bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data jurisdictions and rival regimes of algorithmic regulation
Authors: Johns Fleur , Compton Caroline
Published: December 2019

This article aims to characterize and compare some approaches to regulation manifest in distinct yet intersecting domains of data assemblage and algorithmic development and to explore some implications of their operating in concert. We focus on three such types of domain, each oriented toward different purposes: market jurisdictions, public science jurisdictions, and jurisdictions of humanitarianism. These domains we characterize as data jurisdictions because they tend to propagate distinct normative claims and concerns, and authorize particular types of speech and action, through algorithmic operations and data formatting. In this article, we focus on the intersection of these archetypal data jurisdictions in two related initiatives of the United Nations (UN): Haze Gazer and CycloMon. In the context of these projects, the market domain is represented by their incorporation of Twitter and social media data; the public science domain by their use of NASA Earth Observatory data, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data, and Air Quality Index China (AQICN) air quality data; and the humanitarian domain by their status as UN projects designed to serve the aims and enlarge the capacities of development and humanitarian professionals. We analyze how, and with what ramifications, these domains of algorithmic regulation intersect in Haze Gazer and CycloMon. In so doing, we advance two main arguments. First, we argue that certain normative commitments regarding data, data use, and data users circulate and gain ground through their embeddedness in seemingly benign infrastructures and formats of data handling and representation. Particular (contentious) norms are prioritized, spread, and imbibed as much through day‐to‐day data usage as through explicit argument or endorsement. Second, we argue that blind spots tend to emerge from the intersection of different jurisdictions over, or approaches to, the challenge of responsible algorithmic regulation. The data jurisdictions that we analyze in this article demand quite divergent normative commitments, but the conflicts among these are hard for users to discern in day‐to‐day interactions with the platforms that we describe. We contend that jurisdictional analysis of projects in operation may help data contributors and users take account of, and potentially take a stand on, these important differences.
Relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Berlanga‐Macías Carlos , Álvarez‐Bueno Celia , Martínez‐Hortelano José Alberto , Garrido‐Miguel Miriam , Pozuelo‐Carrascosa Diana P. , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente
Published: December 2019

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding has been examined as a determinant factor of cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents; however, previous research has reported certain gaps and controversial conclusions related to the real effect of breastfeeding on cardiorespiratory fitness. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the relationship between breastfeeding, in terms of duration and exclusivity, and cardiorespiratory fitness in schoolchildren and adolescents aged four to 18 years.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from their inception to December 2019. Observational studies addressing the association between breastfeeding and cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents were included. The random‐effects method was used to estimate the pooled effect sizes and their respective 95% confidence intervals for all exclusive breastfeeding categories and cardiorespiratory fitness. Positive values indicated a direct relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Results

Eight published articles were included (a total of 16 862 children and adolescents, aged from seven to 15 years). The pooled effect sizes for exclusive breastfeeding categories on cardiorespiratory fitness were as follows: 0.01 (−0.07 to 0.09) for less than 3 months; 0.09 (0.00 to 0.19) for 3‐6 months; 0.07 (−0.01 to 0.16) for less than 6 months; and 0.14 (0.02 to 0.27) for more than 6 months.

Conclusions

The best current evidence indicates that longer exclusive breastfeeding is positively associated with higher cardiorespiratory fitness during childhood and adolescence.
Introducing Bayes
Authors: Meyer Joerg
Published: December 2019

Some situations are presented with perplexing properties, which become clearer by looking at contingency tables. This in turn leads to problems that can be solved using conditional frequencies and thus leading to the Bayes formula with natural frequencies or probabilities.
MAPK‐like protein 1 positively regulates maize seedling drought sensitivity by suppressing ABA biosynthesis
Authors: Zhu Dan , Chang Ying , Pei Ting , Zhang Xiuyan , Liu Lan , Li Yuan , Zhuang Junhong , Yang Hailian , Qin Feng , Song Chunpeng , Ren Dongtao
Published: December 2019

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play vital roles in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. MAPK‐like (MPKL) proteins are a group of kinases containing the MAPK signature TxY motif and showing sequence similarity to MAPKs. However, the functions of plant MPKL proteins are currently unknown. The maize (Zea mays) genome contains four genes encoding MPKL proteins, here named ZmMPKL1 to ZmMPKL4. In this study, we show that ZmMPKL1 possesses kinase activity and that drought‐induced ZmMPKL1 expression, ZmMPKL1 overexpression and knockout maize seedlings exhibited no visible morphological difference from wild‐type B73 seedlings when grown under normal conditions. By contrast, under drought conditions, ZmMPKL1‐overexpressing seedlings showed increased stomatal aperture, water loss, and leaf wilting and knockout seedlings showed the opposite phenotypes. Moreover, these drought‐sensitive phenotypes in ZmMPKL1‐overexpressing seedlings were restored by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). ZmMPKL1 overexpression reduced drought‐induced ABA production in seedlings and the knockout showed enhanced ABA production. Drought‐induced transcription of ABA biosynthetic genes were suppressed and ABA catabolic genes were enhanced in ZmMPKL1‐overexpressing seedlings, while their transcription were reversely regulated in knockout seedlings. These results suggest that ZmMPKL1 positively regulates seedlings drought sensitivity by altering the transcription of ABA biosynthetic and catabolic genes, and ABA homeostasis.
A retrospective evaluation of systemic and/or topical pilocarpine treatment for canine neurogenic dry eye: 11 cases
Authors: Wegg Michaela L.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To assess the response to topical and/or systemic pilocarpine in dogs with neurogenic dry eye.

Method

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with dry eye between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Cases were excluded if STT values were decreased bilaterally, if dogs were lost to follow‐up, or if surgical measures (parotid duct transposition) were undertaken within thirty days of presentation. Dogs were on treatment with topical pilocarpine (0.1%, every 6 hours) and/or oral pilocarpine (starting dose 2%, one drop per 10 kg every twelve hours).

Results

Eleven cases were included in the study, seven females and four males with mean age of 10 years. Seven cases had xeromycteria, two cases had facial nerve paralysis, and one case had Horner's syndrome. Seven cases (63.6%) had successful outcome following pilocarpine treatment, return to normal STT (15‐25mm/minute), in an average of 24 ± 5.1 days. Of these cases, five had both systemic and topical treatment, one had just topical treatment, and one had just systemic treatment. The average time to normal tear production on treatment with topical pilocarpine ± systemic was 23 days (range 9‐48 days). The number of systemic drops until a positive response varied between individuals from 0.8drops/10kg to 7drops/10kg.

Conclusion

Pilocarpine treatment (topical ± systemic) is an effective therapy for unilateral dry eye disease in cases suspected to be neurogenic in origin. Most cases responded within 30 days. Side effects included topical irritation to the ophthalmic solution and systemic effects from oral pilocarpine, such as diarrhea and regurgitation.
Biocompatibility of allogenic canine fascia lata: In vitro evaluation and small case series
Authors: El‐Taliawi Omar G. , Taguchi Takashi , Dong Fanglong , Battig Jean , Griffon Dominique J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the biocompatibility of canine fascia lata (FL) in vitro and after FL allograft implantation in dogs with clinical disease.

Study design

In vitro experiment and small case series.

Sample population

Six dogs treated with allogenic freeze‐dried FL.

Methods

Fibroblasts were cultured on disks of FL, polypropylene mesh (PM; negative control), and porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS; positive control). Constructs were compared at 3, 7, and 14 days for water content, DNA amounts, scanning electron microscopy, and histology.

Records of dogs treated with FL allografts with follow‐up examination were reviewed for signalment, indication for surgery, surgical procedure, and outcomes. All owners were invited to complete a standardized questionnaire for long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Water content was greater in FL and SIS than in PM (P= .03). Fascia lata constructs contained more DNA compared with PM constructs at days 7 and 14 (P < .05), whereas SIS constructs did not differ from FL or PM. Fibroblasts appeared spherical and distributed throughout FL constructs, whereas they appeared stellate and remained on the surface of SIS and PM. Fascia lata allografts were implanted in six dogs with surgical conditions. No incisional complications were noted. All dogs had good to excellent long‐term outcomes, except one that experienced recurrence of a perineal hernia 2 years after repair.

Conclusion

In vitro, canine FL allowed attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts throughout layers of the graft. Canine allogenic FL was clinically well tolerated in this small population of dogs.

Clinical significance

Allogenic FL is biocompatible and can be considered an alternative to SIS for soft tissue augmentation in dogs.
Particle nucleation and growth in dusty plasmas: On the importance of charged-neutral interactions
Authors: Girshick Steven L.
Published: December 2019

Particle nucleation and growth in gases involves nucleation via growth of small molecular or ionic clusters, growth by vapor deposition on nanoparticle surfaces, and coagulation due to collisions between nanoparticles. Under typical conditions that apply in low-pressure nonthermal plasmas, all three of these phenomena are dominated by interactions between negatively charged bodies (anion clusters or nanoparticles) and neutral ones (molecules or nanoparticles), with collision rates enhanced by the dipole or image potential induced in the neutral collision partner. The current understanding of these phenomena is reviewed, with a focus on silane-containing plasmas in which silicon nanoparticles nucleate and grow.
Salt creeping as a self-amplifying crystallization process
Authors: Qazi M. J. , Salim H. , Doorman C. A. W. , Jambon-Puillet E. , Shahidzadeh N.
Published: December 2019

We study and explain salt creeping, a ubiquitous phenomenon in which crystals precipitate far from an evaporating salt solution.
Unraveling the Role of MicroRNAs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Disease: Advances and Pitfalls
Authors: Ruiz-Tagle Cinthya , Naves Rodrigo , Balcells María Elvira
Published: December 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease of extremely high epidemiological burden worldwide that is easily acquired through the inhalation of infected respiratory droplets. The complex pathogenesis of this infection spans from subjects never developing this disease despite intense exposure, to others in which immune containment fails catastrophically and severe or disseminated forms of disease ensue.
Peptide Linkers within the Essential FtsZ Membrane Tethers ZipA and FtsA Are Nonessential for Cell Division
Authors: Schoenemann Kara M. , Vega Daniel E. , Margolin William
Published: December 2019

Escherichia coli
cells divide using a cytokinetic ring composed of polymers of the tubulin-like FtsZ. To function properly, these polymers must attach to the inner surface of the cytoplasmic membrane via two essential membrane-associated tethers, FtsA and ZipA. Both FtsA and ZipA contain peptide linkers that connect their membrane-binding domains with their FtsZ-binding domains. Although they are presumed to be crucial for cell division activity, the importance of these linkers has not yet been rigorously tested. Here, we show that large segments of these linkers can be removed with few consequences for cell division, although several subtle defects were uncovered. Our results suggest that ZipA, in particular, can function in cell division without an extended linker.
Epigenetics for the 21st-Century Biology Student
Authors: Kang Jonghoon , Daines Jenna R. , Warren Abbey N. , Cowan Matthew L.
Published: December 2019

Epigenetics, a rapidly emerging biological science, investigates changes in gene expression without any change to the primary DNA sequence. Epigenetics plays an important role in diverse areas, including nutritional sciences, psychology, and environmental sciences. In addition, epigenetic phenomena are closely implicated in various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. Even though the importance of epigenetics has been widely discussed in the literature, there is no quantitative assessment on the development of epigenetics. In this paper, we show our metadata analysis of PubMed to quantitatively measure the temporal development of epigenetics. Our analysis indicates that the publication volume of epigenetics will reach 20.7% of all genetics paper in 10 years (year 2029). Based on our analysis, we suggest that epigenetics be added to the biology undergraduate curriculum.
Principles and Strategies for Effective Teaching: A Workshop for Pre- and Postdoctoral Trainees in the Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Hartley Laurel M. , Ferrara Michael J. , Handelsman Mitchell M. , Rutebemberwa Alleluiah , Wefes Inge
Published: December 2019

The 2012 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Biomedical Workforce Working Group Report documented that graduate training in the biomedical sciences predominantly prepares people for academic research positions. The report recommended that NIH provide funds for institutions to develop broader career development opportunities, including training related to teaching. Indeed, teaching is not only a required component of any faculty position, it is the primary task for trainees who seek employment at small liberal arts colleges and other primarily undergraduate institutions. NIH funding for the BEST (Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training) programs allowed us to develop a six-week training workshop for bioscience trainees to introduce participants to research-based, student-centered pedagogies and instructional design techniques and to inspire them to view teaching as an intellectual endeavor. The methods and outcomes of our case study should be applicable in a variety of programs and organizations, especially those with a separate health science campus, where faculty mentors often do not teach many classes and there are few, if any, apprenticeship-teaching opportunities for trainees.
Minds at Play: Using an Online Protein Folding Game, FoldIt, To Support Student Learning about Protein Folding, Structure, and the Scientific Process
Authors: Achterman Rebecca Rashid
Published: December 2019

Structure-function relationships of biological molecules are foundational to undergraduate biology education. In this article and supplemental information, an in-class activity is presented that uses a freely available online game to visualize the nature of chemical bonds as they relate to protein folding and structure. Activity questions and discussion guide students through a consideration of common structural elements as well as the nature of the scientific process. The activity was used in a lab section but could also work as a homework assignment. Student comments from a survey at the end of the course were overwhelmingly positive and indicated the activity helped them appreciate the complexity of protein folding as well as the scientific processes used to solve protein structures.
An Introductory Module and Experiments To Improve the Graphing Skills of Non-Science Majors
Authors: Violin Christy R. , Forster Brian M.
Published: December 2019

Graphing allows for the succinct communication of scientific data and is therefore a critical learning objective in science curricula. Unfortunately, many students, particularly non-science majors, lack the necessary skills to prepare and interpret graphs. Many students are able to interpolate data and observe general trends but demonstrate only a cursory ability to contextualize their results. In this paper, we suggest an introductory module and graphing lessons to improve the quantitative skills of non-science majors. In each of these lessons, students go through four phases of data analysis: (a) collection; (b) graphing; (c) interpolation/trend detection (reading), and (d) determining the underlying mechanism resulting in the trends they observe (interpretation). By employing these activities, we are continuing to improve the scientific literacy of students.
A “Choose-Your-Own” Classroom-Based Activity That Promotes Scientific Inquiry about RNA Interference
Authors: Hsu Jeremy L.
Published: December 2019

RNA interference (RNAi), the process that results in the degradation of a target gene’s mRNA, is a fundamental part of eukaryotic gene regulation and is also an important molecular technique that allows for experimental manipulation of gene expression without altering DNA sequences. Despite the importance of RNAi, there have been relatively few lecture-based activities designed to teach about the consequences of this process and counter common misconceptions. I present here an inquiry-based activity that is centered around a “choose your own experiment” design where students generate hypotheses and critically evaluate their ideas by choosing several simulated experiments. The activity presents students with one of the original puzzling observations, the discovery that triggering overexpression of a given gene in a flower resulted in an opposite change in phenotype than expected, and the subsequent discovery that there was a dramatic decrease of that gene’s mRNA, that sparked the discovery of RNAi. Students then propose a molecular mechanism for these results before using a limited budget of funding to simulate their choice of experiments. Simulated results are provided for these experiments, and students must work together to interpret and discuss these results before deciding on the next experiment. I provide a guide for instructors on how to implement this activity, with suggestions on how to vary the activity to fit different class sizes as well as an abbreviated version for instructors who are short on time. Finally, I include an aligned assessment so that instructors may check student learning about the impacts of RNAi.
Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories Version 2.0: A Revised and Updated Manual for 2019
Authors: Byrd Jeffrey J. , Emmert Elizabeth , Maxwell Robert , Townsend Heather ,   the ASM Task Committee on the Revision of the 2012 Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines
Published: December 2019

The original
Guidelines for Biosafety in Teaching Laboratories
were developed in 2012 in response to an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that originated from clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories. In the 7 years since the publication of the guidelines, there have been two subsequent CDC-reported
Salmonella
outbreaks originating from clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories. Use of and issues with the guidelines by ASM members have been tracked by various means since publication, and in 2018 it became apparent that an update of the guidelines was necessary. The Education Board of the American Society for Microbiology charged this task force with updating the guidelines based on the accumulated information. While the guidelines should look familiar, users will find that the originally separate BSL1 and BSL2 guidelines have been rolled into one document, to help eliminate redundancy and confusion. In addition, sections on risk assessment and service animals in the teaching laboratory have been added. These updated guidelines should help clarify many of the issues for which users expressed problems with the original guidelines.
Stress management in obesity during a thermal spa residential programme (ObesiStress): protocol for a randomised controlled trial study
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Chaplais Elodie , Vilmant Audrey , Courteix Daniel , Duche Pascale , Abergel Armand , Pfabigan Daniela M , Han Shihui , Mobdillon Laurie , Vallet Guillaume T , Mermillod Martial , Boudet Gil , Obert Philippe , Izem Omar , Miolanne-Debouit Magalie , Farigon Nicolas , Pereira Bruno , Boirie Yves
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Stress and obesity are two public health issues. The relationship between obesity and stress is biological through the actions of stress on the major hormones that regulate appetite (leptin and ghrelin). Many spa resorts in France specialise in the treatment of obesity, but no thermal spa currently proposes a specific programme to manage stress in obesity. The ObesiStress protocol has been designed to offer a new residential stress management programme. This thermal spa treatment of obesity implements stress management strategies as suggested by international recommendations.

Methods and analysis

140 overweight or obese participants with a Body Mass Index of >25 kg/m2and aged over 18 years will be recruited. Participants will be randomised into two groups: a control group of usual practice (restrictive diet, physical activity and thermal spa treatment) and an intervention group with stress management in addition to the usual practice. In the present protocol, parameters will be measured on five occasions (at inclusion, at the beginning of the spa (day 0), at the end of the spa (day 21), and at 6 and 12 months). The study will assess the participants’ heart rate variability, cardiac remodelling and function, electrodermal activity, blood markers, anthropometric profile, body composition, psychology and quality of life via the use of questionnaires and bone parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

The ObesiStress protocol complies with the ethics guidelines for Clinical Research and has been approved by the ethics committee (CPP Sud-Est VI, Clermont-Ferrand - ANSM: 2016-A01774-47). This study aimed to highlight the efficacy of a 21-day thermal spa residential programme of stress management in obesity through objective measurements of well-being and cardiovascular morbidity. Results will be disseminated during several research conferences and articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03578757.
Efficacy of periacetabular osteotomy followed by progressive resistance training compared to progressive resistance training as non-surgical treatment in patients with hip dysplasia (PreserveHip) – a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Reimer Lisa Cecilie Urup , Jakobsen Stig Storgaard , Mortensen Louise , Dalgas Ulrik , Jacobsen Julie Sandell , Soballe Kjeld , Bere Tone , Madsen Jan Erik , Nordsletten Lars , Risberg May Arna , Mechlenburg Inger
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is an established treatment for adolescent and adult patients with hip dysplasia. However, the efficacy of PAO has not been tested against another surgical intervention or conservative treatment in a randomised controlled trial before. We suggest that progressive resistance training (PRT) could be an alternative to PAO. The primary aim of this trial is therefore to examine the efficacy of PAO followed by 4 months of usual care followed by 8 months of PRT compared to 12 months of solely PRT in patients with hip dysplasia eligible for PAO in terms of patient-reported pain measured by The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS).

Methods and analysis

This trial is a single-blinded multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial, where patients with hip dysplasia, who are eligible for PAO, will be randomised to either PAO followed by usual care and PRT or PRT only. Primary outcome is patient-reported pain, measured on the subscale pain on the HAGOS questionnaire 12 months after initiation of PAO or PRT. The key secondary outcomes are the other subscales of the HAGOS, adverse and serious adverse events, usage of painkillers (yes/no) and type of analgesics. Based on the sample size calculation, the trial needs to include 96 patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved by the Central Denmark Region Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics (Journal No 1-10-72-234-18) and by the Danish Data Protection Agency (Journal No 1-16-02-120-19). The trial is also approved by The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, Region South-East Norway (Ref. 2018/1603). All results from this trial will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals regardless of whether the results are positive, negative or inconclusive.

Trial registration number

NCT03941171
The Choice and Partnership Approach to community mental health and addictions services: a realist-informed scoping review protocol
Authors: Campbell Leslie Anne , Clark Sharon E , Ayn Caitlyn , Chorney Jill , Emberly Debbie , MacDonald Julie , MacKenzie Adrian , Marsh Daniel , Peacock Kylie , Wozney Lori
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Early identification and appropriate treatment of child and adolescent mental health disorders can often be hampered by patchwork services with poorly planned or unclear pathways. The Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) is an evidence-based transformational model of community (community-based or outpatient) mental health and addictions services for children and adolescents that aims to better match services to needs and to improve timely access to care. CAPA has been variably implemented across jurisdictions but has not been comprehensively evaluated for its impact on system and client outcomes. Our research question is, ‘To what degree does CAPA work, for whom and under what circumstances?’. The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) to gain an understanding of the extent and outcomes of the implementation of CAPA in community mental health and addictions services; and (2) to identify the role of context as it influences the implementation of CAPA and resulting client and system outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a realist-informed scoping review of the literature related to CAPA in either child and adolescent or adult community mental health and addictions services. Relevant studies, reports and documentation will be identified by searching the following online databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, ERIC, Web of Science, Cochrane, Dissertations Abstracts, NCBI Bookshelf, PubMed Central and the Canadian Health Research Collection. The search strategy was developed by a health sciences library scientist and informed by a multidisciplinary team comprising methodological and content knowledge experts. The search will gather evidence from multiple online databases of peer-reviewed literature and grey literature repositories. All articles will be independently assessed for inclusion by pairs of reviewers. The key themes derived from a thematic analysis of extracted data will be presented in a narrative overview.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics review is not required for this scoping review. The results will be disseminated through meetings with stakeholders (including clients and families, clinicians and decision-makers), conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication. The results of this review will inform an overarching programme of research, policy and quality indicator development to ultimately improve mental health and addictions care and subsequent mental health outcomes for children and adolescents.
Health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulceration: study protocol for adaptation and validation of patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) in Dutch-speaking patients
Authors: Rezaie Wahid , Lusendi Flora , Doggen Kris , Matricali Giovanni , Nobels Frank
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a common late-stage complication of diabetes with a large impact on health status and quality of life. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide a standardised method of obtaining patients’ views on their well-being. The DFU Scale Short Form (DFS-SF) is a validated disease-specific PROM for measuring health-related quality of life among DFU patients. The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is another PROM that can be used to measure physical functioning in patients with lower extremity disorders. The LEFS is not yet validated for DFU. Both instruments are not validated in the Dutch language. The purpose of this study is to culturally adapt and validate the DFS-SF and LEFS questionnaires for Belgian Dutch-speaking patients with DFU.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted as a monocentre observational cohort study in DFU patients presenting at a hospital-based multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic. Data will be collected from the medical electronic files and from DFS-SF, LEFS and five-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaires that will be presented to the patients at defined time points. Reproducibility, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, construct validity and responsiveness will be assessed for the DFS-SF and LEFS.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hospital (Aalst, Belgium). The results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Pulse wave velocity and short-term outcome in patients requiring intravascular volume expansion: a pilot study
Authors: Milan Alberto , Maldari Pietrantonio , Iannaccone Andrea , Leone Dario , Avenatti Eleonora , Molino Paola , Livigni Sergio , Veglio Franco , Aprà Franco
Published: December 2019

Background

Fluid therapy has a pivotal role in the management of acutely ill patients. However, whether or not a patient can tolerate additional intravascular volume is controversial and optimal strategy is unknown. Carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) evaluates arterial stiffness.

Objective

To determine whether cfPWV can predict the ability of patients to tolerate clinically indicated acute fluid expansion.

Methods

50 consecutive patients requiring intravascular volume expansion were prospectively recruited in intensive care units. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography, pulmonary ultrasound assessment, and a cfPWV study (S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin, Italy, between 2015 and 2016) at baseline and after 24 hours. Acute outcomes were registered at 24 hours (“soft” end points) and 30 days ('hard' end points: death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, occurrence of atrial fibrillation, need for dialysis) after initial fluid therapy. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess association of the initial cfPWV with outcomes.

Results

cfPWV was significantly higher (10.6±3.6 vs 7.4±2.2 m/s, P<0.0001) in subjects who met the prespecified combined endpoints (hard or soft) than in those who did not. After adjustment for confounding factors, initial cfPWV was significantly and independently associated with the occurrence of hard events (OR=2.8 (95% CI 1.36 to 5.97), P=0.005; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 84%). cfPWV of <9 m/s had a negative predictive value of 93%, excluding hard events associated with fluid expansion.

Conclusion

cfPWV appears to reflect the ability of the patient to tolerate an intravascular fluid expansion when clinically indicated. Increased cfPWV could help to identify subjects at greater risk of developing signs and symptoms of fluid overload.
Pain versus suffering: a distinction currently without a difference
Authors: Duffee Charlotte Mary
Published: December 2019

My paper challenges an influential distinction between pain and suffering put forward by physician-ethicist, Eric Cassell. I argue that Cassell’s distinction is philosophically untenable because he contrasts suffering with an outdated theory of pain. In particular, Cassell focuses on one type of pain, the interpretation of nociception induced by noxious stimuli such as heat or sharp objects; yet since the late 1970s, pain scientists have rendered both nociception and noxious stimuli unnecessary for pain. I argue that this discrepancy between Cassell’s distinction and pain science produces three philosophical problems for his distinction: first, he frames his distinction too generally, concentrating on only one type of pain (interpreted nociception) to the neglect of others, such as neuropathy; second, it is possible that Cassell’s understanding of pain may include suffering; and third, Cassell gives examples of pain and suffering manifesting independently of each other, but it is possible that these cases may instead exemplify differences between nociceptive and non-nociceptive types of pain. Due to these problems, I conclude that Cassell’s distinction currently lacks a difference. I call for new efforts to articulate the differences, if any, between pain and suffering.
To bed or not to bed: the sleep question?
Authors: Brown Chris , Abdelrahman Tarig , Lewis Wyn , Pollitt John , Egan, Richard ,   the members of the Welsh Surgical Research Initiative, Abdulal Sabria , Ahmed Jake , Ahmad Adnan , Allen Nicola , Ansell James , Arnaudov Stefan , Barnett Rachael , Beamish Andrew , Bosanquet David , Chan David , Chandler Susan , Dewi Madlen , Dwalesena Sam , Gardner Andrew , Gonzi Gianluca , Harries Rhiannon , Hopkins Luke , Hopkins Michael , James Osian , Jawad Ali , Jones Dylan , Jones Huw , Jones Rod , Luton Oliver , Marusza Christopher , Measuria Harshul , Mehta Samir , Pearce Jack , Petralia Tito , Powell Arfon , Powell-Chandler Anna , Reeves Nicola , Selwyn David , Seymour Zoe , Ved Ronak
Published: December 2019

Background

Sleep deprivation and fatigue from long-shift work impacts doctors’ personal safety, inhibits cognitive performance and risks clinical error. The aim of this study was to assess the sleep quality of surgical trainees participating in European Working Time Directive-compliant training rotations within a UK deanery.

Methods

A trainee cohort numbering 38 (21 core, 17 higher surgical trainees, 29 men and 9 women, median age 31 (25–44 years)) completed a sleep diary over 30 days using the Sleep Time (Azumio) smartphone application and triangulated with on-call rosters to identify shift patterns. The primary outcome measure was sleep quality related to rostered clinical duties.

Results

Consecutive 1152 individual sleep episodes were recorded. The median time asleep (hours:min) was 6:29 (5:27–7:19); the median sleep efficiency was 86% (80%–93%); the median light sleep (hours:min) was 2:50 (1:50–3:49); and the median rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (hours:min) was 3:20 (2:37–4:07). Significant adverse sleep profiles were observed in trainees undertaking emergency on-call duty when compared with elective (non-on-call) duty; the median time asleep (hours:min) 5:49 vs 6:43 (p<0.001); the median sleep efficiency was 85% vs 87% (p<0.001); the median light sleep (hours:min) was 2:16 vs 2:58 (p<0.001); and REM sleep (hours:min) was 2:57 vs 3:27 (p<0.001). Recovery of sleep duration, efficiency and quality necessitated five full days of time.

Conclusion

Surgical emergency on-call duty adversely influences sleep quality. Proper consideration of fail-safe rota design, prioritising sleep hygiene, recovery and well-being, allied to robust patient safety and quality of care should be made a priority.
Changing perceptions: a multicentre survey of final-year medical students’ and junior doctors’ perceptions of diabetes and endocrinology
Authors: Puttanna Amar , Byrne Megan L , Eyre-Brook Susannah N , Madhra Mayuri , Nwokolo Munachiso , Mitchell Anna
Published: December 2019

Purpose of the study

The National Health Service is experiencing a recruitment crisis across many medical specialties. Diabetes and endocrinology (D&E) is failing to fill training posts with only 77%, 83% and 73% of posts filled overall in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Study design

We surveyed 316 final-year medical students and undifferentiated trainees (from foundation programme doctors to core medical trainees), across the South Thames, Northern and West Midlands deaneries in England to gain an understanding of perceptions of the specialty.

Results

9% of respondents were considering a career in D&E. Factors such as ‘being the medical registrar’ (27%), being a ‘non-procedural specialty’ (23%) and ‘looking after majority of general medical admissions’ (22%) were cited as the most common reasons why D&E is an unattractive career choice. 51% reported inadequate exposure to D&E. Factors that made respondents more likely to want to pursue a career in D&E included having undertaken a placement in the specialty and having exposure to outpatient clinics. Methods to improve awareness and uptake, such as increased teaching and clinical exposure, and the opportunity to attend taster events were frequently highlighted.

Conclusions

The results from this survey, the first of its kind on perceptions of D&E as a career pathway, reveal a worrying lack of interest in, and exposure to, D&E among current final-year medical students and undifferentiated trainees. These issues must be addressed in order to improve D&E recruitment rates.
Inspiring the next generation of surgeons
Authors: Khan Shujhat
Published: December 2019

The shortage of applicants looking to enter surgical specialties is well documented. Indeed, there are a number of reasons for this ranging from potential flaws within the training pathway to a lack of both financial and social support in what is undoubtedly a stressful career pathway. However, it is important that we discuss these shortcomings and exploit such opportunities to make surgery a more attractive prospect. These changes include adapting student’s experience while still at medical school through changes to the medical curriculum and surgical rotations. In addition, it is important to assess what factors applicants prioritise when applying for specialty training, and addressing the gender divide within surgery so as to remove barriers for progression in surgical training. Similarly, by encouraging research within surgery, it improves treatment options for patients as well as motivating those more academically inclined to pursue this specialty. This can produce more proficient surgeons and improve the competitiveness of training posts within remote regions in the UK. Ultimately, these changes will likely translate to more satisfied trainees and improved patient care.
Single-spin asymmetries in $$p^\uparrow p \rightarrow J/\psi +X$$ within a TMD approach: role of the color octet mechanism
Authors: D’Alesio Umberto , Murgia Francesco , Pisano Cristian , Rajesh Sangem
Published: December 2019

We calculate the transverse single-spin asymmetry (SSA) for $$J/\psi $$J/ψ production in proton-proton collisions, within non-relativistic QCD, employing the transverse momentum dependent, generalized parton model, which includes both spin and intrinsic motion effects. In particular, we study the role of the color octet mechanism in accessing the gluon Sivers function. In doing that, we also show, within this approach, how the singularities coming from color octet terms in the low-$$P_T$$PT region can be handled, leading to finite cross sections. Predictions for both unpolarized cross sections and SSAs are given and compared against PHENIX data. Estimates for LHCb in the fixed target mode are also presented.
Housing and Healthy Child Development: Known and Potential Impacts of Interventions
Authors: Dunn James R.
Published: December 2019

Housing is often described as an important determinant of health, but less commonly of child health. Despite acknowledgment of the importance of housing to health, however, there are relatively few studies of the effects of housing interventions on health, and again even fewer on child health. This article argues that a broad focus on healthy child development—as opposed to just physical health—coupled with a conceptual framework outlining specific attributes of housing with the potential to influence child health, should be adopted to guide a comprehensive approach to public health policy for healthy child development. Most housing interventions address direct pathways linking in-home hazard exposures to child health outcomes, with promising but mixed results. But few housing interventions address the broader aspects of healthy child development. This review addresses potential housing interventions that could impact the broader determinants of healthy child development and accompanying methodological challenges.
Public Health and Online Misinformation: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Swire-Thompson Briony , Lazer David
Published: December 2019

The internet has become a popular resource to learn about health and to investigate one's own health condition. However, given the large amount of inaccurate information online, people can easily become misinformed. Individuals have always obtained information from outside the formal health care system, so how has the internet changed people's engagement with health information? This review explores how individuals interact with health misinformation online, whether it be through search, user-generated content, or mobile apps. We discuss whether personal access to information is helping or hindering health outcomes and how the perceived trustworthiness of the institutions communicating health has changed over time. To conclude, we propose several constructive strategies for improving the online information ecosystem. Misinformation concerning health has particularly severe consequences with regard to people's quality of life and even their risk of mortality; therefore, understanding it within today's modern context is an extremely important task.
Tear Strength Analysis of MDX4-4210 and A-2186 Silicones with Different Intrinsic Pigments Incorporated by Mechanical and Industrial Methods
Authors: Goiato Marcelo Coelho , Nobrega Adhara Smith , Freitas da Silva Emily Vivianne , Micheline dos Santos Daniela , Pinheiro de Magalhães Bertoz André , Sonego Mariana Vilela , Lamartine de Moraes Melo Neto Clovis
Published: December 2019

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tear strength of MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones with different intrinsic pigments incorporated by mechanical and industrial methods, comparing nonaged and aged groups. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four groups were created according to the American Society for Testing and Materials D-624/type C, half nonaged and half aged (n = 10): bronze mechanical MDX4-4210, bronze industrial MDX4-4210, black mechanical MDX4-4210, black industrial MDX4-4210, pink mechanical MDX4-4210, pink industrial MDX4-4210, bronze mechanical A-2186, bronze industrial A-2186, black mechanical A-2186, black industrial A-2186, pink mechanical A-2186, and pink industrial A-2186. All specimens were submitted to tear strength analysis. Data were submitted to the ANOVA and Tukey test (p<0.05). Results. An increase in the tear strength values was observed only for the bronze and black MDX4-4210, comparing nonaged and aged silicones (p<0.05), regardless of the manufacturing method. There was a difference in all comparisons between MDX4-4210 and A-2186 silicones with the same pigment type (p<0.05), regardless of the manufacturing method. In all cases, there was no difference in the manufacturing method comparing the MDX4-4210 or A-2186 groups with the same pigment. Conclusion. Accelerated aging did not influence the tear strength in all aged A-2186 silicones and in aged pink industrial and mechanical MDX4-4210 silicones. The other MDX4-4210 groups had an increase in the results after aging. In all cases compared, the A-2186 groups had higher tear strength values than the MDX4-4210 groups. Mechanical and industrial methods can be used for silicone preparation, without changing the tear strength.
Evaluation of the Biocontrol Potential of Endophytic Fungus Fusarium solani CEF559 against Verticillium dahliae in Cotton Plant
Authors: Wei Feng , Zhang Yun , Shi Yongqiang , Feng Hongjie , Zhao Lihong , Feng Zili , Zhu Heqin
Published: December 2019

Verticillium wilt of cotton, caused by the soilborne pathogen Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most serious diseases of cotton worldwide. Increased concerns about the side effects of synthetic pesticides have resulted in greater interest in developing biocontrol strategies against Verticillium wilt. We evaluated a Fusarium solani CEF559 isolate, obtained from the endosphere of healthy cotton plants, for its biocontrol potential against V. dahliae in vitro and in vivo. In addition to disease assessment, three key genes in the lignin metabolism pathway and four pathogenesis-related (PR) genes were monitored using qRT-PCR. In the laboratory tests, F. solani CEF559 inhibited V. dahliae colony growth by 75% and sporulation by nearly 80% and completely suppressed conidial production. However, volatile metabolites from CEF559 did not affect V. dahliae colony growth. In the greenhouse study, CEF559 significantly reduced wilt development, with a control efficacy greater than 60% when assessed 25 days postinoculation. In a field experiment, CEF559 reduced wilt development, with the efficacy ranting from 30.1% to 56.3%. PR genes and those key genes in the lignin metabolism pathway were transiently upregulated in the cotton roots pretreated with CEF559 when subsequently inoculated with V. dahliae, compared with those plants inoculated with V. dahliae only. Moreover, CEF559 inhibited V. dahliae colonisation of both the roots and hypocotyls. The present results suggest that this cotton endophytic fungal strain, F. solani CEF559, confers protection against V. dahliae.