bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-endoscopic decompression for thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum: surgical techniques and clinical outcomes
Authors: Li Wenyi , Gao Shangju , Zhang Long , Cao Can , Wei Jingchao
Published: October 2020

Background:

Many complications are associated with thoracic open decompression surgery, such as dural tears and neurological deficits. The clinical outcomes are also not satisfactory. Full-endoscopic decompression of the lumbar spinal canal has achieved satisfactory results for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. This surgery may be used for the treatment of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) under local anesthesia. The aim of our study is to introduce the surgical techniques used for full-endoscopic decompression for thoracic OLF and to evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Methods:

Fourteen patients with thoracic OLF (4 combined with dural ossification) underwent full-endoscopic decompression surgery. An interlaminar approach was performed. The anchoring method was used to establish the working passage. Spinal cord exposure began at a space between the ossification and the spinal cord, and dorsal and contralateral decompression were performed with the “Over the Top” technique. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (11 points) was used to evaluate the efficacy during follow-up. At the same time, the visual analogue scale score for assessing back pain before and after the operation was evaluated.

Results:

The average operation time was 159.73 ± 62.09 minutes, and the hospitalization time was 7.43 ± 1.79 days. The follow-up period ranged from 8 to 22 months. Neurological function was improved. There were no serious complications. Dural tears occurred in 5 patients, intraoperative neurological deterioration occurred in 1 patient, and intraoperative headache and neck pain occurred in 1 patient.

Conclusion:

Full-endoscopic decompression is an effective, safe surgical technique for thoracic OLF even the cases combined with dural ossification.
Introduction and Validation of a Novel Acute Pancreatitis Digital Tool
Authors: Paragomi Pedram , Spagnolo Daniel M. , Breze Cameron R. , Gougol Amir , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Kochhar Rakesh , Goenka Mahesh Kumar , Gulla Aiste , Gonzalez Jose A. , Singh Vikesh K. , Ferreira Miguel , Stevens Tyler , Barbu Sorin T. , Nawaz Haq , Gutierrez Silvia C. , Zarnescu Narcis O. , Archibugi Livia , Easler Jeffrey J. , Triantafyllou Konstantinos , Pelaez-Luna Mario , Thakkar Shyam , Ocampo Carlos , de-Madaria Enrique , Cote Gregory A. , Wu Bechien U. , Pothoulakis Ioannis , Haupt Mark , Whitcomb David C. , Papachristou Georgios I.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a sudden onset, rapidly evolving inflammatory response with systemic inflammation and multiorgan failure (MOF) in a subset of patients. New highly accurate clinical decision support tools are needed to allow local doctors to provide expert care.

Methods

Ariel Dynamic Acute Pancreatitis Tracker (ADAPT) is a digital tool to guide physicians in ordering standard tests, evaluate test results and model progression using available data, propose emergent therapies. The accuracy of the severity score calculators was tested using 2 prospectively ascertained Acute Pancreatitis Patient Registry to Examine Novel Therapies in Clinical Experience cohorts (pilot University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, n = 163; international, n = 1544).

Results

The ADAPT and post hoc expert-calculated AP severity scores were 100% concordant in both pilot and international cohorts. High-risk criteria of all 4 severity scores at admission were associated with moderately-severe or severe AP and MOF (bothP< 0.0001) and prediction of no MOF was 97.8% to 98.9%. The positive predictive value for MOF was 7.5% to 14.9%.

Conclusions

The ADAPT tool showed 100% accuracy with AP predictive metrics. Prospective evaluation of ADAPT features is needed to determine if additional data can accurately predict and mitigate severe AP and MOF.
Nonopioid drug combinations for cancer pain: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Sohi Gursharan , Caraceni Augusto , Moulin Dwight E. , Zimmermann Camilla , Herx Leonie , Gilron Ian
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Pain related to cancer, and its treatment, is common, may severely impair quality of life, and imposes a burden on patients, their families and caregivers, and society. Cancer-related pain is often challenging to manage, with limitations of analgesic drugs including incomplete efficacy and dose-related adverse effects.

Objectives:

Given problems with, and limitations of, opioid use for cancer-related pain, the identification of nonopioid treatment strategies that could improve cancer pain care is an attractive concept. The hypothesis that combinations of mechanistically distinct analgesic drugs could provide superior analgesia and/or fewer adverse effects has been tested in several pain conditions, including in cancer-related pain. Here, we propose to review trials of nonopioid analgesic combinations for cancer-related pain.

Methods:

Using a predefined literature search strategy, trials—comparing the combination of 2 or more nonopioid analgesics with at least one of the combination's individual components—will be searched on the PubMed and EMBASE databases from their inception until the date the searches are run. Outcomes will include pain intensity or relief, adverse effects, and concomitant opioid consumption.

Results/Conclusions:

This review is expected to synthesize available evidence describing the efficacy and safety of nonopioid analgesic combinations for cancer-related pain. Furthermore, a review of this literature will serve to identify future research goals that would advance our knowledge in this area.
Adverse childhood experiences in parents of youth with chronic pain: prevalence and comparison with a community-based sample
Authors: Beveridge Jaimie K. , Dobson Keith S. , Madigan Sheri , Yeates Keith O. , Stone Amanda L. , Wilson Anna C. , Salberg Sabrina , Mychasiuk Richelle , Noel Melanie
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common occurrences that are related to poor health outcomes, including chronic pain, in youth and adults. Research suggests that children of parents exposed to ACEs are also at risk of poor outcomes. However, little is known about the risk that ACEs confer for chronic pain across generations. Parent ACEs may play an important role in pediatric chronic pain, given their association with key parent factors (eg, mental and physical health).

Objectives:

This study evaluated the prevalence of ACEs in parents of youth with chronic pain and compared these rates to a community-based sample.

Methods:

One hundred seventy parents of youth (aged 10–18 years) with chronic pain, recruited from a tertiary-level chronic pain program at a pediatric hospital in Canada, completed a self-report measure of ACEs. A comparison sample (n = 3914) was drawn from a local, community-based study that examined ACEs among adults in primary care.

Results:

Among parents of youth with chronic pain, 67.6% reported ≥1 ACE and 23.5% reported ≥4 ACEs. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, ACEs were similar across samples, except parents of youth with chronic pain reported significantly higher rates of physical neglect (odds ratio = 2.14; 95% confidence interval = 1.35–3.40) than the community-based sample.

Conclusion:

Adverse childhood experiences are prevalent among parents of youth with chronic pain, with physical neglect reported more frequently than the community-based sample. Further research that examines the association between parent ACEs and child chronic pain, as well as neurobiological and psychosocial factors that may mediate this potential relation, is needed.
Relationship Between Performance in the Timed Up & Go and Foot Clearances During Obstacle Crossing in Older Women
Authors: Ceccon Fernando G. , Guadagnin Eliane C. , da Rocha Emmanuel S. , Priario Liver A. A. , Kunzler Marcos R. , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To verify whether Timed Up & Go (TUG) performance correlates with foot clearances in different conditions of obstacle crossing.

Methods:

Thirty older women were assigned to a group with or without risk of falls classified by TUG. Three-dimensional kinematics of walking with obstacles was recorded.

Results:

For those without risk, TUG did not correlate with foot clearances. Among those with risk of falls, a moderate inverse correlation was found between TUG and heel clearance.

Conclusion:

Timed Up & Go did not differentiate older women with or without risk of falls regarding foot clearances during obstacle crossing.
The Occiput-Wall Distance Was Related to the Physical/Mental Outcomes in the Elders With Severe Flexed Posture, But Not the Dual Digital Inclinometer Thoracic Kyphosis
Authors: Balki Selvin , Özyonar Ayişe
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To examine the usefulness of the dual digital inclinometer thoracic kyphosis and the occiput-wall distance (OWD) measures as a marker of the mental/physical status in older adults with severe flexed posture (FP).

Method:

The study was conducted with 16 nursing home-dwelling older adults (13 male/3 female) with severe FP (OWD > 8.0).

Results:

The OWD was correlated with the severity of fear of falling, cognitive function, depression, mobility, 10-m gait speed, and anterior trunk flexibility at moderate and good levels (v < .05).

Conclusions:

The OWD may be useful as a marker of the mental/physical status in older adults.
Nonlinear self-dual network equations: modulation instability, interactions of higher-order discrete vector rational solitons and dynamical behaviours
Authors: Wen Xiao-Yong , Yan Zhenya , Zhang Guoqiang
Published: October 2020

The nonlinear self-dual network equations that describe the propagations of electrical signals in nonlinear LC self-dual circuits are explored. We firstly analyse the modulation instability of the constant amplitude waves. Secondly, a novel generalized perturbation (
M
,
N
 − 
M
)-fold Darboux transform (DT) is proposed for the lattice system by means of the Taylor expansion and a parameter limit procedure. Thirdly, the obtained perturbation (1,
N
 − 1)-fold DT is used to find its new higher-order rational solitons (RSs) in terms of determinants. These higher-order RSs differ from those known results in terms of hyperbolic functions. The abundant wave structures of the first-, second-, third- and fourth-order RSs are exhibited in detail. Their dynamical behaviours and stabilities are numerically simulated. These results may be useful for understanding the wave propagations of electrical signals.
The direct and indirect effects of environmental toxicants on the health of bumblebees and their microbiomes
Authors: Rothman Jason A. , Russell Kaleigh A. , Leger Laura , McFrederick Quinn S. , Graystock Peter
Published: October 2020

Bumblebees (
Bombus
spp.) are important and widespread insect pollinators, but the act of foraging on flowers can expose them to harmful pesticides and chemicals such as oxidizers and heavy metals. How these compounds directly influence bee survival and indirectly affect bee health via the gut microbiome is largely unknown. As toxicants in floral nectar and pollen take many forms, we explored the genomes of bee-associated microbes for their potential to detoxify cadmium, copper, selenate, the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid, and hydrogen peroxide—which have all been identified in floral nectar and pollen. We then exposed
Bombus impatiens
workers to varying concentrations of these chemicals via their diet and assayed direct effects on bee survival. Using field-realistic doses, we further explored the indirect effects on bee microbiomes. We found multiple putative genes in core gut microbes that may aid in detoxifying harmful chemicals. We also found that while the chemicals are largely toxic at levels within and above field-realistic concentrations, the field-realistic concentrations—except for imidacloprid—altered the composition of the bee microbiome, potentially causing gut dysbiosis. Overall, our study shows that chemicals found in floral nectar and pollen can cause bee mortality, and likely have indirect, deleterious effects on bee health via their influence on the bee microbiome.
Species traits elucidate crop pest response to landscape composition: a global analysis
Authors: Tamburini Giovanni , Santoiemma Giacomo , E. O'Rourke Megan , Bommarco Riccardo , Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Dainese Matteo , Karp Daniel S. , Kim Tania N. , Martin Emily A. , Petersen Matt , Marini Lorenzo
Published: October 2020

Recent synthesis studies have shown inconsistent responses of crop pests to landscape composition, imposing a fundamental limit to our capacity to design sustainable crop protection strategies to reduce yield losses caused by insect pests. Using a global dataset composed of 5242 observations encompassing 48 agricultural pest species and 26 crop species, we tested the role of pest traits (exotic status, host breadth and habitat breadth) and environmental context (crop type, range in landscape gradient and climate) in modifying the pest response to increasing semi-natural habitats in the surrounding landscape. For natives, increasing semi-natural habitats decreased the abundance of pests that exploit only crop habitats or that are highly polyphagous. On the contrary, populations of exotic pests increased with an increasing cover of semi-natural habitats. These effects might be related to changes in host plants and other resources across the landscapes and/or to modified top-down control by natural enemies. The range of the landscape gradient explored and climate did not affect pests, while crop type modified the response of pests to landscape composition. Although species traits and environmental context helped in explaining some of the variability in pest response to landscape composition, the observed large interspecific differences suggest that a portfolio of strategies must be considered and implemented for the effective control of rapidly changing communities of crop pests in agroecosystems.
Real-world, Prospective, and Multicenter Validation of a microRNA-based Thyroid Molecular Classifier
Authors: dos Santos Marcos Tadeu , Rodrigues Bruna Moretto , Shizukuda Satye , Alves Figueiredo David Livingstone , de Melo Giulianno Molina , da Silva Rubens Adão , Fainstein Claudio , dos Reis Gerson Felisbino , Corbo Rossana , Ramos Helton Estrela , Vaisman Fernanda , Vaisman Mário
Published: October 2020

Background

The diagnosis of cancer in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III/IV) is challenging as fine-needle aspiration (FNA), the gold standard method, has limitations, and these cases usually require diagnostic surgery. As approximately 77% of these nodules are not malignant, a diagnostic test accurately identifying benign thyroid nodules can reduce surgery rates. We have previously reported the development and validation of a microRNA-based thyroid molecular classifier for precision endocrinology (mir-THYpe) with high sensitivity and specificity, which could be performed directly from readily available cytological smear slides without the need for a new dedicated FNA. We sought to evaluate whether the use of this test in real-world clinical routine can reduce the rates of surgeries for Bethesda III/IV thyroid nodules and analyze the test performance.

Methods

We designed a real-world, prospective, multicenter cohort study. Molecular tests were performed in a real-world clinical routine with samples (FNA smear slides) prepared at 128 cytopathology laboratories. Patients were followed-up from March 2018 until surgery or until March 2020 (for those patients not recommended for surgery). The final diagnosis of thyroid tissue samples was retrieved from postsurgical anatomopathological reports.

Results

After applying the exclusion criteria, 435 patients (440 nodules) classified as Bethesda III/IV were followed-up. The rate of avoided surgeries was 52.5% for all surgeries and 74.6% for “potentially unnecessary” surgeries. After the statistical treatment of non-resected test-negative samples, the test achieved 89.3% sensitivity (95% CI 82–94.3), 81.65% specificity (95% CI 76.6–86), 66.2% positive predictive value (95% CI 60.3–71.7), and 95% negative predictive value (95% CI 91.7–97) at 28.7% (95% CI 24.3–33.5) cancer prevalence. The test influenced 92.3% of clinical decisions.

Conclusions

The reported data demonstrate that the use of the microRNA-based classifier in the real-world can reduce the rate of thyroid surgery with robust performance and significantly influence clinical decision-making.
A booster dose enhances immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in aged mice
Authors: Silva-Cayetano Alyssa , Foster William S. , Innocentin Silvia , Belij-Rammerstorfer Sandra , Spencer Alexandra J. , Burton Oliver T. , Fra-Bidó Sigrid , Lee Jia Le , Thakur Nazia , Conceicao Carina , Wright Daniel , Barett Jordan , Evans-Bailey Nicola , Noble Carly , Bailey Dalan , Liston Adrian , Gilbert Sarah C. , Lambe Teresa , Linterman Michelle A.
Published: October 2020

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic that has affected almost every aspect of human life. The development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine could limit the morbidity and mortality caused by infection, and may enable the relaxation of social distancing measures. Age is one of the most significant risk factors for poor health outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection, therefore it is desirable that any new vaccine candidates should elicit a robust immune response in older adults. Here, we test the immunogenicity of the adenoviral vectored vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD-1222) in aged mice. We find that a single dose of this vaccine induces cellular and humoral immunity in aged mice, but at a reduced magnitude than in younger adult mice. Furthermore, we report that a second dose enhances the immune response to this vaccine in aged mice, indicating that a primeboost strategy may be a rational approach to enhance immunogenicity in older persons.
Neutron diffraction experiment with the Y116S variant of transthyretin using iBIX at J-PARC: application of a new integration method
Authors: Kusaka Katsuhiro , Yokoyama Takeshi , Yamada Taro , Yano Naomine , Tanaka Ichiro , Mizuguchi Mineyuki
Published: October 2020

Transthyretin (TTR) is one of more than 30 amyloidogenic proteins, and the amyloid fibrils found in patients afflicted with ATTR amyloidosis are composed of this protein. Wild-type TTR amyloids accumulate in the heart in senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA). ATTR amyloidosis occurs at a much younger age than SSA, and the affected individuals carry a TTR mutant. The naturally occurring amyloidogenic Y116S TTR variant forms more amyloid fibrils than wild-type TTR. Thus, the Y116S mutation reduces the stability of the TTR structure. A neutron diffraction experiment on Y116S TTR was performed to elucidate the mechanism of the changes in structural stability between Y116S variant and wild-type TTR through structural comparison. Large crystals of the Y116S variant were grown under optimal crystallization conditions, and a single 2.4 mm3crystal was ultimately obtained. This crystal was subjected to time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction using the IBARAKI biological crystal diffractometer (iBIX) at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex, Tokai, Japan (J-PARC). A full data set for neutron structure analysis was obtained in 14 days at an operational accelerator power of 500 kW. A new integration method was developed and showed improved data statistics; the new method was applied to the reduction of the TOF diffraction data from the Y116S variant. Data reduction was completed and the integrated intensities of the Bragg reflections were obtained at 1.9 Å resolution for structure refinement. Moreover, X-ray diffraction data at 1.4 Å resolution were obtained for joint neutron–X-ray refinement.
Career self-management of unemployed workers: the role of proactive coping in job-to-job transition
Authors: Ślebarska Katarzyna , Flakus Maria
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Job search behavior is an important factor of an individual's career. In this study, proactive individuals' search for career opportunities during the transition from unemployment to employment is investigated. This investigation concentrates on the “in-between jobs” phase to better understand career transition. Proactive coping is a particularly important aspect of the transition from unemployment to work.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the career self-management model and proactive coping theory, this paper establishes a conceptual model and adopts path analysis to examine the model with a sample of 208 unemployed workers from Poland.

Findings

The results indicate both direct and indirect effects for proactive coping on job-seeking behavior. Unemployed job seekers, with greater proactive coping, intensify their job search behavior and increase their chances for re-employment.

Practical implications

Proactive coping is an important factor in career development. The findings of this study are a promising starting point for career self-development training for unemployed workers in transition.

Originality/value

Most of the training for the unemployed prepares them to react and adapt to ongoing circumstances. Our findings show the importance of being proactive during active coping with unemployment.
Early child development and caregiver subjective well-being in rural China
Authors: Luo Renfu , Lyu Qijia , Rozelle Scott , Wang Shun
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to bridge the gaps in the existing literature by studying the links between children's development and the subjective well-being of the caregivers using first-hand data collected in rural China.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the broad array of literature has examined the effects of child development on the subjective well-being of caregivers, the relationship between early childhood development and caregiver subjective well-being has not been well-studied using sample families with potential developmental delay in rural China. Also, existing research has relied on maternal reports to evaluate the developmental status of children. The study used data collected from 32 townships in seven nationally designated poverty counties in the Qinling mountainous area in 2016. The authors measure child development using the social-emotional module of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third Edition.

Findings

The authors find that child development indicators are correlated with caregiver subjective well-being. In particular, social-emotional skills are positively associated with life evaluations and positive emotion. However, we do not find any significant correlation between child development and negative emotion or depression, anxiety and stress scores.

Originality/value

The value of this study is to report the indicators of child development in rural China and examines the correlation between child development and caregivers' subjective well-being.
Linking person–organization adhocracy value congruence to creativity
Authors: Gao Ang , Zhao Kai , Qu Qing
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of person–organization (P-O) adhocracy value congruence on employee creativity using the supplementary fit theory while investigating the moderating effect of the immediate supervisor's transformational leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses polynomial regression to analyze 431 employees from 47 Chinese companies.

Findings

Higher levels of creativity were observed in employees whose adhocracy value was congruent with that of the organization.

Practical implications

The practice of hiring employees with creative value or building creative culture may not trigger employee creativity if managers do not take value congruence into consideration.

Originality/value

This study introduces a new perspective on understanding creativity in the workplace. First, it contributes to work on the consequences of P-O value congruency by exploring how supplementary fit influences employee creativity. Second, it contributes to creativity research by proposing a P-O supplementary fit argument to explain the actor-context interactionist model of creativity.
Financial development, energy consumption, technology, urbanization, economic output and carbon emissions nexus in BRICS countries: an empirical analysis
Authors: Raghutla Chandrashekar , Chittedi Krishna Reddy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The study investigates the impact of financial development, urban population, technology and energy consumption on economic output and carbon emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses Johansen Fisher type panel cointegration, fully modified ordinary least square and heterogeneous panel causality tests to examine long-run, long-run elasticities and short-run relationships. For conducting the tests, the study selected five emerging economies, i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and used balanced panel data for the period between 1998 and 2016.

Findings

The empirical results confirm the presence of a long-run cointegration relationship among the variables. We find that financial development, technology and energy consumption have a considerable positive impact on economic output. Also, financial development, urban population and technology help reduce carbon (CO2) emissions and ensure an improved environmental quality in the long run in the five emerging economies. In the short run, a bidirectional causal relationship is noticed between financial development and CO2 emissions.

Practical implications

Clean energy, technological development and investments by public–private partnerships are required in the public and private sectors to reduce carbon emissions. This not only ensures improved environmental quality but also increases energy efficiency, thereby reducing dependency on traditional energy consumption.

Originality/value

As its contribution to the extant literature, the study examines the impact of financial development, energy consumption, technology, urbanization, economic output and carbon emissions in BRICS economies. The findings of the research suggest both the governments and policymakers of these five emerging economies to develop more effective policies toward bolstering the financial development and increasing the use of technology. These, in turn, ensure sustainable development with low CO2 emission in the future and, eventually, pushing those five emerging market economies toward sustainable economic growth.
Epistemic injustices in clinical communication: the example of narrative elicitation in person‐centred care
Authors: Naldemirci Öncel , Britten Nicky , Lloyd Helen , Wolf Axel
Published: October 2020

The increasing popularity of the term ‘person‐centred’ in the healthcare literature and a wide range of ideals and practices it implies point to the need for a more inclusive and holistic healthcare provision. A framework developed in a Swedish context suggested narrative elicitation as a key practice in transition to person‐centred care. Initiating clinical communication by inviting people to tell their stories makes persistent yet often subtle problems in clinical communication visible. By drawing upon an observational study on narrative elicitation and vignette‐based focus group interviews with nurses, our aim is to trace ‘credibility deficits’ (Fricker 2007. Epistemic Injustice. Power and the Ethics of Knowing. Oxford: Oxford University Press) and ‘credibility excesses’ (Medina 2011, Social Epistemology, 25, 1, 15–35, 2013, The Epistemology of Resistance: Gender and Racial Oppression, Epistemic Injustice, and the Social Imagination. Oxford: Oxford University Press) in narrative elicitation. We argue that narrative elicitation may be one way to tackle epistemic injustices by giving voice to previously silenced groups, yet it is not enough to erase the effects of ‘credibility deficits’ in clinical communication. Rather than judging individual professionals’ success or failure in eliciting narratives, we underline some extrinsic problems of narrative elicitation, namely structural and positional inequalities reflecting on narrative elicitation and the credibility of patients. ‘Credibility excesses’ can be useful and indicative to better understand where they are missing.
Feeding inequality: food insecurity, social status and college student health
Authors: Willis Don E.
Published: October 2020

A growing but limited body of research has identified the college student population as one that is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. Early estimates of food insecurity prevalence among college students range from 14 to 60 per cent. The present study utilises original survey data collected from a random sample (n = 300) of college students enrolled at an urban university in the Midwest region of the United States of America (USA). This study examines the impact of food insecurity on health outcomes and the mediation of this relationship by subjective social status among college students. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and logistic regression analyses find that food insecurity is related to worse self‐rated, physical and mental health among college students, and Sobel‐Goodman tests find that subjective social status plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between food insecurity and health among college students. The implications of these findings in a university context are discussed using a psychosocial framework and insights from the stress process model. In doing so, I discuss food insecurity among college students with an emphasis on the social significance of food and food insecurity.
Belonging, believing, behaving, and Brexit: Channels of religiosity and religious identity in support for leaving the European Union*
Authors: McAndrew Siobhan
Published: October 2020

Having an Anglican affiliation is known to be associated with support for leaving the European Union (EU) in Britain. Religiosity, conceived as strength of religious attachment, has received comparatively little treatment. We investigate religiosity via electoral, household, and attitudinal surveys, distinguishing the effects of “behaving” and “believing.” The association between religiosity and EU Referendum vote choice and position is identified before and after inclusion of values, attitudinal, and civic engagement measures. Consistent with established findings, in socio‐structural models Anglicans are more likely to support Brexit than religious Nones. More frequent church attendance is associated with being more pro‐Remain. The Anglican effect is primarily mediated by anti‐immigrant attitudes, authoritarianism, and salience of ethnic identity, suggesting a Christian nationalist aspect to Leave support. The attendance effect is mediated by warmer attitudes toward immigrants, and social capital. Notably, those exhibiting stronger orthodox belief tend to feature a stronger attachment to “Leave,” with this partly mediated by authoritarianism. To evaluate the net effect of religion on civic life, we should pay more attention to the cultural content of religious beliefs, and how they structure other values and attitudes.
The electoral roots of unequal representation. A spatial modelling approach to party systems and voting in Western Europe
Authors: ROSSET JAN , KURELLA ANNA‐SPOHIE
Published: October 2020

For a number of Western democracies, it has been observed that the preferences of poor and rich citizens are unequally represented in political institutions and outcomes. Yet, the causes of this phenomenon are still under debate. We focus on the role of elections in this process, by disentangling biases towards different income groups that stem from the party system and from voters’ behaviour. Our aim is to uncover whether elections as selection mechanisms contribute to unequal representation by analysing factors of the supply and demand sides of the electoral process. On the supply side, we focus on the congruence of parties’ policy offers and voters’ preference distributions. This shapes citizens’ possibilities to express their policy preferences. On the demand side, we are interested in the extent to which citizens from different income groups base their vote decisions on their policy preferences. The empirical analysis relies on the European Social Survey and the Chapel Hill Expert Survey and covers 13 Western European countries. Our results indicate, first, that the economic and cultural preferences of poor and rich citizens differ significantly, and second, that party systems in the countries under investigation represent the lowest income groups the worst, and the middle income groups the best. This makes it difficult for citizens at both the lower and the higher end of the income distribution to voice their preferences in elections. Additionally, we show that low income citizens tend to take policy less into consideration when making an electoral choice than richer citizens. Thus, while the rich make up for their representation bias by taking policy more into account in their voting behaviour, the electoral stage poses another obstacle for the poor to overcome the representation bias. In summary it can be said that already on the supply side there is an unbalanced disadvantage in terms of representation for the very poor and the very rich, but the pattern leads to an even more asymmetrical misrepresentation of the poor due to the election act.
Naked mole‐rats are extremely resistant to post‐traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Taguchi Taketo , Kotelsky Alexander , Takasugi Masaki , Chang Martin , Ke Zhonghe , Betancourt Megan , Buckley Mark R. , Zuscik Michael , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: October 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent disabling disease, affecting quality of life and contributing to morbidity, particularly during aging. Current treatments for OA are limited to palliation: pain management and surgery for end‐stage disease. Innovative approaches and animal models are needed to develop curative treatments for OA. Here, we investigated the naked mole‐rat (NMR) as a potential model of OA resistance. NMR is a small rodent with the maximum lifespan of over 30 years, resistant to a wide range of age‐related diseases. NMR tissues accumulate large quantities of unique, very high molecular weight, hyaluronan (HA). HA is a major component of cartilage and synovial fluid. Importantly, both HA molecular weight and cartilage stiffness decline with age and progression of OA. As increased polymer length is known to result in stiffer material, we hypothesized that NMR high molecular weight HA contributes to stiffer cartilage. Our analysis of biomechanical properties of NMR cartilage revealed that it is significantly stiffer than mouse cartilage. Furthermore, NMR chondrocytes were highly resistant to traumatic damage. In vivo experiments using an injury‐induced model of OA revealed that NMRs were highly resistant to OA. While similarly treated mice developed severe cartilage degeneration, NMRs did not show any signs of OA. Our study shows that NMRs are remarkably resistant to OA, and this resistance is likely conferred by high molecular weight HA. This work suggests that NMR is a useful model to study OA resistance and NMR high molecular weight HA may hold therapeutic potential for OA treatment.
Modeling Corners, Kinks, and Jumps in Crop Acreage Choices: Impacts of the EU Support to Protein Crops
Authors: Koutchadé Obafèmi P. , Carpentier Alain , Femenia Fabienne
Published: October 2020

Null crop acreages raise pervasive issues when modeling acreage choices with farm data. We revisit these issues and emphasize that null acreage choices arise not only due to binding non‐negativity constraints but also due to crop production fixed costs. Based on this micro‐economic background, we present a micro‐econometric multicrop model that consistently handles null acreage choices and accounts for crop production fixed costs. This multivariate endogenous regime switching model allows for specific crop acreage patterns, such as multiple kinks and jumps in crop acreage responses to economic incentives that are due to changes in produced crop sets. We illustrate the empirical tractability of our modeling framework by estimating a random parameter version of our model on a panel dataset of French farmers. The estimated model is used to simulate the impacts of area‐based subsidies on protein peas, which are implemented by the EU for reducing its dependence on imported protein crops. Our results suggest that this subsidy scheme is effective, essentially by leading farmers to incorporate or to keep protein pea in their crop mix.
National trends and outcomes of morbidly obese women who underwent inpatient hysterectomy for benign gynecological disease in the USA
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Nusbaum David J. , Matsuzaki Shinya , Klar Maximilian , Roman Lynda D. , Wright Jason D.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The US population has witnessed an epidemic expansion of obesity in the past several decades; nearly 50% of the population is projected to be obese by 2030 and 25% morbidly obese. This study examined trends, characteristics and outcomes of morbidly obese women who underwent benign hysterectomy.

Material and methods

This is a population‐based retrospective observational study querying the National Inpatient Sample from January 2012 to September 2015. The study population included 509 395 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecological disease: 430 865 (84.6%) non‐obese women, 50 435 (9.9%) women with class I‐II obesity and 28 095 (5.5%) women with class III obesity. Main outcome measures were (i) cohort‐level trends of obesity and perioperative complications assessed by piecewise linear regression with log transformation and (ii) patient‐level perioperative complication risk by body habitus assessed with a generalized estimating equation after using a multiple‐group generalized boosted model.

Results

The rate of class III obesity increased by 40.4%, higher than the rate of class I‐II obesity (22.2%) (both, P < .001). In parallel, cohort‐level rates of perioperative complication and prolonged hospitalization for ≥7 days increased by 19.4% and 54%, respectively (P < .001). In a weighted model, class I‐II obesity (16.4% vs 14.6%, odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.08‐1.21) and class III obesity (19.2% vs 14.6%, odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.28‐1.51) had a significantly increased risk of perioperative complications compared with non‐obesity. Larger body habitus was associated with higher total charge (median, $35 180, $36 094 and $39 382; all values cited in US dollars) and prolonged admission rate for ≥7 days (2.9%, 3.1% and 3.9%) (both, P < .001).

Conclusions

The rate of obesity, particularly morbid obesity, has significantly increased among women undergoing benign hysterectomy in the USA. Morbidly obese women had adverse perioperative outcomes, and the increasing number of morbidly obese women resulted in both an increased perioperative morbidity and total charges as a cohort. National and society‐based approaches are necessary to reduce the obesity rate and hysterectomy morbidity.
Intracorporeal semi‐hand‐sewn Billroth I reconstruction in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy
Authors: Kikuchi Satoru , Kuroda Shinji , Nishizaki Masahiko , Kuwada Kazuya , Takata Nobuo , Kakiuchi Yoshihiko , Yano Shuya , Noma Kazuhiro , Kagawa Shunsuke , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Intracorporeal Billroth I (B‐I) reconstruction using an endoscopic linear stapler (ELS) is widely performed in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. However, conventional procedures require many ELSs for anastomosis. Here, we introduce the novel intracorporeal semi‐hand‐sewn (SHS) B‐I reconstruction.

Materials and surgical technique

After the transection of stomach and duodenum using ELS following adequate lymph node dissection, small entry holes were made on the anterior wall in the greater curvature of the stomach and the duodenal stump. The posterior walls of both the remnant stomach and the duodenum were attached with the ELS and fired to create the posterior wall of the B‐I anastomosis. All the transection line of the duodenum and one‐third of the transection line of the stomach were dissected; finally the anterior wall suturing at the anastomotic site was performed by the laparoscopic hand‐sewn technique.

Discussion

SHS procedure was performed for 17 gastric cancer patients. There were no intraoperative complications or conversions to open surgery. One intra‐abdominal abscess was observed although there was no anastomotic leakage. The median reconstruction time was 48 minutes (32‐63). The SHS procedure was safe, feasible, and economical, although it requires sufficient laparoscopic suturing and ligation skill.
Dually localised proteins found in both the apicoplast and mitochondrion utilize the Golgi‐dependent pathway for apicoplast targeting in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Prasad Aparna , Mastud Pragati , Patankar Swati
Published: October 2020

Background Information

Like other apicomplexan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii harbours a four‐membraned endosymbiotic organelle – the apicoplast. Apicoplast proteins are nuclear encoded and trafficked to the organelle through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). From the ER to the apicoplast, two distinct protein trafficking pathways can be used. One such pathway is the cell's secretory pathway involving the Golgi, whereas the other is a unique Golgi‐independent pathway. Using different experimental approaches, many apicoplast proteins have been shown to utilize the Golgi‐independent pathway, whereas a handful of reports show that a few proteins use the Golgi‐dependent pathway. This has led to an emphasis towards the unique Golgi‐independent pathway when apicoplast protein trafficking is discussed in the literature. Additionally, the molecular features that drive proteins to each pathway are not known.

Results

In this report, we systematically test eight apicoplast proteins, using a C‐terminal HDEL sequence to assess the role of the Golgi in their transport. We demonstrate that dually localised proteins of the apicoplast and mitochondrion (TgSOD2, TgTPx1/2 and TgACN/IRP) are trafficked through the Golgi, whereas proteins localised exclusively to the apicoplast are trafficked independent of the Golgi. Mutants of the dually localised proteins that localised exclusively to the apicoplast also showed trafficking through the Golgi. Phylogenetic analysis of TgSOD2, TgTPx1/2 and TgACN/IRP suggested that the evolutionary origins of TgSOD2 and TgTPx1/2 lie in the mitochondrion, whereas TgACN/IRP appears to have originated from the apicoplast.

Conclusions and Significance

Collectively, with these results, for the first time, we establish that the driver of the Golgi‐dependent trafficking route to the apicoplast is the dual localisation of the protein to the apicoplast and the mitochondrion.
A novel monogenic preimplantation genetic testing strategy for sporadic polycystic kidney caused by de novoPKD1 mutation
Authors: Shi Hao , Niu Wenbin , Liu Yidong , Jin Haixia , Song Wenyan , Shi Senlin , Yao Guidong , Xu Jiawei , Sun Yingpu
Published: October 2020

Autosomal dominant hereditary polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease that causes end‐stage renal disease and kidney failure. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (PGT‐M) can effectively prevent the transmission of genetic diseases from parents to the offspring before pregnancy. However, PGT‐M currently adopts the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) linkage analysis for embryo's pathogenic gene carrying status and linkage analysis requires proband of the family. Here we report a new PGT‐M strategy using single sperm SNP linkage analysis for male patient with sporadic ADPKD caused by de novo PKD1 mutation. We recruited five couples with male patient with ADPKD caused by de novo PKD1 mutation, and 39 embryos from six PGT‐M cycles were detected. The five couples had at least one embryo that does not carry the PKD1 mutation. Within these five couples, the accuracy of carrier status of embryos was confirmed by amniotic fluid gene detection of two couples and two couples successfully delivered healthy fetuses. Therefore, the new PGT‐M strategy of using single sperm SNP linkage analysis was proved to be feasible and effective for male patient with ADPKD caused by de novo PKD1 mutation.
Metaplastic carcinomas of the breast without evidence of epithelial differentiation: a diagnostic approach for management
Authors: Rakha Emad A , Quinn Cecily M , Foschini Maria Pia , Muñoz Martin Monica , Dabbs David J , Lakhani Sunil , Varga Zsuzsanna , Pinder Sarah E , Schmitt Fernando C , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Fox Stephen B , Ellis Ian O , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Mihai Raluca
Published: October 2020

Aims

Although rare, malignant sarcomatoid breast tumours without evidence of epithelial differentiation comprise a diagnostic challenge with management implications. Earlier studies have generally considered these to be primary breast sarcomas; however, supporting evidence is lacking and management remains variable. This study aimed to provide an evidence‐based approach to improve the consistency of diagnosis and management for such cases.

Methods and results

A large series (n = 140) of metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) diagnosed in Nottingham over 18 years was analysed. Only cases with available data on immunohistochemical expression of cytokeratins (CKs) were included. The prevalence and pattern of expression for various CKs were assessed and details of tumours negative for CKs were collected. A diagnostic approach based on our experience is provided. Forty‐seven cases (34%) showed foci of conventional type invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), while 93 cases (66%) were diagnosed as MBC based on morphology and/or CK expression. Ninety‐seven cases (69%) were negative for one or more CKs, with 18 cases (13%) negative for five or more CKs. Eight cases (6%) lacked expression of all CKs tested. Further examination showed evidence of carcinomatous nature in five cases, and three were diagnosed as MBC following extensive diagnostic work‐up and based on our experience.

Conclusion

This study suggests that MBC represents a spectrum of neoplasms, with some lacking CK expression. Sarcomatoid neoplasms of the breast lacking evidence of carcinomatous morphology and CK expression may represent an extreme end of differentiation that can be considered as carcinomas rather than sarcomas for management purposes (following extensive work‐up).