bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different alcohol and ultrasonic treatments on thermal and structural properties of zein‐starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles
Authors: Lai Chanjuan , Hu Linfang , Tu Jin , Li Mingliang , Cui Qibin , Wu Leiyan
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to prepare zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles (ZSPs) via anti‐solvent precipitation technology and characterize their colloidal properties. The effects of polar solvents, ultrasonic treatment time, and concentrations of starch sodium octenyl succinate were investigated. We measured the particle size distribution, hydrophobicity, and apparent structures of the composite nanoparticles. Ultrasonic treatment time (0‐25 min) was found to play an important role in composite nanoparticle formation. The ZSP nanoparticles were with an average particle size in the range of 70 to 110 nm. When the ultrasonic treatment time exceeds 25 min, ZSPs became macroscopic particles. The fluorescence spectrum and three‐phase contact angle indicated that ZSPs presented hydrophilicity with largest three‐phase contact angle, which was 65.1°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that hydrophilic SSOS absorbed on the surface of zein nanoparticles via Van der Waals to improve their water solubility. The changes in solvent polarity and zein self‐assembly are considered to be the main driving force for composite nanoparticles conformational transitions from α‐helix to β‐sheet. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that ethanol combined ultrasonic treatment (10 min) was beneficial to enhance the thermal stability of composite nanoparticles, causing the highest Tg of 153.6°C. This work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating delivery systems using bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer.

Practical Application

This work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating encapsulants for food and other bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer. Zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles formulated in this study provide novel stabilizers for emulsification systems or carriers of bioactive substances that can enhance the nutritional value, taste, or shelf life of foods.
Robust and efficient software for reference‐free genomic diversity analysis of genotyping‐by‐sequencing data on diploid and polyploid species
Authors: Parra‐Salazar Andrea , Gomez Jorge , Lozano‐Arce Daniela , Reyes‐Herrera Paula H. , Duitama Jorge
Published: July 2021

Genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) is a widely used and cost‐effective technique for obtaining large numbers of genetic markers from populations by sequencing regions adjacent to restriction cut sites. Although a standard reference‐based pipeline can be followed to analyse GBS reads, a reference genome is still not available for a large number of species. Hence, reference‐free approaches are required to generate the genetic variability information that can be obtained from a GBS experiment. Unfortunately, available tools to perform de novo analysis of GBS reads face issues of usability, accuracy and performance. Furthermore, few available tools are suitable for analysing data sets from polyploid species. In this manuscript, we describe a novel algorithm to perform reference‐free variant detection and genotyping from GBS reads. Nonexact searches on a dynamic hash table of consensus sequences allow for efficient read clustering and sorting. This algorithm was integrated in the Next Generation Sequencing Experience Platform (NGSEP) to integrate the state‐of‐the‐art variant detector already implemented in this tool. We performed benchmark experiments with three different empirical data sets of plants and animals with different population structures and ploidies, and sequenced with different GBS protocols at different read depths. These experiments show that NGSEP has comparable and in some cases better accuracy and always better computational efficiency compared to existing solutions. We expect that this new development will be useful for many research groups conducting population genetic studies in a wide variety of species.
Static foot posture and its relation to clinical variables in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Gokcen Neslihan , Sariyildiz Aylin , Coskun Benlidayi Ilke
Published: July 2021

Aim

Postural abnormalities of the foot are common in rheumatic diseases. Static foot posture is a poorly studied clinical parameter in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of the study was to evaluate static foot posture in patients with AS and to determine the potential impact of clinical variables on foot posture.

Method

Fifty patients with AS and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was measured using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score. Axial mobility was evaluated with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index three‐point answer scale. Functional status was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index and Health Assessment Questionnaire‐Disability Index. Enthesitis and foot posture were evaluated by the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) and Foot Posture Index‐6, respectively.

Results

Patients with AS revealed significantly higher scores of foot posture index when compared with controls (P = 0.005). Abnormal foot posture (pronated and supinated) was more common in the patient group (P < 0.01). According to the multinomial logistic regression analysis, a higher MASES score was associated with supinated foot posture in AS patients (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.03‐2.09, P = 0.035). In addition, supinated foot posture was associated with enthesitis of the Achilles tendon (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Enthesitis is related to deteriorated static foot posture in patients with AS. Enthesitis of the Achilles tendon is closely associated with the supinated foot posture.
A quantitative evaluation of aerosol generation during supraglottic airway insertion and removal
Authors: Shrimpton A. J. , Gregson F. K. A. , Brown J. M. , Cook T. M. , Bzdek B. R. , Hamilton F. , Reid J. P. , Pickering A. E. ,   the AERATOR study group
Published: July 2021

Many guidelines consider supraglottic airway use to be an aerosol‐generating procedure. This status requires increased levels of personal protective equipment, fallow time between cases and results in reduced operating theatre efficiency. Aerosol generation has never been quantitated during supraglottic airway use. To address this evidence gap, we conducted real‐time aerosol monitoring (0.3–10‐µm diameter) in ultraclean operating theatres during supraglottic airway insertion and removal. This showed very low background particle concentrations (median (IQR [range]) 1.6 (0–3.1 [0–4.0]) particles.l−1) against which the patient’s tidal breathing produced a higher concentration of aerosol (4.0 (1.3–11.0 [0–44]) particles.l−1, p = 0.048). The average aerosol concentration detected during supraglottic airway insertion (1.3 (1.0–4.2 [0–6.2]) particles.l−1, n = 11), and removal (2.1 (0–17.5 [0–26.2]) particles.l−1, n = 12) was no different to tidal breathing (p = 0.31 and p = 0.84, respectively). Comparison of supraglottic airway insertion and removal with a volitional cough (104 (66–169 [33–326]), n = 27), demonstrated that supraglottic airway insertion/removal sequences produced <4% of the aerosol compared with a single cough (p < 0.001). A transient aerosol increase was recorded during one complicated supraglottic airway insertion (which initially failed to provide a patent airway). Detailed analysis of this event showed an atypical particle size distribution and we subsequently identified multiple sources of non‐respiratory aerosols that may be produced during airway management and can be considered as artefacts. These findings demonstrate supraglottic airway insertion/removal generates no more bio‐aerosol than breathing and far less than a cough. This should inform the design of infection prevention strategies for anaesthetists and operating theatre staff caring for patients managed with supraglottic airways.
COVID‐19 had no impact on emergency urological admissions at an Australian tertiary hospital
Authors: Best Oliver v. , Armany David , Murthy Vinay , Handmer Marcus , Mancuso Pascal
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

The COVID‐19 pandemic is an unprecedented threat to health and healthcare systems. There is no published data on the impact on urological presentations in Australia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all admissions under the urology service at Liverpool Hospital, Australia from February 1st to April 30th for 2020 and the previous 5 years.

Results

There was a total of 397 admissions in 2020 and 438 in 2019. The mean age, proportion of male, and mean length of stay were similar. In 2020, there were 229 emergency admissions. Over the same period during the previous 5 years, there were between 195 and 218 emergency admissions. In 2019, there were 220 planned admissions and 168 in 2020. Between 2019 and 2020, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with admission longer than 10 days (P = 0.602), requiring intensive care unit admission (P = 0.708) or inpatient operative management (P = 0.171). Among the emergency admissions, the mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was significantly lower in 2020 compared to 2019 (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Despite the pervasive fear of the COVID‐19 pandemic and multiple, substantial alterations to hospital systems, structures and elective operating restrictions, no significant difference in numbers or acuity of emergency admissions were observed. Due to limitations in elective operating, there was an expected reduction in planned admissions. Our findings are in contrast to multiple recent studies and may be the result of our patient demographic where health‐seeking behaviours appear to have not been significantly influenced by the pandemic.
Controlling the flow balance: In vitro characterization of a pulsatile total artificial heart in preload and afterload sensitivity
Authors: Hildebrand Stephan , Diedrich Mario , Brockhaus Moritz , Finocchiaro Thomas , Cuenca Elena , De Ben Heiko , Steinseifer Ulrich , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Jansen Sebastian Victor
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study is to identify the preload and afterload sensitivity of the ReinHeart TAH 2.0. For adequate left‐right flow balance, the concept of a reduced right stroke volume (by about 10%) and active adaption of the right diastole duration are evaluated concerning the controllability of the flow balance. This study used an active mock circulation loop to test a wide range of preload and afterload conditions. Preload sensitivity was tested at atrial pressures (APs) between 4 and 20 mm Hg. Left afterload was varied in a range of 60‐140 mm Hg mean aortic pressure (MAP), right afterload was simulated between 15 and 40 mm Hg. Four scenarios were developed to verify that the flow difference fully covers the defined target range of 0‐1.5 L/min. Although a positive correlation between inlet pressure and flow is identified for the right pump chamber, the left pump chamber already fills completely at an inlet pressure of 8‐10 mm Hg. With increasing afterload, both the left and right flow decrease. A positive flow balance (left flow exceeds right flow) is achieved over the full range of tested afterloads. At high APs, the flow difference is limited to a maximum of 0.7 L/min. The controllability of flow balance was successfully evaluated in four scenarios, revealing that a positive flow difference can be achieved over the full range of MAPs. Under physiological test conditions, the linear relationship between flow and heart rate was confirmed, ensuring good controllability of the TAH.
Risk factors for haemodynamic instability and its prolongation during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma
Authors: Takeda Toshikazu , Hakozaki Kyohei , Yanai Yoshinori , Masuda Tsukasa , Yasumizu Yota , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Morita Shinya , Kosaka Takeo , Mizuno Ryuichi , Kurihara Isao , Asanuma Hiroshi , Itoh Hiroshi , Oya Mototsugu
Published: July 2021

Objective

Pheochromocytoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumour that secretes catecholamines and originates in the adrenal gland. Although surgical resection is the only curative therapy for pheochromocytoma, it is associated with a risk of haemodynamic instability (HDI), such as extremely high blood pressure and/or post tumour removal hypotension and shock. We investigated the risk factors for HDI during pheochromocytoma surgery.

Design and Patients

Eighty‐two patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma between July 2002 and February 2020 were examined. We excluded 3 patients with bilateral disease and 11 without detailed 24 h urinary data. We defined HDI as systolic blood pressure ≥ 200 or <80 mmHg. We investigated the risk factors for HDI during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma.

Results

There were 29 males and 39 females with a median age of 50.5 years. Tumours were localised on the right adrenal gland in 28 patients and on the left in 40. The median tumour diameter was 37.5 mm and the median pneumoperitoneum time was 93.5 min. Twenty‐five out of sixty‐eight patients (37%) developed HDI. A multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus (DM; odds ratio: 3.834; 95% confidence interval: 1.062–13.83; p = .04) as an independent predictor of HDI. In terms of hormonal data, median 24 h urinary epinephrine levels (p = .04) and metanephrine levels (p = .01) were significantly higher in the HDI group. DM was also considered as a risk factor for prolonged HDI (p = .02).

Conclusion

Surgeons and anaesthesiologists need to be aware of the risk of HDI and its prolongation during laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma for DM patients.
Introduction: The Right to the City in Latin America
Authors: Rayner Jeremy , Zamorano Villareal Claudia
Published: July 2021

This article provides an introduction to the theoretical and substantive issues raised by the four articles collected here and places them in the context of the evolving debates over right to the city in the Latin American region. We assess some of the commonalities and differences between the articles, with regard to the right to the city as both a language of struggle and a theoretical framework. We also consider the rapidly changing context of the right to the city in the region and possibilities for future research and action.
The growing trend for no primary surgery in colorectal cancer
Authors: Peponis Thomas , Stafford Caitlin , Cusack James , Cauley Christy , Goldstone Robert , Berger David , Bordeianou Liliana , Kunitake Hiroko , Francone Todd , Ricciardi Rocco
Published: July 2021

Aim

In colorectal cancer (CRC), surgery of the primary site is commonly curative. Our aim was to determine estimates of ‘no surgery’ for primary CRC while identifying common reasons for no surgery.

Method

We identified all patients with a diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma from the National Cancer Database between January 2004 and December 2016. Then, we identified patients who did not undergo surgery on the primary tumour and their demographic, tumour and institutional characteristics. Kaplan–Meier and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate specific factors associated with overall survival as related to no surgery and recommendations against operative management.

Results

A total of 1,208,878 patients with CRC were identified, 14.5% of whom had no surgery of the primary cancer. No surgery was more common in rectal cancer than in colon cancer. Despite a steady incidence of CRC diagnoses, the likelihood of no surgery grew by 170% over the study period. Metastatic disease was noted in 53.7% of the no surgery cohort. Nine per cent of the no surgery patient cohort received a recommendation against surgery despite the absence of metastatic disease, 7.5% refused surgery and only 2% underwent palliative surgery. On multivariable analysis, patients who were not recommended to have surgery were more likely to be older, uninsured, comorbid and receive care at a single hospital. The no surgery patients had significantly lower overall survival.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with CRC do not have surgery. Interventions aimed at expanding access and promoting second opinions at other cancer hospitals might reduce the growing rate of no surgery in CRC.
Driven by data: Improved protected area effectiveness in Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan
Authors: Wangmo Singye , Wangdi Sonam , Wyatt Alexander , Tenzin Kuenley , Lhendup Jampel , Singh Rohit
Published: July 2021

The necessity of rangers and other frontline staff for ensuring the protection and effective management of protected areas is well documented. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) was developed as a law enforcement monitoring tool with the aim of assisting management in the allocation of resources and strategic deployment of ranger patrols. The ability of SMART to contribute to improved protection depends heavily on effective application through an adaptive management framework. Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), Bhutan, presents an opportunity to review the use of a protected area law enforcement monitoring tool for improving the detection and reduction of illegal activities within a protected area through effective ranger patrols. Results from the analysis of 5 years of monitoring data collected by rangers indicates a marked improvement in patrol effort in RMNP and suggests that the effective deployment of law enforcement monitoring tools, when used as part of an adaptive management framework, can improve the detectability of poaching related threats, potentially resulting in an overall reduction of poaching threats through enabling the informed and targeted allocation of staff and resources.
Technological Growth and Hours in the Long Run: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Reif Magnus , Tesfaselassie Mewael F. , Wolters Maik H.
Published: July 2021

Over the last few decades, hours worked per capita have declined substantially in many OECD economies. Using the standard neoclassical growth model with endogenous work–leisure choice, we assess the role of trend growth slowdown in accounting for the decline in hours worked. In the model, a permanent reduction in technological growth decreases steady‐state hours worked by increasing the consumption–output ratio. Our empirical analysis exploits cross‐country variation in the timing and size of the decline in technological growth to show that technological growth has a highly significant positive effect on hours. A decline in the long‐run trend of technological growth by 1 percentage point is associated with a decline in trend hours worked in the range of 1–3%. This result is robust to controlling for taxes, which have been found in previous studies to be an important determinant of hours. Our empirical finding is quantitatively in line with the one implied by a calibrated version of the model, though evidence for the model’s implication that the effect on hours works via changes in the consumption–output ratio is rather mixed.
Atlas of the vascular flora of the Iberian Peninsula biodiversity hotspot (AFLIBER)
Authors: Ramos‐Gutiérrez Ignacio , Lima Herlander , Pajarón Santiago , Romero‐Zarco Carlos , Sáez Llorenç , Pataro Luciano , Molina‐Venegas Rafael , Rodríguez Miguel Á. , Moreno‐Saiz Juan Carlos
Published: July 2021

Motivation

We accessed published and unpublished floristic sources to compile a comprehensive species list of the Iberian–Balearic terrestrial vascular flora and generate AFLIBER, an accurate floristic database of georeferenced plant occurrence records.

Main type of variable contained

Species distribution data totalling 1,824,549 plant occurrence records corresponding to 6,456 species and subspecies.

Spatial location and grain

The western Mediterranean, including inland territories of Spain, Portugal and Andorra and the adjacent archipelagos of Berlengas, Columbretes and the Balearic Islands, covered by 6,316 UTM quadrangular grid cells of 10 km resolution.

Time period

All distributional trustable records were considered to create the AFLIBER database, most of them dating from the 1960s onwards.

Major taxa and level of measurement

Terrestrial vascular plant species and subspecies.

Software format

Data are supplied as comma‐separated text (csv) files.
The human amniotic fluid stem cell secretome triggers intracellular Ca2+ oscillations, NF‐κB nuclear translocation and tube formation in human endothelial colony‐forming cells
Authors: Balducci Valentina , Faris Pawan , Balbi Carolina , Costa Ambra , Negri Sharon , Rosti Vittorio , Bollini Sveva , Moccia Francesco
Published: July 2021

Second trimester foetal human amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells (hAFS) have been shown to possess remarkable cardioprotective paracrine potential in different preclinical models of myocardial injury and drug‐induced cardiotoxicity. The hAFS secretome, namely the total soluble factors released by cells in their conditioned medium (hAFS‐CM), can also strongly sustain in vivo angiogenesis in a murine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and stimulates human endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs), the only truly recognized endothelial progenitor, to form capillary‐like structures in vitro. Preliminary work demonstrated that the hypoxic hAFS secretome (hAFS‐CMHypo) triggers intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in human ECFCs, but the underlying mechanisms and the downstream Ca2+‐dependent effectors remain elusive. Herein, we found that the secretome obtained by hAFS undergoing hypoxic preconditioning induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations by promoting extracellular Ca2+ entry through Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). TRPV4‐mediated Ca2+ entry, in turn, promoted the concerted interplay between inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐ and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐induced endogenous Ca2+ release and store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). hAFS‐CMHypo‐induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations resulted in the nuclear translocation of the Ca2+‐sensitive transcription factor p65 NF‐κB. Finally, inhibition of either intracellular Ca2+ oscillations or NF‐κB activity prevented hAFS‐CMHypo‐induced ECFC tube formation. These data shed novel light on the molecular mechanisms whereby hAFS‐CMHypo induces angiogenesis, thus providing useful insights for future therapeutic strategies against ischaemic‐related myocardial injury.
The N‐ and C‐terminal carbohydrate recognition domains of galectin‐9 from Carassius auratus contribute differently to its immunity functions to Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Qiuxia , Wang Lei , Wu Shixiu , Yu Yan , Zhang Yanhong , Gao Pei , Kong Xianghui , Ma Jinyou
Published: July 2021

Galectin‐9, an important pathogen recognition receptor (PRR), could recognize and bind pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) on the surface of invading microorganisms, initiating the innate immune responses. A galectin‐9 was identified from Qihe crucian carp Carassius auratus and designated as CaGal‐9. The predicted CaGal‐9 protein contained two non‐identical carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), namely, N‐CRD and C‐CRD. The recombinant proteins (rCaGal‐9, rN‐CRD and rC‐CRD) were purified from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and exhibited strong agglutinating activity with erythrocytes of rabbit. The haemagglutination was inhibited by D‐galactose, α‐lactose and N‐acetyl‐D‐galactose. Results of microbial agglutination assay showed that three recombinant proteins agglutinated Gram‐negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila and Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. With regard to the binding activity, each recombinant protein could bind to LPS, PGN and the examined microorganisms (A. hydrophila and S. aureus) with different binding affinities. The integrated analyses suggested that CaGal‐9 with two CRD domains could play an important role in immune defence against pathogenic microorganisms for C. auratus.
Pharmacist‐led interventions to improve medication adherence in older adults: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Marcum Zachary A. , Jiang Shangqing , Bacci Jennifer L. , Ruppar Todd M.
Published: July 2021

Background/objective

As pharmacists work to ensure reimbursement for chronic disease management services on the national level, evidence of their impact on important health metrics, such as medication adherence, is needed. However, summative evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of pharmacists to improve medication adherence in older adults. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of pharmacist‐led interventions on medication adherence in older adults (65+ years).

Design/setting/participants

Using a systematic review and meta‐analytic approach, a comprehensive search of publications in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted through April 2, 2020 for randomized clinical trials of pharmacist‐led interventions to improve medication adherence in older adults. A standardized mean difference effect size (Cohen's d) was calculated for medication adherence in each study. Study effect sizes were pooled using a random‐effects model, with effect sizes weighted by inverse of its total variance.

Measurements

Medication adherence using any method of measurement.

Results

Among 40 unique randomized trials of pharmacist‐led interventions with data from 8822 unique patients (mean age, range: 65–85 years), the mean effect size was 0.57 (k = 40; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.38–0.76). When two outlier studies were excluded from the analysis, the mean effect size reduced to 0.41 (k = 38; 95% CI: 0.27–0.54). A sensitivity analysis of medication adherence outcome by time point resulted in a mean effect size of 0.64 at 3 months (k = 12; 95% CI: 0.32–0.97), 0.30 at 6 months (k = 13; 95% CI: 0.11–0.48), 0.22 at 12 months (k = 12; 95% CI: 0.08–0.37), and 0.36 for outcome time points beyond 12 months (k = 5; 95% CI: 0.02–0.70).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis found a significant improvement in medication adherence among older adults receiving pharmacist‐led interventions. Implementation of pharmacist‐led interventions supported by Medicare reimbursement could ensure older adults' access to effective medication adherence support.
GTPase ROP6 negatively modulates phosphate deficiency through inhibition of PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gao Huiling , Wang Tian , Zhang Yanting , Li Lili , Wang Chuanqing , Guo Shiyuan , Zhang Tianqi , Wang Cun
Published: July 2021

Phosphorus, an essential macroelement for plant growth and development, is a major limiting factor for sustainable crop yield. The Rho of plant (ROP) GTPase is involved in regulating multiple signal transduction processes in plants, but potentially including the phosphate deficiency signaling pathway remains unknown. Here, we identified that the rop6 mutant exhibited a dramatic tolerant phenotype under Pi‐deficient conditions, with higher phosphate accumulation and lower anthocyanin content. In contrast, the rop6 mutant was more sensitive to arsenate (As(V)) toxicity, the analog of Pi. Immunoblot analysis displayed that the ROP6 protein was rapidly degraded through ubiquitin/26S proteasome pathway under Pi‐deficient conditions. In addition, pull‐down assay using GST‐RIC1 demonstrated that the ROP6 activity was decreased obviously under Pi‐deficient conditions. Strikingly, protein–protein interaction and two‐voltage clamping assays demonstrated that ROP6 physically interacted with and inhibited the key phosphate uptake transporters PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, genetic analysis showed that ROP6 functioned upstream of PHT1;1 and PHT1;4. Thus, we conclude that GTPase ROP6 modulates the uptake of phosphate by inhibiting the activities of PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 in Arabidopsis.
Improving flood disaster preparedness of hospitals in Central Thailand: Hospital personnel perspectives
Authors: Rattanakanlaya Kanittha , Sukonthasarn Achara , Wangsrikhun Suparat , Chanprasit Chawapornpan
Published: July 2021

Aim

To improve hospitals disaster preparedness during floods.

Background

The Thai flood disaster in 2011 struck several sectors, including hospitals. It is necessary to build a disaster preparedness system that ensures that hospitals have the capacity to respond effectively to any kind of disaster.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 participants, including doctors, nurses and other staff involved in disaster preparedness, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with them. The study was reported according to COREQ guidelines.

Results

Healthcare personnel identified several ways in which flood disaster preparedness of hospitals may be enhanced. Three themes and eight subthemes were identified during the data analysis. The three themes were as follows: 1) ongoing efforts for flood prevention and mitigation at a national level; 2) developing operational guidelines to effectively prevent and resolve flood problems at provincial levels; and 3) increasing the levels of flood readiness at the hospital level.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate strategies to help policymakers and health personnel enhance flood disaster preparedness measures at hospitals based on the experiences of hospital personnel involved in one of the worst flood disasters worldwide.

Relevance to clinical practice

Hospitals alone cannot deal with unpredictable events; they need additional assistance in disaster preparedness. There are three levels at which improving hospital flood disaster preparedness can take place: national, provincial and hospital levels. Nursing professionals participate in hospital disaster preparedness and work with multidisciplinary teams to provide services. Nurses should be prepared for such participation, as their involvement, through tailored services for hospital disaster preparedness, can expand the literature on nursing knowledge to improve clinical outcomes.
Injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during intracytoplasmic sperm injection and subsequent embryo development
Authors: Jeong Hye Gyeong , Kim Seul Ki , Lee Jangmi , Youm Hye Won , Jee Byung Chul
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are associated with subsequent embryo quality.

Design

A prospective observational study at a university hospital.

Methods

One hundred and twenty normal‐appearing metaphase II oocytes were collected from 54 ICSI cycles. Injection funnel was observed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 s after ICSI, and the injection funnel persistence time was assigned to “no funnel,” “0–30,” “30–60,” “60–90,” and “>90 s.” The degree of oolemma resistance during ICSI was recorded as “no,” “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe.” Subsequent embryos on day 3 after ICSI were evaluated morphologically, and formation of top‐quality embryo and embryo score was assessed. We newly developed “oolemma score,” based on the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance, and the predictability of top‐quality embryo was assessed.

Results

Among the five groups by injection funnel persistence time, the proportion of top‐quality embryo and embryo score (64.3%, 32) was highest in the “30–60 s,” but not significant. Among the four groups by oolemma resistance, the proportion of top‐quality embryo and embryo score (53.7%, 32) was highest in “no group.” The proportion of top‐quality embryo in “no group” was significantly higher than “moderate group” (p = 0.012) and “severe group” (p = 0.043). The median embryo score in “no group” was significantly higher than “severe group” (p = 0.041). Newly developed “oolemma score” could predict well the formation of top‐quality embryo with a statistical significance (cutoff >14.5, area under the curve 0.695, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Embryo quality or score is more closely associated with oolemma resistance during ICSI. New “oolemma score” would help to identify embryo developmental potential of each mature oocyte in ICSI cycles.
Local economic growth and local government investment in parks and recreation, or five cheese pizzas for $2.6 million
Authors: Brasington David M.
Published: July 2021

Amenities have been linked to economic growth, which has been studied at the level of nations, regions, and urban areas. We look instead at economic development at the highly localized level of cities, villages, and townships. We use regression discontinuity to estimate the effect of renewing and cutting parks and recreation spending. We find an initial effect of $2.6 million in additional residential construction 1 year after voting to renew tax funding, with diminishing effects in subsequent years. We use votes to renew tax levies, arguing that the timing of tax proposals for new funding has endogenously chosen timing.
Building optimal and sustainable kidney care in low resource settings: The role of healthcare systems
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G. , Bello Aminu K. , Luyckx Valerie A. , Wearne Nicola , Swanepoel Charles R. , Jha Vivekanand
Published: July 2021

Healthcare systems in low‐income and lower‐middle income countries (LLMICs) face significant challenges in the provision of health services, for example, kidney care to the population. Although this is linked to several high‐level factors such as poor infrastructure, socio‐demographic and political factors, healthcare funding has often been cited as the major reason for the wide gap in availability, accessibility and quality of care between LLMICs and rich countries. With the steady rising incidence and prevalence of kidney diseases globally, as well as cost of care, LLMICs are likely to suffer more consequences of these increases than rich countries and may be unable to meet targets of universal health coverage (UHC) for kidney diseases. As health systems in LLMICs continue to adapt in finding ways to provide access to affordable kidney care, various empirical and evidence‐based strategies can be applied to assist them. This review uses a framework for healthcare strengthening developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess various challenges that health systems in LLMICs confront in providing optimal kidney care to their population. We also suggest ways to overcome these barriers and strengthen health systems to improve kidney care in LLMICs.
Differential maturation trajectories of innate antiviral immunity in health and atopy
Authors: Georgountzou Anastasia , Kokkinou Dimitra , Taka Stella , Maggina Paraskevi , Lakoumentas John , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Tsolia Maria , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Andreakos Evangelos , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: July 2021

Background

The maturation of innate immune responses in health and atopy is still incompletely understood.

Methods

We aimed to evaluate age‐related trajectories of the TLR3 and TLR7/8 pathways from birth to adulthood and whether these differ between healthy and atopic individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 39 otherwise healthy, atopic and 39 non‐atopic subjects, aged 0–45 years. Selected cytokines involved in antiviral responses were measured by Luminex in culture supernatants of poly(I:C)‐ and R848‐stimulated PBMCs. The non‐parametric correlation between age and cytokine expression and differences in developmental trajectories between healthy and atopic subjects were estimated. Patterns of cytokine development were identified with principal component analysis.

Results

Normal innate immune maturation entails significant and progressive age‐related changes in the production of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MIP‐1β, MCP‐3, IP‐10, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, and IFN‐γ upon TLR3 and/or TLR7/8 stimulation. Individual cytokines made small contributions to the observed variability; chemokines MCP‐3 and IP‐10 were key contributors. The development of these pathways deviated in atopic subjects with significant differences observed in the trajectories of IL‐1β, MIP‐1β, and IL‐10 syntheses.

Conclusion

TLR3 and TLR7/8 pathways mature during childhood, while atopy is associated with an abnormal maturation pattern. Suboptimal responses in Th1, inflammatory cytokine, and chemokine production may be implicated in poor antiviral immunity in atopics. Moreover, the deficient maturation of IL‐10 synthesis may be implicated in the breaking of tolerance, characterizing the onset of atopic disease.
Attachment as a framework to facilitate empowerment for people with severe mental illness
Authors: Tjaden Cathelijn D. , Mulder Cornelis L. , Delespaul Philippe A.E.G. , Arntz Arnoud R. , Kroon Hans
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Recovery and empowerment have evolved into key objectives in the treatment and care of people with severe mental illness (SMI), and interest has grown in the role of social relationships in recovery. This study is the first to explore whether attachment styles are related to levels of empowerment, and secondly, whether attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance are associated with lower empowerment levels, independently of quality and frequency of social contact.

Design

We used a cross‐sectional design.

Methods

In a sample of 157 participants with SMI in outpatient care, associations between attachment (Revised Adult Attachment Scale), self‐reported social functioning, and empowerment (Netherlands Empowerment List) were assessed.

Results

Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were both associated with lower levels of empowerment. A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the prediction of empowerment was significantly improved by adding attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance to quality and frequency of social contact. Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and quality of social contact were significant predictors; frequency of social contact was not.

Conclusions

Although our design does not allow causal conclusions, our results highlight the importance of interpersonal processes and behaviours as routes to improving empowerment for people with SMI. A promising approach might thus consist of securing attachment bonds with significant others so that the self and the other are perceived as reliable resources. Our findings also feature the importance of reciprocity and equality in social relationships. Taken together, our study emphasizes the value of social, contextualized interventions in recovery work for people with SMI.

Practitioner points

Working towards attachment safety in interpersonal relations may be important in recovery‐oriented treatment and care for people with severe mental illness (SMI).

Helping people with SMI to recognize and change how they tend to relate themselves to others may promote engagement and effectiveness of recovery‐oriented treatment and care.

Reciprocity and equality in social relationships as vital complements to the more one‐sided nature of ‘standing alongside’ and offering support may be important requisites for empowerment.
How psychosis interrupts the lives of women and men differently: a qualitative comparison
Authors: Firmin Ruth L. , Zalzala Aieyat B. , Hamm Jay A. , Luther Lauren , Lysaker Paul H.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Psychosis disrupts how persons experience themselves and their lives. Despite knowledge that gender differences have been noted in presentation and course of psychosis symptoms, little is known about differences in how men and women experience these disruptions.

Method

The narratives of 26 men and 27 women diagnosed with psychosis, matched on age, education, and race, of the impact of psychosis on one’s life, were compared. Using secondary data from semi‐structured interviews, themes were identified using inductive, phenomenological qualitative analyses.

Results

Women and men discussed psychosis‐related interruptions to the roles and relationships that shape their identity. Both genders discussed the impact of psychosis on their sense of self, work, and relationships. Nuanced gender differences emerged, informing unique areas of challenge related to (1) parenting and loss of parenting roles, (2) work and loss or changes in work trajectories, (3) isolation and strain on interpersonal relationships, and (4) manifestations of stigma.

Conclusions

Psychosis may disrupt distinct aspects of life for men and women. Each gender faces the intersection of socially informed expectations that impact one’s experiences of stigma, expectations of others, and manifestations of losses felt in one’s role and sense of identity. Findings inform important considerations for therapy and other services.

Practitioner points

Gender‐based socialized expectations, losses, and challenges that accompany psychosis are important areas for therapeutic consideration.

Current treatments may neglect challenges that are more commonly experienced by women with psychosis.
Compassionate Mind Training: An 8‐week group for the general public
Authors: Irons Chris , Heriot‐Maitland Charles
Published: July 2021

Objectives

There is an increasing interest in how compassion training, and in particular, the cultivation of self‐compassion may be an important component in the reduction of distress and promotion of well‐being. Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) has shown promising results in this area, with positive outcome studies in a wide range of mental health problems. However, following the successful development of short mindfulness‐based programmes (e.g., Mindfulness‐based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness‐based Cognitive Therapy) and compassion/self‐compassion programmes (e.g., Mindful Self‐Compassion) that can be accessed by the general public, we were keen to develop and research an 8‐week Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) course, based on the CFT model.

Design

Within‐subjects pre‐to‐post‐group comparison.

Methods

Following an 8‐week CMT groups, participants in the general population (n = 55) completed pre‐ and post‐measures (with 22 of these also providing 3‐month follow‐up data) on self‐compassion, compassion for others, compassion from others, attachment, self‐criticism, positive emotion, well‐being, and distress.

Results

Significant increases in compassion, self‐reassurance, social rank, positive emotions, and well‐being were found, alongside reductions in self‐criticism, attachment anxiety, and distress. Changes were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. Change scores indicated the importance of increases in self‐compassion and reductions in self‐criticism in overall improvements in well‐being and psychological distress.

Conclusions

Findings offer preliminary support for the usefulness of group CMT in community samples.

Practitioner points

Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) groups appear to be applicable and beneficial in community samples.

CMT psychoeducation and practices appear to bring positive changes to a variety of psychological processes, including attachment, self‐criticism, self‐compassion, well‐being, and distress.

Further studies are required to investigate whether the mechanisms through which CMT is beneficial.
A treatment protocol to guide the delivery of dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations: Experience from the Talking With Voices pilot trial
Authors: Longden Eleanor , Corstens Dirk , Morrison Anthony P. , Larkin Amanda , Murphy Elizabeth , Holden Natasha , Steele Ann , Branitsky Alison , Bowe Samantha
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To present a treatment protocol for delivering Talking With Voices, a novel intervention for people with psychosis that involves dialogical engagement with auditory hallucinations.

Method

This paper presents a manualized approach to therapy employed in the Talking With Voices trial, a feasibility and acceptability randomized control trial of 50 adult participants. A rationale for following a treatment manual is provided, followed by the theoretical underpinnings of the intervention and its principles and values, including the main tenet that voices can often be understood as dissociated parts of the self which serve a protective function by indicating social–emotional vulnerabilities. The four therapy phases for improving the relationship between the voice‐hearer and their voices are outlined: (1) engagement and psychoeducation, (2) creating a formulation, (3) dialoguing with voices, and (4) consolidating outcomes, including key milestones at each phase. Implementation issues are discussed, as well as recommendations for best practice and future research.

Results

The Talking With Voices treatment protocol indicates that it is feasible to manualize a dissociation‐based approach to support service users who are distressed by hearing voices.

Conclusion

For some individuals, it is possible to engage in productive dialogue with even extremely hostile or distressing voices. Developing coping strategies, creating a formulation, and ultimately establishing a dialogue with voices has the potential to improve the relationship between voice(s) and voice‐hearer. Further research is now required to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.

Practitioner points

It is feasible to integrate a dissociation model of voice‐hearing within a psychological intervention for people with psychosis.

Combining psychosocial education, formulation and direct dialogue can be used to facilitate a more peaceful relationship between clients and their voices.

Practitioners trained in other therapeutic modalities can draw on existing transferrable skills to dialogue with their clients’ voices.

The input of those with lived experience of mental health difficulties has an important role in guiding treatment design and delivery.
Rose Bengal and Future Directions in Larynx Tumor Photodynamic Therapy†
Authors: Bartusik‐Aebisher Dorota , Ożóg Łukasz , Domka Wojciech , Aebisher David
Published: July 2021

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) seems to be a promising method in the treatment of larynx tumor tissues. The aim of the present analysis was the study of photosensitizer penetration of larynx tissue associated with the application of PDT in vitro. This study is based on the use of photosensitive compounds Rose Bengal (RB) that selectively accumulate in larynx tissue. The selection of the study group of patients who will undergo surgery in accordance with medical principles was of key importance for the project. Histopathological examination of samples subjected to PDT revealed numerous changes in the morphology of the cancer cells and surrounding tissues. After PDT treatment, the number of tumor cells decreased compared with the cells number before PDT and the arrangement was relatively loose. After PDT with RB the nuclei morphology was incomplete and fragmented. The effects of the applied PDT of larynx in vitro were assessed under an optical microscope. The future directions in larynx tumor PDT with the use of upconversion nanoparticles (UPCNP) is also discussed.