bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of EQ‐5D‐5L, Skindex‐16, DLQI and DLQI‐R in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Gergely L.H. , Gáspár K. , Brodszky V. , Kinyó Á. , Szegedi A. , Remenyik É. , Kiss N.F. , Bató A. , Péntek M. , Gulácsi L. , Sárdy M. , Bánvölgyi A. , Wikonkál N. , Rencz F.
Published: July 2020

Background

Numerous generic, skin‐ and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are available for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Yet, robust psychometric evidence is lacking in many aspects of these outcome measures.

Objectives

We sought to determine convergent and known‐groups validity of multiple generic and skin‐specific HRQoL measures and to identify predictors of impaired HRQoL in patients with HS.

Methods

Between 2017 and 2019, a multicentre cross‐sectional study was carried out involving 200 consecutive HS patients. HRQoL outcomes included the EQ‐5D‐5L, EQ visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), Skindex‐16, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and DLQI‐Relevant (DLQI‐R). Disease severity was graded by HS‐Physician’s Global Assessment (HS‐PGA) scale and the Modified Sartorius scale (MSS).

Results

Overall, 77%, 56%, 51%, 46% and 28% reported problems in the pain/discomfort, usual activities, anxiety/depression, mobility and self‐care dimensions of EQ‐5D‐5L. Mean ± SD EQ VAS, DLQI and DLQI‐R scores were 64.29 ± 22.68, 11.75 ± 8.11 and 12.19 ± 8.33, respectively. Skindex‐16 responses indicated that the emotional burden of HS (64.55 ± 29.28) far exceeded those of functioning (49.40 ± 34.70) and physical symptoms (46.74 ± 29.36). EQ‐5D‐5L, EQ VAS, DLQI, DLQI‐R and Skindex‐16 total scores had moderate or strong correlations with each other (range: |0.487| to |0.993|), weak or moderate correlations with HS‐PGA (|0.350| to |0.433|) and weak correlations with MSS (|0.324| to |0.389|). DLQI‐R slightly outperformed DLQI both in terms of convergent and known‐groups validity. Being female, lower education level, more severe disease and genital involvement were associated with worse HRQoL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides high‐quality evidence that among skin‐specific outcomes, the DLQI, DLQI‐R and Skindex‐16, and among generic instruments, the EQ‐5D‐5L are suitable to be used in HS patients. In future research, we recommend the use of existing well‐validated HRQoL tools instead of developing new measures for each study. The development of composite measures that combine physician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes is not supported by evidence in HS.

[Correction added on 25 July 2020, after first online publication: in the Abstract section, the ± signs were missing and have been added to this version.]
Effect of disinfection with peracetic acid on the microbial community of a seawater aquaculture recirculation system for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Teitge Felix , Peppler Christina , Steinhagen Dieter , Jung‐Schroers Verena
Published: July 2020

When tropical shrimps are kept in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), one of the limiting factors is the maintenance of a sufficient water quality, and therefore, often disinfectants like peracetic acid (PAA) are added to the water either as prophylactic or treatment measure. In this study, PAA in concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L was applied continuously for 56 days to small‐scale seawater RAS stocked with Litopenaeus vannamei. Treatment with 0.1 mg/L did not result in a reduction in the total bacterial amount and therefore was not effective. A concentration of 10 mg/L led to significant changes in the chemical water parameters already after 2 days and was therefore not recommendable. A concentration of 1 mg/L led to increased levels of ammonia and nitrite within 2 days and to a significant increase in the bacterial amount in the water, most probably due to an enhanced growth of heterotrophic bacteria. The microflora showed significant fluctuations, and there were indications that the welfare of the shrimps was affected. Using 1 mg PAA/L for prophylactic use is therefore also not recommendable but might be an alternative option for short‐term treatment in cases of disease outbreaks.
SlSTE1 promotes abscisic acid‐dependent salt stress‐responsive pathways via improving ion homeostasis and reactive oxygen species scavenging in tomato
Authors: Meng Xiaoqing , Cai Jing , Deng Lei , Li Ge , Sun Jian , Han Yonghua , Dong Tingting , Liu Yang , Xu Tao , Liu Siyuan , Li Zongyun , Zhu Mingku
Published: July 2020

High salinity is one of the major limiting factors that reduces crop productivity and quality. Herein, we report that small SALT TOLERANCE ENHANCER1 (STE1) protein without any known conserved domains is required for tomato salt tolerance. Overexpression (OE) of SlSTE1 enhanced the tolerance to multiple chloride salts (NaCl, KCl, and LiCl) and oxidative stress, along with elevated antioxidant enzyme activities, increased abscisic acid (ABA) and chlorophyll contents, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulations compared to that of wild‐type (WT) plants. Moreover, decreased K+ efflux and increased H+ efflux were detected in the OE plants, which induced a higher K+/Na+ ratio. In contrast, SlSTE1‐RNAi plants displayed decreased tolerance to salt stress. RNA‐seq data revealed 1 330 differentially expressed genes in the OE plants versus WT plants under salt stress, and the transcription of numerous and diverse genes encoding transcription factors, stress‐related proteins, secondary metabolisms, kinases, and hormone synthesis/signaling‐related proteins (notably ABA and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate) was greatly elevated. Furthermore, SlSTE1‐OE plants showed increased sensitivity to ABA, and the results suggest that SlSTE1 promotes ABA‐dependent salt stress‐responsive pathways by interacting with SlPYLs and SlSnRK2s. Collectively, our findings reveal that the small SlSTE1 protein confers salt tolerance via ABA signaling and ROS scavenging and improves ion homeostasis in tomato.
Factors associated with caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Leung Angela Yee Man , Davidson Patricia M.
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

To identify factors associated with the caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers.

Background

Caregiving appraisal, the cognitive evaluation of the caregiving situation, is an essential factor in determining positive or negative caregiving outcomes. Identifying factors associated with appraisal is fundamental for designing effective health promotion strategies.

Design

A systematic review.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, CNKI and Wanfang Database were searched for papers published from 1984 to December 2018. Keywords related to informal caregivers' caregiving appraisal were used. Cross‐sectional and cohort studies were included. The Quality Assessment and Validity Tool for Correlational Studies, and the CASP Cohort Study Checklist were used for quality assessment. Descriptive and narrative synthesis were used to analyse data. Social ecological model was used for classifying the associated factors into different levels. The PRISMA checklist was followed.

Results

Forty studies were included. The quality of the studies was moderate to high. Data were organised into three levels (individual, interpersonal and community level) and categorised into modifiable factors (e.g. patient behavioural problems, caregiver self‐efficacy and social support) and nonmodifiable factors (e.g. caregiving duration, gender and education). The majority of studies have investigated the factors at the individual level.

Conclusion

There are inconsistencies in the understanding of caregiving appraisal, and consensus is needed for conceptual clarity. Caregiving appraisal is associated with three levels of factors. These modifiable factors provide evidence for designing evidence‐based interventions, and the nonmodifiable factors help identify confounding factors in assessment and appraisal.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses are the best‐placed healthcare professionals to support informal caregivers. The three levels of associated factors and the interactive approaches provide direction for informing clinical nursing practice. They also provide evidence for healthcare researchers and policymakers to develop interventions and theoretical perspectives and to better allocate healthcare resources.
Aplastic anaemia: Current concepts in diagnosis and management
Authors: Furlong Eliska , Carter Tina
Published: July 2020

Aplastic anaemia is a rare, previously fatal condition with a significantly improved survival rate owing to advances in understanding of the pathophysiology and improved treatment strategies including haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although a rare condition, aplastic anaemia continues to present a high burden for affected patients, their families and the health system due to the prolonged course of disease often associated with high morbidity and the uncertainty regarding clinical outcome. Modern molecular and genetic techniques including next‐generation sequencing have contributed to a better understanding of this heterogeneous group of conditions, albeit at a cost of increased complexity of clinical decision‐making regarding prognosis and choice of treatment for individual patients. Here we present a concise and comprehensive review of aplastic anaemia and closely related conditions based on extensive literature review and long‐standing clinical experience. The review takes the reader across the complex pathophysiology consisting of three main causative mechanisms of bone marrow destruction resulting in aplastic anaemia: direct injury, immune mediated and bone marrow failure related including inherited and clonal disorders. A comprehensive diagnostic algorithm is presented and an up‐to‐date therapeutic approach to acquired immune aplastic anaemia, the most represented type of aplastic anaemia, is described. Overall, the aim of the review is to provide paediatricians with an update of this rare, heterogeneous and continuously evolving condition.
Protective effects of Sosihotang extract against ultraviolet B-induced skin photoageing in hairless mice
Authors: Im A-Rang , Ji Kon-Young , Nam Kung-Woo , Chae Sungwook
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Sosihotang (SSH) is an herbal medicine traditionally used against the common cold, and hepatic and gastric diseases, in Northeast Asia. In this study, we investigated whether SSH extract can protect against UVB-induced skin damage and photoageing.

Methods

HaCaT cells were treated with SSH extract and exposed UVB irradiation at 20 mJ/cm2. Hairless mice were orally administered SSH extract (100 mg/kg per mouse) as UVB irradiation was increased from 60 to 120 mJ/cm2 over the course of 12 weeks.

Key findings

Treatment with SSH extract inhibited the upregulation of MMP-1 and MMP-9 expression in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated hairless mice, treatment with SSH extract restored the levels of factors instrumental in skin hydration (TEWL, capacitance, HA and TGF-β) and those regulating collagen content (procollagen, MMP-1 and MMP-9). This activity inhibited epidermal thickening and disorganization of collagen fibres. Administration of SSH extract also ameliorated the expression of UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and phosphorylation of MAPK family members (MEK, JNK, ERK and p38) by upregulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, Nrf-2, HO-1 and NQO-1).

Conclusions

These results indicate that SSH extract can be used therapeutically for the treatment of UVB-induced skin damage and photoageing.
Examination of use and barriers for five sun protection strategies in parents and their children
Authors: Schlarbaum Jamie P. , Lazovich DeAnn , Dodd Erin , Hanson Brooke , Polcari Ingrid C.
Published: July 2020

Background/Objectives

Sun protection starting in childhood is an important means of skin cancer prevention. Factors associated with sunscreen use have been previously described. However, less is known about factors associated with children's utilization of non‐sunscreen sun protection strategies. We sought to examine parent and child characteristics, parental use of sun protection, and barriers associated with children's use of five sun protection strategies: sunscreen, shirts with sleeves, wide‐brimmed hats, sunglasses, and shade.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of parents of children entering kindergarten through grade 8. Survey participants were recruited at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair.

Results

A total of 409 parents were surveyed. The most common sun protection strategies parents reported for their child were wearing a shirt with sleeves (69.9%) and using sunscreen (61.9%), while protection via shade, wide‐brimmed hats, and sunglasses were reported by less than one‐quarter of parents. For each individual strategy, parents' own use of that strategy was strongly associated with that strategy in their children. Lack of child cooperation was associated with decreased use of sunscreen, shirts with sleeves, and wide‐brimmed hats.

Conclusion

Significant room for improvement exists in childhood sun protection. Parents should especially be encouraged to use shade, wide‐brimmed hats, and sunglasses as methods of protection for their children. Advising parents to model seeking shade, applying sunscreen, and choosing appropriate clothing and hats may improve sun safety practices.
Comparison of GOME‐2 UVA Satellite Data to Ground‐Based UVA Measurements in South Africa
Authors: du Preez D. Jean , Parisi Alfio V. , Millar Danielle A. , Bencherif Hassan , Wright Caradee Y.
Published: July 2020

Satellite estimates of surface ultraviolet A (UVA) (315–400 nm) from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME)‐2 were compared to ground‐based measurements at four stations in South Africa for 2015. The comparison of daily exposure and daily maximum irradiance was completed for all‐sky and clear‐sky conditions. There is a strong linear correlation between the satellite and ground‐based data with a correlation coefficient (r) between 0.86 and 0.97 for all‐sky conditions. However, at three of the stations the satellite data are underestimated compared to ground‐based data with a mean bias error (MBE) between −8.7% and −20.6%. A seasonal analysis indicated that there is a link between the bias in ground‐based and GOME‐2 UVA and cloud fraction. Factors such as aerosols, surface albedo, altitude and data resolution may contribute to the underestimations found at the three sites. These results indicate that satellite estimates of surface UVA over South Africa do not exhibit the same behavior as other stations around the world and therefore require further validation.
A typology of blood donor motivations
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Hill Alexandra , Lam Michael , Reynolds Claire , Davison Katy , Lawrence Claire , Brailsford Susan R
Published: July 2020

Background

Although the need for whole blood is declining, so too are the number of first‐time and repeat blood donors. To develop new recruitment and retention strategies, therefore, we need to draw on as wide a variation in blood donor motivations as possible. The primary aim of this study is to draw on a large survey of donors to develop a broad, theoretically instantiated typology of donor motivations to identify new and less common, yet practically important, motivations that have not been previously reported.

Study Design and Methods

Using data from the UK Blood Donor Survey run by NHS Blood and Transplant/Public Health England Epidemiology Unit (N = 61 123 donors), we analyze fixed (N = 52 225) and free (N = 8867) responses to develop a more comprehensive typology of blood donor motivations based on theories from the biology, psychology, philosophy, economics, and sociology of altruism.

Results

We identified 54 motivations, including a number of newly identified motivations, for blood donations which we organized into 12 superordinate categories (eg, “inspiration via moral elevation,” “perceived social closeness,” and “fungibility of donations”). These are linked to intervention suggestions such as donating blood in memoriam or donating blood as an alternative to other charitable acts.

Conclusion

We present the most comprehensive account of blood donor motivations to‐date. This work also offers a structure for coding free‐text responses, developing motivational measures, and identifying tangible interventions. Thus, we feel that this is a valuable resource for blood donor researchers, marketers, and policy makers.
Pathogen reduction of double‐dose platelet concentrates from pools of eight buffy coats: Product quality, safety, and economic aspects
Authors: Rosskopf Konrad , Helmberg Wolfgang , Schlenke Peter
Published: July 2020

Background

Pathogen reduction (PR) of platelet concentrates (PCs) contributes to the safety of platelet (PLT) transfusion by reducing the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections and transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease. In vitro quality of pathogen‐reduced double‐dose PC (PR‐PC) made of eight whole blood (WB)‐derived buffy coats (BCs) were evaluated.

Methods

Eight small‐volume WB BCs from donors with at least 200 × 109 PLT/L were pooled with an additive solution to produce double‐dose PCs (DD‐PCs), which were treated with amotosalen/ultraviolet A light in a dual storage processing set, yielding 2 units of PR‐PC. Quality controls were undertaken as per European Directive for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) guidelines. PLT recovery rates were measured. Production costs and savings were compared over the 3 years before and after PR implementation.

Results

In the pre‐PR period, 19 666 PCs were produced, compared to 17 307 PCs in the PR period. Single BC in the PR period had 41 ± 2 mL, hematocrit 0.39 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.18 × 1011 PLTs, and showed a recovery of 91% ± 8%. After pooling, separation, PR treatment of DD‐PC, and splitting, each single PC had 189 ± 6 mL with 2.52 ± 0.34 × 1011 PLTs, compared to 2.48 ± 0.40 in the pre‐PR period. The PLT recovery rate after PR was 87% ± 14%. EDQM requirements were met. An increase of about €12 (+7.5%) per PC from the pre‐PR to the PR period was identified.

Conclusion

A new production method resulting in two PR‐PCs made from pools of 8 BCs with use of one PR set was successfully introduced, and our experience of nearly 3 years demonstrated the high efficacy and in vitro quality of the PR‐PCs obtained.
Effect of perioperative desmopressin in cats with mammary carcinoma treated with bilateral mastectomy
Authors: Wood Christopher J. , Chu Margaret L. , Selmic Laura E. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Holt David E. , Martano Marina , Séguin Bernard , Singh Ameet , Boston Sarah E. , Lux Cassie , Liptak Julius M.
Published: July 2020

Perioperative administration of desmopressin has shown to significantly decrease rates of local recurrence and metastasis, and increase survival times in dogs with grade II and III mammary carcinomas. The objective of this study was to compare the oncologic outcome of cats with mammary carcinoma treated with bilateral mastectomy with or without perioperative administration of desmopressin. Medical records from nine veterinary institutions were searched to identify cats diagnosed with mammary carcinoma treated with bilateral mastectomy. Sixty cats treated with single‐session or staged bilateral mastectomy were included. There were no significant differences in oncologic outcomes found between cats treated and not treated with desmopressin. No adverse effects were seen in any of the cats treated with perioperative desmopressin. Postoperative complications occurred in 18 cats (38.3%) treated with single‐session bilateral mastectomy and in three cats (23.1%) treated with staged bilateral mastectomy (P = .48). Histologic grade and a modification of a proposed five‐stage histologic staging system were both prognostic for disease‐free interval. Incomplete histologic excision was associated with significantly increased rates of metastasis and tumour progression, and a shorter median survival time (MST). Cats that developed local recurrence also had a significantly shorter MST. The results of this study do not support the use of perioperative desmopressin to improve outcome when performing bilateral mastectomy for the treatment of mammary carcinoma in cats.
Alterations in resting cerebrovascular regulation do not affect reactivity to hypoxia, hyperoxia or neurovascular coupling following a SCUBA dive
Authors: Caldwell Hannah G. , Hoiland Ryan L. , Barak Otto F. , Mijacika Tanja , Burma Joel S. , Dujić Željko , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: July 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What are the characteristics of cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation following a single SCUBA dive to a depth of 18 m sea water with a 47 min bottom time.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Acute alterations in CBF regulation at rest, including extra‐cranial vasodilatation, reductions in shear patterns and elevations in intra‐cranial blood velocity were observed at rest following a single SCUBA dive.

These subtle changes in CBF regulation did not translate into any functional changes in cerebrovascular reactivity to hypoxia or hyperoxia, or neurovascular coupling following a single SCUBA dive.

Reductions in vascular function during a SCUBA dive – due to hyperoxia‐induced oxidative stress, arterial and venous gas emboli and altered endothelial integrity – may also extend to the cerebrovasculature following return to the surface. This study aimed to characterize cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation following a single SCUBA dive to a depth of 18 m sea water with a 47 min bottom time. Prior to and following the dive, participants (n = 11) completed (1) resting CBF in the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral (VA) arteries (duplex ultrasound) and intra‐cranial blood velocity (v) of the middle and posterior cerebral arteries (MCAv and PCAv, respectively) (transcranial Doppler ultrasound); (2) cerebrovascular reactivity to acute poikilocapnic hypoxia (i.e. , 0.10) and hyperoxia (i.e. , 1.0); and (3) neurovascular coupling (NVC; regional CBF response to local increases in cerebral metabolism). Global CBF, cerebrovascular reactivity to hypoxia and hyperoxia, and NVC were unaltered following a SCUBA dive (all P > 0.05); however, there were subtle changes in other cerebrovascular metrics post‐dive, including reductions in ICA (−13 ± 8%, P = 0.003) and VA (−11 ± 14%, P = 0.021) shear rate, lower ICAv (−10 ± 9%, P = 0.008) and VAv (−9 ± 14%, P = 0.028), increases in ICA diameter (+4 ± 5%, P = 0.017) and elevations in PCAv (+10 ± 19%, P = 0.047). Although we observed subtle alterations in CBF regulation at rest, these changes did not translate into any functional changes in cerebrovascular reactivity to hypoxia or hyperoxia, or NVC. Whether prolonged exposure to hyperoxia and hyperbaria during longer, deeper, colder and/or repetitive SCUBA dives would provoke changes to the cerebrovasculature requires further investigation.
La clase de Religión en los colegios públicos de Bogotá: estado de la investigación
Authors: Beltrán William Mauricio
Published: July 2020

El artículo presenta la revisión del estado de la investigación sobre las características de la clase de Religión (o educación religiosa escolar, ERE) en los establecimientos educativos del Estado en la ciudad de Bogotá. Así se intenta establecer en qué medida la clase de Religión acata la regulación legal vigente, respeta el principio de laicidad del Estado colombiano y responde a las necesidades de una sociedad en proceso de pluralización religiosa. Se concluye que las normas vigentes son contradictorias y en la práctica incumplibles. En la mayoría de casos, la educación religiosa escolar es confesional católica, lo que acarrea situaciones de discriminación religiosa; y un alto porcentaje de los profesores encargados de esta área no cuentan con la formación adecuada ni con las certificaciones que exige la ley.
A Review of Methods for the Geometric Post-Processing of Topology Optimized Models
Authors: Subedi Subodh C. , Verma Chaman Singh , Suresh Krishnan
Published: July 2020

Topology optimization (TO) has rapidly evolved from an academic exercise into an exciting discipline with numerous industrial applications. Various TO algorithms have been established, and several commercial TO software packages are now available. However, a major challenge in TO is the post-processing of the optimized models for downstream applications. Typically, optimal topologies generated by TO are faceted (triangulated) models, extracted from an underlying finite element mesh. These triangulated models are dense, poor quality, and lack feature/parametric control. This poses serious challenges to downstream applications such as prototyping/testing, design validation, and design exploration. One strategy to address this issue is to directly impose downstream requirements as constraints in the TO algorithm. However, this not only restricts the design space, it may even lead to TO failure. Separation of post-processing from TO is more robust and flexible. The objective of this paper is to provide a critical review of various post-processing methods and categorize them based both on targeted applications and underlying strategies. The paper concludes with unresolved challenges and future work.
Deliberate Practice and Expertise in Martial Arts: The Role of Context in Motor Recall
Authors: Hodge Thana , Deakin Janice M.
Published: July 2020

This study used participants from the martial arts (karate) to examine the influence of context in the acquisition of novel motor sequences and the applicability of Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Romer's (1993) theory of deliberate practice in this athletic domain. The presence of context did not benefit recall performance for the experts. The performance of the novice group was hindered by the presence of context. Evaluation of the role of deliberate practice in expert performance was assessed through retrospective questionnaires. The findings related to the relationship between relevance and effort, and relevance and enjoyment diverged from Ericsson et al.'s (1993) definition of deliberate practice, suggesting that adaptations should be made if it is to be considered general theory of expertise.
Player Ability, Coach Feedback, and Female Adolescent Athletes' Perceived Competence and Satisfaction
Authors: Allen Justine B. , Howe Bruce L.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between athlete ability and coach feedback with perceived competence and satisfaction among female adolescent athletes. Athletes (N = 123) reported their perceptions of coaches' use of feedback, their own field hockey competence, and satisfaction with the coach and team involvement. In addition, coaches' ratings of athletes' ability were obtained. Analyses revealed that both ability and coach feedback were significantly related to perceived competence and satisfaction. Specifically, a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that higher ability, more frequent praise and information, and less frequent encouragement and corrective information were related to higher perceived competence. Further, a canonical correlation analysis revealed that higher ability, frequent praise and information after a good performance, and frequent encouragement and corrective information after an error were associated with greater satisfaction with the coach and team involvement. The results are discussed in relation to Harter's (1978) competence motivation theory).
In situ monitoring of exopolymer-dependent Mn mineralization on bacterial surfaces
Authors: Couasnon Thaïs , Alloyeau Damien , Ménez Bénédicte , Guyot François , Ghigo Jean-Marc , Gélabert Alexandre
Published: July 2020

Visualization and exploration of electron beam–induced Mn mineralization on bacterial surfaces.
Interfacial tuning of chiral magnetic interactions for large topological Hall effects in LaMnO
3
/SrIrO
3
heterostructures
Authors: Skoropata Elizabeth , Nichols John , Ok Jong Mok , Chopdekar Rajesh V. , Choi Eun Sang , Rastogi Ankur , Sohn Changhee , Gao Xiang , Yoon Sangmoon , Farmer Thomas , Desautels Ryan D. , Choi Yongseong , Haskel Daniel , Freeland John W. , Okamoto Satoshi , Brahlek Matthew , Lee Ho Nyung
Published: July 2020

Deliberate control of interface symmetry boosts chiral magnetism in spin-orbit–coupled oxide heterostructures.
Single-cell transcriptomics identifies multiple pathways underlying antitumor function of TCR- and CD8αβ-engineered human CD4
+
T cells
Authors: Rath Jan A. , Bajwa Gagan , Carreres Benoit , Hoyer Elisabeth , Gruber Isabelle , Martínez-Paniagua Melisa A. , Yu Yi-Ru , Nouraee Nazila , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Wu Mengfen , Wang Tao , Hebeisen Michael , Rufer Nathalie , Varadarajan Navin , Ho Ping-Chih , Brenner Malcolm K. , Gfeller David , Arber Caroline
Published: July 2020

TCR-CD8–engineered CD4
+
T cells have potent antitumor activity with sustained expression of diverse transcriptional programs.
Engineering bacterial outer membrane vesicles as transdermal nanoplatforms for photo-TRAIL–programmed therapy against melanoma
Authors: Peng Li-Hua , Wang Mao-Ze , Chu Yang , Zhang Lei , Niu Jie , Shao Hai-Tao , Yuan Tie-Jun , Jiang Zhi-Hong , Gao Jian-Qing , Ning Xing-Hai
Published: July 2020

Transdermal photo-TRAIL therapy by transgenic
E. coli
–derived outer membrane vesicles eradicates melanoma completely.
Molecular basis of junctional current rectification at an electrical synapse
Authors: Shui Yuan , Liu Ping , Zhan Haiying , Chen Bojun , Wang Zhao-Wen
Published: July 2020

An innexin N terminus confers strong rectification property to electrical synapses through a ball-and-receptor mechanism.
Toward a Single-Dose Cure for Buruli Ulcer
Authors: Thomas Sangeeta S. , Kalia Nitin Pal , Ruf Marie-Thérèse , Pluschke Gerd , Pethe Kevin
Published: July 2020

A single dose of Q203 (Telacebec), a phase 2 clinical candidate for tuberculosis, eradicates
Mycobacterium ulcerans
in a mouse model of Buruli ulcer infection without relapse up to 19 weeks posttreatment. Clinical use of Q203 may dramatically simplify the clinical management of Buruli ulcer, a neglected mycobacterial disease.
How young children learn independent asthma self-management: a qualitative study in Malaysia
Authors: Ramdzan Siti Nurkamilla , Khoo Ee Ming , Liew Su May , Cunningham Steven , Kendall Marilyn , Sukri Nursyuhada , Salim Hani , Suhaimi Julia , Lee Ping Yein , Cheong Ai Theng , Hussein Norita , Hanafi Nik Sherina , Mohd Ahad Azainorsuzila , Pinnock Hilary
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aimed to explore the views of Malaysian children with asthma and their parents to enhance understanding of early influences on development of self-management skills.

Design

This is a qualitative study conducted among children with asthma and their parents. We used purposive sampling and conducted focus groups and interviews using a semi-structured topic guide in the participants’ preferred language. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, entered into NVivo and analysed using a grounded theory approach.

Settings

We identified children aged 7–12 years with parent-reported, physician-diagnosed asthma from seven suburban primary schools in Malaysia. Focus groups and interviews were conducted either at schools or a health centre.

Results

Ninety-nine participants (46 caregivers, 53 children) contributed to 24 focus groups and 6 individual interviews. Children mirrored their parents’ management of asthma but, in parallel, learnt and gained confidence to independently self-manage asthma from their own experiences and self-experimentation. Increasing independence was more apparent in children aged 10 years and above. Cultural norms and beliefs influenced children’s independence to self-manage asthma either directly or indirectly through their social network. External influences, for example, support from school and healthcare, also played a role in the transition.

Conclusion

Children learnt the skills to self-manage asthma as early as 7 years old with growing independence from the age of 10 years. Healthcare professionals should use child-centred approach and involve schools to facilitate asthma self-management and support a smooth transition to independent self-management.

Trial registration number

Malaysian National Medical Research Register (NMRR-15-1242-26898).
Introduction of a prescribing ward round to reduce prescribing errors on a paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Walsh Aisling , Booth Rachelle , Rajani Kalindi , Cochrane Lynne , Peters Mark , du Pré Pascale
Published: July 2020

Our paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) performs active surveillance for prescribing errors and detects a mean of 1.66 with an SD of 0.18 total prescription errors per occupied bed day. The primary aim of this project was to reduce the number of prescribing errors in PICU. The secondary aims were to improve the workflow in the unit and reduce the time staff spent on medication queries/prescribing. We introduced a daily multidisciplinary prescribing round to our PICU. Prescribing errors reduced, with the mean number of total prescription errors per bed day falling from 1.66 (0.18) to 1.19 (0.13), the mean number of clinical prescription errors per bed day falling from 0.46 (0.09) to 0.3 (0.07), and the mean number of non-clinical prescribing errors per bed day falling from 1.12 (0.15) to 0.67 (0.1). Forty-eight staff responded to the survey, 39 of whom had been directly involved in the rounds. The majority (37 of 39; 95%) said the prescribing round reduced the overall time they spent on prescribing/medication queries during their shift, and 9 of 10 (90%) prescribers said that they were interrupted fewer times for medication queries while doing other tasks. Almost all (47 of 48; 98%) said that they thought the prescribing ward round should continue. Introduction of a prescribing round with senior medical and pharmacist involvement was associated with a reduction in prescribing errors as well as reduction in the overall time staff spent on medication queries and prescribing. The round was well received by staff, with 98% wanting it to continue.
Radiographic changes of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis that persisted into adulthood
Authors: Bergeron Andrew , Lewellen Thomas , Joshi Bhavesh
Published: July 2020

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a rare non-infectious autoinflammatory disorder typically seen in young women. We describe the case of a young man who presented at 13 years of age with pain in the tibia, humerus, clavicle and hip. Worsening of the condition through clinical presentation and radiographic imaging was observed over 10 years. Radiographic imaging initially showed some sclerotic changes, but worsened to osteolytic lesions of the proximal tibia, elevation of the lateral cortex and thickening of the anterior cortex. Bone biopsy of his right anterior proximal tibia showed no infection or neoplasia. But, laboratory results showed elevation of inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein. The patient was diagnosed with CRMO and treated with antibiotics for suspicion of chronic bacterial osteomyelitis. Chronic bone pain, abnormal imaging and elevation of inflammatory markers suggesting that chronic bacterial osteomyelitis can lead to difficulties with the diagnosis of CRMO.
Prior surgical uterine evacuation of pregnancy and infertility: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tu Pengcheng , Pei Kaiyan
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Prior surgical uterine evacuation is associated with an increased risk of infertility. However, findings are inconsistent, highlighting the need for a clear consensus on the effect of prior surgical uterine evacuation on the risk of infertility. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the available evidence examining the association between prior surgical uterine evacuation and the risk of infertility.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search of electronic databases (ie, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE and ScienceDirect) will be conducted since their inception until October 2019 with no limit for language using a detailed prespecified search strategy. Both the authors will independently screen titles and abstracts and select full-text articles, perform data extraction and appraise the quality of included studies using a bias classification tool. Meta-analyses will be performed to calculate the overall pooled estimates using the generic inverse variance method. This systematic review and meta-analysis will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Given that this is a protocol based on published data, there is no requirement for ethics approval. It is anticipated that the dissemination of results will be reported according to the PRISMA statement. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019117266.
Prevalence and predictors of road crash involvement among medical doctors in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Rashid Aneesa Abdul , Devaraj Navin Kumar , Mohd Yusof Halidah , Mustapha Fauzan , Wong Shaw Voon , Ismail Ahmad Filza , Ismail Khairil Idham , Qureshi Ahmad Munir , Nordin Rusli Bin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Medical doctors are often subjected to long working hours with minimal rest in between the shifts. This has led to many fatal and non-fatal road crash involvement (RCI). This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of RCI among medical doctors in Malaysia.

Methods and analysis

This is a cross-sectional study among 375 Malaysian medical doctors who met the inclusion criteria. A predetermined self-administered questionnaires will be used to collect information regarding the sociodemographic, health status, workplace information, work commuting information, driving behaviour, history of RCI, fatigue, sleep quality, mental health status and work engagement. The questionnaires consist of the following instruments: (1) sociodemographic, health status, workplace information, work commuting information, driving behaviour and history of RCI; (2) Checklist of Individual Strength Questionnaire; (3) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; (4) 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale; and (5) Utrecht's Work Engagement Scale. The data will be analysed using SPSS program V.24. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to determine the prevalence and predictors of RCI.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has received ethics approval from the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR-18-3983-40609) and the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subject, University Putra Malaysia (JKEUPM). Online written informed consent will be obtained from each study participant by the researchers. Results of the study will be disseminated through relevant journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04243291.
Colles’ type distal radial fractures undergoing manipulation in the ED: a multicentre observational cohort study
Authors: Malik Hamza , Appelboam Andrew , Taylor Gordon
Published: July 2020

Background

Colles’ type fractures of the distal radius are one of the most commonly manipulated fractures in the ED. Local audit data suggest that a high proportion of these injuries undergo subsequent surgical fixation. If widespread, this could represent a potential burden on patients and the NHS worthy of further research. The aims of this study were to estimate the rate of surgical fixation of Colles’ type distal radial fractures after ED fracture manipulation and explore variations in their management in UK EDs.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre observational study in 16 EDs in the UK from 4 February 2019 to 31 March 2019. All adult patients with a Colles’ fracture who underwent fracture manipulation in the ED were included. Patients who could not be followed up and those with volar displaced fractures were excluded. We measured the rate of wrist fracture surgery at 6 weeks, patient demographics and variations in anaesthetic technique used.

Results

During the study period, 328 adult patients attended the participating EDs with a distal radial fracture. Of these, 83 patients underwent fracture manipulation in the ED and were eligible for the study. Their mean age (SD) was 65.3 (17.0) years, 84.3% were female and the most common method of anaesthesia used was haematoma block (38.6%). 34 (41.0%, 95 % CI 30.3 to 52.3) patients had subsequent surgical fixation of their fracture. Younger age was associated with higher rates of surgical fixation but ED anaesthetic technique did not affect the subsequent need for surgery in this sample.

Conclusion

Subsequent surgical fixation was carried out in 41% of patients who underwent manipulation of Colles’ type wrist fractures in this cohort. This merits further research and represents a potential target to rationalise repeat procedures.
Trends and predictors in all-cause and cause-specific mortality in diabetic and reference populations during 21 years of follow-up
Authors: Niskanen Leo , Partonen Timo , Auvinen Anssi , Haukka Jari
Published: July 2020

Background

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a markedly higher overall mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as many other causes of death like cancer. Since diabetes is a multisystem disease, this fact together with the increased lifespan among individuals with diabetes may also lead to the emergence of other diabetes-related complications and ultimately to diversification of the causes of death.

Methods

The study population of this observational historic cohort study consisted of subjects with DM, who had purchased for at least one insulin prescription and/or one oral antidiabetic between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2010 (N=199 354), and a reference population matched by age, sex and hospital district (N=199 354). Follow-up was continued until December 31, 2017. All-cause and cause-specific mortality (cancer, CHD and stroke) was analysed with Poisson and Cox’s regression. Associations between baseline medications and mortality were analysed using LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) models.

Results

The mortality rates were significantly elevated among the patients with DM. However, the relative risk of all-cause mortality between the DM and reference populations tended to converge during the follow-up. The lowering trend was most apparent in CHD mortality. The difference between DM and reference populations in stroke mortality vanished with a later entrance to the follow-up period. There were a few differences between DM and no-DM groups with respect to how baseline medications were associated with mortality.

Conclusions

The gap between the mortality of patients with diabetes compared to subjects who are non-diabetic diminished markedly during the 21-year period. This was driven primarily by the reduced CHD mortality.
Climate change glossary for public health practice: from vulnerability to climate justice
Authors: Buse Chris G , Patrick Rebecca
Published: July 2020

Climate change is an emerging and growing field of practice for the international public health community. As practitioners, researchers and policy-makers grapple with the local health impacts of climate change, there is an increasing need to clarify key terminology to support public health actors engage and respond in ways that promote intersectoral collaboration. This contribution introduces the public health discourse on climate change, with a particular focus on its implications for health equity. After defining key terms and existing adaptation practices, climate justice and assets-oriented inquiry into the intersectional determinants of health are discussed as future opportunities for addressing health equity in climate and health-related research and practice.
Phase I study of the 177Lu-DOTA0-Tyr3-Octreotate (lutathera) in combination with nivolumab in patients with neuroendocrine tumors of the lung
Authors: Kim Chul , Liu Stephen V , Subramaniam Deepa S , Torres Tisdrey , Loda Massimo , Esposito Giuseppe , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Background

Lutathera is a 177Lutetium-labeled somatostatin analog approved for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Somatostatin receptors are expressed in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Nivolumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, may act synergistically with lutathera to generate antitumor immunity. We conducted a phase I study of lutathera plus nivolumab in patients with advanced NETs of the lung.

Methods

Patients with relapsed/refractory extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC), non-progressing ES-SCLC after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, or advanced grade I-II pulmonary NETs were eligible. The primary objective was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The phase I portion followed a standard 3+3 design, assessing two dose levels (dose level 1: lutathera 3.7 GBq every 8 weeks for four doses with nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks; dose level 2: lutathera 7.4 GBq every 8 weeks for four doses with nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks).

Results

Nine patients were enrolled (six ES-SCLC, two pulmonary atypical carcinoid, one high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma). No dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed at dose level 1. At dose level 2, one patient with refractory ES-SCLC developed a DLT (grade 3 rash). The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were lymphopenia (n=7), thrombocytopenia (n=4), anemia (n=3), and nausea (n=3). The most common grade 3 TRAE was lymphopenia (n=4). Among the seven patients with measurable disease, one patient with ES-SCLC had a partial response. Two patients with pulmonary atypical carcinoid had stable disease lasting 6 months. The RP2D was dose level 2.

Conclusions

Lutathera plus nivolumab was well tolerated and showed signs of antitumor activity. This combination warrants further exploration.

Trial registration number

NCT03325816
Are emotional support animals prosthetics or pets? Body-like rights to emotional support animals
Authors: Kolmes Sara
Published: July 2020

Many philosophers have argued that prosthetic limbs are the subjects of some of the same rights as traditional body parts. This is a strong argument in favour of respecting the rights of users of prosthetics. I argue that all of the reasons to consider paradigm prosthetics the subjects of body-like rights apply to the relationship between some emotional support animals (ESAs) and their handlers. ESAs are integrated into the functioning of their handlers in ways that parallel the ways that paradigm prosthetics are integrated into the functioning of their users. ESAs are also phenomenologically integrated into their handler’s lives in ways that parallel the phenomenological integration that prosthetic users experience. These parallels provide a strong reason to take the rights of ESA handlers much more seriously than we do now. I will highlight that the current treatment of ESA handlers presumes that they have no rights to ESAs at all. Even if ESAs are the subject of very minimal body-like rights, ESA handlers are having their rights violated. There are of course disanalogies between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics. Most notably, ESAs are alive and separate from their handlers. However, none of these disanalogies are relevant to the question of body-like rights. The differences between ESAs and paradigm prosthetics are in terms of what treatment is owed to them, not in terms of what rights their handlers and users should have. ESAs are not prosthetics, but they deserve some of the rights prosthetics do.