bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diverse CRISPR-Cas complexes require independent translation of small and large subunits from a single gene
Authors: McBride Tess M. , Schwartz Evan A. , Kumar Abhishek , Taylor David W. , Fineran Peter C. , Fagerlund Robert D.
Published: April 2020

CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune systems provide prokaryotes with defense against viruses by degradation of specific invading nucleic acids. We investigated the previously uncharacterized type I-D interference complex fromSynechocystisand revealed it is a genetic and structural hybrid with similarity to both type I and III systems. Surprisingly, formation of the functional complex required internal in-frame translation of small subunits from within the large subunit gene. We further show that internal translation to generate small subunits is widespread across diverse type I-D, I-B and I-C systems, which account for roughly one quarter of CRISPR-Cas systems. Our work reveals the unexpected expansion of protein coding potential from within singlecasgenes, which has important implications for understanding CRISPR-Cas function and evolution.

One Sentence Summary

Internal translation of large subunit transcripts drives small subunit synthesis in diverse type I CRISPR-Cas interference complexes
Pursuing collaborative advantage in Swedish care for older people: stakeholders' views on trust
Authors: Kjellberg Inger , Szücs Stefan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore stakeholder views on the policy of integrated health and social care for older people with complex needs in Sweden and the issue of trust in implementing the policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative interview design and interviews with nine strategically selected stakeholders. A thematic analysis focused on trust, as defined in the theory of collaborative advantage, was used.

Findings

This study of health and social care exposed a lack of trust on political, strategic and inter-professional levels. Two opposing lines of argument were identified in the interviews. One advocated a single government authority for health and social care. The other was in accordance with recently implemented national policies, which entailed more collaboration between local government authorities, obliging them to make joint local agreements. The Swedish experience is discussed in an international context, examining the need for collaboration in integrated care services for older people.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings are important for the current adjustment in health and social care for older people, the number of interviewees are limited. Future studies will include more regions and longitudinal studies.

Originality/value

Sweden is currently undergoing an extensive adjustment in line with recent national government policy which involves more primary health care and a corresponding reduction in the number of hospital beds. The restructuring of the care system for older people with complex needs is a paradox, as it simultaneously increases the need for centralisation while also increasing coordination and collaboration on a local basis.
Spiritual leadership and work–family conflict: mediating effects of employee well-being
Authors: Hunsaker William D.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examines how employee well-being, in combination with spiritual leadership, helps mitigate the negative effects of work–family conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed an explanatory research design to explain the relationship between spiritual leadership and work–family conflict. The approach was based on a cross-sectional survey of 278 workers from diverse industries and functional roles in South Korea's manufacturing and service sectors. Structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis were used to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results confirmed that spiritual leadership and employee well-being inversely influenced work–family conflict, in terms of work-to-family and family-to-work role interference. Furthermore, employee well-being fully mediated both of these relationships.

Practical implications

This study suggests that organizational competitiveness can be enhanced through a dual approach of organizational strategies and human resource training that cultivate employee well-being and a family-friendly environment. Notably, this study clarifies the value of leadership practices to both trigger and enhance employee well-being through a sense of meaningfulness in and at work.

Originality/value

This study expands the scope of our current understanding of how employee well-being is an effective mechanism in helping employees cope with work–family role conflict. Moreover, the study demonstrates the role that leadership practices, beyond the narrow interpretation of perceived supervisor support, play in helping employees cope with role conflict. Finally, this study enhances the field of workplace spirituality by examining the influence of spiritual leadership on employees' spiritual well-being and work–family conflict, which has not been currently addressed in the workplace spirituality field.
Fire as a fundamental ecological process: Research advances and frontiers
Authors: McLauchlan Kendra K. , Higuera Philip E. , Miesel Jessica , Rogers Brendan M. , Schweitzer Jennifer , Shuman Jacquelyn K. , Tepley Alan J. , Varner J. Morgan , Veblen Thomas T. , Adalsteinsson Solny A. , Balch Jennifer K. , Baker Patrick , Batllori Enric , Bigio Erica , Brando Paulo , Cattau Megan , Chipman Melissa L. , Coen Janice , Crandall Raelene , Daniels Lori , Enright Neal , Gross Wendy S. , Harvey Brian J. , Hatten Jeff A. , Hermann Sharon , Hewitt Rebecca E. , Kobziar Leda N. , Landesmann Jennifer B. , Loranty Michael M. , Maezumi S. Yoshi , Mearns Linda , Moritz Max , Myers Jonathan A. , Pausas Juli G. , Pellegrini Adam F. A. , Platt William J. , Roozeboom Jennifer , Safford Hugh , Santos Fernanda , Scheller Robert M. , Sherriff Rosemary L. , Smith Kevin G. , Smith Melinda D. , Watts Adam C.
Published: April 2020

Fire is a powerful ecological and evolutionary force that regulates organismal traits, population sizes, species interactions, community composition, carbon and nutrient cycling and ecosystem function. It also presents a rapidly growing societal challenge, due to both increasingly destructive wildfires and fire exclusion in fire‐dependent ecosystems. As an ecological process, fire integrates complex feedbacks among biological, social and geophysical processes, requiring coordination across several fields and scales of study.

Here, we describe the diversity of ways in which fire operates as a fundamental ecological and evolutionary process on Earth. We explore research priorities in six categories of fire ecology: (a) characteristics of fire regimes, (b) changing fire regimes, (c) fire effects on above‐ground ecology, (d) fire effects on below‐ground ecology, (e) fire behaviour and (f) fire ecology modelling.

We identify three emergent themes: the need to study fire across temporal scales, to assess the mechanisms underlying a variety of ecological feedbacks involving fire and to improve representation of fire in a range of modelling contexts.

Synthesis: As fire regimes and our relationships with fire continue to change, prioritizing these research areas will facilitate understanding of the ecological causes and consequences of future fires and rethinking fire management alternatives.
Advising without personalising: how a helpline may satisfy callers without giving medical advice beyond its remit
Authors: Antaki Charles , Bloch Steven
Published: April 2020

Callers to telephone helplines often seek advice beyond the authorisation of those staffing the service. On health helplines, this poses a problem to the call‐taker. How do they manage the dilemma between, on the one hand, exceeding their competence and authority to give medical advice, and, on the other, leaving the caller unsatisfied with the service? We offer a framework in which to set newly identified practices along with those identified in previous studies. Using a set of calls to a medical helpline run by Parkinson's United Kingdom, we show that the call‐taker manages the problem by (i) only suggesting courses of action highly marked for impersonality or contingency (displaying a ‘low deontic stance’, Stevanovic and Peräkylä 2012), and (ii) limiting the interactional risks of tailoring the advice to callers’ personal circumstances. We show how our suggested framework of ‘advising without personalising’ may guide research into the difficult job of delivering advice where the service provider must observe a limit on what they can say.
Dying on television versus dying in intensive care units following withdrawal of life support: how normative frames may traumatise the bereaved
Authors: Chartrand Louise
Published: April 2020

While treatment is often withdrawn from patients in intensive care units (ICUs), few people outside the healthcare profession have witnessed a death under such circumstances. Family members who have made the decision to withdraw treatment may have expectations about the dying process, what constitutes a good death and how they should behave in an ICU based on popular prime‐time television series. An inductive comparative thematic coding strategy is therefore used to examine how death following treatment withdrawal as depicted in a US medical drama (Grey's Anatomy) differs from realities observed for 6 months fieldwork at an ICU in Canada. Three common frames (privacy, emotional control and memorialising) help patients’ intimates normalise the unfamiliar experience and guide their behaviour during the event. However, discrepancies between media representations and experiences in the ICU, especially around the frames of timing of death and the physicality of the unbounded body (incontinence and agonal breathing), can traumatise them. The bereaved may be left viewing ventilator withdrawal and dying as chaotic processes and believing their loved one suffered through a bad death. Understanding these normative and discrepant frames should help healthcare professionals better prepare the public to witness death.
Cold tolerance strategy and cold hardiness of the invasive zigzag elm sawfly Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae)
Authors: Vétek Gábor , Fekete Veronika , Ladányi Márta , Cargnus Elena , Zandigiacomo Pietro , Oláh Richárd , Schebeck Martin , Schopf Axel
Published: April 2020

The invasive sawfly Aproceros leucopoda causes severe defoliation of various elm species and thus can be a major pest in forest stands and urban environments.

The overwintering biology of A. leucopoda has not been investigated so far; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the cold tolerance strategy and cold hardiness of hibernating A. leucopoda eonymphs.

The supercooling points (SCPs) of overwintering individuals varied geographically, monthly and interannually and ranged between −12.14 °C and −24.22 °C.

As none of the eonymphs survived once the SCP had been reached, A. leucopoda is classified as a freeze‐avoidant species.

Survival rates of overwintering eonymphs exposed to different sub‐zero temperatures above the SCP (−1.6 °C and −4.0 °C for 10, 20 and 30 days and −10.5 °C for 9 days) ranged between 89.2% and 100%, suggesting that A. leucopoda is not a chill‐susceptible species.

Our results suggest that low winter temperatures may not be expected to be an important limiting factor for the overwintering success of A. leucopoda.
Peer support groups for families in Neonatology: Why and how to get started?
Authors: Dahan Sonia , Bourque Claude Julie , Reichherzer Martin , Prince Josée , Mantha Ginette , Savaria Melissa , Janvier Annie
Published: April 2020

Aim

To describe the development of peer‐to‐peer support meetings between parents of children in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and veteran resource parents who had a previous NICU experience.

Methods

The study had two steps: a needs assessment and a feasibility pilot study. Parental perspectives were investigated using mixed methods.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐three parents were participated. NICU parents (89%) wished to meet resource parents to discuss: their parental role, normalising their experience and emotions, adapting to their new reality, control, guilt, trust and coping. Practical aspects of the meetings were tested/finalised. Resource parent moderators reported that the presence of more than one moderator per meeting was essential. A checklist of topics to discuss was developed. Having a diversity of moderators (fathers, diagnoses other than prematurity, for example) was judged important. The name of the meeting had an impact on attendance: there were less participants when the word “support” was used. The best location (central, parents' kitchen) and optimal time/duration of meetings, selection of parent moderators and compensation were also determined.

Conclusion

Peer support meetings moderated by resource parents provide a unique and useful means to support NICU parents. Future investigations will explore whether these meetings will improve clinical outcomes.
Statin and cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors improve survival in newly diagnosed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a large population‐based study of 4913 subjects
Authors: Smyth Liam , Blunt Danielle N. , Gatov Evgenia , Nagamuthu Chenthila , Croxford Ruth , Mozessohn Lee , Cheung Matthew C.
Published: April 2020

Preclinical data suggests anti‐lymphoma potential for statins, metformin and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors. We performed a retrospective population‐based study of all adults aged ≥66 years diagnosed with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or transformed lymphoma treated with a rituximab containing regimen, between 2005 and 2015 in Ontario, Canada. Using administrative databases, we assessed the impact of medication exposures, prior to chemo‐immunotherapy, on lymphoma survival. Cox regression analyses, controlling for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, examined the relationship between medication exposure and survival. In total, 4913 patients were treated with curative intent (median age 75 years, 51% male) and 52·2% died at a median of 1 year from treatment initiation (67% due to DLBCL). In the year prior to commencing treatment, 45·7% received statins, 16·3% metformin, and 25·0% a COX‐2 inhibitor. Adjusting for confounders, exposure to statin and COX‐2 inhibitors prior to chemo‐immunotherapy independently conferred a survival advantage: statin exposure for 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 0·97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·96–0·98), 180 days (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80–0·89) and 365 days (HR 0·71, 95% CI 0·63–0·79) and COX‐2 inhibitor exposure for 30 days (HR 0·95, 95% CI 0·95–0·98), 180 days (HR 0·76, 95% CI 0·66–0·86) and 365 days (HR 0·57, 95% CI 0·43–0·74). Metformin had no significant impact. This population‐based study found a dose‐related survival benefit of exposure to statins and COX‐2 inhibitors prior to chemo‐immunotherapy for newly diagnosed DLBCL.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and agriculture: Short‐ and long‐run implications for international trade relations
Authors: Kerr William A.
Published: April 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put unprecedented strain on food supply chains. Given the ever‐increasing degree of globalization, those supply chains very often stretch across international borders. In the short run, countries have largely been working to keep those supply chains intact and operating efficiently so that panic buying is cooled and shifts in consumption habits arising from personal isolation can be accommodated. Once the crisis has passed, based on what has been learned regarding the international food system's resilience, governments may wish to strengthen institutions that govern international trade. On the other hand, based on their COVID‐19 experience, governments may feel that they are too dependent on foreign sources of supply and may wish to reverse the impacts of globalization on their food systems. As a result, they may become increasingly isolationist, eschewing international cooperation. Which of these opposing forces will prevail may depend on the paths economies follow after the disequilibrium precipitated by the pandemic.
The effect of light‐cured resin with a glass fiber net as an intermediate material for Hard & Space mouthguard
Authors: Matsuda Yoshiaki , Nakajima Kazunori , Saitou Maho , Katano Katsushi , Kanemitsu Anna , Takeda Tomotaka , Fukuda Kenichi
Published: April 2020

Background/Aims

Despite the use of conventional mouthguards, preventable sports‐related dental injuries continue to occur. The authors have developed a two‐layered ethylene polyvinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard with a hard polyethylene terephthalate (PET) insert and a buffer space (H&SMG). However, adapting the PET onto the EVA layer requires skill. A light‐cured Splint Resin (SRLC) and a glass fiber net (NET) reinforcement appear to resolve this issue. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SRLC with NET could replace PET and find a more practical application for NET.

Materials and Methods

A pendulum impact testing machine and a dental model with strain gages were used. Six types of mouthguards were made: one with two laminated EVA blanks (LAM‐MG), a three‐layer type with a PET insert and an intermediate space (PET‐H&SMG), a H&SMG with SRLC insert (LC‐H&SMG), and three other types with differential NET‐SRLC reinforcement; NET on the outer surface of SRLC, NET on the inner surface of SRLC, and NET on both the outer and inner surfaces. Five mouthguards of each type were fabricated and tested ten times with impact distances of 15 and 30 cm. Forty more impacts were applied to all H&SMGs to confirm the durability of the hard inner layer.

Results

All H&SMGs showed significant strain reduction compared to the LAM‐MG. PET‐H&SMG and the four types of LC‐H&SMG exhibited an equally slight strain (approximately 95% shock absorbing ability) in all conditions. During the test against the smaller impact, all H&SMGs showed no cracks. When tested against the stronger impact, only the LC‐H&SMG with the reinforced inner surface, the double NET‐reinforced LC‐H&SMG, and the PET‐H&SMG remained intact.

Conclusion

The NET‐reinforced SRLC can replace PET as an intermediate mouthguard material. The NET application, at least on the internal surface, is indispensable for the LC‐H&SMG reinforcement.
Biophysical mechanisms governing large‐scale brain network dynamics underlying individual‐specific variability of perception
Authors: Kumar Vinodh G. , Dutta Shrey , Talwar Siddharth , Roy Dipanjan , Banerjee Arpan
Published: April 2020

Perception necessitates interaction among neuronal ensembles, the dynamics of which can be conceptualized as the emergent behavior of coupled dynamical systems. Here, we propose a detailed neurobiologically realistic model that captures the neural mechanisms of inter‐individual variability observed in cross‐modal speech perception. From raw EEG signals recorded from human participants when they were presented with speech vocalizations of McGurk‐incongruent and congruent audio–visual (AV) stimuli, we computed the global coherence metric to capture the neural variability of large‐scale networks. We identified that participants' McGurk susceptibility was negatively correlated to their alpha band global coherence. The proposed biophysical model conceptualized the global coherence dynamics emerge from coupling between the interacting neural masses—representing the sensory‐specific auditory/visual areas and modality nonspecific associative/integrative regions. Subsequently, we could predict that an extremely weak direct AV coupling results in a decrease in alpha band global coherence—mimicking the cortical dynamics of participants with higher McGurk susceptibility. Source connectivity analysis also showed decreased connectivity between sensory‐specific regions in participants more susceptible to McGurk effect, thus establishing an empirical validation to the prediction. Overall, our study provides an outline to link variability in structural and functional connectivity metrics to variability of performance that can be useful for several perception and action task paradigms.
Sex modulates the apolipoprotein E ε4 effect on white matter and cortical functional connectivity in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Lin H. , Sun Y. , Li M. , Zhan Y. , Lin L. , Ding Z. , Han Y.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Recent studies from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative show that, in the USA, 75% of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are female. To date, there have rarely been any attempts to analyze data by sex or gender, which limits the potential for discovering the effects of sex or gender on disease. Little evidence is available regarding the effect of gender and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 on white matter (WM) connection from the functional perspective due to the lack of appropriate techniques for detecting blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signals in WM.

Methods

We took advantage of a new framework known as functional tensor imaging to investigate the effect of sex and APOEε4 on WM cortical functional connectivity throughout the brain.

Results

In a group of female patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, we found a significantly reduced functional connectivity in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule, left superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus, bilateral temporopolar area and right somatosensory association cortex in APOEε4 carriers in contrast to non‐carriers. We also found a significant APOEε4 by sex interaction effect on the right somatosensory association cortex, left temporopolar area and left superior temporal gyrus. The clinical Montreal Cognitive Assessment score was significantly negatively associated with the right somatosensory association cortex with APOEε4 by sex interaction in males.

Conclusions

These results indicate that increased APOE‐related risk in women may be associated with decreased activity in both gray matter and WM in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment compared with men. The finding suggests accounting for sex differences in neuroimaging biomarkers, diagnostics and treatment strategy.
Interventions for Family Members and Carers of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guillén Verónica , Díaz-García Amanda , Mira Adriana , García-Palacios Azucena , Escrivá‐Martínez Tamara , Baños Rosa , Botella Cristina
Published: April 2020

Carers of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience high levels of distress. Several studies have been carried out on interventions designed to decrease their burden. However, the evidence from these studies has not been summarized. The objective of this work is to explore the clinical utility of interventions developed for family members of patients with BPD. A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines (registration number CRD42018107318), including psychological interventions focused on relatives of patients with BPD. The following databases were used: PsycINFO, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science. Two independent researchers reviewed the studies to determine whether the eligibility criteria were met. A total of 2,303 abstracts were identified. After duplicates had been removed, 1,746 studies were screened. Finally, 433 full‐text articles were reviewed, yielding 11 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results show that these interventions with different clinical formats and settings are effective. The quality of the included studies varies, and the empirical support for these programs is still preliminary. The results help to establish a general framework for interventions specifically developed for family members of patients with BPD, but additional efforts should be made to improve the methodological quality of this field of research and more solidly determine the utility of these interventions. Given the paucity of data so far, this information may open up new lines of research to improve the effectiveness of future programs for carers of patients with BPD and help to reduce their burden.
In situ characterization of foreign object damage (FOD) in environmental‐barrier‐coated silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic
Authors: Kedir Nesredin , Garcia Eugenio , Kirk Cody , Guo Zherui , Gao Jinling , Zhai Xuedong , Sun Tao , Fezzaa Kamel , Sampath Sanjay , Chen Weinong W.
Published: April 2020

Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) protect advanced ceramics and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) from oxidation and corrosion in gas turbine engine environments. Foreign object damage (FOD), where debris impact the protective coatings, is a critical hazard which limits the turbine durability. Despite previous efforts to understand FOD in EBCs, a detailed understanding of the fundamental transient damage mechanisms is still lacking. In the current work, the real‐time FOD behavior of a mullite/ silicon EBC was visualized via a dynamic synchrotron X‐ray source in phase contrast imaging (PCI) configuration. Prior to the in situ FOD experiments, the microstructure and composition of the coating were, respectively, characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The variation in the properties of the debris was modeled by~1.5mm diameter partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) spheres. A modified light‐gas gun setup, synchronized with the X‐ray beam, was used to propel the projectiles at velocities ranging between 300 and 355ms−1. Coated samples were impacted under a fully backed support configuration and at normal incidence. Coating penetration and delamination, as well as projectile deformation at the bond coat resulted for FOD by PSZ spheres. Comparatively, projectile fracture, with subsequent rebound of fragments, as well as complete coating penetration and delamination at the substrate interface occurred for FOD by Si3N4 spheres. Only cone cracking was observed for FOD by PSZ spheres, whereas back surface cracking was present for both projectile types. The driving forces for the observed damage mechanisms are qualitatively assessed.
Synthesis mechanism of amorphous Si2BC3N powders: Structural evolution of 2Si‐BN‐3C mixtures during mechanical alloying
Authors: Liang Bin , Liao Xingqi , Zhu Qishuai , Yang Zhihua , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: April 2020

A detailed knowledge of structural evolution during mechanical alloying (MA) is of interest and critical for understanding of synthesis mechanism, optimization of milling process, and control of milling products. The structural evolution of the 2Si‐BN‐3C mixture with a molar ratio of Si:BN:C = 2:1:3 during MA was studied by investigating the changes of phases, morphologies, elemental distributions, microstructures, and chemical bond states using XRD, SEM‐EDS, TEM, XPS, and Raman. With the increases in milling time, the particle sizes of the milled 2Si‐BN‐3C powders first decrease to submicrometers (~1 hour), slightly increase afterward (~3 hours), and eventually decrease to nanoscales gradually reaching equilibrium (≥10 hours). Depending on the intrinsic crystal structures of themselves, h‐BN and graphite are almost amorphized after milling of 10 hours, while amorphization of c‐Si takes at least 20 hours. The same milling parameters can provide amorphous Si2BC3N powders, but incompletely amorphous (partially crystalline) SiC powders, which is mainly due to the dilution effect of B and N atoms on the atomic concentration of Si and C hindering the microdiffusion and subsequent mechanochemical reaction of Si and C. Crystallite refinement–induced amorphization is the major synthesis mechanism of amorphous Si2BC3N powders. This work would offer more insight into the MA synthesis of multiple component materials, especially Si‐based brittle systems.
Factorial invariance in hierarchical factor models of mental disorders in African American and European American youths
Authors: He Quanfa , Li James J.
Published: April 2020

Background

There is converging evidence that mental disorders are more optimally conceptualized in a hierarchical framework (i.e., the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology, HiTOP) that transcends the categorical boundaries of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, the majority of this evidence comes from studies that draw upon predominantly European American or Caucasian populations. Whether a hierarchical conceptualization of mental disorders generalizes across racial‐ethnic groups, including for African American (AA) populations, is unclear.

Methods

We tested multidimensional and bifactor models of 15 DSM diagnoses and psychiatric traits in two groups, including AA (n = 3,088) and European American (EA; n = 5,147) youths aged 8–21 from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC). We also conducted multigroup confirmatory factor analyses to test for factorial invariance between the best fitting AA and EA multidimensional and bifactor models.

Results

In the multidimensional model tests, a three‐factor model, specifying internalizing, externalizing, and thought dimensions, emerged as the best fitting model for AAs and EAs. In the bifactor model tests, a three‐factor model (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, and thought dimensions) that also specified a general factor emerged as the optimal for both AAs and EAs. The general factor accounted for a significant proportion of the covariation between the secondary factors and the individual disorders and traits. Furthermore, both models were factorially invariant, indicating no significant difference in the factor structure of mental disorders between AAs and EAs in PNC.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the hierarchical factor structure of mental disorders may be racial‐ethnically robust. This finding has implications for etiological and epidemiological studies focused on racial‐ethnic subgroup comparisons, particularly with respect to identifying similarities and differences in prevalence rates or sociodemographic risk factors for mental disorders.
Editorial: Polygenic scores in child and adolescent psychiatry – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Authors: Ronald Angelica
Published: April 2020

Polygenic scores estimate an individual’s genetic liability for a particular disorder or trait. They are based on current knowledge of the trait’s genetic architecture and focus on common genetic variants. In this editorial, I will discuss some of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) to polygenic scores within the context of child and adolescent psychiatry. I consider how the potential application of polygenic scores in health settings has some parallels with existing practices, but that polygenic scores also undoubtedly raise unique challenges. This SWOT analysis is accompanied by discussion of some new findings using polygenic scores in this issue of Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Pain perception of a new Ahmad‐Humayun solution for local anesthesia in hair transplantation: One step ahead
Authors: Mohmand Mohammad Humayun , Ahmad Muhammad , Jabeen Mussarat
Published: April 2020

Background

Local anesthetic is one of the major ways to obtain satisfactory anesthesia in majority of plastic surgical procedures.

Objectives

To compare the effect on pain while injecting buffered vs nonbuffered local anesthetic.

Materials and methods

The single‐blind, split‐scalp study was conducted in 25 patients undergoing first hair transplant surgery after informed consent and ethics committee approval using two solutions. Solution A was composed of normal saline (200 mL), 2% lidocaine (40 mL), 1 mL of epinephrine 1:1000, and triamcinolone acetate (40 mg). Solution B was composed of normal saline (200 mL), 2% lidocaine (40 mL), 1 mL of epinephrine 1:1000, triamcinolone acetate (40 mg), and 8.4% soda bicarbonate (5 mL). A 3‐mL syringe with 30‐G needle was used. On one side of the scalp, solution A was used and solution B on the other side. The pain response was recorded using Wong‐Baker Faces Pain Scale corresponding to 0‐10 scale. The data were analyzed statistically. No preoperative analgesic was used in any patient. The injections were administered by the 2nd author.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 33.4 years (range; 28 to 41 years). The average pain score was 4.96 (range, 3‐7) with solution A whereas 3.28 (range, 2‐6) using the solution B (P < .05). Eleven of the patients (44%) were smokers. The average pain score in smokers was 5.82 with solution A and 3.73 with solution B. The pain score in nonsmokers was 4.29 with solution A and 2.93 with solution B (P < .05).
Management of Maxillary Cluster Implant Failures with Extra‐Maxillary Implants: A Clinical Report
Authors: Loewenstein Alison G. , Bidra Avinash S. , Balshi Thomas J.
Published: April 2020

Late cluster implant failures can be one of the most devasting outcomes of implant therapy for patients. It can have anatomic, functional, psychological and financial consequences for patients, and sometimes the loss of residual bone can preclude subsequent implant placement. Fortunately, management of cluster implant failures in the maxilla can be mitigated by using implant anchorage from remote sites like zygomatic and pterygoid regions. Few reports exist in the literature that have described the management of cluster implant failure using extra‐maxillary implants such as zygomatic and pterygoid implants. This case report describes the management of a female patient with bruxism who experienced late cluster implant failure in the maxilla after 9 years of function with an overdenture. Due to the loss of residual bone, subsequent implant therapy involved the use of bilateral zygomatic, pterygoid and anterior maxillary implants, which were immediately loaded and thereafter used to support a complete arch fixed implant‐supported zirconia prosthesis.
Pharmacokinetic analysis of mosapride following intravenous and oral administration in beagle dogs
Authors: Kim Min‐Soo , Baek In‐hwan
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of mosapride after intravenous and oral administration to beagle dogs. To obtain the advanced pharmacokinetic parameters of mosapride, both noncompartmental analysis and pharmacokinetic modeling were performed. Twenty beagle dogs were randomly sorted into intravenous (1 mg single administration of mosapride) and oral (5 mg once a day administration of mosapride) groups. Blood samples were collected according to the reported schedule for pharmacokinetics. The plasma concentration of mosapride was analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. According to the pharmacokinetic analysis, the absorption rate of mosapride was 3.14 ± 1.14 hr−1 and oral bioavailability of mosapride was approximately 1%. The one‐compartment model well described the pharmacokinetics of mosapride after both intravenous and oral administration to dogs. These findings will help facilitate the determination of the optimal dose regimen of mosapride for dogs with gastrointestinal disorder.
Tenofovir alafenamide after switching from entecavir or nucleos(t)ide combination therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Nomura Hideyuki , Nakamuta Makoto , Furusyo Norihiro , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Dohmen Kazufumi , Ooho Aritsune , Satoh Takeaki , Kawano Akira , Kajiwara Eiji , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Azuma Koichi , Kato Masaki , Shimoda Shinji , Hayashi Jun ,   The Kyushu University Liver Disease Study (KULDS) Group
Published: April 2020

Background and aims

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has been newly approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to assess the effectiveness and renal safety of switching from entecavir (ETV) or nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) combination therapy to TAF.

Methods

This multicentre, retrospective, cohort study included 313 consecutive CHB patients who switched to TAF monotherapy after treatment with ETV or a nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) combination for over 2 years. Virological/laboratory responses were evaluated for 48 weeks after switchover. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Differences in longitudinal parameters were compared by the generalized estimating equation method.

Results

In the prior ETV group (n = 191), the HBV DNA suppression rate at week 48 was significantly increased, from 75.9% to 96.9% (P < .001). Additionally, mean changes in the HBsAg level at week 48 in HBsAg ≥ 3.0 logIU/mL and < 3.0 logIU/mL groups were −0.09 and −0.13 logIU/mL respectively. In the prior NA combination group (n = 122), the mean changes in HBsAg level at week 48 in the HBsAg ≥ 3.0 logIU/mL and <3.0 logIU/mL groups were −0.08 and −0.11 logIU/mL respectively. For patients with CKD, the eGFR at week 48 was significantly improved compared to those with non‐CKD (adjusted slope coefficient difference: 2.75 mL/min/1.73 m2/48 weeks; P = .001).

Conclusions

Switching from ETV or an NA combination to TAF was effective for HBV suppression and continued HBsAg reduction. Moreover, the renal glomerular function of patients in the prior NA combination group with CKD was significantly improved compared to those with non‐CKD.

LAY SUMMARY

Nucleos(t)ide analogues, such as entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and tenofovir alafenamide, inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and are recommended as first‐line oral agents for chronic HBV infection. We evaluated the virological/biochemical effects and renal safety when patients are switched from entecavir or nucleoside‐nucleotide analogue combination therapy to tenofovir alafenamide. Our findings suggest that switching to tenofovir alafenamide was effective for HBV suppression and the improvement in renal function for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Individual cell motion in healthy human skin microvasculature by reflectance confocal video microscopy
Authors: Saknite Inga , Zhao Zijun , Patrinely J. Randall , Byrne Michael , Jagasia Madan , Tkaczyk Eric R.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To describe upper dermal microvasculature of healthy human skin in terms of density and size of cutaneous blood vessels, leukocyte velocity, and leukocyte interactions with the endothelium.

Methods

We used a reflectance confocal microscope, the VivaScope 1500, to acquire videos of individual cell motion.

Results

We found no rolling leukocytes in the upper microvasculature of ten healthy subjects. We observed “paused” leukocytes, that is, leukocytes that temporarily stop, coinciding with the simultaneous stopping of the rest of the blood flow. We imaged more paused (median: 1.0 per subject) and adherent (1.5) leukocytes in the forearm than in the chest (median 0 paused and 0 adherent per subject) per 5 minutes of videos per body site. Leukocytes were paused for a median of 7 seconds in the forearm and 3 seconds in the chest, and we found no correlation between this parameter and the blood vessel or leukocyte size. We visualized blood flow change direction. Flowing leukocyte velocities followed a lognormal distribution and were on average higher in the chest (117 µm/s) than in the forearm (66 µm/s).

Conclusion

The proposed method and reported values in healthy skin provide new insights into intact human skin microcirculation.
Risk factors for mortality in patients with pulmonary mucormycosis
Authors: Son Hyo‐Ju , Song Joon Seon , Choi Sungim , Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Sang‐Oh , Choi Sang‐Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Sung‐Han
Published: April 2020

Background

Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) represents a serious burden in terms of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Studies of prognostic factors in patients with PM are limited and have involved small numbers of patients.

Methods

Adult patients diagnosed with proven and probable PM according to the modified definitions of the EORTC/MSG 2008 in a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea, between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively enrolled.

Results

A total of 49 patients including 31 (63%) with proven PM and 18 (37%) with probable PM were enrolled. The 90‐day mortality rate was 49% (24/49). Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, use of voriconazole at clinical suspicion, positivity of non‐sterile culture, use of steroid and treatment without surgery were more common in fatal cases than non‐fatal cases. Voriconazole use at clinical suspicion for invasive mould pneumonia (OR 6.91, P = .01) and prolonged neutropenia (OR 4.86, P = .03) were independent risk factors for mortality. Voriconazole use at clinical suspicion was associated with positive galactomannan (GM) assay (OR 5.93, P = .02) and history of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (OR, 6.88, P = .05).

Conclusion

About half of the patients with PM died within 90 days of diagnosis, and fatal outcomes were common in patients with prolonged neutropenia and empirical voriconazole use. Caution is needed in using voriconazole even in patients with positive GM results and prior histories of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in whom PM cannot be ruled out by differential diagnosis.
The association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and dental caries in US adults
Authors: Zhou Fangjing , Zhou Yang , Shi Jing
Published: April 2020

Objectives

We investigated whether 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration is independently associated with dental caries among adults in the United States.

Subjects and Methods

This investigation was a cross‐sectional study. A total of 4,244 participants (aged 20–80 years) were enrolled through the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D was categorized into four groups based on previous studies: normal (≥75 nmol/ml), insufficient (50–74.9 nmol/ml), deficient (25–49.9 nmol/ml), and severely deficient (<25 nmol/ml). The dependent and independent variables included dental caries and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, respectively. The data were analyzed using univariate analyses, multivariable‐adjusted analyses, and subgroup analyses.

Results

The fully adjusted model showed that 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were negatively associated with dental caries after adjusting for the confounders (OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.98). Compared with the normal group, the likelihood of dental caries was 2.48, 1.29, and 1.43 times higher in the severely deficient, deficient, and insufficient groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels are significantly associated with the occurrence of dental caries among US adults.
The architecture of organizations as missed opportunity in political research
Authors: Döhler Marian
Published: April 2020

Few scholars in political science or public administration deny that organization matters. However, the rare application of an organizational perspective in research suggests otherwise. To revive the awareness of organizations as unit or level of analysis, attributed and generic properties are distinguished. Attributed properties, which dominate research, assign functions and patterns of behaviour to an organization. In contrast, generic properties refer to the constitutive elements of organizations that take effect before attributed properties. This article takes a closer look at four generic properties by examining their often‐implicit use in current political science and public administration research. The aim is to demonstrate that the formal dimension, the goals, the expertise of personnel and organizational boundaries exert an independent influence on the output of political or public sector organizations.
High level accumulation of EPA and DHA in field‐grown transgenic Camelina – a multi‐territory evaluation of TAG accumulation and heterogeneity
Authors: Han Lihua , Usher Sarah , Sandgrind Sjur , Hassall Kirsty , Sayanova Olga , Michaelson Louise V. , Haslam Richard P. , Napier Johnathan A.
Published: April 2020

The transgene‐directed accumulation of non‐native omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the seed oil of Camelina sativa (Camelina) was evaluated in the field, in distinct geographical and regulatory locations. A construct, DHA2015.1, containing an optimal combination of biosynthetic genes, was selected for experimental field release in the UK, USA and Canada, and the accumulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) determined. The occurrence of these fatty acids in different triacylglycerol species was monitored and found to follow a broad trend irrespective of the agricultural environment. This is a clear demonstration of the stability and robust nature of the transgenic trait for omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in Camelina. Examination of non‐seed tissues for the unintended accumulation of EPA and DHA failed to identify their presence in leaf, stem, flower, anther or capsule shell material, confirming the seed‐specific accumulation of these novel fatty acids. Collectively, these data confirm the promise of GM plant‐based sources of so‐called omega‐3 fish oils as a sustainable replacement for oceanically derived oils.
Promoting physical activity through walking to treat childhood obesity, mainly for mild to moderate obesity
Authors: Yoshinaga Masao , Miyazaki Ayumi , Aoki Machiko , Ogata Hiromitsu , Ito Yoshiya , Hamajima Takashi , Tokuda Masakuni , Lin Lisheng , Horigome Hitoshi , Takahashi Hideto , Nagashima Masami
Published: April 2020

Background

There are no randomized controlled trials examining the effect of walking on childhood obesity.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted between August 2014 and April 2015 in Japan. Elementary school children aged 6 to 12 years with a percentage overweight (%OW) of ≥20% were recruited. One hundred and ninety children wanted to participate in the program, and all were accepted. After viewing a video that promoted physical activity through walking, participants were randomly assigned to three groups: walking (≥10 000 steps on school holidays), limiting screen time (<90 min on weekdays and <150 min on school holidays), and a control group (no intervention). The primary outcome was a decrease in %OW after 3 months’ intervention. Per protocol analysis was performed using 156 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of a %OW ≥20%.

Results

The mean %OW was 35 ± 7% before intervention. The mean reduction in %OW after intervention in the walking (n = 59), limiting ST (n = 46), and control (n = 51) groups were −4.06 ± 4.84, −1.97 ± 4.62, and −1.81 ± 3.64 percentage points, respectively. Reduction in %OW was significantly larger in the walking group than in the control group: adjusted mean difference, −2.18 percentage points (95% confidence interval, −3.85 to −0.52), P = 0.002. The intervention in children also had favorable effects on the lifestyles of their parents. The intention‐to‐treat analysis of all 190 participants showed comparable results.

Conclusion

Promoting physical activity through walking on school holidays may be an additional strategy for treating elementary school children with obesity.