bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public sector reform and the state of performance management in Portugal: is there a gap between performance measurement and its use?
Authors: Melo Ana I. , Mota Luís F.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the state of performance management in the Portuguese public sector as part of the efforts towards public administration reform.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretically, the authors took Bouckaert and Halligan's (2008, pp. 35–39) approach into consideration to analyse the adoption of performance management practices. This approach was supplemented by an adaptation of Pollitt and Bouckaert's (2011, p. 33) framework to analyse the context for administrative reforms. The used data analysis techniques include documentary analysis (namely legislation and evaluation reports of reform efforts), secondary data analysis and a survey conducted with 296 Portuguese top public managers.

Findings

The findings show that Portuguese public sector organisations adopted several tools to measure performance over the years, but failed to incorporate performance information into their management practices or to properly use it for either internal or external purposes. Concerning the ideal types proposed by Bouckaert and Halligan (2008, p. 36), Portugal is considered to fit the “performance administration” ideal type, even though it is moving closer to the “managements of performance” ideal type.

Originality/value

This is one of the first comprehensive studies on the state of performance management in Portugal framed within the broader context of public sector reforms. The findings will be of interest both to scholars who study public administration reforms and performance management and to Portuguese policy makers and public managers who are interested in understanding and improving the way performance information is measured, incorporated and used in that sector.
Organizational transformation as a determinant of corporate hospitality and its effect on corporate sustainability
Authors: Utami Hamidah Nayati , Cahyana Bambang Eka , Nimran Umar , Iqbal Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This research was conducted with the aim of examining and explaining the effect of strategic leadership, corporate governance, organizational culture, business infrastructure and corporate alignment as determinants of corporate hospitality; testing and explaining the direct effects of corporate hospitality and corporate sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a quantitative approach with a survey method. The research population was all subsidiaries, branches and departments in PT Pelindo 1 (Persero). The sample size in this research was n = N = 61, which covered 5 subsidiaries, 17 branches and 39 directorates at PT Pelindo 1 (Persero). Data analysis was done with inferential statistics using WarpPLS analysis using the help of WarpPLS package computer programs.

Findings

There is a significant and positive direct effect between Strategic Leadership, Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Business Infrastructure and Corporate Alignment on Corporate Hospitality which means higher Strategic Leadership, Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Business Infrastructure and Corporate Alignment will result in a higher Corporate Hospitality. The analysis also shows that there is a significant and positive indirect effect between Strategic Leadership, Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Business Infrastructure and Corporate Alignment on Corporate Sustainability through Corporate Hospitality which means higher Strategic Leadership, Corporate Culture, Corporate Governance, Business Infrastructure and Corporate Alignment will lead to higher Corporate Sustainability through Corporate Hospitality.

Originality/value

The originality of this research can be proven from the lack of research on hospitality. Some other research on hospitality, mostly doing research at airports, hospitals and hotels. However, this research was conducted at the port, where company friendliness is a discipline that includes many marketing studies.
The double-edged sword of coopetition: differential effects of cross-functional coopetition on product and service innovations
Authors: Chen Man , Tang Tanya (Ya) , Wu Siting , Wang Feng
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Although coopetition has been studied for decades, most prior studies shed light on interfirm coopetition across firms instead of intrafirm coopetition across functional departments within a firm. To fill the research gaps, this study aims to investigate the differential effects of cross-functional coopetition on both product and service innovations and the moderating roles of environmental turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed both senior and middle managers from 149 pharmaceutical firms in China.

Findings

This study discovers the opposite relationships of cross-functional coopetition on product and service innovations such that cross-functional coopetition enhances product innovation but hurts service innovation. Furthermore, market turbulence attenuates the positive effect on product innovation but strengthens the negative effect on service innovation. However, technological turbulence attenuates the negative impact of cross-functional coopetition on service innovation.

Originality/value

The effects of cross-functional coopetition have been ignored in the innovation literature. By identifying the double-edged sword of cross-functional coopetition, this study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the differential effects of cross-functional coopetition on product and service innovations.
Entrepreneurial marketing learning styles used by entrepreneurial teams
Authors: Petrylaite Edita , Rusk Michele
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the learning styles of nascent entrepreneurs in developing their entrepreneurial marketing (EM) skills in teams while studying for the entrepreneurial business degree in one UK University. It advances the interlink between EM and entrepreneurial learning (EL) theories and demonstrates how working in teams assists in developing EM skills through EL in the educational context.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study adopts a thematic approach to analysing 9 audio-recorded workshops of 13 entrepreneurial students who work in teams to develop entrepreneurial ventures. Audio-recorded sessions were used to monitor the entrepreneurial and marketing behaviour of the young entrepreneurs and reveal the context and skills used in their learning process.

Findings

The findings show that the observed undergraduate entrepreneurial students develop their EM competence through collective, exploratory and exploitative, as well as supportive and individual learning. These learning styles intersect and prove to be effective in mastering both marketing and venture development skills in teampreneurial educational setting.

Originality/value

This case study demonstrates how the concepts of EM and EL are linked in both theory and practice. It makes suggestions on how entrepreneurial courses at the university could be further developed to assist the young entrepreneurs in effectively acquiring business knowledge and skills. This knowledge can also be implemented by small and large organisations to foster a co-creative collective learning environment leading to more innovations, experimentations and creative thinking.
Legitimate violation: how companies covertly neutralize the independent director system in China
Authors: Zhang Qirui , Yao Xiaotao , Wang Xiao , Xiang Tianyu
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study proposed and examined a unique but underresearched strategic response to coercive institutional pressure, covert neutralization, in which organizations neutralize coercive institutional pressure by manipulating influential factors within their discretion while conforming to the pressure. In addition, this study pointed out that the extent of covert neutralization is contingent on organizational decision-makers' willingness and ability to take countermeasures.

Design/methodology/approach

To find evidence for covert neutralization and its strategic nature, a historical review with secondary data was conducted in the context of the coercive introduction of the independent director system in China. The board structure adjustments of 318 Chinese A-share listed companies from 2000 to 2004 were examined using univariateT-tests, robust ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models and ordered logit regression models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that in response to the coercive introduction of the independent director system, Chinese listed companies adjusted their board structures while conforming to the system, which neutralized the constraints on controlling shareholders' board control. Specifically, listed companies reduced the number of dependent directors and the ratio of directors representing noncontrolling shareholders to those representing controlling shareholders. Moreover, the extent of board structure adjustments was positively associated with the shareholding percentage of controlling shareholders. These findings provide evidence for covert neutralization and its strategic nature.

Practical implications

This study indicates the inefficacy of simple legal coercion and suggests that authorities should be aware of the covert countermeasures used by regulated organizations and employ normative approaches to improve the efficacy of regulations. This implication is rather instructive for regulators to effectively promote imposed changes in transitional economies with strong governments.

Originality/value

By differentiating conformity behavior from conformity inclination and considering the inevitable incompleteness of laws, this study challenges the conventional wisdom regarding organizational conformity and shows that organizations can strategically respond to coercive institutional pressure while conforming to it. In contrast to other strategic responses that aim to defy, avoid or resist the implementation (the means) of institutional pressure, covert neutralization aims to neutralize its efficacy (the ends).
Disappointed but still dedicated: when and why career dissatisfied employees might still go beyond the call of duty
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Belausteguigoitia Imanol
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine how employees' experience of career dissatisfaction might curtail their organizational citizenship behavior, as well as how this detrimental effect might be mitigated by employees' access to valuable peer-, supervisor- and organizational-level resources. The frustrations stemming from a dissatisfactory career might be better contained in the presence of these resources, such that employees are less likely to respond to this resource-depleting work circumstance by staying away from extra-role activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses were tested with survey data collected from employees who work in the retail sector.

Findings

Career dissatisfaction relates negatively to organizational citizenship behaviors, and this relationship is weaker at higher levels of peer goal congruence, supervisor communication efficiency and organization-level informational justice.

Practical implications

For organizations that cannot completely eradicate their employees' career-related disappointment, this study shows that they can still maintain a certain level of work-related voluntarism, to the extent that they develop and hone valuable resources internally.

Originality/value

This study adds to extant research by detailing the contingent effects of a hitherto understudied determinant of employees' extra-role work behavior, namely, perceptions of limited career progress.
Mapping value clusters of additive manufacturing on design strategies to support part identification and selection
Authors: Klahn Christoph , Fontana Filippo , Leutenecker-Twelsiek Bastian , Meboldt Mirko
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) allows companies to create additional value in the processes of new product development and order fulfillment. One of the challenges for engineers is to identify suitable parts and applications for additive manufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relation between value creation and the design process. The implications of this relation provide an orientation on the methods for identifying parts and applications for additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Mapping the value clusters of AM on design strategies allows determining the expected degree of change in design. A classification into major and minor design changes is introduced to describe the predictability of the impact of AM on past performance and business model. The ability to predict the future properties of an AM part determines the suitability of identification and selection methods from literature. The mapping is validated by an identification process that creates a shortlist of potential AM parts based on the strategic decision for a value cluster. Shortlisted parts are then evaluated based on the criteria technology readiness, required post-processing, customer benefit and manufacturer benefit.

Findings

The mapping of value clusters on expected design changes determines the type of selection process. For minor design changes, automated part identification serves as a powerful tool while major design changes require the judgment of skilled engineers.

Research limitations/implications

The mapping of value clusters to design strategies and degree of change in design is based on empirical observations and conclusions. The mapping has been validated in an industrial context in different identification and selection processes. Nevertheless the versatility of AM and industrial environments impede a universal validity of high-level concepts.

Practical implications

This value-driven process of identification and selection was applied in technology transfer projects and proved to be useful for AM novices and experts. The mapping supports the identification and selection process, as well as the general product development process by providing an indication of the design effort for implementing AM.

Originality/value

The novel mapping links the economic domain of value creation to the engineering domain of design strategies to provide guidance in the selection of economically and technically suitable parts for additive manufacturing.
Demographic performance of European tree species at their hot and cold climatic edges
Authors: Kunstler Georges , Guyennon Arnaud , Ratcliffe Sophia , Rüger Nadja , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Childs Dylan Z. , Dahlgren Jonas , Lehtonen Aleksi , Thuiller Wilfried , Wirth Christian , Zavala Miguel A. , Salguero‐Gomez Roberto
Published: October 2020

Species range limits are thought to result from a decline in demographic performance at range edges. However, recent studies reporting contradictory patterns in species demographic performance at their edges cast doubt on our ability to predict climate change demographic impacts. To understand these inconsistent demographic responses, we need to shift the focus from geographic to climatic edges and analyse how species responses vary with climatic constraints at the edge and species' ecological strategy.

Here we parameterised integral projection models with climate and competition effects for 27 tree species using forest inventory data from over 90,000 plots across Europe. Our models estimate size‐dependent climatic responses and evaluate their effects on two life trajectory metrics: life span and passage time—the time to grow to a large size. Then we predicted growth, survival, life span and passage time at the hot and dry or cold and wet edges and compared them to their values at the species climatic centre to derive indices of demographic response at the edge. Using these indices, we investigated whether differences in species demographic response between hot and cold edges could be explained by their position along the climate gradient and functional traits related to their climate stress tolerance.

We found that at cold and wet edges of European tree species, growth and passage time were constrained, whereas at their hot and dry edges, survival and life span were constrained. Demographic constraints at the edge were stronger for species occurring in extreme conditions, that is, in hot edges of hot‐distributed species and cold edges of cold‐distributed species. Species leaf nitrogen content was strongly linked to their demographic responses at the edge. In contrast, we found only weak links with wood density, leaf size and xylem vulnerability to embolism.

Synthesis. Our study presents a more complicated picture than previously thought with demographic responses that differ between hot and cold edges. Predictions of climate change impacts should be refined to include edge and species characteristics.
Chromosome‐level genome of the peach fruit moth Carposina sasakii (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) provides a resource for evolutionary studies on moths
Authors: Cao Li‐Jun , Song Wei , Yue Lei , Guo Shao‐Kun , Chen Jin‐Cui , Gong Ya‐Jun , Hoffmann Ary Anthony , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: October 2020

The peach fruit moth (PFM), Carposina sasakii Matsumura, is a major phytophagous orchard pest widely distributed across Northeast Asia. Here, we report the chromosome‐level genome for the PFM, representing the first genome for the family Carposinidae, from the lepidopteran superfamily Copromorphoidea. The genome was assembled into 404.83 Mb sequences using PacBio long‐read and Illumina short‐read sequences, including 275 contigs, with a contig N50 length of 2.62 Mb. All contigs were assembled into 31 linkage groups assisted by the Hi‐C technique, including 30 autosomes and a Z chromosome. BUSCO analysis showed that 98.3% of genes were complete and 0.4% of genes were fragmented, while 1.3% of genes were missing in the assembled genome. In total, 21,697 protein‐coding genes were predicted, of which 84.80% were functionally annotated. Because of the importance of diapause triggered by photoperiod in PFM, five circadian genes in the PFM as well as in the other related species were annotated, and potential genes related to diapause and photoperiodic reaction were also identified from transcriptome sequencing. In addition, manual annotation of detoxification gene families was undertaken and showed a higher number of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) gene in PFM than in most other lepidopterans, in contrast to a lower number of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glycosyltransferase (UGT) gene, carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCE) gene and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) gene, suggesting different detoxication pathways in this moth. The high‐quality genome provides a resource for comparative evolutionary studies of this moth and its relatives within the context of radiations across Lepidoptera.
Canonical correlations reveal adaptive loci and phenotypic responses to climate in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Blanco‐Pastor José Luis , Barre Philippe , Keep Thomas , Ledauphin Thomas , Escobar‐Gutiérrez Abraham , Roschanski Anna Maria , Willner Evelyn , Dehmer Klaus J. , Hegarty Matthew , Muylle Hilde , Veeckman Elisabeth , Vandepoele Klaas , Ruttink Tom , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Manel Stéphanie , Sampoux Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2020

Germplasm from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) natural populations is useful for breeding because of its adaptation to a wide range of climates. Climate‐adaptive genes can be detected from associations between genotype, phenotype and climate but an integrated framework for the analysis of these three sources of information is lacking. We used two approaches to identify adaptive loci in perennial ryegrass and their effect on phenotypic traits. First, we combined Genome‐Environment Association (GEA) and GWAS analyses. Then, we implemented a new test based on a Canonical Correlation Analysis (CANCOR) to detect adaptive loci. Furthermore, we improved the previous perennial ryegrass gene set by de novo gene prediction and functional annotation of 39,967 genes. GEA‐GWAS revealed eight outlier loci associated with both environmental variables and phenotypic traits. CANCOR retrieved 633 outlier loci associated with two climatic gradients, characterized by cold‐dry winter versus mild‐wet winter and long rainy season versus long summer, and pointed out traits putatively conferring adaptation at the extremes of these gradients. Our CANCOR test also revealed the presence of both polygenic and oligogenic climatic adaptations. Our gene annotation revealed that 374 of the CANCOR outlier loci were positioned within or close to a gene. Co‐association networks of outlier loci revealed a potential utility of CANCOR for investigating the interaction of genes involved in polygenic adaptations. The CANCOR test provides an integrated framework to analyse adaptive genomic diversity and phenotypic responses to environmental selection pressures that could be used to facilitate the adaptation of plant species to climate change.
Insights into the status and distribution of pangolins in Togo (West Africa)
Authors: Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Assou Délagnon , Agbessi Eric Koffi G. , Atsri Honam Komina , D'Cruze Neil , Auliya Mark , Fa Julia E. , Luiselli Luca
Published: October 2020

Pangolins are considered among the most threatened mammal species, both globally and also in Africa. However, almost nothing is known on their status and distribution across wide areas of their range, particularly in West African countries. Here, we assess the status and distribution of pangolin species in Togo. Fieldwork was carried out in five localities around the Fazao Malfakassa National Park, five sites around the Togodo Protected Areas Complex (Togodo North and Togodo South National Parks), ‘Les Deux Béna’ and Missahohe Forest Reserves, Yikpa‐Dzigbe, Evou and Afagnan Community Forests. In all of these protected areas and forest islands, only one pangolin species was recorded: the white‐bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis); we found no evidence of the giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), a species that now appears unlikely for Togo. Due to their nocturnal behaviour, we searched for pangolins by spotlighting and estimated their relative abundance using the Kilometric Index of Abundance. Our results show that P. tricuspis is still relatively abundant in suitable habitats in Fazao‐Malfakassa National Park, in Togodo North National Park and in the Assoukoko Forest Reserve. These habitats are dense remnant forest patches where numerous termite mounds and ant nests occur. The present study provides unprecedented information on the status of pangolins in Togo to help inform the development of a conservation programme for this species in this country.
Interleukin‐6 pathobiology in equine placental infection
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E. , Scoggin Kirsten E. , El‐Sheikh Ali Hossam , Loux Shavahn C. , Dini Pouya , Troedsson Mats H. T. , Ball Barry A.
Published: October 2020

Problem

Ascending placentitis is the leading cause of abortion in the horse. Interleukin (IL)‐6 is considered predictive of placental infection in other species, but little is understood regarding its role in the pathophysiology of ascending placentitis.

Method of study

Sub‐acute ascending placentitis was induced via trans‐cervical inoculation of S zooepidemicus, and various fluids/serum/tissues collected 8 days later. Concentrations of IL‐6 were detected within fetal fluids and serum in inoculated (n = 6) and control (n = 6) mares. RNASeq was performed on the placenta (endometrium and chorioallantois) to assess transcripts relating to IL‐6 pathways. IHC was performed for immunolocalization of IL‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) in the placenta.

Results

IL‐6 concentrations increased in allantoic fluid following inoculation, with a trend toward an increase in amniotic fluid. Maternal serum IL‐6 was increased in inoculated animals, while no changes were noted in fetal serum. mRNA expression of IL‐6‐related transcripts within the chorioallantois indicates that IL‐6 is activating the classical JAK/STAT pathway, thereby acting as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and pro‐survival. The IL‐6R was expressed within the chorioallantois, indicating a paracrine signaling pathway of maternal IL‐6 to fetal IL‐6R.

Conclusion

IL‐6 plays a crucial role in the placental response to induction of sub‐acute equine ascending placentitis, and this could be noted in amniotic fluid, allantoic fluid, and maternal serum. Additionally, IL‐6 is acting as anti‐inflammatory in this disease, potentially altering disease progression, impeding abortion signals, and assisting with the production of a viable neonate.
A routine third trimester growth ultrasound in the obese pregnant woman does not reliably identify fetal growth abnormalities: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Neel Aekta , Cunningham Chris E. , Teale Glyn R.
Published: October 2020

Background

In response to the challenges of assessing fetal growth in obese women, guidelines recommend routine third trimester ultrasound scans.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of this routine scan in obese women (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 1008 pregnancies with maternal BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 born after 37 weeks gestation at a Victorian hospital from 2015 to 2017. Multiple pregnancies and those affected by diabetes were excluded. Growth ultrasounds were performed between 34 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of large for gestational age (LGA > 90%) and small for gestational age (SGA < 10%) were calculated using ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) and compared with gestational age and gender‐based birthweight percentiles.

Results

Using EFW, sensitivity for detecting SGA at birth was 8.1% (six of 74) with a PPV of 100%. Sensitivity for detecting LGA at birth was 61.0% (119 of 195), PPV 54.8%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV percentages were all lower using AC. Only 40% of actual birthweight percentiles (405/1008) were within ±10 percentiles of their growth ultrasound EFW percentile.

Conclusion

The performance of a routine third trimester ultrasound in women with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 suggests limited utility in helping identify aberrant fetal growth. This has important implications for the management of obese pregnant women.
Roles of follicular helper and regulatory T cells in allergic diseases and allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Yao Yin , Chen Cai‐Ling , Yu Di , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2020

Allergic diseases are characterized by overactive type 2 immune responses to allergens and immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated hypersensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that follicular helper T (TFH) cells, rather than type 2 T‐helper (TH2) cells, play a crucial role in controlling IgE production. However, follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells, a specialized subset of regulatory T (TREG) cells resident in B‐cell follicles, restricts TFH cell‐mediated help in extrafollicular antibody production, germinal center (GC) formation, immunoglobulin affinity maturation, and long‐lived, high‐affinity plasma and memory B‐cell differentiation. In mouse models of allergic asthma and food allergy, CXCR5+ TFH cells, not CXCR5− conventional TH2 cells, are needed to support IgE production, otherwise exacerbated by CXCR5+ TFR cell deletion. Upregulation of TFH cell activities, including a skewing toward type 2 TFH (TFH2) and IL‐13 producing TFH (TFH13) phenotypes, and defects in TFR cells have been identified in patients with allergic diseases. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) reinstates the balance between TFH and TFR cells in patients with allergic diseases, resulting in clinical benefits. Collectively, further understanding of TFH and TFR cells and their role in the immunopathogenesis of allergic diseases creates opportunities to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Medical, non‐invasive, and minimally invasive treatment for Peyronie’s disease: A systematic review
Authors: El‐Sakka Ahmed I.
Published: October 2020

Background

The treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) remains a dilemma as the true pathogenesis of PD remains an enigma. Consequently, new molecules and therapies continue to evolve. The safety and efficacy of conservative treatment for PD have not yet established.

Objectives

To provide the available information of the status of conservative therapy for PD.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for English‐language journal articles between January 2000 and July 2019, using the terms “Conservative treatment for PD”, “medical treatment for PD”, “non‐invasive therapies for PD” and “minimally invasive therapies for PD". This systematic review was conducted in agreement with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) system. We also manually reviewed references from selected articles. The risk of bias in the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment tool (RoB 2).

Results

Conservative treatment is accepted as the initial treatment step in most of the cases. This kind of therapy includes various methods of treatment such as medical, non‐invasive, and minimally invasive therapies. Ideal management of PD is not yet available. It is not possible to assess the value of treatment without well‐designed, randomized, placebo‐controlled, large‐scale clinical studies.

Conclusion

Optimistically, in the near future, we may witness emergence of efficacious new agents and modalities to revolutionize medical, non‐invasive, and minimally invasive treatment of this devastating condition.
Individual risk assessment for prenatal counseling in early‐onset growth‐restricted and small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Mendoza Manel , Hurtado Ivan , Bonacina Erika , Garcia‐Manau Pablo , Serrano Berta , Tur Helena , Rodo Carlota , Maiz Nerea , Carreras Elena
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Early‐onset fetal growth restriction and small‐for‐gestational age of fetuses lead to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Doppler abnormalities can predict the occurrence of complications in the short term, but normal fetal Doppler values at the time of diagnosis do not exclude their occurrence in the long term. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of a predictive model to assess individual risks for prenatal counseling at the time of diagnosis.

Material and methods

This was a prospective observational study of singleton pregnancies with estimated fetal weight below the 10th centile between 20+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestational age. Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) levels, estimated fetal weight centile, uterine artery pulsatility index, fetal Doppler and maternal risk factors for placental disease were assessed at the time of enrollment. The occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes or the need for elective delivery at <30, <34 or <37 weeks was considered an adverse pregnancy outcomes. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between each predictive variable and the adverse outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression‐based model was constructed with the combination of all variables. An additional model without sFlt‐1/PlGF was also created. Both models, and the sFlt‐1/PlGF alone, were used to develop the different formulas to assess individual risks. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess and compare their performance of screening.

Results

Forty‐nine small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses and 124 with fetal growth restriction were enrolled at a median gestational age of 23.6 weeks. Elective delivery was needed in 77 (44.5%) women at <37 weeks, 53 (30.6%) women at <34 weeks and 30 (17.3%) at <30 weeks. Adverse perinatal outcomes occurred in 81 (55.9%) pregnancies. When areas under the curve were compared among models, no statistically significant differences were observed between the model with sFlt‐1/PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF alone; however, the model without sFlt‐1/PlGF yielded an overall poorer performance.

Conclusions

Individual risk assessment can be made at the time of early‐onset fetal growth restriction/small‐for‐gestational‐age diagnosis, which permits accurate counseling of parents with an affected fetus. Two formulas could be used: one combining maternal characteristics and ultrasound findings and the other with a single sFlt‐1/PlGF measurement.
Artificial lungs––Where are we going with the lung replacement therapy?
Authors: Swol Justyna , Shigemura Norihisa , Ichiba Shingo , Steinseifer Ulrich , Anraku Masaki , Lorusso Roberto
Published: October 2020

Lung transplantation may be a final destination therapy in lung failure, but limited donor organ availability creates a need for alternative management, including artificial lung technology. This invited review discusses ongoing developments and future research pathways for respiratory assist devices and tissue engineering to treat advanced and refractory lung disease. An overview is also given on the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and lessons learned as the world comes out of this situation. The first order of business in the future of lung support is solving the problems with existing mechanical devices. Interestingly, challenges identified during the early days of development persist today. These challenges include device‐related infection, bleeding, thrombosis, cost, and patient quality of life. The main approaches of the future directions are to repair, restore, replace, or regenerate the lungs. Engineering improvements to hollow fiber membrane gas exchangers are enabling longer term wearable systems and can be used to bridge lung failure patients to transplantation. Progress in the development of microchannel‐based devices has provided the concept of biomimetic devices that may even enable intracorporeal implantation. Tissue engineering and cell‐based technologies have provided the concept of bioartificial lungs with properties similar to the native organ. Recent progress in artificial lung technologies includes continued advances in both engineering and biology. The final goal is to achieve a truly implantable and durable artificial lung that is applicable to destination therapy.
Impact of worsening of aortic insufficiency during HeartMate 3 LVAD support
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Narang Nikhil , Kim Gene , Nitta Daisuke , Fujino Takeo , Nguyen Ann , Grinstein Jonathan , Rodgers Daniel , Ota Takeyoshi , Raikhelkar Jayant , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: October 2020

Aortic insufficiency remains a difficult to treat and highly morbid condition even in the era of HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The prognostic nature of the longitudinal progression of aortic insufficiency, however, remains unknown. We prospectively collected data on patients who received HeartMate 3 LVAD implantation, who had assessments of aortic insufficiency using a novel Doppler echocardiography obtained at outflow graft at three (baseline) and 6 months postimplant. Patients with moderate or greater aortic insufficiency at baseline were excluded. The risk of aortic insufficiency progression on 1‐year death and readmission for heart failure was investigated. In total, 41 patients (median 51 years old and 29 males) were included. All patients had less than moderate aortic insufficiency at baseline. Of them, 22 patients had worsening aortic insufficiency for 3 months following baseline assessments, which was associated with a significantly higher risk of 1‐year death or heart failure readmission rate (41% vs. 11%, P = .023) with a hazard ratio of 3.24 (95% confidence interval 1.02‐18.5, P = .038) adjusted for device speed at baseline and destination therapy indication. In patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs, progressive aortic insufficiency may be associated with a higher risk of 1‐year death or readmission for heart failure. Close monitoring of patients with baseline aortic insufficiency should be considered as a measure to risk‐stratify those for future adverse events.
Neuroinvasive potential of SARS‐CoV2 with neuroradiological and neuropathological findings: is the brain a target or a victim?
Authors: Franca Raduan Ahmed , Ugga Lorenzo , Guadagno Elia , Russo Daniela , Del Basso De Caro Marialaura
Published: October 2020

Coronaviridae family includes pathogen viruses for humans, that lead to clinical conditions with main respiratory involvement; many of these viruses have notoriously a neuroinvasive potential, as demonstrated by published data on SARS‐CoV and MERS‐CoV epidemics, as well by results obtained in experimental models. During pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), it is noticed that the central nervous system involvement represented a truly significant moment in the history of some COVID‐19 patients; indeed, clinical and radiological features published in literature regarding COVID‐19 disease are consistent with a neurological involvement. It is also known that histopathological data related to SARS‐CoV2 infection have been published with considerable delay, which was even greater for neuropathological information. Moreover, many published data are incomplete, and often the lesions described are not directly related to the action of the virus. In this review, we collected the available radiological and neuropathological information, in order to delineate a more complete picture of the relationship between SARS‐Cov2 and brain, focusing our attention on the two most important neuroinvasion routes for the virus. We also highlighted what we consider methodological mistakes both in the autopsy procedures and brain study in COVID‐19 deaths. We emphasize the need for a complete study of all the organs in case of autopsy. It is important that through this experience, we no longer do the mistake of neglecting the brain.
Vegetation of the European mountain river gravel bars: A formalized classification
Authors: Kalníková Veronika , Chytrý Kryštof , Biţa‐Nicolae Claudia , Bracco Francesco , Font Xavier , Iakushenko Dmytro , Kącki Zygmunt , Kudrnovsky Helmut , Landucci Flavia , Lustyk Pavel , Milanović Đorđije , Šibík Jozef , Šilc Urban , Uziębło Aldona K. , Villani Mariacristina , Chytrý Milan
Published: October 2020

Aims

River gravel bars are endangered habitats in Europe. However, classification schemes of their vegetation and habitat types differ among European countries, and they are even ignored in some national schemes. This causes problems in conservation planning, monitoring and management. Hence we aimed at building the first unified vegetation classification for river gravel‐bar habitats across European mountain systems.

Location

Europe.

Methods

In total 4,769 vegetation plot records of river gravel‐bar plant communities were collected from national, regional or private databases, digitized from the literature and newly collected in the field. A hierarchical classification expert system with formal definitions of vegetation types was created. The definitions combined the criteria of presence or cover of groups of species with similar ecology or single species narrowly specialized to a particular gravel‐bar habitat. The TWINSPAN classification was applied to early‐successional vegetation types to check whether the classification based on formal definitions was supported by the results of unsupervised classification. Similarity patterns among vegetation types were visualized using the detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination.

Results

Early‐successional and scrub gravel‐bar vegetation types were respectively classified into two classes: Thlaspietea rotundifolii and Salicetea purpureae. Eleven associations and four alliances (Calamagrostion pseudophragmitae, Epilobion fleischeri, Salicion cantabricae and Salicion eleagno‐daphnoidis) were defined formally. Based on a critical revision, some associations or alliances defined in the previous literature were merged or discarded. The main gradient in variability within the gravel‐bar vegetation is connected with the altitudinal gradient, biogeographical variation, local hydromorphological processes and various successional changes.

Conclusions

The first unified and formalized classification system of the European mountain river gravel‐bar vegetation was created, and species composition, ecology and distribution of these types were characterized. The syntaxonomical nomenclature of these types was checked and revised. This study provides a base for conservation planning of these threatened and rapidly disappearing habitats.
Drug interaction of ningetinib and gefitinib involving CYP1A1 and efflux transporters in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Qian , Xie Cen , Xi Ning , Guo Zitao , Li Ming , Hou Xiangyu , Xie Ningjie , Sun Mingming , Li Jing , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: October 2020

Aims

Ningetinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study aims to investigate the drug interaction of ningetinib and gefitinib and the mechanism of high plasma exposure of N‐demethylated ningetinib (M1) in NSCLC patients.

Methods

Patients with NSCLC were recruited. Metabolism and transport assays were performed using in vitro models. Deuterated M1 was used to study the effects of ningetinib and gefitinib on M1 efflux in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice.

Results

Upon co‐administration of ningetinib with gefitinib, the plasma exposure of M1 was reduced by 80%, whereas that of ningetinib was not affected. In vitro experiments indicated that CYP1A1 was primarily responsible for M1 formation. Gefitinib was demonstrated to be a strong inhibitor of CYP1A1 with Ki value of 0.095 μM. M1 was identified as a substrate of efflux transporters P‐gp and BCRP, while ningetinib and gefitinib were demonstrated to be their inhibitors, which was consistent with the results in mice. However, the inhibitory effect of gefitinib on efflux in vivo was negligible in the presence of ningetinib.

Conclusion

The high plasma exposure of M1 in patients was attributed to the inhibition of M1 efflux by ningetinib and its low tissue affinity. When co‐administered, gefitinib inhibited the formation of M1, but due to the low metabolic yield of M1 in vivo, the pharmacokinetics of ningetinib was not influenced. Inhibition of CYP1A1 may increase the concentration of ningetinib in target tissues, and the long‐term safety and efficacy of ningetinib combined with gefitinib should be evaluated.
First reliable chronology for the Early Khvalynian Caspian Sea transgression in the Lower Volga River valley
Authors: Kurbanov Redzhep , Murray Andrew , Thompson Warren , Svistunov Mikhail , Taratunina Natalia , Yanina Tamara
Published: October 2020

During the late Quaternary, dramatic changes in relative sea level (~170 m) are known to have occurred in the Caspian Sea. However, all previous attempts at resolving the uncertainty associated with the timing of these transgressive/regressive events, primarily using radiocarbon, have produced inconclusive or controversial results. Here we present the first reliable chronology for the largest known transgression (Early Khvalynian). This was derived using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) analysis of sand‐sized quartz, with support from infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) from K‐rich feldspar grains, all extracted from 16 sediment samples collected along the Lower Volga River. These samples were taken from loessic sediments, marine clays (known as Chocolate Clays) and the overlying modern soils exposed at three sections (Srednyaya Akhtuba, Raygorod, Leninsk) ~200 km upstream of the present‐day estuary. The differential bleaching rates of the quartz OSL and feldspar IRSL signals were used to evaluate the degree of resetting of quartz (and feldspar) signals; it was possible to conclude that all signals, and particularly quartz OSL, were sufficiently reset at deposition to allow accurate age estimation. Our results show unambiguously that the Early Khvalynian marine Chocolate Clays present at all three sections were deposited post‐LGM, between ~17 and ~13.1 ka ago. These age estimates are further constrained by those from the overlying Kastanozem soils (9.6–0.7 ka) and underlying loess‐soil series (32–19 ka), confirming a young (17–13 ka) age of the transgressive stage of the Early Khvalynian. Relative sea level during this period must have been well above the sampling altitudes of 11.7 m a.s.l. (Srednyaya Akhtuba), 11.3 m a.s.l. (Raygorod) and 4.7 m a.s.l. (Leninsk) to explain the absence of significant alluvial sand and to allow the deposition of the fine Chocolate Clays marker horizon.
Proposing synchronous oligometastatic non–small‐cell lung cancer based on progression after first‐line systemic therapy
Authors: Miyawaki Taichi , Wakuda Kazushige , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Miyawaki Eriko , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Ono Akira , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Notsu Akifumi , Mori Keita , Harada Hideyuki , Endo Masahiro , Ohde Yasuhisa , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: October 2020

Despite the importance of accurate disease definitions for effective management and treatment decisions, there is currently no consensus on what constitutes oligometastatic non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Predominant patterns of initial progressive disease (PD) after first‐line systemic therapy have been shown to be a substantial basis for local ablative therapy (LAT) for all disease sites in patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, suggesting that these patterns could be helpful in defining synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to propose a threshold number of metastases for synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC, based on the pattern of initial PD after first‐line systemic therapy. The cut‐off threshold number of metastases compatible with synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of PD at the initially involved sites alone. ROC analysis of 175 patients revealed that the presence of 1‐3 metastases before first‐line treatment (sensitivity, 85.9%; specificity, 97.3%; area under the curve, 0.91) was compatible with oligometastatic NSCLC, therefore we divided patients into oligometastatic NSCLC and non‐oligometastatic NSCLC groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed oligometastatic NSCLC to be the only independent predictor of PD at initially involved sites alone (odds ratio 165.7; P < .001). The median survival times in patients with oligometastatic or non‐oligometastatic NSCLC were 23.0 and 10.9 mo (hazard ratio, 0.51; P = .002), respectively. Based on these findings, we propose synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC as 1‐3 metastases in accordance with patterns of initial progression. The result of our study might be contributory to provide a common definition of synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC.