bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal iron concentrations for growth-associated polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis in the marine photosynthetic purple bacteriumRhodovulum sulfidophilum
Authors: Pin Foong Choon , Higuchi-Takeuchi Mieko , Numata Keiji
Published: February 2019

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a group of natural biopolyesters that resemble petroleum-derived plastics in terms of physical properties but are less harmful biologically to the environment and humans. Most of the current PHA producers are heterotrophs, which require expensive feeding materials and thus contribute to the high price of PHAs. Marine photosynthetic bacteria are promising alternative microbial cell factories for cost-effective, carbon neutral and sustainable production of PHAs. In this study,Rhodovulum sulfidophilum, a marine photosynthetic purple nonsulfur bacterium with a high metabolic versatility, was evaluated for cell growth and PHA production under the influence of various media components found in previous studies. We evaluated iron, using ferric citrate, as another essential factor for cell growth and efficient PHA production and confirmed that PHA production inR. sulfidophilumwas growth-associated under microaerobic and photoheterotrophic conditions. In fact, a subtle amount of iron (1 to 2 μM) was sufficient to promote rapid cell growth and biomass accumulation, as well as a high PHA yield during the logarithmic phase. However, an excess amount of iron did not enhance the growth rate or PHA productivity. Thus, we successfully confirmed that an optimum concentration of iron, an essential nutrient, promotes cell growth inR. sulfidophilumand also enhances PHA utilization.
Crystal structure of a 1:1 adduct of triphenyltin chloride with 3-cyclohexhyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one
Authors: Yennawar Hemant P. , Tierney John , Cannon Kevin C.
Published: February 2019

In the centrosymmetric (racemic) title compound, chlorido(3-cyclohexhyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one-κO)triphenyltin(IV), [Sn(C6H5)3Cl(C15H19NOS)], the tin(IV) atom exhibits a trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry with the three phenyl groups in equatorial positions and the chloride anion and ligand oxygen atom present at axial sites [O—Sn—Cl = 175.07 (14)°]. The thiazolidinone ring of the ligand adopts an envelope conformation with the S atom as the flap. The dihedral angles between the heterocycle ring plane (all atoms) are 44.3 (9)° with respect to the pendant C-phenyl plane and 34.3 (11)° to the N-cyclohexyl ring (all atoms). The C-phenyl and N-cyclohexyl ring are close to orthogonal to each other, with a dihedral angle of 81.1 (4)° between them. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds to generate [001] chains.
Crystal structure of [1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolidin-2-ylidene]dichlorido{2-[1-(dimethylamino)ethyl]benzylidene}ruthenium including an unknown solvate
Authors: Polyanskii Kirill B. , Alekseeva Kseniia A. , Kumandin Pavel A. , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Toze Flavien A. A.
Published: February 2019

The title compound, [RuCl2(C21H26N2)(C11H15N)], is an example of a new generation ofN,N-dialkyl metallocomplex ruthenium catalysts with an N→Ru coordination bond as part of a six-membered chelate ring. The Ru atom has an Addison τ parameter of 0.234, which indicates a geometry intermediate between square-based pyramidal and trigonal–bipyramidal. The complex shows the usualtransarrangement of the two chloride ligands, with Ru—Cl bond lengths of 2.3397 (8) and 2.3476 (8) Å, and a Cl—Ru— Cl angle of 157.47 (3)°. The crystal structure features C—H...Cl, C—H...π and π–π stacking interactions. The solvent molecules were found to be highly disordered and their contribution to the scattering was removed with the SQUEEZE procedure inPLATON[Spek (2015).Acta Cryst.C71, 9–18], which indicated a solvent cavity of volume 1096 Å3containing approximately 419 electrons. These solvent molecules are not considered in the given chemical formula and other crystal data.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surfaces analysis of the nickel(II) complex of the Shiff base ligand 6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenol]
Authors: Demir Kanmazalp Sibel , Meral Seher , Dege Necmi , Alaman Agar Aysen , Fritsky Igor O.
Published: February 2019

In the title complex, (6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenol]-κ4
O,N,N′,O′)nickel(II), [Ni(C18H12F6N2O4)], the nickel(II) ion has a square-planar coordination sphere, being ligated by two N and two O atoms of the Schiff base ligand 6,6′-{(1E,1′E)-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis[2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenol] (L). Inversion-related molecules are linked by a short Ni...Ni interaction of 3.2945 (6) Å forming a dimer. In the crystal, the dimers stack up the a axis, with a closest Ni...Ni separation of ca 3.791 Å. There are no other significant intermolecular interactions present. However, the Hirshfeld surface analysis and the two-dimensional fingerprint plots indicate that the packing is dominated by H...F/F...H, H...H, O...H/H...O and C...H/H...C contacts.
CsGa(HAsO4)2, the first Ga representative of the RbAl(HAsO4)2structure type
Authors: Schwendtner Karolina , Kolitsch Uwe
Published: February 2019

The crystal structure of hydrothermally synthesized (T= 493 K, 7 d) caesium gallium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsGa(HAsO4)2, was solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the common RbAl(HAsO4)2structure type (R32) and consists of a basic tetrahedral–octahedral framework topology that houses Cs+cations in its channels. The AsO4tetrahedron is disordered over two positions with site occupancy factors of 0.946 (1) and 0.054 (1). Strong hydrogen bonds strengthen the network. The structure was refined as inversion twin.
Family business governance: what’s wrong? What’s right? What’s next?
Authors: Saleem Irfan , Khalid Faiza , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: February 2019

Learning outcomes

This case study can help the reader to understand how to build an effective board for family business, and why evolving board structure can help family firm to sustain for a longer period in Market. Reader can also learn about role of independent director, CEO's Succession process and ways to deal with duality issue that family owned enterprise may face during a transition from generation X to Y.

Case overview/synopsis

This teaching case study describes various decision-making situations using example of a Pakistani family firm and entrepreneurs who started the business few decades back in France. This partially disguised case is based on actual events. The data are collected based on discussions with family business owners and minutes of meetings. The objective of study is to make sense of the family business theories e.g. socio emotional wealth stakeholder and agency. Case readers can also learn about the family’s business governance practices using diverse scenarios presented in this case.

Complexity academic level

This study is suitable for graduate and undergraduate studies.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.
Use of Basu-Dhar bivariate geometric distribution in the analysis of the reliability of component series systems
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Puziol , Achcar Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new method to estimate the reliability of series system by using a discrete bivariate distribution. This problem is of great interest in industrial and engineering applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors considered the Basu–Dhar bivariate geometric distribution and a Bayesian approach with application to a simulated data set and an engineering data set.

Findings

From the obtained results of this study, the authors observe that the discrete Basu–Dhar bivariate probability distribution could be a good alternative in the analysis of series system structures with accurate inference results for the reliability of the system under a Bayesian approach.

Originality/value

System reliability studies usually assume independent lifetimes for the components (series, parallel or complex system structures) in the estimation of the reliability of the system. This assumption in general is not reasonable in many engineering applications, since it is possible that the presence of some dependence structure between the lifetimes of the components could affect the evaluation of the reliability of the system.
Preliminary study on tuned mass damper utilization to reduce wave-induced vibration of jacket platforms
Authors: Zahra Faridah , Rildova Rildova , Adiyastuti Sri Murti , Falahi Fajrin
Published: February 2019

Purpose

During its operation, vibrations in jacket platform due to high operational and environmental loads could reduce its productivity and endanger its safety. Tuned mass damper (TMD) is one of the vibration control devices commonly used in buildings to reduce their response. Basically, TMD is a device attached to a structure as a mass on properly tuned spring and damping elements. The purpose of this paper is to study the utilization of TMD to reduce the wave-induced vibration of platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the study investigates the optimum TMD parameters to reduce the response of the platform. The effectiveness of the optimized TMD in reducing platform response due to wave load is then analyzed. Finally, the reduced response of the platform is attributed to an extension of platform service life. Cyclic load in the form of vibration is related to cyclic stress on the tubular connections on a jacket platform, which causes fatigue failure. Fatigue performance of a platform is quantified by its fatigue life, which should be at least twice the intended service life.

Findings

It is found that the optimized TMD cannot be achieved by simply adjusting the TMD damping as high as possible. The results show that the response of controlled platforms by properly tuned TMD could be reduced by about 20 percent from the uncontrolled case.

Originality/value

Although vibration of a structure can be reduced by increasing its stiffness, this approach is considered not economical since it increases the cost for material construction. With the falling of oil prices, an optimization of jacket platform structure is considered necessary to reduce its construction cost. TMD can be used as an alternate solution, even though the only recorded utilization of TMD on a jacket platform is known in Sakhalin Platform in Russia. This fact gives a motivation to carry out more studies about TMD application on jacket platform, as this device is already used in numerous of inland structures.
Theoretical and numerical analysis of stress and stress intensity factor in bi-material
Authors: Hamli Benzahar Hamid
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate theoretically and numerically the stress and stress intensity factor (SIF) at the time of propagation of the crack in bi-material. The problem is formulated using two thin materials which are bound by a cracked adhesive at the tip and having a micro-crack in one of these two materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The plane stresses and the SIF will be determined as a function of two parameters (Poisson’s ratio and Shear modulus). The numerical analysis is carried out on a flat element, having a main crack in one of these ends, and a micro-crack varies in the vicinity of this main crack. The problem is analyzed by the finite element method and processed by computational software (ABAQUS).

Findings

The numerical and theoretical analysis allowed the author to determine and compare the values of plane stresses and SIF in each area of the material.

Originality/value

The theoretical analysis of SIF is based mainly on a mathematical calculation of equations of plane stresses; these equations are determined by development of complex analytical functions of bi-materials given by other researchers. Using the numerical method, several models are modeled by changing the micro-crack position relative to the main crack to determine the plane stresses and SIF for each position.
Formation of dairy fouling deposits on food contact surfaces
Authors: Fysun Olga , Kern Heike , Wilke Bernd , Langowski Horst‐Christian
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to compare microbiological, biochemical and physical methods to quantify dairy fouling deposits. The influence of factors affecting dairy fouling formation is investigated by selected methods with respect to material type (polytetrafluoroethylene and stainless steel) and temperature (4 and 20 °C) for a defined time. The factors were investigated using nonmicrobiologically caused and microbiologically caused dairy deposits formed by UHT and pasteurised milk inoculated with Pseudomonas fragi. Both deposit types exhibited different adhesion behaviours. The highest positive correlation coefficient was found between biochemical and microbiological methods (0.932) obtained at both incubation temperatures after 24 and 48 h.
Differential rates of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation in pregnant women in a racially diverse area of London, UK: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gopal Rao G , Hiles S , Bassett P , Lamagni T
Published: February 2019

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation by racial group.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Antenatal clinics in London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.

Population

Pregnant women.

Methods

Group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation status was recorded during a screening programme for the prevention of invasive early‐onset GBS infection. Information regarding age, address, ethnicity, parity, mode of delivery, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes was routinely collected. Data were analysed by multivariable analysis.

Main outcome measures

Association between GBS colonisation and putative risk factors.

Results

Overall, 29.1% (1836/6309) of the women were colonized with GBS. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher colonisation among women of black African origin (39.5%; OR = 1.57) compared with white British women (27.4%), and lowest colonisation in women of South Asian origin (23.3%; OR = 0.8). Higher parity (≥2) was associated with higher colonisation (35.3%), with the odds of colonisation over 40% higher than for nulliparous women. Increasing BMI was associated with an incremental rise in colonisation from 23 to 35%. Colonisation was not associated with age, season or mode of testing.

Conclusion

This study identified high maternal GBS colonisation rates in a racially and socially diverse population. The highest rates were seen in women of black African origin and also with higher parity and BMI. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between these factors and rectovaginal colonisation.

Tweetable abstract

Study of group B streptococcus colonisation in pregnant women in London shows highest rates in black African women and those with high BMI and parity.
Latent Fingermark Aging Patterns (Part IV): Ridge Width as One Indicator of Degradation
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Barrot Feixat Carme , C. Zapico Sara , McGarr Luke , Carreras‐Marin Clara , Tasker Jack , Gené Badia Manel
Published: February 2019

This fourth article of the series is taking an in‐depth analysis at the visible aging of latent fingermarks regarding changes in ridge widths over time. The objective is to quantify and statistically describe significant ridge size variations under controlled indoor conditions. The effect of three environmental variables are examined: type of secretion (sebaceous‐ and eccrine‐rich) and type of substrate (glass and polystyrene) when aged in three light conditions (direct natural light, shade, and dark). Prior to width measurements, fresh and aged fingermarks were powdered with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and sequentially photographed at predetermined times over 6 months. Three independent observers measured the ridges from thirty predetermined locations using strategically placed intersecting lines on the print. Results indicate that fingermarks deposited on glass are more resilient to degradation compared with those deposited on plastic. The presence of direct natural light plays a negligible role on degradation compared to secretion and substrate types.
The ‘iron rice‐bowl’ regime revisited: whither human resource management in Chinese universities?
Authors: Xia Jie , Cherrie Zhu Jiuhua , Fan Di , Zhang Mingqiong Mike
Published: February 2019

Although research on Chinese human resource management (HRM) has attracted considerable scholarly attention in recent decades, such research has mainly been confined within the economic domain of for‐profit companies. There is a dearth of research in the English‐language literature examining how people are managed in the Chinese public sector, especially in higher education institutions. Based on a multiple case study, this paper explores how Chinese universities have reformed their traditional personnel management system, and investigates whether the ‘iron rice bowl’ system has been entirely replaced after three decades of HRM reform. Our findings reveal that employee management in Chinese universities has only partially broken away from its traditional ‘iron rice bowl’ system. China still has a long way to go to establish a modern HRM system in its public sector.
The first chromosome‐level genome for a marine mammal as a resource to study ecology and evolution
Authors: Fan Guangyi , Zhang Yaolei , Liu Xiaochuan , Wang Jiahao , Sun Zeguo , Sun Shuai , Zhang He , Chen Jianwei , Lv Meiqi , Han Kai , Tan Xiaoxuan , Hu Jie , Guan Rui , Fu Yuanyuan , Liu Shanshan , Chen Xi , Xu Qiwu , Qin Yating , Liu Longqi , Bai Jie , Wang Ou , Tang Jingbo , Lu Haorong , Shang Zhouchun , Wang Bo , Hu Guohai , Zhao Xia , Zou Yan , Chen Ao , Gong Meihua , Zhang Wenwei , Lee Simon M.‐Y. , Li Songhai , Liu Junnian , Li Zhen , Lu Yishan , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Sabir Mumdooh J. , Khan Muhummadh , Hajrah Nahid H. , Yin Ye , Kristiansen Karsten , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Xu Xun , Liu Xin
Published: February 2019

Marine mammals are important models for studying convergent evolution and aquatic adaption, and thus reference genomes of marine mammals can provide evolutionary insights. Here, we present the first chromosome‐level marine mammal genome assembly based on the data generated by the BGISEQ‐500 platform, for a stranded female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Using this reference genome, we performed chromosome evolution analysis of the sperm whale, including constructing ancestral chromosomes, identifying chromosome rearrangement events and comparing with cattle chromosomes, which provides a resource for exploring marine mammal adaptation and speciation. We detected a high proportion of long interspersed nuclear elements and expanded gene families, and contraction of major histocompatibility complex region genes which were specific to sperm whale. Using comparisons with sheep and cattle, we analysed positively selected genes to identify gene pathways that may be related to adaptation to the marine environment. Further, we identified possible convergent evolution in aquatic mammals by testing for positively selected genes across three orders of marine mammals. In addition, we used publicly available resequencing data to confirm a rapid decline in global population size in the Pliocene to Pleistocene transition. This study sheds light on the chromosome evolution and genetic mechanisms underpinning sperm whale adaptations, providing valuable resources for future comparative genomics.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Policy Responses to Mass Redundancies: The Case of the Illawarra Region, Australia
Authors: O'Brien Martin , Burrows Scott
Published: February 2019

Regional economies historically reliant on large‐scale manufacturing are particularly susceptible to episodes of mass employee redundancies. This was evident in the case of the Illawarra region in 2011 following the announcement of BlueScope Steel to close one of its two remaining blast furnaces. In common with recent closures of large manufacturers in regional Australia, the Federal Government reacted with policies to help redundant workers obtain reemployment as well as investment attraction strategies to create employment in the region. The research presented here uses a longitudinal and mixed methods approach to analyse the effectiveness of these policies. We uncovered a number of deficiencies in the implementation and evaluation of these policies and offer a number of recommendations with respect to programme flexibility, stakeholder representation and government transparency.
Comparative efficacy and safety of first‐line treatments for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Rui , Hou Xiaoming , Yang Liping , Zhao Da
Published: February 2019

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant type of lung cancer, and most clinically curable patients are diagnosed with locally advanced disease. Although the efficacy of standard platinum‐based chemotherapy doublets is relatively limited. The effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains controversial, and its role in the first‐line treatment of advanced NSCLC is obscure. Thus, we carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of ICIs for advanced NSCLC.

Methods

The PubMed, Cochrane Central Register Trial, and American Society of Clinical Oncology databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2018. We searched for randomized controlled trials comparing single‐agent programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death‐ligand 1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 inhibitor (ipilimumab) with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. Progression‐free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and adverse events were pooled for meta‐analysis by Review Manager (RevMan version 5.3) software.

Results

After exclusion of ineligible studies, 12 eligible randomized controlled trials were included. Data showed that ICIs significantly improved progression‐free survival (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.77, P < 0.00001), overall survival (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.91, P = 0.003), and but not objective response rate (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.25–3.13, P = 0.004) in all unselected NSCLC populations. However, they failed to increase the OS of programmed death‐ligand 1 = 1–49% subgroup (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51–1.19, P = 0.25) and PFS of programmed death‐ligand 1<1% subgroup (HR 0.85; 95%CI 0.70 to 1.03, P=0.09) in ICIs+chemotherapy over chemotherapy. Meanwhile, OS of programmed death‐ligand =1‐49% subgroup (HR 0.92; 95%CI 0.77 to 1.10, P=0.36) and PFS of programmed death‐ligand 1≥50% subgroup (HR 0.76; 95%CI 0.52 to 1.11, P=0.15) showed no significant differences in ICIs over chemotherapy. Furthermore, fewer adverse events were observed in the ICIs groups than control groups.

Conclusion

ICIs are overall better tolerated than chemotherapy. Our results provide further evidence supporting the favorable risk/benefit ratio for ICIs.
Application of indocyanine green fluorescence for precision sublobar resection
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lin Huan , Fu Rui , Zhang Tao , Nie Qiang , Dong Song , Yang Xue‐Ning , Wu Yi‐Long , Zhong Wen‐Zhao
Published: February 2019

Background

Increasing identification of small pulmonary nodules promotes sublobar resection, but localization and surgical margins of non‐palpable pulmonary nodules through sublobar resection are challenging. Our aim was explicate the feasibility of applying indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence to localized nodules, and to carry out surgical resection.

Methods

A total of 46 patients with subpleural pulmonary nodules <3 cm were enrolled, including 35 for wedge resection and 11 for segmentectomy. For wedge resection, patients underwent computed tomography‐guided percutaneous injection of ICG preoperatively. Wedge resection was carried out after confirmation of the fluorescence using fluoroscopy. For segmentectomy, ICG was injected through the peripheral vein during surgery and resection of the segmental plain was carried out. Detailed measurements were taken and information was collected for the whole procedure.

Results

A total of 33 out of 35 patients underwent successful wedge resection using ICG fluorescence. Segmentectomy was successfully carried out for all 11 patients who underwent the procedure. For two patiens, the nodules failed to be localized with unclear fluorescence, and one patient with an undetected nodule was altered to perform lobectomy. For wedge resection, the mean tumor size and depth from the pleural surface were 7.8 ± 0.5 mm and 10.5 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The median time taken for preoperative computed tomography‐guided percutaneous injection was 28 min (range 18–40 min), and 25 min (range 16–30 min) for wedge resection. For segmentectomy, the ICG fluorescence occurred 14 s after injecting ICG through the peripheral vein, and the median duration was 15 min. All surgical margins were negative based on pathological evaluation.

Conclusions

The implementation of ICG fluorescence could provide surgeons carrying out precision sublobar resection with a time‐saving surgical technique with less unnecessary intraoperative damage.
Mixed response to osimertinib and the beneficial effects of additional local therapy
Authors: Shinno Yuki , Goto Yasushi , Sato Jun , Morita Ryo , Matsumoto Yuji , Murakami Shuji , Kanda Shintaro , Horinouchi Hidehito , Fujiwara Yutaka , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: February 2019

Background

Although non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring EGFR mutations initially respond well to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), they typically progress after approximately one year. The EGFR T790M mutation is the most common resistance mechanism. NSCLCs with T790M respond well to osimertinib; however, the heterogeneity of NSCLCs may limit the efficacy. Some patients exhibit a mixed response (MR), in which some lesions shrink and others progress, but little is known of the incidence and characteristics of such a response. We sought to determine the frequency and clinical course in MR patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had received osimertinib for NSCLC with EGFR T790M.

Results

Between April and December 2016, 48 patients were administered osimertinib. Seven patients (15%) exhibited one of two MR types: (i) progressive lesions that did not include the re‐biopsy site (5 patients), and (ii) progressive lesions that included the re‐biopsy site (2 patients). The most frequent progressive sites were liver and lung metastases (4 patients). Three patients continued osimertinib following an MR, one of whom had received local therapy for liver metastasis and achieved disease control on osimertinib for an additional four months.

Conclusion

An MR was detected in 15% of NSCLC patients with T790M. This finding suggests that several different resistance mechanisms are active within a single patient who develops resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. Osimertinib is basically effective for tumors that acquire resistance to EGFR‐TKIs as a result of T790M mutation. Therefore, additional local therapy may be beneficial for patients who develop an MR to osimertinib.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is useful to predict survival outcomes in patients with surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guo Wei , Cai Songhua , Zhang Fan , Shao Fei , Zhang Guochao , Zhou Yang , Zhao Liang , Tan Fengwei , Gao Shugeng , He Jie
Published: February 2019

Background

The systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is correlated with patient survival in various types of solid tumors. However, only a few studies have focused on the prognostic value of the SII in patients with surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

This study was a single center retrospective analysis of 569 NSCLC patients who underwent curative lobectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between 2006 and 2012. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to compare the discriminatory ability of the SII for overall survival (OS). A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The SII, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) all correlated with OS in NSCLC patients, and the SII was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 1.256, 95% confidence interval 1.018–1.551; P = 0.034). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the SII (0.547) was larger than the NLR (0.541) and PLR (0.531). Furthermore, the SII retained prognostic significance in the lung adenocarcinoma subgroup.

Conclusion

The SII is a promising prognostic predictor for patients with surgically resected NSCLC and retained prognostic significance in the lung adenocarcinoma subgroup. The prognostic value of the SII is superior to the NLR and PLR.
Glutamatergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex mediate the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories in mice
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yanagida Junko , Kamii Hironori , Wada Shintaro , Domoto Masaki , Sasase Hitoki , Deyama Satoshi , Takarada Takeshi , Hinoi Eiichi , Sakimura Kenji , Yamanaka Akihiro , Maejima Takashi , Mieda Michihiro , Sakurai Takeshi , Nishitani Naoya , Nagayasu Kazuki , Kaneko Shuji , Minami Masabumi , Kaneda Katsuyuki
Published: February 2019

In drug addiction, environmental stimuli previously associated with cocaine use readily elicit cocaine‐associated memories, which persist long after abstinence and trigger cocaine craving and consumption. Although previous studies suggest that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in the expression of cocaine‐addictive behaviors, it remains unclear whether excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the mPFC are causally related to the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories. To address this issue, we used the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology combined with a cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We suppressed mPFC neuronal activity in a cell‐type– and timing‐dependent manner. C57BL/6J wild‐type mice received bilateral intra‐mPFC infusion of an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expressing inhibitory DREADD (hM4Di) under the control of CaMKII promotor to selectively suppress mPFC pyramidal neurons. GAD67‐Cre mice received bilateral intra‐mPFC infusion of a Cre‐dependent AAV expressing hM4Di to specifically silence GABAergic neurons. Chemogenetic suppression of mPFC pyramidal neurons significantly attenuated both the acquisition and expression of cocaine CPP, while suppression of mPFC GABAergic neurons affected neither the acquisition nor expression of cocaine CPP. Moreover, chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC glutamatergic neurons did not affect the acquisition and expression of lithium chloride‐induced conditioned place aversion. These results suggest that the activation of glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, neurons in the mPFC mediates both the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories.
Sharing economy promotes morality, not impedes it
Authors: Guo Siyuan , Huang Zhonghan , Yuan Yukang , Gao Ding‐Guo
Published: February 2019

Sharing economy (SE) is a rapidly growing economic model which has brought people efficiency and convenience; however, it also provides users the opportunity to misbehave, which has raised public concerns about the moral crisis that it might cause. We examined the effect of SE on individuals’ unethical behaviors through four studies. We found consistently that making people believe that they were using shared goods (Study 1) or priming them with abstract SE mindsets (Studies 2–4) reduced, not facilitated, their subsequent cheating on task performances to gain monetary rewards. Moreover, the effect of SE on cheating was mediated by a sense of connecting to others (Study 4). Thinking of using SE enhanced individuals’ interpersonal closeness, which in turn led to less unethical behavior. However, correlational analyses in Studies 3 and 4 showed that people who cheated more in studies in the laboratory also reported using SE more frequently in real life. Implications of these findings are discussed.
ICSI outcomes using testicular spermatozoa in non‐azoospermic couples with recurrent ICSI failure and no previous live births
Authors: Herrero M. B. , Lusignan M. F. , Son W.‐Y. , Sabbah M. , Buckett W.  , Chan P.
Published: February 2019

Background

The use of testicular over ejaculated spermatozoa for ICSI has been presented as an alternative to overcome infertility in men with poor semen parameters or high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of testicular ICSI outcomes in couples with no previous live birth and recurrent ICSI failure using ejaculated spermatozoa by comparison to the outcomes of couples with similar history of recurrent ICSI using ejaculated spermatozoa only.

Materials and Methods

A total of 145 couples undergoing ejaculated or testicular ICSI cycles with no previous live births and with at least two previous failed ICSI cycles with ejaculated spermatozoa were evaluated retrospectively. ICSI was performed either with ejaculated (E‐ICSI) or with testicular (T‐ICSI) spermatozoa. Semen parameters and sperm DNA quality were assessed prior to the oocyte collection day. Primary outcomes included cumulative live birth and pregnancy rates. Secondary analysis included percentage of DNA fragmentation in ejaculated spermatozoa (SCSA® and TUNEL).

Results

Patients undergoing T‐ICSI (n = 77) had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate/fresh embryo transfer (ET) (27.9%; 17/61) and cumulative live birth rate (23.4%; 15/64) compared to patients using E‐ICSI (n = 68) (clinical pregnancy rate/fresh ET: 10%; 6/60 and cumulative live birth rate: 11.4%; 7/61). Further, T‐ICSI yield significantly better cumulative live birth rates than E‐ICSI for men with high TUNEL (≥36%) (T‐ICSI: 20%; 3/15 vs. E‐ICSI: 0%; 0/7, p < 0.025), high SCSA® (≥25%) scores (T‐ICSI: 21.7%; 5/23 vs. E‐ICSI: 9.1%; 1/11, p < 0.01), or abnormal semen parameters (T‐ICSI: 28%; 7/25 vs. E‐ICSI: 6.7%; 1/15, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The use of testicular spermatozoa for ICSI in non‐azoospermic couples with no previous live births, recurrent ICSI failure, and high sperm DNA fragmentation yields significantly better live birth outcomes than a separate cohort of couples with similar history of ICSI failure entering a new ICSI cycle with ejaculated spermatozoa.
SERVICE QUALITY IN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION IN BRAZIL: A MALMQUIST APPROACH
Authors: MARINHO Alexandre , RESENDE Marcelo
Published: February 2019

The paper undertakes a dynamic analysis for service quality in the electricity distribution in Brazil between 2010 and 2014 based on Malmquist indexes constructed upon Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) distance functions. The motivation for the less usual consideration of efficiency frontiers for service quality, that does not rely on traditional inputs and outputs but rather on quality indicators, builds on previous static applications in the context of telecommunications. The analysis considers undesirable technical indicators for quality as inputs and desirable consumer satisfaction indicators for quality as outputs in the efficiency frontier analysis. The bootstrap‐corrected Malmquist indexes indicated service quality deterioration in 38.1 per cent, quality stagnation in 40.5 per cent and quality improvement only in 21.4 per cent of the cases. When one decomposes the Malmquist index, the evidence does not suggest relevant frontier shifts and indicates a dominant role for the catch‐up effect. Finally, Malmquist indexes are regressed against variables that may portray heterogeneities, such as firm size, service area, density, ownership and regional dummies in terms of a well‐known two‐stage procedure. The mostly weak significance results reinforce the plausibility of the initial analysis.
A structured review of psychiatric rehabilitation for individuals living with severe mental illness within three regions of the Asia‐Pacific: Implications for practice and policy
Authors: Hill Harry , Killaspy Helen , Ramachandran Padmavati , Ng Roger Man Kin , Bulman Nicole , Harvey Carol
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Psychiatric rehabilitation can provide and support recovery‐oriented care by assisting individuals living with severe mental illness to lead full lives. Despite a well‐established evidence‐base, implementation and access to these interventions in clinical practice for people with severe mental illness in the Asia‐Pacific region is low. We therefore aimed to evaluate prominent themes impacting on clinical practice, policy, and the implementation of psychiatric rehabilitation across the Asia‐Pacific region.

Methods

A comprehensive review of relevant literature on psychiatric rehabilitation of three regions within the Asia‐Pacific was conducted using a structured search of PubMed and other databases. Eligible articles were selected which focussed on how psychiatric rehabilitation is defined and implemented across the Asia‐Pacific region, as well as the associated successes and challenges. Common themes were generated.

Results

Six themes emerged: the impact of policy, legislation, and human rights; access difficulties; the important role of family; the significance of culture, religion, and spiritual beliefs; the widespread impact of stigma; and the indigenous models of excellence being developed.

Discussion

Consideration of the six themes and their implications should help raise awareness of the issues involved in the provision of psychiatric rehabilitation in the Asia‐Pacific region and may improve outcomes for people living with severe mental illness. Suggested strategies include: developing a shared understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation; establishing quality legislation that's well implemented; adapting evidence‐based models to develop culturally appropriate services; implementing stigma reduction and empowerment‐based interventions; and, ensuring coordinated action among all stakeholders, combined with effective leadership.
Grazing reduces plant species diversity of Caatinga dry forests in northeastern Brazil
Authors: Schulz Katharina , Guschal Maike , Kowarik Ingo , Silva de Almeida‐Cortez Jarcilene , Valadares de Sá Barreto Sampaio Everardo , Cierjacks Arne
Published: February 2019

Questions

In many arid and semi‐arid regions of the world, livestock husbandry is the main land use and grazing is one of the main challenges for biodiversity conservation. This also applies to the Caatinga, a unique seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. It is considered one of the most threatened ecosystems of Brazil. To protect semi‐arid regions from biodiversity loss, degradation, and desertification, sustainable management practices are urgently needed. However, the effect of different grazing intensities on plant diversity is not yet fully understood. In this study, we examined the effect of different grazing intensities on plant species composition, alpha and beta diversity.

Location

Vicinity of the Itaparica Reservoir, northeastern Brazil.

Methods

We assessed the effects of different grazing intensities (high, intermediate, no/low) on species composition, alpha and beta diversity of the tree and shrub, and the herb layer in a Caatinga area. Plant diversity of the tree and shrub layer was assessed on 45 study plots (each 20 m × 20 m), while the diversity of herbs was studied on a subset of 36 plots (four subplots, each 2 m × 2 m).

Results

In total, we recorded 140 plant taxa including morphospecies. Grazing at high intensities significantly reduced almost all measures of alpha and beta diversity (tree and shrub layer) compared to areas with no or low grazing. In contrast, species composition was not significantly related to grazing but instead to altitude, which serves as an indicator of reduced anthropogenic impact such as slash‐and‐burn agriculture or tree harvesting.

Conclusion

Overall, the study results show that the current livestock management has negative effects on plant diversity in Caatinga ecosystems. These results have been incorporated into guidelines provided to regional stakeholders including recommendations for adapted land‐management practices that protect and foster the biodiversity of dry forests while sustaining local livelihoods.
Ethical classification of ME/CFS in the United Kingdom
Authors: O'Leary Diane
Published: February 2019

Few conditions have sparked as much controversy as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Professional consensus has long suggested that the condition should be classified as psychiatric, while patients and advocacy groups have insisted it is a serious biological disease that requires medical care and research to develop it. This longstanding debate shifted in 2015, when U.S. governmental health authorities fully embraced medical classification and management. Given that some globally respected health authorities now insist that ME/CFS is a serious biological disease, this paper asks whether it can be ethical for the U.K. practice guideline now in development to characterize the condition as a mental health disorder. Following a brief history of ME/CFS controversy, I offer three arguments to show that it would be unethical for the U.K. to now characterize ME/CFS as a mental health condition, considering the relevance of that conclusion for ME/CFS guidelines elsewhere and for other contested conditions.
Phase 2 multicentre study of single‐agent ofatumumab in previously untreated follicular lymphoma: CALGB 50901 (Alliance)
Authors: Rosenbaum Cara A. , Jung Sin‐Ho , Pitcher Brandelyn , Bartlett Nancy L. , Smith Sonali M. , Hsi Eric , Wagner‐Johnston Nina , Thomas Sachdev P. , Leonard John P. , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: February 2019

Rituximab monotherapy has proven efficacy in treatment‐naïve, asymptomatic advanced‐stage follicular lymphoma (FL). Ofatumumab is a fully humanized anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody with increased CD20 affinity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. This phase 2 trial (NCT01190449) evaluated ofatumumab in patients with untreated, low/intermediate‐risk FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI), advanced‐stage FL to determine single‐agent efficacy. Patients with measurable disease in stages III/IV or bulky stage II, regardless of Groupe d'Etude des Lymphomes Folliculaires criteria, received 4 weekly 1000 mg doses followed by four extended induction doses once every 8 weeks. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) to 1000 mg; secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and safety. Fifty‐one patients were enrolled. Fifteen patients were randomized to 500 mg prior to discontinuing that arm for slow accrual. Among 36 patients on the 1000 mg arm, ORR was 84%, median PFS was 1·9 years and median response duration was 23·7 months. All patients remain alive. No grade 4 infusion reactions or grade 3/4 infections occurred. Grade 3 infusion reactions occurred in 25% in the 1000 mg arm only (all first infusion); all but two patients continued on study. Discontinuation was 6% for the total study population. Ofatumumab monotherapy administered by extended induction in untreated, low/intermediate‐risk FLIPI, advanced‐stage FL is well tolerated and active. Activity appears similar to that reported with single‐agent rituximab.
Hydrogen sulfide regulates muscle RING finger‐1 protein S‐sulfhydration at Cys44 to prevent cardiac structural damage in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sun Xiaojiao , Zhao Dechao , Lu Fangping , Peng Shuo , Yu Miao , Liu Ning , Sun Yu , Du Haining , Wang Bingzhu , Chen Jian , Dong Shiyun , Lu Fanghao , Zhang Weihua
Published: February 2019

Background and Purpose

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays important roles as a gasotransmitter in pathologies. Increased expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, muscle RING finger‐1 (MuRF1), may be involved in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here we have investigated whether and how exogenous H2S alleviates cardiac muscle degradation through modifications of MuRF1 S‐sulfhydration in db/db mice.

Experimental Approach

Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were treated with high glucose (40 mM), oleate (100 μM), palmitate (400 μM), and NaHS (100 μM) for 72 hr. MuRF1 was silenced with siRNA technology and mutation at Cys44. Endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, MuRF1 expression, and ubiquitination level were measured. db/db mice were injected with NaHS (39 μmol·kg−1) for 20 weeks. Echocardiography, cardiac ultrastructure, cystathionine‐γ‐lyase, cardiac structure proteins expression, and S‐sulfhydration production were measured.

Key Results

H2S levels and cystathionine‐γ‐lyase protein expression in myocardium were decreased in db/db mice. Exogenous H2S reversed endoplasmic reticulum stress, including impairment of the function of cardiomyocytes and structural damage in db/db mice. Exogenous H2S could suppress the levels of myosin heavy chain 6 and myosin light chain 2 ubiquitination in cardiac tissues of db/db mice, and MuRF1 was modified by S‐sulfhydration, following treatment with exogenous H2S, to reduce the interaction between MuRF1 and myosin heavy chain 6 and myosin light chain 2.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings suggest that H2S regulates MuRF1 S‐sulfhydration at Cys44 to prevent myocardial degradation in the cardiac tissues of db/db mice.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc
Clinical and immunological differences between asymptomatic HDM‐sensitized and HDM‐allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Zidarn Mihaela , Robič Maša , Krivec Anja , Šilar Mira , Resch‐Marat Yvonne , Vrtala Susanne , Kopač Peter , Bajrović Nissera , Valenta Rudolf , Korošec Peter
Published: February 2019

Background

Confirmation of the clinical relevance of sensitisation is important for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

Objective

To investigate the usefulness of an in vitro basophil activation test and component‐resolved diagnosis in distinguishing between symptomatic allergic rhinitis patients and asymptomatic sensitization to house dust mites (HDMs).

Methods

Thirty‐six subjects with a positive skin prick test (SPT) for HDM were divided into a symptomatic (n = 17) and an asymptomatic (n = 19) group on the basis of their clinical history and a nasal provocation test. A basophil CD63 response to in vitro stimulation with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus whole allergen extract and the IgE reactivity profiles for Der p 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 21, 23 were evaluated. Serum IgE and IgG specific to D pteronyssinus whole allergen extract and total IgE were measured.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in the levels of IgE (IgE levels were higher in symptomatic patients with P = 0.055) and IgG specific to D pteronyssinus and total IgE. Symptomatic patients showed a lower threshold for in vitro basophil activation (3.33 ng/mL vs 33.3 ng/mL), a higher area under the curve (AUC) of basophil activation (171 vs 127) (P = 0.017), a higher response to positive control with anti‐FcεRI stimulation (97% vs 79%) (P < 0.001), a recognition of more HDM allergens (4 vs 2) and more frequent sensitization to rDer p 7 (P = 0.016) and rDer p 23 compared to asymptomatic subjects (P = 0.018). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.63; P < 0.001) between the number of recognized allergens and the AUC of basophil activation.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

In the subjects studied, the differences in the basophil response to D pteronyssinus allergen extract, number of recognized HDM allergens and reactivity to rDer p 7 and rDer p 23 distinguish symptomatic from asymptomatic HDM sensitisation better than SPT or allergen extract‐specific IgE. Information regarding the clinical relevance of sensitization is important for the prescription of allergen‐specific immunotherapy.