bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interstitial defects in the van der Waals gap of Bi2Se3
Authors: Callaert Carolien , Bercx Marnik , Lamoen Dirk , Hadermann Joke
Published: July 2019

Bi2Se3is a thermoelectric material and a topological insulator. It is slightly conducting in its bulk due to the presence of defects and by controlling the defects different physical properties can be fine tuned. However, studies of the defects in this material are often contradicting or inconclusive. Here, the defect structure of Bi2Se3is studied with a combination of techniques: high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HR-STEM), high-resolution energy-dispersive X-ray (HR-EDX) spectroscopy, precession electron diffraction tomography (PEDT), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and first-principles calculations using density functional theory (DFT). Based on these results, not only the observed defects are discussed, but also the discrepancies in results or possibilities across the techniques. STEM and EDX revealed interstitial defects with mainly Bi character in an octahedral coordination in the van der Waals gap, independent of the applied sample preparation method (focused ion beam milling or cryo-crushing). The inherent character of these defects is supported by their observation in the structure refinement of the EDT data. Moreover, the occupancy probability of the defects determined by EDT is inversely proportional to their corresponding DFT calculated formation energies. STEM also showed the migration of some atoms across and along the van der Waals gap. The kinetic barriers calculated using DFT suggest that some paths are possible at room temperature, while others are most probably beam induced.
Impact of dealing with bereaved clients on the psychological wellbeing of veterinarians
Authors: Dow MQ , Chur‐Hansen A , Hamood W , Edwards S
Published: July 2019

Background

Research has identified that members of the veterinary profession are at high risk of occupational stress, burnout, poor psychological wellbeing and an elevated rate of suicide. Although scholarly interest in veterinarians has increased in recent years, relatively few studies have specifically examined the emotional work in veterinary interactions and what effect dealing with companion animal owners' grief has on the wellbeing of veterinarians. The purpose of this study was to determine if dealing with bereaved clients affected the psychological wellbeing of veterinarians. The concept of compassion fatigue was explored, including whether veterinarians believed that their training had equipped them for communicating with grieving clients.

Methods

Veterinary surgeons registered in South Australia in 2015 were invited to complete an online survey, with 105 participants responding.

Results

Many participants, particularly female and younger veterinarians, were experiencing mild to severe psychological distress and nearly half of the sample was experiencing high to very high levels of compassion fatigue. No participants reported seeking psychological or other professional mental health support and the majority had not referred a grieving client to a psychologist or other mental health professional. A significant proportion of veterinarians felt their own mental health was affected by dealing with clients grieving the loss of a companion animal.

Discussion

The findings are discussed in terms of increasing the wellbeing of veterinarians through improved curriculum training and workplace health promotion, particularly considering the high suicide rate reported for the profession.
Quantification of prior impact in terms of effective current sample size
Authors: Wiesenfarth Manuel , Calderazzo Silvia
Published: July 2019

Bayesian methods allow borrowing of historical information through prior distributions. The concept of prior effective sample size (prior ESS) facilitates quantification and communication of such prior information by equating it to a sample size. Prior information can arise from historical observations; thus, the traditional approach identifies the ESS with such a historical sample size. However, this measure is independent of newly observed data, and thus would not capture an actual “loss of information” induced by the prior in case of prior‐data conflict. We build on a recent work to relate prior impact to the number of (virtual) samples from the current data model and introduce the effective current sample size (ECSS) of a prior, tailored to the application in Bayesian clinical trial designs. Special emphasis is put on robust mixture, power, and commensurate priors. We apply the approach to an adaptive design in which the number of recruited patients is adjusted depending on the effective sample size at an interim analysis. We argue that the ECSS is the appropriate measure in this case, as the aim is to save current (as opposed to historical) patients from recruitment. Furthermore, the ECSS can help overcome lack of consensus in the ESS assessment of mixture priors and can, more broadly, provide further insights into the impact of priors. An R package accompanies the paper.
How to predict biodiversity in space? An evaluation of modelling approaches in marine ecosystems
Authors: Zhang Chongliang , Chen Yong , Xu Binduo , Xue Ying , Ren Yiping
Published: July 2019

Aim

Biodiversity prediction becomes increasingly important in the face of global diversity loss, whereas substantial challenges still exist in both conceptual and technical aspects. There exist many predictive models, and an integrative evaluation can help understand their performance in handling the multifacets of biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the performance of these modelling approaches to predict both α‐ and β‐diversity in diverse ecological contexts.

Location

North Yellow Sea, China.

Methods

The biodiversity models follow three strategies, “assemble first, predict later”, “predict first, assemble later” and “assemble and predict together”. Hill diversity profile, Fisher's log‐series parameter and the distance decay of similarity are used to measure α‐ and β‐diversity. The evaluation study is conducted based on seasonal bottom trawl surveys from October 2016 to August 2017 in North Yellow Sea, China, allocated to coastal and offshore areas. We evaluate the predictive power of the models using cross‐validation.

Results

Following the “assemble first, predict later” approach, macroecological model (MEM) provided the most accurate prediction overall, whereas stacked species distribution model (SSDM) and joint species distribution model (JSDM), following the second and third modelling approaches, tended to overestimate α‐diversity and underestimate β‐diversity. The performances of SSDM and JSDM could be improved by moderately down‐weighting rare species. The relative performances of the three modelling approaches were consistent among seasons and spatial regions.

Main conclusions

The superior performances of MEM in a range of temporal and spatial contexts favour the “assemble first, predict later” approach and imply a tight community assembly in the studied area. The overall predictive powers of varying models suggest that the spatial pattern of marine biodiversity could be fairly well predicted with commonly accessible hydrologic data in a mesoscales. The approach of multi‐model evaluations is applicable to a variety of ecosystems for biodiversity prediction.
A novel specific peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) modulator YR4‐42 ameliorates hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia and hepatic steatosis in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Huan Yi , Pan Xuan , Peng Jun , Jia Chunming , Sun Sujuan , Bai Guoliang , Wang Xing , Zhou Tian , Li Rongcui , Liu Shuainan , Li Caina , Liu Quan , Liu Zhanzhu , Shen Zhufang
Published: July 2019

Aims

To evaluate a novel tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative YR4‐42 as a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) modulator (SPPARM) and explore its anti‐diabetic effects in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

Using two standard full PPARγ agonists rosiglitazone and pioglitazone as controls, the PPARγ binding affinity and transactivation action of YR4‐42 were evaluated using biochemical and cell‐based reporter gene assays. The capacity of YR4‐42 to recruit coactivators of PPARγ was also assessed. The effects of YR4‐42 on adipogenesis and glucose consumption and PPARγ Ser273 phosphorylation were investigated in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The effects of YR4‐42 and pioglitazone, serving as positive control, on glucose and lipids metabolism were investigated in high‐fat diet‐induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6J mice. The expression of PPARγ target genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism was also assessed in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In vitro biochemical and cell‐based functional assays showed that YR4‐42 has much weaker binding affinity, transactivation, and recruitment to PPARγ of the coactivators thyroid hormone receptor‐associated protein complex 220 kDa component (TRAP220) and PPARγ coactivator 1‐α (PGC1α) compared to full agonists. In 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes, YR4‐42 significantly improved glucose consumption without a lipogenesis effect, while blocking tumour necrosis factor α‐mediated phosphorylation of PPARγ at Ser273, thereby upregulating the expression of the PPARγ Ser273 phosphorylation‐dependent genes. Furthermore, in DIO mice, oral administration of YR4‐42 ameliorated the hyperglycaemia, with a similar insulin sensitization effect to that of pioglitazone. Importantly, YR4‐42 also improved hyperlipidaemia‐associated hepatic steatosis without weight gain, which avoids a major side effect of pioglitazone. Thus, YR4‐42 appeared to selectively modulate PPARγ responses. This finding was supported by the gene expression analysis, which showed that YR4‐42 selectively targets PPARγ‐regulated genes mapped to glucose and lipid metabolism in DIO mice.

Conclusions

We conclude that YR4‐42 is a novel anti‐diabetic drug candidate with significant advantages compared to standard PPARγ agonists. YR4‐42 should be further investigated in preclinical and clinical studies.
The influence of microenvironment on tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jieying , Shi Zhaopeng , Xu Xiang , Yu Zuoren , Mi Jun
Published: July 2019

Tumor immunotherapy has achieved remarkable efficacy, with immune‐checkpoint inhibitors as especially promising candidates for cancer therapy. However, some issues caused by immunotherapy have raised attention, such as limited efficacy for some patients, narrow antineoplastic spectrum, and adverse reactions, suggesting that using regulators of tumor immune response may prove to be more complicated than anticipated. Current evidence indicates that different factors collectively constituting the unique tumor microenvironment promote immune tolerance, and these include the expression of co‐inhibitory molecules, the secretion of lactate, and competition for nutrients between tumor cells and immune cells. Furthermore, cancer‐associated fibroblasts, the main cellular components of solid tumors, promote immunosuppression through inhibition of T cell function and extracellular matrix remodeling. Here, we summarize the research advances in tumor immunotherapy and the latest insights into the influence of microenvironment on tumor immunotherapy.
Moisture content detection of maize seed based on visible/near‐infrared and near‐infrared hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Guo Wenchuan
Published: July 2019

To realise accurate and nondestructive detection on moisture content of maize seed based on visible/near‐infrared (Vis/NIR) and near‐infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging technology, the hyperspectral images on two sides (embryo and endosperm sides) of each maize seed of four varieties were collected. The effects of average spectra extraction regions, that is centroid region and whole seed region, and different spectral preprocessing methods, were investigated. Uninformative variable elimination (UVE) was used to extract the feature wavelengths, and the partial least squares regression (PLSR) prediction models were established. The results showed that extracting the average spectra from the centroid region did better than from the whole seed region, and S‐G smoothing was prior to other preprocessing methods. The PLSR models established with NIR spectra had better performance than that with Vis/NIR spectra. The model developed for a single variety was superior to that for all varieties together.
Extruded meat alternatives made from Maillard‐reacted beef bone hydrolysate and plant proteins: part I – Effect of moisture content
Authors: Chiang Jie Hong , Hardacre Allan K. , Parker Michael E.
Published: July 2019

This study investigated the effects of moisture content (MC) on the physicochemical properties of extruded meat alternatives made from Maillard‐reacted beef bone hydrolysate and plant proteins. Samples were extruded at 170 °C (maximum barrel temperature), at 3.6 kg h−1 (liquid feed rate) and at 1.8, 2.2, 2.6 and 3.0 kg h−1 (dry feed rates) to obtain MC of 60%MC, 56%MC, 52%MC and 49%MC, respectively. Meat alternatives at 52%MC showed the greatest degree of texturisation. However, meat alternatives at 49%MC were the closest in terms of both textural and microstructural properties to reference sample, boiled chicken breast. Results from protein solubility suggested that a large amount of aggregated proteins were associated with hydrogen bonds, while disulphide bonds were the main contributor in the formation of fibrous structure in meat alternatives. Results showed that the change in MC as process parameter played an important role in the formation of fibrous structure in extruded meat alternatives.
Headspace fingerprinting approach to identify the major pathway influencing volatile patterns of vinasse‐cured duck processed by high pressure, as well as its impact on physicochemical and sensory attributes
Authors: Xia Qiang , Feng Tao , Lou Xiaowei , Wang Ying , Sun Yangying , Pan Daodong , Cao Jinxuan
Published: July 2019

As a decisive attribute, flavour could be influenced by HP treatments through multiple physical and chemical pathways within the high pressure (HP)‐assisted meat curing process. This investigation aimed to identify the major pathway influencing volatile flavour patterns of two representative vinasse‐cured duck (VCD) products with HP treatments (150–300 MPa/15 min), including wet and dry types, by employing headspace fingerprinting as an untargeted approach. Results suggested that HP treatments greatly lowered moisture contents and increased Warner‐Bratzler shear force and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the cured samples. According to multivariate models, the volatile flavour patterns of the HP‐processed VCD could be clearly separated from the unprocessed samples, but the VCD pressurised at different intensities represented similar volatile fingerprinting, which was validated by e‐nose analysis. The discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) model outlined vinasse‐derived ethanol, acetic acid, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol, phenethyl alcohol and 2‐methyl‐3‐octanone as the major discriminant aromas across the unpressurised and pressurised samples.
Preparation of β‐glucan and antioxidant‐rich fractions by stone milling of hull‐less barley
Authors: Cajzek Florijan , Bertoncelj Jasna , Kreft Ivan , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Polak Tomaž , Požrl Tomaž , Pravst Igor , Polišenská Ivana , Vaculová Kateřina , Cigić Blaž
Published: July 2019

Stone milling of hull‐less barley in combination with size‐based separation of the milled fractions was used for preparation of flours with different compositions of macronutrients and bioactive compounds. According to similar compositions, specific milled fractions were combined to define three flours. The flour with the largest mass fraction (~70%) comprised particle sizes < 124 μm, which showed lower fibre, residual ash and antioxidant contents than the unfractionated flour. The flour with particles from 124 to 250 μm (~20% mass fraction) had >twofold greater β‐glucan content, and the flour with particles > 250 μm (~10% mass fraction) had >threefold greater content of antioxidants than unfractionated flour. Each of these three flour fractions represents valuable material that can be incorporated into bakery products to enhance functional and health‐related properties. Large enrichment factors of bioactive compounds in barley flours can be obtained using small‐scale and widely available milling equipment.
Recognizing Ableism: A Social Identity Analysis of Disabled People Perceiving Discrimination as Illegitimate
Authors: Dirth Thomas P. , Branscombe Nyla R.
Published: July 2019

A pernicious impact of ableism is its tendency to take‐for‐granted ability as a legitimate criterion for negative differential treatment, thereby making disability discrimination difficult to challenge for people with disabilities. This project aims to examine factors underlying disabled persons’ perceptions of discrimination legitimacy and potential ways to make discrimination more unambiguously unacceptable. Study 1 (N = 340) tested the Social identity theory (SIT; Tajfel and Turner) prediction that sociostructural beliefs (i.e., group boundary permeability, cognitive alternatives to the status quo, and perceived pervasiveness of discrimination) are significant predictors of disabled group members perceiving discrimination as illegitimate. Study 2 (N = 189) extended this analysis to examine how disabled persons’ endorsement of the social model of disability differentially shapes their perceptions of the sociostructural relations we tested in Study 1, and how those in turn predict perceptions of discrimination as illegitimate. The major findings of this research both validate social identity theory's proposed predictors of perceptions of discrimination as illegitimate and provide evidence that how one conceptualizes disability (endorsement of disability models) significantly affects disabled peoples’ experience of ableism. This work is most relevant for disability political mobilization, because it accounts for the variability in how disabled people perceive exclusionary treatment and offers guidance for how to frame disability exclusion towards social change efforts.
First pentasetacid mite from Australasian Araucariaceae: morphological description and molecular phylogenetic position of Pentasetacus novozelandicus n. sp. (Eriophyoidea, Pentasetacidae) and remarks on anal lobes in eriophyoid mites
Authors: Chetverikov Philipp , C. CRAEMER C. CRAEMER , T. CVRKOVIĆ T. CVRKOVIĆ , P.G. EFIMOV P.G. EFIMOV , P.B. KLIMOV P.B. KLIMOV , R.U. PETANOVIĆ R.U. PETANOVIĆ , S.I. SUKHAREVA S.I. SUKHAREVA
Published: July 2019

A new vagrant eriophyoid mite species of the archaic genus Pentasetacus (Schliesske 1985), P. novozelandicus n. sp., is described with the aid of conventional microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found on Araucaria heterophylla, which is an araucarian that is endemic to Norfolk Island and introduced to New Zealand. Partial sequences of mitochondrial barcode COI gene and D1–D2 domains of nuclear rDNA of two pentasetacid mites, P. araucariae (MK903025 and MK898944) and P. novozelandicus n. sp. (MK903024 and MK898943) are provided. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of full-length D1–D2 eriophyoid sequences, including GenBank sequences and newly generated sequences of pentasetacids, confirmed the monophyly of Pentasetacidae but failed to resolve the basal phylogeny of Eriophyoidea. This may be because the D1–D2 domains of 28S are hypervariable in Eriophyoidea. Moreover, in pentasetacids D1–D2 sequences are about 20% shorter than in other eriophyoids, and thus harder to align. Two types of anal lobes are described in Eriophyoidea: (1) Eriophyidae s.l. and Phytoptidae s.l. have bilaterally symmetric lobes; (2) pentasetacids have non-divided lobes. The presence of an anal secretory apparatus, comprising internal structures that have previously been described in Eriophyidae s.l. and Phytoptidae s.l., is confirmed in pentasetacid genera. The phylogeny of pentasetacids is also discussed in the context of the paleobiography of Araucariaceae.
Effects of mining truck traffic on cricket calling activity
Authors: Duarte Marina H. L. , Caliari Ernesto P. , Scarpelli Marina D. A. , Lobregat Gabriel O. , Young Robert J. , Sousa-Lima Renata S.
Published: July 2019

Anthropogenic noise is a global pollutant and several studies have identified its impact on wildlife. This research shows how the noise produced by mining affects crickets' acoustic communication. Two passive acoustic monitoring devices (SMII) were installed in a forest fragment located at 500 m from the Brucutu Mine in Brazil. Another two SMII were installed distant 2500 from the mine. The equipment was configured to record from 17:00 to 05:00 h during seven days in April 2013. The authors analyzed the spectral characteristics of acoustic activity of three species of crickets (Anaxipha sp., Gryllus sp., and a Podoscirtinae species) before, during, and after the passing of mine trucks. For comparison the authors analyzed the acoustic characteristics for Anaxipha sp. and Gryllus sp. found in the distant site. Results showed a calling interruption for all the species during truck transit. Gryllus sp. emitted calls with higher maximum frequencies, average power, and larger bandwidth in the site close to the mine. Podoscirtinae species emitted calls with lower minimum frequencies, higher average power, and large bandwidth in the close site. The authors show that insect acoustic behavior varies between areas with different levels of noise. The disruption of this behavior may have negative consequences for their reproductive success.
Stress inversions to forecast magma pathways and eruptive vent location
Authors: Rivalta E. , Corbi F. , Passarelli L. , Acocella V. , Davis T. , Di Vito M. A.
Published: July 2019

We forecast where magma will breach Earth’s surface based on how the volcano’s shape and size have evolved.
Snake fang–inspired stamping patch for transdermal delivery of liquid formulations
Authors: Bae Won-Gyu , Ko Hangil , So Jin-Young , Yi Hoon , Lee Chan-Ho , Lee Dong-Hun , Ahn Yujin , Lee Sang-Hyeon , Lee Kyunghun , Jun Joonha , Kim Hyoung-Ho , Jeon Noo Li , Jung Woonggyu , Song Chang-Seon , Kim Taesung , Kim Yeu-Chun , Jeong Hoon Eui
Published: July 2019

A microneedle patch that uses snake fang–inspired multiple open grooves can rapidly deliver liquid-phase drugs and vaccines under capillary action.
Therapeutically relevant engraftment of a CRISPR-Cas9–edited HSC-enriched population with HbF reactivation in nonhuman primates
Authors: Humbert Olivier , Radtke Stefan , Samuelson Clare , Carrillo Ray R. , Perez Anai M. , Reddy Sowmya S. , Lux Christopher , Pattabhi Sowmya , Schefter Lauren E. , Negre Olivier , Lee Ciaran M. , Bao Gang , Adair Jennifer E. , Peterson Christopher W. , Rawlings David J. , Scharenberg Andrew M. , Kiem Hans-Peter
Published: July 2019

CRISPR-Cas9–edited hematopoietic stem cells produce long-term engraftment and fetal hemoglobin reactivation in nonhuman primates.
Conformable bioelectronic interfaces: Mapping the road ahead
Authors: Schiavone Giuseppe , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: July 2019

Translating conformable bioelectronic interface research into clinical reality foretells a promising future for an aging society.
Draft Genome Sequence of Tubulinosema ratisbonensis, a Microsporidian Species Infecting the Model Organism Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Polonais Valérie , Niehus Sebastian , Wawrzyniak Ivan , Franchet Adrien , Gaspin Christine , Belkorchia Abdel , Reichstadt Matthieu , Belser Caroline , Labadie Karine , Couloux Arnaud , Delbac Frédéric , Peyretaillade Eric , Ferrandon Dominique
Published: July 2019

We present the draft genome sequence of
Tubulinosema ratisbonensis
, a microsporidium species infecting
Drosophila melanogaster
. A total of 3,013 protein-encoding genes and an array of transposable elements were identified. This work represents a necessary step to develop a novel model of host-parasite relationships using the highly tractable genetic model
D. melanogaster
.
Pneumatosis intestinalis: cost paid for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Authors: Tirumanisetty Pratyusha , Sotelo Jose William , Disalle Michael , Sharma Meenal
Published: July 2019

A 75-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis on rituximab presented with a 1-week history of constipation and abdominal distension. Subsequent workup showed presence of air in the bowel wall without perforation initially. Due to positive blood cultures, worsening leucocytosis and high suspicion for perforation, an exploratory laparotomy was performed revealing necrotic bowel, walled off perforation and abscess. Patient underwent right hemicolectomy with diversion loop ileostomy. Clinicians must recognise that monoclonal antibodies like rituximab can mask signs of inflammation and therefore should maintain a high index of suspicion for intestinal perforation when evaluating patients with minimal symptoms and pneumatosis intestinalis.
Associations of health literacy with risk factors for diabetic foot disease: a cross-sectional analysis of the Southern Tasmanian Health Literacy and Foot Ulcer Development in Diabetes Mellitus Study
Authors: Chen Pamela , Callisaya Michele , Wills Karen , Greenaway Tim , Winzenberg Tania
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Poor health literacy (HL) is associated with poorer health outcomes in diabetes but little is known about its effects on foot disease. This study was aimed to determine the associations between HL and diabetic foot disease.

Design

This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective study of foot disease.

Setting

Attendees of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Diabetes outpatient clinics.

Participants

222 people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes aged >40 years and without a history of foot disease, psychotic disorders or dementia.

Measures

Outcomes were peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and foot deformity according to published guidelines. The exposure, HL, was measured using the short form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Covariates included demographic characteristics, medical history, psychological measures and foot care behaviour.

Results

Of 222 participants, 204 had adequate HL. (Mean (SD) S-TOFHLA scores were 31.9 (6.7)), mean(SD) HLQ scores were 134.4 (18.4)). In univariable but not multivariable analyses, higher S-TOFHLA scores were associated with lower overall risk for foot disease (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99) and loss of protective sensation (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.995).

Conclusions

These data provide little support for clinically important impacts of HL on risk factors for diabetic foot disease. However, in the absence of longitudinal data, such effects cannot be ruled out. Longitudinal studies measuring incident foot disease are needed to properly judge the potential for interventions improving HL to reduce the incidence of diabetic foot disease.
Believe #metoo: sexual violence and interpersonal disclosure experiences among women attending a sexual assault service in Australia: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Rees Susan , Simpson Lisa , McCormack Clare A , Moussa Batool , Amanatidis Sue
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Sexual abuse is a strong predictor of future psychiatric problems. A more nuanced qualitative understanding of mental health outcomes, in the context of interpersonal responses from family members towards survivors after sexual abuse, may help to better inform prevention and interventions.

Design

A mixed-methods approach included a qualitative timeline method to map and identify contextual factors and mediating emotional responses associated with mental disorder following sexual abuse.

Setting

Participants were adult survivors of sexual abuse, seeking support from the Sexual Assault Counselling Service, Sydney Local Health District, Australia.

Participants

Thirty women 18 years and older with current or past mental disorder or symptoms were interviewed between August 2015 and May 2016.

Outcome measures

A qualitative timeline interview and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI, 5.5.0) were applied.

Results

The MINI prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder was 96.6% (n=28) and of major depressive disorder was 82.8% (n=24). More than half (53%) reported suicidal ideation at some time in their lives. Women exposed to childhood sexual abuse reported being ignored, not believed, or threatened with retribution on disclosing the abuse to others, usually adult family members, at or close to the time of the violation(s). Participants described experiences of self-blame, betrayal, and psychosocial vulnerability as being the responses that connected negative disclosure experiences with mental disorder. Participant accounts suggest that these reactions created the foundations for both immediate and long-term adverse psychological outcomes.

Conclusion

A more in-depth understanding of the type and emotional impact of negative responses to disclosure by parents and other family members, and the barriers to adequate support, validation and trust, may inform strategies to avert much of the longer-term emotional difficulties and risks that survivors encounter following childhood abuse experiences. These issues should receive closer attention in research, policy, and practice.
Health-related quality of life among frequent attenders in Swedish primary care: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Strömbom Ylva , Magnusson Peter , Karlsson Jan , Fredrikson Mats
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The aim was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL), patient characteristics and reasons for visits to general practitioners (GPs) by frequent attenders (FAs) and a comparison group (CG) in primary care.

Methods

Patients aged 18–64 years were eligible for the study. Medical records were scrutinised concerning reasons for visits. Questionnaires including short-form health survey (SF-36) were mailed to 331 FAs (≥5 visits at GPs during 2000) and 371 patients in a CG randomly selected from two healthcare centres and returned by 49% and 57%, respectively. FAs’ SF-36 health profiles were compared both to CG and general Swedish population norms.

Results

FAs report lower HRQoL than CG and below the general Swedish population norms in all eight SF-36 domains including both mental and physical component summary scores (MCS and PCS). Effect sizes (ESs) for differences between FAs and norms ranged from 0.79 to 1.08 for specific domains and was 0.94 for PCS and 0.71 for MCS. ESs of FAs versus CG ranged between 0.60 and 0.95 for the domains and was 0.76 for PCS and 0.49 for MCS. There were no significant differences between the FAs and CG with regard to sex, being married or cohabiting, number of children in household or educational level. FAs were more often unemployed, obese, slightly older and used complementary medicine more frequently. Except for injuries, all health complaints as classified in 10 categories were more common among FAs than CG, particularly musculoskeletal pain and psychosocial distress related to compromised HRQoL.

Conclusion

The HRQoL is compromised in FAs, both when compared with patients who do not often seek care and to general Swedish population norms. Commonly reported reasons for visiting GPs among FAs were musculoskeletal pain and psychosocial distress. Thus, perceived ill health, particularly pain and distress, seems important for high utilisation of healthcare resources.
Millennials: sickness presenteeism and its correlates: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Lohaus Daniela , Röser Florian
Published: July 2019

Objective

Sickness presenteeism (SP) is a well-documented phenomenon in the current workforce. However, little is known about the SP of future employees (Millennials). We investigated rate and propensity of presenteeism and health-related and work-related correlates in university students to obtain information about the relevance of SP in the future workforce. Sickness presenteeism (SP) refers to going towork while ill.1

Design and setting

We administered a cross-sectional online survey in August 2018 involving self-assessments of health-related and work-related behaviour. As planned, we analysed rates, instances and propensities of presenteeism and absenteeism. The target population was Millennial university students.

Results

749 German university students, average age 24.7±3.6 years, 49.5% women, mean academic progress 4.5±2.7 semesters, <1% without work experience, 15.4±10.3 mean weekly working hours. Presenteeism rates in the complete sample were 64% at school and 60.4% at work. For the subsample of participants who reported sickness, presenteeism rates were 87.9% at school and 87% at work. Presenteeism propensity among them was 0.67±0.34 at school and 0.68±0.35 at work. SP at school and at work was significantly correlated with subjective health (r=0.29, p=0.000 and r=0.25, p=0.000) and locus of control (r=−0.20, p=0.000 and r=−0.26, p=0.000). Age and sex adjusted multiple regression analysis showed that subjective health explained 9.7% of the variance in SP at school (B=0.049, p=0.000) and 8.1% of the variance in SP at work (B=0.037, p=0.000).

Conclusions

The SP rates of the future workforce were in line with previous research on older employees, whereas the presenteeism propensities we found here were higher. Across all analyses, subjective health proved to be associated with presenteeism. Thus, the relevance of SP will remain constant or might even increase with regard to the future workforce. Programmes offering health education should be implemented to sensitise this generation as early as possible.
The demographics and geographic distribution of laboratory-confirmed Lyme disease cases in England and Wales (2013–2016): an ecological study
Authors: Tulloch John S P , Semper Amanda E , Brooks Tim J G , Russell Katherine , Halsby Kate D , Christley Robert M , Radford Alan D , Vivancos Roberto , Warner Jenny C
Published: July 2019

Objective

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease of increasing incidence and public concern across the Northern Hemisphere. However, the socio-demographics and geographic distribution of the population affected in England and Wales are poorly understood. Therefore, the proposed study was designed to describe the demographics and distribution of laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease from a national testing laboratory.

Design

An ecological study of routinely collected laboratory surveillance data.

Setting

Public Health England’s national Lyme disease testing laboratory.

Participants

3986 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease between 2013 and 2016.

Results

In England and Wales, the incidence of laboratory-confirmed Lyme disease rose significantly over the study period from 1.62 cases per 100 000 in 2013 to 1.95 cases per 100 000 in 2016. There was a bimodal age distribution (with peaks at 6–10 and 61–65 years age bands) with a predominance of male patients. A significant clustering of areas with high Lyme disease incidence was located in southern England. An association was found between disease incidence and socioeconomic status, based on the patient’s resident postcode, with more cases found in less deprived areas. Cases were disproportionately found in rural areas compared with the national population distribution.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Lyme disease patients originate from areas with higher socioeconomic status and disproportionately in rural areas. Identification of the Lyme disease hotspots in southern England, alongside the socio-demographics described, will enable a targeted approach to public health interventions and messages.
Effectiveness of stretching and bracing for the treatment of osteoarthritis-associated joint contractures prior to joint replacement: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Campbell T Mark , Ghaedi Bahareh Bahram , Ghogomu Elizabeth Tanjong , Westby Marie , Welch Vivian A
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Many patients with osteoarthritis (OA) develop restrictions in passive range of motion (ROM) of their affected joints (called contractures), leading to increased pain and reduced function. Effective treatment to reverse OA-associated contractures is lacking. Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of stretching and bracing on native (non-operated) joint contractures in people with radiographically diagnosed OA.

Methods and analysis

We will search the following databases without time restriction: Cochrane Library (CENTRAL, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Health Technology Assessment Database), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SCI-EXPANDED (ISI Web of Knowledge) and PEDro. Other sources will include WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, reference lists of included studies, relevant systematic reviews and textbooks. We will include randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, controlled before-and-after studies, cohort studies and case–control studies that include participants ≥18 years of age with radiographic evidence of OA. Participants with inflammatory arthropathies or those that have undergone joint arthroplasty will be excluded. Interventions will include therapist-administered or patient-administered stretching, use of an orthosis (static or dynamic), use of serial casting and/or adjunctive modalities. Outcomes will include joint ROM (active and passive), pain (rest and/or activity related), stiffness, activity limitations, participation restrictions, quality of life and adverse events. Studies will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study inclusion, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by two reviewers. Risk of bias will be assessed using appropriate tools for each study design. Data synthesis will be performed using Cochrane Review Manager software. If sufficient data are available, meta-analysis will be conducted. We will summarise the quality of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, and the effect size of interventions for RCT and non-RCT studies.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval not required because individual patient data are not included. Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019127244
Effectiveness of a tailored rehabilitation versus standard strengthening programme for patients with shoulder pain: a protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the Otago MASTER trial)
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel C , Jafarian Tangrood Zohreh , Sole Gisela , Abbott J Haxby
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Exercise therapy is the treatment of choice for the management of patients with shoulder subacromial pain. However, we do not know whether a tailored rehabilitation programme is more effective than a standardised strengthening programme. The aim of this feasibility trial is to assess: (1) participant recruitment rate, (2) the proportion of participants enrolled from the total number screened, (3) adherence to the rehabilitation programme, (4) drop-out rates, (5) obtain estimates of adverse reactions to treatment, (6) obtain estimates of intervention effects in order to inform the sample size of the fully-powered randomised controlled trial, (7) conduct a preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of the standardised strengthening and the tailored rehabilitation interventions.

Methods

The MAnagement of Subacromial disorders of The shouldER (MASTER) trial, is a two-arm, patient-blinded and assessor-blinded, randomised controlled feasibility trial. Participants will be randomly allocated into one of the interventions group: tailored or standardised rehabilitation. To obtain estimates of intervention effects, we will compare changes in pain and shoulder-related disability scores between the two intervention groups using a repeated mixed-model analysis of variance, with alpha set at 0.05, and power at 80%. Since this is a feasibility study, we will not adjust alpha for multiple comparisons. To determine whether it is feasible to conduct the full trial, we will consider 75% CI as the probability threshold at 3-month follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the University of Otago Ethics Committee (Ref: H17/080). Findings from this study will be presented at national and international conferences, and will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR: 12617001405303
Mediation analysis for new recognition criteria, working hours and overwork-related disease: a nationwide ecological study using 11-year follow-up data in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Sheng-Hsuan , Chou Meng-Ying , Lin Ro-Ting
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Taiwan revised its criteria for overwork-related cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (CCVD) in 2010. A new definition of overwork increased the number of recognised cases. Meanwhile, actual average working hours decreased. We estimated the effects of the revised criteria on the number of overwork-related CCVD cases and the mediation effect through reduced working hours.

Methods

From the Labor Insurance of Taiwan, we collected data on the total number of overwork-related CCVD cases from 2006 to 2016 and average monthly working hours for 13 industry groups. We conducted causal mediation analysis to investigate the mechanism of the effect of new criteria on CCVD mediated by working hours.

Results

From 2006 to 2016, 594 overwork-related cases of CCVD were recognised across 13 industry groups. After introducing the new criteria, overwork-related CCVD increased by 8.40 cases (per one million person-years) (95% CI 4.53 to 15.05), which resulted from a decrease of 1.54 (95% CI 0.22 to 3.82) cases due to reduced working hours (mediation effect) and an increase of 9.93 (95% CI 5.24 to 18.17) cases related to the effect of the criteria change and other covariates excluding working hours (alternative effect).

Conclusions

Working hours are an important mediator of the effect of policy on the rate of overwork-related CCVD. Introducing new criteria for recognising overwork-related disease might raise awareness and prompt reductions in working hours, which also help to reduce CCVD. Our findings suggest that understanding mediation effects is important to evaluating national health policies.
Impact of botanical fermented foods on metabolic biomarkers and gut microbiota in adults with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Chan Miin , Baxter Helen , Larsen Nadja , Jespersen Lene , Ekinci Elif I , Howell Kate
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Dysfunctional gut microbiota is a common finding in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent clinical trials have assessed whether botanical fermented foods (BFFs) have beneficial effects on metabolic biomarkers, inflammatory markers and gut microbiota. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of BFF for evidence of impact on the outcome measures of these disease states.

Methods and analysis

Four electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Google Scholar) as well as the grey literature will be searched from inception to present without language or publication status restrictions applied. Eligible RCTs which have enrolled adult participants with T2DM, any MetS components or combinations of these components, treated prophylactically or therapeutically with any botanical fermented food intervention, compared with a control group (no intervention, placebo or active control) will be assessed. Primary outcomes are related to the target conditions, including metabolic biomarkers, inflammatory markers and gut microbiota composition/function. Using Covidence, two independent investigators will conduct title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening to identify appropriate studies. Methodological quality of the trials will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Findings will be summarised with a narrative synthesis of the differences between included studies. A meta-analysis will be conducted if sufficient data are obtained.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and press.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018117766
Health effects of desert dust and sand storms: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Tobias Aurelio , Karanasiou Angeliki , Amato Fulvio , Roqué Marta , Querol Xavier
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Desert dust concentrations raise concerns about adverse effects on human health. During the last decade, special attention has been given to mineral dust particles from desert dust and sand storms. However, evidence from previous reviews reported inconclusive results on their health effects and the biological mechanism remains unclear. We aim to systematically synthesise evidence on the health effects of desert dust and sand storms accounting for the relevant desert dust patterns from source areas and emissions, transport and composition.

Methods an analysis

We will conduct a systematic review that investigated the health effects of desert dust and sand storms in any population. The search will be performed for any eligible studies from previous reviews and selected electronic databases until 2018. Study selection and reporting will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data from individual studies will be extracted using a standardised data extraction form. Quality of the studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool for environmental exposures developed by experts convened by the WHO. A meta-analysis will be performed by calculating the appropriate effect measures of association for binary and continuous outcomes from individual studies. Subgroup analyses will be performed by geographical areas to account for desert dust patterns.

Ethics and dissemination

No primary data will be collected. For this reason, no formal ethical approval is required. This systematic review will help to fill the research gaps in the knowledge of desert dust on human health. The results will be disseminated through a WHO peer-reviewed publication and a conference presentation.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018091809