bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Analytical Validation of a 29 Gene Clinical Pharmacogenetic Genotyping Panel: Multi‐Ethnic Allele and Copy Number Variant Detection
Authors: Scott Stuart A. , Scott Erick R. , Seki Yoshinori , Chen Annette J. , Wallsten Richard , Owusu Obeng Aniwaa , Botton Mariana R. , Cody Neal , Shi Huanzhi , Zhao Geping , Brake Paul , Nicoletti Paola , Yang Yao , Delio Maria , Shi Lisong , Kornreich Ruth , Schadt Eric E. , Edelmann Lisa
Published: July 2020

To develop a novel pharmacogenetic genotyping panel, a multidisciplinary team evaluated available evidence and selected 29 genes implicated in interindividual drug response variability, including 130 sequence variants and additional copy number variants (CNVs). Of the 29 genes, 11 had guidelines published by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium. Targeted genotyping and CNV interrogation were accomplished by multiplex single‐base extension using the MassARRAY platform (Agena Biosciences) and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MRC Holland), respectively. Analytical validation of the panel was accomplished by a strategic combination of > 500 independent tests performed on 170 unique reference material DNA samples, which included sequence variant and CNV accuracy, reproducibility, and specimen (blood, saliva, and buccal swab) controls. Among the accuracy controls were 32 samples from the 1000 Genomes Project that were selected based on their enrichment of sequence variants included in the pharmacogenetic panel (VarCover.org). Coupled with publicly available samples from the Genetic Testing Reference Materials Coordination Program (GeT‐RM), accuracy validation material was available for the majority (77%) of interrogated sequence variants (100% with average allele frequencies > 0.1%), as well as additional structural alleles with unique copy number signatures (e.g., CYP2D6*5, *13, *36, *68; CYP2B6*29; and CYP2C19*36). Accuracy and reproducibility for both genotyping and copy number were > 99.9%, indicating that the optimized panel platforms were precise and robust. Importantly, multi‐ethnic allele frequencies of the interrogated variants indicate that the vast majority of the general population carries at least one of these clinically relevant pharmacogenetic variants, supporting the implementation of this panel for pharmacogenetic research and/or clinical implementation programs.
Symptomatic vulvar demodicosis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hedberg Matthew L. , Chibnall Rebecca J. , Compton Leigh A.
Published: July 2020

Demodex folliculorum is a mite that commonly inhabits the pilosebaceous units of facial skin, particularly in a perioral and periorbital distribution. While typically an incidental and asymptomatic parasite, Demodex spp. are proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of facial folliculitis, chronic blepharitis and papulopustular rosacea. Reports of demodicosis in anatomic locations other than the face are exceedingly rare. Here we report a 36‐year‐old woman with symptomatic Demodex spp. infestation of Fordyce spots of the labia minora. She was referred to dermatology after a 9‐month history of tender red bumps on the vulva that would arise and drain over a 24 to 72 hours period, several times per week. Physical examination revealed erythema of the labia minora and introitus with a 4 mm, pink, dome‐shaped soft papule on the left labium minus. Wet mount, microbiologic cultures and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings were unremarkable. Histopathologic examination revealed a well‐circumscribed nodule of suppurative granulomatous inflammation arising in a background of mucosa with Fordyce spots, the majority of which were infiltrated by Demodex spp. Treatment with oral ivermectin and topical metronidazole cream resulted in a symptom‐free period of 22 months. This case represents an unusual presentation of symptomatic Demodex infestation.
Contagious itching is heightened in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Helt Molly S. , de Marchena Ashley B. , Schineller Molly E. , Kirk Anna I. , Scheub Rachel J. , Sorensen Taylor M.
Published: July 2020

The authors tested susceptibility to contagious itching, laughter, and yawning in 55 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ages 8–14, and 106 typically developing (TD) children, ages 5–14. Children with ASD were less likely to yawn or laugh contagiously compared with TD peers, but showed increased susceptibility to contagious itching, under naturalistic conditions. Contagious yawning and laughter were positively correlated with emotional empathy in the TD group. In contrast, contagious itching showed no relationship to empathy, and was positively correlated with autism symptom severity in the ASD group. The authors explore the implications of these findings in terms of psychological theories about ASD.
Religion as culture
Authors: Aranoff Deena
Published: July 2020

When we understand religion as culture, we can value religion as a many‐thousand year expression of lived human experience with accumulated wisdom. If we ask religion to carry the torch of civil harmony into the election battles, however, religious leaders will have to give up one quite precious thing, namely, the claim to absolute and unchanging truth.
Contingency and changing reality: Perspectives from Germany
Authors: Waltemathe Michael
Published: July 2020

The World Wide Web connects less and disconnects more. In Germany as in the United States, disconnecting factions digitize their ideologies and overnight multiply their adherents. Such forces of disruption are incessant. Appeal to constructivist theory reveals that beneath this destabilizing dynamic is awareness of contingency, the feeling of disempowerment in the face of an unpredictable and uncontrollable future. Religion has the potential for stabilizing, but religious leaders will need to reignite a faith in the future to make this happen.
Children aged 7–9 prefer cuteness in baby faces, and femininity in women's faces
Authors: Saxton Tamsin K. , Pollet Thomas V. , Panagakis Jenny , Round Emily K. , Brown Samantha E. , Lobmaier Janek S.
Published: July 2020

Infant facial features are typically perceived as “cute,” provoking caretaking behaviours. Previous research has focused on adults' perceptions of baby cuteness, and examined how these perceptions are influenced by events of the adult reproductive lifespan, such as ovulation and menopause. However, globally, individuals of all ages, including pre‐pubertal children, provide notable proportions of infant care. In this study, we recruited participants in and around northern England, and tested 330 adults and 65 children aged 7–9 using a forced‐choice paradigm to assess preferences for infant facial cuteness in two stimulus sets and (as a control task) preferences for femininity in women's faces. We analysed the data with Hierarchical Bayesian Regression Models. The adults and children successfully identified infants who had been manipulated to appear cuter, although children's performance was poorer than adults' performance, and children reliably identified infant cuteness in only one of the two infant stimuli sets. Children chose the feminised over masculinised women's faces as more attractive, although again their performance was poorer than adults' performance. There was evidence for a female advantage in the tasks: girls performed better than boys when assessing the woman stimuli and one of the infant stimulus sets, and women performed better than men when assessing one of the infant stimulus sets. There was no evidence that cuteness judgements differed depending upon exposure to infants (children with siblings aged 0–2; adults with a baby caregiving role), or depending upon being just younger or older than the average age of menopause. Children and grandparents provide notable portions of infant caretaking globally, and cuteness perceptions could direct appropriate caregiving behaviour in these age groups, as well as in adults of reproductive age.
Face similarity linkage: A novel biometric approach to sexually motivated serial killer victims
Authors: Hackett Sarah Bernadette , Keatley David , Chapman Brendan
Published: July 2020

Some sexually motivated serial killers target victims on the basis of appearance. Therefore, multiple victims of a single serial killer are likely to have some facial features and geometries that are similar. The current research was undertaken to propose a technique, termed face similarity linkage, to evaluate whether victims of a serial killer have statistically more similar facial measurements than a randomly chosen person of the same gender. To test this, three of Ted Bundy's victims were randomly selected and anatomical landmarks were located and measured to produce proportionality indices of their faces. A random subject from an online database was used as a comparison. The results showed there were no statistically significant differences between the three of Bundy's victims, however there was significant difference between 11 of the 17 facial measurements of Bundy's victims when compared to a random person. This research serves as a proof of concept that, with more advanced means of data collection, may be a useful tool for law enforcement for linking serial homicides. The current method is relatively novel, and in need of expert systems interfaces to improve speed and application, which is outlined in the current study.
Rapid genomic and phenotypic change in response to climate warming in a widespread plant invader
Authors: Sun Yan , Bossdorf Oliver , Grados Ramon D. , Liao ZhiYong , Müller‐Schärer Heinz
Published: July 2020

Predicting plant distributions under climate change is constrained by our limited understanding of potential rapid adaptive evolution. In an experimental evolution study with the invasive common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) we subjected replicated populations of the same initial genetic composition to simulated climate warming. Pooled DNA sequencing of parental and offspring populations showed that warming populations experienced greater genetic divergence from their parents, than control populations. In a common environment, offspring from warming populations showed more convergent phenotypes in seven out of nine plant traits, with later flowering and larger biomass, than plants from control populations. For both traits, we also found a significantly higher ratio of phenotypic to genetic differentiation across generations for warming than for control populations, indicating stronger response to selection under warming conditions. As a measure for evolutionary rate, the phenotypic and sequence divergence between generations were assessed using the Haldane metric. Our approach combining comparisons between generations (allochronic) and between treatments (synchronic) in an experimental evolutionary field study, and linking population genomic data with phenotyping analyses provided a powerful test to detect rapid responses to selection. Our findings demonstrate that ragweed populations can rapidly evolve in response to climate change within a single generation. Short‐term evolutionary responses to climate change may aggravate the impact of some plant invaders in the future and should be considered when making predictions about future distributions and impacts of plant invaders.
Peptides, MAbs, Molecules, Mechanisms, and More: Taking a Stab at Cluster Headache
Authors: Joshi Shivang
Published: July 2020

Background

Cluster headache is a highly disabling neurological disorder.

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent therapeutic advances in the treatment of cluster headache such as monoclonal antibodies as well as non‐invasive vagus nerve stimulation, and examine future potential therapeutic targets.

Discussion

Several therapeutic agents currently in use may have underlying mechanisms important to cluster headache pathophysiology and have yet to be completely elucidated. The psychobiological aspects of cluster headache have a significant impact on patients, as well as pose limitations for treatment. Neuropeptides may play a role in underlying mechanisms in why cluster headache patients are frequent tobacco smokers. Alterations in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and neuroinflammation may play a role in suicidality. The circadian nature of cluster headache may generate the development of future treatment options. New understanding of mechanisms underlying post‐traumatic headache may also provide insights into cluster headache pathophysiology.

Conclusion

Molecular targets and neuromodulation advances have paved the way for a new generation of therapeutic agents in cluster headache. There are several other potential targets.
The bitter tragedies of Bennelong and Grant: Colonial cryptoplots
Authors: Murray Tom
Published: July 2020

This paper examines how the selective application of particular narrative structures and plot details has influenced the telling of two Australian Indigenous historical biographies. In particular, it describes how colonial agendas and perspectives have been mobilised through these biographies and continue to exert on the present. Specifically, this paper investigates popular historical biographies concerning the Indigenous men Woollarawarre Bennelong (c.1764–1813) and Douglas Grant (c.1885–1951) and reflects on connections between the ways they have been narratively constructed. This paper also notes that the biographies of these two men have been emplotted and encrypted in sociopolitically motivated ways. I use the term ‘cryptoplot’ to describe how these processes and motivations are narratively configured and disguised and to acknowledge how forms of encrypted plot are experienced as having ‘truth’ value.
Transient tear hyperosmolarity disrupts the neuroimmune homeostasis of the ocular surface and facilitates dry eye onset
Authors: Guzmán Mauricio , Miglio Maximiliano , Keitelman Irene , Shiromizu Carolina Maiumi , Sabbione Florencia , Fuentes Federico , Trevani Analía S. , Giordano Mirta N. , Galletti Jeremías G.
Published: July 2020

Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent ocular surface disorder with neuroimmune pathophysiology. Tear hyperosmolarity (THO), a frequent finding in affected patients, is considered a key element in DED pathogenesis, yet existing animal models are based on subjecting the ocular surface to the more complex desiccating stress − decreased tear production and/or increased evaporation − instead of strict hyperosmolar stress. Here we characterized a murine model of THO that does not involve desiccating stress, thus allowing us to dissect the contribution of THO to DED. Our results showed that THO is sufficient to disrupt neuroimmune homeostasis of the ocular surface in mice, and thus reproduce many sub‐clinical DED findings. THO activated nuclear factor‐κB signalling in conjunctival epithelial cells and increased dendritic cell recruitment and maturation, leading to more activated (CD69+) and memory (CD62lo CD44hi) CD4+ T‐cells in the eye‐draining lymph nodes. Ultimately, THO impaired the development of ocular mucosal tolerance to a topical surrogate antigen in a chain of events that included epithelial nuclear factor‐κB signalling and activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 as the probable hypertonicity sensor. Also, THO reduced the density of corneal intraepithelial nerves and terminals, and sensitized the ocular surface to hypertonicity. Finally, the adoptive transfer of T‐cells from THO mice to naïve recipients under mild desiccating stress favoured DED development, showing that THO is enough to trigger an actual pathogenic T‐cell response. Our results altogether demonstrate that THO is a critical initiating factor in DED development.
The association between nationality and nurse job satisfaction in Saudi Arabian hospitals
Authors: Almansour H. , Gobbi M. , Prichard J. , Ewings S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Job satisfaction is important for increasing nurse retention rates. However, there is little research examining whether there is an association between nationality and job satisfaction among nurses.

Aim

To examine whether there is an association between nationality and nurse job satisfaction.

Methods/design

A cross‐sectional survey design was utilized, and 743 nurses from three major government hospitals in Saudi Arabia participated in the survey. Job satisfaction was measured using McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale. Data were collected between May 2014 and February 2015.

Results

Compared with Saudi nurses, expatriate nurses had overall lower job satisfaction after controlling for other predictors. While expatriates were less satisfied than Saudi nurses about extrinsic rewards and family–work balance, however, Saudi nurses were less satisfied than expatriate nurses about their professional opportunities, praise and recognition, and co‐worker relationships.

Conclusion

For some subscales, Saudi nurses were more satisfied than expatriate nurses, while for other subscales, the opposite was true. Nationality should be included in job satisfaction studies in countries with migrant workforces, as nationality‐based differences may have been present but masked in earlier international studies by aggregating satisfaction across national groups.

Implications for nursing & health policy

Policy makers in Saudi Arabia and other countries with migrant nursing workforces should have effective induction programmes that help newly employed nurses – migrant and local – clearly understand their jobs, roles and responsibilities. Policy makers must have sufficient evidence to modify the reward system to ensure fairness and equality for all.
Introducing a nutritional app in supervised residences for independent living: Experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers
Authors: Janson Astri Letnes , Moen Anne , Aure Caroline Farsjø
Published: July 2020

Background

Dietary challenges are common among individuals with intellectual disability residing in supervised living in Norway, and this is a major risk factor for health problems. The aim of this study was to explore feasibility of the nutrition tablet app APPetitus, among persons with intellectual disability and their formal caregivers.

Method

Joint dyad interviews with residents and caregivers were conducted after five individuals with intellectual disability used APPetitus for eight weeks. Seven formal caregivers and managers participated in subsequent focus group interviews. Thematic analysis informed the data analysis. The study complies with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Results

The findings were mapped into three themes: APPetitus mediating nutritional conversations, residents' strategies to control the conversation and caregiver support as a required prerequisite for overall user comprehension.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that a nutritional app can contribute to and normalize nutritional conversations, and empower residents to participate.
Investigation the effects of whitening toothpastes on color change of resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks
Authors: Aydın Numan , Karaoglanoglu Serpil , Oktay Elif Aybala
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Some colorant foods and beverages cause undesired discoloration on dental restorations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of whitening kinds of toothpaste with different active ingredients on the color change of resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks.

Material and methods

In the study, resin‐based CAD/CAM block samples sized 1.5 × 7 × 12 mm, were prepared. Then, to simulate the time‐dependent color change, the samples were immersed in coffee (Nescafe Classic, Nestlé) for 14 days. After the color change values of the samples colored in coffee were measured by spectrophotometer, the samples were brushed with different types of whitening toothpastes for 4 minutes. Statistical analysis of the color change (ΔE00) was performed using the one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

Color differences occurring on all resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks immersed in coffee for 14 days exceeded the 50%:50% perceptibility threshold (PT) (ΔE00:0.8). There was no statistical significant difference between the whitening toothpastes containing activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide (HP), blue covarine pigment, and microparticles in color improvement on resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks (P > .05).

Conclusion

It has been verified that the discoloration on resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks exhibiting color difference above the PT after coffee immersion can be reduced by utilizing toothpastes containing whiteners.

Clinical significance

Color changes that occur over time in resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks can be a clinical problem. These color changes in the materials can be reduced below the PT level using whitening toothpastes.
Expression and Identification of a Novel Spore Wall Protein in Microsporidian Nosema bombycis
Authors: Wang Ying , Geng Lixia , Xu Jinzhi , Jiang Ping , An Qin , Pu Yaojia , Jiang Yu , He Siyi , Tao Xuemei , Luo Jie , Pan Guoqing
Published: July 2020

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites causing significant disease in human beings and economically important animals. Though a few spore wall proteins (SWPs) have now been identified in these intriguing species, the information on SWPs remains too little to elucidate the spore wall formation mechanisms of microsporidia. It has been well described that numerous proteins with tandem repeats tend to be localized on the cell wall of fungi and parasites. Previously, by scanning the proteins with tandem repeats in microsporidian Nosema bombycis, we obtained 83 candidate SWPs based on whether those proteins possess a signal peptide and/or transmembrane domain. Here, we further characterized a candidate protein (EOB13250) with three tandem repeats in the N‐terminal region and a transmembrane domain in C‐terminus of N. bombycis. Sequence analysis showed that the tandem repeat domain of EOB13250 was species‐specific for this parasite. RT‐PCR indicated that the expression of the gene encoding this protein started on the fourth day postinfection. After cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, a polyclone antibody against the recombinant EOB13250 protein was prepared. Western blotting demonstrated this protein exist in N. bombycis. Immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) and immunoelectron microscopy analysis (IEM) further provided evidence that EOB13250 was an endospore wall protein. These results together suggested that EOB13250 was a novel spore wall protein of N. bombycis. This study provides a further enrichment of the number of identified spore wall proteins in microsporidia and advances our understanding of the spore wall formation mechanism in these obligate unicellular parasites.
Carp oedema virus disease outbreaks in Czech and Slovak aquaculture
Authors: Matějíčková Kateřina , Pojezdal Ľubomír , Pokorová Dagmar , Reschová Stanislava , Piačková Veronika , Palíková Miroslava , Veselý Tomáš , Papežíková Ivana
Published: July 2020

This work describes the first confirmed cases of carp oedema virus disease (CEVD) in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and the phylogenetic analysis of Czech and Slovak carp oedema virus (CEV) isolates. Four cases of disease outbreak in the Czech Republic are described, the oldest dating from mid‐May 2013 and one case from Slovakia dating from May 2019. In all cases, virus presence was confirmed using nested PCR. PCR products were sequenced and compared with 357‐bp nucleotide sequences encoding the CEV P4a protein in GenBank. In four cases of disease outbreak (three common carp breeding facilities and one koi garden pond), CEV detected belonged to genogroup I. In one case (koi garden pond), fish were confirmed as infected with CEV from genogroup II. This work complements data on CEV occurrence in European countries and contributes to a better understanding of the pathways leading to transmission of the virus throughout Europe.
Comparison of the pathogenicity of Francisella orientalis in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) through experimental intraperitoneal infection
Authors: Poudyal Sayuj , Pulpipat Theeraporn , Wang Pei‐Chi , Chen Shih‐Chu
Published: July 2020

Francisella orientalis is a highly virulent, emerging bacterium that causes mass mortalities in tilapia. This pathogen also affects numerous other warm‐water fish species, including three‐line grunt, hybrid striped bass and various ornamental fish. This study sheds light on two new species of fish that are susceptible to F. orientalis. Asian seabass and largemouth bass showed variable levels of susceptibility in a bacterial challenge experiment. After intraperitoneally injected with a dose of 106 CFU/fish, a total of 64.28% and 21.42% mortalities were obtained in Asian seabass and largemouth bass, respectively. Meanwhile, Nile tilapia showed acute mortality of 100%. All fish showed typical lesions of francisellosis, including multifocal granulomas in the spleen and head kidney. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong positive signals inside the granulomas of all fish. The bacterial recovery in solid media from infected fish was highest in Nile tilapia (85.71%), followed by Asian seabass (35.71%) and largemouth bass (21.42%). PCR results tested 100% positive for Nile tilapia, and 78.57% and 21.42% for Asian seabass and largemouth bass, respectively. In conclusion, Asian seabass and largemouth bass are susceptible to this pathogen, which warrants new management strategies when employing predation polyculture systems of these species with tilapia.
National Trends in Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations of Older Adults with Dementia
Authors: Anderson Timothy S. , Marcantonio Edward R. , McCarthy Ellen P. , Herzig Shoshana J.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Dementia is associated with higher healthcare expenditures, in large part due to increased hospitalization rates relative to patients without dementia. Data on contemporary trends in the incidence and outcomes of potentially preventable hospitalizations of patients with dementia are lacking.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2016.

SETTING

U.S. acute care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,843,632 unique hospitalizations of older adults (aged ≥65 years) with diagnosed dementia.

MEASUREMENTS

Annual trends in the incidence of hospitalizations for all causes and for potentially preventable conditions including acute ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs), chronic ACSCs, and injuries. In‐hospital outcomes including mortality, discharge disposition, and hospital costs.

RESULTS

The survey weighted sample represented an estimated 9.27 million hospitalizations for patients with diagnosed dementia (mean [standard deviation] age = 82.6 [6.7] years; 61.4% female). In total, 3.72 million hospitalizations were for potentially preventable conditions (40.1%), 2.07 million for acute ACSCs, .76 million for chronic ACSCs, and .89 million for injuries. Between 2012 and 2016, the incidence of all‐cause hospitalizations declined from 1.87 million to 1.85 million per year (P = .04) while the incidence of potentially preventable hospitalizations increased from .75 million to .87 million per year (P < .001), driven by an increased number of hospitalizations of community‐dwelling older adults. Among patients with dementia hospitalized for potentially preventable conditions, inpatient mortality declined from 6.4% to 6.1% (P < .001), inflation‐adjusted median costs increased from $7,319 to $7,543 (P < .001), and total annual costs increased from $7.4 to $9.3 billion. Although 86.0% of hospitalized patients were admitted from the community, only 32.7% were discharged to the community.

CONCLUSION

The number of potentially preventable hospitalizations of older adults with dementia is increasing, driven by hospitalizations of community‐dwelling older adults. Improved strategies for early detection and goal‐directed treatment of potentially preventable conditions in patients with dementia are urgently needed. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2240–2248, 2020.
Subcellular structure and behaviour in fungal hyphae
Authors: ROBERSON R.W.
Published: July 2020

This work briefly surveys the diversity of selected subcellular characteristics in hyphal tip cells of the fungal kingdom (Mycota). Hyphae are filamentous cells that grow by tip extension. It is a highly polarised mechanism that requires a robust secretory system for the delivery of materials (e.g. membrane, proteins, cell wall materials) to sites of cell growth. These events result it the self‐assembly of a Spitzenkörper (Spk), found most often in the Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Blastocladiomycota, or an apical vesicle crescent (AVC), present in the most Mucoromycota and Zoopagomycota. The Spk is a complex apical body composed of secretory vesicles, cytoskeletal elements, and signaling proteins. The AVC appears less complex, though little is known of its composition other than secretory vesicles. Both bodies influence hyphal growth and morphogenesis. Other factors such as cytoskeletal functions, endocytosis, cytoplasmic flow, and turgor pressure are also important in sustaining hyphal growth. Clarifying subcellular structures, functions, and behaviours through bioimagining analysis are providing a better understanding of the cell biology and phylogenetic relationships of fungi.

Lay Description

Fungi are most familiar to the public as yeast, molds, and mushrooms. They are eukaryotic organisms that inhabit diverse ecological niches around the world and are critical to the health of ecosystems performing roles in decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling (Heath, 1990). Fungi are heterotrophs, unlike plants, and comprise the most successful and diverse phyla of eukaryotic microbes, interacting with all other forms of life in associations that range from beneficial (e.g., mycorrhizae) to antagonistic (e.g., pathogens). Some fungi can be parasitic or pathogenic on plants (e.g., Cryphonectria parasitica, Magnaporthe grisea), insects (e.g., Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps sp.), invertebrates (e.g., Drechslerella anchonia), vertebrates (e.g., Coccidioides immitis, Candia albicans) and other fungi (e.g., Trichoderma viride, Ampelomyces quisqualis). The majority of fungi, however, are saprophytes, obtaining nutrition through the brake down of non‐living organic matter.
User involvement in the implementation of welfare technology in home care services: The experience of health professionals—A qualitative study
Authors: Glomsås Heidi Snoen , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud , Fossum Mariann , Halvorsen Kristin
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study is to learn more about factors that promote or inhibit user involvement among health professionals when implementing welfare technology in home care services.

Background

It is a health policy goal to increase the use of welfare technology in order to address some of the challenges that healthcare services are facing. Health professionals' involvement is important for the successful implementation of welfare technology in home care services.

Design

The study has an explorative and descriptive longitudinal design based on a qualitative approach. Five focus group interviews were conducted with 16 nurses and assistant nurses from three different municipalities over a period of 2 years. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist was used.

Results

The analysis led to five main themes: competence a critical component, information and information lines, new ways of working, choice of welfare technology and change in patient services. From health professionals' perspective, there appeared to be a lack of preparedness for the change in the implementation of welfare technology entailed for home care services. The respondents experienced limited facilitation and opportunities for user involvement.

Conclusion

Health professionals want to be more involved but emphasised that competence, information and collaborative arenas are necessary factors if involvement in the process is to be increased. Competence affected some of the respondents' attitudes and willingness to use the technology. The respondents also experienced that the managements' focus on facilitation and interest in user involvement in addition to infrastructures that functioned in various ways had an impact on user involvement.

Relevance to clinical practice

The knowledge gained from this study about factors that promote or inhibit user involvement among health professionals could contribute to better preparedness for further implementation of welfare technology in the field of home care.
Prognostic factors and surgical treatment in vulvar carcinoma: Single center experience
Authors: Pecorino Basilio , Scibilia Giuseppe , Ferrara Martina , Di Stefano Andrea Benedetto , D'Agate Maria Gabriella , Giambanco Laura , Scollo Paolo
Published: July 2020

Aim

Vulvar carcinoma represents 3–5% of all female genital cancers; the main surgical treatment is radical vulvectomy and inguinal lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study is to analyze prognostic factors in the patients underwent to primary surgery for vulvar carcinoma.

Methods

One hundred and eighteen cases of vulvar carcinoma underwent surgery between 2006 and 2016 at Operative Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Cannizzaro Hospital (Catania, Italy) were retrospective analyzed. Risk factors for relapse (age, tumor size, FIGO stage, type of surgery, lymphadenectomy, margins status, metastatic nodes and radiotherapy) were evaluated by logistic regression. Univariate analysis of prognostic factors (age, tumor size, FIGO stage, metastatic inguinal nodes and type of surgery) was obtained by Cox proportional hazard model. Overall survival was calculated by Kaplan–Meier curves either for the entire population and for comparison between positive and negative variables (margin status, nodes and radiotherapy) with log‐rank test to determine significance. Statistical significance was reached for P < 0.05.

Results

Type of surgery (radical local excision vs. radical vulvectomy) and positive inguinal nodes were identified as risk factors for relapse. Positive inguinal nodes and positive margins were identified as prognostic factors either for overall survival and disease specific survival; tumor size greater than 4 cm was identified as prognostic factors for overall survival. Overall survival was 38.4% and it was significantly higher in the patients with negative margins and nodes.

Conclusions

Nodes status, resection margins, age and type of surgery represent prognostic factors have to be considered for adjuvant treatment in the patients affected from vulvar carcinoma.
Labor Market Outcomes of Professional Women with Two Children after the One‐Child Policy in China
Authors: Shen Yang , Jiang Lai
Published: July 2020

Since the implementation of the two‐child policy in China in 2016, it is unclear how professional women's labor force outcomes and family commitments have changed. Using interviews with 26 professional women with two children in Shanghai, we examined their work–life transitions and labor market outcomes. We found that the overarching constraints the interviewees faced included a lack of institutional childcare support, low paternal participation and increased physical and cognitive childcare labor. The women also experienced different constraining and enabling factors, leading to four types of labor market outcomes: enhancement, rebound, interruption and stagnation. Most of the interviewees who experienced career upward mobility after giving birth to a second child were urban singleton daughters who received tremendous parental support. Some participants experienced career interruption due to a lack of social support. The state should ensure family‐friendly work environments and promote paternal participation to reduce women's work–life conflict and address gender inequality.
The Plasmodium falciparum eIK1 kinase (PfeIK1) is central for melatonin synchronization in the human malaria parasite. Melatotosil blocks melatonin action on parasite cell cycle
Authors: Dias Bárbara K.M. , Nakabashi Myna , Alves Marina Rangel Rodrigues , Portella Danielle Pagliaminuto , dos Santos Benedito Matheus , Costa da Silva Almeida Fahyme , Ribeiro Ramira Yuri , Schuck Desiree C. , Jordão Alessandro Kappel , Garcia Celia R.S.
Published: July 2020

Melatonin and its indoles derivatives are central in the synchronization of malaria parasites. In this research, we discovered that melatonin is unable to increase the parasitemia in the human malaria Plasmodium falciparum that lacks the kinase PfeIK1. The PfeIK1 knockout strain is a valuable tool in the screening of indol‐related compound that blocks the melatonin effect in wild‐type (WT) parasite development. The assays were performed by using flow cytometry with simultaneous labeling for mitochondria viability with MitoTracker Deep Red and nucleus staining with SYBR Green. We found that Melatotosil leads to an increase in parasitemia in P. falciparum and blocks melatonin effect in the WT parasite. Using microscopy imaging system, we found that Melatotosil at 500 nM is able to induce cytosolic calcium rise in transgenic PfGCaMP3 parasites. On the contrary, the compound Triptiofen blocks P. falciparum cell cycle with IC50 9.76 µM ± 0.6, inhibits melatonin action, and does not lead to a cytosolic calcium rise in PfGCaMP3 parasites. We also found that the synthetic indol‐related compounds arrested parasite cycle for PfeIK1 knockout and (WT) P. falciparum (3D7) in 72 hours culture assays with the IC50 values slighting lower for the WT strain. We concluded that the kinase PfeIK1 is central for melatonin downstream signaling pathways involved in parasite cell cycle progression. More importantly, the indol‐related compounds block its cycle as an upstream essential mechanism for parasite survival. Our data clearly show that this class of compounds emerge as an alternative for the problem of resistance with the classical antimalarials.
Volumetric tumor response assessment is inefficient without overt clinical benefit compared to conventional, manual veterinary response assessment in canine nasal tumors
Authors: Nell Esther , Ober Christopher , Rendahl Aaron , Forrest Lisa , Lawrence Jessica
Published: July 2020

Accurate assessment of tumor response to therapy is critical in guiding management of veterinary oncology patients and is most commonly performed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. This process can be time consuming and have high intra‐ and interobserver variability. The primary aim of this serial measurements, secondary analysis study was to compare manual linear tumor response assessment to semi‐automated, contoured response assessment in canine nasal tumors. The secondary objective was to determine if tumor measurements or clinical characteristics, such as stage, would correlate to progression‐free interval. Three investigators evaluated paired CT scans of skulls of 22 dogs with nasal tumors obtained prior to and following radiation therapy. The automatically generated tumor volumes were not useful for canine nasal tumors in this study, characterized by poor intraobserver agreement between automatically generated contours and hand‐adjusted contours. The radiologist's manual linear method of determining response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization and tumor volume is significantly faster (P < .0001) but significantly underestimates nasal tumor volume (P < .05) when compared to a contour‐based method. Interobserver agreement was greater for volume determination using the contour‐based method when compared to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization utilizing the same method. However, response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization and percentage volume change were strongly correlated, providing validity to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors as a rapid method of tumor response assessment for canine nasal tumors. No clinical characteristics or tumor measurements were significantly associated with progression‐free interval.
Before and After John of Garland: The Concept of Directed Dyadic Progression and Its Prehistory
Authors: Cohen David E.
Published: July 2020

This article examines aspects of medieval polyphonic theory in numerous music-theoretical and pedagogical writings, from the ninth- or tenth-century Musica enchiriadis to several short anonymous texts composed around 1300, in order to show that the historically significant doctrine
of directed dyadic progression (often called "interval progression") is not yet attested in any of them. In the process I devote considerable attention to the seminal contributions of the mid-thirteenth-century treatise De mensurabili musica, traditionally attributed to John of Garland,
and to the more directly and persistently influential version thereof promulgated around 1280 by Franco of Cologne. This investigation supports my hypothesis, advanced elsewhere, that it was the recovery and dissemination, in the second half of the thirteenth century, of the Aristotelian theory
of natural motion that, by providing an appropriate conceptual framework and vocabulary, made possible the emergence in music-theoretical discourse, beginning with Marchetto of Padua (Lucidarium, 1317/1318), of the concept of the directed dyadic progression, the historical precursor
of our concept of harmonic progression.
Preparation and Characterization of Nb-1Zr-0.1C Alloy Suitable for Liquid Metal Coolant Channels of High Temperature Reactors
Authors: Majumdar S. , Kishor J. , Behera A. N. , Vishwanadh B. , Borgohain A. , Kapoor R. , Tewari R. , Kain V. , Krishnan Madangopal , Dey G. K. , Banerjee S.
Published: July 2020

A novel process comprising of aluminothermic coreduction of mixed oxides followed by arc and electron beam melt refining was developed for preparation of Nb-1Zr-0.1C alloy. The parameters of the process were optimized by considering the thermodynamic (heat) and mass balance phenomenon. The ingots of the homogenized alloy produced after electron beam melt consolidation were further extruded into tubes. The alloy was vacuum annealed at 1350–1800 °C to study the stability of Nb2C and Nb(Zr)C carbide precipitates in the microstructure. Compression creep tests conducted at 900 and 1000 °C revealed a stress exponent value of 2 and activation energy of 508 kJ/mol. NbSi2-based coatings were developed on the Nb-1Zr-0.1C alloy tubes using pack siliconizing process. The coated alloy was tested for oxidation at 1250 °C, and corrosion in liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloy at 875 °C for prolonged duration. The silicide-coated alloy showed superior oxidation and LBE corrosion resistance at high temperatures. The alloy was found to be a promising material for coolant channels of high temperature reactors.
A Comparative Study on Severe Accident Phenomena Related to Melt Progression in Sodium Fast Reactors and Pressurized Water Reactors
Authors: Bachrata Andrea , Bertrand Fréderic , Marie Nathalie , Serre Fréderic
Published: July 2020

The nuclear safety approach has to cover accident sequences involving core degradation in order to develop reliable mitigation strategies for both existing and future reactors. In particular, the long-term stabilization of the degraded core materials and their coolability has to be ensured after a severe accident. This paper focuses on severe accident phenomena in pressurized water reactors (PWR) compared to those potentially occurring in future GenIV-type sodium fast reactors (SFR). First, the two considered reactor concepts are introduced by focusing on safety aspects. The severe accident scenarios leading to core melting are presented and the initiating events are highlighted. This paper focuses on in-vessel severe accident phenomena, including the chronology of core damage, major changes in the core configuration and molten core progression. Regarding the mitigation means, the in-vessel retention phenomena and the core catcher characteristics are reviewed for these different nuclear generation concepts (II, III, and IV). A comparison between the PWR and SFR severe accident evolution is provided as well as the relation between governing physical parameters and the adopted mitigation provisions for each reactor concept. Finally, it is highlighted how the robustness of the safety demonstration is established by means of a combined probabilistic and deterministic approach.
Finite element modeling of one-dimensional nonreciprocal acoustic metamaterial with anti-parallel diodes
Authors: Petrover K. , Baz A.
Published: July 2020

A class of passive nonreciprocal acoustic metamaterials is developed to control the flow and distribution of acoustic energy in acoustic cavities and systems. Such development departs radically from present methods that favor the transmission direction by using hardwired arrangements of the hardware and hence, it cannot be reversed. The proposed nonreciprocal acoustic metamaterial (NAMM) cell consists of a cylindrical acoustic cavity with piezoelectric flexible boundaries that provide control in one-dimension. These boundaries are connected to an array of anti-parallel diodes to introduce simultaneous nonlinear damping and stiffness effects that break the reciprocity of energy flow through the NAMM cell. A finite element model of the NAMM cell is developed to investigate the nonreciprocal characteristics of the cell by optimizing the parameters that influence the nonlinear damping and stiffness effects introduced by the diodes. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed NAMM in tuning the directivity, flow, and distribution of acoustic energy propagating though the metamaterial.
Interrater Reliability of Historical Virtual Audits Using Archived Google Street View Imagery
Authors: Harding Alyson B. , Glynn Nancy W. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Clarke Philippa J. , Divecha Ayushi A. , Rosso Andrea L.
Published: July 2020

Impaired mobility occurs in up to half of community-dwelling older adults and is associated with poor health outcomes and high health care costs. Although the built environment impacts mobility, most studies of older adults lack information about environmental-level factors. In-person observational audits can be utilized but cannot assess the historical environment. We applied a 78-item checklist to archived Google Street View imagery to assess historical residence access and neighborhood characteristics. Interrater reliability between two raters was tested on 50 addresses using prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). The mean PABAK for all items was .75, with 81% of the items having substantial (PABAK ≥ .61) or almost perfect (PABAK ≥ .81) agreement. Environmental assessment using archived virtual imagery has excellent reliability for factors related to residence access and many neighborhood characteristics. Archived imagery can assess past neighborhood characteristics, facilitating the use of historical environment data within existing cohorts.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Physical Activity Questionnaire in Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Shi Xiaoyang , Wang Yan , Huang Xiuxiu , Gao Shangshang , Wan Qiaoqin , Shang Shaomei
Published: July 2020

The study’s aims were to translate the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire to Chinese and examine its psychometric properties. Adapting it for use in China involved forward translation, synthesis, back translation, expert review, and pretesting. A convenience sample of 201 Chinese older adults completed the Chinese version (CHAMPS-C) to evaluate its construct validity index and associations with physiological, psychosocial, and energy expenditure measures. The construct validity index of the CHAMPS-C was 0.95, and it had fair to moderate associations with physiological and psychosocial measures, other scales of physical activity, and accelerometer measurements. Our structured, stepwise process of cross-cultural adaptation produced a scale (i.e., CHAMPS-C), with items equivalent in meaning to the English version, for use with Chinese older adults. The findings of this study indicate that the CHAMPS-C has acceptable reliability and validity to assess the physical activity of older Chinese adults.