bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unexpected High Prevalence of Lymphocytic Infiltrates in Myenteric Ganglions in Intestinal Inertia
Authors: Rais Rehan , Chai Jiani , Blaney Elizabeth , Liu Ta-Chiang
Published: April 2020

Intestinal inertia is a severe form of gut dysmotility that may require surgical resection. Loss of myenteric ganglion cells has been proposed as a possible etiology. Preclinical models have also suggested that virus infection-associated ganglionitis may be an alternative pathogenic factor. We determined to the extent intestinal inertia is associated with the lack of myenteric ganglion cells or ganglionitis using resection specimens from 27 intestinal inertia and 28 colon cancer patients. A hot spot approach with 5 HPFs was used for quantifying inflammatory cells. CD3, CD8, and CD20 immunohistochemistry was used to quantify T and B lymphocytes, along with subtyping the T-lymphocyte population by CD8. None of the intestinal inertia nor control cases showed the absence of myenteric ganglion cells. A total of 15 (55.6%) of the intestinal inertia cases showed inflammatory cell infiltration in the myenteric ganglion cells, compared with only 1 of 28 (3.6%) control cases (P<0.0001 by Fisher exact test). The inertia cases with inflammatory infiltrates were all associated predominantly with lymphocytes, including 3 cases (11.1%) with concurrent eosinophil infiltration, and 1 case (3.7%) with concurrent neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, all 15 inertia cases with myenteric lymphocytic ganglionitis were associated with T lymphocytes (100%), including 1 case with a subset of concurrent B lymphocytes. The average CD3 count was 3.8 cells/HPF. CD8 immunohistochemical stain showed positive staining in 12 of the 15 cases (80%) with CD8-positive cells ranging from 1 to 8/HPF. In contrast, the only control case with lymphocytic ganglionitis showed mixed B and T lymphocytes and eosinophils. The high prevalence of T-lymphocyte infiltration in the myenteric ganglion in intestinal inertia cases suggests a possible pathogenic role.
Primary Vascular Tumors of Bone
Authors: Righi Alberto , Sbaraglia Marta , Gambarotti Marco , Gibertoni Dino , Rovira Marina P. , Benini Stefania , Errani Costantino , Brenca Monica , Maestro Roberta , Dei Tos Angelo P.
Published: April 2020

Recent molecular discoveries have refined vascular bone tumor classification. To investigate the clinical relevance of these refinements, we reviewed all cases of primary vascular bone tumors treated at our Institute. On the basis of morphology, cases were assessed immunohistochemically and molecularly. A total of 427 cases of primary vascular tumor of bone with available follow-up and histologic material were retrieved and reclassified according to the most recent diagnostic criteria as follows: 289 hemangiomas, 38 epithelioid hemangiomas, 21 epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas, 2 retiform hemangioendotheliomas, 1 intraosseous papillary intralymphatic angioendothelioma, 24 pseudomyogenic hemangioendotheliomas, and 52 angiosarcomas (of these, 45 were epithelioid angiosarcomas and 7 spindle cell secondary angiosarcoma). Both epithelioid and classic hemangiomas behave as benign tumors with excellent prognosis. The distinction between cellular and conventional type of epithelioid hemangioma was not associated with a different clinical course. Conversely, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma exhibited a more aggressive clinical behavior than hemangioma, with higher rates of multifocality and distant spread. Immunohistochemical positivity for CAMTA1 or TFE3 did not have a prognostic implication. In epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, the presence of morphologic malignant features was associated with reduced disease-free (P=0.064) and overall survival (P=0.055). Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma featured local aggressiveness in 5/24 patients exhibiting a clinical behavior closer to epithelioid hemangioma than epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Last, 32/45 patients with epithelioid angiosarcoma died of disease with a median survival time of 10 months from diagnosis. In conclusion, the integration of morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features allows a better stratification of primary vascular tumors of bone with significant prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Emerging Techniques in Imaging of Glioma Microenvironment
Authors: Nabavizadeh Seyed Ali , Ware Jeffrey B. , Wolf Ronald L.
Published: April 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been the cornerstone of imaging of brain tumors in the past 4 decades. Conventional MRI remains the workhorse for neuro-oncologic imaging, not only for basic information such as location, extent, and navigation but also able to provide information regarding proliferation and infiltration, angiogenesis, hemorrhage, and more. More sophisticated MRI sequences have extended the ability to assess and quantify these features; for example, permeability and perfusion acquisitions can assess blood-brain barrier disruption and angiogenesis, diffusion techniques can assess cellularity and infiltration, and spectroscopy can address metabolism. Techniques such as fMRI and diffusion fiber tracking can be helpful in diagnostic planning for resection and radiation therapy, and more sophisticated iterations of these techniques can extend our understanding of neurocognitive effects of these tumors and associated treatment responses and effects. More recently, MRI has been used to go beyond such morphological, physiological, and functional characteristics to assess the tumor microenvironment. The current review highlights multiple recent and emerging approaches in MRI to characterize the tumor microenvironment.
JAK1 inhibition blocks lethal sterile immune responses: implications for COVID-19 therapy
Authors: Tuttle Kathryn D. , Minter Ross , Waugh Katherine A. , Araya Paula , Ludwig Michael , Sempeck Colin , Smith Keith , Andrysik Zdenek , Burchill Matthew A. , Tamburini Beth A.J. , Orlicky David J. , Sullivan Kelly D. , Espinosa Joaquin M.
Published: April 2020

Cytokine storms are drivers of pathology and mortality in myriad viral infections affecting the human population. In SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, the strength of the cytokine storm has been associated with increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial damage, and death. However, the therapeutic value of attenuating the cytokine storm in COVID-19 remains to be defined. Here, we report results obtained using a novel mouse model of lethal sterile anti-viral immune responses. Using a mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) with a segmental duplication of a genomic region encoding four of the six interferon receptor genes (Ifnrs), we demonstrate that these animals overexpress Ifnrs and are hypersensitive to IFN stimulation. When challenged with viral mimetics that activate Toll-like receptor signaling and IFN anti-viral responses, these animals overproduce key cytokines, show exacerbated liver pathology, rapidly lose weight, and die. Importantly, the lethal immune hypersensitivity, accompanying cytokine storm, and liver hyperinflammation are blocked by treatment with a JAK1-specific inhibitor. Therefore, these results point to JAK1 inhibition as a potential strategy for attenuating the cytokine storm and consequent organ failure during overdrive immune responses. Additionally, these results indicate that people with DS, who carry an extra copy of the IFNR gene cluster encoded on chromosome 21, should be considered at high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One Sentence Summary

Inhibition of the JAK1 kinase prevents pathology and mortality caused by a rampant innate immune response in mice.
Dual genome-wide CRISPR knockout and CRISPR activation screens identify common mechanisms that regulate the resistance to multiple ATR inhibitors
Authors: Schleicher Emily M. , Dhoonmoon Ashna , Clements Kristen E. , Jackson Lindsey M. , Stump Coryn L. , Nicolae Claudia M. , Moldovan George-Lucian
Published: April 2020

The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) protein kinase is a key regulator of the cellular response to DNA damage. Due to increased amount of replication stress, cancer cells heavily rely on ATR to complete DNA replication and cell cycle progression. Thus, ATR inhibition is an emerging target in cancer therapy, with multiple ATR inhibitors currently undergoing clinical trials. Here, we describe dual genome-wide CRISPR knockout and CRISPR activation screens employed to comprehensively identify genes that regulate the cellular resistance to ATR inhibitors. Specifically, we investigated two different ATR inhibitors, namely VE822 and AZD6738, in both HeLa and MCF10A cells. We identified and validated multiple genes that alter the resistance to ATR inhibitors. Importantly, we show that the mechanisms of resistance employed by these genes are varied, and include restoring DNA replication tract progression, and prevention of ATR inhibitor-induced apoptosis. Our dual genome-wide screen findings pave the way for personalized medicine by identifying potential biomarkers for ATR inhibitor resistance.
New and old forms of poverty in Spain: exploring food consumption during the crisis
Authors: Díaz-Méndez Cecilia , García-Espejo Isabel , Otero-Estévez Sonia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The economic crisis has renewed public debate in Europe about food poverty, drawing attention to the insecurity suffered by some social groups that are not apparent in official surveys. The purpose of this paper is to examine how those affected deal with food poverty, along with their perceptions and assessments of being poor in the context of the economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a qualitative study through 24 in-depth interviews with people seeking food aid from the Red Cross Non-Governmental Organization. The special focus here is comparison of two types of households: those affected for the first time by the economic crisis and new to seeking food aid and those who have claimed food aid since before the crisis.

Findings

The results show that, despite similarities of situation, the two groups deal with food poverty differently. The “old” group rely on skills derived from experience and have more complex survival strategies. The “new” group react by adjusting how they obtain food, but limited knowledge of the environment and inexperience in dealing with the situation restricts their options. Their different ways of dealing with deprivation are related to how they interpret the crisis and their perception of themselves as receivers of food aid.

Social implications

These results underline the importance of food aid for both types of household presenting the State as a necessary safety net for them to cope successfully with crisis and rise from poverty.

Originality/value

This comparison offers a novel contribution to traditional studies of food poverty because it deepens knowledge of a little known group and enables us to advance some explanations of how the passage of time impacts food poverty.
Exploring the consequences of judgmental and quantitative forecasting on firms' competitive performance in supply chains
Authors: Salehzadeh Reza , Tabaeeian Reihaneh Alsadat , Esteki Farahnaz
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of different forecasting methods (judgmental, quantitative and mixed forecasting) on firms' supply chains and competitive performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Working with three groups of manufacturing companies, we explore the consequences of judgmental, quantitative and mixed forecasting methods on firms' competitive performance in supply chains. The validity of constructs and path relationships was examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Our findings indicate that supply chain efficiency influences both cost reduction and customer satisfaction. In addition, the three dimensions of supply chain performance are shown to be direct antecedents of competitive performance. Our empirical results reveal that although all studied forecasting methods meaningfully influence supply chain performance, the mixed method, compared to the other two methods, has greater capabilities to enhance supply chain performance.

Originality/value

This research provides originality and insight into supply chain practices through forecasting methods to improve competitive performance.
Rationales of gender diversity management policies and practices in India: an exploratory empirical study in the Indian IT/ITeS industry
Authors: Chakraborty Shreyashi , Chatterjee Leena
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The Indian context is marked with weak anti-discrimination laws and patchy implementation of protection of civil rights of women at workplaces. The purpose of this paper is to unearth the rationales of the adoption of gender diversity management policies and practices in India, in the absence of laws and regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Inspiration is drawn from previous studies on diversity management in other national contexts, and a survey methodology was adopted. The lead researcher administered the questionnaires personally to all respondents to ensure that the understanding of the questions is uniform across respondents as gender diversity management is a relatively new concept in India.

Findings

Size of the organisation (number of full-time employees), the influence of external organisations and perceived enhanced organisational flexibility were found to explain the adoption of gender diversity management policies and practices in the Indian IT/ITeS industry. Findings also indicate that Indian subsidiaries of foreign multinationals tend to adopt more gender diversity management policies and practices as compared to Indian-owned organisations.

Research implications

This study provides evidence that organisations do not always enact structures or behaviours in the pursuit of normative rationality and also consider the economic value of them, establishing an organisational agency in adopting legitimated norms or practices. The study also shows that gender diversity management policies and practices are not only dependent on the enactment of laws but also are adopted because of the economic benefit perceived.

Originality/value

Diversity management policies and practices have been mostly studied in national contexts with anti-discrimination laws or affirmative action programs and have been claimed to be a successor of equal employment opportunity (EEO) policies. In the absence of stringent laws to reduce or eliminate discrimination against women employees in Indian workplaces, this study contributes to the literature by determining whether the business case for gender diversity drives the adoption of gender diversity management in the Indian context.
Reliability, availability and maintainability analysis of a bag production industry based on the six sigma DMAIC approach
Authors: Tsarouhas Panagiotis
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the six sigma (SS) strategy in a bag sector under actual operating circumstances based on defining-measure-analyze-improve and control (DMAIC). During the project, several statistical tools and methods have been used efficiently to create inferences. Thus, to measure and enhance system efficiency, the author calculate reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) indices. Based on this research, the author show how the SS method and RAM analysis are very helpful in determining maintenance intervals, as well as in planning and organizing the appropriate maintenance strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces the step-by-step application of the DMAIC methodology for the identification and reduction of bag production line downtime and examines the present operations management. Thus, statistical techniques are used to analyze the failure and repair database. Pareto analysis, histograms and descriptive statistics at the machine and line-level of the historical data were conducted. Trend and serial correlation testing validated the hypothesis of independence and identical distribution of database was performed. In addition, with their best fit allocation, the RAM of both the bag production line and its machines was estimated at separate mission times.

Findings

The main goals of the applied method are to understand the nature of the downtime patterns and to accurately and quantitatively estimate the RAM characteristics of the bag production system. The assessment defines the production line's critical points, requiring further enhancement through an efficient maintenance approach. Therefore, by improving plant efficiency and safety, the author can decrease unplanned downtime and equipment failures.

Originality/value

This research is expected to serve as an attempt to conduct SS DMAIC methodology through RAM assessment and its impact on system efficiency under actual circumstances. The benefit of the methodology is that the manufacturing process is continuously monitored by suitable indicators, the use of which leads to a continuous improvement cycle.
Factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Quoc , Tran Phuoc , Nguyen Minh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior as a research model. The study is based on a quantitative method that applied exploratory factor analysis.

Findings

In total, 412 valid responses are used for the statistical analysis. The results confirm that subjective norm (SN), attitude toward cosmetic surgery and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are the main factors that motivate young people’s intention to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Originality/value

The results show the positive relationship between attitude toward cosmetic surgery, SN, PBC and intention to undergo cosmetic surgery in Vietnam.
A case study on fair compensation to hand embroidery workers in India
Authors: Bishnoi Sushil Kumar , Kapoor Shikha
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The study aims to focus on developing a methodology of technical calculation for fixation of piece rate for embroidery homeworkers of fashion industry to ensure an ethical livelihood standard. The standardised methodology for wage fixation will ensure better payments for homeworkers with clarity down the supply chain and sustainability of pay scales that will in turn improve the homeworkers’ impecunious living standards. The brands giving living wage will be benefitted in terms of savings on training costs, more stable work force, reliable services and enhancements to the reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews of subcontractors and agents down the supply chain in a target region were conducted to know current practice of wage fixation. The influential parameters were work content, basic living expenses and necessary benefits under government policies. Based on the aforementioned parameters, a formula has been generated. The present study is an attempt to develop a standard methodology to be used for piece rate calculation to ensure fair compensation for homeworkers. Impact of increased earnings of home workers on garment free on board cost has also been analysed.

Findings

As there is no uniformity in methodology used for piece rate calculation, and work content is not considered in calculating piece rate, the wage earned per month by homeworkers, minimum wage and living wage are INR 2,860, 6,998 and 8,007, respectively. Homeworkers receive 54-58 per cent of total embroidery labour cost incurred by suppliers. It can be increased up to 75 per cent, which would result in increasing the wage earned per month by homeworkers to INR 4,000.

Originality/value

The impact of implementing the outcome of the study will increase the earnings of embroidery homeworkers and reduce wage inequality in women’s favour, as there are more women than men in embroidery homeworking.
Intraspecific variation in Phragmites australis: Clinal adaption of functional traits and phenotypic plasticity vary with latitude of origin
Authors: Ren Linjing , Guo Xiao , Liu Shuna , Yu Ting , Guo Weihua , Wang Renqing , Ye Siyuan , Lambertini Carla , Brix Hans , Eller Franziska
Published: April 2020

Widespread plant species generally have high intraspecific variation in functional traits, which is reflected in their great variety of phenotypes. This variety can result from both genetic differences due to local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. With high intraspecific variation and nearly global distribution, the common reed Phragmites australis is a suitable model species for studying the underlying mechanisms of intraspecific trait variation.

In this study, 71 genotypes of P. australis from seven phylogeographic groups were transplanted into two replicate common gardens located in very different climates: northern Europe and mid‐east Asia. We measured seven functional traits of all these genotypes over the growing season, including shoot height, maximum biomass per shoot, shoot density, node number per stem, leaf life span, flowering occurrence and flowering date. Our aim was to assess the relative effects of genetic (phylogeographic origin) and environmental (common garden) status, and interactions between them, on intraspecific variation in functional traits of P. australis.

We found common garden having the strongest influence on most functional traits studied. All traits except flowering occurrence varied significantly across gardens, revealing the important role of phenotypic plasticity on trait variation in P. australis. We also found significant differences in trait variation among the different phylogeographic groups of P. australis and, thus, evidence for genetically determined intraspecific variation in the morphological and life‐history traits addressed in this study. All functional traits showed significant (p ≤ 0.0054), albeit minor to moderately explained (R2 ≤ 0.57), latitudinal patterns in both gardens. Covariation of multiple traits was similar in the two gardens. Phenotypic plasticity was trait‐ specific, and the plasticity of shoot height and maximum biomass per shoot increased towards higher latitude of genotypic origin. Our results indicate that the latitude of origin affects the evolution of functional traits, as well as their phenotypic plasticity.

Since phenotypic plasticity is a crucial mechanism for acclimation and evolution, our findings support the role of gene‐based adaptive phenotypic plasticity in plant evolution. The intraspecific spatial variation in functional traits and their phenotypic plasticity can help predict species distribution, persistence and invasion under global climate change.
The PANSAID randomized clinical trial: A pre‐planned 1‐year follow‐up regarding harm
Authors: Thybo Kasper H. , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Wetterslev Jørn , Overgaard Søren , Mathiesen Ole
Published: April 2020

Background

Limiting harm from postoperative pain treatment is important. However, long‐term follow‐up from acute pain trials are rare. The aim of the study was to provide long‐term follow‐up data regarding harm from the “Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in Combination” (PANSAID) trial.

Methods

In this preplanned long‐term follow‐up study from the PANSAID trial, we used data from Danish national health registries (the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Civil Registration System) in addition to the 90‐day follow‐up in the original trial. The primary outcome was 1‐year proportion of patients with one or more serious adverse events.

Results

One‐year follow‐up was complete for 551 patients (99%). We found three additional patients with one or more serious adverse events in the 1‐year follow‐up compared with the 90‐day follow‐up. The relative risk of having one or more serious adverse event when randomized to ibuprofen compared with paracetamol was 1.40 (95% CI: 0.84‐2.33, P = .20).

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant difference in 1‐year serious adverse events between patients randomized to ibuprofen compared with paracetamol in patients having planned primary total hip arthroplasty. There were few additional events from the 90‐day follow‐up to the 1‐year follow‐up.
Commercial albumin solution enhances endotoxin‐induced vasoplegia and inflammation
Authors: Björck Viveka , Andersson Linnea , Påhlman Lisa I. , Bodelsson Mikael
Published: April 2020

Background

The Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli, commonly involved in severe sepsis and septic shock, shed endotoxin that upon detection by the host triggers an inflammatory cascade. Efficiency of albumin solutions to restore hypovolemia during sepsis has been debated. To aid identification of subgroups of sepsis patients that may respond positively or negatively to treatment with albumin we investigated if preparations of albumin for medical use could affect endotoxin‐induced inflammatory response.

Methods

Isolated human omental arteries obtained during surgery were incubated with endotoxin in the presence or absence of albumin solution. Isolated human monocytes were incubated with endotoxin in the presence or absence of five different commercially available albumin solutions. Vascular contractile response to noradrenaline and release of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured.

Results

Incubation with albumin together with endotoxin decreased median maximum contraction and increased release of IL‐6 and IL‐8 from the arteries compared to incubation with endotoxin alone. All albumin solutions except one significantly increased endotoxin‐induced TNF‐α release from monocytes. IL‐6 and IL‐10 were also increased and no concentration dependency of TNF‐α release was observed above 2 mg mL−1. Incubation with albumin alone did not affect contraction or release of cytokines while no potentially endotoxin‐enhancing contaminant could be identified.

Conclusion

We have shown that albumin solution in combination with endotoxin cause vasoplegia in human omental arteries, paralleled by an inflammatory response. This finding could explain the variable efficiency of albumin solutions for sepsis treatment.
Rural in‐migration and agricultural development: Evidence from Zambia
Authors: Chamberlin Jordan , Jayne T. S. , Sitko Nicholas J.
Published: April 2020

While a considerable body of literature has developed in recent years around the drivers and consequences of rural out‐migration in sub‐Saharan Africa, relatively little work has been done to understand the impacts of migration into rural areas. We use nationally representative household survey data from Zambia to explore the relationship between rural in‐migration and agricultural productivity outcomes in receiving communities. We document high levels of rural in‐migration throughout Zambia—12% of rural household heads having moved from elsewhere within the previous 10 years—with two‐thirds of rural in‐migrants originating from other rural areas. Migrants are, on average, better endowed with capital resources than their nonmigrant neighbors and are more engaged with input and output markets. After controlling for other factors, we find that higher rates of rural in‐migration are associated with greater agricultural productivity outcomes in receiving communities. These positive associations are particularly pronounced in more remote rural areas, and where in‐migration originates from other rural areas. Taken together, our results suggest that rural in‐migrants play an important role in the rural transformation processes underway in Zambia.
Solidarity economy and political mobilisation: Insights from Barcelona
Authors: Giovannini Michela
Published: April 2020

The solidarity economy has been interpreted as being characterised by a political dimension: however, empirical and theoretical analysis supporting this statement is still embryonic. Drawing on a qualitative study in the city of Barcelona, this article analyses the political dimension of the solidarity economy and its transformative character with respect to neoliberalism by engaging with critical approaches related to the social movement studies. The main objectives were to investigate factors enabling the upsurge of solidarity economy organisations and how the opposition of social movement participants to neoliberal rationalities impacts on the way the solidarity economy is conceived and implemented in practice. The results highlight three main dimensions in which the political dimension is reflected, and some general as well as context‐specific factors enabling the upsurge of solidarity economy organisations. Findings show how the compensative rationale that distinguishes most approaches in the field of social entrepreneurship studies is contested by the solidarity economy: its transformative character is reflected in discourses and practices that define the solidarity economy as a prefigurative socio‐economic project.
Clinical judgment versus lung allocation score in predicting lung transplant waitlist mortality
Authors: Hirji Alim , Zhao Hedi , Ospina Maria B. , Lomelin Jesus S. , Halloran Kieran , Hubert Matthew , Yee John , Lien Dale C. , Levy Robert D. , Singer Lianne G.
Published: April 2020

Canadian lung transplant centers currently use a subjective and dichotomous “Status” ranking to prioritize waitlisted patients for lung transplantation. The lung allocation score (LAS) is an objective composite score derived from clinical parameters associated with both waitlist and post‐transplant survival. We performed a retrospective cohort study to determine whether clinical judgment (Status) or LAS better predicted waitlist mortality. All adult patients listed for lung transplantation between 2007 and 2012 at three Canadian lung transplant programs were included. Status and LAS were compared in their ability to predict waitlist mortality using Cox proportional hazards models and C‐statistics. Status and LAS were available for 1122 patients. Status 2 patients had a higher LAS compared to Status 1 patients (mean 40.8 (4.4) vs 34.6 (12.5), P = .0001). Higher LAS was associated with higher risk of waitlist mortality (HR 1.06 per unit LAS, 95% CI 1.05, 1.07, P < .001). LAS predicted waitlist mortality better than Status (C‐statistic 0.689 vs 0.674). Patients classified as Status 2 and LAS ≥ 37 had the worst survival awaiting transplant, HR of 8.94 (95% CI 5.97, 13.37). LAS predicted waitlist mortality better than Status; however, the best predictor of waitlist mortality may be a combination of both LAS and clinical judgment.
Effect of dietary salt restriction on central blood pressure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the intervention studies
Authors: D'Elia Lanfranco , La Fata Ersilia , Giaquinto Alfonso , Strazzullo Pasquale , Galletti Ferruccio
Published: April 2020

Central blood pressure (cBP) is highly associated with cardiovascular risk. Although reduction of salt intake leads to lower peripheral blood pressure (BP), the studies on cBP provided inconsistent results. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and a meta‐analysis of the available intervention trials of salt reduction on cBP values to reach definitive conclusions. A systematic search of the online databases available (up to December 2018) was conducted including the intervention trials that reported non‐invasively assessed cBP changes after two different salt intake regimens. For each study, the mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random‐effect model. Sensitivity, heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup, and meta‐regression analyses were performed. Fourteen studies met the pre‐defined inclusion criteria and provided 17 cohorts with 457 participants with 1‐13 weeks of intervention time. In the pooled analysis, salt restriction was associated with a significant reduction in augmentation index (9.3%) as well as central systolic BP and central pulse pressure. There was a significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 70%), but no evidence of publication bias. Peripheral BP changes seemed to partially interfere on the relationship between salt restriction and cBP. The results of this meta‐analysis indicate that dietary salt restriction reduces cBP. This effect seems to be, at least in part, independent of the changes in peripheral BP.
Physiological parameter values for physiologically based pharmacokinetic models in food‐producing animals. Part I: Cattle and swine
Authors: Lin Zhoumeng , Li Miao , Wang Yu‐Shin , Tell Lisa A. , Baynes Ronald E. , Davis Jennifer L. , Vickroy Thomas W. , Riviere Jim E.
Published: April 2020

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for chemicals in food animals are a useful tool in estimating chemical tissue residues and withdrawal intervals. Physiological parameters such as organ weights and blood flows are an important component of a PBPK model. The objective of this study was to compile PBPK‐related physiological parameter data in food animals, including cattle and swine. Comprehensive literature searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest. Relevant literature was reviewed and tables of relevant parameters such as relative organ weights (% of body weight) and relative blood flows (% of cardiac output) were compiled for different production classes of cattle and swine. The mean and standard deviation of each parameter were calculated to characterize their variability and uncertainty and to allow investigators to conduct population PBPK analysis via Monte Carlo simulations. Regression equations using weight or age were created for parameters having sufficient data. These compiled data provide a comprehensive physiological parameter database for developing PBPK models of chemicals in cattle and swine to support animal‐derived food safety assessment. This work also provides a basis to compile data in other food animal species, including goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys.
The effect of breed, sex, and drug concentration on the pharmacokinetic profile of ivermectin in cattle
Authors: Gotardo André Tadeu , Fonseca Rafael Lanzelloti , Barreto Fabiano , Tomaszewski Caroline Andrade , Barnet Lucas Suchecki , Castilho Tamara , Górniak Silvana Lima
Published: April 2020

Ivermectin (IVM) is one of the most widely used antiparasitic drugs worldwide and has become the drug of choice for anthelmintic and tick treatment in beef cattle production. It is known that pharmacokinetic parameters are fundamental to the rational use of a drug and food safety and these parameters are influenced by different factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of IVM in Bos indicus, Bos taurus, and crossbreed cattle (B. indicus × B. taurus) kept under same field conditions and the possible impacts of sex and IVM formulation (1% and 3.15%). It was observed that IVM concentration was significantly affected by breed. The plasma concentrations of IVM, AUC, Cmax, and t1/2β were significantly higher in B. indicus compared to B. taurus. Crossbreed animals showed an intermediate profile between European and Indian cattle. No alteration in pharmacokinetics parameters was detected when comparing different gender. Concerning the pharmacokinetic data of IVM formulation, it was verified that Tmax, AUC, and t1/2β were higher in 3.15% IVM animals than those from 1% IVM formulation. The results clearly indicated that the IVM plasma concentrations in B. indicus were higher than that in B. taurus.
Conjoining meanings without losing our heads
Authors: Collins John
Published: April 2020

The paper has two principal aims. First, Pietroski's sparse account of semantic composition will be favourably compared to the familiar full Frege hierarchy of composed semantic types. Second, I shall introduce the idea of a head as employed in linguistics and pose the problem of how to square Pietroski's compositional principles with the asymmetry entailed by headedness. The paper will leave the problem of headedness as an outstanding issue to be resolved.
Truth is dead; long live the truth. Commentary on Conjoining Meanings by Paul Pietroski
Authors: Ramchand Gillian
Published: April 2020

Pietroski successfully dismantles the idea of a formal semantic theory based on direct truth conditions and offers new and formally constrained alternatives. In this paper, I summarize the arguments but also provide a number of test cases to show that refusing to accept Pietroski's conclusions condemns the field to constantly restating and technically evading its own self‐created paradoxes. In the final section, I offer some positive proposals in the spirit of the Pietroskian enterprise with respect to thematic roles.
Effect of Monitor Placement on the Daily Step Counts of Wrist and Hip Activity Monitors
Authors: Park Susan , Toth Lindsay P. , Crouter Scott E. , Springer Cary M. , Marcotte Robert T. , Bassett David R.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To examine the effect of activity monitor placement on daily step counts when monitors are worn at different positions on the wrist/forearm and the hip. Methods: Participants (N = 18) wore eight different models (four wrist and four hip models) across four days. Each day, one hip and one wrist model were selected, and four identical monitors of each model were worn on the right hip and the non-dominant wrist/forearm, respectively, during all waking hours. Step counts of each monitor were compared to the same model worn in the referent position (wrist: proximal to ulnar styloid process; hip: midline of thigh). Percent of referent steps and mean difference between observed and referent positions were computed. Significant differences in steps between positions for each method were determined using one-way repeated measures ANOVAs. For significant main effects, pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni corrections were used to determine which positions were significantly different. Results: All wrist methods showed a significant main effect for placement (p < .05) and alternate positions were 1–16% lower than the referent position. For hip methods, only the Omron HJ-325 differed across positions (p < .05), but differences were among non-referent positions and all were within ±2% of steps recorded by the referent position. Conclusions: Researchers should be aware that positions that deviate from the manufacturer’s recommended position at the wrist could influence step counts. Of all hip methods examined, the Omron had a significant placement effect which did not constitute a practical difference.
NAS letter suggests ‘normal breathing’ can expel coronavirus
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: April 2020

But some experts are skeptical that small respiratory particles transmit infectious virus.
Adaptation in the Anthropocene
Life Changing
Helen Pilcher
Bloomsbury Sigma, 2020. 384 pp.
Authors: Schilthuizen Menno
Published: April 2020

Through actions big and small, intentional and unintentional, we are reshaping life on Earth
Rapid Gastrointestinal Passage May Protect Bombus terrestris from Becoming a True Host for Nosema ceranae
Authors: Gisder Sebastian , Horchler Lennart , Pieper Franziska , Schüler Vivian , Šima Peter , Genersch Elke
Published: April 2020

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) pose a major health threat to both humans and animals. EIDs include, for instance, those that have spread into hitherto naive populations. Recently, the honey bee-specific microsporidium
Nosema ceranae
has been detected by molecular methods in field samples of bumblebees. This detection of
N. ceranae
DNA in bumblebees led to the assumption that
N. ceranae
infections represent an EID of bumblebees and resulted in speculations on the role of this pathogen in driving bumblebee declines. In order to address the issue of whether
N. ceranae
is an emerging infectious agent for bumblebees, we experimentally analyzed host susceptibility and pathogen reproduction in this new host-pathogen interaction. Surprisingly, we did not find any evidence for a true infection of
Bombus terrestris
by
N. ceranae
, questioning the classification of
N. ceranae
infections as EIDs of bumblebees and demonstrating that detection of microsporidian DNA does not equal detection of microsporidian infection.
Old Era Continues in Modern World: A Case Report of Scurvy Induced Myopathy in Patient with Chronic Alcoholism
Authors: Singhania Girish , Singhania Namrata , Chawla Neha
Published: April 2020

We report a case of myopathy in a chronic alcoholic patient with scurvy who presented with generalized weakness, myalgias, and arthralgia. Our case raises awareness regarding rare interaction between vitamin C deficiency and myopathy which is seen more commonly in patients with history of chronic alcoholism and low socioeconomic status. Early treatment with vitamin C replacement is helpful in treatment of the disease and its complications.
An Unusual Case of Lower Extremity Clear Cell Hidradenocarcinoma
Authors: Rafols Marc , Mejia Odille , Oh Kei Shing , Bendixen Blake , Jorge Irving , Narayanan Sumana
Published: April 2020

Hidradenocarcinoma (HC) is a rare malignant sweat gland tumor with metastatic potential primarily located in the head, neck, and trunk. We present an unusual case of a large lower extremity Clear Cell HC managed with surgical resection and adjuvant locoregional radiation after excluding lymph node involvement.
Efficacy of Simple Eye Ointment, Polyethylene Cover, and Eyelid Taping in Prevention of Ocular Surface Disorders in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ahmadinejad Mehdi , Karbasi Esmat , Jahani Yunes , Ahmadipour Maryam , Soltaninejad Maryam , Karzari Zahra
Published: April 2020

Background. Under normal conditions, the cornea of the eye is protected from bacterial invasion, physical injury, and drying by the presence of tears, eyelids, and blinking reflex. However, patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for several reasons including loss of consciousness, receiving sedative and neuromuscular blocking agents, and mechanical ventilation may lose eye-protective mechanisms causing exposure keratopathy. Therefore, this study intended to compare three eye care methods to prevent ocular surface disorders (OSDs) in ICU patients. Methods. This study was a double-blind clinical trial (IRCT: 201109225426N3, https://www.irct.ir/trial/5825), in which 152 patients were randomized into three groups and each group underwent a different eye care procedure. The eye care methods included simple eye ointment, polyethylene cover, and eyelid taping. The eligible patients received the care procedure for seven days, and their corneas were examined daily for OSD by a portable slit lamp with fluorescein staining. Descriptive and analytical tests (ANOVA, chi-square, logistic regression, and zero-inflated Poisson regression) were used for statistical analysis by STATA14. Results. The odds of OSD (chances of getting an OSD grade between I and VI) in the ointment group were 0.19 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.41), and the odds of OSD in the polyethylene cover group were 0.06 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.20), showing a significant difference with the tape group (p=0.0001). Despite the lower odds of OSD in the cover group than in the ointment group, there was no significant between-group difference (p=0.08). However, the mean OSD scores in both the ointment and polyethylene cover groups were significantly lower than that in the tape group. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that polyethylene cover followed by simple eye ointment and eyelid taping were the most effective methods in preventing OSD. Therefore, polyethylene cover and simple eye ointment are recommended as effective eye care methods in ICU.
Integrated Analysis Identifies an Immune‐Based Prognostic Signature for the Mesenchymal Identity in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Dongzhu , Gu Bin , Ruan Liming , Zhang Xingguo , Shu Peng
Published: April 2020

Background. Gastric cancer (GC) has been divided into four molecular subtypes, of which the mesenchymal subtype has the poorest survival. Our goal is to develop a prognostic signature by integrating the immune system and molecular modalities involved in the mesenchymal subtype. Methods. The gene expression profiles collected from 6 public datasets were applied to this study, including 1,221 samples totally. Network analysis was applied to integrate the mesenchymal modalities and immune signature to establish an immune‐based prognostic signature for GC (IPSGC). Results. We identified six immune genes as key factors of the mesenchymal subtype and established the IPSGC. The IPSGC can significantly divide patients into high‐ and low‐risk groups in terms of overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) in discovery (OS: P < 0.001) and 5 independent validation sets (OS range: P = 0.05 to P < 0.001; RFS range: P = 0.03 to P < 0.001). Further, in multivariate analysis, the IPSGC remained an independent predictor of prognosis and performed better efficiency compared to clinical characteristics. Moreover, macrophage M2 was significantly enriched in the high‐risk group, while plasma cells were enriched in the low‐risk group. Conclusions. We propose an immune‐based signature identified by network analysis, which is a promising prognostic biomarker and help for the selection of GC patients who might benefit from more rigorous therapies. Further prospective studies are warranted to test and validate its efficiency for clinical application.
Seizures and Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Pallister-Killian Syndrome due to Hexasomy 12p Mosaicism
Authors: Toydemir Reha M. , Panza Emanuele , Longhurst Maria C. , South Sarah T. , Rope Alan F.
Published: April 2020

Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is a rare disorder presenting with developmental delay, numerous dysmorphic features, and skin pigmentation anomalies. It is caused by mosaic tetrasomy of the short arm of chromosome 12. In most instances, tetrasomy is due to a supernumerary isochromosome i(12)(p10). Although mitotic instability is a generally accepted behavior for supernumerary chromosomes, hexasomy 12p due to a gain of an isochromosome 12p, has been hardly ever reported. We report a 10 year follow-up on a girl with 2 copies of isochromosome consisting of the short arm of chromosome 12, who has craniofacial features seen in PKS, such as sparse hair with an unusual pattern, sparse eyebrows, lacrimal duct stenosis, submucous cleft palate, Pallister lip (a relatively long philtrum continuing into the vermillion border of the upper lip), narrow palate, and wide alveolar ridges. She also has other abnormalities, including unilateral renal dysgenesis, rectovaginal fistula, pre-axial polydactyly of the right hand, severe global developmental delay, and hypotonia as well as some features suggestive of mosaicism such as bilateral asymmetry, patchy areas of rough skin, and retinal mottling. Initial cytogenetic studies from peripheral blood showed a normal female karyotype. Further cytogenetic studies on a skin biopsy showed mosaicism with 2 copies of the supernumerary isochromosome 12p.
Imaging modalities in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Yanaguizawa Wellington Hideaki , Velasco Solange Kobayashi , Petersen Rodrigo Lima , Alves Fábio De Abreu , Cavalcanti Marcelo Gusmão Paraíso
Published: April 2020

Osteonecrosis occurs by cellular death of the bone tissue due to an irreversible external factor. This disorder may be clinically unidentified in the early stages and result in degradation of the bone architectural structure, leading to pain, bone destruction, and loss of function. Thus, imaging exams become relevant to the recognition and definition of the bone necroses. The aim of this study was to review the literature on imaging exams frequently used for the diagnosis and evaluation of patients undergoing drug therapies associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw, such as panoramic radiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and bone scintigraphy.