bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary diversity of viruses in deep‐sea sediments as revealed by metagenomics without prior virion separation
Authors: Zheng Xiaowei , Liu Wang , Dai Xin , Zhu Yaxin , Wang Jinfeng , Zhu Yongqiang , Zheng Huajun , Huang Ying , Dong Zhiyang , Du Wenbin , Zhao Fangqing , Huang Li
Published: July 2020

Our current knowledge of the virosphere in deep‐sea sediments remains rudimentary. Here we investigated viral diversity at both gene and genomic levels in deep‐sea sediments of Southwest Indian Ocean. Analysis of 19 676 106 non‐redundant genes from the metagenomic DNA sequences revealed a large number of unclassified viral groups in these samples. A total of 1106 high‐confidence viral contigs were obtained after two runs of assemblies, and 217 of these contigs with sizes up to ~120 kb were shown to represent complete viral genomes. These contigs are clustered with no known viral genomes, and over 2/3 of the ORFs on the viral contigs encode no known functions. Furthermore, most of the complete viral contigs show limited similarity to known viral genomes in genome organization. Most of the classified viral contigs are derived from dsDNA viruses belonging to the order Caudovirales, including primarily members of the families Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae. Most of these viruses infect Proteobacteria and, less frequently, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, etc. Auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), present in abundance on the viral contigs, appear to function in modulating the host ability to sense environmental gradients and community changes, and to uptake and metabolize nutrients.
Response of wintering waterbird diversity to reclamation history and post‐reclamation habitat along Yellow Sea coast
Authors: WANG Zheng , LI Ning , GAO Shuai , AN Shuqing
Published: July 2020

Waterbird diversity is one of the most important indicators for monitoring wetland quality. However, the increasing intensity of reclamation activities in recent decades caused the change of habitat landscape along coasts, which could affect the diversity of wintering waterbirds. Our study tried to investigate how reclamation history and post‐reclamation habitats influence the species richness, species abundance, and Shannon–Wiener diversity of wintering waterbirds along Yancheng coastal wetlands. A total of 68 waterbird species were recorded and the abundance pattern of wintering birds changed from 2009 to 2013. Species richness and abundance of wintering waterbirds varied in the different reclamation histories. Most importantly, the general linear mixed model highlighted the importance of reclamation history, post‐reclamation habitat type, and their interactions for shaping both species abundance and Shannon–Wiener diversity of wintering waterbirds, but these variables did not affect the species richness of waterbirds. Furthermore, the random forest results also showed a positive association between reclamation history with species richness, species abundance, and Shannon–Wiener diversity of wintering waterbirds. Moreover, three post‐reclamation habitat types, Suaeda glauca, bare flat, and fish pond, played important roles for wintering birds. Our results highlighted that reclamation history, post‐reclamation habitats, and their interactions determined waterbird diversity. Given the growing threats to wetland ecosystems from reclamation activities, further research should find a balance between coastal reclamation and waterbird biodiversity conservation.
Fish growth enhances microbial sulfur cycling in aquaculture pond sediments
Authors: Zhang Keke , Zheng Xiafei , He Zhili , Yang Tony , Shu Longfei , Xiao Fanshu , Wu Yongjie , Wang Binhao , Li Zhou , Chen Pubo , Yan Qingyun
Published: July 2020

Microbial sulfate reduction and sulfur oxidation are vital processes to enhance organic matter degradation in sediments. However, the diversity and composition of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) and sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and their environmental driving factors are still poorly understood in aquaculture ponds, which received mounting of organic matter. In this study, bacterial communities, SRB and SOB from sediments of aquaculture ponds with different sizes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) were analysed using high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). The results indicated that microbial communities in aquaculture pond sediments of large juvenile fish showed the highest richness and abundance of SRB and SOB, potentially further enhancing microbial sulfur cycling. Specifically, SRB were dominated by Desulfobulbus and Desulfovibrio, whereas SOB were dominated by Dechloromonas and Leptothrix. Although large juvenile fish ponds had relatively lower concentrations of sulfur compounds (i.e. total sulfur, acid‐volatile sulfide and elemental sulfur) than those of larval fish ponds, more abundant SRB and SOB were found in the large juvenile fish ponds. Further redundancy analysis (RDA) and linear regression indicated that sulfur compounds and sediment suspension are the major environmental factors shaping the abundance and community structure of SRB and SOB in aquaculture pond sediments. Findings of this study expand our current understanding of microbial driving sulfur cycling in aquaculture ecosystems and also provide novel insights for ecological and green aquaculture managements.
The bacterial community and metabolome dynamics and their interactions modulate fermentation process of whole crop corn silage prepared with or without inoculants
Authors: Xu Dongmei , Wang Nian , Rinne Marketta , Ke Wencan , Weinberg Zwika G. , Da Mi , Bai Jie , Zhang Yixin , Li Fuhou , Guo Xusheng
Published: July 2020

Multi‐omics approach was adopted to investigate the modulation of bacterial microbiota and metabolome as well as their interactions in whole crop corn ensiling systems by inoculating homofermentative Lactobacillus plantarum or heterofermentative Lactobacillus buchneri. Inoculations of the two different inoculants resulted in substantial differences in microbial community and metabolic composition as well as their dynamics in ensiled corn. Inoculants also altered the correlations of microbiota in different manners, and various keystone species were identified in corn silages with different treatments. Many metabolites with biofunctional activities like bacteriostatic, antioxidant, central nervous system inhibitory and anti‐inflammatory were found in the present silage. A constitutive difference in microbiota dynamics was found for several pathways, which were upregulated by specific taxa in middle stage of fermentation, and widespread associations between metabolites with biofunctions and the species of lactic acid bacteria dominated in silage were observed. Multiple microbial and metabolic structures and dynamics were correlated and affected the fermentation process of the corn ensiling systems. Results of the current study improve our understanding of the complicated biological process underlying silage fermentation and provide a framework to re‐evaluate silages with biofunctions, which may contribute to target‐based regulation methods to produce functional silage for animal production.
Incidence of hippocampal metastases in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Ly Sophia , Lehman Margot , Liu Howard , Hukins Craig , Murphy Michelle , Dauth Margaret , Devine Matthew S , Mai Gang Tao
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Patients with locally advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC) develop brain metastases in 25–50% of cases during the course of their disease. Data on the incidence of metastases occurring in the hippocampus/perihippocampal zones are limited. This is important when considering hippocampal‐sparing brain radiation (HS‐BR), a method that could potentially reduce the neurocognitive impact of such treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of hippocampal/perihippocampal metastases in a cohort of patients with advanced NSCLC treated at our institution.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included NSCLC patients discussed at our institutional lung cancer multidisciplinary meeting between 2000 and 2016. MRI and contrast‐enhanced CT (ceCT) brain images were reviewed to assess the incidence of hippocampal/perihippocampal metastases including metastases within the hippocampal subgranular zone and a 5 mm margin (hippocampal avoidance region) defined as per the RTOG 0933 study.

Results

Of 2146 patients reviewed, 357 (16.6%) had brain metastases. A total of 335 patients had available MRI/ceCT brain images for review. Thirty (9%) patients had brain metastases in the hippocampal avoidance region, 8 (2.4%) with hippocampal metastases and 22 (6.6%) with perihippocampal metastases. Univariate analyses did not show an association between developing metastases in the hippocampal avoidance region and age (P = 0.75), gender (P = 0.91) and tumour type (P = 0.298).

Conclusion

The incidence of metastases in the hippocampal avoidance region in our large cohort of patients was 9%. With low rates of metastases in this region, HS‐BR can be considered a feasible option in the management of patients with advanced NSCLC.
Auditor Responses to Shareholder Activism
Authors: Guo Feng , Lin Chenxi , Masli Adi , Wilkins Michael S.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate how auditors respond to shareholder activism against their clients. Our study is important because activism may be viewed by auditors as a source of increased engagement risk, thereby impacting audit outcomes. The potential relationship between shareholder activism and audit outcomes leads us to predict that activism targets will pay higher audit fees and also will be more likely to receive adverse internal control opinions (ICOs) and first‐time going concern opinions (GCOs). Our results, which support all three predictions, suggest that the public scrutiny associated with activism campaigns heightens auditors' concerns about reputational damage and litigation risk. Consistent with this notion, we find that activism targets are more likely to experience accounting‐related lawsuits. We also find that the increased likelihood of adverse ICOs documented in our baseline tests reflects higher‐quality reporting rather than increased auditor conservatism. Overall, our findings suggest that activism campaigns spur auditor diligence while also increasing the possibility of negative outcomes that may not be fully anticipated by activist investors.
Effects of tillage systems on wheat and weed water relationships over time when growing together, in semiarid conditions
Authors: Santín‐Montanyá María Inés , Gandía‐Toledano María Luisa , Zambrana Encarnación , Tenorio José Luis
Published: July 2020

Water availability directly influences interactions and competition between weeds and crops. This article is based on the idea that relative water content (RWC) indicates the water uptake within plants and that it is possible to explain the water relationships between plants that are growing together. A field experiment carried out for 3 years (2013–2014, 2014–2015 and 2015–2016) compared the short‐term effects of years and tillage systems on wheat grain yield, weed density, wheat‐RWC, weed‐RWC and soil water content (SWC), at tillering and flowering stages in a winter wheat monoculture system. The three tillage treatments were conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and no‐tillage (NT). Wheat grain yield was low all years of study, because of low interannual rainfall, and we did not observe differences between tillage systems. Weed density was also affected by year and not by tillage systems. Lowest winter rainfall (73.4 mm from Nov to Feb) in the last year of the study (2015–2016), decreased the weed density in all tillage systems. Despite the rainfall variability over the 3 years of study, the NT system presented higher weed density (73 plants/m2) than MT and CT systems (39.83 and 46.33 plants/m2). We also observed a higher number of weed species for the NT system, facilitated by a high soil water storage in this system. The wheat‐RWC, at tillering stage, varied with years and tillage systems; we found that high winter rainfall (2013–2014) led to higher values in CT (64.5%) compared with MT (52.9%) and NT plots (52.9%). Weed‐RWC values did not vary and SWC was greater in NT than in CT and MT. At flowering stage, the year (2015–2016) with highest spring rainfall favoured higher wheat‐RWC in NT (56.9%) compared with CT (48.3%). However, the lowest spring rainfall coincided with the lowest weed‐RWC, (18% in NT plots) and SWC was always higher in NT soils. The results showed that climatic conditions affected the water competence dynamics between weeds and wheat in different ways. Seemingly, weeds can tolerate a lack of water availability until crop tillering stage independently of tillage system; however, the competition for water was not a problem as crops overcame the high weed density by flowering stage.
Aging is associated with a decline in Atg9b‐mediated autophagosome formation and appearance of enlarged mitochondria in the heart
Authors: Liang Wenjing , Moyzis Alexandra G. , Lampert Mark A. , Diao Rachel Y. , Najor Rita H. , Gustafsson Åsa B.
Published: July 2020

Advancing age is a major risk factor for developing heart disease, and the biological processes contributing to aging are currently under intense investigation. Autophagy is an important cellular quality control mechanism that is reduced in tissues with age but the molecular mechanisms underlying the age‐associated defects in autophagy remain poorly characterized. Here, we have investigated how the autophagic process is altered in aged mouse hearts. We report that autophagic activity is reduced in aged hearts due to a reduction in autophagosome formation. Gene expression profile analysis to evaluate changes in autophagy regulators uncovered a reduction in Atg9b transcript and protein levels. Atg9 proteins are critical in delivering membrane to the growing autophagosome, and siRNA knockdown of Atg9b in cells confirmed a reduction in autophagosome formation. Autophagy is also the main pathway involved in eliminating dysfunctional mitochondria via a process known as mitophagy. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin plays a key role in labeling mitochondria for mitophagy. We also found increased levels of Parkin‐positive mitochondria in the aged hearts, an indication that they have been labeled for mitophagy. In contrast, Nrf1, a major transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, was significantly reduced in aged hearts. Additionally, our data showed reduced Drp1‐mediated mitochondrial fission and formation of enlarged mitochondria in the aged heart. Overall, our findings suggest that cardiac aging is associated with reduced autophagosome number, decreased mitochondrial turnover, and formation of megamitochondria.
Board reforms and the cost of equity: International evidence
Authors: Li Maoliang , Wu Ji , Zhang Liansheng , Zou Liping
Published: July 2020

We examine the impact of corporate board reforms on the cost of equity (COE) using a sample of data in 41 countries for the period from 1992 to 2012. We find a significant increase in the COE after board reforms worldwide. This effect is eased for firms in countries under a comply‐or‐explain reform approach, as well as for firms in emerging countries. We further conclude that board reforms involving board independence, audit committee and auditor independence, and the separation of the CEO and Chairman positions, result in increases in the COE. Our results suggest that board reforms are considered inefficient to mitigate agency problems.
What accounting standards were the cause of enforcement actions following IFRS adoption?
Authors: Bradbury Michael E. , Scott Tom
Published: July 2020

We provide descriptive evidence on enforcement actions (i.e., regulatory enquiries and their outcomes) following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in New Zealand. The most common enquiries made by the Securities Commission of New Zealand post‐IFRS adoption period (2007–2010) relate to IFRS transition, financial statement presentation, financial instrument disclosures and related party disclosures. We conclude that the perspective of public enforcement (securities regulators) differs from that of private enforcement (auditors) and focuses on disclosure issues. We discuss the implications of this result for current International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issues, such as materiality and professional judgment in principles‐based standards.
Employee quality and audit fee: evidence from China
Authors: Li Xing , Chen Xia , Qi Baolei , Tian Gaoliang
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the association between employee quality and audit fee. Using data for firm‐level employee quality (as proxied by employee education) from Chinese listed firms from 2011 to 2018, we find that firms operated by high‐quality employees enjoy lower audit charges. The association between employee quality and audit fee is more pronounced in firms with a culture of high integrity. Our 2SLS estimation helps us establish a causal link between employee quality and audit fee. The final validity tests suggest that high‐quality employees contribute to lower audit fee by reducing audit risk and audit effort.
Trophic structure of frog assemblages in coastal habitats in southern Brazil
Authors: Huckembeck Sônia , Winemiller Kirk O. , Loebmann Daniel , Garcia Alexandre M.
Published: July 2020

We evaluated the hypothesis that contrasting environmental conditions in a coastal wetland and nearby sand dunes results in frog assemblages with divergent trophic structures. We predicted that the more productive habitat (wetland) would have higher diversity of primary producers and frogs with larger trophic niches and greater interspecific dietary overlap when compared to the less‐productive dune habitat. Stomach content analysis (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) were used to compare frog trophic ecology in the two habitats. We compared trophic niche size (Shannon’s index) and overlap (Pianka’s index; isotopic ellipse area, SEAc). Bayesian isotope mixing models were used to estimate relative contributions of basal production sources to frog biomass in each habitat. Estimates indicated that wetland frogs assimilated material from diverse basal sources (suspended particulate organic matter (POM), C3plants, periphyton), whereas frogs inhabiting dunes assimilated material mostly originating from C3plants. Both SCA and SIA revealed less trophic overlap among frogs from the sand dunes compared with those from the wetland. Dietary overlap was greater than expected at random for frogs in both the wetland and dunes. Mean overlap among isotopic ellipses (SEAc) of all frogs at each habitat was higher in the wetland (0.14‰) than in the dunes (0.04‰). These findings corroborate our prediction that trophic structure in the wetland is more complex than in the sand dunes. Also, as expected, we observed greater isotopic niche segregation among frogs in the sand dunes, a potential mechanism that reduces competition for limited food resources.
Characteristics of Specialist‐Diagnosed Asthma‐COPD Overlap in Severe Asthma: Observations from the Korean Severe Asthma Registry (KoSAR)
Authors: Lee Hyun , Kim Sang‐Heon , Kim Byung‐Keun , Lee Youngsoo , Lee Hwa Young , Ban Ga‐Young , Kim Min‐Hye , Kim Joo‐Hee , Kwon Jae‐Woo , Park So‐Young , Jung Jae‐Woo , Park So Young , Park Chan Sun , Rhee Chin Kook , Lee Taehoon , Lee Jae‐Hyun , Kim So Ri , Park Jong‐Sook , Park Heung‐Woo , Yoo Kwang Ha , Oh Yeon‐Mok , Koh Young‐Il , Lee Byung‐Jae , Jang An‐Soo , Cho Sang‐Heon , Park Hae‐Sim , Park Choon‐Sik , Cho You Sook , Yoon Ho Joo
Published: July 2020

Background

While the clinical characteristics and outcomes of asthma‐chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) have been frequently compared with those of COPD or asthma, the prevalence and features of ACO in patients with severe asthma are unclear.

Objectives

Evaluation of the prevalence and clinical features of ACO using the Korean severe asthma registry.

Methods

At the time of registration, ACO was determined in patients with severe asthma by attending specialists. Patients were classified into ACO and non‐ACO groups, and the demographic and clinical characteristics of these two groups were compared.

Results

Of 482 patients with severe asthma, 23.7% had ACO. Patients in the ACO group were more likely to be male (P < .001), older (P < .001), and ex‐ or current smokers (P < .001) compared with those in the non‐ACO group. Patients in the ACO group had lower mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P < .001) and blood eosinophil percentage (P = .006), but higher blood neutrophil percentage (P = .027) than those in the non‐ACO group. The ACO group used more inhaled long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (P < .001), methylxanthine (P = .001), or sustained systemic corticosteroid (P = .002). In addition, unscheduled emergency department visits due to exacerbation were more frequent in the ACO group (P = .006).

Conclusion

Among patients with severe asthma, those with ACO were older, predominantly male, and were more likely to have a smoking history than those with asthma only. Patients with ACO used more systemic corticosteroid and had more frequent exacerbations related to emergency department visits than those with severe asthma only.
Surgical management of recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after definitive surgery and radiotherapy
Authors: Toppi Jason , Tham Yik Seng , Webb Angela , Henderson Michael A. , Rischin Danny , Magarey Matthew J. R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Surgery is the primary treatment for patients with recurrent head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) who have previously been treated by definitive surgery and radiotherapy. There are limited published data to direct management and the role of immunotherapy is currently under evaluation.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with at least stage III recurrent head and neck cSCC previously managed by definitive surgery and radiotherapy.

Results

A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐seven percent were male and the median age at the time of surgery was 79 years. After salvage surgery, 7% developed local recurrence and 43% regional or distant failure. The 2‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival were 45% (95% confidence interval 24–64) and 11% (95% confidence interval 1–34), respectively. Advanced age was associated with a higher risk of overall mortality (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with recurrent head and neck cSCC in the setting of previous radiotherapy have high recurrence rates with poor survival justifying consideration for treatment with anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy strategies.
Comparing risk of major bleeding between users of different oral anticoagulants in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Souverein Patrick C. , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Huerta Consuelo , Merino Elisa Martín , Montero Dolores , León‐Muñoz Luz M. , Schmiedl Sven , Heeke Andreas , Rottenkolber Marietta , Andersen Morten , Aakjaer Mia , De Bruin Marie L. , Klungel Olaf H. , Gardarsdottir Helga
Published: July 2020

Aims

The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has broadened the treatment arsenal for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, but observational studies on the benefit–risk balance of DOACs compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) are needed. The aim of this study was to characterize the risk of major bleeding in DOAC users using longitudinal data collected from electronic health care databases from 4 different EU‐countries analysed with a common study protocol.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted among new users (≥18 years) of DOACs or VKAs with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation using data from the UK, Spain, Germany and Denmark. The incidence of major bleeding events (overall and by bleeding site) was compared between current use of DOACs and VKAs. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) and adjust for confounders.

Results/Conclusion

Overall, 251 719 patients were included across the 4 study cohorts (mean age ~75 years, % females between 41.3 and 54.3%), with overall hazard ratios of major bleeding risk for DOACs vs VKAs ranging between 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79–0.90) in Denmark and 1.13 (95% CI 1.02–1.25) in the UK. When stratifying according to the bleeding site, risk of gastrointestinal bleeding was increased by 48–67% in dabigatran users and 30–50% for rivaroxaban users compared to VKA users in all data sources except Denmark. Compared to VKAs, apixaban was not associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in all data sources and seemed to be associated with the lowest risk of major bleeding events compared to dabigatran and rivaroxaban.
What really is the nature of suffering? Three problems with Eric Cassell’s concept of distress
Authors: Duffee Charlotte
Published: July 2020

Eric Cassell famously defined suffering as a person’s severe distress at a threat to their personal integrity. This article draws attention to some problems with the concept of distress in this theory. In particular, I argue that Cassell’s theory turns on distress but does not define it, which, in light of the complexity of distress, problematizes suffering in three ways: first, suffering becomes too equivocal to apply in at least some cases that Cassell nevertheless identifies as suffering; second, Cassell’s account does not explain what sort of experience suffering is, resulting in theoretical and practical difficulties in distinguishing it from other medical conditions; third, there is good reason to believe that, in medical contexts, ‘distress’ just means ‘suffering’ or some cognate concept not yet distinguished from it, rendering Cassell’s theory circular. I consider a rebuttal to my objections and reply, concluding that Cassell’s theory of suffering needs a definition of distress to settle what the nature of suffering really is.
Brain control of appetite during sickness
Authors: Aviello Gabriella , Cristiano Claudia , Luckman Simon M. , D'Agostino Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Given the high‐energy requirements to sustain immune responses and healing processes, it is intriguing that lack of appetite (i.e., anorexia) is a cardinal feature of sickness behaviour. While our understanding of the brain mechanisms that control appetite is rapidly growing, how inflammation affects these mechanisms is not fully understood. Here, we discuss advances in our understanding of discrete appetite controlling mechanisms and how inflammation influences their function. We further discuss the pathophysiological significance of anorexia and negative energy balance during the immune regulatory response.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Cellular metabolism and diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.10/issuetoc
Tourism multi‐sided platforms and the social innovation trajectory: The case of Airbnb
Authors: Presenza Angelo , Panniello Umberto , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: July 2020

Multi‐sided platforms (MSPs) have recently gained significant attention due to their disruptive innovation capacity, which is introducing deep changes in several industries. Previous work has studied how MSPs grow and design the development of their business models (BMs). However, none of the previous work has studied how these MSPs innovate their BM by leveraging and implementing social innovations. In this paper we aim at filling this gap. In particular, we focus on the tourism sector and, using the theoretical lens of business model innovation (BMI), we explore the Airbnb case study with a qualitative approach. We identify three main stages that characterized the innovation of the Airbnb's BM. Each of them presents specific peculiarities that have been analyzed. Our study offers new insights to understand how the BM of the MSPs is evolving toward a more sophisticated one that includes also a deeper orientation toward sustainable and social goals.
Oncogenic mutation in RAS‐RAF axis leads to increased expression of GREB1, resulting in tumor proliferation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kochi Masatoshi , Hinoi Takao , Niitsu Hiroaki , Miguchi Masashi , Saito Yasufumi , Sada Haruki , Sentani Kazuhiro , Sakamoto Naoya , Oue Naohide , Tashiro Hirotaka , Sotomaru Yusuke , Yasui Wataru , Ohdan Hideki
Published: July 2020

BRAFV600E mutation accounts for up to 90% of all BRAF mutations in human colorectal cancer (CRC), and constitutively activates the MEK‐MAPK pathway. It is recognized that neutralizing mAbs for epidermal growth factor receptor alone are not effective for CRC with BRAFV600E mutation. Therefore, there is increasing interest in identification of the possible therapeutic targets in downstream of BRAF mutation in CRCs. To address this, we studied genome engineered mouse models for colonic neoplasia that has BrafV600E mutation on the basis of Apc inactivation, induced in 2 distinct Cre mouse models, CDX2P‐G22Cre and CDX2P‐CreERT2 mice. We carried out oligonucleotide microarray analysis for colonic neoplasia generated in these mouse models, and compared gene expression profiles among Kras/Braf WT, Kras‐mutated, and Braf‐mutated mouse colon tumors to seek new molecular targets corresponding to the KRAS‐BRAF‐MAPK axis. We found that the expression of the growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer protein 1 (Greb1) was the most upregulated gene in Braf‐mutated mouse tumors compared to Kras/Braf WT counterparts. The silencing of GREB1 significantly reduced the proliferation and tumorigenesis of CRC cell lines, whereas the overexpression of GREB1 promoted cell proliferation. Although GREB1 was first identified as a hormone‐responsive gene mediating estrogen‐stimulated cell proliferation in endometriosis, breast, and ovarian cancers, these results suggest that RAS‐RAF‐MAPK signaling upregulates GREB1 expression in CRC, resulting in cellular proliferation. Thus, GREB1 is a possible therapeutic target for CRCs with BrafV600E mutation.
Foster parents' experiences of using child mental health and welfare services in Norway: Associations with youth, placement, and service characteristics
Authors: Larsen Marit , Baste Valborg , Bjørknes Ragnhild , Breivik Kyrre , Myrvold Trine , Lehmann Stine
Published: July 2020

The measurement of user experience has gained international attention as a tool for improving quality of care. Because foster families have a high need for service support, we examined quality of care from the foster parent's perspective and associated characteristics. We collected information about type and frequency of service use in the last 2 years and standardized measures of user‐reported experiences and outcomes from foster parents of youths aged 11–18 years in Norway (N = 290). We analysed the data using descriptive statistics, independent samples t‐tests and multiple regressions. Overall, foster parents had positive service experiences, and around half reported improvement in youth condition and function compared with before the service contact. The foster parents gave similar evaluations of child welfare services and specialized mental health services but indicated different strengths and weaknesses of the providers. Younger age, more frequent service contact and less waiting time were associated with positive service experiences, while less mental health problems and fewer years in current foster home were related to positive perceptions of outcomes. Our results indicate focus areas for increasing quality of care from the user perspective, for example, sharing information, cooperation between services, having frequent enough service contact and reducing waiting time.
Taking a more nuanced look at behavior change for demand reduction in the illegal wildlife trade
Authors: Thomas‐Walters Laura , Veríssimo Diogo , Gadsby Erica , Roberts David , Smith Robert J.
Published: July 2020

The illegal wildlife trade threatens the future of many species, and undermines economies and livelihoods. Conservationists have largely responded with supply‐side interventions, such as antipoaching patrols, but these often fail to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking. There is now increasing interest in demand‐side interventions, which seek to lower poaching pressure on sought‐after species by reducing consumer's desire for, and purchase of, specific wildlife products. Individual behavior change approaches, from environmental education to social marketing, have been widely advocated by academics, practitioners, and policy makers. However, this is an emerging field and we lack the breadth of evidence needed to understand and predict the potential outcomes of demand reduction interventions. To help us gain broader insights, we examine the literature from public health and international development on the effectiveness of behavior change interventions, and critique the current conceptualization of strategies for reducing consumer demand in the illegal wildlife trade. We show that behavior change is difficult to achieve and interventions may have unintended and undesirable consequences because of unaddressed systemic, cultural and environmental drivers, and limited resourcing. We conclude that some sections of the conservation community are advocating a shift from one reductionist approach based on limiting supply, to another based on limiting demand, and argue that conservationists should learn from the public health and international development projects that have integrated systems thinking. By accounting for the multiple interactions and synergies between different factors in the wildlife trade, we can develop more strategic approaches to protecting endangered species.
Are All Contributions Equal? Investigating the Role of Community Participation in Crowdwork
Authors: Ma Xiao , Kuem Jungwon , Hou Jinghui (Jove) , Khansa Lara , Zhu Zhuo
Published: July 2020

A characteristic of crowdwork (i.e., online labor) is that many workers actively participate in online communities. Despite some anecdotal evidence that these communities help sustain workers, crowdwork struggles with high turnover rate. Meanwhile, it is unclear whether the acclaimed benefits of online communities materialize in earnings. Our objective is to understand what forms of active participation behavior in crowdwork communities affect workers’ earnings and continuance, why, and how. Our empirical probe to these questions is guided by a theoretically grounded tripartite taxonomy of active community participation behavior. We adopt simultaneous equations modeling with instrumental variables and analyze a multisource dataset of 283 crowdworkers who are members of a crowdwork community. We show that decomposing posting behavior into different types reveals its controversial relationships with work outcomes. Specifically, discussing crowdwork skills increases earnings. In contrast, socializing with other workers results in lower earnings. Somewhat counterintuitively, contributing knowledge to the community is negatively related to crowdwork continuance intention. Overall, the effects of the disaggregated community posting behavior imply that online communities can have profound impacts on crowdwork.
The impact of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide on natriuretic peptides in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction with and without type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nielsen Roni , Jorsal Anders , Tougaard Rasmus S. , Rasmussen Jon J. , Schou Morten , Videbæk Lars , Gustafsson Ida , Faber Jens , Flyvbjerg Allan , Wiggers Henrik , Tarnow Lise , Kistorp Caroline
Published: July 2020

Aim

To assess the effect of liraglutide, a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, on urinary sodium excretion as well as on circulating adrenomedullin and copeptin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and methods

In the LIVE study, patients (n = 241) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% were randomized to liraglutide 1.8 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks, and 30% had a concomitant diagnosis of T2D. Plasma levels of N‐terminal brain‐natriuretic‐peptide (NT‐proBNP) (a predefined secondary endpoint), midregional pro‐atrial‐natriuretic‐peptide (MR‐proANP), midregional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) and copeptin were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks in this substudy. The potential effect modification of T2D was assessed.

Results

In the eligible subgroup of 231 patients with available biomarkers (115 randomized to liraglutide and 116 to placebo), MR‐proANP decreased by 12% (P = .002) and NT‐proBNP by 9% (P = .009) during liraglutide treatment compared with placebo at week 24. Interaction with T2D for the treatment effect of change in MR‐proANP and NT‐proBNP levels was P = .003 and P = .03, respectively. Consequently, in patients with T2D, liraglutide decreased MR‐proANP by 27% (P < .001) and NT‐proBNP by 25% (P = .02) compared with placebo, whereas no change was observed in patients without T2D. There was no effect of liraglutide on MR‐proADM (P = .10) or copeptin (P = .52).

Conclusion

Liraglutide decreased the A‐ and B‐type natriuretic peptides significantly in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and concomitant T2D, suggesting a beneficial mechanism of liraglutide in T2D patients with HFrEF.
Efficacy and safety of iGlarLixi versus IDegLira in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: a systematic literature review and indirect treatment comparison
Authors: Home Philip D. , Aroda Vanita R. , Blonde Lawrence , Guyot Patricia , Shaunik Alka , Fazeli Mir Sohail , Goswami Hardik , Kalra Sanjay , Pourrahmat Mir‐Masoud
Published: July 2020

Aims

To estimate the relative treatment effect between the fixed‐ratio combinations iGlarLixi and IDegLira (glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist with basal insulin) in people with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on a glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials followed by an indirect treatment comparison was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of the available fixed‐ratio combinations. Main outcomes were glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change and target achievement [<6.5% and <7.0% (<48 and <53 mmol/mol)], fasting plasma glucose, self‐monitored plasma glucose, body weight, and incidence and rate of hypoglycaemia.

Results

From 4850 abstracts screened, 78 qualified for full‐text article review and two randomized controlled trials were included. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two studies. The mean difference at 26 weeks between IDegLira and iGlarLixi was −0.36 (95% credible intervals −0.58, −0.14) % [−3.9 (−6.3, −1.5) mmol/mol] for HbA1c and −1.0 (−1.6, −0.4) mmol/L for fasting plasma glucose. No significant differences were found in HbA1c target attainment, preprandial or postprandial self‐monitored plasma glucose, or body weight change. Formal comparisons of hypoglycaemia were limited by differences in definitions between the studies: in non‐sulphonylurea users, incidence was 28% for IDegLira (‘confirmed’ at ≤3.1 mmol/L); for iGlarLixi, incidence was 9% (‘documented symptomatic’ at <3.0 mmol/L).

Conclusions

Results of this indirect treatment comparison using two studies suggest iGlarLixi and IDegLira appear to offer similar benefits for HbA1c target achievement. However, the findings suggest differences in other glycaemia results and hypoglycaemia, which may reflect differences in study design and titration approaches.
Relationship between specific temporomandibular disorders and impaired upper neck performance
Authors: Greenbaum Tzvika , Dvir Zeevi , Emodi‐Perelmam Alona , Reiter Shoshana , Rubin Pessia , Winocur Ephraim
Published: July 2020

Upper neck impairments are more prevalent in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) but the differences between specific types of TMDs are unclear. This study evaluated the distribution of such impairments among different forms of TMD. In total, 116 participants (86 women and 30 men, age range 21–75 yr) were investigated. Forty‐two individuals had no TMDs and were assigned to the control group. The remaining 74 patients were assigned to one of three groups based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) findings: pain‐related (n = 37); intra‐articular (n = 17); or mixed (combined pain‐related and intra‐articular) (n = 20). Analyses of impairments included between‐group comparisons of key parameters of upper neck performance (active/passive mobility and muscular capabilities) and pain (subjective neck disability and pain sensitivity). Patients in the pain‐related and mixed TMD groups were found to have decreased upper neck mobility in the cervical flexion‐rotation test compared with patients in intra‐articular and control groups, as well as poorer capabilities of the deep neck flexor muscles in the cranio‐cervical flexion test compared to the control group. It was concluded that patients with pain‐related TMD diagnoses are more likely to experience significant upper‐neck hypomobility and poor muscular capabilities than patients with intra‐articular diagnoses of TMD.
A Method to Represent a Well in a Three‐Dimensional Discrete Fracture Network Model
Authors: Pham Hai , Parashar Rishi , Sund Nicole , Pohlmann Karl
Published: July 2020

In discrete fracture network (DFN) modeling, fractures are randomly generated and placed in the model domain. The rock matrix is considered impermeable. Small fractures and isolated fractures are often ignored to reduce computational expense. As a result, the rock matrix between fractures could be large and intersections may not be found between a well introduced in the model and the hydraulically connected fracture networks (fracture backbones). To overcome this issue, this study developed a method to conceptualize a well in a three‐dimensional (3D) DFN using two orthogonal rectangular fractures oriented along the well's axis. Six parameters were introduced to parameterize the well screen and skin zone, and to control the connectivity between the well and the fracture backbones. The two orthogonal fractures were discretized using a high‐resolution mesh to improve the quality of flow and transport simulations around and along the well. The method was successfully implemented within dfnWorks 2.0 (Hyman et al. 2015) to incorporate a well in a 3D DFN and to track particles leaving an injection well and migrating to a pumping well. Verification of the method against MODFLOW/MODPATH found a perfect match in simulated hydraulic head and particle tracking. Using three examples, the study showed that the method ensured the connectivity between wells and fracture backbones, and honored the physical processes of flow and transport along and around wells in DFNs. Recommendations are given for estimating the values of the six introduced well parameters in a real‐world case study.
Women’s employment status and domestic violence in Tanzania: How do they link?
Authors: Kinyondo Abel , Joseph Magashi
Published: July 2020

Domestic violence is a crime that affects women across the world. Tanzania is no exception. However, only a few studies have examined the relationship between domestic violence and women’s employment status in Tanzania. Moreover, such studies have methodological limitations. Using a 2‐stage linear probability model on a nationally representative sample, this study shows that the impact of women’s employment status on reducing domestic violence is much greater if endogeneity is controlled for. We conclude by arguing that there is a need for policies that enhance women’s employability and we call for greater rigour in research analysis to avoid drawing misleading conclusions.
DEA‐based centralized resource allocation with network flows
Authors: Tao Xiangyang , Xiong Beibei , An Qingxian
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the centralized resource allocation problem among individual units using network flow theory in a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework. Existing research on DEA‐based resource allocation is primarily concerned with the amount of allocated resources to individual units, and only a few studies have considered resource flows when resources are allocated. To identify the internal structure of the resource allocation process, network structure is introduced and network flow theory is used to search for the optimal resource allocation scheme. Moreover, resource allocation cost is considered in network flows and a resource allocation gain (RAG) function is formulated to provide a quantitative analysis of the trade‐off between production gains from resource allocation and resource allocation cost in the resource allocation process. In addition, several characteristics of the RAG function are also discussed. Lastly, the proposed method is demonstrated through an expository example with several random data and an application of the centralized resource reallocation to bank systems.
Impact of texturing on the phase transitions in sol–gel‐processed Bi(Sm)FeO3 thin films on LaNiO3‐buffered silicon
Authors: Liu Lisha , Qiu Xiaofu , Zhang Suwei , Zhou Zhen , Huang Yu , Shu Liang , Cheng Yue‐Yu‐Shan , Wang Xuping , Li Jing‐Feng
Published: July 2020

The orientation modulation of ferroelectric materials is a suitable method to optimize material performance. Textured Bi1‐xSmxFeO3 thin films (near the rhombohedral‐orthorhombic (R‐O) phase boundary, that is, x = 0, 0.1, 0.12, 0.14, and 0.16) were fabricated using the sol‐gel process by introducing a LaNiO3 (LNO) seed layer. Structural and ferroelectric characterizations were used to investigate the effect of texturing on the Sm doping‐induced R‐O phase transition of the BiFeO3 thin films. It was found that a phase transition occurred from the rhombohedral to the orthorhombic structure with increasing Sm content in the nontextured polycrystalline films, resulting in an R‐O phase boundary at x = 0.12. In contrast, the R‐O phase boundary in the textured films was more diffuse, indicating a two‐phase coexistence in a boarder range of Sm doping levels (x = 0.12‐0.16). This discrepancy was attributed to the complexity of the stress status in thin films. The dielectric and electrical properties of the nontextured and textured samples were investigated. The current study shows that the phase boundary in ferroelectric thin films can be altered by diverse means, thus providing insights into potential applications.
How can care settings for people with intellectual disabilities embed health promotion?
Authors: Vlot‐van Anrooij Kristel , Koks‐Leensen Monique C. J. , van der Cruijsen Anneke , Jansen Henk , van der Velden Koos , Leusink Geraline , Hilgenkamp Thessa I. M. , Naaldenberg Jenneken
Published: July 2020

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) depend on their environment to live healthily. Asset‐based health promotion enhances a settings’ health‐promoting capacity starting with identifying protective or promotive factors that sustain health.

Method

This inclusive mixed‐methods study used group sessions to generate and rank ideas on assets supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity in Dutch intellectual disability care settings. Participants included people with moderate intellectual disabilities and family and care professionals of people with severe/profound intellectual disabilities.

Results

Fifty‐one participants identified 185 assets in group sessions. They include the following: (i) the social network and ways “people” can support, (ii) assets in/around “places,” and person–environment fit, and (iii) “preconditions”: health care, prevention, budget, and policy.

Conclusion

This inclusive research provides a user perspective on assets in the living environment supporting healthy living. This gives insight in contextual factors needed for development and sustainable embedment of health promotion in the systems of intellectual disability support settings.