bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical validation of the temporal lifting technique using soft tissue fillers
Authors: Hernandez Claudia A. , Freytag David L. , Gold Michael H. , Pavicic Tajana , Ascher Benjamin , de Almeida Ada Trindade , Green Jeremy B. , Fabi Sabrina G. , Frank Konstantin , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: July 2020

Background

While the temporal lifting technique has gained increasing attention, there is a dearth of objective and reliable evidence of its effects.

Aim

The objective of the present study is to analyze the ability of the temporal lifting technique to reduce the midfacial volume by soft tissue repositioning and to achieve an improved pan‐facial appearance by targeting exclusively the subdermal plane of the posterior and superior temple with soft tissue fillers.

Methods

A total of 12 patients (1 male and 11 females) with a mean age of 36.75 ± 6.6 years and a mean body mass index of 23.04 ± 1.3 kg/m2 were included in this prospective clinical single‐center interventional study. Injection‐related outcome was evaluated utilizing 3D skin vector displacement and surface volume analyses and scoring based on five different evaluators.

Results

Three months after the treatment, the global esthetic improvement scale rating showed an improved outcome (3.08) when evaluated by the independent observers, very improved outcome when evaluated by the treating physician (4.33), and exceptional improvement when rated by the patient (4.83). Temporal volume improved by 0.36 (P < .001), lower cheek fullness by 0.47 (P < .001), and jawline contouring by 0.51 (P < .001). No major adverse events were reported during the 3‐month observational period.

Conclusion

Objective outcome measures have provided evidence that by augmenting the posterior superior temple the volume of the middle face can be reduced and the contour of the jawline can be accentuated; this is due to the underlying fascial anatomy and the resulting soft tissue re‐position.
LsGRP1, a class II glycine‐rich protein of Lilium, confers plant resistance via mediating innate immune activation and inducing fungal programmed cell death
Authors: Lin Chia‐Hua , Pan Ying‐Chieh , Ye Nai‐Hua , Shih Yu‐Ting , Liu Fan‐Wei , Chen Chao‐Ying
Published: July 2020

Defence‐related LsGRP1 is a leaf‐specific plant class II glycine‐rich protein (GRP) involved in salicylic acid‐induced systemic resistance against grey mould caused by necrotrophic Botrytis elliptica in lily (Lilium) cultivar Stargazer. The C‐terminal region of LsGRP1 (LsGRP1C) can inhibit fungal growth in vitro via a mechanism of inducing fungal apoptosis programmed cell death (PCD). In this study, the role of LsGRP1 in induced defence mechanism was investigated using LsGRP1‐silenced Stargazer lily and LsGRP1‐transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. LsGRP1 silencing in lily was found to slightly inhibit plant growth and greatly increase the susceptibility to B. elliptica by suppressing callose deposition and early reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. In contrast, LsGRP1‐transgenic Arabidopsis showed higher resistance to Botrytis cinerea and also to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 as compared to the wild type, accompanied with the enhancement of callose deposition and ROS accumulation. Additionally, LsGRP1 silencing increased plant cell death caused by B. elliptica secretion and reduced pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered defence activation in Stargazer lily. Consistently, LsGRP1 expression boosted PAMP‐triggered defence responses and effector recognition‐induced hypersensitive response in Arabidopsis. Moreover, fungal apoptosis PCD triggered by LsGRP1 in an LsGRP1C‐dependent manner was demonstrated by leaf infiltration with LsGRP1C‐containing recombinant proteins in Stargazer lily. Based on these results, we presume that LsGRP1 plays roles in plant defence via functioning as a pathogen‐inducible switch for plant innate immune activation and acting as a fungal apoptosis PCD inducer to combat pathogen attack.
The necessity and possibilities of playfulness in narrative care with older adults
Authors: Blix Bodil H. , Berendonk Charlotte , Clandinin D. Jean , Caine Vera
Published: July 2020

For us, narrative care is grounded in pragmatist philosophy and focused on experience. Narrative care is not merely about acknowledging or listening to people's experiences, but draws attention to practical consequences. We conceptualize care itself as an intrinsically narrative endeavour. In this article, we build on Lugones' understanding of playfulness, particularly to her call to remain attentive to a sense of uncertainty, and an openness to surprise. Playfulness cultivates a generative sense of curiosity that relies on a close attentiveness not only to the other, but to who we each are within relational spaces. Generative curiosity is only possible if we remain playful as we engage and think with experiences and if we remain responsive to the other. Through playfulness, we resist dominant narratives and hold open relational spaces that create opportunities of retelling and reliving our experiences. Drawing on our work alongside older adults, as well as people who work in long‐term care, we show the possibilities of playfulness in the co‐composition of stories across time. By intentionally integrating playfulness, narrative care can be seen as an intervention, as well as a human activity, across diverse social contexts, places and times.
Plant carbon allocation in a changing world – challenges and progress: introduction to a Virtual Issue on carbon allocation
Authors: Hartmann Henrik , Bahn Michael , Carbone Mariah , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: July 2020

Access the Virtual Issue at www.newphytologist.com/virtualissues.
Violence versus gratitude: Courses of recognition in caring situations
Authors: Manara Duilio F. , Giannetta Noemi , Villa Giulia
Published: July 2020

Pandemic infection by COVID‐19 could be changing the public image of the nursing profession in Italy. Recently, as in any western country, we were being registered with an increase in the number of violence against healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, due to pandemic in the social media, the nursing profession is remembered for competence, determination, courage, and humanity, and it is continually remercied by people, politicians, and journalists. In this paper, we will conduct a phenomenological argument that proposes both phenomena can be explained by Paul Ricoeur's courses of recognition. In cases of violence, patients and their family members reacting because they feel betrayed for a real or alleged injustice—primarily not to be listened to by health professionals. Nurses and other professionals are often unable to take the right grade of involvement for understanding patient's needs. On the other hand, during COVID‐19 pandemic, patients and family members perceive the extraordinary daily work of caring, and they react thanking. The principle of the gift is implicated in both cases: the crisis of gift received or donated can be explaining violence; gratitude and thanks can be explaining by gratuitousness of care.
The effects of physical activity on adipokines in individuals with overweight/obesity across the lifespan: A narrative review
Authors: Saeidi Ayoub , Haghighi Marjan Mosalman , Kolahdouzi Sarkawt , Daraei Ali , Abderrahmane Abderraouf Ben , Essop M. Faadiel , Laher Ismail , Hackney Anthony C. , Zouhal Hassane
Published: July 2020

This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of physical activity (PA) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight and obesity. Approximately 90 investigations including randomized control, cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies that reported on the effects of a single session of PA (acute) or long‐term PA (chronic) on adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity were reviewed. The findings support the notion that there is consensus on the benefits of chronic exercise training—regardless of the mode (resistance vs. aerobic), intensity and cohort (healthy vs. diabetes)—on adipokine levels (such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, adiponectin, visfatin, omentin‐1 and leptin). However, several confounding factors (frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise) can alter the magnitude of the effects of an acute exercise session. Available evidence suggests that PA, as a part of routine lifestyle behaviour, improves obesity complications by modulating adipokine levels. However, additional research is needed to help identify the most effective interventions to elicit the most beneficial changes in adipokine levels in individuals with overweight/obesity.
COMMERCIAL AND SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GLASS BEADS IN MIGRATION‐PERIOD ITALY: THE CEMETERY OF CAMPO MARCHIONE
Authors: Boschetti Cristina , Gratuze Bernard , Schibille Nadine
Published: July 2020

Migration‐period glass beads from Italy are an overlooked source of evidence. This investigation discusses the provenance, economic value and social significance of glass beads from the cemetery of Campo Marchione, northern Italy (c.570 to the end of the seventh century AD). The different chemical compositions and specific forming technologies have identified European, Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Asian specimens. The wider contextualization of the beads in association with other grave goods and the sex and age of the deceased has yielded important insights into the economic, social and cultural significance beads held in Italy, acting as markers of long‐distance exchange.
Frontal asymmetry: A novel biomarker for physical activity and sedentary behavior
Authors: Threadgill A. Hunter , Wilhelm Ricardo A. , Zagdsuren Battogtokh , MacDonald Hayley V. , Richardson Mark T. , Gable Philip A.
Published: July 2020

Past research has demonstrated that regular physical activity provides a myriad of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. The decision of whether to partake in physical activity (PA) or remain sedentary appears to be partially influenced by motivational and emotional systems. Research suggests left frontal alpha asymmetry is a neural marker of approach motivation. However, studies have not explored whether habitual levels of PA and sedentary behavior relate to this neurophysiological signal. Across two studies, individuals completed measures of habitual PA and sedentary behavior using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form. Then, resting electroencephalography activity was recorded. Results of Study 1 (N = 32, 72% women) indicated that more time spent sitting on both weekdays and weekend days were associated with less left frontal asymmetry (r = −.45, p = .027, and r = −.55, p = .005, respectively). Study 2 recruited a larger sample (N = 96, 31% women) and investigated moderators. Greater levels of moderate (r = .27) and total (r = .29) PA were associated with greater left frontal asymmetry (ps < .05), and the relationship between sedentary behavior and less left frontal asymmetry was moderated by sex (weekday: β = .62, p = .011; weekend day: β = .41, p = .034). Our results suggest that left frontal asymmetry may be a novel neurophysiological marker for PA and sedentary behavior.
The environmental effect of trade liberalization: Evidence from China's manufacturing firms
Authors: Cui Jingbo , Tam On Kit , Wang Bei , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2020

While prior literature on trade liberalisation and the environment has mostly focused on the macroeconomic ramifications, this study explores at the firm level whether and how changes of trade barriers brought about by China's accession to the WTO may impact on its manufacturing firms’ environmental performance. Adopting a difference‐in‐differences (DID) methodology, we document the effects of tariff reductions on improving firm‐level SO2 emission intensity, and the key corporate strategic decisions responsible for delivering the observed results, with robustness tests covering other major pollutants. In response to trade liberalisation, firms are found to increase labour resources for environmental protection and to improve their production processes to reduce emission intensity. This study contributes to the literature by investigating at the level of the operating firm how output and input tariff reductions may impact on environmental performance and uncovering for the first time the specific actions responsible for the results.
Relationship Between Personality Traits and Academic Achievement Among College Students
Authors: Vendel Štefan
Published: July 2020

The study aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits and academic achievement of university students. The sample consisted of 100 students, aged from 22 to 25 years. The shortened version of NEO-FFI was used to measure personality traits. Academic achievement was measured by the grade point average gained during the first three years of university study. The data were evaluated by the Multiple linear regression analysis. The research has shown the negative effect of extraversion, and a positive effect of conscientiousness on academic achievement. As expected, the relationship between academic achievement and neuroticism, agreeableness and openess to experience was not confirmed.
Social Influences - a Psychological Phenomenon in the Choice of Further Course of Education and Career
Authors: Hlaďo Petr
Published: July 2020

The aim of this overview study is to synthesize Czech, Slovak and foreign empirical findings on the choice of further course of education and career. Attention is focused specifically on social influences as a psychological phenomenon affecting this decision-making process in lower secondary school students at the end of compulsory schooling. The main attention is paid to the roles of parents and family, particularly the influence of family background and family processes. Another issue is the influence of peers, teachers and career counsellors on the choice of further course of education and career. The synthesis of research findings is based primarily on an analysis of research papers published in journals.
Step time asymmetry but not step length asymmetry is adapted to optimize energy cost of split‐belt treadmill walking
Authors: Stenum Jan , Choi Julia T.
Published: July 2020

Key points

The relationship between spatiotemporal gait asymmetry and walking energetics is currently under debate.

The split‐belt treadmill paradigm has been used to study adaptation of spatiotemporal gait parameters in relation to energetics, but it remains unclear why people reduce asymmetry in step lengths, but prefer asymmetry in step times.

In this study we characterized the effects of step time asymmetry and step length asymmetry on energy cost during steady‐state walking on a split‐belt treadmill at increasing speed‐differences.

Both the optimal and preferred step time asymmetry increased with greater speed differences, while preferred step lengths remained constant and nearly symmetric. Preferred asymmetric step times were energetically optimal across all speed‐difference conditions, while preferred step length asymmetry was not optimal.

The findings show that humans will adopt an asymmetric gait that is associated with an energy reduction and suggest that step time asymmetry plays a dominant role in shaping the energetic cost of gait asymmetry.

Healthy human walking is symmetric and economical; hemiparetic and amputee gait is often asymmetric and requires more energy. Consequently, asymmetry has been attributed to account for the added energy cost of pathological gait. But it is also possible that asymmetric gait may be adopted if it is energetically optimal under certain biomechanical and neurological constraints of the locomotor system. Here, we assessed how preferred asymmetry in step times and step lengths of healthy human gait is adapted during split‐belt treadmill walking and tested the hypothesis that asymmetry is adapted to optimize metabolic energy cost. Ten healthy, young participants walked on a split‐belt treadmill in three conditions in which the average belt speed was always 1.25 m s–1 and the speed difference between the belts was 0.5 m s–1, 1.0 m s–1 and 1.5 m s–1 while a range of values of step time asymmetry and step length asymmetry were enforced. We found that preferred step time asymmetry increased with greater speed differences while preferred step length asymmetry remained constant and nearly symmetric. With increasing speed differences participants increased their preferred value of step time asymmetry to coincide with the lowest energy cost. However, our results show that preferred step length asymmetry was not optimal even with extensive experience of split‐belt treadmill walking. Overall, our results indicate that humans will adopt an asymmetric gait that is associated with an energy reduction and suggest that step time asymmetry plays a dominant role in shaping the energetic cost of gait asymmetry.
Attempt Predicting Slab-on-Ground Temperature for Bioclimatic Buildings
Authors: Mahach Hassan , Bennouna Amin , Benhamou Brahim
Published: July 2020

The prescriptive approach of the Moroccan Building Thermal Regulation (RTCM 2015) requires thermal insulation of buildings’ slab-on-ground in almost all climatic zones of Morocco. This work aims at demonstrating that this requirement is an unnecessarily expensive constraint for most Moroccan climatic zones where the buildings’ slab-on-ground temperatures below 19 °C or above 26 °C account for only 8.6% and 22% of the cold and hot semester days, respectively. This work shows also that the slab-on-ground of a building is subject to (i) a slow mono-dimensional vertical heat transfer as the outdoor air temperature long-term extrema are delayed for around 22 days and (ii) a faster bi-dimensional horizontal heat transfer as the outdoor air temperature singularities are delayed for about 2 days by 5 m from the edge of the building. To limit this undesired lateral heat transfer, the authors recommend lateral insulation of the building’s foundations over 50 cm depth. In addition, building thermal simulation software needs improvements regarding the site-specific models of the seasonal variation for buildings’ slab-on-ground temperature. A solution is proposed to obtain these variations directly from those of the outdoor air temperature. It is shown that the slab-on-ground surface temperature varies almost like the undisturbed underground temperature at 1.6 m depth for the studied case.
Experimental Investigation of a 10 MW Prototype Axial Turbine Runner: Vortex Rope Formation and Mitigation
Authors: Soltani Dehkharqani Arash , Engström Fredrik , Aidanpää Jan-Olov , Cervantes Michel J.
Published: July 2020

The transient load fluctuations on the runner blades of prototype hydraulic turbines during load variations are one of the main causes of fatigue and eventual structural failure. A clear understanding of the dynamic loads on the runner blades is required to detect the source of the fluctuations. In this paper, an experimental investigation of vortex rope formation and mitigation in a prototype Kaplan turbine, namely, Porjus U9, is carried out. Synchronized unsteady pressure and strain measurements were performed on a runner blade during steady-state and load variation under off-cam condition. The normalized pressure fluctuation during load variations remained approximately within ±0.2Pref for all the pressure transducers installed on the blade pressure side and is even slightly lower during the transient cycle. Higher pressure fluctuations were found on the blade suction side, approximately four times higher than that of on the pressure side. The synchronous and asynchronous components of the vortex rope were clearly observed at the low discharge operating point and transient cycles. The spectral analysis of the pressure signals showed that the synchronous component appears before the asynchronous component during the load reduction, and it lasts longer during the load increase. These frequencies slightly change during the load variation. In addition, the results proved that the strain fluctuation component on the runner blade arises from the synchronous component of the vortex rope at low discharge while the asynchronous component influence is negligible.
Dynamic Characterization of Vortex Structures and Their Evolution Mechanisms in a Side Channel Pump
Authors: Zhang Fan , Appiah Desmond , Chen Ke , Yuan Shouqi , Adu-Poku Kofi Asamoah , Wang Yefang
Published: July 2020

To obtain a better insight into the unsteady flow behavior in side channel pumps by a robust vortex identification method, this study presents the efficacy of the new Ω-criterion in characterizing the evolution of vortex structures in the turbulent flows under different time steps. The flow behavior and the underlying vorticity dynamics were revealed as well. Compared to Q-criterion, the new Ω-criterion identified all vortex structures irrespective of the intensity at a universal threshold of 0.52. Three different types of vortex structures (longitudinal, axial, and radial) were identified to be responsible for the turbulent flows in the side channel pumps. The beneficial longitudinal vortex promotes the momentum exchange flow between the impeller and side channel which leads to the high hydraulic head of side channel pumps. On the other hand, the unfavorable axial and radial vortex structures restricted in the impeller passage mitigate the exchange process accounting for the low efficiency of the pumps. From this study, it can be established that the evolution of the axial vortex structures is responsible for the largest vortex distribution in the impeller compared to the total vortex evolved. The impeller outer radius contributes about 60% of the unfavorable axial structures evolved. Using the new Ω-criterion, many reported anomalous findings have been explained.
Two glutamate- and pH-regulated Ca
2+
channels are required for systemic wound signaling in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Shao Qiaolin , Gao Qifei , Lhamo Dhondup , Zhang Hongsheng , Luan Sheng
Published: July 2020

The propagation of systemic wound signals in plants requires pH-sensitive, Ca
2+
-permeable glutamate receptors.
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Small Tumor Antigen Activates Matrix Metallopeptidase-9 Gene Expression for Cell Migration and Invasion
Authors: Nwogu Nnenna , Ortiz Luz E. , Whitehouse Adrian , Kwun Hyun Jin
Published: July 2020

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is the most aggressive cutaneous tumor without clearly defined treatment. Although MCC has a high propensity for metastasis, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that drive MCC invasion and metastatic progression. MMP-9 has been shown to play a detrimental role in many metastatic human cancers, including melanoma and other nonmelanoma skin cancers. Our study shows that MCV sT-mediated MMP-9 activation is driven through the LSD, a known E3 ligase-targeting domain, in MCC. MMP-9 may serve as the biochemical culprit to target and develop a novel approach for the treatment of metastatic MCC.
Single-Point Mutations within the Coxsackie B Virus Receptor-Binding Site Promote Resistance against Soluble Virus Receptor Traps
Authors: Pinkert Sandra , Kopp Anja , Brückner Vanessa , Fechner Henry , Beling Antje
Published: July 2020

The emergence of resistant viruses is one of the most frequent obstacles preventing successful therapy of viral infections, representing a significant threat to human health. We investigated the emergence of resistant viruses during treatment with sCAR-Fc, a well-studied, highly effective antiviral molecule against CVB infections. Our data show the molecular aspects of resistant CVB3 mutants that arise during repetitive sCAR-Fc usage. However, drug resistance comes at the price of lower viral fitness. These results extend our knowledge of the development of resistance by coxsackieviruses and indicate potential limitations of antiviral therapy using soluble receptor molecules.
A Novel Mucosal Adjuvant System for Immunization against Avian Coronavirus Causing Infectious Bronchitis
Authors: Chandrasekar Shaswath S. , Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Wu Chia-Wei , Suresh M. , Talaat Adel M.
Published: July 2020

According to 2017 U.S. agriculture statistics, the combined value of production and sales from broilers, eggs, turkeys, and chicks was $42.8 billion. Of this number, broiler sales comprised 67% of the industry value, with the production of >50 billion pounds of chicken meat. The economic success of the poultry industry in the United States hinges on the extensive use of vaccines to control infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and other poultry pathogens. The majority of vaccines currently licensed for poultry health include both modified live vaccine and inactivated pathogens. Despite their proven efficacy, modified live vaccine constructs take time to produce and could revert to virulence, which limits their safety. The significance of our research stems from the development of a safer and potent alternative mucosal vaccine to replace live vaccines against IBV and other emerging coronaviruses.
Transforming Properties of Beta-3 Human Papillomavirus E6 and E7 Proteins
Authors: Minoni Lucia , Romero-Medina Maria Carmen , Venuti Assunta , Sirand Cécilia , Robitaille Alexis , Altamura Gennaro , Le Calvez-Kelm Florence , Viarisio Daniele , Zanier Katia , Müller Martin , Accardi Rosita , Tommasino Massimo
Published: July 2020

Human papillomaviruses are currently classified in different genera. Mucosal HPVs belonging to the alpha genus have been clearly associated with carcinogenesis of the mucosal epithelium at different sites. Beta HPV types have been classified as cutaneous. Although findings indicate that some beta HPVs from species 1 and 2 play a role, together with UV irradiation, in skin cancer, very little is known about the transforming properties of most of the beta HPVs. This report shows the transforming activity of E6 and E7 from beta-3 HPV types. Moreover, it highlights that beta-3 HPVs share some biological properties more extensively with mucosal high-risk HPV16 than with beta-2 HPV38. This report provides new paradigms for a better understanding of the biology of the different HPV types and their possible association with lesions at mucosal and/or cutaneous epithelia.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Group A Streptococcal
emm
Clusters in Africa To Inform Vaccine Development
Authors: Salie Taariq , Engel Kelin , Moloi Annesinah , Muhamed Babu , Dale James B. , Engel Mark E.
Published: July 2020

Low vaccine coverage is of grave public health concern, particularly in developing countries where epidemiological data are often absent. To inform vaccine development for group A
Streptococcus
(GAS), we report on the epidemiology of the M protein
emm
clusters from GAS infections in Africa, where GAS-related illnesses and their sequelae, including rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, are of a high burden. This first report of
emm
clusters across the continent indicates a high probably of coverage by the M protein-based vaccine currently undergoing testing were an
emm
-cluster based approach to be used.
Humoral Immunity to Hantavirus Infection
Authors: Engdahl Taylor B. , Crowe James E.
Published: July 2020

Hantaviruses are pathogens that sometimes pass from animals to humans, and they are found in parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. When human infection occurs, these viruses can cause kidney or lung failure, and as many as 40% of infected people die. Currently, there are no vaccines or therapeutics for hantavirus-related diseases available. A first step in developing prevention measures is determining what type of immune response is protective. Increasingly it has become clear that the induction of a type of response called a neutralizing antibody response is critical for protection from severe disease. Although virologists first described this family of viruses in the 1950s, there is limited information on what features on the surface of hantaviruses are recognized by the immune system. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of this information, which is critical for the design of effective therapeutics and vaccines.
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy with Chlorin e6 Is Bactericidal against Biofilms of the Primary Human Otopathogens
Authors: Luke-Marshall Nicole R. , Hansen Lisa A. , Shafirstein Gal , Campagnari Anthony A.
Published: July 2020

Otitis media (OM), or middle ear disease, is the most prevalent bacterial infection in children and the primary reason for antibiotic use and surgical intervention in the pediatric population. Biofilm formation by the major bacterial otopathogens,
Moraxella catarrhalis
,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, and nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
, has been shown to occur within the middle ears of OM patients and is a key factor in the development of recurrent disease, which may result in hearing impairment and developmental delays. Bacterial biofilms are inherently impervious to most antibiotics and present a significant challenge to the immune system. In this study, we demonstrate that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the photosensitizer chlorin e6 elicits significant bactericidal activity versus planktonic and biofilm-associated otopathogens and supports further analyses of this novel, efficacious, and promising technology as an adjunctive treatment for acute and recurrent OM.
Late Cenozoic geomorphic and tectonic evolution of the Patagonian Andes between latitudes 42°S and 46°S: An appraisal based on fission-track results from the transpressional intra-arc Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone
Authors: Thomson Stuart N.
Published: July 2020

Fission-track (FT) thermochronology has been applied to investigate the low-temperature cooling and denudation history of the Patagonian Andes along the southern part of the intra-arc transpressional Liquiñe-Ofqui fault zone between 42° and 46°S. The Liquiñe-Ofqui fault is shown to have been the focus of enhanced cooling and denudation initiated between ca. 16 and 10 Ma. Several fault blocks with different cooling histories are identified; these are separated by major oblique- or reverse-slip faults proposed to form the eastern part of a major (crustal-scale) dextral transpression zone. Local very fast rates of cooling and denudation between ca. 7 and 2 Ma were coeval with collision of the Chile Rise (an active mid-oceanic ridge) with the Peru-Chile Trench between ∼47° and 48°S. This location is close to the southern termination of the Liquiñe-Ofqui fault, implying that the collision of the ridge was a major force driving late Cenozoic transpression. The lack of significant cooling and denudation before ca. 16 Ma is indicative of pure strike-slip or transtensional movement along the Liquiñe-Ofqui fault before the collision of the ridge. Digital landscape analysis supports glacial and periglacial erosion as the main contributor to denudation since ca. 7 Ma, leading to restriction of topographic development. The combination of transpression-induced rock uplift and glacial erosion is shown to be very effective at causing localized denudation. Anomalously young FT ages along the Liquiñe-Ofqui fault are attributed to the existence of a late Cenozoic localized heat-flow anomaly along the fault.
Lithium isotope composition of modern and fossilized Cenozoic brachiopods
Authors: Washington Kirstin E. , West A. Joshua , Kalderon-Asael Boriana , Katchinoff Joachim A.R. , Stevenson Emily I. , Planavsky Noah J.
Published: July 2020

Seawater lithium stable isotope ratios, represented by δ 7 Li sw (‰), hold key information about the evolution of global climate and the carbon cycle over geologic time. Reconstructions based on foraminifera suggest an ∼9‰ increase in δ 7 Li sw over the past 60 m.y., interpreted as reflecting changes in the silicate weathering regime that may have contributed to global cooling over this time. However, culture experiments suggest that vital effects in foraminifers might cause varied δ 7 Li fractionation that could have affected past records. Thus, other archives are needed to determine whether the observed rise in foraminifer δ 7 Li values over the Cenozoic indeed reflects secular changes in δ 7 Li sw . Such archives would also open possibilities for robust determination of δ 7 Li sw deeper in geologic time. We analyzed δ 7 Li compositions in modern brachiopods ( n = 34) and found a relatively narrow range of +24.2 ‰ to +28.8‰ (mean = +26.8‰; 1σ = 0.5‰), similar to the range reported for inorganic calcite precipitated from seawater. These results confirm that brachiopods are good candidates for providing a representative record of δ 7 Li sw . We present data from fossil specimens dating from 65 Ma to ca. 700 ka, finding that fossilized brachiopods record a similar magnitude of change in δ 7 Li sw as foraminifers. These results are the first to corroborate the ∼9‰ increase in Cenozoic δ 7 Li sw and open possibilities for generating robust records of δ 7 Li sw in deep time, prior to foraminifer evolution.
Rapid macrobenthic diversification and stabilization after the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event
Authors: Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco J. , Lowery Christopher M. , Bralower Timothy J. , Gulick Sean P.S. , Jones Heather L.
Published: July 2020

Previous ichnological analysis at the Chicxulub impact crater, Yucatán Peninsula, México (International Ocean Discovery Program [IODP]/International Continental Scientific Drilling Program [ICDP] Site M0077), showed a surprisingly rapid initial tracemaker community recovery after the end-Cretaceous (Cretaceous-Paleogene [K-Pg]) mass extinction event. Here, we found that full recovery was also rapid, with the establishment of a well-developed tiered community within ∼700 k.y. Several stages of recovery were observed, with distinct phases of stabilization and diversification, ending in the development of a trace fossil assemblage mainly consisting of abundant Zoophycos, Chondrites, and Planolites, assigned to the Zoophycos ichnofacies. The increase in diversity is associated with higher abundance, larger forms, and a deeper and more complex tiering structure. Such rapid recovery suggests that favorable paleoenvironmental conditions were quickly reestablished within the impact basin, enabling colonization of the substrate. Comparison with the end-Permian extinction reveals similarities during recovery, yet postextinction recovery was significantly faster after the K-Pg event. The rapid recovery has significant implications for the evolution of macrobenthic biota after the K-Pg event. Our results have relevance in understanding how communities recovered after the K-Pg impact and how this event differed from other mass extinction events.
Geochronological constraints on Neoproterozoic rifting and onset of the Marinoan glaciation from the Kingston Peak Formation in Death Valley, California (USA)
Authors: Nelson Lyle L. , Smith Emily F. , Hodgin Eben B. , Crowley James L. , Schmitz Mark D. , Macdonald Francis A.
Published: July 2020

Death Valley (California, USA) hosts iconic Cryogenian snowball Earth deposits, but the lack of direct geochronological constraints has permitted a variety of correlations and age models. Here, we report two precise zircon U-Pb isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry dates for the Kingston Peak Formation: a volcanic eruptive age of 705.44 ± 0.28 Ma from the synglacial Limekiln Spring Member, and a maximum depositional age of 651.69 ± 0.64 Ma from the nonglacial Thorndike submember, which is below the Wildrose diamictite. These dates confirm that the Limekiln Spring and Surprise Members were deposited during the Sturtian glaciation, while the Wildrose submember is a Marinoan glacial deposit, and the overlying Sentinel Peak Member of the Noonday Formation is a Marinoan cap carbonate. Additionally, the age from the Thorndike submember supersedes existing radioisotopic ages from the Datangpo Formation in South China as the youngest constraint on the onset of the Marinoan glaciation, demonstrating that the Cryogenian nonglacial interlude lasted for at least 9 m.y. and the Marinoan glaciation was <17 m.y. long. Cryogenian glaciation in western Laurentia occurred against the backdrop of ∼85 m.y. of episodic rift-related subsidence and magmatism within laterally discontinuous, fault-bound basins.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Person-Centred Care Assessment Tool
Authors: Le Cai , Ma Ke , Tang Pingfen , Edvardsson David , Behm Lina , Zhang Jie , Yang Jiqun , Fu Haiyan , Ahlström Gerd
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aims to test a Chinese cross-cultural adaptation of the English version of the Person-Centred Care Assessment Tool (P-CAT) and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Design

P-CAT was translated/back-translated using established procedures before the psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version was made.

Setting

Two hospitals covering urban and suburban areas of Kunming in the Yunnan province of China.

Participants

152 female hospital staff completed the survey.

Main outcome measure(s)

Construct validity and reliability, including internal consistency and test–retest reliability, were assessed among a sample of hospital staff.

Results

The factor analysis resulted in a two-component solution that consisted of two subscales. The corrected item-total correlations for all of the items ranged from 0.14 to 0.44, with six items not meeting the cut-off level for item-total correlation (>0.3). The Chinese P-CAT demonstrated strong reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.91–0.94 for the scales and a test–retest reliability coefficient of 0.88 for the overall scale scores. The intraclass correlation was 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.95).

Conclusion

P-CAT appears to be a promising measure for evaluating staff perceptions of person-centredness in Chinese hospital environments. The results show that P-CAT can be a useful tool for improving the quality of healthcare in terms of person-centred care in the Chinese context.
Kongcun Town Asymptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis study in Shandong, China: cohort profile
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zhao Yuanyuan , Ji Xiaokang , Sang Shaowei , Shao Sai , Yan Peng , Li Shan , Li Jifeng , Wang Guangbin , Lu Ming , Du Yifeng , Xue Fuzhong , Qiu Chengxuan , Sun Qinjian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The population-based Kongcun Town Asymptomatic Intracranial Artery Stenosis (KT-aICAS) study aims to investigate the prevalence of aICAS and major cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) or biomarkers related to the development and prognosis of aICAS.

Participants

The KT-aICAS study included 2311 rural residents who were aged ≥40 years and living in Kongcun Town, Shandong Province, China. Baseline examination was conducted from October 2017 to October 2018, during which information on demographics, socioeconomics, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle factors was collected through face-to-face interviews, physical examination and blood tests. aICAS was initially screened using transcranial Doppler examination and then diagnosed using magnetic resonance angiography. Atherosclerosis in carotid arteries was diagnosed via carotid ultrasonography. High-resolution MRI was further used to evaluate the vessel wall of aICAS. Neuropsychological assessments were performed in the participants diagnosed with aICAS and the age-matched and sex-matched controls.

Findings to date

Of the 2311 participants, 2027 (87.7%) completed the diagnostic procedure and aICAS was detected in 154 persons, resulting in an overall prevalence of 7.6%. The prevalence of aICAS increased with advancing age from 5.1% in participants aged 40–49 years to 12.7% in those aged ≥70 years (p<0.001). aICAS was detected in 305 intracranial arteries, including 221 (72.5%) in the anterior circulation and 84 (27.5%) in the posterior circulation (p<0.001). In addition, major CRFs were highly prevalent among middle-aged and elderly rural dwellers who were free of clinical stroke.

Future plans

Follow-up examinations will be performed every 3 years following the baseline examination. This study will increase our knowledge about the natural history of aICAS and facilitate studies of aICAS-associated disorders among rural-dwelling Chinese adults, such as ischaemic stroke and vascular cognitive impairment.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1800017197.
Delivery of community-centred public mental health interventions in diverse areas in England: a mapping study protocol
Authors: Duncan Fiona H , McGrath Mike , Baskin Cleo , Osborn David , Dykxhoorn Jen , Kaner Eileen F S , Gnani Shamini , LaFortune Louise , Lee Caroline , Walters Kate R , Kirkbride James , Fischer Laura , Jones Oli , Pinfold Vanessa , Stansfield Jude , Oliver Emily J
Published: July 2020

Background

Public mental health (PMH) is a global challenge and a UK priority area for action. However, to progress, practitioners require a stronger evidence base regarding the effectiveness of approaches, particularly regarding promotion and prevention through community-centred interventions. In addition, policy-makers need to understand what is being delivered, particularly in areas of high need, to identify promising practices or gaps in PMH provision. Finally, and importantly, the public need better information regarding what approaches and services are available to them. We report a protocol designed to (1) identify the types of community-centred interventions used in purposively selected diverse geographical areas of England to improve PMH outcomes and (2) describe the type, target population, content and outcome measures of each intervention.

Methods and analysis

Five local authority areas of England were selected based on either high social deprivation or differing ethnic population statistics and geographical locations. Community-centred interventions in each area will be identified through: (1) desk-based data capture from standardised searches of publicly-available information (eg, policy, strategy and intervention advertising), (2) established professional networks and service contacts, (3) chain-referral sampling of individuals involved in local mental health promotion and prevention and (4) peer researchers, who will use their personal experience and local knowledge to help identify potentially relevant organisations. Data on the key features of the interventions will be extracted from individuals either by structured interviews or by electronic questionnaires with information regarding the intervention(s) of which they have knowledge. Initial data analysis will involve tabulating descriptive information and grouping interventions according to intervention type, target population, risk/protective factor and intended primary outcome. A descriptive comparison will be made between selected geographical areas.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from Durham University’s Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Ethics Committee. We plan to disseminate our findings at relevant conferences, meetings and through peer-reviewed journals. We also plan to disseminate to the public and intervention providers through social media and/or newsletters.
Gender difference in suicide in Taiwan over a century: a time trend analysis in 1905–1940 and 1959–2012
Authors: Chang Yi-Han , Gunnell David , Hsu Chia-Yueh , Chang Shu-Sen , Cheng Andrew Tai-Ann
Published: July 2020

Background

Suicide rates are higher in men than in women in most countries, although the gender ratios vary markedly worldwide. We investigated long-term trends in suicide rates and the male-to-female ratios in relation to age, method and economic factors in Taiwan during the Japanese colonial (1905–1940) and postwar (1959–2012) periods.

Methods

Suicide data were from the Statistical Reports of Taiwan Governor’s Office (1905–1940), Vital Statistics (1959–1970) and cause-of-death mortality data files (1971–2012). Annual age-standardised and age-specific/method-specific suicide rates by gender and the gender ratios were calculated and examined graphically. The associations between trends in economic indicators, suicide and suicide gender ratio were investigated using Prais-Winsten regression.

Results

The male-to-female suicide rate ratio increased from below 1 in the 1900s to around 2 by 2000; the reversal was mainly due to a marked reduction in suicide rates in young women coupled with a rise in male suicide between 1905 and 1940. The gender ratio increased again from the 1980s onwards. Poisoning was the most common method in the 1970s–1980s, but its use decreased afterwards, more in women than in men proportionally. The use of gassing for suicide increased markedly in the 2000s and contributed to the rises in overall suicide and the gender ratio. Unemployment rates were more strongly associated with male suicide than female suicide in 1959–2012. Unemployment rates and gross domestic product per capita were positively associated with suicide gender ratios.

Conclusions

Gender differences in suicide changed remarkably in Taiwan over the past century; such change may be related to cultural, socioeconomic and method-specific factors.
Suicide deaths among diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea, 1996–2017
Authors: Lee Won Jin , Cha Eun Shil , Bang Ye Jin , Hsu Chia-Yueh , Chang Shu-Sen
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the working-age population. We investigated suicide mortality among diagnostic medical radiation workers in relation to their demographic and occupational factors in South Korea.

Methods

The study population consisted of all diagnostic medical radiation workers enrolled in the National Dosimetry Registry from 1996 to 2011. The registry data were linked with mortality data through the end of 2017. We calculated age-standardised suicide rates, standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and rate ratios (RRs) by demographic and occupational factors.

Results

A total of 207 suicides were identified among 94 367 medical radiation workers, exhibiting a suicide rate of 14.0 per 100 000 person-years. Compared with the general population, suicide rates were lower for both male and female workers (SMR 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 0.57; SMR 0.54, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.70, respectively). Similarly, decreased SMRs were observed across job titles and other work-related factors. However, a shorter duration of employment was positively associated with RRs for suicide; risks were 2.74 (95% CI 1.56 to 4.81) and 4.66 (95% CI 1.53 to 14.20) times higher in male and female workers with less than 1 year of employment, respectively, than in those with at least 10 years of employment.

Conclusions

Diagnostic medical radiation workers in South Korea showed lower suicide rates than in the general population. However, a shorter duration of employment was associated with higher risk of suicide. Suicide prevention efforts could target workers engaged in short-term employment.
Characterizing genetically diverse blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths] seed sources
Authors: Friesen G.M.A. , Smith S.R. , Cattani D.J. , Phan A.T.
Published: July 2020

The need for regionally adapted native grass seed sources for the northern Great Plains has resulted in the commercial release of a range of plant materials, including ecovars™ 1 . Ecovars™ are multisite composite populations developed to combine broad genetic diversity from a geographic region. The objective of this study was to determine whether morphological data could be used to distinguish between genetically diverse blue grama [Bouteloua gracilis (Willd. ex Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths] seed sources through classical statistical methods. Entries included a Manitoba (MB) ecovar™, a USDA–NRCS released cultivar ‘Bad River’, and ecotypes from Wyoming and Minnesota. Vegetative and reproductive measurements and ratings were taken from a spaced-plant nursery during 2000–2001 in Carman, Manitoba, Canada. The results were analyzed using statistical techniques including: ANOVA, least significant difference, canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), and coefficients of variation. These techniques distinguished four genetically diverse seed sources from each other through CDA. As hypothesized, there was greater within-population genetic diversity for the MB ecovar™ and Wyoming and Minnesota ecotypes, compared with ‘Bad River’. Our results indicate that genetically diverse blue grama seed sources can be distinguished, based on phenotypic measurements.