bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of CXC chemokine ligand 16 in physiological and pathological pregnancies
Authors: Shi Jia‐Wei , Yang Hui‐Li , Fan Deng‐Xuan , Yang Shao‐Liang , Qiu Xue‐Min , Wang Yan , Lai Zhen‐Zhen , Ha Si‐Yao , Ruan Lu‐Yu , Shen Hui‐Hui , Zhou Wen‐Jie , Li Ming‐Qing
Published: January 2020

The survival and development of a semi‐allogeneic fetus during pregnancy require the involvement of a series of cytokines and immune cells. Chemokines are a type of special cytokine those were originally described as having a role in leukocyte trafficking. CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 16 is a member of the chemokine family, and CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 6 is its sole receptor. Emerging evidence has shown that CXCL16/CXCR6 is expressed at the maternal‐fetal interface, by cell types that include trophoblast cells, decidual stroma cells, and decidual immune cells (eg, monocytes, γδT cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells). The regulation of expression of CXCL16 is quite complex, and this process involves a multitude of factors. CXCL16 exerts a critical role in the establishment of a successful pregnancy through a series of molecular interactions at the maternal‐fetal interface. However, an abnormal expression of CXCL16 is associated with certain pathological states associated with pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In the present review, the expression and pleiotropic roles of CXCL16 under conditions of physiological and pathological pregnancy are systematically discussed.
Factors that predict a poor response to radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's oesophagus with dysplasia
Authors: Tsoi Edward H. , Cameron Georgina , Williams Richard , Desmond Paul , Taylor Andrew
Published: January 2020

Background

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can eradicate dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus (BO). This study aimed to determine the factors that affect response to RFA for BO with dysplasia in a tertiary metropolitan referral centre.

Methods

All patients with dysplastic BO treated with regular proton pump inhibitor twice a day and RFA from November 2008 to July 2019 were identified. These patients were sorted into good responders (GR) (defined as eradication of dysplasia and intestinal metaplasia within three or less treatment sessions) and poor responders (PR) (defined as patients requiring four or more treatment sessions). The following features were compared between the groups: age, gender, presence of hiatus hernia, hiatus hernia size, circumferential and maximal length of BO, grade of dysplasia on histology at referral and presence of endoscopically visible reflux oesophagitis.

Results

A total of 152 patients received RFA for dysplastic BO, of whom 125 (82%) patients were classified as GR and 27 (18%) patients were classified as PR. PR had a longer circumferential length of BO compared to GR (mean length of 8.3 versus 3.3 cm, P < 0.0001). PR also had a longer maximal length of BO compared to GR (mean length of 8.7 versus 4.8 cm, P < 0.0001). More patients had reflux oesophagitis identified on gastroscopy in the PR group compared to GR group (12 (44%) versus 20 (16%), P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Factors such as circumferential and maximal length of BO and presence of reflux oesophagitis on gastroscopy are associated with poorer response to RFA.
Abdominal wall closure with prophylactic mesh in colorectal operations
Authors: Wong Jean , Jones Julia , Ananthapadmanabhan Saikrishna , Meagher Alan P.
Published: January 2020

Background

Prospective studies demonstrate that over one‐third of patients undergoing standard suture closure of laparotomy wounds will develop incisional hernias (IHs). Whilst prophylactic mesh has been demonstrated to decrease IH rates in clean laparotomy wounds, mesh has been associated with high rates of seroma formation (>30%), infection (>10%) and pain, discouraging many surgeons from using mesh, especially combined with intestinal surgery. The aim of this study is to review the experience of a single colorectal surgeon who, after noting high IH rates in his own patients, started placing prophylactic mesh routinely in patients judged to be at high risk of IH.

Methods

The records of all patients undergoing bowel resections and ileostomy closure by one surgeon from 2008 to 2018 were independently retrospectively analysed.

Results

Of the 935 procedures identified, 662 patients underwent midline laparotomy with bowel resection and 273 patients underwent closure of loop ileostomy. Mesh was placed prophylactically in 221 (23.6%) of 935 procedures. Comparing the mesh and non‐mesh groups, wound infections occurred in nine (4.1%) versus 23 (3.2%) (P = 0.53), seromas occurred in nine (4.1%) versus six (0.8%) (P = 0.003) and chronic pain was noted in 12 (5.4%) versus 17 (2.4%) (P = 0.04). The mean follow‐up was 33 months in both the mesh and non‐mesh groups. IHs have occurred in three (1.3%) of the mesh group compared to 95 (13.3%) of the non‐mesh group procedures (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

In colorectal operations, prophylactic mesh decreases the risk of IH without prohibitive complications.
Impact of high mechanical shear stress and oxygenator membrane surface on blood damage relevant to thrombosis and bleeding in a pediatric ECMO circuit
Authors: Sun Wenji , Wang Shigang , Chen Zengsheng , Zhang Jiafeng , Li Tieluo , Arias Katherin , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: January 2020

The roles of the large membrane surface of the oxygenator and the high mechanical shear stress (HMSS) of the pump in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit were examined under a pediatric support setting. A clinical centrifugal pump and a pediatric oxygenator were used to construct the ECMO circuit. An identical circuit without the oxygenator was constructed for comparison. Fresh human blood was circulated in the two circuits for 4 hours under the identical pump speed and flow. Blood samples were collected hourly for blood damage assessment, including platelet activation, generation of platelet‐derived microparticles (PDMP), losses of key platelet hemostasis receptors (glycoprotein (GP) Ibα (GPIbα) and GPVI), and high molecular weight multimers (HMWM) of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and plasma free hemoglobin (PFH). Platelet adhesion on fibrinogen, VWF, and collagen was further examined. The levels of platelet activation and generation of PDMP and PFH exhibited an increasing trend with circulation time while the expression levels of GPIbα and GPVI receptors on the platelet surface decreased. Correspondingly, the platelets in the blood samples exhibited increased adhesion capacity to fibrinogen and decreased adhesion capacities on VWF and collagen with circulation time. Loss of HMWM of VWF occurred in both circuits. No statistically significant differences were found in all the measured parameters for blood damage and platelet adhesion function between the two circuits. The results indicate that HMSS from the pump played a dominant role in blood damage associated with ECMO and the impact of the large surface of the oxygenator on blood damage was insignificant.
Patient advocacy in head and neck cancer: Realities, challenges and the role of the multi‐disciplinary team
Authors: Dawson Camilla , Roe Justin , Starmer Heather , Brady Grainne , Nund Rebecca , Coffey Margaret , Govender Roganie , Patterson Jo M. , Nankivell Paul , Topping Annie , Sharma Neil , Parmar Sat , Elkington Chris , Merrit Malcolm , Stanbury David , Pracy Paul
Published: January 2020

This paper explores the concept of advocacy in head and neck cancer. We define inherent challenges in the development and success of advocacy within this context and offer ways to embed it within clinical practice. We outline what advocacy is, ways in which it may benefit people with head and neck cancer and the engagement required from healthcare professionals to facilitate advocacy to improve outcomes.
Changing fish distributions challenge the effective management of European fisheries
Authors: Baudron Alan Ronan , Brunel Thomas , Blanchet Marie‐Anne , Hidalgo Manuel , Chust Guillem , Brown Elliot John , Kleisner Kristin M. , Millar Colin , MacKenzie Brian R. , Nikolioudakis Nikolaos , Fernandes Jose A. , Fernandes Paul G.
Published: January 2020

Changes in fish distribution are being observed across the globe. In Europe's Common Fisheries Policy, the share of the catch of each fish stock is split among management areas using a fixed allocation key known as ‘Relative Stability’: in each management area, member states get the same proportion of the total catch each year. That proportion is largely based on catches made by those member states in the 1970s. Changes in distribution can, therefore, result in a mismatch between quota shares and regional abundances within management areas, with potential repercussions for the status of fish stocks and the fisheries that depend on them. Assessing distribution changes is crucial to ensure adequate management and sustainable exploitation of our fish resources. We analysed scientific survey data using a three‐tiered analytical approach to provide, for the first time, an overview of changes in distribution for 19 northeast Atlantic fish species encompassing 73 commercial stocks over 30 yr. All species have experienced changes in distribution, five of which did so across management areas. A cross‐species analysis suggested that shifts in areas of suitable thermal habitat, and density‐dependent use of these areas, are at least partly responsible for the observed changes. These findings challenge the current use of relative stability to allocate quotas.
Systemic and local effects of lidocaine or mepivacaine when used for intravenous regional anaesthesia of the distal limb in standing sedated horses
Authors: Mendez‐Angulo Jose L. , Granados Maria M. , Modesto Rolf , Serrano‐Rodriguez Juan M. , Funes Francisco J. , Quiros Setefilla , Gomez‐Villamandos Rafael J. , Zaldívar Sara , Trumble Troy N.
Published: January 2020

Background

Local anaesthetics are being combined clinically with amikacin in intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP), with limited knowledge on the analgesia provided and its onset and duration of action after tourniquet application and release.

Objective

To evaluate the systemic clinical effect, limb withdrawal to nociceptive stimulation, and plasma and synovial fluid concentrations after IVRLP with lidocaine or mepivacaine in standing sedated horses.

Study design

Prospective, controlled, randomised, cross‐over study.

Methods

Six healthy adult horses were sedated and received IVRLP with lidocaine, mepivacaine or saline (negative control), or perineural anaesthesia of the medial and lateral palmar and palmar metacarpal nerves (positive control) in one forelimb with a 3‐week washout period between trials. Electrical and mechanical stimuli were used to test nociceptive threshold of the limb before and after IVRLP/perineural anaesthesia. For lidocaine and mepivacaine trials, blood was collected from the jugular vein and synovial fluid from the radiocarpal joint before, during and out to 24 hours after IVRLP. Drug concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Nociceptive thresholds for lidocaine, mepivacaine and perineural anaesthesia trials were significantly increased compared with saline and baseline values at 10, 20 and 30 minutes, with no differences between anaesthetic trials. During this time, horses had lower heart rates than IVRLP with saline. After tourniquet release at 30 minutes, nociceptive thresholds for lidocaine and mepivacaine trials gradually returned to baselines, whereas perineural anaesthesia trial remained unchanged out to an hour. Plasma lidocaine and mepivacaine concentrations were ≤50 ng/mL while the tourniquet was in place, significantly increasing 10 minutes after tourniquet release. Maximal lidocaine and mepivacaine concentrations in synovial fluid were reached 25 minutes after IVRLP injection.

Main limitations

Amikacin was not included in the perfusate.

Conclusion

Similar to perineural anaesthesia, IVRLP with lidocaine or mepivacaine provides anti‐nociception to the distal limb in standing sedated horses while a tourniquet is applied with concentrations remaining below toxic levels in plasma and synovial fluid.
Determination of high‐order fields for multianisotropic material antiplane V‐notches and inclusions by the asymptotic expansion technique and an overdeterministic method
Authors: Yao Shanlong , Zappalorto Michele , Cheng Changzheng , Niu Zhongrong , Li Jingchuan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the singular behavior for anisotropic multimaterial V‐notched plates is investigated under antiplane shear loading condition. Firstly, the elastic governing equations are transformed into eigen ordinary differential equations through introducing the asymptotic expansions of displacements near the notch tip. The stress singularity exponents, including the higher‐order terms, and the corresponding eigen angular functions are then obtained by solving the established equations by using the interpolating matrix method. Thus, using the combination of the results from finite element analyses and the derived asymptotic expansion, an overdeterministic method is employed to calculate the amplitudes of the coefficients in the asymptotic expansions. Finally, the stress and displacement fields in the vicinity of the notch tip, consisting of both singular terms and higher‐order terms, are determined. The effects of material properties and geometry characteristic on the singular behaviour of the notch tip are discussed in detail.
Onychocryptosis – decrypting the controversies
Authors: Thakur Vishal , Vinay Keshavamurthy , Haneke Eckart
Published: January 2020

Onychocryptosis, or ingrown toenail, is a frequent, painful condition affecting young individuals. Controversies still exist regarding its etiopathogenesis and treatment options, including conservative and surgical techniques. The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of disease as conservative measures are mostly effective in early stages and surgical procedures are required in the later stages. Among surgical techniques, phenol cauterization of lateral nail matrix has been the most effective, safe, and commonly performed method. Other more destructive surgical procedures are rarely done nowadays. In this review, we briefly discuss the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and different treatment options of ingrown toenail.
A Defence of Pharmaceutical Paternalism
Authors: Teira David
Published: January 2020

Pharmaceutical paternalism is the normative stance upheld by pharmaceutical regulatory agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration. These agencies prevent patients from accessing treatments declared safe and ineffective for the patient's good without their consent. Libertarian critics of the FDA have shown a number of significant flaws in regulatory paternalism. Against these objections, I will argue that, in order to make an informed decision about treatments, a libertarian patient should request full disclosure of the uncertainty about an experimental treatment. But pharmaceutical markets, on their own, are not a reliable source of information about such uncertainty. And companies have the power to capture any independent expert who may assess it. Therefore, the libertarian is better off deferring on an independent regulatory body the assessment of the pharmaceutical risks, constraining access to treatments until tested.
Efficacy of access flap procedures compared to subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio , Montero Eduardo , Citterio Filippo , Romano Federica , Molina Ana , Aimetti Mario
Published: January 2020

Aim

This systematic review aimed to answer the following focused questions: (a) “In patients with periodontitis, how effective are access flaps (AFs) as compared to subgingival debridement in attaining probing depth (PD) reduction?” and (b) “In patients with periodontitis, does the type of AF impact PD reduction?”.

Material and Methods

Randomized clinical trials were searched in three databases. Besides PD, information concerning clinical attachment level (CAL) and other relevant outcomes was also collected. Meta‐analyses were performed whenever possible and results were categorized based on the initial PD.

Results

Thirty‐six publications were included. AFs resulted in a significantly greater PD reduction in deep pockets (>6 mm or ≥6 mm), as compared to subgingival debridement, in short‐ (n = 4; weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.67 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37,0.97; p < .001) and long‐term studies (n = 4; WMD = 0.39 mm; 95% CI 0.09,0.70; p = .012), while in moderately deep pockets (4–6, 5–6 or 4–5 mm) only in short‐term studies (n = 4; WMD = 0.34; 95% CI 0.21,0.46; p < .001). In shallow pockets (1–3 or 1–4 mm), AFs led to greater CAL (n = 7; WMD = −0.43 mm; 95% CI −0.56, −0.28; p < .001). There was not enough evidence to answer question PICO 2.

Conclusions

AFs resulted in greater PD reduction in the treatment of deep and moderate pockets.
Consistency of postoperative pain assessments between nurses and patients undergoing enhanced recovery after gynaecological surgery
Authors: Yang Yu'E , Xiong Chang , Xia Ling , Kang Si Si , Jian Jin Jin , Yang Xue Qing , Chen Ling , Wang Yuan , Yu Jin Jin , Xu Xi Zhong
Published: January 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore the consistency of pain intensity and pain location assessed by nurses and patients in gynaecology undergoing enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

Background

Several studies have shown that clinical nurses' assessment of patients' pain is not always accurate. Little is known about the accuracy of nurses' pain assessments for gynaecological patients. Postoperative pain assessment and management is an essential part of enhanced recovery after surgery.

Design

Comparative cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 160 patients were recruited and only 85 patients and 17 nurses participated. Patients and nurses recorded pain scores (using an 11‐point Numeric Rating Scale) and pain location (incision pain, surgical area pain in the abdominal cavity, other pain or no pain) on Pain Assessment Forms at 4 hr after surgery and on the first and second postoperative days. We used the STROBE guidelines to report our study.

Results

The patients' pain score was higher than that of nurses from 4 hr to second day after laparoscopic surgery at rest. The pain scores of both nurses and patients decreased over this period of time. All the intraclass correlation coefficients were between 0.214–0.296. At the three time points, surgical area pain in the abdominal cavity and abdominal incision pain were the main pain areas. All the kappa coefficients were between 0.164–0.255.

Conclusions

The consistency of postoperative pain assessment about pain score and pain location between nurses and patients was not high. We should attach importance to systematic pain assessment, and more detailed enhanced recovery after surgery pathways should be developed about pain assessment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Continuing education for nurses regarding pain assessment is necessary. Nurses should accept the patient's self‐reported pain. There should be a step that gives more time for pain assessment in enhanced recovery after surgery pathways.
Mechanics and kinematics of fluid uptake and intraoral transport in the leopard gecko
Authors: Bels V. L. , Jamniczky H. A. , Montuelle S. , Pallandre J.‐P. , Kardong K. V. , Russell A. P.
Published: January 2020

Drinking permits amniote vertebrates to compensate for water loss. Lizards (non‐ophidian squamates) use their tongue to imbibe water, but for most lizards the tongue is also employed in other activities. To determine how these various demands can be accommodated alongside the tongue’s role in drinking, it is necessary to firstly determine the tongue’s function in water uptake and intraoral transport in a lizard that does not use this organ for chemoreception or food prehension. We selected the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) for this purpose. We build upon previous morphological observations of the anatomy of its tongue and oral cavity and explore its drinking behaviour through high‐speed cinematography and cineradiography. This allows us to follow the movement of radio‐opaquely labelled water in association with tongue, jaw and throat movements. The tongue is modified to collect water and to release it into the anterior region of the buccal cavity. Repeated tongue cycles are associated with the shifting of the imbibed water into paired ventrolateral chambers and ultimately to its passage to a single, midline posterior chamber prior to swallowing. Tongue movements, capillarity and pressure changes due to hyolingual movements cause water to be moved posteriorly along specific pathways prior to swallowing, bypassing the airways and dorsal surface of the mid‐ and hind tongue. In this licking‐based lingually driven approach to drinking, only small volumes of water can be gathered at a time, with a drinking bout consisting of 20–30 tongue cycles before emersion and swallowing occur. This mechanism differs from drinking in turtles and snakes, which do not employ licking and may take in larger quantities of water. We advance the hypothesis that all lizards have conserved this pattern of tongue‐based water uptake and precisely directed intraoral fluid transport, with specializations for tongue‐based food capture and/or lingually based chemoreception being superimposed thereupon.
Multi‐ or Single‐Word Units? The Role of Collocation Use in Comprehensible and Contextually Appropriate Second Language Speech
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: January 2020

The current study examined the degree to which collocation use (i.e., meaningful co‐occurrences of multiple words) is related to first language (L1) raters’ intuitive judgments of second language (L2) speech. Speech samples from a picture description task performed by 85 Japanese learners of English with varied L2 proficiency profiles were transcribed for 10 L1 raters to access for global comprehensibility (the extent to which speech can be easily understood) and lexical appropriateness (the extent to which words are used adequately and naturally in context). The samples were then submitted to a range of lexical measures tapping into the collocation (frequency, association), depth (abstractness), and breadth aspects (frequency, range) of L2 vocabulary use. Results of the statistical analyses showed that the raters’ comprehensibility and lexical appropriateness scores were strongly determined by the L2 speakers’ use of low‐frequency combinations containing infrequent, abstract, and complex words (i.e., mutual information).
Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D status in 6‐month‐old infants in Guangzhou, China: A paired longitudinal follow up study
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Joy Yue , Wei Ru , Hu Shunping , Lin Tao , Lash Gendie E. , Tan Meizhen
Published: January 2020

To assess the vitamin D status in healthy 6‐month‐old infants, as well as vitamin D supplementation and feeding patterns in Guangzhou, China, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations of 202 infants were measured at birth (cord blood) and at 6 months of age in Guangzhou, China. Questionnaires acquiring demographic characteristics, maternal and infantile vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and first 6 months after birth, and feeding patterns during the first 6 months were completed by participating mothers. Physical examinations and blood sampling were carried out among infants at 6 months of age. The majority of infants (93.6%) were supplemented with vitamin D during the first 6 months of life on a voluntary basis. The M ± SD of cord serum 25OHD concentration was 46.2 ± 16.4 nmol/L, whereas the M ± SD of 25OHD concentration at 6 months was 82.9 ± 24.9 nmol/L. Serum 25OHD concentrations <30 nmol/L were seen in 34 (16.8%) infants at birth but only one (0.5%) at 6 months. Only 11 (5.4%) infants had concentrations >75 nmol/L at birth, whereas the majority of infants (n = 131, 64.9%) had concentrations >75 nmol/L at 6 months. The main predictors of 25OHD levels at 6 months included season, vitamin D supplementation, parental education level, and feeding patterns. To conclude, serum 25OHD concentrations were low at birth in a southern Chinese population, and infantile supplementation is an effective way to improve 25OHD status. Exclusively breastfed infants might need greater vitamin D supplementation, and individualized vitamin D supplementation plans might be needed.
Dissemination and conservation of cadmium and arsenic resistance determinants in Listeria and other Gram‐positive bacteria
Authors: Parsons Cameron , Lee Sangmi , Kathariou Sophia
Published: January 2020

Metal homeostasis in bacteria is a complex and delicate balance. While some metals such as iron and copper are essential for cellular functions, others such as cadmium and arsenic are inherently cytotoxic. While bacteria regularly encounter essential metals, exposure to high levels of toxic metals such as cadmium and arsenic is only experienced in a handful of special habitats. Nonetheless, Listeria and other Gram‐positive bacteria have evolved an impressively diverse array of genetic tools for acquiring enhanced tolerance to such metals. Here, we summarize this fascinating collection of resistance determinants in Listeria, with special focus on resistance to cadmium and arsenic, as well as to biocides and antibiotics. We also provide a comparative description of such resistance determinants and adaptations in other Gram‐positive bacteria. The complex coselection of heavy metal resistance and other types of resistance seems to be universal across the Gram‐positive bacteria, while the type of coselected traits reflects the lifestyle of the specific microbe. The roles of heavy metal resistance genes in environmental adaptation and virulence appear to vary by genus, highlighting the need for further functional studies to explain the mystery behind the array of heavy metal resistance determinants dispersed and maintained among Gram‐positive bacteria.
Pharmacological evaluation of a novel corticotropin‐releasing factor 1 receptor antagonist T‐3047928 in stress‐induced animal models in a comparison with alosetron
Authors: Itomi Yasuo , Tanaka Takahiro , Matsushita Kozo , Kawamura Toru , Kojima Takuto , Aso Kazuyoshi , Matsumoto‐Okano Shiho , Tsukimi Yasuhiro
Published: January 2020

Background

The major symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain. Psychological stress is the major pathophysiological components of IBS. Corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) is a well‐known integrator in response to psychological stress. In this study, a novel CRF1 receptor antagonist T‐3047928 was evaluated in stress‐induced IBS models of rats to explore its potency for IBS.

Methods

Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels after intravenous oCRH challenge were measured as a pharmacodynamic marker. Efficacies of oral T‐3047928 were compared with oral alosetron, a 5‐HT3 antagonist, on conditioning fear stress (CFS)‐induced defecation, restraint stress (RS)‐induced acute visceral pain, specific alteration of rhythm in temperature (SART) stress‐induced chronic visceral pain, and normal defecation.

Results

T‐3047928 (1‐10 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated a dose‐dependent inhibition on oCRH‐induced ACTH secretion. In disease models, T‐3047928 suppressed fecal pellet output induced by CFS and improved both acute and chronic visceral hypersensitivity induced by RS and SART stress, respectively. Alosetron was also efficacious in stress‐induced defecation and visceral pain models at 1 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Alosetron, however, also suppressed normal defecation at lower those. On the other hand, T‐3047928 did not change normal defecation even at higher dose than those in disease models.

Conclusion

T‐3047928 is an orally active CRF1 antagonist that demonstrated potent inhibitory effects in stress‐associated IBS models with no effect on normal defecation. Therefore, it is suggested that T‐3047928 may have a potency as a novel option for IBS‐D therapy with minimal constipation risk.
Negative reactions of BRAF mutation‐specific immunohistochemistry to non‐V600E mutations of BRAF
Authors: Seto Katsutoshi , Haneda Masataka , Masago Katsuhiro , Fujita Shiro , Kato Seiichi , Sasaki Eiichi , Hosoda Waki , Murakami Yoshiko , Kuroda Hiroaki , Horio Yoshitsugu , Hida Toyoaki , Okubo Kenichi , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: January 2020

BRAF mutations are rare driver mutations in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for 1%–2% of the driver mutations, and the mutation spectrum has a wide range in contrast to other tumors. While V600E is a dominant mutation in melanoma, more than half of the mutations in NSCLCs are non‐V600E. However, treatment with dabrafenib plus trametinib targets the BRAF V600E mutation exclusively. Therefore, distinguishing between V600E and non‐V600E mutations is crucial for biomarker testing in NSCLC in order to determine treatment of choice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the BRAF V600E mutation‐specific antibody is clinically used in melanoma patients, but little is known about its application in NSCLC, particularly with regard to the assay performance for non‐V600E mutations. In the present study, we examined 117 tumors with BRAF mutations, including 30 with non‐V600E mutations, using BRAF mutation‐specific IHC. None of the tumors with non‐V600E mutations, including two compound mutations, showed a positive reaction. Furthermore, all V600E mutations were positive except for one case with combined BRAF V600E and K601_W604 deletion. Our findings confirmed that the BRAF V600E mutation‐specific IHC is specific without any cross‐reactions to non‐V600E mutations, suggesting that this assay can be a useful screening tool in clinical practice.
The effects of clinical education program based on Watson's theory of human caring on coping and anxiety levels of nursing students: A randomized control trial
Authors: Durgun Ozan Yeter , Duman Mesude , Çiçek Özlem , Baksi Altun
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the clinical education program based on Watson's human caring theory on coping and anxiety levels of nursing students.

Design and Methods

The research sample consisted of the intervention (n = 53) and the control (n = 53) group.

Findings

A statistically significant difference was determined in anxiety mean scores (P < .001) and the self‐confident approach, the social‐support seeking approach, the unconfident approach, and the submissive approach subscales of coping with stress in students of the intervention group compared to the control group (P < .05).

Practice Implications

It is recommended that the clinical education program based on Watson's caring theory is used during the clinical education of nursing students.
Perceived stress and social support influence anxiety symptoms of Chinese family caregivers of community‐dwelling older adults: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shi Jing , Huang Aoran , Jia Yajing , Yang Xiaoshi
Published: January 2020

Aim

Chinese family members always take care of older adults because of obligations stemming from the culture of filial piety and the paucity of a long‐term care system. These caregivers usually perceive high levels of stress that could compromise their psychological health and consequently result in anxiety impairments. This study aimed to assess the anxiety symptoms of Chinese family caregivers of older adults, explore factors associated with these symptoms, and provide theoretical evidence on improving their mental health.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted face‐to‐face with caregivers of community‐dwelling older adults. The survey asked about the demographic characteristics of the caregivers and older adults, objective caregiving loads, and social support and included the Zung Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results

Anxiety symptoms were present in 43.1% of caregivers. The R2 changes indicated that the incremental variance explained by each block of variables was 9.8%, 5.0%, 0.7%, 17.6%, and 2.1% for demographic characteristics of caregivers, demographic characteristics of older adults, objective caregiving loads, perceived stress, and social support, respectively. Perceived stress was the strongest predictor of anxiety symptoms, and social support was positively associated with anxiety symptoms. Factors associated with caregivers' anxiety symptoms were having a chronic disease and living with older adults, as well as older adults’ weight, hours of sleep, and education level.

Conclusion

Chinese family caregivers of older adults experienced higher levels of anxiety symptoms. Perceived stress could aggravate these symptoms, but social support might assist in alleviating anxiety symptoms from the stress of caregiving.
Maternal transcription profiles at different stages for the development of early embryo in buffalo
Authors: Chen Fumei , Fu Qiang , Pu Liping , Hou Zhen , Xu Zhuangzhuang , Zhang Pengfei , Deng Tingxian , Pang Chunying , Liang Xianwei , Lu Yangqing , Zhang Ming
Published: January 2020

Maternal mRNAs deposited in the egg during oogenesis are critical during the development of early embryo, before the activation of the embryonic genome. However, there is little known about the dynamic expression of maternally expressed genes in mammals. In this study, we made buffalo parthenogenesis as our research model to analyse maternal transcription profiles of pre‐implantation embryo in buffalo using RNA sequencing. In total, 3,567 unique genes were detected to be differentially expressed among all constant stages during early embryo development (FPKM > 0). Interestingly, a total of 10,442 new genes were discovered in this study, and gene ontology analysis of the new differentially expressed genes indicated that the new genes have a wide cellular localization and are involved in many molecular functions and biological processes. Moreover, we identified eight clusters that were only highly expressed in a particular developmental stage and enriched a number of GO terms and KEGG pathways that were related to specific stage. Furthermore, we identified 1,530 hub genes (or key members) from the maternally expressed gene networks, and these hub genes were involved in 11 stage‐specific modules. After visualization using Cytoscape 3.2.1 software, we obtained complex interaction network of hub genes, indicating the highly efficient cooperation between genes during the development in buffalo embryos. Further research of these genes will greatly deepen our understanding of embryo development in buffalo. Collectively, this research lays the foundation for future studies on the maternal genome function, buffalo nuclear transfer and parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells.
Estimating Evacuation Shelter Deficits in the Houston–Galveston Metropolitan Area
Authors: Karaye Ibraheem M. , Thompson Courtney , Perez‐Patron Maria , Taylor Nicholas , Horney Jennifer A.
Published: January 2020

Evacuation is frequently used by emergency managers and other officials as part of an overall approach to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with hurricane landfall. In this study, the evacuation shelter capacity of the Houston–Galveston Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was spatially assessed and shelter deficits in the region were estimated. These data provide essential information needed to eliminate shelter deficits and ensure a successful evacuation from a future storm. Spatial statistical methods—Global Moran's I, Anselin Local Moran's I (Local Indicators of Spatial Association [LISA]), and Hot Spot Analysis (Getis‐Ord Gi*) were used to assess for regional spatial autocorrelation and clustering of evacuation shelters in the Houston–Galveston MSA. Shelter deficits were estimated in four ways—the aggregate deficit for the Houston–Galveston MSA, by evacuation Zip‐Zone, by county, and by distance or radii of evacuation Zip‐Zone. Evacuation shelters were disproportionately distributed in the region, with lower capacity shelters clustered closer to evacuation Zip‐Zones (50 miles from the Coastal Zip‐Zone), and higher capacity shelters clustered farther away from the zones (120 miles from the Coastal Zip‐Zone). The aggregate shelter deficit for the Houston–Galveston MSA was 353,713 persons. To reduce morbidity and mortality associated with future hurricanes in the Houston–Galveston MSA, authorities should consider the development and implementation of policies that would improve the evacuation shelter capacity of the region. Eliminating shelter deficits, which has been done successfully in the state of Florida, is an essential element of protecting the public from hurricane impacts.
Shaping the Scope of Conflict in Scotland’s Fracking Debate: Conflict Management and the Narrative Policy Framework
Authors: Stephan Hannes R.
Published: January 2020

This study applies a narrative lens to policy actors’ discursive strategies in the Scottish debate over fracking. Based on a sample of 226 newspaper articles (2011–2017) and drawing on key elements of the narrative policy framework (NPF), the research examines how policy coalitions have characterized their supporters, their opponents, and the main regulator (Scottish government). It also explores how actors have sought to expand or contain the scope of conflict to favor their policy objectives. Empirically, only the government strives for conflict containment, whereas both pro‐ and anti‐fracking groups prioritize conflict expansion through characterization contests and the diffusion and concentration of the costs/risks and benefits of fracking. In theoretical terms, the study proposes that Sarah Pralle’s conflict management model, which emphasizes symmetrical strategies of conflict expansion by both coalitions, is a potential tool to revise extant NPF expectations about the different narrative strategies of winning and losing coalitions. Moreover, the fact that policy actors mostly employ negatively rather than positively framed characters in their narratives may be a valid expectation for similar policy conflicts, particularly under conditions of regulatory uncertainty.
Factor-Augmented Bayesian Cointegration Models: A Case-Study on The Soybean Crush Spread
Authors: Marowka Maciej , Peters Gareth W. , Kantas Nikolas , Bagnarosa Guillaume
Published: January 2020

We investigate how vector auto-regressive models can be used to study the soybean crush spread. By crush spread we mean a time series marking the difference between a weighted combination of the value of soymeal and soyoil to the value of the original soybeans. Commodity industry practitioners often use fixed prescribed values for these weights, which do not take into account any time-varying effects or any financial-market-based dynamic features that can be discerned from futures price data. We address this issue by proposing an appropriate time series model with cointegration. Our model consists of an extension of a particular vector auto-regressive model that is used widely in econometrics. Our extensions are inspired by the problem at hand and allow for a time-varying covariance structure and a time-varying intercept to account for seasonality. To perform Bayesian inference we design an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, which is based on the approach of Koop and his co-workerss. Our investigations on prices obtained from futures contracts data confirmed that the added features in our model are useful in reliable statistical determination of the crush spread. Although the interest here is on the soybean crush spread, our approach is applicable also to other tradable spreads such as oil and energy-based crack and spark spreads.
Estimating Seal Pup Production in The Greenland Sea by Using Bayesian Hierarchical Modelling
Authors: Jullum Martin , Thorarinsdottir Thordis , Bachl Fabian E.
Published: January 2020

The Greenland Sea is an important breeding ground for harp and hooded seals. Estimates of annual seal pup production are critical factors in the estimation of abundance that is needed for management of the species. These estimates are usually based on counts from aerial photographic surveys. However, only a minor part of the whelping region can be photographed, because of its large extent. To estimate total seal pup production, we propose a Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach motivated by viewing the seal pup appearances as a realization of a log-Gaussian Cox process by using covariate information from satellite imagery as a proxy for ice thickness. For inference, we utilize the stochastic partial differential equation module of the integrated nested Laplace approximation framework. In a case-study using survey data from 2012, we compare our results with existing methodology in a comprehensive cross-validation study. The results of the study indicate that our method improves local estimation performance, and that the increased uncertainty of prediction of our method is required to obtain calibrated count predictions. This suggests that the sampling density of the survey design may not be sufficient to obtain reliable estimates of seal pup production.
Perceptual salience of derivational suffixes in visual word recognition
Authors: Lázaro Miguel , Pérez Elisa , Martínez Rosario
Published: January 2020

This study analyzes the role of derivational suffixes in visual word recognition, tracking the eye movements of 31 participants in a sentence‐reading task in Spanish. Perceptual salience of suffixes was operationalized as the proportion of letters represented by the suffixes with respect to the full words, that is, we relate the number of letters comprising the suffixes to the number of letters in the words in which they appear. The results reveal a significant role in first fixation duration of both word frequency – the more frequent the word, the shorter the fixations, and perceptual salience – the more salient the suffix, the longer the fixations. Moreover, in gaze duration, our results show a main effect of word length – the longer the word, the longer the fixations; word frequency; and significant interactions between word frequency and perceptual salience of suffixes on the one hand – the effect of word frequency is only significant when perceptual salience of suffixes is high, and between word frequency and word length on the other hand – the frequency effect decreases as word length increases. Overall results are interpreted in the light of the dual route models by which full‐form and morphological processing interactively cooperate in visual word recognition.
Navigating Intersecting Identities, Self‐Representation, and Relationships: A Qualitative Study with Trans Sex Workers Living and Working in Los Angeles, CA
Authors: Capous‐Desyllas Moshoula , Loy Victoria
Published: January 2020

This qualitative research study highlights the lived experiences and voices of diverse trans sex workers who are living and working in Los Angeles, California. Informed by transgender theory, feminist intersectionality theory, and standpoint feminist theoretical approaches to research, this study uses life history case studies, qualitative interactive interviews, and a life timeline approach with six trans sex workers living and working in various aspects of the sex trade in Los Angeles. This article focuses on the unique experiences of trans sex workers and examines how the intersectional identities of trans sex workers and the institutional forces they come into contact with shape the strengths, challenges, and empowering aspects related to their work in the sex trade, and their individual approaches to navigating personal and professional relationships/roles, maintaining quality of life, and resisting stereotypes and stigma.
Gravity in Earth’s Interior
Authors: Dragoni Michele
Published: January 2020

The acceleration of gravity in Earth’s interior is determined by the density distribution in Earth. A remarkable result is that the acceleration is approximately constant all over the mantle, which amounts to about 84% of Earth’s volume. This result can be explained by a simple two-layer model of Earth, showing that the constancy of the acceleration in the mantle is a consequence of the particular size and density of Earth’s core with respect to the size and density of the whole Earth. In other planets, with different mass distributions, the dependence of acceleration on depth could be very different.
Animal Size and Heat Transfer
Authors: Vandervoort Kurt
Published: January 2020

Newton’s law of cooling describes an object whose temperature decreases exponentially with time. Because of its many applications, it is a frequent topic of introductory physics labs. In this article, I describe an experiment designed for the freshman year algebra-based physics course that applies this law to answering the question, “Why don’t small mammals live in the ocean?” The experiment is part of a process under way to include more biology-related examples in this first-year sequence to better serve and provide relevance to our biology majors, who predominantly take the course. The experiment focuses on scaling laws and modeling, and demonstrates the utility of physics in answering questions in biology.
Single-cell morphology encodes metastatic potential
Authors: Wu Pei-Hsun , Gilkes Daniele M. , Phillip Jude M. , Narkar Akshay , Cheng Thomas Wen-Tao , Marchand Jorge , Lee Meng-Horng , Li Rong , Wirtz Denis
Published: January 2020

Cancer cell population exhibits great cellular heterogeneity, and single-cell morphology encodes metastatic potential.
Molecular identification of fungi microfossils in a Neoproterozoic shale rock
Authors: Bonneville S. , Delpomdor F. , Préat A. , Chevalier C. , Araki T. , Kazemian M. , Steele A. , Schreiber A. , Wirth R. , Benning L. G.
Published: January 2020

We report the discovery of 715 to ca. 810 million–year–old fungal fossils through molecular characterization of vestigial chitin.
Isothermal digital detection of microRNAs using background-free molecular circuit
Authors: Gines Guillaume , Menezes Roberta , Nara Kaori , Kirstetter Anne-Sophie , Taly Valerie , Rondelez Yannick
Published: January 2020

We report the isothermal digital detection of microRNAs using DNA circuits encoding a background-free amplification mechanism.
The IDH-TAU-EGFR triad defines the neovascular landscape of diffuse gliomas
Authors: Gargini Ricardo , Segura-Collar Berta , Herránz Beatriz , García-Escudero Vega , Romero-Bravo Andrés , Núñez Felipe J. , García-Pérez Daniel , Gutiérrez-Guamán Jacqueline , Ayuso-Sacido Angel , Seoane Joan , Pérez-Núñez Angel , Sepúlveda-Sánchez Juan M. , Hernández-Laín Aurelio , Castro María G. , García-Escudero Ramón , Ávila Jesús , Sánchez-Gómez Pilar
Published: January 2020

TAU is expressed in the less aggressive gliomas where it impairs the mesenchymal transdifferentiation of tumor cells and normalizes the vasculature.
Pan-viral protection against arboviruses by activating skin macrophages at the inoculation site
Authors: Bryden Steven R. , Pingen Marieke , Lefteri Daniella A. , Miltenburg Janne , Delang Leen , Jacobs Sofie , Abdelnabi Rana , Neyts Johan , Pondeville Emilie , Major Jack , Müller Marietta , Khalid Henna , Tuplin Andrew , Varjak Margus , Merits Andres , Edgar Julia , Graham Gerard J. , Shams Kave , McKimmie Clive S.
Published: January 2020

Activation of innate immune responses to arbovirus at the mosquito bite prevents efficient systemic dissemination of virus.
Gene therapy delivering a paraoxonase 1 variant offers long-term prophylactic protection against nerve agents in mice
Authors: Betapudi Venkaiah , Goswami Reena , Silayeva Liliya , Doctor Deborah M. , Chilukuri Nageswararao
Published: January 2020

Paraoxonase 1 variant IF-11 offers long-term prophylactic protection against chemical warfare nerve agents in mice.