bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Immune Cells in Cardiac Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhang Youming , Wen Wei , Liu Haibo
Published: October 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an irreversible damage of the heart muscle, which often leads to adverse cardiac remodeling and progressive heart failure. After MI, immune cells play a vital role in the clearance of the dying tissue and cardiac remodeling. Post-MI events include the release of danger signals by necrotic cardiomyocytes and the migration of the inflammatory cells, such as dendritic cells, neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, into the site of the cardiac injury to digest the cell debris and secrete a variety of inflammatory factors activating the inflammatory response. In this review, we focus on the role of immune cells in the cardiac remodeling after MI and the novel immunotherapies targeting immune cells.
Culture, teamwork and engagement: 40 years of finding the right ingredients
Authors: Samai Cyrus , Campbell Robert
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

Changing demands in healthcare, new leadership structures and physician preferences on work-life balance have made culture, teamwork and engagement vitally important for the long-term success of medical practices. With recent emphasis placed on culture, teamwork and engagement, leaders have had to acquire management skills that extend beyond the scope of being a successful clinician, educator and researcher.

Recent findings

Over the last two decades, experts throughout the business and medical fields have worked to define culture. Furthermore, these authors have shown that success in businesses is often rooted in a strong organizational culture. Large surveys have confirmed that physicians value culture. They may join or leave a practice based on the culture. Furthermore, creating, defining and preserving culture requires leaders to be exemplary citizens and to inspire colleagues to be engaged.

Practices and businesses that have been shown to have a strong culture with engaged employees form stronger teams which ultimately confers a competitive advantage. In the current era, culture fit should be considered during any hire. An organization's unique culture actively needs to be taught and cultivated by leaders. Employees will become more engaged and adopt a practice's culture with education and by following the example of others.
The Role of Stress in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Narrative Review
Authors: Raposo-Lima Catarina , Morgado Pedro
Published: October 2020

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has a worldwide prevalence of 2%–3%. Characterized by the presence of either one or two core symptoms—obsessions and compulsions—it generally runs a chronic course and may cause serious functional impairment. Though previously thought to be of psychogenic origin, the pathophysiology of OCD is now understood to be more complex. A multitude of environmental factors have been shown to contribute to the development of OCD, including infection, neonatal complications, childhood trauma, occurrence of stressful events, and brain injury. It has also been proposed that genetic vulnerability may play a role in OCD pathology, although candidate genes have yet to be identified. Likewise, although it is widely accepted that stress plays a role in OCD pathophysiology, the mechanisms remain unclear. Observations from the clinics indicate that stress may serve as both a triggering and aggravating factor, meaning it can prompt symptoms to appear while also contributing to their exacerbation. Additionally, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and impaired stress response have been identified in OCD patients. In this review, we analyze the role of stress in the pathophysiology of OCD, complemented by relevant findings from recent animal studies.
Dropless cataract surgery: modernizing perioperative medical therapy to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction
Authors: Assil Kerry K. , Greenwood Michael D. , Gibson Andrea , Vantipalli Srilatha , Metzinger Jamie L. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: October 2020

Purpose of review

Advances in pharmacology offer freedom from topical medical therapy without compromise of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial coverage in the perioperative period. In this review, we describe the basis for dropless cataract surgery with the goal of improving outcomes and the patient experience.

Recent findings

Phacoemulsification outcomes depend largely on surgeon skill but also on adherence to a complex multidrug regimen of perioperative anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy to prevent sight-threatening complications such as cystoid macular edema or endophthalmitis. Successful administration of this regimen can be limited by noncompliance, difficulty administering eye drops, bioavailability, and side effects, among others. The recent development of sustained-release formulations of dexamethasone – one an intracanalicular insert and the other an intraocular suspension – can provide sustained tapering doses of dexamethasone while reducing or eliminating the need for anti-inflammatory eye drop therapy. Similarly, mounting evidence compellingly demonstrates that intracameral antibiotic use intraoperatively is at least as effective as topical antibiotics in preventing endophthalmitis.

Sustained-release dexamethasone coupled with intracameral antibiotics at the time of phacoemulsification can provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory prophylaxis without the need for topical eye drop medications. This approach has the potential to improve compliance with therapy, visual acuity outcomes, and the overall patient experience.
Molecular Profiling of Clear Cell Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Salivary Glands With EWSR1 Rearrangement Identifies Frequent PLAG1 Gene Fusions But No EWSR1 Fusion Transcripts
Authors: Skálová Alena , Agaimy Abbas , Vanecek Tomas , Baněčková Martina , Laco Jan , Ptáková Nikola , Šteiner Petr , Majewska Hanna , Biernat Wojciech , Corcione Luigi , Eis Václav , Koshyk Olena , Vondrák Jan , Michal Michal , Leivo Ilmo
Published: October 2020

Myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary glands is an underrecognized and challenging entity with a broad morphologic spectrum, including anEWSR1-rearranged clear cell variant. Myoepithelial carcinoma is generally aggressive with largely unknown genetic features. A retrospective review of Salivary Gland Tumor Registry in Pilsen searching for the key words “clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma,” “hyalinizing clear cell,” and “clear cell malignant myoepithelioma” yielded 94 clear cell myoepithelial carcinomas (CCMCs) for molecular analysis ofEWSR1rearrangement using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Tumors positive forEWSR1gene rearrangement were tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using fusion-detecting panels. NGS results were confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction or by FISH. Twenty-six tumors originally diagnosed as CCMC (26/94, 27.6%) revealed split signals forEWSR1by FISH. Six of these tumors (6/26, 23%) displayed amplification of theEWSR1locus. Fifteen cases were analyzable by NGS, whereas 9 were not, and tissue was not available in 2 cases. None of the CCMCs withEWSR1rearrangements detected by FISH had anEWSR1fusion transcript. Fusion transcripts were detected in 6 cases (6/15, 40%), includingLIFR-PLAG1andCTNNB1-PLAG1, in 2 cases each, andCHCHD7-PLAG1andEWSR1-ATF1fusions were identified in 1 case each. Seven cases, including those withPLAG1fusion, were positive forPLAG1rearrangement by FISH, with notable exception ofCHCHD7-PLAG1, which is an inversion not detectable by FISH. One single case withEWSR1-ATF1fusion in NGS showedATF1gene rearrangement by FISH and was reclassified as clear cell carcinoma (CCC). In addition, another 4 cases revealedATF1rearrangement by FISH and were reclassified as CCC as well. Moreover, 12/68 (17%) CCMCs with intactEWSR1gene were selected randomly and analyzed by NGS.PLAG1fusions were found in 5 cases (5/12, 41.6%) withLIFR(2 cases),FGFR1(2 cases), andCTNNB1(1 case) as partner genes. Overall,PLAG1gene rearrangements were detected in 10/38 (26%) tested cases. None of the tumors had SMARCB1 loss by immunohistochemistry as a possible explanation for theEWSR1abnormalities in FISH. Novel findings in our NGS study suggest thatEWSR1-FISH positive CCMC is a gene fusion-driven disease with frequent oncogenicPLAG1fusions, includingLIFR-PLAG1andCTNNB1-PLAG1in most cases. ProductiveEWSR1fusions are found only in a minority ofEWSR1-ATF1-rearranged cases, which were in part reclassifiable as CCCs. DetectableEWSR1-FISH abnormality in CCMCs without gene fusion perhaps represents a passenger mutation with minor or no oncologic effect.
The Type 1 Diabetes Composite Score: An Innovative Metric for Measuring Patient Care Outcomes Beyond Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Indyk Justin A. , Buckingham Don , Obrynba Kathryn S. , Servick Chris , Gandhi Kajal K. , Kramer Alyssa , Kamboj Manmohan K.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Patient outcomes resulting from optimal type 1 diabetes (T1D) care have historically focused on driving a single metric, hemoglobin A1c. Our objectives were to design, build, and launch an aggregate clinical indicator that comprehensively reflects patient management status beyond hemoglobin A1c alone. This project aimed to show proof-of-principle that an aggregate score comprised of T1D outcome metrics could be built to track quality performance.

Methods:

We established an electronic medical record-based diabetes registry and utilized its population health modules to design and build this diabetes care metric. Elements representing optimal diabetes management, as defined by current guidelines and expert opinion, were identified. Nine elements fall into categories of management tools, care assessments, and complications risk. The Type 1 Diabetes Composite Score (T1DCS) aggregates these outcome measures to reflect the overall diabetes care status for each patient. Higher scores suggest better management and overall improved patient health.

Results:

We launched this metric build in November 2018 and applied the scoring to our T1D population (≈1,900 patients). The T1DCS quickly provides a summary of current diabetes management status. T1DCS viewed over the registry cohort demonstrates a normal distribution, and scores improved from March to September 2019, reflecting better care and outcomes, and illustrating the potential to track program effectiveness.

Conclusions:

The T1DCS is a useful metric to evaluate the clinical status of T1D patients, assess the capability of a clinical program to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes, identify patient diversity opportunities, and document outcome improvement as a novel comprehensive quality measure.
A Novel Laryngoscope-assisted Method for Sealing Pharyngocutaneous Fistula
Authors: Du Zhong , Zhang Chen-Ping , Wang Yan-An
Published: October 2020

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is one of the most common but stranded complications for salvage laryngectomy. As for localized fistula, there is no convincing standard and method to cure. This paper described a patient who was submitted to extensive resection of mass in right lingual root, total laryngectomy, and pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF), because of recurred carcinoma of right lingual root which invaded bilateral epiglottis. 2 weeks after surgery, subsequent pharyngocutaneous fistula developed at the junction of the tracheostomy, and maintained over 2 months under conservative treatment. With the assistance of laryngoscope, inner and outer orificiums of fistula were found and sealed by bundled iodoform strip. 9 days after sealing, fistula had been already filled with fresh granulation tissue. During 2 years after surgery, the fistula area dose not recur. This technique provides a safe and effective way for sealing the inner and outer orificiums of fistula.
Morbidity Associated With Structural Graft Use in Paramedian Forehead Flap
Authors: Ali Barkat , Choi EunHo Eunice , Barlas Venus , Shetty Anil , Borah Gregory
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Paramedian forehead flap for nasal reconstruction may involve the use of a structural graft. The authors hypothesized that the use of structural grafts with paramedian forehead flap is associated with an increased risk of 30-day complications.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study of the American College of Surgeon (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). We identified all patients undergoing paramedian forehead flap reconstruction from 2007 through 2018 using Current Procedural Terminology code 15731. Patients who had structural graft harvested at the time of paramedian forehead flap were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Groups were defined based on the use of structural grafts. Propensity score matching was performed using preoperative and intraoperative characteristics to produce matched cohorts. The authors further stratified individual graft types to identify differential risks associated with each. Logistic regression was then used to determine whether the use of structural grafts was associated with increased risk for 30-day complications.

Results:

The authors identified 1198 patients with paramedian forehead flap reconstruction, of whom 325 (27.1%) required structural grafts. Propensity score matching 1:1 yielded 247 patients in each of the matched cohorts. Overall 30-day complications (4.5% versus 5.3%), wound related complications (3.2% versus 4.1%), systemic complications (1.2% versus 2%), unplanned reoperation (6.5% versus 3.2%), and unplanned readmission (6.6% versus 10.2%) were similar between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis of different graft types showed that costochondral graft was associated with increased wound related complications (0.9% versus 8.3%, P = 0.03). The odds of having wound related complications with the use of costochondral graft was OR = 5.3, CI = 1.5–18.8, P = 0.02.

Conclusions:

Although the use of structural grafts does not increase risk of overall 30-day complications, there is an increased risk of wound related complications associated with the use of costochondral and rib grafts.
Amyloidosis in the Bulbar Conjunctiva Following Transconjunctival Ptosis Surgery
Authors: Lee Patricia Ann L. , Vaidya Aric , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Takahashi Yasuhiro
Published: October 2020

A 52-year-old woman presented with persistent eye irritation following her third transconjunctival ptosis surgery. Examination revealed a yellow-pink nodular lesion in the bulbar conjunctiva. Excision biopsy and histopathology showed granulation tissue. However, the tumor recurred 1 month postoperatively. Repeat biopsy and histopathology revealed amyloid deposits. Systemic work-up showed no other lesion. A retained suture found in the upper fornix was also removed. No tumor recurrence has since been noted over the 7-month follow-up period. This report aims to highlight a case of bulbar conjunctival amyloidosis that developed as a complication following multiple transconjunctival eyelid surgeries.
Optical wireless communications for cyber-secure ubiquitous wireless networks
Authors: Abumarshoud Hanaa , Chen Cheng , Islim Mohamed Sufyan , Haas Harald
Published: October 2020

Wireless connectivity is no longer limited to facilitating communications between individuals, but is also required to support diverse and heterogeneous applications, services and infrastructures. Internet of things (IoT) systems will dominate future technologies, allowing any and all devices to create, share and process data. If artificial intelligence resembles the brain of IoT, then high-speed connectivity forms the nervous system that connects the devices. For IoT to safely operate autonomously, it requires highly secure and reliable wireless links. In this article, we shed light on the potential of optical wireless communications to provide high-speed secure and reliable ubiquitous access as an enabler for fifth generation and beyond wireless networks.
Linear angular momentum multiplexing—conceptualization and experimental evaluation with antenna arrays
Authors: Brown Tim W. C. , Allen Ben H. , Drysdale Timothy D. , Dagia Upasana K.
Published: October 2020

Linear angular momentum multiplexing is a new method for providing highly spectrally efficient short-range communication between a transmitter and receiver, where one may move at speed transverse to the propagation. Such applications include rail, vehicle and hyperloop transport systems communicating with fixed infrastructure on the ground. This paper describes how the scientific concept of linear angular momentum multiplexing evolves from orbital angular momentum multiplexing. The essential parameters for implementing this concept are a long array at least at one of the ends of the link; antenna element radiation characteristics and the array element spacing relative to the propagation distance. These parameters are also backed by short-range measurements carried out at 2.4 GHz used to model the Rice fading channel and determine resilience to multipath fading.
Green greenhouse: leaf enclosure for fruit development of an androdioecious vine,
Schizopepon bryoniifolius
Authors: Nagaoka Nobuyuki , Naoe Shoji , Takano-Masuya Yu , Sakai Shoko
Published: October 2020

Individual plants can produce leaves that differ substantially in size, morphology and many other traits. However, leaves that play a specific role in reproduction have rarely been reported. Here, we report leaves specialized to enclose fruit clusters and enhance seed production in an annual vine,
Schizopepon bryoniifolius
. Enclosure leaves were produced at the end of the growing season in late autumn. They were different in greenness and structure from other leaves. Under solar radiation, the ambient temperature inside an intact enclosure was up to 4.6°C higher than that near a fruit cluster whose enclosure leaves had been removed. We found that enclosures were thicker at colder sites. Removal of enclosing leaves negatively affected fruit survival and/or growth, but we could not identify the exact mechanism. The results suggested that enclosures allow the plant to produce seeds under the cold weather the plant encounters at the end of its life. Vegetative and reproductive traits of plants have usually been studied separately. This study indicates how they can dynamically interact, as shown by an examination of associations among leaf and reproductive trait changes according to life stages.
Visual cues of predation risk outweigh acoustic cues: a field experiment in black-capped chickadees
Authors: Arteaga-Torres Josue David , Wijmenga Jan J. , Mathot Kimberley J.
Published: October 2020

Foragers rely on various cues to assess predation risk. Information theory predicts that high certainty cues should be valued more than low certainty cues. We measured the latency of black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) to resume feeding during winter in response to cues that conferred different degrees of certainty about current predation risk: a high certainty visual cue (predator mount) and a lower certainty acoustic cue (conspecific mobbing calls), presented either alone or in combination. As predicted, chickadees took longer to resume feeding after the visual than the acoustic cue, and this effect was greatest under conditions of high starvation risk (i.e. low temperatures). Presenting both cues together produced the same foraging delay as the visual cue alone under low starvation risk, but surprisingly, resulted in lower responses under high starvation risk compared to the visual cue alone. We suggest that this may be due to prey using a form of information updating, whereby differences in the timing of perception of acoustic versus visual cues interacts with energetic constraint to shape perceived risk. Although the sequential perception of cues is likely in a range of decision-making contexts, studies manipulating the order in which cues are perceived are needed to test existing models of multimodal cue integration.
Psychiatric side effects induced by chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: a systematic review of case reports and population studies
Authors: Talarico Fernanda , Chakravarty Sucheta , Liu Yang S. , Greenshaw Andrew , Passos Ives Cavalcante , Cao Bo
Published: October 2020

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are commonly used drugs in the treatment of malaria as well as chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although various reports on possible psychiatric side effects of these drugs exist, the nature and extent of these effects remain poorly understood. Moreover, the relevance of these drugs in the treatment of early stages of COVID-19 necessitates a careful estimation of their side effects. Here, we provide a systematic review of the psychiatric side effects associated with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. We used PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms to identify relevant literature published between 1962 and 2020. Search terms included chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, psychiatry, psychosis, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, delirium, and psychotic disorders. Only case reports and clinical trials were included. All studies included records of psychiatric side effects induced by either chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine or both. Both retrospective and prospective, randomized as well as non-randomized population studies were included. Overall, the psychiatric side effects are dose- and sex-independent. The most common psychiatric side effects reported are increased speech output/ excessive talking, increased psychomotor activity, irritable mood, auditory hallucinations, delusion of grandiosity, and suicide attempts, likely due to brain intoxicationbe of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine. The symptoms can develop in a few hours to 11 weeks after drug intake and are normally reversed within a week after the drug withdrawal. We conclude that CQ and HCQ have the potential to induce psychiatric side effects. This study calls for further investigation of psychiatric symptoms induced by these drugs in the short and long term.
Differential expression of proteins in human prostate cancer tissues probed by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Mitra Amrita , Choubey Surya Kant , Das Rajdeep , Rout Pritilata , Sridhar T. S , Mishra Deepak , Mandal Amit Kumar
Published: October 2020

Histopathology, the gold-standard method for diagnosis of human prostate cancer, is based on the analysis of changes in cellular morphology and tissue architecture in chemically stained tissue sections. Even at the very early stages of cancer with minimal phenotypic changes in cellular morphologies, there might be detectable changes in the expression profiles of proteins. Over the last decade, imaging mass spectrometry has been used to explore the spatial distribution and expression profiles of several molecules with their twodimensional heterogeneity retained across the tissue section. In the present study, using MALDI mass spectrometry based tissue imaging, we report the differential expression of three proteins, vinculin, ribonuclease T2 and 60 kDa heat shock protein across human prostate tissue sections in regions pathologically demarcated as frankly malignant. In an independent analysis, quantitative proteomics revealed that in cancerous prostate tissues, ribonuclease T2 and 60 kDa heat shock protein were significantly overexpressed by 22.26- and 6 folds respectively compared to benign condition. Our results show the utility of this approach to probe differential protein expression in architecturally intact cancer tissues. In addition, we propose that ribonuclease T2 and 60 kDa heat shock protein might be developed as diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer in future.
Structure of the Mammalian Mediator
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Young Natalie , Kalchschmidt Jens , Lieberman Jenna , Khattabi Laila El , Casellas Rafael , Asturias Francisco J.
Published: October 2020

The Mediator complex plays an essential and multi-faceted role in regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription in all eukaryotes. Structural analysis of yeast Mediator has provided an understanding of the conserved core of the complex and its interaction with RNA polymerase II but failed to reveal the structure of the Tail module that contains most subunits targeted by activators and repressors. Here we present a molecular model of mammalian (Mus musculus) Mediator, derived from a 4.0 Å resolution cryo-EM map of the complex. The mammalian Mediator structure reveals that the previously unresolved Tail module, which includes a number of metazoan specific subunits, interacts extensively with core Mediator and has the potential to influence its conformation and interactions.
Associations between white matter hyperintensity burden, cerebral blood flow and transit time in small vessel disease: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Stewart Catriona R , Stringer Michael S , Shi Yulu , Thrippleton Michael J , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: October 2020

Cerebral small vessel disease is a major contributor to stroke and dementia, characterised by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on neuroimaging. WMH are associated with reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) cross-sectionally, though longitudinal associations remain unclear. We updated a 2016 meta-analysis, identifying 30 studies, 27 cross-sectional (n=2956) and 3 longitudinal (n=440), published since 2016. Cross-sectionally, we meta-analysed 10 new studies with 24 previously reported studies, total 34 (n=2180), finding lower CBF to be associated with worse WMH burden (mean global CBF: standardised mean difference: −0.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.64,-0.27). Longitudinally, the association of baseline CBF with WMH progression varied: the largest study (5 years,n=252) found no associations, while another small study (4.5 years,n=52) found that low CBF in the periventricular WMH penumbra predicted WMH progression. We could not meta-analyse longitudinal studies due to different statistical and methodological approaches. We found lower CBF within WMH compared to normal appearing white matter (novel meta-analysis; 5 cross-sectional studies;n=295; SMD: −1.51, 95% CI: −1.94,-1.07). These findings highlight that relationships between resting CBF and WMH are complex and that more longitudinal studies analysing regional CBF and subsequent WMH change are required to determine the role of CBF in small vessel disease progression.
Organophosphate and organohalogen flame-retardant exposure and thyroid hormone disruption in a cohort of female firefighters and office workers from San Francisco
Authors: Trowbridge Jessica , Gerona Roy , McMaster Michael , Ona Katherine , Clarity Cassidy , Bessonneau Vincent , Rudel Ruthann , Buren Heather , Morello-Frosch Rachel
Published: October 2020

Background

Occupational exposures to flame retardants (FR), which are suspected endocrine disrupting compounds, may be of particular concern for firefighters as they are commonly found in consumer products and have been detected in fire station dust and firefighter gear.

Objectives

The Women Workers Biomonitoring Collaborative is a community based participatory research study that sought to measure environmental chemicals relevant to firefighting and evaluate their effects on thyroid hormone levels.

Methods

We measured 10 FR or their metabolites in urine of female firefighters and office workers from San Francisco: bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), dibutyl phosphate (DBuP), dibenzyl phosphate (DBzP), di-p-cresyl phosphate (DpCP), di-o-cresyl phosphate (DoCP), 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoic acid (TBBA), tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), 5-OH-BDE 47, and 5-OH-BDE 100. We assessed potential predictors of exposure levels and the association between FR exposures and thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Results

BDCPP, BCEP, and DBuP were the most commonly detected FRs, among all study participants, with intermediate BMI and college educated women having the highest levels, and Black women having higher BDCPP levels than White women. Firefighters had higher detection frequencies (DF) and exposure levels compared to office workers; median BDCPP levels were five times higher in firefighters than in office workers. Among firefighters, occupational activities were not significantly associated with FR levels, although position (i.e. officer and firefighter versus driver), being on-duty (versus off-duty) and assigned to the airport suggested a positive association with FR levels. Among firefighters, a doubling of BDCPP was associated with a 2.88% decrease (95%CI −5.28,-0.42) in T4. We did not observe significant associations between FR and T4 among office workers.

Discussion

Firefighters had significantly higher exposures to FR compared to office workers, and we observed a negative association between BDCPP and thyroxine in firefighters. Future research should elucidate occupational sources of FR exposure and opportunities for exposure reduction.
Characterization of the signalling modalities of prostaglandin E2 receptors EP2 and EP4 reveals crosstalk and a role for microtubules
Authors: Vleeshouwers Ward , van den Dries Koen , de Keijzer Sandra , Joosten Ben , Lidke Diane S. , Cambi Alessandra
Published: October 2020

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator that modulates the function of myeloid immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) through the activation of the G protein-coupled receptors EP2 and EP4. While both EP2 and EP4 signalling leads to an elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels through the stimulating Gαsprotein, EP4 also couples to the inhibitory Gαiprotein to decrease the production of cAMP. The receptor-specific contributions to downstream immune modulatory functions are still poorly defined. Here, we employed quantitative imaging methods to characterize the early EP2 and EP4 signalling events in myeloid cells and their contribution to the dissolution of adhesion structures called podosomes, which is a first and essential step in DC maturation. We first show that podosome loss in DCs is primarily mediated by EP4. Next, we demonstrate that EP2 and EP4 signalling leads to distinct cAMP production profiles, with EP4 inducing a transient cAMP response and EP2 inducing a sustained cAMP response only at high PGE2 levels. We further find that simultaneous EP2 and EP4 stimulation attenuates cAMP production, suggesting a reciprocal control of EP2 and EP4 signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that efficient signaling of both EP2 and EP4 relies on an intact microtubule network. Together, these results enhance our understanding of early EP2 and EP4 signalling in myeloid cells. Considering that modulation of PGE2 signalling is regarded as an important therapeutic possibility in anti-tumour immunotherapy, our findings may facilitate the development of efficient and specific immune modulators of PGE2 receptors.
The electrostatic allostery could be the trigger for the changes in dynamics for the PDZ domain of PICK1
Authors: Stevens Amy O. , He Yi
Published: October 2020

The PDZ domain is a highly abundant protein-protein interaction domain that exists in many signaling proteins, such as PICK1. Despite the highly conserved structure of the PDZ family, the PDZ family has an extremely low sequence identity, making each PDZ domain unique. PICK1 is the only protein in the human genome that is comprised of a PDZ domain and a BAR domain. PICK1 regulates surface membrane proteins and has been identified as an integral player in drug addiction. Like many PDZ-containing proteins, PICK1 is positively regulated by its PDZ domain and has thus drawn attention to be a potential drug target to curb the effects of substance abuse. The goal of this study is to use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and the electrostatic analysis program, DelPhi, to better understand the unique interactions and dynamic changes in the PICK1 PDZ domain upon complex formation. Our results demonstrated that the PICK1 PDZ domain shares similar canonical PDZ-ligand hydrogen bonding networks and fluctuations of the carboxylate-binding loop to other PDZ domains. Furthermore, our results are unique to the PICK1 PDZ domain as we reveal that the binding of ligand opens up the binding pocket and, at the same time, reduces the fluctuations of both the central part of the binding pocket and the short loop region between the αA-helix and βC-strand. More importantly, the binding of ligand resulted in charge redistribution at the binding pocket region as well as the N- and C-termini of the PDZ domain that are not a part of the binding pocket. These results suggest that the electrostatic allostery resulted from ligand binding could be the key factor leading to the changes in dynamics which may be associated with the activation of PICK1. Based on these results, an effective drug to target PDZ domain must not only stably bind to the PICK1 PDZ domain but also prevent the electrostatic allostery of the PDZ domain.
How does mobility affect social media advertising effectiveness? A study in WeChat
Authors: Zhang Yanping , Li Xiaodong , Hamari Juho
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how aspects of mobility affect social media advertising effectiveness (i.e. consumer purchase intention) on mobile platforms from the perspective of the fit-viability model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey of 378 WeChat users and used to test hypotheses with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Consumer purchase intention is significantly positively influenced by time flexibility, spatial flexibility, mobile lifestyle and ad relevance. Meanwhile, ambivalence toward ads mediates the relationships of time flexibility and spatial flexibility with purchase intention and moderates the relationships of mobile lifestyle and ad relevance with purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer researchers and practitioners a new angle to understand advertising effectiveness on mobile social media and extend the application of the fit-viability model.

Originality/value

This paper fills the research gap on the role of mobility in social media advertising.
Do the brand and packaging matter? The case of hotel bathroom amenities
Authors: Jeong Miyoung , Kubickova Marketa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Creating memorable experiences for customers at the individual property is one of the primary goals in hotel management across all segments. Adopting the concept of the ingredient branding, this study aims to attempt to identify the effects of bathroom amenity brands on customers' attitudes toward the hotel brand image and their behavior intentions toward a hotel brand. Specifically, this study assesses the importance of bathroom amenities on customer experience. It also examines the effects of bathroom amenity and their sustainable practices on hotel brand image and behavior intentions. Lastly, it provides suggestions for hoteliers in selecting right and appealing bathroom amenities while enhancing customers' hotel experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a 3 (hotel service level: economy, midscale, vs luxury) × 2 (bathroom amenity brand: luxury vs general) × 2 (bathroom amenity packaging: bottle vs dispenser) between-subjects experimental design. A total of 557 useable surveys were obtained to test the study's hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that customers had a better hotel image when high-end brand bathroom amenities in a bottle were offered. Specifically, when economy hotels provided high-end brand bathroom amenities, customers had a better hotel image, which lead to strong return intentions. Typically, bathroom amenities in the bottle were perceived better than those in the dispenser when it came to the hotel image.

Practical implications

The findings of this study reconfirm that the level of hotel service, bathroom amenity brand and bathroom amenity packaging jointly affect hotels' overall image. Specifically, the generic bathroom amenity in the dispenser somewhat degrades the image of the hotel for economy hotels; however, the image of hotel is not significantly affected by the type of bathroom packaging when the hotel has luxury bathroom amenities. Thus, hotel management should pay more attention to selecting the bathroom amenity brand, which can offer more memorable experience for customers.

Originality/value

Little research has been documented on the effects of hotel bathroom amenity brands on customers' attitudes toward hotel brand image and their psychological behaviors in the hotel industry, lacking rigorous theoretical examinations. The current study provides several important contributions not only to the body of knowledge but to the hotel industry.
Reduced to the max: firm performance and organizational ambidexterity research
Authors: Meisinger Norman , Moldaschl Manfred
Published: October 2020

Purpose

For nearly three decades, numerous scholars have searched for a robust relationship between firm performance and organizational ambidexterity—so far with questionable results. The aim of this short essay is thus to critically examine the performance of applied performance measurements.

Design/methodology/approach

After discussing methodological issues and revealing a conceptually neglected “level” distinction in organizational ambidexterity studies, we contribute to conceptual clarity as to whether exploration and exploitation ought to be conceived as continuous or orthogonal.

Findings

First, even if the dichotomy of exploration and exploitation is orthogonally conceptualized, at least one trade-off, either on the level of the explanans or the level of the explanandum, can be bypassed but cannot conceptually be denied. Second, we conclude that explaining overall firm performance with the relation of just two variables (exploration and exploitation)—referring to the inherently conflicting title of this paper, “Reduced to the Max”—is a hazardous endeavor.

Research limitations/implications

Based on these insights, future research may benefit from studying organizational ambidexterity and firm performance more qualitatively and paying more attention to the declared level distinction.

Originality/value

The paper reveals a crucial neglect of level and provides an answer to one of the core questions of organizational ambidexterity research: that of continuity vs orthogonality.
The role of public debt on economic growth with capital loss
Authors: Tran Nhat Thien
Published: October 2020

This paper studies some models in which the “engine of growth” is public debt and capital accumulation. Public debt is assumed to be driven by domestic debt and external debt. The study shows that debt will support economic growth if the initial level of productivity is greater than the cost of investment. In an economy with and without the loss of capital, the article shows the existence of a unique optimal share of investment in physical and human capital and/or new technology. Moreover, if the productivity of the first period is lower than that of a defined threshold value then there exists an optimal level of debt. In addition, if the productivity of the first period is greater than or equal to a defined threshold value, the bigger the debt, the better economies become. Furthermore, this study shows that in an economy with capital loss there is a hidden overhead equivalent to an artificially‐augmented interest rate.
Promoting Social Sustainability of Urban Neighbourhoods: The Case of Bethnal Green, London
Authors: Shirazi M. Reza , Keivani Ramin , Brownill Sue , Butina Watson Georgia
Published: October 2020

The growing significance of neighbourhoods in the urban planning discipline, alongside increasing attention to the social dimension of sustainable communities and societies, has brought to the fore the need to conceptualize socially sustainable neighbourhoods. In this article we reflect critically on the concept of socially sustainable neighbourhoods in two areas, namely definition and operationalization. We then propose a tripartite framework for measuring social sustainability of urban neighbourhoods, which combines the three elements of neighbourhood, neighbouring and neighbours. This framework is tested, examined and discussed for the case of Bethnal Green, London. We then integrate our findings into a social sustainability enhancement index, which encompasses practical recommendations to promote the social sustainability of Bethnal Green. We conclude this article by highlighting the research and policy implications of the proposed framework, and making suggestions for improving the methodology of future research.
Population parameters and growth ofRiptortus pedestris(Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) under elevated CO2concentrations
Authors: Ahn Jeong Joon , Choi Kyung San , Koh Sangwook
Published: October 2020

We evaluated the direct effects of three different CO2concentrations (400, 600 and 1,000 ppm) on the population parameters and growth of the bean bug,Riptortus pedestris,while being fed on soybean. The raw life history data fromR. pedestriswas analyzed using an age‐stage, two‐sex life table to take the viable development rate among individuals into account. Based on the age‐stage, two‐sex life table analysis, the population projections ofR. pedestrisprovide the stage structure and variability of the population growth under different CO2treatments. Our results showed significantly shorter immature durations and higher pre‐adult survival rate under elevated CO2(1,000 ppm) than those under ambient CO2(400 ppm). The population ofR. pedestrisreared under elevated CO2conditions showed higher intrinsic and finite rates of increase but a lower mean generation time thanR. pedestrisreared under ambient CO2conditions. Our results show the population parameters and growth ofR. pedestrisare influenced by increased CO2relative to ambient CO2treatment. Further studies on the long‐term direct effects of different CO2levels onR. pedestrisare essential to understand their population dynamics and to establish appropriate management strategies.
Phase II study of durvalumab and tremelimumab in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: KCSG‐LU16‐07
Authors: Kim Miso , Keam Bhumsuk , Ock Chan‐Young , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Yu Jung , Lim Sun Min , Kim Jin‐Soo , Kim Tae Min , Hong Sook‐Hee , Ahn Mi Sun , Shin Seong Hoon , Kang Eun Joo , Kim Dong‐Wan , Im Sun‐Wha , Kim Jong‐Il , Lee Jong Seok , Kim Joo‐Hang , Heo Dae Seog
Published: October 2020

Background

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is rare with a poor outcome and is resistant to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. The efficacy and safety of durvalumab and tremelimumab for treating recurrent or metastatic PSCs were assessed by a nonrandomized, open‐label, phase II study.

Methods

A total of 18 patients with recurrent or metastatic PSC received 1500 mg of durvalumab and 75 mg of tremelimumab every four weeks, followed by 750 mg of durvalumab every two weeks until the disease progressed, or an unacceptable toxicity level was reached. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Genomic profiling of PSC by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and determination of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry were performed for exploratory analysis.

Results

A total of 15 out of 18 patients were evaluated for the analysis of the primary endpoint. At the data cutoff point, the ORR of 26.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8–55.1) was achieved with the median follow‐up duration of 12.0 months (range, 8.4–16.1). Median PFS and OS were 5.9 months (95% CI: 1.1–11.9) and 15.4 months (95% CI: 11.1‐not reached), respectively. Treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) of any grade were reported in 16 patients; the most common AEs were pruritus (n = 5), pneumonitis (n = 4), and rash (n = 4). Treatment was discontinued in two patients due to AEs of grade ≥ 3.

Conclusions

Durvalumab and tremelimumab demonstrated clinical benefit with a prolonged survival and manageable toxicity profile in patients with recurrent or metastatic PSC.
Unforeseen consequences of conservation management practices: case study on herding rhino as an anti‐poaching measure
Authors: Fàbregas María C. , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Ganswindt André , Bertschinger Henk , Meyer Leith C. R.
Published: October 2020

The current biodiversity crisis calls for effective conservation measures. However, some measures may have unforeseen negative consequences on individual species. Herding, a management practice currently used in some wildlife species to protect animals from poachers, can cause habituation to humans, which unintentionally might increase their risk of being poached at a later time. Herding could also negatively impact animal welfare and physiology when perceived as a stressor, with potential negative consequences at the individual and population level. In this study, we tested the following hypotheses: 1) herding elicits habituation to humans in white rhino, and 2) this practice affects the behavior and physiological state of rhino, but they can habituate to it. To that aim, we investigated the effects of herding on the response of rhino to initially unfamiliar people, expression of aggressive and discomfort behaviors, and fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations (a commonly used indicator of physiological stress) in two cohorts of six and 10 semi‐wild orphan white rhino. Rhino did not interrupt their activity to an approaching person on foot (99%) or in a vehicle (94%), indicating habituation to humans. Aggressive and discomfort behaviors were displayed more often while being herded, and their frequency increased significantly with increasing herding pressure. Finally, overall mean fGCM concentrations were 16.1% higher under herding compared to non‐herding conditions, but individual fGCM levels varied up to 17‐fold under each scenario, suggesting that herding might not elicit a physiological stress response in these animals. While rhino security is paramount in the current poaching crisis, management practices must ensure that they do not impact negatively at the individual and population level.