bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metagenomic analysis reveals the microbiome and resistome in migratory birds
Authors: Cao Jian , Hu Yongfei , Liu Fei , Wang Yanan , Bi Yuhai , Lv Na , Li Jing , Zhu Baoli , Gao George F.
Published: March 2020

Background

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose high risks to human and animal health worldwide. In recent years, the role of gut microbiota as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in humans and animals has been increasingly investigated. However, the structure and function of the gut bacterial community, as well as the ARGs they carry in migratory birds remain unknown.

Results

Here, we collected samples from migratory bird species and their associated environments and characterized their gut microbiomes and resistomes using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We found that migratory birds vary greatly in gut bacterial composition but are similar in their microbiome metabolism and function. Birds from the same environment tend to harbor similar bacterial communities. In total, 1030 different ARGs (202 resistance types) conferring resistance to tetracycline, aminoglycoside, β-lactam, sulphonamide, chloramphenicol, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin (MLS), and quinolone are identified. Procrustes analysis indicated that microbial community structure is not correlated with the resistome in migratory birds. Moreover, metagenomic assembly-based host tracking revealed that most of the ARG-carrying contigs originate from Proteobacteria. Co-occurrence patterns revealed by network analysis showed that emrD, emrY, ANT(6)-Ia, and tetO, the hubs of ARG type network, are indicators of other co-occurring ARG types. Compared with the microbiomes and resistomes in the environment, migratory birds harbor a lower phylogenetic diversity but have more antibiotic resistance proteins. Interestingly, we found that the mcr-1 resistance gene is widespread among different birds, accounting for 50% of the total samples. Meanwhile, a large number of novel β-lactamase genes are also reconstructed from bird metagenomic assemblies based on fARGene software.

Conclusions

Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the diversity and abundance of ARGs in migratory birds and highlights the possible role of migratory birds as ARG disseminators into the environment.
Establishment of a multifamily therapy (MFT) service for young adults with a severe eating disorder – experience from 11 MFT groups, and from designing and implementing the model
Authors: Skarbø Tove , Balmbra Steven M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Eating disorders are serious illnesses leading to a substantially lowered quality of life not only for the patient but also for their family. They are difficult to treat, and many patients fail to complete their treatment. At the Regional Centre for Eating Disorders (RESSP) at Nordland Hospital in Bodø, in the north of Norway, it was apparent that many young adult patients maintained an active, ongoing relationship with their family of origin, and that parents and others were often highly involved in their life and illness. It was therefore desirable to develop a treatment model involving family members; specifically a multifamily therapy (MFT) group programme.

Methods

The aim was to establish an MFT service at RESSP for young adult patients suffering from severe eating disorders. This involved, (1) work preparatory to the establishment of the new service, (2) the development and implementation of a suitable MFT model, and (3) sharing the skills and knowledge gained from our experiences to other professionals in the field, and in other settings. This work of development and change can be understood as a process of innovation and is here described within the framework of implementation theory. The work took place in a clinically naturalistic context at the centre.

Results

The MFT model description is based on experience during its development as well as its final form. The stages of this development process and of the changes made in order to establish the new service are described, together with its core components. To date, 68 patients and 198 family members have participated. Dropout rate has been 7.4% and the majority of patients have continued in treatment after completion of the MFT groups. BMI measurements show a significant weight-gain for those with an underweight at start. 32 other professionals have been trained in the model, and a similar service started in 3 other units.

Conclusion

The new model has been welcomed by patients and families alike. The MFT group programme has had a strikingly low dropout rate and a majority of patients have continued in treatment. BMI measurements show a significant weight-gain for those being underweight at start. Other therapists have been trained in the model, and similar services set up elsewhere. In order to document and increase the usefulness of the MFT treatment, a research project has been initiated to evaluate experience and outcomes both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Functional characterization of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase encoding genes from Scoparia dulcis L.
Authors: Yamamura Yoshimi , Mabuchi Ayaka
Published: March 2020

Background

Most plant cytochrome P450 (P450) proteins need to be supplied with electrons from a redox partner, e.g. an NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), for the activation of oxygen molecules via heme. CPR is a flavoprotein with an N-terminal transmembrane domain, which transfers electrons from NADPH to the P450 via coenzymes flavin adenine dinucleotide and flavin mononucleotide.

Results

In this study, a novel CPR (SdCPR) was isolated from a tropical medicinal plant Scoparia dulcis L. The deduced amino acid of SdCPR showed high homology of > 76% with CPR from higher plants and belonged to the class II CPRs of dicots. Recombinant SdCPR protein reduced cytochrome c, ferricyanide (K3Fe(CN)6), and dichlorophenolindophenol in an NADPH-dependent manner. To elucidate the P450 monooxygenase activity of SdCPR, we isolated a cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (SdC4H, CYP73A111) gene from S. dulcis. Biochemical characterization of SdCPR/SdC4H demonstrated that SdCPR supports the oxidation step of SdC4H. Real-time qPCR results showed that expression levels of SdCPR and SdC4H were inducible by mechanical wounding treatment and phytohormone elicitation (methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid), which were consistent with the results of promotor analyses.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the SdCPR and SdC4H are related to defense reactions, including the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites.
Structural control and system-level behavior of the seismic cycle at the Nankai Trough
Authors: Shi Qibin , Barbot Sylvain , Wei Shengji , Tapponnier Paul , Matsuzawa Takanori , Shibazaki Bunichiro
Published: March 2020

The Nankai Trough in Southwest Japan exhibits a wide spectrum of fault slip, with long-term and short-term slow-slip events, slow and fast earthquakes, all associated with different segments down the plate interface. Frictional and viscous properties vary depending on rock type, temperature, and pressure. However, what controls the down-dip segmentation of the Nankai subduction zone megathrust and how the different domains of the subduction zone interact during the seismic cycle remains unclear. Here, we model a representative cross-section of the Nankai subduction zone offshore Shikoku Island where the frictional behavior is dictated by the structure and composition of the overriding plate. The intersections of the megathrust with the accretionary prism, arc crust, metamorphic belt, and upper mantle down to the asthenosphere constitute important domain boundaries that shape the characteristics of the seismic cycle. The mechanical interactions between neighboring fault segments and the impact from the long-term viscoelastic flow strongly modulate the recurrence pattern of earthquakes and slow-slip events. Afterslip penetrates down-dip and up-dip into slow-slip regions, leading to accelerated slow-slip cycles at depth and long-lasting creep waves in the accretionary prism. The trench-ward migrating locking boundary near the bottom of the seismogenic zone progressively increases the size of long-term slow-slip events during the interseismic period. Fault dynamics is complex and potentially tsunami-genic in the accretionary region due to low friction, off-fault deformation, and coupling with the seismogenic zone.
Chaya (Jatropha tanjorensis) leafs protect against sodium benzoate mediated renal dysfunction and hepatic damage in rats
Authors: Oladele Johnson Olaleye , Oladele Oluwaseun Titilope , Ademiluyi Adedayo Oluwaseun , Oyeleke Oyedotun Moses , Awosanya Olaide Oladimeji , Oyewole Olu Israel
Published: March 2020

Background

Jatropha tanjorensis is a commonly consumed green leafy plant that has found usage in folk medicine. Sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) is a widely used preservative in food/drink industries with potential cytotoxicity. Protective effect of some leafy plants on xenobiotic-induced toxicity have been established. Hence, this study sought to investigate the protective effect of methanolic leaf extract of Jatropha tanjorensis on sodium benzoate mediated renal and hepatic dysfunction in rats.

Results

Sodium benzoate treatment caused significant (P < 0.05) alteration in kidney (serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine) and liver (aspartate and alanine transaminases, acid and alkaline phosphatases) damage markers, serum albumin, globulin and total protein levels as well as cellular architecture which were significantly reversed in groups treated with the leaf extracts. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and tannins.

Conclusion

Sodium benzoate-induced alterations in the renal and hepatic indices were mitigated following treatment with J. tanjorensis leaf extracts which suggests protective effect of the extract against sodium benzoate intoxication.
Spatial thinking in infancy: Origins and development of mental rotation between 3 and 10 months of age
Authors: Johnson Scott P. , Moore David S.
Published: March 2020

Mental rotation (MR) is the ability to transform a mental representation of an object so as to accurately predict how the object would look from a different angle (Sci 171:701–703, 1971), and it is involved in a number of important cognitive and behavioral activities. In this review we discuss recent studies that have examined MR in infants and the development of MR across the first year after birth. These studies have produced many conflicting results, yet several tentative conclusions can be reached. First, MR may be operational in infants as young as 3 months of age. Second, there may be sex differences in MR performance in infancy, in general favoring males, as there are in children and in adults. Third, there appear to be multiple influences on infants’ MR performance, including infants’ motor activity, stimulus or task complexity, hormones, and parental attitudes. We conclude by calling for additional research to examine more carefully the causes and consequences of MR abilities early in life.
Characterization of the major human STAG3 variants using some proteomics and bioinformatics assays
Authors: Lafta Inam J. , Kudhair Bassam K. , Alabid Noralhuda N.
Published: March 2020

Background

STAG3 is the meiotic component of cohesin and a member of the Cancer Testis Antigen (CTA) family. This gene has been found to be overexpressed in many types of cancer, and recently, its variants have been implicated in other disorders and many human diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the major variants of STAG3. Western blot (WB) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were performed using two different anti-STAG3 antibodies that targeted the relevant protein in MCF-7, T-47D, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells with Jurkat and MCF-10A cells as positive and negative controls, respectively. In silico analyses were searched to study the major isoforms.

Results

WB and IP assays revealed two abundant polypeptides < 191 kDa and ~ 75 kDa in size. Specific bioinformatics tools successfully determined the three-dimensional (3-D) structure, the subcellular localization, and the secondary structures of the isoforms. Furthermore, some of the physicochemical properties of the STAG3 proteins were also determined.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed the power of applying the biological techniques (WB and IP) with the bioinformatics assays and the possibility of their exploitation in understanding diseased genes. Exploring the major variants of STAG3 at the protein level could help decipher some disorders associated with their occurrence, along with designing drugs effective at least for some relevant diseases.
Application of Box–Behnken design and desirability function in the development and optimization of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for enhanced dissolution of ezetimibe
Authors: Yadav Pragya , Rastogi Vaibhav , Verma Anurag
Published: March 2020

Background

This study is focused on developing and optimizing a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of BCS class II drug (ezetimibe) through Box–Behnken design (BBD) and desirability function for enhanced dissolution.

Pseudoternary phase diagrams were created by taking oil (Peceol), surfactant (Tween80), and co-surfactant (Transcutol-P) and the concentration ranges were identified for generating BBD. The composition of ezetimibe-SNEDDS was optimized through various response variables viz. globule size (Y1), %transmittance (Y2), self-emulsification time (Y3), dissolution after 5 min and 40 min (Y4, Y5). Optimized formulation was characterized for various physicochemical properties.

Results

Pseudoternary phase diagram having maximum nano-emulsification area was selected to formulate SNEDDS. Derived polynomial equation and model graphs were exercised to investigate the impact of formulation variables on the responses. Significant effect of formulation composition on the responses was observed (p < 0.05). The formulation with least oil (10%) and high surfactant (60%) exhibited low globule size (24.4 ± 2.07 nm), low emulsification time (55 s) but high %transmittance (101.2%) and drug release (49.21% after 5 min; 95.27% after 40 min). Based on the desirability function, the optimized formulation was selected and reformulated. The optimized formulation (FF1) was found to be uniform, stable, and showed similar observed and predicted responses.

Conclusion

The potential of SNEDDS in improving the dissolution profile of weakly soluble drug and the applicability of BBD with desirability function in optimizing a SNEDD formulation has made it possible to identify the impact of various independent variables on optimization of the formulation for better responses.
Normal faulting activated by hydraulic fracturing: A case study from the Barnett Shale, Fort Worth Basin
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitry , Eisner Leo , Waheed Umair bin , Kaka SanLinn Isma'il Ebrahim , Greenhalgh Stewart Alan
Published: March 2020

Surface microseismic arrays enable long-term field-scale monitoring over multiple stimulations during the life of an unconventional field. In this study, we show highly economic methods of monitoring with sparse surface arrays in the Barnett Shale and develop an alternatative method of processing to enable good vertical and horizontal resolution of located events. We show that sparse surface monitoring arrays enable not only the detection and location of high numbers of microseismic events but also source mechanism characterization. This case study illustrates how hydraulic fracturing activated normal faulting at a distance of approximately 1 mile from stimulated wells. We show that the source mechanism enables us to resolve between newly created hydraulic fractures and activated faults. The differences in source mechanisms and b-values of newly created fractures and activated faults are consistent with independently processed temporary star-like arrays, which are also deployed over the same stimulation.
Why care about integrated care? Part I. Demographics, finances and workforce: immovable objects facing mental health services
Authors: Tracy Derek K. , Holloway Frank , Hanson Kara , James Adrian , Strathdee Geraldine , Holmes Dez , Kalidindi Sridevi , Shergill Sukhwinder S.
Published: March 2020

Demands on health and social care are growing in quantity and complexity, with resources and staffing not projected to match this. The landmark NHS Long Term Plan calls for services in England to be delivered differently through integrated care systems (ICSs) that will better join commissioners and providers, and health and social care. The scale of these changes is immense, and the detail can feel confusing. However, they are important and will affect all clinicians in the public service. This three-part series provides a primer on integrated care, explaining why it is happening, how services are changing and why clinicians should get involved. In this first article we focus on the changing demographics, and the workforce and financial resources required to address these.
Autism trait prevalence in treatment seeking adolescents and adults attending specialist gender services
Authors: Lehmann Katrin , Rosato Michael , McKenna Hugh , Leavey Gerard
Published: March 2020

Background.

To assess the prevalence of autism traits in individuals accessing gender affirming treatments, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in the regional specialist gender services in Northern Ireland.

Methods.

One hundred and twenty-three individuals (38 adolescents and 69 adults) currently attending or who previously attended specialist gender services in Northern Ireland were recruited. Fifty-six individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 66 individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) took part in the study. Main outcome measures: Autism Quotient (AQ), Cambridge Behavior Scale (EQ), and RAADS-14.

Results.

Autism trait prevalence rates of 19.5% (AQ); 25.4% (RAADS-14); and 35.8% (poor empathy traits). A combined measure comprising all three provided a prevalence of 17.2%. There were no mean differences in the scores between AMAB (assigned male at birth) individuals and AFAB (assigned female at birth) individuals.

Conclusions.

Autism traits present additional challenges during the assessment and treatment of individuals with gender dysphoria. Autism screening tools can aid in the identification of individual with additional needs.
Ten-Year Update of a Randomized, Prospective Trial of Conventional Fractionated Versus Moderate Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Avkshtol Vladimir , Ruth Karen J. , Ross Eric A. , Hallman Mark A. , Greenberg Richard E. , Price Robert A. , Leachman Brooke , Uzzo Robert G. , Ma Charlie , Chen David , Geynisman Daniel M. , Sobczak Mark L. , Zhang Eddie , Wong Jessica K. , Pollack Alan , Horwitz Eric M.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE

The previously published single institution randomized prospective trial failed to show superiority in the 5-year biochemical and/or clinical disease failure (BCDF) rate with moderate hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (H-IMRT) versus conventionally fractionated IMRT (C-IMRT). We now present 10-year disease outcomes using updated risk groups and definitions of biochemical failure.

METHODS

Men with protocol-defined intermediate- and high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to receive C-IMRT (76 Gy in 38 fractions) or H-IMRT (70.2 Gy in 26 fractions). Men with high-risk disease were all prescribed 24 months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and had lymph node irradiation. Men with intermediate risk were prescribed 4 months of ADT at the discretion of the treating physician. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of BCDF. We compared disease outcomes and overall mortality by treatment arm, with sensitivity analyses for National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk group adjustment.

RESULTS

Overall, 303 assessable men were randomly assigned to C-IMRT or H-IMRT. The median follow-up was 122.9 months. Per updated NCCN risk classification, there were 28 patients (9.2%) with low-risk, 189 (62.4%) with intermediate-risk, and 86 (28.4%) with high-risk prostate cancer. The arms were equally balanced for clinicopathologic factors, except that there were more black patients in the C-IMRT arm (17.8% v 7.3%; P = .02). There was no difference in ADT use ( P = .56). The 10-year cumulative incidence of BCDF was 25.9% in the C-IMRT arm and was 30.6% in the H-IMRT arm (hazard ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.82 to 2.11). The two arms also had similar cumulative 10-year rates of biochemical failure, prostate cancer–specific mortality, and overall mortality; however, the 10-year cumulative incidence of distant metastases was higher in the H-IMRT arm (rate difference, 7.8%; 95% CI, 0.7% to 15.1%).

CONCLUSION

H-IMRT failed to demonstrate superiority compared with C-IMRT in long-term disease outcomes.
An interview with Sally Lowell
Authors: Grewal Seema
Published: March 2020

Sally Lowell is a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her research group, which is based in the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, studies cell fate decisions in stem cells, focussing on how communication and interactions between cells can influence these decisions. Sally, who has been a long-serving committee member of the British Society for Developmental Biology, recently joined the Board of Directors at The Company of Biologists. We caught up with Sally to find out more about her career and her research, and why she's excited about her role at the Company.
Translating Ramp V˙O2 into Constant Power Output: A Novel Strategy that Minds the Gap
Authors: CAEN KEVIN , BOONE JAN , BOURGOIS JAN G. , COLOSIO ALESSANDRO L. , POGLIAGHI SILVIA
Published: March 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to model the dissociation in the V˙O2/power output (PO) relationship between ramp incremental (RI) and constant work rate (CWR) exercise and to develop a novel strategy that resolves this gap and enables an accurate translation of the RI V˙O2 response into a constant PO.

Methods

Nine young men completed two RI tests (30 and 15 W·min−1) and CWR tests at seven intensities across exercise intensity domains. The V˙O2/PO relationship for RI and CWR exercise was modeled, and the dissociation was compared in terms of PO. The accuracy of three translation strategies was tested in the moderate-intensity (i.e., zone 1) and heavy-intensity (i.e., zone 2) domain. Strategy 1 comprised a simple mean response time correction, whereas strategies 2 and 3 accounted for the loss of mechanical efficiency in zone 2 by applying an extra correction that was based on, respectively, the difference between s
2 − CWR and s
2 − ramp and the ratio s
2/s
1.

Results

For all intensities, differences in PO were found between CWR and RI exercise (P < 0.001). Overall, these differences were smaller for the 15-W·min−1 compared with the 30-W·min−1 protocol (P = 0.012). Strategy 1 was accurate for PO selection in zone 1 (bias = 0.4 ± 7.3 W), but not in zone 2 (bias = 17.1 ± 15.9 W). Only strategy 2 was found to be accurate for both intensity zones (bias = 2.2 ± 14.2 W) (P = 0.107).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that a simple mean response time correction works for PO selection in the moderate-intensity but not in the heavy-intensity domain. A novel strategy was tested and validated to accurately prescribe a constant PO based on the RI V˙O2 response in a population of young healthy men.
Chronic Exposure to Low-Dose Carbon Monoxide Alters Hemoglobin Mass and V˙O2max
Authors: SCHMIDT WALTER F. J. , HOFFMEISTER TORBEN , HAUPT SANDRA , SCHWENKE DIRK , WACHSMUTH NADINE B. , BYRNES WILLIAM C.
Published: March 2020

By blocking the oxygen binding sites on the hemoglobin molecule, chronic low-dose carbon monoxide (CO) administration may produce similar effects to those of exposure to altitude.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effect of chronic low-dose CO application on hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) and V˙O2max.

Methods

For 3 wk, 11 healthy and moderately trained male subjects inhaled a CO bolus five times per day to increase their HbCO concentration by ~5%. Another 11 subjects received a placebo. Hbmass, serum erythropoietin concentration, ferritin, and basic hematological parameters were determined before and weekly during and until 3 wk after the CO inhalation period. V˙O2max tests on a cycle ergometer were performed before and after the CO administration period.

Results

In the CO group, Hbmass increased from 919 ± 69 to 962 ± 78 g in week 3 (P < 0.001) and was maintained for the following 3 wk. Reticulocytes (%) and immature reticulocyte fraction significantly increased after 1 wk. Serum erythropoietin concentration tended to increase after 1 wk (P = 0.07) and was suppressed in the postperiod (P < 0.01). Ferritin decreased during the inhalation period (from 106 ± 37 to 72 ± 37 ng·mL−1, P < 0.001). V˙O2max tended to increase from 4230 ± 280 to 4350 ± 350 mL·min−1 (P < 0.1) immediately after the inhalation period and showed a significant relationship to the change in Hbmass (y = 4.1x − 73.4, r = 0.70, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Chronic continuous exposure to low-dose CO enhances erythropoietic processes resulting in a 4.8% increase in Hbmass. The individual changes in Hbmass were correlated to the corresponding changes in V˙O2max. Examination of ethical and safety concerns is warranted before the implementation of low-dose CO inhalation in the clinical/athletic setting as a tool for modifying Hbmass.
Perfil e capacidade funcional em sujeitos com Doença de Huntington
Authors: Pinheiro Hudson Azevedo , Da Fonseca Ana Maria Marques , Almeida Elisangela Roseane da Silva , Rodrigues Reiny Kelly Costa , Fangel Renan , De Faria Flávia Perassa
Published: March 2020

Objetivo: traçar o perfil e a capacidade funcional de sujeitos com Doença de Huntington (DH) atendidos em um ambulatório de fisioterapia do Distrito Federal. Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal em que foram aplicados um questionário para coletar informações gerais para traçar o perfil, além do índice de Barthel, escala Lawton para medir grau de independência para as atividades de vida diária, força de preensão palmar por meio do dinamômetro JAMAR®, equilíbrio por meio da escala de equilíbrio de Berg, declínio cognitivo por meio da Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), e risco de disfagia utilizando a Eating assessment tool (EAT-10). Resultados: foram avaliados sete sujeitos, 58% homens e 42% mulheres com média de idade de 45,8±10,5 anos e tempo médio de diagnóstico de 7,5±4,2 anos. Todos apresentam redução da força de preensão palmar (21,1±7,3 Kg/F) e declínio cognitivo (13,1±4,2 pontos) no MoCA. Sobre o risco de cair, este se fez presente em todos os participantes com o risco de disfagia. Conclusão: os indivíduos com Doença de Huntington apresentaram déficit cognitivo, diminuição da força de preensão palmar e alterações de marcha; porém, ainda mantêm independência para as atividades básicas de vida diária , além de risco para a disfagia.
Metalinguistic Awareness of Multilingual First Graders: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Dalona Irish Mae , Dalona Alvert Dael
Published: March 2020

This study, which utilized a modified metalinguistic awareness test adopted from Dita’s (2009), probed on young children’s metalinguistic awareness in identifying syntactic errors; determining sounds and the use of phonological segments; and explaining a word on their own by describing its appearance or its functions in English, Filipino, and Cebuano. This study attempted to elucidate young children’s readiness to take on more difficult linguistic tasks in the succeeding academic levels. Since the children’s level of metalinguistic awareness is average, this study recommends that schools are encouraged to provide strategies and lessons that would enhance learners’ metalinguistic awareness, most especially in terms of language arbitrariness in English and Filipino; and since there is significant difference in all three languages in all tests, parents and teachers should ensure that the pupils achieve full proficiency in all three languages by providing rich experiences equally in these languages.
Marital experiences of women with obstetric fistula: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Tembo Nchimunya Nambala , Kwaleyela Concepta , Mukwatokatowa Patricia , Odland Jon , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Maimbolwa Margaret C
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

Obstetric fistula is a serious birthing injury with medicosocial consequences including infertility and marital disharmony. Obstetric fistula has been eliminated in developed countries but remains highly prevalent in Africa and Asia. The aim of this study was to identify and analyse the marital experiences of women with obstetric fistula in order to guide interventions to help women cope with their situation, as well as improving partner support towards women living with this condition.

Methods

A range of electronic databases were searched for studies conducted worldwide, published between 2003 and 2018. English language publications were searched for using relevant keywords. Three main themes were identified based on the content of the interview questions and the respondents' views and experiences, and how these related to the study objectives.

Results

A total of 33 studies were included. Three main themes in the marital experiences of women with obstetric fistulas were identified: ‘loss of marriage’ (n=25), ‘marital and sexual life is no longer joyful’ (n=17), and ‘partner support’ (n=22).

Conclusions

Obstetric fistula can have significant impacts on a woman and her partner. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these concerns and surgical repair should be encouraged. Counselling should be provided for women with obstetric fistula and their partners.
Tooth decay, sugar and obesity
Authors: Coey Hazel
Published: March 2020

Hazel Coey considers the dental nurse's role in patient education on diet and lifestyle choices
Where progress begins
Authors: Marsh Sian
Published: March 2020

Find out how practitioners who have undertaken the Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme have the skills and knowledge to maximise all children's progress in language and communication.
Let the story unfold
Authors: Player Sally
Published: March 2020

The best reading experiences at school can stay with children, and be treasured, for a very long time. Sally Player describes how she delivers rich literacy opportunities for her Reception class every day.
Agents of change
Authors: White Hilary
Published: March 2020

In the first of a three part series, Hilary White explains how children's rights are key to integrating sustainability into your practice and how early learning can be the foundation for a healthy world.
Going in circles
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: March 2020

Take inspiration from Kandinsky's abstract paintings to introduce children to a variety of exciting art mediums. Observe how they use different textures, colours and shapes to create their own artworks which have special meaning for them.
The Functional Neurometry of Nelson Alves Pereira Júnior: An Advanced Method of Mapping and Biofeedback Training of the Autonomic Nervous System Functions
Authors: Ribas Valdenilson Ribeiro , Ribas Renata de Melo Guerra , Viana Marcelo Tavares , Dias José Marcos da Silva , Cavalcanti Ivan Rafael Reis e Silva , Rodrigues Marcelo Cairrão Araujo , De Oliveira Igor Tchaikovsky Mello , Neto Nery Adamy , Pessoa Ricardo Jorge Consuel , Martins Hugo André de Lima
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Functional Neurometry makes Biofeedback tools already demonstrated in the literature, such as: galvanic skin response, cardiac coherence and variability, thermoregulatory and respiratory interact with each other. Objective: The aim of this study was to report the historical and methodological aspects of the Functional Neurometry protocols. Method: A review was made in the MEDLINE / PubMed electronic indexing database and in the Web of Science. Results: This method intends to synchronize the frequencies of various organs linked to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to control anxiety. Assessment and training are organized into categories. The categories of the assessment protocol are: 1st) Anxiety Control; 2nd) Physiological Response; 3rd) Baroreflex Index; 4th) hemodynamics; and 5th) Brain Neurometry and the training protocol categories are: I) Sound Anxiety Control; II) Visual Anxiety Control; III) Emotional Variability; IV) Respiratory Amplitude and Frequency; V) Progressive Muscle Relaxation; VI) Functional Physiological Response; VII) Respiratory Functional Capacity; VIII) Heart Rate Variability and IV) Cardiac Coherence. Conclusion: Functional neurometry mainly allows the balance of the ANS, making it a protective filter of the central nervous system.
In situ repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a critical analysis review
Authors: Rossi Luciano A. , Ranalletta Maximiliano
Published: March 2020

After failed conservative management, operative intervention is typically indicated for patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) with persistent pain and disability symptoms. For PTRCTs involving < 50% of the tendon thickness, debridement with or without acromioplasty resulted in favourable outcomes in most studies. For PTRCTs involving > 50% of the tendon thickness, in situ repair has proven to significantly improve pain and functional outcomes for articular and bursal PTRCTs. The few available comparative studies in the literature showed similar functional and structural outcomes between in situ repair and repair after conversion to full-thickness tear for PTRCTs. Most non-overhead athletes return to sports at the same level as previous to the injury after in situ repair of PTRCTs. However, rates of return to preinjury level of competition for overhead athletes have been generally poor regardless of the utilized technique. During long-term follow-up, arthroscopic in situ repair of articular and bursal PTRCTs produced excellent functional outcomes in most patients, with a low rate of revision.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:138-144. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190010
Preaching to patients
Authors: Wheeler Robert
Published: March 2020

Each month we take a close look at a recent legal case with implications for the surgical profession.
Extending the surgical workforce – should we be worried?
Authors: Taylor K , Bovis J
Published: March 2020

We map the impact of medical associate professions on surgical training.
The dyslexic surgeon
Authors: Brennan CM , Harrison W
Published: March 2020

Do our neurodiverse colleagues still face a world of isolation, stonewalling and discrimination?
National selection – fit for purpose?
Authors: Glass J , O’Flynn K , MacAskill F , Royle J
Published: March 2020

We consider varying perspectives on the current recruitment process.
From drinking fountains to promenades. Water as artistic medium?
Authors: Remesar Antoni
Published: March 2020

espacios urbanos que irán apareciendo desde los inicios de la eramoderna, y su papel en relación a la estatuaria, el arte público y el paisajismo. La investigación profundizaen los procesos de estetización de las ciudades que se dan antes de la irrupción, como paradigma dominante,del paradigma del movimiento moderno.Para abordar este objetivo se analiza cómo las fuentes han pasado de ser meros artefactos para suministraragua a la ciudad, a elementos de la composición urbana y el decoro urbano. El artículo se divide en lossiguientes apartados[1] Agua en la plaza en el que se revisan los modos y formas de abastecer de agua;[2] Abriendo espacios para [casi] todos que estudia la aparición de los nuevos espacios públicos y elpapel que en ellos cumple el agua;[3] Suministrando agua en el que se revisa el papel que las fuentes cumplen como interface conlos usuarios;[4] Fuentes seriadas: un primer paso para la democratización del arte, revisa el importante papel delas fuentes de hierro fundido como difusoras de obras maestras del arte escondido en los museos;[5] Más allá de la utilidad. El agua en el paisaje urbano, revisa cómo la emergencia de espaciospúblicos como los parques provocarán una utilización del agua en un nuevo formato más monumental.A este apartado sigue [6] Finalmente, espacio público para todos [o casi todos], que revisa el papeldel modelo higienista en la creación de nuevos espacios públicos y el valor que se le da al agua, recuperandolos frentes de agua (ríos, mar) y generando nuevos espacios públicos como los “paseosmarítimos”, las “costaneras” o los “malecones”. En este apartado se sostiene, implícitamente, queel desarrollo de estos espacios está vinculado al patriciado urbano como clase dirigente.Finalmente [7] El agua como espectáculo urbano, aborda el nuevo modelo de uso del agua en espaciospúblicos que los intereses de las nuevas compañías de servicios urbanos asociadas al patriciadourbano procurarán que sea masivo y espectacular, asociado a la electricidad como nuevo serviciourbano.
Adolescents Obtaining Abortion Without Parental Consent: Their Reasons and Experiences of Social Support
Authors: Coleman‐Minahan Kate , Jean Stevenson Amanda , Obront Emily , Hays Susan
Published: March 2020

CONTEXT

Most states require adolescents younger than 18 to involve a parent prior to obtaining an abortion, yet little is known about adolescents’ reasons for choosing abortion or the social support received by those who seek judicial bypass of parental consent for abortion.

METHODS

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 individuals aged 16–19 who sought judicial bypass in Texas between 2015 and 2016 to explore why they chose to get an abortion, who they involved in their decision and what their experiences of social support were. Data were analyzed thematically using stigma and social support theories.

RESULTS

Participants researched their pregnancy options and involved others in their decisions. They chose abortion because parenting would limit their futures, and they believed they could not provide a child with all of her or his needs. Anticipated stigma motivated participants to keep their decision private, although they desired emotional and material support. Not all male partners agreed with adolescents’ decisions to seek an abortion, and agreement by some males did not guarantee emotional or material support; some young women described their partners’ giving them the “freedom” to make the decision as avoiding responsibility. After a disclosure of their abortion decision, some participants experienced enacted stigma, including shame and emotional abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Abortion stigma influences adolescents’ disclosure of their abortion decisions and limits their social support. Fears of disclosing their pregnancies and abortion decisions are justified, and policymakers should consider how laws requiring parental notification may harm adolescents. Further research is needed on adolescents’ experiences with abortion stigma.
Watt-level diode-pumped continuous-wave Pr:LiYF4 laser at 670  nm and simultaneous dual-wavelength operation at 639 and 670  nm
Authors: Qu Biao , Huang Qilu
Published: March 2020

We report on blue-diode-pumped continuous-wave

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(YLF) visible lasers involving a less investigated 670 nm laser emission. In the free-running regime, a simultaneous dual-wavelength operation at 670 and 639 nm is achieved with a maximum output power of 1.67 W and a slope efficiency of 20.4%. Using a

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(YAG) plate as an intracavity etalon, we have suppressed the 639 nm emission, and then a single-wavelength laser at 670 nm has been achieved with a maximum output power of 0.96 W and slope efficiency of 12.7%. The directly generated 670 nm laser source from Pr:YLF crystal with watt-level output power has advantages over diode laser or frequency-doubled

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lasers operating at a similar laser wavelength, which could be used in biomedical technologies.
Macroscopic Schrödinger cat state swapping in optomechanical system
Authors: Zeng Ye-Xiong , Shen Jian , Ding Ming-Song , Li Chong
Published: March 2020

Schrödinger cat states, as typical nonclassical states, are very sensitive to the decoherence effects so that swapping these states is a challenge. Here, we propose a reliable scheme to realize the swapping of macroscopic Schrödinger cat state and suppress the decoherence effect in a feedback-controlled optomechanical system that consists of a optical cavity and two mechanical oscillators. Our protocol is composed of three steps. First, we squeeze a mechanical Schrödinger cat state before the state swapping. Then, we complete the state swapping between the two mechanical modes via indirect interaction. Finally, the target mechanical oscillator obtains the Schrödinger cat state by an antisqueezing process. To confirm the superior performance of the protocol, we simulate the whole dynamics of the state transfer and analyze the influence of the squeezed parameters. The corresponding numerical and analytical results show that this approach can be used to reduce the effects of decoherence, which suggests that our state swapping proposal is effective and feasible.
Method of optical manipulation of gold nanoparticles for surface-enhanced Raman scattering in a microcavity
Authors: Xin Kun , Shi Xiaofeng , Liu Yi , Zhang Zimeng , Jia Wenjie , Ma Jun
Published: March 2020

In this study, an optical manipulation and micro-surface-enhanced Raman scattering (microSERS) setup based on a microcavity was developed for efficient capture of gold nanoparticles using the photothermal effect. In addition, optical manipulation of gold nanoparticles and SERS signal detection were performed using only one laser. The results show that the SERS enhancement effect based on the microcavity was more than 20 times that based on a gold colloid solution. The laser power and velocity of nanoparticles exhibited a good linear relationship, and the velocity of nanoparticles decreased with decreasing radius r, which verifies the detriment of the radial thermophoresis in this study. This method can be used to quickly and efficiently drive metal nanoparticles and provides a promising approach for analysis of substances in the fields of chemistry and biology.
Enhanced four-wave mixing in P
T-symmetric optomechanical systems
Authors: Bian Xintian , Zhang Yongchao , Zhai Zhangyin , Yu Hualing , Zuo Fen , Chen Guibin , Jiang Cheng
Published: March 2020

We investigate the enhanced four-wave mixing (FWM) process in a parity-time (

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)-symmetric optomechanical system, where an active cavity is coupled to a passive cavity supporting a mechanical mode. The passive cavity is optically driven by a strong control field and a weak probe field, and the mechanical mode is excited by a weak coherent driving field. By tuning the coupling strength between the two cavities with balanced gain and loss, we find that the FWM intensity can be significantly enhanced near the exceptional points (EPs) at low control power, which is about 12 orders of magnitude higher than that of the single-cavity case. Due to the interference effect induced by the optical and mechanical driving field, it is shown that the FWM intensity can be further enhanced or suppressed by tuning the amplitude and phase of the mechanical driving field. Moreover, the dependence of the FWM intensity on the frequency and power of the control field is also discussed. Our work provides a route to enhance the four-wave mixing process in a flexible way.
Phase evolution of terahertz radiation from femtosecond laser-induced air plasma
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Chen Yanping , Zhang Zhelin , Xia Tianhao , Zhang Jiayang , Sheng Zhengming , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2020

The phase evolution of terahertz (THz) radiation from single-color
femotsecond laser-induced air plasma controlled by a DC-bias is
investigated experimentally. When the DC-bias is moved from the end to
the beginning of the laser plasma filament, the produced THz waveform
is advanced temporally, and its carrier-envelope phase is changed. Our
phase spectrum analysis suggests that the slope and the intercept of
the phase spectrum, respectively, determine the temporal shift and the
carrier-envelope phase of the THz waveform. Therefore, the observed
THz waveform evolution is mainly due to the THz propagation effect in
plasma filament and the Gouy phase shift associated with the detection
scheme. This Letter also illustrates explicitly the temporal order of
THz radiation from different parts of a filament.
Research and Industry News
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin , Kim Meeri , Kirkland Alessia , Moser Molly , Schulz William , Wills Stewart
Published: March 2020

Lasers illuminate high-energy-density matter / Casimir force
demonstrated / Ionization in water / Slow light for solid-state lidar
/ A switch for making syngas / AI research and investment by the
numbers / Lighting industry eyes mercury ban / CNT device IDs
viruses
Toward Intelligence in Photonic Systems
Authors: Zibar Darko , Da Ros Francesco , Brajato Giovanni , C. de Moura Uiara
Published: March 2020

In the not-too-distant future, advances in machine learning will
spur a new, transformative generation of optical communication and
measurement systems.
Supreme or Unproven?
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: March 2020

Despite much recent fanfare, quantum computers still need to show
that they can do something useful.
Organización y acción colectiva en las grandes ciudades latinoamericanas
Authors: Garrido García Francisco Javier
Published: March 2020

RESUMEN: Uno de los problemas principales en las grandes ciudades latinoamericanas lo constituye la integración, organización y acción colectiva de los nuevos residentes urbanos. Pero el estudio de estos temas requiere cambiar las aproximaciones teóricas tradicionales sobre movimientos sociales urbanos. En este sentido, el autor propone una perspectiva original y la contrasta en el estudio de casos de Bogotá y Caracas.ABSTRACT: One of the main problems of latin american cities are integration, organization and collective action of new urban residents. Nevertheless, analysis of this issue requires a change of traditional approach about urban social movements. The author proposes an original perspective and contrast it with Bogotá and Caracas as study cases.
Movimientos Sociales en la Transición Brasileña
Authors: Serrano Oñate Maite , Jerez Novara Ariel
Published: March 2020

RESUMEN Los autores intentan comprender los movimientos sociales como la emergencia política de las clases populares, cómo surgen a partir de la politización de las experiencias cotidianas y compartidas de sus miembros durante el régimen autoritario. Por otra parte, se intenta entender sus límites y potencialidades en cuanto a canales de participación política y transformación social, su trascendencia en la escena pública a lo largo del proceso de transición y en la institucionalidad dernocrática.ABSTRACT: The authors trie to understand the social movements like the political emergence of the popular classes, how do they appear from the politization of the quotidian experiences and shared by it's members during the authoritative regime. On the other hand, they trie to understand it's limits and potentialities concerning the channek of political participation and social transformation, it's transcendence in the public scene during the transition process and the democratic institutionality.