bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DBFOLD: An efficient algorithm for computing folding pathways of complex proteins
Authors: Bitran Amir , Jacobs William M. , Shakhnovich Eugene
Published: September 2020

Atomistic simulations can provide valuable, experimentally-verifiable insights into protein folding mechanisms, but existingab initiosimulation methods are restricted to only the smallest proteins due to severe computational speed limits. The folding of larger proteins has been studied using native-centric potential functions, but such models omit the potentially crucial role of non-native interactions.Here, we present an algorithm, entitled DBFOLD, which can predict folding pathways for a wide range of proteins while accounting for the effects of non-native contacts. In addition, DBFOLD can predict the relative rates of different transitions within a protein’s folding pathway. To accomplish this, rather than directly simulating folding, our method combines equilibrium Monte-Carlo simulations, which deploy enhanced sampling, withunfoldingsimulations at high temperatures. We show that under certain conditions, trajectories from these two types of simulations can be jointly analyzed to compute unknown folding rates from detailed balance. This requires inferring free energies from the equilibrium simulations, and extrapolating transition rates from the unfolding simulations to lower, physiologically-reasonable temperatures at which the native state is marginally stable. As a proof of principle, we show that our method can accurately predict folding pathways and Monte-Carlo rates for the well-characterized Streptococcal protein G. We then show that our method significantly reduces the amount of computation time required to compute the folding pathways of large, misfolding-prone proteins that lie beyond the reach of existing direct simulation methods. Our algorithm, which is available online, can generate detailed atomistic models of protein folding mechanisms while shedding light on the role of non-native intermediates which may crucially affect organismal fitness and are frequently implicated in disease.

Author summary

Many proteins must adopt a specific structure in order to function. Computational simulations have been used to shed light on the mechanisms of protein folding, but unfortunately, realistic simulations can typically only be run for small proteins, due to severe limits in computational speed. Here, we present a method to solve this problem, whereby instead of directly simulating folding from an unfolded state, we run simulations that allow for computation of equilibrium folding free energies, alongside high temperature simulations to compute unfolding rates. From these quantities, folding rates can be computed using detailed balance. Importantly, our method can account for the effects of nonnative contacts which transiently form during folding and must be broken prior to adoption of the native state. Such contacts, which are often excluded from simple models of folding, may crucially affect real protein folding pathways and are often observed in folding intermediates implicated in disease.
Tracking individual honeybees among wildflower clusters with computer vision-facilitated pollinator monitoring
Authors: Ratnayake Malika Nisal , Dyer Adrian G , Dorin Alan
Published: September 2020

Monitoring animals in their natural habitat is essential for advancement of animal behavioural studies, especially in pollination studies. Non-invasive techniques are preferred for these purposes as they reduce opportunities for research apparatus to interfere with behaviour. One potentially valuable approach is image-based tracking. However, the complexity of tracking unmarked wild animals using video is challenging in uncontrolled outdoor environments. Out-of-the-box algorithms currently present several problems in this context that can compromise accuracy, especially in cases of occlusion in a 3D environment. To address the issue, we present a novel hybrid detection and tracking algorithm to monitor unmarked insects outdoors. Our software can detect an insect, identify when a tracked insect becomes occluded from view and when it re-emerges, determine when an insect exits the camera field of view, and our software assembles a series of insect locations into a coherent trajectory. The insect detecting component of the software uses background subtraction and deep learning-based detection together to accurately and efficiently locate the insect among a cluster of wildflowers.

We applied our method to track honeybees foraging outdoors using a new dataset that includes complex background detail, wind-blown foliage, and insects moving into and out of occlusion beneath leaves and among three-dimensional plant structures. We evaluated our software against human observations and previous techniques. It tracked honeybees at a rate of 86.6% on our dataset, 43% higher than the computationally more expensive, standalone deep learning model YOLOv2. We illustrate the value of our approach to quantify fine-scale foraging of honeybees. The ability to track unmarked insect pollinators in this way will help researchers better understand pollination ecology. The increased efficiency of our hybrid approach paves the way for the application of deep learning-based techniques to animal tracking in real-time using low-powered devices suitable for continuous monitoring.
Let Me Make You Happy, And I’ll Tell You How you look around: Using an Approach-Avoidance Task as an Embodied Emotion Prime in a Free-Viewing Task
Authors: Czeszumski Artur , Albers Friederike , Walter Sven , König Peter
Published: September 2020

The embodied approach of human cognition suggests that concepts are deeply dependent upon and constrained by an agent’s physical body’s characteristics, such as performed body movements. In this study, we attempted to broaden previous research on emotional priming, investigating the interaction of emotions and visual exploration. We used the joystick-based approach-avoidance task to influence the emotional states of participants, and subsequently, we presented pictures of news web pages on a computer screen and measured participant’s eye movements. As a result, the number of fixations on images increased, the total dwell time increased, and the average saccade length from outside of the images towards the images decreased after the bodily congruent priming phase. The combination of these effects suggests increased attention to web pages’ image content after the participants performed bodily congruent actions in the priming phase. Thus, congruent bodily interaction with images in the priming phase fosters visual interaction in the subsequent exploration phase.
Mechanical principles governing the shapes of dendritic spines
Authors: Alimohamadi H. , Bell M.K. , Halpain S. , Rangamani P.
Published: September 2020

Dendritic spines are small, bulbous protrusions along the dendrites of neurons and are sites of excitatory postsynaptic activity. The morphology of spines has been implicated in their function in synaptic plasticity and their shapes have been well-characterized, but the potential mechanics underlying their shape development and maintenance have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we explore the mechanical principles that could underlie specific shapes using a minimal biophysical model of membrane-actin interactions. Using this model, we first identify the possible force regimes that give rise to the classic spine shapes – stubby, filopodia, thin, and mushroom-shaped spines. We also use this model to investigate how the spine neck might be stabilized using periodic rings of actin or associated proteins. Finally, we use this model to predict that the cooperation between force generation and ring structures can regulate the energy landscape of spine shapes across a wide range of tensions. Thus, our study provides insights into how mechanical aspects of actin-mediated force generation and tension can play critical roles in spine shape maintenance.
AMPK regulation of Raptor and TSC2 mediate metformin effects on transcriptional control of anabolism and inflammation
Authors: Van Nostrand Jeanine L. , Hellberg Kristina , Luo En-Ching , Van Nostrand Eric L. , Dayn Alina , Yu Jingting , Shokhirev Maxim N. , Dayn Yelena , Yeo Gene W. , Shaw Reuben J.
Published: September 2020

Despite being the frontline therapy for type 2 diabetes, the mechanisms of action of the biguanide drug metformin are still being discovered. In particular, the detailed molecular interplays between the AMPK and the mTORC1 pathway in the hepatic benefits of metformin are still ill defined. Metformin-dependent activation of AMPK classically inhibits mTORC1 via TSC/RHEB, but several lines of evidence suggest additional mechanisms at play in metformin inhibition of mTORC1. Here we investigated the role of direct AMPK-mediated serine phosphorylation of RAPTOR in a new RaptorAA mouse model, in which AMPK phospho-serine sites Ser722 and Ser792 of RAPTOR were mutated to alanine. Metformin treatment of primary hepatocytes and intact murine liver requires AMPK regulation of both RAPTOR and TSC2 to fully inhibit mTORC1, and this regulation is critical for both the translational and transcriptional response to metformin. Transcriptionally, AMPK and mTORC1 were both important for regulation of anabolic metabolism and inflammatory programs triggered by metformin treatment. The hepatic transcriptional response in mice on high-fat diet treated with metformin was largely ablated by AMPK deficiency under the conditions examined, indicating the essential role of this kinase and its targets in metformin action in vivo.
Yap/Taz promote the scavenging of extracellular nutrients through macropinocytosis
Authors: King Bryan , Araki Jingwen , Palm Wilhelm , Thompson Craig B.
Published: September 2020

The uptake of macromolecules and cellular debris through macropinocytosis has emerged as an important nutrient acquisition strategy of cancer cells. Genetic alterations commonly found in human cancers (e.g. mutations in KRAS or loss of PTEN) have been shown to increase macropinocytosis. To identify additional effectors that enable cell growth dependent on the uptake of extracellular proteins, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells were selected for growth in medium where extracellular albumin was the obligate source of the essential amino acid leucine. Analysis of global changes in chromatin availability and gene expression revealed that PDA cells selected under these conditions exhibited elevated activity of the transcriptional activators Yap/Taz. Knockout of Yap/Taz prevented growth of PDA cells in leucine-deficient medium, but not in complete medium. Furthermore, constitutively active forms of Yap or Taz were sufficient to stimulate macropinocytosis of extracellular protein. In addition to promoting the uptake of plasma proteins, Yap/Taz also promoted the scavenging of apoptotic cell bodies and necrotic debris by PDA cells. The Yap/Taz transcriptional target Axl was found to be essential for cell growth dependent on the uptake of dead cells and cell debris. Together, these studies suggest that the Hippo pathway effectors Yap and Taz are important transcriptional regulators of endocytic nutrient uptake.
A re-interpretation of the structure of the silver borate, Ag16B4O10, in the light of the extended Zintl–Klemm concept
Authors: Vegas Angel , Jenkins H. Donald Brooke
Published: September 2020

The borate Ag16B4O10 was synthesized at high temperature and at elevated oxygen pressures [Kovalevskiy et al. (2020). Chem. Sci.
11, 962–969]. Its structure consists of [B4O10]8− polyanions (isostructural to P4O10) embedded in an Ag matrix. According to the standard valences Ag+, B3+ and O2−, the formula has an excess of eight e− which the above authors proposed were located, pairwise, in four Ag4 tetrahedra within the silver substructure. That conclusion was based on the semiconducting and diamagnetic properties, as well as the very small `attractors' of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) found at the centre of these Ag4 tetrahedra. However, a large overlap of the projected density of states (DOS) of silver and oxygen indicated possible dispersion interactions between both atomic species. In this article, an alternative description is proposed based on the extended Zintl–Klemm concept. The anion [B4O10]8− can be formulated as Ψ-[N4O10] P4O10, if it is assumed that the eight e− are transferred to the four B atoms, so converting them into Ψ-N, this then makes sense of its similarity with P4O10, [N4(CH2)6], adamantane and tetraisopropyladamantane. When the Ag atoms connect to the O atoms, they arrange as the H atoms do in hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). If the two lone pairs of each of the bridging O atoms in Ψ-[N4O10] are equated to the C—H bonds in HMTA, then, this same equivalence exists between the C—H bonds and the O—Ag bonds in the compound Ag16B4O10. The 24 Ag atoms surrounding each [B4O10]8− group prolong the sphalerite structure of the borate anion by means of Ag—O bonds which also fit the sphalerite structure formed of AgO. The eight excess electrons might then be distributed between the Ag and the O atoms, so making sense of the mixing of the Ag and O states. The Ag atoms bonded to the O atoms of the [B4O10]8− groups form a coat that interconnects the borate anions through Ag—O bonds. To establish the validity of this new proposal, the study needs to be extended to the compound Ag3B5O9.
A snapshot of food supply chain in Wuhan under the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Min Shi , Zhang Xiaoheng , Li Gucheng
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The objective is to have a better understanding of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply chain in Wuhan.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a simplified flow, the authors qualitatively analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply chain. Data was gathered through a telephone survey of food suppliers in Wuhan.

Findings

The prevention measures of the COVID-19 pandemic had negative impacts on food supply chain in Wuhan. About 83.1% of food suppliers experienced a decrease in revenues. This is influenced by factors including food category on sale, purchase channel of food, food supplier's household registration and the number of the COVID-19 patients in the located community.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the limitation of available data, there is a lack of quantitative analysis on the impact on food supply chain. The sample size of food suppliers is limited.

Practical implications

This study identifies the challenges in the food supply chain resulting from the control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan and provides a reference for the design of control measures in other regions.

Originality/value

This study supplements the literature regarding the impact of public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply chain, especially food suppliers' revenues.
Supply chain corruption practices circumventing sustainability standards: wolves in sheep's clothing
Authors: Silvestre Bruno S. , Viana Fernando Luiz E. , Sousa Monteiro Marcelo de
Published: September 2020

Purpose

A growing number of private, voluntary and mandatory sustainability standards have recently emerged. However, supply chain corruption practices as mechanisms to circumvent sustainability standards have also grown and occur regularly. This paper strives to elaborate theory on the intersection of institutional theory, business corruption and the sustainability standards literature by investigating factors that influence the emergence of supply chain corruption practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on secondary data, four in-depth case studies of supply chain corruption practices are investigated through the use of adaptive theory and the method of constant comparisons to elaborate theory on this important phenomenon.

Findings

The paper suggests that although sustainability standards can improve supply chain sustainability performance, if they are adopted only symbolically and not substantively, unanticipated outcomes such as supply chain corruption may occur. The study proposes a typology of supply chain corruption practices, further explores the symbolic adoption of sustainability standards in supply chains and proposes the novel construct of “social isomorphism for corruption.” Since focal companies play central roles in leading supply chain corruption practices, we reason that they can also play a pivotal role in preventing supply chain corruption practices by promoting the substantive adoption of sustainability standards across their supply chains.

Originality/value

This paper elaborates theory on the challenging phenomenon of corruption in supply chains by linking the supply chain management literature to the corruption and the sustainability discourses and offers important insights to aid our understanding on the topic. It generates six propositions and four contributions to the sustainable supply chain management theory, practice and policy.
Net gains: a comparison of competitive balance between the ANZ Championship and Suncorp Super Netball
Authors: Wetherall Henry E.T. , Stewart Mark F. , Trinh Trong Anh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Competitive balance is critical for the survival of athletic leagues. A relationship between “uncertainty of outcome” and fan interest has been found in many sports all over the world. This paper examines competitive balance in professional netball in Australia and New Zealand by contrasting two competitions: the ANZ Championship, an elite Australasian competition that began in 2008 but was disbanded in 2016 as there was a perception of dominance by the Australian teams over their New Zealand rivals; and its Australian domestic replacement, Suncorp Super Netball, which started in 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Competitive balance is gauged in three broad ways: match result concentration, which looks at the evenness of each season; team dominance, where comparisons are made across several seasons; and within game equality, which examines the results of individual games.

Findings

Several methods are used under each heading, with the results surprisingly showing that measured competitive balance was similar in the two competitions.

Originality/value

In sports management, quantitative analysis or sports economics, there are few published papers on netball. This is the first research to examine competitive balance in netball, and the findings have important ramifications for this women-only game, as it competes against other purveyors of professional sport.
Proposing student support model for postgraduate research education
Authors: Ahmad Tashfeen
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Many start pursuing graduate or postgraduate research based education, however few complete on time. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a postgraduate student support model which will facilitate students to complete their studies successfully and on time.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was designed using authors viewpoint on this issue which was informed by literature and first-hand interactions with post graduate students and supervisors.

Findings

Ahmad's Student Support Model for Postgraduate Research Training proposes that students need support on three major dimension (Financial, Technical and Publishing) to complete degree on time. University and supervisor play critical role in this as they provide administrative and emotional support as they create learning environment for students. The model illustrates their role.

Originality/value

The model is useful for universities to ensure they provide students with all elements proposed. New supervisors can get ideas how to play their role in facilitating students to complete their degrees on time. Students can evaluate an institution before enrolling in research education if the institution has the elements proposed in the model.
Exogenous ethanol induces a metabolic switch that prolongs the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larva and enhances its resistance to desiccation
Authors: Kaptan Damla , Penkov Sider , Zhang Xingyu , Gade Vamshidhar R. , Raghuraman Bharath Kumar , Galli Roberta , Sampaio Júlio L. , Haase Robert , Koch Edmund , Shevchenko Andrej , Zaburdaev Vasily , Kurzchalia Teymuras V.
Published: September 2020

The dauer larva of Caenorhabditis elegans, destined to survive long periods of food scarcity and harsh environment, does not feed and has a very limited exchange of matter with the exterior. It was assumed that the survival time is determined by internal energy stores. Here, we show that ethanol can provide a potentially unlimited energy source for dauers by inducing a controlled metabolic shift that allows it to be metabolized into carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Dauer larvae provided with ethanol survive much longer and have greater desiccation tolerance. On the cellular level, ethanol prevents the deterioration of mitochondria caused by energy depletion. By modeling the metabolism of dauers of wild‐type and mutant strains with and without ethanol, we suggest that the mitochondrial health and survival of an organism provided with an unlimited source of carbon depends on the balance between energy production and toxic product(s) of lipid metabolism.
The analysis of surgical prognostic factors and molecular typing of locally advanced lung squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Dong Ming , Liu Jinghao , Gong Hao , Li Xin , Song Zuoqing , Zhao Honglin , Wei Sen , Chen Gang , Zhou Qinghua , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun
Published: September 2020

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common subtype of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounts for about 30% of all lung cancer, and has unique clinical and histologic characteristics. The predominant treatment of LSCC is surgical intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore the survival rates of the patients with primary LSCC after surgical treatment and the factors affecting prognosis. And also to analyze the molecular typing of local advanced LSCC of patients with various survival periods. We retrospectively evaluated the files of 170 patients with squamous NSCLC who were treated at the Department of Lung Cancer Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, between January 2008 and December 2011. Univariate (Cox regression analysis) and multivariate (likelihood ratio) analyses were carried out for overall survival (OS) and the median survival duration. A P‐value of < .05 was defined as significant. And then, we detected the mutation of 56 genes related to lung cancer by next‐generation sequencing for two groups of lung squamous cell cancer patients, in which the OS was more than 3 years in one group and less than 1 year in the other group. In addition, we analysis the relationship between the molecular typing and the survival period. Next, we used the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to compare the different patients’ clinical information with the genes, which have been analyzed in our patients’ tumor tissue samples.
Anti‐HBcand hepatitis B virusDNAamongHBsAg‐negative blood donors from the main central blood bank units in Eastern Libya
Authors: El‐Nabi Sobhy Hassab , El‐Garawani Islam , Ismail Faisal , Abdelsameea Eman
Published: September 2020

Background

Post‐transfusion hepatitis B virus (PTHB) infection is still a public health problem in the world. In many developed countries, nucleic acid testing (NAT) for detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)‐DNA has been implemented to enhance blood donation safety. In Libya, however, the testing for HBV infection is limited to the detection of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) only.

Objectives

To determine the frequency of anti‐Hepatitis B core antibody (HBc) and HBV‐DNA in HBsAg‐negative, anti‐HBc‐positive blood donors in the main Central Blood Bank Units (CBBUs) in eastern Libya.

Methods

One thousand blood samples were obtained from healthy blood donors at the five main CBBUs in eastern Libya. The samples were screened for HBsAg and anti‐HBc. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to detect HBV‐DNA in all anti‐HBc‐positive samples.

Results

A total of 94 (9.4%) donors were positive for anti‐HBc. Of the 94 anti‐HBc‐positive samples, 9 samples (9.5%) tested positive for HBV‐DNA by real‐time PCR.

Conclusion

The rate of anti‐HBc among blood donors in this study (9.4%) was similar to that reported from other regions in the country. In the absence of advanced tests for the detection of HBV infection in blood donors, such as NAT, anti‐HBc should be routinely tested for, at least for first‐time donors.
The Multi Wavelength Arrayed Flexible PPG Sensing Patch for to Estimate Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen
Authors: Chen Yu-Ting , Tu Tse-Yi , Chao Paul C.-P.
Published: September 2020

This study aims to develop the Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor patch for to estimate the heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen (SpO2). A newly developed multi wavelength arrayed flexible OLED-OPD PPG sensing patch elevates the performance of motion artifact for not only for heart rate estimation but also blood oxygen estimation. The PPG sensing patch ensures the long-time continuous monitoring of the PPG signal from the wrist artery during sleeping, walking and cycling. The accuracy of the HRs is 92% and the accuracy of SpO2 is 95%.
Cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington state
Authors: Bedford Trevor , Greninger Alexander L. , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Starita Lea M. , Famulare Michael , Huang Meei-Li , Nalla Arun , Pepper Gregory , Reinhardt Adam , Xie Hong , Shrestha Lasata , Nguyen Truong N. , Adler Amanda , Brandstetter Elisabeth , Cho Shari , Giroux Danielle , Han Peter D. , Fay Kairsten , Frazar Chris D. , Ilcisin Misja , Lacombe Kirsten , Lee Jover , Kiavand Anahita , Richardson Matthew , Sibley Thomas R. , Truong Melissa , Wolf Caitlin R. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Rieder Mark J. , Englund Janet A. ,   The Seattle Flu Study Investigators, Hadfield James , Hodcroft Emma B. , Huddleston John , Moncla Louise H. , Müller Nicola F. , Neher Richard A. , Deng Xianding , Gu Wei , Federman Scot , Chiu Charles , Duchin Jeffrey S. , Gautom Romesh , Melly Geoff , Hiatt Brian , Dykema Philip , Lindquist Scott , Queen Krista , Tao Ying , Uehara Anna , Tong Suxiang , MacCannell Duncan , Armstrong Gregory L. , Baird Geoffrey S. , Chu Helen Y. , Shendure Jay , Jerome Keith R. , Chu Helen Y. , Boeckh Michael , Englund Janet A. , Famulare Michael , Lutz Barry R. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Rieder Mark J. , Starita Lea M. , Thompson Matthew , Shendure Jay , Bedford Trevor , Adler Amanda , Brandstetter Elisabeth , Cho Shari , Frazar Chris D. , Giroux Danielle , Han Peter D. , Hadfield James , Huang Shichu , Jackson Michael L. , Kiavand Anahita , Kimball Louise E. , Lacombe Kirsten , Logue Jennifer , Lyon Victoria , Newman Kira L. , Richardson Matthew , Sibley Thomas R. , Zigman Suchsland Monica L. , Truong Melissa , Wolf Caitlin R.
Published: September 2020

A series of unfortunate events

The history of how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread around the planet has been far from clear. Several narratives have been propagated by social media and, in some cases, national policies were forged in response. Now that many thousands of virus sequences are available, two studies analyzed some of the key early events in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Bedford
et al.
found that the virus arrived in Washington state in late January or early February. The viral genome from the first case detected had mutations similar to those found in Chinese samples and rapidly spread and dominated subsequent undetected community transmission. The other viruses detected had origins in Europe. Worobey
et al.
found that early introductions into Germany and the west coast of the United States were extinguished by vigorous public health efforts, but these successes were largely unrecognized. Unfortunately, several major travel events occurred in February, including repatriations from China, with lax public health follow-up. Serial, independent introductions triggered the major outbreaks in the United States and Europe that still hold us in the grip of control measures.

Science
, this issue p.
571
, p.
564
Structural basis of nucleosome-dependent cGAS inhibition
Authors: Boyer Joshua A. , Spangler Cathy J. , Strauss Joshua D. , Cesmat Andrew P. , Liu Pengda , McGinty Robert K. , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2020

Saving a host cell from itself

A fundamental mammalian defense mechanism against pathogens and damaged cellular DNA is to recognize DNA fragments in the cytosol and trigger an inflammatory response. The cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) that recognizes cytosolic DNA is also found in the nucleus, but here its activity is suppressed by tethering to chromatin. Two papers now report cryo–electron microscopy structures of cGAS bound to the nucleosome core particle (NCP). Kujirai
et al.
observed a structure with two cGAS molecules bridging two NCPs, whereas Boyer
et al.
observed cGAS bound to a single nucleosome. Together, these structures show how cGAS is prevented from autoreactivity toward host DNA.

Science
, this issue p.
455
, p.
450
A key piece of the ferroelectric hafnia puzzle
Authors: Noheda Beatriz , Íñiguez Jorge
Published: September 2020

Dipolar slices explain the origin of ferroelectricity in a material now used for memory devices
Primary malignant melanoma of the stomach: a rare entity
Authors: Zechariah Pradeep , Surendran Suraj , Abraham Vijay , Samarasam Inian
Published: September 2020

A 54-year-old man presented with easy fatiguability, dyspnoea on exertion and dyspeptic symptoms. On evaluation, he was found to have an ulcero-proliferative growth in the gastric fundus, the biopsy of which was malignant melanoma of the stomach. Further evaluation with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) scan showed operable disease with no focus of disease elsewhere. He was diagnosed as primary gastric melanoma and underwent radical total gastrectomy with adequate margins. His postoperative period was uneventful. Further adjuvant therapy was refused by the patient. At 6-month follow-up, an 18F-FDG PET-CT scan was done, which showed no evidence of disease. On follow-up at 1-year, he was alive and asymptomatic.
Qualitative research study on addressing barriers to healthy diet among low-income individuals at an urban, safety-net hospital
Authors: Cahill Erin , Schmidt Stacie R , Henry Tracey L , Kumar Gayathri , Berney Sara , Bussey-Jones Jada , Girard Amy Webb
Published: September 2020

Background

Some American households experience food insecurity, where access to adequate food is limited by lack of money and other resources. As such, we implemented a free 6-month Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program within a large urban safety-net hospital .

Methods

32 participants completed a baseline and postintervention qualitative evaluation about food-related behaviour 6 months after study completion. Deductive codes were developed based on the key topics addressed in the interviews; inductive codes were identified from analytically reading the transcripts. Transcripts were coded in MAXQDA V.12 (Release 12.3.2).

Results

The information collected in the qualitative interviews highlights the many factors that affect dietary habits, including the environmental and individual influences that play a role in food choices people make. Participants expressed very positive sentiments overall about their programme participation.

Conclusions

A multifaceted intervention that targets individual behaviour change, enhances nutritional knowledge and skills, and reduces socioeconomic barriers to accessing fresh produce may enhance participant knowledge and self-efficacy around healthy eating. However, socioeconomic factors remain as continual barriers to sustaining healthy eating over the long term. Ongoing efforts that address social determinants of health may be necessary to promote sustainability of behaviour change.
Prenatal and neonatal factors for the development of childhood visual impairment in primary and middle school students: a cross-sectional survey in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Yu Bolan , Dai Lijuan , Chen Juanjuan , Sun Wen , Chen Jingsi , Du Lili , Deng Nali , Chen Dunjin
Published: September 2020

Objectives

In this cross-sectional survey, we sought to determine the prevalence of and the influence of prenatal and neonatal factors on childhood visual impairment without correction (VIUC) in a paediatric population from Guangzhou, China.

Setting

The health survey covered 11 administrative districts in Guangzhou, including 991 schools.

Participants

All of the primary and middle school students in Guangzhou were invited to complete an online questionnaire with the help of their parents. The results of physical examinations were reported by school medical departments. The results of the questionnaire were collected by the researchers. In total, 253 301 questionnaires were collected.

Primary outcome measures

The students’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was examined by trained optometrists by standard logarithmic visual acuity charts. VIUC was defined by UCVA (of the better eye) (UCVA <6/12) with three levels: light VIUC (UCVA ≥6/18 to <6/12), mild VIUC (UCVA ≥6/60 to <6/18) and severe VIUC (UCVA <6/60).

Results

A total of 39 768 individuals (15.7%) had VIUC, and the rate was much higher among grade 10 to 12 students (51.4%) than among grade 1 to 6 students (6.71%). The following factors were significantly associated with an increased risk of VIUC: female gender, high birth weight, formula feeding, not having siblings, higher level of parents’ education, parental myopia, much homework time and little outdoor activity. Delivery mode was not associated with the risk of VIUC.

Conclusions

This study validates known major prenatal/genetic, perinatal and postnatal factors for childhood VIUC. In conclusion, prenatal and perinatal factors can affect the onset of childhood VIUC, but parental myopia and postnatal factors are the main factors.
Experience of being a frequent user of primary care and emergency department services: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Brodeur Magaly , Margo-Dermer Eva , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Hudon Catherine
Published: September 2020

Background

Frequent users of healthcare services are often categorised as ‘heavy-cost patients’. In the recent years, many jurisdictions have attempted to implement different public policies to optimise the use of health services by frequent users. However, throughout this process, little attention has been paid to their experience as patients.

Objective

To thematically synthesise qualitative studies that explore the experience of frequent users of primary care and emergency department services.

Design

Qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis.

Setting

Primary care and emergency department.

Participants

Frequent users of primary care and emergency department services.

Methods

A qualitative systematic review was conducted using three online databases (MEDLINE with full text, CINAHL with full text and PsycINFO). This search was combined to an extensive manual search of reference lists and related citations. A thematic synthesis was performed to develop descriptive themes and analytical constructs.

Study selection

Twelve studies were included. All included studies met the following inclusion criteria: qualitative design; published in English; discussed frequent users’ experiences from their own perspectives and users’ experiences occurred in primary care and/or emergency departments.

Results

The predominant aspects of frequent users’ experiences were: (1) the experience of being ill and (2) the healthcare experience. The experience of being ill encompassed four central themes: physical limitations, mental suffering, impact on relationships and the role of self-management. The healthcare experience embraced the experience of accessing healthcare and the global experience of receiving care.

Conclusion

This synthesis sheds light on potential changes to healthcare delivery in order to improve frequent users’ experiences: individualised care plans or case management interventions to support self-management of symptoms and reduce psychological distress; and giving greater importance on the patient–providers relationship as a central facet of healthcare delivery. This synthesis also highlights future research directions that would benefit frequent users.
Inpatient satisfaction with nursing care in a backward region: a cross-sectional study from northwestern China
Authors: Zhang Juxia , Yang Limei , Wang Xiaoying , Dai Jiao , Shan Wenjing , Wang Jiancheng
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine the level of patient satisfaction with nursing care and identify the factors affecting satisfaction from the inpatient’s perspective in a backward region of China.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital located in northwest China.

Participants

Patients admitted to the ward for at least 48 hours were chosen to participate in the survey.

Primary outcome measure

The Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale was used. Data were collected from 219 patients.

Results

The overall inpatient satisfaction with nursing care was 78.15±4.74. Patients were more satisfied with nurses who respected their privacy and treated them as individuals (67.7%). Patients were least satisfied with the type of information nurses gave them (11.7%) and with the sufficient awareness of their needs. Patients who were married, had a history of hospitalisation, surgery and were taken charge of by junior nurses had higher satisfaction.

Conclusions

The overall level of patient satisfaction was moderate. Patient-centred individualised care and providing sufficient information model of care are needed. There was a need for nurses to be aware of patients’ individualised care needs and to provide them with more information. This study may suggest/urge hospital administrators, policymakers and nurses to be more sensitive with patients’ married status, history of hospitalisation and surgery, the professional title of in charged nurses when care is provided. Ultimately to achieve better outcome of patients’ hospitalisation.
Pain complaints after consecutive nights and quick returns in Norwegian nurses working three-shift rotation: an observational study
Authors: Katsifaraki Maria , Nilsen Kristian Bernhard , Christensen Jan Olav , Wærsted Morten , Knardahl Stein , Bjorvatn Bjørn , Härmä Mikko , Matre Dagfinn
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine whether nurses working consecutive night shifts, or short transitions between shifts (quick returns (QRs)), yielded higher risk for pain complaints when compared with regular morning shifts. Sleep duration was tested as a potential mediator.

Design

Observational diary study.

Setting

Random hospitals.

Participants

Nurses with three-shift rotation (morning, evening and night), n=679, 22–63 years old.

Outcomes measures

Daily ratings of working hours, sleep and subjective pain complaints in six anatomical regions (head, neck/shoulder/upper back, upper extremity, low back, lower extremity and abdomen) for 28 days. In addition, we assessed demographics, habitual sleep and pain complaints, work and lifestyle factors. It was tested (1) whether the risk for pain complaints was higher after workday 3 versus after workday 2, and whether the difference was larger for consecutive night shifts versus consecutive morning shifts, and (2) whether the risk for pain complaints was higher after QRs versus after two morning shifts. Risk for pain complaints refers to combined increased risk for any pain and risk for increased intensity.

Results

Adjusted analyses showed no shift type by workday interaction for pain complaints in the neck/shoulder/upper back, upper extremities, low back, lower extremities or abdomen. For headache, a strong trend indicated that the risk was higher on workday 3 compared with workday 2 for night shifts (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.28). The risk was lowered if sleep duration was taken into account (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.81). No conclusive support was found for the risk for pain complaints being higher after QRs, compared with after morning shifts.

Conclusions

For five of six pain complaints, the hypotheses were not supported by the current data. For headache, we found potential support for a sleep-relieving effect on headache after working several nights in a row. Pain complaints were not instigated or exacerbated by an evening-to-morning transition between shifts.
Can we prevent poststroke cognitive impairment? An umbrella review of risk factors and treatments
Authors: Obaid Majed , Douiri Abdel , Flach Clare , Prasad Vibhore , Marshall Iain
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cognitive impairment poststroke is progressive. We aimed to synthesise the existing evidence evaluating risk factors and the effects of treatments to prevent/improve cognitive function in patients who had a stroke with cognitive impairment.

Design

Umbrella review.

Data source

Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane and PROSPERO were searched from inception until 11 June 2019.

Eligibility criteria

Published systematic review (SR) that incorporated randomised controlled trials to investigate an intervention to improve poststroke cognitive impairment, or SR of longitudinal observational studies that evaluated the risk factors of this condition. No restrictions were applied.

Data extraction and synthesis

From each eligible study, details were recorded by one reviewer in a validated form. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria were used to assess our certainty level of each outcome, and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 to assess quality.

Results

Altogether, 3464 abstracts were retrieved, 135 full texts were evaluated and 22 SRs were included in the final analysis. From four SRs of observational studies, we found 19 significant associations with postulated risk factors, and those which we determined to be confident about were: atrial fibrillation (3 SRs, 25 original studies); relative risk 3.01 (1.96–4.61), ORs 2.4 (1.7–3.5) and 2.0 (1.4–2.8), leukoaraiosis, multiple and recurrent strokes, ORs 2.5 (1.9–3.4), 2.5 (1.9–3.1) and 2.3 (1.5–3.5), respectively. From 18 SRs of interventional trials, we found that interventions including physical activity or cognitive rehabilitation were enhancing cognitive function, while the certainty of the other interventions was rated low, due to limited methodological quality.

Conclusions

This review represents common risk factors related to poststroke cognitive impairment, in particular atrial fibrillation, and points to different interventions that warrant attention in the development of treatment strategies. Physical activity and cognitive rehabilitation interventions showed evidence of enhancing cognitive function; however, we could not recommend a change in practice yet, due to lack of strong evidence.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018096667.
Prevalence and access to care for cardiovascular risk factors in older people in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Odland Maria Lisa , Bockarie Tahir , Wurie Haja , Ansumana Rashid , Lamin Joseph , Nugent Rachel , Bakolis Ioannis , Witham Miles , Davies Justine
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) is increasing, especially in low-income countries. In Sierra Leone, there is limited empirical data on the prevalence of CVDRFs, and there are no previous studies on the access to care for these conditions.

Methods

This study in rural and urban Sierra Leone collected demographic, anthropometric measurements and clinical data from randomly sampled individuals over 40 years old using a household survey. We describe the prevalence of the following risk factors: diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, overweight or obesity, smoking and having at least one of these risk factors. Cascades of care were constructed for diabetes and hypertension using % of the population with the disease who had previously been tested (‘screened’), knew of their condition (‘diagnosed’), were on treatment (‘treated’) or were controlled to target (‘controlled’). Multivariable regression was used to test associations between prevalence of CVDRFs and progress through the cascade for hypertension with demographic and socioeconomic variables. In those with recognised disease who did not seek care, reasons for not accessing care were recorded.

Results

Of 2071 people, 49.6% (95% CI 49.3% to 50.0%) of the population had hypertension, 3.5% (3.4% to 3.6%) had diabetes, 6.7% (6.5% to 7.0%) had dyslipidaemia, 25.6% (25.4% to 25.9%) smoked and 26.5% (26.3% to 26.8%) were overweight/obese; a total of 77.1% (76.6% to 77.5%) had at least one CVDRF. People in urban areas were more likely to have diabetes and be overweight than those living in rural areas. Moreover, being female, more educated or wealthier increased the risk of having all CVDRFs except for smoking. There is a substantial loss of patients at each step of the care cascade for both diabetes and hypertension, with less than 10% of the total population with the conditions being screened, diagnosed, treated and controlled. The most common reasons for not seeking care were lack of knowledge and cost.

Conclusions

In Sierra Leone, CVDRFs are prevalent and access to care is low. Health system strengthening with a focus on increased access to quality care for CVDRFs is urgently needed.
Health and productivity burden of coronary heart disease in the working Indonesian population using life-table modelling
Authors: Uli Regina E , Satyana Regina P U , Zomer Ella , Magliano Dianna , Liew Danny , Ademi Zanfina
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The impact of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its effect on work productivity at a population level remains unknown in Indonesia. This study estimates the health and productivity lost to CHD in terms of years of life, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and productivity-adjusted life years (PALYs).

Setting and participants

A life-table model was constructed to simulate the experiences of Indonesians currently aged 15–54 years (working age) with CHD, followed-up to 55 years (retirement age). The life-table analysis was then repeated assuming that the cohort did not have CHD. Differences in the results reflected the impact of CHD. Demographical, prevalence and mortality data were based on the 2017 Global Burden of Disease study and 2018 Indonesian National Health Survey. Costs, productivity indices and utilities were derived from published sources. The cost of each PALY was assumed to be equivalent to gross domestic product per equivalent full-time worker (US$11 765). Future costs and outcomes were discounted by 3% annually.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Differences in total deaths, years of life and PALYs represented the impact of CHD.

Results

At present, 1 954 543 (1.45%) Indonesians of working-age have CHD. By retirement age, it was estimated that CHD resulted in 32 492 (36.6%) excess deaths, 128 132 (0.5%) years of life lost, 2 331 495 (10.5%) QALYs lost and 1 589 490 (6.9%) PALYs lost. The economic impact of lost productivity amounted to US$33.3 billion, and healthcare costs to US$139 billion.

Conclusion

The health and economic burden of CHD in Indonesia looms large. This highlights the importance of its prevention and control, strategies for which, if effective, will deliver financial return.