bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participation in civil society organizations and ethnic minorities’ interethnic friendships in Britain
Authors: Wang Senhu , Morav Liran
Published: March 2021

In Britain, civil society organizations (CSOs) have garnered much praise for promoting interethnic friendships (IEF) and strengthening community cohesion. Yet, there is very little empirical evidence to suggest that participation in CSOs promotes ethnic minorities’ IEF. Using nationally representative longitudinal (2011–2019) and cross‐sectional (2010) data, this article explores the association between participation in CSOs and IEF formation among five British ethnic minority groups and analyses how this relationship is affected by the ethnic composition of CSOs. Overall, fixed effects models show that participation in CSOs only significantly promotes IEF for Indians. For other minority groups it has either no effect or, in the case of Pakistanis, significantly decreases IEF. Further analyses show that compared with ethnic minorities that do not participate in any CSOs, those who participate in mostly interethnic CSOs tend to have significantly more IEF, whereas those who participate in mostly co‐ethnic CSOs tend to have significantly less IEF. Taken together, these findings suggest that the association between civic participation and ethnic minorities’ IEF is much more nuanced than previously thought and policy interventions seeking to improve ethnic integration should, therefore, take the ethnic background of participants and the ethnic composition of CSOs into account.
Fetal growth at different gestational periods and risk of impaired childhood growth, low childhood weight and obesity: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: He J‐R , Ramakrishnan R , Wei X‐L , Lu J‐H , Lu M‐S , Xiao W‐Q , Tu S , Liu X , Zhou F‐J , Zhang L‐F , Xia H‐M , Qiu X
Published: March 2021

Objective

To examine the longitudinal associations of fetal growth with adverse child growth outcomes and to assess whether maternal metabolic factors modify the associations.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study, China.

Population

A total of 4818 mother–child pairs.

Methods

Fetal growth was assessed according to estimated fetal weight (EFW) from 22 weeks of gestation until birth and the measurement of the birthweight. Fetal growth Z‐scores were computed from random effects in the multilevel linear spline models to represent fetal size in early pregnancy (22 weeks of gestation) and growth in mid‐pregnancy (22–27 weeks of gestation), early third trimester (28–36 weeks of gestation) and late third trimester (≥37 weeks of gestation).

Main outcome measures

Z‐scores for childhood stunting, low weight, overweight or obesity, length/height for age (LAZ/HAZ), weight for age (WAZ) and body mass index for age (BMIZ) at the age of 3 years. Adjusted associations were examined using multiple Poisson or linear regression models.

Results

Increased Z‐scores of fetal size in early pregnancy and growth in mid‐pregnancy and early third trimester were associated with a higher risk of childhood overweight or obesity (risk ratios 1.25–1.45). Fetal growth in each period was negatively associated with stunting and low weight, with the strongest associations observed for fetal size in early pregnancy and growth in mid‐pregnancy. The results for continuous outcomes (LAZ/HAZ, WAZ and BMIZ) were similar. The associations of fetal growth with overweight or obesity in childhood were stronger among mothers who were underweight and who were overweight or obese than among mothers of normal weight.

Conclusions

Accelerated fetal growth before 37 weeks of gestation is associated with children who are overweight or obese, whereas the critical period for stunting and low weight occurs before 28 weeks of gestation.

Tweetable abstract

Fetal growth during different periods is differentially associated with childhood stunting, underweight and overweight or obesity.
The implementation of Lego®‐Based Therapy in two English mainstream primary schools
Authors: Evans Vanessa , Bond Caroline
Published: March 2021

Small‐group interventions are often used in schools to support the development of children’s social skills. One such intervention, Lego®‐Based Therapy (LBT), is increasingly popular internationally in schools. Although LBT has an emerging evidence‐base, there is limited research exploring effective LBT implementation. An in‐depth, exploratory multiple‐case study design was used to explore the process of LBT assimilation in two English mainstream primary schools which were considered to have implemented LBT effectively and reported positive programme outcomes. Data collection was through structured observations and semi‐structured interviews based upon Durlak and DuPre’s (2008) established implementation framework. Transcripts were subjected to Hybrid inductive–deductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes which were triangulated with observation data. The data largely correlated with the Durlak and DuPre (2008) framework, identifying ley themes of: provider characteristics, characteristics of the intervention, organisational capacity and the need for a support system when implementing the intervention. Themes of facilitator factors and participant responsiveness emerged inductively, suggesting that a revised model of implementation is required for LBT. Recommendations include calling for EPs to use models of implementation when working with schools, as a cyclical, iterative process to promote positive outcomes and, therefore, cost‐effectiveness of school investment in interventions. Limitations and future research are discussed.
Legislated candidate quotas and women's descriptive representation in preferential voting systems
Authors: GÓRECKI MACIEJ A. , PIERZGALSKI MICHAŁ
Published: March 2021

Recent decades have seen a worldwide diffusion of electoral gender quotas, an institution designed to enhance women's political representation. This has sparked scholars’ interest in the actual effects of quotas, including their impact on female descriptive (numeric) representation in national legislatures. As with many other issues within the domain of comparative politics, however, establishing causality with respect to the effect of quota laws is intrinsically difficult. In this article, we attempt to overcome these difficulties. We apply the generalised synthetic control method to study the impact of legislated candidate quotas on the descriptive parliamentary representation of women in three European countries: Belgium, Greece and Poland. As these states elect their national parliaments by means of variants of a proportional representation system with preferential voting for candidates, we compare their levels of female descriptive representation to a set of corresponding figures observed for a ‘synthetic control’ unit, comprising 16 European countries that implement fundamentally similar electoral systems but do not have legislated candidate quotas in place. The quota effects that we obtain vary substantially among the three cases analysed. The apparent effect for Belgium is strong, while much weaker effects are observed for the two other states. Relying on the extant literature, we qualitatively interpret these results, putting forward a number of conjectures as to how contextual factors can contribute to the strength and persistence of quota effects. We conclude that the impact of legislated candidate quotas is essentially limited, albeit it may be magnified under favourable contextual conditions, such as those which occurred in Belgium.
Embedded in context: How time and distance affect the convergence of personnel selection practices
Authors: Biemann Torsten , Mayrhofer Wolfgang , Koch‐Bayram Irmela
Published: March 2021

The debate on convergence versus divergence or stasis in human resource management (HRM) practices over time is still ongoing. We look at configurations of organisations' personnel selection practices and empirically analyse the role of geographic, cultural and regulatory institutional distance between countries for emerging similarity or dissimilarity in these practices. We also examine whether convergence occurred between 1995 and 2015. Based on the Cranet data of 25,869 organisations from 42 countries and statistical tests using energy distance, we find a pattern over time, moving from stasis to divergence. In addition, personnel selection configurations relate to cultural and regulatory institutional differences in the sense that smaller distances lead to higher similarity. This is not the case, however, for geographic distance. Our study adds to the debate on HRM convergence and offers a new method of analysis for other areas of HRM research where configurations instead of single HRM practices play a role.
Is major pathologic response sufficient to predict survival in resectable nonsmall‐cell lung cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy?
Authors: Cai Jing‐Sheng , Li Shuo , Yan Shu‐Mei , Yang Jie , Yang Mu‐Zi , Xie Chu‐Long , Li Ji‐Bin , Feng Yan‐Fen , Yang Hao‐Xian , Hou Xue
Published: March 2021

Background

Major pathologic response (MPR) is mainly focused on residual viable tumor in the tumor bed regardless of lymph node. Herein, we investigated the predictive value of MPR and node status on survival in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery.

Methods

A total of 194 eligible cases were included. Tumor pathologic response and node status were assessed. Based on these evaluations, patients were divided into the MPR group and the non‐MPR group, the nodal downstaging (ND) group and non‐ND group. Furthermore, patients were assigned into four subgroups (MPR + ND, MPR + non‐ND, non‐MPR + ND, and non‐MPR + non‐ND). Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were compared between groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors.

Results

MPR was identified in 32 patients and ND was present in 108 patients. OS and DFS were better in the MPR group than in the non‐MPR group, but with no statistical significance (OS, p = 0.158; DFS, p = 0.126). The ND group had better OS than the non‐ND group (p = 0.031). However, the DFS between these two groups was comparable (p = 0.103). Further analyses suggested that both OS and DFS were better in the MPR + ND group than in the non‐MPR + non‐ND group (OS, p = 0.017; DFS, p = 0.029). Multivariate analyses confirmed that MPR + ND was an independent favorable predictor.

Conclusions

MPR combined with ND could improve the predictive value on survival in NSCLC patients receiving NAC.
The informativeness of embedded value reporting to stock price
Authors: Fung Derrick W. H. , Jou David , Shao Ai Ju , Yeh Jason J. H.
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the informativeness of embedded value reporting to stock price by investigating the cross‐sectional variations in life insurers’ price to embedded value ratios. By conducting variance decomposition analysis on a dataset provided by Morgan Stanley, we find that 15 percent (40 percent) of the difference between embedded value and stock price can be explained by growth opportunities and future stock returns in the short (long) run. One‐third and two‐thirds of the unexplained variation are attributed to firm‐ and country‐specific factors, respectively. The above findings provide investors with a better understanding of the value relevance of embedded value reporting.
The role of target’s financial statement comparability in the efficiency of takeover decisions
Authors: Duong Lien , Truong Thu Phuong
Published: March 2021

We investigate whether acquiring firms make more profitable acquisitions when target firms’ financial statements are more comparable with their industry peers. We replicate the original sample of Chen et al. (2018) and extend their sample to the most recent year. We find that acquiring firms experience higher announcement returns, higher acquisition synergies and better post‐acquisition operating performance when acquiring targets with higher financial statement comparability. Our results are robust to the newly constructed measure of financial statement comparability, suggesting that comparable accounting information indeed facilitates the efficiency of capital allocation.
Drug‐related deaths associated with vaping product use in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roberts Emmert , Copeland Caroline , Robson Deborah , McNeill Ann
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Between March 2019 and February 2020 there was an outbreak of acute lung injury associated with vaping tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), contaminated with vitamin E acetate, in the United States. To date, there has been no comprehensive study of drug‐related deaths associated with vaping products in the United Kingdom. We aimed to identify any trends in drug‐related deaths associated with vaping product use in the United Kingdom.

Methods

We retrospectively identified any deaths associated with the use of vaping products reported to the UK National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD). This contains voluntarily reported information from UK Coroners on more than 42 000 deaths related to psychoactive drugs, other than nicotine or caffeine, which occurred between 1997 and 2020.

Results

Two drug‐related deaths were reported which were associated with vaping products, one person having died in 2017 and one in 2018. Both decedents were men currently serving prison sentences in England and were aged 26 and 42 years at the time of death. Both deaths were associated with recent use of Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists (SCRAs), with no other substances found to be implicated in death. No details regarding the type of vaping products were available.

Conclusions

In a UK sample (1997 to 2020) of 42 000 deaths related to psychoactive drugs other than nicotine or caffeine, only two deaths were associated with vaping products, and those involved use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists.
Alcohol control policy measures and all‐cause mortality in Lithuania: an interrupted time–series analysis
Authors: Štelemėkas Mindaugas , Manthey Jakob , Badaras Robertas , Casswell Sally , Ferreira‐Borges Carina , Kalėdienė Ramunė , Lange Shannon , Neufeld Maria , Petkevičienė Janina , Radišauskas Ričardas , Room Robin , Telksnys Tadas , Zurlytė Ingrida , Rehm Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Background and aims

Alcohol use has been identified as a major risk factor for burden of mortality and disease, particularly for countries in eastern Europe. During the past two decades, several countries in this region have implemented effective alcohol policy measures to combat this burden. The aim of the current study was to measure the association between Lithuania's alcohol control policies and adult all‐cause mortality.

Design

Interrupted time–series methodology by means of general additive models.

Setting

Lithuania.

Participants

Adult population of Lithuania, aged 20 years and older.

Measurements

Alcohol control policies were ascertained via a document review of relevant legislation materials. Policy effects were evaluated as follows: (1) slope changes in periods of legislative (non‐)activity with regard to alcohol control policy (analysis 1); (2) level changes of three interventions following recommendations of the World Health Organization (analysis 2); and (3) level changes of seven interventions judged a priori by an international panel of experts (analysis 3). Mortality was measured by sex‐stratified and total monthly age‐standardized rates of all‐cause mortality for the adult population.

Findings

During the period 2001–18, effective alcohol control policy measures were implemented on several occasions, and in those years the all‐cause mortality rate declined by approximately 3.2% more than in years without such policies. In particular, the implementation of increased taxation in 2017 was associated with reduced mortality over and above the general trend for men and in total for all analyses, which amounted to 1452 deaths avoided (95% confidence interval = −166 to –2739) in the year following the implementation of the policy.

Conclusions

Alcohol control policies in Lithuania appear to have reduced the overall adult all‐cause mortality over and above secular trends.
Carbon sequestration in French agricultural soils: A spatial economic evaluation
Authors: Bamière Laure , Jayet Pierre‐Alain , Kahindo Salomé , Martin Elsa
Published: March 2021

Soil organic carbon sequestration measures entail costs to farmers with different individual characteristics and located in different areas. A cost‐effective analysis taking into account these heterogeneities is crucial for developing effective public policy aimed at increasing carbon sequestration. We undertake such an analysis focusing on three soil organic carbon sequestration measures: no‐till, extension of temporary grasslands, and hedgerows. Through an optimization model applied to France, our results show that only extension of temporary grasslands can store carbon at low cost, though their potential for carbon sequestration is also low. For an ambitious carbon sequestration target, no‐till and hedgerows are needed. Because of heterogeneities among farmers, we show that economic incentives are more cost effective than command and control measures. Furthermore, we highlight that the carbon sequestration policy tested here is unable to totally neutralize agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and that a combination of agricultural and environmental policies is essential for tackling climate change.
The emergence of the “genetic counseling” profession as a counteraction to past eugenic concepts and practices
Authors: Zuckerman Shachar
Published: March 2021

The emergence of the genetic counseling profession has allowed laypeople to understand and benefit from biological advances, and to make critical decisions about their application. The discipline of genetic counseling has been criticized from its very beginning, in particular because of its early association with the eugenics movement. This paper presents a critical and reflective overview of how genetic counseling is implicitly embedded in the history of eugenics but also counteracts past eugenic practices and ideas. After World War II, attempts were made to distance genetic counseling from eugenics. The first definition of genetic counseling did not position this field as a medical encounter but "as a kind of genetic social work aimed primarily to provide people with an understanding of their family's genetics problems." This approach was a reaction to the genetic and social evolutionary ideas that informed eugenic theories during the first half of the 20th century. Professionals engaged in genetic counseling during the 1940s and1950s rejected eugenic practices, but there was still support for eugenics’ goals of improving heredity and eliminating disease. From the 1960s, genetic counseling underwent professionalization alongside feminization and a definition of core values. Among these values were nondirectiveness counseling and the autonomy of the counselee. The dark shadow of Nazi ideology and other eugenic practices, attempts to employ the historical responsibility of geneticists, and the dynamic medical, social, political, and educational changes of the 1960s and 1970s helped to frame approaches and delineate the goals and limits of the new profession of “genetic counseling.”
Retrosigmoid ileal conduit without transposition of the left ureter after open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Ficarra Vincenzo , Crestani Alessandro , Rossanese Marta , Alario Giuseppe , Mucciardi Giuseppe , Giannarini Gianluca , Valotto Claudio
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To assess perioperative outcomes, complications, and rate of uretero–ileal anastomotic stricture (UAS) in patients undergoing retrosigmoid ileal conduit after radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

Clinical records of consecutive patients receiving retrosigmoid ileal conduit after open RC for bladder cancer between March 2016 and June 2020 at two academic centres were prospectively collected. Two expert surgeons performed all cases. Operating room (OR) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rate, and 90‐day postoperative complications classified according to the Clavien–Dindo system, were assessed. In particular, rate of UAS, defined as upper urinary tract dilatation requiring endourological or surgical management, was evaluated.

Results

A total of 97 patients were analysed. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) OR time was 245 (215–290) min, median (IQR) EBL was 350 (300–500) mL, and blood transfusions were given to 15 (15.5%) cases. There were no intraoperative complications. There were 90‐day postoperative complications in 33 patients (34%), being major (Grade III–V) in 19 (19.6%). Two patients died from early postoperative complications. At a median (IQR) follow‐up of 25 (14–40) months, there was only one case (1%) of UAS, involving the right ureter and requiring an open uretero–ileal re‐implantation.

Conclusion

The retrosigmoid ileal conduit is a safe and valid option for non‐continent urinary diversion after RC, ensuring a very low risk of UAS at an intermediate‐term follow‐up.
Artificial intelligence to improve cytology performances in bladder carcinoma detection: results of the VisioCyt test
Authors: Lebret Thierry , Pignot Geraldine , Colombel Marc , Guy Laurent , Rebillard Xavier , Savareux Laurent , Roumigue Mathieu , Nivet Sebastien , Coutade Saidi Monique , Piaton Eric , Radulescu Camelia
Published: March 2021

Objective

To explore the utility of artificial intelligence (AI) using the VisioCyt® test (VitaDX International, Rennes, France) to improve diagnosis of bladder carcinoma using voided urine cytology.

Patients and Methods

A national prospective multicentre trial (14 centres) was conducted on 1360 patients, divided in two groups. The first group included bladder carcinoma diagnosis with different histological grades and stages, and the second group included control patients based on negative cystoscopy and cytology results. The first step of this VISIOCYT1 trial focussed on algorithm development and the second step on validating this algorithm. A total of 598 patients were included in this first step, 449 patients with bladder tumours (219 high‐grade and 230 low‐grade) and 149 as negative controls. The VisioCyt test was compared to voided urine cytology performed by experienced uro‐pathologists from each centre.

Results

Overall sensitivity was highly improved by the VisioCyt test compared to cytology (84.9% vs 43%). For high‐grade tumours the VisioCyt test sensitivity was 92.6% vs 61.1% for the uro‐pathologists. Regarding low‐grade tumours, VisioCyt test sensitivity was 77% vs 26.3% for the uro‐pathologists.

Conclusion

In comparison to routine cytology, the results of the first phase of the VISIOCYT1 trial show very clear progress in terms of sensitivity, which is particularly visible and interesting for low‐grade tumours. If the validation cohort confirms these results, it could lead to the VisioCyt test being considered as a very useful aid for pathologists. Moreover, as this test is in fact software based on AI, it should become more and more efficient as more data are collected.
Doxycycline and its derivative, COL‐3, decrease dyskinesia induced by l‐DOPA in hemiparkinsonian rats
Authors: Bortolanza Mariza , do Nascimento Glauce C. , Raisman‐Vozari Rita , Del‐Bel Elaine
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose

l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia is a debilitating effect of treating Parkinson's disease with this drug. New therapeutic approaches that prevent or attenuate this side effect are needed.

Experimental Approach

Wistar adult male rats submitted to 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced unilateral medial forebrain bundle lesion were treated with l‐DOPA (p.o. 20 mg·kg−1 or s.c. 10 mg·kg−1) once a day for 14 days. After this period, we tested if doxycycline (40 mg·kg−1, i.p.) and COL‐3 (50 and 100 nmol, i.c.v.) could reverse l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. In an additional experiment, doxycycline was administered together with l‐DOPA to verify if it would prevent l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia development.

Key Results

A single injection of doxycycline or COL‐3 attenuated l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. Co‐treatment with doxycycline from the first day of l‐DOPA suppressed the onset of dyskinesia. The improved motor response after l‐DOPA was not affected by doxycycline or COL‐3. Doxycycline treatment was associated with decreased immunoreactivity of FosB, COX‐2, the astroglial protein GFAP and the microglial protein OX‐42, which were elevated in the basal ganglia of rats exhibiting dyskinesia. Doxycycline decreased metalloproteinase‐2/‐9 activity, metalloproteinase‐3 expression and ROS production. Metalloproteinase‐2/‐9 activity and production of ROS in the basal ganglia of dyskinetic rats showed a significant correlation with the intensity of dyskinesia.

Conclusion and Implications

The present study demonstrates the anti‐dyskinetic potential of doxycycline and its analogue compound COL‐3 in hemiparkinsonian rats. Given the long‐established and safe clinical use of doxycycline, this study suggests that these drugs might be tested to reduce or prevent l‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's patients.
Ephemeral habitat supports high fish α‐diversity and β‐diversity during drought in a subtropical semiarid wetland
Authors: Bokhutlo Thethela , Cunha Eduardo R. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: March 2021

Globally, the number of rivers with intermittent flow is increasing due to climate change and water abstraction for human consumption. Currently, our understanding of how hydrology in subtropical rivers with intermittent flow affects the structure and dynamics of aquatic communities is poorly understood. Here, we investigated how fish α‐ and β‐diversity patterns in intermittent channels in the lower reaches of the Okavango Delta respond to seasonal flooding and drought. Under low‐flow conditions, ephemeral habitat had higher α‐diversity, and this was influenced by a combination of fish aggregation and apparent transient legacy effects as habitat patches became smaller and more isolated. Investigation of changes in fish assemblage structure across different hydrological periods and habitat types showed significant species turnover when water levels fell, suggesting a strong influence from species sorting. During high‐water periods, species assemblages were homogenized both at local and regional scales, suggesting a greater influence of mass effects. Our findings support hydrology as a major factor regulating diversity patterns in intermittent rivers of a major wetland in a semiarid region of subtropical Africa. We infer from these findings that maintenance of a relatively natural flow regime will be necessary for conserving aquatic ecosystem structure and function in this system.
Melatonin and its protective role in attenuating warm or cold hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Zhao Lingfei , Zhang Fen , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2021

Although the liver is the only organ with regenerative capacity, various injury factors induce irreversible liver dysfunction and end‐stage liver disease. Liver resection and liver transplantation (LT) are effective treatments for individuals with liver failure, liver cirrhosis and liver cancers. The remnant or transplanted liver tissues will undergo hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion (IR), which leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, immune injury and liver damage. Moreover, systemic ischaemia induced by trauma, stroke, myocardial ischaemia, haemorrhagic shock and other injury factors also induces liver ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in individuals. Hepatic IRI can be divided into warm IRI, which is induced by liver surgery and systemic ischaemia, and cold IRI, which is induced by LT. Multiple studies have shown that melatonin (MT) acts as an endogenous free radical scavenger with antioxidant capacity and is also able to attenuate hepatic IRI via its anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic capacities. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms and current strategies of MT administration in liver surgery for protecting against warm or cold hepatic IRI. We highlight strategies to improve the efficacy and safety of MT for attenuating hepatic IRI in different conditions. After the potential mechanisms underlying the interactions between MT and other important cellular processes during hepatic IR are clarified, more opportunities will be available to use MT to treat liver diseases in the future.
Proton pump inhibitor treatment improves pulmonary function in acute exacerbations of COPD patients with 24‐hour Dx‐pH monitoring‐diagnosed laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Wang Huaying , Fu Zhongming , Xu Peihong , Gu Xiao , Chen Xiaofei , Yu Wanjun
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have higher laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR)‐related symptom incidence. But LPR treatment is empirical. We aimed to determine the frequency of LPR, diagnosed by 24‐hour Dx‐pH monitoring, among acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) patients with Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) ≥13 and investigate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment effect on LPR, COPD symptoms, and pulmonary function.

Methods

From January 2016 to September 2017, 102 AECOPD patients with RSI ≥13 were enrolled. COPD assessment test (CAT), mMRC dyspnea scale, pulmonary function tests, and 24‐hour Dx‐pH monitoring were performed. The Ryan score was evaluated by using the Dx‐pH DataView Lite software, which identifies patients with abnormal pharyngeal pH environments. Associations among RSI, pulmonary function test results, and Ryan score parameters were evaluated. The abovementioned assessments were reperformed after treatment, and pre‐ and posttreatment data were compared.

Results

Of the 102 eligible patients, 49 (48.04%) were diagnosed with LPR based on Ryan score. Percentage of the forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1%) was significantly worse in Ryan‐positive than in Ryan‐negative AECOPD patients. There were significant negative correlations between FEV1% and Ryan score (r = −0.394, P < 0.001), FEV1% and % time below pH threshold (r = −0.371, P < 0.001) in upright position but not in supine position. There was no significant correlation between RSI and Ryan score parameters. There were significant improvements in RSI, mMRC, CAT, and FEV1% in Ryan‐positive AECOPD patients after PPI and basic treatments.

Conclusion

Study results indicate unreliability of RSI threshold for LPR diagnosis. Combination of symptoms, endoscopic findings, and 24‐hour Dx‐pH monitoring is recommended for LPR diagnosis and PPI treatment decisions, especially in difficult‐to‐control or severe COPD patients.
Transplant outcomes using kidneys from high KDPI acute kidney injury donors
Authors: Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Hanna Wael A. , Ninan Jacob , Ryan Margaret S. , Das Devika M. , Smith Maxwell , Khamash Hasan , Mathur Amit K. , Singer Andrew , Moss Adyr , Reddy Kunam S. , Heilman Raymond L.
Published: March 2021

Kidney transplant (KT) outcomes from high kidney donor profile index (KDPI ≥85%) donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) remain underreported. KT from 172 high KDPI Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) stage 0‐1 donors and 76 high KDPI AKIN stage 2‐3 donors from a single center were retrospectively assessed. The AKIN 2‐3 cohort had more delayed graft function (71% vs. 37%, p < .001). At one year, there were no differences in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (44 ± 17 vs. 46 ± 18, p = .42) or fibrosis on protocol biopsy (ci, p = .85). Donor terminal creatinine (p = .59) and length of delayed graft function (p = .39) did not impact one‐year eGFR. There were more primary nonfunction (PNF) events in the high KDPI AKIN 2‐3 group (5.3% vs. 0.6%, p = .02). With a median follow‐up of 3.8 years, one‐year death‐censored graft failure was 3.5% for AKIN 0‐1 and 14.5% for AKIN 2‐3 (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.24‐4.63, p = .01). Although AKIN stage 2‐3 high KDPI kidneys had comparable one‐year eGFR to AKIN stage 0‐1 high KDPI kidneys, there were more PNF occurrences and one‐year death‐censored graft survival was reduced. Given these findings, additional precautions should be undertaken when assessing and utilizing kidneys from severe AKI high KDPI donors.
Occurrence of Erysiphecorylacearum causing powdery mildew of Corylusavellana in Romania
Authors: Chinan Vasilică‐Claudiu , Mânzu Ciprian C.
Published: March 2021

Erysiphe corylacearum, a species of powdery mildew that parasitizes on Corylus spp., has been detected for the first time in Romania. Shortly after the first European record of this pathogen from Ukraine, it was found in many locations throughout the Romanian Carpathians. Disease symptoms on Corylus avellana, morphological characteristics and molecular data (rDNA internal transcribed spacer region) of this pathogen are provided.
Accidents alter animal fitness landscapes
Authors: Wheatley Rebecca , Buettel Jessie C. , Brook Barry W. , Johnson Christopher N. , Wilson Rory P.
Published: March 2021

Animals alter their habitat use in response to the energetic demands of movement (‘energy landscapes’) and the risk of predation (‘the landscape of fear’). Recent research suggests that animals also select habitats and move in ways that minimise their chance of temporarily losing control of movement and thereby suffering slips, falls, collisions or other accidents, particularly when the consequences are likely to be severe (resulting in injury or death). We propose that animals respond to the costs of an ‘accident landscape’ in conjunction with predation risk and energetic costs when deciding when, where, and how to move in their daily lives. We develop a novel theoretical framework describing how features of physical landscapes interact with animal size, morphology, and behaviour to affect the risk and severity of accidents, and predict how accident risk might interact with predation risk and energetic costs to dictate movement decisions across the physical landscape. Future research should focus on testing the hypotheses presented here for different real‐world systems to gain insight into the relative importance of theorised effects in the field.
Function of pH‐dependent transcription factor PacC in regulating development, pathogenicity, and mycotoxin biosynthesis of phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Li Boqiang , Chen Yong , Tian Shiping
Published: March 2021

pH, as one of the most important environmental factors, affects various biological processes in pathogenic fungi. Sensing and responding to fluctuations in ambient pH are essential for these fungi to complete their life cycle. Fungi have evolved a complicated and conserved system, the so‐called Pal‐pH pathway, to regulate genes and adapt to alterations in ambient pH. PacC is the dominant transcription factor in the Pal‐pH pathway and regulates various biological processes. The regulatory mode of PacC has been extensively studied in Aspergillus nidulans and is generally conserved in other fungal species, including numerous phytopathogenic fungi. However, species‐specific alterations have been reported. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulatory mechanisms of PacC and its role in controlling development, pathogenicity, and mycotoxin biosynthesis in phytopathogenic fungi. Potential applications of these findings and some unresolved questions are also discussed.
Immunogenicity and humanization of single‐domain antibodies
Authors: Rossotti Martin A. , Bélanger Kasandra , Henry Kevin A. , Tanha Jamshid
Published: March 2021

Single‐domain antibodies (sdAbs), the autonomous variable domains of camelid and shark heavy‐chain antibodies, have many desirable properties as components of biologic drugs. However, their sequences may increase the risk of immunogenicity and antidrug antibody (ADA) development in humans, and thus, sdAbs are routinely humanized during development. Here, we review and summarize the available evidence regarding the factors governing immunogenicity of sdAbs and our current state of knowledge of strategies to mitigate immunogenicity risks by humanization. While several sdAb properties, including high homology of camelid VHHs with human IGHV3 gene products, favor low immunogenicity in humans, epitopes absent in the human repertoire including the exposed VH:VL interface may be intrinsically immunogenic. While most clinical trials have demonstrated minimal sdAb immunogenicity, two notable exceptions (the tetrameric DR5‐specific VHH TAS266 and the TNFR1‐specific VH GSK1995057) illustrate that special caution must be taken in identifying preexisting ADAs against highly potent sdAbs. Nonhuman sequence alone does not adequately explain sdAb immunogenicity, as some camelid VHHs are nonimmunogenic while some fully human VHs elicit ADAs. The presence of preexisting ADAs directed against the exposed C‐termini of some sdAbs in a significant proportion of individuals awaits a molecular explanation. Whether sdAb humanization reduces or promotes immunogenicity remains unclear: reduction of nonhuman sequence content at the expense of introducing low‐level aggregation in humanized variants may be counterproductive. Further work will establish thresholds for VHH and VNAR humanization to maximize human sequence content while avoiding loss of binding affinity and/or immunogenicity resulting from aggregation or decreased stability.
The role of RNA‐binding proteins in mediating adaptive responses in Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Christopoulou Niki , Granneman Sander
Published: March 2021

Bacteria are constantly subjected to stressful conditions, such as antibiotic exposure, nutrient limitation and oxidative stress. For pathogenic bacteria, adapting to the host environment, escaping defence mechanisms and coping with antibiotic stress are crucial for their survival and the establishment of a successful infection. Stress adaptation relies heavily on the rate at which the organism can remodel its gene expression programme to counteract the stress. RNA‐binding proteins mediating co‐ and post‐transcriptional regulation have recently emerged as important players in regulating gene expression during adaptive responses. Most of the research on these layers of gene expression regulation has been done in Gram‐negative model organisms where, thanks to a wide variety of global studies, large post‐transcriptional regulatory networks have been uncovered. Unfortunately, our understanding of post‐transcriptional regulation in Gram‐positive bacteria is lagging behind. One possible explanation for this is that many proteins employed by Gram‐negative bacteria are not well conserved in Gram‐positives. And even if they are conserved, they do not always play similar roles as in Gram‐negative bacteria. This raises the important question whether Gram‐positive bacteria regulate gene expression in a significantly different way. The goal of this review was to discuss this in more detail by reviewing the role of well‐known RNA‐binding proteins in Gram‐positive bacteria and by highlighting their different behaviours with respect to some of their Gram‐negative counterparts. Finally, the second part of this review introduces several unusual RNA‐binding proteins of Gram‐positive species that we believe could also play an important role in adaptive responses.
δ114/110Cd Values of a Suite of Different Reference Materials
Authors: Lu Zhuo , Zhu Jian‐Ming , Tan Decan , Wang Xiangli , Zheng Zhibin
Published: March 2021

The δ114/110Cd values of thirty‐four environmental and geological reference materials, including rocks, sediments, soils and biological samples, were determined on a Neptune Plus MC‐ICP‐MS instrument using a 111Cd‐113Cd double spike technique. An intermediate measurement precision of better than ± 0.074‰ (2s) was achieved with different reference materials (RMs) of highly variable matrices and Cd contents. The uncertainty of δ114/110Cd values was assessed by calculating the 95% confidence interval of the results from this study and the literature using Student's t‐test. Our measurements of nine previously analysed RMs yielded δ114/110Cd values that were indistinguishable from previous results. New reference values for the thirty‐four geological and biological RMs are reported here. The comprehensive data set for these RMs provides guidelines for quality assurance and inter‐laboratory comparison for Cd isotope determination. The large range of δ114/110Cd values in rock (−0.001 to +0.287‰) and biological RMs (−0.806 to +0.142‰) suggests that Cd isotope ratio measurement results are a useful tool to study biogeochemical processes.
Optimizing Multiwell Aquifer Storage and Recovery Systems for Energy Use and Recovery Efficiency
Authors: Majumdar Saheli , Miller Gretchen R. , Sheng Zhuping
Published: March 2021

As more aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) systems are employed for management of water resources, the skillful operation of multiwell ASR systems has become very important to improve their performance. In this study, we developed MODFLOW and MT3DMS models to simulate a multiwell ASR system in a synthetic aquifer to assess effects of hydrogeological and operational factors on the performance of the multiwell ASR system. We evaluated a simplified (dual well) ASR system in comparison with complex system (three‐, four‐, five‐, and seven‐well systems). Recovery and energy efficiencies were calculated using the model simulations. Factors such as higher hydraulic conductivity and longitudinal dispersivity significantly reduced the recovery and energy efficiencies of the system. In contrast, increasing the volume of recharged water increased the recovery efficiency; however, the energy efficiency was reduced. Recovery and energy efficiencies also plummet when there is an increase in the underlying regional gradient and the designed storage duration. Operating the system multiple times can yield higher volume of potable water, but the energy efficiency may not vary significantly after the second operating cycle. Single‐well systems and multiwell systems exhibit similar responses to changes in physical factors, although operational factors have a more pronounced effect on the multiwell systems. One of the major findings was that fewer wells in a multiwell ASR system can yield higher volume of potable water and better output with respect to the electrical power being consumed. The results provide design engineers with guidelines for optimizing performance of the multiwell ASR systems.
Recombinant FVIIa in elective non‐orthopaedic surgery of adults with haemophilia and inhibitors: A systematic literature review
Authors: Dolan Gerard , Astermark Jan , Hermans Cedric
Published: March 2021

Aim

To assess available evidence on the use of rFVIIa in non‐orthopaedic surgery including dental surgery in adult patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors (PWHI).

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed according to a prespecified search string; prespecified criteria were used to select applicable studies including PWHI ≥18 years of age who underwent any non‐orthopaedic surgery using rFVIIa.

Results

Thirty‐three publications met the eligibility criteria, of which 26 publications – including 46 procedures in 44 patients – were selected for the qualitative analysis. Most publications were case reports or case series (21/26). Primary authors assessed rFVIIa as effective in maintaining haemostasis during and after most major surgeries (22/32). rFVIIa dose was mainly on label, with higher doses used in 4 cases, and a lower dose in 1 case. Duration of treatment was mostly 5–10 days (range: 3 days to 1 month post‐operatively). Adverse events related to rFVIIa were rare.

Conclusions

Assessing non‐orthopaedic surgery in this patient population is hampered by a paucity of published data; nevertheless, the current evidence indicates that rFVIIa is effective in achieving haemostasis in haemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing elective non‐orthopaedic or dental surgery. rFVIIa was generally well tolerated in these patients, with thrombotic events occurring rarely. These data, generated to help clinicians manage congenital haemophilia with inhibitors, highlight the need for more systematic reporting of rFVIIa and all other therapeutic agents in non‐orthopaedic surgery and dental surgery in patients with congenital haemophilia and inhibitors.
The shifting picture of HIV treatment, comorbidity and substance use among US MSM living with HIV
Authors: D’Souza G , Benning L , Stosor V , Witt MD , Johnson J , Friedman M , Abraham AG
Published: March 2021

Objectives

People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of chronic disease and poor mental health. We aimed to explore HIV disease indicators, comorbidity, and risk behavior of recent antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiators to inform current needs of PLWH.

Methods

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) who initiated ART between 2010 and 2018 (recent initiators) were compared with age‐, race‐ and geographic location‐matched men who initiated ART during 2000–2009 (early initiators). Measures of HIV disease, behavior, comorbidity and mental health were collected prospectively every 6 months using standardized forms.

Results

Recent initiators had higher current CD4 (median CD4 451 vs. 307 cells/μL, P < 0.0001) and nadir CD4 (451 vs. 300 cells/μL, P < 0.0001) than earlier initiators. The proportion achieving viral suppression within a year of starting ART was significantly higher in recent compared with earlier initiators (92% vs. 74%, P < 0.0001). Median [interquartile range (IQR)] time from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation was 5.4 (1.7–23.1) months in recent initiators. Comorbidity prevalence was high in recent initiators, including obesity (24%), hypertension (25%) and kidney disease (15%). Substance use continues to be common, including cigarette use (40%), daily alcohol use (88%) and marijuana use (46%).

Conclusions

Improvements in getting individuals onto ART at an early stage have led to substantially higher CD4 cell counts at initiation. However, the high burden of comorbidity, substance use and poor mental health affecting MSM living with HIV in the US underscore ongoing challenges and our need to adapt and coordinate care.