bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structural efficiency of tapered steel section with perforation under lateral torsional buckling behaviour
Authors: De'nan Fatimah , Hashim Nor Salwani , Cheng Kuan Lim
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Tapered section can resist maximum stress at a single location while the stresses are considerably lower at the rest of the member; therefore, it could have higher structural efficiency compared to conventional section. It could also satisfy functional requirements while reducing weight and cost in many fields of civil construction. Perforation in the steel section also eases the integration of Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services such as ventilation pipes and electrical cables within the structural depths of the beam. In this analysis, the structural efficiency of tapered steel section with perforation under lateral-torsional buckling behaviour is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 81 models are analysed using LUSAS software and five variables are investigated which involved perforation sizes, perforation shapes, perforation layout, tapering ratio and flange and Web thickness. Buckling moment is obtained from the analysis results in LUSAS software, while self-weight and structural efficiency are manually calculated.

Findings

Perforation size of 0.75 D has the highest structural efficiency, although it can withstand a smaller buckling load. This is due to its lower self-weight compared to other perforation sizes. The square perforation shape also has the highest structural efficiency compared to circular perforation and diamond perforation. An increment of percentage in structural efficiency of the square perforation shape with 0.75 D is the highest at 3.07%. The circular perforation shape with 0.75 D (Open-Open-Open perforation layout) has the highest increment of percentage in structural efficiency which is 2.37%. The tapering ratio of 0.3 is the most efficient and an increment of percentage in structural efficiency is 114.36%. The flange thickness of 0.02 m and Web thickness of 0.015 m has the highest structural efficiency at 45.756 and 29.171, respectively.

Originality/value

In conclusion, a section should be able to resist the large buckling moment and has a lower self-weight to achieve high structural efficiency.
Contrasting biomass allocation responses across ontogeny and stress gradients reveal plant adaptations to drought and cold
Authors: Dolezal Jiri , Jandova Veronika , Macek Martin , Liancourt Pierre
Published: September 2020

How plants allocate their biomass to different organs is essential to understanding plant adaptations and distributions. Overall, biomass allocation may follow fixed rules across taxa. They are also likely to exhibit substantial departure from these rules during ontogeny and in response to particular limiting factors to optimize their growth and maximize their survival. However, how plants adjust their allocation priorities depending on size and age across stress gradients remain largely unknown in wild populations.

We examined ontogenetic variation in biomass allocation in Himalayan forb Potentilla pamirica across its 5,250–5,900‐m elevation range, between populations from dry steppe, wet alpine and cold subnival zone. We evaluated whether biomass allocation followed optimal partitioning or fixed allometric rules using organ mass in 1,019 individuals spanning 1–73 years.

We found shifting biomass fractions with plant size and age, supporting the optimal partitioning theory. Young plants (<10 years) allocated similar proportions of biomass to leaves, stems and roots, intermediate‐aged plants (10–30 years) allocated more biomass to roots, while the oldest plants had 90% biomass in below‐ground stems.

Major developmental processes including secondary thickening, branching and flowering begin 10–15 years earlier under more thermally favourable steppe conditions. Young steppe plants are larger than alpine and subnival plants, but these differences disappear in plants aged ~30, and the oldest alpine and subnival plants are larger than steppe plants.

Plant age exerted significant control over biomass allocation after controlling for plant size. While in steppe plants the preference for stem biomass allocation increases with both size and age, for large alpine and subnival plants the stem prioritization decreases with age in favour of root and leaf mass fractions. We interpret root and leaf prioritization in older plants as a way to reduce carbon imbalances and the risk of frost damage to secure long life.

Our analyses rejected ontogenetically fixed allometry and instead found high variation in biomass allocation depending on age, size and environment, supporting optimal partitioning theory. The uneven allocation of resources to different structures and functions during ontogenesis reflects plant adaptations to different levels of low‐temperature and water stress across species elevation range.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Predation and parasitism on herbivorous insects change in opposite directions in a latitudinal gradient crossing a boreal forest zone
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Zverev Vitali , Kozlov Mikhail V.
Published: September 2020

The latitudinal biotic interaction hypothesis (LBIH) predicts that the strength of various biotic interactions decreases from low to high latitudes. Inconsistency between studies testing this hypothesis may result from variations among different types of interactions and among study systems. Therefore, exploration of multiple interactions within one system would help to disentangle latitudinal patterns across individual interactions and to evaluate latitudinal changes in the overall impact of enemies on prey.

We tested the prediction based on the LBIH that the pressure of natural enemies on herbivorous insects decreases with increase in latitude across the boreal forest zone. We also asked whether the impacts of major groups of these enemies exhibit similar latitudinal patterns and whether these patterns are consistent across study years.

In 10 forest sites located from 60°N to 69°N in Northern Europe, each summer, from 2016 to 2019, we measured (a) mortality of three groups of leafmining insects caused by birds, ants, parasitoids and unknown factors, (b) bird attacks on caterpillar‐shaped plasticine models and (c) birch foliar damage caused by defoliators and leafminers.

Latitudinal patterns in both insect herbivory on birch and top‐down pressure on herbivorous insects varied considerably and inconsistently among the four study years, so that only some of the year‐specific correlations with latitude were statistically significant. Nevertheless, meta‐analysis combining correlations across years, preys and enemies revealed general decreases in predation by birds (on both natural and model prey) and ants, but an increase in parasitism rates, from low to high latitudes.

We found that the direction of latitudinal changes in the strength of biotic interactions was interaction‐specific: predation and herbivory supported LBIH, whereas parasitism exhibited an opposite trend. Consequently, the overall impact of natural enemies on herbivorous insects did not change with latitude and was therefore an unlikely reason for the poleward decrease in herbivory observed in our gradient. Considerable among‐year variation in the strength of the latitudinal patterns in all the studied interactions suggests that this variation is a widespread phenomenon.
Parallel responses of species diversity and functional diversity to changes in patch size are driven by distinct processes
Authors: Forsyth Leila Z. , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: September 2020

Do species and functional trait diversity respond similarly to deterministic and random processes? Theory predicts that the contributions of random and deterministic processes to species diversity depend on patch size. Smaller patches are more strongly influenced by random sampling effects, by having fewer individuals, as well as ecological drift, which propagates the effects of small samples through stochastic birth and death processes. These random processes decrease species richness and increase compositional differences among small patches. Larger patches are predicted to be more deterministically assembled, with greater species richness and greater predictability of composition for a particular environment. The consequences of patch size for the diversity of functional traits, however, are poorly understood. Species diversity may be a poor proxy for functional diversity due to trait redundancies among species, making it unclear how random and deterministic processes alter functional diversity within patches of differing size, and how these differences scale up to determine among‐patch functional diversity.

We report a novel experimental study of species and functional diversity across spatial scales. We manipulated patch area in an experimental plant metacommunity and used a nested sampling design to distinguish the effects of deterministic processes, ecological drift and sampling effects on species and functional trait diversity.

Our study revealed a pervasive influence of ecological drift and sampling effects on diversity, with distinct influences on functional traits and species composition within and among patches. Overall, drift and sampling effects caused a two‐ to threefold decrease in the importance of deterministic processes in small fragments. Species and functional diversity showed similar patterns with patch size; larger patches had greater within‐patch (alpha) diversity and lower among‐patch (beta) diversity, consistent with theory. However, our nested sampling design revealed that sampling effects (i.e. the size of the sample area) largely determined alpha species diversity and beta functional diversity, while ecological drift had a stronger influence on alpha functional diversity and beta species diversity.

Synthesis. The compositions of species and functional diversity in a community are influenced by distinct processes, resulting in divergent spatial scaling of species and their traits within patches and across landscapes.
Beyond seedlings: Ectomycorrhizal fungal networks and growth of mature Pseudotsuga menziesii
Authors: Birch Joseph D. , Simard Suzanne W. , Beiler Kevin J. , Karst Justine
Published: September 2020

Mycorrhizal networks are conduits for the transfer of resources between hosts. While ectomycorrhizal networks (EMN) are known to influence seedlings, their effect on adult tree growth remains unknown and may have important implications for forest responses to future climates.

We used annual basal area increment of trees and previously described Rhizopogon vesiculosus and Rhizopogon vinicolor EMNs to examine an association between the number of connections between trees through an EMN and the growth of adult interior Douglas‐fir. We compared this relationship for the year the networks were mapped, in 2008, with 8 years previous and 8 years afterward. We also compared the variation in standardized growth (2000–2016) to examine the association between growth variability and EMN variables.

Greater growth was positively associated with (a) the number of connections to other trees via a R. vinicolor EMN and (b) the number of genets of Rhizopogon vesiculosis by which a tree was colonized. Variation of growth (2000–2016) was negatively associated with increasing number of connections to other trees via R. vinicolor.

Synthesis. These findings, for the first time, indicate that EMNs may positively influence the growth of adult trees. The difference in tree growth response between the sister fungal species highlights a novel avenue to identify interspecific and intraspecific differences between fungi occurring at different depths in the soil. Our study has important implications when considering the role of EMNs in influencing forest health and mitigating stress from environmental conditions.
Modeling dispersal using capture–recapture data: A comparison of dispersal models
Authors: Terui Akira
Published: September 2020

Capture–recapture methods have been a cornerstone of field‐based dispersal ecology. However, obtaining unbiased estimates of dispersal parameters from capture–recapture data is challenging because it is impossible to survey all possible range of dispersal in the field. There are several approaches to address this critical issue of capture–recapture methods. Still, a lack of formal comparisons among these modeling approaches has confused about which is the best practice given the available dataset. Here, I compared the performance of three dispersal models using test datasets simulated under various sampling designs. In the first approach, a probability distribution (a dispersal kernel) was simply fitted to the capture–recapture data (the “simple dispersal model”). In the second approach, a truncated probability distribution was used to account for the finite range of observations (the “truncated dispersal model”). Finally, the dispersal and observation processes were coupled to consider the spatial organization of sampling designs (the “dispersal–observation model”). The simulation study provided three important insights. First, the dispersal–observation model provided reliable estimates of dispersal parameters, even under sampling designs with a few recaptures. Second, the truncated dispersal model was also effective, but only when the number of recaptures was large. Finally, the use of the simple dispersal model caused a substantial underestimation of dispersal parameters regardless of sampling designs; this modeling approach should be avoided where possible. The results of this simulation study should help choose a suitable modeling approach.
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: a sociological perspective on tackling a contemporary healthcare issue
Authors: Armstrong Natalie
Published: September 2020

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are increasingly discussed as a significant problem in contemporary healthcare but are yet to receive any significant sociological attention, over and above that which is arguably transferable from the medicalisation literature. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are often constructed as problems best addressed by educating patients and clinicians, and improving the relationships between them. The emergence of tools seeking to support decision‐making and to facilitate patients' asking questions about whether interventions are really necessary supports this conceptualisation. This article questions whether significant traction on overdiagnosis and overtreatment is possible through these means alone, arguing that even when professionals and patients may wish to do less rather than more, the system within which care is delivered and received can make this challenging to achieve. Drawing on Scott's (Sociology, 2018, 52, 3) ‘sociology of nothing’, the article demonstrates that a sociological perspective on overdiagnosis and overtreatment recasts them as issues that must be understood as a consequence of the organisational, financial and cultural attributes of the system, not just individual interactions, and advances a research agenda for the area.
Measuring the frequency occurrence of handwritten numeral characteristics—An expanded list
Authors: Vastrick Thomas W. , Schuetzner Ellen , Osborn Kelsey
Published: September 2020

In the third of a series of studies and reports, the authors expand on the frequency occurrence proportions of various handwritten features. The first study culminated in the publication of “Measuring the Frequency Occurrence of Handwriting and Handprinting Characteristics.” That study was followed by “Measuring the Frequency Occurrence of Handwritten Numeral Characteristics.” The premise of this current and future follow‐up studies is to expand on the initial lists of information incrementally by expanding the number of features and the number of writers. This study expands on the list of numeral features. A total of 34 numeral features was selected by the authors as candidates for this study and tested through an attribute agreement analysis. Based on the results of the testing, 17 new features have been added to the list of proportions. The original 1410 handwritten numeral specimen forms were utilized and pared to 1024 to obtain a proper population sampling for the United States. Interdependency testing was conducted on 783 pairs of inter‐character numerals. A coefficient of correlation between −0.2 and +0.2 was found in 534 (68.20%) of these pairs. As of this report, there are now a total of 42 numerals with measured frequencies of occurrence. This material has already borne fruit as the combined frequency of occurrence studies were explained during an unsuccessful exclusion hearing in court with an explanation as to how these studies support the reliability of forensic document examination.
Apple pomace as food fortification ingredient: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Antonic Bojan , Jancikova Simona , Dordevic Dani , Tremlova Bohuslava
Published: September 2020

The present review aimed to investigate and analyze the use of byproduct apple pomace as a fortification ingredient in different types of foods. The data obtained from English published articles found on Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar in the period from 2007 to 2019 were used for making the table overview and meta‐analysis of results described in those studies. The systematic review confirmed the importance of apple pomace use in the food industry due to the beneficial nutritional profile and ecological issue (waste management). The main attributes of apple pomace are high content of antioxidant compounds and dietary fibers. Dietary fibers from apple pomace significantly increased total fiber content in enriched products—meaning that the transfer of the fortification can be declared health beneficial. The conducted meta‐analysis showed unambiguously the different influence of apple pomace addition according to fortified food commodity. The fortification drawbacks were noticeable in plant food products because darker and brownish color was not evaluated positively by panelists. Oppositely, color, as one of the main sensory characteristics, was beneficially affected in animal origin food. The sensory properties, including color, play an important role in product acceptance by consumers. Besides color, animal origin products fortified by apple pomace showed the most acceptable textural properties and oxidative stability.
Latent Profile Analysis of Heavy Episodic Drinking in Emerging Adults: A Reinforcer Pathology Approach
Authors: Minhas Meenu , Oshri Assaf , Amlung Michael , Dennhardt Ashley , Ferro Mark , Halladay Jillian , Munn Catharine , Tucker Jalie , Murphy James , MacKillop James
Published: September 2020

Background

Heavy episodic drinking (HED) is a major public health problem among emerging adults (individuals 18 to 25), but with considerable heterogeneity in concurrent substance use and psychopathology. The current study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to detect discrete subgroups of HED based on alcohol, other drug severity, and concurrent psychopathology. A reinforcer pathology approach was used to understand motivational differences among the latent subgroups.

Methods

Participants were 2 samples of emerging adults reporting regular HED, 1 Canadian (n = 730) and 1 American (n = 602). Indicators for the LPA were validated dimensional self‐report assessments of alcohol severity, cannabis severity, other drug severity, nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Reinforcer pathology indicators were measures of alcohol demand, proportionate substance‐related reinforcement, and discounting of future rewards.

Results

The LPA yielded parallel 3‐class solutions in both samples. The largest subgroup was characterized by comparatively low substance severity and psychopathology (Low overall severity). The second largest subgroup was characterized by comparatively high alcohol and other drug severity (excluding tobacco) and high levels of psychopathology (Heavy alcohol & high psychiatric severity). The third subgroup exhibited high alcohol, smoking and intermediate levels of other substance use and psychopathology (Heavy alcohol, smoking, & intermediate psychiatric severity). The Heavy alcohol & high psychiatric severity and Heavy alcohol, smoking, & intermediate psychiatric severity subgroups exhibited significantly higher alcohol demand, greater proportionate substance‐related reinforcement, and steeper delay discounting.

Conclusions

Parallel latent subgroups of emerging adults engaging in HED were present in both samples, and the high‐risk subgroups were significantly differentiated by the reinforcer pathology indicators. These latent profiles may ultimately inform heterogeneity in the longitudinal course of HED in emerging adults.
Ethanol Alters Variability, But Not Rate, of Firing in Medial Prefrontal Cortex Neurons of Awake‐Behaving Rats
Authors: Morningstar Mitchell D. , Linsenbardt David N. , Lapish Christopher C.
Published: September 2020

Background

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a brain region involved in the evaluation and selection of motivationally relevant outcomes. Neural activity in mPFC is altered following acute ethanol (EtOH) use and, in rodent models, doses as low as 0.75 g/kg yield cognitive deficits. Deficits in decision making following acute EtOH are thought to be mediated, at least in part, by decreases in mPFC firing rates (FRs). However, the data leading to this conclusion have been generated exclusively in anesthetized rodents. The present study characterizes the effects of acute EtOH injections on mPFC neural activity in awake‐behaving rodents.

Methods

Awake‐behaving and anesthetized in vivo electrophysiological recordings were performed. We utilized 3 groups: the first received 2 saline injections, the second received a saline injection followed by 1.0 g/kg EtOH, and the last received saline followed by 2 g/kg EtOH. One week later, an anesthetized recording occurred where a saline injection was followed by an injection of 1.0 g/kg EtOH.

Results

The anesthetized condition showed robust decreases in neural activity and differences in up‐down states (UDS) dynamics. In the awake‐behaving condition, FRs were grouped according to behavioral state: moving, not‐moving, and sleep. The differences in median FRs were found for each treatment and behavioral state combination. A FR decrease was only found in the 2.0 g/kg EtOH treatment during not‐moving states. However, robust decreases in FR variability were found across behavioral state in both the 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg EtOH treatment. Sleep was separately analyzed. EtOH modulated the UDS during sleep producing decreases in FRs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the changes in neural activity following EtOH administration in anesthetized animals are not conserved in awake‐behaving animals. The most prominent difference following EtOH was a decrease in FR variability suggesting that acute EtOH may be affecting decision making via this mechanism.
Deciphering the effect of climate warming on an emerging poplar pest using spatial extrapolation of population parameters
Authors: Pointeau Sophie , Sallé Aurélien , Lieutier François , Bankhead‐Dronnet Stéphanie , Robinet Christelle
Published: September 2020

The woolly poplar aphid Phloeomyzus passerinii Signoret (Aphididae: Phloeomyzinae) is a major pest of poplar plantations. We hypothesized that recent temperature increases may have contributed to the emergence and subsequent northward expansion of outbreaks in France.

We reared P. passerinii at four temperatures to estimate its thermal requirements. We used experimental data to parametrize a mechanistic and temperature‐driven physiologically‐based demographic model. The model was used to simulate the effect of temperature on aphid dynamics and to assess the role of climate warming on the spatiotemporal dynamics of outbreaks.

The lower developmental threshold was estimated at 6.4 °C and the development degree‐days at 171.

Our model supports the hypothesis that recent warming may have promoted outbreaks in northern France. During recent exceptionally warm years, more than 70% of the northern poplar area was favourable for outbreaks.

Our model suggests that climate warming is not the sole factor involved. The dominance of resistant poplar genotypes such as ‘Robusta’ or ‘Beaupré’ may have preserved plantations from outbreaks before 1996 in southern France and until 2000 in the central part. Other factors, including biological characteristics, biotic interactions, or precipitation should be investigated.
Cost comparison of different models of palliative care delivery
Authors: Comans Tracy , Nguyen Kim‐Huong , Stafford‐Bell Fiona , Agar Meera
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this project was to assess the value for money of a modified unit within a residential aged care facility (RACF) for people requiring palliative care at the end of life.

Methods

A three‐way comparison using a mixed‐method costing was used to estimate the per day cost of the unit compared to care in a palliative care unit within a hospital and a standard RACF bed.

Results

The cost of the unit was estimated at $242 per day (2015 Australian dollars). The palliative care hospital bed cost $1,664 per day. The cost of a standard RACF bed was $123 per day, indicating that an additional $120 per day is required to provide the higher level of care required by people with complex palliative care needs.

Conclusion

A modified RACF unit could provide substantial cost savings to the health budget for selected complex palliative care patients.
Efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis on prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Siddiquee Shihab , McGee Margaret A , Vincent Andrew D , Giles Eileen , Clothier Robyn , Carruthers Scott , Penniment Michael
Published: September 2020

Objectives

A randomised controlled trial was undertaken to compare the efficacy of topical Calendula officinalis (Calendula) versus standard of care (Sorbolene: 10% glycerine in cetomacragol cream) in reducing the prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis in women undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 271 women were screened and 82 were randomised. The primary outcome was prevalence of acute radiation‐induced dermatitis (RTOG grade 2+) assessed at multiple skin sites. A chi‐squared test was conducted for the primary outcome with a worst‐case scenario imputation.

Results

The recruitment target (n = 178) was not achieved. A total of n = 81 participants were analysed (n = 40 Calendula; n = 41 Sorbolene). There was no detectable difference in prevalence of radiation‐induced dermatitis grade 2+ between the Calendula (53%) and Sorbolene (62%) groups (primary analysis OR = 0.87, 95% CI: [0.36, 2.09], P = 0.92; covariate adjusted complete case analysis OR 0.40, 95% CI: [0.13, 1.20], P = 0.10).

Conclusion

This randomised controlled trial showed no difference between Calendula and standard of care (Sorbolene) for the prevention of radiation‐induced dermatitis. However, the study was underpowered (limited recruitment) for the primary comparison.
Reliable measurements of extracellular vesicles by clinical flow cytometry
Authors: Kuiper Martine , van de Nes Arthur , Nieuwland Rienk , Varga Zoltan , van der Pol Edwin
Published: September 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell‐derived particles with a phospholipid membrane present in all body fluids. Because EV properties change in health and disease, EVs have excellent potential to become biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, or monitoring of disease. The only technique capable of detecting, sizing, and phenotyping a million of EVs within minutes is (clinical) flow cytometry. A flow cytometer measures light scattering and fluorescence signals of single EVs. Although these signals contain valuable information about the presence and composition of EVs, the signals are expressed in arbitrary units, which make the comparison of measurement results impossible between instruments and laboratories. Additionally, unintended and undocumented variations in the source, preparation, and analysis of the sample lead to orders of magnitude variations in the measured EV concentrations. Here, we will explain the basics, challenges, and common misconceptions of EV flow cytometry. In addition, we provide an overview of recent standardization initiatives, which are a prerequisite for comparison of clinical data and thus for clinical biomarker exploration of EVs.
Frequent premature ventricular contractions. Association of burden and complexity with prognosis according to the presence of structural heart disease
Authors: Parreira Leonor , Marinheiro Rita , Amador Pedro , Mesquita Dinis , Farinha Jose , Lopes Artur , Fonseca Marta , Chambel Duarte , Venancio Jose , Lopes Claudia , Caria Rui
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) have been associated with mortality and heart failure (HF) regardless the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). The aim of this study was assessing the impact of burden and complexity of PVCs on prognosis, according to presence of SHD.

Methods

312 patients were retrospectively evaluated out of 1967 consecutive patients referred for 24‐hr Holter at a single hospital, with a PVC count >1% of total beats. Two groups with and without SHD. PVC burden (PVC%), presence of complex forms, incidence of all‐cause death, combined outcomes of all‐cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations, HF death and HF hospitalizations and, sudden death (SD) or hospitalizations due to ventricular arrhythmias (VA)were assessed.

Results

Premature ventricular contraction burden was 2.7 (IQR: 1.6–6.7). SHD patients had more polymorphic PVCs, 77% versus 65%, p = .022, triplets and episodes of non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT): 44% versus 27%, p = .002; 30% versus 12%, p < .0001. In idiopathic patients, a PVC% in the third quartile was independently associated with all‐cause mortality hazard ratio (HR) 2.288 (1.042–5.026) p = .039, but not in SHD. The complexity of the PVCs was not independently associated with outcomes in both groups. In SHD group, NSVT was associated with lower survival free from SD and VA hospitalizations, p = .028; after multivariable, there was a trend for a higher arrhythmic outcome with NSVT, HR 3.896 (0.903–16.81) p = .068.

Conclusion

Premature ventricular contractions in SHD showed more complex patterns. In idiopathic patients, a higher PVC count was associated with higher mortality but not is SHD patients. Complexity was not independently associated with worse prognosis.
Induced abortion has no psychological effect on early parental self‐efficacy and psychological well‐being: The Steps to the Healthy Development and Well‐being of Children study
Authors: Holmlund Susanna , Junttila Niina , Aromaa Minna , Räihä Hannele , Mäkinen Juha , Rautava Päivi
Published: September 2020

Introduction

An association between a history of induced abortion and psychological well‐being post‐abortion has been demonstrated in recently published studies, which is contrary to the findings of existing known high‐quality studies.

Material and methods

An evaluation was conducted to determine whether a history of abortion affected the psychological well‐being and parental self‐efficacy of first‐time mothers and their partners; this assessment was performed when the child was aged 18 months. Questionnaires were administered to 492 first‐time mothers, 37 of whom had a history of abortion, and their partners (n = 436). Women with previous miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and deliveries were excluded. The women were allocated to an abortion group or a comparison group, depending on each woman's abortion history obtained from medical birth registry data. Psychological well‐being, which encompassed social and emotional loneliness, marital satisfaction, social phobia, and depression, was evaluated as a predictor of maternal and paternal self‐efficacy within the two groups. The analysis was conducted using multi‐group structural equation modeling.

Results

Induced abortion was not predictive of maternal or paternal well‐being or parental self‐efficacy. Overall, maternal and paternal psychological well‐being was predictive of parental self‐efficacy when an assessment was performed, regardless of an abortion history. After testing the invariance of multi‐group models, psychological well‐being was similarly found to predict parental self‐efficacy in both the abortion history and comparison groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the psychological well‐being of parents is an important predictor of maternal and paternal self‐efficacy during toddlerhood. Abortion history was not demonstrated to negatively impact the psychological well‐being of parents with respect to their capacity for parental self‐efficacy.
High variability in nurses’ tactile stimulation methods in response to apnoea of prematurity—A neonatal manikin study
Authors: Cramer Sophie J. E. , van Zanten Henriëtte Anje , Boezaard Manon , Hoek Petronella M. , Dekker Janneke , Hooper Stuart B. , te Pas Arjan B.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses provide tactile stimulation to terminate apnoea in preterm infants, but guidelines recommending specific methods are lacking. In this study, we evaluated current methods of tactile stimulation performed by NICU nurses.

Methods

Nurses were asked to demonstrate and explain their methods of tactile stimulation on a manikin, using an apnoea scenario. All nurses demonstrated their methods three times in succession, with the manikin positioned either prone, supine or lateral. Finally, the nurses were asked how they decided on the methods of tactile stimulation used. The stimulation methods were logged in chronological order by describing both the technique and the location. The nurses' explanations were transcribed and categorised.

Results

In total, 47 nurses demonstrated their methods of stimulation on the manikin. Overall, 57 different combinations of technique and location were identified. While most nurses (40/47, 85%) indicated they learned how to stimulate during their training, 15/40 (38%) of them had adjusted their methods over time. The remaining 7/47 (15%) stated that their stimulation methods were self‐developed.

Conclusion

Tactile stimulation performed by NICU nurses to terminate apnoea was highly variable in both technique and location, and these methods were based on either prior training or intuition.
Testing the Limits of Public Integrity: The Impact of Vested Interests and Countervailing Forces on Indonesia’s KPK
Authors: Umam Ahmad Khoirul , Head Brian
Published: September 2020

The establishment of Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is as a crucial instrument for fighting systemic corruption and improving public integrity. However, corrupt forces in post‐Soeharto Indonesia found opportunities to develop powerful coalitions built on the legacy of pre‐reform power relationships. This article examines the extent to which the KPK’s initiatives have been impeded by these vested interests. By examining two major cases involving conflicts against senior law enforcement officers – we identify some of the conditions where vested interests have exerted a significant influence in resisting anti‐corruption efforts. Their greatest impact occurred when their attempts to exploit KPK’s institutional weaknesses occurred in a permissive environment where political stakeholders were indecisive or unassertive. The fragmentation within civil society and independent media also seriously undermined on the capacity of anti‐graft supporters to hold corrupt official to account in Indonesia.
Group Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) for persistently depressed outpatients: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Potijk Marieke R. , aan het Rot Marije , Parlevliet Frieda M. , Schoevers Robert A. , Eldering Marieke J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Cognitive behavioural analysis system of psychotherapy (CBASP) is an effective individual treatment for persistent depressive disorder (PDD), but evidence on group treatment (Group‐CBASP) is limited. Our aim was to review the effect of Group‐CBASP on self‐report depression severity in outpatients with PDD, overall and by age of depression‐onset.

Methods

A retrospective chart review study (November 2011–March 2017) in 54 patients with PDD (29 late‐onset, 25 early‐onset). Patients were previously treated by pharmacotherapy (92.6%), psychotherapy (98.1%) and/or electroconvulsive therapy (11.1%). Group‐CBASP involved 24 weekly sessions during 6 months, followed by individual appointments over 6 months. The Inventory of Depressive Symptoms ‐self rating(IDS‐SR) was used at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, computing mean differences and response rates.

Results

The mean IDS‐SR score decreased significantly from 39.83 at baseline to 33.78 at 6 months: a decrease from severe to moderate depression after 24 weeks of Group‐CBASP, with a medium effect size (Cohen’s d = .49). At 12 months, the mean IDS‐SR score was 32.81, indicating moderate symptom levels remained. At 6 and 12 months, mean IDS‐SR scores were similar among late‐ versus early‐onset patients, but at 12 months response rates were higher among late‐onset patients.

Limitations

Although results of our study provide valuable input for future prospective studies, limitations were the use of a retrospective design and the small group size.

Conclusion

Group‐CBASP offered to an outpatient population with PDD was associated with clinically relevant decrease in self‐reported symptom severity, and with sustained response particularly in patients with late onset of depression.

Practitioner points

Group‐CBASP seems to be a good alternative for CBASP in individual setting.

Patients with late age of depression‐onset seem to benefit more from Group‐CBASP.

This study shows that clinical relevant effects of Group‐CBASP, followed by individual contacts, remain at least for 6 months.

Research on personalizing treatment strategies is needed to improve patient assignment for Group‐CBASP.
Immunophenotypic characteristics of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia and their relation with the molecular subgroups of the disease
Authors: Frisanco Oliveira Anita , Tansini Aline , Toledo Thais Regina , Balceiro Rafael , Onofre Vidal Daniel , de Martino Lee Maria Lucia , Lorand‐Metze Irene , Lopes Luiz Fernando
Published: September 2020

The diagnosis of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) is based on clinical, laboratory and molecular features but immunophenotyping [multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC)] has not been used routinely. In the present study, we describe the flow cytometric features at diagnosis with special attention to the distribution of monocytic subsets and the relation between MFC and molecular subgroups. MFC was performed with an eight‐colour platform based on Euroflow. We studied 33 JMML cases. CD34+/CD117+/CD13+ cells >2% was found in 25 cases, and 51·5% presented an aberrant expression of CD7. A decrease of CD34+/CD19+/CD10+ cells was seen in eight cases and in four they were absent. The granulocytic population had a decreased side scatter in 29 cases. Bone marrow monocytic precursors were increased in 28 patients, with a decrease in classical monocytes (median 80·7%) and increase in CD16+ (intermediate and non‐classical). A more pronounced increase in myeloid CD34+ cells was seen in patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and tyrosine‐protein phosphatase non‐receptor type 11 (PTPN11), with aberrant CD7 expression in four of six and 10/12 patients respectively. Thus, JMML shows an immunophenotypic profile similar to myelodysplastic syndromes, and a different monocyte subset distribution when compared with chronic MML. MFC proved to be an important diagnostic tool that can help in differential diagnosis with other clonal diseases with monocytosis.
Lateglacial and Holocene environmental history of the central Kola region, northwestern Russia revealed by a sediment succession from Lake Imandra
Authors: Lenz Matthias , Savelieva Larisa , Frolova Larisa , Cherezova Anna , Moros Matthias , Baumer Marlene M. , Gromig Raphael , Kostromina Natalia , Nigmatullin Niyaz , Kolka Vasili , Wagner Benrd , Fedorov Grigory , Melles Martin
Published: September 2020

Bolshaya Imandra, the northern sub‐basin of Lake Imandra, was investigated by a hydro‐acoustic survey followed by sediment coring down to the acoustic basement. The sediment record was analysed by a combined physical, biogeochemical, sedimentological, granulometrical and micropalaeontological approach to reconstruct the regional climatic and environmental history. Chronological control was obtained by 14C dating, 137Cs, and Hg markers as well as pollen stratigraphy and revealed that the sediment succession offers the first continuous record spanning the Lateglacial and Holocene for this lake. Following the deglaciation prior to c. 13 200 cal. a BP, the lake's sub‐basin initially was occupied by a glacifluvial river system, before a proglacial lake with glaciolacustrine sedimentation established. Rather mild climate, a sparse vegetation cover and successive retreat of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) from the lake catchment characterized the Bølling/Allerød interstadial, lasting until 12 710 cal. a BP. During the subsequent Younger Dryas chronozone, until 11 550 cal. a BP, climate cooling led to a decrease in vegetation cover and a re‐advance of the SIS. The SIS disappeared from the catchment at the Holocene transition, but small glaciers persisted in the mountains at the eastern lake shore. During the Early Holocene, until 8400 cal. a BP, sedimentation changed from glaciolacustrine to lacustrine and rising temperatures caused the spread of thermophilous vegetation. The Middle Holocene, until 3700 cal. a BP, comprises the regional Holocene Thermal Maximum (8000–4600 cal. a BP) with relatively stable temperatures, denser vegetation cover and absence of mountain glaciers. Reoccurrence of mountain glaciers during the Late Holocene, until 30 cal. a BP, presumably results from a slight cooling and increased humidity. Since c. 30 cal. a BP Lake Imandra has been strongly influenced by human impact, originating in industrial and mining activities. Our results are in overall agreement with vegetation and climate reconstructions in the Kola region.
Mandibular two‐implant overdentures with CAD‐CAM milled bars with distal extensions or retentive anchors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Srinivasan Murali , Schimmel Martin , Buser Ramona , Maniewicz Sabrina , Herrmann François R. , Müller Frauke
Published: September 2020

Objective

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to demonstrate the non‐inferiority of mandibular 2‐implant overdentures (IODs) on a CAD‐CAM milled bar with long distal extensions (MBDE) against IODs on retentive anchors (RA).

Methods

Forty edentulous participants rehabilitated with a maxillary conventional denture and a mandibular 2‐IOD participated in this trial. They were randomized into two groups [Control group (CG): RA + gold matrices; Experimental group (EG): MBDE + gold clip]. The outcomes included implant survival rate (ISR), chewing efficiency [quantitative (VoH) and subjective (SA) assessments], peri‐implant marginal bone levels (PI‐MBL), maximum bite force (MBF), and patient‐reported outcomes [oral health impact profile (OHIP‐EDENT), and denture satisfaction index (DSI)]. Outcomes were recorded at baseline (BL), two weeks (T0), 6 months (T1), and at 1 year (T2) after the intervention. Intra‐ and inter‐group analyses were performed using regression models with ⍺=0.05.

Results

38 participants completed the T2 visit (CG: n = 19, age = 74.7 ± 7.8 years; EG: n = 19, age = 70.3 ± 10.7 years). At T2, there was no implant loss in either of the groups (ISR = 100%). There were no significant differences between the groups for the PI‐MBL changes (p = .754).

Improvements occurred faster in the EG than in the CG, but over the observation time, there were no differences between the trial groups for VoH, MBF, OHIP‐EDENT, and the DSI, except for SA being significantly better in the EG group (p = .022).

Conclusions

The results of this RCT confirm that mandibular 2‐IODs with a CAD‐CAM milled bar with long distal extensions are not an inferior treatment to the conventional IODs on retentive anchors in the short term (1 year).
Neuron‐specific deletion of presenilin enhancer2 causes progressive astrogliosis and age‐related neurodegeneration in the cortex independent of the Notch signaling
Authors: Bi Hui‐Ru , Zhou Cui‐Hua , Zhang Yi‐Zhi , Cai Xu‐Dong , Ji Mu‐Huo , Yang Jian‐Jun , Chen Gui‐Quan , Hu Yi‐Min
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Presenilin enhancer2 (Pen‐2) is an essential subunit of γ‐secretase, which is a key protease responsible for the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch. Mutations on Pen‐2 cause familial Alzheimer disease (AD). However, it remains unknown whether Pen‐2 regulates neuronal survival and neuroinflammation in the adult brain.

Methods

Forebrain neuron‐specific Pen‐2 conditional knockout (Pen‐2 cKO) mice were generated for this study. Pen‐2 cKO mice expressing Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD) conditionally in cortical neurons were also generated.

Results

Loss of Pen‐2 causes astrogliosis followed by age‐dependent cortical atrophy and neuronal loss. Loss of Pen‐2 results in microgliosis and enhanced inflammatory responses in the cortex. Expression of NICD in Pen‐2 cKO cortices ameliorates neither neurodegeneration nor neuroinflammation.

Conclusions

Pen‐2 is required for neuronal survival in the adult cerebral cortex. The Notch signaling may not be involved in neurodegeneration caused by loss of Pen‐2.
Subtotal functional sialoadenectomy vs four‐duct ligation for the treatment of drooling in neurologically impaired children: Long‐term follow‐up
Authors: De Peppo Francesco , Caccamo Romina , Garganese Maria Carmen , Ceriati Emanuela , Marchetti Paola , Adorisio Ottavio Domenico , Cerchiari Antonella , Battaglia Sonia
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The best surgical option to treat drooling in neurodisabilities is still under debate. The aim of this study was to describe the technique of subtotal functional sialoadenectomy (SFS) (ie four‐duct ligation (4‐DL) together with bilateral sublingual gland excision) and its long‐term outcomes, in comparison with 4‐DL.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Unit of Pediatric Surgery of Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (Rome).

Participants

Seventy‐five patients surgically treated for drooling between 2002 and 2012, with at least five years of follow‐up, divided into two groups: 4‐DL group (19 patients) underwent four‐duct ligation, and SFS group (56 patients) underwent subtotal functional sialoadenectomy.

Main outcome measures

Primary end points were the evaluation of drooling improvement after surgery (parameters: Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale, DSFS; no of bibs/day; no of shirts/day; no of pneumonia/year; use of antidrooling drugs) and the comparison between two different surgical techniques.

Results

Median age at surgery was 10 years (1‐35). Long‐term outcomes showed significant improvement in DSFS and in no of shirts/day in both groups. Significantly better results were found in the SFS group than in the 4‐DL group as far as DSFS (P value .045), no of bibs/day (P value .041), no of shirts/day (P value .032) are concerned. Reoperation rate for recurrence was 42% in the 4‐DL group and 0% in the SFS group (P value < .0001). Six patients (8%; 2 in the 4‐DL group and 4 in the SFS group) experienced perioperative complications, while 4 patients (5%; 2 in the 4‐DL group and 2 in the SFS group) recorded long‐term complications, with no difference between groups neither need for surgical treatment. No surgery‐related mortality was recorded.

Conclusions

In our experience, subtotal functional sialoadenectomy ensured significantly greater long‐term effects than four‐duct ligation for drooling treatment in neurologically impaired child, with equal complication rate.