bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The learning company: the learning organization the British way – its origins, present, and future directions. An interview with John Burgoyne
Authors: Bogolyubov Pavel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the history, the present and the future or the learning organization as a concept and a practical approach, from the perspective of Professor John Burgoyne.

Design/methodology/approach

This conversation piece follows the development of the concept from its early days into the current debates and the possible directions for future development.

Findings

The interview highlights an interesting path the learning organization took in the UK, stemming from a drive for more and better management education, and evolving into a systemic view on various aspects of organizational capabilities, concerned primarily with organizational longevity and adaptability. The thinking behind Pedler, Burgoyne and Boydell’s model of a learning company is discussed. Several “hot” topics are identified, either overlooked in the past, or becoming more relevant in the modern world, precipitated by technological and societal changes.

Originality/value

The interview provides an insight into the thinking of one of the best known authors in the field. Understanding of the concept’s evolution path, as well as the influences from other fields such as innovation and CSR, could be useful for practitioners and academics working in the subject area, wishing to identify promising future directions for research and practice.
Spatial–temporal dynamics of rainfall erosivity in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil) from remote sensing data
Authors: Moreira Luana Lavagnoli , Novais Rafael Rezende , Schwamback Dimaghi , Carvalho Júnior Salomão Martins de
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The most common methodology to estimate erosivity is using rainfall data obtained from rain monitoring stations. However, the quality of this estimation may be compromised due to low density, operational problems and maintenance cost of rainfall monitoring stations, common problem encountered in developing countries such as Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of pluviometric data obtained by TRMM satellite images for the spatiotemporal characterization of erosivity in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil).

Design/methodology/approach

For this, rainfall data and annual and monthly erosivities of 71 rainfall stations were statistically compared with those from TRMM images.

Findings

For this, rainfall data and annual and monthly erosivities of 71 rainfall stations were statistically compared with those from TRMM images. The estimate proved that TRMM is efficient since the NSE values were higher than 0.70 and the coefficient of determination was higher than 0.77 for monthly and annual erosivities, but in most months and yearly, erosivity was overestimated.

Practical implications

The use of satellite images to estimate rainfall allowed the spatial representation over time (months) of the oscillating degree of erosivity in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil). The spatialization may provide an identification of areas and periods in which are essential for the implementation of land use management in order to minimize environmental problems related to soil loss.

Originality/value

The technique applied may be an alternative to overcome common problems on rainfall monitoring station, such as low density, low data reliability, high manutention and maintenance cost and operational problems.
From structure to function in mutualistic interaction networks: Topologically important frugivores have greater potential as seed dispersers
Authors: Acevedo‐Quintero Juan Fernando , Zamora‐Abrego Joan Gastón , García Daniel
Published: June 2020

Networks of mutualistic interactions between animals and plants are considered a pivotal part of ecological communities. However, mutualistic networks are rarely studied from the perspective of species‐specific roles, and it remains to be established whether those animal species more relevant for network structure also contribute more to the ecological functions derived from interactions.

Here, we relate the contribution to seed dispersal of vertebrate species with their topological role in frugivore–plant interaction networks. For one year in two localities with remnant patches of Colombian tropical dry forest, we sampled abundance, morphology, behaviour and fruit consumption from fleshy‐fruited plants of various frugivore species.

We assessed the network topological role of each frugivore species by integrating their degree of generalization in interactions with plants with their contributions to network nestedness and modularity. We estimated the potential contribution of each frugivore species to community‐wide seed dispersal, on the basis of a set of frugivore ecological, morphological and behavioural characteristics important for seed dispersal, together with frugivore abundance and frugivory degree.

The various frugivore species showed strong differences in their network structural roles, with generalist species contributing the most to network modularity and nestedness. Frugivores also showed strong variability in terms of potential contribution to seed dispersal, depending on the specific combinations of frugivore abundance, frugivory degree and the different traits and behaviours.

For both localities, the seed dispersal potential of a frugivore species responded positively to its contribution to network structure, evidencing that the most important frugivore species in the network topology were also those making the strongest contribution as seed dispersers. Contribution to network structure was correlated with frugivore abundance, diet and behavioural characteristics. This suggests that the species‐level link between structure and function is due to the fact that the occurrence of frugivore–plant interactions depends largely on the characteristics of the frugivore involved, which also condition its ultimate role in seed dispersal.
CANDID DISCUSSIONS ABOUT FIELDWORK: The New Ethnographer pre‐field training workshop
Authors: Wagner Ann
Published: June 2020

In this conference review, the author reviews the first The New Ethnographer (TNE) pre‐fieldwork training workshop for doctoral students that took place over two days at the London School of Economics and Political Science in February 2020. TNE's approach to pre‐fieldwork training runs counter to institutionalized approaches of risk management: it acknowledges fieldwork's inherent messiness and ethnographers’ emotional and embodied entanglements, while inviting participants to rethink the language of ‘risk’ and ‘danger’. TNE's contribution lies in facilitating frank and experimental conversations between early career researchers, first via its digital platform, and now through scenario‐based learning in the classroom.
Fluid Property Discrimination in Dolostone Reservoirs Using Well Logs
Authors: WANG Guiwen , LAI Jin , LIU Bingchang , FAN Zhuoying , LIU Shichen , SHI Yujiang , ZHANG Haitao , CHEN Jing
Published: June 2020

The Ordovician Majiagou Formation is one of the main gas‐producing strata in the Ordos Basin, China. The identification of hydrocarbon‐bearing intervals via conventional well logs is a challenging task. This study describes the litholog of Ma 5 (Member 5 of Majiagou Formation) dolostones, and then analyzes the responses of various conventional well logs to the presences of natural gas. The lithology of the gas bearing layers is dominantly of the dolomicrite to fine to medium crystalline dolomite. Natural gas can be produced from the low resistivity layers, and the dry layers are characterized by high resistivities. Neutron‐density crossovers are not sensitive to the presences of natural gas. In addition, there are no significant increases in sonic transit times in natural gas bearing layers. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) logs, DSI (Dipole Sonic Imager) logs and borehole image logs (XRMI) are introduced to discriminate the fluid property in Majiagou dolostone reservoirs. The gas bearing intervals have broad NMR T2 (transverse relaxation time) spectrum with tail distributions as well as large T2gm (T2 logarithmic mean values) values, and the T2 spectrum commonly display polymodal behaviors. In contrast, the dry layers and water layers have low T2gm values and very narrow T2 spectrum without tails. The gas bearing layers are characterized by low Vp/Vs ratios, low Poisson's ratios and low P‐wave impedances, therefore the fluid property can be discriminated using DSI logs, and the interpretation results show good matches with the gas test data. The apparent formation water resistivity (AFWR) spectrum can be derived from XRMI image logs by using the Archie's formula in the flushed zone. The gas bearing layers have broad apparent formation water resistivity spectrum and tail distributions compared with the dry and water layers, and also the interpretation results from the image logs exhibit good agreement with the gas test data. The fluid property in Majiagou dolostone reservoirs can be discriminated through NMR logs, DSI logs and borehole image logs. This study helps establish a predictable model for fluid property in dolostones, and have implications in dolostone reservoirs with similar geological backgrounds worldwide.
Afatinib + bevacizumab combination therapy in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients with osimertinib resistance: Protocol of an open‐label, phase II, multicenter, single‐arm trial
Authors: Kobayashi Nobuaki , Hashimoto Hisashi , Kamimaki Chisato , Nagasawa Ryo , Tanaka Katsushi , Kubo Sousuke , Katakura Seigo , Chen Hao , Hirama Nobuyuki , Ushio Ryota , Aoki Ayako , Nakashima Kentaro , Teranishi Shuhei , Manabe Saki , Watanabe Hiroki , Horita Nobuyuki , Watanabe Keisuke , Hara Yu , Yamamoto Masaki , Kudo Makoto , Piao Hongmei , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Introduction

As most patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) develop progressive disease after treatment with osimertinib, it is important to develop more effective treatment options. Afatinib has been shown to be more effective in in vitro studies than osimertinib when used in cancer cell lines containing some specific EGFR mutations. Therefore, afatinib may be an effective solution, especially when used in combination with an anti‐VEGF agent such as bevacizumab.

Methods

A phase II multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm trial has been initiated to evaluate the efficacy and safety of afatinib and bevacizumab combination as salvage therapy for EGFR‐mutated lung cancer in patients previously treated with osimertinib. The primary endpoint will be the objective response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints are progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and adverse events (AEs).

Discussion

A previous study indicated that afatinib inhibits lung cancer cells with specific EGFR mutations more effectively than other EGFR‐TKIs such as osimertinib. Therefore, we expect that combination therapy using afatinib and bevacizumab will be effective in patients previously treated with osimertinib (registration no. jRCTs031190077).
Glasgow prognostic score predicts efficacy and prognosis in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer receiving EGFR‐TKI treatment
Authors: Kasahara Norimitsu , Imai Hisao , Naruse Ichiro , Tsukagoshi Yusuke , Kotake Mie , Sunaga Noriaki , Kaira Kyoichi , Maeno Toshitaka , Asao Takayuki , Hisada Takeshi
Published: June 2020

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. Although epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) are effective for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations, some patients experience little or no response. The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is an inflammation‐related score based on C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin concentrations, and has prognostic value in various cancer settings. This study aimed to evaluate whether GPS could predict response of NSCLC to EGFR‐TKIs.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study evaluated patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations who received EGFR‐TKI monotherapy from October 2006 to December 2016. GPS values were determined using CRP and albumin concentrations from before initiation of EGFR‐TKIs. The Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In 214 patients, 141, 43, and two patients had GPS values of 0, 1, and 2, respectively. The GPS independently predicted the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs; good GPS (0–1) conferred significantly better PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–0.96, P = 0.03) and OS (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33–0.96, P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a good GPS (0–1) independently predicted good PFS and OS among patients who had PS of 0–1. Good GPS (0–1) independently predicted good OS among patients receiving treatment in first‐line settings.

Conclusions

The GPS independently predicted the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs for EGFR‐mutated NSCLC; however, further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) independently predicted the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) treatment for EGFR‐mutated NSCLC.

What this study adds

The findings presented in this paper will help to identify patients who will be expected to experience limited or no response to EGFR‐TKI treatment by using GPS.
‘Please Squeeze’: A novel approach to perineal guarding at the time of delivery reduced rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury in an Australian tertiary hospital
Authors: Luxford Elizabeth , Bates Lucy , King Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Background

Over the last decade the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) has been steadily increasing locally and internationally. Investigations into reducing rates, and the long‐term complications, of OASIS are required.

Aims

To determine if applying a new method of perineal guarding at the time of delivery reduces the incidence of OASIS at an Australian tertiary hospital.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective audit was performed for the three  years prior to and following mandatory introduction of a new method of perineal guarding. The novel ‘Please Squeeze’ technique involved placement of the accoucheur’s thumb and index finger just above the line of the posterior fourchette at crowning and bringing them firmly one centimetre postero‐medially to reduce tension. Demographic data were extracted from the unit’s obstetric database (ObstetriX).

Results

There were 9453 deliveries prior to, and 9805 deliveries following commencement of ‘Please Squeeze’, with no difference in the incidence of caesarean (30.4% vs 30.3% P = 0.87) or forceps (6.3% vs 5.8% P = 0.14) between groups. The incidence of primiparas (P = 0.005), ventouse (P < 0.001) and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) (P = 0.005) between groups. There was a clinically important 20% reduction in the incidence of OASIS across all vaginal deliveries from 3.5% to 2.8% (P = 0.006). In SVD, there was a 20% decrease in OASIS from 2.4% to 2.2% (P = 0.02), and a 14% decrease in OASIS with assisted vaginal delivery from 8% to 7.3% (P = 0.002). The incidence of episiotomy increased 16% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The novel ‘Please Squeeze’ perineal guarding method contributed to a reduced incidence of OASIS in an Australian tertiary hospital.
Considerations on biologicals for patients with allergic disease in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic: An EAACI statement
Authors: Vultaggio Alessandra , Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mubeccel , Bavbek Sevim , Bossios Apostolos , Bousquet Jean , Boyman Onur , Chaker Adam M. , Chan Susan , Chatzipetrou Alexia , Feleszko Wojciech , Firinu Davide , Jutel Marek , Kauppi Paula , Klimek Ludger , Kolios Antonios , Kothari Akash , Kowalski Marek L. , Matucci Andrea , Palomares Oscar , Pfaar Oliver , Rogala Barbara , Untersmayr Eva , Eiwegger Thomas
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic re‐shaped doctor‐patient interaction and challenged capacities of healthcare systems. It created many issues around the optimal and safest way to treat complex patients with severe allergic disease. A significant number of the patients are on treatment with biologicals, and clinicians face the challenge to provide optimal care during the pandemic. Uncertainty of the potential risks for these patients is related to the fact that the exact sequence of immunological events during SARS‐CoV‐2 is not known. Severe COVID‐19 patients may experience a “cytokine storm” and associated organ damage characterized by an exaggerated release of pro‐inflammatory type 1 and type 3 cytokines. These inflammatory responses are potentially counteracted by anti‐inflammatory cytokines and type 2 responses. This expert‐based EAACI statement aims to provide guidance on the application of biologicals targeting type 2 inflammation in patients with allergic disease. Currently, there is very little evidence for an enhanced risk of patients with allergic diseases to develop severe COVID‐19. Studies focusing on severe allergic phenotypes are lacking. At present, noninfected patients on biologicals for the treatment of asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, or chronic spontaneous urticaria should continue their biologicals targeting type 2 inflammation via self‐application. In case of an active SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, biological treatment needs to be stopped until clinical recovery and SARS‐CoV‐2 negativity is established and treatment with biologicals should be re‐initiated. Maintenance of add‐on therapy and a constant assessment of disease control, apart from acute management, are demanded.
Relative age is associated with bullying victimisation and perpetration among children aged eight to nine
Authors: Tiiri Elina , Lempinen Lotta , Chudal Roshan , Vuori Miika , Sourander Andre
Published: June 2020

Aim

To assess whether relative age was associated with bullying involvement and whether the associations were independent of child psychiatric symptoms.

Methods

Bullying was assessed among 8576 children in the second grade, aged 8 years, by using four cross‐sectional population‐based studies with identical methodology completed by children, parents and teachers in 1989 (response rate 97%), 1999 (93%), 2005 (90%) and 2013 (86%). The main outcomes were bullying victimisation and perpetration. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with the relatively oldest as the reference group and adjusted for child psychiatric symptoms.

Results

The relatively youngest children, born September to December, were compared with the relatively oldest, born January to April. The youngest children had increased odds of being victims according to child (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1‐1.4) and parent reports (OR 1.2 95% CI 1.008‐1.4). The youngest also had decreased odds of being perpetrators according to child (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7‐0.96) and teacher reports (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7‐0.95). These findings were independent of psychiatric symptoms.

Conclusion

The relative age effects which were found in bullying involvement were independent of psychiatric symptoms. Considering this newly recognised risk factor for victimisation is important within anti‐bullying practices.
Real‐world treatment patterns and outcomes using terlipressin in 203 patients with the hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Moore Kevin , Jamil Khurram , Verleger Katharina , Luo Linlin , Kebede Nehemiah , Heisen Marieke , Corman Shelby , Leonardi Roberta , Bakker Rachel , Maï Christine , Shamseddine Nisreen , Huang Xingyue , Allegretti Andrew S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Hepatorenal syndrome and acute kidney injury are common complications of decompensated cirrhosis, and terlipressin is recommended as first‐line vasoconstrictor therapy. However, data on its use outside of clinical trials are lacking.

Aims

To assess practice patterns and outcomes around vasoconstrictor use for hepatorenal syndrome in UK hospitals.

Methods

This was a multicentre chart review study. Data were extracted from medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatorenal syndrome and treated by vasoconstrictor drugs between January 2013 and December 2017 at 26 hospitals in the United Kingdom. The primary outcome was improvement of kidney function, defined as complete response (serum creatinine improved to ≤1.5 mg/dL), partial response (serum creatinine reduction of ≥20% but >1.5 mg/dL) and overall response (complete or partial response). Other outcomes included need for dialysis, mortality, liver transplantation and adverse events.

Results

Of the 225 patients included in the analysis, 203 (90%) were treated with terlipressin (median duration, 6 days; range: 2‐24 days). Mean (±standard deviation) serum creatinine at vasopressor initiation was 3.25 ± 1.64 mg/dL. Terlipressin overall response rate was 73%. Overall response was higher in patients with mild acute kidney injury (baseline serum creatinine <2.25 mg/dL), compared to those with moderate (serum creatinine ≥2.25 mg/dL and <3.5 mg/dL) or severe (serum creatinine ≥3.5 mg/dL). Ninety‐day survival was 86% for all patients (93% for overall responders vs 66% for treatment nonresponders, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Terlipressin is the most commonly prescribed vasoconstrictor for patients with hepatorenal syndrome in the United Kingdom. Treatment with terlipressin in patients with less severe acute kidney injury (serum creatinine <2.25 mg/dL) was associated with higher treatment responses, and 90‐day survival.
Sublingual Omp16‐driven redirection of the allergic intestinal response in a pre‐clinical model of food allergy
Authors: Orsini Delgado Maria Lucía , Rizzo Gastón Pascual , Fossati Carlos Alberto , Pasquevich Karina Alejandra , Cassataro Juliana , Smaldini Paola Lorena , Docena Guillermo Horacio
Published: June 2020

Background

IgE‐mediated food allergy remains a significant and growing worldwide problem. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) shows an excellent safety profile for food allergy, but the clinical efficacy needs to be improved. This study assessed the effects of the Toll‐like receptor 4 agonist outer membrane protein (Omp) 16 from Brucella abortus combined with cow´s milk proteins (CMP) through the sublingual route to modulate cow's milk allergy in an experimental model.

Methods

Mice sensitized with cholera toxin and CMP were orally challenged with the allergen to elicit hypersensitivity reactions. Then, mice were treated with a very low amount of CMP along with Omp16 as a mucosal adjuvant, and finally, animals were re‐exposed to CMP. Systemic and mucosal immune parameters were assessed in vivo and in vitro.

Results

We found that the sublingual administration of Omp16 + CMP induced a buccal Th1 immune response that modulated the intestinal allergic response with the suppression of symptoms, reduction of IgE and IL‐5, and up‐regulation of IgG2a and IFN‐γ. The adoptive transfer of submandibular IFN‐γ‐producing α4β7+CD4+ and CD8+ cells conferred protection against allergic sensitization. The use of Omp16 + CMP promoted enhanced protection compared to CMP alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Omp16 represents a promising mucosal adjuvant that can be used to improve the clinical and immune efficacy of SLIT for food allergy.
Association between liver fibrosis and cognition in a nationally representative sample of older adults
Authors: Parikh N. S. , Kumar S. , Rosenblatt R. , Zhao C. , Cohen D. E. , Iadecola C. , Kamel H.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Liver fibrosis, a common yet often subclinical manifestation of chronic liver disease, may have an unrecognized role in cognitive impairment. We evaluated the association between a validated liver fibrosis index and cognitive measures among older adults.

Methods

We examined the association between liver fibrosis and cognitive performance among participants aged 60 years and older in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Liver fibrosis was measured with the validated Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) liver fibrosis score. The outcomes were performance on four standardized cognitive tests of immediate and delayed verbal learning, verbal fluency, and attention/concentration. We used linear regression to evaluate the association between FIB‐4 score and performance on cognitive tests while adjusting for potential confounders. In sensitivity analyses, we examined this association in participants without known liver disease.

Results

Among 3217 adult participants, the mean age was 69 years, and 54% were women. Standard liver chemistries were largely in the normal range. However, 5.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.0–6.0] had liver fibrosis based on a validated cut‐off. In adjusted linear regression models, higher liver fibrosis scores were associated with worse immediate recall (β −0.39; 95% CI −0.58, −0.21), language fluency (β −0.46; 95% CI −0.72, −0.21), and attention/concentration (β −1.34; 95% CI −2.25, −0.43), but not delayed recall (β −0.10; 95% CI −0.20, 0.01). Results were similar when limiting the study population to participants without known clinical liver disease.

Conclusion

Liver fibrosis, including subclinical liver fibrosis, may be an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment among older adults.
Global human influence maps reveal clear opportunities in conserving Earth’s remaining intact terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Riggio Jason , Baillie Jonathan E. M. , Brumby Steven , Ellis Erle , Kennedy Christina M. , Oakleaf James R. , Tait Alex , Tepe Therese , Theobald David M. , Venter Oscar , Watson James E. M. , Jacobson Andrew P.
Published: June 2020

Leading up to the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties 15, there is momentum around setting bold conservation targets. Yet, it remains unclear how much of Earth's land area remains without significant human influence and where this land is located. We compare four recent global maps of human influences across Earth's land, Anthromes, Global Human Modification, Human Footprint and Low Impact Areas, to answer these questions. Despite using various methodologies and data, these different spatial assessments independently estimate similar percentages of the Earth's terrestrial surface as having very low (20%–34%) and low (48%–56%) human influence. Three out of four spatial assessments agree on 46% of the non‐permanent ice‐ or snow‐covered land as having low human influence. However, much of the very low and low influence portions of the planet are comprised of cold (e.g., boreal forests, montane grasslands and tundra) or arid (e.g., deserts) landscapes. Only four biomes (boreal forests, deserts, temperate coniferous forests and tundra) have a majority of datasets agreeing that at least half of their area has very low human influence. More concerning, <1% of temperate grasslands, tropical coniferous forests and tropical dry forests have very low human influence across most datasets, and tropical grasslands, mangroves and montane grasslands also have <1% of land identified as very low influence across all datasets. These findings suggest that about half of Earth's terrestrial surface has relatively low human influence and offers opportunities for proactive conservation actions to retain the last intact ecosystems on the planet. However, though the relative abundance of ecosystem areas with low human influence varies widely by biome, conserving these last intact areas should be a high priority before they are completely lost.
Thinking inside the box: Custom pacemaker improves device longevity in a congenital heart patient
Authors: Von Wald Lisa , Brucker Rachel , Salerno Stéphane , Ries Andrew , Roukoz Henri
Published: June 2020

Patients with congenital heart disease have unique pacing challenges and often require epicardial systems. High pacing threshold is one of the major factors that decrease these systems' durability. Sometimes surgical reintervention or lead replacement is difficult or prohibitive in these patients due to repeated surgeries and extensive epicardial scar. We present a case report of a patient with Fontan physiology and chronically high epicardial lead pacing thresholds requiring frequent generator changes and a unique solution focusing on improving generator longevity.
Antagonistic species interaction drives selection for sex in a predator–prey system
Authors: Koch Hanna R. , Wagner Sophia , Becks Lutz
Published: June 2020

The evolutionary maintenance of sexual reproduction has long challenged biologists as the majority of species reproduce sexually despite inherent costs. Providing a general explanation for the evolutionary success of sex has thus proven difficult and resulted in numerous hypotheses. A leading hypothesis suggests that antagonistic species interaction can generate conditions selecting for increased sex due to the production of rare or novel genotypes that are beneficial for rapid adaptation to recurrent environmental change brought on by antagonism. To test this ecology‐based hypothesis, we conducted experimental evolution in a predator (rotifer)–prey (algal) system by using continuous cultures to track predator–prey dynamics and in situ rates of sex in the prey over time and within replicated experimental populations. Overall, we found that predator‐mediated fluctuating selection for competitive versus defended prey resulted in higher rates of genetic mixing in the prey. More specifically, our results showed that fluctuating population sizes of predator and prey, coupled with a trade‐off in the prey, drove the sort of recurrent environmental change that could provide a benefit to sex in the prey, despite inherent costs. We end with a discussion of potential population genetic mechanisms underlying increased selection for sex in this system, based on our application of a general theoretical framework for measuring the effects of sex over time, and interpreting how these effects can lead to inferences about the conditions selecting for or against sexual reproduction in a system with antagonistic species interaction.
Ustekinumab for children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease at a tertiary children's hospital in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Ichiro , Arai Katsuhiro , Kyodo Reiko , Sato Takuro , Tokita Kazuhide , Hirano Yuri , Shimizu Hirotaka
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody targeting the p40 subunit of both interleukin‐12 and interleukin‐23 with reported efficacy to treat Crohn's disease. However, few studies have reported the use of ustekinumab for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

Medical records of patients aged under 20 years with Crohn's disease or Crohn's disease‐like inflammatory bowel disease who had received ustekinumab at a Japanese pediatric inflammatory bowel disease center were retrospectively reviewed for efficacy and safety. The primary outcome was the steroid‐free clinical remission rate at weeks 26 and 52. The steroid‐free remission rate beyond week 52 was also evaluated. Weighted pediatric Crohn's disease activity index and simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease were used to assess disease activity.

Results

Seventeen patients were included (male : female = 8:9, A1a [diagnosed < 10 years old]:A1b [diagnosed ≥ 10 years old] = 8:9). All patients were on ustekinumab at week 26, and 9/10 continued treatment over 1 year. The steroid‐free clinical remission rates were 59% at week 26, 50% at week 52, and 70% over 1 year. Three of eight children who underwent endoscopy after ustekinumab introduction achieved endoscopic remission. No serious adverse events were recorded during the study period.

Conclusions

Ustekinumab may be an effective and safe treatment option for pediatric and adolescent Crohn's disease and Crohn's disease‐like inflammatory bowel disease patients having nonresponse or adverse reactions to anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents.
Receptor‐like kinases MDS1 and MDS2 promote SUMM2‐mediated immunity
Authors: Liu Yanan , Zhong Xionghui , Zhang Zhibin , Lan Jiameng , Huang Xingchuan , Tian Hainan , Li Xin , Zhang Yuelin
Published: June 2020

Disruption of the MEKK1‐MKK1/MKK2‐MPK4 kinase cascade leads to activation of immunity mediated by the nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) immune receptor SUMM2, which monitors the phosphorylation status of CRCK3. Here we report that two receptor‐like kinases (RLKs), MDS1, and MDS2, function redundantly to promote SUMM2‐mediated immunity. Activation of SUMM2‐mediated immunity is dependent on MDS1, and to a less extent on MDS2. MDS1 associates with CRCK3 in planta and can phosphorylate CRCK3 in vitro, suggesting that it may target CRCK3 to positively regulate SUMM2‐mediated signaling. Our finding highlights a new defense mechanism where RLKs promote NLR‐mediated immunity.
Diverse GABAergic neurons organize into subtype‐specific sublaminae in the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Sabbagh Ubadah , Govindaiah Gubbi , Somaiya Rachana D. , Ha Ryan V. , Wei Jessica C. , Guido William , Fox Michael A.
Published: June 2020

In the visual system, retinal axons convey visual information from the outside world to dozens of distinct retinorecipient brain regions and organize that information at several levels, including either at the level of retinal afferents, cytoarchitecture of intrinsic retinorecipient neurons, or a combination of the two. Two major retinorecipient nuclei which are densely innervated by retinal axons are the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, which is important for classical image‐forming vision, and ventral LGN (vLGN), which is associated with non‐image‐forming vision. The neurochemistry, cytoarchitecture, and retinothalamic connectivity in vLGN remain unresolved, raising fundamental questions of how it receives and processes visual information. To shed light on these important questions, used in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and genetic reporter lines to identify and characterize novel neuronal cell types in mouse vLGN. Not only were a high percentage of these cells GABAergic, we discovered transcriptomically distinct GABAergic cell types reside in the two major laminae of vLGN, the retinorecipient, external vLGN (vLGNe) and the non‐retinorecipient, internal vLGN (vLGNi). Furthermore, within vLGNe, we identified transcriptionally distinct subtypes of GABAergic cells that are distributed into four adjacent sublaminae. Using trans‐synaptic viral tracing and in vitro electrophysiology, we found cells in each these vLGNe sublaminae receive monosynaptic inputs from retina. These results not only identify novel subtypes of GABAergic cells in vLGN, they suggest the subtype‐specific laminar distribution of retinorecipient cells in vLGNe may be important for receiving, processing, and transmitting light‐derived signals in parallel channels of the subcortical visual system.

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Rule by bosses? Criminal political economies in South Asia
Authors: Levien Michael
Published: June 2020

Mafia Raj provides fascinating ethnographic insight into South Asia's criminal bosses. But is “Mafia Raj” reducible to rule by bosses? And what explains the criminalization of capitalism in South Asia? While the volume does not answer these questions, it illuminates the need for an agrarian political economy of criminal capital.
Quality‐of‐life as chronotopefication and futurization: Subsistence consumer experiences in India
Authors: Jagadale Sujit Raghunathrao , Roy‐Chaudhuri Himadri , Kadirov Djavlonbek
Published: June 2020

In the poverty‐ridden settings in neo‐liberal India, we explore how subsistence consumers construct their quality‐of‐life (QOL). Drawing on the concepts of chronotope and futurization, we posit two additional dimensions of subsistence consumers' construction of QOL namely, chronotopefication and futurization. Our findings suggest that chronotopefication and futurization are defining processes of subsistence consumers' construction of QOL perceptions; their sacrifices, efforts, and costs, however painful they may be, would be perceived as QOL enhancing from the prism of chronotopefication and futurization; and subsistence consumers chronotopize and futurize QOL for the whole extended household within the intergenerational temporal space by focusing on stable input–outcome pathways. Based on the evidence, we propose QOL as chronotopefication and futurization framework (QOL‐CFF). The framework suggests that subsistence consumers construct QOL as chronotope building, futurized and having a symbolic effect. They consider current agonies as a foundation for future building.
The aftermath of COVID‐19 in dermatology practice: What's next?
Authors: Ng Janice Natasha , Cembrano Kathryn Anne G. , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: June 2020

The rapidly increasing number of COVID‐19‐infected patients and evidence of human‐to‐human transmission even within the asymptomatic incubation period prompted the attention of the entire world. The field of dermatology and procedural dermatology is not exempt from this global issue. We cannot deny the fact that this situation will have a lasting impact on the health‐seeking behaviors of our patients. It is necessary for dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons to be aware of the potential risks and precautions when re‐emerging their practices after COVID‐19.
Why we should be avoiding periorificial mimetic muscles when injecting tissue fillers
Authors: Goodman Greg J. , Al‐Niaimi Firas , McDonald Cara , Ciconte Antoinette , Porter Catherine
Published: June 2020

Background

Tissue fillers are generally safe and well tolerated by patients. However, complications do occur and may be very severe, such as intravascular injection (with occasional residual tissue loss, visual and neurological sequelae) and late nodularity and swelling. Methods to lessen the likelihood of complications have been the subject of much recent literature. Depth of injection has been identified as a key safety consideration.

Patients/Methods

The role of injection of facial filler into the muscular layer of the face is explored in this article. Literature was explored using available search facilities to study the role of injections in or around this layer in the production of significant adverse reactions.

Results

A body of literature seems to suggest that injection into mimetic musculature of the face especially the musculature in the periorbital and perioral regions is prone to adverse reactions.

Conclusions

Injection of agents into the perioral and periorbital mimetic muscular layer may produce, product clumping, displacement, and tendency to late nodularity and swelling. It also risks intravascular injection as compared to injection of other layers of the face. Injection into the mimetic muscles especially the sphincteric muscles should be avoided to minimize the risk of complications.
Partnership between Nurse Navigators and adult persons living with complex chronic disease—An exploratory study
Authors: Coyne Elisabeth , Carlini Joan , Doherty Tracey , Harlow Warren , Mitchell Marion L , Grealish Laurie
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore nurse navigators and consumers’ experience of partnership.

Background

The nurse navigator has recently emerged as an advanced practice role in the care of persons with complex and chronic disease states. Self‐care is an important principle in chronic disease models of care, requiring healthcare practitioners to partner with clients in their care. How nurse navigators and consumers [clients and family] experience partnership has not been explored.

Design

An interpretive exploratory qualitative approach was used. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven nurse navigators working with adults with complex disease states and eleven of their clients. Interviews were analysed using descriptive content analysis. (COREQ checklist Data S1).

Results

Five themes about partnership emerged. Three themes from nurse navigators were as follows: establishing and sustaining relationships, nurse‐led planning and aligning care with clients’ needs. The two consumer themes were as follows: regular contact means access to the health system and nurse presence is valued. The secondary analysis revealed two themes about partnership between the nurse and consumer: establishing relationships require nursing effort to be established and partnerships are person‐focused and nurse‐led.

Conclusions

Partnership begins with a relationship, largely driven by the nurse navigator through regular communication and personal contact that was valued by consumers. The nurse‐led partnership reduced opportunities for consumers to learn to manage their treatments, particularly how and when to access services, meaning that self‐care may not be fully achieved. Client navigation occurs over long periods, which could lead to the navigators being overwhelmed, raising an issue of sustainability.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse navigators establish a client relationship as a foundation for partnership. This partnership needs a focus on promoting client self‐care, self‐management of treatment, including when and how to access available services, to ensure the sustainability of the nurse navigator model of care.
Clinical update onCOVID‐19 in pregnancy: A review article
Authors: Ryan Gillian A. , Purandare Nikhil C. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Hod Moshe , Purandare Chittaranjan N.
Published: June 2020

The data pertaining to the COVID‐19 pandemic has been rapidly evolving since the first confirmed case in December 2019. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current data in relation to COVID‐19 and its effect on pregnant women, including symptoms, disease severity and the risk of vertical transmission. We also review the recommended management of pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 and the various pharmacological agents that are being investigated and may have a role in the treatment of this disease. At present, it does not appear that pregnant women are at increased risk of severe infection than the general population, although there are vulnerable groups within both the pregnant and nonpregnant populations, and clinicians should be cognizant of these high‐risk groups and manage them accordingly. Approximately 85% of women will experience mild disease, 10% more severe disease and 5% critical disease. The most common reported symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea. Neither vaginal delivery nor cesarean section confers additional risks, and there is minimal risk of vertical transmission to the neonate from either mode of delivery. We acknowledge that the true effect of the virus on both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality will only be evident over time. We also discuss the impact of social isolation can have on the mental health and well‐being of both patients and colleagues, and as clinicians, we must be mindful of this and offer support as necessary.
Anti‐envelope antibody responses in highly exposed seronegative individuals may be associated with protection from HCV infection
Authors: Mina Michael , Underwood Alexander , Eltahla Auda , Wu Bing‐Ru , Walker Melanie R. , Bull Rowena A. , Lloyd Andrew R.
Published: June 2020

In rare cases, individuals with a history of long‐term injecting drug use remain seronegative and aviraemic, despite prolonged and likely repeated exposure to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) through high‐risk behaviour. We describe anti‐HCV Envelope (E) antibody responses in a prospective cohort of carefully defined highly exposed but uninfected subjects (HESN) and comparison subjects who were also high risk and uninfected, but rapidly became HCV infected (Incident). Longitudinally collected samples from HESN cases (n = 22) were compared to Incident controls (n = 22). IgG, IgM and IgA from sera were tested by ELISA to genotype 1a and 3a E glycoproteins, and recombinant genotype 1a E2 antigen. IgG subclass isotyping was performed for those positive for IgG. Virus‐neutralizing activity was assessed on HCV pseudoparticles, and HCV E–specific B cells analysed using flow cytometry. A significant minority of HESN cases (n = 10; 45%) had anti‐E, predominantly in the IgG2 subclass, which was not found in the pre‐infection time point of the Incident cases (n = 1; 5%). A subset of the HESN subjects also had neutralizing activity and HCV‐specific B cells detected significantly more than Incident cases pre‐infection. In conclusion, the HESN phenotype is associated with IgG2 anti‐E antibodies, neutralization activity and HCV E–specific memory B cells. These findings suggest that HESN subjects may be resistant to HCV infection through humoral immune‐mediated mechanisms.
Altered faecal microbiota on the expression of Th cells responses in the exacerbation of patients with hepatitis E infection
Authors: Wu Jian , Huang Fen , Ling Zongxin , Liu Shuangchun , Liu Jun , Fan Jun , Yu Jiong , Wang Wei , Jin Xiuyuan , Meng Yiling , Cao Hongcui , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2020

Fulminant hepatitis E may lead to acute liver failure (ALF). Perturbations of intestinal microbiota are related to severe liver disease. To study the correlations between faecal microbiota and the occurrence and exacerbation of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, we characterized 24 faecal samples from 12 patients with acute hepatitis E (AHE) and 12 patients with HEV‐ALF using high‐throughput sequencing. We found both the alpha and beta diversity indices showed no significant differences between the AHE and HEV‐ALF groups. Several predominant taxa were significantly different between the AHE and HEV‐ALF groups. Most notably, the HEV‐ALF group had increased levels of Gammaproteobacteria, Proteobacteria, Xanthomonadceae and Stenotrophomonas, but reduced levels of Firmicutes, Streptococcus, Subdoligranulum and Lactobacillus, compared with the AHE group. The levels of Lactobacillaceae and Gammaproteobacteria could be used to distinguish patients with HEV‐ALF from those with AHE. In addition, the level of Th lymphocytes was significantly lower in the HEV‐ALF group than in the AHE group. The relative abundances of Lactobacillaceae and Gammaproteobacteria were positively correlated with Th lymphocytes, serum international normalized ratio (INR) and hepatic encephalopathy severity. Moreover, surviving patients had higher levels of Lactobacillus mucosae than deceased patients. Our study demonstrated that the presence of altered faecal microbiota is associated with exacerbation of HEV infection; this finding may be useful for exploring the interactions among faecal microbiota, immune responses, mechanisms of infection and progression in patients with HEV, as well as for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.