bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogeographic freshwater fish pattern legacy revealed despite rapid socio‐economic changes in China
Authors: Guo Chuanbo , Chen Yushun , Gozlan Rodolphe E. , Li Zhongjie , Mehner Thomas , Lek Sovan , Paukert Craig P.
Published: June 2019

Understanding drivers of freshwater fish assemblages is critically important for biodiversity conservation strategies, especially in rapidly developing countries, which often have environmental protections lagging behind economic development. The influences of natural and human factors in structuring fish assemblages and their relative contributions are likely to change given the increasing magnitude of human activities. To discriminate natural and human drivers of fish diversity and assemblage patterns in developing countries with rapid socio‐economic development, a dataset of 908 freshwater fish species and 13 metrics including three categories of both natural (i.e., biogeographic) and human drivers (i.e., economic growth, inland fisheries) in China were analysed with machine learning algorithms (i.e., self‐organizing map, random forest). Here, we found that biogeographic drivers explained 21.8% of the observed fish assemblage patterns in China and remained stronger predictors when compared to human drivers (i.e., 15.6%, respectively). Freshwater fish species richness was positively correlated to rainfall, air temperature, surface water area and inland fisheries production but negatively correlated with urbanization. In addition, the strong structuring effects of climatic variables on Chinese fish richness patterns suggested that the fish assemblages could be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Our results showed that natural biogeographic factors still dominate in driving freshwater fish assemblage patterns despite increased human disturbances on aquatic ecosystems in a rapidly developing country. These findings consequently suggested that we should consider both natural (e.g., climate) and human (e.g., urbanization, inland fisheries) factors when establishing aquatic conservation strategies and priorities for developing countries that are experiencing rapid socio‐economic changes.
Hydrophobic surface residues can stabilize a protein through improved water–protein interactions
Authors: Islam Mohammad M. , Kobayashi Kei , Kidokoro Shun‐Ichi , Kuroda Yutaka
Published: June 2019

Protein stabilization is difficult to rationalize, but the detailed thermodynamic and structural analysis of a series of carefully designed mutants may provide experimental insights into the mechanisms underlying stabilization. Here, we report a systematic structural and thermodynamic analysis of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) variants that are significantly stabilized through a single amino acid substitution at residue 38, which is located in a loop mostly exposed on the protein surface. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the BPTI‐[5,55]Gly14 variants with a single mutation at position 38 were stabilized in an enthalpy‐driven manner and that the magnitude of the stabilization increased as the hydrophobicity of residue 38 increased. This increase in the thermal stability of BPTI was unexpected because a hydrophobic residue on a protein surface is usually destabilizing. To identify the structural determinants of this stabilization, we determined the crystal structures of six BPTI‐[5,55]Gly14 variants (Gly14Gly38, Gly14Ala38, Gly14Val38, Gly14Leu38, Gly14Ile38, and Gly14Lys38) at high resolutions and showed that they retain essentially the same structure as the wild‐type BPTI. A more detailed examination of their structures indicated that the extent of thermal stabilization correlated with both improved local packing and increased hydration around the substitution sites. In particular, the number of water molecules near residue 38 increased upon mutation to a hydrophobic residue suggesting that improved hydration contributed to the enthalpy‐driven stabilization. Increasing a protein's thermal stability by the placement of a hydrophobic amino acid on the protein surface is a novel and unexpected phenomenon, and its exact nature is worth further examination, as it may provide a generic method for stabilizing proteins in an enthalpy‐driven manner.

Database

The coordinates and structure factors of Gly14Gly38, Gly14Ile38, Gly14Leu38, and Gly14Lys38 variants of BPTI‐[5,55] are deposited in the Protein Data Bank under the PDB entry codes 5XX3, 5XX5, 5XX2, and 5XX4, respectively. We previously reported the structures of Gly14Ala38 (2ZJX) and Gly14Val38 (2ZVX).
Association of acuteBabesia canisinfection and serum lipid, lipoprotein, and apoprotein concentrations in dogs
Authors: Milanović Zorana , Vekić Jelena , Radonjić Vladimir , Ilić Božović Anja , Zeljković Aleksandra , Janac Jelena , Spasojević‐Kalimanovska Vesna , Buch Jesse , Chandrashekar Ramaswamy , Bojić‐Trbojević Žanka , Hajduković Ljiljana , Christopher Mary M. , Kovačević Filipović Milica
Published: June 2019

Background

Babesia canisinfection induces a marked acute phase response (APR) that might be associated with alteration in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and disease prognosis.

Hypothesis

Dogs withB. canis‐induced APR develop dyslipidemia with altered lipoprotein concentration and morphology.

Animals

Twenty‐nine client‐owned dogs with acuteB. canisinfection and 10 clinically healthy control dogs.

Methods

Observational cross‐sectional study. Serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured using ELISA. Cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides were determined biochemically. Lipoproteins were separated using agarose gel electrophoresis. Lipoprotein diameter was assessed by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis; correlation with ApoA‐1 (radioimmunoassay) and SAA was determined.

Results

Dogs withB. canisinfection had a marked APR (median SAA, 168.3 μg/mL; range, 98.1‐716.2 μg/mL) compared with controls (3.2 μg/mL, 2.0‐4.2 μg/mL) (P < .001). Dogs withB. canisinfection had significantly lower median cholesterol (4.79 mmol/L, 1.89‐7.64 mmol/L versus 6.15 mmol/L, 4.2‐7.4 mmol/L) (P= .02), phospholipid (4.64 mmol/L, 2.6‐6.6 mmol/L versus 5.72 mmol/L, 4.68‐7.0 mmol/L) (P= .02), and α‐lipoproteins (77.5%, 27.7%‐93.5% versus 89.2%, 75.1%‐93.5%) (P= .04), and higher ApoA‐1 (1.36 U, 0.8‐2.56 U versus 0.95 U, 0.73‐1.54 U) concentrations (P= .02). Serum amyloid A correlated with high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) diameter (rho = .43;P= .03) and ApoA‐1 (rho = .63,P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Major changes associated withB. canis‐induced APR in dogs are related to concentration, composition, and morphology of HDL particles pointing to an altered reverse cholesterol transport. Parallel ApoA‐1 and SAA concentration increase is a unique still unexplained pathophysiological finding.
Clinical characteristics, breed differences, and quality of life in North American dogs with acute steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis
Authors: Lau Jeanie , Nettifee Julie A. , Early Peter J. , Mariani Christopher L. , Olby Natasha J. , Muñana Karen R.
Published: June 2019

Background

Steroid‐responsive meningitis‐arteritis (SRMA) is a common inflammatory neurologic disorder of dogs for which certain breeds are predisposed.

Objectives

To determine whether breed differences exist in clinical features, treatment response, and relapse in a population of North American dogs with SRMA, and to evaluate the effect of disease on dogs' quality of life (QoL).

Animals

Sixty‐one client‐owned dogs with SRMA: 29 dogs identified through an American Kennel Club‐Canine Health Foundation survey and 32 dogs from North Carolina (NC) State Veterinary Hospital.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Caregivers completed an online survey to assess QoL.

Results

Breeds represented most often included the Golden Retriever (n = 12), Bernese Mountain Dog (10), Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (9), Boxer (9), and Beagle (6). No breed differences were identified with respect to clinical severity, diagnostic findings, or outcome. Twenty‐nine dogs (48%) had ≥1 disease relapse. There was a significant effect of cerebrospinal fluid nucleated cell count on the frequency of disease relapse (P = .003), but no relationship was identified between treatment protocol and relapse. Dogs' QoL was associated with the severity of corticosteroid‐related adverse effects (P = .03), which were dose‐related (r = .24, P = .02) and more prevalent in Wirehaired Pointing Griffons than in other breeds (P = .04).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Golden Retrievers and Wirehaired Pointing Griffons should be considered among the breeds recognized to develop SRMA. Treatment with higher corticosteroid dosages is correlated with more severe adverse effects and worse QoL, but it may not improve clinical outcome.
Coupled Fan–Stator Aerodynamic and Acoustic Response to Inflow Distortion
Authors: Atassi H. M. , Kozlov A. V. , Ali A. A. , Topol D. A.
Published: June 2019

Turbofan rotor–stator aeromechanic and aeroacoustics modeling has been traditionally developed by considering separately the aerodynamic and acoustic response of the fan and the stator to inflow nonuniformities. The present paper develops a model for the coupled fan–stator response for a realistic 3D geometry. The coupling mechanism is assumed to be mainly carried by scattered waves bouncing back and forth between the fan and the stator. The relationship between sources and state elements at three regions (inlet (1), in-between fan and stator (2), and exit (3)) is derived in terms of a scattering matrix S. The model is applied to two fan configurations: (1) a fully subsonic fan and (2) a transonic tip speed fan. The scattering matrix terms, up to the 5th blade passing frequency (BPF), are calculated by using CAAT, an Euler-based code. Results show coupling adds about 6 dB to the sound power level (PWL) of the transonic fan configuration but has a small effect for the subsonic fan configuration. The analysis of the propagating modes shows that, for the transonic configuration, the inlet mode at 1BPF propagates in regions 2 and 3 but is cut off in region 1. This reinforces the coupling process by trapping the acoustic mode 1BPF in region 2. Although this trapped energy is mainly due to the 1BPF of the fan wake, the fan scatters this energy into higher order acoustic modes and thus produces redistribution toward higher frequency of the acoustic spectra. Finally, adding a liner in region 2 reduces the energy of 1BPF mode propagating upstream and impinging on the fan. This mitigates the effect of the fan–stator coupling.
Iontophoresis burns: a peculiar cutaneous injury from a diagnostic sweat test for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Antrum John Henry George , Allison Keith
Published: June 2019

An 8-month-old child presented after an emergency referral from a paediatric clinic. She had sustained a small burn injury to the left volar wrist during the sweat test for cystic fibrosis. The injury was managed conservatively. There is limited literature on burn injuries sustained during the sweat test, despite it being a known risk and the incidence is reported as very small. We wonder if such events are not being reported because the injury caused is usually minor and so may be more prevalent than previously considered.
Comparison of corneal densitometry between big-bubble and visco-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Scorcia Vincenzo , De Luca Valentina , Lucisano Andrea , Bruzzichessi Donatella , Balestrieri Marco , Soda Mauro , Myerscough James , Busin Massimo
Published: June 2019

Aims

To evaluate deep corneal densitometry and visual outcomes after big-bubble (BB-DALK) and visco-bubble (VB-DALK) deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty performed in patients with keratoconus.

Methods

Prospective comparative study of 50 advanced keratoconic patients who underwent DALK surgery; 25 eyes (group I) were completed with BB-DALK and 25 eyes (group II) with VB-DALK after the failure of pneumatic dissection. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal tomographic parameters and endothelial cell count were recorded 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Densitometric analysis of the deep corneal interface was obtained using Scheimpflug tomography at each visit; values recorded were compared between the two groups and statistically analysed.

Results

BSCVA was significantly better in the BB-DALK group than the VB-DALK group (0.39±0.29 vs 0.65±0.23 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively) for the first 3 months; and in the same time period, densitometry was significantly higher in the VB-DALK group than those recorded in the BB-DALK group (23.97±5.34 vs 17.13±4.44 grayscale units). However, densitometric values and visual acuity did not differ significantly in the two groups at 1 year. No statistically significant difference for the other variables analysed at any time frame was found.

Conclusion

The use of viscoelastic substance in the VB-DALK technique may induce modification of interface stromal reflectivity resulting in reduced visual acuity up to 3 months postoperatively. However, this initial negative effect on the interface quality does not affect the long-term visual outcome, with densitometric values and visual outcomes similar in the two groups from 6 months postoperatively.
International multicentre retrospective cohort study of ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Hindsø Tine Gadegaard , Esmaeli Bita , Holm Frederik , Mikkelsen Lauge Hjorth , Rasmussen Peter Kristian , Coupland Sarah E , Finger Paul T , Graue Gerardo F , Grossniklaus Hans E , Honavar Santosh G , Khong Jwu Jin , McKelvie Penelope A , Mulay Kaustubh , Sjö Lene Dissing , Vemuganti Geeta K , Thuro Bradley A , Heegaard Steffen
Published: June 2019

Backgrounds/aims

To date, this is the largest cohort study on extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (EMZL) of the ocular adnexa (OA). The aim of the study was to characterise the clinical features of OA-EMZL.

Methods

A retrospective multicentre study involving seven international eye cancer centres. Data were collected from 1 January 1980 through 31 December 2017. A total of 689 patients with OA-EMZL were included.

Results

The median follow-up time was 42 months. The median age was 62 years (range, 8–100 years), and 55 % (378/689 patients) of patients were women. The majority of patients (82%, 558/680 patients) were diagnosed with primary OA-EMZL with Ann Arbor stage IE (90%, 485/541 patients) and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage T2 (61%, 340/557 patients) at the time of diagnosis. The orbit (66%, 452/689 patients) and the conjunctiva (37%, 255/689 patients) were the most frequently involved anatomical structures. The 5-year, 10-year and 20-year disease-specific survival (DSS) were 96%, 91% and 90%, respectively. Stage IE patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as monotherapy (10-year DSS, 95%) were found to have a better DSS than stage IE patients treated with chemotherapy (10-year DSS, 86%). Stage IIIE/IVE patients treated with chemotherapy and rituximab had a better DSS (10-year DSS, 96%) than stage IIIE/IVE patients treated with chemotherapy without rituximab (10-year DSS, 63%).

Conclusions and relevance

EMZL is a slow-growing tumour with an excellent long-term survival. Low-dose EBRT as monotherapy should be considered in localised OA-EMZL. Rituximab-based chemotherapy should be chosen in those patients with disseminated disease.
Utility of digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery systems (DAVS) for high-volume vitreoretinal surgery centre: a pilot study
Authors: Babu Naresh , Kohli Piyush , Jena Soumya , Ramasamy Kim
Published: June 2019

Aim

To compare the surgical experience and preferred imaging platform, between digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery systems (DAVS) and analogue microscope (AM), for performing various surgical manoeuvres.

Material and methods

A questionnaire was used to evaluate the experience of surgeons who used DAVS for at least 6 months in the last 1 year.

Results

Twenty-three surgeons, including 12 fellows, answered the questionnaire. Eighty-two per cent of surgeons got accustomed to DAVS in <10 surgeries. The higher magnification provided by DAVS was perceived as helpful by 87.0% surgeons. Seventy-eight per cent surgeons felt that DAVS provided a bigger field of view. Colours displayed on DAVS appeared unnatural to 39.1%. Difficulty using three-dimensional glasses over spectacles, asthenopia and dry eye symptoms while using DAVS were faced by 17.4%, 17.4% and 21.7% surgeons, respectively. Difficulty in frequent switching between DAVS and AM was faced by 30.4% surgeons. Difficulty in depth perception, hand–eye coordination and performance anxiety while using DAVS was faced by 43.5%, 21.7 % and 30.4 % surgeons, respectively. Majority consultants did not have any imaging platform preference for most posterior segment procedures, while majority fellows preferred DAVS. Majority surgeons preferred AM for anterior segment procedures and complicated situations like small pupil, corneal oedema and surgical surprise(s). Once the surgeons became accustomed to DAVS, none of them had to shift back to AM during any case.

Conclusion

It was easy to adapt to DAVS. DAVS was preferred for performing most posterior segment surgeries. Drawbacks like unnatural colours of the projected image and difficulty in performing anterior segment manoeuvres need to be addressed.
Visual acuity outcomes in Coats disease by classification stage in 160 patients
Authors: Shields Carol L , Udyaver Sanika , Dalvin Lauren A , Lim Li-Anne S , Atalay Hatice T , Khoo Chloe , Mazloumi Mehdi , Shields Jerry A
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To assess visual outcomes of Coats disease by classification stage.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients with Coats disease, classified according to Shields classification and with available Snellen visual acuity before and after treatment.

Results

There were 160 eyes with Coats disease (stage 1 (n=2) vs stage 2A (n=17) vs stage 2B (n=22) vs stage 3A1 (n=26) vs stage 3A2 (n=40) vs stage 3B (n=42) vs stage 4 (n=9) vs stage 5 (n=2)). By comparison, more advanced stage showed greater frequency of poor presenting visual acuity (<20/200) (0% vs 0% vs 50% vs 35% vs 38% vs 83% vs 100% vs 100%, p<0.001) and higher mean intraocular pressure (17 vs 15 vs 15 vs 15 vs 15 vs 15 vs 37 vs 26, p<0.001). More advanced stage was less likely managed with laser photocoagulation (100% vs 87% vs 48% vs 62% vs 74% vs 35% vs 0% vs 0%, p<0.001) and more likely with cryotherapy (0% vs 47% vs 81% vs 81% vs 82% vs 88% vs 50% vs 100%, p=0.001). More advanced stage was associated with lower frequency of visual acuity ≥20/40 (100% vs 71% vs 5% vs 42% vs 23% vs 5% vs 0% vs 0%, p<0.001) and greater frequency of visual acuity <20/200 (0% vs 12% vs 36% vs31 % vs 45% vs 88% vs 0% vs 100%, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Visual acuity in eyes with Coats disease parallels staging with more advanced stage demonstrating poorer visual acuity at presentation and final visit.
Maintaining quality diagnosis with digital pathology: a practical guide to ISO 15189 accreditation
Authors: Williams Bethany Jill , Knowles Chloe , Treanor Darren
Published: June 2019

An ever-increasing number of clinical pathology departments are deploying, or planning to deploy digital pathology systems for all, or part of their diagnostic output. Digital pathology is an evolving technology, and it is important that departments uphold or improve on current standards. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has been scanning 100% of histology slides since September 2018, and has developed validation and validation protocols to train 38 histopathology consultants in primary digital diagnosis. In this practical paper, we will share our approach to ISO inspection of our digital pathology service, which resulted in successful ISO accreditation for primary digital diagnosis. We will offer practical advice on what types of procedure and documentation are necessary, both from the point of view of the laboratory and your reporting pathologists. We will explore topics including risk assessment, standard operating procedures, validation and training, calibration and quality assurance, and provide a checklist of the key digital pathology components you need to consider in your inspection preparations. The continuous quest for quality and safety improvements in our practice should underpin everything we do in pathology, including our digital pathology operations. We hope this publication will make it easier for subsequent departments to successfully achieve ISO 15189 accreditation and feel confident in their digital pathology services.
Systematic Review of Cognitive Behavior Therapy to Improve Mental Health of Women Living with HIV
Authors: Pu Helen , Hernandez Tahyna , Sadeghi John , Cervia Joseph Steven
Published: June 2019

Psychological distress is highly prevalent in people living with HIV. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been associated with improved mental health outcomes in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM); however, little is known of its effect in women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA). We review current literature on CBT and its effects on depression, anxiety, stress and mental health quality of life (QOL) in WLHA. We undertook a systematic review of the literature indexed in PubMed, Medline, Psychiatry Online and ScienceDirect. Of the 273 relevant studies discovered, 158 contained duplicate data, and 105 studies did not meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria, yielding 10 studies for analysis. Data were independently extracted by each researcher, with differences resolved through discussion and consensus. For WLHA, CBT substantially improved QOL, symptoms of depression and stress, but appeared to have less impact on anxiety. Three of the six studies measuring depression outcomes showed statistically significant decreases in depression. Three of three studies measuring mental health QOL, and three of three studies measuring stress also demonstrated statistically significant improvement. Two of two studies measuring anxiety did not show statistically significant change. CBT is a promising therapy for WLHA. CBT may reduce psychological distress, improving symptoms of depression, stress and QOL. There is a need for additional, better standardized studies that examine CBT for WLHA.
Academic factors in medical recruitment: evidence to support improvements in medical recruitment and retention by improving the academic content in medical posts
Authors: Rees Michael Ralph , Bracewell Martyn
Published: June 2019

There is a major problem with medical recruitment and retention in the UK. The 2018 General Medical Council (GMC) report ‘The state of medical education and practice in the UK’ has indicated that a high proportion of doctors are thinking of either giving up medical practice or reducing their hours in the next 3 years. If this trend continues the shortage of doctors in the UK will increase despite a modest increase in the supply of doctors.

This paper investigates the evidence that increasing the academic component of medical posts may help retain doctors in practice by providing experience and support in an area of medical practice, which appears to fulfil a significant number of doctors’ aspirations. The paper shows that this aspect of medical practice is poorly represented in medical workforce strategic thinking and should be considered as an integral aspect of policy and practice in medical workforce delivery.
Predictors of remission in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis receiving open-label adalimumab in the ABILITY-3 study
Authors: Sieper Joachim , Landewé Robert , Magrey Marina , Anderson Jaclyn K , Zhong Sheng , Wang Xin , Lertratanakul Apinya
Published: June 2019

Background

This analysis assessed baseline predictors of remission in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) who received open-label adalimumab therapy.

Methods

ABILITY-3 enrolled 673 adult patients with nr-axSpA who had objective evidence of inflammation by MRI or elevated high-sensitivity C reactive protein at screening, active disease and an inadequate response to two or more non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Patients received adalimumab 40 mg every other week during a 28-week open-label lead-in period. Clinical remission was defined as Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score inactive disease (ASDAS ID; score <1.3) and Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society partial remission (ASAS PR; score <2/10 in each of the four ASAS domains). Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify baseline predictors of remission at week 12 and at final visit (last postbaseline visit up to week 28). Only patients without missing data were included.

Results

Overall, 593 patients were included in the ASDAS ID and 596 in the ASAS PR analysis at week 12. Younger age (≤45 years), male sex, positive human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and higher Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI sacroiliac joint score were consistent predictors of remission by both ASAS ID and ASDAS PR at week 12. Results were generally similar in the final visit analysis. Other variables did not consistently predict remission.

Conclusions

In ABILITY-3, consistent and strong baseline predictors of remission included younger age, male sex, HLA-B27 positivity and higher SPARCC MRI sacroiliac joint score among patients with active nr-axSpA receiving adalimumab therapy, similar to previous findings in ankylosing spondylitis.
Otolith growth and zone formation during first maturity and spawning of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Irgens Christian , Folkvord Arild , Otterå Håkon , Kjesbu Olav S.
Published: June 2019

Specific impacts of somatic growth, sexual maturation, and spawning events on otolith zone formation in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were assessed in a 33-month tank experiment, using Barents Sea cod and Norwegian coastal cod. High and low feeding ration combinations were used to mimic environmental stressors in the field. For both stocks, apparent macrostructural “spawning zones” in otoliths are registered in statutory stock monitoring programs to estimate age at maturity, thus adding key information to stock biomass assessments. We found that substantial energy investments in reproduction caused reductions in otolith growth and altered proportional width between translucent and opaque zones. These effects, however, were only statistically significant among individuals with high reproductive investments, while otoliths from individuals with low investments did not differ from the otoliths for immatures. Reproduction may thus not necessarily induce spawning zones, and alternatively, spawning zones may not necessarily reflect reproduction. Altogether, this suggests that the individual energy level, as a premise for metabolic activity, plays a key role in the formation of such zones and thus is related to environmental conditions.
Methods comparison biases due to differing uncertainties and data censoring
Authors: Sadler William A
Published: June 2019

Background

Measurements on clinical specimens that contain no analyte, or very low amounts of analyte, unavoidably generate assay response (signal) measurements that fall on the ‘negative’ side of the fitted zero response. It is virtually universal practice to left-censor such measurements to zero and this is frequently extended by left-censoring to the assay limit of detection (LoD) value for reporting purposes. This study considers the effect of censoring on methods comparison analysis.

Methods

Paired results were randomly generated from two hypothetical assays with zero bias, firstly assuming equal uncertainty near zero and secondly with uncertainties that differed by a moderate 50% near zero. In both cases results were left-censored to zero and to LoD and further subsets were extracted representing partial and complete removal of censored results. All data sets were subjected to overall bias evaluation and Bland–Altman and Deming regression analyses.

Results

The combination of differing uncertainties and data censoring produced spurious biases by both Bland–Altman and regression analysis, regardless of whether censored results were retained or discarded. Biases were small for data left-censored to zero but were non-trivial with LoD-censoring. Imposing a lower limit aimed at eliminating the influence of censored results did not resolve the problem.

Conclusions

When high proportion of clinical results are located near zero, caution is required when using censored data (and especially LoD-censored data) in methods comparison studies. Optional access to negative results would rectify the problem, but requires the cooperation of manufacturers.
The structure and pressure characteristics of graduated compression stockings: experimental and numerical study
Authors: Zhang Luolan , Sun Guangwu , Li Jiecong , Chen Yu , Chen Xiaona , Gao Weihong , Hu Wenfeng
Published: June 2019

The incorporation of pressure levels and pressure gradients in the design of compression stockings offers excellent potential to enhance function in the sport science, clinical research and rehabilitation fields. Yet, the connection of processing parameters and structure accompanying the pressure characteristic of current graduated compression stockings (GCS) is not well quantitatively studied. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study aims to analyze the effects of processing parameters, such as elastane yarn count, loop length and elastane feeding tension, on the structure and pressure behavior of GCS in our work. In addition, to investigate the mechanism of the pressure characteristic, two numerical models, the cylinder model and the conical model, are employed to predict the pressure value and the pressure gradient of stockings. The experimental results of the statistical analysis indicate that the loop length is a key factor to control the wale density, length of stockings and final pressure values. Moreover, the elastane feeding tension could affect the course density, girth of stockings and pressure gradient. On the other hand, the numerical results reveal that the conical model is suited for predicting the pressure values because of the change in radius of the limb in the model. The entire experimental and numerical work provide the mechanism for the study basis of processing, structure and pressure characteristics of GCS.
Perspectives on textile cleanliness – detecting human sebum residues on worn clothing
Authors: Krifa Mourad , Rajaganesh Shamini , Fahy William
Published: June 2019

Human sebum is one of the major constituents of oily organic soils found in worn clothing. While there are methods to evaluate visible aspects of fabric cleanliness, such as stains, there is no objective method to detect skin oils transferred to the garment through contact with the human body. This research aims at establishing the feasibility of using ozone decay rates in the presence of soiled fabric samples as a metric for measuring the amount of sebum. Our central hypothesis is based on the fact that ozone is highly reactive with some of the primary compounds found in skin lipids originating from sebaceous gland secretions. Ozone decay experiments were conducted in the presence of fabric samples contaminated with known amounts of sebum and modeled using the exponential decay function. The results obtained exhibited a significant relationship between the soil add-on and the ozone decay rates. The presence of skin lipids on fabric accelerated ozone decay. It appears feasible based on our results to detect the presence of soils on garments and thus assess cleanliness using the variation of ozone decay rates.
Land developers as institutional and postpolitical actors: Sites of power in land use policy and planning
Authors: Leffers Donald , Wekerle Gerda R
Published: June 2019

Land developers play an active role as institutional actors that shape the development and governance of urban regions. In this paper, we find that developers not only influence state institutions governing land use, they are place-based actors whose influence is normalized as invited strategic stakeholders in planning exercises. Our analysis highlights the complementarity of institutional and postpolitical theories in offering a nuanced understanding of the multi-faceted and multi-scalar relationships among powerful actors engaged in land development processes. Postpolitical theories highlight the participatory processes of inclusion and exclusion in collaborative-based planning exercises that privilege certain stakeholders and exclude others. Through the lens of institutionalist theory, we move beyond specific land conflicts to focus on the day-to-day interactions and institutionalized roles of key actors, ideas and political influences in shaping contested land policy and outcomes. The analysis is based on multi-year research projects that drew upon interviews, observation and document analysis of key actors’ engagement in initiatives to formulate and implement growth management policies in the Toronto region.
Influence of nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms on sleep quality in people living with HIV
Authors: Nogueira Luciana Fidalgo Ramos , da Fonseca Thais Carvalho , Paterlini Patrick Herman , Duarte Adriana de Sousa , Pellegrino Pollyanna , Barros Claudia Renata dos Santos , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro , Marqueze Elaine Cristina
Published: June 2019

Sleep problems are frequent among people living with HIV (PLWH). Recent studies have found that inadequate nutritional status and presence of gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with sleep problems. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms on sleep quality in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). A cross-sectional study evaluating the influence of nutritional and gastrointestinal aspects on the quality of sleep in 307 PLWH (age ≥18 years) receiving ART seen at the Specialized Care Service of Santos (SP, Brazil) was carried out. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), body mass index and three questions from the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) were used. Generalized linear models adjusted for gender, age, time in use of antiretrovirals, viral load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio were built. Results showed that body mass index did not affect sleep quality. However, the interaction between poor appetite and not having poor digestion and uncomfortable feelings in the stomach negatively influenced sleep quality. The interaction of the three symptoms evaluated also affected sleep quality. Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with reduced sleep quality, but there was no influence of BMI. Although the etiology of this relationship is unclear, there seems to be an important association between sleep quality, immune function and gastrointestinal disorders.
Modeling and experiments of cavitation on a pocket-textured surface
Authors: Mao Yang , Yin Zhongwei
Published: June 2019

A two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model was developed and an experiment was performed to investigate the role of pocket texture on fully lubricated motion with the cavitation effect. This paper discusses the cavitated simulation models and experiments to describe texture cavitation to solve the lubricating properties of the textured friction pair. The effects of velocity and texture scale on the support force and friction coefficient are discussed. It was found that the results of the two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model with cavitation are nearly consistent with the experimental results; the hydrodynamic pressure decreased and the sliding speed dropped, and the effect of pressure became highly pronounced with ideal texture size. In addition, the simulation solution can show the internal flow field, and extend the solutions to large-scale textures and multiple textures. Meanwhile, appropriate texture parameters can optimize the friction coefficient and support force. The texture depth ratio plays a more important role on the value of the support force, and the width ratio has a greater influence on the friction coefficient.
Ontology, belief and the politics of sanction: An application of Badiou’s Theory of the Event
Authors: McGill Kenneth
Published: June 2019

In this article, I apply Alain Badiou's theory of the event to make sense of the beliefs of an anti-sanction activist in Germany. Sanctions are deductions to unemployment benefits imposed by jobs counselors on their unemployed clients. Ethnographic research with Renate shows how her beliefs about the welfare state and her own personal life are examined by her as conditions for the abolition of sanctions in Germany, which is considered here as an event within Badiou’s ontological framework.
Death by benevolence: third world girls and the contemporary politics of humanitarianism
Authors: Khoja-Moolji Shenila
Published: June 2019

The bodies of non-White girls are hyper-visible in humanitarian discourses. This article engages in theoretical reflections around the articulation of Whiteness through the body of the third world girl. I curate and examine an archive of texts and visuals from menstrual hygiene and female genital mutilation (FGM) awareness campaigns to show how the figure of the third world girl is materialised simultaneously as deserving of care/protection and as a contaminant/imperfection. These apparently contradictory registers of legibility are possible due to the reiteration of the non-White female body as ontologically dirty, incomplete and an imperfect representation of full humanity. The third world girl then is the constitutive outside of Whiteness, and her production as such conjoins humanitarian protection codes with penalising political regimes. The latter is reflected by new border patrolling initiatives in the US and UK, launched specifically to identify victims of FGM. Such exercises of state power craft racialised bodies for constant interrogation, prodding and, ultimately, ejection. These bodies then become the loci of benevolent necropower and experience slow social death.
Juggling to survive: Master of Science postgraduate nursing students’ experiences of studying far from home
Authors: Markey Kathleen , O’Brien Brid , Graham Margaret M , O’Donnell Claire
Published: June 2019

Background

Globally, government and higher education institutions are expected to increase international student numbers. Programme development, marketing international collaboration and management has been the focus of strategy roll out.

Aims

This study aimed to explore international student experiences while undertaking Master of Science postgraduate education far from home.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Following ethical approval, 11 students studying on a Master of Science Nursing postgraduate programme in one health education institute in Ireland volunteered to participate. Students were of Asian origin and mixed gender and the average age was 27. Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews and data analysis followed Burnard’s thematic framework.

Results

The data provide evidence of the complexities and challenges experienced when studying on a Master of Science postgraduate nursing programme. Students described a process of juggling to survive and succeed. Three overarching categories emerged: differing realities, working through, and learning new ways.

Conclusions

This study adds to international debate regarding structures and processes supporting international nurse education. In meeting ethnic and culturally-diverse student learning needs, consideration of learning and teaching approaches is warranted. For globalisation in nurse education to prosper, investment needs to move from focusing on recruitment towards structures and processes to nurture intercultural learning.
Art in debrief: a small-scale three-step narrative inquiry into the use of art to facilitate emotional debriefing for undergraduate nurses
Authors: Kinsella Frost Carol
Published: June 2019

Background

The context of the research was in a setting where undergraduate nursing students spend 50% of their programme in clinical practice and 50% in a higher education institute. Research participants were undertaking the adult branch of nursing education.

Aims

• To explore emotional debriefing in relation to nursing practice. • To highlight the emotional concerns of the research participants regarding clinical placement. • To gain an insight into the use of art/creativity in emotional debriefing.

Methods

Narrative inquiry was used to gain an insight into, and a deeper understanding of, how undergraduate nurses feel about their clinical placement experiences. The research was carried out in three stages: the art intervention, a diary account of the art intervention, and a follow-up face-to-face discussion between each participant and the researcher.

Results

The findings suggest the intervention helped the participants to articulate and process their emotions. All participants acknowledged the importance of the three-step approach, with follow-up to the art intervention.

Conclusions

This research project has highlighted the potential value of a creative approach to emotional debriefing. A wider inclusion of the arts could be explored. Facilitation of emotional debriefing may help build resilience in undergraduate nurses. There is growing recognition for the need to foster resilience in undergraduate nursing student programmes.
Shared learning from national to international contexts: a research and innovation collaboration to enhance education for patient safety
Authors: Steven Alison , Tella Susanna , Turunen Hannele , Flores Vizcaya-Moreno M , Pérez-Cañaveras Rosa M , Porras Jari , Bagnasco Annamaria , Sasso Loredana , Myhre Kristin , Sara-aho Arja , Ringstad Øystein , Pearson Pauline
Published: June 2019

Background

Patient safety is key for healthcare across the world and education is critical in improving practice. We drew on existing links to develop the Shared LearnIng from Practice to improve Patient Safety (SLIPPS) group. The group incorporates expertise in education, research, healthcare, healthcare organisation and computing from Norway, Spain, Italy, the UK and Finland. In 2016 we received co-funding from the Erasmus + programme of the European Union for a 3-year project.

Aim

SLIPPS aims to develop a tool to gather learning events related to patient safety from students in each country, and to use these both for further research to understand practice, and to develop educational activities (virtual seminars, simulation scenarios and a game premise).

Study outline

The SLIPPS project is well underway. It is underpinned by three main theoretical bodies of work: the notion of diverse knowledge contexts existing in academia, practice and at an organisational level; the theory of reflective practice; and experiential learning theory. The project is based on recognition of the unique position of students as they navigate between contexts, experience and reflect on important learning events related to patient safety. To date, we have undertaken the development of the SLIPPS Learning Event Recording Tool (SLERT) and have begun to gather event descriptions and reflections.

Conclusions

Key to the ongoing success of SLIPPS are relationships and reciprocal openness to view things from diverse perspectives and cultures.
Service user involvement in teaching and learning: student nurse perspectives
Authors: Kuti Bimpe , Houghton Trish
Published: June 2019

Background

Service user involvement in educating healthcare professionals in higher education can help student nurses develop a compassionate approach to care practice. This article explains one university’s initiative, the Patient as Coach Team (PaCT), and presents evaluation results from phase 1. The PaCT strategy involved a service user-led session with student nurses, in small groups, sharing experiences of care from a service user perspective.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate nursing students’ views of the PaCT session, involving service users in their teaching and learning.

Design

Survey.

Method

Structured questionnaires with a free-text box were completed by student nurses ( n = 321). Structured question responses were analysed manually and free-text data thematically. Data collection took place from June 2016 to June 2017.

Results

There were very positive responses to the survey questions, with students perceiving a positive impact on their learning. Five themes emerged from the students’ free-text responses: ‘Usefulness of the session’, ‘Seeing patients’ perspectives’, ‘Inspiring and motivating session’, ‘Good discussions with patient coach’ and ‘Overall views about the PaCT session’.

Conclusion

The PaCT session provides a valid learning strategy, utilising coaching as a technique to enable student nurses to learn from service users’ experiences and perspectives of care. In addition, it contributes to students’ reflective practice about their individual professional practice in care settings.
The association between self‐reported poor oral health and gastrointestinal cancer risk in the UK Biobank: A large prospective cohort study
Authors: Jordão Haydée WT , McKenna Gerry , McMenamin Úna C , Kunzmann Andrew T , Murray Liam J , Coleman Helen G
Published: June 2019

Background

Controversy remains as to whether poor oral health is independently associated with gastrointestinal cancers, due to potential confounding by smoking, alcohol and poor nutrition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between oral health conditions and gastrointestinal cancer risk.

Methods

Data from the large, prospective UK Biobank cohort, which includes n = 475,766 participants, were analysed. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the relationship between gastrointestinal cancer risk and self‐reported poor oral health (defined as painful gums, bleeding gums and/or having loose teeth), adjusting for confounders.

Results

During an average six years of follow‐up, n = 4069 gastrointestinal cancer cases were detected, of which 13% self‐reported poor oral health. Overall, there was no association between self‐reported poor oral health and risk of gastrointestinal cancer detected (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.88–1.07). In site‐specific analysis, an increased risk of hepatobiliary cancers was observed in those with self‐reported poor oral health (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.95–1.80), which was stronger for hepatocellular carcinoma (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.92).

Conclusion

Overall there was no association between self‐reported poor oral health and gastrointestinal cancer risk. However, there was a suggestion of an increased risk of hepatobiliary cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma.
“Welcome to the Heart of the City”: Mappings of London in Early City Comedies
Authors: Frenk Joachim
Published: June 2019

This essay looks at the ways in which the evolving early modern urban space of London was re-presented to early modern Londoners. It focuses on aspects of how the sprawling city was culturally and literally mapped out in theatrical and other performances. It discusses in particular Thomas Middleton’s A Chaste Maid in Cheapside and Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist as plays that commented respectively on the Cheapside as a luxury market and on Blackfriars as an up-and-coming quarter boasting a new and successful theatrical venue. The area between the city and Westminster is also discussed, as is the spatial particularity of Windsor described and performed in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and in contemporary chorography.