bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving political science degree programmes in the twenty-first century
Authors: Ahmad Tashfeen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the actions lecturers, universities and their administrators can take in improving and making political science undergraduate degrees more relevant in the twenty-first century. This paper will reflect on specific measures undertaken by institutions globally to equip students with unique skills to enhance the value and relevance of their programmes in the context of an increased technologically driven environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative approach to the review of the literature with implications for practice in examining how universities globally are applying strategies in raising students’ skill levels to enhance future workplace value. A review of select institutions obtained from the Times Higher Ranked (2019) universities was used in identifying best practices to prepare a political science student for better employability.

Findings

Contrary to prevailing opinions, a huge skills gap exists for filling the demand for twenty-first century political science-related careers in the public and private sector. The attainment of twenty-first century skill sets and the deployment of technology-driven teaching and learning methods are vital elements in unlocking the value of political science education and providing students with opportunities to advance their professional and career objectives.

Originality/value

Higher education institutions need to reconsider their strategies in the delivery of political science degrees, bearing in mind the increased use of technology and innovative teaching practices. This paper offers insight into how to tailor an exciting and relevant political science programme for the future of work.
Determining the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and organizational culture on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee’s performance
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Shah Naimatullah
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and organizational culture on job satisfaction, organizational commitment and employee’s performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative approach, which is based on cross-sectional data. In total, 326 usable cases are processed to infer the results through the structural equation model.

Findings

The results revealed a positive and significant impact of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and organizational culture on employee’s performance. An entrepreneurial orientation has a positive and significant impact on organizational commitment. Job satisfaction is impacted by organizational commitment, while organizational culture is influenced by job satisfaction. On the other hand, entrepreneurial orientation has a non-significant impact on employee’s performance.

Practical implications

Employers may shape the organizational culture and boost the general level of job satisfaction of their employees. Further, the study enriches the organizational behavior literature by recognizing and empirically validating the impact of entrepreneurial orientation and organizational culture on job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee’s performance in the small and medium enterprises sector of Pakistan.

Originality/value

The findings of the current study may help in creating a better understanding of job satisfaction and delineating its association with organizational culture.
Efficient production of isomelezitose by a glucosyltransferase activity in Metschnikowia reukaufii cell extracts
Authors: Garcia‐Gonzalez Martin , Plou Francisco J. , Cervantes Fadia V. , Remacha Miguel , Poveda Ana , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Fernandez‐Lobato Maria
Published: October 2019

Metschnikowia reukaufii is a widespread yeast able to grow in the plants’ floral nectaries, an environment of extreme conditions with sucrose concentrations exceeding 400 g l−1, which led us into the search for enzymatic activities involved in this sugar use/transformation. New oligosaccharides were produced by transglucosylation processes employing M. reukaufii cell extracts in overload‐sucrose reactions. These products were purified and structurally characterized by MS‐ESI and NMR techniques. The reaction mixture included new sugars showing a great variety of glycosidic bonds including α‐(1→1), α‐(1→3) and α‐(1→6) linkages. The main product synthesized was the trisaccharide isomelezitose, whose maximum concentration reached 81 g l−1, the highest amount reported for any unmodified enzyme or microbial extract. In addition, 51 g l−1 of the disaccharide trehalulose was also produced. Both sugars show potential nutraceutical and prebiotic properties. Interestingly, the sugar mixture obtained in the biosynthetic reactions also contained oligosaccharides such as esculose, a rare trisaccharide with no previous NMR structure elucidation, as well as erlose, melezitose and theanderose. All the sugars produced are naturally found in honey. These compounds are of biotechnological interest due to their potential food, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Estimating body mass of free‐living whales using aerial photogrammetry and 3D volumetrics
Authors: Christiansen Fredrik , Sironi Mariano , Moore Michael J. , Di Martino Matías , Ricciardi Marcos , Warick Hunter A. , Irschick Duncan J. , Gutierrez Robert , Uhart Marcela M.
Published: October 2019

Body mass is a key life‐history trait in animals. Despite being the largest animals on the planet, no method currently exists to estimate body mass of free‐living whales.

We combined aerial photographs and historical catch records to estimate the body mass of free‐living right whales (Eubalaena sp.). First, aerial photogrammetry from unmanned aerial vehicles was used to measure the body length, width (lateral distance) and height (dorso‐ventral distance) of free‐living southern right whales (Eubalaena australis; 48 calves, seven juveniles and 31 lactating females). From these data, body volume was estimated by modelling the whales as a series of infinitely small ellipses. The body girth of the whales was next calculated at three measurement sites (across the pectoral fin, the umbilicus and the anus) and a linear model was developed to predict body volume from the body girth and length data. To obtain a volume‐to‐mass conversion factor, this model was then used to estimate the body volume of eight lethally caught North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena japonica), for which body mass was measured. This conversion factor was consequently used to predict the body mass of the free‐living whales.

The cross‐sectional body shape (height–width ratio) of the whales was slightly flattened dorso‐ventrally at the anterior end of the body, almost circular in the mid region, and significantly flattened in the lateral plane across the posterior half of the body. Compared to a circular cross‐sectional model, our body mass model incorporating body length, width and height improved mass estimates by up to 23.6% (mean = 6.1%, SD = 5.27). Our model had a mean error of only 1.6% (SD = 0.012), compared to 9.5% (SD = 7.68) for a simpler body length‐to‐mass model. The volume‐to‐mass conversion factor was estimated at 754.63 kg/m3 (SD = 50.03). Predicted body mass estimates were within a close range of existing body mass measurements.

We provide a non‐invasive method to accurately estimate body mass of free‐living whales while accounting for both their structural size (body length) and relative body condition (body width). Our approach can be directly applied to other marine mammals by adjusting the model parameters (body mass model script provided).
Development of toolkits for detecting dental caries and caries experience among children using self‐report and parent report
Authors: Marcus Marvin , Xiong Di , Wang Yan , Maida Carl A. , Hays Ron D. , Coulter Ian D. , Spolsky Vladimir W. , Lee Steve Y. , Shen Jie , Crall James J. , Liu Honghu
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To develop child‐ and parent‐reported toolkits for active caries and caries experience in children and adolescents, ages 8‐17.

Methods

A sample of 398 child/parent dyads recruited from 12 dental practices in Los Angeles County completed a computer‐assisted survey that assessed oral health perceptions. In addition, children received a dental examination that identified the presence or absence of active caries and caries experience. A Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines model was used to identify a subset of survey items associated with active caries and caries experience. The splines and coefficients were refined by generalized cross‐validation. Sensitivity and specificity for both dependent variables were evaluated.

Results

Eleven child self‐reported items were identified that had sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.45 relative to active caries. Twelve parent‐reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.50. Seven child self‐reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.34, and 11 parent‐reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.47 for caries experience.

Conclusions

The survey items identified here are useful in distinguishing children with and without active caries and with and without caries experience. This research presents a path towards using children's and their parents’ reports about oral health to screen for clinically determined caries and caries exposure. The items identified in this study can be useful when clinical information is unavailable.
Biological mobilization of potassium from soil by thirteen Suillus species and ectomycorrhizal Pinus massoniana Lamb. seedlings
Authors: Peng Liyuan , Huang Jianguo , Yuan Ling
Published: October 2019

Many forest soils are potassium (K) deficient, and Suillus species are common fungi in boreal pine forests that form ectomycorrhizal associations with trees. To select the ideal ectomycorrhizal fungi for improving the growth and K nutrition of trees in natural and artificial forests, the growth, oxalate efflux, K absorption and soil K depletion by 13 Suillus isolates were compared in pure liquid culture using soil as the sole K source. The growth of mycorrhizal Pinus massoniana Lamb. seedlings and the K extraction through extramatrical mycelia extending from the root surfaces were studied. The results showed that the tested Suillus species varied in growth rate and in the extraction of unavailable K from the soil. Their oxalate efflux may lead to the decomposition of K‐bearing minerals and K release. The plants grown with added mycorrhizal fungi had higher biomass and extracted more K, particularly mineral structural K (HF‐HClO4 digestible K), from the soil through the extramatrical mycelia than the seedlings grown without added mycorrhizal fungi. There was a positive correlation in K uptake between fungi grown in vitro and plants grown with mycorrhizae (R
2 = 0.717, n = 8, p < .01). Therefore, in vivo tests on ectomycorrhizal fungal isolates can be used as a proxy to study the patterns and mechanisms of K extraction from the soil by extramatrical mycelia. Fungal K uptake in vitro could be one of the important indexes in the selection of Suillus for improving the growth and K nutrition of P. massoniana trees.

Highlights

Suillus isolates varied in their ability to extract unavailable K from soil.

Oxalate was vital to the degradation of K minerals in soil by Suillus isolates.

Pine seedlings with added mycorrhizal fungi from genus Suillus had larger biomass and K uptake than their non‐mycorrhizal counterparts.

Suillus isolates showed similar patterns in K uptake in vitro and when forming mycorrhiza.
The cost of aggression in an animal without weapons
Authors: Guo Xiaomeng , Dukas Reuven
Published: October 2019

To understand the prevalence and conditional use of aggression among animals, one has to know its costs and benefits. The obvious cost of aggression in animals that possess teeth, claws or other specialized weaponry is injury. Many species, however, do not have such body parts and thus cannot readily injure others. The cost of aggression in these animals is not well studied. We tested whether aggression has a fitness cost in fruit flies, which can serve as a model species for animals without weapons that engage in aggression. In three experiments employing distinct protocols, we allowed focal flies to fight for control of an attractive food patch over 4 days and then compared their survivorship to that of flies not engaged in conflict. In all three experiments, fly survivorship was lower in the aggression than no‐aggression treatments. Microscopic examination revealed no differences in wing damage between flies of the aggression and no‐aggression treatments. The two most likely, non‐mutually exclusive explanations for lower survivorship post‐fighting are physiological changes due to stress, and metabolic alterations associated with a life‐history strategy optimized for high‐conflict settings.
Foraging activity of leaf‐cutter ants is affected by barometric pressure
Authors: Sujimoto Fernando R. , Costa Camila M. , Zitelli Caio H. L. , Bento José Maurício S.
Published: October 2019

Among all activities displayed by ant colonies, searching for food is essential for all individuals survival. However, many external activities are hazardous or restrictive for the entire society. Even though leaf‐cutter ants are highly successful insects, they are subject to extreme aspects of foraging, as raindrops and wind. Although recruitment and food exploitation are known to change with temperature and humidity, barometric pressure changes and how they affect ant behavior remain unknown. We aimed to determine how an increase or decrease in barometric pressure might modify foraging strategies of the leaf‐cutter ant Atta sexdens compared to steady pressure. The first modification observed in the workers behavior was the scouts greater promptness in leaving the nest when the barometric pressure decreased. Regard to the foragers, there was no difference in the number of individuals recruited for collecting leaves. However, it was cut and brought into the nest 1.5 and 2 times more leaves during the pressure drop, respectively. The reason for this foraging efficiency as a whole was ultimately the sum of the efficiency of each forager. The shifts in behavior, therefore, could be related to the indirect consequences of a pressure decrease, such as rainfall and strong winds, both strong constraints on ants on a trail. This is the first report of barometric pressure affecting the behavior of a social insect under controlled conditions.
Does local political support influence financial markets? A study on the impact of job approval ratings of political representatives on local stock returns
Authors: Joo Sunghoon , Kim Dong H. , Park Jung Chul
Published: October 2019

Using data on job approval ratings of governors, U.S. senators, and the president, we find that firms located in states with high approval ratings outperform firms located in states with low approval ratings by .64% per month. Furthermore, this relationship is stronger when investors are actively involved in politics, when local politicians are closer to the center of political power, for small firms that have a larger proportion of local investors, and for financially strong areas where investors are ready to execute investments in local stocks. Overall, our study shows that investors’ political sentiment is important in determining stock returns.
Disease‐related distress among adults with haemophilia: A qualitative study
Authors: Mattis Shanna , Barry Vaughn , Taylor Natalie , Lynch Mary Ellen , Tatum Katharine , Whitten Stephanie , Kempton Christine L.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Distress related to disease burden has been defined and described among people with chronic diseases including diabetes and cancer. In these populations, disease‐specific distress is associated with health outcomes. Haemophilia‐related distress is less understood.

Aim

To identify qualitative features of haemophilia‐related distress among affected adults to ultimately inform the creation of a measurement tool.

Methods

Adults with haemophilia A or B associated with a large haemophilia treatment centre in the south‐eastern U.S. were recruited to participate in this qualitative study. Fifteen participants completed semi‐structured telephone interviews. Interviews lasted 1‐2 hours and explored experiences of distress related to various aspects of haemophilia. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed and coded using NVIVO, software for organizing, managing and analysing qualitative data. Coding was deductive and inductive, and the analysis was thematic.

Results

Haemophilia‐related distress was broadly related to feelings of isolation and vulnerability which incorporated health system factors, physical functioning, caretaker roles and psychological considerations. Specific features associated with haemophilia‐related distress included lack of trust in the knowledge of haemophilia and care provided by staff in community healthcare settings, concerns about the future such as health insurance access and ageing/disability, long‐standing feelings of being different from others and feeling like an outsider, treatment burdens and fear of acute bleeds. Protective factors included supportive relationships with family, friends and haemophilia care teams through which participants received practical and emotional support.

Conclusion

Features of haemophilia‐related distress were identified. Results will facilitate distress measurement and intervention efforts to reduce distress in adults with haemophilia.
The oncology pharmacist as part of the palliative treatment team
Authors: Crul Mirjam , Oosterhof Piter
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Patients who are no longer eligible for curative treatment often suffer from multiple complaints and require a multidisciplinary treatment approach. We incorporated two pharmacists in the palliative team, one hospital pharmacist and one pharmacist who were trained as a community pharmacist. The objective of our study was to evaluate their contribution to the palliative team.

Methods

During 13 months, the two pharmacists participated in all regular patient reviews and rounds and were available for individual consultation by all members of the palliative team on a daily basis. Each intervention (consults at request or during the patient rounds) was logged and categorised.

Key findings

During the study period, 115 patients were under the care of the palliative treatment team. The pharmacists were actively involved in 107 of these (93%). Pharmacists interventions occurred in 76% of patients, with an average of 1.5 interventions per patient. The most common intervention types were giving general therapeutic advice, starting of a drug for an uncontrolled symptom and stopping a drug that was given as prophylaxis. When comparing the contribution of the hospital pharmacist and the outpatient pharmacist, their interventions overlapped with regard to starting drugs, choice of drugs and side-effect management. However, interventions on parenteral drugs or optimising the route of administration mostly came from the hospital pharmacist, whereas the outpatient pharmacist more often intervened in increasing adherence and stopping drugs.

Conclusion

The palliative pharmacist team adds expertise to the palliative treatment team, with an active contribution in 76% of patients.
Clusters of competence: Relationship between self‐reported professional competence and achievement on a national examination among graduating nursing students
Authors: Forsman Henrietta , Jansson Inger , Leksell Janeth , Lepp Margret , Sundin Andersson Christina , Engström Maria , Nilsson Jan
Published: October 2019

Aims

To identify clusters based on graduating nursing students’ self‐reported professional competence and their achievement on a national examination. Furthermore, to describe and compare the identified clusters regarding sample characteristics, students’ perceptions of overall quality of the nursing programme, and students’ general self‐efficacy (GSE).

Design

A cross‐sectional study combining survey data and results from a national examination.

Methods

Data were collected at two universities and one university college in Sweden in January 2017, including 179 students in the final term of the nursing programme. The study was based on the Nurse Professional Competence Scale, the GSE scale, and results from the National Clinical Final Examination. A two‐step cluster analysis was used to identify competence profiles, followed by comparative analyses between clusters.

Results

Three clusters were identified illustrating students’ different competence profiles. Students in Clusters 1 and 2 passed the examination, but differed in their self‐assessments of competence, rating themselves under and above the overall median value, respectively. Students in Cluster 3 failed the examination but rated themselves at the overall median level or higher.

Conclusion

The study illustrates how nursing students’ self‐assessed competence might differ from competency assessed by examination, which is challenging for nursing education. Self‐evaluation is a key learning outcome and is, in the long run, essential to patient safety.

Impact

The study has identified clusters of students where some overestimate and others underestimate their competence. Students who assessed their competence low but passed the exam assessed their GSE lower than other students. The findings illuminate the need for student‐centred strategies in nursing education, including elements of self‐assessment in relation to examination to make the students more aware of their clinical competence.
Being ‘A Google Mom’ or securely monitored at home: Perceptions of remote monitoring in maternity care
Authors: Niela‐Vilen Hannakaisa , Rahmani Amir , Liljeberg Pasi , Axelin Anna
Published: October 2019

Aims

To understand the perspectives of both healthcare professionals in maternity care and pregnant women with higher risk pregnancies about remote monitoring in maternity care.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Individual and focus group interviews were conducted in public maternity care and in a level III hospital in Finland during April–May 2018. The sample consisted of healthcare professionals working in the primary care and at the hospital and hospitalized pregnant women. Altogether, 17 healthcare professionals and 4 pregnant women participated in the study. The data were analysed using inductive thematic network analysis.

Results

Many possibilities – and an equal number of concerns – were identified regarding remote monitoring in pregnancy, depending on the respondent's viewpoint from holistic to symptom‐centred care. Healthcare staff had reservations about technology due to previous negative experiences and difficulties trusting technology. The pregnant women thought that monitoring would ease the staff's workload if the latter had enough technological skills. Remote monitoring could increase security in pregnancy care but create a feeling of false security if the women ignored their subjective symptoms. Face‐to‐face visits and the uniqueness of human contact were strongly favoured. Pregnant women wished to use monitoring as a confirmation of their subjective feelings.

Conclusion

Remote monitoring could be used as a supplementary system in pregnancy care, although it could replace only some healthcare visits. Pregnant women identified more possibilities for remote monitoring compared with the staff members both in primary care and the hospital.

Impact

A comprehensive understanding of pregnant women's and healthcare professionals' perceptions of remote monitoring in pregnancy was built to be able to develop new technologies in maternity care. In certain cases, remote monitoring would supplement traditional pregnancy follow‐ups. Staff in primary and specialized care, and healthcare managers, should support teamwork to be able to understand different approaches to pregnancy care.
microRNA‐1914, which is regulated by lncRNA DUXAP10, inhibits cell proliferation by targeting the GPR39‐mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HCC
Authors: Sun Liankang , Wang Liang , Chen Tianxiang , Yao Bowen , Wang Yufeng , Li Qing , Yang Wei , Liu Zhikui
Published: October 2019

Increasing studies have confirmed that abnormally expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) take part in the carcinogenesis as well as the aggravation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, little information is currently available about miR‐1914 in HCC. Here, we first confirmed that miR‐1914 inhibition in HCC cell lines and tumour specimens correlates with tumour size and histological grade. In a series of functional experiments, miR‐1914 inhibited tumour proliferation and colony formation, resulting in cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. Moreover, miR‐1914 mediated its functional effects by directly targeting GPR39 in HCC cells, leading to PI3K/AKT/mTOR repression. Restoring GPR39 expression incompletely counteracted the physiological roles of miR‐1914 in HCC cells. In addition, down‐regulation of AKT phosphorylation inhibited the effects of miR‐1914 in HCC. Furthermore, the overexpression of lncRNA DUXAP10 negatively correlated with the expression of miR‐1914 in HCC; thus, lncRNA DUXAP10 regulated miR‐1914 expression and modulated the GPR39/PI3K/AKT‐mediated cellular behaviours. In summary, the present study demonstrated for the first time that lncRNA DUXAP10–regulated miR‐1914 plays a functional role in inhibiting HCC progression by targeting GPR39‐mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and this miRNA represents a novel therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
The role of microvesicles containing microRNAs in vascular endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Shu Zeyu , Tan Jin , Miao Yuyang , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2019

Many studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction is associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The endothelium is one of the primary targets of circulating microvesicles. Besides, microRNAs emerge as important regulators of endothelial cell function. As a delivery system of microRNAs, microvesicles play an active and important role in regulating vascular endothelial function. In recent years, some studies have shown that microvesicles containing microRNAs regulate the pathophysiological changes in vascular endothelium, such as cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration and inflammation. These studies have provided some clues for the possible roles of microvesicles and microRNAs in vascular endothelial dysfunction‐associated diseases, and opened the door towards discovering potential novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we provide an overview of the main characteristics of microvesicles and microRNAs, summarizing their potential role and mechanism in endothelial dysfunction, and discussing the clinical application and existing problems of microvesicles for better translational applications.
Transcriptome sequencing of adenomyosis eutopic endometrium: A new insight into its pathophysiology
Authors: Xiang Yuqian , Sun Yabing , Yang Bingxin , Yang Yeping , Zhang Ying , Yu Tiantian , Huang Hefeng , Zhang Junyu , Xu Hong
Published: October 2019

The eutopic endometrium has been suggested to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. However, the specific genes in eutopic endometrium responsible for the pathogenesis of adenomyosis still remain to be elucidated. We aim to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and molecular pathways/networks in eutopic endometrium from adenomyosis patients and provide a new insight into disease mechanisms at transcriptome level. RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) was performed with 12 eutopic endometrium from adenomyosis and control groups. Differentially expressed genes in adenomyosis were validated by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and immunochemistry. Functional annotations of the DEGs were analysed with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Quantitative DNA methylation analysis of CEBPB was performed with MassArray system. A total of 373 differentially expressed genes were identified in the adenomyosis eutopic endometrium compared to matched controls. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that IL‐6 signalling and ERK/MAPK signalling were activated in adenomyosis endometrium. We also found that the increased expression and DNA hypomethylation of CEBPB were associated with adenomyosis. Our results revealed key pathways and networks in eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis. The study is the first to propose the association between C/EBPβ and adenomyosis and can improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.
Edgar Dale's Pyramid of Learning in medical education: Further expansion of the myth
Authors: Masters Ken
Published: October 2019

Introduction

A mythical Pyramid of Learning, usually attributed to Edgar Dale (or the National Training Laboratories [NTL]) and giving student learning retention rates, has been cited in a wide range of educational literature. A 2013 literature review indicated that medical education literature similarly cites this Pyramid. It was hoped that highlighting this myth in that review would reduce references to the Pyramid in future medical education literature. This study aimed at determining what change in Pyramid citation has occurred in the past 5 years.

Methods

A documented literature review, following the same process as the original review, was conducted. The search dates were September 2012 to April 2018, and the databases were Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Medline and Google Scholar. Sources were from peer‐reviewed journals or conferences, in English.

Results

From an initial search result of 992 documents, 41 were found to match the criteria. Trends discovered are: the number of Pyramid citations in medical education literature is increasing dramatically, new sources of the Pyramid are now being used, refutations of the Pyramid are being used to support it, and even researchers who acknowledge the weakness of the Pyramid still cite it.

Discussion and Conclusion

In spite of the 2013 review, the situation has become worse. One possible reason is that refutations use too polite academic wording, and other researchers then consider the Pyramid to be merely “disputed” or “debated.” To kill the myth of the Pyramid, it is necessary for this article's Abstract to state unequivocally: The Pyramid is rubbish, the statistics are rubbish, and they do not come from Edgar Dale. Until the NTL can provide details about the original research, their version must also be treated as rubbish.
Peripheral arterial stiffness is correlated with intrarenal arteriolosclerosis according to biopsies from patients with kidney disease
Authors: Li Yisha , Yang Ying , Wang Wenling , Miao Hui , Zhang Li , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei
Published: October 2019

Aim

To investigate the possible associations between intrarenal arteriolosclerosis as determine by renal biopsy and endothelial function as well as arterial stiffness measured by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. Patients who underwent both renal biopsy and EndoPAT were recruited, and intrarenal arteriolosclerosis was graded according to the pathological slice. Endothelial function and arterial stiffness were both measured by EndoPAT and were expressed by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AIx), respectively. AIx@75, representing the AIx standardized to a heart rate of 75 bpm was also determined.

Results

In total, 113 patients were assessed, the mean age was 51 ± 13, and 68.1% were men. The natural logarithm RHI (LnRHI), AIx and AIx@75 were significantly different among different grades of intrarenal arteriolosclerosis (P = .030, P < .001, P < .001, respectively). In the multivariable adjusted model, for every SD increase in the AIx and AIx@75, the odds of having more severe arteriolosclerosis were 2.506 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.464‐4.288, P = .001] and 3.191 times (95% CI 1.780‐5.719, P < .001) higher, respectively, and the association between the LnRHI and intrarenal arteriolosclerosis was nullified (P = .059). The positive values of the AIx and AIx@75 for the diagnosis of severe intrarenal arteriolosclerosis were 0.80 (95% CI 0.73‐0.88, P < .001) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.70‐0.87, P < .001), respectively.

Conclusion

Subjects with more severe intrarenal arteriolosclerosis have greater peripheral vascular stiffness; AIx and AIx@75 reflected peripheral vascular stiffness could be used to identify patients with severe intrarenal arteriolosclerosis.
A novel association between angiokeratoma corporis diffusum and acid sphingomyelinase deficiency
Authors: Bhoyrul Bevin , Wright David , Heptinstall Lesley , Barski Robert , Berry Ian , Clark Sheila
Published: October 2019

Angiokeratoma corporis diffusum refers to symmetrical clusters of minute red papules in a “bathing trunk” distribution and is considered the cutaneous hallmark of Fabry disease. Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency is an autosomal recessive sphingolipidosis, which presents with massive hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary infiltrates, and skeletal abnormalities. We present the unusual case of a 12‐year‐old girl with acid sphingomyelinase deficiency who developed characteristic lesions of angiokeratoma corporis diffusum.
Exploring spatiotemporal dynamics in a housing market using the spatial vector autoregressive Lasso: A case study of Seoul, Korea
Authors: Jin Chanwoo , Lee Gunhak
Published: October 2019

House prices fluctuate spatiotemporally and when influential changes from a region happen, the effects spread out in space over time. Although many studies have introduced various models to explain the spatiotemporal dynamics in housing markets, it is always challenging to consider both dimensions in a model. Some recent studies have identified spatiotemporal interactions of house prices by combining spatial and temporal models via spatial vector autoregression. The approach, however, assumes spatial homogeneity of the variables due to insufficient degrees of freedom. Since the housing market is generally conceived as heterogeneous, we suggest an alternative model of the spatial vector autoregressive Lasso without the homogeneity assumption. As an empirical example, we examine the spatiotemporal interaction between house sales price and rent in Seoul, Korea. The results show that rent for apartments in Gangnam‐gu, a socioeconomic core of Seoul, has positive impacts on rent for apartments in surrounding suburbs rather than their sales price. Moreover, the suggested model outperforms the classical method in terms of explanation, prediction, and autocorrelation of residuals. This research is expected to provide a methodological guide to explore the interaction between house sales price and rent, and insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of the housing market in Seoul.
Acoustic surface wave generation over rigid cylinder arrays on a rigid plane
Authors: Berry David L. , Taherzadeh Shahram , Attenborough Keith
Published: October 2019

Propagation of an airborne acoustic pulse from a point source above an array of regularly spaced rigid cylinders on a rigid plane has been investigated using a two-dimensional multiple scattering theory. Time domain simulations show a main arrival and a separate delayed “tail.” Fourier analysis of the tail shows that, for a sufficiently sparse array of cylinders, it is composed of a series of spectral peaks resulting from constructive interference consistent with Bragg diffraction theory and amplitudes depending on the spacing and size of the cylinders. For increasingly compact distributions of cylinders, the lowest frequency peak is dominated by a quarter wavelength “organ pipe” or “gap” resonance in the space between the cylinders. Simulated pressure maps show that there is a transition region in the acoustic field with an extent that depends on the spacing and size of the cylinders. Beyond this region, individual gap resonances combine to create a field that declines exponentially with height, consistent with the behaviour of a surface wave. Data from measurements of acoustic pulses above copper cylinders on rigid fibreboard under anechoic conditions demonstrate some of the predicted characteristics.
Gold-DNA nanosunflowers for efficient gene silencing with controllable transformation
Authors: Huo Shuaidong , Gong Ningqiang , Jiang Ying , Chen Fei , Guo Hongbo , Gan Yaling , Wang Zhisen , Herrmann Andreas , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: October 2019

Here is a blueprint for constructing transformable gene interference carriers to regulate gene expression with external control.
HIV-1 Gag specifically restricts PI(4,5)P2 and cholesterol mobility in living cells creating a nanodomain platform for virus assembly
Authors: Favard C. , Chojnacki J. , Merida P. , Yandrapalli N. , Mak J. , Eggeling C. , Muriaux D.
Published: October 2019

HIV-1 is creating its own lipid bed for assembly.
Leverage points in the financial sector for seafood sustainability
Authors: Jouffray Jean-Baptiste , Crona Beatrice , Wassénius Emmy , Bebbington Jan , Scholtens Bert
Published: October 2019

Loan covenants, stock exchange listing rules, and shareholder activism can redirect capital toward better seafood practices
RNA binding activates RIG-I by releasing an autorepressed signaling domain
Authors: Dickey T. H. , Song B. , Pyle A. M.
Published: October 2019

Direct monitoring of RIG-I activation by FRET reveals reversible activation by RNA alone.
Unusual kinematics of the Papatea fault (2016 Kaikōura earthquake) suggest anelastic rupture
Authors: Diederichs A. , Nissen E. K. , Lajoie L. J. , Langridge R. M. , Malireddi S. R. , Clark K. J. , Hamling I. J. , Tagliasacchi A.
Published: October 2019

Differential lidar reveals unusual fault characteristics within a complex earthquake.
Autonomous early detection of eye disease in childhood photographs
Authors: Munson Micheal C. , Plewman Devon L. , Baumer Katelyn M. , Henning Ryan , Zahler Collin T. , Kietzman Alexander T. , Beard Alexandra A. , Mukai Shizuo , Diller Lisa , Hamerly Greg , Shaw Bryan F.
Published: October 2019

A smartphone app searches baby pictures for common and rare eye disorders.
Variable effects of local management on coral defenses against a thermally regulated bleaching pathogen
Authors: Beatty Deanna S. , Valayil Jinu Mathew , Clements Cody S. , Ritchie Kim B. , Stewart Frank J. , Hay Mark E.
Published: October 2019

Local management enhances a coral’s defense against a thermal-bleaching pathogen.
Rapidly expanding nuclear arsenals in Pakistan and India portend regional and global catastrophe
Authors: Toon Owen B. , Bardeen Charles G. , Robock Alan , Xia Lili , Kristensen Hans , McKinzie Matthew , Peterson R. J. , Harrison Cheryl S. , Lovenduski Nicole S. , Turco Richard P.
Published: October 2019

Severe global climate change and a record death toll could result from nuclear war between India and Pakistan in the next decade.
Vaccines inducing immunity to Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein protect macaques after a single shot
Authors: Mateo Mathieu , Reynard Stéphanie , Carnec Xavier , Journeaux Alexandra , Baillet Nicolas , Schaeffer Justine , Picard Caroline , Legras-Lachuer Catherine , Allan Richard , Perthame Emeline , Hillion Kenzo-Hugo , Pietrosemoli Natalia , Dillies Marie-Agnès , Barrot Laura , Vallve Audrey , Barron Stéphane , Fellmann Lyne , Gaillard Jean-Charles , Armengaud Jean , Carbonnelle Caroline , Raoul Hervé , Tangy Frédéric , Baize Sylvain
Published: October 2019

A single dose of vaccines eliciting cellular and humoral immunity to Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein protects cynomolgus monkeys.
Osteoclasts—Key Players in Skeletal Health and Disease
Authors: Novack Deborah Veis , Mbalaviele Gabriel
Published: October 2019

The differentiation of osteoclasts (OCs) from early myeloid progenitors is a tightly regulated process that is modulated by a variety of mediators present in the bone microenvironment. Once generated, the function of mature OCs depends on cytoskeletal features controlled by an αvβ3-containing complex at the bone-apposed membrane and the secretion of protons and acid-protease cathepsin K. OCs also have important interactions with other cells in the bone microenvironment, including osteoblasts and immune cells. Dysregulation of OC differentiation and/or function can cause bone pathology. In fact, many components of OC differentiation and activation have been targeted therapeutically with great success. However, questions remain about the identity and plasticity of OC precursors and the interplay between essential networks that control OC fate. In this review, we summarize the key principles of OC biology and highlight recently uncovered mechanisms regulating OC development and function in homeostatic and disease states.
Mental health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: a systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Bangpan Mukdarut , Felix Lambert , Dickson Kelly
Published: October 2019

Background

Humanitarian emergencies are a major global health challenge with the potential to have a profound impact on people’s mental and psychological health. Effective interventions in humanitarian settings are needed to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected populations. To fill this gap, this systematic review synthesises evidence on the effectiveness of a wide range of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programmes delivered to adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

A comprehensive search of 12 electronic databases, key websites and citation checking was undertaken in 2015 and updated in May 2018. We included controlled trials published in English from 1980. We extracted data and assessed risk of bias prior to performing a meta-analysis using random effects models. When meta-analysis was not used, we narratively described individual trial effect sizes using forest plots.

Results

Thirty-five studies were included. Overall, MHPSS programmes show benefits in improved functioning and reducing post-traumatic stress disorder. There are also indications from a limited pool of evidence that cognitive–behavioural therapy and narrative exposure therapy may improve mental health conditions. Other psychotherapy modalities also showed a positive trend in favour of MHPSS programmes for improving several mental health outcomes.

Conclusion

In addition to MHPSS programme for improving mental health outcomes in adults affected by humanitarian emergencies in LMICs, there is also a need to generate robust evidence to identify potential impact on broader social dimensions. Doing so could aid the future development of MHPSS programmes and ensure their effective implementation across different humanitarian contexts in LMICs. Future research on MHPSS programmes which focus on basic services and security, community and family programmes, their cost-effectiveness and mechanisms of impact could also strengthen the MHPSS evidence base to better inform policy and practice decision-making in humanitarian settings.

Protocol registration number

CRD42016033578.
CP-North: living life in the Nordic countries? A retrospective register research protocol on individuals with cerebral palsy and their parents living in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland
Authors: Alriksson-Schmidt Ann I , Ahonen Matti , Andersen Guro L , Eggertsdóttir Guðbjörg , Haula Taru , Jahnsen Reidun , Jarl Johan , Jeglinsky-Kankainen Ira , Jonsdottir Gudny , Seid Abdu Kedir , Ásgeirsdóttir Tinna L , Møller-Madsen Bjarne , Nordbye-Nielsen Kirsten , Saha Sanjib , Steskal Darina , Sääksvuori Lauri , Hägglund Gunnar
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities. Yet, most individuals with CP are adults. How individuals with CP fare in terms of health, quality of life (QoL), education, employment and income is largely unknown. Further, little is known about the effects of having a child with CP on the parents. The Nordic countries are known for their strong welfare systems, yet it is unknown to what extent the added burden related to disability is actually compensated for. We will explore how living with CP affectshealth,QoL, healthcare utilisation, education, labour market outcomes, socioeconomic statusandmortalitythroughout the lifespan of individuals with CP and their parents. We will also investigate if these effects differ between subgroups, within and across the Nordic countries.

Methods and analyses

CP-Northis a multidisciplinary 4-year (1 August 2017 to 31 July 2021) register research project. The research consortium comprises researchers and users from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Data from CP registries and follow-up programmes, or cohorts of individuals with CP, will be merged with general national registries. All individual studies are structured under three themes: medical outcomes, social and public health outcomes, and health economics. Both case–control and cohort designs will be included depending on the particular research question. Data will be analysed in the individual countries and later merged across nations.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethics approval processes in each individual country are followed. Findings will be published (open access) in international peer-reviewed journals in related fields. Updates onCP-Northwill be published online athttp://rdi.arcada.fi/cpnorth/en/
Antidepressant use during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a nested case–control study
Authors: Dandjinou Maëlle , Sheehy Odile , Bérard Anick
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the association between antidepressant (AD) classes, types and duration of use during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design and setting

A nested case–control study was conducted within the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort (QPC), a Canadian provincial database which includes data on all pregnancies and children in Quebec from January 1998 to December 2015.

Primary outcome measures

Gestational diabetes mellitus.

Participants

Cases of GDM were identified after week 20 of pregnancy and randomly matched 1:10 to controls on gestational age at index date (ie, calendar date of GDM) and year of pregnancy. AD exposure was assessed by filled prescriptions between the beginning of pregnancy (first day of last menstrual period) and index date. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR).

Results

Among 20 905 cases and 209 050 matched controls, 9741 (4.2%) women were exposed to ADs. When adjusting for potential confounders, AD use was associated with an increased risk of GDM (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.30); venlafaxine (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.49) and amitriptyline (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.84) were also associated with an increased risk of GDM. Moreover, the risk of GDM was increased with longer duration of AD use, specifically for serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic ADs and combined use of two AD classes. No statistically significant association was observed for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that ADs—and specifically venlafaxine and amitriptyline—were associated with an increased risk of GDM.