bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Chinese Rural Society: Fei Xiaotong Revisited
Authors: Barbalet Jack
Published: January 2020

China’s best-known sociologist, Fei Xiaotong, is widely credited with providing a general statement of guanxi relations underlying Chinese society. Examination of Fei’s celebrated From the Soil and associated publications, as well as the work of contemporary researchers, reveals Fei’s neglected Confucianism and the derivative nature of his conceptualization of “the differential mode of association.” Additionally, limitations of village-centric perspectives and the importance of nonkin relations in rural society are identified and erstwhile neglected aspects of guanxi highlighted. The article contributes to the study of guanxi and Chinese society in general by developing a sociological account of the variety and nature of social connections.
Use of Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise as a Tool to Assess the Orthodontic Postgraduate Students
Authors: Jamenis Shilpa Chawla , Pharande Shilpa , Potnis Sheetal , Kapoor Prakhar
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The mini CEX (Clinical Evaluation Exercise) is a workplace-based assessment tool intended to assess the clinical performance and a range of other skills such as communication skills, clinical judgment, professionalism, efficiency, and the overall clinical care while directly observing a real patient encounter. The clinical sessions are followed by structured feedback sessions between the assessors and the trainees. Mini CEX focuses on the actual performance and not just knowledge. This leads to better learning as well as helps to develop and strengthen the doctor–patient bond.

Materials and Methods: 8 staff members and 9 orthodontic postgraduate students volunteered to participate in this study after the orientation session was taken to sensitize them about the same. An informed consent was taken from all of them. All the students had 2 sessions with all the assessors. As per the protocol of Mini CEX, immediate feedback about their performance was given to the students after each session. Feedback was also obtained from the assessors and the students after the completion of the exercise. This feedback allowed the assessors and the students to give their views on the exercise.

Result: Mean scores of all the students significantly improved in the second session as compared to the first encounter. This was attributed to the feedback which they obtained from the assessors immediately after the session, which helped them improvise on various aspects of patient care. The students themselves felt that the exercise helped them learn better.

Conclusion: Mini CEX can hence be considered as a valid formative assessment tool which when routinely used could enhance the learning experience, improve the communication skills of the students, as well as improve the doctor–patient bond.
The Integrated Psychological Treatment for Individuals With Schizophrenia in Correctional and Forensic Psychiatric Settings: An Implementation Study
Authors: Dumont Mathieu , Briand Catherine , Leblanc Yves , Aubin Ginette , Potvin Stéphane , Dumais Alexandre
Published: January 2020

This study aims to identify the factors that need to be considered in the implementation of the integrated psychological treatment (IPT), a cognitive-behavioral group approach for individuals with schizophrenia, in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings. To meet this objective, a multiple case study ( n = 2) was conducted. Stakeholders involved in the implementation were interviewed. Findings showed that IPT is relevant and can be delivered in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings. However, several issues impeded its implementation and sustainability, some of which were more specific to secure settings (i.e., the legal and clinical picture of the clientele, security requirements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and recognition of IPT in national correctional programming). Adaptations and additional considerations for implementation of IPT in correctional and forensic psychiatric settings are discussed further.
Calibration of Micro-Simulation Model Parameters for Heterogeneous Traffic using Mode-Specific Performance Measure
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kinjal , Maitra Bhargab , Boltze Manfred
Published: January 2020

Calibration is an essential prerequisite to scenario evaluations using traffic micro-simulation models (TMMs). In the context of mixed-traffic operations, where different fast and slow moving vehicular modes form a heterogeneous environment, a well-calibrated model needs to give adequate importance to each mode to realistically replicate the complex interactions in the traffic stream. This paper presents a methodology for calibrating TMMs for such mixed-traffic conditions. A combination of vehicle mode-specific travel time distributions is adopted as the performance measure for the calibration. To aid practitioners, each step of the methodology is demonstrated using a VISSIM simulator considering a signalized corridor in the Kolkata metro city, India. The work includes genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimization for obtaining mode-specific parameter sets. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is carried out to compare the travel time distributions of different modes. The calibrated model is also validated considering several signalized approaches along the calibrated study corridor. The results show that the methodology is successful in developing a model for non-lane based mixed-traffic operations with vehicle mode-specific optimized parameter sets.
Empathy Is Not Enough: The Inhibiting Effects of Rape Myth Acceptance on the Relation Between Empathy and Bystander Intervention
Authors: Leone Ruschelle M. , Oyler Kristen N. , Parrott Dominic J.
Published: January 2020

Many bystander training programs aim to build empathy and decrease false and often prejudicial beliefs about rape and its occurrence (i.e., rape myth acceptance) to encourage prosocial bystander intervention. However, little empirical research has examined the association between these constructs. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of rape myth acceptance on the relation between both (a) the ability to experience and share the emotions of others (i.e., emotional empathy) and (b) the ability to understand the emotions of others (i.e., cognitive empathy), and bystander decision-making and intentions to intervention. In Study 1, 154 undergraduate men completed measures of empathy, rape myth acceptance, and bystander decision-making. Findings demonstrated that emotional empathy was associated with more perceived pros for intervention among men with low, but not high, levels of rape myth acceptance. In Study 2, 185 undergraduate men and 210 undergraduate women completed similar measures as in Study 1, with the addition of a measure on bystander intentions to intervene. Results detected a conditional indirect effect of emotional and cognitive empathy on bystander intentions to intervene via the perception that there are more pros than cons to intervention. Findings suggest that empathic individuals may weigh helping a potential victim (i.e., pro) over hurting their own self-image (i.e., con). However, this process is inhibited among men who endorse greater rape myths, likely because they are inhibited from intervening at various steps of the decision-making model. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of targeting both empathy and rape myth acceptance to encourage prosocial bystander intervention.
Workplace processes and employment opportunities for vulnerable social groups
Authors: Signoretti Andrea
Published: January 2020

Employment opportunities and conditions of vulnerable social groups are affected by multiple agencies (including unions and employers) and labour market institutions. This study, drawing on iterative long-term research within workplaces, aims to discover the key interrelations among factors that are peculiar to different contexts. The research questions are pursued through a comparison of the treatment of women and migrants, respectively, in an Italian and a US car-manufacturing plant. Labour legislation is particularly important in the US case, whereas in the Italian context employers have more discretion. In both environments, unions have only a limited role.
Family Farming and The Emergence of an Alternative Sociotechnical Imaginary in Argentina
Authors: Goulet Frédéric
Published: January 2020

In this article, we analyse the mechanisms by which family farming established itself in Argentina over the 2004–2016 period as a legitimate solution to the food security challenge. We show that this process has played a role in the emergence of an alternative sociotechnical imaginary built as a counter-model to the one associated with industrial agriculture. We highlight the importance of the processes of demarcation and detachment at the heart of this shift, in the political, techno-scientific and agricultural spheres. The actors involved in the promotion of family farming associate this alternative approach to the development of the agricultural sector with the implementation of an alternative practice and organisation of science and technology. These shifts correspond to a narrative and mode of political action that put the emphasis on the production of a national future liberated from the mistakes and injustices of the past, in which science and technology play a central role. By highlighting the tensions at the heart of this dynamic, between the establishment of new boundaries and the challenging of existing ones, the article contributes to the analysis of the formation of alternative sociotechnical imaginaries, and in particular the underlying mechanisms of co-production between science and politics.
Kinematic Analysis of Combined Suture-Button and Suture Anchor Augment Constructs for Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries
Authors: Wood Addison R. , Arshad Seyed A. , Kim Hannah , Stewart Donald
Published: January 2020

Background:

Syndesmosis injuries are common, with up to 25% of all ankle injuries being reported to involve an associated syndesmosis injury. These injuries are typically treated with cortical screw fixation or suture-button implants when indicated, but the addition of a suture anchor augment implant has yet to be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of a suture anchor augment to add sagittal plane translational and transverse plane rotational constraint to suture-button constructs with syndesmosis injuries. We hypothesized that the suture anchor augment oriented in parallel with the fibers of an injured anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) in addition to a suture-button construct would achieve physiological motion and stability at the syndesmosis through increased rotational and translational constraint of the fibula.

Methods:

Eleven fresh-frozen cadaver ankles were stressed in external rotation using a custom-made ankle rig. Each ankle had simultaneous recording of ultrasound video, 6 degrees-of-freedom kinematics of the fibula and tibia, and torque as the ankle was stressed by an examiner. The ankles were tested in 6 different states: native uninjured; injured with interosseous ligament and AITFL sectioned; 1× suture button; 2× suture buttons, divergent; 1× suture anchor augment with 2× suture buttons, divergent; and 1× suture anchor augment with 1× suture buttons.

Results:

Only the suture anchor augment + 2× suture buttons and suture anchor augment + 1× suture-button constructs were found to be significantly different from the injured state ( P = .0003, P = .002) with mean external rotation of the fibula.

Conclusion:

Overall, the most important finding of this study was that the addition of a suture anchor augment to suture-button constructs provided a mechanism to increase external rotational constraint of the fibula.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides a mechanistic understanding of how the combined suture-button and suture anchor augment construct provides an anatomically similar reconstruction of constraints found in the native ankle. However, none of the constructs examined in this study were able to fully restore physiologic motion.
Vibration analysis of magnetorheological fluid circular sandwich plates with magnetostrictive facesheets exposed to monotonic magnetic field located on visco-Pasternak substrate
Authors: Amir Saeed , Arshid Ehsan , Khoddami Maraghi Zahra , Loghman Abbas , Ghorbanpour Arani Ali
Published: January 2020

Magnetorheological fluids are materials that react to the applied magnetic field and are converted to the quasi-solid phase from the liquid one. Their applications in control and suppression of vibration have interested scientists nowadays. The present study is focused on the vibrational behavior of magnetorheological fluid circular plates that are embedded with magnetostrictive face layers. Magnetostrictive materials are also playing an important role in vibration control and are used widely in smart devices such as sensors and actuators. The structure is exposed to the transverse monotonic magnetic field and is located on the visco-Pasternak elastic substrate. Using Hamilton’s principle and based on classical plate theory, the motion equations and boundary conditions are extracted, and the generalized differential quadrature method is selected to solve them. Three different types of magnetorheological fluids are considered, and their effect on the results is discussed. The outcomes of this study can be used to design more capable and precise dampers, smart structures, and devices.
The Role of the Academy and HRD in the Changing of the Guard
Authors: Rosenbusch Katherine , Morrison Emily
Published: January 2020

The Problem

Life for faculty members is becoming more complex and stressful due to the rate of change and the ever-increasing demands being placed on them: publish in top journals, apply for funding, teach and support more students, integrate new technology into classes, serve on committees, and contribute to your discipline and professional association. Current systems, policies, and practices within higher education often fail to recognize the unique contributions of faculty members, especially those who might not reflect the traditional perspectives that have been put in place for decades. Rather, there remains a strongly guarded tradition of what is valued and rewarded within higher education. Hence, higher education needs to transform its organizational culture, valuing individual contributions, meeting workforce demands, and ensuring the health of the education system and society.

The Solution

The field of human resource development (HRD) with its interdisciplinary roots and expertise in learning, leadership, organizational change, and culture is uniquely poised to not only inform this conversation, but also to critique and contribute to the transformation of faculty work and associated expectations. This Issue addresses and identifies where changes are needed at the individual, organizational, and societal levels to transform the role of faculty members so that it is better aligned with the current environment and context of higher education.

The Stakeholders

Scholars, practitioners, administrators, and community who recognize that the health of the broader community is affected by the quality of higher education and, in particular, faculty and the way that they teach and prepare students to be scholar-practitioners.
Chemical surveillance in freshwaters: small sample sizes underestimate true pollutant loads and fail to detect environmental quality standard exceedances
Authors: Babitsch Denise , Sundermann Andrea
Published: January 2020

Background

Chemical surveillance in surface waters is crucial to identify potential threats to the health of freshwater ecosystems. Usually, the concentrations of pollutants are highly variable over the course of the year and often result in non-normally distributed data sets. Therefore, the European Water Framework Directive recommends measuring, e.g. priority substances at least 12 times a year to achieve an acceptable accuracy level for the estimation of the true mean annual loads. However, in Europe priority substances are often measured much less frequently. In this context, the aim of the present study was to analyze how sample size, temporal variability and skewness of the data sets influence the accuracy of the mean annual load estimation and the assessment of annual average environmental quality standards. For this purpose, sample size simulations using weekly composite samples of benzo(a)pyrene, 4-tert-octylphenol, fluoranthene and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, selected as representatives for priority substances, were carried out.

Results

The sample size simulations showed two general patterns: the accuracy of the mean annual load estimation increased with increasing sample size and skewness and temporal variability were more apparent in smaller sample sizes. In right-skewed data sets, small sample sizes led, on average, to a systematic underestimation of the true mean annual load whilst in a few cases these led to an overestimation. Although the study was carried out on priority substances, results can be transferable to other pollutants. Furthermore, in small sample sizes a considerable proportion of the simulated means failed to detect annual average environmental quality standard exceedances.

Conclusions

The results of the present study indicate that the usage of small sample sizes is likely to result in an underestimation of the true mean annual pollutant loads in chemical surveillance and scientific research, thus potentially jeopardizing the validity of results. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the usage of small sample sizes for the determination of mean annual pollutant loads. Furthermore, priority substances should be sampled according to the European Water Framework Directive guidelines at least 12 times/year to improve the assessment of the threat posed by pollutants to freshwater ecosystems in Europe.
Mining of favorable alleles for seed reserve utilization efficiency in Oryza sativa by means of association mapping
Authors: Ali Nour , Li Dalu , Eltahawy Moaz S. , Abdulmajid Dina , Bux Lal , Liu Erbao , Dang Xiaojing , Hong Delin
Published: January 2020

Background

Wet direct-seeded rice is a possible alternative to conventional puddled transplanted rice; the former uses less water and reduces labor requirements. Improving seed reserve utilization efficiency (SRUE) is a key factor in facilitating the application of this technology. However, the QTLs controlling this trait are poorly investigated. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using a natural population composed of 542 accessions of rice (Oryza sativaL.) which were genotyped using 266 SSR markers. Large phenotypic variations in SRUE were found in the studied population.

Results

The average SRUE over 542 accessions across two years (2016 and 2017) was 0.52 mg.mg− 1, ranging from 0.22 mg.mg-1to 0.93 mg.mg− 1, with a coefficient of variation of 22.66%. Overall, 2879 marker alleles were detected in the population by 266 pairs of SSR markers, indicating a large genetic variation existing in the population. Using general linear model method, 13 SSR marker loci associated with SRUE were detected and two (RM7309 and RM434) of the 13 loci, were also detected using mixed linear model analyses, with percentage of phenotypic variation explained (PVE) greater than 5% across two years. The 13 association loci (P < 0.01) were located on all chromosomes except chromosome 11, with PVE ranging from 5.05% (RM5158 on chromosome 5) to 12% (RM297 on chromosome 1). Association loci RM7309 on chromosome 6 and RM434 on chromosome 9 revealed by both models were detected in both years. Twenty-three favorable alleles were identified with phenotypic effect values (PEV) ranging from 0.10 mg.mg− 1(RM7309–135 bp on chromosome 9) to 0.45 mg.mg− 1(RM297–180 bp on chromosome 2). RM297–180 bp showed the largest phenotypic effect value (0.44 mg.mg− 1in 2016 and 0.45 mg.mg− 1in 2017) with 6.72% of the accessions carrying this allele and the typical carrier accession was Manyedao, followed by RM297–175 bp (0.43 mg.mg− 1in 2016 and 0.44 mg.mg− 1in 2017).

Conclusion

Nine novel association loci for SRUE were identified, compared with previous studies. The optimal parental combinations for pyramiding more favorable alleles for SRUE were selected and could be used for breeding rice accessions suitable for wet direct seeding in the future.
SMRT sequencing of a full-length transcriptome reveals transcript variants involved in C18 unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways at chilling temperature in Pennisetum giganteum
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Xiang Conglin , Xu Lin , Cui Jinghua , Fu Shao , Chen Baolin , Yang Shoukun , Wang Pan , Xie Yanfeng , Wei Ming , Wang Zhanchang
Published: January 2020

Background

Pennisetum giganteum, an abundant, fast-growing perennial C4 grass that belongs to the genus Pennisetum, family Poaceae, has been developed as a source of biomass for mushroom cultivation and production, as a source of forage for cattle and sheep, and as a tool to remedy soil erosion. However, having a chilling-sensitive nature, P. giganteum seedlings need to be protected while overwintering in most temperate climate regions.

Results

To elucidate the cold stress responses of P. giganteum, we carried out comprehensive full-length transcriptomes from leaf and root tissues under room temperature (RT) and chilling temperature (CT) using PacBio Iso-Seq long reads. We identified 196,124 and 140,766 full-length consensus transcripts in the RT and CT samples, respectively. We then systematically performed functional annotation, transcription factor identification, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) prediction, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis of those full-length transcriptomes. Isoform analysis revealed that alternative splicing events may be induced by cold stress in P. giganteum, and transcript variants may be involved in C18 unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways at chilling temperature in P. giganteum. Furthermore, the fatty acid composition determination and gene expression level analysis supported that C18 unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism pathways may play roles during cold stress in P. giganteum.

Conclusions

We provide the first comprehensive full-length transcriptomic resource for the abundant and fast-growing perennial grass Pennisetum giganteum. Our results provide a useful transcriptomic resource for exploring the biological pathways involved in the cold stress responses of P. giganteum.
Genome-wide survey and expression analysis of calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) in grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Wen Feng , Ye Feng , Xiao Zhulong , Liao Liang , Li Tongjian , Jia Mingliang , Liu Xinsheng , Wu Xiaozhu
Published: January 2020

Background

Ca2+ played as a ubiquitous secondary messenger involved in plant growth, development, and responses to various environmental stimuli. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) were important Ca2+ sensors, which could directly translate Ca2+ signals into downstream phosphorylation signals. Considering the importance of CDPKs as Ca2+ effectors for regulation of plant stress tolerance and few studies on Brachypodium distachyon were available, it was of interest for us to isolate CDPKs from B. distachyon.

Results

A systemic analysis of 30 CDPK family genes in B. distachyon was performed. Results showed that all BdCDPK family members contained conserved catalytic Ser/Thr protein kinase domain, autoinhibitory domain, and EF-hand domain, and a variable N-terminal domain, could be divided into four subgroup (I-IV), based upon sequence homology. Most BdCDPKs had four EF-hands, in which EF2 and EF4 revealed high variability and strong divergence from EF-hand in AtCDPKs. Synteny results indicated that large number of syntenic relationship events existed between rice and B. distachyon, implying their high conservation. Expression profiles indicated that most of BdCDPK genes were involved in phytohormones signal transduction pathways and regulated physiological process in responding to multiple environmental stresses. Moreover, the co-expression network implied that BdCDPKs might be both the activator and the repressor involved in WRKY transcription factors or MAPK cascade genes mediated stress response processes, base on their complex regulatory network.

Conclusions

BdCDPKs might play multiple function in WRKY or MAPK mediated abiotic stresses response and phytohormone signaling transduction in B. distachyon. Our genomics analysis of BdCDPKs could provide fundamental information for further investigation the functions of CDPKs in integrating Ca2+ signalling pathways in response to environments stresses in B. distachyon.
Clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures for treatment of uterine atony during the cesarean delivery of twins
Authors: Kim Mi-La , Hur Yoon-Mi , Ryu Hyejin , Lee Min Jin , Seong Seok Ju , Shin Joong Sik
Published: January 2020

Background

Twin pregnancy has a high risk for developing uterine atony (UA). This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and clinical outcomes of prophylactic compression sutures to treat UA during twin cesarean section (CS).

Methods

All patient records of twin deliveries by CS after gestational age of 24 weeks in a large maternity hospital in South Korea between January 2013 and June 2018 were reviewed. Patients with monochorionic monoamniotic twins were excluded from data analysis. In total, 953 women were eligible for data analysis.

Results

Of the 953 patients, compression sutures were applied to 147 cases with postpartum bleeding that were refractory to uterine massage and uterotonics. Out of the 147, two patients (1.4%) proceeded to additional uterine artery ligation to achieve hemostasis, yielding a success rate of 98.6%. The rate of transfusion after the first 24 h of delivery in the suture group was not significantly different from that in the non-suture group, suggesting that both groups achieved hemostasis at an equal rate after the first 24 h of delivery. The difference in the operation time between the two groups was only 8.5 min. The rate of subsequent pregnancy among the patients who received compression sutures was 44.4%.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings suggest that with early and fast implementation of compression sutures, UA can be treated in the setting of twin cesarean delivery without significantly increasing maternal morbidity.
Sex differences in youth with mental health problems in inpatient, outpatient and youth justice settings
Authors: Stewart Shannon L. , Thornley Elizabeth , Lapshina Natalia , Erickson Patricia , Vingilis Evelyn , Hamilton Hayley , Kolla Nathan
Published: January 2020

Background

Approximately 40–70% of justice-involved youth have untreated mental health problems. There is no current research that directly compares the mental health profiles of youth involved in the justice system to that of inpatients and outpatients. The research reported is significant because it directly compares the needs of these population by use of the same suite of standardized assessment tools.

Methods

The sample consisted of 755 youth aged 16–19 years recruited from youth justice and mental health facilities in Ontario, Canada. Participants completed semi-structured assessment interviews using the interRAI child and youth suite of instruments to assess for internalizing and externalizing concerns as well as exposure to traumatic life events.

Results

Findings indicated that justice-involved youth experienced higher levels of certain types of trauma. Analyses examining sex differences indicated that, controlling for age, males in the youth justice group reported higher cumulative trauma compared to male outpatients but not inpatients. Females in the youth justice group reported experiencing higher cumulative trauma compared to female outpatients and inpatients. In addition, controlling for sex and age, the youth justice group reported lower internalizing symptoms scores than inpatients and outpatients. Finally, males in the youth justice group scored lower than inpatients in externalizing symptoms, whereas females within the youth justice group scored higher in externalizing symptoms compared to inpatients and outpatients.

Conclusions

Results indicated that youth who are involved with the justice system exhibit significant psychosocial issues that represent complex service needs which require unique interventions in order to be addressed appropriately.
Do we have to reduce the recall period? Validity of a daily physical activity questionnaire (PAQ24) in young active adults
Authors: Novak B. , Holler P. , Jaunig J. , Ruf W. , van Poppel M. N. M. , Sattler M. C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Combining the strengths of physical activity (PA) diaries and questionnaires may be needed to improve the unsatisfying measurement quality of existing PA questionnaires. This study investigated the construct validity of a short PA questionnaire (Physical Activity Questionnaire for 24 h [PAQ24]) with a recall period of one day.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, participants completed the PAQ24 on seven consecutive days while wearing an accelerometer (GENEActiv). Thereafter, the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was completed. Spearman correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess construct validity.

Results

Overall, 50 active adults (11 women, mean age = 25.1 ± 2.5) participated. Relative agreements between Total PA of PAQ24 and accelerometer were 0.37 ≤ ρ ≤ 0.72 for each day with satisfying agreement on five out of seven days. Weekly relative agreement for Total PA was moderate (ρ = 0.44). Relative agreements between PAQ24 and GPAQ were ρ = 0.43 for Total PA. Daily and weekly absolute agreements were poor indicated by wide limits of agreement.

Conclusions

In contrast to weekly Total PA, the majority of daily results of the PAQ24 showed satisfying construct validity. A short recall period may improve the measurement quality of PA questionnaires, but measurement errors and the costs of multiple administrations must be considered in future studies.
The impact of chronic widespread pain on health status and long-term health predictors: a general population cohort study
Authors: Sylwander Charlotte , Larsson Ingrid , Andersson Maria , Bergman Stefan
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic widespread pain (CWP) has a negative impact on health status, but results have varied regarding gender-related differences and reported health status. The aim was to study the impact of CWP on health status in women and men aged 35–54 years in a sample of the general population. The aim was further to investigate lifestyle-related predictors of better health status in those with CWP in a 12- and 21-year perspective.

Method

A general population cohort study including 975 participants aged 35–54 years, with a 12- and 21-year follow-up. CWP was measured with a pain mannequin, and the questionnaire included questions on lifestyles factors with SF-36 for measurement of health status. Differences in health status were analysed with independent samples t-test and health predictors with logistic regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of CWP was higher in women at all time points, but health status was reduced in both women and men with CWP (p < 0.001) with no gender differences of clinical relevance. At the 12-year follow-up, a higher proportion of women than men had developed CWP (OR 2.04; CI 1.27–3.26), and at the 21-year follow-up, a higher proportion of men had recovered from CWP (OR 3.79; CI 1.00–14.33). In those reporting CWP at baseline, a better SF-36 health status (Physical Functioning, Vitality or Mental Health) at the 12-year follow-up was predicted by male gender, having personal support, being a former smoker, and having no sleeping problems. In the 21-year follow-up, predictors of better health were male gender, a weekly intake of alcohol, and having no sleeping problems.

Conclusion

Women and men with CWP have the same worsening of health status, but men recover from CWP to a greater extent in the long-term. Being male, having social support, being a former smoker, and having no sleeping problems were associated with better health status in those with CWP.
Shell resource partitioning as a mechanism of coexistence in two co-occurring terrestrial hermit crab species
Authors: Steibl Sebastian , Laforsch Christian
Published: January 2020

Background

Coexistence is enabled by ecological differentiation of the co-occurring species. One possible mechanism thereby is resource partitioning, where each species utilizes a distinct subset of the most limited resource. This resource partitioning is difficult to investigate using empirical research in nature, as only few species are primarily limited by solely one resource, rather than a combination of multiple factors. One exception are the shell-dwelling hermit crabs, which are known to be limited under natural conditions and in suitable habitats primarily by the availability of gastropod shells. In the present study, we used two co-occurring terrestrial hermit crab species,Coenobita rugosusandC. perlatus, to investigate how resource partitioning is realized in nature and whether it could be a driver of coexistence.

Results

Field sampling of eleven separated hermit crab populations showed that the two co-occurring hermit crab species inhabit the same beach habitat but utilize a distinct subset of the shell resource. Preference experiments and principal component analysis of the shell morphometric data thereby revealed that the observed utilization patterns arise out of different intrinsic preferences towards two distinct shell shapes. WhileC. rugosusdisplayed a preference towards a short and globose shell morphology,C. perlatusshowed preferences towards an elongated shell morphology with narrow aperture.

Conclusion

The two terrestrial hermit crab species occur in the same habitat but have evolved different preferences towards distinct subsets of the limiting shell resource. Resource partitioning might therefore be the main driver of their ecological differentiation, which ultimately allowed these co-occurring species to coexist in their environment. As the preferred shell morphology ofC. rugosusmaximizes reproductive output at the expense of protection, while the preferred shell morphology ofC. perlatusmaximizes protection against predation at the expense of reproductive output, shell resource partitioning might reflect different strategies to respond to the same set of selective pressures occurring in beach habitats. This work offers empirical support for the competitive exclusion principle-hypothesis and demonstrates that hermit crabs are an ideal model organism to investigate resource partitioning in natural populations.
The use of Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) in diarrhea and constipation involves calcium antagonism and cholinergic mechanisms
Authors: Ali Muhammad Zeeshan , Mehmood Malik Hassan , Saleem Muhammad , Gilani Anwarul-Hassan
Published: January 2020

Background

Euphorbia hirta (Linn) family Euphorbiaceae has been used in indigenous system of medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study was designed to determine the pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of E. hirta in diarrhea and constipation.

Methods

The aqueous-methanol extract of whole herb of E. hirta (EH.Cr) and its petroleum ether (Pet.EH), chloroform (CHCl3.EH), ethyl acetate (Et.Ac.EH) and aqueous (Aq.EH) fractions were tested in the in-vivo experiments using Balb/c mice, while the in-vitro studies were performed on isolated jejunum and ileum preparations of locally bred rabbit and Sprague Dawley rats, respectively, using PowerLab data system.

Results

Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, cardiac glycosides, while HPLC of EH.Cr showed quercetin in high proportion. In mice, EH.Cr at the dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg showed 41 and 70% protection from castor oil-induced diarrhea, respectively, similar to the effect of quercetin and loperamide, while at lower doses (50 and 100 mg/kg), it caused an increase in the fecal output. In loperamide-induced constipated mice, EH.Cr also displayed laxative effect with respective values of 28.6 and 35.3% at 50 and 100 mg/kg. In rabbit jejunum, EH.Cr showed atropine-sensitive inhibitory effect in a concentration-dependent manner, while quercetin and nifedipine exhibited atropine-insensitive effects. Fractions of E. hirta also produced atropine-sensitive inhibitory effects except Pet.EH and CHCl3.EH. On high (80 mM) and low (20 mM) K+ − induced contractions, the crude extract and fractions exhibited a concentration-dependent non-specific inhibition of both spasmogens and displaced concentration-response curves of Ca++ to the right with suppression of the maximum effect similar to the effect quercetin and nifedipine. Fractions showed wide distribution of spasmolytic and Ca++ antagonist like effects. In rat ileum, EH.Cr and its fractions exhibited atropine-sensitive gut stimulant effects except Pet.EH.

Conclusion

The crude extract of E. hirta possesses antidiarrheal effect possibly mediated through Ca++ antagonist like gut inhibitory constituents, while its laxative effect was mediated primarily through muscarinic receptor agonist like gut stimulant constituents. Thus, these findings provide an evidence to the folkloric use of E. hirta in diarrhea and constipation.
Identifying and addressing social determinants of health in outpatient practice: results of a program-wide survey of internal and family medicine residents
Authors: Gard Lauren A. , Cooper Andrew J. , Youmans Quentin , Didwania Aashish , Persell Stephen D. , Jean-Jacques Muriel , Ravenna Paul , Goel Mita Sanghavi , O’Brien Matthew J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Up to 60% of preventable mortality is attributable to social determinants of health (SDOH), yet training on SDOH competencies is not widely implemented in residency. The objective of this study was to assess internal and family medicine residents’ competence at identifying and addressing SDOH.

Methods

Residents’ perceived competence at identifying, discussing, and addressing SDOH in outpatient settings was assessed using a single questionnaire administered in March 2017. In this cross-sectional analysis, bivariate associations of resident characteristics with the following outcomes were examined: identifying, discussing, and addressing patients’ challenges related to SDOH through referrals.

Results

The survey was completed by 129 (84%) residents. Twenty residents (16%) reported an annual income of less than $50,000 during childhood. Overall, 108 residents (84%) reported previous SDOH training. Two-thirds had outpatient practices in Veterans Affairs or safety-net clinics. Thirty-nine (30%) intended to pursue a career in primary care. The following numbers of residents reported high levels of competence for performing these outcomes: identifying patients’ challenges related to SDOH: 37 (29%); discussing them with patients: 18 (14%); and addressing these challenges through referrals to internal and external resources: 13 (10%) and 11 (9%), respectively. Factors associated with higher competence included older age, lower childhood household income, prior education about SDOH, primary practice site and intention to practice primary care.

Conclusions

Most residents had previous SDOH training, yet only a small proportion of residents reported being highly competent at identifying or addressing SDOH. Providing opportunities for practical training may be a key component in preparing medical residents to identify and address SDOH effectively in outpatient practice.
Evidence-based medicine self-assessment, knowledge, and integration into daily practice: a survey among Romanian physicians and comparison between trainees and specialists
Authors: Capraş Roxana-Denisa , Bulboacă Adriana Elena , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: January 2020

Background

A gap between the attitude towards evidence-based medicine (EBM), knowledge and awareness has been reported among physicians from different parts of the world. However, no investigation on Romanian physicians is available in the scientific literature. Our study aimed, firstly, to assess EBM awareness and the knowledge used by Romanian physicians, and, secondly, to compare resident trainees with specialists.

Methods

Romanian trainee and specialist physicians were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The study tool was an online questionnaire designed to explore their awareness, knowledge, usefulness, the attitude in medical documentation, and the use of professional EBM resources. Data were collected by Google Form from January 1st to April 30th, 2017, respecting the responders’ anonymity. Two groups of physicians were investigated as trainees and specialists, respectively. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage, median and interquartile range) was used to describe the survey-related variables. Statistical significance on qualitative data was calculated with the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, or the Z-test for proportions.

Results

Two hundred and 50 physicians participated in this study (68% trainees vs. 32% specialists). In both groups, a significantly high percentage was represented by women as compared to men (trainees 72.4%, specialists 70%). The correct definition of EBM was identified by most respondents (75.6%). Affirmatively, both trainees and specialists always looked at levels of evidence when reading scientific literature, but a small percentage (6.5% trainees and 3% specialists) adequately identified the uppermost types of evidence in the hierarchy. Almost a quarter of the respondents shared the name of mobile EBM resources that they used to support the daily practice. Only six out of the 49 listed mobile resources met the EBM criteria.

Conclusions

The participants proved to have limited knowledge of EBM and a positive attitude towards the concept. They made use of mobile medical resources without understanding which of these were evidence-based.
Acceptability of youth clubs focusing on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in rural Zambian schools: a case of Central Province
Authors: Chirwa-Kambole Eunice , Svanemyr Joar , Sandøy Ingvild , Hangoma Peter , Zulu Joseph Mumba
Published: January 2020

Background

The youths in Zambia have limited access to information concerning Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and this puts them at risk of unwanted pregnancies. Talking about other methods of preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections than abstinence is regarded as culturally unacceptable. The Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of Girls (RISE) is a cluster randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of different support packages on teenage pregnancies, early marriages and school drop-out rates. One of the support packages included youth clubs focusing on Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Education (CSRHE).

Although similar interventions have been implemented in other settings, their integration process has been complex and comprehensive assessments of factors shaping acceptability of CSRHE are lacking. This article qualitatively aimed at identifying factors that shaped the acceptability of CSRHE youth clubs in rural schools in Central Province.

Method

A qualitative case study was conducted after the youth clubs had been running for a year. Data were gathered through eight focus group discussions with grade eight pupils and eight individual interviews with teachers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The perceived advantage and simplicity of the clubs related to the use of participatory learning methods, films and role plays to communicate sensitive reproductive health information made the learners like the youth clubs. Further, the perceived compatibility of the content of the sessions with the science curriculum increased the learners’ interest in the youth clubs as the meetings also helped them to prepare for the school examinations. However, cultural and religious beliefs among teachers and parents regarding the use of contraceptives complicated the delivery of reproductive health messages and the acceptability of youth clubs’ information among the learners.

Conclusion

The study indicated that CSRHE youth clubs may be acceptable in rural schools if participatory learning methods are used and head-teachers, teachers as well as parents appreciate and support the clubs.
Correction to: Crystal structure of PKG Iβ holoenzyme reveals a trans‑inhibiting dimer assembly
Authors: Kim Choel , Sharma Rajesh , Casteel Darren E.
Published: January 2020

After publication of abstract S 2‑06 in supplement [1], it was brought to our attention that the second author’s name is spelled incorrectly. Originally the author name has been published as Rajesh Sarma. The correct author name is Rajesh Sharma.
Correction to: ZNF326 promotes malignant phenotype of glioma by up-regulating HDAC7 expression and activating Wnt pathway
Authors: Yu Xinmiao , Wang Minghao , Wu Jingjing , Han Qiang , Zhang Xiupeng
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], the author mislabeled the CTL group and ZNF326 group in Fig. 2-I,J (MTT result). The revised Fig. 2 is shown below.
Drug testing on arrest–who benefits?
Authors: Connor Marc , Green Gill , Thomas Neale , Sondhi Arun , Pevalin David
Published: January 2020

Background

Drugs and crime are linked and diversion from the criminal justice system into drug treatment is a well-established policy response. The point of arrest is a pivotal moment to initiate a drug-specific intervention. This paper assesses the impact of the introduction of drug testing on arrest (DToA) into a low crime area in England. Our mixed methods study analysed performance data collected by the National Drug Treatment Monitoring/Drug Test Recorder datasets and feedback from a series of semi-structured interviews with both clients and professionals.

Results

In total, 2210 people were tested 2861 times of which 42.0% (n = 928) tested positive. Of those, 3% subsequently engaged with effective treatment. However, throughout the criminal justice system, treatment engagements increased year on year from 20% (n = 77) to 26% (n = 131). Clients (n = 19) and professionals (n = 14) reported that DToA was an acceptable/tolerable addition to the treatment pathway. Interviews suggested that the point of arrest may help primary desistance from further offending.

Conclusions

The staggered introduction of the DToA made direct measure of impact difficult and there appears to have been a ‘displacement’ effect in response to the extra investment. However, DToA appears to have contributed towards an overall uplift in criminal justice drug treatment system performance activities (identification, assessment, referral etc.) and may have served to help strengthen care pathways. Barriers were noted about engagement with DToA by entrenched opiate users, suggesting that the effectiveness of DToA was limited within that group. This study is the first to investigate the impact of the introduction of DToA into a low crime area.