bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social impact of a participative small-scale sporting event
Authors: Parra-Camacho David , González-García Rómulo Jacobo , Alonso-Dos-Santos Manuel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To examine the social impact of a small-scale sporting event and its influence on the willingness to support future events.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-supplied questionnaire was used with 248 residents-sportspeople that participated in the Valencia Triathlon. Descriptive analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factorials were done through SPSS, FACTOR and EQS.

Findings

Three dimensions of positive impacts were identified; sporting participation and city image, social development and human capital and economic development. The impacts in sporting participation and in the improvement to the image of the city contribute to positively explaining the willingness to support the holding of sporting events. Local sportspeople highlight their participative component and the projection of the city image as key factors to endorse holding future sporting events as a strategy for tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The convenience sampling limits the extrapolation of the results.

Practical implications

Making the most of the intangible aspects is recommended due to the great potential these events have to generate social capital and increase the networks of social collaboration. Give a more active role to volunteers and local organizers in an organization. Transmit the pride of the community and the sense of belonging to this community to the media and advertising communication.

Social implications

Small scale sporting events can contribute to improving the quality of life, increasing pride, the sense of belonging of the residents, opportunities for entertainment and encouraging local participation.

Originality/value

A contribution to the empirical analysis of the social impact of small-scale sporting events from the perspective of local participants.
Conceptualizing reverse logistics to plastics recycling system
Authors: Tesfaye Wogene , Kitaw Daniel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Plastics waste management is a critical agenda for the global community. Recycling is the most important strategy option for recovering plastics wastes. This study aims to review reverse logistics (RL) implementation practices and conceptualizing it to the plastic recycling system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is organized after evaluating the studies related to plastics waste recycling and analyzing the available frameworks to use RL as a strategic tool.

Findings

The paper has investigated that previous research on RL implementation focused on a few stages of RL activities and did not include the most important issues. However, for successful RL implementation, taking into account the whole stage and including the most important factors is very important. To elaborate on this finding a new conceptual framework is developed.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is fully based on literature review and international reports. The developed framework is required for further empirical validation in the plastics sector.

Practical implications

The paper has considered the important issues and the applications of those factors that can improve plastics recycling performances.

Social implications

This study can enhance the active involvement of main actors (plastics producers, users, municipal and recyclers) in the plastics recycling system.

Originality/value

This paper deliberates on how RL can be conceptualized and implemented in plastics recycling systems in considering the most important factors for plastics recycling.
Perceptions and satisfaction of human–animal encounters in protected areas
Authors: Dell'Eva Martina , Nava Consuelo Rubina , Osti Linda
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the role of animals in creating a satisfactory experience at a natural park by investigating the impact on visitors of the exposure to, or absence of, fauna, towards the visitors’ overall experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The work is based on a quantitative data collection of tourists visiting a nature park. Altogether, 532 valid questionnaires were collected and used for the analysis. A series of factor analyses was conducted on pull and push factors for animal encounters. The resulting factor domains (FDs) were used as independent variables in ordinal logistic regression models to describe customer satisfaction.

Findings

The results of this study show that important FDs characterize the main visitor characteristics. Although human–animal encounters are an important factor for some visitors, the encounters should be encouraged in the most natural manner possible and not in captivity. This brings us to the concept of “Interpretation”, where guides and guided tours can help with the encounters. Information given prior to and during the visit can ensure visitors are aware that animal encounters are subject to nature and cannot be guaranteed.

Originality/value

The presence of areas where a number of animals are in captivity and can be viewed by visitors is an important decision for national parks and protected areas, as animals represent a potential attraction for visitors. Nevertheless, this decision creates an ethical dilemma in relation to the exploitation of animals, exacerbated by recent and increasing pressure on sustainable management. This study provides valuable results for guiding park managers in making reasoned decisions.
Comprehensive social competence and social entrepreneurial action: the mediating role of entrepreneurial tenacity
Authors: Nsereko Isa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to examine the relationship between comprehensive social competence, entrepreneurial tenacity and social entrepreneurial action and (2) to test the mediating role of entrepreneurial tenacity in the relationship between comprehensive social competence and social entrepreneurial action among social ventures in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is cross-sectional and quantitative. Data were analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences and analysis of moment structures.

Findings

Results show that both comprehensive social competence and entrepreneurial tenacity are significantly associated with social entrepreneurial action. Results further indicate that entrepreneurial tenacity partially mediates the relationship between comprehensive social competence and social entrepreneurial action.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this study provides initial empirical evidence on the relationship between comprehensive social competence, entrepreneurial tenacity and social entrepreneurial action using evidence from a developing African country – Uganda. Mostly, this provides an initial evidence of the mediating role of entrepreneurial tenacity on the relationship between comprehensive social competence and social entrepreneurial action.
A strategy for the identification of paracrine regulators of cancer cell migration
Authors: Chavez Bernardo , Farmaki Elena , Zhang Youwen , Altomare Diego , Hao Ji , Soltnamohammadi Elham , Shtutman Michael , Chatzistamou Ioulia , Kiaris Hippokratis
Published: June 2020

We hypothesized that the correlation of the whole transcriptome with quantifiable phenotypes may unveil genes contributing to the regulation of the corresponding response. We tested this hypothesis in cultured fibroblasts exposed to diverse pharmacological and biological agents, to identify genes influencing chemoattraction of breast cancer cells. Our analyses revealed several genes that correlated, either positively or negatively with cell migration, suggesting that they may operate as activators or inhibitors of this process. Survey of the scientific literature showed that genes exhibiting positive or negative association with cell migration had frequently been linked to cancer and metastasis before, while those with minimal association were not. The current methodology may formulate the basis for the development of novel strategies linking genes to quantifiable phenotypes.
Functional surface proteomic profiling reveals the host heat‐shock protein A8 as a mediator of Lichtheimia corymbifera recognition by murine alveolar macrophages
Authors: Hassan Mohamed I. Abdelwahab , Kruse Janis M. , Krüger Thomas , Dahse Hans‐Martin , Cseresnyés Zoltán , Blango Matthew G. , Slevogt Hortense , Hörhold Franziska , Ast Volker , König Rainer , Figge Marc Thilo , Kniemeyer Olaf , Brakhage Axel A. , Voigt Kerstin
Published: June 2020

Mucormycosis is an emergent, fatal fungal infection of humans and warm‐blooded animals caused by species of the order Mucorales. Immune cells of the innate immune system serve as the first line of defence against inhaled spores. Alveolar macrophages were challenged with the mucoralean fungus Lichtheimia corymbifera and subjected to biotinylation and streptavidin enrichment procedures followed by LC–MS/MS analyses. A total of 28 host proteins enriched for binding to macrophage–L. corymbifera interaction. Among those, the HSP70‐family protein Hspa8 was found to be predominantly responsive to living and heat‐killed spores of a virulent and an attenuated strain of L. corymbifera. Confocal scanning laser microscopy of infected macrophages revealed colocalization of Hspa8 with phagocytosed spores of L. corymbifera. The amount of detectable Hspa8 was dependent on the multiplicity of infection. Incubation of alveolar macrophages with an anti‐Hspa8 antibody prior to infection reduced their capability to phagocytose spores of L. corymbifera. In contrast, anti‐Hspa8 antibodies did not abrogate the phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia by macrophages. These results suggest an important contribution of the heat‐shock family protein Hspa8 in the recognition of spores of the mucoralean fungus L. corymbifera by host alveolar macrophages and define a potential immunomodulatory therapeutic target.
Access to savings and household welfare evidence from a household survey in The Gambia
Authors: Jawara Hamidou
Published: June 2020

In this study, we provide evidence on the impact of access to formal savings on household well‐being in The Gambia. Specifically, we study how access to formal savings can impact household outcomes such as total spending, ownership of durable assets, health spending, and education spending. Using a representative household survey and kernel ridge regression method, we find that household access to formal savings has a positive and statistically significant impact on all outcomes except health spending. Furthermore, we find that the largest effect size of access to savings is on education spending. However, the impact estimates on education and food expenditure are not very robust to a mild presence of hidden bias. Overall, we find a robust impact for total spending and asset ownership. Hence, increasing household access to formal savings can improve household well‐being in The Gambia.
Social networks, rice value chain participation and market performance of smallholder farmers in Ghana
Authors: Abdul‐Rahaman Awal , Abdulai Awudu
Published: June 2020

This paper examines the impact of rice value chain participation and social networks on smallholder farmers' market performance outcomes (paddy price, quantity of paddy traded, and net returns), using data from a recent survey of 458 smallholder rice farmers in northern Ghana. We employed a treatment effects model to account for potential selection bias associated with observable and unobservable factors. The empirical results reveal that smallholder farmers' participation in a rice value chain is associated with increased paddy price, quantity traded, and net returns. We also find that value chain participation decisions and market performance are positively and significantly influenced by social networks. The empirical results also suggest that sex, farm size, mobile phone ownership, and access to credit significantly increase paddy prices, quantity traded, and net returns of smallholder rice farmers in the value chain.
Natural phenolic antioxidants electrochemistry: Towards a new food science methodology
Authors: Chiorcea‐Paquim Ana‐Maria , Enache Teodor Adrian , De Souza Gil Eric , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria
Published: June 2020

Natural phenolic compounds are abundant in the vegetable kingdom, occurring mainly as secondary metabolites in a wide variety of chemical structures. Around 10,000 different plant phenolic derivatives have been isolated and identified. This review provides an exhaustive overview concerning the electron transfer reactions in natural polyphenols, from the point of view of theirin vitroantioxidant and/or pro‐oxidant mode of action, as well as their identification in highly complex matrixes, for example, fruits, vegetables, wine, food supplements, relevant for food quality control, nutrition, and health research. The accurate assessment of polyphenols’ redox behavior is essential, and the application of the electrochemical methods in routine quality control of natural products and foods, where the polyphenols antioxidant activity needs to be quantifiedin vitro, is of the utmost importance. The phenol moiety oxidation pathways and the effect of substituents and experimental conditions on their electrochemical behavior will be reviewed. The fundamental principles concerning the redox behavior of natural polyphenols, specifically flavonoids and other benzopyran derivatives, phenolic acids and ester derivatives, quinones, lignins, tannins, lignans, essential oils, stilbenes, curcuminoids, and chalcones, will be described. The final sections will focus on the electroanalysis of phenolic antioxidants in natural products and the electroanalytical evaluation ofin vitrototal antioxidant capacity.
A multilevel analysis of work–life balance practices
Authors: Koon Vui‐Yee
Published: June 2020

The current study uses a multilevel analysis to examine how work–life balance (WLB) practices applied at the organizational level associate with WLB practices and performance appraisal at the individual level that affects employee commitment, underpinned by the theory of supportiveness and the relational perspective. Respondents were 319 employees and 74 managers from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) of various industries in Malaysia. Results indicate that the consistency of employee perception of WLB practices and performance appraisal at individual level influence employee commitment, whereas WLB practices at the organization level have a negative influence on employee commitment. The study also found differences in perception of WLB practices between managers and employees but a high level of WLB practices agreement. The current study provides a plausible explanation that the WLB practices undertaken by the organization may not be accessible or perceived by employees, thus affecting their commitment.
Quantifying Long‐Term and Event‐Scale Baseflow Effects across the Flood Frequency Curve
Authors: Spellman Patricia , Webster Veronica
Published: June 2020

Though metrics that quantify the long‐term water balance of a catchment have been known to influence the statistics of flood frequency data, little has been done to understand exactly what the substantive links are that causes baseflow to impact instantaneous annual maximum flows (IAMF). As abrupt changes to baseflow can occur via climate change and human disturbances, understanding the effects of baseflow on IAMF behavior can provide insight into how groundwater alterations and climate change can impact flood risk assessment, particularly for regional data aggregation. We thus seek to quantify baseflow impacts across the flood frequency curve considering a top down approach enumerating the differential impacts of baseflow (as Baseflow Index) across the IAMF flood frequency curve and then analyzing the impact of baseflow at the event‐scale. Results show that baseflow exerts significant influence over the entire flood frequency curve, showing a slight increase in effect with higher return period flows. At the event‐scale, the permeability of the catchment (proxied by baseflow rate during rising limb), significantly impacted the variability in IAMF and had more of an effect than antecedent moisture of the catchment (proxied by antecedent discharge). Furthermore, the effects of each of the event‐scale variables changed across climate regions and return periods, suggesting that changes to climate and groundwater abstractions would greatly affect the flood frequency curve.
Tooth loss, denture wearing and implants: Findings from the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18
Authors: Peres Marco A , Lalloo Ratilal
Published: June 2020

Background

We aimed to describe the prevalence of different tooth loss outcomes along with the use of dentures and implants among Australians aged 15+ years across socioeconomic and demographic groups. In addition, we performed time trend analyses of tooth loss.

Methods

Data from the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18 included gender, age, residential location, household income, Socio‐Economic Indexes for Areas, possession of dental insurance and pattern of dental visiting. Outcomes were complete tooth loss, inadequate dentition, average number of missing teeth, denture wearing and implants. We compared our findings with data from previous surveys carried out in 1987–88 and 2004–06.

Results

Tooth loss decreased from 14.4% in 1987–88 to 6.4% in 2004–06, and to 4.0% in 2017–18. The proportion of people with lack of functional dentition halved from 20.6% 1987–88 to 10.2% in 2017–18; the average number of teeth lost due for any reason slightly reduced from 2004–06 (6.1) to 2017–18 (5.7). Tooth loss increased with age and was higher among socioeconomically disadvantaged, uninsured and those with unfavourable pattern of dental visiting groups than in their counterparts.

Conclusions

An overall improvement in tooth retention was identified over the last decades. However, socioeconomic inequalities persist.
National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18: root caries
Authors: Kapellas Kostas , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye F
Published: June 2020

Background

The prevalence of root caries in Australia is expected to increase due to an ageing population and increase in tooth retention. This report presents findings from the Australian National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017‐18.

Methods

A stratified random sample of 15 731 Australians aged ≥15 years participated in a telephone or online survey. Of those, 5022 dentate people underwent an oral assessment. Carious root surfaces were defined as ≥1 mm of affected dentine/cementum. Prevalence was defined as the percentage with ≥one natural tooth with untreated caries on root surfaces. Severity was measured as the mean number of root surfaces with caries.

Results

Prevalence of untreated root caries in the Australian adult dentate population was 8.2% and increased with increasing age (range 2%—17.8%). Men (9.3%) compared to women (7.2%), people living in remote (18.0%) versus regional (9.3%) and major cities (7.6%), and those with the lowest household income (15.4%) compared to middle (7.6%) and highest tertile (3.2%) had untreated root caries. The average number of decayed or filled root surfaces in the Australian adult population was 1.1 (95% CI 0.9, 1.2).

Conclusions

Root caries was associated with older age, living outside a major city and lower income.
Periodontal diseases in the Australian adult population
Authors: Ha Diep H , John Spencer A , Ju Xiangqun , Do Loc G
Published: June 2020

Periodontal diseases are some of the major oral diseases and conditions in adults.

Objective

The study aimed to present the population patterns of periodontal diseases and trends of periodontitis in the Australian adult population.

Methods

Data collected in the recent National Study of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2017–18 were used to present the current population patterns of periodontal diseases. Periodontal assessment was carried out at three sites per tooth for all present teeth, excluding third molars. Prevalence of gingivitis, periodontal pocket depth of 4+ mm, gingival recession of 2+ mm, and clinical attachment loss of 4+ mm were calculated and reported. The US CDC/AAP case definition was used to define cases of moderate to severe periodontitis. NSAOH 2017–18 data were combined with data collected in NSAOH 2004–06 using similar methods to describe age‐ and cohort‐related trends of periodontitis.

Results

The prevalence of periodontal diseases and conditions were relatively high in the Australian adult population. Some three in every ten Australian adults had moderate to severe periodontitis. There was a tendency of higher prevalence of periodontitis in NSAOH 2017–18 than in NSAOH 2004–06 among people of the same age.

Conclusion

Periodontal diseases and conditions remain a significant problem in the Australian adult population.
Randomised clinical trial: minesapride vs placebo for irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation
Authors: Hamatani Tatsuto , Fukudo Shin , Nakada Yosuke , Inada Hiroshi , Kazumori Kiyoyasu , Miwa Hiroto
Published: June 2020

Background

Agonists of 5‐hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor are potential agents for irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS‐C). However, only tegaserod has been approved for a very limited population in the US.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minesapride in patients with Rome IV defined IBS‐C.

Methods

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding study was performed. Overall, 411 patients were randomised to receive minesapride at 10, 20 or 40 mg/d, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was Food and Drug Administration (FDA) composite endpoint (responder: a patient who reported an increase in one or more complete spontaneous bowel movements from baseline and improvement of ≥30% from baseline in weekly average of worst abdominal pain score, both in the same week for ≥6/12 weeks).

Results

The FDA composite responder rate was 13.6% (14/103) in the placebo group, 13.6% (14/103) in the 10 mg group, 19.2% (20/104) in the 20 mg group and 14.9% (15/101) in the 40 mg group, and no dose‐response relationship was found. A greater percentage of minesapride 40 mg‐treated patients than placebo‐treated patients met both responder requirements for ≥9/12 weeks as the stricter composite evaluation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, minesapride 40 mg significantly increased SBM frequency compared with placebo (adjusted P < 0.001 at Week 12). The most common adverse event was mild diarrhoea.

Conclusions

Minesapride was safe and well‐tolerated. Although the primary endpoint was negative, minesapride 40 mg is likely to improve the stricter composite endpoint and SBM frequency.

Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center Number: Japic CTI‐163459.
Whistleblowing and power: A network perspective
Authors: Thomas R. Guy
Published: June 2020

This article presents a network perspective on whistleblowing. It considers how whistleblowing affects, and is affected by, the preexisting distribution of power inside and outside an organization, where power is conceptualized as deriving from the network positions of the key actors. The article also highlights four characteristic features of whistleblowing: third‐party detriment, local subversion, appeal to central or external power, and reasonable expectation of concern. The feature of local subversion succinctly explains why whistleblowing is difficult. The feature of appeal to central or external power highlights that contrary to the perception of a democratizing phenomenon, whistleblowing tends to redistribute discretion away from local power toward more central power. This suggests a need for caution about institutional measures to promote whistleblowing in contexts where governance is already highly centralized.
Randomised phase II study to optimise melphalan, prednisolone, and bortezomib in untreated multiple myeloma (JCOG1105)
Authors: Maruyama Dai , Iida Shinsuke , Ogawa Gakuto , Fukuhara Noriko , Seo Sachiko , Miyazaki Kana , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Kuroda Junya , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Tsujimura Hideki , Hangaishi Akira , Yamauchi Takahiro , Utsumi Takahiko , Mizuno Ishikazu , Takamatsu Yasushi , Nagata Yasuyuki , Minauchi Koichiro , Ohtsuka Eiichi , Hanamura Ichiro , Yoshida Shinichiro , Yamasaki Satoshi , Suehiro Youko , Kamiyama Yutaro , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nagai Hirokazu
Published: June 2020

We conducted a randomised phase II study to determine the optimal dose and schedule of melphalan, prednisone, and bortezomib (MPB) (jRCTs031180097). Transplant‐ineligible untreated multiple myeloma patients were randomised to Arm A (twice weekly bortezomib in one six‐week cycle followed by eight five‐week cycles of four times once weekly bortezomib with melphalan and prednisolone on days 1–4) or Arm B (nine four‐week cycles of three times once weekly bortezomib with melphalan and prednisolone on days 1–4). The primary end‐point was complete response (CR) rate. Of 91 patients randomised to two arms, 88 were eligible. The median cumulative bortezomib doses were 45·8 and 35·1 mg/m2, CR rate was 18·6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8·4–33·4] and 6·7% (95% CI 1·4–18·3), and the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 2·5 and 1·4 years in Arms A and B [hazard ratio (HR) 1·93 (95% CI 1·09–3·42)], respectively. Frequent grade ≥3 haematologic toxicities in Arms A and B were neutropenia (64·4% vs. 28·3%) and thrombocytopenia (35·6% vs. 10·9%). Grade 2/3 peripheral neuropathy was observed in 24·4/2·2% in Arm A and 8·7/0% in Arm B. In conclusion, Arm A was the more promising regimen, suggesting that the twice weekly schedule of bortezomib in the first cycle and higher cumulative dose of both bortezomib and melphalan influences the efficacy of modified MPB.
Looking out for myself: Exploring the relationship between conspiracy mentality, perceived personal risk, and COVID‐19 prevention measures
Authors: Marinthe Gaëlle , Brown Genavee , Delouvée Sylvain , Jolley Daniel
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This research examined how conspiracy mentality may affect compliance with preventive health measures necessary to fight the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the underlying motivations to comply.

Design and Method

We conducted two cross‐sectional studies (Study 1 N = 762, Study 2 N = 229) on a French population, measuring conspiracy mentality, compliance with preventive health measures, and perceived risks related to COVID‐19. We also measured motivations to comply with preventive measures in Study 2.

Results

We show that people high in conspiracy mentality are likely to engage in non‐normative prevention behaviours (Study 1), but are less willing to comply with extreme preventive behaviours that are government‐driven (Study 2). However, we demonstrate that a perceived risk to oneself (risk of death) and a motivation to protect oneself can act as a suppressor: Conspiracy mentality is linked with an increase in the perception of risk to oneself, which, in turn, is associated with normative compliance. We also find that perceived risk of death explains the relationship between conspiracy mentality and non‐normative prevention behaviours.

Conclusions

Our studies showcase how people high in conspiracy theorizing may (dis)engage with prevention behaviours, but that perceived risk and motivation to protect oneself could increase these individuals’ compliance.
Habits and self‐efficacy moderate the effects of intentions and planning on physical activity
Authors: Di Maio Sally , Keller Jan , Hohl Diana H. , Schwarzer Ralf , Knoll Nina
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Behavioural intentions as well as action planning can facilitate the adoption and maintenance of physical activity under certain conditions. The present study examined levels of plan‐specific self‐efficacy and habit strength as possible conditions that may modify this relationship.

Design

As a secondary analysis of a larger randomized trial to improve physical activity, n = 225 recipients of a planning intervention were followed up at five measurement points over one year.

Methods

Two‐level models were fit. Within‐person levels, that is, fluctuations of intention and action planning around person means, were modelled to predict self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. Moreover, between‐person, that is, average person, levels of self‐efficacy and habit strength were specified as putative moderators of this relationship.

Results

The within‐person intention–activity relationship was moderated by between‐person levels of habit strength, yielding a compensatory effect: higher‐than‐usual intention predicted physical activity only when average activity habit levels were low. The within‐person planning–activity relationship was moderated by between‐person levels of self‐efficacy, yielding a synergistic effect: higher‐than‐usual planning combined with high average self‐efficacy resulted in highest physical activity levels.

Conclusion

Higher‐than‐usual intention may only be required in the presence of low activity habits. Moreover, high self‐efficacy seems to be required to translate higher‐than‐usual action planning into augmented physical activity because self‐efficacious individuals may invest more efforts to enact their plans.
Inequalities and identity processes in crises: Recommendations for facilitating safe response to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Templeton Anne , Guven Selin Tekin , Hoerst Carina , Vestergren Sara , Davidson Louise , Ballentyne Susie , Madsen Hannah , Choudhury Sanjeedah
Published: June 2020

Structural inequalities and identity processes are pivotal to understanding public response to COVID‐19. We discuss how identity processes can be used to promote community‐level support, safe normative behaviour, and increase compliance with guidance. However, we caution how government failure to account for structural inequalities can alienate vulnerable groups, inhibit groups from being able to follow guidance, and lead to the creation of new groups in response to illegitimate treatment. Moreover, we look ahead to the longitudinal impacts of inequalities during pandemics and advise government bodies should address identity‐based inequalities to mitigate negative relations with the public and subsequent collective protest.
When one tail isn't enough: abnormal caudal regeneration in lepidosaurs and its potential ecological impacts
Authors: Barr James I. , Somaweera Ruchira , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Gardner Michael G. , Bateman Philip W.
Published: June 2020

Abnormal caudal regeneration, the production of additional tails through regeneration events, occurs in lepidosaurs as a result of incomplete autotomy or sufficient caudal wound. Despite being widely known to occur, documented events generally are limited to opportunistic single observations – hindering the understanding of the ecological importance of caudal regeneration. Here we compiled and reviewed a robust global database of both peer‐reviewed and non‐peer reviewed records of abnormal regeneration events in lepidosaurs published over the last 400 years. Using this database, we qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the occurrence and characteristics of abnormal tail regeneration among individuals, among species, and among populations. We identified 425 observations from 366 records pertaining to 175 species of lepidosaurs across 22 families from 63 different countries. At an individual level, regenerations ranged from bifurcations to hexafurcations; from normal regeneration from the original tail to multiple regenerations arising from a single point; and from growth from the distal third to the proximal third of the tail. Species showing abnormal regenerations included those with intra‐vertebral, inter‐vertebral or no autotomy planes, indicating that abnormal regenerations evidently occur across lepidosaurs regardless of whether the species demonstrates caudal autotomy or not. Within populations, abnormal regenerations were estimated at a mean ± SD of 2.75 ± 3.41% (range 0.1–16.7%). There is a significant lack of experimental studies to understand the potential ecological impacts of regeneration on the fitness and life history of individuals and populations. We hypothesised that abnormal regeneration may affect lepidosaursviainfluencing kinematics of locomotion, restrictions in escape mechanisms, anti‐predation tactics, and intra‐ and inter‐specific signalling. Behaviourally testing these hypotheses would be an important future research direction.
The Erwin equation of biodiversity: From little steps to quantum leaps in the discovery of tropical insect diversity
Authors: García‐Robledo Carlos , Kuprewicz Erin K. , Baer Christina S. , Clifton Elizabeth , Hernández Georgia G. , Wagner David L.
Published: June 2020

Almost 40 years ago, Terry L. Erwin published a seemingly audacious proposition: There may be as many as 30 million species of insects in the world. Here, we translate Erwin's verbal argument into a diversity‐ratio model—the Erwin Equation of Biodiversity—and discuss how it has inspired other biodiversity estimates. We categorize, describe the assumptions for, and summarize the most commonly used methods for calculating estimates of global biodiversity. Subsequent diversity‐ratio extrapolations have incorporated parameters representing empirical insect specialization ratios, and how insect specialization changes at different spatial scales. Other approaches include macroecological diversity models and diversity curves. For many insect groups with poorly known taxonomies, diversity estimates are based on the opinions of taxonomic experts. We illustrate our current understanding of insect diversity by focusing on the six most speciose insect orders worldwide. For each order, we compiled estimates of the (a) maximum estimated number of species, (b) minimum estimated number of species, and (c) number of currently described species. By integrating these approaches and considering new information, we believe an estimate of 5.5 million species of insects in the world is much too low. New molecular methodologies (e.g., metabarcoding and NGS studies) are revealing daunting numbers of cryptic and previously undescribed species, at the same time increasing our precision but also uncertainty about present estimates. Not until technologies advance and sampling become more comprehensive, especially of tropical biotas, will we be able to make robust estimates of the total number of insect species on Earth.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Prevalence and associated factors of overweight/obesity among school going children in Chandigarh, India
Authors: Singh Dhirendra Pratap , Arya Arpit , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Bishnoi Mahendra , Boparai Ravneet Kaur
Published: June 2020

Background

An increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is reported worldwide. Few data are available regarding childhood obesity in North India. The present study aimed to study the prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents aged 10–14, in schools of Chandigarh, and to examine associated factors.

Methods

Nine co‐educational schools were chosen to include both government and private schools in Chandigarh. We randomly sampled students from different subsections/batches of classes fifth to ninth (aged 10–14), and those present on the day were measured and completed questionnaires. Obesity was classified according to the methods recommended by the Indian Association of Pediatrics (IAP) growth charts committee.

Results

A total of 1,030 participants were included, 502 students from government and 528 students from private schools. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity evaluated by using age‐specific body mass index (BMI) cut‐offs was found to be 9.9% and 14.0%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight (adult equivalent of 23) was 10.3% in boys and 9.4% in girls and that of obesity (adult equivalent of 27) was found to be 13.3% and 14.7%, respectively, in boys and girls. In univariate analyses, statistically significant associations were found between the risk of obesity and gender, socio‐economic status (SES) and reported physical activity.

Conclusion

We found significant levels of overweight and obesity among children aged 10–14 and found associations with SES, gender and reported physical activity as has been previously reported elsewhere.
Mothers living homeless in Madrid (Spain): Characteristics, vulnerabilities and relationships with their children
Authors: Vázquez José Juan , Piqueras Susana , Panadero Sonia
Published: June 2020

People in a homeless situation are one of the most obvious embodiments of the phenomenon of social exclusion, and women living homeless are a particularly vulnerable group. The article examines some of the differences between women who were mothers and those who had no children in a sample of women living homeless in Madrid, Spain (n = 138). The information was collected using a structured interview. The results show that the women in a homeless situation who were mothers presented extremely difficult life experiences and were a particularly vulnerable subgroup. None of the women in a homeless situation who were mothers lived with their children. The women who were mothers suffered from more chronic homelessness, slept the night in the street more frequently and were in poorer health. Furthermore, throughout their life, the women living homeless who were mothers had experienced more traumatic situations from early ages, with higher levels of psychoactive substance abuse and more problems with the legal system, which could have had a highly negative effect on their relationship and lives with their children. The different circumstances and needs of mothers in a homeless situation require the implementation of prevention and/or treatment approaches aimed at this specific subgroup.
The role of long non‐coding RNAs in drug resistance of cancer
Authors: Zhang He‐da , Jiang Lin‐hong , Zhong Shan‐liang , Li Jian , Sun Da‐wei , Hou Jun‐chen , Wang Dan‐dan , Zhou Si‐ying , Tang Jin‐hai
Published: June 2020

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of long RNAs, are longer than 200 nucleotides in length but lack protein‐coding capacity. LncRNAs, as critical genomic regulators, are involved in genomic imprinting regulation, histone modification and gene expression regulation as well as tumor initiation and progression. However, it is also found that lncRNAs are associated with drug resistance in several types of cancer. Drug resistance is an important reason for clinical chemotherapy failure, and the molecular mechanism of tumor resistance is complex, which is a process of multi‐cause, multi‐gene and multi‐signal transduction pathway interaction. Then comprehending the mechanisms of chemoresistance will help find ways to control the tumor progression effectively. Therefore, in this review, we will construct lncRNAs /drug resistance interaction network and shed light on the role of lncRNAs in drug resistance.
Factors Affecting Usage Levels and Trends of Innovative Oncology Drugs Upon and After Reimbursement Under Taiwan National Health Insurance: Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Liao Kai‐Hsin , Ko Bor‐Sheng , Chen Liang‐Kung , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: June 2020

Healthcare expenditure on pharmaceuticals, especially innovative oncology drugs, is escalating. Current knowledge on this topic is largely limited to studies conducted upon reimbursement of new drugs. We investigated how endogenous factors (e.g., changed reimbursement criteria, such as an expanded indication) and exogenous factors (e.g., competing drugs) affect the level and trends of innovative oncology drug utilization in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) system, both upon reimbursement and afterward. This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed monthly data (January 2009 to December 2014) from the NHI Research Database on the consumption (prescribing volume) of 15 innovative oncology drugs reimbursed by the NHI between 2007 and 2013. Effects of endogenous and exogenous factors on drug utilization were evaluated using interrupted time series analyses. In segmented regression analyses, changed drug prescribing volume after the indication expanded (endogenous factor) was statistically significant; however, drug volume did not change significantly after prescription restrictions changed. First‐competitors and non‐first‐competitors (exogenous factors) were significantly associated with drug prescription levels or utilization rates. Taking sorafenib as an example, the post‐reimbursement drug prescribing volume did not change significantly after its therapy line changed (endogenous factor), whereas the reimbursement of first‐competitors (exogenous factor) was significantly associated with a lower level or usage rate of sorafenib. Utilization of innovative oncology drugs in Taiwan changed dramatically after NHI reimbursement, driven largely by expanded indications and new competitors. Drug utilization evaluations should investigate both endogenous and exogenous factors.
Evolving Role for Pharmacotherapy in NAFLD/NASH
Authors: Attia Suzanna L. , Softic Samir , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: June 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent, dynamic disease that occurs across the age spectrum and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatments for NAFLD; however, this is a field of active research. This review summarizes emerging pharmacotherapies for the treatment of adult and pediatric NAFLD. Investigated pharmacotherapies predominantly target bile acid signaling, insulin resistance, and lipid handling within the liver. Three drugs have gone on to phase III trials for which results are available. Of those, obeticholic acid is the single agent that demonstrates promise according to the interim analyses of the REGENERATE trial. Obeticholic acid showed reduction of fibrosis in adults with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) taking 25 mg daily for 18 months (n = 931, reduction in fibrosis in 25% vs. 12% placebo,P < 0.01). Ongoing phase III trials include REGENERATE and MAESTRO‐NASH, which investigates thyroid hormone receptor‐β agonist MGL‐3196. Outcomes of promising phase II trials in adults with NASH are also available and those have investigated agents, including the fibroblast growth factor (FGF)19 analogue NGM282, the GLP1 agonist liraglutide, the FGF21 analogue Pegbelfermin, the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor Empagliflozin, the ketohexokinase inhibitor PF‐06835919, the acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase inhibitor GS‐0976, and the chemokine receptor antagonist Cenicriviroc. Completed and ongoing clinical trials emphasize the need for a more nuanced understanding of the phenotypes of subgroups within NAFLD that may respond to an individualized approach to pharmacotherapy.
Atypical fibroxanthoma and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: A reappraisal
Authors: Cesinaro Anna Maria , Gallo Graziana , Tramontozzi Sabrina , Migaldi Mario
Published: June 2020

Background

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) share clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and molecular features, though PDS is associated with a more aggressive behavior.

Methods

We reviewed 71 tumors fulfilling criteria for AFX and PDS to further stratify their biological potential.

Results

Lesions were mainly located on the scalps of elderly men, and were often ulcerated. One case was necrotic, one showed vascular invasion, and one showed perineural invasion. Fifty‐one tumors were limited to reticular dermis (71.8%), 20 invaded subcutaneous tissue, focally in 13 cases (18.3%), and diffusely in seven (9.9%). Subcutaneous invasion was present significantly more often in tumors showing predominantly spindle compared to pleomorphic/mixed cell morphology (P = 0.02). At a follow‐up of 17‐125 months, 4 cases recurred locally, 4, 6, 10 and 13 months after surgery; no metastases were observed. Three tumors were composed of spindle cells, and one of clear cells. Three cases had margins focally involved, while the fourth case had clear margins.

Conclusion

Depth of invasion and state of margins are criteria predicting prognosis in AFX/PDS; in addition, spindle cell morphology seems to be related to a more infiltrative pattern of growth and to aggressiveness. Grouping these tumors on a morphologic base could help to clarify their different biological behavior.
Assessing future distribution, suitability of corridors and efficiency of protected areas to conserve vulnerable ungulates under climate change
Authors: Malakoutikhah Shima , Fakheran Sima , Hemami Mahmoud‐Reza , Tarkesh Mostafa , Senn Josef
Published: June 2020

Aim

Central part of Iran harbours populations of wild ungulates that are threatened or extinct over large parts of the region, and are likely to be impacted by climate change. In this study, we predicted the impact of climate change on the distribution of three vulnerable ungulates in central Iran. We then evaluated future suitability of corridors connecting the protected areas for movement of the ungulates in response to climate change.

Location

Central Iran.

Methods

Impact of climate change on distribution of goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), wild sheep (Ovis spp) and wild goat (Capra aegagrus) was predicted adapting an ensemble modelling approach and under the RCP 8.5 emission scenario. We then used CIRCUITSCAPE software with current and future distribution maps to identify corridors for movement of the three ungulates, and evaluate likely changes in their suitability under climate change.

Results

Our results revealed that climate change might result in loss of 55%, 69% and 76% of suitable habitats for goitered gazelle, wild sheep and wild goat by 2070, respectively. These losses also resulted in some protected areas to become unsuitable for the ungulates. However, we identified key protected areas with the potential for future protection of these ungulates. For the three species, we also identified corridors which would persist into the future, allowing the impacted populations to move in response to climate change.

Main conclusions

Conservation of ungulate populations in Iran mainly depends on the protected areas. To maintain the role of the protected areas in conserving these mammals under climate change, we recommend the incorporation of their potential future distribution into conservation plans, increasing protection status of the key protected areas, and maintain critical corridors. In this regard, combining results of distribution and connectivity models provides useful information for effective management of these ungulates in the future.