bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Module 18: Automated Scoring https://ncme.elevate.commpartners.com
Authors: Lottridge Sue , Burkhardt Amy , Boyer Michelle
Published: September 2020

In this digital ITEMS module, Dr. Sue Lottridge, Amy Burkhardt, and Dr. Michelle Boyer provide an overview of automated scoring. Automated scoring is the use of computer algorithms to score unconstrained open‐ended test items by mimicking human scoring. The use of automated scoring is increasing in educational assessment programs because it allows scores to be returned faster at lower cost. In the module, they discuss automated scoring from a number of perspectives. First, they discuss benefits and weaknesses of automated scoring, and what psychometricians should know about automated scoring. Next, they describe the overall process of automated scoring, moving from data collection to engine training to operational scoring. Then, they describe how automated scoring systems work, including the basic functions around score prediction as well as other flagging methods. Finally, they conclude with a discussion of the specific validity demands around automated scoring and how they align with the larger validity demands around test scores. Two data activities are provided. The first is an interactive activity that allows the user to train and evaluate a simple automated scoring engine. The second is a worked example that examines the impact of rater error on test scores. The digital module contains a link to an interactive web application as well as its R‐Shiny code, diagnostic quiz questions, activities, curated resources, and a glossary.
Functional and radiological outcomes after bridging therapy versus direct thrombectomy in stroke patients with unknown onset
Authors: Cappellari M. , Saia V. , Pracucci G. , Sallustio F. , Gandini R. , Nappini S. , Nencini P. , Vallone S. , Zini A. , Bigliardi G. , Granata F. , Grillo F. , Cioni S. , Tassi R. , Bergui M. , Cerrato P. , Saletti A. , De Vito A. , Gasparotti R. , Magoni M. , Taglialatela F. , Ruggiero M. , Longoni M. , Castellan L. , Malfatto L. , Menozzi R. , Castellini P. , Cosottini M. , Mancuso M. , Comai A. , Franchini E. , Lozupone E. , Della Marca G. , Ciceri E. F. M. , Bonetti B. , Zampieri P. , Inzitari D. , Mangiafico S. , Toni D.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

The aim was to assess functional and radiological outcomes after bridging therapy (intravenous thrombolysis plus mechanical thrombectomy) versus direct mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in unknown onset stroke patients.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted on prospectively collected data from unknown onset stroke patients who received endovascular procedures at ≤6 h from symptom recognition or awakening time.

Results

Of the 349 patients with a 10‐point Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS), 248 received bridging and 101 received direct MT. Of the 134 patients with 6–9‐point ASPECTS, 123 received bridging and 111 received direct MT. Each patient treated with bridging was propensity score matched with a patient treated with direct MT for age, sex, study period, pre‐stroke disability, stroke severity, type of stroke onset, symptom recognition to groin time (or awakening to groin time), ASPECTS and procedure time. In the two matched groups with 10‐point ASPECTS (n = 73 vs. n = 73), bridging was associated with higher rates of excellent outcome (46.6% vs. 28.8%; odds ratio 2.302, 95% confidence interval 1.010–5.244) and successful recanalization (83.6% vs. 63%; odds ratio 3.028, 95% confidence interval 1.369–6.693) compared with direct MT; no significant association was found between bridging and direct MT with regard to rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (0% vs. 1.4%). In the two matched groups with 6–9‐point ASPECTS (n = 45 vs. n = 45), no significant associations were found between bridging and direct MT with regard to rates of excellent functional outcome (44.4% vs. 31.1%), successful recanalization (73.3% vs. 76.5%) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (0% vs. 0%).

Conclusions

Bridging at ≤ 6 h of symptom recognition or awakening time was associated with better functional and radiological outcomes in unknown onset stroke patients with 10‐point ASPECTS.
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica with a combination of Ziehl‐Neelsen staining and metagenomics next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Huang T. , Chen Y. , Zhang J. , He R. , Qu D. , Ye Q. , Chen X.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Early and accurate diagnosis is vital in cerebral nocardiosis, a very rare and infectious disease associated with a high mortality rate. Herein, we report a case that a patient with brain abscess was swiftly diagnosed and successfully treated.

Methods

We report a case of a 61‐year‐old woman with a brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica, diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl‐Neelsen staining and metagenomics next‐generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results

A 61‐year‐old woman with left breast cancer resection, diabetes mellitus and a 7‐month discontinuous cough and fever was admitted to our hospital. On the third day of hospitalization, she experienced a sudden loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with a brain abscess and a pathological change in cerebral mass on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the failure of culturing any microorganisms from the pup, the dissected sample from the patient with Ziehl‐Neelsen staining tested positive for acid‐fast bacilli and was subjected to mNGS. The pathogen was identified as N. asiatica and the patient was treated accordingly with linezolid and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole until complete recovery was confirmed by the follow‐up cerebral MRI.

Conclusions

This is the first case report of a brain abscess caused by N. asiatica being swiftly diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl‐Neelsen staining and mNGS. This rapid diagnosis allowed us to successfully treat this rare infection.
The prevalence of hypertension in multiple sclerosis based on 37 million electronic health records from the United States
Authors: Briggs F. B. S. , Hill E. , Abboud H.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Hypertension (HTN) is a common comorbidity in multiple sclerosis (MS), and it significantly contributes to adverse outcomes. Unfortunately, the distribution of HTN in persons with MS has not been well characterized, and prior estimates have primarily relied on modest sample sizes. The objective of this study was to robustly describe the distribution of HTN in the MS population in comparison to the non‐MS population with considerations for age, sex, and race. To date, this is the largest investigation of its kind.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 37 million unique electronic health records available in the IBM Explorys Enterprise Performance Management: Explore database (Explorys) spanning the United States. This resource has previously been validated for use in MS. We evaluated the prevalence of HTN in MS (N = 122 660) and non‐MS (N = 37 075 350) cohorts, stratifying by age, sex, and race.

Results

The prevalence of HTN was significantly greater among those with MS than among those without MS across age, sex, and race subpopulations, even after adjusting for age and sex. HTN was 25% more common in MS. In both MS and non‐MS cohorts, the prevalence of HTN progressively increased with age and was higher in Black Americans and in males.

Discussion

This study demonstrated that HTN is significantly more common in the MS population compared to the non‐MS population, irrespective of sex and race. Because HTN is the leading global risk factor for disability and death, these results emphasize the need for aggressive screening for, and management of, HTN in the MS population.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing a Parenting Intervention Among Afghan and Rohingya Refugees in Malaysia
Authors: Shaw Stacey A. , Ward Kaitlin P. , Pillai Veena , Ali Latifa Mahram , Karim Hamid
Published: September 2020

Refugee families experience uncertainty and stress when residing in countries of first asylum, such as Malaysia, and may benefit from supportive parenting interventions. In the greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia area we piloted an eight‐week parenting program with 79 Rohingya and Afghan mothers in nine separate groups. Participants were randomized to an intervention group or a waitlist control group and those in each arm completed a 3‐month follow‐up assessment. Program content addressed positive discipline, strengthening family relationships, adapting to a new environment, and improving health and emotional well‐being. Measures assessed included child intensity and parenting self‐efficacy from the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale; positive parenting, inconsistent discipline, and poor supervision from the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire‐Short Form; family intimacy and family conflict from the Family Functioning Scale, and emotional well‐being from the Refugee Health Screening‐15. Participating in the intervention led to beneficial changes in child intensity, parenting self‐efficacy, family intimacy, family conflict, and emotional distress for the treatment group, and all changes except for emotional distress were maintained over time. However, the intervention did not lead to changes in positive parenting, inconsistent discipline, or poor supervision in the treatment group. Findings point to the potential benefits of parenting programs for refugee communities in transitory settings and contribute to the limited body of literature examining such programs.
Couple Satisfaction, Depressive Symptoms, and the Therapeutic Alliance: A Systemic Perspective
Authors: Wu Qiong , Parker Michele L. , McWey Lenore M. , Ledermann Thomas
Published: September 2020

There is a well‐established bidirectional, negative association between couple satisfaction and depressive symptoms. Yet, a family systems perspective emphasizes the role of the therapist in interrupting this recursive cycle between couple satisfaction and depressive symptoms. The current study utilized longitudinal data to explore the bidirectional associations between depressive symptoms and couple satisfaction, moderated by the therapeutic alliance over the course of therapy. The study included 108 couples participating in couple therapy at a university training clinic. Couples rated their depressive symptoms and couple satisfaction separately before the intake session and at the end of the fourth session, and they also reported their individual therapeutic alliance with the therapist at the end of the second and third sessions. Actor‐partner interdependence moderation model analysis revealed several moderation effects. In general, with low therapeutic alliance, couples with higher initial symptoms (such as depressive symptoms and low couple satisfaction) reported more severe symptoms at the fourth session, compared to those who had fewer initial symptoms. The moderating effect of alliance on a couple’s symptoms was found both among individuals, and between partners. Systemic clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Risk and Resilience among Military‐Connected Youth
Authors: Sullivan Kathrine S. , Hawkins Stacy Ann , Gilreath Tamika D. , Castro Carl A.
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to describe patterns of risk and protective factors affecting U.S. Army families and their association with mental health diagnoses among military‐connected children. Wartime military service is associated with increased adverse outcomes for military‐connected youth, but few studies have explored the impact of concurrent risk and access to protective factors. Using big data methods to link existing datasets, protective factors (e.g., marital and family functioning) were drawn from a voluntary survey completed by 1,630 US Army spouses. Risk factors (e.g., parent mental health, family moves, deployment) were drawn from Department of Defense (DoD) archival data. Rates of mental health diagnoses among youth were derived from DoD healthcare records. Using the three‐step method of latent profile analysis, five profiles emerged with variability across risk and protective factors. The largest group (40% of the sample) had considerable protective factors and limited risk exposure. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of mental health diagnoses among military‐connected youth were observed across profiles (χ2 = 30.067, df = 4, p < .001), with the highest rates (31.1% and 30.5%) observed in the two profiles with the lowest protective factors. Findings suggest most military families are faring well and highlight the importance of a thorough assessment that evaluates both the stressors military families face and the strengths they possess.
Does A Parent's Right to Parenting Matter in Termination of Parental Rights? An Analysis of Court Cases
Authors: Ben‐David Vered
Published: September 2020

The right to parenting refers to the biological parent's right to make decisions about the care and wellbeing of the child and is considered a fundamental constitutional right. But if the child faces imminent risk of harm, this right can be revoked. This study examines the right to parenting in child maltreatment cases where parental rights were terminated and the way this right was balanced against other rights and interests of the child and parents. Drawing on a sample of 212 court cases, the study found that the right to parenting was discussed by the courts only in a quarter of the cases. It was also found that the right to parenting was referenced more often in less severe cases than in more severe cases. This paper discusses legal marginalization as reflective of the social marginalization of families involved in the child welfare system and the importance of a deliberate consideration of the right to parenting in every individual case from a legal as well as therapeutic perspective. It suggests that when professionals neglect parental rights they may also fail to provide parents with a full chance to participate in services that could help them improve their parenting skills and be reunified with their children.
Words of Advice: teaching enzyme kinetics
Authors: Srinivasan Bharath
Published: September 2020

Enzymology is concerned with the study of enzyme structure, function, regulation and kinetics. It is an interdisciplinary subject that can be treated as an exclusive sphere of exhaustive inquiry within mathematical, physico‐chemical and biological sciences. Hence, teaching of enzymology, in general, and enzyme kinetics, in particular, should be undertaken in an interdisciplinary manner for a holistic appreciation of this subject. Further, analogous examples from everyday life should form an integral component of the teaching for an intuitive grasp of the subject matter. Furthermore, simulation‐based appreciation of enzyme kinetics should be preferred over simplifying assumptions and approximations of traditional enzyme kinetics teaching. In this Words of Advice, I outline the domain depth of enzymology across the various disciplines and provide initial ideas on how appropriate analogies can provide firm insights into the subject. Further, I demonstrate how an intuitive feel for the subject can help not only in grasping abstract concepts but also extending it in experimental design and subsequent interpretation. Use of simulations in grasping complex concepts is also advocated given the advantages this medium offers over traditional approaches involving images and molecular models. Furthermore, I discuss the merits of incorporating the historical backdrop of major discoveries in enzymological teaching. We, at AstraZeneca, have experimented with this approach with the desired outcome of generating interest in the subject from people practising diverse disciplines.
The anti‐STAT1 polyphenol myricetin inhibits M1 microglia activation and counteracts neuronal death
Authors: Boriero Diana , Carcereri de Prati Alessandra , Antonini Lorenzo , Ragno Rino , Sohji Kazuo , Mariotto Sofia , Butturini Elena
Published: September 2020

Microglia activation toward M1 pro‐inflammatory phenotype represents one of the earliest events of neurological disorders. Therefore, reducing microglia activation should inhibit neuroinflammation, thereby delaying the progression of neurodegeneration. Recently, we pointed out the role of STAT1 signaling in hypoxia‐induced M1 activation and proposed STAT1 as a suitable molecular target for the prevention and treatment of neurodegeneration. Myricetin (MYR) is a natural flavonoid that exhibits a specific anti‐STAT1 activity correlated with its direct interaction with STAT1 protein itself. Herein, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effect of MYR and its ability to protect neurons from death in an in vitro model of neurotoxicity using the neuroblast‐like SH‐SY5Y cells that were exposed to conditioned media from hypoxia‐activated microglia BV2 cells. We demonstrate that MYR pretreatment is able to switch off hypoxia‐induced M1 microglia polarization through the inhibition of STAT1 signaling. The analysis of the molecular mechanism suggests that the direct interaction of MYR with STAT1 impairs its S‐glutathionylation and phosphorylation. Moreover, treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with conditioned medium from hypoxia‐activated microglia pretreated with MYR produced a significant reduction in neuronal viability. Our data indicate that MYR may represent a promising candidate for prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative disorders.
Damage‐based low‐cycle fatigue lifetime prediction of nickel‐based single‐crystal superalloy considering anisotropy and dwell types
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Rongqiao , Hu Dianyin , Jiang Kanghe , Hao Xinyi , Mao Jianxing , Jing Fulei
Published: September 2020

Based on the physical phenomenon that the fatigue cracks initiate along specific slip plane, a slip plane damage‐based low‐cycle fatigue (LCF) lifetime model for the nickel‐based single‐crystal superalloy is established. The predicted results indicate that the lifetime model can reflect the orientation effect. In addition, in order to characterize the dwell‐time dependence of the LCF lifetime, creep damage and compression‐creep damage are introduced to the lifetime model. Finally, the lifetime predictions under LCF loading with tensile dwell time, compressive dwell time and tensile‐compressive dwell time are conducted by employing the lifetime model, respectively. The predicted lifetimes show a good agreement with the experimental data, which verifies the accuracy of the developed lifetime model in this paper.
Towards growth for Spanish heritage programs in the United States: Key markers of success
Authors: Beaudrie Sara M.
Published: September 2020

Spanish heritage language (SHL) programs are multiplying in the United States, but our understanding of what constitutes effective practices for administering such programs remains quite limited. The aim of this study is to identify successful SHL programs in postsecondary institutions nationwide and examine key characteristics that appear to be contributing to their success. A two‐part survey study was conducted for which 98 responses were received from 19 different states (80 for the first survey and 18 for the second). By means of a contrastive content analysis, results from 12 program participants (seven in the successful group and five in the unsuccessful group) where analyzed to determine key markers of success. The results pointed to four programmatic markers and four curricular markers. As Spanish or world languages departments undertake the task of building or redesigning their heritage courses, this study may help inform decisions on how to allocate resources and set priorities in order to enhance their chances of success.
How protein quality drives incorporation rates and trophic discrimination of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in a freshwater first‐feeding fish
Authors: Nahon Sarah , Séité Sarah , Lefebvre Sébastien , Kolasinski Joanna , Aguirre Pierre , Geurden Inge
Published: September 2020

Using stable isotope ratios to explore the trophic ecology of freshwater animals requires knowledge about effects of food quality on isotopic incorporation dynamics. The aim of this experimental study was to: (1) estimate carbon and nitrogen isotopic incorporation rates and trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) of a freshwater first‐feeding fish (i.e. salmonid fry) fed three diets that differed only in protein quality (animal or plant or a blend of both); (2) investigate effects of fasting and; (3) evaluate the proportion of each source assimilated when fry were fed a 50:50 animal:plant‐based diet.

For each diet, incorporation rates of δ13C and δ15N values were estimated using a time or growth‐dependent isotopic incorporation model. Effects of fasting on isotope ratio values were measured regularly until the death of fry. Bayesian stable‐isotope mixing models were used to estimate the contribution of animal and plant material to fish fed a blend of both food types.

Our results show that incorporation rates were lower for fry fed a plant‐based diet than for those fed an animal‐based diet as growth rate decreased. Time‐ and growth‐dependent models indicated that growth was solely responsible for isotopic incorporation in fry fed an animal‐based diet, whereas catabolism increased in fry fed a plant‐based diet. After lipid extraction, carbon TDFs were similar regardless of the diet, whereas nitrogen TDFs increased for fry fed a plant‐based diet. Long‐term fasting induced an increase of 0.63‰ in δ13C values of fry in 23 days, whereas δ15N values did not vary significantly. Proportions of food sources assimilated by fry fed an animal:plant‐based diet were similar to those consumed when using a mixing model with the estimated TDFs, while proportions were unrealistic when using mean TDFs extrapolated from the literature.

The results of our study indicate that the quality of food must be considered to use an appropriate timescale to detect changes in fry diets in the field. Moreover, we recommend using different carbon and nitrogen TDFs, one for animal‐derived sources and one for plant‐derived sources, to increase the accuracy of mixing models.
Responses of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to nitrogen addition: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Yunfeng , Feng Jiguang , Han Mengguang , Zhu Biao
Published: September 2020

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play important roles in carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. The impact of increasing N deposition on AM fungi will inevitably affect ecosystem processes. However, generalizable patterns of how N deposition affects AM fungi remains poorly understood. Here we conducted a global‐scale meta‐analysis from 94 publications and 101 sites to investigate the responses of AM fungi to N addition, including abundance in both intra‐radical (host roots) and extra‐radical portion (soil), richness and diversity. We also explored the mechanisms of N addition affecting AM fungi by the trait‐based guilds method. Results showed that N addition significantly decreased AM fungal overall abundance (−8.0%). However, the response of abundance in intra‐radical portion was not consistent with that in extra‐radical portion: root colonization decreased (−11.6%) significantly, whereas extra‐radical hyphae length density did not change significantly. Different AM fungal guilds showed different responses to N addition: both the abundance (spore density) and relative abundance of the rhizophilic guild decreased significantly under N addition (−29.8% and −12.0%, respectively), while the abundance and relative abundance of the edaphophilic guild had insignificant response to N addition. Such inconsistent responses of rhizophilic and edaphophilic guilds were mainly moderated by the change of soil pH and the response of root biomass, respectively. Moreover, N addition had an insignificant negative effect on AM fungal richness and diversity, which was strongly related with the relative availability of soil P (i.e. soil available N/P ratio). Collectively, this meta‐analysis highlights that considering trait‐based AM fungal guilds, soil P availability and host plant C allocation can greatly improve our understanding of the nuanced dynamics of AM fungal communities under increasing N deposition.
In Situ Oxygen Isotope Determination in Serpentine Minerals by SIMS: Addressing Matrix Effects and Providing New Insights on Serpentinisation at Hole BA1B (Samail ophiolite, Oman)
Authors: Scicchitano Maria Rosa , Spicuzza Michael J. , Ellison Eric T. , Tuschel David , Templeton Alexis S. , Valley John W.
Published: September 2020

The ability to constrain the petrogenesis of multiple serpentine generations recorded at the microscale is crucial for estimating the extent and conditions of modern versus fossil serpentinisation in ophiolites. To address matrix bias effects during oxygen isotope analysis by SIMS, we present the first investigation analysing antigorite in the compositional range Mg# = 77.5–99.5 mole %, using a CAMECA IMS‐1280 secondary ion mass spectrometer. Spot‐to‐spot homogeneity is ≤ 0.5‰ (2s) for the new antigorite reference materials. The relative bias between antigorite reference materials with different Mg/Fe ratios is described by a second‐order polynomial, and a maximum difference in bias of ~ 1.8‰ was measured for Mg# ~ 78 to 100. We observed a bias up to ~ 1.0‰ between lizardite and antigorite attributed to their different crystal structures. Orientation effects up to ~ 1‰ were observed in chrysotile. The new analytical protocol allowed the identification of oxygen isotope zoning up to ~ 7‰ in serpentine minerals from two serpentinites recovered from an area of active serpentinisation in the Samail ophiolite. Thus, in situ analysis is capable of resolving isotopic heterogeneity that may directly reflect changes in the physical and chemical conditions of multiple serpentinisation events in the Samail ophiolite.
The SUN1 splicing variants SUN1_888 and SUN1_916 differentially regulate nucleolar structure
Authors: Satomi Erina , Ueda Masako , Katahira Jun , Hieda Miki
Published: September 2020

The nucleolar structure is highly dynamic and strictly regulated in response to internal cues, such as metabolic rates, and to external cues, such as mechanical forces applied to cells. Although the multilayered nucleolar structure is largely determined by the liquid‐like properties of RNA and proteins, the mechanisms regulating the morphology and number of nucleoli remain elusive. The linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex comprises inner nuclear membrane Sad1/UNC‐84 (SUN) proteins and outer nuclear membrane‐localized nesprins. We previously showed that the depletion of SUN1 proteins affects nucleolar morphologies. This study focuses on the function of SUN1 splicing variants in determining nucleolar morphology. An RNA interference strategy showed that the predominantly expressed variants, SUN1_888 and SUN1_916, were crucial for nucleolar morphology but functionally distinct. In addition, the depletion of either SUN1_888 or SUN1_916 altered the chromatin structure and affected the distribution of histone modifications. Based on these results, we propose a model in which the LINC complex plays a role in modulating nucleolar morphology and numbers via chromatin.
The Munchetty controversy: Empire, race, and the BBC
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin , Howarth Anita
Published: September 2020

In September 2019, Naga Munchetty, a BBC presenter, was charged by the corporation as having breached its guidelines in sharing her personal experience of racism in reaction to Donald Trump's “Go Back” outburst at four female political opponents, an incident understood worldwide as a racist attack. The BBC, acting on complaints from some viewers, upheld that Munchetty had partially breached its journalistic guidelines in speaking about her experience of racism. This article, through a postcolonial critique of the incident, argues that the BBC guidelines and the censure of Munchetty have to be viewed through an organizational “dual consciousness” of the libidinal economy of the BBC as part of the British Empire and being an active broker of race relations in Britain through the national broadcasting space as a public service broadcaster. The BBC, both as an organization and a broadcaster, is inscribed through its historicity and a long trajectory of “fixing” the identity of the racial “Other.” In the Munchetty controversy, her racial subjectivity is made “uncanny” or alien to the racialized subject through the BBC's organizational ethos of “objectivity and impartiality” to reassemble race as fiction within its “regime of representation.”
Trigeminal Neuralgia Crisis – Intravenous Phenytoin as Acute Rescue Treatment
Authors: Schnell Susana , Marrodan Mariano , Acosta Julian N. , Bonamico Lucas , Goicochea María T.
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to analyze responses to intravenous (IV) phenytoin (PHT) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) crisis in a group of patients treated at our institution.

Background

TN is one of the most common causes of facial pain. Its treatment relies on preventive therapy with either carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine. During severe pain episodes, patients may be unable to eat, drink, or even swallow oral medication, requiring in‐hospital treatment. There is scarce evidence to support IV medication use for TN, making management of this condition difficult.

Methods

We reviewed clinical records of patients with TN crisis consulting the emergency department at a tertiary neurological referral center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, treated with IV PHT as analgesic strategy, and with at least 1‐month posttreatment follow‐up. Demographic features, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and therapeutic management were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients with TN were included, 18 (46.2%) receiving IV PHT more than once (total number of infusions administered, 65). Immediate pain relief was observed in 89.2% (58/65) and 15.4% (10/65) presented side effects.

Conclusions

We recommend IV PHT as acute rescue treatment in TN crisis.
Incidental morphological findings in colorectal adenomas
Authors: Dabir Parag D , van der Post Rachel S , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: September 2020

Owing to a sharp increase in the frequency of diagnosis of colorectal adenomas in the current era of population screening, distinctive morphological features are increasingly being observed. These may present diagnostic challenges and cause clinical management issues. Paneth cell metaplasia is a more common occurrence, but the incidence rates of squamous metaplasia, clear cell metaplasia, osseous metaplasia, neuroendocrine differentiation and signet‐ring cell‐like lesion are low, and they can be seen in <1% of colorectal adenomas. Their histomorphological characteristics are quite unique; ancillary studies are not very helpful and often not needed. In this review, we give an overview and describe the potential clinical consequences of such incidental and special morphological findings in colorectal adenomas.
Hunting coronavirus by transmission electron microscopy – a guide to SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated ultrastructural pathology in COVID‐19 tissues
Authors: Hopfer Helmut , Herzig Martin C , Gosert Rainer , Menter Thomas , Hench Jürgen , Tzankov Alexandar , Hirsch Hans H , Miller Sara E
Published: September 2020

Transmission electron microscopy has become a valuable tool to investigate tissues of COVID‐19 patients because it allows visualisation of SARS‐CoV‐2, but the ‘virus‐like particles’ described in several organs have been highly contested. Because most electron microscopists in pathology are not accustomed to analysing viral particles and subcellular structures, our review aims to discuss the ultrastructural changes associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and COVID‐19 with respect to pathology, virology and electron microscopy. Using micrographs from infected cell cultures and autopsy tissues, we show how coronavirus replication affects ultrastructure and put the morphological findings in the context of viral replication, which induces extensive remodelling of the intracellular membrane systems. Virions assemble by budding into the endoplasmic reticulum–Golgi intermediate complex and are characterised by electron‐dense dots of cross‐sections of the nucleocapsid inside the viral particles. Physiological mimickers such as multivesicular bodies or coated vesicles serve as perfect decoys. Compared to other in‐situ techniques, transmission electron microscopy is the only method to visualise assembled virions in tissues, and will be required to prove SARS‐CoV‐2 replication outside the respiratory tract. In practice, documenting in tissues the characteristic features seen in infected cell cultures seems to be much more difficult than anticipated. In our view, the hunt for coronavirus by transmission electron microscopy is still on.
Exploring the antecedents of internal auditors' voice in environmental issues: Implications from China
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Wei , Parsons Kristine
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this article is to explore the antecedents of internal auditors' voice in environmental‐related issues. Using 226 responses from internal auditors and their immediate supervisors from China, we found that internal auditors' perceived organizational environmental orientation and their individual environmental orientation were significantly related to both their promotive and prohibitive voice in environmental issues. Internal auditors' perceived supervisory support for the environment was significantly related to their promotive voice, whereas internal auditors' environmental commitment was significantly related to their prohibitive voice. Moreover, internal auditors' environmental commitment mediated the relationships between the other three antecedents and their prohibitive voice in environmental issues. Our findings provide insights for researchers, practitioners, and regulators.
Outcomes of community‐based hepatitis C treatment by general practitioners and nurses in Australia through remote specialist consultation
Authors: Haridy James , Iyngkaran Guru , Nicoll Amanda , Muller Kate , Wilson Mark , Wigg Alan , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Nelson Renjy , Bloom Stephen , Sasadeusz Joseph , Watkinson Sally , Colman Anton , Altus Rosalie , Tilley Emma , Stewart Jeffrey , Hebbard Geoff , Liew Danny , Tse Edmund
Published: September 2020

Background

A unique model of care was adopted in Australia following introduction of universal subsidised direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) access in 2016 in order to encourage rapid scale‐up of treatment. Community‐based medical practitioners and integrated hepatitis nurses initiated DAA treatment with remote hepatitis specialist approval of the planned treatment without physical review.

Aims

To evaluate outcomes of community‐based treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) through this remote consultation process in the first 12 months of this model of care.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing community‐based HCV treatment from general practitioners and integrated hepatitis nurse consultants through the remote consultation model in three state jurisdictions in Australia from 1 March 2016 to 28 February 2017.

Results

Sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) was confirmed in 383 (65.1%) of 588 subjects intended for treatment with a median follow‐up time of 12 months (interquartile range 9–14 months). The SVR12 test was not performed in 159 (27.0%) of 588 and 307 (52.2%) of 588 did not have liver biochemistry rechecked following treatment. Subjects who completed follow up exhibited high SVR12 rates (383/392; 97.7%). Nurse‐led treatment was associated with higher confirmation of SVR12 (73.7% vs 62.4%; P = 0.01) and liver biochemistry testing post treatment (57.5% vs 45.0%; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Community‐based management of HCV through remote specialist consultation may be an effective model of care. Failure to check SVR12, recheck liver biochemistry and appropriate surveillance in patients with cirrhosis may emerge as significant issues requiring further support, education and refinement of the model to maximise effectiveness of future elimination efforts.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis defined by mass spectrometry‐based proteomics in an Australian cohort
Authors: Withers Barbara , McCaughan Georgia , Hayward Christopher , Kotlyar Eugene , Jabbour Andrew , Rainer Stephen , De Angelis Enzo , Horvath Noemi , Milliken Sam , Dogan Ahmet , MacDonald Peter , Moore John
Published: September 2020

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis has a very poor prognosis, but it is the nature of the involved precursor protein that ultimately dictates treatment and survival.

Aim

Definitively characterise the amyloid subtype by mass spectrometry (MS) in an Australian cohort of patients with cardiac amyloidosis.

Methods

We report the clinical characteristics and survival of 47 cardiac amyloid patients across two Australian centres including 39 patients evaluated for definitive amyloid subtype utilising laser microdissection and tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

A quarter (n = 12) of patients were classified as wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt), 33 patients as light or heavy chain amyloidosis (AL or AH) and two as hereditary mutant transthyretin amyloidosis. Greater left ventricular hypertrophy (interventricular septum 22 vs 15 mm; P = 0.005) and history of cardiac arrhythmia (75% vs 31%; P = 0.016) were significantly associated with ATTRwt patients compared with AL/AH patients. AL patients demonstrated significantly shorter median survival compared with ATTRwt patients (3.5 vs 37 months; P = 0.007). New York Heart Association class III–IV symptoms or plasma cells ≥10% at diagnosis, were the only independent predictors of worse survival in AL patients on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

AL amyloidosis accounted for 68% of our cohort of patients with cardiac amyloidosis while ATTR accounted for 26%. In the era of novel therapies for both AL amyloid and ATTR, identification of the correct amyloid subtype is essential in making therapeutic decisions and providing accurate prognostic information to patients. Laser microdissection and tandem mass spectrometry plays an important role in identifying amyloid subtype, particularly in complex cases.
On the Effects of Spatial Confounding in Hierarchical Models
Authors: Nobre Widemberg S. , Schmidt Alexandra M. , Pereira João B. M.
Published: September 2020

Usually, in spatial generalised linear models, covariates that are spatially smooth are collinear with spatial random effects. This affects the bias and precision of the regression coefficients. This is known in the spatial statistics literature as spatial confounding. We discuss the problem of confounding in the case of multilevel spatial models wherein there are multiple observations within clusters. We show that even under the standard multilevel model, which allows for independent (i.e. not spatially correlated) cluster effects, the cluster‐level fixed effects might be biased depending on the structure of the ‘true’ generating mechanism of the processes. We provide simulation studies in order to investigate the effects of confounding in the estimation of fixed effects present in random intercept models under different scenarios of confounding. One remedy to spatial confounding is restricted spatial regression wherein the spatial random effects are constrained to be orthogonal to the fixed effects of the model. We propose one way to fit a restricted spatial regression model for multilevel data and illustrate it with artificial data analyses. We also briefly describe the issue of confounding in random intercept and slope models.
Thermal expansion and heat capacities of holmium and erbium orthotantalates ceramics
Authors: Gagarin Pavel G. , Guskov Anton V. , Guskov Vladimir N. , Tyurin Aleksandr V. , Khoroshilov Andrey V. , Gavrichev Konstantin S.
Published: September 2020

Monoclinic M‐orthotantalates of holmium and erbium ceramics were obtained by co‐precipitation and annealing at 1773 K and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical analysis. Using the high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction method, the temperature dependence of the monoclinic lattice parameters of both ceramics were determined at range 298‐1273 K. The molar heat capacity of M‐HoTaO4 and M‐ErTaO4 were measured by adiabatic (7‐350 K) and differential scanning (320‐1350 K) calorimetry. Standard thermodynamic function (entropy, enthalpy change, and reduced Gibbs energy) were calculated on the smoothed values of molar capacity, without taking into account contribution of low‐temperature interval: 0‐7 K for M‐HoTaO4 and 0‐8 K for M‐ErTaO4. The general shape of the anomalous Schottky contribution to the molar heat capacity was determined.
One‐pot solution combustion synthesis of crystalline and amorphous molybdenum trioxide as anode for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Zhou Shiqi , Tseng Chaoheng , Qin Mingli , Shiue Angus , Chu Aimin , Cao Zhiqin , Jia Baorui , Qu Xuanhui
Published: September 2020

In this study, crystalline MoO3 rods and amorphous MoO3 microsheets were synthesized using a one‐step, large‐scale, and time‐ and energy‐efficient solution combustion synthesis method. When urea was used as a fuel, ultralong rod‐like crystalline MoO3 with a length over 50 μm was synthesized. In the case of citric acid, an amorphous MoO3 product with a porous microsheet structure was obtained. As anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, the unique structure of amorphous MoO3 sample has significant advantages including fast diffusion of lithium ion, providing a lot of active sites for lithium ion storage and stable structure. Thus, the amorphous MoO3 sample exhibits greater electrochemical performance, a high capacity of 818 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 in the 100th cycle and 510 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 in the 300th cycle, than that of crystalline MoO3 product. Moreover, this study provides guide for preparing other amorphous and crystalline transition‐metal oxides with a pure phase.
Effect of moisture on the oxidation behavior of ZrB2
Authors: Naraparaju Ravisankar , Maniya Keyur , Murchie Alec , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E.
Published: September 2020

Oxidation studies of ZrB2 were performed under wet air and dry air conditions at 1200°C, 1400°C, and 1500°C for 1, 4, and 10 h. Compared to dry air, the presence of water vapor was found to enhance the oxidation kinetics by a factor of 7 to 30, depending on the temperature. Thermodynamic calculations suggested that water vapor promoted the formation of additional volatile species such as boric acid (HBO2), in addition to boria (B2O3) produced in dry air, which increased the evaporation rate of B2O3. Compared to dry air, the presence of water vapor leads to more rapid evaporation of boria and the transition from parabolic oxidation kinetic behavior (ie, rate controlled by diffusion through boria) to linear (ie, underlying ZrB2 is directly exposed to the oxidizing environment) at shorter times and lower temperatures.
Preparation and enhanced adsorption properties for CO2 and dyes of amino‐decorated hierarchical porous BCN aerogels
Authors: Tian Liang , Liang Feng , Dong Longhao , Li Junyi , Jia Quanli , Zhang Haijun , Yan Sheng , Zhang Shaowei
Published: September 2020

Adsorption process is a cost‐effective way to the dye removal and CO2 capture. Improvements of the adsorption performance and conformance to the practical application conditions are necessary steps to approach practicality. Herein, hierarchical porous carbon‐doped boron nitride (BCN) aerogels with amino modification were synthesized for the first time by freeze drying and carbothermal reduction method. As‐prepared BCN aerogels exhibited superior adsorption performance for CO2 and dyes. Compared with BN aerogel, notwithstanding the lower surface area, the as‐prepared BCN aerogel exhibited 6‐fold‐enhanced CO2 capture and higher dyes adsorption capacity, delivering a more than 150 times adsorption rate with methylene blue (MB) as the adsorbent. The reinforced adsorption properties were demonstrated to be primarily from the synergistic effect of carbon doping and amino decoration on the obviously improved adsorption energy, hydrophilicity and mesopore volume, accelerating the kinetics of dye and gas molecules diffusion. This work provides a new way on the design of high‐efficiency absorbent materials.
Micromechanics of machining and wear in hard and brittle materials
Authors: Lawn Brian R. , Borrero‐Lopez Oscar , Huang Han , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2020

Hard and brittle solids with covalent/ionic bonding are used in a wide range of modern‐day manufacturing technologies. Optimization of a shaping process can shorten manufacturing time and cost of component production, and at the same time extend component longevity. The same process can contribute to wear and fatigue degradation in service. Educated development of advanced finishing protocols for this class of solids requires a comprehensive understanding of damage mechanisms at small‐scale contacts from a materials perspective. The basic science of attendant deformation and removal modes in contact events is here analyzed and discussed in the context of brittle and ductile machining and severe and mild wear. Essentials of brittle–ductile transitions in micro‐ and nano‐indentation fields are outlined, with distinctions between blunt and sharp contacts and axial and sliding loading. The central role of microstructure in material removal modes is highlighted. Pathways to future research—experimental, analytical, and computational—are indicated.
The development and testing of a nurse‐led smartphone‐based self‐management programme for diabetes patients with poor glycaemic control
Authors: Wang Wenru , Cheng Michelle Tze Min , Leong Foon Leng , Goh Antoinette Wei Ling , Lim Suan Tee , Jiang Ying
Published: September 2020

Aims

To describe a systematic process for the development of a nurse‐led smartphone‐based self‐management programme for type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycaemic control in Singapore.

Methods

A three‐step process involving the application of a theoretical framework, evidence from literature, content validity, and pilot tests were conducted for the content and technical development of the programme. Content experts and lay patients evaluated the appropriateness, relevance, and comprehensibility of the newly developed Care4Diabetes application. A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 patients recruited in Singapore. Twenty patients each were randomly allocated to the control and intervention groups. The study outcomes were collected at baseline and at 3 months thereafter.

Results

The nurse‐led smartphone‐based self‐management programme was developed with integration of the Care4Diabetes application and the web‐portal system. The pilot results indicated that the effects of this smartphone‐based programme on patient's health‐related outcomes were comparable with those of the currently available nurse‐led diabetes service.

Conclusion

The smartphone‐based self‐management intervention was deemed effective, yet full‐scale randomized controlled trials are still ongoing and the results of these may provide strong evidence of the effectiveness of such an approach in improving patient care.

Impact

The uniqueness of this study lies in the integrated system used, which offers a clinical platform for diabetes nurses to provide personalized coaching and care to patients remotely, while monitoring patients' progress closely. By adopting such an approach, it would free up more time for nurses to cater to patients who are more critically in need of their direct attention.