bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of short‐term pseudopregnancy in gilts by the administration of estradiol benzoate or estradiol dipropionate to achieve ovulatory synchronization for embryo collection
Authors: Hirayama Yuri , Misumi Koji , Yoshioka Koji , Noguchi Michiko , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: February 2021

A study was conducted to investigate whether ovulation in gilts could be synchronized for embryo collection by the administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) or estradiol dipropionate (EDP) to induce pseudopregnancy, followed by the treatment with prostaglandin F2α(PGF2α) on 10 days after. Ten gilts each received a total of 20 mg of EB or EDP on Day 10 or EB on Day 10 and 14 to induce pseudopregnancy (Day 0 = onset of estrus). Donors received PGF2α10 or 15 days (as a control) after the first administration of estrogens and subsequently eCG and hCG, and were then inseminated artificially. The embryos were collected 7 days after the administration of hCG, and assessed for embryo yield and their developmental stages. All protocols resulted in good embryo yield (9.8–13.2 embryos in average), and the embryos showed average ability to develop to the expanded blastocyst stage (3.29–4.03 as developmental scores) without any significant differences among the protocols. These results suggest that the administration of PGF2α10 days after the treatment of gilts with EB or EDP would allow synchronization of ovulation and embryo collection, as well as shortening the period from estrus detection to embryo collection, thus improving embryo collection efficiency.
Effect of a genetic polymorphism in SREBP1 on fatty acid composition and related gene expression in subcutaneous fat tissue of beef cattle breeds
Authors: Gamarra David , Aldai Noelia , Arakawa Aisaku , de Pancorbo Marian M. , Taniguchi Masaaki
Published: February 2021

Sterol regulatory element‐binding factor 1 (SREBP1) plays an important role in the lipogenesis which affects fatty acid (FA) composition in backfat and consequently influences beef nutritional quality. This study analyzed the association of 84 bp‐indel, both short (S) and long (L) alleles in intron 5 of SREBP1, with FA composition and gene expression of SREBP1 in backfat of northern Spanish beef breeds (Pirenaica, Salers and Holstein‐Friesian). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that 84 bp‐indel of ruminants is a highly conserved region compared with those in the full‐length sequence of intron 5 or mRNA of SREBP1 among species. Overall, higher content of polyunsaturated FAs was observed in SL genotype compared to LL genotype of 84 bp‐Indel (p < .05). In particular, in Pirenaica, SL genotype was associated with a higher content of stearic (18:0), α‐linolenic (18:3n‐3) acid, and total n‐3 content (p < .05). However, the gene expression of SREBP1 did not differ among genotypes of 84 bp‐Indel (p > .05).
When institutions reinforce regional divides: Comparing Christian and Muslim colonial education policies in the Philippines
Authors: S. Mendoza Mary Anne
Published: February 2021

Contrasting colonial experiences shaped regional cleavages in the Philippines. Spain converted natives to Christianity but struggled with converting the Muslim population. Spain only succeeded in driving them further south. American colonialism also perpetuated this regional divide: Christians were under civilian rule while Muslims were under military rule. These administrative regional divides happened concurrently, but a cohesive Christian identity developed much sooner than a Muslim identity in the south. Why do some regional identities develop sooner than others? I argue that variation in the onset of identity formation is the result of contrasting colonial education policies that fell along regional lines. Christians experienced a penetrative education policy, which cultivated a shared experience and facilitated the development of a national identity. Muslims experienced a shallow education policy, which did not have a unifying objective. These factors maintained fragmentation, rather than fostering a cohesive Muslim national identity.
Therapeutic effect of kaempferol on atopic dermatitis by attenuation of T cell activity via interaction with multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Su , Jeong Gil‐Saeng
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid widely investigated in various fields due to its antioxidant, anti‐cancer, and anti‐inflammatory activities, but few studies have shown its inhibitory effect on T cell activation. This study examined the therapeutic potential of kaempferol in atopic dermatitis by modulating T cell activation.

Experimental Approach

Effects of kaempferol on T cell activation and the underlying mechanisms were investigated in Jurkat cells and mouse CD4+ T cells. A model of atopic dermatitis in mice was used to determine its therapeutic potential on T cell‐mediated conditions in vivo. Western blots, RT‐PCR, pulldown assays and ELISA were used, along with histological analysis of skin.

Key Results

Pretreatment with kaempferol reduced CD69 expression and production of inflammatory cytokines including IL‐2 from activated Jurkat cells and murine CD4+ T cells without cytotoxicity. Pulldown assays revealed that kaempferol physically binds to MRP‐1 in T cells, inhibiting the action of MRP‐1. In activated T cells, kaempferol suppressed JNK phosphorylation and the TAK1‐IKKα mediated NF‐κB pathway. Oral administration of kaempferol to mice showed improved manifestation of atopic dermatitis, a T cell‐mediated condition. Western blot results showed that, as in the in vitro studies, decreased phosphorylation of JNK was associated with down‐regulated MRP‐1 activity in vivo, in the kaempferol‐treated mice in the atopic dermatitis model.

Conclusion and Implications

Kaempferol regulates T cell activation by inhibiting MRP‐1 activity in activated T cells, thus showing protective effects against T cell mediated disease in vivo.
Diagnostic imaging in near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy using a commercially available camera for indocyanine green
Authors: Inagaki Fuyuki F. , Fujimura Daiki , Furusawa Aki , Okada Ryuhei , Wakiyama Hiroaki , Kato Takuya , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: February 2021

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a new type of cancer treatment, which was recently approved in Japan for patients with inoperable head and neck cancer. NIR‐PIT utilizes antibody‐IRDye700DX (IR700) conjugates and NIR light at a wavelength of 690 nm. NIR light exposure leads to physicochemical changes in the antibody‐IR700 conjugate cell receptor complex, inducing rapid necrotic cell death. Just as fluorescence guided surgery is useful for surgeons to resect tumors completely, real‐time information of tumor locations would help clinicians irradiate NIR light more precisely. IR700 is a fluorescence dye that emits at 702 nm; however, there is no clinically available device optimized for detecting this fluorescence. On the other hand, many indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging devices have been approved for clinical use. Therefore, we investigated whether LIGHTVISION, one of the clinically available ICG cameras, could be employed for tumor detection. We hypothesized that irradiation with even low‐power 690‐nm laser light, attenuated by 99% with a neutral‐density filter, could be detected with LIGHTVISION without fluorescence decay or therapeutic effect because of the long emission tail of IR700 beyond 800 nm (within the detection range of LIGHTVISION). We demonstrated that the LIGHTVISION camera, originally designed for ICG detection, can detect the tail of IR700 fluorescence in real time, thus enabling the visualization of target tumors.
Skincare interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy: A cochrane systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Kelleher Maeve M. , Cro Suzie , Van Vogt Eleanor , Cornelius Victoria , Lodrup Carlsen Karin C. , Ove Skjerven Håvard , Rehbinder Eva Maria , Lowe Adrian , Dissanayake Eishika , Shimojo Naoki , Yonezawa Kaori , Ohya Yukihiro , Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Morita Kumiko , Cork Michael , Cooke Alison , Simpson Eric L. , McClanahan Danielle , Weidinger Stephan , Schmitt Jochen , Axon Emma , Tran Lien , Surber Christian , Askie Lisa M. , Duley Lelia , Chalmers Joanne R. , Williams Hywel C. , Boyle Robert J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Eczema and food allergy start in infancy and have shared genetic risk factors that affect skin barrier. We aimed to evaluate whether skincare interventions can prevent eczema or food allergy.

Design

A prospectively planned individual participant data meta‐analysis was carried out within a Cochrane systematic review to determine whether skincare interventions in term infants prevent eczema or food allergy.

Data sources

Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and trial registries to July 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selected studies

Included studies were randomized controlled trials of infants <1 year with healthy skin comparing a skin intervention with a control, for prevention of eczema and food allergy outcomes between 1 and 3 years.

Results

Of the 33 identified trials, 17 trials (5823 participants) had relevant outcome data and 10 (5154 participants) contributed to IPD meta‐analysis. Three of seven trials contributing to primary eczema analysis were at low risk of bias, and the single trial contributing to primary food allergy analysis was at high risk of bias. Interventions were mainly emollients, applied for the first 3–12 months. Skincare interventions probably do not change risk of eczema by age 1–3 years (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.81, 1.31; I2=41%; moderate certainty; 3075 participants, 7 trials). Sensitivity analysis found heterogeneity was explained by increased eczema in a trial of daily bathing as part of the intervention. It is unclear whether skincare interventions increase risk of food allergy by age 1–3 years (RR 2.53, 95% CI 0.99 to 6.47; very low certainty; 996 participants, 1 trial), but they probably increase risk of local skin infections (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02, 1.77; I2=0%; moderate certainty; 2728 participants, 6 trials).

Conclusion

Regular emollients during infancy probably do not prevent eczema and probably increase local skin infections.
Conservation status assessment of banana crop wild relatives using species distribution modelling
Authors: Mertens Arne , Swennen Rony , Rønsted Nina , Vandelook Filip , Panis Bart , Sachter‐Smith Gabriel , Vu Dang Toan , Janssens Steven B.
Published: February 2021

Aim

Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an essential source of genetic material for the improvement of certain traits in related crop species. Despite their importance, increasing public, scientific and political support, large gaps exist in the amount of genetic material collected and conserved of many CWR. Here, we construct a dataset on the distribution of wild banana species (Musa spp.) and assess their risk and conservation status. We deal with the following questions: (a) What areas are potentially suitable for wild banana species? (b) How much of the wild banana diversity is currently at risk or insufficiently conserved ex and in situ?

Location

Native distribution area of wild banana species, ranging from the north‐eastern states of India to north‐eastern Australia.

Methods

We assessed the potential environmental range of wild species using a species distribution modelling approach with MaxEnt. Extinction risk was evaluated following IUCN criterion B, and the ex and in situ conservation status was assessed using an indicator for biodiversity and sustainable development targets.

Results

We found that 11 out of 59 assessed species can be considered as vulnerable and nine as endangered. Highest species richness was found along the border of south China and northern Vietnam, in the north‐eastern states of India and on the Malayan peninsula. Our distribution modelling approach indicates that the northern Indo‐Burmese region has the highest environmental suitability for most wild banana species and that lowland rain forests in general are highly suitable for bananas. Assessment of in and ex situ conservation status indicates that 56 out of 59 assessed species are currently insufficiently conserved ex situ and that 49 are of high priority for further conservation. Additional in situ conservation is of high priority for six species and of medium priority for 40 species.

Main conclusions

To date, little of the banana CWR are sufficiently conserved both in and ex situ.
Spatial patterns of genus‐level phylogenetic endemism in the tree flora of Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Cheikh Albassatneh Marwan , Escudero Marcial , Monnet Anne‐Christine , Arroyo Juan , Bacchetta Gianluigi , Bagnoli Francesca , Dimopoulos Panayotis , Hampe Arndt , Leriche Agathe , Médail Frédéric , Nikolic Toni , Ponger Loïc , Vendramin Giovanni Giuseppe , Fady Bruno
Published: February 2021

Aim

The Mediterranean Basin is a major hotspot of plant biodiversity, including forest trees. Over the past centuries, Mediterranean forests have been fragmented and over‐exploited, to which the threats of climate change are now added. Our aim is to better understand patterns and processes of tree biodiversity in the Mediterranean and to provide indicators complementing the traditional approaches to biodiversity conservation based on species counts and occurrences, using georeferenced phylogenetic diversity and endemism analyses in a spatial ecological context.

Location

Mediterranean Europe.

Methods

Using a dated phylogeny of the 64 Euro‐Mediterranean tree genera, we calculated phylogenetic diversity for all 50 × 50 km2 grid cells spanning Mediterranean Europe (n = 643) and compared values with those obtained for genus‐level taxonomic diversity. Then, we tested the relative influence of geography, past and present climate, and soil on tree diversity (phylogenetic or taxonomic) and its geographical turnover. Geographical patterns of phylogenetic endemism were inferred using the Categorical Analyses of Neo‐ and Paleo‐Endemism (CANAPE) methodology.

Results

We showed that phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity within and among cells are correlated and influenced by soil parameters as well as current, Holocene and Late Glacial Maximum climate. Southern Spain, Cyprus and some Aegean islands contained areas of disproportionately high phylogenetic diversity and a concentration of phylogenetic paleo‐endemics, while phylogenetic neo‐endemism was high in eastern Sicily. Mixed phylogenetic endemism regions were detected in southern Spain and Portugal, in the Balkans and in Crete.

Main conclusions

Our phylogenetic approach provides relevant indicators for better protecting forests of the Mediterranean, encompassing past and present evolutionary processes and factors. We consider areas that show a concentration of evolutionary history manifested by high phylogenetic endemism as high priority targets for the conservation of the European tree flora.
Stigma and coping experiences in Latinx individuals at clinical high‐risk for psychosis
Authors: Ruiz Bernalyn , Ceccolini Christopher J. , Shah Binoy B. , Crump Francesca , Girgis Ragy R. , Brucato Gary , Yang Lawrence H. , Corcoran Cheryl M.
Published: February 2021

Aim

The experiences of culturally diverse individuals at clinical high‐risk for psychosis (CHR) is not well studied. Exploratory research needs to examine whether differences exist between racial/ethnic groups within the CHR population. Understanding experiences of Latinx patients is of importance, as the Latinx population represents the most rapidly growing paediatric population in the United States and they face significant barriers to mental health treatment. Because Latinx persons experience high rates of mental illness‐based stigma and discrimination in their communities, they may face additional stigma‐based barriers to CHR treatment.

Method

Twenty‐six participants (15 Latinx, 11 non‐Latinx white/NLW) who met CHR criteria based on the Structured Interview for Psychosis‐Risk Syndromes (SIPS) were interviewed regarding stigma associated with CHR identification and symptoms. Using a consensus‐based open‐coding thematic analysis approach, data were analysed for stigma, discrimination, and coping responses.

Results

Instances of internalization of stereotypes appeared to be more salient to NLW participants than Latinx participants, and Latinx participants reported seemingly more anticipated rejection from stereotypes than NLW participants. Experiences of discrimination also appeared to be more salient to Latinx participants than NLW participants. Moreover, Latinx participants reported evidently greater instances of discrimination across anticipated, individual, and structural discrimination. Finally, while covering strategies appeared to be more salient to NLW's, Latinx clients more often described using secrecy as well as a greater range of coping responses, including empowerment.

Conclusion

While the experience of anticipated rejection appeared to be more salient to Latinx CHR participants and they seemingly report more secrecy than NLW, they also engaged in empowerment‐related coping strategies. Future research should continue to explore the roles of cultural values in influencing coping strategies among CHR individuals.
NCME Presidential Address 2020: Valuing Educational Measurement
Authors: Sireci Stephen G.
Published: February 2021

The community of educational measurement researchers and practitioners has made many positive contributions to education, but has also become complacent and lost the public trust. In this article, reasons for the lack of public trust in educational testing are described, and core values for educational measurement are proposed. Reasons for distrust of educational measurement include hypocritical practices that conflict with our professional standards, a biased and selected presentation of the history of testing, and inattention to social problems associated with educational measurement. The five core values proposed to help educational measurement serve education are: (a) everyone is capable of learning; (b) there are no differences in the capacity to learn across groups defined by race, ethnicity, or sex; (c) all educational tests are fallible to some degree; (d) educational tests can provide valuable information to improve student learning and certify competence; and (e) all uses of educational test scores must be sufficiently justified by validity evidence. The importance of these core values for improving the science and practice of educational measurement to benefit society is discussed.
Earnouts: The real value of disagreement in mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Battauz Anna , Gatti Stefano , Prencipe Annalisa , Viarengo Luca
Published: February 2021

Earnout agreements link part of the payment for an acquired company to its future performance. Despite their option‐like features, they cannot be valued using vanilla option‐pricing methods. Two peculiar sources of risk affect these contracts: Bidder default before the earnout expiration (default risk) and potential litigation associated with earnouts (litigation risk). We developed an option‐pricing model that encompasses these sources of risk, showing that counterparty and litigation risk can have a remarkable impact on earnout values. Our model's relevance is further enhanced by recent accounting standards that require contingent payments to be valued at fair value.
Quasi‐static compression and compression–compression fatigue behavior of regular and irregular cellular biomaterials
Authors: Raghavendra Sunil , Molinari Alberto , Cao Anni , Gao Chao , Berto Filippo , Zappini Gianluca , Benedetti Matteo
Published: February 2021

The main aim of the current study is to evaluate the compressive quasi‐static and fatigue properties of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) cellular materials, with different topologies, manufactured via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. The topologies herein considered are lattice‐based regular and irregular configurations of cubic, star, and cross‐shaped unit cell along with trabecular‐based topology. The results have indicated that the effective stiffness of all configurations are in the range of 0.3–20 GPa, which is desirable for implant applications. The morphological irregularities in the structures induce bending‐dominated behavior affecting more the topologies with vertical struts. The S–N curves normalized with respect to the yield stress indicate that the behavior of star regular structures is between purely stretching‐dominated cubic and purely bending‐dominated cross‐based structures. Trabecular structures have shown desirable quasi‐static and fatigue properties despite the random distribution of struts.
The potential impact of a shifting Pacific sardine distribution on U.S. West Coast landings
Authors: Smith James A. , Muhling Barbara , Sweeney Jonathan , Tommasi Desiree , Pozo Buil Mercedes , Fiechter Jerome , Jacox Michael G.
Published: February 2021

Many fish species are shifting spatial distributions in response to climate change, but projecting these shifts and measuring their impact at fine scales are challenging. We present a simulation that projects change in fishery landings due to spatial distribution shifts, by combining regional ocean and biogeochemical models (forced by three earth system models, ESMs: GFDL‐ESM2M, HadGEM2‐ES, IPSL‐CM5A‐MR), correlative models for species distribution and port‐level landings, and a simulation framework which provides realistic values for species abundance and fishery conditions using an historical “reference period”. We demonstrate this approach for the northern subpopulation of Pacific sardine, an iconic commercial species for the U.S. West Coast. We found a northward shift in sardine landings (based on the northern subpopulation's habitat suitability), with projected declines at southern ports (20%–50% decline by 2080) and an increase (up to 50%) or no change at northern ports, and this was consistent across the three ESMs. Total sardine landings were more uncertain, with HadGEM2 indicating a 20% decline from 2000 to 15 levels by 2070 (a rate of 170 mt/y), IPSL a 10% increase (115 mt/y), and GFDL an 15% increase by the year ~2050 followed by a sharp decrease. The ESMs also differed in their projected change to the timing of the fishing season and frequency of fishery closures. Our simulation also identified key constraints on future landings that can be targeted by more tactical assessment; these included the seasonality of quota allocation and the abundance of other species in the catch portfolio.
Outcomes for studies assessing the efficacy of hemostatic therapies in persons with congenital bleeding disorders
Authors: Aquino Camila C. , Borg Debono Victoria , Germini Federico , Pete Drashti , Kempton Christine L. , Young Guy , Sidonio Robert , Croteau Stacy E. , Dunn Amy L. , Key Nigel S. , Iorio Alfonso
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Management strategies and hemostatic treatments to achieve control of bleeding are relevant across many disease areas. Identification of primary outcomes for studies assessing hemostatic intervention was the objective of a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsored multidisciplinary initiative. The aim of this report is to summarize the evidence reviewed, and the outcomes identified by the subgroup tasked to assess outcomes for inherited bleeding disorders.

Methods

The subgroup decided to focus on haemophilia, the prototypal congenital bleeding disorder and the one with the largest available body of evidence. MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO, The Cochrane Review, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for systematic and narrative reviews on outcomes used in haemophilia clinical trials. Three different clinical goals were identified as typical objectives of future research.

Results

Out of 1322 unique citations, 24 reviews published in the period 2002–2019 were included. We identified 113 outcome measures, categorized in 6 domains: health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), comorbidities and mortality, overall physical functioning and participation, bleeding and hemostasis, joint health, and costs and resource use. Three different clinical goals were identified as typical objectives of future research: Episodic ‘on demand’ replacement therapy, prevention of bleeding (Prophylaxis), and long‐term and overall impact of bleeding. For each of these scenarios, specific outcomes were recommended.

Conclusions

Primary outcomes for clinical trials assessing the efficacy of hemostatic treatment in achieving control, prevention and limiting long‐term consequences of bleeding in inherited bleeding disorders are suggested, and their strength and limitations discussed.
How different health literacy dimensions influences health and well‐being among men and women: The mediating role of health behaviours
Authors: Zhang Fan , Or Peggy P. L. , Chung Joanne W. Y.
Published: February 2021

Background

Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, evaluate and apply health information, was found to contribute to positive health outcomes, possibly via promoting healthy behaviours. However, the specific pathways linking different health literacy skills to health and well‐being have remained unclear.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey with structural questionnaires was administered among 2236 adults in Hong Kong (mean age = 46.10 ± 19.05). Health literacy was measured by HLS‐Asian‐47. Participants' physical conditions and subjective well‐being were predicted by health literacy and health behaviours with structural modelling path analysis.

Results

Health literacy in finding and understanding information showed a direct effect on enhancing physical health, while applying information capacity had an indirect positive effect via promoting health behaviours, which was moderated by sex. Only among women, this indirect effect predicting fewer physical symptoms and better well‐being was significant.

Conclusions

Different health literacy dimensions showed distinct direct and indirect pathways in influencing health for men and women. Based on the findings, skill trainings should be developed to enhance both gender's abilities of finding and understanding health information, while the ability of applying health information should also be improved for modifying lifestyle and promoting health, particularly for women.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two thousand and two hundred thirty‐six adults from different districts of Hong Kong participated in the study, and responded to questions on health literacy, behaviours and health status.
Identifying adolescents with hoarding disorder
Authors: Carnevale Teresa
Published: February 2021

Hoarding disorder is a relatively new diagnosis in the DSM‐5, only just included in the most recent edition. The disorder has piqued the interest of many in the community, in part because of the hit TV show called “Hoarders.” Although there is interest, there continues to be relatively few research studies into the causes, treatment, and management of this disorder specifically in adolescences. Yet, in the research that has been published, it often sites the disorder first appearing in adolescents. This paper will discuss the following elements of adolescent hoarding disorder: The potential etiology and risk factors noted in the literature, the DSM‐5 criteria for the diagnosis of hoarding disorder, and the characteristic signs and symptoms found in the adolescent presentation, as well as treatment. Finally, it will also include recommendations for healthcare professionals for early screening and treatment.
Blood pressure variability and target organ damage regression in hypertension
Authors: Cuspidi Cesare , Carugo Stefano , Tadic Marijana
Published: February 2021

The study by Triantafyllidi et al. supports the view that regression of subclinical cardiac damage requires an effective 24‐hour blood pressure (BP) control along with a reduction in BP variability and suggests that the assessment of BPV and its modifications during the course of therapy may be an useful approach in predicting the beneficial effects of treatment on cardiac structure. However, some aspects and limitations of this study require caution in drawing firm conclusions. So, further investigation is needed to determine if reduction of BPV is actually associated with a regression in cardiac and extracardiac organ damage to identify which which classes of antihypertensive drugs are most effective in reducing BPV, and to elucidate whether those treatments provide additional clinical benefit, independent of the conventional BP targets.
A Matter of Public Importance? The ‘Europe Open for Business’ Campaign, British Public Opinion and the Single Market
Authors: Smedley Stuart
Published: February 2021

This article offers a historical assessment of the ‘Europe Open for Business’ campaign, launched in 1988 by Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government and related to the programme to complete the single market. The campaign, which greatly increased business awareness of the 1992 programme, was a unique propaganda exercise that emphasized the importance that the Conservatives attached to the single market. However, the campaign was undermined by Thatcher's September 1988 Bruges speech. Using contemporary public opinion data related to the single market, the article also argues that it was limited by the decision to target solely a business, rather than a public, audience. Through its assessment of the Europe Open for Business campaign, the article thus contributes to four areas of inquiry: British government propaganda over European integration; Conservative Party European policy; the growing literature on the Bruges speech; and broader debates on the role of publics in the European integration process.
Prevalence and risk factors of functional constipation in the Rome IV criteria during a medical check‐up in Japan
Authors: Otani Koji , Watanabe Toshio , Takahashi Kanae , Nadatani Yuji , Fukunaga Shusei , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Kamata Noriko , Taira Koichi , Nagami Yasuaki , Kimura Tatsuo , Fukumoto Shinya , Kawada Norifumi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Functional constipation (FC) is one of the functional bowel disorders with symptoms of constipation in the Rome IV criteria. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology of FC in a large‐scale survey of individuals undergoing a medical check‐up in Japan.

Methods

A total of 13 729 subjects who underwent a medical check‐up at MedCity21 between April 2018 and March 2019 were given a questionnaire that inquired about bowel habits. Among them, 10 658 subjects participated in this study, and FC was diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria.

Results

The number of subjects who fulfilled diagnostic criteria of FC was 220, and the prevalence of FC was 2.1%. Compared with subjects with non‐FC, those with FC were more complaining of abdominal bloating and distension, feeling stressed, getting annoyed, lack of motivation, fatigue upon waking, and feeling depressed. The risk of FC was significantly lower among subjects who drank alcohol more than 5 days a week, exercised for more than 30 min at least twice a week for more than 1 year, and were getting enough rest by sleeping, whereas it was significantly higher among women and subjects who were eating faster than other people.

Conclusions

The prevalence of FC in Japanese subjects during a medical check‐up was relatively low compared with that in Western countries. Subjects with FC had troublesome symptoms, and it might be suggested that female sex, lack of regular exercise with moderate activity, insufficient rest by sleeping, and eating faster were a risk of FC.
Epidemiology and risk of psychiatric disorders among patients with celiac disease: A population‐based national study
Authors: Alkhayyat Motasem , Qapaja Thabet , Aggarwal Manik , Almomani Ashraf , Abureesh Mohammad , Al‐otoom Omaymah , Zmaili Mohammad , Mansoor Emad , Abou Saleh Mohannad
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic disorder resulting from an immune reaction to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although several studies have linked CD to psychiatric diseases, there are limited data on this topic. Using a large database, we sought to describe the epidemiology of several psychiatric disorders in CD.

Methods

We queried a multicenter database (Explorys Inc), an aggregate of electronic health record data from 26 major integrated healthcare systems from 2016 to 2020 consisting of 360 hospitals in the USA. A cohort of patients with a Systematized Nomenclature Of Medicine – Clinical Terms diagnosis of CD was identified. Multivariate analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.

Results

Of the 37 465 810 patients in the database between 2016 and 2020, there were 112 340 (0.30%) individuals with CD. When compared with patients with no history of CD, patients with CD were more likely to have a history of anxiety (odds ratio [OR]: 1.385; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.364–1.407), depression (OR: 1.918; 95% CI: 1.888–1.947), bipolar (OR: 1.321; 95% CI: 1.289–1.354), attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (OR: 1.753; 95% CI: 1.714–1.792), eating disorder (OR: 15.84; 95% CI: 15.533–16.154), and childhood autistic disorder (OR: 4.858; 95% CI: 3.626–6.508). Patients with CD and psychiatric conditions were more likely to be smokers, with history of alcohol and substance abuse as well as a history of personality disorder.

Conclusions

In this large database, patients with CD are at increased risk of having multiple psychiatric diseases including anxiety, depression, bipolar, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, and childhood autism. Individual care and referral to psychiatry when appropriate are warranted while taking care of this group of patients.
Characteristics of patients with overlap functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Bouchoucha Michel , Deutsch David , Uong Panha , Mary Florence , Sabate Jean‐Marc , Benamouzig Robert
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are frequently overlapped. The present study was designed to (i) search the clinical differences between patients with single FGID and overlap FGIDs and (ii) define the most common FGIDs associations to identify homogenous subgroups of patients.

Methods

A total of 3555 outpatients with FGID filled out the Rome III adult diagnostic questionnaire, Bristol stool form, and four 10‐point Likert scales to report the severity of constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. An unsupervised algorithm was used to estimate the number of groups directly from the data. A classification tree separated patients into different subgroups, according to FGIDs. Multinomial logistic regression was used to characterize the groups of patients with overlap disorders.

Results

Patients reported 3.3 ± 1.9 FGIDs (range 1–10, median = 3); 736 reported only one FGID, while 2819 reported more than one FGID (3.8 ± 1.7). Patients with single FGID had higher body mass index (P < 0.001), never report irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and rarely report fecal incontinence and anorectal pain (< 1% for each disorder). The non‐supervised clustering of the 2819 patients with overlap FGIDs divided this population into 23 groups, including five groups associated with only one disorder (IBS‐diarrhea, dysphagia, functional constipation, levator ani syndrome, and IBS‐unspecified). Ten groups were related to two overlap disorders and eight groups to three or more disorders. Three disorders were not explicitly associated with a given group: IBS‐mixed, proctalgia fugax, and nonspecific anorectal pain.

Conclusion

Patients with FGID mostly report overlap disorders in a limited number of associations, each significantly associated with a few disorders.
Quantifying longevity and circularity of copper for different resource efficiency policies at the material and product levels
Authors: Klose Stefanie , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: February 2021

Resource efficiency strategies are emerging on policy agendas worldwide. Commonly, resource efficiency policies aim at decreasing losses at the waste management stage and, thus, diverge from public interest in more comprehensive resource efficiency measures that include a focus the earlier material life cycle stages. Just in recent years, improvements in the lifetimes of products and increased repair and reuse ability have become policy objectives in some countries. However, the effectiveness of policy measures is usually not assessed, even though it is crucial to support informed policy‐making and efficiently decrease the environmental impact of resource use. In this paper, we provide such an assessment for the copper cycle, the third most consumed metal with sharply increasing demand. Under current practices, in Western Europe and North America, 50% and 44% of the losses by 2050 occur at end‐of‐life collection, and only 2% of losses take place at the recovery stage; in Middle East and Africa for 19% and 54%, respectively. By 2050, most copper would be lost in China with a proportion of 58%. We evaluate the resource efficiency by quantifying the two key parameters, circularity and longevity, that is, how often and how long the material is in use in the anthroposphere. Our results show that the current global longevity of high‐grade copper is 47 ± 2.5 years, and a copper atom is used in 2.1 ± 0.1 applications on average. Ambitious political measures across the life cycle can increase longevity by 85% and circularity by 45%.
The Cyclical Behavior of the Price‐Cost Markup
Authors: NEKARDA CHRISTOPHER J. , RAMEY VALERIE A.
Published: February 2021

A countercyclical markup of price over marginal cost is a key transmission mechanism for demand shocks in New Keynesian (NK) models. This paper reexamines the foundation of those models by studying the cyclicality of the price‐cost markup in the private economy. We find that how the markup is measured matters for its unconditional cyclicality. Measures of the markup based on the inverse of the labor share are moderately procyclical, but are moderately countercyclical for some generalizations of the production function. NK models predict that the cyclicality of the markup should vary depending on the nature of the shock. Consistent with the NK model, we find that the markup is procyclical conditional on total factor productivity shocks and countercyclical conditional on investment‐specific technology shocks. In contrast, we find that the markup increases in response to a positive demand shock. Thus, the transmission mechanism for the effects of demand shocks in sticky‐price NK models is not consistent with the data.
Bone remodeling in the longest living rodent, the naked mole‐rat: Interelement variation and the effects of reproduction
Authors: Montoya‐Sanhueza Germán , Bennett Nigel C. , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Dengler‐Crish Christine M. , Chinsamy Anusuya
Published: February 2021

The pattern of bone remodeling of one of the most peculiar mammals in the world, the naked mole‐rat (NMR), was assessed. NMRs are known for their long lifespans among rodents and for having low metabolic rates. We assessed long‐term in vivo bone labeling of subordinate individuals, as well as the patterns of bone resorption and bone remodeling in a large sample including reproductive and non‐reproductive individuals (n = 70). Over 268 undecalcified thin cross‐sections from the midshaft of humerus, ulna, femur and tibia were analyzed with confocal fluorescence and polarized light microscopy. Fluorochrome analysis revealed low osteogenesis, scarce bone resorption and infrequent formation of secondary osteons (Haversian systems) (i.e., slow bone turnover), thus most likely reflecting the low metabolic rates of this species. Secondary osteons occurred regardless of reproductive status. However, considerable differences in the degree of bone remodeling were found between breeders and non‐breeders. Pre‐reproductive stages (subordinates) exhibited quite stable skeletal homeostasis and bone structure, although the attainment of sexual maturity and beginning of reproductive cycles in female breeders triggered a series of anabolic and catabolic processes that up‐regulate bone turnover, most likely associated with the increased metabolic rates of reproduction. Furthermore, bone remodeling was more frequently found in stylopodial elements compared to zeugopodial elements. Despite the limited bone remodeling observed in NMRs, the variation in the pattern of skeletal homeostasis (interelement variation) reported here represents an important aspect to understand the skeletal dynamics of a small mammal with low metabolic rates. Given the relevance of the remodeling process among mammals, this study also permitted the comparison of such process with the well‐documented histomorphology of extinct therapsids (i.e., mammalian precursors), thus evidencing that bone remodeling and its endocortical compartmentalization represent ancestral features among the lineage that gave rise to mammals. It is concluded that other factors associated with development (and not uniquely related to biomechanical loading) can also have an important role in the development of bone remodeling.
The clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer in non‐oncological contexts: A scoping review
Authors: Sousa Helena , Oliveira Jaime , Figueiredo Daniela , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: February 2021

Aims

To assess the clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer (DT) in non‐cancer populations.

Methods

The search was performed between the 6th and the 18th of April 2020, on the following databases: Web of Science (all databases included), Scopus and Science Direct. One last update was performed on 5 June 2020. The findings were reported using the PRISMA‐ScR.

Results

Fifty‐three studies were included. Overall results indicated that this tool has been used in several contexts and populations (clinical and non‐clinical). The DT is highly accessible, suitable and relevant for health professionals and/or researchers who aim to use it as a distress screening tool, particularly in patients with chronic physical conditions. Assumptions about its practicality and acceptability in non‐oncology care should be made with caution since few studies have explored the psychometric qualities of this instrument, the completers' perceptions about completing the DT and the perceptions of health professionals who administer the tool.

Conclusions

This lack of information undermines conclusions about the overall clinical utility of the DT as a screening tool for distress in individuals who do not have cancer.

Implications for practice

Future research should aim to fill this gap and investigate the psychometric qualities of the DT through validation studies and, thus, increase the rigour of its application and clinical utility in non‐oncological contexts.
Virtual reality teaching in chemotherapy administration: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chan Hsiang‐Ying , Chang Han‐Chao , Huang Tsai‐Wei
Published: February 2021

Aims and objectives

This study examined the effect of virtual reality (VR)‐based documents (VRdocs) on knowledge and attitude towards chemotherapy administration in nursing students.

Background

Chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer patients are a complicated and dangerous process. However, despite the high toxicity of the chemotherapeutic drugs, the compulsory or internship courses in nursing schools do not include training in operational chemotherapeutics and its associated safety measures.

Design

A randomised controlled trial based on the CONSORT 2010 guidelines (registry number: NCT03707210).

Method

A total of 77 students were randomised to an experimental (VRdocs, n = 38) or a control group (n = 39). Pre‐ and posttest data were collected. After the pretest, the control group received the education documents, whereas, the experimental group used VR software consisting of an application about chemotherapy administration. Finally, the effectiveness of the intervention was self‐evaluated using questionnaires after 7 days.

Results

The posttest scores for knowledge (F = 6.412, p = .013) and attitude in the experimental group were significantly different from those in the control group (F = 8.469, p = .005). Compared with the control group, a significant number of students in the experimental group indicated their higher recommendation score for the VRdocs (p = .0001).

Conclusion

Schools must provide a variety of handouts and teaching methods to educate nursing students about high‐risk nursing techniques. Methods using VR can address the shortcomings of the traditional documents, and the use of both methods simultaneously can produce better learning results.

Relevance to clinical practice

Virtual reality based documents were provided to the participants to understand the preparation, implementation, and safety of chemotherapy. VRdocs allow students to re‐learn high‐risk care techniques without the influence of time and space and may prove useful for other nursing courses.
Alzheimer’s disease in primary care: new tools for improved and simplified diagnostics
Authors: Zetterberg Henrik , Stomrud Erik
Published: February 2021

Click here to view the Review by Liss et al.
Nurses’ Experiences of Care at Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams: A case study research
Authors: Giménez‐Díez David , Maldonado‐Alía Rubén , Torrent‐Solà Lídia , Granel Nina , Bernabeu‐Tamayo Maria Dolors
Published: February 2021

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

There are many international studies on CRHTTs; however, there has been little research on nurses’ experiences of working with CRHTTs.

Earlier studies focused on the nurses' gatekeeping role but did not explore nurses' perception of care as a construct.

What does the paper add to existing knowledge?

This study provides information based on mental health nurses’ experiences. It explains the home environment, the therapeutic relationship and the process of mental health nursing care during a crisis. Also, the study explains nurses’ satisfaction with care provided at patients' home.

Unlike other studies, this study focused on nurses' experiences while providing care, rather than on nurses' general responsibilities and the services they provide. This study is the first of its kind in Spain with such a focus.

What are the implications for practice?

Acknowledging nurses' experiences and their perspectives about the care they provide could help shift mental health nursing paradigms from those based on biomedical models to newer perspectives found in recovery models. Furthermore, this knowledge could improve the quality of care in mental health settings due to its potential to guide nursing practices.

Raising mental health care providers’ awareness of mental health nurses' personal and professional care constructs would help implement support systems to meet the professional's needs. Meeting the needs of nurses related to the care they provide is likely to impact patient care positively.

Introduction

Crisis resolution home treatment teams (CRHTTs) provide short‐term, intensive home treatment to people experiencing mental health crises. There is limited research on nurses’ experiences with CRHTTs. While earlier studies mainly focussed on mental health nurses’ gatekeeping responsibilities, more investigation is needed in this field.

Aim

To explore nurses' perceptions and constructions about care in CRHTT services.

Method

A qualitative case study was employed. Ten semi‐structured interviews were performed to nursing staff working in CRHTT services.

Results

Three main categories emerged from the data analysis: nurses’ perspectives of the care provided, nursing setting of care at home and nursing care plan at home.

Discussions

Findings revealed that nurses experienced greater satisfaction providing care in the home settings, and therefore, it positively impacted the quality of care and reduced patient's stigma. This study also relates the value of developing care plans centred on patients’ environments increasing Mental Health Nursing (MHN) work satisfaction.

Implications for practice

Knowledge of the intrinsic experiences of care provided by nurses in CRHTTs may help facilitate the development of the nursing role in CRHTT by improving understanding of care in mental health settings.