bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current susceptibilities of brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens to triflumezopyrim and other frequently used insecticides in China
Authors: Liao Xun , Xu Peng‐Fei , Gong Pei‐Pan , Wan Hu , Li Jian‐Hong
Published: February 2020

The brown planthopper is a notorious rice pest in many areas of Asia. The evolution of insecticide resistance in Nilaparvata lugens has become a serious problem in the effective control of this pest in the paddy field. In this article, the current susceptibility of N. lugens field populations to novel mesoionic insecticide triflumezopyrim and major classes of chemical insecticides was determined and compared. The monitoring results indicated that field populations of N. lugens had developed low resistance to triflumezopyrim (resistance ratio, RR: 1.3‒7.3‐fold) during 2015‒2018 in China, and the median lethal concentration values varied from 0.05 to 0.29 mg/L. Additionally, during 2017 to 2018, field populations of N. lugens showed high resistance levels to thiamethoxam (RR: 456.1‒1025.6‐fold), imidacloprid (RR: 2195.3‒6899.0‐fold) and buprofezin (RR: 1241.5‒4521.7‐fold), moderate to high resistance levels to dinotefuran (RR: 97.6‒320.1‐fold), clothianidin (RR: 69.4‒230.1‐fold) and isoprocarb (RR: 44.1‒108.0‐fold), and low to moderate levels of resistance to chlorpyrifos (RR: 12.0‒29.7‐fold) and nitenpyram (RR: 6.9‒24.1‐fold). In contrast, N. lugens just showed low resistance to sulfoxaflor (RR: 3.3‒8.5‐fold) and etofenprox (RR: 5.0‒9.1‐fold) in the field. Additionally, the P450 gene CYP6ER1 was found to be significantly overexpressed in all five field populations of N. lugens collected in 2018 when compared with a laboratory susceptible strain. Our findings will provide useful information to delay the evolution of insecticide resistance in N. lugens.
Extraction optimization and purification of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and evaluation of tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the anthocyanins
Authors: Shen Meilun , Liu Kang , Liang Yefei , Liu Guangxin , Sang Jie , Li Cuiqin
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to extract and purify anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. and evaluate their tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Response surface methodology was devoted to optimize enzyme‐assisted extraction of anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits. Extraction at 38 °C for 37 min using water‐containing pectinase (52.04 mg/100 g dried fruit) rendered an anthocyanin extraction yield of 19.51 ± 0.21 mg/g. The purified anthocyanins were separated from the extract by macroporous resin XDA‐6. Antioxidant tests in vitro suggested that the extract and the purified anthocyanins exhibited a potent 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, 2,2‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity, hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, superoxide radical scavenging capacity, and total reducing power. Thirteen anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits were analyzed by HPLC‐MS. Moreover, the purified anthocyanins had inhibitory effect on tyrosinase monophenolase (IC50 = 1.483 ± 0.058 mg/mL), and the type of inhibition was competitive inhibition (Ki = 39.83 ± 1.4 mg/mL). The maximum inhibitory activity of the purified anthocyanins (3.00 mg/mL) on tyrosinase diphenolase was 42.16 ± 0.77%, and the type of inhibition was anticompetitive inhibition (Kis = 2.387 ± 0.10 mg/mL).

Practical Application

The anthocyanins from L. ruthenicum dried fruits can be used as tyrosinase inhibitors in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation industries.
Characterization of Salmonella spp.‐specific bacteriophages and their biocontrol application in chicken breast meat
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Kim Hee Jeong , Jung Soo Jin , Mizan Md Furkanur Rahaman , Park Si Hong , Ha Sang‐Do
Published: February 2020

Chicken breast meat is considered as the main source of Salmonella infection in humans. The aim of this study was to isolate lytic bacteriophages specific for Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and examine their efficacy in a cocktail for the biocontrol of Salmonella spp. in raw chicken breast meat. Four lytic phages belonging to the Myoviridae and Siphoviridae families were isolated from a river proximate to a duck farm. They exhibited broad lytic activities against 11 strains of S. Enteritidis, 11 strains of S. Typhimurium, and one each of S. Paratyphi A, S. San Diego, and S. Typhi. The phages were determined to be stable, exhibited similar degrees of resistance to heat and pH, and had latent periods ranging from 5 to 30 min. In addition, the phage particles were 100% adsorbed within 18 to 40 min. Viable cell counts of bacteria were significantly reduced in raw chicken breast samples (P < 0.05) when treated with a cocktail of all four bacteriophages at 4 °C for 7 days (multiplicities of infection were from 104 to 106). These results indicate the potential efficacy of the bacteriophage cocktail as a biological agent against S. Enteritidis in raw chicken breast meat.

Practical Application

Our findings demonstrate that the phages could be effective in reducing the viability of Salmonella spp. bacteria in chicken breast meat. Therefore, the phage cocktail is a potential bactericidal agent for the biocontrol of Salmonella spp. in raw chicken breast meat and could be used use in various poultry industries in the future.
Dual‐specificity phosphatase 15 (DUSP15) in the nucleus accumbens is a novel negative regulator of morphine‐associated contextual memory
Authors: Qiao Xiaomeng , Zhu Yongsheng , Dang Wei , Wang Runzhi , Sun Mizhu , Chen Yuanyuan , Shi Yuhui , Zhang Lirong
Published: February 2020

Drug relapse among addicts often occurs due to the learned association between drug‐paired cues and the rewarding effects of these drugs, such as morphine. Contextual memory associated with morphine has a central role in maintenance and relapse. We showed that morphine‐conditioned place preference (CPP) activates extracellular‐regulated protein kinase (ERK) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). The main enzymes that mediate ERK dephosphorylation are members of the dual‐specificity phosphatase (DUSP) superfamily. It is unclear which members regulate the morphine CPP‐induced activation of ERK. After screening, DUSP15 was found to be decreased during both morphine CPP expression and the reinstatement period. Intra‐NAc infusions of AAV‐DUSP15 (overexpression) not only prevented the expression of morphine‐induced CPP but also facilitated extinction, inhibited reinstatement, and abolished ERK activation. However, after repeated morphine exposure and withdrawal in mice, there was no change in the expression of p‐ERK and DUSP15, and the overexpression of DUSP15 in the NAc did not improve the impaired spatial memory or anxiety‐like behaviour induced by morphine. Together, these findings indicate that DUSP15 not only prevents the expression of drug‐paired contextual memory but also promotes the extinction of existing addiction memories, thus providing a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of drug addiction.
Viscoelastic and chemical properties of dentine after different exposure times to sodium hypochlorite, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and calcium hydroxide
Authors: Ng Yuan‐Ling , Reddington Liam P. , Berman Antony , Knowles Jonathan C. , Nazhat Showan N. , Gulabivala Kishor
Published: February 2020

This study aims to evaluate the viscoelastic and chemical properties of dentine after different durations of exposure to 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and Ca(OH)2 solutions, and NaOCl in alternating combination with EDTA. Standard dentine bars were randomly assigned to: (i) formal‐saline control‐1; (ii) NaOCl; (iii) EDTA; (iv) NaOCl/EDTA; (v) formal‐saline control‐2; (vi) Ca(OH)2 pH 12.6; and (vii) Ca(OH)2 pH 9.8. Groups 1‐–4 underwent 10 min cycles of soaking and dynamic mechanical analysis up to 120 min. Groups 5–7 underwent similar tests at days 7, 14, 28 and 84. FTIR spectra of dentine discs exposed to the same regimens assessed surface chemistry. NaOCl or Ca(OH)2 (pH 12.6) solutions reduced the organic (N‐H[1], N‐H[3], C=0) peak components of dentine. This study demonstrated that accumulative damage of dentine could be facilitated by alternated exposure to NaOCl and EDTA. Exposure of dentine to Ca(OH)2 (pH12.6) for 7 days reduced viscous behaviour, inferring increased potential for fatigue failure.
Ventricular arrhythmias following continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device implantation: A systematic review
Authors: Gordon Jonathan S. , Maynes Elizabeth J. , Choi Jae Hwan , Wood Chelsey T. , Weber Matthew P. , Morris Rohinton J. , Massey H. Todd , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: February 2020

Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are not uncommon after continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (CF‐LVAD) implantation. In this systematic review, we sought to identify the patterns of VA that occurred following CF‐LVAD implantation and evaluate their outcomes. An electronic search was performed to identify all articles reporting the development of VA following CF‐LVAD implantation. VA was defined as any episode of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or sustained (>30 seconds) ventricular tachycardia (VT). Eleven studies were pooled for the analysis that included 393 CF‐LVAD patients with VA. The mean patient age was 57 years [95%CI: 54; 61] and 82% [95%CI: 73; 88] were male. Overall, 37% [95%CI: 19; 60] of patients experienced a new onset VA after CF‐LVAD implantation, while 60% [95%CI: 51; 69] of patients had a prior history of VA. Overall, 88% of patients [95%CI: 78; 94] were supported on HeartMate II CF‐LVAD, 6% [95%CI: 3; 14] on HeartWare HVAD, and 6% [95%CI: 2; 13] on other CF‐LVADs. VA was symptomatic in 47% [95%CI: 28; 68] of patients and in 50% [95%CI: 37; 52], early VA (<30 days from CF‐LVAD) was observed. The 30‐day mortality rate was 7% [95%CI: 5; 11]. Mean follow‐up was 22.9 months [95%CI: 4.8; 40.8], during which 27% [95%CI: 17; 39] of patients underwent heart transplantation. In conclusion, approximately a third of patients had new VA following CF‐LVAD placement. VA in CF‐LVAD patients is often symptomatic, necessitates treatment, and carries a worse prognosis.
Accuracy of pulse oximetry in preterm and term infants is insufficient to determine arterial oxygen saturation and tension
Authors: Wackernagel Dirk , Blennow Mats , Hellström Ann
Published: February 2020

Aim

Oxygen saturation is frequently monitored with pulse oximetry to assess vital signs in critically ill patients. Optimally, pulse oximetry closely tracks arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), which provides guidance in oxygen titration. We investigated whether monitoring peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) could accurately guide oxygen titration in newborn infants.

Methods

Twenty seven thousand two hundred thirty seven SpO2 readings were retrospectively paired with arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and PaO2 results from blood gas analyses performed in infants with arterial catheters in place.

Results

SpO2 overestimated SaO2 readings by 2.9 ± 5.8%. When pulse oximetry readings were within the defined oxygen saturation target range, 7809 (20.9%) SaO2 values were below and 2830 (7.6%) exceeded the target range. In 57% of patients, PaO2 levels < 6 kPa was diagnosed while SpO2 readings were > 90%. PaO2 > 11 kPa was recorded in 19% of cases, when SpO2 readings were < 95%. Infants treated with supplemental oxygen showed a threefold increased risk of hypoxaemia compared to infants breathing room air. Sensitivity and specificity for detecting upper and lower target range limits were fair to good. For SpO2 values below 91%, ISO quality criteria were no longer fulfilled.

Conclusions

Based on arterial blood gas analyses as reference, pulse oximetry readings did not fulfil the performance requirements for titrating oxygen in neonatal patients.
Advanced fibrosis is associated with incident cardiovascular disease in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Henson Jacqueline B. , Simon Tracey G. , Kaplan Alyson , Osganian Stephanie , Masia Ricard , Corey Kathleen E.
Published: February 2020

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not well understood, however, which individuals with NAFLD are at highest risk for cardiovascular disease.

Aims

To determine the factors associated with incident cardiovascular events in a prospective cohort of individuals with biopsy‐proven NAFLD without pre‐existing cardiovascular disease.

Methods

From 2011 to 2018, adults with biopsy‐proven NAFLD without cardiovascular disease were enrolled in a tissue repository and were followed prospectively to the first recorded date of incident cardiovascular disease, death or the end of follow‐up (11/1/2018). Competing risks analysis was performed to identify predictors of incident cardiovascular disease.

Results

After a median follow‐up time of 5.2 years, 26/285 (9.1%) individuals experienced an incident cardiovascular event. Advanced fibrosis (stage 3‐4) on biopsy was a significant predictor of incident cardiovascular disease, and this persisted on multivariable analysis (SHR 2.86, 95% CI 1.36–6.04) after considering relevant covariates, including cardiovascular risk scores, which were not independent predictors. Of the non‐invasive indicators of fibrosis, the NAFLD fibrosis score was the only independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. Other histologic features, including steatohepatitis, were not associated with incident cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

In adults with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, advanced fibrosis on biopsy and higher NAFLD fibrosis score were significant and independent predictors of incident cardiovascular disease, even after considering traditional risk factors and cardiovascular risk scores. These findings should be considered when evaluating NAFLD patients for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, and further evaluation into the link between advanced fibrosis and cardiovascular disease is needed.
How transboundary processes connect commons in Japan and Thailand: A relational analysis of global commodity chains and East Asian economic integration
Authors: Middleton Carl , Ito Takeshi
Published: February 2020

In this paper, with a focus on Japan and Thailand, we outline a relational environmental and economic history of East Asian economic integration (EAEI) and its implication for the commons in both places. We draw attention in particular to global commodity chains as relational processes not only of trade and investment, but also geopolitics and aid, to argue that these transborder processes have connected together commons in distant localities resulting in their simultaneous enclosure, dispossession and (re‐)commoning with implications for community vulnerabilities in positive and negative ways. To demonstrate this argument we analyse three periods of EAEI: the late nineteenth century until World War II, when Japan and Thailand both began to modernise and new trade and geopolitical relations emerged in the context of colonialism; the post‐World War II recovery until the Plaza Accord in 1986, during which time Japan rapidly industrialised, as did Thailand to a lesser extent and regionalism was largely defined by US hegemony; and the post‐Plaza Accord period, when Japan deindustrialised its labour intensive manufacture and heavy industry and Thailand rapidly industrialised and EAEI became defined by new and intensified global commodity chains.
Deer, wolves, and people: costs, benefits and challenges of living together
Authors: Martin Jean‐Louis , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Waller Donald M.
Published: February 2020

Human‐driven species annihilations loom as a major crisis. However the recovery of deer and wolf populations in many parts of the northern hemisphere has resulted in conflicts and controversies rather than in relief. Both species interact in complex ways with their environment, each other, and humans. We review these interactions in the context of the ecological and human costs and benefits associated with these species. We integrate scattered information to widen our perspective on the nature and perception of these costs and benefits and how they link to each other and ongoing controversies regarding how we manage deer and wolf populations. After revisiting the ecological roles deer and wolves play in contemporary ecosystems, we explore how they interact, directly and indirectly, with human groups including farmers, foresters, shepherds, and hunters. Interactions with deer and wolves generate various axes of tension, posing both ecological and sociological challenges. Resolving these tensions and conflicts requires that we address key questions using integrative approaches: what are the ecological consequences of deer and wolf recovery? How do they influence each other? What are the social and socio‐ecological consequences of large deer populations and wolf presence? Finally, what key obstacles must be overcome to allow deer, wolves and people to coexist? Reviewing contemporary ecological and sociological results suggests insights and ways to improve our understanding and resolve long‐standing challenges to coexistence. We should begin by agreeing to enhance aggregate benefits while minimizing the collective costs we incur by interacting with deer and wolves. We should also view these species, and ourselves, as parts of integrated ecosystems subject to long‐term dynamics. If co‐existence is our goal, we need deer and wolves to persevere in ways that are compatible with human interests. Our human interests, however, should be inclusive and fairly value all the costs and benefits deer and wolves entail including their intrinsic value. Shifts in human attitudes and cultural learning that are already occurring will reshape our ecological interactions with deer and wolves.
Mechanistic Multiscale Pharmacokinetic Model for the Anticancer Drug 2’,2’‐difluorodeoxycytidine (Gemcitabine) in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Garcia‐Cremades Maria , Melillo Nicola , Troconiz Iñaki F. , Magni Paolo
Published: February 2020

The aim of this work is to build a mechanistic multiscale pharmacokinetic model for the anticancer drug 2’,2’‐difluorodeoxycytidine (gemcitabine, dFdC), able to describe the concentrations of dFdC metabolites in the pancreatic tumor tissue in dependence of physiological and genetic patient characteristics, and, more in general, to explore the capabilities and limitations of this kind of modeling strategy. A mechanistic model characterizing dFdC metabolic pathway (metabolic network) was developed using in vitro literature data from two pancreatic cancer cell lines. The network was able to describe the time course of extracellular and intracellular dFdC metabolites concentrations. Moreover, a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe clinical dFdC profiles by using enzymatic and physiological information available in the literature. This model was then coupled with the metabolic network to describe the dFdC active metabolite profile in the pancreatic tumor tissue. Finally, global sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the parameters that mainly drive the interindividual variability for the area under the curve (AUC) of dFdC in plasma and of its active metabolite (dFdCTP) in tumor tissue. From this analysis, cytidine deaminase (CDA) concentration was identified as the main driver of plasma dFdC AUC interindividual variability, whereas CDA and deoxycytidine kinase concentration mainly explained the tumor dFdCTP AUC variability. However, the lack of in vitro and in vivo information needed to characterize key model parameters hampers the development of this kind of mechanistic approach. Further studies to better characterize pancreatic cell lines and patient enzymes polymorphisms are encouraged to refine and validate the current model.
US, EU, and Japanese Regulatory Guidelines for Development of Drugs for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Global Drug Development
Authors: Morant Anne Vinther , Vestergaard Henrik Tang , Lassen Anders Blædel , Navikas Vaidrius
Published: February 2020

Drug development guidelines from regulatory authorities provide important information to sponsors on requirements for clinical evidence needed to support approval of new drugs. In the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), recently published guidelines are available from EU, US, and Japanese regulatory authorities. In this review, these three guidelines are compared and discussed with emphasis on the recommendations provided for demonstration of efficacy in pivotal clinical trials conducted in predementia stages of AD. Similarities and differences are highlighted, and impact for global drug development is discussed in the context of the new International Conference on Harmonization E17 guideline on multiregional clinical trials. The AD field is characterized by significant challenges as, to date, no drug approval precedence exists in predementia AD despite numerous and ambitious efforts to slow the progression of the disease by pharmacologic intervention. Despite these uncertainties regulatory authorities across regions have blazed a trail for proactive multistakeholder collaboration, involvement, and continuous dialogue, setting a positive example on how to foster a supportive environment for development of new and meaningful treatments for patients with AD globally.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for multiple gastric superficial adenocarcinomas identified in patient with familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Negishi Ryoju , Koizumi Koichi , Ohata Ken
Published: February 2020

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Propylene glycol: a promising preservative for insects, comparable to ethanol, from trapping to DNA analysis
Authors: Nakamura Shoko , Tamura Shigeaki , Taki Hisatomo , Shoda‐Kagaya Etsuko
Published: February 2020

Recent advances in DNA analysis allow us to identify an unprecedented number of insect samples collected by mass sampling techniques such as insect traps. In these circumstances, a preservative that can be applied from trap to storage is necessary to prevent degradation of DNA before analysis and save on the cost of labor for collecting insects from traps. Propylene glycol has a prominent feature as a trap solution. We aimed to examine the DNA preservability of 98% propylene glycol at 2 weeks and more than 6 months after initial collection in comparison with 99.5% ethanol, which is commonly used for storage of specimens for genetic analysis. We compared amplification performance of PCR targeting a specific region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the orders Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera using two extraction methods varying in extraction efficiency. Even after 6 months, more than 75% of samples were recognized to have succeeded in PCR amplification irrespective of preservatives by the extraction method with higher extraction efficiency. It suggested that mitochondrial DNA was preserved in both solutions. However, dim bands in the electrophoreses of PCR products increased with time in extracts by another method with lower extraction efficiency. In Diptera and Coleoptera, the rate of dim bands increased more rapidly for ethanol‐preserved than for propylene glycol‐preserved specimens, indicating higher DNA preservability of propylene glycol over time for these taxa. On the other hand, in Hymenoptera, the preservatives did not affect PCR amplification performance. Considering its safer characteristics and high DNA preservability in a wide range of taxa, propylene glycol can be a promising solution from trapping of insects to storage for genetic analysis.
Support for the habitat amount hypothesis from a global synthesis of species density studies
Authors: Watling James I. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Victor , Pfeifer Marion , Baeten Lander , Banks‐Leite Cristina , Cisneros Laura M. , Fang Rebecca , Hamel‐Leigue A. Caroli , Lachat Thibault , Leal Inara R. , Lens Luc , Possingham Hugh P. , Raheem Dinarzarde C. , Ribeiro Danilo B. , Slade Eleanor M. , Urbina‐Cardona J. Nicolas , Wood Eric M. , Fahrig Lenore
Published: February 2020

Decades of research suggest that species richness depends on spatial characteristics of habitat patches, especially their size and isolation. In contrast, the habitat amount hypothesis predicts that (1) species richness in plots of fixed size (species density) is more strongly and positively related to the amount of habitat around the plot than to patch size or isolation; (2) habitat amount better predicts species density than patch size and isolation combined, (3) there is no effect of habitat fragmentation per se on species density and (4) patch size and isolation effects do not become stronger with declining habitat amount. Data on eight taxonomic groups from 35 studies around the world support these predictions. Conserving species density requires minimising habitat loss, irrespective of the configuration of the patches in which that habitat is contained.
Structural diversity underpins carbon storage in Australian temperate forests
Authors: Aponte Cristina , Kasel Sabine , Nitschke Craig R. , Tanase Mihai A. , Vickers Helen , Parker Linda , Fedrigo Melissa , Kohout Michele , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Zavala Miguel A. , Bennett Lauren T.
Published: February 2020

Aim

Forest carbon storage is the result of a multitude of interactions among biotic and abiotic factors. Our aim was to use an integrative approach to elucidate mechanistic relationships of carbon storage with biotic and abiotic factors in the natural forests of temperate Australia, a region that has been overlooked in global analyses of carbon‐biodiversity relations.

Location

South‐eastern Australia.

Time period

2010–2015.

Major taxa studied

Forest trees in 732 plots.

Methods

We used the most comprehensive forest inventory database available for south‐eastern Australia and structural equation models to assess carbon‐storage relationships with biotic factors (species or functional diversity, community‐weighted mean (CWM) trait values, structural diversity) and abiotic factors (climate, soil, fire history). To assess the consistency of relationships at different environmental scales, our analyses involved three levels of data aggregation: six forest types, two forest groups (representing different growth environments), and all forests combined.

Results

Structural diversity was consistently the strongest independent predictor of carbon storage at all levels of data aggregation, whereas relationships with species‐ and functional‐diversity indices were comparatively weak. CWMs of maximum height and wood density were also significant independent predictors of carbon storage in most cases. In comparison, climate, soil, and fire history had only minor and mainly indirect effects via biotic factors on carbon storage.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that carbon storage in our temperate forests was underpinned by tree structural diversity (representing efficient utilisation of space) and by CWM trait values (representing selection effects) more so than by tree species richness or functional diversity. Abiotic effects were comparatively weak and mostly indirect via biotic factors irrespective of the environmental range. Our study highlights the importance of managing forests for functionally important species and to maintain and enhance their structural complexity in order to support carbon storage.
Note passing as gendered practices of public ambiguity in a hyper‐masculine organization
Authors: Karazi‐Presler Tair
Published: February 2020

This article explores a surprising and seemingly mundane organizational practice: passing notes during professional meetings. Based on 34 in‐depth interviews with women in a hyper‐masculine organization — the Israeli military — this study focuses on what I term gendered practices of public ambiguity. It demonstrates how these practices shed light on three interrelated paths to power at work: (i) practices of public intimacy between men; (ii) practices of women's degradation by men; and (iii) practices of recognition claims by women. The tension between the publicity inherent in the routine passing of notes and the ambiguity of their contents calls for a more nuanced theorization of gendered power practices, which transcends the accepted dichotomy of doing and undoing gender, reproducing or challenging the symbolic gender order. The findings show that gendered micro‐practices can become polysemic symbolic spaces in which women redirect the flow of power, if only temporarily and locally, and turn it into a multidirectional and multi‐agentic resource. The conceptual contribution of these findings is discussed in terms of the positioning of women in hyper‐masculine environments as pragmatic subjects who (re‐)construct mechanisms of power out of the restricted repertoire available to them.
Whole‐exome analysis of metaplastic breast carcinomas with extensive osseous differentiation
Authors: Beca Francisco , Sebastiao Ana P M , Pareja Fresia , Dessources Kimberly , Lozada John R , Geyer Felipe , Selenica Pier , Zeizafoun Nebras , Wen Hannah Y , Norton Larry , Brogi Edi , Weigelt Britta , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: February 2020

Aims

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of triple‐negative breast cancer that shows vast histological and genetic heterogeneity. Osseous differentiation can be found in different subtypes of MBC. Whether MBCs with osseous differentiation are underpinned by specific genetic alterations has yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the repertoire of somatic mutations and copy number alterations (CNAs) in three MBCs with extensive osseous differentiation.

Methods and results

Tumour and normal DNA samples from three MBCs with extensive osseous differentiation were subjected to whole‐exome sequencing. Somatic mutations, CNAs and mutational signatures were determined by use of a validated bioinformatics pipeline. Our analyses revealed clonal TP53 hotspot mutations associated with loss of heterozygosity of the wild‐type allele coupled with mutations affecting genes related to the Wnt and/or the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase–AKT–mammalian target of rapamycin pathways in all cases analysed. All cases showed a dominant mutational signature 1, with two cases showing a secondary signature 3 in addition to other features of homologous recombination DNA repair defects. The oncostatin M receptor gene, which plays a role in mesenchymal differentiation and bone formation, was found to be mutated in two MBCs with extensive osseous differentiation and in none of 35 previously published 35 MBCs.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that MBCs with osseous differentiation have somatic mutations similar to those of other forms of MBC.
Do key audit matters impact financial reporting behavior?
Authors: Gold Anna , Heilmann Melina , Pott Christiane , Rematzki Johanna
Published: February 2020

This study experimentally examines whether the implementation of key audit matters (KAMs) in auditors' reports affects managers' reporting behavior. In line with prior research in psychology, we argue that greater transparency through KAMs leads to higher accountability pressure as managers may expect their judgments to be scrutinized more strongly in the presence of KAMs and, hence, to an improvement of financial reporting quality. Further, we examine whether informational precision (firm‐specific versus nonfirm‐specific information) in a KAM section moderates the effect of KAM presence on reporting behavior. Our findings show that managers' tendency to make an aggressive financial reporting decision is reduced in the presence of KAMs (compared to the absence of KAMs). This effect remains even when the description of the KAM is of low informational precision. Thus, our results suggest that KAMs serve as a beneficial mechanism for enhancing financial reporting quality by attenuating aggressive financial reporting behavior, regardless of the precision employed by auditors.
Developing an Educational Framework for Urological Nursing: Using a World Café approach to gain an emerging international understanding of issues, challenges and responses
Authors: Marley Jerome , Taylor Julia , Brocksom Jane , Schubach Kath , Nixon Andrea , Allchorne Paula , Lauridsen Susanne Vahr
Published: February 2020

A series of three World Café events centred on the topic of developing an Educational Framework for Urological Nursing [EFUN] were held by the British Association of Urological Nurses [BAUN], the European Association of Urology Nurses [EAUN] and the Australian and New Zealand Urological Nursing Society [ANZUNS] between 2017 and 2019. About 376 urology nurses participated in these “conversations that matter” and generated 1047 individual response items that were grouped into themes to assist the three associations to take the creation of an EFUN to the next level. Areas explored centred on four aspects: what any agreed educational framework for urology nursing should contain; the academic level at which education should be provided; who should be recruited as collaborators on writing an educational framework and, lastly, just how any emergent framework should be used. Analysis of the conversational data indicate that there exists within the urological nursing community a collective wisdom regarding their educational needs and how these needs should be met.
What is Integration? A Comparative View from Immigrants and Municipal Policy
Authors: Verdía Varela Verónica , Fernández Suárez Belén , DePalma Renée
Published: February 2020

The ongoing project of citizenship construction in societies receiving international immigration demands a perspective that takes into account the interests, views and needs of all socio‐demographic groups, including those of newcomers as potential new citizens. We interviewed representatives of 16 immigrant associations operating in the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia, reviewed immigration policy in 13 Spanish (Galician) municipalities, and interviewed 20 municipal government staff members who put these into practice. With this research, we aim to explore the perspectives of immigrants with respect to their own integration and to examine how these compare with local policies designed to facilitate these processes. By comparing the immigrant representatives' perceptions with local policy discourses and practice, our study reveals how local integration practice is not only inconsistent with its own policy discourse but also fails to consider and include immigrants' own understandings of what integration means and how it can be achieved.
Clinical manifestations of invasive meningococcal disease in Victoria with the emergence of serogroup W and serogroup Y Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Birrell Michael T. , Strachan Janet , Holmes Natasha E. , Stevens Kerrie , Howden Benjamin P. , Franklin Lucinda J. , Ivan Mihaela , Kwong Jason C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Historically, Australian cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) have been most frequently caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, but recently an increase in cases due to serogroup W (MenW) and serogroup Y (MenY) has occurred.

Aim

To determine whether clinical manifestations of IMD have changed due to increased incidence of MenW and MenY.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of IMD cases notified to the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria, Australia. We compared the period between January 2013 and June 2015 (defined as P1) immediately before the increase in MenW and MenY was noted, with the equal time period of July 2015 to December 2017 (P2), when this increase was observed.

Results

IMD was notified more frequently in P2 than P1 (1.24 vs 0.53 per 100 000 person‐years, P < 0.001). IMD cases in P2 were older (46 vs 19 years, P < 0.001), and more likely due to MenW (92/187, 49.2% vs 11/80, 13.8%, P < 0.001) or MenY (31/187, 16.6% vs 4/80, 5.0%, P = 0.01). IMD cases from P2 were more likely bacteraemic (151/187, 80.7% vs 55/80, 68.8%, P = 0.04), while meningitis (68/187, 36.4% vs 41/80, 51.3%, P = 0.03) and rash (65/181, 35.9% vs 45/78, 57.7%, P = 0.002) were less frequent. Intensive care unit admission rates and in‐hospital mortality were unchanged.

Conclusion

Alongside an increase in IMD in Victoria, the proliferation of cases of MenW and MenY occurred in older patients, and were more often identified through bacteraemia rather than meningitis or purpura fulminans. Clinicians should be aware of these changes to facilitate earlier identification and treatment of IMD.
Impact of a model of care for heart failure in‐patients to reduce variation in care: a quality improvement project
Authors: Hopper Ingrid , Easton Kellie , Bader Illona , Campbell James , Busija Lucy , Markey Peter , Bergin Peter , Kaye David
Published: February 2020

Background

We identified variation in delivery of guideline recommended care at our institution, and undertook a project to design a heart failure (HF) model of care.

Aim

To maximise time patients with HF spend well in the community by delivering best practice guidelines to reduce variation in care improving overall outcomes.

Methods

This quality improvement project focused on reducing variation in process measures of care. The HF model of care included electronic HF care bundles, a patient education pack with staff training on delivering HF patient education, referral of all HF patients to the Hospital Admissions Risk Program for phone call within 72 h, and a nurse–pharmacist early follow‐up clinic. Outcomes were assessed using interrupted time series analyses.

Results

The pre‐intervention group comprised 1585 patients, and post‐intervention 1720 patients with a primary diagnosis of HF admitted under general cardiology and general medicine. Interrupted time series analysis indicated 30‐day readmissions did not change in overall trend (−0.2% per month, P = 0.479) but a significant immediate step‐down of 7.8% was seen (P = 0.018). For 90‐day readmissions, a significant trend reduction over the time period was seen (−0.6% per month, P = 0.017) with a significant immediate step‐down (−9.4%, P = 0.001). Emergency department representations, in‐patient mortality and length of stay did not change significantly. Improvements in process measures were seen at audit.

Conclusion

This model of care resulted in overall trends of reductions in 30‐ and 90‐day readmissions, without increasing emergency department representations, mortality and length of stay. This model will be adapted as the electronic medical record is introduced at our institution.
A rapid pyrosequencing assay for the molecular detection of influenza viruses with reduced baloxavir susceptibility due to PA/I38X amino acid substitutions
Authors: Koszalka Paulina , Farrukee Rubaiyea , Mifsud Edin , Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran , Hurt Aeron C.
Published: February 2020

Baloxavir marboxil is a novel endonuclease inhibitor licensed for treatment of otherwise healthy or high‐risk individuals infected with influenza. Viruses with reduced baloxavir susceptibility due to amino acid substitutions at residue 38 of the PA have been detected in some individuals following treatment. Here, we describe a genotypic pyrosequencing method that can be used to rapidly screen circulating influenza A and B viruses for substitutions in the PA/I38 codon and to quantify mixed viral populations. This method is suitable for surveillance of baloxavir susceptibility and to analyse samples from hospitalised patients undergoing baloxavir treatment to aid in clinical decision making.
Complex mosaic of sexual dichromatism and monochromatism in Pacific robins results from both gains and losses of elaborate coloration
Authors: Kearns Anna M. , Joseph Leo , Austin Jeremy J. , Driskell Amy C. , Omland Kevin E.
Published: February 2020

Pacific robins exhibit one of the most complex range‐wide mosaics of sexual dichromatism and monochromatism. The evolutionary origins of this geographic mosaic remain poorly understood despite long‐standing interest from ornithologists, and its influential role in the development of Ernst Mayr's theories on speciation and the 'Biological Species Concept'. One factor limiting our understanding of the evolution of sexual plumage variation in Pacific robins is a lack of well‐resolved taxon boundaries and phylogenetic relationships in the group. Here, we use primarily historical museum specimens to obtain dense sampling of mtDNA, nuclear DNA, plumage color and morphometrics from all named taxa in the radiation in order to infer taxon boundaries and relationships. We use these data to test hypotheses about colonization history, plumage evolution and reduced island dichromatism. Our data show that the Pacific robin radiation comprises four distinct lineages, which warrant recognition as separate species – the previously recognized Norfolk robinP. multicolorand red‐capped robinP. goodenovii, and two new species we propose to name: ‘Solomon robin’P. polymorphaMayr, 1934 for the populations on Solomon and Bougainville Islands, and ‘Mayr's robin’P. pusillaPeale, 1848 (in honor of Ernst Mayr's detailed work on the southwest Pacific robins) for the populations on Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa. Our data suggest that the common ancestor of the entire Pacific robin radiation was most likely sexually dichromatic and that the radiation‐wide mosaic of sexual plumage color arose via repeated losses of elaborate plumage in males and gains of elaborate plumage in females on separate islands.
CO2 emissions from the Chinese cement sector: Analysis from both the supply and demand sides
Authors: Du Tao , Wang Jian , Wang Heming , Tian Xin , Yue Qiang , Tanikawa Hiroki
Published: February 2020

China is the largest producer and consumer of cement worldwide, and cement production entails the release of substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As the cement sector is a crucial sector of the Chinese economy, understanding the role of supply‐ and demand‐side factors may help accelerate efforts to mitigate CO2 emissions. However, few studies have analyzed the critical factors affecting CO2 emissions in the sector based on a combined supply‐ and demand‐side perspective. In this study, we developed an integrated framework that included eleven indicators covering both the supply and demand sides. Results revealed that improving cement production technology cannot offset CO2 emissions from the growth in demand for cement. Improving technology on the supply side would considerably reduce CO2 emissions from Chinese cement production; nevertheless, the combination of rapid urbanization, GDP growth, and an ultra‐high fixed capital formation ratio on the demand side increased CO2 emissions nearly 25‐fold from 1990 to 2015. Notably, some demand‐side factors also had an effect that reduced CO2 emissions. The in‐use stock per unit of fixed capital formation and output per in‐use stock reduced CO2 emissions by 332 million metric tons, which is comparable to the contribution of technological progress. Based on these results, we examine why these demand‐side factors substantially influence CO2 emissions in the Chinese cement sector, and we provide recommendations for policy‐makers on carbon‐reduction measures in this CO2‐intensive sector.
Bioeconomic transition?: Projecting consumption‐based biomass and fossil material flows to 2050
Authors: Asada Raphael , Krisztin Tamás , di Fulvio Fulvio , Kraxner Florian , Stern Tobias
Published: February 2020

Countries are responding to unsustainable resource extraction, rising emissions, and increasing waste streams by implementing national bioeconomy strategies. Assuming that the purpose of a bioeconomy is to replace fossil use by biogenic resource use, we estimate biomass and fossil raw material consumption (RMC) by applying multiregional input–output methodology for middle and high income countries. Next, we use a panel fixed effects model to explain RMC with economically active population, urban population, GDP, land cover, and fossil/biomass domestic material consumption. With this model, we project RMC under five Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios up to 2050. The projections show an increase in per capita biomass RMC between 2010 and 2050, accompanied by—in many cases pronounced—per capita growth of fossil RMC across most of the countries and scenarios. We conclude that, if GDP continues to drive fossil RMC at its current magnitude, upcoming conditions are likely to counteract a potential bioeconomic transition and increase, instead of decrease, fossil RMC. Thus, increasing biomass use will not necessarily lead to reduced fossil resource consumption. When considering the relative scarcity of biomass, land and water, more focus needs to be placed on the relevance of technological bio‐based innovations in the reconfiguration of RMC drivers.
Plasma rich in growth factor gel as an autologous filler for facial volume restoration
Authors: Godfrey Lisa , Martínez‐Escribano Jorge , Roo Elia , Pino Ander , Anitua Eduardo
Published: February 2020

Background

Skin aging is characterized by moderate to severe wrinkles, laxity, roughness, and volume loss as a result of cutaneous atrophy and connective tissue degradation. Plasma rich in growth factor gel (PRGF‐gel) is a novel formulation obtained from the patient's own blood that has demonstrated optimal biomechanical and bioactive properties for soft tissue restoration.

Objectives

Following a retrospective design, the clinical safety and efficacy of PRGF‐gel for facial volume restoration and skin rejuvenation were evaluated.

Methods

Twenty women clinically diagnosed for aged skin symptoms were treated with PRGF‐gel. Participants received an individualized regimen depending on their therapeutic needs. At the end of the follow‐up periods, clinical performance analysis was evaluated by standardized macrophotographs along with clinical and patient surveys based on Likert's scales.

Results

Based on their initial expectations, patients referred to be highly satisfied after PRGF‐gel treatment in terms of fine line amelioration, wrinkle reduction, and sagging improvement (overall satisfaction of 8/10). Pre/post‐photograph clinical evaluation showed an improvement of 2.5/3 and patients presented a noticeable face rejuvenation due to the soft tissue augmentation effect which was translated into surface texture softening and tone recovery.

Conclusions

Although additional randomized clinical trials should be carried out, this study provides preliminary data supporting the use of PRGF‐gel for facial volume restoration.
Vulnerability in birth: A negative capability
Authors: MacLellan Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Aim

This article explores the literature on women's expectations for birth, the sociocultural context from which these expectations originate and their impact on the interpretation of birth experience.

Background

Childbirth is associated with specific expectations from women with the potential for dissatisfaction if these expectations are not met.

Design

This paper presents a systematic analysis of the concept of vulnerability in childbirth.

Findings

A framework was extracted from the literature that linked the themes of a discourse of control, construction of inadequacy and shame of exposure to explain the sociocultural origin of dominant childbirth expectations in the literature. The experience of vulnerability unique to the birthing event is suggested as exposing the woman to this underlying contextual framework and impacting the interpretation of her birth.

Conclusion

This synthesis has exposed the transient experience of vulnerability during birth as a significant contributor to the birthing woman's interpretation of the birth and her place within it.

Relevance to clinical practice

An explanatory framework is offered to clinicians that could increase their awareness of sociocultural and historical factors impacting a woman's expectations for birth. Appreciation of the woman's vulnerability in birth, exposing her to the influence of this framework, can assist clinicians to facilitate a quality birth experience for women. Furthermore, supporting women and midwives to accept this experience of birth vulnerability as a “negative capability,” can facilitate an empowering birth experience.