bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obstetric oxytocin exposure and ADHD and ASD among Danish and Finnish children
Authors: Stokholm Lonny , Juhl Mette , Talge Nicole M , Gissler Mika , Obel Carsten , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine
Published: April 2020

Background

Some studies have indicated an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a small, sex-specific association with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children prenatally exposed to obstetric oxytocin. Since oxytocin is widely used in the obstetric ward, these potentially deleterious effects are of concern. Thus, we aimed to examine whether obstetric oxytocin treatment for labour induction or augmentation is associated with ADHD and ASD in offspring born in a two-country design based on data from Denmark and Finland.

Methods

This population-based study used data from national registers in Denmark and Finland. Singletons born in Denmark 2000–10 (n = 577 380) and Finland 1991–2010 (n = 945 543), who survived infancy, were followed until 31 December 2015. ADHD and ASD were defined using diagnostic codes. For ADHD, we also included information on prescribed and redeemed ADHD medication in the definition. Hazards ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), modelled with age as the underlying time scale, were calculated to estimate the associations.

Results

Oxytocin was used in 31% and 46% of the included deliveries in Denmark and Finland, respectively. In crude analyses, prenatal oxytocin was associated with an approximately 20% increased risk of ADHD and ASD, but confounder adjustment attenuated the association. The adjusted HR was 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, for ADHD and 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.08, for ASD. The results were similar in across country and gender.

Conclusions

We found an association between synthetic oxytocin and ADHD or ASD which is unlikely to reflect a causal association and thus should not support the concern of clinical use. Our results help to allay concerns of obstetric use of oxytocin causing ADHD or ASD.
Experimental Design of Vortex Assisted Switchable Solvent Homogeneous Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Simultaneous Determination of Four Pesticides in Wastewater
Authors: Tışlı Büşra , Chormey Dotse Selali , Ayyıldız Merve Fırat , Bakırdere Sezgin
Published: April 2020

Background

Pesticides are chemicals used mainly to protect plant crops in order to increase their production efficiency and quality.

Objective

Switchable-solvent homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction was optimized using a Box-Behnken experimental design and validated on a gas chromatography mass spectrometry system for the determination of analytes.

Method

The significance of independent variables (switchable solvent volume, sodium hydroxide volume, and vortex period) and their interactions were evaluated by analysis of variance at 95% confidence limits (α = 0.05).

Results

The LOD and LOQ ranges of the analytes were found to be 0.42–1.90 µg/L and 1.36–6.33 µg/L, respectively. Percentage recovery results were found to be in the range of 87–113% in spiking experiments.

Conclusions

A simple, efficient, and accurate analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the selected pesticides. Highlights: Matrix matching was used to enhance quantification accuracy for real samples.

Highlights

Matrix matching was used to enhance quantification accuracy for real samples.
Risk of Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rose Meredith , Streisand Randi , Tully Carrie , Clary Lauren , Monaghan Maureen , Wang Jichuan , Mackey Eleanor
Published: April 2020

Objective

Management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be difficult for adolescents, who often fail to meet glycemic targets. Adolescents are also at an increased risk for negative affect (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms) and are prone to disordered eating behaviors (DEB). This study hypothesized that negative affect would be associated with DEB, self-management, and glycemic control, but that this would be moderated by negative urgency (the urge to engage in impulsive behaviors in response to negative affect), such that this relationship would be significant only for those with higher negative urgency.

Methods

The Eating in Adolescents with T1D Study recruited 100 caregiver-adolescent dyads (55% male youth, 48% Caucasian) to complete questionnaires reporting on the adolescent’s negative affect, negative urgency, DEB, and diabetes management. Glycemic control 3–4 months following survey completion was extracted from the medical record.

Results

A total of 61% of adolescents reported elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression and 25% reported elevated disordered eating symptoms. A total of 81% of adolescents had an A1c level above recommended targets. Negative affect was associated with DEB, suboptimal T1D self-management, and suboptimal glycemic outcomes, moderated by higher levels of negative urgency. Negative affect was associated directly with suboptimal self-management and glycemic control, but not DEB, at all levels of negative urgency.

Conclusions

Adolescents reported high levels of negative affect, DEB, and suboptimal glycemic control. Interventions that target negative affect and negative urgency in adolescents with T1D are needed in order to reduce the risk for DEB and negative diabetes health outcomes.
Multifaceted roles of HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90 molecular chaperones in plant development
Authors: Tichá Tereza , Samakovli Despina , Kuchařová Anna , Vavrdová Tereza , Šamaj Jozef
Published: April 2020

HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS 90 (HSP90s) are molecular chaperones that mediate correct folding and stability of many client proteins. These chaperones act as master molecular hubs involved in multiple aspects of cellular and developmental signalling in diverse organisms. Moreover, environmental and genetic perturbations affect both HSP90s and their clients, leading to alterations of molecular networks determining respectively plant phenotypes and genotypes and contributing to a broad phenotypic plasticity. Although HSP90 interaction networks affecting the genetic basis of phenotypic variation and diversity have been thoroughly studied in animals, such studies are just starting to emerge in plants. Here, we summarize current knowledge and discuss HSP90 network functions in plant development and cellular homeostasis.
miRViz: a novel webserver application to visualize and interpret microRNA datasets
Authors: Giroux Pierre , Bhajun Ricky , Segard Stéphane , Picquenot Claire , Charavay Céline , Desquilles Lise , Pinna Guillaume , Ginestier Christophe , Denis Josiane , Cherradi Nadia , Guyon Laurent
Published: April 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are involved in the regulation of major pathways in eukaryotic cells through their binding to and repression of multiple mRNAs. With high-throughput methodologies, various outcomes can be measured that produce long lists of miRNAs that are often difficult to interpret. A common question is: after differential expression or phenotypic screening of miRNA mimics, which miRNA should be chosen for further investigation? Here, we present miRViz (http://mirviz.prabi.fr/), a webserver application designed to visualize and interpret large miRNA datasets, with no need for programming skills. MiRViz has two main goals: (i) to help biologists to raise data-driven hypotheses and (ii) to share miRNA datasets in a straightforward way through publishable quality data representation, with emphasis on relevant groups of miRNAs. MiRViz can currently handle datasets from 11 eukaryotic species. We present real-case applications of miRViz, and provide both datasets and procedures to reproduce the corresponding figures. MiRViz offers rapid identification of miRNA families, as demonstrated here for the miRNA-320 family, which is significantly exported in exosomes of colon cancer cells. We also visually highlight a group of miRNAs associated with pluripotency that is particularly active in control of a breast cancer stem-cell population in culture.
Arabidopsis PsbP-Like Protein 1 Facilitates the Assembly of the Photosystem II Supercomplexes and Optimizes Plant Fitness under Fluctuating Light
Authors: Che Yufen , Kusama Shoko , Matsui Shintaro , Suorsa Marjaana , Nakano Takeshi , Aro Eva-Mari , Ifuku Kentaro
Published: April 2020

In green plants, photosystem II (PSII) forms multisubunit supercomplexes (SCs) containing a dimeric core and light-harvesting complexes (LHCs). In this study, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana PsbP-like protein 1 (PPL1) is involved in the assembly of the PSII SCs and is required for adaptation to changing light intensity. PPL1 is a homolog of PsbP protein that optimizes the water-oxidizing reaction of PSII in green plants and is required for the efficient repair of photodamaged PSII; however, its exact function has been unknown. PPL1 was enriched in stroma lamellae and grana margins and associated with PSII subcomplexes including PSII monomers and PSII dimers, and several LHCII assemblies, while PPL1 was not detected in PSII–LHCII SCs. In a PPL1 null mutant (ppl1-2), assembly of CP43, PsbR and PsbW was affected, resulting in a reduced accumulation of PSII SCs even under moderate light intensity. This caused the abnormal association of LHCII in ppl1-2, as indicated by lower maximal quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and accelerated State 1 to State 2 transitions. These differences would lower the capability of plants to adapt to changing light environments, thereby leading to reduced growth under natural fluctuating light environments. Phylogenetic and structural analyses suggest that PPL1 is closely related to its cyanobacterial homolog CyanoP, which functions as an assembly factor in the early stage of PSII biogenesis. Our results suggest that PPL1 has a similar function, but the data also indicate that it could aid the association of LHCII with PSII.
Regional neurodegeneration correlates with sleep–wake dysfunction after stroke
Authors: Gottlieb Elie , Egorova Natalia , Khlif Mohamed S , Khan Wasim , Werden Emilio , Pase Matthew P , Howard Mark , Brodtmann Amy
Published: April 2020

Sleep–wake disruption is a key modifiable risk factor and sequela of stroke. The pathogenesis of poststroke sleep dysfunction is unclear. It is not known whether poststroke sleep pathology is due to focal infarction to sleep–wake hubs or to accelerated poststroke neurodegeneration in subcortical structures after stroke. We characterize the first prospective poststroke regional brain volumetric and whole-brain, fiber-specific, white matter markers of objectively measured sleep–wake dysfunction. We hypothesized that excessively long sleep (>8 h) duration and poor sleep efficiency (<80%) measured using the SenseWear Armband 3-months poststroke (n = 112) would be associated with reduced regional brain volumes of a priori-selected sleep–wake regions of interest when compared to healthy controls with optimal sleep characteristics (n = 35). We utilized a novel technique known as a whole-brain fixel-based analysis to investigate the fiber-specific white matter differences in participants with long sleep duration. Stroke participants with long sleep (n = 24) duration exhibited reduced regional volumes of the ipsilesional thalamus and contralesional amygdala when compared with controls. Poor sleep efficiency after stroke (n = 29) was associated with reduced ipsilesional thalamus, contralesional hippocampus, and contralesional amygdala volumes. Whole-brain fixel-based analyses revealed widespread macrostructural degeneration to the corticopontocerebellar tract in stroke participants with long sleep duration, with fiber reductions of up to 40%. Neurodegeneration to subcortical structures, which appear to be vulnerable to accelerated brain volume loss after stroke, may drive sleep–wake deficiencies poststroke, independent of lesion characteristics and confounding comorbidities. We discuss these findings in the context of the clinicopathological implications of sleep-related neurodegeneration and attempt to corroborate previous mechanistic-neuroanatomical findings.
Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law Project: enhancing the value of reinsurance cover—viewpoint of an industry practitioner
Authors: Kuitunen Lari
Published: April 2020

This short article discusses the benefits of the Principles of Reinsurance Contract Law project (PRICL) from an insurance industry perspective. The scope is fairly limited, in that this article focuses on changes in the regime of remedies available for contractual breach, particularly for pre-contractual non-disclosure, as well describing the underlying legal uncertainty when relying on industry custom as a source of law in reinsurance. In both of these areas, the PRICL stand to bring improvements to the industry, some dimensions of which are discussed in greater detail in this article by first describing a simple framework for value generation of reinsurance, where reduction in operational risks and lighter regime of remedies (proportional to the severity of the breach of duty), particularly in situations of pre-contractual non-disclosure, reduce the risk of reinsurance covers not responding at a time of need. This improves the certainty of cover and, ultimately, the value of reinsurance covers.
Metabolic interplay and flexibility in the intracellular Trypanosoma cruzi‐host cell interaction
Authors: Burleigh Barbara A.
Published: April 2020

The mammalian stages of the protozoan parasite and causative agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, exhibit a wide host species range and extensive within‐host tissue distribution. These features, coupled with the ability of T. cruzi to persist for the lifetime of its mammalian host, suggest an inherent capacity of the parasite to respond flexibly to local changing environments. To explore this potential, the population‐level response of intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes to various metabolic perturbations was examined by measuring proliferation rates and cell cycle dynamics. Intracellular amastigotes responded to transient perturbations with a rapid and reversible suppression of proliferation rates, that in most instances, was accompanied by the reversible accumulation of parasites in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Further, our examination of the impact of the immediate metabolic environment on the susceptibility of intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes to trypanocidal drugs lead to the finding that a single change in the composition of the cell culture medium, restriction of glutamine, protects intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes from the lethal effects of the ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors, ketoconazole and posaconazole. The implications of this finding will be discussed along with the results of ongoing molecular genetic experiments designed to elucidate the metabolic basis of this finding.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Somatostatin Receptor Subtype‐4 Agonist Increases Microglia Amyloid‐beta 1‐42 Uptake
Authors: Polina Jahnavi , Walters Field , Sandoval Karin , Crider Albert M. , Witt Ken , Schober Joseph
Published: April 2020

This research evaluated the somatostatin receptor subtype‐4 (SSTR4) agonist, NNC 26‐9100, on microglial amyloid‐beta 1‐42 (Aβ42) uptake with inflammatory stimulation. Microglia mediated events have been identified as critical to Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Considering microglia have been shown to express SSTR4 and have the capacity to take up and degrade hallmark Aβ isoforms, we hypothesized that a SSTR4 agonist may increase beta amyloid uptake dependent upon the level of inflammation.

The effect of NNC 26‐9100 was evaluated in immortalized BV2 microglia cells against inflammatory activation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BV2 cells were plated at a density of 62,500 cells/cm2 in 12 well plates for 24hrs. FITC‐Aβ42 (100nM) uptake was then assessed following 24hr NNC 26‐9100 treatment (0, 1μM) against increasing concentrations of LPS (0, 0.83, 8.3 ng/mL) by flow cytometry. A two‐way ANOVA with Tukey post‐hoc tests were utilized to assess the impact of NNC 26‐9100, LPS and their interaction on FITC‐Aβ42 uptake. Both LPS (p<0.0001) and NNC 26‐9100 (p=0.0004) significantly affected mean FITCA‐β42 uptake by BV2 cells. While no significant interaction was found between LPS and NNC 26‐9100 on mean FITC‐Aβ42 uptake (p=0.2963), FITC‐Aβ42 uptake significantly increased with each additional increase in LPS (p<0.0001, Tukey). Moreover, FITC‐Aβ42 uptake significantly increased with 1 μM NNC 26‐9100 treatment when compared to vehicle control (p=0.0004, Tukey).

In conclusion, the SSTR4 agonist NNC 26‐9100 and LPS significantly increased microglial uptake of Aβ42. These results identify a novel mechanism for enhancing microglial uptake of Aβ42 by an SSTR4 agonist under inflammatory conditions.

Support or Funding Information

This work is supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Aging (R01AG047858)

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Systematic Review of Recent Pediatric Down Syndrome Neuropsychology Literature: Considerations for Regression Assessment and Monitoring
Authors: Grealish Katherine G. , Price August M. , Stein David S.
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To conduct a systematic review of recent pediatric Down syndrome (DS) neuropsychology research that may be useful to clinicians and researchers examining regression in this population.

Methods:

We reviewed original peer-reviewed articles published between 2013 and 2018 studying neuropsychological profiles in DS.

Results:

Thirty-one articles (of 1231 included in the original search) passed all inclusion criteria, were evaluated for bias, and were included in the analysis.

Conclusion:

Findings argued against a single “DS profile” and revealed multiple within-group differences as well as expected and unexpected differences relative to typically developing children and children with other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Areas identified as most germane to regression monitoring included working memory, inhibition, letter and word identification, navigational route learning, motor skills (when strong at baseline), single word receptive/expressive vocabulary, and adaptive function.
Questioning a Previous Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Can You “Lose” the Diagnosis?
Authors: Zaro Christopher , Jeon Hyejin , Harstad Elizabeth , Conrad Cassandra , Solomon Dasha , Augustyn Marilyn
Published: April 2020

CASE:

Heidi is an almost 6-year-old girl presenting to your primary care office to establish care because of a change in insurance status. You review her previous medical records before seeing her.

She was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when she was 25 months old. Her parents were initially concerned about language delay. Through a comprehensive evaluation by a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and a child psychologist, including administration of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, she was diagnosed with ASD. Her cognitive skills were reported to be within the average range. Soon after the diagnosis, she began receiving 20 hours of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) per week, as well as music therapy, occupational therapy, and a toddler playgroup through early intervention. Four months after the initial diagnosis, her parents reported that she had started making small improvements in her behavior, used more eye contact, and seemed more socially engaged. Approximately 1 year after the diagnosis, she was receiving 6 hours of ABA per week in addition to starting preschool with an Individualized Education Program. She reportedly continued to show progress with social communication and pretend play skills.

At the age of 3 years, 8 months, neuropsychological testing was completed at her parent's request, and her cognitive skills and adaptive skills were reported to be within the average range. She continued to meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD, given her challenges with social awareness, communication, delayed play skills, decreased flexibility, and tendency toward subtle self-direction. She continued to receive speech/language therapy and attended an integrated preschool program within the school district because of her social and communication challenges. She also received ABA 4 hours weekly at home.

During your first visit with Heidi, her parents report that she has continued to make progress in all areas, including social skills. She can engage in imaginary play with her friends, ask strangers questions, and comprehend the perspective of others, and she is no longer “rigid.” She is not receiving services outside of school and is only receiving once weekly speech/language therapy in school. Her parents no longer believe that she meets the criteria for ASD, and they are interested in further evaluation. Her parents ask if it is possible to “lose” the diagnosis of ASD. They also want to know if there are other things to be concerned about for her future. How do you respond?
Accuracy of Blood Transfusion Records in a Population-based Perinatal Data Registry
Authors: Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Chapinal Nuria , Skoll M. Amanda , Au Nicholas , Lee Lily
Published: April 2020

Background:

Blood transfusion is frequently used as an indicator of severe maternal morbidity during pregnancy. However, few studies have examined its validity in population perinatal databases.

Methods:

We linked a perinatal database from British Columbia, Canada, with the province’s Central Transfusion Registry for 2004–2015 deliveries. Using the Central Transfusion Registry records for red blood cell transfusion as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the perinatal database variable for red blood cell transfusion, overall and by transfusion risk factor status. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine whether outcome misclassification altered the odds ratios for different transfusion risk factors.

Results:

Among 473,688 deliveries, 4,033 (8.5 per 1,000) had a red blood cell transfusion according to the Central Transfusion Registry. The sensitivity of the perinatal database transfusion variable was 72.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 72.2, 72.4]. Sensitivity differed according to the presence of many transfusion risk factors (e.g., 84.9% vs. 72.2% in deliveries with versus without uterine rupture). Odds ratios associated with some transfusion risk factors were exaggerated when the perinatal database transfusion variable was used to define the outcome instead of the Central Transfusion Registry variable, but 95% confidence intervals for these estimates overlapped.

Conclusion:

Blood transfusion was documented with reasonable sensitivity in this large population perinatal database. However, validity varied according to risk factor status. Our findings enable researchers to better account for outcome misclassification in studies of obstetrical transfusion risk factors.
Psychosis, Mania and Criminal Recidivism: Associations and Implications for Prevention
Authors: Lamberti J. Steven , Katsetos Viki , Jacobowitz David B. , Weisman Robert L.
Published: April 2020

People with mental illness are overrepresented throughout the criminal justice system, including jail, prison, probation, and parole populations. Yet much disagreement remains about why this problem exists and how best to address it. This article specifically examines empirical evidence regarding the question of whether psychosis and mania are associated with criminal recidivism, and whether this association is predictive or causal in nature. Review of the current literature suggests that psychotic and manic symptoms are associated with increased likelihood of arrest and incarceration. In addition, current evidence shows that pharmacotherapy can reduce criminal recidivism among justice-involved adults with psychosis or mania. However, the extent to which the association between psychosis, mania, and criminal justice system involvement is causal remains uncertain. Also, the literature suggests that most crimes committed by people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or bipolar I disorder may be driven by factors other than their psychotic or manic symptoms. These established “criminogenic needs” are more common among people with severe mental disorders than in the general population. For optimal prevention, those who serve justice-involved adults with psychosis or mania in community settings should consider addressing the full range of factors that potentially drive their criminal justice system involvement.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as a Sphenoid Wing Meningioma
Authors: Van Brummen Alexandra J. , Li Emily , Scherpelz Kathryn P. , Latimer Caitlin S. , Chambers Christopher , Zhang Matthew
Published: April 2020

A 47-year-old man who presented with subacute binocular diplopia and a left head turn was found to have a right sixth nerve palsy and right optic disc edema. Radiologic imaging revealed a non-lytic right greater sphenoid wing mass with a dural tail, suggestive of a sphenoid wing meningioma. The patient underwent an orbitotomy with lesion biopsy; histopathologic analysis and subsequent imaging revealed the diagnosis of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. He developed new metastases despite systemic immunotherapy, and prognosis was guarded at last follow up 3 months after diagnosis. The authors present the first reported case of renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the sphenoid wing without sinus involvement, describing an atypical presentation of an aggressive malignancy that necessitates timely diagnosis for possible survival.
Trichoderma panacis sp. nov., an endophyte isolated from Panax notoginseng
Authors: Liu Shan-Yi , Yu Ying , Zhang Tian-Yuan , Zhang Meng-Yue , Zhang Yi-Xuan
Published: April 2020

An endophytic member of the genus Trichoderma was isolated from the root of a healthy 3-year-old Panax notoginseng in Yunnan province, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on a combined of ITS, tef1 and rpb2 indicated that this isolate was distinct from other species of the genus Trichoderma and closely related to Trichoderma songyi. It can be distinguished from T. songyi by its slower growth rates on PDA and colony morphology. The novel isolate formed conidia in thick white pustules scattered mostly at the margin. Its conidiophores tended to be regularly verticillium-like, little branched, sometimes substituted by phialides singly or in whorls. Conidia are smooth, mostly broadly subglobose to ellipsoidal. In combination with the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, all data demonstrated that the fungus studied represented a unique and distinguishable novel species of the genus Trichoderma, for which the name Trichoderma panacis sp. nov. is proposed.
Disinfecting handheld electronic devices with UV-C in a healthcare setting
Authors: Cremers-Pijpers Suzan , van Rossum Carsten , Wertheim Heiman , Tostmann Alma , Hopman Joost
Published: April 2020

Handheld Electronic Devices (HEDs) play a central role in the current hospital environment. However, HEDs can be a potential vehicle for transmitting (pathogenic) microorganisms. We conducted a study to assess whether disinfection with UV-C light is successful in disinfecting three different handheld electronic devices in a clinical operational setting. More than half of the baseline measurements were moderately (>10CFU) or highly (>50 CFU) contaminated. Post-disinfection the CFU was 0 in 87% of measurements. We conclude that the UV-Smart D25 can successfully be used to disinfect non-critical handheld electronic devices in the clinical healthcare.
Forecast of the COVID-19 outbreak and effects of self-restraint in going out in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Kurita Junko , Sugawara Tamie , Ohkusa Yasushi
Published: April 2020

Background

The number of patients of COVID-19 in Tokyo has been increasing gradually through the end of March, 2020.

Object

Support for policymaking requires forecasting of the entire course and outcome of the outbreak if a self-restraint in going out is not initiated. Moreover, the effects of a self-restraint in going out must be considered when choosing to initiate one. Method: Data of Tokyo patients with symptoms during January 14 – March 28, 2020 were used to formulate a susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model using three age classes and to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0). Based on the estimated R0, We inferred outbreak outcomes and medical burden if a self-restraint in going out were not enacted. Then we estimate the self-restraint in going out effects.

Results

Results suggest R0 as 2.86, with a 95% confidence interval of [2.73, 2.97]. Exhaustion of medical resources can be expected to occur on April 26 if no self-restraint in going out occurs. If a self-restraint in going out were enacted from April 6, and if more than 60% of trips outside the home were restricted voluntarily, then medical care service could be maintained.

Discussion and Conclusion

The estimated R0 was similar to that found from other studies conducted in China and Japan. Results demonstrate that a self-restraint in going out with reasonable cooperation of residents is required to maintain medical care.
LamNI – an instrument for X-ray scanning microscopy in laminography geometry
Authors: Holler Mirko , Odstrčil Michal , Guizar-Sicairos Manuel , Lebugle Maxime , Frommherz Ulrich , Lachat Thierry , Bunk Oliver , Raabe Joerg , Aeppli Gabriel
Published: April 2020

Across all branches of science, medicine and engineering, high-resolution microscopy is required to understand functionality. Although optical methods have been developed to `defeat' the diffraction limit and produce 3D images, and electrons have proven ever more useful in creating pictures of small objects or thin sections, so far there is no substitute for X-ray microscopy in providing multiscale 3D images of objects with a single instrument and minimal labeling and preparation. A powerful technique proven to continuously access length scales from 10 nm to 10 µm is ptychographic X-ray computed tomography, which, on account of the orthogonality of the tomographic rotation axis to the illuminating beam, still has the limitation of necessitating pillar-shaped samples of small (ca 10 µm) diameter. Large-area planar samples are common in science and engineering, and it is therefore highly desirable to create an X-ray microscope that can examine such samples without the extraction of pillars. Computed laminography, where the axis of rotation is not perpendicular to the illumination direction, solves this problem. This entailed the development of a new instrument, LamNI, dedicated to high-resolution 3D scanning X-ray microscopy via hard X-ray ptychographic laminography. Scanning precision is achieved by a dedicated interferometry scheme and the instrument covers a scan range of 12 mm × 12 mm with a position stability of 2 nm and positioning errors below 5 nm. A new feature of LamNI is a pair of counter-rotating stages carrying the sample and interferometric mirrors, respectively.
Impact of software as a service (SaaS) on software acquisition process
Authors: Raghavan R. Srinivasa , K.R. Jayasimha , Nargundkar Rajendra V.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Organizations worldwide are adopting software as a service (SaaS) applications, where they pay a subscription fee to gain access rather than buying the software. The extant models on software acquisition processes, several of which are based on organizational buying behavior, do not sufficiently explain how SaaS application acquisition decisions are made. This study aims to investigate the acquisition process organizations follow for SaaS software, the changes to the roles of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the business user and also looks at the impact of SaaS on the proliferation of unauthorized software systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used exploratory research using the grounded theory approach based on 18 in-depth interviews conducted with respondents who have studied with enterprise software delivered on-premise and as SaaS in different roles such as sales, consulting, CIO, information technology (IT) management and product development.

Findings

The authors identified a need to classify the SaaS software and developed a framework that uses software specificity and its strategic importance to the organization to classify SaaS applications. The aforementioned framework is used to explain how software evaluation processes have changed for different kinds of SaaS applications. The authors also found that the CIO’s and the business users’ have changed substantially in SaaS application evaluations and found evidence to show that shadow IT will be restricted to some classes of SaaS applications.

Originality/value

By focusing on the changes to the roles and responsibilities of the members of the buying center, this paper provides unique insights into how the acquisition process of SaaS is different from the extant models used to explain enterprise software acquisitions. An understanding of how information search is conducted by the business users will help software vendors to target business users better.
The myth of Achilles: non‐binary vulnerability and the intergenerational transmission of trauma
Authors: Lord Susan A.
Published: April 2020

This paper offers a case study of individual family‐focused work with a non‐binary identified person who is working on identity formation, ongoing suicidality, and difficulties with intimate relationships. Using a combination of psychoanalytic and systemic models, issues of power, control and attachment are addressed as important to understanding intergenerational trauma. While M has always had difficulty identifying as female, the many layers of their struggle for control of a life separate from their family have impacted M’s development and current life circumstances. Much of our work has to do with separating out what they carry that is theirs from what they are carrying for prior generations of their family.

Practitioner points

Individual family‐focused work is a treatment of choice with certain clients, particularly when there has been a history of trauma

Psychoanalytic and systemic models of treatment can be combined to deliver what is helpful to the client/client system

Trauma is said to be transmitted intergenerationally through nature and/or nurture

Power, control, narrative and attachment are significant elements of trauma.
From the School Yard to the Conservation Area: Impact Investment across the Nature/Social Divide
Authors: Cohen Dan , Rosenman Emily
Published: April 2020

In the face of planetary crises, from inequality to biodiversity loss, “impact investing” has emerged as a vision for a new, “moral” financial system where investor dollars fund socio‐environmental repair while simultaneously generating financial returns. In support of this system elite actors have formed a consensus that financial investments can have beneficial, more‐than‐financial outcomes aimed at solving social and environmental crises. Yet critical geographers have largely studied “green” and “social” finance separately. We propose, instead, a holistic geography of impact investing that highlights the common methods used in attempts to offset destructive investments with purportedly reparative ones. This involves interrogating how elite‐led ideas of social and environmental progress are reflected in investments, as well as deconstructing the “objects” of impact investments. As examples, we use insights from both “green” and “social” literatures to analyse the social values embedded in projects of financialisation in schooling and affordable housing in the US.
The VGAM package for negative binomial regression
Authors: Yee Thomas W.
Published: April 2020

Negative binomial (NB) regression is the most common full‐likelihood method for analysing count data exhibiting overdispersion with respect to the Poisson distribution. Usually most practitioners are content to fit one of two NB variants, however other important variants exist. It is demonstrated here that theVGAMRpackage can fit them all under a common statistical framework founded upon a generalised linear and additive model approach. Additionally, other modifications such as zero‐altered (hurdle), zero‐truncated and zero‐inflated NB distributions are naturally handled. Rootograms are also available for graphically checking the goodness of fit. Two data sets and some recently added features of theVGAMpackage are used here for illustration.
Migration and escapement of silver eel males, Anguilla anguilla, from a southwestern European river
Authors: Monteiro Rui Miguel , Domingos Isabel , Almeida Pedro Raposo , Costa José Lino , Alexandre Carlos Manuel , Quintella Bernardo Ruivo
Published: April 2020

The catadromous life cycle of the European eel encompasses a spawning migration to the Sargasso Sea. Prior to their migration, eels develop a silver coloration being referred to as “silver eels.” Due to the dramatic European eel recruitment decline, it is crucial to quantify silver eel escapement to evaluate the success of measures taken under Eel Management Plans (Regulation EC (1100/2007)). Thus, the percentage of silver eels escaping from the River Mondego (Portugal) was estimated during two consecutive spawning seasons (2014–2016) and their migratory behaviour was studied. Thirty‐six male silver eels were tagged with acoustic transmitters and their downstream migration was tracked using automatic receivers deployed at four locations along the river course, from the first impassable obstacle up to the river mouth (67 km). Among the tagged eels, 15 (42%) escaped to the sea. In both years, individuals displayed faster migration speed in the downstream reaches of the river. BRT (“Boosted Regression Trees”) models were used to explain downstream migration and escapement of silver eels. The analyses revealed that the downstream migration is triggered by several environmental variables with water conductivity as the most influential predictor. Escapement of eels from the estuary occurred a few hours after their arrival and was primarily explained by the offshore wind intensity, which promotes a current in the coast that may favour their transport to the open sea. These findings contribute to a better understanding of silver eel migration in southern latitudes and highlight and reinforce the need to monitor spawner escapement.
Market discipline on bank bond issues through the lens of a new forward‐looking measure of loan quality
Authors: Simion Giorgia , Cavezzali Elisa , Nathan Siva , Rigoni Ugo
Published: April 2020

Using unsecured bond spreads over the 2007 to mid‐2014 period, we test investors’ ability to price bank loan risk. We use a new measure of loan risk that incorporates forward‐looking information embedded in ratings assigned by external rating agencies to bank loan portfolios. Only Italian banks are required to systematically disclose this specific information. We find that investors do price forward‐looking information inherent in bank loan portfolios. This finding reflects the increase in risk perception following the sovereign debt crisis, which had the strongest effects on peripheral countries, with tensions in the lending market. Overall, these results suggest that our new forward‐looking measure provides an additional channel through which market discipline can operate.
Brake time is correlated with lower extremity strength, dynamic balance and low‐contrast sensitivity in unpredictable driving situations in elderly drivers compared with young drivers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Park Yongnam , Bae Youngsook
Published: April 2020

Aims

To compare physical function, driving fitness and brake time of young and elderly drivers, and to identify the association of physical function and driving fitness with brake time in elderly drivers in predictable or unpredictable situations during driving.

Methods

This study included 86 participants (50 men and 36 women), comprising 52 elderly drivers (age: 72.44 years, weight: 60.39 kg, height: 158.06 cm) and 34 young drivers (age: 26.53 years, weight: 63.74 kg, height: 153.65 cm), with a valid driver's license who drive at least once a week. Physical function was measured as upper and lower body flexibility and strength, dynamic balance and aerobic endurance. Driving fitness was measured as high‐ and low‐contrast sensitivity, route planning, visualization of missing information, visual search with divided attention and visual information processing speed using the DrivingHealth® Inventory. Brake time and braking distance was evaluated as unpredictable and predictable driving situations.

Results

Measurements of all categories, except lower extremity flexibility, endurance and high‐contrast sensitivity, were significantly lower in elderly drivers than in young drivers. Brake time did not differ in predictable situations but was slower (P = 0.004) in elderly drivers in unpredictable situations. In elderly drivers, upper body strength (P = 0.036), dynamic balance (P < 0.001) and low‐contrast sensitivity (P = 0.003) were associated with brake time in unpredictable driving situations.

Conclusions

In unpredictable situations, slower brake time in elderly drivers is associated with lower limb muscle strength, agility and low‐contrast sensitivity. Therefore, for safe driving, these parameters should be considered as guidelines for maintaining the driving ability of elderly drivers and aging people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Femoral vascular complications after catheter ablation in the current era: The utility of computed tomography imaging
Authors: Ishikawa Eri , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Mukai Moe , Aoyama Daisetsu , Nodera Minoru , Hasegawa Kanae , Kaseno Kenichi , Miyahara Kosuke , Matsui Akira , Shiomi Yuichiro , Tama Naoto , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Fukuoka Yoshitomo , Ishida Kentaro , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Background

Few studies have examined the characteristics of catheter ablation vascular complications, and recently physicians increasingly use computed tomography angiography (CTA) for diagnosing.

Objective

We sought to investigate the incidence of femoral vascular complications in catheter ablation and factors associated with complications in the current era.

Methods

This single‐center observational study consisted of 311 consecutive (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular arrhythmias in 222 [71.4%], 7 [2.3%], 43 [13.8%], and 39 [12.5%]) patients who underwent catheter ablation. The detailed patient data and clinical outcomes were obtained from the medical records.

Results

Emergent CTA was performed in a total of 8 (2.6%) patients at a median of 4.5 (2.0‐12.5) days postprocedure, and the precise diagnosis was obtained in all. Among them, pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulae (AVF), and actively bleeding hematomas were identified in two, one, and one patient, respectively, and all required readmissions after discharge. AVF was diagnosed by a Doppler ultrasound examination in another patient. In total, 5 (1.6%) patients exhibited major femoral vascular complications including two pseudoaneurysms, two AVFs, and one active bleeding hematoma. The pseudoaneurysms and AVFs were successfully eliminated by direct compression, and extravasation from the femoral circumflex artery required coil embolization. Antiplatelet therapy and the use of larger arterial sheaths (≥7‐Fr) increased the major femoral arterial complications, but atrial fibrillation ablation under uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy or the use of larger venous sheaths did not.

Conclusion

Vascular complications are still not negligible procedure‐related complications during catheter ablation in the current era. CTA provides a rapid and precise diagnosis for optimal treatment strategies.
Feasibility, safety, and durability of porcine atrial ablation using a lattice‐tip temperature‐controlled radiofrequency ablation catheter
Authors: Koruth Jacob S. , Kuroki Kenji , Iwasawa Jin , Batul Syed A. , Turagam Mohit K. , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Reddy Vivek Y.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using standard radiofrequency (RF) catheters is limited by incomplete contiguity and prolonged procedural times. A novel, 9‐mm lattice‐tip irrigated RF catheter can create wide lesions rapidly in swine atria.

Methods

In five swine, temperature limited (75°C) irrigated RF for 5 seconds/ablation was selected, to isolate seven pulmonary veins (PVs; five right superior and two inferior commons) and create five right atrial lines. After 4 weeks, repeat mapping and additional ablation to create atrial isthmus lesions were performed. The chronic lesions were submitted for histology. This was compared with right superior PVI data using standard 3.5‐mm irrigated tip ablation in six swine.

Results

All targeted PVs (seven of seven, 100%) were acutely isolated. Durable isolation was observed in all six of six PVs treated with 5‐second applications, but not in one PV inadvertently treated with 4‐second applications. For the durably isolated PVs, the mean lesion count/PV and total RF time/PV was 16.3 ± 5.2 applications and 81.3 ± 25.9 seconds for the right superior and 14.5 ± 0.7 applications and 71.1 ± 5.5 seconds for the inferior common PV. Right atrial linear ablation was performed with a lesion count of 12 ± 2.3 applications and RF times of 59.5 ± 12.5 seconds. Cavotricuspid and mitral isthmus linear ablations were transmural along their entire length. All 53 of 53 (100%) sections were transmural on histology.

Conclusion

Rapid and durable PVI and linear atrial ablation is feasible with this novel 9‐mm lattice‐tip catheter.
Nursing intervention for preventing postpartum depressive symptoms among Chinese women in Japan
Authors: Jin Qiongai , Mori Emi , Sakajo Akiko
Published: April 2020

Aim

We evaluated the effectiveness of a nursing intervention program for Chinese women who are giving birth in Japan to reduce cross‐cultural stressors during the postpartum period and prevent postpartum depressive symptoms.

Methods

A prospective, before‐and‐after study incorporating a longitudinal mixed‐method design was conducted. Thirty‐eight participants underwent this program from August 2016 to July 2017. The program comprised a maternity class, conversation cards, and a social‐network group. Data collection was initially performed using questionnaires administered in the third trimester (T1)—before the intervention—to obtain participants' basic information, stress levels, depressive symptoms, and cognitive appraisals. Then, stress levels, depressive symptoms, and social support were measured during hospitalization after having given birth (T2) and during the first month postpartum (T3). Finally, through semi‐structured interviews, cognitive appraisal, coping, stress, social support, participants' evaluations of the intervention were determined.

Results

Post‐intervention, all participants showed positive cognitive appraisals, although eight also showed some negative appraisals. At T3, 36 participants did not report experiencing stress owing to cross‐cultural stressors. Furthermore, post‐intervention, participants who returned scores that were suggestive of depression remained identical to that at pre‐intervention (21.1%). Among the eight participants who showed postpartum depressive symptoms during T3, seven did not report experiencing cross‐cultural stressors, but did report encountering maternity stressors.

Conclusion

The nursing intervention program may be effective for preventing postpartum depressive symptoms in Chinese women who give birth in Japan. Since this was a pre‐post study in which one group was measured pre‐intervention and again post‐intervention, we did not register in a publicly assessible database.