bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What’s Wrong with Temporary Protected Status and How to Fix It: Exploring a Complementary Protection Regime
Authors: Frelick Bill
Published: February 2020

Executive Summary

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) became part of the US protection regime in 1990 to expand protection beyond what had been available under the US Refugee Act of 1980, which had limited asylum to those who met the refugee definition from the United Nations’ 1951 Refugee Convention. The TPS statute authorized the attorney general to designate foreign countries for TPS based on armed conflict, environmental disasters, and other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent designated nationals from returning in safety. While providing blanket protection that very likely has saved lives, TPS has nonetheless proven to be a blunt instrument that has frustrated advocates on both sides of the larger immigration debate.

This article evaluates the purpose and effectiveness of the TPS statute and identifies inadequacies in the TPS regime and related protection gaps in the US asylum system. It argues that TPS has not proven to be an effective mechanism for the United States to protect foreigners from generalized conditions of danger in their home countries. It calls for changing the US protection regime to make it more responsive to the risks many asylum seekers actually face by creating a broader “complementary protection” standard and a more effective procedure for assessing individual protection claims, while reserving “temporary protection” for rare situations of mass influx that overwhelm the government’s capacity to process individual asylum claims.

The article looks at alternative models for complementary protection from other jurisdictions, and shows how the US asylum and TPS system (in contrast to most other jurisdictions) fails to provide a mechanism for protecting arriving asylum seekers who do not qualify as refugees but who nevertheless would be at real risk of serious harm based on cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment or because of situations of violence or other exceptional circumstances, including natural or human-made disasters or other serious events that disturb public order, that would threaten their lives or personal security.

The article proposes that the United States adopt an individualized complementary protection standard for arriving asylum seekers who are not able to meet the 1951 Refugee Convention standard but who would face a serious threat to life or physical integrity if returned because of a real risk of (1) cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; (2) violence; or (3) exceptional situations, for which there is no adequate domestic remedy.
Caste Conflicts on Campuses: Examining Diversity Research to Transform Indian Universities into Inclusive Learning Spaces
Authors: Rathod Bharat
Published: February 2020

The presence of a significant and growing population of lower caste students on college campuses has been perceived as a challenge to the historical hegemony of higher castes. Therefore, in the last decade alone, numerous incidents of caste-based discrimination and suicides of Dalit students have been reported on the campuses across the country. However, there is scarcely any research on the changed demographic in higher education and its implications on students and the campus climate. The student diversity without institutional policy to benefiting from the diversity, higher education institutions are facing social justice, discrimination and diversity issues. The article explores diversity research from the United States (US) higher education contexts to develop a theoretical understanding and discusses the significance of campus climate frameworks to assess students’ perceptions and experiences about their campuses. The campus climate scholarship suggests that institutional commitment to diversity fosters learning outcomes of all students and facilitates critical institutional support to marginalized students. Further, a systematic understanding of the campus climate that can lead to an institutional policy reform to foster a more inclusive and democratic ethos in Indian universities.
A Novel Mechanism Underlying Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube-Triggered Tomato Lateral Root Formation: the Involvement of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Cao Zeyu , Zhou Heng , Kong Lingshuai , Li Longna , Wang Rong , Shen Wenbiao
Published: February 2020

Abundant studies revealed that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are toxic to plants. However, whether or how MWCNTs influence lateral root (LR) formation, which is an important component of the adaptability of the root system to various environmental cues, remains controversial. In this report, we found that MWCNTs could enter into tomato seedling roots. The administration with MWCNTs promoted tomato LR formation in an approximately dose-dependent fashion. Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production was triggered by MWCNTs, confirmed by Greiss reagent method, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), together with the scavenger of NO. A cause-effect relationship exists between MWCNTs and NO in the induction of LR development, since MWCNT-triggered NO synthesis and LR formation were obviously blocked by the removal of endogenous NO with its scavenger. The activity of NO generating enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) was increased in response to MWCNTs. Tungstate inhibition of NR not only impaired NO production, but also abolished LR formation triggered by MWCNTs. The addition of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), an inhibitor of mammalian nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like enzyme, failed to influence LR formation. Collectively, we proposed that NO might act as a downstream signaling molecule in MWCNT control of LR development, at least partially via NR.
Effects of no-till and rice varieties on nitrogen and phosphorus balance in rice fields
Authors: Yang Jiao , Liang Xinqiang , Li Hua , Chen Yanfeng , Tian Guangming
Published: February 2020

Background

Nutrient balance in rice paddy fields can change under different tillage management practices; however, the extent of the change may differ for various rice varieties. A field experiment was conducted over 2 successive years to clarify the effects of no-till and rice varieties on the apparent balance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Four treatments: no-till/japonica rice (NTJ), no-till/glutinous rice (NTG), conventional tillage/japonica rice (CTJ), and conventional tillage/glutinous rice (CTG) with three replicates of each were established to test the hypothesis that no-till and japonica rice can improve the apparent balance of nutrients.

Results

The tillage method and rice variety had interactive effects on the apparent balance of N and P. After the 2-year experiment, total N and P pools in the 20 cm surface soil layer were highest under the NTJ treatment (4757.0 kg N ha−1, 2428.5 kg P ha−1) and lowest under the CTG treatments (4726.3 kg N ha−1, 2412.0 kg P ha−1). Under no-till conditions, japonica rice had higher grain yield but lower straw biomass than that of glutinous rice. NTG treatment significantly increased the N and P content in rice grains and straw. The environmental losses of N and P in the rice fields mainly occurred during the rice season. Based on nutrient balance estimation, N losses in the NTJ, NTG, and CTJ treatments were reduced by 15.03 kg N ha−1, 11.55 kg N ha−1, 6.72 kg N ha−1, respectively, as compared with that of the CTG treatment. The corresponding P losses were reduced by 8.02 kg P ha−1, 7.84 kg P ha−1, and 3.96 kg P ha−1. In terms of economic benefits, NTJ also resulted in the highest actual income (2724.25 US dollars) and the highest ratio of production investment (6.40).

Conclusion

No-till was more likely to maintain soil N and P nutrients than conventional tillage, and this advantage was most significant when planting japonica rice. In addition, no-till was conducive to N and P uptake by rice, but only japonica rice exhibited increased grain yield. Consequently, the NTJ treatment was recommended to improve the N and P balance.
Polychlorinated biphenyls in the drinking water source of the Yangtze River: characteristics and risk assessment
Authors: Cui Xiaoai , Dong Jing , Huang Zhifeng , Liu Chengyou , Qiao Xiaocui , Wang Xing , Zhao Xingru , Zheng Binghui , Shen Jinshan
Published: February 2020

Background

As the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze River flows through the most industrialized cities in China and provides critical ecological services for agriculture, industry, and transportation. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been banned for many years, but trace amounts of PCBs still exist as persistent organic pollutant in drinking water and are an ecotoxicological problem. In this work, we collected water, sediment, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples along the Yangtze River, to study the distribution and transport of PCBs for the risk assessment of the Yangtze River as a drinking water source.

Results

The ΣPCBs concentrations in water, sediment, and SPM ranged in 0.04–11 ng/L, 0.33–69 ng/g, and 0.72–153 ng/L, respectively. The main pollutants were PCB17, 18, 28, 47, and 118 in the Yangtze River. The ffSW value of PCB18 and PCB28 all exceeded 0.50, whereas the ffSW value of PCB47 and PCB118 (except for PCB118 at Y-4) was less than 0.50. The toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) range of PCBs in water and in sediment was ND–5.55 pg-TEQ/L and ND–2.51 pg-TEQ/g, respectively.

Conclusions

In both water and sediment, lower chlorinated PCBs are dominant in the middle reaches and higher chlorinated PCBs are dominant at downstream. In contrast, SPM is dominated by tetra-CBs. The ffSW values reveal a net redissolution of lower PCBs from sediments to water but a net sorption of higher PCBs from water to sediment. The PCBs in water and sediment at downstream pose potential ecological risk, but the drinking water does not have a non-carcinogenic risk for humans.
Factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis at a university health center
Authors: Morley Valerie J. , Firgens Emily P. C. , Vanderbilt Rachel R. , Zhou Yanmengqian , Zook Michelle , Read Andrew F. , MacGeorge Erina L.
Published: February 2020

Background

Antibiotics are not indicated for treating acute bronchitis cases, yet up to 70% of adult acute bronchitis medical visits in the USA result in an antibiotic prescription. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis is a key antibiotic stewardship goal set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding what factors influence prescribing for bronchitis cases can inform antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with antibiotic prescribing at a high-volume student health center at a large US university. The Pennsylvania State University Health Services offers on-campus medical care to a population of over 40,000 students and receives over 50,000 visits every year.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of acute bronchitis visits for the 2015–2016 academic year and used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with antibiotic prescribing.

Results

Findings during lung exams increased the likelihood of an antibiotic prescription (rales OR 13.95, 95% CI 3.31–80.73; rhonchi OR 5.50, 95% CI 3.08–10.00; percussion abnormality OR 13.02, 95% CI 4.00–50.09). Individual clinicians had dramatically different rates of prescribing (OR range 0.03–12.3). Male patients were more likely than female patients to be prescribed antibiotics (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17–2.41). Patients who reported longer duration since the onset of symptoms were slightly more likely to receive prescriptions (OR 1.04 per day, 95% CI 1.03–1.06), as were patients who reported worsening symptoms (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.03–3.10). Visits with diagnoses or symptoms associated with viral infections or allergies were less likely to result in prescriptions (upper respiratory tract infection (URI) diagnosis OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18–0.58; sneezing OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.86; vomiting OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.10–0.83). An exam finding of anterior cervical lymphadenopathy was associated with antibiotic prescribing (tender OR 3.85, 95% CI 1.70–8.83; general OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.25–5.54).

Conclusions

Suspicious findings during lung examinations (rales, rhonchi, percussion abnormality) and individual healthcare providers were important factors influencing antibiotic prescribing rates for acute bronchitis visits. Patient gender, worsening symptoms, duration of illness, symptoms associated with viral infections or allergies, and anterior cervical lymphadenopathy also influenced prescribing rates.
Epidemiology of 10-year paediatric renal biopsies in the region of southern Croatia
Authors: Arapović Adela , Vukojević Katarina , Filipović Natalija , Glavina Durdov Merica , Ljubanović-Galešić Danica , Saraga-Babić Mirna , Prgomet Sandra , Simičić Majce Ana , Belavić Anja , Borić Škaro Dijana , Ljutić Dragan , Saraga Marijan
Published: February 2020

Background

Information about renal diseases in children is available from national registries of renal biopsies. Aim of the study was to compare the clinical presentation of glomerular diseases and tubulointerstitial space diseases with pathohistological diagnosis of indicated renal biopsies from pediatric population in the Croatian region of Dalmatia.

Methods

Out of 231 pediatric patients with suspected glomerular and tubulointerstitial diseases, 54 underwent ultrasound-guided renal biopsy at University Hospital of Split. Kidney allograft biopsy, and re-biopsy were excluded. The biopsy sections were examined under light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. The data was reviewed to determine the pathohistological spectrum and clinicopathologic correlations. We retrospectively analyzed kidney biopsy data from 2008 to 2017 and compared them to that between 1995 and 2005.

Results

The mean age of patients was 9.84 ± 5.4 years. Male:female ratio was 1.2:1. The main indications for biopsy were pure nephrotic syndrome without hematuria (25.9%), non-nephrotic proteinuria with haematuria (22.2%), nephritic syndrome with nephrotic proteinuria (18.5%), and isolated hematuria (16.7%). The most common pathohistological findings were IgA nephropathy (IgAN, 24.1%), minimal change disease (MCD, 16.7%), Henoch-Schönlein purpura glomerulonephritis (HSPN, 14.8%), Alport syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (AS and FSGS, 11.1% each), tubulointerstitial nephritis and membranous glomerulopathy (TIN and MGN, 3.7% each), while other cases were diagnosed rarely.

Conclusions

Changes in epidemiology of renal diseases in children between the analyzed periods showed an increasing trend of IgAN, MCD, HSPN, AS and FSGS, while mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) and endoproliferative glomerulonephritis (EDGN) showed a decreasing trend that can be explained with the new pathohistological classification.
The learning curve of one anastomosis gastric bypass and its impact as a preceding procedure to Roux-en Y gastric bypass: initial experience of one hundred and five consecutive cases
Authors: Lo Hung-Chieh
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the learning curve of one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB-MGB) at the start of a low volume bariatric unit and analyze its impact as a preceding procedure to Roux-en Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

From January 2014 to December 2017, all patients who underwent bariatric surgeries in our teaching hospital that were performed by the same surgeon were enrolled. The first 47 patients who underwent OAGB-MGB were assigned to group A. RYGB has been offered as a treatment option since July 2016; thereafter, 26 patients who underwent OAGB-MGB and 32 patients who underwent RYGB at the same time interval were assigned to group B and group C, respectively. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes and percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) up to 12 months postoperatively were collected and analyzed between groups.

Results

Compared to the patients in group C, those in groups A and B were older (39.4 yrs. and 42.2 yrs., respectively, vs. 34.2 yrs.; p = 0.021) and predominantly male (48.9 and 73.1%, respectively vs. 40.6%; p = 0.04), and they had a higher body mass index (41.8 kg/m2 and 43.3 kg/m2, respectively vs. 37.7 kg/m2; p = 0.002) and a higher incidence of hypertension (44.7 and 61.5%, respectively vs. 21.9%; p = 0.008). In addition, the operation time was significantly reduced (118.2 min and 115.8 min, respectively vs. 153.1 min; p <  0.001), and the length of stay was shortened (3.0 days and 2.9 days, respectively vs. 3.4 days; p = 0.002) in groups B and C compared to group A. No mortality, conversion or leakage was reported throughout the study period. The 30-day complication rate was decreased in group C compared to groups A and B (0% vs. 6.4 and 7.7%, respectively; p = 0.307). The %TWL at the 12-month follow-up was 36.3, 30.9 and 28.3% for groups A, B and C, respectively (p <  0.001).

Conclusion

Our study verified the early emergence of a learning curve effect for OAGB-MGB, and the proficiency acquired can be transferred to subsequent practice for RYGB in terms of acceptable operation time and length of stay without an increase in complications.
Computational modeling of the effects of autophagy on amyloid-β peptide levels
Authors: Han Kyungreem , Kim Soon Ho , Choi MooYoung
Published: February 2020

Background

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved intracellular process that is used for delivering proteins and organelles to the lysosome for degradation. For decades, autophagy has been speculated to regulate amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) accumulation, which is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, specific autophagic effects on the Aβ kinetics only have begun to be explored.

Results

We develop a mathematical model for autophagy with respect to Aβ kinetics and perform simulations to understand the quantitative relationship between Aβ levels and autophagy activity. In the case of an abnormal increase in the Aβ generation, the degradation, secretion, and clearance rates of Aβ are significantly changed, leading to increased levels of Aβ. When the autophagic Aβ degradation is defective in addition to the increased Aβ generation, the Aβ-regulation failure is accompanied by elevated concentrations of autophagosome and autolysosome, which may further clog neurons.

Conclusions

The model predicts that modulations of different steps of the autophagy pathway (i.e., Aβ sequestration, autophagosome maturation, and intralysosomal hydrolysis) have significant step-specific and combined effects on the Aβ levels and thus suggests therapeutic and preventive implications of autophagy in AD.
Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Grip Glove: enabling independence amongst persons with severe hand impairments after stroke
Authors: Yurkewich Aaron , Kozak Illya J. , Hebert Debbie , Wang Rosalie H. , Mihailidis Alex
Published: February 2020

Background

The Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Grip Glove was iteratively designed to meet requests from therapists and persons after a stroke who have severe hand impairment to create a device that extends all five fingers, enhances grip strength and is portable, lightweight, easy to put on, comfortable and affordable.

Methods

Eleven persons who have minimal or no active finger extension (Chedoke McMaster Stage of Hand 1–4) post-stroke were recruited to evaluate how well they could perform activities of daily living and finger function assessments with and without wearing the HERO Grip Glove.

Results

The 11 participants showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.01), while wearing the HERO Grip Glove, in the water bottle grasp and manipulation task (increase of 2.3 points, SD 1.2, scored using the Chedoke Hand and Arm Inventory scale from 1 to 7) and in index finger extension (increase of 147o, SD 44) and range of motion (increase of 145o, SD 36). The HERO Grip Glove provided 12.7 N (SD 8.9 N) of grip force and 11.0 N (SD 4.8) of pinch force to their affected hands, which enabled those without grip strength to grasp and manipulate blocks, a fork and a water bottle, as well as write with a pen. The participants were ‘more or less satisfied’ with the HERO Grip Glove as an assistive device (average of 3.3 out of 5 on the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology 2.0 Scale). The highest satisfaction scores were given for safety and security (4.6) and ease of use (3.8) and the lowest satisfaction scores were given for ease of donning (2.3), which required under 5 min with assistance. The most common requests were for greater grip strength and a smaller glove size for small hands.

Conclusions

The HERO Grip Glove is a safe and effective tool for enabling persons with a stroke that have severe hand impairment to incorporate their affected hand into activities of daily living, which may motivate greater use of the affected upper extremity in daily life to stimulate neuromuscular recovery.
Real-world approach to managing dysgeusia following the use of esketamine nasal spray: a case report
Authors: Bossaller Nicholas A. , Shelton Richard C.
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with depression who are treated with esketamine nasal spray may commonly experience dysgeusia (bad/metallic/bitter taste) and related side effects such as nausea and vomiting. While pretreatment with antiemetics can mitigate or prevent nausea and vomiting, it may not address dysgeusia as a contributing factor. Alternative interventions could help to manage vomiting due to dysgeusia following administration of esketamine nasal spray in those patients who are affected.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old man presented to the emergency department with depression and started treatment with an oral antidepressant. After providing informed consent to participate in a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of esketamine for major depressive disorder with active suicidal ideation with intent, he received 84 mg of esketamine nasal spray twice per week for 4 weeks. On the first 2 days of esketamine administration, the patient reported dysgeusia lasting several hours and intermittent retching lasting approximately 20 min. The patient was then given a fruit punch–flavored powdered drink (Crystal Light Fruit Punch™) approximately 25 min after nasal spray administration during the study period. The use of a fruit punch drink resulted in notable improvement of dysgeusia and associated vomiting, with time to resolution occurring within 30 min of the report of the adverse event.

Conclusions

A fruit punch–flavored powdered drink mix taken shortly after administration of esketamine nasal spray may rapidly manage and prevent vomiting due to dysgeusia.
FMRpolyG accumulates in FMR1 premutation granulosa cells
Authors: Friedman-Gohas M. , Elizur S. E. , Dratviman-Storobinsky O. , Aizer A. , Haas J. , Raanani H. , Orvieto R. , Cohen Y.
Published: February 2020

Background

Fragile X premutation (Amplification of CGG number 55–200) is associated with increased risk for fragile X-Associated Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (FXPOI) in females and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) predominantly in males. Recently, it has been shown that CGG repeats trigger repeat associated non-AUG initiated translation (RAN) of a cryptic polyglycine-containing protein, FMRpolyG. This protein accumulates in ubiquitin-positive inclusions in neuronal brain cells of FXTAS patients and may lead to protein-mediated neurodegeneration. FMRpolyG inclusions were also found in ovary stromal cells of a FXPOI patient. The role of FMRpolyG expression has not been thoroughly examined in folliculogenesis related cells. The main goal of this study is to evaluate whether FMRpolyG accumulates in mural granulosa cells of FMR1 premutation carriers. Following FMRpolyG detection, we aim to examine premutation transfected COV434 as a suitable model used to identify RAN translation functions in FXPOI pathogenesis.

Results

FMRpolyG and ubiquitin immunostained mural granulosa cells from six FMR1 premutation carriers demonstrated FMRpolyG aggregates. However, co-localization of FMRpolyG and ubiquitin appeared to vary within the FMR1 premutation carriers’ group as three exhibited partial ubiquitin and FMRpolyG double staining and three premutation carriers demonstrated FMRpolyG single staining. None of the granulosa cells from the five control women expressed FMRpolyG. Additionally, human ovarian granulosa tumor, COV434, were transfected with two plasmids; both expressing 99CGG repeats but only one enables FMRpolyG expression. Like in granulosa cells from FMR1 premutation carriers, FMRpolyG aggregates were found only in COV434 transfected with expended CGG repeats and the ability to express FMRpolyG.

Conclusions

Corresponding with previous studies in FXTAS, we demonstrated accumulation of FMRpolyG in mural granulosa cells of FMR1 premutation carriers. We also suggest that following further investigation, the premutation transfected COV434 might be an appropriate model for RAN translation studies. Detecting FMRpolyG accumulation in folliculogenesis related cells supports previous observations and imply a possible common protein-mediated toxic mechanism for both FXPOI and FXTAS.
Effects of vitamin D and/or magnesium supplementation on mood, serum levels of BDNF, inflammatory biomarkers, and SIRT1 in obese women: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Abiri Behnaz , Vafa Mohammadreza
Published: February 2020

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that vitamin D and magnesium have anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects. Dietary intake of magnesium is associated with reduced body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, as well as inflammatory biomarkers and depressive symptoms. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to inflammation, obesity, and depressive symptoms. This study will test the effects of vitamin D and magnesium co-supplementation on mood, serum level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammation, and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in obese women.

Methods

We will conduct an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in a factorial design, to evaluate the individual effects of vitamin D and magnesium, and co-supplementation of them, on mood, serum level of BDNF, inflammation, and SIRT1 in 108 obese women.

Discussion

We hypothesize that vitamin D and magnesium co-supplementation may provide a new adjuvant therapy through modulation of BDNF, inflammation, and SIRT1 in obese women.

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20090822002365N23. Registered on 16 August 2019.
Exclusion rates in randomized controlled trials of treatments for physical conditions: a systematic review
Authors: He Jinzhang , Morales Daniel R. , Guthrie Bruce
Published: February 2020

Background

The generalisability of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be uncertain because the impact of exclusion criteria is rarely quantified. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies examining the percentage of clinical populations with a physical health condition who would be excluded by RCTs of treatments for that condition.

Methods

Medline and Embase were searched from inception to Feb 11th 2018. Two reviewers independently completed screening, full-text review, data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients in the clinical population who would have been excluded from each examined trial. Subgroup analyses examined exclusion by population setting, publication date and funding source.

Results

Titles/abstracts (20,754) were screened, and 50 studies were included which reported exclusion rates from 305 trials of treatments in 31 physical conditions. Estimated rates of exclusion from trials varied from 0% to 100%, and the median exclusion rate was 77.1% of patients (interquartile range 55.5% to 89.0% exclusion). Median exclusion rates for trials in common chronic conditions were high, including hypertension 83.0%, type 2 diabetes 81.7%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 84.3%, and asthma 96.0%. The most commonly applied exclusion criteria related to age, co-morbidity and co-prescribing, whereas more implicit criteria relating to life expectancy or functional status were not typically examined. There was no evidence that exclusion varied by the nature of the clinical population in which exclusion was evaluated or trial funding source. There was no statistically significant change in exclusion rates in more recent compared with older trials.

Conclusions

The majority of trials of treatments for physical conditions examined excluded the majority of patients with the condition being treated. Almost a quarter of the trials studied excluded over 90% of patients, more than half of trials excluded at least three quarters of patients, and four out of five trials excluded at least half of patients. A limitation is that most studies applied only a subset of eligibility criteria, so exclusion rates are likely under-estimated. Exclusion from trials of older people and people with co-morbidity and co-prescribing is increasingly untenable given population aging and increasing multimorbidity.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration CRD42016042282.
Selected bacterial strains enhance phosphorus availability from biochar-based rock phosphate fertilizer
Authors: de Amaral Leite Aline , de Souza Cardoso Arnon Afonso , de Almeida Leite Rafael , de Oliveira-Longatti Silvia Maria , Filho José Ferreira Lustosa , de Souza Moreira Fatima Maria , Melo Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The co-pyrolysis of biomass and soluble phosphates generates biochar-based phosphate fertilizers (BBF), which may enhance phosphorus (P) input in soil and P uptake by plants. Conversely, pyrolysis of biomass impregnated with rock phosphate results in low P solubility and may not supplement plant requirement in short term. However, bacterial strains promoting rock phosphate solubilization increases P use efficiency and can be applied to BBFs.

Methods

An in vitro assay was conducted to investigate the solubilization profile of five bacterial strains (Pseudomonas sp.—UFPI-B5-8A, Burkholderia fungorum—UFLA 04-155, Acinetobacter sp.—UFLA 03-09, Paenebacillus kribbensis—UFLA 03-10, and Paenibacillus sp.—UFLA 03-116) isolated from common bean and cowpea nodules in a rock phosphate BBF. Additionally, a pot trial was carried out aiming to investigate the influence on maize growth by inoculation of three selected strains under a rock phosphate BBF fertilization.

Results

Inoculations with UFPI B5-8A, UFLA 04-155, and UFLA 03-09 were efficient in solubilizing P in vitro, being closely associated with pH decrease, likely due to the release of organic acids. As for the pot trial, the dose of 400 mg kg−1 of P in the BBF using UFPI B5-8A significantly increased maize shoot dry matter. All strains significantly enhanced P availability in the soil.

Conclusions

Bacterial inoculation in biochar-based rock phosphate aiming to improve its fertilizer value is an inexpensive and sustainable strategy to improve maize growth and enhance available P in soil and should be further explored.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue 10 years after radical nephrectomy: a case report
Authors: Chin Wenjie , Cao Linping , Liu Xi , Ye Yufu , Liu Yuanxing , Yu Jun , Zheng Shusen
Published: February 2020

Background

Synchronous renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue is very rare. Unusual metastatic sites require attention during follow-up of renal cell carcinoma. It is extremely rare for renal cell carcinoma to metastasize to the pancreas; it is also very rare for it to metastasize to the subcutaneous tissue and extremely rare for it to synchronously metastasize to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue almost a decade after radical nephrectomy. It is well known that most pancreatic tumors are primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, the pancreas can also be an uncommon site for metastasis. We present a rare case of synchronous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue; we believe it to be only the second such case reported to date.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 74-year-old Chinese man who was diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue at the same time, 10 years after left radical nephrectomy. He received distal pancreatectomy with spleen preservation plus resection of the subcutaneous tissue lesions on the left side of the anterior abdominal wall and right waist. Pathology showed that all resected metastatic tumors were of the clear cell type. The patient was seen in regular follow-up afterward.

Conclusion

Synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue is very rare, and it might occur after primary tumor resection. Patients must undergo lifelong monitoring and follow-up with regular examination so that any possible metastasis can be detected early. The optimal resection strategy should involve adequate resection margins and maximal tissue preservation of the pancreas, because renal cell carcinoma metastasizing to the pancreas and subcutaneous tissue has a good prognosis with long-term survival.
Insulin-like growth factor-II overexpression accelerates parthenogenetic stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes and improves cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Sui Yi , Zhang Wei , Tang Tao , Gao Lili , Cao Ting , Zhu Hongbo , You Qinghua , Yu Bo , Yang Tao
Published: February 2020

Background

Parthenogenetic stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of regenerated cardiomyocytes; however, their application may be limited without a paternal genome. Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), a paternally expressed growth hormone, is critical in embryonic differentiation. This study investigated whether forced expression of IGF-II in PSCs can accelerate their differentiation.

Methods

Overexpression and re-knockdown of IGF-II in PSCs were performed to investigate the role of IGF-II in PSC differentiation. The derivatives of PSCs with different IGF-II manipulations were transplanted into infarcted murine hearts to investigate the role of IGF-II in cardiomyocyte differentiation in vivo.

Results

Data showed that the expression of cardiac troponin T and troponin I in IGF-II-PSC outgrowths preceded that of parental PSC outgrowths, suggesting that IGF-II can accelerate PSC differentiation into cardiac lineage. Overexpression of IGF-II accelerated PSC differentiation towards cardiomyocytes while inhibiting PSC proliferation via the IGF-II/IGF1R signaling. Similar to that observed in cardiac marker expression, on differentiation day 24, IGF-II-PSCs showed PCNA and cyclin D2 expression comparable to juvenile mouse cardiomyocytes, showing that IGF-II-PSCs at this stage possess differential and proliferative properties similar to those of juvenile cardiomyocytes. Moreover, the expression pattern of cardiac markers in IGF-II-overexpressing PSC derivatives resembled that of juvenile mouse cardiomyocytes. After transplantation into the infarcted mouse hearts, IGF-II-PSC-derived cardiomyocytes displayed significant characteristics of mature cardiomyocytes, and IGF-II-depletion by shRNA significantly reversed these effects, suggesting the critical role of IGF-II in promoting cardiomyocyte maturation in vivo. Furthermore, IGF-II-overexpressing PSC derivatives reduced collagen deposition and mitochondrial damage in the infarcted areas and improved cardiac function. The re-knockdown of IGF-II could counteract these favorable effects of IGF-II.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the ectopic expression of IGF-II accelerates PSC differentiation into the cardiac lineage and promotes cardiomyocyte maturation. The underlying process includes the IGF-II/IGF1R signaling, which is involved in the suppressive effect of IGF-II on PSC proliferation. Moreover, transplanting IGF-II-overexpressing PSC derivatives into the infarcted heart could reduce collagen deposition and improve mitochondria biogenesis and measurements of cardiac function, highlighting the importance of IGF-II in the application of PSCs in cardiac regeneration.
A parallel WOA with two communication strategies applied in DV-Hop localization method
Authors: Chai Qing-wei , Chu Shu-Chuan , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Hu Pei , Zheng Wei-min
Published: February 2020

Wireless sensor network (WSN) can effectively help us monitor the surrounding environment and prevent the occurrence of some natural disasters earlier, but we can only get the information of the surrounding environment correctly if we know the locations of nodes. How to know the exact positions of nodes is a strict challenge in WSN. Intelligent computing algorithms have been developed in recent years. They easily solve complex optimization problems, especially for those that cannot be modeled mathematically. This paper proposes a novel algorithm, named parallel whale optimization algorithm (PWOA). It contains two information exchange strategies between groups, and it significantly enhances global search ability and population diversity of the original whale optimization algorithm (WOA). Also, the algorithm is adopted to optimize the localization of WSN. Twenty-three mathematical optimization functions are accustomed to verifying the efficiency and effectiveness of the novel approach. Compared with some existing intelligent computing algorithms, the proposed PWOA may reach better results.
Novel nanomaterials to stabilise the canvas support of paintings assessed from a conservator’s point of view
Authors: Oriola-Folch Marta , Campo-Francés Gema , Nualart-Torroja Anna , Ruiz-Recasens Cristina , Bautista-Morenilla Iris
Published: February 2020

During conservation treatment, consolidants and deacidifying agents can be added to the canvas of a painting to mechanically stabilise it and counteract the acidity that promotes degradation. In this study, new stabilising consolidants and deacidifying agents based on different nanoparticles (silica, calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose nanocrystals) were tested in comparison to traditionally used products. These products were applied onto different types of canvasses, and colour, gloss and pH changes were analysed. Conservators’ subjective perceptions on the ease of application and the final visual results of the products were also assessed. Specifically, conservators were asked to examine the drying time and the ease of use of the products, as well as any changes in stiffness, darkening or whitening caused by the products on the canvasses. The best products were the ones based on calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide and cellulose nanocrystals. Cellulose nanofibrils are also promising consolidants because they are highly compatible with the chemical nature of painting canvasses.
A simple characterization methodology for the identification of the visco-elastic behavior of thermoset adhesives during cure
Authors: Girard Marion , Péron Mael , Uguen Alexandre , Casari Pascal , Jacquemin Frédéric
Published: February 2020

The identification of the mechanical behavior of adhesives is necessary to describe the development of residual stresses during their curing, which might impact their mechanical strength and lead to early failure of the bonding. A simple characterization and modeling approach is therefore developed and presented, which permits to monitor and identify the mechanical behavior of a thermosetting adhesive during the whole curing process. The test method is based on a compressive test, which consists in applying a periodic displacement and recording the subsequent load variations during cure. The test set-up relies on a simple apparatus as it consists in steel cylinders mounted on a standard tensile test machine. The analysis of the mechanical behavior is based on an analytical description of a visco-elastic constitutive law following the Maxwell model, leading to the identification of the material apparent viscosity and Young’s modulus. This characterization methodology is applied to an epoxy adhesive during cure. The obtained mechanical properties are in good agreement with values provided by the material supplier, which permits to validate the developed methodology.
Correction to: Stress state along the western Nankai Trough subduction zone inferred from b-values, long-term slow-slip events, and low-frequency earthquakes
Authors: Chiba Keita
Published: February 2020

In the original publication of this article (Chiba 2020), the Fig. 2 should contain a color bar which explains values of catalog complete magnitude, Mc. The correct figures are below:
Killian-Jamieson diverticulum safely resected using a manual intraoperative neural monitoring system: a case report
Authors: Ataka Ryo , Tsunoda Shigeru , Goto Saori , Nishigori Tatsuto , Hisamori Shigeo , Obama Kazutaka , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: February 2020

Background

Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is a rare pharyngoesophageal diverticulum. The risk of intraoperative injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is high during surgical resection of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum because the RLN usually runs next to the base of the diverticulum. We present a case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum that was safely resected with effective use of an intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) system with a handheld stimulating probe to prevent RLN injury.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man complaining of dysphagia was diagnosed with Killian-Jamieson diverticulum and underwent open transcervical diverticulectomy. Because the anterior aspect of the diverticulum was expected to be close to the RLN, the accurate location of the RLN was checked during dissection by intermittent stimulation using a handheld probe of the IONM system to avoid mechanical and thermal injury. The diverticulum was transected longitudinally using a linear stapler, and the staple line was buried using absorbable sutures from the distal end. During its closure, RLN was identified very close to the diverticulum stump by IONM, and the upper side of the stump was left unburied to avoid RLN injury. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 7. Postoperative evaluation showed no vocal cord paralysis.

Conclusion

IONM may be beneficial during open surgery for Killian-Jamieson diverticulum, which usually protrudes just lateral to the RLN.
GAPDH spike RNA as an alternative for housekeeping genes in relative gene expression assay using real-time PCR
Authors: Atwan Zeenah Weheed
Published: February 2020

Background and aim of study

qPCR is a robust technique which quantifies the expressions of target genes in relation to reference genes. Stresses such as virus infection or heat shock change expressions of many cellular genes including the reference genes, so the aim was to introduce a constant calibrator to normalize the data to.

Methodology

Constructed glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) plasmid was transcribed to GAPDH RNA and used as spike RNA. Spiked RNA samples were subjected to qPCR at different conditions such as virus infection, IFN treatment, or mild heat shock.

The results

Adenovirus hexon in interferon-deficient cells showed different expression levels when data were normalized to GAPDH or 18S. Consistently, hexon expression levels were different in untreated cells under the control or heat-shocked conditions when data were normalized to GAPDH or 18S. Promyelocytic leukemia protein II (PML-II) expression level was lower in HeLa-PML-II-deficient cells (PML-II-Kd) compared to the control when the data were normalized to GAPDH as a reference gene and also in GAPDH RNA spiked, which showed reasonable consistency. More consistent data were obtained when the GAPDH normalizer was added before the step of treating the extracted RNA with DNase compared to add it after the treatment or directly to the qPCR reaction.

Conclusion

The internal controls that were chosen for this study completely changed the experimental results since they were affected with the experimental conditions. However, GAPDH spike RNA level was stable in its amplification at different kinds of stresses. So it can be an alternative for housekeeping gene due to its stability at these different conditions.
The mediating effect of enterprise risk management implementation on operational excellence in the Malaysian oil and gas sector: a conceptual framework
Authors: Tasmin R. , Muazu M. H. , Nor Aziati A. H. , Zohadi N. L.
Published: February 2020

Globally, the challenges of the oil and gas industry are unique due to the nature of its operations that is full of risks. Issues like volatile market prices, health and safety, environmental performance and high cost of production are affecting the operational performance of the sector. These problems if left unchecked could change the level of production and revenue generation to the Malaysian government and would as well influence the country’s regional position in oil and gas production. As a result, many oil and gas firms including PETRONAS adopted operational excellence strategy, but some of the challenges kept re-occurring. It is against this circumstance that this research is aimed at determining the effect of enterprise risk management determinants on operational excellence in the Malaysian oil and gas industry. It is also aimed at exploring the mediating effect of enterprise risk management implementation on such a relationship. The article used a conceptual approach where journal articles, conference papers, professional reports, thesis and term papers were reviewed. Conceptual and theoretical frameworks were proposed in this paper, and literature was reviewed to lay a foundation for empirical research that would establish the relationship between the postulated variables in the study. Dimensions and measurement of the variables in the current study were drawn from earlier researches and recommendations. However, data were not collected, and a result of the analysis was not presented in the paper.
Child and adolescent psychiatry training curriculum: a global trainee's perspective
Authors: Gnanavel Sundar , Sharma Pawan , Sebela Antonin , Alemany Teresa Gomez , Chang Jane Pei-Chen , de Medeiros Filho Mauro Victor , Kusi-Mensah Kwabena , Kaligis Fransiska , Kato Hidekazu , Le Huu Kim , Morimoto Kana , Martsenkovskyi Dmytro , Singh Darpan Kaur Mohinder , Pawar Aditya , Seker Asilay , Sittanomai Napat , Syed Sifat-e , Karki Utkarsh , Parmar Arpit , Tan Marcus
Published: February 2020

This article is a summary of perspectives on training curricula from child and adolescent psychiatry trainees globally. We aimed to identify the relative strengths, weaknesses and gaps in learning needs from a trainee's perspective. The 20 early-career child psychiatrists who contributed are from 16 countries and represent all the five continents. We could identify some global challenges as well as local/regional challenges that need to be addressed to develop competent child psychiatrists.