bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Political Aesthetics of Middle Class Housing in (not so) Neoliberal Mozambique
Authors: Sumich Jason , Nielsen Morten
Published: March 2020

This article explores the social and material repercussions of middle class aspirations in a system that is still infused by socialist aesthetics in Maputo, Mozambique. We argue the activation of “middle classness” reproduces ingrained inequalities and boundaries. This is demonstrated through two ethnographic case studies of urban housing, long central to imaginaries of prosperity. First, fearing downward mobility, members of the upper middle class seek to embody a liberal ideology of “autonomy”, while simultaneously being dependent on state structures. Second, members of the lower middle class attempt to create enclaves to experiment with forms of privatisation normally only accessible to a privileged elite. Through this examination of the ways in which a spectrum of privileged urbanites attempts to secure their position in the face of a precarious future, the article outlines middle classness under contemporary capitalist conditions and how this is shaped by the legacies of the past.
Sitting in the driver's seat: Manipulation of mammalian cell Rab GTPase functions by apicomplexan parasites
Authors: Coppens Isabelle , Romano Julia D.
Published: March 2020

Many intracellular microbial pathogens subvert, disrupt or otherwise modulate host membrane trafficking pathways to establish a successful infection. Among them, bacteria that are trapped in a phagosome during mammalian cell invasion, disengage the programmed degradation process by altering the identity of their replicative niche through the exclusion or recruitment of specific Rab GTPases to their vacuole. Many viruses co‐opt essential cellular trafficking pathways to perform key steps in their lifecycles. Among protozoan parasites, Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular microbes that invade mammalian cells by creating a unique, nonfusogenic membrane‐bound compartment that protects the parasites straightaway from lysosomal degradation. Recent compelling evidence demonstrates that apicomplexan parasites are master manipulators of mammalian Rab GTPase proteins, and benefit or antagonise Rab functions for development within host cells. This review covers the exploitation of mammalian Rab proteins and vesicles by Apicomplexa, focusing on Toxoplasma, Neospora, Plasmodium and Theileria parasites.
Alcohol misuse among adolescents with BPD symptoms: exploring the moderating role of reasons for drinking and perceived coping skills in a clinical adolescent sample
Authors: Folk Johanna B. , Williams Caitlin A. , Esposito‐Smythers Christianne
Published: March 2020

Background

Adolescents who experience symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at high risk for alcohol misuse, yet little is known about why these adolescents drink and what factors heighten or mitigate this risk. The current study explores factors that may impact risk for alcohol misuse among youth with BPD symptoms: using alcohol to self‐medicate or to rebel and perceived coping skills.

Method

A sample of 181 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents (Mage = 15.04 years, SD = 1.31 years; 71.8% female, 83.4% White) was recruited as part of a larger study from the northeastern United States. Assessments and diagnostic interviews were administered to adolescents.

Results

Use of alcohol for self‐medication and perceived coping skills, but not using alcohol for rebellion, moderated the relationship between BPD symptoms and alcohol misuse. A significant positive relationship between BPD symptoms and alcohol frequency and/or problems was only found among adolescents who reported lower use of alcohol for self‐medication purposes or higher perceived coping skills.

Conclusions

Youth with more BPD symptoms are at high risk for alcohol misuse. Moderation effects for self‐medication motives and perceived coping skills were counter to hypotheses; lower levels of self‐medication motives contributed to greater alcohol problems, as did higher levels of perceived coping skills. Results suggest the importance of assessing how much youth are drinking or experiencing consequences, as well as why they are using alcohol. It is possible adolescents with more BPD symptoms may be reporting more coping skills, but actually exhibiting the phenomenon of apparent competence (i.e., present as ‘in control’, but actually experiencing extreme distress and lacking sufficient coping skills); collateral reports of adolescents’ coping skills may provide a more objective measure of actual skill level.

Key Practitioner Message

What is known?

Adolescents who experience symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) are at high risk for alcohol misuse, yet little is known about why these adolescents drink and what factors heighten or mitigate this risk.

What is new?

Adolescents who use alcohol to self‐medicate or rebel are at high risk for alcohol problems, regardless of presence of BPD symptoms.

Contrary to expectations, higher perceived coping skills strengthened the relation between BPD and alcohol misuse. Apparent competence (i.e., present as ‘in control’ but lack sufficient skills) may be at play.

What is significant for clinical practice?

Clinicians are encouraged to assess why adolescents are using alcohol and teach alternative coping strategies when self‐medication and/or rebellion is an identified use.

Clinicians are encouraged to collect collateral reports of adolescent’s coping abilities rather than relying solely on self‐report.
Surveillance of succinate dehydrogenase gene mutation carriers: Insights from a nationwide cohort
Authors: Martins Raquel G. , Cunha Nuno , Simões Helder , Matos Maria João , Silva João , Torres Isabel , Rodrigues Fernando , Leite Valeriano , Teixeira Manuel R. , Bugalho Maria João
Published: March 2020

Objective

Mutations in the genes coding for succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) are the most frequent germline alterations in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas. Evidence for the advantages associated with presymptomatic screening for SDHx mutation carriers is scarce. This study describes a nationwide cohort of these mutation carriers and aims to compare patients with clinical manifestations of the disease and those diagnosed through genetic screening. DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

SDHx mutation carriers (n = 118) followed through the Portuguese Oncology referral centres: 41 probands and 77 nonprobands.

Measurements

All participants were subjected to biochemical and body imaging examinations for a complete assessment of the extent and spread of disease. Clinical data obtained this way were further analysed.

Results

The mean age of this cohort was 44.5 ± 17.4 years, and more than half carried the same founder SDHB mutation. About 50.8% of the mutation carriers developed pheochromocytomas or paragangliomas. Compared to patients diagnosed through genetic screening, those diagnosed clinically were characterized by larger tumours (P < .001), more frequent metastases (P = .024), were more frequently subjected to surgery (P = .011) and radiotherapy (P = .013), and had worse outcomes, such as macroscopic positive margins (P = .034). Persistent and/or unresectable disease and disease‐related mortality were also more frequent in symptomatic patients compared to those diagnosed through genetic screening (P = .014).

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort study, a large proportion of mutation carriers were found to develop SDHx‐related neoplasia. Genetic testing and subsequent follow‐up resulted in the diagnosis of smaller and nonmetastatic tumours, fewer treatment procedures, fewer complications and greater number of disease‐free patients.
Implementation of an easy in‐hospital educational stoma pathway results in decrease of home nursing care services after discharge
Authors: van Loon Y.T. , Clermonts S. H. E. M. , Belt R. , Nagle D. , Wasowicz D. K. , Zimmerman D. D. E.
Published: March 2020

Aim

New stoma patients often rely heavily on the assistance of the ward nursing staff during the hospital stay and on the availability of home nursing care services (HNCS) after discharge. An easily executable 4‐day in‐hospital educational stoma pathway was developed and implemented. The aim was to increase their level of independence (LOI) in order to reduce the need for HNCS after discharge.

Method

All new stoma patients on the gastrointestinal surgery ward, physically and psychologically capable of performing independent stoma care (SC), were enrolled in this pathway. They were compared to a retrospective control group of new stoma patients before the onset of the stoma pathway. The primary outcome is the need and frequency of HNCS for SC at the moment of discharge. Secondary outcome is the LOI in SC at discharge.

Results

A total of 145 patients [m:f = 102:43, median age 67 (range 27–90) years] were included in the present study. Patients requiring daily HNCS for SC decreased from 80% to 50%, P < 0.001; patients discharged without HNCS for SC increased from 5% to 27%. Patients’ independence in SC at discharge increased from 8% to 68%, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

This study shows that a clinical 4‐day in‐hospital educational stoma pathway is feasible and effective in increasing the LOI in SC of new stoma patients and significantly reducing their need for HNCS. Cost–benefit analysis and applicability of this pathway in multicentre settings are currently being investigated.
Patient‐reported and physician‐recorded bowel dysfunction following colorectal resection and radical cystectomy: a prospective, comparative study
Authors: Ng K.‐S. , Gladman M. A.
Published: March 2020

Aim

Bowel dysfunction following anterior resection (AR) is termed low anterior resection syndrome. It is unclear whether such dysfunction occurs following other bowel/pelvic operations as well. This study aimed to characterize and compare bowel dysfunction following AR, right hemicolectomy (RH) and radical cystectomy (RC).

Method

A prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing AR, RH and RC (2002–2012) was performed at a tertiary referral centre in Sydney, Australia. Outcome measures included (i) patient‐reported satisfaction with bowel function, self‐described bowel function and self‐reported change in bowel function; (ii) objective assessment of bowel function using validated criteria to identify symptoms and stratify patients into those with constipation and/or faecal incontinence (FI); and (iii) health‐related quality of life (SF‐36v2 Health Survey).

Results

Of 743 eligible patients, 70% participated [AR, n = 338, mean age 69.6 years (SD 11.9), 59% men; RH, n = 150, 75.8 years (SD 10.5), 54% men; RC, n = 34, 71.1 years (SD 14.1), 71% men]. AR patients were three times more likely to report change in bowel function post‐surgery and self‐judged their bowel function as abnormal more frequently (64%) than RH patients (35%) and RC patients (35%) (P < 0.01). AR patients were four times more likely to meet criteria for concomitant constipation and FI. Patients with concomitant constipation and FI had lower physical and mental SF‐36v2 scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Bowel dysfunction occurred after RH and RC but rates were higher following AR. This suggests that low anterior resection syndrome occurs due to a direct impact of partial/complete loss of the rectum rather than just due to loss of bowel length and/or the consequence(s) of pelvic dissection.
On the ‘Arab Inequality Puzzle’: The Case of Egypt
Authors: Achcar Gilbert
Published: March 2020

This article surveys and discusses prominent protagonists of the debate on socio‐economic inequality in the Arab region, with a special focus on the World Bank and Egypt. According to official data, the region holds remarkably low Gini coefficients in a context of declining inequality. This contradicts the popular perception of high social inequality as a major cause of regional protests since the Arab Spring; hence the reference to a ‘puzzle’ in mainstream literature. The debate about the reality of social inequality in the region has developed since 2011 — particularly in regard to Egypt, where income and consumption data are periodically collected by means of household surveys. Inequality measures based on this method alone, while income taxation data are inaccessible, are highly questionable and conflict with various observations and calculations based on other indicators such as national accounts, executive income or house prices. Yet, the World Bank upholds official inequality findings in portraying the Arab upheaval as the revolt of a ‘middle class’ that aspires to greater business freedom, in consonance with the neoliberal worldview.
A qualitative synthesis of the perceived factors that affect participation in physical activity among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dash K. , Goyder E. C. , Quirk H.
Published: March 2020

Aims

To explore the qualitative literature on the perceived factors, positive and negative, affecting participation by children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in physical activity, from the perspective of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, their family members, teachers or sports coaches, and healthcare professionals.

Methods

MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Scopus were systematically searched in July 2019. Eligible studies included any that reported qualitative findings on the perceived factors that affect participation in physical activity from either the perspective of children or adolescents with type 1 diabetes, their family members, teachers or coaches, and healthcare professionals.

Results

The literature search yielded a total of 7859 studies, of which 14 (13 qualitative studies and one mixed‐methods study) met the review inclusion criteria. In total there were 12 unique populations containing 270 individuals, 105 children or adolescents with type 1 diabetes,108 family members, 37 teachers and 20 healthcare professionals. The main factors thought to influence physical activity for this population were the individual characteristics of children and adolescents, the requirement for self‐blood glucose regulation, support systems including friends, family, teachers and professionals, education and knowledge, and communication.

Conclusions

This review synthesizes views on the perceived factors from several different perspectives. The findings suggest that it is important to consider the needs of the wider support network, as well as the child's or adolescent’s concerns and preferences, when developing new or existing strategies and programmes to promote physical activity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
‘Trophy Architects’ and Design as Rent‐seeking: Quantifying Deadweight Losses in a Tightly Regulated Office Market
Authors: Cheshire Paul C. , Dericks Gerard H.
Published: March 2020

Britain tightly restricts the supply of office space, creating substantial economic rents, but its development restrictions are politically administered and therefore gameable, inducing rent‐seeking activity. We find that ‘trophy architects’ (TAs)—prior winners of a lifetime achievement award—obtain more space on a given site apparently by signalling architectural merit. Analysis of 2039 office buildings shows that TAs build 14 stories taller, thereby increasing a representative site value by 152% and capturing potential economic rents of £148m. However, we argue that this apparent premium is merely compensation for the extra costs, risks and delays of using a TA to game the planning system; it is therefore an indirect measure of the deadweight costs of this form of rent‐seeking.
International student mobility in a German and Portuguese university: Which factors in the host institution matter?
Authors: Haase Heiko , Franco Mario , Pedro Eugénia
Published: March 2020

In a globalising world, international mobility in higher education is an important phenomenon for students and higher education institutions. It is therefore essential to understand the factors that determine international students' satisfaction with higher education institutions that serve as hosts. Through research of an exploratory, quantitative nature, this study presents results from a survey among 289 incoming international students in two universities in Germany and Portugal. Our findings show that the factor we define as educational experience was an important determinant of student satisfaction. Furthermore, the appraisal of academic reputation is dependent on the university. We conclude that satisfaction with academic factors is more important for international students than satisfaction with non‐academic aspects.
PMEPA1/TMEPAI isoforms function via its PY and Smad‐interaction motifs for tumorigenic activities of breast cancer cells
Authors: Puteri Meidi U. , Watanabe Yukihide , Wardhani Bantari W. K. , Amalia Riezki , Abdelaziz Mohammed , Kato Mitsuyasu
Published: March 2020

PMEPA1 (prostate transmembrane protein, androgen‐induced 1)/TMEPAI (transmembrane prostate androgen‐induced protein) is highly expressed in diverse cancers, including breast, lung and prostate cancers. It consists of four isoforms with distinct extracellular regions (isoforms a‐d). The expression and function of these isoforms are still poorly understood. Hence, we aimed to identify the preferentially expressed isoforms in breast cancer cells and analyze possible differences in tumorigenic functions. In this study, we used 5′ Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and Western blot analyses to identify the mRNA variants and protein isoforms of TMEPAI and found that TMEPAI isoform d as the major isoform expressed by TGF‐β stimulation in breast cancer cells. We then generated CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated TMEPAI knockout (KO) breast cancer cell lines and used a lentiviral expression system to complement each isoform individually. Although there were no clear functional differences between isoforms, double PPxY (PY) motifs and a Smad‐interaction motif (SIM) of TMEPAI were both essential for colony and sphere formation. Collectively, our results provide a novel insight into TMEPAI isoforms in breast cancer cells and showed that coordination between double PY motifs and a SIM of TMEPAI are essential for colony and sphere formation but not for monolayer cell proliferation.
Objective and subjective reduction of cellulite volume using a localized vibrational massage device in a 24‐week randomized intra‐individual single‐blind regression study
Authors: Sadowski T. , Bielfeldt S. , Wilhelm K.‐P. , Sukopp S. , Gordon C.
Published: March 2020

Cellulite occurs in females and is a common condition of altered connective tissue matrix and increased adipogenicity with visible dimples and orange‐peel appearance on the skins surface. Whilst advancements in methods continue to help our understanding, attempts to correct the appearance of cellulite topically have yielded limited success. Various kinds of non‐invasive body contouring methods such as whole body vibration have been reported with demonstrable visible improvements in the cellulite condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate volume reduction and improvement of the visible appearance of cellulite as judged both objectively (AEVA‐HE phase‐shift 3‐D fringe projection, macrophotography image grading) and subjectively (questionnaires) after application of a hand‐held localized vibrational device over 24‐weeks. The study was conducted on 40 healthy female volunteers who were instructed how to use the device on defined areas of cellulite of the outside and rear of the thighs (iliotibial band, and over biceps femoris region respectively). The initial 12 weeks of continuous massage application of the study were followed by a 12 week phase in which volunteers were split into 2 subgroups – one for assessment of regression effects and one for continuous application effects. AEVA (skin surface volume) measurements of cellulite‐related dimples correlated with questionnaires and visual image evaluation scoring, in that in the iliotibial region cellulite was significantly reduced at 12 weeks. In the regression subgroup cellulite returned to initial values soon after cessation of treatment, whereas in the continuous application subgroup, cellulite remained diminished. The effect of this device to reduce cellulite as observed in this study proves that continuous use of vibrational massage is beneficial to mitigate visible signs of cellulite.
Validity and reliability of theTurkishversion ofGeriatric Health Promotionscale
Authors: Kartal Asiye , Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , Koştu Nazan , Tümer Adile
Published: March 2020

SUMMARY STATEMENT

What is already known about this topic?

The population is ageing rapidly and consistently worldwide.

Health‐promoting behaviours are crucial in enabling older adults to function independently and to ensure a better quality of life.

The instruments commonly used to measure health‐promoting behaviours are not tailored to the specific needs of the older people.

What this paper adds?

The Turkish version of the GHP scale is usable for evaluating health‐promoting behaviours in older adults.

The Turkish version of the GHP scale for older people showed statistically acceptable levels of reliability and validity for use in the Turkish population.

The presence of distinct subscales within this scale serves to identify the areas where the older adults require additional support.

The implications of this paper:

The Turkish version of the GHP scale could be an appropriate instrument for nurses to measure the health‐promoting behaviours of older people.

This scale can be used to establish health promotion programmes that encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices that are specifically tailored to the needs of older people.

This scale can be used in future studies that are planned for health promotion among the older individuals.
A single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the human ENTPD1 gene encoding CD39 is associated with worsened graft‐versus‐host disease in a humanized mouse model
Authors: Adhikary Sam R , Cuthbertson Peter , Turner Ross J , Sluyter Ronald , Watson Debbie
Published: March 2020

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect against graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), a life‐threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The ectoenzyme CD39 is important for increasing the immunosuppressive function of Tregs. The rs10748643 (A → G) single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in intron 1 of the human ENTPD1 gene is associated with increased proportions of CD39+ Tregs. This study aimed to determine whether the rs10748643 SNP corresponded to increased proportions of CD39+ Tregs in an Australian donor population, and whether this SNP influences clinical GVHD in a humanized mouse model. Donors were genotyped for the rs10748643 SNP by Sanger sequencing, and the proportion of CD39+ T cells in donor peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. Donors encoding the G allele (donorsAG/GG) demonstrated higher proportions of CD39+CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127lo Tregs, but not CD39+CD3+CD8+ T cells or CD39+CD3+CD4+ conventional T cells, compared with donors homozygous for the A allele (donorsAA). NOD‐SCID‐IL2Rγnull mice were injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from either donorsAA (hCD39AA mice) or donorsAG/GG (hCD39AG/GG mice). hCD39AG/GG mice demonstrated significantly greater weight loss and GVHD clinical scores, and significantly reduced survival, compared with hCD39AA mice. hCD39AG/GG mice showed significantly higher hCD4+:hCD8+ T‐cell ratios than hCD39AA mice, but displayed similar proportions of CD3+hCD4+hCD25+hCD127lo Tregs and hCD39+ Tregs. However, the proportion of human Tregs corresponded to survival in hCD39AA mice, but not in hCD39AG/GG mice. This study demonstrates that donors encoding the G allele show higher percentages of CD39+ Tregs, but cause worsened GVHD in humanized mice compared with donors homozygous for the A allele.
The coadministration of trehalose dibehenate and monosodium urate crystals promotes an antitumor phenotype in human‐derived myeloid cells
Authors: Kodar Kristel , McConnell Melanie J , Harper Jacquie L , Timmer Mattie SM , Stocker Bridget L
Published: March 2020

Trehalose dibehenate (TDB), a ligand for the macrophage‐inducible C‐type lectin, has shown promise as an adjuvant for preventative vaccines and also as an anticancer agent in murine assays. The potential for TDB to affect the antitumor immune response of human myeloid cells, however, has not been studied. We investigated the effect of the adjuvants TDB and monosodium urate (MSU) crystals on the protumor or antitumor immune phenotype of human monocytes, macrophages and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (Mo‐DCs). TDB treatment alone led to an inflammatory response in all three cell types, which was most pronounced when using human monocytes, with MSU augmenting this response. TDB also decreased cell surface markers associated with a protumorigenic phenotype, with MSU showing some ability to augment this response. Notably, a significant reduction in CD115 was observed for all antigen‐presenting cells upon TDB or MSU + TDB treatment. The potential to increase the antigen‐presenting capabilities of the myeloid cells was also observed upon treatment with TDB and MSU + TDB, as indicated by the upregulation of cell surface markers such as CD86 for all three cell types and a favorable ratio of interleukin (IL)‐12p40 to IL‐10 for monocytes stimulated with MSU + TDB. There was no significant production of IL‐12p40 by Mo‐DC; however, in a mixed lymphocyte assay, MSU + TDB costimulation of Mo‐DC led to a significant increase in CD4+ T‐cell numbers and in the IL‐12p40‐to‐IL‐10 ratio. Taken together, these findings show for the first time the potential of MSU + TDB costimulation to favor a tumor‐suppressive phenotype in human‐derived myeloid cells.
Ageing dangerously; homing of senescent CD8 T cells in cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Milling Simon
Published: March 2020

Both CD8+ T cells and NK cells contribute to the immune response against the protozoan Leishmania parasite. Both are able to generate IFN‐γ and both display cytotoxic features. These features may enable them to not only contribute to parasite clearance but also to cause immune‐mediated pathology. This pathology is evident, for example, in the Leismania‐induced skin lesions found in patients with cutaneous leismaniasis (CL). Here we highlight new data demonstrating that CD8+ T cells and NK cells in CL display a highly cytotoxic senescent phenotype, and that the senescent T cells play a major role in mediating skin pathology. This is the first demonstration that senescent CD8 T cells contribute to immunopathology in vivo.
Incidence of severe hypoglycemia and its association with serum adiponectin in Japanese patients with type 1 and insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes: The Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Iwase Masanori , Komorita Yuji , Fujii Hiroki , Ohkuma Toshiaki , Ide Hitoshi , Yoshinari Masahito , Oku Yutaro , Higashi Taiki , Nakamura Udai , Kitazono Takanari
Published: March 2020

Aims/Introduction

The incidence of severe hypoglycemia and its risk factors including an insulin‐sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin, were prospectively investigated in Japanese patients with type 1 or insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 207 participants with type 1 diabetes (mean age 55 years) and 1,396 with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes (mean age 65 years) from the local diabetes registry were followed for 5 years (follow‐up rate 99%). Severe hypoglycemia was defined as events requiring the assistance of others for recovery from hypoglycemia.

Results

The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 9.2 per 100 person‐years in those with type 1 diabetes, and 2.3 per 100 person‐years in those with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes, respectively. For type 1 diabetes, the risk was significant in those with a history of severe hypoglycemia within the previous year, slow eating and higher serum adiponectin (the highest vs the lowest in quartile hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.22–4.69). For insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes, the risk included age ≥65 years, history of severe hypoglycemia within the previous year, alcohol consumption ≥60 g/day, larger insulin dose and higher serum adiponectin (the highest vs the lowest in quartile, hazard ratio 2.95, 95% confidence interval 1.22–4.69). For all participants, the incidence of severe hypoglycemia increased along with serum adiponectin (age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio 1.65 per 1 standard deviation increase of log serum adiponectin, 95% confidence interval 1.45–1.87).

Conclusions

The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was prospectively determined, and the association between severe hypoglycemia and higher serum adiponectin was observed in Japanese patients with type 1 and insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes.
Comparison of tenofovir versus entecavir on reducing incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gu Lihu , Yao Qigu , Shen Zefeng , He Ying , Ng Derry Minyao , Yang Tong , Chen Bangsheng , Chen Ping , Mao Feiyan , Yu Qili
Published: March 2020

Background and Aim

Studies had shown that tenofovir (TDF) and entecavir (ETV) are widely used as the first‐line therapy to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication, which can reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, but it was unclear which nucleos(t)ide analogue was most effective. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis and a systematic review to compare the incidence of HCC in CHB patients who are either on TDF or ETV.

Methods

For this study, the following databases were searched for clinical trials published from its inception until November 2019: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

Results

A total of 11 eligible studies were selected, including 70 864 patients. The meta‐analysis showed that TDF was superior to ETV with regard to the incidence of HCC, the incidence of death or transplantation, and virologic response. There were no significant differences in terms of biochemical response and loss of seroconversion response among the entire cohort.

Conclusions

The conclusion was that CHB patients treated with TDF had a reduced incidence of HCC compared with patients treated with ETV.
Psychometric properties of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Sleep Disturbance and Sleep‐Related Impairment item banks in adolescents
Authors: van Kooten Jojanneke A. M. C. , Terwee Caroline B. , Luijten Michiel A. J. , Steur Lindsay M. H. , Pillen Sigrid , Wolters Nicole G. J. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L.
Published: March 2020

Sleep problems have a high prevalence and negative daytime consequences in adolescents. Current sleep measures for this age group have limitations. The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) developed sleep item banks for adults. In a previous validation study, these item banks were adapted to a shortened version for adolescents. The current study aimed to further explore the psychometric properties of the 11‐item Sleep‐Related Impairment and 23‐item Sleep Disturbance item banks in Dutch adolescents. We investigated structural validity by testing item response theory assumptions and model fit; measurement invariance by performing differential item functioning analyses; performance as a computerized adaptive test; reliability by marginal reliability estimates and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients and limits of agreement); and construct validity by hypothesis testing. Additionally, we provide mean values for the item banks. The study sample consisted of 1,046 adolescents (mean age 14.3 ± 1.6), including 1,013 high‐school students and 33 sleep‐clinic patients. The Sleep Disturbance‐23 showed lack of unidimensionality, but had sufficient test–retest reliability, and could distinguish between adolescents with and without sleep or health issues. The Sleep‐Related Impairment‐11 showed sufficient unidimensionality and model fit and was thus tested as a computerized adaptive test, demonstrating an equal amount of reliable measures to the full item bank. Furthermore, the Sleep‐Related Impairment‐11 could distinguish between adolescents with and without sleep or health issues and test–retest reliability was moderate. The use of both item banks in the full form and the use of the Sleep‐related Impairment‐11 as a computer adaptive test is recommended.
Shedding light on the role of photoperiod, rainfall and ambient temperature on the breeding physiology of male Lesser Egyptian jerboa (Jaculus jaculus) from central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hart D. W. , Alharbi Y. S. , Bennett N. C. , Schoeman K. S. , Amor N. M. , Mohammed O. B , Alagaili A. N.
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to assess the seasonal reproductive strategy occurring in the male Lesser Egyptian jerboa (Jaculus jaculus) and determine which environmental cues are responsible for initiating reproductive recrudescence. Body mass, morphometry of the reproductive tract, the histology of the testes and the circulating testosterone concentrations in wild male J. jaculus, from central Saudi Arabia, were studied over 12 consecutive months. Furthermore, sixteen additional males were collected and subsequently placed on either a short‐day (SD) or a long‐day (LD) light schedule under controlled laboratory conditions. Using these male reproductive parameters, we investigated the potential proximate environmental cues that may trigger the onset of reproduction. Unexpectedly, males were reproductively active during three out of the four seasons, namely autumn, winter and spring possibly due to the rainfall that fell at an unprecedented frequency and quantity during this time. However, we revealed the importance of other environmental triggers, namely photoperiod and ambient temperature, on the control of male reproduction in J. jaculus. Decreasing photoperiod (SD) and ambient temperature were observed to activate the reproductive system by increasing plasma testosterone concentration. The male Lesser Egyptian jerboa was found to exhibit a marked seasonal reproduction controlled by the environmental cues of ambient temperature and photoperiod.
Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Evidence and perspectives
Authors: Salomone Federico , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Boškoski Ivo
Published: March 2020

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease in industrialized countries because of the worldwide epidemic of obesity. Beyond metabolic complications, a subset of patients with NAFLD develop non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with fibrosis, which is emerging as a leading cause of liver transplantation due to progression to cirrhosis and cancer. For these reasons, NAFLD is considered a public health burden. In recent years endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies (EBMT) have emerged as safe and effective for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. EBMT include gastric and duodenal devices and techniques such as intragastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, endoscopic small bowel by‐pass and duodenal mucosal resurfacing. Observational studies and pilot trials have revealed beneficial effects of EBMT on NAFLD as assessed by non‐invasive parameters or histology. In this review we summarise current evidence for the efficacy and safety of EBMT in obese patients with NAFLD and examine future clinical applications.
When I say … the wisdom of crowds
Authors: Kinnear Benjamin , Kelleher Matthew , Sall Dana , Schumacher Daniel J. , Warm Eric J.
Published: March 2020

Do competence committees provide the "wisdom of crowds" or are we misusing the term? This "When I Say" article defines key enablers of crowd‐based wisdom and challenges its existence in committees.
What makes resident trainees satisfied with their jobs?
Authors: Mendelsohn Daniel
Published: March 2020

As we strive to better support trainee well‐being and physician wellness, Mendelsohn comments on factors contributing to trainees' career satisfaction and argues that we need to better understand the human behind the professional.
Linear skin markings in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Authors: Titcomb Elizabeth Murdoch , Stevens Jessie , Sleeman Anne , Nelson Brandy , Yrastorza Luke , Schaefer Adam M. , Bossart Gregory D. , Reif John S. , Mazzoil Marilyn
Published: March 2020

A previously undescribed skin abnormality, referred to as “linear skin markings” (LSM), has been identified in free‐ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). The lesions were identified during photo‐identification surveys conducted from 2002 and 2015. LSM presented as distinct, parallel lines running dorso‐ventrally on the torso and varied in length and width. The goals of this study were to determine (1) prevalence of the condition in IRL dolphins, (2) age and sex distribution of affected animals, (3) spatial and temporal distribution patterns, (4) duration of the condition, and (5) development of hypotheses regarding the etiology of the condition. Among 1,357 individual dolphins identified during the study period, 96 (7.0%) showed evidence of LSM. Nearly all (98.8%) cases with an established home range occurred in the northern and central regions of the IRL. The majority of cases of known sex were female (85%), of which 100% had given birth to one or more calves. The mean age of animals with LSM when first observed was 7.3 with a range of 1–20 years. The maximum observed duration of LSM was 15 years. Once observed, the condition persisted indefinitely. The etiology of LSM has not been established.
Current burden of serious fungal infections in Republic of Congo
Authors: Amona Fructueux M. , Denning David W. , Moukassa Donatien , Hennequin Christophe
Published: March 2020

Background

The Republic of Congo (RoC) is characterised by a high prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, which largely drive the epidemiology of serious fungal infections.

Objective

We aimed to estimate the current burden of serious fungal infections in RoC.

Material and Methods

Using local, regional or global data and estimates of population and at‐risk population groups, deterministic modelling was employed to estimate national incidence or prevalence of the most serious fungal infections.

Results

Our study revealed that about 5.4% of the Congolese population (283 450) suffer from serious fungal infections yearly. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 560, 830 and 120 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis collectively affects 12 320 HIV‐infected patients. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67% post‐tuberculosis, probably has a prevalence of 3420. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation) probably has a prevalence of 3640 and 4800, although some overlap due to disease definition is likely. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 85 440 and 178 400 respectively. Mostly related to agricultural activity, fungal keratitis affects an estimated 700 Congolese yearly.

Conclusion

These data underline the urgent need for an intensified awareness towards Congolese physicians to fungal infections and for increased efforts to improve diagnosis and management of fungal infections in the RoC.
Aetiology of chronic kidney disease and risk factors for disease progression in Chinese subjects: A single‐centre retrospective study in Beijing
Authors: Sui Zhun , Wang Jiemin , Cabrera Claudia , Wei Jia , Wang Mi , Zuo Li
Published: March 2020

Aim

To assess the aetiological factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and factors associated with disease progression.

Methods

Single‐centre retrospective study evaluating thorough electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with CKD at Peking University People's Hospital (April 2010‐April 2015). The objectives were to identify the aetiological factors of CKD in Chinese patients and risk factors associated with CKD progression.

Results

Of 15 425 CKD patients, 12 380 had aetiology recorded. The leading aetiologies associated with CKD were chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN; 36.8%), hypertensive nephropathy (HTN; 28.5%) and diabetic nephropathy (DN; 27.1%). CGN was most common in patients with early stage disease (stages 1‐2); DN and HTN were common in advanced‐stages (stages 3‐4). In a longitudinal subcohort of 2923 patients with ≥6‐month follow‐up, 19.6% experienced CKD progression. Patients with CKD progression were significantly older in age and had a greater number of comorbidities and laboratory anomalies, and were more likely to have DN (40.5%) and CGN (40.5%) than HTN (5.5%) at baseline than patients without progression. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with disease progression included macro‐ and micro‐albuminuria, anaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia, metabolic acidosis, CKD stage 4 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Conclusion

This study identified CGN, DN and HTN as the leading aetiological factors for CKD in Chinese patients. DN was a strong predictor of faster disease progression, with albuminuria (a complication of T2DM) associated with highest risk for disease progression.
Gene and immunohistochemical expression of HIF‐1α, GLUT‐1, FASN, and adipophilin in carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma development
Authors: Scarini João Figueira , Rosa Larissa Fernandes , Souza Reydson Alcides de Lima , Egal Erika Said Abu , Tincani Alfio José , Martins Antônio Santos , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Graner Edgard , Coletta Ricardo Della , Carlos Roman , Gondak Rogério de Oliveira , de Almeida Oslei Paes , Altemani Albina Messias de Almeida Milani , Bastos Débora Campanella , Mariano Fernanda Viviane
Published: March 2020

Objective

To analyze the gene and immunohistochemical expression of HIF‐1α, GLUT‐1, FASN, and adipophilin in normal salivary gland (NSG), pleomorphic adenoma (PA), and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) samples.

Material and Methods

The gene expression was investigated by the real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) method in 9 samples of frozen tissues of normal salivary gland, 13 PA, and 10 CXPA. We validated the reactions by immunohistochemistry on 20 samples from NSG, 85 PA, and 44 CXPA.

Results

Our results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in HIF‐1α gene and immunohistochemistry expression among the tissues studied while FASN gene and immunohistochemistry expression increased along the carcinogenesis of the PA. GLUT‐1 was significantly more expressed in tumor tissues (PA and CXPA), although protein is mainly expressed in transformed cells than in PA and NSG. In contrast, adipophilin was significantly more expressed in NSG while the expression of the protein increased in PA and CXPA.

Conclusions

In summary, the data presented here suggest that neoplastic cells reprogram the expression of GLUT‐1 and adipophilin to adapt to the tumor microenvironment and reinforce, through immunohistochemical results, a possible transcriptional and post‐translational regulatory mechanisms that act on the expression of these genes.
Genome‐enabled prediction models for black tea (Camellia sinensis) quality and drought tolerance traits
Authors: Koech Robert K. , Malebe Pelly M. , Nyarukowa Christopher , Mose Richard , Kamunya Samson M. , Loots Theodor , Apostolides Zeno
Published: March 2020

Genomic selection in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) breeding has the potential to accelerate efficiency of choosing parents with desirable traits at the seedling stage. The study evaluated different genome‐enabled prediction models for black tea quality and drought tolerance traits in discovery and validation populations. The discovery population comprised of two segregating tea populations (TRFK St. 504 and TRFK St. 524) with 255 F1 progeny and 56 individual tea cultivars in validation population genotyped using 1,421 DArTseq markers. Twofold cross‐validation was used for training the prediction models in the discovery population on eight different phenotypic traits. The best prediction models in the discovery population were consequently fitted to the validation population. Of all the four model‐based prediction approaches, putative QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) + annotated proteins + KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway‐based prediction approach showed more robustness. The findings have for the first time opened up a new avenue for future application of genomic selection in tea breeding.
Good Governance and Party System Change
Authors: Pelizzo Riccardo
Published: March 2020

While scholars and practitioners have extensively analyzed the causes, the consequences and, more generally, the correlates of good governance, little‐to‐no attention has been paid to whether the institutionalization of political parties—as evidenced by the stability of the party system—is in any way related to good governance. The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between party system change, good governance, and its dividends. The analyses reveal three main conclusions. First, the stability of a party system is strongly and significantly related to each of the good governance indicators identified by Kaufmann and his colleagues. Second, that while party system instability is not significantly related to a country's wealth, it has a positive impact on economic growth even when we control for the effects of good governance. Third, that good enough governance is a better predictor of economic performance than good governance.

Related Articles

Nwokora, Zim, and Riccardo Pelizzo. 2015. “The Political Consequences of Party System Change.” Politics & Policy 43 (4): 453‐473. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/polp.12124

Pelizzo, Riccardo, and Salvatore J. Babones. 2003. “The Political Economy of Polarization: The Italian Case, 1963‐1987.” Politics & Policy 31 (1): 54‐78. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2003.tb00887.x

Pelizzo, Riccardo, and Zim Nwokora. 2016. “Bridging the Divide: Measuring Party System Change and Classifying Party Systems.” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1017‐1052. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/polp.12188

Related Media

“Challenges of Governance in Africa ‐ HE President Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe.” 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y6LcF8LAss

“#TalkAfrica: Good Governance in Africa.” 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWsvN0i_Zcg

Crocker, Chester A. 2019. “African Governance: Challenges and Their Implications.” https://www.hoover.org/research/african-governance-challenges-and-their-implications
The knowledge norm of assertion in dialectical context
Authors: Begby Endre
Published: March 2020

This paper aims to show that the Knowledge Norm of Assertion (KNA) can lead to trouble in certain dialectical contexts. Suppose a person knows that p but does not know that they know that p. They assert p in compliance with the KNA. Their interlocutor responds: ‘but do you know that p?’ It will be shown that the KNA blocks the original asserter from providing any good response to this perfectly natural follow‐up question, effectively forcing them to retract p from the conversational scoreboard. This finding is not simply of theoretical interest: I will argue that the KNA would allow the retort ‘but do you know that p?’ to be weaponized in strategic communication, serving as a tool for silencing speakers without having to challenge their testimonial contributions on their own merits. Our analysis can thereby provide a new dimension to the study of epistemic injustice, as well as underscoring the importance of considering the norms governing speech acts also from the point of view of non‐ideal social contexts.