bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered renal medullary blood flow: A key factor or a parallel event in control of sodium excretion and blood pressure?
Authors: Sadowski Janusz , Bądzyńska Bożena
Published: March 2020

In the context of the ongoing debate on the mechanism of blood pressure (BP) regulation and pathophysiology of arterial hypertension (“renocentric” vs “neural” concepts), attention is focused on the putative regulatory role of changes in renal medullary blood flow (MBF). Experimental evidence is analysed with regard to the question whether an elevation of BP and renal perfusion pressure (RPP) is likely to increase MBF due to its impaired autoregulation. It is concluded that such increases have been clearly documented only in rats with extracellular fluid volume expansion. A possible translation of this finding to BP regulation in health and hypertension in humans may only be a matter of speculation. Within the “renocentric” theory, the key event leading to restoration of initial BP level is pressure natriuresis. Its relation to elevation of renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure and to the phenomenon of “wash‐out” of renal medullary solutes by increasing MBF is discussed. We also assessed the validity of data supporting the putative mechanism of short‐term restoration of elevated BP owing to the release of a vasodilator lipid (medullipin) by the medulla. The structure of the proposed medullary lipid is still undefined, and there is no sound evidence on its mediatory role in lowering elevated BP level. In conclusion, MBF change can hardly be regarded as a crucial event in the regulation of BP: it can be involved in the control of sodium excretion and BP only in some circumstances, although its contributory role cannot be excluded.
EoTHINophils: Eosinophils as key players in adipose tissue homeostasis
Authors: Vohralik Emily J. , Psaila Annalise M. , Knights Alexander J. , Quinlan Kate G. R.
Published: March 2020

Eosinophils are granular cells of the innate immune system that are found in almost all vertebrates and some invertebrates. Knowledge of their wide‐ranging roles in health and disease has largely been attained through studies in mice and humans. Although eosinophils are typically associated with helminth infections and allergic diseases such as asthma, there is building evidence that beneficial homeostatic eosinophils residing in specific niches are important for tissue development, remodelling and metabolic control. In recent years, the importance of immune cells in the regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis has been a focal point of research efforts. There is an abundance of anti‐inflammatory innate immune cells in lean white adipose tissue, including macrophages, eosinophils and group 2 innate lymphoid cells, which promote energy homeostasis and stimulate the development of thermogenic beige adipocytes. This review will evaluate evidence for the role of adipose‐resident eosinophils in local tissue homeostasis, beiging and systemic metabolism, highlighting where more research is needed to establish the specific effector functions that adipose eosinophils perform in response to different internal and external cues.
Associations between sensitivity to antibiotics, disinfectants and heavy metals in natural, clinical and laboratory isolates of Escherichia coli
Authors: Bischofberger Anna M. , Baumgartner Michael , Pfrunder‐Cardozo Katia R. , Allen Richard C. , Hall Alex R.
Published: March 2020

Bacteria in nature often encounter non‐antibiotic antibacterials (NAAs), such as disinfectants and heavy metals, and they can evolve resistance via mechanisms that are also involved in antibiotic resistance. Understanding whether susceptibility to different types of antibacterials is non‐randomly associated across natural and clinical bacteria is therefore important for predicting the spread of resistance, yet there is no consensus about the extent of such associations or underlying mechanisms. We tested for associations between susceptibility phenotypes of 93 natural and clinical Escherichia coli isolates to various NAAs and antibiotics. Across all compound combinations, we detected a small number of non‐random associations, including a trio of positive associations among chloramphenicol, triclosan and benzalkonium chloride. We investigated genetic mechanisms that can explain such associations using genomic information, genetic knockouts and experimental evolution. This revealed some mutations that are selected for by experimental exposure to one compound and confer cross‐resistance to other compounds. Surprisingly, these interactions were asymmetric: selection for chloramphenicol resistance conferred cross‐resistance to triclosan and benzalkonium chloride, but selection for triclosan resistance did not confer cross‐resistance to other compounds. These results identify genetic changes involved in variable cross‐resistance across antibiotics and NAAs, potentially contributing to associations in natural and clinical bacteria.
Anti‐Semitism: the Touchstone Issue for the Next Labour Leader
Authors: Gaber Ivor
Published: March 2020

As the Labour Party ponders who its next leader should be, dealing with anti‐semitism within its ranks has become a touchstone issue. Ivor Gaber, who has watched anti‐semitism within Labour fester long before it hit the headlines, takes a personal view of its roots and consequences and recommends a possible way forward.
Ministerial Turnover and Why Reshuffles Matter for Parliament
Authors: Thompson Louise
Published: March 2020

Reshuffles are a relatively common occurrence in British politics. We expect to see them whenever a new Prime Minister enters Downing Street, after elections and following ministerial resignations. Recent research from the Institute for Government warns that the regular churn of ministers has negative consequences for policy making and for parliamentary accountability. This article summarises their latest research and what this tells us about the potential implications of Boris Johnson’s February 2020 reshuffle on government and Parliament.
Experiences and implications of smartphone apps for depression and anxiety
Authors: Crosby Liam , Bonnington Oliver
Published: March 2020

Apps on smartphones are increasingly used for self‐care for depression and anxiety, yet how and why they are accessed, and their social effects, remain under‐investigated. Sociologists have begun to theorise how these technologies affect and relate; crucial questions for a contemporary sociology of health. This study seeks to contribute to our conceptualisation of how digital health technologies are implicated in health by investigating the motivations, experiences and relations of people using mobile apps for depression or anxiety. We interviewed 14 individuals living in England with a diagnosis of depression or an anxiety disorder, who used smartphone apps as part of self‐care. Analysis followed a thematic approach. Three themes were identified. Apps exist within relational contexts – alongside smartphones, beliefs about mental health and other support – which shape app use and lead to an imprecise, casual approach. People engage with apps in a straightforward and uncomplicated manner, leading to immediate symptomatic alleviation, but to limited longer term benefit. The contradiction between the apps’ promise as tools of individual empowerment, with their ability to promote responsibilising frameworks that restrain users’ reflexivity, is central to their implications. Apps can thus contribute to isolation from interpersonal support and promote reductionist biomedical conceptualisations of mental ill health.
Conditions of experienced stigma in people living with HIV in Iran: a qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Akbari Hossein , Safari Saeid
Published: March 2020

Stigma against people living with HIV (PLWH) seriously affects their quality of life. Moreover it can lead them to hide their HIV status from others, which in turn endangers public health. Many studies dealing with HIV‐related stigma focus on the consequences of this phenomenon and pay less attention to the social conditions which affect different types of HIV‐related stigma (anticipated, internalized and enacted stigma [ES]). Therefore, in this study, we tried to achieve more understanding about effective causal conditions of various types of experienced stigma. First of all, data were collected from 19 PLWH, using semi‐structured interviews from those who had visited the Counseling Center for Behavioral Diseases in Mashhad. Secondly, the data were analyzed by applying a mixture of two methods: thematic analysis and qualitative comparative analysis (Boolean Algebra). The analysis of the data reveals that a combination of informing family members about HIV status, lack of family support, and medical support lead to anticipated stigma; a combination of religious beliefs and poor self‐esteem results in internalized stigma and a combination of lack of family support, mistreatment by community, poor self‐esteem, poverty and no religious beliefs lead to ES.
The biohabitus of scarcity: bio‐social dispositions and the “obesity epidemic” in Mexico
Authors: Martínez Alejandro , Anduro Iván , Bojorquez Ietza
Published: March 2020

In this article, we explore the potential of Warin et al.'s concept of biohabitus (a set of embodied biological and social dispositions) as a conceptual tool for the understanding of mechanisms behind the “obesity epidemic.” Elaborating on this concept, we argue that a context of food scarcity gives rise to a biohabitus geared to energy‐saving, expressed in both biological (the thrifty genotype/phenotype hypotheses) and symbolic dispositions (Bourdieu's “taste of necessity”), and the interaction between this type of biohabitus and changes in the food‐related environment results in increased body mass index. We exemplify the use of this framework by applying it to the case of Mexico, a middle‐income Latin American country with one of the highest prevalences of obesity worldwide. The example shows how the concept of biohabitus can help researchers move beyond disciplinary explanations, towards a more complex understanding of the conjunction of social and biological processes that result in differential patterns of health and disease.
Pain management for medical and surgical termination of pregnancy between 13 and 24 weeks of gestation: a systematic review
Authors: Jackson E , Kapp N
Published: March 2020

Background

High‐quality care for termination of pregnancy (TOP) requires pain to be effectively managed; however, practices differ, and the available guidelines do not specify optimal strategies.

Objective

To guide providers in effective pain management for second‐trimester medical and surgical TOP.

Search strategy

We searched PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases, and the US National Library of Medicine clinical trials registry, from inception to the end of June 2019, and hand‐searched reference lists.

Selection criteria

Trials comparing pain management strategies with no treatment, placebo or active interventions during induced medical or surgical TOP, occurring between 13 and 24 weeks of gestation, and reporting direct or indirect measures of pain.

Data collection and analysis

Both authors summarised and systematically assessed the evidence and risk of bias using standard tools.

Main results

We included seven medical and four surgical TOP studies, with 453 and 349 participants, respectively. The heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes prevented pooled analyses. Medical TOP: women receiving routine or continuous epidural analgesia experienced mild pain. The prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decreased pain (mean difference −0.5, P < 0.001) and additional opioid requirements (3.5 versus 7 mg, P = 0.04) compared with placebo/other treatment. Paracervical block was ineffective. No studies assessed intramuscular (IM)/intravenous (IV) opioid or nonpharmacological treatment. Surgical TOP: general anaesthesia/deep IV sedation alleviated pain. Nitrous oxide was ineffective. No studies assessed moderate IV sedation, IV/IM opioid, paracervical block without sedation, NSAID or nonpharmacological treatment.

Conclusion

Based on limited data, regional analgesia and NSAIDs mitigated second‐trimester medical TOP pain; general anaesthesia/deep IV sedation alleviated surgical TOP pain.

Tweetable abstract

Although women experience intense pain during second‐trimester termination of pregnancy, few data are available to inform their treatment.
Diaries from the front line—Formal supervision and job quality among social care workers during austerity
Authors: Cunningham Ian , Lindsay Colin , Roy Chandrima
Published: March 2020

Focusing on social care workers in public, private and voluntary sectors, this article contributes to research on the impact of austerity on public service human resource management (HRM). The article uses an innovative diary method to highlight the importance of intrinsic elements of job quality such as supervision practice in mitigating degradation in extrinsic elements as austerity dismantles public service HRM. The article also reports that supervision has itself come under pressure due to resource shortages. The results regarding sub‐sector differences have implications for policy‐makers and practitioners in terms of rebuilding the standard employment relationship in social care so that they are more sensitive to differences across private, public and voluntary sectors.
Loss leading with salient thinkers
Authors: Inderst Roman , Obradovits Martin
Published: March 2020

In various countries, competition laws restrict retailers' freedom to sell their products below cost. A common rationale, shared by policymakers, consumer interest groups and brand manufacturers alike, is that such “loss leading” of products would ultimately lead to a race‐to‐the‐bottom in product quality. Building on Varian's (1980) model of sales, we provide a foundation for this critique, though only when consumers are salient thinkers, putting too much weight on certain product attributes. But we also show how a prohibition of loss leading can backfire, as it may make it even less attractive for retailers to stock high‐quality products, decreasing both aggregate welfare and consumer surplus.
Stereotactic radiosurgery combined with anlotinib for limited brain metastases with perilesional edema in non‐small cell lung cancer: Rvision‐001 study protocol
Authors: Wang Yuxia , Wang Xin , Guan Yun , Song Yongchun , Zhuang Hongqing , Wang Enmin
Published: March 2020

Introduction

About 50% of patients with non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are diagnosed with brain metastases during treatment, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important treatment for brain oligometastasis. Some patients with brain metastases have cerebral edema before treatment, and radiation therapy may also cause, or aggravate brain edema. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis and increase vascular permeability, and previous studies have shown that anti‐VEGF treatment can reduce brain edema. We hypothesized that anlotinib hydrochloride can reduce perilesional edema around brain metastases, create conditions for subsequent SRS, increase local control rate and improve patient prognosis.

Methods

From one week before stereotactic radiosurgery, patients begin to receive anlotinib once a day (12 mg) from day 1–14 of a 21 day cycle, with two cycles in total. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is taken before treatment, one week and one month after medication. A total of 50 patients will be included in this study. The primary endpoint is the Edema Index, and the secondary endpoints are intracranial objective response rate (iORR), intracranial progression‐free survival (iPFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and the rate of SRS after anlotinib treatment.

Discussion

This study is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, phase II clinical study, and explores the efficacy and tolerability of SRS with anlotinib in NSCLC patients with limited brain metastases. The aim of the study is to provide new treatment options for NSCLC patients with brain metastases.
The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats
Authors: Kays R. , Dunn R. R. , Parsons A. W. , Mcdonald B. , Perkins T. , Powers S. A. , Shell L. , McDonald J. L. , Cole H. , Kikillus H. , Woods L. , Tindle H. , Roetman P.
Published: March 2020

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are a conservation concern because they kill billions of native prey each year, but without spatial context the ecological importance of pets as predators remains uncertain. We worked with citizen scientists to track 925 pet cats from six countries, finding remarkably small home ranges (3.6 ± 5.6 ha). Only three cats ranged > 1 km2 and we found no relationship between home range size and the presence of larger native predators (i.e. coyotes, Canis latrans). Most (75%) cats used primarily (90%) disturbed habitats. Owners reported that their pets killed an average of 3.5 prey items/month, leading to an estimated ecological impact per cat of 14.2‐38.9 prey ha−1 yr−1. This is similar or higher than the per‐animal ecological impact of wild carnivores but the effect is amplified by the high density of cats in neighborhoods. As a result, pet cats around the world have an ecological impact greater than native predators but concentrated within ~100 m of their homes.
Mapping of the chicken cleft primary palate mutation on chromosome 11 and sequencing of the 4.9 Mb linked region
Authors: Youngworth I. A. , Delany M. E.
Published: March 2020

An embryonic lethal mutation in chicken named cleft primary palate (cpp) is inherited in an autosomal recessive mode and results in a severely truncated upper beak. In this study, genotyping and sequencing techniques were employed to advance our genetic and genomic knowledge of the mutation’s chromosomal location, candidate region and possible causative element using a congenic inbred line. Herein, the candidate region for the cpp developmental mutation was established as a ca. 5.1 Mb region of chicken chromosome 11 (GGA 11) through the use of a 600K Affymetrix SNP array. The SNPs identified from this array linked to cpp were used to genotype individuals from the congenic inbred line over several generations and thereby fine‐map the causative region resulting in an approximately 200 kb size reduction. This candidate region (4.9 Mb) was sequenced via capture array in a cohort of 24 individuals, including carriers, mutants and their wild type (wt) siblings. Interestingly, the GGA 11 region for cpp encompasses the predicted centromere location and is thus unlikely to be highly disrupted by further recombination. Here we report on the variation unique to the cpp mutation, i.e. single‐nucleotide variants and insertions or deletions. Although the candidate region contains several genes of interest with regard to the cpp phenotype, only one cpp‐linked variant was predicted to have a significant physiological effect by causing a frameshift mutation in ESRP2, which has a role in tissue‐specific splicing during development.
Input use under cost‐of‐production crop insurance: Theory and evidence
Authors: He Juan , Zheng Xiaoyong , Rejesus Roderick , Yorobe Jose
Published: March 2020

There have been a number of previous studies that examined the effects of yield‐ or revenue‐based crop insurance products on input use of farmers. However, no study has specifically investigated the input use impacts of a cost‐of‐production (COP) crop insurance policy, even though this type of crop insurance is the predominant one used in several other countries outside of the United States (such as the Philippines and China). This article aims to theoretically and empirically examine the effect of a COP crop insurance product on farmers’ chemical input use. Our theoretical model suggests that the effect of COP insurance on input use can either be positive or negative, with the resulting impact depending on the strengths of (a) the traditional moral hazard effect of insurance (i.e., an input use decreasing effect); versus (b) the marginal incentives to apply more inputs due to input levels being the main determinant for expected indemnity amounts in this type of insurance (i.e., an input use increasing effect). A survey data set from corn farmers in the Philippines is then used to empirically illustrate how a particular COP insurance product influences input use in a real‐life context. In this case, we find that COP insurance increases the use of chemical inputs (e.g., fertilizers and total chemical expenditure), implying that the positive marginal incentive to apply more inputs dominates the negative moral hazard effect.
Macrorelationship between average life expectancy and prevalence of obesity: Theory and evidence from global data
Authors: Bansal Sangeeta , Zilberman David
Published: March 2020

A large body of literature assesses the impact of obesity on health at the microlevel and finds that obesity is a risk to health and longevity of life. We develop a macrolevel analytical framework to investigate the impact of obesity prevalence on average life expectancy, the trade‐off between health expenditure and obesity prevalence, and the differential effect of obesity prevalence by gender, and apply this framework to cross country national data using a panel data of 183 countries for the years 2007 to 2014.  The empirical analysis shows that the average life expectancy is a concave function of obesity prevalence, and an increase in obesity prevalence increases average expected life expectancy with low obesity levels.  While obesity is a significant problem in developed countries, its impact on average life expectancy is partially mitigated by health expenditure. Underweight and lack of health expenditure in developing countries are even more severe problems. The marginal benefit of health expenditure in a low obesity country (highly correlated with underweight) has a larger impact on life expectancy relative to that in a high obesity country. A part of the longer life expectancy of women is related to better average nutritional state and less vulnerability to obesity. The results are consistent over three macromeasures of the longevity of life—average life expectancy, adult mortality rate, and healthy life expectancy.
Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Community‐Based Settings: Outcome Related to Intensity of Services and Urine Drug Test Results
Authors: Galanter Marc , Femino John , Hunter Brooke , Hauser Mary
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Variables contributing to the outcome of buprenorphine treatment for opiate use disorder have been studied, including patient characteristics and the treatment approach applied. It is also valuable to study the types of clinical facilities that can affect outcome.

Methods

We evaluated patients (N = 20 993) in 573 facilities where buprenorphine was prescribed. Urine drug test results were analyzed for those (N = 13 281) who had buprenorphine prescribed at least twice in the period January 2015 through June 2017. Facilities were divided into three categories: medication management (MM) only, limited psychosocial (LP) therapy, and recovery‐oriented (with more extensive counseling and a 12‐step orientation) (RO).

Results

Urine drug tests negative for other opioids at the time of the second buprenorphine prescription were 34% for MM, 56% for LP, and 62% for RO (P < .001). A comparison was made between the most recent and the established patients at the facilities. The decrement in urinalyses positive for other opioids in this latter comparison was 3% for MM, 7% for LP, and 23% for RO (P < .001).

Discussion and Conclusions

In a large sample of community settings, buprenorphine patients’ urinalyses positive for opioids can vary considerably across treatment facilities, and more intensive recovery orientation may yield a better outcome in terms of secondary opioid use.

Scientific Significance

The majority of buprenorphine patients are treated in community facilities. It is important that research be done by facility type in such settings in order to plan for optimal treatment. (© 2020 The Authors. The American Journal on Addictions published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.;00:00–00)
Woody plant diversity, composition and structure in relation to environmental variables and land‐cover types in Lake Wanchi watershed, central highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Angessa Abebe Tufa , Lemma Brook , Yeshitela Kumelachew , Fischer Joern , May Felix , Shumi Girma
Published: March 2020

Knowledge of vegetation dynamics associated with human land‐use change and environmental variables is crucial for sustainable watershed management. The objective of this study was to analyse woody plant diversity in response to the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, and topographic variables in different land‐cover types. Woody plants ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were recorded from 20‐by‐20 m plots, those <5 cm DBH were recorded from 10‐by‐10 m plots, and tree seedlings were recorded in 3‐by‐3 m plots. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling with Bray–Curtis distance was employed to analyse woody species composition. Woody species richness was analysed using generalised linear modelling. Tree diameter‐class distributions were examined for population structure. The study identified 104 woody plants belonging to 52 families, where 74.5% were indigenous and 16.7% were endemic to Ethiopia. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae were the most species‐rich families. There was evidence for the effect of anthropogenic disturbance and elevation on woody species composition. Wetlands contained the highest woody species richness, while woody species richness declined with increasing elevation and disturbance. Evidence of good regeneration was observed in wetlands. To sustain the ecological functions and services provided by the watershed, rehabilitation of the forest and shrub‐cover should be a high priority for local management authorities.
Rectal disc resection improves stool frequency in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis: A prospective study
Authors: Ip Julian C. Y. , Chua Terence C. , Wong Shing W. , Krishnan Surya
Published: March 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal symptoms occur with deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) of the rectum.

Aims

To explore the medium‐term gastrointestinal functional outcomes after rectal disc resection for endometriosis.

Methods

All women undergoing laparoscopy for stage IV endometriosis at a tertiary referral hospital between November 2016 and January 2018 and had evidence of DIE of the rectum were included. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score was measured using a validated questionnaire.

Results

Thirty‐six women formed the cohort of the study. The mean age was 37 years (range 20–72 years). All women underwent a laparoscopic anterior rectal disc resection for DIE. The response rate was 100%. There was an increase in the percentage of patients having no LARS postoperatively compared to preoperatively (an increase of 78–83%). There was a reduction in LARS scores postoperatively observed in 18 patients (50%) and the prevalence of major LARS decreased postoperatively from 10% to 1%. Comparison of individual symptoms revealed a significant improvement in postoperative stool frequency scores (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis demonstrated that reduction in postoperative stool frequency scores remained an independent factor (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Rectal disc resection is feasible and safe, achieving observable improvements in stool frequency in patients with rectal DIE.
Impact of antenatal corticosteroids on head circumference of full‐term newborns: A French multicenter cohort study
Authors: Diguisto Caroline , Arthuis Chloé , Couderchet Judith , Morgan Andrei S. , Perrotin Franck , Rivière Olivier , Vendittelli Françoise
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Our main objective was to evaluate whether antenatal corticosteroids increase the risk of small head circumference in children born at term. Secondary objectives were to evaluate whether they increase the risk of small birthweight and birth length among those children.

Material and methods

A historical cohort included 275 270 live term born children between 2000 and 2013 in 175 French maternity units. The rate of head circumference below the 5th percentile among children born at term and exposed to antenatal corticosteroids was compared with that of two unexposed groups: those children born at term whose mothers had an episode of threatened preterm labor without corticosteroids and those whose mothers had neither threatened preterm labor nor corticosteroids. The association between this treatment and head circumference was evaluated by calculating adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The main outcome measure was a head circumference below the 5th percentile at birth, adjusted for sex, and gestational age according to the Pediatric, Obstetrics, and Gynecology Electronic Records Users Association (AUDIPOG) curves. Secondary outcomes were birthweight and birth length below the 5th percentile.

Results

The rate of head circumference below the 5th percentile was 5.8% (n = 3388) among children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids and 4.3% (n = 7077) and 4.6% (n = 198 462), respectively, for the two unexposed groups. After adjustment, the risk of having a head circumference below the 5th percentile did not differ between the exposed group and the two control groups (aRR 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97‐1.69] and aRR 0.91, 95% CI 0.74‐1.13). We did not find an association between antenatal corticosteroids and the rate of birthweight below the 5th percentile. Children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids had a higher risk of a birth length below the 5th percentile when compared with those not exposed to threatened preterm labor or corticosteroids.

Conclusions

We found no association between antenatal corticosteroids and increased risk of head circumference below the 5th percentile in children born at term.
Dietary antioxidants are associated with presence of intra‐ and sub‐retinal fluid in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration after 1 year
Authors: Dharamdasani Detaram Harshil , Liew Gerald , Russell Joanna , Vu Kim Van , Burlutsky George , Mitchell Paul , Gopinath Bamini
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess whether dietary intake of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables and fish is associated with 12‐month treatment outcomes in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients.

Methods

A total of 547 participants were diagnosed with nAMD at baseline, of whom 494 were followed up after 12 months of antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Dietary intakes were determined using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Presence of intra‐retinal and sub‐retinal fluid (IRF, SRF), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded from optical coherence tomography images. Best‐corrected visual acuity was recorded using log of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) charts.

Results

Participants in the upper three quartiles combined compared to those in the first quartile of baseline dietary zinc intake had 49% reduced odds of SRF 12 months later, multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30‐0.89]. The upper three quartiles combined compared to the first quartile of β‐carotene intake had 90% greater odds of IRF presence at 12‐month follow‐up, multivariable‐adjusted OR 1.90 (95% CI 1.04‐3.46). The highest versus lowest quartile of dietary β‐carotene intake had a nearly twofold greater odds of PED presence, multivariable‐adjusted OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.03‐3.84).

Conclusion

A higher intake of dietary zinc was associated with a reduced likelihood of SRF at 1 year. Conversely, a higher intake of dietary β‐carotene was associated with an increased risk of IRF and PED. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing nutritional advice for nAMD patients presenting for treatment.
Empirical study on intra‐regional bond investment: an application to East Asia
Authors: Liu Lian , Cui Yuming , Lu Changrong
Published: March 2020

Since the 1997 Asian financial crisis, bond market development has been one of the central pillars of financial cooperation in East Asia, with concerted efforts made by the East Asian economies to integrate regional bond markets. As a result, aggregate intra‐regional bond investment expanded from US$49.56 billion in 2003 to US$352.18 billion in 2017. This paper examines the pattern and determinants of intra‐regional bond investment in East Asia. We analyse regional foreign holdings of long‐term and short‐term bonds in eight East Asian economies. Bond market size turns out to be the main concern of regional foreign investors participating in East Asian long‐term bond markets. This analysis also highlights the importance of bond issuance and bond yield volatility in attracting regional foreign short‐term bond investment. Therefore, initiatives to improve regional bond market development may be crucial to stimulating intra‐regional bond investment and in turn enhance East Asian financial stability.
Editorial: a clinical decision tool to identify patients who might benefit most from intensified dosing in the biological era—getting nearer?
Authors: Verstockt Bram , Ferrante Marc
Published: March 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Dulai et al and Dulai papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15609 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15671.
Editorial: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C virus—do baseline resistance‐associated substitutions matter? Authors' reply
Authors: Singh Achintya D. , Kumar Ramesh , Shalimar
Published: March 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Singh et al and Kwong and Kwo papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15633 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15656.
Archaeometric investigation of pottery from funerary gifts in Kal‐e Chendar, Shami (Khuzestan, Iran)
Authors: Davit P. , Turco F. , Operti L. , Borghi A. , Cellerino A.
Published: March 2020

Thirty fragments of red slip, glazed, common and cooking ware from Hellenistic and Parthian tombs at Kal‐e Chendar in Shami (Iran) were investigated. Petrographic assemblage and chemometric evaluation of chemical data collected most samples in a large cluster, suggesting a common provenance, even in a quite wide area which includes Izeh plain and lowland Susiana, and underlining the presence of smaller very distinguished groupings. Surface finishing layers (both glazes and red slips) showed a high degree of alteration of their morphological features. Blue glazes are typical plant‐ash, with copper as a colouring agent.
The manipulative business and society
Authors: Kulik Brian W. , Alarcon Michelle , Salimath Manjula S.
Published: March 2020

We extend the theory of secular business cults (SBCs) to manipulative businesses (MBs), which we define as a financially‐successful type of reformed SBC, and explain their influence on industry, government, and social environments. Prior work on irresponsible, illegally‐behaving, and anti‐social SBCs suggests that they arise when antisocial business leaders are left unconstrained. This article examines the other side of this argument: What emerges from the 'toxic triangle' when such leaders are constrained by legal limits? We posit that pressure from lawsuits leads to the metamorphosis of an SBC into an MB that retains the intent and "formula of success" of the SBC. In both business types (SBCs and MBs), the underlying process involves the unethical manipulation of the employee's commitment, and the buyer's interest, through established policies and business models for higher profits. We further explain how the profit‐seeking anti‐social business leaders who find success in the toxic triangle lead to the emergence of manipulative policies and practices in businesses, legal systems, and industries (the “iron triangle”), and eventually influences general societal norms.
Identification of patients with smouldering multiple myeloma at ultra‐high risk of progression using serum parameters: the Czech Myeloma Group model
Authors: Hájek Roman , Sandecka Viera , Špička Ivan , Raab Marc , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Beck Susanne , Minařík Jiří , Pavlíček Petr , Radocha Jakub , Heindorfer Adriana , Jelínek Tomáš , Stejskal Lukáš , Brožová Lucie , Ševčíková Sabina , Straub Jan , Pika Tomáš , Pour Luděk , Maisnar Vladimír , Seckinger Anja , Hose Dirk
Published: March 2020

Smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM) presents without MM defining symptoms. We aimed to identify patients with SMM with an 80% risk of progression within 2 years using only serum parameters. In total, 527 patients with SMM were included and divided into a training group (287 patients from the Czech Myeloma Group [CMG]) and an independent validation group (240 patients from Heidelberg). The median follow‐up was 2·4 and 2·5 years, respectively. Progression to MM occurred in 51·9% of the CMG and 38·8% of the Heidelberg patients, respectively. The median risk of progression was 11·0% (CMG) and 9·7% (Heidelberg) per year, during the 5 years after diagnosis. A serum involved/uninvolved free light‐chain ratio of >30, immunoparesis, and serum monoclonal (M) protein of ≥2·3 g/dl emerged as powerful predictors of 2‐year progression rate with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2·49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1·49–4·17), HR of 2·01 (95% CI 1·36–2·96) and HR of 2·00 (95% CI 1·44–2·79) (P < 0·001) in univariate Cox regression analysis, respectively. Based on this, the CMG model identified patients with SMM with a 2‐year risk of progression of 78·7% (95% CI 53·1–95·7; HR 6·8; P < 0·001, CMG) and 81·3% (95% CI 47·1–98·8; HR 38·63; P < 0·001, Heidelberg). Serum parameters in the CMG model allow identification of patients with SMM with an 80% risk of progression to symptomatic MM within 2 years.
Curcumin β‐D‐glucuronide exhibits anti–tumor effects on oxaliplatin‐resistant colon cancer with less toxicity in vivo
Authors: Ozawa‐Umeta Hitomi , Kishimoto Atsuhiro , Imaizumi Atsushi , Hashimoto Tadashi , Asakura Tadashi , Kakeya Hideaki , Kanai Masashi
Published: March 2020

The NF‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and chemoresistance, and its inhibition has been shown to suppress tumor growth in a variety of preclinical models. Recently, we succeeded in synthesizing a water‐soluble injectable type of curcumin β‐D‐glucuronide (CMG), which is converted into a free‐form of curcumin by β‐glucuronidase in vivo. Herein, we aimed to clarify the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of CMG in a xenograft mouse model. First, we confirmed that the presence of KRAS/TP53 mutations significantly increased the IC50 of oxaliplatin (L‐OHP) and NF‐κB activity in HCT116 cells in vitro. Then, we tested the efficacy of CMG in an HCT116 colon cancer xenograft mice model. CMG demonstrated superior anticancer effects compared to L‐OHP in an L‐OHP‐resistant xenograft model. With regard to safety, significant bodyweight loss, severe myelosuppression and AST/ALT elevation were observed in L‐OHP‐treated mice, whereas none of these toxicity was noted in CMG‐treated mice. The combination of CMG and L‐OHP exhibited additive effects in these xenograft models without increasing toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that high levels of free‐form curcumin were maintained in the tumor tissue after 48 hours following CMG administration, but it was not detected in other major organs, such as the heart, liver and spleen. Immunohistochemistry revealed reduced NF‐κB activity in the tumor tissue extracted from CMG‐treated mice compared with that from control mice. These results indicated that CMG could be a promising anticancer prodrug for treating colon cancer with minimal toxicity.
Treatment of Alzheimer's disease with framework nucleic acids
Authors: Shao Xiaoru , Cui Weitong , Xie Xueping , Ma Wenjuan , Zhan Yuxi , Lin Yunfeng
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To provide a new research direction for nerve regeneration and strategy for Alzheimer's disease treatment, tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs)—novel tetrahedral framework nucleic acid molecule nanoparticles (tFNA) that can inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells are employed in the experiment.

Materials and methods

To verify the successful preparation of TDNs, the morphology of TDNs was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of apoptosis‐related genes and proteins was investigated by confocal microscope, flow cytometry, PCR and Western blot to detect the impact of TDNs on the Alzheimer's model. And finally, Morris water maze experiment was used to test behavioural changes and Nissl stain was detected to observe the morphology and quantity of neurons in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence stain was used to observe the Aβ stain, and TUNEL dyeing was utilized to observe neuronal apoptosis.

Results

In vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that TDNs, in a specific concentration range, have no toxic or side effects on nerve cells, can effectively inhibit apoptosis in an Alzheimer's disease cell model and effectively improve memory and learning ability in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TDNs may be a promising drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Utilization of direct‐acting oral anticoagulation in solid organ transplant patients: A national survey of institutional practices
Authors: Lichvar Alicia B. , Pierce Dana R. , Salerno David , Klem Patrick , Waldman Georgina , Park Jeong M.
Published: March 2020

The safety and efficacy of direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and reversal strategies are not well established in the solid organ transplant population. This was a survey of pharmacists to assess DOAC and urgent reversal practices among adult transplant programs in the United States. A 27‐question survey was distributed to members of transplant pharmacy organization listservs between 5/28/19 and 6/30/19. A total of 115 responses were received from kidney (43.5%), heart (20.0%), lung (18.3%), liver (13.9%), and pancreas (4.4%) transplant programs. DOAC use prior to transplant was mostly prohibited in thoracic programs (77.3%) but more permissive in kidney transplant programs (64.0%). If permitted, apixaban (57.8%) was most preferred. At transplant surgery, reversal of DOAC was performed “as needed” (20.9%) or was not routine (18.3%). DOAC use post‐transplant was more permissive (94.3%). A majority of responders follow FDA recommended dosing in the setting of drug‐drug interactions (51.1%). Major factors influencing DOAC prescribing decisions included renal function, drug‐drug interactions, and insurance. High clinical practice variability exists regarding DOAC utilization and urgent reversal strategies in pre‐, peri‐, and post‐transplant stages. While more research is needed to refine the clinical landscape, many institutions are using DOAC therapy under the perception that they pose a similar risk of bleeding compared to a non‐transplant population.
Host preferences of the cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella, the main threat to cocoa production in Southeast Asia
Authors: Niogret Jerome , Ekayanti Arni , Kendra Paul E. , Ingram Keith , Lambert Smilja , Epsky Nancy D. , Marelli Jean‐Philippe
Published: March 2020

Insects ensure the survival of their offspring by depositing their eggs in suitable environments. Even generalist egg‐laying insects often show preferences for specific host plants. The cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), successfully infests and reproduces on relatively few host plants, but has a major economic impact only on cocoa, Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae). Choice tests were performed in the laboratory to compare the frequency of insect visits, the duration of the visits, and the number of eggs laid on the fruits for each combination of host plants tested – that is, cocoa clones or fruits of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), Fijian longan (Pometia pinnata JR Forst & G Forst, both Sapindaceae), and langsat (Lansium domesticum Corrêa, Malvaceae). Our laboratory study showed that, when given the choice, CPB significantly favored cocoa pods over other host fruits (rambutan, langsat, or Fijian longan). Females also deposited more eggs on unripe fruits than on ripe fruits of similar size. The preference to lay eggs on specific cocoa clones in the bioassays did not reflect the level of the clone resistance to CPB damage reported from the field. Consequently, oviposition preference of female CPB does not seem to be the main factor explaining field resistance of some cocoa clones to CPB infestation.
Digital Module 11: Bayesian Psychometric Modeling https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Levy Roy
Published: March 2020

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Roy Levy describes Bayesian approaches to psychometric modeling. He discusses how Bayesian inference is a mechanism for reasoning in a probability‐modeling framework and is well‐suited to core problems in educational measurement: reasoning from student performances on an assessment to make inferences about their capabilities more broadly conceived, as well as fitting models to characterize the psychometric properties of tasks. The approach is first developed in the context of estimating a mean and variance of a normal distribution before turning to the context of unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models for dichotomously scored data. Dr. Levy illustrates the process of fitting Bayesian models using the JAGS software facilitated through the R statistical environment. The module is designed to be relevant for students, researchers, and data scientists in various disciplines such as education, psychology, sociology, political science, business, health, and other social sciences. It contains audio‐narrated slides, diagnostic quiz questions, and data‐based activities with video solutions as well as curated resources and a glossary.
The Effect of Drag‐and‐Drop Item Features on Test‐Taker Performance and Response Strategies
Authors: Arslan Burcu , Jiang Yang , Keehner Madeleine , Gong Tao , Katz Irvin R. , Yan Fred
Published: March 2020

Computer‐based educational assessments often include items that involve drag‐and‐drop responses. There are different ways that drag‐and‐drop items can be laid out and different choices that test developers can make when designing these items. Currently, these decisions are based on experts’ professional judgments and design constraints, rather than empirical research, which might threaten the validity of interpretations of test outcomes. To this end, we investigated the effect of drag‐and‐drop item features on test‐taker performance and response strategies with a cognition‐centered approach. Four hundred and seventy‐six adult participants solved content‐equivalent drag‐and‐drop mathematics items under five design variants. Results showed that: (a) test takers’ performance and response strategies were affected by the experimental manipulations, and (b) test takers mostly used cognitively efficient response strategies regardless of the manipulated item features. Implications of the findings are provided to support test developers’ design decisions.
Some personal reflections on the present and future of Australia’s fauna in an increasingly fire‐prone continent
Authors: Dickman Chris , McDonald Tein
Published: March 2020

Australia already has the highest rate of species loss of any region in the world, yet the risks suddenly worsened in the spring–summer of 2019–20, with an unprecedented chain of wildfires covering 10 M ha of the nation’s forest and woodland estate. Fires of this scale were unprecedented and not factored into recovery plans for Threatened Species or ecosystem management in general. EMR asks one of Australia’s most pre‐eminent ecologists what can be done to ameliorate the losses and better avoid and respond to such impacts occurring in the future?