bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the critical path method to rollout and optimise new PMTCT guidelines to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Musarandega Reuben , Robinson Joanna , Sen Priti Dave , Hakobyan Anna , Mushavi Angela , Mahomva Agnes , Woelk Godfrey
Published: November 2020

Background

Achievement of the elimination target for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV in selected countries has increased hope to end the HIV epidemic in children across the world. However, MTCT rates remain well above the 5% elimination target in most sub-Saharan Africa countries. These countries require innovative strategies to scale-up their interventions to end paediatric HIV. We describe how the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) consortium and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) used the critical path method to facilitate rapid expansion and optimization of 2010 and 2013 WHO PMTCT guidelines to reduce Zimbabwe’s MTCT rate from 22% in 2010 to 6.4% in 2015.

Methods

We analysed activities implemented and PMTCT programme data for the period before and during the EGPAF-CIFF project. The critical path method involved a cycle of collecting and analysing quarterly PMTCT indicator data and planning and implementing targeted activities to improve the PMTCT indicators. We performed a graphical trend analysis of data that measured availability of PMTCT services. Using Pearson’s Chi2 test, we compared results of PMTCT uptake indicators at the start and end of the EGPAF-CIFF project and used regression discontinuity analysis to assess effectiveness of activities implemented to improve the PMTCT service uptake indicators.

Results

Zimbabwe rolled out WHO 2010 and 2013 PMTCT guidelines in less than 1 year during the EGPAF-CIFF project, yet it took more than 4 years to roll-out previous guidelines. All PMTCT indicators increased significantly (p < 0.001) comparing the five-year periods before and during the EGPAF-CIFF project. Critical path activities implemented increased five of the seven PMTCT uptake indicators.

Conclusion

Zimbabwe rapidly rolled-out and optimised new WHO PMTCT guidelines and drastically reduced its MTCT rate using the critical path method. We recommend wider use of the critical path method in public health programmes.
Ending malnutrition in all its forms requires scaling up proven nutrition interventions and much more: a 129-country analysis
Authors: Scott Nick , Delport Dominic , Hainsworth Samuel , Pearson Ruth , Morgan Christopher , Huang Shan , Akuoku Jonathan K. , Piwoz Ellen , Shekar Meera , Levin Carol , Toole Mike , Homer Caroline SE
Published: November 2020

Background

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.2 calls for an end to all forms of malnutrition, with 2025 targets of a 40% reduction in stunting (relative to 2012), for wasting to occur in less than 5% of children, and for a 50% reduction in anaemia in women (15–49 years). We assessed the likelihood of countries reaching these targets by scaling up proven interventions and identified priority interventions, based on cost-effectiveness.

Methods

For 129 countries, the Optima Nutrition model was used to compare 2019–2030 nutrition outcomes between a status quo (maintained intervention coverage) scenario and a scenario where outcome-specific interventions were scaled up to 95% coverage over 5 years. The average cost-effectiveness of each intervention was calculated as it was added to an expanding package of interventions.

Results

Of the 129 countries modelled, 46 (36%), 66 (51%) and 0 (0%) were on track to achieve the stunting, wasting and anaemia targets respectively. Scaling up 18 nutrition interventions increased the number of countries reaching the SDG 2.2 targets to 50 (39%), 83 (64%) and 7 (5%) respectively. Intermittent preventative treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp), infant and young child feeding education, vitamin A supplementation and lipid-based nutrition supplements for children produced 88% of the total impact on stunting, with average costs per case averted of US$103, US$267, US$556 and US$1795 when interventions were consecutively scaled up, respectively. Vitamin A supplementation and cash transfers produced 100% of the total global impact onpreventionof wasting, with average costs per case averted of US$1989 and US$19,427, respectively. IPTp, iron and folic acid supplementation for non-pregnant women, and multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women produced 85% of the total impact on anaemia prevalence, with average costs per case averted of US$9, US$35 and US$47, respectively.

Conclusions

Prioritising nutrition investment to the most cost-effective interventions within the country context can maximise the impact of funding. A greater focus on complementing nutrition-specific interventions with nutrition-sensitive ones that address the social determinants of health is critical to reach the SDG targets.
Longitudinal assessment of racial disparities in juvenile idiopathic arthritis disease activity in a treat-to-target intervention
Authors: Chang Joyce C. , Xiao Rui , Burnham Jon M. , Weiss Pamela F.
Published: November 2020

Background

We sought to evaluate racial disparities in disease outcomes among children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) during a treat-to-target (TTT) intervention with clinical decision support (CDS).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of a TTT-CDS strategy integrated into clinical practice for children with polyarticular JIA at a single center from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome was the clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS-10). We used multivariable linear regression to assess racial differences in disease outcomes at the index visit (first visit after implementation). The effect of race on disease outcomes over time was estimated using linear mixed-effects models, stratified by incident or prevalent disease.

Results

We included 159 children with polyarticular JIA, of which 74, 13 and 13% were white, black, and Asian/other, respectively. cJADAS-10 improved significantly over time for all race categories, while the rates of improvement did not differ by race in incident (p = 0.53) or prevalent cases (p = 0.58). cJADAS-10 over time remained higher among black children compared to white children (β 2.5, p < 0.01 and β 1.2, p = 0.08 for incident and prevalent cases, respectively). Provider attestation to CDS use at ≥50% of encounters was associated with a 3.9 greater reduction in cJADAS-10 among black children compared to white children (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Despite similar rates of improvement over time by race, disparities in JIA outcomes persisted throughout implementation of a TTT-CDS approach. More consistent CDS use may have a greater benefit among black children and needs to be explored further.
Estimating the potential reduction in future sickness absence from optimizing group-level psychosocial work characteristics: a prospective, multicenter cohort study in German industrial settings
Authors: Fischer Joachim E. , Genser Bernd , Nauroth Peter , Litaker David , Mauss Daniel
Published: November 2020

Background

Absence from work due to sickness impairs organizational productivity and performance. Even in organizations with perfect work conditions, some inevitable baseline sickness absence exists amongst working populations. The excess sickness absence observed above this baseline rate has become the focus of traditional health promotion efforts, addressing preventable physical illness, health behavior and mental health at the personal level. However, a health and safety approach following the TOP-rule would consider work-group psychosocial work characteristics as a potential risk factor amenable to organizational measures. To date, there is a scarcity of studies relating psychosocial work characteristics to possible reduction of excess sickness-absence rates.

Methods

We aimed to estimate the potentially avoidable excess fraction of absence attributable to work-group psychosocial characteristics. We considered work-group averaged perception of psychosocial work characteristics as a proxy to the methodologically elusive objective assessment of organizational characteristics. Participants were recruited from multiple sites of a German automotive manufacturer with individuals nested within work groups. We predicted 12-month follow-up work-group sickness absence rates using data from a baseline comprehensive health examination assessing work characteristics, health behavior, and biomedical risk factors. We considered the quartile of work-groups yielding favorable psychosocial work characteristics as a realistic existing benchmark. Using the population attributable fraction method we estimated the potentially amenable sickness absence from improving work-group psychosocial characteristics.

Results

Data from 3992 eligible participants from 29 work groups were analyzed (39% participation rate, average age 41.4 years (SD = 10.3 years), 89.9% males and 49% manual workers.). Work-group absence rates at follow up varied from 2.1 to 8.9% (mean 5.1%, 11.7 missed days). A prediction model of seven psychosocial work characteristics at the work group level explained 70% of the variance of future absence rates. The estimated reduction from improving psychosocial work characteristics to the benchmark level amounted to 32% of all sickness absence, compared to a 31% reduction from eliminating health behavioral and medical risk factors to the benchmark target.

Conclusions

Psychosocial characteristics at the work-group level account for a relevant proportion of all sickness absence. Health promotion interventions should therefore address psychosocial characteristics at the work group level.
Fast and accurate structure probability estimation for simultaneous alignment and folding of RNAs with Markov chains
Authors: Miladi Milad , Raden Martin , Will Sebastian , Backofen Rolf
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Simultaneous alignment and folding (SA&F) of RNAs is the indispensable gold standard for inferring the structure of non-coding RNAs and their general analysis. The original algorithm, proposed by Sankoff, solves the theoretical problem exactly with a complexity of $$O(n^6)$$

O
(

n
6

)

in the full energy model. Over the last two decades, several variants and improvements of the Sankoff algorithm have been proposed to reduce its extreme complexity by proposing simplified energy models or imposing restrictions on the predicted alignments.

Results

Here, we introduce a novel variant of Sankoff’s algorithm that reconciles the simplifications of PMcomp, namely moving from the full energy model to a simpler base pair-based model, with the accuracy of the loop-based full energy model. Instead of estimating pseudo-energies from unconditional base pair probabilities, our model calculates energies from conditional base pair probabilities that allow to accurately capture structure probabilities, which obey a conditional dependency. This model gives rise to the fast and highly accurate novel algorithm Pankov (Probabilistic Sankoff-like simultaneous alignment and folding of RNAs inspired by Markov chains).

Conclusions

Pankov benefits from the speed-up of excluding unreliable base-pairing without compromising the loop-based free energy model of the Sankoff’s algorithm. We show that Pankov outperforms its predecessors LocARNA and SPARSE in folding quality and is faster than LocARNA.
SAPHO syndrome: the supposed trigger by isotretinoin, the efficacy of adalimumab and the specter of depressive disorder: a case report
Authors: Luzzati Michele , Simonini Gabriele , Filippeschi Cesare , Giani Teresa , Trapani Sandra
Published: November 2020

Background

SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustolosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory chronic disorder, presenting with non-infectious osteitis, sterile joint inflammation and skin manifestations including palmoplantar pustolosis and severe acne.

It could be often misdiagnosed for its heterogeneous clinical presentation. Treatment is challenging and, due to the rarity of this syndrome, no randomized controlled clinical trials have been conducted. Empirical treatments, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antibiotics and bisphosphonates and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) could be quite effective. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) agents and interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonists have shown promising results in refractory patients. Isotretinoin, commonly used for severe acne, has been rarely described as possible trigger of osteo-articular manifestations, in particular sacroiliitis.

Case presentation

The case of a boy, affected by acne fulminans and depression, who presented with sacroiliitis after a 10-week treatment with isotretinoin is presented. After SAPHO diagnosis, NSAIDs therapy was started but the onset of bilateral gluteal hidradenitis suppurativa required the switch to a TNF-α antagonist (Adalimumab) with the achievement of a good control of the disease. Despite specific therapy with sertraline, the patient continued to complains severe depression.

Conclusions

Our case reports a temporal association between the onset of osteo-articular symptoms and the introduction of isotretinoin, as previously described. However, this timeline is not sufficient to establish a causal role of this drug into the pathogenesis of sacroiliitis. At this regard, further studies are required. The occurrence of hidradenitis suppurativa during SAPHO course supported the introduction of TNF-α blockers with a favourable result, as reported in a few cases in literature. The association between SAPHO syndrome and depressive mood disorders is already reported. Our patient experienced severe depression whose trend seems to be independent from the course of the main disease. Currently, it is not clarified if depression could be considered reactive to the underling disease or if it forms an integral part of the autoinflammatory disorder.
CRIPTO antagonist ALK4L75A-Fc inhibits breast cancer cell plasticity and adaptation to stress
Authors: Balcioglu Ozlen , Heinz Richard E. , Freeman David W. , Gates Brooke L. , Hagos Berhane M. , Booker Evan , Mirzaei Mehrabad Elnaz , Diesen Hyrum T. , Bhakta Kishan , Ranganathan Supraja , Kachi Masami , Leblanc Mathias , Gray Peter C. , Spike Benjamin T.
Published: November 2020

Background

CRIPTO is a multi-functional signaling protein that promotes stemness and oncogenesis. We previously developed a CRIPTO antagonist, ALK4L75A-Fc, and showed that it causes loss of the stem cell phenotype in normal mammary epithelia suggesting it may similarly inhibit CRIPTO-dependent plasticity in breast cancer cells.

Methods

We focused on two triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) to measure the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on cancer cell behavior under nutrient deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We characterized the proliferation and migration of these cells in vitro using time-lapse microscopy and characterized stress-dependent changes in the levels and distribution of CRIPTO signaling mediators and cancer stem cell markers. We also assessed the effects of ALK4L75A-Fc on proliferation, EMT, and stem cell markers in vivo as well as on tumor growth and metastasis using inducible lentiviral delivery or systemic administration of purified ALK4L75A-Fc, which represents a candidate therapeutic approach.

Results

ALK4L75A-Fc inhibited adaptive responses of breast cancer cells under conditions of nutrient and ER stress and reduced their proliferation, migration, clonogenicity, and expression of EMT and cancer stem cell markers. ALK4L75A-Fc also inhibited proliferation of human breast cancer cells in stressed tumor microenvironments in xenografts and reduced both primary tumor size and metastatic burden.

Conclusions

Cancer cell adaptation to stresses such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and chemotherapy can critically contribute to dormancy, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence. Identifying mechanisms that govern cellular adaptation, plasticity, and the emergence of stem-like cancer cells may be key to effective anticancer therapies. Results presented here indicate that targeting CRIPTO with ALK4L75A-Fc may have potential as such a therapy since it inhibits breast cancer cell adaptation to microenvironmental challenges and associated stem-like and EMT phenotypes.
Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) in the Sri Lankan setting: translation, cultural adaptation and validation into the Sinhala language
Authors: Patabendige Malitha , Palihawadana Thilina S. , Herath Rasika P. , Wijesinghe Prasantha S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To adapt the CEQ into Sri Lankan Sinhala cultural context and to determine the psychometric properties of CEQ. This would yield an opportunity to evaluate childbirth experience among Lankan population.

Results

Out of 390, 226 (57.9%) postnatal mothers completed the CEQ after 1 month postpartum. Face validity and content validity were demonstrated with all participants stating that CEQ was easy to understand and complete. For reliability, internal consistency was acceptable for the overall score (0.85) and for all four domains in CEQ (0.65, 0.80, 0.70, 0.83 for “own capacity”, “professional support”, “perceived safety” and “participation”, respectively). A weighted kappa of 0.61–0.80 for all 22 items in CEQ demonstrated a good test–retest reliability. This Sri Lankan version showed fit statistics in line with standard recommendations in exploratory factor analysis. Women with spontaneous onset of labour (except for “professional support” in women with spontaneous onset of labour) and women with a normal birth showed significantly higher CEQ scores. However, oxytocin augmentation could not yield a difference in CEQ scores.
Abdominal compartment syndrome due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction caused by disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Usuda Daisuke , Takanaga Kohei , Sangen Ryusho , Higashikawa Toshihiro , Kinami Shinichi , Saito Hitoshi , Kasamaki Yuji
Published: November 2020

Background

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is defined as a sustained raised level of intra-abdominal pressure more than 20 mmHg with or without abdominal perfusion pressure less than 60 mmHg and the development of new end-organ failure. Abdominal surgery, major trauma, volvulus, ileus, distended abdomen, fecal impaction, acute pancreatitis, liver dysfunction, sepsis, shock, obesity, and age have all been reported as risk factors. Herein, we report the severest known case of ACS due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction caused by disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy, together with a brief review of the literature.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old Asian man suffering from shock was transported by ambulance to our hospital. His medical history included hypoglycemic encephalopathy sequelae, disuse syndrome, type 2 diabetic neuropathy, and constipation. He recovered consciousness in the ambulance, and his physical examination as well as laboratory findings were normal. X-ray and dynamic computed tomography revealed a thickened gut wall, and an extremely dilated sigmoid colon and rectum filled with a massive amount of stool as well as gas, compressing other intra-abdominal organs. We diagnosed the patient with transient vasovagal syncope, together with ACS, due to extremely elongated sigmoid colon and rectum plus fecal impaction, caused by anorectal disturbance derived from disuse syndrome and diabetic neuropathy. We first repeated stool extraction for bowel decompression and he subsequently became symptom-free, after which we performed a colostomy on the 28th hospital day. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and he was discharged on the 44th hospital day.

Conclusions

Clinicians need to keep ACS in mind as a differential diagnosis and perform careful and detailed examination when encountering patients presenting with symptoms or risk factors of ACS. In addition, they need to precisely diagnose ACS and perform optimal treatment without delay.
Node-weighted centrality: a new way of centrality hybridization
Authors: Singh Anuj , Singh Rishi Ranjan , Iyengar S. R. S.
Published: November 2020

Centrality measures have been proved to be a salient computational science tool for analyzing networks in the last two to three decades aiding many problems in the domain of computer science, economics, physics, and sociology. With increasing complexity and vividness in the network analysis problems, there is a need to modify the existing traditional centrality measures. Weighted centrality measures usually consider weights on the edges and assume the weights on the nodes to be uniform. One of the main reasons for this assumption is the hardness and challenges in mapping the nodes to their corresponding weights. In this paper, we propose a way to overcome this kind of limitation by hybridization of the traditional centrality measures. The hybridization is done by taking one of the centrality measures as a mapping function to generate weights on the nodes and then using the node weights in other centrality measures for better complex ranking.
The complexity of eye-hand coordination: a perspective on cortico-cerebellar cooperation
Authors: Rizzo John-Ross , Beheshti Mahya , Naeimi Tahereh , Feiz Farnia , Fatterpekar Girish , Balcer Laura J. , Galetta Steven L. , Shaikh Aasef G. , Rucker Janet C. , Hudson Todd E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Eye–hand coordination (EHC) is a sophisticated act that requires interconnected processes governing synchronization of ocular and manual motor systems. Precise, timely and skillful movements such as reaching for and grasping small objects depend on the acquisition of high-quality visual information about the environment and simultaneous eye and hand control. Multiple areas in the brainstem and cerebellum, as well as some frontal and parietal structures, have critical roles in the control of eye movements and their coordination with the head. Although both cortex and cerebellum contribute critical elements to normal eye-hand function, differences in these contributions suggest that there may be separable deficits following injury.

Method

As a preliminary assessment for this perspective, we compared eye and hand-movement control in a patient with cortical stroke relative to a patient with cerebellar stroke.

Result

We found the onset of eye and hand movements to be temporally decoupled, with significant decoupling variance in the patient with cerebellar stroke. In contrast, the patient with cortical stroke displayed increased hand spatial errors and less significant temporal decoupling variance. Increased decoupling variance in the patient with cerebellar stroke was primarily due to unstable timing of rapid eye movements, saccades.

Conclusion

These findings highlight a perspective in which facets of eye-hand dyscoordination are dependent on lesion location and may or may not cooperate to varying degrees. Broadly speaking, the results corroborate the general notion that the cerebellum is instrumental to the process of temporal prediction for eye and hand movements, while the cortex is instrumental to the process of spatial prediction, both of which are critical aspects of functional movement control.
Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle After Bowel Cancer (HEAL ABC): feasibility randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Sremanakova Jana , Sowerbutts Anne Marie , Todd Chris , Cooke Richard , Burden Sorrel
Published: November 2020

Background

Targeting modifiable lifestyle factors including diet and physical activity represents a potentially cost-effective strategy that could support a growing population of colorectal cancer survivors and improve their health outcomes. Currently, effective, evidence-based interventions and resources helping people after bowel cancer to adopt new lifestyle habits are lacking. The aim of this trial is to test the Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle After Bowel Cancer (HEAL-ABC) intervention to inform a future definitive randomised controlled trial.

Methods/design

This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial. A total of 72 survivors who have completed surgery and all anticancer treatments will be recruited. The intervention group will receive HEAL-ABC resources based on behaviour change theory combined with supportive telephone calls informed by motivational interviewing every 2 weeks during the 3-month intervention, and once a month for 6 months to follow-up. Participants in the control group will follow usual care and have access to resources available in the public domain. The study is testing feasibility of the intervention including adherence and ability to collect data on anthropometry, body composition, diet, physical activity, behaviour change, quality of life, blood markers, contact with healthcare services, morbidities and overall survival.

Discussion

The proposed study will add to the evidence base by addressing an area where there is a paucity of data. This study on lifestyle interventions for people after colorectal cancer follows the Medical Research Council guidance on evaluating complex interventions in clinical practice. It focuses on people living after treatment for colorectal cancer and targets an important research area identified by cancer survivors as a research priority reported by the National Cancer Institute and James Lind Alliance UK.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04227353approved on the 13th of January 2020
Total nephroureterocystectomy and urethrectomy due to urothelial carcinoma associated with the BK polyomavirus infection after kidney transplantation: a case report with literature review
Authors: Maenosono Ryoichi , Okumi Masayoshi , Unagami Kohei , Fukuda Hironori , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Kakuta Yoichi , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Shimizu Tomokazu , Azuma Haruhito , Nagashima Yoji , Tanabe Kazunari , Nitta Kosaku , Ishida Hideki
Published: November 2020

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection after kidney transplantation is an important cause of graft failure among kidney transplant recipient and may cause malignant tumor, although the association between BKPyV infection and malignant tumor has been controversial yet.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 39-year-old-male kidney transplantation (KTx) recipient with urine BKPyV replication who developed a graft pelvic tumor with the positive Simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40 TAg). The patients received a living-related KTx from his 65-year-old mother. A protocol biopsy at 14 months after KTx showed BKPyV-associated nephropathy. Therefore, the dose of immunosuppressants was reduced, resulting in improved BKPyV viremia, but viruria persisted. About 117 months after KTx, urine cytology showed atypical cells suspicious for malignancy. Cystoscopy revealed a tumor on the neck of the bladder. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TUR-BT) was performed; however, the diagnosis of malignancy was not confirmed at that time. Six months after the TUR-BT, urine cytology showed atypical cells definite for malignancy. Computed tomography and retrograde pyelography showed no evidence of urinary tract tumor and metastasis. Subsequently, total nephroureterocystectomy and urethrectomy were performed. Histological examination of the graft ureter revealed a high-grade urothelial carcinoma, with glandular differentiation, pT1. Immunohistochemically, the tumor showed positivities for SV40 TAg and p53, along with increased Ki67 labeling cells were increased. By contrast, nonneoplastic cells were negative for SV40 TAg. At the time of writing the present manuscript, the patient is free from recurrence or residual tumor and being closely monitored without additional therapy, 32 months after the surgery.

Conclusion

The relationship between BKPyV infection after KTx and bladder carcinogenesis remains to be elucidated. However, when the KTx recipients who continue to have BKPyV infection for a long time are treated, the possibility of risk factors for renourinary carcinoma should always be carefully considered.
Calibration of HVI cotton elongation measurements
Authors: DELHOM Christopher D. , HEQUET Eric F. , KELLY Brendan , ABIDI Noureddine , MARTIN Vikki B.
Published: November 2020

Background

The strength of cotton fiber has been extensively studied and significant improvements in fiber strength have been made, but fiber elongation has largely been ignored, despite it contributing to the energy needed to break fibers, which affects fiber handling and processing. High Volume Instruments (HVI) measure fiber elongation but have not been calibrated for this property, making the measurement unavailable for comparative work among instruments. In prior work, a set of elongation calibration materials had been developed based on Stelometer results. A round trial of ten Australian and U.S. instruments was conducted on six cotton samples representing a range of 4.9% to 8.1% elongation.

Results

By scaling the HVI elongation values of each instrument to the values of the two calibration samples, the coefficient of variation in instrument measurements was reduced from an average of 34% for the uncalibrated measurements to 5% for the calibrated measurements. The reduction in variance allows for the direct comparison of results among instruments. A single-point elongation calibration was also assessed but found to be less effective than the proposed two-point calibration.

Conclusion

The use of an effective calibration routine on HVI measurement of cotton significantly reduces the coefficient of variation of the elongation measurement within and between instruments. The implementation of the elongation calibration will allow testing and breeding programs to implement high-speed elongation testing which makes the use of elongation values possible in breeding programs.
Impact of oral contraceptives and breastfeeding on disease activity in a sample of Egyptian rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Elsayed Sahar A. , Henry Doris M. , Abu Elfadl Esam M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Women are more affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than men and the incidence of RA in women increases around the age of menopause indicating that hormonal factors may have a role in disease pathogenesis and progression. Despite several studies on the role of sex hormones and oral contraceptives (OCs) in RA patients, the effect of combined oral contraceptives on RA disease activity is still controversial, and since few studies have been performed in Egypt on this issue so we aimed to study the effect of OCs, breastfeeding, and prolactin on disease activity and their relation to the titer of autoantibodies in female Egyptian RA patients.

Results

One hundred twenty married female RA patients were classified into three groups based on the OCs use (n = 40 each); current, past and non-users and according to lactation into three groups; lactating using OCs (n = 22), lactating not using OCs (n = 30), and non-lactating (n = 68). Our patients were using combined estrogen-progestin oral contraceptives. Clinical manifestations, disease activity, and laboratory findings were determined. The clinical manifestations including arthritis, and morning stiffness were significantly reduced in current users in comparison to past and non-users. Mean DAS28 was reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in current and past users of OCs. Also, using OCs during lactation reduced the clinical manifestations significantly. Lactating women who were not using OCs had significantly high DAS28 and ESR (p < 0.05) in comparison to lactating using OCs and non-lactating. On the other hand, using OCs reduced serum prolactin significantly. Lactating women not using OCs had significantly high serum prolactin (p < 0.05) and (p < 0.001) in comparison to lactating using OCs and non-lactating respectively which was correlated with DAS28 score.

Conclusion

Oral contraceptives may be considered in RA female patients not only as a suitable birth control method but also it has a controlling effect on disease activity even during lactation.

Message

Oral contraceptives ameliorate disease activity in RA patients
Interrupting Prolonged Sitting Reduces Postprandial Glucose Concentration in Young Men With Central Obesity
Authors: Wongpipit Waris , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Miyashita Masashi , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang
Published: November 2020

Context

Prolonged sitting elevates postprandial metabolic markers, resulting in increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Interrupting prolonged sitting may reduce these risks. However, more information is needed to understand the patterns of interrupting prolonged sitting to obtain metabolic health benefits.

Objective

This study examined the effects of interrupting prolonged sitting with different intensities and durations of walking with an equivalent energy expenditure on postprandial metabolic responses in young Chinese men with central obesity.

Design

A randomized crossover experimental trial was conducted.

Setting

Participants underwent three 6-hour experiments with a 7-day washout period between each experiment: prolonged sitting, 3 min of light-intensity walking every 30 minutes, and 1.5 minutes of moderate-intensity walking every 30 minutes.

Participants and Samples

Baseline (fasting) and 6-hour postprandial metabolic glucose and lipid levels were analyzed among 18 young Chinese men with central obesity.

Main Outcome Measures

Generalized estimating equations (adjusted for the potential confounders explaining residual outcome variance (body mass index) and age), trial order, preprandial values, and lead-in activity) were used, and the incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) of each outcome were compared between prolonged sitting and interrupted prolonged sitting conditions.

Results

Compared with prolonged sitting, both interrupting prolonged sitting conditions reduced the iAUCs for glucose (P < .05) but not insulin, C-peptide, triglycerides, or nonesterified fatty acids.

Conclusions

Both conditions of interrupted prolonged sitting reduced postprandial glucose concentrations in young Chinese men with central obesity when the energy expenditure was equivalent.
Identification and Analysis of a Novel NR0B1 Mutation in Late-Onset Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita and Hypogonadism
Authors: Hasegawa Yutaka , Takahashi Yoshihiko , Kezuka Yuichiro , Obara Wataru , Kato Yoichiro , Tamura Shukuko , Onodera Ken , Segawa Toshie , Oda Tomoyasu , Sato Marino , Nata Koji , Nonaka Takamasa , Ishigaki Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Objective

X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare disorder characterized by primary adrenal insufficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG) caused by mutations of the NR0B1/DAX1 gene. We aimed to search for the presence of any NR0B1/DAX1 gene mutations in a referred patient and to further characterize the phenotypes of the identified mutation.

Case Presentation

Herein, we report a Japanese patient with a novel missense mutation of the NR0B1/DAX1 gene resulting in adult-onset AHC and HHG. The patient was referred with diffuse skin pigmentation at 28 years of age, presented partial adrenal insufficiency and had undiagnosed incomplete HHG. Urological examination revealed severe oligospermia and testicular microlithiasis.

Results

The NR0B1/DAX1 gene mutation was identified by exome sequencing as a novel missense mutation (c.884A>T, p.Leu295His). We conducted in silico modeling of this mutant NR0B1/DAX1 protein (p.Leu295His) which affected the conserved hydrophobic core of the putative ligand-binding domain (LBD). In addition, functional analysis revealed that this mutant showed a decreased ability as a transcriptional repressor to suppress target genes, such as STAR and LHB. Furthermore, this mutant showed functionally impaired repression of steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical H295R cells.

Conclusions

We identified a novel missense mutation of the NR0B1/DAX1 gene in a patient suffering from late-onset AHC and HHG, who presented with oligospermia and testicular microlithiasis. This mutant NR0B1/DAX1 protein was found to have reduced repressor activity, according to in vitro studies, clinically consistent with the patient’s phenotypic features.
Norman Lewis
Authors: Partman Lucy H.
Published: November 2020

African American artist Norman Lewis (1909–79) was known to be a complex conversant in command of many verbal and visual idioms. His art reveals an interest in inter- and intrapersonal interactions. Lewis studied how people conversed, the way individuals operated in Groups, and the movement of crowds. His work compels viewers to look carefully at other people and themselves. How do we interact with others and what happens durinG those exchanGes? His interest in human interaction on the micro and macro scales has not yet received in-depth analysis. When for many abstract expressionists the individual and individual experience was paramount, Lewis was concerned with the community and the communal. He desired to communicate with the viewer and persistently souGht to confiGure the most fittinG visual lanGuaGe for the Job. His lanGuaGe and approach to visual communication took from the many vernaculars he used.
Self-Assembly Mechanism in Nucleation Processes of Molecular Crystalline Materials
Authors: Harano Koji
Published: November 2020

Molecular crystals consist of an array of periodically arranged molecules in a three-dimensional space. Although nowadays we can routinely obtain crystal structures at the atomic level, the picture of how individual molecules gather together in an orderly manner and grow into crystals of visible size is still unresolved. Over the last decade, we focused on the mechanism of crystal nucleation, which is the initial step of crystallization—it plays a critical role in determining the crystal structure. We investigated the self-assembly mechanism of crystal nuclei of organic crystals and metal–organic frameworks using single-molecule-level electron microscopic imaging and bulk analysis. Statistical information on the size and structure of the individual prenucleation clusters, which cannot be investigated by conventional analytical methods, allowed us to study how the nucleating crystals acquire order and dimensionality in the nucleation process. We expanded understandings of the nucleation process to prepare submicrometer-sized amorphous particles of organic compounds from supersaturated solution by suppressing transition to crystalline nuclei, by external environment control. Further elucidation of the nucleation mechanism for various molecules will realize the controlled formation of crystals with desired structure and morphology, thus improving the efficiency of industrial processes, e.g., the production of pharmaceuticals and organic electronic devices.
The attιtudes and behavιors of intensιve care unιt nurses towards end-of-lιfe care
Authors: Hançerlioğlu Sadık , Konakçı Gülbin
Published: November 2020

Introduction: The end-of-life period is a process in which anxiety of death is experienced intensely and there are positive and negative experiences for the nurse and the patient. Nurses' attitudes and behaviors about death affect the quality of care in the end-of-life process.Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the attitudes and behaviors of intensive care unit nurses towards end-of-life care.Material and Method: The studied sample consisted from 216 nurses working in the intensive care units of three university hospitals. In the present study, the Nurse Identification Form and The Attitude and Behaviors of The Intensive Care Unit Nurses Towards The End-of-Life Care Scale were used as the data collection forms.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between attitudes subscale, behavior subscale, scale total mean scores and some variables such as the education level, the intensive care unit classification, knowledge for end-of-life care, the frequency of death in their unit.  As a result of the correlation analysis, there were statistically significant positive correlations between attitudes subscale, behavior subscale, scale total mean scores, and some variables such as total working years as a nurse,  total working years in the intensive care unit, age.Conclusions: The level of education, the intensive care unit classification,  knowledgeabout end-of-life care, the frequency of death in their unit, age, total working years as a nurse, and total working year in the intensive care unit have relationship with the attitudes and behaviors of intensive care unit nurses towards end-of-life care.
Case Report: Renal potassium wasting in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Mabillard Holly , Tedd Hilary , Speight Ally , Duncan Christopher , Price David A. , Sayer John A.
Published: November 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with many potentially fatal complications. Renal involvement in various forms is common in addition to serum electrolyte disturbances. Early reports suggest that hypokalaemia may frequent those with SARS-CoV-2 infection and various aetiological factors may cause this electrolyte disturbance. A Chinese retrospective study has demonstrated renal potassium wasting in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, however, it is not known if these patients were receiving diuretic therapy which may be a contributing factor. This case report illustrates an example of renal potassium wasting in SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of diuretics and extra-renal mechanisms with important lessons learned.
Risk factors for intimate partner violence and abuse among adolescents and young adults: findings from a UK population-based cohort
Authors: Herbert Annie , Heron Jon , Barter Christine , Szilassy Eszter , Barnes Maria , Howe Laura D. , Feder Gene , Fraser Abigail
Published: November 2020

Background: Approximately one-third of young people in the UK have suffered intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) on reaching adulthood. We need interventions to prevent IPVA in this population, but there is a lack of evidence on who is at greatest risk.

Methods: We analysed questionnaire data from 3,279 participants of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children population-based birth cohort. We estimated the prevalence of IPVA victimisation and perpetration by age 21, by sex, demographic, parenting, mental health, externalising behaviour (e.g. smoking), educational, employment, and adverse childhood factors.

Results: Overall, 29% of males and 41% of females reported IPVA victimisation, with 20% and 25% reporting perpetration, respectively (16% and 22% both). The most common sub-type was emotional, followed by physical, then sexual. History of self-harm, anti-social behaviour, cannabis or illicit (non-cannabis) drug use among males and females were associated with a two-fold increase in likelihood of IPVA (victimisation or perpetration). Males reporting risky sexual behaviour, sexual abuse (not by an intimate partner), or witnessing domestic violence, and females reporting sexual minority status in adolescence were also twice as likely to experience IPVA. Extreme parental monitoring during adolescence was associated with a reduced risk of IPVA in males and females, as was high academic achievement, and NEET (not being in education, employment, or training) status for young adult men.

Conclusions: A range of demographic, mental health, and behavioural factors were associated with increased prevalence of IPVA victimisation or perpetration. Further study of likely complex pathways from these factors to IPVA, to inform primary prevention, is needed.
Nicolas Tourechot zwany Granger (około 1680 - 1737) i odkrywanie Górnego Egiptu
Authors: Joachim Śliwa
Published: November 2020

Nicolas Tourtechot Known as Granger (ca. 1680 - 1737) and The Discovery of Upper Egypt

A French doctor, who travelled up of the Nile in the first half of 1731, wrote Relation du voyage fait en Égypte […], published in 1745 (soon his book was published in English and German). Tourtechot, during his transit to the south, noted and described several monuments. He realized that in Luxor and Karnak he was seeing the remains of the ancient Thebes, although he presumably never reached the west bank of the Nile, and the information referring to the Theban necropolis was drawn by him from indirect sources. He intended to go further to the south, but in Edfu local riots made him go back. In his report Tourtechot put Greek inscriptions which he had found in several places (Qus, Esna, Akhmim, Sheikh Abade); in the following years these inscriptions were included in specialist studies. Tourtechot’s information about Coptic monasteries which he had visited during his voyage are also considered important (he managed to visit the monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul on the Red Sea, which were difficult to reach). He wrote a great deal about the details of everyday life, nature and customs. Dangerous moments and specific curiosities described by Tourtechot make his simple and unpretentious writing more vivid and appealing for the reader. Tourtechot’s work constitutes an important part in the history of studies on the art and topography of ancient Egypt.
CROSSING UNIVERSITY BOUNDARIES CROSSING UNIVERSITY BOUNDARIES: Academic Affairs & Student Affairs Partnerships for Experiential Student Leadership Learning
Authors: Downing Megan S.
Published: November 2020

Research has shown the value in both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs approaches to student leadership education and development, yet many curricular and co-curricular programs continue to operate independently. Institutions that offer both curricular and co-curricular leadership programs are uniquely positioned to leverage the expertise from each university division for the shared goal of providing students with active, experiential learning opportunities in leadership. In this application paper, partnerships that crossed institutional boundaries between Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and an Academic Affairs organizational leadership undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree program are discussed. By bridging these institutional divisions, shared expertise was leveraged, student learning outcomes were enriched, and program exposure was increased through experiential learning and relational leadership.
AN EXAMINATION OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES ON STUDENT RESILIENCE AND LEADERSHIP EFFICACY
Authors: Leupold Christopher , Lopina Erika , Skloot Evan
Published: November 2020

Leadership development programs have become widespread in higher education; over 1500 different programs had been registered with the International Leadership Association as of 2012 (Owen, 2012). Given the prevalence of these programs and the substantial institutional investments they require, examination of their purported impacts is a valid area of investigation. Using the used Multi-Institute Study of Leadership, the current study explored the impact of experiential development programming on two of the instrument’s key outcome variables, resilience and self-efficacy. Results found a significant positive relationship between leadership development programs and self-efficacy, but not for resilience. Additional analyses found that other experiential activities (e.g., on-campus jobs, study abroad, etc.) had essentially the same (significant) impact on self-efficacy as did intentionally leadership development ones. Interpretations and implications are discussed.
The SBDN conference
Authors: Ellwood Fiona
Published: November 2020

Fiona Ellwood explains how the Society of British Dental Nurses' virtual conference reflects the current need for adaptability whilst focusing on the bigger picture
Unravelling learning styles
Authors: Brooks Janine
Published: November 2020

Janine Brooks helps you to identify the best way to optimise your education experience

Aim

To introduce the learning styles of Honey and Mumford

Objectives

To differentiate between each of the four learning styles To know which methods of teaching suit each learning style To have explored how to strengthen least preferred learning styles GDC development outcomes A, B and D
Be the Best you can be
Authors: Best Leanna
Published: November 2020

Dental Nurse Leanna Best looks at how you can maximise your learning to benefit your patients – and your practice