bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Moorehead‐Ardelt quality of life questionnaire and the BODY‐Q in Danish patients undergoing weight loss and body contouring surgery
Authors: Poulsen Lotte , Simonsen Nina , Klassen Anne F. , Cano Stefan , Rose Michael , Juhl Claus B. , Stoving Rene K. , Andries Alin , Sorensen Jens A.
Published: January 2020

This study compared the measurement properties of the Moorehead‐Ardelt quality of life questionnaire‐II (MAQOL‐II) and the BODY‐Q, to determine which was more suitable for measuring patient‐reported outcome (PRO) in Danish bariatric surgery (BS) and body contouring surgery (BC) patients. We examined content validity against the COSMIN guidelines and compared psychometric performance using Rasch measurement theory methods and criteria. MAQOL‐II data were obtained from the Danish Bariatric Surgery Database from September 2010 to November 2017, and BODY‐Q data were collected from June 2015 to March 2018. The MAQOL‐II failed to meet recommended standards for content validity, while all criteria were met for the BODY‐Q. A total of 16 965 MAQOL‐II and 2259 BODY‐Q assessments were obtained. A random sample was selected from the MAQOL‐II dataset to match the BODY‐Q sample. Psychometrically, the BODY‐Q performed better than the MAQOL‐II. For example, Cronbach's α was 0.82 for the MAQOL‐II vs ≥0.90 for all BODY‐Q scales. Fifty percent (3/6) of MAQOL‐II items had disordered thresholds, while all BODY‐Q items had ordered thresholds (123/123). Poor item fit was revealed for 17% (1/6) of MAQOL‐II and 8% (10/123) of BODY‐Q items. For scale reliability, person separation index was 0.79 for the MAQOL‐II and 0.88 (0.81‐0.93) for the BODY‐Q. In conclusion, the MAQOL‐II does not meet today's standards for a rigorously developed PRO measure. The BODY‐Q, on the other hand, gives substantial, accurate and interpretable measurement and should be recommended for use in PRO in BS and BC patients.
An Autonomist Biopolitics of Education: Reproduction, Resistance, and the Specter of Constituent Bíos
Authors: Bourassa Gregory N.
Published: January 2020

In considering the enigmatic relationships between philosophy, politics, and pedagogy, this essay attempts to map some of the currents in educational scholarship, particularly those running between reproduction theories and resistance theories. While these two theoretical frameworks have been at odds with one another, Gregory Bourassa suggests that both share orthodox commitments that prevent them from appreciating the constituent dimensions of revolutionary subjectivity. In seeking an alternative orientation, Bourassa proposes an autonomist biopolitics of education. This framework inverts the traditional circuits of resistance and suggests that schools follow behind and resist the constituent life forms (constituent bíos) of students. If resistance theory only attempts to identify the ways in which students resist school practices, it risks obscuring the potentiality of constituent bíos as a social ontology that is primary, always already present, and subject to the resistant practices of the school. Therefore, a key contribution of this essay is its development of an autonomist biopolitics of education. Within this framework, constituent bíos is recognized as the foundational and constitutive motor to which schools are constantly reacting. The adoption of this perspective, alongside more conventional understandings of resistance, offers a more nuanced conception of the relation between forms of life and schools.
Never mind the gap: Formative assessment confronted with Dewey's and Gadamer's concept of experience
Authors: Egelandsdal Kjetil , Riese Hanne
Published: January 2020

The notion of “closing the learning gap” is widely used in the conceptualisation of formative assessment. It builds on an unarticulated assumption that students' learning can and should be controlled towards predefined outcomes. This article discusses this control assumption in the light of the concept of the American philosopher John Dewey and the German philosopher Hans‐Georg Gadamer. Their conceptualisation challenges the idea of learning as a linear and controllable process that results in stable and predictable outcomes. Using the concept of experience, we argue that learning follows a continuous circular movement where previous experiences condition future interpretations and that every experience changes the subject. This process of change is both unpredictable and diverse and requires that attention is paid to the uniqueness of each situation and to students as subjects. Following the discussion, we propose a model for considering the extensiveness and rigidity of formative assessment practices and that authors pay attention to whether they conceptualise formative assessment in a way that promotes student and teacher “gap closing” and control.
Light and temperature mediate algal stimulation of heterotrophic activity on decomposing leaf litter
Authors: Pope Cody A. , Halvorson Halvor M. , Findlay Robert H. , Francoeur Steven N. , Kuehn Kevin A.
Published: January 2020

Recent evidence suggests that periphytic algae stimulate plant litter heterotrophs (fungi and bacteria) in the presence of light, but few studies have tested whether this stimulation varies across gradients of light, which may covary with temperature.

We exposed field‐conditioned Typha domingensis litter to fully‐crossed, short‐term gradients of temperature (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) and light (0, 25, 53, 123, and 388 µmol quanta m−2 s−1) and measured responses of litter‐associated algal, fungal, and bacterial production rates and β‐glucosidase, β‐xylosidase, and phenol oxidase enzyme activities in the laboratory.

Increased light stimulated algal production rates, from immeasurable production under darkness to >200 µg algal C g−1 detrital C hr−1 at the highest light level, with the greatest light sensitivity and maximal photosynthetic rates at 25°C. In turn, increased light stimulated fungal production rates, especially at the two highest temperatures and most strongly at 25°C where light stimulated fungal production by a mean of 65 µg C g−1 detrital C hr−1, indicating 2.1‐fold stimulation by light. Bacterial production rates also responded to light, indicated by stimulation of a mean of 16 µg C g−1 detrital C hr−1 (1.6‐fold) at 15°C, but stimulation was weaker at higher temperatures. Enzyme activities increased strongly with elevated temperature but were not affected by light.

Our experimental evidence suggests algae differentially stimulate litter‐associated bacteria and fungi in a light‐dependent manner that further depends on temperature. These findings advance understanding of the onset of algal stimulation of heterotrophy, including algal‐induced priming effects during litter decomposition, in response to common covarying environmental gradients subject to global change.
Survival and migration patterns of naturally and hatchery‐reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts in a Lake Ontario tributary using acoustic telemetry
Authors: Larocque Sarah M. , Johnson Timothy B. , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: January 2020

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts are often stocked into rivers to supplement natural reproduction, yet hatchery‐reared fish have lower survival compared to wild conspecifics. However, few studies have assessed riverine migratory performance and survival differences in hatchery and wild smolts, or more specifically naturally reared smolts (hatchery fish released earlier as parr), particularly in rivers with weirs which may further reduce survival.

Using acoustic telemetry, including a subset of fish with novel transmitters that identify predation events, we assessed survival and migration patterns of hatchery‐ (2017: n = 32; 2018: n = 30) and naturally reared Atlantic salmon smolts (2017: n = 8; 2018: n = 30) in a Lake Ontario tributary with two weirs to better understand their ecology and assess the influence of environmental parameters on migration.

Naturally reared smolts were 13.9 times more likely to survive than hatchery‐reared smolts and mark–recapture models indicated that weirs did not reduce survival for either group. Survival per km was lowest at the release site, indicating pre‐migration mortality, and specifically high stocking‐related mortality of hatchery‐reared smolts. Speed and times of day fish migrated (i.e. migratory performance) did not vary by rearing group, suggesting that the high mortality of hatchery‐reared smolts may be due to other factors related to hatchery and stocking operations. Overall mean (± SD) migration speed for smolts was 0.70 ± 0.39 km/hr and movements occurred significantly more frequently at night (18:00–06:00).

Smolts were detected in Lake Ontario after they left the river; however, the array in Lake Ontario was not conducive to providing much detail regarding movement patterns. There was no predation of the two predation tags detected in Lake Ontario, indicating that movements were made by smolts and not predators.

With ongoing restoration efforts of Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario, it was important to understand the smolt migration patterns and success of the stocked fish. Our findings of similar migratory performance yet different relative survival of hatchery‐ and naturally reared smolts help inform management with regards to stocking strategies that could improve Atlantic salmon reintroduction success.
A mouse model for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with genetic predisposition for displaced otoconia
Authors: Dror Amiel A. , Taiber Shahar , Sela Eyal , Handzel Ophir , Avraham Karen B.
Published: January 2020

Abnormal formation of otoconia, the biominerals of the inner ear, results in balance disorders. The inertial mass of otoconia activates the underlying mechanosensory hair cells in response to change in head position primarily during linear and rotational acceleration. Otoconia associate exclusively with the two gravity receptors, the utricle and saccule. The cristae sensory epithelium is associated with an extracellular gelatinous matrix known as cupula, equivalent to otoconia. During head rotation, the inertia of endolymphatic fluids within the semicircular canals deflects the cupula of the corresponding crista and activates the underlying mechanosensory hair cells. It is believed that detached free‐floating otoconia particles travel ectopically to the semicircular canal and cristae and are the culprit for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The Slc26a4 mouse mutant harbors a missense mutation in pendrin. This mutation leads to impaired transport activity of pendrin and to defects in otoconia composition and distribution. All Slc26a4
loop/loop homozygous mutant mice are profoundly deaf but show inconsistent vestibular deficiency. A panel of behavioral tests was utilized in order to generate a scoring method for vestibular function. A pathological finding of displaced otoconia was identified consistently in the inner ears of mutant mice with severe vestibular dysfunction. In this work, we present a mouse model with a genetic predisposition for ectopic otoconia with a clinical correlation to BPPV. This unique mouse model can serve as a platform for further investigation of BPPV pathophysiology, and for developing novel treatment approaches in a live animal model.
Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma: clinicopathological and molecular analysis of seven cases highlighting frequent BRAF and occasional NRAS mutations
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Skalova Alena , Franchi Alessandro , Alshagroud Rana , Gill Anthony J , Stoehr Robert , Baumhoer Daniel , Bauer Sebastian
Published: January 2020

Aims

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is an aggressive odontogenic neoplasm featuring malignant mesenchymal stroma in addition to an ameloblastic epithelial component, and is hence considered to be the malignant counterpart of ameloblastic fibroma (AF). AFS is exceedingly rare, with <110 cases having been reported so far. Although BRAF mutations are recognised driver mutations in ameloblastoma, the molecular pathogenesis of AFS remains elusive.

Methods and results

We herein describe seven AFSs that were analysed, for the first time, for mutations in the BRAF–NRAS pathway. The patients were four females and three males aged 23–57 years (median, 26 years). Three tumours developed after one or multiple recurrences of AF (4–20 years after initial diagnosis), two showed transition from AF‐like bland areas, and two developed de novo. All patients were treated with surgery; adjuvant chemotherapy was given to one patient. At the last follow‐up, five patients were alive and well (19–344 months). The remainder were lost to follow‐up. Histological examination showed variable sarcomatous overgrowth with varying degrees of atypia and increased mitotic activity. The epithelial component varied greatly according to the degree of sarcomatous overgrowth. Molecular testing revealed BRAF V600E mutations in five cases and NRAS p.Gln61Lys mutation in one case. One tumour was wild‐type.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study on BRAF/NRAS mutations in AFS. Given the activity of RAF and MEK inhibitors across different cancers harbouring V600E mutations, our data strongly suggest that all AFS cases should be genetically tested, and that targeted treatment approaches for this extremely rare sarcoma subtype should be clinically investigated.
Moral distress revisited: the viewpoints and responses of nurses
Authors: Woods M.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To present and discuss the main themes that were revealed following an analysis of the qualitative research findings that were extracted from a national survey regarding the causes and effects of moral distress amongst New Zealand nurses.

Background/Introduction

Moral distress continues to be a major concern amongst nurses around the world. In New Zealand, a country where nurses have just been on strike over their working conditions and the deteriorating state of their roles within the health services, it remains a major issue.

Method

In the original research project, large numbers of nurses supplied not only quantitative data that revealed the extent and impact of moral distress on their practices, but also extensive notes that more specifically explained the causes and effects of their moral distress. This material has since been thematically analysed and is now presented.

Findings/results

The data strongly suggested that New Zealand nurses experienced and attempted to respond to several major issues; that is, they were not properly supported by ‘the system’, frequently experienced problems with managers and bullying, witnessing poor care practices and collegial incompetence, and suffered from ongoing problems caused by moral residue.

Conclusion

Under current working conditions, nurses are struggling under an increasing weight of moral residue to maintain their ethical standards within an increasingly difficult ethical climate.

Implications for nursing and health policy

This research suggests that although nurses clearly seek out and use various ways to cope with moral distress in their practices, there is a continuing need for moral courage and strengthening of moral resilience that involves greater input from not just nurses themselves, but nurse managers, educators and other health services representatives.
Enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield of red‐emitting CdTe:Gd3+ QDs for WLEDs applications
Authors: Wu Zhan‐Chao , Yang Zhen , Zhang Xing‐Xing , Jiao Ming‐Xia , Liu Jie , Ma Li , Wang Xiao‐Jun
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the quantum yield of red‐emitting CdTe quantum dots (QDs), CdTe:Gd3+ QDs were synthesized by a facile one‐step aqueous method. The composition, morphology, and photoluminescence property of CdTe:Gd3+ QDs were characterized. The results show that the doping of Gd3+ not only leads to a red‐shift in the emission wavelength but also improves the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) of CdTe QDs up to 85.74%. Doping of Gd element causes the Te dangling bond on the surface of CdTe QDs to be destroyed, thus reducing the nonradiative surface recombination, which is considered to be the reason of the increase in PL QY of CdTe QDs. Finally, high color rendition white light was generated from the CdTe:Gd3+ QDs‐assisted phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diode (WLED). Under operation of 50 mA forward bias current, the fabricated WLED emitted bright warm white light with a high color rendering index of 86, a low correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4020 K, a suitable Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage color coordinates of (0.3651, 0.3223), and an enhanced luminous efficiency of 68.52 lm/W.
Photoprotection of the future: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Krutmann J. , Passeron T. , Gilaberte Y. , Granger C. , Leone G. , Narda M. , Schalka S. , Trullas C. , Masson P. , Lim H.W.
Published: January 2020

The use of sunscreens is an important and essential component of photoprotection. Since their introduction during the first half of the last century, sunscreens have benefited enormously from major technological advances such as the development of novel UV filters; as a result, their efficacy in preventing UV‐induced erythema is unequivocal. More recently, however, new challenges have appeared, which have prompted a robust discussion about the safety of sunscreens. These include topics directly related to photoprotection of human skin such as improved/alternative methods for standardization of assessment of the efficacy of sunscreens, but also many others such as photoprotection beyond UV, concerns about human toxicity and ecological safety, the potential of oral photoprotective measures, consequences of innovative galenic formulations. On a first glance, some of these might raise questions and doubts among dermatologists, physicians and the general public about the use sunscreens as a means of photoprotection. This situation has prompted us to critically review such challenges, but also opportunities, based on existing scientific evidence. We conclude by providing our vision about how such challenges can be met best in the future in an attempt to create the ideal sunscreen, which should provide adequate and balanced protection and be easy and safe to use.
Size of supernumerary teats in sheep correlates with complexity of the anatomy and microenvironment
Authors: Hardwick Laura J. A. , Phythian Clare J. , Fowden Abigail L. , Hughes Katherine
Published: January 2020

Supernumerary nipples or teats (polythelia) are congenital accessory structures that may develop at any location along the milk line and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of mastitis. We describe the anatomy and histology of 27 spontaneously occurring supernumerary teats from 16 sheep, delineating two groups of teats – simple and anatomically complex – according to the complexity of the anatomy and microenvironment. Anatomically complex supernumerary teats exhibited significantly increased length and barrel diameter compared with simple supernumerary teats. A teat canal and/or teat cistern was present in anatomically complex teats, with smooth muscle fibres forming a variably well‐organised encircling teat sphincter. Complex supernumerary teats also exhibited immune cell infiltrates similar to those of normal teats, including lymphoid follicle‐like structures at the folds of the teat cistern–teat canal junction, and macrophages that infiltrated the peri‐cisternal glandular tissue. One complex supernumerary teat exhibited teat end hyperkeratosis. These anatomical and histological features allow inference that supernumerary teats may be susceptible to bacterial ingress through the teat canal and we hypothesise that this may be more likely in those teats with less well‐organised encircling smooth muscle. The teat cistern of anatomically complex teats may also constitute a focus of milk accumulation and thus a possible nidus for bacterial infection, potentially predisposing to mastitis. We suggest that size of the supernumerary teat, and relationship to the main teats, particularly in the case of ‘cluster teats’, should be considerations if surgical removal is contemplated.
Removal and use of paediatric tissue for research purposes: Legal and ethical issues in Australia
Authors: Then Shih‐Ning , Jowett Stephanie
Published: January 2020

Tissue samples may be collected from children in the course of their clinical care, or when they participate in research. Those samples may be stored in research biobanks. However, as the removal of tissue from children in Australia is regulated by State and Territory legislation, clinicians and researchers require an understanding of the regulatory framework. Removal of tissue from children for purposes not authorised under legislation can result in offences being committed. In addition, ethical issues arise from the collection and storage of children's tissue for research purposes. Tissue used for genomic research also brings additional risks to participants. This paper describes the current law, discusses its inadequacies and raises some of the key ethical issues that Australian researchers need to know. This paper focuses on the removal and use of paediatric tissue for research purposes only.
Definite bacterial infection in recently vaccinated febrile infants
Authors: Raba Ali A , Krebit Ibraheem
Published: January 2020

Aim

There is insufficient evidence regarding the best approach to evaluating recently vaccinated (RV) infants presenting to the paediatric emergency department with fever. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of bacterial infections in infants presenting with fever within 72 h after vaccination.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical record of infants aged between 6 and 12 weeks who presented with a fever ≥38°C to the emergency department from January 2016 to December 2018. Febrile infants who were vaccinated within 72 h prior to their emergency department presentation were matched to those who had not received their vaccines in the previous 72 h. Definite serious bacterial infection was diagnosed based on culture results.

Results

A total of 198 infants (age: 9 ± 1.84 weeks, male: 119 (60.1%)) were enrolled in this study. Overall, 60 of 138 (30.3%) had received their vaccines within the previous 72 h. The prevalence of bacterial infection in RV infants was 5% compared to 15.2% in non‐RV infants (P = 0.056). Interestingly, all vaccinated infants who had proven bacterial infection presented to the emergency department with fever within 24 h of vaccination, and all bacterial infections in that group were urinary tract infections.

Conclusions

The prevalence of bacterial infection among non‐RV febrile infants is relatively higher than those RV. However, fever should not be attributed only to the vaccinations, and all febrile RV infants should be carefully evaluated, and at least urine testing should be performed regardless of the time of vaccination.
Therapeutic effects of saponin components on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus‐infected piglets
Authors: Hu Yiyi , Zhang Bicheng , Wang Wei , Zhou Jinzhu , Li Bin , He Kongwang
Published: January 2020

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Anemoside B4 (AB4),Panax notoginsengsaponins (PNS), Notoginsenoside R1 (SR1), Saikosaponin A (SSA) and Saikosaponin D (SSD) on piglets infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). A total of 132 completely healthy piglets were randomly divided into 22 groups consisting of six animals each. Control piglets were intramuscularly injected with 2 ml of PRRSV (NJGC strain) solution containing 106 TCID50 virus/ml. For low‐, middle‐ and high‐dose saponin treatment groups, the piglets were initially administrated with the same volume of PRRSV solution, followed by intraperitoneal injection with AB4, PNS, SR1, SSA or SSD at 1, 5 or 10 mg/kg b.w. on day 3. The piglets in drug control group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg b.w. of each saponin without prior PRRS challenge, while those in blank control group were injected with the same amount of normal saline. The results indicated that all the five saponin components could decrease the incidence and severity of PRRSV‐induced immunopathological damages, including the elevated body temperature, weight loss, anaemia and internal inflammation. Moreover, the saponin components could enhance protein absorption and immune responses. Taken together, this study reveals that the saponin components are effective against PRRSV infection and strengthen the immune system and thus may serve as potential antiviral therapeutic agents.
Functional markers to predict forest ecosystem properties along a rural‐to‐urban gradient
Authors: Cardou Françoise , Aubin Isabelle , Bergeron Alexandre , Shipley Bill
Published: January 2020

Questions

With increasing focus on urban sustainability, new tools are needed to manage urban woodlands for resilience and ecosystem service provision. Functional traits can provide quantitative and testable links between urban plant communities and specific ecosystem properties (functional markers). We ask whether commonly described multivariate patterns of trait association with urbanization (trait syndromes) capture changes in ecosystem properties associated with urbanization. Given that environmental heterogeneity can generate weak or non‐linear trait–ecosystem property relationships, we ask whether linear methods can yield functional markers with significant power for different ecosystem properties.

Location

Montreal metropolitan area (Canada).

Methods

We documented the functional composition of 43 woodlands along an urbanization gradient and measured proxies of three ecosystem properties: plant colonization, soil water infiltration and organic matter decomposition. We use redundancy analysis to identify traits associated with urbanization, and multiple linear regression and model selection to identify response and effect traits that best predict actual differences in ecosystem properties. We compare the resulting linear model with a non‐linear equivalent.

Results

Traits associated with urbanization (urban syndrome) were inconsistently selected as best predictors of ecosystems properties (functional markers). Although predictive power varied between ecosystem properties, all three could be significantly predicted from community‐weighted traits (functional markers), with both response and effect traits contributing to the final model. When we fitted equivalent non‐linear models, we found that traits had largely non‐linear relationships with ecosystem properties.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that community‐weighted traits of urban woodlands can yield functional markers that capture ecosystem properties, but these are inconsistently identified by “trait syndrome” approaches. In linear combinations, such functional markers provide a testable and generalizable way to quantify ecosystem properties in urban woodlands. Capturing such properties is one important step toward management of woodlands for their continued ability to provide ecosystem services into the future.
Non‐invasive diagnosis of cirrhosis and long‐term disease monitoring by transient elastography in patients with Wilson disease
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Ferenci Peter , Stättermayer Albert F. , Stauber Rudolf E. , Wrba Fritz , Longerich Thomas , Lackner Karoline , Trauner Michael , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Reiberger Thomas , Weiss Karl Heinz
Published: January 2020

Background & Aims

The value of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) for non‐invasive fibrosis staging and disease monitoring has not been established in patients with Wilson disease (WD).

Methods

Liver stiffness measurement by TE and non‐invasive fibrosis scores (APRI, FIB‐4) were analysed from 188 WD patients with liver biopsy (LBX). Longitudinal LSM was performed in 128 (68.1%) patients.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐eight patients (mean age: 35 ± 14 years, 54.8% women; 27.1% with histological cirrhosis) were studied. Forty‐four[23.4%] patients were recently diagnosed with WD, while 144[76.6%] were previously diagnosed (>1 year between LBX and LSM). Overall, LSM (11.3 vs 6.1 kPa, P < .001), APRI (0.72 vs 0.38, P < .001) and FIB‐4 (1.54 vs 0.89, P < .001) were higher in cirrhotic than in non‐cirrhotic patients. This was even more pronounced in recently diagnosed patients (35.2 kPa vs 6.4 kPa, P < .001). Accuracy for diagnosing cirrhosis at an LSM cut‐off ≥9.9 kPa was better in recently diagnosed (PPV: 74%, NPV: 100%) vs previously diagnosed (PPV: 53%, NPV: 82%) patients. Recently diagnosed patients had higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) for APRI (0.79 vs 0.61) and FIB‐4 (0.84 vs 0.65) than previously diagnosed patients. At APRI <1.5 and FIB‐4 <3.25 cirrhosis was ruled out with a specificity of 93% and 95% respectively. During a median follow‐up of 46 (24‐66) months, only 5.9% (5/85) of non‐cirrhotic WD patients showed progression to cirrhotic LSM values, while 30.8% (4/13) of cirrhotic WD patients showed LSM suggestive of cirrhosis regression.

Conclusion

TE‐based LSM ≥9.9 kPa accurately identifies cirrhosis in WD patients. Next to TE‐LSM <9.9 kPa, APRI <1.5 and FIB‐4 <3.25 values assist to non‐invasively rule out cirrhosis. LSM remains stable in most non‐cirrhotic patients on WD therapy, while one‐third of cirrhotic patients present clinically relevant decreases in LSM.
Disclosure of R&D knowledge in a mixed duopoly
Authors: Bárcena‐Ruiz Juan Carlos , Garzón María Begoña
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we analyze whether firms want to disclose their R&D knowledge for free in a mixed duopoly. We extend the paper by Poyago‐Theotoky (1999) on strategic R&D with endogenous spillovers by considering a mixed duopoly. We find that when spillovers of information are treated as endogenous the public firm fully discloses its information so long as R&D levels are chosen non‐cooperatively. The private firm does not disclose its information. This result holds if the private firm is foreign owned. We have extended the main model to consider the threat of entry faced by an incumbent public firm and whether it is privatized or not. We find that the public firm is not privatized and there is entry if the fixed entry cost is low enough.
How should we analyze the connections between populism and nationalism: A response to Rogers Brubaker
Authors: De Cleen Benjamin , Stavrakakis Yannis
Published: January 2020

In a recent article in this journal, Rogers Brubaker formulates a critique of the distinction we make in our work between populism and nationalism, and further develops his own, thicker conceptualization of populism, which integrates the nationalist dimension without however totally conflating populism and nationalism. In this article, we briefly respond to the critique of our work, further clarifying and refining our plea for clearly distinct conceptualizations of populism and nationalism in dialogue with the considerations formulated by Rogers Brubaker. More broadly, we see this response as a chance to contribute to the further development of a framework that allows for the rigorous study of populism's pivotal as well as complex and often troubling relation with nationalism.
In search of the changeable: An analysis of visual representations of nursing in Norwegian and Danish professional nursing journals, 1965–2016
Authors: Ravn Iben Munksgaard , Beedholm Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten , Kvangarsnes Marit , Foss Ingrid Christina , Knutsen Ingrid Ruud
Published: January 2020

In this study, we demonstrate how perceptions of nursing are constructed in close connection with the development of the Nordic welfare states. Drawing on Gillian Rose's framework for analysing the social and political implications of visual materials, we analysed selected visual representations of nursing published in Danish and Norwegian professional nursing journals in the period 1965 to 2016. The analyses were conducted in an iterative process in three phases. First, we reviewed all visuals spanning the entire period to obtain an overview of developmental trends in the material. Second, selected visuals and associated captions were subjected to more thorough analysis. Third, we further examined and discussed the visuals in light of societal and political movements and ideologies in Danish and Norwegian healthcare policies over this period. Our analysis shows that visual representations of the nurse–patient relationship and of the patient's and the nurse's roles and responsibilities changed over this period and that the visualisations corresponded with and supported developments in the Danish and Norwegian welfare states as these first consolidated and then moved towards individualisation and the competition state. Our study demonstrates that nurses in these states are political actors implementing health policies embedded in various knowledge regimes.
Functional phenotype variations of two novel KV7.1 mutations identified in patients with Long QT syndrome
Authors: Hammami Bomholtz Sofia , Refaat Marwan , Buur Steffensen Annette , David Jens‐Peter , Espinosa Karin , Nussbaum Robert , Wojciak Julianne , Hjorth Bentzen Bo , Scheinman Melvin , Schmitt Nicole
Published: January 2020

Background

The slow delayed rectifier potassium current IKs is crucial for the repolarization of the cardiac action potential. It is conducted by the voltage‐gated channel KV7.1 encoded by KCNQ1, together with its β‐subunit KCNE1. Loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations in KCNQ1 have been associated with heritable cardiac arrhythmias such as Long QT syndrome (LQTS). This disease is characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization and propensity to ventricular tachyarrhythmia that may lead to syncope, cardiac arrest, and sudden death. We aimed to functionally characterize two KV7.1 mutations (p.A150T and p.L374H) identified in two independent LQTS patients with different severity of disease phenotype, family history, and co‐segregation of LQTS.

Methods

We performed whole‐cell patch clamp recordings in CHO‐K1 cells, and confocal imaging in Madin‐Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells.

Results

IKs‐A150T showed significantly decreased current amplitudes from above +20 mV (approximately 52% decrease at +40 mV), but demonstrated cell membrane localization similar to wild‐type (WT). IKs‐L374H, however, exhibited a complete LOF compared to WT channels. Confocal imaging showed endoplasmic reticulum retention of the channel in MDCK cells. Mimicking the heterozygous state of the patients by co‐expressing WT and mutant subunits resulted in an approximately 22% decrease in current at +40 mV for A150T. The L374H mutation showed a more pronounced effect (62% reduction at +40 mV compared to WT channel).

Conclusion

Both mutations, KV7.1 A150T and L374H, led to loss of channel function. The degree of LOF may mirror the disease phenotype observed in the patients.
Method for calculating the encounter probability in network space
Authors: Yin ZhangCai , Li Sanjuan , Ying Shen , Jin ZhangHaoNan , Liu Hui , Xiao JiaQiang
Published: January 2020

Probabilistic time geography (PTG) can be used to measure the probability of random encounters between two moving objects. Available PTG methods are based on homogeneous space, while the network space is typically heterogeneous, which constrains individuals to the network. Therefore, the PTG of the network must consider the geographic network. Based on this, we put forward a method for calculating the encounter probability of objects that are moving in a network by considering network constraints on movement. These constraints not only restrict the space‐time accessibility of the moving objects, but also affect the probability of them visiting locations or encountering other objects in space and time. Therefore, in network space, our method improves measures of the likelihood of encounters between moving objects, thereby enabling more accurate predictions of encounter events and their probabilities. Finally, the performance of the method is experimentally evaluated. In the experiment, campus road network data and simulated trip data are used to calculate the encounter probabilities of two moving objects and to determine when and where two moving objects meet with the highest probability.
Incorporating dynamic factors for improving a GIS‐based solar radiation model
Authors: Zhang Mingxi , Wang Bin , Liu De Li , Liu Jiandong , Zhang Hong , Feng Puyu , Kong Dongdong , Cleverly James , Yang Xihua , Yu Qiang
Published: January 2020

Solar radiation has been a major input to agricultural, hydrological, and ecological modeling. However, solar radiation is usually influenced by three groups of dynamic factors: sun–earth position, terrain, and atmospheric effects. Therefore, an integrated approach to accurately consider the impacts of those dynamic factors on solar radiation is essential to estimate solar radiation over rugged terrain. In this study, a spatial and temporal gap‐filling algorithm was proposed to obtain a seamless daily MODIS albedo dataset. A 1 km‐resolution digital elevation model was used to model the impact of local topography and shading by surrounding terrain on solar radiation. A sunshine‐based model was adopted to simulate radiation under the influence of clouds. A GIS‐based solar radiation model that incorporates albedo, shading by surrounding terrain, and variations in cloudiness was used to address the spatial variability of these factors in mountainous terrain. Compared with other independent solar radiation products, our model generated a more reliable solar radiation product over rugged terrain, with an R2 of 0.88 and an RMSE of 2.55 MJ m−2 day−1. The improved solar radiation products and open source app can be used further in practice or scientific research.
Past megadroughts hit North and South America in tandem
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: January 2020

Strong La Niña conditions drove deep medieval droughts.
Study pushes emergence of measles back to antiquity
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: January 2020

The virus may have entered the human population when cities grew large enough to sustain outbreaks.
Relationship between Vancomycin MIC and Virulence Gene Expression in Clonal Complexes of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Left-Sided Endocarditis
Authors: Pericàs Juan M. , Cervera Carlos , Garcia-de-la-Mària Cristina , Sharma-Kuinkel Batu K. , Gonzales Rachelle , Moreno Asunción , Almela Manel , Falces Carlos , Quintana Eduard , Fuster David , Marco Francesc , Bayer Arnold S. , Fowler Vance G. , Miró José M.
Published: January 2020

Higher vancomycin MICs have been associated with more complicated courses and higher mortality rates in patients with
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteremia and infective endocarditis (IE).
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Isoniazid among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients from China
Authors: Jing Wei , Zong Zhaojing , Tang Bohao , Wang Jing , Zhang Tingting , Wen Shu’an , Xue Yi , Chu Naihui , Zhao Wei , Huang Hairong
Published: January 2020

The blood concentration of isoniazid (INH) is evidently affected by polymorphisms in
N
-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), an enzyme that is primarily responsible for the trimodal (i.e., fast, intermediate, and slow) INH elimination. The pharmacokinetic (PK) variability, driven largely by NAT2 activity, creates a challenge for the deployment of a uniform INH dosage in tuberculosis (TB) patients.
Immunogenicity of Ribonucleic Acid Preparations Obtained from
Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Venneman Martin R. , Bigley Nancy J. , Berry L. Joe
Published: January 2020

Mice immunized with purified whole-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA), RNA from the bacterial “particulate” fraction, and ribosome-associated RNA obtained from
Salmonella typhimurium
were found to be resistant to subsequent challenge infection with virulent salmonellae. Chemically, the immunogenic nucleic acid fractions contained from 1 to 3% “contaminant” material defined (based on the mean of 19 different preparations) as protein (0.24%), deoxyribonucleic acid (0.43%), methyl pentose (0.64%), hexose (1.58%), and undefined carbohydrate (0.76%). Heptoses and lipoidal material were not detectable in any of the immunogenic preparations examined. Physically, the nucleic acid preparations, after analytical ultracentrifugation, exhibited three boundaries similar to those reported elsewhere in comparable systems: 4 to 5
S
, 16
S
, and 23
S
. An evaluation of the immunity induced by the ribosome-associated RNA established that the immune response was (i) comparable to that induced 15 days postimmunization with live salmonellae and by ribosomal vaccines, but greater at 30 days postimmunization than that in mice immunized with attenuated salmonellae; (ii) dependent on the quantity of immunogen administered; (iii) dependent on the size of the infective inocula; (iv) inhibited at 15 but not at 30 days postimmunization when the immunogenic nucleic acid preparations were incorporated into Freund's incomplete adjuvant, (v) reduced or lost by dialysis in relatively high or low immunizing doses, respectively; and (vi) unaffected by enzymatic treatment of the preparations with trypsin, deoxyribonuclease, Pronase plus pancreatic ribonuclease, or pancreatic ribonuclease alone. The possible mode of action of ribosome-associated RNA in inducing an immune response to subsequent challenge infection with the homologous organism is discussed.
Experimental murine leprosy: induction of immunity and immune paralysis to Mycobacterium lepraemurium in C57BL mice
Authors: Closs O
Published: January 2020

Two series of reinfection experiments were carried out using C57BL mice. In the first series, the mice were inoculated with Mycobacterium lepraemurium (MLM) in one hind footpad and reinoculated in the contralateral footpad, two or four weeks later. Compared with normal mice of the same strain, the mice reinoculated after four weeks showed an increased local reaction to the bacilli and the bacilli did not multiply at the injection site. The responses of mice reinoculated after two weeks were intermediate to those of the other two groups. In the second series, a systemic infection was established by intraperitoneal innoculation of either a large or small dose of MLM. Twenty-two weeks later the mice were reinoculated in one of the hind footpads. Upon reinoculation, mice receiving the small intraperitoneal dose reacted more strongly than normal mice to MLM, whereas mice receiving the large dose were unable to mount any local reaction to the mycobacterium. The experiments have shown that the local reaction which develops in the C57BL strain of mice approximately four weeks after subcutaneous injection of MLM is accompanied by the onset of systemic immunity. Such systemic immunity lasted for more than 20 weeks after intraperitoneal injection of a small dose of bacilli, but was completely abolished during the course of a heavy systemic MLM infection.
Adherence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli to intestinal epithelium in vivo
Authors: Hohmann A , Wilson M R
Published: January 2020

Two porcine strains of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, one possessing K88 antigen and one lacking K88, were orally inoculated into conventional neonatal piglets. Athough both strains caused severe diarrhea, only the K88-possessing strain was able to proliferate in the anterior small intestine. Both K88-possessing and K88-lacking strains were found in large numbers in the posterior small intestine and, using fluorescent antibodies and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, were found adhering to the epitheial surface in these regions. The presence of an unusual surface structure on the bacterial cell of the K88-lacking strain was described.
Extension of the mean time to death of mice with a lethal infection of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus by antithymocyte serum treatment
Authors: Woodman D R , McManus A T , Eddy G A
Published: January 2020

The mean time to death of mice infected with Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus was increased 2 days by antithymocyte serum (ATS) treatment given 1 day before and 1 day after virus inoculation. Virus assays of blood, brain, and spleen indicated that VEE virus replication was delayed by ATS. Additionally, mice treated with ATS exhibited neurological signs later than untreated mice. During the infection, the percentage of splenic B lymphocytes as determined by surface immunoglobulin staining increased. ATS treatment caused a further elevation of the percentage of splenic B lymphocytes. These results show a selective depletion of the non-immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocyte population during VEE virus infection and support the hypothesis that ATS destroys or alters an important population of cells associated with the normal course of pathogenesis and the replication of VEE virus to high titers in the mouse.
Effect of cyclophosphamide on the response of chickens to a virulent strain of Marek's disease virus
Authors: Kermani-Arab V , Moll T , Cho B R , Davis W C , Lu Y S
Published: January 2020

The effect of cyclophosphamide on the pathogenesis of Marek's disease was examined in a line of chickens which is relatively resistant to Marek's disease. The injection of cyclophosphamide into newly hatched chickens delayed and reduced viremia and also reduced the development of Marek's disease lesions until 2 weeks after exposure to Marek's disease virus. The data indicate that a population of T cells susceptible to infection with virus and possibly viral transformation is affected by cyclophosphamide.
Arthritis of mice induced by Mycoplasma pulmonis: humoral antibody and lymphocyte responses of CBA mice
Authors: Cole B C , Golightly-Rowland L , Ward J R
Published: January 2020

Peak arthritis occurred 14 days after intravenous injection of Mycoplasma pulmonis and persisted in some mice at low levels for 84 days. A marked lymphocytosis occurred during the first week of infection with only a slight increase in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Complement-fixing antibodies appeared in low titer 3 days after infection and moderate levels persisted for 84 days. The metabolic-inhibiting and mycoplasmacidal antibody responses were absent or minimal. M. pulmonis appeared to be mitogenic for mouse lymphocytes as evidenced by (i) increased uptake of [3H]thymidine for normal lymphocytes exposed to various concentrations of nonviable M. pulmonis antigen, and (ii) a 13-fold increase in [3H]thymidine uptake in lymphocytes taken from mice 3 days after infection with M. pulmonis in the absence of added antigen. Lymphocytes taken from infected mice transformed significantly more at all time periods than control lymphocytes when exposed to M. pulmonis antigen. This response was maximal at 3 days and minimal at 21 to 35 days after infection. Lymphocytes sensitized to M. pulmonis did not transform when exposed to M. arthritidis antigen or vice versa. M. pulmonis infection had no effect upon the mitogenic responses of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin or lipopolysaccharide. There was no statistically significant correlation between persistence of arthritis and degree of humor antibody or lymphocyte responses. However, persisting arthritis was associated with a higher incidence of mycoplasma isolations.