a future prospective meta‐analysis, etc), (c) balancing the research needs and the community needs (eg, allocation of the participants based on both research and community need), (d) ethics and partnerships (ethics and consent issues and how they relate to partnerships and relationships).

Conclusion

In identifying some key areas that need to be incorporated in future planning of clinical trials for interplanetary missions, we also identified areas that are relevant to engaging patients in clinical trials on Earth. We will suggest using the same methodology to facilitate more in‐depth discussions on specific aspects of clinical trials in aerospace medicine. The methodology can be more widely used in other areas to open new inclusive conversations around innovating research methodology.
Strengthening literature search strategies for systematic reviews reporting population health in the Middle East and North Africa: A meta‐research study
Authors: Chaabna Karima , Cheema Sohaila , Abraham Amit , Mamtani Ravinder
Published: May 2020

Objective

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), data are produced in languages other than English and available through gray literature sources. We assessed the comprehensiveness of literature search strategies of systematic reviews (SRs) reporting population health primary data on MENA.

Methods

Utilizing the registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42017076736), we conducted a meta‐research analysis on a cohort of SRs (systematic PubMed search: from 2008 to 2016) and evaluated their search strategies following AMSTAR recommendations.

Results

A total of 379 SRs were included. Few SRs (10.3%, n = 39) conducted a comprehensive literature search including at least two databases, reference lists of included primary studies, gray literature sources, and no language restriction. Nevertheless, 90.5% (n = 343) searched at least two databases and 67.0% (n = 254) searched gray literature sources. Authors from MENA searched statistically more for gray literature than authors from Western countries (P = 0.022). Reference lists of the included studies were searched in 40.4% (n = 153) of the SRs. Searching the reference lists was positively associated with searching for gray literature (P < 0.001). Only 38.8% (n = 147) of the SRs had no language restriction or searched in English and in at least one language relevant to MENA, whereas 27.2% (n = 103) did not report this information.

Conclusions

Literature searches for SRs reporting population health data on MENA were limited in reporting quality, language restrictions, and lack of reference list searches. This was probably due to lack of adherence to the reporting guidelines. To ensure compilation of optimum evidence, expanding literature searches to reference list search and for additional languages relevant to MENA are required.
Moisture adsorption in water caltrop (Trapa bispinosaRoxb.) pericarps: Thermodynamic properties and glass transition
Authors: Cheng Xinfeng , Zhang Min , Adhikari Benu
Published: May 2020

Moisture sorption isotherms of water caltrop pericarp (WCP) powders were determined at 20, 30, and 40°C over water activity (Aw) range of 0.11 and 0.97. The adsorption isotherms decreased with the increase of temperature and exhibited Type II BET adsorption characteristics. The monolayer moisture content values calculated by the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Bor equation were found to be 0.0561, 0.0509, and 0.0409 g/g solids at 20, 30, and 40°C, respectively. The values of net isosteric heat of adsorption and differential entropy decreased from 26.094 to 0.250 kJ/mol, 76.665 to 0.358 J mol−1 K−1 with water content varying from 0.30 to 0.07 g/g solids, respectively. The isokinetic theory showed that the water adsorption process of WCP powders was governed by enthalpy. The values of specific surface area available for adsorption at 20, 30, and 40°C were 198.95, 180.40, and 145.11 m2/g, respectively. The spreading pressure increased with the increase of Aw values at a fixed temperature and decreased when temperature rising at a given Aw level. The effective pore size for WCP powders increased with the increment of water content and temperature, ranging from 1.648 to 21.761 nm. The glass transition temperature (T
g) of WCP powders was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and its values decreased from 72.34 to 2.42°C as water content ranged from 0.0499 to 0.352 g/g solids. The result showed that WCP powders remained stable at 30°C when the moisture content was lower than 0.149 g/g solids.

Practical applications

Water caltrop (Trapa bispinosa Roxb) has been widely cultivated in China and other Southeast Asia because of its medical functions and delicious taste. The micronized water caltrop pericarp (WCP) is an excellent source of dietary fiber and phenolics and has been applied in various food and nonfood sectors. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the thermodynamic properties of water adsorption isotherms of WCP powders. In addition, a state diagram was established based on the water activity concept and glass transition theory. The results documented in this study will help design the energy process for producing WCP powders and predicting storage stability.
Evaluation of root morphology of maxillary and mandibular second molars lost due to periodontitis
Authors: Kato Akiko , Hishikawa Toshimitsu , Inagaki Koji , Yamamoto Genta , Mitani Akio , Honda Masaki
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

Little is known about the anatomical characteristics of root morphology in molars lost due to periodontal reason. The aim of this study was to study root morphology in maxillary and mandibular molars lost due to periodontitis by investigating the frequency of root fusion, classifying fusion types, and measuring radicular groove depth by micro‐computed tomography.

Material and methods

Ninety‐eight posterior teeth were collected from 87 Japanese patients during the study period. Of these, maxillary (N = 36) and mandibular (N = 22) second molars lost most frequently were assessed for root fusion and morphology.

Results

The 36 maxillary second molars included nine (25%) teeth with a single root, 14 (39%) with two roots, and 13 (36%) with three roots. Of the 23 maxillary second molars with fused (1 and 2) roots, there were 11 (48%), 2 (9%), 1 (4%), 1 (4%), 3 (13%), and 5 (22%) teeth with root types 1‐6, respectively. The 22 mandibular second molars comprised 14 (64%) teeth with a single root, 7 (32%) with two roots, and one (4%) with three roots. Of the 14 mandibular second molars with a fused (1) root, 12 (86%) had a C‐shaped root and two (14%) had a non‐C‐shaped root.

Conclusion

We observed a higher frequency of root fusion in the present study compared with that reported by previous studies using randomly selected second molars.