bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestational weight gain and delivery outcomes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Xu Huiling , Arkema Elizabeth V. , Cnattingius Sven , Stephansson Olof , Johansson Kari
Published: July 2020

Background

Gestational weight gain is a modifiable factor that could impact maternal and infant health. However, its effect on delivery outcomes is not well established.

Objectives

To investigate the associations between gestational weight gain and delivery outcomes stratified by early‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI).

Methods

The study population included singleton livebirths in the Stockholm‐Gotland obstetric cohort (January 2008 to October 2014; n = 174 953). The exposure was total gestational weight gain standardised into gestational‐age‐specific z‐scores by using previously defined Swedish pregnancy weight gain‐for‐gestational age charts. The outcomes included caesarean delivery (overall, elective, and emergency), instrumental vaginal delivery, induction of labour, and postpartum haemorrhage. Confounders included maternal age, maternal height, parity, smoking status, cohabitation status, chronic hypertension, and pre‐pregnancy diabetes. Logistic regression models with marginal standardisation were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each delivery outcome stratified by early‐pregnancy BMI.

Results

Above average weight gain (z‐score ≥ 0.50 SD) increased risks of caesarean delivery (from RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00, 1.15 to RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.35, 1.55 across BMI groups), induction of labour (from RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23 to RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.25, 1.51 across BMI groups except underweight), and postpartum haemorrhage (from RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07, 1.19 to RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09, 1.41 among normal and overweight). Below average weight gain (z‐score <−0.50 SD) decreased caesarean delivery risk (from RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61, 0.93 to RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84, 0.95 across BMI groups except underweight).

Conclusions

In normal and overweight women, the risks of caesarean delivery, induction of labour, and postpartum haemorrhage increased with gestational weight gain. In obese women, higher gestational weight gain increased risks of caesarean delivery and induction of labour. Low gestational weight gain reduced risk of caesarean delivery in all BMI groups except underweight.
Reconsidering electrophysiological markers of response inhibition in light of trigger failures in the stop‐signal task
Authors: Skippen P. , Fulham W. R. , Michie P. T. , Matzke D. , Heathcote A. , Karayanidis F.
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the neural correlates underpinning response inhibition using a parametric ex‐Gaussian model of stop‐signal task performance, fit with hierarchical Bayesian methods, in a large healthy sample (N = 156). The parametric model accounted for both stop‐signal reaction time (SSRT) and trigger failure (i.e., failures to initiate the inhibition process). The returned SSRT estimate (SSRTEXG3) was attenuated by ≈65 ms compared to traditional nonparametric SSRT estimates (SSRTint). The amplitude and latency of the N1 and P3 event‐related potential components were derived for both stop‐success and stop‐failure trials and compared to behavioral estimates derived from traditional (SSRTint) and parametric (SSRTEXG3, trigger failure) models. Both the fronto‐central N1 and P3 peaked earlier and were larger for stop‐success than stop‐failure trials. For stop‐failure trials only, N1 peak latency correlated with both SSRT estimates as well as trigger failure and temporally coincided with SSRTEXG3, but not SSRTint. In contrast, P3 peak and onset latency were not associated with any behavioral estimates of inhibition for either trial type. While the N1 peaked earlier for stop‐success than stop‐failure trials, this effect was not found in poor task performers (i.e., high trigger failure/slow SSRT). These findings are consistent with attentional modulation of both the speed and reliability of the inhibition process, but not for poor performers. Together with the absence of any P3 onset latency effect, our findings suggest that attentional mechanisms are important in supporting speeded and reliable inhibition processes required in the stop‐signal task.
Analyzing Collision, Grounding, and Sinking Accidents Occurring in the Black Sea Utilizing HFACS and Bayesian Networks
Authors: Uğurlu Özkan , Yıldız Serdar , Loughney Sean , Wang Jin , Kuntchulia Shota , Sharabidze Irakli
Published: July 2020

This study examines and analyzes marine accidents that have occurred over the past 20 years in the Black Sea. Geographic information system, human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS), and Bayesian network models are used to analyze the marine accidents. The most important feature distinguishing this study from other studies is that this is the first study to analyze accidents that have occurred across the whole Black Sea. Another important feature is the application of a new HFACS structure to reveal accident formation patterns. The results of this study indicate that accidents occurred in high concentrations in coastal regions of the Black Sea, especially in the Kerch Strait, Novorossiysk, Kilyos, Constanta, Riva, and Batumi regions. The formation of grounding and sinking accidents has been found to be similar in nature; the use of inland and old vessels has been highlighted as important factors in sinking and grounding incidents. However, the sequence of events leading to collision‐contact accidents differs from the sequence of events resulting in grounding and sinking accidents. This study aims to provide information to the maritime industry regarding the occurrence of maritime incidents in the Black Sea, in order to assist with reduction and prevention of the marine accidents.
Fighting the Curse of Sparsity: Probabilistic Sensitivity Measures From Cumulative Distribution Functions
Authors: Plischke Elmar , Borgonovo Emanuele
Published: July 2020

Quantitative models support investigators in several risk analysis applications. The calculation of sensitivity measures is an integral part of this analysis. However, it becomes a computationally challenging task, especially when the number of model inputs is large and the model output is spread over orders of magnitude. We introduce and test a new method for the estimation of global sensitivity measures. The new method relies on the intuition of exploiting the empirical cumulative distribution function of the simulator output. This choice allows the estimators of global sensitivity measures to be based on numbers between 0 and 1, thus fighting the curse of sparsity. For density‐based sensitivity measures, we devise an approach based on moving averages that bypasses kernel‐density estimation. We compare the new method to approaches for calculating popular risk analysis global sensitivity measures as well as to approaches for computing dependence measures gathering increasing interest in the machine learning and statistics literature (the Hilbert–Schmidt independence criterion and distance covariance). The comparison involves also the number of operations needed to obtain the estimates, an aspect often neglected in global sensitivity studies. We let the estimators undergo several tests, first with the wing‐weight test case, then with a computationally challenging code with up to inputs, and finally with the traditional Level E benchmark code.
Whose Narrative is it Anyway? Narratives of Social Innovation in Rural Areas – A Comparative Analysis of Community‐Led Initiatives in Scotland and Spain
Authors: Vercher Néstor , Barlagne Carla , Hewitt Richard , Nijnik Maria , Esparcia Javier
Published: July 2020

Social innovation is a process in which local communities build social and cultural capital to address challenges and social needs. The diffusion of social innovation requires compelling narratives that encourage people to join them. Using qualitative techniques and a multiple case study methodology, this article examines the content of narratives of social innovation in rural areas and how actors construct, spread and change them. We propose a narrative analytical framework comprising four key components: problematisation; solutions and goals; actors; and plot, which we apply to three initiatives in Scotland and Spain. Our findings suggest that marginalisation, the natural environment and community activation are central themes in the content of narratives. In addition, we explain how policies and public actors can support social innovation as well as how collective leadership of social innovations can reduce imbalances in power relations, and contribute to a consistent evolution of narratives over time, enhancing the sustainability of social innovation projects overall.
Omission and commission in judgment and decision making: Understanding and linking action‐inaction effects using the concept of normality
Authors: Feldman Gilad , Kutscher Lucas , Yay Tijen
Published: July 2020

Research on action and inaction in judgment and decision making now spans over 35 years, with ever‐growing interest. Accumulating evidence suggests that action and inaction are perceived and evaluated differently, affecting a wide array of psychological factors from emotions to morality. These asymmetries have been shown to have real impact on choice behavior in both personal and interpersonal contexts, with implications for individuals and society. We review impactful action‐inaction related phenomena, with a summary and comparison of key findings and insights, reinterpreting these effects and mapping links between effects using norm theory's (Kahneman & Miller, 1986) concept of normality. Together, these aim to contribute towards an integrated understanding of the human psyche regarding action and inaction.
The relative impacts of dairy and non‐dairy ruminant sectors on the Olsen‐P status of grassland soils and hence water quality in Northern Ireland
Authors: Higgins Alexander J. , Cassidy Rachel , Bailey John S.
Published: July 2020

Intensive dairy farming is implicated with the phosphorus (P) enrichment and eutrophication of fresh water bodies. In Northern Ireland (NI), although P surpluses on dairy farms are high, representative soil P data for both dairy and non‐dairy ruminant sector grassland are needed to help assess the extent to which dairying per se is contributing to poor water quality. Data from a recently completed European Union funded NI‐wide soil testing scheme were available to help in this assessment. A high proportion (50%) of dairy grassland was found to be over‐supplied with P (>25 mg Olsen‐P l soil−1), but surprisingly, some 25% of more extensively managed non‐dairy ruminant grassland was also over‐supplied with P. This is possibly because fertilizer‐P and/or manure‐P is being spread and/or faeces excreted by out‐wintered livestock on only a fraction of the grassland area, with most of the remaining land being too wet or too inaccessible for such management. Therefore, even though the P over‐supply situation is most acute in the dairy sector, because the non‐dairy ruminant sector occupies the majority (78%) of the ruminant grassland platform, it is responsible for almost two thirds (64%) of all P‐enriched grassland soils across the ruminant sectors, and hence potentially poses a greater threat to water quality than the more intensive dairy sector. To address this newly recognized problem, farm‐gate P surpluses may need to be redefined in terms of surplus P per unit of land suitable for manure‐P application and/or out‐wintering livestock, as opposed to land owned or managed, and a regulatory maximum limit applied to all ruminant farms regardless of their management intensity or stocking density.
Toward Personalized Deceptive Signaling for Cyber Defense Using Cognitive Models
Authors: Cranford Edward A. , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Aggarwal Palvi , Cooney Sarah , Tambe Milind , Lebiere Christian
Published: July 2020

Recent research in cybersecurity has begun to develop active defense strategies using game‐theoretic optimization of the allocation of limited defenses combined with deceptive signaling. These algorithms assume rational human behavior. However, human behavior in an online game designed to simulate an insider attack scenario shows that humans, playing the role of attackers, attack far more often than predicted under perfect rationality. We describe an instance‐based learning cognitive model, built in ACT‐R, that accurately predicts human performance and biases in the game. To improve defenses, we propose an adaptive method of signaling that uses the cognitive model to trace an individual's experience in real time. We discuss the results and implications of this adaptive signaling method for personalized defense.
The “living of time”: Entangled temporalities of home and the city
Authors: Blunt Alison , Ebbensgaard Casper Laing , Sheringham Olivia
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the entanglements between urban and domestic temporalities in order to understand what it means to live in the city. The “living of time” encompasses the temporalities of urban dwelling at home and in relation to the wider estate, street, neighbourhood, and city and reveals how residents adapt to, negotiate, and at times resist processes of change and continuity at home and in the city.
A Tool to Explore Discrete-Time Data: The Time Series Response Analyser
Authors: Narang Benjamin J. , Atkinson Greg , Gonzalez Javier T. , Betts James A.
Published: July 2020

The analysis of time series data is common in nutrition and metabolism research for quantifying the physiological responses to various stimuli. The reduction of many data from a time series into a summary statistic(s) can help quantify and communicate the overall response in a more straightforward way and in line with a specific hypothesis. Nevertheless, many summary statistics have been selected by various researchers, and some approaches are still complex. The time-intensive nature of such calculations can be a burden for especially large data sets and may, therefore, introduce computational errors, which are difficult to recognize and correct. In this short commentary, the authors introduce a newly developed tool that automates many of the processes commonly used by researchers for discrete time series analysis, with particular emphasis on how the tool may be implemented within nutrition and exercise science research.
Vitamin D and Cortisol as Moderators of the Relationship Between Testosterone and Exercise Performance in Adolescent Male Athletes
Authors: Crewther Blair , Cook Christian , Fitzgerald John , Starczewski Michal , Gorski Michal , Orysiak Joanna
Published: July 2020

Purpose: Reported associations between vitamin 25(OH)D and exercise performance are equivocal, perhaps due to complex interplay with cortisol and testosterone. In this study, the authors investigated serum 25(OH)D and cortisol as moderators of the testosterone relationship with exercise performance in adolescent male athletes. Methods: A total of 88 ice hockey players were assessed for serum 25(OH)D, cortisol, testosterone, body composition, and exercise performance, based on countermovement jump power and muscle torque. The authors tested independent relationships, before examining complex interactions via moderated regression analyses. Results: Most athletes (62.5%) exhibited a suboptimal (20–30 ng·mL−1) serum 25(OH)D concentration, whereas 9.1% of athletes were deficient (<20 ng·mL−1). Serum 25(OH)D was not related to performance when controlling for testing year, age, and fat mass. Further modeling revealed a significant hormonal interaction. Specifically, in low-25(OH)D subjects, testosterone predicted countermovement jump power at a high (β = 7.10, effect size = .43, P < .01), but not low (β = −3.32, effect size = −.20, P = .09), cortisol concentration. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D was a poor predictor of exercise performance, but it did moderate (with cortisol) the testosterone link to muscle power. Notably, this relationship emerged among individuals with a 25(OH)D concentration (∼22 ng·mL−1) approaching the deficiency cutoff. Viewing 25(OH)D as a moderating, rather than dose responsive, variable could help explain equivocal cross-sectional associations.
Chiral shape fluctuations and the origin of chirality in cholesteric phases of DNA origamis
Authors: Tortora Maxime M. C. , Mishra Garima , Prešern Domen , Doye Jonathan P. K.
Published: July 2020

Intramolecular mechanics govern supramolecular self-assembly in chiral liquid crystal phases of DNA origami filaments.
Thermostable small-molecule inhibitor of angiogenesis and vascular permeability that suppresses a pERK-FosB/ΔFosB–VCAM-1 axis
Authors: Li Yue , Alhendi Ahmad M. N. , Yeh Mei-Chun , Elahy Mina , Santiago Fernando S. , Deshpande Nandan P. , Wu Ben , Chan Enoch , Inam Shafqat , Prado-Lourenco Leonel , Marchand Jessica , Joyce Rohan D. , Wilkinson-White Lorna E. , Raftery Mark J. , Zhu Meidong , Adamson Samuel J. , Barnat François , Viaud-Quentric Karen , Sockler Jim , Mackay Joel P. , Chang Andrew , Mitchell Paul , Marcuccio Sebastian M. , Khachigian Levon M.
Published: July 2020

A thermostable drug suppresses a pERK-FosB/ΔFosB-VCAM-1 axis, endothelial activation, angiogenesis, and retinal permeability.
Accelerating thrombolysis using a precision and clot-penetrating drug delivery strategy by nanoparticle-shelled microbubbles
Authors: Wang Siyu , Guo Xixi , Xiu Weijun , Liu Yang , Ren Lili , Xiao Huaxin , Yang Fang , Gao Yu , Xu Chenjie , Wang Lianhui
Published: July 2020

Targeted and clot-penetrating delivery of thrombolytic drug by microbubble oscillations accelerates thrombolysis.
Gut dysbiosis contributes to amyloid pathology, associated with C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation in Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Chen Chun , Ahn Eun Hee , Kang Seong Su , Liu Xia , Alam Ashfaqul , Ye Keqiang
Published: July 2020

This study reveals the contribution of gut bacteria to Alzheimer’s disease.
All twist and no bend makes raft edges splay: Spontaneous curvature of domain edges in colloidal membranes
Authors: Miller Joia M. , Hall Doug , Robaszewski Joanna , Sharma Prerna , Hagan Michael F. , Grason Gregory M. , Dogic Zvonimir
Published: July 2020

Geometric frustration of colloidal membrane textures drives spontaneous edge curvature and nonconvex shapes of raft domains.
Cryo-EM structures of the air-oxidized and dithionite-reduced photosynthetic alternative complex III from
Roseiflexus castenholzii
Authors: Shi Yang , Xin Yueyong , Wang Chao , Blankenship Robert E. , Sun Fei , Xu Xiaoling
Published: July 2020

The architecture of the photosynthetic alternative complex III in
R. castenholzii
resembles that of its respiratory counterpart.
A new mechanism for void-cascade interaction from nondestructive depth-resolved atomic-scale measurements of ion irradiation–induced defects in Fe
Authors: Agarwal S. , Liedke M. O. , Jones A. C. L. , Reed E. , Kohnert A. A. , Uberuaga B. P. , Wang Y. Q. , Cooper J. , Kaoumi D. , Li N. , Auguste R. , Hosemann P. , Capolungo L. , Edwards D. J. , Butterling M. , Hirschmann E. , Wagner A. , Selim F. A.
Published: July 2020

Positron annihilation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy yield previously unknown insights on radiation damage.
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among parturient women in Philadelphia
Authors: Flannery Dustin D. , Gouma Sigrid , Dhudasia Miren B. , Mukhopadhyay Sagori , Pfeifer Madeline R. , Woodford Emily C. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Arevalo Claudia P. , Bolton Marcus J. , Weirick Madison E. , Goodwin Eileen C. , Anderson Elizabeth M. , Greenplate Allison R. , Kim Justin , Han Nicholas , Pattekar Ajinkya , Dougherty Jeanette , Kuthuru Oliva , Mathew Divij , Baxter Amy E. , Vella Laura A. , Weaver JoEllen , Verma Anurag , Leite Rita , Morris Jeffrey S. , Rader Daniel J. , Elovitz Michal A. , Wherry E. John , Puopolo Karen M. , Hensley Scott E.
Published: July 2020

More than 6% of parturient women in Philadelphia (4 April to 3 June 2020) had serological evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Cellular senescence impairs the reversibility of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: van der Feen Diederik E. , Bossers Guido P. L. , Hagdorn Quint A. J. , Moonen Jan-Renier , Kurakula Kondababu , Szulcek Robert , Chappell James , Vallania Francesco , Donato Michele , Kok Klaas , Kohli Jaskaren S. , Petersen Arjen H. , van Leusden Tom , Demaria Marco , Goumans Marie-José T. H. , De Boer Rudolf A. , Khatri Purvesh , Rabinovitch Marlene , Berger Rolf M. F. , Bartelds Beatrijs
Published: July 2020

The transition from reversible to irreversible pulmonary arterial hypertension involves vascular senescence and can be countered by senolysis.
Scientific considerations for global drug development
Authors: Wilson Jennifer L. , Cheung Kit Wun Kathy , Lin Lawrence , Green Elizabeth A. E. , Porrás Analia I. , Zou Ling , Mukanga David , Akpa Paul A. , Darko Delese Mimi , Yuan Rae , Ding Sheng , Johnson Wiltshire C. N. , Lee Howard A. , Cooke Emer , Peck Carl C. , Kern Steven E. , Hartman Dan , Hayashi Yoshikazu , Marks Peter W. , Altman Russ B. , Lumpkin Murray M. , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Blaschke Terrence F.
Published: July 2020

Scientific and technological advances could reduce the need for in-country or in-region confirmatory clinical trials.
Clinical trial in a dish using iPSCs shows lovastatin improves endothelial dysfunction and cellular cross-talk in LMNA cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sayed Nazish , Liu Chun , Ameen Mohamed , Himmati Farhan , Zhang Joe Z. , Khanamiri Saereh , Moonen Jan-Renier , Wnorowski Alexa , Cheng Linling , Rhee June-Wha , Gaddam Sadhana , Wang Kevin C. , Sallam Karim , Boyd Jack H. , Woo Y. Joseph , Rabinovitch Marlene , Wu Joseph C.
Published: July 2020

Patient-specific iPSCs model endothelial dysfunction in lamin A and C–related dilated cardiomyopathy and identify lovastatin as a therapy.
Characterization of Self-Processing Activities and Substrate Specificities of Porcine Torovirus 3C-Like Protease
Authors: Xu Shangen , Zhou Junwei , Chen Yingjin , Tong Xue , Wang Zixin , Guo Jiahui , Chen Jiyao , Fang Liurong , Wang Dang , Xiao Shaobo
Published: July 2020

Currently, the active-site residues and substrate specificities of 3C-like protease (3CL
pro
) differ among nidoviruses, and the detailed catalytic mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, porcine torovirus (PToV) 3CL
pro
cleaves 12 sites in the polyproteins, including its N- and C-terminal self-processing sites. Unlike coronaviruses and arteriviruses, PToV 3CL
pro
employed His53 and Ser160 as the active-site residues that recognize a glutamine (Gln) at the P1 position. Surprisingly, mutations of P1-Gln impaired the C-terminal self-processing but did not affect N-terminal self-processing. The “noncanonical” substrate specificity for its N-terminal self-processing was attributed to the phenylalanine (Phe) residue at the P4 position in the N-terminal site. Furthermore, a double glycine (neutral) substitution at the putative P4-Phe-binding residues (P62G/L185G) abolished the cleavage activity of PToV 3CL
pro
suggested the potential hydrophobic force between the PToV 3CL
pro
and P4-Phe side chains.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces morookaense DSM 40503, an 8-Azaguanine-Producing Strain
Authors: Hei Yueyu , Li Ziyi , Zhou Yuhan , Hu Chenhao , Gao Jin-Ming , Qi Jianzhao
Published: July 2020

Here, we describe the genome of
Streptomyces morookaense
DSM 40503, an 8-azaguanine-producing strain. The genome is the basis for future study and presents an underexplored taxonomy and biosynthetic potential, which expands our understanding of the diversity of microorganisms that produce nitrogen heterocyclic compounds.
Conservative surgical management of a supernumerary tooth in the nasal cavity
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Bhaskar Akhilesh , Kapoor Roohi , Malik Pratima
Published: July 2020

A 9-year-old girl presented with a foreign body obstruction inside her nose. The condition led to pain and nasal congestion. CT showed the presence of a radiopaque mass similar to a tooth in the right nasal cavity. Diagnosis of a supernumerary intranasal tooth was made and extraction was performed under general anaesthesia. An ectopic tooth in the nasal cavity is rare and surgical removal is recommended to eliminate the symptoms.
Intermittent left bundle branch block and acute heart failure in trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Masson Ravi , Bakhshi Hooman , Haddad Tariq M
Published: July 2020

A 70-year-old woman with HER2+/ER+ breast cancer on adjuvant trastuzumab therapy without a history of cardiovascular disease presented with respiratory failure from influenza and was found to have intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) with new onset systolic heart failure. Her course was complicated by polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and recurrent chest pain. Significant investigations included a normal cardiac MRI and cardiac catheterisation with unobstructed coronaries. It was determined that the aetiology of her heart failure was trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity after comprehensive workup. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of LBBB and the steps taken to diagnose a rare cardiomyopathy.
Outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma: 24-month follow-up
Authors: Sharkawi Eamon , Lindegger Daniel Josef , Artes Paul H , Lehmann-Clarke Lydia , El Wardani Mohamad , Misteli Marie , Pasquier Jérôme , Guarnieri Adriano
Published: July 2020

Aim

To report on outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in eyes with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG).

Methods

Prospective, interventional, non-comparative case series. A total of 103 eyes from 84 patients with PXG were enrolled to undergo a 360-degree ab interno trabeculotomy with gonioscopic assistance using either a 5.0 polypropylene suture or an illuminated microcatheter with up to 24 months of follow-up. Main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, success rate (IOP reduction ≥20% from baseline or IOP between 6 and 21 mm Hg, without further glaucoma surgery) and complication rate.

Results

Mean preoperative IOP was 27.1 mm Hg (95% CI 25.5 to 28.7) using 2.9 (SD 1.1) glaucoma medications which decreased postoperatively to 13.0 mm Hg (95% CI 11.5 to 14.4) and 1.0 (SD 1.1) medications at 24 months (p<0.001). Success rate was 89.2% at 24 months of follow-up, and complication rate was 2.9%.

Conclusion

At 24 months of follow-up, our results for GATT in PXG demonstrate that this conjunctival sparing procedure effectively lowers IOP and reduces the medications with a low complication rate, in this relatively aggressive glaucoma subtype.
Causal beliefs of mental illness and its impact on help-seeking attitudes: a cross-sectional study among university students in Singapore
Authors: Tan Gregory Tee Hng , Shahwan Shazana , Goh Chong Ming Janrius , Ong Wei Jie , Samari Ellaisha , Abdin Edimansyah , Kwok Kian Woon , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: July 2020

Objectives

A considerable proportion of those who suffer from mental illnesses in Singapore do not seek any form of professional help. The reluctance to seek professional help could be due to misconceptions about the causes of mental illnesses. Research has shown that help-seeking attitudes can predict actual service use. As young adults are most at risk of developing mental illnesses, this study aims to elucidate the impact of causal beliefs about mental illness on help-seeking attitudes among university students in Singapore.

Design

Prior to attending an anti-stigma intervention, data on the Causal Beliefs about Mental Illness, Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health services and questions pertaining to sociodemographic background were collected from participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the relationship between causal beliefs and help-seeking, as well as their sociodemographic correlates.

Settings

A university in Singapore.

Participants

390 students who were studying in a University in Singapore.

Results

Younger age was associated with higher scores on psychosocial attribution, while prior social contact with individuals with mental illness was significantly associated with lower scores on personality attribution. With regard to help-seeking attitudes; being a male and personality attribution were significantly associated with lower scores on ‘Psychological Openness’ and ‘Indifference to Stigma’, while psychosocial attribution was significantly associated with higher scores on ‘Help-seeking Propensity’. Having prior social contact also predicted higher ‘Psychological Openness’, while being in Year 2 and 3 predicted lower scores on ’Indifference to Stigma’.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that help-seeking attitudes might be influenced by causal beliefs, with personality attribution being the most impairing. Hence, to reduce the wide treatment gap in Singapore, anti-stigma interventions targeting young people could focus on addressing beliefs that attribute mental illness to the personality of the individual.
A Roadmap for conducting psychosocial research in epidemiological studies: perspectives of cohort study principal investigators
Authors: Argentieri M Austin , Seddighzadeh Bobak , Noveroske Philbrick Sarah , Balboni Tracy , Shields Alexandra
Published: July 2020

Background

Psychosocial adversity disproportionately affects racial/ethnic and socioeconomic minorities in the USA, and therefore understanding the mechanisms through which psychosocial stress and resilience influence human health can provide meaningful insights into addressing US health disparities. Despite this promise, psychosocial factors are infrequently and unsystematically collected in the US prospective cohort studies.

Methods

We sought to understand prospective cohort principal investigators’ (PIs’) attitudes regarding the importance of psychosocial influences on disease aetiology, in order to identify barriers and opportunities for greater inclusion of these domains in high-quality epidemiological research. One-hour, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 PIs representing 24 US prospective cohort studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), collectively capturing health data on 1.25 of every 100 American adults. A hypothesis-free, grounded theory approach was used to analyse and interpret interview data.

Results

Most cohort PIs view psychosocial factors as an important research area to further our understanding of disease aetiology and agree that this research will be crucial for future public health innovations. Virtually all PIs emphasised that future psychosocial research will need to elucidate biological and behavioural mechanisms in order to be taken seriously by the epidemiological community more broadly. A lack of pertinent funding mechanisms and a lack of consensus on optimal scales and measures of psychosocial factors were identified as additional barriers to advancing psychosocial research.

Conclusions

Our interviews emphasised the need for: (1) high-quality, longitudinal studies that investigate biological mechanisms and pathways through which psychosocial factors influence health, (2) effort among epidemiological cohorts to broaden and harmonise the measures they use across cohorts, to facilitate replication of results and (3) the need for targeted funding opportunities from NIH and other grant-making institutions to study these domains.
Shared concern with current breast cancer rehabilitation services: a focus group study of survivors’ and professionals’ experiences and preferences for rehabilitation care delivery
Authors: Rafn Bolette Skjødt , Midtgaard Julie , Camp Pat G , Campbell Kristin L
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Breast cancer survivors experience a wide spectrum of physical sequelae from cancer treatment. National and international guidelines recommend that rehabilitation is offered from the point of diagnosis. However, there is a lack of data on the translation of these recommendations into clinical care. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of breast cancer survivors, rehabilitation professionals and breast surgeons on current rehabilitation services including preferences for care delivery, specific ways to promote early detection and timely management of upper body issues and attitudes towards self-managed surveillance and rehabilitation.

Design

Qualitative focus groups. Breast cancer survivors completed a questionnaire about rehabilitation services received and experience of upper body issues. These quantitative data were collected to provide context for the qualitative data and increase transferability. Transcripts were analysed using content analysis.

Setting

Five geographically distinct health authorities in British Columbia, Canada.

Participants

Eleven focus groups were conducted with 35 breast cancer survivors, 29 rehabilitation professionals and 5 breast surgeons.

Results

Three categories captured participants’ concern and wish for improved care: (1) cut the cancer out and goodbye; (2) you have to look out for yourself and (3) in a perfect world. All breast cancer survivors reported chronic upper body issues (mean 4.5 unique issues). Breast cancer survivors expressed worry and uncertainty in their solo management of the rehabilitation. The current services were reported to not enable early detection and timely management. Suggestions included reorganising the timing of patient education and improving the quality of and access to rehabilitation services by elevating the knowledge among healthcare professionals and providing multimodal self-management resources.

Conclusions

The results revealed a gap between oncology guidelines and the current clinical reality. The rehabilitation services were reported in need of revamping to increase equity of care. Multiple upper body issues were reported by many breast cancer survivors.
Utility of 3D printed cardiac models in congenital heart disease: a scoping review
Authors: Illmann Caroline F , Ghadiry-Tavi Rouzbeh , Hosking Martin , Harris Kevin C
Published: July 2020

Objective

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is a novel technology with applications in healthcare, particularly for congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to explore the spectrum of use of 3D printed CHD models (3D-CM) and identify knowledge gaps within the published body of literature to guide future research.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review targeting published literature on the use of 3D-CMs. The databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched from their inception until 19 July 2019. Inclusion criteria were primary research; studies reporting use of 3D-CMs; and human subjects. Exclusion criteria were studies where 3D-CMs were generated for proof of concept but not used; and studies focused on bioprinting or computational 3D-CMs. Studies were assessed for inclusion and data were extracted from eligible articles in duplicate.

Results

The search returned 648 results. Following assessment, 79 articles were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The majority (66%) of studies are case reports or series. 15% reported use of a control group. Three main areas of utilisation are for (1) surgical and interventional cardiology procedural planning (n=62), (2) simulation (n=25), and (3) education for medical personnel or patients and their families (n=17). Multiple studies used 3D-CMs for more than one of these areas.

Conclusions

3DP for CHD is a new technology with an evolving literature base. Most of the published literature are experiential reports as opposed to manuscripts on scientifically robust studies. Our study has identified gaps in the literature and addressed priority areas for future research.
Generating evidence to inform health technology assessment of treatments for SLE: a systematic review of decision-analytic model-based economic evaluations
Authors: Gavan Sean , Bruce Ian , Payne Katherine
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to understand and appraise the approaches taken to handle the complexities of a multisystem disease in published decision-analytic model-based economic evaluations of treatments for SLE. A systematic review was conducted to identify all published model-based economic evaluations of treatments for SLE. Treatments that were considered for inclusion comprised antimalarial agents, immunosuppressive therapies, and biologics including rituximab and belimumab. Medline and Embase were searched electronically from inception until September 2018. Titles and abstracts were screened against the inclusion criteria by two reviewers; agreement between reviewers was calculated according to Cohen’s κ. Predefined data extraction tables were used to extract the key features, structural assumptions and data sources of input parameters from each economic evaluation. The completeness of reporting for the methods of each economic evaluation was appraised according to the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) statement. Six decision-analytic model-based economic evaluations were identified. The studies included azathioprine (n=4), mycophenolate mofetil (n=3), cyclophosphamide (n=2) and belimumab (n=1) as relevant comparator treatments; no economic evaluation estimated the relative cost-effectiveness of rituximab. Six items of the CHEERS statement were reported incompletely across the sample: target population, choice of comparators, measurement and valuation of preference-based outcomes, estimation of resource use and costs, choice of model, and the characterisation of heterogeneity. Complexity in the diagnosis, management and progression of disease can make decision-analytic model-based economic evaluations of treatments for SLE a challenge to undertake. The findings from this study can be used to improve the relevance of model-based economic evaluations in SLE and as an agenda for research to inform future health technology assessment and decision-making.
Diagnostic performance of the extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) patients in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal
Authors: Basnet Samjhana , Shrestha Sanu Krishna , Pradhan Alok , Shrestha Roshana , Shrestha Anmol Purna , Sharma Grishma , Bade Sahil , Giri Latika
Published: July 2020

Background

Thoracoabdominal trauma presents a diagnostic challenge for the emergency physician. The introduction of bedside ultrasonography (USG) provides a screening tool to detect hemoperitoneum, hemothorax, pneumothorax and pericardial effusion in torso injuries.

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (EFAST) for chest and abdominal injuries performed by first responders in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal.

Methods

This was a prospective study including all trauma patients who obtained either an Injury Severity Score ≥15 or direct trauma to the trunk in 1 year period in the emergency department (ED) of Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital. The results of the EFAST were then compared with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), radiology ultrasound (USG)/chest X-ray, or intraoperative findings when the EFAST was positive. The negative EFAST cases were observed for a minimum of 4 hours in the ED. Descriptive statistics and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated.

Results

Out of 267 cases, 261 patients underwent an EFAST examination. The sensitivity and specificity were 94.8% and 99.5%, respectively. The negative predictive value was 98.53% whereas the positive predictive value was 98.21%. The overall accuracy was 99.4%.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that EFAST examination performed by first-line healthcare providers is a useful method for assessment of thoracic and abdominal injuries. EFAST was found to have a high specificity (99.5%) and positive predictive value (98.21%) which indicates that it is an effective technique for detecting intra-abdominal or thoracic injuries. However, the effectiveness of EFAST is limited by its being operator dependent, and thereby human error. For negative EFAST cases, we recommend a monitoring period of at least 4 hours, serial fast scan, or further investigation through other methods such as a CECT.

Level of evidence

Level I
Epilepsy in veterinary patients: perspectives of Dutch veterinarians in first‐line practice
Authors: Santifort Koen Maurits , Hamers Maud , Mandigers Paul
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aims to investigate the perspectives of veterinarians in first‐line practice on confidence and satisfaction regarding several important aspects of the description, diagnosis and treatment of canine patients with epilepsy.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was used, focussing on general aspects of canine epilepsy, diagnostic tests, treatment and communication with owners.

Results

One hundred and two questionnaires were evaluated. No less than 73 per cent of veterinarians had performed euthanasia on one or more patients with epilepsy as the main reason. First‐line veterinarians scored confidence on general aspects of epilepsy as 6 or 7 out of 10. Confidence regarding communication with owners was scored 7 or 8 out of 10.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into perspectives of Dutch veterinarians in first‐line practice regarding canine epilepsy. Several results may provide reasons to adjust (pregraduate or postgraduate) education of veterinarians with regard to management of canine patients with epilepsy. Several factors (such as the importance of diagnostic imaging) may help specialists in the field communicate better with referring veterinarians so that first‐line practitioners become better equipped in managing patients with epilepsy. These steps may then positively influence treatment results as well as care‐giver burden for the first‐line practitioner.
Carbohydrate mouth rinse improves resistance exercise capacity in the glycogen-lowered state
Authors: Durkin Matthew , Akeroyd Harriet , Holliday Adrian
Published: July 2020

The effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse (CHO MR) on resistance exercise performance is equivocal and may be moderated by carbohydrate availability. This study determined the effect of CHO MR on low-load resistance exercise capacity completed in a fed but glycogen-lowered state. Twelve resistance-trained men (age: 22 ± 4 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.05 m; mass: 78.7 ± 7.8 kg; bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM): 87 ± 21 kg; squat 1RM: 123 ± 19 kg) completed two fed-state resistance exercise bouts consisting of six sets of bench press and six sets of squat to failure at 40% 1RM. Each bout was preceded by glycogen-depleting cycling the evening before, with feeding controlled to create acute energy deficit and maintain low muscle glycogen. During resistance exercise, participants rinsed with either a 6% CHO MR solution or a taste-matched placebo (PLA) between sets. Total volume workload was greater with CHO MR (9354 ± 2051 vs. 8525 ± 1911 kg, p = 0.010). Total number of repetitions of squat were greater with CHO MR (107 ± 26 vs. 92 ± 16, p = 0.017); the number of repetitions of bench press were not significantly different (CHO MR: 120 ± 24 vs. PLA: 115 ± 22, p = 0.146). This was independent of differences in feeling or arousal. CHO MR may be an effective ergogenic aid for athletes completing resistance exercise when in energy deficit and with low carbohydrate availability.

Novelty: CHO MR can increase low-load resistance exercise capacity undertaken in a glycogen-lowered but fed state. This effect was driven by a greater number of repetitions-to-failure in the squat — using muscles lowered in glycogen content with exhaustive cycling on the evening prior to resistance exercise — but not bench press.
Exposure of Agrobacterium tumefaciens to agroinfiltration medium demonstrates cellular remodelling and may promote enhanced adaptability for molecular pharming
Authors: Prudhomme N. , Pastora R. , Muselius B. , McLean M.D. , Cossar D. , Geddes-McAlister J.
Published: July 2020

Agroinfiltration is used to treat plants with modified strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens for the purpose of transient in planta expression of genes transferred from the bacterium. These genes encode valuable recombinant proteins for therapeutic or industrial applications. Treatment of large quantities of plants for industrial-scale protein production exposes bacteria (harboring genes of interest) to agroinfiltration medium that is devoid of nutrients and carbon sources for prolonged periods of time (possibly upwards of 24 h). Such conditions may negatively influence bacterial viability, infectivity of plant cells, and target protein production. Here, we explored the role of timing in bacterial culture preparation for agroinfiltration using mass spectrometry-based proteomics to define changes in cellular processes. We observed distinct profiles associated with bacterial treatment conditions and exposure timing, including significant changes in proteins involved in pathogenesis, motility, and nutrient acquisition systems as the bacteria adapt to the new environment. These data suggest a progression towards increased cellular remodelling over time. In addition, we described changes in growth- and environment-specific processes over time, underscoring the interconnectivity of pathogenesis and chemotaxis-associated proteins with transport and metabolism. Overall, our results have important implications for the production of transiently expressed target protein products, as prolonged exposure to agroinfiltration medium suggests remodelling of the bacterial proteins towards enhanced infection of plant cells.
Geometrical analysis and entanglement measure of symmetric multiqubit states
Authors: Benzimoun Bilal , Daoud Mohammed
Published: July 2020

We geometrically examine the entanglement in symmetric multiquibt states using the spin coherent states properties. We employ the Majorana representation to examine how coherent (polarized) and unpolarized states can be represented in the Bloch sphere and subsequently to quantify entanglement in multipartite systems. Entanglement can be viewed as a distance separate two points in Bloch sphere and how this notion can be extended for multipartite states in W class. This provides us with an entanglement measure for [Formula: see text]-states analogue to the notion of Concurrence.
On the linear stability of polytropic fluid spheres in R2 gravity
Authors: Dzhunushaliev V. , Folomeev V.
Published: July 2020

Within [Formula: see text] gravity, we study the linear stability of strongly gravitating spherically symmetric configurations supported by a polytropic fluid. All calculations are carried out in the Jordan frame. It is demonstrated that, as in general relativity, the transition from stable to unstable systems occurs at the maximum of the curve mass-central density of the fluid.
Peptide-inspired green synthesis of hedgehog-like CuO nanoclusters on reduced graphene oxide for non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor
Authors: Zhang Qifang , Wang Li , Wang Yuhai , Li Zhuang
Published: July 2020

Bioinspired synthesis provides a potential green method for creating functional nanomaterials on graphene supports. In this study, we demonstrate the preparation of hedgehog-like cupric oxide nanoclusters (CuONCs) on peptide-modified reduced graphene oxide (RGO-Pep) nanohybrids through a solution-phase synthesis in which the bound peptide molecules (GNNQQNYEE) mediate the non-covalent modification of GO and provide the adsorption of Cu[Formula: see text] ions and the nucleation sites for the growth of CuONCs. The synthesized RGO-Pep-CuONCs hybrids were further utilized for the modification of a glass carbon electrode to fabricate a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It was found that the fabricated H2O2 sensor exhibited good performances for sensing H2O2 with a detection limit of [Formula: see text]M and two wide linear detection ranges. In addition, this sensor revealed good selectivity and stability. It is expected that the strategies used in this study will be valuable to inspire the creation of various functional biomolecule- and graphene-based hybrid bionanomaterials for the applications in materials science, sensors, biomedical engineering, tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and other fields.