bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic and electrochemiluminescence properties of three manganese(II) complexes
Authors: Chen Yating , Zhang Shaonan , Xiao Yu , Zhang Shuhua
Published: February 2020

Three novel complexes, namely, penta-μ-acetato-bis(μ2-2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)-μ-formato-tetramanganese(II), [Mn4(C13H11ClN3O2)2(C2H3O2)5.168(CHO2)0.832], 1, hexa-μ2-acetato-bis(μ2-2-{[2-(6-bromopyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)tetramanganese(II), [Mn4(C13H11BrN3O2)2(C2H3O2)6], 2, and catena-poly[[μ2-acetato-acetatoaqua(μ2-2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolato)dimanganese(II)]-μ2-acetato], [Mn2(C13H11ClN3O2)(C2H3O2)3(H2O)]
n
, 3, have been synthesized using solvothermal methods. Complexes 1–3 were characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 are tetranuclear manganese clusters, while complex 3 has a one-dimensional network based on tetranuclear Mn4(L
1)2(CH3COO)6(H2O)2 building units (L
1 is 2-{[2-(6-chloropyridin-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]methyl}-6-methoxyphenolate). Magnetic studies reveal that complexes 1–3 display dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between MnII ions through μ2-O bridges. In addition, 1–3 also display favourable electrochemiluminescence (ECL) properties.
Corporate social responsibility, product innovation, and product line
Authors: Xu Heng
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate a firm’s incentive to innovate its basic product to be socially responsible and its decision on the product line. By constructing a competition model, the paper examines the factors that affect the firm’s choice on its product line with the socially responsible innovation in the presence of altruistic consumers. Such factors include the proportion of the altruistic consumers, the firm’s coordination cost with the basic and innovative products, as well as the consumer’s transportation cost.

Design/methodology/approach

In a model of differentiated products with the competition, the author assumes that a portion of consumers has a strong preference for the socially responsible product (e.g. altruistic consumers). A firm is able to attract altruistic consumers with a socially responsible innovation but it may incur a coordination cost when both the basic and the innovated products are manufactured and sold. In a framework of a sequential game, the firms make a decision on the prices, innovation inputs, as well as the choice on its product line to achieve the expected profit maximization.

Findings

The firm has the incentive to engage in socially responsible innovation to better compete with its rivals. More importantly, the results of the paper explain why some firms wish to manufacture and sell the basic product even though the innovation is successful. The main factors that affect such a firm’s decision include the proportion of the altruistic consumers, the aggregate benefit to all the consumers who purchase the innovative product, the firm’s potential coordination cost and the consumer’s transportation cost.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on a firm’s corporate social responsibility innovation and its product line determination. The results of this paper can be widely applied in the firm’s strategy of engaging in corporate social responsibility with eco-friendly elements that can attract altruistic consumers in the market. In addition, the findings of the paper can also contribute to policy formulation in terms of innovation. Such a result enables the policymakers to understand the factors that affect the firm’s motivation on innovation and helps them to better guide the firms efficiently participate in the research and development activities.
Hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus prevalence relates to human immunodeficiency virus infection in Japanese male blood donors
Authors: Shinohara Naoya , Owada Takashi , Tanaka Ami , Matsubayashi Keiji , Nagai Tadashi , Satake Masahiro
Published: February 2020

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) has begun to spread globally among men who have sex with men (MSM). Hepatitis E virus (HEV) also may be transmitted through sexual contact among MSM. To assess the current status of these viruses among MSM in Japan, the seroprevalence of both viruses using 503 plasma samples collected between 2009 and 2018 from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive male donors who were presumed to be mainly MSM was investigated. Our results suggested that HAV may be spreading within this population, as reported elsewhere. By contrast, the spread of HEV was confirmed only among younger HIV‐positive donors.
Bioarchaeology: a profitable dialogue between microbiology and archaeology
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: February 2020

The cultivation of yeasts from up to 5000‐year‐old beer vessels in Israel allows insights into early domestication of microbes for food production, but also raises questions about long‐term survival of microbes under dormancy or slow growth.
Establishment of recombineering genome editing system in Paraburkholderia megapolitana empowers activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Zheng Wentao , Wang Xue , Zhou Haibo , Zhang Youming , Li Aiying , Bian Xiaoying
Published: February 2020

The Burkholderiales are an emerging source of bioactive natural products. Their genomes contain a large number of cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), indicating great potential for novel structures. However, the lack of genetic tools for the most of Burkholderiales strains restricts the mining of these cryptic BGCs. We previously discovered novel phage recombinases Redαβ7029 from Burkholderiales strain DSM 7029 that could help in efficiently editing several Burkholderiales genomes and established the recombineering genome editing system in Burkholderialse species. Herein, we report the application of this phage recombinase system in another species Paraburkholderia megapolitana DSM 23488, resulting in activation of two silent non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase/polyketide synthase BGCs. A novel class of lipopeptide, haereomegapolitanin, was identified through spectroscopic characterization. Haereomegapolitanin A represents an unusual threonine‐tagged lipopeptide which is longer than the predicted NRPS assembly line. This recombineering‐mediated genome editing system shows great potential for genetic manipulation of more Burkholderiales species to activate silent BGCs for bioactive metabolites discovery.
Characteristics of Uranium Mineralization in Red Clastic Formations in the Southwestern Margin of the Ordos Basin
Authors: ZHANG Zilong , HE Feng , YI Longsheng , FAN Honghai , CAI Yuqi , LIU Hongxu , LIU Xinyang , CHEN Hongbin , JIA Cui , YANG Mengjia
Published: February 2020

In the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin, uranium mineralization is primarily hosted by predominantly oxidative red clastic formations in the Lower Cretaceous. The main target layers for uranium exploration are the Madongshan and Liwaxia formations of the Liupanshan Group, followed by the Jingchuan Formation of the Zhidan Group. The host rocks (medium‐fine feldspar quartz sandstone), which are bleached to a light grayish white color, contain a minor organic matter component and pyrite. Uranium mineralization changes from surficial infiltration or phreatic oxidation in the upper part to interlayer oxidation in the lower part. Uranium ore bodies are mostly lenticular or tabular in shape, locally shaped like crescent rolls. Individual ore bodies are typically small and shallow. Uranium predominantly manifests as pitchblende and coffinite. Coffinite is usually short and columnar or granular in habit, whereas pitchblende occurs as an irregular colloidal covering on the surface or in fissures of ferric oxide, silicate, clay or carbonate. Secondary uranium minerals are torbernite, uranophane, and uranopilite. Minerals associated with uranium are mainly pyrite, chalcopyrite and, to a minor extent, arsenopyrite and fluorite. The associated elements are Mo, V, Se, Co, Ni, and Mn, the host sandstone being high in Cu and Ba. Overall, the red clastic formations in the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin are characterized by ‘five multiples but one low’ which means multiple target layers, multiple stages of mineralization, multiple ore body shapes, multiple kinds of uranium minerals, multiple associated elements, but low organic matter. This implies an overall complex uranium metallogenic environment and mineralization process. It is recommended that future uranium exploration should take into consideration regional metallogenic conditions and mineralization features, with target layers in the wide‐smooth synclinal slope being focused on. Most uranium deposits are small to medium in size, and the main type of uranium mineralization can vary by target layer.
Geochemistry and Zircon U‐Pb Geochronology of Early Paleozoic S‐type Granites in the Eastern Qilian Block, Northwest China
Authors: LIU Xiuting , LI Binkai , HAN Jilong , REN Erfeng , GAO Donglin , DU Yongsheng , REN Qianhui , ZHANG Yan
Published: February 2020

The Qilian Block (QB) is a Precambrian micro‐continent located in the northeastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Prevalent Lower Paleozoic granitic magmatic rocks crop out in the QB. A new integrated study of zircon U‐Pb ages and systematic whole‐rock geochemical data for the Xindian, Dongjiazhuang and Xiaogaoling granites in the eastern segment of the QB constrains their emplacement ages, petrogenesis, and regional evolutionary history. U‐Pb dating reveals that the Xindian granite was emplaced 454 Ma, and both the Dongjiazhuang and Xiaogaoling granites were emplaced ca. 440 Ma. Geochemical study shows that all granites belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline to shoshonitic series and are S‐type granites formed by partial melting of continental crust, mainly metagraywacke. We infer that these ca. 454–445 Ma granites formed in a syn‐collisional setting during the continental collisional between the Qaidam and Qilian blocks.
Use of medicines associated with dry mouth and dental visits in an Australian cohort
Authors: Moffat AK , Apajee J , Pratt NL , Blacker N , Le Blanc VT , Roughead EE
Published: February 2020

Background

Poor recognition of medicine‐induced dry mouth can have a number of adverse effects, including difficulties with speech, chewing and swallowing dry foods, gum disease, dental caries and oral candidosis. This study examined the prevalence of use of medicines that cause dry mouth and claims for dental services funded by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) in an Australian cohort.

Methods

We used the DVA administrative health claims data to identify persons using medicines that can cause dry mouth at 1st of September 2016 and determine their DVA dental claims in the subsequent year. Results were stratified by gender, residence in community or residential aged cared facility and number of medicines.

Results

We identified 50 679 persons using medicines known to cause dry mouth. Of these, 72.6% were taking only one medicine that may cause dry mouth, and 21.6% were taking two. Less than half (46.2%) of all people taking at least one of these medicines had a dental claim in the following year. A smaller proportion of women (35.9%) made claims than men (56.9%), χ2 = 2248.77, P < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Targeted interventions raising awareness of the relationship between some medicines and dry mouth, and the importance of dental visits are warranted.
Assembling “Effective Archaeologies” toward Equitable Futures
Authors: Stahl Ann Brower
Published: February 2020

An urgency compels us to engage how archaeology relates to contemporary situations and future dilemmas as citizens anxiously contemplate their futures. We see “crowd‐sourced” efforts to define pressing questions. A welter of theoretical approaches promises new insight into our relationally configured worlds. We couple awareness of the situated character of knowledge with a commitment to its empirical grounding. In light of this contemporary frame, I explore principles of an “effective archaeology” that imagines its “impacts” beyond narrow “uses.” By attending to how we make facts, archives, and narratives; by placing Western knowledge in productive dialogue with knowledge grounded in other epistemologies; and by embracing a disciplinary responsibility to expand and enlarge imaginings of futures through evidentially robust and critically engaged practice, effective archaeologies hold promise to build toward more equitable futures. [archaeology, epistemology, ontology, knowledge production, collaboration]
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy: a meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Wu Kaymin , Wang Zipu , Zhang Yunxiao , Yao Jiahui , Zhang Zuyong
Published: February 2020

Background

The transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a newly developed non‐invasive technique in the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy and results in positive effects for patients who cannot tolerate invasive vagus nerve stimulation. In this study, we aim to define the relationship between tVNS and seizure control, quality of life (QOL) and some other factors.

Methods

We found articles by searching through PubMed and Web of Science, and a total of three articles with 280 patients overall were included. These eligible studies include two randomized double‐blinded trials and one randomized single‐blinded trial. Meta‐analysis and systematic review were performed, analysing the association between tVNS and seizure frequency using the available data. The responder rate, QOL and adverse effects were also analysed.

Results

The results showed a significant difference in seizure frequency between treatment group and control group (Z = 2.14, P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) −6.31 to −0.27; I2 = 10%). However, only two studies provided the data of responders, and the result failed to figure out a significant difference (Z = 0.75, P = 0.45, 95% CI (odds ratio) 1.47 (0.54–4.02); I2 = 61%). It is difficult to define whether tVNS improved QOL between treatment and control groups using the available data. The adverse effects seem to be very few, with the most common being headache.

Conclusion

tVNS is an effective procedure to control the frequency of seizures according to the available data, especially for those patients who do not want to tolerate a surgical procedure.
A Critique of Repealing the Affordable Care Act: Implications for Queer People of Color
Authors: Williams Natasha D. , Anderson Elaine A.
Published: February 2020

Public health has expanded health disparities research to include the importance of mental health. Minority stress theory provides a framework for contextualizing these disparities. Queer people of color (QPOC), who are studied far less often than other marginalized groups, face unique distal and proximal stressors as a consequence of their social location. Historically, the healthcare system has served as a conduit for these stressors, with bias and discrimination occurring at interpersonal and structural levels. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) served to lessen the stressful impact of the healthcare system, specifically by improving access to mental health services for people of color and queer people. The authors utilize a minority stress framework to present information about the separate mental health access gains for people of color and LGBT people and hypothesize about how these gains affect QPOC. This study then uses these gains to frame a discussion about the positive impact of the ACA and discusses the disproportionate impact that repeal of such policy gains could have on the well‐being of QPOC.
Competencies for respectful maternity care: Identifying those most important to midwives worldwide
Authors: Butler Michelle M. , Fullerton Judith , Aman Cheryl
Published: February 2020

Background

A respectful, person‐centered philosophy of maternity care has been emerging over several decades. Research conducted on behalf of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to identify essential competencies for midwifery practice also identified the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors that should be hallmarks of respectful maternity care practices among the global community of midwives.

Methods

A three‐round, online, modified Delphi survey was conducted between April 2016 and October 2016. A total of 895 individuals from 90 of the then‐current 105 ICM member countries participated, with good representation across English, French, and Spanish speakers, high‐income, medium‐income, and low‐income countries, and educators and clinicians.

Results

A total of 115 respectful maternity care (RMC)‐related items were endorsed by participants in Round 1 or 2. These items received average scores of between 90.24% and 99.10%, well above the 85% threshold required to be identified as within the scope of global midwifery practice. These items were compared with the 12 domains of RMC identified by Shakibazadeh and colleagues that defined respectful care during childbirth in health facilities globally, and with similar RMC frameworks, and were found to be highly congruent, thus demonstrating the high value of RMC within the core of midwifery practice.

Discussion

ICM survey items were endorsed across all 12 RMC domains proposed by Shakibazadeh et al, and the findings affirmed that across ICM countries and regions, the philosophy of RMC was integrally related to the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors that emerged as essential for basic midwifery practice.
Rethinking public participation in the smart city
Authors: Levenda Anthony M. , Keough Noel , Rock Melanie , Miller Byron
Published: February 2020

In efforts to become “smart cities,” local governments are adopting various technologies that promise opportunities for increasing participation by expanding access to public comment and deliberation. Scholars and practitioners encounter the problem, however, of defining publics—demarcating who might participate through technology‐enhanced public engagement. We explore two case studies in the city of Calgary that employ technologies to enhance public engagement. We analyzed the cases considering both the definition of publics and the level of citizen participation in areas of participatory budgeting and secondary suites. Our findings suggest that engaging the public is not a straightforward process, and that technology‐enhanced public engagement can often reduce participation towards tokenism. City councillors and planners need to critically confront claims that smart cities necessarily enhance participation. Moving beyond tokenism requires understanding “public” as a plural category. Municipal governments should seek to proactively engage citizens and communities utilizing helpful resources including, but not limited to, digital tools and smart technologies. This would allow planners to keep a “finger on the pulse” of publics' concerns, better identifying and addressing issues of equity and social justice. It is also important to consider how marginalized publics can best be recognized in order to bring their concerns to the fore in decision‐making processes.
GSTO1‐1 is an upstream suppressor of M2 macrophage skewing and HIF‐1α‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation
Authors: Sokulsky Leon A. , Goggins Bridie , Sherwin Simonne , Eyers Fiona , Kaiko Gerard E. , Board Philip G. , Keely Simon , Yang Ming , Foster Paul S.
Published: February 2020

Background

Glutathione S‐transferases omega class 1 (GSTO1‐1) is a unique member of the GST family regulating cellular redox metabolism and innate immunity through the promotion of LPS/TLR4/NLRP3 signalling in macrophages. House dust mite (HDM) triggers asthma by promoting type 2 responses and allergic inflammation via the TLR4 pathway. Although linked to asthma, the role of GSTO1‐1 in facilitating type 2 responses and/or HDM‐driven allergic inflammation is unknown.

Objective

To determine the role of GSTO1‐1 in regulating HDM‐induced allergic inflammation in a preclinical model of asthma.

Methods

Wild‐type and GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice were sensitized and aeroallergen challenged with HDM to induce allergic inflammation and subsequently hallmark pathophysiological features characterized.

Results

By contrast to HDM‐challenged WT mice, exposed GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice had increased numbers of eosinophils and macrophages and elevated levels of eotaxin‐1 and ‐2 in their lungs. M1 macrophage‐associated factors, such as IL‐1β and IL‐6, were decreased in GSTO1‐1‐deficient mice. Conversely, M2 macrophage factors such as Arg‐1 and Ym1 were up‐regulated. HIF‐1α expression was found to be higher in the absence of GSTO1‐1 and correlated with the up‐regulation of M2 macrophage markers. Furthermore, HIF‐1α was shown to bind and activate the eotaxin‐2 promotor. Hypoxic conditions induced significant increases in the levels of eotaxin‐1 and ‐2 in GSTO1‐deficient BMDMs, providing a potential link between inflammation‐induced hypoxia and the regulation of M2 responses in the lung. Collectively, our results suggest that GSTO1‐1 deficiency promotes M2‐type responses and increased levels of nuclear HIF‐1α, which regulates eotaxin (s)‐induced eosinophilia and increased disease severity.

Conclusion & Clinical Implication

We propose that GSTO1‐1 is a novel negative regulator of TLR4‐regulated M2 responses acting as an anti‐inflammatory pathway. The discovery of a novel HIF‐1α‐induced eotaxin pathway identifies an unknown connection between hypoxia and the regulation of the severity of allergic inflammation in asthma.
When standardization becomes the lens of professional practice in child welfare services
Authors: Sletten Marina S. , Ellingsen Ingunn T.
Published: February 2020

This paper examines the relationship between professional work and standardization. There has been an increase in the use of standardized programmes in child welfare services (CWS) in Western society. Some researchers have criticized standardized programmes suggesting that they undermine professionals expertise and threaten their position, whereas others argue that such programmes strengthen professional practice. In this paper, we examine how standardized tools, in this case, a standardized parenting programme and a standardized Norwegian assessment tool, influence professional roles as experienced by child welfare workers (CWS professionals) in Norway. Semistructured individual and group interviews were conducted with 31 frontline workers in two CWS agencies. Our findings suggest that standardized tools increase the social workers experienced professional competence but challenge their professional knowledge base, reflective practice, and professional accountability. Professional and practical implications for CWS work are discussed in the light of these findings.
New missense variants in RELT causing hypomineralised amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Nikolopoulos Georgios , Smith Claire E.L. , Brookes Steven J. , El‐Asrag Mohammed E. , Brown Catriona J. , Patel Anesha , Murillo Gina , O'Connell Mary J. , Inglehearn Chris F. , Mighell Alan J.
Published: February 2020

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a heterogeneous group of genetic diseases characterised by dental enamel malformation. Pathogenic variants in at least 33 genes cause syndromic or non‐syndromic AI. Recently variants in RELT, encoding an orphan receptor in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, were found to cause recessive AI, as part of a syndrome encompassing small stature and severe childhood infections. Here we describe four additional families with autosomal recessive hypomineralised AI due to previously unreported homozygous mutations in RELT. Three families carried a homozygous missense variant in the fourth exon (c.164C>T, p.(T55I)) and a fourth family carried a homozygous missense variant in the 11th exon (c.1264C>T, p.(R422W)). We found no evidence of additional syndromic symptoms in affected individuals. Analyses of tooth microstructure with computerised tomography and scanning electron microscopy suggest a role for RELT in ameloblasts' coordination and interaction with the enamel matrix. Microsatellite genotyping in families segregating the T55I variant reveals a shared founder haplotype. These findings extend the RELT pathogenic variant spectrum, reveal a founder mutation in the UK Pakistani population and provide detailed analysis of human teeth affected by this hypomineralised phenotype, but do not support a possible syndromic presentation in all those with RELT‐variant associated AI.
The genetic and clinical landscape of nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos in an Australian cohort
Authors: Siggs Owen M. , Awadalla Mona S. , Souzeau Emmanuelle , Staffieri Sandra E. , Kearns Lisa S. , Laurie Kate , Kuot Abraham , Qassim Ayub , Edwards Thomas L. , Coote Michael A. , Mancel Erica , Walland Mark J. , Dondey Joanne , Galanopoulous Anna , Casson Robert J. , Mills Richard A. , MacArthur Daniel G. , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Burdon Kathryn P. , Craig Jamie E.
Published: February 2020

Nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos are ocular abnormalities in which both eyes are abnormally small, and typically associated with extreme hyperopia. We recruited 40 individuals from 13 kindreds with nanophthalmos or posterior microphthalmos, with 12 probands subjected to exome sequencing. Nine probands (69.2%) were assigned a genetic diagnosis, with variants in MYRF, TMEM98, MFRP, and PRSS56. Two of four PRSS56 families harbored the previously described c.1066dupC variant implicated in over half of all reported PRSS56 kindreds, with different surrounding haplotypes in each family suggesting a mutational hotspot. Individuals with a genetic diagnosis had shorter mean axial lengths and higher hyperopia than those without, with recessive forms associated with the most extreme phenotypes. These findings detail the genetic architecture of nanophthalmos and posterior microphthalmos in a cohort of predominantly European ancestry, their relative clinical phenotypes, and highlight the shared genetic architecture of rare and common disorders of refractive error.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of strictureplasty for obstructive Crohn’s disease
Authors: Landerholm K. , Reali C. , Mortensen N. J. , Travis S. P. L. , Guy R. J. , George B. D.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To evaluate the frequency and outcome of strictureplasty in the era of biologicals and to compare patients operated on by strictureplasty alone, resection alone or a combination of both.

Method

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing strictureplasty for obstructing jejunoileal Crohn’s disease (CD) in Oxford between 2004 and 2016 was conducted. For comparison, a cohort of CD patients with resection only during 2009 and 2010 was included.

Results

In all, 225 strictureplasties were performed during 85 operations, 37 of them in isolation and 48 with simultaneous resection. Another 82 procedures involved resection only; these patients had shorter disease duration, fewer previous operations and longer bowel preoperatively. The frequency of strictureplasty procedures did not alter during the study period and was similar to that in the preceding 25 years. There was no postoperative mortality. One patient required re‐laparotomy for a leak after strictureplasty. None developed cancer. The 5‐year reoperation rate for recurrent obstruction was 22% (95% CI 12–39) for resection alone, 30% (17–52) for strictureplasty alone and 42% (27–61) for strictureplasty and resection (log rank P = 0.038). Young age was a risk factor for surgical recurrence (log rank P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The use of strictureplasty in CD has not changed significantly since the widespread introduction of biologicals. Surgical morbidity remains low. The risk of recurrent strictures is high and young age is a risk factor. In this study, strictureplasty alone was associated with a lower rate of reoperation compared with strictureplasty with resection.
Tuberculin skin test and predictive host factors for false‐negative results in patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Almeida Santos João , Duarte Raquel , Nunes Carla
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Tuberculin skin test (TST) has been the standard test for screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection for decades. Identifying persons with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is crucial, as they constitute a reservoir that sustains the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. However, different factors, such as HIV infection, can lower the sensitivity of the test.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the TST sensitivity in active TB patients and to ascertain risk factors that could be associated with false‐negative results.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all active TB notifications with a TST result (n = 8833), from 2008 to 2015. TST results were interpreted using a 5 mm and 10 mm cutoff. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association of sociodemographic and clinical factors with false‐negative TST results and to develop predictive risk models.

Results

TST presented an overall sensitivity of 63.8% (5 mm) and 56.1% (10 mm). HIV infection was the risk factor with the strongest association with false‐negative results (aOR 4.65‐5 mm; aOR 5.05‐10 mm). Other factors such as chronic renal failure (CRF) (aOR 1.55‐5 mm; aOR 1.73‐10 mm), alcohol abuse (aOR 1.52‐5 mm; aOR 1.31‐10 mm), drug abuse (aOR 1.90‐5 mm; aOR 1.76‐10 mm) or age ≥65 years (OR 1.69‐5 mm and 10 mm) were also associated with a probability of false‐negative results.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of knowing which factors influence TST results, such as HIV status, substance abuse or age, thus improving its usefulness as a screening method for LTBI.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for lung nodule evaluation. Patient selection, diagnostic variables and safety
Authors: Andersen Frank D. , Degn Kristine B. , Riis Rasmussen Torben
Published: February 2020

Background

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is a relatively new technique to diagnose pulmonary lesions in patients with reduced lung function. Several parameters have been shown to affect diagnostic yield including patient selection. We performed a prospective registration of data on one hundred patients who consecutively underwent electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy. Selection criteria, patient characteristics, lesion size, distance to pleura, location of the lesion and presence of bronchus sign on computed tomography were registered.

Methods

Navigation was performed using the superDimension hardware and software system. Patients were referred to ENB from a multidisciplinary team conference. We did not use fluoroscopy, endobronchial ultrasound equipment, rapid onsite evaluation or general anesthesia during the procedure. All patients in whom no malignant diagnose was found were subsequently followed for two years in order to verify a benign nature of the pulmonary lesion.

Results

One hundred and nine ENB procedures were performed between September 2009 and November 2014. Overall diagnostic yield was 68%. Twenty seven of 49 malignant tumors were found by ENB leading to a sensitivity for malignancy of 55%. The sensitivity for malignancy was significantly higher for lesions in the upper and middle lobes compared to the lower lobes (P = 0.01). Lesions size, distance to pleura and presence of bronchus sign did not affect sensitivity.

Conclusion

ENB is a safe diagnostic procedure in an everyday setting with an acceptable diagnostic yield even without addition of supportive diagnostic methods and offers a possibility to diagnose pulmonary nodules in patients for whom other diagnostic procedures are too hazardous or have proven unsuccessful.
Quantification of Adverse Drug Reactions Related to Drug Switches in The Netherlands
Authors: Glerum Pieter J. , Maliepaard Marc , de Valk Vincent , Scholl Joep H.G. , van Hunsel Florence P.A.M. , van Puijenbroek Eugène P. , Burger David M. , Neef Kees
Published: February 2020

We performed a retrospective cohort study in the Dutch patient population to identify active substances with a relatively high number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) potentially related to drug switching. For this, we analyzed drug switches and reported ADRs related to switching between June 1, 2009, and December 31, 2016, for a selection of 20 active substances. We also compared pharmacovigilance analyses based on the absolute, switch‐corrected, and user‐corrected numbers of ADRs. In total, 1,348 reported ADRs and over 23.8 million drug switches were obtained from the National Health Care Institute in The Netherlands and from Lareb, which is The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre. There was no correlation between the number of ADRs and the number of switches, but, on average, we found 5.7 reported ADRs per 100,000 switches. The number was relatively high for rivastigmine, levothyroxine, methylphenidate, and salbutamol, with 74.9, 50.9, 47.6, and 26.1 ADRs per 100,000 switches, respectively. When comparing analyses using the absolute number and the switch‐corrected number of ADRs, we demonstrate that different active substances would be identified as having a relatively high number of ADRs, and different time periods of increased numbers of ADRs would be observed. We also demonstrate similar results when using the user‐corrected number of ADRs instead of the switch‐corrected number of ADRs, allowing for a more feasible approach in pharmacovigilance practice. This study demonstrates that pharmacovigilance analyses of switch‐related ADRs leads to different results when the number of reported ADRs is corrected for the actual number of drug switches.
Flipping Online Analytics Classes: Achieving Parity with Their Face‐To‐Face Counterparts
Authors: Swart William W. , MacLeod Kenneth R.
Published: February 2020

We show how the principles of flipped learning that have been successfully applied to analytics classes taught face‐to‐face (F2F) at the undergraduate and graduate levels were emulated in corresponding online classes. Student satisfaction in the online flipped analytics classes was compared to student satisfaction in the F2F flipped analytics classes. Data were collected between the Spring 2016 and Fall 2018 semesters and involved two instructors with a sample of 726 students. The results of an independent samples t‐test showed that there was no significant difference in satisfaction between the online and F2F offerings. A binary logistics regression analysis on the data revealed that whether the flipped course was taught F2F or online had no significant effect on students recommending the course to their peers. The results suggest that flipped learning is transferrable to online analytics courses and yields student satisfaction at par with equivalent F2F flipped courses.
Potential for residual contamination by Streptococcus equi subspp equi of endoscopes and twitches used in diagnosis of carriers of strangles
Authors: Svonni Elin , Andreasson Mikaela , Fernström Lise‐Lotte , Rydén Anneli , Pringle John , Riihimäki Miia
Published: February 2020

Background

Endoscopic examinations are essential for diagnosis and treatment of strangles (S equi infection) in horses. However, even after disinfection, endoscopes may retain viable bacteria or bacterial DNA. Twitches are commonly used during endoscopic examinations and can thus also potentially transmit the organism to other horses.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of different disinfectant methods to eliminate S equi from experimentally contaminated endoscopes and twitches and the effectiveness of field disinfection of endoscopes used in sampling carriers of S equi.

Study design

Experimental contamination and observational field study.

Methods

One endoscope and 30 twitches were contaminated with standardised S equi broth solutions. The endoscope was disinfected following three protocols using various disinfectants for manual disinfection. A fourth protocol used an automated endoscope reprocessor (AER). The twitches (n = 30) were disinfected following eight different disinfecting protocols. Three endoscopes used in sampling for silent carriers were disinfected following a field‐based protocol. After each protocol the endoscopes and twitches were sampled for S equi by culture and qPCR.

Results

Following experimental contamination all endoscope disinfection protocols, apart from 1/6 of the ethanol protocol were S equi culture negative. However, no endoscope disinfection protocol completely eliminated retention of S equi DNA. Field disinfection of endoscopes after sampling carriers yielded no culture positives and all but one (13/14) were qPCR negative. All twitches disinfected following experimental contamination were culture negative but sodium hypochlorite was the only disinfectant that completely eliminated detection of S equi DNA.

Main limitations

Experimental contamination may not reflect the numbers of S equi transferred to endoscopes or twitches during use on silent carriers and purulent secretions from infected horses may influence survival of S equi.

Conclusions

While most disinfection methods appear to ensure removal of cultivable S equi, residual DNA can remain on both endoscopes and twitches.
A Phenomenological Study of Immigrant Parents of Adolescents with Delinquent Behavior in Israel
Authors: Yakhnich Liat , Walsh Sophie D.
Published: February 2020

Scarce qualitative literature has focused on understanding the perspective of parents of adolescents involved in crime, and no prior literature has examined how the status of being a parent of an adolescent who is involved in delinquency intersects with being an immigrant parent. The current phenomenological study examined, through the eyes of immigrant parents, how they comprehend their children’s involvement in delinquent behavior. This study examined in‐depth semistructured interviews conducted with fourteen immigrant parents (10 mothers and 4 fathers) from the former Soviet Union in Israel of children treated in rehabilitation facilities for delinquent youth. Data analysis revealed a gradual decline in children's behavior ascribed to the developmental stage of adolescence, the pressures of immigration, and cultural conflict. These three factors are interwoven together to create a fabric within which they see their children turning to crime. Parents' gradual loss of control is balanced by attempts to idealize the parent–child relationship and to minimize the severity of the offenses committed. They describe various differing and even contradictory experiences of themselves as parents and their struggles to piece together incohesive, alternating experiences of themselves as parents. Despite the critical role they can play in their children’s rehabilitation, as well as the distress that they themselves experience, parents of children involved in delinquent behavior have often been ignored in research. Acknowledging parents' perspectives and experiences can allow development of appropriate therapeutic strategies to support them and maximize their abilities to support their children.
A catastrophic tropical drought kills hydraulically vulnerable tree species
Authors: Powers Jennifer S. , Vargas G. German , Brodribb Timothy J. , Schwartz Naomi B. , Pérez‐Aviles Daniel , Smith‐Martin Chris M. , Becknell Justin M. , Aureli Filippo , Blanco Roger , Calderón‐Morales Erick , Calvo‐Alvarado Julio C. , Calvo‐Obando Ana Julieta , Chavarría María Marta , Carvajal‐Vanegas Dorian , Jiménez‐Rodríguez César D. , Murillo Chacon Evin , Schaffner Colleen M. , Werden Leland K. , Xu Xiangtao , Medvigy David
Published: February 2020

Drought‐related tree mortality is now a widespread phenomenon predicted to increase in magnitude with climate change. However, the patterns of which species and trees are most vulnerable to drought, and the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive, in part due to the lack of relevant data and difficulty of predicting the location of catastrophic drought years in advance. We used long‐term demographic records and extensive databases of functional traits and distribution patterns to understand the responses of 20–53 species to an extreme drought in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Costa Rica, which occurred during the 2015 El Niño Southern Oscillation event. Overall, species‐specific mortality rates during the drought ranged from 0% to 34%, and varied little as a function of tree size. By contrast, hydraulic safety margins correlated well with probability of mortality among species, while morphological or leaf economics spectrum traits did not. This firmly suggests hydraulic traits as targets for future research.
Intravascular volumes evaluated by a carbon monoxide rebreathing method in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Bomholt Tobias , Larsson Sara , Rix Marianne , Rytter Sarah , Feldt‐Rasmussen Bo , Hornum Mads , Lundby Carsten
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Treatment of fluid overload and anemia remains a challenge in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Hypervolemia can be evaluated using a carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing method by which blood volume (BV), plasma volume (PV), and red blood cell volumes (RBCV) can be determined. We hypothesized that recurrent hypervolemia would cause hemoglobin (Hb) levels to be in the anemic range without a concurrent reduction in RBCV in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

BV, PV, and RBCV were determined by a CO rebreathing test in 19 patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing chronic hemodialysis. The tests were performed 20 minutes before initiating dialysis, and the measured intravascular volumes were compared with predicted normal intravascular volumes according to Nadler's equation. Before initiating dialysis, Hb and blood pressure were measured, and edema severity was graded.

Findings

Measured BV was higher in 17 out of the 19 patients with a median of 71.1 (62.4–76.9) mL/kg and higher than the predicted BV of 58.3 (53.5–59.9) mL/kg (P < 0.001). The measured PV was found to be higher in all patients. RBCV was measured as 25.2 (23.4–28.2) mL/kg with a predicted volume of 25.9 (22.4–26.7) mL/kg (P = 0.56). Eighteen patients were anemic as determined by Hb concentrations (defined as Hb < 13 g/dL for men and <12 g/dL for women), and nine were anemic according to RBCV.

Discussion

The CO rebreathing test is a new approach to measuring intravascular volumes in hemodialysis patients. Compared with predicted intravascular volumes, the predialysis BV was expanded in the majority with elevated PV as the main cause. No overall difference in RBCV was found between the measured and predicted volumes. According to predialysis Hb levels, all but one patient was anemic, but according to the measured RBCV, only nine were in the anemic range, indicating dilution of Hb.
Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation of the C2 Dorsal Root Ganglion Using a Posterior Approach for Treating Cervicogenic Headache: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Lee Ho‐Jin , Cho Hyun Hoo , Nahm Francis Sahngun , Lee Pyung‐Bok , Choi Eunjoo
Published: February 2020

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of C2 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for cervicogenic headache (CEH) and to identify factors related to the outcome of the procedure in this retrospective analysis.

Background

Although conventional high‐temperature C2 DRG RFA was effective in patients with CEH in previous studies, the effect of pulsed RFA on C2 DRG in cases of CEH has not yet been evaluated.

Methods

We examined the electronic medical records of consecutive patients who underwent C2 DRG block for CEH from January 2012 to May 2018 at a pain center. Consequent C2 DRG pulsed RFA was performed for patients in whom the headache recurred after an initial period of relief 24 hours after the C2 DRG block. A successful outcome was defined as at least 50% pain relief at 6 months after C2 DRG pulsed RFA. We also examined variables associated with the outcome and prognostic factors of CEH.

Results

Fluoroscopy‐guided C2 DRG block was performed in 114 patients with CEH. Forty‐five patients received C2 DRG pulsed RFA and 40.0% among them (18/45, success group) had ≥50% pain relief after 6 months. There were no post‐procedure complications throughout the study period. Significantly more patients in the success group than in the failure group had a definite positive response (≥50% pain relief) to a previous C2 DRG block (P < .001).

Conclusion

C2 DRG pulsed RFA may be an effective treatment for patients with CEH, particularly for patients who have previously experienced definite pain reduction after C2 DRG block. However, the limitations of our study design and small number of patients preclude firm conclusions.
Self‐regulation in oral hygiene behaviours in adults with gingivitis: The mediating role of coping planning and action control
Authors: Araújo Mário‐Rui , Alvarez Maria‐João , Godinho Cristina A. , Almeida Tânia , Pereira Cícero R.
Published: February 2020

Aim

This study investigates the joint role of volitional predictors of oral hygiene behaviours of flossing and brushing in adults with gingivitis, framed by the Health Action Process Approach model (HAPA).

Materials and Methods

In a longitudinal online survey, 201 participants aged 18‐75, of which 56.7% were women, completed assessments at baseline(T1), 2 weeks(T2) and 4 months(T3). Oral hygiene behaviours(OH) (brushing and flossing) and social cognitive determinants of behaviour in the HAPA: action and maintenance self‐efficacy(ASE & MSE), intention(INT), coping planning(CP) and action control(AC) were evaluated. Structural equation modelling was used to test a series of three nested models. In Model 1, action self‐efficacy would determine MSE and INT, and INT would determine OH; in Model 2, INT would determine both CP and AC and the two OH behaviours; and in Model 3, CP and AC would be sequential mediators between INT and OH.

Results

Model 3, predicting a mediating process from intention to behaviour via coping planning and action control, showed the best fit according to the fit indices and explained more of the variance in dental hygiene. The mediating role of coping planning and action control between intention and oral hygiene behaviours was thus confirmed. Importantly, coping planning did not mediate between intention and oral hygiene behaviours, which means that oral hygiene intention influences action control through coping planning, and both sequentially mediate this influence on behaviour.

Conclusions

For individuals who are not yet following the recommendations for specific oral hygiene behaviours, coping planning and action control represent psychological mechanisms by which intentions are put into practice.