bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between tumor heterogeneity and volume in cervical cancer: Evidence from integrated fluorodeoxyglucose 18 PET/MR texture analysis
Authors: Jin Junjie , Wu Ke , Li Xiaoran , Yu Yang , Wang Xinghao , Sun Hongzan
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cervical cancer volume on PET/magnetic resonance (MR) texture heterogeneity.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the PET/MR images of 138 patients with pathologically diagnosed cervical squamous cell carcinoma, including 50 patients undergoing surgery and 88 patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Fluorodeoxyglucose 18 (18FDG)-PET/MR examination were performed for each patient before treatment, and the PET and MR texture analysis were undertaken. The texture features of the tumor based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices were extracted, and the correlation between tumor texture features and volume parameters was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Finally, the variation trend of tumor texture heterogeneity was analyzed as tumor volumes increased.

Results

PET texture features were highly correlated with metabolic tumor volume (MTV), including entropy-log2, entropy-log10, energy, homogeneity, dissimilarity, contrast, correlation, and the correlation coefficients (r
s) were 0.955, 0.955, –0.897, 0.883, –0.881, –0.876, and 0.847 (P < 0.001), respectively. In the range of smaller MTV, the texture heterogeneity of energy, entropy-log2, and entropy-log10 increases with an increase in tumor volume, whereas the texture heterogeneity of homogeneity, dissimilarity, contrast, and correlation decreases with an increase in tumor volume. Only homogeneity, contrast, correlation, and dissimilarity had high correlation with tumor volume on MRI. The correlation coefficients (r
s) were 0.76, –0.737, 0.644, and –0.739 (P < 0.001), respectively. The texture heterogeneity of MRI features that are highly correlated with tumor volume decreases with increasing tumor volume.

Conclusion

In the small tumor volume range, the heterogeneity variation trend of PET texture features is inconsistent as the tumor volume increases, but the variation trend of MRI texture heterogeneity is consistent, and MRI texture heterogeneity decreases as tumor volume increases. These results suggest that MRI is a better imaging modality when compared with PET in determining tumor texture heterogeneity in the small tumor volume range.
The Use of Mindfulness-Based Interventions to Mitigate Stress and Burnout in Nurses
Authors: Bianchini Cynthia , Copeland Donna
Published: December 2020

Research indicates that mindfulness-based interventions can positively change how individuals perceive stress and burnout. Part of the responsibility of mitigating stress and burnout among nurses should be placed upon the organization; thus, nursing professional development practitioners are in a unique position to engage nurses in mindfulness-based practices. Therefore, a quality improvement project aimed to decrease perceived stress and/or burnout among nurses on three pilot units was implemented utilizing evidence-based mindfulness interventions.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Reduced Immunohistochemical Panel in Medulloblastoma Molecular Subtyping, Correlated to DNA-methylation Analysis
Authors: Tauziède-Espariat Arnault , Huybrechts Sophie , Indersie Emilie , Dufour Christelle , Puget Stéphanie , Chivet Anaïs , Roux Alexandre , Pagès Mélanie , Gareton Albane , Chrétien Fabrice , Lechapt Emmanuèle , Ayrault Olivier , Varlet Pascale
Published: December 2020

Medulloblastomas (MBs) are the most frequent childhood malignant brain tumor. Four histopathologic variants and 4 genetic subgroups have been defined in the World Health Organization (WHO) 2016 Classification and constitute major risk stratification items directly affecting the patient management. Although MB subgroups have been molecularly defined, immunohistochemical surrogates are needed. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the concordance between immunohistochemistry, using 4 antibodies (YAP1, GAB1, OTX2, and β-catenin), and DNA-methylation profiling in MB subgrouping. From a series of 155 MBs, the κ coefficient of concordance was almost perfect (0.90), with only 8/152 discrepant cases (no DNA-methylation analysis was available in 3 cases). Interestingly, the discrepancies mostly concerned (7/8 cases) MBs with divergent differentiations (myogenic, melanotic, and others) with all of those classified into group 3 (n=6) and group 4 (n=1) by DNA-methylation profiling. Another discrepant case concerned a WNT-activated MB (showing only 1% of immunopositive tumor cell nuclei), highlighting the difficulties of determining an appropriate β-catenin immunostaining cutoff. The high concordance of the routine immunohistochemical panel (YAP1, GAB1, OTX2, and β-catenin) and DNA-methylation profiling confirm its utility as a reliable predictive marker of molecular subtype in MBs. We analyzed the accuracy of 10 different IHC combinations for the determination of MB subtype and found that a combination of 2 antibodies (YAP1 and OTX2) allows for the successful characterization of 144 cases of 152 cases. Finally, our series extends the molecular data of the rare morphologic variant of MBs with melanotic/myogenic differentiations.
A Rare Case of Castleman Disease Presenting as an Ovarian Tumor
Authors: D’Antonio Antonio , Caleo Alessia , Addesso Maria , Caputo Alessandro , Fraggetta Filippo , Ponzoni Maurilio
Published: December 2020

Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown etiology. Its most common location is the mediastinum, but many other sites have been reported. We report a case of primary CD of the ovary, a rare localization with only 2 cases including the present case described in the world literature to date. A 58-yr-old woman who initially presented with abdominal pain underwent computed tomography scan which showed bilateral well-circumscribed solid adnexal masses. Because an ovarian bilateral tumor was suspected the patient was treated with a hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and the histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of CD hyaline-vascular type of the right ovary associated with a contralateral fibroma. Three years after surgery the patient is alive and well and shows no signs of recurrent disease. The occurrence of this rare presentation of CD is the subject of this report. The problems of differential diagnosis with the most frequent lesions of the female pelvis are also discussed.
Cervical Pemphigus Vulgaris Presenting as Postmenopausal Bleeding
Authors: Smith Stephen M. , Moscarelli Richard , Panse Gauri , Parkash Vinita
Published: December 2020

Pemphigus vulgaris is a severe mucocutaneous blistering disease with rare genital involvement. When present, female genital involvement is typically vulvo-vaginal and associated with characteristic bullous lesions elsewhere, most commonly in the oral cavity. Postmenopausal bleeding as a symptom of pemphigus is not reported to date. We present 2 cases of pemphigus vulgaris with postmenopausal bleeding that led to significant work-up for the patients, including hysterectomy for 1 patient. The site of bleeding was established to be related to cervical involvement in 1 patient and assumed to be of cervical origin in the other. As improving treatment modalities result in long-term survival in patients with pemphigus, isolated genital relapse/recurrence of pemphigus vulgaris involving the cervix may result with symptoms not previously attributed to the disease including postmenopausal bleeding. Both gynecologists and pathologists need to be aware of this possibility to accurately label symptoms as disease related and avoid unnecessary interventions for patients.
Intratubal Pseudopapillary Histiocytic Hyperplasia: A New Histologic Variant in the Spectrum of Histiocytic Lesions Involving the Fallopian Tube
Authors: Tran Tien Anh N. , Holloway Robert W.
Published: December 2020

Although histiocytic lesions of the fallopian tube are relatively rare compared to their epithelial counterparts, there exists a spectrum of histiocytic lesions involving the fallopian tube that are described under different terminologies dependent on the involved compartment of the fallopian tube. A common histologic denominator of all the hitherto reported tubal histiocytic lesions is the presence of sheets and clusters of histiocytes without any supportive connective tissue. The current study describes three cases of a heretofore-undescribed papillary histiocytic lesion in the lumen of the fallopian tube. All 3 lesions were characterized by avascular, hyaline collagenous papillary cores surrounded by a monotonous population of epithelioid cells, morphologically resembling mesothelial cell hyperplasia, but displaying a histiocytic immunophenotype with diffuse immunopositivity for CD68. Since the papillary cores did not harbor any vasculature, the term intratubal pseudopapillary histiocytic hyperplasia was proposed for this histiocytic proliferation which expands the spectrum of histiocytic lesions of the fallopian tube. Although probably of no clinical significance, practicing pathologists should be aware of this peculiar histiocytic lesion of the fallopian tube to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary immunohistochemical testing.
Pelvic and Ovarian Recurrence of Small HPV-associated Cervical Adenocarcinoma With Transformation to Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Abu-Sinn Duaa , Jamison Jackie , Evans Matthew , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: December 2020

The phenomenon of small human papillomavirus–associated cervical adenocarcinomas involving the ovary via a transuterine and transtubal route is uncommon but well described in the literature. We report a unique case of a small human papillomavirus–associated cervical adenocarcinoma spreading to both ovaries and the pelvis via this route 22 mo after loop excision and trachelectomy and developing into a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma in the metastasis.
PD-L1 Expression in Mismatch Repair-deficient Endometrial Carcinoma and Tumor-associated Immune Cells: Differences Between MLH1 Methylated and Nonmethylated Subgroups
Authors: Kir Gozde , Olgun Zeynep C. , Soylemez Tuce , Aydin Abdullah , Demircan Berna , Kaya Ibrahim A. , McCluggage W. Glenn
Published: December 2020

Mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient endometrial carcinomas show increased programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression compared with MMR-intact endometrial carcinomas, but there are limited data regarding PD-L1 expression between sporadic and inherited carcinomas exhibiting MMR loss. Most of the studies investigating PD-L1 expression in endometrial carcinoma have used tissue microarrays and did not examine all tumor blocks. In this study, we analyzed the expression of PD-L1 in resection specimens of 176 consecutive endometrial carcinomas using all tumor blocks; we compared PD-L1 expression in MMR-deficient endometrial carcinomas, including the MLH1 and PMS2-loss subgroup, and the other MMR-loss subgroups (MSH2 and MSH6, isolated PMS2, and isolated MSH6), with the MMR-intact subgroup. MLH1 methylation was performed in tumors with MLH1 and PMS2 loss. Tumor cell (TC) and tumor-associated immune cell (IC) PD-L1 positivity with a 1% cutoff was observed in 21% (n=37) and 66.5% (n=117) of cases, respectively, and with a 5% cutoff in 5.1% (n=9) and 39.8% (n=70) of cases, respectively. MMR protein deficiency was a statistically significant parameter associated with IC PD-L1 positivity, with 1% and 5% cutoffs on multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR)=5.236, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.075-13.211, P=0.001, and OR=3.702, 95% CI=1.759-7.791, P=0.001, respectively]. The multivariate analysis showed that IC PD-L1 positivity, using both 1% and 5% cutoffs, was significantly associated with the MLH1 and PMS2 loss compared with the MMR protein-intact subgroup (MLH1 and PMS2 loss for 1% cutoff: OR=5.104, 95% CI=1.876–13.881, P=0.001, and for 5% cutoff: OR=3.322, 95% CI=1.540–7.166, P=0.002). Squamous differentiation was an independent predictor for TC PD-L1 positivity, with a 5% cutoff (OR=6.102, 95% CI=1.280–10.096, P=0.026). Larger tumor size was an independent predictive factor for IC PD-L1 positivity with a 1% cutoff (OR=6.757, 95% CI=1.569–29.109, P=0.010). Overall, 48 (92.3%) of 52 MLH1 methylated tumors showed IC PD-L1 positivity with 1% cutoff, and 34 (65.4%) of 52 MLH1 methylated tumors showed IC PD-L1 positivity with 5% cutoff. Our results show a higher rate of IC PD-L1 positivity than in previous studies. This is likely due in part to the use of all tumor blocks. MLH1 and PMS2 loss was an independent predictive factor for IC PD-L1 positivity, with both 1% and 5% cutoffs. Using univariate analysis, we observed decreased disease-free survival for IC PD-L1 positivity ≥5%. Our study results should now be tested and proven in larger cohorts, with longer follow-up data.
PD-L1 and Mismatch Repair Status in Uterine Carcinosarcomas
Authors: Jenkins Taylor M. , Cantrell Leigh A. , Stoler Mark H. , Mills Anne M.
Published: December 2020

Uterine carcinosarcomas have few adjuvant treatment options. Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in these tumors may predict response to checkpoint inhibitor therapies. An increase in PD-L1 expression has been shown in endometrial carcinomas with mismatch repair (MMR) deficiencies; however, few studies have evaluated PD-L1 expression in uterine carcinosarcomas. We examined PD-L1 expression in 41 cases of uterine carcinosarcoma using combined positive scores (CPS) and tumor proportion scores (TPS), and correlated with MMR status, p53 expression, and epithelial histotype. In addition to confirming the diagnosis of carcinosarcoma, the epithelial components were stratified based on endometrioid versus serous histology. Thirty-three cases (80%) were positive for PD-L1, defined as a CPS score of ≥1 or a TPS score of ≥1%. Twelve cases (29%) showed high expression of PD-L1, defined as a CPS score of ≥10 or a TPS score of ≥10%. The majority of the morphologically adjudicated carcinosarcomas had a serous epithelial component (83%) rather than endometrioid (17%), which was reinforced by aberrant p53 staining predominantly within cases with serous morphology. The majority of carcinosarcomas showed at least focal PD-L1 expression, predominantly in tumor-associated immune cells. Carcinosarcomas with endometrioid morphology were significantly more likely to have high-level PD-L1 (5/7 vs. 7/34; P=0.015). MMR-deficient carcinosarcomas were also more likely to have high-level PD-L1 (2/3 vs. 10/28); however, this did not reach statistical significance (P=0.2) and overall MMR-deficiency was uncommon (3 cases, 7%). These findings suggest that PD-L1 may be additive to MMR testing as a predictive biomarker for checkpoint inhibitor vulnerability in carcinosarcomas.
18F-FDG PET/CT Assessment of Malignant Granular Cell Tumor of the Soft Tissue
Authors: Lara Martínez María Fernanda , Díaz Silván Alicia , Vilahomat Hernández Olga , Cabello García Dolores , Allende Riera Ana Julia
Published: December 2020

Malignant granular cell tumor variant is rare and even more if lower extremities are involved. We present a rare case with images of 18F-FDG PET/CT showing 2 hypermetabolic lesions on the right tight with an elevated SUVmax value of 7.50 and 2 adenopathies with an SUVmax almost as high as the lesions. Histopathologic sample after complete excision confirmed malignant granular cell tumor with lymph node metastases.
Incidental 18F-Fluciclovine Uptake in a Desmoid Tumor Detected in a Patient Undergoing PET/CT Imaging for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Baiomy Ali , Jensen Corey T. , Ward John F. , Chasen Beth A. , Ravizzini Gregory C.
Published: December 2020

A 74-year-old man with biochemical recurrent prostate cancer underwent 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT for restaging to determine subsequent treatment strategy. 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT imaging demonstrated incidental focal heterogeneous increased 18F-fluciclovine uptake corresponding to a soft tissue nodule within the musculature of the left anterior abdominal wall. Subsequent ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lesion revealed histopathology compatible with a desmoid tumor. Consequently, the patient underwent surgical resection with wide local excision of the lesion.
Pancreatitis, Panniculitis, and Polyarthritis Syndrome Detected on 99mTc-MDP Bone Scan
Authors: He Limeng , Deng Yan , Deng Ying , Rao Zijuan , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2020

Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome is a rare disease. A 49-year-old man recently complained of bilateral ankle and epigastric pain. An ankle x-ray showed subcutaneous soft tissue swelling. Subsequent 99mTc-MDP bone scan showed foci of abnormal activity around joints in all extremities, especially in the knees and ankles. In addition, multiple nodular calcifications in the head of the pancreas were found in the abdominal CT scan. The patient also had increased blood amylase and lipase. The symptoms were resolved after the treatment of his pancreatitis.
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis as a Pitfall of Ventilation/Perfusion SPECT/CT for Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Kind Felix , Goetz Christian , Meyer Philipp Tobias , Föll Daniela , Russe Maximilian Frederik , Ruf Juri
Published: December 2020

A 58-year-old man with progressive dyspnea and recurrent extensive left-sided pleural effusion underwent pulmonary ventilation/perfusion SPECT/CT, which showed a pronounced mismatched perfusion deficit of the entire, normally ventilated left lung. As unilateral perfusion deficits of an entire lobe are generally not due to pulmonary embolism, further CT angiography and cardiac MRI were conducted. These examinations revealed high-grade left pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) caused by pulmonary vein isolation performed for atrial fibrillation 3 and 4 years earlier. Thus, in addition to, for example, neoplastic processes or pulmonary congenital vascular abnormalities, PVS must be considered as a differential diagnosis and possible pitfall in ventilation/perfusion SPECT/CT in dyspneic patients with prior pulmonary vein isolation.
18F-FDG and 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT Findings in a Case of Abdominal Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Lorusso Margherita , Angelico Giuseppe , Quirino Michela , Scolozzi Valentina , Calcagni Maria Lucia
Published: December 2020

We report the case of a 58-year-old man with mesenteric nodule at CT performed for abdominal pain. In the suspicion of neoplastic disease, he underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT that did not show abnormal uptake. The nodule was monitored alternating CT and MRI. Two years after the first detection, MRI revealed an increase in size, and 18F-FDG PET/CT was repeated for metabolic evaluation, showing increased metabolic activity. In suspicion of neuroendocrine tumor, for anatomical site, slow growth, and clinical symptoms, 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT was performed showing focal uptake, indicating high expression of somatostatin receptors. The final pathology report was consistent with high-grade leiomyosarcoma.
Unexpected Vertebral Bodies Trapping of 99mTc–Macroaggregated Albumin During Lung Perfusion Scintigraphy in a Patient With Collateral Paravertebral Venous System
Authors: Dietz Matthieu , Si-Mohamed Salim , Deville Agathe , Tordo Jeremie , Moreau-Triby Caroline
Published: December 2020

A 35-year-old woman was referred to our nuclear medicine center for a ventilation and perfusion (VQ) pulmonary scintigraphy to detect pulmonary embolism. She was treated with low-molecular-weight heparin following a proximal venous thrombosis of the right upper limb and had a previous history of an infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast. Surprisingly, the VQ scintigraphy showed uptake of 99mTc-MAA in several superior vertebrae. A contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed a dilated collateral paravertebral venous system due to the deep vein thrombosis extended from superior vena cava to brachiocephalic trunk. 99mTc-MAA was trapped through the dilated vertebral venous system.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Risk Factors for Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Permpalung Nitipong , Kittipibul Veraprapas , Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Rattanawong Pattara , Nematollahi Saman , Zhang Sean X. , Steinke Seema Mehta
Published: December 2020

Background.

There is no consensus guidance on when to reinitiate Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at increased risk. The 2019 American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice (AST IDCOP) guidelines suggested to continue or reinstitute PJP prophylaxis in those receiving intensified immunosuppression for graft rejection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, higher dose of corticosteroids, or prolonged neutropenia.

Methods.

A literature search was conducted evaluating all literature from existence through April 22, 2020, using MEDLINE and EMBASE. (The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number: CRD42019134204).

Results.

A total of 30 studies with 413 276 SOT recipients were included. The following factors were associated with PJP development: acute rejection (pooled odds ratio [pOR], 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-3.26); study heterogeneity index [I2] = 23.4%), CMV-related illnesses (pOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 2.30-4.29; I2 = 48%), absolute lymphocyte count <500 cells/mm3 (pOR, 6.29; 95% CI, 3.56-11.13; I2 = 0%), BK polyomavirus-related diseases (pOR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.22-5.49; I2 = 0%), HLA mismatch ≥3 (pOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.06-3.17; I2 = 0%), rituximab use (pOR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.82-5.04; I2 = 0%), and polyclonal antibodies use for rejection (pOR, 3.92; 95% CI, 1.87-8.19; I2 = 0%). On the other hand, sex, CMV mismatch, interleukin-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids for rejection, and plasmapheresis were not associated with developing PJP.

Conclusions.

PJP prophylaxis should be considered in SOT recipients with lymphopenia, BK polyomavirus-related infections, and rituximab exposure in addition to the previously mentioned risk factors in the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice guidelines.
Impact of Disturbed Rest-activity Rhythms on Activities of Daily Living in Moderate and Severe Dementia Patients
Authors: Ishimaru Daiki , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nagata Yuma , Ogawa Yasuhiro , Fukuhara Keita , Takabatake Shinichi , Nishikawa Takashi
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

People with dementia exhibit disturbed rest-activity rhythms and extended sleep duration issues throughout their disease. Little is known about the effects of these issues on clinical problems for those with moderate and severe dementia. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the associations of disturbed rest-activity rhythms and extended sleep duration with activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods:

Sleep parameters were measured using an actigraphy device. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Cognitive Test for Severe Dementia, the Hyogo Activities of Daily Living Scale was used to assess ADL, and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home scale. Associations among rest-activity rhythms, sleep duration, and other clinical variables were analyzed with multiple linear regression. Clinical variables were compared between 2 groups categorized by onset timing of rest peak.

Patients:

Sixty-four participants with moderate and severe dementia were assessed.

Results:

In the correlation analysis, unstable daily rest-activity rhythm was associated with lower ADL. In the multiple linear regression analysis, low intradaily variability, and long daytime sleep duration were associated with low ADL. Aberrant rest peak timing showed lower ADL compared with nonaberrant timing.

Conclusions:

Abnormal rest-activity rhythm and sleep duration in persons with moderate and severe dementia may affect ADL.
Functional Decline and Body Composition Change in Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Murata Shunsuke , Ono Rei , Sugimoto Taiki , Toba Kenji , Sakurai Takashi
Published: December 2020

Background:

There is a dearth of longitudinal data on body composition, function, and physical performance in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objectives:

The aim was to describe the trajectories of function, body composition, and physical performance in older adults with AD.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected from older adults (n=1402) diagnosed with AD (mean age: 78.1 y old, women: 69.3%). Cognitive function was assessed using the mini-mental state examination. Proxy-reported instrumental and basic activities of daily living were assessed using the Lawton and Barthel indexes. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical performance was assessed using the timed up and go test and grip strength.

Results:

Median (interquartile range) of follow-up time was 2.2 (1.2 to 3.6) years. Participants’ mini-mental state examination score, Barthel index, and Lawton index declined over time. Skeletal muscle mass index and physical performance (timed up and go test and grip strength) decreased, while fat mass index increased with time. No significant changes or slight decline in weight and body mass index was observed.

Conclusions:

Muscle mass and physical performance are likely to decline in older adults with AD. Clinicians should assess muscle mass and physical performance trajectories regularly in these patients and intervene appropriately.
Isoflurane decreases substantia gelatinosa neuron excitability and synaptic transmission from periphery in the rat spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Yang Dakai , Yang Xingwu J. , Shao Caifeng , Yang Kun
Published: December 2020

Isoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic, though its actions at the cellular level remain controversial. By using acute spinal cord slices from adult rats and the whole-cell recording technique, we found that aqueous isoflurane at the minimum alveolar concentration decreased postsynaptic neural excitability and enhanced membrane conductance, while suppressing glutamate release from presynaptic afferent onto substantia gelatinosa (lamina II) neurons in the dorsal horn. The data demonstrate that isoflurane modulates synaptic transmission from peripheral to the spinal cord via both pre- and postsynaptic effects and these actions may underlie its spinal anesthesia.
Dendrobium nobile Lindl. polysaccharides reduce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by increasing myeloid cell leukemia 1 via the downregulation of miR-134
Authors: Liu Jing , Han Yu , Zhu Tao , Yang Qing , Wang Heming , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The traditional Chinese medicine, Dendrobium nobile Lindl. polysaccharides (DNLP), reportedly has neuroprotective effects. However, its effects following ischemic stroke remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of DNLP in experimental models of inflammation and apoptosis.

Methods:

Inflammation and apoptosis were induced by in vivo ischemia/reperfusion and by in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R). In the in vivo model, immediately after the induction of cerebral ischemia, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg DNLP were injected intraperitoneally. We subsequently detected indicators of neuronal damage.

Results:

Treatment with Dendrobium nobile Lindl. polysaccharide significantly reduced cerebral ischemic injury. After in vivo and in vitro middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion or OGD/R-induced hypoxia injury, miR-134 expression in neurons was significantly increased. Altering the expression of miR-134 induced changes in myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1), one of its target proteins. In addition, DNLP significantly downregulated the in vivo and in vitro expression of miR-134 after ischemic injury, and influenced inflammation and apoptotic proteins by altering the level of MCL-1 protein. DNLP also had a protective effect on neurons damaged by OGD/R, which could improve cell survival rates and inhibit lactate dehydrogenase release as well as apoptosis.

Conclusions:

DNLP may protect the brain and neurons from hypoxic damage in mice with ischemic stroke by activating MCL-1 and downregulating miR-134, providing a new therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
A parsimonious approach for spatial transmission and heterogeneity in the COVID-19 propagation
Authors: Roques L. , Bonnefon O. , Baudrot V. , Soubeyrand S. , Berestycki H.
Published: December 2020

Raw data on the number of deaths at a country level generally indicate a spatially variable distribution of COVID-19 incidence. An important issue is whether this pattern is a consequence of environmental heterogeneities, such as the climatic conditions, during the course of the outbreak. Another fundamental issue is to understand the spatial spreading of COVID-19. To address these questions, we consider four candidate epidemiological models with varying complexity in terms of initial conditions, contact rates and non-local transmissions, and we fit them to French mortality data with a mixed probabilistic-ODE approach. Using statistical criteria, we select the model with non-local transmission corresponding to a diffusion on the graph of counties that depends on the geographic proximity, with time-dependent contact rate and spatially constant parameters. This suggests that in a geographically middle size centralized country such as France, once the epidemic is established, the effect of global processes such as restriction policies and sanitary measures overwhelms the effect of local factors. Additionally, this approach reveals the latent epidemiological dynamics including the local level of immunity, and allows us to evaluate the role of non-local interactions on the future spread of the disease.
Southern skies: Australian atmospheric research and global climate change
Authors: Morgan Ruth A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of Australian climate scientists in advancing the state of knowledge about the causes and mechanisms of climatic change and variability in the Southern Hemisphere during the 1970 and 1980s.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the methods and insights of environmental history and the history of science to analyse archival and published data pertaining to research on atmospheric pollution, the Southern Oscillation and the regional impacts of climate change.

Findings

Australia's geopolitical position, political interests and environmental sensitivities encouraged Australian scientists and policymakers to take a leading role in the Southern Hemisphere in the study of global environmental change.

Originality/value

This article builds on critiques of the ways in which planetary and global knowledge and governance disguise the local and situated scientific and material processes that construct, sustain and configure them.
Stabilising collaborative consumer networks: how technological mediation shapes relational work
Authors: Makkar Marian , Yap Sheau-Fen , Belk Russell
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of technology in shaping the interplay between intimate and economic relations in collaborative consumer networks (CCNs).

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a three-year participatory netnographic and ethnographic field study of hosts, guests and community members within the Airbnb home-sharing network in New Zealand. The data consist of interviews, online and offline participant observations and brief discussions onsite (large-scale Airbnb events, host meetups and during Airbnb stays).

Findings

The findings reveal how technologies shape the relational work of home-sharing between intimate and economic institutions through grooming, bundling, brokerage, buffering and social edgework. This paper proposes a framework of triadic relational work enacted by network actors, involving complex exchange structures.

Research limitations/implications

This study focusses on a single context – a market-mediated home-sharing platform. The findings may not apply to other contexts of economic and social exchanges.

Practical implications

The study reveals that the construction of specific relational packages by Airbnb hosts using their digital technologies pave a path for home-sharing to skirt the norms of the home as a place of intimacy and the market as a place for economics. This allows these two spheres to flourish with little controversy.

Originality/value

By augmenting Zelizer’s relational work, this study produces theoretical insights into the agentic role of technology in creating and stabilising a CCN.
The impacts of acquisition modes on achieving customer behavioral loyalty: an empirical analysis of the credit card industry from China
Authors: Ming Yaxin , Chen Jing (Elaine) , Li Chenxi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of acquisition modes on customer behavioral loyalty to enrich our knowledge of the effectiveness of acquisition modes and how to better target customers in the service industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a data set from a large commercial bank in China, this study conducts a series of empirical analyses to examine the impacts of two types of acquisition modes (i.e. the gift acquisition mode and customer referral) on customer behavioral loyalty.

Findings

Gift acquisition has a negative effect on customer behavioral loyalty, as measured by the dropout probability, consumption amount and consumption frequency. Furthermore, this negative relationship could be weakened if the customer is referred by an existing customer.

Originality/value

Although prior studies have investigated the effectiveness of some acquisition modes in terms of customer loyalty, customer acquisition through the provision of gifts, which is widely implemented in marketing practice, has not been well investigated. This study addresses this research gap and identifies the joint influence of acquisition modes on customer behavioral loyalty, further enriching our knowledge of the effectiveness of different acquisition modes.
Addressing the high burden of noncommunicable diseases in Nigeria: a commentary
Authors: Adesina Miracle Ayomikun , Oladele Ruth Ifeoluwa , Olufadewa Isaac Iyinoluwa , Onothoja Ogheneruona Favour , Oladipo Damilola Remilekun , Iyiola Opeyemi Paul , Ekott Marvelene Bassey , Nwachukwu Pamela Chinenye , Baru Ararso , Akinloye Seyi John
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study describes how individuals; healthcare providers and the government can reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary paper combines extensive literature searches and experience from public health physicians.

Findings

Noncommunicable diseases are chronic diseases. They result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors. NCDs are divided into four classes: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.

Practical implications

Noncommunicable diseases are responsible for about a quarter of total deaths in Nigeria. These deaths are unnecessary as most NCDs can be prevented if the risk factors are dealt with. Dealing with these risk factors involves everyone (Individuals, government, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary researchers, policymakers, government, etc.).

Originality/value

Major risk factors for NCDs are tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. The solution to NCDs, therefore, lies in dealing with these factors, which, fortunately, are modifiable since they have to do with lifestyle practices. There is evidence to support the claim that a reduction of the risks of NCDs can be achieved by engaging in healthy lifestyle practices.
“We'll go back to a system you really do not like!” Organizational norms and structural violence in a British foodbank
Authors: Bruck Amanda Elizabeth , Garthwaite Kayleigh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

We explore how neoliberal logic has led to an erosion of social-welfare programs and pervades organizational structures and functions of a third-sector organization. Based upon fieldwork in a foodbank in the North-West of England, we discuss the impact of economic cuts upon organizational norms of the foodbank, and the intersection with the provision of charity support and personal relationships between the staff, volunteers and visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This article analyses pervasiveness of neoliberalism on a foodbank and the impact this has on organizational norms and relationships found within the organization. It integrates themes of structural violence, neoliberal discourse in the charity sector, notions of (un)deservingness and appropriate of time.

Findings

Our research finds how a hostile environment transpires in a third-sector organization under increased economic and bureaucratic pressures and from this, organizational rules emerge that ignore the lived experiences of the people it serves. Herein, visitors must learn the organization's norms and garner relationships to be able to navigate the organization to successfully access essential resources.

Originality/value

The findings in this article will be of interest to academics researching poverty and organizational norms, professionals in the charity-sector and policy makers. Rules originating from economic and bureaucratic pressures can establish barriers to accessing essential material resources. It informs the pressures felt in balancing access to support services with personal timetables, and the need to include visitors' voices in establishing norms.
Investors' preferences and the factors affecting investment in the Indian stock market: an industry view
Authors: Chhimwal Bhaskar , Bapat Varadraj , Gaurav Sarthak
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The authors examine the industrywise investment preferences of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and retail investors in the Indian context. They also investigate the factors influencing their preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the quarterly shareholdings and returns data of the Indian market from March 31, 2009 to March 31, 2018, the authors employ analysis of variance to study investors' preferences and a random effect panel data model to examine the factors that influence these preferences.

Findings

FPIs hold proportionally more stocks in service-oriented industries and large-cap firms, DIIs hold proportionally large numbers of shares in paper industries and retail investors hold proportionally more shares in chemicals and textiles. FPIs prefer stocks with a high export-to-sales ratio and firms registered on a foreign stock market. Domestic investors, especially retail investors, prefer small-cap stocks and firms whose operations require local knowledge. In addition, industry heterogeneity determines investment decisions. Firm-specific and macroeconomic factors that influence investment decisions differ across industries. Finally, government policies and reforms also play a key role in attracting investors.

Practical implications

Policymakers can identify the key variables that influence investment, which can help direct and regulate investment in India and similar emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by addressing how industry-level heterogeneity affects investors' preferences in terms of the industrywise preferences of different types of investors and the factors that influence their preferences.
Variance decomposition of firm performance: past, present and future
Authors: Esho Ebes , Verhoef Grietjie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of variance decomposition studies of firm performance and the theoretical foundations that served as the antecedents and promptings for this stream of research. Known collectively as “variance decomposition literature,” these studies use variance decomposition techniques to partition firm performance into various classes of effects in a bid to unveil the relative importance of factors responsible for firm performance variance.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of papers published in SCOPUS and institute for scientific information indexed journals was conducted.

Findings

The study found that firm, industry, corporate, business group and country effects are the major effects included in most extant studies. However, of all effects, firm effects remain the dominant and most important impact on firm performance. The effects that affect firm performance are also interdependent.

Practical implications

Consequently, the decisions of managers in firms are still the most important element in helping the firm to navigate industry and contextual factors, especially during periods of recession.

Originality/value

From the review, research gaps were identified and suggestions for future research provided. There is still much to learn from variance decomposition literature in an age of new business models, unprecedented start-up firms and from developing and emerging market countries.
Effects of long‐term ethanol ingestion on hepatic iron metabolism in two mouse strains
Authors: Bloomer Steven A. , Broadhurst Kimberly A. , Maleah Mathahs M. , Brown Kyle E.
Published: December 2020

The mechanisms responsible for dysregulation of iron metabolism in response to ethanol ingestion are poorly understood. Relatively brief ethanol exposures in rodents are associated with reduced hepatic hepcidin expression without increases in hepatic iron content. This study evaluated the effects of long‐term ethanol treatment on hepatic iron metabolism in two mouse strains. Ethanol was administered in the drinking water to C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice for up to 11 months. Hepatic histology and iron concentrations (HIC) were assessed, along with expression of relevant genes and proteins by real‐time RT‐PCR and western blot, respectively. The livers of ethanol‐consuming mice of both strains showed mild steatosis without inflammation or fibrosis. Stainable hepatocyte iron was modestly increased in both strains ingesting ethanol, although hepatic iron concentrations were significantly higher only in C57BL/6 mice. Long‐term ethanol did not affect hepcidin mRNA (Hamp1 or Hamp2) in either strain, nor was the expression of several oxidative stress‐responsive genes (glutamate cysteine ligase, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, heme oxygenase‐1 and growth differentiation factor 15) altered in response to ethanol, suggesting that oxidative stress and suppression of hepcidin expression in short‐term ethanol feeding models may be transient phenomena that resolve as mice adapt to ethanol exposure. This murine model of chronic ethanol ingestion demonstrates modest increases in hepatic iron without changes in hepcidin expression, markers of oxidative stress or significant histologic liver injury. Further investigations are needed to characterize the mechanisms of dysregulated iron metabolism resulting from chronic ethanol ingestion.
Understanding the complexities of unexplained stillbirth in sub‐Saharan Africa: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Bedwell C , Blaikie K , Actis Danna V , Sutton C , Laisser R , Tembo Kasengele C , Wakasiaka S , Victor S , Lavender T
Published: December 2020

Objective

To understand the complexities surrounding unexplained stillbirth for the development and implementation of culturally acceptable interventions to underpin care in Tanzania and Zambia.

Design

Mixed‐methods study.

Setting

Tertiary, secondary and primary care facilities in Mansa, Zambia, and Mwanza, Tanzania.

Sample

Quantitative: 1997 women giving birth at two tertiary care facilities (one in each country). Qualitative: 48 women and 19 partners from tertiary, secondary and primary care facilities.

Methods

Case review using data from a target of 2000 consecutive case records. Qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of women and partners, using a grounded theory approach.

Results

A total of 261 stillbirths were recorded, with a rate of 16% in Tanzania and 10% in Zambia, which is higher than the previous estimates of 2.24 and 2.09%, respectively, for those countries. Women in both countries who reported a previous stillbirth were more likely to have stillbirth (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.23–2.81). The cause of death was unexplained in 28% of cases. Qualitative findings indicated that not knowing what caused the baby to be stillborn prevented women from grieving. This was compounded by the poor communication skills of health professionals, who displayed little empathy and skill when counselling bereaved families.

Conclusions

The stillbirth risk in both facilities was far higher than the risk recorded from national data, with women reporting a previous stillbirth being at higher risk. Women want to know the cause of stillbirth and an exploration of appropriate investigations in this setting is required. Providing health professionals with support and continuing training is key to improving the experiences of women and future care.

Tweetable abstract

Stillbirths receive little investigation and are often unexplained. Communication with women about the death of their baby is limited.
Concordance testing between Powerplex ESI 16 Fast System and VeriFiler Express
Authors: Schayek Hagit , Waiskopf Ortal , Rashkovski Ksenia , Amiel Merav , Wolf Ehud , Avlas Orna
Published: December 2020

DNA profiles generated by different STR kits may show different alleles for identical amplified loci. This well‐known phenomenon affects the smooth transition of data generated by new STR kits to a database or casework laboratory or cross‐laboratory comparison of STR profiles. As in other DNA databases throughout the world, it has become clear that the number of the analyzed loci should be expanded for a variety of reasons, such as partial profiles resulting from low copy‐number DNA template or degraded samples, working with mixtures or when prevalence of familial inbreeding. In the course of introducing a new STR kit, VeriFiler™ Express (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA), we compared genotyping data of 1568 samples amplified by the VeriFiler™ Express with the data generated on the same samples by the Powerplex™ ESI FAST (Promega, Madison WI, USA) kit. Discordance was noted in 20 samples (1.27%), 14 (0.89%) of them showing allele dropout mismatch and six (0.38%) showing an additional fixed‐size third allele. These rates are well above the reported rates of 0.4% for this kit. Since correct genotyping and accurate consistent allele assignment is of paramount importance, it seems timely to recommend for DNA laboratories and genetic‐match search systems to take these possible inconsistencies into account.
Identification of candidate odorant‐degrading enzyme genes in the antennal transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis
Authors: Kang Zhi‐Wei , Liu Fang‐Hua , Xu Yong‐Yu , Cheng Jia‐Hui , Lin Xiao‐Li , Jing Xiang‐Feng , Tian Hong‐Gang , Liu Tong‐Xian
Published: December 2020

Odorant‐degrading enzymes (ODEs) have been found in insect antennae and play a critical role in signal chemical degradation once the message is conveyed. Significant progress has been made in characterizing ODEs in a variety of pests but very little is known in their natural enemies. We have carried out an antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome of Aphidius gifuensis, a natural enemy of aphid, to identify the candidate ODEs. Based on the antennae‐ and sex‐specific transcriptome, a total of 100 putative ODEs were identified including one aldehyde oxidase (AOX), four alcohol dehydrogenases (ADs), eight UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), 45 cytochrome P450 (P450s), nine glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and 40 carboxylesterases (CCEs or CXEs). Additionally, we used RT‐qPCR to determine the expression profiles of these genes in tissues of both sexes. Based on the phylogenic analysis and tissue‐expression patterns, AgifEstE4, AgifCXE3, AgifCCE4, AgifCCE7, and AgifCCE18 were suggested as key ODEs in A. gifuensis. In addition, the female or male specifically enriched genes, such as AgifCCE17, AgifEstB1, AgifCYP18a1, AgifUGT2C2, were also considered to involve in the chemosensory processing in A. gifuensis. This study not only identified the candidate ODEs in A. gifuensis but also provided source for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms of chemical signal transductions in A. gifuensis, as well as other hymenopteran species.