bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of nonpharmacological stuttering interventions on communication and psychosocial functioning in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Connery Amy , Galvin Rose , McCurtin Arlene
Published: November 2020

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the research evidence examining the effectiveness of nonpharmacological stuttering therapy on communication and psychosocial functioning for adults who stutter.

Methods

A systematic search of nine electronic databases for studies published from database inception to December 2018 was completed to identify randomized controlled trials of interventions for adults with developmental stuttering. Two reviewers independently screened articles and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. Treatment outcomes were classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Results

The search yielded nine randomized controlled trials, comprising 276 participants, using a diverse range of interventions which were classified into four categories: speech restructuring interventions; speech restructuring plus psychological interventions; interventions with stimulating techniques and interventions targeting anxiety. Meta‐analysis showed that interventions did not demonstrate a significant pooled difference when compared to comparison groups in improving speech fluency (standardized mean difference [SMD] = –0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.14 to 0.45, I2 = 81%, P = .39), overall experience of stuttering (mean difference [MD] = –0.10, 95% CI –0.36 to 0.15, I2 = 0%, P = .43) and quality of life (SMD = –0.32, 95% CI –0.83 to 0.19, I2 = 0%, P = .21).

Conclusions

This article identified a diverse range of treatments and outcome measures for adults who stutter, with meta‐analysis highlighting no significant pooled difference between intervention and comparator groups in improving communication and psychosocial functioning.
Differential effects of the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas simiae on above‐ and belowground chewing insect herbivores
Authors: Friman Julia , Pineda Ana , Gershenzon Jonathan , Dicke Marcel , van Loon Joop J. A.
Published: November 2020

Plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can enhance plant growth and defence. Via plant‐mediated effects, PGPR have been reported to impact the performance of generalist leaf‐chewing insects either negatively or positively. However, only a few insect species, mainly feeding on aboveground tissues, have thus far been investigated. Here, we investigated how addition of rhizobacteria to the soil in which cabbage plants are growing affects the performance of three chewing insect herbivores, two leaf chewers and one root feeder. In a greenhouse experiment, we grew white cabbage (Brassica oleracea) plants in soil supplemented with and without the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas simiae WCS417r. We investigated the consequences for three important insect pests of Brassica species, larvae of the cabbage moth Mamestra brassicae, the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella, or the cabbage root fly Delia radicum after 5 weeks of plant growth. We recorded aboveground plant biomass, insect biomass, plant defence marker gene expression levels and plant defence‐related hormone concentrations. Rhizobacterial inoculation increased aboveground plant biomass in non‐infested plants but not in infested plants. Rhizobacterial inoculation affected insect performance differently: on PGPR‐inoculated plants biomass of Plutella xylostella was lower, while biomass of Delia radicum was higher than on control plants. However, no effect was found on Mamestra brassicae biomass. Rhizobacterial inoculation increased the expression of the defence marker gene LOX2 in P. xylostella‐infested plants and MYC2 in M. brassicae‐infested plants. Transcription levels of the plant defence marker gene PAL1 showed upregulation between inoculated and non‐inoculated insect‐free plants. Levels of the phytohormones jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and abscisic acid were similar in inoculated and non‐inoculated plants. We conclude that rhizobacterial inoculation has potential to be applied in the protection of cabbage crops against the diamondback moth whereas this does not apply to reducing damage caused by the cabbage moth or cabbage root fly.
The Class III peroxidase gene OsPrx30, transcriptionally modulated by the AT‐hook protein OsATH1, mediates rice bacterial blight‐induced ROS accumulation
Authors: Liu Hao , Dong Shuangyu , Li Ming , Gu Fengwei , Yang Guili , Guo Tao , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Jiafeng
Published: November 2020

Class III peroxidases (CIII Prxs) play critical roles in plant immunity by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the functions of CIII Prxs in rice (Oryza sativa L.) immunity are largely unexplored. Here, we report a Prx precursor, OsPrx30, that is responsive to the bacterial blight Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). OsPrx30 was primarily expressed in rice roots, leaves, and stems, and its protein product was mainly localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. Overexpression of OsPrx30 enhanced the plant's susceptibility to Xoo by maintaining a high level of peroxidase (POD) activity and reducing the content of H2O2, whereas depletion of OsPrx30 had the opposite effects. Furthermore, we identified an AT‐hook transcription factor, OsATH1, that is specifically bound to the OsPrx30 promoter. As observed in plants overexpressing OsPrx30, depletion of OsATH1 enhanced susceptibility to Xoo. Finally, we demonstrated that depletion of OsATH1 increased histone H3 acetylation at the AT‐rich region of the OsPrx30 promoter. Taken together, these results reveal a mechanism underlying the POD‐induced natural resistance to bacterial diseases and suggest a model for transcription regulation of Prx genes in rice.
Dynamic Associations of Parent–Adolescent Closeness and Friend Support With Adolescent Depressive Symptoms Across Ages 12–19
Authors: Mak Hio Wa , Fosco Gregory M. , Lanza Stephanie T.
Published: November 2020

Supportive relationships with parents and friends reduce adolescent risk for depression; however, whether and how the strength of these associations changes across adolescence remains less clear. Age‐varying associations of mother–adolescent and father–adolescent closeness and friend support with depressive symptoms were examined across ages 12.5–19.5 using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 4,819). Positive relationships with mothers, fathers, and friends were associated with lower depressive symptoms across adolescence, and the associations were generally stable across age. The association between father–adolescent closeness and depressive symptoms was stronger for girls than for boys during mid‐adolescence. Mother–adolescent closeness was more strongly negatively associated with depressive symptoms in the context of higher friend support during mid‐adolescence.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Brown Bennett
Published: November 2020

International Journal of Law and Public Administration (IJLPA) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this volume. Many authors, regardless of whether IJLPA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this volume.Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 2Andrea Kajcsa, University of Medicine, RomaniaBranko Dimeski, St. Kliment Ohridski University, MacedoniaDiane M. Hartmus, Oakland University, USADragoljub Popović, Union University School of Law, SerbiaElias Pereira Lopes Júnior, Universidade Federal do Cariri – UFCA, BrazilEncarnación Abad Arenas, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainGeorge Ndi, University of Huddersfield, UKGustavo Costa de Souza, Federal University of Lavras, BrazilIvan Kosnica, University of Zagreb, CroatiaJaber Seyvanizad, Shahid Beheshti University, IranJohn Mark R. Asio, Gordon College, PhilippinesJosé Sebastián Kurlat Aimar, University of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaMarcin Roman Czubala Ostapiuk, Universidad Nacional de Eduación a Distancia, SpainMary S. Mangai, University of Pretoria, South AfricaMd. Bashir Uddin Khan, Shanghai University, ChinaOyeniyi Abe, Afe Babalola University, NigeriaRose Casimiro, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, PhilippinesTatiana Bachvarova, Special Tribunal for Lebanon, BulgariaTaylisi de Souza Corrêa Leite, Anhanguera University, BrazilThomas Prehi Botchway, University of Education, Winneba, GhanaYusra, University Utara Malaysia, Malaysia Bennett BrownEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Law and Public Administration--------------------------------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 511Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail: ijlpa@redfame.comURL: http://ijlpa.redfame.com
The stem/progenitor landscape is reshaped in a mouse model of essential thrombocythemia and causes excess megakaryocyte production
Authors: Prins Daniel , Park Hyun Jung , Watcham Sam , Li Juan , Vacca Michele , Bastos Hugo P. , Gerbaulet Alexander , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Göttgens Berthold , Green Anthony R.
Published: November 2020

Mutant CALR drives ET at multiple stages of hematopoiesis.
Marine electrical imaging reveals novel freshwater transport mechanism in Hawai‘i
Authors: Attias Eric , Thomas Donald , Sherman Dallas , Ismail Khaira , Constable Steven
Published: November 2020

Marine electrical imaging reveals novel onshore-to-offshore submarine freshwater transport mechanism in volcanic islands.
Intrapore energy barriers govern ion transport and selectivity of desalination membranes
Authors: Zhou Xuechen , Wang Zhangxin , Epsztein Razi , Zhan Cheng , Li Wenlu , Fortner John D. , Pham Tuan Anh , Kim Jae-Hong , Elimelech Menachem
Published: November 2020

A fundamental study elucidates the mechanisms underlying selective ion transport through desalination membranes.
Clinical Performance of the Point-of-Care cobas Liat for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in 20 Minutes: a Multicenter Study
Authors: Hansen Glen , Marino Jamie , Wang Zi-Xuan , Beavis Kathleen G. , Rodrigo John , Labog Kylie , Westblade Lars F. , Jin Run , Love Nedra , Ding Karen , Garg Sachin , Huang Alan , Sickler Joanna , Tran Nam K.
Published: November 2020

Highly accurate testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the point of care (POC) is an unmet diagnostic need in emergency care and time-sensitive outpatient care settings. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technology is the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
Gestational age and hospital admissions during childhood: population based, record linkage study in England (TIGAR study)
Authors: Coathup Victoria , Boyle Elaine , Carson Claire , Johnson Samantha , Kurinzcuk Jennifer J , Macfarlane Alison , Petrou Stavros , Rivero-Arias Oliver , Quigley Maria A
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine the association between gestational age at birth and hospital admissions to age 10 years and how admission rates change throughout childhood.

Design

Population based, record linkage, cohort study in England.

Setting

NHS hospitals in England, United Kingdom.

Participants

1 018 136 live, singleton births in NHS hospitals in England between January 2005 and December 2006.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was all inpatient hospital admissions from birth to age 10, death, or study end (March 2015); secondary outcome was the main cause of admission, which was defined as the World Health Organization’s first international classification of diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) code within each hospital admission record.

Results

1 315 338 admissions occurred between 1 January 2005 and 31 March 2015, and 831 729 (63%) were emergency admissions. 525 039 (52%) of 1 018 136 children were admitted to hospital at least once during the study period. Hospital admissions during childhood were strongly associated with gestational age at birth (<28, 28-29, 30-31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 42 weeks). In comparison with children born at full term (40 weeks’ gestation), those born extremely preterm (<28 weeks) had the highest rate of hospital admission throughout childhood (adjusted rate ratio 4.92, 95% confidence interval 4.58 to 5.30). Even children born at 38 weeks had a higher rate of hospital admission throughout childhood (1.19, 1.16 to 1.22). The association between gestational age and hospital admission decreased with increasing age (interaction P<0.001). Children born earlier than 28 weeks had an adjusted rate ratio of 6.34 (95% confidence interval 5.80 to 6.85) at age less than 1 year, declining to 3.28 (2.82 to 3.82) at ages 7-10, in comparison with those born full term; whereas in children born at 38 weeks, the adjusted rate ratios were 1.29 (1.27 to 1.31) and 1.16 (1.13 to 1.19), during infancy and ages 7-10, respectively. Infection was the main cause of excess hospital admissions at all ages, but particularly during infancy. Respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions also accounted for a large proportion of admissions during the first two years of life.

Conclusions

The association between gestational age and hospital admission rates decreased with age, but an excess risk remained throughout childhood, even among children born at 38 and 39 weeks of gestation. Strategies aimed at the prevention and management of childhood infections should target children born preterm and those born a few weeks early.
Impact of the zero-mark-up drug policy on drug-related expenditures and use in public hospitals, 2016–2018: an interrupted time series study in Shaanxi
Authors: Yan Kangkang , Yang Caijun , Zhang Hongli , Ye Dan , Liu Shengyuan , Chang Jie , Jiang Minghuan , Zhao Mingyue , Fang Yu
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to measure the impact of zero-mark-up drug policy (ZMDP) on drug-related expenditures and use in urban hospitals.

Design

This was a retrospective observational study of trends in drug expenses and use in the context of the ZMDP using an interrupted time series analysis.

Setting

Twelve hospitals (three tertiary hospitals and nine secondary hospitals) in Xi’an, which is the capital of Shaanxi Province in Western China.

Data and participants

The prescription information for all outpatients and inpatients in the study hospitals from January 2016 to April 2018 was used in this study.

Interventions

The Chinese government announced the policy intervention measure of the ZMDP, which was implemented in all public hospitals as of 1 April 2017.

Primary measures

Monthly drug expenditures, monthly medical expenditures, the percentage of drug expenditures among total medical expenditures, the average outpatient drug expenditure per visit, the percentage of prescriptions that include an injection and the percentage of prescriptions that include an antibiotic.

Results

Monthly total medical expenses increased in both tertiary and secondary hospitals after the ZMDP was implemented. In tertiary hospitals, the average outpatient drug expenditures per visit showed a slow decreasing trend before the intervention and an increasing trend after the intervention, with statistically significant changes in both the level (p<0.001) and the trend (p=0.02). Secondary hospitals showed a slow increasing trend both before and after the policy implementation, with no significant change in the trend (p=0.205). The proportion of prescriptions, including injections, was over 20% in secondary hospitals and less than 20% in tertiary hospitals, with no significant changes to this indicator observed after implementation of ZMDP.

Conclusions

The effect of the ZMDP on drug-related expenditures and use in Chinese public hospitals was not substantially evident. Future pharmaceutical reform measures should give more consideration to physician prescription behaviours.
Effectiveness of ear, nose and throat outreach programmes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review
Authors: Gotis-Graham Anna , Macniven Rona , Kong Kelvin , Gwynne Kylie
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine the ability of ear, nose and throat (ENT) outreach programmes to improve health outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search of nine databases (Medline, CINAHLS, PsycINFO, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Global health, Informit Rural health database and Indigenous collection) and grey literature sources for primary studies evaluating ENT outreach services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This review included English language studies of all types, published between 2000 and 2018, that supplied ENT outreach services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and provided data to evaluate their aims. Two authors independently evaluated the eligible articles and extracted relevant information. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool.

Results

Of the 506 studies identified, 15 were included in this review. These 15 studies evaluated eight different programs/activities. Studies were heterogeneous in design so a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Seven studies measured health-related outcomes in middle ear or hearing status; six reported overall positive changes one reported no clinically significant improvements. Five programmes/activities and their corresponding studies involved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in delivery and evaluation, but involvement in programme or study design was unclear.

Conclusion

While some studies demonstrated improved outcomes, the overall ability of ENT programmes to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is unclear. The impact of ENT outreach may be limited by a lack of quality evidence, service coordination and sustainability. Community codesign and supporting and resourcing local capacity must be a component of outreach programmes and ongoing evaluation is also recommended. Improvements in these areas would likely improve health outcomes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019134757.
Longitudinal cohort study of the impact of specialist cancer services for teenagers and young adults on quality of life: outcomes from the BRIGHTLIGHT study
Authors: Taylor Rachel M , Fern Lorna A , Barber Julie , Alvarez-Galvez Javier , Feltbower Richard , Lea Sarah , Martins Ana , Morris Stephen , Hooker Louise , Gibson Faith , Raine Rosalind , Stark Dan P , Whelan Jeremy
Published: November 2020

Objectives

In England, healthcare policy advocates specialised age-appropriate services for teenagers and young adults (TYA), those aged 13 to 24 years at diagnosis. Specialist Principal Treatment Centres (PTC) provide enhanced TYA age-specific care, although many still receive care in adult or children’s cancer services. We present the first prospective structured analysis of quality of life (QOL) associated with the amount of care received in a TYA-PTC

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Hospitals delivering inpatient cancer care in England.

Participants

1114 young people aged 13 to 24 years newly diagnosed with cancer.

Intervention

Exposure to the TYA-PTC defined as patients receiving NO-TYA-PTC care with those receiving ALL-TYA-PTC and SOME-TYA-PTC care.

Primary outcome

Quality of life measured at five time points: 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months after diagnosis.

Results

Group mean total QOL improved over time for all patients, but for those receiving NO-TYA-PTC was an average of 5.63 points higher (95% CI 2.77 to 8.49) than in young people receiving SOME-TYA-PTC care, and 4·17 points higher (95% CI 1.07 to 7.28) compared with ALL-TYA-PTC care. Differences were greatest 6 months after diagnosis, reduced over time and did not meet the 8-point level that is proposed to be clinically significant. Young people receiving NO-TYA-PTC care were more likely to have been offered a choice of place of care, be older, from more deprived areas, in work and have less severe disease. However, analyses adjusting for confounding factors did not explain the differences between TYA groups.

Conclusions

Receipt of some or all care in a TYA-PTC was associated with lower QOL shortly after cancer diagnosis. The NO-TYA-PTC group had higher QOL 3 years after diagnosis, however those receiving all or some care in a TYA-PTC experienced more rapid QOL improvements. Receipt of some care in a TYA-PTC requires further study.
Pretreatment maternal lifestyle and outcomes of assisted reproduction: an Italian cohort study
Authors: Ricci Elena , Noli Stefania , Ferrari Stefania , La Vecchia Irene , De Cosmi Valentina , Castiglioni Marta , Somigliana Edgardo , Agostoni Carlo , Cipriani Sonia , Mauri Paola Agnese , Parazzini Fabio
Published: November 2020

Objective

We investigated whether lifestyle affects assisted reproduction technology (ART) outcomes.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Italian fertility unit.

Participants

From September 2014 to December 2016, women from couples presenting for evaluation and eligible for ART were invited to participate. Information on alcohol intake, current smoking and leisure physical activity (PA) during the year before the interview was collected, using a structured questionnaire. We considered the ART outcomes of the cycle immediately following the interview.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was cumulative pregnancy rate per retrieval. Secondary measures were number of retrieved oocytes, embryo transfer and live birth.

Results

In 492 women undergoing an ART cycle, 427 (86.8%) underwent embryo transfer, 157 (31.9%) had at least one clinical pregnancy and 121 (24.6%) had live birth. The cumulative pregnancy rate per retrieval was 33.3% (95% CI 28.5% to 38.7%). In women in the third tertile of alcohol intake, adjusted relative risk was 0.97 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.08), 0.90 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.30) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.37) for embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy and live birth, respectively. The corresponding figures in women currently smoking more than 5 cigarettes/day were 1.00 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.16), 0.94 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.48) and 1.14 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.90), and in women with PA ≥5 hours/week were 0.93 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.08), 0.44 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.90) and 0.48 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.05), respectively.

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in in vitro fertilisation outcomes among women who used alcohol or tobacco in the year prior to treatment. Conservatively, all women should be advised to limit substance abuse. Moreover, our study suggested that maintaining a moderate, but not high, level of PA could be beneficial.
How much do we know about the effectiveness of warm-up intervention on work related musculoskeletal disorders, physical and psychosocial functions: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Larinier Nicolas , Balaguier Romain , Vuillerme Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a growing worldwide burden and effective interventions to prevent them are needed. Physical activity at the workplace is now recognised as a relevant component of WMSDs prevention. Along these lines, warm-up interventions are now offered in a large number of companies to manage WMSDs. Although benefits of warm-up have been previously documented in sports context, to the best of our knowledge, the effectiveness of such intervention in workplaces still remains to be established. Within this context, the aim of the present review is to identify from published literature the available evidence regarding the effects of warm-up on WMSDs and physical and psychosocial functions.

Methods

The following electronic databases will be searched (from inception onwards to June 2020): Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Randomised and non-randomised controlled studies will be included in this review. Participants should be adult employees without specific comorbidities. Interventions should include a warm-up physical intervention in real-workplaces. The primary outcomes will be pain, discomfort or fatigue. The secondary outcomes will be job control or motivation at work. This review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and two team members will independently screen all citations, full-text articles and abstract data. A systematic narrative synthesis will be provided with information presented in the text and tables to summarise the characteristics and findings of the included studies.

Ethics and dissemination

The approval of an ethical committee is not required. All the included studies will comply with the current ethical standards. The results of this review will summarise the effects of warm-up intervention on WMSDs, physical or psychosocial functions. This information could help professionals in decision making related to the use of these interventions to prevent WMSDs. Findings will be disseminated to academic audiences through peer-reviewed publications, as well as to policy-makers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019137211.
Modelling retailer-based exemptions in flavoured tobacco sales restrictions: national estimates on the impact of product availability
Authors: Schillo Barbara A , Benson Adam F , Czaplicki Lauren , Anesetti-Rothermel Andrew , Kierstead Elexis C , Simpson Randall , Phelps Natasha C , Herman Peter , Zhao Chang , Rose Shyanika W
Published: November 2020

Objectives

More than 250 US localities restrict sales of flavoured tobacco products (FTPs), but comprehensiveness varies, and many include retailer-based exemptions. The purpose of this study is to examine resulting changes in the US retail environment for FTPs if there was a hypothetical national tobacco control policy that would prohibit FTP sales in all retailers except (1) tobacco specialty stores or (2) tobacco specialty stores and alcohol outlets.

Design and setting

A cross-sectional analysis of the FTP retail environment in every US Census tract (n=74 133). FTP retailers (n=3 10 090) were enumerated using nine unique codes from a national business directory (n=296 716) and a national vape shop directory (n=13 374).

Outcome measures

We assessed FTP availability using static-bandwidth and adaptive-bandwidth kernel density estimation. We then calculated the proportion of FTP stores remaining and the mean density of FTP retailers under each policy scenario for the overall population, as well as across populations vulnerable to FTP use.

Results

Exempting tobacco specialty stores alone would leave 25 276 (8.2%) FTP retailers nationwide, while exempting both tobacco specialty stores and alcohol outlets would leave 54 091 (17.4%) retailers. On average, the per cent remaining FTP availability per 100 000 total population was 7.1% for a tobacco specialty store exemption and 18.1% for a tobacco specialty store and alcohol outlet exemption. Overall, density estimate trends for remaining FTP availability among racial/ethnic populations averaged across Census tracts mirrored total population density. However, estimates varied when stratified by metropolitan status. Compared with the national average, FTP availability would remain 47%–49% higher for all racial/ethnic groups in large metropolitan areas.

Conclusions

Retailer-based exemptions allow greater FTP availability compared with comprehensive policies which would reduce FTP availability to zero. Strong public policies have the greatest potential impact on reducing FTP availability, particularly among urban, and racial/ethnic minority populations.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux in war-torn Syria and its association with smoking and other risks: an online cross-sectional population study
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Alhalabi Mohammad Marwan , Alyousbashi Ayham , Hamid Aya , Mahmoud Yousef
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To demonstrate the burden of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in Syria and its associated variables.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study that used online questionnaires that included demographics, smoking, war-related questions and reflux symptom index (RSI).

Setting

This research was conducted online across Syria and included the general population.

Participants

Participants who lived in Syria, agreed to participate, and responded to all the RSI questions were included. This research comprised 734 participants, with 94.6% response rate, 75.5% being females, and a mean age of 24 years.

Results

Overall, 31.9% of subjects had symptoms suggestive of LPR. Participants who were 30 years and younger had fewer symptoms suggestive of LPR compared with the older group p=0.012 (OR 0.534; 95% CI 0.325 to 0.877). While having an epigastric burning sensation, chest pain and indigestion were the most common symptoms, having a sore throat was the least common. Being distressed from war noises was associated with more symptoms p=0.009 (OR 1.562; 95% CI 1.117 to 2.183). However, losing someone or changing place of living due to war were not significantly associated with these symptoms p>0.05. RSI scores were associated with cigarette and/or shisha smoking p<0.05. Finally, asthma, allergic disorders and having a job were associated with having LPR symptoms p<0.05. No significant findings were observed in consanguinity, marital status, educational level and socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

War, smoking, asthma, allergies, respiratory conditions and having a job were associated with LPR symptoms. However, they may be associated with these symptoms independently from LPR; for instance, similar symptoms can be caused by the mental disorders from war, the unique environment and irritant substances of the laryngeal mucosa.
Chronic back pain in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis: predictive value of HLA-B27 and persistence of inflammatory back pain over time
Authors: Doughem Karim , Weisman Michael H , Ward Michael M , Gensler Lianne S , Ishimori Mariko , Tahanan Amirali , Kung David C , Diekman Laura , Lee MinJae , Rahbar Mohammad Hossein , Reveille John D
Published: November 2020

Background/Purpose

First-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may be at high risk of spondyloarthritis. We examined the frequency, characteristics of chronic back pain (CBP), associated features, persistence of symptoms, and HLA-B27 allele frequency in FDRs of AS patients, also comparing those FDRs with participants in NHANES 2009–2010 with CBP.

Methods

399 FDRs of AS probands were divided into: (1) No CBP (subjects >40 years old at study visit without CBP) (n=162); (2) NICBP (non-inflammatory CBP) (n=82), and (3) CIBP (inflammatory CBP) (n=155). White FDRs with CBP were compared with 772 participants in NHANES 2009–2010 with CBP. FDRs were invited to return for reassessment.

Results

FDRs with CIBP had earlier onset of CBP than those with NICBP (p<0.001) and had higher frequency of heel pain than those without CBP (p=0.002). HLA-B27 occurred in 57% of FDRs with CIBP vs 39.6% of those without CBP (p=0.005, OR=1.9). Of 23 patients with CIBP at baseline re-evaluated 67.04±31.02 months later, 16 (73%) still had CIBP, whereas 4 (31%) of 13 NICBP patients seen 61.23±31.84 months later remained symptomatic.

Conclusion

CIBP in FDRs of AS patients is HLA-B27-associated, has earlier onset and tends to persist compared to NICBP.
Muscarinic agonists inhibit the ATP-dependent potassium current and suppress the ventricle–Purkinje action potential dispersion
Authors: Magyar Tibor , Árpádffy-Lovas Tamás , Pászti Bence , Tóth Noémi , Szlovák Jozefina , Gazdag Péter , Kohajda Zsófia , Gyökeres András , Györe Balázs , Gurabi Zsolt , Jost Norbert , Virág László , Papp Julius Gy. , Nagy Norbert , Koncz István
Published: November 2020

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system has been reported to have an antiarrhythmic role during ischemia–reperfusion injury by decreasing the arrhythmia triggers. Furthermore, it was reported that the parasympathetic neurotransmitter acetylcholine is able to modulate the ATP-dependent potassium current (I K-ATP), a crucial current activated during hypoxia. However, the possible significance of this current modulation in the antiarrhythmic mechanism is not fully clarified. Action potentials were measured using the conventional microelectrode technique from canine left ventricular papillary muscle and free-running Purkinje fibers, under normal and hypoxic conditions. Ionic currents were measured using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp method. Acetylcholine at 5 μmol/L did not influence the action potential duration (APD) either in Purkinje fibers or in papillary muscle preparations. In contrast, it significantly lengthened the APD and suppressed the Purkinje–ventricle APD dispersion when it was administered after 5 μmol/L pinacidil application. Carbachol at 3 μmol/L reduced the pinacidil-activated I K-ATP under voltage-clamp conditions. Acetylcholine lengthened the ventricular action potential under simulated ischemia condition. In this study, we found that acetylcholine inhibits the I K-ATP and thus suppresses the ventricle–Purkinje APD dispersion. We conclude that parasympathetic tone may reduce the arrhythmogenic substrate exerting a complex antiarrhythmic mechanism during hypoxic conditions.
Multivariate Alexander quandles, II. The involutory medial quandle of a link (corrected)
Authors: Traldi Lorenzo
Published: November 2020

Joyce showed that for a classical knot [Formula: see text], the involutory medial quandle [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the core quandle of the homology group [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the cyclic double cover of [Formula: see text], branched over [Formula: see text]. It follows that [Formula: see text]. In this paper, the extension of Joyce’s result to classical links is discussed. Among other things, we show that for a classical link [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] components, the order of the involutory medial quandle is bounded as follows: [Formula: see text] In particular, [Formula: see text] is infinite if and only if [Formula: see text]. We also show that in general, [Formula: see text] is a strictly stronger invariant than [Formula: see text]. That is, if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are links with [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]; but it is possible to have [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In fact, it is possible to have [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
MULTIPLEX POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION ASSAY FOR THE DETECTION OF FIVE COMMON ENDOPARASITE INFESTATIONS IN LABORATORY RODENTS
Authors: Chen Chien-Hao , Wang Ming-Hseng , Wan Cho-Hua
Published: November 2020

Rodent pinworms, Spironucleus muris and Tritrichomonas muris are the endoparasites that should be monitored and excluded from laboratory animal colonies. Nevertheless, traditional diagnostic methods may not efficiently detect and accurately demonstrate the endoparasite infestation status. In this study, we developed a multiplex PCR assay targeting the rRNA genes to simultaneously detect and differentiate five endoparasites, including Syphacia obvelata, Syphacia muris, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Spironucleus muris, and T. muris, as well as a housekeeping gene in feces. The multiplex PCR could identify an equivalent infection of pinworm, Spironucleus muris and T. muris, with a detection limit of as few as 10 copies. Furthermore, dual infections with up to 100-fold differences and triple infections with 10-fold differences in parasite loads can also be detected. In comparison of traditional methods with the multiplex PCR assay, 76 rodents from 11 research colonies and 3 pet shops and additional 27 fecal samples from laboratory rodents were screened for the infestation status of the five endoparasites. The multiplex PCR had higher sensitivity (97.2–100%) and accuracy (99–100%) than those of the traditional antemortem (sensitivity: 83–100%; accuracy: 94–100%) and postmortem methods (sensitivity: 75–100%; accuracy: 92.1–100%). In addition, an early stage of S. obvelata contamination in a SPF laboratory animal colony was also successfully detected by this multiplex PCR assay. This Pinworm/Spironucleus/Tritrichomonas/Actin Multiplex PCR assay should be a powerful tool to screen endoparasite infestations in laboratory colonies without animal sacrifice.
Time of Evaluation of Pain Catastrophizing after Surgery for Upper Extremity Motor Disorders
Authors: Hirata Junya , Inoue Keiko
Published: November 2020

Background: The evaluation of pain catastrophizing, which is a negative emotion associated with pain, is useful for predicting pain after surgery and is also associated with upper extremity disability. Therefore, it is important to evaluate pain catastrophizing after surgery for upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined the appropriate time to evaluate pain catastrophizing after surgery for upper extremity motor disorders.

Methods: A total of 32 patients underwent surgery. Pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale: PCS) and pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale: NRS) were measured at the start of rehabilitation and 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. The subjective ability of the upper extremity was measured 8 weeks postoperatively using the Hand20 questionnaire. The variation in the postoperative PCS and NRS were investigated.

Results: The PCS and NRS values were significantly lower 2 weeks postoperatively than at the time rehabilitation started. Pain catastrophizing was a significant predictor of pain, with the greatest degree of prediction at 2 weeks. Pain catastrophizing was also a significant predictor of the Hand20 result at 8 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions: Our data shows that pain catastrophizing should be evaluated 2 weeks postoperatively for the prediction of continuing pain.
Harnessing the Computing Continuum for Urgent Science
Authors: Balouek-Thomert Daniel , Rodero Ivan , Parashar Manish
Published: November 2020

Urgent science describes time-critical, data-driven scientific work-flows that can leverage distributed data sources in a timely way to facilitate important decision making. While our capacity for generating data is expanding dramatically, our ability to manage, analyze, and transform this data into knowledge in a timely manner has not kept pace. This paper explores how the computing continuum, spanning resources at the edges, in the core, and in-between, can be harnessed to support urgent science and discusses associated research challenges. Using an Early Earthquake Warning (EEW) workflow, which combines data streams from geo-distributed seismometers and high-precision GPS stations to detect large ground motions, as a driver, we propose a system stack that can enable the fluid integration of distributed analytics across a dynamic infrastructure spanning the computing continuum.
Cytokine-, Neurotrophin-, and Motor Rehabilitation-Induced Plasticity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Policastro Gabriella , Brunelli Matteo , Tinazzi Michele , Chiamulera Cristiano , Emerich Dwaine F. , Paolone Giovanna
Published: November 2020

Neuroinflammation and cytokine-dependent neurotoxicity appear to be major contributors to the neuropathology in Parkinson’s disease (PD). While pharmacological advancements have been a mainstay in the treatment of PD for decades, it is becoming increasingly clear that nonpharmacological approaches including traditional and nontraditional forms of exercise and physical rehabilitation can be critical adjunctive or even primary treatment avenues. Here, we provide an overview of preclinical and clinical research detailing the biological role of proinflammatory molecules in PD and how motor rehabilitation can be used to therapeutically modulate neuroinflammation, restore neural plasticity, and improve motor function in PD.
Hyperexcitability of the Nucleus Accumbens Is Involved in Noise-Induced Hyperacusis
Authors: Liu Yuying , Alkharabsheh Ana’'am , Sun Wei
Published: November 2020

Reduced tolerance to sound stimuli (hyperacusis) is commonly seen in tinnitus patients. Dysfunction of limbic systems, such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), may be involved in emotional reactions to the sound stimuli in tinnitus patients. To study the functional changes in the NAc in hyperacusis, we have examined the neural activity changes of the NAc using c-Fos staining in an animal model of hyperacusis. The c-Fos staining was also examined in the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN), a central auditory pathway which has neural projections to the NAc. Postnatal rats (14 days) were exposed to loud noise (115 dB SPL, 4 hours for two consecutive days) to induce hyperacusis (n=4). Rats without noise exposure were used as the controls (n=4). After P35, rats in both groups were put in a behavioral training for sound detection. After they were trained to detect sound stimuli, their reaction time to noise bursts centered at 2 kHz (40-110 dB SPL) was measured. Rats in the noise group showed a significantly shorter reaction time than those in the control group to the noise bursts at high intensities, suggesting the noise exposure induced hyperacusis behavior. The c-Fos expressions in the NAc and the MGNs of the noise group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Our results suggested that early-age noise exposure caused hyperactivity in the NAc and the MGNs which may induce the loudness increase in these rats.
In Vitro Induction of Pluripotency from Equine Fibroblasts in 20% or 5% Oxygen
Authors: de Castro Raquel V. G. , Pieri Naira C. G. , Fantinato Neto Paulo , Grizendi Bianca M. , Dória Renata G. S. , Meirelles Flavio V. , Smith Lawrence C. , Garcia Joaquim M. , Bressan Fabiana F.
Published: November 2020

The cellular reprogramming into pluripotency is influenced by external and internal cellular factors, such as in vitro culture conditions (e.g., environmental oxygen concentration), and the aging process. Herein, we aimed to generate and maintain equine iPSCs (eiPSCs) derived from fibroblasts of a horse older than 20 years and to evaluate the effect of different levels of oxygen tension (atmospheric 20% O2, 5% O2, or 20% to 5% O2) on these cells. Fibroblasts were reprogrammed, and putative eiPSCs were positive for positive alkaline phosphatase detection; they were positive for pluripotency-related genes OCT4, REX1, and NANOG; immunofluorescence-positive staining was presented for OCT4 and NANOG (all groups), SOX2 (groups 5% O2 and 20% to 5% O2), and TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, and SSEA-1 (only in 20% O2); they formed embryoid bodies; and there is spontaneous differentiation in mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm embryonic germ layers. In addition to the differences in immunofluorescence analysis results, the eiPSC colonies generated at 20% O2 presented a more compact morphology with a well-defined border than cells cultured in 5% O2 and 20% to 5% O2. Significant differences were also observed in the expression of genes related to glucose metabolism, mitochondrial fission, and hypoxia (GAPDH, GLUT3, MFN1, HIF1α, and HIF2α), after reprogramming. Our results show that the derivation of eiPSCs was not impaired by aging. Additionally, this study is the first to compare high and low oxygen cultures of eiPSCs, showing the generation of pluripotent cells with different profiles. Under the tested conditions, the lower oxygen tension did not favor the pluripotency of eiPSCs. This study shows that the impact of oxygen atmosphere has to be considered when culturing eiPSCs, as this condition influences the pluripotency characteristics.
Drivers for Nuclear Energy Inclusion in Ghana’s Energy Mix
Authors: Debrah Seth Kofi , Nyasapoh Mark Amoah , Ameyaw Felix , Yamoah Stephen , Allotey Nii Kwashie , Agyeman Frederick
Published: November 2020

Energy has become the driving force for national infrastructure development, including the socioeconomic development of every society. Ghana, like many other African countries, formulated developmental policies to attain middle-income status in the medium term. Socioeconomic growth comes with an upsurge in electricity consumption. Ghana seeks to use industrialization to achieve its middle-income target. To achieve this target, there is a need to develop a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply in a benign environment. The entry point for Ghana to become a middle-income economy is a cost-effective and reliable electricity supply. Ghana is endowed with fossil fuel, hydro and renewable resources to drive its industrial ambitions, but the indigenous gas fields feeding some thermal plants for electricity production are decreasing and could run out by early 2030 unless new fields are discovered and may also be affected by price volatility. The untapped hydro resources are also small and unreliable if the country seeks to become a middle-income country. Despite the abundant renewable resources, they are intermittent and do not present a baseload option. In safeguarding Ghana’s energy security, the country seeks to include nuclear energy into her energy mix. This research paper discusses the major drivers for nuclear energy inclusion.
Polymorphisms in Stress-Related Genes Are Associated with Reduced Cocaine Abuse and Longer Retention in Methadone Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Peles Einat , Levran Orna , Randesi Matthew , Ott Jurg , Kreek Mary Jeanne , Adelson Miriam
Published: November 2020

Background: As CRH-binding protein (CRHBP) SNP rs1500 was associated with reduced cocaine abuse after 1 year in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for heroin addiction, we evaluated the association of additional 28 selected SNPs, in 17 stress-related genes, with MMT outcome. Methods: The distribution of genotypes of each SNP by cocaine abuse after 1 year in MMT was assessed under the dominant and recessive models using χ2. Cumulative retention (up to 26.5 years) was studied using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Logistic regression and Cox model were used for multivariate analyses. Results: Of a nonselective sample of 404 patients, 25 patients with <50% Europeans/Middle Eastern ancestry were excluded. Of the remaining 379 patients, 330 (87.1%) stayed at least 1 year in treatment. Four SNPs were associated with cocaine abuse after 1 year in MMT. A lower proportion of cocaine abusers was found in the groups of subjects with the following genotypes: arginine vasopressin (AVP) SNP rs2282018 CC, CRHBP rs7728378 TT, galanin rs3136541 TT/TC, and neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (NPY1R) rs4518200 AA. The following independent variables were associated with lack of cocaine in urine after 1 year (multivariate analyses): CRHBP rs7728378 TT, NPY1R rs4518200 AA, no cocaine in urine on admission, as well as opiate and benzodiazepine use after 1 year in MMT. Cumulative retention (n = 379) was longer in carriers of AVP rs2282018 CC (13.7 years, 95% CI 11.1–16.2) versus TT/TC genotypes (10.5, 95% CI 9.4–11.5) (p = 0.0230) Conclusions: The study suggests that a reduction in cocaine abuse and longer retention among MMT patients is mediated in part by variants in stress-related genes and is a step toward precision medicine.