bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health‐care providers' concern regarding smoking cessation pharmacotherapies during pregnancy: Calls to a teratology information service
Authors: Lee Mei Lin , Tran Duong T. , Welsh Alec , Kennedy Debra , Havard Alys
Published: January 2020

Introduction and Aims

Few smokers use smoking cessation pharmacotherapies during pregnancy. It is hypothesised that health‐care providers' reluctance due to safety concerns contributes to their low use. This study examined the extent of providers' concern regarding smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, relative to other medications in the same and other pregnancy risk categories. Calls made to a teratology information service (MotherSafe, Australia) were taken as a proxy indicator of concern regarding safety during pregnancy.

Design and Methods

The primary exposure discussed in 66 687 calls made to MotherSafe between 2001 and 2016 was categorised as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, varenicline or category A (low risk), B1, B2, B3, C, D or X (teratogenic). Separate logistic regression models estimated the odds that calls regarding pharmacotherapies were from providers, relative to medications in the same and other risk categories. Models adjusted for caller remoteness and socio‐economic status.

Results

Calls regarding bupropion were more likely to be made by providers than calls regarding other medications in its corresponding risk category [B2, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 6.59]. Calls about varenicline were also more likely to be from providers than calls regarding other category B3 medications (aOR 95% CI 2.33:1.30, 4.17). Calls regarding NRT were not more or less likely to be from providers than calls regarding other category D medications.

Discussion and Conclusions

Providers were more concerned about bupropion and varenicline than other medications within the same pregnancy risk categories. As this overestimation of risk may limit cessation pharmacotherapy use during pregnancy, research investigating strategies for correcting this imbalance is warranted.
S2k‐Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie des Zoster und der Postzosterneuralgie
Authors: Gross Gerd E. , Eisert Lisa , Doerr Hans Wilhelm , Fickenscher Helmut , Knuf Markus , Maier Philip , Maschke Matthias , Müller Rainer , Pleyer Uwe , Schäfer Michael , Sunderkötter Cord , Werner Ricardo N. , Wutzler Peter , Nast Alexander
Published: January 2020

Diese Leitlinie richtet sich an Dermatologen, Ophthalmologen, HNO‐Ärzte, Pädiater, Neurologen, Virologen sowie Infektiologen, Anästhesisten und Allgemeinmediziner in Klinik und Praxis und dient zur Information für andere medizinische Fachrichtungen, die an der Behandlung des Zoster beteiligt sind. Darüber hinaus soll die Leitlinie Kostenträgern und politischen Entscheidungsträgern zur Orientierung dienen. Die Leitlinie wurde im formellen Konsensusverfahren (S2k) von Dermatologen, Virologen/Infektiologen, Ophthalmologen, HNO‐Ärzten, Neurologen, Pädiatern und Anästhesisten/Schmerzmedizinern erstellt.

Die Leitlinie stellt einen Überblick über die klinische und molekulare Diagnostik sowie den Antigennachweis, die Antikörperkultur und Viruskultur dar. Diagnostisch besondere Situationen und komplizierte Verläufe der Erkrankung finden ebenfalls Berücksichtigung. Die antivirale Therapie des Zoster und der Postzosterneuralgie wird im Allgemeinen und für besondere Situationen dargelegt. Detaillierte Angaben zur Schmerzbehandlung finden Erwähnung und sind in einer Übersicht dargestellt. Ebenso werden die lokaltherapeutischen Maßnahmen thematisiert.
Tsukushi is essential for proper maintenance and terminal differentiation of mouse hippocampal neural stem cells
Authors: Ahmad Shah Adil Ishtiyaq , Anam Mohammad Badrul , Istiaq Arif , Ito Naofumi , Ohta Kunimasa
Published: January 2020

Secreted proteoglycan molecule Tsukushi (TSK) regulates various developmental processes, such as early body patterning and neural plate formation by interacting with major signaling pathways like Wnt, BMP, Notch etc. In central nervous system, TSK inhibits Wnt signaling to control chick retinal development. It also plays important roles for axon guidance and anterior commissure formation in mouse brain. In the present study, we investigated the role of TSK for the development and proper functioning of mouse hippocampus. We found that TSK expression is prominent at hippocampal regions of early postnatal mouse until postnatal day 15 and gradually declines at later stages. Hippocampal dimensions are affected in TSK knockout mice (TSK‐KO) as shown by reduced size of hippocampus and dentate gyrus (DG). Interestingly, neural stem cell (NSC) density at the neural niche of DG was higher in TSK‐KO compared with wild‐type. The ratio of proliferating NSCs as well as the rate of overall cell proliferation was also higher in TSK‐KO hippocampus. Our in vitro study also suggests an increased number of neural stem/progenitor cells residing in TSK‐KO hippocampus. Finally, we found that the terminal differentiation of NSCs in TSK‐KO was disturbed as the differentiation to neuronal cell lineage was increased while the percentages of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes were decreased. Overall, our study establishes the involvement of TSK in hippocampal development, NSC maintenance and terminal differentiation at perinatal stages.
Exposure–response relationships for the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor dapagliflozin with regard to renal risk markers
Authors: Kroonen Marjolein Y. A. M. , Koomen Jeroen V. , Petrykiv Sergei I. , Laverman Gozewijn D. , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Stevens Jasper
Published: January 2020

Aims

To quantitate the consistency of an individual's plasma exposure to dapagliflozin upon re‐exposure, and to investigate whether the individual's systemic exposure to dapagliflozin explains inter‐individual variation in response to dapagliflozin with regard to multiple renal risk markers.

Methods

Data were used from a crossover randomized clinical trial that assessed the albuminuria‐lowering effect of dapagliflozin in 33 people with type 2 diabetes and elevated albuminuria. Fifteen participants were exposed twice to dapagliflozin. Trough plasma concentrations of dapagliflozin were measured for each participant at steady state. Dapagliflozin plasma concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic characteristics were simulated based on a population pharmacokinetic model. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to quantify the exposure–response relationships.

Results

The median plasma concentration after first and second exposure to dapagliflozin was 5.3 ng/mL vs 4.6 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.78). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient between occasions was 0.73 (P < 0.0021). Every 100 ng.h/mL increment in area under the dapagliflozin plasma concentration curve was associated with a decrease in log‐transformed urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (β = −5.9, P < 0.01), body weight (β = −0.3, P < 0.01) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = −0.7, P = 0.01) and an increase in urinary glucose excretion (β = 17.0, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

An individual's exposure to dapagliflozin is consistent upon re‐exposure and correlates with pharmacodynamic response in renal risk markers.
Changes in the utilization of blood glucose test strips among patients using intermittent‐scanning continuous glucose monitoring in Germany
Authors: van den Boom Louisa , Kostev Karel
Published: January 2020

Aim

To compare the daily consumption of blood glucose test strips (BGTSs) prior to and after the initiation of intermittent‐scanning continuous glucose monitoring (iscCGM).

Methods

This study included 1343 adults (≥18 years) with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D; mean age 51.4 years; 39.1% women) from the IMS Disease Analyzer database with an initial prescription of iscCGM in Germany between January 2015 and July 2018 (index date). We compared the average daily BGTS consumption after the index date versus prior to the index date. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between predefined variables and the probability of no longer using BGTSs after the index date.

Results

The mean (SD) daily BGTS consumption per patient decreased from 2.7 (3.0) prior to the index date to 1.4 (2.4) after the index date, and was similar in patients with T1D and those with T2D, in women and men, and across different age groups, as well in patients treated in diabetologist practices and those treated in general practices. In total, 40% of patients continued to use BGTSs, and 30% used them at least once daily. Male sex and glycated haemoglobin concentration (<6.5%), as well as less frequent use of BGTSs prior to the index date, were positively associated with non‐use of BGTS after the index date.

Conclusion

The daily consumption of BGTS was greatly reduced after the initiation of iscCGM use in patients with diabetes. However, some patients still used BGTSs in addition to iscCGM.
Genetic variations in MicroRNA genes and cancer risk: A field synopsis and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Jae Hyon , Jeong Gwang Hun , Lee Kwang Seob , Lee Keum Hwa , Suh Jin‐Soon , Eisenhut Michael , van der Vliet Hans J. , Kronbichler Andreas , Stubbs Brendon , Solmi Marco , Dragioti Elena , Koyanagi Ai , Shin Jae Il , Gamerith Gabriele
Published: January 2020

Background

Cancer risk has been associated with certain gene variations in microRNA (miRNA), but conflicting evidence warrants re‐assessing of significant results in meta‐analyses. We summarized published meta‐analyses that assess the associations between miRNA polymorphism and cancers to show the validity of the findings.

Method

We searched PubMed and investigated the results of meta‐analyses published through November 2018. We re‐assessed the results based on false‐positive report probability (FPRP) to test the noteworthiness of the associations.

Results

Sixty‐eight miRNA polymorphisms in 45 meta‐analyses associated with cancer were included. Four (7.4%) and sixteen (25.0%) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were noteworthy (FPRP < 0.2) at a prior probability of 0.001 for interesting candidate genes and a statistical power to detect an odds ratio (OR) of 1.1 and 1.5, respectively. The four miRNA SNPs noteworthy at an OR of 1.1 were as follows: miR‐146a/rs2910164 Cvs.G; miR‐27a/rs895819 Cvs.T; miR‐423/rs6505162 Cvs.A; and miR‐605/rs2043556 Cvs.T. The 16 SNPs noteworthy at an OR of 1.5 include the four genotype comparisons at an OR of 1.1, and the additional 12 genotype comparisons were as follows: miR‐196a2/rs11614913 Tvs.C; miR‐27a/rs895819 GGvs.AA + AG; miR‐196a2/rs11614913 C vs.T; miR‐146a/rs2910164 Gvs.C; miR‐196a2/rs11614913 Tvs.C; miR‐146a/rs2910164 Cvs.G; miR‐499/rs3746444 homozygous model; miR‐146a/rs2910164 CCvs.GG + GC; miR‐499/rs3746444 TCvs.TT; miR‐499/rs3746444 GAvs.AA; miR‐146a/rs2910164 CCvs.GG; and miR‐499/rs3746444 Gvs.A. No association was noteworthy at a prior probability of 0.000001.

Conclusion

Out of 68 published associations of miRNA polymorphisms with cancer, sixteen have shown noteworthiness in our re‐assessing meta‐analysis. Our findings summarize the results of meta‐analyses on the association of cancer with SNPs and underline the importance of interpreting results with caution.
Testing whether ensemble modelling is advantageous for maximising predictive performance of species distribution models
Authors: Hao Tianxiao , Elith Jane , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta
Published: January 2020

Predictive performance is important to many applications of species distribution models (SDMs). The SDM ‘ensemble’ approach, which combines predictions across different modelling methods, is believed to improve predictive performance, and is used in many recent SDM studies. Here, we aim to compare the predictive performance of ensemble species distribution models to that of individual models, using a large presence–absence dataset of eucalypt tree species. To test model performance, we divided our dataset into calibration and evaluation folds using two spatial blocking strategies (checkerboard‐pattern and latitudinal slicing). We calibrated and cross‐validated all models within the calibration folds, using both repeated random division of data (a common approach) and spatial blocking. Ensembles were built using the software package ‘biomod2’, with standard (‘untuned’) settings. Boosted regression tree (BRT) models were also fitted to the same data, tuned according to published procedures. We then used evaluation folds to compare ensembles against both their component untuned individual models, and against the BRTs. We used area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) and log‐likelihood for assessing model performance. In all our tests, ensemble models performed well, but not consistently better than their component untuned individual models or tuned BRTs across all tests. Moreover, choosing untuned individual models with best cross‐validation performance also yielded good external performance, with blocked cross‐validation proving better suited for this choice, in this study, than repeated random cross‐validation. The latitudinal slice test was only possible for four species; this showed some individual models, and particularly the tuned one, performing better than ensembles. This study shows no particular benefit to using ensembles over individual tuned models. It also suggests that further robust testing of performance is required for situations where models are used to predict to distant places or environments.
Melatonin mitigates hippocampal and cognitive impairments caused by prenatal irradiation
Authors: Pipová Kokošová Natália , Kisková Terézia , Vilhanová Katarína , Štafuriková Andrea , Jendželovský Rastislav , Račeková Enikő , Šmajda Beňadik
Published: January 2020

Formation of new neurons and glial cells in the brain is taking place in mammals not only during prenatal embryogenesis but also during adult life. As an enhancer of oxidative stress, ionizing radiation represents a potent inhibitor of neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the brain. It is known that the pineal hormone melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger and counteracts inflammation and apoptosis in brain injuries. The aim of our study was to establish the effects of melatonin on cells in the hippocampus and selected forms of behaviour in prenatally irradiated rats. The male progeny of irradiated (1 Gy of gamma rays; n = 38) and sham‐irradiated mothers (n = 19), aged 3 weeks or 2 months, were used in the experiment. Melatonin was administered daily in drinking water (4 mg/kg b. w.) to a subset of animals from each age group. Prenatal irradiation markedly suppressed proliferative activity in the dentate gyrus in both age groups. Melatonin significantly increased the number of proliferative BrdU‐positive cells in hilus of young irradiated animals, and the number of mature NeuN‐positive neurons in hilus and granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus in these rats and in CA1 region of adult irradiated rats. Moreover, melatonin significantly improved the spatial memory impaired by irradiation, assessed in Morris water maze. A significant correlation between the number of proliferative cells and cognitive performances was found, too. Our study indicates that melatonin may decrease the loss of hippocampal neurons in the CA1 region and improve cognitive abilities after irradiation.
Privadentiality: Developing a Coherent Framework for Establishing Communication Protections in Family and Child Protection Dispute Resolution Methods
Authors: Firestone Gregory , Press Sharon
Published: January 2020

The emergence of innovative family and child protection dispute resolution (DR) methods has resulted in a varying array of communication protections. Review of these communication protections in the United States reveals a lack of consistency and clarity within each form of DR, and no clear policy to guide the development of the different communication protections across the spectrum of DR methods. This article proposes a new term, privadentiality, to describe communication protections which may be provided for a wide range of DR methods and a framework for categorizing DR methods in order to develop more consistent and appropriate communication protections across the spectrum of DR. This article concludes with recommendations to improve party and professional understanding of DR communication protections; protect families from escalating conflict; promote the integrity of DR methods; and enable courts to appropriately review and, where appropriate, approve DR outcomes.
The Need for Confidentiality in Evaluative Processes: Arbitration and Med/Arb in Family Law Cases
Authors: Elrod Linda D.
Published: January 2020

Arbitration, mediation/arbitration and arbitration/mediation allow parties to resolve their disputes usually more expeditiously, privately and with less cost than going to court. While confidentiality is seen as essential to the mediation process and often included in statutes, confidentiality seems less essential to a more adversarial process. Confidentiality provisions rest at the intersection between privacy and self‐determination and the protection of vulnerable parties in family law disputes. This article explores the importance of confidentiality clauses in drafting arbitration and med/arb or arb/med agreements.
The New Zealand Family Group Conference Confidentiality Protections: Lessons Learned and an Application in U.S. Child Welfare Systems
Authors: Merkel‐Holguin Lisa , Cooke Allan , Evans Denise , Beck Kelly L.
Published: January 2020

With the adoption of statutes, policies and administrative guidance since the late 1980s, statutory child welfare agencies around the world have been implementing practice approaches to resolving and addressing child abuse and neglect concerns that involve extended family systems in decision making and planning. One such approach is the family group conference (FGC), enshrined in New Zealand law. This article provides a historical context and describes numerous provisions of the family group conference that protect participants and the proceedings. It then describes applications of FGC‐like approaches in the United States where practice models and policies—not laws—guide the implementation of such approaches.
Perspectives of Mothers, Fathers, and Parenting Coordinators Concerning the Process and Impact of Parenting Coordination
Authors: McHale James P. , Carter Debra K. , Miller Marthanne , Fieldstone Linda
Published: January 2020

In a small pilot study, 31 interviewees, including 12 parenting coordinators, 11 mothers, and 8 fathers representing 14 different parenting coordination cases retrospectively described child and family functioning both pre‐ and post‐parenting coordination in phone interviews. They also detailed how often and how well different issues that arose during the parenting coordination work (acrimony, problem‐solving communication, triangulation of the child into the conflict) were actively addressed. Parties tended to view coparenting more positively when reflecting on post‐ compared with pre‐intervention, but reported less change in child adjustment. Discrepancy among same‐case informant reports was common. Parenting coordinators (PCs) consistently rated their interventions as more frequent and successful than did parents. Mothers and fathers largely disagreed on interventions they experienced. While this small N pilot can offer no definitive conclusions, it underscores need for research and wisdom in including both parents' perspectives.
Ring Finger Protein 11 acts on ligand‐activated EGFR via the direct interaction with the UIM region of ANKRD13 protein family
Authors: Mattioni Anna , Boldt Karsten , Auciello Giulio , Komada Masayuki , Rappoport Joshua Z. , Ueffing Marius , Castagnoli Luisa , Cesareni Gianni , Santonico Elena
Published: January 2020

RING finger protein 11 (RNF11) is an evolutionary conserved Really Interesting New Gene E3 ligase that is overexpressed in several human tumours. Although several reports have highlighted its involvement in crucial cellular processes, the mechanistic details underlying its function are still poorly understood. Utilizing stable isotope labelling by amino acids in culture (SILAC)‐based proteomics analysis, we identified 51 proteins that co‐immunoprecipitate with wild‐type RNF11 and/or with its catalytically inactive mutant. We focused our attention on the interaction of RNF11 with Ankyrin repeat domain‐containing protein 13 (ANKRD13)s family. Members of the ANKRD13 family contain ubiquitin‐interacting motifs (UIM) that recognize the Lys‐63‐linked ubiquitin (Ub) chains appended to Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) soon after ligand binding. We show that ANKRD13A, ANKRD13B and ANKRD13D form a complex with RNF11 in vivo and that the UIMs are required for complex formation. However, at odds with the conventional UIM binding mode, Ub modification of RNF11 is not required for the interaction with ANKRD13 proteins. We also show that the interaction between ANKRD13A and RNF11 is modulated by the EGF stimulus and that a complex formed by ANKRD13A, RNF11 and activated EGFR is transiently assembled in the early phases of receptor endocytosis. Moreover, loss of function of the E3 ligases Itchy E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase (ITCH) or RNF11, respectively, abrogates or increases the ubiquitination of endogenous ANKRD13A, affecting its ability to bind activated EGFR. We propose a model whereby the ANKRD13 proteins act as molecular scaffolds that promote the transient formation of a complex between the activated EGFR and the E3 ligases ITCH and RNF11. By regulating the ubiquitination status of ANKRD13A and consequently its endocytic adaptor function, RNF11 promotes sorting of the activated EGFR for lysosomal degradation.
Explaining regulatory autonomy in EU network sectors: Varieties of utility regulation?
Authors: Wassum Moritz , De Francesco Fabrizio
Published: January 2020

This article explains variation in the autonomy in the range of activities that European regulators perform. By focusing on 102 regulators of four network sectors (electricity, gas, telecom, and railways), we test for functional and institutional explanations. The findings indicate that the inclusion of institutional factors matters for our understanding of recent changes in the governance of European network sectors. Reforms toward the independent agency form of governance and the range of competencies granted to sector regulators seem to be shaped not only by international functional pressures but also by domestic institutional factors. Beyond the credibility hypothesis, we find that national governments grant less regulatory autonomy to utility regulators the more coordinated an economy is and the more veto players are present. On the contrary, common law countries are associated with higher levels of regulatory autonomy.
The varieties of banking regulation in the EU: An empirical analysis
Authors: Kudrna Zdenek
Published: January 2020

The EU strives to harmonize banking regulation, while its member states continue to insist on a degree of differentiation to accommodate national specifics. A new data set of national options and discretions (O&Ds) embedded in EU banking legislation facilitates systematic analysis of member states' policy preferences across multiple policy cycles. Its results suggest that states' O&D choices are related to their respective variety of banking capitalism. Coordinated and liberal market economies choose O&Ds to protect distinct subsets of regulatory parameters delaying full harmonization. Dependent market economies on the Eastern periphery use O&Ds to prevent the outflow of capital from foreign‐owned subsidiaries under their jurisdiction. These deep institutional roots suggest that many O&Ds will be carried over to the upcoming generation of EU banking legislation, despite the increased harmonization pressures in the banking union.
The Very Important Person (VIP) and the Headache Medicine Physician
Authors: Evans Randolph W.
Published: January 2020

Headache medicine specialists often treat VIPs but little is known about whether these encounters are different than with other patients. Questions considered include who is a VIP, should you treat a VIP like any other patient, and what are the challenges and advantages? A non‐random sampling of comments is presented from headache medicine specialists. Eleven principles are presented to consider in these encounters.
Endometrial intravascular thrombi are typically associated with shedding but may be the sentinel feature of an underlying thrombotic disorder
Authors: Stewart Colin J R
Published: January 2020

Aims

Following the identification of endometrial intravascular thrombi (IVT) as the presenting feature in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome, additional biopsy specimens were reviewed to determine the frequency and histological associations of IVT in the endometrium.

Methods and Results

Eighty‐five additional biopsies were reviewed including 44 consecutive cases demonstrating shedding changes (both menstrual and non‐cyclical), 30 cases without shedding (normal and non‐cyclical), and 11 cases in which unusually prominent IVT had been recorded upon initial histological assessment. In the shedding group, IVT were significantly more common in biopsies showing disordered proliferative endometrium (DPE, 4/7 cases) than normal menstrual appearances (4/22 cases), and organising vascular changes were seen only in the former. IVT in DPE cases were also commonly multifocal and sometimes involved abnormal ectatic vessels. None of the 30 non‐shedding cases demonstrated IVT. Eight of the 11 biopsies with prominent IVT demonstrated DPE and shedding but three cases demonstrated otherwise normal cyclical appearances.

Conclusions

IVT may be seen occasionally in normal menstrual endometrium but are more characteristic of DPE, and organising vascular changes are suggestive of abnormal haemostasis. An underlying thrombotic disorder may be considered when endometrial IVT occur in the absence of shedding changes.
Gastric‐type gene expression and phenotype in non‐terminal respiratory unit type adenocarcinoma of the lung with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma morphology
Authors: Koh Myoung Ju , Shin Dong Hoon , Lee So‐Jeong , Hwang Chung‐Su , Lee Hyun Jung , Kim Ahrong , Park Won Young , Lee Jung Hee , Choi Kyung Un , Kim Jee Yeon , Lee Chang Hun , Sol Mee Young
Published: January 2020

Aims

We sought to determine if non‐terminal respiratory unit (TRU) type adenocarcinoma of lung with invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) morphology shows gastric differentiation.

Methods and results

We reviewed whole‐section images of 489 cases of lung adenocarcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). TCGA data were classified into 426 TRU type adenocarcinoma, 49 IMA and 14 unclassifiable. Their RNA sequencing data was analysed by DESeq2 and WGCNA R packages. Gene expression in patients’ samples was measured by NanoString assay. Overexpression of genes including REG4, TFF2, MUCL3, FER1L6, B3GALT5, ANXA10 was observed by TCGA analysis in IMA compared to TRU type adenocarcinoma. Many of these genes are those expressed in normal gastric glands and selected for NanoString experiment on 14 IMA and 10 TRU type adenocarcinoma cases. The expression of genes, including ANXA10, FER1L6, HNF4a, MUC5AC, REG4, TFF1, TFF2 and VSIGI, was increased> 15‐fold in IMA. Immunohistochemistry of ANXA10, TFF2 and FER1L6 performed on 31 IMA and 135 TRU type adenocarcinomas showed a predominant expression in IMA, but are not in TRU type adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Our results showed the level of genes expressed in stomach mucosa was increased in IMA compared to TRU type adenocarcinoma, supporting gastric differentiation of IMA. This finding may help the understanding of the pathogenesis of IMA and discovery of therapeutic targets.
Promoting spinel formation and growth for preparation of refractory materials from ferronickel slag
Authors: Gu Foquan , Peng Zhiwei , Zhang Yuanbo , Tang Huimin , Tian Weiguang , Lee Joonho , Rao Mingjun , Li Guanghui , Jiang Tao
Published: January 2020

The study provides a method for improving the quality of the refractory material prepared from ferronickel slag by promoting the spinel formation and growth in the slag which was sintered with sintered magnesia and chromium oxide in a broad sintering temperature range from 1200°C to 1500°C. According to the thermodynamic analysis, except for forsterite due to the addition of sintered magnesia, a number of high‐melting point spinel phases can also be formed in the presence of chromium oxide and this trend becomes more apparent with increasing sintering temperature, along with declined presence of low‐melting point clinopyroxene, mainly enstatite. This expectation was verified by conversion of a part of the original phase of ferronickel slag, olivine, to two main spinel phases, including magnesium aluminate spinel and donathite which was produced by the replacement of nontoxic Cr3+ ions with Fe3+ ions in the octahedral vacancies of magnesium chromate spinel. The formation and growth of these spinel phases were promoted by elevating temperature from 1200°C to 1500°C, which accelerated the transition of initially generated enstatite to a glassy phase, in favor of densification. The formation and growth of spinel during sintering contributed to high refractoriness and compressive strength of the resulting refractory materials
Structure, viscosity, and crystallization of glass melt from molten blast furnace slag
Authors: Zhang Wentao , He Feng , Xiao Yongli , Xie Mengqin , Li Fengxiang , Xie Junlin , Yang Hu , Li Zuhao
Published: January 2020

Molten blast furnace slag (BF slag) was modified using liquid‐liquid mixing method for glass ceramics preparation, and the structure and viscosity of glass melt after modification were investigated. The BF slag proportion increased from 52.72 wt. % to 67.05 wt. %, and CaO/(SiO2 + Al2O3) also varied from 0.33 to 0.47. The structure of BF slag melt after modification was investigated using 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR spectra. With increasing CaO/(SiO2 + Al2O3), the amount of Q1 remarkably increased while that of Q2 decreased significantly. Specifically, when CaO/(SiO2 + Al2O3) was more than 0.38, Q3 disappeared in glass melt. The viscosity of glass melt with CaO/(SiO2 + Al2O3) of 0.47 exhibited a steep change at 1169°C, which was mainly caused by the sufficient crystallization of gehlenite confirmed by DTA cooling analysis, XRD, and FE‐SEM‐EDS analysis.
Workplace violence against emergency department nurses in Oman: a cross‐sectional multi‐institutional study
Authors: Al‐Maskari S.A. , Al‐Busaidi I.S. , Al‐Maskari M.A.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To examine the prevalence, characteristics and factors associated with workplace violence against emergency department nurses in Oman.

Background

Violence against healthcare professionals, including nurses, is a global public health problem. Understanding the epidemiology of violence is crucial for the implementation of appropriate preventative and management policies.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐centre cross‐sectional study in February 2019 utilizing a widely employed self‐report questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization. We invited all emergency department nurses working in four governmental hospitals in Al‐Sharqiyah and Al‐Dakhiliyah Governorates of Oman to participate in the study.

Results

Of the 103 respondents, most were Omani (57.3%), female (73.8%), and 30 years or older (65%). The majority (87.4%) were exposed to violence in the past 12 months, and non‐physical violence (84.5%) was over fourfold greater than physical violence (18.4%). Most physical and non‐physical incidents took place during weekends (68.4% and 82.8%, respectively) and in the afternoon or night shifts (78.9‬% and 93.1%, respectively), and family members and visitors were the most common perpetrators of violence (62.6% physical and 66.7% non‐physical). Non‐Omani nurses (P = 0.03) and those with education less than a bachelor’s degree (P = 0.007) were less likely to experience physical violence.

Discussion/Conclusion

Workplace violence is highly prevalent among emergency department nurses in Oman. Future studies should investigate violent incident reporting, and the causes and consequences of workplace violence on nurses’ psychological and physical well‐being, work functioning and the quality of care provided to patients.

Implications for Nursing Policy

The high prevalence of workplace violence is alarming and demonstrates the need for additional interventions to reduce violence and limit its consequences on healthcare professionals and patients’ quality of care. Findings from this study can be used to implement changes in existing anti‐violence policies.
Pedigree‐free quantitative genetic approach provides evidence for heritability of movement tactics in wild roe deer
Authors: Gervais Laura , Hewison Aidan J. M. , Morellet Nicolas , Bernard Maria , Merlet Joël , Cargnelutti Bruno , Chaval Yannick , Pujol Benoit , Quéméré Erwan
Published: January 2020

Assessing the evolutionary potential of animal populations in the wild is crucial to understanding how they may respond to selection mediated by rapid environmental change (e.g. habitat loss and fragmentation). A growing number of studies have investigated the adaptive role of behaviour, but assessments of its genetic basis in a natural setting remain scarce. We combined intensive biologging technology with genome‐wide data and a pedigree‐free quantitative genetic approach to quantify repeatability, heritability and evolvability for a suite of behaviours related to the risk avoidance‐resource acquisition trade‐off in a wild roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population inhabiting a heterogeneous, human‐dominated landscape. These traits, linked to the stress response, movement and space‐use behaviour, were all moderately to highly repeatable. Furthermore, the repeatable among‐individual component of variation in these traits was partly due to additive genetic variance, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.21 ± 0.08 to 0.70 ± 0.11 and evolvability ranging from 1.1% to 4.3%. Changes in the trait mean can therefore occur under hypothetical directional selection over just a few generations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical demonstration of additive genetic variation in space‐use behaviour in a free‐ranging population based on genomic relatedness data. We conclude that wild animal populations may have the potential to adjust their spatial behaviour to human‐driven environmental modifications through microevolutionary change.
Effects of short‐term heat stress on the growth and development of Bradysia cellarum and Bradysia impatiens
Authors: Gou Yuping , Guo Sufan , Wang Guang , Liu Changzhong
Published: January 2020

Bradysia cellarum Frey and Bradysia impatiens Johansen are major pests of vegetable crops, as well as edible mushrooms and ornamental plants, and damage to hosts resulting in economic losses. Temperatures above the optimum levels for these pests have been predicted to regulate their population growth during summer. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of both heat stress and exposure time on the growth and development of eggs, larvae and pupae for two Bradysia species. The egg stage, egg hatching rate, 4th instar larval stage, pupation rate, pupal stage and adult emergence rate were observed after exposing at high temperatures of 34°C, 37°C and 40°C for 1, 2, 4 and 6 hr. The results showed that 34°C, 37°C and 40°C for 1‐, 2‐, 4‐ and 6‐hr exposure treatments prolonged the developmental stage of egg, 4th instar larva and pupa, while decreasing the egg hatching rate, pupation rate and adult emergence rate. This suggests that increasing temperature or prolonging exposure time to the heat stress could significantly affect insect survival, growth and development. Our study could provide an ecological basis for pests’ management strategy by using short‐term heat stress.
Using life stage‐structured matrix models to determine natural enemy:pest release ratios for augmentative biological control
Authors: Gontijo Lessando M. , Carvalho Rayana M. R.
Published: January 2020

Augmentative biological control (ABC) is crucial for the integrated pest management (IPM) of greenhouse pests. The proper calculation of natural enemy:pest release ratio (NEPRR) stands out among the various challenges of ABC. Often, most NEPRR calculations only take into account the predation/parasitism efficiency of natural enemies, while disregarding pest population growth capacity, population structure and/or economic thresholds. In a model system consisting of Trichogramma pretiosum Riley parasitizing eggs of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) on greenhouse tomatoes, we investigated whether a stage‐structured Lefkovitch matrix could be used to determine suitable NEPRRs. The results suggested that these matrix models can potentially provide more precise and realistic predictions of NEPRRs since they account for differential pest population growth over time as a response to natural enemy action. The matrix models could also allow us to choose an adaptable NEPRR based on parameters such as the period the grower wishes to keep the pest population below economic threshold.
Freezing ovarian fluid does not alter how it affects fish sperm swimming performance: creating a cryptic female choice ‘spice rack’ for use in split‐ejaculate experimentation
Authors: Purchase Craig F. , Rooke Anna C.
Published: January 2020

Cryptic female choice is often mediated chemically in external fertilizers by ovarian fluid (OF), which can change sperm swimming performance and bias paternity under sperm competition. Assessing cryptic female choice is hindered by the necessity of using fresh gametes and the short time window available to obtain diverse samples from wild animals. Using split‐ejaculate experimental designs and samples from lake trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon, we evaluated whether freezing OF alters the way in which it modifies sperm swimming. Sperm had improved swimming performance in the presence of OF over plain water, and the effect did not depend on whether the OF had previously been frozen. Freezing OF does not seem to alter the way it influences sperm. This allows the researcher to create a ‘spice rack’ of OF samples that can be used in studies on cryptic female choice, and opens up the possibility to compare animals mating under large spatial and temporal variability.
An annotated checklist of the fish fauna of the river systems draining the Kahuzi‐Biega National Park (Upper Congo: Eastern DR Congo)
Authors: Kisekelwa Tchalondawa , Snoeks Jos , Vreven Emmanuel
Published: January 2020

The Kahuzi‐Biega National Park (KBNP), situated mainly in the Eastern Highlands Ecoregion of the Upper Congo basin, is drained by the Lowa and Ulindi rivers, and some western affluents of Lake Kivu. In this study, the first list of the fish diversity of these systems is provided based on museum collections and complemented, for the Lowa River system and the western Lake Kivu affluents, with recently collected specimens (2013–2017). A total of 118 species are reported from the Lowa basin, 22 from the Ulindi basin and seven from these Lake Kivu affluents. Within the Lowa and Ulindi, respectively, five and one species, all cichlids, have been introduced. Currently, 51 species are reported from within the park, only two of which have been reported from the highlands,i.e.,Amphilius kivuensisfrom the Luha, the source of the Luka River, andClarias liocephalusfrom the headwaters of the Lake Kivu’ affluents. With a total of 30 species, Cyprinidae is by far the largest family, representing 25% of the total species diversity of the Lowa basin. It is followed by Mormyridae with 13 species (11%), Alestidae and Mochokidae with 10 species each (8%), Clariidae and Amphiliidae with eight species (7%), and Distichodontidae with six species (5%). Seven new species for science were discovered and 11 species were found to be endemic to the Lowa system. Although further exploration is needed, this underscores the importance of the KBNP in protecting the fish fauna of the Lowa basin but also highlights the park's limited coverage of the fish fauna of the Lowa basin.
Effects of Enteromyxum spp. (Myxozoa) infection in the regulation of intestinal E‐cadherin: Turbot against gilthead sea bream
Authors: Ronza Paolo , Estensoro Itziar , Bermúdez Roberto , Losada Ana Paula , Pérez‐Cordón Gregorio , Pardo Belén G. , Sitjà‐Bobadilla Ariadna , Quiroga Mª Isabel
Published: January 2020

Enteromyxoses are relevant diseases for turbot and gilthead sea bream aquaculture. The myxozoan parasites invade the intestinal mucosa, causing a cachectic syndrome associated with intestinal barrier alteration; nonetheless, their pathological impact is different. Turbot infected by Enteromyxum scophthalmi develop more severe intestinal lesions, reaching mortality rates of 100%, whereas in E. leei‐infected gilthead sea bream, the disease progresses slowly, and mortality rates are lower. The mechanisms underlying the different pathogenesis are still unclear. We studied the distribution and expression changes of E‐cadherin, a highly conserved protein of the adherens junctions, in the intestine of both species by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR, using the same immunohistochemical protocol and common primers. The regular immunostaining pattern observed in control fish turned into markedly irregular in parasitized turbot, showing an intense immunoreaction at the host–parasite interface. Nevertheless, E‐cadherin gene expression was not significantly modulated in this species. On the contrary, no evident changes in the protein distribution were noticed in gilthead sea bream, whereas a significant gene downregulation occurred in advanced infection. The results contribute to the understanding of the different host–parasite interactions in enteromyxoses. Host and parasite cells appear to establish diverse relationships in these species, which could underlie the different pathological picture.
The diagnostic usefulness of the combined COMPASS 31 questionnaire and electrochemical skin conductance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and diabetic polyneuropathy
Authors: D'Amato Cinzia , Greco Carla , Lombardo Giorgio , Frattina Valentina , Campo Mariagrazia , Cefalo Chiara M. A. , Izzo Valentina , Lauro Davide , Spallone Vincenza
Published: January 2020

The study investigated the diagnostic performance for diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) of the combined use of composite autonomic symptom score (COMPASS) 31, validated questionnaire for autonomic symptoms of CAN, and electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), proposed for detecting DPN and CAN. One‐hundred and two participants with diabetes (age 57 ± 14 years, duration 17 ± 13 years) completed the COMPASS 31 before assessing cardiovascular reflex tests (CARTs), neuropathic symptoms, signs, vibratory perception threshold (VPT), thermal thresholds (TT), and ESC using Sudoscan. Two patterns were evaluated: (a) the combined abnormalities in both tests (COMPASS 31+ESC), and (b) the abnormality in COMPASS 31 and/or ESC (COMPASS 31 and/or ESC). CAN (≥1 abnormal CART) and confirmed CAN (≥2 abnormal CARTs) were present in 28.1% and 12.5%, DPN (two abnormalities among symptoms, signs, VPT, and TT) in 52%, abnormal COMPASS 31 (total weighted score >16.44) in 48% and abnormal ESC (hands ESC <50 μS and/or feet ESC <70 μS) in 47.4%. Both the patterns—COMPASS 31+ESC and COMPASS 31 and/or ESC—were associated with CAN and DPN (P < .01). COMPASS 31 and ESC reached a sensitivity of 75% and 83% for confirmed CAN, and a specificity of 65% and 67% for DPN. When combining the tests, the sensitivity for CAN rose by up to 100% for CAN and the specificity up to 89% for DPN. The combination of the tests can allow a stepwise screening strategy for CAN, by suggesting CAN absence with combined normality, and prompting to CARTs with combined abnormality.
Carcass parameters and meat quality of Tibetan sheep and Small‐tailed Han sheep consuming diets of low‐protein content and different energy yields
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , Wang Ting , Zhou Jianwei , Degen Abraham Allan , Gou Nana , Li Shanshan , Bai Yanfu , Jing Xiaoping , Wang Weiwei , Shang Zhanhuan
Published: January 2020

Today, consumers are very health conscious and are more aware of the nutritional value of food, especially of meat, than they were in the past. The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass parameters and meat quality of Tibetan sheep and Small‐tailed Han sheep when consuming a diet of low‐protein (~7%) and different energy yields (digestible energy, 8.21, 9.33, 10.45 and 11.57 MJ/kg) in the cold season. Twelve sheep of each breed were divided randomly into four treatments of different diets with three replicates per treatment per breed. Crude protein of the meat decreased linearly (p < .05), whereas energy increased linearly (p < .05) with an increase in energy level. Tibetan sheep tended to have a higher (p < .1) dressing percentage and rib eye area, while live body weight and hot carcass weight did not differ between breeds but increased linearly (p < .01) with an increase in energy level. Water holding capacity, as indicated by pressing loss and drip loss, did not differ between breeds and was not affected by dietary energy. The concentration of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was greater in Tibetan sheep meat but saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n‐6 PUFA did not differ between breeds. With an increase in energy content of the diet, SFA decreased (p < .05), whereas MUFA increased (p < .05). The n‐6:n‐3 PUFA ratio was lower (p < .001) in Tibetan sheep meat, while the atherogenic index did not differ between breeds, but tended to decrease (p < .1) with an increase in dietary energy content. The essential amino acid (EAA) content and ratio of EAA:NEAA (non‐essential amino acid) were close to the world standards for healthy meat. In summary, (a) Tibetan sheep meat was preferable to Small‐tailed Han sheep meat, although differences between breeds were small; and (b) some carcass parameters and meat quality were improved with an increase in dietary energy level when a low‐protein diet was offered.
From the manifestations of culture to the underlying sensemaking process. The contribution of semiotic cultural psychology theory to the interpretation of socio‐political scenario
Authors: Russo Federico , Mannarini Terri , Salvatore Sergio
Published: January 2020

Several explanations of the current syndrome affecting advanced democracies make reference to a process of cultural change that has been triggered by the complex and interrelated phenomena known as globalization. The rise of populist‐authoritarian parties, the advent of post‐truth politics and the increasing dissatisfaction with democracy are seen by many political scientists as rather direct consequences of social and economic transformations which had changed the context in which the democratic process takes place. The main limitation of this literature is that it treats culture as a black box receiving inputs from the social context and translate them into political consequences. By doing so it cannot explain why the same conditions produce different consequences in different contexts and it is silent on the criteria to develop anti‐crisis policies. This article argues that some of the insights offered by the Semiotic Cultural Psychology Theory, most notably the idea that cultural evolution is moved by the need to find affect‐laden, simplified interpretations of the reality to restore the capacity of making sense on an uncertain socio‐political context, can enhance the ability of political scientists to understand the current political phenomena and to develop methodological criteria to counteract the current scenario of democratic crisis.