bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter studies competition law (antitrust law in US terminology), which protects competition to maximize consumer welfare. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) may use their market power to distort competitive conditions. Unlike purely domestic firms, MNEs can do this in a transnational context. Therefore, regulating MNE competition involves not only substantive rules but also jurisdictional questions which have led to extraterritoriality conflicts. The chapter then examines the competition issues arising from the market power of MNEs operating global networks of production and distribution in often concentrated markets. It also assesses whether competition law should control MNE entry and establishment to preserve the national economy from harmful foreign competition, involving issues of industrial policy and national security. Moreover, MNE operations challenge the hitherto predominantly national approach to competition regulation. To date, there has been little progress towards global competition rules, but it remains a worthwhile question, especially in the context of sustainable development, which has been introduced into competition policy debates in recent years.
Historical Development and Legal Basis
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the historical evolution and the existing legal foundations of international humanitarian law in the light of current practice. In this context, the ethical and political prerequisites for legal development are discussed in their global relevance, as the origins of the fundamental principles of humanitarian law are not exclusively based on a single region, culture, or religion. At a time which is characterized by rapid societal changes and diminishing distances, a good understanding of the multicultural basis for humanitarian rules is of the utmost importance. Although the subject of this handbook is the law applicable to the conduct of hostilities that applies once a party has entered into armed conflict (the jus in bello), that law cannot be properly understood without some examination of the separate body of rules which determines when resort to armed force is permissible (the jus ad bellum). The jus ad bellum has ancient origins but current law is founded on Article 2(4) and Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The chapter then considers the Geneva Conventions of 1949, as well as the Hague Conventions.
Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter describes the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict. Armed conflicts have had serious consequences on the environment which may last a long time after a conflict has ended. Starting in the 1970s, the matter of the protection of the environment during times of armed conflict became the object of political initiatives and controversy. In recent years, efforts to develop, or at least codify, international law concerning the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflict were revived. In 2011, the International Law Commission (ILC) decided to include the topic ‘Protection of the Environment in relation to Armed Conflict’ to its work programme. The formulation of the subject means that the ILC is not only concerned with environmental damage caused during armed conflict, but also with measures that might be taken in peacetime and with environmental consequences of an armed conflict after the end of the conflict, for example toxic remnants of war.
Acute Symptoms of Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Are Highly Heterogeneous Across Individuals and Over Time
Authors: Rodebaugh Thomas L , Frumkin Madelyn R , Reiersen Angela M , Lenze Eric J , Avidan Michael S , Miller J Philip , Piccirillo Jay F , Zorumski Charles F , Mattar Caline
Published: March 2021

Background

The symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appear to be heterogenous, and the typical course of these symptoms is unknown. Our objectives were to characterize the common trajectories of COVID-19 symptoms and to assess how symptom course predicts other symptom changes as well as clinical deterioration.

Methods

One hundred sixty-two participants with acute COVID-19 responded to surveys up to 31 times for up to 17 days. Several statistical methods were used to characterize the temporal dynamics of these symptoms. Because 9 participants showed clinical deterioration, we explored whether these participants showed any differences in symptom profiles.

Results

Trajectories varied greatly between individuals, with many having persistently severe symptoms or developing new symptoms several days after being diagnosed. A typical trajectory was for a symptom to improve at a decremental rate, with most symptoms still persisting to some degree at the end of the reporting period. The pattern of symptoms over time suggested a fluctuating course for many patients. Participants who showed clinical deterioration were more likely to present with higher reports of severity of cough and diarrhea.

Conclusions

The course of symptoms during the initial weeks of COVID-19 is highly heterogeneous and is neither predictable nor easily characterized using typical survey methods. This has implications for clinical care and early-treatment clinical trials. Additional research is needed to determine whether the decelerating improvement pattern seen in our data is related to the phenomenon of patients reporting long-term symptoms and whether higher symptoms of diarrhea in early illness presages deterioration.
Reducing Stigma Among College Students Toward People With Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Grounded on Intergroup Contact Theory
Authors: Gao Siyu , Ng Siu-Man
Published: March 2021

Objective

Public stigma has been shown to have multidimensional negative impacts on people with schizophrenia (PWS). A new 1-day intervention grounded on the intergroup contact theory was developed and implemented in the current study to reduce college students’ stigma toward PWS. We hypothesized that intergroup contact could better alleviate the stigmatizing situation compared with absence of direct contact and different levels of contact may have different functions on stigma reduction.

Methods

To examine the effectiveness of the intervention, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in Hong Kong with 37 college students participating the intervention. Different levels of contact (zero, moderate, and intimate) with PWS were organized in the intervention group while no direct contact with PWS was introduced in the control group. Participants’ knowledge of schizophrenia, stigmatizing attitudes and social distance toward PWS were measured at pre-, post, 1-month and 3-month after the intervention.

Results

Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant changes in all outcome variables in the intervention group with moderate-to-high effect sizes. The results indicated that different levels of contact with PWS had different functions in stigma reduction. Knowledge session without direct contact contributed most to participants’ knowledge improvement, and moderate and intimate level of contact led to an obvious improvement in participants’ stigmatizing attitudes and social distance changes. Also, psychoeducation and direct contact should be combined to tackle with the 3 components of stigma.

Conclusions

The current study provided evidence supporting the efficacy of the new intervention based on intergroup contact theory and practical experience for future research design regarding stigma reduction.
Imaginaries of innovation: Turning technology development into a public issue
Authors: Pesch Udo
Published: March 2021

New technologies will have a big impact on our public life-world, suggesting that it is necessary to have a public debate on innovation. Such a debate is missing: instead of having a debate on the process of technology development, only expected effects of new technologies are discussed. This is undesirable as innovation processes recruit implicit normative assumptions that should be opened up for public scrutiny. This article aims to outline conditions and possibilities for organizing such public debates on innovation. It will do so by depicting innovations as wilful metamorphoses which materialize worldviews and expectations entertained by technology developers. Existing technology assessment organizations could instigate discussions on the desirability and credibility of these worldviews and expectations, so as to further democratize the process of technology development.
Characterization and clinical significance of the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis in serous ovarian tumors
Authors: Wu Dan , Lei Yuzhou , Liu Qin , Hu Hua , Li Huanhuan , Xie Lin , Zhou Jianbin
Published: March 2021

The subtypes of serous ovarian tumors (SOTs), including benign serous cystadenoma, serous borderline tumor (SBT), low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSC), and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC), remain poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to characterize the cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) axis and identify its clinical significance in patients with serous cystadenoma, SBT, LGSC, and HGSC.

The immunohistochemical expression of CADM1, HER2, and STAT3 was assessed in 180 SOT specimens, and its association with clinical data was determined.

High levels of CADM1 expression were detected in 100% of serous cystadenomas and 83.33% of SBTs, while a loss of CADM1 expression was observed in 44% of LGSCs and 72.5% of HGSCs. Relative to the levels in benign cystadenomas and SBTs, higher levels of HER2 and STAT3 expression were observed in LGSCs and aggressive HGSCs. Furthermore, the expression profile of the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis was significantly associated with histologic type, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, and lymph node metastasis in patients with SOT.

Our study identified the changes in the CADM1/HER2/STAT3 axis that were closely associated with the clinical behavior of SOTs. These molecular data may provide new insights into SOT carcinogenesis and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with SOT.
Combination therapy with afatinib and bevacizumab in an EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patient with acquired ERBB2 amplification
Authors: Chen Sixian , Xiang Tianmin , Lu Wei , Hong Shuiqiang , Li Yuanyuan , Lu Yuan , Zhang Qiongyue , Chen Yongfeng , Zhou Suli , Wang Gehui , Zhang Zhenzhen , Cai Yongguang
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Acquired resistance to reversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors remains a significant obstacle, and acquired ERBB2 amplification is the most common “bypass” mechanism. For patients with sensitizing EGFR mutation who experience resistance via ERBB2 amplification, no targeted drug has been demonstrated to be effective.

Patient concerns:

A 56-year-old female nonsmoker suffered from left leg paralysis and low back pain. Imaging examination revealed a mass in the anterior segment of the right upper lobe lung and possible multiple metastases in the right hilar, mediastinal lymph nodes, bone metastases, and soft tissue invasion.

Diagnosis:

Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (cT4N2M1c, stage IV). An EGFR exon 19 deletion was identified using amplification refractory mutation system.

Interventions:

After the patient was treated with gefitinib initiation (250 mg/d) for 15 months, the tumor progressed with ERBB2 amplification revealed by next-generation sequencing test. Then, the patient was started on afatinib (40 mg/d) plus bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg every 3 weeks).

Outcomes:

The combination therapy of afatinib and bevacizumab in this patient was effective with some slight side effects. Computed tomography scans showed the tumor shrinkage and the pleural effusion disappeared in the right lung. The overall survival was 23.5 months.

Conclusion:

To date, there is no targeted therapy approved and demonstrated to be effective for non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR sensitizing mutations, and ERBB2 amplification. The effectiveness of combination therapy with afatinib and bevacizumab may provide a new therapeutic option for these patients.
Efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities
Authors: Li Nan , Li Junhai , Huang Mei , Zhang Xiujun
Published: March 2021

Background:

The varicose veins of the lower extremities showed earthworm-like dilatation and venous protrusion of the lower extremities. Polidocanol foam sclerotherapy, as a minimally invasive treatment with rapid recovery, less trauma and not easy to relapse, has achieved good results in clinical, but it is lack of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities by meta-analysis.

Method:

Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientifific Journals Database, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, EMBASE database, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library will be used as search sources to conduct for randomized controlled trials of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities. The search time is set from the establishment of the database in December 2020 in this study. Two researchers independently extract, delete files, extract data and evaluate the quality. Revman software version 5.3 will be used for statistical analysis of data.

Result:

In this study, the efficacy and safety of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremities will be evaluated in terms of total effective rate, incidence of complications and recurrence rate.

Conclusion:

This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidence for the clinical application of polidocanol in the treatment of varicose veins of lower extremities.

Ethics and dissemination:

Private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also does not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval will not be required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated at relevant conferences.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AUR4X.
Comparison of 2-wall versus 3-wall orbital decompression against dysthyroid optic neuropathy in visual function
Authors: Cheng Sheng-Nan , Yu Yue-Qi , You Ya-Yan , Chen Jin , Pi Xiao-Huan , Wang Xing-Hua , Jiang Fa-Gang
Published: March 2021

To compare visual function of 2-wall (medial and lateral) versus 3-wall (medial, lateral, and inferior) orbital decompression in patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).

A total of 52 eyes of 37 patients underwent orbital decompression for DON between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Two- or 3-wall decompression was performed in 31 eyes of 23 patients and 21 eyes of 14 patients, respectively. We examined best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD), pattern-reversed visual evoked potential (PVEP) for P100 latency and amplitude at 60 and 15 arcmin stimulation checkerboard size, as well as proptosis using Hertel exophthalmometry.

Whether 2-wall or 3-wall decompression, all parameters of visual function were improved after surgery (all P < .05). The improvement in BCVA, MD, and PSD was not statistically significant between groups (all P > .05). Proptosis reduction was higher after 3-wall decompression (P = .011). Mean increase in P100 amplitude after 3-wall decompression was statistically higher than that of after 2-wall decompression at 60 and 15 arcmin (P = .045 and .020, respectively), while the mean decrease in P100 latency was similar between the groups (P = .821 and .655, respectively). Six patients (66.67%) had persistent postoperative diplopia and 1 patient (20%) had new-onset diplopia in 3-wall decompression group, which were higher than in 2-wall decompression group (46.15% persistent postoperative diplopia and no new-onset diplopia).

Both 2-wall and 3-wall decompression can effectively improve visual function of patients with DON. Three-wall decompression provides better improvement in P100 amplitude and proptosis, however new-onset diplopia is more common with this surgical technique.
A simplified protocol for individualized regional citrate anticoagulation for hemodialysis
Authors: Luo Laimin , Fan Meirong , Chen Qinkai , Cheng Jing
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

The lack of individualized treatment protocols and complicated procedures are important factors limiting the use of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) technology in hemodialysis. This study aims to validate the safety and efficacy of a simplified individualized RCA protocol for hemodialysis.

Materials and methods:

From June 2019 to August 2019, 45 patients with active bleeding or bleeding tendency undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in the Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were randomly divided into a modified conventional RCA protocol group with a low-flux dialyzer, a simplified individualized RCA protocol group with a high-flux dialyzer, and a simplified individualized RCA protocol group with a low-flux dialyzer.

Results:

A total of 45 patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 57.38 ± 19.05 years, and 78% were men. Forty-three patients completed 4 hours of hemodialysis, and the median total clotting scores in the 3 groups were 11, 12, and 12. Compared with the modified conventional RCA protocol group with a low-flux dialyzer, the 2 simplified individualized RCA protocol groups had better clotting scores for the dialyzer, arterial bubble trap, and single-pool urea clearance index (spKt/VBUN) and lower costs. Moreover, these parameters did not differ between the 2 simplified individualized RCA protocol groups. No electrolyte or acid–base imbalances or citrate poisoning was observed in any of the 3 groups. Adverse events did not differ significantly among the 3 groups.

Conclusions:

The simplified individualized RCA protocol is safe, effective, and easy to implement. Therefore, this protocol can be promoted for clinical practice.

Trial Registration:

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Study Registry under registration number ChiCTR1900023801.
Treatment of retroperitoneal echinococcosis: the experience of a single center
Authors: He Jingyu , Yang Chuang , Wang Wentao
Published: March 2021

Retroperitoneal echinococcosis (RE) is a rare condition that is associated with a high mortality and disability rate. It is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis, a high risk of surgery, and is extremely difficult to manage. There is no uniform standard for determining the exact form of surgical method and the timing of surgery.

This was a retrospective analysis of the characteristics and surgical management of patients diagnosed with RE in our hospital between 2012 and 2019.

Between 2012 and 2019, 1257 cases of echinococcosis and 121 cases of RE were diagnosed in our hospital. Of these, 68 cases involved surgical treatment, 53 involved non-surgical treatment, and 12 cases were lost to follow-up (4 cases in the surgical group and 8 cases in the non-surgical group). Thus, 109 cases were followed-up. RE cases were divided according to different treatment methods into a radical resection group (Group A, 31 cases), a non-radical resection group (Group B, 37 cases), and a non-surgical group (Group C, 53 cases). We carried out a detailed analysis of the 109 cases experiencing surgical intervention with effective follow-up.

Our analysis found that radical resection is the first line of treatment of RE, although non-radical surgery can benefit most patients. It is important to emphasize the importance of the first round of surgery, particularly in cases involving hepatic echinococcosis. If the lesion can be removed radically during the first round of surgery, then radical surgery should be performed.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients aged over 80 years with covid-19
Authors: Capdevila-Reniu Aina , Pellice Martina , Prieto-González Sergio , Ventosa Helena , Ladino Andrea , Naval Jose , Rodriguez-Nuñez Olga , César Milisenda Jose , Moreno-Lozano Pedro Juan , Soriano Alex , Bosch Xavier , López-Soto Alfonso
Published: March 2021

To investigate the clinical characteristics and outcome of octogenarians with covid-19.

This is a observational, retrospective, descriptive study.

Consecutive patients aged >80 years who were admitted for covid-19 pneumonia during a 6 weeks period (March 20–April 30, 2020).

Illness severity on admission was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria: mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Data collected included demographics, presenting symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings, comorbidities, functional status, treatment, and clinical outcome.

There were 159 patients (52.2% women) with a median age of 85.99 (IQR: 80–98). The median Barthel index was 90 (40–100) and Charlson index was 5 (5–6). Most common presenting symptoms were fever, dyspnea, and cough. Patients had mild (8.2%), moderate (52.2%), or severe (39.6%) illness according to WHO criteria. A bilateral pulmonary involvement was seen in 86% of patients. Laboratory analysis revealed increased serum concentrations of inflammatory parameters (C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, and D-dimer) with an abnormal lymphocyte count [0.88 × 109/L (0.5)]. Treatments included corticosteroids in 37%, and biological therapies in 17.6%. Fifty three (33.3%) patients died during hospitalization, with a median time from admission to death of 3 (IQR 1–6) days. Mortality was higher in men (55%). Deceased patients had a significantly higher frequency of dyspnea, increased inflammatory parameters, and illness severity compared to survivors.

One-third of octogenarians with covid-19 died during hospitalization and most had bilateral lung involvement. A further knowledge of the characteristics and outcome of this population may assist clinicians in the decision-making process in these patients.
The impact of baseline brain metastases on clinical benefits and progression patterns after first-line crizotinib in anaplastic lymphoma kinase-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Yuqi , Cai Chengzhi , Li Yanying
Published: March 2021

Baseline brain metastasis (BBM) commonly occurs in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer. Crizotinib prolongs the survival of patients with ALK rearrangement but lacks significant effect on brain metastasis. It remains unclear whether BBM and local therapy affect therapeutic outcomes and progression patterns during crizotinib treatment.

Patients with ALK-positive (immunotherapy) non-small cell lung cancer were screened from West China Hospital between May 2013 and January 2019. A total of 155 patients were enrolled in this research, with entirely recorded statistics to analyze retrospectively.

Baseline brain metastasis occurred in 64 patients (55.7%). Thirty-seven patients received local therapy, while 24 patients did not. We observed higher overall response rate in patients receiving local therapy (70.2% vs. 41.7%, P = .026), but no statistical difference was found in median progression free survival (mPFS) (12.0 months vs 13.0 months, P = .633). A significantly shorter mPFS was found in patients not receiving local treatment compared with the 16.5 months mPFS of patients without BBM (P = .029). Intracranial progressions were recorded in 35 patients with BBM (71%) and 16 patients who don’t have (30%). As for extracranial progression, there is a higher occurrence rate (75.5%) in patients who had baseline extracranial metastases versus 49.0% in BBM patients. A significantly higher occurrence rate of multiple progression was noted in patients with BBM (14/49 vs. 6/53).

Baseline intracranial metastasis changes the location and number of progressions after the first-line crizotinib and results in poor prognosis. There is no evidence that local treatment for brain metastasis had a protective effect on intracranial progression.
Effectiveness and safety of proton pump inhibitors for treating acute pancreatitis
Authors: Cheng Tao , Liu Bo-Fu , Han Tian-Yong , Gu Zhi-Han , Pan Pan , Yu Haifang
Published: March 2021

Background:

Previous studies have showed that anti-acid therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can inhibit pancreatic secretion and it may be used in treating acute pancreatitis (AP). But at present, there is no systematic reviews for the evidence and the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of anti-acid therapy with PPIs in AP were not unclear. Therefore, we will undertake a systematic review of the literature to summarize previous evidence regarding this topic, in order to clarify the effectiveness and safety of anti-acid therapy with PPIs in AP.

Methods:

We will search the EMBASE, WANFANG DATA, Web of Knowledge, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library from inception to June 30,2021 to retrieve relevant studies using the search strategy: (“Proton pump inhibitors” OR “PPI” OR “PPIs” OR “Omeprazole” OR “Tenatoprazole” OR “Pantoprazole” OR “acid suppression therapy” OR “acid suppression drugs”) AND (“pancreatitis” OR “pancreatitides”). Two authors independently judged study eligibility and extracted data. Heterogeneity will be examined by computing the Q statistic and I2 statistic.

Results:

This study assessed the efficiency and safety of proton pump inhibitors for treating acute pancreatitis.

Conclusions:

This study will provide reliable evidence-based evidence for the clinical application of PPIs for treating AP.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is unnecessary as this protocol is only for systematic review and does not involve privacy data. The findings of this study will be disseminated electronically through a peer-review publication or presented at a relevant conference.
CACNA1C rs1006737 SNP increases the risk of essential hypertension in both Chinese Han and ethnic Russian people of Northeast Asia
Authors: Zhang Hao , Pushkarev Boris , Zhou Jiexin , Mu Yuyuan , Bolshakova Olga , Shrestha Sandeep , Wang Ningning , Jian Baiyu , Jin Ming , Zhang Keyong , Cong Mingyu , Liu Jicheng , Vitkovsky Yuri , Qiu Changchun
Published: March 2021

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels play a key role in the regulation of arterial tone and blood pressure. The aim of this study was to determine whether the association of calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C) rs1006737 with essential hypertension (EH) exists in both Chinese Han and ethnic Russian populations of Northeast Asia. We used a case-control study of 2 ethnic groups in the same latitude geographical area to investigate the association between the susceptibility of EH and rs1006737 polymorphism. A total of 1512 EH patients and 1690 controls in Chinese Han people (Heilongjiang Provence, China), 250 EH patients, and 250 controls in ethnic Russian people (Chita, Russia), participated in this study. All participants were genotyped using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay (Agena Company). Baseline characteristics and the minor allele frequencies of rs1006737 vary substantially among common Chinese Han and ethnic Russian people. Allele A was found to be a risk factor for EH in Chinese Han [(odds ratio) OR 1.705, (confidence interval) 95% CI: 1.332–2.182, P < .001] and ethnic Russian (OR 1.437; 95% CI: 1.110–1.860, P = .006). The GA genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR 1.538, 95% CI: 1.188–1.991, P = .001) for Chinese Han people, and the AA genotype (OR 2.412, 95% CI: 1.348–4.318, P = .003) for ethnic Russian people. The results of this study indicate that the A allele of the variant rs1006737 in the CACNA1C gene may be a useful genetic marker for EH risk prediction in Chinese Han and ethnic Russian populations.
A novel biomarker, MRPS12 functions as a potential oncogene in ovarian cancer and is a promising prognostic candidate
Authors: Qiu Xiaofeng , Guo Dongxia , Du Juan , Bai Yuhuan , Wang Fengying
Published: March 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer deaths. Extraordinary histologic and genetic heterogeneity presents as great hurdle to OC's diagnosis and treatment. MRPS12 (Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S12), encoding a 28S subunit protein, controls the decoding fidelity and susceptibility to aminoglycoside antibiotics. Our study aims to investigate the clinical significance and potential mechanism of MRPS12 in OC.

Oncomine, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database (TIMER), and GEPIA databases were utilized to explore the expression level of MRPS12 in OC and normal tissues. Kaplan–Meier plotter was used to evaluate the influence of MRPS12 expression on OC patients’ survival. The potential biologic function and immune infiltration of MRPS12 in OC were analyzed by GSEA (Gene set enrichment analysis) and TIMER database, respectively.

MRPS12 was significantly highly expressed in OC (P < .05) compared with normal ovarian tissues. Its overexpression was also significantly related with poor overall survival in advanced FIGO stage (III+IV) patients, in serous OC and in those patients with TP53 mutation (P < .05). GSEA showed that HALLMARK_G2M_CHECKPOINT, BIOCARTA_CELLCYCLE_PATHWAY, HALLMARK_PI3K_AKT_MTOR_SIGNALING, BIOCARTA_P53_PATHWAY were significantly enriched in high-MRPS12-expression phenotype. MRPS12 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in OC.

These results reveal that MRPS12 could function as a potential oncogene and serve as a promising prognostic candidate in OC.
Primary yolk sac tumor of pterygopalatine fossa with loss of vision
Authors: Shen Ye-Hua , Jiang Shou-Yin
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Primary yolk sac tumor (YST) is an infrequently-diagnosed malignant extragonadal germ cell tumors. It is likely to recur locally and may present with widespread metastases once diagnosed. Primary YST of the head is uncommon but can cause severe complications, such as loss of vision once the tumor mass invades the optic nerve.

Patient concerns:

A 20-month-old boy presented to the general clinic of the local children's hospital with a complaint of swelling of left face for 1 year and proptosis of the left eye for over 2 weeks as stated by his parents. Initially, he did have some vision, as he could walk by himself, but a special ophthalmologic examination was not performed.

Diagnoses:

Cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large tumor accompanied by peripheral bone destruction in the left pterygopalatine fossa that extended to sphenoid, ethmoid, left maxillary sinuses, left nasoethmoid, and left orbit. The optic nerve was invaded on both sides. Chest and abdominal imaging were normal. A primary diagnosis of Langerhans cell hyperplasia was made. However, blood tests on the second day of hospitalization revealed significantly elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. On the third day, the boy lost his eyesight, with loss of pupillary and no light sensation during flashlight stimulation on both sides.

Interventions:

Nasal endoscopy was performed on the fourth day, the vast majority of soft tissue mass was resected for biopsy. Histopathological examination revealed features of endodermal sinus tumor. A final diagnosis of primary YST of pterygopalatine fossa was made. Because the mass could not be resected completely, he received combined chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and carboplatin for 6 cycles over six months.

Outcomes:

The patient recovered with significant tumor shrinkage and without secondary metastasis after 18 months but left permanently blind.

Conclusion:

The worst complication of loss of vision after Primary YST of pterygopalatine fossa alerts us that close physical examination during the initial investigation should be performed, which is especially important in young children who cannot express complaints well. Early detection and treatment with surgical resection and chemotherapy may contribute to satisfactory outcomes and avoidance of visual impairment.
Structural insights into protein folding, stability and activity using in vivo perdeuteration of hen egg-white lysozyme
Authors: Ramos Joao , Laux Valerie , Haertlein Michael , Boeri Erba Elisabetta , McAuley Katherine E. , Forsyth V. Trevor , Mossou Estelle , Larsen Sine , Langkilde Annette E.
Published: March 2021

This structural and biophysical study exploited a method of perdeuterating hen egg-white lysozyme based on the expression of insoluble protein in Escherichia coli followed by in-column chemical refolding. This allowed detailed comparisons with perdeuterated lysozyme produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris, as well as with unlabelled lysozyme. Both perdeuterated variants exhibit reduced thermal stability and enzymatic activity in comparison with hydrogenated lysozyme. The thermal stability of refolded perdeuterated lysozyme is 4.9°C lower than that of the perdeuterated variant expressed and secreted in yeast and 6.8°C lower than that of the hydrogenated Gallus gallus protein. However, both perdeuterated variants exhibit a comparable activity. Atomic resolution X-ray crystallographic analyses show that the differences in thermal stability and enzymatic function are correlated with refolding and deuteration effects. The hydrogen/deuterium isotope effect causes a decrease in the stability and activity of the perdeuterated analogues; this is believed to occur through a combination of changes to hydrophobicity and protein dynamics. The lower level of thermal stability of the refolded perdeuterated lysozyme is caused by the unrestrained Asn103 peptide-plane flip during the unfolded state, leading to a significant increase in disorder of the Lys97–Gly104 region following subsequent refolding. An ancillary outcome of this study has been the development of an efficient and financially viable protocol that allows stable and active perdeuterated lysozyme to be more easily available for scientific applications.
Reduced 3,4′-bipyrazoles carrying thiophene and thiazole substituents: structures of two intermediates and two products
Authors: Harish Chinthal Chayanna , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Manju Nagaraja , Kalluraya Balakrishna , Foro Sabine , Glidewell Christopher
Published: March 2021

Cycloaddition reactions between 3-(5-aryloxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones and thiosemicarbazide leads to the formation of reduced 3,4′-bipyrazole-2-carbothioamides. Further cycloaddition of these intermediates with either diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate or 4-bromophenacyl bromide leads to reduced 3,4′-bipyrazoles carrying oxothiazole or thiazole substituents, respectively. The structures of two representative intermediates and two representative products established unambiguously the regiochemistry of the cycloaddition reactions. The molecules of 3′-methyl-5′-(2-methylphenoxy)-1′-phenyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-3,4′-bipyrazole-2-carbothioamide, C25H23N5OS2 (Ia), are linked by N—H...N hydrogen bonds to form simple C(8) chains. The analogous compound 5′-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-3′-methyl-1′-phenyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-3,4′-bipyrazole-2-carbothioamide hemihydrate crystallizes as a hemihydrate, C24H19Cl2N5OS2·0.5H2O (Ib), and the independent components are linked into a chain of spiro-fused R
4
4(20) rings by a combination of O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the structure of ethyl (Z)-2-{2-[3′-methyl-1′-phenyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-5′-(2-methylphenoxy)-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-3,4′-bipyrazole-2-yl]-4-oxo-4,5-dihydrothiazol-5-ylidene}acetate, C31H27N5O4S2 (II), inversion-related pairs of molecules are linked by paired C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form cyclic centrosymmetric dimers, but there are no direction-specific intermolecular interactions in 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-[5′-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-3′-methyl-1′-phenyl-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-3,4′-bipyrazole-2-yl]-4-thiazole, C32H22BrCl2N5OS2 (III). Comparisons are made with the structures of some related compounds.
ATF, Inc.: Fasteners and Family
Authors: Ward John L.
Published: March 2021

The ATF case is a succinct opportunity to explore the many special features of leadership succession for a family business. In 2009 the company was passing the baton to the oldest of three sons in the second-generation family business.

ATF produced metal and plastic fasteners for, primarily, the automotive industry. ATF had grown into a company with more than $50 million in annual revenues. The company had grown in large part through alliances with other family businesses around the world. First-generation patriarch Don Surber had led the company since he acquired it in 1982. Don was known for his charismatic leadership style and his focus on driving value through a network approach.

The case traces the career paths of all three sons and looks at the succession through the eyes of the oldest son, Jason Surber. The elements, constituents, and challenges of succession are evident. The fundamental insight is that business leadership succession is far more than just passing the business leadership baton. It also requires attention to the family, the board, the whole system of external stakeholders, and the future of ownership.

The epilogue in this note covers the period from 2009 to 2012 by describing what Jason did to earn credibility, to incorporate his brothers, and to define his personal leadership philosophy and style. The epilogue thus provides students with an opportunity to consider and define their own personal philosophy of management leadership and their own style. They will see the art of melding styles from the past with their own for the future.
CTIP: diversity in medtech
Authors: Yin Pai-Ling , Rostoker Benjamin
Published: March 2021

Study level/applicability

MBA, advanced undergrad, entrepreneurship and technology commercialization classes.

Subject area

Entrepreneurial diversity, equity and inclusion, medical device innovation, and models of business accelerators.

Case overview

The first half of the case explores Kathryne Cooper’s professional and personal journey and the ways her life experiences inform the goals she helps set for The West Coast Consortium for Technology & Innovation in Pediatrics (CTIP). As an African-American woman codirector of a medical device accelerator focused on the pediatric market, Cooper was acutely aware of the lack of diversity in the tech industry. The second half of the case explores the medical device market and the need for organizations such as CTIP. Cooper implemented a revised application process and system to encourage applications from underrepresented minority founders. CTIP was in a unique position to support concept stage products and nontraditional founders. The case concludes with a description of seven companies that have applied to join CTIP’s portfolio. Students are instructed to consider, as Cooper, which companies to support and what type of support to offer.

Expected learning outcomes

Explore the ways personal backgrounds inform leadership positions. Analyze how ventures are evaluated from a grant-funded accelerator (in contrast to an investment-fund accelerator). Examine the wide range of support that nontraditional founders require in the underserved pediatric market.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Social implications

A model to support diversity of gender and race in entrepreneurship.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Does board gender diversity matter? Evidence from hostile takeover vulnerability
Authors: Chatjuthamard Pattanaporn , Jiraporn Pornsit , Lee Sang Mook , Uyar Ali , Kilic Merve
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Theory suggests that the market for corporate control, which constitutes an important external governance mechanism, may substitute for internal governance. Consistent with this notion, using a novel measure of takeover vulnerability primarily based on state legislation, this paper aims to investigate the effect of the takeover market on board characteristics with special emphasis on board gender diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exploits a novel measure of takeover vulnerability based on state legislation. This novel measure is likely exogenous as the legislation was imposed from outside the firm. By using an exogenous measure, the analysis is less vulnerable to endogeneity and is thus more likely to show a causal effect.

Findings

The results show that a more active takeover market leads to lower board gender diversity. Specifically, a rise in takeover vulnerability by one standard deviation results in a decline in board gender diversity by 10.01%. Moreover, stronger takeover market susceptibility also brings about larger board size and less board independence, corroborating the substitution effect. Additional analysis confirms the results, including propensity score matching, generalized method of moments dynamic panel data analysis and instrumental variable analysis.

Originality/value

The study is the first to explore the effect of the takeover market on board gender diversity. Unlike most of the previous research in this area, which suffers from endogeneity, this paper uses a novel measure of takeover vulnerability that is probably exogenous. The results are thus much more likely to demonstrate causality.
Profiling the New Zealand police physical appraisal test
Authors: Orr Robin Marc , Canetti Elisa , Movshovich Jason , Lockie Robert , Dawes Jay , Schram Ben
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The aims of this study were to evaluate fitness levels in a cohort of police trainees and compare these results to other police trainees and the general population.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrospective data for 274 male and 152 female police trainees were supplied. Measures included height, body mass and physical appraisal test (PAT; 2.4 km run, vertical jump, push-ups and grip strength) results, assessed twice, prior to commencement of training, separated by several months. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze non-parametric initial and final PAT scores and Mann–WhineyUtests were used to determine variance between groups.

Findings

Male trainees were significantly quicker in the run (−12%,p < 0.001), completed more push-ups (+74%,p < 0.001) with greater grip strength (+52% left and +50% right,p < 0.001) when compared to female trainees. Following the second PAT assessment, the significant differences between male and female trainees remained (p < 0.001). Only female trainee 2.4 km run times improved significantly between initial and final PAT (−4%,p = 0.002).

Originality/value

When compared to the general population from which they were drawn and to other law enforcement trainees, the police trainees in this study were quicker, more powerful and stronger. While there was no loss of fitness between initial and final PAT performance, a conditioning program, spanning the periods between initial and final PAT may be of benefit to increase fitness prior to training commencement especially for female trainees who were generally less fit than, yet must complete the same training as, male trainees.
Effect of friction stir welding tool profiles on mechanical properties of dissimilar welded aluminum alloy plates
Authors: Nadikudi Bhanodaya Kiran Babu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The main purpose of the present work is to study the effect of tool pin profiles on mechanical properties of welded plates made with two different aluminium alloy plates.

Design/methodology/approach

The welded plates were fabricated with the three different kinds of pin profiled tools such as taper cylindrical, taper threaded cylindrical and stepped cylindrical pin profiles. Tensile properties of welded plates were evaluated using tensile testing machine at room temperature. Microstructures studies were carried out using scanning electron microscope.

Findings

Tensile properties were improved with the use of taper threaded cylindrical pin tool in friction stir welding process when compared with taper cylindrical and stepped cylindrical pin tools. This is due to refinement of grains and mixing of plasticized material occurred with generation of sufficient heat with the taper threaded pin tool. Through these studies, it was confirmed that friction stir welding can be used to weld Al6061 and Al2014 aluminium alloy plates.

Research limitations/implications

In the present study, the friction stir welding is performed with constant process parameters such as tool rotational speed of 900 rpm, transverse speed of 24 mm/min and tilt angle of 1°.

Practical implications

Aluminium alloys are widely using in automotive and aerospace industries due to holding a high strength to weight property. These aluminium alloy blanks can be developed with friction stir welding method with better properties.

Originality/value

Very limited work had been carried out on friction stir welding of aluminium alloys of Al 6061 and Al2014 with different tool pin profiles. Furthermore, this work analyzed with tensile properties of welded plates correlated with weld zone microstructures.
Electronic recycling plants: human resources and OHS management case studies
Authors: Gravel Sylvie , Côté Daniel , Gladu Stéphanie , Labrèche France , Gravel Sabrina , Bakhiyi Bouchra , Zayed Joseph
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The electrical and electronic recycling industry is experiencing significant growth while paying no particular attention to the health and safety of recycling workers. Who are these recycling workers? How are they recruited and trained in OHS measures? This article will attempt to answer these questions.

Design/methodology/approach

As part of a toxicological study carried out on five companies, samples were taken from employees (n = 100) and their working environment. Among them, 26 workers and six managers also participated in interviews on the management of OHS preventive practices. This article presents analyses of the recruitment strategies for these workers and the management of preventive measures.

Findings

The main findings were that preventive practices vary according to the company's social mission and recruitment strategy. OHS preventive practices vary among the companies, even though the workers are similarly exposed to multiple contaminants. Precarious employment relationships put these workers in a vulnerable position.

Originality/value

Although recycling electrical and electronic equipment (e-recycling) has been an ecological and moral concern in Western societies for several decades, occupational health and safety (OHS) management in recycling plants has received little attention.
Socio-cultural web and environmentally-driven community entrepreneurship: a portrayal of Abia Ohafia community in South-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Kalu Ebere Ume , Dana Leo-Paul
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study is aimed at providing a deduction on the necessity of social and cultural capital for entrepreneurial outcomes on a community-wide scale.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a drift from an individualised form of entrepreneurship to community-based entrepreneurship with a grand focus on social needs of current and emergent nature. This study is both archival and exploratory and has pictured culture and communality as drivers that are needful for enterprising communities.

Findings

This paper finds communality, social network, social capital and trust as push-factors for community-based entrepreneurship and development drives.

Originality/value

This study is an original exposé on the Abia Ohafia community’s Model of community-based entrepreneurship which thrives on strong institutions (like the Age Grade System) and age-long practices that have built trust and stability. This local community through its networks, culture and communalities creates relationships, rational innovation, consensual leadership and participatory followership under which resources, opportunities and solutions are deliberately advanced for meeting social and community purposes.