bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonatal non‐epileptic paroxysmal events: a prospective study
Authors: Romano Catia , Giacchi Valentina , Mauceri Laura , Pavone Piero , Taibi Rosaria , Gulisano Mariangela , Rizzo Renata , Ruggieri Martino , Falsaperla Raffaele
Published: December 2020

Aim

To report on psychomotor development and outcomes in term born neonates with non‐epileptic paroxysmal events (NEPEs).

Method

From October 2017 to March 2019 we enrolled 38 consecutive term born neonates (22 males, 16 females; aged between 0–28d), born at the University Hospital San Marco in Catania, Italy, with NEPEs. We performed the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination scale (at enrolment), the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) scale (at age 3, 6, 9, and 12mo), and the Griffiths scale (at age 12mo).

Results

The age at onset of first paroxysmal manifestations ranged from birth to 4 days. We recorded a suboptimal global score in 18 out of 38 patients at enrolment and in 10 out of 38 patients at age 3 months (>70% of these infants were male); all events disappeared within 6 months of life. At age 6, 9, and 12 months, all infants scored within normal values on the HINE and Griffiths scale.

Interpretation

Patients with NEPEs achieve neurodevelopment optimal scores within their first year of life.

What this paper adds

Neonates experiencing non‐epileptic paroxysmal events (NEPEs) can be examined with the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and Griffiths scale at follow‐up.

Newborn infants with NEPEs achieve optimal scores within the first year of life.
The effect of preceding glucose decline rate on low‐dose glucagon efficacy in individuals with type 1 diabetes: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Laugesen Christian , Schmidt Signe , Holst Jens Juul , Nørgaard Kirsten , Ranjan Ajenthen G.
Published: December 2020

Identifying determinants of low‐dose glucagon efficacy is important to optimise its utilization for prevention and treatment of hypoglycaemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The study objective was to investigate whether the preceding glucose decline rate affects glucose response to low‐dose glucagon administration. Ten adults with insulin pump‐treated type 1 diabetes were included in this randomized, single‐blind, two‐way crossover study. Using a hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique, plasma glucose levels were reduced with either a rapid or slow decline rate while maintaining fixed insulin levels. When the plasma glucose level reached 3.9 mmoL/L, insulin and glucose infusions were discontinued and 150 μg subcutaneous glucagon was administered, followed by 120 minutes of plasma glucose monitoring. The positive incremental area under the glucose curve after administration of low‐dose glucagon did not differ between the rapid‐decline and slow‐decline visits (mean ± SEM: 220 ± 49 vs. 174 ± 31 mmoL/L x min; P = 0.21). Similarly, no differences in total area under the glucose curve, peak plasma glucose, incremental peak plasma glucose, time‐to‐peak plasma glucose or end plasma glucose were observed. Thus, preceding glucose decline rate did not significantly affect the glucose response to low‐dose glucagon.
External validity of type 2 diabetes clinical trials on cardiovascular outcomes for a multimorbid population
Authors: Lazar Neto Felippe , Mendes Thiago Bosco , Matos Paulo Marcelo Pontes Gomes , de Oliveira Julio César , Favarato Maria Helena Sampaio , Lin Chin An , Martins Milton Arruda
Published: December 2020

Aim

To investigate the external validity of recent antihyperglycaemic trials evaluating cardiovascular outcomes in a multimorbid population.

Materials and Methods

Selection criteria of 15 randomized controlled trials from the 2020 American Diabetes Association Standard of Care statement were applied in a stepwise manner to tertiary care patients with type 2 diabetes. Primary outcomes were the number of patients eligible per individual trial and for the aggregate of trials. Secondary outcomes included patient predictors of trial eligibility.

Results

Of 1059 patients, the mean (SD) age was 66 (10.74) years, the median (IQR) Charlson index was 2 (2, 3) and 458 (43%) had documented cardiovascular disease. The median (IQR) number of patients included in individual trials was 263 (174.25–308.75) and 795 (75.1%) of them were eligible for at least one trial. Among those 264 ineligible, 127 (48.1%) had an HbA1c level of 7% or less and no cardiovascular disease; 53.5% and 34.4% of the patients were eligible for two and three different classes of drugs, respectively. The strongest predictor of trial eligibility was cardiovascular disease (risk ratio 2.17, 95% CI 2.01–2.35).

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of multimorbid patients would be eligible for recent antihyperglycaemic trials. This positive finding can be attributed to development guidance in diabetes trials and the different approach we took, in which we evaluated inclusion by trials as an aggregate.
Grieving the Earth as Prayer
Authors: Malcolm Hannah
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic is not so much a new kind of crisis as our most recent reminder of the dysfunction of human relations with the world we inhabit. This article argues that transforming our relations with other creatures begins with an examination of the call to be human: understanding the kind of creature we are and therefore how to live alongside other creatures with natures distinct from our own. It critiques the tendency to overemphasize human distinctiveness (anthropocentrism) or creatureliness (biocentrism, ecocentrism) to the detriment of our interpretations of human nature. Employing Jean‐Louis Chrétien’s phenomenology of prayer as wounded speech, it proposes that climate/ecological grief mediates the tension of our distance from and intimacy with other creatures. Speech expressing grief over the world therefore re‐embeds humans in our finitude and contingency while nevertheless treating human nature as containing a particular call to participate in Christ’s transforming work.
Multisectoral one health approach to make aquaculture and fisheries resilient to a future pandemic‐like situation
Authors: Jamwal Ankur , Phulia Vikas
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic, caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2, has presented itself as a wicked problem where both the disease and its containment measures have caused significant human suffering. The pandemic has also affected every aspect of aquaculture and capture fisheries. Zoonotic origin of the SARS‐CoV‐2 and its containment measures, such as restrictions on the mobility of people, social distancing and ban on public gathering, have disrupted fish production, supply chain, consumer behaviour and perception for fish as a food item. The debilitating effect of COVID‐19 on the global economy has also left people with less dispensable income, which can translate to poor fish sales in the upcoming years. Therefore, the effects of COVID‐19 on society are not only a medical issue but have more profound and long‐lasting socioeconomic consequences. The current article reviews the existing literature across multiple disciplines to determine the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on multiple aspects of the aquaculture and fishing industry; aquaculture and capture fishery, post‐harvest processing of fish, supply chain and consumer behaviour. The article also provides recommendations for making different aspects of aquaculture and fisheries resilient to a future pandemic‐like situation. The recommendations are inspired by the principles of One Health that range from biological to socioeconomic aspects of the sector. A One Health approach is a collaborative effort from professionals belonging, but not limited, to the disciplines of medicine, veterinary, environment, economics, education and social sciences to make policy‐level interventions for problems that can be difficult to address using conventional approach.
Structure and function of p62/SQSTM1 in the emerging framework of phase separation
Authors: Berkamp Sabrina , Mostafavi Siavash , Sachse Carsten
Published: December 2020

p62/SQSTM1 is a multiprotein interaction hub forming cellular punctate structures known as p62 bodies. p62 is centrally involved in the degradation of ubiquitinated cargo through autophagy, as well as in a wide range of signaling activities as part of the cellular response to nutrient sensing, oxidative stress, infection, immunity, and inflammation. Structural work has shown that p62 forms flexible filamentous assemblies composed of an N‐terminal PB1‐domain scaffold and a C‐terminal binding platform, including folded recognition domains and structurally disordered binding motifs. In the cell, these filaments are part of cellular p62 bodies that display properties of liquid–liquid‐phase separation. Here, we review the accumulated structural and functional work of p62 and integrate them with the emerging framework of filamentous biomolecular condensates.
Molecular events underlying the cell‐to‐cell transmission of α‐synuclein
Authors: Choi Yu Ree , Park Soo Jin , Park Sang Myun
Published: December 2020

The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is associated with the formation of protein inclusion bodies called Lewy bodies (LB) or Lewy neurites (LN). α‐Synuclein (α‐Syn) is a major component of LB and LN. The formation of LB or LN is mediated by formation of α‐Syn fibrils, which are formed from α‐Syn monomers and oligomers. Additionally, intercellular α‐Syn propagation has been proposed to be important for the progression of PD. Thus, various studies have focused on elucidating the role of α‐Syn propagation in the pathogenesis of PD. Previous studies have reported that α‐Syn species are released from the cells through various pathways, including the unconventional secretion pathways. The released α‐Syn species are internalized by the cells through multiple mechanisms, including receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Some molecular processes involved in intercellular α‐Syn propagation have been recently elucidated. This review discusses the current studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying the release and uptake of α‐Syn and their physiological relevance.
Long‐term, amplified responses of soil organic carbon to nitrogen addition worldwide
Authors: Xu Chonghua , Xu Xia , Ju Chenghui , Chen Han Y. H. , Wilsey Brian J. , Luo Yiqi , Fan Wei
Published: December 2020

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest carbon sink in terrestrial ecosystems and plays a critical role in mitigating climate change. Increasing reactive nitrogen (N) in ecosystems caused by anthropogenic N input substantially affects SOC dynamics. However, uncertainties remain concerning the effects of N addition on SOC in both organic and mineral soil layers over time at the global scale. Here, we analysed a large empirical data set spanning 60 years across 369 sites worldwide to explore the temporal dynamics of SOC to N addition. We found that N addition significantly increased SOC across the globe by 4.2% (2.7%–5.8%). SOC increases were amplified from short‐ to long‐term N addition durations in both organic and mineral soil layers. The positive effects of N addition on SOC were independent of ecosystem types, mean annual temperature and precipitation. Our findings suggest that SOC increases largely resulted from the enhanced plant C input to soils coupled with reduced C loss from decomposition and amplification was associated with reduced microbial biomass and respiration under long‐term N addition. Our study suggests that N addition will enhance SOC sequestration over time and contribute to future climate change mitigation.
Global macroecology of nitrogen‐fixing plants
Authors: Tamme Riin , Pärtel Meelis , Kõljalg Urmas , Laanisto Lauri , Liira Jaan , Mander Ülo , Moora Mari , Niinemets Ülo , Öpik Maarja , Ostonen Ivika , Tedersoo Leho , Zobel Martin
Published: December 2020

Aim

Plants that host root‐symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing bacteria have an important role in driving terrestrial ecosystem processes, but N‐fixing ability is unequally distributed among plant taxa and ecosystems. Here we explore the large‐scale distribution of N‐fixing plant species worldwide.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

We estimated root‐symbiotic N‐fixing plant species diversity (as Shannon entropy) and relative richness (log‐ratio of N‐fixing to non‐fixing plant species) for c. 7,800 km2 hexagonal grid cells using the NodDB and Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) databases. Additionally, we explored the distributions of plant species associated with rhizobia, actinobacteria or cyanobacteria (relative to other plant species), and the relative richness of N‐fixing trees (log‐ratio of N‐fixing to non‐fixing trees). We related N‐fixing plant species distribution to environmental (climate, soil) and biogeographical (biome, realm) variables using multiple linear regression.

Results

N‐fixing plant diversity and relative richness showed unimodal relationships with latitude. Diversity of N‐fixing plants was highest in warm and wet climates, but in dry biomes and in Australasia. The relative richness of N‐fixing plants was highest in warm and dry climates, in tropical and temperate grasslands and in Eurasia. Plants associated with cyanobacteria were more widely distributed near the equator, while those associated with rhizobia were more prevalent at the edge of the tropics, and those associated with actinobacteria at higher latitudes (especially in boreal forests). The relative richness of N‐fixing tree species was highest in cold and dry areas and in boreal forests, with contrasting peaks in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Main conclusions

The distribution of N‐fixing plant species exhibits regional hotspots and coldspots related to both environmental conditions and biogeographical history. Global N‐fixing plant distributions are different for the key root‐symbiotic bacterial groups. Information about N‐fixing plant distribution can improve global models of ecosystem functions and contribute to understanding how plants respond to global change.
Characterizing the providers of and reimbursement for chronic migraine chemodenervation among the Medicare population
Authors: Torabi Sina J. , Kasle David A. , Savoca Emily L. , Gottschalk Christopher H. , Manes R. Peter
Published: December 2020

Objective

To characterize reimbursement trends and providers for chronic migraine (CM) chemodenervation treatment within the Medicare population since the introduction of the migraine‐specific CPT code in 2013.

Methods

We describe trends in procedure volume and total allowed charge on cross‐sectional data obtained from 2013 to 2018 Medicare Part B National Summary files. We also utilized the 2017 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data to analyze higher volume providers (>10 procedures) of this treatment modality.

Results

The total number of CM chemodenervation treatments rose from 37,863 in 2013 to 135,023 in 2018 in a near‐linear pattern (r = 0.999) and total allowed charges rose from ~$5,217,712 to $19,166,160 (r = 0.999). The majority of high‐volume providers were neurologists (78.4%; 1060 of 1352), but a substantial proportion were advanced practice providers (APPs) (10.2%; 138 of 1352). Of the physicians, neurologists performed a higher mean number of procedures per physician compared to non‐neurologists (59.6 [95% CI: 56.6–62.6] vs. 45.4 [95% CI: 41.0–50.0], p < 0.001). When comparing physicians and APPs, APPs were paid significantly less ($146.5 [95% CI: $145.6–$147.5] vs. $119.7 [95% CI: $117.6–$121.8], p < 0.001). As a percent of the number of total beneficiaries in each state, the percent of Medicare patients receiving ≥1 CM chemodenervation treatment from a high‐volume provider in 2017 ranged from 0.024% (24 patients of 98,033 beneficiaries) in Wyoming to 0.135% (997 of 736,521) in Arizona, with six states falling outside of this range.

Conclusion

Chemodenervation is an increasingly popular treatment for CM among neurologists and other providers, but the reason for this increase is unclear. There is substantial geographic variation in its use.
Neuropathic ulcers: a focused review
Authors: Urso Brittany , Ghias Mondana , John Anan , Khachemoune Amor
Published: December 2020

Neuropathic ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers are preventable ulcers associated with diabetes mellitus. These ulcers occur in the setting of unrecognized trauma, peripheral neuropathy, and foot deformities; however, they are often complicated by peripheral arterial disease and infection. Approximately 15% of individuals with a neuropathic ulcer require limb amputation as a result of infection. Not only are neuropathic ulcers a burden to the patient but also to the economy. The cost of diabetic foot ulcer care is approximately $1.38 billion per year. This makes neuropathic ulcers an important therapeutic target. This review presents the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, management, and prevention of neuropathic ulcers.
The dynamics of outsourcing: From labor cost‐saving to preference‐based outsourcing
Authors: Cheng Wan‐Jung , Riezman Raymond , Wang Ping
Published: December 2020

Jones's (2000) celebrated book has inspired a generation of work devoted to understanding the causes and consequences of outsourcing. While much of this work has focused on the outsourcing versus domestic production decision of the firm, with labor cost‐saving as the key driver for outsourcing, we further explore how preference‐based outsourcing may arise in a dynamic world equilibrium. We address this problem in a North–South model in which the outsourcing decision depends not only on labor costs but also on information about local preferences that arise with outsourcing. As the South develops, demand for manufactured goods becomes more important, so identifying specific tastes of Southern consumers matters more. As a result, preference‐based outsourcing displaces cost‐saving outsourcing. Our quantitative analysis indicates that, as both agricultural and manufacturing technologies grow over time, the dynamic world equilibrium switches from the export regime to the cost‐saving outsourcing regime, and eventually to the preference‐based outsourcing regime.
Burnout in nurses working in China: A national questionnaire survey
Authors: Zhang Wenyu , Miao Ran , Tang Jingping , Su Qingqing , Aung Lynn Htet Htet , Pi Hongying , Sai Xiaoyong
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to assess the overall status of burnout in nurses in China on a national scale and investigate the demographic characteristics related to burnout and the relationships between demographics, job satisfaction and burnout.

Methods

This was a national cross‐sectional study conducted by the Chinese Nursing Association between July 2016 and July 2017. Data were collected using a structured, self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 51 406 registered nurses in 311 Chinese cities completed the questionnaire. Fifty per cent of the participants suffered burnout, and 33.8% of nurses had high scores on emotional exhaustion, 66.6% had high scores on depersonalization and 93.5% had low scores on personal accomplishment; 16.2% reported a high level of job satisfaction, only 0.4% was satisfied with their jobs and 70.7% intended to leave their jobs. Marital status, educational level, income and years of working experience affected job burnout. Nurses with a high level of burnout were more likely to have a high degree of job dissatisfaction and intend to leave their jobs.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of burnout among nurses in China. Nursing managers need to pay more attention to job burnout and its influencing factors. Interventions to reduce nurse burnout should be implemented.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate versus bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate in management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Higazy Ahmed , Tawfeek Ahmed M , Abdalla Hany Moustafa , Shorbagy AA , Mousa Waleed , Radwan Ahmed I
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate.

Methods

In our randomized controlled trial, 120 patients were allocated into two equal groups representing holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate. Operative parameters were recorded according to operative, enucleation and resection time in addition to the intraoperative complications. Patients were followed up at 1, 3 and 12 months postoperative to assess the prostate size, post‐voiding residual urine, International Prostate Symptom Score, peak urine flow rate and quality of life, and compared with the preoperative parameters. Cost analysis was evaluated for both procedures.

Results

We evaluated 107 patients who finished our follow up and their data were analyzed. The prostate size was 135.2 ± 34.8 mL and 125 ± 26.9 mL for holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate, respectively. Holmium enucleation of the prostate was associated with a shorter operative time of 83.43 ± 6.92 min compared with 94.7 ± 12.2 min in bipolar enucleation of the prostate groups. Holmium enucleation of the prostate was associated with an earlier catheter removal time and shorter hospital stay compared with bipolar enucleation of the prostate. Postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, post‐voiding residual urine, peak urine flow rate, prostate‐specific antigen and prostate volume reduction were comparable between both groups, and they both showed statistically significant improvement compared with their preoperative parameters. In the cost analysis, holmium enucleation of the prostate was more cost‐effective than bipolar enucleation of the prostate.

Conclusion

Both holmium enucleation of the prostate and bipolar enucleation of the prostate are safe and effective in the surgical management of large prostatic adenomas. Holmium enucleation of the prostate has a shorter operative time and hospital stay with earlier catheter removal time, and is more cost‐effective than bipolar enucleation of the prostate.
Regionalismo social y derecho transnacional del trabajo
Authors: BLACKETT Adelle
Published: December 2020

Tras una introducción histórica al regionalismo social como respuesta pragmática y de principios ante la ruptura del pacto del liberalismo integrado y ante un orden económico internacional concebido para impedir el gobierno de lo social en lo económico a escala transnacional, la autora analiza el informe del primer grupo arbitral establecido en virtud del capítulo sobre trabajo del Tratado de Libre Comercio entre la República Dominicana, Centroamérica y los Estados Unidos (CAFTA‐DR), ilustrando la necesidad de adoptar el enfoque del regionalismo social para centrar la interpretación de los tratados comerciales en objetivos compartidos y promover en el marco de los mismos mecanismos redistributivos y de solidaridad internacional.
Established and emergent roles for Ikaros transcription factors in lymphoid cell development and function
Authors: Read Kaitlin A. , Jones Devin M. , Freud Aharon G. , Oestreich Kenneth J.
Published: December 2020

Ikaros zinc finger transcription factors are important regulators of the gene programs underlying the development of hematopoietic cell lineages. The family consists of five members: Ikaros, Helios, Aiolos, Eos, and Pegasus, which engage in both homo‐ and heterotypic intrafamilial interactions to exert diverse functional effects. Pioneering studies focused on the role of these factors in early lymphoid development, as their absence resulted in severe defects in lymphocyte populations. More recent work has now begun to define nuanced, stage‐specific roles for Ikaros family members in the differentiation and function of mature T, B, and innate lymphoid cell populations including natural killer (NK) cells. The precise transcriptional mechanisms by which these factors function, both independently and collaboratively, is an area of active investigation. However, several key themes appear to be emerging regarding the pathways influenced by Ikaros family members, including the end‐to‐end regulation of cytokine signaling. Here, we review roles for Ikaros factors in lymphoid cell development, differentiation, and function, including a discussion of the current understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms they employ and considerations for the future study of this important transcription factor family.
A longitudinal study of the differential social‐cognitive foundations of early prosocial behaviors
Authors: Stout Wyntre , Karahuta Erin , Laible Deborah , Brandone Amanda C.
Published: December 2020

A growing body of work has documented the emergence of instrumental helping and sharing in the second year of life; however, less is known about mechanisms that underlie development and production of prosocial behavior. The current study took a longitudinal approach to explore whether the origins of prosocial behaviors can be traced back to foundational social‐cognitive capacities emerging in infancy. In a sample of 90 children, longitudinal relations were examined between intention understanding and joint attention measured in infancy (8–12 months) and later instrumental helping and sharing behavior assessed in the toddler years (18–25 months). We expected social‐cognitive capacities supporting infants’ understanding of others to be positively related to their prosocial behaviors as toddlers. Measured variable path analyses revealed two distinct developmental pathways from infant social cognition to later prosocial behavior: 1) Instrumental helping in the toddler years was positively predicted by intention understanding in infancy; 2) sharing in the toddler years was positively predicted by infants’ initiating joint attention. These results lend support to proposals on the multidimensional nature of early prosocial behavior and offer the first longitudinal evidence that the origins of toddlers' prosocial behavior can be traced to social‐cognitive capacities emerging in infancy.
Unionisation and mobilisation within platform work: towards precarisation—a case of Uber drivers in Poland
Authors: Polkowska Dominika
Published: December 2020

There are several barriers to the unionisation of platform workers. Based on in‐depth interviews with Uber drivers and trade unionists from Poland, it turns out that these barriers are related to the temporary nature of their work and the specific tripartite relationship within the framework of Polish platform work (driver, fleet partner and Uber). However, what is unique in this context is the ‘mutual invisibility’ of Uber drivers and trade unions, which intensifies the normalisation of precariousness of drivers' work.
Eyes wide open: The role of situational information security awareness for security‐related behaviour
Authors: Jaeger Lennart , Eckhardt Andreas
Published: December 2020

Most contemporary studies on information security focus on largely static phenomena in examining security‐related behaviours. We take a more dynamic, situational and interactionist approach that proposes that security‐related behaviours result from an interaction between the person and the perception of a threatening situation. We derive and define situational information security awareness based on situation awareness literature, and examine how individual‐level (innate traits, experience) and system‐level factors (design variations, warning signal) influence awareness, and how it influences subsequent threat and coping appraisals, and ultimately security‐related behaviours in a multi‐method phishing experiment including eye tracking and survey components with 107 employees. The results underscore the importance of situational information security awareness and show that past experience with phishing and a security warning increase awareness, while phishing emails' contextual relevance and misplaced salience decrease awareness. Situational information security awareness, in turn, increases perceived threat and perceived coping efficacy and, ultimately, actual behavioural responses to phishing attacks.
Long noncoding RNA ATB promotes ovarian cancer tumorigenesis by mediating histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation through binding to EZH2
Authors: Chen Xue‐Juan , An Na
Published: December 2020

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. The unfavourable prognosis is mainly due to the lack of early‐stage diagnosis, drug resistance and recurrence. Therefore, it needs to investigate the mechanism of OC tumorigenesis and identify effective biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis. It is reported that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles during the tumorigenesis of OC. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the role and clinical significance of LncRNAs ATB (lnc‐ATB) in the development and progression of OC. In our research, lnc‐ATB expression in OC tissues was elevated compared with adjacent normal tissues and high expression of lnc‐ATB was associated with poor outcomes of OC patients. The silencing of lnc‐ATB blocked cell proliferation, invasion and migration in SKOV3 and A2780 cells. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down results showed that lnc‐ATB positively regulated the expression of EZH2 via directly interacting with EZH2. Besides, the overexpression of EZH2 partly rescued lnc‐ATB silencing‐inducing inhibition of cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay results demonstrated that the silencing of lnc‐ATB reduced the occupancy of caudal‐related homeobox protein 1, Forkhead box C1, Large tumour suppressor kinase 2, cadherin‐1 and disabled homolog 2 interacting protein promoters on EZH2 and H3K27me3. These data revealed the oncogenic of lnc‐ATB and provided a novel biomarker for OC diagnosis. Furthermore, these findings indicated the mechanism of lnc‐ATB functioning in the progression of OC, which provided a new target for OC therapy.
Salvianolate ameliorates oxidative stress and podocyte injury through modulation of NOX4 activity in db/db mice
Authors: Liang Yiran , Liu Hong , Fang Yi , Lin Pan , Lu Zhihui , Zhang Pan , Jiao Xiaoyan , Teng Jie , Ding Xiaoqiang , Dai Yan
Published: December 2020

Podocyte injury is associated with albuminuria and the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the kidney and NOX4 is up‐regulated in podocytes in response to high glucose. In the present study, the effects of Salvianolate on DN and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in diabetic db/db mice and human podocytes. We confirmed that the Salvianolate administration exhibited similar beneficial effects as the NOX1/NOX4 inhibitor GKT137831 treated diabetic mice, as reflected by attenuated albuminuria, reduced podocyte loss and mesangial matrix accumulation. We further observed that Salvianolate attenuated the increase of Nox4 protein, NOX4‐based NADPH oxidase activity and restored podocyte loss in the diabetic kidney. In human podocytes, NOX4 was predominantly localized to mitochondria and Sal B treatment blocked HG‐induced mitochondrial NOX4 derived superoxide generation and thereby ameliorating podocyte apoptosis, which can be abrogated by AMPK knockdown. Therefore, our results suggest that Sal B possesses the reno‐protective capabilities in part through AMPK‐mediated control of NOX4 expression. Taken together, our results identify that Salvianolate could prevent glucose‐induced oxidative podocyte injury through modulation of NOX4 activity in DN and have a novel therapeutic potential for DN.
Composite veneers: The direct–indirect technique revisited
Authors: Fahl Newton , Ritter André V.
Published: December 2020

Objective

This article provides an update on the direct–indirect composite veneer technique.

Clinical considerations

Composite veneers have long been used as a conservative and esthetic treatment option for anterior teeth. While they are generally performed using a direct technique, there has been renewed interest in the direct–indirect composite veneer technique because of its advantages and broad indications for restoration of tooth color and morphology. In the direct–indirect composite veneer technique, the selected composites are initially applied on the tooth using a layering approach, without any bonding agent, sculpted to a primary anatomic form with slight excess, and light‐cured. The partially polymerized veneer is then removed from the tooth, heat‐tempered, and finished to final anatomy and processed extra‐orally before being luted. Advantages of this technique include enhanced physical and mechanical properties afforded by the tempering process, unrivaled marginal adaptation, enhanced finishing and polishing, and the ability to try‐in the veneer before luting, enabling a shade verification and modulation process that is not possible with the direct technique. The direct–indirect approach also affords enhanced gingival health and patient comfort.

Conclusion

This article reviews the direct–indirect composite veneer technique, and outlines critical steps and tips for clinical success.

Clinical significance

The direct–indirect technique for composite veneers combines advantages of the direct composite placement technique with those of the indirect veneer technique, including operator control, single‐visit fabrication and delivery, increased material properties, and excellent esthetics.
Valid oxygen uptake measurements: using high r2 values with good intentions can bias upward the determination of standard metabolic rate
Authors: Chabot Denis , Zhang Yangfan , Farrell Anthony P.
Published: December 2020

This analysis shows good intentions in the selection of valid and precise oxygen uptake (O2) measurements by retaining only slopes of declining dissolved oxygen level in a respirometer that have very high values of the coefficient of determination, r2, are not always successful at excluding nonlinear slopes. Much worse, by potentially removing linear slopes that have low r2 only because of a low signal‐to‐noise ratio, this procedure can overestimate the calculation of standard metabolic rate (SMR) of the fish. To remedy this possibility, a few simple diagnostic tools are demonstrated to assess the appropriateness of a given minimum acceptable r2, such as calculating the proportion of rejected O2 determinations, producing a histogram of the r2 values and a plot of r2 as a function of O2. The authors offer solutions for cases when many linear slopes have low r2. The least satisfactory but easiest to implement is lowering the minimum acceptable r2. More satisfactory solutions involve processing (smoothing) the raw signal of dissolved oxygen as a function of time to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio and the r2s.
Phaeohyphomycosis due to Veronaea botryosa in cultured white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson) from California USA during 2006 to 2015
Authors: Groff Joseph M. , Mok Mai Y. , Kubiski Steven V. , Michel Adam O. , Cortés‐Hinojosa Galaxia A. , Byrne Barbara A. , Wickes Brian L. , Scott Weber E. , Campbell Lori A , Waltzek Thomas B.
Published: December 2020

Infection with Veronaea botryosa can result in rare cutaneous or disseminated, granulomatous to pyogranulomatous phaeohyphomycosis in humans, although disease due to the fungus has also been reported in non‐mammalian vertebrates. This report documents disease due to V. botryosa in captive, juvenile to subadult or young adult white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus Richardson) from California USA and complements a previous report of the disease in captive Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) from Florida USA. Pathological examinations revealed granulomatous to pyogranulomatous inflammation of multiple organs. Isolates of the fungal agent were phenotypically consistent with V. botryosa, and molecular analyses of the D1/D2 region of the fungal 28S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region located between the fungal 18S and 28S rRNA genes confirmed the aetiologic agent as V. botryosa. The disease in captive sturgeon results in a considerable economic encumbrance to the producer due to the loss of the cumulative financial resources invested in the production of older subadult to young adult sturgeon.
Client Experience with the Ontario Birth Center Demonstration Project
Authors: Reszel Jessica , Weiss Deborah , Darling Elizabeth K. , Sidney Dana , Van Wagner Vicki , Soderstrom Bobbi , Rogers Judy , Holmberg Vivian , Peterson Wendy E. , Khan Bushra M. , Walker Mark C. , Sprague Ann E.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

In 2014, 2 new freestanding midwifery‐led birth centers opened in Ontario, Canada. As one part of a larger mixed‐methods evaluation of the first year of operations of the centers, our primary objective was to compare the experiences of women receiving midwifery care who intended to give birth at the new birth centers with those intending to give birth at home or in hospital.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of women cared for by midwives with admitting privileges at one of the 2 birth centers. Consenting women received the survey 3 to 6 weeks after their due date. We stratified the analysis by intended place of birth at the beginning of labor, regardless of where the actual birth occurred. One composite indicator was created (Composite Satisfaction Score, out of 20), and statistical significance (P < .05) was assessed using one‐way analysis of variance. Responses to the open‐ended questions were reviewed and grouped into broader categories.

Results

In total, 382 women completed the survey (response rate 54.6%). Half intended to give birth at a birth center (n = 191). There was a significant difference on the Composite Satisfaction Scores between the birth center (19.4), home (19.5), and hospital (18.9) groups (P < .001). Among women who intended to give birth in a birth center, scores were higher in the women admitted to the birth center compared with those who were not (P = .037). Overall, women giving birth at a birth center were satisfied with the learners present at their birth, the accessibility of the centers, and the physical amenities, and they had suggestions for minor improvements.

Discussion

We found positive experiences and high satisfaction among women receiving midwifery care, regardless of intended place of birth. Women admitted to the birth centers had positive experiences with these new centers; however, future research should be planned to reassess and further understand women's experiences.
Rapid vesicle replenishment after the immediately releasable pool exocytosis is tightly linked to fast endocytosis, and depends on basal calcium and cortical actin in chromaffin cells
Authors: Montenegro Mauricio , Bayonés Lucas , Moya‐Díaz José , Borassi Cecilia , Martín Toscani Andrés , Gallo Luciana I. , Marengo Fernando D.
Published: December 2020

The maintenance of the secretory response requires a continuous replenishment of releasable vesicles. It was proposed that the immediately releasable pool (IRP) is important in chromaffin cell secretion during action potentials applied at basal physiological frequencies, because of the proximity of IRP vesicles to voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. However, previous reports showed that IRP replenishment after depletion is too slow to manage such a situation. In this work, we used patch‐clamp measurements of membrane capacitance, confocal imaging of F‐actin distribution, and cytosolic Ca2+ measurements with Fura‐2 to re‐analyze this problem in primary cultures of mouse chromaffin cells. We provide evidence that IRP replenishment has one slow (time constant between 5 and 10 s) and one rapid component (time constant between 0.5 and 1.5 s) linked to a dynamin‐dependent fast endocytosis. Both, the fast endocytosis and the rapid replenishment component were eliminated when 500 nM Ca2+ was added to the internal solution during patch‐clamp experiments, but they became dominant and accelerated when the cytosolic Ca2+ buffer capacity was increased. In addition, both rapid replenishment and fast endocytosis were retarded when cortical F‐actin cytoskeleton was disrupted with cytochalasin D. Finally, in permeabilized chromaffin cells stained with rhodamine‐phalloidin, the cortical F‐actin density was reduced when the Ca2+ concentration was increased in a range of 10–1000 nM. We conclude that low cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, which favor cortical F‐actin stabilization, allow the activation of a fast endocytosis mechanism linked to a rapid replenishment component of IRP.

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DOES EDUCATION REALLY IMPROVE HEALTH? A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Xue Xindong , Cheng Mingmei , Zhang Wangyongxin
Published: December 2020

While numerous studies assess the relationship between education and health, no consensus has been reached on whether education really improves health. We perform a meta‐analysis of 4866 estimates gleaned from 99 published studies that examine the health effects of education. We find that the current literature suffers from moderate publication bias towards the positive effects of education on health. After correcting for publication bias with an array of sophisticated methods, we find that the overall effect size is practically zero, indicating that education generates no discernible benefits to health. The heterogeneity analysis by Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) and Frequentist Model Averaging (FMA) reveals that the reported estimates can be largely explained by whether the econometric models control for endogeneity of education, the types of data and the differences in health measurements. Our results also suggest that education may not be an effective policy option for promoting population health.
ACCOUNTING FOR GROWTH: SPAIN, 1850–2019
Authors: Prados de la Escosura Leandro , Rosés Joan R.
Published: December 2020

The current productivity slowdown has stimulated research on the causes of growth. We investigate here the proximate determinants of long‐term growth in Spain. Over the last 170 years, output per hour worked raised nearly 24‐fold dominating gross domestic product (GDP) growth, while hours worked per person shrank by one‐fourth and population trebled. Half of labour productivity growth resulted from capital deepening, one‐third from total factor productivity (TFP) and labour quality contributed the rest. In phases of acceleration (the 1920s and 1954–1985), TFP was labour productivity's main driver complemented by capital deepening. Since Spain's accession to the European Union (1985), labour productivity has sharply decelerated as capital deepening slowed down and TFP stagnated. Up to the Global Financial Crisis (2008) GDP growth mainly resulted from an increase in hours worked per person and, to a less extent, from sluggish labour productivity coming mostly from weak capital deepening. Institutional constraints help explain the labour productivity slowdown.
Comparative analysis of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery versus transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery in ovarian cystectomy
Authors: Huang Lu , Lin Yong‐Hong , Yang Yue , Gong Zhao‐Lin , He Li
Published: December 2020

Aim

To objectively assess the safety, feasibility, advantages and disadvantages and health economics benefits of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) versus transumbilical laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery (TU‐LESS) in ovarian cystectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of all patients in our hospital who had undergone vNOTES and TU‐LESS ovarian cystectomy due to ‘unilateral ovarian cyst’ from March 2019 to May 2020. Patients were classified into vNOTES group (86) and TU‐LESS group (210) based on surgical paths. The patients' general characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared.

Results

All 296 patients completed surgery with no need to switch to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy procedures. There were no complications of Grade III, IV, V in Clavien‐Dindo classification. There were two patients in the vNOTES group and four patients in the TU‐LESS group with complications of Grade I, all of whom were treated with antipyretic drugs for postoperative fever. One patient in the TU‐LESS group presented the complication of Grade II and was treated with blood transfusion due to postoperative anemia. The two groups had similar general characteristics. Perioperative outcomes: The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores 24 h postoperation were significantly lower in the vNOTES group than in the TU‐LESS group. The cosmetic scores were significantly higher in the vNOTES group than in the TU‐LESS group. Postoperative stay and time of flatus after surgery were significantly shorter in the vNOTES group than in the TU‐LESS group. There was not significant statistical differences between the two groups in operation time, estimated blood loss, Hb decrease at 48 h postoperation, maximum body temperature in 48 h after surgery and hospital costs.

Conclusion

It was proved to be safe and feasible in ovarian cystectomy by vNOTES. It worked better than TU‐LESS in relieving postoperative pain, shortening postoperative stay and improving cosmetic effects and so on. As an emerging surgical path, large sample multicenter randomized controlled trials are required to further verify its safety and advantages.
Analysis of nationwide reflection of rising cesarean section rate in neonatal outcomes of Hungary
Authors: Póka Robert , Török Olga
Published: December 2020

Aim

The authors investigated the effect of rising cesarean rates on maternal and perinatal mortality and in neonatal morbidity in Hungary.

Methods

The authors searched the validated Hungarian National Health database of neonatal discharge records for ICD‐10 codes: P0590 (growth restriction); P2010 (fetal hypoxia in labor); P2090 (intrauterine hypoxia); P2200 (respiratory distress syndrome); P2390 (congenital pneumonia); P2400 (meconium aspiration); P2850 (respiratory insufficiency); P3990 (neonatal infection); P9130 (cerebral irritability) and P9141 (cerebral depression) collected between 2006 and 2015. County‐specific number of deliveries, perinatal deaths, and data on the route of delivery from the national database were also collected. Controlling for regional disparities with Human Development Index was also performed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of early neonatal mortality.

Results

While cesarean section‐rate rose from 28.6% to 38.2% perinatal mortality stayed within the range between 7.8‰ and 6.1‰. Early (0–6 days) neonatal mortality (NMR) of the whole country in 2006 was 2.8‰ and showed a significant decrease over the years to reach 1.7‰ in 2015. The rate of most neonatal morbidities decreased significantly. Controlled regression analysis proved that cesarean rates negatively influenced neonatal mortality rates.

Conclusion

The rise of the cesarean section rate in Hungary between 2006 and 2015 was associated with a detectable reduction of perinatal mortality and morbidity; however, the proportion of improvement in neonatal morbidity is far less than the increment in cesarean rate.