bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care after pancreatic resection according to an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula versus current practice (PORSCH-trial): design and rationale of a nationwide stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial
Authors:   for the Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Group, Smits F. Jasmijn , Henry Anne Claire , van Eijck Casper H. , Besselink Marc G. , Busch Olivier R. , Arntz Mark , Bollen Thomas L. , van Delden Otto M. , van den Heuvel Daniel , van der Leij Christiaan , van Lienden Krijn P. , Moelker Adriaan , Bonsing Bert A. , Borel Rinkes Inne H. M. , Bosscha Koop , van Dam R. M. , Festen Sebastiaan , Groot Koerkamp B. , van der Harst Erwin , de Hingh Ignace H. , Kazemier Geert , Liem Mike , van der Kolk B. Marion , de Meijer Vincent E. , Patijn Gijs A. , Roos Daphne , Schreinemakers Jennifer M. , Wit Fennie , van Werkhoven C. Henri , Molenaar I. Quintus , van Santvoort Hjalmar C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Pancreatic resection is a major abdominal operation with 50% risk of postoperative complications. A common complication is pancreatic fistula, which may have severe clinical consequences such as postoperative bleeding, organ failure and death. The objective of this study is to investigate whether implementation of an algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive management of pancreatic fistula may improve outcomes after pancreatic resection.

Methods

This is a nationwide stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized, superiority trial, designed in adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. During a period of 22 months, all Dutch centers performing pancreatic surgery will cross over in a randomized order from current practice to best practice according to the algorithm. This evidence-based and consensus-based algorithm will provide daily multilevel advice on the management of patients after pancreatic resection (i.e. indication for abdominal imaging, antibiotic treatment, percutaneous drainage and removal of abdominal drains). The algorithm is designed to aid early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Outcomes of current practice will be compared with outcomes after implementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome is a composite of major complications (i.e. post-pancreatectomy bleeding, new-onset organ failure and death) and will be measured in a sample size of at least 1600 patients undergoing pancreatic resection. Secondary endpoints include the individual components of the primary endpoint and other clinical outcomes, healthcare resource utilization and costs analysis. Follow up will be up to 90 days after pancreatic resection.

Discussion

It is hypothesized that a structured nationwide implementation of a dedicated algorithm for early detection and minimally invasive step-up management of postoperative pancreatic fistula will reduce the risk of major complications and death after pancreatic resection, as compared to current practice.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register: NL 6671. Registered on 16 December 2017.
Rats as potential reservoirs for neglected zoonotic Bartonella species in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Krügel Maria , Pfeffer Martin , Król Nina , Imholt Christian , Baert Kristof , Ulrich Rainer G. , Obiegala Anna
Published: May 2020

Background

Bartonella spp. are vector-borne pathogens transmitted to humans via blood-sucking arthropods. Rodents such as the black rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (R. norvegicus) are thought to be the main reservoirs. An infection with rodent-associated Bartonella spp. may cause severe symptoms in humans such as endocarditis and neuroretinitis. The current knowledge of Bartonella prevalence in rats from western Europe is scarce.

Methods

Rats and a few other rodent by-catches were trapped in the context of a rodenticide resistance study at different sites in Flanders, Belgium. During dissection, biometric data were collected, and spleen tissues were taken. DNA was extracted from spleen samples and tested for Bartonella spp. by conventional generic polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To determine the Bartonella species, a selected number of amplicons were sequenced and compared with GenBank entries.

Results

In total, 1123 rodents were trapped. The predominate species was R. norvegicus (99.64%). Other rodents trapped included: two water voles (Arvicola amphibius, 0.18%); one colour rat (R. norvegicus forma domestica, 0.09%); and one muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus, 0.09%). PCR analysis of 1097 rodents resulted in 410 (37.37%, 95% CI: 34.50–40.31%) Bartonella spp. DNA-positive samples. Bartonella tribocorum (94.68%, 95% CI: 88.02–98.25%) was the most frequently detected Bartonella species, followed by B. grahamii (3.19%, 95% CI: 0.66–9.04%) and B. doshiae (1.06%, 95% CI: 0.03–5.79%). An uncultured Bartonella species occurred in one water vole (1.06%, 95% CI: 0.03–5.79%). There was a significantly higher Bartonella prevalence in older rats compared to juveniles and a significant difference in Bartonella prevalence concerning the localisation of trapping sites. In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in Bartonella prevalence regarding sex, degree of urbanisation and season.

Conclusions

Based on the high prevalence found, we conclude that the Norway rat seems to be a key reservoir host for zoonotic B. tribocorum in Belgium.
Circulating TNF-like protein 1A (TL1A) is elevated early in rheumatoid arthritis and depends on TNF
Authors: Song Yun-Jeong , Choi In Ah. , Meylan Françoise , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Farley Taylor , Richard Arianne C. , Hawley Eric , Botson John , Hong Yoo Jin , Lee Eun Young , Mian Sabina R. , Hamilton Bartlett C. , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Mikuls Ted R. , Gara Naveen , Ward Chris D. , Lamberth Sarah , Deane Kevin D. , Heller Theo , Ward Michael M. , Lee David M. , Migone Thi-Sau , Stohl William , O’Dell James R. , Norris Jill M. , Holers V. Michael , Gregersen Peter , Song Yeong-Wook , Siegel Richard M.
Published: May 2020

Background

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily cytokine TNF-like protein 1A (TL1A) and its receptor DR3 are essential for diverse animal models of autoimmune disease and may be pathogenic in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the relationship of TL1A to disease duration, activity, and response to anti-TNF and other therapies in RA is not clear.

Methods

We measured soluble TL1A in synovial fluid (SF), serum, or plasma from RA first-degree relatives (FDRs) and in early RA and established disease. We measured the effects of anti-TNF and methotrexate (MTX) therapy on circulating TL1A from multiple independent RA treatment trials. We also determined the ability of a blocking anti-TL1A antibody to inhibit clinical disease and articular bone destruction in the murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of human RA.

Results

Soluble TL1A was specifically elevated in the blood and SF of patients with RA compared to patients with other diseases and was elevated early in disease and in at-risk anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) (+) first-degree relatives (FDRs). Therapeutic TNF inhibition reduced serum TL1A in both responders and non-responders, whereas TL1A declined following MTX treatment only in responders. In murine CIA, TL1A blockade was clinically efficacious and reduced bone erosions.

Conclusions

TL1A is specifically elevated in RA from early in the disease course and in at-risk FDRs. The decline in TL1A after TNF blockade suggests that TL1A levels may be a useful biomarker for TNF activity in RA. These results support the further investigation of the relationship between TL1A and TNF and TL1A blockade as a potential therapeutic strategy in RA.
Interleukin-18 and fibroblast growth factor 2 in combination is a useful diagnostic biomarker to distinguish adult-onset Still’s disease from sepsis
Authors: Koga Tomohiro , Sumiyoshi Remi , Furukawa Kaori , Sato Shuntaro , Migita Kiyoshi , Shimizu Toshimasa , Umeda Masataka , Endo Yushiro , Fukui Shoichi , Kawashiri Shin-ya , Iwamoto Naoki , Ichinose Kunihiro , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Nonaka Fumiaki , Yachie Akihiro , Kondo Hideaki , Maeda Takahiro , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: May 2020

Objective

To identify potential biomarkers to distinguish adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) from sepsis.

Method

We recruited 70 patients diagnosed with AOSD according to the Yamaguchi criteria, 22 patients with sepsis, and 118 age-matched controls. Serum levels of 40 cytokines were analyzed using multi-suspension cytokine array. We performed a cluster analysis of each cytokine in the AOSD and sepsis groups in order to identify specific molecular networks. Further, multivariate classification (random forest analysis) and logistic regression analysis were used to rank the cytokines by their importance and determine specific biomarkers for distinguishing AOSD from sepsis.

Results

Seventeen of the 40 cytokines were found to be suitable for further analyses. The serum levels of eleven were significantly higher in patients with AOSD than healthy controls. Levels of serum fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and interleukin (IL)-18 were significantly elevated in patients with AOSD compared with those with sepsis, and cytokine clustering patterns differed between these two groups. Multivariate classification followed by logistic regression analysis revealed that measurement of both FGF-2 and IL-18 could distinguish AOSD from sepsis with high accuracy (cutoff value for FGF-2 = 36 pg/mL; IL-18 = 543 pg/mL, sensitivity 100%, specificity 72.2%, accuracy 93.8%).

Conclusion

Determination of FGF-2 and IL-18 levels in combination may represent a biomarker for the differential diagnosis of AOSD from sepsis, based on the measurement of multiple cytokines.
Correction to: Factors associated with poor treatment outcome of tuberculosis in Debre Tabor, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Melese Addisu , Zeleke Balew
Published: May 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], similarity with another article by the same authors was reported. The authors would like to clarify that the current study [1] is an update of previous work that used the same data set in the analysis [2]. In Melese and Zeleke [1], the authors found that factors associated with poor treatment outcome were not sufficiently addressed previously. As a result of the reanalysis the effective sample size has changed.
On $\mathcal{I}_{{\theta}_{2}}$-convergence in fuzzy normed spaces
Authors: Türkmen Muhammed Recai
Published: May 2020

In this study, first, lacunary convergence of double sequences is introduced in fuzzy normed spaces, and basic definitions and theorems about lacunary convergence for double sequences are given in fuzzy normed spaces. Then, we introduce the concept of lacunary ideal convergence of double sequences in fuzzy normed spaces, and the relation between lacunary convergence and lacunary ideal convergence is investigated for double sequences in fuzzy normed spaces. Finally, in fuzzy normed spaces, we give the concept of limit point and cluster point for double sequences, and the theorems related to these concepts are given.
Analysis of the role of the interleukins in colon cancer
Authors: Wei Xiyi , Zhang Yuan , Yang Zhou , Sha Yeqin , Pan Yitong , Chen Yusheng , Cai Lei
Published: May 2020

Background

The role of interleukin family in colon cancer remained controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between interleukin family and colon cancer progression through bioinformatics methods and to validate such association in clinical patients.

Methods

A total of 15 differentially expressed interleukins between the colon cancer tissue and normal colon tissue were evaluated from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database with R software and only interleukin-7 (IL-7) was significantly associated with survival. The signaling pathway associated with IL-7 was then investigated using gene enrichment analysis. In addition, subsets of TNM were analyzed in detail and univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis were conducted. Finally, we performed western blotting, immunohistochemistry, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis analysis to examine the expression of IL-7 in patients with intestinal cancer.

Results

The study demonstrated that IL-7 could inhibit the progression of colon cancer. In addition, IL-7 was found to be associated with overall survival (OS) and pathological stage. Further analysis of IL-7 expression with clinical data indicated that IL-7 was a key factor in inhibiting colon cancer progression.

Conclusion

IL-7 was a key factor in inhibiting the progression of colon cancer and was closely related to overall survival.
A controlled pilot trial of a nurse-led intervention (Mini-AFTERc) to manage fear of cancer recurrence in patients affected by breast cancer
Authors: McHale Calum T. , Cruickshank Susanne , Torrens Claire , Armes Jo , Fenlon Deborah , Banks Elspeth , Kelsey Tom , Humphris Gerald M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common in people affected by breast cancer. FCR is associated with increased health service and medication use, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. Existing interventions for FCR are time and resource intensive, making implementation in a National Health Service (NHS) setting challenging. To effectively manage FCR in current clinical practice, less intensive FCR interventions are required. Mini-AFTERc is a structured 30-min counselling intervention delivered over the telephone and is designed to normalise moderate FCR levels by targeting unhelpful behaviours and misconceptions about cancer recurrence.

This multi-centre non-randomised controlled pilot trial will investigate the feasibility of delivering the Mini-AFTERc intervention, its acceptability and usefulness, in relation to specialist breast cancer nurses (SBCNs) and patients. This protocol describes the rationale, methods and analysis plan for this pilot trial of the Mini-AFTERc intervention in everyday practice.

Methods

This study will run in four breast cancer centres in NHS Scotland, two intervention and two control centres. SBCNs at intervention centres will be trained to deliver the Mini-AFTERc intervention. Female patients who have completed primary breast cancer treatment in the previous 6 months will be screened for moderate FCR (FCR4 score: 10‑14). Participants at intervention centres will receive the Mini-AFTERc intervention within 2 weeks of recruitment. SBCNs will audio record the intervention telephone discussions with participants. Fidelity of intervention implementation will be assessed from audio recordings. All participants will complete three separate follow-up questionnaires assessing changes in FCR, anxiety, depression and quality of life over 3 months. Normalisation process theory (NPT) will form the framework for semi-structured interviews with 20% of patients and all SBCNs. Interviews will explore participants’ experience of the study, acceptability and usefulness of the intervention and factors influencing implementation within clinical practice. The ADePT process will be adopted to systematically problem solve and refine the trial design.

Discussion

Findings will provide evidence for the potential effectiveness, fidelity, acceptability and practicality of the Mini-AFTERc intervention, and will inform the design and development of a large randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0376382. Registered 4th December 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03763825
Correction to: The work of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in Northeast Asia
Authors: Samse Stefan , Brauer Rabea , Badenheim Alexander , Hefele Peter , Merkle David
Published: May 2020

In the original publication of this article [1] some errors were made in the section of ‘The People’s Republic of China’ due to typesetting mistakes, the correct content is as below.
Is the use of RAS inhibitors safe in the current era of COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors:   on behalf of the Korean Society of Hypertension, Park Sungha , Lee Hae Young , Cho Eun Joo , Sung Ki Chul , Kim Juhan , Kim Dae-Hee , Ihm Sang-Hyun , Kim Kwang-il , Sohn Il-Suk , Chung Wook-Jin , Kim Hyeon Chang , Ryu Sung Kee , Pyun Wook Bum , Shin Jinho
Published: May 2020

Antihypertensive drugs are one of the most widely used pharmacologic agent in the world and it is predominantly used in the elderly subjects. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death in the extremely old subject. During infection and its complication such as sepsis, hypotension could be exacerbated by antihypertensive drugs because homeostasis mechanisms such as sodium balance, renin angiotensin aldosterone system and/or sympathetic nervous system can be mitigated by antihypertensive drug therapy. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-1 and 2 viral surface protein is known to attach angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the cell membrane to facilitate viral entry into the cytoplasm. Despite the theoretical concerns of increased ACE2 expression by Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAS) blockade, there is no evidence that RAS inhibitors are harmful during COVID-19 infection and have in fact been shown to be beneficial in animal studies. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain RAS blockade during the current corona virus pandemic.
Learning about how public involvement strengthens HIV research as a medical student
Authors: Lewis Joseph
Published: May 2020

Plain English summary

A small medical school research project entitled ‘PPI to strengthen clinical and population health research’ caused me to look at an entirely new field – that of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI). PPI is the development of an active partnership between patients and the public and researchers to work alongside each other not just during trial participation but, at each research step. Internet research and use of materials supplied by my tutors changed my understanding and appreciation for the field of PPI. Coming across the story surrounding gay rights campaigners and development of early PPI inspired me to investigate how it is used it modern studies. It struck me how despite its importance, PPI often went undiscussed in contemporary studies. However, one study named PROUD used and reported PPI in an exemplary fashion in order to combat issues and strengthen the trial. PROUD’s PPI improved study design, safety and advertising as well as providing reassurance in difficult times. It also improved recruitment, dissemination of information and made sure that results and future research fields were relevant. Through PROUD and also my own experiences working with a PPI group I was able to develop an understanding and appreciation for the importance PPI. I write with hope to make my learning available to others.

A research project during my third year at medical school introduced me to PPI. PPI is defined as research carried out with or by members of the public rather than to, about or for them. Historical gay rights activists’ involvement in research catalysed developments in PPI before it was widely recognised. A contemporary study, PROUD, used exemplary PPI contributions to tackle these issues and make the study successful. My research project was entitled ‘How did PPI contribute towards the PROUD study & what can be learnt from this?’. This letter aims to answer this question but also include my personal reflections on my work and how I developed an understanding and appreciation for the importance PPI. PubMed and Google were examined, as well as University resources. Correspondence with PROUDs lead investigator also informed this letter. It was found that PROUD’s PPI improved study design, safety and advertising as well as providing reassurance in difficult times. It also improved recruitment, dissemination of information and made sure that results and future research fields were relevant. This allows us to understand and appreciate PPI’s role in research and the provision of healthcare. It is also important to increase discussion and learning around PPI for the future.
Book review: the MultiCapital scorecard: rethinking organisational performance (2016)
Authors: Goswami Kuntal
Published: May 2020

The book is a self-help guide on how to assess organisation’s internal social, economic and environmental performance based on their internal goals, and stakeholders’ expectations.
Muscadine or amla extracts standardized to ellagic acid content ameliorate glucolipotoxicity associated β-cell dysfunction via inhibition of IL-1β and improved insulin secretion
Authors: Earpina Srikanth , McDonough Karen , Yeboah-Awudzi Millicent , Cook Kristina J. , Aggarwal Sita , Losso Jack N.
Published: May 2020

Glucolipotocixity induces IL-1 β secretion which impairs pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion. Ellagic acid and urolithin A have strong anti-inflammatory effect on cells. Muscadine and amla are very good sources of ellagic acid. The present study examined the effect of ellagic acid, ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extract, or urolothin A on inflammation in β cells under glucolipotoxic conditions. Rat NIT-1 β cells were incubated in glucolipotoxic conditions (33.3 mM glucose, 250 μM palmitic acid or 33.3 mM glucose + 250 μM palmitic acid with or without ellagic acid, ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extracts standardized to its ellagic acid content, or urolithin A). Inflammatory status was evidenced by ELISA analysis of insulin and IL-1β secretion. Ellagic acid-rich muscadine or amla extracts dose-dependently stimulated insulin secretion and down-regulated IL-1β better than pure ellagic acid, or urolithin A. Urolithin A did not statistically stimulate insulin secretion and did not inhibit IL-1β.
Artists or Slave Laborers? Performing Uncapturability in Burkinabe Performers’ Labor Rights Struggle in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Soo Ryon
Published: May 2020

This article traces eight performers from Burkina Faso, who in 2014 protested unfair labor practices at the Africa Museum of Original Art in South Korea, where they had been hired to perform. In the process, they demonstrated political and artistic endeavors in live concerts and dance workshops to reclaim both their monetary compensation and their artists’ status. Nevertheless, public and media discourse that followed this nationwide news—no matter how sympathetic—tended to treat the artists’ experiences as merely a failed Korean dream. Using performance studies methodologies and ethnographic methods, this article uses the terms performance and performativity more capaciously to include a range of embodied acts. With this, the article argues that framing the artists’ experiences within the narrative confines of struggling migrant workers fails to capture the complex, often contradictory relationship that they have with acts of performing beyond the existing categories of migrant labor. Furthermore, the sympathetic discourse capitalizes on hypervisibility of blackness, through which the artists’ suffering becomes a spectacle. This article suggests consideration of the concept of uncapturability—the embodiment of which exposes failures of a nationalist and racialized language—as well as existing theoretical frameworks mobilized to understand the interiority of performance and the artists’ work.
Multiethnicity and Multilingualism in the Minor Literature of Manchukuo
Authors: Chen Yue
Published: May 2020

Although claimed as a nation-state, with a government, a territory, and citizenry, Manchukuo (1932–1945) is a colony of the Empire of Japan, appropriated from Northeast China. As such, Manchukuo’s literary identity complicates the relationship between nationalism and literature, inviting us to rethink the history of Chinese literature in specific and East Asian literary history in general. This article tackles the thorny problem of Manchukuo literary formation by going through Shuimei Shih’s concept of sinophone and Chen Pingyuan’s notion of the multiethnic, only to conclude via a reading of Deleuze and Guattari’s elaboration of Kafka that Manchukuo’s corpus is best approached as a minor literature of its own. The very colonial and local complexity of Manchukuo’s minor literature lies in its multiethnicity and multilingualism. A close reading of Mei’niang, Yokoda Fumiko, and Arsenii Nesmelov, through their deterritorialized Chinese, Japanese, and Russian stories, demonstrates the range of indigenous and exiled writers in their diverse imagination of Manchukuo’s ambiguous sovereignty.
Trans Porn Genealogy beyond the Queer Canon
Authors: Strub Whitney
Published: May 2020

While placing transgender pornography under the sign of queerness has been a necessary feature of queer politics, much of the genealogy of trans porn falls more within the orbit of heteronormative capitalism and was enacted through the problematic figure of the “she-male.” Queer and trans scholars have been eager to seize on the work of queer trans culture workers but less attentive to the pioneering efforts of Kim Christy and Joey Silvera, who occupy complicated positions not entirely commensurate with queerness. Christy emerged out of 1970s transfeminine culture to shape “she-male” pornography as a genre, and longtime straight cisgender hardcore performer Silvera moved to directing in the mid-1990s largely by locating transsexuality within an entirely heteronormative market context. Vexed as they are, these works occupy important places within the genealogy of trans porn, even if often by embodying what queer trans porn imagines itself against.
The Politics of Representation
Authors: Threat Rae , Comella Lynn
Published: May 2020

In this essay adult industry photographer Rae Threat explores issues of race, representation, and body politics in the context of queer and trans pornography.
A Timeline of Our Own
Authors: Greenberg Slava
Published: May 2020

Spectrums: New Gender Movement (2017) is a low-budget, independent documentary web series directed, filmed, and edited by Zohar Melinek Ezra and Afek Testa Launer. Spectrums breaks linear time by delaying progress, jumping back and forth, and mourning and celebrating the past while imagining futures that include trans* and gender-nonconforming bodies. The rapid jump-cuts draw attention to this flawed continuity (in documentary as well as in life) and emphasize the fragility of trans* time. Spectrums’ characters disrupt linearity by wasting time, purposely delaying linear progress in their transitions, being pushed outside “family time,” and even circling back. Spectrums operates on trans* time lines, delaying progress in a loopy present and imagining possible futures from reinvented pasts.
The Economics of Tipping
Authors: Azar Ofer H.
Published: May 2020

Tipping involves dozens of billions of dollars annually in the US alone and is a major income source for millions of workers. But beyond its economic importance and various economic implications, tipping is also a unique economic phenomenon in that people pay tips voluntarily without any legal obligation. Tipping demonstrates that psychological and social motivations can be a substantial reason for economic behavior, and that economic models should go beyond a selfish economic agent who has no feelings in order to capture the full range of economic activities. This article discusses some aspects of tipping, with an emphasis on economic issues: the history of tipping, the main reasons for tipping, why tipping could be a welfare-increasing and sustainable social norm, the relationship between tipping and service quality, how tipping represents a struggle over rents, and issues of discrimination and sexual harassment related to tipping.
A Century of the American Woman Voter: Sex Gaps in Political Participation, Preferences, and Partisanship since Women’s Enfranchisement
Authors: Cascio Elizabeth U. , Shenhav Na’ama
Published: May 2020

This year marks the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, which provided American women a constitutional guarantee to the franchise. We assemble data from a variety of sources to document and explore trends in women’s political participation, issue preferences, and partisanship since that time. We show that in the early years following enfranchisement, women voted at much lower rates than men and held distinct issue preferences, despite splitting their votes across parties similarly to men. But by the dawn of the twenty-first century, women not only voted more than men, but also voted differently, systematically favoring the Democratic party. We find that the rise in women’s relative voter turnout largely reflects cross-cohort changes in voter participation and coincided with increasing rates of high school completion. By contrast, women’s relative shift toward the Democratic party permeates all cohorts and appears to owe more to changes in how parties have defined themselves than to changes in issue preferences. The findings suggest that a confluence of factors have led to the unique place women currently occupy in the American electorate, one where they are arguably capable of exerting more political influence than ever before.
Η επίδραση του σχολικού κλίματος στην επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Κοζιώρη Κωνσταντίνα Βασίλειος , Αλεξανδρόπουλος Γεώργιος
Published: May 2020

Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν να μελετήσει τη σχέση μεταξύ σχολικού κλίματος και επαγγελματικής ικανοποίησης των εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης. Παράλληλα, να διερευνήσει την επίδραση που ασκούν τα δημογραφικά - επαγγελματικά χαρακτηριστικά των συμμετεχόντων (φύλο, ηλικία, σχέση εργασίας, έτη υπηρεσίας, ειδικότητα, μορφωτικό επίπεδο) στη σχέση αυτή. Το δείγμα αποτέλεσαν 161 εκπαιδευτικοί πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης, που υπηρετούσαν σε δημοτικά σχολεία της περιφερειακής ενότητας Αχαΐας. Η συλλογή των δεδομένων έγινε με τη βοήθεια ενός ηλεκτρονικού ερωτηματολογίου. Ειδικότερα, για να μετρήσουμε την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση χρησιμοποιήσαμε το Job Satisfaction Index, ενώ για το σχολικό κλίμα το Revised School Level Environment Questionnaire. Στα ευρήματά μας διαφαίνεται ότι υπάρχει θετική και στατιστικά σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ όλων των μεταβλητών του σχολικού κλίματος με την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση, με ισχυρότερες αυτές που αφορούν τη συνεργασία μαθητών - εκπαιδευτικών, καθώς και των εκπαιδευτικών μεταξύ τους. Επίσης, ο βαθμός επαγγελματικής ικανοποίησης των εκπαιδευτικών είναι υψηλός, ενώ το κλίμα των σχολείων που υπηρετούν χαρακτηρίζεται ως ανοιχτό - θετικό. Το φύλο και το μορφωτικό επίπεδο δε διαφοροποιούν καμία από τις μελετώμενες μεταβλητές. Αντίθετα, η ειδικότητα αποτελεί σημαντικό παράγοντα διαφοροποίησης της επαγγελματικής ικανοποίησης των εκπαιδευτικών, ενώ η ηλικία, η σχέση εργασίας, τα έτη προϋπηρεσίας και η ειδικότητα επιδρούν σχεδόν σε όλες τις μεταβλητές του σχολικού κλίματος.
Evaluating Urban Logistics Schemes Using Agent-based Simulation
Authors: van Heeswijk W. J. A. , Mes M. R. K. , Schutten J. M. J. , Zijm W. H. M.
Published: May 2020

The domain of urban freight transport is becoming increasingly complex. Many urban supply chains are composed of small and independent actors that cannot efficiently organize their highly fragmented supply chains, thereby negatively affecting the quality of life in urban areas. Both companies and local administrators try to improve transport efficiency and reduce external costs, but the effects of such interventions are difficult to predict, especially when applied in combination with each other (an urban logistics scheme). This paper presents an agent-based simulation model to quantify the effects of urban logistics schemes on multiple actors. We provide a detailed mathematical representation in the form of a Markov decision process. Based on an extensive literature study, we aggregate data to represent various actors in typical Western European cities. We perform numerical experiments to obtain insights into urban logistics schemes. The results show that most schemes yield significant environmental improvements but that achieving long-term financial viability is challenging for urban consolidation centers in particular. We also demonstrate that interventions, such as subsidies and access restrictions, do not always yield the intended effect. In a backcasting experiment, we identify conditions and schemes to achieve a financially viable urban consolidation center.
What's next after graduation?
Authors: Horne Hannah
Published: May 2020

The fear of the unknown after graduating as a midwife can be crippling. Hannah Horne shares how she broke through this wall
Knowledge of and willingness to promote advanced care planning among oncology nurses in southwest China
Authors: Tang Meng-Yan , Li Xiao-Ling , Shi Zheng-Yan , Fu Wen-Jing
Published: May 2020

Background:

Nurses feature prominently in promoting advance care planning (ACP), but only a limited amount of relevant research has been conducted from the nurses' viewpoint, and little is known about the nurses' knowledge of and their willingness to promote ACP in China.

Aims:

The aims of this study were to investigate oncology nurses' knowledge of and their willingness to promote ACP, and to explore associated factors.

Methods:

A multi-centre study was conducted to investigate 350 nurses in the oncology departments of four university hospitals in southwestern China. Cluster sampling was used in data collection, which involved three categories of questionnaires concerning demographic characteristics, knowledge about ACP and willingness to promote ACP. Chi-squared tests and multiple linear regression were employed in data analysis.

Results:

Some 293 valid questionnaires were collected, among which, 60.1% of respondents never received palliative care education, 89.1% never received training about ACP and 72.7% had not even heard of ACP. Nurses with higher position titles (χ2=18.41, p<0.001) and longer working experience (χ2=12.25, p=0.001) were more likely to have received palliative care education; nurses with higher educational background levels (χ2=12.91, p<0.001), higher position titles (χ2=9.77, p=0.003) and longer working experience (χ2=7.92, p=0.006) were more likely to have learned about ACP; nurses with higher position titles had more access to relevant training (χ2=5.10, p=0.03). Furthermore, whether the nurse had ‘heard about ACP’ (B=3.113, p=0.018) and ‘received training about ACP’ (B=3.894, p=0.04) were both associated with their willingness to promote ACP.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study indicated that oncology nurses were highly inclined to promote ACP, but limited by their lack of knowledge and understanding of it. Therefore, a systematic and adequate training programme about ACP for nurses is an urgent requirement to effectively enhance the implementation of ACP in China.
Research Roundup
Authors: Mcgloin Claudia
Published: May 2020

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
SAFER PRACTICES in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Silverston Paul
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 has created a wave of uncertainty for nurses and healthcare practitioners, with new information on the virus being released constantly. Paul Silverston discusses the assessment of patients with symptoms of COVID-19 and how to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis

Errors in diagnosis are relatively common in primary care which often result in serious harm to patients. The majority of these errors are preventable. This article describes a diagnostic error checklist, SAFER PRACTICES, which can be used to help clinicians prepare themselves for consulting in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease so that they come to the consultation with the correct medical knowledge, clinical assessment plan and diagnostic reasoning required to reduce the risk of diagnostic error. It can also be used during the consultation to deliver a systematic approach to the prevention and detection of diagnostic errors.
Measles: An overview for practice nurses
Authors: Perry Margaret Ann
Published: May 2020

Since 2017, the United Kingdom has not been classed as ‘measles free’. Margaret Ann Perry examines measles symptoms, treatment and complications, showing why nurses should encourage vaccine uptake

This article will give an overview of measles, its symptoms, treatment and complications. Although rare, complications do still occur and can be fatal. Vaccination is the key to preventing this disease and the article therefore aims to raise awareness of potentially serious complications and will give nurses confidence in encouraging vaccine uptake among their patient population.
The Impact of Project Creation on Learning Mathematics in a Transdisciplinary Setting
Authors: Rivera Glenda Collazo
Published: May 2020

This article proposes that the reader be nourished by avant-garde elements for new educational practices in the teaching and learning of mathematics. The writing is based on an investigation that was carried out with high school students from Puerto Rico. From a qualitative paradigm with a research design in action, it was explored how students in higher grades resolve situations within their environment. Emphasis was placed on how they analyze through situations in context, and how they build knowledge through the search for a possible solution to the problem through the Project Based Learning strategy. The emphasis in treatment was for students to experience a transdisciplinary environment. Their impressions from the study were the revealing focus of how students learn when they are presented with a situation in their environment, taking roles themselves, solving them it through a project. As part of the project they used their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve the situation. Similarly, they learned mathematical concepts that are part of the Trigonometry course and that are measured in the academic achievement tests called PR Goals, previously known as Puerto Rican Academic Achievement Tests (PPAA).
SISTEMA FINANCEIRO E CRESCIMENTO ECONÔMICO NO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Höher Ricardo , De Souza Osmar Tomaz
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho buscou testar a hipótese sobre a existência de uma correlação positiva entre desenvolvimento financeiro e crescimento econômico no Rio Grande do Sul e suas mesorregiões, por meio das técnicas de Regressão Quantílica, tendo como variável dependente o Produto Interno Bruto – PIB per capita e variáveis independentes o valor de crédito rural per capita, operações de crédito per capita e a existência de Postos de Atendimento – PAs de cooperativas de crédito nos municípios. Os resultados da aplicação empírica comprovaram a existência de relação positiva entre desenvolvimento do sistema financeiro e o crescimento econômico do Rio Grande do Sul e suas mesorregiões.
Morphological variation of two common sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera and Caulerpa racemosa) from selected regions in the Philippines
Authors: Estrada Jeremaiah , NONNATUS S. BAUTISTA  , MARIBEL L. DIONISIO-SESE
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Estrada JL, Bautista NS, Dionisio-Sese ML. 2020. Morphological variation of two common sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera and Caulerpa racemosa) from selected regions in the Philippines. Biodiversitas 21: 1823-1832. Seagrapes, locally known in the Philippines as “lato” or “ar-arusip”, are economically important macroalgae belonging to the edible species of the genus Caulerpa. This study characterized and compared distinct populations of sea grapes from selected regions in the Philippines and described the influence of physicochemical parameters of seawater on their morphology. Morphometric, cluster and principal component analyses showed that morphological plasticity exists in sea grapes species (Caulerpa lentillifera and Caulerpa racemosa) found in different sites in the Philippines. These are evident in morphometric parameters namely, assimilator height, space between assimilators, ramulus diameter and number of rhizoids on stolon wherein significant differences were found. This evident morphological plasticity was analyzed in relation to physicochemical parameters of the seawater. Assimilator height of C. racemosa is significantly associated and highly influenced by water depth, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen whereas for C. lentillifera depth and salinity are the significant influencing factors. Highest assimilator height of sea grapes was found in Coron and Culion in Palawan due to higher salinity and temperature while in Mactan, Cebu, it is primarily attributed to lower depth and higher salinity values.
Ethnobotanical knowledge and conservation practices of indigenous people of Mbeliling Forest Area, Indonesia
Authors: Mulu Marlinda , ZEPHISIUS R.E. NTELOK  , PETRUS SII  , HILDEGARDIS MULU
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Mulu M, Ntelok ZRE, SII P, Mulu H. 2020. Ethnobotanical knowledge and conservation practices of indigenous people of Mbeliling Forest Area, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1861-1873. The indigenous people of Mbeliling Forest Area, Indonesia have long interacted with nature, in the form of utilizing forest resources for their survival. Therefore it is essential to identify the plants used to support their lives. In addition, they also have traditional institutions that manage the lives within groups. It is necessary to study the forms of environmental conservation applied by the indigenous people. This research is qualitative research with an ethnographic method and case studies. The research data is collected through observation and interviews. The data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The results showed that total of 158 plant species belonging to126 genera and 64 families are used in the study area. They include 26 species used for food, 6 species for drinks, 60 species for medicine, 38 species for construction, 26 species for craft, 8 species for coloring, 6 species for cosmetics, 7 species for pesticides, and 16 species for traditional rituals. In terms of conservation, indigenous people work together with the village government. The forest area is divided into ulayat forests (communal forest) and protected forests. The management of communal forests is the right of indigenous people so that it functions as a production forest. Although communal forests are the right of indigenous people, which is managed by customary leaders, its utilization is affected by the status of protected forests established by the government. In protected forests, there are no plantations or agricultural activities.
Assessment on the growth performance of planted Dryobalanops beccarii at reforestation sites after implementation of selective girdling
Authors: Wasli Mohd Effendi , Ambun Douglas Bungan , Kalu Meekiong , Sidi Mogeret , Nahrawi Hafsah , Elias Hashimah
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Wasli ME, Ambun DB, Kalu M, Sidi M, Nahrawi H, Elias H. 2020. Assessment on the growth performance of planted Dryobalanops beccarii at reforestation sites after implementation of selective girdling. Biodiversitas 21: 1880-1889. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth performance of planted Dryobalanops beccarii Dyer at reforestation sites after silvicultural practices in Gunung Apeng National Park (GANP), Sarawak. The assessed area was planted with D. beccarii in 2005 and undergo silvicultural treatment by understory clearing which implemented annually. Due to the suppressed growth rate of the planted trees, an additional silvicultural treatment, the selective girdling on selected pioneer species, was implemented once, in 2012. In this study, study plots with two treatments were established: T1: understory clearing only (control plot), and T2: additional selective girdling of existing pioneer species in addition to the understory clearing practice applied in T1. The growth performance of the planted D. beccarii in terms of DBH, height, survival and mean annual increments in diameter (MaiD) and height (MaiH) were assessed and monitored at the initial stage when the selective girdling treatment was applied and 4, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 months after girdling. Our findings showed that the survival rates of planted trees at 72 months under treatments T1 and T2 were 82.9% and 79.2%, respectively. The average tree DBH in T2 was significantly higher than that in T1, and the average tree DBH values for T1 and T2 were 7.5 cm and 9.4 cm, respectively. The average tree heights for T1 and T2 were 8.3 m and 9.2 m, respectively. In terms of the mean annual increments in height (MaiH) and diameter (MaiD), those in T2 were significantly higher than those in T1. Our findings indicated that T2 started to show better growth performance than T1 after a period of 36 months. In conclusion, the additional silvicultural treatment by selective girdling at the reforestation site had a long-term, progressive effect on the growth performance of the planted trees.
The potency of endophytic bacteria isolated from Ficus septica as phytoremediation promoting agent of Cr (VI) contaminated soil
Authors: Nita Shilfiani Rohmah Nita Shilfiani Rohmah , SUHARJONO  , YOGA DWI JATMIKO  , DIAN SISWANTO  , IRFAN MUSTAFA
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Rohmah NS, Suharjono, Jatmiko YD, Siswanto D, Mustafa I. 2020. The potency of endophytic bacteria isolated from Ficus septica as phytoremediation promoting agent of Cr (VI) contaminated soil. Biodiversitas 21: 1920-1927. Endophytic bacteria tolerant of chromium have the potential to reduce Cr (VI) to Cr (III) and produce compounds that can improve plant survival in Cr (VI) contaminated soils. This study was performed to isolate and identify Cr (VI)-tolerant bacteria from the endosphere of Ficus septica Burm.F growing on the tannery waste contaminated soil, Screening of bacteria was carried out based on the level of Cr (VI) tolerance. High tolerant isolates were tested for their potential of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, phosphate solubilizing, and the presence of chromate reductase (ChR) genes. The most potential bacterial isolate was identified based on 16S rDNA sequences. The results showed that three isolates (E3, E4, and E8) were tolerant of Cr (VI) up to 900 mg/L. E8 isolates produced the highest IAA production (20.05 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization (127.78 μg/mL), and EPS production (9,70 μg/mL), and all isolates had the ChR gene. E8 isolate was found to be 100% identical to Enterobacter cloacae ATCC 13047.
Growth prediction for rubber tree and intercropped forest trees to facilitate environmental services valuation in South Thailand
Authors: Nattharom Narun , SAOWALAK ROONGTAWANREONGSRI  , SARA BUMRUNGSRI
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Nattharom N, Roongtawanreongsri S, Bumrungsri S. 2020. Growth prediction for rubber trees and intercropped forest trees to facilitate environmental services valuation in South Thailand. Biodiversitas 21: 2019-2034.  Tree growth parameters are necessary for valuing ecological services of trees in both natural forest and agroforest. These parameters are difficult to measure annually, and thus often lack the information needed in valuation. This study aimed to use regression analysis to create growth models for diameter at breast height (DBH), total height (TH), and merchantable height (MH) of Hevea brasiliensis Mull-Arg. (rubber tree) and five economic forest trees that are preferred by rubber farmers for intercropping, including Hopea odorata Roxb., Shorea roxburghii G.Don., Swietenia macrophylla King., Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb., and Azadirachta excelsa (Jack) Jacobs. Data were collected from 39 rubber plantations that contain rubber trees and the intercropped tree species at different ages in three provinces in South Thailand. The data were modelled using regression analysis with curve fitting to find the best-fitted curve to a given set of points by minimizing the sum of the squares of the residuals and standard error of the regression of the points from the curve. The results arrived at 21 models for the DBH, TH, and MH growth of rubber and the intercropped trees, in the forms of, power, sigmoid and exponential trends that vary according to the type of trees. The models can be used to predict tree growth parameters, which are useful for determining the value of ecosystem services such as carbon dioxide sequestration, oxygen production, and timber production.