bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Practices of Cultural Truth Making: Evidence Work in Negotiations with State Authorities
Authors: Virtanen Pirjo Kristiina , Honkasalo Marja-Liisa
Published: March 2020

This article looks at negotiations with state authorities and the evidentiary criteria they create in culturally contrasting contexts when phenomena deal with elements that for the dominant society are conceptualized as “supernatural.” We draw from the level of experiences of other‐than‐human beings, especially spirits and “ungraspable” presences, associal practicesin and of themselves as well as acts of mobilizing those which are meaningful for knowledge production in Indigenous Amazonia and North European contexts. Our two cases show how in state territorial protection debates and health services, visibility, quantification, measurability, Euro‐American dominant, mainly binary, and bounded concepts are employed to create the grounds of validity. Yet, for actual individual or collective experiences, new types of evidence work can emerge in collaborations. Thus, this article sheds light on the needs for contextual and communicative actions to overcome contrasting onto‐epistemologies in the context of the state.
Assessment of accuracy of Australian health service death data: implications for the audits of surgical mortality
Authors: McCahy Philip , Tayyaba Iqra , Andrew Madison , Lim Cheryl Mei Ting , Pornkul Panuwat , Lay Joshua , Chin Calvin Wing Hang , Nguyen Phi , Vinluan Jessele
Published: March 2020

Background

The Victorian Audit of Surgical Mortality (VASM) investigates all surgically related deaths in Victoria, Australia, as a surgical educational activity aimed to make surgery safer. Whilst data collected within the audit are regularly reviewed for accuracy, there has never been a review of the data provided from health services.

Methods

Two‐year death data provided by one Victorian health service were reviewed. Hospital notes for 4 months of each year were analysed to assess patients dying under surgical care. These data were compared to referrals to the VASM over the same period.

Results

Of the 3907 patient deaths recorded, 35.1% were reviewed. During their final admission, 178 (13%) patients underwent a procedure (93 medical and 85 surgical). Only 29.2% of these were recorded in the health service data set. Eighteen patients died under the care of a surgeon without a procedure, meaning that 103 deaths should have been reported to the VASM of which only 55.3% (57/103) were reported.

Conclusion

There were major errors in the health service database resulting in under‐reporting of deaths to the VASM which could have education and policy repercussions. For improvements to the safety and quality of health services, it is critical that all deaths are accurately recorded by health services and reported to the relevant bodies with internal verification processes.
Bimonthly, treat‐and‐extend and as‐needed ranibizumab in naïve neovascular age‐related macular degeneration patients: 12‐month outcomes of a randomized study
Authors: López Gálvez María Isabel , Arias Barquet Lluís , S. Figueroa Marta. , García‐Layana Alfredo , Ruiz Moreno José M. ,   The In‐Eye Study Group
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To assess the noninferiority of the treat‐and‐extend (T&E) and fixed bimonthly regimens of 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab as compared with the pro re nata (PRN) in naïve patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Phase IV, randomized, 12‐month, multicentre trial. Patients aged ≥50 years with nAMD and visual impairment [best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 23 and 78 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters] were eligible. Patients (one eye per patient) were randomized to bimonthly, n = 103, T&E, n = 99 or PRN, n = 104. Noninferiority was established at five letters ETDRS.

Results

The mean (95% CI) difference in BCVA at 12 months was 7.2 (4.2–10.2), 6.4 (2.9–9.8), and 8.0 (51.1–11.0) in the bimonthly, T&E and PRN, respectively. The bimonthly or T&E regimens were not inferior to the PRN scheme. All regimens were associated with a significant reduction of central subfield thickness and volume. The mean (95% CI) number of injections in the bimonthly regimen (7.6, 7.5–7.7) was similar as compared with the PRN regimen (7.4, 6.7–8.0) (p = 0.159) but lower than in the T&E regimen (9.3, 8.9–9.7) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

At 12 months, bimonthly and T&E ranibizumab were noninferior to PRN in naïve nAMD.
Performance of municipally owned corporations: Determinants and mechanisms
Authors: Voorn Bart , van Genugten Marieke , Van Thiel Sandra
Published: March 2020

Practitioners often expect service delivery by municipally owned corporations (MOCs) to differ substantially from delivery by municipal bureaucracy. However, research into the circumstances under which municipal corporatization is effective is scarce. We investigate determinants of MOCs’ performance based on a questionnaire sent to all Dutch MOCs, finding no evidence that many expected predictors of performance matter for performance. Key factors driving MOCs’ performance relate to size, resource access, and the interaction between their multiple principals. We suggest that in studying local corporatization, researchers should look less at traditional principal–agent conflict and more at intermunicipal coordination.
Power in numbers/Power and numbers: Gentle data activism as strategic collaboration
Authors: Cinnamon Jonathan
Published: March 2020

This short piece responds to a call to unpack the notion of gentle geographies conceptually and methodologically. This response considers gentleness in the context of “data activism,” which describes actions to resist the harmful effects of surveillance by corporate and state actors, as well as those that harness the potential of data to achieve grassroots social and political goals. Regarding the latter form, this piece considers the potential of an explicitly gentle form of data activism in which collaboration with policy actors is a central strategy, which contrasts it with a longer history of oppositional, or even “militant” forms of data activism. Gentleness is characterised here as a careful, consciously moderated, and above all, strategic mode of action; it can be deployed to advance specific activist goals and to exploit the growing allure of data in urban planning and governance circles. Through examples from Vancouver, Canada and Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, and by engaging with recent work on the connections between data and action, gentle data activism is put forward as a mode of action that merges power in numbers (in the sense of collaboration and diverse perspectives, but not in the sense of data as capable of action on its own) with power and numbers (an understanding of data's actionability as being contingent on a wider set of forces). This in/and distinction foregrounds a need for those engaged in data activism to carefully consider whether their actions are intended to achieve outcomes that are instrumental (achieving tangible changes) and/or normative (challenging power asymmetries). Gentle modes of action may be highly appropriate for goals such as influencing policies that affect marginalised communities, but gentleness may not be suitable for challenging the injustices at the root of marginalisation.
Effect of a second treatment of prostaglandin F2α during the Ovsynch program on fixed‐time artificial insemination conception rates and luteolysis in split‐calving, pasture‐fed dairy cows
Authors: Rheinberger JM , Colson DD , Beggs DS , Mansell PD , Stevenson MA , Rheinberger RJ , Pyman MF
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) conception rates and serum progesterone concentrations at the time of FTAI for cows treated with the original Ovsynch program (OV) with those treated with a modified Ovsynch (MO) program.

Design

This was a randomised clinical trial.

Methods

The study used five split‐calving, pasture‐based dairy herds in Southwest Victoria, Australia. Controls (n = 851) received the OV program: day 0 gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, day 7 prostaglandin F2α (PGF), day 9 gonadotropin‐releasing hormone and FTAI at day 10. The treatment group (n = 852) received a MO program with an additional prostaglandin injection on day 8. Subsets of cows from each group were sampled for blood progesterone at the time of FTAI.

Results

The treatment group demonstrated FTAI conception rates that were 7% (95% confidence interval 2%–12%) greater than the control group. After adjusting for the effect of age, days in milk at Mating Start Date and herd, the odds of conception using FTAI was 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.12–1.66) times greater for treatment group cows compared with control group cows. The variability of serum progesterone concentrations at the time of FTAI was significantly less for treatment group cows compared with control group cows.

Conclusion

For Holstein‐Friesian and Holstein‐Friesian cross‐bred cows managed in pasture‐based dairy herds in southern Australia, a MO protocol, including a second injection of prostaglandin F2α on day 8, increased FTAI conception rates compared with cows receiving the OV protocol.
Intravenous vitamin K1 normalises prothrombin time in 1 hour in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis
Authors: Mooney ET , Agostini G , Griebsch C , Hickey M
Published: March 2020

Four dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis were treated with intravenous vitamin K1 in lieu of plasma transfusion due to client cost constraints. Two dogs experienced a suspected anaphylactoid reaction, necessitating cessation of the treatment in one dog. Prothrombin time was rechecked 1 h after treatment in the remaining three dogs and all results were within the normal reference range. All four dogs were discharged from hospital within 48 h of presentation. Intravenous vitamin K1 rapidly reverses the coagulopathic state in dogs with anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. It is a viable alternative therapy to plasma transfusion if circumstances preclude its use; however, patients must be monitored for anaphylactoid reactions.
A study investigating the perfusion of colorectal anastomoses using fluorescence angiography: results of the FLAG randomized trial
Authors: Alekseev M. , Rybakov E. , Shelygin Y. , Chernyshov S. , Zarodnyuk I.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography (FA) in reducing the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) following colorectal anastomosis.

Method

A single‐centre randomized trial was undertaken between 2018 and 2019. Those patients who underwent a stapled colorectal anastomosis were randomized 1:1 for ICG FA versus visual clinical assessment of blood perfusion of the anastomosed colon and rectal stump (non‐ICG FA group). The primary end‐point was to assess whether ICG FA was associated with a reduction in the incidence of AL. Secondary outcomes were the rate of postoperative complications and change in the level of bowel resection.

Results

A total of 380 patients undergoing sigmoid and rectal resection were enrolled. After randomization, three patients were excluded. The results of 377 cases were available for analysis; 187 had ICG FA and 190 were in the non‐ICG FA group. ICG FA identified impaired blood perfusion of the colon in 36 (19%) cases. An AL (grade A, B or C) developed in 48 patients: 17 (9.1%) in the ICG FA group and 31 (16.3%) in the non‐ICG FA group (P = 0.04). ICG FA did not decrease the rate of AL of high anastomoses (9–15 cm from the anal verge), at 1.3% vs 4.6% in the non‐ICG FA group (P = 0.37). In contrast, a decrease in AL rate was found for low (4–8 cm) colorectal anastomoses (14.4% in ICG FA vs 25.7% in the non‐ICG FA group; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

ICG FA is associated with a reduction in AL following low anterior resection.
Multiobjective optimal power flow using interior search algorithm: A case study on a real‐time electrical network
Authors: Chandrasekaran Shilaja
Published: March 2020

Optimal power flow (OPF) is a vital concern in an electrical network. In consequence of the intricacy of the power systems, the conventional formulations are not adequate for current situation. Hence, in this study, the multiobjective OPF (MOOPF) problem has been modeled to diminish the production cost, environmental emission, and losses and to enhance the voltage stability and voltage profile simultaneously. This study proposes the application of interior search algorithm (ISA) for resolving MOOPF problem. The simulations have been carried out on three various test systems such as IEEE 30‐bus system, IEEE 57‐bus system, and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, as a real part of 62 bus Indian utility system (IUS) to infer the efficacy of ISA in solving the OPF problems. The simulation results have been compared with other techniques. The comparison shows that ISA is used in resolving MOOPF problems.
Reduced carbon emissions and fishing pressure are both necessary for equatorial coral reefs to keep up with rising seas
Authors: Cacciapaglia Christopher William , van Woesik Robert
Published: March 2020

A rapid increase in sea‐level rise is generating vertical accommodation space on modern coral reefs. Yet increases in sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) are reducing the capacity of coral reefs to keep up with sea‐level rise. We use ensemble species distribution models of four coral species (Porites rus, Porites lobata, Acropora hyacinthus and Acropora digitifera) to gauge potential geographic differences in gross carbonate production. Net carbonate production was estimated by considering erosional rates of ocean acidification, increasing cyclone intensity, local pollution, fishing pressure and the projected burdens of increases in SSTs (under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5) through to the year 2100. Our models predict that only 4 ± 0.1% (~60 000 km2) of Indo‐Pacific coral reefs are projected to keep up with sea‐level rise by the year 2100 under RCP 8.5 – most of which will be located near the Equator. However, with drastic reductions in emissions (under RCPs 4.5 and 6.0 Wm−2), we predict that 15 ± 0.3% (~250 000 km2) (under RCP 4.5 Wm−2) and 12 ± 0.7% (~200 000 km2) (under RCP 6.0 Wm−2) of Indo‐Pacific coral reefs, have the potential to keep up with sea‐level rise by the year 2100. Yet the burdens of fishing pressure and its cascading effects are projected to be responsible for substantial reef erosion, nearly halving the number of reefs able to keep up with sea‐level rise. If action is taken immediately and emissions are drastically reduced to RCPs 4.5 or 6.0 Wm−2, and reef management reduces the burdens of local pollution and fishing pressure, then our model predicts that 21–27% (~350 000–470 000 km2) of Indo‐Pacific coral reefs – most of which will be located near the Equator – would have the potential to keep up with sea‐level rise by the year 2100.
Optimisation of energetic and reproductive gains explains behavioural responses to environmental variation across seasons and years
Authors: Studd E. K. , Menzies A. K. , Siracusa E. R. , Dantzer B. , Lane J. E. , McAdam A. G. , Boutin S. , Humphries M. M.
Published: March 2020

Animals switch between inactive and active states, simultaneously impacting their energy intake, energy expenditure and predation risk, and collectively defining how they engage with environmental variation and trophic interactions. We assess daily activity responses to long‐term variation in temperature, resources and mating opportunities to examine whether individuals choose to be active or inactive according to an optimisation of the relative energetic and reproductive gains each state offers. We show that this simplified behavioural decision approach predicts most activity variation (R2 = 0.83) expressed by free‐ranging red squirrels over 4 years, as quantified through accelerometer recordings (489 deployments; 5066 squirrel‐days). Recognising activity as a determinant of energetic status, the predictability of activity variation aggregated at a daily scale, and the clear signal that behaviour is environmentally forced through optimisation of gain, provides an integrated approach to examine behavioural variation as an intermediary between environmental variation and energetic, life‐history and ecological outcomes.
Antimicrobial peptide GH12 as root canal irrigant inhibits biofilm and virulence of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Li Y. , Wang Y. , Chen X. , Jiang W. , Jiang X. , Zeng Y. , Li X. , Feng Z. , Luo J. , Zhang L.
Published: March 2020

Aim

The objectives of this laboratory‐based study were to investigate the effects of GH12 on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm and virulence.

Methodology

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of GH12 against E. faecalis were first determined. A time‐kill assay was further conducted. The effects of GH12 on the expression of virulence and stress genes in E. faecalis were evaluated by RT‐qPCR. Crystal violet stain was used to investigate the effects of GH12 on E. faecalis biofilm formation and 1‐day‐old biofilm. Finally, an ex vivo tooth model contaminated with E. faecalis was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of GH12 as an irrigant by CFU counting, SEM and CLSM. One‐way anova and Tukey’s multiple comparisons test were used to compare the differences amongst groups (α = 0.05).

Results

The MICs and MBCs of GH12 against E. faecalis were 8.0 ± 0.0 and 16.0 ± 0.0 mg L−1, respectively, and GH12 at 32.0 mg L−1 reduced the bacterial numbers by more than 99.9% within 1 min. Various virulence genes (efaA, esp and gelE) and stress genes (dnaK, groEL, ctsR and clpPBCEX) in E. faecalis were significantly downregulated by GH12 at sub‐MIC levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, both E. faecalis biofilm formation and the biomass of 1‐day‐old E. faecalis biofilm were significantly reduced by GH12 (P < 0.05). Elimination of E. faecalis in biofilms from root canal walls was achieved through irrigation with 64.0 mg L−1 GH12 for 30 min. CLSM analysis revealed that GH12 at 64.0 mg L−1 was most effective in eliminating bacteria within dentinal tubules (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In a laboratory setting, and when used as an irrigant, GH12 suppressed E. faecalis, downregulated specific virulence and stress‐associated genes, eliminated intracanal E. faecalis protected by biofilms and killed bacteria in dentinal tubules. These results emphasize the need for preclinical and clinical studies to explore the potential of GH12 as an antimicrobial agent during root canal treatment.
Frequency and effects of performance appraisal training in applied settings
Authors: Speer Andrew B. , Prewett Matthew S. , Siver Sydney R.
Published: March 2020

Despite an established body of research supporting the benefits of rater training on performance appraisal (PA) ratings, it is unclear whether PA training has been widely adopted in the field and what types of PA training are most frequently utilized. This study expanded upon previous research by using a sample of 229 active managers collected via Qualtrics panels to examine the prevalence of various types and instructional contexts of PA training. This research also examined the relationship between training and perceptions of rater preparedness. Collectively, results suggest that PA training is occurring in organizations, that training is perceived favorably, but that the nature and usage of training differs widely.
A systematic review of activities undertaken by the unregulated Nursing Assistant
Authors: Blay Nicole , Roche Michael Anthony
Published: March 2020

Aim

To identify activities performed by Nursing Assistants in acute and primary healthcare.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

The databases MedLine/PubMed, ProQuest and Google Scholar were searched for empirical studies published in the English language between 2008 and 2018 that addressed the work of Nursing Assistants.

Review methods

From an initial yield of 2,944 publications, 71 publications were retained for full text review and 20 publications included in this review. Activities undertaken by Nursing Assistants from eight countries were extracted and categorized into one of six categories.

Results

Over 200 activities were identified as being delegated to Nurse Assistants globally. Many of these activities are beyond the training of the Nurse Assistant and are being performed with limited Registered Nurse supervision.

Conclusion

Patient safety is at risk. Nurse Assistants' roles vary widely, with some seeing their role as similar to that of a regulated nurse, while recognizing their need for additional training.

Impact

Over 31% of activities delegated to Nurse Assistants require skill and comprehension beyond their level of training. Patients and regulated nurses need to have confidence that Nursing Assistants responsible for care provision are appropriately trained and practicing within regulatory standards.
Experiences of Post Anaesthetic Unit Recovery Nurse facilitating Advanced Directives in the immediate postanaesthetic period: A phenomenological study
Authors: McKinnon Majella , Donnelly Frank , Perry Josephine
Published: March 2020

Aims

The aims of this study were to develop an understanding of the lived experience of the Post Anaesthetic Unit Recovery Nurse facilitating Advanced Directives and implications for patient‐centred care.

Design

Interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Methods

Homogenized purposive sampling of six Registered Nurses using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were conducted between June–July 2018. Analysis was performed using interpretive phenomenology analysis.

Results

Post Anaesthetic Recovery Nurses experienced a ‘Grey Zone’ when facilitating Advanced Directives postanaesthetic. The ‘Grey Zone’ is defined through four themes; The ‘Trigger’ of the anaesthetic characterized by physiological instability; ‘Confusion and Frustration’ featuring balancing of roles as a clinician and advocate during patient decline; ‘Consistent Paternalism’ by medical staff in the consideration of Advanced Directives; and ‘Disempowerment’ where nurses faced issues of advocacy, personal distress, a lack of literature or protocols, and handover of information.

Conclusion

The lived experience of nurses facilitating Advanced Directives postanaesthetic may be distressing. Further research is required to understand the implications of Advanced Directives following an anaesthetic. Education and development of protocols are recommended to optimize patient‐centred care.

Impact

Post Anaesthetic Unit Recovery Nurses experienced a ‘Grey Zone’ when facilitating Advanced Directives, defined through four themes. Advanced Directives may appear to be clear, however, the anaesthetic may trigger physiological instability leading to confusion and frustration in interpretation and application of Advanced Directives. Confusion and Frustration were experienced while the attitudes of Consistent Paternalism were encountered when advocating for patient wishes, resulting in Disempowerment. Post Anaesthetic Unit Recovery Nurses may become empowered through acknowledging and describing the ‘Grey Zone’.
Immigrant parents’ experiences of accessing child healthcare services in a host country: A qualitative thematic synthesis
Authors: Karim Nadhira , Boyle Breidge , Lohan Maria , Kerr Claire
Published: March 2020

Aim

To explore voluntary immigrant parents’ experiences of child healthcare services in host countries.

Design

Thomas and Harden's qualitative thematic synthesis method.

Data Sources

Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Psych INFO and Web of Science), were systematically searched from January 2000 ‐ October 2018.

Review methods

Included studies focused on voluntary migrant/immigrant parents’ experiences of child healthcare services. Data were abstracted independently by two authors. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools were applied, and qualitative thematic synthesis was performed.

Findings

Nine studies were eligible for inclusion. Five descriptive themes were identified: (a) seeking information and reassurance, (b) seeking information from "people like me”, (c) comparison between child healthcare services in home and host countries, (d) effective communication, and (e) cultural isolation and perceived discrimination. Three analytical themes emerged: navigation of parenting in a health context in a new environment; trust; and balance.

Conclusions

Many immigrant families reported positive experiences, others felt patronized and disrespected, leading to a lack of trust and making them less willing to access universal child health care. Trusted advocates, who are culturally competent, have a role in helping immigrant parents navigate the child healthcare system and negotiate with healthcare professionals. Health registration of children of immigrants may encourage the uptake of universal healthcare services. More research is required into the specific health needs of voluntary immigrants.

Impact

Less is known about the experiences of voluntary immigrants than those of refugees/asylum seekers in accessing child healthcare. Navigating health systems is difficult. This can be due to language difficulties, differences in systems of healthcare, and differences in culture/health beliefs. When both parties have some understanding of the others’ healthcare practices and beliefs, balance can be found; helping the families to positively compare healthcare and incentivising them to engage in universal child healthcare.
Compound sibling caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Lee Chung eun , Burke Meghan M. , Arnold Catherine K. , Owen Aleksa
Published: March 2020

Background

Given the increasing lifespans of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), siblings may fulfil multiple caregiving roles simultaneously for their ageing parents, their offspring, and their brother or sister with IDD. Yet, little is known about compound sibling caregivers. The purpose of this study was to compare the perspectives of compound, single and non‐caregiving siblings of adults with IDD.

Method

This study investigated 332 adult siblings of individuals with IDD in the United States via a national web‐based survey. Participants included: 152 non‐caregivers, 94 single caregivers (i.e., caregivers only for their brothers and sisters with IDD), and 86 compound caregivers (i.e., caregivers for their brothers and sisters with IDD and at least one other vulnerable individual).

Results

Single and compound sibling caregivers (versus non‐caregivers) had more positive relationships and conducted greater advocacy and future planning activities.

Conclusions

Given the potential for compound sibling caregiving, further investigation is warranted.
Ambient temperature and female body condition are related to night incubation behavior in wood ducksAix sponsa
Authors: Grimaudo Alexander T. , Hope Sydney F. , DuRant Sarah E. , Kennamer Robert A. , Hallagan John J. , Hopkins William A.
Published: March 2020

For many animals, parental care behavior is an important aspect of their life history that affects both parents and offspring. In birds, one of the most important parental care behaviors is incubation, which is costly to the parent but directly influences embryonic development and fitness of offspring. Some birds exhibit the intriguing behavior of partially incubating their eggs prior to clutch completion for only a portion of each day. This partial incubation is characterized by lower incubation temperatures and constancy than during full‐time incubation, which typically begins at clutch completion. Partial incubation may preserve the viability of eggs laid early in the laying sequence, shorten the length of the full incubation period, and/or provide a favorable microclimate to the incubating parent. It might also reduce the probability of nest predation, nest site takeover by another bird, brood parasitism, and/or predation of the adult. Although there is evidence that partial incubation is an adaptive behavior and that time invested in this behavior varies among individuals of the same species, nothing is known about what may drive this inter‐individual variation. To investigate how environmental and parental characteristics may be related to partial incubation behavior, we studied the partial incubation behavior of wood ducksAix sponsausing artificial egg temperature loggers within nest boxes. Our results suggest that females with greater mass relative to their structural size invest more time in partial incubation. Additionally, the incubation temperature and length of on‐bouts of partial incubation increased over the course of the partial incubation period, and ambient temperature during on‐bouts was positively related to incubation temperature. Ultimately, our study suggests that characteristics of both the environment and parent may influence the partial incubation behavior of wood ducks, and improves our understanding of an important, but understudied, aspect of avian parental care.
Effects of self‐generated graphic organizers on learning depend on in‐task guidance
Authors: Colliot Tiphaine , Jamet Éric
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effects of readymade versus self‐generated graphic organizers (GOs) on learning, comparing the performances of undergraduates (N = 81) tasked with learning a multimedia document. This document was either presented on its own (control group), with a readymade GO, or with a blank GO that students had to fill in either before or during the learning of the document. In line with previous research, adding a readymade GO increased students' memorization and transfer scores, compared with controls. By displaying the main ideas in the text and their hierarchical relations, GOs act as visual aids to learning. Results showed that self‐generating a GO was no more beneficial than viewing a readymade GO when students were placed in a dual‐task situation (generation + learning). However, when the students' information processing was guided by sequencing these tasks (generation then learning), they outperformed the control and readymade groups on memorization and comprehension.
Use of Tregs as a cell‐based therapy via CD39 for benign prostate hyperplasia with inflammation
Authors: Jin Xi , Lin Tianhai , Yang Guang , Cai Huawei , Tang Bo , Liao Xinyang , Li Huifang , Chen Xiaoting , Gong Lina , Xu Hang , Sun Yi , Tan Ping , Yin Jianqiong , Ma Hongwen , Ai Jianzhong , Wang Kunjie , Wei Qiang , Yang Lu , Li Hong
Published: March 2020

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs most commonly among older men, often accompanied by chronic tissue inflammation. Although its aetiology remains unclear, autoimmune dysregulation may contribute to BPH. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) prevent autoimmune responses and maintain immune homeostasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate Tregs frequency, phenotype, and function in BPH patients and to evaluate adoptive transfer Tregs for immunotherapy in mice with BPH via CD39. Prostate specimens and peripheral blood from BPH patients were used to investigate Treg subsets, phenotype and Treg‐associated cytokine production. Sorted CD39+/− Tregs from healthy mice were adoptively transferred into mice before or after testosterone propionate administration. The Tregs percentage in peripheral blood from BPH patients was attenuated, exhibiting low Foxp3 and CD39 expression with low levels of serum IL‐10, IL‐35 and TGF‐β. Immunohistochemistry revealed Foxp3+ cells were significantly diminished in BPH prostate with severe inflammatory. Although the Tregs subset was comprised of more effector/memory Tregs, CD39 was still down‐regulated on effector/memory Tregs in BPH patients. Before or after testosterone propionate administration, no alterations of BPH symptoms were observed due to CD39‐ Tregs in mice, however, CD39+Tregs existed more potency than Tregs to regulate prostatic hyperplasia and inhibit inflammation by decreasing IL‐1β and PSA secretion, and increasing IL‐10 and TGF‐β secretion. Furthermore, adoptive transfer with functional Tregs not only improved prostate hyperplasia but also regulated muscle cell proliferation in bladder. Adoptive transfer with Tregs may provide a novel method for the prevention and treatment of BPH clinically.
The Value of Central Clearing
Authors: VUILLEMEY GUILLAUME
Published: March 2020

I study a contracting innovation that suddenly insulated traders of hedging contracts against counterparty risk: central clearing counterparties (CCPs) for derivatives. The first CCP was created in Le Havre (France) in 1882, in the coffee futures market. Using triple difference‐in‐differences estimation, I show that central clearing changed the geography of trade flows Europe‐wide, to the benefit of Le Havre. Inspecting the mechanism using trader‐level data, I find that the CCP solved both a “missing market” problem and adverse selection issues. Central clearing also facilitated entry of new traders in the market. The successful contracting innovation quickly spread to other exchanges.
DDIT3 modulates cancer stemness in gastric cancer by directly regulating CEBPβ
Authors: Lin Hai , Liu Shufang , Gao Weidong , Liu Hongyu
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified to correlate with the initiation and metastasis of tumours, and DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3) is associated with the poor prognosis in gastric cancer (GC). However, whether DDIT3 mediates CSCs stemness in GC is still unclear.

Methods

Microarray analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) were conducted to identify the differentially expressed genes in GC tissues from GC patients. The interaction between DDIT3 and CEBPβ was determined using immunoprecipitation (IP) analysis.

Key findings

Herein, microarray analysis showed that DDIT3 expression is increased in GC tissues. qRT-PCR confirmed that DDIT3 is significantly increased in GC tissues and cancer cell lines compared with healthy tissues and normal cell lines, individually. Genetic overexpression of DDIT3 enhanced GC cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, sphere formation and CSCs stemness. Mechanistically, DDIT3 directly up-regulated the expression of transcription factor CEBPβ, leading to the increased expression of CSCs markers SOX2, NANOG, OCT4 and CD133 in gastric CSCs. Genetic downregulation of CEBPβ significantly abolishes DDIT3-mediated increased cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, sphere formation and CSCs stemness.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that DDIT3 promotes CSCs stemness by up-regulating CEBPβ in GC that provides novel targets for the further GC therapy.
Diabetic versus non‐diabetic rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis
Authors: Abdolalizadeh Parya , Kashkouli Mohsen Bahmani , Khademi Behzad , Karimi Nasser , Hamami Parisa , Es'haghi Acieh
Published: March 2020

Objective

To compare the characteristics and outcomes of rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in diabetic versus non‐diabetic patients.

Method

It is a retrospective comparative case series on consecutive patients with biopsy‐proven ROCM. Systemic and ophthalmic manifestations, imaging, management and final outcomes were compared between diabetic versus non‐diabetic ROCMs referred the eye clinic of a university‐based hospital (2008‐2016).

Results

Forty‐three diabetics (55 eyes) with mean age of 54.6 (SD:12.5) years and 20 non‐diabetics (24 eyes) with mean age of 57.5 (SD:13.8) years were enrolled. Patients' survival was observed in 51% of diabetics and 70% of non‐diabetics (P = .1). The mortality rate was 7.4 times (CI95%: 1.85‐29.96) higher in diabetic ROCM treated with non‐liposomal amphotericin (P = .01). Exenteration did not significantly change the mortality rate in either group. Globe survival was 40% and 50% in diabetics and non‐diabetics (P = 1), respectively. Vision survival was observed in 20% of diabetics and 37% of non‐diabetics (P = .2).

Conclusion

Patients', globe and vision survivals were not different between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients with ROCM. They were 51%, 40% and 20% in diabetic and 70%, 50% and 37% in non‐diabetic ROCM.
Assembly and analysis of the whole genome of Arthroderma uncinatum strain T10, compared with Microsporum canis and Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Zheng Hailin , Blechert Oliver , Mei Huan , Ge Liyu , Liu Jia , Tao Ye , Li Dongmei , de Hoog G.Sybren , Liu Weida
Published: March 2020

Background

Arthroderma uncinatum is a geophilic dermatophyte that occasionally causes superficial infections in humans leading to skin diseases.

Objectives

To better understand the ecology and potential pathogenicity of A uncinatum, we analysed its whole genome. We compared A uncinatum with the genome of the zoophilic dermatophyte Microsporum canis and with the anthropophilic species Trichophyton rubrum. The compared species differ significantly in the frequency of human infection.

Methods

We reported the genome sequence of strain T10 of A uncinatum based on SMRT (single‐molecule real‐time) technology (PacBio).

Results

We obtained a near‐complete 23.56 Mb genome, with 7153 predicted gene models and ~20% repetitive sequences. We subsequently determined the specific genetic differences between A uncinatum, M canis and T rubrum. The functional enrichment analysis suggests that A uncinatum is particularly enriched in specific virulence genes. This suggests that the ancestral condition in dermatophytes is with high virulence, which has decreased in the course of evolution to enhance coexistence with animal or human hosts.
Predictive value of childhood airway hyper‐responsiveness to indirect stimuli: 10‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Lajunen Katariina Tytti , Malmberg Leo Pekka , Kalliola Satu , Kotaniemi‐Syrjänen Anne , Pelkonen Anna Susanna , Mäkelä Mika Juhani
Published: March 2020

Background

Airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) is a common feature in asthma. The use of AHR in predicting active asthma or the persistence of AHR in childhood is poorly understood. By analyzing longitudinal connections including different measures of AHR, lung function, and inflammation markers, we sought to identify the best available method for predicting persistence of AHR and identification of later active asthma.

Methods

We tested 105 asthmatic children aged 3‐7 years with fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), impulse oscillometry (IOS), and AHR evaluated by indirect methods (hypertonic saline and exercise challenge). Ten years later, 64 children participated in the follow‐up visit and were tested with FeNO, IOS, spirometry, and methacholine challenge. At both study visits, blood samples were collected, and a questionnaire was completed.

Results

Asthma was in remission in 66% of patients at adolescence. AHR measured by hypertonic saline challenge at preschool age was associated with asthma symptoms (OR 10.2; 95% CI 2.8, 37.3) but not with AHR estimated with methacholine challenge 10 years later. AHR measured by exercise challenge was not associated with AHR or recent asthma symptoms in adolescence. Preschool eosinophilia continued until adolescence in 87% of patients but was not associated with AHR or subjective signs of asthma 10 years later. Wheezy preschoolers with atopy had a higher risk for AHR in adolescence (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.0, 16.2).

Conclusion

Results from hypertonic saline challenge are associated with persistent asthma symptoms even after a decade. AHR measured by indirect methods at preschool age did not predict AHR in adolescence.
Interpregnancy interval and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Gebremedhin Amanuel T. , Regan Annette K. , Ball Stephen , Betrán Ana P. , Foo Damien , Gissler Mika , Håberg Siri E. , Malacova Eva , Marinovich Michael Luke , Pereira Gavin
Published: March 2020

Background

Despite extensive research on risk factors and mechanisms, the extent to which interpregnancy interval (IPI) affects hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in high‐income countries remains unclear.

Objectives

To examine the association between IPI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a high‐income country setting using both within‐mother and between‐mother comparisons.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based cohort study was conducted among 103 909 women who delivered three or more consecutive singleton births (n = 358 046) between 1980 and 2015 in Western Australia. We used conditional Poisson regression with robust variance, matching intervals of the same mother and adjusted for factors that vary within‐mother across pregnancies, to investigate the association between IPI categories (reference 18‐23 months), and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. For comparison with previous studies, we also applied unmatched Poisson regression (between‐mother analysis).

Results

The incidence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during the study period was 4%, and 2%, respectively. For the between‐mother comparison, mothers with intervals of 6‐11 months had lower risk of preeclampsia with adjusted relative risk (RR) 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85, 0.98) compared to reference category of 18‐23 months. With the within‐mother matched design, we estimated a larger effect of long IPI on risk of preeclampsia (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.18, 1.42 for 60‐119 months; and RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10, 1.53 for intervals ≥120 months) compared to 18‐23 months. Short IPIs were not associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Conclusions

In our cohort, longer IPIs were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. However, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that short IPIs (<6 months) increase the risks of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Incentivizing Regulatory Participation: Effectiveness of a Fundraising Levy
Authors: Rutherford Alasdair C. , McDonnell Diarmuid , Hogg Eddy
Published: March 2020

In the absence of a statutory instrument to enforce payment of a regulatory fee, regulators must rely on a combination of “carrots” and “sticks” to encourage financial contributions by the organizations they oversee. In contrast to studies of public funding of nonprofits, this article empirically evaluates the effectiveness of a government policy to rely on nonprofit funding of statutory regulation. The authors exploit a sharp discontinuity in the eligibility threshold for charities contributing to the new Fundraising Regulator in England and Wales to estimate a causal effect of the levy on participation. The article shows that the regulator's threat to “name and shame” was effective at incentivizing regulatory participation and generating income, but it raises some concerns about the long‐term viability of this approach. The results are significant at a time when many jurisdictions are considering how best to fund the regulation of nonprofits.
Spectral Doppler ultrasound in selecting an equine embryo receiver
Authors: Ferreira Camila Silva Costa , Morais Rita de Cássia Lima , de Andrade Amanda Bricio Pereira , Balaro Mário Felipe A. , Ribas José Antônio Silva , Gomes Gustavo Mendes , Pinna Aline Emerim
Published: March 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the RI and PI values would help in choosing the best embryo recipient, and observe whether CL vascularization would influence P4 production. During the breeding season 2018/2019, the study was conducted using 35 mares, which is used for reference to collect data for the project on the day of embryo transfer. The utilized mares were divided into five groups followed by the day after ovulation, with D0 being the day of ovulation. Therefore, the five groups are as follows: D4—mares that were on the 4th post‐ovulation day; D5—mares that were on the 5th post‐ovulation day; and doing so successively for D6, D7 and D8. On the day of embryo transfer, the CL of the mares that selected as recipients was evaluated by B‐mode and power flow mode ultrasonography and the right and left dorsal branches of the uterine arteries by spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Blood samples were taken on the day of the embryo transfer for a dosage of P4 concentration by radioimmunoassay. No statistical difference was found between the variables when the mares were separated into pregnant and non‐pregnant mares, or when they were separated by age groups. When the groups of mares were compared by the day of embryo transfer, the statistical difference was found between the groups D5 × D6 (p = .0053) and D6 × D8 (p = .0036) in RI variable. In PI variable, the statistical difference was found between the groups D4 × D8 (p = .049), D5 × D6 (p = .0446) and D6 × D8 (p = .0024). We conclude that the mares with RI measurement of uterine arteries near 1.0 are correlated to mares with high CL vascularization and elevated P4 concentration.
Impact of commodity prices on exchange rates in commodity‐exporting countries
Authors: Jiménez‐Rodríguez Rebeca , Morales‐Zumaquero Amalia
Published: March 2020

This paper studies the link between real exchange rates and commodity prices, over the period 1993M1–2018M12, for commodity‐exporting countries by analysing countries individually and considering the possibility of structural breaks. Our results suggest that: (a) the movements in the price of the main commodity (i.e., the one whose share is at least 20% of total commodity export) affect significantly to the real exchange rate; (b) the sign of the effect of commodity prices on real exchange rate is not clearly positive (as was found by earlier analyses using panel data), but it depends on the country considered; and (c) the negative effects of the possession of natural resources observed in the past decades seem not to be now overwhelming.
Evaluation of the hydroxyethyl starch stabilizing agent, Vetstarch, in the preservation of canine cerebrospinal fluid samples
Authors: Peterson Lindsey N. , Christian John A. , Bentley R. Timothy , Moore George E. , Thomovsky Stephanie A.
Published: March 2020

Background

A challenge of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is the time‐dependent degradation of nucleated cells, impeding accurate interpretation. CSF additives have been used to delay cell degradation; however, stabilizing agents, including serum, can alter microprotein levels.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if the hydroxyethyl starch, Vetstarch, is effective at preserving nucleated cell morphology in CSF compared with the saline diluent or serum without altering microprotein levels.

Methods

CSF samples were collected from 26 dogs. Samples were divided into four aliquots. One aliquot was analyzed immediately (control). The remaining three aliquots were mixed with either saline, fetal calf serum, or Vetstarch before storage at 4°C. Nucleated cell differentials, protein concentrations, and cell morphology scores were analyzed 48 hours later. A cell morphology score of 1 indicated no cellular degeneration; a score of 4 indicated severe degeneration.

Results

Samples stored in serum, saline, and Vetstarch exhibited poorer mean (±SD) morphology scores (2.4 ± 0.7, 2.6 ± 0.8, and 2.7 ± 0.9, respectively) compared with controls (1.9 ± 0.4). Samples stored in saline and Vetstarch demonstrated higher percentages of unrecognizable cells, with a median of 28 (range 0‐100) and 27 (0‐100), respectively; samples stored in serum had a median of 14 (range 0‐67) unrecognizable. Microprotein levels of samples stored in Vetstarch were dependent on the method of protein analysis. Serum significantly increased microprotein levels.

Conclusions

Vetstarch does not reduce time‐dependent cellular degeneration compared with the saline diluent or serum and is, therefore, not recommended as a stabilizing agent for canine cerebrospinal fluid.