bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational therapy driver assessments with mental health consumers: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Dun Carolyn , Swan Jodie , Hitch Danielle , Vlachou Voula
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Driving is an important occupation, which enables other recovery goals for adult mental health consumers. Multidisciplinary clinicians can support consumers to engage in safe driving practices, which may include referral to a specialist occupational therapy driver assessor. There is presently limited evidence to inform us about the role of occupational therapy driver assessors in mental health and the impact of such services for consumers. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the reasons for referral and the recommendations resulting from driver assessments with adult consumers in a mental health setting and understand the experiences of driver assessors providing these services.

Methods

A mixed‐methods sequential design was employed in this study. Thirty driver assessments (n = 27 consumers) were analysed to identify consumer demographics, assessment recommendations, impact on licence status and rehabilitation outcomes. Focus groups were then conducted with five occupational therapy driver assessors. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and means, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis.

Results

The majority of consumers were diagnosed with psychotic disorders and presented with complex needs. The three primary reasons for referral were (a) cognitive or mental health concerns, (b) consumers directed by licencing authority to undertake driver assessment and (c) consumers wanting to resume driving after not driving for a significant time. Overall, 21 consumers (70%) were recommended to hold a driver licence after completion of an occupational therapy driver assessment. Qualitative themes about the experience of occupational therapy driver assessors included the reality of driver assessments; that outcomes are usually positive, and further support is needed for driver assessments.

Conclusion

Driver assessments enable most consumers to return to driving. Occupational therapy driver assessors require greater support to perform this role, including dedicated time and peer support, to facilitate multidisciplinary clinicians and consumers to collaboratively achieve driving outcomes.
Global distribution of coral diversity: Biodiversity knowledge gradients related to spatial resolution
Authors: Kusumoto Buntarou , Costello Mark J. , Kubota Yasuhiro , Shiono Takayuki , Wei Chi‐Lin , Yasuhara Moriaki , Chao Anne
Published: March 2020

Biodiversity knowledge shortfalls, especially incomplete information on species distributions, can lead to false conclusions about global biodiversity patterns. Diversity estimation theory statistically uses species occurrence records and sampling completeness (coverage) to predict diversity in terms of species richness, dominance and evenness. We estimated Scleractinia coral species diversity at different spatial resolutions, based on 109,296 occurrences and range data for 697 species, using an incidence‐based Hill's numbers approach through a rarefaction and extrapolation technique. We found that spatial patterns of diversity estimates were dependent on a geographic scale. The latitudinal and longitudinal diversity gradients, particularly at finer spatial scales, differed from species range‐based coral biodiversity hotspots of previous studies. The western Indian Ocean was predicted to have the most coral species, with greater diversities than in the Indo‐Pacific Coral Triangle. We concluded that the identification of marine biodiversity hotspots is sensitive to species commission errors (from range maps) and biased sampling coverage. Moreover, estimates of the geographic distribution of species richness informed us of a set of priority areas (the northeastern coast of Australia, central Coral Triangle and coast of Madagascar) for future sampling of unknown coral species occurrence. Our findings of biogeographical survey priorities contribute to filling biodiversity shortfalls for tropical coral reefs through sampling completeness, and consequently for development of conservation planning.
Impact of Changing Climate and Land Cover on Flood Magnitudes in the Delaware River Basin, USA
Authors: Woltemade Christopher J. , Hawkins Timothy W. , Jantz Claire , Drzyzga Scott
Published: March 2020

Changing climate and land cover are expected to impact flood hydrology in the Delaware River Basin over the 21st Century. HEC‐HMS models (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center‐Hydrologic Modeling System) were developed for five case study watersheds selected to represent a range of scale, soil types, climate, and land cover. Model results indicate that climate change alone could affect peak flood discharges by −6% to +58% a wide range that reflects regional variation in projected rainfall and snowmelt and local watershed conditions. Land cover changes could increase peak flood discharges up to 10% in four of the five watersheds. In those watersheds, the combination of climate and land cover change increase modeled peak flood discharges by up to 66% and runoff volumes by up to 44%. Precipitation projections are a key source of uncertainty, but there is a high likelihood of greater precipitation falling on a more urbanized landscape that produces larger floods. The influence of climate and land cover changes on flood hydrology for the modeled watersheds varies according to future time period, climate scenario, watershed land cover and soil conditions, and flood frequency. The impacts of climate change alone are typically greater than land cover change but there is substantial geographic variation, with urbanization the greater influence on some small, developing watersheds.
A Note on a Framework for Valuation Ratios Based on Fundamentals*
Authors: Lai Cheng
Published: March 2020

Valuation ratios divide stock price by accounting metrics such as earnings, earnings growth, and book value. This study adapts the general valuation framework in Ohlson and Juettner‐Nauroth (2005) and Ohlson (2005) to present a unified approach for developing valuation ratios based on fundamentals, referred to as fundamental valuation ratios. One starts with a valuation model that is driven by an accounting metric a and its abnormal growth, then divides the valuation model by a to get a fundamental valuation ratio. For any valuation ratio, one can find a corresponding fundamental valuation ratio, as long as the valuation model is based on the same metric a as the valuation ratio denominator.
Hyperfunction of the stress response system and novelty‐induced hyperactivity correlate with enhanced cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference in NCAM‐deficient mice
Authors: Kähler Birgit , Romswinkel Eva Viktoria , Jakovcevski Mira , Moses Ashley , Schachner Melitta , Morellini Fabio
Published: March 2020

Several studies in humans and rodents suggest an association between impulsivity and activity of the stress response on the one hand and addiction vulnerability on the other. The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) has been related to several neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. Constitutively NCAM‐deficient (−/−) mice display enhanced novelty‐induced behavior and hyperfunction of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Here we hypothesize that NCAM deficiency causes an altered response to cocaine. Cocaine‐induced behaviors of NCAM−/− mice and wild‐type (+/+) littermates were analyzed in the conditioned place preference (CPP) test. c‐fos mRNA levels were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure neural activation after exposure to the cocaine‐associated context. NCAM−/− mice showed an elevated cocaine‐induced sensitization, enhanced CPP, impaired extinction, and potentiated cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotion and CPP after extinction. NCAM−/− showed no potentiated CPP as compared with NCAM+/+ littermates when a natural rewarding stimulus (ie, an unfamiliar female) was used, suggesting that the behavioral alterations of NCAM−/− mice observed in the CPP test are specific to the effects of cocaine. Activation of the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens induced by the cocaine‐associated context was enhanced in NCAM−/− compared with NCAM+/+ mice. Finally, cocaine‐induced behavior correlated positively with novelty‐induced behavior and plasma corticosterone levels in NCAM−/− mice and negatively with NCAM mRNA levels in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens in wild‐type mice. Our findings indicate that NCAM deficiency affects cocaine‐induced CPP in mice and support the view that hyperfunction of the stress response system and reactivity to novelty predict the behavioral responses to cocaine.
Stability of regulatory T cells in T helper 2–biased allergic airway diseases
Authors: Lan Feng , Zhang Nan , Bachert Claus , Zhang Luo
Published: March 2020

Regulatory T (Treg) cells potentially suppress the deleterious activities of effector T cells and maintain a state of tolerance against antigens in the airway mucosa. A decrease in the number and function of Treg cells is observed in T helper 2 (Th2)–biased allergic airway diseases. However, adoptive transfer of naturally occurring Treg (tTreg) cells or peripherally derived Treg (pTreg) cells in asthmatic mouse models did not yield satisfactory results in any previous studies. Here, we review the recent progress in the identification and plasticity of tTreg and pTreg cells in Th2–biased airway diseases and summarize the factors affecting the stability and function of Treg cells. This review may serve as foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the stability of tTreg and pTreg cells and development of effective strategies for treating allergic airway diseases.
Lack of knowledge and experience highlights the need for a clear paediatric organ and tissue donation protocol in the Netherlands
Authors: Vileito Alicija , Siebelink Marion J. , Vermeulen Karin M. , Verhagen A. A. Eduard
Published: March 2020

Aim

This study explored the attitudes of medical professionals to organ and tissue donation in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Netherlands. It also examined their compliance with the existing Dutch donation protocol and assessed whether a paediatric donation protocol was needed.

Methods

We invited 966 professionals working in all eight PICUs and the two largest NICUs to complete an online survey from December 2016 until April 2017.

Results

A quarter (25%) took part and they included PICU intensivists, neonatologists, nurses and other health and allied professionals. Most were female and nurses. More than half (54%) of the PICU respondents considered paediatric organ donation to be very important and 53% supported tissue donation. In contrast, only 22% of the NICU respondents believed that both neonatal organ and tissue donation were very important. Familiarity and compliance with the existing national donation protocol were low. PICU nurses had significantly less experience than PICU intensivists and felt less comfortable with the donation process. None of the NICU respondents had prior donation experience.

Conclusion

Paediatric intensive care units and NICU professionals lack specialised knowledge and experience on organ and tissue donation. A comprehensive and clear paediatric donation protocol is clearly needed.
Service sector development in Asia: an important instrument of growth
Authors: Kim Jungsuk , Wood Jacob
Published: March 2020

The under‐developed service sector in Asia has the potential to become a new engine of economic growth for developing Asia, which has for a long time relied on export‐oriented manufacturing to power its growth. The study seeks to achieve three objectives. First, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the service sector by detailing industry trends, its growing importance to the region, its synergy with industry, and its ability to achieve more inclusive growth. Second, to highlight productivity concerns in the sector and propose relevant strategies for achieving greater productivity gains. Finally, to establish a set of policy provisions based around the infrastructural, human capital, and regulatory gaps that exist across the Asian service sector. Overall, the analysis provides substantial cause for optimism about the role of the service sector as an engine of growth in Asia.
Evolving social capital and networks in the post‐disaster rebuilding process: The case of Typhoon Yolanda
Authors: Tan‐Mullins May , Eadie Pauline , Atienza Maria Ela
Published: March 2020

Typhoon Yolanda brought major devastation to the local communities and infrastructure and also reshaped social structures and networks in the Philippines. During the immediate recovery process, bridging, bonding and linking social capital have had differential impacts and outcomes on how communities cope with the aftermath of the disaster. This article investigates the interplay between the various types of social capital and their contributions to immediate coping strategies of Typhoon Yolanda communities. This article also evaluates the complexity of defining social capital in a disaster context. In particular, it unpacks the blurring of the bridging and linking social capital at the immediate stage of rehabilitation in a post‐disaster context and its impacts on the social fabric of the communities. We deduce from this case study the social capital strategies necessary for a speedy recovery process both economically and socially for disaster‐affected communities.
Burying our mistakes: Dealing with prognostic uncertainty after severe brain injury
Authors: Graham Mackenzie
Published: March 2020

Prognosis after severe brain injury is highly uncertain, and decisions to withhold or withdraw life‐sustaining treatment are often made prematurely. These decisions are often driven by a desire to avoid a situation where the patient becomes ‘trapped’ in a condition they would find unacceptable. However, this means that a proportion of patients who would have gone on to make a good recovery, are allowed to die. I propose a shift in practice towards the routine provision of aggressive care, even in cases where the probability of survival and acceptable recovery is thought to be low. In conjunction with this shift, I argue in favour of a presumption towards withdrawing life‐sustaining treatment, including artificial nutrition and hydration, when it becomes clear that a patient will not recover to a level that would be acceptable to them. I then respond to three potential objections to this proposal.
Comparison of complications after transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsy: a national population‐based study
Authors: Berry Brendan , Parry Matthew G. , Sujenthiran Arunan , Nossiter Julie , Cowling Thomas E. , Aggarwal Ajay , Cathcart Paul , Payne Heather , van der Meulen Jan , Clarke Noel
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To assess the complications of transrectal (TR) compared to transperineal prostate (TP) biopsies.

Patients and Methods

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2017 in England were identified in the National Prostate Cancer Audit. Administrative hospital data were then used to categorize the type of prostate biopsy and subsequent complications requiring hospital admission. Administrative hospital data were used to identify patients staying overnight immediately after biopsy and those readmitted separately for hospital admissions because of sepsis, urinary retention or haematuria. Procedure‐related mortality and total length of hospital stay within 30 days were also recorded. Generalized linear models were used to calculate adjusted risk differences (aRDs).

Results

A total of 73 630 patients undergoing prostate biopsy were identified. Those undergoing TP biopsy (n = 13 723) were more likely to have an overnight hospital stay (12.3% vs 2.4%; aRD 9.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.1–12.3), were less likely to be readmitted because of sepsis (1.0% vs 1.4%; aRD −0.4%, CI −0.6 to −0.2), and were more likely to be readmitted with urinary retention (1.9% vs 1.0%; aRD 1.1%, CI 0.7–1.4) than those undergoing a TR biopsy (n = 59 907). There were no significant differences in the risk of haematuria or mortality.

Conclusions

Our results showed that TP biopsy had a lower risk of readmission for sepsis but a higher risk of readmission for urinary retention than TR biopsy. Use of the TP route would prevent one readmission for sepsis in 278 patients at the cost of three additional patients readmitted for urinary retention.
Soft tissue expander for vertically atrophied alveolar ridges: Prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Byun Soo‐Hwan , Kim Seon‐Yeong , Lee Ho , Lim Ho‐Kyung , Kim Ju‐Won , Lee Ui‐Lyong , Lee Jong‐Bin , Park Sung‐Ho , Kim Sun‐Jong , Song Ju-Dong , Jang Il-Seok , Kim Min-Kyoung , Kim Jin‐Woo
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Conventional guided bone regeneration (GBR) limits the amount of bone graft due to limited soft tissue expansion. We hypothesize that the use of tissue expander will successfully augment soft tissue prior to bone graft, allowing for sufficient amount of grafting which will lead to a more stable and effective vertical bone graft. The authors aimed to evaluate effectiveness of the novel self‐inflating tissue expander for vertical augmentation in terms of soft tissue expansion, clinical outcomes, and related complications.

Material and methods

A prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients requiring vertical augmentation. For experimental group patients, the tissue expander was subperiosteally implanted and followed by a tunneling bone graft without full flap reflection. Control patients underwent conventional vertical GBR. Primary objectives were to evaluate the dimensional changes of soft tissue and radiographic vertical bone gain and retention. As a secondary outcome, clinical complications and thickness changes of expanded overlying tissue were assessed and analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐three patients in each group were included. During a 4‐week expansion, two of the experimental group showed over‐expansion and one showed mucosal perforation associated with previous severe scars. The other patients showed uneventful expansion and mean tissue augmentation was 6.88 ± 1.64 mm vertically. Ultrasonographic measurements of overlying gingiva revealed no thinning after tissue expansion (p > .05). Significantly higher vertical bone gain was shown in the experimental group (5.12 ± 1.25 mm) compared with that in the control patients (4.22 ± 1.15 mm;p < .05). After a 6‐month retention period, the mean vertical bone measurement of the controls had decreased to 1.90 mm (55.0% reduction), which was a significantly greater decrease than that in the experimental group (mean 3.55 mm, 30.7% reduction;p < .05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of tissue expanders followed by tunneling bone graft for vertical augmentation; however, studies comparing the two techniques without tissue expanders are needed to elucidate the net effect of tissue expansion.
Anteroposterior balance reactions in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Crenshaw Jeremy R , Petersen Drew A , Conner Benjamin C , Tracy James B , Pigman Jamie , Wright Henry G , Miller Freeman , Johnson Curtis L , Modlesky Christopher M
Published: March 2020

Aim

To compare anterior and posterior standing balance reactions, as measured by single‐stepping thresholds, in children with and without spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Seventeen ambulatory children with spastic CP (eight males, nine females) and 28 typically developing children (13 males, 15 females; age range 5–12y, mean [SD] 9y 2mo [2y 3mo]), were included in this cross‐sectional, observational study. Balance reaction skill was quantified as anterior and posterior single‐stepping thresholds, or the treadmill‐induced perturbations that consistently elicited a step in that direction. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms of between‐group differences in stepping thresholds, dynamic stability was quantified using the minimum margin of stability. Ankle muscle activation latency, magnitude, and co‐contraction were assessed with surface electromyography.

Results

We observed an age and group interaction for anterior thresholds (p=0.001, partial η2=0.24). At older (≈11y; p<0.001, partial η2=0.48), but not younger (≈7y; p=0.33, partial η2=0.02) ages, typically developing children had larger anterior thresholds than those with CP. In response to near‐threshold anterior perturbations, older typically developing children recovered from more instability than their peers with CP (p=0.004, partial η2=0.18). Older children had no between‐group differences in ankle muscle activity. No between‐group differences were observed in posterior thresholds.

Interpretation

The effects of CP on balance reactions are age‐ and direction‐specific. Older typically developing children are more able or willing to withhold a step when unstable.

What this paper adds

Children with spastic cerebral palsy have age‐ and direction‐specific balance‐reaction impairments.

Lower anterior stepping thresholds were observed in older, but not younger children.

Older typically developing children withheld a forward step at higher levels of instability.

No between‐group differences were seen in posterior stepping thresholds.
Characterization and pathogenicity of six Cytospora strains causing stem canker of wild apple in the Tianshan Forest, China
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Li Xiaoshuang , Bozorov Tohir A. , Ma Rong , Ma Jinbiao , Zhang Yiheng , Yang Honglan , Li Li , Zhang Daoyuan
Published: March 2020

Cytospora species are capable of causing destructive cankers of stems belonging to a wide range of woody plant species. In severe cases, cankers may lead to dieback of twigs and branches. Little is known about the Cytospora species causing canker disease of wild apple (Malus sieversii) trees in the Wild Fruit Forest Reserve in Tianshan Forest, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In this study, six Cytospora isolates belonging to two species were isolated from cankerous lesions of wild apple twigs. Based on multi‐locus phylogenetic analysis using three DNA markers (ITS, tef1‐α and tub2) and morphological characterization, these isolates were identified as Cytospora mali and Cytospora parasitica. Temperature trials (15, 20, 25 and 30°C) showed that the optimal growth temperature for six isolates was 25°C. At a variety of temperatures, C. mali isolates tended to grow faster than isolates of C. parasitica, with the C. mali isolate, EGI1 performing better than others with regard to growth rate. Morphological observations showed that these species exhibited a single locule without conceptacles, and the conidia length was 3–5 μm. In vitro inoculation trials of twigs and leaves of M. sieversii seedlings revealed that the C. mali isolates were highly virulent phytopathogenic fungi, whereas the C. parasitica isolates were less virulent. The isolate EGI1 was the most virulent isolate among the six isolates. This paper presents the first report of pathogenic Cytospora spp. of the M. sieversii Tianshan Wild Fruit Forest Reserve of Yili, Xinjiang in China. It will aid in the understanding of how apple tree cankers are induced and provide disease management guidelines for M. sieversii forest conservation.
An update on the microbiology, immunology and genetics of seborrheic dermatitis
Authors: Adalsteinsson Jonas A. , Kaushik Shivani , Muzumdar Sonal , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Ungar Jonathan
Published: March 2020

The underlying mechanism of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is poorly understood but major scientific progress has been made in recent years related to microbiology, immunology and genetics. In light of this, the major goal of this article was to summarize the most recent articles on SD, specifically related to underlying pathophysiology. SD results from Malassezia hydrolysation of free fatty acids with activation of the immune system by the way of pattern recognition receptors, inflammasome, IL‐1β and NF‐kB. M. restricta and M. globosa are likely the most virulent subspecies, producing large quantities of irritating oleic acids, leading to IL‐8 and IL‐17 activation. IL‐17 and IL‐4 might play a big role in pathogenesis, but this needs to be further studied using novel biologics. No clear genetic predisposition has been established; however, recent studies implicated certain increased‐risk human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, such as A*32, DQB1*05 and DRB1*01 as well as possible associations with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) through the LCE3 gene cluster while SD, and SD‐like syndromes, shares genetic mutations that appear to impair the ability of the immune system to restrict Malassezia growth, partially due to complement system dysfunction. A paucity of studies exists looking at the relationship between SD and systemic disease. In HIV, SD is thought to be secondary to a combination of immune dysregulation and disruption in skin microbiota with unhindered Malassezia proliferation. In Parkinson's disease, SD is most likely secondary to parasympathetic hyperactivity with increased sebum production as well as facial immobility which leads to sebum accumulation.
Friends of mine: An invasive freshwater mussel facilitates growth of invasive macrophytes and mediates their competitive interactions
Authors: Crane Kate , Coughlan Neil E. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Kregting Louise , Ricciardi Anthony , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Reid Neil
Published: March 2020

Increasing rates of invasions in ecosystems worldwide necessitate experiments to determine the role of biotic interactions in the success and impact of multiple alien species. Here, we examined competitive and facilitative interactions among various combinations of three widespread and often co‐occurring invaders: the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, and the macrophytes Elodea canadensis and Elodea nuttallii.

Using a mesocosm‐based, factorial experimental design, we assessed the effect of interspecific competition on macrophyte growth rates in the absence and presence at varying biomass of D. polymorpha.

Growth rates (wet g/day) of E. canadensis and E. nuttallii were similar when grown in isolation. When grown together, in the absence of D. polymorpha, E. canadensis growth was not significantly reduced in the presence of E. nuttallii and vice versa. In the presence of D. polymorpha (26.0 ± 1 mm), monocultural growth of E. canadensis was largely unaffected, while E. nuttallii growth was strongly enhanced. Low (2.64 g) and medium (3.96 g) mussel biomass led to negative interspecific effects between E. canadensis and E. nuttallii; at high (5.28 g) mussel biomass, the effect of interspecific competition was negated.

Overall, D. polymorpha alleviated competitive interactions between the two invasive macrophytes when all three species co‐occurred, and substantially enhanced growth of E. nuttallii with increasing mussel biomass, thereby suggesting a possible influence on the relative dominance of these macrophytes in the field.

Our study demonstrates how facilitations can cause shifts in dominance among closely related invaders. The consequences of such facilitations for the structure and function of communities remain to be explored generally.
Development of an education and support framework for pharmacists working in GP practice
Authors: Matheson Catriona , Reid Fiona , Stewart Fiona , Williams Hector
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the educational support provided for three cohorts of pharmacists to inform an educational support framework for this new career path.

Methods

This study evaluated training using mixed methods and measured the development of competence and confidence in the professional role as a pharmacist in GP Practice. Data were collected via pro formas before training events, and evaluation questionnaires immediately after events. Qualitative and quantitative content analysis was applied. The outcome evaluation collected data via a repeated measure of self-assessed competency and confidence via an online questionnaire at three time points. Logistic regression identified predictors of competency and confidence at the end of structured training.

Key findings

Evaluation of training events was very positive. The theme of clinical and consultation skills was the most professionally satisfying, followed by teamwork and support. However, early work in practice was focussed on management and systems.

There were significant improvements in competence and confidence over time. Independent predictors of increased competence in the role in GP Practice were having an Independent prescriber (IP) qualification or undertaking the IP course and having had additional health board training and support.

Conclusions

Formal training was well received. Early local support from health boards and GP Practices would enable pharmacists to get an earlier grasp of tasks relating to ‘management and systems’ so they could focus on more rewarding clinical tasks. Being an independent prescriber (or working towards this) is essential for the development of competence in this role. An educational support framework model is proposed.
Employment relations without collective bargaining and strikes: the unusual case of civil servants in Germany
Authors: Keller Berndt
Published: March 2020

The article deals with the widely neglected employment relations in the public sector of Germany with a special focus on civil servants. It is subdivided into two main parts. A shorter part elaborates on public employees and collective bargaining, a longer one on civil servants and their diverging forms of employment relations without the right to collective bargaining and strike. In order to better understand major changes that have taken place since the mid2000s, we chose a long‐term perspective and examine traditional as well as present forms of interest representation. Limited degrees of decentralisation and their lasting diverging consequences are analysed in great detail.
METTL3/YTHDF2 m6A axis promotes tumorigenesis by degrading SETD7 and KLF4 mRNAs in bladder cancer
Authors: Xie Haiyun , Li Jiangfeng , Ying Yufan , Yan Huaqing , Jin Ke , Ma Xueyou , He Liujia , Xu Xin , Liu Ben , Wang Xiao , Zheng Xiangyi , Xie Liping
Published: March 2020

N6‐Methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most prevalent modification of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), is involved in the progression of various tumours. However, the specific role of m6A in bladder cancer (BCa) is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated the tumour‐promoting function and specific regulatory mechanism of m6A axis, consisting of the core ‘writer’ protein METTL3 and the major reader protein YTHDF2. Depletion of METTL3 impaired cancer proliferation and cancer metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Through transcriptome sequencing, m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) and RIP, we determined that the METTL3/YTHDF2 m6A axis directly degraded the mRNAs of the tumour suppressors SETD7 and KLF4, contributing to the progression of BCa. In addition, overexpression of SETD7 and KLF4 revealed a phenotype consistent with that induced by depletion of the m6A axis. Thus, our findings on the METTL3/YTHDF2/SETD7/KLF4 m6A axis provide the insight into the underlying mechanism of carcinogenesis and highlight potential therapeutic targets for BCa.
Macrophage‐derived MMP‐9 enhances the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and vascular calcification in transgenic rabbits
Authors: Chen Yajie , Waqar Ahmed Bilal , Nishijima Kazutoshi , Ning Bo , Kitajima Shuji , Matsuhisa Fumikazu , Chen Lu , Liu Enqi , Koike Tomonari , Yu Ying , Zhang Jifeng , Chen Yuqing Eugene , Sun Huijun , Liang Jingyan , Fan Jianglin
Published: March 2020

Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), or gelatinase B, has been hypothesized to be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. In the arterial wall, accumulated macrophages secrete considerable amounts of MMP‐9 but its pathophysiological functions in atherosclerosis have not been fully elucidated. To examine the hypothesis that macrophage‐derived MMP‐9 may affect atherosclerosis, we created MMP‐9 transgenic (Tg) rabbits to overexpress the rabbit MMP‐9 gene under the control of the scavenger receptor A enhancer/promoter and examined their susceptibility to cholesterol diet‐induced atherosclerosis. Tg rabbits along with non‐Tg rabbits were fed a cholesterol diet for 16 and 28 weeks, and their aortic and coronary atherosclerosis was compared. Gross aortic lesion areas were significantly increased in female Tg rabbits at 28 weeks; however, pathological examination revealed that all the lesions of Tg rabbits fed a cholesterol diet for either 16 or 28 weeks were characterized by increased monocyte/macrophage accumulation and prominent lipid core formation compared with those of non‐Tg rabbits. Macrophages isolated from Tg rabbits exhibited higher infiltrative activity towards a chemoattractant, MCP‐1 in vitro and augmented capability of hydrolysing extracellular matrix in granulomatous tissue. Surprisingly, the lesions of Tg rabbits showed more advanced lesions with remarkable calcification in both aortas and coronary arteries. In conclusion, macrophage‐derived MMP‐9 facilitates the infiltration of monocyte/macrophages into the lesions thereby enhancing the progression of atherosclerosis. Increased accumulation of lesional macrophages may promote vascular calcification.
Complete remission on minimal therapy vs. off therapy: for what should we be aiming in pemphigus?
Authors: Jones V.A. , Patel P.M. , Amber K.T.
Published: March 2020

Linked article: J. Yamagami et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020;34:e405. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.16323.
Histopathological hallmarks of cutaneous lesions of capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation syndrome
Authors: Valdivielso‐Ramos M. , Torrelo A. , Martin‐Santiago A. , Hernández‐Nuñez A. , Azaña J.M. , Campos M. , Berenguer B. , Garnacho G. , Moreno R. , Colmenero I.
Published: March 2020

Importance

Capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome is a recently described syndrome with distinctive cutaneous lesions. Very little is known about the histopathology of these lesions.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the histopathological characteristics of the pink macules of the CM‐AVM syndrome and to investigate if these pink macules could be classified as capillary malformations or arteriovenous malformations based on their histopathological features.

Design‐settings‐participants

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study involving eight hospitals in Spain. Fifteen biopsies from pink macules of the CM‐AVM syndrome were analysed and compared with five biopsies of diverse capillary malformations and three stage I arteriovenous malformations.

Results

Pink macules’ biopsies of the CM‐AVM syndrome showed similar features including a high vascular density encompassing capillaries and numerous thick‐walled arterioles mainly located in the superficial dermis, a predominance of elongated over round vessels, scarce or absent erythrocytes within the lumina and discrete perivascular inflammation. CMs were characterized by an increased number of capillary‐type vessels mostly rounded and located in the upper dermis. AVMs were composed by highly increased numbers of vessels with a branching pattern involving the full thickness of the dermis, without erythrocytes within the lumina. Wilms tumour 1 protein was positive in the endothelial cells both in pink macules of the CM‐AVM and in arteriovenous malformations.

Conclusions and relevance

Pink macules of the CM‐AVM syndrome seem to be different from capillary malformations. Our results suggest that histologically and immunohistochemically they are closer to incipient arteriovenous malformations than to capillary malformations. A deepened knowledge about the nature of these skin lesions will contribute to the better understanding of capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation syndrome, and will open the possibility of new and more specific treatments in the future.
Down‐regulation of microRNA‐34c‐5p alleviates neuropathic pain via the SIRT1/STAT3 signaling pathway in rat models of chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve
Authors: Mo Yanshuai , Liu Benjuan , Qiu Shuang , Wang Xueqin , Zhong Lina , Han Xiao , Mi Fuli
Published: March 2020

Neuropathic pain is an unfavorable pathological pain, often persistent over time, thus leading to significant impairment of quality of life and public health burden. Notably, microRNAs have been implicated in the pathophysiological process of neuropathic pain. The potential mechanism by which miR‐34c‐5p functions in neuropathic pain remains unclear. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that miR‐34c‐5p can modulate neuropathic pain in rat models with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve, via interaction with the SIRT1/STAT3 signaling pathway SIRT1 was validated as a target gene of miR‐34c‐5p and could be negatively regulated by miR‐34c‐5p. We induced miR‐34c‐5p overexpression/inhibition, SIRT1 knockdown, and STAT3 knockdown in the model rats to assess pain behavior patterns. Meanwhile, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was transduced with overexpression or knockdown of miR‐34c‐5p or lipopolysaccharide to induce the production of inflammatory factors. It was observed that miR‐34c‐5p was up‐regulated, and SIRT1 was under‐expressed in the DRG neurons of dorsal spinal cords of the CCI rats. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of miR‐34c‐5p and knockdown of SIRT1 in CCI rats resulted in increased hyperalgesia and inflammation, corresponding to reduced paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency, and elevated levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. More importantly, miR‐34c‐5p inhibition reduced the hyperalgesia and inflammation by blocking the STAT3 signaling pathway through up‐regulation of SIRT1. Conjointly, our results indicated that the down‐regulation of miR‐34c‐5p could potentially provide sustained relief in neuropathic pain by promoting SIRT1 expression through STAT3 signaling pathway inactivation.

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Positive psychological constructs and health behavior adherence in heart failure: A qualitative research study
Authors: Celano Christopher M. , Beale Eleanor E. , Freedman Melanie E. , Mastromauro Carol A. , Feig Emily H. , Park Elyse R. , Huffman Jeff C.
Published: March 2020

Psychological well‐being may play an important role in health behavior adherence and cardiovascular health, but there has been limited study of well‐being in patients with heart failure. In this descriptive qualitative research study, we interviewed 30 patients with heart failure to explore their psychological experiences with heart failure and the perceived associations between positive psychological constructs and adherence to physical activity, diet, and medication recommendations. Interviews were transcribed, then coded in NVivo using directed and conventional content analysis, and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was applied to report our findings. Participants spontaneously reported positive psychological constructs both during an acute phase of illness and 3 months later. Participants most commonly experienced gratitude, acceptance, connectedness, and faith in the setting of heart failure. In contrast, pride, determination, and hope were identified most frequently as playing a role in health behavior adherence. Finally, participants reported a reinforcing relationship between positive constructs and health behavior engagement. These findings suggest that interventions to boost positive constructs have the potential to improve well‐being and health behavior adherence in patients with heart failure.
Variation in photosynthetic induction between rice accessions and its potential for improving productivity
Authors: Acevedo‐Siaca Liana G. , Coe Robert , Wang Yu , Kromdijk Johannes , Quick W. Paul , Long Stephen P.
Published: March 2020

Photosynthetic induction describes the transient increase in leaf CO2 uptake with an increase in light. During induction, efficiency is lower than at steady state. Under field conditions of fluctuating light, this lower efficiency during induction may cost > 20% of potential crop assimilation. Accelerating induction would boost photosynthetic and resource‐use efficiencies.

Variation between rice accessions and potential for accelerating induction was analysed by gas exchange. Induction during shade to sun transitions of 14 accessions representing five subpopulations from the 3000 Rice Genome Project Panel (3K RGP) was analysed.

Differences of 109% occurred in the CO2 fixed during the first 300 s of induction, 117% in the half‐time to completion of induction, and 65% in intrinsic water‐use efficiency during induction, between the highest and lowest performing accessions. Induction in three accessions with contrasting responses (AUS 278, NCS 771 A and IR64‐21) was compared for a range of [CO2] to analyse limitations. This showed in vivo capacity for carboxylation at Rubisco (Vc,max), and not stomata, as the primary limitation to induction, with significant differences between accessions.

Variation in nonsteady‐state efficiency greatly exceeded that at steady state, suggesting a new and more promising opportunity for selection of greater crop photosynthetic efficiency in this key food crop.
Predictive value of prognostic nutritional index in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiang , Jiang Yue , Ge Han , Diao Pengfei , Wang Dongmiao , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To determine the prognostic significance of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after ablative surgery.

Materials and Methods

A total of 333 patients from two tertiary referral centers were enrolled as training and validation cohorts. The PNI was calculated as 10× serum albumin (g/dL) + 0.005 × total lymphocyte number (per mm3), and its optimal cutoff value for patient stratification was identified by X‐tile software. Cox's proportional regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to identify prognostic factors and their predictive performance.

Results

The optimal cutoff value of PNI was 47.4. Patients with low PNI had significantly shorter overall (OS) and disease‐free survival than those with high PNI. Moreover, multivariate regression analyses indicated that PNI was an independent prognostic factor for OS in the training (hazard ratio [HR], 2.267; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.335–3.849; p = .002) and validation (HR, 2.247; 95% CI: 1.352–3.735; p = .002) cohorts. ROC analyses revealed similar or superior predictive performance of PNI as compared to other prognostic parameters.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that decreased preoperative PNI significantly associates with worse prognosis for patients with OSCC, which serves as a novel prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
Contracting personalization by results: Comparing marketization reforms in the UK and Australia
Authors: Considine Mark , O'Sullivan Siohban , McGann Michael , Nguyen Phuc
Published: March 2020

Market instruments are increasingly used to drive innovation and efficiency in public services. Meanwhile, many governments recognize the need for services to be more personalized and ‘user‐centred’. This was a key aim of major welfare‐to‐work reforms in both the UK and Australia over the past decade, which sought to achieve personalization through increasing service delivery by for‐profit providers, contracted via Payment‐by‐Results. Drawing on three surveys of frontline staff, we show the impact of recent UK and Australian marketization reforms on frontline practices to consider whether the reform mix of increased commercial provision tied to Payment‐by‐Results has enhanced service personalization. We find that the UK's ‘black box’ model was associated with some increase in frontline discretion, but little evidence that this enhanced personalization, either compared to previous programmes or to Australia's more regulated system.
A de novo reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(3;6)(p14;q26) in the black Lucano pig
Authors: Genualdo Viviana , Rossetti Cristina , Pauciullo Alfredo , Musilova Petra , Incarnato Domenico , Perucatti Angela
Published: March 2020

In the past two decades, several cytogenetic screening programmes identified different chromosome rearrangements in pig, most of which represented by reciprocal translocation (rcp). This chromosome abnormality does not involve the variation in the number of chromosomes, but only the rearrangement of genetic material, resulting in phenotypically normal carriers with fertility problems. During an occasional cytogenetic screening, a new reciprocal translocation was detected in the black Lucano pig native breed. We analysed 15 animals reared by a family‐run piggery in Basilicata region (Southern Italy). After karyotyping, four pigs (two boars and two sows) revealed two unpaired chromosomes. Analysis of the RBA karyotype and the dual‐colour FISH technique confirmed that these pigs showed the same reciprocal translocation involving the chromosomes SSC3 and SSC6. The precise location of breakpoints was identified by RBH‐FISH t(3;6)(p14;q26), whereas the analysis of the pedigree showed a case of Mendelian inheritance within a family, after the de novo occurrence of the new rcp. Considering the consequences of the rcp on the fertility, this study points out the importance of the cytogenetic screening in the native breeds for the safeguard of the genetic biodiversity and the sustainability of the rural areas.
Canonical system of equations for 1D water waves
Authors: Dyachenko Alexander I.
Published: March 2020

One of the essential tasks of the theory of water waves is a construction of simplified mathematical models, which are applied to the description of complex events, such as wave breaking, appearing of freak waves in the assumption of weak nonlinearity. The Zakharov equation and its simplification, such as nonlinear Schrodinger equations and Dysthe equations, are among them. Recently, for unidirectional waves, the so‐called super compact equation was derived in Ref. 1. In the present article, the waves moving in both directions are considered. Namely, the waves on a free surface of 2D deep water can be split into two groups: the waves moving to the right, and the waves moving to the left. A specific feature of the four‐wave interactions of water waves allows describing the evolution of these two groups as a system of two equations. One of the significant consequences of this decomposition is the conservation of the number of waves in each particular group. To derive this system of equations, a particular canonical transformation is used. This transformation is possible due to the miraculous cancellation of the four‐wave interaction for some groups of waves in the one‐dimensional wave field. The obtained equations are remarkably simple. They can be called a canonical system of equations. They include a nonlinear wave term together with an advection term that can describe the initial stage of wave‐breaking. They also include interaction terms (between counter‐streaming waves). It is also suitable for analytical study as well as for numerical simulation.