bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Political Economy of Displacement: Rent Seeking, Dispossessions and Precarious Mobility in Somali Cities
Authors: Bakonyi Jutta
Published: October 2020

Displacement is urbanizing. Urban violence increasingly contributes to displacement while a growing number of displaced people across the globe seeks refuge in cities. This article builds on original research in four Somali cities to explore the link between violence, displacement and urbanization. It identifies and comparatively explores three types of urban settlements of displaced people: urban camps at cities’ outskirts, inner‐city squatter settlements, and relocation areas. The focus of the analysis is on the political economy that underpins the establishment, maintenance and, at times, destruction of these settlements. The article shows that settlements of displaced people are embedded in varied practices of rent seeking which contribute to the commercialization of land and housing and lead to further land speculations. Urban reconstruction accelerates rent seeking and goes hand in hand with (mass‐scale) evictions of displaced people. The article also shows how land ownership is mobilized to retain political rights and citizenship. The findings outline the multiple ways urban land relations are intertwined with practices of sovereignty and citizenship, and attest to observations of a globally expanding rent economy. They also underscore the arbitrariness and violence imbricated in property relations.
Efficacy and safety of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone as first‐line treatment for extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Li Shuang , Cheng Ying
Published: October 2020

Background

Immunotherapy has afforded new treatment options for extensive small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC). However, reports on the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with chemotherapy on survival in ES‐SCLC patients are inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis on the efficacy and safety of ICI combined with chemotherapy for ES‐SCLC.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled clinical trials related to first‐line treatment of ES‐SCLC with ICI combined with chemotherapy in PUBMED, ESMO, ASCO, and WCLC since 2018. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results

Four studies were included. Compared to chemotherapy alone, ICI in combination with chemotherapy as first‐line treatment reduced the risk of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68–0.86; P < 0.00001) and disease progression (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68–0.84; P < 0.00001). The objective response rate (ORR) with ICI plus chemotherapy was significantly higher than that with chemotherapy alone (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, P = 0.01). The duration of response (DoR) rate at one year was also better with ICI plus chemotherapy (HR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.24–5.33; P < 0.00001). Security analysis revealed that the incidence of immune‐mediated adverse events (imAEs) (HR: 3.77; 95% CI: 1.99–7.15, P < 0.0001) and grade 3/4 imAEs (HR: 7.01; 95% CI: 2.48–19.81; P = 0.0002) increased significantly with ICI plus chemotherapy.

Conclusions

ICI combined with chemotherapy as first‐line treatment can significantly improve the OS and progression‐free survival (PFS) of ES‐SCLC patients, but the toxicity caused by immunotherapy should be carefully considered.

Key points

Significant findings of the studyOur meta‐analysis shows that PD‐L1/PD‐1 plus chemotherapy can significantly improve the OS and PFS of ES‐SCLC patients when used as first‐line therapy.

What this study adds

This study fills gaps regarding the efficacy of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as first‐line treatment for ES‐SCLC, and provides better evidence for the use of PD‐L1/PD‐1 immunotherapy plus chemotherapy for patients with ES‐SCLC.
Individual and Contextual Factors Associated With Hazardous Drinking in Spain: Evidence From a National Population‐Based Study
Authors: Galán Iñaki , Simón Lorena , Rodríguez‐Blázquez Carmen , Ortiz Cristina , López‐Cuadrado Teresa , Merlo Juan
Published: October 2020

Background

Heavy drinking (HD) and binge drinking (BD) exhibit marked differences in their relationships with contextual‐level factors imbedded in geographical areas of residence. The objective is to identify sociodemographic factors, both at the individual and at the contextual level, associated with these 2 main hazardous consumption patterns.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using data from the 2011 to 2012 National Health Survey in Spain. The sample included 21,007 individuals ≥15 years of age. HD was defined as an alcohol intake of ≥40 g/d in men and ≥24 g/d in women. BD was defined as the consumption in the previous month of ≥6 alcoholic drinks (men) or ≥5 drinks (women) within 4 to 6 hours. Individual‐level variables included sociodemographic factors, urban/rural residence, smoking, and perceived social support. Contextual‐level variables covered percentage of population with no schooling, unemployment rate, and hospitality industry‐related economic activity, all at the census tract level. We analyzed data using multilevel logistic regression and calculated areas under the curve (AUC).

Results

Being male, smoking, high‐income, and low perceived social support were associated with both hazardous drinking patterns. Younger individuals were at higher risk for BD but at lower risk for HD. BD was more common among rural than urban dwellers (odds ratios [OR] = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.72), whereas HD was less likely in participants residing in areas with high unemployment rates (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.93). HD was more likely in census tracts with higher levels of hospitality industry activity (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.54). The AUC increased substantially for both HD and BD when the census tract variable was entered in the respective models (reaching 89.5 and 93.3%, respectively).

Conclusions

Except for age, both drinking patterns have similar associations with individual‐level variables but disparate links to contextual‐level indicators. In both cases, accounting for area of residence substantially increased the ability to discriminate between high‐risk drinkers from nonhazardous alcohol consumers.
Emergence of wasp dope in rural Appalachian Kentucky
Authors: Young April M. , Livingston Melvin , Vickers‐Smith Rachel , Cooper Hannah L. F.
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

Recent reports have highlighted the emergence of ‘wasp dope’ as an issue of concern, but epidemiological evidence is lacking. Wasp dope is a crystalline substance created by electrifying pyrethroid‐containing insecticides (e.g. wasp sprays) that may give users a methamphetamine‐like ‘rush’. This paper describes wasp dope use and correlates of use in a sample of people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky, a region that has been an epicenter of opioid use and related harms in the United States.

Methods

Respondent‐driven sampling and targeted street outreach were used to recruit PWUD. Eligibility criteria included being aged at least 18 years, residing in one of five Appalachian Kentucky counties, and having either used opioids or injected any drug to get high in the prior 30 days. Interviewer‐administered surveys queried participants’ (n = 278) recent (past 6 months) wasp dope use, other substance use and demographic characteristics. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using generalized estimating equations assuming a Poisson outcome distribution in a cross‐sectional analysis.

Results

Recent wasp dope use was reported by 16.1% of participants. Men and people who recently experienced homelessness and transportation difficulties were twice or more as likely to have used wasp dope compared with their counterparts [PR = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11, 3.87, PR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.64, 4.72 and PR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.06–3.81, respectively]. While wasp dope use was associated with injection drug use and using opioids and other substances to get high in unadjusted analyses, the factor most strongly associated with wasp dope use was methamphetamine use (PR = 17.23, 95% CI = 2.57, 115.61), specifically methamphetamine injection (PR = 4.47, 95% CI = 1.56, 12.78).

Conclusions

Among people who use drugs in rural Kentucky, USA, more than one in six people surveyed reported using wasp dope in the past 6 months, nearing the percentage using cocaine/crack (20%) and fentanyl/carfentanil (25%). Wasp dope use was higher among men and strongly associated with homelessness, transportation access, methamphetamine use and injection drug use.
Management of obstetric anal sphincter injury: Colorectal surgeons’ perspectives in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Oh Daniel , Wright Caroline , Young Christopher J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs) are a significant complication of vaginal delivery, and a leading cause of anal incontinence in women.

Aims

The aims were to explore the management of OASIs in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) by colorectal surgeons and how this compares with current recommendations and international experience, and to identify the deterrents to the provision of best‐practice care among colorectal surgeons.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred colorectal surgeons of the Colorectal Surgical Society of ANZ were mailed questionnaires. Areas of interest included: surgeon demographics; exposure to OASIs; understanding of current recommendations; and opinions regarding the importance of symptoms and assessment tools in OASIs.

Results

There were 94 completed questionnaires (response rate 31.3%). Fifty‐seven surgeons (60.6%) reported low exposure to OASIs during their fellowship training. Greater than 90% believed patients with grade three tears and above should have anal sphincter assessment. Sixty‐six (70.2%) reported that they routinely review women who have had OASIs. However, 56.4% were unaware if their obstetrics department followed a standard protocol for OASIs. Surgeons practising in metropolitan centres reported higher rates of their obstetrics department following a protocol (P = 0.013), and greater access to investigative tools (P < 0.001), when compared to rural‐based surgeons.

Conclusions

Most ANZ colorectal surgeons have had minimal training in OASI management. Colorectal surgeons are more commonly involved with OASI patients in the non‐acute setting. Management protocols involving a multidisciplinary team of both colorectal surgeons and obstetricians should be clearly defined, and the gap between metropolitan and rural centres needs to be reviewed.
Earned Income and Women's Segmented Empowerment: Experimental Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Barnett Carolyn , A. Jamal Amaney , Monroe Steve L.
Published: October 2020

Does earning income empower women in patriarchal societies? We conducted two original experiments in Jordan investigating how patriarchal norms constrain the effects of relative earned income on women's bargaining power and women's preferences for paid employment opportunities. In the first experiment, we randomized women's relative earned income in a bargaining lab game involving male and female partners. Women with higher incomes than their partners behave more efficaciously than women with lower incomes. They are only more influential over bargaining outcomes, however, when paired with women, not men. We then employed a conjoint survey experiment using hypothetical job opportunities to assess how the prospect of higher incomes and working alongside men affect women's job preferences. Though higher wages make jobs more desirable, mixed‐sex work spaces are a strong deterrent. Together, these findings demonstrate that patriarchal norms constrain women's desire to engage in paid labor and segment the empowering effects of earning income.
A nonparametric Bayesian model for estimating spectral densities of resting‐state EEG twin data
Authors: Hart Brian , Guindani Michele , Malone Stephen , Fiecas Mark
Published: October 2020

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive neuroimaging modality that captures electrical brain activity many times per second. We seek to estimate power spectra from EEG data that ware gathered for 557 adolescent twin pairs through the Minnesota Twin Family Study (MTFS). Typically, spectral analysis methods treat time series from each subject separately, and independent spectral densities are fit to each time series. Since the EEG data were collected on twins, it is reasonable to assume that the time series have similar underlying characteristics, so borrowing information across subjects can significantly improve estimation. We propose a Nested Bernstein Dirichlet prior model to estimate the power spectrum of the EEG signal for each subject by smoothing periodograms within and across subjects while requiring minimal user input to tuning parameters. Furthermore, we leverage the MTFS twin study design to estimate the heritability of EEG power spectra with the hopes of establishing new endophenotypes. Through simulation studies designed to mimic the MTFS, we show our method out‐performs a set of other popular methods.
Interaction of microglia with infiltrating immune cells in the different phases of stroke
Authors: Berchtold Daniel , Priller Josef , Meisel Christian , Meisel Andreas
Published: October 2020

Stroke, in association with its complications, is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Cerebral ischemia triggers an inflammatory response in the brain that is controlled by the activation of resident microglia as well as the infiltration of peripheral myeloid and lymphoid cells into the brain parenchyma. This inflammation has been shown to have both beneficial and detrimental effects on stroke outcome. The focus of this review lies on the functions of myeloid cells and their interaction with infiltrating lymphocytes in different phases of stroke. A detailed and time‐specific understanding of the contribution of different immune cell subsets during the course of cerebral ischemia is crucial to specifically promote beneficial and inhibit detrimental effects of inflammation on stroke outcome.
Distinct roles of programmed death ligand 1 alternative splicing isoforms in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Chaoyan , Weng Menghan , Xia Shuli , Zhang Min , Chen Chaoyi , Tang Jinlong , Huang Dan , Yu Hongfei , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Honghe , Lai Maode
Published: October 2020

Although anti–programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunotherapy has achieved great success in some cancers, most colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remain unresponsive. Therefore, further clarification of the underlying mechanisms is needed to improve the therapy. In this study, we explored the distinct functions of different PD‐L1 alternative splicing isoforms in CRC. We investigated the biological functions in PD‐L1 knocked down/knockout cells, which were verified through overexpression of PD‐L1 isoforms a, b, and c. The roles of PD‐L1 isoforms in immune surveillance resistance was also analyzed. Meanwhile, we performed RNA‐seq to screen the downstream molecules regulated by PD‐L1 isoforms. Finally, we detected PD‐L1 and PD‐L1 isoforms levels in a cohort of serum samples, two cohorts of CRC tissue samples, and analyzed the correlation of PD‐L1 isoforms with PD‐1 blockade therapy response in two clinical CRC cases. The results indicated that PD‐L1 knockout inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and isoform b exerted a more significant inhibitory effect on T cells than the other two isoforms. Moreover, isoform c could promote CRC progression through regulating epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Clinical data showed that CRC patients with positive PD‐L1 expression were associated with poorer overall survival. High serum PD‐L1 level was associated with poor prognosis. The level of isoform b or c was negatively associated with prognosis, and a higher level of isoform b was associated with a good response to anti–PD‐1 therapy. In conclusion, isoform b should be considered as a biomarker for clinical responsiveness to anti–PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy; isoform c had a prometastatic role and is a new potential target for CRC therapy.
Multitask deep networks with grid featurization achieve improved scoring performance for protein–ligand binding
Authors: Xie Liangxu , Xu Lei , Chang Shan , Xu Xiaojun , Meng Li
Published: October 2020

Deep learning‐based methods have been extensively developed to improve scoring performance in structure‐based drug discovery. Extending multitask deep networks in addressing pharmaceutical problems shows remarkable improvements over single task network. Recently, grid featurization has been introduced to convert protein–ligand complex co‐ordinates into fingerprints with the advantage of incorporating inter‐ and intra‐molecular information. The combination of grid featurization with multitask deep networks would hold great potential to boost the scoring performance. We examined the performance of three novel multitask deep networks (standard multitask, bypass, and progressive network) in reproducing the binding affinities of protein–ligand complexes in comparison with AutoDock Vina docking and MM/GBSA method. Among five evaluated methods, progressive network combined with grid featurization provided the best Pearson correlation coefficient (0.74) and least mean absolute average error (0.98) for the overall scoring performance. Moreover, all networks increased screening ability for the re‐docking pose and progressive network even achieved AUC of 0.87 over 0.52 of AutoDock Vina. Our results demonstrated that progressive network combined with grid featurization would be one powerful rescoring approach to strengthen screening results after obtaining protein–ligand complex in the conventional docking software.
Assessing Mathematics Misunderstandings via Bayesian Inverse Planning
Authors: Rafferty Anna N. , Jansen Rachel A. , Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: October 2020

Online educational technologies offer opportunities for providing individualized feedback and detailed profiles of students' skills. Yet many technologies for mathematics education assess students based only on the correctness of either their final answers or responses to individual steps. In contrast, examining the choices students make for how to solve the equation and the ways in which they might answer incorrectly offers the opportunity to obtain a more nuanced perspective of their algebra skills. To automatically make sense of step‐by‐step solutions, we propose a Bayesian inverse planning model for equation solving that computes an assessment of a learner's skills based on her pattern of errors in individual steps and her choices about what sequence of problem‐solving steps to take. Bayesian inverse planning builds on existing machine learning tools to create a generative model relating (mis)‐understandings to equation solving choices. Two behavioral experiments demonstrate that the model can interpret people's equation solving and that its assessments are consistent with those of experienced teachers. A third experiment uses this model to tailor guidance for learners based on individual differences in misunderstandings, closing the loop between assessing understanding, and using that assessment within an educational technology. Finally, because the bottleneck in applying inverse planning to a new domain is in creating the model of possible student misunderstandings, we show how to combine inverse planning with an existing production rule model to make inferences about student misunderstandings of fraction arithmetic.
Evaluation of guidelines for universal newborn hearing screening programs
Authors: Spivak Lynn
Published: October 2020

This commentary is on the scoping review by Kamenov and Chadha on pages 16–21 of this issue.
Effect of chitosan solutions with or without fluoride on the protection against dentin erosion in vitro
Authors: Souza Beatriz M , Machado Paula F , Vecchia Luiz RP , Magalhães Ana C
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of experimental solutions containing chitosan at different viscosities with or without fluoride (TiF4/NaF) on dentin loss in vitro. Bovine dentin samples (n = 15) were prepared and allocated to one of the following treatments: (i) 0.5% chitosan (500 mPas); (ii) 0.5% chitosan (2,000 mPas); (iii) 0.042% NaF and 0.049% TiF4; (iv) as (iii) with addition of 0.5% chitosan (500 mPas); (v) as (iii) with addition of 0.5% chitosan (2,000 mPas); (vi) commercial solution with SnCl2/AmF/NaF (positive control); or (vii) deionized water (negative control). The samples were submitted to pH cycling for 7 d (0.1% citric acid, 4 × 90 s d−1). The treatment was applied once a day for 30 s. The dentin loss was quantified using a contact profilometer. Three samples per group were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The dentin loss (μm) was submitted to anova and Tukey's test for differences between treatments. Among the treatments tested, only chitosan 500 mPas was able to statistically significantly reduce the dentin loss compared to the negative control, being similar to the positive control. TiF4/NaF, whether with or without chitosan, had no protective effect. Chitosan 500 mPas and SnCl2/AmF/NaF solutions have comparable protective effect against dentin erosion in vitro.
Neocortical injury–induced status epilepticus
Authors: Singh Tanveer , Joshi Suchitra , Williamson John M. , Kapur Jaideep
Published: October 2020

Objective

To characterize neocortical onset status epilepticus (SE) in the C57BL/6J mouse.

Methods

We induced SE by administering homocysteine 16‐18 hours after cobalt (Co) implantation. SE was monitored by video and electroencephalography (EEG). We evaluated brain structure with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neurodegeneration was evaluated 72 hours after SE using Fluoro‐Jade C staining.

Results

Cobalt triggered seizures in a dose‐dependent manner (median effective dose, ED50 = 0.78 mg) and the latency to peak seizure frequency shortened with increased dose. Animals developed SE after homocysteine administration. SE began with early intermittent focal seizures, consisting of frontal onset rhythmic spike‐wave discharges manifested as focal dystonia with clonus. These focal seizures then evolved into generalized continuous convulsive activity. Behavioral manifestations of SE included tonic stiffening, bilateral limb clonus, and bilateral tonic‐clonic movements, which were accompanied by generalized rhythmic spike‐wave discharges on EEG. After prolonged seizures, animals became comatose with intermittent bilateral myoclonic seizures or jerks. During this period, EEG showed seizures interspersed with generalized periodic discharges on a suppressed background. MRI obtained when animals were in a coma revealed edema, midline shift in frontal lobe around the Co implantation site, and ventricular effacement. Fluoro‐Jade C staining revealed neurodegeneration in the cortex, amygdala, and thalamus.

Significance

We have developed a mouse model of severe, refractory cortical‐onset SE, consisting of convulsions merging into a coma, EEG patterns of cortical seizures, and injury, with evidence of widespread neocortical edema and damage. This model replicates many features of acute seizures and SE resulting from traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid, and lobar hemorrhage.
Implementation of an ISO 17025 flexible scope in the phytosanitary field at the National Reference Centre in the Netherlands
Authors: van Leeuwen G. C. M. , Bosman S. , Souer E. , Edema M. J. , van der Blom M. , Werkman A. W.
Published: October 2020

Quality systems in plant health laboratories are common these days. Most of these laboratories are accredited under a fixed scope, but because of the high diversity of organism–matrix combinations tested yearly in phytosanitary laboratories, the National Reference Centre (NRC) of the National Plant Protection Organization in the Netherlands chose to implement a phytosanitary focused flexible scope, the Phytoflex scope. This allows for the inclusion of additional activities in its scope of accreditation, without prior evaluation by the accreditation body. One of the reasons to implement a flexible scope was the initiation of the Official Control Regulation by the European Union, which states that official laboratories in plant health should be accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 for all methods used when working as an official laboratory. The quality management system of the NRC is the foundation of the Phytoflex scope. The results of diagnoses given are based on the pillars Validation, Expertise and Assurance. Before the implementation of the Phytoflex scope in 2014, the scope only covered six tests for a combination of organism and matrix. As a result of the introduction of the Phytoflex scope, the number of organisms that are covered under ISO 17025 accreditation at the NRC has increased from six to almost 90 in November 2019. Management of the Phytoflex scope demands high awareness of quality systems for personnel and management, and puts more responsibility on the laboratory. If the different aspects of management of the scope are not accurately organized, the flexible scope may be revoked by the accreditation body. The Phytoflex scope makes it possible to act more quickly to add tests for new and emerging risks to the accreditation. However, this is not possible for all tests and further discussions are required to fulfil the accreditation requirement from the Official Control Regulation.
Genome‐wide association analysis of psoriasis patients treated with anti‐TNF drugs
Authors: Ovejero‐Benito María C. , Muñoz‐Aceituno Ester , Sabador David , Almoguera Berta , Prieto‐Pérez Rocío , Hakonarson Hakon , Coto‐Segura Pablo , Carretero Gregorio , Reolid Alejandra , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Abad‐Santos Francisco , Daudén Esteban
Published: October 2020

While anti‐TNF therapies are effective against psoriasis, 30%–50% of patients do not show an adequate response to these drugs. Different candidate‐gene pharmacogenetics studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms that may predict anti‐TNF drugs response in psoriasis. Nevertheless, only one paper has undertaken a pharmacogenomic approach failing to find significant biomarkers of biological drug response along the whole genome. Furthermore, most of the pharmacogenetic candidate biomarkers identified previously have not been confirmed in a different cohort of patients. The objective of this study was to find biomarkers that could predict anti‐TNF drugs response along the whole genome and validate biomarkers identified previously. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the Human Omni Express‐8 v1.2 Beadchips in 243 psoriasis patients treated with anti‐TNF drugs. This study was multicentric and did not interfere with clinical practice. Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and PASI75 (a 75% reduction with respect to baseline PASI) at 3 months were evaluated. Imputation was performed using SNPs with R2 > 0.7. There were two SNPs located in NPFFR2 that were close to the significant threshold of 5 × 10−8. These data suggest that NPFFR2 might be associated with anti‐TNF drug response. However, further studies involving a larger cohort of patients are needed in order to confirm these results.
Clarifying the effects of environmental factors and fishing on abundance variability of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) in the western North Pacific Ocean during 1982–2018
Authors: Yatsu Akihiko , Okamura Hiroshi , Ichii Taro , Watanabe Kazuyoshi
Published: October 2020

Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) has a 2‐year life span and age‐1 fish migrates from the central and western North Pacific to Japanese waters from summer to winter. To understand interannual abundance variability of Pacific saury in the North Pacific, we examined the extended Japanese standardized catch per unit effort (esCPUE) with generalized linear models (GLMs) during 1982–2018. Explanatory variables included proxies of total and non‐traditional fishing effort (Ettl and Ent) and environmental factors. Each environmental variable was averaged for years t ‐1 and t, corresponding to esCPUE in year t, as esCPUE represented two‐year classes. Ettl and Ent were averaged for years t ‐ 2 and t‐1, assuming fishing of year t affects biomass in year t + 1. We compared four GLMs with different explanatory variables: (a) environmental factors only, (b) fishing effort (without interactions) only, (c) environmental factors and fishing effort (without interactions) and (d) environmental factors and fishing effort (with interactions, i.e., time‐varying effects). Explanatory variables of the best GLM in terms of AICc included the following: Ent with different effects between 1982–2015 and 2016–2018, sea surface water temperature (SST) of the Kuroshio Recirculation Area (KRA) in winter, North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) in winter, Southern Oscillation Index in winter, and the biomass of Japanese sardine. The NPGO, a proxy of zooplankton abundance, and KRA‐SST may affect the early growth and survival rates of Pacific saury. We hypothesized the abundance variability of Pacific saury was driven by environmental factors and fishing, the latter of which more adversely affected since 2016.
Low temporal dynamics of mycosporine‐like amino acids in benthic cyanobacteria from an alpine lake
Authors: Werner Nadine , Orfanoudaki Maria , Hartmann Anja , Ganzera Markus , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: October 2020

Cyanobacteria are one of the oldest organisms on Earth and they originated at a time when damaging ultraviolet (UV) C radiation still reached the surface. Their long evolution led to several adaptations to avoid deleterious effects caused by exposure to solar UV radiation. Synthesis of sunscreen substances, such as mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs), allows them to photosynthesise with reduced risk of cell damage. The interplay of solar UV radiation and MAAs is well documented for cyanobacteria in the plankton realm, but little is known for those in the benthic realm, particularly of clear alpine lakes.

Here, we assessed the temporal dynamics of MAAs in the benthic algal community of one clear alpine lake dominated by cyanobacteria during the ice‐free season and along a depth gradient using state‐of‐the‐art analytical methods (high‐performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry). We differentiated between the epilithic cyanobacterial community and the overlying loosely attached filamentous cyanobacteria, as we expected they will have an important shielding/shading effect on the former. We hypothesised that in contrast to the case of phytoplankton, benthic cyanobacteria will show less pronounced temporal changes in MAAs concentration in response to changes in solar UV exposure.

Three UV‐absorbing substances were present in both types of communities, whereby all were unknown. The chemical structure of the dominant unknown substance (maximum absorption at 334 nm) resulted in the identification of a novel MAA that we named aplysiapalythine‐D for its similarity to the previously described aplysiapalythine‐C.

Chlorophyll‐a‐specific MAA concentrations for epilithic and filamentous cyanobacteria showed a significant decrease with depth, although only traces were found in the former community. The temporal dynamics in MAA concentrations of filamentous cyanobacteria showed no significant variations during the ice‐free season.

Our result on the low temporal MAA dynamics agrees with the reduced growth rates of benthic cyanobacteria reported for cold ecosystems. The permanent presence of this community, which is adapted to the high UV levels characteristic of clear alpine lakes, probably represents the most important primary producers of these ecosystems.
How does plant population density affect the biomass of Ravenna grass?
Authors: Springer Tim L.
Published: October 2020

Ravenna grass, Tripidium ravennae (L.) H. Scholz, is known to produce an abundance of biomass, but how plant density affects its biomass potential remains unknown. The objectives were to determine the effects of plant density on biomass yield; plant growth traits; biomass‒carbon, nitrogen, and ash concentrations; heating value; nitrogen removal; and sucrose concentration in leaves and culms. The treatments consisted of five plant densities (1,250; 2,500; 5,000; 10,000; and 20,000 plants per hectare) in a randomized complete block design with four blocks. Plots were nonirrigated, unfertilized, and harvested once during the dormant season each year. Data were collected from 2015‒2019. Dependent variables that varied with plant population density (p < .05) were biomass yield, number of reproductive culms per plant, reproductive culm diameter, reproductive culm sucrose concentration, and nitrogen removal with biomass. Biomass yield ranged from 5.6 to 16.3 Mg/ha for plant densities of 1,250–20,000 plants per hectare, respectively. Combined over years, nonlinear regression of the data showed the equation for biomass yield to plateau at 16.2 Mg/ha at a plant density of 10,640 plants per hectare. As plant density increased, the number of reproductive culms per plant, culm diameter, and culm sucrose concentration significantly decreased. At 1,250 plants per hectare, the number of reproductive culms per plant, culm diameter, and culm sucrose averaged 70, 10.2 mm, and 63.2 g/kg, respectively. Nitrogen removed with biomass significantly increased as biomass yield increased with plant density. At a density of 10,000 and 20,000 plants per hectare, the amount of nitrogen removed annually in the harvested biomass averaged 88 kg/ha. The data suggest that 10,000 plants per hectare would produce the greatest annual biomass yields; however, research is needed to determine the nutrient requirement for Ravenna grass to sustain biomass production at that density.
An easy way to remove a stuck hemodialysis catheter
Authors: Katrancioglu Nurkay , Serhatlioglu Faruk , Katrancioglu Ozgur
Published: October 2020

The replacement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters (CVCs) is a common procedure. In some cases, the CVC cannot be removed from the central vein because of tight adhesions to the surrounding fibrin sheath. A tight fibrin sheath leads to firm adherence between the catheter and the central veins or right atrial wall. Such stuck catheters cannot be removed from the central vein using standard methods. We present here a case demonstrating the successful removal of such a stuck CVC using the reverse Seldinger method.
Energy storage and thermodynamics of PNZST thick films with coexisting antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases
Authors: Zhao Quan‐Liang , Wang Yi‐Kai , He Guang‐Ping , Di Jie‐Jian , Zhao Lei , Su Ting‐Ting , Zhang Meng‐Ying , Hou Zhi‐Ling , Wang Dawei
Published: October 2020

Pb0.99Nb0.02(Zr0.85Sn0.13Ti0.02)O3 (PNZST) antiferroelectric (AFE) thick films are successfully deposited on silicon‐based Pt and LaNiO3 electrodes by a sol‐gel method. The coexistence of ferroelectric (FE) and AFE phases are revealed in PNZST films by XRD, electric‐induced hysteresis loops, dielectric, and leakage current properties. Comparing with PNZST/Pt film, larger recoverable energy density and efficiency are obtained in PNZST/LaNiO3 film due to the lower FE phase proportion. It is analyzed and demonstrated by a thermodynamic model of AFE and FE coexistence system. In addition, the fatigue behaviors of both AFE films are also affected by the proportion of the coexisting FE phase. PNZST/LaNiO3 film exhibits good fatigue resistance on energy storage even after 1010 switching cycles, which is attractive to pulsed power applications.
The changing importance of lifetime jobs in the United Kingdom
Authors: ST‐DENIS Xavier
Published: October 2020

Lifetime jobs are generally considered to be a central feature of the post‐war labour market. This article aims to provide more precise data on the prevalence of lifetime jobs in the workforce. It presents a novel method to estimate with cross‐sectional data the probability that workers in different birth cohorts will hold a lifetime job. It finds that the share of UK workers who held such jobs in the post‐war period was low, with variations across socio‐demographic groups. The prevalence of long‐term jobs, but not lifetime jobs, has decreased among men born between 1947 and 1966, partly driven by decreasing job stability during youth.
The Construction of Gratitude in the workplace: Temporary foreign workers employed in health care
Authors: Nourpanah Shiva
Published: October 2020

In capitalist societies, workers feel, or feel obliged to feel grateful for having a job. In a world marked by global inequality, migrants from the global South to the North are expected to feel gratitude for their opportunity to move to and live in a first world country. In the case of temporary foreign workers, both these sorts of gratitude come together. The political economy regime governing the conditions of work and cross‐border movement for temporary foreign workers employed in health care in Canada engenders feelings of gratefulness from workers towards their employers. Contextualized within a cross‐disciplinary study of gratitude as a social construct, this article uses the case of this particular sort of work and migration gratitude to develop knowledge on the nuanced and complex ways in which structures of feeling lead from and loop back into capitalist political economies.
Care workers’ perspectives of factors affecting a sustainable aged care workforce
Authors: Xiao Lily Dongxia , Harrington Ann , Mavromaras Kostas , Ratcliffe Julie , Mahuteau Stephane , Isherwood Linda , Gregoric Carolyn
Published: October 2020

Aims

To identify the reasons why workers decide to enter, stay or leave the aged care workforce; and the factors influencing them to transition between community and residential sectors in Australia.

Background

Factors affecting the recruitment and retention of suitable care workers in aged care are complex and influenced by personal, institutional and societal factors.

Methods

A qualitative description study design.

Results

In total, 32 staff participated in the study. Five main themes were identified: entering aged care with a passion for the job; entering aged care as it is the only employment option; factors attracting care workers to stay in aged care; factors influencing care workers to leave the job; and preferring to work in residential aged care rather than community aged care.

Conclusion

Issues relating to the attraction and retention of aged care workers are influenced by personal, institutional and societal factors. Critical shortages in the aged care workforce make the industry more susceptible to crises such as COVID‐19 outbreaks.

Implication for nursing practice

Aged care organizations need to create a positive psychosocial work environment for staff to improve the attraction and retention of skilled care workers. They also need to develop staff recruitment guidelines to ensure care workers with the appropriate skills and training and a passion for working with older adults are selected. Staff development programmes need to focus on learning activities that enable staff to build peers support in the work environment.

Implications for health policy

There is a need to mandate curriculum to enable nursing students to receive more gerontological education and exposure to aged care throughout their education. Aged care quality standards need to mandate transition support for new graduate nurses.
Tax rule changes and the timing of asset write‐offs in loss firms
Authors: Kohlhase Saskia , Pierk Jochen
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the asset write‐off behavior of loss firms in response to tax rule changes. In particular, we investigate two simultaneous changes in tax‐loss carryforward offsetting in opposite directions in Germany and France. Understanding if and how tax losses affect firms’ financial reporting is important because investors could receive a biased signal of the firm value without such knowledge. We hypothesize and find that following changes in tax‐loss carryforward offsetting rules, loss firms adjust their financial reporting write‐offs to avoid costly large book‐tax differences. In particular, German loss firms reduce their financial reporting write‐offs in the post‐period by 0.61% of total assets, whereas French loss firms increase their write‐offs by 0.15% of total assets as a response to changes in tax‐loss offsetting rules in opposite directions. We contribute to the literature by shedding light on the under‐researched question of how changes in tax rules affect the financial reporting of loss firms.
Diagnostic value of combined islet antigen‐reactive T cells and autoantibodies assays for type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tang Wei , Liang Huiying , Cheng Ying , Yuan Jiao , Huang Gan , Zhou Zhiguang , Yang Lin
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a T cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. However, the determination of the autoimmune status of type 1 diabetes mellitus relies on islet autoantibodies (Abs), as T‐cell assay is not routinely carried out. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of combined assay of islet antigen‐specific T cells and Abs in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 54 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 56 healthy controls were enrolled. Abs against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), islet antigen‐2 and zinc transporter 8 were detected by radioligand assay. Interferon‐γ‐secreting T cells responding to glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 and C‐peptide (CP) were measured by enzyme‐linked immunospot.

Results

The positive rate for T‐cell responses was significantly higher in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus than that in controls (P < 0.001). The combined positive rate of Abs and T‐cell assay was significantly higher than that of Abs assay alone (85.2% vs 64.8%, P = 0.015). A significant difference in fasting CP level was found between the T+ and T– groups (0.07 ± 0.05 vs 0.11 ± 0.09 nmol/L, P = 0.033). Furthermore, levels of fasting CP and postprandial CP were both lower in the Ab−T+ group than the Ab−T− group (fasting CP 0.06 ± 0.05 vs 0.16 ± 0.12 nmol/L, P = 0.041; postprandial CP 0.12 ± 0.13 vs 0.27 ± 0.12 nmol/L, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Enzyme‐linked immunospot assays in combination with Abs detection could improve the diagnostic sensitivity of autoimmune diabetes.
Effective lightening of facial melasma during the summer with a dual regimen: A prospective, open‐label, evaluator‐blinded study
Authors: Kelm Ryan C. , Zahr Alisar S. , Kononov Tatiana , Ibrahim Omer
Published: October 2020

Background

Melasma is a chronic pigmentary condition that can have significant negative effects on quality of life. Vitamin C can be effective in the treatment melasma, but its delivery often proves to be challenging due to instability of the drug and subsequent cutaneous irritation at higher concentrations.

Aim

In this prospective, open‐label, evaluator‐blinded study, we aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of twice‐daily application of a novel, highly potent, non‐irritating 30% tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate serum in combination with 100% mineral‐based sunscreen in the treatment of melasma during the summer months.

Patients/Methods

Ten female subjects of ages ranging from 18 to 60 years underwent twice‐daily application of 30% THD ascorbate serum in combination with an anti‐aging 100% mineral tinted broad‐spectrum protection SPF 45 sunscreen moisturizer for 12 weeks during the summer months (July to September). Two blinded evaluators scored baseline and post‐treatment photographs using the Griffiths’ 10‐point scale and global aesthetic improvement scale.

Results

All subjects showed an improvement in hyperpigmentation with an average improvement of 33.7%. Seventy percent of subjects showed an improvement in skin tone evenness (redness), and among those subjects, the average improvement was 33.3%. The median global aesthetic improvement score was 2.0 (very much improved).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating the pigmentary as well as vascular components of melasma with a novel 30% THD ascorbate serum and a purely mineral‐based tinted moisturizing sunscreen.
Getting the methods right: Challenges and appropriateness of mixed methods research in health‐related doctoral studies
Authors: McKenna Lisa , Copnell Beverley , Smith Graeme
Published: October 2020

Aims

To examine issues around the use of mixed methods research in doctoral research in nursing and healthcare. We raise questions around challenges and appropriateness of this type of research methodology for doctoral students.

Background

In recent years, mixed methods research has grown rapidly in health‐related research. As an emerging research methodology, mixed methods research has much to offer doctoral researchers in health care who increasingly are faced with complex research issues. However, despite evolving as a research paradigm, researchers from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives have hotly debated application of mixed methods approaches. The body of supporting knowledge underpinning mixed methods research continues to grow and become refined. Evolving complexities pose new challenges for newly‐enrolled doctoral students.

Design

Discussion paper.

Method

Using a discursive approach, we raise questions around the challenges and appropriateness of this type of research methodology for doctoral students.

Results

Mixed methods research poses a unique range of methodological challenges that need to be carefully considered by research students when choosing their research methodology. These include scope of methodological learning required, additional time for data collection and analysis, need to acquire additional skill sets, approaches to reporting study results, dissemination of findings and specific supervisory support and thesis examination issues.

Conclusions

Mixed methods approaches can make important contributions to clinical research. However, their application to doctoral studies is challenging and should only be considered where appropriate to answer the research question.

Relevance to clinical practice

Mixed methods research approaches are commonly used in doctoral studies undertaken to understand clinical nursing practice and can make an important contribution to knowledge. However, there is a need for appropriate application of the methodology to ensure strong, appropriate research outcomes.
First report in Japan of a delivery of a woman with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease
Authors: Mochizuki Junko , Nakamura Motohiro , Iwahata Shunsuke , Nishijima Junichi , Ito Takashi , Wada Tatsuhiko , Takayama Yoko , Unno Nobuya
Published: October 2020

On April 2, 2020, we received a maternal transport from a local city hospital of a pregnant woman (38 weeks and 0 days of gestation) in her 20s, who had the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). We performed an emergency cesarean section with spinal anesthesia because of an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern. A healthy 3106‐g male baby was delivered. All the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 polymerase chain reaction tests of nasal and oral discharges, anal swabs and blood samples of the neonate at 9 h, 30 h and 4 days after birth were negative. Because the mother was diagnosed as having COVID‐19 pneumonia, the neonate was given formula milk. The mother's nasal discharge samples at 20 and 21 days were negative. The mother first held her baby in her arms on the 22nd day after birth, and they were discharged on the following day. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Japan of a delivery of a baby from a woman infected with COVID‐19.