bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on Postoperative Constipation for Patients Undergoing Brain Tumor Surgery
Authors: Li Danni , Li Hui , Liu Hongyan , Bao Hongbo , Zhu Tianming , Tian Jingchen , Li Huiyan , Li Jie , Guo Xinxin , Zhuang Zhe , Cai Guofeng , Yang Yue
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND:Constipation is frequently encountered in patients undergoing brain tumor resection. Constipation has negative effects on daily living, well-being, and individuals' quality of life. We examined the impact of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation on postoperative constipation for patients undergoing brain tumor resection.METHODS:Patients undergoing brain tumor resection (n = 150) were randomly divided into a nontreatment group, an acupuncture group, and an EA group. Rome III Diagnostic Criteria, Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score, symptom assessment, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and a Self-Rating Depression Scale were collected.RESULTS:Acupuncture and EA were effective in relieving postoperative constipation. Electroacupuncture decreased constipation and improved quality of life scores.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture and EA are novel adjuvant therapies to treat constipation.
The Potential Impact of a Gel-Based Point-of-Sex Intervention in Reducing Gonorrhea Incidence Among Gay and Bisexual Men: A Modeling Study
Authors: Traeger Michael W. , Tidhar Tom , Holt Martin , Williams Chris , Wright Edwina J. , Stoové Mark A. , Scott Nick , Hellard Margaret E.
Published: July 2020

Background

Increases in sexually transmitted infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) over the past decade have coincided with declines in condom use and rapid uptake of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We explored the impact of an antimicrobial gel-based point-of-sex intervention (gel-PSI) with a lower efficacy for reducing gonorrhea transmission risk than condoms on population-level gonorrhea incidence among GBM in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A deterministic compartmental model of HIV and gonorrhea transmission was used to project annual gonorrhea incidence from 2020 to 2025. Individuals were classified as HIV-negative (PrEP or non-PrEP users) or HIV-positive, and further stratified by gonorrhoea risk (high/low). All possible scenarios where between 0% and 100% of GBM using condoms transitioned to gel-PSI (considered a downgrade in protection) and 0% and 100% of GBM not using condoms transitioned to gel-PSI (considered an upgrade in protection), with gel-PSI efficacy ranging from 20% to 50%, were run.

Results

The baseline scenario of no gel-PSI uptake (status quo) projected 94,367 gonorrhea infections between 2020 and 2025, with an exponentially increasing trend in annual infections. For a gel-PSI efficacy of 30%, a net reduction in cumulative gonorrhea incidence was projected, relative to the status quo, for any ratio of proportion of condom users “downgrading” to proportion of noncondom users “upgrading” to gel-PSI use of less than 2.6. Under the supposition of equal proportions of condom users and noncondom users switching to gel-PSI, a relative reduction was projected for any gel-PSI efficacy greater than 16%.

Conclusions

Our model suggests that the introduction of a gel-PSI could have benefits for controlling gonorrhea transmission among GBM, even in scenarios where the gel-PSI is considerably less efficacious than condoms and when gel-PSI uptake leads to consequent reductions in consistent condom use.
Clinical characteristics, comorbidities and outcomes among persons with HIV hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia
Authors: Collins Lauren F. , Moran Caitlin A. , Oliver Nora T. , Moanna Abeer , Lahiri Cecile D. , Colasanti Jonathan A. , Kelley Colleen F. , Nguyen Minh L. , Marconi Vincent C. , Armstrong Wendy S. , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Sheth Anandi N.
Published: July 2020

Background:

There are limited data describing the presenting characteristics and outcomes among US persons with HIV (PWH) requiring hospitalization for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

We performed a case series of all PWH sequentially admitted with COVID-19 from 8 March 2020 to 23 April 2020 at three hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia. Sociodemographic, clinical and HIV-associated characteristics were collected.

Results:

Of 530 confirmed COVID-19 cases hospitalized during this period, 20 occurred among PWH (3.8%). The median age was 57 (Q1–Q3, 48–62) years, 65% were men, and 85% were non-Hispanic Black. Presenting median symptom duration was 5 (Q1–Q3, 3–7) days; cough (90%), fever (65%), malaise (60%) and dyspnea (60%) were most common. On admission, 40% of patients required oxygenation support and 65% had an abnormal chest radiograph. Median length of hospitalization was 5 (Q1–Q3, 4–12) days, 30% required intensive care, 15% required intubation, and 15% died. Median CD4+ cell count prior to admission was 425 (Q1–Q3, 262–815) cells/μl and 90% of patients had HIV-1 RNA less than 200 copies/ml. Half of the patients had at least five comorbidities; hypertension (70%), dyslipidemia (60%) and diabetes (45%) were most prevalent. All three patients who died had CD4+ cell count more than 200, HIV suppression and each had a total of five comorbidities.

Conclusion:

The multisite series in the Southern United States provides characteristics and early outcomes of hospitalized PWH with COVID-19. Nearly all patients had controlled HIV and a high comorbidity burden. Additional study of COVID-19 among PWH is needed to determine the role of age, comorbidities and HIV control in mediating COVID-19 presentation and its sequelae.
Evaluation of NGS-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome characterisation
Authors: Charre Caroline , Ginevra Christophe , Sabatier Marina , Regue Hadrien , Destras Grégory , Brun Solenne , Burfin Gwendolyne , Scholtes Caroline , Morfin Florence , Valette Martine , Lina Bruno , Bal Antonin , Josset Laurence
Published: July 2020

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been performed at unprecedented rate worldwide with the use of very diverse Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods. Herein, we compare the performance of four NGS-based approaches for SARS-CoV-2 WGS. Twenty four clinical respiratory samples with a large scale of Ct values (from 10.7 to 33.9) were sequenced with four methods. Three used Illumina sequencing: an in-house metagenomic NGS (mNGS) protocol and two newly commercialized kits including a hybridization capture method developed by Illumina (DNA Prep with Enrichment kit and Respiratory Virus Oligo Panel, RVOP) and an amplicon sequencing method developed by Paragon Genomics (CleanPlex SARS-CoV-2 kit). We also evaluated the widely used amplicon sequencing protocol developed by ARTIC Network and combined with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. All four methods yielded near-complete genomes (>99%) for high viral loads samples, with mNGS and RVOP producing the most complete genomes. For mid viral loads, 2/8 and 1/8 genomes were incomplete (<99%) with mNGS and both CleanPlex and RVOP, respectively. For low viral loads (Ct ≥25), amplicon-based enrichment methods were the most sensitive techniques yielding complete genomes for 7/8 samples. All methods were highly concordant in terms of identity in complete consensus sequence. Just one mismatch in two samples was observed in CleanPlexvsthe other methods, due to the dedicated bioinformatics pipeline setting a high threshold to call SNP compared to reference sequence. Importantly, all methods correctly identified a newly observed 34-nt deletion in ORF6 but required specific bioinformatic validation for RVOP. Finally, as a major warning for targeted techniques, a default of coverage in any given region of the genome should alert to a potential rearrangement or a SNP in primer annealing or probe-hybridizing regions and would require regular updates of the technique according to SARS-CoV-2 evolution.
Physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults during early COVID-19 containment strategies: A multi-country cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Faulkner James , O’Brien Wendy J. , McGrane Bronagh , Wadsworth Daniel , Batten John , Askew Christopher D. , Badenhorst Claire , Byrd Erin , Coulter Maura , Draper Nick , Elliot Catherine , Fryer Simon , Hamlin Michael J. , Jakeman John , Mackintosh Kelly A. , McNarry Melitta A. , Mitchelmore Andrew , Murphy John , Ryan-Stewart Helen , Saynor Zoe , Schaumberg Mia , Stone Keeron , Stoner Lee , Stuart Beth , Lambrick Danielle
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess how the early stages of National governments Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment strategies impacted upon the physical activity, mental health and well-being of adults in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia

Design

Observational, cross-sectional

Setting

Online survey disseminated in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia within the first 2-6 weeks of government mandated COVID-19 restrictions

Participants

Adults (n = 8,425; 44.5 ± 14.8 y), ≥ 18 y who were residing in the surveyed countries

Main outcome measures

Stages of Change scale for exercise behaviour change, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short-form), World Health Organisation-5 Well-being Index and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9

Results

Participants who reported a negative change in exercise behaviour between pre- and during the early COVID-19 restrictions demonstrated poorer mental health and well-being compared to those who had either a positive change- or no change in their exercise behaviour (p<0.001). Whilst women reported more positive changes in exercise behaviour, young people (18-29y) reported more negative changes (both p<0.001). Individuals who engaged in more physical activity reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001). Although there were no differences in physical activity between countries, individuals in New Zealand reported better mental health and well-being (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 restrictions have differentially impacted upon the physical activity habits of individuals based upon their age and sex, and therefore have important implications for international policy and guideline recommendations. Public health interventions that encourage physical activity should target specific groups (e.g., men, young adults) who are most vulnerable to the negative effects of physical distancing and/or self-isolation.
Seasonality of non-SARS, non-MERS Corona viruses and the impact of meteorological factors
Authors: Anastasiou Olympia E. , Hüsing Anika , Korth Johannes , Theodoropoulos Fotis , Taube Christian , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Stang Andreas , Dittmer Ulf
Published: July 2020

Background

Seasonality is a characteristic of some respiratory viruses. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seasonality and the potential effects of different meteorological factors on the detection rate of the non-SARS Corona Virus detection by PCR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 12763 respiratory tract sample results (288 positive and 12475 negative) for non-SARS, non-MERS Corona viruses (NL63, 229E, OC43, HKU1). The effect of seven single weather factors on the Corona virus detection rate was fitted in a logistic regression model with and without adjusting for other weather factors.

Results

Corona virus infections followed a seasonal pattern peaking from December to March and plunging from July to September. The seasonal effect was less pronounced in immunosuppressed patients compared to immunocompetent. Different automatic variable selection processes agreed to select the predictors temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover and precipitation as remaining predictors in the multivariable logistic regression model including all weather factors, with low ambient temperature, low relative humidity, high cloud cover and high precipitation being linked to increased Corona virus detection rates.

Conclusions

Corona virus infections followed a seasonal pattern, which was more pronounced in immunocompetent patients compared to immunosuppressed. Several meteorological factors were associated with the Corona virus detection rate. However, when mutually adjusting for all weather factors, only temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and cloud cover contributed independently to predicting the Corona virus detection rate.
Observational Study of Chlorpromazine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19
Authors: Hoertel Nicolas , Rico Marina Sanchez , Vernet Raphaël , Jannot Anne-Sophie , Neuraz Antoine , Blanco Carlos , Lemogne Cédric , Airagnes Guillaume , Paris Nicolas , Daniel Christel , Gramfort Alexandre , Lemaitre Guillaume , Bernaux Mélodie , Bellamine Ali , Beeker Nathanaël , Limosin Frédéric
Published: July 2020

On the grounds of its anti-inflammatory and potential antiviral effects, chlorpromazine has been suggested to be effective treatment for Covid-19. We examined the association between chlorpromazine use and respiratory failure among all hospitalized adults with Covid-19 at the 39 Greater Paris University hospitals since the beginning of the epidemic. Study baseline was defined as the date of hospital admission. The primary endpoint was a composite of intubation or death in a time-to-event analysis adjusting for numerous potential confounders. We used a multivariable Cox model with inverse probability weighting according to the propensity score. Of the 12,217 adult inpatients with a positive Covid-19 RT-PCR test included in the analyses, 57 (0.47%) received chlorpromazine. Over a mean follow-up of 20.8 days, the primary endpoint occurred in 29 patients (50.9%) exposed to chlorpromazine and 1,899 patients (15.6%) who were not. In the main analysis, there was a positive significant association between chlorpromazine use and the outcome (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.56, p=0.019), while a Cox regression in a matched analytic sample yielded non-significant association (1.38; 95% CI, 0.91 to 2.09, p=0.123). These findings suggest that chlorpromazine is unlikely to have a clinical efficacy for Covid-19.
Canine tumor mutation rate is positively correlated with TP53 mutation across cancer types and breeds
Authors: Alsaihati Burair A. , Ho Kun-Lin , Watson Joshua , Feng Yuan , Wang Tianfang , Zhao Shaying
Published: July 2020

Spontaneous canine cancers are a valuable but relatively understudied and underutilized model in cancer research. To enhance their usage, we reanalyzed whole exome sequencing data published for 601 dogs with mammary cancer, osteosarcoma, oral melanoma, lymphoma, glioma or hemangiosarcoma from over 35 breeds, after rigorous quality control, including breed validation. Each cancer type harbors distinct molecular features, with major pathway alterations matching its human counterpart (e.g., PI3K for mammary cancer and p53 for osteosarcoma). On average, mammary cancer and glioma have lower mutation rates (median <0.5 mutation per Mb), whereas oral melanoma, osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma have higher mutation rates (median ≥1 mutation per Mb). Across cancer types and across breeds, the mutation rate is strongly associated withTP53mutation, but not withPIK3CAmutation. The mutation rate is also associated with a mutation signature enriched in osteosarcoma of Golden Retrievers, independent ofTP53mutation. Finally, compared to other breeds examined, DNA repair genes appear to be less conserved in Golden Retriever which is predisposed to numerous cancers.
gPortfolios: a pragmatic approach to online asynchronous assignments
Authors: Hickey Daniel , Duncan Jody , Gaylord Courtney , Hitchcock Christine , Itow Rebecca Chiyoko , Stephens Shelby Elizabeth
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is sharing out basic guidelines and examples from an extended collaboration to move educators move online while avoiding synchronous meetings. “gPortfolios” are public (to the class) pages where students write responses to carefully constructed engagement routines. Students then discuss their work with instructors and peers in threaded comments. gPortfolios usually include engagement reflections, formative self-assessments and automated quizzes. These assessments support and document learning while avoiding instructor “burnout” from grading. gPortfolios can be implemented using Google Docs and Forms or any learning management system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors report practical insights gained from design-based implementation research. This research explored the late Randi Engle’s principles for productive disciplinary engagement and expansive framing. Engle used current theories of learning to foster student discussions that were both authentic to the academic discipline at hand and productive for learning. This research also used new approaches to assessment to support Engle’s principles. This resulted in a comprehensive approach to online instruction and assessment that is effective and efficient for both students and teachers.

Findings

The approach “frames” (i.e. contextualizes) online engagement using each learners’ own experiences, perspectives and goals. Writing this revealed how this was different in different courses. Secondary biology students framed each assignment independently. Secondary English and history students framed assignments as elements of a personalized capstone presentation; the history students further used a self-selected “historical theme.” Graduate students framed each assignment in an educational assessment course using a real or imagined curricular aim and context.

Originality/value

Engle’s ideas have yet to be widely taken up in online education.
Seismic tuning of dispersive thin layers
Authors: Papageorgiou Giorgos , Chapman Mark
Published: July 2020

The wedge model is commonly used to study the limits of seismic resolution where conventionally the thickness of sub‐resolution seismic layers can be determined from thin layer tuning curves. Tuning curves relate the layer temporal thickness to the wavelet frequency, but, to our knowledge, no systematic study has been done to date of the effects of velocity dispersion and attenuation on tuning. In this work, we study the tuning properties of a thin layer dispersing according to the standard linear solid model. We show that the first tuning curve is sensitive to the attenuation, relative polarity and magnitude of the two reflection coefficients at the top and base of the layer. We provide an analytic formula for the upper bound in the mismatch between the elastic and dispersive tuning curves. We conclude that highly attenuative thin layers can appear thicker or thinner than they actually are depending on polarity and relative magnitude of reflection coefficients at the layer interfaces. Our results are particularly relevant in the quantification of CO2 where knowledge of the temporal thickness of CO2 layers is reliant on their tuning curves.
Validation of the Simple Psoriatic Arthritis Screening (SiPAS) questionnaire in a Turkish psoriatic population
Authors: Kaymaz Serdar , Karasu Uğur , Kaçar Nida , Çınar Gökhan , Çobankara Veli , Alkan Hakan , Ulutaş Firdevs
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Screening of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis (PsO) is critical for the prevention of irreversible joint erosions, deformity, and disability. The SiPAS questionnaire is a short, simple and useful tool designed to screen PsA. This study aimed to evaluate validity of the SiPAS questionnaire in Turkish patients with PsO.

Materials and methods

The Turkish translation of SiPAS was sent to us by the developer authors of the original index. Subjects were recruited from dermatology outpatient clinics. All patients' demographic parameters and SiPAS questionnaire results were recorded. After patients completed the questionnaire they were assessed by a rheumatologist according to standard protocol which included a complete history, detailed physical examination, laboratory tests and Classification for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) criteria. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were assessed to obtain sensitivity and specificity of the Turkish version of the SiPAS questionnaire.

Results

One hundred and thirty subjects were recruited into the study. The mean age of subjects were 43.5 years and the 55.4% of subjects were female. Of these, after rheumatologic evaluation 42 patients were diagnosed as PsA. The area under the ROC curve was 0.994 which means as excellent predictor and optimum cut‐off threshold to discriminate patients diagnosed with PsA was 3 according to this ROC curve analysis. The overall sensitivity and specificity based on cut‐off threshold of 3, were 97.6% and 94.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

The Turkish version of the SiPAS questionnaire is a simple useful, time‐saving and valid tool for screening PsA in patients diagnosed with PsO with its high sensitivity and specificity. A SiPAS score ≥3 is an indication for referral to a rheumatologist.
Personal protective equipment and evidence‐based advice for surgical departments during COVID‐19
Authors: Tan Lorwai , Kovoor Joshua G. , Williamson Penny , Tivey David R. , Babidge Wendy J. , Collinson Trevor G. , Hewett Peter J. , Hugh Thomas J. , Padbury Robert T. A. , Langley Sally J. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: July 2020

Background

Inconsistencies regarding the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have raised concerns for the safety of surgical staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. This rapid review synthesizes the literature and includes input from clinical experts to provide evidence‐based guidance for surgical services.

Methods

The rapid review comprised of targeted searches in PubMed and grey literature. Pertinent findings were discussed by a working group of clinical experts, and consensus recommendations, consistent with Australian and New Zealand Government guidelines, were formulated.

Results

There was a paucity of high‐quality primary studies specifically investigating appropriate surgical PPE for healthcare workers treating patients possibly infected with COVID‐19. SARS‐CoV‐2 is capable of aerosol, droplet and fomite transmission, making it essential to augment standard infection control measures with appropriate PPE, especially during surgical emergencies and aerosol‐generating procedures. All biological material should be treated a potential source of SARS‐COV‐2. Staff must have formal training in the use of PPE and should be supervised by a colleague during donning and doffing. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 should wear a surgical mask during transfer to and from theatre. Potential solutions exist in the literature to extend the use of surgical P2/N95 respirators in situations of limited supply.

Conclusion

PPE is advised for all high‐risk procedures and when a patient's COVID‐19 status is unknown. Surgical departments should facilitate staggered rostering, remote meeting attendance, and self‐isolation of symptomatic staff. Vulnerable surgical staff should be identified and excluded from operations with a high risk of COVID‐19 infection.
Variation in lysine, threonine, and tryptophan availability in meat and bone meal as estimated by the slope‐ratio growth assay technique in growing rats
Authors: Sato Hiroyuki , Miura Makoto , Fujieda Takeshi , Taciak Marcin , Kikusato Motoi , Toyomizu Masaaki
Published: July 2020

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is an important protein source used in animal feeds. However, as the composition and availability of amino acids (AAs) in MBM fluctuate markedly, it is important to verify the magnitude of these parameters in different MBMs. In this study, the AA compositions of 19 MBMs were analyzed to confirm variations in lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp), then which were compared with those of soybean meal (SBM) and fish meal (FM). Instability in Lys, Thr, and Trp availabilities in six MBMs were also considered after estimation using the slope‐ratio growth assay technique in rats. Variations in AA composition were evaluated using the coefficient of variance (CV: Standard deviation/Mean). CVs for Lys, Thr, and Trp content were 9.40, 11.83, and 18.12 in MBM, 2.71, 2.48, and 3.19 in SBM, and 10.09, 10.44, and 13.47 in FM. Furthermore, means and SDs for Lys, Thr, and Trp availabilities in MBM were 53.3 ± 10.4% (CV: 19.5), 65.9 ± 17.6% (CV: 26.6), and 83.2 ± 11.2% (CV: 13.5), respectively. These results provide the first evidence that variations in MBM AA compositions were 3.5 to 5.7 times higher than those in SBM, but similar to FM, and that the large variation in availability substantially existed.
A long‐term study of the effects of SLC12A1 homozygous mutation (g.62382825G>A, p.Pro372Leu) in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Sakamoto Yoichi , Hasegawa Kiyotoshi , Moriwaki Shunsuke , Hara Yoko , Hamada Yuta , Sasaki Shinji
Published: July 2020

Recessive missense mutation in the solute carrier family 12, member 1 (SLC12A1) gene (g.62382825G>A) is associated with hydrallantois, which is the accumulation of fluid in the allantoic cavity of a pregnant animal, and usually causes fetal death in Japanese Black cattle. However, the symptoms of a homozygote with this mutation that do not result in fetal death have not previously been tracked and evaluated. In the present study, we observed a homozygote with the SLC12A1 risk allele over a long‐term period. The calf did not show any obvious clinical symptoms, although it did exhibit a slight growth retardation that accompanied mild calciuria. At 28 months of age, the homozygote showed renal dysfunction, which in turn resulted in hydronephrosis. The time course of the symptoms was consistent with the phenotype of Bartter syndrome in humans. Additionally, the risk heterozygous genotype did not any effects on carcass traits, which indicates that eliminating the risk allele would not have any unfavorable effects. Therefore, we emphasize that both the fetal‐ and late‐stage symptoms associated with the SLC12A1 risk allele compromise animal welfare, and consequently may result in severe economic losses for individual farmers if the SLC12A1 risk allele is not eliminated from the population.
Sunflower pollen reduces a gut pathogen in worker and queen but not male bumble bees
Authors: Fowler Alison E. , Stone Elyse C. , Irwin Rebecca E. , Adler Lynn S.
Published: July 2020

1. Social insect castes and sexes differ in many ways, including morphology, behavior, and sometimes ploidy level. Recent studies have found that consuming sunflower pollen reduces the gut pathogen Crithidia bombi in workers of the common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens). Here, this work is extended to the reproductive individuals that represent colony fitness – males and queens – to assess if the medicinal effects of sunflower pollen vary with bee caste and sex.

2. This study examined the effect of sunflower pollen compared to a diverse wildflower pollen mix on infection in worker, male, and daughter queen commercial B. impatiens. Bees were infected, fed either sunflower pollen or wildflower pollen for 7 days, and then infection levels were assessed.

3. Compared to wildflower pollen, sunflower pollen dramatically reduced Crithidia infection in workers and daughter queens, but not males. Infection levels were very low for both diets in males; this could be due to low pollen consumption or other mechanisms.

4. Reducing Crithidia infection in young queens before they undergo hibernation is important for population dynamics since infected queens are less likely to survive hibernation, and those that do are less likely to successfully establish a nest the following spring. Because sunflowers bloom in late summer when new queens are emerging, sunflowers could provide an important dietary component for queens during this critical life stage. Deepening our understanding of how diet impacts pathogens in reproductive bees, as well as workers, is crucial to maintain healthy pollinator populations.
Pedagogies for the ‘Dis‐engaged’: Diverse Experiences of the Young People’s Arts Award Programme
Authors: Howard Frances
Published: July 2020

Art education is often praised for its engaging programmes and inclusive pedagogies, with many initiatives created with the intention of widening access for those who are deemed to be lacking. This article investigates one such programme – the young people’s Arts Award, which is a nationally recognised qualification for young people aged 11–25. I call upon a range of pedagogies in order to critique the Arts Award within the context of informal and alternative education settings in the United Kingdom. Drawing on a 12‐month ethnographic study, the research was conducted across five diverse programmes which included youth work projects and alternative provision. I present two cases – ‘learning to be an artist’ and ‘learning to behave’ – which demonstrate a hierarchy of pedagogy in the application of this programme across these particular contexts. Artists’ Signature Pedagogies are used as an analytical framework to explore the affordances of working with artists through the programme. Further, I engage with the Pedagogy of Poverty to demonstrate that young people who were classified as ‘dis‐engaged’ were more likely to receive lower quality programmes, low‐level work and over‐regulated teaching. I argue that despite changes to the ways that young people access art education, there continues to be unequal opportunities. This finding is significant for not only creative practitioners and youth arts workers, but also arts education policy makers and programmers.
The role of agro‐ecological factors and transboundary transhumance in shaping the genetic diversity in four indigenous cattle populations of Benin
Authors: Scheper Carsten , Bohlouli Mehdi , Brügemann Kerstin , Weimann Christina , Vanvanhossou Sèyi Fridaïus Ulrich , König Sven , Dossa Luc Hippolyte
Published: July 2020

The indigenous cattle population of Benin is a diverse mix of taurine and hybrid breeds shaped by diverse ecological and climatic conditions with eight agro‐ecological zones (AEZ). Presumably, the taurine breeds face current endangerment due to ongoing indicine introgression following climate change and transboundary transhumance. The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the indigenous breeds Lagune, Somba, Pabli and Borgou considering spatial agro‐ecological and socio‐economic factors (transhumance) based on 50k SNP and microsatellite data. Among the four sampled breeds, six genetic clusters were identified using model‐free (discriminant analysis of principal components) and model‐based (TESS and ADMIXTURE) methods separating taurine from hybrid breeds. Results based on an extension with publicly available historic SNP data sets from taurine and indicine West African cattle and additional outgroups provided additional insight into changes of genetic structure in the sampled breeds over time. Both taurine breeds, Somba and Lagune, showed a stable foundation but also spatially limited partial indicine introgression associated with transhumance leading to high genetic diversity. In addition, we found evidence for spatial diversity and changes in genetic structure over time in the Borgou breed in comparison of our samples with the historic samples which could be explained by potential continuous indicine introgression into the Borgou breed in two sample regions. Results for the Pabli breed do not conclusively point to full absorbance by the Borgou in comparison with all available Borgou samples. Further research is needed in this regard.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress‐induced exosomal miR‐27a‐3p promotes immune escape in breast cancer via regulating PD‐L1 expression in macrophages
Authors: Yao Xiaoli , Tu Yi , Xu Yulin , Guo Yueyue , Yao Feng , Zhang Xinghua
Published: July 2020

Immune escape of breast cancer cells contributes to breast cancer pathogenesis. Tumour microenvironment stresses that disrupt protein homeostasis can produce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The miRNA‐mediated translational repression of mRNAs has been extensively studied in regulating immune escape and ER stress in human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel microRNA (miR)‐27a‐3p and investigated its mechanistic role in promoting immune evasion. The binding affinity between miR‐27a‐3p and MAGI2 was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Ectopic expression and inhibition of miR‐27a‐3p in breast cancer cells were achieved by transduction with mimics and inhibitors. Besides, artificial modulation of MAGI2 and PTEN was done to explore their function in ER stress and immune escape of cancer cells. Of note, exosomes were derived from cancer cells and co‐cultured with macrophages for mechanistic studies. The experimental data suggested that ER stress biomarkers including GRP78, PERK, ATF6, IRE1α and PD‐L1 were overexpressed in breast cancer tissues relative to paracancerous tissues. Endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted exosome secretion and elevated exosomal miR‐27a‐3p expression. Elevation of miR‐27a‐3p and PD‐L1 levels in macrophages was observed in response to exosomes‐overexpressing miR‐27a‐3p in vivo and in vitro. miR‐27a‐3p could target and negatively regulate MAGI2, while MAGI2 down‐regulated PD‐L1 by up‐regulating PTEN to inactivate PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Less CD4+, CD8+ T cells and IL‐2, and T cells apoptosis were observed in response to co‐culture of macrophages and CD3+ T cells. Conjointly, exosomal miR‐27a‐3p promotes immune evasion by up‐regulating PD‐L1 via MAGI2/PTEN/PI3K axis in breast cancer.
Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 is involved in oral cancer cell metastasis
Authors: Huang Hsun‐Yu , Chou Hsiu‐Chuan , Law Ching‐Hsuan , Chang Wan‐Ting , Wen Tzu‐Ning , Liao En‐Chi , Lin Meng‐Wei , Lin Li‐Hsun , Wei Yu‐Shan , Tsai Yi‐Ting , Chen Hsin‐Yi , Tan Kui‐Thong , Kuo Wen‐Hung , Ko Mei‐Lan , Chang Shing‐Jyh , Lee Ying‐Ray , Chan Hong‐Lin
Published: July 2020

Cancer metastasis is a common cause of failure in cancer therapy. However, over 60% of oral cancer patients present with advanced stage disease, and the five‐year survival rates of these patients decrease from 72.6% to 20% as the stage becomes more advanced. In order to manage oral cancer, identification of metastasis biomarker and mechanism is critical. In this study, we use a pair of oral squamous cell carcinoma lines, OC3, and invasive OC3‐I5 as a model system to examine invasive mechanism and to identify potential therapeutic targets. We used two‐dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D‐DIGE) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS) to examine the global protein expression changes between OC3 and invasive OC3‐I5. A proteomic study reveals that invasive properties alter the expression of 101 proteins in OC3‐I5 cells comparing to OC3 cells. Further studies have used RNA interference technique to monitor the influence of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) protein in invasion and evaluate their potency in regulating invasion and the mechanism it involved. The results demonstrated that expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including Twist, p‐Src, Snail1, SIP1, JAM‐A, vimentin and vinculin was increased in OC3‐I5 compared to OC3 cells, whereas E‐cadherin expression was decreased in the OC3‐I5 cells. Moreover, in mouse model, PGRMC1 is shown to affect not only migration and invasion but also metastasis in vivo. Taken together, the proteomic approach allows us to identify numerous proteins, including PGRMC1, involved in invasion mechanism. Our results provide useful diagnostic markers and therapeutic candidates for the treatment of oral cancer invasion.
Is it possible to predict the onset of nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin degludec? Potential role of previous day and next morning glucose values
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Nishimura Rimei
Published: July 2020

Aims/Introduction

To determine whether the occurrence of nocturnal asymptomatic, serious, clinically important hypoglycemia (NSH) could be predicted based on glucose values on the previous day and the following morning of the day of onset.

Materials and Methods

This study examined patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent continuous glucose monitoring assessments and received insulin degludec. NSH was defined as glucose level <54 mg/dL detected between 24.00 and 06.00 hours. The participants were evaluated to determine the following: (i) glucose level at bedtime (24.00 hours) on the previous day (BG); (ii) fasting glucose level (FG); and (iii) the range of post‐breakfast glucose elevation. The patients were divided into those with NSH and those without, and compared using t‐tests. Optimal cut‐off values for relevant parameters for predicting NSH were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

The study included a total of 31 patients with type 1 diabetes (mean glycated hemoglobin value 7.8 ± 0.7%). NSH occurred in eight patients (26%). BG and FG were significantly lower in those with NSH than in those without (P = 0.044, P < 0.001). The range of post‐breakfast glucose elevation was significantly greater in those with NSH than in those without. The cut‐off glucose values for predicting NSH were as follows: BG = 90 mg/dL (sensitivity 0.83/specificity 0.75/area under the curve 0.79, P = 0.017) and FG = 69 mg/dL (0.83/0.75/0.86, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

The results showed that in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin degludec, BG <90 mg/dL and FG <69 mg/dL had an approximately 80% probability of predicting the occurrence of NSH.
Uncertainty and Labour Force Participation*
Authors: Fontaine Idriss
Published: July 2020

Can an increase in uncertainty generate a fall in labour force participation? This paper supports an affirmative answer to this question. Using a structural vector autoregressive model, I show that: (i) a surge in uncertainty leads to a decrease in participation; (ii) uncertainty shocks account for a considerable proportion of participation fluctuations; and (iii) uncertainty shocks have in recent years contributed non‐marginally to participation variations. To explain these facts, I build a New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with a frictional labour market, endogenous labour force and stochastic volatility. A model with flexible prices induces the expansionary effects of uncertainty on labour force participation. By contrast, a model with price stickiness can reproduce negative empirical comovements. As firms postpone hiring, the household follows a discouragement effect and responds by reducing the size of the labour force. This paper suggests that in a context of variable labour supply, labour market frictions alone do not suffice to reproduce the negative effects of uncertainty shocks. It also confirms the importance of rigid prices as an amplification mechanism for uncertainty shocks and suggests that the modelling of labour force participation has some implications on the transmission channel of uncertainty.
Attempts to induce tolerance to Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in sheep
Authors: Lundberg Sara S. , McNeilly Tom N. , McAnulty Robin W. , Greer Andrew W.
Published: July 2020

Background and objectives

The possibility of manipulating the immune response in lambs to the gastrointestinal nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis to reduce production losses associated with infection was investigated. In a series of four experiments, attempts to immunize sheep via the mucosal route to modify the immune response and induce mucosal tolerance are outlined. Initially, a proof of concept study was conducted with lambs being injected with multiple doses of a somatic T colubriformis antigen without an adjuvant in the rectal submucosa and subsequently challenged with T colubriformis L3 larvae. This was followed by a dose‐response study comparing different antigen doses to identify the optimum dose of the nematode antigen for successful induction of mucosal tolerance. The final two studies were conducted to determine the larval stage specificity of the parasite antigen and the most suitable site of delivery required to stimulate mucosal tolerance.

Methods

In the proof of concept study, lambs either received repeated injections in the rectal submucosa at 3 × weekly intervals with 15 µg of L3, 11 µg of L4 and 21 µg of immature adult (L5) somatic T colubriformis antigens (ANT) or not (INF) prior to infection with T colubriformis. In the dose‐rate study, antigen dose rates of 100%, 50%, 10%, 1% or 0% of the antigen concentration used in the proof of concept study were compared while the larval stage study compared antigen from either L3, L4, L5 stages or combination of all (COMB) and the route of administration study compared antigen delivery into either the rectal submucosa (RE) or sub‐cutaneous injection (SC).

Results

During infection, lamb growth was improved by antigen treatment between days 21 and 42 in the proof of concept study (P = .009), for groups 10%, 50% and 100% in the dose‐rate study (P < .05 for all) and in RE in the route of administration study with no improvement observed in the larval stage study. No differences in faecal egg counts were observed (P > .05 for all). Parasite‐specific IgA and IgE showed a dose‐response (the dose‐rate study), were not affected by larval stage (the larval stage study) and were greater in RE than SC (the route of administration study). IL‐4 production following lymphocyte stimulation was greatest in COMB (the larval stage study) and RE (the route of administration study).

Conclusions

Although antigen treatment improved performance, this was inconsistent and appeared to stimulate immunity rather than induce tolerance. Combined larval stages were more efficient than individual stages, and intra‐rectal administration was more effective than sub‐cutaneous.
Optimal trade policy, equilibrium unemployment, and labor market inefficiency
Authors: Suwanprasert Wisarut
Published: July 2020

Under which circumstances is using trade policies to prevent job losses welfare improving? To answer this question, I incorporate a frictional labor market into the Heckscher–Ohlin model. The results suggest that (a) a country that has an inefficient level of unemployment may experience welfare losses from free trade; (b) having search‐generated unemployment is not sufficient to justify a use of trade policy, because free trade is still optimal when the labor market is constrained‐efficient; and (c) a small country that has an inefficient level of unemployment can use trade policy to improve its welfare.
Insights into the estimation of hydroxyl radical rate constant of water contaminants in AOP using new smart QSPR models
Authors: Tangestani Ebrahim , Keivanimehr Farhad , Ghadiri Mahdi
Published: July 2020

Investigations on the advanced oxidation processes (AOP) express that one of the effective oxidation agents in the degradation of organic pollutants is the aqueous hydroxyl radical. Therefore, the main aim of this work is the determination of the hydroxyl radical rate constant. To this end, three artificial intelligence methods were used to predict this constant for 457 various water pollutants from 27 molecular structures. The modelling results showed that the proposed decision tree model can determine the mentioned parameter with R‐squared values of 0.9264 and mean relative error of 1.479 for the overall data set. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of input parameters showed that Burden eigenvalue has the most impact on the hydroxyl radical rate constant. Finally, different comparisons were carried out between the suggested algorithms and other published approaches in the literature, which showed a high degree of precision for our models.
The Attitudes of Students of Supplementary Pedagogical Study to Development of Their Key Competences by the School
Authors: Kosturková Martina
Published: July 2020

There are useful activities for learners which provide them the opportunity to apply for the labour market. These competencies are necessary for quality of life. The aim of the study was to interpret attitudes of students of supplementary pedagogical study to development of their key competences by the school. The main instrument for identifying attitudes was structured educational system of key competencies. The results of our research investigation, in the context of lifelong rules, pointed out which aspects of university students should be developed so that their future employement would create conditions supporting life quality.
Lifelong Learning and Education for Nurses—The Present, Research and Vision
Authors: Adamczyk Roman
Published: July 2020

The present paper discusses current status of nurse education and learning in a lifelong perspective, providing an overview of relevant internationally published studies concerning the issue. Respective passages of the article overview selected topics of nurse education and professional development with an emphasis on both institutionalized and self-directed forms of learning as reflected in contemporary research studies. Concomitantly, the practical aspect of the nursing profession and related lifelong learning processes in this applied science is accentuated.
Aire: actante y metáfora en el delta de Níger de George Osodi
Authors: Guerrero-Hernández Juan Carlos
Published: July 2020

La obra de fotorreporteros africanos ha seguido siendo estudiada como mero registro documental o como medio de representación de una identidad nacional poscolonial supuestamente definida. Este artículo se distancia de esa lectura y muestra que George Osodi articula el testimonio, el documento, la ficción y la imagen poética en “imágenes pensantes” que ponderan algunas dinámicas y tensiones ecológicas del delta del Níger, una de las regiones más bio- y etnodiversas, y de mayor explotación petrolera del mundo. Para ello, el artículo asume una interpretación formal y contextual a la serie Oil Rich Niger delta (2003-2007), que, en diálogo con elementos de la historia de esta nación y región petrolera y con referentes de la tradición oral, la poesía y la ecocrítica, entiende el aire como tema y actante en una amplia red ecológica de humanos y no humanos, y como recurso metafórico con el que Osodi indaga algunas de las complejas tensiones ecológicas y una nueva cosmología del delta. Con énfasis en el aire como metáfora y como elemento actante, se muestra cómo Osodi rompe con la idea de que el fotorreportaje africano es principalmente antropocéntrico y cómo trabaja meticulosamente conexiones entre humanos y no humanos parte de un rico ensamblaje social en el que el fotógrafo da dignidad a actantes y actores.
Paisaje e imaginarios del aire en la representación del espacio a través del anime One Piece
Authors: Ramírez Ibarra Ramón
Published: July 2020

Una de las maneras de observar con mucha agudeza los sueños y esperanzas de las ciudades, proviene de las representaciones imaginarias filtradas por los medios de comunicación audiovisual. Estos medios a través de narrativas específicas son capaces de brindar una orientación cognoscitiva muy interesante, en virtud de la distinción constante entre realidad y ficción. Estas demarcaciones forman parte de sistemas de símbolos, portadores de expectativas que revelan que nuestras esperanzas futurológicas son proyecciones decisivas en la construcción identitaria del ser humano. Por ello, es que Schapp (2004) apunta a que las historias, los relatos, son auténticas formas de orientación de la conciencia de sí mismo (ego) y los otros (alter). En este sentido, es que la cultura popular como expresión significativa desarrolla también una lectura del espacio a través de la imaginación poética. En nuestro caso, será el anime con la serie One piece la muestra específica que mediante el género fantástico, nos muestra a través de la metáfora – analogía, un imaginario social con una interpretación plausible del paisaje del mundo.