bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience With a Linguistic Variant Affects the Acquisition of Its Sociolinguistic Meaning: An Alien‐Language‐Learning Experiment
Authors: Lai Wei , Rácz Péter , Roberts Gareth
Published: April 2020

How do speakers learn the social meaning of different linguistic variants, and what factors influence how likely a particular social–linguistic association is to be learned? It has been argued that the social meaning of more salient variants should be learned faster, and that learners' pre‐existing experience of a variant will influence its salience. In this paper, we report two artificial‐language‐learning experiments investigating this. Each experiment involved two language‐learning stages followed by a test. The first stage introduced the artificial language and trained participants in it, while the second stage added a simple social context using images of cartoon aliens. The first learning stage was intended to establish participants' experience with the artificial language in general and with the distribution of linguistic variants in particular. The second stage, in which linguistic stimuli were accompanied by images of particular aliens, was intended to simulate the acquisition of linguistic variants in a social context. In our first experiment, we manipulated whether a particular linguistic variant, associated with one species of alien in the second learning phase, had been encountered in the first learning phase. In the second experiment, we manipulated whether the variant had been encountered in the same grammatical context. In both cases we predicted that the unexpectedness of a new variant or a new grammatical context for an old variant would increase the variant's salience and facilitate the learning of its social meaning. This is what we found, although in the second experiment, the effect was driven by better learners. Our results suggest that unexpectedness increases the salience of variants and makes their social distribution easier to learn, deepening our understanding of the role of individual language experience in the acquisition of sociolinguistic meaning.
Sensory nerve‐deficient microenvironment impairs tooth homeostasis by inducing apoptosis of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Liu An‐Qi , Zhang Li‐Shu , Fei Dong‐Dong , Guo Hao , Wu Mei‐Ling , Liu Jin , He Xiao‐Ning , Zhang Yong‐Jie , Xuan Kun , Li Bei
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of sensory nerve in tooth homeostasis and its effect on mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in dental pulp.

Materials and methods

We established the rat denervated incisor models to identify the morphological and histological changes of tooth. The groups were as follows: IANx (inferior alveolar nerve section), SCGx (superior cervical ganglion removal), IANx + SCGx and Sham group. The biological behaviour of dental pulp stromal/stem cells (DPSCs) was evaluated. Finally, we applied activin B to DPSCs from sensory nerve‐deficient microenvironment to analyse the changes of proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Incisor of IANx and IANx + SCGx groups exhibited obvious disorganized tooth structure, while SCGx group only showed slight decrease of dentin thickness, implying sensory nerve, not sympathetic nerve, contributes to the tooth homeostasis. Moreover, we found sensory nerve injury led to disfunction of DPSCs via activin B/SMAD2/3 signalling in vitro. Supplementing activin B promoted proliferation and reduced apoptosis of DPSCs in sensory nerve‐deficient microenvironment.

Conclusions

This research first demonstrates that sensory nerve‐deficient microenvironment impairs tooth haemostasis by inducing apoptosis of DPSCs via activin B/SMAD2/3 signalling. Our study provides the evidence for the crucial role of sensory nerve in tooth homeostasis.
Comparison of urine cytology diagnostic reports before and after the implementation of the Paris System classification system in China
Authors: Ma Cao , Zhang Lihua
Published: April 2020

Objective

In 2013, The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS) was developed as a uniform practical urine cytology system that could be applied worldwide. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of TPS diagnostic approach compared with that of the traditional urine cytological diagnosis method used in China.

Methods

Based on the diagnostic criteria of TPS, 412 urine samples from 143 patients with histological follow‐up data were retrospectively analysed, and the diagnoses were compared with the original cytological diagnoses.

Results

In total, 110 patients were histologically diagnosed with high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC), and 33 patients were diagnosed with low‐grade urothelial neoplasia. Based on the traditional urine cytological analysis method, 50 patients (34.9%) were diagnosed as negative, 48 patients (33.6%) were diagnosed as having atypical urothelial cells, and 45 patients (31.5%) were diagnosed as positive. After reclassification using TPS, urine samples from 11 cases (7.7%) were categorised as unsatisfactory, 34 cases (23.8%) were negative, 21 cases (14.7%) were categorised as having atypical urothelial cells, 12 cases (8.4%) were diagnosed as suspicious for HGUC, 59 cases (41.2%) were diagnosed with HGUC, and six cases (4.2%) were reclassified as having low‐grade urothelial neoplasia. Thus, after implementing TPS criteria, the sensitivity for positive malignancy diagnoses (HGUC alone) increased from 38.2% to 50.9%, while the specificity of the diagnosis was barely changed.

Conclusions

The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology greatly contributes to the standardisation of urine cytology reports and significantly improves the diagnostic sensitivity for HGUC.
Compounded preparations in dermatology – analysis of prescribing habits in everyday clinical practice in Germany
Authors: Salzmann Stefan , Salzmann Martin , Staubach Petra
Published: April 2020

Background

Compounded preparations (CPs) are an indispensable addition to approved, commercially available drugs (CADs), especially for topical therapy. In Germany, about eight million CPs are prescribed within the statutory health insurance system each year, 50 % thereof by dermatologists.

Methods

We analyzed prescribing habits based on a questionnaire sent out to 186 office‐based dermatologists and 1,491 pharmacies in the federal states of Rhineland‐Palatinate and Saarland. The goal was to improve patient care by collecting and categorizing data in terms of prescription practice and associated challenges in interdisciplinary cooperation.

Results

Overall, 351 pharmacists (23.5 %) and 53 dermatologists (28.4 %) participated in this survey. The most common reason (83 %) stated for prescribing a CP was the possibility to prescribe large quantities of a given topical medication; CPs were most commonly prescribed for psoriasis and various types of dermatitis. The most frequently prescribed active pharmaceutical ingredients were triamcinolone (80 %), erythromycin (78.3 %) and clotrimazole (72.5 %). Fifty‐eight percent of pharmacists reported that the collaboration with dermatologists was “associated with problems”; 34 % complained about insufficient communication.

Conclusions

CPs are essential for optimizing patient care. Interdisciplinary cooperation poses a challenge to both physicians and pharmacists. In this context, it is important to increase collaborative efforts in terms of training and continuing medical education. Further studies on CPs are required to better elucidate the challenges and opportunities associated with their prescription.
S3 guideline for actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) – short version, part 2: epidemiology, surgical and systemic treatment of cSCC, follow‐up, prevention and occupational disease
Authors: Leiter Ulrike , Heppt Markus V. , Steeb Theresa , Amaral Teresa , Bauer Andrea , Becker Jürgen C. , Breitbart Eckhardt , Breuninger Helmut , Diepgen Thomas , Dirschka Thomas , Eigentler Thomas , Flaig Michael , Follmann Markus , Fritz Klaus , Greinert Rüdiger , Gutzmer Ralf , Hillen Uwe , Ihrler Stephan , John Swen Malte , Kölbl Oliver , Kraywinkel Klaus , Löser Christoph , Nashan Dorothee , Noor Seema , Nothacker Monika , Pfannenberg Christina , Salavastru Carmen , Schmitz Lutz , Stockfleth Eggert , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus , Ulrich Claas , Welzel Julia , Wermker Kai , Garbe Claus , Berking Carola
Published: April 2020

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common lesions in light‐skinned individuals that can potentially progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Both conditions may be associated with significant morbidity and constitute a major disease burden, especially among the elderly. To establish an evidence‐based framework for clinical decision making, the guidelines for actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma were developed using the highest level of methodology (S3) according to regulations issued by the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF). The guidelines are aimed at dermatologists, general practitioners, ENT specialists, surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and radiation oncologists in hospitals and office‐based settings as well as other medical specialties involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AKs and cSCC. The guidelines are also aimed at affected patients, their relatives, policy makers and insurance funds. In the second part, we will address aspects relating to epidemiology, etiology, surgical and systemic treatment of cSCC, follow‐up and disease prevention, and discuss AKs and cSCC in the context of occupational disease regulations.
Identification of a phytoplasma associated with Syringa reticulata witches' broom disease in China
Authors: Yang Jing , Liao Ya Jun , Ning Jun Hui , Wang Jin Zhong , Wang He , Ren Zheng Guang
Published: April 2020

During the summer of 2018, one Syringa reticulata plant showing witches' broom and small leaves was observed in Beijing, China. Molecular diagnostic tools and electron microscopic cell observation were used to detect the possible pathogen of this disease. As a result, the phytoplasma in the symptomatic S. reticulata tree was confirmed by amplifying the 16S rRNA gene using the phytoplasma‐specific universal primer pair R16mF2/R16mR1 and observation with transmission electron microscopy. The rp and tuf genes of the phytoplasma were also cloned and sequenced as the 16S rRNA gene. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA, rp and tuf genes indicated that the phytoplasma associated with S. reticulata witches' broom (SrWB) disease belonged to the 16SrV‐B subgroup, and it was closely related to the 16SrV‐B subgroup phytoplasma strain jujube witches' broom, which causes serious disease of jujube fruit trees in China. This study shows the S. reticulata tree as a new host of a phytoplasma belonging to the 16SrV‐B subgroup in China.
After a catastrophe, a little bit of sex is better than nothing: Genetic consequences of a major earthquake on asexual and sexual populations
Authors: Becheler Ronan , Guillemin Marie‐Laure , Stoeckel Solenn , Mauger Stéphane , Saunier Alice , Brante Antonio , Destombe Christophe , Valero Myriam
Published: April 2020

Catastrophic events can have profound effects on the demography of a population and consequently on genetic diversity. The dynamics of postcatastrophic recovery and the role of sexual versus asexual reproduction in buffering the effects of massive perturbations remain poorly understood, in part because the opportunity to document genetic diversity before and after such events is rare. Six natural (purely sexual) and seven cultivated (mainly clonal due to farming practices) populations of the red alga Agarophyton chilense were surveyed along the Chilean coast before, in the days after and 2 years after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010. The genetic diversity of sexual populations appeared sensitive to this massive perturbation, notably through the loss of rare alleles immediately after the earthquake. By 2012, the levels of diversity returned to those observed before the catastrophe, probably due to migration. In contrast, enhanced rates of clonality in cultivated populations conferred a surprising ability to buffer the instantaneous loss of diversity. After the earthquake, farmers increased the already high rate of clonality to maintain the few surviving beds, but most of them collapsed rapidly. Contrasting fates between sexual and clonal populations suggest that betting on strict clonality to sustain production is risky, probably because this extreme strategy hampered adaptation to the brutal environmental perturbation induced by the catastrophe.
Regulation of the germinal center response by nuclear receptors and implications for autoimmune diseases
Authors: Olson William J. , Jakic Bojana , Hermann‐Kleiter Natascha
Published: April 2020

The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the host from infectious diseases and cancer. Notably, B and T lymphocytes from the adaptive arm of the immune system can co‐operate to form long‐lived antibody responses and are therefore the main target in vaccination approaches. Nevertheless, protective immune responses must be tightly regulated to avoid hyper‐responsiveness and responses against self that can result in autoimmunity. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are perfectly adapted to rapidly alter transcriptional cellular responses to altered environmental settings. Their functional role is associated with both immune deficiencies and autoimmunity. Despite extensive linking of nuclear receptor function with specific CD4 T helper subsets, research on the functional roles and mechanisms of specific NRs in CD4 follicular T helper cells (Tfh) and germinal center (GC) B cells during the germinal center reaction is just emerging. We review recent advances in our understanding of NR regulation in specific cell types of the GC response and discuss their implications for autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Crushed between two stones: Competing institutional logics in the implementation of maternity leave policies in Pakistan
Authors: Masood Ayesha , Nisar Muhammad Azfar
Published: April 2020

Maternity leave forms the mainstay of work–life policies aimed towards creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. While extensive research has examined the impact of maternity leave on women's participation, progress and retention in the labour force, the institutional micro‐social foundations of implementation and interpretation of these policies remain underexplored. Based on an ethnographic study of Pakistani women doctors, this study explores the intersection of different logics prevailing in various institutions — family, state and profession — involved in implementing maternity policies. Our findings illustrate that cultural configurations of motherhood, norms of the medical profession and the administrative burden of applying for leave, shaped by the trans‐institutional logic of patriarchy, limit the effectiveness and utilization of maternity policies. Our research, therefore, supports context‐specific reconceptualization and redesign of maternity leave policies. Based on our findings, we offer suggestions to account for heterogeneity of women workers based on their employment status (regular/contractual) and employing organizations (public/private) in the design of maternity leave policies to improve their implementation.
Antioxidant activities of mandarin (Citrus unshiu) peel pectin films containing sage (Salvia officinalis) leaf extract
Authors: Han Hee‐Seon , Song Kyung Bin
Published: April 2020

Biopolymer films were prepared using pectin extracted from mandarin peel, a by‐product of fruit processing. Varying amounts (0.6%, 1.0% and 1.4%) of sage leaf extract (SLE) were also added to mandarin peel pectin (MPP) films to enhance its antioxidant abilities. Compared with the MPP film alone, the total phenolic contents of the MPP films containing SLE were higher. The MPP film with 0.6% SLE possessed the most desirable physical properties with tensile strength of 23.31 MPa and an elongation at break of 18.82%. We used four different methods to identify the antioxidant property of the MPP films with SLE, and the results showed that the antioxidant activity increased with increase in the amount of SLE added. In contrast, the addition of SLE lowered the thermal stability and water resistance of the MPP film. These results indicate that the developed MPP films containing SLE can be potentially used for food‐based applications.
Comparison of microwave and high‐pressure processing on bound phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of sorghum hull
Authors: Luo Mukang , Hou Fangli , Dong Lihong , Huang Fei , Zhang Ruifen , Su Dongxiao
Published: April 2020

The influence of microwave boiling (MB treated 5, 10 and 15 s was abbreviated as MB5, MB10 and MB15, respectively) and high‐pressure boiling (HB processed 10, 20 and 30 min was denoted as HB10, HB20 and HB30, respectively) processing on the composition and content of bound phenolic substances of sorghum hull and their antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Nine bound phenolic profiles were identified by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS, including syringic acid, veratric acid, p‐hydroxybenzonic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic alcohol, ascorbic acid, prenylnaringenin and luteolin. Compared with traditional hot water processing (HP treated 10, 30 and 50 min was abbreviated as HP10, HP30 and HP50, respectively), the content of free procyanidins and total phenolics of sorghum hull treated with HB increased by 35.92–58.87% and 6.20–18.70%, respectively. Sorghum hull treated with HB20 possessed the highest ABTS (ABTS radical scavenging capacity) and FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power) among all treatment groups.
A systematic review of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in adolescents
Authors: Chan Alex Simon , Tran Theresa Thien Kim , Hsu Yi Hsuan , Liu Stephanie Yue Sum , Kroon Jeroen
Published: April 2020

Background

Dental erosion is the dissolution of dental hard tissues caused by acids of a non‐bacterial origin. Dietary acids are considered the predominant and most controllable factor.

Aim

To synthesise the literature on the effects of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion in the permanent dentition of 10‐ to 19‐year‐old adolescents.

Materials and Methods

An electronic literature search was undertaken in Cochrane, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source via EBSCOhost, and Embase with no restriction on the date of publication.

Results

The initial search identified 449 articles, and 338 remained after removal of duplicates. Seventy‐seven articles remained after screening of titles and abstracts, and 52 were eligible for the full‐text review. A considerable variety of beverages, food, and dietary habits were reported as risk factors for dental erosion. The most consistent findings implicated the erosive potential of carbonated beverages and the consumption of acidic drinks at bedtime.

Conclusions

Although results were not consistent between cohort and cross‐sectional studies, this review suggests certain dietary risk factors may contribute to dental erosion in adolescents. There is a need for more high‐quality cohort studies to establish more conclusive evidence on the role of dietary acids and habits on dental erosion.
Original design manufacturer's warranty strategy when considering retailers' brand power under different power structures
Authors: Lou Yaqi , He Zhen , Feng Lipan , Cai Keyuan , He Shuguang
Published: April 2020

In recent years, the original design manufacturer (ODM) has increasing interests in multichannel cooperation with different retailers. This paper considers the problem in which the ODM cooperates with two competing retailers. The manufacturer produces two substitute products and markets them through two competing retailers. For both products, the manufacturer bundles them with basic warranties and the retailers brand them with their own branding. We quantitatively model the product demands and derive the optimal decisions under two common supply chain power structures: manufacturer Stackelberg and retailer Stackelberg. We observe that when the competition between the two retailers becomes fiercer, the manufacturer charges more for both products, the product substitutability and supply chain power structures do not affect the products' price and warranty decisions, and there does exist a brand ratio interval in which the product branded by the high‐reputation retailer will not get a better warranty from the manufacturer, violating the signalization of the warranty. The leader gets the power to get higher profit while the total profit of the whole supply chain remains the same under both power structures.
Fork tails evolved differently in swallows and swifts
Authors: Hasegawa Masaru , Arai Emi
Published: April 2020

Whether sexual or viability selection drives the evolution of ornamental traits is often unclear because current function does not clarify evolutionary history, particularly when the ornamentation is a modified version of the functional traits. Here, using a phylogenetic comparative approach, we studied how deeply forked tails—a classic example of sexually selected traits that might also be a mechanical device for enhancing aerodynamic ability—evolved in two groups of aerial foragers, swallows (family: Hirundinidae) and swifts (family: Apodidae). Although apparent fork depth, the target of sexual selection, increases with increasing outermost tail feather length, fork depth can also increase with decreasing central tail feather length, which impairs the lift generated by the tail. Thus, we predicted that sexual selection, but not viability selection, should favour the evolution of short central tail feathers in species with deeply forked tails, particularly in swifts, which are less reliant on the lift generated by their tail than in swallows. We found support for these predictions because central tail feather length decreased with increasing tail fork depth, particularly in swifts. Instead, the increase in outermost tail feather length per unit tail fork depth was higher in swallows than in swifts, indicating that a similar sexual ornamentation (i.e. forked tails) differently evolved in these two aerial insectivores perhaps due to the differential cost of ornamentation. We also found support for an optical illusion that changes the relative importance of central and outermost tail feather length in sexual selection.
Development and validation of a novel non‐invasive test for diagnosing fibrotic non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gao Feng , Huang Jiao‐Feng , Zheng Kenneth I. , Pan Xiao‐Yan , Ma Hong‐Lei , Liu Wen‐Yue , Byrne Christopher D. , Targher Giovanni , Li Yang‐Yang , Chen Yong‐Ping , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Zheng Ming‐Hua
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

There is an immediate need for non‐invasive accurate tests for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Previously, it has been suggested that MACK‐3 (a formula that combines homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance with serum serum aspartate aminotransferase and cytokeratin [CK]18‐M30 levels) accurately identifies patients with fibrotic NASH. Our aim was to assess the performance of MACK‐3 and develop a novel, non‐invasive algorithm for diagnosing fibrotic NASH.

Methods

Six hundred and thirty‐six adults with biopsy‐proven non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from two independent Asian cohorts were enrolled in our study. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (Fibroscan). Fibrotic NASH was defined as NASH with a NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 4 and F ≥ 2 fibrosis.

Results

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), platelet count and MACK‐3 were independent predictors of fibrotic NASH. On the basis of their regression coefficients, we developed a novel nomogram showing a good discriminatory ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.75–0.83]) and a high negative predictive value (NPV: 94.7%) to rule out fibrotic NASH. In the validation set, this nomogram had a higher AUROC (0.81, 95%CI 0.74–0.87) than that of MACK‐3 (AUROC: 0.75, 95%CI 0.68–0.82; P < 0.05) with a NPV of 93.2%. The sequential combination of this nomogram with LSM data avoided the need for liver biopsy in 56.9% of patients.

Conclusions

Our novel nomogram (combining MACK‐3, platelet count and MetS) shows promising utility for diagnosing fibrotic NASH. The sequential combination of this nomogram and vibration‐controlled transient elastography limits indeterminate results and reduces the number of unnecessary liver biopsies.
Large‐scale identification of expression quantitative trait loci in Arabidopsis reveals novel candidate regulators of immune responses and other processes
Authors: Wang Xingang , Ren Min , Liu Danni , Zhang Dabao , Zhang Cuijun , Lang Zhaobo , Macho Alberto P. , Zhang Min , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: April 2020

The extensive phenotypic diversity within natural populations of Arabidopsis is associated with differences in gene expression. Transcript levels can be considered as inheritable quantitative traits, and used to map expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in genome‐wide association studies (GWASs). In order to identify putative genetic determinants for variations in gene expression, we used publicly available genomic and transcript variation data from 665 Arabidopsis accessions and applied the single nucleotide polymorphism‐set (Sequence) Kernel Association Test (SKAT) method for the identification of eQTL. Moreover, we used the penalized orthogonal‐components regression (POCRE) method to increase the power of statistical tests. Then, gene annotations were used as test units to identify genes that are associated with natural variations in transcript accumulation, which correspond to candidate regulators, some of which may have a broad impact on gene expression. Besides increasing the chances to identify real associations, the analysis using POCRE and SKAT significantly reduced the computational cost required to analyze large datasets. As a proof of concept, we used this approach to identify eQTL that represent novel candidate regulators of immune responses. The versatility of this approach allows its application to any process that is subjected to natural variation among Arabidopsis accessions.
Direct inhibition of arcuate kisspeptin neurones by neuropeptide Y in the male and female mouse
Authors: Hessler Sabine , Liu Xinhuai , Herbison Allan E.
Published: April 2020

Adverse energy states exert a potent suppressive influence on the reproductive axis by inhibiting the pulsatile release of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and luteinising hormone. One potential mechanism underlying this involves the metabolic‐sensing pro‐opiomelanocortin and agouti‐related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) neuronal populations directly controlling the activity of the arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurones comprising the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone pulse generator. Using acute brain slice electrophysiology and calcium imaging approaches in Kiss1‐GFP and Kiss1‐GCaMP6 mice, we investigated whether NPY and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone provide a direct modulatory influence on the activity of arcuate kisspeptin neurones in the adult mouse. NPY was found to exert a potent suppressive influence upon the neurokinin B‐evoked firing of approximately one‐half of arcuate kisspeptin neurones in both sexes. This effect was blocked partially by the NPY1R antagonist BIBO 3304, whereas the NPY5R antagonist L152,804 was ineffective. NPY also suppressed the neurokinin B‐evoked increase in intracellular calcium levels in the presence of tetrodotoxin and amino acid receptor antagonists, indicating that the inhibitory effects of NPY are direct on kisspeptin neurones. By contrast, no effects of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone were found on the excitability of arcuate kisspeptin neurones. These studies provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that AgRP/NPY neurones link energy status and luteinising hormone pulsatility by demonstrating that NPY has a direct suppressive influence upon the activity of a subpopulation of arcuate kisspeptin neurones.
Nurses' perception and experiences towards medical device‐related pressure injuries: A qualitative study
Authors: Tan Jocelyn Jie Min , Cheng Michelle Tze Min , Hassan Norasyikin Bte , He Honggu , Wang Wenru
Published: April 2020

Aims and objectives

This study aims to explore nurses' perceptions and experiences regarding pressure injuries caused by medical devices and to understand the perceived challenges and barriers nurses face in preventing medical device‐related pressure injuries.

Background

Nurses have a responsibility to prevent pressure injuries and play a major role in their prevention. As there has been a lack of research on medical device‐related pressure injuries, not much is known about nurses’ perceptions and experiences. This therefore hinders the establishment of effective and efficient interventions in nurses’ education and in the practical environment.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was adopted, and the COREQ checklist was employed to report on the current study.

Methods

The study was conducted at an acute care hospital in Singapore. Purposive sampling was used, and a total of 21 enrolled and registered nurses who had recent experiences with medical device‐related pressure injuries were recruited between August and December 2018. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. A thematic analysis was performed to analyse the qualitative data.

Results

Five themes emerged regarding pressure injuries: (1) preventable yet unavoidable, (2) everyone's responsibility, (3) harmonising theory with practice reality, (4) pre‐existing conditions may limit injury prevention and management; and (5) nurses expressed a need for experiential training.

Conclusions

The study's findings could be used to develop improvements in nursing practice and policy at acute care hospitals, as well as to improve awareness of medical device‐related pressure injuries among healthcare professionals. Moreover, the findings can also inform future research studies to develop effective evidence‐based practices and improve patient outcomes.

Relevance to the clinical practice

This study reveals the unique challenges and dilemmas that nurses face and will help to inform healthcare institutions and management in developing programmes and improving protocols to reduce the incidence rate of pressure injuries caused by medical device.
Is there association between dental malocclusion and bruxism? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ribeiro‐Lages Mariana Batista , Martins Mariana Leonel , Magno Marcela Baraúna , Masterson Ferreira Daniele , Tavares‐Silva Cláudia Maria , Fonseca‐Gonçalves Andréa , Serra‐Negra Júnia Maria , Maia Lucianne Cople
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Given that current literature largely dissociates dental malocclusion and bruxism, the objective of this study was to gather, through a systematic review, scientific evidence to support their relationship.

Methodology

This study was performed according to the PECO strategy (where P = general population; E = dental malocclusion; C = no dental malocclusion; and O = bruxism). Literature searches were conducted without language or date restrictions in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, LILACS/BBO via VHL and the grey literature. The search strategy included Medical Subject Headings/DECs, synonyms and free terms relevant to each database, with no age restrictions applied. Once the relevant data were extracted from the articles, the Fowkes and Fulton guidelines were followed to assess the quality and risk of bias. For quantitative analysis, dental malocclusions were divided into groups according to their type in order to perform odds ratio (OR) meta‐analyses with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the Review Manager software program (Cochrane, London, UK). The level of certainty of evidence was demonstrated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

After 1,502 studies found, 10 studies were included for qualitative analysis and nine for quantitative synthesis. Four studies presented high methodological quality. Five meta‐analyses suggested a non‐association between bruxism and Angle class I (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.41‐2.69; P = .92; I2 = 84%), Angle class II (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.77‐2.87; P = .23; I2 = 71%) or Angle class III (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.31‐1.93; P = .58; I2 = 0%). Bruxism was associated with children who did not present with a posterior crossbite (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51‐0.96; P = .03; I2 = 27%) and present crowding (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.03‐2.26; P = .03; I2 = 0%). The GRADE analysis presented a very low quality of evidence.

Conclusion

Individuals who present with bruxism have a greater chance of crowding. However, bruxism is not associated with the presence of any of the other malocclusions evaluated.
Chemical components of essential oils as a base to control two grape pathogens: Sphaceloma ampelinum and Pseudocercopora vitis
Authors: Rozwalka Luciane Cristina , Moreira Rafaele Regina , Ballesteros Garcia Meira J. , Marques Francisco A. , May De Mio Louise Larissa
Published: April 2020

Anthracnose and grapevine leaf spot are the most important fungal diseases of fox grape in Brazil caused by Sphaceloma ampelinum and Pseudocercospora vitis, respectively. Severe attacks of either diseases can affect the yield in the current and subsequent years. Synthetic fungicides are recommended to control these pathogens in the field but may be harmful to the environment and human health over time and select for fungicide‐resistant pathogen populations. Among the new strategies for safe food production, free of pesticide residues, essential oils represent a promising tool to control plant pathogens. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activity of the volatile compounds of 26 essential oils on germination of P. vitis and S. ampelinum and of their principal active compounds as bases for development of new technological products. The essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cymbopogon citratus were fungitoxic to P. vitis and S. ampelinum, in vapour and liquid phases, completely inhibiting spore germination. The main compounds found in the essential oils studied were citral, geraniol, eugenol and isoeugenol. All of these, in vapour and liquid phases, were toxic to P. vitis, completely inhibiting spore germination. Citral, in the vapour phase, and citral, eugenol and isoeugenol in the liquid phase, were toxic to S. ampelinum, completely inhibiting spore germination.
Lung Cancer Staging at Diagnosis in the Veterans Health Administration: Is Rurality an Influencing Factor? A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Sanchez Rolando , Zhou Yunshu , Sarrazin Mary S. Vaughan , Kaboli Peter J. , Charlton Mary , Hoffman Richard M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the association between rurality and lung cancer stage at diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data to identify veterans newly diagnosed with lung cancer between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2015. We defined rurality, based on place of residence, using Rural‐Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes with the subcategories of urban, large rural, small rural, and isolated. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine associations between rurality and stage at diagnosis, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We also analyzed data using the RUCA code for patients’ assigned primary care sites and driving distances to primary care clinics and medical centers.

Findings

We identified 4,220 veterans with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 25,978 with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Large rural residence (compared to urban) was associated with early‐stage diagnosis of NSCLC (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.00‐1.24) and SCLC (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.18‐1.55). However, the finding was significant only in the southern and western regions of the country. White race, female sex, chronic lung disease, higher comorbidity, receiving primary care, being a former tobacco user, and more recent year of diagnosis were also associated with diagnosing early‐stage NSCLC. Driving distance to medical centers was inversely associated with late‐stage NSCLC diagnoses, particularly for large rural areas.

Conclusions

We did not find clear associations between rurality and lung cancer stage at diagnosis. These findings highlight the complex relationship between rurality and lung cancer within VHA, suggesting access to care cannot be fully captured by current rurality codes.
Rural Caregivers: Identification of Informational Needs Through Telemedicine Questions
Authors: Bardach Shoshana H. , Gibson Allison , Parsons Kelly , Stauffer April , Jicha Gregory A.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and associated disorders is increasing. Rural residents in the United States have less access to memory care specialists and educational and community resources than in other areas of the country. Over a decade ago, we initiated an interdisciplinary rural caregiving telemedicine program to reach Kentucky residents in areas of the state where resources for supporting individuals with dementia are limited. Telemedicine programs involve a short informational presentation followed by a question and answer session; programs are offered 4 times a year. The purpose of this study was to explore questions asked over 1 year of the rural caregiving telemedicine program—encompassing 5 programs—to identify the scope of dementia‐related knowledge gaps among attendees.

Methods

Questions from the 5 programs were recorded and content analyzed to identify areas of frequent informational requests.

Results

There were a total of 69 questions over the 5 sessions. For each program, questions ended due to time constraints rather than exhausting all inquiries. The most common topical areas of questions related to risk factors, behavioral management, diagnosis, and medications.

Discussion and Implications

This study highlights that rural caregivers in Kentucky have diverse dementia educational needs. Rural communities may benefit from additional, targeted resources addressing these common areas of unmet informational needs.
Dealing with sleep problems during home confinement due to the COVID‐19 outbreak: Practical recommendations from a task force of the European CBT‐I Academy
Authors: Altena Ellemarije , Baglioni Chiara , Espie Colin A. , Ellis Jason , Gavriloff Dimitri , Holzinger Brigitte , Schlarb Angelika , Frase Lukas , Jernelöv Susanna , Riemann Dieter
Published: April 2020

In the current global home confinement situation due to the COVID‐19 outbreak, most individuals are exposed to an unprecedented stressful situation of unknown duration. This may not only increase daytime stress, anxiety and depression levels, but also disrupt sleep. Importantly, because of the fundamental role that sleep plays in emotion regulation, sleep disturbance can have direct consequences upon next day emotional functioning. In this paper, we summarize what is known about the stress−sleep link and confinement as well as effective insomnia treatment. We discuss those effects of the current home confinement situation that can disrupt sleep but also those that could benefit sleep quality. We suggest adaptions of cognitive behavioural therapy elements that are feasible to implement for those facing changed work schedules and requirements, those with health anxiety and those handling childcare and home‐schooling, whilst also recognizing the general limitations imposed on physical exercise and social interaction. Managing sleep problems as best as possible during home confinement can limit stress and possibly prevent disruptions of social relationships.
Effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function in healthy dogs
Authors: Thomason John , Mooney Allison P. , Price Joshua M. , Whittemore Jacqueline C.
Published: April 2020

Background

Glucocorticoids cause hypercoagulability, but it is unknown if they counteract clopidogrel's antiplatelet effects.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine the effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function.

Animals

Twenty‐four healthy dogs.

Methods

Double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized trial. Platelet function was evaluated using a platelet function analyzer and impedance aggregometry (days 0, 14, and 28) for dogs treated with placebo, clopidogrel (2‐3 mg/kg/d), prednisone (2 mg/kg/d), or prednisone with clopidogrel PO for 28 days. Results were categorized as nonresponder versus responder (platelet function analyzer), and inadequate, ideal, or excessive response (aggregometry). Results were compared using mixed model, split‐plot repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimating equation proportional odds models. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

Closure times differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 10.5; P < .001), time (F [2, 40] = 14.3; P < .001), and treatment‐by‐time (F [6, 40] = 3.4; P = .01). Area under the curve (AUC) differed by treatment (F [3, 20] = 19.6; P < .001), time (F [2, 40] = 35.4; P < .001), and treatment‐by‐time (F [6, 40] = 13.5; P < .001). Based on closure times, 5/6 dogs each in the clopidogrel and prednisone/clopidogrel groups were responders. All dogs in the prednisone/clopidogrel group were overcontrolled based on AUC (days 14 and 28), whereas 5/6 (day 14) and 2/6 (day 28) dogs treated with clopidogrel were overcontrolled. Compared to clopidogrel, dogs receiving prednisone/clopidogrel were 11 times (P = .03) more likely to have an excessive response.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Administration of clopidogrel/prednisone increases platelet dysfunction in healthy dogs.
Related mobile pathogenicity chromosomes in Fusarium oxysporum determine host range on cucurbits
Authors: Li Jiming , Fokkens Like , van Dam Peter , Rep Martijn
Published: April 2020

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐cucumerinum (Forc) causes severe root rot and wilt in several cucurbit species, including cucumber, melon, and watermelon. Previously, a pathogenicity chromosome, chrRC, was identified in Forc. Strains that were previously nonpathogenic could infect multiple cucurbit species after obtaining this chromosome via horizontal chromosome transfer (HCT). In contrast, F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom) can only cause disease on melon plants, even though Fom contains contigs that are largely syntenic with chrRC. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic basis underlying the difference in host range between Fom and Forc. First, colonization of different cucurbit species between Forc and Fom strains showed that although Fom did not reach the upper part of cucumber or watermelon plants, it did enter the root xylem. Second, to select candidate genomic regions associated with differences in host range, high‐quality genome assemblies of Fom001, Fom005, and Forc016 were compared. One of the Fom contigs that is largely syntenic and highly similar in sequence to chrRC contains the effector gene SIX6. After HCT of the SIX6‐containing chromosome from Fom strains to a nonpathogenic strain, the recipient (HCT) strains caused disease on melon plants, but not on cucumber or watermelon plants. These results provide strong evidence that the differences in host range between Fom and Forc are caused by differences between transferred chromosomes of Fom and chrRC, thus narrowing down the search for genes allowing or preventing infection of cucumber and watermelon to genes located on these chromosomes.
Effect of ovariectomy on maxilla and mandible dimensions of female rats
Authors: Omori Marjorie Ayumi , Marañón‐Vásquez Guido Artemio , Romualdo Priscilla Coutinho , Martins Neto Evandro Carneiro , Stuani Maria Bernadete Sasso , Matsumoto Mirian Aiko Nakane , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Proff Peter , León Jorge Esquiche , Kirschneck Christian , Küchler Erika C.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The role of oestrogen in craniofacial growth still remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of oestrogen deficiency on maxilla and mandible dimensions.

Setting and Sample Population

The study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, and used forty female Wistar rats.

Material and Methods

Ovariectomy (OVX) and placebo surgery (Sham) were performed when animals were twenty‐one days old (prepubertal stage). Dimensions of the maxilla and mandible were assessed by craniometric analysis using radiographs, during and after puberty of the animals (45 and 63 days old, respectively). Quantitative real‐time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the expression and localization, respectively, of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in different growth sites of the evaluated structures at puberty. The differences between the groups for each outcome were evaluated using the t test with an established alpha error of 5%.

Results

There were significant differences between the OVX and Sham groups for horizontal and vertical linear measurements in the maxilla and the mandible at both pubertal and post‐pubertal stages (P < .05). The ovariectomized rats showed significantly greater measures for all dimensions assessed. No differences in gene expression of ERα and ERβ were identified at the different growth sites between the OVX and Sham groups (P > .05). Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of both oestrogen receptors in osteoblasts and chondrocytes in the midpalatal suture and mandibular condyle, respectively, in the OVX and Sham groups.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that oestrogen deficiency from the prepubertal stage might increase the growth of the maxilla and mandible in female rats.
Submandibular gland excision: From external surgery to robotic intraoral and extraoral approaches
Authors: Cammaroto Giovanni , Vicini Claudio , Montevecchi Filippo , Bonsembiante Anna , Meccariello Giuseppe , Bresciani Lorenzo , Pelucchi Stefano , Capaccio Pasquale
Published: April 2020

Submandibular gland excision is generally performed through a transcervical approach, a safe procedure that, however, carries few neurological, functional and aesthetic drawbacks. Intraoral approach to the submandibular gland has been described many years ago but it has been newly proposed in recent years thanks to endoscope‐assisted and robot‐assisted surgical procedures. The main purpose of intraoral approaches is to avoid cosmetic sequelae and to reduce the risk of marginal nerve injury although the recent introduction of retroauricular, postauricular, facelift and transhairline neck incisions has overcome the need for an alternative to traditional transcervical approach. Different surgical approaches (transoral versus transcervical) to the submandibular gland as well as different type of cutaneous incisions will be illustrated and discussed in the light of advancement of endoscope‐assisted and robot‐assisted procedures.