bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased risk of dementia in patients with genital warts: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hua , Chien Wu‐Chien , Chung Chi‐Hsiang , Chiang Chien‐Ping , Wang Wei‐Ming , Chang Hsin‐An , Kao Yu‐Chen , Tzeng Nian‐Sheng
Published: March 2020

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. The prevalence of dementia is 4–8% in those aged 65 years or older in Taiwanese community studies, with a high social and economic burden for patients, family caregivers, the community and society. Previous studies have shown that viral infections such as herpes simplex and herpes zoster were associated with dementia. This study aimed to investigate the association between dementia and HPV infections. A population‐based cohort study using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database was conducted. Fine and Grays’s survival analysis was employed to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between genital warts and dementia. From all of the potential participants aged 50 years or more, a total of 16 116 patients were enrolled, including 4029 genital warts‐infected patients, with 12 087 sex‐, age‐ and indexed date‐matched controls (1:3). The cumulative incidences of dementia were 10.72 per 103 person‐years and 6.43 per 103 person‐years in the genital warts and control group, respectively. There were 475 dementia cases from the genital warts cohort during the follow‐up period of 15 years. The adjusted HR for dementia was 1.485 (95% CI, 1.321–1.668;P < 0.001) for genital warts patients after adjusting for all of the covariates. Our study indicates that genital warts infection may increase the risk of dementia.
Plant diversity in hedgerows and road verges across Europe
Authors: Vanneste Thomas , Govaert Sanne , De Kesel Willem , Van Den Berge Sanne , Vangansbeke Pieter , Meeussen Camille , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , Decocq Guillaume , Diekmann Martin , Graae Bente J. , Hedwall Per‐Ola , Heinken Thilo , Helsen Kenny , Kapás Rozália E. , Lenoir Jonathan , Liira Jaan , Lindmo Sigrid , Litza Kathrin , Naaf Tobias , Orczewska Anna , Plue Jan , Wulf Monika , Verheyen Kris , De Frenne Pieter
Published: March 2020

Linear landscape elements such as hedgerows and road verges have the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of habitat fragmentation and climate change on species, for instance, by serving as a refuge habitat or by improving functional connectivity across the landscape. However, so far this hypothesis has not been evaluated at large spatial scales, preventing us from making generalized conclusions about their efficacy and implementation in conservation policies.

Here, we assessed plant diversity patterns in 336 vegetation plots distributed along hedgerows and road verges, spanning a macro‐environmental gradient across temperate Europe. We compared herb‐layer species richness and composition in these linear elements with the respective seed‐source (core) habitats, that is, semi‐natural forests and grasslands. Next, we assessed how these differences related to several environmental drivers acting either locally, at the landscape level or along the studied macro‐ecological gradient.

Across all regions, about 55% of the plant species were shared between forests and hedgerows, and 52% between grasslands and road verges. Habitat‐specialist richness was 11% lower in the linear habitats than in the core habitats, while generalist richness was 14% higher. The difference in floristic composition between both habitat types was mainly due to species turnover, and not nestedness. Most notably, forest‐specialist richness in hedgerows responded positively to tree cover, tree height and the proportion of forests in the surrounding landscape, while generalist richness was negatively affected by tree height and buffering effect of trees on subcanopy temperatures. Grassland and road verge diversity was mainly influenced by soil properties, with positive effects of basic cation levels on the number of specialists and those of bioavailable soil phosphorus on generalist diversity.

Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that linear landscape elements provide a potential habitat for plant species across Europe, including slow‐colonizing specialists. Additionally, our results stress the possibility for land managers to modify local habitat features (e.g. canopy structure, subcanopy microclimate, soil properties, mowing regime) through management practices to enhance the colonization success of specialists in these linear habitats. These findings underpin the management needed to better conserving the biodiversity of agricultural landscapes across broad geographical scales.
Association of FcγRIIA‐R/H131 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus lupus nephritis risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Yuan , Wei Hui‐Ting , Zou Jun‐Ju , Ma Yue‐Rong
Published: March 2020

Aim

Previous studies have discussed association of FcγRIIA‐R/H131 polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN) risk. However, conclusions were inconsistent.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed in this study with allelic contrast (allele R vs H), additive model (genotype RR vs HH), recessive model (genotype RR vs RH + HH), and dominant model (genotype RR + RH vs HH).

Results

A total of 33 studies discussed the correlation between FcγRIIA‐R/H131 polymorphism and SLE, involving 5652 SLE patients and 6322 controls. Allele R was significantly related to SLE in the overall population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.238, P < .001), Asian (OR = 1.237, P < .001) and European population (OR = 1.212, P = .012). Additive, recessive and dominant models were correlating with SLE in the overall population (OR = 1.448, P < .001; OR = 1.303, P < .001; OR = 1.310, P < .001), Asian population (OR = 1.640, P = .001; OR = 1.437, P < .001; OR = 1.344, P = .005), respectively. In addition, 22 studies evaluated relation of FcγRIIA‐R/H131 polymorphism with LN, involving 2065 patients with LN, and 2023 patients without LN. Results showed that allele R and the other 3 models related to LN susceptibility in the overall population when discussing differences of polymorphism between patients with/without LN. We further compared differences of polymorphism between patients with LN and controls, showing that additive and recessive models related to LN risk in the overall population, Asian, European and North American populations.

Conclusion

In summary, FcγRIIA‐R/H131 polymorphism is associated with SLE and LN.
Can Common Business Practices Ever Be Anticompetitive? Redefining Monopolization
Authors: Stylianou Konstantinos
Published: March 2020

For most of its modern history, antitrust law distinguished between normal competition and monopolization by looking for merit, legitimate business justifications, or efficiencies in the challenged business conduct. These proxies were seen as appropriate because they served antitrust law's welfare objectives well. However, the universal adoption of these proxies has overshadowed significant shortcomings, chief among them being that firms do not think in terms of legitimate business justifications or efficiencies, but rather in terms of long‐term sustainability and appropriation of value. As a result, antitrust law becomes detached from the very subjects it purports to regulate. Against the backdrop of the recent resurgence of enforcement activity, particularly involving tech giants, this article attempts a conceptualization of monopolization that does not revolve around merit in any form or function. Instead it introduces the proxy of commonness of business practices to determine their legality. This helps highlight the importance of considering “how things are done” in the relevant market, and helps reground antitrust law in business realities, which can enhance the heuristic mechanism of distinguishing between normal and anticompetitive practices. To prove this point the article develops an error test framework, through which it compares current tests with the proposed test in terms of their error footprint and concludes that the integration of the commonness parameter delivers better results. Ultimately, the inquiry undertaken herein is not only about constructing a conception of normal competition different from the only standard we currently have, that is, variants of merit, but also about shifting the conversation from how to fine‐tune existing standards to how to capture a more complete conception of competition.
The role of the serotonin transporter in prefrontal cortex glutamatergic signaling following short‐ and long‐access cocaine self‐administration
Authors: Caffino Lucia , Mottarlini Francesca , Van Reijmersdal Boyd , Telese Francesca , Verheij Michel M.M. , Fumagalli Fabio , Homberg Judith R.
Published: March 2020

Vulnerability to drug addiction relies on substantial individual differences. We previously demonstrated that serotonin transporter knockout (SERT−/−) rats show increased cocaine intake and develop signs of compulsivity. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are not fully understood. Given the pivotal role of glutamate and prefrontal cortex in cocaine‐seeking behavior, we sought to investigate the expression of proteins implicated in glutamate neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex of naïve and cocaine‐exposed rats lacking SERT. We focused on the infralimbic (ILc) and prelimbic (PLc) cortices, which are theorized to exert opposing effects on the control over subcortical brain areas. SERT−/− rats, which compared to wild‐type (SERT+/+) rats show increased ShA and LgA intake short‐access (ShA) and long‐access (LgA) cocaine intake, were sacrificed 24 h into withdrawal for ex vivo molecular analyses. In the ILc homogenate of SERT−/− rats, we observed a sharp increase in glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) after ShA, but not LgA, cocaine intake. This was paralleled by ShA‐induced increases in GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits and their scaffolding protein SAP102 in the ILc homogenate, but not postsynaptic density, of these knockout animals. In the PLc, we found no major changes in the homogenate; conversely, the expression of GluN1 and GluN2A NMDA receptor subunits was increased in the postsynaptic density under ShA conditions and reduced under LgA conditions. These results point to SERT as a critical regulator of glutamate homeostasis in a way that differs between the subregions investigated, the duration of cocaine exposure as well as the cellular compartment analyzed.
A very short version of the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐3oo7) for use as a routinely applied Patient‐Reported Outcome Measure
Authors: Visser Martijn S. , Timman Reinier , Nijmeijer Karlijn J. , Lemij Hans G. , Kilic Emine , Busschbach Jan J.V.
Published: March 2020

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable supplements in regular care to facilitate routine monitoring of quality of life from the patient’s perspective. The 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI‐VFQ‐25) is a widely used PROM in ophthalmology. However, the NEI‐VFQ‐25 is too time‐consuming and cumbersome for routine evaluations in regular care. The aim of this study is to construct a 7‐item questionnaire of which only 3 items are presented to the patient, by means of routing. This VFQ 3 out of 7 (VFQ‐3oo7) should have a minimal loss of information compared with the NEI‐VFQ‐25.

Methods

An historical database including 3293 administrations of the NEI‐VFQ‐25 was constructed involving patients with retinal detachment, cataract, corneal diseases, glaucoma, macular degeneration, uveal melanoma and a normal population sample. The data were subjected to Rasch analyses, in particular a generalized partial credit model. Items were sorted on the latent trait and divided into seven categories. From each category, the item with the highest discriminative value was selected. Through routing, only three out of the seven remaining questions are used, where the answers navigate patients to a fitting trait level.

Results

A one‐dimensional structure was considered fitting. The VFQ‐3oo7 showed a small loss of information compared with the total score of the NEI‐VFQ‐25: correlation 0.927 and a relative precision of 0.868.

Conclusion

The very short, but valid, VFQ‐3oo7 can be applied to evaluate the patient's perceived vision‐related health status in routine evaluations of treatments in regular care, with a small burden for patients.
Microbial keratitis and clinical outcomes following penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Dohse Nicolas , Wibbelsman Turner D. , Rapuano Sara B. , Hammersmith Kristin M. , Nagra Parveen K. , Rapuano Christopher J. , Syed Zeba A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to review the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of microbial keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and endothelial keratoplasty (EK).

Methods

The electronic medical records at Wills Eye Hospital were queried for cases of microbial keratitis following PK or EK performed between 1 May 2007 and 1 September 2018. Charts were reviewed to obtain demographic data, transplant characteristics, details of microbial keratitis, graft survival and clinical outcomes.

Results

During the study period, 2098 transplants were performed in 1601 patients. Of these, 1267 (60.4%) were PKs and 831 (39.6%) were EKs. We identified 86 (4.1%) cases of subsequent microbial keratitis. The incidence of microbial keratitis after PK was significantly higher than after EK (5.9% versus 1.3%; p = 0.005). Furthermore, the rate of infection was higher after repeat transplants (either PK or EK) compared to initial keratoplasties (5.5% versus 3.4%; p = 0.02). Twenty‐six (32.1%) grafts remained clear at most recent follow‐up after microbial keratitis, and the proportion of clear grafts was higher after EK than PK (66.7% versus 27.8%; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Rates of microbial keratitis were significantly higher after PK compared to EK, and repeat transplantation was a risk factor for microbial keratitis. To the best of our knowledge, there is no prior study in the literature evaluating microbial keratitis rates after PK and EK and comparing outcomes.
Variations in keratometric values (K‐value) after administration of three different eye drops – effects on the intraocular lens calculations in relation to cataract surgery
Authors: Jensen Mia N. , Søndergaard Anders Peter , Pommerencke Claus , Møller Flemming
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To investigate the variance in keratometric (K) values after administration of different eye drops (three tested), and the effects on intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations in relation to standard cataract surgery.

Methods

A prospective intervention study (pilot study) on 38 participants (22 women, 16 men, 58–88 years) undergoing 57 cataract surgeries. Three keratometries on each eye were performed: a baseline (‘standard’) keratometry about 9 weeks preoperatively, and two on the operation day; a ‘dry’‐measurement before interventions and a ‘wet’‐measurement after applying one of three eye drops (saline, Systane Ultra®, or Systane Complete®). All standard cataract operations were uneventful. Variabilities in K‐values, spherical equivalents (SEQs) for IOL power calculations (Barrett TK Universal II) and subjective manifest refractions (SRs) 6 weeks postoperatively were compared between groups.

Results

The ‘wet’ K‐values had a similar variability to those of the ‘standard’ and ‘dry’ K‐values (p > 0.05, anova on ranks). The mean paired differences in K‐measurements between groups ranged within a small interval from −0.0107 to 0.0096 mm. After comparing the SEQ predictions with SR‐measurements, the most precise IOL calculation was achieved after administration of a saline eye drop, but the precision was not statistically improved compared to the other drop modalities.

Conclusion

The variability in K‐values was not significantly changed by administration of any of the different eye drops tested, suggesting that artificial eye drops do not impact the keratometry or IOL power prediction.
A genome‐wide association study identifies FSHR rs2300441 associated with follicle‐stimulating hormone levels
Authors: Yan Jinting , Tian Ye , Gao Xingjian , Cui Linlin , Ning Yunna , Cao Yongzhi , Chen Yan , Peng Fuduan , You Li , Liu Fan , Zhao Han
Published: March 2020

Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play critical roles in female reproduction, while the underlying genetic basis is poorly understood. Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of FSH and LH levels were conducted in 2590 Chinese females including 1882 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases and 708 controls. GWAS for FSH level identified multiple variants at FSHR showing genome‐wide significance with the top variant (rs2300441) located in the intron of FSHR. The A allele of rs2300441 led to a reduced level of FSH in the PCOS group (β = −.43, P = 6.70 × 10−14) as well as in the control group (β = −.35, P = 6.52 × 10−4). In the combined sample, this association was enhanced after adjusting for the PCOS status (before: β = −.38, P = 1.77 × 10−13; after: β = −.42, P = 3.33 × 10−16), suggesting the genetic effect is independent of the PCOS status. The rs2300441 explained sevenfold higher proportion of the FSH variance than the total variance explained by the two previously reported FSHR missense variants (rs2300441 R2 = 1.40% vs rs6166 R2 = 0.17%, rs6165 R2 = 0.03%). GWAS for LH did not identify any genome‐wide significant associations. In conclusion, we identified genome‐wide significant association between variants in FSHR and circulating FSH first, with the top associated variant rs2300441 might be a primary contributor at the population level.
Feasibility and reliability of continuously monitoring alcohol use among female adolescents and young adults
Authors: Croff Julie M. , Hartwell Micah L. , Chiaf Ashleigh L. , Crockett Erica K. , Washburn Isaac J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction and Aims

Transdermal alcohol sensors allow objective, continuous monitoring and have potential to expand current research on adolescent and young adult alcohol use. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of transdermal alcohol sensor use among female adolescents as compared to female young adults.

Design and Methods

This trial included 59 female adolescents and young adults aged 14–24 years who reported drinking during the previous month. All participants were asked to wear a Giner Wrist Transdermal Alcohol Sensor (WrisTAS)‐7 over a 1 month prospective study. Participants came to the research lab weekly to complete a detailed self‐report of behaviours, including day of drinking events, amounts and types of alcohol use and length of drinking events. Estimates of blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) were computed from self‐report data using the Matthew and Miller, NHTSA and Zhang equations. Daily transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) peaks and calculated eBAC peak data were analysed with paired‐samples t‐tests and repeated measures correlations for validity comparisons.

Results

All participants (100%, n = 59) completed the trial, however, two participants were removed due to greater than 50% of missing transdermal alcohol sensor data. Of the 57 participants, the data included 1,722 days of continuous alcohol monitoring. Missing data was recorded more frequently among female adolescents at about (11.78%) as compared to female young adults (8.59%; χ2 = −18.40, P < 0.001). Participant self‐report of drinking occurred with greater frequency (374 events) than detected by the WrisTAS transdermal alcohol sensors (243 events). On days when self‐report and sensor data indicated a drinking event, participants' eBAC was moderately correlated with TAC, after accounting for repeated measures.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study finds that transdermal alcohol sensors are moderately reliable when sensor data is paired with self‐report. This objective data collection method may improve the ability to collect alcohol curves among adolescents.
Interspecific crossing between blue‐tailed damselflies Ischnura elegans and I. senegalensis in the laboratory
Authors: Okude Genta , Fukatsu Takema , Futahashi Ryo
Published: March 2020

Ischnura species (Odonata) are among the most common damselflies in the world, which often exhibit female color polymorphisms. One morph, called androchrome, is similar to males in its color pattern, whereas the other morphs, generally referred to as gynochromes, exhibit female‐specific colors. In several Ischnura species, the female polymorphism is heritable, although molecular and genetic mechanisms remain largely unknown. The dominant‐recessive patterns of the female color morphs may differ between species. For example, androchromic females are dominant to gynochromic females in Ischnura elegans, whereas androchromic females are recessive in Ischnura senegalensis. Here we report a case of interspecific hybridization between a gynochrome female of I. elegans and a male of I. senegalensis in the laboratory. We obtained 61 hybrid adult offspring, of which all 31 females were of gynochrome morph. DNA analyses of the hybrids confirmed that nuclear DNA sequences were derived from both parent species, whereas mitochondrial DNA sequences were maternally inherited. In the hybrids, the postocular spots of female heads, the shape of male appendages, and the color of female's cerci resembled those of I. elegans, whereas the size of abdominal blue spots was similar to that of I. senegalensis. The shape of prothorax and basal abdominal markings were intermediate in females. The larval developmental traits and the morphological changes in the final larval instar of the hybrids were similar to those of I. senegalensis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hybrids between two damselfly species with different dominant‐recessive patterns of female color morphs.
Sea ice predicts long‐term trends in Adélie penguin population growth, but not annual fluctuations: Results from a range‐wide multiscale analysis
Authors: Iles David T. , Lynch Heather , Ji Rubao , Barbraud Christophe , Delord Karine , Jenouvrier Stephanie
Published: March 2020

Understanding the scales at which environmental variability affects populations is critical for projecting population dynamics and species distributions in rapidly changing environments. Here we used a multilevel Bayesian analysis of range‐wide survey data for Adélie penguins to characterize multidecadal and annual effects of sea ice on population growth. We found that mean sea ice concentration at breeding colonies (i.e., “prevailing” environmental conditions) had robust nonlinear effects on multidecadal population trends and explained over 85% of the variance in mean population growth rates among sites. In contrast, despite considerable year‐to‐year fluctuations in abundance at most breeding colonies, annual sea ice fluctuations often explained less than 10% of the temporal variance in population growth rates. Our study provides an understanding of the spatially and temporally dynamic environmental factors that define the range limits of Adélie penguins, further establishing this iconic marine predator as a true sea ice obligate and providing a firm basis for projection under scenarios of future climate change. Yet, given the weak effects of annual sea ice relative to the large unexplained variance in year‐to‐year growth rates, the ability to generate useful short‐term forecasts of Adélie penguin breeding abundance will be extremely limited. Our approach provides a powerful framework for linking short‐ and longer term population processes to environmental conditions that can be applied to any species, facilitating a richer understanding of ecological predictability and sensitivity to global change.
Adherence to guideline recommendations for multimodality treatment of patients with pT2–3 M0 non‐urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder: Temporal trends and survival outcomes
Authors: Mistretta Francesco A , Negrean‐Dzyuba Cristina , Palumbo Carlotta , Pecoraro Angela , Knipper Sophie , Tian Zhe , Musi Gennaro , Montanari Emanuele , Perrotte Paul , Briganti Alberto , Shariat Shahrokh F , Saad Fred , de Cobelli Ottavio , Karakiewicz Pierre I
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To analyze contemporary multimodality treatment rates, defined as radical cystectomy plus chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, for pT2–3 any N‐stage M0 non‐urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder patients. Additionally, we tested for the effect of multimodality treatment versus radical cystectomy alone on cancer‐specific mortality.

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database (2004–2015), 887 pT2–3 any N‐stage M0 non‐urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder patients treated with radical cystectomy were identified. Kaplan–Meier plots, and univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses focused on cancer‐specific mortality rates.

Results

Squamous cell carcinoma was recorded in 499 (56.3%) patients, neuroendocrine carcinoma in 246 (27.7%) and adenocarcinoma in 142 (16.0%). The highest proportion of multimodality treatment patients was recorded in neuroendocrine carcinoma (69.1%), relative to adenocarcinoma (34.5%) and squamous cell carcinoma (26.4%). A statistically significant annual increase was recorded in multimodality treatment rates in neuroendocrine carcinoma patients (46.7–74.2%, P < 0.01), but not in adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma patients. The 5‐year cancer‐specific mortality rate in neuroendocrine carcinoma patients was significantly lower after multimodality treatment versus radical cystectomy alone (37.0% vs 51.5%; P < 0.01), but no statistically significant differences were recorded in both adenocarcinoma (46.1% vs 35.5%; P = 0.8) and squamous cell carcinoma (41.4% vs 31.1%; P = 0.8) patients. In multivariable analyses, for neuroendocrine carcinoma patients, multimodality treatment was an independent predictor of a lower cancer‐specific mortality rate (hazard ratio 0.58, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Multimodality treatment has been increasingly used during the study period in neuroendocrine carcinoma patients, and it has translated into a cancer‐specific mortality benefit. This is not the case for other non‐urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder patients, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer 2019 edition by the Japanese Urological Association: Revision working position paper
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroaki , Shiraishi Koji , Azuma Haruhito , Inoue Keiji , Uemura Hirotsugu , Eto Masatoshi , Ohyama Chikara , Ogawa Osamu , Kikuchi Eiji , Kitamura Hiroshi , Shinohara Nobuo , Takahashi Satoru , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Nakagawa Masayuki , Narumi Yoshifumi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Habuchi Tomonori , Hinotsu Shiro , Fujii Yasuhisa , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Mizowaki Takashi , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: March 2020

The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Bladder Cancer edited by the Japanese Urological Association were first published in 2009 and a revised edition was released in 2015. Four years has passed since the 2015 edition, and the clinical practice environment surrounding bladder cancer has drastically changed during that time. The main changes include: (i) insurance coverage of a new diagnostic method for non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer; (ii) insurance coverage of an immune checkpoint inhibitor in advanced and metastatic bladder cancer; and (iii) advances in robot‐assisted radical cystectomy as a minimally invasive treatment for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. A paradigm shift in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment is occurring day by day. Therefore, in this 2019 edition, while dealing with the above changes, we carefully selected clinical questions with clear evidence and included other clinically important points in the general statement. We also added a new chapter on rare cancers of the urinary tract. As a new method for the evaluation of study evidence level, we introduce “The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation” system modified to Japanese by the Medical Information Network Distribution Service.
A focus on natural killer T‐cell subset characterization and developmental stages
Authors: Klibi Jihene , Amable Ludivine , Benlagha Kamel
Published: March 2020

Almost 20 years ago, CD1d tetramers were developed to track invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells based on their specificity, and to define developmental steps during which differentiation markers and functional features are progressively acquired from early NKT cell precursor to fully mature NKT cell subsets. Based on these findings, a linear developmental model was proposed and subsequently used by all studies investigating the specific role of factors that control NKT cell development. More recently, based on intracellular staining patterns of lineage‐specific transcription factors such as T‐bet, GATA‐3, promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger and RORγt, a lineage differentiation model was proposed for NKT cell development. Currently, studies on NKT cells development present lineage differentiation model data in addition to the linear maturation model. In the perspective presented here, we discuss current knowledge relating to NKT cell developmental models and particularly focus on the approaches and strategies, some of which appear nebulous, used to define NKT cell developmental stages and subsets.
How agile software development methods reduce work exhaustion: Insights on role perceptions and organizational skills
Authors: Venkatesh Viswanath , Thong James Y. L. , Chan Frank K. Y. , Hoehle Hartmut , Spohrer Kai
Published: March 2020

Agile methods are widely used in the software industry as a way to more rapidly develop and deliver new software. They define iterative work processes, advocate self‐organization and openness for change, and prescribe how software developers interact with each other and external stakeholders. Despite their popularity, it is unclear how agile methods influence work exhaustion in software developers and how developer skills play into this effect. On the one hand, agile methods may reduce software developers' work exhaustion by levelling out their workload across the entire duration of a project. On the other hand, agile methods exert a high level of pressure on software developers to continuously deliver working software, create many intensive social interactions, and to frequently adapt to changes. In light of these effects, prior research could not explain why some software developers become less exhausted from using agile methods, whereas others perceive the exact opposite. Based on the job demand‐control model, we develop a theoretical model connecting agile method use to individual developer skills and to two established determinants of employee exhaustion: role conflict and role ambiguity. We tested our research model in a field study among 1894 software developers in 217 project teams that used agile methods. The random coefficient modelling results show that agile method use facilitates the achievement of clear and unambiguous role perceptions and thereby reduces work exhaustion in developers, particularly if developers possess the organizational skills to effectively interact with others in their organization. We highlight implications for theory on the individual‐level effects of software development methods and provide practical insights for software companies.
Employing newly qualified nurses to work in hospices: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Rolt Lucy , Gillett Karen
Published: March 2020

Aim

To establish an understanding of the experiences of newly qualified nurses’ working in hospices from the perspective of both newly qualified and senior nurses.

Design

A qualitative interview study.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with six newly qualified nurses and five senior nurses from four UK hospices were conducted between March – July 2017.

Results

The hospices involved in this study were among the first to recruit newly qualified nurses. Participants believed that newly qualified nurses coped well with hospice working and received unique opportunities for professional development. Participants identified the value of formal and informal support, however, newly qualified nurses faced negative attitudes from some established staff. Newly qualified nurses expressed concerns about a perceived lack of technical clinical skills training, however, they highlighted gaining end‐of‐life care and communication skills that would be transferrable to other settings. Participants highlighted the need to allocate more time for education and formal support including preceptorship. Senior staff did not necessarily expect newly qualified nurses to remain in long‐term hospice employment suggesting that they could disseminate their hospice learning to future workplaces.

Conclusion

This study supports recruitment strategies that increasingly target newly qualified nurses to work in hospices with findings suggesting that hospices can be a suitable environment for recent graduates to work in. The senior nurses in this study viewed the employment of newly qualified nurses in a positive light but shared the concerns of newly qualified nurses regarding skills training.

Impact

At a time when hospices need to expand if they are going to meet demand for their services, they along with most areas of healthcare face difficulties recruiting and retaining registered nurses. To increase the appeal of hospice employment, recruitment campaigns aimed at newly qualified nurses should emphasize the transferability of skills gained in hospice settings.
The invasive moth Paysandisia archon in Europe: Biology and control options
Authors: Muñoz‐Adalia Emigdio Jordán , Colinas Carlos
Published: March 2020

The palm borer moth (Paysandisia archon, Burmeister) is a member of the Castniidae family originally from South America and is currently included in the A2 list of the OEPP/EPPO. This moth was introduced to Europe in 2000 through ornamental palms. Since its accidental introduction, it has become a major threat for natural stands of native palms, as well as for nurseries and gardens in the Mediterranean basin. To date, neither preventive nor control methods have been implemented for managing this pest under field conditions. In this review, we highlight the most relevant information on the biology of P. archon and summarize the available control strategies with a special focus on biocontrol‐based treatments.
The Venus model for integrating practitioner‐led workforce transformation and complex change across the health care system
Authors: Manley Kim , Jackson Carrie
Published: March 2020

Aims and objectives

The aim of this paper is to present the Venus model for workforce transformation, demonstrating its research origins, theoretical foundations, and practical application for enabling individuals, teams, and services to sustain transformation in the workplace.

Methods

The paper provides a brief synopsis of how the Venus model was generated from four large‐scale mixed‐method studies embracing workforce transformation, safety culture, integrated facilitation, and continuous professional development.

Results

The Venus model has five stems and identifies key integrated skill sets pivotal to successful transformation, which are interdependent:

Being able to facilitate an integrated approach to learning, development, improvement, knowledge translation, inquiry, and innovation—drawing on the workplace itself as an influential resource;

Being a transformational and collective leader building relationships that encourage curiosity, creativity, and harnessing the talents of all not just a few;

Being a skilled practice developer focused on achieving the key values of being person‐centred, and the ways of working that are collaborative, inclusive, and participative;

Applying improvement skills that enable small step change using measurement wisely to focus on measuring what is valued as well as evaluating positive progress; and, finally

Facilitating culture change at the micro‐systems level while being attuned to the organizational and systems enablers required to support this.

Conclusion

The paper concludes with consideration of implications for implementation of the model and its relevance for practice, policy, education, and future research as well as outlining potential limitations and conclusions.
Cress seed (Lepidium sativum) gum dried by vacuum, freeze, and microwave drying methods: Structural, rheological, emulsifying, and foaming properties
Authors: Moniri Hannaneh , Farahmandfar Reza , Motamedzadegan Ali
Published: March 2020

Different drying methods were used to find the best one which maintain the CSG functionality. Cress seed mucilage was dried with freeze‐dried (FD), vacuum (40, 60, and 80°C) and microwave drying (MD). The flow behavior value of dried samples is less than one (nH < 1). The strain sweep test showed the samples have solid‐like behavior in the linear viscoelastic region. In frequency sweep test, the storage modulus is higher than the loss modulus, and both increased with increasing frequency. The values of Gf, G′LVE, τy, τf increased as the temperature raised and the gel network has become stronger. Among the samples, the FD method had highest amount of τy and τf, in comparison with vacuum drying and MD. CSG had good emulsifying capacity and stability (>80%). The FD method was the best drying method which maintain the CSG functionality.

Practical Applications

Hydrocolloids have a wide range of functional properties, such as viscoelasticity and gelling. On the other hand, drying with less time, lower temperature, and faster mass and heat transfer was recommended due to unfavorable food changes in traditional drying methods. Therefore, identification and quantification of hydrocolloids, dried with different drying methods, are interested in food industries.
Ameliorating effects of sacral neuromodulation on gastric and small intestinal dysmotility mediated via a sacral afferent‐vagal efferent pathway
Authors: Wang Ximeng , Zhang Shengai , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

In a recent study of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for colonic inflammation, a possible spinal‐vagal pathway was implicated. The aim of this study was to provide evidence for such a pathway by investigating the effects of SNS on dysmotility of the stomach and duodenum that are not directly innervated by the sacral efferents.

Methods

Twenty‐seven rats were chronically implanted with wire electrodes for SNS and gastrointestinal slow waves. SNS was performed in several acute sessions to investigate its effects on gastric/duodenal slow waves and emptying/transit impaired by glucagon and rectal distention (RD).

Results

(a) SNS increased the percentage of normal gastric slow waves impaired by glucagon (from 53.9% to 77.0%, P < .0001) and RD (from 64% to 78%, P = .037). This improvement was abolished by atropine. (b) Similar effects were observed with SNS on duodenal slow waves, which was also blocked by atropine. (c) SNS normalized delayed gastric emptying induced by glucagon (control: 61.3%, glucagon: 44.3%, glucagon + SNS: 65.8%) and RD (control: 61.3%, RD: 46.7%, RD + SNS: 64.3%). It also normalized small intestinal transit delayed by RD (P = .001, RD + SNS vs RD; P = .9, RD + SNS vs control). (4) Both glucagon and RD induced an increase in the sympathovagal ratio (P = .007, glucagon vs baseline; P < .001, RD vs baseline) and SNS decreased the ratio (P = .006, glucagon + SNS vs glucagon; P = .04, RD + SNS vs RD).

Conclusions

Neuromodulation of the sacral nerve improves gastric and small intestinal pacemaking activity and transit impaired by glucagon and RD by normalizing the sympathovagal balance via a retrograde neural pathway from the sacral nerve to vagal efferents.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Improves Functional Outcomes in Children With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Case Presentation and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bakr Salma M. , Knight James , Johnson Sarah K. , Williams Amy E. , Tolley James A. , Raskin Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2020

Background

In the pediatric population, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic pain syndrome that is classically treated with escalating polypharmacy and physical therapy. Failure of therapy is often encountered in both adult and pediatric patients with CRPS, after which invasive neuromodulatory therapy might be considered. Intrathecal drug delivery systems and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) have been reported in the literature as forms of neuromodulation effective in adult CRPS; however, SCS remains inadequately researched and underreported in the pediatric CRPS population. Owing to the differences in patient population characteristics and the specific vulnerability of adolescents to drugs that might be used to manage refractory cases, including but not limited to opioids, we believe that early effective pain management without the use of chronic pain medications is of paramount importance.

Methods

Recent evidence suggests that neuromodulation can be useful toward improving function and managing pain, while also reducing medication use in chronic pain patients. A representative case a review of the literature is performed.

Results

We report the effective treatment of CRPS in a pediatric patient following implantation of an SCS device typifying the improved pain scores, decreased medication use, and substantially improved functional abilities in pediatric patients following SCS.

Conclusions

The manuscript objective is to stimulate a discussion for SCS use earlier in the therapeutic management of CRPS in children.
Recurrent reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME): Insights from a child with three episodes
Authors: Mazori Daniel R. , Nagarajan Sairaman , Glick Sharon A.
Published: March 2020

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) was recently proposed to replace the term Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)‐induced rash and mucositis to account for the fact that non‐MP pathogens may also cause rash and mucositis. In this report, we describe a unique case of recurrent RIME featuring a total of three episodes. As two of the episodes demonstrated contemporaneous infection with MP and group A streptococcus or influenza B, this case lends further support to use of the term RIME. In addition, although RIME typically involves at least two mucous membranes, this case shows that recurrent episodes may fall into the rare exception in which mucositis is limited to one site.
Systematic Review of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) on the Experimental Calcaneal Tendon Injury in Rats
Authors: Lopes Silva Rauena Souto Diogo , Pessoa Diego Rodrigues , Mariano Rafaela Rodrigues , Castro Ana Beatriz Silva , de Oliveira Rauirys Alencar , Ferraresi Cleber
Published: March 2020

This systematic review analyzed the light parameters and the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) through low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) and/or LED (light‐emitting diode) on tendon repair of rats submitted to calcaneal injury. This study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Meta‐Analysis, and PubMed and MEDLINE databases were accessed to search eligible studies published in English. The search terms were as follows: "Achilles tendon" or "Calcaneal tendon" or "tendon injuries" or "soft tissue injuries" and "tendinopathy" or "tendinitis" and "low‐level light therapy" or "low‐level laser therapy" or "low intensity power therapy" or "light‐emitting diode" or photobiomodulation." The SYRCLE (SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation) risks of bias was used to assess the risk of bias for selected studies. A total of 225 studies were found based on the descriptors used, and only 33 studies were eligible. Light parameters identified per point of irradiation were approximately 60 mW (continuous mode at infrared spectra), 2 W cm−2, 2 J and 45 J cm−2. Light parameters at red spectra, continuous versus pulsed mode, and PBMT combined or compared with other therapies such as ultrasound, and studies using unhealthy rats (ovariectomized and/or diabetic models) were also identified and grouped according to these similarities. The main effects found were decreased inflammatory markers and signs of inflammatory process. PBMT (laser/LED) has positive effects in reducing the inflammatory and time for tissue repair in animal models of tendon injury and/or tendinitis using parameters identified.
Left ventricular remodeling in elite and sub‐elite road cyclists
Authors: Brown Benjamin , Millar Lynne , Somauroo John , George Keith , Sharma Sanjay , La Gerche Andre , Forsythe Lynsey , Oxborough David
Published: March 2020

Marked adaptation of left ventricular (LV) structure in endurance athletes is well established. However, previous investigations of functional and mechanical adaptation have been contradictory. A lack of clarity in subjects’ athletic performance level may have contributed to these disparate findings. This study aimed to describe structural, functional, and mechanical characteristics of the cyclists’ LV, based on clearly defined performance levels. Male elite cyclists (EC) (n = 69), sub‐elite cyclists (SEC) (n = 30), and non‐athletes (NA) (n = 46) were comparatively studied using conventional and speckle tracking 2D echocardiography. Dilated eccentric hypertrophy was common in EC (34.7%), but not SEC (3.3%). Chamber concentricity was higher in EC compared to SEC (7.11 ± 1.08 vs 5.85 ± 0.98 g/(mL)2/3, P < .001). Ejection fraction (EF) was lower in EC compared to NA (57 ± 5% vs 59 ± 4%, P < .05), and reduced EF was observed in a greater proportion of EC (11.6%) compared to SEC (6.7%). Global circumferential strain (GCε) was greater in EC (−18.4 ± 2.4%) and SEC (−19.8 ± 2.7%) compared to NA (−17.2 ± 2.6%) (P < .05 and P < .001). Early diastolic filling was lower in EC compared with SEC (0.72 ± 0.14 vs 0.88 ± 0.12 cm/s, P < .001), as were septal E’ (12 ± 2 vs 15 ± 2 cm/s, P < .001) and lateral E’ (18 ± 4 vs 20 ± 4 cm/s, P < .05). The magnitude of LV structural adaptation was far greater in EC compared with SEC. Increased GCε may represent a compensatory mechanism to maintain stroke volume in the presence of increased chamber volume. Decreased E and E’ velocities may be indicative of a considerable functional reserve in EC.