bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of tRNA Synthetases Induces Persistence inChlamydia
Authors: Hatch Nathan D. , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: September 2019

Chlamydia trachomatisis the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted infections, andC. pneumoniaecauses community-acquired respiratory infections.In vivo, the host immune system will release interferon-gamma (IFNγ) to combat infection. IFNγ activates human cells to produce the tryptophan (trp) catabolizing enzyme, IDO. Consequently, there is a reduction in cytosolic trp in IFNγ-activated host cells. In evolving to obligate intracellular dependence,Chlamydiahas significantly reduced its genome size and content as it relies on the host cell for various nutrients. Importantly,C. trachomatisandC. pneumoniaeare trp auxotrophs and are starved for this essential nutrient when the human host cell is exposed to IFNγ. To survive this, chlamydiae enter an alternative growth state referred to as persistence. Chlamydial persistence is characterized by a halt in the division cycle, aberrant morphology, and, in the case of IFNγ-induced persistence, trp codon-dependent changes in transcription. We hypothesize that these changes in transcription are dependent on the particular amino acid starvation state. To investigate the chlamydial response mechanisms acting when other amino acids become limiting, we tested the efficacy of prokaryotic specific tRNA synthetase inhibitors, indolmycin and AN3365, to mimic starvation of trp and leucine, respectively. We show that these drugs block chlamydial growth and induce changes in morphology and transcription consistent with persistence. Importantly, growth inhibition was reversed when the compounds were removed from the medium. With these data, we find that indolmycin and AN3365 are valid tools that can be used to mimic the persistent state independently of IFNγ.

Importance

The obligate intracellular pathogenChlamydia trachomatis, although treatable, remains a major public health concern due to rising infection rates. The asymptomatic nature of mostChlamydiainfections is hypothesized to be a product of its ability to transition into a slow-growing state referred to as persistence. The most physiologically relevant inducer of persistence is the immune cytokine IFNγ, which in humans activates an enzyme that degrades tryptophan, an essential amino acid thatChlamydiascavenges from the host cell. Unfortunately, the exact timing at whichChlamydiais starved after IFNγ treatment is inexact. To mechanistically study persistence using genetic tools, an experimental model where amino acid starvation can be induced at specific times is needed. Here, we demonstrate the capability of tRNA synthetase inhibitors, indolmycin and AN3365, to model persistence independently from the use of IFNγ. These tools will also allow comparisons between amino acid stress responses in this unique bacterium.
AR phosphorylation and CHK2 kinase activity regulates IR stabilized AR – CHK2 interaction and prostate cancer survival
Authors: Ta Huy Q , Dworak Natalia , Ivey Melissa L , Roller Devin G. , Gioeli Daniel
Published: September 2019

We have previously demonstrated that checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) is a critical negative regulator of androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity, prostate cancer (PCa) cell growth, and androgen sensitivity. We have now uncovered that the AR directly interacts with CHK2 and ionizing radiation (IR) increases this interaction. This IR-induced increase in AR–CHK2 interactions requires AR phosphorylation and CHK2 kinase activity. PCa associated CHK2 mutants with impaired kinase activity reduced IR-induced AR–CHK2 interactions. The destabilization of AR–CHK2 interactions induced by CHK2 variants impairs CHK2 negative regulation of cell growth. CHK2 depletion increases transcription of DNAPK and RAD54, increases clonogenic survival, and increases resolution of DNA double strand breaks. The data support a model where CHK2 sequesters the AR through direct binding decreasing AR transcription and suppressing PCa cell growth. CHK2 mutation or loss of expression thereby leads to increased AR transcriptional activity and survival in response to DNA damage.
Growth-regulated Hsp70 phosphorylation regulates stress responses and prion maintenance
Authors: Kao Chung-Hsuan , Ryu Seung , Kim Min J. , Wen Xuemei , Wimalarathne Oshadi , Paull Tanya T.
Published: September 2019

Maintenance of protein homeostasis in eukaryotes during normal growth and stress conditions requires the functions of Hsp70 chaperones and associated co-chaperones. Here we investigate an evolutionarily-conserved serine phosphorylation that occurs at the site of communication between the nucleotide-binding and substrate-binding domains of Hsp70. Ser151 phosphorylation in yeast Hsp70 (Ssa1) is promoted by cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk1) during normal growth and dramatically affects heat shock responses, a function conserved with Hsc70 S153 phosphorylation in human cells. Phospho-mimic forms of Ssa1 (S151D) also fail to relocalize in response to starvation conditions, do not associatein vivowith Hsp40 co-chaperones, Ydj1 and Sis1, and do not catalyze refolding of denatured proteinsin vitroin cooperation with Ydj1 and Hsp104. S151 phosphorylation strongly promotes survival of heavy metal exposure and reduces Sup35-dependent[PSI+]prion activity, however, consistent with proposed roles for Ssa1 and Hsp104 in generating self-nucleating seeds of misfolded proteins. Taken together, these results suggest that Cdk1 downregulates Hsp70 function during periods of active growth, reducing propagation of aggregated proteins despite potential costs to overall chaperone efficiency.
Detection of ctDNA from dried blood spots after DNA size selection
Authors: Heider Katrin , Wan Jonathan C. M. , Hall James , Boyle Samantha , Hudecova Irena , Gale Davina , Cooper Wendy N. , Corrie Pippa G. , Brenton James D. , Smith Christopher G. , Rosenfeld Nitzan
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in the research and clinical applications of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is limited by practical considerations of sample collection. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used for analysis of ctDNA, identifying copy-number alterations, fragment size patterns, and other genomic features. We hypothesised that low-depth WGS data may be generated from minute amounts of cell-free DNA, and that fragment-size selection may be effective to remove contaminating genomic DNA (gDNA) from small volumes of blood. There are practical advantages to using dried blood spots as these are easier to collect, facilitate serial sampling, and support novel study designs in prospective human studies, animal models and expand the utilisation of archival samples by the removal of gDNA in small volumes. We therefore developed a protocol for the isolation and analysis of cell-free DNA from dried blood spots. Analysing a dried blood spot of 50μL frozen whole blood from a patient with melanoma, we identified ctDNA based on tumour-specific somatic copy-number alterations, and found a fragment size profile similar to that observed in plasma DNA processed by traditional methods. We extended this approach to detect tumour-derived cell-free DNA in a dried blood spot from a mouse xenograft model and were able to identify ctDNA from the originally grafted ascites. Together, our data suggests that ctDNA can be detected and monitored in dried blood spots. This will enable new approaches for sample collection from patients andin vivomodels.
ZCCHC8, the nuclear exosome targeting component, is mutated in familial pulmonary fibrosis and is required for telomerase RNA maturation
Authors: Gable Dustin L. , Gaysinskaya Valeriya , Atik Christine C. , Talbot C. Conover , Kang Byunghak , Stanley Susan E. , Pugh Elizabeth W. , Amat-Codina Nuria , Schenk Kara M. , Arcasoy Murat O. , Brayton Cory , Florea Liliana , Armanios Mary
Published: September 2019

Short telomere syndromes manifest as familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; they are the most common premature aging disorders. We used genome-wide linkage to identify heterozygous loss of function of ZCCHC8, a zinc-knuckle containing protein, as a cause of autosomal dominant pulmonary fibrosis. ZCCHC8 associated with TR and was required for telomerase function. In ZCCHC8 knockout cells and in mutation carriers, genomically extended telomerase RNA (TR) accumulated at the expense of mature TR, consistent with a role for ZCCHC8 in mediating TR 3′ end targeting to the nuclear RNA exosome. We generated Zcchc8-null mice and found that heterozygotes, similar to human mutation carriers, had TR insufficiency but an otherwise preserved transcriptome. In contrast, Zcchc8−/− mice developed progressive and fatal neurodevelopmental pathology with features of a ciliopathy. The Zcchc8−/− brain transcriptome was highly dysregulated, showing accumulation and 3′ end misprocessing of other low-abundance RNAs, including those encoding cilia components as well as the intronless replication-dependent histones. Our data identify a novel cause of human short telomere syndromes-familial pulmonary fibrosis and uncover nuclear exosome targeting as an essential 3′ end maturation mechanism that vertebrate TR shares with replication-dependent histones.
“Mainstreaming” foresight program development in the public sector
Authors: Janzwood Scott , Piereder Jinelle
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a framework for benchmarking the maturity of public sector foresight programs and outlines strategies that program managers can use to overcome obstacles to foresight program development in government.

Design/methodology/approach

The public sector foresight benchmarking framework is informed by a bibliometric analysis and comprehensive review of the literature on public sector foresight, as well as three rounds of semi-structured interviews conducted over the course of a collaborative 18-month project with a relatively young department-level foresight program at the government of an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country. The paper frames public sector organizations as “complex adaptive systems” and draws from other government initiatives that require fundamental organizational change, namely, “gender mainstreaming”.

Findings

Nascent or less mature programs tend to be output-focused and disconnected from the policy cycle, while more mature programs balance outputs and participation as they intervene strategically in the policy cycle. Foresight program development requires that managers simultaneously pursue change at three levels: technical, structural and cultural. Therefore, successful strategies are multi-dimensional, incremental and iterative.

Originality/value

The paper addresses two important gaps in the literature on public sector foresight programs by comprehensively describing the key attributes of mature and immature public sector foresight programs, and providing flexible, practical strategies for program development. The paper also pushes the boundaries of thinking about foresight by integrating insights from complexity theory and complexity-informed organizational change theory.
Delphi method: analysis of rounds, stakeholder and statistical indicators
Authors: Zartha Sossa Jhon Wilder , Halal William , Hernandez Zarta Raul
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the literature on the Delphi method, its characteristics and current applications through an analysis of recent most-cited scientific papers, with an emphasis on three axes, namely, the number of rounds used, stakeholder participation relevance or only academic experts’ participation and the possibility of using indicators or techniques different from those related to descriptive statistics.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 57 papers were initially reviewed, 10 of them with a high citation rate. Then, an analysis was made of papers in Scopus for the period 2015-2018 published in theTechnological Forecasting and Social Change Journaland inthe Futures and Foresight Journal, which had the characteristic of displaying quartileQ1orQ2in Scimago in addition to being in Scopus.

Findings

Among the main results, the authors observe the tendency to use fewer rounds, a higher prevalence of stakeholder participation and not only academic experts but also the use of new types of modified Delphi such as real-time spatial Delphi, Delphi group, market Delphi, real-world Delphi and policy Delphi.

Originality/value

Among the conclusions, the possibility of using other indicators or complementary techniques to the descriptive statistics is highlighted such as number of justifications or comments between rounds, coefficients to quantify the competence or degree of expertise of the participants, measures of the perception of the expert on the usefulness of the presented feedback, graphs of the number of arguments according to the number of questions, the Wilcoxon Ranked Pairs Test, the k means, Kolmogorov–Simonov test and the Mann–Whitney U-test.
Roma populations and health inequalities: a new perspective
Authors: Orton Lois , Anderson de Cuevas Rachel , Stojanovski Kristefer , Gamella Juan F. , Greenfields Margaret , La Parra Daniel , Marcu Oana , Matras Yaron , Donert Celia , Frost Diane , Robinson Jude , Rosenhaft Eve , Salway Sarah , Sheard Sally , Such Elizabeth , Taylor-Robinson David , Whitehead Margaret
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the emergence of “Roma health and wellbeing” as a focus of attention in European research and in policy and the possible detrimental consequences of action founded on a generic representation of “Roma health.”

Design/methodology/approach

Based on discussions with and research conducted by scholars who work directly with Roma communities across European regions from a wide range of academic disciplines it suggests how future research might inform: a more nuanced understanding of the causes of poor health and wellbeing among diverse Roma populations and; actions that may have greater potential to improve the health and wellbeing among these populations.

Findings

In summary, the authors promote three types of research: first critical analyses that unpick the implications of current and past representations of “Roma” and “Roma health.” Second, applied participatory research that meaningfully involves people from specific self-defined Roma populations to identify important issues for their health and wellbeing. Third, learning about processes that might impact on the health and wellbeing of Roma populations from research with other populations in similarly excluded situations.

Originality/value

The authors provide a multidisciplinary perspective to inform research that does not perpetuate further alienation and prejudice, but promotes urgent action to redress the social and health injustices experienced by diverse Roma populations across Europe.
Social media effects?
Authors: Moon Miri , Shim Jae-chul
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among media exposure, general scientific knowledge and the public’s risk perceptions of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study are based on a survey of 1,001 South Korean adult consumers (502 females and 499 males). The data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0, and multiple linear regression was performed to examine the relationships between risk perceptions and the types of media channel exposure, as well as between risk perceptions and general scientific knowledge.

Findings

Results showed that among the measured socio-demographic characteristics, gender was a significant factor. With regard to the variability of media exposure, individuals who were exposed to more internet news were found to have higher risk perceptions in terms of how BSE could affect themselves, while respondents who were more exposed to social networking sites (SNSs) were concerned about how the disease could affect others.

Originality/value

This study provides additional evidence of the third-person effect in risk perceptions of BSE, filling scientific knowledge gaps. Hence, this study suggests that the types of media channels (internet news, television and SNSs) should be considered as significant predictors of risk perceptions about food hazards related to the health of the consumer and others.
Strategy and organisational cybersecurity: a knowledge-problem perspective
Authors: Sallos Mark Paul , Garcia-Perez Alexeis , Bedford Denise , Orlando Beatrice
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to frame organisational cybersecurity through a strategic lens, as a function of an interplay of pragmatism, inference, holism and adaptation. The authors address the hostile epistemic climate for intellectual capital management presented by the dynamics of cybersecurity as a phenomenon. The drivers of this hostility are identified and their implications for research and practice are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The philosophical foundations of cybersecurity in its relation with strategy, knowledge and intellectual capital are explored through a review of the literature as a mechanism to contribute to the emerging theoretical underpinnings of the cybersecurity domain.

Findings

This conceptual paper argues that a knowledge-based perspective can serve as the necessary platform for a phenomenon-based view of organisational cybersecurity, given its multi-disciplinary nature.

Research limitations/implications

By recognising the knowledge-related vectors, mechanisms and tendencies at play, a novel perspective on the topic can be developed: cybersecurity as a “knowledge problem”. In order to facilitate such a perspective, the paper proposes an emergent epistemology, rooted in systems thinking and pragmatism.

Practical implications

In practice, the knowledge-problem narrative can underpin the development of new organisational support constructs and systems. These can address the distinctiveness of the strategic challenges that cybersecurity poses for the growing operational reliance on intellectual capital.

Originality/value

The research narrative presents a novel knowledge-based analysis of organisational cybersecurity, with significant implications for both interdisciplinary research in the field, and practice.
The moderating effect of firm size on relational capital and firm performance
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Caputo Francesco , Pironti Marco , Doni Federica , Bianchi Martini Silvio
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the relationship between relational capital (RC) and firm performance, by investigating the moderation effect of firm size and its key role in defining conditions for competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the interpretative lens of the resource dependence theory, and refreshes consolidated studies rooted in RC. It identifies a set of variables to measure the influence of RC on firm performance, including the cost of goods sold, interest expenses and earnings per share. Content analysis was used to capture specific features of corporate disclosure tools using 51 items pertinent to RC. The authors used a specific disclosure index drawing on data collected from 73 listed firms in France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Data covering the period from 2011 to 2013 were analyzed using six regression models.

Findings

Firm size has a moderating effect on the relationship between RC and some variables linked to firm performance.

Originality/value

The study combines an internal and external perspective to investigate the interplay between firms and market environments, and therefore, enriches the ongoing debate concerning the relationship between RC and firm performance. It outlines possible ways through which RC can become an effective source of competitive advantage.
Intellectual capital and the firm: evolution and research trends
Authors: Martín-de Castro Gregorio , Díez-Vial Isabel , Delgado-Verde Miriam
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The phenomenon of intellectual capital in the firm has been deeply researched and immensely debated in the management literature in recent years. After three decades of evolution, it has become established as a mature field of research. At this point, a review of its theoretical foundations and current and future evolution provides us with the state of the art of intellectual capital in the firm. The purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative review of the existing literature on intellectual capital in the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors present a quantitative review of the existing literature on intellectual capital in the firm. To do so, the authors searched the JCR-SSCI database from 1990 to 2016 and identified 553 citing documents; these were split into three main periods in order to identify the interactions and path dependencies existing between different foundations of research. In addition, areas of current and future research connected with the theoretical foundations were identified. For these purposes, the authors used both co-citation analyses as well as bibliographical coupling.

Findings

In this paper, three main stages of IC evolution have been identified with the main topics and research frames, as well as their path dependencies. Additionally, four main areas of current and future development of IC have been identified: IC measurement, IC in new business models, IC disclosure, and its role in social capital and human resource practices.

Research limitations/implications

The present bibliometric study is a quantitative review of papers published in the Web of Science database.

Originality/value

By its dimensions ‒ broad academic disciplines and longitudinal character ‒ this bibliometric study constitutes a new quantitative review of the IC discipline, both drawing its intellectual evolution in the last decades, and showing current and future research trends in IC and the firm.
An introduction to the special issue on the past, present and future research on deliberate lookalikes
Authors: Davcik Nebojsa S. , Sharma Piyush , Chan Ricky , Roy Rajat
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the contemporary thinking on deliberate lookalikes and to provide a better understanding of its key forms (counterfeits, copycats and no-name imitations) and markets (deceptive and non-deceptive).

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial contains a review of current and past literature on deliberate lookalikes along with summaries of all the articles accepted for publication in the special issue on deliberate lookalikes. The guest editors used academic databases such as Web of Science to find the most representative scholarly work on deliberate lookalikes literature.

Findings

This editorial identifies pertinent research gaps in the literature on deliberate lookalikes. The five selected articles address some of these research gaps and provide useful insights on the purchase and usage of deliberate lookalikes along with directions for future research and ways to apply different research methods that could have important implications for scholars and managers.

Originality/value

The editorial and special issue extends the knowledge about the deliberate lookalikes and their effects on firms, brands and consumers. This work opens new avenues for the research about different forms and markets in the context of lookalikes.
Viewpoint: service research priorities – bridging the academic and practitioner perspectives
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Guilloux Loïc , Duneigre Hélène , Keita Sikaar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

As an interdisciplinary and applied discipline, managerial relevance has always been at the forefront of service research. This viewpoint article synthesizes the main ideas presented in one of the 10th SERVSIG conference panels by three practitioners about what they view as the biggest opportunities/challenges they face and two journal editors on current academic research priorities. The purpose of this study is to use this panel as a starting point to bridge more closely the world of academia with practice and propose a collection of recommendations toward this goal.

Design/methodology/approach

This study synthesizes the academic and practitioner viewpoints presented and research conducted into research priorities.

Findings

Although there is significant overlap in what is deemed important by the presenting academics and practitioners, there are some important differences when it comes to issues deemed important, how they are articulated and the language that is used.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature and practitioner community by summarizing the viewpoints of the two sides and curating a collection of existing approaches and new recommendations to more closely bridge academic and practitioner perspectives.
Temporarily vulnerable consumers in a bank services setting
Authors: Amine Abdelmajid , Gatfaoui Sherazade
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how temporarily vulnerable customers and their bank advisors cope with incidents that occur over the course of their service relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design based on ten case studies, involving interviews with both sides of the dyad (client–bank advisor) and internal secondary data from the bank, was conducted.

Findings

The findings show that the two sides of the dyad span a gradation of coping strategies that are enacted to solve the incidents encountered. Thus, temporarily vulnerable consumers turn out to be non-passive in their asymmetrical relationship with advisors and deploy residual resources to co-create solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The results enrich the knowledge of consumers’ vulnerability insofar as the authors extend the transformative service literature to temporarily vulnerable clients who project themselves beyond the crisis period and consider ensuring satisfactory levels of their well-being.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that banks can refine their categorization of vulnerable clients by identifying those that remain profitable and for which an effort is worth making, and those in whom it is appropriate to disinvest. They also prompt banks to design supports for the advisors in managing increased stressful interactions with precarious customers.

Social implications

To prevent the risk of slippage by or exclusion of, vulnerable customers who experience serious banking incidents, the paper points out the necessity to mobilize alternative levers from the public and associative spheres to allow these customers access to a minimum of banking services.

Originality/value

As an early exploration of transient vulnerable clients, this research fuels the understanding of their capacity to consider co-creating, alongside bank advisors, solutions to the incidents encountered with a view to preserving their well-being and ensuring their social and economic inclusion.
Public Wi‐Fi provision by Australian local government authorities
Authors: McShane Ian , Grechyn Viktor
Published: September 2019

Investment by Australian local government authorities (LGAs) in public Wi‐Fi (PWF) provision has grown substantially in recent years. PWF represents the first significant venture of LGAs into telecommunications, a field of national jurisdiction, and thus is a precursor of wider local investment in digital communication technologies, particularly the Internet of Things and other ‘smart city’ infrastructure. However, there has been little published analysis of PWF provision and use in Australia. This knowledge gap limits understanding of the rationales, business models, and uses and impact of investment in these networks and offers little guidance for local authorities and communities contemplating wider ventures in the field of digital networks. This article draws on a national survey of PWF provision by LGAs, together with interview data and critical analysis of policy and institutional settings, to present an overview of local PWF provision in Australia. The analysis highlights some familiar problems associated with LGA infrastructure investment and service delivery, as well as some novel challenges posed for local managers by digital communication networks. Following an empirical mapping of PWF provision in Australia, we explore three significant themes that our research in this field highlights: accountability and transparency, competence in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) and evaluation.
When Women's Rights are Not Human Rights – the Non‐ Performativity of the Human Rights of Victims of Domestic Abuse within English Family Law
Authors: Choudhry Shazia
Published: September 2019

A large proportion of child contact cases in England take place within a context of domestic abuse and significant risks to victims and their childrenq associated with post separation contact. The legal response has largely been inadequate and the potential impact of human rights law by the family courts has yet to be fully explored. This paper analyses an exploratory empirical research project undertaken in 2017/2018 with Women's Aid England and 72 victims of domestic abuse regarding their experiences of human rights law in the family courts. The results, theorised through the lens of performativity and against the context of international human rights law, reveal a high level of non‐ performativity with respect to the human rights of the participants. The paper concludes with recommendations and the implications the analysis holds for feminist organisations if they are to fully realise the human rights of the victims of domestic abuse.
Cold Plasma‐Mediated Treatments for Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Produce: A Review of Recent Research Developments
Authors: Pan Yuanyuan , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: September 2019

Fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables, are important sources of nutrients and health‐promoting compounds. However, incidences of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce often occur; it is thus important to develop and expand decay‐control technologies that can not only maintain the quality but can also control the biological hazards in postharvest, processing, and storage to extend their shelf life. It is under such a situation that plasma‐mediated treatments have been developed as a novel nonthermal processing tool, offering many advantages and attracting much interest from researchers and the food industry. This review summarizes recent developments of cold plasma technology and associated activated water for shelf life extension of fresh produce. An overview of plasma generation and its physical–chemical properties as well as methods for improving plasma efficiency are first presented. Details of using the technology as a nonthermal agent in inhibiting spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, inactivating enzymes, and modifying the barrier properties or imparting specific functionalities of packaging materials to extend shelf life of food produce are then reviewed, and the effects of cold plasma‐mediated treatment on microstructure and quality attributes of fresh produce are discussed. Future prospects and research gaps of cold plasma are finally elucidated. The review shows that atmospheric plasma‐mediated treatments in various gas mixtures can significantly inhibit microorganisms, inactive enzyme, and modify packaging materials, leading to shelf life extension of fresh produce. The quality attributes of treated produce are not compromised but improved. Therefore, plasma‐mediated treatment has great potential and values for its application in the food industry.
Evocalcet: A New Oral Calcimimetic for Dialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Ikejiri Kazuaki , Kondo Yuichiro , Endo Yuichi , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: September 2019

Patients with chronic kidney disease often develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), marked by high levels of circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients with SHPT are treated with a therapeutic combination that commonly includes calcimimetics, which have recently become popular in clinical settings, and other agents such as vitamin D preparations. Calcimimetics are a drug class that reduces PTH levels by targeting the calcium‐sensing receptor. Cinacalcet, a representative calcimimetic, is widely used; however, a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract‐related adverse events (AEs) can result in insufficient dosage and poor long‐term compliance. The newly approved evocalcet has equivalent efficacy to cinacalcet at a lower clinical dose, with improved bioavailability, fewer upper GI tract‐related AEs, and fewer safety concerns. This review gives an overview of calcimimetic agents, with a special focus on evocalcet, and describes the clinical advantages of evocalcet in the treatment of dialysis patients with SHPT.
Radiation‐induced oesophagitis in breast cancer: Factors influencing onset and severity for patients receiving supraclavicular nodal irradiation
Authors: West Katrina , Schneider Michal , Wright Caroline , Beldham‐Collins Rachael , Coburn Natalie , Tiver Ken , Gebski Val , Stuart Kirsty E
Published: September 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine dosimetric factors, such as mean dose and oesophageal length, which may influence the incidence and severity of oesophagitis in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy to the supraclavicular nodes.

Methods

This was a single‐arm prospective observational study. Toxicity grading was undertaken twice weekly to determine the onset of grade 2 oesophagitis in consecutive patients prescribed IMRT to the breast or chest wall and supraclavicular fossa (SCF) nodes. Recorded variables included mean and maximum doses to the oesophagus, oesophageal length and pharynx length within the treatment area. Multivariate logistic regression and Fishers’ exact test were used with a 0.05 significance level to compare the onset of grade 2 oesophagitis with these variables.

Results

A total of 77 patients were included in the study. Twenty‐four (31%) patients reported grade 2 oesophagitis. There was a higher incidence of grade 2 oesophagitis in patients receiving a mean oesophageal dose of ≥31 Gy compared to those receiving < 31 Gy (18/24 versus 6/24, respectively, P = 0.025). There was a significant difference in the onset of grade 2 toxicity in patients who had ≥ 1 cm of pharynx included in SCF fields compared with those with <1 cm (15/24 versus 9/24, respectively, P = 0.0116). The odds ratios for developing grade 2 oesophagitis were 3.2 (95% CI = 1.05–9.62, P = 0.04) for a mean dose of ≥31 Gy and 3.4 (95% CI = 1.19–9.5, P = 0.022) for ≥1 cm of pharynx in the SCF field.

Conclusion

By limiting the mean dose to the irradiated oesophagus to <31 Gy during the planning process and ensuring that <1 cm of pharynx is included in the radiation field, oesophageal toxicity may be minimised.
Extreme hypofractionated proton radiotherapy for prostate cancer using pencil beam scanning: Dosimetry, acute toxicity and preliminary results
Authors: Kubeš Jiří , Vondráček Vladimir , Andrlik Michal , Navrátil Matěj , Sláviková Silvia , Vítek Pavel , Rosina Jozef , Abrahámová Jitka , Prausová Jana , Grebenyuk Alexander , Dědečková Kateřina
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Extreme hypofractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer is a common modality in photon therapy. Pencil beam scanning (PBS) in similar fractionation allows better dose distribution and makes proton therapy more available for such patients. The purpose of this study is the feasibility of extreme proton hypofractionated radiotherapy and publication of early clinical results.

Methods

Two hundred patients with early‐stage prostate cancer were treated with IMPT (intensity‐modulated proton therapy), extreme hypofractionated schedule (36.25 GyE in five fractions) between February 2013 and December 2015. Mean age of the patients was 64.3 years, and the mean value of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) before treatment was 6.83 μg/L (0.6–17.3 μg/L). Ninety‐three patients (46.5%) were in the low‐risk group. One hundred and seven patients (53.5%) were in the intermediate‐risk group. Twenty‐nine patients (14.5%) had neoadjuvant hormonal therapy, and no patients had adjuvant hormonal therapy. Acute toxicity, late toxicity and short‐term results were evaluated.

Results

All patients finished radiotherapy without interruptions. The median follow‐up time was 36 months. The mean treatment time was 9.5 days (median 9 days). Acute toxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v 4.0 was (gastrointestinal toxicity) GI (grade) G1‐17%, G2‐3.5%; (genitourinary toxicity) GU G1‐40%, G2‐19%; and no G3 toxicity was observed. Late toxicity was GI G1‐19%, G2‐5.5%; GU G1‐17%, G2‐4%; and no G3 toxicity was observed. PSA relapse was observed in one patient (1.08%) in the low‐risk group (pelvic lymph node involvement was detected) and in seven patients (6.5%) in the intermediate‐risk group (three lymph node metastases, two lymph node and bone metastases, two PSA relapses). No patient died of prostate cancer, and three patients died from other reasons. No local recurrence of cancer in the prostate was observed.

Conclusions

Proton beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer is feasible with a low rate of acute toxicity and promising late toxicity and effectivity.
Microhabitat use by Rhipidomys mastacalis and Marmosops incanus (Mammalia) in a restinga areas in north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Calazans Joseane de Faria , Bocchiglieri Adriana
Published: September 2019

Differences in the patterns of microhabitat use by small mammals have been largely related to the coexistence process of the species. The present study analyses how the marsupial Marmosops incanus and the rodent Rhipidomys mastacalis use the microhabitat in a areas of arboreal restinga in the Brazilian north‐east. Through capture‐marking‐recapture, sampling was performed monthly from September 2017 to August 2018 using Sherman traps and pitfall. Six microhabitat variables were measured at all capture stations. The use of vertical strata (ground and understory) was compared using a chi‐square test, and associations of species abundances with microhabitat characteristics were explored using redundancy analysis. The results indicate that the species use the vertical strata at different frequencies, with R. mastacalis found exclusively in the understory and M. incanus found more in the understory than in the ground. The variation in the abundance of the species was associated with the density of the understory, with an increase in M. incanus abundance and a decrease in R. mastacalis. Differences in the patterns found for these species in other environments indicate plasticity in relation to the use of vertical strata and the approaches used suggest that the differential use of the arboreal stratum can be a facilitator in the process of coexistence in areas of restinga.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
“Side Effects” Observed Within ~1–90 Days After Cannabis Onset: Epidemiological Estimates for the United States, 2004‐2014
Authors: Alcover Karl C. , Thompson Christopher , Anthony James C.
Published: September 2019

Background and Objectives

Among newly incident cannabis users, fewer than 4% develop cannabis dependence syndromes within 12 to 24 months, but earlier cannabis side effect (SE) incidence and early syndrome formation remains understudied. We estimate cannabis SE incidence within ~1 to 90 days after first use, and estimate odds ratios (OR) for SE pairs to quantify potential syndromic “running together.”

Methods

Each year, 2004 to 2014, the US populations under study consisted of noninstitutionalized civilian residents age 12‐years‐and‐older, sampled for National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. Computerized self‐interviews identified 3710 newly incident cannabis users and asked about SEs. Analysis‐weighted year‐specific SE and SE‐SE pair incidence proportions were estimated. Analysis‐weighted odds ratio (OR) estimates quantify SE‐SE co‐occurrences, judged as “greater than chance” when lower bounds (LB) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) exceed 1.0. Meta‐analysis is used to summarize and to check reproducibility.

Results

Illustrative of estimates on 17 SEs, roughly 1/2 of cannabis initiates experienced “wanting or trying to cut down or stop using,” but 80% of these cut back, such that less than 7% had symptom‐like inability to cut back or stop. An estimated 25% had “spent a lot of time getting or using cannabis.” The SE‐SE paired estimate is 2.8% for those who had spent a lot of time and also had wanted/tried to cut down (95% CI = 2.0, 4.0). OR estimation suggests no syndromic co‐occurrence of this SE‐SE pair (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.5, 1.6). In contrast, “cannabis causing serious problems at home/work/school” and “continuing to use despite physical problems” were more rare, but had strong SE‐SE co‐occurrence (OR = 14.8, LB = 2.4). For 78 of 136 possible SE‐SE pairs, meta‐analysis LB estimates exceeded the 1.0 threshold.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

In these US community samples of cannabis initiates studied soon after first use, the vast majority were free of individual SE experiences counted toward Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition cannabis use disorder diagnoses. For a minority, SE‐SE pairs might indicate syndrome formation. These epidemiological meta‐analysis estimates might find use in refinement of clinical practice guidelines for fast effective syndrome screens when primary care patients are seen soon after cannabis onset, akin to clinical screening guides designed for newly incident drinkers (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–9).
Interleukin‐7, T helper 1, and regulatory T‐cell activity‐related cytokines are increased during the second trimester of healthy pregnancy compared to non‐pregnant women
Authors: Tagoma Aili , Haller‐Kikkatalo Kadri , Roos Kristine , Oras Astrid , Kirss Anne , Ilonen Jorma , Uibo Raivo
Published: September 2019

Problem

Healthy pregnancy is associated with a physiologic increase in inflammatory responses. The objective of this study was to assess changes in plasma cytokines associated with uncomplicated pregnancy.

Method of study

To examine these changes, plasma levels of immune response mediators from healthy gravidas (N = 115, gestation weeks 23‐30) were compared with those from healthy non‐pregnant women (N = 42). Comparisons were performed using multiplex analysis for Th1 activity‐related cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐2, sIL‐2Rα, IL‐12[P70], and IL‐27), Th2 activity‐related cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13), other immune response mediators (GM‐CSF, IL‐1β, sIL‐1RI, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐15, IL‐17A, IL‐17F, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐23, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, TGFβ3, and TNFα), regulatory T cell–related cytokines (IL‐10 and sTNFRII), adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, PAI‐1, and resistin), chemokines (IP‐10, MCP‐1, and MIP‐1β), and hematopoietic growth factor IL‐7.

Results

Multivariate linear regression models showed increased levels of IL‐7, Th1‐, and Treg activity‐related cytokines and decreased levels of adipokines and chemokines in healthy gravidas compared with healthy non‐pregnant women. Additionally, season of the year, age, pre‐pregnancy body mass index, and HLA‐DR/DQ genotypes for type 1 diabetes risk showed different and sometimes reciprocal influence on cytokine levels.

Conclusion

Our study stresses the importance of profiling immune response mediators during pregnancy to better understand the effect of healthy pregnancy on cytokine levels.
Combined specular microscopy and Scheimpflug imaging to improve detection of an upcoming allograft rejection after DMEK
Authors: Baydoun Lamis , Bruinsma Marieke , Santander‐García Diana , Ham Lisanne , Oellerich Silke , Melles Gerrit R.J.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To assess whether combined analysis of specular microscopy and Scheimpflug imaging improves detection of an upcoming allograft rejection following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 22 eyes that had developed a clinical proven allograft rejection 28 (±22) months (range: 4–84 months) after DMEK. Specular microscopy and Scheimpflug images routinely made after DMEK were retrospectively analysed for changes in endothelial cell morphology (e.g. nuclear activation), cell density (>10%) and pachymetry (>7%), and/or the presence of subclinical keratic precipitates. The same parameters were evaluated for 22 control eyes matched for age, gender and surgery indication.

Results

A total of 20/22 eyes (91%) showed detectable changes 0.25–75 months before allograft rejection became clinically manifest: 13/22 (59%) showed both specular microscopy and Scheimpflug imaging changes; 5/22 (23%) only had changes on Scheimpflug imaging; and 2/22 (9%) only had specular microscopy changes. In 18/22 (82%) and 14/22 (64%) eyes, subclinical keratic precipitates and endothelial cell morphology changes could be detected, respectively. A total of 11/22 (50%) eyes concurrently showed a >10% drop in endothelial cell density and 4/22 (18%) a >7% pachymetry increase. Of the control eyes, 7/22 (32%) showed changes with specular microscopy but not with Scheimpflug imaging.

Conclusions

Combined analysis of specular microscopy and Scheimpflug imaging may allow recognizing an upcoming allograft rejection in over 90% of eyes and up to 6 years before rejection becomes clinically manifest. Early recognition of eyes at risk may allow for targeted intensified steroid treatment to prevent endothelial cell damage associated with rejection.
“Governtrepreneurism” for good governance: The case of Aadhaar and the India Stack
Authors: Dattani Kavita
Published: September 2019

In many of the ex‐colonies of European empires, biometric technology systems are being built under an ethos of welfare and financial service delivery. One case in this broader trend of postcolonial governance is India's Aadhaar and India Stack. This paper uses this case to explore how the in‐sourcing of technology into means of governing, behind a front of participatory “good governance,” is contributing to the historical trajectory of citizenship regimes in India. Through claims of reducing financial “leakages,” Aadhaar, a biometric identification database consisting of fingerprint, iris scan, and photograph, has become compulsory for accessing welfare in India. The Indian government makes a case for Aadhaar using a propaganda discourse of its success, based on weak evidence. The India Stack, a set of cloud‐based application programming interfaces (APIs) built on top of the Aadhaar database, offers a digital infrastructure for private companies to verify identities using Aadhaar data and to offer other “services” including “financial services.” The ability to access data, paired with a “revolving door” of individuals between state and corporations, points to an ulterior goal of both Aadhaar and the India Stack: creating winners in the corporate and financial technology sectors. The Indian corporate‐state run through a “governtrepreneurism” uses Aadhaar and the India Stack as new digital technologies of governmentality to transform populations into subjects or customers.