bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Following embryonic stem cells, their differentiated progeny, and cell-state changes during iPS reprogramming by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Germond Arno , Panina Yulia , Shiga Mikio , Niioka Hirohiko , Watanabe Tomonobu M.
Published: May 2020

To monitor cell state transition in pluripotent cells is invaluable for application and basic research. In this study, we demonstrate the pertinence of use non-invasive, label-free Raman spectroscopy to monitor and characterize the cell state transition of mouse stem cells undergoing reprogramming. Using an isogenic cell line of mouse stem cells, reprogramming from neuronal cells was performed, and we showcase a comparative analysis of single cell spectral data of the original stem cells, their neuronal progenitors, and reprogrammed cells. Neural network, regression models, and ratiometric analysis were used to discriminate the cell states and extract several important biomarkers specific to differentiation or reprogramming. Our results indicated that the Raman spectrum allowed to build a low dimensional space allowing to monitor and characterize the dynamics of cell state transition at a single cell level, scattered in heterogeneous populations. Ability of monitoring pluripotency by Raman spectroscopy, and distinguish differences between ES and reprogrammed cells is also discussed.
Closed-loop sacral neuromodulation for bladder function using dorsal root ganglia sensory feedback in an anesthetized feline model
Authors: Ouyang Zhonghua , Barrera Nikolas , Sperry Zachariah J. , Bottorff Elizabeth C. , Bittner Katie C. , Zirpel Lance , Bruns Tim M.
Published: May 2020

Overactive bladder patients suffer from a frequent, uncontrollable urge to urinate, which can lead to a poor quality of life. We aim to improve open-loop sacral neuromodulation therapy by developing a conditional stimulation paradigm using neural recordings from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) as sensory feedback. Experiments were performed in 5 anesthetized felines. We implemented a Kalman filter-based algorithm to estimate the bladder pressure in real-time using sacral-level DRG neural recordings and initiated sacral root electrical stimulation when the algorithm detected an increase in bladder pressure. Closed-loop neuromodulation was performed during continuous cystometry and compared to bladder fills with continuous and no stimulation. Overall, closed-loop stimulation increased bladder capacity by 13.8% over no stimulation (p < 0.001) and reduced stimulation time versus continuous stimulation by 57.7%. High-confidence bladder single units had a reduced sensitivity during stimulation, with lower linear trendline fits and higher pressure thresholds for firing observed during stimulation trials. This study demonstrates the utility of decoding bladder pressure from neural activity for closed-loop control of sacral neuromodulation. An underlying mechanism for sacral neuromodulation may be a reduction in bladder sensory neuron activity during stimulation. Real-time validation during behavioral studies is necessary prior to clinical translation of closed-loop sacral neuromodulation.
One gene, multiple ecological strategies: a biofilm regulator is a capacitor for sustainable diversity
Authors: Mhatre Eisha , Snyder Daniel J. , Sileo Emily , Turner Caroline B. , Buskirk Sean W. , Fernandez Nico L. , Neiditch Matthew B. , Waters Christopher M. , Cooper Vaughn S.
Published: May 2020

Many bacteria cycle between sessile and motile forms in which they must sense and respond to internal and external signals to coordinate appropriate physiology. Maintaining fitness requires genetic networks that have been honed in variable environments to integrate these signals. The identity of the major regulators and how their control mechanisms evolved remain largely unknown in most organisms. During four different evolution experiments with the opportunist betaproteobacteriumBurkholderia cenocepaciain a biofilm model, mutations were most frequently selected in the conserved generpfR. RpfR uniquely integrates two major signaling systems -- quorum sensing and the motile-sessile switch mediated by cyclic-d-GMP -- by two domains that sense, respond to, and control synthesis of the autoinducer cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF). The BDSF response in turn regulates activity of diguanylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase domains acting on cyclic-di-GMP. Parallel adaptive substitutions evolved in each of these domains to produce unique life history strategies by regulating cyclic-di-GMP levels, global transcriptional responses, biofilm production, and polysaccharide composition. These phenotypes translated into distinct ecology and biofilm structures that enabled mutants to coexist and produce more biomass than expected from their constituents grown alone. This study shows that when bacterial populations are selected in environments challenging the limits of their plasticity, the evolved mutations not only alter genes at the nexus of signaling networks but also reveal the scope of their regulatory functions.

Significance statement

Many organisms including bacteria live in fluctuating environments requiring attachment and dispersal. These lifestyle decisions require multiple external signals to be processed by several genetic pathways, but how they are integrated is largely unknown. We conducted multiple evolution experiments totaling >20,000 generations withBurkholderia cenocepaciapopulations grown in a model of the biofilm life cycle and identified parallel mutations in one gene,rpfR, that is a conserved central regulator. Because RpfR has multiple sensor and catalytic domains, different mutations can produce different ecological strategies that can coexist and even increase net growth. This study demonstrates that a single gene may coordinate complex life histories in biofilm-dwelling bacteria and that selection in defined environments can reshape niche breadth by single mutations.
Wnt-inducible Lrp6-APEX2 Interacting Proteins Identify ESCRT Machinery and Trk-Fused Gene as Components of the Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Colozza Gabriele , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , Dsouza Alyssa , Tejeda-Muñoz Nydia , Albrecht Lauren V. , Sosa Eric , Wohlschlegel James A. , De Robertis Edward M.
Published: May 2020

The canonical Wnt signaling pathway serves as a hub connecting diverse cellular physiological processes, such as β-catenin signaling, differentiation, growth, protein stability, macropinocytosis, and nutrient acquisition in lysosomes. We have proposed that sequestration of β-catenin destruction complex components in multivesicular bodies (MVBs) is required for sustained canonical Wnt signaling. In this study, we investigated the events that follow activation of the canonical Wnt receptor Lrp6 using an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling approach. The Wnt co-receptor Lrp6 was fused to APEX2 and used to biotinylate targets that are recruited near the receptor during Wnt signaling at different time periods. Lrp6 proximity targets were identified by mass spectrometry, and revealed that many components of the ESCRT (Endocytic Sorting Components Required for Transport) machinery interacted with Lrp6 within 5 minutes of Wnt3a treatment. This supports the proposal of a central role of multivesicular endosomes in canonical Wnt signaling. Interestingly, proteomic analyses identified the Trk-fused gene (TFG), previously known to regulate the cell secretory pathway and to be rearranged in thyroid and lung cancers, as being strongly enriched in the proximity of Lrp6. We provide evidence that TFG specifically co-localized with MVBs after Wnt stimulation. TFG depletion with siRNA, or knock-out with CRISPR/Cas9, significantly reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cell culture.In vivo, studies in theXenopussystem showed that TFG is required for endogenous Wnt-dependent embryonic patterning. The results suggest that the multivesicular endosomal machinery and the novel player TFG have important roles in Wnt signaling.

Significance

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a conserved pathway involved in cell differentiation and in the regulation of many other processes, including cell growth and proliferation, macropinocytosis, and cell metabolism. Endocytosis is required to regulate Wnt signaling, but the precise factors at play are still elusive. Here, we describe a biotin-dependent proximity labeling approach using ascorbate peroxidase-tagged Lrp6, a Wnt co-receptor. Proteomic analysis of biotinylated-enriched targets identified numerous multivesicular endosome proteins that were recruited to the receptor shortly after addition of Wnt protein. Additionally, we identified the protein TFG as one of the strongest interactors with Lrp6. TFG co-localized with Wnt-induced multivesicular endosomes.Xenopusembryo assays revealed that TFG is requiredin vivofor canonical Wnt signaling.
Human Life, Rationality and Education
Authors: Kern Andrea
Published: May 2020

In this paper I explore the prospects of a Neo-Aristotelian position—according to which the difference between the human species and non-human animals is a difference in ‘form’—in the context of the question of how the human form of life is related to the idea of education. Two interpretations of this idea have been suggested by contemporary Neo-Aristotelian philosophy that offer contrasting accounts of the role played by education. According to the first, the idea of a formal difference goes with a notion of potentiality, according to which the distinctiveness of the human is mainly a product of education, and hence a matter of second nature. According to the second, the idea of the human is the idea of a formally distinctive kind of first nature that explains the very possibility of education. I maintain that both interpretations do justice to an important aspect of human life yet fail fully to grasp the significance of the notion of ‘form’ that they employ. I argue that to embrace the insight that the difference of the human is a difference in ‘form’, we must think of the human as a form of life whose very concept contains the concept of education. The concept of education, I argue, is a logical concept, contained in the concept of life that it describes.
Cognitive Goods, Open Futures and the Epistemology of Education
Authors: Carter J Adam
Published: May 2020

What cognitive goods do children plausibly have a right to in an education? In attempting to answer this question, I begin with a puzzle centred around Joel Feinberg's observation that a denial of certain cognitive goods can violate a child's right to an open future. I show that propositionalist, dispositionalist and objectualist characterisations of the kinds of cognitive goods children have a right to, run in to problems. A promising alternative is then proposed and defended, one that is inspired in the main by Wittgenstein's ‘hinge’ epistemology as developed in his posthumous On Certainty.
Educating for Intellectual Humility and Conviction
Authors: Pritchard Duncan
Published: May 2020

It is argued that two plausible goals of the educational enterprise are (i) to develop the intellectual character, and thus the intellectual virtues, of the student, and (ii) to develop the student's intellectual self-confidence, such that they are able to have conviction in what they believe. On the face of it, however, these two educational goals seem to be in tension with one another, at least insofar as intellectual humility is a genuine intellectual virtue. This is because intellectual humility seems to require that one does not have conviction in one's beliefs. It is argued that this tension can be avoided so long as we have the right account of intellectual humility in play. This enables us to understand what educating for intellectual humility might involve, and how it might co-exist with the educational development of a student's intellectual self-confidence.
The risk of adverse maternal outcomes in cases of placenta praevia in an Australian population between 2007 and 2017
Authors: Balachandar Kapilesh , Melov Sarah J. , Nayyar Roshini
Published: May 2020

Background

Placenta praevia is characterised by an inferior placental margin that overlies or falls within 20 mm of the endocervical os. It remains a common cause of antepartum haemorrhage and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Aims

We aimed to determine the association between antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage and adverse outcomes in cases of placenta praevia.

Materials and Methods

The study population included women diagnosed with placenta praevia, who delivered between 1 April 2007 and 30 April 2017. The endpoints of interest included blood transfusion, emergency caesarean section, peripartum hysterectomy and admission to intensive care.

Results

There were 513 cases of placenta praevia, of which 67.3% delivered at term. Antepartum haemorrhage was associated with an increased risk of blood transfusion (relative risk (RR) 3.29; 95% CI 2.04–5.32), emergency caesarean section (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.18–1.62) and preterm delivery, after 32 weeks gestation (RR 4.21; 95% CI 2.77–6.38). Postpartum haemorrhage more than doubled the risk of blood transfusion (RR 9.08 95% CI 5–16.44) and admission to the intensive care unit (RR 10.44; 95% CI 2.34–46.59), as well as increased the risk of peripartum hysterectomy (1.4%). We also described the management of 12 cases of placenta praevia (2.3% of the study population) delivered vaginally.

Conclusions

Antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage in cases of placenta praevia are predictors of several adverse outcomes. However, the high rate of term deliveries reaffirms the current practice of expectant management.
Who is worthy of a place on these walls? Postgraduate students, UK universities, and institutional racism
Authors: Ahmet Akile
Published: May 2020

This commentary provides insights from a study with black and minority ethnic postgraduate students at London‐based universities. The study entailed focus groups, photovoice, and in‐depth interviews. Drawing on this data, and influenced by the work of Yuval‐Davis, it is argued that black and minority ethnic postgraduate students often feel “out of place” in British universities because they find themselves in spaces calibrated to maintain white supremacy. I conclude that, as geographers, we are potentially ideally placed to interrogate these spaces and counteract their perpetuation of racism. We should do so as part of a sustained and critical reflection of our own disciplinary structures and praxis. Geographers might therefore help to foster a higher education landscape where black and minority ethnic postgraduate students are not only more visibly present in British universities but also feel that they belong and can flourish in them.
Benefits and risks of barefoot harness racing in Standardbred trotters
Authors: Solé Marina , Lindgren Gabriella , Bongcam‐Rudloff Erik , Jansson Anna
Published: May 2020

There is a lack of research on the benefits and risks of shoeing conditions in harness racing. Thus, our objectives were to: (a) investigate whether velocity times (VT; s/km) are affected by racing unshod (N = 76,932 records on 5,247 horses); (b) determine the potential risks of galloping, being penalized, and disqualification when competing unshod (N = 111,755 records on 6,423 horses); and (c) identify additional environmental factors that affect VT and risks. VT was found to be significantly influenced by shoeing condition (e.g., unshod, shod front, shod hind, or fully shod), but also by sex, age, season, track, track condition, start method, start position, distance, and driver‐horse performance level (p < 2e‐16). The risks of galloping and disqualification were significantly influenced by shoeing condition, sex, age, season, track, start method, start position, or driver‐horse performance level (p ≤ .05). Horses racing unshod had 0.7 s/km lower VT than fully shod horses and showed better performance when racing on neutral tracks during the late summer than horses with other shoeing conditions during the same period. However, racing unshod increased the relative risks of galloping and disqualification by 15%–35% in all seasons. Horses shod only on the hind hooves showed better performance than fully shod horses, without higher risks associated with competing unshod.
Dutch trends in the use of potentially harmful medication during pregnancy
Authors: Houben Eline , te Winkel Bernke , Steegers Eric A. P. , Herings Ron M. C.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Recent population‐based data on drug utilization around pregnancy are lacking. This study aims to examine the prevalence of drug exposure in the Netherlands during the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum periods, with special emphasis on trends of potentially harmful medication over the years.

Methods

A population‐based study was conducted using records from the PHARMO Perinatal Research Network. From 1999 to 2017, the proportion of pregnancies during which women used any medication or potentially harmful medication was assessed, overall and stratified by timing of exposure relative to pregnancy and by the year of delivery.

Results

Overall, 357 226 (73%) and 166 484 (34%) of 487 122 selected pregnancies were exposed to any and potentially harmful medication, respectively. Among these 487 122 pregnancies, preconception prevalence for use of potentially harmful medication was 43%, 24% during the first trimester, 19% during the second, 16% during the third, and 45% postpartum. A declining trend was observed for exposure to any medication, from 84% in 1999 to 68% in 2017. No clear changes were observed over time for the proportion of pregnancies exposed to potentially harmful medication.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the use of potentially harmful medication was high over the last two decades. Although there was a declining trend over the years in overall medication use, during a steady one‐third of pregnancies, women used potentially harmful medication. Our findings highlight the need for an increased sense of urgency among both healthcare providers and women of reproductive age regarding potential risks associated with pharmacological treatment during pregnancy.
Potentially inappropriate medication use and related hospital admissions in aged care residents: The impact of dementia
Authors: Eshetie Tesfahun C. , Roberts Greg , Nguyen Tuan A. , Gillam Marianne H. , Maher Dorsa , Kalisch Ellett Lisa M.
Published: May 2020

Aims

To determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use at hospital admission and discharge, and the contribution to hospital admission among residential aged care facility residents with and without dementia.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a multihospital prospective cohort study involving consecutively admitted older adults, aged 75 years or older, who were taking 5 or more medications prior to hospital admission and discharged to a residential aged care facility in South Australia. PIM use was identified using the 2015 Screening Tool for Older Persons' Prescription and 2019 Beers criteria. An expert panel of clinicians with geriatric medicine expertise evaluated the contribution of PIM to hospital admission.

Results

In total, 181 participants were included, the median age was 87.5 years and 54.7% were female. Ninety‐one (50.3%) had a diagnosis of dementia. Participants with dementia had fewer PIMs, according to at least 1 of the 2 screening criteria, than those without dementia, at admission (dementia: 76 [83.5%] vs no dementia: 84 [93.3%], P = .04) and discharge (78 [85.7%] vs 83 [92.2%], P = .16). PIM use was causal or contributory to the admission in 28.1% of study participants (n = 45) who were taking at least 1 PIM at admission.

Conclusions

Over 80% of acutely admitted older adults took PIMs at hospital admission and discharge and for over a quarter of these people the admissions were attributable to PIM use. Hospitalisation presents an opportunity for comprehensive medication reviews, and targeted interventions that enhance such a process could reduce PIM use and related harm.
Ecological social capital does not predict geographical variance in increases in depression following the 2008 financial crisis
Authors: Saville Christopher W. N.
Published: May 2020

Research suggests that the financial crisis of 2008 and its aftermath were associated with an increase in mental health problems, but there has been little research into potential protective factors. Ecological social capital is a plausible candidate given evidence of its protective status following natural disasters. Pre‐crisis area‐level estimates of generalized trust and sense of belonging were computed from the 2004 to 2006 waves of the Living in Wales survey (N = 43,473) for 413 neighbourhoods in Wales, using multilevel regression with post‐stratification, a technique for disaggregating survey data into small area estimates. Area estimates and the planned analysis were preregistered using Open Science Framework. Data (N = 180,462) from the Welsh Health Survey (2003–2015) were then used to model whether social capital was protective against depression in general and whether it moderated the increase in depression prevalence, associated with the financial crisis. Depression rates increased post‐crisis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.271), and trust was a protective factor against depression (OR = 0.775). The hypothesized interaction, however, was not significant (OR = 1.033), nor was sense of belonging (OR = 0.934) or its interaction with the crisis (OR = 1.024). Although ecological generalized trust appears to be a protective factor against depression, it did not buffer against the mental health impact of the financial crisis.
An examination of the impact of neighbourhood walking environments on the likelihood of residents of dense urban areas becoming overweight or obese
Authors: Yang Wenyue , Zhen Xinyu , Gao Wei , Ouyang Shishu
Published: May 2020

With the development of urbanization in China, obesity is becoming a serious problem, and the relationship between walking environments and obesity has attracted considerable interest. Using data from questionnaires (n = 418) gathered in 2017 from eight neighbourhoods in Guangzhou, China, a typical high‐density city, this study developed an Ordered Logit Model (OLM) to explore the effects of walking environments on the likelihood of residents becoming overweight or obese. The results demonstrate that body mass index (BMI) of individuals living in central urban areas is higher than those of suburban residents. After controlling for the effects of socio‐economic factors, it was found that the impact of walking environments at the scale of 1‐km buffer on individual BMI is the most significant. Variables of walkability, road network density, bus stop density, metro stop density, green coverage rate, and distance to the park have negative effects on BMI. Based on these findings, it is suggested that planning interventions should focus more on the areas through which residents walk in their daily travel routines. The selection of neighbourhoods surveyed and the sample size limit this study, but the conclusions do provide a scientific basis for the construction of neighbourhoods that encourage walking and decrease the probability of becoming overweight or obese.
Burdens and awareness of adverse self‐reported lifestyle factors in men with sub‐fertility: A cross‐sectional study in 1149 men
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , Sharma Aditi , Abbara Ali , Luo Rong , White Christopher J. , Hoskin Sophie G. , Khanjani Shirin , Crawford Mike J. , Ramsay Jonathan W. , Minhas Sukhbinder , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: May 2020

Background

There are no current pharmacological therapies to improve sperm quality in men with sub‐fertility. Reducing the exposure to lifestyle risk factor (LSF) is currently the only intervention for improving sperm quality in men with sub‐fertility. No previous study has investigated what proportion of men with sub‐fertility are exposed to adverse lifestyle factors. Furthermore, it is not known to what extent men with sub‐fertility are aware of lifestyle factors potentially adversely impacting their fertility.

Methods

A cross‐sectional anonymous questionnaire‐based study on self‐reported exposure and awareness of LSF was conducted in 1149 male partners of couples investigated for sub‐fertility in a tertiary andrology centre in London, UK.

Results

Seventy per cent of men investigated for sub‐fertility had ≥1 LSF, and twenty‐nine per cent had ≥2 LSF. Excessive alcohol consumption was the most common LSF (40% respondents). Seventeen per cent of respondents used recreational drugs (RD) regularly, but only 32% of RD users believed RD impair male fertility. Twenty‐five per cent of respondents were smokers, which is higher than the UK average (20%). Twenty‐seven per cent of respondents had a waist circumference (WC) >36 inches (91 cm), and 4% had WC >40 inches (102 cm). Seventy‐nine per cent of respondents wanted further lifestyle education to improve their fertility.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that men with sub‐fertility are as follows: (a) exposed to one or more LSF; (b) have incomplete education about how LSF may cause male sub‐fertility; (c) want more education about reducing LSF. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of enhanced education of men about LSF to treat couples with sub‐fertility.
High prevalence of Bardet‐Biedl syndrome in La RéunionIsland is due to a founder variant in ARL6/BBS3
Authors: Gouronc Aurélie , Zilliox Vincent , Jacquemont Marie‐Line , Darcel Françoise , Leuvrey Anne‐Sophie , Nourisson Elsa , Antin Manuela , Alessandri Jean‐Luc , Doray Bérénice , Gueguen Paul , Payet Frédérique , Randrianaivo Hanitra , Stoetzel Corinne , Scheidecker Sophie , Flodrops Hugues , Dollfus Hélène , Muller Jean
Published: May 2020

Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare ciliopathy with variable retinal dystrophy, polydactyly, renal abnormalities, obesity, cognitive impairment, and hypogonadism. Biallelic pathogenic variants have been identified in 24 genes, leading to BBS in an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. In this study, we investigated a cohort of 16 families (20 individuals) presenting with typical BBS originating from La Réunion Island using sequencing (Sanger and high‐throughput methods) and SNP array. In eight families (12 individuals) we identified the same ARL6/BBS3 variation [c.535G > A, p.(Asp179Asn)]. Bioinformatics and functional analyses revealed an effect of this variant on the splicing of ARL6/BBS3. Owing to the relatively high frequency of this variant, a possible founder effect was suspected. Genotyping of six individuals revealed a common 3.8‐Mb haplotype and estimated the most recent common ancestor to about eight generations confirmed by the known genealogy. Knowledge of this founder effect modifies our diagnostic strategy and enables a personalized genetic counseling for patients from La Réunion Island. Being the first description of BBS patients from La Réunion Island, we could estimate its prevalence between ~1/45000 and ~ 1/66000 individuals.
Metastasis predictors for neck sublevel IIb in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Prstačić Ratko , Bumber Boris , Marjanović Kavanagh Marcel , Jurlina Martin , Ivković Irena , Prgomet Drago
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate possible metastasis predictors for neck sublevel IIb in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with lateral neck metastasis and to determine the reliability of preoperative ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) as a method of detecting positive lymph nodes in sublevel IIa in comparison with the finding of definitive pathohistological analysis.

Design

Prospective study with patients with proven lateral neck metastases from PTC at the time of initial diagnosis. All patients had total thyroidectomy, central neck dissection (level VI) and selective neck dissection (levels II‐V). Potential predictive factors for the occurrence of metastasis in sublevel IIb were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity tests were used to determine the reliability of preoperative ultrasound‐guided FNAB. Patients were monitored for recurrence for at least ten years.

Setting

Single‐centre study.

Participants

Study included 53 patients with proven lateral neck metastases from PTC at the time of initial diagnosis.

Results

Predictive factors for the occurrence of metastasis in sublevel IIb that have reached statistical significance are positive sublevel IIa, number of positive lymph nodes and positive levels IIa + III + IV + V. None of the patients who fulfilled predefined criterion for minimum 10‐year follow‐up had local recurrence in operated lateral levels.

Conclusion

Highest clinical significance has positivity of sublevel IIa. Therefore, it is necessary to prove or exclude metastasis in sublevel IIa, preoperatively or intraoperatively, to decide whether to include sublevel IIb in dissection. Preoperative ultrasound‐guided FNAB is a reliable method for the detection of positive lymph nodes in sublevel IIa in comparison with the definitive histopathological analysis.
A new measurement tool to assess the deliberate overfeeding of others: The Feeder questionnaire
Authors: Ogden Jane , Cheung Bobo , Stewart Sarah‐Jane F.
Published: May 2020

Whilst overeating is often influenced by others in an implicit way, people may also explicitly encourage others to overeat. This has been labelled being “a Feeder” but to date, this more deliberate trait remains neglected. This study aimed to conceptualize being “a Feeder” in terms of motivations and behaviour and to operationalize this construct with a new measurement tool through five stages with three discrete samples. Using the definition of a Feeder as “someone who offers others food even when they are not hungry” a preliminary qualitative study (n = 5) clarified the behaviour of a Feeder and revealed six motivations for such feeder behaviour. These six motivational dimensions and the feeder behaviours were operationalized with individual items and the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed using two independent samples (n = 116; n = 113). The final 27‐item measure consisted of six motivational factors (affection; waste avoidance; status; hunger avoidance; offloading; manners) and one behaviour factor, all with good internal consistency (α ≥ .7). The two samples were then merged (n = 229) to describe motivations and behaviour and to assess the association between them. The best predictors of feeder behaviour were love, offloading, manners and status. This new Feeder questionnaire has a strong factor structure and good internal consistency and could be used for further research or clinical practice.
Understanding conflicting cultural models of outdoor cats to overcome conservation impasse
Authors: Leong Kirsten M. , Gramza Ashley R. , Lepczyk Christopher A.
Published: May 2020

Many conservation conflicts are scientifically complex yet are rooted in value conflicts, which result in an impasse. Additional biological information alone is insufficient to resolve this type of conflict. Conceptual models that articulate the material aspects of a system are increasingly used to identify areas where parties disagree. Yet, modeling processes typically follow the conveners’ rules for discussing and assessing the topic, which can exacerbate conflict. Researchers have identified a need for processes that require participants to reflect on the limits of their own philosophical assumptions and acknowledge other perspectives. Cultural models are a promising tool for this purpose because they include nonmaterial beliefs, morals, and values that guide people's understanding of how to interact with an issue, sometimes subconsciously. We explored how cultural models used with conceptual models can improve understanding of value conflicts and used outdoor cat management as a case study. We conducted interviews and focus group discussions with wildlife conservation and cat welfare professionals involved in outdoor cat policy discussions in Hawaii and Washington, D.C. From these conversations, we developed a conceptual model of the outdoor cat management system and cultural models that led stakeholders to weigh elements of the conceptual model differently. Although wildlife conservation professionals generally spoke about outdoor cats as invasive species, cat welfare professionals spoke about them as homeless pets. These conflicting conceptualizations of what an outdoor cat is may help explain the root of many long‐standing disagreements. Examining how and when stakeholders invoke different cultural models allowed us to identify management actions that work with, rather than challenge, those models. Dialogue that embraces conflicting cultural models can be difficult and uncomfortable, but has great potential to overcome conservation impasse and achieve lasting conservation results.
Poikilodermatous plaque‐like hemangioma: A benign vasoformative entity with reproducible histopathologic and clinical features
Authors: Sullivan Marguerite , Hartman Rebecca , Mahalingam Meera
Published: May 2020

Poikilodermatous plaque‐like hemangioma (PPLH) is a recently described benign vasoformative entity with only 16 cases reported to date. We present an additional case of a 90‐year‐old male who presented with a 2‐year history of a relatively large, asymptomatic, atrophic plaque on his left buttock. The lesion was initially smaller and grew before stabilizing in size. The patient denied preceding trauma or injury at this site as well as the presence or history of any similar lesions elsewhere. Physical examination revealed a reniform atrophic pink plaque with peripheral hyperpigmentation and overlying cigarette paper wrinkling. Given this appearance, scar or post‐inflammatory changes were favored clinically, but lack of preceding trauma raised clinical concerns for poikilodermatous mycosis fungoides. Given the location and appearance, a broad shave biopsy was performed to rule out mycosis fungoides. Histopathologic examination revealed an increased density of superficial endothelial‐cell‐lined vessels, telangiectasias with sludging and congestion of superficial dermal vessels and loss of elastic tissue fibers in the lesional area. These findings, in the context of the clinical history, were consistent with this newly described hemangioma. We present this case to increase awareness amongst dermatopathologists of the reproducible clinical and histopathologic findings of this new benign vasoformative entity.
Intermittent fasting and ‘metabolic switch’: Effects on metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rajpal Aman , Ismail‐Beigi Faramarz
Published: May 2020

Various intermittent fasting (IF) dietary plans have gained popularity among obese individuals in recent years as a means of achieving weight loss. However, studies evaluating the effect of IF regimens in people with metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are limited. The aim of the present review was to briefly elucidate the biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying the positive effects of IF, especially the effect of the proposed ‘metabolic switch’ on metabolism. Next, we examined the efficacy and safety of IF regimens in individuals with metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and T2D. To achieve this, we performed a MEDLINE PubMed search using combinations of various IF terms, including trials in which participants met the additional criteria for metabolic syndrome, prediabetes or T2D. We found four studies in individuals with metabolic syndrome, one study in people with prediabetes, and eight studies in people with T2D evaluating the effects of different IF regimens. The limited available evidence, with small sample sizes and short trial durations, suggests that IF regimens have a similar effectiveness compared with calorie‐restriction diets for weight loss and improvement in glycaemic variables. In general, most IF regimens are effective and safe. However, there is an increased risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with T2D who are treated with insulin or sulphonylureas. Moreover, long‐term adherence to these regimens appears uncertain. There is a need for large controlled randomized trials to evaluate the efficacy of IF regimens, especially in individuals with metabolic syndrome and prediabetes. If proven to be sustainable and efficacious for prolonged periods, IF could offer a promising approach to improving health at the population level, and would result in multiple public health benefits.
Hemodynamic principles of prosthetic aortic valve evaluation in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement era
Authors: Abbas Amr E. , Mando Ramy , Hanzel George , Goldstein James , Shannon Francis , Pibarot Philippe
Published: May 2020

Evaluating the hemodynamic performance of aortic valve prostheses has relied primarily on echocardiography. This involves calculating the trans‐prosthetic valve mean gradient (MG) and aortic valve area (AVA), and assessing for valvular and paravalvular regurgitation in a fashion similar to the native aortic valve. In conjunction with other echocardiographic and nonechocardiographic parameters, MG and AVA are used to distinguish between prosthesis stenosis, prosthesis patient mismatch, pressure recovery, increased flow, and measurement errors. This review will discuss the principles and limitations of echocardiographic evaluation of aortic valve prosthesis following surgical, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement and in comparison to invasive hemodynamics through illustrative clinical cases.
Development of an algorithm for automatic classification of right ventricle deformation patterns in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Authors: Groen Marijn H. A. , Bosman Laurens P. , Teske Arco J. , Mast Thomas P. , Taha Karim , Van Slochteren Frebus J. , Cramer Maarten J. , Doevendans Pieter A. , van Es René
Published: May 2020

Background

Different disease stages of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) can be identified by right ventricle (RV) longitudinal deformation (strain) patterns. This requires assessment of the onset of shortening, (systolic) peak strain, and postsystolic index, which is time‐consuming and prone to inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. The aim of this study was to design and validate an algorithm to automatically classify RV deformation patterns.

Methods

We developed an algorithm based on specific local characteristics from the strain curves to detect the parameters required for classification. Determination of the onset of shortening by the algorithm was compared to manual determination by an experienced operator in a dataset containing 186 RV strain curves from 26 subjects carrying a pathogenic plakophilin‐2 (PKP2) mutation and 36 healthy subjects. Classification agreement between operator and algorithm was solely based on differences in onset shortening, as the remaining parameters required for classification of RV deformation patterns could be directly obtained from the strain curves.

Results

The median difference between the onset of shortening determined by the experienced operator and by the automatic detector was 5.3 ms [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 2.7–8.6 ms]. 96% of the differences were within 1 time frame. Both methods correlated significantly with ρ = 0.97 (P < .001). For 26 PKP2 mutation carriers, there was 100% agreement in classification between the algorithm and experienced operator.

Conclusion

The determination of the onset of shortening by the experienced operator was comparable to the algorithm. Our computer algorithm seems a promising method for the automatic classification of RV deformation patterns. The algorithm is publicly available at the MathWorks File Exchange.
Students' self‐confidence and perceived quality of prosthodontics education: A study in the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto
Authors: Sampaio‐Fernandes Margarida , Dutra Maria , Oliveira Susana João , Reis‐Campos José Carlos , Azevedo Álvaro , Figueiral Maria Helena
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Oral rehabilitation with removable dentures (RDs) is still a viable choice for the edentulous population. Fostering students' confidence in prosthodontic procedures should be a major concern in dental schools. This study has three purposes: (a) to measure the self‐reported confidence levels of undergraduate dental students when performing removable prosthodontic treatments; (b) to evaluate the students' perceived quality of removable prosthodontics education; and (c) to assess the students' suggestions to improve removable prosthodontics education.

Materials and Methods

An anonymous questionnaire was delivered to third‐, fourth‐ and fifth‐year students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the University of Porto (FMDUP) (n = 176). Data from quantitative questions were statistically analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (V.24.0), whilst qualitative data were clustered into topics and analysed in Excel.

Results

With a 100% response rate, most students felt “confident” and “very confident” in RD clinical procedures. Overall, the 5th‐year students had higher confidence than 4th‐year ones, except when surveying diagnostic casts. Our findings also revealed that students considered the removable prosthodontics education “Good” and “Very good,” and their main suggestions were related to increasing the time allocated to clinical practice.

Conclusions

Students' confidence in carrying out removable prosthodontic procedures grew as they progressed through the course. Overall, the students' evaluation of the quality of prosthodontics education was positive, and their main suggestion to improve their confidence levels was increasing the clinical experience.
X‐ray computed tomography imaging of solute movement through ridged and flat plant systems
Authors: Scotson Callum P. , Duncan Simon J. , Williams Katherine A. , Ruiz Siul A. , Roose Tiina
Published: May 2020

The aim of this investigation was to experimentally compare the movement of a solute through soils with two field‐representative surface geometries: ridge and furrow surfaces versus flat surfaces. X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) imaging was undertaken to trace the movement of a soluble iodinated contrast medium, here used as an XCT‐visible analogue for field‐applied solutes, through soil columns with either a ridge and furrow or flat soil surface geometry. In addition to the soil surface geometry, the experimental treatments included the presence or absence of plants and surface water ponding. Experimental results were compared to existing numerical simulations adapted to represent the present experimental column systems. Similar infiltration patterns were observed in imaging results and the numerical simulations for most treatments. The experimental results suggest that plant roots present a significant localized effect to reduce the infiltration depth of solutes, particularly in planted ridges where the infiltration depth of the contrast medium was minimal. There is variability within the results because the number of replicates was limited to three due to the exploratory nature of the study (testing eight different treatments) and the cost and availability of XCT facilities capable of imaging such physically large samples. Discrepancies between the imaged infiltration depth of the solute and the numerical simulations are attributed to variation in plant root distribution and also spatial soil moisture, as measured using resistive soil moisture sensing. The results of this investigation elucidate the nature of solute movement through soil surface geometries, indicating that plant root water uptake can reduce solute infiltration depth, but surface ponding can negate this. These results suggest that soil surface shape, plant age and the timing of solute application with anticipated rainfall could be important considerations for reducing solute leaching and improving solute application efficiency.

Highlights

Investigating factors affecting solute infiltration in flat or ridge and furrow soil geometries.

X‐ray CT imaging traces soluble contrast media movement in soil columns and is compared to modelling.

Plant root water uptake can reduce solute infiltration depth, but surface ponding can negate this.

Considering soil surface shape, rain and plant age in solute application could reduce leaching.
The multiplicity of logics, trust, and interdependence in donor‐imposed reporting practices in the nonprofit sector
Authors: Goncharenko Galina
Published: May 2020

Institutional donors occupy a privileged position among nongovernmental organization (NGO) stakeholders, which enables them to satisfy their accountability demands via donor‐imposed reporting in addition to official NGO information disclosures. This study explores the rationale behind the accountability demands of institutional donors and the utilization of donor‐imposed reporting for building, keeping, and strengthening NGO–donor relationships by examining a case of a Norwegian advocacy NGO and its five institutional donors. Real‐life constructs embedded in interview design are employed to contextualize the accounting data and expand the respondents’ perceptions by providing visibility to alternative scenarios of information provision. By approaching the topic through multi‐organizational perspectives, the study reveals the confluence and interdependence in symbiotic relationships of NGOs and their long‐term institutional donors, which are built through regular interorganizational interactions around imposed accountability demands and reporting requirements. The findings demonstrate that donors’ accountability demands are motivated by their vested interests in controlling, mitigating risk, legitimating grants’ provision, influencing NGO agendas, and obtaining trustworthy partners in the nonprofit sector. The analysis reveals that the types of demands donors impose are determined by institutional logics embedded in their own organisational practices, ideologies, and patterns of governance. The multiplicity of implied donor logics requires NGOs to adjust their identities as the notions of familiarity, compliance, and consonance with these logics would signal NGOs’ trustworthiness and reliability and assist in securitization of long‐term funding. Finally, the study discusses the implications of the multiplicity of donors’ logics and imposed requirements for the accountability and reporting practices in the nonprofit sector.
Object‐based Learning in a World Dress Course
Authors: Banning Jennifer , Gam Hae Jin
Published: May 2020

Object‐based learning (OBL) is an active‐learning teaching approach that uses artifacts as teaching tools in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to identify how OBL assignments helped university students in a general education world dress course learn about unfamiliar items of dress throughout the semester. Using a grounded theory approach, student responses from an end‐of‐semester reflection assignment were analyzed to examine how OBL influenced student learning. Five themes emerged during the analysis: (1) positive reaction, (2) connected course content, (3) senses deepened understanding, (4) affective change, and (5) unique opportunity. The authors concluded that OBL enhanced student learning and improved the classroom experience for participants. Educators, researchers, and museum professionals can benefit from the results of this study.
Commonality in liquidity and multilateral trading facilities
Authors: Jain Pankaj K. , Mekhaimer Mohamed , Mortal Sandra
Published: May 2020

We use the introduction of two multilateral trading facilities (MTFs) to examine the impact of market fragmentation on commonality in liquidity. We find that the introduction of MTFs following the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive increases the comovement of stocks’ liquidity with MTF liquidity, while the comovement with the home market liquidity generally decreases. We also find that the higher the MTF trading volume or the number of MTFs trading a stock, the stronger the effect. Further, we find that the commonality in liquidity remains unchanged for a matched control sample of stocks that do not trade on MTFs.