bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination compared with color Doppler ultrasound in the determination of varicocele diagnosis and grading: Impact of urologists’ experience
Authors: Cocuzza Marcello S. , Tiseo Bruno C. , Srougi Victor , Wood Guilherme J. A. , Cardoso Joao P. G. F. , Esteves Sandro C. , Srougi Miguel
Published: April 2020

Background

Treatment of palpable varicocele in infertile men with abnormal semen parameters is widely accepted, and physical examination (PE) remains a cornerstone for recommending varicocele repair. However, identification of clinical varicocele during PE can be challenging for both urology residents and consultants.

Objective

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of PE to color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) for the diagnosis of varicocele in experienced and non‐experienced examiners.

Materials and methods

Diagnostic accuracy study involving 78 patients attending a university‐based infertility unit. Patients underwent scrotal PE by both experienced (over 10 years experience in male infertility) and non‐experienced urologists (senior residents), and were subjected to CDU. varicocele diagnosis and varicocele grading were compared between examiner groups and to CDU. Accuracy measures were evaluated, and interobserver agreement was estimated using unweighted kappa statistics. A subgroup analysis for normal and high body mass index (BMI) was also performed for the same variables.

Results

Accuracy of PE for varicocele diagnosis was 63.5% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.5%. The specificity and PPV of PE were higher among experienced than non‐experienced urologists (82.0% CI: 74.27‐88.26 and 81.1% CI: 74.39‐86.44% vs 67.2% CI: 58.33‐75.22 and 70.6% CI: 64.52‐76.08, respectively). Agreements on varicocele diagnosis (k: 0.625 vs 0.517) and grading (k: 0.548 vs 0.418) by PE were higher among experienced than non‐experienced urologists. Differences between eutrophic and overweight/obese patients were also suggested.

Discussion and conclusions

PE performed by infertility specialists identify patients with varicocele more precisely than non‐specialists. However, PE alone has suboptimal accuracy for varicocele diagnosis. Our results indicate that PE should be followed by CDU to decrease the number of false positives and increase the diagnostic accuracy of varicocele diagnosis.
Associations between comorbid stress and Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms: Are there cultural and gender variations?
Authors: Andreetta Jesse , Teh MSc Justin , Burleigh Tyrone L. , Gomez Rapson , Stavropoulos Vasileios
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The American Psychiatric Association has requested additional studies examine risk, protective, and cultural factors in relation to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The present study aimed to explore the association between stress as a potential IGD risk effect, the possible exacerbating role of cultural orientation (vertical individualism [VI]), and how this may vary between genders.

Methods

The sample included adult gamers from the USA, UK, and Australia. Analyses were conducted via linear regression, moderation, and moderated moderation.

Results

The results suggested that higher stress symptoms act to increase IGD risk. Gender and VI also influenced this association.

Discussion

Males presenting with higher levels of stress and VI were at greater risk of IGD compared to females who exhibited a reduction in IGD‐related behaviors. This demonstrates a need for more research to determine how culture and gender can act to mitigate or worsen the risks associated with excessive gaming.
Editorial: symptom improvement does not equal satisfaction with treatment for constipation
Authors: Ballou Sarah , Lembo Anthony
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Basilisco et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15657 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15697.
Editorial: symptom improvement does not equal satisfaction with treatment for constipation—authors’ reply
Authors: Basilisco Guido , Barbara Giovanni , Bellini Massimo , Cataudella Giovanni , D’Alba Lucia , Guarino Michele , Iovino Paola , Neri Maria Cristina , Sarnelli Giovanni , Savarino Edoardo , Tolone Salvatore , Torresan Francesco , Usai‐Satta Paolo , Lovati Ambra , Arsiè Elena , Coletta Marina
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Basilisco et al and Ballou and Lembo papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15657 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15683.
Letter: pregnant women with IBD are more likely to be adherent to biologic therapies than other medications—authors’ reply
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Seow Cynthia H. , Adhikari Kamala , Metcalfe Amy
Published: April 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lee et al and Laube and Selinger papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15596 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15686.
Validation of the Tokyo guideline 2018 treatment proposal for acute cholecystitis from a single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Bekki Tomoaki , Abe Tomoyuki , Amano Hironobu , Hanada Keiji , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Noriyuki Toshio , Ohdan Hideki , Nakahara Masahiro
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The revised Tokyo guideline 2018 (TG18) recommends early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) who satisfy the Charlson Comorbidity Index criteria and the ASA Physical Status Classification (ASA‐PS). Our study aims to determine the efficacy of the TG18 treatment strategy.

Methods

We enrolled 324 patients who had been diagnosed with AC according to the TG18 and who underwent cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2018. Perioperative variables and surgical outcomes were analyzed according to the TG18 treatment strategy and severity grading.

Results

The Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA‐PS scores were significantly higher in patients with Grade II and Grade III AC than in those with Grade I AC. In patients with a higher severity grading, LC failed, necessitating blood transfusion and bailout surgery. Among patients treated by the TG18 strategy were a higher proportion with Grade I or II AC; their ASA‐PS scores were significantly lower than patients with Grade III AC. Compared to patients not treated by the TG18 strategy, this group demonstrated significant differences in the achievement of LC, bailout surgery, postoperative hospital stays, and 90‐day mortality rates. Intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion were significantly higher in those not treated by the TG18 strategy.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the TG18 treatment strategy is well‐designed and efficacious. Given the high rate of blood transfusion and conversion surgery in treatment strategies other that TG18, special attention should be paid when selecting the optimal treatment strategy.
Effects of oral administration of colostrum whey in peripartum goat on antimicrobial peptides in postpartum milk
Authors: Isobe Naoki , Matsukawa Shoko , Kubo Kota , Ueno Kazutoshi , Sugino Toshihisa , Nii Takahiro , Yoshimura Yukinori
Published: April 2020

The present study was conducted to examine whether colostrum supplementation in peripartum goats increases the antimicrobial peptides in their milk. Goats were orally administered 2 ml of colostrum whey products (colostrum group) or water (control group) daily, from 2 weeks before until 2 weeks after kidding. Body weights of mothers and kids were measured. Blood, milk, and fecal samples were collected from the mothers, and blood samples were collected from the kids. Concentrations of milk antimicrobial peptides (beta‐defensin, cathelicidin, lactoferrin, S100A7, lactoperoxidase, and immunoglobulin A [IgA]) were determined. IgA and nutritional parameters (glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, ketone bodies, and non‐esterified fatty acids) were also determined in the blood of mothers and kids. Milk IgA and lactoferrin concentrations were higher in the colostrum group than in the control group. Conversely, lower milk concentrations of S100A7 were observed in the colostrum group than that in the control group. Plasma IgA concentrations were higher for kids from the colostrum group than for those from the control group. These results suggest that oral administration of colostrum in pregnant goats increases IgA concentration in postpartum milk, which can subsequently improve the health of their kids.
Differentiation of skeletal muscle Mesenchymal progenitor cells to myofibroblasts is reversible
Authors: Takeuchi Shiho , Yamanouchi Keitaro , Sugihara Hidetoshi , Matsuwaki Takashi , Nishihara Masugi
Published: April 2020

Accumulation of intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and development of fibrous tissues due to accumulation of collagen both affect meat quality such as tenderness, texture, and flavor. Thus, it is important for the production of high‐quality meat to regulate the amount of adipose and fibrous tissues in skeletal muscle. IMAT is comprised of adipocytes, while collagens included in fibrous tissues are mainly produced by activated fibroblasts. Both adipocytes and fibroblasts are differentiated from their common ancestors, called mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPC). We previously established rat MPC clone, 2G11 cells. As several reports implicated the plasticity of fibroblast differentiation, in the present study, using 2G11 cells, we asked whether myofibroblasts differentiated from MPC are capable of re‐gaining adipogenic potential in vitro. By treating with bFGF, their αSMA expression was reduced and adipogenic potential was restored partially. Furthermore, by lowering cell density together with bFGF treatment, 2G11 cell‐derived myofibroblasts lost αSMA expression and showed the highest adipogenic potential, and this was along with their morphological change from flattened‐ to spindle‐like shape, which is typically observed with MPC. These results indicated that MPC‐derived myofibroblasts could re‐acquire adipogenic potential, possibly mediated through returning to an undifferentiated MPC‐like state.
Cytological diagnosis of a rare synchronous non‐small cell lung cancer metastatic to the thyroid gland
Authors: Bizzarro Tommaso , Bernardi Livia , Buda Raffaella , Rossi Giulio
Published: April 2020

A rare case of synchronous metastatic lung adenocarcinoma to the thyroid gland, diagnosed on routine fine‐needle aspiration cytology, is described. The combined use of morphological features associated with immunocytochemical analysis on smeared specimens as well as on cell‐block material, is a feasible tool to achieve a definitive diagnosis and it also permits determination of the required biomarkers.
Gradually progressive parotid swelling in a male
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Gupta Parikshaa , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: April 2020

Secretory carcinoma is a recently described salivary gland neoplasm that shares the same histological appearance and ETV6 gene (12p13) rearrangement as secretory carcinoma of the breast. The major cytological differential diagnoses include myoepithelioma, myoepithelial carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. A case of secretory carcinoma of the parotid in a middle aged man is presented which was diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology and immunocytochemistry on cell‐block.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy for intraductal papillary neoplasm of bile duct with obstructive jaundice and cholangitis due to mucus overproduction
Authors: Hinokuchi Makoto , Iwaya Hiromichi , Ido Akio
Published: April 2020

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Alzheimer’s disease and related syndromes and hospitalization: a nationwide 5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Gombault‐Datzenko E. , Gallini A. , Carcaillon‐Bentata L. , Fabre D. , Nourhashemi F. , Andrieu S. , Rachas A. , Gardette V.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

To study the association between Alzheimer's disease and related syndromes (ADRS) and the incidence of short‐stay hospitalizations from the year before (Y−1) to 4 years after (Y1–Y4) ADRS identification in the healthcare system.

Methods

Among all beneficiaries of the French health insurance general scheme aged 40 years or more, those with an incident ADRS in 2011, identified through long‐term disease registry, hospitalization diagnoses or ADRS‐specific drug delivery, were matched with beneficiaries without ADRS of the same age, gender and residence area. The annual incidence rates of all‐cause hospitalizations (excluding those with a diagnosis code of ADRS) were compared between individuals with or without ADRS using incidence ratios (IRs) globally and by age, gender, deprivation index and modified Charlson score. We also studied cause‐specific hospitalizations using patients’ diagnoses and procedure codes.

Results

A total of 90 871 subjects with and 90 871 subjects without ADRS were included (mean age 79.6 years, 66% females). From Y−1 to Y4, incidence rates were significantly higher in subjects with ADRS than in those without for all‐cause hospitalization [IR(Y−1) = 1.73; 95% confidence intervals, 1.71–1.75; IR(Y4) = 1.37; 95% confidence intervals, 1.35–1.39], hospitalizations for social reasons [IR(Y−1) = 4.28; IR(Y4) = 2.70], fall [IR(Y−1) = 5.36; IR(Y4) = 2.59], injury [IR(Y−1) = 2.71; IR(Y4) = 2.09] and infection [IR(Y−1) = 2.04; IR(Y4) = 2.07]. The inverse was observed for hospitalizations for cataract surgery [IR(Y−1)=0.73; IR(Y4) = 0.51] or total hip prosthesis after 2 years [IR(Y4) = 0.72].

Conclusions

Incident ADRS cases were associated with a higher incidence of hospitalization, but these subjects underwent some common non‐emergency surgeries less frequently. Future studies need to assess the clinical impact of these differences.
First catheter‐based high‐density endocardial 3D electroanatomical mapping of the right atrium in standing horses
Authors: Hesselkilde Eva , Linz Dominik , Saljic Arnela , Carstensen Helena , Kutieleh Rayed , Jespersen Thomas , Sanders Prashanthan , Buhl Rikke
Published: April 2020

Background

Three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping is of potential interest in equine cardiology to identify arrhythmia mechanisms, characterise electroanatomical substrates and guide ablation strategies.

Objectives

To describe three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping in standing horses.

Study design

Research methodology, proof of concept study.

Methods

Four Standardbred horses (2 geldings, 2 mares, median age 4.5 [4‐9] years, mean bodyweight 485 [440‐550] kg) were sedated and placed in stocks. Via the jugular vein, a high‐density multipolar grid catheter (Advisor™ HD Grid Mapping Catheter with EnSite VelocityTM, Abbott Medical) was used for endocardial mapping of the right atrium. The P‐wave on the surface ECG was used as a timing reference for simultaneous local activation time‐ and bipolar voltage‐mapping. For a positional reference a 10‐pole catheter (Abbott Medical) was placed in the caudal vena cava.

Results

Endocardial right atrial mapping guided by the three‐dimensional mapping system and local electrograms was successfully performed in all four horses. A median of 32719 [25499‐65078] points, covering the entire right atrium, were collected. Three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping provided detailed information about activation patterns and electrogram‐characteristics of the sinoatrial node, intervenous tubercle and cavotricuspid isthmus. Additionally, transvenous biopsy forceps connected to the mapping system were visualised on screen to guide biopsy collection.

Main limitations

The feasibility of electroanatomical mapping for the left atrium and in larger breeds requires further study.

Conclusions

High‐density three‐dimensional electroanatomical mapping of the right atrium is feasible in the standing horse.
Calnexin cycle – structural features of the ER chaperone system
Authors: Kozlov Guennadi , Gehring Kalle
Published: April 2020

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major folding compartment for secreted and membrane proteins and is the site of a specific chaperone system, the calnexin cycle, for folding N‐glycosylated proteins. Recent structures of components of the calnexin cycle have deepened our understanding of quality control mechanisms and protein folding pathways in the ER. In the calnexin cycle, proteins carrying monoglucosylated glycans bind to the lectin chaperones calnexin and calreticulin, which recruit a variety of function‐specific chaperones to mediate protein disulfide formation, proline isomerization, and general protein folding. Upon trimming by glucosidase II, the glycan without an inner glucose residue is no longer able to bind to the lectin chaperones. For proteins that have not yet folded properly, the enzyme UDP‐glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) acts as a checkpoint by adding a glucose back to the N‐glycan. This allows the misfolded proteins to re‐associate with calnexin and calreticulin for additional rounds of chaperone‐mediated refolding and prevents them from exiting the ERs. Here, we review progress in structural studies of the calnexin cycle, which reveal common features of how lectin chaperones recruit function‐specific chaperones and how UGGT recognizes misfolded proteins.
An efficient fatigue and creep‐fatigue life prediction method by using the hysteresis energy density rate concept
Authors: Wang Qiang , Xu Zhongwei , Wang Xishu
Published: April 2020

Fatigue damage, time‐dependent creep damage and their interaction are considered as the main failure mechanisms for many high temperature structural components. A generalized methodology for predicting both the high temperature low cycle fatigue (HTLCF) and creep‐fatigue lives by using the hysteresis energy density rate (HEDR) and fatigue damage stress concepts was proposed. Experimental data for HTLCF and creep‐fatigue in Alloy 617, Haynes 230 and P92 steel were respectively collected to validate the method. A better prediction capacity and most of the data points that fall within a 1.5 scatter band were obtained compared with the traditional energy‐based method, time fraction rule and ductility exhaustion model. Moreover, a creep‐fatigue damage diagram was also constructed by using the proposed approach.
“What isn't in the files, isn't in the world”: Understanding state ignorance of irregular migration in Germany and the United Kingdom
Authors: Boswell Christina , Badenhoop Elisabeth
Published: April 2020

While there is extensive literature on states and knowledge, there has been little focus on state ignorance: instances where states are identified as lacking knowledge relevant to addressing social problems. We present the first systematic analysis of how states perceive and respond to ignorance, developing a typology of responses (denial, resignation, and elucidation). We test and refine the typology through analyzing state ignorance of unauthorized migration in Germany and the UK, 1990–2006. Public authorities in both countries responded to ignorance through both denial and resignation. However, variations in control infrastructures and bureaucratic cultures meant that “resignation” took distinct forms. In the UK, pragmatism about the limitations of state capacity implied that officials were sanguine about their “ignorance,” with pressure emanating from external political scrutiny. In Germany, by contrast, officials faced an acute conflict between bureaucratic and legal norms of the rule of law, and constraints to enforcement. Both cases reveal profound state ambivalence about elucidating social problems over which they have limited control.
Simultaneous measurement of coefficient of thermal expansion and biaxial modulus of enamel thick films deposited on glass substrates by curvature technique
Authors: Walch Emmanuel Bastien Tommy , Benedetto Alessandro , Bacharouche Jalal , Roos Christian
Published: April 2020

The measurement of the thermoelastic properties of enamel thick films deposited onto soda‐lime silicate glass is challenging. The film properties can be modified by the interdiffusion between the glass substrate and the enamel and by the crystallization that occur during the sintering. The average biaxial modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion of several enamel thick films deposited onto 700 µm glass substrates have been simultaneously measured using the curvature method. The value of the coefficient of thermal expansion measured with a dilatometer on enamel bulk samples is significantly higher, associated with the absence of diffusion and a different enamel structure. The interdiffusion of elements between the enamel film and the glass substrate has been demonstrated with Time‐of‐Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS). The amount of porosity ratio presents in the enamel film, evaluated via Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), has a great influence on the biaxial modulus. The amount of compressive stress in the enamel, calculated from the film thermoelastic properties, is strongly correlated with the mechanical performance of enameled glasses, investigated by Ring On Ring methods. Therefore, a high Young's modulus for the enamel and a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the enamel film and substrate, the film having the lowest value, has been found to increase significantly the mechanical performance of the stack.
Open education resources to support the WHO nurse educator core competencies
Authors: Berland A. , Capone K. , Etcher L. , Ewing H. , Keating S. , Chickering M.
Published: April 2020

Aim

This paper describes an innovative approach to tackling the shortage of qualified nurse educators, which is a major constraining factor or ‘bottle‐neck’ to improve the global supply of nurses, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Background

The World Health Organization commissioned experts to develop Nurse Educator Core Competencies that describe expectations for this cadre of workers. In their deliberations, the WHO experts cited the challenges affecting the adoption of these competencies, particularly the lack of resources available for implementation. To address this specific challenge, a USA‐based non‐government organiization, Nurses International, has developed Open Education Resources (NI‐OER) to support nurse educators with freely accessible curriculum materials and remote mentoring support.

Methods

This paper applies item analysis to consider how the NI‐OER could assist higher education institutes and individual faculty members in meeting each of the WHO Nurse Educator Core Competencies.

Findings

The NI‐OER is a good fit with six of the Nurse Educator Core Competencies and a partial fit with the other two.

Discussion

Congruence with the WHO Nurse Educator Core Competencies is an important validity check for the NI‐OER. The ultimate goal of the NI‐OER is to promote sustainable development through intermediate goals related to supporting faculty as they prepare nurses for current and future service needs. Technological solutions like the NI‐OER cannot solve all aspects of a complex problem like the global nursing shortage but are an important tool.

Implications for Nursing and Health policy

This resource has significant implications for nursing and health policy because it tackles several constraints to the global goal of increasing production and capacity of nurses. Combined with the organization’s remote mentoring and communities of practice, the NI‐OER appears to have the potential to support novice nurse educators with accessible, adaptable resources.
Self‐coiling silicon nitride nanobelts into microrings
Authors: Yang Wenyou , Wang Wei , Xie Chunxiao
Published: April 2020

In the present work, we reported the growth of silicon nitride (Si3N4) microrings formed by self‐coiling of nanobelts with a typical saw‐like structure on one side, which were synthesized via catalyst‐assisted pyrolysis of organic precursors. The as‐grown microrings were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The pyrolysis temperature played a crucial role in the self‐coiling of Si3N4 microrings, enabling the tailored growth of Si3N4 microrings. The mechanism for the growth of Si3N4 microrings was discussed, which mainly involved the growth of Si3N4 nanobelts via a vapor‐solid (VS) process, followed by bending into a ring‐like shape driven by the surface stress.
Effect of B2O3 addition on structure and properties of Yb3+/Al3+/B3+‐co‐doped silica glasses
Authors: Guo Mengting , Shao Chongyun , Zhang Yang , Yu Jingbo , Jiao Yan , Guzik Malgorzata , Boulon Georges , Ren Jinjun , Hu Lili
Published: April 2020

The homogeneous Yb3+/Al3+/B3+‐co‐doped silica glasses were prepared via a sol‐gel method. The impact of B2O3 addition on the physical and optical properties and network structure was systematically studied. The network structure was investigated by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR), Raman spectra, and Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR). Herein, B2O3 addition can continuously decrease the refractive index and density. When B2O3 is lower than 2 mol%, B2O3 addition can obviously decrease the scalar crystal field parameters, Yb3+ asymmetry degree, Yb3+ cross‐sections, due to the generation of Yb–O–B bonds at the cost of partial Yb–O–Al/Si ones. When B2O3 is more than 2 mol%, FT‐IR, Raman spectra, and SSNMR results indicate that further increased B atoms prefer to connect with Si and Al rather than Yb. Consequently, the above parameters are basically unchanged. Based on the results, an intuitive model of structure and properties evolution during the substitution of SiO2 by B2O3 has been established.
The effectiveness of a pressure injury prevention program for nursing assistants in private for‐profit nursing homes: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kwong Enid W.‐Y. , Chen Liang Y. , Kwan Rick Y.‐C. , Lee Paul H.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To examine the effectiveness of a pressure injury prevention program for private for‐profit nursing homes.

Design

This study was a two‐arm cluster randomized controlled trial. Ten private for‐profit nursing homes made up the clusters.

Methods

The participants were nursing home residents who aged 60 or above regardless of whether or not having pre‐existing pressure injuries and also three types of nursing home assistants who provided direct care to the residents from 10 private for‐profit nursing homes. These 10 nursing homes were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control group. There were 477 and 536 resident participants and 51 and 62 nursing assistant participants in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The residents were the study participants and the nursing assistant participants were the interveners. The experimental group had the pressure injury prevention program implemented while the control group received the usual care. The primary study outcome which was the pressure injury incidence was analysed by GEE. Significance was set at a p‐value of ≤.05. The data were collected between September 2017–March 2018.

Result

There were significant interactive effects of time and group on the incidence of pressure injuries (p = .0015) and on the skill performance of the nursing assistant participants (p < .0001).

Conclusions

An evidence‐based pressure injury prevention program reduced the development of the pressure injuries and improved the skill performance of the nursing assistant participants. It is highly recommended that private for‐profit nursing homes with high proportion of non‐professional nursing assistants and insufficient nurses adopt this program for improving the prevention care of pressure injuries.

Impact

This research has an impact on prevention care of pressure injury in private for‐profit nursing homes with high proportion non‐professional nursing assistants which have the similar characteristics as the nursing homes studied in various regions and countries.

Trial registration: The Controlled Trial registration ID is NCT02270385.
A cluster randomized controlled trial of a simplified 5‐step handwashing technique versus a conventional 7‐step handwashing technique among Chinese students with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Lee Regina L. T. , Leung Cynthia , Chen Hong , Lee Paul H. , Kwok Stephen W. H.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To compare the effects of the simplified 5‐step and the conventional 7‐Step hand hygiene programme in a cluster randomized controlled trial among students with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A total of 472 Chinese students with intellectual disabilities were randomized to either simplified 5‐step or conventional 7‐step hand hygiene programme. Assessments included handwashing technique, cleanliness and sick leave days.

Results

Handwashing technique scores (g = 0.25, 95% CI [0.18, 0.32]) and hand cleanliness scores (g = 0.33, 95% CI [0.26, 0.4]) in intervention group were significantly higher than those scores in control group at 6th month post‐intervention although there were significant increases in the scores within both groups. The mean number of sick leave days decreased between baseline and 10 month in both groups according to descriptive statistics.

Conclusions

It is feasible and effective to adopt the simplified 5‐step intervention as a standardized handwashing technique for the population group with intellectual disabilities.
Prevalence and age distribution of pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases among paediatric patients in Germany
Authors: Hübner F. , König I.R. , Holtsche M.M. , Zillikens D. , Linder R. , Schmidt E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Autoimmune bullous diseases are rare and mostly occur in adults. Several cases and small case series have been described in children, but no systematic study about the prevalence of autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) in children is available.

Patients and methods

We analysed data of 1.7 million children insured in the largest German health insurance company based on the ICD‐10‐GM classification for the year 2015. Data were adjusted to the general German population based on the data of the Federal Statistical Office for the year 2015.

Results

The prevalence of AIBD was calculated to 101.1/million children in 2015, resulting in about 1351 patients below the age of 18 years in Germany. The highest prevalence of all AIBD was seen for pemphigus vulgaris (30.5/million children) followed by linear IgA disease (24.5/million children) and bullous pemphigoid (4.9/million children).

Conclusion

Autoimmune bullous diseases in minors are scarce but should be taken into consideration in patients with pruritus and/or blisters and erosions on the skin and/or mucous membranes. Treatment is challenging, and due to the rarity of AIBD in minors, the management of these disorders in this patient population is best performed in specialized centres in a multidisciplinary approach, including paediatric dermatologists or dermatologists and paediatricians.
Construction expression and immunogenicity of a novel trivalent outer membrane protein (OmpU‐A‐II) from three bacterial pathogens in Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Zhao Jinping , Wu Liqun , Zhai Shaowei , Lin Peng , Guo Songlin
Published: April 2020

Vibrio vulnificus, Edwardsiella anguillarum and Aeromonas hydrophila are three common bacterial pathogens in cultivated eels. To protect farming eels from infection by these pathogens, a trivalent outer membrane protein (OMP) containing partial sequences of OmpU from V. vulnificus, OmpA from E. anguillarum and OmpII from A. hydrophila was expressed and purified; then, the OMP was used as a vaccine to immunize Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica). Whole‐blood cell proliferation, antibody titres and complement and lysozyme activities were detected at different days post‐immunization (dpi), and the relative per cent survival (RPS) was determined after eels were infected with V. vulnificus, E. anguillarum or A. hydrophila at 28 dpi. The results showed that the OMP significantly stimulates the antibody titres. At 14 days after the challenge (i.e. at 28 dpi), the RPS of OMP against V. vulnificus, E. anguillarum and A. hydrophila was 20%, 70% and 11.1%, respectively. The construction, expression and immunogenicity of a trivalent Omp were reported for the first time, and this study will provide a valuable reference for the development of fish multiplex vaccines.
Population characteristics of five major commercial fish species of the Tono Reservoir in northern Ghana
Authors: Akongyuure Daniel Nsoh , Edziyie Regina
Published: April 2020

Five major commercial fish species, comprising Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Coptodon zillii, Clarias gariepinus and Auchenoglanis occidentalis of the Tono Reservoir fishery, were studied from January, 2015 to December, 2016 using length‐based models to establish the state of the stocks. Routines in the FAO‐ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools II (FISAT II) were used to determine the growth and mortality parameters, exploitation rates (E) and recruitment patterns of the length–frequency data generated from commercial fish landings and experimental catches. The growth coefficients (K) of the five fish species ranged 0.48–4.89 per year; asymptotic lengths (L∞) ranged from 18.38 to 76.16 cm; and hypothetical ages (t0) ranged between 0.03 and 0.28 years. All five fish species were exploited above the optimal exploitation rate (Eopt = 0.5), indicating overfishing of the species. There was a year‐round recruitment, with major and minor peaks corresponding with the major and minor spawning seasons. Fishing gear regulation and community‐based co‐management system were some management options recommended to enhance sustainable exploitation and management of the fishery.
Transcribed microsatellite allele lengths are often correlated with gene expression in natural sunflower populations
Authors: Ranathunge Chathurani , Wheeler Gregory L. , Chimahusky Melody E. , Perkins Andy D. , Pramod Sreepriya , Welch Mark E.
Published: April 2020

Microsatellites are common in genomes of most eukaryotic species. Due to their high mutability, an adaptive role for microsatellites has been considered. However, little is known concerning the contribution of microsatellites towards phenotypic variation. We used populations of the common sunflower (Helianthus annuus) at two latitudes to quantify the effect of microsatellite allele length on phenotype at the level of gene expression. We conducted a common garden experiment with seed collected from sunflower populations in Kansas and Oklahoma followed by an RNA‐Seq experiment on 95 individuals. The effect of microsatellite allele length on gene expression was assessed across 3,325 microsatellites that could be consistently scored. Our study revealed 479 microsatellites at which allele length significantly correlates with gene expression (eSTRs). When irregular allele sizes not conforming to the motif length were removed, the number of eSTRs rose to 2,379. The percentage of variation in gene expression explained by eSTRs ranged from 1%–86% when controlling for population and allele‐by‐population interaction effects at the 479 eSTRs. Of these eSTRs, 70.4% are in untranslated regions (UTRs). A gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that eSTRs are significantly enriched for GO terms associated with cis‐ and trans‐regulatory processes. Our findings suggest that a substantial number of transcribed microsatellites can influence gene expression.
On‐line system identification of structures using wavelet‐Hilbert transform and sparse component analysis
Authors: Karami Kaveh , Fatehi Pejman , Yazdani Azad
Published: April 2020

A new wavelet‐Hilbert transform based sparse component analysis (WHT‐SCA) method is presented for online system identification in indeterminate conditions. The instantaneous phase ratios of output signals are obtained by using a wavelet‐Hilbert transform based filter; and the out‐of‐phase data, that causes errors in identification accuracy, is detected and eliminated. Then, modal parameters of the structure are identified through existing relationships between the dispersion of filtered data in the frequency domain. Subsequently, to demonstrate the capability of the online identification, a new controller is introduced by combining the WHT‐SCA and a semi‐active tuned mass damper (STMD), resulting in creation of smart structures. The performance of the proposed method and controller is investigated through examples. The results demonstrate that, modal parameters of structures are identified accurately even with noise contamination and limited number of sensors. Also, the STMD is effectively robust against any variations in modal parameters of the structure.
At the intersection of racism and nationalism: Theorising and contextualising the ‘anti‐immigration’ discourse in Poland
Authors: Polynczuk‐Alenius Kinga
Published: April 2020

This article contributes to a better understanding of the ‘anti‐immigration’ discourse that has prevailed in Poland following the electoral victory of the Law and Justice party in 2015 by theoretically engaging the category of ‘race’ in the examination of Polish nationalism. To do so, it employs the Foucauldian perspective on racism, understood as deployed in defence of one's own nation, which is imagined as "race". The article also contextualises this discourse by elaborating how three globally circulated racist themes (threat, unworthiness and otherness) are deployed to uphold three components of hegemonic Polish national self‐definition (vulnerability, deservingness and ‘Westernness’) against three aspects of the perceived liminality that destabilise this self‐definition (temporal, moral and spatial). The article concludes that in Poland, the ‘anti‐immigration’ discourse deploys racism as a device symbolically to ‘protect’ the imagined ethnically, religiously and culturally homogenous Polish nation from the belittlement and dilution of collective self‐definition under the conditions of globalisation.
Transcriptional regulatory network of the light signaling pathways
Authors: Jing Yanjun , Lin Rongcheng
Published: April 2020

The developmental program by which plants respond is tightly controlled by a complex cascade in which photoreceptors perceive and transduce the light signals that drive signaling processes and direct the transcriptional reprogramming, yielding specific cellular responses. The molecular mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation include light‐regulated nuclear localization (the phytochromes and UVR8) and nuclear accumulation (the cryptochrome, cry2) of photoreceptors. This regulatory cascade also includes master regulatory transcription factors (TFs) that bridge photoreceptor activation with chromatin remodeling and regulate the expression of numerous light‐responsive genes. Light signaling‐related TFs often function as signal convergence points in concert with TFs in other signaling pathways to integrate complex endogenous and environmental cues that help the plant adapt to the surrounding environment. Increasing evidence suggests that chromatin modifications play a critical role in regulating light‐responsive gene expression and provide an additional layer of light signaling regulation. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge of the transcriptional regulatory network involved in the light response, particularly the roles of TFs and chromatin in regulating light‐responsive gene expression.
Understanding the role of self in auditory verbal hallucinations using a self‐discrepancy paradigm
Authors: Scott Monique , Rossell Susan L. , Toh Wei Lin , Thomas Neil
Published: April 2020

Objective

Negative auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) content is a major predictor of distress and typically occurs more frequently than positive or neutral content. Recent research has found that negative views of self are associated with the negative content of AVHs. However, research investigating the role of self in AVH content is in its infancy and warrants further study.

Design

The current study examined correspondence between negative voice content and internalized representations of self, using a self‐discrepancy paradigm incorporating multiple domains of self (ideal, ought, and feared). It also considered the impact of depression and anxiety.

Method

An adapted self‐discrepancy questionnaire was administered to a transdiagnostic clinical sample of 86 current voice‐hearers. Participants rated how similar they believed themselves to be (actual self), and how similar their voices would say they are (voice self), to their ideal, ought, and feared self‐concepts.

Results

Voice content was related to how the person viewed themselves in relation to their ideal, ought, and feared self‐concepts. Additionally, voices reflected negative feared self‐concepts, particularly in people with anxiety.

Conclusions

These findings provide further insight into the phenomenon of hearing voices and have the potential to change the way we approach formulation and treatment of AVHs. In particular, treatment approaches that reduce discrepancies between how one views themselves and their positive and negative self‐concepts, or alter the relationship one has with their self‐concepts and negative voices, have the potential to reduce the impact of distressing voices.

Practitioner points

Voice experiences can be meaningfully related to how the person views themselves in relation to concepts of their ideal, ought, and feared selves

Negative voice content might be understood as reflecting discrepancies from these self‐representations, which may have a self‐regulatory function in relation to goal‐directed behaviour.

Identifying how voice content relates to self could be useful in not only challenging the extent of perceived self‐discrepancies, but also considering how to enact valued parts of self.
Enhanced grain yield in rice hybrids through complementation of fertility restoration by Rf3 and Rf4 genes as revealed by multilocation evaluation of tropical japonica derived rice (Oryza sativa) hybrids
Authors: Shidenur Shivakumar , Singh Vikram Jeet , Vinod Kunnummal Kurungara , Gopala Krishnan S , Ghritlahre Surendra Kumar , Bollinedi Haritha , Dixit Brijesh Kumar , Ellur Ranjith Kumar , Nagarajan Mariappan , Singh Ashok Kumar , Bhowmick Prolay Kumar
Published: April 2020

Thirty‐one tropical japonica derived Rf gene carrying rice hybrids were classified into three classes as Rf3, Rf4 and Rf3 + Rf4 hybrids. These hybrids were tested under three different mega‐environments. Between Rf3 class and both the classes of hybrids possessing Rf4 genes, significant variation for spikelet and pollen fertility and grain yield was found. The pollen fertility was five times higher among Rf4 hybrids than that of hybrids carrying Rf3 alone. Likewise, spikelet fertility among Rf4 hybrids was two times higher than that of Rf3 hybrids. Parallel grain yield increase in Rf4 hybrids was 2.4 times than in Rf3 hybrids. However, Rf3 gene was found complementing Rf4 to truncate the range of pollen and spikelet fertility. Hybrids possessing Rf3 alone exhibited partial pollen and spikelet sterility, and significant negative standard heterosis for grain yield. The high yielding hybrid, “HYB36” carrying both the Rf genes was found to be widely adapted. The present study established that Rf4 gene is essential either alone or in combination with Rf3 for fertility restoration to achieve enhanced grain yield in WA‐CMS based hybrids.
Target Interactions and Target Aspiration Level Adaptation: How Do Government Leaders Tackle the “Environment‐Economy” Nexus?
Authors: Zhang Pan
Published: April 2020

How do local governments set performance targets under multi‐task conditions? This article builds a theoretical linkage between environmental targets and gross domestic product (GDP) growth goals in China. Treating environmental protection and economic development as competitive tasks in China, the author argues that environmental targets constrain GDP growth goals and that this negative relationship is weakened by relative pollutant emission efficiency. The article empirically examines these theoretical hypotheses using a panel data set of sulfur dioxide emission reduction targets and GDP growth goals across Chinese provinces. The statistical findings support these arguments and help elucidate the “black box” of decision‐making in the public sector.

Evidence for Practice

High pollutant emission reduction pressure can lower provincial leaders' expectations of economic growth in China.

The improvement in pollutant emission efficiency weakens the constraint of pollutant emission reduction pressure on expectations of economic growth.

Government leaders should improve pollutant emission efficiency to achieve a win‐win situation for economic growth and pollution control.
Water in peace operations: The case of Haiti
Authors: Tignino Mara , Irmakkesen Öykü
Published: April 2020

Protection of the environment in general, and water in particular, in relation to armed conflicts has gained increased attention in the last years. An area which should still be better analysed is the role of United Nations (UN) peace operations in relation to the protection of water. One of the most common objectives of these operations is the protection and promotion of human rights, including the right to water. In some instances, individuals have claimed the violation of human rights by UN forces and asked for remedies and compensation. This article first explores the inclusion of water in the mandates and practice of peace operations and builds on the human rights obligations of the UN as an international organization. It emphasizes the accountability of the UN through a comprehensive overview of the cholera epidemic in Haiti, demonstrating the undertakings with a view to engaging the responsibility of the organization.
X‐ray tomographic observations of microcracking patterns in fibre‐reinforced mortar during tension stiffening tests
Authors: Ducoulombier Nicolas , Chateau Camille , Bornert Michel , Caron Jean‐François , Aimedieu Patrick , Weitkamp Timm , Perrin Jonathan , King Andrew , Scheel Mario
Published: April 2020

For the last decades, new reparation or fabrication processes have been studied to replace traditional rebar by roving of different mineral or organic fibres to avoid corrosion issues. Such materials refer to the family of cementitious composite. Their tensile strength would directly depend on the proportion of reinforcement and strongly on the interfacial mechanical properties between fibres and cementitious matrix. From now, evaluation of interfacial properties was mostly limited to the use of force–displacement curves obtained from mechanical experiments. This work presents a new methodology using micromechanical tension stiffening tests combined with X‐ray computed tomography (XRCT) observations, performed at the Anatomix beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL, and specific image processing procedures. Multi‐XRCT acquisitions with suitable scanning strategy are used to image the whole fibre‐matrix interface along centimetric samples at four to five different levels of loading magnitude. Intensive image processing is then performed on tomographic images including digital volume correlation (DVC), image subtraction and Hessian‐based filtering. This experiment allows to study damage mechanisms at small scale. The proposed methodology shows great potential to provide both qualitative and quantitative elements on interfacial mechanical behaviour such as crack growth and crack orientation. The interface between mortar and sufficiently small multi‐fibre yarn used in this paper is shown to behave in certain condition as traditional rebar interface producing conical cracks in the surrounding matrix rather than debonding in mode 2, permitting a much higher energy dissipation during debonding. According to this study, conical cracks repartition and geometry are mostly influenced by the cementitious matrix. The spacing between cracks goes from 50 to 100 μm, and the angle between crack normal vector and yarn orientation goes from 35° to 50°.