bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Forums and Twitter for Dementia Research: Opportunities and Considerations
Authors: Mehta Nishila , Zhu Lynn , Lam Kenneth , Stall Nathan M. , Savage Rachel , Read Stephanie H. , Wu Wei , Pop Paula , Faulkner Colin , Bronskill Susan E. , Rochon Paula A.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Social media platforms are promising sources for large quantities of participant‐driven research data and circumvent some common challenges when conducting dementia research. This study provides a summary of key considerations and recommendations about using these platforms as research tools for dementia.

DESIGN

Mixed methods.

SETTING

Alzheimerʼs Societyʼs online Dementia Talking Point forum from inception to April 17, 2018, and Twitter in February and March 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

All users of Dementia Talking Point who posted in subforums labeled “I have dementia” and “I care for a person with dementia,” and Twitter users whose posts contained the keywords “dementia,” “Alzheimer,” or “Alzheimerʼs.”

MEASUREMENTS

We quantified the average daily number of dementia‐related posts on each platform and number of words per post. Guided by a codebook, we conducted thematic content analysis of 5% of the 15,513 posts collected from Dementia Talking Point, and 10% of the 25,948 comprehensible posts from Twitter containing “dementia,” “Alzheimer,” or “Alzheimerʼs.” We also summarized research‐relevant characteristics inherent to platforms and posts.

RESULTS

On average, Dementia Talking Point provided less than two new daily dementia‐related posts with 213.5 to 241.5 words, compared with 7,883 new daily Twitter posts with 14.5 words. Persons with dementia (PWDs) commonly shared dementia‐related concerns (75.7%), experiences (68.6%), and requests for, as well as offers of, information and support (44.3% and 38.6%, respectively). Caregivers commonly shared caregiving experience (67.0%) and requests for information and support (52.5%). Most common dementia‐related Twitter posts were derogatory use of the term dementia (14.5%), advocacy, fundraising, and awareness (11.6%), and research dissemination (8.0%). Recommendations about these platformsʼ unique technical and ethical considerations are outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the priorities of PWDs and their caregivers remains important to understand how clinicians can best support them. This study will help clinicians and researcher to better leverage online health forums and Twitter for such dementia‐related information.
Polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy in adults with intellectual disability: a cross‐sectional total population study
Authors: McMahon M. , Hatton C. , Bowring D. L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Adults with intellectual disability (ID) are prescribed high levels of medication, with polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy common. However, reported rates vary between studies, and there has been an over‐reliance on obtaining data from convenience samples. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of medication use and polypharmacy in a population‐level sample of adults with IDs. Factors associated with polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy are explored.

Methods

We used a total population sample of 217 adults with IDs known to services in Jersey (sampling frame n = 285). The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system was used to categorise medications that participants were currently taking on a regular basis. We examined associations of polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy with socio‐economic status, health and demographic variables using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 83.4% of participants were prescribed medication, with high doses common. Of the participants, 38.2% were exposed to polypharmacy while 23% of participants were exposed to psychotropic polypharmacy. After controlling for demographic, health and socio‐economic characteristics, polypharmacy was significantly associated with older age, increased severity of ID, living in a residential setting and having increased comorbidities. Psychotropic polypharmacy was associated with being male, being aged 50+ years and having had a psychiatric diagnosis over the life course. Being prescribed psychotropic drugs above the defined daily dose was not associated with having had a psychiatric diagnosis over the life course, suggesting the possibility of ‘off label’ prescribing.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that medication use, in high doses, alongside polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy are highly prevalent in adults with ID. The exposure to multiple medications increases the risk of developing adverse drug events, drug–drug interactions and medication‐related problems. Future population‐level, prospective cohort studies should examine the prevalence of polypharmacy and psychotropic polypharmacy using standardised definitions and consider the potential impact of adverse drug events, drug–drug interactions and medication‐related problems in this population.
The Role of Oxytocin in Primary Cesarean Birth Among Low‐Risk Women
Authors: Clark Rebecca R. S. , Warren Nicole , Shermock Kenneth M. , Perrin Nancy , Lake Eileen , Sharps Phyllis W.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

To examine whether there is a threshold of oxytocin exposure at which the risk for primary cesarean increases among women who are nulliparous with a term, singleton, vertex fetus (NTSV) and how oxytocin interacts with other risk factors to contribute to this outcome.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor data set that used a retrospective cohort study design. Women who met the criteria for NTSV who were not admitted for a prelabor cesarean and for whom oxytocin data were available, were included in the sample. Robust logistic regression was used to examine the association of oxytocin exposure with primary cesarean birth, while controlling for demographic and clinical risk factors and clustering by provider.

Results

The sample comprised 17,331 women who were exposed to oxytocin during labor. The women were predominantly white non‐Hispanic (59.2%) with an average (SD) gestational age of 39.4 (1.1) weeks and an 18.5% primary cesarean rate. Exposure to greater than 11,400‐milliunits (mU) of oxytocin resulted in 1.6 times increased odds of primary cesarean birth compared with less than 11,400 mU (95% CI 1.01‐2.6).

Discussion

Exposure to greater than 11,400 mU of oxytocin in labor was associated with an increased odds of primary cesarean birth in NTSV women.
Overexpression of VEGF165 is associated with poor prognosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Patel Kinjal A. , Patel Bijal M. , Thobias Ashi R. , Gokani Riddhi A. , Chhikara Archana Bharti , Desai Ava D. , Patel Prabhudas S.
Published: September 2020

Background

Cervical cancer is a major health hazard to Indian women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an established risk factor for cervical carcinogenesis. However, understanding the cervical cancer biology beyond HPV infection is very crucial to predict aggressive behavior, prognosis, treatment response and survival. In the present study, we explored the role of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) isoforms, VEGFC and VEGFD in cervical cancer progression and its association with HPV 16 and 18 infections.

Material and Methods

A total of 110 cervical cancer tissues and 50 normal cervical tissues were collected for the study. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was employed to analyze tissue VEGFA isoforms, VEGFC and VEGFD expression.

Results

VEGF165 was significantly higher, whereas VEGFC and VEGFD were significantly lower in malignant cervical carcinoma tissues as compared to normal cervix tissues. Expression levels of VEGF121 and VEGFC were significantly associated with type of tumor growth while VEGF165 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. VEGF165 transcript levels were significantly higher in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and developed recurrence. Most strikingly, higher VEGF165 expression was significantly associated with worst disease‐free survival (DFS) specifically in patients with SCC.

Conclusion

Association of VEGF165 with lymph node metastasis, disease recurrence and worst DFS indicated that VEGF165 is an important prognostic factor in cervical carcinogenesis.
A tool to help the panel leader to best monitor a sensory panel performance
Authors: Tabary Celine , Miège Michael , Brémaud Damien , Carvalho Luiza , Vincenzi Francesca
Published: September 2020

The performance of a sensory panel is key to deliver a sensory profile with good quality. The International Organization for Standardization Sensory analysis—Methodology—Guidelines for monitoring the performance of a quantitative sensory panel define some guidelines to monitor performances with definitions and means to analyze some quality criteria. As a worldwide cosmetic company, our group has many trained panels for cosmetic categories around the world, needing to make these guidelines more precise to help panel leaders with a complementary tool to monitor trained panels and to follow the same quality standard. This tool is composed of definitions of quality criteria adapted to cosmetic specificities, statistical analysis, index, and thresholds to be used for these criteria adapted to a new and existing panel. It is composed also of precise guidelines to panel performance and an action plan to improve or maintain the quality level. These guidelines allowed to validate the performance of 15 among 16 panels in 2017 and to support panel leader to build its' training plan. After 4 years of use, these guidelines will be updated: thresholds will be reviewed and adapted to use of scale and reproducibility will be studied.

Practical application

This tool is to be used by the sensory panel leader (on all product categories) to support them analyzing, in a simple and clear way, the robustness of each sensory panel, using the four defined KPIs (discriminating attributes and assessors, homogeneous or repeatable attributes). This tool makes possible to have a quick, standardized, and complete performance feedback and quickly compare the different panel categories globally.
COVID‐19 pandemic: The impact on vulnerable children and young people in Australia
Authors: Jones Benjamin , Woolfenden Susan , Pengilly Sandra , Breen Christie , Cohn Richard , Biviano Lyn , Johns Adam , Worth Andrea , Lamb Robyn , Lingam Raghu , Silove Natalie , Marks Susan , Tzioumi Dimitra , Zwi Karen
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic and associated system disruptions are impacting all children and young people (CYP) in Australia. For vulnerable groups of CYP, who already experience poorer health and well‐being, these impacts are amplified. Challenges include reduced access to usual services, reduced community supports, financial instability, unemployment and other life circumstances that threaten to widen pre‐existing inequities. This article aims to present the reasons for vulnerability of CYP during the pandemic, and to focus on actions by health professionals that mitigate additional challenges to their health and well‐being. Using a rapid review of the literature and team‐based discussions, eight vulnerable groups were identified: CYP with disabilities, mental health conditions and chronic diseases; CYP facing financial hardship; within the child protection system; Aboriginal; migrant and refugee; in residential care; rural; and isolated CYP. Recommendations for action are required at the level of governments, health professionals and researchers and include enhancing access to health and social supports, prioritising vulnerable CYP in resuming health activity and elevating the voice of CYP in designing the response. The pandemic can be conceptualised as an opportunity to create a more equitable society as we document the inequities that have been exacerbated. Vulnerable groups of CYP must be recognised and heard, and targeted actions must focus on improving their health outcomes during the pandemic and beyond.
Healthcare professionals’ knowledge, perception and practice towards COVID-19: A cross-sectional web-survey
Authors: Aladul Mohammed I , Kh. Al-Qazaz Harith , Allela Omer Q B
Published: September 2020

Objective

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are increasingly facing suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. To evaluate Iraqi HCPs (physicians, dentists and pharmacists) knowledge, perception and practice towards COVID-19.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, anonymised web-survey, using an electronic application (Surveyheart®). The web-survey link was posted via the closed groups of physicians, dentists and pharmacists in Iraq on Facebook and Twitter. The questionnaire was self-administered and data was collected between, 10th–25th of March 2020.

Key findings

Three hundred seventy two HCPs participated in the study. The majority of Iraqi HCPs have a good knowledge about the origin, incubation period, the mode of transmission, the common signs and symptoms and the groups of patients who were at higher risk of COVID-19. HCPs identified internet, social media as the main source of information about the disease. The lowest rate of correct answers was found in items related to the virus which is responsible for the development of COVID-19 disease (44.6%) and the types of face mask that protect against COVID-19 (40.6%). Physicians were found to have higher score of knowledge compared to dentists and pharmacists. Iraqi HCPs requested more strict preventive measure to be applied to prevent the spread of the disease. Iraqi HCPs expressed their inclination to use the international guidelines to treat confirmed cases.

Conclusions

Iraqi HCPs have an overall good knowledge towards COVID-19. More information should be published from reputable and authentic sources to HCPs. The Ministry of Health in Iraq could take its responsibility to inform the health providers with updated and confirmed information about COVID-19 prevention and management.
COVID‐19 Death Rates Are Higher in Rural Counties With Larger Shares of Blacks and Hispanics
Authors: Cheng Kent Jason G. , Sun Yue , Monnat Shannon M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study compared the average daily increase in COVID‐19 mortality rates by county racial/ethnic composition (percent non‐Hispanic Black and percent Hispanic) among US rural counties.

Methods

COVID‐19 daily death counts for 1,976 US nonmetropolitan counties for the period March 2‐July 26, 2020, were extracted from USAFacts and merged with county‐level American Community Survey and Area Health Resource File data. Covariates included county percent poverty, age composition, adjacency to a metropolitan county, health care supply, and state fixed effects. Mixed‐effects negative binomial regression with random intercepts to account for repeated observations within counties were used to predict differences in the average daily increase in the COVID‐19 mortality rate across quartiles of percent Black and percent Hispanic.

Findings

Since early March, the average daily increase in the COVID‐19 mortality rate has been significantly higher in rural counties with the highest percent Black and percent Hispanic populations. Compared to counties in the bottom quartile, counties in the top quartile of percent Black have an average daily increase that is 70% higher (IRR = 1.70, CI: 1.48‐1.95, P < .001), and counties in the top quartile of percent Hispanic have an average daily increase that is 50% higher (IRR = 1.50, CI: 1.33‐1.69, P < .001), net of covariates.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 mortality risk is not distributed equally across the rural United States, and the COVID‐19 race penalty is not restricted to cities. Among rural counties, the average daily increase in COVID‐19 mortality rates has been significantly higher in counties with the largest shares of Black and Hispanic residents.
Resource Scarcity Perceptions in Supply Chains: The Effect of Buyer Altruism on the Propensity for Collaboration
Authors: Wiedmer Robert , Whipple Judith M. , Griffis Stanley E. , Voorhees Clay M.
Published: September 2020

When faced with potential resource scarcities, purchasing managers have to make decisions regarding how to react to such scarcity threats. This can be challenging as there is often uncertainty surrounding the potential scarcity. Buyers’ mitigation decisions are impacted by their perceptions, which may lead to potentially ineffective mitigation responses. Resource dependence theory as well as supply chain literature emphasize the importance of collaborating with supply chain partners to secure access to scarce resources. However, behavioral research argues that the scarcity mindset causes individuals to behave more competitively, rather than collaboratively. This research examines the extent to which buyers’ perceptions of scarcity threats affect the decision to act altruistically towards the major supplier as well as to choose to collaborate with a major supplier in order to mitigate the scarcity. The research uses a scenario‐based role‐playing experiment with respondents serving as purchasing managers. The research demonstrates the complexity of resource scarcity management and illustrates that when faced with resource scarcity, buyers are actually less prone to collaborate with critical resource suppliers. This effect is robust, regardless of the level of relational capital present in the buyer–supplier relationship and regardless of individual factors, such as work experience and previous purchasing experience.
Origins of cultivars of Chrysanthemum—Evidence from the chloroplast genome and nuclear LFY gene
Authors: Ma Yue‐Ping , Zhao Liang , Zhang Wen‐Jie , Zhang Ying‐Hua , Xing Xia , Duan Xia‐Xia , Hu Jing , Harris AJ , Liu Pei‐Liang , Dai Si‐Lan , Wen Jun
Published: September 2020

The origins of cultivated chrysanthemums have attracted considerable attention, but they remain poorly known. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeny of representative well‐known cultivars and wild species of the genus Chrysanthemum using chloroplast genomes and the nuclear LEAFY gene. Our results suggest that geographic and ecological factors may determine the opportunities for wild species to be involved in the origin of the cultivars. The wild species C. indicum, C. zawadskii, C. dichrum, C. nankingense, C. argyrophyllum, and C. vestitum were likely directly or indirectly involved as paternal species of most of the chrysanthemum cultivars examined in this study. Yet, the maternal species is supported to be a lineage of an extinct wild Chrysanthemum species and its subsequent cultivars, as all accessions of chrysanthemum cultivars sampled formed a strongly supported clade, distinct from all other species of Chrysanthemum in the plastome tree. Thus, the cultivated chrysanthemums originated from multiple hybridizations involving several paternal species rather than only two or a few wild species, with an extinct species and its subsequent cultivars serving as the maternal parents. This finding is consistent with Chrysanthemum having high rates of hybridization and gene flow, which has been demonstrated within previous studies; nevertheless, it is important to unravel the role of an extinct wild Chrysanthemum species as the ultimate maternal parent species for all the chrysanthemum cultivars. Our results also suggest that C. vestitum from Tianzhu and Funiu Mountains in Anhui and Henan Provinces of China represent two distinct cryptic species.
Ancestral gene duplications in mosses characterized by integrated phylogenomic analyses
Authors: Gao Bei , Chen Mo‐Xian , Li Xiao‐Shuang , Liang Yu‐Qing , Zhang Dao‐Yuan , Wood Andrew J. , Oliver Melvin J. , Zhang Jian‐Hua
Published: September 2020

Mosses (Bryophyta) are a key group occupying an important phylogenetic position in land plant (embryophyte) evolution. The class Bryopsida represents the most diversified lineage, containing more than 95% of modern mosses, whereas other classes are species‐poor. Two branches with large numbers of gene duplications were elucidated by phylogenomic analyses, one in the ancestry of all mosses and another before the separation of the Bryopsida, Polytrichopsida, and Tetraphidopsida. The analysis of the phylogenetic progression of duplicated paralogs retained on genomic syntenic regions in the Physcomitrella patens genome confirmed that the whole‐genome duplication events WGD1 and WGD2 were re‐recognized as the ψ event and the Funarioideae duplication event, respectively. The ψ polyploidy event was tightly associated with the early diversification of Bryopsida, in the ancestor of Bryidae, Dicranidae, Timmiidae, and Funariidae. Together, four branches with large numbers of gene duplications were unveiled in the evolutionary past of P. patens. Gene retention patterns following the four large‐scale duplications in different moss lineages were analyzed and discussed. Recurrent significant retention of stress‐related genes may have contributed to their adaption to distinct ecological environments and the evolutionary success of this early‐diverging land plant lineage.
Pregnant women do not display impaired memory formation across one night of sleep
Authors: Zinke Katharina , Lehnert Vanessa , Fritsche Andreas , Preissl Hubert , Hallschmid Manfred
Published: September 2020

Forgetfulness is a common complaint of pregnant women, who also often report impaired nocturnal sleep. Considering sleep's well‐known beneficial role in consolidating newly encoded memory content, we hypothesized that pregnant women would display detrimental changes in objective sleep measures and associated memory deficits. We compared the consolidation of declarative as well as procedural memory across sleep in 21 healthy, third‐trimester pregnant women versus 20 matched non‐pregnant controls. Subjects encoded and were tested on visuospatial and procedural memory tasks before and after, respectively, a night of sleep spent at home. The emergence of gist‐based memories was tested with the Deese‐Roediger‐McDermott (DRM) paradigm. Sleep was polysomnographically recorded and subjective sleep quality was assessed with questionnaires. Although pregnant in comparison to non‐pregnant women reported markedly impaired subjective sleep quality and efficiency, quantitative changes were limited to increases in wakefulness after sleep onset and reductions in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Retention of newly learned memory contents, which is believed to reflect sleep‐associated memory consolidation, was comparable between groups, as was the formation of gist‐based memories. The findings indicate that subjective deteriorations in sleep quality experienced by pregnant women are not necessarily linked to objective impairments. They raise the possibility that sufficient slow wave sleep towards the end of pregnancy allows for normal sleep‐related memory consolidation. Although these results were obtained in a small number of pregnant women in very good health and should be corroborated in larger samples, they challenge the assumption of poor sleep and impaired memory as hallmarks of the “pregnancy brain”.
Sandwich‐type sheeting improved the processing and eating qualities of potato noodles
Authors: Liao Min , Qi Yajing , Liu Shuyi , Obadi Mohammed , Xu Bin
Published: September 2020

A technology called sandwich‐type sheeting was used to produce noodles with potato flakes. The technical parameters of sheeting were first optimized. Then the processing and eating qualities of potato noodles made with sandwich‐type sheeting and conventional sheeting were compared. Results showed that the optimal moisture of inner‐layer dough and outer‐layer dough was 41 and 37%, respectively. The suitable ratio of the thickness of inner layer to that of outer layer was 3:1. The tensile strength of the sandwich‐type dough sheet was 1.285 times higher than that of conventional dough sheet. The cooking loss of the sandwich‐type noodles was 37.0% lower than that of conventional noodles, and the adhesiveness decreased by 51.0%. In the sandwich‐type noodles, the compact gluten network structure of outer wheat layer prevented the leaching of soluble substances in the inner layer added with potato flakes, improving the cooking and eating qualities of potato noodles.
Clinical outcomes in dogs with localized splenic histiocytic sarcoma treated with splenectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Latifi Max , Tuohy Joanne L. , Coutermarsh‐Ott Sheryl L. , Klahn Shawna L. , Leeper Haley , Dervisis Nikolaos
Published: September 2020

Background

Localized splenic histiocytic sarcoma (HS) in dogs is a poorly understood disease, and could have longer survival times than disseminated or hemophagocytic HS. Understanding the clinical behavior of localized splenic HS can refine treatment recommendations.

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of dogs with localized splenic HS.

Animals

Fourteen client‐owned dogs with histologically confirmed splenic HS that received splenectomy.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective case series—medical records of dogs with splenic HS were reviewed. Dog signalment, clinicopathologic data, primary and adjuvant treatments, and outcomes were obtained. Survival data were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Dog variables such as age, weight, platelet counts were reported using descriptive statistics. The Cox proportional hazards regression method was used to determine whether potential risk factors (weight, age, albumin level, hematocrit, and platelet count) were associated with PFI.

Results

Median survival time for the dogs in this study was 427 days. Twelve dogs received adjuvant lomustine‐based chemotherapy. Five dogs (35.7%) were suspected or confirmed to have developed metastatic disease. Eleven dogs died of disease, 1 dog died of unrelated cause, and 2 dogs were alive at final follow‐up.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance

Histiocytic sarcoma in dogs can manifest as a localized form in the spleen. Dogs with localized splenic HS treated with surgery ± chemotherapy can experience survival times over a year.
Ultrastructural morphological features of the hair in a sexual signal: the dark ventral patch of male red deer
Authors: de la Peña E. , Martín J. , Carranza J.
Published: September 2020

Chemical signals play a decisive role in communication in many mammal species. In red deer (Cervus elaphus), the dark ventral patch has recently been described as a male chemical signal involved in intrasexual competition. Morphological specializations of the hair of this area might contribute to retaining the volatile compounds found here. In this study, we examined differences in the ultrastructure between hair associated with the dark ventral patch and hairs from the dorsolateral region of the body as a control. We obtained a gallery of images from a scanning electron microscope to study the possible variation in the detailed anatomy as well as the surface and pattern of cuticular scales of hairs of the two body regions examined. In addition, we used a 2D‐3D microscope to measure hair diameter (thickness) and the shape and size of the cuticular scales. We found that the hairs of the dark ventral patch were narrower than those from the dorsolateral region. We also found a different cuticular scale pattern of the dark ventral patch hairs, suggesting a possible specialization for the retention of compounds associated with this chemical signal. Moreover, some intersexual differences in hair morphology also support this idea. This study shows, for the first time, the differentiation of hairs related to the dark ventral patch, which contributes to our better understanding of this chemical communication in red deer.
Association of intrinsic sphincter deficiency with urine flow acceleration measurement
Authors: Karasu Ayse Filiz Gokmen , Aydın Serdar , Kalkan Senad , Ersoz Cevper
Published: September 2020

Background

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is associated with an inability to maintain mucosal coaptation either at rest or in the presence of stress resulting from damage to muscles or nerves that maintain tonus. The purpose of our trial was to determine the role of urodynamic measurements of flow such as maximum flow rate, flow time, and acceleration speed of flow to assess the urethral resistance on prediction of stress incontinence and ISD.

Materials and Methods

Our study was based on a retrospective analysis of urodynamic records of female patients performed for urinary incontinence. Mean flow rate, maximum flow rate, detrusor pressure at maximum flow, vesical pressure at maximum flow, maximum detrusor pressure, and flow rate at maximum detrusor pressure measurements were extracted from the voiding phase of urodynamic charts. The slope of the maximum flow was used to calculate acceleration of flow (Qacc). The urodynamic records of 142 women were reviewed and Qacc was measured.

Results

The mean age of the ISD group was 53.3 ± 12.5 (24‐78) and of the non‐ISD group 53.7 ± 12.5 (35‐74). The mean Qacc (30.3 ± 16.1° [mL/s2]) in the ISD group was significantly higher than in the non‐ISD group (21.6 ±9.6° [mL/s2]). Urodynamic bladder capacity of the non‐ISD group (432.3 ± 90.4 mL) was higher than the ISD group (389.2 ± 109) (P = .01).

Conclusion

The Valsalva leak point pressure and maximum urethral closure pressure measurements in assessing urethral function are not useful for predicting incontinence surgery failure. We demonstrated that Qacc is higher in ISD stress incontinent women than stress incontinent women. Qacc may demonstrate urethral resistance and tonus in a more reliable manner.
Laser microprobe noble gases and nitrogen analysis of chondrules from the Dhajala chondrite
Authors: Mahajan Ramakant R.
Published: September 2020

Noble gases and nitrogen are investigated in eight individual chondrules of the Dhajala H3.8 chondrite. The mean cosmic ray exposure age of the chondrules using 21Ne and 38Ar is 5.9 ± 3.0 Ma. There is no significant evidence of a pre‐exposure for these chondrules. All the measured chondrules contain variable amounts of radiogenic 129Xe. Noble gas analysis indicates Q‐type gas incorporated in the chondrules. The chondrules have variable amounts of N2. The chondrules have distinct trapped N isotopic composition (δ15Nt varies from −24.1 ± 8.4‰ to 89.1 ± 12.7‰), which is inconsistent with Q‐gas and solar wind. These inconsistencies can be considered preliminary evidence in support of multiple trapped components in the chondrules. A heavy N signature component is observed in the chondrules studied contrasted with the solar wind composition. There is no correlation between the concentration of N2 and noble gases. Derivations of variable nitrogen observed in Dhajala (H3.8) chondrules reflect the gas captured at the time of formation, having heterogeneous isotopic signature in the nebula.
“Parasite turnover zone” at secondary contact: A new pattern in host–parasite population genetics
Authors: Martinů Jana , Štefka Jan , Poosakkannu Anbu , Hypša Václav
Published: September 2020

We describe here a new pattern of population genetic structure in a host–parasite system that can arise after secondary contact of previously isolated populations. Due to different generation times, and therefore different tempos of molecular evolution, the host and parasite populations reach different degrees of genetic differentiation during their separation (e.g., in refugia). Consequently, upon secondary contact, the host populations are able to re‐establish a single panmictic population across the area of contact, while the parasite populations stop their dispersal at the secondary contact zone and create a narrow hybrid zone. From the host's perspective, the parasite's hybrid zone functions on a microevolutionary scale as a “parasite turnover zone”: while the hosts are passing from area A to area B, their parasites turn genetically from the area A genotypes to the area B genotypes. We demonstrate this novel pattern with a model composed of Apodemus mice and Polyplax lice by comparing maternally inherited markers (complete mitochondrial genomes, and complete genomes of the vertically transmitted symbiont Legionella polyplacis) with single nucleotide polymorphisms derived from louse genomic data. We discuss the circumstances that may lead to this pattern and possible reasons why it has been overlooked in studies of host–parasite population genetics.
Identification of residues important for M. tuberculosis MmpL11 function reveals that function is modulated by phosphorylation in the C‐terminal domain
Authors: Melly Geoff C. , Stokas Haley , Davidson Patrick M. , Roma José Santinni , Rhodes Heather L. , Purdy Georgiana E.
Published: September 2020

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell envelope is a critical interface between the host and pathogen and provides a protective barrier against the immune response and antibiotics. Cell envelope lipids are also mycobacterial virulence factors that influence the host immune response. The mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins transport cell envelope lipids and siderophores that are important for the basic physiology and pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. We recently identified MmpL11 as a conserved transporter of mycolic acid‐containing lipids including monomeromycolyl diacylglycerol (MMDAG), mycolate wax ester (MWE), and long‐chain triacylglycerols (LC‐TAGs). These lipids contribute to biofilm formation in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis, and non‐replicating persistence in M. tuberculosis. In this report, we identified domains and residues that are essential for MmpL11TB lipid transporter activity. Specifically, we show that the D1 periplasmic loop and a conserved tyrosine are essential for the MmpL11 function. Intriguingly, we found that MmpL11 levels are regulated by the phosphorylation of threonine in the cytoplasmic C‐terminal domain, providing the first direct evidence of the phospho‐regulation of MmpL11 transporter activity in M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis. Our results offer further insight into the function of MmpL transporters and regulation of mycobacterial cell envelope biogenesis.
Internal Difficulties in the Theology of Karl Rahner
Authors: Shea Henry
Published: September 2020

Criticism of the theology of Karl Rahner is most often made from bases external to his thought. When the ever greater ascendancy of transcendentality in Rahner’s thought is juxtaposed with areas of his theology concretely differentiated by symbol and history, however, internal difficulties arise that jeopardize the coherence and integrality of his work. Following an analysis of the predominant role of transcendentality in Rahner, three particular areas of such internal difficulty are considered: (1) the irreconcilability of the reciprocally constitutive dynamics of the Realsymbol with the fundamentally unidirectional operation of transcendental grace, (2) the disjunction entailed in the experience of grace as conscious yet unreflexive knowledge (Erkenntnis), and (3) the incommensurability of an historically developmental self‐communication (Selbstmitteilung) of the economic Trinity with an a priori, always already self‐communication (Selbstmitteilung) of God in grace. By rendering transcendentality ever surpassing in its reach, Rahner ultimately exposes other corners of his theology to the point of provoking internal disjunction that his transcendental overextension leaves him unable to resolve.
Evaluation of environmental and local factors on urban sarcosaprophagous Diptera: a case study with Sarcophagidae
Authors: Battán‐Horenstein M. , Mulieri P. R. , Gleiser R. M.
Published: September 2020

The urbanization process affects the structure of insect communities, favouring biotic homogenization processes by promoting adequate conditions for the establishment of synanthropic species. Considering the scarce knowledge about the ecology of Neotropical sarcophagids, we compared the flesh fly community from two different urban zones in two contrasting seasons and examined the response of the Sarcophagidae assemblage to landscape and microhabitat variables. Adult flies were collected in 13 sites with two traps (total number of traps 26) baited with 200 g of hydrated bone meal. A total of 2312 adult sarcophagids were collected belonging to 27 species; Oxysarcodexia paulistanensis (Mattos, 1919) represented >48% of the total sample. The local factor of insolation explained both the abundance and species richness of sarcophagids, collections being higher and richer in traps exposed to sunlight compared with traps placed in the shade regardless of the season. Richness was also affected by the environment, being higher in traps exposed in suburban rather than urban sites. The combination of these factors (sub‐urban environment and availability of open areas) could explain the Sarcophagidae assemblage. The average number of sarcophagid species collected was related to the season, providing a good opportunity to assess the temporal variability of this family in the region.
Simultaneous combined unilateral ventralis intermedius (VIM) thalamotomy and contralateral VIM deep brain stimulation for head tremor: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Horisawa Shiro , Kawamata Takakazu , Taira Takaomi
Published: September 2020

Head tremor usually requires bilateral deep brain stimulation of ventralis intermedius nucleus of thalamus. Ablation of VIM nucleus (VIM thalamotomy) is applied for limb tremor unilaterally because of serious complications from bilateral thalamotomy. Therefore, effects of thalamotomy on head tremor have been rarely reported. We report a successful long‐term outcome of head tremor with combined unilateral VIM thalamotomy and contralateral VIM‐DBS simultaneously. The patient was a 49‐year‐old man with head and bilateral hand tremors. His Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale scores (head tremor score, range 8‐0, higher scores indicate greater severity) before and after the surgery were 8 and 0, respectively. Only transient tongue numbness was confirmed as a surgical complication. At the final follow‐up (36 months), the patient was completely free from tremor of the head and bilateral hands. Combined thalamotomy and DBS can be an alternative treatment option for head tremor.
Accounting for mesophyll conductance substantially improves 13C‐based estimates of intrinsic water‐use efficiency
Authors: Ma Wei Ting , Tcherkez Guillaume , Wang Xu Ming , Schäufele Rudi , Schnyder Hans , Yang Yusheng , Gong Xiao Ying
Published: September 2020

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been used widely to infer intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) of C3 plants, a key parameter linking carbon and water fluxes. Despite the essential role of mesophyll conductance (gm) in photosynthesis and Δ, its effect on Δ‐based predictions of iWUE has generally been neglected.

Here, we derive a mathematical expression of iWUE as a function of Δ that includes gm (iWUEmes) and exploits the gm‐stomatal conductance (gsc) relationship across drought‐stress levels and plant functional groups (deciduous or semideciduous woody, evergreen woody and herbaceous species) in a global database. iWUEmes was further validated with an independent dataset of online‐Δ and CO2 and H2O gas exchange measurements with seven species.

Drought stress reduced gsc and gm by nearly one‐half across all plant functional groups, but had no significant effect on the gsc : gm ratio, with a well supported value of 0.79 ± 0.07 (95% CI, n = 198). gm was negatively correlated to iWUE. Incorporating the gsc : gm ratio greatly improved estimates of iWUE, compared with calculations that assumed infinite gm.

The inclusion of the gsc : gm ratio, fixed at 0.79 when gm was unknown, proved desirable to eliminate significant errors in estimating iWUE from Δ across various C3 vegetation types.
Theoretical analysis of a temperature‐dependent model of respiratory O2 consumption using the kinetics of the cytochrome and alternative pathways
Authors: Inoue Tomomi , Noguchi Ko
Published: September 2020

Temperature dependence of plant respiratory O2‐consumption has been empirically described by the Arrhenius equation. The slope of the Arrhenius plot (which is proportional to activation energy) sometimes deviates from a constant value. We conducted kinetic model simulations of mitochondrial electron flow dynamics to clarify factors affecting the shape of the Arrhenius plot.

We constructed a kinetic model of respiration in which competitive O2‐consumption by the cytochrome pathway (CP) and the alternative pathway (AP) were considered, and we used this model to describe the temperature dependence of respiratory O2‐consumption of Arabidopsis.

The model indicated that the electron partitioning and activation energy differences between CP and AP were reflected in the slope and magnitude of the dependent variables of the Arrhenius plot. When the electron partitioning and activation energies of CP and AP were constant with temperature change, our model suggested that the Arrhenius plot would be almost linear. When the electron partitioning or activation energy of CP, or both, rapidly changed with temperature, the Arrhenius plot deviated from linearity, as reported in previous experimental studies.

Our simulation analysis quantitatively linked the kinetic model parameters with physiological mechanisms underlying the instantaneous temperature dependence of plant respiration rate.
What is the problem of dependency? Dependency work reconsidered
Authors: van der Weele Simon , Bredewold Femmianne , Leget Carlo , Tonkens Evelien
Published: September 2020

Dependency is fundamental to caring relationships. However, given that dependency implies asymmetry, it also brings moral problems for nursing. In nursing theory and theories of care, dependency tends to be framed as a problem of self‐determination—a tendency that is mirrored in contemporary policy and practice. This paper argues that this problem frame is too narrow. The aim of the paper is to articulate additional theoretical ‘problem frames’ for dependency and to increase our understanding of how dependency can be navigated in practices of long‐term care. It does so by way of an empirical ethical analysis of how care professionals tackle the problem of dependency in group homes for people with intellectual disabilities. The paper refers to these practices of mitigating the problem of dependency as ‘dependency work’, a phrase borrowed from Eva Kittay. The analysis of dependency work suggests that for care professionals, dependency is a threefold problem: one of self‐determination, one of parity and one of self‐worth. These findings suggest that patient autonomy cannot be a full solution to the problem of dependency in long‐term care relations. But they also show that dependency as such is not a problem that can besolved, as attempts to mitigate it only serve to tighten the dependency relationship further. This is the paradox of dependency work.
Devolution is secondary: What drives Scottish secondary legislation?
Authors: Bevan Shaun
Published: September 2020

The reopening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 marked a great opportunity to create a modern government connected to the people. In spite of this, work on responsiveness and the functioning of policy‐making in Scotland since devolution has not been as extensive as it could be. This is certainly true of one of the most common and numerous policy‐making activities undertaken by Scotland and indeed all UK governments, the production of secondary legislation. This article uses time series cross‐sectional analyses to assess the effects of attention by the UK government, the EU, public priorities and the media on Scottish statutory instruments. It finds strong effects for the UK media on Scottish instruments although that effect is lower for policy areas technically, but not practically, outside the competencies of Scottish government. This work hints at a government responsive to events, but also a government that largely sets its own independent priorities.
Saturday night purpura: An uncommon presentation of exercise‐induced vasculitis
Authors: Ramírez‐Lluch Mar , Álvarez‐Salafranca Marcial , García‐Gil Miguel Fernando , Monte Serrano Juan , García García Mar , Ara‐Martín Mariano
Published: September 2020

Exercise‐induced vasculitis (EIV) is a benign cutaneous vasculitis that affects healthy individuals. We report a case of EIV in a 15‐year‐old male patient with a striking clinical appearance triggered by a combination of prolonged standing and disco dancing in a warm environment. Pediatric dermatologists should be aware of this activity as a possible trigger of EIV, especially in teenagers.
Low vancomycin trough concentration in neonates and young infants
Authors: Maruyama Hidehiko , Tanzawa Ayano , Funaki Takanori , Ito Yushi , Isayama Tetsuya
Published: September 2020

Background

Vancomycin (VCM) is useful for treating methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In infants, calibrating the initial VCM dose is difficult, and many regimens have been proposed. For instance, our center uses the VCM regimen recommended for infants in the 2012–13 Nelson's Pediatric Antimicrobial Therapy. Nonetheless, our experience has shown that the initial VCM trough concentrations were frequently off target. We therefore analyzed the data on the initial VCM trough concentration in infant patients at our center.

Methods

The study subjects were inborn infants born between July 2014 and June 2019 who were given VCM at earlier than day 60 in the neonatal intensive care unit. The primary outcome was the initial VCM trough concentration. The patients were divided into three groups by VCM trough concentration: <10, 10–15, and >15 mg/L. We also estimated VCM trough concentration by one method using Monte Carlo simulation, based on Nelson regimen dosage.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were analyzed. The number of patients with <10, 10–15, and >15 mg/L was 24, 4, and 5, respectively. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between <10 versus 10–15 and 10–15 versus >15 mg/L. The numbers of patients with <10, 10–15, and >15 mg/L in the simulation were 26, 6, and 1, respectively.

Conclusions

Most initial VCM trough concentrations were below the target. We could not find any significant clinical characteristics, which affected VCM trough concentration. Increasing the VCM dosage of the Nelson regimen with simulation should therefore be considered.