bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFO Effort and Public Firms' Financial Information Environment*
Authors: Biggerstaff Lee E. , Cicero David C. , Goldie Brad , Reid Lauren C. , Ge Weili , Moon Keehea
Published: May 2020

We test the association between CFO effort and the quality of public firms' financial information environments. We evaluate this relation using a measure of CFO leisure consumption—specifically, the amount of golf played—as an inverse proxy for effort. We find a negative relation between CFOs' compensation incentives and golf play, suggesting they exert more effort when they have greater incentives to increase firm value. High CFO leisure consumption is associated with lower earnings quality, less accurate earnings guidance, and reduced CFO conference call participation. Additionally, CFO leisure appears to affect external monitors, as it is associated with greater analyst forecast dispersion and increased audit fees. We do not find similar relations when evaluating the amount of golf played by CEOs, suggesting the unique importance of CFO effort in the financial reporting process.
Collaborating with Competitors: How Do Small Firm Accounting Associations and Networks Successfully Manage Coopetitive Tensions?*
Authors: Bills Kenneth L. , Hayne Christie , Stein Sarah E. , Hatfield Richard C.
Published: May 2020

The “coopetition” paradox exists when two or more organizations are simultaneously involved in cooperative and competitive interactions. In the accounting industry, small firms encounter coopetition when they align themselves with other independent firms to form accounting associations and networks (AANs). AANs are a type of interorganizational relationship (IOR) that provide opportunities for member firms to collaborate by sharing important resources such as expertise, best practices, and manpower. However, member firms also compete in the marketplace for clients and human capital, which incentivizes uncooperative and opportunistic behavior. If managed inadequately, coopetitive tensions can significantly hamper AAN benefits and may lead to IOR failure. Given the considerable longevity of AANs, we interview 42 high‐level accounting professionals to understand AANs' apparent successful management of these tensions. Leveraging coopetition and IOR theory, our analysis suggests that transactional mechanisms (contractual agreements, organizational structure, selection/monitoring processes) and relational mechanisms (trust, social ties, reciprocity) play key roles in encouraging healthy cooperation and competition among member firms. One of our main conclusions is that these mechanisms contribute to AAN success because they are leveraged comprehensively across each IOR life cycle phase, and they are mutually reinforcing, with transactional mechanisms providing the foundation to inspire confidence and encourage the development of relational mechanisms. Our research enriches existing accounting and coopetition literature, provides a new perspective for AANs, and responds to calls to understand key factors of IOR success.
Loss of glutathione peroxidase 3 induces ROS and contributes to prostatic hyperplasia in Nkx3.1 knockout mice
Authors: Kim Ukjin , Kim C‐Yoon , Lee Ji Min , Ryu Bokyeong , Kim Jin , Bang Junpil , Ahn Na , Park Jae‐Hak
Published: May 2020

Background

Glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3) protects cells from oxidative stress, and its reduced expression in human prostate cancer has been reported.

Objectives

We hypothesized that Gpx3 might play an important role in the development of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), a pre‐cancerous state of the prostate, and aimed to highlight the underlying molecular mechanism.

Materials and Methods

The following double‐knockout mice Nkx3.1−/−; Gpx3+/+, Nkx3.1−/−; Gpx3+/−, Nkx3.1−/−; Gpx3−/− were produced. Randomly divided animals were weighed, and their genitourinary tract (GUT) weights were determined after euthanasia at 4, 8, and 12 months. The mRNA expression of the genes involved in oxidative stress and Wnt signaling was analyzed in the prostate. Histopathology, ROS, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were also measured.

Results

Loss of Gpx3 did not affect body weight and GUT weight in Nkx3.1 knockout mice. The mRNA expression of SOD3, iNOS, Hmox, and CISD2, which are associated with oxidative stress, was increased in Nkx3.1−/−; Gpx3−/− mice at 4 months but decreased at 8 and 12 months. There was no change in β‐catenin and its targets associated with Wnt signaling. Increased ROS and decreased SOD activity were observed in Nkx3.1−/−; Gpx3−/− mice at 12 months of age. The histopathologic score and epithelium thickness were increased, and lumen area was decreased in Gpx3 knockout mice.

Discussion and Conclusions

Gpx3 loss increased the hyperplasia of PIN in the pre‐cancerous stage of the prostate. Loss of Gpx3 induced oxidative stress. Histopathologically, no invasive carcinoma was identified, and Gpx3 loss did not increase Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Further research on the role of GPX3 in the transition of PIN to invasive carcinoma is needed. We show, for the first time, that the antioxidant enzyme GPX3 plays a vital role in inhibiting hyperplasia in the PIN stage of the prostate gland in vivo.
“A plantation can be a commons”: Re‐Earthing Sapelo Island through Abolition Ecology
Authors: Heynen Nik
Published: May 2020

This paper is based on the 2018 Neil Smith Lecture presented at the University of St Andrews. It considers the plantation past/futures of Sapelo Island, Georgia, one of the Sea Islands forming an archipelago along the US Southeastern coast. I work through the abolitionist efforts of the Saltwater Geechee’s who have resided there since at least 1803 to better understand how we can mobilise an emancipatory politics of land and property and to produce commons that work to repair and heal the violence done through enslavement and ongoing displacement. I weave together a series of historical threads to better situate linked ideas of abolition democracy and abolition geography, and to extend the notion of abolition ecology as a strategic notion to connect Eurocentric based political ecologies with the emancipatory tradition of Black geographies.
Uptrend in distress and psychiatric symptomatology in pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Berthelot Nicolas , Lemieux Roxanne , Garon‐Bissonnette Julia , Drouin‐Maziade Christine , Martel Élodie , Maziade Michel
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Prenatal maternal distress has a negative impact on the course of pregnancy, fetal development, offspring development, and later psychopathologies. The study aimed to determine the extent to which the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may aggravate the prenatal distress and psychiatric symptomatology of pregnant women.

Material and methods

Two cohorts of pregnant volunteer women were evaluated, one that was recruited before the COVID‐19 pandemic (n = 496) through advertisements in prenatal clinics in Quebec, Canada, from April 2018 to March 2020; the other (n = 1258) was recruited online during the pandemic from 2 April to 13 April 2020. Prenatal distress and psychiatric symptomatology were measured with the Kessler Distress Scale (K10), Post‐traumatic Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES‐II), and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).

Results

The 1754 pregnant women (Mage = 29.27, SD = 4.23) were between 4 and 41 gestational weeks (M = 24.80, SD = 9.42), were generally educated (91.3% had post‐high‐school training), and financially well‐resourced (85.3% were above the low‐income cut‐off). A multivariate analysis of covariance controlling for age, gestational age, household income, education, and lifetime psychiatric disorders showed a large effect size (ES) in the difference between the two cohorts on psychiatric symptoms (Wilks’ λ = 0.68, F6,1400 = 108.50, P < .001, partial η2 = 0.32). According to post‐hoc analyses of covariance, the COVID‐19 women reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms (ES = 0.57), dissociative symptoms (ES = 0.22 and ES = 0.25), symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder (ES = 0.19), and negative affectivity (ES = 0.96), and less positive affectivity (ES = 0.95) than the pre‐COVID‐19 cohort. Women from the COVID‐19 cohort were more likely than pre‐COVID‐19 women to present clinically significant levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.94, χ2[1] = 10.05, P = .002). Multiple regression analyses indicated that pregnant women in the COVID‐19 cohort having a previous psychiatric diagnosis or low income would be more prone to elevated distress and psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusions

Pregnant women assessed during the COVID‐19 pandemic reported more distress and psychiatric symptoms than pregnant women assessed before the pandemic, mainly in the form of depression and anxiety symptoms. Given the harmful consequences of prenatal distress on mothers and offspring, the presently observed upsurge of symptoms in pregnant women calls for special means of clinical surveillance.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of ravulizumab and eculizumab on complement component 5 in adults with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria: results of two phase 3 randomised, multicentre studies
Authors: Peffault de Latour Régis , Brodsky Robert A. , Ortiz Stephan , Risitano Antonio M. , Jang Jun H. , Hillmen Peter , Kulagin Alexander D. , Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Rottinghaus Scott T. , Aguzzi Rasha , Gao Xiang , Wells Richard A. , Szer Jeff
Published: May 2020

Ravulizumab, a novel long‐acting complement component 5 (C5) inhibitor administered every 8 weeks (q8w), was non‐inferior to eculizumab for all efficacy outcomes in two randomised, open‐label, phase 3 trials in C5 inhibitor‐naïve (Study 301) and eculizumab‐experienced (Study 302) adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). This pre‐specified analysis characterised ravulizumab pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD; free C5 levels), and PD differences between medications (Study 301, n = 246; Study 302, n = 195). Ravulizumab PK parameters were determined using non‐compartmental analysis. Serum free C5 was quantified with a Gyros‐based fluorescence assay (ravulizumab) and an electrochemiluminescence ligand‐binding assay (eculizumab). Ravulizumab PK parameters were numerically comparable in both studies; the median time to maximum concentrations ranged from 2·3 to 2·8 and 2·3 to 2·6 h in studies 301 and 302, respectively. Ravulizumab steady‐state serum concentrations were achieved immediately after the first dose and sustained throughout treatment. For ravulizumab, the mean (SD) post hoc terminal elimination half‐life was 49·7 (8·9) days. Serum free C5 concentrations <0·5 µg/ml were achieved after the first ravulizumab dose and sustained throughout treatment in both studies. In a minority of patients, free C5 concentrations <0·5 µg/ml were not consistently achieved with eculizumab in either study. Ravulizumab q8w was more consistent in providing immediate, complete, sustained C5 inhibition than eculizumab every‐2‐weeks in patients with PNH.
Influence of minibasin obstruction on canopy dynamics in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Fernandez Naiara , Duffy Oliver B. , Peel Frank J. , Hudec Michael R.
Published: May 2020

In salt‐detached gravity‐gliding/spreading systems the detachment geometry is a key control on the downslope mobility of the supra‐salt sequence. Here, we used regional 3D seismic data to examine a salt‐stock canopy in the northern Gulf of Mexico slope, in an area where supra‐canopy minibasins subsided vertically and translated downslope above a complex base‐of‐salt. If thick enough, minibasins can interact with, and weld to, the base‐of‐salt and be obstructed from translating downslope. Based on the regional maps of the base of allochthonous salt and the base of the supra‐canopy sequence, the key controls on minibasin obstruction, we distinguished two structural domains in the study area: a highly obstructed domain and a highly mobile domain. Large‐scale translation of the supra‐canopy sequence is recorded in the mobile domain by a far‐travelled minibasin and a ramp syncline basin. These two structures suggest downslope translation on the order of 40 km from Plio‐Pleistocene to Present. In contrast, translation was impeded in the obstructed domain due to supra‐canopy bucket minibasins subsiding into feeders during the Pleistocene. As a result, we infer that differential translation occurred between the two domains and argue that a deformation area between two differentially translating supra‐canopy minibasin domains is difficult to recognize. However, characterizing domains according to base‐of‐salt geometry and supra‐canopy minibasin configuration can be helpful in identifying domains that may share similar subsidence and downslope translation histories.
Habitat loss in the restricted range of the endemic Ghanaian cichlidLimbochromis robertsi
Authors: Lamboj Anton , Lucanus Oliver , Osei Darko Patrick , Arroyo‐Mora J. Pablo , Kalacska Margaret
Published: May 2020

Remote sensing has become an integral and invaluable tool to inform biodiversity conservation and monitoring of habitat degradation and restoration over time. Despite the disproportionately high levels of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems worldwide, ichthyofauna are commonly overlooked in favor of other keystone species. Freshwater fish, as indicators of overall aquatic ecosystem health, can also be indicators of larger scale problems within an ecosystem. As a case study with multi‐temporal, multi‐resolution satellite imagery, we examined deforestation and forest fragmentation around the Atewa Forest Reserve, Ghana. Within small creeks,Limbochromis robertsi, a unique freshwater cichlid with an extremely limited distribution range, can be found. Historically, the land cover in the area has undergone substantial deforestation for agriculture and artisanal small‐scale mining. In the 1389‐km2study area, we found deforestation accelerated along with increased forest fragmentation in the 2014–2017 period (167.4 km2of deforestation) with the majority of the forest loss along the river and creek banks due to small‐scale mining operations and increased agriculture. Field visits indicated a decrease in the totalL. robertsipopulation by approximately 90% from the early 1990s to 2018. Its distribution has been reduced to higher elevations by anthropogenic habitat barriers at low elevations and the presence of predatory species. Loss of riparian forest through land use and cover change to mining and agriculture contributes to the habitat degradation for this endemic species. Fine spatial‐ and temporal‐scale studies are required to assess habitat characteristics are not captured by global‐ or continental‐scale datasets.
Death‐associated protein kinase 1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion by upregulation of DEAD‐box helicase 20
Authors: Huang Yide , Wang Chenyi , Li Ke , Ye Yan , Shen Aling , Guo Libin , Chen Pengchen , Meng Chen , Wang Qingshui , Yang Xinliu , Huang Zhen , Xing Xiaohua , Lin Youyu , Liu Xiaolong , Peng Jun , Lin Yao
Published: May 2020

Death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK) is a calcium/calmodulin kinase that plays a vital role as a suppressor gene in various cancers. Yet its role and target gene independent of p53 is still unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we discovered that DAPK suppressed HCC cell migration and invasion instead of proliferation or colony formation. Using a proteomics approach, we identified DEAD‐box helicase 20 (DDX20) as an important downstream target of DAPK in HCC cells and critical for DAPK‐mediated inhibition of HCC cell migration and invasion. Using integrin inhibitor RGD and GTPase activity assays, we discovered that DDX20 suppressed HCC cell migration and invasion through the CDC42‐integrin pathway, which was previously reported as an important downstream pathway of DAPK in cancer. Further research using cycloheximide found that DAPK attenuates the proteasomal degradation of DDX20 protein, which is dependent on the kinase activity of DAPK. Our results shed light on new functions and regulation for both DAPK and DDX20 in carcinogenesis and identifies new potential therapeutic targets for HCC.
Microsatellite instability and mismatch repair protein expressions in lymphocyte‐predominant breast cancer
Authors: Horimoto Yoshiya , Thinzar Hlaing May , Saeki Harumi , Kitano Shigehisa , Nakai Katsuya , Sasaki Ritsuko , Kurisaki‐Arakawa Aiko , Arakawa Atsushi , Otsuji Naomi , Matsuoka Shuji , Tokuda Emi , Arai Masami , Saito Mitsue
Published: May 2020

The frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) is reportedly extremely low in breast cancer, despite widespread clinical expectations that many patients would be responsive to immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Considering that some triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBC) responded well to ICI in a clinical trial and that a high density of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is frequently observed in other cancers with high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI‐H), we hypothesized that some TNBC with a high density of TILs would be MSI‐H. Medullary carcinoma (MedCa) of the breast, a rare histological type, is characterized by a high density of TILs. Considering that MedCa of the colon is often MSI‐H, we suspected that MedCa in breast cancer might also include MSI‐H tumors. Therefore, we conducted MSI tests on such breast cancers with a high density of TILs. The MSI status of 63 TIL‐high TNBC and 38 MedCa tumors, all from Asian women who had undergone curative surgery, were determined retrospectively. DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and PD‐L1 expression were also investigated immunohistochemically. All samples were microsatellite stable, being negative for all microsatellite markers. TIL‐high TNBC with low MLH1 protein had higher levels of PD‐L1 in stromal immune cells (P = .041). MedCa tumors showed significantly higher PD‐L1 expression in immune cells than in TIL‐high TNBC (<.001). We found that MSI‐H tumors were absent in TIL‐high breast cancers. Examination of MMR proteins, not a purpose of Lynch syndrome screening, may merit further studies to yield predictive information for identifying patients who are likely to benefit from ICI.
Functional sparing surgery policy for giant vestibular schwannomas
Authors: Bretonnier Maxime , Bernard Florian , Tinois Julien , Troude Lucas , Cebula Hélène , Godey Benoit , Morandi Xavier
Published: May 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the tumour control and facial nerve outcome according to the therapeutic strategy, that is extent of resection and post‐operative radiotherapy.

Design

Retrospective study of patients with a giant vestibular schwannoma surgically treated from 4 academic skull base centres.

Setting

Extent of resection, neurological complications, facial nerve function, MRI follow‐up and occurrence of complementary treatment were reviewed.

Participants

Sixty patients were included from 2000 to 2018.

Main outcome measures

Primary end points were comparison the tumour control rate and the post‐operative House‐Brackmann grade at last follow‐up according to the extent of tumour removal (ie total or subtotal removal). Secondary end points were assessment risk factors of poor facial nerve function and comparison complication rate according to extent of tumour removal.

Results

Sixty patients had initial surgery at diagnosis. A total resection was realised in 21 cases and a subtotal resection in 39 cases. Thirteen patients needed further treatment. One patient had a recurrence and needed a second surgery 108 months after the initial total resection surgery. Twelve patients underwent post‐operative radiotherapy, for an evolutive residual tumour. Tumour control was more successful in the total resection group (log‐rank test, P = .015). There was no tumour recurrence after post‐operative radiotherapy. The facial nerve outcome was significantly better in the subtotal resection group (Mean House‐Brackmann grade at last follow‐up: 2.2 ± 1.9) than in the total resection group (House‐Brackmann grade: 3.5 ± 2.2) (P = .033). Vestibular schwannoma with a cystic component had better facial nerve outcome (P = .0082). Other than facial paralysis, neurological complications were observed in six patients (10% of patients): lower cranial nerves dysfunction in five cases and hemiparesis in one case.

Conclusions

Subtotal resection of giant vestibular schwannomas leads to favourable tumour control and facial nerve function and therefore seems to be a valuable strategy.
Characterising the potential for recall bias in anchor‐based MCID calculation of patient‐reported outcome measures for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: McCann Adam C. , Phillips Katie M. , Trope Michal , Caradonna David S. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Anchor‐based methods to calculate the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) may suffer from recall bias. This has never been investigated for otolaryngic PROMs. We sought to identify evidence of recall bias in calculation of MCIDs of PROMs for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Design

Retrospective analysis of data from two previous studies calculating the MCID of the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) and 5‐dimensonal EuroQol questionnaire (EQ‐5D) in CRS patients.

Setting

Tertiary rhinology clinic.

Participants

Adults with CRS.

Main outcome measures

SNOT‐22 score, and EQ‐5D visual analog scale scores (EQ‐5D VAS) and health utility values (EQ‐5D HUV) before and after medical treatment for CRS. After treatment, participants were asked to rate the change in sinonasal symptoms and general health (the anchor question) as “Much worse,” “A little worse,” “About the same,” “A little better” or “Much better.” Participants’ responses to the anchor question were checked for association with post‐treatment and pre‐treatment scores using ordinal regression.

Results

On univariate association, post‐treatment SNOT‐22 and EQ‐5D scores were associated with respective participants’ anchor question responses (P < .001 in all cases). Only pre‐treatment SNOT‐22 score was associated with anchor question responses (P = .017) on univariate association, in contrast to pre‐treatment EQ‐5D scores. Pre‐treatment EQ‐5D scores only associated with anchor question responses when controlling for post‐treatment scores.

Conclusion

The anchor‐based MCIDs of the SNOT‐22, which reflects disease‐specific QOL, and the EQ‐5D, which reflects general health‐related QOL, appear to be largely free of recall bias.
Breadth versus depth: Cumulative risk model and continuous measure prediction of poor language and reading outcomes at 12
Authors: Hayiou‐Thomas Marianna E. , Smith‐Woolley Emily , Dale Philip S.
Published: May 2020

This study examines whether, and how, multiple risks in early childhood are associated with an increased likelihood of a poor language or literacy outcome in early adolescence. Using data from 210 participants in the longitudinal Twins Early Developmental Study, we focus on the following risk factors at age 4: family risk, and poor language, speech, emergent literacy and nonverbal skills. The outcomes of interest at age 12 are language, reading fluency and reading comprehension. We contrast a ‘cumulative risk’ model, counting the presence or absence of each risk factor (breadth), with a model that also considers the severity of the early deficits (depth). A ‘cumulative risk index’ correlated modestly but significantly with outcome (r = 0.32–0.40). Odds ratios confirmed that having many risk factors (3–6) confers a higher probability of a poor outcome (OR 7.86–17.71) than having one or two (OR 3.65–7.28). Logistic regression models showed that predictive validity is not improved by including information about the severity of each deficit. Even with rich information on children's risk status at age 4, we can make only a moderately accurate prediction of the likelihood of a language or literacy disorder 8 years later (Area Under the Curve = 0.74–0.84; Positive Predictive Value = 0.33–0.55, Negative Predictive Value = 0.86–0.91). Taken together, and consistent with the idea of ‘cumulative risk’, these results suggest that the breadth of risk is a core predictor of outcome, and furthermore, that the severity of early deficits does not add significantly to this prediction.
Tailored interventions to reduce hospital admissions for individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Yu Menggang , Coller Ryan J , Kind Amy J
Published: May 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Morgan et al. on pages 939–945 of this issue.
Added value of three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in management of mitral paravalvular leaks
Authors: Mahmoud‐Elsayed Hani
Published: May 2020

Prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) is a well‐known serious complication following surgically as well as percutaneously implanted prosthetic valves. It usually happens due to incomplete sealing of the prosthetic ring to the native cardiac tissue whether immediately postoperative or considerably later as a complication of infective endocarditis, etc Surgery has been always the treatment of choice for clinically significant PVLs. However, percutaneous transcatheter closure therapy has become a successful alternative in carefully selected group of patients. Echocardiography is a cornerstone in the initial diagnosis, assessment of the severity and location of the PVL. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the assessment of the feasibility for percutaneous closure and during intra‐procedural guidance. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has the advantage over transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) of not being affected by the acoustic shadow of the mitral prosthesis that usually hides the regurgitation jets and makes TTE evaluation difficult. Three‐dimensional (3D) TEE has been shown to provide better diagnostic accuracy compared to two‐dimensional (2D) TEE as regard to evaluation of PVLs especially in patients with more than one PVL. This is due to better delineation of the location, shape, and size of the PVL and equally important during guiding the transcatheter percutaneous closure.
Labour market discrimination and the macroeconomy
Authors: Asali Muhammad , Gurashvili Rusudan
Published: May 2020

We measure the discriminatory ethnic and gender wage gaps in Georgia. Gender wage discrimination is larger than the ethnic wage discrimination. We use the estimated gaps in a general‐to‐specific vector autoregression framework to test for Granger causality between discrimination and growth, and estimate the long‐run effects of each variable on the other. Granger causality is found to be bidirectional, but it is only the net long‐run effect of discrimination on growth that is a large and highly significant negative effect. In the long‐run, a 10% increase in ethnic (gender) discrimination reduces economic growth by 3%–4% (8%–10%). Additionally, ethnic and gender wage differentials are found to be counter‐cyclical.
The impact of fruit fly gut bacteria on the rearing of the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Authors: Koskinioti Panagiota , Ras Erica , Augustinos Antonios A. , Beukeboom Leo W. , Mathiopoulos Kostas D. , Caceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas
Published: May 2020

Area‐wide integrated pest management strategies against tephritid fruit flies include the release of fruit fly parasitic wasps in the target area. Mass rearing of parasitic wasps is essential for the efficient application of biological control strategies. Enhancement of fruit fly host fitness through manipulation of their gut‐associated symbionts might also enhance the fitness of the produced parasitic wasps and improve the parasitoid rearing system. In the current study, we added three gut bacterial isolates originating from Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and four originating from Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (both Diptera: Tephritidae) to the larval diet of C. capitata and used the bacteria‐fed larvae as hosts for the development of the parasitic wasp Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). We evaluated the effect of the bacteria on wasp life‐history traits and assessed their potential use for the improvement of D. longicaudata rearing. Enterobacter sp. AA26 increased fecundity and parasitism rate and accelerated parasitoid emergence. Providencia sp. AA31 led to faster emergence of both male and female parasitoids, whereas Providencia sp. 22 increased the production of female progeny. Bacillus sp. 139 increased parasitoid fecundity, parasitism rate, and production of female progeny. Serratia sp. 49 accelerated parasitoid emergence for both males and females and increased production of female progeny. Klebsiella oxytoca delayed parasitoid emergence and Enterobacter sp. 23 decreased parasitoid fecundity and parasitism rate. Our findings demonstrate a wide range of effects of fruit fly gut symbionts on parasitoid production and reveal a great potential of bacteria use towards enhancement of parasitic wasp rearing.
Sexual Dimorphism in Stress‐induced Hyperthermia in SNAP25Δ3 mice, a mouse model with disabled Gβγ regulation of the exocytotic fusion apparatus
Authors: Thompson Gray Analisa D. , Simonetti Justice , Adegboye Feyisayo , Jones Carrie K. , Zurawski Zack , Hamm Heidi E.
Published: May 2020

Behavioral assays in the mouse can show marked differences between male and female animals of a given genotype. These differences identified in such preclinical studies may have important clinical implications. We recently made a mouse model with impaired presynaptic inhibition through Gβγ‐SNARE signaling. Here, we examine the role of sexual dimorphism in the severity of the phenotypes of this model, the SNAP25Δ3 mouse. In males, we already reported that SNAP25Δ3 homozygotes demonstrated phenotypes in motor coordination, nociception, spatial memory and stress processing. We now report that while minimal sexually dimorphic effects were observed for the nociceptive, motor or memory phenotypes, large differences were observed in the stress‐induced hyperthermia paradigm, with male SNAP25Δ3 homozygotes exhibiting an increase in body temperature subsequent to handling relative to wild‐type littermates, while no such genotype‐dependent effect was observed in females. This suggests sexually dimorphic mechanisms of Gβγ‐SNARE signaling for stress processing or thermoregulation within the mouse. Second, we examined the effects of heterozygosity with respect to the SNAP25Δ3 mutation. Heterozygote SNAP25Δ3 animals were tested alongside homozygote and wild‐type littermates in all of the aforementioned paradigms and displayed phenotypes similar to wild‐type animals or an intermediate state. From this, we conclude that the SNAP25Δ3 mutation does not behave in an autosomal dominant manner, but rather displays incomplete dominance for many phenotypes.
Soil amendment with sewage sludge‐derived chars increases C‐sequestration potential and provides N and P for plant growth during a second cropping period with Lolium perenne
Authors: Leiva‐Suárez Blanca , Paneque Marina , De la Rosa José María , González‐Pérez José Antonío , Leiva María José , Knicker Heike
Published: May 2020

Hydrothermal carbonization and dry pyrolysis transform sewage sludge (SS) into nitrogen‐ (N) and phosphorus‐ (P) rich hydrochars (Hyd) and pyrochars (Py), respectively, which may act as slow‐release fertilizers with carbon (C) sequestration potential. Whereas this has been mostly studied with short‐term experiments, this study focused on the cycling of char‐derived N, P and C after ageing during a second grass cropping cycle. Lolium perenne was grown for 3 months in pots on soil mixed with 13C and 15N‐enriched SS, Hyd or Py and allowed to age during a first cropping period of 10‐month incubation. The δ15N of the plants confirmed that even during the second cropping, N derived from the amendments was plant accessible. Higher uptake of N from Hyd than from Py is explained by the lower biodegradability of the latter. Plant growth during the second cropping period was associated with a decrease of total P in all treatments, but only the soils with Hyd and Py evidenced an increase of Olsen P. Thus, during the second cropping, more insoluble P was mobilized from the carbonized residues than P needed for plant growth. Compared to control soils prepared with and without KNO3, higher biomass production was yielded with the amended soils. Hyd proved to have the highest longer‐term N mobilization potential. Following the change in δ13C of the soil, we observed that during the second incubation, independently of their aromaticity, all amendments and the native soil organic matter had comparable turnover rates, although the amount of organic matter with slower turnover added with the amendment increased with aromaticity. A rough estimation of the impact of thermal treatment of SS on its C‐sequestration potential revealed no major differences between char types. The higher fertilization capacity of Hyd, however, indicates that it is a good candidate for soil amendment as long‐term fertilization is combined with a long‐term increase of the SOC pool.

Highlights

Medium‐term fertilization and C‐sequestration potential of chars from sewage sludge were tested.

Hydrochar (Hyd) and pyrochar (Py) provide N and P for plant growth during a second cropping period.

Compared to soils with and without KNO3, Hyd and Py increase plant productivity of the second crop.

On a long‐term scale, native SOM, amended SS, its aged Hyd and Py show comparable turnover rates.
Incomplete or failed thrombectomy in acute stroke patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score 0–5 – how harmful is trying?
Authors: Broocks G. , Flottmann F. , Schönfeld M. , Bechstein M. , Aye P. , Kniep H. , Faizy T. D. , McDonough R. , Schön G. , Deb‐Chatterji M. , Thomalla G. , Sporns P. , Fiehler J. , Hanning U. , Kemmling A. , Meyer L.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

It is currently unknown whether mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischaemic stroke patients with low initial Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) is clinically beneficial or even harmful. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether failed or incomplete MT in acute large vessel occlusion stroke with an initial ASPECTS ≤ 5 is associated with worse clinical outcome compared to patients not undergoing MT.

Methods

This observational cohort study included a consecutive sample of patients with anterior circulation stroke and initial ASPECTS ≤ 5 admitted between March 2015 and August 2019. Failed recanalization was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score 0–2a, and incomplete recanalization as TICI 2b. Clinical outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days defining very poor clinical outcome as mRS > 4.

Results

One hundred and seventy patients were included. Ninety‐nine patients underwent MT and 71 patients received best medical treatment only. Clinical outcome after failed or incomplete MT (TICI 0–2b) was significantly better compared to patients with medical treatment only (median mRS 5, interquartile range 4–6 vs 5–6, P = 0.03). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, failed or incomplete MT (TICI 0–2b) showed a significantly reduced likelihood for very poor outcome (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.83, P = 0.01). Failed MT (TICI 0–2a) was not associated with a worse outcome compared to best medical treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with failed or incomplete recanalization results (TICI 0–2b) showed a reduced likelihood for very poor outcome compared with those who did not receive MT. Evidence from randomized trials is needed to confirm that even failed or incomplete MT is not harmful in these patients.
An engaged approach to exploring issues around poverty and mental health: A reflective evaluation of the research process from researchers and community partners involved in the DeStress study
Authors: Thomas Felicity , Hansford Lorraine , Wyatt Katrina , Byng Richard , Coombes Karen , Finch Jenna , Finnerty Kirsty , Ford Joe , Guppy Keith , Guppy Rachel , Hughes Susanne , McCabe Rose , Richardson Hilary , Roche Debbie , Stuteley Hazel
Published: May 2020

Background

Involving patients, service users, carers and members of the public in research has been part of health policy and practice in the UK for the last 15 years. However, low‐income communities tend to remain marginalized from the co‐design and delivery of mental health research, perpetuating the potential for health inequalities. Greater understanding is therefore needed on how to meaningfully engage low‐income communities in mental health research.

Objectives

To explore and articulate whether and how an engaged research approach facilitated knowledge coproduction relating to poverty and mental distress.

Setting

A reflective evaluation of community and researcher engagement in the DeStress study that took place in two low‐income areas of South‐west England.

Design

Reflective evaluation by the authors through on‐going feedback, a focus group and first‐person writing and discussion on experiences of working with the DeStress project, and how knowledge coproduction was influenced by an engaged research approach.

Results

An engaged research approach influenced the process and delivery of the DeStress project, creating a space where community partners felt empowered to coproduce knowledge relating to poverty‐related mental distress, treatment and the training of health professionals that would otherwise have been missed. We examine motivations for involvement, factors sustaining engagement, how coproduction influenced research analysis, findings and dissemination of outputs, and what involvement meant for different stakeholders.

Conclusion

Engaged research supported the coproduction of knowledge in mental health research with low‐income communities which led to multiple impacts.
A smart nanofibre sensor based on anthocyanin/poly‐l‐lactic acid for mutton freshness monitoring
Authors: Sun Wuliang , Liu Yilin , Jia Lu , Saldaña Marleny D. A. , Dong Tungalag , Jin Ye , Sun Wenxiu
Published: May 2020

Food poisoning is a major issue worldwide. However, methods for identifying contaminants in foods are inefficient. Here, a solid dye was designed for mutton freshness monitoring by incorporating blueberry‐derived anthocyanins and degradable poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA). The solid dye was easily processed into ink, soft transparent film and nanofibre film. The nanofibre film prepared by electrostatic spinning (sensor) showed good colour stability at 4–25 °C. As the ammonia concentration increased, the sensor colour changed from pink to light pink and then to colourless. The detection limit was 37 ppm. The sensor could be repeatedly used. Applying the sensor to the detection of mutton freshness, it was found that the sensor colour change was directly related to the quality of mutton. The sensor could effectively monitor mutton freshness in real time and the colour changes were easily distinguished by naked eyes, suggesting its potential in intelligent packaging for freshness monitoring of meat foods.
Medical emergency team training: needs assessment, feedback and learning objectives
Authors: Le Guen Maurice , Costa‐Pinto Rahul
Published: May 2020

Background

There are no published studies assessing learning needs and attitudes prior to attending a medical emergency team (MET) education programme.

Aims

To conduct a learning needs assessment of MET education programme participants to assess what technical and non‐technical skills should be incorporated.

Methods

All participants in a MET education programme over a 12‐month period were invited to complete a self‐administered electronic survey. Participants were ICU team members (intensive care registrars and nurses) and medical registrars. Responses were captured through a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

There were 62 responses out of 112 participants (55% response rate). Most participants either agreed or strongly agreed that MET training was valuable (59 respondents) and should be multidisciplinary (61 respondents). ICU team members were more likely to select ‘Management of End‐of‐Life Care’ (72% compared with only 16% of medical registrars, P < 0.05) as an important learning objective. Non‐technical skills such as ‘Task Management’ (67% compared with 37%, P < 0.05) and ‘Team Communication’ (79% compared with 32%, P < 0.05) were also more likely to be selected by ICU team members. Nursing team members were more likely to select ‘Approach to Common MET Calls’ (100% compared with 50% of medical team members, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

MET education programme participants overwhelmingly feel that training should be multidisciplinary. However, there are disparities between the perceived learning needs of medical and nursing personnel, and between intensive care team members and medical registrars, which may impact on the design and implementation of a multidisciplinary education programme.
Large third‐order optical nonlinearity of chalcogenide glasses within gallium‐tin‐selenium ternary system
Authors: Chen Feifei , Zhang Jiao , Cassagne Christophe , Boudebs Georges
Published: May 2020

We explore the third‐order optical nonlinear properties of arsenic‐ and germanium‐free chalcogenide glasses (ChGs) within a gallium‐tin‐selenium (Ga‐Sn‐Se, GSS) ternary system at wavelength of 1.064 μm in the picosecond region. A classical characterization showing the values of the absorption and the linear index will be given. Then, using D4σ‐Z‐scan technique, both nonlinear refractive index (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) of the GSS ChGs will be measured. A comparison of the results is made with other families of chalcogenide glasses considering the figure of merit calculation. The first results show that GSS system would give better NL performance promising high potential for n2(β)‐based photonic devices performed under clean production and green/sustainable chemistry.
Willingness of Chinese nurses to practice in Hubei combating the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gan Xiaoqing , Shi Zeya , Chair Sek Ying , Cao Xi , Wang Qun
Published: May 2020

Aims

To investigate the willingness of Chinese nurses to practice in Hubei combating the coronavirus disease 2019 and to explore the associated factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Clinical nurses were conveniently recruited by an online link in three provinces out of Hubei, including Hunan (Central south), Chongqing (Southwest) and Xinjiang (Northwest) during 4–10 February 2020. A structured questionnaire was distributed by an online investigation system. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, willingness, possible influencing factors (previous experience, health status, training conditions, perceptions on volunteering to practice in Hubei, family attitude, and insurance) was collected. Binary logistic regression was conducted to explore the association of different factors with the willingness decision of nurses.

Results

A total of 11,183 nurses participated in this survey and a high proportion of them were willing to volunteer to practice in Hubei combating the epidemic. Nurses who were likely to volunteer had the following characteristics: younger, unmarried, members of the Communist Party of China, with senior professional qualification, working in critical care departments, with support from their families, with adequate training and learning, with good health status and low levels of anxiety. The regression model could explain 31.1% of the variances of the willingness decision of nurses.

Conclusions

A high proportion of nurses in China were willing to practice in Hubei during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic. Adequate training and psychological support would facilitate nurses to volunteer during the outbreak of an infectious disease.

Impact

The study identified a high proportion of nurses in China were willing to practice in Hubei combating the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic. The findings will provide valuable references for nurses and decision makers to formulate better plans for increasing nursing workforce during such kind of public health crisis.
A novel lncRNA BADLNCR1 inhibits bovine adipogenesis by repressing GLRX5 expression
Authors: Cai Hanfang , Li Mingxun , Jian Wang , Song Chengchuang , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong
Published: May 2020

Adipogenesis is a complex cellular process, which needs a series of molecular events, including long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA). In the present study, a novel lncRNA named BADLNCR1 was identified as a regulator during bovine adipocyte differentiation, which plays an inhibitory role in lipid droplet formation and adipogenic marker gene expression. CHIPR‐seq data demonstrated a potential competitive binding motif between BADLNCR1 and sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins 1 and 2 (SREBP1/2). Dual‐luciferase reporter assay indicated target relationship between KLF2 and BADLNCR1. Moreover, after the induction of KLF2, the expression of adipogenic gene reduced, while the expression of BADLNCR1 increased. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) showed that BADLNCR1 negatively regulated mRNA expression of GLRX5 gene, a stimulator of genes that promoted formation of lipid droplets and expression of adipogenic genes. GLRX5 could partially reverse the effect of BADLNCR1 in bovine adipocyte differentiation. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay stated that BADLNCR1 significantly reduced the enhancement of C/EBPα on promoter activity of GLRX5 gene. Furthermore, CHIP‐PCR and CHIRP‐PCR confirmed the suppressing effect of BADLNCR1 on binding of C/EBPα to GLRX5 promoter. Collectively, this study revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the negative regulation of BADLNCR1 in bovine adipogenic differentiation.
Prognostic values of YTHDF1 regulated negatively by mir‐3436 in Glioma
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Yuan Bingjian , He Tao , Ding Bingqian , Li Song
Published: May 2020

M6A methylation is likely to be closely associated with the occurrence and development of tumours. In this study, we demonstrated that the transcription levels of the m6A RNA methylation regulators are closely related to the prognosis of glioma. Univariate Cox analysis was performed on the expression levels of methylation regulators and selected three hub genes in glioma. Next, we systematically compared the expression of these m6A RNA methylation regulators in gliomas with different clinicopathological features. The overall survival (OS) curve of the hub genes was initially established based on TCGA database information. YTHDF1 was selected from the hub genes following survival and prognosis analysis. A nomogram was developed to predict the survival probability. We further performed cell function and in vivo xenograft tumour experiments to further verify its role in tumour progression. Next, based on the miRanda and miRDB databases, we predicted one microRNA, hsa‐mir‐346, that might regulate and bind to 3'UTR of YTHDF1, which was confirmed by our fluorescent enzyme reporter gene experiment. In summary, m6A RNA methylation regulators play a potential role in the progression of gliomas. YTHDF1 may have an essential function in glioma diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.