bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta‐synthesis exploring client experience of reflecting teams in clinical practice
Authors: Harris Rachael , Crossley Jon
Published: May 2021

There is a dearth of readily available evidence on the impact of reflecting teams in family therapy. A synthesis of the literature was needed to provide clarity and insight into client experience of the process. A systematic search of the reflecting team literature was conducted and 11 papers using qualitative methodologies were identified. The findings of these studies were synthesised using meta‐ethnography. Three themes were identified; ‘unusual and strange’; ‘unique conversations’ and ‘therapeutic environment’. The reflecting team process was unanticipated and unique, but it could be helpful where people were made to feel safe and understood. Reflecting teams, while initially received as an odd and unusual experience, are typically found to be an effective and helpful approach within family and couples therapy. Extra considerations should be taken to ensure that clients feel able to engage with the process, avoiding it becoming overwhelming and unhelpful.

Practitioner points

Higher levels of self‐awareness and uncertainty are present for the family when first presented with the reflecting team.

A strong rapport with the lead therapist can support family engagement with the team.

Reflecting teams were experienced as more effective when they represent a diverse group of professional, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Hope and validation are vital parts of creating a therapeutic space which is effective in introducing difference to a family.
Frailty as biographical disruption
Authors: Cluley Victoria , Martin Graham , Radnor Zoe , Banerjee Jay
Published: May 2021

Biographical disruption positions the onset of chronic illness as a major life disruption in which changes to body, self and resources occur (Sociology of Health & Illness, 4, 1982, 167–182). The concept has been used widely in medical sociology. It has also been subject to critique and development by numerous scholars. In this paper, we build on recent developments of the concept, particularly those taking a phenomenological approach, to argue that it can also help in understanding other disruptive health‐related experiences across the life course, in this case the onset of frailty. We draw on the findings of 30 situated interviews with frail older people, relating their experiences of frailty to the concept of biographical disruption. We show that frailty shares many similarities with the experience of chronic illness. Using the lens of biographical disruption to understand frailty also offers insights relevant to recent debates around both concepts, and on the continued relevance of the idea of biographical disruption given changing experiences of health and illness, including the circumstances in which biographical disruption is more and less likely to be experienced. Finally, we reflect on the potentials and limitations of applying the concept to a health‐related condition that cannot be categorised as a disease.
Frozen while I scan: Examining the impact of media dependencies, socioeconomic status and rumination on preparation behaviours related to Hurricane Dorian
Authors: Lachlan Kenneth A. , Gilbert Christine , Spence Patric R. , Hutter Emily
Published: May 2021

Building on previous crisis and risk literature, this study investigates media dependencies, information seeking, preparation behaviours and rumination tendencies among individuals living on the Atlantic seaboard who were impacted by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Consistent with previous work, participants continue to perceive television, a legacy media, as the most important source of information—both initially and throughout the event. This study also analysed the extent to which information seeking, preparation behaviours and rumination tendencies may be related, drawing from recent work that has suggested that rumination tendencies may help explain sex differences in information seeking. Results suggested that those with higher rumination tendencies were more likely to perceive all sources of information as very important, with the exception of television, which was heavily relied upon by most participants. Rumination tendencies did not explain the variance in any of the three preparation behaviours examined. Overall, most participants had an emergency kit and an evacuation plan in place, while socioeconomic status positively predicted home preparation.
Absence of known feline MYH7 and MYBPC3 variants in a diverse cohort of cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: O'Donnell K. , Adin D. , Atkins C. E. , DeFrancesco T. , Keene B. W. , Tou S. , Meurs K. M.
Published: May 2021

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart disease in the domestic cat with a genetic predisposition in a few breeds. In the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds, two variants associated with the HCM phenotype have been identified in the cardiac myosin binding protein C gene (MYBPC3; p.Ala31Pro and p.Arg820Trp respectively), and a single variant has been identified in the myosin heavy chain gene (MYH7; p.Glu1883Lys) in one domestic cat with HCM. It is not known if these variants influence the development of HCM in other cohorts of the feline population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of the known MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants in a population of cats with HCM. DNA was isolated from samples collected from non‐Ragdoll and non‐Maine Coon domestic cats diagnosed with HCM through the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and genotyped for the three variants. One‐hundred and three DNA samples from cats with HCM were evaluated from domestic shorthair, domestic longhair and purebred cats. All samples were wt for the MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants. Although this study was limited by its inclusion of cats from one tertiary hospital, the lack of these MYBPC3 and MYH7 variants in this feline HCM population indicates that the clinical utility of genetic testing for these variants may be isolated to the two cat breeds in which these variants have been identified. Further studies to identify the causative variants for the feline HCM population are warranted.
Multinational banks in regulated markets: Is financial integration desirable?
Authors: Haufler Andreas , Wooton Ian
Published: May 2021

A core question regarding the increasing share of international trade in financial services is whether this causes banks to take more or fewer risks. We study this issue in a setting where two multinational banks engage in duopoly competition for their lending in two regional markets. Each bank affiliate can choose both the lending volume and the level of monitoring, and hence risk‐taking, where the risk of bank failure is partly borne by taxpayers in the bank affiliate's host country. Governments choose minimum capital requirements to optimally solve the trade‐off between higher lending volumes and consumer surplus, and the expected tax losses faced by taxpayers. In this setting, we consider two types of financial integration. A reduction in the transaction costs of cross‐border banking increases risk‐taking by banks, harming taxpayers and potentially overall welfare. In contrast, a reduction in the costs of screening foreign firms reduces banks' risk‐taking and is beneficial for consumers and taxpayers alike.
Toddlers and Preschoolers Understand That Some Preferences Are More Subjective Than Others
Authors: Doan Tiffany , Friedman Ori , Denison Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Four experiments examined Canadian 2‐ to 3‐year‐old children’s (N = 224; 104 girls, 120 boys) thoughts about shared preferences. Children saw sets of items, and identified theirs and another person’s preferences. Children expected that food preferences would be more likely to be shared than color preferences, regardless of whether the items were similar or different in appeal (Experiments 1–3). A final study replicated these findings while also exploring children’s expectations about activity and animal preferences. Across all studies, children expected shared preferences at surprisingly low rates (never higher than chance). Overall, these findings suggest that young children understand that some preferences are more subjective than others, and that these expectations are driven by beliefs about domains of preferences.
Therapeutic vaccination for treatment of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cargill Tamsin , Barnes Eleanor
Published: May 2021

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a serious global health threat, contributing to a large number of deaths through liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment does not eradicate disease, and therefore new treatments are urgently needed. In acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) a strong immune response is necessary to clear the virus, but in chronic infection the immune response is weakened and dysfunctional. Therapeutic vaccination describes the process of inoculating individuals with a non-infective form of viral antigen with the aim of inducing or boosting existing HBV-specific immune responses, resulting in sustained control of HBV infection. In this review we outline the rationale for therapeutic vaccination in chronic HBV infection, discuss previous and ongoing trials of novel HBV therapeutic vaccine candidates and outline strategies to improve vaccine efficacy going forward.
Variable effects of protected areas on long‐term multispecies trends for Australia's imperiled birds
Authors: Bayraktarov Elisa , Correa Diego F. , Suarez‐Castro Andrés F. , Garnett Stephen T. , Macgregor Nicholas A. , Possingham Hugh P. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T.
Published: May 2021

Protected areas are important for preventing biodiversity declines, yet indicators of species' trends in protected areas rarely include threatened species. We use data from the first national Threatened Species Index developed in Australia to report on trends for threatened and near‐threatened birds inside and outside terrestrial and marine protected areas. We adopted the Living Planet Index to calculate trends for 39 bird taxa at 16,742 monitoring sites (11,539 inside and 5,203 outside PAs) between 1985 and 2016. At a continental scale, the overall decline in the national index was smaller inside protected areas (66% decrease in average population abundance) than outside (77%), although after 2000 declines were greater within (36%) versus outside (26%) protected areas. Five out of seven jurisdictions showed similar switching in patterns over time. Protected areas initially had a greater net positive effect on trends of more imperiled birds than less imperiled birds, but between 2000 and 2016 declines of the most imperiled birds were greater inside protected areas than outside. Our analyses suggest that the effectiveness of Australia's protected area network at improving trends in threatened species has weakened, and support the hypothesis that trends for terrestrial birds outside PAs might be improving due to increased conservation efforts on private land. Although this study represents the most comprehensive collation of threatened species population time series and trends ever for Australia, the number of monitoring sites inside PAs was double that outside PAs, even though on average, more than 70% of threatened bird distributions occur outside PAs, with important gaps in monitoring across space, time and taxa that need to be filled to fully understand the effectiveness of public and private conservation actions at a national level. The results underline the importance of active management plus monitoring to track and report on long‐term trends across species.
Population genetic patterns of a mangrove‐associated frog reveal its colonization history and habitat connectivity
Authors: Zheng Yitao , Zhang Shan , Lu Qi , Zhang Siyu , Wang Lijun , Hong Meiling , Nguyen Truong , Zhao Jindong , Yao Meng
Published: May 2021

Aim

To understand the impact of historical and contemporary habitat distributions and connectivity on the spatial patterns of a species' genetic variation and divergence, we examined the phylogenetic relationship, population genetic structure and demographic history of a mangrove‐specialist, the crab‐eating frog (Fejervarya cancrivora) from 10 geographic populations in China and northern Vietnam.

Location

Southeast Asian coasts, especially the southern China and northern Vietnam coasts.

Methods

We used the sequences of three mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions to infer phylogenetic relationships and divergence times between our samples and those from other Southeast Asian countries. Thirteen nuclear microsatellite loci were used to analyse population genetic structure. Ancient and more recent demographic history was assessed using mtDNA and microsatellite data, respectively, and population divergence history scenarios were evaluated using approximate Bayesian computation.

Results

The mtDNA haplotypes from China joined the F. cancrivora clades from the Philippines, Thailand and Bangladesh, which diverged from the clades from Malaysia and Indonesia. Microsatellite analyses revealed three genetically differentiated clusters and a strong pattern of isolation by distance at the individual level. Ancient population sizes were relatively stable, but genetic signatures of recent population declines were detected. Population divergence history analyses supported that Hainan populations were ancestral to those of the Guangdong, Guangxi and northern Vietnam populations.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that F. cancrivora's contemporary genetic patterns have been shaped by past and present habitat conformations. This species may have dispersed along the coast from Southeast Asia to China during Pleistocene glaciations when sea levels were low, colonizing the Hainan area first. It subsequently spread to mainland China coasts when sea levels rose and shorelines withdrew. Additionally, current declines and fragmentation of mangrove forests have likely exacerbated population reductions and genetic divergences among now disjunct populations. This study provides a framework for understanding the population history of mangrove‐associated biota and thus aids conservation management of this critical ecosystem.
Red dichromatic imaging reduces endoscopic treatment time of esophageal varices by increasing bleeding point visibility (with video)
Authors: Furuichi Yoshihiro , Abe Masakazu , Takeuchi Hirohito , Yoshimasu Yuu , Itoi Takao
Published: May 2021

Background

Red dichromatic imaging (RDI) is a novel image‐enhanced endoscopy released in 2020, which increases the visibility of deeper vessels. In this study, we retrospectively investigated whether RDI can shorten treatment times of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS), and which operational procedure times are affected compared with white light imaging (WLI).

Methods

A total of 155 patients (RDI, 70; WLI, 85) with risky esophageal varices (EV), who were treated with EIS were analyzed. Treatment times were compared, and predictors associated with treatment time were analyzed by multivariate analysis. For 24 cases (RDI, 12; WLI, 12) in which treatment videos were recorded, the procedure times of each step (observation of EV, needle flush, positioning, puncture, observation of bleeding, hemostasis, observation after hemostasis) were measured. Regarding the seven patients with EV bleeding, color differences were calculated between the bleeding point and the blood pool using the CIE (L*a*b*) color measurement method, and results were compared between using RDI and WLI.

Results

Treatment times were shorter in the RDI group (RDI vs. WLI = 35.1 vs. 42.2 min; P < 0.01). ‘RDI function’ and ‘amount of sclerosant’ were extracted as independent predictors of treatment time. Times for ‘observation of EV’ and ‘observation of bleeding’ were shorter in the RDI group (P = 0.01 and <0.01, respectively). Regarding the color difference, RDI significantly increased bleeding point visibility (RDI vs. WLI = 31.4 ± 11.8 vs. 8.6 ± 6.2, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Red dichromatic imaging can shorten the treatment time of EIS by increasing bleeding point visibility.
Peak atrial longitudinal strain is predictive of atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease
Authors: Pavasini Rita , Fabbri Gioele , Fiorio Alessio , Campana Roberta , Passarini Giulia , Verardi Filippo Maria , Contoli Marco , Campo Gianluca
Published: May 2021

Background

The peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) has been validated in the prediction of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population. If this finding can be applied to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown.

Methods and results

We analyzed two different study populations of patients with COPD and acute CAD in SCAP trial (Clinical trial.org identifier NCT02324660) and COPD and stable CAD in the NATHAN‐NEVER trial (clinical trial.org identifier NCT02519608). All patients enrolled underwent spirometry and clinical specialistic evaluation to test COPD diagnosis. During the index evaluation, all patients underwent echocardiography. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of AF. Overall, 175 patients have been enrolled. PALS was significantly lower in patients with COPD compared to patients without COPD (26% ± 8% vs. 30% ± 8% for PALS4CV, P = .003). After a mean follow‐up of 49 ± 15 months, 26 patients experienced at least one episode of AF. At multivariable analysis, only PALS (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86‐0.98, P = .014) resulted as an independent predictor of AF in COPD patients with CAD, with the best cutoff value of 25.5% (sensitivity 87% and specificity 70%).

Conclusion

The present study confirmed a high incidence of AF events in COPD patients and that PALS is altered and able to independently predict AF in a specific cohort of patients with CAD and COPD. This study points out the need to integrate PALS measurement in the echocardiographic workup of all COPD patients, to early identify those at high risk of AF development.
TREM2 variants as a possible cause of frontotemporal dementia with distinct neuroimaging features
Authors: Samanci Bedia , Bilgiç Başar , Gelişin Özlem , Tepgeç Fatih , Guven Gamze , Tüfekçioğlu Zeynep , Alaylıoğlu Merve , Hanagasi Hasmet A. , Gürvit Hakan , Guerreiro Rita , Hardy John , Emre Murat
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Nasu–Hakola disease (NHD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skeletal and neurological symptoms. Behavioral symptoms with cognitive impairment may mimic the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and other early‐onset dementias. Our patients were analyzed and the literature was reviewed to delineate neurological and neuroimaging findings suggestive of NHD.

Method

Fourteen patients carrying a pathogenic mutation in the TREM2 gene were found in our database. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were retrieved and analyzed.

Results

The presenting clinical picture was behavioral changes with cognitive decline resembling bvFTD in all patients. The mean age was 37.1 ± 4.97 years and the mean duration of the disease was 8.9 ± 3.51 years. Only two patients had typical bone cysts. Seven patients had bilateral calcification of the basal ganglia in computed tomography of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed severe atrophy of the corpus callosum, enlargement of the ventricles, atrophy of the caudate nuclei and periventricular white matter changes in all patients. Symmetrical global atrophy of the brain mainly affecting frontoparietal and lateral temporal regions were observed in all cases, and 13 patients had atrophy of the hippocampus. Cerebrospinal fluid examination of 10 patients showed elevated protein levels in six and the presence of oligoclonal bands in four patients.

Conclusion

A combination of white matter changes, enlarged ventricles, atrophy of the caudate nuclei and thinning of the corpus callosum in magnetic resonance imaging strongly suggests NHD in patients with FTD syndrome. Molecular genetic analysis should be performed in suspected cases, and families should receive genetic counseling.
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein concentrations in equine neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Edwards Lisa A. , Donnelly Callum G. , Reed Stephen M. , Valberg Stephanie , Chigerwe Munashe , Johnson Amy L. , Finno Carrie J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Currently, there is little information regarding the concentrations of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein (pNfH) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of horses with neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, pNfH concentrations have not yet been evaluated in horses with equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM).

Objectives

To determine pNfH concentrations using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum and CSF from control horses and horses with eNAD/EDM, cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) and Shivers.

Study design

Case‐control study using biobanked samples from diseased horses and prospective or biobanked samples from control horses.

Methods

The pNfH ELISA was performed on samples from horses diagnosed with eNAD/EDM (n = 64), CVCM (n = 26) and Shivers (n = 9) and 51 neurologically normal control horses.

Results

Median and 95% confidence interval (CI) serum pNfH concentrations in control, CVCM, and eNAD/EDM horses were 0.08 ng/mL (0.07‐0.15), 0.07 ng/mL (0.07‐0.15) and 0.07 ng/mL (0.07‐1.13), respectively. Serum pNfH concentrations were below the limit of detection (<0.07 ng/mL) for all Shivers horses. CSF pNfH concentrations in control, CVCM‐, eNAD/EDM‐ and Shivers‐affected horses were 1.26 ng/mL (1.06‐1.5), 3.07 ng/mL (1.15‐29.9), 1.78 ng/mL (1.5‐2.28) and 1.39 ng/mL (0.74‐3.89), respectively. CSF pNfH concentrations were significantly higher in CVCM (P = .001) and eNAD/EDM (P  = .01) affected horses compared to control horses. Serum pNfH concentrations >1 ng/mL were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM (P = .01) with only 12% sensitivity but 99% specificity. CSF pNfH concentrations >3 ng/mL were significantly associated with CVCM (P = .0002), with 50% sensitivity and 86% specificity.

Main limitations

A limited number of control horses tested were <1 year of age.

Conclusions

Serum pNfH concentrations are specifically increased (>1 ng/mL) in some horses with eNAD/EDM. Increased CSF pNfH concentrations (>3 ng/mL) can be observed with eNAD/EDM or CVCM.
Infection‐induced inflammation from specific inborn errors of immunity to COVID‐19
Authors: Ku Cheng‐Lung , Chen I‐Ting , Lai Ming‐Zong
Published: May 2021

Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) are a group of genetically defined disorders leading to defective immunity. Some IEIs have been linked to mutations of immune receptors or signaling molecules, resulting in defective signaling of respective cascades essential for combating specific pathogens. However, it remains incompletely understood why in selected IEIs, such as X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 2 (XLP‐2), hypo‐immune response to specific pathogens results in persistent inflammation. Moreover, mechanisms underlying the generation of anticytokine autoantibodies are mostly unknown. Recently, IEIs have been associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), with a small proportion of patients that contract severe COVID‐19 displaying loss‐of‐function mutations in genes associated with type I interferons (IFNs). Moreover, approximately 10% of patients with severe COVID‐19 possess anti‐type I IFN‐neutralizing autoantibodies. Apart from IEIs that impair immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), SARS‐CoV‐2 encodes several proteins that suppress early type I IFN production. One primary consequence of the lack of type I IFNs during early SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is the increased inflammation associated with COVID‐19. In XLP‐2, resolution of inflammation rescued experimental subjects from infection‐induced mortality. Recent studies also indicate that targeting inflammation could alleviate COVID‐19. In this review, we discuss infection‐induced inflammation in IEIs, using XLP‐2 and COVID‐19 as examples. We suggest that resolving inflammation may represent an effective therapeutic approach to these diseases.
Immune sensing of mouse polyomavirus DNA by p204 and cGAS DNA sensors
Authors: Ryabchenko Boris , Soldatova Irina , Šroller Vojtech , Forstová Jitka , Huérfano Sandra
Published: May 2021

The mechanism by which DNA viruses interact with different DNA sensors and their connection with the activation of interferon (IFN) type I pathway are poorly understood. We investigated the roles of protein 204 (p204) and cyclic guanosine‐adenosine synthetase (cGAS) sensors during infection with mouse polyomavirus (MPyV). The phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and the stimulator of IFN genes (STING) proteins and the upregulation of IFN beta (IFN‐β) and MX Dynamin Like GTPase 1 (MX‐1) genes were detected at the time of replication of MPyV genomes in the nucleus. STING knockout abolished the IFN response. Infection with a mutant virus that exhibits defective nuclear entry via nucleopores and that accumulates in the cytoplasm confirmed that replication of viral genomes in the nucleus is required for IFN induction. The importance of both DNA sensors, p204 and cGAS, in MPyV‐induced IFN response was demonstrated by downregulation of the IFN pathway observed in p204‐knockdown and cGAS‐knockout cells. Confocal microscopy revealed the colocalization of p204 with MPyV genomes in the nucleus. cGAS was found in the cytoplasm, colocalizing with viral DNA leaked from the nucleus and with DNA within micronucleus‐like bodies, but also with the MPyV genomes in the nucleus. However, 2′3′‐Cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthesized by cGAS was detected exclusively in the cytoplasm. Biochemical assays revealed no evidence of functional interaction between cGAS and p204 in the nucleus. Our results provide evidence for the complex interactions of MPyV and DNA sensors including the sensing of viral genomes in the nucleus by p204 and of leaked viral DNA and micronucleus‐like bodies in the cytoplasm by cGAS.
Brassica carinata biomass, yield, and seed chemical composition response to nitrogen rates and timing on southern Coastal Plain soils in the United States
Authors: Bashyal Mahesh , Mulvaney Michael J. , Lee Dewey , Wilson Chris , Iboyi Joseph E. , Leon Ramon G. , Landry Gabriel M. , Boote Kenneth J.
Published: May 2021

Brassica carinata (carinata), a non‐food oilseed feedstock mainly used for biofuel, is a relatively new alternative winter crop in the southeastern (SE) United States (US). However, there are limited N rate and N application timing data available at the regional scale. These data are needed to expand production in the SE US. An N rate study was conducted during the winter–spring growing seasons during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 in Florida, US, and at three locations during 2018–2019 in Georgia, US, to quantify the effects of N rate (0, 45, 90, 134, and 179 kg N ha−1) on carinata nutrient uptake, biomass, seed yield, and seed chemical composition. Seed yield showed a linear response up to 134 kg N ha−1. Seed protein and glucosinolate concentrations decreased from 0 to 90 kg N ha−1, then increased from 90 to 179 kg N ha−1. Seed oil concentration was inversely related to seed protein concentration. A two‐factor N application timing study (4 N application timing: at‐plant, pre‐bolting, at‐plant + pre‐bolting, at‐plant + pre‐bolting + bolting × 4 N rates: 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha−1) was conducted in Georgia, US, over three site‐years to quantify the effect of N application timing on yield and agronomic and economic optimum N rates (AONR and EONR, respectively). All split applications increased AONR by at least 10 kg N ha−1 compared to a single at‐plant application. A two‐split N application was more profitable than either a single N application or a three‐split N application based on marginal return. A two‐way split application (at‐plant + pre‐bolting) at 134 kg N ha−1 is recommended to optimize yield and economical production. Based on uncertainty analyses, the 50% credible interval of EONR occurred between 116 and 152 kg N ha−1, with a median estimate at 130 kg N ha−1.
Horizontal transfer of domains in ssrA gene among Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Tamilmaran Nagarajan , Sankaranarayanan Ramamoorthy , Selvakumar A.S Punitha , Munavar M. Hussain
Published: May 2021

The tmRNA (transfer messenger RNA), encoded by ssrA gene, is involved in rescuing of stalled ribosomes by a process called trans‐translation. Additionally, regions of the ssrA gene (coding for tmRNA) were reported to serve as integration sites for various bacteriophages. Though variations in ssrA genes were reported, their functional relevance is less studied. In this study, we investigated the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ssrA among the members of Enterobacteriaceae. This was done by predicting recombination signals in ssrA gene (belonging to Enterobacteriaceae) using RDP5 (Recombination Detection Program 5). Our results revealed 7 recombination signals in ssrA gene belonging to different species. We further showed that the recombination signals were more in the domains present in the 3′ end than 5′ end of tmRNA. Of note, the mRNA region was reported in many recombination signals. Further, members belonging to genera Yersinia, Erwinia, Dickeya and Enterobacter were highly represented in the recombination signals. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of integration sites for different class of bacteriophages in ssrA gene. The locations of phage recognition sites are comparable with recombination signals. Taken together, our results revealed a diverse nature of HGT and recombination which possibly due to transduction mediated by phages.
Patient satisfaction with root canal treatment and outcomes in the Swedish public dental health service: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wigsten Emma , Al Hajj Amenah , Jonasson Peter ,   EndoReCo, Kvist Thomas
Published: May 2021

Aim

To document satisfaction with root canal treatment procedures and outcomes among patients treated at Swedish public dental clinics.

Method

The original material comprised 243 patients who began root canal treatment (RCT) at 20 public dental clinics in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden. One to three years later, 236 (97.1%) were posted a questionnaire of eight items, rating patient perceptions of RCT completion, present pain intensity and satisfaction with the RCT. To evaluate the reliability of the original responses, the first 50 respondents were mailed a follow‐up questionnaire. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to compare respondents and nonrespondents and tooth groups.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐nine patients (67.4%) responded: 86 (54.1%) women and 73 (45.9%) men. The mean age 52.5 years, was higher than for nonrespondents (p < .001). A completed root filling was registered for the majority of the teeth (n = 112, 70.9%), but significantly fewer molars had been completed (n = 46, 59.7%, p = .02). Fifty per cent (n = 59) of the patients reported current pain, mostly mild in intensity (n = 45, 38.1%). One hundred and twenty‐three patients (80.9%) recalled experiencing pain during RCT. The highest satisfaction was registered for the item ‘chewing ability’ (mean = 1.6, SD = 1.9). The majority of patients (n = 114, 75.0%) stated that in retrospect they would still have chosen RCT. However, these patients belonged to the group which either registered the tooth as still present or had not experienced much discomfort during or after RCT. Forty‐four patients (88.0%) responded to the second questionnaire. The reliability of the responses was good. In summary, one to 3 years after beginning RCT at a public dental clinic, patient satisfaction was high, even though every fourth molar had been extracted or treatment had not been completed and half the patients reported persistent pain. The reliability of the patients’ responses was considered to be good.

Conclusions

The results indicate a need for further clinical observational studies of RCTs undertaken in general dental practice, with special reference to patient‐centred outcomes.
Money laundering control systems, external auditor specialization and tax haven use: An empirical analysis of U.S. multinational financial corporations
Authors: Al‐Hadi Ahmed , Taylor Grantley , Richardson Grant , Eulaiwi Baban
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the association between money laundering control systems (MLCS) and tax haven use based on a sample of U.S. multinational financial corporations (MFCs). We also examine the impact of external auditor specialization on the association between MLCS and tax haven use. We find that MLCS is significantly negatively associated with tax haven use. Our result is also economically significant. Based on our regression estimates, a one‐standard deviation increase in MLCS is associated with a decrease in tax haven use by around 2.75%. Additional analysis shows that external auditor specialization magnifies the negative association between MLCS and tax haven use. Overall, our study indicates that MLCS and the external audit function have important consequences for tax haven use by MFCs.
Deep‐red‐emitting SrLaLiTeO6: Mn4+ double perovskites: Correlation between Mn4+‐O2− bonding and photoluminescence
Authors: Lal Sariga C. , Naseemabeevi Jawahar I. , Ganesanpotti Subodh
Published: May 2021

Mn4+‐activated deep red‐emitting SrLaLiTeO6 phosphors are investigated for indoor plant growth LED applications for the first time. The phosphors crystallize in monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry is isostructural with SrLaLiTeO6 host. B‐site substitution of Mn4+ ions is confirmed from the redshift of high energy phonon modes in both Raman and IR spectra. The phosphor exhibited a far‐red emission centered at 696 nm corresponding to the 2Eg → 4A2g spin‐forbidden transition of the Mn4+ ions. Approximate crystal field parameters depict the weak influence of neighboring ligand fields on Mn4+ ions and the least covalence of Mn4+‐ligand bonding compared to other double perovskite phosphors. Moreover, the phosphors exhibit excellent thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.23 eV. Phosphor parameters including CCT, color purity, and quantum yield are evaluated and their values meet the requirements of a red‐emitting phosphor for LED applications. Furthermore, the PL emission spectrum of SrLaLiTeO6: Mn4+ matches with the absorption spectrum of plant phytochromes denoting the prospects of this phosphor for indoor plant growth LED applications.
Design and preliminarily validation of a tool to assess the impact of chronic non‐cancer pain on people’s daily life in Spanish‐language: PAIN_Integral Scale©
Authors: Cáceres‐Matos Rocío , Gil‐García Eugenia , Rivera‐Sequeiros Adriana , López‐Millán José Manuel
Published: May 2021

Aim

To build and preliminarily validate a Spanish‐language instrument to assess the impact that CNCP has on the daily lives of people who suffer from it.

Background

The experience of pain is multifactorial and a correct assessment of it helps to control the intensity of pain. Although there are instruments that evaluate areas on which Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain impacts, it would be necessary to include other aspects that scientific literature identifies as relevant.

Design

Instrument and construct cross‐sectional study for psychometric validation.

Methods

A total of 157 items based on items from validated questionnaires were evaluated by a group of 21 chronic pain experts using Delphi methodology in three evaluation rounds. A final questionnaire of 55 items with a 5‐point Likert‐type scale was formed. This questionnaire was piloted on a total of 30 patients to assess their understanding of the items and the psychometric validation process was carried out (January to March 2020) on a subsequent sample of 395 people, all of whom attended Pain Units and Primary Care Centres of the Public Health System in Spain.

Results

The PAIN_Integral Scale© showed acceptable internal consistency scores measured by Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated a structure of nine factors that explain 71.02% of the total variance, from 157 to a final total of 36 items. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showing adequate values confirmed this structure. The effect size was used to calculate the cut‐off points for the overall scale, setting them at scores of 130 and 135.

Conclusion

This instrument would allow to assess other constructs and dimensions not included in the instruments previously available such as treatment compliance, proactivity, resilience, hopelessness due to pain and pain catastrophizing. However, despite the fact that the preliminary analysis shows good results, it is necessary to continue with its validation process in subsequent studies.

Impact

The PAIN_Integral Scale©, once the validation process is finished, could be a complete enough instrument to allow a comprehensive healthcare assessment of Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain's impact on daily nursing clinical practice and other healthcare professionals.
Body image, internalized stigma and enacted stigma predict psychological distress in women with breast cancer: A serial mediation model
Authors: Amini‐Tehrani Mohammadali , Zamanian Hadi , Daryaafzoon Mona , Andikolaei Seyedehroja , Mohebbi Mahshid , Imani Arefeh , Tahmasbi Bita , Foroozanfar Sahar , Jalali Zahra
Published: May 2021

Aims

To investigate the roles of total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma in the prediction of psychological distress among breast cancer patients, and to evaluate the mediating effect of body image in this process.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

Between Oct‐2014 to May‐2015, a cross‐sectional study was conducted with participation of 223 patients from three cancer centres located in Tehran, Iran. The study variables were assessed using the stigma scale for chronic illnesses 8‐item version (SSCI‐8), body image scale (BIS), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS‐21). Structural equation modelling using MLR estimator was employed based on the two‐step procedure to validate both the full measurement models and the structural models. Five models were tested to determine predictability of all stigma constructs for psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, through the mediation of body image. Three equivalent models were further examined to re‐evaluate the direction of the relationships.

Results

Psychological distress and body image were largely predicted by total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma. The effect of stigma on psychological distress was mediated through body image. In a serial mediation model, the significance of the pathway of enacted stigma > internalized stigma > body image > psychological distress was confirmed. The serial model in which internalized stigma precedes body image was also supported by the equivalent models.

Conclusion

Stigma has been identified as a major source of psychological distress among women with breast cancer. Enacted stigma not only psychologically disturbs the patients but also triggers a chain of other identity transformations (i.e. internalization of stigma and distortion of body image), their ultimate result being a full‐blown psychological distress.

Impact

Both enacted and internalized stigma distorts breast cancer patients' perception of their body image, which in turn renders them psychologically distressed. The serial process of enacted stigma, internalized stigma, and body image plays an important role in perpetuating distress in these patients. To break this chain of psychological consequences and for interventions to have a greater impact on overall well‐being of patients, the effect of enacted stigma on distress via the sequence of two mediators needs to be specifically targeted at each stage.
Interplay between SARS‐CoV‐2 and human long non‐coding RNAs
Authors: Moazzam‐Jazi Maryam , Lanjanian Hossein , Maleknia Samaneh , Hedayati Mehdi , Daneshpour Maryam S.
Published: May 2021

The long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical regulatory role in the host response to the viral infection. However, little is understood about the transcriptome architecture, especially lncRNAs pattern during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In the present study, using publicly available RNA sequencing data of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples from COVID‐19 patients and healthy individuals, three interesting findings highlighted: (a) More than half of the interactions between lncRNAs‐PCGs of BALF samples established by three trans‐acting lncRNAs (HOTAIRM1, PVT1 and AL392172.1), which also exhibited the high affinity for binding to the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, suggesting the major regulatory role of these lncRNAs during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. (b) lncRNAs of MALAT1 and NEAT1 are possibly contributed to the inflammation development in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cells. (c) In contrast to the 3′ part of the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, the 5′ part can interact with many human lncRNAs. Therefore, the mRNA‐based vaccines will not show any side effects because of the off‐label interactions with the human lncRNAs. Overall, the putative functionalities of lncRNAs can be promising to design the non‐coding RNA‐based drugs and to inspect the efficiency of vaccines to overcome the current pandemic.
The Roles of Images in EU Politics
Authors: Lynggaard Kennet
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to advance our understanding of the role of visual discourse in day‐to‐day European Union (EU) politics. The article presents an analytical framework allowing for a fourfold view on the roles of images in politics; namely, images as: (1) emblems underpinning actors' interests, (2) representations of collective meaning‐making, (3) means of domination and (4) ordering devices for including/excluding actors and ideas in politics. The article zooms in on the EU Commission visual discourse and analyses images from three Directorate‐General flagship magazines. The article argues that, the Commission adheres – and increasingly so – to a visual discourse allowing the Commission to set policy agendas and frame policy options, while avoiding creating adversaries among other key actors in EU politics. It also allows for identity‐building, while eschewing further estranging publics sceptical of EU supranationalism and keeping political actors in favour of common EU policies on board.
The influence of castration on intramural neurons of the urinary bladder trigone in male pigs
Authors: Kaleczyc Jerzy , Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Lepiarczyk Ewa , Kasica‐Jarosz Natalia , Pidsudko Zenon
Published: May 2021

The present study investigated the influence of castration performed at neonatal age on neuronal elements in the intramural ganglia of the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) in male pigs using double‐labeling immunohistochemistry. The ganglia were examined in intact (IP) 7‐day‐old (castration day) pigs, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. In IP and control (3‐ and 6‐month‐old noncastrated pigs) groups, virtually, all neurons were adrenergic (68%) or cholinergic (32%) in nature. Many of them (32%, 51%, and 81%, respectively; 56%, 75%, and 85% adrenergic; and 32%, 52%, and 65% cholinergic, respectively) stained for the androgen receptor (AR), and only a small number of nerve cells were caspase‐3 (CASP‐3)‐positive. In 3‐ and 6‐month‐old castrated pigs, an excessive loss (87.6% and 87.5%, respectively) of neurons and intraganglionic nerve fibers was observed. The majority of the surviving adrenergic (61% and 72%, respectively) and many cholinergic (41% and 31%, respectively) neurons expressed CASP‐3 and were also AR‐positive (61% and 66%, and 40% and 36%, respectively). This study revealed for the first time the excessive loss of intramural UBT neurons following castration, which could have resulted from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is required for endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and tumorigenesis via the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Zhu Yi , Shi Qin , Zhao Xinxin , Huang Yan , Yao Feng , Zhang Yuquan , Wang Zhiwei
Published: May 2021

Aim

To study the functions and signaling pathways controlled by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) in endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Methods

DPPIV expression in EC cells was detected by flow cytometry, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blot. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression in the supernatant was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of signal transducers and activators of transcription‐3 (STAT3), phosphorylate STAT3, cellular Myc, and vascular endothelial growth factor in EC cells were measured by Western blot. Colony formation assays were used to assess the clonogenicity of EC cells. Ki67 immunostaining and cell counting were used to test the proliferative ability of EC cells. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was used to confirm DPPIV promotes the tumorigenicity of EC cells. A cell counting kit‐8 assay was used to determine the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of sitagliptin.

Results

Overexpression of DPPIV in EC cells with low DPPIV expression promoted cell proliferation in vitro (p < 0.01) and enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo (p < 0.05). Conversely, knocking down DPPIV expression in EC cells with high DPPIV expression inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and in vivo tumorigenicity (p < 0.01). DPPIV promoted EC cell proliferation via activation of IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and that IL‐6 could trigger a positive feedback loop that increased DPPIV expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the DPPIV inhibitor reduced STAT3 expression (p < 0.01) and inhibited growth of EC cells (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DPPIV enhances the properties that allow tumorigenesis in EC via IL‐6 and STAT3 signaling.
Excessive daytime sleepiness, morning tiredness and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Olszowka M. , Held C. , Hadziosmanovic N. , Denchev S. , Manolis A. , Wallentin L. , White H. D. , Stewart R. A. H. , Hagström E. ,   the STABILITY Investigators
Published: May 2021

Background

Sleep‐related breathing disorders (SRBDs), particularly obstructive sleep apnoea, are associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. However, it is not known whether individual questions used for SRBD screening are associated with major adverse CV events (MACE) and death specifically in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Methods

Symptoms associated with SRBD were assessed by a baseline questionnaire in 15,640 patients with CCS on optimal secondary preventive therapy in the STABILITY trial. The patients reported the frequency (never/rarely, sometimes, often and always) of: 1) loud snoring; 2) more than one awakening/night; 3) morning tiredness (MT); 4) excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS); or 5) gasping, choking or apnoea when asleep. In adjusted Cox regression models, associations between the frequency of SRBD symptoms and CV outcomes were assessed with never/rarely as reference.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 3.7 years, 1,588 MACE events (541 CV deaths, 749 nonfatal myocardial infarctions [MI] and 298 nonfatal strokes) occurred. EDS was associated (hazard ratio [HR], 95% confidence interval [CI]) with increased risk of MACE (sometimes 1.14 [1.01–1.29], often 1.19 [1.01–1.40] and always 1.43 [1.15–1.78]), MI (always 1.61 [1.17–2.20]) and all‐cause death (often 1.26 [1.05–1.52] and always 1.71 [1.35–2.15]). MT was associated with higher risk of MACE (often 1.23 [1.04–1.45] and always 1.46 [1.18–1.81]), MI (always 1.61 [1.22–2.14]) and all‐cause death (always 1.54 [1.20–1.98]). The other SRBD‐related questions were not consistently associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions

In patients with CCS, gradually higher levels of EDS and MT were independently associated with increased risk of MACE, including mortality.