bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic value of Superb Microvascular Imaging in identifying benign tumors of parotid gland
Authors: Zhao Lihui , Mao Yiran , Mu Jie , Zhao Jing , Li Fangxuan , Zhang Sheng , Xin Xiaojie
Published: September 2020

Background

We compared the ultrasound features, superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and micro vessel density (MVD) of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), Warthin’s tumor (WT) and basal cell adenoma (BCA) to explore the clinic value of SMI in differential diagnosis of benign tumors of parotid gland.

Methods

The vascular distributions and grade by color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and SMI, as well as vascular index (VI) of 249 parotid gland masses from 217 patients were analyzed.

Results

The internal echogenicity of BCA are more homogeneous in comparing with WT and PA(P < 0.05). By SMI, the vascular distribution and vascular grade in PA were mainly peripheral (33.1%) and avascular (25.7%), Grade 1 (27.8%) and Grade 0 (25.7%). WT were mainly central (31.3%) and mixed distribution (34.9%), in Grade 3 (37.3%) and Grade 2 (36.2%). BCA was mainly peripheral (33.3%) and mixed distribution (33.3%), in Grade 2 (33.3%) and Grade 3 (33.3%). The overall detection rate of SMI for vascular Grade 2 and 3 was significantly higher than that of CDFI (P < 0.05). Both VI and MVD were lowest in PA, highest in WT (P < 0.001). The VI by SMI was correlated with MVD (P < 0.001). The correlation index between vascular distribution and grade by SMI and MVD were significantly higher than CDFI.

Conclusion

SMI can provide low-velocity blood flow information, which is helpful for the differential diagnosis of common benign tumors of parotid gland, and is expected to be more widely used.
Cognitive remediation following electroconvulsive therapy in patients with treatment resistant depression: randomized controlled trial of an intervention for relapse prevention – study protocol
Authors: Van de Velde Nele , Kappen Mitchel , Koster Ernst H. W. , Hoorelbeke Kristof , Tandt Hannelore , Verslype Pieter , Baeken Chris , De Raedt Rudi , Lemmens Gilbert , Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne
Published: September 2020

Background

Major depressive episode (MDE) is worldwide one of the most prevalent and disabling mental health conditions. In cases of persistent non-response to treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment strategy with high response rates. Unfortunately, longitudinal data show low sustained response rates with 6-month relapse rates as high as 50% using existing relapse prevention strategies. Cognitive side effects of ECT, even though transient, might trigger mechanisms that increase relapse in patients who initially responded to ECT. Among these side effects, reduced cognitive control is an important neurobiological driven vulnerability factor for depression. As such, cognitive control training (CCT) holds promise as a non-pharmacological strategy to improve long-term effects of ECT (i.e., increase remission, and reduce depression relapse).

Method/design

Eighty-eight patients aged between 18 and 70 years with MDE who start CCT will be included in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). Following (partial) response to ECT treatment (at least a 25% reduction of clinical symptoms), patients will be randomly assigned to a computer based CCT or active placebo control. A first aim of this RCT is to assess the effects of CCT compared to an active placebo condition on depression symptomatology, cognitive complaints, and quality of life. Secondly, we will monitor patients every 2 weeks for a period of 6 months following CCT/active placebo, allowing the detection of potential relapse of depression. Thirdly, we will assess patient evaluation of the addition of cognitive remediation to ECT using qualitative interview methods (satisfaction, acceptability and appropriateness). Finally, in order to further advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying effects of CCT, exploratory analyses will be conducted using video footage collected during the CCT/active control phase of the study.

Discussion

Cognitive remediation will be performed following response to ECT, and an extensive follow-up period will be employed. Positive findings would not only benefit patients by decreasing relapse, but also by increasing acceptability of ECT, reducing the burden of cognitive side-effects.

Trial registration

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. Study ID: NCT04383509

Trial registration date: 12.05.2020.
Households experiencing catastrophic costs due to tuberculosis in Uganda: magnitude and cost drivers
Authors: Muttamba Winters , Tumwebaze Racheal , Mugenyi Levicatus , Batte Charles , Sekibira Rogers , Nkolo Abel , Katamba Achilles , Kasasa Simon , Majwala Robert Kaos , Turyahabwe Stavia , Mugabe Frank , Mugagga Kaggwa , Lochoro Peter , Dejene Seyoum , Birabwa Estella , Marra Claudio , Baena Ines Garcia , Kirenga Bruce
Published: September 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) patients in Uganda incur large costs related to the illness, and while seeking and receiving health care. Such costs create access and adherence barriers which affect health outcomes and increase transmission of disease. The study ascertained the proportion of Ugandan TB affected households incurring catastrophic costs and the main cost drivers.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey with retrospective data collection and projections was conducted in 2017. A total of 1178 drug resistant (DR) TB (44) and drug sensitive (DS) TB patients (1134), 2 weeks into intensive or continuation phase of treatment were consecutively enrolled across 67 randomly selected TB treatment facilities.

Results

Of the 1178 respondents, 62.7% were male, 44.7% were aged 15–34 years and 55.5% were HIV positive. For each TB episode, patients on average incurred costs of USD 396 for a DS-TB episode and USD 3722 for a Multi drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) episode. Up to 48.5% of households borrowed, used savings or sold assets to defray these costs. More than half (53.1%) of TB affected households experienced TB-related costs above 20% of their annual household expenditure, with the main cost drivers being non-medical expenditure such as travel, nutritional supplements and food.

Conclusion

Despite free health care in public health facilities, over half of Ugandan TB affected households experience catastrophic costs. Roll out of social protection interventions like TB assistance programs, insurance schemes, and enforcement of legislation related to social protection through multi-sectoral action plans with central NTP involvement would palliate these costs.
Pneumoperitoneum-induced pneumothorax during laparoscopic living donor hepatectomy: a case report
Authors: Chae Min Suk , Kwak Jueun , Roh Kyungmoon , Kim Minhee , Park Sungeun , Choi Ho Joong , Park Jaesik , Shim Jung-Woo , Lee Hyung Mook , Kim Yong-Suk , Moon Young Eun , Hong Sang Hyun
Published: September 2020

Background

We present a living donor case with an unexpected large-volume pneumothorax diagnosed using lung ultrasound during a laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver transplantation (LT).

Case presentation

A 38-year-old healthy female living donor underwent elective laparoscopic right hepatectomy. The preoperative chest radiography (CXR) and computed tomography images were normal. The surgery was uneventfully performed with tolerable CO2 insufflation and the head-up position. SpO2 decreased and airway peak pressure increased abruptly after beginning the surgery. There were no improvements in the SpO2 or airway pressure despite adjusting the endotracheal tube. Eventually, lung ultrasound was performed to rule out a pneumothorax, and we verified the stratosphere sign as a marker for the pneumothorax. The surgeon was asked to temporarily hold the surgery and cease with the pneumoperitoneum. Portable CXR verified a large right pneumothorax with a small degree of left lung collapse; thus, a chest tube was inserted on the right side. The hemodynamic parameters fully recovered and were stable, and the surgery continued laparoscopically. The surgeon explored the diaphragm and surrounding structures to detect any defects or injuries, but there were no abnormal findings. The postoperative course was uneventful, and a follow-up CXR revealed complete resolution of the two-sided pneumothorax.

Conclusion

This living donor case suggests that a pneumothorax can occur during laparoscopic hepatectomy due to the escape of intraperitoneal CO2 gas into the pleural cavity. Because missing the chance to identify a pneumothorax early significantly decreases the safety for living donors, point-of-care lung ultrasound may help attending physicians reach the final diagnosis of an intraoperative pneumothorax more rapidly and to plan the treatment more effectively.
Health-related quality of life became worse in short-term during treatment in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study
Authors: do Nascimento Santos Lima Emanuelle , Ferreira Isabela Borges , Lajolo Paula Philbert , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , de Paiva Maia Yara Cristina , das Graças Pena Geórgia
Published: September 2020

Background

Quality of life (QoL) is influenced in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients by a set of factors related to diagnosis, treatment and tumor impacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) changes in Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy).

Methods

QoL was evaluated prospectively in 63 HNC patients during radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy at three moments: before or at beginning (T0), in the middle (T1 ~ four weeks) and immediately at the end (T2 ~ eight weeks) of treatment. The differences between the scores at different time points was verified using Friedman’s non-parametric test. Negative changes between time points were evaluated, with differences (delta) of ±10 points being considered to be clinically significant.

Results

The total mean age was 59.1 ± 9.5y, and 82.5% were male. The oral cavity and larynx were more frequent tumors. The functional score for ‘role’ was decreased at time points T1 and T2 as compared to T0, while an improvement in scores was observed for cognitive function. Several physical symptoms also worsened over time, such as: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and sticky saliva, swallowing and skin symptoms, senses and teeth problems. A high frequency of altered and clinically meaningful values were observed for most of domains, ranging from 6 to 74%.

Conclusions

The QoL became worse at approximately one month after treatment beginning in HNC patients, and this remained until the end of therapy. Protocols directing to early nutritional counseling and management of symptoms of nutritional impact are important to improve clinical outcomes. This is part of preventive actions aiming to make the exhausting treatment process less traumatic and easier to complete.
Prevalence of venous obstructions in (recurrent) venous thromboembolism: a case-control study
Authors: Notten Pascale , Strijkers Rob H. W. , Toonder Irwin , ten Cate Hugo , ten Cate-Hoek Arina J.
Published: September 2020

Background

The role of venous obstructions as a risk factor for recurrent venous thromboembolism has never been evaluated. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in prevalence of venous obstructions between patients with and without recurrent venous thromboembolism. Furthermore, its influence on the development of post-thrombotic syndrome and patient-reported quality of life was assessed.

Methods

This matched nested case-control study included 32 patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism (26 recurrent deep-vein thrombosis and 6 pulmonary embolism) from an existing prospective cohort of deep-vein thrombosis patients and compared them to 24 age and sex matched deep-vein thrombosis patients without recurrent venous thromboembolism. All participants received standard post-thrombotic management and underwent an additional extensive duplex ultrasonography. Post-thrombotic syndrome was assessed by the Villalta-scale and quality of life was measured using the SF36v2 and VEINES-QOL/Sym-questionnaires.

Results

Venous obstruction was found in 6 patients (18.8%) with recurrent venous thromboembolism compared to 5 patients (20.8%) without recurrent venous thromboembolism (Odds ratio 0.88, 95%CI 0.23–3.30, p = 1.000). After a median follow-up of 60.0 months (IQR 41.3–103.5) the mean Villalta-score was 5.55 ± 3.02 versus 5.26 ± 2.63 (p = 0.909) and post-thrombotic syndrome developed in 20 (62.5%) versus 14 (58.3%) patients, respectively (Odds ratio 1.19, 95%CI 0.40–3.51, p = 0.752). If venous obstruction was present, it was mainly located in the common iliac vein (n = 7, 63.6%). In patients with an objectified venous obstruction the mean Villalta-score was 5.11 ± 2.80 versus 5.49 ± 2.87 in patients without venous obstruction (p = 0.639). Post-thrombotic syndrome developed in 6 (54.5%) versus 28 (62.2%) patients, respectively (Odds ratio 1.37, 95%CI 0.36–5.20, p = 0.736). No significant differences were seen regarding patient-reported quality of life between either groups.

Conclusions

In this exploratory case-control study patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism did not have a higher prevalence of venous obstruction compared to patients without recurrent venous thromboembolism. The presence of recurrent venous thromboembolism or venous obstruction had no impact on the development of post-thrombotic syndrome or the patient-reported quality of life.
Discrete fractional order two-point boundary value problem with some relevant physical applications
Authors: Selvam A. George Maria , Alzabut Jehad , Dhineshbabu R. , Rashid S. , Rehman M.
Published: September 2020

The results reported in this paper are concerned with the existence and uniqueness of solutions of discrete fractional order two-point boundary value problem. The results are developed by employing the properties of Caputo and Riemann–Liouville fractional difference operators, the contraction mapping principle and the Brouwer fixed point theorem. Furthermore, the conditions for Hyers–Ulam stability and Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability of the proposed discrete fractional boundary value problem are established. The applicability of the theoretical findings has been demonstrated with relevant practical examples. The analysis of the considered mathematical models is illustrated by figures and presented in tabular forms. The results are compared and the occurrence of overlapping/non-overlapping has been discussed.
Exact schemes for second-order linear differential equations in self-adjoint cases
Authors: Vizvari Zoltan , Sari Zoltan , Klincsik Mihaly , Odry Peter
Published: September 2020

When working with mathematical models, to keep the model errors as small as possible, a special system of linear equations is constructed whose solution vector yields accurate discretized values for the exact solution of the second-order linear inhomogeneous ordinary differential equation (ODE). This case involves a 1D spatial variable x with an arbitrary coefficient function $\kappa (x)$
κ
(
x
)
and an arbitrary source function $f(x)$
f
(
x
)
at each grid point under Dirichlet or/and Neumann boundary conditions. This novel exact scheme is developed considering the recurrence relations between the variables. Consequently, this scheme is similar to those obtained using the finite difference, finite element, or finite volume methods; however, the proposed scheme provides the exact solution without any error. In particular, the adequate test functions that provide accurate values for the solution of the ODE at arbitrarily located grid points are determined, thereby eliminating the errors originating from discretization and numerical approximation.
DHPV: a distributed algorithm for large-scale graph partitioning
Authors: Adoni Wilfried Yves Hamilton , Nahhal Tarik , Krichen Moez , El byed Abdeltif , Assayad Ismail
Published: September 2020

Big graphs are part of the movement of “Not Only SQL” databases (also called NoSQL) focusing on the relationships between data, rather than the values themselves. The data is stored in vertices while the edges model the interactions or relationships between these data. They offer flexibility in handling data that is strongly connected to each other. The analysis of a big graph generally involves exploring all of its vertices. Thus, this operation is costly in time and resources because big graphs are generally composed of millions of vertices connected through billions of edges. Consequently, the graph algorithms are expansive compared to the size of the big graph, and are therefore ineffective for data exploration. Thus, partitioning the graph stands out as an efficient and less expensive alternative for exploring a big graph. This technique consists in partitioning the graph into a set of k sub-graphs in order to reduce the complexity of the queries. Nevertheless, it presents many challenges because it is an NP-complete problem. In this article, we present DPHV (Distributed Placement of Hub-Vertices) an efficient parallel and distributed heuristic for large-scale graph partitioning. An application on a real-world graphs demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of our method. The experiments carried on a 10-nodes Spark cluster proved that the proposed methodology achieves significant gain in term of time and outperforms JA-BE-JA, Greedy, DFEP.
‘All hands-on deck’, working together to develop UK standards for public involvement in research
Authors: Crowe Sally , Adebajo Ade , Esmael Hothan , Denegri Simon , Martin Angela , McAlister Bob , Moore Barbara , Quinn Martin , Rennard Una , Simpson Julie , Wray Paula , Yeeles Philippa
Published: September 2020

Background

Public involvement in research is an established part of the research process in the UK, however there remain questions about what good public involvement in research looks and feels like. Until now public involvement practitioners, researchers and members of the public have looked for answers in examples shared across networks, published case studies, guidance and research articles. Pulling these strands together, the UK Standards for Public Involvement provides six statements (standards) about public involvement in research. They were produced by a partnership of organisations from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England with contributions from involvement practitioners, public partners, researchers and research funders.

Main body

Each standard has reflective questions, which are designed to encourage standard users to use approaches and behaviours that improve involvement, over time. The standards are designed to be used as a practical tool, and reflect the agreed hallmarks of good public involvement in research for example, flexibility in approaches used, shared learning, and mutual respect.

The standards development process is described from the initial idea and scoping, via the appraisal of existing standard sets and integration of values and principles in public involvement in research. The collaborative writing process of and consultation on the draft standard set is described, together with what changed as a result of feedback. The initiation of a year-long testing programme with forty participating research organisations, the experiential feedback and the resulting changes to the standards is summarised.

Conclusion

This commentary paper describes, in some detail, a process to develop a set of six standards for public involvement in research in the UK. Producing a complex, national public involvement initiative is not without its challenges, and in supplementary material partnership members reflect on and share their experiences of standards development. The next phase of integration and implementation is explored with concluding comments from those that tested and helped improve the standards.
Postpartum depression and associated factors among postpartum women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2020
Authors: Tolossa Tadesse , Fetensa Getahun , Yilma Mekdes Tigistu , Abadiga Muktar , Wakuma Bizuneh , Besho Merga , Fekadu Ginenus , Etafa Werku
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The postpartum period is recognized as a high-risk period for the development of various mood disorders like postpartum depression. Globally, postnatal depression is a serious public health problem that has a negative impact on the mother’s health and child development, especially in developing countries. In Ethiopia, even though there are different primary studies conducted on postpartum depression, there is no nationally representative evidence. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression in Ethiopia.

Methods

Published and unpublished articles from various electronic databases and digital libraries were accessed. This systematic review included studies that were conducted on the magnitude and factors associated with postpartum depression among postnatal women in Ethiopia. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum depression with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Inverse variance (I2) was used to visualize the presence of heterogeneity, and forest plot was used to estimate the pooled magnitude of postpartum depression. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger’s statistical tests. A meta-regression and subgroup analysis were computed to minimize underlying heterogeneity.

Result

Initially, a total of 764 studies were accessed. Twenty-eight full articles were assessed for eligibility criteria, of which twelve studies fulfilled inclusion criteria were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall pooled magnitude of postpartum depression was 22.89% (95% CI 17.75%, 28.03%) with the lowest (12.20%) and highest (33.82%) in the Southern nations region. Unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, lack of social support, previous history of depression, infant loss, and dissatisfaction in marriage showed a statistically significant association with postpartum depression.

Conclusions

In the current analysis, the prevalence of postpartum depression was high as compared with other developing countries. Routine screening of mothers in the postpartum period and integrating mental health with maternal health care is highly recommended.
Collection and use of EQ-5D for follow-up, decision-making, and quality improvement in health care - the case of the Swedish National Quality Registries
Authors: Ernstsson Olivia , Janssen Mathieu F. , Heintz Emelie
Published: September 2020

Background

The Swedish National Quality Registries (NQRs) contain individual-level health care data for specific patient populations, or patients receiving specific interventions. Approximately 90% of the 105 Swedish NQRs include any patient-reported outcome measure, with EQ-5D being the most common. As there has been no general overview of EQ-5D data within the NQRs, this study fills a knowledge gap by reporting how the data are collected, presented, and used at different levels of the Swedish health care system.

Methods

All 46 NQRs with a license for the use of EQ-5D were included. Information was retrieved from the registries’ annual reports or from websites, using a template that was subsequently sent to each registry for completion and confirmation. If considered necessary, the contact was followed-up with an interview, either in-person or over the telephone. The uses of EQ-5D were categorised as denoting usage for follow-up, decision-making, or quality improvement in Swedish health care.

Results

In total, 41 of the 46 licensed registries reported collection of EQ-5D data. EQ-5D is most commonly collected within registries related to the musculoskeletal system, but it has a wide application also in other disease areas. Thirty-six registries provide EQ-5D results to patients, clinicians, or other decision-makers. Twenty-two of the registries reported that EQ-5D data are being used for follow-up, decision-making or quality improvement. The registries most commonly reported use of data for assessing interventions, and in quality indicators to follow-up the quality of care at a national level.

Conclusion

Collection and use of EQ-5D data vary across the Swedish NQRs, which may partly be accounted for by the different purposes of the registries. The provided examples of use illustrate how EQ-5D data can inform decisions at different levels of the health care system. However, there is potential for improving the use of EQ-5D data.
Weighting bias and inflation in the time of COVID-19: evidence from Swiss transaction data
Authors: Seiler Pascal
Published: September 2020

Sharp changes in consumer expenditure may bias inflation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using public data from debit card transactions, I quantify these changes in consumer spending, update CPI basket weights and construct an alternative price index to measure the effect of the COVID-induced weighting bias on the Swiss consumer price index. I find that inflation was higher during the lock-down than suggested by CPI inflation. The annual inflation rate of the COVID price index was −0.4% by April 2020, compared to −1.1% of the equivalent CPI. Persistent “low-touch” consumer behavior can further lead to inflation being underestimated by more than a quarter of a percentage point until the end of 2020.
Comparison of post-spinal back pain after midline versus paramedian approaches for urologic surgeries
Authors: Dadkhah Payman , Hashemi Masoud , Gharaei Babak , Bigdeli Mohammad Hassan , Solhpour Ali
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Low back pain after spinal anesthesia is of concern in lithotomy position. During our study, low back pain in both midline and paramedian approaches after spinal anesthesia in lithotomy position was compared.

Material and methods

Spinal anesthesia was performed by two approaches of midline and paramedian by an expert. The midline at middle line and paramedian at 1 cm inferior and 1 cm lateral to the spinous process performed with the needle type of Quincke 25G. The severity of back pain in patients was measured with numerical rating scale method by an anesthesiology assistant 24 and 72 h and a week after surgery.

Results

A total of 139 patients were studied. After 24 h, back pain in the midline group was 21% and in the paramedian group was 25.4%, respectively. There were no significant differences between them. In the first 24 h, the only significant variable was the number of tries. In patients with ≥ 2 times of tries for performing spinal anesthesia, multivariate analysis of patients showed back pain to be 4.7 times more common compared to single try (OR 4.70, CI 1.79–10.18; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences between the two methods of midline and paramedian approaches after spinal anesthesia in the incidence of back pain. However, two or more times of tries compared with one time try had increased risk of low back pain.
Integrated selection criteria in sugarcane breeding programs using discriminant function analysis
Authors: Abu-Ellail Farrag F. B. , Hussein Eman M. A. , El-Bakry A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Selection indices help the plant breeders to discriminate desirable genotypes on the basis of phenotypic performance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate thirty sugarcane genotypes (clones) along with two check cultivars in two cropping seasons at Mattana Agricultural Research Station.

Results

The results showed the studied traits observed in all genotypes were significantly different. The results could significantly discriminate between low and high sugar yield genotypes by describing eleven traits including sugar yield (ton/fed), cane yield (ton/fed), number of stalk/m2, stalk weight (kg), stalk height (cm), stalk diameter (cm), number of internodes, Brix %, sucrose %, purity %, and sugar recovery %. High sugar yield genotypes were selected by discriminant analysis. The discriminant score (DS) could explain 79.2% of sugar yield variations and had a significant canonical correlation (0.89**). Results of discriminant function analysis (DFA) indicated that the most important traits, in order of appearance, are stalk weight, stalk height, purity %, Brix%, and cane yields.

Conclusions

Genotypes, G.2017-43, G.2017-42, G.2017-29, G.2017-33, and G.2017-44, showed the highest values of the discriminant score and were recognized as the highest yielder sugarcane genotypes. While the genotypes named Vis, G.2017-30, G.2017-10, G.2017-27, G.2017-25, G.2017-70, G.2017-41, G.2017-40, G.2017-35, and G.2017-58, recognized as the lowest yielder sugarcane genotypes which represent the lowest values of the discriminant score.
Diet-induced changes in bacterial communities in the jejunum and their associations with bile acids in Angus beef cattle
Authors: Liu Jianan , Liu Fang , Cai Wentao , Jia Cunling , Bai Ying , He Yanghua , Zhu Weiyun , Li Robert W. , Song Jiuzhou
Published: September 2020

Background

The small intestine, while serving as the main absorption organ, also possesses a unique bacterial environment and holds the critical function of conversion of primary bile acids. Bile acids are, in turn, able to regulate bacterial composition and promote the growth of bacteria that convert primary bile acids to secondary bile acids. However, in beef cattle, few studies have explored the influence of diets on jejunal bacterial communities and examined its relationships with bile acids. Here, we examined the impact of grain- and grass-based diets on jejunal and fecal bacterial communities’ composition and investigated possible association of bacterial features with bile acids.

Results

We demonstrated that the influences of diets on intestinal bacteria can be observed in young beef cattle after weaning. A significantly higher level of microbial diversity was documented in feces of grass-fed cattle comparing to grain-fed cattle. Top 20 important genera identified with random forest analysis on fecal bacterial community can be good candidates for microbial biomarkers. Moreover, the jejunal bacteria of adult Angus beef cattle exhibited significant differences in microbial composition and metabolic potential under different diets. Global balances and bacteria signatures predictive of bile acids were identified, indicative of the potential association of bacterial features with bile acids.

Conclusions

The findings from this study provided novel insights into the relationships between jejunal bacteria and bile acids under different diets in Angus beef cattle. Our results should help us gain a better understanding of potential health benefits of grass-fed beef.
Creating bespoke note by note dishes and drinks inspired by traditional foods
Authors: Burke Róisín M. , Danaher Pauline , Hurley David
Published: September 2020

French physical chemist, Hervé This, first proposed Note by Note (NbN) cooking in 1994. It is an application of molecular gastronomy and involves the use of compounds, either pure or in mixtures, rather than traditional food ingredients to make dishes. A review of international activities, relating to NbN cooking and cuisine, reveals that it has the potential to contribute to the creation of bespoke foods and drinks, e.g., by using ingredients which are sustainable and which provide nutritional value. However the ‘food neophobia’ of some consumers needs to be overcome to ensure its success. In light of these findings, it was decided to explore if and how the factors of food neophobia, sustainability and nourishment influenced students when they were developing their NbN dishes/drinks for their module assignment in TU Dublin. One hundred and five students at TU Dublin have, since 2013, completed NbN assignments and their corresponding reports which provide details of the development of their dishes/drinks. Eighty-seven of these were available for analysis. It was found that the majority of the students (62%) were inspired by traditional foods to create bespoke NbN dishes/drinks, helping to address the ‘food neophobia’ of some consumers. The development of one of these dishes and one of these drinks is discussed. This information would be beneficial for others who will be developing NbN dishes/drinks.
Long-term Bone Loss and Deterioration of Microarchitecture After Gastric Bypass in African American and Latina Women
Authors: Krez Alexandra , Agarwal Sanchita , Bucovsky Mariana , McMahon Donald J , Hu Yizhong , Bessler Marc , Schrope Beth , Carrelli Angela , Clare Shannon , Guo Xiang-Dong Edward , Silverberg Shonni J , Stein Emily M
Published: September 2020

Context

The prevalence of obesity is burgeoning among African American and Latina women; however, few studies investigating the skeletal effects of bariatric surgery have focused on these groups.

Objective

To investigate long-term skeletal changes following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in African American and Latina women.

Design

Four-year prospective cohort study.

Patients

African American and Latina women presenting for RYGB (n = 17, mean age 44, body mass index 44 kg/m2) were followed annually for 4 years postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the spine, hip, and forearm, and body composition. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography measured volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and microarchitecture. Individual trabecula segmentation-based morphological analysis assessed trabecular morphology and connectivity.

Results

Baseline DXA Z-Scores were normal. Weight decreased ~30% at Year 1, then stabilized. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased by 50% and 25-hydroxyvitamin D was stable. By Year 4, aBMD had declined at all sites, most substantially in the hip. There was significant, progressive loss of cortical and trabecular vBMD, deterioration of microarchitecture, and increased cortical porosity at both the radius and tibia over 4 years. There was loss of trabecular plates, loss of axially aligned trabeculae, and decreased trabecular connectivity. Whole bone stiffness and failure load declined. Risk factors for bone loss included greater weight loss, rise in PTH, and older age.

Conclusions

African American and Latina women had substantial and progressive bone loss, deterioration of microarchitecture, and trabecular morphology following RYGB. Further studies are critical to understand the long-term skeletal consequences of bariatric surgery in this population.
The Oncocytic Variant of Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Shows a Specific Immune-Related Gene Expression Profile
Authors: Metovic Jasna , Vignale Chiara , Annaratone Laura , Osella-Abate Simona , Maletta Francesca , Rapa Ida , Cabutti Francesco , Patriarca Silvia , Gallo Marco , Nikiforov Yuri E , Volante Marco , Papotti Mauro
Published: September 2020

Background

Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) is a rare, follicular cell-derived neoplasm with an unfavorable prognosis. The oncocytic variant of PDTC may be associated with even more adverse outcome than classical PDTC cases, but its specific molecular features are largely unknown. Our aim was to explore the immune-related gene expression profile of oncocytic and classical PDTC, in correlation with clinical and pathological characteristics (including programmed death ligand 1 [PD-L1] expression) and outcome, and in comparison with a control group of well-differentiated follicular carcinomas (WDFCs), including conventional follicular carcinomas (FTCs) and Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCCs).

Methods

A retrospective series of 48 PDTCs and 24 WDFCs was analyzed by means of NanoString technology employing the nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling panel. Gene expression data were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Oncocytic PDTCs showed a specific immune-related gene expression profile, with higher expression of LAIR2, CD274, DEFB1, IRAK1, CAMP, LCN2, LY96, and APOE, and lower expression of NOD1, as compared to conventional PDTCs. This molecular signature was associated with increased intratumoral lymphocytic infiltration, PD-L1 expression, and adverse outcome. Three of these genes, CD274, DEFB1, and IRAK1, as well as PD-L1 expression, were also the hallmarks of HCCs as compared to FTCs. By contrast, the panel of genes differentially regulated in PDTCs as compared to WDFCs was unrelated to the oncocytic phenotype.

Conclusions

Our results revealed a distinctive immune-related gene expression profile of oncocytic PDTC and confirmed a more aggressive outcome in this cancer subtype. These findings may provide guidance when exploring novel immunotherapeutic options for oncocytic PDTC patients.
Depression-like behaviors induced by defective PTPRT activity through dysregulated synaptic functions and neurogenesis
Authors: Lim So-Hee , Shin Sangyep , Kim Myoung-Hwan , Kim Eung Chang , Lee Da Yong , Moon Jeonghee , Park Hye-Yeon , Ryu Young-Kyoung , Kang Young-Mi , Kang Yu Jeong , Kim Tae Hwan , Lee Na-Yoon , Kim Nam-Soon , Yu Dae-Yeul , Shim Insop , Gondo Yoichi , Satake Masanobu , Kim Eunhee , Kim Kyoung-Shim , Min Sun Seek , Lee Jae-Ran
Published: September 2020

PTPRT has been known to regulate synaptic formation and dendritic arborization of hippocampal neurons. PTPRT−/− null and PTPRT-D401A mutant mice displayed enhanced depression-like behaviors compared with wild-type mice. Transient knockdown of PTPRT in the dentate gyrus enhanced the depression-like behaviors of wild-type mice, whereas rescued expression of PTPRT ameliorated the behaviors of PTPRT-null mice. Chronic stress exposure reduced expression of PTPRT in the hippocampus of mice. In PTPRT-deficient mice the expression of GluR2 (also known as GRIA2) was attenuated as a consequence of dysregulated tyrosine phosphorylation, and the long-term potentiation at perforant–dentate gyrus synapses was augmented. The inhibitory synaptic transmission of the dentate gyrus and hippocampal GABA concentration were reduced in PTPRT-deficient mice. In addition, the hippocampal expression of GABA transporter GAT3 (also known as SLC6A11) was decreased, and its tyrosine phosphorylation was increased in PTPRT-deficient mice. PTPRT-deficient mice displayed reduced numbers and neurite length of newborn granule cells in the dentate gyrus and had attenuated neurogenic ability of embryonic hippocampal neural stem cells. In conclusion, our findings show that the physiological roles of PTPRT in hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as synaptic functions, are involved in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder.
COVID-19 and blood groups – there is an elephant in the room, but who cares? Do we need additional rules for preprints?
Authors: Bullerdiek Joern
Published: September 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) not only can cause very severe disease but, less obviously, the virus can also infect science in unpredicted ways. It seems that during these times some basic rules of science will lose validity and we do not know if they will come back. Though not necessarily always being the case, problems can arise from messages that make their way to public media straight from preprints. An impressive example is a recent study on an association between ABO blood groups and the severity of COVID-19. The study was first published as a preprint which almost immediately gathered an enormous amount of public interest though major drawbacks of the study had been identified by members of the scientific community. One of the major advantages of preprints is to present data, even if still incomplete, to the scientific community for an early discussion. It does not serve the quality of science if possible critical considerations are not addressed adequately until these preliminary studies go public and are submitted for publication in classical journals. Accordingly, clear additional rules for handling data derived from preprints are advocated herein. Speed does not have an advantage on its own.
Institutional Framework for Cross-Border Commodity Trade
Authors: Doncova Olesya , Zas'ko V.
Published: September 2020

The article analyzes the basic strategies and business models of international commodity trade. The success factors of the organization of an effective system of commodity sales are highlighted: 1) a reliable network of global communication, which is provided by highly qualified personnel; 2) the ability to attract resources in international financial markets; 3) control over the objects of the basic logistics infrastructure of cross-border trade; 4) timely digital transformation of business. The article concludes that the current organizational mechanism for cross-border commodity trade is based on the following key success factors: an effective network of global business contacts, access to Bank financing and risk hedging tools, qualified personnel, and effective digitalization of business processes. The intersection of the competencies that lie in these planes allows us to obtain a stable competitive advantage in the most important commodity markets for the world economy. From a practical point of view, the greatest synergy of the key success factors of cross-border trade is achieved in the main hubs, which is important to take into account when implementing projects to build organizations that are competitive in foreign markets.
Tożsamość narodowa a problem „polskości” i „śląskości” w twórczości Jana Goczoła
Authors: Michalewski Tomasz
Published: September 2020

National Identity and the Problem of "Polish" and "Silesia" in the Work of Jan Goczoł

The article presents the issues of Polishness and Silesianness in the national consciousness of Jan Goczoł, who is known as a poet with a great deal of authorship, prose writer, columnist, and also an Opolian Silesia cultural activist. The article describes the life path of the poet, his family background, and the crystallisation of national consciousness in his writing. The poetry of the defender of the native tradition is emotionally marked with Silesian motifs and refers to the culture of many generations of Silesians.
„Zaczyna się od domu”
Authors: Weżgowiec Barbara
Published: September 2020

“It Starts with a Home”. Buliding a Place of Memory in the Novels of Olga Tokarczuk („Dom dzienny, dom nocny”) and Ewa Kujawska („Dom Małgorzaty”)

The aim of this article is to present the functioning of a house in two selected novels: House of Day, House of Night by Olga Tokarczuk and Małgorzata’s House by Ewa Kujawska. The house (or rather home), being a place that is closest to man, is related here with a category of memories: here the building of memory starts as well as the identity and the relation between man and place. Both novels show, that building of this relation is a difficult task, especially when it concerns space, which connects to previous inhabitants. The authors lead their stories about a house, or rather houses that were built on lands that, due to historic turmoil, witnessed exchanges of populations and therefore need acknowledgement and domestication, which – relating to the title – starts with a home.
The Effects of Quota Frequency: Sales Performance and Product Focus
Authors: Chung Doug J. , Narayandas Das , Chang Dongkyu
Published: September 2020

This study investigates the comprehensive and multidimensional effects of quota (goal) frequency on sales force performance. The study provides a theory of salespeople’s behavior—aggregate effort and the product-type focus—in response to the temporal length of a sales quota cycle. The theory includes many realistic elements, such as salespeople’s multidimensional effort, heterogeneity in ability, product focus, and forward-looking behavior. We test the theory through a field experiment, varying the sales compensation structure of a major retail chain in Sweden. Consistent with the developed theory, shifting to a temporally frequent quota structure leads to an increase in sales performance for low-performing salespeople by preventing them from giving up in later periods within a quota-evaluation cycle, but to a decrease in sales performance for high-performing salespeople. With quotas set over short time horizons, the high-performing salespeople focus mainly on low-ticket products, resulting in a decrease in both sales volume and the sale of high-ticket products, thus reducing the firm’s profits.

This paper was accepted by Eric Anderson, marketing.
Prototyping a new minimum standard for general practice nurse education
Authors: Crossman Sue , Rogers Gill
Published: September 2020

Many nurses new to general practice struggle to access appropriate education. Sue Crossman and Gill Rogers explain a new piece of work that aims to develop a minimum standard to raise the quality and consistency of training in London

This article presents a general practice nurse (GPN) education standard developed by Capital Nurse in London with an expert group of stakeholders with relevant experience in the field. The goal is to reduce variation in the content and quality of education courses that prepare nurses to work in general practice, providing a kitemark that identifies whether courses meet this standard. This work attempts to address the inequalities experienced by many nurses new to general practice, who struggle to determine the education they need to achieve competence in their role. The standard has been called the GPN ‘Qualification in Specialism Standard’ and is to be adopted and tested by Higher Education institutions across London in 2020.
Sexual violence and COVID-19: all silent on the home front
Authors: Gunby Clare , Isham Louise , Damery Sarah , Taylor Julie , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: September 2020

In this article, we reflect on the framing of violence against women in mainstream media in the UK, and some policy documents and guidance, in the first four weeks of the COVID-19 induced lockdown. In so doing, we consider the implications associated with the frequent failure to acknowledge sexual violence as a unique, and discrete, element of violence against women. Amid a context of overshadowing and absence, we also raise for debate (and recognition) the likely challenges associated with moving specialist voluntary sector sexual violence organisations into workers’ homes, to enable service provision to continue. In developing our arguments, we draw on conversations with voluntary sector sexual violence practitioners in England and existing literature that highlights the importance of the boundary between home and the job, when working with the ‘taint’ of sexual offences. Such a boundary rapidly recedes when sexual violence services, and their functions, are moved into workers’ living spaces. We set out some of the likely impacts of this changed work context and argue that projections for the resources required to manage COVID-19 in the longer term, must not forget about the needs of frontline voluntary sector workers.
New Materialist Becomings and Futurities: A Panel Intra-view
Authors: Barreiro Jacqueline , Vroegindeweij Melisse
Published: September 2020

Derived from Karen Barad’s intra-action, the term intra-view aims to do justice to the continuous process of becoming that is evident in the asynchronous, generative dialogue of this panel. This panel intra-view provides readers with the opportunity to think with the participants, Fernando Hernández-Hernández, Iris van der Tuin, Nathalie Sinclair, Olga Cielemęcka and Monika Rogowska-Stangret, and their encounters and engagements with new materialism, and how they in turn affect our scholarship.
Almanac I
Authors: Gauthier David , Skinner Sam
Published: September 2020

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Editorial
Authors: Revelles-Benavente Beatriz
Published: September 2020

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