bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of an Extreme Flood Event on Streambank Retreat: Cedar River, Nebraska, USA
Authors: Dave Naisargi , Mittelstet Aaron , Korus Jesse , Waszgis Michele
Published: February 2020

The 2010 dam breach and consequent anomalous flood event on the Cedar River in Nebraska, USA provided an opportunity to study the following objectives: (1) evaluate the impact of an extreme flood event on streambank retreat along a 45 km stretch relative to the average annual retreat; (2) quantify the changes in streambank retreat for each km segment downstream of the breach; and (3) examine the influence of riparian vegetation and radius of curvature on meander bank erosion rate. During the hydrologic event, discharge peaked at nearly three times greater than the next highest recorded rate and equated to a return period of 2,000 years. Aerial images and ArcGIS were utilized to calculate the average annual streambank retreat for each year during the preflood (2006–2010), flood (2010), and postflood (2010–2016) periods. The 2010 flood period had a significantly higher average annual streambank retreat of 2,820 m2/km/yr than the preflood and postflood periods, which, respectively, measured 576 and 384 m2/km/yr. From 2006 to 2016, 29% of all streambank erosion was from this one extreme flood event, thus demonstrating the impact that one extreme flood event can have on streambank retreat and the geomorphology of a stream system.
To Infuse or Ingest in Human Laboratory Alcohol Research
Authors: Cyders Melissa A. , Plawecki Martin H. , Corbin William , King Andrea , McCarthy Denis M. , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Weafer Jessica , O'Connor Sean J.
Published: February 2020

Human alcohol laboratory studies use two routes of alcohol administration: ingestion and infusion. The goal of this paper was to compare and contrast these alcohol administration methods. The work summarized in this report was the basis of a 2019 Research Society on Alcoholism Roundtable, “To Ingest or Infuse: A Comparison of Oral and Intravenous Alcohol Administration Methods for Human Alcohol Laboratory Designs.” We review the methodological approaches of each and highlight strengths and weaknesses pertaining to different research questions. We summarize methodological considerations to aid researchers in choosing the most appropriate method for their inquiry, considering exposure variability, alcohol expectancy effects, safety, bandwidth, technical skills, documentation of alcohol exposure, experimental variety, ecological validity, and cost. Ingestion of alcohol remains a common and often a preferable, methodological practice in alcohol research. Nonetheless, the main problem with ingestion is that even the most careful calculation of dose and control of dosing procedures yields substantial and uncontrollable variability in the participants' brain exposures to alcohol. Infusion methodologies provide precise exposure control but are technically complex and may be limited in ecological validity. We suggest that alcohol ingestion research may not be the same thing as alcohol exposure research; investigators should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages that the choice between ingestion and infusion of alcohol invokes.
Regulation of miR‐128 in the nucleus accumbens affects methamphetamine‐induced behavioral sensitization by modulating proteins involved in neuroplasticity
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Zhu Li , Su Hang , Liu Dan , Yan Zhilan , Ni Tong , Wei Han , Goh Eyleen L.K. , Chen Teng
Published: February 2020

Methamphetamine (METH) ‐induced behavioral sensitization depends on long‐term neuroplasticity in the mesolimbic dopamine system, especially in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). miR‐128, a brain enriched miRNA, was found to have abilities in regulating neuronal excitability and formation of fear‐extinction memory. Here, we aim to identify the role of miR‐128 on METH‐induced locomotor sensitization of male mice. We identified a significant increase of miR‐128 in the NAc of mice upon repeated‐intermittent METH exposure but not acute METH administration. Microinjection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐miR‐128 over‐expression and inhibition constructs into the NAc of mice resulted in enhanced METH‐induced locomotor sensitization and attenuated effects of METH respectively. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were carried out to uncover the potential molecular mechanisms underlying miR‐128‐regulated METH sensitization. Differentially expressed proteins, including 25 potential targets for miR‐128 were annotated in regulatory pathways that modulate dendritic spines, synaptic transmission and neuritogenesis. Of which, Arf6, Cpeb3 and Nlgn1, were found to be participating in miR‐128‐regulated METH sensitization. Consistently, METH‐induced abnormal changes of Arf6, Cpeb3 and Nlgn1 in the NAc of mice were also detected by qPCR and validated by western blot analysis. Thus, miR‐128 may contribute to METH sensitization through controlling neuroplasticity. Our study suggested miR‐128 was an important regulator of METH‐ induced sensitization and also provided the potential molecular networks of miR‐128 in regulating METH‐induced sensitization.
Heroin‐induced respiratory depression and the influence of dose variation: within‐subject between‐session changes following dose reduction
Authors: Tas Basak , Jolley Caroline J. , Kalk Nicola J. , van der Waal Rob , Bell James , Strang John
Published: February 2020

Background and aims

Globally, more than 100 000 people die annually from opioid overdose. Opportunities to study physiological events in at‐risk individuals are limited. This study examined variation of opioid dose and impact on respiratory depression in a chronic injecting heroin user at separate time‐points during his long‐term diamorphine maintenance treatment.

Design

A single‐subject study over 5 years during which participant underwent experimental studies on diamorphine‐induced respiratory depression, at changing maintenance doses.

Setting

A clinical research facility.

Participant

Male subject on long‐term injectable diamorphine (pharmaceutical heroin) maintenance treatment for heroin addiction.

Measurements

Physiological measures of oxygen saturation (SpO2), end‐tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and respiratory rate (RR) were used to indicate severity of respiratory depression.

Findings

(1) After diamorphine injection, respiratory regulation became abnormal, with prolonged apnoea exceeding 20 sec (maximum 56 sec), elevated ETCO2 (maximum 6.9%) and hypoxaemia (minimum SpO2 80%). (2) Abnormalities were greater with highest diamorphine dose: average SpO2 was 89.3% after 100 mg diamorphine versus 93.6% and 92.8% for the two 30‐mg doses. (3) However, long apnoeic pauses and high levels of ETCO2% were also present after lower doses.

Conclusions

With marked inter‐session variability, these findings corroborate observations of inconsistent relationships between opioid dose and overdose risk.
Late‐onset hypogonadism: Prostate safety
Authors: Miranda Eduardo P. , Torres Luiz Otávio
Published: February 2020

Background

There have always been concerns regarding testosterone replacement therapy and prostate safety because of the central role of testosterone in prostate tissue. Even though there is a body of evidence supporting that the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy outbalance the risks of prostate disease, this matter is still debatable and represents a common concern among testosterone prescribers.

Objectives

The aim of this article was to review the influence of testosterone on prostate pathophysiology and discuss the potential impact of testosterone replacement therapy on the most common prostate pathologies, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Materials and Methods

We have performed an extensive PubMed review of the literature examining the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the prostate and its most common affections, especially in terms of safety.

Results

Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to improve components of metabolic syndrome and decrease prostate inflammation, which is related to the worsening of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Studies evaluating the link between testosterone replacement therapy and benign prostatic hyperplasia/LUTS have mostly demonstrated no change in symptom scores and even some benefits. There are a significant number of studies demonstrating the safety of testosterone replacement therapy in individuals with late‐onset hypogonadism and a history of prostate cancer. The most recently published guidelines have already acknowledged this fact and do not recommend against T treatment in this population, particularly in non–high‐risk disease.

Conclusion

Testosterone replacement therapy could be considered for most men with late‐onset hypogonadism regardless of their history of prostate disease. However, a discussion about the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy is always advised, especially in men with prostate cancer. Appropriate monitoring is mandatory.
Health costs of post‐operative complications following rectal resection: a systematic review
Authors: Johnston Samuel , Louis Maleck , Churilov Leonid , Ma Ronald , Christophi Christopher , Weinberg Laurence
Published: February 2020

Background

Post‐operative complications following rectal resection pose significant health and cost implications for patients and health providers. The objective of this study is to review the associated cost of complications following rectal resection. This included reporting on the proportion and severity of these complications, associated length of stay and surgical technique used. Studies were sourced from Embase OVID, MEDLINE OVID (ALL) and Cochrane Library databases by utilizing a search strategy.

Methods

This search contained studies from 1 January 2010 until 13 February 2019. Studies were included from the year 2010 to account for the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Studies that reported the financial cost associated with complications were included. Any indication for rectal resection was considered. Data was extracted into a formatted table and a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

We identified 13 eligible studies for inclusion. There was strong evidence to suggest that complications are associated with increased costs. There was considerable variation as to the costs attributable to complications ($1443 (P < 0.001) to $17 831 (P < 0.0012), n = 12). The presence of complications was associated with an increased length of stay (5.54 (P‐value not given) to 21.04 (P < 0.0001) days, n = 7). There was significant variation in the proportion of complications (6.41 to 64.71%, n = 8). Weak evidence existed around surgical technique used and the associated cost of complications. There was considerable heterogeneity among included studies.

Conclusions

Complications following rectal resection increased health costs. Costs should be standardized and provide a clear methodology for their calculation. Complications should be standardized and include a grading of severity.
Regulation of integrin α6A by lactogenic hormones in rat pancreatic β‐cells: Implications for the physiological adaptation to pregnancy
Authors: Møldrup Annette , Lindberg Martin Nerup , Galsgaard Elisabeth D. , Henriksen Ulrik , Dalgaard Louise T. , Nielsen Jens Høiriis
Published: February 2020

Aim

During pregnancy, the maternal β‐cell mass is increased in order to adapt to the physiological changes in insulin demand. Lactogenic hormones stimulate rodent β‐cell attachment and proliferation in vitro. The aim of this study was to identify adhesion molecules involved in expansion of the β‐cell mass during pregnancy in the rat.

Methods

Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to evaluate the expression of several integrins and laminins in isolated neonatal rat islets in response to growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) treatment. Double‐immunofluorescence staining of rat pancreas was used to localize the expression of integrin α6β1. β‐cell proliferation was evaluated by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The role of STAT5 phosphorylation was tested by addition of STAT5 mutants.

Results

We found that the mRNA level of integrin‐α6A, was upregulated 2.5‐fold by PRL or GH. During pregnancy, a biphasic 3.4‐4.5‐fold increase of integrin‐α6A and B mRNA levels was detected. A disintegrin peptide (DP) reduced the hormone‐stimulated mitotic activity in neonatal rat β‐cells from 2.9 ± 0.4‐fold to 1.3 ± 0.3‐fold. The hormone‐induced expression of α6β1 integrin was shown to be mediated via STAT5 as a dominant negative (DN) mutant prevented and a constitutive active (CA) mutant augmented the hGH‐stimulated expression. The DP was found to inhibit hGH‐induced transactivation of the PRL receptor promoter 1A and reduce the hGH‐induced phosphorylation of STAT5.

Conclusion

These results show that integrin‐α6 in β‐cells is upregulated by lactogenic hormones and is required but not sufficient for the expansion of the β‐cell mass in pregnancy in the rat, which may have implications for the understanding and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Prospective serial diagnostic study: the effects of position and provocative tests on the diagnosis of oesophageal motility disorders by high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Misselwitz Benjamin , Hollenstein Michael , Bütikofer Simon , Ang Daphne , Heinrich Henriette , Fox Mark
Published: February 2020

Background

Standard high‐resolution manometry (HRM) protocols are based on 10 single water swallows acquired in the supine position.

Aims

To assess the impact of position, rapid drink challenge and solid test meal on the diagnosis of oesophageal motility disorders.

Methods

Seventy‐two healthy volunteers (20‐76 years) and 366 consecutive patients (18‐90 years) completed HRM with 10 single water swallows in the supine and upright positions. Rapid drink challenge was performed twice, before and after the solid test meal. Diagnosis based on single water swallows in the supine position (Chicago Classification v3.0) was compared with results in the upright position and with provocative tests.

Results

Overall, diagnostic agreement in the supine and upright positions was present in 296/438 (67.6%) subjects. This increased to 90.0% when ineffective oesophageal motility was considered with normal motility. Integrated relaxation pressure was 4 mm Hg higher in the supine position. There was a higher prevalence of inconsistent, likely false positive, diagnoses of outlet obstruction in the supine compared to the upright position (16/20 vs 1/4 patients, P = 0.0007). Similarly, the difference in concordance for the diagnosis of oesophago‐gastric junction obstruction or achalasia between single water swallows in the supine and upright positions with solid test meal was significant (12/29 (41.4%) vs 12/14 (85.7%), P = 0.0087).

Conclusion

Diagnostic agreement for oesophageal motility disorders based on single water swallows in the upright and supine positions was moderate, with frequent discordant findings for ineffective motility and outlet obstruction. HRM studies can be performed in either position, using appropriate reference values. Rapid drink challenge or solid test meal can resolve diagnostic discrepancies.
Energy balance in lactating goats: Response to mixture of conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Granados‐Rivera Lorenzo D. , Hernández‐Mendo Omar , Maldonado‐Jáquez Jorge A.
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the energy balance in early lactating local goats when supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid. Fifteen local goats from the north‐east of Mexico were used. Three treatments were evaluated: (a) Control (Base diet); (b) CLA 50 g; and (c) CLA 90 g. The CLA was a mixture of micro‐encapsulated FA, which supplied c9, t11 and t10, c12. Goats had an adaptation period of 2 weeks and 7 experimental weeks. The variables evaluated were body weight, DMI, milk yield, and fat, protein, and lactose yield, FA milk profile, and energy balance. The analysis of the data was analyzed as repeated measures using the PROC MIXED procedure and Tukey test (p < .05). In milk of goats from the treatment 90 g of the isomer t10, c12 CLA (p < .05) the milk fat content and milk fat yield with respect to the control treatment were reduced and the energy balance was improved. In goats treated with 11 g of t10, c12 CLA increased (p < .05) milk yield and milk lactose content. These results suggest that energy not used to synthesize dairy fat was used to increase milk yield and improve energy balance.
Development of a structured clinical pharmacology review for specialist support for management of complex polypharmacy in primary care
Authors: Threapleton Christopher J.D. , Kimpton James E. , Carey Iain M. , DeWilde Stephen , Cook Derek G. , Harris Tess , Baker Emma H.
Published: February 2020

Aims

Polypharmacy is widespread and associated with medication‐related harms, including adverse drug reactions, medication errors and poor treatment adherence. General practitioners and pharmacists cite limited time and training to perform effective medication reviews for patients with complex polypharmacy, yet no specialist referral mechanism exists. To develop a structured framework for specialist review of primary care patients with complex polypharmacy.

Methods

We developed the clinical pharmacology structured review (CPSR) and stopping by indication tool (SBIT). We tested these in an age‐sex stratified sample of 100 people with polypharmacy aged 65–84 years from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, an anonymised primary care database. Simulated medication reviews based on electronic records using the CPSR and SBIT were performed. We recommended medication changes or review to optimise treatment benefits, reduce risk of harm or reduce treatment burden.

Results

Recommendations were made for all patients, for almost half (4.8 ± 2.4) of existing medicines (9.8 ± 3.1), most commonly stopping a drug (1.7 ± 1.3/patient) or reviewing with the patient (1.4 ± 1.2/patient). At least 1 new medicine (0.7 ± 0.9) was recommended for 51% patients. Recommendations predominantly aimed to reduce harm (44%). There was no relationship between number of recommendations made and time since last primary care medication review. We identified a core set of clinical information and investigations (polypharmacy workup) that could inform a standard screen prior to specialist review.

Conclusion

The CPSR, SBIT and polypharmacy workup could form the basis of a specialist review for patients with complex polypharmacy. Further research is needed to test this approach in patients in general practice.
Pharmacology and physiological function of the orphan GPRC6A receptor
Authors: Jørgensen Christinna V. , Bräuner‐Osborne Hans
Published: February 2020

The G protein‐coupled receptor GPRC6A (GPCR, Class C, group 6, subtype A) is a Gq/11‐coupled receptor widely expressed in human and rodent tissues. The proposed endogenous ligands are L‐amino acids, divalent cations, osteocalcin and testosterone. This MiniReview provides an updated overview of the literature including the latest in vitro and in vivo studies. GPRC6A forms homodimers, it undergoes constitutive internalization, and very interestingly, the reason for the intracellular retention of the human receptor has been revealed. Multiple physiological functions of GPRC6A have been suggested based on studies using three different global GPRC6A knockout (KO) mouse models where exon II, exon VI or the full locus has been deleted. The newest studies on the full locus GPRC6A KO model show intact glucose and bone homoeostasis with a minor reduction in serum osteocalcin levels. Unfortunately, the physiological function of the receptor remains elusive due to a general lack of consensus/validation of reported phenotypes of the different KO models, and more research is thus warranted to uncover the physiological function. Recent discoveries of human genetic variants that cause either a premature stop codon or an intracellular retention of the receptor point towards human population studies as the preferred approach to continue studies on the function of GPRC6A.
Interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 inhibitor interrupts toll‐like receptor signalling and sensitizes chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells to apoptosis
Authors: Delvecchio Vincenza Simona , Sana Ilenia , Mantione Maria Elena , Vilia Maria Giovanna , Ranghetti Pamela , Rovida Alessandra , Angelillo Piera , Scarfò Lydia , Ghia Paolo , Muzio Marta
Published: February 2020

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells are strongly influenced by microenvironmental signals through the activation of distinct membrane receptors including the B‐cell receptor and toll‐like receptors (TLR). Recapitulating TLR stimulation in vitro by treating CLL cells with the TLR9 ligand CpG can induce metabolic activation and protection from apoptosis. We hypothesized that interfering with TLR signalling may be beneficial for treating CLL, and we tested in preclinical studies the effect of a specific interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) inhibitory small molecule on primary leukaemic cells isolated from the peripheral blood of patients. We observed that IRAK4, an upstream kinase of the TLR pathway, is expressed in patients with CLL, and lower IRAK4 mRNA levels associate with a better outcome. The specific IRAK4 inhibitor disrupted TLR signalling as assessed by reduction of the specific biomarkers NFKBIZ and interleukin‐6 mRNAs, and restrained the protective effect of in vitro TLR stimulation on cell viability. To note, IRAK4 inhibitor induced p53 and triggered apoptosis. Co‐treatment of CLL cells with increasing concentrations of IRAK4i and the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib demonstrated a synergistic effect. Our results suggest that targetting IRAK4 may represent a novel approach in CLL and may be combined with other signalling inhibitors.
Prospective, real‐time monitoring of pegylated Escherichia coli and Erwinia asparaginase therapy in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Belgium
Authors: Mondelaers Veerle , Ferster Alina , Uyttebroeck Anne , Brichard Bénédicte , van der Werff ten Bosch Jutte , Norga Koenraad , Francotte Nadine , Piette Caroline , Vandemeulebroecke Katrien , Verbeke Charlotte , Schmidt Susanne , Benoit Yves , Lammens Tim , De Moerloose Barbara
Published: February 2020

Asparaginase (ASNase) is an important anti‐leukaemic drug in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A substantial proportion of patients develop hypersensitivity reactions with anti‐ASNase neutralising antibodies, resulting in allergic reactions or silent inactivation (SI), and characterised by inactivation and rapid clearance of ASNase. We report results of a prospective, real‐time therapeutic drug monitoring of pegylated Escherichia coli (PEG‐)ASNase and Erwinia ASNase in children treated for ALL and NHL in Belgium. Erwinia ASNase was given as second‐line after hypersensitivity to PEG‐ASNase. In total, 286 children were enrolled in the PEG‐ASNase cohort. Allergy was seen in 11·2% and SI in 5·2% of patients. Of the 42 patients treated with Erwinia ASNase, 7·1% experienced allergy and 2·4% SI. The median trough PEG‐ASNase activity was high in all patients without hypersensitivity. After Erwinia administration significantly more day 3 samples had activities <100 IU/l (62·5% vs. 10% at day 2 (D2)). The median D2 activity was significantly higher for intramuscular (IM; 347 IU/l) than for intravenous Erwinia administrations (159 IU/l). This prospective, multicentre study shows that monitoring of ASNase activity during treatment of children with ALL and NHL is feasible and informative. Treatment with Erwinia ASNase warrants close monitoring and optimally adherence to a 2‐day interval of IM administrations.
Can we disregard the whole model? Omnibus non‐inferiority testing for R2 in multi‐variable linear regression and in ANOVA
Authors: Campbell Harlan , Lakens Daniël
Published: February 2020

Determining a lack of association between an outcome variable and a number of different explanatory variables is frequently necessary in order to disregard a proposed model (i.e., to confirm the lack of a meaningful association between an outcome and predictors). Despite this, the literature rarely offers information about, or technical recommendations concerning, the appropriate statistical methodology to be used to accomplish this task. This paper introduces non‐inferiority tests for ANOVA and linear regression analyses, which correspond to the standard widely used F test for

and R2, respectively. A simulation study is conducted to examine the Type I error rates and statistical power of the tests, and a comparison is made with an alternative Bayesian testing approach. The results indicate that the proposed non‐inferiority test is a potentially useful tool for ‘testing the null’.
Gene expression profiling of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Arai Ayako , Takase Hiroshi , Yoshimori Mayumi , Yamamoto Kouhei , Mochizuki Manabu , Miura Osamu
Published: February 2020

The characteristics of tumor cells of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) have not been defined, although researches have shown that most cases are of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To determine the subtype and biological characteristics of tumor cells of PVRL, we performed a gene expression profiling analysis. RNA was extracted from the vitreous fluid of 7 PVRL patients and from nodal samples of 10 DLBCL patients: 6 of germinal center B‐cell (GCB) type and 4 of activated B‐cell (ABC) type determined by Hans’ criteria. Six PVRL samples showed gene expression profiles that were similar to each other. The patterns were different from those of the ABC‐type nodular DLBCL but relatively close to those of the GCB‐type nodular DLBCL. Interestingly, all of the 6 examined PVRL samples had either MYD88L265P or mutation in the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motif (ITAM) region of CD79B. Five PVRL patients with similar gene expression profiles were treated with a standardized regimen: intravitreal administration of methotrexate (MTX) followed by six courses of systemic high doses of MTX. As a result, 2 patients had CD79B mutations and showed early central nervous system (CNS) progression. Patients without CNS progression did not have this mutation. In conclusion, PVRL had unique genetic features: an expression pattern different from ABC‐type and relatively close to GCB‐type DLBCL. CD79B mutations showed potential to serve as prognostic markers for CNS progression.
STIM1 knock-down decreases the affinity of obinutuzumab for CD20 by altering CD20 localization to Triton-soluble membrane
Authors: Heo W , Jin N , Park M S , Kim H-Y , Yoon S M , Lee J , Kim J Y
Published: February 2020

Obinutuzumab is thought to exert its effects through its high antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) via glyco-engineering of the Fc region. In addition, obinutuzumab causes direct binding-induced cell death (DCD) only by specifically binding to its target CD20, a Ca2+ channel. However, the specific features of CD20 related to obinutuzumab binding-induction of cell death are not clearly understood. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the Ca2+ channel features of CD20 as a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) and obinutuzumab binding-induced cell death. Ca2+ channel function and biochemical analysis revealed that CD20 is an Orai1- and stromal interaction molecule (STIM1)-dependent Ca2+ pore. However, binding of obinutuzumab on CD20 did not have any effect on Ca2+ influx activity of CD20; the direct cell death rate mediated by obinutuzumab binding was almost equivalent with or without the extracellular Ca2+ condition. Given the apparent interaction between STIM1 and CD20, we observed Triton-X solubilized obinutuzumab-bound CD20 accompanied by STIM1. Subsequently, obinutuzumab binding and cell death were decreased by STIM1 knock-down in Ramos B cells. Thus, STIM1 directly contributes to cell death by increasing the affinity of cells for obinutuzumab by transferring CD20 to the Triton-soluble membrane region.
The nature and culture of social work with children and families in long‐term casework: Findings from a qualitative longitudinal study
Authors: Ferguson Harry , Warwick Lisa , Cooner Tarsem Singh , Leigh Jadwiga , Beddoe Liz , Disney Tom , Plumridge Gillian
Published: February 2020

Social work in the United Kingdom is preoccupied with what social workers cannot do due to having limited time to spend with service users. Yet remarkably little research has examined what social workers actually do, especially in long‐term relationships. This paper draws from an ethnographic study of two social work departments in England that spent 15 months observing practice and organizational life. Our findings show that social work some of the time has a significant amount of involvement with some service users and the dominant view that relationship‐based practice is rarely achieved is in need of some revision. However, families at one research site received a much more substantial, reliable overall service due to the additional input of family support workers and having a stable workforce who had their own desks and were co‐located with managers in small team offices. This generated a much more supportive, reflective culture for social workers and service users than at the second site, a large open plan “hot‐desking” office. Drawing on relational, systemic, and complexity theories, the paper shows how the nature of what social workers do and culture of practice are shaped by the interaction between available services, office designs, and practitioners', managers', and service users' experiences of relating together.
Colorectal anastomosis after laparoscopic extended left colectomy: techniques and outcome
Authors: Chen Y.‐C. , Fingerhut A. , Shen M.‐Y. , Chen H.‐C. , Ke T.‐W. , Chang S.‐J. , Tsai Y.‐Y. , Wang H.‐M. , Chen W. T.‐L.
Published: February 2020

Aim

After extended left colectomy, traditional colorectal anastomosis is often not feasible because of insufficient length of the remaining colon to perform a tension‐free anastomosis. Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis could be an alternative but this can lead to unsatisfactory quality of life. Trans‐mesenteric colorectal anastomosis or inverted right colonic transposition (the so‐called Deloyers procedure) are two possible solutions for creating a tension‐free colorectal anastomosis after extended left colectomy. Few studies have reported their results of these two techniques and mostly via laparotomy. The aim of this study was to describe the trans‐mesenteric colorectal anastomosis and the inverted right colonic transposition procedure via a laparoscopic approach and report the outcome in a series of 13 consecutive patients.

Method

This was retrospective chart review of laparoscopic colorectal surgery with trans‐mesenteric colorectal anastomosis or the inverted right colonic transposition procedure from January 2015 up to 2019. An accompanying video demonstrates these two techniques.

Results

Thirteen consecutive patients underwent either a laparoscopic trans‐mesenteric colorectal anastomosis (n = 9) or an inverted right colonic transposition procedure (n = 4). One patient had intra‐operative presacral bleeding that was stopped successfully without conversion. Two patients had a postoperative intra‐abdominal abscess, but no anastomotic complications were recorded. The median number of bowel movements per day after 6 months was 2 (range 2–5).

Conclusions

Trans‐mesenteric colorectal anastomosis or the inverted right colonic transposition procedure is feasible laparoscopically. The now well‐established classical advantages of the laparoscopic approach are associated with good functional outcome after these procedures.
Improving quality‐of‐service in fog computing through efficient resource allocation
Authors: Mani Sathish Kumar , Meenakshisundaram Iyapparaja
Published: February 2020

In today's world, large group migration of applications to the fog computing is registered in the information technology world. The main issue in fog computing is providing enhanced quality of service (QoS). QoS management consists of various method used for allocating fog‐user applications in the virtual environment and selecting suitable method for allocating virtual resources to physical resource. The resources allocation in effective manner in the fog environment is also a major problem in fog computing; it occurs when the infrastructure is build using light‐weight computing devices. In this article, the allocation of task and placement of virtual machine problems is explained in the single fog computing environment. The experiment is done and the result shows that the proposed framework improves QoS in fog environment.
Test–retest reliability of physical fitness tests among young athletes: The FITescola® battery
Authors: Henriques‐Neto Duarte , Minderico Cláudia , Peralta Miguel , Marques Adilson , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: February 2020

Monitoring physical fitness in young athletes is essential to improve physical performance, identify talents and develop injury prevention programs. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the reliability of the physical fitness tests from the FITescola® battery in young athletes with different sports backgrounds and competition levels. Participants comprised of 138 young athletes (boys n = 92) aged 9 and 18 years old. Eight physical fitness tests assessing six components of physical fitness were performed: cardiorespiratory fitness (PACER); upper body muscular fitness (push‐up); flexibility (sit and reach); lower‐body muscular fitness (horizontal and vertical jump); agility (4 × 10 shuttle run); and speed (sprint at 20 m and 40 m). Each test was performed twice, with a one‐week interval (7 days) between duplicate tests. No differences between duplicate tests were found (p > .05), except for the speed at 20 m in boys (p < .001) and speed at 40 m in girls (p = .006). The battery of tests had good or excellent reliability and concordance of the ICC between the two trials (ICC ≥ 0.75) with exception for the 20 m speed run in girls that presented moderate reliability (ICC = 0.57). The Bland–Altman plots showed high reliability for all the fitness tests for both sexes. Hence, The FITescola® battery may be a novel tool to assess the physical fitness of large groups of young athletes from different sports backgrounds.
Understanding motivations for large US cannabis firms' participation in the cannabis space: Qualitative study exploring views of key decision‐makers
Authors: Kumar Navin , Puljević Cheneal , Heimer Robert
Published: February 2020

Introduction and Aims

Large for‐profit firms supply the majority of US state‐legal cannabis stores and some firms have attempted to shape cannabis‐related policies. Understanding firms' motivations for participation in the cannabis space is critical, given firms' possible links to cannabis usage patterns. Key decision‐makers (KDM) in the cannabis space may have information unavailable to lower ranking staff, and may influence firm decision‐making and consequently US cannabis usage practises. We present the findings of a qualitative study investigating the views of KDMs in the cannabis market, on large cannabis firms' motivations for participation in the space.

Design and Methods

Data were collected through 37 semi‐structured interviews with a convenience sample of KDMs in the US cannabis space, representing both for‐profit and non‐profit organisations. Thematic analysis, with an inductive approach, was used to analyse the data.

Results

KDMs reported three non‐exclusive motivations for large cannabis firms' participation in the space; to seek profit, to mitigate social inequity and to provide cannabis as medicine. Within the theme relating to profit, findings suggest that for‐profit and non‐profit organisations in the space may be cognisant of the other's goals, representing a symbiotic relationship.

Discussion and Conclusions

We suggest that firms may have reasons to enter the space not necessarily centred on increasing use. Although non‐profits and for‐profits have different agendas, the bottom line for both groups is to expand access. Policy‐makers should be aware of that fact, and set policies which consider the two groups as a unified whole.
Children's understanding of habitual behaviour
Authors: Goldwater Micah B. , Gershman Samuel J. , Moul Caroline , Ludowici Charles , Burton Amy , Killer Brittany , Kuhnert Rebecca‐Lee , Ridgway Kate
Published: February 2020

Research into the development of Theory of Mind (ToM) has shown how children from a very early age infer other people's goals. However, human behaviour is sometimes driven not by plans to achieve goals, but by habits, which are formed over long periods of reinforcement. Habitual and goal‐directed behaviours are often aligned with one another but can diverge when the optimal behavioural policy changes without being directly reinforced (thus specifically hobbling the habitual learning strategy). Unlike the flexibility of goal‐directed behaviour, rigid habits can cause agents to persist in behaviour that is no longer adaptive. In the current study, all children predict agents will tend to behave consistently with their goals, but between the ages of 5 and 10, children showed an increasing understanding of how habits can cause agents to persistently take suboptimal actions. These findings stand out from the typical way the development of social reasoning is examined, which instead focuses on children's increasing appreciation of how others' beliefs or expectations affect how they will act in service of their goals. The current findings show that children also learn that under certain circumstances, people's actions are suboptimal despite potentially ‘knowing better.’
A silver transformation: Chinese monetary integration in times of political disintegration, 1898–1933†
Authors: Ma Debin , Zhao Liuyan
Published: February 2020

This article provides the first systematic econometric study on the evolution of Chinese silver exchange and monetary regimes during the period 1898–1933. Using high‐quality datasets of monthly and daily prices of silver dollars, we apply the threshold autoregressive models to estimate the silver points between Shanghai and 18 other cities in northern and central China. We find a noticeable improvement in monetary integration between Shanghai and Tianjin from the 1910s, which then spread to other cities in our sample throughout the 1920s and 1930s. We supplement our analysis with new datasets on volumes and costs of silver flows and with an in‐depth historical narrative. This article re‐evaluates the efficiency of the silver regime and China's economic performance in the Republican era.
A native apex predator limits an invasive mesopredator and protects native prey: Tasmanian devils protecting bandicoots from cats
Authors: Cunningham Calum X. , Johnson Christopher N. , Jones Menna E.
Published: February 2020

Apex predators can limit the abundance and behaviour of mesopredators, thereby reducing predation on smaller species. We know less about whether native apex predators are effective in suppressing invasive mesopredators, a major global driver of vertebrate extinctions. We use the severe disease‐induced decline of an apex predator, the Tasmanian devil, as a natural experiment to test whether devils limit abundance of invasive feral cats and in turn protect smaller native prey. Cat abundance was c. 58% higher where devils had declined, which in turn negatively affected a smaller native prey species. Devils had a stronger limiting effect on cats than on a native mesopredator, suggesting apex predators may have stronger suppressive effects on evolutionarily naive species than coevolved species. Our results highlight how disease in one species can affect the broader ecosystem. We show that apex predators not only regulate native species but can also confer resistance to the impacts of invasive populations. Apex predators could therefore be a powerful but underutilised tool to prevent biodiversity loss.
Reconstructing the Self and the City: Wolfgang Koeppen's Rubble FilmBei Betty(1946–1948)
Authors: Sederberg Kathryn
Published: February 2020

This article discusses Wolfgang Koeppen's to date unpublished screenplayBei Betty(ca. 1948) and makes a case for its importance both within Koeppen's oeuvre and as an artifact of postwar German culture that helps us understand the category of theTrümmerfilmas well as the complexity of the “zero hour.” In contrast to other rubble films,Bei Bettyportrays postwar reconstruction (Wiederaufbau) as an ambivalent process, allowing some individuals to “remake” themselves while others remain damaged by the war. This visual narrative thus links physical reconstruction with acts of self‐refashioning in the aftermath of the war, highlighting the political and social stakes of performing a “new” self in response to the Allied occupation. In contrast to Koeppen's novels, full of interior monologue, the screenplay emphasizes the impenetrability of surfaces and performed social selves, the acts of concealment and masquerade that proliferated after the war's end.
The Beauty and Violence ofHorror Vacui: Waiting in Christian Petzold'sTransit(2018)
Authors: Landry Olivia
Published: February 2020

This essay explores Christian Petzold's 2018 filmTransitthrough the lens of waiting. In many ways a condition of our historical present, waiting is frequently perceived and conceptualized by contemporary theorists as an exercise of utter emptiness, entrapment, and submission. A portrait of German refugees in transit in Marseille during World War Two and based on Anna Seghers's 1942 novel by the same name,Transitis attuned to the experience of flight and exile in both the past and the present. But instead of simply offering an experience of transit and waiting fraught with despair and suffering, Petzold's film opens itself up to a reading in line with Siegfried Kracauer's sustained aesthetic conceptualization of waiting and the space of “the anteroom.” This space of the anteroom conceptually resonates with Petzold's own notion of the “transit‐zone” present throughout his films. Kracauer provides the frame to contemplate the wonderous beauty and possibility to be found in the formal elements ofTransit, despite the fact that it is effectively a film about the precarity of waiting that can lead to violence and death. Close analyses of the film's mise‐en‐scène, cinematography, and sound give us access to these affirmative, even utopian, qualities of waiting and show us another side of things.
Information exchange networks at the climate science‐policy interface: Evidence from the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, and Portugal
Authors: Wagner Paul M. , Ylä‐Anttila Tuomas , Gronow Antti , Ocelík Petr , Schmidt Luisa , Delicado Ana
Published: February 2020

Scientifically informed climate policymaking starts with the exchange of credible, salient, and legitimate scientific information between scientists and policymakers. It is therefore important to understand what explains the exchange of scientific information in national climate policymaking processes. This article applies exponential random graph models to network data from the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, and Portugal to investigate which types of organizations are favored sources of scientific information and whether actors obtain scientific information from those with similar beliefs as their own. Results show that scientific organizations are favored sources in all countries, while only in the Czech Republic do actors obtain scientific information from those with similar policy beliefs. These findings suggest that actors involved in climate policymaking mostly look to scientific organizations for information, but that in polarized contexts where there is a presence of influential denialists overcoming biased information exchange is a challenge.
Low body cell mass index in hemodialysis patients: Association with clinical parameters and survival
Authors: Oliveira Telma , Garagarza Cristina , Valente Ana , Caetano Cristina
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Body cell mass (BCM) is a useful nutritional marker and is not affected by changes in the hydration status that commonly occur in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to examine the association between body cell mass index (BCMI) and nutritional parameters, as well as its relationship with long‐term survival in these patients.

Methods

This longitudinal prospective multicenter study followed a cohort of patients in HD for 24 months. The clinical parameters of 2527 patients (mean age 70.3 ± 14.6 years, 55.8% male and mean HD vintage 58 (IQR:33–95) months) were measured and their body composition parameters were assessed by a body composition monitor before the HD session. BCM was converted to BCMI (BCM/height2) and, taking into account the mean value (6.4 ± 2.1 kg/m2), we split our study population into 2 groups: G1 (BCMI <6.4 kg/m2; n = 1366) and G2 (BCMI ≥ 6.4 kg/m2; n = 1161). All statistical tests were performed using SPSS 20.0 software. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Findings

Patients with a BCMI <6.4 kg/m2 displayed higher age (P < 0.001), dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.033), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (P < 0.001), relative overhydration (overhydration/extracellular water [OH/ECW]) (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001), fat tissue index (FTI) (P < 0.001) and lower normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA) (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.001), serum creatinine (P < 0.001), creatinine index (P < 0.001), potassium (P < 0.001), phosphorus (P < 0.001), calcium/phosphorus product (Ca X P) (P < 0.001), lean tissue index (LTI) (P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.046). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed a significantly better survival in female and male patients with BCMI ≥6.4 kg/m2 (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In the cox regression analysis, a significantly higher mortality risk was observed in G1 patients (P = 0.001).

Discussion

Our study showed that a low BCMI was a mortality predictor and was associated with worse nutritional parameters in patients undergoing HD.
Justification within Recapitulation: Irenaeus in Ecumenical Dialogue
Authors: Boersma Hans
Published: February 2020

Justification has a relatively minor place in Irenaeus's thought. He discusses it particularly in his polemics against Gnostic approaches to the Scriptures and to the law. Justification typically serves for Irenaeus within a broader, participatory framework of salvation. When we take these aspects into account, unexpected ecumenical possibilities open up between Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants. One of the most important lessons from Irenaeus's discussion on justification, therefore, is that justification should not be treated as an insulated doctrine. Instead, it is an aspect of participation in Christ's recapitulation and as such serves to uphold and strengthen our deifying union with God in Christ.