bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in avoidance and repetitive negative thinking following symptom provocation in men and women with spider phobia
Authors: Graham Bronwyn M. , Weiner Shelley , Li Sophie H.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Women’s greater prevalence of anxiety disorders compared to men is widely assumed to be partly due to gender differences in cognitive and behavioural factors that perpetuate anxiety, such as repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and avoidance. However, past studies assessing this assumption have not controlled for gender differences in baseline symptom severity, the type of stressful life experiences against which RNT and avoidance are measured, or emotional reactivity to these experiences.

Design

Using a two‐group design, the present study controlled for these confounds by comparing avoidance and RNT in relation to a controlled symptom provocation task in spider phobic men and women with equivalent spider fear severity on the Fear of Spiders Questionnaire.

Methods

Participants engaged in a behavioural approach test (BAT) involving a live spider, during which they were assessed for avoidance (physical proximity to the spider) and subjective distress. Two weeks later, participants reported on their levels of negative affect and RNT experienced during the preceding weeks in relation to the BAT.

Results

Women exhibited greater avoidance and reported greater RNT than men, despite reporting comparable distress and negative affect. Gender remained a significant predictor of avoidance when accounting for distress and also remained a significant predictor of RNT when accounting for depressive symptoms and negative affect.

Conclusions

These results provide in vivo evidence that heightened avoidance and RNT may perpetuate anxiety symptoms in women independently of gender differences in symptom severity, daily experiences, or emotional reactivity.

Practitioner Points

Following symptom provocation, men and women with spider phobia differ in cognitive and behavioural coping responses.

Women exhibit greater avoidance and repetitive negative thinking than men, and these differences are not attributable to gender differences in symptom severity or emotional reactivity.

These findings provide novel evidence for gender differences in maintaining factors that perpetuate anxiety disorders whilst accounting for confounding factors present in prior research.
Effects of mavacamten on Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction as sarcomere length varied in human myocardium
Authors: Awinda Peter O. , Bishaw Yemeserach , Watanabe Marissa , Guglin Maya A. , Campbell Kenneth S. , Tanner Bertrand C. W.
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

Heart failure can reflect impaired contractile function at the myofilament level. In healthy hearts, myofilaments become more sensitive to Ca2+ as cells are stretched. This represents a fundamental property of the myocardium that contributes to the Frank–Starling response, although the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect remain unclear. Mavacamten, which binds to myosin, is under investigation as a potential therapy for heart disease. We investigated how mavacamten affects the sarcomere‐length dependence of Ca2+‐sensitive isometric contraction to determine how mavacamten might modulate the Frank–Starling mechanism.

Experimental Approach

Multicellular preparations from the left ventricular‐free wall of hearts from organ donors were chemically permeabilized and Ca2+ activated in the presence or absence of 0.5‐μM mavacamten at 1.9 or 2.3‐μm sarcomere length (37°C). Isometric force and frequency‐dependent viscoelastic myocardial stiffness measurements were made.

Key Results

At both sarcomere lengths, mavacamten reduced maximal force and Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction. In the presence and absence of mavacamten, Ca2+ sensitivity of force increased as sarcomere length increased. This suggests that the length‐dependent activation response was maintained in human myocardium, even though mavacamten reduced Ca2+ sensitivity. There were subtle effects of mavacamten reducing force values under relaxed conditions (pCa 8.0), as well as slowing myosin cross‐bridge recruitment and speeding cross‐bridge detachment under maximally activated conditions (pCa 4.5).

Conclusion and Implications

Mavacamten did not eliminate sarcomere length‐dependent increases in the Ca2+ sensitivity of contraction in myocardial strips from organ donors at physiological temperature. Drugs that modulate myofilament function may be useful therapies for cardiomyopathies.
New frontiers in alcohol and gender: The role of health promotion policy and practice in Australia
Authors: Merlino Anthony , Clifford Sarah , Smith James A.
Published: September 2020

Scholarship indicates that gender norms influence drinking behaviours, yet the consequences of this for health professionals and health promotion remains neglected. To address this gap, we discuss the implications of gender and alcohol consumption for Australian health promotion and practice. We convey how a more integrated public health approach, aimed at promoting healthy gender expectations and enhancing gender relations, is warranted. We also discuss how changing gender norms pose new challenges for health professionals. By confronting these contentious issues, this commentary helps the health sector consider innovative measures to combat alcohol‐related harms.
The elusiveness of representativeness in general population surveys for alcohol: Commentary on Rehm et al.
Authors: Chikritzhs Tanya
Published: September 2020

For alcohol researchers, it is increasingly difficult to mount a rational argument for stoically pressing on with well‐worn probabilistic survey approaches and analysis of survey data as if representativeness remains assured, particularly when negative consequences for science, society and individuals are foreseeable. Some of the most striking examples of biases in action come from large surveys of marginalised populations that use approaches presupposed to be gold standard. Remarkably ill‐suited to their populations of interest, the conspicuous failings of these surveys have, for many years, demanded we find better ways. Work in this area has begun to demonstrate the utility of alternative approaches and solutions that, more likely than not, are transferable to general population surveys.
Examining the Stock Price Effect of Corruption Risk in the Supply Chain
Authors: Kim Seongtae , Wagner Stephan M.
Published: September 2020

Although corrupt practices in the supply chain are not rare, this topic seems neglected in the literature. This could potentially be because a supply chain focused framework is lacking, and therefore it is difficult to measure the true impact of such issues. Why, how, and how much does corruption damage the corresponding firm in the supply chain? Our study takes what we term a supply chain view of corruption, and then estimates the stock price effect of corruption from that point of view. We focus on kickbacks and bribery issues that may damage a target firm's reputation and its market value. In particular, we address firms’ corrupt practices from a sustainability risk perspective with the conceptualization of corruption risk (CR). Using an event study methodology, based on a sample of 315 CR cases in the United States, we find significant market penalties for allegations of the target firms’ CRs (triggers) and its subsequent issues (investigation, regulatory and resolution). However, the market penalties are largely driven by triggers, not by the subsequent issues. We further reveal that the stock market reacts more negatively to CRs that occur upstream with suppliers than downstream with customers. Therefore, target focal firms must be cautious with upstream–trigger CRs.
Italy and the little divergence in wages and prices: evidence from stable employment in rural areas†
Authors: Rota Mauro , Weisdorf Jacob
Published: September 2020

This article presents an early modern wage index for stable rural male workers in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. These wages highlight the importance of distinguishing between locations and contract types when considering historical workers’ living standards, and they speak to a longstanding debate about whether Italy's early modern downturn was purely an urban phenomenon, or an all‐embracing one. Our data lend support to the former view, since we do not detect any downturn in our early modern rural wages. This observation informs the little divergence debate. By comparing rural rather than urban wages and stable rather than casual ones, we find that annual English earnings rose from being only 10 per cent higher than those in Italy in 1650 to being a staggering 150 per cent higher in 1800. If wages reflected labour productivity, then unskilled English workers—unlike their Italian counterparts—grew increasingly productive in the run‐up to the industrial revolution.
Psychosis‐spectrum experiences linked to specific psychotherapy readiness domains among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth C. , Spirito Anthony , Saarinen Jiayin Sperry , Wolff Jennifer C.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Early psychosocial treatment for psychosis‐spectrum symptoms has been linked to positive outcomes, whereas delayed treatment is associated with poorer prognosis. Thus, there is a critical need to bolster psychotherapy engagement efforts, particularly among high‐risk groups and during high‐risk periods, in order to maximize recovery. This study explores the relation between psychosis‐spectrum symptoms and psychotherapy readiness among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents, a foundational step for developing more effective psychotherapy engagement approaches for this population.

Methods

Adolescents (n = 704; 12‐18 years) who were admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit completed the Readiness for Psychotherapy Index (RPI), a psychosis‐spectrum questionnaire (PRIME Screen), and a brief diagnostic interview at intake. Correlational patterns and regression analyses were used to explore associations between variables.

Results

The PRIME Screen was negatively associated with the RPI Openness subscale and positively associated with the Distress subscale, beyond the effects of demographics (ie, age, sex, race) and psychiatric diagnoses.

Conclusions

Results indicate that the RPI probes multiple facets of psychotherapy readiness that have unique associations with psychosis‐spectrum experiences. Adolescents with higher PRIME scores endorsed greater mental health‐related distress and lower levels of openness to psychotherapy. These psychotherapy readiness factors warrant further exploration, as they may be significant barriers or facilitators to engaging adolescents with psychosis‐spectrum symptoms in much needed early treatment services.
Score Reporting for Examinees with Incomplete Data on Large‐Scale Educational Assessments
Authors: Sinharay Sandip
Published: September 2020

Technical difficulties occasionally lead to missing item scores and hence to incomplete data on computerized tests. It is not straightforward to report scores to the examinees whose data are incomplete due to technical difficulties. Such reporting essentially involves imputation of missing scores. In this paper, a simulation study based on data from three educational tests is used to compare the performances of six approaches for imputation of missing scores. One of the approaches, based on data mining, is the first application of its kind to the problem of imputation of missing data. The approach based on data mining and a multiple imputation approach based on chained equations led to the most accurate imputation of missing scores, and hence to most accurate score reporting. A simple approach based on linear regression performed the next best overall. Several recommendations are made regarding the reporting of scores to examinees with incomplete data.
Insights on the effect of aircraft traffic on avian vocal activity
Authors: Vincelette Hannah , Buxton Rachel , Kleist Nathan , McKenna Megan F. , Betchkal Davyd , Wittemyer George
Published: September 2020

Aircraft noise is pervasive across the USA, including in national parks, but its effects on wildlife remain unresolved. As with other noise sources, aircraft noise may affect species physiology and behaviour by being perceived as a threat, distracting individuals, or degrading the sensory environment. This study aimed to understand the effect of aircraft traffic and associated noise on the richness of bird vocalization activity in a remote national park in the USA. We used a continent‐wide acoustic dataset encompassing over 30:00 h of annotated recordings to identify two geographically similar sites with high rates of bird vocalizations and both high and low rates of aircraft noise. We selected sites in Denali National Park, both of which experience little human presence, and quantified the richness of bird vocalizations before, during and after aircraft events. We present evidence of a community‐level behavioural response to aircraft noise, with increased bird vocalization richness after aircraft events at a site with relatively lower aircraft noise. At the site with low rates of aircraft noise, we found bird vocalization richness did not significantly change during an aircraft event but did increase after an aircraft event. At the site with high rates of aircraft noise, bird vocalization richness did not significantly change during or after an aircraft event. This study provides new insights into wildlife responses to aircraft traffic and associated noise and highlights the importance of noise research in the management of relatively quiet and undisturbed landscapes.
Passion fruit purple variant (Passiflora edulis Sims var. edulis) seeds extract 10% cream in acne vulgaris treatment: an open‐label pilot study
Authors: Dewi Nani K. , Putra Imam B. , Jusuf Nelva K.
Published: September 2020

Background

Purple variant of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims var. edulis) is a tropical plant commonly used in the beverage industry. The seeds have high content of linoleic acid and piceatannol which has been reported and showed antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. However, there is no report regarding its effect on acne vulgaris.

Objective

To determine the efficacy of topical use of Passiflora edulis Sims var. edulis seeds extract on acne vulgaris.

Methods

In this open‐label uncontrolled trial, 45 subjects with acne vulgaris were given passion fruit purple variant seeds extract 10% cream for 8 weeks. Noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesions count along with ultraviolet‐induced red fluorescence (UVRF) measurement were done at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. All reported adverse events were documented, and patient satisfaction rates were determined at week 8. Paired T‐test and Wilcoxon test were done with P ≤ 0.05 indicating significance.

Results

There were significant reductions in noninflammatory (80.9%), inflammatory (71.1%), and total (73%) lesion count after 8 weeks of the cream application (P < 0.001). Significant reduction in UVRF spot quantity (36%) and percentage area (45.9%) were found at week 8 (P < 0.001). Only 2.2% of subjects experienced an adverse event of mild and transient peeling. Most of the subjects (77.8%) noticed significant improvement in their acne vulgaris and expressed good satisfaction rate.

Conclusion

Topical use of passion fruit purple variant seeds extract improves acne vulgaris with reduction in lesion counts and UVRF, minimal adverse events, and good satisfaction rate. Additional prospective studies are required.
Justice perceptions of artificial intelligence in selection
Authors: Acikgoz Yalcin , Davison Kristl H. , Compagnone Maira , Laske Matt
Published: September 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being utilized by organizations in selection decisions. However, research has fallen behind the practice, and one area in need of investigation is how applicants' perceptions of justice are formed in this increased involvement of AI in the hiring process. Accordingly, two studies were conducted to investigate the effects of using AI in selection on justice perceptions. Findings indicated that AI‐based interviewing was generally viewed as less procedurally and interactionally just than traditional human‐based interviewing. Additionally, the effect of interview type on different applicant reaction outcomes was mediated by justice dimensions, particularly two‐way communication. Findings may help organizations regarding how best to utilize AI in selection in order to attract and retain top talent.
Optical temperature sensor based on upconversion luminescence of Er3+ doped GdTaO4 phosphors
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Cao Yongze , Zhao Yue , Wang Xin , Ran Siying , Cao Long , Zhang Luran , Chen Baojiu
Published: September 2020

For the development of optical temperature sensor, a series of GdTaO4 phosphors with various Er3+‐doping concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, 35, 50 mol%) were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method. The monoclinic crystalline structure of the prepared samples was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Under excitations of 980 and 1550 nm lasers, the multi‐photon‐excited green and red upconversion (UC) luminescence emissions of Er3+ were studied, and the critical quenching concentration of Er3+‐doped GdTaO4 phosphor was derived to be 25 mol%. By changing the pump power of laser, it was found that the two‐photon and three‐photon population processes happened for the UC emissions of Er3+‐doped GdTaO4 phosphors excited by 980 and 1550 nm lasers, respectively. Furthermore, based on the change of thermo‐responsive green UC luminescence intensity corresponding to the 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ with temperature, the optical temperature sensing properties of Er3+‐doped GdTaO4 phosphor were investigated under excitations of 980 and 1550 nm lasers by using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique. It was obtained that the maximum absolute sensitivity (SA) and relative sensitivity (SR) of Er3+‐doped GdTaO4 phosphors are as high as 0.0041 K−1 at 475 K and 0.0112 K−1 at 293 K, respectively. These significant results suggest that the Er3+‐doped GdTaO4 phosphors are a promising candidate for optical temperature sensor.
Volume relaxation in a borosilicate glass hot compressed by three different methods
Authors: Ding Linfeng , Doss Karan , Yang Yongjian , Lee Kuo‐Hao , Bockowski Michal , Demouchy Sylvie , Thieme Manuel , Ziebarth Benedikt , Wang Qingwei , Smedskjaer Morten M. , Mauro John C.
Published: September 2020

The temperature dependence of glass relaxation has been intensively studied; however, the effect of an imposed pressure history on relaxation behavior is poorly understood. In this study, we subjected SCHOTT N‐BK7® borosilicate glasses to isostatic compression in a Paterson press (PP) and a gas pressure chamber (GPC). The pressure ranged from 0.1 GPa to 2 GPa for various dwell temperatures and times near the glass transition region. Comparison with our recent results on the same glass using the piston‐cylinder apparatus (PC, 0.5‐1.5 GPa) reveals that the density of a glass, which has been quenched from the equilibrium state under high pressure at 2 K/min (pressure quench), increases approximately linearly with increasing pressure up to 2 GPa. Considering the volume recovery results at ambient pressure, we assert that the preceding high‐pressure treatment in PC (uniaxial loading) generates a similar isostatic pressure effect on N‐BK7 glass as those of PP and GPC treatments. Finally, we verify the previously proposed two‐internal‐parameter relaxation model on the volume recovery data using the three different compression methods. With a new set of parameters in the model, we can account for the pressure and temperature dependence of volume relaxation even for the samples quenched from nonequilibrium states at high pressure.
Homelessness and people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of the international research evidence
Authors: Brown Michael , McCann Edward
Published: September 2020

Background

People with intellectual disabilities can experience homelessness, and some of the reasons differ from the general homeless population. Specific policy and practice responses are required.

Method

A systematic review of studies examining homelessness among people with intellectual disabilities utilizing CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts databases from inception to November 2019.

Results

The search produced 259 papers, and following screening, a total of 13 papers were included in the review. The themes identified were (i) pathways into homelessness, (ii) experiencing homelessness and (iii) routes out of homelessness.

Conclusions

People with ID become homeless due to multifactorial issues. The identification of people within homeless services and their care and support concerns remains challenging, impacting upon the provision of assessments, interventions, care and supports. Psychosocial assessments, interventions and supports are necessary to assist people with ID to leave homelessness.
Celastrol attenuates arterial and valvular calcification via inhibiting BMP2/Smad1/5 signalling
Authors: Su Zhongping , Zong Pengyu , Chen Ji , Yang Shuo , Shen Yihui , Lu Yan , Yang Chuanxi , Kong Xiangqing , Sheng Yanhui , Sun Wei
Published: September 2020

Vascular calcification is an important risk factor for the mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Unfortunately, until now there is no certain medication targeting vascular calcification in CKD. In this study, we explored the inhibitory effect of celastrol on high calcium–induced vascular calcification and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cell proliferation assay showed that celastrol inhibited aortic valve interstitial cell (VIC) and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation when its concentration was higher than 0.6 μmol/L. 0.8 μmol/L celastrol inhibited the expression of osteogenic genes and calcium deposition induced by high‐calcium medium in both AVICs and VSMCs. In mouse vascular calcification model induced by adenine combined with vitamin D, alizarin red and immunostaining showed that celastrol inhibited pro‐calcification gene expression and calcium deposition in aortic wall and aortic valve tissues. At the molecular level, celastrol inhibited the increase of BMP2, phosphorylated Smad1/5 (p‐Smad1/5) and non‐phosphorylated β‐catenin (n‐p‐β‐catenin) induced by high‐calcium medium both in vitro and in vivo. Also, BMP2 overexpression reversed the anti‐calcification effects of celastrol by recovering the decrease of p‐Smad1/5 and n‐p‐β‐catenin. Furthermore, celastrol prevented the up‐regulation of BMPRII and down‐regulation of Smad6 induced by high calcium, and this protectory effect can be abolished by BMP2 overexpression. In conclusion, our data for the first time demonstrate that celastrol attenuates high calcium–induced arterial and valvular calcification by inhibiting BMP2/Smad1/5 signalling, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for arterial and valvular calcification in patients with CKD.
Sticky Networks in Times of Change: The Case of the European Women's Lobby and Brexit*
Authors: Minto Rachel
Published: September 2020

Addressing the case of the UK's membership of the European Women's Lobby (EWL), this article explores the significance of European Union (EU) civil society organization (CSO) membership for domestic CSOs and, in turn, the impact of Brexit on (the nature of) that membership. Analysis adopts a territorial perspective to reflect the UK's ‘four nations’ approach to representation, which affords the constituent sub‐state CSOs notable access to this European network. Analysis of interview and text‐based data identified shared core beliefs and resource dependencies as binding the UK's sub‐state CSOs within the EWL, resulting in capacity building at the sub‐state level. These shared core beliefs can explain the EWL's decision to formally accommodate the UK coordination post‐Brexit, with resource dependencies acting as a further incentive for sub‐state actors. However, beyond the policy sub‐system, there are practical constraints placed on the UK's ability to collaborate and a diminished value of some resource.
Rapid sequence modification in the highly polymorphic region (HPR) of the hemagglutinin gene of the infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) suggests intra‐segmental template switching recombination
Authors: Cárdenas Matías , Galleguillos Claudia , Acevedo Karina , Ananias Catarina , Alarcón Javiera , Michelson Sofía , Toledo Jorge , Montoya Margarita , Meneses Claudio , Castro‐Nallar Eduardo , Vásquez‐Martínez Yesseny , Cortez‐San Martin Marcelo
Published: September 2020

The ISAV has a genome composed of eight segments of (–)ssRNA, segment 6 codes for the hemagglutinin–esterase protein, and has the most variable region of the genome, the highly polymorphic region (HPR), which is unique among orthomyxoviruses. The HPR has been associated with virulence, infectivity and pathogenicity. The full length of the HPR is called HPR0 and the strain with this HPR is avirulent, in contrast to strains with deleted HPR that are virulent to varying degrees. The molecular mechanism that gives rise to the different HPRs remains unclear. Here, we studied in vitro the evolution of reassortant recombinant ISAV (rISAV) in Atlantic salmon head kidney (ASK) cells. To this end, we rescued and cultivated a set of rISAV with different segment 6‐HPR genotypes using a reverse genetics system and then sequencing HPR regions of the viruses. Our results show rapid multiple recombination events in ISAV, with sequence insertions and deletions in the HPR, indicating a dynamic process. Inserted sequences can be found in four segments of the ISAV genome (segments 1, 5, 6, and 8). The results suggest intra‐segmental heterologous recombination, probably by class I and class II template switching, similar to the proposed segment 5 recombination mechanism.
Development of a real‐time PCR assay for detection and quantification of Streptococcus iniae using the lactate permease gene
Authors: Torres‐Corral Yolanda , Santos Ysabel
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is the development and evaluation of a rapid and accurate quantitative PCR (qPCR)‐based protocol for detection of zoonotic pathogen Streptococcus iniae in bacterial cultures and tissues of diseased fish. For this purpose, the lactate permease‐encoding (lldY) gene was selected as a target for the design of S. iniae‐specific primers based on comparative genomic analysis using 45 sequences retrieved from NCBI genome database. Specificity and applicability of these primers were tested using 115 bacterial strains and fish tissues infected with S. iniae. Sensitivity, reproducibility and efficiency of qPCR assay were also determined. The developed qPCR assay showed 100% specificity with pure bacterial cultures or DNA extracted from S. iniae or tissues of fish infected with the bacterium. The method has high sensitivity with a detection limit of 1.12 × 101 amplicon copies per assay (equivalent to 2 × 10–9 ng/µl) using bacterial DNA and of 1.44 × 101 gene copies in tissues of fish infected with S. iniae. In conclusion, this qPCR protocol provides an accurate and sensitive alternative for the identification of S. iniae and its detection on fish tissues that can be implemented as a routine tool in microbiological laboratories.
Impact of the initial response to COVID‐19 on long‐term care for people with intellectual disability: an interrupted time series analysis of incident reports
Authors: Schuengel C. , Tummers J. , Embregts P. J. C. M. , Leusink G. L.
Published: September 2020

Background

The lockdown‐measures in response to COVID‐19 taken by long‐term care organisations might have impacted problem behaviour and behavioural functioning of people with intellectual disability. This study tested changes in reported incidents, in particular regarding aggression, unexplained absence and, for contrast, medication errors.

Methods

Metadata on weekly incident and near‐incident reports from 2016 to June 2020 involving over 14 000 clients with mild to serious intellectual disability of 's Heeren Loo, a long‐term care organisation for people with intellectual disability, were subjected to interrupted time series analysis, comparing the COVID‐19 with the pre‐COVID‐19 period.

Results

The imposition of lockdown‐measures coincided with a significant drop in incidents (total,P < .001; aggression,P = .008; unexplained absences,P = .008; and medication errors,P < .001). Incidents in total (P = .001) and with aggression (P < .001) then climbed from this initial low level, while medication errors remained stably low (P = .94).

Conclusion

The rise in incidents involving aggression, against the background of generally lowered reporting, underlines the need for pandemic control measures that are suitable for people with intellectual disability in long‐term care.
Emotional face recognition in autism and in cerebral visual impairments: In search for specificity
Authors: Kovarski Klara , Caetta Florent , Mermillod Martial , Peyrin Carole , Perez Céline , Granjon Lionel , Delorme Richard , Cartigny Ariane , Zalla Tiziana , Chokron Sylvie
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by difficulties in the social domain, but also by hyper‐ and hypo‐reactivity. Atypical visual behaviours and processing have often been observed. Nevertheless, several similar signs are also identified in other clinical conditions including cerebral visual impairments (CVI). In the present study, we investigated emotional face categorization in groups of children with ASD and CVI by comparing each group to typically developing individuals (TD) in two tasks. Stimuli were either non‐filtered or filtered by low‐ and high‐spatial frequencies (LSF and HSF). All participants completed the autism spectrum quotient score (AQ) and a complete neurovisual evaluation. The results show that while both clinical groups presented difficulties in the emotional face recognition tasks and atypical processing of filtered stimuli, they did not differ from one another. Additionally, autistic traits were observed in the CVI group and symmetrically, some visual disturbances were present in the ASD group as measured via the AQ score and a neurovisual evaluation, respectively. The present study suggests the relevance of comparing ASD to CVI by showing that emotional face categorization difficulties should not be solely considered as autism‐specific but merit investigation for potential dysfunction of the visual processing neural network. These results are of interest in both clinical and research perspectives, indicating that systematic visual examination is warranted for individuals with ASD.
Using metaphor method to interpret and understand meanings of international operating room nurses' experiences in organ procurement surgery
Authors: Gao Weili , Plummer Virginia , McKenna Lisa
Published: September 2020

Aims

To demonstrate how metaphor method can be employed in health care research, through a rainbow metaphor to conceptualise lived experiences, and represent a sense of verisimilitude, in a phenomenological study of international nurses' experiences of organ procurement procedures.

Background

International operating room nurses are likely to form unique attitudes towards multi‐organ procurement. Phenomenology is used to focus on discovering human experiences and the meanings of certain phenomena. Phenomenological writing can mediate people's reflections and actions, measure people's thoughtfulness and help people to see and show lived experiences from their lifeworlds.

Design

Metaphor was used to interpret meanings of international operating room nurses' experiences in organ procurement surgery. The meanings were identified through a phenomenological approach informed by the work of van Manen.

Methods

A metaphor method was used to interpret and understand the lived experiences of eighteen international OR nurses recruited from nine different countries. Thematic data analysis was used to portray their lived experiences in organ procurement procedure.

Results

Using a rainbow as metaphor, a vivid picture was portrayed reflecting international OR nurses' experiences and organ procurement journey in Australia as challenging, with mixed feelings. According to the relationship between certain colours and emotions, four essential themes evolved into the concept of a four‐colour rainbow to signify the meanings of international OR nurses' experiences in organ procurement procedures. The essential themes represented by these four colours were as follows: Orange—“The surreality of experiencing death,” Red—“Personal and professional challenges,” Green—“Becoming stronger” and Purple—“My beliefs, my wishes.”

Conclusion

Interpreting the meanings of their organ procurement experiences using metaphor method provided valuable insights about what personal and professional challenges these nurses faced, how they coped and managed their challenges, what support and care they required from others, and suggestions for future practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Operating room nurses in practice needed a range of workplace supports and the rainbow metaphor provides a suitable approach for reflection and understanding of their experiences in organ procurement, with a focus on international, newly graduated and less experienced nurses.

Practice improvement is a likely outcome when nurses have a better understanding of their experiences and the experiences of others in their team and this will assist in identifying their knowledge and professional support needs. The method demonstrates how metaphor can be applied to understand clinical nursing situations.
Patient‐centred communication for women with breast cancer: Relation to body image perception
Authors: Ghaffari Fariba , Ghahramanian Akram , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Onyeka Tonia C. , Davoodi Arefeh , Mazaheri Effat , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to determine the predictive values of patient‐centred communication (PCC) and patient's characteristics on the body image (BI) perception in postmastectomy patients.

Background

Patient‐centred communication has been touted as a means of addressing BI issues, especially for postmastectomy patients.

Design and Methods

This predictive correlational study was conducted on 275 surgically treated breast cancer patients admitted to the Oncology Departments of two hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. These patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. The Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ) and patient‐centred communication questionnaire (PCCQ) were used for collecting the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the data. Reporting was in accordance with the STROBE guideline.

Results

A multivariable model significantly predicted BI perception in participants using surgery type and time elapsed following surgery. Participants’ limitations were significantly affected by surgery type and participants’ perception of the nurses’ PCC skills. Arm concern was significantly affected by surgery type and nurses’ PCC skills.

Conclusion

Patient‐centred skills in nurse–patient communication are critical for resolving BI difficulties such as arm concerns and limitations regarding the disease and its treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patient‐centred communication skills can be taught nurses in the clinical setting to help alleviate patients’ BI problems.
HOW TO MAKE A PIE: REPRODUCIBLE RESEARCH FOR EMPIRICAL ECONOMICS AND ECONOMETRICS
Authors: Orozco Valérie , Bontemps Christophe , Maigné Elise , Piguet Virginie , Hofstetter Annie , Lacroix Anne , Levert Fabrice , Rousselle Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2020

Empirical economics and econometrics (EEE) research now relies primarily on the application of code to data sets. Handling the workflow that links data sets, programs, results, and finally manuscript(s) is essential if one wishes to reproduce results. Herein, we highlight the importance of “reproducible research” in EEE and propose three simple principles to follow: organize your work, code for others, and automate as much as you can. The first principle, “organize your work”, deals with the overall organization of files and the documentation of a research workflow. “Code for others” emphasizes that we should take care in how we write code that has to be read by others or later by our future self. Finally, “automate as much as you can” is a proposal to avoid any manual treatment and to automate most, if not all, of the steps used in a research process to reduce errors and increase reproducibility. As software is not always the problem and will never be the solution, we illustrate these principles with good habits and tools, with a particular focus on their implementation in most popular software and languages in applied economics.
Partition by Degrees: Routine Exceptions in Border and Immigration Practice between the UK and Ireland, 1921–1972
Authors: MURRAY C. R. G. , WINCOTT DANIEL
Published: September 2020

Using archival materials, we reflect on the legal process of creating (and mitigating) a border in Ireland after partition in 1922 and interactions between those laws and the people whom they affected. After 1922, superficially durable exceptions developed to the territorial state's distinctions between citizens and foreign nationals under the aegis of the Common Travel Area. They survived the 1930s UK–Ireland ‘Economic War’, were sustained (if in a restricted form) during the Second World War and were rebuilt in its aftermath. These arrangements proved beneficial for both countries, providing an outlet for surplus labour for Ireland and a resource for the UK economy. We nonetheless explore how far practice reflected this overarching cooperative framework, particularly given the complications introduced by the policies of Northern Ireland's institutions.
Sex‐Related Differences in Adolescent Cannabis Use: Influences of School Context and School Connectedness
Authors: Matteau‐Pelletier Laurence , Bélanger Richard E. , Leatherdale Scott , Desbiens François , Haddad Slim
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Boys use cannabis at a younger age and more frequently than girls. It has been suggested these sex differences might vary according to students' relationship to school. We explored whether the association between sex and adolescents' cannabis use varies among schools and according to students' school connectedness.

METHODS

The study population consisted of all students from 11 secondary schools in the greater Québec City area. The sample included 6185 respondents in years 1 to 5 at the secondary level (equivalent to grades 7‐11). Study outcomes were monthly cannabis use and early cannabis use.

RESULTS

The association between sex and monthly cannabis use varied significantly among schools after controlling for students' main characteristics and school socioeconomic environment. We found a statistically significant modifying effect of school connectedness on the association between sex and monthly cannabis use. For early cannabis use, we found no modifying effect of school connectedness nor any association with sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Measures to reduce adolescents' cannabis use could be better adapted to local context and more tailored to specific higher‐risk groups. School connectedness is a protective factor for cannabis use, although this effect appears stronger for girls than boys.
Bilateral pathological fracture of mandible associated with osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Jadun S. , Vinayahan G. , Markose G. , Anjum K. , Akhtar S.
Published: September 2020

Pathological fractures comprise <2% of mandibular fractures. Common aetiological factors include surgical procedures, osteonecrosis of the jaw, infection and tumours (Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 27: 186–190, 1998). In preparation for radiotherapy, prophylactic extractions are carried out in advance to achieve complete mucosal coverage prior to commencing radiotherapy. We report a case of bilateral pathologic fractures of the mandibular angle in a patient 2 months after completion of radiotherapy who had undergone surgical removal of bilateral mandibular wisdom teeth a fortnight prior to radiotherapy.
Metastatic lesions in the mandible: a case series and literature review
Authors: Rovira‐Wilde A. , McKernon S.L. , Balmer C.
Published: September 2020

The clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and management of three cases of metastatic lesions in the mandible are presented. The clinical records, investigations and histopathological reports of three patients presenting with metastatic jaw lesions were reviewed. Patients were all female, aged 41, 59 and 61 years. Clinical presentation in all cases included intra‐oral swelling, oral pain, paraesthesia and dysesthesia related to the inferior alveolar nerve. All patients had metastases located in the posterior mandible. The primary tumours were ovarian, lung and breast in origin. Management included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care. Metastatic spread to the oral cavity is rare and is usually representative of wide‐spread oncological disease. Metastatic lesions should be included in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with paraesthesia of unknown aetiology. The dental practitioner may be the first clinician to identify such lesions following clinical examination and radiographic investigation.
Angiosperms at the edge: Extremity, diversity, and phylogeny
Authors: Folk Ryan A. , Siniscalchi Carolina M. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: September 2020

A hallmark of flowering plants is their ability to invade some of the most extreme and dynamic habitats, including cold and dry biomes, to a far greater extent than other land plants. Recent work has provided insight to the phylogenetic distribution and evolutionary mechanisms which have enabled this success, yet needed is a synthesis of evolutionary perspectives with plant physiological traits, morphology, and genomic diversity. Linking these disparate components will not only lead to better understand the evolutionary parallelism and diversification of plants with these two strategies, but also to provide the framework needed for directing future research. We summarize the primary physiological and structural traits involved in response to cold‐ and drought stress, outline the phylogenetic distribution of these adaptations, and describe the recurring association of these changes with rapid diversification events that occurred in multiple lineages over the past 15 million years. Across these threefold facets of dry‐cold correlation (traits, phylogeny, and time) we stress the contrast between (a) the amazing diversity of solutions flowering plants have developed in the face of extreme environments and (b) a broad correlation between cold and dry adaptations that in some cases may hint at deep common origins.
Post‐filtering with surface orientation constraints for stereo dense image matching
Authors: Huang Xu , Qin Rongjun
Published: September 2020

Dense image matching (DIM) is a critical technique when computing accurate 3D geometric information for many photogrammetric applications. Most DIM methods adopt first‐order regularisation priors for efficient matching, which often introduce stepped biases (also called fronto‐parallel biases) into the matching results. To remove these biases and compute more accurate matching results, this paper proposes a novel post‐filtering method by adjusting the surface orientation of each pixel in the matching process. The core algorithm formulates the post‐filtering as the optimisation of a global energy function with second‐order regularisation priors. A compromise solution of the energy function is computed by breaking the optimisation into a collection of sub‐optimisations of each pixel in a local adaptive window. The proposed method was compared with several state‐of‐the‐art post‐filtering methods on indoor, aerial and satellite datasets. The comparisons demonstrate that the proposed method obtains the highest post‐filtering accuracies on all datasets.
Atripes paspali gen. et sp. nov. (Magnaporthaceae) causing take‐all disease on Paspalum guenoarum in Brazil
Authors: Custódio Fábio Alex , Rosado André W. C. , Lanna Filho Roberto , Martinelli José Antonio , Dall’Agnol Miguel , Lopes Rodrigo R. , Pereira Olinto L.
Published: September 2020

In Brazil, Paspalum species are commonly used in sports lawns, landscape projects, and as forage for livestock. Paspalum guenoarum plants showing symptoms of take‐all disease were observed in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis is the only species reported associated with this disease on Paspalum. In recent years, new species of Gaeumannomyces have been proposed based on molecular studies, which demonstrated the existence of a species complex. Take‐all affects rice and wheat, but the aetiology of this disease on P. guenoarum is still unknown; this work aimed to elucidate the aetiology of the take‐all on P. guenoarum in Brazil and evaluate possible alternative hosts of agricultural importance. Based on combined phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, TEF‐1α, and RPB1 sequences, the fungal pathogen was identified as Atripes paspali gen. et sp. nov., which is proposed as a new genus in the Magnaporthaceae family. A representative isolate of A. paspali was inoculated on healthy P. guenoarum plants and reproduced the same symptoms of take‐all observed in the field. Furthermore, this fungus is also able to cause take‐all on wheat plants; temperature directly affected the incidence and development of the disease in wheat. Take‐all on P. guenoarum is caused by A. paspali.
Acclimation of photosynthetic processes and metabolic responses to elevated temperatures in cereals
Authors: Janda Tibor , Tajti Judit , Hamow Kamirán Á. , Marček Tihana , Ivanovska Beti , Szalai Gabriella , Pál Magda , Zalewska Ewa D. , Darkó Éva
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present work was to better understand the molecular mechanisms of heat acclimation processes in cereals. A large number of winter and spring wheat, barley and oat varieties were grown under either control conditions (22/20°C) or under a mild heat stress (30°C) that induce the acclimation processes. The temperature dependence of chlorophyll a fluorescence induction and gas exchange parameters showed that heat acclimation increased the thermotolerance of the photosynthetic apparatus, but these changes did not differ sharply in the winter–spring type cereals. Similarly, to wheat, elevated temperature also led to increasing transpiration rate and reduced water use efficiency in barley and oat plants. A non‐targeted metabolomic analysis focusing on polar metabolites in two selected barley (winter type Mv Initium and spring type Conchita) and in two oat varieties (winter type Mv Hópehely and spring type Mv Pehely) revealed substantial differences between both the two species and between the acclimated and non‐acclimated plants. Several compounds, including sugars, organic acids, amino acids and alcohols could be separated and detected. The expression level of the CYP707, HSP90, galactinol synthase, raffinose synthase and α‐galactosidase genes showed genotype‐dependent changes after 1 day; however, the CYP707 was the only one, which was still upregulated in at least some of the genotypes. Results suggest that heat acclimation itself does not require general induction of primary metabolites. However, induction of specific routes, e.g. the induction of the raffinose family oligosaccharides, especially the synthesis of galactinol, may also contribute the improved heat tolerance in cereals.