bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proliferation and benevolence—A framework for dissecting the mechanisms of microbial virulence and health promotion
Authors: Wollein Waldetoft Kristofer , Råberg Lars , Lood Rolf
Published: March 2020

Key topics in the study of host–microbe interactions—such as the prevention of drug resistance and the exploitation of beneficial effects of bacteria—would benefit from concerted efforts with both mechanistic and evolutionary approaches. But due to differences in intellectual traditions, insights gained in one field rarely benefit the other. Here, we develop a conceptual and analytical framework for the integrated study of host–microbe interactions. This framework partitions the health effects of microbes and the effector molecules they produce into components with different evolutionary implications. It thereby facilitates the prediction of evolutionary responses to inhibition and exploitation of specific molecular mechanisms.
Differential expression analysis of clear cell renal cell carcinomas in The Cancer Genome Atlas distinguishes an aggressive subset enriched with chromosomes 7 and 12 gains
Authors: Pan Chin‐Chen , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Wang Yu‐Chao , Chang Yen‐Hwa
Published: March 2020

Aims

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides an integrated resource for investigating the genetic, phenotypical and clinical characteristics of cancer. In this study, we aimed to define distinct subsets of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) through differential expression and principal component analyses.

Methods and results

We used DESeq2 to examine the expression profiles of 472 cases in TCGA. After a process of segregation and regrouping, we compared the mutation and copy number variation landscapes to discern two major clusters: cluster 1, composed mainly of classic ccRCC, and cluster 2, which was associated with gains at chromosomes 7 and 12. Gene set enrichment analysis disclosed that cluster 2 tumours were enriched in genes involving epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Histologically, cluster 2 tumours frequently exhibited cell elongation or spindling. Patients with cluster 2 tumours or tumours harbouring chromosomes 7 or 12 gains had a significantly greater cumulative incidence of mortality. We then employed fluorescencein‐situhybridisation with probes against chromosomes 7 and 12 in a cohort of 119 cases of ccRCC from our institute for validation. Chromosomes 7 and 12 gains were associated with lower survival rates in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that genetic data obtained through appropriate molecular methodologies can be a useful adjunct to help predict prognosis. It also provides an example of exploring TCGA to extract meaningful information that can eventually contribute to precision medicine.
Association between pulp and periapical conditions and dental emergency visits involving pain relief: epidemiological profile and risk indicators in private practice in Australia
Authors: Franciscatto G. J. , Brennan D. S. , Gomes M. S. , Rossi‐Fedele G.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To assess the prevalence of dental emergency visits (DEV) involving pain relief and their relationship with socio‐economic and clinical factors in an Australian representative sample in the primary care setting.

Methodology

Data on reason for visit and patient characteristics were collected from a representative random sample of Australian dentists in private practice surveyed in 2009–2010. Information regarding socio‐economic (gender, age, health insurance) and clinical factors (number of teeth, number of decayed teeth, diagnosis and reason for visit [DEV, check‐up, other reasons not involving pain relief]) were retrieved from compiled questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were reported, and Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between socio‐economic and clinical factors and DEV. Prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

A total of 1148 dentists responded (67%), resulting in records from 6504 patients. The overall prevalence of DEV was 20.8%. The unadjusted analysis, according to the reason of visit, revealed the following predictors for DEV: male gender (PR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.08–1.29), age 18–64 years (PR = 2.70; 95% CI = 2.19–3.33) and over 65 years (PR = 2.64, 95% CI = 2.10–3.32), uninsured patients (PR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.24–1.49), patients with <20 teeth (PR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.06–1.33), decayed teeth (PR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.48–1.81). After adjustment for confounding factors (gender, age, insurance status, number of teeth and decayed teeth) apart from ‘dental trauma’ (PR = 1.37), all remaining diagnoses had lower PR (‘other’ PR = 0.19, ‘decay’ PR = 0.34, ‘periodontal’ PR = 0.51, ‘failed restoration’ PR = 0.45) compared with ‘pulp/periapical disease’.

Conclusions

In the primary care setting, the diagnoses ‘pulp/periapical’ and ‘dental trauma’ had a stronger association with DEV compared with visits not involving relief of pain. Both socio‐economic (male gender, older age and uninsured individuals) and clinical factors (tooth loss, decayed teeth, endodontic diseases and dental trauma) were identified as independent risk indicators for DEV in this population. Future public health policies should include specific preventive strategies addressing these factors, aiming to reduce the need for DEV.
Immunological roles of intestinal mesenchymal cells
Authors: Thomson Carolyn A. , Nibbs Robert J. , McCoy Kathy D. , Mowat Allan Mcl
Published: March 2020

The intestine is continuously exposed to an enormous variety and quantity of antigens and innate immune stimuli derived from both pathogens and harmless materials, such as food and commensal bacteria. Accordingly, the intestinal immune system is uniquely adapted to ensure appropriate responses to the different kinds of challenge; maintaining tolerance to harmless antigens in the steady‐state, whilst remaining poised to deal with potential pathogens. To accomplish this, leucocytes of the intestinal immune system have to adapt to a constantly changing environment and interact with many different non‐leucocytic intestinal cell types, including epithelial and endothelial cells, neurons, and a heterogenous network of intestinal mesenchymal cells (iMC). These interactions are intricately involved in the generation of protective immunity, the elaboration of inflammatory responses, and the development of inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Here we discuss recent insights into the immunological functions of iMC under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions, focusing particularly on iMC in the mucosa and submucosa, and highlighting how an appreciation of the immunology of iMC may help understand the pathogenesis and treatment of disease.
Ultrafast formation of Al2O3–Y3Al5O12 eutectic ceramic by flash sintering
Authors: Liu Jinling , Xu Xiang , Liu Dianguang , Chen Liying , Zhao Ke , An Linan
Published: March 2020

In this study, a dense Al2O3–Y3Al5O12 (YAG) ceramic was synthesized by flash sintering a powder mixture of Al2O3 and Y2O3 in less than 150 seconds at a furnace temperature of 1350°C. The resultant ceramic has a well‐defined eutectic structure consisting of alternating Al2O3 and YAG layers. The hardness and fracture toughness of the ceramic were measured to be 18.5 GPa and 4.3 MPa.m1/2, respectively. These values are comparable to those of similar eutectic ceramics made by directional solidification techniques. The results suggest a new method for making high‐performance eutectic ceramics, which could be applied in other systems.
Estimation of genetic parameters for milk and fertility traits within and between low, medium and high dairy production systems in Kenya to account for genotype‐by‐environment interaction
Authors: Wahinya Peter K. , Jeyaruban Gilbert , Swan Andrew , Magothe Thomas
Published: March 2020

Dairy records from the Dairy Recording Service of Kenya were classified into low, medium and high production systems based on mean 305‐day milk yield using the K‐means clustering method. Milk and fertility records were then analysed to develop genetic evaluation systems accounting for genotype‐by‐environment interaction between the production systems. Data comprised 26,638 lactation yield, 3,505 fat yield, 9,235 age at first calving and 17,870 calving interval records from 12,631 cows which were descendants of 2,554 sires and 8,433 dams. An animal model was used to estimate variance components, genetic correlations and breeding values for the production systems. Variance components increased with production means, apart from genetic group variances, which decreased from the low to the high production system. Moderate heritabilities were estimated for milk traits (0.21–0.27) and fat traits (0.11–0.38). Low heritabilities were estimated for lactation length (0.04–0.10) and calving interval (0.03–0.06). Moderate heritabilities (0.25–0.26) were estimated for age at first calving, except under the high production system (0.05). Within production systems, lactation milk yield, 305‐day milk yield and lactation length had high positive genetic correlations (0.52–0.96), while lactation milk yield and lactation length with age at first calving had negative genetic correlations. Milk yield and calving interval were positively correlated except under the low production system. The genetic correlations for lactation milk yield and 305‐day milk yield between low and medium (0.48 ± 0.20 and 0.46 ± 0.21) and low and high production systems’ (0.74 ± 0.15 and 0.62 ± 0.17) were significantly lower than one. Milk yield in the low production system is, therefore, a genetically different trait. The low genetic correlations between the three production systems for most milk production and fertility traits suggested that sires should be selected based on progeny performance in the targeted production system.
‘Inverse association between the total naevus count and melanoma thickness’
Authors: Marghoob N.G. , Liopyris K. , Navarrete‐Dechent C. , Dusza S.W. , Balais G. , Megaris A. , Papageorgiou C. , Apalla Z. , Lallas A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Individuals with a high total naevus count (TNC) are at a higher risk to develop melanoma, and screening efforts have been largely focused on this group. However, some studies suggest that melanomas of patients with many nevi are thinner than those of patients with few nevi. Additionally, nodular melanoma has been associated with individuals with a low naevus count.

Objective

To investigate the association between TNC and melanoma Breslow thickness.

Methods

A two‐centre retrospective study from 1 January 2016 to 1 January 2018. This included three hundred and twenty‐six consecutive melanoma patients from two tertiary melanoma centres. The mean age at presentation was 58.3 years (SD = 15.9), and the majority (54.9%, N = 179) were men. Incidence of new in situ and invasive melanomas and correlation with TNC were measured.

Results

The mean total naevus count for patients presenting with in situ melanoma was 57.2 (range 4–178), while for patients presenting with invasive disease was 31.5 (P = 0.01). In situ disease was associated with a higher TNC across all ages. For invasive melanoma, a positive association between age and Breslow thickness was observed, while TNC was inversely associated with Breslow thickness. Each additional naevus accounted for a 4% decreased likelihood that the subject had invasive disease.

Conclusion

Patients with a higher naevus count had thinner melanomas and more melanomas in situ, independent of age and sex.
The combined effect of host and food availability on optimized parasitoid life‐history traits based on a three‐dimensional trade‐off surface
Authors: Segoli Michal , Wajnberg Eric
Published: March 2020

The reproductive success of many insects is considered to be limited by two main factors: the availability of mature eggs to lay (termed egg limitation) and the time to locate suitable hosts (termed time limitation). High host density in the environment is likely to enhance oviposition opportunities, thereby selecting for higher investment in egg supply. In contrast, a shortage of food (e.g. sugar sources) is likely to increase the risk of time limitation, thereby selecting for higher allocation to initial energy reserves. To our knowledge, the combined effect of host and food availability on these optimal life‐history allocations has never been investigated. We thus modelled their simultaneous effects on a three‐dimensional trade‐off between initial investment in energy reserves, egg number and egg size, while focusing on insect parasitoids. The model was based on Monte Carlo simulations coupled with genetic algorithms, in order to identify the optimal life‐history traits of a single simulated parasitoid female in an environment in which both hosts and food are present in varying densities. Our results reproduced the simple predictions described above. However, some novel predictions were also obtained, especially when specific interactions between the different factors were examined and their effects on the three‐dimensional life‐history surface were considered. The work sheds light on long‐lasting debates regarding the relative importance of time versus egg limitation in determining insect life‐history traits and highlights the complexity of life‐history evolution, where several environmental factors act simultaneously on multiple traits.
Mental health is the health of the whole body: How psychoneuroimmunology & health psychology can inform & improve treatment
Authors: Alessi Maria G. , Bennett Jeanette M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Converging and accumulating evidence for the cross‐communication among the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, a field of study known as psychoneuroimmunology, implicates immunological dysfunction as a shared and common mechanism of both mental and physical illness. For example, psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and anxiety disorders have higher prevalence rates across a spectrum of autoimmune conditions compared to the general population. Additionally, subclinical immunological abnormalities are observed in a variety of psychiatric conditions, with chronic inflammation most extensively studied in the pathophysiology of depression. These observations blur the historical distinctions between mental and physical illness, yet clinical practice remains fragmented and primarily focused on differentially treating individual symptoms.

Proposed thesis

Therapeutically targeting inflammation offers translational opportunities for integrating mental and physical healthcare, a key niche of the interdisciplinary field of health psychology.

Conclusion

Utilizing a psychoneuroimmunological lens, health psychologists and clinicians can reconceptualize healthcare through integrative treatment approaches and advocacy for comprehensive policy‐level reform at both the individual‐level of care as well as community‐wide prevention approaches.
Effect of different beverages and storage period on bis‐acryl color stability using two assessment methods
Authors: Bastos Natália A. , Bitencourt Sandro B. , de Mello Igor P. , de Abreu Celina W. , Bombonatti Juliana F.S. , Silva Mariana M.
Published: March 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the color stability (ΔE00) of bis‐acryl resins after different immersion solutions and storage time by different evaluation methods.

Materials and methods

Sixty specimens (n = 30) were prepared from Protemp 4 and Structur 3. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10), according to the immersion solution (artificial saliva, cola beverage, and yerba mate tea) and evaluated at two storage times (7 and 14 days). The ΔE00 of each group was calculated using color coordinates obtained by a spectrophotometer and by a digital method, using the CIEDE2000 color difference formula. Data were analyzed by three‐way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05).

Results

The 7‐day period presented the lowest ΔE00 values, regardless of the material and solution evaluated for both evaluation methods (ΔE00 < 0.93; ΔE00 < 3.12). The immersion solution with the highest color change was yerba mate tea after 14 days (ΔE00 > 2.11). For digital analyses, all materials and solutions at both times presented ΔE00 values higher than the clinically acceptable (ΔE00 > 1.8), while in spectrophotometer only in yerba mate tea (14 days) Structur was above the clinical acceptability level.

Conclusions

Yerba mate tea was the immersion solution with a higher color change in both materials and assessment methods. The highest values were found after 14 days of immersion, regardless of the solution. The ΔE00 for the digital method was higher than the spectrophotometer analysis.

Clinical significance

It is important to identify the influence of staining beverages on interim materials used in patients requiring temporary rehabilitation. The use of a spectrophotometer seems to be more accurate than the digital method for the evaluation of color parameters of the tested materials.
What Is the Relationship Between Orthostatic Blood Pressure and Spatiotemporal Gait in Later Life?
Authors: Briggs Robert , Donoghue Orna A. , Carey Daniel , O'Connell Matthew D. L. , Newman Louise , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Little work to date has examined the relationship between gait performance and blood pressure (BP) recovery after standing in later life. The aim of this study is to clarify the association of orthostatic BP with spatiotemporal gait parameters in a large cohort of older people.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study using multilevel linear regression to ascertain the difference in orthostatic BP patterns across tertiles of gait speed, and linear regression to analyze the association of orthostatic hypotension 30 seconds after standing (OH‐30) with specific gait characteristics.

SETTING

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 4311 community‐dwelling adults, aged 50 years or older (mean age = 62.2 years; 54% female), one fifth (n = 791) of whom had OH‐30.

MEASUREMENTS

Continuous orthostatic BP was measured during active stand. OH‐30 was defined as a drop in systolic BP of 20 mm Hg or more or drop in diastolic BP of 10 mm Hg or more at 30 seconds.

Spatiotemporal gait was assessed using the GAITRite system, reporting gait speed, step length, step width, and double support time in both single and dual (cognitive task) conditions.

RESULTS

OH‐30 was associated with slower gait speed (β = −3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −4.46 to −1.56) and shorter step length (β = −.73; 95% CI = −1.29 to −.16) in fully adjusted models during single task walking. Similar findings were observed in dual task conditions, in addition to increased double support phase (β = .45; 95% CI = .02‐.88).

Multilevel models demonstrated that participants in the slowest tertile for gait speed had a significantly larger drop in systolic BP poststanding compared to those with faster gait speeds in single and dual task conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that slower recovery of BP after standing is independently associated with poorer gait performance in community‐dwelling older adults.

Given the adverse outcomes independently associated with OH and gait problems in later life, increasing awareness that they commonly coexist is important, particularly as both are potentially modifiable. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1286–1292, 2020.
Preinjection aspiration for injectable fillers in aesthetic dermatology: Trust or bust?
Authors: Albornoz Christian A. , Jhawar Nikita , Durso Timothy A. , Hazan Ezra , Wang Jordan V. , Saedi Nazanin
Published: March 2020

In recent years, the utility of preinjection aspiration for injectable fillers as a safety checkpoint has been debated. It is a clinical technique that has become controversial in both the literature and at national aesthetic conferences. Many consensus papers and anecdotal reports have been divided on how helpful preinjection aspiration is in reducing adverse events and subsequently increasing patient safety. Here, we summarize the prominent studies in the literature and offer an evaluation and insights.
Internal Migration and the Role of Intergenerational Family Ties and Life Events
Authors: Thomas Michael J. , Dommermuth Lars
Published: March 2020

Objective

This article examines how the migration behavior of older parents and adult children might be influenced by the geographical configuration of nonresident family networks and the emergence of “linked” life events.

Background

Researchers have long pointed to the importance of intrahousehold family events as triggers for migration, yet few have detailed how choices over whether, when, and where to migrate are formed with reference to significant others outside of the household.

Method

Utilizing geocoded register data for Norway, we identified intergenerational family networks comprising older parents (aged 55+) and their nonresident adult children living 20 km or more apart. We recorded the presence and location of various family ties, the occurrence of several life events, and analyzed their association with the propensity and direction of migration using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Approximately 40% of all recorded migration events (≥20 km) were directed toward familial locations (i.e., within 10 km of a parent/adult child). The attractiveness of familial locations was strengthened by the colocation of multiple family members and increased with the emergence of life events typically linked to increased support‐needs (e.g., separation, widowhood, and childbirth). Beyond these general patterns, variations existed according to social class, immigrant background, and gender.

Conclusion

With the estimated coefficients for nonresident family ties appearing larger than many conventional predictors of migration, we call for far more attention to be paid to the links between kinship networks, care provision, and migration in contemporary society.
The Process Affordances of Strategy Toolmaking when Addressing Wicked Problems
Authors: Burke Gary T. , Wolf Carola
Published: March 2020

Studies have examined how managers use strategy tools, but we know much less about how managers create strategy tools de novo. We undertook an ethnographic study of a business facing a wicked problem and investigated the sociomaterial practice of collective toolmaking. We identify how strategy toolmaking oscillates between different problem domains and reveal how this manifests process affordances, which are ‘unintended’ by‐products of the toolmaking process. Counterintuitively, by intentionally making a strategic tool, actors unintentionally create a sociomaterial springboard for 'spin‐off strategizing' and ‘the discovery of latent ambiguities’, generating strategic value beyond the tool produced. These insights illuminate how the practice of collective toolmaking can stimulate wayfinding, indirectly helping managers to respond to wicked problems, characterized by high degrees of complexity, ambiguity, and indeterminacy.
Entrepreneurial Leadership as Creative Brokering: The Process and Practice of Co‐creating and Advancing Opportunity
Authors: Lingo Elizabeth Long
Published: March 2020

How does entrepreneurial leadership drive the process of forming and advancing opportunity? Drawing from an ethnographic field study of Nashville music producers, I develop a model of entrepreneurial leadership as creative brokering – the practices and process by which entrepreneurs lead and mobilize a complex network of actors in co‐creating and advancing opportunity. I find that entrepreneurial leaders encounter three tensions as they advance this process: 1) generating novel ideas and fitting them within the competitive landscape; 2) incubating opportunity and seizing the moment in the market; and 3) fostering experimentation and navigating hyper‐competition. I show when these tensions arise and identify six creative brokering practices through which leaders leverage their brokerage role to navigate these tensions in order to move opportunity forward. The paper offers a model of entrepreneurial leadership as creative brokering, extends extant creative brokering scholarship to consider more distal market actors, and shows how creative brokering and leadership towards creative outcomes involve iteratively stepping forward to infuse market perspective and exert control, and stepping back to let others shine and co‐create ideas.
miR‐454 performs tumor‐promoting effects in oral squamous cell carcinoma via reducing NR3C2
Authors: Guo Jing‐Yu , Wang Yu‐Kun , Lv Bo , Jin Hong
Published: March 2020

Background

Aberrant miRNAs expression regulates the occurrence and progression of a variety of cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aims to illustrate the potential effects of miR‐454/nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 2 (NR3C2) on the biological behaviors of OSCC cells.

Methods

GEO database was applied to detect and analyze the expression of miR‐545 and NR3C2 in OSCC tissues. Two OSCC cell lines including CAL27 and Tca‐83 were utilized to determine the function of miR‐454/NR3C2 on OSCC cells biological behaviors. miR‐454 and NR3C2 expressions were regulated by miR‐454 mimic/inhibitor and pcDNA3.1‐NR3C2/si‐NR3C2, respectively. Cells biological behaviors were evaluated by cell proliferation, colony formation, and transwell assays.

Results

The data collected from GEO database indicated that miR‐454 expression was upregulated in OSCC tissues; however, the expression of NR3C2 assumed a downward trend. In vitro experiments, the expression trend of miR‐454 in OSCC cell lines was consistent with that of the trend in tissues, and the OSCC cells growth and movement abilities significantly decreased after miR‐454 depletion. Through co‐transfection experiments, we explored that the abilities of OSCC cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration obviously reduced after miR‐454 depletion, but these phenomena were mitigated to some extent after NR3C2 silencing.

Conclusion

The study illustrates that miR‐454 acts as an active regulator to facilitate OSCC cells growth, colony formation, invasion, and migration by targeting NR3C2, which may afford a novel perspective and possibility for the targeted treatment of OSCC.
SEISMIC EVENTS IN THE UPPER MIOCENE – PLIOCENE SEDIMENTARY SUCCESSION IN THE GULF OF İZMİR (WESTERN ANATOLIA): IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON PROSPECTIVITY
Authors: Altan Z. , Ocakoğlu N. , Böhm G. , Sarıkavak K. Tuncer
Published: March 2020

An analysis of multi‐channel seismic reflection data integrating reflection tomography, pre‐stack depth migration, AVO analysis, seismic modelling and seismic attribute analysis was used to investigate the Miocene – Quaternary stratigraphy of the Gulf of İzmir, western Anatolia. In this area, the east‐west oriented Gediz graben intersects with the NE‐SW oriented Bakırçay Graben. A velocity‐depth model together with pre‐stack depth migration allowed two seismic stratigraphic units (SSU1 and SSU2) to be distinguished. These units can be correlated with the stratigraphic succession at the offshore Foça‐1 well and correspond to the Upper Miocene to Recent Bozköy, Ularca and Bayramiç Formations with a combined thickness of 1.75 km. The units rest on acoustic basement (SSU3) which has a basin‐and‐ridge morphology, and which corresponds to the Lower‐Middle Miocene Yuntdağ Volcanics. A number of lateral velocity variations were identified. In particular, a ~90 m wide and ~500 m long lenticular‐shaped low‐velocity zone with an interval velocity of 1.68 km/s was identified in the Quaternary Bayramiç Formation. The structure is bounded by negative reflections whose amplitude increases with offset at the top and by strong positive reflections whose amplitude increases with offset at the base, interpreted as possible bright and flat spots respectively. These amplitude events point to the presence of gas‐saturated sediments within the study area. The lenticular structure is bounded by strike‐slip faults on either side, and by a Miocene – Pliocene unconformity surface below and by shales of the Bayramiç Formations above. It is therefore interpreted as a possible structural – stratigraphic trap. The strike‐slip faults may allow the migration of hydrocarbons from source rocks located at greater depths. The presence of a low‐velocity zone above the lenticular structure reaching up to seafloor may indicate the upward leakage of hydrocarbons from the trap. These observations will contribute to future hydrocarbon exploration activities in the study area.
Mental health stigma among Middle Eastern adolescents: A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Marjan , Awang Hamidin , Mirzaei Frahnaz
Published: March 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Four out of every five people with mental health disorders face stigma.

Mental health and, consequently, mental health stigma are very common among youth living in the Middle East countries.

Several studies have investigated mental health among adolescents in the Middle East, but studies on stigma are very scattered.

There is no systematic review on stigma among adolescents with mental disorders across all the Middle East countries despite the common historical roots, similar cultural backgrounds, and recent widespread problems in the area.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper will aim to review and analyse the studies on stigma among adolescents with mental disorders in the Middle East countries, from different aspects such as the age rang, kind of stigma and risk factors of stigma. The study will cover studies on all kinds of stigma among Middle Eastern adolescents up to 18 years old published between 2000 and 2019.

The study terms are generally focused on four categories: (a) kinds of Stigma, (b) Mental health problems, (c) Age range and (d) Region of study population.

What are the implications for practice?

Increasing understanding and awareness of different angles of mental health stigma among adolescents may be helpful for better coping with this challenge.

Understanding the nature of stigma may give adolescents the ability of ignoring it and avoid starting self‐stigma and/or stopping to seek help.

Introduction

Although many epidemiological and interventional investigations regarding improving mental health among youth in the Middle East have been performed, there is no systematic review specifically analysing the studies on stigma among adolescents with mental disorders (A‐MDs) across all Middle East countries despite their common historical roots, similar cultural backgrounds, and recent widespread problems in the area.

Purpose

We will aim to systematically review and analyse the English language studies on stigma among A‐MDs in the Middle East published between 2000 and 2019.

Method

The Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, PsycINFO and MEDLINE are electronic databases that will be included in this study. Furthermore, the bibliography lists of eligible articles will be manually searched for additional included articles. Descriptive statistics will be represented by mean score and standard deviation for continuous data and number/percentage for categorical data.

Discussion

This study may act as a resource for future studies attempting to assess and/or reduce stigma among children and adolescents with mental health issues specifically in the Middle East.

Implications

It is important for healthcare providers, including nursing professional, to improve their knowledge and vision towards stigma in their community. The outcomes of this study can be a shortcut reaching this information.
Life Cycle Stages and Evidence of Sexual Reproduction in the Marine DinoflagellateProrocentrum minimum(Dinophyceae, Prorocentrales)
Authors: Berdieva Mariia , Kalinina Vera , Lomert Ekaterina , Knyazev Nikolay , Skarlato Sergei
Published: March 2020

Prorocentrum minimumis a potentially toxic marine dinoflagellate that often forms massive blooms in estuarine and coastal sea waters. In this study, the life cycle ofP. minimumwas investigated and sexual reproduction in culture was described for the first time. Morphology of the mitotic stages was revised and several distinguishing features from sexual steps were described. The sexual reproductive stages were observed in the stationary culture and compared with a well‐studied closely related species,Prorocentrum micans.Prorocentrum minimumhas a haplontic life cycle and homothallic sexual process. The gametes were isogamous and morphologically indistinguishable from the vegetative cells. UnlikeP. micans,P. minimumisogametes fused, but did not conjugate, partially reorganizing their cell coverings. Newly formed planozygotes were distinguished by their irregular shape and a large asymmetrically located nucleus. No long‐term resting cyst stages (hypnozygotes) were documented. The late planozygotes underwent meiosis and formed tetrads of cells. The second meiotic division could be delayed or arrested in one of the daughter nuclei leading to formation of trinucleate cells with three pairs of flagella. So, similar toP. micans,P. minimummay have two possible scenarios of sexual division: (a) formation of a four‐cell stage through two successive divisions or (b) asynchronous divisions of the zygote. Changes in theDNAcontent were confirmed by quantitative image cytometry.
The efficacy of hepatitis B treatments in achieving HBsAg seroclearance: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fonseca Mariana Alves , Ling Joanna Zhi Jie , Al‐Siyabi Omar , Co‐Tanko Vanessa , Chan Edwin , Lim Seng Gee
Published: March 2020

Current therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) include nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and interferon (IFN), but their relative efficacy as monotherapy or in combination has not been examined systematically for HBsAg loss (functional cure). Hence, we systematically reviewed the evidence for HBsAg loss in CHB patients treated with IFN, NA or the combination. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and abstracts from EASL, Asia Pacific Association for study of the Liver and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease for randomized controlled trials of CHB patients, comparing NA, IFN or the combination. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool v2.0 and GRADE method were used. Analyses were stratified by NA genetic barrier, cirrhosis, type of combination therapy, HBeAg, treatment naivety, IFN dosage/duration and outcome duration. Sensitivity analysis was performed for selected strata, and HBsAg loss was measured at the end‐of‐study (EOS), end‐of‐treatment (EOT) or end‐of‐follow‐up (EOF). Effects were reported as risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effects model. Forty‐five studies were included, all with low risk of bias. For HBsAg loss at EOS, when comparing combination vs IFN, RD = 1%, 95%CI‐1%, 2%; combination vs NA, RD = 5%, 95%CI 3%,7%; IFN vs NA, RD = 3%, 95%CI 2%,5%. Subgroup analysis showed a significant effect of standard IFN dose vs nonstandard; IFN duration ≥48 weeks vs <48 weeks, and loss of efficacy >2 years of follow‐up. Similar findings were seen in HBsAg seroconversion, but only three studies reported HBsAg seroreversion. In conclusion, IFN monotherapy/combination had a small but significant increase in HBsAg loss over NA, associated with standard dose of IFN and ≥48 weeks of therapy, although this effect faded over time.
Liver injury during highly pathogenic human coronavirus infections
Authors: Xu Ling , Liu Jia , Lu Mengji , Yang Dongliang , Zheng Xin
Published: March 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐Cov‐2), the pathogen of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), has posed a serious threat to global public health. The WHO has declared the outbreak of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection an international public health emergency. Lung lesions have been considered as the major damage caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, liver injury has also been reported to occur during the course of the disease in severe cases. Similarly, previous studies have shown that liver damage was common in the patients infected by the other two highly pathogenic coronavirus – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), and associated with the severity of diseases. In this review, the characteristics and mechanism of liver injury caused by SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV as well as SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were summarized, which may provide help for further studies on the liver injury of COVID‐19.
International and multicenter real‐world study of sorafenib‐treated patients with hepatocellular carcinoma under dialysis
Authors: Díaz‐González Álvaro , Sanduzzi‐Zamparelli Marco , da Fonseca Leonardo G. , Di Costanzo Giovan G. , Alves Rogerio , Iavarone Massimo , Leal Cassia , Sacco Rodolfo , Matilla Ana M. , Hernández‐Guerra Manuel , Aballay Soteras Gabriel , Wörns Marcus‐Alexander , Pinter Matthias , Varela María , Ladekarl Morten , Chagas Aline L. , Mínguez Beatriz , Arenas Juan I. , Granito Alessandro , Sánchez‐Torrijos Yolanda , Rojas Ángela , Rodríguez de Lope Carlos , Alvares‐da‐Silva Mario R. , Pascual Sonia , Rimassa Lorenza , Lledó José L. , Huertas Carlos , Sangro Bruno , Giannini Edoardo G. , Delgado Manuel , Vergara Mercedes , Perelló Christie , Lue Alberto , Sala Margarita , Gallego Adolfo , Coll Susanna , Hernáez Tania , Piñero Federico , Pereira Gustavo , França Alex , Marín Juan , Anders Margarita , Mello Vivianne , Lozano Mar , Nault Jean C. , Menéndez Josemaría , García Juárez Ignacio , Bruix Jordi , Reig María
Published: March 2020

Background & Aims

Information on safety and efficacy of systemic treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under dialysis are limited due to patient exclusion from clinical trials. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the rate, prevalence, tolerability, and outcome of sorafenib in this population.

Methods

We report a multicenter study comprising patients from Latin America and Europe. Patients treated with sorafenib were enrolled; demographics, dose modifications, adverse events (AEs), treatment duration, and outcome of patients undergoing dialysis were recorded.

Results

As of March 2018, 6156 HCC patients were treated in 44 centres and 22 patients were concomitantly under dialysis (0.36%). The median age was 65.5 years, 40.9% had hepatitis C, 75% had Child‐Pugh A, and 85% were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer‐C. The median time to first dose modification, treatment duration and overall survival rate were 2.4 months (interquartile ranges [IQR], 0.8‐3.8), 10.8 months (IQR, 4.5‐16.9), and 17.5 months (95% CI, 7.2‐24.5), respectively. Seventeen patients required at least 1 dose modification. The main causes of first dose modification were asthenia/worsening of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐Performance Status and diarrhoea. At the time of death or last follow‐up, four patients were still on treatment and 18 had discontinued sorafenib: 14 were due to tumour progression, 2 were sorafenib‐related, and 2 were non‐sorafenib‐related AE.

Conclusions

The outcomes observed in this cohort seem comparable to those in the non‐dialysis population. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, this is the largest and most informative dataset regarding systemic treatment outcomes in HCC patients undergoing dialysis.
Using video‐reflexive ethnography to understand complexity and change practice
Authors: Ajjawi Rola , Hilder Joanne , Noble Christy , Teodorczuk Andrew , Billett Stephen
Published: March 2020

Context

A range of research methods have been used to understand effective workplace learning in the health professions. The impact of findings from this research usually requires knowledge translation activities in the form of faculty development initiatives, such as supervisor workshops. Far rarer, but with greater potential, are research approaches that concurrently seek to understand and change practice through empowering clinicians to refine aspects of their practice.

Methods

In this methodological article, we describe video‐reflexive ethnography (VRE), a collaborative visual research approach that seeks to capture, illuminate and optimise in situ work and education practices. Video‐reflexive ethnography usually has three phases: (a) initial familiarisation with practice through field observations; (b) video‐recording of practice, and (c) reflexive sessions about the edited footage with participants and researchers. Drawing on our own experiences as researchers using VRE, we discuss four key principles of VRE: (a) exnovation; (b) collaboration; (c) reflexivity, and (d) care.

Discussion

Although VRE has been used to illuminate and understand health professionals education, its potential for changing clinical education practices has yet to be realised. Video‐reflexive ethnography enables observation of the social and relational interactions in health care practice and allows individual (and group) perspectives to be articulated and analysed. The approach can prompt fresh perspectives and insights into health care education and practice for researchers and clinicians through shared deliberations about how practice might be reimagined and enacted.
The Reported Edmonton Frail Scale‐Thai version: Development and Validation of a Culturally‐Sensitive Instrument
Authors: Roopsawang Inthira , Thompson Hilaire , Zaslavsky Oleg , Belza Basia
Published: March 2020

Frailty may lead to increased vulnerability, disability, and adverse health outcomes in older adults. Early detection has been described as the best approach to manage frailty; however, frailty instruments are not widely available, particularly in the Thai language. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to develop a culturally adapted Thai version of the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale and to validate the psychometric properties of the new instrument in hospitalized older Thai adults. Reliability and validity were examined. Participants completed questionnaires that included demographic and health information, and the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale–Thai version. Results revealed that the new instrument was reliable and had good content validity. Inter‐rater reliability was strong. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a fair fit for the whole model, but most domains were strongly associated with frailty. On average, the instrument was completed under 7 minutes. The Thai version of the frailty instrument may be a practical tool for frailty evaluation, and could inform inpatient care, both locally and internationally; future research is needed to confirm predictability and feasibility in other clinical settings and populations.
A meta‐ethnographic synthesis of qualitative research on women's experience of midwifery care
Authors: Aannestad Madeleine , Herstad Marit , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: March 2020

Labor and birth constitute a significant emotional event for a childbearing woman. The aim was to explore women's reflections on their experiences of labor and birth and how these were influenced by the midwifery care they received. A modified version of Noblit and Hare's meta‐ethnographic approach was used to develop an inductive and interpretive synthesis of nine qualitative articles. Relevant databases were searched and qualitative articles appraised by means of the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Two metaphors were identified: The guide–Please share your knowledge and The motherly midwife as an anchor. The comprehensive understanding of the images evoked by the metaphors resulted in an overall metaphoric representation of the women's experiences: The midwife as a birth pilot, that is, a positive labor and birth experience is dependent on the relationship with the midwife. This finding confirms previous knowledge that a trusting relationship results in confidence, while feeling secure leads to a positive birth experience. The metaphors facilitate understanding of the significance of the midwife for women's labor and birth experiences. Knowledge of labor and birth experiences helps to broaden understanding of the necessity of midwives being willing to engage, act, be aware of errors that may affect women's birth experience, and employ tools to predict unexpected adverse events.
Chloride involvement in the synthesis, functioning and repair of the photosynthetic apparatusin vivo
Authors: Raven John A.
Published: March 2020

Cl−has long been known as a micronutrient for oxygenic photosynthetic resulting from its role an essential cofactor for photosystem II (PSII). Evidence on thein vivoCl−distribution inSpinacia oleracealeaves and chloroplasts shows that sufficient Cl−is present for the involvement in PSII function, as indicated byin vitrostudies on, among other organisms,S. oleraceaPsII. There is also sufficient Cl−to function, with K+, in parsing the H+electrochemical potential difference (proton motive force) across the illuminated thylakoid membrane into electrical potential difference and pH difference components. However, recentin vitrowork on PSII fromS. oleraceashows that oxygen evolving complex (OEC) synthesis, and resynthesis after photodamage, requires significantly higher Cl−concentrations than would satisfy the function of assembled PSII O2evolution of the synthesised PSII with the OEC. The low Cl−affinity of OEC (re‐)assembly could be a component limiting the rate of OEC (re‐)assembly.
Community context for mechanisms of disease dilution: insights from linking epidemiology and plant–soil feedback theory
Authors: Collins Cathy D. , Bever James D. , Hersh Michelle H.
Published: March 2020

In many natural systems, diverse host communities can reduce disease risk, though less is known about the mechanisms driving this “dilution effect.” We relate feedback theory, which focuses on pathogen‐mediated coexistence, to mechanisms of dilution derived from epidemiological models, with the central goal of gaining insights into host–pathogen interactions in a community context. We first compare the origin, structure, and application of epidemiological and feedback models. We then explore the mechanisms of dilution, which are grounded in single‐pathogen, single‐host epidemiological models, from the perspective of feedback theory. We also draw on feedback theory to examine how coinfecting pathogens, and pathogens that vary along a host specialist–generalist continuum, apply to dilution theory. By identifying synergies among the feedback and epidemiological approaches, we reveal ways in which organisms occupying different trophic levels contribute to diversity–disease relationships. Additionally, using feedbacks to distinguish dilution in disease incidence from dilution in the net effect of disease on host fitness allows us to articulate conditions under which definitions of dilution may not align. After ascribing dilution mechanisms to macro‐ or microorganisms, we propose ways in which each contributes to diversity–disease and productivity–diversity relationships. Our analyses lead to predictions that can guide future research efforts.
Insights into the multifactorial causation of obesity by integrated genetic and epigenetic analysis
Authors: Diels Sara , Vanden Berghe Wim , Van Hul Wim
Published: March 2020

Obesity is a highly heritable multifactorial disease that places an enormous burden on human health. Its increasing prevalence and the concomitant‐reduced life expectancy has intensified the search for new analytical methods that can reduce the knowledge gap between genetic susceptibility and functional consequences of the disease pathology. Although the influence of genetics and epigenetics has been studied independently in the past, there is increasing evidence that genetic variants interact with environmental factors through epigenetic regulation. This suggests that a combined analysis of genetic and epigenetic variation may be more effective in characterizing the obesity phenotype. To date, limited genome‐wide integrative analyses have been performed. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest findings, advantages, and challenges and discuss future perspectives.