bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum S100A12 levels: Possible association with skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Omatsu Jun , Saigusa Ryosuke , Miyagawa Takuya , Fukui Yuki , Toyama Satoshi , Awaji Kentaro , Ikawa Tetsuya , Norimatsu Yuta , Yoshizaki Ayumi , Sato Shinichi , Asano Yoshihide
Published: October 2020

Damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) have drawn much attention as a member of disease‐associated molecules in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this study, we investigated the potential contribution of S100A12, a member of DAMPs, to the development of SSc by evaluating S100A12 expression in the lesional skin and the clinical correlation of serum S100A12 levels. S100A12 expression was markedly elevated in the epidermis of SSc‐involved skin at protein levels and in the bulk skin at mRNA levels. The deficiency of transcription factor Fli1, a predisposing factor of SSc, enhanced S100A12 expression and Fli1 occupied the S100A12 promoter in normal human keratinocytes. Serum S100A12 levels were higher in SSc patients, especially in those with diffuse cutaneous involvement, than in healthy controls and positively correlated with skin score. Furthermore, the presence of interstitial lung disease significantly augmented serum levels of S100A12. Importantly, serum S100A12 levels correlated inversely with both per cent forced vital capacity and per cent diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with serum levels of KL‐6 and surfactant protein‐D. Collectively, these results indicate a possible contribution of S100A12 to skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease associated with SSc, further supporting the critical roles of DAMPs in the pathogenesis of this disease.
Resource‐use, body condition and parasite load metrics indicate contrasting health of stocked and native game fishes in Canadian prairie lakes
Authors: Nanayakkara Lushani , Starks Elizabeth R. , Cooper Ryan N. , Chow Sydney , Leavitt Peter R. , Wissel Björn
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the status of native and stocked fish species in 13 prairie lakes in central Canada over eight years (2007–14) using three metrics: resource‐use (benthic versus pelagic carbon via stable isotopes); body condition (relative weight index Wr); and parasite load (cestode gut enumerations). Analyses included game and non‐game fishes, like naturally occurring northern pike, Esox lucius L., and yellow perch, Perca flavescens Mitchill, but focused on stocked walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill) because it supports a robust recreational fishery. Walleye and northern pike were significantly more reliant on benthic carbon than yellow perch or forage fishes (p < 0.05), but this reliance was not associated with any measured environmental variables for any species. In lakes with game fishes, forage fishes exhibited higher reliance on benthic energy, possibly due to predator avoidance strategy, particularly yellow perch. Walleye body condition index was consistently lower (<95–105) than values exhibited by the other two game fishes (81–139), and parasites were only common in walleye and associated with lake‐water salinity (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.05) and sex (p < 0.05). Based on the results, the most desirable game fish, walleye, appears less resilient to environmental variability than northern pike and yellow perch, making this species more susceptible to impacts of future climate change.
Change in fisheries access arrangements as a result of hydropower development: The case of reservoir fisheries at the Mount Coffee hydropower scheme in Liberia
Authors: Sharkey William , Arthur Robert I. , Daniels Roosevelt
Published: October 2020

Hydropower development can result in both environmental and social change. Modification of riparian environments and the creation of storage reservoirs can alter fish assemblages, change access arrangements and create new opportunities within and outside fishing. These opportunities may be perceived differently by different stakeholders, leading to changes in the fishery and, ultimately, with implications for the nature and distribution of benefits from the fishery. Focusing on a trap fishery for freshwater prawn Macrobrachium vollenhovenii (Herklots), this study examines the way access arrangements changed in response to the rehabilitation of the Mount Coffee run‐of‐river hydropower scheme on the lower reaches of the Saint Paul River in Liberia. Through the use of interviews and limited participant observation, the study explores the responses to change resulting from the rehabilitation, highlighting the way that agency and bargaining power contributed to shaping the formation of a fisher group and the new access arrangements that they have begun to develop.
Distribution, sources, and decomposition of soil organic matter along a salinity gradient in estuarine wetlands characterized by C:N ratio, δ13C‐δ15N, and lignin biomarker
Authors: Xia Shaopan , Song Zhaoliang , Li Qiang , Guo Laodong , Yu Changxun , Singh Bhupinder Pal , Fu Xiaoli , Chen Chunmei , Wang Yidong , Wang Hailong
Published: October 2020

Despite increasing recognition of the critical role of coastal wetlands in mitigating climate change, sea‐level rise, and salinity increase, soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration mechanisms in estuarine wetlands remain poorly understood. Here, we present new results on the source, decomposition, and storage of SOC in estuarine wetlands with four vegetation types, including single Phragmites australis (P, habitat I), a mixture of P. australis and Suaeda salsa (P + S, habitat II), single S. salsa (S, habitat III), and tidal flat (TF, habitat IV) across a salinity gradient. Values of δ13C increased with depth in aerobic soil layers (0–40 cm) but slightly decreased in anaerobic soil layers (40–100 cm). The δ15N was significantly enriched in soil organic matter at all depths than in the living plant tissues, indicating a preferential decomposition of 14N‐enriched organic components. Thus, the kinetic isotope fractionation during microbial degradation and the preferential substrate utilization are the dominant mechanisms in regulating isotopic compositions in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Stable isotopic (δ13C and δ15N), elemental (C and N), and lignin composition (inherited (Ad/Al)s and C/V) were not completely consistent in reflecting the differences in SOC decomposition or accumulation among four vegetation types, possibly due to differences in litter inputs, root distributions, substrate quality, water‐table level, salinity, and microbial community composition/activity. Organic C contents and storage decreased from upstream to downstream, likely due to primarily changes in autochthonous sources (e.g., decreased onsite plant biomass input) and allochthonous materials (e.g., decreased fluvially transported upland river inputs, and increased tidally induced marine algae and phytoplankton). Our results revealed that multiple indicators are essential to unravel the degree of SOC decomposition and accumulation, and a combination of C:N ratios, δ13C, δ15N, and lignin biomarker provides a robust approach to decipher the decomposition and source of sedimentary organic matter along the river‐estuary‐ocean continuum.
Women and burnout in the context of a pandemic
Authors: Aldossari Maryam , Chaudhry Sara
Published: October 2020

This article presents the lived narrative of a female academic with children working in a British university and trying to cope with a completely new way of work and life in the context of the pandemic. The overall aim of the article is to offer a gendered account of burnout—specifically how women may be experiencing burnout at multiple levels, and the efficacy of their subsequent coping strategies. The narrative provides insights into how a range of coping mechanisms such as disengagement, denial, and energy conservation are deployed to deal with the increased responsibilities at work and home as a result of the pandemic. Existing research has viewed burnout as gender neutral, leaving a gap in the literature on the significant differences in both men's and women's experience of burnout as well as their coping behaviors.
Antimicrobial resistance of Helicobacter pylori in an eastern German region
Authors: Hofreuter Dirk , Behrendt Johannes , Franz Annett , Meyer Jens , Jansen Anna , Bluemel Benjamin , Eisele Bianca , Koken Miriam , Glocker Erik‐Oliver
Published: October 2020

Background

Antimicrobial therapy is recommended to eradicate Helicobacter (H.) pylori in infected individuals. As first‐line treatments are empiric, knowledge of antimicrobial resistance is key to successful eradication.

Aims

We investigated primary resistance in an eastern German region to derive recommendations for eradication treatment.

Methods

We used molecular genetic methods to examine Helicobacter rapid urease test (RUT) positive gastric specimens of 533 patients from Berlin and the federal state of Brandenburg with allegedly no prior eradication treatment. Tissue samples were removed from RUT and screened by real‐time PCR for mutations conferring resistance to clarithromycin. In addition, 182 samples out of 533 were tested for resistance to levofloxacin and tetracycline.

Results

Primary resistances were 10.9% (58 out of 533) to clarithromycin; 13.7% (25/182) to levofloxacin; and 2.2% to tetracycline (4/182). Combined resistance to clarithromycin/levofloxacin was low (2.2%, 4/182). Female sex was significantly associated with clarithromycin resistance.

Conclusion

Clarithromycin may be a suitable first‐line antibiotic for about 90% of outpatients. A simple molecular test may help physicians avoid prescription of an ineffective first‐line regimen.
Examining PCAOB disciplinary orders on small audit firms: Evidence from 2005 to 2018
Authors: Guo Jun , Kinory Ethan , Zhou Yaou
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this paper is to improve our understanding of small U.S. domestic audit firms and the quality of their audits. We use hand collected data from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) website and provide an analysis based on 171 settled disciplinary orders issued to 150 small audit firms over the sample period from 2005 to 2018. We identify some key compliance issues associated with audits performed by small audit firms such as lack of due professional care, impaired auditor independence and inadequate engagement quality reviews. Our findings also indicate that risky clients (i.e., clients associated with disciplinary orders) pay higher audit fees and are less likely to receive a going concern opinion than peer clients not associated with a disciplinary order. Further, we discuss the implications of our research for practitioners, regulators and researchers in an attempt to enhance the overall health of the audit market.
Analysis and probabilistic simulation of Listeria monocytogenes inactivation in cooked beef during unsteady heating
Authors: Liu Yangtai , Dong Qingli , Wang Xiang , Liu Baolin , Yuan Sanling
Published: October 2020

This study was aimed at predicting the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes in cooked beef during unsteady heating. A one‐step approach was firstly applied to determine the thermodynamic coefficient of the beef sample. Then, inactivation kinetics was estimated by constructing the empirical heat transfer model and the log‐linear dynamic inactivation model. Validations showed that the integrated model could accurately describe L monocytogenes dynamic inactivation under unsteady heating conditions. With the bootstrap and Monte Carlo approach, the stochastic inactivation of L. monocytogenes could be further simulated by considering the model uncertainty and strain variability. A higher uncertainty of the time for 4 log CFU g‐1 reduction presented when the endpoint temperature was relatively lower. The present study might provide a practical way to predict the bacterial dynamic and stochastic inactivation for further probabilistic risk assessment.
Silencing of the phosphofructokinase gene impairs glycolysis and causes abnormal locomotion in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder
Authors: Hassan A. , Huang Q. , Xu H. , Wu J. , Mehmood N.
Published: October 2020

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a rate‐limiting enzyme in glycolysis, but its linkage with locomotion in termites is not well understood, despite the demonstrated involvement of this gene in the locomotion of different animals. Here, we investigated the effect of the pfk gene on locomotion in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder through RNA interference and the use of an Ethovision XT tracking system. The knockdown of pfk resulted in significantly decreased expression of the pfk gene in different castes of termites. The pfk‐silenced workers displayed higher levels of glucose but lower levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and decreased activity of the PFK enzyme. Furthermore, abnormal locomotion (decreased distance travelled, velocity and acceleration but increased turn angle, angular velocity and meander) was observed in different castes of pfk‐silenced termites. We found caste‐specific locomotion among workers, soldiers and dealates. Additionally, soldiers and dealates showed higher velocity in the inner zone than in the wall zone, which is considered an effective behaviour to avoid predation. These findings reveal the close linkage between the pfk gene and locomotion in termites, which helps us to better understand the regulatory mechanism and caste specificity of social behaviours in social insects.
IL‐21 treatment recovers follicular helper T cells and neutralizing antibody production in respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Gassen Rodrigo Benedetti , Fazolo Tiago , Nascimento de Freitas Deise , Borges Thiago J , Lima Karina , Antunes Géssica L. , Maito Fábio , Bueno Mendes Daniel AG , Báfica André , Rodrigues Luiz Carlos , Stein Renato , Duarte de Souza Ana Paula , Bonorino Cristina
Published: October 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children under 1 year. RSV vaccines are currently unavailable, and children suffering from multiple reinfections by the same viral strain fail to develop protective responses. Although RSV‐specific antibodies can be detected upon infection, these have limited neutralizing capacity. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are specialized in providing signals to B cells and help the production and affinity maturation of antibodies, mainly via interleukin (IL) 21 secretion. In this study, we evaluated whether RSV could inhibit Tfh responses. We observed that Tfh cells fail to upregulate IL‐21 production upon RSV infection. In the lungs, RSV infection downregulated the expression of IL‐21/interleukin‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) in Tfh cells and upregulated programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in dendritic cells (DCs) and B cells. PD‐L1 blockade during infection recovered IL‐21R expression in Tfh cells and increased the secretion of IL‐21 in a DC‐dependent manner. IL‐21 treatment decreased RSV viral load and lung inflammation, inducing the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs in the lung. It also decreased regulatory follicular T cells, and increased Tfh cells, B cells, antibody avidity and neutralization capacity, leading to an overall improved anti‐RSV humoral response in infected mice. Passive immunization with purified immunoglobulin G from IL‐21‐treated RSV‐infected mice protected against RSV infection. Our results unveil a pathway by which RSV affects Tfh cells by increasing PD‐L1 expression on antigen‐presenting cells, highlighting the importance of an IL‐21–PD‐L1 axis for the generation of protective responses to RSV infection.
Nurses’ psychological changes and coping strategies during home isolation for the 2019 novel coronavirus in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Mao‐Mao , Niu Niu , Zhi Xiao‐Xu , Zhu Ping , Wu Bing , Wu Bai‐Nv , Meng Ai‐Feng , Zhao Yun
Published: October 2020

Aims

To explore the psychological changes of nurses during home isolation, the factors that related with these changes, and coping strategies in home isolation during the epidemic of COVID‐19 in China.

Design

A qualitative study based on grounded theory.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted from January 2020‐February 2020 with 10 nurses who were isolated at home sharing the experiences of the epidemic of COVID‐19. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using constant comparative data analysis.

Results

Analyses of the collected data reveal that the psychological changes of nurses during home isolation reflect a complex, dynamic, and gradually adaptive process that was affected by many factors. Nurses had many negative emotional reactions in the early stages of isolation and positive emotions gradually increased during home isolation. After release from home isolation, they become more confident and calm after. Six categories of coping strategies were identified, including reasoned cognition; autosuggestion; develop healthy protective behaviours; shifting attention; social support; and the power of a role model.

Conclusions

The study provides a better understanding of the psychological changes and the coping strategies used among nurses isolated at home. It is necessary to pay more attention to negative emotions in the early stages of home isolation to help nurses adjust quickly. The coping strategies used by nurses are likely to help those in home isolation reduce negative psychological changes and experience more optimal self‐adjustment.

Impact

This study explored the psychological changes and coping strategies of home isolation among nurses, providing useful advice for psychologists to develop psychological crisis interventions to help individuals reduce negative psychological and have more actively coping strategies when faced sudden stressful infectious diseases.
The endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response in kidney disease: Implications for vascular growth factors
Authors: Ricciardi Carlo Alberto , Gnudi Luigi
Published: October 2020

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) represent an important challenge for healthcare providers. The identification of new biomarkers/pharmacological targets for kidney disease is required for the development of more effective therapies. Several studies have shown the importance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the pathophysiology of AKI and CKD. ER is a cellular organelle devolved to protein biosynthesis and maturation, and cellular detoxification processes which are activated in response to an insult. This review aimed to dissect the cellular response to ER stress which manifests with activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) with its major branches, namely PERK, IRE1α, ATF6 and the interplay between ER and mitochondria in the pathophysiology of kidney disease. Further, we will discuss the relationship between mediators of renal injury (with specific focus on vascular growth factors) and ER stress and UPR in the pathophysiology of both AKI and CKD with the aim to propose potential new targets for treatment for kidney disease.
The association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis in Spain: Results from the WORALTH (Workers’ ORAL healTH) Study
Authors: Montero Eduardo , Molina Ana , Carasol Miguel , Fernández‐Meseguer Ana , Calvo‐Bonacho Eva , Teresa García‐Margallo María , Sanz Mariano , Herrera David
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Evidence of an association between periodontitis and MetS (metabolic syndrome) remains controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between periodontitis and MetS in a cross‐sectional population survey.

Material and Methods

WORALTH (Workers’ ORAL healTH) Study is a cross‐sectional survey, conducted on a representative sample of the Spanish employed population, including 5154 participants. An oral examination following the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria evaluated the periodontal status using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Clinical Attachment Levels (CAL). Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders was used to evaluate the association between periodontitis and MetS, and its individual components.

Results

Participants presenting a CPI = 4 were more likely to have MetS than subjects with CPI < 4 [odds ratio, OR = 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.81; p < 0.001]. High blood pressure was the component with stronger association with periodontal status (OR = 1.94 for CAL ≥6 mm; 95% CI 1.49–2.53; p < 0.001). After stratifying for sex, the association was higher in women (OR = 2.20 for CPI = 4; 95% CI 1.31–3.62; p < 0.001). Non‐metabolically healthy subjects, obese or not, presented a worse periodontal condition.

Conclusion

Severe periodontitis (CPI = 4) was associated with MetS in a representative sample of the Spanish employed population. This association seems to be independent of body mass index and other potential confounders.
Different injection patterns of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow’s feet: a split‐face comparative study
Authors: Vachiramon V. , Subpayasarn U. , Triyangkulsri K. , Jurairattanaporn N. , Rattananukrom T.
Published: October 2020

Background

IncobotulinumtoxinA has been previously used for the treatment of lateral periorbital lines (crow’s feet). However, a standardized injection technique has not been established.

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and effect duration of two injection techniques of incobotulinumtoxinA for crow’s feet treatment.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients with crow’s feet were recruited and randomly assigned to receive bilateral treatments using either a 3‐point intramuscular or a 6‐point intradermal injection technique (8–12 units of incobotulinumtoxinA on each side). Improvement was assessed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks postinjection. An objective evaluation was assessed by the indentation index using a 3D camera and a subjective evaluation was assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the Flynn validated assessment scale (FVAS) for the upper face. The patients assessed the results using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Side‐effects were evaluated at each visit.

Results

After treatment, a significantly greater reduction in the indentation index of periorbital wrinkles on the 3‐point intramuscular injection side compared with the 6‐point intradermal injection side was observed at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. The results from the FVAS and GAIS scores showed significantly longer median times to relapse of the periorbital wrinkle for the 3‐point intramuscular injection compared with the 6‐point intradermal injection. Pain and bruising were slightly greater with the 6‐point intradermal technique.

Conclusions

This study reaffirmed the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of crow’s feet. The 3‐point intramuscular injection technique yielded greater efficacy and longer duration of action than the 6‐point intradermal injection technique.
Secukinumab demonstrates high efficacy and a favourable safety profile in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis: 52‐week results from a Phase 3 double‐blind randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Bodemer C. , Kaszuba A. , Kingo K. , Tsianakas A. , Morita A. , Rivas E. , Papanastasiou P. , Keefe D. , Patekar M. , Charef P. , Zhang L. , Cafoncelli S. , Papavassilis C.
Published: October 2020

Background

Secukinumab has demonstrated sustained long‐term efficacy with a favourable safety profile in various psoriatic disease manifestations in adults.

Objectives

Here, the efficacy and safety of two secukinumab dosing regimens [low dose (LD) and high dose (HD)] in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis over one year are reported.

Methods

In this multicentre, double‐blind study (NCT02471144), patients aged 6 to <18 years with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were stratified and randomized by weight (<25 kg, 25 to <50 kg, ≥50 kg) and age (6 to <12 years, 12 to <18 years) to receive low‐dose (LD: 75/75/150 mg) or high‐dose (HD: 75/150/300 mg) subcutaneous secukinumab or placebo or etanercept 0.8 mg/kg (up to a max of 50 mg).

Results

Overall, 162 patients were randomized to receive secukinumab LD (n = 40) or HD (n = 40), etanercept (n = 41) or placebo (n = 41). The co‐primary objectives of the study were met with both secukinumab doses (LD and HD) showing superior efficacy compared to placebo (P < 0.0001) with respect to PASI 75 response (80.0%, 77.5% vs. 14.6%) and IGA mod 2011, 0 or 1 response (70%, 60% vs. 4.9%) at Week 12. Both secukinumab doses were superior to placebo (P < 0.0001) with respect to PASI 90 response at Week 12 (72.5%, 67.5% vs. 2.4%). The efficacy of both doses was sustained to Week 52 with secukinumab achieving higher responses vs. etanercept (PASI 75/90/100: LD, 87.5%/75.0%/40.0% and HD, 87.5%/80.0%/47.5.% vs. etanercept, 68.3%/51.2%/22.0% and IGA 0 or 1: LD, 72.5% and HD, 75.0% vs. etanercept, 56.1%). The safety profile of secukinumab was consistent with the adult Phase 3 studies, with no new safety signals identified.

Conclusions

Both doses of secukinumab demonstrated high and sustained efficacy up to Week 52 with a favourable safety profile in paediatric patients with severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
Pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse by OX‐B to enhancing the enzymatic hydrolysis for ethanol fermentation
Authors: da Siva Martins Luiza Helena , Komesu Andrea , Moreira Neto João , de Oliveira Johnatt Allan Rocha , Rabelo Sarita Cândida , da Costa Aline Carvalho
Published: October 2020

The main by‐product of the alcohol industry is the sugarcane bagasse, which can be used to produce second generation ethanol. Studies about pretreatment technologies are increasingly greater, a fundamental step for the efficient this fuel production. The reagents and wastewater treatment costs are still a bottleneck for this type of technology. The present work aimed to study the pretreatments of sugarcane bagasse using a highly oxidative solution Ox‐B. In this study we used high solids loadings, aimed at reducing the use of reagent and the water consumption. We carried out an experimental design 32 for the pretreatment step. The pretreated material followed an enzymatic hydrolysis with 10% (m/v) loading, and enzymatic loading of 15 Filter Paper Units (FPU)/g and 25 cellobiose units (CBU)/g of bagasse. For the best pretreatment condition the desirability tool showed the best pretreatment condition for the release of glucose as 20% solids, 25°C and 2 h, achieving 251.94 mg of glucose per gram of raw bagasse. However, the maximum ethanol yield was 70%, that possible was affected by the presence of chlorine in the pre‐treated mass that has been affected the fermentation process. In general, Ox‐B proved to be a potential pretreatment agent for sugarcane bagasse.

Practical Applications

Sugarcane bagasse is a residual material which can be used for second‐generation (2G) bioethanol production. In this study, Ox–B pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse using high solid loadings, both in the pretreatment (20–40% w/v) and the enzymatic hydrolysis (10–20% w/v) stages was conducted in order to reduce reagent usage and consumption of water. The studies will be useful for ethanol production from lignocellulose.
Quality of life, symptom severity and level of functioning in people with severe mental illness ready for hospital discharge
Authors: Tong Chien Wai , Thompson David R. , Fong Leung Sau , Bressington Daniel
Published: October 2020

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

The quality of life (QoL) of people with severe mental illness (SMI) is a growing international concern.

Many earlier studies report the determinants and correlates of QoL and functioning in people with SMI in Western countries.

The QoL and functioning of Asian inpatients with SMI are largely unknown, particularly at the point where they have been assessed as being ready for hospital discharge.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Physical health, social functioning and community living skills, and negative symptoms are important areas of concern immediately pre‐discharge.

Social relationship related QoL, overall symptoms, unemployment, education level, living situation, physical illness and treatment duration predict functioning levels.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses should consider interventions beyond the traditional focus on psychopathology to improve functioning outcomes in people with SMI recently discharged from hospital.

Inpatient services should utilise the opportunity to monitor and address physical health problems before discharge from inpatient care.

Introduction

There is a lack of evidence on quality of life (QoL) and functioning in Asian people with severe mental illness (SMI) immediately prior to hospital discharge. This information could have major implications for treatment.

Aim

To profile perceived quality of life, symptom severity and level of functioning among people with SMI.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving 347 adult inpatients with SMI. QoL (WHO Quality of Life ‐ Brief Form), symptom severity (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and level of functioning (Specific Level of Functioning) were measured immediately pre‐discharge.

Results

Participants reported low social relationship‐related QOL. Weak correlations were found between functioning, QoL and symptoms. Regression analysis identified the social relationship QoL domain, employment status, education level, living situation, physical illnesses, overall symptoms and the duration of receiving psychiatric services were statistically significant predictors of functioning levels.

Discussion

The findings may highlight a need for interventions beyond the traditional emphasis on psychiatric symptoms in order to improve functioning following an inpatient admission.

Implications for practice

Interventions to improve functioning in recently discharged people with SMI may need to be specifically designed to improve patients’ social relationships, support return to employment and minimise the risk of physical illness.
Reframing the early childhood obesity prevention narrative through an equitable nurturing approach
Authors: Skouteris Helen , Bergmeier Heidi J. , Berns Scott D. , Betancourt Jeanette , Boynton‐Jarrett Renée , Davis Martha B. , Gibbons Kay , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Story Mary
Published: October 2020

High‐quality mother–child interactions during the first 2,000 days, from conception to age 5 years, are considered crucial for preventing obesity development during early life stages. However, mother–child dyads interact within and are influenced by broader socio‐ecological contexts involved in shaping child development outcomes, including nutrition. Hence, the coexistence of both undernutrition and obesity has been noted in inequitable social conditions, with drivers of undernutrition and overnutrition in children sharing common elements, such as poverty and food insecurity. To date, a holistic life‐course approach to childhood obesity prevention that includes an equitable developmental perspective has not emerged. The World Health Organization (WHO) Nurturing Care Framework provides the foundation for reframing the narrative to understand childhood obesity through the lens of an equitable nurturing care approach to child development from a life‐course perspective. In this perspective, we outline our rationale for reframing the childhood narrative by integrating an equitable nurturing care approach to childhood obesity prevention. Four key elements of reframing the narrative include: (a) extending the focus from the current 1,000 to 2,000 days (conception to 5 years); (b) highlighting the importance of nurturing mutually responsive child‐caregiver connections to age 5; (c) recognition of racism and related stressors, not solely race/ethnicity, as part of adverse child experiences and social determinants of obesity; and (d) addressing equity by codesigning interventions with socially marginalized families and communities. An equitable, asset‐based engagement of families and communities could drive the transformation of policies, systems and social conditions to prevent childhood obesity.
A rabbit model for evaluating ocular damage from acrolein toxicity in vivo
Authors: Gupta Suneel , Fink Michael K. , Martin Lynn M. , Sinha Prashant R. , Rodier Jason T. , Sinha Nishant R. , Hesemann Nathan P. , Chaurasia Shyam S. , Mohan Rajiv R.
Published: October 2020

Acrolein is a highly reactive and volatile unsaturated aldehyde commonly used for producing scores of commercial products. It has been recognized as a chemical weapon since its use during World War I, and more recently, in Syria. Acrolein exposure causes severe eye, skin, and lung damage in addition to many casualties. In the eye, it causes severe pain, eyelid swelling, corneal burns, and vision impairment. Very little information is available about how acrolein damages the cornea and causes vision loss. At present, the lack of clinically relevant animal models limits evaluation of acrolein toxicity and mechanisms specific to the eye. We aim to standardize the mode of delivery and exposure duration of acrolein, damaging the rabbit eye in vivo as an ocular injury model for studying the toxicity of acrolein and developing medical countermeasures. Rabbit eyes were exposed to two modes of delivery (topical and vapor) for different durations (1–5 minutes). Clinical ophthalmic examinations with a slit lamp, stereomicroscope, fluorescein dye, pachymeter, tonometer, and tearing examinations in live rabbits were performed at various times up to 4 weeks. Corneas were histologically diagnosed for transparency, fibrosis, collagens, and neovascularization. Our study successfully established an in vivo rabbit model for evaluating acrolein toxicity to the eye, accounting for different modes and durations of exposure.
Potential interactions among single nucleotide polymorphisms in bone‐ and cartilage‐related genes in skeletal malocclusions
Authors: Küchler Erika Calvano , Reis Caio Luiz Bitencourt , Carelli Julia , Scariot Rafaela , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Coletta Ricardo D. , Paza Aleysson Olimpio , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane , Proff Peter , Kirschneck Christian
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate SNPs in bone‐ and cartilage‐related genes and their interaction in the aetiology of sagittal and vertical skeletal malocclusions.

Settings and sample population

This study included 143 patients and classified as follows: skeletal class I (n = 77), class II (n = 47) and class III (n = 19); maxillary retrusion (n = 39), protrusion (n = 52) and well‐positioned maxilla (n = 52); mandibular retrognathism (n = 50), prognathism (n = 50) and well‐positioned mandible (n = 43); normofacial (n = 72), dolichofacial (n = 55) and brachyfacial (n = 16).

Materials and methods

Steiner's ANB, SNA, SNB angles and Ricketts’ NBa‐PtGn angle were measured to determine the skeletal malocclusion and the vertical pattern. Nine SNPs inBMP2,BMP4,SMAD6, RUNX2, WNT3AandWNT11were genotyped. Chi‐squared test was used to compare genotypes among the groups. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) and binary logistic regression analysis, both using gender and age as co‐variables, were also used. We performed Bonferroni correction for multiple testing.

Results

Significant associations atP < .05 were observed for SNPs rs1005464 (P = .042) and rs235768 (P = .021) inBMP2with mandibular retrognathism and for rs59983488 (RUNX2) with maxillary protrusion (P = .04) as well as for rs708111 (WNT3A) with skeletal class III (P = .02; dominant model), rs1533767 (WNT11) with a brachyfacial skeletal pattern (P = .01, OR = 0.10; dominant model) and for rs3934908 (SMAD6) with prognathism (P = .02; recessive model). After the Bonferroni correction, none of the SNPs remained associated. The MDR predicted some interaction for skeletal class II, dolichofacial and brachyfacial phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that SNPs inBMP2, BMP4, SMAD6, RUNX2, WNT3AandWNT11could be involved in the aetiology of sagittal and vertical malocclusions.
Mechanical extraction of cardiac implantable electronic devices leads with long dwell time: Efficacy and safety of the step up approach
Authors: Lensvelt Leontine M. H. , Egorova Anastasia D. , Schalij Martin J. , Yilmaz Dilek , Kennergren Charles , Bootsma Marianne , van Erven Lieselot
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the stepwise mechanical transvenous lead extraction approach in a patient population with chronically implanted transvenous leads with a long dwell time.

From January 2014 till December 2018, all lead extractions with lead dwell time ≥5 years performed at our tertiary centre were retrospectively analysed. A total of 173 leads, from 78 patients (median age 68 years; 81% male) with a median dwell time of 9 years (interquartile range [IQR] 5) were extracted, with three or more leads in 42% of the patients. Right atrial leads: 41%; right ventricular pacing leads: 16%; implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) leads: 31% (72% dual coil); coronary sinus leads: 12%. The majority (75%) of the leads had an active fixation. Most frequent indication for extraction was pocket infection/erosion (76%). Overall clinical success was 97%, and complete procedural success was 93%. Venous patency, assessed with venous angiography, was well preserved in 93% of the cases. The overall procedural complication rate was 3.8% (2.6% major and 1.3% minor).

Despite the complexity of the population and a very long dwell time (median 9 years), a clinical success rate of 97% was achieved with the stepwise mechanical approach. Analysis of impeding progression of pectoral extraction suggests that dense fibrosis and sharp lead curvature in the transvenous trajectory pose a challenge. Complication rate was low, and acute venous patency was generally well preserved.
Perceptual consciousness plays no epistemic role
Authors: Berger Jacob
Published: October 2020

It is often assumed that perceptual experience provides evidence about the external world. But much perception can occur unconsciously, as in cases of masked priming or blindsight. Does unconscious perception provide evidence as well? Many theorists maintain that it cannot, holding that perceptual experience provides evidence in virtue of its conscious character. Against such views, I challenge here both the necessity and, perhaps more controversially, the sufficiency of consciousness for perception to provide evidence about the external world. In addition to motivating and defending the idea that unconscious perception can and does often provide evidence, I observe that whether or not perceptual phenomenology is relevant to the evidentiary status of perception depends on the nature of consciousness. And I argue that a well‐supported theory of consciousness—higher‐order thought theory—invites a striking conclusion: that perceptual phenomenology is not on its own sufficient to provide for evidence of the external world.
Development of an immunocompetent mouse model susceptible to Cryptosporidium tyzzeri infection
Authors: Huang Y. , Song Y. , You Y. , Mi R. , Han X. , Gong H. , Chen Z. , Liu Y.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Immunocompromised mice are extensively used in the screening of vaccines and drugs for Cryptosporidium, but this study model does not reflect the real status of infection in immunocompetent animals. This study aimed to provide an optimized animal model for future studies of Cryptosporidium vaccine.

Methods and results

Three mouse strains (ICR, BALB/c and KM) with or without immunosuppression were compared after challenge with Cryptosporidium tyzzeri (C tyzzeri). The results indicated that ICR mice shed a greater number of faecal oocysts (20 346 ± 203 oocysts/g) compared with BALB/c (2077 ± 142 oocysts/g) and KM mice (3207 ± 431 oocysts/g) after experimental infection with C tyzzeri (P < .001). However, ICR mouse model is uniquely effective for C tyzzeri, not for other Cryptosporidium spp. such as C parvum. ICR mice were then used to determine the immunoreactions and immunoprotection of P23‐DNA vaccine (pVAX1‐P23) to C tyzzeri experimental infection. The results showed that a significant increase in anti‐P23 antibody levels was induced by the pVAX1‐P23 vaccine. Compared to pVAX1, TB and blank control mice, pVAX1‐P23 immunized mice produced specific spleen cell proliferation as well as enhanced IL‐5, IL‐12p70 and IFN‐γ production in sera. After challenge with 5 × 106 C tyzzeri oocysts, the oocyst shedding of the pVAX1‐P23 immunized group was reduced by 69.94% comparing to the infection control.

Conclusion

These results provide an optimized animal model for the study of prophylactic vaccines and this model might be applied to other candidates against Cryptosporidium, not only for pVAX1‐P23.
Blunted cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress predicts low behavioral but not self‐reported perseverance: A replication study
Authors: Whittaker A. C. , Chauntry A. J.
Published: October 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with poor behavioral perseverance show low or blunted physiological responses to acute psychological stress. For example, a recent preliminary laboratory study demonstrated that blunted responders give up sooner and take fewer attempts when endeavoring to complete an impossible puzzle, but do not self‐report poor perseverance. This present research is a replication of the previous study with an increased sample size, longer recovery periods between tasks and addition of social evaluation to the cold pressor. Participants (147) completed a self‐report perseverance questionnaire (Short Grit Scale) and behavioral perseverance tasks (impossible Euler puzzle and socially evaluated cold‐pressor (SECPT)). The number of attempts and time spent trying to complete the unsolvable puzzle, and duration of hand submergent during the SECPT, were recorded as behavioral perseverance measures. Difference in blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) from baseline to a 10‐min paced auditory serial addition task (PASAT) were computed as reactivity. As previously, reactivity did not relate to self‐reported perseverance and blunted BP reactivity to the PASAT was associated with less time persevering at the unsolvable puzzle. Additionally, blunted BP and PR reactivity to the PASAT related to poorer perseverance during the SECPT. These findings, replicating the previous study, increase confidence that blunted reactivity is a physiological marker of poor behavioral perseverance. Moreover, given that self‐reported perseverance does not relate to reactivity, this suggests that blunted responders are not conscious of this detriment in perseverance, but likely need additional support when persistence is critical (e.g., during behavior change).
Optimization of Sampling for Monitoring Chemicals in the Food Supply Chain Using a Risk‐Based Approach: The Case of Aflatoxins and Dioxins in the Dutch Dairy Chain
Authors: Wang Z. , van der Fels‐Klerx H. J. , Lansink A. G. J. M. Oude
Published: October 2020

Food safety monitoring faces the challenge of tackling multiple chemicals along the various stages of the food supply chain. Our study developed a methodology for optimizing sampling for monitoring multiple chemicals along the dairy supply chain. We used a mixed integer nonlinear programming approach to maximize the performance of the sampling in terms of reducing the risk of the potential disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in the population. Decision variables are the number of samples collected and analyzed at each stage of the food chain (feed mills, dairy farms, milk trucks, and dairy processing plants) for each chemical, given a predefined budget. The model was applied to the case of monitoring for aflatoxin B1/M1(AFB1/M1) and dioxins in a hypothetical Dutch dairy supply chain, and results were calculated for various contamination scenarios defined in terms of contamination fraction and concentrations. Considering various monitoring budgets for both chemicals, monitoring for AFB1/M1 showed to be more effective than for dioxins in most of the considered scenarios, because AFB1/M1 could result into more DALYs than dioxins when both chemicals are in same contamination fraction, and costs for analyzing one AFB1/M1 sample are lower than for one dioxins sample. The results suggest that relatively more resources be spent on monitoring AFB1/M1 when both chemicals’ contamination fractions are low; when both contamination fractions are higher, relatively more budget should be addressed to monitoring dioxins.
Promoting patient engagement: a scoping review of actions that align with the interactive care model
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Jerofke‐Owen Teresa , Marshall Andrea P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Conceptual clarity for the term patient engagement is growing. However, there is variability in patient engagement in healthcare, which could be due to the absence of models to guide practice or a myriad of organisational, nurse and patient factors. The recently developed ‘Interactive Care Model’ provides guidance on how to genuinely promote individualised patient engagement. An understanding of how to action this model in nursing is required.

Aims

The aim of this scoping review was to examine actions in the published scientific literature that align with the Interactive Care Model, in the context of nursing care of hospitalised patients.

Data sources

In 2018, searches of CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and PsycInfo were undertaken, for literature published between 2008 and 2018. This was followed by citation tracking.

Review methods

Two researchers screened and selected studies using prespecified criteria. Data were charted into a pre‐established tool and collated and summarised using numerical summaries and deductive content analysis. For content analysis, categories were generated from the ‘Interactive Care Model’.

Findings

Forty‐three studies were included in the review, 33 noninterventional and 10 interventional studies. Publications on the topic are increasing in number over time, with most conducted in Europe with patient or nurse participants. Forty‐two actions were found in the literature that aligned with the ‘Interactive Care Model’. The actions uncovered differed between intervention and noninterventional studies; in interventional studies actions were formalised.

Conclusions

This review provides an overview of actions that promote patient engagement and could inform implementation of the Interactive Care Model and the design and testing of patient engagement interventions to support the model. There are opportunities to explore latter phases of the Interactive Care Model to foster patient engagement in self‐management and to motivate patients’ management of healthcare beyond hospitalisation. Further, there is a need to rigorously evaluate patient engagement interventions.
The racial and colonial dimensions of gentrification
Authors: Kent‐Stoll Peter
Published: October 2020

In recent years, studies of gentrification have added a deeper political economic, political, and cultural understanding to this process by demonstrating how it can be understood as not only driven by the physical displacement of working‐class residents but also by the political, cultural, and physical displacement of poor and working‐class Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous populations. In this study, I review these recent key works in urban sociology, geography, and urban history which examine the specifically racial and colonial dimensions of gentrification. These works provide invaluable insights to the political economic, political, and cultural dimensions of gentrification, but are still constrained by not developing a deeper historical analytics of the racial and colonial structures which shape gentrification. Because of this, the foundations of anti‐Black and anti‐Indigenous racism which make possible the commodification of space and devaluation and dispossession of people that gentrification requires, remain obscured. I argue the alternative frameworks of settler colonialism, internal colonialism, and coloniality—developed largely separate from urban sociology—can provide a sharper analysis to the study of gentrification by helping to more explicitly name and explain the racial and colonial structures, logics, and subjectivities which shape gentrification.