bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ethics of embryo donation: what are the moral similarities and differences of surplus embryo donation and double gamete donation?
Authors: Huele E H , Kool E M , Bos A M E , Fauser B C J M , Bredenoord A L
Published: July 2020

Over the years, the demand for ART with donated embryos has increased. Treatment can be performed using donated ‘surplus embryos’ from IVF treatment or with embryos intentionally created through so-called ‘double gamete donation’. Embryo donation is particularly sensitive because treatment results in the absence of a genetic link between the parent(s) and the child, creating complex family structures, including full genetic siblings living in another family in the case of surplus embryo donation. In this paper, we explore the ethical acceptability of embryo donation in light of the similarities and differences between surplus embryo donation and double gamete donation. We will argue that no overriding objections to either form of embryo donation exist. First of all, ART with donated embryos respects patients’ reproductive autonomy by allowing them to experience gestational parenthood. It also respects IVF patients’ reproductive autonomy by providing an additional option to discarding or donating surplus embryos to research. Second, an extensive body of empirical research has shown that a genetic link between parent and child is not a condition for a loving caring relationship between parent(s) and child. Third, the low moral status of a pre-implantation embryo signifies no moral duty for clinics to first use available surplus embryos or to prevent the development of (more) surplus embryos through double gamete donation. Fourth, there is no reason to assume that knowledge of having (full or half) genetically related persons living elsewhere provides an unacceptable impact on the welfare of donor-conceived offspring, existing children of the donors, and their respective families. Thus, patients and clinicians should discuss which form of ART would be suitable in their specific situation. To guarantee ethically sound ART with donated embryos certain conditions have to be met. Counselling of IVF patients should involve a discussion on the destination of potential surplus embryos. When counselling donors and recipient(s) a discussion of the significance of early disclosure of the child’s mode of conception, the implications of having children raised in families with whom they share no genetic ties, expectations around information-exchange and contact between donor and recipient families or genetically related siblings is warranted. Importantly, conclusions are mainly drawn from results of empirical studies on single gamete donation families. To evaluate the welfare of families created through surplus embryo donation or double gamete donation additional empirical research on these particular families is warranted.
Wavelet–Fourier CORSING techniques for multidimensional advection–diffusion–reaction equations
Authors: Brugiapaglia S , Micheletti S , Nobile F , Perotto S
Published: July 2020

We present and analyze a novel wavelet–Fourier technique for the numerical treatment of multidimensional advection–diffusion–reaction equations based on the COmpRessed SolvING (CORSING) paradigm. Combining the Petrov–Galerkin technique with the compressed sensing approach the proposed method is able to approximate the largest coefficients of the solution with respect to a biorthogonal wavelet basis. Namely, we assemble a compressed discretization based on randomized subsampling of the Fourier test space and we employ sparse recovery techniques to approximate the solution to the partial differential equation (PDE). In this paper we provide the first rigorous recovery error bounds and effective recipes for the implementation of the CORSING technique in the multidimensional setting. Our theoretical analysis relies on new estimates for the local $a$-coherence, which measures interferences between wavelet and Fourier basis functions with respect to the metric induced by the PDE operator. The stability and robustness of the proposed scheme are shown by numerical illustrations in the one-, two- and three-dimensional cases.
Fast algorithm for the three-dimensional Poisson equation in infinite domains
Authors: Zheng Chunxiong , Ma Xiang
Published: July 2020

This paper is concerned with a fast finite element method for the three-dimensional Poisson equation in infinite domains. Both the exterior problem and the strip-tail problem are considered. Exact Dirichlet-to-Neumann (DtN)-type artificial boundary conditions (ABCs) are derived to reduce the original infinite-domain problems to suitable truncated-domain problems. Based on the best relative Chebyshev approximation for the square-root function, a fast algorithm is developed to approximate exact ABCs. One remarkable advantage is that one need not compute the full eigensystem associated with the surface Laplacian operator on artificial boundaries. In addition, compared with the modal expansion method and the method based on Pad$\acute{\textrm{e}}$ approximation for the square-root function, the computational cost of the DtN mapping is further reduced. An error analysis is performed and numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Curative Activity of Insecticides Used to Control Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Tart Cherry Productions
Authors: Andika Ignatius Putra , Vandervoort Christine , Wise John C
Published: July 2020

Spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) is a major pest of soft-skinned fruit and due to the low infestation tolerance for marketable fruit, growers take preventive actions to hinder spotted-wing drosophila damages. Insecticides application is one of the measures taken by growers. Although intensive spraying programs have been used to manage spotted-wing drosophila, its early infestation, rapid reproduction, and vast range of host have caused damage to still occur in fruit, including tart cherries, Prunus ceraus (Linnaeus). Therefore, there is a merit for information on insecticide’s curative activity to understand whether sprays manage spotted-wing drosophila individuals within infested fruit. Tart cherry fruit were exposed to spotted-wing drosophila adults for 3 d. After this infestation period, insecticides were applied 1 and 3 d later. Small larvae, large larvae, and pupae were counted 9 d after initial infestation. A parallel set of insecticide-treated tart cherries were subjected to residue analysis. Phosmet and spinetoram were able to reduced live spotted-wing drosophila counts compared with the control at all life stages and insecticide application times, whereas zeta-cypermethrin, acetamiprid, and cyantraniliprole were less consistent in reducing spotted-wing drosophila numbers. Chromobacterium subtsugae demonstrated no curative action. Residue analysis demonstrated that zeta-cypermethrin residues mostly remained on fruit surface. Small portions of phosmet, spinetoram, and cyantraniliprole were able to penetrate fruit surfaces and move into subsurface tissues. Acetamiprid was the only compound which >47% penetrated into the fruit subsurface consistently across both years. Curative activity demonstrated in this study can provide additional tactics for spotted-wing drosophila management in tart cherry Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.
Ultraviolet vision in Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii)
Authors: McDonald Brandon , Geiger Bryce , Vrla Sarah
Published: July 2020

Knowledge of a species’ visual system has far reaching implications that affect our understanding of a species’ ecology and evolutionary history. As a model taxon, the heteromyid rodent genus Dipodomys has been valuable in elucidating patterns and mechanisms in biomechanics, ecology, adaptive physiology, biogeography, and more. Although studied extensively, the visual system of Dipodomys has not been described beyond anecdotal mention of their large eyes. Here, the transmittance parameters of the cornea and lens of Ord’s kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) were analyzed and photoreceptor proteins (opsins) expressed in the retina were identified with immunohistochemical (IHC) labeling. Retina maps were constructed to illustrate the relative densities of photoreceptor cells expressing short wavelength (SWS1) opsins, middle/long wavelength (MW/LW) opsins, and rhodopsin (RH1). The retina of D. ordii has variable densities of SWS1 opsin with the highest density being ventral to the optic nerve, high density of MW/LW opsin, and uniform distribution and high density of RH1 across the retina. Our results suggest that D. ordii has a UV-sensitive visual system. Composition and densities of MW/LW- and SWS1-expressing cells resemble that of a crepuscular/diurnal species thereby supporting previous authors who have reported such activity patterns. Uniform retinal distribution of RH1 indicates visual acuity at night, also confirming the paradigm of D. ordii as primarily a nocturnal species and suggesting visual acuity at all times of the day in the species. These results demonstrate not only that the species is capable of UV vision and has a retina characteristic of a diurnal mammal, but that many previously unknown photic niche selective advantages likely have shaped the evolution and ecology of this model taxon.
Distribution and Occurrence of Amblyomma maculatum sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) and Rickettsia parkeri (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Arizona and New Mexico, 2017–2019
Authors: Hecht Joy A , Allerdice Michelle E J , Karpathy Sandor E , Yaglom Hayley D , Casal Mariana , Lash R Ryan , Delgado-de la Mora Jesus , Licona-Enriquez Jesus D , Delgado-de la Mora David , Groschupf Kathleen , Mertins James W , Moors Amanda , Swann Don E , Paddock Christopher D
Published: July 2020

Amblyomma maculatum Koch sensu lato (s.l.) ticks are the vector of Rickettsia parkeri in Arizona, where nine cases of R. parkeri rickettsiosis have been identified since the initial case in 2014. The current study sought to better define the geographic ranges of the vector and pathogen and to assess the potential public health risk posed by R. parkeri in this region of the southwestern United States. A total of 275 A. maculatum s.l. ticks were collected from 34 locations in four counties in Arizona and one county in New Mexico and screened for DNA of Rickettsia species. Rickettsia parkeri was detected in 20.4% of the ticks, including one specimen collected from New Mexico, the first report of R. parkeri in A. maculatum s.l. from this state. This work demonstrates a broader distribution of A. maculatum s.l. ticks and R. parkeri in the southwestern United States than appreciated previously to suggest that R. parkeri rickettsiosis is underrecognized in this region.
An occult case of the first branchial cleft anomaly
Authors: Muranishi Yumi , Nishimoto Soh , Kawai Kenichiro , Ishise Hisako , Kakibuchi Masao
Published: July 2020

We report a case of the first branchial cleft anomaly, clinically typical but occult in images and pathology. An 8-year-old female who had an induration below her right mandibular angle was referred to our department with a diagnosis of an infectious epidermal cyst. CT and MRI had shown no evidence of fistula or cyst. At the initial operation, a string structure was observed, but pathologically no epithelial structure was observed. However, the infection at the same site repeated and the symptoms became more severe than before. Considering a high probability of the first branchial anomaly, partial parotidectomy was performed as radical surgery. A cord structure attached to subcutaneous tissue at the intertragal notch was found. Although no epithelial component in the pathology was detected, this string structure was clinically considered as the rudimentary form of the first branchial anomaly.
The LSST DESC data challenge 1: generation and analysis of synthetic images for next-generation surveys
Authors: Sánchez J , Walter C W , Awan H , Chiang J , Daniel S F , Gawiser E , Glanzman T , Kirkby D , Mandelbaum R , Slosar A , Wood-Vasey W M , AlSayyad Y , Burke C J , Digel S W , Jarvis M , Johnson T , Kelly H , Krughoff S , Lupton R H , Marshall P J , Peterson J R , Price P A , Sembroski G , Van Klaveren B , Wiesner M P , Xin B ,   The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: July 2020

Data Challenge 1 (DC1) is the first synthetic data set produced by the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Dark Energy Science Collaboration (DESC). DC1 is designed to develop and validate data reduction and analysis and to study the impact of systematic effects that will affect the LSST data set. DC1 is comprised of r-band observations of 40 deg2 to 10 yr LSST depth. We present each stage of the simulation and analysis process: (a) generation, by synthesizing sources from cosmological N-body simulations in individual sensor-visit images with different observing conditions; (b) reduction using a development version of the LSST Science Pipelines; and (c) matching to the input cosmological catalogue for validation and testing. We verify that testable LSST requirements pass within the fidelity of DC1. We establish a selection procedure that produces a sufficiently clean extragalactic sample for clustering analyses and we discuss residual sample contamination, including contributions from inefficiency in star–galaxy separation and imperfect deblending. We compute the galaxy power spectrum on the simulated field and conclude that: (i) survey properties have an impact of 50 per cent of the statistical uncertainty for the scales and models used in DC1; (ii) a selection to eliminate artefacts in the catalogues is necessary to avoid biases in the measured clustering; and (iii) the presence of bright objects has a significant impact (2σ–6σ) in the estimated power spectra at small scales (ℓ > 1200), highlighting the impact of blending in studies at small angular scales in LSST.
The formation of ultradiffuse galaxies in the RomulusC galaxy cluster simulation
Authors: Tremmel M , Wright A C , Brooks A M , Munshi F , Nagai D , Quinn T R
Published: July 2020

We study the origins of 122 ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the Romulus c zoom-in cosmological simulation of a galaxy cluster (M200 = 1.15 × 1014 M⊙), one of the only such simulations capable of resolving the evolution and structure of dwarf galaxies (M⋆ < 109 M⊙). We find broad agreement with observed cluster UDGs and predict that they are not separate from the overall cluster dwarf population. UDGs in cluster environments form primarily from dwarf galaxies that experienced early cluster in-fall and subsequent quenching due to ram pressure. The ensuing dimming of these dwarf galaxies due to passive stellar evolution results in a population of very low surface brightness galaxies that are otherwise typical dwarfs. UDGs and non-UDGs alike are affected by tidal interactions with the cluster potential. Tidal stripping of dark matter, as well as mass-loss from stellar evolution, results in the adiabatic expansion of stars, particularly in the lowest mass dwarfs. High-mass dwarf galaxies show signatures of tidal heating while low-mass dwarfs that survive until z = 0 typically have not experienced such impulsive interactions. There is little difference between UDGs and non-UDGs in terms of their dark matter haloes, stellar morphology, colours, and location within the cluster. In most respects cluster UDG and non-UDGs alike are similar to isolated dwarf galaxies, except for the fact that they are typically quenched.
The relation between the diffuse X-ray luminosity and the radio power of the central AGN in galaxy groups
Authors: Pasini T , Brüggen M , de Gasperin F , Bîrzan L , O’Sullivan E , Finoguenov A , Jarvis M , Gitti M , Brighenti F , Whittam I H , Collier J D , Heywood I , Gozaliasl G
Published: July 2020

Our understanding of how active galactic nucleus feedback operates in galaxy clusters has improved in recent years owing to large efforts in multiwavelength observations and hydrodynamical simulations. However, it is much less clear how feedback operates in galaxy groups, which have shallower gravitational potentials. In this work, using very deep Very Large Array and new MeerKAT observations from the MIGHTEE survey, we compiled a sample of 247 X-ray selected galaxy groups detected in the COSMOS field. We have studied the relation between the X-ray emission of the intra-group medium and the 1.4 GHz radio emission of the central radio galaxy. For comparison, we have also built a control sample of 142 galaxy clusters using ROSAT and NVSS data. We find that clusters and groups follow the same correlation between X-ray and radio emission. Large radio galaxies hosted in the centres of groups and merging clusters increase the scatter of the distribution. Using statistical tests and Monte Carlo simulations, we show that the correlation is not dominated by biases or selection effects. We also find that galaxy groups are more likely than clusters to host large radio galaxies, perhaps owing to the lower ambient gas density or a more efficient accretion mode. In these groups, radiative cooling of the intra-cluster medium could be less suppressed by active galactic nucleus heating. We conclude that the feedback processes that operate in galaxy clusters are also effective in groups.
Completeness of the Gaia-verse – I. When and where were Gaia’s eyes on the sky during DR2?
Authors: Boubert Douglas , Everall Andrew , Holl Berry
Published: July 2020

The Gaia space mission is crafting revolutionary astrometric, photometric, and spectroscopic catalogues that will allow us to map our Galaxy, but only if we know the completeness of this Gaia-verse of catalogues: what stars does it contain and what stars is it missing? We argue that the completeness is driven by Gaia’s spinning-and-precessing scanning law and will apply this principle to the Gaia-verse over this series. We take a first step by identifying the periods in time that did not contribute any measurements to Gaia DR2; these gaps create ribbons of incompleteness across the sky that will bias any study that ignores them, although some of these gaps may be filled in future data releases. Our first approach was to use the variable star photometry to identify the 94 gaps longer than 1 per cent of a day. Our second approach was to predict the number of observations of every point on the sky, which in comparison to the reported number of detections revealed additional gaps in the astrometry and spectroscopy. Making these predictions required us to make the most precise, publicly available determination of the Gaia scanning law. Using this scanning law, we further identified that most stars fainter than G = 22 in DR2 have spurious magnitudes due to a miscalibration resulting from a thunderstorm over Madrid. Our list of gaps and precision scanning law will allow astronomers to know when Gaia’s eye was truly on their binary star, exoplanet, or microlensing event during the time period of the second data release.
Generalized emergent dark energy: observational Hubble data constraints and stability analysis
Authors: Hernández-Almada A , Leon Genly , Magaña Juan , García-Aspeitia Miguel A , Motta V
Published: July 2020

Recently, a phenomenologically emergent dark energy (PEDE) model was presented with a dark energy density evolving as $\widetilde{\Omega }_{\rm {DE}}(z) = \Omega _{\rm {DE,0}}[ 1 - {\rm {tanh}}({\log }_{10}(1+z))]$, i.e. with no degree of freedom. Later on, a generalized model was proposed by adding one degree of freedom to the PEDE model, encoded in the parameter Δ. Motivated by these proposals, we constrain the parameter space ($h,\Omega _m^{(0)}$) and ($h,\Omega _m^{(0)}, \Delta$) for PEDE and generalized emergent dark energy (GEDE), respectively, by employing the most recent observational (non-)homogeneous and differential age Hubble data. Additionally, we reconstruct the deceleration and jerk parameters and estimate yield values at z = 0 of $q_0 = -0.784^{+0.028}_{-0.027}$ and $j_0 = 1.241^{+0.164}_{-0.149}$ for PEDE and $q_0 = -0.730^{+0.059}_{-0.067}$ and $j_0 = 1.293^{+0.194}_{-0.187}$ for GEDE using the homogeneous sample. We report values on the deceleration–acceleration transition redshift with those reported in the literature within 2σ CL. Furthermore, we perform a stability analysis of the PEDE and GEDE models to study the global evolution of the Universe around their critical points. Although the PEDE and GEDE dynamics are similar to the standard model, our stability analysis indicates that in both models there is an accelerated phase at early epochs of the Universe evolution.
Fine and hyperfine excitation of CCN by He
Authors: Chefai A , Jaidane N E , Hammami K , Lique F
Published: July 2020

The relative abundance of cyanide and isocyanide molecules is a sensitive tracer of the physical conditions in the interstellar and circumstellar media. Accurate modelling of collisional and radiative processes implying these species opens the way for accurate estimation of their abundances. The present paper focuses on the computation of collisional rate coefficients for fine and hyperfine (de-)excitation of the CCN molecule (one of the C2N isomers) in collision with He, for temperatures up to 150 K. Using a time independent coupled-channel approach, scattering calculations were performed for transitions implying the lowest 56 fine structure levels and the corresponding 166 hyperfine structure levels belonging to both 2Π1/2 and 2Π3/2 spin-orbit manifolds. We provided, for the first time, realistic collisional data for the CCN radical. Propensity rules for fine and hyperfine transitions are discussed. As a first application, we evaluated the impact of these new data on the astrophysical modelling through radiative transfer calculations. We obtained the brightness and excitation temperatures of selected lines observed towards circumstellar envelopes and we found that local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions are not fulfilled for this species. As a consequence, our results indicate that the abundance of the CCN derived from the observations has to be revised since the observation modelling strongly depends on the collisional data used.
Exploring extensions to the standard cosmological model and the impact of baryons on small scales
Authors: Stafford Sam G , Brown Shaun T , McCarthy Ian G , Font Andreea S , Robertson Andrew , Poole-McKenzie Robert
Published: July 2020

It has been claimed that the standard model of cosmology (ΛCDM) cannot easily account for a number of observations on relatively small scales, motivating extensions to the standard model. Here, we introduce a new suite of cosmological simulations that systematically explores three plausible extensions: warm dark matter, self-interacting dark matter, and a running of the scalar spectral index of density fluctuations. Current observational constraints are used to specify the additional parameters that come with these extensions. We examine a large range of observable metrics on small scales, including the halo mass function, density, and circular velocity profiles, the abundance of satellite subhaloes, and halo concentrations. For any given metric, significant degeneracies can be present between the extensions. In detail, however, the different extensions have quantitatively distinct mass and radial dependencies, suggesting that a multiprobe approach over a range of scales can be used to break the degeneracies. We also demonstrate that the relative effects on the radial density profiles in the different extensions (compared to the standard model) are converged down to significantly smaller radii than are the absolute profiles. We compare the derived cosmological trends with the impact of baryonic physics using the EAGLE and ARTEMIS simulations. Significant degeneracies are also present between baryonic physics and cosmological variations (with both having similar magnitude effects on some observables). Given the inherent uncertainties both in the modelling of galaxy formation physics and extensions to ΛCDM, a systematic and simultaneous exploration of both is strongly warranted.
Nucleosomes effectively shield DNA from radiation damage in living cells
Authors: Brambilla Francesca , Garcia-Manteiga Jose Manuel , Monteleone Emanuele , Hoelzen Lena , Zocchi Angelica , Agresti Alessandra , Bianchi Marco E
Published: July 2020

Eukaryotic DNA is organized in nucleosomes, which package DNA and regulate its accessibility to transcription, replication, recombination and repair. Here, we show that in living cells nucleosomes protect DNA from high-energy radiation and reactive oxygen species. We combined sequence-based methods (ATAC-seq and BLISS) to determine the position of both nucleosomes and double strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome of nucleosome-rich malignant mesothelioma cells, and of the same cells partially depleted of nucleosomes. The results were replicated in the human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line. We found that, for each genomic sequence, the probability of DSB formation is directly proportional to the fraction of time it is nucleosome-free; DSBs accumulate distal from the nucleosome dyad axis. Nucleosome free regions and promoters of actively transcribed genes are more sensitive to DSB formation, and consequently to mutation. We argue that this may be true for a variety of chemical and physical DNA damaging agents.
Using Histopathology to Assess the Reliability of Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Guiding Additional Brain Tumor Resection: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Shah Amar S , Yahanda Alexander T , Sylvester Peter T , Evans John , Dunn Gavin P , Jensen Randy L , Honeycutt John , Cahill Daniel P , Sutherland Garnette R , Oswood Mark , Shah Mitesh , Abram Steven R , Rich Keith M , Dowling Joshua L , Leuthardt Eric C , Dacey Ralph G , Kim Albert H , Zipfel Gregory J , Limbrick David D , Smyth Matthew D , Leonard Jeffrey , Chicoine Michael R
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is a powerful tool for guiding brain tumor resections, provided that it accurately discerns residual tumor.

OBJECTIVE

To use histopathology to assess how reliably iMRI may discern additional tumor for a variety of tumor types, independent of the indications for iMRI.

METHODS

A multicenter database was used to calculate the odds of additional resection during the same surgical session for grade I to IV gliomas and pituitary adenomas. The reliability of iMRI for identifying residual tumor was assessed using histopathology of tissue resected after iMRI.

RESULTS

Gliomas (904/1517 cases, 59.6%) were more likely than pituitary adenomas (176/515, 34.2%) to receive additional resection after iMRI (P < .001), but these tumors were equally likely to have additional tissue sent for histopathology (398/904, 44.4% vs 66/176, 37.5%; P = .11). Tissue samples were available for resections after iMRI for 464 cases, with 415 (89.4%) positive for tumor. Additional resections after iMRI for gliomas (361/398, 90.7%) were more likely to yield additional tumor compared to pituitary adenomas (54/66, 81.8%) (P = .03). There were no significant differences in resection after iMRI yielding histopathologically positive tumor between grade I (58/65 cases, 89.2%; referent), grade II (82/92, 89.1%) (P = .98), grade III (72/81, 88.9%) (P = .95), or grade IV gliomas (149/160, 93.1%) (P = .33). Additional resection for previously resected tumors (122/135 cases, 90.4%) was equally likely to yield histopathologically confirmed tumor compared to newly-diagnosed tumors (293/329, 89.0%) (P = .83).

CONCLUSION

Histopathological analysis of tissue resected after use of iMRI for grade I to IV gliomas and pituitary adenomas demonstrates that iMRI is highly reliable for identifying residual tumor.
Participatory Action Research and Photovoice: Applicability, Relevance, and Process in Nursing Education Research
Authors: Oosterbroek Tracy , Yonge Olive , Myrick Florence
Published: July 2020

Participatory action research (PAR) is a philosophy and approach to qualitative research. The purpose of this article is to generate a clearer understanding of PAR and its relevance to the discipline and profession of nursing. The authors provide a description of the principles and process of implementing PAR methodology, using photovoice as an innovative, participant-directed data collection method in rural nursing preceptorship. Participants were undergraduate nursing students and faculty advisors assigned to rural communities during the final clinical preceptorship. Participants described opportunities and challenges experienced during the preceptorship and how these experiences influenced their learning and overall preceptorship experience.
Beyond Discussion: Implementing Multimodal Learning in a Nurse Practitioner Program
Authors: Elertson Kathleen M. , Lehr Michelle
Published: July 2020

End-of-program feedback from students reflected a decreased level of active engagement and retention in learning at a public university in the upper Midwest of the United States. Results prompted educators to explore integration of multimodal instruction within the postlicensure family nurse practitioner program. A graduate program faculty work group was created to review and revise the curriculum. Through the utilization of national organization standards, implementation of evidence-based best practices, and a shared vision, a small group of nurse faculty was able to complete significant improvement in the graduate curriculum within a single academic year.
Using Experiential Learning in Escape Rooms to Deliver Policies and Procedures in Academic and Acute Care Settings
Authors: Diaz Desiree A. , McVerry Kristen , Spears Syretta , Díaz Rubén Z. , Stauffer Loren T.
Published: July 2020

Puzzle rooms, recently termed “escape rooms,” have been in existence for several years and are increasing in popularity in the United States. These experiential learning rooms create an inviting learning environment for both the academic and acute care learner. Learners are placed in strategic cooperative learning groups to promote teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Participation in an escape room can be used to reinforce policies and procedures that are standard in nursing practice. Overall acceptance of this novel idea in nursing was positive for registered nurse, student, and community member outcomes; evaluations were affirmative for learning engagement.
Community Partnerships
Authors: Klainberg Marilyn , Mancini Karen , Brickel Kristin
Published: July 2020

Because of the prevalence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, there is an increased need in the United States for nurses with specialized knowledge and training in providing care to dialysis patients. The US Board of Labor Statistics projects growth of 26 percent in dialysis nursing over the next decade. To prepare nursing students for this growing need, a collaborative agreement was made between a college of nursing and public health and hospital executives in an academic and clinical practice partnership to introduce nursing students to dialysis nursing through a clinical experience.
Decreasing Nursing Student Workload and Stress: An Innovative Method to Reform Clinical Assignments Across the Curriculum
Authors: Vignato Julie A. , Gleason Limoges Nicole , Arends Leslie , Nicholson Anita
Published: July 2020

This innovative change to clinical written assignments for prelicensure nursing students is intended to decrease student workload and stress. Student stress and mental health issues are becoming more apparent in nursing programs. Guided by change theories and a modified SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis, a BSN subcommittee evaluated methods of written assignments and publisher products. An electronic platform will be trialed in one course. This innovative process provides nursing programs a template for change implementation aimed to reduce student workload and stress.
Toolkit for a Successful Nurse Educator Sabbatical
Authors: Wilson-Anderson Kaye
Published: July 2020

This article provides evidence to support the need for nursing faculty to attain sabbaticals. In addition, a toolkit is provided that walks faculty through a step-by-step process to ensure a successful sabbatical. Future nurses are counting on strong, engaging, and visionary faculty. Thus, to foster resilience, nursing faculty are encouraged to embrace the sabbatical opportunity.
Clerkship Grading and the U.S. Economy: What Medical Education Can Learn From America’s Economic History
Authors: Ryan Michael S. , Brooks E. Marshall , Safdar Komal , Santen Sally A.
Published: July 2020

Clerkship grades (like money) are a social construct that function as the currency through which value exchanges in medical education are negotiated between the system’s various stakeholders. They provide a widely recognizable and efficient medium through which learner development can be assessed, tracked, compared, and demonstrated and are commonly used to make decisions regarding progression, distinction, and selection for residency. However, substantial literature has demonstrated how grades imprecisely and unreliably reflect the value of learners. In this article, the authors suggest that challenges with clerkship grades are fundamentally tied to their role as currency in the medical education system. Associations are drawn between clerkship grades and the history of the U.S. economy; 2 major concepts are highlighted: regulation and stock prices. The authors describe the history of these economic concepts and how they relate to challenges in clerkship grading. Using lessons learned from the history of the U.S. economy, the authors then propose a 2-step solution to improve upon grading for future generations of medical students: (1) transition from grades to a federally regulated competency-based assessment model and (2) development of a departmental competency letter that incorporates competency-based assessments rather than letter grades and meets the needs of program directors.
Feeling Death, Being Alive: 4-Methylethcathinone/Pentedrone Addiction and 3-Methoxyphencyclidine Intoxication
Authors: van den Bersselaar Luuk R. , van der Hoeven Johannes G. , de Jong Ben
Published: July 2020

New psychoactive substances (NPS), also known as designer drugs or legal highs, represent a broad range of different pharmacologically active substances. They are sold as replacements to established drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Among adolescents in Europe, NPS are gaining popularity. Despite the increasing use of NPS, information about the acute health effects remains scarce and is even worse for the long-term effects or the addictive potential of NPS. Severe or fatal cases of NPS intoxications are reported. Although several authors warn about the addictive potential of synthetic cathinones, case reports or larger studies in humans are scarce. We present the case of a patient addicted to 4-methylethcathinone/pentedrone and an acute intoxication with 3-methoxyphencyclidine-piperidine cyclohexane carbonitrile. This case shows that the addictive potential of synthetic cathinones should not be underestimated.
Age-related decrease in supratrochanteric torsion and increase in infratrochanteric torsion in healthy pediatric femurs: an MRI study
Authors: Alpay Yakup , Nuri Ozyalvac Osman , Turgut Emre , Akpinar Evren , Misir Abdulhamit , Ilhan Bayhan Avni
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between femoral anteversion, supratrochanteric torsion (STT), and infratrochanteric torsion (ITT) in healthy developing pediatric femurs using MRI. This study included 282 (164 males and 118 females) patients aged 1–18 years. The axial MRI of patients with benign tumoral lesions of the femur was retrospectively reviewed. The measurements were performed through axial images of contralateral healthy femurs. Femoral anteversion, STT, and ITT were measured twice by two orthopedic surgeons. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for the correlation of age between STT, ITT, and femoral anteversion in children. All femoral anteversion, STT, and ITT measurements showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability (P < 0.001). The mean STT changed from 68.5° to 37.2°  ±  4.2, the mean ITT changed from −37.4° to −21.2°  ±  4.2, and the mean femoral anteversion changed from 31.1° to 18.8°  ±  2.2 in patients aged 1–18 years. Through the linear regression model, STT, ITT, and femoral anteversion had a significant association (P < 0.001) with age. For an increase of one year in age, the corresponding STT decreased 1.32 times (P < 0.001, R
2 = 0.510), the corresponding ITT increased 0.39 times (P < 0.001, R
2 = 0.079), and the corresponding femoral anteversion decreased 0.94 times (P < 0.001, R
2 = 0.507). ITT increases and STT decreases with age. The decrease in STT contributes more to femoral anteversion than does the increase in ITT. STT and ITT contribute to femoral anteversion with different patterns according to age.
Circular RNA in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Xue-Wei , Yang Wen-Hui , Xu Jun
Published: July 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. At present, there is no simple and effective screening method for early-stage GC, and the treatment results and prognosis are poor. With the continuous improvement of molecular biology techniques, research on circular RNA (circRNA) has gradually expanded over time. Much data supports the role of circRNA in tumorigenesis. Moreover, due to its structural specificity and biological stability, circRNA is anticipated to be a potential biomarker for tumor diagnosis. Studies have confirmed that circRNA can participate in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and apoptosis of GC. These findings will lead to novel directions for the diagnosis and treatment of GC. This article reviews the structure and function of circRNA, summarizes the current studies on circRNA, and discusses the potential diagnostic value of circRNA in GC.
Fertility Preservation for Adolescents Receiving Cancer Therapies
Authors: APPIAH LESLIE C.
Published: July 2020

According to the National Cancer Institute, ∼300,000 children globally are diagnosed with cancer each year. Advancements in chemotherapy and radiotherapy have revolutionized cancer treatment and improved long-term survival. Although many survivors will remain in good health with disease-free prognoses, three fourths will experience short-term and long-term effects from treatment. The cancer care paradigm has now appropriately shifted to include quality of life in survivorship with fertility cited as one of the most important quality of life indicators by survivors. A comprehensive approach to fertility preservation in adolescents receiving cancer therapies is described in this chapter.
Nutrition and physical activity recommendations from the United States and European cardiovascular guidelines: a comparative review
Authors: Ferraro Richard A. , Fischer Nicole Mercado , Xun Helen , Michos Erin D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

A healthy lifestyle throughout one's lifespan is the core foundation for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Risk-based decisions for pharmacological therapy is added on-top of lifestyle management. Thus, understanding lifestyle-based recommendations is central to CVD prevention.

Recent findings

In 2018 and 2019, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) published new guidelines for lipid management and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), respectively. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) published new guidelines on lipids and diabetes management in 2019. These guidelines provide recommendations on diet and lifestyle for reducing cardiovascular risk. Both encourage heart-healthy diets consistent with Mediterranean, DASH, or healthy vegetarian patterns. Both provide guidance for recommended physical activity levels but acknowledge any physical activity, even less than recommended, is better than inactivity. Although both ACC/AHA and ESC/EAS guidelines have similar approaches to achieve the same goal of CVD prevention, there were some differences between them.

In this review, we discussed similarities and differences between the American and European guidelines to familiarize clinicians with both sets of lifestyle recommendations in an effort to provide best practices in individualized patient-care for CVD prevention.
A comparison of surgical, total percutaneous, and hybrid approaches to treatment of combined coronary artery and valvular heart disease
Authors: EL-Andari Ryaan , Bozso Sabin J. , Kang Jimmy , Nagendran Jeevan
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to compare outcomes of surgical valve replacement (SVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) SVR and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and transcatheter aortic valve replacement and PCI for the treatment of combined coronary artery disease (CAD) and valvular heart disease (VHD).

Recent findings

Several studies have attempted to identify key differences in outcomes with hybrid MICS SVR and PCI approaches to combined CAD and VHD. Recent studies have demonstrated that MICS SVR and PCI, when compared with conventional open SVR and CABG, demonstrate reduced or unchanged morbidity and mortality. However, the rate of bleeding in MICS SVR and PCI is consistently higher likely because of the effects of antiplatelet therapy.

A shift toward MICS has occurred in the preceding decades, with outcomes improving in recent years. With limited ability to perform CABG through MICS approaches, attempts have been made at hybrid procedures to address multiple presenting concerns while allowing for the benefits of MICS approaches. Hybrid MICS SVR and PCI approaches may provide suitable alternatives to traditional surgical approaches with reduced intra and postoperative morbidity and mortality, with the notable exception of bleeding complications.
Arterial stiffness and pressure wave reflection in the development of isolated diastolic hypertension
Authors: Tomiyama Hirofumi , Shiina Kazuki , Nakano Hiroki , Iwasaki Yoichi , Matsumoto Chisa , Fujii Masatsune , Chikamori Taishiro , Yamashina Akira
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

This prospective study was conducted to clarify the significance of augmented pressure wave reflection without accompanying increased arterial stiffness in the development of isolated diastolic hypertension (IDHT).

Methods:

A total of 3022 Japanese men without hypertension at the start of this study were included in the analyses. The blood pressure, brachial--ankle pulse wave velocity (brachial-ankle PWV), and radial augmentation index (rAI) were measured annually from year 2007 through year 2015.

Results:

At the end of the study period, 129 participants were diagnosed as having systolic/diastolic hypertension (SDHT), 112 as having isolated systolic hypertension (ISHT), and 74 as having IDHT. Both the brachial--ankle PWV and rAI showed significant individual odds ratios for new onset of SDHT and new onset of ISHT. However, only rAI, but not the brachial--ankle PWV, showed a significant odds ratio (1.44, P < 0.01) for new onset of IDHT. This association was significant in participants without elevated brachial--ankle PWV values at the start of the study, but not in those with elevated brachial--ankle PWV at the start of the study. Generalized estimating equation analyses demonstrated a significant longitudinal association of the rAI, but not brachial--ankle PWV, with the development of IDHT.

Conclusion:

Although increased arterial stiffness and augmented pressure wave reflection present concomitantly may be associated with the development of SDHT and ISHT, augmented pressure wave reflection alone, which may be related to isolated peripheral vascular damage, in the absence of accompanying increase of the arterial stiffness, may be a significant factor in the development of IDHT.
Impact of different dipping patterns on left atrial function in hypertension
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Pencic Biljana , Mancia Giuseppe , Grassi Guido , Kocijancic Vesna , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Celic Vera
Published: July 2020

Objective:

We aimed to investigate left atrial phasic function in the recently diagnosed hypertensive patients and determine association between circadian blood pressure (BP) patterns and left atrial function.

Methods:

The present study involved 256 untreated hypertensive patients who underwent 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and comprehensive echocardiographic examination. All patients were divided into four groups according to the percentage of nocturnal BP drop (dippers, extreme dippers, nondippers and reverse dippers).

Results:

There was no significant difference in daytime BPs between the observed groups, whereas night-time BPs significantly and gradually increased from extreme dippers and dippers, across nondippers, to reverse dippers. Total, passive and active left atrial emptying fractions that correspond with left atrial reservoir, conduit and contractile function were lower in nondippers and reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers. Reservoir and contractile left atrial strains were lower in reverse dippers than in dippers and extreme dippers, whereas conduit left atrial strain was lower in reverse dippers in comparison with extreme dippers. Nondipping and reverse dipping BP patterns were, independently of age, sex, nocturnal BPs, left ventricular mass index, E/e′, associated with reduced reservoir function. Nevertheless, only reverse dipping profile was independently of other circadian BP profiles, nocturnal BP, demographic and echocardiographic parameters related with reduced conduit and contractile functions.

Conclusion:

Nondipping and reverse dipping BP patterns were related with impaired left atrial phasic function. However, reverse pattern was the only circadian profile that was independently of other clinical parameters, including night-time BP, associated with decreased reservoir, conduit and contractile function.