bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of nonlinear vibration of couple-mass–spring systems using iteration technique
Authors: Hosen Md. Alal
Published: May 2020

Purpose

An iteration technique has been developed based on the Mickens iteration method to obtain approximate angular frequencies. This technique also offers the periodic solutions to the nonlinear free vibration of a conservative, coupled mass–spring system having linear and nonlinear stiffnesses with cubic nonlinearity. Two real-world cases of these systems are analysed and introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the truncated terms of the Fourier series have been used and utilized in every step of the iteration.

Findings

The obtained results are valid for whole ranges of vibration amplitude of the oscillations. The approximated results are compared with existing and corresponding numerical (considered to be exact) results which show excellent agreement. The error analysis has been carried out and shown acceptable results for the proposed iteration technique.

Originality/value

Effectiveness of the proposed iteration technique is found in comparison with other existing methods. The method is demonstrated by examples.
Selfie stick accounts: extending and engaging visual methods in contemporary family practice
Authors: Marshall David , Davis Teresa
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the challenges of using participant-produced photographs in family food research.

Design/methodology/approach

Families participating in a study on family dinners agreed to take photos of their weekday evening meal using their mobile phone and a Selfie-Stick. These images were subsequently used as a photo elicitation cue in a long interview.

Findings

“Selfies” or participant directed photographs, are a way to involve all family members in the research. Giving participants control over the composition and production of the image reveals how participants see themselves and how they wish to be seen while uncovering some of the physical, material and social realities of contemporary family practice. Photographs not only capture rich contextual and spatial details but also act as an aide memoir and interview stimulus to investigate broader socialisation around family feeding. Visual images reveal otherwise unrecalled aspects of the family dinner and encourage more reflection and discussion by participants around the social realities of their family practice. Photographs taken using a mobile phone and selfie stick complement and stimulate traditional methods of qualitative investigation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debate about the challenges in using visual methods and how the selfie technique can be used, the photographs shared and visual data incorporated as part of the research method. As communicative affordances, the mobile phone, camera and selfie stick frame the practices around family dinner and afford the subject an agentic perspective as both producer and consumer of the image.
Measuring ontogenetic shifts in central‐place foragers: A case study with honeybees
Authors: Requier Fabrice , Henry Mickaël , Decourtye Axel , Brun François , Aupinel Pierrick , Rebaudo François , Bretagnolle Vincent
Published: May 2020

Measuring time–activity budgets over the complete individual life span is now possible for many animals with the recent advances of life‐long individual monitoring devices. Although analyses of changes in the patterns of time–activity budgets have revealed ontogenetic shifts in birds or mammals, no such technique has been applied to date on insects.

We tested an automated breakpoint‐based procedure to detect, assess and quantify shifts in the temporal pattern of the flight activities in honeybees. We assumed that the learning and foraging stages of honeybees will differ in several respects, to detect the age at onset of foraging (AOF).

Using an extensive dataset covering the life‐long monitoring of 1,167 individuals, we compared the AOF outputs with the more conventional approaches based on arbitrary thresholds. We further evaluated the robustness of the different methods comparing the foraging time–activity budget allocations between the presumed foragers and confirmed foragers.

We revealed a clear‐cut learning–foraging ontogenetic shift that differs in duration, frequency and time of occurrence of flights. Although AOF appeared to be highly plastic among bees, the breakpoint‐based procedure seems better capable to detect it than arbitrary threshold‐based methods that are unable to deal with inter‐individual variation.

We developed the aof r‐package including a broad range of examples with both simulated and empirical datasets to illustrate the simplicity of use of the procedure. This simple procedure is generic enough to be derived from any individual life‐long monitoring devices recording the time–activity budgets, and could propose new ecological applications of bio‐logging to detect ontogenetic shifts in the behaviour of central‐place foragers.
Impact of high salinity and the compatible solute glycine betaine on gene expression of Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Rath Hermann , Sappa Praveen K. , Hoffmann Tamara , Gesell Salazar Manuela , Reder Alexander , Steil Leif , Hecker Michael , Bremer Erhard , Mäder Ulrike , Völker Uwe
Published: May 2020

The Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is frequently exposed to hyperosmotic conditions. In addition to the induction of genes involved in the accumulation of compatible solutes, high salinity exerts widespread effects on B. subtilis physiology, including changes in cell wall metabolism, induction of an iron limitation response, reduced motility and suppression of sporulation. We performed a combined whole‐transcriptome and proteome analysis of B. subtilis 168 cells continuously cultivated at low or high (1.2 M NaCl) salinity. Our study revealed significant changes in the expression of more than one‐fourth of the protein‐coding genes and of numerous non‐coding RNAs. New aspects in understanding the impact of high salinity on B. subtilis include a sustained low‐level induction of the SigB‐dependent general stress response and strong repression of biofilm formation under high‐salinity conditions. The accumulation of compatible solutes such as glycine betaine aids the cells to cope with water stress by maintaining physiologically adequate levels of turgor and also affects multiple cellular processes through interactions with cellular components. Therefore, we additionally analysed the global effects of glycine betaine on the transcriptome and proteome of B. subtilis and revealed that it influences gene expression not only under high‐salinity, but also under standard growth conditions.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 566 Thais with systemic sclerosis: A cohort study
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Peansukwech Udomlack , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Pongkulkiat Patnarin , Khamphiw Penpiriya , Nanagara Ratanavadee
Published: May 2020

Background

Most Thai patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) unlike most Caucasians and some Asians. A longitudinal cohort study among Thai dcSSc is needed.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the overall clinical characteristics, define the clinical difference between limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and dcSSc, and ascertain the mortality rate and the factors associated with mortality.

Method

We conducted a cohort study including 566 Thai adult SSc patients between January 2013 and June 2019. Clinical difference between lcSSc and dcSSc was investigated using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results

Females presented more than males (356 vs 210 cases). The majority of cases were dcSSc (411; 72.6%). The median duration of disease at the time of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) detection was 2.5 years, pulmonary arterial hypertension 8.1 years, and renal crisis 4.1 years. By GEE analysis, dcSSc was significantly associated with salt‐and‐pepper skin, hand deformity, and every 1‐point increase in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). A greater mortality risk was associated with age at onset >60 years (hazards ratio [HR] 5.5), a World Health Organization functional class (FC) III (HR 5.1), FC IV (HR 34.8), edematous skin (HR 11.4), early onset of PF (HR 1.7), each 5‐point increase in the mRSS (HR 4.5), and ≥2 internal organ involvements (HR 10.1).

Conclusion

dcSSc is a common SSc subset among Thais. PF was an early complication in SSc and earlier PF detection was associated with a poorer prognosis. Elderly onset, high FC, severe skin tightness, and multiple organ involvements were associated with a greater mortality risk.
Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion uncontrolled by tube drainage or pleurodesis: A phase II study North East Japan Study group trial NEJ013B
Authors: Noro Rintaro , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Usuki Jiro , Yomota Makiko , Nishitsuji Masaru , Shimokawa Tsuneo , Ando Masahiro , Hino Mitsunori , Hagiwara Koichi , Miyanaga Akihiko , Seike Masahiro , Kubota Kaoru , Gemma Akihiko ,   North East Japan Study group
Published: May 2020

Background

Pleurodesis is the standard of care for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, there is no standard management for MPE uncontrolled by pleurodesis. Most patients with unsuccessful MPE control are unable to receive effective chemotherapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MPE. This multicenter, phase II study investigated the effects of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in nonsquamous NSCLC patients with unsuccessful management of MPE.

Methods

Nonsquamous NSCLC patients with MPE following unsuccessful tube drainage or pleurodesis received bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) plus chemotherapy every three weeks. The primary endpoint was pleural effusion control rate (PECR), defined as the percentage of patients without reaccumulation of MPE at eight weeks. Secondary endpoints included pleural progression‐free survival (PPFS), safety, and quality of life (QoL).

Results

A total of 20 patients (median age: 69 years; 14 males; 20 adenocarcinomas; six epidermal growth factor receptor mutations) were enrolled in nine centers. The PECR was 80% and the primary end point was met. The PPFS and the overall survival (OS) were 16.6 months and 19.6 months, respectively. Patients with high levels of VEGF in the MPE had shorter PPFS (P = 0.010) and OS (P = 0.002). Toxicities of grade ≥ 3 included neutropenia (50%), thrombocytopenia (10%), proteinuria (10%), and hypertension (2%). The cognitive QoL score improved after treatment.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy is highly effective with acceptable toxicities in nonsquamous NSCLC patients with uncontrolled MPE, and should be considered as a standard therapy in this setting.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy is highly effective with acceptable toxicities in nonsquamous NSCLC patients with uncontrolled MPE.

What this study adds

Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy should be considered as a standard treatment option for patients with uncontrolled MPE.

Clinical trial registration

UMIN000006868 was a phase II study of efficacy of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy for the management of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in nonsquamous non‐small cell lung cancer patients with MPE unsuccessfully controlled by tube drainage or pleurodesis (North East Japan Study Group Trial NEJ‐013B) (http://umin.sc.jp/ctr/).
Prospective study of pigmented lesions managed by shave excision with no deep margin transection of melanomas
Authors: Shao Emily , Blake Tony , Po-Chao Frank , Pool Louis , Carew Benjamin , Yong‐gee Simon , Wheller Laura , De’Ambrosis Brian , Muir James
Published: May 2020

Shave excision is a simple and cost‐effective technique for the removal of suitable skin lesions. We performed a prospective study over six months, collecting data from pigmented lesions that were treated with shave excision by dermatologists. Only shave excisions with the intent to remove the lesion in toto were included. A total of 349 lesions were included in this study, 50 (14%) of these were melanomas and no melanoma diagnosed had deep margin involvement, while 13 (26%) had lateral margin involvement.
Loop ileostomy closure: a retrospective comparison of three techniques
Authors: Lord Ian , Reeves Lesley , Gray Andrew , Woodfield John , Clifford Kari , Thompson‐Fawcett Mark
Published: May 2020

Background

Loop ileostomy (LI) formation is a common practice for patients undergoing low anterior resection or restorative ileo‐anal pouch surgery. Ileostomy closure can be performed using a stapled or hand‐sewn technique, with or without resection. If hand‐sewn, the closure can be one or two layers. Randomized controlled trials have not demonstrated one technique to be superior, and meta‐analyses are limited by the heterogeneity of published studies. Our primary aim is to compare stapled ileostomy closure with single‐ and two‐layer hand‐sewn closures.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐centre cohort study included patients undergoing LI closure between January 1999 and April 2016. Patient demographics, anastomotic technique, operative time and patient outcomes were collected.

Results

Our analysis included 244 patients (median age 67 years, 43.4% female). There were no significant differences in mean operative times (71.5, 73.1 and 88.5 min, for stapled, single‐ and two‐layer hand‐sewn closures, respectively, adjusted overall P = 0.262), or morbidity (21.5% versus 20.4% versus 17.6%, adjusted overall P = 0.934) between stapled or hand‐sewn anastomoses, and no mortality. Once adjusting for age, sex, American College of Anaesthesiology grade, and consultant surgeon, the length of stay was different (overall P = 0.034), being similar between stapled and single‐layer closures (4.2 versus 5.5 days, P = 0.105), but significantly different between stapled and two‐layer closures (4.2 versus 8.3 days, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Stapled and single‐layered hand‐sewn closures are similar in length of procedure, length of stay and complication rates. A two‐layer, hand‐sewn technique is associated with a significant increase in stay compared to a stapled ileostomy closure.
Normative data for the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale in the general Australian population
Authors: Stefani Kristian , Baxter Claire , Crittenden Tamara , Dean Nicola R.
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent changes to the Australian Medicare Benefits Scheme have introduced the NOSE Score as a criteria threshold for funding rhinoplasty. On review of the literature, however, there is minimal normative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score data to provide context for these changes.

Methods

Participants were recruited according to the general Australian population distribution of age (18–65 years), gender and geographical locations using the market research company Pureprofile. The data included demographic details, risk factors for nasal obstruction such as smoking, obstructive sleep apnoea, use of continuous positive airway pressure, history of nasal trauma, operations to the nose and a history of cleft lip/palate and each participant completed the NOSE Scale. Analysis of data included descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variances to assess differences in NOSE scores between risk factors.

Results

The NOSE score was completed by 247 males and 255 females with a mean age of 41(±13.39) years. The cohort had a mean NOSE score of 16 (±18.89) with a range from 0 to 95. A total of 48 respondents had a NOSE score greater than the Medicare threshold of >45. Cleft lip/palate, obstructive sleep apnoea and continuous positive airway pressure use were shown to have a statistically significant impact on NOSE score while other variables including body mass index, gender, smoking, location and other surgery to the nose were not shown to significantly impact results.

Conclusions

This study found that 9.6% of the general Australian population would have a NOSE score >45 and qualify for the Medicare Benefits Scheme rhinoplasty benefit.
Reproductive outcome after cesarean scar pregnancy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Morlando Maddalena , Buca Danilo , Timor‐Tritsch Ilan , Cali Giuseppe , Palacios‐Jaraquemada Jose , Monteagudo Ana , Khalil Asma , Cennamo Carmen , La Manna Viviana , Liberati Marco , D’Amico Alice , Nappi Luigi , Colacurci Nicola , D’Antonio Francesco
Published: May 2020

Introduction

To evaluate subsequent reproductive among women with a prior cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Material and methods

MEDLINE, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were women with a prior CSP, defined as the gestational sac or trophoblast within the dehiscence/niche of the previous cesarean section scar or implanted on top of it. The primary outcome was the recurrence of CSP; secondary outcomes were the chance of achieving a pregnancy after CSP, miscarriage, preterm birth, uterine rupture and the occurrence of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Subgroup analysis according to the management of CSP (surgical vs non‐surgical) was also performed. Random effect meta‐analyses of proportions were used to analyze the data.

Results

Forty‐four studies (3598 women with CSP) were included. CSP recurred in 17.6% of women. Miscarriage, preterm birth and placenta accreta spectrum disorders complicated 19.1% (65/341), 10.3% (25/243) and 4.0% of pregnancies, and 67.0% were uncomplicated. When stratifying the analysis according to the type of management, CSP recurred in 21% of women undergoing surgical and in 15.2% of those undergoing non‐surgical management. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders complicated 4.0% and 12.0% of cases, respectively.

Conclusions

Women with a prior CSP are at high risk of recurrence, miscarriage, preterm birth and placenta accreta spectrum. There is still insufficient evidence to elucidate whether the type of management adopted (surgical vs non‐surgical) can impact reproductive outcome after CSP. Further large, prospective studies sharing an objective protocol of prenatal management and long‐term follow up are needed to establish the optimal management of CSP and to elucidate whether it may affect its risk of recurrence and pregnancy outcome in subsequent gestations.
Do Unions Cause Job Dissatisfaction? Evidence from a Quasi‐Experiment in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bessa Ioulia , Charlwood Andy , Valizade Danat
Published: May 2020

Unionized workers tend to be less satisfied with their jobs than their non‐union counterparts. Despite 40 years of research that has sought to explain this phenomenon, the causes of this relationship are not fully understood. Drawing on nationally representative panel data from the UK, this study uses quasi‐experimental methods to compare how the job satisfaction of union members and their non‐union counterparts changes in response to an exogenous event. Results suggest that working conditions rather than the behaviour of unions are the more likely cause of union member job dissatisfaction.
Differential diagnosis of vacuolar myopathies in the NGS era
Authors: Mair Dorothea , Biskup Saskia , Kress Wolfram , Abicht Angela , Brück Wolfgang , Zechel Sabrina , Knop Karl Christian , Koenig Fatima Barbara , Tey Shelisa , Nikolin Stefan , Eggermann Katja , Kurth Ingo , Ferbert Andreas , Weis Joachim
Published: May 2020

Altered autophagy accompanied by abnormal autophagic (rimmed) vacuoles detectable by light and electron microscopy is a common denominator of many familial and sporadic non‐inflammatory muscle diseases. Even in the era of next generation sequencing (NGS), late‐onset vacuolar myopathies remain a diagnostic challenge. We identified 32 adult vacuolar myopathy patients from 30 unrelated families, studied their clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics and performed genetic testing in index patients and relatives using Sanger sequencing and NGS including whole exome sequencing (WES). We established a molecular genetic diagnosis in 17 patients. Pathogenic mutations were found in genes typically linked to vacuolar myopathy (GNE, LDB3/ZASP, MYOT, DES and GAA), but also in genes not regularly associated with severely altered autophagy (FKRP, DYSF, CAV3, COL6A2, GYG1 and TRIM32) and in the digenic facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 2. Characteristic histopathological features including distinct patterns of myofibrillar disarray and evidence of exocytosis proved to be helpful to distinguish causes of vacuolar myopathies. Biopsy validated the pathogenicity of the novel mutations p.(Phe55*) and p.(Arg216*) in GYG1 and of the p.(Leu156Pro) TRIM32 mutation combined with compound heterozygous deletion of exon 2 of TRIM32 and expanded the phenotype of Ala93Thr‐caveolinopathy and of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2i caused by FKRP mutation. In 15 patients no causal variants were detected by Sanger sequencing and NGS panel analysis. In 12 of these cases, WES was performed, but did not yield any definite mutation or likely candidate gene. In one of these patients with a family history of muscle weakness, the vacuolar myopathy was eventually linked to chloroquine therapy. Our study illustrates the wide phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity of vacuolar myopathies and validates the role of histopathology in assessing the pathogenicity of novel mutations detected by NGS. In a sizable portion of vacuolar myopathy cases, it remains to be shown whether the cause is hereditary or degenerative.
Processualizing Data: Variants of Process‐Produced Data
Authors: Grenz Tilo
Published: May 2020

The greatly increased importance of diachronic process perspectives in the social sciences has led to process‐produced data (PPD) becoming one of the main topics of this debate. However, its current use is peculiarly ambivalent. It oscillates between substantialist understandings and self‐evident use. This article stresses the beforehand conceptual decisions made by the researcher that eventually define data, that is, which materials become PPD. Because process‐oriented research rests on heterogenous conceptions of temporality, it is especially these conceptions researchers must make transparent. Drawing on social constructivism, extended by path dependency, happenings, and events, the article exemplifies one conceptual foundation and, using insights from two research projects (historical discussion circles and trajectories of digital infrastructures), a particular specification of PPD. The article thus contributes to the necessary methodological reflection on PPD, and, at the same time, responds to the need for diachronic social research in order to grasp contemporary processes of digitalization.
Application of porcupine inhibitors in stem cell fate determination
Authors: Kalantary‐Charvadeh Ashkan , Hosseini Vahid , Mehdizadeh Amir , Darabi Masoud
Published: May 2020

Porcupine (Porcn), a membrane‐bound O‐acyltransferase, is an endoplasmic reticulum‐located protein that has catalytic activity. Porcn is involved in post‐translational lipid modification of wingless‐Int (Wnt) proteins and serves as an indispensable step in the Wnt proper secretion and signaling. Small‐molecule inhibitors targeting Porcn catalytic function in vitro and in vivo are of great interest not only for treating cancer and fibrotic disorders but also in the field of regenerative medicine. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the exact role of Porcn in stem cell fate is not entirely clear. In some cases, Porcn inhibition declined differentiation rate, and in others, it induced stem cell differentiation toward specific lineages. In this review, we first elaborated the Porcn catalytic activity and its inhibitors. Then, we discussed about the recently reported results of Porcn inhibitors in stem cells self‐renewal and differentiation.
A Process Model of Causal Reasoning
Authors: Davis Zachary J. , Rehder Bob
Published: May 2020

How do we make causal judgments? Many studies have demonstrated that people are capable causal reasoners, achieving success on tasks from reasoning to categorization to interventions. However, less is known about the mental processes used to achieve such sophisticated judgments. We propose a new process model—the mutation sampler—that models causal judgments as based on a sample of possible states of the causal system generated using the Metropolis–Hastings sampling algorithm. Across a diverse array of tasks and conditions encompassing over 1,700 participants, we found that our model provided a consistently closer fit to participant judgments than standard causal graphical models. In particular, we found that the biases introduced by mutation sampling accounted for people's consistent, predictable errors that the normative model by definition could not. Moreover, using a novel experimental methodology, we found that those biases appeared in the samples that participants explicitly judged to be representative of a causal system. We conclude by advocating sampling methods as plausible process‐level accounts of the computations specified by the causal graphical model framework and highlight opportunities for future research to identify not just what reasoners compute when drawing causal inferences, but also how they compute it.
Predictive value of immune‐inflammation indices in metabolic response and outcome after curative radiotherapy in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ozkan Emine Elif , Kaymak Cerkesli Zumrut Arda , Erdogan Mehmet
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Role of systemic inflammation response in prognosis of several solid tumors has been evaluated in quite a lot of recent reports.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of a novel immune response marker; systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) on metabolic response to chemoradiotherapy and outcome in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Other several inflammatory indices such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were also evaluated in terms of predictive value.

Methods

Files of 66 newly diagnosed NSCLC patients who underwent curative radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. Factors correlated with overall survival was evaluated via univariate and multivariate survival analysis.

Results

In 20.05 months of median follow‐up 22 (33.33%) patients were alive. Median overall survival, 3 and 5 years survival for the entire group were 25.49 (95% CI: 19.07‐31.91) months, 54.9% and 20.1%, respectively. Among investigated inflammatory indices, only low PNI (≤45.45), was found significantly correlated with poor response rate (P: .024). None of the prognostic factors and inflammatory indices were found statistically significant in terms of overall survival via univariate and multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Immunoinflammatory indices are feasible prognostic indicators for clinical use with easily accessible components. In this study, we demonstrated that pretreatment PNI ≤ 45.45 was statistically significant for predicting poor treatment response. None of the indices were significantly correlated with radiation pneumonitis.
Perceptions and experiences of living with coexisting type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness: a scoping review
Authors: Rønne S. T. , Zabell V. , Joensen L. E. , Jørgensen R. , Gæde P. H. , Hemmingsen Arnfred S. M.
Published: May 2020

Aims

To map existing research‐based knowledge of everyday life and illness management among people with coexisting type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness, and to identify study designs, aims, populations and themes.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on 16 April 2019 using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cinahl, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science to conduct a scoping review. Included studies were summarized with regard to the quantity of research, the study designs, aims, populations and themes

Results

From 3406 records, we included 23 studies about everyday life and illness management among people with coexisting type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness. Four studies were qualitative (observations, interviews and focus groups), and 19 were quantitative (observational and interventions) and used questionnaires. Five themes emerged in the findings: (1) diet and exercise, but not other diabetes self‐care activities, are consistently compromised in the target group; (2) psychiatric exacerbation diminishes diabetes self‐care; (3) social support and high self‐efficacy improve diabetes self‐care; (4) use of healthcare services is compromised; and (5) quality of life and well‐being is poor.

Conclusions

The limited research into the studied population’s experiences with coexisting type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness is characterized by its heterogeneity in aims and methods and a strong focus on diabetes management and treatment. Further research focusing on the management of both conditions in everyday life is needed to improve specialized and integrated care targeting the population.
Generational Differences in Workers' Expectations: Millennials Want More of the Same Things
Authors: Magni Federico , Manzoni Beatrice
Published: May 2020

With the current research we applied the theoretical framework of the psychological contract to the study of generational differences in the workplace with the aim of understanding how Millennials and non‐Millennials differ in their expectations at work. We collected data from more than 1,000 workers of a large Italian company, not only assessing several established dimensions of workplace expectations, but also proposing two new ones: feedback and work meaning. We found that Millennial workers generally expect more than their non‐Millennial colleagues, but that the importance ranking of the various dimensions is largely similar across generations. The results of the study held even after controlling for age, work experience and job tenure effects. We further compared the Millennials from our organizational sample to more than 150 Millennial workers sampled online and found no meaningful differences. Theoretical and managerial implications follow.
Evaluation of subchronic administration of antiseizure drugs in spontaneously seizing rats
Authors: Thomson Kyle E. , Metcalf Cameron S. , Newell Thomas G. , Huff Jennifer , Edwards Sharon F. , West Peter J. , Wilcox Karen S.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy do not experience full seizure control on their antiseizure drug (ASD) regimen. Historically, screening for novel ASDs has relied on evaluating efficacy following a single administration of a test compound in either acute electrical or chemical seizure induction. However, the use of animal models of spontaneous seizures and repeated administration of test compounds may better differentiate novel compounds. Therefore, this approach has been instituted as part of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program screening paradigm for pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Methods

Rats were treated with intraperitoneal kainic acid to induce status epilepticus and subsequent spontaneous recurrent seizures. After 12 weeks, rats were enrolled in drug screening studies. Using a 2‐week crossover design, selected ASDs were evaluated for their ability to protect against spontaneous seizures, using a video‐electroencephalographic monitoring system and automated seizure detection. Sixteen clinically available compounds were administered at maximally tolerated doses in this model. Dose intervals (1‐3 treatments/d) were selected based on known half‐lives for each compound.

Results

Carbamazepine (90 mg/kg/d), phenobarbital (30 mg/kg/d), and ezogabine (15 mg/kg/d) significantly reduced seizure burden at the doses evaluated. In addition, a dose‐response study of topiramate (20‐600 mg/kg/d) demonstrated that this compound reduced seizure burden at both therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses. However, none of the 16 ASDs conferred complete seizure freedom during the testing period at the doses tested.

Significance

Despite reductions in seizure burden, the lack of full seizure freedom for any ASD tested suggests that this screening paradigm may be useful for testing novel compounds with potential utility in pharmacoresistant epilepsy.
Strong overestimation of water‐use efficiency responses to rising CO2 in tree‐ring studies
Authors: Marchand William , Girardin Martin P. , Hartmann Henrik , Depardieu Claire , Isabel Nathalie , Gauthier Sylvie , Boucher Étienne , Bergeron Yves
Published: May 2020

The carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) in tree rings is commonly used to derive estimates of the assimilation‐to‐stomatal conductance rate of trees, that is, intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE). Recent studies have observed increased iWUE in response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca), in many different species, genera and biomes. However, increasing rates of iWUE vary widely from one study to another, likely because numerous covarying factors are involved. Here, we quantified changes in iWUE of two widely distributed boreal conifers using tree samples from a forest inventory network that were collected across a wide range of growing conditions (assessed using the site index, SI), developmental stages and stand histories. Using tree‐ring isotopes analysis, we assessed the magnitude of increase in iWUE after accounting for the effects of tree size, stand age, nitrogen deposition, climate and SI. We also estimated how growth conditions have modulated tree physiological responses to rising Ca. We found that increases in tree size and stand age greatly influenced iWUE. The effect of Ca on iWUE was strongly reduced after accounting for these two variables. iWUE increased in response to Ca, mostly in trees growing on fertile stands, whereas iWUE remained almost unchanged on poor sites. Our results suggest that past studies could have overestimated the CO2 effect on iWUE, potentially leading to biased inferences about the future net carbon balance of the boreal forest. We also observed that this CO2 effect is weakening, which could affect the future capacity of trees to resist and recover from drought episodes.
Effect of high bicarbonate hemodialysis solution on biochemical parameters and anthropometric indices
Authors: Hefzollah Farnaz , Boushehri Saeid Najafpour , Mahmudpour Mehdi
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Protein energy wasting is an adverse consequence of renal failure, which is correlated with increased mortality and morbidity. Metabolic acidosis has a major role in the development of protein energy wasting in hemodialysis patients. Every effort that could ameliorate this catabolic state would be beneficial to stabilize body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of high bicarbonate dialysis on anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters of nutrition.

Methods

Fifty‐six hemodialysis patients were randomly enrolled in two groups: an intervention group that underwent hemodialysis for 6 months with high bicarbonate dialysate concentration (36 mmol/L, N = 26) and a control group that underwent hemodialysis using a bicarbonate dialysate concentration of 30 mmol/L (N = 30). Biochemical parameters of nutrition and weight, body mass index (BMI), total body water, percent body fat, and other anthropometric indices were measured at the beginning and the end of the trial.

Findings

At the end of the 6 month evaluation period, plasma levels of albumin, phosphorus, K, calcium, and bicarbonate showed no significant changes. Body weight and BMI increased significantly in high bicarbonate arm but did not change significantly in the control group. Percent body fat in the arms and legs did not change in intervention arm, but decreased significantly in the controls.

Discussion

The results suggest that higher bicarbonate dialysis can have beneficial effects on nutritional status and might protect against loss of fat mass.
Dissolving microneedle with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve skin wrinkles, dermal density and elasticity
Authors: Jang M. , Baek S. , Kang G. , Yang H. , Kim S. , Jung H.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Dissolving microneedle patches have been extensively studied in the field of cosmetics comparison with topical cosmetics focusing on the delivery of active ingredients. Nevertheless, the skin improvement effect of hyaluronic acid, which is mainly used as a backbone material for dissolving microneedle, was not analyzed. In this study, adenosine encapsulated high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedle patch (Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN) were evaluated with respect to skin wrinkling, dermal density, elasticity, and safety in a clinical test on the crow’s feet area.

Methods

Clinical efficacy and safety tests were performed for 12 weeks on twenty three female subjects with wrinkles around their eyes. The Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN patch were applied once every 3 days, in the evening, for 8 weeks to the designated crow’s feet area. Skin wrinkling, dermal density, and elasticity were measured by using PRIMOS® premium, Dermascan®C, Cutometer® MPA580, and Corneometer® CM 825, respectively.

Results

Both Ad‐HMN and Ad‐LMN groups showed statistically significant efficacy for almost all parameters. The Ad‐HMN patch had better effect on the mean depth of biggest wrinkles, maximum depth of biggest wrinkles, dermal density, and skin elasticity than the Ad‐LMN patch. No adverse effects were observed in either group during the test period.

Conclusion

In the clinical efficacy test of four skin‐improvement parameters, the Ad‐HMN patch showed the better effect than the Ad‐LMN patch with the similar adenosine dose.
Interactions and complex stabilities of grape seed procyanidins with zein hydrolysate
Authors: Li Zi‐Zi , Lei Lei , Huo Min‐Xi , Liu Zi‐Rui , Yang Xin‐Quan , Wang Yu‐Lin , Yuan Yang
Published: May 2020

The objective of this paper was to investigate the complex of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) with zein hydrolysate (ZH). The interaction was determined using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The particle size, ζ‐potential, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and stability test of the ZH‐GSP complex were measured. The results of ITC, particle size and SEM suggested that there was a hydrogen bond‐dominated interaction between GSP and ZH, and the ZH‐GSP complex presented as a spherical shape with particle size of 234 nm, polydispersity index of 0.11 and ζ‐potential of −46.4 mV. The results of the fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the fluorescence quenching effect of GSP on ZH was GSP concentration‐dependent and the quenching process was mainly static quenching. The ZH‐GSP complex had better physical stability in aqueous solution, and their solution was more stable than GSP solution under illumination and high‐temperature treatment at 75°C.
Prosopis spp. powder: influence of chemical components in water adsorption properties
Authors: Sciammaro Leonardo P. , Quintero Ruiz Natalia Andrea , Ferrero Cristina , Giacomino Silvia , Picariello Gianluca , Mamone Gianfranco , Puppo María Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra powders from pods were evaluated through chemical and mineral composition and other healthy food compounds such as polyphenols and fatty acids exhibiting antioxidant activity. P. nigra presented higher content of lipids and polyphenols leading to a higher antioxidant activity than P. alba. Although P. nigra presented lower amount (%) of fibre (20.1 vs. 23.3), the amount of total soluble sugars responsible of water retention was slightly higher (PN: 57.1, PA: 56.7). Moisture content, water activity and water absorption behaviours were different between both powders due to differences in their chemical composition. P. nigra powder presented higher amounts of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and lower initial equilibrium moisture content (aw = 0.7), with a lower aw at 20 °C at the same water content, suggesting that P. nigra powder would have less possibility of deterioration during storage.
Improved solubility of proteins from white and red clover – inhibition of redox enzymes
Authors: Amer Bashar , Juul Louise , Møller Anders Hauer , Møller Hanne Søndergård , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup
Published: May 2020

New alternative protein sources are needed. Clover grasses as white clover (WC) and red clover (RC) may provide a novel protein source to achieve high‐quality food protein. To prevent protein oxidation, endogenous oxidative enzymes as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidases were inhibited with sulphite. RC showed higher PPO activity than WC. Low sulphite inhibited the PPO activity in both species, but browning still occurred in RC. Sulphite did not affect the polyphenol (PP) content in WC, rather suggesting peroxidase than PPO activity. In RC juice, the PP content increased in a dose‐dependent manner with increasing sulphite. High sulphite impaired browning and increased the content of soluble rubisco in RC, mainly by increasing the content of native rubisco. In vitro digestibility of RC protein increased with increasing sulphite. In conclusion, sulphite inhibited oxidative enzymes and increased the quality of protein extracted from WC and RC.
Determinants of self‐perceived oral health in adolescents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nascimento Michele , Cunha Soares Fernanda , Dahllöf Göran , Burgos Souto Maior Giovanna , Kvist Therese , Colares Viviane
Published: May 2020

Background

Self‐perceived oral health (SPOH) is a summary of multiple determinants related to oral health and has been suggested for use in clinical practice as a health assessment tool.

Aim

To analyse determinants of SPOH among adolescents.

Design

In 2018, we selected 1742 participants from eight high schools in Olinda/PE, Brazil, using a multistage stratified cluster sample. The main survey item of SPOH was ‘How would you rate your oral health’. Determinants of were queried with a questionnaire and a clinical examination: socio‐demographic variables, exposure to family violence, somatic symptoms, and orofacial and general health factors. Pearson's chi‐square test and logistic regressions evaluated associations between determinants and SPOH.

Results

Very poor SPOH had a prevalence of 8.7%. Nearly half (43.5%) rated their oral health as ‘fair’. Very poor SPOH was associated with poor self‐perceived general health (OR = 2.60), anterior open bite (OR = 2.24), not cohabiting with one or both parents (OR = 2.40), caries experience (OR = 1.93), dental pain (OR = 1.91), and temporomandibular disorders (OR = 1.77).

Conclusion

Very poor self‐perceived oral health indicates life stress and associates with poor oral conditions. Assessments should be used to explore individual treatment needs and abilities to comply with recommendations.
Group identification and self‐efficacy associated with quality of life in emergency medical services volunteers: A cross‐sectional investigation
Authors: Caricati Luca , Panari Chiara , Melleri Marta
Published: May 2020

Volunteering in emergency medical services (EMS) plays a fundamental role in the improvement and maintenance of collective and community health. However, this work often requires rescuers to deal with very stressful situations with consequences in terms of decreased quality of life and psychological well‐being. The aim of this work was to analyze the resources that can be positively associated with volunteers’ quality of life. In particular, based on social identity and social cure approaches, we tested the effect of self‐efficacy and identification with a volunteer category on both positive and negative aspects of the volunteers’ professional quality of life. A self‐report questionnaire was administered to 203 EMS volunteers (53.7% men) from a large nonprofit volunteer association. Results are mostly supportive of predictions from the social identity (and specifically the “social cure”) approach, and show that professional identification and self‐efficacy were differently linked to the dimensions of the volunteers’ quality of life. More precisely, professional identification was negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with compassion satisfaction, and both effects were mediated by self‐efficacy. On the contrary, self‐efficacy and volunteer identification were not associated with secondary traumatic stress. Practical implications for volunteers’ wellbeing are discussed in the light of the policies of volunteer associations to improve collective resources.
AT2R agonist NP‐6A4 mitigates aortic stiffness and proteolytic activity in mouse model of aneurysm
Authors: Sharma Neekun , Belenchia Anthony M. , Toedebusch Ryan , Pulakat Lakshmi , Hans Chetan P.
Published: May 2020

Clinical and experimental studies show that angiotensin II (AngII) promotes vascular pathology via activation of AngII type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). We recently reported that NP‐6A4, a selective peptide agonist for AngII type 2 receptor (AT2R), exerts protective effects on human vascular cells subjected to serum starvation or doxorubicin exposure. In this study, we investigated whether NP‐6A4–induced AT2R activation could mitigate AngII‐induced abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) using AngII‐treated Apoe−/− mice. Male Apoe−/− mice were infused with AngII (1 µg/kg/min) by implanting osmotic pumps subcutaneously for 28 days. A subset of mice was pre‐treated subcutaneously with NP‐6A4 (2.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 14 days prior to AngII, and treatments were continued for 28 days. NP‐6A4 significantly reduced aortic stiffness of the abdominal aorta induced by AngII as determined by ultrasound functional analyses and histochemical analyses. NP‐6A4 also increased nitric oxide bioavailability in aortic tissues and suppressed AngII‐induced increases in monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, osteopontin and proteolytic activity of the aorta. However, NP‐6A4 did not affect maximal intraluminal aortic diameter or AAA incidences significantly. These data suggest that the effects of AT2R agonist on vascular pathologies are selective, affecting the aortic stiffness and proteolytic activity without affecting the size of AAA.
Investigating food limitations in wild fisheries: the attendance and growth responses of fish at an anthropogenic feeding station within a temperate estuary
Authors: Cook Denham G. , Jaksons Peter , Jerrett Alistair
Published: May 2020

To investigate whether wild fish populations are food limited, this study explored whether the provision of supplementary food had a positive effect on the abundance, condition and growth characteristics of estuarine fish assemblages in New Zealand. Feed (7690 kg) was delivered from an anthropogenic feeding station over a 60‐week period to a naturally occurring assemblage of wild fish. Yellow‐eyed mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) of juvenile, sub‐adult and newly matured size classes were the dominant species actively foraging at the feeding station throughout its operation, whereas larger piscivorous species visited and foraged from the feed station over the summer period only. Other species were present in the wider area of Nelson Haven, but not at the feed station. No obvious changes in the condition factor of yellow‐eyed mullet were observed across the period of monitoring, and no changes in their catchability were detected – although marked seasonal variation in catch rates was observed. Results from tag‐recapture data identify that the length‐based growth rates of yellow‐eyed mullet recaptured near the feed station were higher than those of tagged individuals recaptured at a nearby comparison site, and were higher than the growth rates observed in natural populations of yellow‐eyed mullet in the wider region. Shifts in the median size of fish, as observed by acoustic observations, agreed with the tag‐recapture data. Although some of the results identified were not amenable to statistical analyses, the attendance of yellow‐eyed mullet at the feeding station, in combination with the improved estimates of growth by most of the techniques employed, indicates that yellow‐eyed mullet are food limited in their natural environment and that the growth performance of these fish can be positively affected by the increased availability of food.