bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence and effect of resternotomy following cardiac surgery on morbidity and mortality: a 1‐year national audit on behalf of the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care
Authors: Agarwal S. , Choi S. W. , Fletcher S. N. , Klein A. A. , Gill R. ,   Contributors
Published: May 2020

Over 30,000 adult cardiac operations are carried out in the UK annually. A small number of these patients need to return to theatre in the first few days after the initial surgery, but the exact proportion is unknown. The majority of these resternotomies are for bleeding or cardiac tamponade. The Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care carried out a 1‐year national audit of resternotomy in 2018. Twenty‐three of the 35 centres that were eligible participated. The overall resternotomy rate (95%CI) within the period of admission for the initial operation in these centres was 3.6% (3.37–3.85). The rate varied between centres from 0.69% to 7.6%. Of the 849 patients who required resternotomy, 127 subsequently died, giving a mortality rate (95%CI) of 15.0% (12.7–17.5). In patients who underwent resternotomy, the median (IQR [range]) length of stay on ICU was 5 (2–10 [0–335]) days, and time to tracheal extubation was 20 (12–48 [0–2880]) hours. A total of 89.3% of patients who underwent resternotomy were transfused red cells, with a median (IQR [range]) of 4 (2–7 [1–1144]) units of red blood cells. The rate (95%CI) of needing renal replacement therapy was 23.4% (20.6–26.5). This UK‐wide audit has demonstrated that resternotomy after cardiac surgery is associated with prolonged intensive care stay, high rates of blood transfusion, renal replacement therapy and very high mortality. Further research into this area is required to try to improve patient care and outcomes in patients who require resternotomy in the first 24 h after cardiac surgery.
Management options for rectal variceal bleeding in the setting of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Lee Alice , Suhardja Thomas Surya , Nguyen Thang Chien , Chouhan Hanumant S.
Published: May 2020

Bleeding related to rectal varices associated with portal hypertension is rare but life‐threatening, and requires prompt treatment. We reviewed the literature for patients with this complex presentation and current recommendations, and commented on a case at our institution of a 68‐year‐old man with Child‐Pugh B alcoholic liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy who presented with profuse life‐threatening rectal variceal bleeding. Treatment options for rectal varices in patients with hepatic encephalopathy were reviewed and a management algorithm was devised from current knowledge in the literature. We suggest endoscopic management, and if unsuccessful then to proceed to angioembolization and/or balloon‐occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, which may be used in conjunction with surgical management. The chosen therapeutic option may depend on the clinical condition of the patient, the cause of portal hypertension and clinical expertise or facilities available. Given that transjugular intra‐hepatic portosystemic shunting is contraindicated in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, management of life‐threatening rectal variceal bleeding should be multimodal.
Optimism and Positivity Biases in Performance Appraisal Ratings: Empirical Evidence from Professional Soccer
Authors: Merkel Steffen , Chan Ho Fai , Schmidt Sascha L. , Torgler Benno
Published: May 2020

Using unique assessment data for players from a German Bundesliga club’s youth academy, we tested four core hypotheses on how player ratings and rater or ratee‐related characteristics reflect the (prospective) optimism bias and (retrospective) positivity bias. The results indicate not only that the ratings of predicted and remembered performance are indeed higher than the talents’ actual performance throughout a season, but that these differences depend positively on the rater’s organizational experience and negatively on the amount of ratee data available. They also suggest that (prospective) anticipation is even more positively biased than (retrospective) recollection of player performances, underscoring the asymmetry between looking forward and looking backward.
Systematic review: medical therapy for fibrostenosing Crohn’s disease
Authors: Lu Cathy , Baraty Brandon , Lee Robertson Helen , Filyk Alexis , Shen Hua , Fung Tak , Novak Kerri , Ma Christopher , Panaccione Remo , Achkar Jean‐Paul , El Ouali Sara , Bruining David , Jairath Vipul , Feagan Brian , Rieder Florian ,   the Stenosis Therapy and Research (STAR) Consortium
Published: May 2020

Background

Medical therapy and/or endoscopic balloon dilation with intralesional therapies are options for the treatment of small bowel fibrostenotic Crohn's disease (CD).

Aim

To perform a systematic review summarising evidence for efficacy of systemic and endoscopic intralesional medical therapy in established small bowel strictures in adult CD patients.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Scopus was conducted. Primary outcomes were rates of surgical resection and repeat endoscopic dilation. Pooled event rates from random effects models across studies with 95% confidence intervals were reported.

Results

Ten studies describing systemic medical therapy and eight studies of intralesional injection were included. One randomised controlled trial each for systemic therapy and intrastricture injection were identified. Only observational studies were found for systemic biologic therapies, which exclusively included tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists, while intralesional therapies all involved corticosteroids except for one study that evaluated infliximab. Pooled event rates for surgical resection after systemic and intralesional therapy were 28.3% (95% CI: 18.2%‐41.3%) and 18.5% (95% CI: 8.3%‐36.2%), respectively over a median follow‐up of 23 months (range 5.5‐105.8), and 21.8 months (range 5‐47). Risk of repeat endoscopic balloon dilation in those with intralesional therapy was 58.3% (95% CI: 36.6%‐77.3%) over a median follow‐up of 21.8 months (range 5‐47).

Conclusions

There are no favoured therapies for patients with stricturing small bowel CD. Data are lacking for ustekinumab and vedolizumab. No endoscopic intralesional medications provided a clear benefit for prevention of repeat EBD or surgery.
Seal dies from the National Museum of Slovenia: Non‐destructive analyses of medieval and early modern copper alloys
Authors: Nečemer M. , Kump P. , Lazar T.
Published: May 2020

A representative group of seal dies made of copper alloys from the collection of the National Museum of Slovenia was investigated by energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). Chronologically, the artefacts date from the early 13th century to the present. Non‐destructive EDXRF screening of elemental fingerprints of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, Sn and Sb was performed on 95 seal dies, and the obtained elemental data set was further processed by chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA). The relationships between the elemental composition of analysed seal dies, type of alloy applied and their historical context—date, location of manufacture and, possibly, social rank of the owner—were examined in detail.
Building a high‐resolution chronology at the Maya archaeological site of El Palmar, Mexico
Authors: Tsukamoto K. , Tokanai F. , Moriya T. , Nasu H.
Published: May 2020

This paper discusses how detailed analyses of archaeological contexts and macrobotanical remains are critical for building a high‐resolution chronology in archaeological research. While the application of Bayesian modelling has improved chronology‐building significantly, archaeologists have sometimes neglected different dates recovered from the same depositional layer without further scrutiny. Based on 78 radiocarbon samples, this problem is challenged by building a high‐resolution chronology of the Guzmán Group, a small plaza compound of the ancient Maya city of El Palmar, Mexico. The results permit a deeper understanding of relationships between dynastic interactions and the emergence of non‐royal elites in Classic Maya society.
Finance for a future of sustainable prosperity
Authors: Jones Aled , Taylor Nick , Hafner Sarah , Kitchen Joanna
Published: May 2020

Global society currently faces many challenges, including climate change and rising inequality. This paper presents the results of a thematic coding analysis of a workshop comprised of senior accountants and actuaries who were asked to consider how a future of sustainable prosperity can be enabled by the finance sector. We found that mindset, skills, external drivers, and decision boundaries were key themes that create barriers to change. Importantly, a reframing of the professions is required to underpin the changes required. The accountants and actuaries who took part believe that this represents a revolution from the way they currently operate with regard to regulation, exams, decision‐making, and their engagement with clients. They need to be more open to qualitative approaches to advice and focus on value creation, as well as re‐constructing what is understood through value, rather than profit extraction.
D‐optimal design for the Rasch counts model with multiple binary predictors
Authors: Graßhoff Ulrike , Holling Heinz , Schwabe Rainer
Published: May 2020

In this paper we derive optimal designs for the Rasch Poisson counts model and its extended version of the (generalized) negative binomial counts model incorporating several binary predictors for the difficulty parameter. To efficiently estimate the regression coefficients of the predictors, locally D‐optimal designs are developed. After an introduction to the Rasch Poisson counts model and its extension, we will specify these models as particular generalized linear models. Based on this embedding, optimal designs for both models including several binary explanatory variables will be presented. Therefore, we will derive conditions on the effect sizes for certain designs to be locally D‐optimal. Finally, it is pointed out that the results derived for the Rasch Poisson models can be applied for more general Poisson regression models which should receive more attention in future psychological research.
A comprehensive hypothesis on the migration of European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Cresci Alessandro
Published: May 2020

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a catadromous fish that spawns in the Sargasso Sea. As larvae, eels cross the Atlantic Ocean and reach the continental slope of Europe, where they metamorphose into post‐larval glass eels. These reach the continent, where some enter fresh water, some remain in marine waters, and others move between fresh and marine waters. After 5–25 years, as adult silver eels, they migrate back from fresh water to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. The glass eel stage is a critical step during which the eels cross the continental shelf and recruit to estuaries, where they facultatively transition to fresh water. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the behavioural mechanisms and environmental cues that aid and guide glass eels' migration. Glass eels follow odours and salinity gradients, they avoid light, and they change orientation and depth according to the tides. Recent work revealed that European glass eels also use Earth's magnetic field and lunar cues to orient. However, while we understand many aspects of their orientation behaviour, a unifying theory describing how glass eels migrate from the continental slope to fresh water is lacking. The goal of this review is to develop a comprehensive hypothesis on the migration of European glass eels, integrating previous knowledge on their orientation behaviour with recent findings on magnetic and celestial orientation. This review follows the journey of a hypothetical glass eel, describing the nature and the role of orientation cues involved at each step. I propose that, although glass eels have the sensory capacity to use multiple cues at any given time, their migration is based on a hierarchical succession of orientation mechanisms dictated by the physical properties of the environments that they occupy: (i) lunar and magnetic cues in pelagic water; (ii) chemical and magnetic cues in coastal areas; and (iii) odours, salinity, water current and magnetic cues in estuaries.
Debate: Reality check – Detransitioner's testimonies require us to rethink gender dysphoria
Authors: Entwistle Kirsty
Published: May 2020

Butler and Hutchinson's clarion call (Butler and Hutchinson, 2020) for empirical research on desistance and detransition deserves careful consideration. It formally documents the needs of the emerging cohort of detransitioners, many of whom are in their teens and early twenties. In the absence of specialist services, some detransitioners have been sharing their experiences in public forums. The anecdotal reports by detransitioners indicate that systematic long‐term follow‐up of those who have been prescribed medical interventions by NHS and private clinics is essential to understanding the gestalt. Decision‐making on the basis of misinformation on the effectiveness and necessity of medical interventions for gender dysphoria is a problem, and detransitioners indicate that nonmedical interventions for gender dysphoria are sorely needed. Analysis of the political and organisational systems that have brought us to the current situation is required in order to prevent more young people from being prescribed unnecessary medical interventions for gender dysphoria.
Directed differentiation of regulatory T cells from naive T cells and prevention of their inflammation-mediated instability using small molecules
Authors: Haddadi M-H , Negahdari B , Hajizadeh-Saffar E , Khosravi-Maharlooei M , Basiri M , Dabiri H , Baharvand H
Published: May 2020

Regulatory T (Treg) cell therapy is a promising approach for immune tolerance induction in autoimmunity conditions and cell/organ transplantations. Insufficient isolation yields and impurity during downstream processes and Treg instability after adoptive transfer in inflammatory conditions are major limitations to Treg therapy, and indicate the importance of seeking a valid, reliable method for de-novo generation of Tregs. In this research, we evaluated Treg-like cells obtained from different Treg differentiation protocols in terms of their yield, purity and activity. Differentiation was performed on naive CD4+ cells and a naive CD4+/Treg co-culture by using three different protocols – ectopic expression of forkhead box protein P3 (E-FoxP3), soluble transforming growth factor β (S-TGF) and small molecules [N-acetyl puromycin and SR1555 (N-Ac/SR)]. The results showed that a high yield of a homogeneous population of Treg-like cells could be achieved by the N-Ac/SR method under a T helper type 17 (Th17)-polarizing condition, particularly interleukin (IL)-6 and TGF-β, when compared with the E-FoxP3 and S-TGF methods. Surprisingly, SR completely inhibited the differentiation of IL-17-producing cells and facilitated Treg generation in the inflammatory condition and had highly suppressive activity against T cell proliferation without Treg-specific demethylase region (TSDR) demethylation. For the first time, to our knowledge, we report the generation of efficient, pure Treg-like cells by using small molecules during in-vitro inflammatory conditions. Our results suggested that the N-Ac/SR method has several advantages for Treg generation when compared with the other methods, including a higher purity of Tregs, easier procedure, superior suppressive activity during the inflammatory condition and decreased cost.
Material Politics: Utility Documents, Claims‐Making and Construction of the “Deserving Citizen” in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Pilo’ Francesca
Published: May 2020

Through an ethnographic study of a document in urban Brazil—the electricity bill—this article argues for developing a relational and materialist approach to citizenship. It analyzes the uses and meaning of this document for favela residents, the state, and the private electricity provider, within projects to regularize illegal connections and the so‐called “pacification” program, a state security policy to re‐establish state territorial control. It investigates the tensions between the market‐oriented processes of electricity regularization and citizenship by examining the implications of this contractual change on the way state and non‐state actors and residents frame rights and responsibilities linked to membership in society. Analysis of this document reveals how citizenship framing takes specific shape in line with both state reforms and urban processes of differentiation. It shows that the bill both materializes normative ideas of “deserving citizenship” as a territorial, moral, and material process, and realizes the potential for political contestation. The article thus expands on analysis of documents as material mediators of social and political relations and proposes an understanding of citizenship as a negotiated process involving people, state, and non‐state actors and objects.
Olympic Legacies
Authors: Derks Sanne , Koster Martijn , Oosterbaan Martijn
Published: May 2020

Expectations of urban upgrading projects in light of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro oscillated between hopeful prospects and pessimistic anticipation. The different opinions were clearly interwoven with stark socioeconomic inequalities and urban segregation. While authorities spread a celebratory narrative of improvements for the whole city, critics depicted a dystopian vision of spatial interventions that would violate the poor’s right to the city. We side with those critics who foresaw the uneven consequences of these sports mega‐events. Nevertheless, we also think that the experiences and narratives of poor residents themselves often get lost in such struggles. This photo essay provides insights into the displacement that took place against the backdrop of these mega‐events. In both text and images, it zooms in on the consequences of an urban development program that was carried out in the run‐up to the Olympics in two favelas bordering Rio’s affluent South Zone. It shows residents’ diverse ways of dealing with the intervention and its aftermath. It demonstrates how their displacement entailed decreased notions of collectivity, neighborliness, and security, and how it gave rise to new expectations, grievances, and claims on authorities.
The role of psychology in determining human–predator conflict across southern Kenya
Authors: Perry Laura R. , Moorhouse Tom P. , Loveridge Andrew J. , Macdonald David W.
Published: May 2020

Conflict between people and carnivores can lead to the widespread killing of predators in retaliation for livestock loss and is a major threat to predator populations. In Kenya, a large, rural, pastoralist population comes into regular conflict with predators, which persist across southern Kenya. We explored the social and psychological backdrop to livestock management practices in this area in a process designed to be easy to use and suitable for use across large areas for the study of conflict and transboundary implementation of wildlife conflict reduction measures, focusing on community involvement and needs. We carried out fully structured interviews of livestock managers with a survey tool that examined how social and psychological factors may influence livestock management behavior. We compared survey responses on 3 sites across the study area, resulting in 723 usable responses. Efficacy of individuals’ livestock management varied between and within communities. This variation was partially explained by normative and control beliefs regarding livestock management. Individual livestock managers’ self‐reported management issues were often an accurate reflection of their practical management difficulties. Psychological norms, control beliefs, and attitudes differed among sites, and these differences partially explained patterns associated with conflict (i.e., variation in livestock management behavior). Thus, we conclude that a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to improving livestock management and reducing human–predator conflict is not suitable.
Colon capsule endoscopy: an innovative method for detecting colorectal pathology during the COVID‐19 pandemic?
Authors: MacLeod C. , Wilson P. , Watson A. J. M.
Published: May 2020

Aim

The coronavirus pandemic has led to significant challenges for healthcare delivery across the globe. Non‐emergency endoscopic activity in the UK has been postponed, raising concerns of increased delays in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and a surge in demand once services resume. Measures to mitigate this risk must be considered.

Method

This paper reviews various investigative modalities for colorectal disease which could be deployed during cessation of colonoscopy services. We focus on colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) due to its relevance during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its ability to triage patients effectively to further endoscopic investigations.

Results

CT of the abdomen and pelvis has been suggested as a triage tool while access to colonoscopy is limited. However, CT may lead to the spread of COVID‐19 as patients attend the hospital, and it exposes them to the risks of radiation. Faecal immunochemistry tests have been demonstrated as a good predictor of colonic pathology and could be safely used to risk stratify patients when prioritizing colonoscopy. CCE is a safe and innovative technology for investigating the colon. Procedures can be carried out in the community and can be conducted safely during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been shown to be an accurate detector of colonic neoplasia and can reduce demand for colonoscopy.

Conclusion

As colonoscopy services resume, they will probably experience high demand leading to further delays for patients. CCE could be used to reduce the number of patients requiring colonoscopy and triage those requiring further endoscopic investigations appropriately.
Effects of environmental conditions on the use of forward‐looking infrared for bear den detection in the Alaska Arctic
Authors: Pedersen Nils J. , Brinkman Todd J. , Shideler Richard T. , Perham Craig J.
Published: May 2020

Industrial off‐road activity in winter overlaps denning habitat of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in the North Slope oilfields of Alaska (United States). To prevent disturbance of dens, managers have used forward‐looking infrared (FLIR) cameras to detect dens, but the effectiveness of FLIR under different environmental conditions is unresolved. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of environmental variables on FLIR‐based techniques for arctic bear den detection. Using a FLIR‐equipped unmanned aircraft system (UAS), we conducted observations of artificial polar bear (APD) and grizzly bear (AGD) dens from horizontal and vertical perspectives between December 2016 and April 2017. We recorded physical characteristics of artificial dens and weather conditions present during each observation. We captured 291 images and classified each as detection or nondetection based on the number of pixels representative of a den “hot spot.” We used logistic regression to model the effects of four weather variables on the odds of detection (detection). We found that UAS‐FLIR detects APDs two times better than AGDs, and that for both species detections are four times more likely from the vertical than horizontal perspective. Lower air temperature and wind speed, and the absence of precipitation and sunlight increased detection for APDs. A 1°C increase in air temperature lowered detection by 12% for APDs and by 8% for AGDs. We recommend that UAS‐FLIR surveys be conducted early in the denning season, on cold, clear days, with calm winds, in the absence of sunlight (e.g., civil twilight). Our study further refines the application of FLIR techniques for arctic bear den detection and offers practical recommendations for optimizing detection. Putative den locations should be confirmed by a secondary method to minimize disturbance as anthropogenic activity continues in the Arctic.
Evaluating Potential Disease‐Mediated Protein‐Drug Interactions in Patients With Moderate‐to‐Severe Plaque Psoriasis Receiving Subcutaneous Guselkumab
Authors: Zhu Yaowei , Xu Yan , Zhuang Yanli , Piantone Alexa , Shu Cathye , Chen Dion , Zhou Honghui , Xu Zhenhua , Sharma Amarnath
Published: May 2020

This open‐label, multicenter, phase I therapeutic protein‐drug interaction study was designed to evaluate the potential effect of guselkumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin‐23 immunoglobulin G1 lambda monoclonal antibody, on the pharmacokinetics of a cocktail of representative cytochrome P450 (CYP) probe substrates (midazolam (CYP3A4), S‐warfarin (CYP2C9), omeprazole (CYP2C19), dextromethorphan (CYP2D6), and caffeine (CYP1A2)). Fourteen participants with psoriasis received a single subcutaneous dose of guselkumab 200 mg on day 8 and an oral probe cocktail on days 1, 15, and 36. Blood samples were collected for measuring plasma concentrations of these probe substrates on days 1, 15, and 36. No consistent trends in observed maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve from time 0 to infinity values of each probe CYP‐substrate before (day 1) and after guselkumab treatment (days 15 and 36) could be identified in each individual patient, suggesting that the use of guselkumab in patients with psoriasis is unlikely to influence the systemic exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP isozymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP1A2). The probe cocktail was generally well‐tolerated when administered in combination with guselkumab in patients with psoriasis.

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT02397382.
Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis and reclassification of cardiovascular risk in Spanish population by coronary computed tomography angiography: EVA study
Authors: García‐Ortiz Luis , Barreiro‐Perez Manuel , Merchan‐Gómez Soraya , Ignacio Recio‐Rodriguez José , Sánchez‐Aguadero Natalia , Alonso‐Dominguez Rosario , Lugones‐Sanchez Cristina , Rodríguez‐Sanchez Emiliano , Sanchez Pedro L. , Gómez‐Marcos Manuel A. ,   on behalf EVA investigators
Published: May 2020

Background

A more complete assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) can be performed by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The aim was to assess the prevalence, distribution and characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the reclassification of cardiovascular risk by CCTA in an asymptomatic Spanish population.

Design

We included, in a cross‐sectional study, 501 random subjects from asymptomatic population, aged 35 and 75. Risk factors, target organ damage and cardiovascular risk were assessed. CCTA was offered to measure the coronary artery calcium score(CACS), segment involvement score(SIS) and segment stenosis score(SSS). The offer was accepted by 220 subjects (44%), with a mean age of 58 ± 14 years, 56% of them male.

Results

The mean CACS was 119.6 ± 381.7 (median (IQR) (0 (0‐61.55))), with higher scores in males (191.9 ± 493.1) than females (26.1 ± 73.3; P < .01). CCTA revealed coronary atherosclerosis in 89 cases, 40% (CI95%:34%‐46%) in global, 51% in male and 25% in female, of which 13 had obstructive lesions (5.9%). Mean SIS was 1.5 ± 2.5 and SSS 1.2 ± 3.1. When the CACS was included in the CAD risk scale, there was a reclassification of 24%, and when using the SIS percentile, it was 38%, with a 9% increase in risk in both cases.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CAD in asymptomatic Spanish population was 40%, with greater proportion among males. The incorporation of CACS and SIS in the assessment of cardiovascular risk allows reclassifying subjects who are at low or moderate risk and thus identify those with high cardiovascular risk and also the other way.
The association between CYBA gene C242T variant and risk of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pourgholi Leyla , Pourgholi Fatemeh , Ziaee Shayan , Goodarzynejad Hamidreza , Hosseindokht Maryam , Boroumand Mohammadali , Mandegary Ali
Published: May 2020

Background

Both inflammation and oxidative stress may contribute to pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The C242T polymorphism (rs4673) in the CYBA gene, as the main components of NAD (P) H oxidase, causes inter‐individual variability in the enzyme activity. We aimed to investigate the association between this polymorphism with MetS and its components.

Methods

Two hundred nine patients with MetS and 232 controls were included in this study. MetS was defined based on NCEP ATP‐III A criteria with some modifications. The C242T polymorphism within CYBA gene was determined by using PCR‐based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method.

Results

After applying a multiple logistic regression model with adjusting for potential confounders of MetS including, age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, used medications, and diabetes mellitus, C242T polymorphism was found to be associated with the presence of MetS in men but not in the total population or in women. T allele as compared to C allele was associated with decreased odds of MetS in men (adjusted OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.24‐0.74; P = .003), but not in women (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.07‐1.61; P = .890), or in the total population (adjusted OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.51‐1.02; P = .063).

Conclusion

This study shows that T allele of C242T polymorphism in CYBA gene is protective against MetS in Iranian men but not in women. Further cohort studies with larger sample size in subgroups of men and women are required to confirm such association in other racial or ethnic group.
Prenatal stress‐related alterations in synaptic transmission and 5‐HT7 receptor‐mediated effects in the rat dorsal raphe nucleus are ameliorated by the 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist SB 269970
Authors: Sowa Joanna , Hess Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

Early life adversity exerts a detrimental influence on developing brain neuronal networks and its consequences may include mental health disorders. In rats, prenatal stress may lead to anxiety and depressive‐like behavior in the offspring. Several lines of evidence implicated an involvement of prenatal stress in alterations of the brain serotonergic system functions, but the effects of prenatal stress on its core, the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), still remain incompletely understood. The present study was aimed at finding whether prenatal stress induces modifications in the glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs to DRN projection cells and whether it affects DRN 5‐HT7 receptors, which modulate activity of these synapses. Prenatal stress resulted in an increase in basal frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and in a decrease in basal frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded from putative projection neurons in DRN slices ex vivo. While there were no changes in the excitability of DRN projection neurons, the 5‐HT7 receptor‐mediated reduction in the sEPSC frequency and rise in the sIPSC frequency, seen in control rats, were largely absent in slices obtained from prenatally stressed rats. Repeated administration of SB 269970, a 5‐HT7 receptor antagonist, resulted in a reversal of prenatal stress‐induced alterations in 5‐HT7 receptor‐mediated effects on the sEPSC/sIPSC frequency. Moreover, the treatment reversed prenatal stress‐induced alterations in basal excitatory transmission and partially reversed the effect of stress on basal inhibitory transmission in the DRN.
Contrasting migratory journeys and changes in hippocampal astrocyte morphology in shorebirds
Authors: Henrique Ediely Pereira , de Oliveira Marcus Augusto , Paulo Dario Carvalho , Pereira Patrick Douglas Corrêa , Dias Cleyssian , de Siqueira Lucas Silva , de Lima Camila Mendes , Miranda Diego de Almeida , do Rego Péricles Sena , Araripe Juliana , de Melo Mauro André Damasceno , Diniz Daniel Guerreiro , de Morais Magalhães Nara Gyzely , Sherry David Francis , Picanço Diniz Cristovam Wanderley , Diniz Cristovam Guerreiro
Published: May 2020

Semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) migration to the Southern Hemisphere includes a 5‐day non‐stop flight over the Atlantic Ocean, whereas semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) migration, to the same area, is largely over land, with stopovers for feeding and rest. We compared the number and 3D morphology of hippocampal astrocytes of Ch. semipalmatus before and after autumnal migration with those of C. pusilla to test the hypothesis that the contrasting migratory flights of these species could differentially shape hippocampal astrocyte number and morphology. We captured individuals from both species in the Bay of Fundy (Canada) and in the coastal region of Bragança (Brazil) and processed their brains for selective GFAP immunolabeling of astrocytes. Hierarchical cluster analysis of astrocyte morphological features distinguished two families of morphological phenotypes, named type I and type II, which were differentially affected after migratory flights. Stereological counts of hippocampal astrocytes demonstrated that the number of astrocytes decreased significantly in C. pusilla, but did not change in Ch. semipalmatus. In addition, C. pusilla and Ch. semipalmatus hippocampal astrocyte morphological features were differentially affected after autumnal migration. We evaluated whether astrocyte morphometric variables were influenced by phylogenetic differences between C. pusilla and Ch. semipalmatus, using phylogenetically independent contrast approach, and phylogenetic trees generated by nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Our findings suggest that phylogenetic differences do not explain the results and that contrasting long‐distance migratory flights shape plasticity of type I and type II astrocytes in different ways, which may imply distinct physiological roles for these cells.
Variable resistance to spinetoram in populations of Thrips palmi across a small area unconnected to genetic similarity
Authors: Shi Pan , Guo Shao‐Kun , Gao Yong‐Fu , Cao Li‐Jun , Gong Ya‐Jun , Chen Jin‐Cui , Yue Lei , Li Hu , Hoffmann Ary Anthony , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: May 2020

The melon thrips, Thrips palmi, is an increasingly important pest of vegetables in northern China. Some populations have developed resistance in the field to the insecticide spinetoram. Understanding the origin and dispersal of insecticide‐resistant populations can shed light on resistance management strategies. In this study, we tested susceptibility of seven greenhouse populations of T. palmi to spinetoram collected from a small area of about 300 km2 in Shandong Province and examined population genetic structure across the area based on a segment of mitochondrial cox1 gene and 22 microsatellite loci to infer the possible origin and dispersal of insecticide resistance. Levels of resistance to spinetoram differed among seven populations, which included one population with high resistance (LC50 = 759.34 mg/L), three populations with medium resistance (LC50 ranged from 28.69 to 34.79 mg/L), and three populations with low resistance (LC50 ranged from 7.61 to 8.97 mg/L). The populations were genetically differentiated into two groups unrelated to both levels of resistance and geographic distance. The molecular data indicated high levels of gene flow between populations with different levels of resistance to spinetoram and low gene flow among populations with the same level of resistance, pointing to a likely separate history of resistance evolution. Resistance levels of two tested populations to spinetoram decreased 23 and 4.6 times after five generations without any exposure to the pesticide. We therefore suspect that resistance of T. palmi most likely evolved in response to local applications of the insecticide. Our study suggests that the development of resistance could be avoided or resistance even reversed by reducing usage of spinetoram.
What and where? Predicting invasion hotspots in the Arctic marine realm
Authors: Goldsmit Jesica , McKindsey Christopher W. , Schlegel Robert W. , Stewart D. Bruce , Archambault Philippe , Howland Kimberly L.
Published: May 2020

The risk of aquatic invasions in the Arctic is expected to increase with climate warming, greater shipping activity and resource exploitation in the region. Planktonic and benthic marine aquatic invasive species (AIS) with the greatest potential for invasion and impact in the Canadian Arctic were identified and the 23 riskiest species were modelled to predict their potential spatial distributions at pan‐Arctic and global scales. Modelling was conducted under present environmental conditions and two intermediate future (2050 and 2100) global warming scenarios. Invasion hotspots—regions of the Arctic where habitat is predicted to be suitable for a high number of potential AIS—were located in Hudson Bay, Northern Grand Banks/Labrador, Chukchi/Eastern Bering seas and Barents/White seas, suggesting that these regions could be more vulnerable to invasions. Globally, both benthic and planktonic organisms showed a future poleward shift in suitable habitat. At a pan‐Arctic scale, all organisms showed suitable habitat gains under future conditions. However, at the global scale, habitat loss was predicted in more tropical regions for some taxa, particularly most planktonic species. Results from the present study can help prioritize management efforts in the face of climate change in the Arctic marine ecosystem. Moreover, this particular approach provides information to identify present and future high‐risk areas for AIS in response to global warming.
Spatial proximity, localized assets, and the changing geography of domestic mergers and acquisitions in transitional China
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Wei Yehua Dennis , Chen Wen
Published: May 2020

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are the main force of spatial restructuring in the location of economic decision making. This paper analyzes the changing geography of M&As and its influencing factors in China during the period of 2002–2016. It shows a significant “core‐periphery” spatial pattern or network structure, in which a core group of major metropolises and developed provinces, led by Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, dominates China's M&As market and inter‐regional networks, marginalizing the other regions. The descriptive and modelling results indicate that spatial proximity and corporate preferences for localized assets can shape this geography of China's domestic M&As. The findings confirm that the “home bias” does exist in China's M&As partnering. Meanwhile, the key drivers of China's domestic acquirers are their desire to access and internalize localized assets, especially in the emerging market, new technology, and policy advantages. This study enriches the existing knowledge about the determinants of inter‐regional M&As in emerging economies (e.g., China), where the influences of regional disparities in the institutional setting, industrial structure, as well as economic marketization and financialization are more significant.
Corrosion resistance and cleanability of glazed surface
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Li Xiaonv , Wang Yongqing , Wu Jianqing
Published: May 2020

This work aimed to study the effect of surface properties on the corrosion resistance and cleanability of glazed surface. The samples were zircon‐containing raw glaze, zirconium‐based frit glaze, double‐glazed transparent glaze, and raw glaze coated with TiO2 film. The corrosion resistance of the samples in acidic, alkaline, and household detergent solutions was investigated by the changes in contact angle and surface roughness. Besides, the cleanability of the samples before and after corrosion was also compared. It was found that the corrosion resistance of a glaze was affected by the presence of crystals and their distribution, while the corrosion resistance of TiO2 film was closely related to itself and the nature of the substrate. The cleaning test showed that although adding a layer of transparent glaze reduced the surface roughness, it did not improve the cleanability. The TiO2 film had excellent cleaning performance, especially after ultraviolet light irradiation, but it had weak alkali corrosion resistance. Therefore, a zirconium‐based frit glaze is the right choice for sanitary ware in terms of durability and easy cleaning.
Impact of Mg‐Zr substitution on the magnetic and microwave absorption properties of BaFe12‐2xMgxZrxO19 (0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1.5)
Authors: Beheshti Kobra Alsadat , Yousefi Mohammad
Published: May 2020

In this study, magnesium‐zirconium–substituted M‐type barium hexaferrites BaFe12‐2xMg+xZrxO19 (BFMZO, 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1.5) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by sol‐gel autocombustion technique. On one hand, the effects of Mg‐Zr substitution concentration on the magnetic features of doped magnetic nanoparticles were investigated which showed that increasing the doping concentration causes the saturation magnetization to decrease. On the other hand, the influence of the different layer thicknesses (2, 3, and 4 mm) of BFMZO on the microwave absorption was investigated in X‐band frequencies (8‐12 GHz). Absorption results showed that increasing the film thickness from 2 to 3 mm causes microwave absorption to increase. Moreover, the morphological study reveals that aggregation percentage decreased when the substitution concentration increased. Therefore, size, magnetic, and absorption properties are tunable by substitution concentration.
Cervicofacial actinomycosis: a report of 14 patients observed at the Dermatology Unit of the University of Milan, Italy
Authors: Bortoluzzi Paolo , Nazzaro Gianluca , Giacalone Serena , Veraldi Stefano
Published: May 2020

Background

Actinomycoses are rare chronic infections often caused by Actinomyces spp. Cervicofacial actinomycosis (CFA) is caused by primary lesions in the oral cavity and subsequent fistulae, and suppurative and granulomatous lesions on the skin of the face.

Methods

We present the results of a retrospective study on 14 patients with CFA, observed in the period 1984–2019 at the Dermatology Unit of the University of Milan. Physical general and dermatologic examinations, instrumental tests, and histopathologic and bacteriologic examinations were carried out in all patients. In three patients, polymerase chain reaction was also carried out.

Results

Six patients showed poor oral hygiene; eight patients had been subjected to previous surgical operations in the oral cavity. Histopathologic examination was superimposable in all patients. In four patients, bacteriologic examinations were positive for A. israelii. In three patients, polymerase chain reaction was positive for A. israelii. X‐rays of the bones of the face showed osteolytic lesions in four patients. All patients were successfully treated with benzathine benzylpenicillin followed by amoxicillin or with amoxicillin in monotherapy. In all patients, surgical drainage and debridement of the oral cavity were carried out.

Conclusion

CFA is a rare infection caused by primary lesions in the oral cavity and subsequent fistulae, and nodular and ulcerative lesions on the skin of the face. Clinical diagnosis must be confirmed by histopathologic, bacteriologic, and instrumental examinations. Therapy with penicillins is usually very long and must be accompanied by surgical drainage and debridement of the oral cavity.
Considering the relationship between sleep and empathy and compassion in mental health nurses: It’s time
Authors: Gerace Adam , Rigney Gabrielle
Published: May 2020

Sleep plays a critical role in overall health, well‐being, and daytime functioning. Provision of 24‐hour care means that nurses undertake shift work and therefore have been found to commonly not get the recommended amount of sleep, resulting in sleep deprivation. Research to date has focused on how sleep deprivation impacts their cognitive performance (e.g., reaction time, memory consolidation); however, less considered is how nurses’ sleep impacts on their ability to understand and provide emotional care to consumers. In this paper, we examine how sleep may influence nurses’ ability to empathize and provide compassionate care, both of which are fundamental aspects of their work. We begin by considering the unique challenges nurses face as shift workers and the impact of sleep on physical and psychological functioning. We examine how empathy and compassion drive nurses’ attempts to understand consumers’ perspectives and experiences and motivate them to want to help those in their care. Work directly investigating the relationship between sleep and these processes indicates emotional recognition and experience are hampered by poor sleep, with greater compassion towards oneself or from others associated with better sleep. Much of this work has, however, been conducted outside of the nursing or health professional space. We discuss issues that need to be addressed in order to move understanding forward regarding how sleep impacts on mental health nurses’ empathy and compassion, as well as how an understanding of the sleep–empathy/compassion link should be an important priority for nurse education and well‐being.
Thermodynamics of high‐temperature aluminum, zirconium, and yttrium hydroxide and oxyhydroxide vapor species
Authors: Bauschlicher Charles W. , Bodenschatz Cameron J. , Myers Dwight L. , Jacobson Nathan S.
Published: May 2020

Thermodynamic parameters are reported for gaseous hydroxides and oxyhydroxides of Al, Zr, and Y. The structures and vibrational frequencies are calculated using density functional theory with the B3LYP functional. This yields entropies at 298.15 K and heat capacities. The enthalpies are calculated from appropriate reactions and the CCSD(T) (Coupled Cluster, Singles, Doubles, and perturbative Triples) approach. The hydroxide groups are treated as hindered rotors for all species. The results are compared to the limited experimental and theoretical calculations for these species. Finally, the data are put into a database for a free‐energy minimizer and the vapor pressures for each species are compared.
Does tunneling explain the sensitivity of executive compensation to other member firms’ performance?
Authors: Kim Hyungseok , Kim Woochan
Published: May 2020

This study examines how executive compensation is set when a firm is a business group member. Using Korea's unique setting of family‐controlled business groups, we find that a member firm's executive cash compensation is positively linked to the stock performance of other member firms as well as its own. Further analyses reveal that this positive link is consistent with the hypothesis that corporate managers are rewarded for their decision to benefit the controlling family at the expense of the firm they manage. Specifically, we find that the sensitivity of executive pay to other member firms’ performance exists only in respect to firms in which the cash flow rights of the controlling family exceed those of the subject firm. We also find that this sensitivity is strengthened if the controlling family's control–ownership disparity in the subject firm is above the sample median.