bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closing the strategic planning and implementation gap through excellence in the public sector: empirical investigation using SEM
Authors: Al-Dhaafri Hassan , Alosani Mohammed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Strategic planning and strategy implementation are proposed to impact overall performance. However, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine the mediating effect of organisational excellence on the relationship between strategic planning, strategy implementation and organisational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses have been developed for testing using primary data obtained through a survey questionnaire. The data were gathered from the Dubai police organisation. Out of a total of 500 questionnaires, only 244 questionnaires were returned. For measurement and structural models, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the data.

Findings

All proposed hypotheses were supported and confirmed the positive and significant relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation, organisational excellence and OP. Statistical findings using SEM-partial least square also confirmed the mediating role of organisational excellence as a mechanism between strategic planning, strategy implementation and OP.

Practical implications

Results discussed many valuable implications. The outcomes will help managers, decision-makers and practitioners to consider organisational excellence strategy when implementing strategic planning process to achieve the best performance.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the most important empirical studies to analyse and examine the relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation organisational excellence and business performance. In addition, this study is one the rare studies that involve excellence as a practice when implementing strategic planning process.
Consequences of the Israeli hydro-hegemony on the Jordanian water security
Authors: Irshaid Yousef Abd-Alraheem
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to test the role of the state of occupation, represented in Israel, as one of the most significant challenges, which faces the Jordanian water security. Where Israel expands in its policy and ideology everyday its hydro-hegemony over the Jordanian waters. Hence, its acts result in negative consequences on the Jordanian water and food security, which in turn affects the Jordanian national security as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relied on the following two approached to tackle its problem: first: descriptive approach: the descriptive approach depends on defining the apparent features and describing their nature and the type of the relationship between its variables. It aims to achieving a better and deeper understanding on the situation of its future policies and measures. And research uses the system analysis approach to handle the subject matter. Given the influence of water on the development, Jordan, as an organic or a political and social state, takes into account the reasons and causes of development. Jordan turns into an active political state, with water as an influencing factor on it. This premise represents the core of the system analysis approach.

Findings

The research concluded that the Israeli theft of the Jordanian waters is the main factor in the Jordanian water crisis. If Jordan had received its usurped water rights by Israel, it could have been able to solve its water issue represented in the increasing deficit in its water balance. Therefore, the Israeli hydro-hegemony on the Jordanian water resources caused the imbalance in its water security and, in turn, caused the development process to falter in general.

Originality/value

The value of the research lies in the fact that it addresses the most important reasons behind the water crisis in Jordan, represented in the Israeli control over the Jordanian water resources and the research shows that the amount of water stolen by Israel is enough to solve the water crisis in Jordan.
Preparation of cation exchange filament for 3D membrane print
Authors: Zarybnicka Lucie , Stranska Eliska
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the preparation of a cation exchange filament for three-dimensional (3D) fused deposition modeling (FDM). The polymeric binder was mixed with the selected conventional cation exchange resin and a filament was prepared using a mini extruder. Filaments were tested by mechanical properties, chemical properties, quality and melt flow index. Samples were prepared from granulate using a press, which were tested for electrochemical properties, thermal properties. The best result of ion exchange capacity (IEC) up to 3.0 meq/g of the dry matter was achieved with filament fill 65%. Permselectivity results above 90% were determined for 55%–65% filling of the cation exchanger. The results obtained are a promising step for the preparation of 3D printed cation exchange membranes (CEMs) with a defined structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The prepared granulates and filaments were evaluated using mechanical, rheological and thermal properties.

Findings

The prepared cation exchange filament can be used for the 3D printing process. The best result of IEC up to 3.0 meq/g of the dry matter was achieved with filament fill 65%. Permselectivity results above 90% were determined for 55%–65% filling of the cation exchanger, and area resistances 3.0 Ocm2 and specific resistances around 57 Ocm for 65% filling of the cation exchanger. The results obtained are a promising step for the preparation of 3D printed CEMs with a defined structure.

Originality/value

The prepared cation exchange filament. Using new materials for 3D print of cation exchange membrane. Production without waste. The possibility of producing 3D membranes with a precisely defined structure. Processing prepared filaments using a cheap FDM 3D printing method. New direction of membrane formation.
Yoga as an intervention for older peoples mental health: a literature review
Authors: Belam Georgia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Yoga practice has become increasingly popular around the world for the benefits it can bring for physical and mental health. However, little research has been done regarding the use of yoga as a therapy for elderly people with mental health problems. This literature review will therefore attempt to answer the questions: what research has been done to look into the use of yoga as therapy for elderly people with a diagnosis of mental health problems, what does this research show and what future directions may this work take in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The review describes four research studies that have been done looking at the use of yoga as an intervention in older people with diagnosed mental health problems and one upcoming larger study.

Findings

Therefore, it is shown that the research in this area is so far still in its infancy, but that yoga has potential to be a useful potential treatment for older people with mental health problems.

Originality/value

As with all research into treatments for mental health problems, involvement of patients and their carers will be vital to ensure that the direction of the research is one that will be valuable, and that the traditions of yoga that have been of so much benefit to so many can be used to help a group of people who are often vulnerable and who sometimes do not receive all the treatment that they deserve.
Effects of a standardized community health worker intervention on hospitalization among disadvantaged patients with multiple chronic conditions: A pooled analysis of three clinical trials
Authors: Vasan Aditi , Morgan John W. , Mitra Nandita , Xu Chang , Long Judith A. , Asch David A. , Kangovi Shreya
Published: July 2020

Objective

To analyze the effects of a standardized community health worker (CHW) intervention on hospitalization.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Pooled data from three randomized clinical trials (n = 1340) conducted between 2011 and 2016.

Study Design

The trials in this pooled analysis were conducted across diseases and settings, with a common study design, intervention, and outcome measures. Participants were patients living in high‐poverty regions of Philadelphia and were predominantly Medicaid insured. They were randomly assigned to receive usual care versus IMPaCT, an intervention in which CHWs provide tailored social support, health behavior coaching, connection with resources, and health system navigation. Trial one (n = 446) tested two weeks of IMPaCT among hospitalized general medical patients. Trial two (n = 302) tested six months of IMPaCT among outpatients at two academic primary care clinics. Trial three (n = 592) tested six months of IMPaCT among outpatients at academic, Veterans Affairs (VA), and Federally Qualified Health Center primary care practices.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The primary outcome for this study was all‐cause hospitalization, as measured by total number of hospital days per patient. Hospitalization data were collected from statewide or VA databases at 30 days postenrollment in Trial 1, twelve months postenrollment in Trial 2, and nine months postenrollment in Trial 3.

Principal Findings

Over 9398 observed patient months, the total number of hospital days per patient in the intervention group was 66 percent of the total in the control group (849 days for 674 intervention patients vs 1258 days for 660 control patients, incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.66, P < .0001). This reduction was driven by fewer hospitalizations per patient (0.27 vs 0.34, P < .0001) and shorter mean length of stay (4.72 vs 5.57 days, P = .03). The intervention also decreased rates of hospitalization outside patients' primary health system (18.8 percent vs 34.8 percent, P = .0023).

Conclusions

Data from three randomized clinical trials across multiple settings show that a standardized CHW intervention reduced total hospital days and hospitalizations outside the primary health system. This is the largest analysis of randomized trials to demonstrate reductions in hospitalization with a health system‐based social intervention.
Processional walking: Theorising the ‘place’ of movement in notions of dwelling
Authors: Platt Louise , Medway Dominic , Steadman Chloe
Published: July 2020

This article rethinks dwelling as an active and emergent process through which (re)connections to place are valorised by humans collectively walking with each other in a recursive manner. We revisit Heidegger's notion of dwelling, often criticised for perpetuating enclosure and stasis, by revealing the interconnections between dwelling and movement. Drawing on a two‐century old religious procession—the Manchester and Salford Whit Walks—as an empirical example, our interpretive analysis is centred around three themes. First, we demonstrate how dwelling becomes embodied in performative and collective movement. Second, we examine how dwelling in this context is reinforced through repetition and iteration of that movement. Third, we show how such movement is reliant on repair and maintenance work, which facilitates the (re)emergence of dwelling. We contribute, therefore, empirical insights into how dwelling emerges from a movement through place which, in turn, cements a being in place. Finally, this article has important implications for thinking about how the movement of citizens through processional forms of walking can be a powerful tool for underpinning feelings of dwelling and related concepts of sense of place and civic pride.
Flash flood simulation and valve behavior of Mytilus galloprovincialis measured with Hall sensors
Authors: ADDIS Piero , ANGIONI Alberto , PASQUINI Viviana , GIGLIOLI Angelica , ANDREOTTI Valeria , CARBONI Stefano , SECCI Marco
Published: July 2020

Mussels close their shell as a protective strategy and the quantification of this behavioral marker may represent an alarm signal when they are exposed to environmental stressors. In the present study, we investigated the ability of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis to recover and then the resilience or inertia of valve activity after a pulsing exposition to diverse levels of salinity (5, 10, 20, and 35 PSU as reference value). The trial simulated an event of drastic and sudden reduction of seawater salinity thus mimicking an event of flash flood from intense rain. Valve gaping and movements were measured in continuous cycle for 10 days using a customized magneto‐electric device which uses Hall sensors. Results showed that under normal conditions of salinity (35 PSU), the general pattern of valve movements was a continuously open state with sporadic spikes indicating a closing motion. At salinity of 5, PSU mussels reacted by closing their valves, leading to a 77% mortality on the 4th day. At salinity of 10, PSU animals were observed with closed valves for the entire duration of the exposure and no mortality occurred, they showed a significant reduction in the valve activity once the reference value of salinity was re‐established. In contrast, salinity of 20 PSU did not trigger a significant behavioral response. Interestingly, there no define rhythms of valve movements were recorded during salinity challenges.
Neighborhood effects on the tannin‐related foraging decisions of two rodent species under semi‐natural conditions
Authors: WANG Zhenyu , WANG Bo , YAN Chuan , YUAN Shengdong , CAO Lin
Published: July 2020

Neighborhood effects on seed predation and dispersal processes are usually seed‐characteristic‐dependent; however, how seeds with certain characteristics affect the foraging behavior of rodents in relation to other seeds nearby is unclear. Because large differences in seed characteristics between neighboring seeds may lead to significant differences in rodent foraging preferences, we hypothesized that neighborhood effects were more likely to be detected when paired seeds differed in seed characteristics. We investigated the foraging decisions of two rodent species, the red spiny rat Maxomys surifer and the Chinese white‐bellied rat Niviventer confucianus, in semi‐natural enclosures by presenting them with artificial seeds containing different levels of tannin (0, 3%, and 6% tannin). Both rodents showed similar preferences and preferentially consumed high‐tannin seeds (6% tannin) and scatter hoarded low‐tannin seeds (0 tannin). The scatter hoarding of low‐tannin (0 tannin) and high‐tannin (6% tannin) seeds was significantly higher when these seeds were neighboring higher‐tannin seeds than when they neighbored lower‐tannin seeds, whereas the scatter hoarding of intermediate‐tannin seeds (3% tannin) varied little when they had different neighbors. High‐tannin‐seed (6% tannin) scatter hoarding was lowest when they neighbored low‐tannin seeds (0 tannin), while low‐tannin‐seed (0 tannin) scatter hoarding was highest when they neighbored high‐tannin seeds (6% tannin). Therefore, the seeds that the rodents scatter hoarded were next to (neighbored) seeds that they preferred to eat immediately, and vice versa. Our findings suggest that seed neighborhood effects affect rodent foraging behavior and the relationship between plants and rodents, and may have a profound effect on the regeneration and spatial structure of plant communities.
Response surface optimization of phenolic compounds extraction from camu‐camu (Myrciaria dubia) seed coat based on chemical properties and bioactivity
Authors: Willemann Jessyca Ribeiro , Escher Graziela Bragueto , Kaneshima Tai , Furtado Marianna Miranda , Sant'Ana Anderson S. , Vieira do Carmo Mariana Araújo , Azevedo Luciana , Granato Daniel
Published: July 2020

Food companies should comply with the requirements of a zero‐waste concept to adapt to the circular economy requirements. In fruit companies, usually seeds are discarded without proper utilization and extraction of the bioactive compounds. Fruit seeds are sources of chemical compounds that can be extracted, studied, and applied in high value‐added products. Thus, in this work the experimental conditions for the water extraction of phenolic compounds from camu‐camu (Myrciaria dubia) seed coat were optimized using a central composite design and the desirability function. Total phenolic content (TPC), and condensed tannins (CT), DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP), Folin‐Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCRC), and Cu2+chelating ability were assessed. Seed coat extracted for 51.1 min using a 1:34.1 solid:liquid ratio was the optimal condition to extract 6,242 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g of TPC and 695 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g of CT. The optimized extract displayed free‐radical scavenging activity, reducing properties and ability to chelate Cu2+, and inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, the lyophilized water extract inhibited the in vitro activity of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and angiotensin converting enzyme and showed cytotoxic effects towards Caco‐2, A549, and HepG2 cancer cells, but no cytotoxicity towards IMR90 cells. Vescalagin, castalagin, and 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid were the major phenolic compounds identified in the optimized extract. In conclusion, the optimized camu‐camu seed coat water extract is a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antiproliferative effects.

Practical Application

Camu‐camu fruit pulp and seeds have been studied for their phenolic composition and bioactivity. However, seeds are usually discarded and represent an environmental problem in South American countries. We presented a methodological overview on the extraction optimization of the phenolic compounds from camu‐camu seed coat and studied the bioactivity of the optimized extract using chemical, enzymatic, and cell‐based experiments. Results can be used by camu‐camu processors to obtain a phenolic‐rich extract for industrial applications, without any further processing.
Dysregulated skin barrier function in Tmem79 mutant mice promotes IL‐17A‐dependent spontaneous skin and lung inflammation
Authors: Saunders Sean P. , Floudas Achilleas , Moran Tara , Byrne Ciara M. , Rooney Michael D. , Fahy Caoimhe M. R. , Geoghegan Joan A. , Iwakura Yoichiro , Fallon Padraic G. , Schwartz Christian
Published: July 2020

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with a dysregulation of the skin barrier and may predispose to the development of secondary allergic conditions, such as asthma. Tmem79ma/ma mice harbor a mutation in the gene encoding Transmembrane Protein 79 (or Mattrin), which has previously been associated with AD. As a result of the Tmem79 gene mutation, these mice have a defective skin barrier and develop spontaneous skin inflammation. In this study, Tmem79ma/ma mice were assessed for the underlying immunological response in the development of spontaneous skin and lung inflammation.

Methods

Development of spontaneous skin and lung inflammation in Tmem79ma/ma mice was analyzed. We further investigated susceptibility to cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus infection. Tmem79ma/ma were crossed to IL‐17A‐deficient mice to address the contribution of IL‐17A to spontaneous skin and lung disease.

Results

Tmem79ma/ma mice developed IL‐17A‐dependent spontaneous AD‐like inflammation and were refractory to S aureus infection. Mutant mice progressed to airway inflammation subsequent to the occurrence of dermatitis. The progression from skin to lung disease is dependent on adaptive immunity and is facilitated by cutaneous expansion of Th17 and TCRγδ T cells.

Conclusion

Mice lacking Tmem79/Mattrin expression have a defective skin barrier. In adulthood, these mice develop dermatitis with secondary progression to lung inflammation. The development of skin and lung inflammation is IL‐17A‐dependent and mediated by TCRγδ T cells.
Hope’s Work
Authors: Back Les
Published: July 2020

This article, given as the Antipode RGS‐IBG Lecture on 28 August 2019, argues that hope can be found through training an attentiveness to the social world in troubled times. Hope then is an empirical question and a matter of documenting hopeful possibilities that often otherwise remain unremarked upon. In this sense “worldly hope” draws possibilities that are manifested in the social world and stands in contrast to cruel forms of optimism or an unrealistic faith in future progress. An argument for such an approach to hope and trouble is developed through two examples drawn from contemporary London life, namely, the silent walks at Grenfell Tower in West London and a community arts project in Bellingham, South East London.
Risperidone plasma concentrations are associated with side effects and effectiveness in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kloosterboer Sanne Maartje , de Winter Brenda C.M. , Reichart Catrien G. , Kouijzer Mirjam E.J. , de Kroon Matthias M.J. , van Daalen Emma , Ester Wietske A. , Rieken Rob , Dieleman Gwen C. , van Altena Daphne , Bartelds Beatrijs , van Schaik Ron H.N. , Nasserinejad Kazem , Hillegers Manon H.J. , van Gelder Teun , Dierckx Bram , Koch Birgit C.P.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Risperidone is the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drug to children and adolescents worldwide, but it is associated with serious side effects, including weight gain. This study assessed the relationship of risperidone and 9‐hydroxyrisperidone trough concentrations, maximum concentrations and 24‐hour area under the curves (AUCs) with body mass index (BMI) z‐scores in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes were metabolic, endocrine, extrapyramidal and cardiac side effects and effectiveness.

Methods

Forty‐two children and adolescents (32 males) aged 6‐18 years were included in a 24‐week prospective observational trial. Drug plasma concentrations, side effects and effectiveness were measured at several time points during follow‐up. Relevant pharmacokinetic covariates, including medication adherence and CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) genotypes, were measured. Nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling (NONMEM®) was used for a population pharmacokinetic analysis with 205 risperidone and 205 9‐hydroxyrisperidone concentrations. Subsequently, model‐based trough concentrations, maximum concentrations and 24‐hour AUCs were analysed to predict outcomes using generalized and linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

A risperidone two‐compartment model combined with a 9‐hydroxyrisperidone one‐compartment model best described the measured concentrations. Of all the pharmacokinetic parameters, higher risperidone sum trough concentrations best predicted higher BMI z‐scores during follow‐up (P < .001). Higher sum trough concentrations also predicted more sedation (P < .05), higher prolactin levels (P < .001) and more effectiveness measured with Aberrant Behavior Checklist irritability score (P < .01).

Conclusion

Our results indicate a therapeutic window exists, which suggests that therapeutic drug monitoring of risperidone might increase safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents with ASD and behavioural problems.
Topology, typology, and dynamics of commons‐based peer production: On platforms, actors, and innovation in the maker movement
Authors: Aryan Venkat , Bertling Juergen , Liedtke Christa
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we aim to present a comprehensive analysis on the emerging phenomenon of distributed innovation in commons‐based peer production (CBPP) platforms. Starting with the exploration of the widely held belief on value‐creation confined to industrial settings, we raise several questions regarding the feasibility of, and a need for, an inclusive innovation process that can tap grassroots capacity into both traditional (industrial research and development) and emerging (peer‐to‐peer) innovation models to yield sustainable solutions. In particular, we explore the emergence and structuration of digital innovations in the maker movement, as it presents an alternative construct of innovation wherein access to and sharing of knowledge is predominantly distributed. With innovation outcomes often freely revealed, its very structuration could pose a principal challenge to our conceptualizations of value creation and competitive advantage in the current economic model. Drawing from responses received from 200 collaborative innovation platforms, six semi‐structured interviews focusing on socio‐technical innovation cases, as well as four in‐depth narrative interviews with maker turned entrepreneurs, we present a detailed analysis on the topology of network, typology of actors, as well as the underlying innovation ecosystem in CBPP networks in Germany. In doing so, we contribute to the conceptualization of peer‐to‐peer distributed innovations in collaborative platforms.
The catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase EphA10 promotes tumorigenesis in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Shin Won‐Sik , Park Mi Kyung , Lee Young Hun , Kim Kyung Woo , Lee Ho , Lee Seung‐Taek
Published: July 2020

EphA10 (erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A10) is a catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase in the ephrin receptor family. Although EphA10 is involved in the malignancy of some types of cancer, its role as an oncogene has not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the influence of EphA10 on the tumorigenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Analysis of expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas confirmed that EphA10 was elevated and higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues in some cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. EphA10 silencing reduced the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of MIA PaCa‐2 and AsPC‐1 pancreatic cancer cells. These effects were reversed by overexpression of EphA10 in MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Importantly, overexpression and silencing of EphA10 respectively increased and decreased the weight, volume, and number of Ki‐67‐positive proliferating cells in MIA PaCa‐2 xenograft tumors. Further, EphA10 expression was positively correlated with invasion and gelatin degradation in MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of EphA10 enhanced the expression and secretion of MMP‐9 in MIA PaCa‐2 cells and increased the expression of MMP‐9 and the vascular density in xenograft tumors. Finally, expression of EphA10 increased the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, AKT, FAK, and NF‐κB, which are important for cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, and invasion. Therefore, we suggest that EphA10 plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic epithelial cells and is a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Multi‐focal electro‐retinogram response following sub‐threshold nano‐second laser intervention in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Luu Chi D. , Makeyeva Galina , Caruso Emily , Baglin Elizabeth , Sivarajah Pyrawy , Wu Zhichao , Guymer Robyn H.
Published: July 2020

Importance

The effect of sub‐threshold nano‐second laser (SNL) treatment on retinal function remains unknown.

Background

SNL treatment has been studied as a potential intervention in intermediate age‐related macular degeneration (iAMD). This study investigated the longitudinal effect of SNL treatment on retinal function.

Design

This was a sub‐study of the LEAD trial; a 36‐month, multi‐centre, randomized and sham‐controlled trial.

Participants

Subjects with iAMD.

Methods

Eligible participants were assigned randomly to receive SNL or sham treatment to the study eye at 6‐monthly visits. Multi‐focal electro‐retinography (mfERG) was performed at each study visit from a study site. The mfERG responses were grouped into three regions (central, middle and outer rings) and compared between the SNL and sham group.

Main Outcome Measures

mfERG P1 response amplitude and implicit time.

Results

Data were collected from 50 subjects (26 in the SNL group, 24 in the sham group). At baseline, the P1 amplitudes of both the study eyes and the fellow eyes were similar between the groups at all rings. In the sham group, the P1 amplitude gradually decreased over time (P < .05). In the SNL group, there was an improvement in P1 amplitude which became statistically significant at the 36‐month visit, detected in both the treated and fellow eyes at the central (P = .005) and middle ring (P = .007) but not at the outer ring (P = .070). No difference in P1 implicit time detected between the groups (P > .05).

Conclusions and Relevance

SNL treatment improved electro‐physiological function. mfERG could be useful for monitoring AMD progression and evaluating the efficacy of SNL treatment.
The advanced lung cancer inflammation index predicts outcomes in patients with Crohn’s disease after surgical resection
Authors: Kusunoki K. , Toiyama Y. , Okugawa Y. , Yamamoto A. , Omura Y. , Kusunoki Y. , Yin C. , Kondo S. , Okita Y. , Ohi M. , Sasaki H. , Bando T. , Uchino M. , Ikeuchi H. , Kusunoki M.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Precise biomarkers for predicting prognosis could help to identify high‐risk Crohn's disease (CD) patients to facilitate better follow‐up during the postoperative course. In this study, the primary aim is the identification of the most reliable nutrition marker that predicts surgical relapse in CD patients.

Method

We first evaluated the predictive value of various nutrition markers for postoperative surgical relapse in CD patients and identified the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) as a promising biomarker. Then, we assessed the clinical significance of preoperative ALI in CD patients using two cohorts.

Results

Preoperative ALI showed the highest correlation with reoperation rate compared with other nutritional parameters in CD patients receiving surgical resection (sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%, area under the curve 0.71). Lower levels of preoperative ALI were significantly correlated with the presence of perianal disease. A lower level of preoperative ALI was an independent prognostic factor for reoperation rate after an intestinal resection (hazard ratio 3.37, 95% CI 1.38–10.12, P = 0.006), and the prognostic impact of preoperative ALI was successfully validated in an independent cohort using the same cut‐off value.

Conclusion

Preoperative ALI might be useful for postoperative management of CD patients.
Three additional cases of non‐neural granular cell tumor with novel immunohistochemical findings
Authors: Torre‐Castro Juan , Moya‐Martínez Cristina , Núñez‐Hipólito Lucía , Mendoza‐Cembranos María Dolores , Eraña‐Tomás Itziar , Jo‐Velasco Margarita , Saus Carles , Solares Julia , Requena Luis , Santonja Carlos
Published: July 2020

Background

Non‐neural granular cell tumor (NNGCT) is an uncommon neoplasm of controversial histogenesis and its histopathologic differential diagnosis includes, in addition to conventional GCT, other dermal tumors that may exhibit granular cell change.

Methods

Three patients with a diagnosis of NNGCT were identified in the authors' files. Hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections and immunohistochemical studies were performed.

Results

Histopathological study of the three lesions showed dermal proliferation of granular cells arranged in thick fascicles between collagen bundles. The lesions showed positivity for Factor XIIIa, CD163, CD68, NKIC3, vimentin, ALK, fascin, and cyclin D1.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, positivity for cyclin D1 has not been reported to date in NNGCT. In borderline cases, where the diagnosis is unclear despite histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, positivity for cyclin D1 may favor the diagnosis of NNGCT. Further investigations to assess the differentiation of this rare neoplasm are needed.
Features of oral glucose tolerance tests in patients after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass with and without hypoglycaemia symptoms in daily life: It's all about speed
Authors: Mariën Ilke , De Block Christophe , Verrijken An , Van Dessel Kristof , Peiffer Frida , Verhaegen Ann , Hubens Guy , Van Gaal Luc , Dirinck Eveline
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the glucose and insulin profiles during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Research design and methods

This retrospective study consisted of two groups that had undergone RYGB. The symptomatic (S) group (n = 27) had an OGTT at presentation, whereas the asymptomatic (A) group (n = 99) had an OGTT 1 year after RYGB. Each group was subdivided into two groups, namely, those with glycaemia <54 mg/dL (S1/A1) and those with glycaemia >54 mg/dL (S2/A2) during OGTT. Most of the patients underwent OGTT preoperatively.

Results

Preoperatively, the glucose and insulin levels, as well as the speed of increase and decrease, were similar in all groups. Postoperatively, the minimum glucose levels during the OGTT did not differ between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (55 ± 19 vs. 54 ± 17 mg/dL) or between the S1 and A1 subgroups (39 ± 7 vs. 43 ± 8 mg/dL). The peak glucose values were higher in the symptomatic versus the asymptomatic group (236 ± 52 vs. 189 ± 43 mg/dL; P <0.05) and in the S1 and S2 versus the A1 and A2 subgroups. The speed of glucose increase and decline was significantly higher in the symptomatic group versus the asymptomatic group, with the speed of glucose decline being the highest in the S1 subgroup.

Conclusion

Assessing hypoglycaemia after a gastric bypass remains challenging. Our study suggests that the main difference in glucose dynamics between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients might be the speed of glucose and insulin increase and decline during OGTT rather than the absolute values obtained.
Impact of microvascular disease on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes: Results from the LEADER and SUSTAIN 6 clinical trials
Authors: Verma Subodh , Bain Stephen C. , Honoré Julie Broe , F. E. Mann Johannes , A. Nauck Michael , E. Pratley Richard , Rasmussen Søren , Sejersten Ripa Maria , Zinman Bernard , Buse John B.
Published: July 2020

The randomized, double‐blind, cardiovascular outcomes trials LEADER (NCT01179048) and SUSTAIN 6 (NCT01720446) showed cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with liraglutide and semaglutide, respectively, compared with placebo. This post hoc analysis examined the impact of microvascular disease at baseline on cardiovascular outcomes in these trials, and the efficacy of liraglutide (1.8 mg) and once‐weekly semaglutide (0.5‐1.0 mg) in patients with and without microvascular disease. In total, 9340 patients from LEADER and 3297 patients from SUSTAIN 6 were included in this analysis; of these, 5761 and 2356 had a history of microvascular disease at baseline and 3835 and 1640 had a history of both microvascular and macrovascular disease, respectively. Patients with microvascular disease were shown to have an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with patients without microvascular disease (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] in LEADER: 1.15 [1.03; 1.29], P = .0136; SUSTAIN 6: 1.56 [1.14; 2.17], P = .0064). Liraglutide and semaglutide consistently reduced cardiovascular risk in patients with and without microvascular disease.
Deep brain stimulation and eye movements
Authors: Klarendic Maja , Kaski Diego
Published: July 2020

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been most widely used in the management of movement disorders, but more recently to treat a growing number of neurological and psychiatric conditions. It is know to have a variety of effects upon oculomotor function, depending not only on the location of the stimulation, but also the underlying pathology being treated. Understanding how DBS affects eye movements is important, given the widespread nature of eye movement control and its inevitable overlap with many of the networks targeted by the stimulation. Moreover, it can also offer additional mechanistic insights into neural circuits involved in complex eye movement control. Here, we discuss the application of DBS treatment across different diseases and explore how distinct stimulation locations interfere with known eye movement circuits and the ensuing oculomotor and visual effects it can produce. We also discuss more experimental DBS targets and its effects on ocular motility, as well as discussing unilateral versus bilateral deep brain stimulation and possible hemispheric asymmetry in relation to eye movement control. Contradictory findings across studies reporting DBS effects on eye movements likely relate to differences in the methodological approaches used, levodopa medication status, as well as possible variability in DBS electrode placement. We highlight the need for further research with less common DBS targets on the possible effects upon eye movements.
An effective approach for optimization of a perishable inventory system with uncertainty in both demand and supply
Authors: Nguyen Duc Huy , Chen Haoxun
Published: July 2020

Effective inventory system management allows companies to respond quickly to the market change and develop a flexible production system to improve their competitiveness. In this paper, we study an inventory problem of a perishable product with random deterioration rate under uncertainty in both demand and supply. Such problem appears in biomass supply chains because feedstock supply is always uncertain due to weather conditions, insect population. By formulating the problem as a multiperiod stochastic inventory model, we demonstrate that its optimal inventory policy is an order‐up‐to level policy. We develop an effective algorithm combining scenario‐based optimization and Lagrangian relaxation for quickly and approximately calculating the order‐up‐to levels. A computational study shows that the algorithm can find a near‐optimal solution with a relative gap of cost less than 1% on average in comparison with the optimal inventory policy.
Doppler parameters of renal hemodynamics in women with preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bellos Ioannis , Pergialiotis Vasilios
Published: July 2020

The present meta‐analysis aims to compare renal arterial and venous Doppler parameters in women with preeclampsia and healthy pregnant controls. Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception to December 04, 2019. All observational studies reporting renal resistive index, pulsatility index, renal interlobar vein impedance, or pulse transit time among preeclamptic and healthy pregnant women were held eligible. Subgroup analysis was conducted on the basis of disease onset and side of measurement. Both pair‐wise and network meta‐analysis were performed using Review Manager 5.3 and R‐3.4.3 software. Fourteen studies were included, with a total of 1118 women. No difference of renal resistive (MD: 0.00, 95% CI: [−0.03, 0.04]) and pulsatility index (MD: −0.01, 95% CI: [−0.14, 0.12]) was evident between the two groups. Renal interlobar vein impedance was estimated to be significantly higher in preeclampsia (MD: 0.07, 95% CI: [0.06, 0.09]), while venous pulse transit time was significantly lower (MD: −0.10, 95% CI: [−0.14, −0.05]) in women with the disease. Subgroup analysis indicated that early‐onset preeclampsia was associated with significantly elevated renal interlobar vein impedance and lower venous pulse transit time than late‐onset disease. The outcomes of the present meta‐analysis suggest that preeclampsia is characterized by venous hemodynamic dysfunction as it is associated with significantly elevated renal interlobar vein impedance and shorter venous pulse transit time. Future large‐scale prospective studies should introduce cutoff values and determine the optimal timing of measurement in order to achieve optimal predictive accuracy.
CD73 acts as a prognostic biomarker and promotes progression and immune escape in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Qiangda , Pu Ning , Yin Hanlin , Zhang Jicheng , Zhao Guochao , Lou Wenhui , Wu Wenchuan
Published: July 2020

CD73 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein that attenuates tumour immunity via cooperating with CD39 to generate immunosuppressive adenosine. Therefore, CD73 blockade has been incorporated into clinical trials for cancers based on preclinical efficacy. However, the biological role and underlying mechanism of CD73 in pancreatic cancer (PC) microenvironment and its prognostic impact have not been comprehensively studied. In this article, we found that the expression of CD73 was up‐regulated in PC tissues and patients with higher CD73 expression had poorer overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in multiple publicly available databases. Higher CD73 expression was significantly associated with its reduced methylation, and only the hypomethylation of CpG site at cg23172664 was obviously correlated with poorer OS. Then, Metascape analysis and GSEA showed that CD73 may play an important role in PC progression and immune regulations. Notably, CD73 was verified to be negatively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD8+ T cells and γδ+ T cells in both TCGA and GEO cohorts via the CIBERSORT algorithm. In addition, patients with higher CD73 expression also tended to have higher PD‐L1 expression and tumour mutation load. It seemed that CD73 might be a promising biomarker for the response to the anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 treatment in PC. In conclusion, these results reveal that CD73 may function as a promotor in cancer progression and a regulator in immune patterns via CD73‐related pathways. Blockade of CD73 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for PC.
Abortion in women with Down syndrome
Authors: Orthmann Bless D. , Hofmann V.
Published: July 2020

Background

Nearly two‐thirds of pregnancies in women with Down syndrome (DS) end in abortion. The aim of the present study was to determine if these high abortion rates might relate to specific characteristics of women with DS, their life situation and the course of pregnancy.

Methods

In a sample of 351 pregnancies in Switzerland (1998 to 2009), women with DS were compared with women with other forms of intellectual disability (ID) and women without ID, regarding the type of abortion, personal characteristics and pregnancy complications that might increase the probability of abortion.

Results

All abortions among women with DS were medically induced. In women with DS and ID, abortions were more likely to occur due to unwanted pregnancy than in women without ID. In addition, women with DS and ID were more often diagnosed with fetal complications and maternal health problems. However, no correlation between fetal complications or maternal health problems and pregnancy outcome was found.

Conclusions

The group differences found do not directly explain the high abortion rates among women with DS. Maternal diagnosis of DS appears to be the most important predictor of abortion. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
Volunteerism during COVID‐19
Authors: Nanavaty Joanne
Published: July 2020

Health care workers have been asked to do their part to make a difference and give back to their community. This personal reflection is a result of an experience as a medical reserve corps nurse volunteer for a local health department in the northeastern United States. Volunteering resulted in positive social and personal benefits for me. It inspired a sense of pride in helping others and knowing that someone's well‐being may be enhanced. The individuals whom I spoke with via the phone appreciated the concern for their health, and some individuals seemed to enjoy the interaction with another person, possibly due to their isolation. Descriptions of interactions via phone calls with coronavirus positive individuals are provided that support the benefits of volunteering. Volunteerism has personal value in its ability to inspire someone to continue to make an impact. Volunteerism allowed me to give to others and to gain a sense of purpose.
Potential Future Use, Costs, and Value of Poliovirus Vaccines
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Kalkowska Dominika A.
Published: July 2020

Countries face different poliovirus risks, which imply different benefits associated with continued and future use of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and/or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). With the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) continuing to extend its timeline for ending the transmission of all wild polioviruses and to introduce new poliovirus vaccines, the polio vaccine supply chain continues to expand in complexity. The increased complexity leads to significant uncertainty about supply and costs. Notably, the strategy of phased OPV cessation of all three serotypes to stop all future incidence of poliomyelitis depends on successfully stopping the transmission of all wild polioviruses. Countries also face challenges associated with responding to any outbreaks that occur after OPV cessation, because stopping transmission of such outbreaks requires reintroducing the use of the stopped OPV in most countries. National immunization program leaders will likely consider differences in their risks and willingness‐to‐pay for risk reduction as they evaluate their investments in current and future polio vaccination. Information about the costs and benefits of future poliovirus vaccines, and discussion of the complex situation that currently exists, should prove useful to national, regional, and global decisionmakers and support health economic modeling. Delays in achieving polio eradication combined with increasing costs of poliovirus vaccines continue to increase financial risks for the GPEI.
The social construction of alternatives to pesticide use: A study of biocontrol in Burgundian viticulture
Authors: Villemaine Robin , Compagnone Claude , Falconnet Camille
Published: July 2020

This article seeks to examine the social construction of ‘biocontrol’ as a credible alternative to conventional pesticide use in viticulture production in Burgundy, France. Basing our analysis on a series of interviews with representatives of the key groups involved in the crop protection sector in France, we describe a dynamic that has emerged with respect to the development and justification of biocontrol products as a crop protection strategy. The key players within this dynamic are the State, the agricultural chemical companies, and the input distributors and crop advisors. The State has introduced positive incentives to encourage companies to develop new biocontrol products and negative incentives to compel agricultural input dealers and crop advisors to promote those products. The agricultural chemical companies are introducing new biocontrol materials based on the notion that these products can eventually replace more dangerous pesticides. The input dealers and crop advisors, finally, are compelled by the State to recommend alternatives to conventional pesticides, but generally believe the new biocontrol products are ineffective and so do little to promote their use. When they do, they typically recommend older products that have been recently reclassified as biocontrol materials.