bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilateral harlequin syndrome, unilateral Horner syndrome, and Riga‐Fede disease as presenting features of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV
Authors: Alobaida Saud , Lam Joseph M.
Published: September 2020

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) type IV, also known as congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (OMIM 256800), is part of a family of neurodegenerative disorders that manifest with variable sensory and autonomic neuropathies. In this report, we present a unique dermatological finding in a patient with HSAN type IV: bilateral harlequin syndrome that occurred in association with unilateral Horner syndrome, traumatic alopecia and Riga‐Fede disease.
Childhood parental warmth and heart rate variability in midlife: Implications for health
Authors: Alen Nicholas V. , Sloan Richard P. , Seeman Teresa E. , Hostinar Camelia E.
Published: September 2020

The current study investigated high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) as a potential mediator between childhood parental warmth and later health and mortality outcomes. Participants were 1,255 adults (56.9% female). Childhood parental warmth was reported retrospectively at mean age 46; resting HF‐HRV was measured at mean age 57; cardiovascular health and self‐evaluated health were assessed at mean ages 57 and 63, and mortality records extracted at mean age 63. Results revealed a positive association between childhood parental warmth and resting HF‐HRV, as well as associations between higher HF‐HRV and reduced risk of having a later cardiovascular health problem and of mortality by age 63. Mediation analyses revealed a small significant indirect effect of parental warmth, through HF‐HRV, on cardiovascular health.
DX5+NKT cells’ increase was correlated with liver damage in FVB mice not in BALB/c mice infected by Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Bai Xuelian , Wang Nan , Zhou Jie , Cui Min , Jing Xuening , Liu Naiguo
Published: September 2020

Aims

DX5+NKT cells’ distribution and population change in BALB/c and FVB mice infected by C sinensis and their function in liver damage were investigated.

Methods and results

Mice were infected by Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae, and lymphocytes were isolated from the livers, spleens and peripheral blood. NK, DX5+NKT, INF‐γ+DX5+NKT cells and liver fibrosis were analysed. The DX5+NKT cells displayed the largest amount in normal BALB/c mice liver followed by peripheral blood and spleen. Although the hepatic DX5+NKT cells of BALB/c mice were more than that of FVB mice, they did not show significant percentage change after C sinensis infection. The hepatic DX5+NKT cells of FVB mice increased remarkably after infection accompanied with heavier liver injury and fibrosis than the BALB/c mice. And hydroxyproline content was also positively correlated with DX5+NKT cells only in FVB mice. However, the increase of IFN‐γ producing DX5+NKT cells was lower in FVB mice than in BALB/c mice which showed sharp increase with mild liver damage after infection. The frequencies of anti‐fibrotic NK cells were similar in both of the two mouse strains.

Conclusions

C sinensis could induce different DX5+NKT cells responses in different mouse strains which may play roles in liver injury and fibrosis in FVB mice.
Molecular pathways regulating elongation of aerial plant organs: a focus on light, the circadian clock, and temperature
Authors: Favero David S. , Lambolez Alice , Sugimoto Keiko
Published: September 2020

Organs such as hypocotyls and petioles rapidly elongate in response to shade and temperature cues, contributing to adaptive responses that improve plant fitness. Growth plasticity in these organs is achieved through a complex network of molecular signals. Besides conveying information from the environment, this signaling network also transduces internal signals, such as those associated with the circadian clock. A number of studies performed in Arabidopsis hypocotyls, and to a lesser degree in petioles, have been informative for understanding the signaling networks that regulate elongation of aerial plant organs. In particular, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate responses to light, the circadian clock, and temperature. Signals derived from these three stimuli converge on the BAP module, a set of three different types of transcription factors that interdependently promote gene transcription and growth. Additional key positive regulators of growth that are also affected by environmental cues include the CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) and SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA‐105 (SPA) E3 ubiquitin ligase proteins. In this review we summarize the key signaling pathways that regulate the growth of hypocotyls and petioles, focusing specifically on molecular mechanisms important for transducing signals derived from light, the circadian clock, and temperature. While it is clear that similarities abound between the signaling networks at play in these two organs, there are also important differences between the mechanisms regulating growth in hypocotyls and petioles.
Identification of potential post‐ethylene events in the signaling cascade induced by stimuli of bud dormancy release in grapevine
Authors: Shi Zhaowan , Halaly‐Basha Tamar , Zheng Chuanlin , Sharabi‐Schwager Michal , Wang Chen , Galbraith David W. , Ophir Ron , Pang Xuequn , Or Etti
Published: September 2020

Ethylene signaling appears critical for grape bud dormancy release. We therefore focused on identification and characterization of potential downstream targets and events, assuming that they participate in the regulation of dormancy release. Because ethylene responding factors (ERF) are natural candidates for targets of ethylene signaling, we initially characterized the behavior of two VvERF‐VIIs, which we identified within a gene set induced by dormancy release stimuli. As expected, these VvERF‐VIIs are localized within the nucleus, and are stabilized upon decreases in oxygen availability within the dormant buds. Less expected, the proteins are also stabilized upon hydrogen cyanamide (HC) application under normoxic conditions, and their levels peak at deepest dormancy under vineyard conditions. We proceeded to catalog the response of all bud‐expressed ERFs, and identified additional ERFs that respond similarly to ethylene, HC, azide and hypoxia. We also identified a core set of genes that are similarly affected by treatment with ethylene and with various dormancy release stimuli. Interestingly, the functional annotations of this core set center around response to energy crisis and renewal of energy resources via autophagy‐mediated catabolism. Because ERF‐VIIs are stabilized under energy shortage and reshape cell metabolism to allow energy regeneration, we propose that: (i) the availability of VvERF‐VIIs is a consequence of an energy crisis within the bud; (ii) VvERF‐VIIs function as part of an energy‐regenerating mechanism, which activates anaerobic metabolism and autophagy‐mediated macromolecule catabolism; and (iii) activation of catabolism serves as the mandatory switch and the driving force for activation of the growth‐inhibited meristem during bud‐break.
Faktor Sokongan Individu Terhadap Kecemerlangan Wanita Bekerjaya dan Berumah Tangga
Authors: Hamzah Naemah , Mustari Mohd Ismail , Basiron Bushrah
Published: September 2020

The world today witnesses a significant increase in the needs of women engagement in the workforce, particularly in successful economic transformation of the country. Women today are not only seen as a support group, but also as decision makers; in line with the government’s aspiration. Thus, women today need the right inspiration based on Sharia in achieving success in their careers and households. Data were collected through qualitative design using in-depth interviews of women working JUSA (VK7) in the public sector and document analysis involves fiqh books, journals, papers and documents of the study participants as data support. Interview support data also includes the interviews of husbands, children, employers and colleagues to create a triangulation of data. The findings were analysed using Nvivo 7.0. This research has produced models of supporting factors in the success of career women and homemakers that involves skills that is essential and individual supporting factors.
AGILE TRANSFORMATION: A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL PROCESS
Authors: Gandomani Taghi Javdani , Zulzalil Hazura , Ziaei Nafchi Mina
Published: September 2020

Software companies are widely interested to use Agile methodologies instead of traditional methods, mainly because of achieving the values offered by Agile approach. However, literature review implies that the alteration process is subject to various serious challenges that make Agile transformation more difficult than expected. Most of the companies are facing these challenges mainly because of the lack of knowledge and understanding of the transformation process. We have conducted a large-scale empirical research study discover various aspects of Agile transformation. Applying a Grounded Theory study identified the general outline of Agile transformation Process. The main aim of this paper is to illustrate the most important concepts that need to be considered when adopting Agile methodologies. This study showed that Agile transformation comprises many concepts, activities, and steps including transformation prerequisites, facilitators, framework, assessment, coaching, and so on. Software companies and organizations need to be familiar with these concepts before inception of Agile transformation process.
Simulated shift work during pregnancy does not impair progeny metabolic outcomes in sheep
Authors: Gatford Kathryn L. , Kennaway David J. , Liu Hong , Schultz Christopher G. , Wooldridge Amy L. , Kuchel Timothy R. , Varcoe Tamara J.
Published: September 2020

Key points

Maternal shift work increases the risk of pregnancy complications, although its effects on progeny health after birth are not clear.

We evaluated the impact of a simulated shift work protocol for one‐third, two‐thirds or all of pregnancy on the metabolic health of sheep progeny.

Simulated shift work had no effect on growth, body size, body composition or glucose tolerance in pre‐pubertal or young adult progeny.

Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion was reduced in adult female progeny and insulin sensitivity was increased in adult female singleton progeny.

The results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that maternal shift work exposure impairs metabolic health of progeny in altricial species.

Disrupted maternal circadian rhythms, such as those experienced during shift work, are associated with impaired progeny metabolism in rodents. The effects of disrupted maternal circadian rhythms on progeny metabolism have not been assessed in altricial, non‐litter bearing species. We therefore assessed postnatal growth from birth to adulthood, as well as body composition, glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, in pre‐pubertal and young adult progeny of sheep exposed to control conditions (CON: 10 males, 10 females) or to a simulated shift work (SSW) protocol for the first one‐third (SSW0‐7: 11 males, 9 females), the first two‐thirds (SSW0‐14: 8 males, 11 females) or all (SSW0‐21: 8 males, 13 females) of pregnancy. Progeny growth did not differ between maternal treatments. In pre‐pubertal progeny (12–14 weeks of age), adiposity, glucose tolerance and insulin secretion during an i.v. glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity did not differ between maternal treatments. Similarly, in young adult progeny (12–14 months of age), food intake, adiposity and glucose tolerance did not differ between maternal treatments. At this age, however, insulin secretion in response to a glucose bolus was 30% lower in female progeny in the combined SSW groups compared to control females (P = 0.031), and insulin sensitivity of SSW0‐21 singleton females was 236% compared to that of CON singleton female progeny (P = 0.025). At least in this model, maternal SSW does not impair progeny metabolic health, with some evidence of greater insulin action in female young adult progeny.
Ultrasound Array Probe: Signal Processing in Case of Structural Noise
Authors: Nicolas Paul , Paul Kassis , Antoine Ferre , Andreas Schumm , Pierre-Emile Lhuillier
Published: September 2020

This work focuses on non-destructive examinations using array probe ultrasonic waves on complex materials generating a high structural noise on the examined area. During an ultrasonic examination, multiple scattering of the ultrasonic waves at the grain boundaries makes the distinction between this structurally induced noise and a potential defect challenging. The difficulty of the interpretation can moreover be increased in the near surface area because of the subsurface wave. In order to ease the analysis of these acquisitions, some numerical processing methods are proposed. Statistical properties of the imaging results (for instance, total focusing method or plane wave imaging) are first calculated on several sensor positions. These statistical properties are then used to post-process the imaging results and enhance any signal values that do not belong to the structural noise expected statistics. The method, called “CORUS,” has been successfully tested on cast austenoferritic stainless steel coarse-grained mock-ups, with several dB gain compared to the classical total focusing method. It is now integrated in a civa software plugin and in a prototype version of the real-time PANTHER-phased-array acquisition system from Eddyfi Technologies.
Lysophosphatidylcholine Potentiates Antibacterial Activity of Polymyxin B
Authors: Yadav Jitender , Ismaeel Sana , Qadri Ayub
Published: September 2020

Polymyxin B, used to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, produces nephrotoxicity at its current dosage. We show that a combination of nonbactericidal concentration of this drug and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) potently inhibits growth ofSalmonellaand at least two other Gram-negative bacteriain vitro. This combination makes bacterial membrane porous and causes degradation of DnaK, the regulator of protein folding. Polymyxin B-LPC combination may be an effective and safer regimen against drug-resistant bacteria.
Natural and Experimental Persistence of Highly Pathogenic H5 Influenza Viruses in Slurry of Domestic Ducks, with or without Lime Treatment
Authors: Schmitz Audrey , Pertusa Marion , Le Bouquin Sophie , Rousset Nathalie , Ogor Katell , LeBras Marie-Odile , Martenot Claire , Daniel Patrick , Belen Cepeda Hontecillas Ana , Scoizec Axelle , Morin Hervé , Massin Pascale , Grasland Béatrice , Niqueux Eric , Eterradossi Nicolas
Published: September 2020

From November 2015 to July 2017, two successive episodes of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HP AIVs) infections occurred on poultry farms in France, mostly in domestic ducks raised for foie gras production in southwestern France. During the two epizootics, epidemiological investigations were carried out on infected farms and control and biosafety measures were implemented in association with surveillance in order to stop the spread of the viruses. Effluents are known to be an important factor in environmental dissemination of viruses, and suitable effluent management is needed to help prevent the spread of epizootics to other farms or pathogen persistence at the farm level. The present study was therefore designed to assess how long infectious A/H5 HP AIVs can persist in naturally or experimentally contaminated fecal slurry samples from ducks, with or without sanitization by lime treatment.
Stable Attenuation of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus for Live Vaccines by Deletion and Insertion of Amino Acids in the Hinge Region between the mRNA Capping and Methyltransferase Domains of the Large Polymerase Protein
Authors: Xue Miaoge , Wang Rongzhang , Harder Olivia , Chen Phylip , Lu Mijia , Cai Hui , Li Anzhong , Liang Xueya , Jennings Ryan , La Perle Krista , Niewiesk Stefan , Peeples Mark E. , Li Jianrong
Published: September 2020

Despite tremendous efforts, there are no FDA-approved vaccines for human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). A live attenuated RSV vaccine is one of the most promising vaccine strategies for RSV. However, it has been a challenge to identify an RSV vaccine strain that has an optimal balance between attenuation and immunogenicity. In this study, we generated a panel of recombinant RSVs carrying a single and double deletion or a single alanine insertion in the large (L) polymerase protein that are genetically stable, sufficiently attenuated, and grow to high titer in cultured cells, while retaining high immunogenicity. Thus, these recombinant viruses may be promising vaccine candidates for RSV.
Antiviral Drug Discovery To Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Richman Douglas D.
Published: September 2020

The magnitude of the morbidity and mortality inflicted upon the global population in less than 1 year has driven the inescapable conclusion that the discovery and development of effective antiviral drugs for COVID-19 are urgent and should be prioritized. The antiviral drug discovery programs that emerged for HIV and hepatitis C virus have enabled technology and expertise to accelerate this process for SARS-CoV-2. The description of candidate lead inhibitors for the viral main protease (M
pro
) exemplifies this accelerated approach and reminds us of the needs and opportunities for addressing this pandemic.
Human Cytomegalovirus Genomes Survive Mitosis via the IE19 Chromatin-Tethering Domain
Authors: Lyon Shelby M. , Yetming Kristen D. , Paulus Christina , Nevels Michael , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: September 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading infectious cause of birth defects, represents a serious complication for immunocompromised HIV/AIDS and organ transplant patients, and contributes to both immunosenescence and cardiovascular diseases. HCMV is also implicated in cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and infects
ex vivo
-cultured GBM tumor cells. In dividing tumor cells, the genomes of DNA tumor viruses regain nuclear localization after nuclear envelope breakdown during mitosis. This mitotic survival is mediated by a viral protein with a chromatin-tethering domain (CTD). Here, we report that the HCMV genome is maintained in dividing fibroblasts by the CTD of the viral IE19 protein. The discovery of a viral genome maintenance factor during productive infection could help explain viral genome dynamics within HCMV-positive tumors as well as during latency.
MRI for measuring therapy efficiency after revascularisation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis
Authors: Kendziora Benjamin , Stier Heli , Schlattmann Peter , Dewey Marc
Published: September 2020

Objective

To summarise existing data on the relation between the time from symptom onset until revascularisation (time to reperfusion) and the myocardial salvage index (MSI) calculated as proportion of non-necrotic myocardium inside oedematous myocardium on T2-weighted and T1-weighted late gadolinium enhancement MRI after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Studies including patients with revascularised STEMI and stating both the time to reperfusion and the MSI measured by T2-weighted and T1-weighted late gadolinium enhancement MRI were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science until 16 May 2020. A mixed effects model was used to evaluate the relation between the time to reperfusion and the MSI. The gender distribution and mean age in included patient groups, the timing of MRI, used MRI sequences and image interpretation methodology were included in the mixed effects model to explore between-study heterogeneity.

Results

We included 38 studies with 5106 patients. The pooled MSI was 42.6% (95% CI: 38.1 to 47.1). The pooled time to reperfusion was 3.8 hours (95% CI: 3.5 to 4.0). Every hour of delay in reperfusion was associated with an absolute decrease of 13.1% (95% CI: 11.5 to 14.6; p<0.001) in the MSI. Between-study heterogeneity was considerable (σ2=167.8). Differences in the gender distribution, timing of MRI and image interpretation among studies explained 45.2% of the between-study heterogeneity.

Conclusions

The MSI on T2-weighted and T1-weighted late gadolinium enhancement MRI correlates inversely with the time to reperfusion, which indicates that cardioprotection achieved by minimising the time to reperfusion leads to a higher MSI. The analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity between studies. The heterogeneity could partly be explained by differences in the gender distribution, timing and interpretation of MRI suggesting that the MRI-assessed MSI is not only influenced by cardioprotective therapy but also by patient characteristics and MRI parameters.
Characterising the scale-up and performance of antiretroviral therapy programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: an observational study using growth curves
Authors: Bigelow Benjamin , Verguet Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The rate of change in key health indicators (eg, intervention coverage) is an understudied area of health system performance. Rates of change in health services indicators can augment traditional measures that solely involve the absolute level of performance in those indicators. Growth curves are a class of mathematical models that can parameterise dynamic phenomena and estimate rates of change summarising these phenomena; however, they are not commonly used in global health. We sought to characterise the changes over time in antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage in sub-Saharan Africa using growth curve models.

Design

This was a retrospective observational study. We used publicly available data on ART coverage levels from 2000 to 2017 in 42 sub-Saharan African countries. We developed two ordinary differential equations models, the Gompertz and logistic growth models, that allowed for the estimation of summary parameters related to scale-up and rates of change in ART coverage. We fitted non-linear regressions for the two models, assessed goodness of fit using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), and ranked countries based on their estimated performance drawn from the fitted model parameters.

Results

We extracted country performance in rates of scale-up of ART coverage, which ranged from ≤2.5 percentage points per year (South Sudan, Sudan, and Madagascar) to ≥8.0 percentage points per year (Benin, Zimbabwe and Namibia), using the Gompertz model. Based on BIC, the Gompertz model provided a better fit than the logistic growth model for most countries studied.

Conclusions

Growth curve models can provide benchmarks to assess country performance in ART coverage evolution. They could be a useful approach that yields summary metrics for synthesising country performance in scaling up key health services.
Healthy Life Centres: a 3-month behaviour change programme’s impact on participants’ physical activity levels, aerobic fitness and obesity: an observational study
Authors: Blom Ellen Eimhjellen , Aadland Eivind , Solbraa Ane Kristiansen , Oldervoll Line Merethe
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Individuals with low socioeconomic status and multimorbidity tend to have lower physical activity (PA) levels than the general population. Primary care is an important setting for reaching high-risk individuals to support behaviour change. This study aimed to investigate the impact of behaviour change interventions delivered by Norwegian Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) on participants’ PA levels, aerobic fitness and obesity, and furthermore to investigate possible predictors of change.

Design

An observational study with a pre–post design and a 3-month follow-up.

Setting

Thirty-two HLCs in Norway were included.

Participants

A total of 713 participants (72% of the participants included at baseline), 71% women, with a mean age of 51 (18–87 years) and body mass index (BMI) of 32 (SD 7) met to follow-up.

Intervention

Individual consultations and tailored individual and group-based exercise and courses organised by the HLCs and cooperating providers.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome was time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA, min/day) (ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer). The secondary outcomes were light PA (LPA, min/day), number of steps per day, time spent sedentary (SED, min/day), aerobic fitness (submaximal treadmill test, min), BMI (kg/m2) and waist circumference (WC, cm).

Results

There was no change in MVPA (B 1.4, 95% CI −0.4 to 3.1) after 3 months. The participants had improved LPA (4.0, 95% CI 0.5 to 7.5), increased number of steps (362, 95% CI 172 to 552), reduced SED (−5.6, 95% CI −9.8 to –1.3), improved fitness (0.8, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0), reduced BMI (−0.2, 95% CI −0.1 to –0.3) and reduced WC (−1.7, 95% CI −2.0 to –1.3). Positive predictors of change were number of exercise sessions completed per week, duration of adherence to HLC offers and participation in exercise organised by HLC.

Conclusion

Participation in the HLC interventions had small positive impacts on participants’ PA levels, aerobic fitness and obesity. Further research to develop effective behaviour change programmes targeting individuals with complex health challenges is needed.

Trial registration number

NCT03026296.
Are patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy at risk for cardiac events? Results from a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Degens Juliette , De Ruysscher D , Houben Ruud , Kietselaer Bastiaan , Bootsma Gerben , Hendriks Lizza , Huijbers Ellen , Schols Annemie , Dingemans Anne-Marie C
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Dyspnoea is one of the symptoms frequently encountered after treatment with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Long-term data on mild to moderately severe cardiac events as underlying cause of dyspnoea in patients with stage III NSCLC are lacking. Therefore, the incidence of new cardiac events, with a common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) score of ≥2 within 5 years after diagnosis, were analysed.

Design

Retrospective multicentre cohort study of patients with stage III NSCLC treated with CRT from 2006 to 2013. The medical files of the treated patients were reviewed.

Outcome measures

The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of new cardiac events with a CTCAE score of ≥2 within 5 years after diagnosis. Secondary endpoint was to identify risk factors associated with the development of a cardiac event.

Results

Four hundred and sixty patients were included in the study. Of all patients, 150 (32.6%) developed a new cardiac event. In patients with a known cardiac history (n=138), 44.2% developed an event. The most common cardiac events were arrhythmia (14.6%), heart failure (7.6%) and symptomatic coronary artery disease (6.8%). Pre-existent cardiac comorbidity (HR 1.96; p<0.01) and WHO-performance score ≥2 (HR 2.71; p<0.01) were significantly associated with developing a cardiac event. The majority of patients did not have pre-existent cardiac comorbidity (n=322). Elevated WHO/International Society of Hypertension score was not identified as a significant predictor for cardiac events.

Conclusion

One-third of patients with stage III NSCLC treated in daily clinical practice develop a new cardiac event within 5 years after CRT. All physicians confronted with patients with NSCLC should take cardiac comorbidity as a serious possible explanation for dyspnoea after treatment with CRT.
Knowledge mobilisation: a UK co-creation study to devise strategies to amend lay and practitioner atopic eczema mindlines to improve consultation experiences and self-management practices in primary care
Authors: Cowdell Fiona , Ahmed Taheeya , Layfield Carron
Published: September 2020

Objective

To devise strategies to amend lay and practitioner atopic eczema mindlines ‘collectively reinforced, internalised tacit guidelines’, to improve consultation experiences and self-management practices in primary care.

Design

Co-creation workshops informed by the Co:Create Coproduction Matrix.

Setting

Conference centre in central England and via remote communication.

Participants

Lay people with, and parents of children with, atopic eczema, practitioners, a researcher and a facilitator (n=22).

Results

Eczema mindline amendment needs to address people and parents of children with the condition, practitioners and wider society in parallel. For lay people trust and‘realness’ of amendment activity was vital and practitioners wanted practical, locally relevant, hints and tips, tailored, ‘no faff’ approaches. To improve consultation experiences and self-management practices, five key, consistent, evidence-based messages need to be instilled into eczema mindlines: (1) eczema is more than just dry skin, (2) eczema does not just go away, (3) moisturisers are for every day, (4) steroid creams are okay when you need them and (5) you know your child’s eczema best.

Conclusion

This co-creation study provides original insights intowhateczema knowledge should be mobilised,whoneeds to have this knowledge,howthis should be achieved to amend existing mindlines to improve consultation experiences and self-management practices in primary care.

The remaining challenge is to refine, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies developed to instil the five core messages and erase outdated or inaccurate information.
Traditional Chinese medicine injections for heart failure: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Shi Qingyang , Yang Fengwen , Wang Xianliang , Mao Jingyuan
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) has always been an important issue in global public health. The research and development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provide more possibilities for improving the prognosis of HF patients. Because multiple TCM injections (TCMIs) are being widely applied in clinical work, it is important to choose the right TCMIs for HF patients. The purpose of this study is to assess and compare the effect of different TCMIs for HF using network meta-analysis (NMA) and further provide references for clinical decision-making.

Methods and analysis

The clinical randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of TCMIs for treating HF will be searched in the relevant database, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (No. 2 of 2020), Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database from inception to 29 February 2020. The outcomes of interest include all-cause mortality, rehospitalisation rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-BNP, cardiac output, stroke volume, 6 min walking distance and adverse events. The risk of bias assessment of the included RCTs will be conducted according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias. NMA will be performed in a Bayesian hierarchical framework using R V.3.6.1 with the gemtc package. Finally, we will rank the efficacy of these treatment programmes according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, and perform quality assessment and recommendation grading of the evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will extract data from the published literature and will not involve private information from individuals or compromise their rights. Therefore, the study does not require ethical approval. The results will eventually be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020166900.
Factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation among healthcare professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mersha Abraham Tarekegn , Gebre Egzi Amare Haile Kiros , Tawuye Hailu Yimer , Endalew Nigussie Simeneh
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among health professionals at the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Study design

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 February to 15 March 2018. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitude level of health professionals towards CPR. Variables with a p value less than <0.2 in the bivariable analysis were fitted into the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a p value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Setting

University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 406 health professionals (physicians, nurses, anaesthetists, health officers and midwives) were included.

Results

Among the study participants, 25.1% (95% CI 21.2 to 29.3) had good knowledge and 60.8% (95% CI 55.9 to 65.5) had good attitude towards adult CPR. Work experience (adjusted OR (AOR): 5.02, 95% CI 1.25 to 20.20), number of work settings (AOR: 6.52, 95% CI 2.76 to 15.41), taking CPR training (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.40 to 5.42), exposure to cardiac arrest case (AOR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.07) and reading CPR guidelines (AOR: 5.57, 95% CI 2.76 to 11.20) were positively associated with good knowledge. Similarly, taking CPR training (AOR: 1.74, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.53) and reading CPR guidelines (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI 1.55 to 4.85) were positively associated with good attitude.

Conclusions

The level of knowledge and attitude of health professionals towards adult CPR was suboptimal. Health professionals who were taking CPR training and reading CPR guidelines had good knowledge and attitude towards CPR. In addition, work experience, number of work settings and exposure to cardiac arrest case had a positive association with CPR knowledge. Thus, providing regular CPR training and work setting rotations is highly crucial.
Prognostic factors for outcomes of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: protocol for the SeaSHeL national prospective cohort study
Authors: Mandavia Rishi , Hannink Gerjon , Ahmed Muhammad Nayeem , Premakumar Yaami , Chu Timothy Shun Man , Blackshaw Helen , Ferdous Tanjinah , Mehta Nishchay , Manjaly Joseph , Khan Maha , Schilder Anne GM
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The mainstay of treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) includes oral steroids, intratympanic steroid injections or a combination of both. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, in their recent hearing loss guidelines, highlighted the paucity of evidence assessing the comparative effectiveness of these treatments; and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment Programme has since released a commissioned call for a trial to identify the most effective route of administration of steroids as a first-line treatment for idiopathic SSNHL. For such trials to be run effectively, reliable information is needed on patients with SSNHL: where they present, numbers, demographics, treatment pathways, as well as outcomes. This study will collect these data in a nationwide cohort study of patients presenting with SSNHL across 97 National Health Service (NHS) trusts. The study will be delivered through ear, nose and throat (ENT) trainee networks, the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Audiology Champions and the NIHR CRN. Importantly, this study will also provide a dataset to develop a prognostic model to predict recovery for patients with idiopathic SSNHL. The study objectives are to: (1) map the patient pathway and identify the characteristics of adult patients presenting to NHS ENT and hearing services with SSNHL, (2) develop a prognostic model to predict recovery for patients with idiopathic SSNHL and (3) establish the impact of idiopathic SSNHL on patients’ quality of life (QoL).

Methods and analysis

Study design: national multicentre prospective cohort study across 97 NHS trusts.

Inclusion criteria: adult patients presenting to NHS ENT and hearing services with SSNHL.

Outcomes: change in auditory function; change in QoL score.

Analysis: multivariable prognostic model, using prespecified candidate predictors. Mean change in QoL scores will be calculated from initial presentation to follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Health Research Authority and NHS Research Ethics Committee approved the study. Publication will be on behalf of study sites and collaborators.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04108598).
Tobacco use patterns and attitudes in Singapore young male adults serving military national service: a qualitative study
Authors: Tan Clive , Lin Lavinia , Lim Mervyn , Ong Seeu Kun , Wong Mee-Lian , Lee Jeong Kyu
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To explore tobacco use patterns and factors influencing tobacco use in young Singaporean men serving military national service.

Methods

A qualitative study using in-depth telephone interviews and maximum variation sampling was conducted with 29 Singaporean men who have completed their national service in 2017–2018. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

More than half (51.7%) of the participants started smoking before age 18, with a mean age of smoking initiation at 16 years. At the individual level, the two main contributing factors to tobacco use were smoking as a coping mechanism, and physical or psychological addiction. Financial concern was reported as the key motivation to quit smoking. At the interpersonal level, peers and superiors played an influential role in the smoking habits of the participants. When superiors took additional measures against smoking behaviours, it contributed to their decision to smoke less. At the organisation level, some unintended consequences were reported as a result of the strict tobacco control measures implemented by the military, such as the designated smoking areas within the camps become regarded as an area for socialisation.

Conclusion

Informed by the Socio-Ecological Model, this study has provided insights into the multifaceted and interactive effect of individual, interpersonal and organisational factors that influence tobacco use in young men serving military national service in the Singapore and Asian context. The study insights provided an understanding of the local context before designing programmes or changing regulations to further discourage tobacco usage in the military.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jiena , Shi Zhihao , Zhou Lifang , Hu Yong , Zhang Meibian
Published: September 2020

Objective

Most of the Chinese occupational population are becoming at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, there is a limited number of literature reviews on occupational NIHL in China. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of occupational NIHL in the Chinese population using data from relevant studies.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

From December 2019 to February 2020, we searched the literature through databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, the China National Knowledge Internet, Chinese Sci-Tech Journal Database (weip.com), WanFang Database and China United Library Database, for studies on NIHL in China published in 1993–2019 and analysed the correlation between NIHL and occupational exposure to noise, including exposure to complex noise and coexposure to noise and chemicals.

Results

A total of 71 865 workers aged 33.5±8.7 years were occupationally exposed to 98.6±7.2 dB(A) (A-weighted decibels) noise for a duration of 9.9±8.4 years in the transportation, mining and typical manufacturing industries. The prevalence of occupational NIHL in China was 21.3%, of which 30.2% was related to high-frequency NIHL (HFNIHL), 9.0% to speech-frequency NIHL and 5.8% to noise-induced deafness. Among manufacturing workers, complex noise contributed to greater HFNIHL than Gaussian noise (overall weighted OR (OR)=1.95). Coexposure to noise and chemicals such as organic solvents, welding fumes, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide led to greater HFNIHL than noise exposure alone (overall weighted OR=2.36). Male workers were more likely to experience HFNIHL than female workers (overall weighted OR=2.26). Age, noise level and exposure duration were also risk factors for HFNIHL (overall weighted OR=1.35, 5.63 and 1.75, respectively).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of occupational NIHL in China was related to the wide distribution of noise in different industries as well as high-level and long-term noise exposure. The prevalence was further aggravated by exposure to complex noise or coexposure to noise and specific chemicals. Additional efforts are needed to reduce occupational noise exposure in China.
Galectin-3 levels and the prediction of atrial high-rate episodes in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Aksan Gokhan , Yanık Ahmet , Yontar Osman Can , Gedikli Ömer , Arslan Ugur , Soylu Korhan
Published: September 2020

Galectin-3 is an inflammation biomarker associated with atrial remodeling which plays a role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) is related to development of clinically documented AF and stroke. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the presence of AHRE and the coronary sinus (CS) serum sampling of galectin-3 levels in the long-term follow-up of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patients. A total of 108 consecutive CRT patients were included prospectively in the study. AHREs were defined as atrial tachyarrhythmia episodes lasting at least 6 min with atrial rate >190 beats/min detected by cardiac implantable electronic device. CS blood samples were drawn from the CS guiding catheter to perform galectin-3 measurements. Galectin-3 levels were measured via ELISA. During a mean follow-up 12.6±4.9 months, AHRE was observed in 31 (28.7%) patients and not observed in 77 (72.3%) patients. CS galectin-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with AHRE than those without AHRE (18.09±2.62 vs 13.17±3.17, respectively, p<0.001). Moreover, CS galectin-3 levels showed significant positive correlation with percent of time spent in total AHRE (r=0.436, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that left atrium (LA) volume and CS galectin-3 levels were significant and independent predictors for AHRE (OR=1.127, 95% CI: 1.045 to 1.216; p=0.002, OR=1.799, 95% CI: 1.388 to 2.330; p<0.001, respectively). In this study, we determined that high CS galectin-3 levels were a predictor for the development of AHRE in CRT patients.
Isoetes ×blondeaui hyb. nov. (Isoetaceae), a new hybrid quillwort from eastern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Brunton D.F. , Sokoloff P.C.
Published: September 2020

The hybrid between diploid Isoetes echinospora and tetraploid I. laurentiana is reported from six sites along the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City. Morphological characteristics and distinguishing features are identified, and the binomial I. ×blondeaui, hyb. nov. is proposed. All occurrences are in biogeographically significant freshwater tidal marsh habitat. The hybrid is expected to occur in small numbers within most large I. laurentiana populations.
Computational studies of energetics, electronic structure, and vibrational spectra of PETN nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Qiannan , Zhu Weihua
Published: September 2020

The density functional tight binding method was used to explore the energetics, electronic structure, and vibrational spectra of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) nanoparticles (NPs). The surface energy of the PETN NP is anisotropic and its extra energy decreases with the increase of size. The energy bands of the NPs are significantly expanded and the band gaps are narrowed, thus reducing the stability due to nanometer size effect. The surface of the NP is mainly covered by the NO2 group. The high-energy surface may play a role in triggering chemical decomposition. The vibration frequencies of the PETN NPs present a wider distribution than those of the gas and solid phase PETN, which will increase the probability of energy transfer to the molecules in the system and promote the decomposition of PETN. Our results provide a basic understanding from a molecular perspective to the energy properties of nano explosives.
Ligand substitution and electronic structure studies of bis(phosphine)cobalt cyclooctadiene precatalysts for alkene hydrogenation
Authors: Zhong Hongyu , Mohadjer Beromi Megan , Chirik Paul J.
Published: September 2020

Diene self-exchange reactions of the 17-electron, formally cobalt(0) cyclooctadienyl precatalyst, (R,R)-(iPrDuPhos)Co(COD) (P2CoCOD, (R,R)-iPrDuPhos = 1,2-bis((2R,5R)-2,5-diisopropylphospholano)benzene, COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) were studied using natural abundance and deuterated 1,5-cyclooctadiene. Exchange of free and coordinated diene was observed at ambient temperature in benzene-d6 solution and kinetic studies support a dissociative process. Both neutral P2CoCOD and the 16-electron, cationic cobalt(I) complex, [(R,R)-(iPrDuPhos)Co(COD)][BArF4] (BArF4 = B[(3,5-(CF3)2)C6H3]4) underwent instantaneous displacement of the 1,5-cyclooctadiene ligand by carbon monoxide and generated the corresponding carbonyl derivatives. The solid-state parameters, DFT-computed Mulliken spin density and analysis of molecular orbitals suggest an alternative description of P2CoCOD as low-spin cobalt(II) with the 1,5-cyclooctadiene acting as a LX2-type ligand. This view of the electronic structure provides insight into the nature of the ligand substitution process and the remarkable stability of the neutral cobalt complexes toward protic solvents observed during catalytic alkene hydrogenation.
The effects of Sc doping and O vacancy on the electronic states and optical properties of m-BiVO4
Authors: Huang Yuhong , Zhang Xiaqing , Wang Jingnan , Zhang Jianmin , Wei Xiumei , Ma Fei
Published: September 2020

Based on density functional theory (DFT), the effects of scandium (Sc) doping and oxygen vacancy (VO) on the electronic states and optical properties of monoclinic BiVO4 (m-BiVO4) are investigated. The generalized gradient approximation plus U (GGA+U) method is adopted during the calculation of the electronic properties to compensate for the limitations of the DFT method. The ideal m-BiVO4 has a direct band gap of 2.400 eV, and if Bi in m-BiVO4 is substituted by Sc (subSc-Bi), the direct band gap will be reduced to 2.393 eV. However, if V is replaced by Sc (subSc-V) as well as oxygen vacancy induced (subSc–V+VO), the band gap will become indirect with values of 1.913 and 2.198 eV, respectively. The reduction capability is in the sequence of subSc–Bi > ideal > subSc–V+VO > subSc–V, while the oxidation capability is in the order of ideal > subSc–Bi > subSc–V+VO > subSc–V. The ε1(0) of the ideal, subSc–Bi, subSc–V, and subSc–V+VO defective m-BiVO4 are 8.290, 8.293, 12.791, and 8.285, respectively. The optical absorptions of ideal and subSc–Bi m-BiVO4 show anisotropy and they are nearly independent of the defect concentration. SubSc–V m-BiVO4 exhibits stronger absorption than the other three semiconductors. The absorptions of subSc–V+VO m-BiVO4 vary widely with the defect concentrations, where 3.906% defect concentration of m-BiVO4 has the strongest absorption. The estimated optical band gaps [Formula: see text] are smaller than Eg for ideal and defective m-BiVO4.