bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Beninese People’s Views Regarding Colonization: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zounon Ornheilia , Mullet Etienne
Published: January 2020

The present study explored and mapped young Beninese people’s views regarding colonization. A sample of 63 students aged 18-20 and living in Cotonou, Benin were presented with 24 cards showing a story that depicted a colonization process and asked to assess each process using a response scale that ranged from “very negatively” to “rather positively”. Each story had four critical items of information: (a) the political/economic situation before colonization (e.g., the area was virtually stateless), (b) the colonial policy of the metropolis (e.g., pure exploitation of the colony’s riches and the building of a minimal infrastructure needed for easing exploitation), (c) the extent to which the average people’s standard of living and life expectancy increased during the colonial period, and (d) the level of brutality with which the colonizer’s rule was applied. Three qualitatively different positions were found: Always very negatively (4%), Undecidable (20%), and Depends on circumstances (74%). This majority position was that, even if colonization deprived African people of their right to self-determination, the colonizer’s action must be assessed taking into account the pros and the cons in each concrete situation. In other words, colonization was, in the case of Africa, not good or bad in itself. This view is in some way not that dissimilar from the one western Europeans may have today regarding past colonization by the Romans.
Influence Analysis of Narrowband Random Sweep Range Setup in Mixed Mode Vibration Test
Authors: Sun Qingxin , Wu Sa
Published: January 2020

Sweeping narrowband random on broadband random (RoR) is a common vibration test method. However, different vibration controllers have different definitions on a sweep frequency range of narrowband. Some controllers define the sweep range by the central frequency of the narrowband, as well as the others by the left and right boundaries of the narrowband bandwidth, respectively. The difference between these two setups may have significant influence on the response of the test specimen when its natural frequency is adjacent to the sweep range, which may lead to different test results. This paper studies the different responses of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with different Q between the two setups when conducting RoR tests. Simulating and experimental results are also presented. The conclusion is that the sweep range setup can result to unneglectable test difference and the test operators should be aware of it when setting up the test profile.
Transient Response of Inductrack Systems for Maglev Transport: Part I—A New Transient Model
Authors: Wang Ruiyang , Yang Bingen
Published: January 2020

As a new strategy for magnetic levitation, Inductrack systems with Halbach arrays of permanent magnets have been applied to Maglev trains and intensively researched in various projects. In an Inductrack system, the magnetic interaction forces are coupled with the motion of a moving vehicle carrying Halbach arrays, which in many situations results in complicated transient behaviors of the system. In this two-part paper, a new transient model of two degrees-of-freedom for Inductrack systems is proposed. The highlight of this work is that the transient model is developed based on the fundamental principle of physics, without the assumption of steady-state quantities and averaged magnetic forces and with the finite dimensions of Halbach arrays in consideration. In Part I, the transient model is derived through the establishment of a set of nonlinear integro-differential governing equations, and the magnetic interaction forces in the Inductrack system are determined in analytical form. In Part II, the solution of the governing equations, model validation with the previous results in the literature, and transient response analysis via numerical simulation is presented. Although only two degrees-of-freedom have been considered, the approach of modeling and analysis presented in this paper can be extended to general cases of multi-degrees-of-freedom.
Simulation of microparticle motion and contamination in plasma coating systems
Authors: Schulz Philipp , Pflug Andreas , Kricheldorf Hans-Ulrich
Published: January 2020

The authors developed a microparticle simulation for low-pressure plasma environments occurring in certain plasma coating systems. The simulation is based on a theoretical model for the forces and currents acting on microparticles and takes place in a 3D geometry modeled after the coating chamber. As a test case, the Enhanded Optical Sputtering System was used, and the resulting size distribution functions for two different microparticle species were compared with experimental size distributions, showing a qualitative agreement and yielding some explanations for the experimental results.
Effect of hydrogen plasma treatment on the passivation performance of TiOx on crystalline silicon prepared by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Miyagawa Shinsuke , Gotoh Kazuhiro , Ogura Shohei , Wilde Markus , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Usami Noritaka
Published: January 2020

The authors report on the effect of hydrogen plasma treatment (HPT) on the passivation performance of titanium oxide (TiOx) on crystalline silicon (c-Si) fabricated by atomic layer deposition. Recently, TiOx has gathered attention as an electron-selective contact material for silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells due to its preferable work function and band lineup. Moreover, TiOx has excellent light transmission properties due to its large bandgap energy. In order to improve the power conversion efficiency of SHJ solar cells with TiOx, it is necessary to enhance the passivation performance. The effective carrier lifetime representing the passivation performance is enhanced by HPT and amounts to 407.2 μs after HPT at 200 °C for 1 min. This value is twice as high as after forming gas annealing, which is the standard method to enhance the passivation performance of TiOx/c-Si heterostructures. Nuclear reaction analysis clarifies that the hydrogen concentration (CH) at the TiOx/c-Si interface of the HPT-processed sample is higher than that of an as-deposited sample and that the peak position of the CH distribution is shifted closer to the TiOx/c-Si heterointerface after HPT. Moreover, thermal desorption spectroscopy shows that Si–H and Si–H2 hydrogen bonds increase with HPT. These results indicate that the atomic hydrogen produced by the hydrogen plasma diffuses toward the TiOx/c-Si interface and terminate the local dangling bonds, which is responsible for the improved passivation performance.
A system for controlling the directivity of sound radiated from a structure
Authors: Kournoutos Nikolaos , Cheer Jordan
Published: January 2020

Directional sound fields can be generated by arrays of multiple sound sources such as loudspeaker drivers. These systems, though potentially capable of high levels of directivity control over a broad bandwidth, may prove prohibitively expensive, fragile, or impracticable in certain applications. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents an investigation into the design and limitations of a directional structural-actuator-based array. This provides an affordable and robust alternative to conventional loudspeakers, particularly when the actuators can be used to radiate via a pre-existing structure and where the required audio quality is lower, or the bandwidth somewhat limited. In the first instance, an analytical model is formulated and used to perform a simulation-based parametric study, which provides insights into the design trade-offs. Based on this study, a physical prototype is constructed using six actuators and a flat panel, which enables the model to be experimentally validated and an evaluation of the directional radiation capabilities of the proposed system to be carried out. Experiments show that a simple analytical model is an effective tool in designing such arrays, predicting the trends in the behaviour of the prototype and that the structural actuator-based system is capable of controlling directivity within its intended operational bandwidth.
A note on wind velocity and pressure spectra inside compact spherical porous microphone windscreens
Authors: Niu Feng , Zhao Sipei , Qiu Xiaojun , Zhang Dong
Published: January 2020

Simultaneous measurements of wind velocity and pressure fluctuations were conducted in a wind tunnel to investigate the wind noise source inside compact spherical open celled porous windscreens. The existing outdoor wind noise models are found to be inadequate to predict the wind noise inside a wind tunnel. This paper proposes a model to predict the interior stagnation pressure, which agrees with the wind noise measured inside the windscreen within a bandwidth, where the exterior turbulence-turbulence interaction pressure overestimates the wind noise level. The limitations of the proposed model and other potential sources for wind noise inside porous windscreens are discussed.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blair-DeLeon Nancy A. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: January 2020

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To browse the latest copy of our catalog, visit our website at https://acousticalsociety.org/download-catalog/.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the national catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are also available via the ASA Standards home page: https://acousticalsociety.org/acoustical-society-standards/.
Emotion semantics show both cultural variation and universal structure
Authors: Jackson Joshua Conrad , Watts Joseph , Henry Teague R. , List Johann-Mattis , Forkel Robert , Mucha Peter J. , Greenhill Simon J. , Gray Russell D. , Lindquist Kristen A.
Published: January 2020

The diverse way that languages convey emotion

It is unclear whether emotion terms have the same meaning across cultures. Jackson
et al.
examined nearly 2500 languages to determine the degree of similarity in linguistic networks of 24 emotion terms across cultures (see the Perspective by Majid). There were low levels of similarity, and thus high variability, in the meaning of emotion terms across cultures. Similarity of emotion terms could be predicted on the basis of the geographic proximity of the languages they originate from, their hedonic valence, and the physiological arousal they evoke.

Science
, this issue p.
1517
; see also p.
1444
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Elaborates Persistent and Prolonged Competent State during Pneumonia-Derived Sepsis
Authors: Lin Jingjun , Park Pyunghun , Li Hua , Oh Myung Whan , Dobrucki Iwona T. , Dobrucki Wawrzyniec , Lau Gee W.
Published: January 2020

The competence regulon of pneumococcus regulates both genetic transformation and virulence. However, competence induction during host infection has not been examined. By using the serotype 2 strain D39, we transcriptionally fused the firefly luciferase (
luc
) to competence-specific genes and spatiotemporally monitored the competence development in a mouse model of pneumonia-derived sepsis. In contrast to the universally reported short transient burst of competent state
in vitro
, the naturally developed competent state was prolonged and persistent during pneumonia-derived sepsis.
Microbial Life Deep Underfoot
Authors: Lennon Jay T.
Published: January 2020

Soil is one of the most diverse microbial habitats on Earth. While the distribution and abundance of microbial taxa in surface soils have been well described, the phylogenetic and functional diversity of bacteria and archaea in deep-soil strata remains unexplored.
A Master Regulator of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron Gut Colonization Controls Carbohydrate Utilization and an Alternative Protein Synthesis Factor
Authors: Townsend Guy E. , Han Weiwei , Schwalm Nathan D. , Hong Xinyu , Bencivenga-Barry Natasha A. , Goodman Andrew L. , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: January 2020

The bacteria occupying the mammalian gut have evolved unique strategies to thrive in their environment.
Bacteroides
organisms, which often comprise 25 to 50% of the human gut microbiota, derive nutrients from structurally diverse complex polysaccharides, commonly called dietary fibers. This ability requires an expansive genetic repertoire that is coordinately regulated to achieve expression of those genes dedicated to utilizing only those dietary fibers present in the environment. Here we identify the global regulon of a transcriptional regulator necessary for dietary fiber utilization and gut colonization. We demonstrate that this transcription factor regulates hundreds of genes putatively involved in dietary fiber utilization as well as a putative translation factor dispensable for growth on such nutrients but necessary for survival in the gut. These findings suggest that gut bacteria coordinate cellular metabolism with protein synthesis via specialized translation factors to promote survival in the mammalian gut.
Effects of Antibiotic Pretreatment of an Ulcerative Colitis-Derived Fecal Microbial Community on the Integration of Therapeutic Bacteria
In Vitro
Authors: Oliphant Kaitlyn , Cochrane Kyla , Schroeter Kathleen , Daigneault Michelle C. , Yen Sandi , Verdu Elena F. , Allen-Vercoe Emma
Published: January 2020

Patients with gastrointestinal disorders often exhibit derangements in their gut microbiota, which can exacerbate their symptoms. Replenishing these ecosystems with beneficial bacteria through fecal microbiota transplantation is thus a proposedly useful therapeutic; however, clinical success has varied, necessitating research into strategies to improve outcomes. Antibiotic pretreatment has been suggested as one such approach, but concerns over harmful side effects have hindered testing this hypothesis clinically. Here, we evaluate the use of bioreactors supporting defined microbial communities derived from human fecal samples as models of the colonic microbiota in determining the effectiveness of antibiotic pretreatment. We found that relative antimicrobial resistance was a key determinant of successful microbial engraftment with rifaximin (broad-spectrum antibiotic) pretreatment, despite careful timing of the application of the therapeutic agents, resulting in distinct species profiles from those of the control but with similar overall outcomes. Our model had results comparable to the clinical findings and thus can be used to screen for useful antibiotics.
When systemic lupus erythematosus affects vision: a rare presentation of this condition
Authors: Ramires Tiago Gama , Vieira Luísa , Riso Nuno , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca
Published: January 2020

A 23-year-old woman with fever, oral ulcers, arthalgias and weight loss of 2-week duration suddenly developed blurred vision, with reduced visual acuity, cotton wool exudates and retinal vascular tortuosity. Laboratory testing revealed anaemia, lymphopaenia, positive antinuclear antibody and high anti-dsDNA antibody titre with low complement components. There was no evidence of infection, clinching the diagnosis of lupus retinopathy. Steroid therapy alone was highly effective and was also accompanied by a normalisation of haemoglobin and lymphocyte counts, after which azathioprine was added. Hydroxychloroquine was introduced after resolution of retinal changes. Immunosuppressive therapy was progressively tapered over the course of 12 months and then discontinued, and the patient remains in remission 48 months after the initial presentation. Our patient exemplifies a very rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We emphasise the importance of its early detection and complexity of treatment in order to reduce visual morbidity.
Severe early-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with liver dysfunction in an IVF segmentation cycle
Authors: Singh Neeta , Dogra Yogita , Saini Monika , Govindarajan Matheswari
Published: January 2020

Severe early-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) with deranged liver function tests is an entity that cannot be eliminated wholly even after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist trigger without any luteal human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rescue in a GnRH antagonist protocol with the freeze-all approach. We describe a case of young polycystic ovary syndrome patient with prior history of severe early-onset OHSS in her last in vitro fertilisation cycle in which she received antagonist protocol followed by blastocyst transfer. Given her history, she was planned for agonist trigger and freeze all approach during the present cycle. Despite segmentation of the cycle without any luteal rescue hCG, she developed early-onset severe OHSS with markedly deranged liver function tests for which she underwent ascitic tapping and remained hospitalised for 8 days. Her symptoms improved with conservative management, and she was discharged satisfactorily. She underwent letrozole based frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycle after 4 months. One good quality blastocyst was transferred, and she conceived in the same cycle.
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health in sub-Saharan Africa: who is left behind?
Authors: Melesse Dessalegn Y , Mutua Martin K , Choudhury Allysha , Wado Yohannes D , Faye Cheikh M , Neal Sarah , Boerma Ties
Published: January 2020

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) continues to be a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa where child marriage, adolescent childbearing, HIV transmission and low coverage of modern contraceptives are common in many countries. The evidence is still limited on inequalities in ASRH by gender, education, urban–rural residence and household wealth for many critical areas of sexual initiation, fertility, marriage, HIV, condom use and use of modern contraceptives for family planning. We conducted a review of published literature, a synthesis of national representative Demographic and Health Surveys data for 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and analyses of recent trends of 10 countries with surveys in around 2004, 2010 and 2015. Our analysis demonstrates major inequalities and uneven progress in many key ASRH indicators within sub-Saharan Africa. Gender gaps are large with little evidence of change in gaps in age at sexual debut and first marriage, resulting in adolescent girls remaining particularly vulnerable to poor sexual health outcomes. There are also major and persistent inequalities in ASRH indicators by education, urban–rural residence and economic status of the household which need to be addressed to make progress towards the goal of equity as part of the sustainable development goals and universal health coverage. These persistent inequalities suggest the need for multisectoral approaches, which address the structural issues underlying poor ASRH, such as education, poverty, gender-based violence and lack of economic opportunity.
Content and outcomes of narrative medicine programmes: a systematic review of the literature through 2019
Authors: Remein Christy DiFrances , Childs Ellen , Pasco John Carlo , Trinquart Ludovic , Flynn David B , Wingerter Sarah L , Bhasin Robina M , Demers Lindsay B , Benjamin Emelia J
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Narrative medicine (NM) incorporates stories into health sciences paradigms as fundamental aspects of the human experience. The aim of this systematic review is to answer the research question: how effective is the implementation and evaluation of NM programmes in academic medicine and health sciences? We documented objectives, content and evaluation outcomes of NM programming to provide recommendations for future narrative-based education.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of literature published through 2019 using five major databases: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC and MedEdPORTAL. Eligible NM programming included textual analysis/close reading of published literature and creative/reflective writing. Qualifying participants comprised individuals from academic medicine and health sciences disciplines. We reviewed and categorised programme goals, content and evaluation activities to assess participant satisfaction and programme efficacy. Two members of the research team assessed the risk of bias, independently screening records via a two-round, iterative process to reach consensus on eligibility.

Results

Of 1569 original citations identified, we selected 55 unique programmes (described in 61 records). In all, 41 (75%) programmes reported a form of evaluation; evaluation methods lacked consistency. Twenty-two programmes used quantitative evaluation (13 well described), and 33 programmes used qualitative evaluation (27 well described). Well-described quantitative evaluations relied on 32 different measures (7 validated) and showed evidence of high participant satisfaction and pre-post improvement in competencies such as relationship-building, empathy, confidence/personal accomplishment, pedagogical skills and clinical skills. An average of 88.3% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the programme had positive outcomes. Qualitative evaluation identified high participant satisfaction and improvement in competencies such as relationship-building, empathy, perspective-taking/reflection, resilience and burnout detection/mitigation, confidence/personal accomplishment, narrative competence, and ethical inquiry.

Conclusion

Evaluation suggests that NM programming leads to high participant satisfaction and positive outcomes across various competencies. We suggest best practices and innovative future directions for programme implementation and evaluation.
Improving opioid guideline adherence: evaluation of a multifaceted, theory-informed pilot intervention for family physicians
Authors: Leece Pamela , Shantharam Yalnee , Hassam Samah , Buchman Daniel Z , Hamilton Michael , Persaud Navindra , Kahan Meldon , Spithoff Sheryl , Srivastava Anita , Sproule Beth A , Carlin Leslie , Furlan Andrea D
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Opioid-related deaths continue to increase in North America, an epidemic that was initiated by high rates of opioid prescribing. We designed a multifaceted, theory-informed Opioid Self-Assessment (OSA) package, to increase adherence to the Canadian Opioid Guideline among family physicians. This study aimed to assess changes in Canadian family physicians’ knowledge and practices after completing the OSA package.

Design

We conducted a mixed-method evaluation using a pre-test and post-test design that involved the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data.

Setting

This research was conducted in the primary care setting in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

We recruited a purposive sample of nine family physicians in Ontario who use long-term opioid therapy to treat patients with chronic pain.

Interventions

The OSA package included four components: an online knowledge test, an online learning programme, a safe medication practice self-assessment questionnaire and chart audit with feedback.

Outcome measures

Our measures included changes in knowledge, opioid safety practices and physicians’ perspectives on the OSA package.

Results

We found statistically significant improvements between pre-test and post-test knowledge scores at both baseline and 6-month follow-up. Physicians’ scores improved significantly on five of the seven core characteristics of the practice self-assessment questionnaire. On the chart audits, we observed an improvement in patient education between baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews showed that participants appreciated embedded resources in the OSA package. The completion of the package stimulated identification of gaps or deficits in practice and served as a useful reminder to discuss risk and safety with patients. Participants described the chart review as helpful in prompting discussions with their patients, identifying deficits and strengths and a ‘primary motivator’ for project participation.

Conclusions

The OSA package has the potential to improve medication safety practices in primary care related to opioid monitoring and adherence to current opioid guidelines.
Dynamic LED-light versus static LED-light for depressed inpatients: study protocol for a randomised clinical study
Authors: Volf Carlo , Aggestrup Anne Sofie , Petersen Paul Michael , Dam-Hansen Carsten , Knorr Ulla , Petersen Ema Erkocevic , Engstrøm Janus , Jakobsen Janus C , Hansen Torben Skov , Madsen Helle Østergaard , Hageman Ida , Martiny Klaus
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Retrospective studies conducted in psychiatric inpatient wards have shown a relation between the intensity of daylight in patient rooms and the length of stay, pointing to an antidepressant effect of ambient lighting conditions. Light therapy has shown a promising antidepressant effect when administered from a light box. The emergence of light-emitting diode (LED) technology has made it possible to build luminaires into rooms and to dynamically mimic the spectral and temporal distribution of daylight. The objective of this study is to investigate the antidepressant efficacy of a newly developed dynamic LED-lighting system installed in an inpatient ward.

Methods and analysis

In all, 150 inpatients with a major depressive episode, as part of either a major depressive disorder or as part of a bipolar disorder, will be included. The design is a two-arm 1:1 randomised study with a dynamic LED-lighting arm and a static LED-lighting arm, both as add-on to usual treatment in an inpatient psychiatric ward. The primary outcome is the baseline adjusted score on the 6-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at week 3. The secondary outcomes are the mean score on the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale at week 3, the mean score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at week 3 and the mean score on the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) at week 3. The spectral distribution of daylight and LED-light, with a specific focus on light mediated through the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, will be measured. Use of light luminaires will be logged. Assessors of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and data analysts will be blinded for treatment allocation. The study was initiated in May 2019 and will end in December 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical issues are expected. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, disseminated electronically and in print and presented at symposia.

Trial registration number

NCT03821506; Pre-results.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus and educational attainment in childhood: a systematic review
Authors: Oakley Natalie Jayne , Kneale Dylan , Mann Mala , Hilliar Mariann , Dayan Colin , Gregory John W , French Robert
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate available literature on whether type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has an impact on educational attainment in individuals undertaking high stakes standardised testing at the end of compulsory schooling.

Design

A systematic review was undertaken comparing educational attainment for individuals with and without T1DM who have undertaken high stakes testing at the end of compulsory schooling.

Data sources

A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, MEDLINE (epub ahead of print, in-process and other non-indexed citations), EMBASE, Web of Science, British Education Index, Education Resources Information Center and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was undertaken on 15 January 2018 and updated on 17 January 2019.

Eligibility criteria

Included studies fulfilled the following criteria: observational study or randomised controlled trial; included individuals who have undertaken high stakes testing at the end of compulsory schooling; compared the grades obtained by individuals with T1DM with a representative population control.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Quality and risk of bias in the observational studies included were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A detailed narrative synthesis of the included studies was completed.

Results

3103 articles were identified from the database search, with two Swedish cohort studies (using the same linked administrative data) meeting final inclusion criteria. A small but statistically significant difference was reported in mean final grades, with children with T1DM found to have lower mean grades than their non-diabetic counterparts (adjusted mean difference 0.07–0.08).

Conclusions

More contemporary research is required to evaluate the impact of T1DM in childhood on educational attainment in individuals undertaking high stakes standardised testing at the end of compulsory schooling, taking into consideration the substantial advances in management of T1DM in the last decade.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017084078.
Sex difference in incidence of gastric cancer: an international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017
Authors: Lou Lixia , Wang Linyan , Zhang Yaoyi , Chen Guofeng , Lin Lele , Jin Xiaoli , Huang Yi , Chen Jian
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To investigate sex difference in global gastric cancer incidence by year, age and socioeconomical status.

Design

An international comparative study.

Setting

We obtained the global and national sex-specific incidence of gastric caner by year and age from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The human development index (HDI) in 2017 as an indicator of national socioeconomical status was extracted from the Human Development Report.

Main outcome measures

Sex-specific incidence of gastric cancer was compared by year and age at the global level. Linear regression analyses were performed to explore socioeconomic-associated sex difference in gastric cancer incidence.

Results

Despite declining incidence of global gastric cancer in both sexes between 1990 and 2017, relative sex difference showed an increasing trend, with male to female ratios of age-standardised incidence rates (ASRs) rising from 1.86 to 2.20. Sex difference was almost negligible under 45 years of age and relative difference maximised in the age range of 65–69 years with male to female ratios of ASRs being 2.74. Both absolute sex difference (standardised β=0.256, p<0.001) and relative difference (standardised β=0.387, p<0.001) in ASRs were positively associated with HDI.

Conclusions

This study revealed that decreasing incidence of global gastric cancer was accompanied by widening sex difference in the past few decades. Men always had higher incidence than women. Greater sex difference was found in older age and in more developed countries. These findings highlight the importance of making sex-sensitive health policy to cope with the global gastric cancer burden.
‘Immunising’ physicians against availability bias in diagnostic reasoning: a randomised controlled experiment
Authors: Mamede Sílvia , de Carvalho-Filho Marco Antonio , de Faria Rosa Malena Delbone , Franci Daniel , Nunes Maria do Patrocinio Tenorio , Ribeiro Ligia Maria Cayres , Biegelmeyer Julia , Zwaan Laura , Schmidt Henk G
Published: January 2020

Background

Diagnostic errors have often been attributed to biases in physicians’ reasoning. Interventions to ‘immunise’ physicians against bias have focused on improving reasoning processes and have largely failed.

Objective

To investigate the effect of increasing physicians’ relevant knowledge on their susceptibility to availability bias.

Design, settings and participants

Three-phase multicentre randomised experiment with second-year internal medicine residents from eight teaching hospitals in Brazil.

Interventions

Immunisation: Physicians diagnosed one of two sets of vignettes (either diseases associated with chronic diarrhoea or with jaundice) and compared/contrasted alternative diagnoses with feedback. Biasing phase (1 week later): Physicians were biased towards either inflammatory bowel disease or viral hepatitis. Diagnostic performance test: All physicians diagnosed three vignettes resembling inflammatory bowel disease, three resembling hepatitis (however, all with different diagnoses). Physicians who increased their knowledge of either chronic diarrhoea or jaundice 1 week earlier were expected to resist the bias attempt.

Main outcome measurements

Diagnostic accuracy, measured by test score (range 0–1), computed for subjected-to-bias and not-subjected-to-bias vignettes diagnosed by immunised and not-immunised physicians.

Results

Ninety-one residents participated in the experiment. Diagnostic accuracy differed on subjected-to-bias vignettes, with immunised physicians performing better than non-immunised physicians (0.40 vs 0.24; difference in accuracy 0.16 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.27); p=0.004), but not on not-subjected-to-bias vignettes (0.36 vs 0.41; difference −0.05 (95% CI −0.17 to 0.08); p=0.45). Bias only hampered non-immunised physicians, who performed worse on subjected-to-bias than not-subjected-to-bias vignettes (difference −0.17 (95% CI −0.28 to −0.05); p=0.005); immunised physicians’ accuracy did not differ (p=0.56).

Conclusions

An intervention directed at increasing knowledge of clinical findings that discriminate between similar-looking diseases decreased physicians’ susceptibility to availability bias, reducing diagnostic errors, in a simulated setting. Future research needs to examine the degree to which the intervention benefits other disease clusters and performance in clinical practice.

Trial registration number

68745917.1.1001.0068.
Male Hypogonadism: A Review
Authors: Marcelli Marco , Mediwala Sanjay Navin
Published: January 2020

This article contains a systematic review of the main developments that have occurred in the area of male hypogonadism between the publication of the Endocrine Society Guidelines of 2010 and 2018 and after 2018.
Current status of pain medicine training in anesthesiology and pain medicine residency programs in university hospitals of Korea: a survey of residents’ opinions
Authors: Lee Jin Young , Kim Shin Hyung , Yoo Yongjae , Choi Seong Soo , Kim Sang Hun , Park Yoo Jung , Byeon Gyeong Jo , Kim Yeon Dong , Kim Jung Eun , Kang Se Hee , Kim Jia , Kim Min Ju , Park Hue Jung
Published: January 2020

Background

In Korea, anesthesiologists are expected to be mainstream pain medicine (PM) practitioners. However, anesthesiology and pain medicine (APM) residency programs mostly emphasize anesthesia learning, leading to insufficient PM learning. Therefore, this study evaluated the current status of PM training in APM residency programs in 10 Korean university hospitals.

Methods

Overall, 156 residents undergoing APM training participated anonymously in our survey, focusing on PM training. We assessed the aim, satisfaction status, duration, opinion on duration, desired duration, weaknesses of the training programs and plans of residents after graduating. We divided the residents into junior (first and second year) and senior (third and fourth year). Survey data were compared between groups.

Results

Senior showed significantly different level of satisfaction grade than did junior (p=0.026). Fifty-seven (81.4%) residents in junior and forty (46.5%) residents in senior underwent PM training for ≤2 months. Most (108; 69.2%) residents felt that the training period was too short for PM learning and 95 (60.9%) residents desired a training period of ≥6 months. The most commonly expressed weakness of the training was low interventional opportunity (29.7%), followed by short duration (26.6%). After residency, 80 (49.1%) residents planned to pursue a fellowship.

Conclusions

Dissatisfaction with PM training was probably due to a structural tendency of the current program towards anesthesia training and insufficient clinical experience, which needs to be rectified, with a change in PM curriculum.
Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 enhances the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes through autophagy modulation
Authors: Hu Hao , Wu Jiawei , Yu Xiaofan , Zhou Junling , Yu Hua , Ma Likun
Published: January 2020

Induction of autophagy promotes cardiomyocyte survival and confers a cardioprotective effect on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our previous study showed that knockdown of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) attenuated myocardial apoptosis in mouse AMI. Herein, this study further investigated whether the mechanisms by which MALAT1 enhanced cardiomyocyte apoptosis involved the autophagy regulation. To address this, cardiomyocytes were isolated from neonatal mice and then stimulated with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury to mimic AMI. The cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining and Western blot analysis of apoptosis-related proteins. The autophagy level was assessed using GFP-LC3 immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis of autophagy-related proteins. The results showed that H/R injury increased MALAT1 expression. Furthermore, MALAT1 overexpression significantly enhanced apoptosis and regulated autophagy of cardiomyocytes, whereas MALAT1 knockdown exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, rapamycin (an autophagy activator) effectively attenuated the MALAT1-mediated enhancement of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the increased MALAT1 expression induced by H/R injury enhances cardiomyocyte apoptosis, at least in part, through autophagy modulation.
Application of culturomics to characterize diverse anaerobic bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens in relation to environmental reservoirs
Authors: Moote Paul E. , Zaytsoff Sarah J.M. , Ortega Polo Rodrigo , Abbott D. Wade , Uwiera Richard R.E. , Inglis G. Douglas
Published: January 2020

Characterization of the microbiota of chickens is of current interest. The goals of the current study were to apply anaerobic isolation methods to comprehensively isolate and identify bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract of chickens and their environment. Bacterial communities within the drinking water were dominated by Escherichia, whereas communities in litter were more representative of the cecum. The crop and small intestine (jejunum and ileum) were dominated by Lactobacillus and Enterococcus spp., and the cecum was dominated by Proteus spp. The collection of bacteria isolated was dominated by Enterococcus spp., Escherichia/Shigella spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Proteus spp.; however, many rare taxa were observed. These included members of the Clostridiales and Clostridium spp., which were commonly isolated from the ileum and cecum. Bacteria isolated by enrichment and direct plating differed. The selective de Man–Rogosa–Sharpe agar was commonly associated with the isolation of Lactobacillus spp. and yielded the lowest diversity of all methods utilized. Increased diversity and frequency of Clostridium spp. was observed in enrichments of blood and mucus or by plating on Columbia agar supplemented with 10% blood and gentamicin. The bacteria isolated from this study provide source material for genomic and functional studies in chicken hosts.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: Rationale and Current Status
Authors: Fiorilli Paul N. , Herrmann Howard C.
Published: January 2020

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most prevalent form of moderate or severe valve disease in the developed world. MR can result from impairment of any part of the mitral valve apparatus and is classified as primary (disease of the leaflets) or secondary (functional). The presence of at least moderate MR is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. With the goal of avoiding the risks of traditional surgery, transcatheter mitral valve therapies have been developed. The current transcatheter repair techniques are limited by therapeutic target and incomplete MR reduction, and thus transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) has been pursued. Several devices (both transapical and transseptal) are under development, with both early feasibility and pivotal trials under way. As this field develops, the decision to treat with TMVR will require a heart team approach that takes patient-, disease-, and device-specific factors into account.
Cardiac Amyloidosis: Overlooked, Underappreciated, and Treatable
Authors: Rubin Jonah , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: January 2020

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative and restrictive cardiomyopathy that leads to heart failure, reduced quality of life, and death. The disease has two main subtypes, transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) and immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA), characterized by the nature of the infiltrating protein. ATTR-CA is further subdivided into wild-type (ATTRwt-CA) and variant (ATTRv-CA) based on the presence or absence of a mutation in the transthyretin gene. CA is significantly underdiagnosed and increasingly recognized as a cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Advances in diagnosis that employ nuclear scintigraphy to diagnose ATTR-CA without a biopsy and the emergence of effective treatments, including transthyretin stabilizers and silencers, have changed the landscape of this field and render early and accurate diagnosis critical. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and management of CA with an emphasis on the significance of recent developments and suggested future directions.
Review—Emerging Trends in the Design of Electrolytes for Lithium and Post-Lithium Batteries
Authors: Quartarone E. , Mustarelli Piercarlo
Published: January 2020

More powerful, durable, safer, greener and cheaper batteries are needed to fulfil the compelling requirements of automotive and grid applications. Addressing most of these requirements passes through the development of new-generation electrolytes able to overcome the issues of the state-of-the-art liquid ones, which are based on highly volatile and flammable organic solvents. At the same time, the quest for new electrolytes is strictly related to the attempt of replacing the graphite anode with lithium metal, so opening the way to full exploitation of new post-lithium chemistries, e.g. Li–air and Li–sulfur. Here, we critically review some original concepts which were recently proposed as routes for the development of liquid and quasi-solid electrolytes with improved performances in terms of safety, chemical and electrochemical stability, and capability to sustain high current densities. Attention will be devoted to the problem of lithium dendrites formation, and to the electrolyte families able to eliminate/control their development. Finally, the most promising research directions will be outlined.
Perspective—Enhancing Active Anode Material Performance for Lithium-Ion Batteries via Manipulation of Interfacial Chemistry
Authors: González Miguel A. , Marschilok Amy C. , Reichmanis Elsa
Published: January 2020

Over the past decade, conversion-type anodes have been viewed as an attractive frontrunner for use in the next-generation of high-capacity battery materials. However, many technological limitations exist in the stability and long-term reliability of these anodes for the commercialization of these electrodes. This perspective studies how interfacial interactions between different components of the electrode can help elucidate the key physical and chemical properties needed for the development of high-capacity materials for battery applications.
Bile acid receptors FXR and TGR5 signaling in fatty liver diseases and therapy
Authors: Chiang John Y. L. , Ferrell Jessica M.
Published: January 2020

Bile acid synthesis is the most significant pathway for catabolism of cholesterol and for maintenance of whole body cholesterol homeostasis. Bile acids are physiological detergents that absorb, distribute, metabolize, and excrete nutrients, drugs, and xenobiotics. Bile acids also are signal molecules and metabolic integrators that activate nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and membrane Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5; i.e., G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1) to regulate glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism. The gut-to-liver axis plays a critical role in the transformation of primary bile acids to secondary bile acids, in the regulation of bile acid synthesis to maintain composition within the bile acid pool, and in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis to prevent hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. High-fat and high-calorie diets, dysbiosis, alcohol, drugs, and disruption of sleep and circadian rhythms cause metabolic diseases, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Bile acid-based drugs that target bile acid receptors are being developed for the treatment of metabolic diseases of the liver.
Group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, is needed for activation of focal adhesion kinases, MAPK, GSK3, and β-catenin in rat pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Ramos-Álvarez Irene , Lee Lingaku , Jensen Robert T.
Published: January 2020

PAK4 is the only member of the Group II p21-activated kinases (PAKs) present in rat pancreatic acinar cells and is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC/cAMP and by various pancreatic growth factors. However, little is known of the role of PAK4 activation in cellular signaling cascades in pancreatic acinar cells. In the present study, we examined the role of PAK4’s participation in five different cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8)-stimulated signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, focal adhesion kinase, GSK3, and β-catenin), which mediate many of its physiological acinar-cell effects, as well as effects in pathophysiological conditions. To define PAK4’s role, the effect of two different PAK4 inhibitors, PF-3758309 and LCH-7749944, was examined under experimental conditions that only inhibited PAK4 activation and not activation of the other pancreatic PAK, Group I PAK2. The inhibitors’ effects on activation of these five signaling cascades by both physiological and pathophysiological concentrations of CCK, as well as by 12- O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC-activator, were examined. CCK/TPA activation of focal adhesion kinases(PYK2/p125FAK) and the accompanying adapter proteins (paxillin/p130CAS), Mek1/2, and p44/42, but not c-Raf or other MAPKs (JNK/p38), were mediated by PAK4. Activation of PI3K/Akt/p70s6K was independent of PAK4, whereas GSK3 and β-catenin stimulation was PAK4-dependent. These results, coupled with recent studies showing PAK4 is important in pancreatic fluid/electrolyte/enzyme secretion and acinar cell growth, show that PAK4 plays an important role in different cellular signaling cascades, which have been shown to mediate numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes in pancreatic acinar cells.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In pancreatic acinar cells, cholecystokinin (CCK) or 12- O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate (TPA) activation of focal adhesion kinases (p125FAK,PYK2) and its accompanying adapter proteins, p130CAS/paxillin; Mek1/2, p44/42, GSK3, and β-catenin are mediated by PAK4. PI3K/Akt/p70s6K, c-Raf, JNK, or p38 pathways are independent of PAK4 activation.