bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety at work and immigration
Authors: Bellés-Obrero Cristina , Martin Bassols Nicolau , Vall Castello Judit
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the effect of immigration on workplace safety, an understudied outcome in the literature. We use a novel administrative dataset of the universe of workplace accidents reported in Spain from 2003 to 2015 and follow an instrumental variables (IV) strategy based on the distribution of early migrants across provinces. Our results show that the massive inflow of immigrants between 2003 and 2009 reduced the number of workplace accidents by 10,980 for native workers (7% of the overall reduction during that period). This decline in workplace accidents is driven by Spanish-born workers shifting away from manual occupations to occupations involving more interpersonal interactions. Immigrant flows during the economic crisis (2010–2015) had no impact on natives’ workplace safety. The scarcity of jobs during that period may have prevented shifts between occupations. Finally, we find no effects of immigration on the workplace safety of immigrants. These results add a previously unexplored dimension to the immigration debate that should be taken into account when evaluating the costs and benefits of migration flows.
Incremental sheet forming of thermoplastics: a review
Authors: Zhu Hui , Ou Hengan , Popov Atanas
Published: September 2020

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a promising flexible manufacturing process, which has been tested in sheet forming of various metallic materials. Although ISF-based forming of thermoplastics is relatively new, it has drawn considerable interests and significant progress has been made in recent years. This paper presents a review of concurrent research on the emerging trend of thermoplastic-focused ISF processes. Attention is given to the processing conditions including process setup, process parameters and forming forces. The deformation mechanism and failure behaviour during ISF of thermoplastics are evaluated, which leads to detailed discussions on the formability, effect of different process parameters and the forming quality such as geometric accuracy, surface finish and other consideration factors in ISF of thermoplastics. A comparison of important similarities and differences between ISF of thermoplastic and metallic materials is made. Finally, a brief discussion is provided on the technical challenges and research directions for ISF of thermoplastic materials in the future.
A large strain gradient-enhanced ductile damage model: finite element formulation, experiment and parameter identification
Authors: Sprave L. , Menzel A.
Published: September 2020

A gradient-enhanced ductile damage model at finite strains is presented, and its parameters are identified so as to match the behaviour of DP800. Within the micromorphic framework, a multi-surface model coupling isotropic Lemaitre-type damage to von Mises plasticity with nonlinear isotropic hardening is developed. In analogy to the effective stress entering the yield criterion, an effective damage driving force—increasing with increasing plastic strains—entering the damage dissipation potential is proposed. After an outline of the basic model properties, the setup of the (micro)tensile experiment is discussed and the importance of including unloading for a parameter identification with a material model including damage is emphasised. Optimal parameters, based on an objective function including measured forces and the displacement field obtained from digital image correlation, are identified. The response of the proposed model is compared to a tensile experiment of a specimen with a different geometry as a first approach to validate the identified parameters.
REALMS study: real-world effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Portugal
Authors: Batista S. , Nunes C. C. , Cerqueira J. J. , Martins Silva Ana , Correia de Sá J. , Ferreira J. , Mendonça M. T. , Pinheiro J. , Salgado V. , Correia A. S. , Sequeira J. , Costa A. , Sousa L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Fingolimod, an oral sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, is approved by EMA for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness and safety of fingolimod in patients with RRMS in real-world clinical practice in Portugal.

Methods

Retrospective, multicentre, non-interventional study, reporting 3 years follow-up of data collected from October 2015 to July 2016. Sociodemographic data and previous treatments at baseline and data regarding disease evolution, including number of relapses, annualised relapse rates (ARR) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), were collected.

Results

Two-hundred and seventy-five participants were enrolled in the REALMS study. Results showed that the main reason to switch to fingolimod was failure of previous treatment (56.7%) and only 3.6% were naïve patients. In the total population, there was a significant decrease in ARR of 64.6% in the first year of treatment, 79.7% in the second year and 82.3% in the third year, compared with baseline. More than 67.0% of patients had no relapses during the 3 years after switching to fingolimod. EDSS remained stable throughout the study.

Conclusions

Therapy with fingolimod showed a sustained effectiveness and safety over the 3 years, particularly on patients switched from first-line drugs (BRACE). No new safety issues were reported.
Efficient and low-energy mechanochemical extraction of lead from dumped crystal glass waste
Authors: Mutafela Richard Nasilele , Ye Fei , Jani Yahya , Dutta Joydeep , Hogland William
Published: September 2020

Glass waste dumps from crystal glass production is an health issue due to the occurrence of antimony, arsenic, cadmium and lead in crystal glass. Recovery of those elements could both decrease pollution and recycle metals in the circular economy. Pyrometallurgy is a potential recovery method, yet limited by high energy consumption. Here we tested a lower-energy alternative in which glass is mechanically activated in a ball mill and leached with nitric acid. Results show that mechanical activation destabilised the glass structure and resulted in 78% lead extraction during leaching at 95 °C. Temperature had the most significant effect on extraction, whereas acid concentration, from 0.5 to 3 M, and leaching time, from 0.5 to 12 h, had insignificant effects. In each experiment, 75% of the final extracted amount was achieved within 30 min. The study demonstrates potential for lead extraction from glass waste at lower acid concentration, shorter leaching time and lower temperature, of 95 °C, than traditional pyrometallurgical extraction, typically operating at 1100 °C.
Study on optimization of extraction technique of pericarp essential oil in Litsea Cubeba (Lour) Pers
Authors: Huang Peng , Gu Zhanying , Yang Ling , Yang Ruonan , Ji Yaxin , Zeng Qingyang , Xiao Fangmeng , Chen Hanyue
Published: September 2020

Litsea cubeba is an important aromatic oil plant. Litsea cubeba pericarp essential oil has various physiological activities such as antibacterial activity, antioxidant capacity, etc., and is widely used. Its main ingredient is citral, which is the raw material for the synthesis of many precious spices. For the purpose of increasing yield, researchers have conducted many studies on the extraction of essential oil from pericarp of Litsea cubeba. But the extraction process still has room for optimization。In this study, Litsea cubeba fruits were subjected to an optimized method of hydrodistillation to increase the yield and biological activity of pericarp essential oils. Three-factor and three-level orthogonal experimental design was performed (fruit preservation time, distillation voltage and fruit microwave pretreatment time) to optimize the process. According to the results of orthogonal experiments, the highest yield of essential oil can be obtained after the fruit has been preserved for 9 days without microwave pretreatment and the distillation voltage is 220 V. The extracted essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which indicated that their main components were 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-, (E)-, 2,6-Octadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)-, 1-Heptanol and 1-Octanol. GC–MS results showed that the relative content of citral in the extracted essential oil was the highest after the fruit was preserved for nine days without microwave pretreatment and the distillation voltage was 150 V. Changes in the process will not significantly affect the main component types of essential oils, but will significantly affect the relative content of the same components.
Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoproteins: Implications in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Low Yi-Hua , Asi Yasmine , Foti Sandrine C. , Lashley Tammaryn
Published: September 2020

Heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are a complex and functionally diverse family of RNA binding proteins with multifarious roles. They are involved, directly or indirectly, in alternative splicing, transcriptional and translational regulation, stress granule formation, cell cycle regulation, and axonal transport. It is unsurprising, given their heavy involvement in maintaining functional integrity of the cell, that their dysfunction has neurological implications. However, compared to their more established roles in cancer, the evidence of hnRNP implication in neurological diseases is still in its infancy. This review aims to consolidate the evidences for hnRNP involvement in neurological diseases, with a focus on spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), multiple sclerosis (MS), congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Understanding more about hnRNP involvement in neurological diseases can further elucidate the pathomechanisms involved in these diseases and perhaps guide future therapeutic advances.
Thromboelastometry in patients with advanced chronic liver disease stratified by severity of portal hypertension
Authors: Raeven Pierre , Baron-Stefaniak Joanna , Simbrunner Benedikt , Stadlmann Alexander , Schwabl Philipp , Scheiner Bernhard , Schaden Eva , Eigenbauer Ernst , Quehenberger Peter , Mandorfer Mattias , Baron David Marek , Reiberger Thomas
Published: September 2020

Background

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) has been studied in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) without considering the impact of portal hypertension. We evaluated the influence of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) on ROTEM results in patients with ACLD.

Methods

Cross-sectional study; ACLD patients undergoing HVPG measurement within the prospective Vienna Cirrhosis Study (NCT03267615) underwent concomitant ROTEM testing.

Results

Among 159 patients (68% male; Child–Pugh-A: 53%, Child–Pugh-B: 34%, Child–Pugh-C: 13%), 21 patients (13%) had a HVPG between 6 and 10 mmHg, 84 patients (53%) between 10 and 19 mmHg, and 54 patients (34%) ≥ 20 mmHg. Child–Pugh-C patients (vs. Child–Pugh-A and vs. Child–Pugh-B patients, respectively) showed longer clot formation time (CFT: median 187 s vs. 122 s vs. 122 s, p = 0.007) and lower maximum clot firmness (MCF: median: 45 mm vs. 56 mm vs. 56 mm, p = 0.002) in extrinsic thromboelastometry (EXTEM), while platelet counts were similar across Child–Pugh stages. In the overall cohort, ROTEM parameters did not differ by severity of portal hypertension. However, among compensated Child–Pugh-A patients, MCF decreased with increasing portal pressure, i.e. in higher HVPG strata (HVPG 9–10 mmHg: median MCF: 59 mm vs. HVPG 10–19 mmHg: 56 mm vs HVPG ≥ 20 mmHg: 54 mm, p = 0.023). Furthermore, patients with short CFT and high MCF in EXTEM had higher levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin, as well as higher leukocyte counts (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Portal hypertension seems to impact ROTEM results only in compensated Child–Pugh-A patients. Bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation may trigger a procoagulant state in patients with ACLD.
The Cultural Transmission of Prestige and Dominance Social Rank Cues: an Experimental Simulation
Authors: Jiménez Ángel V. , Mesoudi Alex
Published: September 2020

Informal social hierarchies within small human groups are argued to be based on prestige, dominance, or a combination of the two (Henrich & Gil-White, 2001). Prestige-based hierarchies entail the ordering of individuals by the admiration and respect they receive from others due to their competence within valued domains. This type of hierarchy provides benefits for subordinates such as social learning opportunities and both private and public goods. In contrast, dominance-based hierarchies entail the ordering of individuals by their capacity to win fights, and coerce or intimidate others. This type of hierarchy produces costs in subordinates due to its aggressive and intimidating nature. Given the benefits and costs associated with these types of social hierarchies for subordinates, we hypothesised that prestige and dominance cues are better recalled and transmitted than social rank cues that do not elicit high prestige or dominance associations (i.e. medium social rank cues). Assuming that for the majority of the population who are not already at the top of the social hierarchy it is more important to avoid the costs of dominance-based hierarchies than to obtain the benefits of prestige-based hierarchies, we further hypothesised that dominance cues are better transmitted than prestige cues. We conducted a recall-based transmission chain experiment with 30 chains of four generations each (N = 120). Participants read and recalled descriptions of prestigious, dominant, and medium social rank footballers, and their recall was passed to the next participant within their chain. As predicted, we found that both prestige cues and dominance cues were better transmitted than medium social rank cues. However, we did not find support for our prediction of the better transmission of dominance cues than prestige cues. We discuss whether the results might be explained by a specific social-rank content transmission bias or by a more general emotional content transmission bias.
Effect of the gold remodeling preparation method on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of steel
Authors: Paulsen Christian Oen , Børvik Tore , Westermann Ida
Published: September 2020

The application of gold speckles on a polished surface is a successful technique for improving digital image correlation (DIC) contrast in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. In the process of creating the gold speckles, the material is subjected to elevated temperatures for prolonged times. As a consequence, not all materials are suitable for the gold speckled method to improve the contrast for DIC measurements during an in-situ SEM tensile test. In this letter, the effect of gold remodeling on two different steels is investigated. These steels are a dual-phase (DP) steel and a ferrite–pearlite steel (NVE36). The results demonstrate that the temperature these steels are subjected to during gold remodeling will influence the tensile behavior of the DP steel while the NVE36 steel is unaffected by the heat treatment. As a result, we can conclude that the gold remodeling method for creating contrast in SEM images may affect the microstructure. However, the effect of these changes depends on the material at hand and will vary from material to material.
The disaster context model and its application in creating disaster scenarios for hospitals
Authors: Kanno Taro , Hong Shengxin , Yamashita Tomoyuki , Sharikura Sachika
Published: September 2020

Widely applied across many sectors, disaster training and exercises pre-embedded within a society can serve as a driving force for strengthening its disaster resilience. While this traditional system has great potential to enhance social resilience to natural catastrophe, its preparation and implementation requires too much time and effort. To solve this problem, this study proposes a model that can be used to produce and share disaster scenarios, introduces a prototype support system for creating disaster scenarios and exercise materials, and shows evaluations of its potential use.
Pandemic anxiety and its correlates among young doctors working frontline in Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Alina , Faisal Kanza
Published: September 2020

Background

The study explores the challenges and threats young doctors in Pakistan working frontline toward the pandemic face, and how it translates into their personal and social lives.

Methods

Thirteen resident doctors working frontline with COVID-19 cases were approached and interviewed in-depth until the point of data saturation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used as a method for analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged in the analysis: pandemic anxiety, organizational lack of readiness for change, impact on interpersonal relationships, and commitment to service. Young doctors experienced psychological distress, and emotional vulnerability due to the challenges and concerns faced by them in the wake of COVID-19. Shortage and excessive reuse of personal protective equipment, direct exposure to the disease, concern for personal safety, fear and apprehension of being a probable disease carrier for families, physical distancing from loved ones, long working hours, and increased organizational responsibility altered the quality of life for doctors working frontline toward pandemic in COVID wards. Doctors who received appreciation and support by families reported improved filial bonds.

Conclusion

The adverse effect on psychological health, personal and social life, and increased professional demands have been some of the major challenges and threats faced by young doctors working frontline toward the pandemic. However, unconditional love and support from family and community has proven to reduce pandemic anxiety among doctors. Furthermore, the sense of compassion and the satisfaction in service to community has kept doctors devoted to fight against pandemic 2020.
Epidemiology and clinical outcomes associated with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter in US Veterans’ Affairs (VA) medical centers
Authors: Fitzpatrick Margaret A. , Suda Katie J. , Poggensee Linda , Vivo Amanda , Wirth Marissa , Wilson Geneva , Evans Martin , Evans Charlesnika T.
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Although infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii are often healthcare-acquired, difficult to treat, and associated with high mortality, epidemiologic data for this organism are limited. We describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes for patients with extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study

Setting:

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs)

Participants:

Patients with XDRAB cultures (defined as nonsusceptible to at least 1 agent in all but 2 or fewer classes) at VAMCs between 2012 and 2018.

Methods:

Microbiology and clinical data was extracted from national VA datasets. We used descriptive statistics to summarize patient characteristics and outcomes and bivariate analyses to compare outcomes by culture source.

Results:

Among 11,546 patients with 15,364 A. baumannii cultures, 408 (3.5%) patients had 667 (4.3%) XDRAB cultures. Patients with XDRAB were older (mean age, 68 years; SD, 12.2) with median Charlson index 3 (interquartile range, 1–5). Respiratory specimens (n = 244, 36.6%) and urine samples (n = 187, 28%) were the most frequent sources; the greatest proportion of patients were from the South (n = 162, 39.7%). Most patients had had antibiotic exposures (n = 362, 88.7%) and hospital or long-term care admissions (n = 331, 81%) in the prior 90 days. Polymyxins, tigecycline, and minocycline demonstrated the highest susceptibility. Also, 30-day mortality (n = 96, 23.5%) and 1-year mortality (n = 199, 48.8%) were high, with significantly higher mortality in patients with blood cultures.

Conclusions:

The proportion of Acinetobacter baumannii in the VA that was XDR was low, but treatment options are extremely limited and clinical outcomes were poor. Prevention of healthcare-associated XDRAB infection should remain a priority, and novel antibiotics for XDRAB treatment are urgently needed.
Neoliberal-neoconservative feminism(s) in Turkey: politics of female bodies/subjectivities and the Justice and Development Party’s turn to authoritarianism
Authors: Yarar Betül
Published: September 2020

Studying changes in the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) politics within the general context of the long-lasting history of neoliberalism-neoconservatism in Turkey, this paper aims to provide a new perspective for analyzing the party’s recent drift to authoritarianism from the perspective of its gender politics. For many feminist scholars and activists, the recent changes in the AKP’s gender politics are a matter of an increase in the AKP’s oppression and patriarchal power. These analyses give no explicit account of why there has been an increase or if it is only a matter of an increase in the level of the oppressiveness of patriarchal power. From a perspective that questions this quantitative assumption (i.e. with an argument that the AKP’s politics has been equally oppressive for all women and from the very beginning of its rule), this paper aims to give insights into this complex process which led, first, to the emergence of neoliberal feminism as a new subjective position, and, later, to the modification of this official politics on women’s issue and the emergence of neoconservative feminism along with the AKP’s drift to authoritarianism in response to certain contradictory effects of neoliberalism and its eventual crisis.
Iodine status of consumers of milk-alternative drinks v. cows’ milk: data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Dineva M. , Rayman M. P. , Bath S. C.
Published: September 2020

Milk is the main source of iodine in the UK; however, the consumption and popularity of plant-based milk-alternative drinks are increasing. Consumers may be at risk of iodine deficiency as, unless fortified, milk alternatives have a low iodine concentration. We therefore aimed to compare the iodine intake and status of milk-alternative consumers with that of cows’ milk consumers. We used data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey from years 7 to 9 (2014–2017; before a few manufacturers fortified their milk-alternative drinks with iodine). Data from 4-d food diaries were used to identify consumers of milk-alternative drinks and cows’ milk, along with the estimation of their iodine intake (µg/d) (available for n 3976 adults and children ≥1·5 years). Iodine status was based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC, µg/l) from spot-urine samples (available for n 2845 adults and children ≥4 years). Milk-alternative drinks were consumed by 4·6 % (n 185; n 88 consumed these drinks exclusively). Iodine intake was significantly lower in exclusive consumers of milk alternatives than cows’ milk consumers (94 v. 129 µg/d; P < 0·001). Exclusive consumers of milk alternatives also had a lower median UIC than cows’ milk consumers (79 v. 132 µg/l; P < 0·001) and were classified as iodine deficient by the WHO criterion (median UIC < 100 µg/l), whereas cows’ milk consumers were iodine sufficient. These data show that consumers of unfortified milk-alternative drinks are at risk of iodine deficiency. As a greater number of people consume milk-alternative drinks, it is important that these products are fortified appropriately to provide a similar iodine content to that of cows’ milk.
Using occupancy-based camera-trap surveys to assess the Critically Endangered primateMacaca nigraacross its range in North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Johnson Caspian L. , Hilser Harry , Linkie Matthew , Rahasia Rivo , Rovero Francesco , Pusparini Wulan , Hunowu Iwan , Patandung Alfons , Andayani Noviar , Tasirin John , Nistyantara Lukita A. , Bowkett Andrew E.
Published: September 2020

Primates are one of the most threatened groups of mammals. Understanding their patterns of population occurrence and abundance, especially in response to threats, is critical for informing conservation action. The crested black macaqueMacaca nigrais the only Critically Endangered species of Sulawesi's seven endemic macaques. Little is known about its distribution or its response to deforestation and hunting. We conducted a camera-trap survey across the entire species range using an occupancy-based analytical approach to (1) establish the first range-wide baseline of occurrence, (2) investigate how environmental and anthropogenic factors influence occurrence, (3) identify priority conservation subpopulations, and (4) test the efficacy of the sampling and analytical protocol for temporal monitoring ofM. nigrausing occupancy as the state variable. From 9,753 camera-trap days,M. nigrawas detected on 473 days at 77 of the 111 camera locations. Species occupancy was 0.66 and highest inside protected areas and closed canopy forest. We identified eight distinct subpopulations, based on distribution and forest fragment size. To inform future monitoring, we used a power analysis to determine if our effort would allow us to detect inter-annual occupancy declines of 10%, and found that 90 camera locations surveyed for 3 months (8,100 camera days) across three consecutive seasons is the effort required to detect such change with 80% certainty. Our study underscores the importance of well-managed protected areas and intact forests for the long-term survival of the crested black macaque, and tests the effectiveness of camera traps to monitor primates at the landscape scale.
Clinical characteristics of imported and second-generation coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Shaanxi outside Wuhan, China: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Shi Puyu , Ren Guoxia , Yang Jun , Li Zhiqiang , Deng Shujiao , Li Miao , Wang Shasha , Xu Xiaofeng , Chen Fuping , Li Yuanjun , Li Chunyan , Yang Xiaohua , Xie Zhaofeng , Wu Zhengxia , Chen Mingwei
Published: September 2020

The mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differs between countries and regions. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics of imported and second-generation cases in Shaanxi. This study included 134 COVID-19 cases in Shaanxi outside Wuhan. Clinical data were compared between severe and non-severe cases. We further profiled the dynamic laboratory findings of some patients. In total, 34.3% of the 134 patients were severe cases, 11.2% had complications. As of 7 March 2020, 91.8% patients were discharged and one patient (0.7%) died. Age, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, direct bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase showed difference between severe and no-severe cases (allP< 0.05). Baseline lymphocyte count was higher in survived patients than in non-survivor case, and it increased as the condition improved, but declined sharply when death occurred. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) level displayed a downtrend in survivors, but rose very high in the death case. Pulmonary fibrosis was found on later chest computed tomography images in 51.5% of the pneumonia cases. Imported and second-generation cases outside Wuhan had a better prognosis than initial cases in Wuhan. Lymphocyte count and IL-6 level could be used for evaluating prognosis. Pulmonary fibrosis as the sequelae of COVID-19 should be taken into account.
MONETARY POLICY AND RESERVE REQUIREMENTS IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY
Authors: Divino Jose Angelo , Haraguchi Carlos
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates how a combination of monetary and macroprudential policies might affect the dynamics of a small open economy (SOE) with financial frictions under alternative discretionary shocks. Discretionary shocks in productivity and domestic and foreign monetary policies identify the roles of alternative interest rate and reserve requirement rules to stabilize the economy. The model is calibrated for the Brazilian economy. The exchange rate channel of transmission is relevant for foreign but not for domestic shocks. The interest rate rule should target domestic inflation and should not react to the exchange rate. The countercyclical reserve requirements rule, in its turn, should aggressively react to the credit-gap and not include a fixed component. Under both domestic and foreign shocks, the countercyclical effectiveness of the macroprudential policy improves when the degree of openness increases. There is a complementarity between monetary and macroprudential policy rules to stabilize the SOE.
Supporting maternal and child nutrition: views from community members in rural Northern Ghana
Authors: Debpuur Cornelius , Nonterah Engelbert A , Chatio Samuel T , Adoctor James K , Dambayi Edith , Beeri Paula , Nonterah Esmond W , Ayi-Bisah Doreen , Watson Daniella , Kehoe Sarah H , Dalaba Maxwell A , Ofosu Winfred , Aborigo Raymond , Welaga Paul , Oduro Abraham R , Newell Marie-Louise , Barker Mary ,   for the INPreP Study Group
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Despite efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition, undernutrition remains a major public health challenge in Ghana. The current study explored community perceptions of undernutrition and context-specific interventions that could improve maternal and child nutrition in rural Northern Ghana.

Design:

This exploratory qualitative study used ten focus group discussions to gather primary data. The discussions were recorded, transcribed and coded into themes using Nvivo 12 software to aid thematic analysis.

Setting:

The study was conducted in rural Kassena-Nankana Districts of Northern Ghana.

Study participants:

Thirty-three men and fifty-one women aged 18–50 years were randomly selected from the community.

Results:

Most participants reported poverty, lack of irrigated agricultural land and poor harvests as the main barriers to optimal nutrition. To improve maternal and child nutrition, study participants suggested that the construction of dams at the community level would facilitate all year round farming including rearing of animals. Participants perceived that the provision of agricultural materials such as high yield seedlings, pesticides and fertiliser would help boost agricultural productivity. They also recommended community-based nutrition education by trained health volunteers, focused on types of locally produced foods and appropriate ways to prepare them to help improve maternal and child nutrition.

Conclusion:

Drawing on these findings and existing literature, we argue that supporting community initiated nutrition interventions such as improved irrigation for dry season farming, provision of agricultural inputs and community education could improve maternal and child nutrition.
Diabetes mellitus: Laborbestimmungen in der Praxis
Authors: Henzen Christoph
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Laborbestimmungen werden eingesetzt zur Diagnose und Differenzierung des Diabetes mellitus, zur Verlaufskontrolle und zur Diagnose von Sekundärkomplikationen, sowie zum Nachweis von assoziierten Erkrankungen. Die Bestimmung von Antikörpern erlaubt die Diagnose eines Typ 1 Diabetes und (bei entsprechender Symptomatik) eines Polyglandulären Autoimmunsyndroms. Mittels C-Peptid und Glukose kann die Inselzellreserve ermittelt werden, und mit dem Nachweis von Genmutationen lassen sich monogenetische Diabetesformen identifizieren. Sekundäre Diabetesformen, wenn durch eine entsprechende Klinik vermutet, können laborchemisch identifiziert und allenfalls kausal behandelt werden.
Die COVID-19-Pandemie im akutstationären Setting aus Sicht von Führungspersonen und Hygienefachkräften in der Pflege
Authors: Silies Katharina , Schley Angelika , Sill Janna , Fleischer Steffen , Müller Martin , Balzer Katrin
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Die COVID-19-Pandemie ist eine Ausnahmesituation ohne Präzedenz und erforderte zahlreiche Ad-hoc-Anpassungen in den Strukturen und Prozessen der akutstationären Versorgung. Ziel: Ziel war es zu untersuchen, wie aus Sicht von Führungspersonen und Hygienefachkräften in der Pflege die stationäre Akutversorgung durch die Pandemiesituation beeinflusst wurde und welche Implikationen sich daraus für die Zukunft ergeben. Methoden: Qualitative Studie bestehend aus semistrukturierten Interviews mit fünf Verantwortlichen des leitenden Pflegemanagements und drei Hygienefachkräften in vier Krankenhäusern in Deutschland. Die Interviews wurden mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Befragten beschrieben den auf die prioritäre Versorgung von COVID-19-Fällen hin umstrukturierten Klinikalltag. Herausforderungen waren Unsicherheit und Angst bei den Mitarbeiter_innen, relative Ressourcenknappheit von Material und Personal und die schnelle Umsetzung neuer Anforderungen an die Versorgungleistung. Dem wurde durch gezielte Kommunikation und Information, massive Anstrengungen zur Sicherung der Ressourcen und koordinierte Steuerung aller Prozesse durch bereichsübergreifende, interprofessionelle Task Forces begegnet. Schlussfolgerungen: Die in der COVID-19-Pandemie vorgenommenen Anpassungen zeigen Entwicklungspotenziale für die zukünftige Routineversorgung auf, z. B. könnten neue Arbeits- und Skill Mix-Modelle aufgegriffen werden. Für die Konkretisierung praktischer Implikationen sind vertiefende Analysen der Daten mit zeitlichem Abstand erforderlich.
Der Prozess des Medikamentenselbstmanagements: Eine Modellrevision auf Basis einer qualitativen Sekundäranalyse
Authors: Mayer Hanna , Breuer Johanna , Smoliner Andrea , Mattes Melanie
Published: September 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Für einen sicheren und effektiven Umgang mit Medikamenten sind spezielle Kompetenzen erforderlich, die der Begriff des Medikamentenselbstmanagements umfasst. Damit Pflegepersonen, Mediziner_innen und Pharmazeut_innen eine gezielte Beratung durchführen können, ist es wichtig, zu wissen, wie sich das Medikamentenselbstmanagement im Alltag Betroffener gestaltet. Dieser Prozess wurde 2013 in einem ersten konzeptuellen Modell von Bailey et al. dargestellt und ist der theoretische Ausgangspunkt der Studie. Ziel: Das Ziel der Studie war, das bestehende Modell empirisch zu stützen und ein vertieftes theoretisches Verständnis für den Prozess des Medikamentenselbstmanagements zu gewinnen. Methode: Es erfolgte eine qualitative Sekundäranalyse einer halbstandardisierten schriftlichen Befragung von Personen in Österreich (n = 395), die regelmäßig Medikamente einnehmen, basierend auf der strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring. Ergebnisse: Das revidierte Modell zeigt eine neue Logik. Die Schritte „Besorgen“, „Einnehmen“, „Selbstbeobachten“ und „Reagieren“ werden nacheinander durchlaufen. War dies erfolgreich, so werden „Integrieren“ und „Aufrechterhalten“ in Gang gesetzt. „Verstehen“ ist eine Komponente, die auf alle Schritte wirkt. Der gesamte Prozess wird durch externe Faktoren beeinflusst. Schlussfolgerungen: Das Medikamentenselbstmanagement stellt sich als ein komplexer, vielschichtiger und iterativer Prozess dar. Im Rahmen von Beratung ist es wichtig, auf „Verstehen“ bei jedem Schritt zu fokussieren.
Responses of Precipitation and Runoff to Climate Warming and Implications for Future Drought Changes in China
Authors: Gu Lei , Chen Jie , Yin Jiabo , Xu Chong‐Yu , Zhou Jianzhong
Published: September 2020

The Clausius‐Clapeyron relationship holds that the atmospheric water vapor content enhances with warming temperatures, suggesting intensifications of precipitable water and also altering runoff generation. Drought conditions are determined by variations in water fluxes such as precipitation and runoff, which tightly connect with temperature scaling characteristics. However, whether and how water fluxes' scaling with temperatures may affect the evolution of droughts under climate change has not yet been systematically investigated. This study develops a cascade modeling chain consisting of the climate model ensemble, bias correction technique, and hydrological models to investigate the precipitation and runoff scaling relationships with warming temperatures under the current (1961–2005) and future periods (2011–2055 and 2056–2100), as well as their implications on future drought changes across 151 catchments in China. The results show that (1) precipitation (runoff) scaling relationships with temperatures are stable during different time periods; (2) return level analysis indicates drought risks are projected to become (1–10 times) more severe across central and southern catchments, where the precipitation (runoff) strengthens with rising temperatures up to a peak point and then decline in a hotter environment. The northeastern and western catchments, where a monotonic increasing scaling type dominated, are accompanied by drought mitigations for two future periods; (3) future changes in hydrological droughts relative to the baseline are (1–5 times) larger than those in meteorological droughts. These results imply that changes in future drought risks are highly dependent on the present precipitation (runoff)‐temperature relationships, suggesting a meaningful implication of scaling types for future drought prediction.
Critical Agents of Change at Earth’s Surface
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Herndon Elizabeth , Richter Daniel
Published: September 2020

By way of agriculture and industry, humans have major influences on the critical zone. Our past and present effects on the landscape, soil, and water will echo for a long time to come.
A multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group Phase 2b study of belotecan versus topotecan for recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: Kim Hee Seung , Park Sang-Yoon , Park Chan-Yong , Kim Young Tae , Kim Beob-Jong , Song Yong Jung , Kim Byoung-Gie , Kim Yong Beom , Cho Chi-Heum , Kim Jong-Hyeok , Song Yong Sang
Published: September 2020

Background

This Phase 2b study compared the efficacy and toxicity of belotecan and topotecan in recurrent ovarian cancer.

Methods

Patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent or platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (PRROC) were randomised 1:1 to receive belotecan 0.5 mg/m2 or topotecan 1.5 mg/m2 for five consecutive days every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

A total of 140 (belotecan, n = 71; topotecan, n = 69) and 130 patients (belotecan, n = 66; topotecan, n = 64) were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations. ORR did not differ significantly between the belotecan and topotecan groups (ITT, 29.6% versus 26.1%; PP, 30.3% versus 25%). Although PFS did not differ between the groups, belotecan was associated with improved OS compared with topotecan in the PP population (39.7 versus 26.6 months; P = 0.034). In particular, belotecan showed longer OS in PRROC and non-high-grade serous carcinoma (non-HGSC; PP, adjusted hazard ratios, 0.499 and 0.187; 95% confidence intervals 0.255–0.977 and 0.039–0.895). Furthermore, there were no differences in toxicities between the two groups.

Conclusions

Belotecan was not inferior to topotecan in terms of overall response for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Clinical trial registration

NCT01630018.
Lysosomal quality control of cell fate: a novel therapeutic target for human diseases
Authors: Zhu Sheng-yu , Yao Ren-qi , Li Yu-xuan , Zhao Peng-yue , Ren Chao , Du Xiao-hui , Yao Yong-ming
Published: September 2020

In eukaryotic cells, lysosomes are digestive centers where biological macromolecules are degraded by phagocytosis and autophagy, thereby maintaining cellular self-renewal capacity and energy supply. Lysosomes also serve as signaling hubs to monitor the intracellular levels of nutrients and energy by acting as platforms for the assembly of multiple signaling pathways, such as mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The structural integrity and functional balance of lysosomes are essential for cell function and viability. In fact, lysosomal damage not only disrupts intracellular clearance but also results in the leakage of multiple contents, which pose great threats to the cell by triggering cell death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. The collapse of lysosomal homeostasis is reportedly critical for the pathogenesis and development of various diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Lysosomal quality control (LQC), comprising lysosomal repair, lysophagy, and lysosomal regeneration, is rapidly initiated in response to lysosomal damage to maintain lysosomal structural integrity and functional homeostasis. LQC may be a novel but pivotal target for disease treatment because of its indispensable role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis and cell fate.
Broad host range of SARS-CoV-2 and the molecular basis for SARS-CoV-2 binding to cat ACE2
Authors: Wu Lili , Chen Qian , Liu Kefang , Wang Jia , Han Pengcheng , Zhang Yanfang , Hu Yu , Meng Yumin , Pan Xiaoqian , Qiao Chengpeng , Tian Siyu , Du Pei , Song Hao , Shi Weifeng , Qi Jianxun , Wang Hong-Wei , Yan Jinghua , Gao George Fu , Wang Qihui
Published: September 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the recent pandemic COVID-19, is reported to have originated from bats, with its intermediate host unknown to date. Here, we screened 26 animal counterparts of the human ACE2 (hACE2), the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, and found that the ACE2s from various species, including pets, domestic animals and multiple wild animals, could bind to SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and facilitate the transduction of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. Comparing to SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV seems to have a slightly wider range in choosing its receptor. We further resolved the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the cat ACE2 (cACE2) in complex with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD at a resolution of 3 Å, revealing similar binding mode as hACE2 to the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. These results shed light on pursuing the intermediate host of SARS-CoV-2 and highlight the necessity of monitoring susceptible hosts to prevent further outbreaks.
NT5C2 methylation regulatory interplay between DNMT1 and insulin receptor in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Yng-Tay , Lin Wei-De , Liao Wen-Ling , Tsai Ya-Ching , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: September 2020

Epigenetics alternation of non-genetic variation and genome-wide association study proven allelic variants may associate with insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. We analyzed promoter DNA methylation array to evaluate the associated with increased susceptibility to T2D (30 cases, 10 controls) and found 1,091 gene hypermethylated in promoter regions. We performed the association study of T2D and found 698 single nucleotide polymorphisms in exon and promoter sites by using 2,270 subjects (560 cases, 1,710 controls). A comparison of DNA hypermethylation and gene silencing of mouse T2D results in our T2D patients’ results showed that the 5′-nucleotidase, cytosolic II (NT5C2) and fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) genes were strongly associated with increased susceptibility to T2D. DNA hypermethylation in promoter regions reduced NT5C2 gene expression, but not FUT8 in T2D patients. NT5C2 protein expression was decreased in pancreatic β-cells from T2D mice. Transient transfection NT5C2 into RIN-m5F cells down-regulated DNA methyltransferase I (DNMT1) expression and up-regulation of the insulin receptor. Moreover, NT5C2 knockdown induced in DNMT1 overexpression and insulin receptor inhibition. Taken together, these results showed that NT5C2 epigenetically regulated insulin receptor in patients and mice with T2D, and maybe provide for T2D therapy strategy.
Longitudinal micro-computed tomography-derived biomarkers quantify non-resolving lung fibrosis in a silicosis mouse model
Authors: Dekoster Kaat , Decaesteker Tatjana , Berghen Nathalie , Van den Broucke Sofie , Jonckheere Anne-Charlotte , Wouters Jens , Krouglov Anton , Lories Rik , De Langhe Ellen , Hoet Peter , Verbeken Erik , Vanoirbeek Jeroen , Vande Velde Greetje
Published: September 2020

In spite of many compounds identified as antifibrotic in preclinical studies, pulmonary fibrosis remains a life-threatening condition for which highly effective treatment is still lacking. Towards improving the success-rate of bench-to-bedside translation, we investigated in vivo µCT-derived biomarkers to repeatedly quantify experimental silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and assessed clinically relevant readouts up to several months after silicosis induction. Mice were oropharyngeally instilled with crystalline silica or saline and longitudinally monitored with respiratory-gated-high-resolution µCT to evaluate disease onset and progress using scan-derived biomarkers. At weeks 1, 5, 9 and 15, we assessed lung function, inflammation and fibrosis in subsets of mice in a cross-sectional manner. Silica-instillation increased the non-aerated lung volume, corresponding to onset and progression of inflammatory and fibrotic processes not resolving with time. Moreover, total lung volume progressively increased with silicosis. The volume of healthy, aerated lung first dropped then increased, corresponding to an acute inflammatory response followed by recovery into lower elevated aerated lung volume. Imaging results were confirmed by a significantly decreased Tiffeneau index, increased neutrophilic inflammation, increased IL-13, MCP-1, MIP-2 and TNF-α concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, increased collagen content and fibrotic nodules. µCT-derived biomarkers enable longitudinal evaluation of early onset inflammation and non-resolving pulmonary fibrosis as well as lung volumes in a sensitive and non-invasive manner. This approach and model of non-resolving lung fibrosis provides quantitative assessment of disease progression and stabilization over weeks and months, essential towards evaluation of fibrotic disease burden and antifibrotic therapy evaluation in preclinical studies.
Short course of voriconazole therapy as a risk factor for relapse of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Yoo Seung-Jin , Jun Kang Il , Kim Hyungjin , Kang Chang Kyung , Song Kyoung-Ho , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Park Wan Beom , Bang Ji-Hwan , Kim Eu Suk , Park Sang Won , Kim Hong Bin , Kim Nam-Joong , Oh Myoung-don
Published: September 2020

To investigate associations of the duration of voriconazole treatment and radiological response with relapse of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in immunocompromised patients, we explored the risk factors for IPA relapse after successful initial treatment. All patients with proven or probable IPA who had finished voriconazole treatment between 2005 and 2019 in a tertiary-care hospital were reviewed. IPA relapse was defined as re-diagnosis of proven or probable IPA at the same site within 1 year after treatment termination. Short course of voriconazole treatment was defined as a treatment less than 9 weeks, which is a median of the recommended minimum duration of therapy from the Infectious Disease Society of America. The radiological response was defined as a reduction in IPA burden by more than 50% on chest computed tomography. Of 87 patients who had completed voriconazole treatment, 14 (16.1%) experienced IPA relapse. Multivariable Cox regression identified that short voriconazole treatment duration (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–12.3;P = 0.033) and radiological non-response (aHR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.2–17.5;P = 0.026) were independently associated with relapse of IPA after adjusting for several clinical risk factors. Longer duration of therapy should be considered for those at higher risk of relapse.