bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EU Cohesion Policy post-2020, European Green Deal and Territorial Agenda 2030. The future of the place-based approach in the new EU policy framework in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Neto Paulo
Published: May 2021

The European Union’s strategic priorities for the post-2020 period – focused on areas such as globalization, demography, migration, climate change, security and defense, employment and digitalization of the economy and society – pose relevant challenges as to the feasibility of its territorialization conditions and how to ensure operationalization at regional and local levels. As the EU prepares to implement the Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 and draw up the Territorial Agenda 2030, it also seeks to relaunch the EU policy framework in areas such as sustainable development, artificial intelligence and reindustrialization, examples of which are: European Green Deal, EU Circular Economy Action Plan and EU Digital Strategy. The current context of the COVID-19 pandemic has, however, forced a refocusing of the intervention priorities, at least in the short term, in the need to respond to the urgent economic, social and public health challenges caused by the pandemic. This article seeks to analyse, on the one hand, how the European policy cycle has adapted to respond to the pandemic, and on the other, the extent to which the place-based approach, one of the central operating rationales of the 2014-2020 financial perspective, may see its role strengthened and its performance extended as a consequence of the changes introduced in the current phase of the policy cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis carried out led to concluding that the current context of COVID-19 is implying the redesign of many of the Union’s public policy instruments and reordering some of the current strategic priorities. It is also changing the conditions of resilience and competitiveness of territories, whereby the place-based approach seems to be a public policy instrument especially suited to the process of economic and social recovery at the local and regional level.
Élaboration du Gabarit d’évaluation de l’environnement des programmes : le cas d’une unité universitaire de formation continue au Québec
Authors: Betbeder Laüque Anne-Laure
Published: May 2021

L’évaluation du contexte professionnel dans lequel s’inscrit un programme universitaire demeure un phénomène peu couvert par la littérature en éducation. Il n’en demeure pas moins que la pertinence sociale des programmes fait partie des critères d’évaluation au Québec (CREPUQ, 2004). Qu’en est-il des unités universitaires de formation continue qui offrent des formations professionnalisantes à des étudiants aux modes d’apprentissage non traditionnels ? Quel est le rôle du conseiller en évaluation de programme au sein de ces unités ? La démarche scientifique ayant servi d’assise à la conception d’un gabarit d’évaluation de l’environnement des programmes sera ici justifiée (Rossi, Lipsey et Freeman, 2003 ; Nadeau, 1988 ; Jorro, 2009 ; Scriven, 1996 ; Newcomer, Hatry et Wholey, 2015). Cet outil vise l’aide à la prise de décision (Dubois et Marceau, 2005) et à l’amélioration continue des programmes par voie d’une évaluation formative (Scriven, 19961 ; Rossi et al., 2003 ; Newcomer et al., 2015). Il sera également fait mention des critères d’évaluation retenus afin de mesurer l’écart entre la formation offerte et les attentes des milieux (savoir, savoir-faire, savoir-être, savoir-devenir et normes professionnelles).
L’adoption à la polynésienne à Tahiti : regards sur l’interaction du droit officiel et local
Authors: Asselin Anne-Julie
Published: May 2021

Le fa’a’amu est une forme d’adoption coutumière ancestrale pratiquée en Polynésie française. L’histoire coloniale de ce territoire, notamment l’implantation du Centre d’expérimentation du Pacifique (CEP), a provoqué de profonds changements sociaux, dont une importante transformation du mode d’organisation de la famille polynésienne, le ‘utuafare. Basé sur un modèle familial élargi, composé d’éléments relatifs à la gestion de la terre et à la subsistance, le ‘utuafare fut affecté par des changements de nature économique, l’influence du modèle de famille nucléaire occidental, plus compatible avec l’économie de marché, et la montée de la privatisation des terres. Or, malgré ces profonds changements sociaux, on remarque une continuité, celle de la pratique du fa’a’amu, et ce, en dépit de l’application du Code civil français qui ne reconnaît pas, comme telle, cette forme d’adoption. Cet article se penche sur certaines des stratégies pouvant être employées par les Polynésiens afin de continuer à pratiquer ce don d’enfant. Certains parents décident de rester en marge du droit officiel, alors que d’autres préfèrent recourir aux procédures du Code civil, de façon à obtenir malgré tout, une certaine reconnaissance officielle de leur parentalité.
Éducation à l’autonomie et minimalisme moral
Authors: Foray Philippe
Published: May 2021

Cet article a pour objet d’évaluer la pertinence, autrement dit l’intérêt et les limites, du minimalisme moral dans le domaine éducatif, minimalisme développé par le philosophe français Ruwen Ogien. Partant du fait du « pluralisme raisonnable » (J. Rawls), Ogien soutient que le développement de l’autonomie individuelle est une traduction correcte de ce minimalisme. Mais dans l’éducation, ce dernier se heurte à des limites fortes : l’obligation qui s’impose aux parents et à la société d’éduquer les enfants, et aussi l’existence d’une culture sociétale (en particulier capitaliste) qui impose aux personnes des hiérarchisations sociales, des choix et des préférences. Dans ce contexte, la responsabilité éducative ne peut pas être minimale : éduquer, c’est toujours pour l’adulte vouloir exercer une influence.
Lines Drawn in Blood: A Comparative Perspective on the Accommodation of Blended Families in Succession Law
Authors: Cárdenas Laura
Published: May 2021

Blended families, created by the coupling of individuals with children who are not common to both spouses, are not new to Canadian society. Yet, Canadian legal systems still struggle to find ways of accounting for their specificities in various legal regimes. This article focuses on the way laws on inheritance treat blended families: whether a stepchild can inherit, upon intestacy, from the father they grew up with if he is not listed on their birth certificate; whether, as intended, the child of one of the spouses really receives their parent’s full estate if this parent predeceases their spouse; whether an intestate’s younger “half-sister” receives as much as an estranged older sibling. I take a comparative approach to these questions, critically analyzing laws across Canada, France, England, and Scotland to discuss the strengths and shortcomings of various legislative approaches.

My findings indicate that while blended families create new relationships that are inexistent in the nuclear family, the template for succession laws across the world remains the nuclear family. Yet, even the simple parental relationship, when placed in the unique framework of a blended family, functions differently in this context and can lead to the rerouting of a deceased’s inheritance. This in-depth look at the interplay of blended families and contemporary succession laws, their origins, and purposes allows me to evaluate whether Canadian laws are accomplishing their goals when it comes to blended families. I find that our laws on inheritance often fail to accommodate the specificity of blended families, and suggest a reframing of the way we approach inheritance so as to foster their inclusion.
J. Offenbach’s opera “The Tales of Hoffmann”: on the question of interpretation. Part 2
Authors: Kireyeva Natalia Yurievna , Kuts Angelina Leonidovna
Published: May 2021

J. Offenbach’s opera “The Tales of Hoffmann” stands out from other compositions of this genre. Because of a complicated story behind, this piece of music has several versions and, consequently, various interpretations of the plot. The opera has also other features which are described in the article. Pride of place goes to the study of sopranos. The authors detect the linkage between the main female characters (Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta). The common thread, uniting Hoffmann’s ladies, is an incidental character Stella. The three stories of the poet’s ladies are the stages of Hoffmann’s relations with Stella. Each scene of “The Tales” contains the heroine’s projection which manifests a definite trait of her character.  The ladies from “The Tales” de facto represent various traits of one girl while being de jure the main characters of each story. The composer portrays them in detail which can be seen through the difference in singing ranges and tessituras (from coloratura to lyrical-dramatic soprano). Tessitura differences along with genre duality of the opera affect the selection of expressive means. Features of opera comique allow embodying Olympia’s hardhearted mechanism from the first scene (by means of onomatopoeic elements expressed in complex coloratura passages and music ornaments). Opera lyrique develops Antonia’s inner conflict from the second scene by means of romance parties and lamentation character of music. This peculiar synthesis of both genres manifests itself in Giulietta with the irony of opera comique hidden under the haze of opera lyrique which corresponds with the essence of the heroine (third scene). The above mentioned peculiarities sometimes do not allow performing soprano parties in accordance with the composer’s idea in which the four heroines should be embodied in one solo singer. However, there’ve been lucky occasions in the history of this opera when the singers managed to implement the composer’s idea.   
Functions of the audio background in the film version of L.N. Tolstoy’s novella “The Kreutzer Sonata” (director M. Schweitzer, composer S. Gubaidulina)
Authors: Antonenko Ekaterina Andreevna
Published: May 2021

The author of the article analyzes the film “The Kreutzer Sonata” (director M. Schweitzer, composer S. Gubaidulina) and defines the role of audio background consisting of music and sound effects in the development of the concept of the film version of the same-name novella by L.N. Tolstoy. Based on the comparison of the piece of writing and its screen adaptation, the author describes the functions of the audio background and the role of music as a drama factor. The author emphasizes the importance of timbre and sound principles since the sound characteristics help to define the edges of the event line of the story (the past and the present), and the railway and urban noises become a marker outlining the key phrases of the dialogue of Pozdnyshev with his companion. For the film, the role of citations is important, which are used for describing the characters and interpreting them. Citations accompany the images of Liza (classic piano pieces, romance and French song), Pozdyshev (Strauss waltz, Offenbach’s cancan, and a prison song), and Trukhachevsky (P. Satasate’s gypsy songs). Three main characters are united by L. Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata which creates the psychological subtext in representing the relations between Liza, Trukhachevsky and Pozdyshev.  S. Gubaidulina’s music, using the minimum primary musical expressive means, and mostly by timbers characterises the range of Pozdnyshev’s emotions from love to hate and comments the inner dialogue of the character. The audio background in the film fulfils the illustrative, characterizing, subtextual and drama functions. The specific peculiarity of introducing music into the synthetic text is a frequent usage of the intraframe principle determined by both Tolstoy’s prose and the very title of the novel. The author proves that Schweitzer’s “Kreutzer Sonata” is more authentic as compared with other screen versions since it preserves the dialogues and remarks of characters, the unanimity of real events and flashbacks corresponds with the primary source, and the drama of the film is equal to that of the literary text; at the same time, the expression of culmination points is supported by music and sound effects thus helping to understand the idea of the novella.   
Financial-legal means of countering unscrupulous practices of business fragmentation in Canada
Authors: Podshivalova Daria Yakovlevna
Published: May 2021

Countering the practice of conducting business through several companies for obtaining tax benefits, or in other words, the practice of businesses is fragmentation is a relevant problem not only in the Russian Federation, but also foreign countries. Namely in Canada, small business are qualified for reduction in corporate tax – small business deduction (SBD). At the same time, it substantiated the need for the development of special financial-legal means for preventing taxpayers from misusing it. This article examines the Canadian experience of countering business fragmentation, and discusses various legal means implemented by the Canadian legislator. Special attention is given to the analysis of law enforcement practice of these legal means, including introduction of the “deemed association rule” (Paragraph 2.1, Section 256 of the Law “On Income Tax”). Foreign experience pertinent to legal regulation of countering the practice of business fragmentation has not previously become the subject of detailed analysis, which defines the scientific novelty of this article. The conclusion is made that Canada has a separate legal regulation in form of  the general and special rules aimed at prevention of unscrupulous practices of business fragmentation. The Canadian tax authorities may apply certain special norms prior to resorting to broader discretion. Application of the “deemed association rule”  based on determination of the purpose of separate existence of corporations, draws particular attention. The Canadian law enforcement practice developed the approach, according to which the implementation of this rule should be founded on the objective component and documentary evidence.
Paris and the Parasite
Authors: Smith Macs
Published: May 2021

The social consequences of anti-parasitic urbanism, as efforts to expunge noise and biological parasites penalize those viewed as social parasites.

According to French philosopher Michel Serres, ordered systems are founded on the pathologization of parasites, which can never be fully expelled. In Paris and the Parasite, Macs Smith extends Serres's approach to Paris as a mediatic city, asking what organisms, people, and forms of interference constitute its parasites. Drawing on French poststructuralist theory and philosophy, media theory, the philosophy of science, and an array of literary and cultural sources, he examines Paris and its parasites from the early nineteenth century to today, focusing on the contemporary city. In so doing, he reveals the social consequences of anti-parasitic urbanism.

Smith examines how media shape the design and experience of urban space, as well as how the city passes through layers of mediation. He asks what constitutes noise within a media city. Paris's municipal government views acoustic noise as a public health threat and calls for its elimination. But the government's proposals focus on reducing automobile traffic, making it harder for marginalized people to access the city. Thus, a push to eliminate a supposedly biological parasite banishes the so-called social parasites. Questioning the informatic ideologies undergirding modern urbanism, Smith shows both how this anti-parasitic urbanism works and how the banished outsiders noisily intervene, despite their exclusion from the centers of power. The expulsion of social, biological, and mediatic parasites is a governing theme of modern Paris, yet its parasites continually resurge. What is ultimately at stake is how we understand collective life.
Shiftwork, functional bowel symptoms, and the microbiome
Authors: Rogers Ann E. , Hu Yi-Juan , Yue Ye , Wissel Emily F. , Petit III Robert A. , Jarrett Simone , Christie Jennifer , Read Timothy D.
Published: May 2021

Background

There are about 15 million Americans working full-time on evening, night, or rotating shifts. Between 48% and 81.9% of those working rotating or night shifts report abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and other symptoms of functional bowel disorders. The basis for this high prevalence of functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among shift workers is unknown. Animal studies, however, suggest that circadian disruption, similar to that in shift workers, may contribute to the development of GI complaints among shift workers by altering the composition and normal diurnal rhythmicity of the resident intestinal microbes. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine if there were differences in (1) composition and diversity of the microbiome of night shift workers compared to day shift workers; and (2) the composition and diversity of the microbiome among shift workers experiencing functional bowel symptoms compared to shift workers who did not experience functional bowel symptoms.

Methods

Fifty-one full time staff nurses who worked either 12-hour day or night shifts completed demographic information, and the Rome III IBS module. They also collected two samples of gut microbiota before the beginning and at the end of their last work shift on day 14, using validated field-tested methods consistent with the Human Microbiome Project. After DNA extraction, 16S rRNA sequencing and assignment to the genus level was completed, samples were then compared to determine if there were (1) differences in the diversity and profile of the microbiome by shift type; (2) if there were differences in the microbiome by time of day for collection; and (3) whether there were differences in the diversity and profile of the microbiome of nurses with IBS and those without IBS.

Results

There were no differences in alpha or beta diversity of gut microbiota when specimens from day and night shift nurses were compared. There were however marginal differences in beta diversity when specimens collected at the beginning and end of the shifts were compared, with seven OTUs being differentially abundant when collected from day shift workers in the evening. There were also three OTUs to be differentially abundant in participants reporting IBS symptoms.
Perception of Students and Faculties towards Implementation of Concept Mapping in Pharmacology: A Cross-sectional Interventional Study
Authors: Nath Sarmila , Bhattacharyya Swati , Preetinanda Pallavi
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Medical Council of India (MCI) in the current competency based on the undergraduate curriculum for the Indian medical graduate has focussed on the development of critical thinking, reasoning and communicating abilities of the undergraduate students. This would enable them to apply their knowledge effectively and provide better patient care. In this context, concept mapping has proved to be a simple yet powerful tool. Aim: To assess the feasibility of implementing concept mapping module and perception of the students and faculty about use of concept mapping as complementary teaching aid in pharmacology using peer validated questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional interventional study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology of a tertiary hospital in Eastern India. Study duration was six months, from September 2019 to February 2020. After obtaining permission from Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), 64 consenting students of 2nd professional MBBS, Dean of student affairs, Medical Education Unit (MEU) Co-ordinator and 10 faculties of the Department of Pharmacology were sensitised about the concept mapping. A module for implementation and assessment rubric was decided. Participating students were randomly divided into eight groups (Group A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H), each group comprising eight students. Each group had to prepare one concept map on an allotted topic from General Pharmacology. They had to submit the maps within seven days. Students could use pen and paper or they could utilise computer software to prepare the maps. After submission, faculties other than the researcher assessed and gave feedback to the students. After one month, the second set of assignments was allotted on topics from autonomic nervous system. As before, submission had to be done in seven days. This set was also assessed and feedback given. At the end of second submission, perception of the students and faculties about implementation of the module was assessed through peer validated open as well as closed ended questionnaires. A FGD was also held among participating faculties. Open ended questions were analysed using verbatim and closed ended questions were analysed as percentage using Microsoft Excel. FGD was analysed using content analysis method. Results: Among the 64 participating students, 63 (98.43%) preferred concept mapping as complementary teaching tool in addition to traditional tutorial format and 62 (96.9%) students enjoyed making the concept maps. On analysis of students’ feedback, 56 (87.5%) students opined that this module could be included in Pharmacology curriculum. Out of 12 faculties, 7 (58.33%) graded feasibility of the module as 4 out of a maximum of 5. Conclusion: This study concludes that with proper selection of topics, concept mapping may be included as complementary teaching learning tool in Pharmacology curriculum for undergraduate students.
Microbial Reduction Potential of Chlorine and its Contribution to Incidence of Stress Response Genes in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Olowe Busayo Mutiat , Adelegan Olufunke
Published: May 2021

Background: The quest for potability of drinking water in various homes led to the widely use of chlorine or chlorine compound in treatment of water. Which however has contributed to increasing incidences of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microbial reduction potential and contribution of Sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl, to incidence of stress response genes in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Study Design: Experimental Design was adopted in this study

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University between October, 2019 and February, 2020.

Methodology: Sixteen (16) different water samples were randomly collected from various homes in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti and were chlorinated following manufacturer’s instruction. Microbial load of both raw and chlorinated water was determined using standard pour plate technique. Standard streaking method was used to isolate bacteria from chlorinated water samples. Standard CLSI technique was used to test the sensitivity of isolates to different antibiotics and PCR technique was employed to detect stress response genes (RpoS, RpoN, KatF genes) in multiple antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates.

Results: The result showed 24% and 52% reduction in the microbial load of well and pipe-borne water samples respectively following treatment with NaOCl for 180 sec. The different identified bacterial isolates recovered from chlorinated water samples included Enterobacter aerogenes (7.14 %), Proteus vulgaris (10.71 %), Escherichia coli (25 %), Bacillus cereus (32.14 %), Bacillus licheniformis (14.29 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (10.70 %). The bacterial isolates demonstrated varying resistance pattern to the different antibiotics. RpoS, RpoN and KatF genes encoding stress responses were detected in some of the tested antibiotic-resistant isolates.

Conclusion: The study therefore stresses the importance of chlorination in contributing to increasing incidence of resistance of bacteria to stressors in the environment. Hence, subverting chlorination efficacy in treatment of water.
Impact of Auxins on Rooting and Establishment of Seedless Lemon (Citrus limonL. Burm.) Air-layers for Successful Propagation
Authors: Rathour Shubham Singh , Tomar K. S. , Poonam . , Bhadoriya Shubham , Katoriya R. S.
Published: May 2021

Study Design:  Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Gwalior, MP between 2018 - 2019.

Methodology:In 2018-19 the study conducted amidst rainy season and Gird agro-climatic context of Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the effect of phytohormones on rooting and establishment of seedless lemon air layers. Experiment consisting nine treatments replicated three times under Randomized Block Design. Treatments comprising of two plant hormones namely IBA and NAA each with four concentration levels i.e. 1250, 2500, 3750 and 5000ppm including control. Plants age were seven years.

Results:The results revealed maximal rooting percentage (92.00), number of primary roots (22.72) and secondary roots (49.97), length of primary roots (5.05 cm) and secondary roots (2.25 cm), diameter of primary roots (1.68 mm) and secondary roots (0.84 mm) and dry weight of roots (2.32g) and planted air-layers (89.21 %) were recorded with application of IBA @ 5000ppm.

Conclusion:Indole-3-butyric acid performed better than naphthalene acetic acid for promoting rooting and establishment in seedless lemon air-layers. Application of IBA @ 5000ppm significantly increased rooting characters followed by NAA @5000ppm for better establishment of Lemon air layers for its propagation.
Artepillin C Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Cell Cycle Arrest at G0/G1 Phase Accompanied by Up-Regulation of p27Kip1 in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Shang Weitao , Kanazawa Kazuki
Published: May 2021

Artepillin C, 3, 5-diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, is one of the bioactive constituents in Brazilian propolis. In the present study, the anticarcinogenic activity of this compound was investigated in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Artepillin C inhibited the cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner accompanied by G0/G1 phase arrest in the cell cycle. This compound caused a decrease in the phosphorylation levels of the retinoblastoma protein at Ser780 and Ser807/811 and a decrease in the kinase activity of the cyclinD and CDK4 complex without any change in these protein levels. Artepillin C increased the protein level of p27Kip1, known as a CDK inhibitor. This up-regulation was regulated by both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, i.e., the treatment increased the mRNA of p27Kip1 and decreased the proteosome activity. Thus, artepillin C induces cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase accompanied by up-regulation of p27Kip1, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation in HepG2 cells. This study suggested that artepillin C will be a promising anti-cancer agent against hepatoma cancer.
Pesticide exposure and adverse health effects associated with farmwork in Northern Thailand
Authors: Forté Chanese A , Colacino Justin , Polemi Katelyn , Guytingco Andrea , Peraino Nicholas J , Jindaphong Siripond , Kaviya Tharinya , Westrick Judy , Neitzel Richard , Nambunmee Kowit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To assess pesticide exposure and understand the resultant health effects of agricultural workers in Northern Thailand.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. We quantified exposure to pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, methomyl, and metalaxyl, by air sampling and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. We estimated differences in self-reported health outcomes, complete blood counts, cholinesterase activity, and serum/urine calcium and creatinine concentrations at baseline between farmworkers and comparison workers, and after pesticide spraying in farmworkers only.

Results

This study included 97 men between the ages of 22 and 76 years; 70 were conventional farmworkers; and 27 did not report any prior farmwork or pesticide spraying. None of the farmworkers wore standardized personal protective equipment (PPE) for the concentrated chemicals they were working with. Methomyl (8.4-13 481.9 ng/m3), ethyl chlorpyrifos (11.6-67 759 ng/m3), and metalaxyl (13.9-41 191.3 ng/m3) were detected via personal air sampling. When it came to reporting confidence in the ability to handle personal problems, only 43% of farmworkers reported feeling confident, which reflects higher stress levels in comparison to 78% of comparison workers (P = .028). Farmworkers also had significantly lower monocyte counts (P = .01), serum calcium (P = .01), red blood count (P = .01), white blood cell count (P = .04), and butyrylcholinesterase activity (P < .0001), relative to comparison workers. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI), age, and smoking, methomyl air concentrations were associated with a decrease in farmworker acetylcholinesterase activity (beta = −0.327, P = .016).

Conclusions

This population of farmworkers had significant alterations in stress measures and clinical biomarkers, including decreased blood cell counts and cholinesterase activity, relative to matched controls. These changes are potentially linked to occupational pesticide exposures. Improving PPE use presents a likely route for preventive intervention in this population.
Early and late manifestations of neuropathy due to HSPB1 mutation in the Jewish Iranian population
Authors: Greenbaum Lior , Ben‐David Merav , Nikitin Vera , Gera Orna , Barel Ortal , Hersalis‐Eldar Adi , Shamash Jana , Shimshoviz Noam , Reznik‐Wolf Haike , Shohat Mordechai , Dominissini Dan , Pras Elon , Dori Amir
Published: May 2021

Objective

Mutations in the HSPB1 gene are associated with a distal hereditary motor neuropathy type 2 (dHMN2) or Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease type 2F (CMT2F), usually with autosomal dominant inheritance. This study aimed to describe the phenotype of the HSPB1 c.407G>T (p.Arg136Leu) mutation at early and late stages of the disease course.

Methods

We identified this mutation (previously reported in patients from Italy) in a heterozygous state, among 14 individuals from eight families of Jewish Iranian descent. The clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic features were evaluated during early (less than 5 years, N = 9) or late disease course (N = 5).

Results

The majority of subjects were males with a mean age at onset of 43.4 years (range 21‐67). Common initial symptoms were gait imbalance, distal (often asymmetric) lower limb weakness and feet numbness. Neurological examination in early disease course showed distal lower extremity weakness in nearly all cases, and absent Achilles tendon reflex in about half. A minority had distal loss of pain, vibration or position sensation. These findings were more prevalent in late disease stage. Electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated a length‐dependent axonal motor neuropathy, with typical preferential involvement of the tibial nerve. Muscle ultrasound showed a corresponding length‐dependent increase of homogeneous echo‐intensity, most noticeably in the gastrocnemius. One patient had a dual diagnosis of CMT2F and CMT2W.

Interpretation

The HSPB1 c.407G>G (p.Arg136Leu) mutation causes an adult‐onset, predominantly motor, axonal neuropathy in individuals of Jewish Iranian descent. Variable manifestations are noticed, and sensory involvement is more prominent in prolonged disease duration.
Neural correlates of fat preference in frontotemporal dementia: translating insights from the obesity literature
Authors: Ahmed Rebekah M. , Tse Nga Yan , Chen Yu , Henning Elana , Hodges John R. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Irish Muireann , Farooqi I. Sadaf , Piguet Olivier
Published: May 2021

Objective

Alterations in eating behaviour are one of the diagnostic features of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). It is hypothesised that underlying brain network disturbances and atrophy to key structures may affect macronutrient preference in bvFTD. We aimed to establish whether a preference for dietary fat exists in bvFTD, its association with cognitive symptoms and the underlying neural mechanisms driving these changes.

Methods

Using a test meal paradigm, adapted from the obesity literature, with variable fat content (low 20%, medium 40% and high 60%), preference for fat in 20 bvFTD was compared to 16 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 13 control participants. MRI brain scans were analysed to determine the neural correlates of fat preference.

Results

Behavioural variant FTD patients preferred the high‐fat meal compared to both AD (U = 61.5; p = 0.001) and controls (U = 41.5; p = 0.001), with 85% of bvFTD participants consistently rating the high‐fat content meal as their preferred option. This increased preference for the high‐fat meal was associated with total behavioural change (Cambridge Behavioural Inventory: rs = 0.462; p = 0.001), as well as overall functional decline (Frontotemporal Dementia Rating Scale: rs = −0.420; p = 0.03). A preference for high‐fat content in bvFTD was associated with atrophy in an extended brain network including frontopolar, anterior cingulate, insular cortices, putamen and amygdala extending into lateral temporal, posteromedial parietal and occipital cortices.

Conclusions

Increased preference for fat content is associated with many of the canonical features of bvFTD. These findings offer new insights into markers of disease progression and pathogenesis, providing potential treatment targets.
Patient Acceptance of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Rheumatology Care
Authors: Frazier Karen , Paez Kathryn A. , Creek Emily , Vinci Arlene , Amolegbe Andrew , Hasanbasri Arifah
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess whether patients with autoimmune disease would accept advanced practice providers (APPs) as an option to fill the growing shortage of rheumatologists.

Methods

We administered a cross‐sectional survey to 500 patients or parents of children who reported having been diagnosed with qualifying autoimmune conditions and who had seen their primary rheumatology providers in the past 6 months. Respondents self‐reported whether their primary providers were rheumatologists or APPs. Our analysis compared the attitude and experience of the patients whose primary rheumatology providers were APPs with those of patients whose primary providers were rheumatologists.

Results

Of respondents, 36.8% reported having APPs as primary rheumatology providers. Patients of APPs were significantly more likely to arrive at their provider's office in 15 minutes or less (P < 0.01) and to be able to schedule routine and urgent appointments sooner (P = 0.02 and 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in overall patient experience of care between provider types. Most patients rated their providers highly, but those who saw rheumatologists rated their providers significantly higher (P < 0.01). Patients of APPs were significantly more likely than patients of rheumatologists to prefer to see APPs over rheumatologists (P < 0.01) and to recommend APPs (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

APPs may improve access to care and, regardless of provider type, patients rated their overall experience of care similarly. Overall, patient attitudes toward APPs were positive regardless of provider type, although APP patients held more positive overall attitudes toward APPs than did rheumatologist patients.
Risk of Hospitalization for Serious Infection After Initiation of Ustekinumab or Other Biologics in Patients With Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Jin Yinzhu , Lee Hemin , Lee Moa P. , Landon Joan E. , Merola Joseph F. , Desai Rishi J. , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To compare the risk of serious infections requiring hospitalization in patients with psoriasis (PsO) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) initiating ustekinumab versus other biologics or apremilast.

Methods

In this multi‐database cohort study, we identified patients with PsO/PsA who initiated therapy with adalimumab, apremilast, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, or ustekinumab between 2009 and 2018. The primary outcome measure was hospitalizations due to serious infections, which included bacterial, viral, or opportunistic infections. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) comparing each study drug to ustekinumab after applying propensity score fine stratification weights for confounding control in each database. Database‐specific weighted HRs were combined by meta‐analysis.

Results

We identified 123,383 patients with PsO/PsA who initiated one of the study drugs. During a total of 117,744 person‐years of follow‐up, 1,514 serious infections occurred with a crude incidence of 1.29 per 100 person‐years. After propensity score fine stratification and weighting, the incidence rates of serious infection among ustekinumab initiators ranged from 0.59 to 0.95 per 100 person‐years. Compared with ustekinumab, the combined weighted HRs (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for serious infections were 1.66 (95% CI 1.34–2.06) for adalimumab, 1.42 (95% CI 1.02–1.96) for apremilast, 1.09 (95% CI 0.68–1.75) for certolizumab, 1.39 (95% CI 1.01–1.90) for etanercept, 1.74 (95% CI 1.00–3.03) for golimumab, 2.92 (95% CI 1.80–4.72) for infliximab, 2.98 (95% CI 1.20–7.41) for ixekizumab, and 1.84 (95% CI 1.24–2.72) for secukinumab.

Conclusion

Other biologics and apremilast were associated with a 1.4‐ to 3‐times higher risk of hospitalization for serious infections in PsO/PsA patients when compared to ustekinumab; this finding should be considered in the safety profile of these therapies when selecting appropriate treatment regimens in patients with PsO/PsA.
Diagnostic Performances of Ultrasound Evaluation of Major Salivary Glands According to the 2019 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Ultrasound Scoring System
Authors: Robin François , Albert Jean‐David , Lescoat Alain , Martel Amélie , Perdriger Aleth , DeBandt Michel , Maillot François , Coiffier Guillaume
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound examination of the salivary glands (US‐SG) according to the 2019 Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) US scoring system for Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

The present work was a retrospective study based on a multicentric cohort with SS/sicca syndrome. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2016 classification criteria for SS (a score of ≥4 without ocular staining score), the American‐European Consensus Group (AECG) 2002 classification criteria, and clinician experts were considered as reference standards for diagnosis of SS. An OMERACT score of ≥2 according to 2 independent readers defined the diagnosis of SS based on US‐SG assessment. Diagnostic performances and interobserver reproducibility of US‐SG were assessed.

Results

Forty‐two patients fulfilling the ACR/EULAR 2016 criteria for SS were compared to 30 control subjects with sicca syndrome. Twenty‐five patients were diagnosed as having SS according to US‐SG evaluation, and they were more frequently observed in the SS group (52.5%) than in the control group (10.0%) (P < 0.001). US‐SG showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.751 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.621, 0.882) for the diagnosis of SS (ACR/EULAR 2016 classification). The inclusion of US‐SG in the ACR/EULAR 2016 classification improved sensitivity (91.5% versus 89.4%) with limited decrease of specificity (96.0% versus 100%) and with an AUC of 0.975 (95% CI 0.945, 1.00). Similar results were observed when US‐SG was included in the AECG 2002 classification criteria. Interobserver reproducibility of a score of ≥2 according to the 2019 OMERACT US scoring system for SS diagnosis was good (κ = 0.73 [95% CI 0.64, 0.81]). Histologic lymphocyte infiltration of the minor salivary glands was associated with the OMERACT grading of US‐SG.

Conclusion

The present study confirms the good specificity of the 2019 OMERACT US classification measures of US‐SG for the diagnosis of SS and its feasibility in daily practice.
“Like Peanut Butter and Jelly”: A Qualitative Study of Chiropractic Care and Home Exercise Among Older Adults With Spinal Disability
Authors: Maiers Michele , Salsbury Stacie A.
Published: May 2021

Objective

A mixed‐methods, randomized controlled trial comparing short‐ and long‐term chiropractic care and exercise therapy for spinal disability in older adults found no between‐group differences in the primary outcome. However, those who received long‐term management reported greater improvement in neck pain, self‐efficacy, function, and balance. This nested qualitative study explored participants' perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of chiropractic care and exercise for spine‐related outcomes, with an emphasis on understanding what makes treatment for spine‐related problems worthwhile.

Methods

Of 171 individual interviews conducted after completing study treatment, 50 participants (25 per treatment group) were randomly selected for this analysis. Qualitative descriptive analysis included dual coding of verbatim transcripts by 2 investigators (MM and SAS), which was further distilled into a consensus‐derived codebook of themes and organized using NVIVO software.

Results

Participants described trial interventions as complementary to one another for spine‐related disability. Chiropractic care was viewed as improving spinal pain and controlling symptoms, while exercise therapy was noted for its long‐term impact on self‐efficacy and self‐management. These older adults considered changes in pain, global sense of improvement, and improved biomechanical function as making treatment worthwhile.

Conclusion

Older adults valued nonpharmacologic treatment options that aided them in controlling spine‐related symptoms, while empowering them to maintain clinical benefit gained after a course of chiropractic spinal manipulation and exercise. The complementary nature of provider‐delivered and active care modalities may be an important consideration when developing care plans. This study underscores the importance of understanding participants' values and experiences when interpreting study results and applying them to practice.
Quick Thermal Response‐Transparent‐Wearable Heater Based on Copper Mesh/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Film
Authors: Kim Han-Jung , Choi Dong-In , Lee Suhan , Sung Sang-Keun , Kang Do-Hyung , Kim Junhee , Kim Yoonkap
Published: May 2021

High‐performance, transparent, wearable heaters with fast thermal response are developed. To accomplish this, highly conductive and transparent copper (Cu) mesh films are transfer printed onto flexible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) substrates of different thicknesses. The thermal response characteristics of the heaters, with different PVA substrate thicknesses, are analyzed and results are recorded. The Cu mesh/PVA film heater shows a favorable figure of merit value of 228.4 and outstanding durability in response to mechanical stress tests for bending, crumpling, and detaching. Through the test results, it is concluded that the thermal response time of the heater is directly related to the thickness of the PVA substrate. The optimized Cu mesh/PVA film heater, with a substrate thickness of ≈60 μm and input voltage of 3 V (DC), exhibits a fast Joule heating effect with a response time of ≈12 s and a ramping rate of ≈7.5 °C s−1. These are excellent results, compared with the previously reported studies with other metal‐based flexible transparent heaters. A flexible transparent heater with low applied voltage and fast response time is expected to have innovative electrothermal applications, such as transparent soft actuators, wearable heaters, and medical thermotherapy pads.
Production of napiergrass as a forage and bioenergy feedstock with swine‐lagoon effluent
Authors: Read John J. , Lang David J. , Anderson William F.
Published: May 2021

Studies are lacking on the performance of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) fertilized with swine (Sus scrofa domestica)‐lagoon effluent. This study (2011–2013) determined biomass yield, nutrient removal, nutritive value, and ethanol yield in cultivar ‘Merkeron’ at a single, late‐season harvest. Effluent irrigations provided 727 kg ha–1 nitrogen (N) annually (3‐yr average). Napiergrass removed 92% of N and 73% of phosphorus (P) applied in 2013, the peak year of production (58.9 Mg ha–1). As compared to stems, leaves had greater (p < .01) crude protein (32 vs. 100 g kg–1) and less acid detergent fiber (482 vs. 340 g kg–1). Ethanol yield was approximately 36% lower in stems than leaves (98 vs. 153 g kg–1), and xylose yield was 7% lower (170 vs 183 g kg–1); however, stems account for a larger amount of lignocellulosic biomass for estimating bioethanol production than leaves. Ethanol yield potential was approximately 109 g kg–1 grass biomass.
Which is the best predictor of clinically relevant pancreatic fistula after pancreatectomy: drain fluid concentration or total amount of amylase?
Authors: Fukami Yasuyuki , Saito Takuya , Osawa Takaaki , Hanazawa Takaaki , Kurahashi Takehiro , Kurahashi Shintaro , Matsumura Tatsuki , Komatsu Shunichiro , Kaneko Kenitiro , Sano Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2021

Aim

Drain fluid amylase concentration (DFAC) has been reported as a predictor of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF) after pancreatectomy. However, the clinical significance of measuring the total drain fluid amylase amount (DFAA) considering the daily drainage volume of CR‐POPF remains unclear.

Methods

Data from 216 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (n = 126) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) (n = 90) between August 2014 and November 2020 were reviewed. All drains were closed but not suctioned. DFAA was calculated by multiplying the DFAC and daily drainage fluid volume. DFAC and DFAA were recorded on d 1 and 3 after pancreatectomy. The cutoff value of CR‐POPF was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

CR‐POPF was found in 75 patients (35%) (PD: 30%, DP: 41%, P = .111); the mortality rate was zero. The cutoff value of DFAC‐day 1 was 1757 U/L (sensitivity [SE]: 84%, specificity [SP]: 62%, and accuracy [AC]: 69%). The cutoff value of DFAA‐day 1 was 139 U (SE: 71%, SP: 72%, and AC: 71%). The cutoff value of DFAC‐day 3 was 1044 U/L (SE: 73%, SP: 79%, and AC: 78%). The cutoff value of DFAA‐day 3 was 21 U (SE: 68%, SP: 72%, and AC: 70%). Multivariate analysis indicated that a nondilated pancreatic duct and high DFAC‐day 3 were independently associated with CR‐POPF after PD, indicating that a prolonged operative duration, massive blood loss, and high DFAC‐day 3 are independently associated with CR‐POPF after DP.

Conclusion

DFAC is more reliable than DFAA for predicting CR‐POPF after both PD and DP.
Multipartite Entanglement Structure Resolution Analyzer Based on Quantum‐Control‐Assisted Multipartite Uncertainty Relation
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Ma Shao‐Qiang , Zhang Guo‐Feng , Fan Heng , Liu Wu‐Ming , Kwek Leong‐Chuan
Published: May 2021

By constructing a quantum‐control‐assisted multipartite uncertainty relation, a general and efficient multipartite entanglement structure resolution analyzer is provided for all pure states with arbitrary number of parties in arbitrary finite dimension. The lower bounds of this multipartite uncertainty relation present different spectra for different multipartite entanglement structures, and they thus can be considered as a form of resolution analyzer for the multipartite entanglement structure. The resolution analyzer obtained delineates the detailed structure of multipartite entanglement with a suitable number of incompatible measurements, without a complete prior knowledge of the quantum state.