bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can CRISPR gene drive work in pest and beneficial haplodiploid species?
Authors: Li Jun , Aidlin Harari Ofer , Doss Anna‐Louise , Walling Linda L. , Atkinson Peter W. , Morin Shai , Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: June 2020

Gene drives based on CRISPR/Cas9 have the potential to reduce the enormous harm inflicted by crop pests and insect vectors of human disease, as well as to bolster valued species. In contrast with extensive empirical and theoretical studies in diploid organisms, little is known about CRISPR gene drive in haplodiploids, despite their immense global impacts as pollinators, pests, natural enemies of pests, and invasive species in native habitats. Here, we analyze mathematical models demonstrating that, in principle, CRISPR homing gene drive can work in haplodiploids, as well as at sex‐linked loci in diploids. However, relative to diploids, conditions favoring the spread of alleles deleterious to haplodiploid pests by CRISPR gene drive are narrower, the spread is slower, and resistance to the drive evolves faster. By contrast, the spread of alleles that impose little fitness cost or boost fitness was not greatly hindered in haplodiploids relative to diploids. Therefore, altering traits to minimize damage caused by harmful haplodiploids, such as interfering with transmission of plant pathogens, may be more likely to succeed than control efforts based on introducing traits that reduce pest fitness. Enhancing fitness of beneficial haplodiploids with CRISPR gene drive is also promising.
The future looks like the past: Introgression of domesticated Atlantic salmon escapees in a risk assessment framework
Authors: Glover Kevin A. , Wennevik Vidar , Hindar Kjetil , Skaala Øystein , Fiske Peder , Solberg Monica F. , Diserud Ola H. , Svåsand Terje , Karlsson Sten , Andersen Lasse B. , Grefsrud Ellen S.
Published: June 2020

Escapes of domesticated fish from aquaculture, followed by interbreeding with wild conspecifics, represent a threat to the genetic integrity and evolutionary trajectory of natural populations. Approximately fifty years of Atlantic salmon production has left an unprecedented legacy of widespread introgression of domesticated escapees in wild Norwegian populations. A major question, however, is whether current aquaculture practice will lead to additional introgression in the near future. As part of the updated Norwegian risk assessment of fish farming, we conducted a risk assessment for further introgression of domesticated escapees in wild populations in Norway. Extensive data of reported numbers of escapees, observed proportions of escapees in rivers, removal of escapees pre‐spawning, and the resilience of wild populations through demographic and genetic status informed the risk assessment. The analysis revealed that rivers in 10 of the 13 aquaculture production zones covering Norway display a moderate or high risk of further introgression of domesticated escapees. This comes in addition to widespread introgression that is already documented. We therefore conclude that so long as aquaculture production continues at its present level and form, there is a moderate‐to‐high risk of further introgression of domesticated salmon in many native populations throughout much of Norway.
Nitrous oxide emissions and forage accumulation in the Brazilian Amazon forage‐livestock systems submitted to N input strategies
Authors: do Nascimento Alexandre Ferreira , de Oliveira Carine Moreira , Pedreira Bruno Carneiro , Pereira Dalton Henrique , Rodrigues Renato Ribeiro de Aragão
Published: June 2020

In the Brazilian Amazon, nitrogen input strategies are required to maintain forage–livestock systems productivity. However, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions mitigation from tropical soils is also a global demand. This research aims to assess productivity and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from Oxisol cultivated with Marandu palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha [Hochst. Ex A.Rich.] Stapf) submitted to nitrogen (N) input strategies (N fertilization and biological N fixation) in the Brazilian Amazon. The treatments were the following: control (unfertilized); U40 (fertilized with 40 kg N/ha as urea); U80 (fertilized with 80 kg N/ha as urea); AS40 (fertilized with 40 kg N/ha as ammonium sulfate); AS80 (fertilized with 80 kg N/ha as ammonium sulfate); and IAB (inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense). From January to March 2016, soil N2O emission, forage accumulation (FA) and relative emission (RE) were assessed during two 28‐day cycles. The FA was greater in the U80 and AS80 than in control and IAB. The highest peaks of soil N2O flux occurred from 4 to 7 days after N fertilization, primarily in the highest N rates treatments. Overall, 40 kg N/ha resulted in higher N2O flux than control and IAB, which were lower than 80 kg N/ha regardless of the N source. The lowest fluxes occurred in the control and IAB (below 20 μg N‐N2O m−2 hr−1). All of the emission factors (EF) calculated for both fertilizers and rates were lower than 0.35%, which is below the 1% established by the IPCC. Our results indicate the need for discussion of the EF in the pasture intensification to contribute to avoid deforestation and mitigating emissions. The inputs of 40 kg N/ha per application with urea or ammonium sulfate, due to the low EF and RE, are recommended as a pasture N input strategy in the Brazilian Amazon.
On mothering and being mothered: A personal reflection on women's productivity during COVID‐19
Authors: Clancy Annette
Published: June 2020

This is a personal reflection, as a female academic during COVID‐19, on how women's academic productivity seems primarily to be discussed in relation to a different kind of productivity — motherhood. A recent procedure in a maternity hospital evoked feelings and associations of mothering and being mothered, and how these associations hover over relationships regardless of whether wombs are productive or not. My hope in writing this piece is that every woman's fear and anxiety may be productively contained (regardless of how she is seen from the outside or momentarily construed from within) during this time of extraordinary turmoil.
The critical need for postmarketing surveillance in gene therapy for haemophilia
Authors: Konkle Barbara A. , Recht Michael , Hilger Anneliese , Marks Peter
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The goal of gene therapy for haemophilia is to alter the clinical phenotype to a milder form or even cure, by increasing endogenous coagulation factor levels through transfer of a functional gene encoding the respective deficient coagulation factor and subsequent transgene expression. Over the past decade, there has been tremendous progress in gene therapy, particularly in use of liver‐directed adeno‐associated viral vectors, such that several programmes for both haemophilia A and B are in phase 3 trials. With regulatory approval of the first gene therapy product expected as early as mid‐2020, there is an urgent need for a mechanism to collect long‐term data on safety and variability and durability of efficacy. There will be elements required by regulators for postmarketing surveillance and additional data needed to enhance our understanding of gene therapy outcomes and their impact on the lives of people with haemophilia.

Aim

The aim of this manuscript was to describe efforts underway by the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network and the World Federation of Hemophilia to collect long‐term harmonized data and considerations of the European and US regulatory agencies, which will inform ongoing data collection.

Methods

The status of data collection around gene therapy in haemophilia and important outcome measures were obtained by literature review. Each author described elements relevant to the activities of their organization.

Conclusion

Support of all stakeholders in gene therapy, providers, patients, industry and regulators, augers successful capture of uniform long‐term safety and efficacy data to ensure optimal treatment of people with haemophilia.
The World Federation of Hemophilia Annual Global Survey 1999‐2018
Authors: Stonebraker Jeffrey S. , Bolton‐Maggs Paula H. B. , Brooker Mark , Evatt Bruce , Iorio Alfonso , Makris Michael , O'Mahony Brian , Skinner Mark W. , Coffin Donna , Pierce Glenn F. , Tootoonchian Ellia
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) strives to achieve care for all patients with inherited bleeding disorders through research, advocacy, capacity building and education. The WFH developed and implemented the Annual Global Survey (AGS), through which comprehensive demographic and treatment data on bleeding disorders are collected each year from its constituent non‐governmental national organizations.

Aim

To describe the development, methodology and achievements of the WFH AGS over the past 20 years.

Methods

The AGS is a yearly cross‐sectional survey. Data are collected using a standardized form (available online and on paper), quality checked and reviewed, and published in English, French and Spanish. Over time, the AGS has been modified in response to changes in treatment landscape or emerging new issues.

Results

Over the past 20 years, the AGS has reported an increase in the number of countries participating in the survey, a tripling in the number of people identified with rare bleeding disorders and an increase in the amount of factor used to treat people with haemophilia. Yet, a large treatment inequity gap still exists across the globe. In response to this gap, the WFH has analysed the AGS reports which has stimulated further development in quality of care indicators, estimates of the global prevalence of haemophilia, patient‐level data collection efforts like the World Bleeding Disorders Registry and the Gene Therapy Registry.

Conclusion

The AGS has provided evidence to support research, programme planning and development activities of the WFH.
Patient involvement in interprofessional education: A qualitative study yielding recommendations on incorporating the patient’s perspective
Authors: Romme Sjim , Bosveld Matthijs H. , Van Bokhoven Marloes A. , De Nooijer Jascha , Van den Besselaar Hélène , Van Dongen Jerôme J. J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Patient involvement in interprofessional education (IPE) is a new approach in fostering person‐centeredness and collaborative competencies in undergraduate students. We developed the Patient As a Person (PAP‐)module to facilitate students in learning from experts by experience (EBEs) living with chronic conditions, in an interprofessional setting. This study aimed to explore the experiences of undergraduate students, EBEs and facilitators with the PAP‐module and formulate recommendations on the design and organization of patient involvement in IPE.

Methods

We collected data from students, EBEs and facilitators, through eight semi‐structured focus group interviews and two individual interviews (N = 51). The interviews took place at Maastricht University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and Regional Training Center Leeuwenborgh. Conventional content analysis revealed key themes.

Results

Students reported that learning from EBEs in an interprofessional setting yielded a more comprehensive approach and made them empathize with EBEs. Facilitators found it challenging to address multiple demands from students from different backgrounds and diverse EBEs. EBEs were motivated to improve the person‐centredness of health care and welcomed a renewed sense of purpose.

Conclusions

This study yielded six recommendations: (a) students from various disciplines visit an EBE to foster a comprehensive approach, (b) groups of at least two students visit EBEs, (c) students may need aftercare for which facilitators should be receptive, (d) EBEs need clear instruction on their roles, (e) multiple EBEs in one session create diversity in perspectives and (f) training programmes and peer‐to‐peer sessions for facilitators help them to interact with diverse students and EBEs.
Inflammatory biomarkers in dentinal fluid as an approach to molecular diagnostics in pulpitis
Authors: Brizuela C. , Meza G. , Mercadé M. , Inostroza C. , Chaparro A. , Bravo I. , Briceño C. , Hernández M. , Giner L. , Ramírez V.
Published: June 2020

Aim

To explore a set of inflammatory biomarkers obtained from dentinal fluid (DF) from patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (IP), reversible pulpitis (RP) and normal pulp (NP).

Methodology

A cross‐sectional exploratory study was performed, recruiting 64 patients on the basis of their respective pulp condition. DF samples were obtained from all patients (23, from IP patients; 20, from RP patients; and 21, from NP patients). Quantification of biomarkers was performed using a Luminex® MAGPIX platform system and multiplex assay kits. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used for comparisons with regard to pulp state. A simple logistic regression model and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% level of confidence (P = 0.05) were used to evaluate associations between biomarker levels and pulpal diagnosis. The performance discrimination of the biomarkers was evaluated through the construction of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) for IP versus RP after logistic regression modelling. Youden criteria were used to establish cut‐off points for biomarkers alone with AUC > 70 and P‐value < 0.05, or estimated probabilities from the multivariable logistic model.

Results

The biomarkers that had significantly higher values in participants with IP versus RP were IL‐1α, VEGF‐α and FGF acid (P < 0.05). FGF acid (OR: 12.62; P = 0.0085; CI 95% 1.91–83.29) and VEGF‐α (OR: 2.61; P = 0.0252; CI 95% 1.13–6.03) were associated with pulp diagnoses of IP versus RP. The AUC‐ROC curve for FGF acid was 0.79. The model containing FGF acid, IL‐1α, IL‐6 and TIMP‐1 had an AUC‐ROC of 0.92 for IP versus RP with a significant difference from the FGF acid ROC curve (P = 0.0231).

Conclusions

Dentinal fluid could be used to assay pulpal mediators in the molecular diagnosis of pulpitis. Despite the limitation of the clinical diagnostics used in the present study, it was possible to detect a difference between irreversible symptomatic pulpitis and reversible pulpitis associated with the following combined biomarkers: FGF acid + IL‐6 + IL‐1α, +TIMP‐1.
CONSTRAINED EFFICIENT MARKETS FOR MANIPULATION ECONOMIES
Authors: Citanna Alex , Siconolfi Paolo
Published: June 2020

We design a competitive market for exclusive contracts in large economies with observable types where trades are subject to postcontractual manipulations. We do not impose quantity restrictions at the trading stage—for example, incentive constraints on the consumption or production sets. We establish existence and constrained optimality of equilibrium. Our design can accommodate manipulations stemming from private information as well as from behavioral biases—for example, time inconsistency and false beliefs. We discuss the needed size and complexity of the commodity set.
THE MEASUREMENT OF INCOME SEGREGATION
Authors: Lasso de la Vega Casilda , Volij Oscar
Published: June 2020

We examine the problem of measuring the extent to which students with different income levels attend separate schools. Unless rich and poor attend the same schools in the same proportions, some segregation will exist. Since income is a continuous cardinal variable, however, the rich–poor dichotomy is necessarily arbitrary and renders any application of a binary segregation measure artificial. This article provides an axiomatic characterization of a measure of income segregation that takes into account the cardinal nature of income. This measure satisfies an empirically useful decomposition by subdistricts.
Top management incentives and financial flexibility: The case of make‐whole call provisions
Authors: Jameson Melvin , King Tao‐Hsien Dolly , Prevost Andrew
Published: June 2020

Consistent with the premise that make‐whole call provisions enhance value‐creating financial flexibility, we find that higher sensitivity of managerial wealth to stock price (delta) increases the likelihood that corporate bonds contain make‐whole provisions. Building on the results of related research, post‐issue financial performance of make‐whole callable bond issuers increases in delta. In line with prior findings that demonstrate financial flexibility can be costly to bondholders, we find that managerial equity incentives impact the incremental effect of make‐whole provisions on the pricing of corporate debt securities. Consistent with the flexibility explanation, we also find that the market response as measured by abnormal trading volume to the issuance of make‐whole callable debt varies in equity incentives. Overall, our results suggest that managerial incentives play a role in the choice, pricing, and market response to make‐whole options in corporate debt securities.
Epicardial standalone left atrial appendage clipping for prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation contraindicated for oral anticaogulation
Authors: Branzoli Stefano , Marini Massimiliano , Guarracini Fabrizio , Pederzolli Carlo , Pomarolli Claudio , D'Onghia Giovanni , Centonze Maurizio , Fantinel Mauro , Corsini Francesco , Bonmassari Roberto , Graffigna Angelo , La Meir Mark
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The most appropriate treatment for stroke prevention in standalone atrial fibrillation patients with a high CHADS2VASC score contraindicated for oral anticoagulation (OAC) or novel OAC (NOAC) still needs to be defined. Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure devices are available, but because of their endocardial positioning need a period of antiplatelet therapy (APT). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of epicardial left atrial appendage clipping in patients contraindicated for (N)OAC and APT.

Methods and Results

We describe a standalone totally thoracoscopic LAA clipping of forty‐five consecutive patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF; 32 males; age, 73.1 ± 7.4 years; CHADVASC, 6.5 ± 1.1; HAS‐BLED 4.9 ± 0.9) with absolute contraindications to (N)OAC. The patients were selected by a multidisciplinary Heart Team. Sixty percent had a previous ischemic stroke and 51% a history of the hemorrhagic event and 22% both. All patients were implanted with an LAA epicardial clip, guided by preoperative computed tomography and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography. The mean procedural duration was 52.3 ± 12.6 minutes with postprocedural extubation interval of 22.8 ± 14.6 minutes. No procedure‐related complications occurred. Intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed complete LAA occlusion in all patients. At a mean follow‐up of 16.4 ± 9.1 months (range, 2‐34), with all patients off (N)OAC or APT, no ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic complications occurred. computed tomography or TEE at follow‐up demonstrated a correct LAA occlusion in all with mean stumps of 3.3 ± 2.8 mm.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic epicardial closure of the LAA with the AtriClip PRO2 device is a potentially safe and efficient treatment for stroke prevention in patients with NVAF contraindicated for anticoagulant therapy or APT.
Transillumination‐aided infiltration: A diagnostic concept for treating enamel opacities
Authors: Marouane Omar , Chtioui Fadwa
Published: June 2020

Objective

Esthetic management of enamel opacities related to molar‐incisor hypomineralization is recognized as an unpredictable procedure when resin infiltration is used. The use of transillumination during this procedure may increase its predictability. The aim of this paper is to describe a new transillumination‐based concept for treating enamel opacities with resin infiltration.

Clinical considerations

This report describes a case of enamel opacities affecting the maxillary central incisors related to molar‐incisor hypomineralization where transillumination‐aided infiltration was used for treating these lesions. Pre‐operatively, the lesion depth is assessed using transillumination, which shows the presence of enamel surface layer covering the lesion. The mandatory removal of this layer is also monitored using transillumination as the lesion is progressively exposed and brought into the surface. Then, the classic protocol of resin infiltration is followed. Transmitted light was also efficient in monitoring the progression of resin‐infiltration.

Conclusion

The appearance of the lesions' edges in transillumination was the main clue in indicating their depth and eventually their exposure into the surface. Transillumination was also reliable in monitoring the progression of the infiltration until complete saturation of the porous enamel.

Clinical significance

The use of the proposed concept may help the dental practitioner in obtaining predictable results when enamel opacities related to molar‐incisor hypomineralization are treated with resin infiltration. Besides, transillumination can be used as a diagnostic tool during the lesion transformation as well as its infiltration.
Prematurity‐related knowledge among mothers and fathers of very preterm infants
Authors: Matos Joana , Amorim Mariana , Silva Susana , Nogueira Conceição , Alves Elisabete
Published: June 2020

Objective

Empowering parents as health promoters may contribute to decrease the costs associated with prematurity. In Portugal, 8% and 1% of the births occurring in 2018 were preterm and very preterm, respectively. This study aimed to assess prematurity‐related knowledge with regard to its prevalence, causes and consequences, according to sociodemographic, obstetric and offspring's characteristics, among mothers and fathers of very preterm infants.

Methods

Between May and July 2017, mothers and fathers of very preterm infants were invited to participate through the Portuguese association of parents for support to the premature baby, with 196 parents being included. Knowledge on prematurity (prevalence, causes and consequences) was collected through a structured online questionnaire. Reporting of this research follows STROBE guidelines for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

Parents estimated a median prevalence of preterm and of very preterm delivery in Portugal of 15% and 8%, respectively. However, approximately 20% did not provide an estimate. More than 90% of the participants acknowledged placental complications, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, multiple pregnancy and intrauterine growth restriction as causes of preterm delivery, whereas only 24.2% identified low socioeconomic status. Cardiac complications and respiratory morbidity were recognised as the main consequences of prematurity by more than 80% of the parents. Overall, parents with a higher socioeconomic status tended to provide correct responses more frequently than those with a low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

The results revealed the existence of knowledge gaps regarding the prevalence, causes and consequences of premature delivery. Understanding the main facilitators and barriers to the achievement of prematurity‐related knowledge may contribute for the global improvement of preventing this condition.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is crucial to include the improvement of parents’ knowledge about prematurity as a complementary dimension during the provision of medical care, with nurses playing a key role as main sources of information.
I do not even tell my partner: Nurses’ perceptions of verbal and physical violence against nurses working in a regional hospital
Authors: Dafny Hila A. , Beccaria Gavin
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine nurses’ perceptions of physical and verbal violence perpetrated by patients and visitors and to investigate themes surrounding gender and the incidence of violence.

Background

The prevalence of violence towards nurses is a concern for nurses and hospital administrators. However, nurses who work in acute care and mental healthcare settings are particularly at high risk. This study examines the occurrence, type of violence and gender issues in a regional public hospital of Queensland Australia.

Design

An exploratory, qualitative design.

Methods

Focus group interviews with 23 nurses from Emergency Department (ED), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Psychiatry Department (PD) working in Queensland regional public hospital, Australia. Qualitative data were transcribed and thematically analysed manually and by NVivo. COREQ research reporting checklist followed.

Results

Participants reported frequent incidents of verbal and physical violence on a daily basis. Severe incidence included punching, kicking, biting and scratching, as well as threats of using weapons, such as knives. Patients were more likely to exhibit physical violence, especially towards male nurses, while hospital visitors including patient's family were more likely to exhibit verbal violence. Allocating male nurses in volatile areas and to care for violent patients raises concerns that the male nurses may be seen by their patients as “bodyguards” and not as a professional nurse.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that staff believe that violence is increasing, feel the burden to accept that violence as part of the job and that the bureaucratic processes of the organisation make it difficult to address violence or get support. Organisations need to be vigilant in ensuring assistance is accessible and simplified.

Relevant to clinical practice

This study contributes new knowledge to the discussion concerning of gender issues. Identifying gender issues could assist in developing the necessary interventions to reduce workplace violence.
Beyond the fear: Nurses’ experiences caring for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome: A phenomenological study
Authors: Lee Jin Young , Hong Jeong Hee , Park Eun Young
Published: June 2020

Aim and objectives

To explore the experiences of Korean nurses who had directly cared for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and to derive the structure and meaning of these experiences.

Background

In 2015, the MERS epidemic struck Korea, and ill‐prepared nurses had to care for patients with MERS. Nurses experienced conflict between their fear of the disease and their work and professional ethic.

Design

We employed a phenomenological qualitative approach.

Methods

Inductive, qualitative, in‐depth interviews were performed with 17 nurses. The study process followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.

Results

The qualitative inductive content analysis generated seven theme clusters and 18 themes. The theme clusters were “Fear of Uncertainty,” “Beyond Hesitation,” “A Scene Like a Battlefield,” “Chaotic Nursing Identity,” “Buttresses for Sustainability,” “Lingering Trauma” and “Expanded Horizon of Nursing.” The final analysis revealed that the core theme was “Beyond the fear of uncertainty.”

Conclusions

This study contrives a more in‐depth, holistic understanding by describing the experiences of nurses who directly cared for patients with MERS—the first large‐scale infectious disease in Korea. Although nurses saw themselves as vital caregivers, they were frightened of the disease, had to work in a harsh environment, experienced various internal conflicts and had to deal with varying forms of uncertainty.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study sheds light on the nursing situation during crises involving serious infectious diseases; to combat these, more medical facilities are needed, and staff should be proactively guided on how to care for patients. It can serve as part of a good foundation for further study of medical staff during recurring epidemics.
The views and experiences of fathers regarding their young child’s intellectual and developmental disability diagnosis: Findings from a qualitative study
Authors: Marsh Lynne , Brown Michael , McCann Edward
Published: June 2020

Aims and objectives

To report the views and experiences of fathers following their child's diagnosis of an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD).

Background

There is a growing interest in understanding the experiences of fathers of children with IDD given the transformation of the structural change of fathers’ roles within the family and wider society.

Design

A qualitative design was used to elicit the view and experiences of fathers.

Methods

A total of ten Irish fathers participated in face‐to‐face interviews. The data were thematically analysed. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were used in the development of this paper.

Results

The key themes that emerged were (a) the confirmation of the child's diagnosis (b) the impact of the diagnosis and (c) father's motivation to participate in disability research.

Conclusions

This study informs and develops a further understanding of the international evidence base of fathers receiving a confirmation of a child's diagnosis of an intellectual and developmental disability, the impact of the diagnosis on fathers and their motivation to share their stories to add to the disability research. Health and social care practitioners have important contributions to make in meeting the needs of fathers. There are specific areas to consider in terms of practice, education and research that require further attention and development to ensure fathers’ distinct needs regarding their child's diagnosis of IDD are known and responded to effectively.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights that when the child's disability is confirmed, fathers experience a diverse range of mixed emotions. Health and social care practitioners including nurses need to be aware of the impact of the diagnosis upon fathers. There is scope to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence of health and social care practitioners regarding the experiences of fathers and how they can further support fathers and their families during the critical time of a disability disclosure.
The League of Nations, Minorities, and Post‐Imperial Turkey
Authors: Bayar Yeşim
Published: June 2020

The Minority Treaties that were signed at the end of First World War were not only instrumental in establishing the status of minorities in their respective countries but also significant in terms of their impact on nation‐building processes. Through focusing on the post‐Ottoman lands, and specifically on Turkey, this paper examines the tension between the goals of the Allied Powers and the League of Nations, and those of the nationalist political elites in the newly‐created national states.
2D shear wave elastography combined with age and serum biomarkers prior to kasai surgery predicts native liver survival of biliary atresia infants
Authors: Wang G. , Chen H. , Xie X. , Cao Q. , Liao B. , Jiang H. , Shan Q. , Zhong Z. , Zhou W. , Zhou L.
Published: June 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) varies, and precisely predicting the outcomes of KPE before surgery is still challenging.

Methods

A total of 158 patients who underwent KPE in our hospital were included in this study. The patients in the training cohort were recruited from January 2012 to October 2017 (n = 118), and then, those in the validation cohort were recruited from November 2017 to April 2019 (n = 40). Combined nomogram models were developed based on two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) values and other biomarkers. The utility of the proposed models was evaluated by C‐index.

Results

2D SWE played a potentially important role in predicting native liver survival (NLS) of BA patients with a C‐index of 0.69 (0.63 to 0.75) in the training cohort and 0.76 (0.67 to 0.85) in the validation cohort. The nomogram A based on 2D SWE values, age, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio (APRI) had a better C‐index in the training cohort [0.74 (0.68–0.80) vs. 0.66 (0.60–0.73), P = 0.017] and in the validation cohort [0.78 (0.70–0.86) vs. 0.60 (0.49–0.71), P = 0.002] than the nomogram B (without 2D SWE). Using risk score developed from nomogram A, we successfully predicted 88.0% (22/25) of patients in the training cohort and 75.0% (9/12) in the validation cohort to have survival time of less than 12 months after KPE.

Conclusion

The combined nomogram model based on 2D SWE values, age, GGT and APRI prior to KPE can effectively predict NLS in BA infants.
Metabolomics coupled with integrative pharmacology reveals the therapeutic effect of l-borneolum against cerebral ischaemia in rats
Authors: Jiang Yinxiao , Wen Jianxia , Zhang Wenwen , Ma Zhijie , Zhang Congen , Wang Jian , Dai Yao , Hu Qichao , Li Zhibei , Ma Xiao
Published: June 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate metabolic biomarker changes and related metabolic pathways before and after treatment with l-borneolum in cerebral ischaemic rats.

Methods

Rats were subjected to pMCAO surgery. The Zea-Longa scoring method was used to evaluate neurological deficits. TTC staining was used to observe cerebral infarction. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in brain tissue. The metabolomics method was used to analyse the changes in metabolism.

Results

The pharmacology changes of the H-B group were significantly different from those of the vehicle group. Moreover, according to the metabolomics method, identification of potential biomarkers in cerebral ischaemia treatment showed that the levels of l-valine and l-arginine were increased while the levels of N-succinyl-L,L-2,6-diaminopimelate and LysoPC (18 : 1(9Z)) were reduced, which were related to energy metabolism. Simultaneously, thermogenesis and bile secretion levels were inhibited by l-borneolum. Furthermore, elevated level of methotrexate might be related to an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusions

The therapeutic effect of l-borneolum on cerebral ischaemia might be associated with the regulation of energy metabolism, thermogenesis and bile secretion. These metabolic changes and the core target changes, as well as the metabolic-target pathway network, help to elucidate the mechanisms governing the effect of l-borneolum on cerebral ischaemia.
Arginase inhibitory properties of flavonoid compounds from the leaves of Mulberry (Morus alba, Moraceae)
Authors: Arraki Kamel , Totoson Perle , Attia Rym , Zedet Andy , Pudlo Marc , Messaoud Chokri , Demougeot Céline , Girard Corine
Published: June 2020

Objectives

We aimed to isolate and identify bioactive molecules from Morus alba (Moraceae) leaves having arginase inhibitory activity towards the combat of clinical outcomes related to endothelial dysfunction.

Method

Extraction and isolation were carried out by successive macerations, prepurification by using a Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and separation using preparative PLC. The structures of the isolated components were established and confirmed by spectroscopic analyses, including the ESI-HRMS and NMR spectroscopic investigations. Biological evaluation was performed by using an in vitro assay with liver bovine purified arginase and by an ex vivo aortic ring study.

Key findings

We demonstrated that a phenolic extract from the leaves of M. alba possesses mammalian arginase inhibitory capacities. Investigation of the chemical constituents of its leaves results in the isolation and identification of ten compounds investigated in vitro for their arginase inhibitory capacities. Four compounds showed significant inhibition of arginase, with percentage inhibition ranging from 54% to 83% at 100 µm. In isolated rat aortic rings incubated with NO synthase inhibitor, Luteolin-7-diglucoside compound (2) was able to increase acetylcholine-induced relaxation.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated the attractive ability of M. alba to be a potential source for the discovery of new active products on vascular system.
Lexical Recognition in Deaf Children Learning American Sign Language: Activation of Semantic and Phonological Features of Signs
Authors: Lieberman Amy M. , Borovsky Arielle
Published: June 2020

Children learning language efficiently process single words and activate semantic, phonological, and other features of words during recognition. We investigated lexical recognition in deaf children acquiring American Sign Language (ASL) to determine how perceiving language in the visual–spatial modality affects lexical recognition. Twenty native or early‐exposed signing deaf children (ages 4 to 8 years) participated in a visual world eye‐tracking study. Participants were presented with a single ASL sign, target picture, and three competitor pictures that varied in their phonological and semantic relationship to the target. Participants shifted gaze to the target picture shortly after sign offset. Participants showed robust evidence for activation of semantic but not phonological features of signs. However, in their behavioral responses, participants were most susceptible to phonological competitors. Results demonstrated that single word recognition in ASL is largely parallel to spoken language recognition among children who are developing a mature lexicon.
Semiautomated social media analytics for sensing societal impacts due to community disruptions during disasters
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Yao Wenlin , Yang Yang , Huang Ruihong , Mostafavi Ali
Published: June 2020

Understanding the societal impacts caused by community disruptions (e.g., power outages and road closures), particularly during the response stage, with timeliness and sufficient detail is an underexplored, yet important, consideration. It is critical for effective decision‐making and coordination in disaster response and relief activities as well as post‐disaster virtual reconnaissance activities. This study proposes a semiautomated social media analytics approach for social sensing of Disaster Impacts and Societal Considerations (SocialDISC). This approach addresses two limitations of existing social media analytics approaches: lacking adaptability to the need of different analyzers or different disasters and missing the information related to subjective feelings, emotions, and opinions of the people. SocialDISC labels and clusters social media posts in each disruption category to facilitate scanning by analyzers. Analyzers, in this paper, are persons who acquire social impact information from social media data (e.g., infrastructure management personnel, volunteers, researchers from academia, and some residents impacted by the disaster). Furthermore, SocialDISC enables analyzers to quickly parse topics and emotion signals of each subevent to assess the societal impacts caused by disruption events. To demonstrate the performance of SocialDISC, the authors proposed a case study based on Hurricane Harvey, one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history, and analyzed the disruptions and corresponding societal impacts in different aspects. The analysis result shows that Houstonians suffered greatly from flooded houses, lack of access to food and water, and power outages. SocialDISC can foster an understanding of the relationship between disruptions of infrastructures and societal impacts, expectations of the public when facing disasters, and infrastructure interdependency and cascading failures. SocialDISC's provision of timely information about the societal impacts of people may help disaster response decision‐making.
Role of the pyruvate metabolic network on carbohydrate metabolism and virulence in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Echlin Haley , Frank Matthew , Rock Charles , Rosch Jason W.
Published: June 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen that must adapt to unique nutritional environments in several host niches. The pneumococcus can metabolize a range of carbohydrates that feed into glycolysis ending in pyruvate, which is catabolized by several enzymes. We investigated how the pneumococcus utilizes these enzymes to metabolize different carbohydrates and how this impacts survival in the host. Loss of ldh decreased bacterial burden in the nasopharynx and enhanced bacteremia in mice. Loss of spxB, pdhC or pfl2 decreased bacteremia and increased host survival. In glucose or galactose, loss of ldh increased capsule production, whereas loss of spxB and pdhC reduced capsule production. The pfl2 mutant exhibited reduced capsule production only in galactose. In glucose, pyruvate was metabolized primarily by LDH to generate lactate and NAD+ and by SpxB and PDHc to generate acetyl‐CoA. In galactose, pyruvate metabolism was shunted toward acetyl‐CoA production. The majority of acetyl‐CoA generated by PFL was used to regenerate NAD+ with a subset used in capsule production, while the acetyl‐CoA generated by SpxB and PDHc was utilized primarily for capsule biosynthesis. These data suggest that the pneumococcus can alter flux of pyruvate metabolism dependent on the carbohydrate present to succeed in distinct host niches.
Between nationalism and regionalism: Higher education policy and national/regional identity in Quebec and Wallonia
Authors: Moscovitz Hannah
Published: June 2020

This article explores the nexus between nationalism/regionalism and higher education policy at the subnational scale. Relying on a Critical Discourse Analysis, the study investigates how notions of national/regional identity are discursively embedded in the higher education policy discussions of Quebec and Wallonia. A comparative approach based on the distinct logics of subnational politics in both cases is used. Whereas Quebec is considered a quintessential example of ‘subnationalism’, the Walloon case is defined as a political regionalist movement. The findings reveal the permeation of substate identity interests in both Quebec and Wallonia's higher education policy discussions, underscoring parallels between them despite their diverging characters. At the same time, the discourse analysis sheds light on important distinctions in the manner in which this identity discourse is articulated. By juxtaposing identity politics in ‘nationalist’ and ‘regionalist’ movements, the study aims to bridge their conceptualisation and critically reflect on the categorisation of subnational movements.
Vulnerability and hydraulic segmentations at the stem–leaf transition: coordination across Neotropical trees
Authors: Levionnois Sébastien , Ziegler Camille , Jansen Steven , Calvet Emma , Coste Sabrina , Stahl Clément , Salmon Camille , Delzon Sylvain , Guichard Charlotte , Heuret Patrick
Published: June 2020

Hydraulic segmentation at the stem–leaf transition predicts higher hydraulic resistance in leaves than in stems. Vulnerability segmentation, however, predicts lower embolism resistance in leaves. Both mechanisms should theoretically favour runaway embolism in leaves to preserve expensive organs such as stems, and should be tested for any potential coordination.

We investigated the theoretical leaf‐specific conductivity based on an anatomical approach to quantify the degree of hydraulic segmentation across 21 tropical rainforest tree species. Xylem resistance to embolism in stems (flow‐centrifugation technique) and leaves (optical visualization method) was quantified to assess vulnerability segmentation.

We found a pervasive hydraulic segmentation across species, but with a strong variability in the degree of segmentation. Despite a clear continuum in the degree of vulnerability segmentation, eight species showed a positive vulnerability segmentation (leaves less resistant to embolism than stems), whereas the remaining species studied exhibited a negative or no vulnerability segmentation.

The degree of vulnerability segmentation was positively related to the degree of hydraulic segmentation, such that segmented species promote both mechanisms to hydraulically decouple leaf xylem from stem xylem. To what extent hydraulic and vulnerability segmentation determine drought resistance requires further integration of the leaf–stem transition at the whole‐plant level, including both xylem and outer xylem tissue.
Autosomal dominant hyper‐IgE syndrome: When hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered?
Authors: Oikonomopoulou Christina , Goussetis Evgenios
Published: June 2020

AD‐HIES or Job's syndrome is a primary immunodeficiency, caused by dominant negative mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. The syndrome is characterized by infectious, immunologic, and non‐immunologic manifestations and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and development of lymphomas. What has not yet been elucidated is the role of HSCT in the disease treatment spectrum. We review published cases of patients with AD‐HIES that underwent HSCT and attempt to clarify at what stage HSCT should be considered and what are the complications.
Ensuring seed quality in ecological restoration: native seed cleaning and testing
Authors: Frischie Stephanie , Miller Annette L. , Pedrini Simone , Kildisheva Olga A.
Published: June 2020

Seeds are a critical and limited resource for restoring biodiversity and ecological function to degraded and fragmented ecosystems. Cleaning and quality testing are two key steps in the native seed supply chain. Optimizing the practices used in these steps can ensure seed quality. Post‐collection handling of seeds can have a profound impact on their viability, longevity in storage, and establishment potential. The first section of this article describes seed cleaning, outlines key considerations, and details traditional and novel approaches. Despite the growth of the native seed industry and the need for seed quality standards, existing equipment and standards largely target agricultural, horticultural, and commercial forestry species. Native plant species typically have complex seed traits, making it difficult to directly transfer existing cleaning and quality standards to these species. Furthermore, in ecological restoration projects, where diversity is valued over uniformity crop standards can be unsuitable. We provide an overview and recommendations for seed quality testing (sampling, purity, viability, germinability, vigor), identity reporting, and seed transfer as well as highlight the need to implement internationally recognized standards for certification for native seeds. Novel and improved cleaning and testing methods are needed for native species from a range of ecosystems to meet the challenges and goals of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The guidelines outlined in this article along with others in the Special Issue of Restoration Ecology “Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration” can serve as a foundation for this critical work.
The effect of monoculture and rotation planting on soil bacterial community structure at different elevation in Hubei
Authors: Wu Jinping , Guo Fengling , Jiao Zhenbiao , Zhou Jie , Qiu Zhengming
Published: June 2020

Highland vegetables play an important role in meeting the demand for fresh vegetables in summer and also increasing the income of farmers in upland areas of China. With the large‐scale and intensive development of vegetable planting in upland areas, many of the farmers have used vegetable–maize rotation instead of the traditional maize monoculture pattern. The bacterial community and diversity under different planting patterns and elevations were investigated using next‐generation sequencing and Biolog Ecoplate. The average well colour development (AWCD) was greater at low elevation and under the vegetable–maize rotation. There were 15 classified bacterial genera related to the elevation and planting patterns. The relative abundance ofAquicellawas significantly affected by elevation andWPS‐1_genera_incertae_sedisby elevation and planting patterns (p< .01). At the same time, the only genus that was significantly affected by planting patterns wasAquicella(p< .05). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soilpHand available N content were the main factors influencing the change in soil bacterial community structure in the different planting models and elevation, and the dominant species of soil bacteria wereStreptophytaandAridibacter.
The novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, HLA‐DRB1*01:108, identified in a Korean individual
Authors: Lee Seung Yeob , Kim Soo Hyun , Shin Myung Geun , Choi Hyun Jung
Published: June 2020

HLA‐DRB1*01:108 has a nucleotide polymorphism (c346.G>A) compared with HLA‐DRB1*01:01:01:01, causing an amino acid substitution (p.Glu87Lys).