bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel juxtamembrane basolateral targeting motif regulates TGF-β receptor signaling inDrosophila
Authors: Peterson Aidan J. , Murphy Stephen J. , Mundt Melinda G. , Shimell Maryjane , Leof Edward B. , O’Connor Michael B.
Published: October 2020

In polarized epithelial cells, receptor-ligand interactions can be restricted by different spatial distributions of the two interacting components, giving rise to an underappreciated layer of regulatory complexity. We explored whether such regulation occurs in theDrosophilawing disc, an epithelial tissue that requires the TGF-β family member Dpp for growth and patterning. Dpp protein has been observed in a gradient within the columnar cells of the disc, but also uniformly in the disc lumen, leading to the question of how graded signaling is achieved in the face of two distinctly localized pools. We find the Dpp type II receptor Punt, but not the type I receptor Tkv, is enriched at the basolateral membrane, and depleted at the junctions and apical surface. Wit, a second type II receptor, shows a markedly different behavior, with the protein detected on all membrane regions but enriched at the apical side. Mutational studies identified the BLT, a short juxtamembrane sequence required for basolateral targeting of Punt in both wing discs and mammalian MDCK cells, and that dominantly confers basolateral localization on an otherwise apical receptor. Rescue ofpuntmutants with transgenes altered in the targeting motif showed that flies expressing apicalized Punt due to the lack of a functional BLT displayed developmental defects, female sterility and significant lethality. We also show that apicalized Punt does not produce an ectopic signal, indicating that the apical pool of Dpp is not a significant signaling source even when presented with Punt. Finally, we present evidence that the BLT acts through polarized sorting machinery that differs between types of epithelia. This suggests a code whereby each epithelial cell type may differentially traffic common receptors to enable distinctive responses to spatially localized pools of extracellular ligands.
Cooperation between oncogenic Ras and p53 stimulates JAK/STAT non-cell autonomously to promote Ras tumor radioresistance
Authors: Dong Yong-Li , Valdka Ganghadara P , Lu Jin-Yu (Jim) , Ahmad Vakil , Klein Thomas J. , Liu Lu-Fang , Glazer Peter M. , Xu Tian , Chabu Chiswili Y.
Published: October 2020

Oncogenic RAS mutations are associated with tumor resistance to radiation therapy. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Emergent cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) profoundly influence therapy outcomes. The nature of these interactions and their role in Ras tumor radioresistance remain unclear. We usedDrosophilaoncogenic Ras tissues and human Ras cancer cell radiation models to address these questions. We discovered that cellular response to genotoxic stress cooperates with oncogenic Ras to activate JAK/STAT non-cell autonomously in the TME. JAK/STAT accelerates the growth of the less-damaged Ras tumor cells, leading to rapid tumor recurrence. Specifically, p53 is heterogeneously activated in Ras tumor tissues in response to irradiation. This mosaicism allows high p53-expressing Ras clones to stimulate JAK/STAT cytokines, which activate JAK/STAT in the nearby low p53-expressing surviving Ras clones, leading to robust tumor re-establishment. Blocking any part of this cell-cell communication loop re-sensitizes Ras tumor cells to irradiation. This finding suggests that coupling STAT inhibitors to radiotherapy might improve clinical outcomes for Ras cancer patients.
Crystal structures of four isomeric hydrogen-bonded co-crystals of 6-methylquinoline with 2-chloro-4-nitrobenzoic acid, 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid, 3-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid and 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Gotoh Kazuma , Ishida Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

The structures of the four isomeric compounds of 6-methylquinoline with chloro- and nitro-substituted benzoic acids, C7H4ClNO4·C10H9N, namely, 2-chloro-4-nitrobenzoic acid–6-methylquinoline (1/1), (I), 2-chloro-5-nitrobenzoic acid–6-methylquinoline (1/1), (II), 3-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid–6-methylquinoline (1/1), (III), and 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid–6-methylquinoline (1/1), (IV), have been determined at 185–190 K. In each compound, the acid and base molecules are linked by a short hydrogen bond between a carboxyl O atom and an N atom of the base. The O...N distances are 2.5452 (12), 2.6569 (13), 2.5640 (17) and 2.514 (2) Å, respectively, for compounds (I)–(IV). In the hydrogen-bonded acid–base units of (I), (III) and (IV), the H atoms are each disordered over two positions with O site:N site occupancies of 0.65 (3):0.35 (3), 0.59 (4):0.41 (4) and 0.48 (5):0.52 (5), respectively, for (I), (III) and (IV). The H atom in the hydrogen-bonded unit of (II) is located at the O-atom site. In all of the crystals of (I)–(IV), π–π interactions between the quinoline ring system and the benzene ring of the acid molecule are observed. In addition, a π–π interaction between the benzene rings of adjacent acid molecules and a C—H...O hydrogen bond are observed in the crystal of (I), and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and O...Cl contacts occur in the crystals of (III) and (IV). These intermolecular interactions connect the acid and base molecules, forming a layer structure parallel to thebcplane in (I), a column along thea-axis direction in (II), a layer parallel to theabplane in (III) and a three-dimensional network in (IV). Hirshfeld surfaces for the title compounds mapped overdnormand shape index were generated to visualize the weak intermolecular interactions.
The crystal structure of TlMgCl3 from 290 K to 725 K
Authors: Onken Drew R. , Perrodin Didier , Vogel Sven C. , Bourret Edith D. , Moretti Federico
Published: October 2020

The title compound, thallium magnesium trichloride, has been identified as a scintillator with both moderate gamma-stopping power and moderate light yield. Knowledge of its crystal structure is needed for further development. This work determines the crystal structure of TlMgCl3 to be hexagonal P63/mmc (No. 194) and isostructural with RbMgCl3, contrary to previously reported data. This structure was obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and was further confirmed by neutron diffraction measurements. Extending neutron diffraction measurements to high temperature, the data show that TlMgCl3 maintains this crystal structure from 290 K up through 725 K, approaching the melting point of 770 K. Anisotropic thermal expansion coefficients increase over this temperature range, from 31 to 38 × 10−6 K−1 along the a axis and from 19 to 34 × 10−6 K−1 along the c axis.
Is the enemy's enemy my friend? American public support for Taiwan under the context of the Sino–US trade war
Authors: Yeh Yao-Yuan , Wu Charles K.S.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this paper, the authors investigate the factors that explain US public support for military operation for the enemy's enemy, and argue that US public support for military defense could be attributed to three factors – whether such support aligns with US national interests, whether the public perceives the US enemy to be a threat and whether interventions and military assistance to the enemy's enemy garner moral grounds.

Design/methodology/approach

To find evidence of our claims, the authors conducted two survey experiments in 2018 and 2019 on Amazon.com's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) to see whether the ongoing trade war between the US and China (enemy) would alter the public's willingness to provide military assistance to Taiwan (enemy's enemy).

Findings

The authors first find that US national interests only matter when the public considers China's military to be not a threat when the US–China rivalry intensifies. In both waves, respondents were most likely to support for Taiwan's defense if they perceived China's military to be a major threat, followed by a minor threat and not a threat, respectively. Contrary to our theoretical expectation, the study does not find empirical support for moral factors.

Originality/value

Our research applies the survey experiments among the US public to gauge public support for the enemy's enemy (Taiwan), which generates unique and vital findings to foreign policymakers and international observers.
Exploring the double-edged sword of familiness from a knowledge-based perspective
Authors: Belkhodja Omar , Daghfous Abdelkader
Published: October 2020

Purpose

For family businesses, familiness constitutes a unique bundle of resources and capabilities resulting from family relationships and influences. The extant literature has shown that familiness impacts organizational outcomes such as performance and innovation. This paper investigates the role of familiness in relation to absorptive capacity (ACAP). It also explores the specificities of nonfamily members’ social capital when different knowledge management (KM) approaches are adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory comparative case study design is adopted. Data from three family firms based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provide the empirical setting for this study. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews, available documents, observations and company websites.

Findings

Our results reveal that the role of familiness in relation to ACAP varies according to the adopted KM approach. Familiness targets the potential ACAP when an explicit KM approach is adopted, the realized ACAP when a tacit KM approach is adopted, and both potential and realized ACAPs when a strategic KM approach is adopted. Our results also show that family firms invest in KM processes that support knowledge exploration and/or exploitation.

Originality/value

This paper provides further evidence for the role of familiness. It moves beyond the study of familiness from a resource-based view and adopts a knowledge-based perspective to develop a better understanding of the role of familiness in relation to ACAP. It also improves our understanding of nonfamily members’ social capital in family firms.
Swap Curve Steepener
Authors: Varma Jayanth R. , Virmani Vineet
Published: October 2020

The case is about a decision problem facing James on whether or not to invest in a structured product called the “CMS Steepener” issued by a large US investment bank. The payoff from the product is linked to two constant maturity swap (CMS) rates, and the investor profits if the difference between the two CMS rates increases, or alternatively if the CMS curve steepens. The case describes the risks that investing in such a product poses, and presents relevant data on the CMS rates, term structure and recent financial history of the issuer to help resolve James's decision problem.
Provident Fund Committee Investment at K.M. College
Authors: Kumar Pushpender , Chand Vijaya Sherry
Published: October 2020

O.P. Sharma, Convener, Provident Fund (PF) Committee, Kirori Mal College, had to re-invest the amount to be received after the maturity of fixed deposits (FD) in Canara Bank, maturing on July 12, 2018 (INR 5.88 cr.) and on July 14, 2018 (INR 6.70 cr.). He wanted to reinvest the funds in bank FDs for more than a year but less than two years to earn the maximum interest possible, since the current market interest rate trends indicated a severe downfall of interest rates in the near future, but Ram Saran, Section Officer of the College, wanted to reinvest this money for less than one year since there would be a requirement of funds in the short term. However, given Saran's views, O. P. Sharma had to convince the committee members about the feasibility of his proposal for two-year FDs. The case will enable participants to identify the components of a financial investment decision making, investment analysis, evaluation of options and recommendation with the decision of investment plan.
Relationships between two kinds of MSP in China
Authors: Tang Honghao , Yue Qi , Wang Chen , Zhou Lingling , Yu Jing , Wu Wen , Feng Ruoyan , Ma Chen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The major marine functional zoning plan (MMFZP) and marine functional zoning (MFZ) are two important kinds of marine spatial planning (MSP) in China. Their developing and implementation are integral to rational marine utilization and sustainable marine development. The purpose of this research is to study how these two kinds of MSP work in coordination in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed the present status of MSP research in China and abroad and presented a comparative study of the MMFZP and MFZ from different aspects, analyzing the relationship between the two.

Findings

The study found obvious differences between the MMFZP and MFZ, with respect to their concept and connotation, purpose and goal, as well as zoning methods and zoning functions. MFZ provides reference with respect to data, zoning methods and partial zoning results for the MMFZP, which in turn takes measures for addressing issues faced by MFZ and promotes the national MSP work.

Originality/value

In the process of developing and implementing the two zoning plans, this paper emphasizes the necessity to strengthen data sharing, reference of zoning techniques and coordination in zoning work, which will help to improve China's marine spatial management.
Understanding content sharing on the internet: test of a cognitive-affective-conative model
Authors: Hsiao Cheng-Chieh
Published: October 2020

Purpose

With the prevalence of user-generated content on the internet, this study aims to propose a cognitive-affective-conative model to examine how users create and share their content online. The moderating role of gender differences is also tested in the model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects a representative sample of 873 internet users via a nation-wide survey in Taiwan.

Findings

The results show that hedonic value has a positive impact on internet satisfaction, and social value affects life satisfaction and internet satisfaction positively. Both life satisfaction and internet satisfaction are positively related to content sharing on the internet. In particular, the positive effect of life satisfaction on online content sharing is greater for male users than for female users.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating online content sharing behavior from the cognitive-affective-conative perspective. This study also provides a better understanding of this behavior by simultaneously examining life satisfaction and internet satisfaction as two underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, gender differences play an important role in determining content sharing on the internet.

Practical implications

For digital marketing practitioners, this study suggests several online editing and social mechanisms for encouraging users' engagement in content sharing behavior on the internet.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first that examines a cognitive-affective-conative framework of content sharing behavior on the internet. This study also demonstrates boundary conditions of this framework by testing the moderating role of gender differences.
The first head‐tailed virus, MFTV1, infecting hyperthermophilic methanogenic deep‐sea archaea
Authors: Thiroux Sarah , Dupont Samuel , Nesbø Camilla L. , Bienvenu Nadège , Krupovic Mart , L'Haridon Stéphane , Marie Dominique , Forterre Patrick , Godfroy Anne , Geslin Claire
Published: October 2020

Deep‐sea hydrothermal vents are inhabited by complex communities of microbes and their viruses. Despite the importance of viruses in controlling the diversity, adaptation and evolution of their microbial hosts, to date, only eight bacterial and two archaeal viruses isolated from abyssal ecosystems have been described. Thus, our efforts focused on gaining new insights into viruses associated with deep‐sea autotrophic archaea. Here, we provide the first evidence of an infection of hyperthermophilic methanogenic archaea by a head‐tailed virus, Methanocaldococcus fervens tailed virus 1 (MFTV1). MFTV1 has an isometric head of 50 nm in diameter and a 150 nm‐long non‐contractile tail. Virions are released continuously without causing a sudden drop in host growth. MFTV1 infects Methanocaldococcus species and is the first hyperthermophilic head‐tailed virus described thus far. The viral genome is a double‐stranded linear DNA of 31 kb. Interestingly, our results suggest potential strategies adopted by the plasmid pMEFER01, carried by M. fervens, to spread horizontally in hyperthermophilic methanogens. The data presented here open a new window of understanding on how the abyssal mobilome interacts with hyperthermophilic marine archaea.
Integrating fundamental cause theory and Bourdieu to explain pathways between socioeconomic status and health: the case of health insurance denials for genetic testing
Authors: Hammad Mrig Emily
Published: October 2020

Fundamental cause theory (FCT) is among the most widely recognised and accepted social science frameworks used to examine the processes driving health inequalities. Despite the wide influence of the theory, it remains largely underutilised in practical and applied research on health disparities. This paper proposes that Pierre Bourdieu’s theories of capital and symbolic power can be integrated with FCT to address limitations in the latter theory, making it more useful in health disparities research. Using a case study of U.S. health insurance claim denials for genetic testing among women with a breast cancer diagnosis, this work illustrates how the theoretical constructs of FCT and Bourdieu’s work articulate, and consequently deepens our appreciation for the durable relationship between socioeconomic status and health. Study results reveal the multiple and complex mechanisms that play a role in access to healthcare services, which has significant implications for how we think about the role of health policy in addressing health disparities.
Health system affiliation of physician organizations and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries who have high needs
Authors: Kranz Ashley M. , DeYoreo Maria , Eshete‐Roesler Blen , Damberg Cheryl L. , Totten Mark , Escarce José J. , Timbie Justin W.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To test the hypothesis that health systems provide better care to patients with high needs by comparing differences in quality between system‐affiliated and nonaffiliated physician organizations (POs) and to examine variability in quality across health systems.

Data Sources

2015 Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty linked physicians to POs. Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) and IRS Form 990 data identified health system affiliations. Fee‐for‐service Medicare enrollment and claims data were used to examine quality.

Study Design

This cross‐sectional analysis of beneficiaries with high needs, defined as having more than twice the expected spending of an average beneficiary, examined six quality measures: continuity of care, follow‐up visits after hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits, ED visits, all‐cause readmissions, and ambulatory care‐sensitive hospitalizations. Using a matched‐pair design, we estimated beneficiary‐level regression models with PO random effects to compare quality of care in system‐affiliated and nonaffiliated POs. We then limited the sample to system‐affiliated POs and estimated models with system random effects to examine variability in quality across systems.

Principal Findings

Among 2 323 301 beneficiaries with high needs, 52.3% received care from system‐affiliated POs. Rates of ED visits were statistically significantly different in system‐affiliated POs (117.5 per 100) and nonaffiliated POs (106.8 per 100, P < .0001). Small differences in the other five quality measures were observed across a range of sensitivity analyses. Among systems, substantial variation was observed for rates of continuity of care (90% of systems had rates between 70.8% and 89.4%) and follow‐up after ED visits (90% of systems had rates between 56.9% and 73.5%).

Conclusions

Small differences in quality of care were observed among beneficiaries with high needs receiving care from system POs and nonsystem POs. Health systems may not confer hypothesized quality advantages to patients with high needs.
Exercise craving potentiates excitatory inputs to ventral tegmental area dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Medrano Maria‐Carmen , Hurel Imane , Mesguich Emma , Redon Bastien , Stevens Christopher , Georges François , Melis Miriam , Marsicano Giovanni , Chaouloff Francis
Published: October 2020

Physical exercise, which can be addictogenic on its own, is considered a therapeutic alternative for drug craving. Exercise might thus share with drugs the ability to strengthen excitatory synapses onto ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurones, as assessed by the ratio of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) to NMDA receptor (NMDAR)‐mediated EPSCs. As did acute cocaine, amphetamine, or Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) pretreatments, an acute 1‐h wheel‐running session increased the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio in VTA dopaminergic neurones. To dissect the respective influences of wheel‐running seeking and performance, mice went through an operant protocol wherein wheel‐running was conditioned by nose poking under fixed ratio schedules of reinforcement. Conditioned wheel‐running increased the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio to a higher extent than free wheel‐running, doing so although running performance was lower in the former paradigm than in the latter. Thus, the cue‐reward association, rather than reward consumption, played a major role in this increase. The AMPAR/NMDAR ratio returned to baseline levels in mice that had extinguished the cued‐running motivated task, but it increased after a cue‐induced reinstatement session. The amplitude of this increase correlated with the intensity of exercise craving, as assessed by individual nose poke scores. Finally, cue‐induced reinstatement of running seeking proved insensitive to acute cocaine or THC pretreatments. Our study reveals for the first time that the drive for exercise bears synaptic influences on VTA dopaminergic neurones which are reminiscent of drug actions. Whether these influences play a role in the therapeutic effects of exercise in human drug craving remains to be established.
Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide isoforms in nucleus accumbens subregions on ethanol drinking
Authors: Gargiulo Andrew T. , Pirino Breanne E. , Curtis Genevieve R. , Barson Jessica R.
Published: October 2020

While limited research has implicated the neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), in problematic alcohol use, the brain regions and isoforms involved in this effect remain to be determined. One region that has been found both to exhibit PACAP binding and, separately, to be involved in ethanol drinking is the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Thus, this study sought to characterize the effect of the PACAP isoforms in the NAc on ethanol drinking under the intermittent‐access two‐bottle‐choice paradigm, in male and female Long–Evans rats. With microinjection into the medial NAc shell, PACAP‐27 but not PACAP‐38 was found to dose‐dependently reduce binge‐like ethanol drinking. In contrast, the PACAP receptor antagonist, PACAP (6‐27), but not PACAP (6‐38), enhanced ethanol drinking. This effect of PACAP was substance specific, as neither isoform in the NAc shell affected binge‐like sucrose drinking. It was also anatomically specific, as PACAP‐38 rather than PACAP‐27 suppressed ethanol drinking when injected into the NAc core, and PACAP‐27 instead enhanced drinking when injected into the caudal third of the medial NAc shell. Finally, while PACAP‐38 in the NAc shell affected stress‐related exploratory behavior, reducing time spent in the light chamber of a light–dark box, PACAP‐27 did not significantly affect behavior in a light–dark box or open field. Together, these results, showing that PACAP‐27 in the NAc shell attenuates binge‐like ethanol drinking without affecting select stress‐related behaviors, suggest that compounds related to this PACAP isoform should be investigated as potential novel therapeutics for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Household Food Waste and Inefficiencies in Food Production
Authors: Smith Travis A. , Landry Craig E.
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates household food waste in the context of inefficient food production. Food waste is typically defined as the proportion of edible food that goes unconsumed, whereas inefficiency is measured by a household's inability to reach some technically efficient production frontier. Because food waste can be avoided through improved efficiency, we focus on the determinants of inefficiency using unique household‐level data on food stock usage and food consumption. We simultaneously estimate the productivity of input usage and the corresponding household‐specific inefficiencies. Inefficiencies are further specified to be a function of observable characteristics. For the general population, we find inefficiencies to be associated with race, age, education, household size, joint preparation of meals, distance traveled to the food store, and food shopping frequency. A latent class model clearly distinguishes two groups of households: a relatively more efficient group (about 16% of the population) and a relatively inefficient group (the remaining 84%). The inefficient group is driving most of the aforementioned results for the general population, and we find relatively little explanatory power of covariates for the efficient group. We find the equivalence of observed food waste, which averages 43% in our data, to estimated input‐oriented inefficiency, which ranges 30–45%, to be dependent upon the estimated reference technology and underlying assumptions. However, we find food waste and input‐oriented inefficiency are highly correlated, such that using either outcome leads to similar policy recommendations in terms of associated factors.
A quantitative evaluation of aerosol generation during tracheal intubation and extubation
Authors: Brown J. , Gregson F. K. A. , Shrimpton A. , Cook T. M. , Bzdek B. R. , Reid J. P. , Pickering A. E.
Published: October 2020

The potential aerosolised transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 is of global concern. Airborne precaution personal protective equipment and preventative measures are universally mandated for medical procedures deemed to be aerosol generating. The implementation of these measures is having a huge impact on healthcare provision. There is currently a lack of quantitative evidence on the number and size of airborne particles produced during aerosol‐generating procedures to inform risk assessments. To address this evidence gap, we conducted real‐time, high‐resolution environmental monitoring in ultraclean ventilation operating theatres during tracheal intubation and extubation sequences. Continuous sampling with an optical particle sizer allowed characterisation of aerosol generation within the zone between the patient and anaesthetist. Aerosol monitoring showed a very low background particle count (0.4 particles.l−1) allowing resolution of transient increases in airborne particles associated with airway management. As a positive reference control, we quantitated the aerosol produced in the same setting by a volitional cough (average concentration, 732 (418) particles.l−1, n = 38). Tracheal intubation including facemask ventilation produced very low quantities of aerosolised particles (average concentration, 1.4 (1.4) particles.l−1, n = 14, p < 0.0001 vs. cough). Tracheal extubation, particularly when the patient coughed, produced a detectable aerosol (21 (18) l−1, n = 10) which was 15‐fold greater than intubation (p = 0.0004) but 35‐fold less than a volitional cough (p < 0.0001). The study does not support the designation of elective tracheal intubation as an aerosol‐generating procedure. Extubation generates more detectable aerosol than intubation but falls below the current criterion for designation as a high‐risk aerosol‐generating procedure. These novel findings from real‐time aerosol detection in a routine healthcare setting provide a quantitative methodology for risk assessment that can be extended to other airway management techniques and clinical settings. They also indicate the need for reappraisal of what constitutes an aerosol‐generating procedure and the associated precautions for routine anaesthetic airway management.
Utility of intra‐operative flexible sigmoidoscopy to assess colorectal anastomosis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Williams Evan , Prabhakaran Swetha , Kong Joseph C. , Bell Stephen , Warrier Satish K. , Simpson Paul , Carne Peter W. G. , Farmer Chip
Published: October 2020

Background

Anastomotic leak (AL) after colorectal resection leads to increased oncological and non‐oncological, morbidity and mortality. Intra‐operative assessment of a colorectal anastomosis with intra‐operative flexible sigmoidoscopy (IOFS) has become increasingly prevalent and is an alternative to conventional air leak test. It is thought that intra‐operative identification of an AL or anastomotic bleeding (AB) allows for immediate reparative intervention at the time of anastomosis formation itself. We aim to assess the available evidence for the use of IOFS to prevent complications following colorectal resection.

Methods

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature between January 1980 and June 2020 was performed. Comparative studies assessing IOFS versus conventional air leak test were compared, and outcomes were pooled.

Results

A total of 4512 articles were assessed, of which eight were found to meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 1792 patients were compared; 884 in the IOFS arm and 908 in the control arm. IOFS was associated with an increase in the rate of positive leak test (odds ratio (OR) 5.21, P > 0.001), a decrease in AL (OR 0.45, P = 0.006) and a decrease in post‐operative AB requiring intervention (OR 0.40, P = 0.037).

Conclusion

In a non‐randomized meta‐analysis, IOFS increases the likelihood of identifying an anastomotic defect or bleeding intra‐operatively. This allows for immediate intervention that decreases the rate of AL and AB. This adds impetus for performing routine IOFS after a left‐sided colorectal resection with anastomosis and highlights the need for randomized controlled trial to confirm the finding.
Comparison of three frailty measures for 90‐day outcomes of elderly patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery
Authors: Yin Yanyan , Jiang Li , Xue Lixin
Published: October 2020

Background

To compare the predictive power of three different evaluation methods of frailty for 90‐day outcomes of elderly patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with 194 patients and a postoperative follow‐up period of 90 days. Preoperative frailty was evaluated using the five‐item FRAIL questionnaire, 54‐item frailty index (FI), and nine‐item Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Receiver operating curves were used to compare the predictive ability for 90‐day mortality and long‐term hospitalization (LTH), and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The incidence rates of frailty assessed using FRAIL, FI, and CFS criteria were 43.8%, 32.5% and 36.6%, respectively. The 90‐day mortality and LTH of frail patients were significantly higher than those of non‐frail patients regardless of which criteria were used. The CFS and FI predicted 90‐day mortality better than FRAIL (CFS versus FRAIL: P = 0.005; FI versus FRAIL: P = 0.041), and the CFS predicted LTH better than FRAIL (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with frailty had significantly higher 90‐day mortality and LTH regardless of which criteria were used. The CFS and FI were better predictors of 90‐day mortality, and the CFS was a better predictor of LTH.
Normotensive preterm delivery and maternal cardiovascular risk factor trajectories across the life course: The HUNT Study, Norway
Authors: Markovitz Amanda Rose , Haug Eirin Beate , Horn Julie , Fraser Abigail , Tilling Kate , Rimm Eric B. , Missmer Stacey A. , Williams Paige L. , Romundstad Pål Richard , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Rich‐Edwards Janet W.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Preterm delivery (<37 weeks) predicts later cardiovascular disease risk in mothers, even among normotensive deliveries. However, development of subclinical cardiovascular risk before and after preterm delivery is not well understood. We sought to investigate differences in life course cardiovascular risk factor trajectories based on preterm delivery history.

Material and methods

The HUNT Study (1984‐2008) linked with the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (1967‐2012) yielded clinical measurements and pregnancy outcomes for 19 806 parous women with normotensive first deliveries. Women had up to three measurements of body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio, blood pressure, lipids, non‐fasting glucose, and C‐reactive protein during follow up between 21 years before to 41 years after first delivery. Using mixed effects models, we compared risk factor trajectories for women with preterm vs term/postterm first deliveries.

Results

Trajectories overlapped for women with preterm compared with term/postterm first deliveries for all cardiovascular risk factors examined. For instance, the mean difference in systolic blood pressure in women with preterm first deliveries compared with those with term deliveries was 0.2 mm Hg (95% CI −1.8 to 2.3) at age 20 and 1.5 mm Hg (95% CI −0.5 to 3.6) at age 60.

Conclusions

A history of preterm delivery was not associated with different life course trajectories of common cardiovascular risk factors in our study population. This suggests that the robust association between preterm delivery and cardiovascular end points in Norway or similar contexts is not explained by one or more commonly measured cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, we did not find evidence for a single cardiovascular disease prevention strategy that would reduce risk among the majority of women who had preterm delivery.
Long‐term Pinus plantations reduce the bud bank in Cerrado areas
Authors: Ferraro Alexandre , Fidelis Alessandra , Silva Gabriela Santos da , Martins Aline Redondo , Piedade Sônia Maria De Stefano , Appezzato‐da‐Glória Beatriz
Published: October 2020

Question

The Cerrado represents the largest savanna of the Neotropics. Nowadays, this ecosystem is threatened by the afforestation by monocultures, such as Pinus spp., leading to serious damage to native herbaceous species. Afforestation of savanna ecosystems can affect their ability to regenerate naturally, which relies on different strategies, such as resprouting from below‐ground bud‐bearing organs. Therefore, we investigated the impact of ca. 50 years of Pinus elliottii plantations, compared to undisturbed areas of Cerrado savanna, estimating the bud bank size by counting buds on bud‐bearing organs. We hypothesized that long‐term P. elliottii plantations negatively affected the bud‐bearing organs, leading to decreases in the bud bank.

Location

Cerrado savanna areas and Pinus elliottii plantations, southeastern Brazil.

Methods

Open savanna areas (hereafter Cerrado) and “P. elliottii plantations” were considered the vegetation types. Within each vegetation type, we designated three areas. In each area, we established 10 plots (1 m2). For each plot, the bud bank was sampled from 5 cm above to 10 cm below ground level in subplots (0.25 m2). We developed generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for each response variable to test differences between both vegetation types.

Results

The presence of the P. elliottii plantations for almost 50 years has led to massive reductions in the bud bank size and the number of bud‐bearing organs, when compared to the Cerrado areas (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The reduction in the below‐ground bud‐bearing organs density led to decreases in the bud bank and thus, loss of resilience in these areas. Regeneration in planting areas may not occur naturally after the removal of the plantations. Restoration of the herbaceous layer after P. elliottii removal will rely on the introduction of a new source of propagules through active interventions.
Contrasting modes of deglaciation between fjords and inter‐fjord areas in eastern North Greenland
Authors: Larsen Nicolaj K. , Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Levy Laura B. , Olsen Jesper , Strunk Astrid , Bjørk Anders A. , Skov Daniel
Published: October 2020

Knowledge about the deglaciation history of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) is important to put the recent observations of ice loss into a longer‐term perspective. In southern Greenland, the deglaciation history is generally well constrained. In this study, we use 43 new10Be surface exposure ages combined with existing minimum‐limiting14C ages to constrain the deglaciation history of eastern North Greenland, including the three major fjord systems – Independence Fjord, Hagen Fjord and Danmark Fjord. The10Be ages are generally scattered and many of the samples are significantly older than expected, with pre‐LGMages being a result of inheritance from previous exposures. By using a Bayesian statistical approach to combine the new10Be ages and existing14C ages, we are able to constrain the deglaciation history. We find that the outer coast and deep fjords were rapidly deglaciated between ̃11 and 10 ka. Subsequently, the deglaciation progressed far inland up the fjords, probably as a result of increased summer surface temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures during the Holocene Thermal Maximum. The rapid retreat of the Middle Holocene slowed when the ice sheet became land‐based in the central and southern part of the study area where the ice margin first reached its present extent by ̃6.7 ka. As the onset of Neoglacial ice advance had already commenced at ̃5 ka this limits the period when the ice margin could retreat farther inland and it probably remained within max. 30–40 km of its present extent. The contrasting behaviour between the fjords and inter‐fjord areas shows a clear topographic effect on the stability of the GrIS. These results inform how the GrISmay respond to a warmer climate in various topographic settings and may provide useful constraints for future ice‐sheet models.
Identifying opportunities for improving the coherence of global agreements for species conservation
Authors: Kuunal Stephanie , Mair Louise , Pattison Zarah , McGowan Philip J. K.
Published: October 2020

The current global biodiversity governance system is failing to adequately protect species and halt extinctions. This raises concerns that a lack of coherence among conventions has hindered their effective implementation. We assessed the possibility for improved convention coherence by identifying overlaps among four major international biodiversity conventions; Conservation of Wetlands of International Importance especially as a Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). We applied topic modeling to convention texts to identify overlaps in treaty implementation and purpose. We assessed overlap among species listed under CITES and CMS, and threatened species, which are targeted by CBD's Aichi Target 12. We found that convention texts shared similar articles on their implementation, but differed in articles relating to their purpose. We identified 137 threatened species that are also migratory and threatened by unsustainable international trade. The geographic distribution of species common to two or more conventions showed a concentration in parts of Asia. Our analysis suggests that implementation mechanisms are already well aligned to support increased cooperation across conventions, and that cooperation would provide complementarity rather than result in redundancies. We demonstrate that it is possible to identify where co‐operation could have a disproportionately positive impact on alleviating the complex of pressures affecting species.
Utility of contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography for predicting the prognosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Ishikawa Rei , Kamata Ken , Hara Akane , Tanaka Hidekazu , Okamoto Ayana , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Nakai Atsushi , Omoto Shunsuke , Minaga Kosuke , Yamao Kentaro , Takenaka Mamoru , Minami Yasunori , Watanabe Tomohiro , Chiba Yasutaka , Chikugo Takaaki , Matsumoto Ippei , Takeyama Yoshifumfi , Matsukubo Yuko , Hyodo Tomoko , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs), including Grade 1 (G1) or G2 tumors, can have a poor prognosis. This study investigated the value of contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH‐EUS) for predicting the prognosis of PanNENs.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study included 47 consecutive patients who underwent CH‐EUS and were diagnosed with PanNEN by surgical resection or EUS‐guided fine needle aspiration between December 2011 and February 2016. Patients were divided into aggressive and non‐aggressive groups according to the degree of clinical malignancy. CH‐EUS was assessed regarding its capacity for diagnosing aggressive PanNEN, the correspondence between contrast patterns and pathological features, and its ability to predict the prognosis of PanNEN.

Results

There were 19 cases of aggressive PanNEN and 28 cases of non‐aggressive PanNEN. The aggressive group included three G1, four G2, three G3 tumors, three mixed neuroendocrine non‐neuroendocrine neoplasms, and six neuroendocrine carcinomas. CH‐EUS was superior to contrast‐enhanced computed tomography for the diagnosis of aggressive PanNEN (P < 0.001): hypo‐enhancement on CH‐EUS was an indicator of aggressive PanNEN, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 94.7%, 100%, 100%, 96.6%, and 97.9%, respectively. Among G1/G2 PanNENs, cases with hypo‐enhancement on CH‐EUS had a poorer prognosis than those with hyper/iso‐enhancement (P = 0.0009). Assessment of 36 resected specimens showed that hypo‐enhancement on CH‐EUS was associated with smaller and fewer vessels and greater degree of fibrosis.

Conclusion

Contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography may be useful for predicting the prognosis of PanNENs.
Bridging sensory and language theories of dyslexia: Toward a multifactorial model
Authors: O’Brien Gabrielle , Yeatman Jason D.
Published: October 2020

Competing theories of dyslexia posit that reading difficulties arise from impaired visual, auditory, phonological, or statistical learning mechanisms. Importantly, many theories posit that dyslexia reflects a cascade of impairments emanating from a single “core deficit”. Here we report two studies evaluating core deficit and multifactorial models. In Study 1, we use publicly available data from the Healthy Brain Network to test the accuracy of phonological processing measures for predicting dyslexia diagnosis and find that over 30% of cases are misclassified (sensitivity = 66.7%; specificity = 68.2%). In Study 2, we collect a battery of psychophysical measures of visual motion processing and standardized measures of phonological processing in 106 school‐aged children to investigate whether dyslexia is best conceptualized under a core‐deficit model, or as a disorder with heterogenous origins. Specifically, by capitalizing on the drift diffusion model to analyze performance on a visual motion discrimination experiment, we show that deficits in visual motion processing, perceptual decision‐making, and phonological processing manifest largely independently. Based on statistical models of how variance in reading skill is parceled across measures of visual processing, phonological processing, and decision‐making, our results challenge the notion that a unifying deficit characterizes dyslexia. Instead, these findings indicate a model where reading skill is explained by several distinct, additive predictors, or risk factors, of reading (dis)ability.
Inhibitory control and set shifting describe different pathways from behavioral inhibition to socially anxious behavior
Authors: Buzzell George A. , Morales Santiago , Bowers Maureen E. , Troller‐Renfree Sonya V. , Chronis‐Tuscano Andrea , Pine Daniel S. , Henderson Heather A. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: October 2020

Individuals with a behaviorally inhibited (BI) temperament are more likely to develop social anxiety. However, the mechanisms by which socially anxious behavior emerges from BI are unclear. Variation in different forms of top‐down control, specifically executive functions (EF), may play distinct roles and characterize differential pathways to social anxiety. Here 291 children were assessed for BI in toddlerhood (ages 2 and 3), parent‐reported inhibitory control and set shifting during middle childhood (age 7), and multidimensional assessment of socially anxious behavior completed during late childhood and early adolescence (ages 9 and 12). Structural equation modeling revealed that early variation in BI predicted the development of socially anxious behavior through either higher levels of parent‐reported inhibitory control or lower levels of parent‐reported set shifting. These data reinforce the notion that top‐down control does not uniformly influence relations between temperament and socially anxious behavior. These data suggest novel approaches to thinking about the role of EFs and social anxiety outcomes as children approach adolescence.
Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide and Dexamethasone (RCD) Chemoimmunotherapy for Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Šimkovič Martin , Vodárek Pavel , Motyčková Monika , Écsiová Dominika , Rozsívalová Petra , Móciková Heidi , Štěpánková Pavla , Sýkorová Alice , Hrochová Kateřina , Vrbacký Filip , Belada David , Žák Pavel , Smolej Lukáš
Published: October 2020

High doses of corticosteroids in combination with rituximab remain an alternative in the treatment in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in the current era of targeted therapies. This study retrospectively evaluates the efficacy of an RCD (rituximab, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone) regimen in the treatment of 51 patients with relapsed CLL (median age, 72 years). Unfavourable prognostic features, such as Rai stage III/IV, unmutated IGHV, del11q, TP53 mutation/deletion, complex karyotype and bulky lymphadenopathy, were frequent. The overall response or complete remission was of 57% and 7%, respectively, and the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was of 12.3 months, median time to next treatment 23.1 months and median overall survival 39.2 months. Significant independent predictors of shorter PFS were TP53 deletion/mutation, advanced Rai stage and ≥2 previous lines of treatment. The incidence of neutropenia grade ≥ 3 was of 13%. Serious (CTCAE grade 3‐5) infections were found in 20% of patients. Steroid‐induced diabetes or diabetes decompensation occurred in 20% patients. Treatment‐related adverse events resulted in RCD dose reduction in 35% of patients. In comparison with a historical R‐Dex patient group, the treatment response and/or toxicity in our group was largely similar. However, the substantial differences in the baseline clinical characteristics of the groups may affect this comparison. In conclusion, the RCD regimen is an active, time‐limited therapeutic strategy for elderly patients with relapsed CLL. Further, the results of our analysis indicate that the addition of cyclophosphamide to the R‐Dex regimen maintains a similar efficacy, even after 50% reduction in the dexamethasone dose.