bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single cell transcriptome analysis defines heterogeneity of the murine pancreatic ductal tree
Authors: Hendley Audrey M. , Rao Arjun A. , Leonhardt Laura , Ashe Sudipta , Smith Jennifer A. , Giacometti Simone , Peng Xianlu L , Jiang Honglin , Berrios David I. , Pawlak Mathias , Li Lucia Y. , Lee Jonghyun , Collisson Eric A. , Anderson Mark , Fragiadakis Gabriela K. , Yeh Jen Jen , Chun Jimmie Ye , Kim Grace E. , Weaver Valerie M. , Hebrok Matthias
Published: October 2020

Lineage tracing using genetically engineered mouse models is an essential tool for investigating cell-fate decisions of progenitor cells and biology of mature cell types, with relevance to physiology and disease progression. To study disease development, an inventory of an organ’s cell types and understanding of physiologic function is paramount. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing to examine heterogeneity of murine pancreatic duct cells, pancreatobiliary cells, and intrapancreatic bile duct cells. We describe an epithelial-mesenchymal transitory axis in our three pancreatic duct subpopulations and identify SPP1 as a regulator of this fate decision as well as human duct cell de-differentiation. Our results further identify functional heterogeneity within pancreatic duct subpopulations by elucidating a role for Geminin in accumulation of DNA damage in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. Our findings implicate diverse functional roles for subpopulations of pancreatic duct cells in maintenance of duct cell identity and disease progression and establish a comprehensive road map of murine pancreatic duct cell, pancreatobiliary cell, and intrapancreatic bile duct cell homeostasis.

SIGNIFICANCE

Murine models are extensively used for pancreatic lineage tracing experiments and investigation of pancreatic disease progression. Here, we describe the transcriptome of murine pancreatic duct cells, intrapancreatic bile duct cells, and pancreatobiliary cells at single cell resolution. Our analysis defines novel heterogeneity within the pancreatic ductal tree and supports the paradigm that more than one population of pancreatic duct cells harbors progenitor capacity. We identify and validate unique functional properties of subpopulations of pancreatic duct cells including an epithelial-mesenchymal transcriptomic axis and roles in chronic pancreatic inflammation.
Demonstration of electron diffraction from membrane protein crystals grown in a lipidic mesophase after lamella preparation by focused ion beam milling at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Polovinkin Vitaly , Khakurel Krishna , Babiak Michal , Angelov Borislav , Schneider Bohdan , Dohnalek Jan , Andreasson Jakob , Hajdu Janos
Published: October 2020

Electron crystallography of sub-micrometre-sized 3D protein crystals has emerged recently as a valuable field of structural biology.In mesocrystallization methods, utilizing lipidic mesophases, particularly lipidic cubic phases (LCPs), can produce high-quality 3D crystals of membrane proteins (MPs). A major step towards realizing 3D electron crystallography of MP crystals, grownin meso, is to demonstrate electron diffraction from such crystals. The first task is to remove the viscous and sticky lipidic matrix that surrounds the crystals without damaging the crystals. Additionally, the crystals have to be thin enough to let electrons traverse them without significant multiple scattering. In the present work, the concept that focused ion beam milling at cryogenic temperatures (cryo-FIB milling) can be used to remove excess host lipidic mesophase matrix is experimentally verified, and then the crystals are thinned to a thickness suitable for electron diffraction. In this study, bacteriorhodopsin (BR) crystals grown in a lipidic cubic mesophase of monoolein were used as a model system. LCP from a part of a hexagon-shaped plate-like BR crystal (∼10 µm in thickness and ∼70 µm in the longest dimension), which was flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen, was milled away with a gallium FIB under cryogenic conditions, and a part of the crystal itself was thinned into a ∼210 nm-thick lamella with the ion beam. The frozen sample was then transferred into an electron cryo-microscope, and a nanovolume of ∼1400 × 1400 × 210 nm of the BR lamella was exposed to 200 kV electrons at a fluence of ∼0.06 e Å−2. The resulting electron diffraction peaks were detected beyond 2.7 Å resolution (with an average peak height to background ratio of >2) by a CMOS-based Ceta 16M camera. The results demonstrate that cryo-FIB milling produces high-quality lamellae from crystals grown in lipidic mesophases and pave the way for 3D electron crystallography on crystals grown or embedded in highly viscous media.
Crystal, molecular structure and Hirshheld surface analysis of 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone
Authors: Aisa Haji Akber , Izotova Lidiya , Karimov Abdurashid , Botirov Erkin , Mamadrahimov Azimjon , Ibragimov Bahtiyar
Published: October 2020

The title compound (systematic name: 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8-tetramethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one), C19H18O7, is a flavone that was isolated from a butanol extract of the herbScutellaria nepetoides M. Pop. The flavone molecule is almost planar, with a dihedral angle between the planes of the benzopyran-4-one group and the attached phenyl ring of 6.4 (4)°. The 5-hydroxy group forms a strong intramolecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group, resulting in a six-membered hydrogen-bonded ring. The crystal structure has triclinic (P\overline{1}) symmetry. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a two dimensional network parallel to theabplane. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (53.9%) and H...O/O...H (20.9%) interactions.
New and novel business paradigms in and from China and India
Authors: Paul Justin , Menzies Jane , Zutshi Ambika , Cai Huifen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and discuss new and novel business paradigms in China and India. In addition, this study examines the new business environment in those countries (2020 onwards) in the context of COVID 19 and explores the challenges and opportunities in the post COVID period.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on content analysis, this study discusses contemporary topics such as innovation, exports, foreign direct investment, technology, social capital, board independence as part of corporate governance and explores novel themes such as consumer behaviour in regard to luxury brands and women entrepreneurship in an emerging country context in this paper.

Findings

It was found that there are several novel paradigms in the context of China and India. A paradigm shift in diplomatic relations has taken place as an aftermath of COVID-19 in the world.

Originality/value

This paper explores most of the unique dimensions of new and novel paradigms in the context of China and India.
Approximated optimal design for a bivariate step-stress accelerated life test with generalized exponential distribution under type-I progressive censoring
Authors: Hakamipour Nooshin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this paper, the author proposed an optimization design for a step-stress accelerated life test (SSALT) with two stress variables for the generalized exponential (GE) distribution under progressive type-I censoring.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, two stress variables were considered. Progressive censoring and accelerated life testing were used to reduce the time and cost of testing. It was assumed that the lifetimes of the test units followed a GE distribution. The effects of changing stress were considered as a cumulative exposure model. A log-linear relationship between the scale parameter of the GE distribution and the stress was proposed. The maximum likelihood estimators and approximate and bootstrap confidence intervals (CIs) for the model parameters were obtained. An optimum test plan was developed using minimization of the asymptotic variance (AV) of the percentile life under the usual operating condition.

Findings

According to the simulation results, the bootstrap CIs of the model parameters gave more accurate results than approximate CIs through the length of CIs. The sensitivity analysis was performed to illustrate the effect of initial estimates on optimal values that has been studied. Simulation results also indicated that the optimal times were not too sensitive to the initial values of parameters; thus, the proposed design was robust.

Originality/value

In most studies, only one accelerating stress variable is used. Sometimes accelerating one stress variable does not yield enough failure data. Thus, two stress variables may be needed for additional acceleration. In this paper, two stress variables are considered. The inclusion of two stress variables in a test design will lead to a better understanding of the effect of two simultaneously operating stress variables. Also, the author assumes that the failure time of the test units follows a GE distribution. It is observed that the GE distribution can be used quite effectively to analyze lifetime data in place of gamma, Weibull and log-normal distributions. Also, most studies in this field have focused on the derivation of optimum test plans. In this paper, the author examined the estimation of model parameters and the optimization of the test design. In this paper, the asymptotic and bootstrap CIs for the model parameters are calculated. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the effect of the changes in the pre-estimated parameters on the optimal hold times. For determining the optimal test plan, due to nonlinearity and complexity of the objective function, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is developed to calculate the optimal hold times. In this method, the research speed is very fast and optimization ability is more.
E-service quality on live streaming platforms: swift guanxi perspective
Authors: Zhang Min , Sun Lin , Qin Fang , Wang G. Alan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In recent years, more and more e-retailers have adopted live streaming services to attract customers. Although the extant literature has mostly examined the motivations for live streaming usage, it remains unclear how to enhance customers’ purchase behaviour. Based on the social exchange theory, in the context of live streaming platforms (LSP), this study aims to investigate the impact of information quality and interaction quality on swift guanxi and customers’ purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an online survey to conduct two rounds of data collection and analyses the data using SPSS and SmartPLS softwares.

Findings

The results show that information quality (believability, usefulness and vividness) and interaction quality (responsiveness, real-time interaction and empathy) are positively related to swift guanxi, which may influence customers’ online purchase intention on LSP.

Originality/value

Prior service quality studies tend to focus on traditional physical stores and e-commerce websites context. This study offers the description of key dimensions of service quality on emerging LSP context. The study also confirms the importance of swift guanxi in an online marketplace.
Business-to-business marketing responses to COVID-19 crisis: a business process perspective
Authors: Kang Jun , Diao Zihe , Zanini Marco Tulio
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify appropriate strategies and actions adopted by business-to-business firms to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of business-to-business marketing responses to the COVID-19 crisis in China was conducted.

Findings

Nine marketing responses built on core business processes were classified into three categories: (1) embedded in product development management process (stretching product lines to meet urgent needs, expanding product lines to meet urgent needs and adjusting products proactively for emerging needs), (2) built on supply chain management process (coordinating suppliers to meet surging demand, migrating to digital distribution channels and solidarity with supply chain members) and (3) related to customer relationship management process (investing in advertising and promotion, cross-selling to existing customers and supporting customers).

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature of marketing responses to COVID-19 by examining the cash flows effects of various marketing responses. It also contributes to the business processes based on marketing strategy framework by extending it to the crisis management context. In addition, it provides five practical suggestions for business-to-business firms to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.
DNA methylation determines the regulation of pregnane X receptor on CYP3A4 expression
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Wei Luman , Yang Jingke , Wang Yiting , Chen Shitong , Yang Kun , Meng Xiangguang , Zhang Lirong
Published: October 2020

The expression and activity of CYP3A4 vary among individuals. With the development of epigenetics, it is now possible to elucidate interindividual differences in drug‐metabolizing enzymes. Here, we aimed to explore the potential relationship between DNA methylation and CYP3A4 expression. We analyzed the effect of a DNA methylation inhibitor, 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine, on pregnane X receptor (PXR) and CYP3A4 expression in HepG2 cells. In addition, pCpGL‐CYP3A4‐promoter and pCpGL‐CYP3A4‐enhancer plus promoter plasmids were constructed, methylated, and transfected. We found that treatment with 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine significantly increased the expression of PXR and CYP3A4 in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. In addition, CYP3A4 expression was significantly enhanced by overexpressing PXR via transfection of pSG5‐PXR plasmids. Methylation of CYP3A4 enhancer inhibited CYP3A4 transcriptional activity mediated through PXR and inhibited the binding of PXR and CYP3A4 promoter. We also observed that when the promoter and enhancer of CYP3A4 were methylated, CYP3A4 expression did not increase after treatment with rifampicin. In conclusion, the investigation demonstrates that DNA methylation of CYP3A4 enhancer significantly inhibits CYP3A4 expression, mediated through PXR, which is not influenced by rifampicin.
Culturing novel and abundant pelagiphages in the ocean
Authors: Zhang Zefeng , Qin Fang , Chen Feng , Chu Xiao , Luo Haiwei , Zhang Rui , Du Sen , Tian Zhen , Zhao Yanlin
Published: October 2020

Viruses play a key role in biogeochemical cycling and host mortality, metabolism, physiology and evolution in the ocean. Viruses that infect the globally abundant SAR11 bacteria (pelagiphages) were reported to be an important component of the marine viral communities. Our current knowledge of pelagiphages is based on a few studies and therefore is limited. In this study, 10 new pelagiphages were isolated and genomically characterized. These pelagiphages represent the first cultivated representatives of four viral lineages only found in metagenomic sequencing datasets previously. Many abundant environmental viral sequences, i.e., single‐virus vSAG 37‐F6 and several Global Ocean Viromes (GOV) viral populations, are now further confirmed with these pelagiphages. Viromic read mapping reveals that these new pelagiphages are globally distributed in the ocean and can be detected throughout the water column. Remarkably, isolation of these pelagiphages contributed up to 12% of all viromic reads annotated in the analysed viromes. Altogether, this study has greatly broadened our understanding of pelagiphages regarding their morphology, genetic diversity, infection strategies, and distribution pattern. The availability of these newly isolated pelagiphages and their genome sequences will allow us to further explore their infectivities and ecological strategies.
Mechanisms of triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Nywening Ashley V. , Rybak Jeffrey M. , Rogers Phillip David , Fortwendel Jarrod R.
Published: October 2020

The ubiquitous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is the primary cause of opportunistic mould infections in humans. Aspergilli disseminate via asexual conidia passively travelling through air currents to germinate within a broad range of environs, wherever suitable nutrients are found. Though the average human inhales hundreds of conidia daily, A. fumigatus invasive infections primarily affect the immunocompromised. At‐risk individuals can develop often fatal invasive disease for which therapeutic options are limited. Regrettably, the global insurgence of isolates resistant to the triazoles, the frontline antifungal class used in medicine and agriculture to control A. fumigatus, is complicating the treatment of patients. Triazole antifungal resistance in A. fumigatus has become recognized as a global, yet poorly comprehended, problem. Due to a multitude of factors, the magnitude of resistant infections and their contribution to treatment outcomes are likely underestimated. Current studies suggest that human drug‐resistant infections can be either environmentally acquired or de novo host selected during patient therapy. While much concerning development of resistance is yet unknown, recent investigations have revealed assorted underlying mechanisms enabling triazole resistance within individual clinical and environmental isolates. This review will provide an overview of triazole resistance as it is currently understood, as well as highlight some of the prominent biological mechanisms associated with clinical and environmental resistance to triazoles in A. fumigatus.
MerF is a novel regulator of deep‐sea Pseudomonas stutzeri flagellum biogenesis and motility
Authors: Zheng Rikuan , Wu Shimei , Sun Chaomin
Published: October 2020

MerF, a proposed bacterial mercury transporter, was surprisingly found to play key roles in the flagellum biogenesis and motility but not mercuric resistance of the deep‐sea bacterium Pseudomonas stutzeri 273 in our previous study. However, the mechanism behind this interesting discovery has not been elucidated. Here, we firstly applied the combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis to the P. stutzeri 273 wild type and merF deletion mutant. The results showed that expressions of extracellular flagellar components and FliS, a key factor controlling the biogenesis of extracellular flagellar filament, were significantly downregulated in the merF deletion mutant. In combination of genetic and biochemical methods, MerF was further demonstrated to regulate the expression of fliS via directly binding to its promoter, which is consistent with the discovery that MerF is essential for bacterial flagellum biogenesis and motility. Importantly, the expression of merF and fliS could be simultaneously upregulated by different heavy metals and MerF homologues exist in both bacterial and archaeal domains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report linking the heavy metal transporter and the flagellum biogenesis and motility in microorganisms, which provides a good model to investigate the unexplored adaptation strategies of deep‐sea microbes against harsh conditions.
Exclusion and hospitality: the subtle dynamics of stigma in healthcare access for people emerging from alcohol and other drug treatment
Authors: Fraser Suzanne , Moore David , Farrugia Adrian , Edwards Michael , Madden Annie
Published: October 2020

This article explores the role of drug use‐related stigma in constraining access to healthcare services. Drawing on interviews with 20 people conducted shortly after leaving an Australian alcohol and other drug withdrawal management unit, the article explores their willingness and ability to access primary care, hospital and further services. It finds repeated descriptions of feeling ignored and shamed during efforts to access care, with some descriptions relating to subtle signs of disapproval or condemnation, and others to being ignored or dismissed. Some accounts additionally emphasise unwelcoming atmospheres, and exclusion by omission of signals of welcome and encouragement. The article goes on to consider, for the first time in this field, contemporary notions of welcome and hospitality as outlined within the cosmopolitanism tradition, asking whether they offer insights into how healthcare may become more accessible for people who regularly experience stigmatisation. In concluding, the article considers the need to think further about forms of exclusion that occur when social and individual histories of stigma are not institutionally recognised, and measures to counter these histories are not actively adopted.
Prediction of stillbirth: an umbrella review of evaluation of prognostic variables
Authors: Townsend R , Sileo FG , Allotey J , Dodds J , Heazell A , Jorgensen L , Kim VB , Magee L , Mol B , Sandall J , Smith GCS , Thilaganathan B , von Dadelszen P , Thangaratinam S , Khalil A
Published: October 2020

Background

Stillbirth accounts for over 2 million deaths a year worldwide and rates remains stubbornly high. Multivariable prediction models may be key to individualised monitoring, intervention or early birth in pregnancy to prevent stillbirth.

Objectives

To collate and evaluate systematic reviews of factors associated with stillbirth in order to identify variables relevant to prediction model development.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase, DARE and Cochrane Library databases and reference lists were searched up to November 2019.

Selection criteria

We included systematic reviews of association of individual variables with stillbirth without language restriction.

Data collection and analysis

Abstract screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR and QUIPS criteria. The evidence supporting association with each variable was graded.

Results

The search identified 1198 citations. Sixty‐nine systematic reviews reporting 64 variables were included. The most frequently reported were maternal age (n = 5), body mass index (n = 6) and maternal diabetes (n = 5). Uterine artery Doppler appeared to have the best performance of any single test for stillbirth. The strongest evidence of association was for nulliparity and pre‐existing hypertension.

Conclusion

We have identified variables relevant to the development of prediction models for stillbirth. Age, parity and prior adverse pregnancy outcomes had a more convincing association than the best performing tests, which were PAPP‐A, PlGF and UtAD. The evidence was limited by high heterogeneity and lack of data on intervention bias.

Tweetable abstract

Review shows key predictors for use in developing models predicting stillbirth include age, prior pregnancy outcome and PAPP‐A, PLGF and Uterine artery Doppler.
A controlled trial of dissemination and implementation of a cardiovascular risk reduction strategy in small primary care practices
Authors: Cykert Samuel , Keyserling Thomas C. , Pignone Michael , DeWalt Darren , Weiner Bryan J. , Trogdon Justin G. , Wroth Thomas , Halladay Jacqueline , Mackey Monique , Fine Jason , In Kim Jung , Cene Crystal
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of dissemination and implementation of an intervention consisting of practice facilitation and a risk‐stratified, population management dashboard on cardiovascular risk reduction for patients at high risk in small, primary care practices.

Study Setting

A total of 219 small primary care practices (≤10 clinicians per site) across North Carolina with primary data collection from electronic health records (EHRs) from the fourth quarter of 2015 through the second quarter of 2018.

Study Design

We performed a stepped‐wedge, stratified, cluster randomized trial of a one‐year intervention consisting of practice facilitation utilizing quality improvement techniques coupled with a cardiovascular dashboard that included lists of risk‐stratified adults, aged 40‐79 years and their unmet treatment opportunities. The primary outcome was change in 10‐Year ASCVD Risk score among all patients with a baseline score ≥10 percent from baseline to 3 months postintervention.

Data Collection/ Extraction Methods

Data extracts were securely transferred from practices on a nightly basis from their EHR to the research team registry.

Principle Findings

ASCVD risk scores were assessed on 437 556 patients and 146 826 had a calculated 10‐year risk ≥10 percent. The mean baseline risk was 23.4 percent (SD ± 12.6 percent). Postintervention, the absolute risk reduction was 6.3 percent (95% CI 6.3, 6.4). Models considering calendar time and stepped‐wedge controls revealed most of the improvement (4.0 of 6.3 percent) was attributable to the intervention and not secular trends. In multivariate analysis, male gender, age >65 years, low‐income (<$40 000), and Black race (P < .001 for all variables) were each associated with greater risk reductions.

Conclusion

A risk‐stratified, population management dashboard combined with practice facilitation led to substantial reductions of 10‐year ASCVD risk for patients at high risk. Similar approaches could lead to effective dissemination and implementation of other new evidence, especially in rural and other under‐resourced practices.

Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov 15‐0479.
Revisited: Effective use of the large body of research on the effectiveness of programs for juvenile offenders and the failure of the model programs approach
Authors: Lipsey Mark W.
Published: October 2020

Elliott et al.'s essay is part of what is now a series of papers in Criminology and Public Policy on contrasting ways that the evidence base on effective interventions with juvenile offenders can be used to improve juvenile justice programming. Their paper has two themes—(a) a defense of the model programs approach as promoted by the Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development evidence‐based program registry, and (b) an attack on the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol scheme for assessing programs for juvenile offenders and the meta‐analysis on which it is based. I address both those themes in this commentary in the context of the broader cross‐disciplinary conversation about ways to apply research evidence to improve the effectiveness of the programs used in actual practice.
Thyroid hormones in diabetes, cancer, and aging
Authors: Gauthier Benoit R. , Sola‐García Alejandro , Cáliz‐Molina María Ángeles , Lorenzo Petra Isabel , Cobo‐Vuilleumier Nadia , Capilla‐González Vivian , Martin‐Montalvo Alejandro
Published: October 2020

Thyroid function is central in the control of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Studies in animal models and human research have determined that thyroid hormones modulate cellular processes relevant for aging and for the majority of age‐related diseases. While several studies have associated mild reductions on thyroid hormone function with exceptional longevity in animals and humans, alterations in thyroid hormones are serious medical conditions associated with unhealthy aging and premature death. Moreover, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been associated with the development of certain types of diabetes and cancers, indicating a great complexity of the molecular mechanisms controlled by thyroid hormones. In this review, we describe the latest findings in thyroid hormone research in the field of aging, diabetes, and cancer, with a special focus on hepatocellular carcinomas. While aging studies indicate that the direct modulation of thyroid hormones is not a viable strategy to promote healthy aging or longevity and the development of thyromimetics is challenging due to inefficacy and potential toxicity, we argue that interventions based on the use of modulators of thyroid hormone function might provide therapeutic benefit in certain types of diabetes and cancers.
Risk of overdose‐related death for people with a history of incarceration
Authors: Gan Wen Qi , Kinner Stuart A. , Nicholls Tonia L. , Xavier Chloé G. , Urbanoski Karen , Greiner Leigh , Buxton Jane A. , Martin Ruth E. , McLeod Katherine E. , Samji Hasina , Nolan Seonaid , Meilleur Louise , Desai Roshni , Sabeti Soha , Slaunwhite Amanda K.
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

Reported associations between previous incarceration and the risk of overdose‐related death are substantially heterogeneous, and previous studies are limited by an inability to control for confounding factors in risk assessment. This study investigated the associations of overdose‐related death with previous incarceration and the number or cumulative duration of previous incarcerations, and individual or neighborhood characteristics that may potentially modify the associations.

Design and setting

A cohort study using a 20% random sample of residents in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

A total of 765 690 people aged 23 years or older at baseline as of 1 January 2015. Mean age was 50 years; 49% were males.

Measurements

Previous incarcerations that occurred during the 5‐year exposure period (January 2010 to December 2014) were identified using provincial incarceration records. Overdose‐related deaths that occurred during the 3‐year follow‐up period (January 2015 to December 2017) were identified using linked administrative health data. Baseline individual and neighborhood characteristics were retrieved from the provincial health insurance data.

Findings

In the cohort, 5743 people had an incarceration history during the exposure period, and 634 people died from drug overdose during the follow‐up period. The mortality rate was 897 and 22 per 100 000 person‐years for people who did and did not have an incarceration history, respectively. After adjusting for baseline individual and neighborhood characteristics (without any interaction term), people who had an incarceration history were 4.04 times (95% confidence interval 3.23–5.06) more likely to die from drug overdose compared with people without an incarceration history. The association was stronger for females, people without diagnoses of substance use disorder and people without dispensation of opioids for pain or benzodiazepines (P < 0.001 for each interaction term). There was no discernible linear trend between the number or cumulative duration of previous incarcerations and the risk of overdose‐related death.

Conclusions

Previous incarceration appears to be a major risk factor for overdose‐related death.
A cross‐sectional magnetic resonance imaging study of factors influencing growth plate closure in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Kvist Ola , Luiza Dallora Ana , Nilsson Ola , Anderberg Peter , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Flodmark Carl‐Erik , Diaz Sandra
Published: October 2020

Aim

To assess growth plate fusion by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate the correlation with sex, age, pubertal development, physical activity and BMI.

Methods

Wrist, knee and ankle of 958 healthy subjects aged 14.0‐21.5 years old were examined using MRI and graded by two radiologists. Correlations of growth plate fusion score with age, pubertal development, physical activity and BMI were assessed.

Results

Complete growth plate fusion occurred in 75%, 85%, 97%, 98%, 98% and 90%, 97%, 95%, 97%, 98% (radius, femur, proximal‐ and distal tibia and calcaneus) in 17‐year‐old females and 19‐year‐old males, respectively. Complete fusion occurs approximately 2 years earlier in girls than in boys. Pubertal development correlated with growth plate fusion score (ρ = 0.514‐0.598 for the different growth plate sites) but regular physical activity did not. BMI also correlated with growth plate fusion (ρ = 0.186‐0.384). Stratified logistic regression showed increased odds ratio (OR F: 2.65‐8.71; M: 1.71‐4.03) for growth plate fusion of obese or overweight subects versus normal‐weight subjects. Inter‐observer agreement was high (Κ = 0.87‐0.94).

Conclusion

Growth plate fusion can be assessed by MRI; occurs in an ascending order, from the foot to the wrist; and is significantly influenced by sex, pubertal development and BMI, but not by physical activity.
Debate: COVID‐19 and school mental health in Pakistan
Authors: Mian Ayesha Irshad , Chachar Aisha Sanober
Published: October 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and the social distancing procedures have caused disruptions to daily activities. The first preventive procedures by the closing of schools will undoubtedly have short‐ and long‐term consequences for the mental health of school students. The movement restrictions, school closures and stay at home during the COVID‐19 pandemic will likely lead to a rise in the rates of domestic violence, loneliness, depression, fear, panic and anxiety, and substance use among school students.
Genetic disorders with central nervous system white matter abnormalities: An update
Authors: Shukla Anju , Kaur Parneet , Narayanan Dhanya Lakshmi , do Rosario Michelle C. , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Girisha Katta Mohan
Published: October 2020

Several genetic disorders have variable degree of central nervous system white matter abnormalities. We retrieved and reviewed 422 genetic conditions with prominent and consistent involvement of white matter from the literature. We herein describe the current definitions, classification systems, clinical spectrum, neuroimaging findings, genomics, and molecular mechanisms of these conditions. Though diagnosis for most of these disorders relies mainly on genomic tests, specifically exome sequencing, we collate several clinical and neuroimaging findings still relevant in diagnosis of clinically recognizable disorders. We also review the current understanding of pathophysiology and therapeutics of these disorders.
Importance of species translocations under rapid climate change
Authors: Butt Nathalie , Chauvenet Alienor L.M. , Adams Vanessa M. , Beger Maria , Gallagher Rachael V. , Shanahan Danielle F. , Ward Michelle , Watson James E.M. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: October 2020

Species that cannot adapt or keep pace with a changing climate are likely to need human intervention to shift to more suitable climates. While hundreds of articles mention using translocation as a climate‐change adaptation tool, in practice, assisted migration as a conservation action remains rare, especially for animals. This is likely due to concern over introducing species to places where they may become invasive. However, there are other barriers to consider, such as time‐frame mismatch, sociopolitical, knowledge and uncertainty barriers to conservationists adopting assisted migration as a go‐to strategy. We recommend the following to advance assisted migration as a conservation tool: attempt assisted migrations at small scales, translocate species with little invasion risk, adopt robust monitoring protocols that trigger an active response, and promote political and public support.
Thirty years of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Brown Steven R. , Shorthouse Andrew J. , Finan Paul J. ,   the Executive of ACPGBI
Published: October 2020

This is a summary of the history of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland from its inception in the late 1980s to the present day.
How pastoralists weight future environmental benefits when managing natural resources
Authors: Hyman Amanda A. , Gaoue Orou G. , Tamou Charles , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: October 2020

Natural resource management involves balancing benefits and costs that accrue through time. How individuals and local communities weight such tradeoffs can profoundly influence how they use and conserve resources. Our goal was to understand time preferences of future benefits for goods that are relevant for developing effective conservation strategies. We surveyed >500 Fulani in Benin about their time preferences regarding financial, ecological, and agricultural goods, summarizing these in the form of discount rates. In a discrete‐time, constant annual form, our results were much higher (median: 150%) than values often discussed in literature. These discount rates declined through time; people valued the future more than would be assumed based on constant discounting. Discount rates were higher for financial goods than ecological or agricultural goods. We illustrate how our estimates of discount rates change recommendations for optimal management of forest resource harvesting in the tropics. While members of this grazing community discount future benefits at a high rate, they do so in ways that contrast with conventional economic theory and favor long‐term use of nontimber forest products.
Comparing outcomes for infiltrative and restrictive cardiomyopathies under the new heart transplant allocation system
Authors: Griffin Jan M. , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Rosenblum Hannah , Topkara Veli K. , Fried Justin A. , Uriel Nir , Takeda Koji , Farr Maryjane A. , Maurer Mathew S. , Clerkin Kevin J.
Published: October 2020

The new heart transplantation (HT) allocation policy was introduced on 10/18/2018. Using the UNOS registry, we examined early outcomes following HT for restrictive cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac sarcoidosis, or cardiac amyloidosis compared to the old system. Those listed who had an event (transplant, death, or waitlist removal) prior to 10/17/2018 were in Era 1, and those listed on or after 10/18/2018 were in Era 2. The primary endpoint was death on the waitlist or delisting due to clinical deterioration. A total of 1232 HT candidates were included, 855 (69.4%) in Era 1 and 377 (30.6%) in Era 2. In Era 2, there was a significant increase in the use of temporary mechanical circulatory support and a reduction in the primary endpoint, (20.9 events per 100 PY (Era 1) vs. 18.6 events per 100 PY (Era 2), OR 1.98, p = .005). Median waitlist time decreased (91 vs. 58 days, p < .001), and transplantation rate increased (119.0 to 204.7 transplants/100 PY for Era 1 vs Era 2). Under the new policy, there has been a decrease in waitlist time and waitlist mortality/delisting due to clinical deterioration, and an increase in transplantation rates for patients with infiltrative, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathies without any effect on post‐transplant 6‐month survival.
Liquid Biopsy of Bile based on Targeted Mass Spectrometry for the Diagnosis of Malignant Biliary Strictures
Authors: Adrait Annie , Dumonceau Jean‐Marc , Delhaye Myriam , Annessi‐Ramseyer Isabelle , Frossard Jean‐Louis , Couté Yohann , Farina Annarita
Published: October 2020

Bile holds biomarkers of malignant biliary strictures (MBS) but is unsuited for automated analyzers used in routine diagnostic laboratories. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) is a flexible high‐throughput analytical approach based on targeted mass spectrometry (MS) already implemented in clinical settings. We tested the hypothesis that SRM could be used to quantify cancer biomarkers in human bile. An SRM‐based assay was developed to simultaneously quantify up to 37 peptides from 13 bile proteins in a developmental cohort of 15 patients (MBS, n = 8; benign biliary stricture or obstruction (BBS), n = 7). The most reliable biomarkers were then absolutely quantified by SRM in a verification cohort of 67 patients (MBS, n = 37; BBS, n = 30). The diagnostic performances of single and combined biomarkers were assessed. In the developmental cohort, SRM‐based analysis revealed six protein biomarkers with significantly higher peptide ratios (endogenous vs. standard) in bile from MBS vs. BBS. In the verification cohort, five of these biomarkers proved good diagnostic ability (individual receiver operating characteristic‐area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) up to 0.889, accuracies from 67.8% to 83.1%). Combining bile biomarkers and serum CA19‐9 in 2 panels allowed differentiating MBS from BBS with up to 0.929 ROC‐AUC and 89.8% accuracy. In this study, a newly developed SRM‐based assay proved able to simultaneously quantify multiple biomarkers in bile samples. The combination of bile biomarkers with serum CA19‐9 was highly accurate for the diagnosis of MBS. Liquid biopsy of bile based on targeted MS is eligible to support MBS diagnosis in clinical practice.
Prolactin, a potential biomarker for chronic GVHD activity
Authors: Salas Maria Queralt , Ezzat Shereen , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun Datt , Pasic Ivan , Michelis Fotios V. , Kim Dennis Dong Hwan , Gerbitz Armin , Al‐Shaibani Zeyad , Viswabandya Auro , Kumar Rajat , Mattsson Jonas , Lipton Jeffrey Howard
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The polypeptide prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone and a cytokine mostly secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. PRL is also synthesized in extra pituitary tissues including thymocytes and T lymphocytes. Considering the need for chronic GVHD (cGVHD) biomarkers, we explored the relationship between hyperprolactinemia and active cGVHD in a cohort of long‐term post‐alloHCT survivors.

Methods

Three‐hundred sixteen adults underwent alloHCT between 2010 and 2016, survived more than 1 year and were included. All patients underwent a regular annual assessment that includes a hormone profile with serum PRL levels.

Results

Overall, 236 (74.7%) patients had cGVHD, and in 199 (63%), the grade was moderate or severe. Sixty‐five (21%) recipients had active cGVHD at the time of the annual evaluation, and hyperprolactinemia was documented in 63 (19.9%) patients. Hyperprolactinemia correlated with cGVHD activity (Odds Ratio 6.9 (95% CI; 3.6‐13.1); P < .001) in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, patients with hyperprolactinemia were 6.4 times more likely to have active cGVHD in comparison with those patients with normal levels of PRL (P < .001).

Conclusion

Prolactin may serve as a biomarker for cGVHD activity. Further studies are required to confirm these findings, and to explore if hyperprolactinemia has an impact on cGVHD severity and prognosis.
Environmental effects on the covariation among pace‐of‐life traits
Authors: Hämäläinen Anni M. , Guenther Anja , Patrick Samantha C. , Schuett Wiebke
Published: October 2020

Pace‐of‐life syndromes (POLSs) are suites of life‐history, physiological and behavioural traits that arise due to trade‐offs between allocation to current and future reproduction. Traits generally show covariation that can arise from genetic and environmental influences on phenotypes and constrain the independent evolution of traits, resulting in fitness consequences and impacts on population dynamics. The notion that correlations among traits may vary among populations along environmental gradients suggests an important role for the environment in shaping and maintaining POLSs. However, no synthesis has been attempted of the myriad ways in which environmental factors should influence POLSs. Here, we formulate a series of hypotheses targeting the critical interfaces of the environment and life‐history ‐ behaviour associations across different organisms. We discuss the hypotheses in light of findings from a systematic review of studies that measured changes in the association between behaviour and life‐history traits as a function of environmental conditions. The review revealed that POLSs are often shaped by environmental variation, where harshness of the environment in early life has the most consistent effects on POLS. However, only partial or no effects of environmental variation were found in a number of studies, which may result from the highly variable study systems, traits and environments studied. We highlight promising directions arising from the available studies and identify knowledge gaps that, if unaddressed, will impede progress in the field.
COVID‐19 and the immediate impact on young people and employment in Australia: A gendered analysis
Authors: Churchill Brendan
Published: October 2020

Young people have been regarded as “not at risk” of coronavirus, but what about the economic impact of social distancing and “lockdowns” arising from the pandemic? How have young women fared in comparison to young men? To address these questions, this study draws upon data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, comparing young men and women and their older counterparts. The study also uses the Global Financial Crisis as a reference point to compare the immediate impact of COVID‐19 on young people. Results suggest that young people have been significantly impacted by COVID‐19 compared to older Australians. Young women in particular are being exposed to the economic fallout, especially those women in their 20s, wanting more work and more hours. COVID‐19 threatens to erode some of the gains women have made in recent decades in terms of participation unless governments act to provide opportunities and support for young women.
Suitability of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) combining with back propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) to predict printability of polysaccharide hydrogels 3D printing
Authors: Guo Chaofan , Zhang Min , Chen Huizhi
Published: October 2020

The water state of polysaccharide hydrogel is closely related to its rheological properties, which is the critical parameter determining the printability of 3D printing. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) results showed that T23 (free water) values of polysaccharide hydrogels gradually decreased with increasing concentration, while the viscosity values exhibited a opposite trend. As concentration increased, the printed objects gradually changed from the fluid, which cannot form a shape, to a stable shape and then to a hydrogel of low fluidity that cannot print normally. Hydrogels became hard to extrude smoothly at the piston pressure higher than 428716 Pa. Back propagation artificial neural network (BP‐ANN) nonlinear models established by taking the fingerprint LF‐NMR signal as input variables yielded good predicting ability of the piston pressure values (R2adj = 0.982) and printing scores (R2adj = 0.988). The BP‐ANN model based on LF‐NMR might be a promising approach to quickly predict the 3D printability of polysaccharide hydrogels.
Covered bonds, loan growth and bank funding: The Swiss experience since 1932
Authors: Meuli Jonas , Nellen Thomas , Nitschka Thomas
Published: October 2020

The global financial crisis triggered discussions about what factors constitute a stable mortgage finance system. This paper contributes to these discussions by empirically analysing the Swiss mortgage finance system from a macroeconomic and banking sector balance sheet perspective. Our analysis is based on a novel and near‐comprehensive data set of mortgage bond (Swiss Pfandbrief) issuances over the sample period from 1932 to 2014. The empirical results suggest that growth in the volume of the Swiss Pfandbrief does not induce more loan growth than expected given the state of the economy and that compared with other bank refinancing activities, the Swiss Pfandbrief provides a stabilising source of funding.