bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-opening schools in a context of low COVID-19 contagion: Consequences for teachers, students and their parents*
Authors: Godøy Anna , Grøtting Maja Weemes , Hart Rannveig Kaldager
Published: March 2021

To balance children’s right to schooling with contagion management, knowing how school re-openings affect the spread of COVID-19 is crucial. This paper considers effects on testing and positive tests for COVID-19 of re-opening Norwegian schools after a six-week closure to reduce contagion. We estimate the effect of school reopening for teachers, parents and students using an event study/difference-in-differences design with comparison groups with minimal exposure to in-person schooling. We find no evidence that incidence increased following re-opening for either students, parents, or teachers pooled across grade levels. We find some suggestive evidence that infection rates among upper secondary school teachers increased; however, the effects are small and transitory. At low levels of contagion, schools can safely be re-opened when other social distancing policies remain in place.
Thrifty energy phenotype predicts weight regain - results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Spranger Leonard , Bredow Josephine , Zeitz Ulrike , Grittner Ulrike , Boschmann Michael , Dickmann Sophia , Stobäus Nicole , Jumpertz-von Schwartzenberg Reiner , Spranger Joachim , Mai Knut
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims

Weight loss is associated with an improvement of insulin sensitivity. Both, a negative energy balance and changes of body composition are integrative components of weight loss interventions. However, the individual impact of these two components on insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism is unclear.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled trial including 80 overweight or obese post-menopausal women. Participants randomly assigned to the intervention group underwent an 800 kcal/d liquid diet for 2 months followed by four weeks in which the formula diet was substituted by a calorie reduced healthy diet to facilitate further weight loss. This weight loss phase was followed by a 4-week weight maintenance phase, where weight stability was achieved by individualized daily caloric intake without negative energy balance. Volunteers of the control group were instructed to keep their weight stable during the entire period of 4 months. Metabolic phenotyping was performed in both groups at baseline (M0), after weight loss (M3) and after the maintenance period (M4). Additional phenotyping was performed during follow-up at 12 (M12) and 24 months (M24). Primary outcomes were changes of lean body mass (LBM) and changes of insulin sensitivity (ISIClamp) between baseline and M3 and M4. Estimates of energy metabolism were secondary endpoints.

Results

No significant changes of body weight or LBM were found in the control group between any time points. A significant reduction of body weight, fat mass (FM) and LBM was found in the intervention group between M0 and M3, while no further change was seen between M3 and M4. Only subjects of the intervention group were characterized by an improvement of the second primary outcome ISIClamp at M3, which was preserved until M4. Notably, a lower resting energy expenditure per LBM (REELBM) at M3 as well as the individual difference of REELBM between M3 and M4 significantly predicted a stronger regain of fat mass during follow-up.

Conclusions

In summary, our data demonstrate that modulation of LBM and insulin sensitivity during weight loss is predominantly driven by changes in body weight and body composition, rather than an individual effect of negative energy balance. However, the variance in energy expenditure during negative and steady energy balance indicates a thrifty phenotype, which is highly susceptible to future regain of fat mass.
DrugComb update: a more comprehensive drug sensitivity data repository and analysis portal
Authors: Zheng Shuyu , Aldahdooh Jehad , Shadbahr Tolou , Wang Yinyin , Aldahdooh Dalal , Bao Jie , Wang Wenyu , Tang Jing
Published: March 2021

Combinatorial therapies that target multiple pathways have shown great promises for treating complex diseases. DrugComb (https://drugcomb.org/) is a web-based portal for the deposition and analysis of drug combination screening datasets. Since its first release, DrugComb has received continuous updates on the coverage of data resources, as well as on the functionality of the web server to improve the analysis, visualization and interpretation of drug combination screens. Here we report significant updates of DrugComb, including: 1) manual curation and harmonization of more comprehensive drug combination and monotherapy screening data, not only for cancers but also for other diseases such as malaria and COVID-19; 2) enhanced algorithms for assessing the sensitivity and synergy of drug combinations; 3) network modelling tools to visualize the mechanisms of action of drugs or drug combinations for a given cancer sample; and 4) state-of-the-art machine learning models to predict drug combination sensitivity and synergy. These improvements have been provided with more user-friendly graphical interface and faster database infrastructure, which make DrugComb the most comprehensive web-based resources for the study of drug sensitivities for multiple diseases.
Effective spatio-temporal regimes for wound treatment by way of macrophage polarization: A mathematical model
Authors: Xue Jiahao , Zlobina Ksenia , Gomez Marcella
Published: March 2021

Wound healing consists of a sequence of biological processes often grouped into different stages. Interventions applied to accelerate normal wound healing must take into consideration timing with respect to wound healing stages in order to maximize treatment effectiveness. Macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 represents a transition from the inflammatory to proliferation stage of wound healing. Accelerating this transition may be an effective way to accelerate wound healing; however, it must be induced at the appropriate time. We search for an optimal spatio-temporal regime to apply wound healing treatment in a mathematical model of wound healing. In this work we show that to maximize effectiveness, treatment must not be applied too early or too late. We also show that effective spatial distribution of treatment depends on the heterogenity of the wound surface. In conclusion, this research provides a possible optimal regime of therapy that focuses on macrophage activity and a hypothesis of treatment outcome to be tested experimentally in future. Finding best regimes for treatment application is a first step towards development of intelligent algorithms of wound treatment that minimize healing time.
Identification of a new, Rab14-dependent, endo-lysosomal pathway
Authors: Trofimenko Evgeniya , Homma Yuta , Fukuda Mitsunori , Widmann Christian
Published: March 2021

Cells can endocytose material from the surrounding environment. Endocytosis and endosome dynamics are controlled by proteins of the small GTPase Rab family. Several endocytosis pathways have been described (e.g. clathrin-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, CLIC/GEEC pathway). Besides possible recycling routes to the plasma membrane and various organelles, these pathways all appear to funnel the endocytosed material to Rab5-positive early endosomes that then mature into Rab7-positive late endosomes/lysosomes. By studying the uptake of a series of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) used in research and clinic, we have discovered a second endocytic pathway that moves material to late endosomes/lysosomes and that is fully independent of Rab5 and Rab7 but requires the Rab14 protein. This newly identified pathway differs from the conventional Rab5-dependent endocytosis at the stage of vesicle formation already and is not affected by a series of compounds that inhibit the Rab5-dependent pathway. The Rab14-dependent pathway is also used by physiological cationic molecules such as polyamines and homeodomains found in homeoproteins. Rab14 is expressed by the last eukaryotic common ancestor. The Rab14-dependent pathway may therefore correspond to a primordial endosomal pathway taken by cationic cargos.
A multi-data based quantitative model for the neurovascular coupling in the brain
Authors: Sten Sebastian , Podéus Henrik , Sundqvist Nicolas , Elinder Fredrik , Engström Maria , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: March 2021

The neurovascular coupling (NVC) forms the foundation for functional imaging techniques of the brain, since NVC connects neural activity with observable hemodynamic changes. Many aspects of the NVC have been studied both experimentally and with mathematical models: various combinations of blood volume and flow, electrical activity, oxygen saturation measures, blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response, and optogenetics have been measured and modeled in rodents, primates, or humans. We now present a first inter-connected mathematical model that describes all such data types simultaneously. The model can predict independent validation data not used for training. Using simulations, we show for example how complex bimodal behaviors appear upon stimulation. These simulations thus demonstrate how our new quantitative model, incorporating most of the core aspects of the NVC, can be used to mechanistically explain each of its constituent datasets.
Structure of lithium tellurite and vanadium lithium tellurite glasses by high-energy X-ray and neutron diffraction
Authors: Hirdesh  , Khanna Atul , Fábián Margit , Dippel Ann-Christin , Gotowski Olof
Published: March 2021

xLi2O–(100 − x)TeO2 (x = 20 and 25 mol%) and xV2O5–(25 − x)Li2O–75TeO2 (x = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mol%) glasses were prepared by melt-quenching and their thermal and structural properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, high-energy X-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulations. The glass transition temperature increases steadily with an increase in V2O5 mol% in lithium tellurite glasses due to an increase in the average single bond energy of the glass network. The X-ray and neutron diffraction structure factors were modelled by RMC technique and the Te–O distributions show the first peak in the range 1.85–1.90 Å, with V–O = 1.75–1.95 Å, Li–O = 1.85–2.15 Å and O–O = 2.70–2.80 Å. The average Te–O coordination number decreases with an increase in Li2O mol% in lithium tellurite glasses, and the V—O coordination decreases from 5.12 to 3.81 with an increase in V2O5 concentration in vanadium lithium tellurite glasses. The O–Te–O, O–V–O, O–Li–O and O–O–O linkages have maxima in the ranges 86°–89°, 82°–87°, 80°–85° and at 59o, respectively. The structural analysis of tellurite glasses reveal significant short-range and medium-range disorder due to the existence of a wide range of Te–O and Te–Te distances in the first coordination shell.
Autistic voices from the workplace
Authors: Cooper Ross , Kennady Craig
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give autistic employees a voice, evaluate their work-based experiences and to disseminate the relevant recommendations of the Westminster AchieveAbility Commission report.

Design/methodology/approach

These experiences were identified through a questionnaire answered by 600 neurodivergent employees, including 95 autistic respondents. This allowed us to compare experiences across neurodivergent categories.

Findings

The overwhelmingly negative work-place experience is consistent at every stage unless managers had a good understanding of neurodivergence. This deteriorated further the more categories of neurodivergence identified with, and minority ethnicity. Few reasonable adjustments were made. Psychometric tests are experienced as disabling. No statistically significant differences were found between genders.

Research limitations/implications

The target group are not representative of the wider autistic population and the sample is relatively small. Further research could look at how managers come to understand neurodivergence, the utilisation of reasonable adjustments and how to promote neurodivergence awareness.

Practical implications

There need to be wholesale changes in recruitment and reasonable adjustments in the workplace, which will require substantial changes in attitudes.

Social implications

The experience of neurodivergent people in the work-place, including autistic employees, was more consistently negative than expected. It was difficult to find any autistic employees without disabling experiences. This paper hopes this will alert wider society to the issues and may serve to support more solidarity amongst neurodivergent people in relation to employment. The findings have already influenced The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Originality/value

There is very little detailed research focussed on the work-place experience and voices of autistic employees and less research that considers the implications of neurodivergent overlaps in the workplace.
Change of autism narrative is required to improve employment of autistic people
Authors: Djela Marie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify common barriers to employment of autistic people and reasonable adjustments that address those barriers; to define autistic strengths and see how the prevailing narrative of autism is affecting employment.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative review of an online consultation amongst a group of 34 autistic adults that took place during April–October 2019. It includes anecdotal accounts and reviews of the themes contained therein.

Findings

Key barriers are, namely, deficit narrative of autism; misunderstandings and prejudices amongst senior management and work colleagues; bullying and peer pressure to isolate the autistic employee, leading to anxiety and mental health breakdown in absence of social support; managers making discriminatory choices believing it is the right business decision; the discriminatory nature of provisions, criteria and practices, failing to recognise strengths. Rather than imposing the manner of work, reasonable adjustments should be made to enable the autistic employee to function in his autistic way, achieving results.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative nature; small self-selecting sample online; functioning and diagnosis not verified, themes derived subjectively.

Practical implications

The need to change the deficit narrative and redefine autistic strengths by autistic people themselves, to legitimise and normalise autistic way of functioning and adjust the managerial provisions, criteria and practices accordingly. Coaching autistic leaders to be the public role models would also help.

Originality/value

Identifying barriers and reasonable adjustments, from the perspective of lived experience. A new framework of assessing autistic competence and suitability for employment is proposed.
The impact of Logistics 4.0 on corporate sustainability: a performance assessment of automated warehouse operations
Authors: Nantee Natnaree , Sureeyatanapas Panitas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impacts of Logistics 4.0 initiatives (focusing on automated warehousing systems) on the economic, environmental and social dimensions of firms' sustainability performance. To achieve this objective, a new framework for the assessment of sustainable warehousing in the 4.0 era is developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework, developed via the item-objective congruence index, Q-sort method and interviews with experts, is employed to assess performance changes through management interviews in two warehousing companies after the implementation of automation technologies.

Findings

Most aspects of both companies' sustainability performance are considerably improved (e.g. productivity, accuracy, air emission, worker safety and supply chain visibility); however, the outcome for some criteria might be worsened or improved depending on each company's solutions and strategies (e.g. increasing electricity bills, maintenance costs and job losses).

Practical implications

The findings provide insight into the effective implementation of warehousing technologies. The proposed framework is also a valid and reliable instrument for sustainability assessment for warehousing operators, which companies can utilise for self-assessment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to establishing a body of literature that explores the previously unclarified effects of Logistics 4.0 on firms' sustainability performance. The proposed framework, which captures critical concerns of corporate sustainability and technological adaptation, is also the first of its kind for warehouse performance assessment.
Outcomes of the sport event volunteer experience: examining demonstration effects on first-time and returning volunteers
Authors: Bakhsh Jordan T. , Lachance Erik L. , Thompson Ashley , Parent Milena M.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine if sport event volunteers were inspired by their event experience to volunteer in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A postevent questionnaire was administered to 161 professional golf tournament volunteers, in which 93 respondents were identified as first-time volunteers of the event and 68 as returning volunteers. A moderation analysis was conducted to assess if previous event-specific volunteer experience moderated the relationship between volunteers' inspiration and future volunteer intentions.

Findings

First-time event-specific volunteers were significantly more inspired to volunteer again than returning event-specific volunteers. Findings indicate volunteers can be inspired from their event experience toward future volunteer intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers conceptual understandings and new application of inspiration–behavioral intentions by examining sport events' (in)ability to inspire first-time and returning event volunteers to volunteer in the future. Findings are limited to the sport event volunteers' intention discussion.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how event stakeholders can create positive future behavioral intentions for community members through hosting sport events. By positioning first-time event-specific volunteers within roles that can elicit inspiration (e.g. interacting with athletes), event managers can foster stronger future volunteer intentions.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of demonstration effects by moving beyond the traditional sport event spectators and sport participation intention foci. It demonstrates that sport events can inspire different spectator groups (i.e. event volunteers) toward different future behavioral intentions (i.e. volunteer intentions). Findings address previous sport event volunteer assumptions regarding intention, inspiration and volunteer segments.
The challenge of remanufactured products: the role of returns policy and channel structure to reduce consumers' perceived risk
Authors: Confente Ilenia , Russo Ivan , Peinkofer Simone , Frankel Robert
Published: March 2021

Purpose

While remanufactured products represent an increasingly researched phenomenon in the literature, not much is known about consumers' understanding and acceptance of such products. This study explores this issue in the context of the theory of perceived risk (TPR), investigating return policy leniency and distribution channel choice as potential factors to foster remanufactured products' sales.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes an experimental design composed of a pre-test and a scenario-based main experiment to explore how return policy leniency might mitigate consumers' perceived risk and how their related purchase intention differs across two types of retail distribution channel structures (i.e. brick-and-mortar vs. online).

Findings

The investigation into the efficacy of return policy leniency within two retail distribution channel settings (i.e. brick-and-mortar vs. online) illustrates that providing a lenient return policy is an effective “cue” in increasing consumer purchase intention for remanufactured products. While prior literature has established that consumers value return policy leniency for new products, the authors provide empirical evidence that this preference also applies to remanufactured products. Notably, that return policy preference holds true in both channel settings (i.e. brick-and-mortar vs. online) under consideration. Additionally, and contrary to the authors’ predictions, consumers perceived remanufactured products sold via both channel settings as equally risky, thus highlighting that both are appropriate distribution channels for remanufactured products. Finally, while research on new products provides some initial guidance on consumer perceptions of quality and risk, the study provides empirical evidence into the difference of perceived risk with regard to new versus remanufactured products.

Originality/value

By employing the TPR, this research explored the role played by two supply chain management related factors (returns policy and channel structure) in reducing consumer's perceived risk and increasing purchase intention. In doing so, this study answers the call for more consumer-based supply chain management research in a controlled experimental research setting.
Bumpy road: implementing integrated psychiatric and somatic care in joint-specialty emergency departments: a mixed-method study using Normalization Process Theory
Authors: Ankersen Pia Vedel , Steffensen Rikke Grynderup , Blæhr Emely Ek , Beedholm Kirsten
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Life expectancy is 15–20 years shorter for individuals with than for people without mental illness. Assuming that undiagnosed and undertreated somatic conditions are significant causes, the Central Denmark Region set out to implement joint psychiatric and somatic emergency departments (EDs) to support integrated psychiatric/somatic care as an effort to prolong the lifetime of individuals with mental illness. Through the lens of Normalization Process Theory, the authors examine healthcare frontline staff’s perceptions of and work with the implementation of integrated psychiatric/somatic care in the first joint-specialty ED in Denmark.

Design/methodology/approach

A single-case mixed-methods study using Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as an analytic framework to evaluate implementation of psychiatric/somatic integrated care (IC) in a joint-specialty emergency department. Data were generated from observations, qualitative interviews and questionnaires distributed to the frontline staff.

Findings

Implementation was characterized by a diffuse normalization leading to an adaption of the IC in a fuzzy alignment with existing practice. Especially, confusion among the staff regarding how somatic examination in the ED would ensure prolonged lifetime for people with mental illness was a barrier to sense-making and development of coherence among the staff. The staff questioned the accuracy of IC in the ED even though they recognized the need for better somatic care for individuals with mental illness.

Practical implications

This study highlights that a focus on outcomes (prolonging lifetime for people with mental illness and reducing stigmatization) can be counterproductive. Replacing the outcome focus with an output focus, in terms of how to develop and implement psychiatric/somatic IC with the patient perspective at the center, would probably be more productive.

Originality/value

In 2020, the Danish Health Authorities published new whole-system recommendations for emergency medicine (EM) highlighting the need for intensifying integrated intra and interorganizational care including psychiatric/somatic IC (ref). Even though this study is not conclusive, it points to subjects that can help to identify resources needed to implement psychiatric/somatic IC and to pitfalls. The authors argue that the outcome focus, prolonging the lifetime for individuals with mental illness by identifying somatic illness, was counterproductive. In accordance with the recommendations of contemporary implementation studies, the authors recommend a shift in focus from outcome to output focus; how to develop and implement psychiatric/somatic IC.
Are complementarity effects of species richness on productivity the strongest in species‐rich communities?
Authors: Michalet Richard , Delerue Florian , Liancourt Pierre , Pugnaire Francisco I.
Published: March 2021

How the relationship between species richness and productivity changes along environmental gradients remains poorly understood.

We examined the context dependency of complementarity processes underpinning this relationship (biotic feedbacks, resource partitioning and facilitation) using the framework of Grime's (1973) humped‐back model. We considered several scenarios of variation in competition and facilitation along environmental gradients, either monotonic with the most common or intense facilitation at the most abiotically severe end of gradients or nonlinear with the strongest facilitation at intermediate positions along gradients.

How competition shifts to facilitation along environmental gradients is a key for determining where the effect of species richness on productivity occurs. Based on the literature, the original Stress Gradient Hypothesis would likely predict that complementarity effects should be the greatest, or the most important, in the most abiotically stressful environments. Alternatively, both the ‘collapse of facilitation’ and the ‘shift back to competition’ scenarios predict that the highest overall complementary effects on productivity, not biomass, would most likely occur at intermediate positions along environmental stress gradients, but this might vary depending on the source of stress. This latter prediction is consistent with a great deal of literature on natural gradients of productivity and species richness.

Synthesis. Our predictions illustrate the importance of better understanding the context dependency of complementarity processes and the key role of facilitation along environmental gradients to better focus conservation efforts where ecosystem functioning is more likely to be negatively affected by species loss, in particular in species‐rich communities.
Imatinib‐induced eruptive nevi
Authors: Hamie Lamiaa , Sawaya Rayah Touma , Abbas Ossama
Published: March 2021

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of a variety of oncological conditions. It has been associated with a spectrum of pigmentary cutaneous side effects. Despite the well‐known association of eruptive melanocytic nevi with the use of other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, this phenomenon has not been linked to the administration of imatinib. We present the first case of imatinib‐induced eruptive nevi in an 18‐year‐old patient with acute lymphocytic leukaemia in remission.
Integrated omics analyses reveal differential gene expression and potential for cooperation between denitrifying polyphosphate and glycogen accumulating organisms
Authors: Wang Yubo , Gao Han , F. Wells George
Published: March 2021

Unusually high accumulation of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) has previously been documented in denitrifying biological phosphorus (P) removal bioprocesses, but the roles of differential denitrification gene expression patterns and ecological interactions between key functional groups in driving these emissions are not well understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we applied genome‐resolved metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to a denitrifying bioprocess enriched in as‐yet‐uncultivated denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs) affiliated with Candidatus Accumulibacter. The six transcriptionally most active populations in the community included three co‐occurring Accumulibacter strains affiliated with clades IF (a novel clade identified in this study), IA and IC, a competing glycogen accumulating organism (GAO) affiliated with Competibacteraceae (GAO1), a Gammaproteobacteria PR6 and an Anaerolineae CH7. Strongly elevated expression of nitrite reductase genes compared to nitrous oxide reductase genes was observed in the overall community and in Accumulibacter populations, suggesting a strong role for differential gene expression in driving N2O accumulation. Surprisingly, while ~90% of the nirS gene transcripts were expressed by the three co‐occurring PAO populations, ~93% of the norB gene transcripts were expressed by GAO1 and ~75% of the norZ gene transcripts were mapped to PR6 and several other non‐PAO flanking populations. This suggests the potential for cooperation between flanking populations and PAOs in reducing denitrification intermediates. Such cooperation may benefit the community by reducing the accumulation of toxic nitric oxide.
Estimating encounter location distributions from animal tracking data
Authors: Noonan Michael J. , Martinez‐Garcia Ricardo , Davis Grace H. , Crofoot Margaret C. , Kays Roland , Hirsch Ben T. , Caillaud Damien , Payne Eric , Sih Andrew , Sinn David L. , Spiegel Orr , Fagan William F. , Fleming Christen H. , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: March 2021

Ecologists have long been interested in linking individual behaviour with higher level processes. For motile species, this ‘upscaling’ is governed by how well any given movement strategy maximizes encounters with positive factors and minimizes encounters with negative factors. Despite the importance of encounter events for a broad range of ecological processes, encounter theory has not kept pace with developments in animal tracking or movement modelling. Furthermore, existing work has focused primarily on the relationship between animal movement and encounterrateswhile the relationship between individual movement and the spatiallocationsof encounter events in the environment has remained conspicuously understudied.

Here, we bridge this gap by introducing a method for describing the long‐term encounter location probabilities for movement within home ranges, termed the conditional distribution of encounters (CDE). We then derive this distribution, as well as confidence intervals, implement its statistical estimator into open‐source software and demonstrate the broad ecological relevance of this distribution.

We first use simulated data to show how our estimator provides asymptotically consistent estimates. We then demonstrate the general utility of this method for three simulation‐based scenarios that occur routinely in biological systems: (a) a population of individuals with home ranges that overlap with neighbours; (b) a pair of individuals with a hard territorial border between their home ranges; and (c) a predator with a large home range that encompassed the home ranges of multiple prey individuals. Using GPS data from white‐faced capuchinsCebus capucinus, tracked on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, and sleepy lizardsTiliqua rugosa,tracked in Bundey, South Australia, we then show how the CDE can be used to estimate the locations of territorial borders, identify key resources, quantify the potential for competitive or predatory interactions and/or identify any changes in behaviour that directly result from location‐specific encounter probability.

The CDE enables researchers to better understand the dynamics of populations of interacting individuals. Notably, the general estimation framework developed in this work builds straightforwardly off of home range estimation and requires no specialized data collection protocols. This method is now openly available via thectmm Rpackage.
Perinatal outcomes of women with a disability who received pregnancy care through a specialised disability clinic in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Smithson Charlie A. , McLachlan Helen L. , Newton Michelle S. , Smith Cherise , Forster Della A.
Published: March 2021

Background

In Australia, it is estimated that 9.5% of women of childbearing age have a disability; however, little is known about their perinatal outcomes. Disability status is not routinely recorded in perinatal datasets.

Aims

To compare the outcomes of women with a disability who received pregnancy care through a specialised disability clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital (the Women’s) in Melbourne, Australia with hospital‐wide perinatal outcome data.

Materials and Methods

Routinely collected perinatal data for women who received pregnancy care from the ‘Women with Individual Needs’ (WIN) clinic from 2014‐2018 (N = 111) were analysed and then compared with routinely collected electronic hospital data obtained from all women who had given birth at the Women’s in 2017 and 2018 (N = 15 024).

Results

Women who attended the WIN clinic were more likely to have a caesarean section birth (52% vs 32%; P < 0.001) and give birth preterm (17% vs 4%; P < 0.001) than those in the hospital‐wide cohort. Their infants were more likely to be low birthweight (20% vs 9%; P < 0.001), require resuscitation (35% vs 11%; P < 0.001), be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Special Care Unit (29% vs 13%; P < 0.001) and receive formula in hospital (54% vs 28%; P < 0.001) compared to infants in the other group.

Conclusions

Routine maternity data collection should include identification of women with a disability to enable appropriate support and to allow further exploration of potential poorer outcomes on a larger sample, to help identify factors amenable to interventions that may improve outcomes.
A retrospective audit of cumulative ionising radiation levels in hospitalised pregnant patients
Authors: McEvoy‐May James H. , Bihari Shailesh , Hooker Antony M. , Dixon Dani‐Louise
Published: March 2021

Background

Among hospitalised patients, diagnostic radiation is possibly used least on pregnant patients due to the fear of ionising radiation on the fetus; however, what levels are currently being prescribed.

Aims

To assess the cumulative levels of ionising radiation received by pregnant patients during a single admission to a tertiary hospital.

Materials and methods

A retrospective audit of pregnant patients admitted to Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia, between 2013 and 2017 inclusive was performed. All procedures utilising ionising radiation were collected including conventional radiology, computed tomography, fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine. Individual and cumulative effective doses for mother and fetus were calculated using patient dose reports and published conversion factors.

Results

From 547 patients, the median cumulative effective dose was 0.02 mSv and only five patients received more than 10 mSv, with 19.07 mSv the highest dose received. The median fetal cumulative effective dose was 0.01 mSv but only three fetuses received more than 10 mSv, likely due to fetal exclusion in some procedural fields of view. Stays longer than ten days were associated with significantly higher cumulative effective dose, as did those with maternal cardiovascular related admission, for both maternal and fetal exposures.

Conclusion

These results suggest that pregnant patients are exposed to low doses of ionising radiation, in both individual procedures and cumulative doses. The detrimental risks associated with these levels of ionising radiation are not overt and so clinicians should question which risk is higher, the ionising radiation from the radiological procedures received or the lack of diagnostic information if avoided?
Stratifin in ocular surface squamous neoplasia and its association with p53
Authors: Chauhan Sheetal , Sen Seema , Chauhan Shyam S. , Pushker Neelam , Tandon Radhika , Kashyap Seema , Vanathi Murugesan , Bajaj Mandeep S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Sunlight‐induced p53 mutations are known to contribute towards increased risk of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). Stratifin (14‐3‐3σ)/HEM (human epithelial marker) is a p53‐mediated inhibitor of cell cycle progression and has been shown to be a target of epigenetic deregulation in various carcinomas. In the present study, Stratifin expression, its promoter methylation status as well as expression of mutant p53 in early and advanced AJCC stages (8th edition) of OSSN, was evaluated.

Methods

Sixty‐four OSSN [20 conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 44 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] patients were registered for this study, and they were followed up for 36–58 months (mean 48 ± 3.6). Immunoexpression of Stratifin and mutant p53 protein, mRNA expression of Stratifin by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methylation status of Stratifin by methylation‐specific PCR, was undertaken.

Results

Hypermethylation of Stratifin promoter in 63% (40/64), loss of Stratifin expression in 75% (48/64) and downregulation of Stratifin mRNA in 61% (39/64) were observed. Stratifin hypermethylation was significantly associated with reduced disease‐free survival in both early and advanced T stage SCC cases.

Expression of mutant p53 expression was seen in 48% (31/64) OSSN cases. Of the 31 patients with mutant p53 expression, 87% (27/31) also demonstrated loss of Stratifin immunoexpression. A significant association was seen between mutant p53 expression and Stratifin loss (p = 0.01) in advanced T stage SCC cases.

Conclusions

Hypermethylation of Stratifin gene and its reduced mRNA expression both are potential biomarkers for identifying high‐risk OSSN patients. Aberrant methylation of Stratifin and simultaneous mutant p53 expression implicates involvement of p53‐Stratifin mediated signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of OSSN.
Mesh shrinkage is the potential pathogenesis of chronic somatic pain following transabdominal preperitoneal repair: Report of two cases
Authors: Narita Masato , Munekage Fumiaki , Yamaoka Ryoya , Ikai Iwao
Published: March 2021

Although mesh‐related pain, termed “somatic pain,” is a well‐known pain syndrome following Lichtenstein repair, few reports are available on somatic pain following transabdominal preperitoneal repair (TAPP) and its pathogenesis remains unclear. We report on two patients with refractory somatic chronic pain following TAPP. In the present two cases, both mesh fixation with rigid permanent metal tackers and mesh shrinkage resulting in contractile forces on the groin musculature could be considered as potential mechanisms in the etiology of chronic somatic pain following TAPP. The lessons learned from these two cases are: (a) mesh shrinkage resulting in contractile forces on the groin musculature could be considered as potential mechanisms in the etiology of chronic somatic pain following TAPP; (b) partial mesh removal would be an effective alternative to total mesh removal in those patients for remedial surgery.
The role of cGMP signalling in auditory processing in health and disease
Authors: Marchetta Philine , Rüttiger Lukas , Hobbs Adrian J. , Singer Wibke , Knipper Marlies
Published: March 2021

cGMP is generated by the cGMP‐forming guanylyl cyclases (GCs), the intracellular nitric oxide (NO)‐sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase (sGC) and transmembrane GC (e.g. GC‐A and GC‐B). In summarizing the particular role of cGMP signalling for hearing, we show that GC generally do not interfere significantly with basic hearing function but rather sustain a healthy state for proper temporal coding, fast discrimination and adjustments during injury. sGC is critical for the integrity of the first synapse in the ascending auditory pathway, the inner hair cell synapse. GC‐A promotes hair cell stability under stressful conditions such as acoustic trauma or ageing. GC‐B plays a role in the development of efferent feed‐back and gain control. Regarding the crucial role hearing has for language development, speech discrimination and cognitive brain functions, differential pharmaceutical targeting of GCs offers therapeutic promise for the restoration of hearing.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on cGMP Signalling in Cell Growth and Survival. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.11/issuetoc
A population pharmacodynamic Markov mixed‐effects model for determining remimazolam‐induced sedation when co‐administered with fentanyl in procedural sedation
Authors: Zhou Jie , Curd Laura , Lohmer Lauren R. L. , Delpratt Natalie , Ossig Joachim , Schippers Frank , Stoehr Thomas , Schmith Virginia D.
Published: March 2021

The clinical effects of remimazolam (an investigational, ultra‐short acting benzodiazepine being studied in procedural sedation) were measured using the Modified Observer’s Assessment of Awareness/Sedation Scale (MOAA/S). The objective of this analysis was to develop a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model to describe remimazolam‐induced sedation with fentanyl over time in procedural sedation. MOAA/S from 10 clinical phase I–III trials were pooled for analysis, where data were collected after administration of placebo or remimazolam with or without concomitant fentanyl. A Markov model described transition states for 35,356 MOAA/S‐time observations from 1071 subjects. Effect‐compartment models of remimazolam and fentanyl linked plasma concentrations to the Markov model, and drug effects were described using a synergistic maximum effect (Emax) model. Simulations were performed to identify the optimal remimazolam‐fentanyl combination doses in procedural sedation. Fentanyl showed synergistic effects with remimazolam in sedation. Increasing age was related to longer recovery from sedation. Patients with body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 had ~30% higher rates of distribution from plasma to the effect site (keo), indicating a slightly faster onset of sedation. Simulations showed that remimazolam 5 mg was more appropriate than 4 or 6 mg when administered with fentanyl 50 μg. The model and simulations support that a combination of remimazolam 5 mg with fentanyl 50 μg is an appropriate dosing regimen and the dose of remimazolam does not need to be changed in elderly patients, but some elderly patients may have a longer duration of sedation.
Double blind randomized repetitive efficacy test of various occupational skin protection preparations against sodium lauryl sulphate
Authors: Schliemann Sibylle , Müller Maren , Stadeler Martina , Elsner Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Skin protection products, formerly named as barrier creams, are being used as primary and secondary prevention measures against occupational dermatoses. Many of these cosmetic products are claimed by manufacturers to be efficacious against wet work‐induced skin barrier impairment if applied prior to exposure. However, results of validated and standardized in vivo efficacy tests allowing the comparison of different products are lacking.

Material and methods

Efficacy of six skin protection products against sodium lauryl sulphate‐induced irritant contact dermatitis was investigated in a double blind, randomized and controlled repetitive irritation study in healthy volunteers using skin physiological methods. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) results were used to calculate an efficacy index of protection by mathematical/statistical means according to a protocol developed in a German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) multicenter study (research project FP 275).

Results

All tested products had a demonstrable, protective effect against SLS compared to controls, but their relative efficacy varied significantly. Differences were also seen upon evaluation of other parameters such as corneometry and clinical irritation score (visual score).

Conclusions

Product ranking as a result of the established differences allows improved selection of appropriate skin protection products based on objective parameters, as compared to heterogenous product claims.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and psoriasis – is there a shared proinflammatory network?
Authors: Heitmann Johanna , Frings Verena G. , Geier Andreas , Goebeler Matthias , Kerstan Andreas
Published: March 2021

Psoriasis is an immune‐mediated systemic inflammatory disease that is not limited to the skin but may be associated with arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome including diabetes and obesity and, as identified more recently, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that occurs in approximately 50 % of all patients with psoriasis. NAFLD is characterized by accumulation of fat in hepatocytes in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. Over the last two decades, NAFLD has developed to the most common chronic liver disease with an estimated prevalence of 25 % in the Western population. NAFLD ranges from non‐inflammatory or bland hepatic steatosis to inflammation of hepatic tissue (non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and consecutive liver fibrosis. It is controversial whether the underlying systemic inflammation of psoriasis is contributing to development of NAFLD or if comorbid diseases such as obesity enhance NAFLD development. Recent findings indicate that cytokine‐mediated inflammation through TNFα, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐17 might be the common link between psoriasis and NAFLD. Considering the shared inflammatory pathways, IL‐17 pharmacological blockade, which is already well‐established for psoriasis, may be a promising strategy to treat both psoriasis and NAFLD. Therefore, early detection of NAFLD and a better understanding of its pathophysiology in the context of the systemic inflammation in psoriasis is important with regard to individualized treatment approaches.
Prediabetes and the risk of heart failure: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cai Xiaoyan , Liu Xiong , Sun Lichang , He Yiting , Zheng Sulin , Zhang Yang , Huang Yuli
Published: March 2021

Aim

To determine the role of prediabetes in the incidence of heart failure (HF).

Materials and Methods

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and OpenGrey) for studies up to 31 December 2020. Studies were included for meta‐analysis if they reported adjusted relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of HF for prediabetes compared with normoglycaemia. Prediabetes was defined as impaired fasting glucose (IFG) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (IFG‐WHO), or according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) definition (IFG‐ADA), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), raised HbA1c according to the ADA criteria (HbA1c‐ADA), or according to the International Expert Committee (IEC) recommendation (HbA1c‐IEC).

Results

A total of 15 studies comprising 9,827,430 individuals provided data for this analysis. The median follow‐up duration of the included studies was 8.0 years. Compared with normoglycaemia, prediabetes was associated with an increased risk for HF: IFG‐ADA (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.13), IFG‐WHO (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07–1.30), IGT (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04–2.39), HbA1c‐ADA (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.16–1.41) or HbA1c‐IEC (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.09–1.79), respectively.

Conclusions

Prediabetes is associated with an increased risk of HF. Future studies are needed to evaluate effective treatments for prediabetes to prevent the development and progression of HF.