bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closing the researcher-practitioner gap
Authors: Hall Hazel , Cruickshank Peter , Ryan Bruce
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which learning gained through participation in three research methods workshops funded by an Arts and Humanities Research Council networking grant was applied in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by online survey and focus group from individuals who participated in the Developing Research Excellence and Methods (DREaM) project workshops in 2011/2012. The survey data were coded and analysed manually, as were the transcribed focus group discussions.

Findings

Following the conclusion of the DREaM project the participants at the core of the network applied their learning from the workshops to innovate in the workplace and to develop information services, with evident impact on end-users of library and information services. The strongest impact of the DREaM project, however, was found in reports of widened opportunities for the researcher and practitioner cadre members, many of which arose from collaborations. This provides evidence of a second proven strategy (in addition to the provision of research reports in practitioner publications) for narrowing the library and information science (LIS) research-practice gap: the creation of researcher-practitioner networks.

Research limitations/implications

Collaborative interactions between academic researchers and practitioners bring benefits to both network participants themselves and to the wider communities with which they interact. These are likely to be applicable across a range of subject domains and geographies.

Practical implications

Network grants are valuable for furnishing learning that may be applied in practice, and for bridging the research-practice gap.

Social implications

In LIS and other domains that suffer from a research-practice gap (e.g. teaching, social work, nursing, policing, management) the bringing together of researchers and practitioners in networks may address problems associated with misunderstandings between the two communities, and lead to improved services provision.

Originality/value

This study provides an evaluation of network development that goes beyond simply reporting changes in network topology. It does so by assessing the value that network relationships provide to individuals and groups, extending knowledge on mechanisms of collaborative interaction within research networks. It is also the first detailed study of the impact of a UK research council networking grant.
Learning to face global food challenges through tourism experiences
Authors: Bertella Giovanna , Vidmar Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provoke reflections on the potential contribution of food tourism experiences to achieving the sustainable development goals for eradicating hunger and malnutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the creative analytic practice in scientific inquiry, this study develops and discusses a futuristic scenario inspired by a factual company. The case is based on ideas derived from studies on educational and food tourism and entrepreneurship, more precisely ecopreneurship.

Findings

Food tourism can offer an opportunity for discussing food challenges in the context of ideas and projects to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. This study shows that imagining such possibilities and projects is challenging because of the complexity of the issue.

Practical implications

This study suggests that despite some limitations, educational food tourism experiences might go well beyond the issues of regional development, localism and authenticity. Practitioners, including tourism entrepreneurs and private and public food and tourism organisations, might be essential to exploring alternative food tourism futures in ways that truly contribute to urgent global challenges.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the use of a scenario to imagine and to reflect on the future of food tourism in relation to the global challenges of hunger and malnutrition. The paper suggests that the ideas from tourism studies and ecopreneurship can offer interesting perspectives on future developments in the sector.
Continuing education and professional development of library staff involved with makerspaces
Authors: Horton Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper reports the results of a survey of library staff members working with a library makerspace or with makerspace-related technologies. The purpose of this paper is to identify who is working with library makerspaces, what methods of training they have used, what training methods they prefer, and what topics they would like to see included in professional development and continuing education.

Design/methodology/approach

A 17-question survey was posted to two library makerspace-related listservs for two weeks.

Findings

The survey results found a varied array of job title of individuals working with library makerspaces. It also identified the preferred training methods, as well as the varied topics requested for professional development, showing a large need for a makerspace training in library staff.

Originality/value

This is the first study conducted about the preferred methods and topics of professional development and continuing education of library staff members working with makerspaces or makerspace-related technologies.
Two cases of cutaneous gnathostomiasis after eating raw Salangichthys microdon (icefish, shirauo)
Authors: Korekawa Ayumi , Nakajima Koji , Makita Eiko , Aizu Takayuki , Hara Kenji , Maruyama Haruhiko , Morishima Yasuyuki , Nakano Hajime , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: June 2019

Cutaneous gnathostomiasis (CG) is a disease caused by ingestion of third‐stage Gnathostoma larva in raw snakes, freshwater fish or frogs. The common causative organisms of CG in Japan include G. nipponicum, G. spinigerum, G. doloresi, G. binucleatum and G. hispidum. We report two cases of CG after eating many raw Japanese icefishes (Salangichthys microdon). In both cases, linear itchy eruptions on the trunk developed after eating many S. microdon. We performed genetic analysis in the first case, which revealed G. nipponicum. Of note, this is the first case of CG diagnosed based on genetic analysis in Japan. In Japan, eating whole small raw freshwater fish is common. The most popular types of raw small freshwater fish consumed in Japan are S. microdon (shirauo in Japanese) and Leucopsarion petersii (shirouo in Japanese). Usually, S. microdon are born in rivers, but live in both the sea and rivers. They feed on small fish and freshwater water fleas and spawn in rivers in the spring. On the other hand, L. petersii are born in rivers, but move to the sea soon after hatching. They feed on plankton such as copepod in the sea. They do not feed on anything when they return to rivers to spawn in the spring. Therefore, we hypothesize that S. microdon are more easily parasitized by G. nipponicum.
Droughts and the ecological future of tropical savanna vegetation
Authors: Sankaran Mahesh
Published: June 2019

Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent, intense and longer droughts in the future, with major implications for ecosystem processes and human livelihoods. The impacts of such droughts are already evident, with vegetation dieback reported from a range of ecosystems, including savannas, in recent years.

Most of our insights into the mechanisms governing vegetation drought responses have come from forests and temperate grasslands, while responses of savannas have received less attention. Because the two life forms that dominate savannas—C3 trees and C4 grasses—respond differently to the same environmental controls, savanna responses to droughts can differ from those of forests and grasslands.

Drought‐driven mortality of savanna vegetation is not readily predicted by just plant drought‐tolerance traits alone, but is the net outcome of multiple factors, including drought‐avoidance strategies, landscape and neighborhood context, and impacts of past and current stressors including fire, herbivory and inter‐life form competition.

Many savannas currently appear to have the capacity to recover from moderate to severe short‐term droughts, although recovery times can be substantial. Factors facilitating recovery include the resprouting ability of vegetation, enhanced flowering and seeding and post‐drought amelioration of herbivory and fire. Future increases in drought severity, length and frequency can interrupt recovery trajectories and lead to compositional shifts, and thus pose substantial threats, particularly to arid and semi‐arid savannas.

Synthesis. Our understanding of, and ability to predict, savanna drought responses is currently limited by availability of relevant data, and there is an urgent need for campaigns quantifying drought‐survival traits across diverse savannas. Importantly, these campaigns must move beyond reliance on a limited set of plant functional traits to identifying suites of physiological, morphological, anatomical and structural traits or “syndromes” that encapsulate both avoidance and tolerance strategies. There is also a critical need for a global network of long‐term savanna monitoring sites as these can provide key insights into factors influencing both resistance and resilience of different savannas to droughts. Such efforts, coupled with site‐specific rainfall manipulation experiments that characterize plant trait–drought response relationships, and modelling efforts, will enable a more comprehensive understanding of savanna drought responses.
Protectin DX ameliorates palmitate‐induced hepatic insulin resistance through AMPK/SIRT1‐mediated modulation of fetuin‐A and SeP expression
Authors: Jung Tae Woo , Ahn Sung Ho , Shin Jong Wook , Kim Hyoung‐Chun , Park Eon Sub , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Song Ki Hak , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: June 2019

The role as well as the molecular mechanisms of protectin DX (PDX) in the prevention of hepatic insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the direct impact of PDX on insulin resistance and to investigate the expression of fetuin‐A and selenoprotein P (SeP), hepatokines that are involved in insulin signalling, in hepatocytes. Human serum levels of PDX as well as fetuin‐A and SeP were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Human primary hepatocytes were treated with palmitate and PDX. NF‐κB phosphorylation as well as expression of insulin signalling associated genes and hepatokines were determined by Western blotting analysis. FOXO1 binding levels were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. Selected genes from candidate pathways were evaluated by small interfering (si) RNA‐mediated gene suppression. Serum PDX levels were significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated, whereas serum fetuin‐A and SeP levels were increased (P < 0.05) in obese subjects compared with healthy subjects. In in vitro experiments, PDX treatment increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and SIRT1 expression and attenuated palmitate‐induced fetuin‐A and SeP expression and insulin resistance in hepatocytes. AMPK or SIRT1 siRNA mitigated the suppressive effects of PDX on palmitate‐induced fetuin‐A through NF‐κB and SeP expression linked to FOXO1 and insulin resistance. Recombinant fetuin‐A and SeP reversed the suppressive effects of fetuin‐A and SeP expression on palmitate‐mediated impairment of insulin signalling. The current finding provides novel insight into the underlying mechanism linking hepatokines to the pathogenesis of hepatic insulin resistance.
Rewarding the Top: Citizens' Opposition to Higher Pay for Politicians
Authors: Pedersen Lene Holm , Dahlgaard Jens Olav , Pedersen Rasmus T.
Published: June 2019

The rewards of politicians are a key part of the implicit contract between politicians and citizens, and the effect of these rewards on democratic legitimacy and political recruitment is a central concern in public debate and democratic theory. Using a survey experiment, we show how citizens respond to hypothetical changes in politicians’ pay. The results indicate that citizens express lower levels of trust in the politicians when these politicians award themselves higher pecuniary rewards. However, our results also show that a devious strategy in which the rewards for politicians are less transparent ensures lower opposition from citizens than open and transparent strategies. Based on this, we outline a reinvigoration of the research agenda on “rewards at the top.”
Flexible manipulation of Omb levels in the endogenous expression region of Drosophila wing by combinational overexpression and suppression strategy
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Bo , Dong Wei , Li Kai‐Xia , Wang Juan‐Juan , Shen Jie , Moussian Bernard , Zhang Jian‐Zhen
Published: June 2019

Manipulating an exogenous or endogenous gene of interest at a defined level is critical for a wide variety of experiments. The Gal4/UAS system has been widely used to direct gene expression for studying complex genetic and biological problems in Drosophila melanogaster and other model organisms. Driven by a given tissue‐specific Gal4, expressing UAS‐transgene or UAS‐RNAi (RNA interference) could be used to up‐ or down‐regulate target gene expression, respectively. However, the efficiency of the Gal4/UAS system is roughly predefined by properties of transposon vector constructs and the insertion site in the transgenic stock. Here, we describe a simple way to modulate optomotor blind (omb) expression levels in its endogenous expression region of the wing disc. We co‐expressed UAS‐omb and UAS‐omb‐RNAi together under the control of dpp‐Gal4 driver which is expressed in the omb expression region of the wing pouch. The repression effect is more sensitive to temperature than that of overexpression. At low temperature, overexpression plays a dominant role but the efficiency is attenuated by UAS‐omb‐RNAi. In contrast, at high temperature RNAi predominates in gene expression regulation. By this strategy, we could manipulate omb expression levels at a moderate level. It allows us to manipulate omb expression levels in the same tissue between overexpression and repression at different stages by temperature control.
Host–pathogen interaction after infection of Galleria mellonella with the filamentous fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Vertyporokh Lidiia , Hułas‐Stasiak Monika , Wojda Iwona
Published: June 2019

The filamentous fungus Beauveria bassiana is a natural pathogen of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. Infection with this fungus triggered systemic immune response in G. mellonella; nevertheless, the infection was lethal if spores entered the insect hemocel. We observed melanin deposition in the insect cuticle and walls of air bags, while the invading fungus interrupted tissue continuity. We have shown colonization of muscles, air bags, and finally colonization and complete destruction of the fat body—the main organ responsible for the synthesis of defense molecules in response to infection. This destruction was probably not caused by simple fungal growth, because the fat body was not destroyed during colonization with a human opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. This may mean that the infecting fungus is able to destroy actively the insect's fat body as part of its virulence mechanism. Finally, we were unable to reduce the extremely high virulence of B. bassiana against G. mellonella by priming of larvae with thermally inactivated fungal spores.
Dietary intake, food addiction and nutrition knowledge in young people with mental illness
Authors: Teasdale Scott B. , Burrows Tracy L. , Hayes Tegan , Hsia Cin Y. , Watkins Andrew , Curtis Jackie , Ward Philip B.
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and food addiction in young people with mental illness.

Methods

This was a three‐arm cross‐sectional study of 16–25‐year‐olds attending community mental health services who met criteria for: (i) first‐episode psychosis (FEP), (ii) ultra‐high risk for psychosis (UHR) or (iii) depression/anxiety. Participants self‐completed three validated questionnaires: (i) Australian Eating Survey, (ii) General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire—Revised and (iii) Yale Food Addiction Score Questionnaire.

Results

Thirty participants (mean age 19.7 ± 2.5 years) completed the study (10 per study arm); 43% of the energy intake was obtained from energy‐dense, non‐nutritious foods, higher than the recommended upper limit (<15%) and the levels reported in the general population (35%). Mean diet quality score was 33.5 ± 11.8 of 73. Mean food addiction symptom score was 3.3 ± 3.7. Prevalence of food addiction was 37%. Nutrition knowledge was lower in the FEP and UHR participants than the depression/anxiety group (48.2 ± 13.8 and 49.5 ± 8.2 of 88 respectively); however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Unhealthy dietary intake was observed in the early stages of mental illness, likely seeding future poor physical health. Further research is needed on the role of food addiction in this population, including effective intervention techniques.
Systematic Analysis of the Pharmacological Effects of Alcoholic Components in Maotai
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chen Ziyi , Bao Hui , Zhang Guohao , Liu Zhigang
Published: June 2019

Maotai liquor is one of the most famous traditional Chinese distilled liquor enjoyed by many people all over the world for its unique production method, impressive liquor quality, and soy sauce‐like and roasted aroma style. It is known that aroma characteristics of liquor mainly depend on the aroma compounds. Alcohols as one of the most important categories of aroma components have been determined in Maotai liquor. However, the systemic analysis of alcoholic compounds in liquor is limited, especially the active alcoholic components and their pharmacological effects. Therefore, in this study, a systemic analysis method was proposed by combining in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) evaluation, target fishing, network pharmacology technology, pathway analysis, and experimental verification to interpret the pharmacological mechanism of alcoholic compounds in Maotai liquor. Finally, 15 compounds with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles were screened through in silico ADME models. Thirty‐eight related targets of these active compounds were identified by target prediction method. The network pharmacology and pathway analysis were developed to clarify the pharmacological effect of alcoholic compounds in Maotai liquor at the system and pathway level. Moreover, the key active compounds were validated by in vitro experiments that verified the effectiveness of our methods. Our study provides a novel approach to systematically analyze the pharmacological effect of alcoholic compounds in Maotai liquor, which would be beneficial for promoting the in‐depth study of various liquors.

Practical Application

Maotai liquor is popularly enjoyed in the world for a very long time. However, the systemic analysis of compounds in liquor is limited. Our systematic analysis approach was developed to explore the bioactive ingredients and their related target proteins as well as the pharmacological effects of Maotai liquor. This will provide a new method to understand the pharmacological mechanisms of compounds in various liquors at the systems level, so as to promote the development of liquors and to increase the public awareness of science about alcohol consumption.
Efficacy and safety of iguratimod plus corticosteroid as bridge therapy in treating mild IgG4‐related diseases: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Gong Yiyi , Liu Zheng , Liu Yanying , Lin Wei , Li Jieqiong , Wang Mu , Liu Xiaowei , Fei Yunyun , Chen Hua , Peng Linyi , Li Jing , Zhou Jiaxin , Shi Qun , Zhang Xuan , Shen Min , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Fengchun , Li Yongzhe , Zhao Yan , Zhang Wen
Published: June 2019

Aim

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of iguratimod plus corticosteroid as bridge therapy in the treatment of mild immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD).

Methods

Newly diagnosed IgG4‐RD patients, without internal organ involvement were enrolled. Patients were given one dose of diprospan, intramuscular injection, and iguratimod, 25 mg, twice daily, for 24 weeks and were followed up at 0, 12 and 24 weeks. Follow‐up indexes included IgG4‐RD responder index (IgG4‐RD RI), serology and imaging, plasma cytokines and adverse drug effect. Flow cytometry was performed for T, B cell subsets and plasma was collected for liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)‐based metabolomic profiling and data processing.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled. At week 24, 9 (30.0%) patients achieved complete response, 17 (56.7%) patients with partial response, and 4 (13.3%) patients had no response to treatment. IgG4‐RD RI, serum IgG and IgG4 levels decreased significantly at weeks 12 and 24 after treatment, as well as CD3+ CD8+ T cells, plasmablast/plasma cells and memory B cells. The LC‐MS based plasma metabolomic profiles revealed significant changes between untreated patients and healthy donors, which became much similar to normal states after treatment.

Conclusion

Iguratimod plus corticosteroid as bridge therapy is effective for the treatment of mild IgG4‐RD, it can improve the clinical symptoms, reduce serum IgG and IgG4 levels, especially plasmablasts/plasma cells and memory B cells. In addition, the metabolite profiling became similar to normal controls after treatment.
Body mass index associates with disease relapse in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Matsumoto Kotaro , Kaneko Yuko , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify risk factors associated with disease relapse in giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods

We reviewed data from 30 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients with GCA. The patients were divided according to relapse or non‐relapse status, and their baseline characteristics were compared.

Results

Among the 30 patients, 8 relapsed at a median of 28 weeks from GCA diagnosis. Patients with relapse were male‐dominant (male: 88% vs female: 41%, P = 0.02) and showed a higher body mass index (BMI, 23 kg/m2 vs 19 kg/m2, P < 0.01) than non‐relapse patients. Patients with BMI ≥ 21 kg/m2 showed a significantly higher relapse rate than those with BMI < 21 kg/m2 during the 100‐week follow‐up (46% vs 0%, log‐rank test, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Higher BMI may be associated with relapse in patients with GCA.
Follicle‐stimulating hormone promotes renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in aging women via the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zhang Kun , Kuang Lin , Xia Fangzhen , Chen Yi , Zhang Wen , Zhai Hualing , Wang Chiyu , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: June 2019

Estrogen withdrawal in aging women contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the effect of high circulating follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on renal dysfunction remains unknown. In this study, blood samples from 3,055 postmenopausal women were collected and tested, which showed that there was a strong negative correlation between eGFR and FSH levels (p < 0.001), independent of LH, testosterone, and estradiol. Functional FSHR was detected in renal tubular epithelial cells. In vivo, high circulating FSH levels promoted a phenotype of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, characterized by increases in 24‐hr urine protein/creatinine ratio, serum Cr, serum BUN, and ECM deposition. Similar results obtained from cultured HK‐2 cells showed that FSH increased the transcriptional and protein expression of profibrotic mediators (collagen IV, fibronectin, and PAI‐1). This promotion of fibrosis by FSH occurred through the activation of AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin pathway, which could be attenuated by silencing FSHR by siRNA or by LY294002 or MK2206. In addition, FSH‐stimulated HK‐2 cells secreted IL‐8, which promoted macrophage migration to exacerbate tubulointerstitial fibrosis. These results revealed a previously unknown effect of FSH on kidney injury, which may offer a critical insight into the development of CKD in aging postmenopausal women.
Post‐traumatic erosive dermatosis of the scalp: A hypergranulated variant
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Alessandrini Aurora , Patrizi Annalisa , Tabanelli Michela , Sacchelli Lidia , Misciali Cosimo , Savoia Francesco
Published: June 2019

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a slowly progressive chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects elderly male patients with marked actinic damage. The clinical evolution consists firstly of keratotic and erosive plaques surmounted by yellow‐brown crusts and non‐follicular pustules; later, the active crusting lesions regress in number and the scarring process causes diffuse cutaneous thinning and loss of hair follicles. However, manifestations may be atypical, leading to frequent misdiagnosis. We present a case series of post‐traumatic erosive pustular dermatosis on the scalp of 4 elderly patients. The characterising feature was the presence of erosion consisting of abundant hypergranulation tissue, with an almost total lack of crusts and pustules. Dermoscopy showed a unique pattern of stretched and dilated linear, telangiectatic and polymorphous on‐focus vessels, milky‐red areas and white scarring areas. This clinical entity is rarely reported in the literature. The majority of reported cases were located on the legs.
Letter: programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)‐targeted immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: efficacy and safety data from an international multicentre real‐world cohort—more questions than answers. Authors’ reply
Authors: Scheiner Bernhard , Pinter Matthias
Published: June 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Scheiner and Kung and Wang papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15245 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15322.
Retracted: Sinomenine exerts antitumour effect in gastric cancer cells via enhancement of miR‐204 expression
Authors: Yuan Haifeng , Zhang Jinghua , Li Fuli , Li Wei , Wang Haichao
Published: June 2019

Gastric carcinoma (GC) is a pernicious neoplasm with high morbidity and mortality. Sinomenine (SIN) has long been exploited to heal rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, SIN has been discovered to exert the antitumour functions in diverse cancers. However, the impacts of SIN on GC remain indistinct. We attempted to expose the antitumour effect of SIN on GC. MKN45 and SGC‐7901 cells were administered with SIN for 24 hours, cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and the associated proteins in the above processes were examined via exploiting CCK‐8, BrdU, flow cytometry, Transwell and Western blot. MiR‐204 expression in GC tumour tissues, different GC cell lines and SIN‐stimulated GC cells was investigated by executing RT‐qPCR. The above cell biological processes were reassessed after transfection with miR‐204 inhibitor. The latent mechanisms were probed by examining AMPK and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways. We found that SIN memorably repressed cell proliferation, evoked apoptosis and affected CyclinD1, Bcl‐2, Bax and cleaved‐caspase‐3 expression in MKN45 and SGC‐7901 cells. Cell migration, invasion and expression of MMP‐9 and Vimentin were all restrained by SIN stimulation. The increase of miR‐204 was discovered in GC tissues and SIN‐treated MKN45 and SGC‐7901 cells. But suppression of miR‐204 was observed in AGS, MKN28, MKN45 and SGC‐7901 cells. Suppression of miR‐204 overturned the inhibitory functions of SIN in MKN45 and SGC‐7901 cells. Besides, SIN prohibited AMPK and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways via enhancement of miR‐204. In conclusion, these findings suggested that SIN exerted the antitumour activity in GC cells by hindering AMPK and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways via enhancement of miR‐204.
Germline gene editing and the precautionary principle
Authors: Koplin Julian J. , Gyngell Christopher , Savulescu Julian
Published: June 2019

The precautionary principle aims to influence decision‐making in contexts where some activity poses uncertain but potentially grave threats. This perfectly describes the controversy surrounding germline gene editing. This article considers whether the precautionary principle should influence how we weigh the risks and benefits of human germline interventions, focusing especially on the possible threats to the health of future generations. We distinguish between several existing forms of the precautionary principle, assess their plausibility and consider their implications for the ethics of germline modification. We also offer a novel form of the precautionary principle: the sufficientarian precautionary principle. Some plausible versions of the precautionary principle recommend placing somewhat greater weight on avoiding threats to future generations than on achieving short‐term benefits. However, no plausible versions of the precautionary principle entail that we should outright reject the use germline gene editing in human reproduction and some, such as the sufficientarian version, might endorse its use.
Negative CD19 expression is associated with inferior relapse‐free survival in children with RUNX1‐RUNX1T1–positive acute myeloid leukaemia: results from the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML‐05 study
Authors: Sakamoto Kenichi , Shiba Norio , Deguchi Takao , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Hashii Yoshiko , Moriya‐Saito Akiko , Tomizawa Daisuke , Taga Takashi , Adachi Soichi , Horibe Keizo , Imamura Toshihiko
Published: June 2019

We performed a retrospective analysis of leukaemic surface antigen expression and genomic data from a total of 100 RUNX1‐RUNX1T1–positive paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients enrolled in the Japanese Paediatric Leukaemia/Lymphoma Study Group (JPLSG) AML‐05 protocol to determine risk factors for relapse. In univariate analysis, the KIT exon 17 mutation (n = 21) and CD19 negativity (n = 59) were significant risk factors for relapse (P = 0·01). In multivariate analysis, CD19 negativity was the sole significant risk factor for relapse (hazard ratio, 3·09; 95% confidence interval, 1·26–7·59; P < 0·01), suggesting that biological differences between CD19‐positive and CD19‐negative RUNX1‐RUNX1T1 AML patients should be investigated.
To understand the incomprehensible: A qualitative study of parents' challenges after child removal and their experiences with support services
Authors: Syrstad Ellen , Slettebø Tor
Published: June 2019

This article elucidates the challenges parents face when they lose the care of their children and their experiences of family counselling as a support service in Norway. A qualitative study following five mothers and one father whose children were in care was conducted through two focus groups and six individual interviews. The study found that the parents struggled to understand why their children had been placed in care and felt disempowered by the Child Protection Services (CPS). This situation led to complicated relationships with the CPS. We drew upon positioning theory and Goffman's theories about stigma and identity in this study, and these theories are explicitly used in discussing our analytic results. The study reveals the challenges encountered by CPS due to their dual role: On the one hand, they remove the children, and on the other, they offer support. The parents in this study also received assistance from the Family Counselling Services. Important results of this study are the parents' experiences of the two systems and, in particular, the different positions the systems seemed to place them in.
Reunification of looked‐after children with their birth parents in the United Kingdom: A literature review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Carlson Lyndsey , Hutton Stephanie , Priest Helena , Melia Yvonne
Published: June 2019

Background

Reunification of looked‐after children with their birth parents is the most common route to permanency for looked‐after children in the United Kingdom. Previous research evidence, mainly from American studies, suggests numerous factors that contribute to successful reunification outcomes (Biehal, 2007). Less is known about the current evidence base for reunification practice in the United Kingdom.

Objective

This review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize published literature concerned with the reunification of looked‐after children with their birth parents in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature identified eight peer‐reviewed studies conducted between 2005 and 2017 exploring reunification practice in the United Kingdom. Studies were critically appraised and thematically synthesized according to the Thomas and Harden (2008) approach.

Results

Eight articles met eligibility criteria. Descriptive themes were support, case management, oscillation, parenting, and reoccurrence of abuse. Analytic themes were lack of guidance and risks associated with return.

Conclusions

A pattern of oscillation between home and care was common for many looked‐after children, and remaining in care produced relatively better outcomes. Difficulties arise when comparing studies on reunification, due to methodological variation. Further research is needed to explore the views of reunited children themselves.
FLNC pathogenic variants in patients with cardiomyopathies: Prevalence and genotype‐phenotype correlations
Authors: Ader Flavie , De Groote Pascal , Réant Patricia , Rooryck‐Thambo Caroline , Dupin‐Deguine Delphine , Rambaud Caroline , Khraiche Diala , Perret Claire , Pruny Jean François , Mathieu‐Dramard Michèle , Gérard Marion , Troadec Yann , Gouya Laurent , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Van Maldergem Lionel , Hagège Albert , Villard Eric , Charron Philippe , Richard Pascale
Published: June 2019

Pathogenic variants in FLNC encoding filamin C have been firstly reported to cause myopathies, and were recently linked to isolated cardiac phenotypes. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of FLNC pathogenic variants in subtypes of cardiomyopathies and to study the relations between phenotype and genotype. DNAs from a cohort of 1150 unrelated index‐patients with isolated cardiomyopathy (700 hypertrophic, 300 dilated, 50 restrictive cardiomyopathies, and 100 left ventricle non‐compactions) have been sequenced on a custom panel of 51 cardiomyopathy disease‐causing genes. An FLNC pathogenic variant was identified in 28 patients corresponding to a prevalence ranging from 1% to 8% depending on the cardiomyopathy subtype. Truncating variants were always identified in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, while missense or in‐frame indel variants were found in other phenotypes. A personal or family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) was significantly higher in patients with truncating variants than in patients carrying missense variants (P = .01). This work reported the first observation of a left ventricular non‐compaction associated with a unique probably causal variant in FLNC which highlights the role of FLNC in cardiomyopathies. A correlation between the nature of the variant and the cardiomyopathy subtype was observed as well as with SCD risk.
Accuracy and reliability of qualitative echocardiography assessment of right ventricular size and function in neonates
Authors: Smith Aisling , Purna Jyothsna R. , Castaldo Michael P. , Ibarra‐Rios Daniel , Giesinger Regan E. , Rios Danielle R. , Weisz Dany E. , Jain Amish , EL‐Khuffash Afif F. , McNamara Patrick J.
Published: June 2019

Background

Subjective assessment of right ventricular (RV) function by neonatal echocardiography lacks validation. Incorrect diagnostic assignment in patients with suspected pulmonary hypertension (PH) may lead to unnecessary treatment or missed treatment opportunities.

Methods

Six evaluators (experts [n = 3], novice [n = 3]) were asked to independently rate RV characteristics (global function, dilation, and septal flattening) based on standardized echocardiography images. We randomly selected 60 infants, ≥35 weeks gestation at birth, of whom 30 were clinically unwell with acute pulmonary hypertension (aPH) and 30 were healthy controls. aPH was defined by echocardiography presence of right‐left shunting across transitional shunts or elevated right ventricular systolic pressure as estimated by the magnitude of the regurgitant jet across the tricuspid valve with impaired oxygenation. Inter‐rater comparative evaluation within groups and between groups was performed using Kappa statistics.

Results

Global agreement between evaluators for subjective assessment of RV function (0.3 [0.03], P < 0.001), size (0.14 [0.02], P < 0.001), and septal flattening (0.2 [0.02], P < 0.001) was uniformly poor. Agreement in RV function assessment was marginally better for both expert (0.32 [0.08], P < 0.001 vs 0.13 [0.081], and P < 0.001) and novice (0.4 [0.08], P < 0.001 vs 0.06 [0.07], and P < 0.001) evaluators. Overall, the diagnosis of aPH vs control was misclassified in 18% of cases.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated significant variability in qualitative assessment of RV size and function by trained evaluators, regardless of level of expertise attained. The reliability of objective measures of RV hemodynamics requires prospective evaluation.
mRNA expression profile of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis
Authors: Paplińska‐Goryca Magdalena , Goryca Krzysztof , Misiukiewicz‐Stępień Paulina , Nejman‐Gryz Patrycja , Proboszcz Małgorzata , Górska Katarzyna , Maskey‐Warzęchowska Marta , Krenke Rafał
Published: June 2019

Background

Sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are two most frequent forms of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Cellular and biochemical composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) was shown to reflect the fibrotic changes in the lung. However, the usefulness of BALf cellular profile evaluation in the diagnosis of ILDs is limited. The aim of the study was a multivariate, molecular analysis of BALf cells from IPF and sarcoidosis patients.

Methods

Transcriptomic measurements were carried out using Affymetrix Human Gene 2.1 ST ArrayStrip in 21 samples: 9 IPF and 12 sarcoidosis. The mRNA expression for the most significantly differentiating genes was evaluated by real‐time PCR in 32 samples (11 IPF and 21 sarcoidosis).

Results

The number of genes differentially expressed between IPF and sarcoidosis groups was 4832 (13359 probesets). Cluster analysis indicated that sarcoidosis BALf cells are characterized by increased mRNA expression of genes associated with ribosome biogenesis. Clusters formed by genes with changed mRNA expression in IPF samples were implicated in the processes of cell adhesion and migration, metalloproteinase expression and negative regulation of cell proliferation. The GO analysis indicated that predominant biological processes associated with the differential mRNA gene expression of BALf cells were upregulation of neutrophils in IPF and lymphocytes in sarcoidosis.

Conclusions

Analysis of BALf from sarcoidosis and IPF showed highly different mRNA profile of cells. The most important biological processes observed at the molecular level in BALf cells were associated with ribosome biogenesis and proteasome apparatus in sarcoidosis and neutrophilic dysfunction in IPF.
Risk stratification of elderly patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Klingenberg Roland , Schlager Oliver , Limacher Andreas , Méan Marie , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Beer Juerg H. , Staub Daniel , Frauchiger Beat , Aschwanden Markus , Lämmle Bernhard , Righini Marc , Egloff Michael , Osterwalder Joseph , Angelillo‐Scherrer Anne , Kucher Nils , Banyai Martin , Rodondi Nicolas , von Eckardstein Arnold , Aujesky Drahomir , Husmann Marc , Matter Christian M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Combining high‐sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs‐cTnT), NT‐pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) may improve risk stratification of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) beyond the PESI risk score.

Methods

In the prospective multicentre SWITCO65+ study, we analysed 214 patients ≥ 65 years with a new submassive PE. Biomarkers and clinical information for the PESI risk score were ascertained within 1 day after diagnosis. Associations of hs‐TnT, NT‐proBNP, hs‐CRP and the PESI risk score with the primary endpoint defined as 6‐month mortality were assessed. The discriminative power of the PESI risk score and its combination with hs‐cTnT, NT‐proBNP and hs‐CRP for 6‐month mortality was compared using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

Results

Compared with the lowest quartile, patients in the highest quartile had a higher risk of death during the first 6 months for hs‐cTnT (adjusted HR 10.22; 95% CI 1.79‐58.34; P = 0.009) and a trend for NT‐proBNP (adjusted HR 4.3; 95% CI 0.9‐20.41; P = 0.067) unlike hs‐CRP (adjusted HR 1.97; 95% CI 0.48‐8.05; P = 0.344). The PESI risk score (c‐statistic 0.77 (95% CI 0.69‐0.84) had the highest prognostic accuracy for 6‐month mortality, outperforming hs‐cTnT, NT‐proBNP and hs‐CRP (c‐statistics of 0.72, 0.72, and 0.54), respectively. Combining all three biomarkers had no clinically relevant impact on risk stratification when added to the PESI risk score (IDI = 0.067; 95% CI 0.012‐0.123; P = 0.018; NRI = 0.101 95% CI −0.099‐0.302; P = 0.321).

Conclusions

In elderly patients with PE, 6‐month mortality can adequately be predicted by the PESI risk score alone.
Eskasoni First Nation's transformation of youth mental healthcare: Partnership between a Mi'kmaq community and the ACCESS Open Minds research project in implementing innovative practice and service evaluation
Authors: Hutt‐MacLeod Daphne , Rudderham Heather , Sylliboy Arnold , Sylliboy‐Denny Mallery , Liebenberg Linda , Denny Jeannine F. , Gould Matthew R. , Gould Norma , Nossal Margot , Iyer Srividya N. , Malla Ashok , Boksa Patricia
Published: June 2019

Aim

ACCESS Open Minds (ACCESS OM) is a pan‐Canadian project aimed at improving youth mental healthcare. This paper describes implementation of the ACCESS OM objectives for youth mental health service transformation within a pre‐existing Fish Net Model of transformative youth mental healthcare service in the First Nation community of Eskasoni, on Canada's east coast.

Methods

We describe an adaptation of the ACCESS OM service transformation objectives through the complementary blending of Indigenous and Western methodologies. This concept of “Two‐Eyed Seeing” is illustrated as central to engaging youth in the community and attending to their mental health needs and wellness.

Results

The ACCESS OM Eskasoni First Nation Youth Space acts as a central location for the site team and its activities, which expand into the rest of the community to facilitate early identification of youth in need. Rapid access to care is promoted via barrier‐free availability through a central intake crisis and referral centre, and ease of contact through social media and other modalities. Youth are given the choice between standard Western mental health services, or Indigenous methods of improving well‐being, or a combination of the two.

Conclusions

The ACCESS OM framework has shown early results of being a positive addition to the Eskasoni community. Local leadership and community buy‐in are identified as key factors to success. Further exploration, research, and evaluation of this transformation is ongoing. Successful implementation of this model in Eskasoni could act as a model for youth mental health programmes in other First Nations across Canada.
Toward evidence‐based severity assessment in rat models with repeated seizures: III. Electrical post‐status epilepticus model
Authors: Seiffert Isabel , van Dijk Roelof Maarten , Koska Ines , Di Liberto Valentina , Möller Christina , Palme Rupert , Hellweg Rainer , Potschka Heidrun
Published: June 2019

Objective

Ethical approval of experiments in chronic epilepsy models requires a careful balancing of the expected gain‐in‐knowledge with the level of distress. Thus recommendations for evidence‐based severity assessment and classification are urgently needed for preclinical epilepsy research.

Methods

Therefore, we have completed a comprehensive analysis of alterations in behavioral, biochemical, and physiological parameters in a rat electrical post‐status epilepticus model. Selected parameters were repeatedly analyzed during different experimental phases to obtain information about the level of distress throughout the course of the model.

Results

Behavioral patterns comprised an increase in activity along with a reduction in risk assessment behavior, active social interaction, saccharin preference as well as nonessential, but evolutionary‐determined behavior such as nest building and burrowing. Among the biochemical parameters, fecal corticosterone metabolites proved to be increased in different phases of the experiment. In the early post‐insult phase, this increase was reflected by elevated serum corticosterone concentrations. Telemetric recordings demonstrated increases in home cage activity and heart rate in selected experimental phases but argued against relevant changes in heart rate variability. Comparison between animals with tethered or telemetric recordings including a principal component analysis revealed differences between both groups.

Significance

The present findings further confirm that burrowing behavior and saccharin preference might serve as valid parameters for severity assessment in chronic epilepsy models. Considering the course of alterations providing evidence for a more pronounced level of distress in the early phase following status epilepticus (SE), we suggest a classification of the electrical post‐SE model as severe. This suggestion may serve as a guidance for laboratory‐specific evaluations. Comparison between data from animals with tethered and telemetric recordings indicated an impact of the mode of recordings. However, further research is necessary to analyze the validity of telemetry as a putative refinement measure.
What is new in the psychology of chronic itch?
Authors: Evers Andrea W. M. , Peerdeman Kaya J. , van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M.
Published: June 2019

Itch is often regarded as unpleasant or bothersome and is accompanied by symptoms of distress and impairments in daily life. The biopsychosocial model of chronic itch describes how psychological factors can contribute to the improvement or exacerbation of chronic itch and related scratching behaviour. Recent research underlines the important role of cognitive‐affective information processing, such as attention, affect and expectancies. This may not only play a role for acute itch states, but may particularly apply to the process of itch chronification, for example, due to the vicious cycle in which these factors shape the experience of itch. The present paper focuses on new insights into the relation between itch and the cognitive‐affective factors of attention, affect and expectancies. These factors are thought to play a possible aggravating role in itch in the long term and have received increasing attention in the recent empirical literature on maintaining and exacerbating factors for chronic physical symptoms. Possible psychophysiological and neurobiological pathways regarding these factors are discussed, as well as possible intervention methods.