bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic effects of histology‐based tumour microenvironment scores in resected distal bile duct cancer
Authors: Hwang Hye W , Kim Joo Y , Lee Seung E , Choi Yoo S , Hong Sook‐Hee , Lee Tae J. , Kim Mi K. , Park Eon S. , Hong Soon A.
Published: May 2020

Aims

Histology‐based tumour microenvironment (TME) scores are useful in predicting the prognosis of gastrointestinal cancer. However, their prognostic roles in distal bile duct cancer (DBDC) have not been previously studied. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the TME scores using the Klintrup–Mäkinen (KM) grade, tumour stroma percentage (TSP) and the Glasgow microenvironment score (GMS) in resected DBDC.

Methods and results

Eighty‐one patients with DBDC who underwent curative resection were enrolled. DBDC was graded according to KM grade, TSP and GMS. A high KM grade was found in 19 patients (24%) and a high TSP was found in 47 patients (58%). A high TSP was significantly correlated with a low KM grade (P < 0.001). The distribution of the GMS, which was developed by combining the KM grade and TSP, was as follows: 0 (n = 19, 24%), 1 (n = 19, 24%) and 2 (n = 43, 52%). A low KM grade, high TSP and high GMS were significantly associated with short overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that a low KM grade [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.826; confidence interval (CI) = 1.650–8.869; P = 0.014], high TSP (HR = 2.193; CI = 1.173–4.100, P = 0.002) and high GMS (HR = 7.148; CI = 2.811–18.173) were independent prognostic factors for short RFS; a low KM grade (HR = 4.324; CI = 1.594–11.733) and high GMS (HR = 6.332; CI = 2.743–14.594) were independent prognostic factors for short OS.

Conclusion

Histology‐based TME scores, including the KM grade, TSP and GMS, are useful for predicting the survival of patients with resected DBDC.
Upskilling and distributional changes in the electronics global value chain
Authors: LLADÓS‐MASLLORENS Josep , MESEGUER‐ARTOLA Antoni , VILASECA‐REQUENA Jordi
Published: May 2020

The electronics industry has one of the most complex global production chains in the international economy. Using data from the World Input–Output Database for the period 2000–14, this article traces individual contributions to the value chain in order to observe how financial turmoil has affected its evolution over time and to map international interactions. The authors point to a rise in offshoring until the outbreak of the global financial crisis of 2007–08, as China and other Eastern Asian economies became an essential node of value creation. They also detect a deep transformation of production technologies, accompanied by a process of upskilling.
Mapping the glass forming region and making their phosphor‐in‐glass for application in W‐LEDs packaging
Authors: Li Hong , Wang Peng , Zhuo Yong , Cao Xin , Xiong Dehua
Published: May 2020

The application of phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) packaging material in white‐light emitting diodes (W‐LEDs) can improve the thermal stability and luminous efficacy of LED devices. In this work, a low melting point glass of TeO2–ZnO–Na2O–B2O3 (TZNB) was selected as glass matrix, and mixed with YAG: Ce3+ phosphor powders to obtain phosphor‐in‐tellurite glass (PiTG). In a significant advance, we mapped the glass forming region of TZNB for the first time. This high refractive index glass matrix with low melting temperature was achieved by optimizing the glass composition. The refractive index increased regularly from 1.61 to 2.03, when the dosage of TeO2 increased from 15 to 75 mol%. Through Monte Carlo simulations and numerical calculations, the optimal structure of gradient refractive index (GRIN) was designed, which is consisted of TZNB‐1 (n = 2.03), TZNB‐4 (n = 1.79), TZNB‐6 (n = 1.66), and glass substrate (n = 1.52). The PiTG with GRIN coating was fabricated by screen printing and low‐temperature sintering, and the optimized sintering temperature is 575°C. Compared with the single refractive index (SRIN) coating, the luminous efficacy of PiTG with GRIN coating was enhanced from 9.51% to 23.12%. Therefore, this work provides a significant application in high‐power W‐LEDs.
Oral health‐related quality of life impacts are low 27 years after periodontal therapy
Authors: Graetz Christian , Schwalbach Maike , Seidel Miriam , Geiken Antje , Schwendicke Falk
Published: May 2020

Aim

This pilot study assessed the oral‐health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) after long‐term periodontal therapy and explored OHRQoL differences along the 2018 Classification of Periodontal Diseases.

Methods

Sixty patients were examined before (T0) and after active periodontal therapy (APT/T1) and 32.0 ± 2.9 [range: 27–38] years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT/T2). Periodontal diagnosis at T0 was assessed according to the 2018 Classification of Periodontal Diseases (stage 1/2/3/4: n = 1/3/44/13; grade n = A/B/C: 0/8/53). OHRQoL at T2 was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile‐G14 (OHIP‐G14). Patients’ Eichner's classification, accumulated tooth loss and treatment outcomes (SSO criteria) were assessed at T2. Generalized linear modelling (GLM) assessed associations between different factors and OHrQoL.

Results

Mean OHIP‐G14 sum score was 3.7 (SD 5.6). There was no statistically significant association between OHIP‐G14 and gender, stage, SSO criteria and tooth loss. OHIP‐G14 was significantly lower in older patients (−0.2[−0.3;0] per year, p = .008), non‐smokers (−5.9[−9.9;‐1.9] p = .003) and former smokers (−7.4[−11.6;‐3.2]; p < .001) versus current smokers, patients with Eichner class A1–B2 versus C2 (p < .05), sufficient adherence during SPT (−2.3[−4.6;‐0.1], p = .044) versus insufficient ones. Patients with grade B (4.4[1.3;7.4]; p < .005) showed higher OHIP‐G14 than those with grade C.

Conclusion

A number of aspects, grounded in the initial diagnosis, the adherence to SPT, the resulting dentition, socio‐demographic and behavioural covariates, were associated with good OHrQoL.
Common ownership, institutional investors, and welfare
Authors: Shy Oz , Stenbacka Rune
Published: May 2020

This study evaluates the effects of institutional investors' common ownership of firms competing in the same market. Overall, common ownership has two opposing effects: (a) it serves as a device for weakening market competition, and (b) it induces diversification, thereby reducing portfolio risk. We conduct a detailed welfare analysis within which the competition‐softening effects of an increased degree of common ownership is weighted against the associated diversification benefits.
Promotion of uniform radial temperature distribution using buoyancy effect in inclination pipes
Authors: Krishnan Suresh , Karnavar Ajay S. , Luckmore Kadzungura
Published: May 2020

A model case was formulated to examine the buoyancy effect on radial temperature distribution in the heating section of thermal sterilization for high water content juices. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed in the short isothermal pipe to study the effect of Reynolds numbers (50, 300, and 2000), Rayleigh numbers (1 × 106 and 4.29 × 106), and pipe inclined angles (0 ≤ θ ≤ 60°). The simulation results were validated with the experimental and numerical data obtained from literature. When the buoyancy effect was dominant, the velocity and temperature were found to be unevenly distributed in the horizontal pipe. Besides, the coldest spot fluid reached maximum velocity, which does not allow adequate thermal sterilization. However, the significant effect of the inclined pipe angle was observed upon the enhancement of radial temperature uniformity. Moreover, the local Nusselt number increased with escalating pipe angles when compared with the horizontal pipe.

Practical applications

Radial temperature uniformity is important in continuous thermal sterilization for safety and retention of nutritional properties. When the fluid enters the heating section of thermal sterilization, it operates in a laminar or low turbulent region and gets heated up. Hence, the buoyancy effect may be dominant in this part. A method is proposed to exploit the buoyancy effect for promoting the radial mixing in the heating section of thermal sterilization. The present study asserts that the use of an upward inclined pipe can provide uniform radial temperature distribution and a high heat transfer coefficient. This approach may be applicable for fruit juices of low‐to‐moderate viscosity.
Anion intercalated graphite: a combined electrochemical and tribological investigation by in situ AFM
Authors: BUSSETTI G. , CAMPIONE M. , BOSSI A. , YIVLIALIN R. , DUÒ L. , CICCACCI F.
Published: May 2020

The intercalation of graphite by electrochemical methods is an efficient strategy to produce massive graphene flakes. In fact, when graphite is biased inside an acidic solution, anions enter inside the stratified structure of the electrode and reduce the layer‐to‐layer interaction. Consequently, a gentle sonication is sufficient to disperse the graphene flakes inside the electrolyte. In view of an optimisation of the production protocol, a detailed analysis of the intercalation mechanism at the molecular length scale is mandatory. In the last 30 years, electrochemical (EC) scanning probe microscopies (e.g. EC‐STM and in situ AFM) have been widely exploited in this research topic. In fact, these techniques have the possibility of combining the EC characterisation (e.g. cyclic‐voltammetry, CV) with mechanical characterisation (e.g. adhesion and friction) and topography acquisition with high (molecular) lateral resolution.

In this work, we investigate the tribological properties of the basal surface of graphite before and after the anion intercalation. By comparing the results acquired after the extraction of the graphite electrode from the EC cell with those collected inside the EC cell during the CV by an in situ AFM, we show how some features deriving from anisotropic friction can be exploited to unveil the very early stage of graphite exfoliation.
Introducing standardised care plans as a new recording tool in municipal health care
Authors: Østensen Elisabeth , Hardiker Nicholas R. , Bragstad Line Kildal , Hellesø Ragnhild
Published: May 2020

Aims and Objectives

To explore how nurses use standardised care plans as a new recording tool in municipal health care, and to identify their thoughts and opinions.

Background

In spite of being an important information source for nurses, care plans have repeatedly been found unsatisfactory. Structuring and coding information through standardised care plans is expected to raise the quality of recorded information, improve overviews, support evidence‐based practice and facilitate data aggregation. Previous research on this topic has mostly focused on the hospital setting. There is a lack of knowledge on how standardised care plans are used as a recording tool in the municipal healthcare setting.

Design

An exploratory design with a qualitative approach using three qualitative methods of data collection. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Methods

Empirical data were collected in three Norwegian municipalities through participant observation and individual interviews with 17 registered nurses. In addition, we collected nursing records from 20 electronic patient records.

Results

Use of standardised care plans was influenced by the nurses' consideration of their benefits. Partial implementation created an opportunity for nonuse. There was no consensus regarding how much information to include, and the standardised care plans could become both short and generic, and long and comprehensive. The themes “balancing between the old and the new care planning system,” “considering the usefulness of standardised care plans as a source of information” and “balancing between overview and detail” reflect these findings.

Conclusions

Nurses' use of standardised care plans was influenced by the plans' partial implementation, their views on usefulness and their personal views on the detail required in a care plan.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The structuring of nursing records is a fast‐growing trend in health care. This study gives valuable information for those attempting to implement such structures in municipal health care.
Trends in Hospital Mortality for Uninsured Rural and Urban Populations, 2012‐2016
Authors: Elson Lauren E. , Luke Alina A. , Barker Abigail R. , McBride Timothy D. , Joynt Maddox Karen E.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Rural‐urban health disparities have received increasing scrutiny as rural individuals continue to have worse health outcomes. However, little is known about how insurance status contributes to urban‐rural disparities. This study characterizes how rural uninsured patients compare to the urban uninsured, determines whether rurality among the uninsured is associated with worse clinical outcomes, and examines how clinical outcomes based on rurality have changed over time.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the 2012‐2016 National Inpatient Sample hospital discharge data including 1,478,613 uninsured patients, of which 233,816 were rural. Admissions were broken into 6 rurality categories. Logistic regression models were used to determine the independent association between rurality and hospital mortality.

Findings

Demographic and clinical characteristics differed significantly between rural and urban uninsured patients: rural patients were more often white, lived in places with lower median household income, and were more often admitted electively and transferred. Rurality was associated with significantly higher in‐hospital mortality rates (1.44% vs 1.89%, OR 1.32, P < .001). This association strengthened after adjusting for medical comorbidities and hospital characteristics. Further, disparities between urban and rural mortality were found to be growing, with the gap almost doubling between 2012 and 2016.

Conclusions

Rural and urban uninsured patients differed significantly, specifically in terms of race and median income. Among the uninsured, rurality was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality, and the gap between urban and rural in‐hospital mortality was widening. Our findings suggest the rural uninsured are a vulnerable population in need of informed, tailored policies to reduce these disparities.
Veterans Affairs and Rural Community Providers’ Perspectives on Interorganizational Care Coordination: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Miller Christopher , Gurewich Deborah , Garvin Lynn , Pugatch Marianne , Koppelman Elisa , Pendergast Jacquelyn , Harrington Katharine , Clark Jack A.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To investigate challenges in care coordination between US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics and community providers serving rural veterans.

Methods

We completed qualitative interviews in 2017‐2018 with a geographically diverse sample of 57 VA and community staff. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used Rapid Qualitative Inquiry (RQI) to guide analyses.

Results

Results suggested 5 pivotal domains related to interorganizational care coordination at these sites: organizational mechanisms; organizational culture; relational coordination; contextual factors; and the role of the third party administrators charged with management of scheduling and reimbursement of community services through recent legislation. Across these domains, strategies to bridge gaps between organizations (eg, contracts with third party administrators, development of VA‐based community care offices, provision of boundary‐spanning staff) at times exacerbated coordination challenges.

Conclusions

Steps taken to improve interorganizational care coordination between VA and community clinics may inadvertently complicate an already complex process. Our findings emphasize the importance of attending to key contextual barriers in coordinating care for rural veterans, and they illustrate the value of fundamental structural and relational approaches to enhancing such care coordination.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and human milk: What is the evidence?
Authors: Lackey Kimberly A. , Pace Ryan M. , Williams Janet E. , Bode Lars , Donovan Sharon M. , Järvinen Kirsi M. , Seppo Antti E. , Raiten Daniel J. , Meehan Courtney L. , McGuire Mark A. , McGuire Michelle K.
Published: May 2020

The novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 has emerged as one of the most compelling and concerning public health challenges of our time. To address the myriad issues generated by this pandemic, an interdisciplinary breadth of research, clinical and public health communities has rapidly engaged to collectively find answers and solutions. One area of active inquiry is understanding the mode(s) of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission. Although respiratory droplets are a known mechanism of transmission, other mechanisms are likely. Of particular importance to global health is the possibility of vertical transmission from infected mothers to infants through breastfeeding or consumption of human milk. However, there is limited published literature related to vertical transmission of any human coronaviruses (including SARS‐CoV‐2) via human milk and/or breastfeeding. Results of the literature search reported here (finalized on 17 April 2020) revealed a single study providing some evidence of vertical transmission of human coronavirus 229E; a single study evaluating presence of SARS‐CoV in human milk (it was negative); and no published data on MERS‐CoV and human milk. We identified 13 studies reporting human milk tested for SARS‐CoV‐2; one study (a non‐peer‐reviewed preprint) detected the virus in one milk sample, and another study detected SARS‐CoV‐2 specific IgG in milk. Importantly, none of the studies on coronaviruses and human milk report validation of their collection and analytical methods for use in human milk. These reports are evaluated here, and their implications related to the possibility of vertical transmission of coronaviruses (in particular, SARS‐CoV‐2) during breastfeeding are discussed.
Counterproductive Altruism: The Other Heavy Tail
Authors: Kokotajlo Daniel , Oprea Alexandra
Published: May 2020

First, we argue that the appeal of effective altruism (henceforth, EA) depends significantly on a certain empirical premise we call the Heavy Tail Hypothesis (HTH), which characterizes the probability distribution of opportunities for doing good. Roughly, the HTH implies that the best causes, interventions, or charities produce orders of magnitude greater good than the average ones, constituting a substantial portion of the total amount of good caused by altruistic interventions. Next, we canvass arguments EAs have given for the existence of a positive (or “right”) heavy tail and argue that they can also apply in support of a negative (or “left”) heavy tail where counterproductive interventions do orders of magnitude more harm than ineffective or moderately harmful ones. Incorporating the other heavy tail of the distribution has important implications for the core activities of EA: effectiveness research, cause prioritization, and the assessment of altruistic interventions. It also informs the debate surrounding the institutional critique of EA.
Social Equity and COVID‐19: The Case of African Americans
Authors: Wright James E. , Merritt Cullen C.
Published: May 2020

Emerging statistics demonstrate that COVID‐19 disproportionately affects African Americans. The effects of COVID‐19 for this population are inextricably linked to areas of systemic oppression and disenfranchisement, which are exacerbated by COVID‐19: (1) health care inequality; (2) segregation, overall health, and food insecurity; (3) underrepresentation in government and the medical profession; and (4) inequalities in participatory democracy and public engagement. Following a discussion of these issues, this essay shares early and preliminary lessons and strategies on how public administration scholars and practitioners can lead in crafting equitable responses to this global pandemic to uplift the African American community.
Vicarious ostracism and control in young children
Authors: Marinović Vesna , Träuble Birgit
Published: May 2020

After observing ostracism or social exclusion, older children, adolescents and adults report decreased satisfaction of the need for control. Attempting to regain control can motivate aggression in ostracized adults. Research has shown that the onset of ostracism’s harmful effects on children’s behavior is at preschool age. We investigated whether preschoolers would exert more control after witnessing ostracism. A sample of 53 children (Mage = 5 years, 5 months) first watched priming videos either showing ostracism or not. Subsequently, they participated in two ball games. In both of the games (order counterbalanced), children could control the flow of a ball’s motion, either live between two people (i.e., social control) or between two bars on a laptop screen (i.e., non‐social control). Overall, children understood social exclusion when it was displayed in the videos. We found an effect of observed ostracism only on social control. Four‐ to five‐year‐old boys who witnessed ostracism stopped a ball game between two persons longer than boys who did not witness ostracism. Our results suggest that observing social exclusion elevates young boys’ need for control over a social situation. Girls showed a different pattern but their responses did not differ significantly between ostracism and non‐ostracism conditions.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQA1*03:01:06 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Battarra Mariarosa , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Visentin Jonathan
Published: May 2020

HLA‐DQA1*03:01:06 differs from HLA‐DQA1*03:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 9 in exon 2.
Rapid‐cycle deliberate practice: death notification
Authors: Ahmed Rami , Weaver Lindsay , Falvo Lauren , Bona Anna , Poore Julie , Schroedle Karen , Cooper Dylan , Sarmiento Elisa , Hughes Mary , Hobgood Cherri
Published: May 2020

Background

Death notification can be challenging for emergency medicine physicians, who have no prior established relationship with the patient or their families. The GRIEV_ING death notification curriculum was developed to facilitate the delivery of the bad news of a patient's death and has been shown to improve learners’ confidence and competence in death notification. Rapid‐cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), a facilitator‐guided, within‐event debriefing technique, has demonstrated an improvement in learners’ skills in a safe learning environment. The aim of this study was to identify whether the use of this technique is an effective method of teaching the GRIEV_ING curriculum, as demonstrated by learners’ improved confidence, cognitive knowledge and performance.

Rapid‐cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), a facilitator‐guided within‐event, debriefing technique, has demonstrated an improvement in learners’ skills in a safe learning environment

Methods

A 4‐hour pilot curriculum was developed to educate and assess residents on the delivery of death notification. The curriculum consisted of a pre‐intervention evaluation, the intervention phase, and a post‐intervention evaluation. The cognitive test, critical action checklist, and self‐efficacy/confidence surveys were identical for both pre‐ and post‐intervention evaluations. A Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to evaluate differences in scores between pre‐ and post‐intervention groups.

Results

Twenty‐two emergency medicine residents participated in the study. We observed an increase in median self‐efficacy scores (4.0 [4.0–5.0], p ≤ 0.0001), multiple‐choice GRIEV_ING scores (90.0 [80.0–90.0], p ≤ 0.0001) and performance scores for death notification (48.5 [47.0–53.0], p = 0.0303).

Discussion

The RCDP approach was found to be an effective method to train emergency medicine residents in the delivery of the GRIEV_ING death notification curriculum. This approach is actionable with few resources except for content experts trained in RCDP methodology and the application of the GRIEV_ING mnemonic.
Geochronology of calcite‐filled joints, southeast Canada: Insight into Late Cretaceous deformation of eastern North America
Authors: Spalding Jennifer , Schneider David A. , Brown Julie
Published: May 2020

Resolving the timing of brittle tectonism is a challenge. We examined intra‐cratonic Middle Ordovician limestone bedrock that overlies Mesoproterozoic crystalline basement, which are both cut by ENE‐WSW trending fault zones that have historic M4‐5 earthquakes along their trace. Calcite‐filled mode I joints are ubiquitous within the strata, and are parallel to the modern stress field. Calcite δ18O and δ13C values are analogous to the bulk composition of Middle Ordovician limestones, and suggest vein formation from a source dominated by connate fluids of the host rock. U‐Pb geochronology of six calcite veins sealing ENE‐WSW oriented joints produced similar Cretaceous dates and were regressed together yielding a date of 96.8 ± 1.1 Ma (MSWD: 2.9). A Cenomanian age is consistent with the most recent reorientation of North America's compressive stress field, which is attributed to a change in spreading direction along the northern Mid‐Atlantic Ridge and is linked to a global plate reorganization event at ca. 105–100 Ma. These results suggest that the most recent redistribution of lateral stress was not a passive event, and generated brittle deformation and fluid flow at least 500 km inland of North America's Atlantic passive margin.
Acute respiratory failure among lung transplant adults requiring intensive care: Changing spectrum of causative organisms and impact of procalcitonin test in the diagnostic workup
Authors: Tejada Sofia , Campogiani Laura , Mazo Cristopher , Romero Anabel , Peña Yolanda , Pont Teresa , Gómez Aroa , Román Antonio , Rello Jordi
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim was to identify the causing organisms and assess the association of procalcitonin (PCT) with bacterial pneumonia within 24 hours of intensive care unit admission (ICU‐A) among lung transplant (LT) adult recipients.

Methods

Secondary analysis from a prospective cohort study. All LT adults admitted to ICU for acute respiratory failure (ARF) over 5 years were included. Patients were followed until hospital discharge or death.

Results

Fifty‐eight consecutive LT patients were enrolled. The most important cause of ICU‐A due to ARF was pneumonia 29 (50%) followed by acute rejection 3 (5.2%) and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome exacerbation 3 (5.2%). Microorganisms were isolated from 22/29 cases with pneumonia (75.9%): 17 (77.2%) bacterial, 4 (18.2%) viral, 1 (4.5%) Aspergillus fumigates, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common cause (45.5%) of pneumonia, with 10 patients presenting chronic colonization by P aeruginosa. Median [Interquartile range (IQR)] PCT levels within 24 hours after admission were higher in pneumonia (1.5 µg/L; IQR:0.3‐22.0), than in non‐pneumonia cases (0.2 µg/L; IQR:0.1‐0.7) (P = .019) and PCT levels within 24 hours helped to discriminate bacterial pneumonia (8.2 µg/L; IQR:0.2‐43.0) from viral pneumonia and non‐pneumonia cases (0.2 µg/L; IQR:0.1‐0.7). The overall negative predictive value for bacterial pneumonia was 85.1%, increasing to 91.6% among episodes after 6 months of LT.

Conclusions

Causes of severe pneumonia in LT are changing, with predominant role of P aeruginosa and respiratory viruses. PCT ≤ 0.5 μg/L within 24 hours helps to exclude bacterial pneumonia diagnosis in LT adults requiring ICU‐A. A negative PCT test allows antimicrobial de‐escalation and requires an alternative diagnostic to bacterial pneumonia.
Evaluation of vitreous degeneration as a potential risk factor for retinal detachment after phacoemulsification in dogs
Authors: West Michael C. , Sila Gwen H. , Aquino Susette M. , Rose Michelle D.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To evaluate vitreous degeneration as a potential risk factor for retinal detachment in dogs after phacoemulsification.

Methods

Medical records for dogs with preoperative ocular ultrasound and phacoemulsification between September 28, 2006, and August 2, 2016, were reviewed. Ultrasound images were reviewed by two observers independently, and vitreous echogenicity was graded using an established scale. The following factors were compared between eyes with and without retinal detachment: signalment, operated eye, cataract stage at the time of surgery, and presence or absence of the following: lens‐induced uveitis (LIU), glaucoma, anterior vitreous presentation, lens subluxation, history of prophylactic retinopexy, diabetes mellitus, operating surgeon, concurrent prophylactic retinopexy, posterior capsular tear, phacoemulsification duration, use of automated anterior vitrectomy, placement of an artificial intraocular lens, and intraocular lens type (polymethyl methacrylate or acrylic foldable). Total follow‐up time was recorded. Presence and time from surgery to onset of complications were recorded. Retinal detachment was diagnosed based on observation via indirect ophthalmoscopy or ocular ultrasound.

Results

Evaluation for association between vitreous degeneration and retinal detachment included 290 eyes of 180 dogs. There was no statistically significant correlation between vitreous degeneration and postoperative retinal detachment. Retinal detachment was observed in 17 of 290 eyes (5.9%). Vitreous degeneration was marked as present by at least one observer in 189 of 290 eyes (65%).

Conclusions

Ultrasonically identifiable vitreous degeneration does not correlate with increased risk of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification.
Efficient removal of heavy metal ions from the water of oil‐rich regions using layered metal‐phosphate incorporated activated carbon nanocomposite
Authors: Esmaeili Bidhendi Mehdi , Abedynia Sara , Mirzaei Seyed Saber , Gabris Mohammad Ali , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Sereshti Hassan
Published: May 2020

In this study, a metal‐phosphate layered/activated carbon (KMSP@AC) composed of potassium (K), manganese (Mn), tin (Sn) and phosphorous (P) was prepared by the solvothermal method. The proposed nanocomposite was used as an effective adsorbent to remove Cd(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and V(III) from water samples in oil‐rich areas prior to ICP‐OES analysis. The KMSP@AC was fully characterized using FTIR, SEM and EDX. Factors influencing the removal process (pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration and contact time) were studied and optimized. The experimental process was evaluated with kinetic and isotherm models. The adsorption isotherm investigation showed that the adsorption followed the monolayer Langmuir isotherm model with the maximum adsorption capacities of 25 mg/g (Cd2+), 31 mg/g (Co2+), 49 mg/g (Ni3+), 91 mg/g (Pb2+) and 141 mg/g (V3+). The kinetic studies indicated that the pseudo‐second‐order model is well‐fitted to the process with an appropriate correlation coefficient (R2 > 0.99) at an equilibrium time of 120 min. The adsorption of metal ions on the surface of the adsorbent was mainly a physisorption process through electrostatic interactions.
Evaluation of the genotoxicity of mineral water in polyethylene terephthalate bottles exposed to solar radiation and temperature at variable timescale
Authors: Alemu Abenet , Haddis Getahun Alemayehu
Published: May 2020

Most bottling companies in Ethiopia use polyethylene terephthalate bottles to package. However, less attention is given to toxic chemicals that could migrate from packaging material into the water. This study aims to assess leaching and toxicological conditions in PET bottled water due to prolonged storage and exposure to direct sunlight. Allium cepa test was used to determine mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnet’s multiple comparison test were used. P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The higher chromosomal aberrations and the lowest mitotic index were significantly observed at high temperature (35Â°C) for one month at P < 0.000. The lower mitotic index was correlated with growth cycle disturbance leading to cell growth reduction. Further investigation is recommended to describe the mechanism and rate of migration of chemicals from water samples supplied in PET bottle.
Optimization of immobilization process and survival study of microbial sensing strains used for aromatic hydrocarbon detection in industrial wastewater
Authors: Patel Rushika , Mukherjee Anwesha , Zaveri Purvi , Mehta Krupa , Aswani Himani , Munshi Nasreen S.
Published: May 2020

A variety of biosensing strains for monitoring of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants have been developed but only a few have been applied to the field due to their lower survival rate and susceptibility to toxic pollutants. Immobilization is one of the solutions to protect strain from toxic pollutants. Synthetic and natural matrices were screened for the immobilization of three strains, which were able to detect one‐, two‐ and three‐ring aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. Agarose and calcium alginate were found to be the best matrices for strain immobilization. The survival rate of immobilized strains was determined by the colony‐forming unit (CFU) count at regular intervals till it reaches to the non‐detectable level. The stability of immobilized biosensing strains was found to be 12–15 days in the industrial wastewater. Hence vector from strains was transformed into wastewater isolate Pseudomonas citronellolis. Immobilized Pseudomonas citronellolis was stable for 66 days in industrial wastewater. Immobilized strains may be applied to design automated biosensor for the online monitoring of pollutants.
Greater exercise tolerance in COPD during acute interval, compared to equivalent constant‐load, cycle exercise: physiological mechanisms
Authors: Louvaris Zafeiris , Chynkiamis Nikolaos , Spetsioti Stavroula , Asimakos Andreas , Zakynthinos Spyros , Wagner Peter D. , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: May 2020

Key points

Exercise intolerance is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

In patients with COPD, we compared an interval exercise (IE) protocol (alternating 30 s at 100% peak work rate (WRpeak) with 30 s at 50% WRpeak) with moderate‐intensity constant‐load exercise (CLE) at 75% WRpeak, which yielded the same work rate. Exercise endurance time and total work output were almost twice as high for IE than CLE.

At exercise isotime (when work completed was the same between IE and CLE), IE was associated with less dynamic hyperinflation, lower blood lactate concentration, and greater respiratory and locomotor muscle oxygenation, but there were no differences in ventilation or cardiac output.

However, at the limit of tolerance for each modality, dynamic hyperinflation was not different between IE and CLE, while blood lactate remained lower and muscle oxygenation higher with IE.

Taken together, these findings suggest that dynamic hyperinflation and not muscle‐based factors dictate the limits of tolerance in these COPD patients.

The relative importance of ventilatory, circulatory and peripheral muscle factors in determining tolerance to exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not known. In 12 COPD patients (forced expiratory volume in one second: 58 ± 17%pred.) we measured ventilation, cardiac output, dynamic hyperinflation, local muscle oxygenation, blood lactate and time to exhaustion during (a) interval exercise (IE) consisting of 30 s at 100% peak work rate alternating with 30 s at 50%, and (b) constant‐load exercise (CLE) at 75% peak work rate, designed to produce the same average work rate. Exercise time was substantially longer during IE than CLE (19.5 ± 4.8 versus 11.4 ± 2.1 min, p = 0.0001). Total work output was therefore greater during IE than CLE (81.3 ± 27.7 versus 48.9 ± 23.8 kJ, p = 0.0001). Dynamic hyperinflation (assessed by changes from baseline in inspiratory capacity, ΔIC) was less during IE than CLE at CLE exhaustion time (isotime, p = 0.009), but was similar at exhaustion (ΔICCLE: ‐0.38 ± 0.10 versus ΔICIE: ‐0.33 ± 0.12 l, p = 0.102). In contrast, at isotime, minute ventilation, cardiac output and systemic oxygen delivery did not differ between protocols (P > 0.05). At exhaustion in both protocols, the vastus lateralis and intercostal muscle oxygen saturation were higher in IE than CLE (p = 0.014 and p = 0.0002, respectively) and blood lactate concentrations were lower (4.9 ± 2.4 mmol l‐1 versus 6.4 ± 2.2 mmol l‐1, p = 0.039). These results suggest that (1) exercise tolerance with COPD is limited by dynamic hyperinflation; and (2) cyclically lower (50%) effort intervals in IE help to preserve muscle oxygenation and reduce metabolic acidosis compared with CLE at the same average work rate; but these factors do not appear to determine time to exhaustion.
Experimental Joint Identification Using System Equivalent Model Mixing in a Bladed Disk
Authors: Saeed Zeeshan , Klaassen Steven W. B. , Firrone Christian M. , Berruti Teresa M. , Rixen Daniel J.
Published: May 2020

A joint between two components can be seen as a means to transmit dynamic information from one side to the other. To identify the joint, a reverse process called decoupling can be applied. This is not as straightforward as the coupling, especially when the substructures have three-dimensional characteristics, or sensor mounting effects are significant, or the interface degrees-of-freedom (DoF) are inaccessible for response measurement and excitation. Acquiring frequency response functions (FRFs) at the interface DoF, therefore, becomes challenging. Consequently, one has to consider hybrid or expansion methods that can expand the observed dynamics on accessible DoF to inaccessible DoF. In this work, we attempt to identify the joint dynamics using the system equivalent model mixing (SEMM) decoupling method with a virtual point description of the interface. Measurements are made only at the internal DoF of the uncoupled substructures and also of the coupled structure assuming that the joint dynamics are observable in the assembled state. Expanding them to the interface DoF and performing coupling and decoupling operations iteratively, the joint is identified. The substructures under consideration are a disk and blade—an academic test geometry that has a total of 18 blades but only one blade-to-disk joint is considered in this investigation. The joint is a typical dove-tail assembly. The method is shown to identify the joint without any direct interface DoF measurement.
Non-Uniform Heating Effects on the Convective Airflow in an Open Cavity With Ventilation Ports Under Non-Boussinesq Conditions
Authors: Zamora Blas
Published: May 2020

The influence of non-uniform heating conditions on the buoyancy-driven flow established in an open square cavity with ventilation ports is studied. Cavity configuration is shaped to electronic device with passive cooling. Numerical results for relevant parameters are presented as a function of the Rayleigh number, considering both fixed temperature and heat flux heating conditions. The results obtained retaining the temperature-dependent thermophysical properties are compared with those calculated under the Boussinesq approximation. The impact that the non-uniformly heated wall produces on the thermal and dynamic behavior of the airflow is analyzed. The choice of a given heating distribution slope can produce a thermal behavior improvement, even increasing heat transfer above 20%. Some practical engineering correlations are presented. In fact, a correlation for the critical heating parameter for isoflux heating condition, concerned to the burnout phenomenon, is obtained from numerical results. The effects of the non-uniform heating condition (heat flux case) are not too relevant on this particular phenomenon.
Acute and Short-Term Response to Different Loading Conditions During Resisted Sprint Training
Authors: Bachero-Mena Beatriz , Sánchez-Moreno Miguel , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Sañudo Borja
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To analyze the acute and short-term physical and metabolic responses to resisted sprint training with 5 different loading conditions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% body mass). Methods: Fifteen male participants performed 8 × 20-m sprints with 2-minute rests between sprints with 5 different loading conditions. Subjects performed a battery of tests (creatine kinase and lactate concentrations, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and isokinetic knee extension and flexion contractions) at 3 different time points (preexercise [PRE], postexercise [POST], and 24-h postexercise [POST24H]). Results: Results revealed significant increases in blood lactate for all loading conditions; however, as sled loadings increased, higher blood lactate concentrations and increments in sprint times during the training session were observed. Significant increases in creatine kinase concentration were observed from PRE to POST24H for all loading conditions. Concerning physical performance, significant decreases in countermovement-jump height from PRE to POST were found for all loading conditions. In addition, significant decreases in 20-m sprint performance from PRE to POST were observed for 0% (P = .05) and 80% (P = .02). No significant differences with PRE were observed for the physical-performance variables at POST24H, except for 20% load, which induced a significant decrease in mean power during knee flexion (P = .03). Conclusions: These results suggest that the higher the load used during resisted sprint training, the higher the physical-performance impairments and metabolic response produced, although all loading conditions led to a complete recovery of sprint performance at POST24H.
Locker-Room Experiences Among LGBTQ+ Adults
Authors: Herrick Shannon S.C. , Duncan Lindsay R.
Published: May 2020

Locker rooms operate as pivotal access points to physical activity across sports, physical education, and fitness facilities. However, locker rooms are predicated on cis-heterosexual assumptions that can be isolating to LGBTQ+ individuals. Using an online cross-sectional survey, LGBTQ+ adults (N = 1,067) were asked open-response questions about their past and present locker-room experiences. The resulting texts were independently coded by two researchers using thematic analysis and compared. All discrepancies were discussed with and rectified by a third researcher who acted as a critical peer. The results present distinct experiences across three intersecting aspects of embodiment: self-conscious—“I hate(d) being seen,” sexual transgression, and gender transgression. The findings provide insight into how harmful LGBTQ+ stereotypes influence locker-room experiences and support the redesign of locker rooms to challenge the binary organization of these spaces.
The Acute Effects of Different Intensity Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on Muscle Tone and Strength of the Lower Legs, and Hamstring Flexibility: A Pilot Study
Authors: Saldıran Tülay Çevik , Atıcı Emine , Rezaei Derya Azim , Öztürk Özgül , Uslu Burcu , Özcan Burcu Ateş , Okudan Begüm
Published: May 2020

Context:The research on the change in properties of the lower leg muscles by different intensity sinusoidal vertical whole-body vibration (SV-WBV) exposures has not yet been investigated.Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine effect of a 20-minute different intensity SV-WBV application to the ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles properties and hamstring flexibility.Design:Prospective preintervention–postintervention design.Setting:Physiotherapy department.Participants:A total of 50 recreationally active college-aged individuals with no history of a lower leg injury volunteered.Interventions:The SV-WBV was applied throughout the session with an amplitude of 2 to 4 mm and a frequency of 25 Hz in moderate-intensity vibration group and 40 Hz in a vigorous-intensity vibration group.Main Outcome Measures:The gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle tone was assessed with MyotonPRO, and the strength evaluation was made on the same lower leg muscles using hand-held dynamometer. The sit and reach test was used for the lower leg flexibility evaluation.Results:The gastrocnemius muscle tone decreased on the right side (d = 0.643,P = .01) and increased on the left (d = 0.593,P = .04) when vigorous-intensity vibration was applied. Bilateral gastrocnemius muscle strength did not change in both groups (P > .05). Without differences between groups, bilateral tibialis anterior muscle strength increased in both groups (P < .01). Bilateral gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle tone did not change in the moderate-intensity vibration group (P > .05). Flexibility increased in both groups (P < .01); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (d = 0.169,P = .55).Conclusions:According to study results, if SV-WBV is to be used in hamstring flexibility or ankle dorsiflexor muscle strengthening, both vibration exposures should be preferred. Different vibration programs could be proposed to increase ankle plantar flexor muscle strength in the acute results. Vigorous-intensity vibration exposure is effective in altering ankle plantar flexor muscle tone, but it is important to be aware of the differences between the lower legs.
A transcriptional roadmap for 2C-like–to–pluripotent state transition
Authors: Fu Xudong , Djekidel Mohamed Nadhir , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2020

The reversal of 2-cell–like state in mESCs involves an intermediate state and is driven by nonsense-mediated mRNA decay of Dux.
RNA binding protein PCBP1 is an intracellular immune checkpoint for shaping T cell responses in cancer immunity
Authors: Ansa-Addo Ephraim A. , Huang Huai-Cheng , Riesenberg Brian , Iamsawat Supinya , Borucki Davis , Nelson Michelle H. , Nam Jin Hyun , Chung Dongjun , Paulos Chrystal M. , Liu Bei , Yu Xue-Zhong , Philpott Caroline , Howe Philip H. , Li Zihai
Published: May 2020

RNA binding protein PCBP1 guards effector and antitumor T cell functions.
Physiology-forward identification of bile acid–sensitive vomeronasal receptors
Authors: Wong Wen Mai , Cao Jie , Zhang Xingjian , Doyle Wayne I. , Mercado Luis L. , Gautron Laurent , Meeks Julian P.
Published: May 2020

A GCaMP6-based ligand-receptor screen identified five bile acid receptors in the mouse vomeronasal organ.
Extremely brilliant GeV γ-rays from a two-stage laser-plasma accelerator
Authors: Zhu Xing-Long , Chen Min , Weng Su-Ming , Yu Tong-Pu , Wang Wei-Min , He Feng , Sheng Zheng-Ming , McKenna Paul , Jaroszynski Dino A. , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2020

A novel scheme of staged laser-plasma accelerators produces extremely brilliant γ-rays with photon energies up to GeV level.
Command application of UK military climatic guidance on Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3
Authors: Smith M B , White S
Published: May 2020

Health and risk management of personnel in hot climates remains a Commander’s responsibility, with Joint Service Publication 539 Heat Illness and Cold Injury: Prevention and Management (JSP 539) being the guiding document for the UK military. This policy can be challenging to interpret occasionally, needing medical professionals to provide ongoing advice to commanders. This is to achieve a shared understanding of scientific concepts and risks to allow a more informed decision-making by commanders. This then leads to the appropriate mitigation of risks to as low as reasonably practical. Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 saw commanders and medical cooperation at all levels with a practical and pragmatic application of the principles articulated in joint policy. The elements which saw enhanced cooperation included pathophysiology, work rates and work:rest ratios, rest and sleep periods, uniform, acclimatisation, and hydration and electrolyte balance. This approach was exhibited throughout the planning, deployment and execution of Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3, which saw extremely low levels of heat injury throughout the exercise when compared with SAIF SAREEA 2 and related exercises. This personal view aims to describe the command and medical interaction on SAIF SAREEA 3 which the authors feel contributed to those successes against climatic effects.