bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart library book sorting application with intelligence computer vision technology
Authors: Shi Xiaohua , Tang Kaicheng , Lu Hongtao
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Book sorting system is one of specific application in smart library scenarios, and it now has been widely used in most libraries based on RFID (radio-frequency identification devices) technology. Book identification processing is one of the core parts of a book sorting system, and the efficiency and accuracy of book identification are extremely critical to all libraries. In this paper, the authors propose a new image recognition method to identify books in libraries based on barcode decoding together with deep learning optical character recognition (OCR) and describe its application in library book identification processing.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification process relies on recognition of the images or videos of the book cover moving on a conveyor belt. Barcode is printed on or attached to the surface of each book. Deep learning OCR program is applied to improve the accuracy of recognition, especially when the barcode is blurred or faded. The approach the authors proposed is robust with high accuracy and good performance, even though input pictures are not in high resolution and the book covers are not always vertical.

Findings

The proposed method with deep learning OCR achieves best accuracy in different vertical, skewed and blurred image conditions.

Research limitations/implications

Methods that the authors proposed need to cooperate and practice in different book sorting machine.

Social implications

The authors collected more than 500 books from a library. These photos display the cover of more than 100 randomly picked books with backgrounds in different colors, each of which has about five different pictures captured from variety angles. The proposed method combines traditional barcode identification algorithm with the authors’ modification to locate and deskew the image. And deep learning OCR is involved to enhance the accuracy when the barcode is blurred or partly faded. Book sorting system design based on this method will also be introduced.

Originality/value

Experiment demonstrates that the accuracy of the proposed method is high in real-time test and achieves good accuracy even when the barcode is blurred. Deep learning is very effective in analyzing image content, and a corresponding series of methods have been formed in video content understanding, which can be a greater advantage and play a role in the application scene of intelligent library.
The effect of housing type on householders' self-reported participation in recycling
Authors: du Toit Jacques , Wagner Claire
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine the effect of housing type, relative to demographics, on householders' self-reported recycling across low-, medium- and high-density housing without recycling facilities by using the theory of planned behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted amongst 580 households across houses, townhouses and apartments in Pretoria, South Africa. The household member most responsible for recycling completed a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed using factor and reliability analyses, decision trees and multivariate analysis of variance.

Findings

Age was the strongest predictor; the older the respondent, the more likely the household recycled. Housing type was the second strongest predictor with a significant increase in recycling in houses compared to townhouses and apartments. Subsequent analyses focussed on young respondents to control for age. Housing type had an overall non-significant effect on the factors behind recycling. Post hoc tests, however, suggest that young respondents in townhouses and apartments felt significantly less able to recycle, particularly because of lack of space and support from managing agencies.

Practical implications

For recycling to be acceptable to young people in medium- and high-density housing, interior architects and site planners should find innovative ways to make individual and communal facilities as convenient and accessible as possible to tenants, owners and recycling companies. The role of managing agencies is also critical.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to systematically examine recycling across three different housing types with recommendations for planning, design and further research.
Solving the delayed retirement puzzle … and creating win-win opportunities
Authors: Phillips Patti , Phillips Jack J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The population across the industrialized world is aging to the extent never experienced before in history, living 10 years longer on average than the previous generation and nearly two decades longer than two generations ago.

Design/methodology/approach

To date, this rapidly growing segment of the population is not always addressed in inclusion and diversity plans and has often been overlooked as a source of competitive advantage, rather seen as a cost and a burden in some organizations.

Findings

Leaders in industrial nations agree that to continue strong economic growth, it is vital to support people to live healthier lives and stay in the workforce for longer. By doing so, we can not only improve well-being and enable people to remain active and economically productive but also reduce dependency, bringing down the burdens on health, pensions and social systems.

Originality/value

When this challenge is addressed, important motivational and productivity benefits will result from the seasoned talent segment staying a little longer with the organization. They will stay longer because they want to, not because they cannot afford to retire.
Impact of health warning labels communicating the risk of cancer on alcohol selection: an online experimental study
Authors: Clarke Natasha , Pechey Emily , Mantzari Eleni , Blackwell Anna K.M. , De‐loyde Katie , Morris Richard W. , Munafò Marcus R. , Marteau Theresa M. , Hollands Gareth J.
Published: April 2020

Aims

Evidence from tobacco research suggests that health warning labels (HWLs) depicting the adverse consequences of consumption change smoking behaviours, with image‐and‐text (also known as ‘pictorial’ or ‘graphic’) HWLs most effective. There is an absence of evidence concerning the potential impact of HWLs placed on alcohol products on selection of those products. This study aimed to obtain a preliminary assessment of the possible impact of (i) image‐and‐text, (ii) text‐only, and (iii) image‐only HWLs on selection of alcoholic versus non‐alcoholic drinks.

Design

A between‐subjects randomised experiment with a 2 (image: present versus absent) × 2 (text: present versus absent) factorial design.

Setting

The study was conducted on the online survey platform Qualtrics.

Participants

Participants (n = 6024) were adults over the age of 18 who consumed beer or wine regularly (i.e. at least once a week), recruited through a market research agency.

Interventions

Participants were randomised to one of four groups varying in the HWL displayed on the packaging of alcoholic drinks: (i) image‐and‐text HWL; (ii) text‐only HWL; (iii) image‐only HWL; and (iv) no HWL. HWLs depicted bowel cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer, which were each displayed twice across six alcoholic drinks. Each group viewed six alcoholic and six non‐alcoholic drinks and selected one drink that they would like to consume.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the proportion of participants selecting an alcoholic versus a non‐alcoholic drink.

Findings

Alcoholic drink selection was lower for all HWL types compared with no HWL (image‐and‐text: 56%; image‐only: 49%; text‐only: 61%; no HWL: 77%), with selection lowest for HWLs that included an image. Image‐and‐text HWLs reduced the odds of selecting an alcoholic drink compared with text‐only HWLs (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.69, 0.92), but increased the odds of selecting an alcoholic drink compared with image‐only HWLs (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.55).

Conclusions

Health warning labels communicating the increased risk of cancers associated with alcohol consumption reduced selection of alcoholic versus non‐alcoholic drinks in a hypothetical choice task in an online setting; labels displaying images had the largest effect. Their impact in laboratory and real‐world field settings using physical products awaits investigation.
The association of criminal justice supervision setting with overdose mortality: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , Nguyen Anh P. , Morenoff Jeffrey D. , Xu Stanley , Harding David J.
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Despite the high prevalence of substance use among people in the US criminal justice system, little is known about the incidence of overdose mortality by use patterns, drug convictions and supervision setting. We examined the associations between these characteristics and overdose mortality.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

Individuals sentenced to prison, jail, probation or jail plus probation for a felony conviction in Michigan, USA from 2003 to 2006.

Measurements

Using the National Death Index, we assessed overdose mortality to December 2012. We calculated overdose mortality rates by pre‐sentence opioid use, drug convictions and supervision setting. Multivariable analyses were conducted using competing risks regression with time‐varying covariates.

Findings

Among 140 266 individuals followed over a mean of 7.84 years [standard deviation (SD) = 1.52], 14.9% of the 1131 deaths were due to overdose (102.8 per 100 000 person‐years). Over the follow‐up, more than half of overdose deaths occurred in the community (57.7%), nearly a third (28.8%) on probation and 12.8% on parole. The adjusted risk of overdose death was lower on probation [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.60, 0.85] than in the community without probation or parole (HR = 1.00) but not significantly different on parole (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.87, 1.47). Pre‐sentence daily opioid use (HR = 3.54, 95% CI = 3.24, 3.87) was associated with an increased risk. Drug possession (HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.31) and delivery convictions (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.77, 1.09) were not significantly associated with overdose mortality.

Conclusions

Based on the absolute or relative risk, parole, probation and community settings are appropriate settings for enhanced overdose prevention interventions. Ensuring that individuals with pre‐sentence opioid use have access to harm reduction and drug treatment services may help to prevent overdose among people involved with the criminal justice system.
Battling COVID‐19: critical care and peri‐operative healthcare resource management strategies in a tertiary academic medical centre in Singapore
Authors: Lee C. C. M. , Thampi S. , Lewin B. , Lim T. J. D. , Rippin B. , Wong W. H. , Agrawal R. V.
Published: April 2020

In December 2019, a cluster of atypical pneumonia cases were reported in Wuhan, China, and a novel coronavirus elucidated as the aetiologic agent. Although most initial cases occurred in China, the disease, termed coronavirus disease 2019, has become a pandemic and continues to spread rapidly with human‐to‐human transmission in many countries. This is the third novel coronavirus outbreak in the last two decades and presents an ensuing healthcare resource burden that threatens to overwhelm available healthcare resources. A study of the initial Chinese response has shown that there is a significant positive association between coronavirus disease 2019 mortality and healthcare resource burden. Based on the Chinese experience, some 19% of coronavirus disease 2019 cases develop severe or critical disease. This results in a need for adequate preparation and mobilisation of critical care resources to anticipate and adapt to a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 case‐load in order to mitigate morbidity and mortality. In this article, we discuss some of the peri‐operative and critical care resource planning considerations and management strategies employed in a tertiary academic medical centre in Singapore in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak.
Generalised regression estimation via the bootstrap
Authors: Booth James G. , Welsh Alan H.
Published: April 2020

A generalised regression estimation procedure is proposed that can lead to much improved estimation of population characteristics, such as quantiles, variances and coefficients of variation. The method involves conditioning on the discrepancy between an estimate of an auxiliary parameter and its known population value. The key distributional assumption is joint asymptotic normality of the estimates of the target and auxiliary parameters. This assumption implies that the relationship between the estimated target and the estimated auxiliary parameters is approximately linear with coefficients determined by their asymptotic covariance matrix. The main contribution of this paper is the use of the bootstrap to estimate these coefficients, which avoids the need for parametric distributional assumptions. First‐order correct conditional confidence intervals based on asymptotic normality can be improved upon using quantiles of a conditional double bootstrap approximation to the distribution of the studentised target parameter estimate.
Late bedtime and body mass index gain in indigenous Australian children in the longitudinal study of indigenous children
Authors: Fatima Yaqoot , Al Mamun Abdullah , Bucks Romola S. , Charles Skinner Timothy
Published: April 2020

Aim

To explore sleep patterns in indigenous Australian children and assess the role of sleep timing in longitudinal changes in body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Latent profile analysis was conducted with the Australian Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children (LSIC) cohort data (wave 5), to determine distinct patterns of bed and wake timing, taking account of weekday sleep duration, weekday and weekend bedtimes, and weekday wake times. Multilevel models with a random intercept were used to investigate the role of baseline sleep pattern in predicting longitudinal changes in BMI.

Results

Baseline data for 1258 children (50.7% males), mean age 6.32 ± 1.52 years, indicated the presence of five classes of sleep patterns: early/long sleepers (4.5%), normative sleepers (25.5%), late sleepers (49.9%), consistent late sleepers (11.1%) and early risers (9%). Late sleeping was significantly associated with longitudinal gains in BMI. Compared with early sleepers, consistent late sleepers experienced 1.03 unit gain in BMI at follow‐up (95% CI: 0.001‐2.05, P = .05).

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of looking beyond sleep duration and highlights the positive outcomes of early bedtimes in children. As sleep timing is modifiable, this offers the opportunity for improvement in sleep and protecting against future weight gain in indigenous children.
Pathophysiologic mechanisms in diabetic kidney disease: A focus on current and future therapeutic targets
Authors: Barrera‐Chimal Jonatan , Jaisser Frédéric
Published: April 2020

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease around the globe and is one of the main complications in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. The standard treatment for DKD is drugs controlling hyperglycemia and high blood pressure. Renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockade and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition have yielded promising results in DKD, but many diabetic patients on such treatments nevertheless continue to develop DKD, leading to kidney failure and cardiovascular comorbidities. New therapeutic options are urgently required. We review here the promising therapeutic avenues based on insights into the mechanisms of DKD that have recently emerged, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, endothelin receptor A inhibition, anti‐inflammatory agents, autophagy activators and epigenetic remodelling. The involvement of several molecular mechanisms in DKD pathogenesis, together with the genetic and epigenetic variability of this condition, makes it difficult to target this heterogeneous patient population with a single drug. Personalized medicine, taking into account the genetic and mechanistic variability, may therefore improve renal and cardiovascular protection in diabetic patients with DKD.
Dedicated kidney disease‐focused outcome trials with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors: Lessons from CREDENCE and expectations from DAPA‐HF, DAPA‐CKD, and EMPA‐KIDNEY
Authors: Rhee Jinnie J. , Jardine Meg J. , Chertow Glenn M. , Mahaffey Kenneth W.
Published: April 2020

In the past decade, many cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) on the efficacy and safety of glucose‐lowering agents have been completed. Amongst newer agents available for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have garnered much attention in contemporary clinical practice due to observed benefits on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes among patients with T2DM, as reported in large randomized controlled trials (RCT). These findings are reflected in the updated clinical guidelines of several major professional societies. Herein, we briefly review the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors and their pleiotropic effects, summarize key findings and limitations of initial CVOTs, then discuss three major kidney disease‐focused outcome trials, including the Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes and Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial as well as two ongoing RCTs: Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure‐chronic kidney disease and EMPA‐KIDNEY.
Life cycle and in vitro sporulation dynamics ofCorinectria constricta,the causal agent ofPinus radiatastem canker, in Chile
Authors: González Cristian D. , Morales Rodrigo A. , Chaverri Priscila
Published: April 2020

In 2008, a canker disease caused by the fungusCorinectria constrictawas detected in southern Chile. The causal agent was previously identified asNeonectria fuckeliana(nowCorinectria fuckeliana), which has been associated with stem cankers inPinus radiataplantations in New Zealand since the 1990s. Many basic aspects of the life cycle ofC. constrictaremain unknown. The current study aimed to (a) document the periods during whichC. constrictafruiting bodies are present inP. radiataplantations and associated factors; (b) determine theC. constrictalife cycle inP. radiataplantations in southern Chile; and (c) evaluate, under in vitro conditions, the sporulation dynamics of ascospores. The first and second aims were carried out by evaluating affected plantations every 15 days, identifying asexual and sexual fungal structures, and recording the time periods when the structures were present. The third aim was achieved with in vitro tests in Petri dishes simulating humidity chambers. The life cycle was characterized by the presence of sporodochia from theCylindrocarpon‐like (asexual form ofC. constricta) morph during the autumn of 2012 (March–May). Subsequently, perithecia began to form on the sporodochia during April of 2012, taking approximately 3 months to mature (May–July), persisting for the rest of the year and providing inoculum to infect new trees. The development of perithecia in winter demonstrates that this is the most important period for dispersal and infection. In terms of sporulation dynamics, perithecia can release ascospores up to eight days following a wetting event; without this event, the spores are not released.
Contribution of unvegetated tidal flats to coastal carbon flux
Authors: Lin Wei‐Jen , Wu Jihua , Lin Hsing‐Juh
Published: April 2020

Unvegetated flats occupy a large area in the intertidal zone. However, compared to vegetated areas, the carbon sequestration of unvegetated tidal flats is rarely quantified, even though these areas are highly threatened by human development and climate change. We determined benthic maximum gross primary production (GPPm), net primary production (NPP) and total respiration (TR) during emersion on seven tidal flats along a latitudinal gradient (from 22.48°N to 40.60°N) in winter and summer from 2012 to 2016 to assess the spatial and temporal variability of carbon dioxide flux. In winter, these processes decreased by 89%–104% towards higher latitudes. In summer, however, no clear trend was detected across the latitudinal gradient. Quadratic relationships between GPPm, NPP and TR and sediment temperature can be described along the latitudinal gradient. These curves showed maximum values of GPPm and NPP when the sediment temperatures reached 28.7 and 26.6°C respectively. TR increased almost linearly from 0 to 45°C. The maximum daily NPP across the latitudinal gradient averaged 0.24 ± 0.28 g C m−2 day−1, which was only 10%–20% of the global average of NPP of vegetated coastal habitats. Multiplying with the global area of unvegetated tidal flats, our results suggest that the contribution of NPP on unvegetated tidal flats to the coastal carbon cycle is small (11.04 ± 13.32 Tg C/year). If the land cover of vegetated habitats is continuously degraded to unvegetated tidal flats, the carbon sequestration capacity in the intertidal zone is expected to reduce by at least 13.10 Tg C/year, equivalent to 1% of global carbon emissions from land‐use change.
Deep learning prediction of falls among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Yamamoto Ryosuke , Ishiguro Yuko , Sasaki Hironori , Kotaki Harumi
Published: April 2020

Aim

This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to investigate the associations between the time of falling and multiple complicating factors, including age, dementia severity, lower extremity strength and physical function, among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

A total of 42 people with Alzheimer's disease were enrolled. We evaluated falling events from nursing home admission (baseline) to 300 days later. We assessed the knee extension strength and Functional Independence Measure locomotion item and carried out the Mini‐Mental State Examination at baseline. To predict falling, participants were categorized into three classes: those who fell within the first 150 (or 300) days from baseline or those who did not experience a fall within the study period. For each class, 1000 bootstrap datasets were generated using 42 actual sample datasets, and were used to propose a CNN algorithm and cross‐validate the algorithm.

Results

Eight (19.0%), 11 (26.2%) and 31 participants (73.8%) fell within 150 or 300 days after the baseline assessment or did not fall until 300 days or later, respectively. The highest accuracy rate of the CNN classification was 0.647 in the factor combination extracted from the Mini‐Mental State Examination score, knee extension strength and Functional Independence Measure locomotion item score.

Conclusions

A CNN based on multiple complicating factors could predict the time of falling in nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Social media and hyper‐masculine work cultures
Authors: Maaranen Anna , Tienari Janne
Published: April 2020

In this article, we aim to contribute to research on social media as an arena for gender relations and inequality by elucidating how social media and hyper‐masculine work cultures are interconnected. We focus empirically on the fiery social media commentary #MeToo sparked on Wall Street in New York. While the possibility of this movement backfiring has received relatively little research attention, we argue that online reactions illustrate the unpredictable nature of social media movements and their reception in organizations. Our analysis shows how they work to naturalize gender differences and polarize opinions, often with highly suspect humour. Focusing on interconnections of hyper‐masculine work cultures, on the one hand, and popular misogyny gaining ground online, on the other, offers ways to critically explore the constitutive role of social media as a medium in shaping contemporary workplaces and society. More research on social relations and technology is needed in organizations that are less obviously hyper‐masculine but deeply gendered nevertheless.
SWI/SNF protein and claudin‐4 expression in anaplastic carcinomas arising in mucinous tumours of the ovary and retroperitoneum
Authors: Chaudet Kristine , Kem Marina , Lerwill Melinda , Young Robert H , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Agaimy Abbas , McCluggage W Glenn , Oliva Esther
Published: April 2020

Aims

Anaplastic carcinoma arising in a mucinous tumour of the ovary and rarely in the retroperitoneum is an uncommon neoplasm with three morphological patterns; rhabdoid, sarcomatoid and pleomorphic. We investigated expression of switch/sucrose non‐fermentable (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodelling complex components and claudin‐4 expression.

Methods and results

Twenty‐two ovarian and three retroperitoneal mucinous tumours were investigated using antibodies against SMARCB1, SMARCA4, SMARCA2, ARID1A and claudin‐4. Loss of nuclear staining for any SWI/SNF protein was observed in the anaplastic component of nine of 25 (36%), with retained expression within the mucinous component of all tumours. Five (56%) showed loss of more than one protein, with dual loss of SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 in two, loss of SMARCA2 and ARID1A in two and loss of SMARCB1 and SMARCA2 in one. Retained expression of claudin‐4 was seen in 39% of the anaplastic carcinomas and within the mucinous component of all tumours. Rhabdoid morphology was associated with poor prognosis [stages III or IV disease (six of six, 100% versus four of 14, 29%; P = 0.0108] and death from disease (three of four, 75% versus one of 13, 8%; P = 0.0223). Although loss of a SWI/SNF protein was not significantly associated with death from disease (three of five, 60% versus one of 12, 8%; P = 0.0525), it showed a trend in correlation with poor prognosis and was often noted in tumours with rhabdoid morphology within this small cohort.

Conclusions

Our report adds to the growing list of female genital tract malignancies with loss of SWI/SNF proteins, underlining their broad differential diagnosis and the importance of careful, context‐dependent interpretation of SWI/SNF protein loss.
An observational pilot study using a purified reconstituted bilayer matrix to treat non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Armstrong David G. , Orgill Dennis P. , Galiano Robert D. , Glat Paul M. , Kaufman Jarrod P. , Carter Marissa J. , Zelen Charles M.
Published: April 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have significant clinical impact and carry a substantial economic burden. Patients with DFUs that are refractory to standard wound care are at risk for major complications, including infection and amputation and have an increased risk of mortality. This study evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of a novel decellularised purified reconstituted bilayer matrix (PRBM) in treating DFUs. Ten diabetic patients with refractory wounds that failed to heal after at least 4 weeks of standard wound care were studied in this Institutional Review Board approved trial. Ten consecutive wounds were treated weekly with the PRBM for up to 12 weeks. At each weekly visit, the wound was evaluated, photographed, and cleaned, followed by application of new graft if not completely epithelialised. Assessment included measurement of the wound area and inspection of the wound site for signs of complications. The primary outcome measure was wound closure, as adjudicated by independent reviewers. Secondary outcomes included assessment of overall adverse events, time to closure, percent area reduction, and the cost of product(s) used. Nine of 10 patients achieved complete wound closure within 4 weeks, and 1 did not heal completely within 12 weeks. The mean time to heal was 2.7 weeks. The mean wound area reduction at 12 weeks was 99%. No adverse events nor wound complications were observed. These early clinical findings suggest that the PRBM may be an effective tool in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Polyneuropathy is inadequately treated despite increasing symptom intensity in individuals with and without diabetes (PROTECT follow‐up study)
Authors: Ziegler Dan , Landgraf Rüdiger , Lobmann Ralf , Reiners Karlheinz , Rett Kristian , Schnell Oliver , Strom Alexander
Published: April 2020

Aims/Introduction

Despite its major clinical impact, distal symmetric polyneuropathy remains frequently undiagnosed and undertreated in clinical practice. We previously reported in the PROTECT Study that 70% of type 2 diabetes patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy were unaware of having the latter condition.

Materials and Methods

In the present follow up after 2.5 ± 0.7 years, 122 and 85 participants with and without type 2 diabetes, respectively, completed questionnaires to obtain information about the further course of disease and its management.

Results

At follow up, 49 and 48% of the respondents with type 2 diabetes and without diabetes, respectively, reported that the intensity of paresthesia or numbness in the feet increased, whereas for burning and pain in the feet the corresponding percentages were 56 and 61%. However, 33 and 40% of the respondents with type 2 diabetes and without diabetes, respectively, reporting neuropathic symptoms at follow up did not receive any pharmacotherapy. Pharmacotherapy of neuropathic symptoms at follow up among participants with type 2 diabetes and without diabetes included mainly World Health Organization Step 1 analgesics (17% each; excluding acetylsalicylic acid), pregabalin/gabapentin (20 and 12%), vitamin B complex (13 and 22%), benfotiamine (13 and 2%), opioids (7 and 12%), antidepressants (4 and 5%) and α‐lipoic acid (4 and 2%).

Conclusions

These findings point to insufficient care, inadequate treatment adherence or limited efficacy of treatments in patients with polyneuropathy, suggesting that effective measures should be implemented to correct these healthcare deficits.
Universal health care ‐ A matter of design and agency?
Authors: Sturmberg Joachimh P. , Martin Carmel M.
Published: April 2020

Universal health care (UHC) is primarily a financing concern, whereas primary health care (PHC) is primarily concerned with providing the right care at the right time to achieve the best possible health outcomes for individuals and communities. A recent call for contributions by the WHO emphasized that UHC can only be achieved through PHC, and that to achieve this goal will require the strengthening of the three pillars of PHC ‐ (a) enabling primary care and public health to integrate health services, (b) empowering people and communities to create healthy living conditions, and (c) integrating multisectoral policy decisions to ensure UHC that achieves the goal of “health for all.” “Pillars” ‐ as a static metaphor ‐ sends the wrong signal to the research and policy‐making community. It, in fact, contradicts the WHO's own view, namely that there is “the need to strengthen comprehensive primary health care systems based on local priorities, needs and contexts … [that are] co‐developed by people who are engaged in their own health.” What we really need to develop PHC as the basis to achieve the goal of UHC is a dynamic agency to drive a “system‐as‐a‐whole framework” that simultaneously takes into account finance, individual, and local needs. Health systems are socially constructed organizational systems that are “functionally layered” in a hierarchical fashion ‐ governments and/or funders at the top‐level not only promote the goals of the system (policies) but also constrain the system (rules, regulations, resources) in its ability to deliver. Hence, there is a need to focus on two key system features ‐ political leadership and dynamic bottom‐up agency that maintains everyone's focus on the goal to be achieved, and a limitation of system constraints so that communities can shape best adapted primary care services that truly meet the needs of their individuals, families, and community.
Phenotyping non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by the gut microbiota: Ready for prime time?
Authors: Demir Münevver , Lang Sonja , Martin Anna , Farowski Fedja , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Vehreschild Maria J.G.T. , Krawczyk Marcin , Nowag Angela , Scholz Claus Jürgen , Kretzschmar Anne , Roderburg Christoph , Lammert Frank , Goeser Tobias , Kasper Philipp , Steffen Hans‐Michael
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Several studies observed alterations in the gut microbiota in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, analyzed patient populations and methods strongly differ among these studies. The aim of this study was to prove the reproducibility of published results and to provide a detailed overview of all findings in our NAFLD cohort using next generation sequencing methods.

Methods

The individual taxonomic microbiota composition of fecal samples from 90 NAFLD patients and 21 healthy controls was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Study participants were grouped according to their disease stage and compared regarding their gut microbiota composition. Studies were identified from PubMed listed publications, and the results were compared with the findings in our cohort.

Results

Results from 13 identified studies were compared with our data. A decreased abundance of the Bacteroidetes and Ruminococcaceae as well as an increased abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Veillonellaceae and Dorea were the most frequently reported changes among NAFLD patients in 4/13, 5/13, 4/13, 2/13, and 3/13 studies, respectively. Even though these alterations in the gut microbiota composition were also observed in our patient cohort, the majority of published differences could not be reproduced, neither in our own nor in other NAFLD cohort studies.

Conclusion

Despite repeatedly reproduced abundance patterns of specific bacteria, the heterogeneous study results did not reveal a consistent disease specific gut microbiota signature. Further prospective studies with homogenous patient cohorts and standardized methods are necessary to phenotype NAFLD by the gut microbiota.
American Geriatrics Society Policy Brief: COVID‐19 and Nursing Homes
Authors:   American Geriatrics Society
Published: April 2020

This policy brief sets forth the American Geriatrics Society's (AGS's) recommendations to guide federal, state, and local governments when making decisions about care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in nursing homes (NHs) and other long‐term care facilities (LTCFs). The AGS continues to review guidance set forth in peer‐reviewed articles and editorials, as well as ongoing and updated guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other key agencies. This brief is based on the situation and any federal guidance/actions as of April 4, 2020. It is focused on NHs and other LTCFs, given their essential role in addressing the COVID‐19 pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:908–911, 2020
Investigation of cross‐sectional image analysis method to determine the blending ratio of polyester/cotton yarn
Authors: LU S. , XIN B. , DENG N. , WANG L. , WANG W.
Published: April 2020

It has been considered as a great challenge to identify the blending ratio of polyester/cotton yarn in the field of textile industry. A new digital cross‐sectional image processing method based on geometrical shape analysis is proposed to improve the measurement accuracy of polyester/cotton blend ratio. A self‐developed microscope image capturing system is established to digitalise the cross‐sectional images of polyester/cotton blended yarn. One set of image preprocessing algorithm is developed to conduct greyscale inversion, median filtering denoising and binarisation. The specially designed edge detection algorithm is used to identify the continuous profile of fibres. Finally, the roundness value of the cross‐sectional fibre is calculated based on the proposed roundness algorithm, it can be used to identify the polyester/cotton fibres and calculate the blending ratio of them. Our experimental results show that the new digital analysis method proposed in this paper is feasible for the measurement of polyester/cotton blended ratio; therefore, it has a good application prospect in the field of textile quality control, including the development of new equipment, methods and standards.
Selfish genes and sexual selection: the impact of genomic parasites on host reproduction
Authors: Wedell N.
Published: April 2020

Selfish genetic elements (SGEs) such as replicating mobile elements, segregation distorters and maternally inherited endosymbionts, bias their transmission success relative to the rest of the genome to increase in representation in subsequent generations. As such, they generate conflict with the rest of the genome. Such intragenomic conflict is also a hallmark of sexually antagonistic (SA) alleles, which are shared genes between the sexes but that have opposing fitness effects when expressed in males and females. However, whilst both SGEs and SA alleles are recognized as common and potent sources of genomic conflict, the realization that SGEs can also generate sexually antagonistic selection and contribute to sexual conflict in addition to generate sexual selection is largely overlooked. Here, I show that SGEs frequently generate sex‐specific selection and outline how SGEs that are associated with compromised male fertility can shape female mating patterns, play a key role in the dynamics of sex‐determination systems and likely be an important source of sexually antagonistic genetic variation. Given the prevalence of SGEs, their contribution to sexual conflict is likely to be greatly overlooked.
Transcriptome of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum PccS1 infected in calla plants in vivo highlights a spatiotemporal expression pattern of genes related to virulence, adaptation, and host response
Authors: Fan Jiaqin , Ma Lin , Zhao Chendi , Yan Jingyuan , Che Shu , Zhou Zhaowei , Wang Huan , Yang Liuke , Hu Baishi
Published: April 2020

Bacterial pathogens from the genus Pectobacterium cause soft rot in various plants, and result in important economic losses worldwide. We understand much about how these pathogens digest their hosts and protect themselves against plant defences, as well as some regulatory networks in these processes. However, the spatiotemporal expression of genome‐wide infection of Pectobacterium remains unclear, although researchers analysed this in some phytopathogens. In the present work, comparing the transcriptome profiles from cellular infection with growth in minimal and rich media, RNA‐Seq analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes (log2‐fold ratio ≥ 1.0) in the cells of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum PccS1 recovered at a series of time points after inoculation in the host in vivo covered approximately 50% of genes in the genome. Based on the dynamic expression changes in infection, the significantly differentially expressed genes (log2‐fold ratio ≥ 2.0) were classified into five types, and the main expression pattern of the genes for carbohydrate metabolism underlying the processes of infection was identified. The results are helpful to our understanding of the inducement of host plant and environmental adaption of Pectobacterium. In addition, our results demonstrate that maceration caused by PccS1 is due to the depression of callose deposition in the plant for resistance by the pathogenesis‐related genes and the superlytic ability of pectinolytic enzymes produced in PccS1, rather than the promotion of plant cell death elicited by the T3SS of bacteria as described in previous work.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction improves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms via specific aspects of mindfulness
Authors: Naliboff Bruce D. , Smith Suzanne R. , Serpa John G. , Laird Kelsey T. , Stains Jean , Connolly Lynn S. , Labus Jennifer S. , Tillisch Kirsten
Published: April 2020

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and often debilitating chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Pharmacological treatments are often ineffective, leading to the development of a variety of behavioral interventions. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) is one such program that has shown efficacy in reducing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and improving quality of life (QOL). This single‐arm intervention study examines the association of clinical outcomes with changes in specific aspects of mindfulness.

Methods

Adults with IBS (53 women, 15 men) participated in an 8‐week MBSR class. Primary outcomes of GI symptom severity, quality of life, and GI‐specific anxiety, as well as specific aspects of mindfulness using the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment, and 6‐month follow‐up.

Key Results

Gastrointestinal symptom responder rate was 71%, and there was a significant pre‐post treatment change for three of the five FFMQ scales. Regression analysis indicated that change in the Act with Awareness (P = .02) facet of mindfulness was the strongest predictor of GI symptom and QOL improvement.

Conclusions & Inferences

Mindfulness‐based stress reduction training was associated with robust improvements in GI symptoms and associated problems in participants with IBS. Although significant increases in 3 of the 5 measured facets of mindfulness were found, regression analyses suggest that increases in the ability to retain present moment focus and act with awareness may be particularly important for improving outcomes in individuals with IBS. These results may inform the refinement of mindfulness‐based protocols specifically for treatment of IBS.
Should We Defend the Administrative State?
Authors: Roberts Alasdair
Published: April 2020

Troubled by actions of the Donald Trump administration, some academics have defended the administrative state. This may be a mistake. The scholarly definition of the administrative state has shifted over decades, and today scholarly usage of the term often diverges substantially from popular usage. When academics invoke the concept, they may unwittingly trigger negative associations in the minds of nonacademics and defeat their own cause. This mistake is easily avoided, because academics often do not need to talk about the administrative state at all. Research would be improved by using different terms to describe three distinct ideas: the state, administrative systems within the state, and the administrative state, which is best understood as a type of state that emerged at a specific moment in American history. If academics want to defend the public service in the realm of politics, it would be better to do so in those terms, rather than using a phrase that often triggers fears about big and irresponsible government.
Policy, Demography, and Market Income Volatility: What Shaped Income Distribution and Inequality in Australia Between 2002 and 2016?
Authors: Li Jinjing , La Hai Anh , Sologon Denisa M.
Published: April 2020

Isolating the impact of policy, demographic shifts, and market volatility on changes in income inequality is of great interest to policymakers. However, such estimation can be difficult due to the complex interactions and evolutions in the social and economic environment. Through an extended decomposition framework, this paper estimates the effect of four main components (policy, demography, market income and other factors) on the year‐over‐year changes in income inequality in Australia between 2002 and 2016. This was a period marked by substantial policy, population, and economic shifts due to factors such as the mining boom, the global financial crisis and increasing immigration. The framework also incorporates a flexible non‐parametric market income model which captures demand‐side shock better than a standard parametric model. Our results suggest that market income was the primary driver of income inequality for all segments of the income distribution in Australia over the past 15 years. Policy factors, moreover, have had the largest net impact on reducing inequality overall, especially for lower income earners.
Controls on carbonate platform architecture and reef recovery across the Palaeozoic to Mesozoic transition: A high‐resolution analysis of the Great Bank of Guizhou
Authors: Kelley Brian M. , Lehrmann Daniel J. , Yu Meiyi , Jost Adam B. , Meyer Katja M. , Lau Kimberly V. , Altiner Demir , Li Xiaowei , Minzoni Marcello , Schaal Ellen K. , Payne Jonathan L.
Published: April 2020

Carbonate platforms spanning intervals of global change provide an opportunity to identify causal links between the evolution of marine environment and depositional architecture. This study investigates the controls on platform geometry across the Palaeozoic to Mesozoic transition and yields new stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental constraints on the Great Bank of Guizhou, a latest Permian to earliest Late Triassic isolated carbonate platform in the Nanpanjiang Basin of south China. Reconstruction of platform architecture was achieved by integrating field mapping, petrography, biostratigraphy, satellite imagery analysis andδ13C chemostratigraphy. In contrast to previous interpretations, this study indicates that: (i) the Great Bank of Guizhou transitioned during Early Triassic time from a low‐relief bank to a platform with high relief above the basin floor (up to 600 m) and steep slope angles (preserved up to 50°); and (ii) the oldest‐known platform‐margin reef of the Mesozoic Era grew along steep, prograding clinoforms in an outer‐margin to lower‐slope environment. Increasing platform relief during Early Triassic time was caused by limited sediment delivery to the basin margin and a high rate of accommodation creation driven by Indosinian convergence. The steep upper Olenekian (upper Lower Triassic) slope is dominated by well‐cemented grainstone, suggesting that high carbonate saturation states led to syndepositional or rapid post‐depositional sediment stabilization. Latest Spathian reef initiation coincided with global cooling following Early Triassic global warmth. The first Triassic framework‐building metazoans on the Great Bank of Guizhou were small calcareous sponges restricted to deeper water settings, but early Mesozoic reef builders were volumetrically dominated byTubiphytes, a fossil genus of uncertain taxonomic affinity. In aggregate, the stratigraphic architecture of the Great Bank of Guizhou records sedimentary response to long‐term environmental and biological recovery from the end‐Permian mass extinction, highlighting the close connections among marine chemistry, marine ecosystems and carbonate depositional systems.
Systemic and muscular responses to effort‐matched short intervals and long intervals in elite cyclists
Authors: Almquist Nicki W. , Nygaard Håvard , Vegge Geir , Hammarström Daniel , Ellefsen Stian , Rønnestad Bent R.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of time‐ and effort‐matched high‐intensity intervals on physiological, endocrine, and skeletal muscle molecular variables in elite cyclists. Eight elite cyclists performed short intervals (SI: 30‐seconds) and long intervals (LI: 5‐minutes) with work:recovery ratio 2:1, using a randomized crossover design. SI was associated with 14% ± 3% higher mean power output (SI; 421 ± 27 vs LI; 371 ± 22 W), and longer working time above 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, 54% ± 76%) and 90% peak heart rate (HRpeak, 153% ± 148%) than LI (all P < .05), despite similar degrees of perceived exertion, blood lactate levels and muscle activation measured using EMG root mean square (EMG rms). In blood, SI was associated with more pronounced increases in testosterone and testosterone‐to‐sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) ratios, as well as prolonged cortisol responses (P < .05). In skeletal muscle (m. Vastus lateralis), SI and LI led to similar changes in mRNA abundance for a range of transcripts, with the exception of NHE1 mRNA, which decreased after SI (P < .05). Overall, SI was associated with more pronounced physiological and endocrine responses than LI in elite cyclists, suggesting that such training might lead to superior adaptations in elite cyclists.