bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid and acidifier on the performance, chyme pH, and microbiota of broilers
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Yin Xiaonan , Wang Youli , Mahmood Tahir , Shahid Muhammad , Yin Dafei , Yuan Jianmin
Published: June 2020

This study was aimed to explore the comparative acidifying properties of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBA) and a combination of DL‐methionine (DLM) and acidifier in male broiler production. A total of 480 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments: A (low HMTBA, 0.057% HMTBA); B (low acidifier, 0.05% DLM + 0.057% acidifier); C (high HMTBA, 0.284% HMTBA); and D (high acidifier, 0.25% DLM + 0.284% acidifier). At 21 d, growth performance, chyme pH, digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal microflora were measured. The pH of crop, gizzard, and ileum contents was higher in the HMTBA treatment group than in DLM + acidifier treatment group. Furthermore, acidifier supplementation promoted growth of butyrate‐producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, whereas high HMTBA (0.284%) inhibited the proliferation of acid‐producing bacteria including Roseburia and Collinsella. The chymotrypsin activity was lower in the HMTBA group than in the DLM + acidifier group. In contrast, high‐level HMTBA group showed higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake than the DLM + acidifier group. These results suggested that HMTBA work through different pathways with DLM plus acidifier.
Nucleoredoxin interaction with flightless‐I/actin complex is differentially altered in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Alarcón‐Sánchez Brisa Rodope , Guerrero‐Escalera Dafne , Rosas‐Madrigal Sandra , Ivette Aparicio‐Bautista Diana , Reyes‐Gordillo Karina , Lakshman M. Raj , Ortiz‐Fernández Arturo , Quezada Héctor , Medina‐Contreras Óscar , Villa‐Treviño Saúl , Isael Pérez‐Carreón Julio , Arellanes‐Robledo Jaime
Published: June 2020

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) may be attributed to multiple hits driving several alterations. The aim of this work was to determine whether nucleoredoxin (NXN) interacts with flightless‐I (FLII)/actin complex and how this ternary complex is altered during ALD progression induced by different ALD models. ALD was recapitulated in C57BL/6J female mice by the well‐known ALD Lieber‐DeCarli model, and by an in vitro human co‐culture system overexpressing NXN. The effects of ethanol and low doses of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) were also evaluated in vivo as a first approach of an ALD multi‐hit protocol. We demonstrated that NXN interacts with FLII/actin complex. This complex was differentially altered in ALD in vivo and in vitro, and NXN overexpression partially reverted this alteration. We also showed that ethanol, LPS and DEN synergistically induced liver structural disarrangement, steatosis and inflammatory infiltration accompanied by increased levels of proliferation (Ki67), ethanol metabolism (CYP2E1), hepatocarcinogenesis (GSTP1) and LPS‐inducible (MYD88 and TLR4) markers. In summary, we provide evidence showing that NXN/FLII/actin complex is involved in ALD progression and that NXN might be involved in the regulation of FLII/actin‐dependent cellular functions. Moreover, we present a promising first approach of a multi‐hit protocol to better recapitulate ALD pathogenesis.
Early relapse after high‐dose melphalan autologous stem cell transplant predicts inferior survival and is associated with high disease burden and genetically high‐risk disease in multiple myeloma
Authors: Bygrave Ceri , Pawlyn Charlotte , Davies Faith , Craig Zoe , Cairns David , Hockaday Anna , Jenner Matthew , Cook Gordon , Drayson Mark , Owen Roger , Gregory Walter , Morgan Gareth , Jackson Graham , Kaiser Martin
Published: June 2020

Predicting patient outcome in multiple myeloma remains challenging despite the availability of standard prognostic biomarkers. We investigated outcome for patients relapsing early from intensive therapy on NCRI Myeloma XI. Relapse within 12 months of autologous stem cell transplant was associated with markedly worse median progression‐free survival 2 (PFS2) of 18 months and overall survival (OS) of 26 months, compared to median PFS2 of 85 months and OS of 91 months for later relapsing patients despite equal access to and use of subsequent therapies, highlighting the urgent need for improved outcome prediction and early intervention strategies for myeloma patients.
L‐DEP regimen salvage therapy for paediatric patients with refractory Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Zhao Yunze , Li Zhigang , Zhang Li , Lian Hongyun , Ma Honghao , Wang Dong , Zhao Xiaoxi , Zhang Qing , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2020

Epstein–Barr virus‐associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV‐HLH) is one of the most common subtypes of secondary HLH. However, more than 30% of patients do not respond to traditional treatment. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the L‐DEP regimen as a salvage therapy for paediatric refractory EBV‐HLH. We retrospectively analysed 26 paediatric patients with refractory EBV‐HLH who received the L‐DEP regimen at Beijing Children’s Hospital from 1 January 2016 to 31 March 2019. Five of the patients achieved complete response (CR) and 11 achieved partial response (PR), indicating an overall response rate of 61·5% (CR + PR). Ten of the 16 patients who achieved CR or PR received allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), and seven were still alive at the last follow‐up on 30 April 2020. Two of the 10 patients who did not respond were alive after allo‐HSCT. Major side effects included increased amylase, bone marrow suppression and coagulation disorders, though these could be controlled by supportive therapy in most cases. Thus, we conclude that the L‐DEP regimen is an effective and relatively safe salvage therapy for children with refractory EBV‐HLH. This regimen also provides a bridge to allo‐HSCT.
Coevolution of body size and metabolic rate in vertebrates: a life‐history perspective
Authors: Kozłowski Jan , Konarzewski Marek , Czarnoleski Marcin
Published: June 2020

Despite many decades of research, the allometric scaling of metabolic rates (MRs) remains poorly understood. Here, we argue that scaling exponents of these allometries do not themselves mirror one universal law of nature but instead statistically approximate the non‐linearity of the relationship between MR and body mass. This ‘statistical’ view must be replaced with the life‐history perspective that ‘allows’ organisms to evolve myriad different life strategies with distinct physiological features. We posit that the hypoallometric allometry of MRs (mass scaling with an exponent smaller than 1) is an indirect outcome of the selective pressure of ecological mortality on allocation ‘decisions’ that divide resources among growth, reproduction, and the basic metabolic costs of repair and maintenance reflected in the standard or basal metabolic rate (SMR or BMR), which are customarily subjected to allometric analyses. Those ‘decisions’ form a wealth of life‐history variation that can be defined based on the axis dictated by ecological mortality and the axis governed by the efficiency of energy use. We link this variation as well as hypoallometric scaling to the mechanistic determinants of MR, such as metabolically inert component proportions, internal organ relative size and activity, cell size and cell membrane composition, and muscle contributions to dramatic metabolic shifts between the resting and active states. The multitude of mechanisms determining MR leads us to conclude that the quest for a single‐cause explanation of the mass scaling of MRs is futile. We argue that an explanation based on the theory of life‐history evolution is the best way forward.
The ecosystem services provided by social insects: traits, management tools and knowledge gaps
Authors: Elizalde Luciana , Arbetman Marina , Arnan Xavier , Eggleton Paul , Leal Inara R. , Lescano María Natalia , Saez Agustín , Werenkraut Victoria , Pirk Gabriela I.
Published: June 2020

Social insects, i.e. ants, bees, wasps and termites, are key components of ecological communities, and are important ecosystem services (ESs) providers. Here, we review the literature in order to (i) analyse the particular traits of social insects that make them good suppliers of ESs; (ii) compile and assess management strategies that improve the services provided by social insects; and (iii) detect gaps in our knowledge about the services that social insects provide. Social insects provide at least 10 ESs; however, many of them are poorly understood or valued. Relevant traits of social insects include high biomass and numerical abundance, a diversity of mutualistic associations, the ability to build important biogenic structures, versatile production of chemical defences, the simultaneous delivery of several ESs, the presence of castes and division of labour, efficient communication and cooperation, the capacity to store food, and a long lifespan. All these characteristics enhance social insects as ES providers, highlighting their potential, constancy and efficiency as suppliers of these services. In turn, many of these traits make social insects stress tolerant and easy to manage, so increasing the ESs they provide. We emphasise the need for a conservation approach to the management of the services, as well as the potential use of social insects to help restore habitats degraded by human activities. In addition, we stress the need to evaluate both services and disservices in an integrated way, because some species of social insects are among the most problematic invasive species and native pests. Finally, we propose two areas of research that will lead to a greater and more efficient use of social insects as ES providers, and to a greater appreciation of them by producers and decision‐makers.
Analysis of technical complications and risk factors for failure of combined tooth‐implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos , Kisch Jenö , Larsson Christel
Published: June 2020

Background

The oral rehabilitation with fixed restorations supported by the combination of teeth and dental implants has been advocated in some cases.

Purpose

To assess the clinical outcomes of these prostheses. Fixed restorations supported by the combination of teeth and dental implants.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included all patients treated with combined tooth‐implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) at one specialist clinic. Abutment/prosthesis failure and technical complications were the outcomes analyzed.

Results

A total of 85 patients with 96 prostheses were included, with a mean follow‐up of 10.5 years. Twenty prostheses failed. The estimated cumulative survival rate was 90.7%, 84.8%, 69.9%, and 66.2% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. The failure of tooth and/or implant abutments in key positions affected the survival of the prostheses. There were seven reasons for prostheses failure, with the loss of abutments exerting a significant influence. Bruxism was possibly associated with failures. Prostheses with cantilevers did not show a statistically significant higher failure rate. No group had a general higher prevalence of technical complications in comparison to the other groups.

Conclusions

Although combined tooth‐implant‐supported FDPs are an alternative treatment option, this study has found that across 20 years of service nearly 35% the prostheses may fail.
Exosomes secreted by chronic hepatitis B patients with PNALT and liver inflammation grade ≥ A2 promoted the progression of liver cancer by transferring miR‐25‐3p to inhibit the co‐expression of TCF21 and HHIP
Authors: Ouyang Yi , Tang Yujing , Fu Lei , Peng Shifang , Wu Wanfeng , Tan Deming , Fu Xiaoyu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which exosomes secreted by CHB patients with PNALT and liver inflammation grade (≥A2) affected the development of liver cancer.

Materials and methods

Gene expression was assessed by RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. CCK‐8, colony formation, transwell, scratch‐wound and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. The interaction of TCF21 and HHIP was assessed by co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Luciferase reporter was used to detect the combination of TCF21/HHIP and miR‐25‐3p. Xenograft studies in nude mice manifested tumour growth ability of miR‐25‐3p. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using TargetScan, EVmiRNA, TCGA, GEO, DAVID, COEXPEDIA, UALCAN, UCSC and the Human Protein Atlas databases.

Results

CHB‐PNALT‐Exo (≥A2) promoted the proliferation and metastasis of HepG2.2.15 cells. miR‐25‐3p was upregulated in CHB‐PNALT‐Exo (≥A2). miR‐25‐3p overexpression promoted cell proliferation and metastasis and was related to poor survival in patients with CHB‐PNALT (≥A2). The cell proliferation‐ and metastasis‐promoting functions of CHB‐PNALT‐Exo (≥A2) were abolished by miR‐25‐3p inhibitors. TCF21 directly interacted with HHIP. Inhibition of TCF21 or HHIP promoted cell proliferation and metastasis. Knockdown of TCF21 or HHIP counteracted the effects of CHB‐PNALT‐Exo (≥A2) containing miR‐25‐3p inhibitor on cell proliferation, metastasis and the expression of Ki67, E‐cadherin and caspase‐3/‐9.

Conclusions

Transfer of miR‐25‐3p by CHB‐PNALT‐Exo promoted the development of liver cancer by inhibiting the co‐expression of TCF21 and HHIP.
Remote Monitoring in Clinical Trials During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Izmailova Elena S. , Ellis Robert , Benko Christopher
Published: June 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has rapidly challenged the pharmaceutical industry to implement remote clinical trials. The industry’s lack of extensive experience with remote measurements initiates multiple questions about how to select candidates for remote collection, their validity, and regulatory implications of moving certain assessments to a remote mode. We propose a decision tree for migration of clinic to remote assessments and highlight activities required to ensure that these measurements are valid, safe, and usable.
Developmental dynamics between reading and math in elementary school
Authors: Erbeli Florina , Shi Qinxin , Campbell Aaron R. , Hart Sara A. , Woltering Steven
Published: June 2020

Reading and math attainment develop during elementary grades. Questions remain, though, about the co‐developmental nature of the relation between reading and math. This study examined dynamic, longitudinal pathways between reading and math in first through fourth grades. Participants of the study were 554 academically at‐risk children (Mage at the first assessment point = 6.57 years; SD = 0.38) from Texas Project Achieve. Children were assessed utilizing the Woodcock‐Johnson–III reading and math measures. Results from dynamic bivariate latent change score models indicated unidirectional longitudinal coupling effects from reading to math. Specifically, average and high levels of reading performance were associated with subsequent gains in math growth, in particular for below average performing children in math. In contrast, low levels of reading performance had negligible or no amplifying influences on change in math growth. The nature of the dynamics was replicated even when controlling for nonverbal cognitive abilities. Results demonstrated that good reading skills pave the way for children to develop their math skills. Such findings underscore the importance of considering reading performance in treating math difficulties.
An evaluation of university students' latent and self‐perceived digital competence in the use of mobile devices
Authors: Leví‐Orta Genoveva , Sevillano‐García Luisa , Vázquez‐Cano Esteban
Published: June 2020

This article presents an experimental study of the assessment made by university students of their level of digital competence in the use of mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. The study was part of an investigation into ubiquitous learning with mobile devices and is based on the analysis of responses from a sample of 203 university students at eleven European and Latin American universities. Participants were asked questions about their performance on a set of digital activities that tested various components of digital competence. The analysis methodology was based on Item Response Theory (IRT). The survey data was analysed by applying a statistical model to represent the probability of obtaining an affirmative answer to each activity proposed. This enabled us to identify the difficulty and discrimination parameters of each activity. As an outcome of the study, measures on latent digital competence in individual participants were articulated. The results allowed us to describe how a number of devices and activities interacted. Understanding these types of interactions is necessary for a continued development of the evaluation of digital competence in students.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a clinical review
Authors: Masrori P. , Van Damme P.
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting primarily the motor system, but in which extra‐motor manifestations are increasingly recognized. The loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, the brain stem nuclei and the anterior horn of the spinal cord gives rise to progressive muscle weakness and wasting. ALS often has a focal onset but subsequently spreads to different body regions, where failure of respiratory muscles typically limits survival to 2–5 years after disease onset. In up to 50% of cases, there are extra‐motor manifestations such as changes in behaviour, executive dysfunction and language problems. In 10%–15% of patients, these problems are severe enough to meet the clinical criteria of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In 10% of ALS patients, the family history suggests an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The remaining 90% have no affected family members and are classified as sporadic ALS. The causes of ALS appear to be heterogeneous and are only partially understood. To date, more than 20 genes have been associated with ALS. The most common genetic cause is a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene, responsible for 30%–50% of familial ALS and 7% of sporadic ALS. These expansions are also a frequent cause of frontotemporal dementia, emphasizing the molecular overlap between ALS and FTD. To this day there is no cure or effective treatment for ALS and the cornerstone of treatment remains multidisciplinary care, including nutritional and respiratory support and symptom management. In this review, different aspects of ALS are discussed, including epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigations, treatment and future prospects.
Outcome following repair of 63 sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in UK Thoroughbreds using either a triangular or linear screw configuration
Authors: Findley Judith A. , O’Neill Henry D. , Bladon Bruce M.
Published: June 2020

Background

A triangular screw configuration has been suggested as preferable for repair of sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx.

Objective

To assess the outcome of a triangular screw construct for repair of incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures under standing sedation in a population of Thoroughbred racehorses, compared with a cohort repaired using a linear screw configuration.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Medical records and radiographs were accessed to garner clinical data. Date of return to racing was determined from www.racingpost.com. Survival data were compared using log‐rank test.

Results

Sixty‐two horses with one horse having two separate fractures. Fifty‐four fractures were repaired using triangular screw configuration, 10 with a linear screw configuration. 81% (43/53) of horses with triangular repair returned to racing at a median of 289 days (161‐482 days), 70% (7/10) horses with linear screws returned to racing at a median of 351 days (230‐815 days).

Main limitations

A limited number of horses underwent conventional (linear) screw placement.

Conclusion

A triangular screw configuration placed in the standing sedated horse is an effective way to repair incomplete and complete minimally displaced proximal phalanx fractures. The rate of return to racing was excellent with a low rate of complications.
Mechanisms underlying leaf photosynthetic acclimation to warming and elevated CO2 as inferred from least‐cost optimality theory
Authors: Smith Nicholas G. , Keenan Trevor F.
Published: June 2020

The mechanisms responsible for photosynthetic acclimation are not well understood, effectively limiting predictability under future conditions. Least‐cost optimality theory can be used to predict the acclimation of photosynthetic capacity based on the assumption that plants maximize carbon uptake while minimizing the associated costs. Here, we use this theory as a null model in combination with multiple datasets of C3 plant photosynthetic traits to elucidate the mechanisms underlying photosynthetic acclimation to elevated temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2). The model‐data comparison showed that leaves decrease the ratio of the maximum rate of electron transport to the maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Jmax/Vcmax) under higher temperatures. The comparison also indicated that resources used for Rubisco and electron transport are reduced under both elevated temperature and CO2. Finally, our analysis suggested that plants underinvest in electron transport relative to carboxylation under elevated CO2, limiting potential leaf‐level photosynthesis under future CO2 concentrations. Altogether, our results show that acclimation to temperature and CO2 is primarily related to resource conservation at the leaf level. Under future, warmer, high CO2 conditions, plants are therefore likely to use less nutrients for leaf‐level photosynthesis, which may impact whole‐plant to ecosystem functioning.
Decreasing phytoplankton size adversely affects ocean food chains
Authors: Brander Keith , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: June 2020

This article is a commentary on Schmidt et al. 26, 5574-5587
Registry of patients with congenital bleeding disorders and COVID‐19 in Madrid
Authors: Álvarez Román María Teresa , Butta Coll Nora , García Barcenilla Sara , Pérez González Lourdes , de la Plaza Collazo Ivan , De la Corte Rodríguez Hortensia , Romero Garrido Jose A. , Martín Salces Monica , Rivas Pollmar María Isabel , Cebanu Tamara , González‐Zorrilla Elena , Acuña Paula , Monzón Manzano Elena , Rodríguez Merchán Emérito Carlos , Trelles Martínez Roberto , Blanco Bañares María J. , Gutiérrez Alvariño Mar , Jiménez Yuste Victor
Published: June 2020

Introduction

We present the first registry of patients with congenital bleeding disorders and COVID‐19. The study has been carried out in the Community of Madrid, which has the highest number of cases in Spain. The objective is to understand the incidence of COVID‐19, the course of the disease if it occurs and the psychosocial and occupational impact on this population.

Methods

We included 345 patients (246 of haemophilia, 69 of von Willebrand Disease, two rare bleeding disorders and 28 carriers of haemophilia). A telephone survey was used to collect the data.

Results

Forty‐two patients presented symptoms suggestive of infection by COVID‐19, and in six cases, the disease was confirmed by RT‐PCR. The cumulative incidence of our series was 1.73%. It is worth noting the complexity of the management of COVID‐19 in two patients on prophylaxis with non‐factor replacement therapy. Adherence to the prescribed treatment was maintained by 95.5% of patients. Although 94% were independent for daily living activities, 42.4% had a recognized disability and 58% required assistance, provided by the Madrid Haemophilia Association (Ashemadrid) in 75% of cases. Only 4.4% of consultations were held in person.

Conclusions

Patients with congenital bleeding disorders infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 presented a mild course of the disease that did not require admission. Their identification and treatment by a specialist team from a Haemophilia Treatment Center are essential to make a correct assessment of the risk of haemorrhage/thrombosis. COVID‐19 had a major impact on the psychosocial aspects of these patients which must be remedied with recovery plans.
Ronald Jones's duality analysis as a foundation for applied general‐equilibrium modeling
Authors: Markusen James R.
Published: June 2020

Ronald Jones made seminal contributions to general‐equilibrium theory, moving away from an emphasis on the existence of equilibrium to algebraic formulations which enabled us to characterize key relationships between parameters and variables, such as that between tariffs and domestic factor prices and welfare. But the analysis remained limited in value for policy evaluation: the analysis was local, it provided only qualitative results, it was limited to very small models, and strictly interior solutions had to be assumed. The contribution of this paper is largely pedagogic and methodological. I show how the tools and approach pioneered by Jones can be generalized via the use of duality, complementarity and the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker theorem into a global, quantitative analysis of large changes in high‐dimensional models which also allows for regime changes and corner solutions. I then show how the resulting nonlinear complementarity problem directly translates into a numerical model using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS).
Properties and release kinetics of pine bark incorporated agar and carrageenan film
Authors: Leelaphiwat Pattarin , Chanasinphawatkun Nutchapat , Prompa Kanokwan , Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai
Published: June 2020

Effects of plasticisers (glycerol, sorbitol and polypropylene glycol) and blend ratios on release behaviour, molecular vibration, mechanical and water barrier properties in agar and carrageenan films incorporating pine bark extract were investigated. Infrared spectra indicated hydrogen bonding of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol with film polymers which improved water diffusion and agar solubility but showed no effect in carrageenan films due to high water affinity. Hydrophilicity of the plasticisers modified dissolution of films and strongly affected the release behaviours of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (DPPH• and FRAP). Film solubility showed high correlation to release behaviours. Fick’s diffusion kinetics fitted well to release behaviour of pine bark to aqueous media (water, 3% acetic acid and 10% ethanol). Agar gave a higher diffusion coefficient that was improved by the addition of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol. Increased diffusion coefficients enhanced degree of release, with some diversions suggesting that solvent modified matrices and, hence, release properties.
Volatile organic compounds in milk and mozzarella: Comparison between two different farming systems
Authors: Natrella Giuseppe , Gambacorta Giuseppe , De Palo Pasquale , Maggiolino Aristide , Faccia Michele
Published: June 2020

The volatile organic compounds (VOC) and sensory characteristics of milk and mozzarella from farms with different rearing systems were compared. Milk samples were taken from 9 intensive (INT) and 13 semi‐extensive farms (EXT) in the grazing period. VOC were analysed by SPME‐GC‐MS, and sensory evaluation was carried out by paired comparison. The volatile profiles of milks were significantly different: acetone and isopropyl alcohol characterised INT milk, pentanoic and decanoic acids, hexanal, ethylacetate, toluene, dimethyl sulphide characterised milk from EXT farms. Also mozzarella was discriminated by VOC, but only a few compounds derived from milk. Based on sensory evaluation, milk from the two sources can be distinguished by odour and colour, mozzarella only by colour. It was hypothesised that heating during the stretching phase caused volatilisation of many milk volatile compounds and formation new aroma active molecules that overcame the ‘primary odours’ of milk.
Digitalisation, unions and participation: the German case of ‘industry 4.0’
Authors: Haipeter Thomas
Published: June 2020

This article tackles the question of how labour representatives cope with the implementation of ‘Industrie 4.0’ in German manufacturing plants. Digitalisation of manufacturing is going along with challenges for employment, work organisation and working conditions. The article analyses one of the main strategies German unions have developed, the project ‘Work 2020’, which was to raise works councils' awareness of the workplace impact of digitalisation, improve their knowledge of the changes, raise their capacity to respond and, finally, lead to the negotiation of workplace agreements on this issue with employers. The results of the analysis show that a strong interplay between unions and works councils and the activation of works councils by the unions have become indispensable preconditions for coping with the new challenges both of digitalisation and of the ongoing erosion of the German system of labour relations.
A quasi‐linear piezoelectric strain behavior of [001] textured rhombohedral PMN–24%PT ceramic
Authors: Hao Mengmeng , Fan Guifen , Cai Wei , Zhang Qianwei , Zeng Fangfang , Wen Yue , Wang Yanjiong , Chen Xin , Wang Fei , Lou Yihui , Lv Wenzhong
Published: June 2020

Highly textured (1–x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐xPbTiO3 (PMN–xPT) piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated. It was found that [001] textured rhombohedral PMN–24%PT ceramic exhibited a quasi‐linear piezoelectric strain behavior with low hysteresis. The strain hysteresis of PMN–24%PT ceramic was reduced from 22.5% to 9% at 30 kV/cm using the texture method. Accurate displacement was generated by DC field using textured PMN–24%PT ceramic. The domain configurations in textured PMN–xPT ceramics were figured out using the chemical etching method. It was demonstrated that the quasi‐linear and low‐hysteretic strain behavior was due to a fixed domain configuration. We predict that the textured PMN–24%PT ceramic will facilitate the development of low‐voltage driving piezoelectric actuators with high precision.
Factors that impact fragility index and their visualizations
Authors: Lin Lifeng
Published: June 2020

Rationale aims and objectives

As the recent literature has growing concerns about research replicability and the misuse and misconception of P‐values, the fragility index (FI) has been an attractive measure to assess the robustness (or fragility) of clinical study results with binary outcomes. It is defined as the minimum number of event status modifications that can alter a study result's statistical significance (or non‐significance). Owing to its intuitive concept, the FI has been applied to assess the fragility of clinical studies of various specialties. However, the FI may be limited in certain settings. As a relatively new measure, more work is needed to examine its properties.

Methods

This article explores several factors that may impact the derivation of the FI, including how event status is modified and the impact of significance levels. Moreover, we propose novel methods to visualize the fragility of a study's result. These factors and methods are illustrated using worked examples of artificial datasets. Randomized controlled trials on antidepressant drugs are also used to evaluate their real‐world performance.

Results

The FI depends on the treatment arm(s) in which event status is modified, whether the original study result is significant, the statistical method used for calculating the P‐value, and the threshold for determining statistical significance. Also, the proposed visualization methods can clearly demonstrate a study result's fragility, which may be useful supplements to the single value of the FI.

Conclusions

Our findings may help clinicians properly use the FI and appraise the reliability of a study's conclusion.
Multicenter survey on mesalamine intolerance in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hiraoka Sakiko , Fujiwara Akiko , Toyokawa Tatsuya , Higashi Reiji , Moritou Yuki , Takagi Shinjiro , Matsueda Kazuhiro , Suzuki Seiyuu , Miyaike Jiro , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Takahara Masahiro , Kato Jun , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Although oral mesalamine is the first‐choice drug for treating mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis (UC), some patients show symptoms of intolerance, including exacerbation of diarrhea and abdominal pain. The present study clarified the current state and clinical courses of patients with mesalamine intolerance.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with UC and administered oral mesalamine at eight hospitals in Japan with a follow‐up period exceeding 1 year were analyzed.

Results

Sixty‐seven (11%) of 633 patients showed intolerance to at least one formulation of oral mesalamine. The frequency of mesalamine intolerance has increased in recent years, rising from 5.3% in 2007–2010 to 9.1% in 2011–2013 and 16.2% in 2014–2016. The most common complications were the exacerbation of diarrhea (n = 29), a fever (n = 25), and abdominal pain (n = 22). Readministration of mesalamine/sulfasalazine was attempted in 43 patients, mostly with other types of formulation of mesalamine, and more than half of these patients proved to be tolerant. The risk factors for mesalamine intolerance were female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–3.12), age < 60 years old (OR = 2.82; CI, 1.19–8.33), and pancolitis (OR = 2.09; 95% CI, 1.23–3.60). There were no significant differences in the use of anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α agents, colectomy, or steroid‐free remission at the last visit between patients with and without mesalamine intolerance.

Conclusions

Mesalamine intolerance is not rare, and its frequency has been increasing recently. The prognosis of patients with mesalamine intolerance did not differ significantly from that of those without intolerance.
Dietary pattern and its association with right‐colonic diverticulosis
Authors: Lim Joo Hyun , Kim Young Sun , Lee Jung Eun , Youn Jiyoung , Chung Goh Eun , Song Ji Hyun , Yang Sun Young , Kim Joo Sung
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

In East Asia, colonic diverticulosis develops most commonly in the right colon and is known to have different characteristics compared with left‐sided one. This study was designed to investigate whether right‐colonic diverticulosis is associated with posteriori dietary patterns.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of prospectively collected cohort that received health check‐up in Korea between May 2011 and January 2012. Their anthropometric data, biochemical results, medication history, underlying diseases, colonoscopic findings, and dietary data obtained from semi‐quantitative food‐frequency questionnaire were analyzed. Three dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis: healthy dietary pattern (vegetables, fish, seaweed, fruits, and beans), meat dietary pattern (red meat, processed meat/fish, fried noodle, poultry, and cephalopods), and snack dietary pattern (bread, sweets, dairy products, nuts, and rice cake).

Results

Out of the total 1911 patients, 203 (10.6%) had right‐colonic diverticulosis, 21 (1.1%) had pan‐colonic diverticulosis, and 12 (0.6%) had left‐colonic diverticulosis. Among the total, none of the three patterns were associated with right‐colonic diverticulosis, under adjustment with age, gender, body mass index, metabolic syndrome, and total energy intake. However, among women, meat dietary pattern was positively associated with right‐colonic diverticulosis (odds ratio 1.866, 95% confidence interval: 1.0983–3.173, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that meat dietary pattern is positively associated with right‐colonic diverticulosis among women.
Circulating tumour cells in head and neck cancers: Biological insights
Authors: Rao Vishal , Arakeri Gururaj , Subash Anand , Bagadia Ritvi K. , Thakur Shalini , Kudpaje Akshay S. , Nayar Ravi , Patil Shekar , Paiva Fonseca Felipe , Gomez Ricardo S. , Brennan Peter A.
Published: June 2020

Tumour metastasis is one of the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have been implicated in loco‐regional and distant metastasis and its role is being extensively studied in various malignancies, including those from the head and neck region. The main challenge in understanding their significance lies in the rarity of these cells in the blood. However, newer technologies have attempted to overcome these pitfalls. This review explores the evolution of CTC research and other related areas, including its biological significance, sustainability within the circulating vascular environment and possible clinical implications.
Contingent wage subsidy
Authors: Zubrickas Robertas
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a policy aimed at tackling unemployment that arises from macroeconomic coordination failure. The policy offers firms wage subsidies payable only if the total number of new hires made across the economy is below a prespecified threshold. Subsidies provide incentives for firms to create jobs but the policy's goal is to generate a sufficiently large amount of employment spillovers to set off hiring complementarities taking employment beyond the threshold. Thus, subsidies are not distributed but the policy achieves a Pareto improvement. The market structure is important for policy design. Aggregative game techniques prove useful for the oligopsonistic case.
Sleep quantity and quality and cardiometabolic risk factors in Indigenous Australians
Authors: Yiallourou Stephanie R. , Maguire Graeme P. , Carrington Melinda J.
Published: June 2020

Poor sleep is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indigenous Australians have 1.3 times higher risk of CVD compared to non‐indigenous Australians. However, there are limited data describing sleep problems and cardiometabolic risk in this population. This study aimed to investigate sleep quantity and quality in indigenous Australians and assess its association with cardiometabolic risk. Two hundred and forty‐five indigenous Australians aged > 18 years were recruited via convenience sampling from communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Sleep quantity and quality was assessed subjectively with questionnaires including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In a sub‐population (n = 46), objective sleep assessment was performed over three nights of actigraphy. Cardiometabolic risk measures included glycated haemoglobin, lipids, anthropometric measurements and sitting blood pressure. Sleep duration measured subjectively and objectively averaged 7.5 ± 2.0 hr/night; however, over one‐third of participants (self‐report 35%; actigraphy 39%) obtained < 7 hr/night. Overall, more than a third of participants experienced poor‐quality sleep, with 27% reporting severe daytime sleepiness (ESS score > 10) and a high number of objectively measured awakenings/night (6 ± 4). Short sleep duration (<6 hr/night) measured both subjectively and objectively was an independent predictor of diastolic (β = 5.37, p = .038) and systolic blood pressure (β = 14.30, p = .048). More objectively measured night‐time awakenings were associated with increased glycated haemoglobin levels (β = 0.07, p = .020) and greater sleep fragmentation was associated with lower high‐density lipoprotein levels (β = −0.01, p = .025). A large proportion of indigenous Australians experienced short sleep durations and had significant sleep disruption. Poor sleep quantity and quality may contribute to heightened cardiometabolic risk in this population.
Variability of post‐void residual urine volume and bladder voiding efficiency in patients with underactive bladder
Authors: Yono Makoto , Ito Kazuya , Oyama Megumi , Tanaka Takanori , Irie Shin , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Sekido Noritoshi , Yoshida Masaki , van Till Olivier , Yamaguchi Osamu
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) are widely used as clinical parameters to evaluate patients with voiding dysfunction. The present study was conducted to assess the variability of PVR and BVE determinations in patients with underactive bladder (UAB). In addition, we focused on the bladder volume prior to voiding (BVvoid) that may influence PVR and BVE, and investigated a correlation between PVR and BVvoid, and between BVE and BVvoid.

Methods

Ten patients with a symptom complex of UAB, who had PVR of 50 mL or greater, were admitted to hospital during a 24‐hour period for the measurement of voided volume (VV) and PVR. PVR was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. BVE was expressed by a fraction (%) of bladder volume evacuated ([VV/BVvoid] × 100).

Results

Ten patients, five men (mean age of 65.0 years) and five women (mean age of 70.2 years), participated in this study. Regardless of gender, there was a large variation in repeated measurements of PVR in an individual patient. PVR increased with an increase in BVvoid, and there was a significant linear relationship between PVR and BVvoid. BVE was approximately constant after every voiding in each patient, and there was no significant linear relationship between BVE and BVvoid.

Conclusions

Measurement of PVR was unreliable because of wide variation in the same individual. The variation of BVE was much smaller than PVR. BVE would be a reliable parameter with good reproducibility for the assessment of emptying function.
Gene flow in the anemone Anthopleura elegantissima limits signatures of local adaptation across an extensive geographic range
Authors: Cornwell Brendan H.
Published: June 2020

Species inhabiting marine environments face a wide range of environmental conditions that vary spatially across several orders of magnitude. The selective pressures that these conditions impose on marine organisms, in combination with potentially high rates of gene flow between distant populations, make it difficult to predict the extent to which these populations can locally adapt. Here, I identify how selection and gene flow influence the population genetic structure of the anemone Anthopleura elegantissima along the Pacific coast of North America. Isolation by distance is the dominant pattern across the range of this species, with a genetic break near Pt. Conception, CA. Furthermore, demographic modelling suggests that this species was historically confined to southerly latitudes before expanding northward. Outlier analyses identify 24 loci under selection (out of ~1,100), but the same analysis on simulated genetic data generated using the most likely demographic model erroneously identified the same number of loci under selection, if not more. Taken together, these results suggest that demographic processes are the dominant force shaping population genetic patterns in A. elegantissima along the Pacific coast of North America. I discuss these patterns in terms of the evolutionary history of A. elegantissima, the potential for local adaptation, and their consequences with respect to interactions with the endosymbiont Breviolum muscatinei across their geographic range.
Are Overlapping Local Governments Competing With Each Other When Issuing Debt?
Authors: Brien Spencer T. , Yan Wenli
Published: June 2020

Local public services are produced through various overlapping jurisdictions. This study examines how the issuance of municipal general obligation bonds is affected by the tax policies of overlapping local governments. The findings challenge the hypothesis that the shared tax base would be overused in a common‐pool resource scenario. Instead, the empirical results show that the issuance of general obligation bonds is more likely in jurisdictions where counties and school districts make more intensive use of the property tax. These findings highlight the importance of the signals local governments receive from their overlapping neighbors regarding voters’ demand for additional public spending.
Adultery Redefined: Changing Decisions of Equity in Customary Law as “Living Law” in Botswana
Authors: Werbner Pnina , Werbner Richard
Published: June 2020

Adultery judgments in customary courts in Botswana reflect changing everyday practices and normative understandings both with regard to marriage and broader ideas of gender equality. These changed perceptions parallel a worldwide shift in the legal understanding of adultery from being a crime to a civil offense and then, more recently, a non offense. Social change movements and judicial reforms responsive to both regional and international gender and judicial activism have arguably influenced recent judgments in the Botswana High Court regarding adultery. Although the country's customary courts continue to recognize adultery as an offense (known as “breaking the yard”), they too follow customary law as “living law”; that is, they are responsive to considerations of equity and quotidian practices that parallel wider ideologically critical movements, and historical processes of judicial innovation and legal reform elsewhere.
Status of genetic and genomic approaches for delineating biological information and improving aquaculture production of farmed rohu, Labeo rohita (Ham, 1822)
Authors: Rasal Kiran D. , Sundaray Jitendra Kumar
Published: June 2020

Farmed rohu, Labeo rohita, is an economically important freshwater aquaculture species in south Asia. Consumer preference for this species has driven researchers to develop genetically improved rohu (Jayanti) for important traits such as growth and disease resistance. The feeding and breeding biology of rohu is well‐studied, but the physiological responses to stress or climate change at the molecular level are less understood. We summarized the genetic and advanced molecular tools used for biological insights into farmed rohu. Recently, next‐generation sequencing technology (NGS) and genome informatics have helped to identify biological questions in fish using genome, transcriptome, metagenome, proteome and epigenome sequencing. We briefly reviewed past rohu research using traditional selective breeding methods for genetic improvement, as well as the other molecular tools that have been utilized to understand the fish’s physiology, health, nutrition, stress and reproduction. We discuss the molecular techniques used in rohu, such as gene cloning and expression profiling, DNA markers, NGS, metagenomics, epigenomics, proteomics, cell culture/cell line development and transgenics. Finally, we address the future perspectives of rohu research, which may be driven by NGS and other advanced techniques like genome editing to improve rohu aquaculture production. The comprehensive information presented here will provide insights for the carp aquaculture research community.
‘Participants of the Divine Nature’: The Modern Retrieval of Participation“In Christ” in Paul: Explorations in Paul's Theology of Union and Participation, Michael J.Thate, Kevin J.Vanhoozer and Constantine R.Campbell (eds), Eerdmans, 2018 (ISBN 978‐0‐8028‐7394‐1), x +582 pp., pb $55Participating in Christ: Explorations in Paul's Theology and Spirituality, Michael J.Gorman, Baker Academic, 2019 (ISBN 978‐1‐5409‐6036‐8), xxvi + 296 pp., pb $30Participation in God: A Study in Christian Doctrine and Metaphysics, AndrewDavison, Cambridge University Press, 2019 (ISBN 978‐1‐1084‐8328‐5), xii + 423 pp., hb £75
Authors: Dominiak Paul A.
Published: June 2020

Recent decades have seen a retrieval of the idea of participation in God as a central locus for the Christian faith across all of its ecclesial traditions. ‘Participation in God’ has two aspects and two registers. It describes the relationship between God and creation and also describes the salvific return of creatures to God as a kind of (re)union with the Creator. These two participatory aspects each have a scriptural register and a philosophical‐theological register. This review article examines what the key claims of participation in God are, why participation aroused suspicion and fell from view, how it has been retrieved in its scriptural and philosophical‐theological registers, and why three recent studies of the idea should be warmly welcomed but cautiously received.