bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Furosemide as a factor to deteriorate therapeutic efficacy of tolvaptan in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Uchida Yoshihito , Inao Mie , Tsuji Shohei , Uemura Hayato , Kouyama Jun‐ichi , Naiki Kayoko , Sugawara Kayoko , Nakao Masamitsu , Nakayama Nobuaki , Imai Yukinori , Tomiya Tomoaki , Mochida Satoshi
Published: September 2020

Aim

To optimize the therapeutic strategy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis manifesting hepatic ascites and/or edema, factors affecting the outcome of patients receiving tolvaptan were evaluated.

Methods

The subjects were 165 patients receiving tolvaptan including 116 patients (70%) also treated with furosemide. The therapeutic efficacy of tolvaptan was defined as “effective” when a body weight reduction of 1.5 kg or more was obtained within 1 week. The long‐term outcome was defined as “favorable” when the ascites‐related events‐free duration was prolonged following tolvaptan treatment, compared with that before treatment, or ascites‐related events were absent for at least 120 days during treatment based on the hazard function analysis.

Results

Tolvaptan was effective in 115 patients (70%). Among them, the long‐term outcome was evaluated in 99 patients and was favorable in 70 patients (71%). A multivariate analysis revealed that the serum blood urea nitrogen levels at baseline (odds ratio 0.960 per +1 mg/dL, P = 0.021) and the type of tolvaptan initiation (planned vs. emergent; 3.695, P < 0.001) were associated with therapeutic efficacy, while the furosemide dose (0.280 per +20 mg/day, P = 0.014) and previous ascites‐related events (0.074, P < 0.001) were associated with the long‐term outcome. Receiver operating curve analyses identified the optimal cut‐off values for the furosemide dose as 15 mg/day (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the cumulative survival rates in patients receiving furosemide at 15 mg/day or less were significantly higher than those in the remaining patients (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Furosemide given at baseline contributed to an unfavorable outcome in patients receiving tolvaptan; consequently, tolvaptan should be given before increasing the furosemide dose.
Effect of the transgenerational exposure to elevated CO2 on low temperature tolerance of winter wheat: Chloroplast ultrastructure and carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Shengqun , Guo Junhong , Liu Fulai , Song Fengbin , Li Xiangnan
Published: September 2020

The transgenerational effect of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration (e[CO2]) on low temperature response in wheat is still little investigated, through the interaction of e[CO2], and low‐temperature stress has been reported in a single generation. Here, the low temperature‐induced modifications of chloroplast ultrastructure and carbohydrate metabolism in wheat after four generations continuously grown under ambient CO2 concentration (a[CO2]) and e[CO2] (2014–2018) were investigated. The results indicated that the transgenerational exposure to e[CO2] increased the number of grana lamellae and the amounts of osmiophilic lipid droplets, attenuating the negative effect of low temperature on chloroplast ultrastructure. The transgenerational e[CO2] enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (i.e. SOD, POD and CAT) and concentrations of osmotic substances (i.e. proline and soluble sugar), which alleviated the low temperature‐induced oxidative damage to the chloroplast ultrastructure. In addition, transgenerational exposure of wheat to e[CO2] increased activities of vacInv and cwInv, while decreased fructokinase activity, which affected the sucrose metabolism in wheat leaf. These findings elucidated that transgenerational exposure to e[CO2] could improve low temperature tolerance of winter wheat, which provide novel insights to the response of wheat to future climate change.
Family member eating assistance and food intake in long‐term care: A secondary data analysis of the M3 Study
Authors: Wu Sarah A. , Morrison‐Koechl Jill , Slaughter Susan E. , Middleton Laura E. , Carrier Natalie , McAiney Carrie , Lengyel Christina , Keller Heather
Published: September 2020

Aim

To determine if protein and energy intake is significantly associated with a family member providing eating assistance to residents in long‐term care homes as compared with staff providing this assistance, when adjusting for other covariates.

Background

Who provides eating support has the potential to improve resident food intake. Little is known about family eating assistance and if this is associated with resident food intake in long‐term care.

Design

Cross‐sectional, secondary data analysis.

Methods

Between October and January 2016, multilevel data were collected from 32 long‐term care homes across four Canadian provinces. Data included 3‐day weighed/observed food intake, mealtime observations, physical dining room assessments, health record review, and staff report of care needs. Residents where family provided eating assistance were compared with residents who received staff‐only assistance. Regression analysis determined the association of energy and protein intake with family eating assistance versus staff assistance while adjusting for covariates.

Results

Of those residents who required any physical eating assistance (N = 147), 38% (N = 56) had family assistance during at least one of nine meals observed. Residents who received family assistance (N = 56) and those who did not (N = 91) were statistically different in several of their physiological eating abilities. When adjusting for covariates, family assistance was associated with significantly higher consumption of protein and energy intake.

Conclusion

Energy and protein intake is significantly higher when family provides eating assistance. Family are encouraged to provide this direct care if it is required.

Impact

Residents who struggle with independent eating can benefit from dedicated support during mealtimes. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence that family eating assistance is associated with improved resident food intake and provides strong justification to encourage families to be active partners in the care and well‐being of their relatives. Home administrators and nursing staff should support the specialized care that families can provide at mealtimes.
The relationship between insomnia and trait anger and anger expression among adolescents
Authors: Sisman Fatma N. , Basakci Dilan , Ergun Ayse
Published: September 2020

Problem

Sleeplessness and inadequate sleep may cause an adolescent to experience reduced self‐control and behavioral problems that include anger and an inclination toward crime. This study aimed to examine the relationship between insomnia and trait anger and anger expression among adolescents.

Methods

The study was conducted with 749 students from 27 high schools who were selected by using the stratified cluster sampling method. The data were collected with an Individual Characteristics Form, the Trait Anger/Anger Expression Inventory, and the Insomnia Severity Index.

Findings

The insomnia scores of 14.0% of the participants were over the clinical insomnia threshold of 15 points. A positive relationship was found between insomnia and trait anger, anger‐in, anger‐out scores but a negative relationship with anger control scores. It was observed that the determinants of the severity of insomnia were trait anger and anger‐in, dozing off in class, feeling anger after a sleepless night, sleeping <6 h a night during the week and over the weekend.

Conclusion

It was found that 14.0% of the participants experienced insomnia and there was a two‐way correlation between insomnia and anger among adolescents.
A mathematic model to reveal delicate cross‐regulation between MAVS/STING, inflammasome and MyD88‐dependent type I interferon signalling
Authors: Cai Chunmei , Yu Xiao
Published: September 2020

Early type I interferon is essential for antagonizing against malaria infection, which remains a significant global infectious disease. After Plasmodium yoelii YM infection, the activation of MAVS‐, STING‐ and inflammasome‐IRF3‐mediated pathway could trigger the Socs1 expression to inhibit the TLR7‐MyD88‐IRF7‐induced type I interferon production. However, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms of type I interferon response to YM infection and delicate cross‐regulation of these signalling are far from clear. In current study, we established a mathematical model to systematically demonstrate that the MAVS‐, STING‐ and inflammasome‐mediated signalling pathways play distinct roles in regulating type I interferon response after YM infection; and the YM dose could significantly affect the difference of resistance to YM infection among MAVS, STING and inflammasome deficiency. Collectively, our study systematically elucidated the precise regulatory mechanisms of type I interferon signalling after YM infection and advanced the research on therapy of plasmodium infection by incorporating multiple signalling pathways at diverse time.
Serum galectin‐3 as a biomarker for screening, early diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic effect evaluation of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yi Nan , Zhao Xuying , Ji Jie , Xu Minxue , Jiao Yujie , Qian Tianyang , Zhu Shengze , Jiang Feng , Chen Jianhua , Xiao Mingbing
Published: September 2020

Galectin‐3 plays an important role in cell‐cell adhesion, macrophage activation, angiogenesis, metastasis and apoptosis and is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. We explored the importance of galectin‐3 in the screening, early diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic effect evaluation of pancreatic cancer. A time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay was performed to detect serum galectin‐3 level. Serum samples were collected from healthy controls and patients with pancreatic cancer before and after different treatments, and the relationships between galectin‐3 level and clinical parameters were analysed. Among the healthy controls, one individual with an abnormally high concentration of galectin‐3 (9.85 μg/L) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Compared to the pre‐operative level, galectin‐3 concentration significantly decreased in patients with radical excision 1 month after surgery (P < .05), but showed no obvious change in patients who underwent palliative resection. Additionally, among patients with radical excision, carcinoma recurrence rate was significantly higher in those with increased or unchanged galectin‐3 level. Retrospective analysis revealed the extraordinarily high value and high specificity of galectin‐3 for predicting 3‐year survival (P < .001). Thus, galectin‐3 may serve as a potential biomarker for the screening and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and as an independent prognostic indicator in patients with pancreatic cancer.
The matricellular protein CCN5 prevents adverse atrial structural and electrical remodelling
Authors: Lee Min‐Ah , Raad Nour , Song Min Ho , Yoo Jimeen , Lee Miyoung , Jang Seung Pil , Kwak Tae Hwan , Kook Hyun , Choi Eun‐Kyoung , Cha Tae‐Joon , Hajjar Roger J. , Jeong Dongtak , Park Woo Jin
Published: September 2020

Atrial structural remodelling including atrial hypertrophy and fibrosis is a key mediator of atrial fibrillation (AF). We previously demonstrated that the matricellular protein CCN5 elicits anti‐fibrotic and anti‐hypertrophic effects in left ventricles under pressure overload. We here determined the utility of CCN5 in ameliorating adverse atrial remodelling and arrhythmias in a murine model of angiotensin II (AngII) infusion. Advanced atrial structural remodelling was induced by AngII infusion in control mice and mice overexpressing CCN5 either through transgenesis (CCN5 Tg) or AAV9‐mediated gene transfer (AAV9‐CCN5). The mRNA levels of pro‐fibrotic and pro‐inflammatory genes were markedly up‐regulated by AngII infusion, which was significantly normalized by CCN5 overexpression. In vitro studies in isolated atrial fibroblasts demonstrated a marked reduction in AngII‐induced fibroblast trans‐differentiation in CCN5‐treated atria. Moreover, while AngII increased the expression of phosphorylated CaMKII and ryanodine receptor 2 levels in HL‐1 cells, these molecular features of AF were prevented by CCN5. Electrophysiological studies in ex vivo perfused hearts revealed a blunted susceptibility of the AAV9‐CCN5–treated hearts to rapid atrial pacing‐induced arrhythmias and concomitant reversal in AngII‐induced atrial action potential prolongation. These data demonstrate the utility of a gene transfer approach targeting CCN5 for reversal of adverse atrial structural and electrophysiological remodelling.
The association between medication use and gait in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Maas S. , Festen D. A. M. , Hilgenkamp T. I. M. , Oppewal A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) often have polypharmacy and often use antipsychotics. Both polypharmacy and antipsychotics have a negative effect on gait in the general population, but this has not been studied in adults with ID. These negative effects may add to pre‐existing gait disturbances in adults with ID and increase the risk for adverse health outcomes in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the difference in gait parameters between adults with ID with and without polypharmacy and between adults with ID using and not using antipsychotics.

Method

The gait parameters of 31 participants were collected with the GAITRite walkway, a pressure sensitive walkway measuring spatial and temporal gait parameters, in addition to information about personal characteristics, prescribed medication and presence of polypharmacy.

Results

After adjustment for sex and body mass index, participants with polypharmacy had a significantly shorter step length [polypharmacy B (SE) = −0.079 (0.034), P = 0.03], shorter stride length [polypharmacy B (SE) = −0.157 (0.069), P = 0.03] and longer double support time [polypharmacy B (SE) = 0.0004 (0.0001), P = 0.047]. Participants using antipsychotics had a significantly longer double support time [antipsychotic use B (SE) = 0.0003 (0.0002), P = 0.019].

Conclusion

This study showed for the first time that both polypharmacy and using antipsychotics are associated with gait in adults with ID. The differences seem to resemble a more cautious gait. Further investigation with larger study samples, additional medication types and dosages are needed to acquire more insight in this important topic.
Impact of intimate partner violence and childhood maltreatment on maternal–infant maltreatment: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kita Sachiko , Tobe Hiromi , Umeshita Kaori , Hayashi Mayu , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: September 2020

Aim

This study identifies the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy, and childhood maltreatment on mothers’ perpetration of child maltreatment on 1‐month postnatal infants.

Methods

A longitudinal study was conducted on women in the third trimester of pregnancy in two obstetric hospitals in Tokyo, Japan, from June 2016 to September 2017. Participants were asked to complete online self‐reported questionnaires during their pregnancy period and at 1 month postnatal. The relationship between suffering from IPV during pregnancy, experiencing childhood maltreatment before the age of 18 years, and perpetration of child maltreatment toward infants was measured among mothers using the Violence Against Women Screen and a survey of four and 14 ad hoc questions. To identify the impact of poly‐victimizations of IPV and childhood maltreatment on maternal–infant maltreatment, the study implemented logistic regression models.

Results

The data from 533 respondents to the first and second surveys were analyzed. Maternal–infant maltreatment at 1 month postnatal was strongly associated with poly‐victimizations of IPV during pregnancy and childhood maltreatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.17; p < .001; 95% CI = 2.39–11.20), single victimization of IPV (AOR = 3.43, p < .001, 95% CI = 1.76–6.72), and single victimization of childhood maltreatment (AOR = 1.75, p = .03, 95% CI = 1.04–2.93; neither = reference).

Conclusion

The results emphasize the importance of individuating pregnant women with poly‐victimizations of IPV during pregnancy and childhood maltreatment and providing intensive and continuous support for such women to prevent maternal–infant maltreatment after childbirth.
Oncostatin M induces hyperalgesic priming and amplifies signaling of cAMP to ERK by RapGEF2 and PKA
Authors: Garza Carbajal Anibal , Ebersberger Andrea , Thiel Alina , Ferrari Luiz , Acuna Jeremy , Brosig Stephanie , Isensee Joerg , Moeller Katharina , Siobal Maike , Rose‐John Stefan , Levine Jon , Schaible Hans‐Georg , Hucho Tim
Published: September 2020

Hyperalgesic priming is characterized by enhanced nociceptor sensitization by pronociceptive mediators, prototypically PGE2. Priming has gained interest as a mechanism underlying the transition to chronic pain. Which stimuli induce priming and what cellular mechanisms are employed remains incompletely understood. In adult male rats, we present the cytokine Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the IL‐6 family, as an inducer of priming by a novel mechanism. We used a high content microscopy based approach to quantify the activation of endogenous PKA‐II and ERK of thousands sensory neurons in culture. Incubation with OSM increased and prolonged ERK activation by agents that increase cAMP production such as PGE2, forskolin, and cAMP analogs. These changes were specific to IB4/CaMKIIα positive neurons, required protein translation, and increased cAMP‐to‐ERK signaling. In both, control and OSM‐treated neurons, cAMP/ERK signaling involved RapGEF2 and PKA but not Epac. Similar enhancement of cAMP‐to‐ERK signaling could be induced by GDNF, which acts mostly on IB4/CaMKIIα‐positive neurons, but not by NGF, which acts mostly on IB4/CaMKIIα‐negative neurons. In vitro, OSM pretreatment rendered baseline TTX‐R currents ERK‐dependent and switched forskolin‐increased currents from partial to full ERK‐dependence in small/medium sized neurons. In summary, priming induced by OSM uses a novel mechanism to enhance and prolong coupling of cAMP/PKA to ERK1/2 signaling without changing the overall pathway structure.

image
Risk factors for cerebral palsy in neonates due to placental abruption
Authors: Ichizuka Kiyotake , Toyokawa Satoshi , Ikenoue Tsuyomu , Satoh Shoji , Hasegawa Junichi , Ikeda Tomoaki , Tamiya Nanako , Nakai Akihito , Fujimori Keiya , Maeda Tsugio , Kanayama Naohiro , Masuzaki Hideaki , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Suzuki Hideaki , Takeda Satoru
Published: September 2020

Aim

This study aimed to identify risk factors for the onset of cerebral palsy (CP) in neonates due to placental abruption and investigate their characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was conducted using a nationwide registry from Japan. The study population included pregnant women (n = 122) who delivered an infant with CP between 2009 and 2015, where placental abruption was identified as the single cause of CP. The control group consisted of pregnant women with placental abruption, who delivered an infant without CP and were managed from 2013 to 2014. They were randomly identified from the prenatal database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG‐DB; n = 1214). Risk factors were investigated using multivariate analysis.

Results

Alcohol consumption (3.38, 2.01–5.68) (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval), smoking during pregnancy (3.50, 1.32–9.25), number of deliveries (1.28, 1.05–1.56), polyhydramnios (5.60, 1.37–22.6), oral administration of ritodrine hydrochloride (2.09, 1.22–3.57) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (2.25, 1.27–4.07) were significant risk factors. In contrast, intravenous administration of oxytocin (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.09–0.58) and magnesium sulfate (0.122, 0.02–0.89) attenuated risk.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption, smoking during pregnancy, number of deliveries, polyhydramnios, oral administration of ritodrine hydrochloride and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were identified as risk factors for CP following placental abruption. Regarding alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy, the results suggest the importance of educational activities targeting pregnant women to increase their awareness of placental abruption.
Supporting black lives ‘mattering’ with flexible health care
Authors: Preisz Paul , Preisz Anne
Published: September 2020

Black lives ‘mattering’ should mean intrinsically supporting feasible healthcare options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This requires reimagining outmoded, ‘neo‐colonial’ type models of care with implicit prejudice in hospital emergency departments (EDs). Equitably serving the needs of vulnerable cohorts like First Nations people that currently suffer most from lack of access to suitable healthcare is incumbent on government and society. To ‘close the gap’ for Aboriginal people, flexible treatment options should be designed with and for indigenous communities; developing models of care that will improve Aboriginal patient's attendance and completion of treatment in emergency departments. Flexiclinic, jointly developed by the Aboriginal Liaison Service and St Vincent's Hospital ED has developed such an innovative model. Since its recent inception, it has already shown enormous benefits, both in promoting equitable access and improving the health and welfare of Aboriginal patients who are receiving ongoing and quality care.
Positioning operations in the dental safety net to enhance value‐based care delivery in an integrated health‐care setting
Authors: Nycz Gregory , Shimpi Neel , Glurich Ingrid , Ryan Megan , Sova Gwen , Weiner Sarah , Nichols Laurie , Acharya Amit
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Impact of implementing data‐driven performance metric‐tracking across a 10‐dental center infrastructure established by Family Heath Center of Marshfield (FHC‐M) was examined for relative impact on achieving value‐based care delivery in serving a patient population characterized by 88% Medicaid representation.

Methods

To track progress toward national benchmarks for preventive care delivery, dental quality analytics dashboard tracking was implemented in real time with sharing of performance metrics across centers. Compliance rate with Uniform Data Systems reporting requirements for sealant placement on permanent first molars in children aged 6‐9 years of age at moderate‐to‐high risk of caries was targeted at FHC‐M dental centers for comparison with those of other community health centers statewide and nationally. Hygienist‐to‐dentist ratio to support robust sealant placement capacity was further examined.

Results

Uniform Data Systems data for rate of sealant placement between 2016‐2018 revealed that FHC‐M consistently exceeded rates reported statewide and nationally. For this quality indicator, performance across all dental practices in 27 states reported by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2018 achieved 23% in 2017 compared to 73% and 52% placement rates reported by FHC‐M and community health centers, respectively. A 1:1 hygienist‐to‐dentist was documented across FHC‐M dental centers compared to 0.5:1 reported nationally.

Conclusions

Implementation of quality metric dashboard and a 1:1 dentist‐to‐hygienist ratio supported realization of value‐based dental care delivery relative to caries prevention in a moderate‐to‐high risk pediatric Medicaid population through achievement of robust sealant placement. Importance of adequate hygienist staffing, "same day" sealant placement and performance feedback supported by technology are highlighted.
Trophically polymorphic loggerhead sea turtles show similar interannual variability in clutch frequencies: implications for estimating population size of iteroparous animals
Authors: Hatase H. , Omuta K.
Published: September 2020

We investigated how trophic polymorphism observed at a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) rookery affected the interannual variability of clutch frequency (the number of clutches laid by a female during a nesting season) and of the number of total located nests, based on comprehensive nighttime and daytime field surveys conducted at Yakushima Island, Japan, over a non‐consecutive eight‐year period. Taking into account the fact that lower trophic‐level sea turtles show greater variability in these parameters, we anticipated clutch frequency and the number of total located nests to vary more in low trophic‐level oceanic planktivores (secondary consumers) than in high trophic‐level neritic benthivores (tertiary consumers). Oceanic planktivores and neritic benthivores were classified by stable isotope ratios in egg yolks. Neritic foragers had higher clutch frequencies than oceanic foragers in any year. Contrary to our anticipation, however, both types of foragers showed similarly low interannual variability in clutch frequencies. No significant correlations were found between mean clutch frequencies and the estimated number of nests made by either oceanic or neritic foragers and the number of total located nests. Interannual fluctuations in the total number of nests made by loggerhead turtles, whether trophically monomorphic or polymorphic, seem to be driven more by the number of females than by clutch frequency; this suggests that the number of total located nests can be a good proxy for the population size of iteroparous animals at relatively high trophic levels.
Spatial, climate and ploidy factors drive genomic diversity and resilience in the widespread grass Themeda triandra
Authors: Ahrens Collin W. , James Elizabeth A. , Miller Adam D. , Scott Ferguson , Aitken Nicola C. , Jones Ashley W. , Lu‐Irving Patricia , Borevitz Justin O. , Cantrill David J. , Rymer Paul D.
Published: September 2020

Global climate change poses a significant threat to natural communities around the world, with many plant species showing signs of climate stress. Grassland ecosystems are not an exception, with climate change compounding contemporary pressures such as habitat loss and fragmentation. In this study, we assess the climate resilience of Themeda triandra, a foundational species and the most widespread plant in Australia, by assessing the relative contributions of spatial, environmental and ploidy factors to contemporary genomic variation. Reduced‐representation genome sequencing on 472 samples from 52 locations was used to test how the distribution of genomic variation, including ploidy polymorphism, supports adaptation to hotter and drier climates. We explicitly quantified isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE) and predicted genomic vulnerability of populations to future climates based on expected deviation from current genomic composition. We found that a majority (54%) of genomic variation could be attributed to IBD, while an additional 22% (27% when including ploidy information) could be explained by two temperature and two precipitation climate variables demonstrating IBE. Ploidy polymorphisms were common within populations (31/52 populations), indicating that ploidy mixing is characteristic of T. triandra populations. Genomic vulnerabilities were found to be heterogeneously distributed throughout the landscape, and our analysis suggested that ploidy polymorphism, along with other factors linked to polyploidy, reduced vulnerability to future climates by 60% (0.25–0.10). Our data suggests that polyploidy may facilitate adaptation to hotter climates and highlight the importance of incorporating ploidy in adaptive management strategies to promote the resilience of this and other foundation species.
Catastrophic risk
Authors: Stefánsson H. Orri
Published: September 2020

Catastrophic risk raises questions that are not only of practical importance, but also of great philosophical interest, such as how to define 'catastrophe' and what distinguishes catastrophic outcomes from non‐catastrophic ones. Catastrophic risk also raises questions about how to rationally respond to such risks. How to rationally respond arguably partly depends on the severity of the uncertainty, for instance, whether quantitative probabilistic information is available, or whether only comparative likelihood information is available, or neither type of information. Finally, catastrophic risk raises important ethical questions about what to do when catastrophe avoidance conflicts with equity promotion.
Enhancing software development through project‐based learning and the quality of planning
Authors: Amaral Féris Marco Antônio , Goffin Keith , Zwikael Ofer , Fan Di
Published: September 2020

R&D plays a crucial role in developing new products, the commercialisation of which can drive corporate growth. Over three decades, research has focused the new product development (NPD) process and it is known that developing new products is a knowledge‐intensive, risky activity. Since industry surveys show that many NPD projects, particularly software‐based ones, fail to meet their schedules and objectives. Consequently, today’s R&D managers still need ways to plan and conduct NPD more effectively. Project‐based Learning (PBL) – the generation of specific technical and process knowledge during and after a project – is a potential way to improve NPD. Therefore, this paper investigated the research question: Does PBL enhance the quality of planning in subsequent software development projects? The study used a sample of 47 software development projects at three multinational organisations. Significantly, the findings show that PBL does enhance the quality of planning of subsequent software development projects. In particular, the quality of planning is increased in projects with high levels of uncertainty; where team members work in a project‐based structure with strong collaboration; and when the pressure to deliver projects is high. The contribution of the research at a theoretical level is that it identified an important link between learning and the quality of planning in subsequent NPD projects. At a practical level, the study identifies specific steps R&D managers can take to improve the performance of software development projects, with all their associated challenges.
Can Achilles and patellar tendon structures predict musculoskeletal injuries in combat soldiers?
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Pantanowitz Michal , Funk Shany , Svorai Band Shani , Waddington Gordon , Yavnai Nirit , Zeev Aviva
Published: September 2020

Aiming to investigate whether Achilles tendon (AT) structure and patellar tendon (PT) structure are risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in combat soldiers, 168 participants were recruited from an infantry commander's course. The AT and PT were examined pre‐course using UTC to capture the structure of four echo‐type fibers (I–IV). All injuries were assessed by military physicians pre‐course and throughout the 14‐week course. Soldiers who were injured during the course had a significantly higher pre‐course prevalence of AT and PT echo‐type III and echo‐type IV compared to soldiers that were not injured during the course. Variables that were found to be associated with injured/non‐injured participants were echo‐type III + IV of the PT (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.24‐1.68) and echo‐type III of the AT (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.35‐2.12). ROC analyses showed that the best model, exhibiting both high sensitivity and low specificity, was that participants with PT echo‐type III + IV > 10% or AT echo‐type III >8.5% had the highest risk of being injured during the course. In conclusions, the tendon structure at the beginning of high‐intensity activity or physical training program might be a risk factor for subsequent injury during the course. Soldiers and high‐level athletes should be aware of the cutoff points for fiber types in tendon structure that might put them at high risk for future injury. At‐risk soldiers/athletes should be provided with an intervention program before they start their training program, with the aim of improving the tendon structure and preventing subsequent injury.
Straw amendments did not induce high N2O emissions in non‐frozen wintertime conditions: A study in northern Germany
Authors: Wang Haitao , Ma Shutan , Dittert Klaus
Published: September 2020

An increasing area of oilseed rape cultivation in Europe is used to produce biodiesel. However, a large amount of straw residue is often left in the field in autumn. Straw mineralization provides both carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources for emission of soil nitrous oxide (N2O), which is an important greenhouse gas with a high warming potential. Some studies have focused on soil N2O emissions immediately post‐harvest; however, straw mineralization could possibly last over winter. Most field studies in winter have focused on freeze‐thaw cycles. It is still not clear how straw mineralization affects soil N2O emissions in unfrozen wintertime conditions. We carried out a field experiment in northern Germany in winter 2014, adding straw and glucose as a source of C with three rates of N fertilizer (0, 30, and 60 kg N ha−1). During the 26 days of observation, cumulative N2O emission in treatments without C addition was negative at all N fertilizer levels. Straw addition produced –3.2, 11.2, and 5.0 mg N2O‐N m−2 at 0, 30, and 60 kg N ha−1, respectively. Addition of glucose surprisingly caused –1.5, 74.6, and 165 mg N2O–N m−2 at 0, 30, and 60 kg N ha−1, respectively. This study demonstrates that oilseed rape straw does not cause high N2O emissions in wintertime when no extreme precipitation or freeze‐thaw cycles are involved, and soil organic C content is low. However, N2O emission could be intensively stimulated, when both easily available organic C and nitrate are not limited and the soil temperature between 0 and 10°C. These results provide useful information on potential changes to N2O emissions that may occur due to the increased use of oilseed rape for biodiesel combined with less severe winters in the northern hemisphere driven by global warming.
A Comparison of the Thermo-Fluid Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Melt Pools Formed by Laser and Electron-Beam Powder-Bed Fusion Processes
Authors: Rahman M Shafiqur , Schilling Paul J. , Herrington Paul D. , Chakravarty Uttam K.
Published: September 2020

Powder-bed fusion (PBF) process is a subdivision of additive manufacturing (AM) technology where a heat source at a controlled speed selectively fuses regions of a powder-bed material to form three-dimensional (3D) parts in a layer-by-layer fashion. Two of the most commercialized and powerful PBF methods for fabricating full-density metallic parts are the laser PBF (L-PBF) and electron beam PBF (E-PBF) processes. In this study, a multiphysics-based 3D numerical model is developed to compare the thermo-fluid properties of Ti-6Al-4V melt pools formed by the L-PBF and E-PBF processes. The temperature-dependent properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy and the parameters for the laser and electron beams are incorporated in the model as the user-defined functions (UDFs). The melt-pool geometry and its thermo-fluid behavior are investigated using the finite volume (FV) method, and results for the variations of temperature, thermo-physical properties, velocity, geometry of the melt pool, and cooling rate in the two processes are compared under similar irradiation conditions. For an irradiance level of 26 J/mm3 and a beam interaction time of 1.212 ms, simulation results show that the L-PBF process gives a faster cooling rate (1. 5 K/μs) than that in the E-PBF process (0.74 K/μs). The magnitude of liquid velocity in the melt pool is also higher in L-PBF than that in E-PBF. The numerical model is validated by comparing the simulation results for the melt-pool geometry with the PBF experimental results and comparing the numerical melt-front position with the analytical solution for the classical Stephan problem of melting of a phase-change material (PCM).
A
Janus
emitter for passive heat release from enclosures
Authors: Heo Se-Yeon , Lee Gil Ju , Kim Do Hyeon , Kim Yeong Jae , Ishii Satoshi , Kim Min Seok , Seok Tae Joon , Lee Bong Jae , Lee Heon , Song Young Min
Published: September 2020

A thermal emitter with selective and broadband emission on different sides can mitigate greenhouse effect in hot enclosures.
Excitation of San Andreas tremors by thermal instabilities below the seismogenic zone
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Barbot Sylvain
Published: September 2020

Thermal instabilities below the seismogenic zone by shear heating and temperature-weakening friction drive slow slip, tremors.
Regulating the absorption spectrum of polydopamine
Authors: Zou Yuan , Chen Xiaofeng , Yang Peng , Liang Guijie , Yang Ye , Gu Zhipeng , Li Yiwen
Published: September 2020

This work demonstrates a strategy to regulate the absorption spectrum of polydopamine via macromolecular structural tailoring.
Creation of skyrmions in van der Waals ferromagnet Fe
3
GeTe
2
on (Co/Pd)

n

superlattice
Authors: Yang M. , Li Q. , Chopdekar R. V. , Dhall R. , Turner J. , Carlström J. D. , Ophus C. , Klewe C. , Shafer P. , N’Diaye A. T. , Choi J. W. , Chen G. , Wu Y. Z. , Hwang C. , Wang F. , Qiu Z. Q.
Published: September 2020

Néel-type skyrmions in van der Waals ferromagnetic Fe3GeTe2 on (Co/Pd)n superlattice were created without external magnetic field.
Unprecedented reduction and quick recovery of the South Indian Ocean heat content and sea level in 2014–2018
Authors: Volkov Denis L. , Lee Sang-Ki , Gordon Arnold L. , Rudko Michael
Published: September 2020

Remote and local forcing led to unprecedented drop and quick recovery in the South Indian Ocean heat content.
Experimental evidence supports early silica cementation of the Ediacara Biota
Authors: Slagter Silvina , Tarhan Lidya G. , Hao Weiduo , Planavsky Noah J. , Konhauser Kurt O.
Published: September 2020

Casts and molds of soft-bodied organisms in Ediacaran sandstones (“Ediacara-style” fossilization) have played an important role in reconstruction of the emergence and radiation of early complex macroscopic life. However, the preservational processes responsible for the Ediacara fossil record are still vigorously debated. Whereas classic studies proposed fossilization via rapid sulfide mineralization of carcass and matground surfaces, a more recent view posits silica as the key mineral involved in their preservation. We performed experiments in which a variety of soft-bodied organisms were exposed to silica-rich solutions at concentrations considered characteristic of Ediacaran seawater (2 mM). Our results document continuous precipitation of amorphous silica onto the surfaces of these organic tissues under constant and normal marine pH values (7.8). Mineral formation was accompanied by a progressive decrease in the dissolved silica (DSi) concentration of the experimental solution to levels well below amorphous silica saturation. Additionally, we find that the magnitude of silica precipitation is correlated to each organism’s functional-group chemistry, as measured by potentiometric acid-base titrations. We suggest that a wide range of soft-bodied organisms were prone to silicification in Ediacaran marine environments characterized by anactualistically high DSi concentrations. This provides further support for the model that the extraordinary moldic preservation of the Ediacara Biota was promoted by early silica cementation and that this mode of preservation can offer an accurate glimpse into the composition of those early animal ecosystems.
Supplemental Material: Temporary late Holocene barrier-chain deterioration due to insufficient sediment availability, Wadden Sea, Denmark
Authors: Fruergaard Mikkel , al. et
Published: September 2020

Core photographs (Figure S1) and optically stimulated luminescence characteristics of core G1 (Table S1).
Supplemental Material: The deep magmatic cumulate roots of the Acadian orogen, eastern North America
Authors: Tassara Santiago , al. et
Published: September 2020

Detailed petrographic descriptions, methods, modeling, and tables.
Plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine and their interactions with diabetic nephropathy for risk of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Luo Hui-Huan , Li Juan , Feng Xiao-Fei , Sun Xiao-Yu , Li Jing , Yang Xilin , Fang Zhong-Ze
Published: September 2020

Objective

Tight control of hyperglycemia reduces risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the residual risk remains high. This study aimed to explore relationships between plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine with DR in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and interactions between the two amino acids, and their secondary interaction with renal dysfunction.

Research design and methods

We extracted data of 1032 patients with T2D from tertiary hospital consecutively from May 2015 to August 2016. Binary logistic regression models with restricted cubic spline were used to check potential non-linear associations and to obtain ORs and 95% CIs of variables under study. Addictive interaction was estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion due to interaction and synergy index. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to check increased predictive values.

Results

Of 1032 patients, 162 suffered from DR. Copresence of low phenylalanine and low tyrosine increased DR risk (OR 6.01, 95% CI 1.35 to 26.8), while either of them alone did not have a significant effect with significant additive interaction. Presence of diabetic nephropathy further increased the OR of copresence of low phenylalanine and low tyrosine for DR to 25.9 (95% CI 8.71 to 76.9) with a significant additive interaction. Inclusion of phenylalanine and tyrosine in a traditional risk factor model significantly increased area under the curve from 0.81 to 0.83 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.86).

Conclusion

Plasma low phenylalanine and low tyrosine worked independently and synergistically to increase the risk of DR in T2D. Presence of renal dysfunction further amplified the effect of copresence of low phenylalanine and low tyrosine on DR risk.
Methylation pattern of urinary DNA as a marker of kidney function decline in diabetes
Authors: Marumo Takeshi , Hoshino Junichi , Kawarazaki Wakako , Nishimoto Mitsuhiro , Ayuzawa Nobuhiro , Hirohama Daigoro , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Okaneya Toshikazu , Fujii Takeshi , Yuki Kazunari , Atsumi Yoshihito , Sato Atsuhisa , Arai Eri , Kanai Yae , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Fujita Toshiro
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Renal tubular injury contributes to the decline in kidney function in patients with diabetes. Cell type-specific DNA methylation patterns have been used to calculate proportions of particular cell types. In this study, we developed a method to detect renal tubular injury in patients with diabetes by detecting exfoliated tubular cells shed into the urine based on tubular cell-specific DNA methylation patterns.

Research design and methods

We identified DNA methylation patterns specific for human renal proximal tubular cells through compartment-specific methylome analysis. We next determined the methylation levels of proximal tubule-specific loci in urine sediment of patients with diabetes and analyzed correlation with clinical variables.

Results

We identified genomic loci inSMTNL2andG6PCto be selectively unmethylated in human proximal tubular cells. The methylation levels ofSMTNL2andG6PCin urine sediment, deemed to reflect the proportion of exfoliated proximal tubular cells due to injury, correlated well with each other. Methylation levels ofSMTNL2in urine sediment significantly correlated with the annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. Moreover, addition of urinarySMTNL2methylation to a model containing known risk factors significantly improved discrimination of patients with diabetes with faster estimated glomerular filtration rate decline.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that patients with diabetes with continual loss in kidney function may be stratified by a specific DNA methylation signature through epigenetic urinalysis and provides further evidence at the level of exfoliated cells in the urine that injury of proximal tubular cells may contribute to pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease.
Role of beta blockers following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Peck Kah Yong , Andrianopoulos Nick , Dinh Diem , Roberts Louise , Duffy Stephen J , Sebastian Martin , Clark David , Brennan Angela , Oqueli Ernesto , Ajani Andrew E , Reid Christopher M , Freeman Melanie , Teh Andrew W
Published: September 2020

Aims

There is a paucity of evidence supporting routine beta blocker (BB) use in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to evaluate BB use post PCI and its association with mortality. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the association between BB and mortality in the subgroups of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%, LVEF 35%–50% and LVEF >50%.

Methods

Using a large PCI registry, data from patients with ACS between January 2005 and June 2017 who were alive at 30 days were analysed. Those patients taking BB at 30 days were compared with those who were not taking BB. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The mean follow-up was 5.3±3.5 years.

Results

Of the 17 562 patients, 83.3% were on BB. Mortality was lower in the BB group (13.1% vs 19.5%, p=0.0001). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards model showed that BB use was associated with lower overall mortality (adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97, p=0.014). In the subgroup analysis, BB use was associated with reduced mortality in LVEF <35% (adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91, p=0.013), LVEF 35%–50% (adjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95, p=0.01), but not LVEF >50% (adjusted HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.21, p=0.74).

Conclusion

BB use remains high and is associated with reduced mortality. This reduction in mortality is primarily seen in those with reduced ejection fraction, but not in those with preserved ejection fraction.
Sex differences in prevalence, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors in England
Authors: Pinho-Gomes Ana Catarina , Peters Sanne A E , Thomson Blake , Woodward Mark
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate sex differences in prevalence, treatment and control of major cardiovascular risk factors in England.

Methods

Data from the Health Survey for England 2012–2017 on non-institutionalised English adults (aged ≥16 years) were used to investigate sex differences in prevalence, treatment and control of major cardiovascular risk factors: body mass index, smoking, systolic blood pressure and hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol and dyslipidaemia. Physical activity and diet were not assessed in this study.

Results

Overall, 49 415 adults (51% women) were included. Sex differences persisted in prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, with smoking, hypertension, overweight and dyslipidaemia remaining more common in men than in women in 2017. The proportion of individuals with neither hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes nor smoking increased from 32% to 36% in women and from 28% to 29% in men between 2012 and 2017. Treatment and control of hypertension and diabetes improved over time and were comparable in both sexes in 2017 (66% and 51% for treatment and control of hypertension and 73% and 20% for treatment and control of diabetes). However, women were less likely than men to have treated and controlled dyslipidaemia (21% vs 28% for treatment and 15% vs 24% for control, for women versus men in 2017).

Conclusions

Important sex differences persist in cardiovascular risk factors in England, with an overall higher number of risk factors in men than in women. A combination of public health policy and individually tailored interventions is required to further reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in England.
Guide to using antibiotics in pet birds
Authors: Baldrey Vicki
Published: September 2020

Background

Pet birds are increasingly presented for veterinary treatment. The limited range of licensed antibiotics available for treating avian species, alongside having to comply with additional legislation relating to use of veterinary medicines in food‐producing species, means that treating bacterial infections in pet birds can be challenging. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue and so responsible use of antibiotics by the veterinary profession is of vital importance.

Aim of the article

This article outlines the issues affecting antibiotic choice in avian species, the relevant legislation and discusses the approach to antibiotic use for common conditions in avian species.