bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical malpractice litigation related to choking accidents in older people in Japan
Authors: Hamasaki Tomoko , Hagihara Akihito
Published: November 2020

Objective

To analyse malpractice litigation cases in Japan and identify the factors related to choking accidents in older people.

Background

Choking while eating is common in older people and has potentially severe consequences.

Methods

This study analysed court decisions related to choking accidents occurring in Japan between 2000 and 2015 that involved the death of an older person or permanent severe choking‐related injury. A database of court decisions (n = 23) was constructed according to patient and caregiver characteristics, and nursing services. An analysis was performed on caregiver liability, and to identify factors related to choking accidents.

Results

The court ruled that the caregiver was liable in 10 of the 23 cases. Liability was related to appropriate food choices, failure to monitor of eating or the non‐performance of resuscitation after an accident. Prior knowledge of aspiration (P < .001), inappropriate assistance during the meal (P < .001), and inappropriate emergency treatment (P = .028) were more likely to be present in cases in which caregivers were judged liable than in those in which they were not.

Conclusions

Lack of appropriate assistance during the meal was the factor most strongly associated with a court ruling of caregiver liability for choking accidents in older people.
Thin coatings of hafnon abate oxidative recession of SiC fibers
Authors: Azarnoush Setareh , Raj Rishi
Published: November 2020

The oxidation behavior of SiC fibers coated with (a) undoped polysilazane and (b) precursors containing a mixture of polysilazane and hafnium butoxide in equal weight fractions, is reported. The coatings were prepared by repetitive cycles of nanolayer depositions, as reported in recent publications. The oxidation experiments were carried out at 1400°C in ambient air (Boulder, CO) for up to 100 hours. The extent of degradation of SiC was measured by the recession in the diameter of the fibers as a function of time. The fibers with undoped polymer precursor recessed significantly, whereas the fibers coated with HfSiCNO remained essentially unchanged. These results are in agreement with earlier work from our laboratory where the resilience of hafnon and zircon, as well as hafnia and zirconia, against high‐temperature corrosion in streaming humid environments had been highlighted.
What Makes an Attack Sexual?
Authors: Morgan Robert
Published: November 2020

We recognise certain acts as ‘sexual assault’, ‘sexual violence’, or a ‘sexual offence’, often to offer strong moral condemnation or to prescribe legal sanction. A common feature of these attacks is that they impose nonconsensual sexual contact; they are sexual attacks. While there has been extensive discussion of consent to sexual contact and of the conditions under which consensual contact is sexual, there has been little investigation into what it is for nonconsensual contact to be sexual. The purpose of this article is to examine the conditions under which an attack (nonconsensual contact) is sexual. I first argue that an account of sexual attacks is important, not least because the question has pressing moral and legal implications. I then consider and reject three accounts, one appealing solely to intuitions, one appealing to the body parts involved, and one appealing to the assailant’s mental state. Finally, I develop my own account. I propose that an attack is sexual if and only if it carries a sexual expressive significance, and thereby conveys a sexual meaning.
Oral health and oral health behaviour of adolescents with mild or borderline intellectual disabilities compared with a national representative sample of 17‐year‐olds in the Netherlands
Authors: Vermaire Jan Hendrik , Kalf Sonja M. , Schuller Annemarie A.
Published: November 2020

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have worse health outcomes compared to their peers without. However, regarding oral health parameters, recent systematic reviews reported conflicting evidence. The aim was to assess whether adolescents with MBID differ from their peers in oral health and oral health behaviour.

Methods

Ninety seven adolescents with MBID participated in this comparative study. Outcomes were compared to data of 17‐year‐old Dutch adolescents (n = 581) from a national epidemiological study on oral health and oral health behaviour.

Results

Adolescents with MBID showed worse oral health outcomes and poorer oral hygiene than their peers from the general population. Furthermore, they visit the dentist less regularly, brush less frequently, eat main‐dishes less frequently and have higher levels of dental anxiety.

Conclusion

Adolescents with MBID have poorer oral health and show worse oral health‐promoting behaviours than their peers in the general population. Targeted interventions to reach this vulnerable group are necessary.
Tumour necrosis factor‐α promotes BMHSC differentiation by increasing P2X7 receptor in oestrogen‐deficient osteoporosis
Authors: Lu Jiajia , Zhou Zhibin , Ma Jun , Lu Nan , Lei Zhu , Du Di , Chen Aimin
Published: November 2020

The exact mechanism of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) promoting osteoclast differentiation is not completely clear. A variety of P2 purine receptor subtypes have been confirmed to be widely involved in bone metabolism. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore whether P2 receptor is involved in the differentiation of osteoclasts. Mouse bone marrow haematopoietic stem cells (BMHSCs) were co‐cultured with TNF‐α to explore the effect of TNF‐α on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption capacity in vitro, and changes in the P2 receptor were detected at the same time. The P2 receptor was silenced and overexpressed to explore the effect on differentiation of BMHSCs into osteoclasts. In an in vivo experiment, the animal model of PMOP was established in ovariectomized mice, and anti‐TNF‐α intervention was used to detect the ability of BMHCs to differentiate into osteoclasts as well as the expression of the P2 receptor. It was confirmed in vitro that TNF‐α at a concentration of 20 ng/mL up‐regulated the P2X7 receptor of BMHSCs through the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway, promoted BMHSCs to differentiate into a large number of osteoclasts and enhanced bone resorption. In vivo experiments showed that more P2X7 receptor positive osteoclasts were produced in postmenopausal osteoporotic mice. Anti‐TNF‐α could significantly delay the progression of PMOP by inhibiting the production of osteoclasts. Overall, our results revealed a novel function of the P2X7 receptor and suggested that suppressing the P2X7 receptor may be an effective strategy to delay bone formation in oestrogen deficiency‐induced osteoporosis.
Physicians' cognitive strategies for avoiding overconfidence
Authors: Yagil Dana , Reuveni Yehudit , Segal‐Karpas Dikla
Published: November 2020

Background

Physicians' overconfidence damages the quality of medical care. Due to their high social status and intense impact on people lives, physicians need to develop strategies to avoid overconfidence. Yet until now, the strategies physicians use to avoid overconfidence have not been explored. This study aimed to identify strategies physicians use to minimize potential overconfidence.

Methods

This qualitative study relied on face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Participants were 22 physicians specializing in ophthalmology, gynaecology, rheumatology, cardiology, anaesthesiology, paediatrics, radiology, orthopaedics, otolaryngology, gastroenterology, family and paediatrics. The interviews were analyzed with the grounded theory approach.

Results

Analysis of the interviews revealed three prominent strategies physicians use to minimize overconfidence: awareness of the risks of overconfidence, framing a mundane professional identity, and cultivation of a positive self‐view through pride based on effort rather than skills.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the on‐going nature of establishing physicians' professional identity and implies that it is shaped by a motivation to adapt their identity to fundamental requirements of medical practice. Medical training and education might promote strategies for minimization of potential overconfidence among physicians.
Silencing of prophenoloxidase (proPO) gene in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, makes them susceptible to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)
Authors: Thamizhvanan S. , Nafeez Ahmed A. , Vinoth Kumar D. , Vimal S. , Majeed S. Abdul , Taju G. , Hauton Chris , Sahul Hameed A. S.
Published: November 2020

Prophenoloxidase (proPO) is very important to protect the invertebrates from microbial infections. Our previous studies revealed that proPO was up‐regulated in WSSV‐injected Macrobrachium rosenbergii and is responsible for protecting M. rosenbergii from WSSV. In order to prove this mechanism, an attempt was made in the present study to silence the proPO gene in freshwater prawn by injection of dsRNA‐proPO followed by WSSV challenge. Two partial fragments of proPO with the size of 251 and 331 bp were used to synthesize dsRNA using LITMUS38i vector and E. coli. The bacterially synthesized dsRNA‐proPO was used to silence proPO gene to determine its involvement in developing resistance in prawn against WSSV. In proPO gene‐silenced prawn, 100% mortality was observed after WSSV challenge whereas no mortality was observed in prawn injected with WSSV alone. The WSSV infection in gene‐silenced prawn was confirmed by PCR, and its propagation was quantified by ELISA and real‐time PCR at different time intervals. Real‐time PCR assay revealed a significant reduction in the expression of proPO gene in WSSV‐challenged proPO‐silenced prawn when compared to normal prawn. Level of proPO was reduced significantly in the haemolymph of proPO‐silenced prawn when compared to prawn injected with PBS.
Adverse interaction effects of chronic and acute sleep deficits on spatial working memory but not on verbal working memory or declarative memory
Authors: Hennecke Eva , Lange Denise , Steenbergen Florian , Fronczek‐Poncelet Judith , Elmenhorst David , Bauer Andreas , Aeschbach Daniel , Elmenhorst Eva‐Maria
Published: November 2020

The accumulation of chronic sleep deficits combined with acute sleep loss is common in shift workers and increases the risk of errors and accidents. We investigated single and combined effects of chronic and acute sleep loss and recovery sleep on working memory performance (N‐back task) and on overnight declarative memory recall (paired‐associate lists) in 36 healthy participants. After baseline measurements, the chronic sleep restriction group (n = 21; mean [SD] age 26 [4] years) underwent 5 nights of sleep restriction (5‐hr time in bed [TIB]), whereas the control group (n = 15; mean [SD] age 28 [6] years) had 8‐hr TIB during those nights. Afterwards, both groups spent 1 night with 8‐hr TIB prior to acute sleep deprivation for 38 hr, and a final recovery night (10‐hr TIB). Chronic sleep restriction decreased spatial N‐back performance compared to baseline (omissions: p = .001; sensitivity: p = .012), but not letter N‐back performance or word‐pair recall. Acute sleep deprivation impaired spatial N‐back performance more in the chronic sleep restriction group than in the control group (interaction between group and time awake: p ≤ .02). No group differences during acute sleep loss appeared in letter N‐back performance or word recall. It is concluded that chronic sleep loss, even when followed by a night of recovery sleep, increases the vulnerability to impairments in spatial working memory during subsequent acute sleep loss. Verbal working memory and declarative memory were not affected by restricted sleep.
Effect of dilution of canine blood samples on the specificity of saline agglutination tests for immune‐mediated hemolysis
Authors: Sun Prudence L. , Jeffery Unity
Published: November 2020

Background

Saline agglutination tests (SATs) are widely recommended for diagnosis of immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia in dogs, but there are frequent false‐positive results.

Objectives

Specificity of SATs will improve at higher saline‐to‐blood ratios.

Animals

One hundred fifty dogs treated at a veterinary referral hospital with hematocrits ≤30%.

Methods

Prospective diagnostic accuracy study. Immune‐mediated hemolysis (IMH) was considered present if a gel direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive and there was clinical evidence of hemolysis (n = 9), absent if another mechanism for anemia was identified and the DAT was negative or there was no hemolysis (n = 138), and if IMH status was unclear, dogs were excluded (n = 3). Saline agglutination tests were prepared at 1 : 1, 4 : 1, 9 : 1, and 49 : 1 saline‐to‐blood ratios, and microscopic agglutination was considered a positive result.

Results

Specificity for IMH increased from 29% (95% confidence interval 20‐38) at a 1 : 1 dilution to 97% (93‐99) at a 49 : 1 dilution. Sensitivity was 88% (47‐100) at 1 : 1 and 4 : 1 dilutions and 67% (30‐93%) at 9 : 1 and 49 : 1 dilutions. Diagnostic accuracy increased from 33% (24–42) at 1 : 1 dilution to 95% (90‐98) at 49 : 1 dilution.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

If performed using a 49 : 1 saline‐to‐blood ratio, SATs achieve high specificity for IMH. Based on a gold standard of positive DAT and evidence of hemolysis, lower saline‐to‐blood ratio results should not be used because false‐positive results are common.
Association between reproduction and immunity in the Egyptian mongooseHerpestes ichneumonis sex‐biased and unaffected by body condition
Authors: Bandeira V. , Virgós E. , Azevedo A. , Cunha M.V. , Fonseca C.
Published: November 2020

The Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) is a carnivore in expansion on the western limits of Europe, where its reproductive ecology is unknown. In this study, we weighed and measured the gonads of 507 wild‐caught mongooses ranging its geographical distribution and all seasons of the year. Based on the variation in gonad weight, we determined periods of reproductive activity for females (December–June) and males (throughout the year), with both sexes showing a peak in gonad weight during February. We also identified periods of lactation (March‐August,n = 10), gestation (December–July,n = 20) and mean litter size (1–4 offspring, 2.75 ± 0.79,n = 20). Next, we constructed two separate models to explain the variation in ovarian and testicular weight, using age cohort, season and region, spleen weight, body condition and the environmental variables habitat, river network and Egyptian mongoose density as predictors. Ovarian weight was influenced by season and spleen weight. Females with heavier ovaries were found in spring and simultaneously exhibited heavier spleens. Testicular weight was influenced by season, spleen weight and age, as well as several environmental variables. Males with lower spleen weight exhibited heavier testes, indicating a male‐specific negative association between reproductive and immune activity. Overall, the results of this study refine our knowledge on Egyptian mongoose reproductive ecology. They indicate that reproduction timing is determined by females, whose breeding is seasonal but who are unaffected by the set of environmental variables we tested, as opposed to males, who are influenced by these environmental conditions and seem to be reproductively active year round. These results also support a negative reproduction‐immunity trade‐off in males, that is independent of body condition and absent in females.
Enhancing the Cognitive and Motor Abilities of very Young Children: A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of the PlayWisely Approach
Authors: Leth‐Steensen Craig , Gallitto Elena , Haghbin Mohsen , Hannan Patricia A.
Published: November 2020

PlayWisely is a novel approach to early learning designed to target the positive development of a wide range of cognitive and physical/motor abilities by stimulating the rapidly developing brain of very young children (from 4 months to 3 years of age). The current pilot study represents a first step toward providing an evidence base for the efficacy of this approach by conducting a small‐sample (N = 17) randomized controlled comparison of the cognitive and motor abilities of a group of children who were administered 16 weeks of PlayWisely training with a wait‐list group of children who were administered this training 5 months later. Results showed a marginally significant 20% greater differential increase in the overall total cognitive scale scores over the 10‐month study period coupled with significant differential increases in both fine motor and visual motor subscale scores and a marginally significant differential increase in the speed of processing subscale scores (as measured by the Merrill‐Palmer‐Revised Scales of Development).
Functional roles of LaeA, polyketide synthase, and glucose oxidase in the regulation of ochratoxin A biosynthesis and virulence in Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Maor Uriel , Barda Omer , Sadhasivam Sudharsan , Bi Yang , Levin Elena , Zakin Varda , Prusky Dov B. , Sionov Edward
Published: November 2020

Aspergillus carbonarius is the major producer of ochratoxin A (OTA) among Aspergillus species, but the contribution of this secondary metabolite to fungal virulence has not been assessed. We characterized the functions and addressed the roles of three factors in the regulation of OTA synthesis and pathogenicity in A. carbonarius: LaeA, a transcriptional factor regulating the production of secondary metabolites; polyketide synthase, required for OTA biosynthesis; and glucose oxidase (GOX), regulating gluconic acid (GLA) accumulation and acidification of the host tissue during fungal growth. Deletion of laeA in A. carbonarius resulted in significantly reduced OTA production in colonized nectarines and grapes. The ∆laeA mutant was unable to efficiently acidify the colonized tissue, as a direct result of diminished GLA production, leading to attenuated virulence in infected fruit compared to the wild type (WT). The designed Acpks‐knockout mutant resulted in complete inhibition of OTA production in vitro and in colonized fruit. Interestingly, physiological analysis revealed that the colonization pattern of the ∆Acpks mutant was similar to that of the WT strain, with high production of GLA in the colonized tissue, suggesting that OTA accumulation does not contribute to A. carbonarius pathogenicity. Disruption of the Acgox gene inactivated GLA production in A. carbonarius, and this mutant showed attenuated virulence in infected fruit compared to the WT strain. These data identify the global regulator LaeA and GOX as critical factors modulating A. carbonarius pathogenicity by controlling transcription of genes important for fungal secondary metabolism and infection.
Association and predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index, body composition, or bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Doi Toshiki , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Doi Shigehiro , Masaki Takao
Published: November 2020

Aim

Assess the association and predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

Laboratory data, body composition parameters measured via body composition monitor, and radius, lumbar spine, femoral neck BMD measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry were assessed in all subjects on HD or online haemodiafiltration (HDF) at baseline. Regression analysis for GNRI, Cox proportional hazard analyses and comparison of multiple receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed.

Results

Among all 264 patients, age was 65 ± 12 years and dialysis vintage was 79 (39‐144) months. GNRI tertile (T)1, T2, and T3 were 88 (85‐91), 94 (93‐95), and 98 (97‐101), respectively. Patients in GNRI T1 had lower fat tissue index (FTI), lean tissue index, and femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal mid‐third radius BMD, but higher overhydration/extracellular fluid than patients in GNRI T2 or T3 (P < .05). GNRI was significantly associated with FTI, lean tissue index, and femoral neck, lumbar spine, and distal mid‐third radius BMD (P < .01). GNRI was a significant predictor of 2‐year all‐cause mortality (HR 0.92, P < .05). Area under the ROC curve for all‐cause mortality using traditional risk factors (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, use of vasopressors for dialysis‐related hypotension, and C‐reactive protein) was 0.67 and changed by adding GNRI (0.78, P < .05), FTI (0.75), or femoral neck BMD (0.66), respectively.

Conclusion

Associations between GNRI, body composition, and BMD were confirmed in HD patients. Combining GNRI with traditional risk factors improved mortality prediction in HD patients.
Pilot exploration of post‐traumatic stress symptoms in intensive care unit survivors in Cyprus
Authors: Karanikola Maria , Alexandrou George , Mpouzika Meropi , Chatzittofis Andreas , Kusi‐Appiah Elizabeth , Papathanassoglou Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Background

Approximately, 20% of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors develop post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) provides a comprehensive approach to PSTD symptoms, there is no evidence on DTS‐I‐M use in ICU survivors.

Aims and objectives

To validate the modified intensity Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS‐I‐M) (wherein the frequency and severity subscales are combined to express symptoms intensity) in a convenience sample of ICU survivors in Cyprus, and to explore the prevalence of PTSD symptoms and related predictors.

Design

An instrument validation design, along with a cross‐sectional, correlational study design was employed.

Methods

Translation and cultural adaptation of the instrument were achieved through a group of experts and pilot testing. The DTS‐I‐M was administered via telephone. Participants' clinical data (length of ICU stay [LOS], mechanical ventilation duration [MVD], admission diagnosis, medication history) and demographics (age, gender) were collected. Non‐parametric comparisons, and regression analyses to identify predictors of DTS‐I‐M scores and PTSD symptoms were employed.

Results

The Cypriot DTS‐I‐M version demonstrated high test‐retest (Pearson's r = 0.928, P < .001) and internal consistency (Cronbach's [α] alpha = .97) reliability in a sample of 69 ICU survivors (62.7% response). About 36.2% of participants reported PTSD symptoms. Factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the DTS‐I‐M, and a 3‐factor structure (encompassing intrusive, avoidance, hyperarousal, mood, and cognitive symptoms). In a multiple regression, MVD (B = −3.11, OR [95% CI] = 22.58 [3.07‐166.09, P = .002]) and LOS (r2 = 0.302, P = .002) were statistically significant predictors of DTS‐I‐M score.

Conclusion

We confirm the applicability of the DTS‐I‐M for the assessment of PTSD symptoms in ICU survivors; and offer preliminary evidence on the prevalence and predictors of post‐ICU PTSD symptoms in Cyprus.

Relevance to clinical practice

DTS‐I‐M is an appropriate screening tool for PTSD symptoms after ICU hospitalization. Patients with longer MVD and LOS are at higher risk for post‐ICU PTSD symptoms and seem to experience more intense relevant symptoms.
Being Familiar with What One Wants
Authors: Tooming Uku
Published: November 2020

Self‐ascriptions of desire seem to differ in their epistemic security. There are easy cases in which a sincere self‐ascription immediately counts as knowledgeable, and there are hard cases in which it is an open question whether an agent actually knows that they have the desire that they take themselves to have. In this paper, I suggest an explanation according to which whether a self‐ascription of desire is easy or hard depends on whether one is familiar with the content of the self‐ascribed desire.
Cutaneous reactions to pediatric cancer treatment: Part I. Conventional chemotherapy
Authors: Sous Dana , Armstrong Amy E. , Huang Jennifer T. , Shah Sonal , Carlberg Valerie M. , Coughlin Carrie C.
Published: November 2020

Chemotherapies often cause side effects of the skin, nails, and mucosal surfaces. These mucocutaneous toxicities contribute to morbidity and affect quality of life. Identification and management of these drug‐induced eruptions is vital to allow for continuation of essential therapies. This review demonstrates the wide range of chemotherapy‐induced cutaneous toxicities in children and includes clues for diagnosis as well as tips for counseling and management.
Lichen sclerosus with enlarged vessels: A variant of lichen sclerosus in young girls
Authors: Di Altobrando Ambra , Patrizi Annalisa , Bassi Andrea , Virdi Annalucia , Besagni Francesca , Sacchelli Lidia , Neri Iria
Published: November 2020

Vascular findings have rarely been described in the setting of lichen sclerosus. Enlarged vessels within the atrophic plaques have been observed on the free margins of the labia minora and clitoral hood. The enlarged vessels completely remit upon treatment of lichen sclerosus with an ultra‐potent corticosteroid ointment in the acute phase. During maintenance therapy with calcineurin inhibitors, there was no recurrence of the enlarged vessels.
In vitro effects of lipopolysaccharides on bovine uterine contractility
Authors: Wiebe Maraike , Pfarrer Christiane , Górriz Martín Lara , Schmicke Marion , Hoedemaker Martina , Bollwein Heiner , Heppelmann Maike
Published: November 2020

Metritis is an important disorder in dairy cows during the early postpartum period. Myometrial contractility is a prerequisite for uterine involution; however, very scanty literature is available about the effect of metritis on this process and endocrine responsiveness. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of inflammation on uterine contractility in vitro, and the inflammation was induced by incubating myometrial strips with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Myometrial samples were collected from 17 healthy Holstein Friesian cows during caesarean section. Eight longitudinal strips from each cow were incubated in organ baths with LPS concentrations of 0 (LPS0), 0.1 (LPS0.1), 1 (LPS1) and 10 µg/ml (LPS10). Spontaneous contractility and contractility induced by increasing concentrations of oxytocin (10–10 – 10–7 mol/L) were recorded during nine 30‐min intervals (T1 to T9). The minimum amplitude (minA), maximum amplitude (maxA), mean amplitude (meanA) and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each time interval. LPS had an effect (p ≤ .05) on maxA, meanA and AUC. In T1, myometrial strips incubated with LPS0.1 and LPS1 had higher (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than the strips incubated with LPS0. In T9 without oxytocin, LPS0 led to higher (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than LPS0.1 and LPS1. In T8 and T9 with oxytocin, LPS1 had lower (p ≤ .05) maxA, meanA and AUC than the other LPS concentrations. Interestingly, the results show that LPS has a transient positive effect on myometrial contractility in vitro and that this effect is dependent on LPS concentration and duration of incubation.
Mapping IPF helps identify geographic regions at higher risk for disease development and potential triggers
Authors: Shull Jessica Germaine , Pay Maria Teresa , Lara Compte Carla , Olid Miriam , Bermudo Guadalupe , Portillo Karina , Sellarés Jacobo , Balcells Eva , Vicens‐Zygmunt Vanesa , Planas‐Cerezales Lurdes , Badenes‐Bonet Diana , Blavia Rosana , Rivera‐Ortega Pilar , Moreno Amalia , Sans Jordi , Perich Damià , Barril Silvia , Esteban Leonardo , Garcia‐Bellmunt Laia , Esplugas Jordi , Suarez‐Cuartin Guillermo , Bordas‐Martinez Jaume , Castillo Diego , Jolis Rosa , Salvador Inma , Eizaguirre Anton Saioa , Villar Ana , Robles‐Perez Alejandro , Cardona M. Josefa , Barbeta Enric , Silveira Maria Guadalupe , Guevara Claudia , Dorca Jordi , Rosell Antoni , Luburich Patricio , Llatjós Roger , Jorba Oriol , Molina‐Molina Maria
Published: November 2020

Background and objective

The relationship between IPF development and environmental factors has not been completely elucidated. Analysing geographic regions of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases could help identify those areas with higher aggregation and investigate potential triggers. We hypothesize that cross‐analysing location of IPF cases and areas of consistently high air pollution concentration could lead to recognition of environmental risk factors for IPF development.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed epidemiological and clinical data from 503 patients registered in the Observatory IPF.cat from January 2017 to June 2019. Incident and prevalent IPF cases from the Catalan region of Spain were graphed based on their postal address. We generated maps of the most relevant air pollutant PM2.5 from the last 10 years using data from the CALIOPE air quality forecast system and observational data.

Results

In 2018, the prevalence of IPF differed across provinces; from 8.1 cases per 100 000 habitants in Barcelona to 2.0 cases per 100 000 in Girona. The ratio of IPF was higher in some areas. Mapping PM2.5 levels illustrated that certain areas with more industry, traffic and shipping maintained markedly higher PM2.5 concentrations. Most of these locations correlated with higher aggregation of IPF cases. Compared with other risk factors, PM2.5 exposure was the most frequent.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, prevalence of IPF is higher in areas of elevated PM2.5 concentration. Prospective studies with targeted pollution mapping need to be done in specific geographies to compile a broader profile of environmental factors involved in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Estimating Causal Moderation Effects with Randomized Treatments and Non-Randomized Moderators
Authors: Bansak Kirk
Published: November 2020

Researchers are often interested in analysing conditional treatment effects. One variant of this is ‘causal moderation’, which implies that intervention upon a third (moderator) variable would alter the treatment effect. This study considers the conditions under which causal moderation can be identified and presents a generalized framework for estimating causal moderation effects given randomized treatments and non-randomized moderators. As part of the estimation process, it allows researchers to implement their preferred method of covariate adjustment, including parametric and non-parametric methods, or alternative identification strategies of their choosing. In addition, it provides a set-up whereby sensitivity analysis designed for the average treatment effect context can be extended to the moderation context. To illustrate the methods, the study presents two applications: one dealing with the effect of using the term ‘welfare’ to describe public assistance in the United States, and one dealing with the effect of asylum seekers’ religion on European attitudes towards asylum seekers.
“No Tyson in Tongie!”: The Battle to Protect a Rural Way of Life in Kansas*
Authors: Nicholls Walter J. , Menjívar Cecilia , Alvord Daniel
Published: November 2020

Political mobilizations in small towns have come to play a disproportionate role in today’s national politics. This article examines the conditions giving rise to small‐town mobilizations through an in‐depth case study of Tonganoxie, Kansas. Residents of this town mounted a massive campaign to block the opening of a Tyson chicken processing plant in 2017. The article draws on interviews, observations, a newspaper claims database, and extractions from the “No Tyson in Tongie” Facebook group page. The article maintains that a racialized cultural framework (“rural idyll”) among White middle‐class residents helped them perceive the plant as an existential threat. Social networks, sustained through social media, enabled the same residents to mobilize in a fast and forceful manner. We suggest that in “hybrid” towns (partially rural and suburban), the “rural idyll” is politically decisive. It unites recently settled and established residents in battles to defend a particularly racialized and classed way of life.
Unknown cytomegalovirus serostatus in primary immunodeficiency disorders: A new category of transplant recipients
Authors: Forlanini Federica , Dara Jasmeen , Dvorak Christopher C. , Cowan Morton J. , Puck Jennifer M. , Dorsey Morna J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus of recipient (R) and donor (D) influences hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) outcome. However, it is not a reliable indicator of CMV infection in primary immunodeficiency disorder (PIDD) recipients who are unable to make adequate antigen‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) or who receive intravenous Ig (IVIg) prior to testing.

Objective

Since no data exist on PIDD with unknown CMV serostatus, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between pre‐HSCT recipient and donor serostatus and incidence of CMV infection in recipients with unknown serostatus.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all pediatric PIDD HSCTs (2007‐2018) was performed at University of California San Francisco. Recipients were separated into categories based on pre‐transplant serostatus: 1) seropositive (R(+)), 2) seronegative (R(‐)), and 3) unknown serostatus (R(x)). Patients with pre‐HSCT active CMV viremia were excluded.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included, 69% male. The overall incidence of CMV infection was 20%, but varied in R(+), R(‐), and R(x) at 80%, 0%, and 14%, (P‐value = .0001). Similarly, 5‐year survival differed among groups, 60% R(+), 100% R(‐), and 90% of R(x) (P‐value = .0045). There was no difference in CMV reactivation by donor serostatus (P‐value = .29), however, faster time to clearance of CMV was observed for R(x)/D(+) group (median 9.5 days (IQR 2.5‐18), P‐value = .024).

Conclusion

We identify a novel group of recipients, R(x), with an intermediate level of survival and CMV incidence post‐HSCT, when compared to seropositive and seronegative recipients. No evidence of CMV transmission from D(+) in R(‐) and R(x) was observed. We believe R(x) should be considered as a separate category in future studies to better delineate recipient risk status.
The number of glutamines in the N‐terminal of the canine androgen receptor affects signalling intensities
Authors: Ochiai Kazuhiko , Sutijarit Samak , Uemura Mitsuki , Morimatsu Masami , Michishita Masaki , Onozawa Eri , maeda Marika , Sasaki Takanori , Watanabe Masami , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Omi Toshinori
Published: November 2020

Most male dogs are castrated at young ages, making them easy to rear following androgen deprivation. Although the incidence of canine prostate cancer is low, several patients have resistance to androgen therapy and poor clinical prognosis. These outcomes are similar to those of end‐stage human androgen‐independent prostate cancer. The androgen receptor (AR) of canines has two polyglutamine (polyQ) sequences (Q × 10 and Q × 23) at its N‐terminal. The length of polyQ may be a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer in dogs; however, there is no evidence to support this. Hence, we artificially created polyQ deletion mutants of canine AR and evaluated their effects on AR signalling. The deletions of Q × 10 and Q × 23 were associated with significant reductions in AR signalling intensities. The Q × 10 mutants, which increase or decrease Q sequentially, also altered AR signalling. Furthermore, the Q × 10 deletion mutant, compared with the Q × 10 control, altered the intensities of the binding of polyQ to the C‐terminal of AR, which contains a ligand‐binding domain; this was not observed with the Q × 9, 11, and 12 variants. The number of glutamines in the N‐terminals of canine ARs may influence AR signalling intensities and contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in dogs.
Are You Feeling Me? An Exploration of Empathy Development in Engineering Design Education
Authors: Alzayed Mohammad Alsager , McComb Christopher , Menold Jessica , Huff Jacquelyn , Miller Scarlett R.
Published: November 2020

Having empathy in the design process can help engineers relate to the end-user by identifying what and why certain experiences are meaningful. While there have been efforts to identify the factors that impact empathic tendencies in engineering, there has been limited evidence on how a students’ trait empathy or empathic self-efficacy develops over a design project or what factors impact this development. The current study was developed to explore the development of students’ trait empathy and empathic self-efficacy development and identify the underlying impact of the design project’s context and course instructor through a study with 103 engineering students. Students’ trait empathy and empathic self-efficacy were measured across each of the four design stages (problem formulation, concept generation, concept selection, and final conceptual design) during an 8-week project. The results highlight that students’ trait empathy and empathic self-efficacy did not increase across design stages and the context of the design problem did not impact students’ empathy development. Meanwhile, students displayed lower empathic self-efficacy in one of the course sections, and interviews with the course instructors revealed that the lack of accessibility to the end-user might have constricted students from developing empathy. These insights call for future research that could empirically assess the impact of trait empathy and empathic self-efficacy in driving design outcomes in the later design stages, which could increase engineering educators’ awareness of the role of empathy in the engineering classroom.
Improvement of Steels' Corrosion Resistance in Liquid Lead and Lead-Bismuth by Coatings—Review
Authors: Pazderová M. , Rozumová L. , Košek L. , Hojná A.
Published: November 2020

Heavy liquid metal (HLM) cooled systems are under wide investigation and development. The technology needs to study the materials corrosion, which has a different progress than corrosion caused by aqueous media. Improvement of the corrosion resistance can be achieved by alloying the bare material, but the degradation of steels continues with less or more intensity. Deposition of protective barrier may reduce the metals dissolution and diffusion of liquid lead into the steel substrate. Different types of surface treatment and coatings composition were evaluated to find out the most convenient solution for the steel's protection.
Manipulating Users’ Trust of Autonomous Products With Affective Priming
Authors: Liao Ting , MacDonald Erin F.
Published: November 2020

Autonomous products, which perform many functions on their own with limited user input, require users to exhibit trust at an appropriate level before use. Research in product trust has thus far focused on the product characteristics: such as manipulating the product’s design—for example, anthropomorphizing an autonomous vehicle—and measuring changes in the users’ trust. This study flips the usual approach and instead manipulates users’ mental state through priming, and then measures users’ trust to an existing autonomous product, the Amazon Echo. In this study, we used visual stimuli (images) that evoked either positive or negative emotions as affective primes to influence users’ trust before interacting with the Echo. While interacting with the Echo, users evaluated its performance and how well it met their expectations. Holistically, users’ perceived performance of the Echo and age had significant effects on their trust of the product, but the affective primes showed no significant effect. However, for the subgroup of participants whose expectations of the product's performance were met: those who received either positive or negative prime were more likely to trust the product than those who saw neutral images; men were more likely to trust the product than others. The study demonstrates the importance of meeting users’ expectations and highlights the potential to build trust by inducing emotions contextually.
The Potential of a Multifidelity Approach to Gas Turbine Combustor Design Optimization
Authors: Toal David J. J. , Zhang Xu , Keane Andy J. , Lee Chin Yik , Zedda Marco
Published: November 2020

The desire to reduce gas turbine emissions drives the use of design optimization approaches within the combustor design process. However, the relative cost of combustion simulations can prohibit such optimizations from being carried out within an industrial setting. Strategies which can significantly reduce the cost of such studies can enable designers to further improve emissions performance. This paper investigates the application of a multifidelity surrogate modeling approach to the design optimization of a typical gas turbine combustor from a civil airliner engine. Results over three different case studies of varying problem dimensionality indicate that a multifidelity surrogate modeling-based design optimization, whereby the simulation fidelity is varied by adjusting the coarseness of the mesh, can indeed improve optimization performance. These results indicate that such an approach has the potential to significantly reduce design optimization cost while achieving similar, or in some cases superior, design performance.
Signing information in the quantum era
Authors: Longmate K. , Ball E. M. , Dable-Heath E. , Young R. J.
Published: November 2020

Signatures are primarily used as a mark of authenticity, to demonstrate that the sender of a message is who they claim to be. In the current digital age, signatures underpin trust in the vast majority of information that we exchange, particularly on public networks such as the internet. However, schemes for signing digital information, which are based on assumptions of computational complexity, are facing challenges from advances in mathematics, the capability of computers, and the advent of the quantum era. Here, the authors present a review of digital signature schemes, looking at their origins and where they are under threat. Next, the authors introduce post-quantum digital schemes, which are being developed with the specific intent of mitigating against threats from quantum algorithms while still relying on digital processes and infrastructure. Finally, the authors review schemes for signing information carried on quantum channels, which promise provable security metrics. Signatures were invented as a practical means of authenticating communications, and it is important that the practicality of novel signature schemes is considered carefully, which is kept as a common theme of interest throughout this review.
Authentic Assessment Through the Sport Management Practicum: Participants’ Perceptions of the Effectiveness of a Student-Led Sports Event
Authors: Bermingham Amy K. , Neville Ross D. , Makopoulou Kyriaki
Published: November 2020

This study investigated perceptions about the effectiveness of a student-led sports event. Participants from a student-led tag rugby league were surveyed about its perceived effectiveness. The sample consisted of 227 participants, most of whom were undergraduates (91%) across a wide variety of academic programs. The effectiveness of the league was assessed by comparing the perceptions of participants with previous tag rugby experience with participants who had no previous tag rugby experience. Participants enjoyed participating in and reported above-average levels of commitment to the league. However, there was a difference in perceptions about the effectiveness of the league between men and women. Men with previous tag rugby experience had significantly lower perceptions about the effectiveness of the league than their counterparts with no previous experience. Post hoc analysis revealed the importance of rules and officiating protocols to men. The findings not only speak to the viability of student-led sports events but also to the utility of obtaining direct feedback from event participants themselves, which is a critical aspect of rounding out the post hoc event evaluation process. Results indicate that university course instructors should pay particular attention to knowledge of rules and officiating protocols before selecting students to deliver a league.
CD34+Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Subsets Exhibit Differential Ability To Maintain Human Cytomegalovirus Latency and Persistence
Authors: Crawford Lindsey B. , Hancock Meaghan H. , Struthers Hillary M. , Streblow Daniel N. , Yurochko Andrew D. , Caposio Patrizia , Goodrum Felicia D. , Nelson Jay A.
Published: November 2020

Human cytomegalovirus infection is associated with severe disease in transplant patients, and understanding how latency and reactivation occur in stem cell populations is essential to understand disease. CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are a critical viral reservoir; however, these cells are a heterogeneous pool with donor-to-donor variation in functional, genetic, and phenotypic characteristics.
The Lumen of Human Intestinal Organoids Poses Greater Stress to Bacteria Compared to the Germ-Free Mouse Intestine: Escherichia coli Deficient in RpoS as a Colonization Probe
Authors: Barron Madeline R. , Cieza Roberto J. , Hill David R. , Huang Sha , Yadagiri Veda K. , Spence Jason R. , Young Vincent B.
Published: November 2020

Technological advancements have driven and will continue to drive the adoption of organotypic systems for investigating host-microbe interactions within the human intestinal ecosystem. Using
E. coli
deficient in the RpoS-mediated general stress response, we demonstrate that the type or severity of microbial stressors within the HIO lumen is more restrictive than those of the
in vivo
environment of the germ-free mouse gut. This study provides important insight into the nature of the HIO microenvironment from a microbiological standpoint.
Longitudinal effects of breast feeding on parent-reported child behaviour
Authors: Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Hall Hildigunnur Anna , Ushakova Anastasia , Murray Aja Louise , Luciano Michelle , Auyeung Bonnie
Published: November 2020

Objective

Shorter breastfeeding duration has been linked to a range of difficulties in children. However, evidence linking shorter breastfeeding duration to child behavioural problems has been inconclusive. Owing to an almost exclusive focus on early childhood in previous research, little is known about breastfeeding effects on behaviour throughout childhood and adolescence. This study examines the longitudinal effect of breast feeding on parent-reported behaviour in children aged 3–14.

Design

Data come from the Millennium Cohort Study, a large, prospective, UK birth cohort study.

Participants

11 148 children, their parents and teachers.

Methods

This study maps the effect of breastfeeding duration on parent-reported child behaviour longitudinally, using latent growth curve modelling and on teacher-reported child behaviour using multiple regression analyses. Breastfeeding duration was assessed through parent interviews when the child was 9 months old. Children’s behavioural development was measured using parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) at 3, 5, 7, 11 and 14 years and teacher-reported SDQs at 7 and 11 years.

Results

Breast feeding was associated with fewer parent-reported behavioural difficulties at all ages even after adjusting for potential confounders (<2 months:
B
=−0.22, 95% CI −0.39 to −0.04; 2–4 months:
B
=−0.53, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.32; 4–6 months:
B
=−1.07, 95% CI −1.33 to −0.81; >6 months:
B
=−1.24, 95% CI −1.44 to −1.04;
B
=adjusted mean difference of raw SDQ scores at age 3, reference: never breast fed).

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence supporting links between breastfeeding duration and children’s socioemotional behavioural development. Potential implications include intervention strategies encouraging breast feeding.