bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accommodative dynamics and attention: the influence of manipulating attentional capacity on accommodative lag and variability
Authors: Redondo Beatriz , Vera Jesús , Molina Rubén , Davies Leon N , Jiménez Raimundo
Published: May 2020

Purpose

There is evidence that attention can modulate ocular dynamics, but its effects on accommodative dynamics have yet to be fully determined. We investigated the effects of manipulating the capacity to focus on task‐relevant stimuli, using two levels of dual‐tasking (arithmetic task) and auditory feedback, on the accommodative dynamics at three different target distances (500, 40 and 20 cm).

Methods

The magnitude and variability of the accommodative response were objectively measured in 20 healthy young adults using the Grand Seiko WAM‐5500 autorefractor. In randomised order, participants fixated on a Maltese cross while 1) performing an arithmetic task with two levels of complexity (low and high mental load); 2) being provided with two levels of auditory feedback (low and high feedback); and 3) without performing any mental task or receiving feedback (control). Accommodative and pupil dynamics were monitored for 90 seconds during each of the 15 trials (5 experimental conditions x 3 target distances).

Results

The lag of accommodation was sensitive to the attentional state (p = 0.001), where a lower lag of accommodation was observed for the high feedback condition compared to the control (corrected p‐value = 0.009). The imposition of mental load while fixating on a distant target led to a greater accommodative response (corrected p‐value = 0.010), but no effects were found for the near targets. There was a main effect of the experimental manipulation on the accommodative variability (p < 0.001), with the use of auditory feedback improving the accuracy of the accommodative system.

Conclusions

Our data show that accommodative dynamics is affected by varying the capacity to focus on task‐relevant stimuli, observing an improvement in accommodative stability and response with auditory feedback. These results highlight an association between attention and ocular dynamics and provide new insight into the control of accommodation.
High‐throughput phenotyping accelerates the dissection of the dynamic genetic architecture of plant growth and yield improvement in rapeseed
Authors: Li Haitao , Feng Hui , Guo Chaocheng , Yang Shanjing , Huang Wan , Xiong Xiong , Liu Jianxiao , Chen Guoxing , Liu Qian , Xiong Lizhong , Liu Kede , Yang Wanneng
Published: May 2020

Rapeseed is the second most important oil crop species and is widely cultivated worldwide. However, overcoming the ‘phenotyping bottleneck’ has remained a significant challenge. A clear goal of high‐throughput phenotyping is to bridge the gap between genomics and phenomics. In addition, it is important to explore the dynamic genetic architecture underlying rapeseed plant growth and its contribution to final yield. In this work, a high‐throughput phenotyping facility was used to dynamically screen a rapeseed intervarietal substitution line population during two growing seasons. We developed an automatic image analysis pipeline to quantify 43 dynamic traits across multiple developmental stages, with 12 time points. The time‐resolved i‐traits could be extracted to reflect shoot growth and predict the final yield of rapeseed. Broad phenotypic variation and high heritability were observed for these i‐traits across all developmental stages. A total of 337 and 599 QTLs were identified, with 33.5% and 36.1% consistent QTLs for each trait across all 12 time points in the two growing seasons, respectively. Moreover, the QTLs responsible for yield indicators colocalized with those of final yield, potentially providing a new mechanism of yield regulation. Our results indicate that high‐throughput phenotyping can provide novel insights into the dynamic genetic architecture of rapeseed growth and final yield, which would be useful for future genetic improvements in rapeseed.
Age‐related EBV‐associated B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders and other EBV + lymphoproliferative diseases: New insights into immune escape and immunodeficiency through staining with anti‐PD‐L1 antibody clone SP142
Authors: Sakakibara Ayako , Kohno Kei , Ishikawa Eri , Suzuki Yuka , Shimada Satoko , Eladl Ahmed E. , Elsayed Ahmed A. , Daroontum Teerada , Satou Akira , Takahara Taishi , Ohashi Akiko , Takahashi Emiko , Kato Seiichi , Nakamura Shigeo , Asano Naoko
Published: May 2020

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is prevalent among healthy individuals, and is implicated in numerous reactive and neoplastic processes in the immune system. The authors originally identified a series of senile or age‐related EBV‐associated B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) bearing a resemblance to immunodeficiency‐associated ones. These LPDs may be associated with immune senescence and are now incorporated into the revised 4th edition of 2017 WHO lymphoma classification as EBV‐positive (EBV+) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS). These EBV+ B‐cells often have a Hodgkin/Reed‐Sternberg (HRS)‐like appearance and are shared beyond the diagnostic categories of mature B‐cell neoplasms, mature T‐cell neoplasms, classic Hodgkin lymphoma, and immunodeficiency‐associated LPD. In addition, peculiar new diseases, such as EBV+ mucocutaneous ulcer and EBV+ DLBCL affecting the young, were recognized. On the other hand, lymphoma classification is now evolving in accord with deeper understanding of the biology of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1). Assessing PD‐L1 positivity by staining with the anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody SP142 provides new insight by discriminating between immune evasion and senescence or immunodeficiency. The aim of the present review is to briefly summarize the diagnostic use of immunostaining with SP142 in malignant lymphomas and/or LPDs that feature tumor and nonmalignant large B‐cells harboring EBV.
Preceding stimulus sequence effects on the oddball‐P300 in young and healthy older adults
Authors: Kamp Siri‐Maria
Published: May 2020

The present study examined the mechanisms underlying stimulus sequence effects on the parietal P300 and frontal P3a elicited by infrequent targets in an oddball paradigm and compared these effects between young and older adults. Fifty young and 50 healthy older adults completed a simple visual oddball task including an infrequent (20%) target stimulus. A temporo‐spatial principal component (PCA) analysis was used to disentangle the parietal P300 and frontal P3a from overlapping ERP components. The typical age‐related anterior‐shift of the P300 was, according to the PCA, due to a disproportionately large contribution of a frontal P3a in older adults. Up to about five successive standards preceding a target, the results replicated the typical increase in parietal P300 amplitude to targets with increases in preceding standards. A novel finding was that with further increases in preceding standards, P300 amplitude to targets gradually decreased. This pattern is consistent with a combination of relatively automatic, temporary expectations and higher level, conscious expectations driving P300 sequential effects, with different dynamics over the course of successively presented standards. However, an expectancy‐based account of these sequential effects was challenged by an analogous analysis of RTs. Sequential effects on the frontal P3a differed from the parietal P300: The P3a was largest when a target followed another target and continually decreased with the number of intervening standards. Notably, sequential effects were strikingly similar for young and older adults, and implications for the functional significance of morphological changes in P300 due to aging are discussed.
Loss and damage and climate litigation: The case for greater interlinkage
Authors: Toussaint Patrick
Published: May 2020

With the negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) failing to provide adequate support to climate victims, vulnerable countries, nongovernmental organizations and affected communities are increasingly exploring legal avenues to obtain recourse for loss and damage. This article contributes to the emerging scholarship on climate litigation by exploring whether, how and with what effects such litigation interacts with the UNFCCC negotiations. For this purpose, the article contextualizes normative claims about the influence of climate court cases through practice‐embedded views of stakeholders in the loss and damage context and provides a typology of loss and damage‐related cases. Having due regard to the fact that litigation for liability and compensation of climate harms is still at an early stage, it argues that this legal avenue offers significant potential to advance the UNFCCC negotiations on loss and damage, and provides recommendations on how both spheres can be more strongly interlinked.
Can taxes raise output and reduce inequality? The case of lobbying
Authors: Prettner Klaus , Rostam‐Afschar Davud
Published: May 2020

One of the key institutional elements for reducing inequality is the tax and transfer system. However, economists and policymakers usually view high taxes as detrimental to economic growth. We isolate one important mechanism by which higher taxes reduce inequality and raise per capita gross domestic product (GDP) at the same time. This mechanism operates in the presence of unproductive lobbying. Higher taxes induce a reallocation from lobbying toward production. This raises overall output and reduces the consumption gap between those who benefit from lobbying and those who bear its negative effects.
Organic and inorganic forms of phosphorus in soils amended with sugar cane filter cake
Authors: Braos Lucas Boscov , Bettiol Aline Carla Trombeta , Di Santo Ludmilla Geraldo , Ferreira Manoel Evaristo , da Cruz Mara Cristina Pessôa
Published: May 2020

Studies of phosphorus (P) behaviour in soils receiving sugar cane filter cake are important for determining doses, its contribution to P nutrition and maximizing fertilizer efficiency, especially in soils with low P availability. This study aimed to assess organic and inorganic forms of P in soils treated with sugar cane filter cake, and the relationship between these and plant available P. Soil inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) phosphorus forms, organic carbon, pH and resin P were measured in two soils; a Typic Hapludox with clay texture and an Arenic Hapludult with loamy sand texture, subject to three fertilizer treatments (nil P control and 100 mg P dm−3 as filter cake and triple superphosphate). Inorganic P was fractionated to soluble/loosely bound, Al‐bound, Fe‐bound, occluded and Ca‐bound P forms. Organic P was fractionated into labile, fulvic, humic and residual Po forms. Plant dry matter yield and P uptake were also determined. Both fertilizers increased the Al‐ and Fe‐bound P fractions, with the increases caused by triple superphosphate 14.7 and 7.2 mg kg−1 higher than filter cake, respectively. Filter cake increased the fulvic Po by 40.9 mg kg−1, while triple superphosphate increased it by 28.5 mg kg−1, in the fine‐textured soil. Al‐, Fe‐bound and labile Po fractions in both soils had significant correlations (p <. 01) with plant absorbed P (r = .75, .84 and .54, respectively). Filter cake resulted in lower Pi fractions and availability, and it has potential to partially replace mineral P fertilizer in fine‐textured soils and, entirely, in coarse‐textured soils.
Characterization and refinement of monoclonal anti‐human globulins that lack reactivity with human IgG4
Authors: Howie Heather L. , Collins Baodan , Wang Xiaohong , Kapp Linda , Delaney Meghan , Er Lay See , Lebedev Jenna N. , Zimring James C.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Anti–red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies consisting of only the immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4 subtype are typically considered clinically insignificant. A US Food and Drug Administration–approved monoclonal anti‐human globulin (16H8) is nonreactive with IgG4, which has been considered a benefit to avoid testing interference from IgG4. However, 16H8 also does not recognize two natural IgG3 variants (IgG3‐03 and IgG3‐13). Thus, 16H8 may miss clinically significant alloantibodies in some settings.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Novel mouse anti‐human IgG hybridomas were generated and screened for reactivity with 32 human variants of anti‐KEL1 across different IgG subtypes, as well as mutants to allow epitope mapping. Anti‐IgG reactivity was determined using KEL1+ RBCs bound by each IgG variant as targets. Binding of anti‐IgG was determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

16H8 recognized an epitope involving amino acid 419, which is glutamate in IgG4, IgG3‐03, and IgG3‐13, explaining the lack of 16H8 reactivity with these subtypes/isoallotypes. A new monoclonal antibody (PUMA8) was isolated that, like 16H8, was nonreactive with IgG4 but without blind spots for known variants of IgG1, IgG2, or IgG3. PUMA8 recognized an epitope containing arginine at position 355, which is glutamine in IgG4. However, a recently described new IgG4 variant with an arginine at position 355 results in PUMA8 reactivity.

CONCLUSION

PUMA8 represents an alternative to 16H8 that avoids IgG4 but without blind spots for IgG3 variants. However, PUMA8 reacts with one recently described IgG4 variant. In addition to relevance to immunohematology, these studies highlight the importance of patient variation with regards to assay performance in an era of personalized medicine.
Stative progressives in Inner and Outer Circle varieties of English
Authors: Lenoble Christophe
Published: May 2020

The extension of the progressive to statives is a feature of both Inner and Outer Circle varieties even though a division of labour seems to be at stake in regards to the semantics involved. Indeed, the pragmatic implicatures of temporariness and hedging are characteristic of the extension in Inner Circle varieties, whereas extended duration or ongoing states is what appears to be the property of Outer Circle varieties (Van Rooy, 2014). Temporariness is, however, common to all sorts of dialects, but adversative meanings have also been found in Singapore English (Ziegeler, 2017). I propose that all types of stative progressives in Present‐Day English are the result of a reanalysis all the way back to the general imperfectivity characterising Old and Middle English progressive constructions (Ziegeler, 2017). The gradualness of the extension will be seen to be universal and independent of community size and complexification to be a feature shared by all varieties.
The State of American Manufacturing 2020
Authors: Brown Alan S.
Published: May 2020

The second half of 2019 was not good for manufacturing. Demand dropped, hiring sputtered, and tariffs forced producers to reconfigure supply chains on the fly. Going into 2020, the picture suddenly brightened. Demand, orders, and hiring rose. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. This article looks at some of the implications of the pandemic on the economy and how it might affect manufacturing.
Factors influencing junior doctor workplace engagement in research: An Australian study
Authors: Phang Dana T Y , Rogers Gary D , Hashem Fahid , Sharma Siddharth , Noble Christy
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Engaging junior doctors in research can contribute to improved health outcomes, but there is a lack of guidance on how best to support junior doctor research engagement through their workplace experiences. This study aims to identify factors influencing Australian junior doctors’ workplace engagement in research and inform recommendations for building research capacity. Methods: This qualitative interview study, using convenience sampling, explored junior doctors’ perceptions and experiences of research engagement. Seventeen junior doctors working at an Australian teaching hospital were interviewed. Data were analysed using the framework method, informed by workplace learning theory. Results: Junior doctors found it challenging to engage in research activities and attributed this to the lack of a practice-based curriculum to sequence their learning. They described an absence of workplace affordances for research engagement, including time, research-active clinician mentors and accessible projects. Whilst career progression was one motivator for research engagement, a key motivator was engaging in research contributing to patient care. Conclusions: The findings suggested that absence of practice-based curriculum, mentor guidance and engagement in meaningful research activities hampered research engagement. These findings may inform junior doctor research development programs in acute healthcare organisations.
Development of professional identity and professional socialisation in allied health students: A scoping review
Authors: Snell Robynne , Fyfe Susan , Fyfe Georgina , Blackwood Diana , Itsiopoulos Catherine
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Reports on the development of professional identity and socialisation in the healthcare professions are mainly from medicine and nursing, although the body of work from other health professions is increasing. This scoping review investigates what is known about the development of professional identity by students from nine allied health professions and what they experience when developing a professional identity. Methods: Reviewers independently searched five databases: CINAHL Plus, Informit, Ovid Medline, Proquest and Scopus, using either terms from text mining six key articles known to the authors or from the keywords: allied health occupation, student, professional identity, professional socialisation, professionalisation and professional role. Results: Ninety-six articles met inclusion criteria from 3 662 records. Over half the articles were published after 2010 and reported studies using qualitative methods with small numbers of participants. Study participants were mainly from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Australia, and their professions were social work, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. There was no consensus for terminology of professional identity, and related terms were used interchangeably. Theoretical frameworks varied, with situated learning theory and application of standards or frameworks to meet accreditation or professional organisation requirements being most common. Students reported that early introduction to their profession was beneficial to developing a professional identity.Conclusions: While interest in the development of professional identity has increased, findings indicate that further research, including longitudinal studies, would deepen our understanding of the process of socialisation at different stages and similarities between the professions. This is needed for curriculum development, graduate employability strategies and in order to best prepare students for their future practice.
Curriculum mapping for health professions education: a typology
Authors: Watson Eilean Genevieve S. , Steketee Carole , Mansfield Kylie , Moore Maxine , Dalziel Bronwen , Damodaran Arvin , Walker Ben , Duvivier Robbert J. , Hu Wendy
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Across higher education, curriculum mapping has attracted great interest, partly driven by the need to map graduate competencies to learning and assessment for quality assurance and accreditation. Other drivers have included the need to: a) provide tools for curriculum design and renewal, b) improve communication amongst teachers and curriculum developers and c) support learning by informing students about the scope and sequence of their programs. Those embarking on curriculum mapping have sought clarification about what elements of the curriculum should be mapped, how to develop their own map or whether they should adopt externally available products. During our combined experience of mapping six different medical programs over the course of 15 years, we have frequently sought answers to these questions. However, due to the many and varying types of curriculum maps and curriculum-mapping processes that are described in the literature, answers have not been readily forthcoming. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the higher education—including health professions—literature to develop a four-dimensional typology for curriculum maps, which details features related to their purpose, product, process and display. The typology was validated by testing the parameters against six curriculum maps from medical schools around Australia.Results: Using a synthesis of 265 higher education publications, we created a structured framework and common language around the four dimensions of curriculum mapping. Discussion: The typology can be used by health professions educators to make key decisions about the many curriculum map options available.
Three-dimensional dislocations in a uniform linear array's isotropic sensors—Direction finding's hybrid Cramér-Rao bound
Authors: Morris Zakayo Ndiku , Wong Kainam Thomas , Wu Yue Ivan
Published: May 2020

The linear array's one-dimensional spatial geometry is simple but suffices for univariate direction finding, i.e., is adequate for the estimation of an incident source's direction-of-arrival relative to the linear array axis. However, this nominal one-dimensional ideality could be often physically compromised in the real world, as the constituent sensors may dislocate three-dimensionally from their nominal positions. For example, a towed array is subject to ocean-surface waves and to oceanic currents [Tichavsky and Wong (2004). IEEE Trans. Sign. Process. 52(1), 36–47]. This paper analyzes how a nominally linear array's one-dimensional direction-finding accuracy would be degraded by the three-dimensional random dislocation of the constituent sensors. This analysis derives the hybrid Cramér-Rao bound (HCRB) of the arrival-angle estimate in a closed form expressed in terms of the sensors' dislocation statistics. Surprisingly, the sensors' dislocation could improve and not necessarily degrade the HCRB, depending on the dislocation variances but also on the incident source's arrival angle and the signal-to-noise power ratio.
A crew of listeners with no more than “slight” hearing loss who exhibit binaural deficits also exhibit higher levels of stimulus-independent internal noise
Authors: Bernstein Leslie R. , Trahiotis Constantine
Published: May 2020

Listeners having, at most, “slight” hearing loss may exhibit deficits in binaural detection which appear to stem from increased levels of stimulus-dependent, additive internal noise [Bernstein and Trahiotis, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 140, 3540–3548 (2016); J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 292–307 (2018)]. This study reports that a small crew of such listeners also exhibits increased levels of low-level, stimulus-independent, additive internal noise. Detection thresholds were measured in: (1) the NoSπ configuration as a function of masker level; (2) the NρSπ configuration as a function of masker interaural correlation (ρ); (3) “the quiet” for So and Sπ tonal signals. Those measures were combined suitably to yield estimates of stimulus-independent, additive internal noise, separately, at center frequencies of 250, 500, and 4000 Hz. Derived levels of internal noise were found to be elevated, by about 5 dB at 250 and 500 Hz, and by about 9 dB at 4 kHz, for the group of listeners having no more than slight hearing loss and who exhibited deficits in binaural detection. The new findings, taken together with earlier investigations by the authors (which included data obtained from dozens of listeners), provide evidence that such listeners have greater levels of both stimulus-dependent and stimulus-independent, additive internal noise.
Surface Electromyography of the Internal and External Oblique Muscles During Isometric Tasks Targeting the Lateral Trunk
Authors: Kinney Allison L. , Giel Matthew , Harre Brady , Heffner Kyle , McCullough Timothy , Savino Maria , Scott Alexi , Barrios Joaquin A.
Published: May 2020

Context: Tasks that activate the lateral trunk muscles are clinically relevant in athletic and rehabilitation programs. However, no electromyography studies have compared tasks aimed at lateral trunk muscle activation. Objective: To compare the activation magnitudes of the internal and external obliques between 4 tasks targeting recruitment of the lateral trunk muscles, including the proposal of a novel assessment. Design: Comparative laboratory study. Setting: University-based biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Sixty-three participants (35 females, age = 23.6 [2.0] y, height = 1.72 [0.10] m, mass = 70.7 [14.4] kg, body mass index = 23.6 [2.86] kg/m2). Intervention(s): Surface electromyography data were recorded bilaterally from the internal and external obliques while the participants performed 2 maximum voluntary contraction tasks followed by 4 isometric tasks. The isometric tasks included feet-elevated side-supported, trunk-elevated side-unsupported, lateral plank, and side-lying hip abduction. Main Outcome Measures: Maximum voluntary contraction-normalized and integrated muscle activities were calculated for targeted and nontargeted muscles in each task. A side-by-task analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was conducted. Results: The trunk-elevated side-unsupported task strongly activated the internal (199% maximum voluntary contraction) and external (103%) oblique muscles. The feet-elevated side-supported task strongly activated the internal obliques (205%) but not the external obliques (55%). The lateral plank task successfully activated the internal (107%) and external (72%) obliques, but not at the highest levels of the tested tasks. The side-lying hip abduction task was the least effective at activating either the internal (48%) or external (20%) obliques. Conclusions: We recommend the novel trunk-elevated side-unsupported task for assessing lateral trunk muscle performance. For independent exercise, we recommend the lateral plank task, unless arm or shoulder pathologies are present, whereby the feet-elevated side-supported task may be favorable.
The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Directional Dynamic Stabilization
Authors: Rhodes David , Leather Mark , Birdsall Daniel , Alexander Jill
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Significant loss of playing time and the impact of treatment costs due to lower limb injury in football demonstrates a need for improved protocols for injury risk reduction. The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of a proprioceptive training program on the lower limb dynamic stability of elite footballers. Methods: A total of 16 elite premier league footballers were randomly allocated by matched pair design to a 8-week proprioception training group (group A, n = 8) or nontraining group (group B, n = 8), to determine the effect of this training over a 16-week period. Group A completed 8 weeks of bilateral proprioceptive training, 5 times per week for 10 minutes. The Biodex Stability System measures of overall stability index, anterior–posterior (A–P), and medial–lateral stability (M–L) at levels 8-6-4-1 were taken for both groups at baseline, 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Main effects of time, level of stability, and direction of stability were determined, with comparisons of effect made between the 2 groups. Results: The training group displayed significant differences for multidirectional stability at week 8 (P ≤ .05). The A–P stability within the training group displayed significant differences between baseline measures and 16 weeks (P > .05), with significant increases in scores displayed for M–L and A–P stability between weeks 8 and 16 (P ≤ .05), representing a detraining effect. No significant differences were detected at any time point for the nontraining group (P > .05). Conclusions: Proprioceptive training over 8 weeks has a positive effect on all directions of stability. Greater declines in A–P stability were evident at 16 weeks when compared with M–L and overall stability index. Consideration must be given to the increased stability scores presented pretesting for A–P when compared with M–L. Findings of this work present implications for training design.
Proprioceptive Training on Dynamic Neuromuscular Control in Fencers: A Clinical Trial
Authors: de Vasconcelos Gabriela Souza , Cini Anelize , Lima Cláudia Silveira
Published: May 2020

Context: Fencing is a sport of agility, with a higher incidence of lower-limb injuries, of which the ankle sprain is the most prevalent. Injury prevention is very important to improve performance and decrease the withdrawal time of athletes. Proprioceptive training programs can be added to the training of athletes, since, in addition to easy application and low cost, proprioception has the function of stabilizing the ankle joint to prevent injuries. Objective: To verify the influence of a 12-week proprioceptive training program on dynamic neuromuscular control in fencing athletes. Design: The study was a clinical trial, and the athletes were allocated, for convenience, in the intervention group or in the control group. Setting: The study was developed in 4 stages (preintervention, intervention, postintervention, and follow-up of 3). The neuromuscular control during the star excursion balance test was evaluated. Participants: The participants were 19 fencing athletes (intervention group: 10, and control group: 9), aged 14–35 years, from a multisport club. Interventions: The athletes performed the proprioceptive training during 12 weeks, 3 times a week, with a duration of 30 minutes. Main Outcome Measures: Dynamic neuromuscular control. Results: The data and SE were considered for statistical analysis, submitted to the generalized estimates equations test with Bonferroni post hoc. The level of significance was .05. The distance reached in the star excursion balance test increased significantly in all 8 directions evaluated in the 2 legs of the intervention group. Conclusions: The proprioceptive training program was able to improve dynamic neuromuscular control in fencing athletes.
Distribution of Linezolid in Tuberculosis Lesions in Patients with Spinal Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Li Yuan , Dong Weijie , Lan Tinglong , Fan Jun , Qin Shibing , Guo Ai
Published: May 2020

Linezolid has strong antimicrobial activity against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Little is known about the distribution of linezolid in tuberculosis (TB) lesions in patients with MDR-TB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of linezolid in TB lesions in patients with spinal MDR-TB. Nine patients with spinal MDR-TB were enrolled prospectively from August 2019 to February 2020. The patients received a linezolid-containing anti-TB treatment regimen and needed surgery for the removal of TB lesions.
A CRISPR/Anti-CRISPR Genome Editing Approach Underlines the Synergy of Butanol Dehydrogenases in Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 792
Authors: Wasels François , Chartier Gwladys , Hocq Rémi , Lopes Ferreira Nicolas
Published: May 2020

An efficient CRISPR-Cas9 editing tool based on a previous two-plasmid system was developed for
Clostridium acetobutylicum
and used to investigate the contribution of chromosomal butanol dehydrogenase genes during solventogenesis. Thanks to the control of
cas9
expression by inducible promoters and of Cas9-guide RNA (gRNA) complex activity by an anti-CRISPR protein, this genetic tool allows relatively fast, precise, markerless, and iterative modifications in the genome of this bacterium and potentially of other bacterial species. As an example, scarless mutants in which up to three genes coding for alcohol dehydrogenases are inactivated were then constructed and characterized through fermentation assays. The results obtained show that in
C. acetobutylicum
, other enzymes than the well-known AdhE1 are crucial for the synthesis of alcohol and, more globally, to perform efficient solventogenesis.
Supplemental Material: Provenance changes across the mid-Cretaceous unconformity in basins of northeastern China: Evidence for an integrated paleolake system and tectonic transformation
Authors: Li Shuang-Qing
Published: May 2020

U-Pb isotopic data of detrital zircons and whole-rock Sm-Nd isotopic compositions of the Quantou, Denglouku and Taoqihe formations in the Songliao basin, NE China.
Factors affecting the diagnostic performance of circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer measurement in glaucoma
Authors: Wong Damon , Chua Jacqueline , Baskaran Mani , Tan Bingyao , Yao Xinwen , Chan Samuel , Tham Yih Chung , Chong Rachel , Aung Tin , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc , Vithana Eranga N , Cheng Ching Yu , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: May 2020

Background/aims

To identify factors that influence the diagnostic performance of circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measurements in the detection of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

1592 eyes from 1076 healthy controls and 758 eyes from 502 patients with POAG underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to assess RNFL parameters. Visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) from standard automated perimetry was used to indicate severity in subjects with glaucoma.

Results

RNFL thickness significantly decreased with age (ρ=−0.10 to −0.16, p<0.001) and increased with spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error (ρ=0.23–0.29, p<0.001) in healthy and glaucoma groups but showed a significant reduction with SE (ρ=−0.20, p<0.001) in the temporal RNFL of healthy subjects. RNFL measurements significantly decreased with VF MD (ρ=0.08–0.53, p<0.05) in subjects with POAG. When healthy subjects and subjects with glaucoma were matched to subgroups within a factor, significant differences in area under the curve (AUC) between subgroups were only found with SE AUCs increased significantly with disease severity, particularly in the global, inferior and superior measurements (p<0.001). Overall, the diagnostic performance of the inferior and global RNFL measurements were found to be more resilient to different factors.

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy in glaucoma was influenced by SE but could be mitigated by using controls with similar refractive characteristics. Increasing disease severity led to significantly better diagnostic accuracy. These factors should be considered when using OCT for glaucoma diagnosis in practice.
Decreased arterial distensibility and postmeal hyperinsulinemia in young Japanese women with family history of diabetes
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Wu Bin , Honda Mari , Tsuboi Ayaka , Kitaoka Kaori , Minato Satomi , Kurata Miki , Kazumi Tsutomu , Fukuo Keisuke
Published: May 2020

Introduction

To assess vascular function and characterize insulin secretion using a physiological approach in Japanese women with family history of type 2 diabetes (FHD).

Research design and methods

Standardized mixed-meal tests were performed with multiple postprandial glucose, insulin and free fatty acids (FFA) measurements over a 30–120 min period in 31 Japanese women aged 21–24 years. Arterial distensibility was assessed as well.

Results

Fasting glucose, triglyceride and insulin averaged <90 mg/dL, <60 mg/dL and <5 μU/mL, respectively, and did not differ cross-sectionally between 10 with (FHD+) and 21 without FHD (FHD–). FHD+ showed higher insulin responses not only during the first 30 min (p=0.005) but also during the second hour (60–120 min, p<0,05) in spite of identical postprandial suppression of FFA and identical fasting and postprandial glucose and FFA concentrations, except for higher 60 min FFA in FHD+. Further, FHD+ had decreased arterial distensibility (p=0.003). On multivariate regression analysis, arterial distensibility emerged as the only significant independent predictor of FHD+. Endurance training in FHD+ did not alter decreased arterial distensibility whereas it abolished postprandial hyperinsulinemia.

Conclusions

FHD was associated with decreased arterial distensibility and postprandial hyperinsulinemia despite nearly identical postprandial glycemia and postprandial FFA suppression, suggesting that impaired vascular insulin sensitivity may precede glucose and lipid dysmetabolism in normal weight Japanese women aged 22 years.
Effect of an intensive patient educational programme on the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy: a single-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Janahiraman Sivakami , Tay Chan Yen , Lee Jie Min , Lim Wen Ling , Khiew Chun Hoe , Ishak Irina , Onn Zakry Yahya , Ibrahim Mohd Razali , Chew Chun Keat
Published: May 2020

Objective

Preprocedural bowel preparation is necessary for optimal colonoscopy visualisation. However, it is challenging to achieve high-quality bowel preparation among patients scheduled for colonoscopy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an intensive patient educational programme on the quality of bowel preparation.

Design

An accessor-blinded randomised controlled trial was carried out at the outpatient surgical clinic of a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group (received standard written and verbal instructions) or the experimental group (received an intensive and structured educational programme). All subjects completed a questionnaire before colonoscopy to assess their compliance, acceptability, and tolerability towards bowel preparation regime. Quality of bowel preparation was determined using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS).

Results

A total of 300 subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited. The experimental group had a significantly higher proportion of good quality bowel preparation than the control group (98.7% vs 52.3%, p<0.001). The median total BBPS score was also significantly higher in the experimental group (8 vs 5, p<0.001). Factors associated with good quality of bowel preparation included educational programme (OR: 22.79, 95% CI: 4.23 to 122.85, p<0.001), compliance to bowel cleansing agent (OR: 24.98, 95% CI 3.12 to 199.71, p<0.001), very difficult acceptability of preparation (OR: 0.11, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.38, p<0.001), tolerability towards bowel preparation (OR: 4.98, 95% CI 1.44 to 17.20, p<0.011) and hypomotility drugs (OR: 3.03, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.91, p<0.05).

Conclusion

An intensive patient educational programme can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy.
Country adherence to WHO recommendations to improve the quality of HIV diagnosis: a global policy review
Authors: Fonner Virginia A , Sands Anita , Figueroa Carmen , Baggaley Rachel , Quinn Caitlin , Jamil Muhammad S , Johnson Cheryl
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Ensuring a correct and timely HIV diagnosis is critical. WHO publishes guidelines on HIV testing strategies that maximise the likelihood of correctly determining one’s HIV status. A review of national HIV testing policies in 2014 found low adherence to WHO guidelines. We updated this review to determine adherence to current recommendations.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive policy review through April 2018. We extracted data on HIV testing strategies, recommendations on HIV retesting prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-related HIV testing information. Descriptive analyses disaggregated by region were conducted to ascertain adherence to recommendations and to describe testing strategy characteristics.

Results

Of 91 policies included, 26% (n=24/91) adhered to WHO recommendations. Having a two-assay testing strategy to rule-in HIV infection as opposed to the recommended three-assay testing strategy was a major reason for non-adherence. Of 72 country policies providing sufficient information, 31% (n=22) recommended retesting for HIV prior to initiating ART. Of 25 countries and two regions reporting PrEP-related HIV testing guidelines, almost all recommended testing prior to initiating PrEP and every 3 months during PrEP use.

Conclusions

Global adherence to WHO recommendations for HIV testing strategies have improved since 2014 but remain low. We found adherence existed on a continuum. Such a system provides insights into how countries can move towards adherence by making relatively minor changes to testing strategies. Guidance from WHO on the role of new HIV testing technologies within testing algorithms and identifying ways to simplify testing guidance is warranted.
Orthokeratology with increased compression factor (OKIC): study design and preliminary results
Authors: Wan Kin , Lau Jason Ki-kit , Cheung Sin Wan , Cho Pauline
Published: May 2020

Objective

To present the study design and the baseline data of a prospective cohort study investigating the safety, refractive correction and effectiveness of myopia control in subjects fitted with orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses of different compression factors.

Methods and analysis

This study is a 2-year longitudinal, double-masked, partially randomised study. Myopic children aged between 6 and 10 years are recruited and they may choose to participate in either the ortho-k or spectacle-wearing group. Subjects in the ortho-k group are randomly assigned to wear ortho-k lenses of either conventional compression factor (CCF, 0.75 D) or increased compression factor (ICF, 1.75 D). For the ortho-k subjects, the time and between-group effects within the first month of lens wear were analysed.

Results

Sixty-nine ortho-k subjects (CCF: 34; ICF: 35) and 30 control subjects were recruited. There were no significant differences in baseline demographic data among the three groups of subjects (p>0.19). At the 1-month visit, the first fit success rates were 97% and 100% in the CCF and ICF ortho-k group, respectively. A higher percentage of ICF subjects could achieve full correction (CCF: 88.2%; ICF: 94.3%). The change in axial length was significantly higher in the ICF group (CCF, 0.003 mm; ICF, −0.031 mm) (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences in daytime vision or in the coverage and depth of corneal staining between the two ortho-k groups (p>0.05) were observed at any visit.

Conclusion

ICF did not compromise the corneal integrity and the lens centration within the first month of lens wear. The preliminary performance of ortho-k lenses with ICF of 1.00D shows that it was safe to be used in the longer term for the investigation of myopia control.

Trial registration number

NCT02643342.
Advanced late-onset retinitis pigmentosa with dominant-acting D477G RPE65 mutation is responsive to oral synthetic retinoid therapy
Authors: Kenna Paul F , Humphries Marian M , Kiang Anna-Sophia , Brabet Philippe , Guillou Laurent , Ozaki Ema , Campbell Matthew , Farrar G Jane , Koenekoop Robert , Humphries Pete
Published: May 2020

Objectives

No therapeutic interventions are currently available for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). An RPE65 Asp477Gly transition associates with late-onset adRP, reduced RPE65 enzymatic activity being one feature associated with this dominant variant. Our objective: to assess whether in a proof-of-concept study, oral synthetic 9cis-retinyl acetate therapy improves vision in such advanced disease.

Methods and analysis

A phase 1b proof-of-concept clinical trial was conducted involving five patients with advanced disease, aged 41–68 years. Goldmann visual fields (GVF) and visual acuities (VA) were assessed for 6–12 months after 7-day treatment, patients receiving consecutive oral doses (40 mg/m2) of 9-cis-retinyl acetate, a synthetic retinoid replacement.

Results

Pathological effects of D477G variant were preliminarily assessed by electroretinography in mice expressing AAV-delivered D477G RPE65, by MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)−5-(3-carboxyme- thoxyphenyl)−2-(4-sulfophenyl)−2H-tetrazolium] assays on RPE viability and enzyme activity in cultured cells. In addition to a mild dominant effect reflected in reduced electroretinographics in mice, and reduced cellular functionin vitro, D477G exhibited reduced enzymatic RPE65 activityin vitro. In patients, significant improvements were observed in GVF from baseline ranging from 70% to 200% in three of five subjects aged 67–68 years, with largest improvements at 7–10 months. Of two GVF non-responders, one had significant visual acuity improvement (5–15 letters) from baseline after 6 months.

Conclusion

Families with D477G variant have been identified in Ireland, the UK, France, the USA and Canada. Effects of single 7-day oral retinoid supplementation lasted at least 6 months, possibly giving visual benefit throughout remaining life in patients with advanced disease, where gene therapy is unlikely to prove beneficial.
A cohort study of the service-users of online contraception
Authors: Rezel-Potts Emma , Palmer Melissa J , Free Caroline , Baraitser Paula
Published: May 2020

Background

In January 2017, the first free service providing oral contraceptive
pills (OCPs) ordered online and posted home became available in the
London boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark – ethnically and
socioeconomically diverse areas with high rates of unplanned pregnancy.
There are concerns that online services can increase health
inequalities; therefore, we aimed to describe service-users according to
age, ethnicity and Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile of area
of residence and to examine the association of these with repeated
use.

Methods

We analysed routinely collected data from January 2017 to April 2018
and described service-users using available sociodemographic factors and
information on patterns of use. Logistic regression analysis examined
factors associated with repeat ordering of OCPs.

Results

The service was accessed by 726 individuals; most aged between 20
and 29 years (72.5%); self-identified as being of white ethnic group
(58.8%); and residents of the first and second most deprived IMD
quintiles (79.2%). Compared with those of white ethnic group, those of
black ethnic group were significantly less likely to make repeat orders
(adjusted OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.89; p=0.001), as were those of Asian
and mixed ethnic groups.

Conclusions

These are the first empirical findings on free, online contraception
and suggest that early adopters broadly reflect the population of the
local area in terms of ethnic diversity and deprivation as measured by
IMD. Ongoing service development should prioritise the identification
and removal of barriers which may inhibit repeat use for black and
minority ethnic groups.
Improving estimation of the association between alcohol use and intimate partner violence in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Greene M Claire , Heise Lori , Musci Rashelle J , Wirtz Andrea L , Johnson Renee , Leoutsakos Jeannie-Marie , Wainberg Milton L , Tol Wietse A
Published: May 2020

Background

Alcohol use is a consistent correlate of intimate partner violence (IPV) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the magnitude of this association differs across studies, which may be due to contextual and methodological factors. This study aims to estimate and explore sources of heterogeneity in the association between alcohol use and IPV in 28 LMICs (n=109 700 couples).

Methods

In nationally representative surveys, partnered women reported on IPV victimisation and male partner’s alcohol use. We estimated the relationship between alcohol use and IPV using logistic regression and full propensity score matching to account for confounding. Country-specific ORs were combined using a random-effects model. Country-level indicators of health and development were regressed on ORs to examine sources of variability in these estimates.

Results

Partner alcohol use was associated with a 2.55-fold increase in the odds of past-year IPV victimisation (95% CI 2.27 to 2.86) with substantial variability between regions (I2=70.0%). Countries with a low (<50%) prevalence of past-year alcohol use among men displayed larger associations between alcohol use and IPV. Exploratory analyses revealed that colonisation history, religion, female literacy levels and substance use treatment availability may explain some of the remaining heterogeneity observed in the strength of the association between alcohol use and IPV across countries.

Conclusion

Partner alcohol use is associated with increased odds of IPV victimisation in LMICs, but to varying degrees across countries. Prevalences of male alcohol use and cultural factors were related to heterogeneity in these estimates between countries.