bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor laterality in renal cancer as a predictor of survival in large patient cohorts
Authors: Strauss Arne , Uhlig Johannes , Lotz Joachim , Trojan Lutz , Uhlig Annemarie
Published: April 2019

To assess whether left and right-sided renal cell carcinoma (RCC) carry side-specific outcomes.

Surgically treated RCC patients were included from the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database [SEER]; 2013 version) and the German Centre for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD; 2000–2014). Bilateral RCC, those with missing RCC staging, follow-up time, and survival status were excluded. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) according to RCC side was compared using multivariable Cox regression.

Seventeen thousand seven hundred nine SEER patients and 41,967 ZfKD patients were included. In both datasets, patients with left-sided RCC had higher T status and more often presented with nodal positive or metastatic disease. In the SEER dataset 1258 (14.33%) patients with left-sided RCC underwent lymphadenectomy (LAD), compared to 908 (10.17%) LADs in right-sided RCC (P <.001). CSS was inferior for left-sided in both datasets after multivariable adjustment (SEER HR = 1.187, 95% CI 1.048–1.345, P = .007, P = .008; ZfKD HR = 1.155, 95% CI 1.046–1.275, P = .004).

In the SEER population, site-specific CSS differences were driven by whether or not a LAD was performed. Among SEER patients with LAD no statistically significant differences in laterality were observed (HR 1.096, 95% CI 0.8977–1.337, P = .396) whereas, in absence of LAD, CSS was shorter for individuals with left-sided tumor (HR = 1.176, 95%CI 1.002–1.38, P = .0468).

Although the overall survival difference was only marginal, left-sided RCC in surgically treated patients tends to present at more advanced stage and has in general worse CSS, especially in patients without LAD. Site-specific lymphogenic spread patterns might contribute to these findings. Further prospective studies should evaluate, whether side-adapted LAD protocols influence outcomes in RCC patients.
The influence of statins on aortic aneurysm after operation
Authors: Liao Kuang-Ming , Wang Shih-Wei , Lu Chun-Hui , Chen Chung-Yu , Huang Yaw-Bin
Published: April 2019

Aortic aneurysm (AA) is a disease with substantially higher health care costs and very high mortality upon rupture. Statins have a non-lipid-lowering pleiotropic mechanism that may be beneficial for AA in disease progression and improvement of AA patient outcomes. Previous studies have been conducted with some limitations and without considering immortal time bias, lag time, and adherence. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of statin use on AA postoperation after controlling for these factors.

All postoperative patients with a diagnosis of AA in Taiwan from 2004 to 2012 were included from the National Health Insurance Research Database. We excluded patients without computed tomography within 1 year after diagnosis and those who died within 30 days after the operation. We also analyzed the medication, medication possession ratio (MPR), immortal time bias, and lag time. Statin users were defined as those using statins for more than 30 days. Primary composite outcomes included mortality, reoperation for AA and rehospitalization for AA during the study period.

Among the whole study population (n = 1633), 199/1633 (12.19%) patients were statin users, while the others (n = 1434) were not. Mortality was higher in statin nonusers than in statin users, with a mortality rate of 40% versus 22.61% (P < .0001). There was no significant difference in reoperation or rehospitalization for AA.

Statin use may be beneficial for AA patients in our observational study. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to define the effect of statin therapy in this population.
Increased risk of migraine in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Min Chanyang , Lim Hyoseob , Lim Jae-Sung , Sim Songyong , Choi Hyo Geun
Published: April 2019

Both psoriasis and migraine are associated with inflammatory diseases. However, few studies have been conducted the increased risk of migraine in psoriasis patients. The aim of this study was to identify whether the psoriasis increases the risk of migraine. This study used the national cohort study data collected by the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment from 2002 to 2013. Patients with psoriasis (n = 11,071) and control participants (n = 44,284) were selected and matched 1:4 by age, sex, income, region of residence, and past medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. This study used Cox-proportional hazard model for calculating hazard ratio (HR) with crude and adjusted model. Stratification by age and sex was analyzed. Migraines occurred significantly more frequently in psoriasis patients than in control participants (adjusted HR = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–1.31, P <.05). In the stratification analysis, migraines occurred significantly more frequently in psoriasis patients than in control participants only in the group of middle-aged males (adjusted HR = 1.62 95% CI = 1.22–2.13, P = .001). In conclusion, psoriasis might increase the risk of migraine.
Prognostic factors and treatment outcomes in patients with non-ampullary small bowel adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tian Jiangfang , Liu Jiewei , Guo Chunhong , Yang Xi , Yang Yu , Gou Hongfeng , Qiu Meng , Cao Dan
Published: April 2019

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a relatively rare malignancy in gastrointestinal tumors. In addition, the difficulty of early diagnosis, its poor prognosis compared to large bowel adenocarcinoma, and inadequate treatment experiences due to lack of prospective randomized trials make it necessary to explore the characteristics of the disease for early diagnosis and treatment.

Patients diagnosed with primary malignant tumor of small intestine in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2001 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 208 patients with SBA were selected and 160 patients with duodenal periampullary tumor were excluded. Forty-two cases of patients were finally enrolled for statistical analysis as 6 patients were lost of follow-up. The clinical characteristics, the response to treatment and their overall survival (OS) time were reviewed and analyzed.

Of the 42 patients, 11 (26.2%) primary tumors were originated from duodenum, 29 (69.0%) from jejunum, and 2 (4.8%) from ileum. All patients (64.3% male; median age, 54.7 years) included in this study underwent primary resection of the tumor to confirm final diagnosis. Three-year survival rate is 21% and 5-year survival rate is 9%. Median OS were 24.2 months (95% CI: 4.0–72.0). The univariate predictors for prognosis of SBA were as follows: age (P = .021), severe intestinal symptoms at first diagnosis (P < .001), T4 of tumor stage (P = .011), tumor size (P = .004), relatively late clinical stage (P < .001), peritoneal metastasis (P < .001), and no chemotherapy (P = .011). The multivariate predictors for poor prognosis were age of more than 60 years old (P = .035), intestinal obstruction or perforation at first diagnosis (P = .026), relatively late clinical stage (P = .000), and no chemotherapy (P = .027).

SBA was a relatively rare malignancy that was difficult for early diagnosis and treatment. Intestinal obstruction was the common clinical manifestation at first diagnosis, with a tendency of early peritoneal metastasis. Precaution of the disease in early phase, radical resection of the primary tumor while resectable, followed with in-time chemotherapy might improve prognosis and survival of patients with SBA.
Efficacy of pirfenidone for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Shu-Min , Lin Yang , Liang Shan-Shan
Published: April 2019

Background:

This study will systematically assess the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone for the treatment of patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Methods:

We will search potential records from following literature sources from their inceptions to the present without language, and publication status limitations: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PUBMED, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. In addition, we also search grey literature sources, such as dissertations, conference proceedings, as well as the reference lists of included studies. All randomized controlled trials related to the pirfenidone for treating PF will be included. All the process of study selection, data extraction, and methodological evaluation will be carried out by 2 authors independently. The primary outcome comprises of all-cause-mortality, and lung function status, as measured by forced vital capacity. The secondary outcomes consist of 6-minute walk distance, progression-free survival, dyspnea, acute exacerbation, quality of life, and adverse events. Whenever possible, all results data will be pooled and meta-analysis will be performed.

Results:

This study will systematically assess the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone for the treatment of patients with PF.

Conclusion:

The findings of the present study will summarize most recent evidence of pirfenidone for PF.

Ethics and dissemination:

No individual data will be analyzed in this study, thus, no research ethics approval is required in this study. The findings of this study are expected to be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal or conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019126958.
Estimating the Costs and Income of Providing Vaccination to Adults and Children
Authors: Yarnoff Benjamin , Kim David , Zhou Fangjun , Leidner Andrew J. , Khavjou Olga , Bates Laurel , Bridges Carolyn B.
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Vaccinations are recommended to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. However, providers’ concerns regarding costs and payments for providing vaccination services are commonly reported barriers to adult vaccination. Information on the costs of providing vaccination is limited, especially for adults.

Methods:

We recruited 4 internal medicine, 4 family medicine, 2 pediatric, 2 obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) practices, and 2 community health clinics in North Carolina to participate in a study to assess the economic costs and benefits of providing vaccination services for adults and children. We conducted a time-motion assessment of vaccination-related activities in the provider office and a survey to providers on vaccine management costs. We estimated mean cost per vaccination, minimum and maximum payments received, and income.

Results:

Across all provider settings, mean cost per vaccine administration was $14 with substantial variation by practice setting (pediatric: $10; community health clinics: $15; family medicine: $17; OBGYN: $23; internal medicine: $23). When receiving the maximum payment, all provider settings had positive income for vaccination services. When receiving the minimum reported payments for vaccination services, pediatric and family medicine practices had positive income, internal medicine, and OBGYN practices had approximately equal costs and payments, and community health clinics had losses or negative income.

Conclusions:

Overall, vaccination service providers appeared to have small positive income from vaccination services. In some cases, providers experienced negative income, which underscores the need for providers and policymakers to design interventions and system improvements to make vaccination services financially sustainable for all provider types.
Developing a New Measure of Primary Care Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
Authors: Olaisen R. Henry , Flocke Susan A. , Smyth Kathleen A. , Schluchter Mark D. , Koroukian Siran M. , Stange Kurt C.
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To develop and assess the reliability of a measure of primary care using items from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), a US representative survey of community-dwelling persons.

Methods:

On the basis of the domains from the literature on primary care characteristics, we identified relevant items within the 2013–2014 MEPS family of surveys. In a sample of primary survey respondents with at least 1 office-based physician visit in the last 12 months, we conducted exploratory factor analysis, retaining items with a factor loading of 0.30 and factors ≥3 items. Using a hold-out sample, internal consistency, reproducibility, and confirmatory factor analyses were performed.

Results:

On the basis of 16 care domains, we found 32 candidate items in the MEPS. Factor analyses of data from 4549 persons meeting inclusion criteria (27.6% of the total sample), yielded 3 unique factors involving 24 items. We named these subscales Relationship, Comprehensiveness, and Health Promotion, displaying internal consistency reliability of 0.86, 0.78, and 0.69, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the stability of the exploratory findings in the hold out sample. Sensitivity analyses showed robustness to differences in underlying correlation structure, alternative approach to missing data, and extension to indirect survey respondents.

Conclusions:

The MEPS Primary Care measure with 3 subscales is reliable and may be useful in conducting primary care health services and outcomes research in the rich MEPS dataset. Further validation is needed, and is described in a companion paper.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients Who Underwent Transconjunctival Approach Surgery for Inferior Orbital Wall Fractures
Authors: Kim Jin A. , Lee Yong Jae , Jang Sun Young
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

To investigate whether transconjunctival approach surgery caused meibomian gland dysfunction in patients with inferior orbital wall fractures.

Methods:

Twenty consecutive patients who underwent reconstruction surgery for unilateral inferior orbital wall fracture via a transconjunctival approach were enrolled in this study. All patients were asked to complete the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire for each separate eyelid. Both eyelids of each patient underwent slit lamp examination to determine the lid margin abnormality scores. The structure of the meibomian gland was assessed using meibography. Intraindividual comparison of outcome measurements between both eyelids was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The contralateral eyelid of each patient was used as a normal control.

Results:

The mean Ocular Surface Disease Index score of the operated eyelid was 46.5 ± 8.9, which was significantly higher than that of the contralateral normal eyelid (23.4 ± 7.3; P = 0.02). The lid margin abnormality score of the operated eyelid (1.2 ± 0.7) was higher than that of the normal eyelid (0.5 ± 0.7; P = 0.033). The meibography score of the eyelid on the operated side (1.8 ± 0.8) was greater than that of the contralateral eyelid (1.0 ± 1.0; P = 0.015).

Conclusions:

Compared to paired normal eyelids, eyelids that underwent transconjunctival approach surgery exhibited significant signs of meibomian gland dysfunction. Clinicians should be aware of such ocular symptoms in patients after transconjunctival approach surgery.
Surgical Management of Giant Cell Tumor Involving the Lateral Skull Base
Authors: Feng Zhien , Wang Chong , Li Bo , Cheng Aoming , Mao Minghui , Han Zhengxue
Published: April 2019

The aim of the study is to discuss the current management options for intra- and extra-cranial communication giant cell tumor of the lateral skull base and perform a review of the literature. A total of 6 patients with giant cell tumor of the lateral skull base were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The principal complaints, imaging manifestations, surgical resection and reconstruction of intra- and extra-cranial communication defects for the diseases were discussed. There were 2 males and 4 females. The most of principal complaints were discomfort or pain in the temporomandibular joint in 5 cases (83.3%). Imaging examination showed invasion of the temporal bone alone in 3 cases (50.0%) and both temporal bone and sphenoid bone involvement in 3 cases (50.0%). C-shaped preauricular infratemporal fossa approach was used for tumour removal and gross total resection was done in all 6 cases. The pedicled temporal muscle fascial flap was used to reconstruct the intra- and extra-cranial communication defect of the lateral skull base. The conclusion is that giant cell tumor is a benign tumor but is also locally aggressive. Gross total resection is the most commonly recommended treatment choice for giant cell tumor of the skull and can achieve good treatment outcomes. The temporalis muscle flap is a good alternative choice for reconstruction of the defect.
Predictors of Adverse Events Following Cleft Palate Repair
Authors: Mets Elbert Johann , Chouairi Fouad , Torabi Sina John , Alperovich Michael
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Cleft palate repair has rare, but potentially life-threatening risks. Understanding the risk factors for adverse events following cleft palate repair can guide surgeons in risk stratification and parental counseling.

Methods:

Patients under 2 years of age in National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Pediatric Database (NSQIP-P) from 2012 to 2016 who underwent primary cleft palate repair were identified. Risk factors for adverse events after cleft palate repair were identified.

Results:

Outcomes for 4989 patients were reviewed. Mean age was 1.0 ± 0.3 years and 53.5% were males. Adverse events occurred in 6.4% (320) of patients. The wound dehiscence rate was 3.1%, and the reoperation rate was 0.9%.

On multivariate analysis, perioperative blood transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 30.2), bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease (aOR 2.2), and prolonged length of stay (LOS) (aOR 1.1) were significantly associated with an adverse event.

When subdivided by type of adverse event, reoperation was associated with perioperative blood transfusion (aOR 286.5), cerebral palsy (aOR 11.3), and prolonged LOS (aOR 1.1). Thirty-day readmission was associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification class III (aOR 2.0) and IV (aOR 4.8), bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease (aOR 2.5), cerebral palsy (aOR 5.7), and prolonged LOS (aOR 1.1). Finally, wound dehiscence was significantly associated with perioperative blood transfusion only (aOR 8.2).

Conclusions:

Although adverse events following cleft palate surgery are rare, systemic disease remains the greatest predictor for readmission and reoperation. Neurologic and pulmonary diseases are the greatest systemic risk factors. Intraoperative adverse events requiring blood transfusion are the greatest surgical risk factor for post-surgical complications.
Predictability of Mandibular Autorotation After Le Fort I Maxillary Impaction in Case of Vertical Maxillary Excess
Authors: Peleg Oren , Mijiritsky Eitan , Manor Yifat , Inchingolo Francesco , Blinder Danielle , Mortellaro Carmen , Hirschhorn Ariel
Published: April 2019

A retrospective study of 20 patients treated for vertical maxillary excess between 2009 and 2010, solely by superior surgical repositioning of the maxilla. Clinical and radiological cephalometric parameters were analyzed statistically and their impact on achieving the predicted postoperative mandibular autorotation and on relapse. According to our study, patients presenting with an anterior open bite and a low occlusal plane angle might fail to achieve the predicted mandibular autorotation and are prone to postoperative relapse. No correlation was found between the extent of maxillary impaction and the presence of autorotation.
The Postoperative Speech Intelligibility Evaluation of Modified Z-Plasty Palatoplasty
Authors: Xu Huilin , Song Qinggao , Zou Yali , He Wei , Wang Fang
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present study is to test the feasibility of modified Z-plasty palatoplasty for cleft palate repair in surgeries and provide a new surgical method. Forty cleft palate patients were selected as participants and divided into 2 groups in random. Twenty patients in the experiment group were treated by modified Z-plasty palatoplasty while the other 20 patients in the control group by double opposing Z-plasty and Sommerlad palatoplasty. By evaluating and observing postoperative velopharyngeal movement, speech intelligibility, nasal leaking, analysis of CSL (Computer Structure Language) and X-ray velopharyngeal lateral radiographs, Modified Z-plasty palatoplasty achieved better results than traditional operation. Satisfactory linguistic effects on incomplete cleft palate can be observed after modified Z-plasty palatoplasty treatment. So this method may be used as a clinical choice.
Expanded Endoscopic Approach for Anterior Skull Base Tumors: Experience of a Multidisciplinary Skull Base Team
Authors: Marchioni Daniele , Gulino Antonio , Sacchetto Luca , Pinna Giampietro , Musumeci Angelo , Molteni Gabriele
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study is to describe the experience of a multidisciplinary skull base team with transnasal endoscopic surgery for anterior cranial base tumors.

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent an exclusive expanded transnasal approach to the anterior skull base in the period from December 2014 to November 2015. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical information, imaging, and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed.

From a total of 120 patients with skull base diseases managed by the skull base team, 36 were admitted to this study. The overall complication rate in this series was 16.7%, gross total resection was achieved in 32 cases (88.9%) and postoperative CSF leakage occurred in 5 cases (13.9%).

Our preliminary results confirm that an exclusive endoscopic transnasal approach to the anterior cranial base is a reliable technique with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Feminization of Transgender Women With Thyroid Chondroplasty and Laryngoplasty
Authors: Hammond Sarah E. , Cohen Erin , Rosow David
Published: April 2019

In recent years, gender affirmation surgery has broadened significantly from its previous focus on genital conformation only to include other areas of the body as well. As society reconsiders its interpretations of masculinity, femininity, and gender definitions, transgender individuals have realized that they will only be able to truly transition if they are recognized by the public in their chosen societal role. The authors review the literature and describe their own techniques for feminizing thyroid chondroplasty and laryngoplasty.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Filoviridae
Authors: Kuhn Jens H. , Amarasinghe Gaya K. , Basler Christopher F. , Bavari Sina , Bukreyev Alexander , Chandran Kartik , Crozier Ian , Dolnik Olga , Dye John M. , Formenty Pierre B. H. , Griffiths Anthony , Hewson Roger , Kobinger Gary P. , Leroy Eric M. , Mühlberger Elke , Netesov (Нетёсов Сергей Викторович) Sergey V. , Palacios Gustavo , Pályi Bernadett , Pawęska Janusz T. , Smither Sophie J. , Takada (高田礼人) Ayato , Towner Jonathan S. , Wahl Victoria ,   ICTV Report Consortium
Published: April 2019

Members of the family Filoviridae produce variously shaped, often filamentous, enveloped virions containing linear non-segmented, negative-sense RNA genomes of 15–19 kb. Several filoviruses (e.g., Ebola virus) are pathogenic for humans and are highly virulent. Several filoviruses infect bats (e.g., Marburg virus), whereas the hosts of most other filoviruses are unknown. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on Filoviridae, which is available at www.ictv.global/report/filoviridae.
From 3D to 3D: isolation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells into a three-dimensional human platelet lysate matrix
Authors: Egger Dominik , Oliveira Ana Catarina , Mallinger Barbara , Hemeda Hatim , Charwat Verena , Kasper Cornelia
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are considered an important candidate in cell therapy and tissue engineering approaches. The culture of stem cells in a 3D environment is known to better resemble the in vivo situation and to promote therapeutically relevant effects in isolated cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an approach for the isolation of MSCs from adipose tissue into a 3D environment. Furthermore, the use of cryoprotective medium for cryopreservation of whole adipose tissue was evaluated. For the isolation of MSCs, a novel human platelet lysate-based hydrogel was used as matrix and the migration, yield, viability and metabolic activity of cells from the 3D matrix were compared to cells from 2D explant culture. Also, the surface marker profile and differentiation capacity of MSCs from the 3D matrix were evaluated and compared to MSCs from isolation by enzymatic treatment. We found that cryopreservation of whole adipose tissue is feasible, and therefore adipose tissue can be stored and is available for MSC isolation on demand. Also, we demonstrate the isolation of MSCs into the 3D matrix and that cells from this condition display a similar phenotype and differentiation capacity like MSCs derived by traditional isolation procedure. The presented approach allows, for the first time, to isolate MSCs directly into a soft 3D hydrogel environment, avoiding any contact to a 2D plastic culture surface.

Significance Statement

In this paper we present a new method for the isolation of mesenchymal stem cells. Usually, these cells grow on two-dimensional plastic surfaces which is far away from their physiologic environment. Our new method allows for the first time the direct outgrowth of cells from primary tissue into a three-dimensional environment, avoiding any contact to a two-dimensional plastic surface. In future, this will allow an entirely three-dimensional in vitro cultivation of stem cells. Using 3D isolated cells will probably also increase the physiologic relevance of in vitro models.
O-glycosylation regulates plant developmental transitions downstream of miR156
Authors: Mutanwad Krishna Vasant , Baekelandt Alexandra , Neumayer Nicole , Freitag Claudia , Zangl Isabella , Inzé Dirk , Lucyshyn Doris
Published: April 2019

The timing of plant developmental transitions is decisive for reproductive success and thus tightly regulated. The transition from juvenile to adult vegetative and later to the reproductive phase is controlled by an endogenous pathway regulated by miR156, targeting the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN (SBP/SPL) family of transcription factors. SPLs regulate a number of developmental processes, such as trichome formation, leaf shape and floral transition. Such complex regulatory pathways often involve post-translational modifications (PTMs), integrating a range of internal and external signals. One of these PTMs is O-glycosylation, the attachment of a single monosaccharide to serine or threonine of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, which is found on a number of very diverse proteins. O-GlcNAcylation is the most common type of cytosolic O-glycosylation, but in plants also O-fucose modification occurs. Here we show that mutants defective in the O-fucosyltransferase SPINDLY (SPY) show accelerated developmental transitions. Genetic analysis shows that this effect is independent of miR156 levels, but partly dependent on functional SPLs. In a phenotyping analysis, we found that SPY and SPLs also control leaf growth, as loss of function mutants showed defects in cell expansion, while SPL9 also regulates cell division in rosette leaves. Moreover, SPLs interact directly with SPY and are O-glycosylated. Our results show that O-glycosylation is involved at several steps in the regulation of developmental transitions and organ growth inArabidopsis thaliana.
Adoption and consequences of new light-fishing technology (LEDs) on Lake Tanganyika, East Africa
Authors: Mgana Huruma , Kraemer Benjamin M. , O’Reilly Catherine M. , Staehr Peter A. , Kimirei Ismael A. , Apse Colin , Leisher Craig , Ngoile Magnus , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: April 2019

Maintaining sustainable fisheries requires understanding the influence of technological advances on catch efficiency. Fisheries using light sources for attraction could be widely impacted by the shift to light emitting diode (LED) light systems. We studied the transition from kerosene lanterns to LED lamps in Lake Tanganyika, East Africa, examining factors that led to adoption as well as the impact of the new light sources on fish catch and composition. We used a combination of field experiments with catch assessments, fisher surveys, underwater light spectra measurements, and cost assessments to evaluate the impact of switching from kerosene to LED lamps. Overall, we found a very rapid rate of adoption of homemade outdoor LED light systems in Lake Tanganyika. Most of the batteries used to power these lamps were charged from the city power grid, rather than photovoltaic cells. The LED light spectra was distinct from the kerosene light and penetrated much deeper into the water column. Regardless of light type, most of the fish caught within the two dominant species were below maturity, indicating that current fishery is not sustainable. Although the LED lamps were associated with a slight increase in catch, environmental factors, particularly distance offshore, were generally more important in determining fish catch size and composition. The main advantages of the LED lamps were the lower operating costs and their robustness in bad weather. Overall, the use of battery-powered LED lighting systems to attract fish in Lake Tanganyika appears to reduce economic costs but not contribute new impacts on the fishery.
Genome-wide CRISPR Screens Reveal Genetic Mediators of Cereblon Modulator Toxicity in Primary Effusion Lymphoma
Authors: Patil Ajinkya , Manzano Mark , Gottwein Eva
Published: April 2019

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens represent a powerful approach to study mechanisms of drug action and resistance. Cereblon modulating agents (CMs) have recently emerged as candidates for therapeutic intervention in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a highly aggressive cancer caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. CMs bind to cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of the cullin-RING type E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby trigger the acquisition and proteasomal degradation of neosubstrates. Downstream mechanisms of CM toxicity are incompletely understood, however. To identify novel CM effectors and mechanisms of CM resistance, we performed positive selection CRISPR screens using three CMs with increasing toxicity in PEL: lenalidomide (LEN), pomalidomide (POM), and CC-122. Results identified several novel modulators of the activity of CRL4CRBN. The number of genes whose inactivation confers resistance decreases with increasing CM efficacy. Only inactivation of CRBN conferred complete resistance to CC-122. Inactivation of the E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2G1 also conferred robust resistance against LEN and POM. Inactivation of additional genes, including the Nedd8-specific protease SENP8, conferred resistance to only LEN. SENP8 inactivation indirectly increased levels of unneddylated CUL4A/B, which limits CRL4CRBNactivity in a dominant negative manner. Accordingly, sensitivity of SENP8-inactivated cells to LEN is restored by overexpression of CRBN. In sum, our screens identify several novel players in CRL4CRBNfunction and define pathways to CM resistance in PEL. These results provide rationale for increasing CM efficacy upon patient relapse from a less efficient CM. Identified genes could finally be developed as biomarkers to predict CM efficacy in PEL and other cancers.

Key Points

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens identify novel mediators of resistance to lenalidomide, pomalidomide and CC-122 in PEL cells.

UBE2G1 and SENP8 are modulators of CRL4CRBNand their inactivation drives resistance to CMs in PEL-derived cell lines.
Crystal structure and optical properties of fused-ring chalcone (E)-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one
Authors: Zaini Muhamad Fikri , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Khairul Wan Mohd , Arshad Suhana
Published: April 2019

The title compound, C23H15NO3, adopts an s-cis conformation with respect to the ethylene C=C and carbonyl C=O double bonds in the enone unit. The molecule is significantly twisted with a dihedral angle of 48.63 (14)° between the anthracene ring system and the benzene ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked into inversion dimers with an R
2
2(10) graph-set motif via pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The intermolecular interactions were analysed and quantified by Hirshfeld surface analysis. The molecular structure was optimized and a small HOMO–LUMO energy gap of 2.55 eV was obtained using the DFT method at the B3LYP/6–311 G++(d,p) level of theory. This value is in close agreement with the experimental value of 2.52 eV obtained from the UV–vis analysis. The crystal used was a two-component merohedral twin with a refined ratio of 0.1996 (16):0.8004 (16).
Synthesis and structural study of tris(2,6-diaminopyridinium) bis(oxalato)dioxidovanadate(V) 2.5-hydrate
Authors: Sehimi Hiba , Akitsu Takashiro , Zid Mohamed Faouzi
Published: April 2019

Crystals of the title compound, (C5H8N3)3[VO2(C2O4)2]·2.5H2O, a mononuclear VV complex, were obtained by slow evaporation at room temperature of an aqueous solution containing vanadium pentoxide, oxalic acid and 2,6-diaminopyridine. The asymmetric unit contains one bis(oxalato)dioxovanadate(V) anionic complex, three 2,6-diaminopyridinium cations and two and a half uncoordinated water molecules. The mononuclear vanadium(V) anions are connected to the organic cations and water molecules through a strong N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen-bond network, consolidated by π–π stacking interactions, to form a three-dimensional structure.
3,5-Dichloro-3′,4′-dimethoxybiphenyl
Authors: Dhakal Ram , Parkin Sean , Lehmler Hans-Joachim
Published: April 2019

The title compound, C14H12Cl2O2, is a dimethoxylated derivative of 3,4-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB 14). The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 42.49 (6)°. The methoxy groups on the non-chlorinated ring lie essentially in the plane of the benzene ring, with C—C—O—C torsion angles of 4.0 (2) and −2.07 (19)°. In the crystal, the compound displays π–π stacking interactions between inversion-related chlorinated benzene rings, with an interplanar stacking distance of 3.3695 (17) Å.
Managing relationships in large public projects: comparative study of China and Singapore
Authors: Ke Yongjian , Ling Florence Y.Y. , Ning Yan , Zhang Zhe
Published: April 2019

Purpose

One of the solutions to manage large public projects that are complex and difficult to manage is through relationship management. Although formal and relational approaches have been adopted in managing relationships, it is widely recognized that participants from developed and developing economies have different mindsets toward these two approaches. The purpose of this paper is hence to elucidate the more effective practices for managers to manage relationships in large public projects that are in countries of different sizes and stages of development.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was conducted. Multiple stakeholders involved in public construction projects in Singapore and China that include public sector clients and consultants, private sector contractors and conszultants, were approached for data collection to provide information on one of their completed large public project.

Findings

Both Singapore and China primarily adopt contractual governance by making rational decisions, pursuing profit and using the contract to guard against trouble. Participants in Singapore are more deeply committed and work more collaboratively than their counterparts in China. Project partners in China build stronger relationships, which may be due to the importance of “guanxi” to conduct business activities there.

Originality/value

The comparative study provides managers with different sets of governance practices to adopt to improve the relationships with public clients in large public projects under different environments. In large public projects in developed countries, participants should rely more on relational practices that show commitment and teamwork, while those in developing countries participate in activities that build up their social networks.
Policy-induced price distortions along the small ruminant value chains in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Girma T. , Wubie Rahel Solomon , Tokgoz Simla , Majeed Fahd , Yitayih Mulugeta , Rischkowsky Barbara
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify sources and quantifying distortions to agricultural incentives to produce along the small ruminant value chains in Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

National and district level average nominal rate of protection (NRPs) were computed for a five-year period (2010–2015). The authors developed four scenarios based on combinations of the different data generation processes employed in relation to each of the key variables.

Findings

The NRPs at farm gate and retail market for both sheep and goats are negative indicating a strong deviation of producer and retailer prices from the comparable export prices over the five-year period. Policy induced distortions were separated from market inefficiencies through use of data on access costs throughout the value chain. These access costs are positive and significant in value. It is clear that market inefficiencies are also due to government policy to a certain extent.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses only on sheep and goat value chains and covers only five-year period. This certainly limits the extrapolability of the results.

Originality/value

This study presents the extent to which smallholder livestock keepers are discouraged through disincentives in a unique context. This is the first study done on small ruminant value chains in the developing world.
Madoff’s dirty money
Authors: Wilson Linus
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to estimate the profits to JPMorgan Chase from the Madoff Ponzi scheme’s checking account deposits at the bank based on the data in Harbeck (2011). The Madoff Ponzi scheme was sitting on a cash hoard in excess of a US$1bn by the 1990s. Most of that money came into and stayed in the 703 account at JPMorgan Chase or it was transferred to one of the 11 other bank accounts. The author uses previously unanalyzed data from the Security Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) to estimate JPMorgan Chase’s earnings from the accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

The author estimates the checking account balances of the Madoff Ponzi scheme with JPMorgan Chase and its ancestor corporation, Chemical Bank. He estimates the earnings from those large checking accounts and reinvests them in the stock price from 1986 to 2011. He uses data on the Madoff checking accounts released by Harbeck (2011) to estimate that JPMorgan Chase earned over US$900m from those large and suspicious checking deposits.

Findings

The US$907m in estimated profits from the Madoff Ponzi scheme bank accounts are much smaller than the US$2.6bn fine that JPMorgan Chase paid in 2014 to limit its liability for its dealings with Bernard L. Madoff. Any failure of anti-money laundering compliance in this case was very costly for the bank.

Originality/value

This is only study to analyze the Harbeck (2011) data to estimate JPMorgan Chase’s profits from the Madoff Ponzi scheme’s checking deposits. As JPMorgan Chase paid a US$2.6bn fine in this matter, it is relevant to look at how big the fine was relative to the profits the corporation may have earned from doing business with Bernie Madoff.
Exploring retro marketing with sport marketing professionals
Authors: Scola Zach , Gordon Brian S.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand our understanding of retro marketing in sport through the perspective of sport marketers.

Design/methodology/approach

Fourteen sport marketers involved in their team’s marketing and utilized retro participated in topical interviews. Interviews were transcribed and open coded to find themes around how retro marketing is utilized and why the marketers think it may be effective.

Findings

This study discovered prominent themes explaining how retro marketing is implemented (changing marks and jerseys, celebrating anniversaries, milestones and past players and retro nights) and why it may be effective (nostalgia, retro design appeal and connection to the team’s lived history).

Originality/value

Despite the coverage of retro marketing in popular press, little is understood in the academic field. This current study should expand our understanding of retro marketing in sport and be effective in aiding future scholars who investigate retro marketing in sport.
Long‐term fauna and flora records of the experimental forests of the Forest Research Station of Hokkaido University, Japan
Authors: Terada Chisato , Kwon TaeOh , Kazahari Nobuko , Kishida Osamu , Utsumi Shunsuke
Published: April 2019

The Forest Research Station of Hokkaido University owns a vast area of experimental forests, which are composed of a large variety of ecosystems ranging from aquatic ecosystems, such as wetlands and river basins, to various types of forests, such as primary, secondary and artificial forests. Additionally, these forests are representative of numerous climatic zones, such as warm temperate, cool temperate and subarctic. Since the initial establishment of the Forest Research Station in 1901, huge efforts have been devoted to recording the vegetation structure and vertebrate assemblages of these experimental forests. Thus, a large body of literature and long‐term data on fauna and flora of these forests has been accumulated in our archives. However, most of these records have been written in Japanese and are not opened to the public or well structured. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed these records and related scientific articles from the 1910s to the 2010s to build up the database for vascular plant and vertebrate animals that inhabited (in the past) and/or are currently inhabiting in the experimental forests. Additional site‐specific information was also listed, including geological and topographical characteristics where species were found as well as the localities, survey area and year in which species were recorded. These databases, which span a large temporal and spatial scale, are expected to provide useful data for research or educational purposes and for understanding the flora and fauna of Japan. These can also contribute to a greater understanding of the historical transition of biodiversity in Japan.
Home care as reablement or enabling arrangements? An exploration of the precarious dependencies in living with functional decline
Authors: Bødker Malene N. , Christensen Ulla , Langstrup Henriette
Published: April 2019

The threat to welfare societies posed by population ageing has urged high‐income countries to rethink the provision of social and healthcare services for the ageing population. One widely implemented policy solution is ‘reablement’: short‐term home‐based training programmes focusing on re‐enabling older people to carry out activities of daily living independently. Drawing on empirical material from multisited ethnographic fieldwork of reablement practices in a Danish municipality we explore how the assumptions about independence embedded in the concept's linguistic parts – ‘re’, ‘able’ and ‘ment’ – map onto lives characterised by functional decline. We find that home care applicants: (i) are often too deeply dependent on the capacities of others in order to have their independence restored; (ii) negotiate individual meanings of independence to maintain their identity as able human beings; and (iii) might possibly gain new capacities through reablement, yet these are not individual and stable achievements, but rather temporary effects of the care relations with eldercare professionals. Rather than reablement we, therefore, suggest the term ‘enabling arrangements’ as more appropriate for capturing independence as a distributed, negotiated and continuous accomplishment. Finally, we discuss the practical and ethical implications of this term.
Low‐carbohydrate, healthy‐fat eating: A cost comparison with national dietary guidelines
Authors: Zinn Caryn , North Sylvia , Donovan Katie , Muir Chloe , Henderson George
Published: April 2019

Aim

A low‐carbohydrate, healthy‐fat (LCHF) dietary approach has been demonstrated as an effective strategy for improving metabolic health; however, it is often criticised for being more expensive than following a dietary approach guided by the national, Ministry of Health nutrition guidelines. This study compared the cost of these two nutritionally replete dietary approaches for one day for a family of four.

Methods

In this descriptive case study, one‐day meal plans were designed for a hypothetical family of four representing the average New Zealand (NZ) male and female weight‐stable adult and two adolescent children. National documented heights, a healthy body mass index range (18.5–25.0 kg/m2), and a 1.7‐activity factor was used to estimate total energy requirements using the Schofield equation. Total daily costs were compared based on food prices from a popular Auckland supermarket. Meal plans were analysed for their nutritional adequacy using FoodWorks 8 dietary analysis software against national Australian and NZ nutrient reference value thresholds.

Results

The total daily costs were $43.42 (national guidelines) and $51.67 (LCHF) representing an $8.25 difference, or $2.06 per person, with the LCHF meal plan being the costlier option.

Conclusions

We consider this increased cost for an LCHF approach to be negligible. In practice, less costly food items with similar nutrition qualities can be substituted to reduce costs further should this be a goal. The LCHF approach should therefore not be disregarded as a viable dietary approach for improving health outcomes, based on its perceived expense.
Older patients are significantly more likely to have colon ischaemia‐associated conditions that are chronic and complex
Authors: Silverman Michael , Aroniadis Olga C. , Feuerstadt Paul , Fenster Marc , Huisman Tsipora , Mansoor Muhammad Sohail , Bhutta Abdul Qadir , Brandt Lawrence J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Colon ischaemia is a common disease which has been associated with various medications and comorbidities.

Aim

To test the hypothesis that there are differences in the frequencies of these associations in older compared with younger patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients hospitalized with colon ischaemia at two major medical centres from 2005‐2017. Clinical, colonoscopic and pathologic criteria were used to identify patients admitted with colon ischaemia; patients with other types of colitis were excluded. Demographic and medical data were extracted. Two cohorts were created: patients aged 18‐64 years and patients > 65 years. These were compared using SAS 14.3.

Results

A total of 788 patients were included, of which 271 (34.4%) were of ages 18‐64 years, and 517 (66.6%) were 65 years old or older. In the older cohort, constipation‐inducing medications (83.8% vs 64.1%; P = <0.0001), diuretics (38.1% vs 25.1%; P = <0.001) and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (58% vs 41.5%; P = <0.0001) were more common than in the younger cohort. Antipsychotic medication use was more common in the younger cohort (10.4% vs 5.4%; P = 0.01). There was a higher percentage of younger patients with a history of hypercoaguable state (1.9% vs 0.2%; P = 0.03) and dialysis dependence (22.9% vs 8.7%; P = <0.01), while a higher percentage of patients in the older cohort had a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12% vs 6.3%; P = 0.01) or atrial fibrillation (18.9% vs 10.3%; P = <0.01).

Conclusions

Our study shows that older patients are more likely to have colon ischaemia‐associated conditions that are chronic and complex, while younger patients are more likely to have acute colon ischaemia‐associated conditions.