bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of DynU16, a START/Bet v1-like protein involved in dynemicin biosynthesis
Authors: Alvarado Sarah K. , Miller Mitchell D. , Bhardwaj Minakshi , Thorson Jon S. , Van Lanen Steven G. , Phillips George N.
Published: September 2021

The 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of DynU16, a protein identified in the dynemicin-biosynthetic gene cluster, is reported. The structure adopts a di-domain helix-grip fold with a uniquely positioned open cavity connecting the domains. The elongated dimensions of the cavity appear to be compatible with the geometry of a linear polyene, suggesting the involvement of DynU16 in the upstream steps of dynemicin biosynthesis.
Articulated dissent and immediacy: a cross-national analysis of the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Croucher Stephen Michael , Kelly Stephanie , Hui Chen , Rocker Kenneth J. , Cullinane Joanna , Homsey Dini , Ding George Guoyu , Nguyen Thao , Anderson Kirsty Jane , Green Malcolm , Ashwell Doug , Wright Malcolm , Palakshappa Nitha
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aims to explore how working remotely might impact the superior–subordinate relationship. Specifically, this study examines how immediacy explains articulated dissent, considers how an individual’s attitudes toward online communication predicts immediacy and articulated dissent and compares these relationships in England, Australia and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Three nations were examined: Australia, England and the USA (n= 1,776). Surveys included demographic questions and the following measures: organizational dissent scale, perceived immediacy measure, computer-mediated immediate behaviors measure and measure of online communication attitude.

Findings

The results reveal supervisors’ computer-mediated immediate behaviors and perceived immediacy both positively predict dissent. Some aspects of online communication attitudes positively predict computer-mediated immediate behaviors and perceived immediacy. In addition, attitudes toward online communication positively predict dissent. National culture influences some of these relationships; in each case the effects were substantively larger for the USA when compared to the other nations.

Originality/value

This study is the first to cross-culturally analyze dissent and immediacy. In addition, this study considers the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic influences the superior–subordinate relationship.
The digital transformation of microfinance institutions: an empirical analysis
Authors: Dorfleitner Gregor , Forcella Davide , Nguyen Quynh Anh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study seeks to identify the factors that are associated with the digital transformation of microfinance institutions (MFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs probit models to investigate the likelihood of integrating digital solutions by MFIs and Heckman models for robustness checks.

Findings

The findings reveal that the adoption of these tools is consistent with the social performance of MFIs. Furthermore, the profitability of the institutions and their home country development are associated with a larger application of digital support solutions.

Research limitations/implications

Since the survey data collected is not longitudinal and does not cover many MFIs, it may encounter the absence of comprehensive results. Moreover, the study is limited to supply-side incentive factors, thus lacks of investigations under supply-demand interaction schemes. Therefore, future studies are encouraged to fill up these knowledge gaps.

Practical implications

The results imply that the adoption of digital solutions does not necessarily harm the social performance of MFIs. In addition, the findings may imply that financial sustainability can serve as being a preliminary condition but must not lead to the mission drift of MFIs. Findings of the study have implications for policymakers, donors and investors who wish to accelerate the digital transformation within the microfinance industry and to significantly boost financial inclusion. A focus on more social-oriented MFIs can be an appropriate solution. Furthermore, the pathway to digital financial inclusion through microfinance can be made more efficient if improved and supportive facilities as well as systems for digital technology are available.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one which highlights the relationship between the MFI's social performance and the application of digital solutions by MFIs. Furthermore, we discuss this link while considering cost aspects.
Suspecting service overprovisions: how market signals help restore personal control and reduce decision deferrals
Authors: Chatterjee Subimal , Mishra Debi P. , Lee Jennifer JooYeon , Shibly Sirajul A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Service providers often recommend unnecessary and expensive services to unsuspecting consumers, such as recommending a new part when a simple fix to the old will do, a phenomenon known as overprovisioning. The purpose of this paper is to examine to what extent consumers tend to defer their decisions should they suspect that sellers are overproviding services to them and they cannot prevent the sellers from doing so (they lack personal control); and how proper market signals can mitigate such suspicions, restore personal control and reduce deferrals.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts three laboratory experiments. The experiments expose the participants to hypothetical repair scenarios and measure to what extent they suspect that sellers might be overproviding services to them and they feel that they lack the personal control to prevent the sellers from doing so. Thereafter, the experiments expose them to two different market signals, one conveying that the seller is providing quality services (a repair warranty; quality signal) and the other conveying that the seller is taking away any incentives their agents (technicians) may have to overprovide services (the technicians are paid a flat salary; quantity signal). The paper examines how these quality/quantity signals are able to reduce overprovisioning suspicions, restore personal control and reduce decision deferrals.

Findings

The paper has two main findings. First, the paper shows a mediation process at work i.e. suspecting potential overprovisioning by sellers leads consumers to defer their decisions indirectly because they feel that they lack personal control to prevent the sellers from doing so. Second, the paper shows that the quantity signal (flat salary disclosure), but not the quality signal (warranty), is able to mitigate suspicions of overprovisioning, restore personal control and reduce decision deferrals.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that although buyers may rely on quality signals to assure them of superior service, these signals do not guarantee that the quantity of service they are receiving is appropriate. Therefore, sellers will have to send a credible quality signal and a credible quantity signal to the consumers if they wish to tackle suspicions about service overprovision and service quality.

Originality/value

The paper is original in two ways. First, the paper theorizes and tests a mediation process model whereby quality/quantity signals differentially mitigate overprovisioning suspicions, restore personal control and reduce decision deferrals. Second, the paper speaks to the necessity of expanding the traditional signaling literature, designed primarily to detect poor quality hidden in the products/services of lower-quality sellers, to include detecting/solving overprovisioning often hidden in the services provided by higher-quality sellers.
Optimal asset allocation in retirement planning: threshold-based utility maximization
Authors: Bär Maximilian , Gatzert Nadine , Ruß Jochen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to modify the shape of utility functions traditionally used in expected utility theory (EUT) to derive optimal retirement saving decisions. Inspired by current reference point based approaches, the authors argue that utility functions with jumps or kinks at certain threshold points might very well be rational.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors suggest an alternative to typical utility functions used in EUT, to be applied in the context of retirement saving decisions. The authors argue that certain elements that are used to model biases in behavioral models should–in the context of optimal retirement saving decisions–be considered “rational” and hence be included in a normative setting as well. The authors compare the optimal asset allocation derived under such utility functions with results under traditional power utility.

Findings

The authors find that the considered threshold levels can have a significant impact on the optimal investment decision for some individuals. In particular, the authors show that a much riskier investment than under EUT can become optimal if some level of income is secured by a social security and a significant portion of the distribution of terminal wealth lies below this level.

Originality/value

Contrary to previous work, this model is especially designed to assess the question of optimal product choice/asset allocation in the specific setting of retirement planning and from a normative point of view. In this regard, the authors first motivate the use of several thresholds and then apply this approach in a capital market model with stochastic stocks and stochastic interest rates to two illustrative investment alternatives.
The impact of COVID-19 on police training academies
Authors: White David R. , Schafer Joseph , Kyle Michael
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impacts coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had on US police academies’ production of police recruits.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a national online survey of police academy directors in the USA, followed by purposive, semi-structured interviews of select academy directors. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data is combined in a mixed methods approach.

Findings

The findings suggest that academies experienced a range of impacts related to COVID-19. These impacts lead to more questions concerning how academies and state-level governing boards responded not only to pandemic-related challenges, but also to their willingness to accept more online and alternative curriculum delivery strategies.

Originality/value

Police academies are a required step in the production of new police recruits in the USA, but researchers have paid little attention to how academies operate. While exploratory, this study provides some insights into how this aspect of policing weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and offers suggestions for future research, as well as policy implications.
Bitcoin-specific fear sentiment matters in the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Polat Ali Yavuz , Aysan Ahmet Faruk , Tekin Hasan , Tunali Ahmet Semih
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of fear sentiment with a novel data set on Bitcoin’s (BTC) return, volatility and transaction volume. The authors divide the sample into two subperiods to capture the changing dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors retrieve the novel fear sentiment data from Thomson Reuters MarketPsych Indices (TRMI). The authors denote the subperiods as pre- and post-COVID-19 considering January 13, 2020, when the first COVID-19 confirmed case was reported outside China. The authors use bivariate vector autoregressive models given below with lag-length k, to investigate the dynamics between BTC variables and fear sentiment.

Findings

BTC market measures have dissimilar dynamics before and after the Coronavirus outbreak. The results reveal that due to the excessive uncertainty led by the outbreak, an increase in fear sentiment negatively affects the BTC returns more persistently and significantly. For the post-COVID-19 period, an increase in fear also results in more fluctuations in transaction volume while its initial and cumulative effects are both negative. Due to extreme uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, investors may trade more aggressively in the initial phases of the shock.

Practical implications

The authors are convinced that the results in this paper have more far-reaching implications for other markets regulated by the states. BTC provides a natural benchmark to understand how fear sentiment drives and impacts the markets isolated from any interventions. Hence, the results show that in the absence of regulatory frameworks, market dynamics are likely to be more volatile and the fear sentiment has more persistent impacts. The authors also highlight the importance of using micro, asset-specific sentiment measures to capture market dynamics better.

Originality/value

BTC is not associated with any regulatory authority and is not produced by the governments and central banks. COVID-19 as a natural experiment provides an opportunity to explore the pure effects of market sentiment on BTC considering its decentralized and unregulated features. The paper has two main contributions. First, the authors use BTC-specific fear sentiment novel data set of TRMI instead of more general market sentiments used in the existing studies. Next, this is the first study to examine the association between fear and BTC before and after COVID-19.
A non‐native earthworm shifts seed predation dynamics of a native weed
Authors: Regnier Emilie E. , Hovick Stephen M. , Liu Jianyang , Harrison Steven Kent , Diekmann Florian
Published: September 2021

Introduced seed dispersers can shift seed predation dynamics in native species, impacting native plant establishment and spread. We studied the effect of the non‐native earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, on seed loss dynamics in the large‐seeded native annual, Ambrosia trifida (giant ragweed), an expanding agricultural weed whose seeds are heavily predated by mice. Lumbricus terrestris may protect seeds against rodent predation by caching them in its burrows from which seedlings can emerge unharmed; however, little is known about the ability of earthworms to compete with rodents for seeds. We investigated this interaction and how environmental factors affected the competitive outcome.

In a 2‐year field study, we analysed relative rates of seed removal by earthworms and mice for seeds dispersed at various times in habitats that varied in vegetative cover.

Species‐specific responses to environmental conditions drove variation in the share of seeds taken by earthworms versus mice, with earthworms gaining relatively more seeds under warmer, wetter conditions and in low plant cover habitats, and mice obtaining more seeds under colder, drier conditions and in high cover habitats.

Environmental factors also determined which competitor accessed seeds first, and this conferred a competitive advantage that was compounded over time.

Earthworms cached some seeds under all experimental conditions, suggesting that L. terrestris can act mutualistically with giant ragweed in diverse environments.

Synthesis and applications. Our results support the hypothesis that the non‐native earthworm Lumbricus terrestris behaves as a seed dispersal mutualist for the native annual giant ragweed by caching its seeds in its burrows, thereby reducing their availability to rodent seed predators. The data also support the view that interactions among the environment and competing seed predators determine the fate of seed pools in response to species‐specific environmental preferences. In crop fields where L. terrestris is abundant, additional efforts to prevent giant ragweed seed return may be warranted due to the likelihood that earthworms will increase giant ragweed soil seed pools. Lumbricus terrestris is expanding its range throughout temperate regions and may similarly affect secondary seed dispersal and seed predation dynamics of large‐seeded species in other plant communities.
Seasonal variations of 137Cs concentration in freshwater charr through uptake and metabolism in 1–2 years after the Fukushima accident
Authors: Okada Kengo , Sakai Masaru , Gomi Takashi , Iwamoto Aimu , Negishi Junjiro N. , Nunokawa Masanori
Published: September 2021

Understanding the factors influencing 137Cs concentrations in freshwater salmonids is crucial for reviving inland fisheries in polluted regions. We studied seasonal variations of 137Cs concentration in charr (Salvelinus leucomaenis) through uptake and metabolism in forested headwaters at Fukushima and Gunma sites. Charr consumed both terrestrial and aquatic animals, and terrestrial prey was predated more in summer at both sites. The 137Cs concentrations in litter, which is a dominant basal food resource of both forest and stream ecosystems, differed between forest and stream due to 137Cs leaching effect on litter submerged in streams. The concentration difference in both litter and prey was greater at Fukushima site than at Gunma site. The estimated prey 137Cs concentration at Fukushima site peaked in summer when terrestrial preys are most available, whereas it remained relatively constant at Gunma site because of the small difference of 137Cs concentrations in between terrestrial and aquatic preys. The specific metabolic rate of charr was commonly changed with stream water temperature, greatest in summer, and lowest in winter at both sites. Because both prey 137Cs concentrations and specific metabolic rates peaked in summer, the combination of uptake and metabolism at Fukushima site largely negated seasonal 137Cs fluctuations in charr, whereas specific metabolic rate fluctuations could be the major determinant of charr 137Cs concentrations at Gunma site. Our results suggested that 137Cs concentrations in prey items, whose seasonality are varied due to initial 137Cs fallout volume, were expected to be an important determinant for 137Cs concentrations in charr.
Fear, Hatred and Strategy during the Wars of the Roses
Authors: McKelvie Gordon
Published: September 2021

This article examines the importance of emotions such as fear, enmity and hatred during the Wars of the Roses. Despite the large body of scholarship on the wars and extensive corpus of primary sources, historians have not looked at the Wars of the Roses from this perspective. This lacuna is unfortunate for two reasons. First, examining the role of emotions provides an additional insight into the wars that current discussions have viewed as tangential. Second, the Wars of the Roses provide a different way of viewing emotions in medieval warfare from studies of emotions in other wars. Discussions of emotions in medieval warfare tend to examine the experiences and mental worlds of individual combatants, the performative value of emotions in political conflict or the use of emotions in the memory of wars. In contrast, this article demonstrates that, during the Wars of the Roses, emotions had a real and tangible influence on the course and outcome of the wars, also influencing military strategy. This article highlights the potential of the late medieval English sources for revealing the use of emotions in war. It then examines three ways in which emotions shaped the wars: the personal enmities between successive dukes of Somerset and members of the House of York; regional hatreds between northerners and southerners; and finally collective hatred and blame directed towards individual councillors. Taken together, the material examined here provides new insights into the tangible effects that emotions had on the strategies of commanders and the politics a late medieval conflict.
Serious complications and recurrences after pelvic organ prolapse surgery for 2309 women in the VIGI‐MESH registry
Authors: Fritel X , de Tayrac R , de Keizer J , Campagne‐Loiseau S , Cosson M , Ferry P , Deffieux X , Lucot J‐P , Wagner L , Debodinance P , Saussine C , Pizzoferrato A‐C , Carlier‐Guérin C , Thubert T , Panel L , Bosset P‐O , Nkounkou E , Ramanah R , Boisramé T , Charles T , Raiffort C , Charvériat A , Ragot S , Fauconnier A
Published: September 2021

Objective

To assess the incidence of serious complications and reoperations for recurrence after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and compare the three most common types of repair.

Design

Prospective cohort study using a registry.

Setting

Nineteen French surgical centres.

Population

A total of 2309 women participated between 2017 and 2019.

Methods

A multivariate analysis including an inverse probability of treatment weighting approach was used to obtain three comparable groups.

Main outcome measures

Serious complications and subsequent reoperations for POP recurrence.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 17.6 months. Surgeries were native tissue vaginal repairs (n = 504), transvaginal mesh placements (n = 692) and laparoscopic sacropexies with mesh (n = 1113). Serious complications occurred among 52 women (2.3%), and reoperation for POP recurrence was required for 32 women (1.4%). At 1 year the cumulative weighted incidence of serious complications was 1.8% for native tissue vaginal repair, 3.9% for transvaginal mesh and 2.2% for sacropexy, and the rates for reoperation for recurrence of POP were 1.5, 0.7 and 1.1%, respectively. Compared with native tissue vaginal repair, the risk of serious complications was higher in the transvaginal mesh group (weighted hazard ratio, wHR 3.84, 95% CI 2.43–6.08) and the sacropexy group (wHR 2.48, 95% CI 1.45–4.23), whereas the risk of reoperation for prolapse recurrence was lower in both the transvaginal mesh (wHR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13–0.39) and sacropexy (wHR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18–0.47) groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that native tissue vaginal repairs have the lowest risk of serious complications but the highest risk of reoperation for recurrence. These results are useful for informing women and for shared decision making.

Tweetable abstract

Laparoscopic sacropexy had fewer serious complications than transvaginal mesh and fewer reoperations for recurrence than vaginal repair.
In Spite of the Spite: An Indian View of China and India in BRICS
Authors: Chaulia Sreeram
Published: September 2021

Based on expectations drawn from rationalist understanding of international institutions, this article argues that China and India persist with membership and participation in BRICS despite their growing bilateral conflicts because the grouping serves their respective strategic interests. Contrary to accounts portraying BRICS as a model for South–South cooperation or as a forum for socialization of member countries to develop a new shared collective identity, the article highlights the nationalistic power politics angle and explains why BRICS will continue to have both China and India inside the tent. For China, BRICS is one of many multilateral institutions with which to challenge and push back the United States and the Western‐crafted liberal international system. For India, BRICS is less of an anti‐Western formation and increasingly a soft balancing instrument through which China can be bound to rules and moderate its assertive behaviour as a great power. The article also highlights the constructive role Russia plays in the internal soft balancing of China via BRICS and offers examples of Russia acting as a behind‐the‐scenes intermediary to massage Sino‐Indian tensions during military standoffs. The conclusion is that BRICS will survive China‐India confrontations even amid the worsening geostrategic environment in Asia.
Physical activity in asthma control and its immune modulatory effect in asthmatic preschoolers
Authors: Maurer Debbie J. , Liu Chengyao , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Stanic Barbara , Bachert Claus , Finotto Susetta , Gao Ya‐Dong , Graser Anna , Jartti Tuomas , Kistler Walter , Kowalski Marek , Lukkarinen Heikki , Pasioti Maria , Tan Ge , Villiger Michael , Zhang Luo , Zhang Nan , Akdis Mübeccel , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: September 2021

Background

The impact of physical activity on immune response is a hot topic in exercise immunology, but studies involving asthmatic children are scarce. Our aims were to examine whether there were any differences in the level of physical activity and daily TV attendance, to assess its role on asthma control and immune responses to various immune stimulants.

Methods

Weekly physical activity and daily television attendance were obtained from questionnaires at inclusion of the PreDicta study. PBMC cultures were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), R848, poly I:C, and zymosan. A panel of cytokines was measured and quantified in cell culture supernatants using luminometric multiplex immunofluorescence beads‐based assay.

Results

Asthmatic preschoolers showed significantly more TV attendance than their healthy peers (58.6% vs. 41.5% 1–3 h daily and only 25.7% vs. 47.2% ≤1 h daily) and poor asthma control was associated with less frequent physical activity (PA) (75% no or occasional activity in uncontrolled vs. 20% in controlled asthma; 25% ≥3 times weekly vs. 62%). Asthmatics with increased PA exhibited elevated cytokine levels in response to polyclonal stimulants, suggesting a readiness of circulating immune cells for type 1, 2, and 17 cytokine release compared to subjects with low PA and high TV attendance. This may also represent a proinflammatory state in high PA asthmatic children. Low physical activity and high TV attendance were associated with a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines were correlating with each other in in vitro immune responses of asthmatic children, but not healthy controls, this correlation was more pronounced in children with sedentary behavior.

Conclusion

Asthmatic children show more sedentary behavior than healthy subjects, while poor asthma control is associated with a substantial decrease in physical activity. Our results suggest that asthmatic children may profit from regular exercise, as elevated cytokine levels in stimulated conditions indicate an immune system prepared for responding strongly in case of different types of infections. However, it has to be considered that a hyperinflammatory state in high PA may not be beneficial in asthmatic children.
Enhanced detection of abnormalities in heart rate variability and dynamics by 7‐day continuous ECG monitoring
Authors: Hayano Junichiro , Yuda Emi
Published: September 2021

Background

The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) dynamics by Holter ECG has been standardized to 24 hs, but longer‐term continuous ECG monitoring has become available in clinical practice. We investigated the effects of long‐term ECG on the assessment of HRV and HR dynamics.

Methods

Intraweek variations in HRV and HR dynamics were analyzed in 107 outpatients with sinus rhythm. ECG was recorded continuously for 7 days with a flexible, codeless, waterproof sensor attached on the upper chest wall. Data were divided into seven 24‐h segments, and standard time‐ and frequency‐domain HRV and nonlinear HR dynamics indices were computed for each segment.

Results

The intraweek coefficients of variance of HRV and HR dynamics indices ranged from 2.9% to 26.0% and were smaller for frequency‐domain than for time‐domain indices, and for indices reflecting slower HR fluctuations than faster fluctuations. The indices with large variance often showed transient abnormalities from day to day over 7 days, reducing the positive predictive accuracy of the 24‐h ECG for detecting persistent abnormalities over 7 days. Conversely, 7‐day ECG provided 2.3‐ to 6.5‐fold increase in sensitivity to detect persistent plus transient abnormalities compared with 24‐h ECG. It detected an average of 1.74 to 2.91 times as many abnormal indices as 24‐h ECG.

Conclusions

Long‐term ECG monitoring increases the accuracy and sensitivity of detecting persistent and transient abnormalities in HRV and HR dynamics and allows discrimination between the two types of abnormalities. Whether this discrimination improves risk stratification deserves further studies.
The prognostic significance of HPV, p16, and p53 protein expression in vaginal cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Rasmussen Christina L. , Bertoli Hanna K. , Sand Freja L. , Kjær Alexander K. , Thomsen Louise T. , Kjær Susanne K.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV), p16, and p53 have been investigated as prognostic markers in various HPV‐related cancers. Within the field of vaginal cancer, however, the evidence remains sparse. In this systematic review, we have compiled the presently published studies on the prognostic significance of HPV and immunohistochemical expression of p16 and p53 among women with vaginal cancer.

Material and methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published until April 2021. We included studies reporting survival after histologically verified vaginal cancers tested for HPV, p16, and/or p53. Survival outcomes included overall survival, disease‐free survival, disease‐specific survival, and progression‐free survival.

Results

We included a total of 12 studies. The vast majority of vaginal cancer cases included in each study were squamous cell carcinomas (84%–100%). Seven studies reported survival after vaginal cancer according to HPV status, and the majority of these studies found a tendency towards improved survival for women with HPV‐positive vaginal cancer. Three out of four studies reporting survival according to p16 status found an improved survival among women with p16‐positive vaginal cancer. For p53, only one of six studies reported an association between p53 expression and survival.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that women with HPV‐ and p16‐positive vaginal cancer have an improved prognosis compared with those with HPV‐ or p16‐negative vaginal cancer. Results for p53 were varied, and no conclusion could be reached. Only 12 studies could be included in the review, of which most were based on small populations. Hence, further and larger studies on the prognostic impact of HPV, p16, and p53 in vaginal cancer are warranted.
The impact of early pregnancy complications on completed family size—A nationwide, registry‐based cohort study with 40 years of data
Authors: Kolte Astrid M. , Westergaard David , Lidegaard Øjvind , Brunak Søren , Nielsen Henriette S.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The impact of early pregnancy complications on completed family size is unknown. Here, we hypothesize that early pregnancy complications and adverse outcomes may influence family size.

Material and methods

In this nationwide, registry‐based study we included all 458 475 women born 1957–1972 who lived in Denmark from age 20–45 years with at least one registered pregnancy. The main outcome of the study was number of children per woman by age 45, estimated using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model. Exposures were: (a) total number of pregnancy losses experienced (0, 1, 2, ≥3); (b) highest number of consecutive pregnancy losses (0, 1, 2, ≥3); (c) sex of firstborn child; (d) outcome of first pregnancy (live birth, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy).

Results

Number of live births was negatively influenced by maternal age and adverse first pregnancy outcomes, especially ectopic pregnancies. A 30‐year‐old woman with a first ectopic pregnancy was expected to have 1.16 children (95% CI 1.11–1.22) compared with 1.95 children (95% CI 1.86–2.03) with a first live birth. Three or more consecutive losses also decreased number of live births significantly: 1.57 (95% CI 1.50–1.65) compared with 1.92 (95% CI 1.84–2.0) with only live births. The total number of pregnancy losses had no effect before the age of 35 years. Sex of firstborn had no effect.

Conclusions

Previous pregnancy history has a significant effect on number of children per woman, which is important at both individual and societal levels. Pathophysiological research of adverse pregnancy outcomes should be an urgent priority as the causes remain poorly understood.
Do risk and competition trigger conditional cooperation? Evidence from public good experiments
Authors: Bergantino Angela Stefania , Gil‐Gallen Sara , Morone Andrea
Published: September 2021

We investigate the effect of intra‐group competition and risk marginal per capita returns on subjects' cooperative behavior in a one‐shot public good game—following the well‐known approach proposed by Fischbacher, Gächter, and Fehr (2001) and extending the Colasante et al. (2018, 2019) parametrization. We study the interaction between environment and social preferences and test the existence of a causal relationship of risk and competition over cooperative behavior when an individual's benefit of the public good is heterogeneous and uncertain. Our results report experimental evidence about competition fostering cooperative behavior leading to a rise in contribution for all the subjects regardless of their social preferences. However, risk has a detrimental effect on cooperative behavior due to encouraging free riding.
Primary bone augmentation leads to equally stable marginal tissue conditions comparing the use of xenograft blocks infused with BMP‐2 and autogenous bone blocks: A 3D analysis after 3 years
Authors: Bienz Stefan P. , Payer Michael , Hjerppe Jenni , Hüsler Jürg , Jakse Norbert , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To test whether or not primary bone augmentation using xenograft blocks infused with BMP‐2 or autogenous bone blocks lead to similar results regarding the implant survival and 3D marginal soft tissue contours.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with an insufficient ridge width for implant placement in need of primary augmentation were randomly assigned to either a block of deproteinized bovine bone mineral infused with rhBMP‐2 (BMP) or an intraorally harvested block of autogenous bone (ABB). At 4 months, 1–4 dental implants were placed in the regenerated area. After crown insertion and at 3 years, peri‐implant tissue parameters, two‐ and three‐dimensional radiographic parameters, and soft tissue contour changes were evaluated. Explorative mixed model analyses were performed. The level of significance was set at 5%.

Results

At the 3‐year follow‐up, 23 patients with 40 implants were evaluated. The implant survival rate was 100% in both groups. At baseline, the marginal hard tissue levels amounted to −0.4 ± 0.8 mm (mean ± standard deviation) in the BMP group and −0.7 ± 1.0 mm in the ABB group. At 3 years, these values were −0.2 ± 0.4 mm (BMP) and −0.6 ± 1.0 mm (ABB). At baseline, the thickness of the buccal hard tissue at the level of the implant shoulder measured 1.1 ± 1.1 mm (BMP) and 1.4 ± 1.0 mm (ABB). At 3 years, it measured 0.9 ± 0.9 mm (BMP) and 0.7 ± 0.6 mm (ABB).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated excellent implant survival rates and stable marginal hard tissue levels in both augmentation groups, 3 years after crown insertion. In addition, the clinical stability of soft and hard tissues was demonstrated in both groups.
Clinical and radiographical performance of implants placed with simultaneous guided bone regeneration using resorbable and nonresorbable membranes after 22–24 years, a prospective, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jung Ronald E. , Brügger Lily V. , Bienz Stefan P. , Hüsler Jürg , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Zitzmann Nicola U.
Published: September 2021

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the performance of implants placed with simultaneous guided bone regeneration (GBR) using resorbable or nonresorbable membranes compared to implants placed in pristine bone without bone regeneration after an observation period of 22–24 years.

Material and Methods

The patient cohort of this clinical trial was treated from 1994 to 1996. Dehiscence defects were treated with GBR by either using resorbable collagen membranes (BG) or nonresorbable ePTFE membranes (GT). Implants placed in pristine bone served as a control (CT). Clinical parameters, marginal bone levels, and technical outcomes were evaluated following restoration placement and at the present follow‐up. A 3D radiographic analysis was conducted in order to assess buccal and oral bone dimensions. Implant survival was assessed with Kaplan–Meier analysis and a frailty model (level of significance 5%).

Results

Out of the originally 72 patients (mean age 75.4 ± 15.70 years) with 265 implants, 39 patients with 147 implants were included in the study after a median period of 23.5 years. Implant survival was 89.3% in group BG (n = 100), 90.2% in group GT (n = 37), and 93.8% in group CT (n = 105), without significant differences (Frailty proportional hazard model p = .79). Smoking had a negative effect on survival (p = .0122). Mean vertical marginal bone levels were −2.3 ± 1.4 mm (BG, n = 59), −3.0 ± 1.5 mm (GT, n = 21), and −2.3 ± 1.6 mm (CT, n = 52). The vertical buccal bone levels were −3.0 ± 1.9 mm (BG, n = 57), −3.5 ± 2.2 mm (GT, n = 21), and −2.6 ± 1.8 mm (CT, n = 49), without significant differences.

Conclusion

Implant placement with GBR procedures provides treatment outcomes with favorable implant survival rates (89.3%–93.8%) after 23.5 years. Smoking, however, affected implant survival negatively.
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis reveals defective decidua stromal niche attributes to recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Du Lili , Deng Wenbo , Zeng Shanshan , Xu Pei , Huang Lijun , Liang Yingyu , Wang Yang , Xu Hui , Tang Jingman , Bi Shilei , Zhang Lizi , Li Yulian , Ren Luwen , Lin Lin , Deng Weinan , Liu Mingxing , Chen Jingsi , Wang Haibin , Chen Dunjin
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Successful pregnancy involves the homeostasis between maternal decidua and fetoplacental units, whose disruption contributes to compromised pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The role of cell heterogeneity of maternal decidua in RSA is yet to be illustrated.

Materials and methods

A total of 66,078 single cells from decidua samples isolated from patients with RSA and healthy controls were analysed by unbiased single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq).

Results

Our scRNA‐seq results revealed that stromal cells are the most abundant cell type in decidua during early pregnancy. RSA samples are accompanied by aberrant decidualization and obviously obstructed communication between stromal cells and other cell types, such as abnormal activation of macrophages and NK cells. In addition, the over‐activated TNF superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12, TWEAK) and FASLG in RSA are closely related to stromal cell demise and pregnancy failure.

Conclusions

Our research reveals that the cell composition and communications in normal and RSA decidua at early pregnancy and provides insightful information for the pathology of RSA and will pave the way for pregnancy loss prevention.
Gibt es eine Überbehandlung von Melanompatienten am Ende ihres Lebens? Ergebnisse einer multizentrischen Studie an 193 Melanompatienten
Authors: Forschner Andrea , Loquai Carmen , Meiss Frank , Huening Svea , Pawlowski Johannes , Bradfisch Fabienne , Lehr Saskia , Nashan Dorotheé
Published: September 2021

Hintergrund und Ziele

Es fehlen Daten Daten über die Situation von Melanompatienten, die in ihren letzten Lebensmonaten systemische Therapien erhalten.

Patienten und Methoden

Alle Melanompatienten, die 2016 oder 2017 verstorben sind und die innerhalb der letzten drei Lebensmonate mit systemischen Therapien behandelt wurden, wurden retrospektiv ausgewertet. Die Studie wurde im Rahmen des Komitees „Supportivtherapie“ der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Onkologie (ADO) durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

193 Patienten aus vier dermatoonkologischen Zentren wurden eingeschlossen. Mehr als 60 % der Patienten hatten einen ECOG ≥ 2 und die meisten von ihnen erhielten Immuncheckpoint‐Inhibitoren (ICI) oder zielgerichtete Therapien (TT). 41 Patienten profitierten von der letzten Therapie in Bezug auf die radiologischen Befunde, die Laborbefunde oder den allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand. Obwohl der ECOG‐Status in der TT‐Kohorte im Vergleich zur ICI‐Gruppe schlechter war, war der Anteil der Patienten, die von der letzten Therapie profitierten in der TT‐Gruppe deutlich höher. Darüber hinaus konnte die TT‐Therapie häufiger ambulant durchgeführt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Diese Studie zeigt, dass es eine Tendenz zur Überbehandlung am Lebensende gibt. Nichtsdestotrotz könnte TT eine sinnvolle therapeutische Option für das fortgeschrittene BRAF‐mutierte Melanom sein, auch in hochpalliativen Situationen.
Bei CALME (childhood asymmetry labium majus enlargement): die Ruhe bewahren und nachverfolgen
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Patrizi Annalisa , Vara Giulio , Golfieri Rita , Neri Iria
Published: September 2021

CALME steht für childhood asymmetry labium majus enlargement und bezeichnet eine physiologische, nichtneoplastische Schwellung des Weichteilgewebes der Labia majora. CALME wird durch die Vergrößerung einer oder mehrerer normaler vulvärer Gewebeanteile verursacht und weist keine äußere Kapsel auf. Vereinzelte Berichte in der Literatur haben das Augenmerk auf diese gutartige Veränderung gelenkt und die Notwendigkeit betont, invasive Eingriffe mit möglichen Dauerfolgen zu vermeiden. Die Ätiopathogenese von CALME ist nach wie vor umstritten, wobei die Hypothese einer hormonell bedingten stromalen Hyperplasie der großen Schamlippen gegenüber der Annahme eines gutartigen neoplastischen Prozesses favorisiert wird. Dieser Artikel zielt darauf ab, einen detaillierten Überblick über die klinischen, histologischen und apparativen Befunde bei CALME zu geben und einen abgestuften Algorithmus zur Herangehensweise und zum Management von genito‐inguinalen Geschwülsten bei pädiatrischen Patienten zu erstellen.
Mycosis fungoides und Sézary‐Syndrom
Authors: Jonak Constanze , Tittes Julia , Brunner Patrick Manfred , Guenova Emmanuella
Published: September 2021

Die Mycosis fungoides (MF) und das Sézary‐Syndrom (SS) sind primär kutane T‐Zell‐Lymphome (CTCL), deren Ätiologie und Pathogenese noch nicht vollständig geklärt sind. MF und SS werden konzeptionell als eigenständige Entitäten angesehen, mit unterschiedlichen T‐Helferzell‐Subtypen als Ursprung. Während die MF den häufigsten Subtyp der CTCL darstellt, ist das SS hingegen sehr selten. Klinisch werden bei der MF dasPatch‐, Plaque‐ und Tumor‐Stadium unterschieden, wobei sich auch eine Erythrodermie manifestieren kann, welche wiederum pathognomonisch für das SS ist. Das SS ist durch eine Leukämie und/oder eine nachweisbare Tumorzelllast (Sézary‐Zellen) im peripheren Blut gekennzeichnet undper seein fortgeschrittenes Krankheitsstadium mit ungünstiger Prognose. Bei der MF ist die Prognose im frühen Krankheitsstadium, der überwiegenden Verlaufsform, vorteilhaft. Bei bis zu 30 % der Patienten ist jedoch ein Fortschreiten der kutanen Erkrankung bis hin zu extrakutanen Manifestationen dokumentiert.

Die histologischen Veränderungen der MF sind im Frühstadium oft diskret und daher ist eine sorgfältige klinisch‐pathologische Korrelation essenziell. Die Behandlung von MF und SS erfolgt stadiengerecht mit topischen und/oder systemischen Therapieschemata. Abseits der allogenen Stammzelltransplantation (alloSZT) gibt es bisher keine kurative Therapie für MF/SS. Dementsprechend ist der Behandlungsansatz symptomorientiert und zielt auf eine Tumorlastreduktion und eine Verbesserung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität ab. Die aktuelle Therapielandschaft für CTCL wird permanent durch die Entdeckung neuer therapeutischer Zielstrukturen erweitert.
Prophylaxis in children with haemophilia in an evolving treatment landscape
Authors: Mancuso Maria Elisa , Male Christoph , Kenet Gili , Kavakli Kaan , Königs Christoph , Blatný Jan , Fijnvandraat Karin
Published: September 2021

Introduction

For children with haemophilia, early initiation of prophylaxis is crucial to prevent life‐threatening bleeds and maintain joint health throughout life. Options for prophylaxis have recently increased from replacement therapy with standard or extended half‐life coagulation factor products to include other haemostasis products, such as the non‐replacement therapy emicizumab.

Aim

To review key factors that determine the choice of prophylaxis in young children.

Methods

Key clinical questions on the implementation of prophylaxis for haemophilia in children were identified and PubMed was searched for evidence supporting guidance on the implementation of prophylaxis.

Results

The results of the literature search and the practical experience of the authors were used to build consensus on when to start prophylaxis, the pros and cons of the products available to guide the choice of product, and practical aspects of starting prophylaxis to guide the choice of regimen.

Conclusions

In this era of increasing therapeutic choices, available information about the range of treatment options must be considered when initiating prophylaxis in young children. Parents or care givers must be sufficiently informed to allow informed shared decision making. Although plentiful data and clinical experience have been gathered on prophylaxis with clotting factor replacement therapy, its use in young children brings practical challenges, such as the need for intravenous administration. In contrast, our relatively brief experience and limited data with subcutaneously administered non‐replacement therapy (i.e., emicizumab) in this patient group imply that starting emicizumab prophylaxis in young children requires careful consideration, despite the more convenient route of administration.
The Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) had two brood patches, not one: confirmation and implications
Authors: Birkhead Tim R. , Fiebig Jürgen , Montgomerie Robert , Schulze‐Hagen Karl
Published: September 2021

Since the late 1600s it has been assumed that the Great AukPinguinus impenniswas similar to the Common GuillemotUria aalgeand Brünnich's GuillemotUria lomviain having a single, central brood patch. Through the examination of eight mounted museum specimens, we show that this is incorrect and that, like its closest relative the RazorbillAlca torda, the Great Auk had two lateral brood patches. We discuss how such misinformation persisted for so long. We also review the relationship between the number of brood patches and clutch size in the Alcidae. One implication of two brood patches is that the Great Auk would have incubated in a horizontal posture like the Razorbill, rather than in a semi‐upright posture like theUriaguillemots. Assuming that the Great Auk incubated like the Razorbill, it would probably have done so horizontally with its single egg pressed against one of the two lateral brood patches, positioned against the inside of one tarsus (and partially on the web of one foot), and with the wing on that side drooped to provide additional protection for the egg. Incubating in this way may have meant that the Great Auk's pyriform egg would have enabled it to use both level and sloping terrain, as in theUriaguillemots (but unlike the Razorbill). A horizontal incubation also has implications for estimates of their breeding density, which we estimate to have been around four pairs per square metre and, hence numbers on its largest known colony, Funk Island, Newfoundland (maximum 250 000 pairs).
Bright sides of dark personality? A cross‐cultural study on the dark triad and work outcomes
Authors: Ma Gloria X. , Born Marise P. , Petrou Paraskevas , Bakker Arnold B.
Published: September 2021

The current study compared the relationships between the dark triad traits and various work outcomes across a Chinese (N = 239) and a United States (N = 240) employee sample. The results of multigroup structural equation modeling analyses generally revealed a “dark” pattern across the two countries for psychopathy. Machiavellianism was generally “brighter” in China compared to the United States. Narcissism seemed to display a somewhat “brighter” pattern in the United States compared to China, as narcissism was more positively related to voice behavior and work engagement, and more negatively related to exhaustion and boredom at work in the United States than in China.