bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐resident innate immunity in the lung
Authors: Ardain Amanda , Marakalala Mohlopheni J. , Leslie Alasdair
Published: October 2019

The lung is a unique organ that must protect against inhaled pathogens and toxins, without mounting a disproportionate response against harmless particulate matter and without compromising its vital function. Tissue‐resident immune cells within the lung provide local immunity and protection from infection but are also responsible for causing disease when dysregulated. There is a growing appreciation of the importance of tissue‐resident memory T cells to lung immunity, but non‐recirculating, tissue‐resident, innate immune cells also exist. These cells provide the first line of defence against pulmonary infection and are essential for co‐ordinating the subsequent adaptive response. In this review, we discuss the main lung‐resident innate immune subsets and their functions in common pulmonary diseases, such as influenza, bacterial pneumonia, asthma and inflammatory disorders.
The role of Toll‐like receptor 10 in modulation of trained immunity
Authors: Mourits Vera P. , Arts Rob J.W. , Novakovic Boris , Matzaraki Vasiliki , de Bree L. Charlotte J. , Koeken Valerie A.C.M. , Moorlag Simone J.C.F.M. , van Puffelen Jelmer H. , Groh Laszlo , van der Heijden Charlotte D.C.C. , Keating Sam T. , Netea Mihai G. , Oosting Marije , Joosten Leo A.B.
Published: October 2019

Toll‐like receptor 10 (TLR10) is the only member of the human Toll‐like receptor family with an inhibitory function on the induction of innate immune responses and inflammation. However, its role in the modulation of trained immunity (innate immune memory) is unknown. In the present study, we assessed whether TLR10 modulates the induction of trained immunity induced by β‐glucan or bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG). Interleukin 10 receptor antagonist production was increased upon activation of TLR10 ex vivo after BCG vaccination, and TLR10 protein expression on monocytes was increased after BCG vaccination, whereas anti‐TLR10 antibodies did not significantly modulate β‐glucan or BCG‐induced trained immunity in vitro. A known immunomodulatory TLR10 missense single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs11096957) influenced trained immunity responses by β‐glucan or BCG in vitro. However, the in vivo induction of trained immunity by BCG vaccination was not influenced by TLR10 polymorphisms. In conclusion, TLR10 has a limited, non‐essential impact on the induction of trained immunity in humans.
Wound closure by means of free flap and arteriovenous loop: Development of flap autonomy in the long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Rother Ulrich , Müller‐Mohnssen Helena , Lang Werner , Ludolph Ingo , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Regus Susanne , Meyer Alexander
Published: October 2019

Free flaps in combination with arterial reconstruction by means of arteriovenous loops or bypass have, meanwhile, been established as a therapeutic option in defect reconstruction for areas without recipient vessels. Our aim was to analyse the long‐term performance, flap autonomy, and the flap perfusion. Patients receiving this combined reconstruction at a single‐centre institution were included. During follow‐up examination, the patency of arterial reconstruction was investigated by duplex ultrasound. Flap micro‐circulation was assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry and white light tissue spectrometry (O2C) as well as by indocyanine green fluorescence angiography. Twenty‐three patients could be clinically followed up. Duplex ultrasound showed, in four cases, arterial pedicle occlusion in spite of vital flap. Comparison of the O2C perfusion parameters between flaps with occluded pedicles and those with intact inflow showed no significant difference (parameters sO2: P = .82; Flow: P = .31). Similar results were obtained by fluorescence angiography; no significant difference could be detected between both groups (parameters Ingress P = .13; Ingressrate P = .54). Combined vascular reconstruction with free tissue transfer is associated with a good long‐term outcome and wound closure. Even after flap transplantation to areas with critical tissue perfusion, the flap can develop autonomy and thus survive after pedicle occlusion.
Designing effective professional development for technology integration in schools
Authors: Yurtseven Avci Zeynep , O'Dwyer Laura M. , Lawson Jordan
Published: October 2019

This study aims to explore the critical factors for effective professional development (PD) activities to support teachers' technology integration and suggests a design model: flipped PD. The following questions are investigated: What are the core features of effective teacher PD, what are the implications of core features in effective technology integration PD, and what are the best practices for designing a flipped PD model for preparing teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms? First, we discuss the core features of effective teacher PD: content focus, active learning, coherence, duration, collective participation, and the role of context. Second, we explore design factors in recent technology integration PD studies: learner centred, relevance and reflection, evidence of student learning, support and follow‐up, student voice, and initial implementation with teacher leaders. Finally, we present a discussion of our recommendations for a flipped model for technology integration PD.
Different effects of additional ganglion plexus ablation on catheter and surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systemic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Fangbing , Zhao Shuyan , Wu Wenchao , Xie Zhuxinyue , Guo Qiuzhe
Published: October 2019

The effect of ganglion plexus (GP) ablation in addition to pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) remained controversial between the catheter and surgical‐based studies. Eleven studies (five randomized controlled trials and six nonrandomized studies) of 1750 patients were included in a meta‐analysis to elucidate the incremental benefit of additional GP ablation in patients undergoing catheter or surgical ablation. Risk ratios were calculated for freedom from AF or AT recurrence after a single procedure. Additional GP ablation was associated with a better rhythm outcome for patients undergone catheter ablation but did not seem to increase freedom from AF/AT for surgical patients. Both paroxysmal and non‐paroxysmal AF showed a positive outcome comparing additional GP ablation with PVI alone.
Knockdown of long non‐coding RNA LINC00176 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by BCL3‐mediated down‐regulation of ceruloplasmin
Authors: Dai Lan , Niu Jixiang , Feng Yanli
Published: October 2019

Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy among women with some clinically approved diagnostic coding gene biomarkers. However, long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been indicated to play an important role in controlling tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer. Hereby, the aim of the study was to uncover the function of lncRNA LINC00176 in the development and progression of ovarian cancer by regulating ceruloplasmin (CP). Bioinformatics prediction in combination with RT‐qPCR analysis for the expression pattern of LINC00176 revealed that LINC00176 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer tissues as well as in ovarian cancer cell lines, respectively. LINC00176 was predominantly localized in the nucleus. Delivery of si‐LINC00176, oe‐LINC00176, si‐BCL3 and si‐CP plasmids was conducted to explore the effects of LINC00176 on ovarian cancer. Promoted proliferation, migration and invasion along with reduced apoptosis were observed in cells treated with oe‐LINC00176, while si‐BCL3 and si‐CP were able to block the promoting effects. Investigations with regard to the correlation between LINC00176 and promoter region of CP turned out to be positive via B‐cell CLL/lymphoma 3 (BCL3) by means of dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, ChIP and RIP assays. Furthermore, oncogenic properties of the LINC00176/BCL3/CP axis were also demonstrated by tumour formation in vivo generated upon injecting cells in nude mice. Our results demonstrate that restored LINC00176 initiates tumorigenesis in ovarian cancer by increasing CP expression via recruiting BCL3, the mechanism of which represented a potential and promising therapeutic target for the disease.
Examining effects of parent warmth and control on internalizing behavior clusters from age 8 to 12 in 12 cultural groups in nine countries
Authors: Rothenberg W. Andrew , Lansford Jennifer E. , Al‐Hassan Suha M. , Bacchini Dario , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater‐Deckard Kirby , Di Giunta Laura , Dodge Kenneth A. , Malone Patrick S. , Oburu Paul , Pastorelli Concetta , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Steinberg Laurence , Tapanya Sombat , Maria Uribe Tirado Liliana , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean , Peña Alampay Liane
Published: October 2019

Background

Studies of U.S. and European samples demonstrate that parental warmth and behavioral control predict child internalizing behaviors and vice versa. However, these patterns have not been researched in other cultures. This study investigates associations between parent warmth and control and three child‐reported internalizing behavior clusters to examine this question.

Methods

Data from 12 cultural groups in 9 countries were used to investigate prospective bidirectional associations between parental warmth and control, and three child‐reported internalizing behavior types: withdrawn/depressed, anxious/depressed, and somatic problems. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling was used to analyze associations in children followed from ages 8 to 12.

Results

Parent warmth and control effects were most pervasive on child‐reported withdrawn/depressed problems, somewhat pervasive on anxious/depressed problems and least pervasive on somatic problems. Additionally, parental warmth, as opposed to control, was more consistently associated with child‐reported internalizing problems across behavior clusters. Child internalizing behavior effects on parental warmth and control appeared ubiquitously across cultures, and behaviors, but were limited to ages 8–10. Most effects were pancultural, but culture‐specific effects emerged at ages 9–10 involving the associations between parent warmth and withdrawn/depressed and somatic behaviors.

Conclusions

Effects of parent warmth and control appear stronger on some types of child‐reported internalizing behaviors. Associations are especially strong with regard to parental warmth across cultures, and culture‐specific effects may be accounted for by cultural normativeness of parent warmth and child‐reported somatic symptoms. Child internalizing behavior effects on subsequent parenting are common across cultures.
Identification of tea varieties by mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy coupled with a possibilistic fuzzy c‐means clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Zhou Jing , Wu Bin , Sun Jun , Dai Chunxia
Published: October 2019

Mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used to rapidly and nondestructively identify tea varieties together with the proposed possibilistic fuzzy c‐means (PFCM) clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix. The mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectra of 96 tea samples with three different varieties (Emeishan Maofeng, Level 1, and Level 6 Leshan trimeresurus) were acquired using the FTIR‐7600 infrared spectrometer. First, multiplicative scatter correction was implemented to pretreat the spectral data. Second, principal component analysis was employed to compress the mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectral data after preprocessing. Third, linear discriminant analysis was utilized for extracting the identification information required by the fuzzy clustering algorithms. Ultimately, the fuzzy c‐means (FCM) clustering, the allied fuzzy c‐means (AFCM) clustering, the PFCM clustering, and the PFCM clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix were used to cluster the processed spectral data, respectively. The highest identification accuracy of the PFCM clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix reached at 100% compared with those of FCM (96.7%), AFCM (94.9%), PFCM (96.3%), and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS‐DA) algorithm (33.3%). It is sufficiently demonstrated that the mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy coupled with the PFCM clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix was a valid method for identifying tea varieties.

Practical applications

The variety of tea is vitally important to evaluate tea quality in the tea market. Mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is deemed to be a convenient, rapid, accurate, and nondestructive detection technology in comparison with the traditional methods. In this article, the proposed PFCM clustering with a fuzzy covariance matrix coupled with mid‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy can be used to determine tea varieties quickly and correctly. The experimental results indicate the application potential in tea quality examination and fake tea products discrimination.
Visualization of intervertebral disc degeneration in a cadaveric human lumbar spine using microcomputed tomography
Authors: Senck Sascha , Trieb Klemens , Kastner Johann , Hofstaetter Stefan G. , Lugmayr Herbert , Windisch Gunther
Published: October 2019

Gross features of disc degeneration (DD) that are associated with back pain include tears in the anulus fibrosus, structural changes of the endplates, and a collapse of the anulus. The aim of this study is the detailed visualization and microstructural characterization of DD using microcomputed tomography (μCT) and a dedicated image post‐processing pipeline. In detail, we investigate a cadaveric spine that shows both types of DD between L1 and L2 and between L2 and L3, respectively. The lumbar spine was obtained from a male donor aged 74 years. The complete specimen was scanned using μCT with an isometric voxel size of 93 μm. Subsequently, regions of interest (ROI) were prepared featuring each complete intervertebral disc including the adjacent endplates. ROIs were then additionally scanned with a voxel size of 35 μm and by means of magnetic resonance imaging. The collapsed endplate of the superior L2 showed explicit signs of an endplate‐driven degeneration, including bony endplate failures. In contrast, the intervertebral disc between L2 and L3 showed indications of an annulus‐driven DD including severe disc height loss and concentric tears. Using μCT we were able to visualize and quantify bone and cartilage features in DD. We showed that in both cases a suite of structural changes accompanies cartilage degeneration, including microstructural bony adaptions to counteract changes in the biomechanical loading regimen.
Parental Anger and Trajectories of Emotional Well‐Being from Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Authors: Plickert Gabriele , Pals Heili
Published: October 2019

This study assesses the relationship of parental anger on children’s anger and self‐derogation from adolescence to young adulthood. We examine a life‐course perspective and incorporate theories of emotion regulation and self‐referent behavior. Using structural equation models and hierarchical growth curve models with the Kaplan Longitudinal and Multigenerational data, the results indicate that parental anger leads to anger in adolescence, supporting theories of learning through modeling in adolescence. In young adulthood, as predicted by self‐referent behavior theory, parental anger contributes to increases in self‐derogation. Interestingly, maternal anger, but not paternal anger, is correlated with child’s anger and self‐derogation.
When the light shines too much: Rational inattention and pandering
Authors: Trombetta Federico
Published: October 2019

Should voters always pay attention to politics? I explore the role of endogenous costly attention allocation in politics, combining insights from the growing literature on rational inattention with a standard model of political agency. I show that when attention to the action of the politician is endogenous, voters may choose to pay too much attention in equilibrium, and this induces too much political pandering. Moreover when attention to the action and to the state of the world are both endogenous, voters may not pay enough attention the state with respect to the ex ante optimum. A reduction in the total cost of attention does not correct this inefficiency and can even reduce welfare. This model can be a demand‐driven explanation of the under‐provision of analytical contents by news channels.
Trends in non‐traumatic dental emergency department use in New York and New Jersey: a look at Medicaid expansion from both sides of the Hudson River
Authors: Laniado Nadia , Brow Avery R. , Tranby Eric , Badner Victor M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Medicaid expansion on non‐traumatic dental condition (NTDC) emergency department visits in New York (NY) and New Jersey (NJ).

Methods

The 2010–2014 State Emergency Department Databases for NY and NJ were analyzed. NTDCs were defined as ICD‐9‐CM codes 520.0–529.9. Primary payers for ED discharges and patient's race were considered.

Results

In NY, from 2010 to 2011, there was a 51 percent decrease in private insurance and a 91 percent increase in Medicaid for NTDCs. In NJ, with the 2014 expansion, NTDCs fell 35 percent for uninsured and rose 57 percent for Medicaid. Black individuals have by far the highest population rates of NTDC ED visits, particularly in NJ.

Conclusions

The experiences in NY and NJ suggest that the timing of expansion had significant effects on payer distribution for NTDCs. Racial disparities continue exist with black individuals disproportionately accessing EDs for NTDCs.
Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of rumen transfaunation
Authors: Steiner Simone , Linhart Nina , Neidl Anita , Baumgartner Walter , Tichy Alexander , Wittek Thomas
Published: October 2019

Transfaunation is supposed to stimulate normal rumen function and has been used as an ancillary treatment for indigestion. Although it is widely recommended, there are little research data on the efficacy and the necessary volume.

The objective of the prospective clinical trial was the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of two different transfaunation volumes which can be obtained under practical conditions.

Forty‐five cattle suffering from indigestion were included in the study. A scoring system for the classification of rumen fluid was used. Scores were given in accordance with the importance of the parameter as an indication of microbial dysfunction. Animals with disturbed rumen fluid composition and activity were randomly assigned into 3 groups. Group 1 received 1 L of rumen fluid, group 2 received 5 L of rumen fluid and group 3 (control group) received 5 L of body temperature water. Rumen fluid analysis was repeated on days 1 and 4 after transfaunation. The feed intake of the animals was recorded.

After the transfaunation of 1 L and 5 L, the rumen fluid score improved significantly from day 0 to days 1 and 4. Rumen fluid samples in the control group showed no significant improvement from day 0 to day 1.

No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups. But significant differences between the improvement of group 1 and the control group on days 1 and 4 and significant differences between group 2 and the control group on day 1 were detected. Small volumes of rumen fluid are easily obtainable by stomach tubes fitted with suction pumps. In summary, the transfaunation of as little as 1 L of rumen fluid caused significant improvement in the activity of rumen flora in cows suffering from indigestion.
Personal characteristics, coping strategies, and resilience impact on compassion fatigue in critical care nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alharbi Jalal , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim
Published: October 2019

Compassion fatigue is known to impact the well‐being of nurses and patient safety outcomes. Currently, there is limited academic understanding of the role of demographic factors in contributing to compassion fatigue in critical care nurses. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse demographic characteristics and the development of compassion fatigue, as indicated by level of burnout and compassion satisfaction in critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia. The cross‐sectional study design included administering three surveys to critical care nurses (n = 321) in four Saudi public hospitals to examine the nurse demographic variables in relation to compassion fatigue, the compassion fatigue coping strategies of nurses, and nurse resilience. The results show both demographic and workplace structural elements, such as length of work shift, education level, and nationality, were all significant factors in resilience to compassion fatigue among Saudi critical care nurses, whereas factors of age and sex were not significant. This study concludes that the demographic characteristics of critical care nurses enable the identification of levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction, and their resilience to the effects of compassion fatigue.
Elk Heads at Sea: Maritime Hunters and Long‐Distance Boat Journeys in Late Stone Age Fennoscandia
Authors: Schulz Paulsson Bettina , Isendahl Christian , Frykman Markurth Fredrik
Published: October 2019

Tumlehed is the most well‐preserved and complex prehistoric rock painting in the coastal region of south‐west Sweden. Originally reported and described in 1974, we re‐documented the panel using digital and IR photography, DStretch image enhancement software, and non‐destructive PXRF spectroscopy. This re‐documentation revealed a more complex image inventory with several previously unknown motifs and image details. The new data provide a better basis for identifying motif categories, the organization of the panel, the chronological sequence, and different frequentation periods. We report on the only known boats with an elk‐head stem in southern and western Scandinavian rock art, the emergence of rock art boat depictions in the region, and evidence for long‐distance maritime journeys and sea‐mammal hunting in the later Stone Age. Comparisons to similar images with shoreline data in Fennoscandia narrow the time range for the date of the painting to 4200–2500 BC.
Complete resolution of primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma on the cheek of a 7‐year‐old boy with intralesional triamcinolone and tincture of time
Authors: Skaljic Meliha , Cotton Colleen H. , Reilly Anne F. , Pillai Vinodh , Perman Marissa J.
Published: October 2019

A 7‐year‐old healthy boy presented with an asymptomatic smooth, firm red plaque on the cheek. Histopathology, immunostaining, molecular testing and imaging confirmed a diagnosis of a primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma. The lesion was treated with intralesional triamcinolone, with complete clinical resolution achieved within one year. Intralesional steroid injection is an effective first‐line modality for the treatment of patients with limited disease in cosmetically sensitive areas.
Public health champions in the making: An innovative undergraduate nursing pedagogy
Authors: Szajna Amy , Shaffer Kathryn
Published: October 2019

Background

This manuscript describes an innovative approach to public health nursing education. Health care delivery is radically shifting to non‐acute, community‐based settings, warranting a new‐thinking graduate who is comfortable responding to societal trends in health and wellness. Graduates must confidently work to address social determinants of health to improve health outcomes and advance health equity.

Aims

We propose a unique pedagogy designed to prepare baccalaureate nursing students to work effectively in the community setting by developing seminars that address pressing, relevant public health initiatives.

Materials & Methods

We describe our experience integrating community‐based Naloxone, Stop the Bleed, and Mental Health First Aid training to the curriculum. We outline a session designed to inform future health care providers about provision of care to suspected victims of human trafficking.

Results

As a novice program, we have not formally evaluated the described pedagogy for specific outcome measures.

Discussion

We include guidance for implementing a similar program and plans for future evaluation of this unique public health nursing pedagogy.

Conclusions

We are confident that future iterations of this pedagogy will continue to foster robust public health nursing skills among BSN students.
Between Recognition and Mis/Nonrecognition: Strategies of Negotiating and Performing Identities Among White Muslims in the United Kingdom
Authors: Amer Amena
Published: October 2019

This article explores white British Muslim experiences of, and strategic performative responses to, the (mis/non)recognition of their seemingly incompatible religious and ethnic identities. Based on in‐depth interviews (N = 26), it highlights how the different identity categories they hold relate to one another, influencing processes of perceived recognition in interactional contexts. White British Muslims perceive their ethnic and religious identities to be (mis/not) recognized in complex and contradictory ways. Their identities are affirmed, denied, erased, and/or incorrectly ascribed, sometimes simultaneously, by relevant others in different contexts. Performative strategies such as the adoption, maintenance, or removal of identity markers are used consciously and agentically in attempts to take back control over how their identities are (mis/not) recognized. At times deliberate performative acts leading to misrecognition are orchestrated by white Muslims themselves to not only minimize the risk of experiencing possible harm or marginalization but also to transgress and challenge norms. They also assert their multiple identities as a response to (mis/non)recognition and claims of their identities being incompatible, regardless of the repercussions that may result in them being placed at the margins of, or excluded from, their ingroups.
Spatiotemporal variations in salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide in sunflower seeds during transition from dormancy to germination
Authors: Vigliocco Ana , Del Bel Zoé , Pérez‐Chaca María Verónica , Molina Alicia , Zirulnik Fanny , Andrade Andrea María , Alemano Sergio
Published: October 2019

Phytohormones and reactive oxygen species mediate processes such as germination and dormancy. The elucidation of the physiological and biochemical events implicated in the transition from dormancy to germination in different plant species such as sunflower becomes a topic of interest. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal variation of salicylic acid (SA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the activity of two antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT – EC 1.11.1.6 and ascorbate peroxidase – EC 1.11.1.11) in embryonic axis and cotyledons of dry and imbibed seeds of dormant (B123) and non‐dormant (B91) sunflower lines. The results showed that embryonic axis had higher level of SA and H2O2 than cotyledons in both lines. In dry seeds, B123 embryo (embryonic axis + cotyledons) showed a higher SA content than B91. After dry storage at room temperature, SA decreased in B123 embryos to a value close to that registered in B91 embryos. B123 embryonic axis of dry seeds presented higher H2O2 levels than B91. Dry storage led to an increase of H2O2 levels and a decrease of CAT activity in B123 embryonic axis. During imbibition, B123 seeds stored for 33 days displayed an increase in SA level in the embryonic axis (3 h of imbibition) and this lower level correlated with a decrease in H2O2 (6 h of imbibition). Thus, the embryo‐imposed dormancy in B123 dry seeds was associated with high levels of SA and low H2O2, whereas the dormancy release was linked with SA decrease and increase of H2O2 as a consequence of lower CAT activity.
Italian translation and validation of the Perinatal Grief Scale
Authors: Ravaldi Claudia , Bettiol Alessandra , Crescioli Giada , Lombardi Niccolò , Biffino Marco , Romeo Gianpaolo , Levi Miriam , Bonaiuti Roberto , Vannacci Alfredo
Published: October 2019

Aims

The short version of the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) has 33 items of Likert type whose answers vary from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree), and is used to assess the grief after perinatal loss and to identify women at major need of specific support. This is the first attempt to validate an Italian version of PGS.

Materials and methods

The English version of PGS by Potvin et al. was translated into Italian by a professional mother tongue English translator. The survey was administered at 3 different times (translated Italian version; original English version after 10 days; and same Italian version after other 10 days) to 16 Italian/English bilingual women who had experienced a perinatal loss. The reproducibility among the three administrations and concordance were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and Cohen's kappa, respectively.

Results

Considering the PGS, median score ranged from 74.5 (58.5–94.5) to 78 (64–95), with no significant difference among the three questionnaire administrations (p = 0.616). No significant difference emerged among the three administered questionnaires for subscales (p = 0.095, 0.410 and 0.410 for ‘active grief’ AG, ‘difficulty in coping’ DC and ‘despair’ D scores, respectively). Concordance varied from good to very good among all questionnaire administrations.

Conclusions

This Italian version of the PGS can be used by clinicians to assess Italian women's responses to stillbirth and perinatal loss, as well as by researchers for research purposes.
Early integration of palliative care: translation, cross‐cultural adaptation and content validity of the Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool in a Swedish healthcare context
Authors: Pham Lotta , Arnby Maria , Benkel Inger , Dahlqvist Jonsson Patrik , Källstrand Jeanette , Molander Ulla , Ziegert Kristina
Published: October 2019

Background

Timely identification of patients with palliative care needs is a prerequisite for being able to carry out effective and equal palliative care. The Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool (SPICT) identifies patients likely to benefit from a palliative approach.

Aim

The main objective was to describe the translation, cross‐cultural adaptation and content validation process of the SPICT‐SE. In this process, the prefinal SPICT‐SE was tested in focus group interviews to explore how the tool was perceived and interpreted by healthcare professionals in a Swedish healthcare context.

Methods

In this qualitative descriptive study, the translation, cross‐cultural adaptation and content validation process of the SPICT‐SE was based on a recommended method for cross‐cultural adaptation of self‐report measures. The process included two independent forward translations, a synthesis, and one independent back‐translation. An expert committee consolidated all the versions and developed the prefinal version of the SPICT‐SE. The prefinal version of the SPICT‐SE was tested in four focus group interviews with physicians and nurses engaged in inpatient or outpatient care in south‐west Sweden. A thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews was performed. The SPICT‐SE was then revised to the final version.

Results

In the thematic analysis, four themes were constructed that together described how the SPICT‐SE was perceived and interpreted by healthcare professionals: The mindset is familiar and relevant; the tool needs to be adjusted in order to be clearer; the purpose and consequences of the tool are ambiguous; and the tool supports a palliative approach.

Conclusion

The SPICT‐SE has now been successfully translated, culturally adapted and content validated in a Swedish healthcare context.
Partisan Gerrymandering: Weeds in the Political Thicket
Authors: Engstrom Richard L.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To highlight the extent of the partisan gerrymandering problem in the United States.

Methods

Bring both original and secondary sources to bear on the problem of partisan gerrymandering, through the examination of election results under them, and federal and state court reactions to them.

Results

Evidence shows that gerrymandering in seven states accounted for the Republican Party's manufactured majority in the U.S. House of Representatives following the 2012 election, and that it took judicial intervention by courts in some states and the Democratic wave election of 2018 to loosen the grip of those gerrymanders to undo that “spurious” majority.

Conclusion

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 2019 to withdraw federal courts from partisan gerrymandering litigation, just as the district courts were proving themselves able to deal with the issue in a nonpartisan and effective manner, is likely to result in another decade of extensive and excessive gerrymandering in the United States.
Nutritional, clinical and immunological status of children at HIV diagnosis in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Aguilera‐Alonso David , Grasa Carlos , Cervantes Hernández Eloísa , Eyene Bacale Ayeto Manuel , Endje Moliko Adelina , García Belén , Ncogo Ada Policarpo , Rojo Pablo
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the nutritional, clinical and immunological status of children at HIV diagnosis in the continental region of Equatorial Guinea.

Methods

Children <18 years diagnosed with HIV between 2009 and 2017 were included. Clinical, immunological and nutritional data were collected. Weight‐for‐height, weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age Z‐scores were calculated using WHO Child Growth Standards. The population was assessed in two equal periods (2009–2013 and 2014–2017) from the time of diagnosis.

Results

A total of 213 children were diagnosed with HIV (49.3% males), median age 3.8 years (IQR: 1.5–8.2). A total of 121 cases (56.8%) were at WHO clinical stage III, and 53 (24.9%) were at WHO clinical stage IV. CDC immunological stage II was diagnosed in 51/130 (39.2%) and CDC stage III in 44/130 (33.8%). About 56.2% of children were underweight (weight‐for‐age <−2 SD); 20.1% moderately and 36.1% severely so. About 27.6% of children were wasted (weight‐for‐height <−2 SD); 11.9% moderately and 15.7% severely so. About 56.3% of children were stunted (height‐for‐age <−2 SD); 20.7% moderately and 35.6% severely so. The prevalence of wasting was higher in children ≤5 years than in children >5 years (36.4% vs. 19.1%, P = 0.026). In the second period, the prevalence of moderate‐severe immunodeficiency decreased (87.2% to 67.0%, P = 0.018), without significant differences in the other nutritional or clinical data. Severe underweight was a risk factor for moderate‐severe immunodeficiency (aOR: 4 [95% CI: 1.4–11.4], P = 0.010).

Conclusions

We highlight a high proportion of malnutrition at the time of HIV diagnosis in Guinea´s paediatric population. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is a priority, achievable by training Guinea´s physicians to suspect HIV early, introducing HIV molecular diagnostic techniques and ensuring intensive nutritional treatment.
Neuroinflammation in heart failure: new insights for an old disease
Authors: Díaz Hugo S. , Toledo Camilo , Andrade David C. , Marcus Noah J. , Del Rio Rodrigo
Published: October 2019

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome affecting roughly 26 million people worldwide. Increased sympathetic drive is a hallmark of HF and is associated with disease progression and higher mortality risk. Several mechanisms contribute to enhanced sympathetic activity in HF, but these pathways are still incompletely understood. Previous work suggests that inflammation and activation of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) increases sympathetic drive. Importantly, chronic inflammation in several brain regions is commonly observed in aged populations, and a growing body of evidence suggests neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in HF. In animal models of HF, central inhibition of RAS and pro‐inflammatory cytokines normalizes sympathetic drive and improves cardiac function. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to neuroinflammation and its effect on HF progression remain undetermined. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the field of neuroinflammation and autonomic control in HF. In addition, it focuses on cellular and molecular mediators of neuroinflammation in HF and in particular on brain regions involved in sympathetic control. Finally, we will comment on what is known about neuroinflammation in the context of preservedvs. reduced ejection fraction HF.

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Functional coupling between NMDA receptors and SK channels in rat hypothalamic magnocellular neurons: altered mechanisms during heart failure
Authors: Ferreira‐Neto Hildebrando C. , Stern Javier E.
Published: October 2019

Key points

Glutamatergic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) channels are critical synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms, respectively, that regulate the activity of hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (MNNs).

In this work, we investigated whether NMDARs and SK channels in MNNs are functionally coupled, and whether an altered coupling may contribute to exacerbated neuronal activity in this condition.

We report that NMDARs and SK channels form a functional Ca2+‐dependent negative feedback loop that restrains the excitatory effect on membrane potential and firing activity evoked by NMDAR activation.

The negative feedback loop between NMDARs and SK channels was blunted or absent in MNNs of heart failure (HF) rats.

These results help us better understand how synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms regulate hypothalamic neuronal activity, as well as how changes in the interaction among these disparate mechanisms contribute to altered neuronal activity during prevalent neurogenic cardiovascular diseases.

Glutamatergic NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) channels are critical synaptic and intrinsic mechanisms, respectively, that regulate the activity of hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory neurons (MNNs), both under physiological and pathological states, such as lactation and heart failure (HF). However, whether NMDARs and SK channels in MNNs are functionally coupled, and whether changes in this coupling contribute to exacerbated neuronal activity during HF is at present unknown. In the present study, we addressed these questions using patch‐clamp electrophysiology and confocal Ca2+ imaging in a rat model of ischaemic HF. We found that in MNNs of sham rats, blockade of SK channels with apamin (200 nM) significantly increased the magnitude of an NMDAR‐evoked current (INMDA). We also observed that blockade of SK channels potentiated NMDAR‐evoked firing, and abolished spike frequency adaptation in MNNs from sham, but not HF rats. Importantly, a larger INMDA‐ΔCa2+ response was observed under basal conditions in HF compared to sham rats. Finally, we found that dialysing recorded cells with the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA (10 mM) increased the magnitude of INMDA in MNNs from both sham and HF rats, and occluded the effects of apamin in the former. Together our studies demonstrate that in MNNs, NMDARs and SK channels are functionally coupled, forming a local negative feedback loop that restrains the excitatory effect evoked by NMDAR activation. Moreover, our studies also support a blunted NMDAR–SK channel coupling in MNNs of HF rats, establishing it as a pathophysiological mechanism contributing to exacerbated hypothalamic neuronal activity during this prevalent neurogenic cardiovascular disease.
Effects of Slitting Size and Inlet Operating Conditions on Hydrogen Combustion Characteristics in a Micro-Combustor With a Controllable Vortex Slotted Bluff Body
Authors: Yan Yunfei , Shen Kaiming , Cui Yu , He Ziqiang , Zhang Li , Yang Zhongqing , Ran Jingyu
Published: October 2019

Effects of controllable vortex slotted bluff body parameters (position of a bluff body, slit size, and controllable flow ratio) on the combustion characteristics of hydrogen/air in a micro-combustor with a bluff body were investigated numerically. The results illustrated that the combustion efficiency of hydrogen decreases with increasing distance (L1) between the front edge of the bluff body and the combustor inlet. The combustion characteristics of the micro-combustor are optimum when L1 is 0 mm. The blow-off limit of the combustor reaches a maximum (564 cm3/s) when the slit width (d) is 20% of the bluff body width. The blow-off limit first increases and then decreases when the equivalence ratio (φ) increases and reaches a maximum (732 cm3/s) when φ is 1.0, and the controllable flow ratio is 0.2. The combustion efficiency of hydrogen is gradually increased with the increase in the controllable flow ratio. When φ is less than 1.0, the optimal controllable flow ratio gradually decreases with the increase in the premixed gas flow rate, and the optimal controllable flow ratio basically remains at 0.6 when the premixed gas flow rate is less than 360 cm3/s.
Methodology for Sub-commercial Calculation of the Potential Energy Storage Capacity of Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and Compressed Air in Salt Caves
Authors: Câmara Roberto José Batista , Carneiro Júlio F. , Câmara George Augusto Batista , de Araújo Paulo Sérgio Rodrigues , Rocha Paulo Sérgio de M. V. , Andrade José Célio S.
Published: October 2019

The incorporation of renewable energy into the future world energy matrix challenges its efficient use because renewable energy is not always available due to its dependence on natural factors such as wind and sunlight. This work develops a new resource management system to evaluate the renewable energy resources stored in salt caves using power-to-gas (P2G) and compressed air energy storage (CAES) technologies in the initial phase of a project (sub-commercial phase). To fulfill this objective, bibliographical research, document analysis, and consultations with specialists were used as the methodological basis. Two systems were identified to be used as a reference for the proposed methodology: Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) and CO2 Storage Resources Management System (SRMS). A classification framework is proposed for energy storage and an application of the framework is presented for a case study in Portugal. Similar to these reference systems, a sub-commercial project momentum was established, and three stages called total potential resource (R3), total probable resource (R2), and total proved resource (R1) were defined. The results support corporate and governmental decision-making on project continuity for both the market and governments, thus demonstrating their importance in new global energy reality. It is recommended to define the sub-commercial stage as well as the mapping of R2 in the Brazilian territory as was done recently in Europe.
Modeling and Dynamic Characteristics of Planetary Gear Transmission in Non-inertial System of Aerospace Environment
Authors: Wei Jing , Zhang Aiqiang , Shi Lei , Qin Datong , Lim Teik C.
Published: October 2019

The traditional research on the dynamics of planetary gear transmission (PGT) is based on the assumption that the support is on the ground. However, the PGT inside the aircraft is spatially moved along with the airframe, which is not only subject to gravity, but also to additional inertia forces. These loads should affect the dynamic characteristics of the PGT. The PGT itself is a non-inertial system (NIS) and is called the internal non-inertial system (INIS). By contrast, an airframe in the aerospace environment is named an external non-inertial system (ENIS). In order to investigate the dynamic behavior of the PGT in a compound NIS, the kinematic equations of various components in arbitrary spatial motion state of the airframe are deduced. Subsequently, the coupled dynamics model of PGT in NIS is improved. The dynamic responses of PGT in different non-inertial conditions are compared based on the hovering motion of the airframe. The results indicate that INIS is the main factor affecting the trajectory of planet gear, while ENIS is the force source changing the trajectory of the central component. The aircraft’s hovering motion makes the gravity effect become a relatively time-varying excitation, but the dominant factor is still the additional inertial forces. The non-inertial effect during aerospace operation can significantly affect the bearing force, vibration and load sharing performance. It will lead to serious errors if the traditional research method is still used to obtain the dynamic behavior of PGT in the aerospace environment.
Obstacle Detection for Autonomous Driving Vehicles With Multi-LiDAR Sensor Fusion
Authors: Cao Mingcong , Wang Junmin
Published: October 2019

In contrast to the single-light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system, multi-LiDAR sensors may improve the environmental perception for autonomous vehicles. However, an elaborated guideline of multi-LiDAR data processing is absent in the existing literature. This paper presents a systematic solution for multi-LiDAR data processing, which orderly includes calibration, filtering, clustering, and classification. As the accuracy of obstacle detection is fundamentally determined by noise filtering and object clustering, this paper proposes a novel filtering algorithm and an improved clustering method within the multi-LiDAR framework. To be specific, the applied filtering approach is based on occupancy rates (ORs) of sampling points. Besides, ORs are derived from the sparse “feature seeds” in each searching space. For clustering, the density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) is improved with an adaptive searching (AS) algorithm for higher detection accuracy. Besides, more robust and accurate obstacle detection can be achieved by combining AS-DBSCAN with the proposed OR-based filtering. An indoor perception test and an on-road test were conducted on a fully instrumented autonomous hybrid electric vehicle. Experimental results have verified the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, which facilitate a reliable and applicable solution for obstacle detection.
Speckle tracking echocardiography in early detection of myocardial injury in a rat model with stress cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Hongju , Sun Yan , Liu Xiaoran , Yang Ya , Sun Tao , Krittanawong Chayakrit , El-Am Edward A. , Liu Guowen , Yang Jiao , Ma Ning
Published: October 2019

Aim: Studies on the usefulness of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in the evaluation of the left ventricle in rats with stress cardiomyopathy (SCM) are limited. Our aim was to investigate whether strain values by STE and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) could predict early myocardial injury in rats with SCM.Material and methods: SCM was induced in Sprague-Dawley female rats using immobilization (IMO) stress. Biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated and compared among groups (group 1 - 30 minutes after IMO stress, group 2 - 24 hours after IMO stress, and control group). We defined myocardial injury as a left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Possible predictors of early myocardial injury were determined by univariate logistic regression, and independent predictors of early myocardial injury were investigated with multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 44 rats with a mean weight of 426±33 g were evaluated. Group 1 had the highest plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels (p<0.001) and the highest heart rate (p<0.001). In univariate logistic regression, cTnI (OR=2.61 [1.02‒10.25], p=0.043) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) (OR=2.13 [1.12‒6.26], p=0.022) were predictive of early myocardial injury. When GLS and cTnI were included in a multivariate analysis, only GLS remained an independent predictor of early myocardial injury (OR=2.67 [1.14‒14.76], p=0.027).Conclusions: STE is useful for the quantitative detection of subtle myocardial abnormalities in rats with SCM. GLS may provide a reliable and non-invasive method to predict early myocardial injury.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Apoplophora (Acari, Oribatida, Apoplophoridae) with description of a new species from China

Authors: Liu Dong
Published: October 2019

The genus Apoplophora (Oribatida, Apoplophoridae) was represented by three species in China prior to this work. In this study, a new species, Apoplophora filiformis sp. nov., is described from Tongguling, Hainan Island. New localities of known species from China are presented. An updated key to world species of the genus is provided to facilitate the further study on this group.