bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 and Policy Responses by International Organizations: Crisis of Liberal International Order or Window of Opportunity?
Authors: Josepha Debre Maria , Dijkstra Hylke
Published: June 2021

The liberal international order is being challenged and international organizations (IOs) are a main target of contestation. COVID‐19 seems to exacerbate the situation with many states pursuing domestic strategies at the expense of multilateral cooperation. At the same time, IOs have traditionally benefited from cross‐border crises. This article analyzes the policy responses of IOs to the exogenous COVID‐19 shock by asking why some IOs use this crisis as an opportunity to expand their scope and policy instruments? It provides a cross‐sectional analysis using original data on the responses of 75 IOs to COVID‐19 during the first wave between March and June 2020. It finds that the bureaucratic capacity of IOs is significant when it comes to using the crisis as an opportunity. It also finds some evidence that the number of COVID‐19 cases among the member states affects policy responses and that general purpose IOs have benefited more.
A patient with ALK‐positive lung adenocarcinoma who survived alectinib‐refractory postoperative recurrence for 4 years by switching to ceritinib
Authors: Matsumura Yuki , Inomata Sho , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Mine Hayato , Takagi Hironori , Watanabe Masayuki , Ozaki Yuki , Yamaura Takumi , Fukuhara Mitsuro , Muto Satoshi , Okabe Naoyuki , Hasegawa Takeo , Shio Yutaka , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4‐anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4‐ALK) rearrangements are found in ~ 5% of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed for treatment of so‐called ALK‐positive NSCLC. In cases of tumor progression during treatment with second‐generation ALK‐TKIs, such as alectinib, brigatinib, or ceritinib, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines propose a switch to lorlatinib, a third‐generation ALK‐TKI, or to cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, they do not mention switching to other second‐generation ALK‐TKIs. Here, we present a rare case of a 53‐year‐old Japanese woman, who had never smoked, with ALK‐positive lung adenocarcinoma who survived alectinib‐resistant postoperative recurrence for 4 years by switching to ceritinib. She underwent curative resection for lung adenocarcinoma, but the cancer recurred at the bronchial stump and mediastinal lymph nodes. After platinum‐doublet chemotherapy, the patient still had a single growing liver metastasis, but the tumor was found to harbor EML4‐ALK rearrangement. Therefore, the patient started to take ALK‐TKIs. Alectinib was the second ALK‐TKI used to treat this patient. Alectinib shrank the liver metastasis, which was surgically resected. The tumor relapsed again during continued treatment with alectinib, which was switched to ceritinib. Ceritinib was effective for the relapsed tumor and treatment continued well for 4 years. This case report suggests that, in case of tumor progression during treatment with a second‐generation ALK‐TKI, switching to another second‐generation ALK‐TKI may be one of the treatment options. Further analyses are warranted to find robust markers to determine which ALK‐TKI is best for each patient.
Population models reveal the importance of early life‐stages for population stability of an imperiled turtle species
Authors: Knoerr M. D. , Tutterow A. M. , Graeter G. J. , Pittman S. E. , Barrett K.
Published: June 2021

Demographic models are useful for projecting population trends, identifying life stages, most important to population dynamics, and investigating the demographic effects of potential management scenarios. We incorporated site‐specific population parameters into stage‐based matrix models to estimate population growth and to assess potential management scenarios for five intensively sampled (>15 years) populations of federally threatened bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) in North Carolina, USA. Only two of the five populations modeled were stable or growing under estimated vital rates. Long‐term sampling of bog turtle populations in NC suggests the declining populations in this study share several demographic characteristics with other populations in the region. Elasticity analysis revealed small changes in adult survival rates have the largest effect on population growth rate. These models also highlight that increased survival of egg and juvenile stages can sometimes buffer higher adult mortality and emigration, and reduced survival at multiple life stages can induce population‐level decline. Our results indicate that management scenarios targeting increased recruitment (especially a head‐start scenario) provide increased population growth among all populations, and allowed two of three declining populations to reach stability under current estimated vital rates. Population growth rates will be higher when population augmentation coincides with habitat restoration efforts that increase survival and site fidelity at all life stages. These models emphasize the importance of considering site‐specific dynamics when evaluating conservation interventions for an imperiled long‐lived species.
Declining drinking among adolescents: Are we seeing a denormalisation of drinking and a normalisation of non‐drinking?
Authors: Caluzzi Gabriel , Livingston Michael , Holmes John , MacLean Sarah , Lubman Dan , Dietze Paul , Vashishtha Rakhi , Herring Rachel , Pennay Amy
Published: June 2021

Background

In the early 2000s, alcohol use among young people began to decline in many western countries, especially among adolescents (ages between 12–17 years old). These declines have continued steadily over the past two decades, against the backdrop of much smaller declines among the general population.

Argument

Hypotheses examining individual factors fail adequately to provide the necessary ‘big picture’ thinking needed to understand declines in adolescent drinking. We use the normalisation thesis to argue that there is strong international evidence for both processes of denormalisation of drinking and normalisation of non‐drinking occurring for adolescents in many western countries.

Conclusions

Research on declining adolescent drinking provides evidence of both denormalisation of alcohol consumption and normalisation of non‐drinking. This has implications for enabling policy environments more amenable to regulation and increasing the acceptability of non‐drinking in social contexts. Normalisation theory (and its various interpretations) provides a useful multi‐dimensional tool for understanding declines in adolescent drinking.
Efficacy of brief intervention for harmful and hazardous alcohol use: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies from low middle‐income countries
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Singh Pranshu , Das Nileswar , Pandit Prabhat Mani , Das Sauvik , Sarkar Siddharth
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Low and middle‐income countries (LMIC) have a disproportionately higher alcohol‐attributable disease burden, in conjunction with a minimal focus on primary prevention. Screening and brief interventions can be a promising approach to address this problem. This systematic review aimed to perform a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of studies of brief interventions for harmful and hazardous alcohol use in LMIC.

Methods

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of brief interventions for harmful and hazardous alcohol identified from four electronic databases, conducted in any country identified as LMIC as per the World Bank. We measured differences in intervention and control groups on risk‐scores using standard screening instruments, the frequency of heavy drinking, the drinking risk‐level, or quality of life and other mental health‐related outcomes.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included, seven of them from South Africa. On standardized screening instruments, the brief intervention (BI) group had significantly lower scores than controls at 3 months (Hedges’ g = − 0.34, P = 0.04), but the effects did not persist at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up (g = − 0.06, P = 0.68 and g = 0.15, P = 0.41, respectively). There was little evidence to suggest that BIs led to changes in the frequency of heavy drinking or change in the risk level of alcohol use. Surprisingly, a single session (g = −0.55, P < 0.001) fared better than multiple sessions (g = −0.03, P = 0.85). A nurse delivered brief intervention (g = −0.44, P = 0.02) showed better results than BIs delivered by others (g = −0.14, P = 0.66), whereas the outcomes were similar for young adults and middle‐age people.

Conclusion

Brief interventions for alcohol use show some promise in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Specifically, a single session, nurse‐delivered brief intervention for harmful and hazardous alcohol use appears to show a small but significant positive effect in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Ecological momentary assessments of night‐time drinking among California adolescents: bases for informing night‐time preventive interventions
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Mair Christina , Gruenewald Paul J.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

To inform the development of effective night‐time preventive interventions, our goal was to assess adolescents’ residence (i.e. being at) and transitions across contexts during evening hours and risks for drinking and drinking‐related problems in relation to contexts and to these transitions.

Design

Ecological momentary assessment and survey methods.

Setting

Twelve mid‐sized cities (50 000–500 000 population) in California, USA from December 2014 to September 2015.

Analytical sample

A total of 153 adolescents (mean age = 16.4, 46.2% female).

Measurement

Initial conditions (e.g. past‐year heavy drinking, gender, best friend's approval of drinking); adolescents’ residence (i.e. being at) and transitions between (a) their own homes, (b) others’ homes and (c) public spaces (e.g. restaurants, parks, concert venues) at early, middle and late evening hours; drinking in these contexts at early, middle and late evening hours; and drinking‐related problems across evening hours.

Findings

Risks for drinking were 23.5 times greater in others’ homes (P < 0.01) and somewhat less in public spaces [odds ratio (OR) = 6.01, P < 0.01], compared with own home. Risks for problems in any evening time were elevated in relation to being in others’ homes (OR = 2.37, P < 0.05) and public spaces (OR = 2.71, P < 0.01) versus at own home. Drinking in others’ homes was related to 5.9 times increase in odds of transitioning back to own home (OR = 5.93, P < 0.05), 11.9 times increase in odds of remaining in others’ homes (OR = 11.86, P < 0.01) or 7.3 times increase in odds of transitioning from others’ homes to public spaces (OR = 7.3, P < 0.05). Initial conditions were associated with being in states, drinking and problems during evening hours and transitions across states.

Conclusions

In California, adolescents who are older, female, Hispanic or have greater spending money may be more likely to be outside their own home during evening hours than adolescents who do not match those criteria. In turn, being outside one's home during evening hours appears to be related to greater risks for drinking and drinking‐related problems. Finally, transitions between contexts increased differential risks for drinking such that, for example, drinking in others’ homes was highly related to transitioning to public spaces and less to returning to own home.
Variation in fouling assemblages associated with prop roots of Rhizophora mangle L. in the Caribbean: The role of neutral and niche processes
Authors: Guerra‐Castro Edlin J. , Conde Jesús Eloy , Barcelo Amalia , Cruz‐Motta Juan J.
Published: June 2021

The discussion about the drivers that govern the spatial patterns of diversity has been focussed on two seemingly independent models: (1) neutral dynamics, mediated by larval supply and dispersal limitations, and (2) niche processes, mainly environmental control. However, metacommunity theory assumes that drivers evoked by both models (niche and neutral) might act simultaneously, but at different spatial scales, in shaping assemblage composition and structure. In this study, we use communities inhabiting prop roots of the Caribbean mangrove Rhizophora mangle L. as a model system to test hypotheses about the role of environmental control and neutral dynamics as potential synergic drivers at multiple spatial scales. For this, environmental, biological and spatial data were obtained from the southern Caribbean under a hierarchical sampling design that includes (1) mangrove systems distanced apart by hundreds of km, (2) sectors within each mangrove systems separated by a few km, (3) sites within each sector separated by tens of metres and (4) neighbouring roots in a site. Non‐parametric multivariate statistics were used to describe, link and test the environmental, biological and spatial patterns. In general, we found that environmental filtering, principally salinity and supply of energy/nutrients, could be the primary filters that sustain differences in composition and structure of the assemblages at the spatial scale of mangrove systems. At local spatial scales, shallow depths (<1 m) seem to be a critical environmental filter for these assemblages. Beyond this environmental filter, it seems that the distribution and abundance of species might be more affected by neutral processes. However, we detect a wide diversity of spatiotemporal trends of species distribution and abundance. These results support the conclusion that niche and neutral processes act simultaneously, affecting species and individuals, rather than as general drivers affecting the whole metacommunity.
The role of combining immunotherapy with primary (Chemo)radiotherapy in curative treatment settings of the head and neck cancer
Authors: Dua Divyanshu , Kelly Charles , Kovarik Josef , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: June 2021

The introduction of immunotherapy into the radical management of head and neck cancer (HNC) is a fast moving phenomenon, which is constantly developing. Although now established in the management of recurrent and metastatic disease in HNC, its use in radical treatment is being investigated in a whole spectrum of clinical trials looking at which immune altering agents give the best results, which can be added safely to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and chemoradiotherapy for greatest efficiency and when the most appropriate time to add these agents is in the neoadjuvant, concurrent on adjuvant settings.

These multiple questions produce a complex matrix for HNC investigators and this article brings together the existing evidence and contemporary trials going on with immunotherapy in HNC, giving an up to date snapshot of present investigations and near future directions for further research.
Resection arthrodesis and osteoarticular allografts reconstruction after resection of primary bone tumors around the knee: Long‐term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for failure of biological reconstruction
Authors: Wisanuyotin Taweechok , Paholpak Permsak , Sirichativapee Winai , Kosuwon Weerachai
Published: June 2021

Aim

The biological reconstruction of the knee with osteoarticular allografts and resection arthrodesis have been reported but there has not yet been a direct comparison between both these procedures. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors that influence failure of biological reconstruction and compared the results between both procedures.

Methods

Between 1994 and 2017, we performed 92 limb‐sparing procedures using resection arthrodesis (n = 53) and osteoarticular allograft reconstruction (n = 39) for the management of primary bone tumors around the knee. The minimum follow‐up time was 2 years in both groups.

Results

The failure rate of reconstruction in the osteoarticular allograft and resection arthrodesis group was 48.7% and 39.6%, respectively (p = 0.75). The mean MSTS score in the osteoarticular allograft and resection arthrodesis group was 23.7 and 21.8, respectively (p = 0.01). The significant risk factor for failure after biological reconstruction was the administration of chemotherapy (p = 0.001; HR = 3.39; 95% CI, 1.60–7.17).

Conclusion

Patients who underwent osteoarticular allograft had a better functional outcome than those who underwent resection arthrodesis reconstruction, but clinical outcomes between the groups were comparable. Chemotherapy is a significant adverse prognostic factor for failure of biological reconstruction.
The minimum standard of care for managing malignant pleural mesothelioma in developing nations within the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Ke Helen , Kao Steven , Lee Kenneth , Takahashi Ken , Goh Hui Poh , Linton Anthony
Published: June 2021

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an incurable malignancy associated with high symptom burden and poor prognosis. The relationship between asbestos exposure and MPM incidence is well‐established. The incidence rate of MPM in Australia and New Zealand is among the highest globally. Matching the experience of other nations with legal restrictions on asbestos, incidence is expected to fall. In contrast, the incidence of MPM is rising in the developing nations of the Asia‐Pacific as consumption and mining (albeit to a lesser extent) of asbestos continues. The incidence of MPM in these nations is currently low or unknown, reflecting insufficient latency periods since industrial use of asbestos, deficient resources for accurate diagnosis, and lack of occupational disease or cancer registries. The landscape of treatment for MPM is rapidly changing with combination immunotherapy now demonstrating improved survival in the first‐line setting. Considering vast global inequity in access to anticancer treatments, establishing minimum standard of care for MPM in developing nations is of greater significance. Here, we review the evidence that form the basis of our minimum‐standard recommendations for diagnosis, systemic treatment, management of recurrent pleural effusions, and symptom management. We also briefly review evidence‐based treatment that may be considered for those with access.
Itraconazole in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: A case‐based review of the literature
Authors: Ip Ken Hiu‐Kan , McKerrow Kevin
Published: June 2021

Itraconazole is as an anti‐fungal agent with the ability to inhibit the Hedgehog signalling pathway, which makes it a candidate drug that can be repurposed for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). We present a case of metastatic BCC, treated with oral itraconazole 100 mg twice daily, that resulted in sustained partial regression of metastatic pulmonary nodules. A systematic review on the clinical outcomes of BCCs treated with itraconazole highlights that current evidence for its clinical application remains limited and that this is the first case report where itraconazole monotherapy has achieved favourable response in metastatic BCC.
Revisiting the Concept of the Property State: Private Landowners and Suburban Development in Hong Kong
Authors: Yau Yung , Choi Cheung Tin
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Under the prevailing land‐leasehold system, the Hong Kong government is thought to be the dominant supplier of land for housing development and for economic transformation. These characteristics make Hong Kong a “property state,” to use a concept developed by Anne Haila. However, the protection of private property rights has long been a core value in the city. As a result, private developers and investors have endeavored to build up their own land banks, enabling private‐profit‐oriented entities to dominate the land supply market for housing development. This article supplements previous works on land monopoly in Hong Kong. While previous works focused mainly on the role of the property lobby in the disposal of new land by the government, this article offers another perspective on land monopoly, based on the case of underutilized land resources in the New Territories of Hong Kong. By focusing on growth coalitions and the projects that they introduce to boost growth and enhance land values, this article provides insight into the political economy of urban development in Hong Kong. In light of the soaring property prices in the city, the Hong Kong government planned to open up the suburbs to affordable housing; yet, the government’s initiative has been hindered by the strong opposition of the owners of suburban land (including brownfield sites and abandoned agricultural land). In this article, we argue that these landowners with vested land interests are anti‐growth coalitions rather than pro‐growth coalitions. We demonstrate how the city’s growth machine is subverted by the hoarding of land in the suburbs by a small group of people.
Private Landed Property and Finance: A Checkered History
Authors: Ryan‐Collins Josh
Published: June 2021

This article examines the links between private property in land and the financial system. Private landed property (PLP) has played an important role in supporting the growth of modern banking and credit systems, industrialization, and economic democratization. However, since the 1980s, high‐income economies have exhibited a strong preference for PLP as a form of tenure, in the form of home ownership in particular. This pattern has combined with financial liberalization and innovation to create a land‐finance feedback cycle with negative social and economic outcomes. They include a housing affordability crisis for younger and poorer socioeconomic groups; rising wealth inequality as land rents have become more concentrated; economic stagnation due to capital misallocation; and increased financial fragility as household debt has exploded. We illustrate these historical processes in the Anglo‐Saxon “home‐owning democracies,” where they have been strongest, focusing in particular on the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. This article considers how alternative tenure arrangements and reforms to finance and taxation could help mediate these dynamics.
Urban Village Shareholding: Cooperative Economic Organization in Northeast China
Authors: Sa Haoxuan
Published: June 2021

Since the economic reforms of the 1970s, local Chinese urban authorities have requisitioned rural land near cities. To protect their land from these practices, many urban village collectives have established a cooperative shareholding system, but their motives remain unclear. Neoclassical economics suggests that such enterprises seek to maximize profits. Guided by the original institutional‐economics approach, I investigate this question empirically by interviewing residents of Mengke village in Chaoyang city, Liaoning Province, northeast China. These data reveal four startling findings about the motives behind the shareholding system. First, collective economic organizations do not simply seek the maximization of profit. Second, the shareholding cooperative system adopted by village collectives helps villagers resist external threats such as land loss. Third, the collective economic organization is not merely a firm or a single market; it may work as a firm and a market simultaneously. Finally, managing of common property contributes to maintaining the identity of the collective. These findings suggest that the theories of neoclassical urban economics and new institutional economics fundamentally mischaracterize urban cooperatives.
New Developments in International Production Networks: Impact of Digital Technologies*
Authors: Obashi Ayako , Kimura Fukunari
Published: June 2021

We conducted a standard gravity exercise using worldwide disaggregated trade data to shed light on the influence of digital technologies on network trade. We found that growing investment in industrial robots in relatively lagging economies, together with imported digitally deliverable services, is enhancing bilateral network trade flows in East Asia, but not necessarily in other parts of the world. This suggests that exploring complementarities between machines and human resources in production blocks supported by better service‐link connectivity may allow newly developed economies to retain and expand the international division of labor.
The association between hormonal contraceptive use and glaucoma in women of reproductive age
Authors: Hogden Kate , Mikelberg Frederick , Sodhi Mohit , Khosrow‐Khavar Farzin , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Kezouh Abbas , Etminan Mahyar
Published: June 2021

Aims

We aimed to investigate the association between hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and the incidence of glaucoma in females of reproductive age with a focus on duration and type of HCs used.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study with a case–control analysis (nested case–control) was undertaken using data from IQVIA's electronic medical record (IQVIA, USA) from 2008 to 2018. Within a cohort of 4 871 504 women, cases of glaucoma or ocular hypertension were identified. Subjects were followed to the first diagnosis of glaucoma. Each glaucoma case was matched to four controls by age, body mass index and follow up time. The main outcome measure was the first diagnosis of glaucoma defined by the first ICD‐9/10 code for glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Results

Among 4 871 504 women identified, there were 2366 cases of glaucoma and 9464 controls. Regular users of hormonal contraceptives had an elevated risk of glaucoma compared to non‐users with an adjusted incident rate ratio (aIRR) of 1.57 (95% CI: 1.29–1.92). Current users were of greatest risk (aIRR of 2.38, 95% CI: 1.81–3.13), whereas the aIRR among past users was 1.08 (95% CI: 0.82–1.43). The aIRR for glaucoma increased from 0.82 (95% CI: 0.70–0.95) among those with one or two prescriptions in the 2 years prior to the first diagnosis of glaucoma to 1.54 (95% CI: 1.32–1.81) among those with greater than four prescriptions.

Conclusions

This nested case–control study demonstrated an elevated risk, albeit low, of glaucoma in females of reproductive age who use regular hormonal contraception. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Clinical utility of subclassifying positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy
Authors: Dason Shawn , Vertosick Emily A. , Udo Kazuma , Sjoberg Daniel D. , Vickers Andrew J. , Al‐Ahmadie Hikmat , Chen Ying‐Bei , Gopalan Anuradha , Joseph Sirintrapun S. , Tickoo Satish K. , Scardino Peter T. , Eastham James A. , Reuter Victor E. , Fine Samson W.
Published: June 2021

Objective

To determine whether subclassification of positive surgical margins (PSMs) increases predictive ability for biochemical recurrence (BCR) and aids clinical decision‐making in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Patients and Methods

We studied 2147 patients with pT2 and pT3a prostate cancer with detailed surgical margin parameters and BCR status. We compared a base model, a linear predictor calculated from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center postoperative nomogram (prostate‐specific antigen, pathological tumour grade and stage), with the addition of surgical margin status to five additional models (base model plus surgical margin subclassifications) to evaluate enhancement in predictive accuracy. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to determine the clinical utility of parameters that enhanced predictive accuracy.

Results

Among 2147 men, 205 had PSMs, and 231 developed BCR. Discrimination for the base model with addition of surgical margin status was high (c‐index = 0.801) and not meaningfully improved by adding surgical margin subclassification in the full cohort. In analyses considering only men with PSMs (N = 55 with BCR), adding surgical margin subclassification to the base model increased discrimination for total length of all PSMs – alone or with maximum Gleason grade at the margin (c‐index improvement = 0.717 to 0.752 and 0.753, respectively). DCA demonstrated a modest benefit to clinical utility with the addition of these parameters.

Conclusions

Specific subclassification parameters add predictive accuracy for BCR and may aid clinical utility in decision‐making for patients with PSMs. These findings may be useful for patient counselling and future adjuvant therapy trial design.
Surveillance, trust, and policing at music festivals
Authors: Hoover Kara C. , Crampton Jeremy W. , Smith Harrison , Berbesque J. Colette
Published: June 2021

Music festivals are often the highlight of summertime, but they are also spaces increasingly policed for drugs, pickpockets, sexual assault, and terrorist attacks. The pop‐up nature of festival spaces creates a tension between organizers ensuring safe environments and festival‐goers seeking community and fun. We conducted an online survey of festival‐goers to determine their safety concerns and feelings about security measures. The biggest safety concern was authorities, including police, private security, and surveillance. We found significant differences between males and females. Females had more concerns about personal safety and males had negative attitudes about surveillance and security—perhaps reflecting a male privilege. The negative attitude towards surveillance and police was common across demographic groups but stronger in males. A striking finding is that 87% of our participants felt that the ethos of a festival best creates a feeling of safety, while surveillance changes the nature of these public spaces—56% of our respondents felt it creates a bad vibe and 44% said it causes anxiety. We speculate that this sentiment parallels the Defund the Police movement following the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States—community is key to a safe city and surveillance is viewed as creating negative spaces.
Upregulation of HOXC9 generates interferon‐gamma resistance in gastric cancer by inhibiting the DAPK1/RIG1/STAT1 axis
Authors: Tang Yuanxin , Wang Taifang , Yu Yue , Yan Yuhao , Wu Chunli
Published: June 2021

Clinical reports indicate that gastric cancer (GC) has a high mortality rate, but its pathological mechanism remains poorly understood. This work integrated bioinformatics analysis with experimental verification to explore novel biomarkers of gastric cancer. First, weighted gene coexpression network analysis was applied to screen significant genes correlated with GC development. Gene set enrichment analysis was also used to unearth the most relevant biological functions of significant genes. As a result, we discovered homeobox C9 (HOXC9) as a novel oncogene in GC, primarily through negatively regulating immune response. High expression of HOXC9 predicted a poor prognosis in GC patients, and knocking down HOXC9 efficiently enhanced the interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐dependent apoptosis in two GC cell lines as well as organoids from patients. Furthermore, cleaved caspase‐3/7 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p‐STAT1) were also significantly enhanced in HOXC9 knockdown cells and organoids treated with IFNγ. Mechanistically, we found that HOXC9 inhibited the death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) and its downstream retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐I (RIG1) to generate GC IFNγ resistance. In summary, we identified and confirmed that HOXC9 generates IFNγ resistance in GC by inhibiting the DAPK1/RIG1/p‐STAT1 axis.
Long‐term response to cabergoline and multi‐modal treatment in men with macroprolactinoma: Does size really matter?
Authors: Rudman Yaron , Duskin‐Bitan Hadar , Manisterski Yossi , Pertzov Barak , Akirov Amit , Masri‐Iraqi Hiba , Shimon Ilan
Published: June 2021

Objective

To study the outcome of men with macroprolactinoma following cabergoline treatment based on tumour size.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The study included 94 men, divided into three groups according to adenoma diameter: 10–19 mm (Group A, n = 36); 20–39 mm (Group B, n = 41); or ≥40 mm (Group C, giant prolactinomas, n = 17). Patients were followed for a mean of 7.5 years with sellar magnetic resonance imaging, visual fields and hormone measurements.

Results

Mean baseline prolactin was 767, 2090 and 24,806 ng/ml in Groups A, B and C, respectively (p < .01). Prolactin suppression below three times the upper limit of normal (ULN) was achieved in 34 (94%; mean weekly cabergoline dose of 1.2 mg), 37 (90%; cabergoline dose, 2.1 mg) and 15 (88%; cabergoline dose, 2.8 mg) men (p = .31) in each group. After excluding patients who underwent surgery and radiotherapy, cabergoline suppressed prolactin below three times ULN in 32/35 (91%), 29/37 (78%) and 11/14 (79%) men in Groups A, B and C, respectively (p = .27). Visual deficits were observed in 5 (14%), 12 (29%) and 10 (59%) patients (p < .01); improvement was achieved in 5/5 (100%), 11/12 (92%) and 10/10 (100%) of men in Groups A, B and C. Low baseline testosterone was measured in 26 (72%), 39 (95%) and 17 (100%) patients in the three groups (p < .01). Following multi‐modal treatment, hypogonadism persisted in 3 (8%), 5 (12%) and 2 (12%) men, respectively (p = .85).

Conclusion

Macroprolactinomas in men were controlled with cabergoline in 84% of cases, independent of tumour size. Pituitary surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy further improved long‐term response to 91%.
Risk adaptive triage in cervical screening: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Cuschieri Kate
Published: June 2021

This is a perspective on some of the recent developments in molecular triage strategies for the risk stratification of High Risk HPV infection. The article was created to expand on some of the triage approaches described in a EUROGIN seminar by Prof Jack Cuzick in February 2021.
Reducing the cost of B2B logistics via night deliveries: Does it really work?
Authors: Suzuki Yoshinori , Lan Bo
Published: June 2021

Night delivery is an approach increasingly used by motor carriers to improve the efficiency of business‐to‐business logistics. Many benefits of night deliveries have been reported in the literature, but in practice, not every carrier is benefitting from night deliveries. In fact, anecdotal evidence suggests that many carriers are losing money from night deliveries. While a limited number of past studies have discussed the disadvantages of night deliveries, in many cases, they cannot explain why carriers are not benefitting from night deliveries. This implies that some disadvantages of night deliveries may still be currently unknown. This paper seeks to identify such “hidden” disadvantages by studying this issue through the lens of transportation economics. Understanding such disadvantages can contribute to both theories and practice of night deliveries, especially for decision making on night‐delivery adoption by carriers, as it can lead to a better understanding of when and where night deliveries might be beneficial or detrimental.
Orofacial trauma injuries and disability assessment in adolescents: A Portuguese study
Authors: Nunes Tiago , Almiro Pedro Armelim , Coelho Joana , Caetano Catarina , Figueiredo José P. , Corte‐Real Ana
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

Orofacial injuries are a significant public health issue. The evidence‐based knowledge associated with adolescent violence and trauma is highlighted by the World Health Organization with regard to its specific needs related to disability, violence, and unintentional injuries. The main aim of this study was to present evidence‐based information about orofacial traumatic injuries of an adolescent population using Portuguese epidemiological data. The second aim was to report follow‐up data of injuries for disability assessment in a trauma prevention approach.

Methods

An observational cohort study was performed using the clinical database of the national‐specialist‐healthcare‐centre‐of‐trauma (2014–2018). Information was collected regarding gender, school age range, etiology, injury type, injury time, and severity. Mann–Whitney (p < .05), Kruskal–Wallis (p < .001), and Cox regression (p < .001) analyses were performed.

Results

Orofacial trauma injuries were present in 23.3% of Portuguese adolescents (age range 10–18 years). The majority were male (72.6%), and no age range stood out in frequency. School accidents (90.6%) were the major etiology for all groups of injuries. The diagnosis of superficial intraoral injuries was the most frequent (50.8%), followed by similar injuries to the face (22.5%). A Cox regression model with an adequate fit was yielded (χ2 [6] = 54.893, p < .001), suggesting that variable injury type was a predictor of disability, considering injury time. Tooth and alveolar loss, complicated tooth fracture, complicated face injury, and temporomandibular injuries were more predictive (1<hazard ratio < 5.329 [95% CI:1.340–12.685]).

Conclusion

The type of injury could be used to predict the time of temporary disability. Regarding definitive damage, some injuries were more predictive of severity than others. Preventive procedures should be highlighted in schools.
Gaze mechanisms enabling the detection of faint stars in the night sky
Authors: Alexander Robert G. , Mintz Ronald J. , Custodio Paul J. , Macknik Stephen L. , Vaziri Alipasha , Venkatakrishnan Ashwin , Gindina Sofya , Martinez‐Conde Susana
Published: June 2021

For millennia, people have used “averted vision” to improve their detection of faint celestial objects, a technique first documented around 325 BCE. Yet, no studies have assessed gaze location during averted vision to determine what pattern best facilitates perception. Here, we characterized averted vision while recording eye‐positions of dark‐adapted human participants, for the first time. We simulated stars of apparent magnitudes 3.3 and 3.5, matching their brightness to Megrez (the dimmest star in the Big Dipper) and Tau Ceti. Participants indicated whether each star was visible from a series of fixation locations, providing a comprehensive map of detection performance in all directions. Contrary to prior predictions, maximum detection was first achieved at ~8° from the star, much closer to the fovea than expected from rod‐cone distributions alone. These findings challenge the assumption of optimal detection at the rod density peak and provide the first systematic assessment of an age‐old facet of human vision.
Electrophysiological correlates of saving‐enhanced memory: Exploring similarities to list‐method directed forgetting
Authors: Runge Yannick , Frings Christian , Tempel Tobias , Pastötter Bernhard
Published: June 2021

People regularly outsource parts of their memory onto external memory stores like computers or smartphones. Such cognitive offloading can enhance subsequent memory performance, as referred to the saving‐enhanced memory effect (Storm & Stone, 2015). The cognitive mechanisms of this effect are not clear to date, however similarities to list‐method directed forgetting (LMDF) have been stated. Here, we examined in 52 participants the electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of the saving‐enhanced memory effect and compared our results to earlier LMDF findings (Hanslmayr et al., 2012). For this purpose, EEG alpha power and alpha phase synchrony during the encoding of two word lists were compared as a function of saving or no‐saving. We hypothesised that if saving‐enhanced memory was related to LMDF, saving in comparison to no‐saving between lists should reduce alpha power and alpha phase synchrony during List 2 encoding, two effects that have been related to List 2 encoding benefits and List 1 inhibition in the earlier LMDF work. The results showed no statistically significant saving‐enhanced memory effect and no significant effects in EEG alpha power or alpha phase synchrony. Possible explanations for and implications of these non‐significant findings are discussed.
Research productivity of self‐initiated expatriate academics: Influences of job demands, resources and cross‐cultural adjustment
Authors: Maharjan Mohan Pyari , Stoermer Sebastian , Froese Fabian Jintae
Published: June 2021

Research on academic expatriation has rarely investigated the drivers of academic performance in a foreign cultural environment. This study focuses on research productivity as a crucial facet of performance and integral part of academic jobs. Drawing from the job demands‐resources model, we position perceived organizational support and the number of doctoral students supervised as resources and teaching and service load as demands of self‐initiated expatriate (SIE) academics' jobs. Most importantly, we suggest that being cross‐culturally adjusted is a vital personal resource living and working in a foreign country and that cross‐cultural adjustment moderates the effects of demands and resources. The analysis of combined survey and publication data from 208 SIE academics in natural sciences indicates that the number of doctoral students supervised increases research productivity, while teaching load reduces it. Moreover, findings show that cross‐cultural adjustment amplifies the effects of demands and resources. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Vestibular contributions to the Romberg test: Testing semicircular canal and otolith function
Authors: Halmágyi Gábor M. , Curthoys Ian S.
Published: June 2021

Normal stance relies on three sensory inputs: vision, proprioception and vestibular function. The Romberg test, trying to stand with feet together and eyes closed, is familiar to every medical student as a test of distal proprioceptive impairment. It remains the best known of Romberg's many remarkable contributions to clinical neurology. In Romberg's time almost nothing was known about the function of the vestibular system. We now know that standing with the eyes closed on a compliant rather than a firm surface is more a test of vestibular than proprioceptive function. Peripheral vestibular function tests in clinical use today all rely on measurements of oligosynaptic brainstem reflexes. Short‐latency eye rotations in response to rapid, brief head rotations (head impulses) give an accurate, robust and reproducible measure of the function of any and each of the six semicircular canals. Short‐latency evoked potentials from sternomastoid and inferior oblique muscles in response to loud clicks or skull taps (vestibular evoked myogenic potentials) give an accurate and reproducible measure of the function of each and any of the four otolith organs. In the present paper, we briefly review what is now known about the anatomy and physiology of the peripheral receptors and brainstem pathways mediating these reflexes and examine how this knowledge can help interpret the Romberg test.
Systematic review of the putative role of herpesviruses in pulmonary fibrosis in horses and humans
Authors: Holley L. C. , Medina‐Torres C. E.
Published: June 2021

Background

Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF) and human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been compared due to their pathological similarities, poorly understood pathogenesis, poor response to therapy and high fatality rate. IPF lacks an adequate animal model for experimental investigation.

Objectives

Assess EMPF as a putative candidate to investigate the clinical importance of gammaherpesviruses (γ‐HVs) and their role in lung fibrosis, aetiological potential or involvement as cofactors for disease occurrence.

Study design

Quantitative systematic review.

Methods

Databases were searched, following a PRISMA protocol to identify relevant publications based on predetermined criteria. The articles were examined through a data extraction form designed for this review; bias, evidence and overall strength of the articles were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed on the extracted data to prove repeatability, quantify evidence and determine the significance of studies that did not include statistics.

Results

Sixteen relevant publications were identified, and gaps and patterns were recognised. Virus detection within the pulmonary parenchyma and a close association within alveolar epithelial cells highlighted herpesvirus involvement in pulmonary fibrosis in both species.

Main limitations

A limited number of articles matched the inclusion criteria, and raw data and the statistical analyses details were incomplete; the authors’ background in veterinary medicine may have resulted in inclusion bias.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrates that more research on both EMPF and IPF is required, with a methodical approach to characterise the relationship between γ‐HVs and lung cells. Similarities in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of EMPF and IPF support the use of EMPF as a model to study IPF and better understand the putative role that γ‐HVs, and that genetic and epigenetic factors might play in lung fibrosis. Such research could improve our approach to therapy of pulmonary fibrosis in both species.
Thermoelectric properties and phase transition of doped single crystals and polycrystals of Bi2Te3
Authors: Romanenko Anatoly I. , Chebanova Galina E. , Drozhzhin Michael V. , Katamanin Ivan N. , Komarov Vladislav Y. , Han M.‐K. , Kim S.‐J. , Chen Tingting , Wang Hongchao
Published: June 2021

The temperature dependences of the electrical conductivity , Seebeck coefficient , and heat capacity Cp(T) of polycrystalline samples of Bi2Te3, Bi2Te3+1%CuI, and Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) are investigated in the temperature range below room temperature. Based on the temperature dependences of all investigated physical properties, it is discovered that phase transition occurs at 120–200 K. Investigation of single crystals shows that anomalies in the electrical resistivity occur only across the crystal growth axis (across the well‐conducting Bi–Te plane). Investigation of the low‐temperature dependence of electrical conductivity shows that all polycrystalline samples exhibit quasi‐two‐dimensional electron transport. Additionally, quasi‐two‐dimensional transport is detected in single crystals based on anisotropy analysis (where is the resistivity along the crystal growth axis, and is resistivity across the crystal growth axis) and temperature dependence below 50 K. The Fermi energy is estimated using the temperature dependence of . It is discovered that an increase in at T > 200 K is associated with the phase transition. For single‐crystal samples, the maximum thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, as observed along the crystal growth axis, increases with doping. A maximum ZT value of ∼1.1 is observed for the Bi2Te3+1%(CuI+1/2Pb) sample at room temperature ().
MiR‐132 down‐regulates high glucose‐induced β‐dystroglycan degradation through Matrix Metalloproteinases‐9 up‐regulation in primary neurons
Authors: Dou Yunxiao , Tan Yan , Yu Tongya , Ma Xiaoye , Zhou Yuchen , Zhao Yichen , Zhao Yanxin , Liu Xueyuan
Published: June 2021

Cognitive dysfunction is one of the complications of diabetes. Unfortunately, there is no effective methods to block its progression currently. One of the pathophysiological mechanisms is synaptic protein damage and neuronal signal disruption because of glucose metabolism disorder. Dystroglycan protein, located in the post‐synaptic membrane of neurons, links the intracellular cytoskeleton with extracellular matrix. Abnormal expression of dystroglycan protein affects neuronal biological functions and leads to cognitive impairment. However, there are no relevant studies to observe the changes of β‐dystroglycan protein in diabetes rat brain and in primary neurons under high glucose exposure. Our data demonstrated the alterations of cognitive abilities in the diabetic rats; β‐dystroglycan protein degradation occurred in hippocampal and cortical tissues in diabetic rat brain. We further explored the mechanisms underlying of this phenomenon. When neurons are exposed to high glucose environment in long‐term period, microRNA‐132 (miR‐132) would be down‐regulated in neurons. Matrix Metalloproteinases‐9 (MMP‐9) mRNA, as a target of miR‐132, could be up‐regulated; higher expression and overlay activity of MMP‐9 protein could increase β‐DG protein degradation. In this way, β‐DG degradation may affect structure and functions among the synapses, which related to cognition decline. It may provide some theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism of diabetes‐induced cognitive dysfunction.