bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation among individuals with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Wastler Heather M. , Moe Aubrey M. , Pine Jacob G. , Breitborde Nicholas J. K.
Published: August 2020

Individuals with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) are at elevated risk for suicide. The current study explored the applicability of the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) as a model for understanding suicide in FEP. Thirty‐nine individuals with FEP completed measures of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability for suicide, and suicidal ideation. Results indicate that participants with recent suicidal ideation have greater levels of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness than those without recent suicidal ideation. In contrast, the interaction of IPTS variables did not predict the severity of suicidal ideation across the entire sample. These findings suggest that burdensomeness and belongingness differentiate between individuals with and without suicidal ideation, although these constructs might be less useful in predicting the severity of suicidal ideation among individuals with psychosis. Further research is needed to understand both transdiagnostic and unique risk factors that contribute to the high rates of suicide in this population.
Information, power, and location: World Bank staff decentralization and aid project success
Authors: Honig Dan
Published: August 2020

Using data on World Bank staff identity and field placement, this article examines the relationship between staff presence in recipient countries and aid project performance. I find that merely placing World Bank staff in developing countries has little effect on the success of development projects. Greater field decision rights are, however, associated with differential project performance. In the most fragile states, the presence of senior personnel (World Bank Country Directors) is associated with greater project success after the “Strategic Compact” increased Country Directors' power. However—consistent with a bargaining model in which greater World Bank authority is in tension with recipient country direction of projects—as countries become less fragile, the net effect of the presence of Country Directors becomes negative. The impact of World Bank staff decentralization is mixed and appears to be driven primarily by the power of senior personnel in the field, not the ability of field staff to gather local information.
Initial treatment response to transarterial chemoembolization as a predictive factor for Child–Pugh class deterioration prior to refractoriness in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Maesaka Kazuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yamada Ryoko , Tahata Yuki , Imai Yasuharu , Oshita Masahide , Ohkawa Kazuyoshi , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: August 2020

Aim

Repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) eventually leads to either deteriorated hepatic reserve or TACE refractoriness. Switching to molecular targeted agents after TACE requires preservation of hepatic reserve. This study aimed to investigate the predictive factors associated with early deterioration of hepatic reserve by repeated TACE prior to refractoriness.

Methods

Ninety‐three patients with intermediate‐stage HCC who underwent TACE as the first‐line treatment and had a Child–Pugh class A hepatic reserve were retrospectively analyzed. The time to Child–Pugh class deterioration (TTCPD), defined as the duration from initial TACE to the diagnosis of Child–Pugh class B or C prior to TACE refractoriness, was assessed. Patients who progressed to TACE refractoriness prior to Child–Pugh class deterioration were censored at TACE refractoriness.

Results

The radiological response to initial TACE was assessed as responders and non‐responders in 59 (63.4%) and 34 (36.6%) patients, respectively. The median TTCPD was 40.6 months in all patients. The hepatic reserve in 31 (33.3%) patients deteriorated to Child–Pugh class B or C prior to TACE refractoriness. In the multivariate analysis, non‐response to initial TACE, albumin–bilirubin grade 2, and non‐selective TACE were identified as independent predictors associated with a shortened TTCPD. The TTCPD was significantly shorter in the non‐responders than in the responders to initial TACE (median, 19.6 vs. 55.9 months; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Failure to respond to initial TACE was a predictive factor for early deterioration of hepatic reserve prior to TACE refractoriness in intermediate‐stage HCC patients with repeated TACE.
Morphological changes and their thermal conductivities of MgO crystals containing various impurities (B, Ca, Si)
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihiro , Tsujikura Keiko , Tanaka Masaki , Nishida Naoto , Mitani Atsuyuki
Published: August 2020

MgO is industrially produced from seawater or dolomite as the raw material. MgO synthesized from seawater has a relatively low impurity concentration. However, these impurities strongly affect the fine structure and physical properties (especially the thermal conductivity) of MgO. In this research, the influence of impurity concentration on the MgO grain growth and its thermal conductivity was investigated. The processing conditions for MgO powder synthesis were optimized by a polymer complex method using magnesium nitrate hydrate, citric acid, ethylene diamine, and chemical compounds containing B, Ca, or Si, which are the main impurities of MgO produced from seawater. The morphology and phase composition of the MgO powders were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The morphological changes and differences in the thermal conductivity of MgO crystalline systems containing impurities (B, Ca, and/or Si) were clarified, and the relationship between the fine structure of MgO crystals containing impurities and their thermal conductivities was described in detail.
Cytoskeleton protein 4.1R regulates B‐cell fate by modulating the canonical NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Liang Taotao , Guo Yuying , Li Mengjia , Ding Cong , Sang Siyao , Zhou Tingting , Shao Qi , Liu Xin , Lu Jike , Ji Zhenyu , Wang Ting , Kang Qiaozhen
Published: August 2020

During the immune response, B cells can enter the memory pathway, which is characterized by class switch recombination (CSR), or they may undergo plasma cell differentiation (PCD) to secrete immunoglobulin. Both of these processes occur in activated B cells, which are reported to relate to membrane‐association proteins and adaptors. Protein 4.1R acts as an adaptor, linking membrane proteins to the cytoskeleton, and is involved in many cell events such as cell activation and differentiation, and cytokine secretion. However, the effect of 4.1R on regulating B‐cell fate is unclear. Here, we show an important association between B‐cell fate and 4.1R. In vitro, primary B cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide combined with interleukin‐4; results showed that 4.1R‐deficient (4.1R–/–) cells compared with wild‐type (4.1R+/+) B cells augmented expression of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase and germline, resulting in increased IgG1+ B cells, whereas the secretion of IgG1 and IgM was reduced, and CD138+ B cells were also decreased. Throughout the process, 4.1R regulated canonical nuclear factor (NF‐κB) rather than non‐canonical NF‐κB to promote the expression of CSR complex components, leading to up‐regulation of B‐cell CSR. In contrast, 4.1R‐deficient B cells showed reduced expression of Blimp‐1, which caused B cells to down‐regulate PCD. Furthermore, over‐activation of canonical NF‐κB may induce apoptosis signaling to cause PCD apoptosis to reduce PCD number. In summary, our results suggest that 4.1R acts as a B‐cell fate regulator by inhibiting the canonical NF‐κB signaling pathway.
On Two Existing Approaches to Statistical Analysis of Social Media Data
Authors: Patone Martina , Zhang Li‐Chun
Published: August 2020

Using social media data for statistical analysis of general population faces commonly two basic obstacles: firstly, social media data are collected for different objects than the population units of interest; secondly, the relevant measures are typically not available directly but need to be extracted by algorithms or machine learning techniques. In this paper, we examine and summarise two existing approaches to statistical analysis based on social media data, which can be discerned in the literature. In the first approach, analysis is applied to the social media data that are organised around the objects directly observed in the data; in the second one, a different analysis is applied to a constructed pseudo survey dataset, aimed to transform the observed social media data to a set of units from the target population. We elaborate systematically the relevant data quality frameworks, exemplify their applications and highlight some typical challenges associated with social media data.
EXPRESSION OF CD44 SPLICE VARIANTS IN BLADDER CANCER
Authors: Kan Masaharu , Furukawa Atsuko , Aki Masashi , Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Kagawa Susumu
Published: August 2020

Background

Recently, it was noted that CD44 participates in a wide variety of cell‐cell or cell‐matrix interactions including tumor metastasis and the altered expression of CD44 splice variants is helpful in the diagnosis of colon and breast cancer. The purpose of the study was to investigate altered expression of CD44 in bladder cancer.

Methods

Thirty‐three surgical specimens of 22 patients and seven bladder cancer cell‐lines were analyzed by various methods including RT‐PCR‐Southern blotting, Northern blotting, and flow‐cytometric analysis.

Results

In RT‐PCR analysis, the hematopoietic variant and numerous additional variants were detected in all cell‐lines and almost all surgical specimens. In three out of seven cell‐lines of bladder cancer (42.9%), especially numerous larger bands (ladder pattern) were detected using RT‐PCR. These three cell‐lines expressed a smaller quantity of CD44 mRNAs and CD44 molecules than the other four cell‐lines. In eighteen out of 22 (81.8%) bladder cancer specimens, we detected larger variants that exceed 1500 base pairs, compared with the detection in four out of eleven (36.4%) visually normal mucosa specimens (P < 0.05). However there was no correlation between the expression of the larger variants and clinicopathological features.

Conclusion

The quantitative and qualitative change of CD44 variants were demonstrated in bladder cancer.
RENAL ONCOCYTOMA MIMICKING HEMORRHAGIC RENAL CYST
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Kawai Koji , Takeshima Hitoshi , Akaza Hideyuki , Koiso Kenkichi
Published: August 2020

A case of oncocytoma, the radiological findings of which resembled a hemorrhagic renal cyst, is reported. Cyst fluid analysis demonstrated extremely high levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19–9). Preoperatively the lesion was regarded a malignant cyst, and radical nephrectomy was performed. Pathological diagnosis was renal oncocytoma with cystic degeneration. Although cystic change occasionally has been mentioned in oncocytoma, a high level of CEA and CA 19–9 in the cyst fluid of the cystic oncocytoma have not been reported. We discuss the variant forms of oncocytoma and tumor markers in the cyst fluid.
IN SITU NON‐ISCHEMIC ENUCLEATION OF MULTILOCULAR CYSTIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA USING A MICROWAVE COAGULATOR
Authors: Kagebayashi Yoriaki , Hirao Yoshihiko , Samma Shoji , Fukui Yoshinao , Hirohashi Rina
Published: August 2020

A case of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is reported, in which nephron‐sparing surgery was done using microwave tissue coagulation. A 37‐year‐old man was referred to our outpatient clinic for a multilocular cystic tumor, 4.5 cm in diameter, in the middle‐lower portion of the right kidney, which was detected by ultrasound during a health checkup. The patient had been found to have the same cystic mass on a CT done during another health checkup 1.5 years before. The tumor showed no growth during the 1.5‐year period. With a diagnosis of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma, T2N0M0, in situ non‐ischemic tumor enucleation was done using a microwave tissue coagulator (Microtaze, Heiwa Electronics Industry Inc., Tokyo). Operation time was 150 minutes and blood loss was 135 cc. The histological diagnosis was renal cell carcinoma, T2N0M0V0, cystic type, clear cell subtype, grade 1. Diagnostic imaging done postoperatively showed no sign of damage to renal function.

In this report, the characteristics of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma are reviewed from the literature, and the advantages of nephron‐sparing surgery for this type of renal tumor are discussed. In addition, an operative technique of tumor enucleation used in this case and the characteristics of Microtaze are introduced.
Simian immunodeficiency virus vectors: Replication and pseudotyping
Authors: Rizvi Tahir A. , Panganiban Antonito T.
Published: August 2020

We studied a single round of replication of Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) through the use of a replication defective vector that expresses the hygromycin resistance gene. It was possible to pseudotype SIV particles by complementation with the env gene from a murine amphotropic retrovirus. Moreover, SIV RNA was packaged and propagated by core particles of the heterologous lentivirus, HIV‐1. These results indicate that coinfection of cells with SIV and other retroviruses could lead to infection of new cell types in nature.
Efficacy of live‐attenuated and whole‐inactivated simian immunodeficiency virus vaccines against vaginal challenge with virulent SIV
Authors: Marthas Marta L. , Miller Christopher J. , Sutjipto Suganto , Higgins Joanne , Torten Judy , Lohman Barbara L. , Unger Ronald E. , Ramos Ross A. , Kiyono Hiroshi , McGhee Jerry R. , Marx Preston A. , Pedersen Niels C.
Published: August 2020

The ability of two vaccine preparations (UV‐psoralen inactivated SIV administered intramuscularly and live‐attenuated SIV inoculated intravaginally) to prevent genital transmission of virulent SIV in rhesus macaques was tested. Two of six whole‐inactivated SIV vaccinated macques, three of five live‐attenuated SIV vaccinated macaques, and four of six controls became persistently infected after two separate intravaginal inoculations with a 50% animal infectious dose of virulent SIV. No association was observed between levels of SIV‐specific antibodies in serum or vaginal secretions prior to challenge and subsequent infection with virulent SIV.
Evaluation of protective efficacy of recombinant subunit vaccines against simian immunodeficiency virus infection of macaques
Authors: Hu Shiu‐Lok , Abrams Kraig , Misher Lynda , Stallard Virginia , Moran Patricia , Zarling Joyce M. , Langlois Alphonse J. , Kuller LaRene , Morton William R. , Benveniste Raoul E.
Published: August 2020

Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was used as a model to study the protective efficacy of an immunization regimen currently being evaluated as candidate vaccines against HIV in human subjects. Four Macaca fascicularis were first immunized with recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the envelope glycoprotein gp160 of SIVmne and then boosted with subunit gp160. Both cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses against SIV, including neutralizing antibodies, were elicited. The macaques were shown to be protected from a homologous virus infection as determined by serology, lymphocyte cocultivation, polymerase chain reactions and in vivo transmission analyses. Four unimmunized control animals were readily infected. However, viremia in infected control animals could decrease substantially following the initial phase of infection so that persistent infection might not be readily detectable.
Worldwide survey of AIDS vaccine challenge studies in nonhuman primates: Vaccines associated with active and passive immune protection from live virus challenge
Authors: Warren Jonathan T. , Dolatshahi Mariam
Published: August 2020

An AIDS Vaccine Surveillance System (AVSS) was designed and implemented to track the rapidly growing international database supporting the development of promising AIDS vaccines. Both preclinical nonhuman primate (NHP) and clinical human trials are tracked by the AVSS. This report presents summary data generated from the AVSS on the NHP AIDS vaccine/live virus challenge studies only. Summary data on more than 100 preclinical HIV/SIV vaccines are presented within the framework of 1) 13 arbitrary Vaccine Types, 2) studies grouped by animal model (i.e.. chimpanzee/HIV‐1, and macaque/SIV, H1V‐2), and 3) immunization approach (i.e., active and passive). Systematic and timely presentations of these summary data, both here and in future reports, aim to promote a clearer understanding of both earlier and more recent preclinical AIDS vaccine developments.
A non‐invasive technique for the control of intestinal parasites in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Bercovitch Fred B. , Rodriguez José F. , Nieves Pablo , Ortiz Carlos A. , Chardon Alfredo , Kessler Matt J.
Published: August 2020

Control of intestinal parasites is a major concern in maintaining the health and well‐being of captive primates. This study established that percutaneous application of ivermectin was as effective as subcutaneous administration for the control of nematodes in captive rhesus macaques. The method is less intrusive than the standard subcutaneous or oral delivery routes and did not adversely affect the health of any of the study subjects.
Primate genes for glycophorins carrying MN blood group antigens
Authors: Kudo Shinichi , Onda Masaaki , Rearden Ann , Fukuda Minoru
Published: August 2020

Glycophorin A, B, and E genes were derived from a common ancestral gene and this gene family appeared during primate evolution, probably between orangutan and gorilla divergences. Based on the study of genomic structures of these human glycophorins and the genetic and immunological study of primate glycophorins, we hypothesize that chimpanzee and gorilla glycophorin B could possess a longer extracellular region and carry a stronger N blood group antigenicity compared with that of the human.
Relationship between chimpanzee Rh‐like genes and the R‐C‐E‐F blood group system
Authors: Salvignol I. , Blancher A. , Calvas P. , Socha W.W. , Colin Y. , Cartron J.‐P. , Ruffié J.
Published: August 2020

The antigenic closeness between the chimpanzee alloantigen Rc of the R‐C‐E‐F system, and the human alloantigen Rho(D) suggests a phylogeconnection between their genes. To confirm at the molecular level the common origin of these genes, genomic DNA from 16 unrelated chimpanzees of various R‐C‐E‐F phenotypes were digested by three restriction enzymes and analyzed by Southern blot using a human Rh cDNA probe and three exon‐specific probes. Restrictions profiles displayed reach polymorphism. Correlations between some bands and certain R‐C‐E‐F phenotypes demonstrate that the human Rh cDNA probe defines in chimpanzee genomic DNA some genes of the R‐C‐E‐F system.
Major histocompatibility complex class II polymorphisms in humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Bontrop Ronald E. , Kenter Marcel , Otting Nel , Jonker Margreet
Published: August 2020

Allelic variation at theMhcPatr‐DRand‐DQloci was studied by molecular biological techniques and compared to available HLA data. With regard to the number of allelic lineages, the chimpanzee shows a condensation of its major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II repertoire as compared to humans. This does not have an impact on the overall degree of MHC class II polymorphism in the chimpanzee since a few lineages that are oligomorphic in humans display an extensive degree of polymorphism in the chimpanzee.
Parathyroid hormone, ionised calcium, and potentially interacting variables in plasma of an Old World primate
Authors: Fincham J.E. , Wilson G.R. , Belonje P.C. , Seier J.V. , Taljaard J.J.F. , McIntosh Marilyn , Kruger Marita , Voget M.
Published: August 2020

Bone turnover and calcium homeostasis in man can only be modelled validly in Old World nonhuman primates. In order to interpret the models it is necessary to establish endocrine and biochemical parameters of bone mineral metabolism. This report is probably the first description of acute phase parathyroid responses to manipulations of blood ionised calcium, and of reference values for potentially interacting variables, in vervet monkeys. Plasma parathyroid hormone concentrations were measured in vervets under defined conditions, and ranges reported as normal for other nonhuman primates and man are summarised.
Characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the envelope proteins of an immunodeficiency virus of African green monkeys, SIVagmTYO‐7
Authors: Otteken Ahlert , Nick Sigrid , Bergter Wolfgang , Lüke Wolfgang , Stahl‐Hennig Christiane , Peters J. Hinrich , Voss Gerald , Hunsmann Gerhard
Published: August 2020

Five monoclonal antibodies (mabs) specific for the envelope proteins of a simian immunodeficiency virus of African green monkeys (SIVagm) have been raised. Two mabs were directed against distinct epitopes on the transmembrane protein gp41. A conformational epitope on the gp130 was recognized by three mabs. This is the first report on mabs specific for SIVagm‐gp130. Studies of the cross‐reactivities revealed that the epitopes recognized by the env‐directed mabs are conserved species‐specifically in SIVagm isolates. Therefore, these mabs can be used to distinguish SIVagm strains from other virus groups.
Acute gastric dilatation in two black and white colobus monkeys
Authors: Farah I.O. , Chege G.K. , Riday A.M.
Published: August 2020

Acute gastric dilatation in two black and white colobus monkeys is described. The subfamily colobini have a ruminant‐like stomach and a pregastric fermentation, of important for the observations described.
The use of physical restraints in Chinese long‐term care facilities and its risk factors: An observational and cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Weichu , Peng Daomei , Xiao Mingzhao , Zhao Qinghua
Published: August 2020

Aim

To investigate the use of physical restraints among Chinese long‐term care facilities older adults and to identify its risk factors.

Design

Observational and cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 1,026 older adults from six long‐term care facilities in Chongqing were recruited by cluster sampling method from July ‐ November 2019. Data on physical restraint use and older adults’ characteristics were collected using physical restraints observation forms and older adults’ records. Organizational data were collected by questionnaires asking nursing managers. The independent risk factors for physical restraints use were assessed using chi‐square test and binary logistic regression.

Results

The study found that the prevalence of physical restraints in six long‐term care facilities in China was 25.83%. Waist belt (55.47%) and wrist restraint (52.83%) were most frequently used. Only 61.51% of physical restraints were signed with informed consent. 71.70% of physical restraints were caused by the prevention of falls, 89.06% of physical restraints were without nursing documentation, and 13.58% restrained older adults were observed to have physical complications. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, facility type and ownership, older adults per nursing assistant, length of residence, cognitive impairment, care dependency, mobility restriction, fall risk, physical agitation, and indwelling tubes emerged as important risk factors for the use of physical restraints.

Conclusion

The use of physical restraints among Chinese long‐term care facilities older adults was at a relatively high level and lack standardized and regulated practices. Moreover, Physical restraint use was associated with facility type and ownership, older adults per nursing assistant, length of residence, cognitive impairment, care dependency, mobility restriction, fall risks, physical agitation, and indwelling tube.

Impact

This study will provide an effective reference for nursing staff in long‐term care facilities to assess high‐risk older adults in their use of physical restraints, which can support them to implement effective minimized restraint approaches to targeted people.
Development and feasibility of a multidisciplinary education program on adherence to treatment in persons with venous leg ulcers in the clinical setting: A pilot study
Authors: Probst Sebastian , Saini Camille , Buehrer Skinner Monika
Published: August 2020

Aims

The aim of this study is to: (a) develop an evidence‐based multidisciplinary educational intervention for patients with a venous leg ulcer; and (b) conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility of the intervention in the clinical setting.

Design

A two‐stage study design was used: (a) an multidisciplinary expert committee designed an educational intervention including support materials; and (b) a pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the feasibility of the intervention in one wound care outpatient clinic in Western Switzerland.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert committee identified evidence for effective care interventions to improve venous leg ulcer patients’ wound healing and recurrences rates. They subsequently designed the educational intervention and support materials. In this pilot study venous leg ulcer patients were then randomly assigned to receive multidisciplinary education or standard care from March–July 2018. The objective was to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention in the clinical setting. Allocation to groups was achieved to concealed, simple randomization. Participants and study nurses were not blinded, data analyst was blinded.

Results

The intervention, including support material was developed. Twelve of 16 invited venous leg ulcer patients were recruited and randomized (control group N = 6; intervention group N = 6). Participation rate was 75%. The implementation of the intervention was feasible in the clinical setting. The performance of the Venous Leg Ulcer Self Efficacy Tool for measuring adherence to therapy and the Mini Nutritional Assessment and Frequent Food Questionnaire for the assessment of the nutritional intake was satisfactory. However, Fitbit smartwatch for measuring activity was not a suitable device in this study population.

Conclusion

The implementation of the designed multidisciplinary educational program was feasible. The pilot study identified weaknesses in the study protocol, which will be amended for the full‐size clinical trial.

Impact

Findings of the pilot study informed the improvement of the design of the main study.
The slowdown in the reduction rate of premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases puts the Americas at risk of achieving SDG 3.4: A population trend analysis of 37 countries from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Martinez Ramon , Soliz Patricia , Mujica Oscar J. , Reveiz Ludovic , Campbell Norm R. C. , Ordunez Pedro
Published: August 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Americas, resulting in substantial negative economic and social impacts. This study describes the trends and inequalities of CVD burden in the Americas to guide programmatic interventions and health system responses. We examined the CVD burden trends by age, sex, and countries between 1990 and 2017 and quantified social inequalities in CVD burden across countries. In 2017, CVD accounted for 2 million deaths in the Americas, 29% of total deaths. Age‐standardized DALY rates caused by CVD declined by −1.9% (95% uncertainty interval, −2.0 to −1.7) annually from 1990 to 2017. This trend varied with a striking decreasing trend over the interval 1994‐2003 (annual percent change (APC) −2.4% [−2.5 to 2.2]) and 2003‐2007 (APC −2.8% [−3.4 to −2.2]). This was followed by a slowdown in the rate of decline over 2007‐2013 (APC −1.83% [−2.1 to −1.6]) and a stagnation during the most recent period 2013‐2017 (APC −0.1% [−0.5 to 0.3]). The social inequality in CVD burden along the socio‐demographic gradient across countries decreased 2.75‐fold. The CVD burden and related social inequality have both substantially decreased in the Americas since 1990, driven by the reduction in premature mortality. This trend occurred in parallel with the improvement in the socioeconomic development and health care of the region. The deceleration and stagnation in the rate of improvement of CVD burden and persistent social inequality pose major challenges to reduce the CVD burden and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals Target 3.4.
Lactate induced up‐regulation of KLHDC8A (Kelch domain‐containing 8A) contributes to the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of human glioma cells
Authors: Zhu Xiaolong , Chen Tianbing , Yang Hui , Lv Kun
Published: August 2020

Glioma is a common type of malignant brain tumour with high mortality and relapse rate. However, the molecular mechanisms of glioma development have not been clarified. Differentially expressed genes in normal brain tissues and glioma tissues, low‐grade and high‐grade gliomas were screened out with GEO database analysis. We found that KLHDC8A (Kelch domain‐containing 8A) expression level was significantly increased in high‐grade glioma tissues and that high KLHDC8A expression was closely related with poor prognosis. Function assays indicated that KLHDC8A knockdown inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion, blocked the cell cycle and promoted apoptosis in glioma cells. Mechanistically, KLHDC8A regulated various functions in glioma by directly mediating Bcl2, BAX, p21, CDK2, MMP2 transcription and ERK and P38 MAPK activation. KLHDC8A overexpression enhances glioma tumorgenesis such as cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The ERK and P38 MAPK which activated by KLHDC8A overexpression could be reversed by U0126 and SB203580, respectively. Meanwhile, stimulation of lactate which produced by glycolysis is responsible for induction of KLHDC8A expression. Collectively, we demonstrated that KLHDC8A plays an important role in tumorgenesis of glioma, suggesting that it is a promising prognostic marker and a potential therapy target for the treatment of glioma.
Prevalence and population analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in retail aquatic products from the southern Fujian coast, China
Authors: Hu Yuanqing , Li Fengxia , Zheng Ying , Zeng Zhichao , Zhang Guoguang , Zhang Danfeng , Jiao Xinan , Guo Liqing
Published: August 2020

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the most hazardous pathogens causing seafood‐borne diseases in the southern Fujian coast, China. From June to October 2016, a total of 250 samples were collected from retail markets in the Xiamen, Quanzhou, and Zhangzhou regions. Seventy‐seven V. parahaemolyticus isolates were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Then, molecular typing was performed using repetitive extragenic palindromic‐PCR (REP‐PCR). The distribution of seven virulence genes was detected by PCR. In aquatic products, the prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was 30.8%, and the prevalence of tdh+ and trh+ was 2.6 and 1.3%, respectively. The prevalence of type III secretion system‐2 (T3SS2) and the ureC gene was 5.2 and 3.9%, respectively. All 77 strains and the reference strain V. parahaemolyticus ATCC 17802 were classified into seven molecular types using REP‐PCR. Thus, our findings demonstrated that the prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus was severe in the southern Fujian coast and that the regulations for aquatic food safety should be strengthened.
Incidence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, and deoxynivalenol in food commodities from Turkey
Authors: Cüce Mustafa
Published: August 2020

Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Alternaria species which produce toxic metabolites, create a big problem in terms of the production of reliable human food and animal feeds. This study was conducted to determine the mycotoxin contents of foodstuff collected uniformly in each year of 2017, 2018, and 2019 in Şebinkarahisar, Turkey by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The highest total aflatoxin, and aflatoxin B1 were determined in red pepper in 2018 with 6.47 ± 0.07 and 4.58 ± 0.01 μg kg−1, respectively while the highest ochratoxin amount was obtained again in the red paper in 2019 with 7.97 ± 0.57 μg kg−1. Contrarily, the highest incidence of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol was determined in wheat and corn flour with 12.49 ± 0.3 and 397.6 ± 7.34 μg kg−1, respectively. Weather changes have also been found to affect the incidence of mycotoxin. But, determined mycotoxin values do not pose a risk according to the Turkish Food Codex Contaminants Regulation.
Rapid quantification of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in lettuce and beef using an on‐chip staining microfluidic device
Authors: Tokunaga Yusuke , Yamaguchi Nobuyasu
Published: August 2020

Quality assurance is one of the fundamental ways of preventing infections from foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, which produces a deadly toxin. Simple, rapid, and accurate methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens are necessary for healthcare management. In the present study, we applied our microfluidic device, which uses a fluorescent staining‐based detection system, to enumerate E. coli O157:H7 cells in lettuce and beef samples. E. coli O157:H7 cells spiked into lettuce or beef samples were collected using a 0.2‐μm‐pore‐sized filter or a two‐step centrifugation process. The recovery ratios of inoculated E. coli O157:H7 cells from the lettuce and beef samples counted using fluorescence microscopy were 84 (± 10)% and 90 (± 7.3)%, respectively. The counts of E. coli O157:H7 inoculated into lettuce and beef obtained using the microfluidic system were close to the counts obtained using fluorescence microscopy. Our microfluidic approach offers a semi‐automated platform for the quantitative detection of microbial cells from complex food samples and facilitates quantification of microbes in food and food production lines within 1 hr.
Keystone‐designed perforator island flaps for reconstruction after chest keloid excision: A retrospective case series
Authors: Huang Jiuzuo , Dong Ruijia , Wang Xiaojun , Yu Nanze , Zhao Ru , Bai Ming , Zhang Hailin , Wang Yang , Long Xiao
Published: August 2020

Objective

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of keystone‐designed perforator island flaps for chest keloid reconstruction.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive patients who received keystone flap reconstruction after chest keloid resection between January 2017 and February 2018. The patient demographic data, defect size, flap size, complications, and recurrence were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were evaluated in this retrospective case series. After keloid resection, dimension of wound defects was 5.5‐9.5 cm × 9.5‐12.5 cm, with an average dimension of 7.3 cm × 10.7 cm. The dimension of keystone flaps was between 6‐10 cm × 20‐34.5 cm, with an average dimension of 7.5 cm × 25.5 cm. The flaps healed smoothly without any complication. There was no keloid recurrence with 15 months of follow‐up. 89.4% of the patients had good outcome with no apparent scarring, and 10.6% patients had satisfactory outcome with localized scarring.

Conclusions

Keystone‐designed perforator island flap is an effective and reliable method for reconstruction following chest keloid resection.
Green consumers and environmental policy
Authors: Constantatos Christos , Pargianas Christos , Sartzetakis Eftichios S.
Published: August 2020

The present paper examines how improvements in consumers' environmental awareness influence the choice between output and emission taxes, within a framework of imperfect competition and endogenous choice of abatement level. We first show that in the absence of policy intervention, there exists a level of environmental awareness beyond which welfare is decreasing as market imperfections become more prominent relative to environmental concerns. We also confirm that both output and emission taxes are welfare superior to the free‐market case. What is surprising, however, is that the welfare performance of an optimally chosen emissions tax is monotonically decreasing in consumers' environmental sensitivity, while the opposite is true for an output tax up to a certain level. At low levels of consumers' environmental awareness an emissions tax is welfare superior, but eventually, there is a level of environmental awareness beyond which an output‐tax welfare dominates an emissions tax. Therefore, an emissions tax is better suited to societies that have not yet developed high levels of environmental awareness, while societies characterized by high levels of environmental awareness should prefer an output tax.
Sleep duration trajectories from adolescence to emerging adulthood: Findings from a population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Kramer Fiala Machado Adriana , Wendt Andrea , Baptista Menezes Ana Maria , Gonçalves Helen , Wehrmeister Fernando César
Published: August 2020

This study aimed to describe longitudinal trajectories of sleep duration, among adolescents and adults from the Pelotas (Brazil) 1993 Birth Cohort, as well as characterize different trajectories groups according to socioeconomic, demographic and behavior characteristics. Sleep duration, hours per day (from Monday to Friday), bedtime and wake‐up time were self‐reported by participants at ages 11, 18 and 22 years. Covariables included socioeconomic, demographic, health and behavior characteristics. Trajectory analysis was performed using a semi‐parametric, group‐based modelling approach. Prevalence and 95% confidence interval were obtained to describe covariables and sleep trajectory groups. Chi‐square test was employed in statistical analysis and all analyses were stratified by sex. A total of 3.395 individuals were included in the analysis. In both sexes, bedtime became later across years, while wake‐up time presented little variation. Differences according sex were more pronounced from 18 years onwards. Three trajectories of sleep duration from 11 to 22 years were identified for males: “increase and maintenance” (3.4%), “fast reduction and maintenance” (45.0%) and “constant reduction” (51.6%). While in females the trajectories identified were: “increase and decrease” (2.4%), “fast reduction and maintenance” (25.6%) and “constant reduction” (72.0%). Men and women who belong to trajectories with longer sleep durations were more likely to present higher percentages of some risk behaviors and poor socioeconomic condition. Our results have provided longitudinal information regarding sleep duration trajectories in a medium‐sized city in Brazil, aiming at filling an existing gap in literature from low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Innovative procedures for micro‐elimination of HCV infection in persons who use drugs
Authors: Messina Vincenzo , Russo Antonio , Parente Enrico , Russo Giovanni , Raimondo Tiziana , Salzillo Angela , Simeone Filomena , Onorato Lorenzo , Di Caprio Giovanni , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Coppola Nicola
Published: August 2020

People who use drugs are a key population in global HCV control. We evaluated the efficacy of an innovative model to eliminate HCV infection in a high‐risk population of PWUD in a service for substance use disorder (SUD). Between January 2018 and December 2018, we conducted a prospective, interventional, before and after study, based on audits performed by Infectious Diseases physicians in a SUD facility in Piedimonte Matese, in southern Italy, to improve the knowledge about HCV infection; a shared protocol for screening and linkage to care of patients was implemented. The pre‐intervention period was defined as January‐December 2017 and the post‐intervention period as January‐December 2018. The subjects followed up at SUD facility in the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods were 318 and 275, respectively. Compared with the pre‐intervention period, the number of anti‐HCV–positive subjects tested for HCV RNA was higher in the post‐intervention period (91% vs 27%, P < .0001), as was the number who started directly acting antivirals (DAAs). Of the 18 HCV RNA–positive subjects in the pre‐intervention period, only 3 (16.6%) started DAA, a percentage decisively lower than that observed after the start of the programme, 63 (84%) of 75 subjects (P < .0001), and all obtained SVR. The data were similar for people who inject drugs (PWID) and non‐PWID sub‐populations. The use of our innovative model with close interaction between the Infectious Disease Unit and the SUD facility determined a significant increase in HCV RNA testing, linkage to care and the start of DAA in the PWUD population.
Life after hepatitis C cure in HIV‐infected people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men treated with direct‐acting antivirals in France: Health perceptions and experiences from qualitative and quantitative findings (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH)
Authors: Mora Marion , Goodyear Trevor , Marcellin Fabienne , Shoveller Jeannie , Di Beo Vincent , Calzolaio Chiara , Sogni Philippe , Wittkop Linda , Zucman David , Poizot‐Martin Isabelle , Lacombe Karine , Salmon‐Céron Dominique , Knight Rod , Carrieri Patrizia
Published: August 2020

There remains a substantial gap in our understandings of the life experiences of patients following HCV cure among HIV‐HCV–co‐infected people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM), two key populations targeted for HCV elimination. We described the experiences and perspectives of HIV‐positive PWID and MSM, HCV‐cured following treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAA). We used an exploratory sequential mixed approach using both qualitative data (semi‐structured interviews with 27 PWID and 20 MSM) and quantitative data (self‐administered questionnaires with 89 PWID) via the prospective ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort. PWID reported improvements in physical health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and self‐reported symptoms following treatment, but no significant change in mental HRQL. During interviews, several MSM, more recently diagnosed with HCV, expressed less concern regarding HCV than HIV infection and interpreted improvements in their overall well‐being after HCV cure to be more related to a closer connection with healthcare providers than with viral elimination. By contrast, PWID, particularly those previously exposed to interferon‐based treatments, described major improvements in their physical HRQL. Both MSM and PWID reported improvements in cognitive or psychological wellbeing, and a majority of them reported some degree of concern over potential HCV reinfection. To conclude, though health benefits of HCV cure concern both groups, HIV‐infected PWID and MSM may have different representations and experiences following DAA treatment, related to their history with HCV. They are thus likely to benefit from holistic, post‐treatment follow‐up care that is responsive to their evolving health and social contexts.
Learning‐based image scale estimation using surface textures for quantitative visual inspection of regions‐of‐interest
Authors: Park Ju An , Yeum Chul Min , Hrynyk Trevor D.
Published: August 2020

A major shortfall of vision‐based inspection solutions is the lack of scale information, required to resolve inspection regions to a physical scale. To address this challenge, a learning‐based scale estimation technique is proposed. The underlying assumption is that the surface texture of structures, captured in images, contains enough information to estimate scale for each corresponding image (e.g., pixel/mm). This permits the training of a regression model to establish the relationship between surface textures, captured in images, and scales. A convolutional neural network is trained to extract scale‐related features from textures captured in images. Then, the trained model can be exploited to estimate scales for all images that are captured from a structure's surfaces with similar textures. The capability of the proposed technique is demonstrated using data collected from surface textures of three different structures. An average scale estimation error, from images of each structure, is less than 15%.
Mutations in enterobacterial common antigen biosynthesis restore outer membrane barrier function in Escherichia coli tol‐pal mutants
Authors: Jiang Xiang’Er , Tan Wee Boon , Shrivastava Rahul , Seow Deborah Chwee San , Chen Swaine Lin , Guan Xue Li , Chng Shu‐Sin
Published: August 2020

The outer membrane (OM) is an essential component of the Gram‐negative bacterial envelope that protects the cells against external threats. To maintain a functional OM, cells require distinct mechanisms to ensure balance of proteins and lipids in the membrane. Mutations in OM biogenesis and/or homeostasis pathways often result in permeability defects, but how molecular changes in the OM affect barrier function is unclear. Here, we seek potential mechanism(s) that can alleviate permeability defects in Escherichia coli cells lacking the Tol‐Pal complex, which accumulate excess PLs in the OM. We identify mutations in enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) biosynthesis that re‐establish OM barrier function against large hydrophilic molecules, yet did not restore lipid homeostasis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that build‐up of biosynthetic intermediates, but not loss of ECA itself, contributes to the rescue. This suppression of OM phenotypes is unrelated to known effects that accumulation of ECA intermediates have on the cell wall. Finally, we reveal that an unusual diacylglycerol pyrophosphoryl‐linked lipid species also accumulates in ECA mutants, and might play a role in the rescue phenotype. Our work provides insights into how OM barrier function can be restored independent of lipid homeostasis, and highlights previously unappreciated effects of ECA‐related species in OM biology.
Orientation to Language Learning Over Time: A Case Analysis on the Repertoire Addition of a Lexical Item
Authors: KOTILAINEN LARI , KURHILA SALLA
Published: August 2020

This article explores language learning as the speakers’ microlongitudinal project in interaction. Using conversation analysis (CA) as a method, we present a single‐case analysis on how a change occurs in the linguistic repertoire of 2 learners of Finnish. We discuss the challenges that the temporal aspect in learning poses within CA, such as the difficulty in documenting a change on the one hand, and on the other hand, the risk of losing the emic perspective of the participants if they do not orient to the change. By illustrating a complete learning project, which begins when the participants encounter a need to use a certain (for them, unknown) word and ends when they use the word independently in interaction, we will demonstrate how a change in the linguistic repertoire of the participants occurs, as a result of their own actions and orientations, without compromising CA's emic perspective. It will be argued that the unique capacity of CA to recover the participants’ sense‐making practices in interaction gives us a lens to not only document change but also to understand its internal dynamics.