bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Medications for Atrial Fibrillation Among Older Women: Results From the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health
Authors: Abbas Shazia Shehzad , Majeed Tazeen , Nair Balakrishnan R. , Forder Peta M. , Biostatistics M. , Weaver Natasha , Byles Julie E.
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

Examine patterns of medication use, changes in medication patterns over time, and investigate factors associated with medication patterns among older Australian women with Atrial Fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

It is a retrospective analysis of the 1921-26 birth cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), diagnosed with AF between 2000-2015 (N = 1206). Survey data of these women was linked with national registries for medications and death. Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) identified distinct patterns of medication use and transitions among these patterns for 3 consecutive years following AF diagnosis. LTA with co-variates determined the factors associated with latent status membership.

Results:

One-tenth (9.6%, 11.7%, 11.4%) of the study population did not receive any medication for AF in all 3 years following AF diagnosis and about 60% did not receive any medication for the prevention of thromboembolism. Among those who received medications, almost three-quarters (76.6%, 68.4%, 68.5%) received some kind of combination of medications. LTA indicated at least 6 different patterns of AF medications. These patterns had transition probabilities >85% for most of the latent statuses. All factors but diabetes mellitus among the CHA2DS2-VA scoring scheme were independently associated with latent status membership at the time of AF diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Evaluation of pharmacological treatment indicates that prevention of thromboembolism is inadequate among women with AF. There exists wide variations in medication patterns. However, once in a particular pattern, women are likely to continue the same medications long-term. This underscores the importance of initial assessment of patient profile and stroke risk score in determining the treatment for AF. Failure to assess risk makes women susceptible to devastating AF complications.
The Impact of Abusive Supervision and Constituent Attachment on Entry-Level Employee Turnover
Authors: Tews Michael J. , Stafford Kathryn
Published: August 2020

The present study extends the body of research on turnover by examining the impact of abusive supervision on turnover in the context of entry-level hospitality employees, drawing on conservation of resources theory as an overarching theoretical lens. In addition, this research examined moderators in the abusive supervision–turnover relationship, specifically constituent attachment and employee age. With a sample of 980 restaurant front-of-house employees, data on abusive supervision, constituent attachment, and age were used to predict turnover over a 6-month period via logistic regression. Abusive supervision increased turnover among the sample overall. However, the effect was stronger for younger employees. In addition, constituent attachment increased the likelihood of turnover for younger employees who experienced greater abusive supervision. The present study serves to validate the adverse impact of abusive supervision on turnover along with factors that may strengthen or attenuate its impact.
Association between morphological characteristics of the optic disc and other anatomical features of the fundus in highly myopic eyes
Authors: Guo Xiaoxiao , Chen Xi , Li Min , Li Shanshan , You Ran , Wang Yanling
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To investigate associated factors with optic disc characteristics in high myopia patients.

Methods:

According to the meta-analysis of pathologic myopia study, patients were divided into groups from categories 1 (C1) to C4. The diameters, tilt ratio, and rotation degree of optic disc, and the diameters of parapapillary atrophy were measured among other morphometric variables.

Results:

Totally 147 eyes (84 patients) were included. Longer horizontal optic disc diameter was associated with smaller tilt ratio ( p < 0.001, unstandardized regression coefficient B: −0.59), greater rotation degree ( p < 0.001, B: 0.01), and longer horizontal delta zone diameter ( p < 0.001, B: 0.09). Longer vertical optic disc diameter was associated with smaller rotation degree ( p < 0.001, B: 0.01), longer vertical delta zone diameter ( p < 0.001, B: 0.16), and longer disc–fovea distance (DFD; p < 0.024, B: 0.14). Generally, the horizontal optic disc diameter of C3 and C4 groups was smaller than C1 and C2, while vertical diameter and tilt ratio was greater than in C1 and C2. After setting axial length (AL) as an independent variable, horizontal diameters and tilt ratio still showed significant differences, while vertical diameters did not show significant differences.

Conclusion:

Axial elongation was associated with an increase of vertical optic disc diameter that was correlated with an reduction of optic disc rotation degree. By contrast, horizontal optic disc diameter elongation was correlated with an reduction of optic disc tilt ratio and an increase of optic disc rotation degree, which was independent of axial elongation.
The Effect of Dietary Intake of Vitamin D on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Aljanahi Alanood , Hadhiah Huda , Al-Nasr Wejdan , Abuzaid Omar , Al Qahtani Nourah , Sebastian Tunny , Metwally Reham
Published: August 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health issue that has been reaching epidemic proportions in the recent years. Low intake of some nutrients like vitamin D may increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was to investigate the association between the dietary intake of Vitamin D and GDM among women in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. A case-control study was conducted in a sample of 121 women, among those 72 were with GDM and 49 were controls. Vitamin D was estimated using food frequency questionnaire. Also, the 24-h’s dietary recall was carried out for 3 days to determine the nutrient intake as well as biochemical analysis for blood glucose level. In this study, GDM subjects were consuming significantly more eggs ( P = .040). Vitamin D and vitamin C intakes in GDM and control pregnant women were lower than recommended dietary allowances (RDA). It was also found that low-fat milk, full-fat milk, fortified yogurt, and fortified orange juice were significantly associated with GDM ( P < 0.05). Saudi women with GDM need a well-organized dietary counseling before, during pregnancy, and after delivery especially for vitamin D sources.
An effective method for damage assessment based on limited measured locations in skeletal structures
Authors: Ghannadi Parsa , Kourehli Seyed Sina
Published: August 2020

This article proposes a new damage detection method using Modal Test Analysis Model and artificial neural networks. A challenge in damage detection problems is lack of measured degrees of freedom, as well as limitations of attached sensors. Modal Test Analysis Model has been used in order to estimate unmeasured degrees of freedom. An experimental cantilever beam was used to show Modal Test Analysis Model’s efficiency in estimation of unmeasured mode shapes. To solve the inverse problem of damage detection, mode shapes estimated by Modal Test Analysis Model were used as inputs, and characteristics of the damage served as outputs of the artificial neural network. The sensitivity analysis carried out for each example showing the performance of artificial neural network after mode shape expansion was efficiently improved. Three numerical examples for plane and space truss structures are considered, in order to verify effectiveness of the proposed method. Results demonstrate a high accuracy of Modal Test Analysis Model and artificial neural network for structural damage detection.
The Homophily Effect of Demographic Attributes: Moderating Role of Demographic Salience and Time Effect
Authors: Rethemeyer R. Karl , Ryu Geunpil
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the role of homophily with respect to demographic attributes on the formation of friendships, focusing on the moderating effect of attribute salience and time effect. To address the research questions, we explored a data set collected from Master of Public Administration (MPA) students in four waves over a period of nearly a year. An actor-based model was employed to test various research hypotheses concerning the longitudinal evolution of a friendship network. As a result, we found that (1) salience of demographic attributes does not moderate the relationship between the attributes and friendship ties and (2) age homophily is associated with friendship formation only in the initial stage.
Competencies of Performance Appraisal in a Dentistry School: A 6-Year Study
Authors: Ozdemir-Ozenen Didem , Ozcakir-Tomruk Ceyda , Ozenen Gurkan , Ozdemir-Karatas Meltem , Tanriover Ozlem , Sungurtekin-Ekci Elif , Tanalp Jale
Published: August 2020

This study was performed to determine how senior students rate the importance of each competency of their performance and collect information on the self-perceived confidence levels pertaining to each competency. An anonymous survey was conducted on senior students of 6 consecutive years between 2012 and 2017. Students were asked to rate the importance of each competency and their self-confidences using a 5-point scale. Application of appropriate interpersonal and communication skills was ranked as the most important competency whereas developing a catastrophe preparedness plan for dental practice was ranked as having the lowest importance. Areas reported as weaker should be a warning sign for educators to develop strategies for better delivery and implementation of competencies and students’ performance.
Life Years Lost to Police Encounters in the United States
Authors: Wrigley-Field Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

How much life in the United States is lost to encounters with the police? The author builds on a demographic life table model by Edwards, Lee, and Esposito to estimate, for race- and gender-specific populations, how many years of life are lost in two categories of police encounters: (1) encounters involving officer use of force and (2) all deaths involving police encounters. Average life years lost by individuals who are killed ranges from 39 years (white men) to 52 years (Native women). The loss of years per 100,000 people over their collective lifetimes is largest for Black men, with 5,696 years of life lost to all encounters with police, of which 3,772 years are lost to police use of force. This implies a loss of roughly 16,000 years of life for recent cohorts of Black men. These results provide context for current debates surrounding the cost and necessity of protests.
Incidence of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in asthma: a UK population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Chalitsios Christos V. , McKeever Tricia M. , Shaw Dominick E.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Osteoporosis and fragility fractures are associated with corticosteroids which are the mainstay treatment for asthma; however, these bone comorbidities within asthma need to be better described.

Methods

A matched cohort study was conducted using the UK Clinical Practice Research Database (CPRD). Adults with an incident asthma code were identified and matched, with up to four randomly selected people without asthma, by age, sex and practice. Osteoporosis and fragility fracture incidence rates were calculated, and Cox regression was performed comparing hazard rates to the general population. We report the impact of age, sex, glucocorticoids and the risk of specific fractures.

Results

Patients with asthma had a higher risk of osteoporosis (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.13–1.23) and were 12% (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) more likely to sustain fragility fractures than the general population. Age modified the effect of asthma on osteoporosis and fragility fractures, such that the effect was stronger in younger people (pinteraction<0.0001). The vertebra (aHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.33–1.48) and forearm/wrist (aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.22–1.32) were the sites linked with a larger incidence. A dose–response relationship between oral corticosteroids (OCS) and osteoporosis was observed, whereas the risk of fragility fractures increased in those with six or more OCS courses per year. Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) increased the risk of both bone conditions.

Conclusions

Patients with asthma are more likely to develop osteoporosis or sustain fragility fractures than the general population, with a particular concern in younger people and those more frequently using OCS and ICS.
Identification of protein complexes and functional modules in E. coli PPI networks
Authors: Kong Ping , Huang Gang , Liu Wei
Published: August 2020

Background

Escherichia coli always plays an important role in microbial research, and it has been a benchmark model for the study of molecular mechanisms of microorganisms. Molecular complexes, operons, and functional modules are valuable molecular functional domains of E. coli. The identification of protein complexes and functional modules of E. coli is essential to reveal the principles of cell organization, process, and function. At present, many studies focus on the detection of E. coli protein complexes based on experimental methods. However, based on the large-scale proteomics data set of E. coli, the simultaneous prediction of protein complexes and functional modules, especially the comparative analysis of them is relatively less.

Results

In this study, the Edge Label Propagate Algorithm (ELPA) of the complex biological network was used to predict the protein complexes and functional modules of two high-quality PPI networks of E. coli, respectively. According to the gold standard protein complexes and function annotations provided by EcoCyc dataset, most protein modules predicted in the two datasets matched highly with real protein complexes, cellular processes, and biological functions. Some novel and significant protein complexes and functional modules were revealed based on ELPA. Moreover, through a comparative analysis of predicted complexes with corresponding functional modules, we found the protein complexes were significantly overlapped with corresponding functional modules, and almost all predicted protein complexes were completely covered by one or more functional modules. Finally, on the same PPI network of E. coli, ELPA was compared with a well-known protein module detection method (MCL) and we found that the performance of ELPA and MCL is comparable in predicting protein complexes.

Conclusions

In this paper, a link clustering method was used to predict protein complexes and functional modules in PPI networks of E. coli, and the correlation between them was compared, which could help us to understand the molecular functional units of E. coli better.
Comprehensive identification and analysis of DELLA genes throughout the plant kingdom
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Zhang Qianqian , Chen Yingchun , Zhao Yanxia , Ren Fengshan , Shi Hongmei , Wu Xinying
Published: August 2020

Background

DELLAs play key roles in plant gibberellin signaling pathways and are generally important in plant development and growth. However, DELLAs in many plant taxa have not yet been systematically analyzed.

Results

In our study, we searched for DELLA genes across 58 green plant genomes and found 181 DELLAs. Structure analysis showed some DELLA domains do not contain “D-E-L-L-A” sequences and instead contain similar domains, including DGLLA and DSLLH domains. “VHYNP” motifs in plant DELLAs comprise 23 types of sequences, while some DELLAs did not contain GRAS domains. In grape, we found that the DELLA protein GSVIVT01015465001 contains an F-box domain, while apple DELLA proteins MDP0000220512 and MDP0000403162 contain a WW domain and a BCIP domain, respectively. These DELLAs can be divided into 22 homologous groups and 17 orthologous groups, and 35 paralogous genes were identified. In total, 35 positively selected genes (PSGs) and 121 negatively selected genes (NSGs) were found among DELLAs based on selective pressure analysis, with an average Ks of NSGs that was significantly higher than that of PSGs (P < 0.05). Among the paralogous groups, CBI and Fop were significantly positively correlated with GC, GC1, GC2, GC12, and GC3, while CAI was significantly positively correlated with GC, GC1, GC12, and GC. The paralogous groups with ω values exceeding 1 had significantly higher Ka values. We also found some paralogous groups with ω values exceeding 1 that differed in their motifs.

Conclusions

This study provides helpful insights into the evolution of DELLA genes and offers exciting opportunities for the investigation of DELLA functions in different plants.
Breaking down walls: a qualitative evaluation of perceived emergency department delays for patients transferred with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Ward Michael J. , Vogus Timothy J. , Bonnet Kemberlee , Moser Kelly , Schlundt David , Kripalani Sunil
Published: August 2020

Background

Despite regionalization efforts, delays at transferring hospitals for patients transferred with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) persist. These delays primarily occur in the emergency department (ED), and are associated with increased mortality. We sought to use qualitative methods to understand staff and clinician perceptions underlying these delays.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews at 3 EDs that routinely transfer STEMI patients to identify staff perceptions of delays and potential interventions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using an iterative inductive-deductive approach to build and refine a list of themes and subthemes, and identify supporting quotes.

Results

We interviewed 43 ED staff (staff, nurses, and physicians) and identified 3 major themes influencing inter-facility transfers of STEMI patients: 1) Processes, 2) Communication; and 3) Resources. Standardized processes (i.e., protocols) reduce uncertainty and can mobilize resources. Use of performance benchmarks can motivate staff but are frequently focused on internal, not inter-organizational performance. Direct use ofcommunication between ORGANIZATIONS can process uncertainty and expedite care. Record sharing and regular post-transfer communication could provide opportunities to discuss and learn from delays and increase professional satisfaction. Finally, characteristics of resources that enhanced their capacity, clarity, experience, and reliability were identified as contributing to timely transfers.

Conclusions

Processes, communication, and resources were identified as modifying inter-facility transfer timeliness. Potential quality improvement strategies include ongoing updates of protocols within and between organizations to account for changes, enhanced post-transfer feedback between organizations, shared medical records, and designated roles for coordination.
An updated overview of spectrum of gluten-related disorders: clinical and diagnostic aspects
Authors: Taraghikhah Nazanin , Ashtari Sara , Asri Nastaran , Shahbazkhani Bijan , Al-Dulaimi David , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Razzaghi Mohammad Reza , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2020

The incidence of gluten-related disorders (GRDs) continues to increase and its global prevalence is estimated at approximately 5% of the population. Celiac disease (CD), dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), gluten ataxia (GA), wheat allergy (WA), and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are the five major GRDs that present with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of GRDs can be challenging because the typical and atypical clinical manifestations of the GRDs overlap. In this review, the current definitions of gluten-related disorders, focusing on their clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented. We concluded that GRDs are usually diagnosed using a combination of clinical features, serological tests, and histopathological findings. Treatment usually involves dietary modification.
Transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: nothing noble is accomplished without danger
Authors: Spoletini Gabriele , Bianco Giuseppe , Graceffa Dario , Lai Quirino
Published: August 2020

The global health crisis due to the fast spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused major disruption in all aspects of healthcare. Transplantation is one of the most affected sectors, as it relies on a variety of services that have been drastically occupied to treat patients affected by COVID-19. With this report from two transplant centers in Italy, we aim to reflect on resource organization, organ allocation, virus testing and transplant service provision during the course of the pandemic and to provide actionable information highlighting advantages and drawbacks.

To what extent can we preserve the noble purpose of transplantation in times of increased danger? Strategies to minimize risk exposure to the transplant population and health- workers include systematic virus screening, protection devices, social distancing and reduction of patients visits to the transplant center. While resources for the transplant activity are inevitably reduced, new dilemmas arise to the transplant community: further optimization of time constraints during organ retrievals and implantation, less organs and blood products donated, limited space in the intensive care unit and the duty to maintain safety and outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and integrated EMDR-Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) in the treatment of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and comorbid (Sub)clinical borderline personality disorder: study design
Authors: Snoek Aishah , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Dekker Jack , Aarts Inga , van Grootheest Gerard , Blankers Matthijs , Vriend Chris , van den Heuvel Odile , Thomaes Kathleen
Published: August 2020

Background

Comorbidity between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is high. There is growing motivation among clinicians to offer PTSD treatments – such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - to patients with PTSD and comorbid BPD. However, a large subgroup with comorbid BPD does not sufficiently respond to PTSD treatment and is more likely to be excluded or to dropout from treatment. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for BPD is well established and although there is some evidence that DBT combined with DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT + DBT PE) is twice as effective in reducing PTSD symptoms than DBT alone, the comparative efficacy of integrated PTSD-DBT and PTSD-only treatment has not been investigated yet. The current study will therefore evaluate the comparative clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of EMDR-DBT and EMDR-only in patients with PTSD and comorbid (sub)clinical BPD. Moreover, it is not clear yet what treatment works best for which individual patient. The current study will therefore evaluate neurobiological predictors and mediators of the individual response to treatment.

Method

A randomized controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of integrated EMDR-DBT (n = 63) and EMDR-only (n = 63) in treatment-seeking adult patients with PTSD and comorbid (sub)clinical BPD. In addition, neurobiological predictors and mediators of treatment outcome, such as hair cortisol, FKBP5 and BDNF protein levels and FKBP5 and BDNF methylation status, are measured through hair and blood samples.

Discussion

This is the first study to compare the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of integrated EMDR-DBT and EMDR-only in patients with PTSD and comorbid (sub)clinical BPD, while simultaneously identifying individual predictors and mediators of treatment response. Results will reveal which treatment works best for which individual patient, thereby guiding individual treatment choices and personalizing psychiatry.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials, NCT03833453. Retrospectively registered, 15 March 2019.
HIV incidence declines in a rural South African population: a G-imputation approach for inference
Authors: Vandormael Alain , Cuadros Diego , Dobra Adrian , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank
Published: August 2020

Background

Ad hoc assumptions about the unobserved infection event, which is known only to occur between the latest-negative and earliest-positive test dates, can lead to biased HIV incidence rate estimates. Using a G-imputation approach, we infer the infection dates from covariate data to estimate the HIV incidence rate in a hyper-endemic South African setting.

Methods

A large demographic surveillance system has annually tested a cohort of HIV-uninfected participants living in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Using this data, we estimated a cumulative baseline hazard function and the effects of time-dependent covariates on the interval censored infection dates. For each HIV-positive participant in the cohort, we derived a cumulative distribution function and sampled multiple infection dates conditional on the unique covariate values. We right censored the data at the imputed dates, calculated the annual HIV incidence rate per 100 person-years, and used Rubin’s rules to obtain the 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 20,011 uninfected individuals with a repeat HIV test participated in the incidence cohort between 2005 and 2018. We observed 2,603 infections per 58,769 person-years of follow-up among women and 845 infections per 41,178 person-years of follow-up among men. Conditional on age and circumcision status (men only), the female HIV incidence rate declined by 25%, from 5.0 to 3.7 infections per 100 person-years between 2014 and 2018. During this period, the HIV incidence rate among men declined from 2.1 to 1.1 infections per 100 person-years—a reduction of 49%. We observed similar reductions in male and female HIV incidence conditional on condom-use, marital status, urban residential status, migration history, and the HIV prevalence in the surrounding community.

Conclusion

We have followed participants in one of the world’s largest and longest running HIV cohorts to estimate long-term trends in the population-wide incidence of infection. Using a G-imputation approach, we present further evidence for HIV incidence rate declines in this hyper-endemic South African setting.
Evaluating prescribing competencies covered in a Canadian-accredited undergraduate pharmacy program in Qatar: a curriculum mapping process
Authors: Abdallah Oraib , Ageeb Rwedah Anwar , Elkhalifa Wishah Hamza Imam , Zolezzi Monica , El-Awaisi Alla , Diab Mohammad Issam , Awaisu Ahmed
Published: August 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the existing Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy [BSc (Pharm)] curriculum at Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU CPH), for addressing international prescribing competencies.

Methods

The Australian National Prescribing Service (NPS MedicineWise) Competencies Required to Prescribe Medicines framework (the Prescribing Competencies Framework) was used in the BSc (Pharm) curriculum mapping process. The NPS MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework outlines seven competency areas that are essential for pharmacist prescribing. The first mapping activity assessed the learning outcomes (LOs) of 62 courses within the BSc (Pharm) curriculum for covering and addressing the NPS MedicineWise competencies. The second mapping activity involved matching the LOs identified to address the NPS MedicineWise prescribing competencies, to the 2017 Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) educational outcomes, on which the QU CPH BSc (Pharm) program is based. The AFPC educational outcomes address seven key program-level learning outcomes.

Results

The QU CPH BSc (Pharm) curriculum addresses most of the prescribing competencies listed in the NPS MedicineWise Prescribing Competencies Framework. However, gaps were identified in the curricular content and in the LOs that were related, but not restricted, to the following: electronic prescribing, physical examinations/preparing patients for investigations, and policies/procedures and quality assurace related to prescribing. Other gaps identified include legislative and workplace requirements for obtaining consent to access confidential patient's health information.

Conclusion

The curriculum mapping exercise provided evidence that, for the most part, the existing BSc (Pharm) curriculum at QU CPH prepares pharmacy graduates for prescribing. However, there are areas that need better alignment between the taught curriculum and training on prescribing in practice. The results of this study are important to consider if pharmacist prescribing is to be implemented in Qatar.
Pathological role of ion channels and transporters in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lu Chengli , Ma Zhiyuan , Cheng Xiaoming , Wu Huichao , Tuo Biguang , Liu Xuemei , Li Taolang
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women. Among breast cancer types, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tends to affect younger women, is prone to axillary lymph node, lung, and bone metastases; and has a high recurrence rate. Due to a lack of classic biomarkers, the currently available treatments are surgery and chemotherapy; no targeted standard treatment options are available. Therefore, it is urgent to find a novel and effective therapeutic target. As alteration of ion channels and transporters in normal mammary cells may affect cell growth, resulting in the development and progression of TNBC, ion channels and transporters may be promising new therapeutic targets for TNBC. This review summarizes ion channels and transporters related to TNBC and may provide new tumor biomarkers and help in the development of novel targeted therapies.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of the Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale
Authors: Anandavadivelan Poorna , Wiklander Maria , Eriksson Lars E. , Wettergren Lena , Lampic Claudia
Published: August 2020

Background

Reproductive concerns are common among young cancer survivors and include worries related to different aspects of fertility and parenthood. The Reproductive Concerns After Cancer (RCAC) scale is an 18-item scale with six dimensions, developed to capture a variety of such concerns. The aim of the present study was to describe the cultural adaptation of the RCAC scale into Swedish and evaluate its psychometric properties among young women who have undergone treatment for cancer.

Methods

The RCAC was forward translated from English into Swedish and assessed for cultural adaptation based on a two-panel approach followed by cognitive interviews with the target group. For the psychometric evaluation, a Swedish cohort of 181 female young adult breast cancer survivors completed a survey including the RCAC scale approximately 1.5 years post-diagnosis. Psychometric properties were examined by analyses of construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity), data quality (score distribution, floor and ceiling effects), reliability and known-groups validity.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis yielded an acceptable fit (RMSEA 0.08, SRMR 0.09, CFI 0.92). Convergent validity was demonstrated by a negative correlation of moderate size (− 0.36) between the RCAC total score and the emotional function scale of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Reliability measured with Revelle Ω total was satisfactory (0.73–0.92) for five of the dimensions, and poor for the dimension Becoming pregnant (Revelle Ω total = 0.60); Cronbach’s alpha showed a similar pattern. Known-groups validity was indicated by significant RCAC mean score differences (MD), reflecting more concerns among women with a certain (MD 4.56 [95% CI 3.13 to 5.99]) or uncertain (MD 3.41 [95% CI 1.68 to 5.14]) child wish compared to those with no wish for (additional) children.

Conclusion

The translation and cultural adaptation of the Swedish RCAC has resulted in a scale demonstrating construct and known-groups validity, and satisfactory reliability for five of six dimensions. The dimension Becoming pregnant showed non-optimal internal consistency and should undergo further evaluation. The Swedish RCAC is recommended to be used in research settings for measurement of concerns related to fertility and parenthood in young women with cancer.
Challenges and opportunities of transgenic agricultural products in Iran: convergence of perspectives using Delphi technique
Authors: Badghan Fatemeh , Namdar Razieh , Valizadeh Naser
Published: August 2020

Background

Widespread production and use of transgenic products across the world in recent decade has led to different reactions and point of views. Iran is also one of the consumers of these products. However, there has been an ever-increasing controversy between supporters and opponents of the use of these products in Iran and no constructive agreement has been attained on this issue. Accordingly, the main goal of present study was to determine the challenges and opportunities of transgenic agricultural products in biotechnology and plant breeding specialists’ point of view.

Methodology

Delphi technique was used to achieve this goal. The statistical population was Iranian specialists in plant breeding, biotechnology, and genetic modification. The snowball sampling approach was employed to select the samples.

Results

In general, 16 concepts in the dimension of opportunities and 25 concepts in the dimension of the challenges were identified. Analyzing the agreement rates showed that the panel of experts agree most on 14 concepts out of 16 concepts identified for opportunities. In the dimension of challenges for transgenic products, only 17 concepts received acceptable agreement scores (over 80%).

Conclusion

In general, categorizing the concepts of transgenic products’ opportunities led to identification of two main aspects namely “food security” and “biosafety”. Challenges were also categorized into four strata of structural, educational, cognitive, and informational challenges. In addition, it should be mentioned that the lack of familiarity with methods, goals, and results of genetic engineering and gene transferring methods in transgenic plants is the most important aspect of people’s concern. Although it is not possible to get full knowledge about genetic engineering and genetic manipulation methods for all those who are the consumers of transgenic products, their awareness and recognition about the goals and positive/negative effects of the use of these products can be increased using specific strategies. For instance, one of the strategies is to focus and invest on mass media that which provides high availability, vast coverage, and low-cost. Accordingly, mass media (such as radio and television) can act as the best educational and informational tools for development and application of transgenic plants.
Histological study of sheep skin transformation during the recreation of historical parchment manufacture
Authors: Fourneau Marc , Canon Caroline , Van Vlaender Daniel , Collins Matthew J. , Fiddyment Sarah , Poumay Yves , Deparis Olivier
Published: August 2020

We report a simple histological study on skin biopsies from young domestic sheep following each step in transformation from skin to parchment production. During the recreation of historical parchment manufacture, histological analyses were conducted; before and after lime treatment, hair removal, and stretching. Sections were fixed and stained using a variety of histological stains to identify the presence of different molecular classes and the fibrous proteins, collagen and elastin. The results reveal surprisingly few histological changes in most steps in the production process. However, very visible changes in the supramolecular ordering of skin macromolecules (elastin, collagen) occur during the final stage of parchment production when stretched on the frame. Collagen fibres and hair follicles were all strongly re-oriented in the direction of strain. Surprisingly despite the thinness of the lambskin and the exhaustive treatment in lime, not all fats were saponified and even in the final product Oil Red O stained fat bodies were detectable on the hair side of the skin. We believe this study will help compensate for the lack of sources on microscopic changes in parchment during the recreation of its historical manufacture.
The source detection of 28 September 2018 Sulawesi tsunami by using ionospheric GNSS total electron content disturbance
Authors: Liu Jann-Yenq , Lin Chi-Yen , Chen Yuh-Ing , Wu Tso-Ren , Chung Meng-Ju , Liu Tien-Chi , Tsai Yu-Lin , Chang Loren C. , Chao Chi-Kuang , Ouzounov Dimitar , Hattori Katsumi
Published: August 2020

The 28 September 2018 magnitude Mw7.8 Palu, Indonesia earthquake (0.178° S, 119.840° E, depth 13 km) occurred at 10:02 UTC. The major earthquake triggered catastrophic liquefaction, landslides, and a near-field tsunami. The ionospheric total electron content (TEC) derived from records of 5 ground-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers is employed to detect tsunami traveling ionospheric disturbances (TTIDs). In total, 15 TTIDs have been detected. The ray-tracing and beamforming techniques are then used to find the TTID source location. The bootstrap method is applied in order to further explore the possible location of the tsunami source based on results of the two techniques, which show the beamforming technique has a slightly better performance on finding possible locations of the tsunami source. Meanwhile, the circle method is employed to examine tsunami signatures of the sea-surface height and video records, and find possible tsunami origin locations. The coincidence of the TTID source location and the tsunami location shows that the ionospheric TEC recorded by local ground-based GNSS receivers can be used to confirm the tsunami occurrence, find the tsunami location, and support the tsunami early warning.
Identity evolution of STEM teachers in Egyptian STEM schools in a time of transition: a case study
Authors: El Nagdi Mohamed , Roehrig Gillian
Published: August 2020

Background

The study was initiated as a response to the growing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) experience in Egypt in terms of the growing number of schools, number of students admitted, and the effect of this experience on the overall education system in the country. Viewing teachers as the backbone of the STEM experience and teaching as a relational sociocultural practice (Biesta, G. & Stengel, B. (2016) AREA Handbook of research on teaching, 5th edition), this research explores the evolution of teachers’ STEM identity during their professional journey in the Egyptian STEM education reform initiative.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to explore the dynamic dialogical interaction between the different factors impacting the development/evolution of the STEM teachers’ identity. The study is guided by the following research questions:

How did Egyptian STEM teachers’ identity evolve over the course of the STEM experience in model STEM schools in Egypt?

How did the political and structural characteristics of the STEM schools and teachers developing STEM identities interact and co-evolve?

What do Egyptian STEM teachers identify as being important characteristics of STEM teachers

Methodology

A multiple holistic case study design was used to explore the research questions within the bounded context of an established Egyptian STEM school.

Methods

Data for this study were drawn from (1) semi-structured interviews conducted with seven teachers from an Egyptian STEM school and (2) document analysis of Ministry of Education decrees and the published reports of Education Consortium for the Advancement of STEM in Egypt.

Results

Using inductive and deductive data analysis, teachers were found to have undergone a deep transformative change process from a traditional teacher into teachers with a progressive mindset and student-centered classroom practices. The teachers developed strong conceptualizations of the STEM education, stressed the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and motivation for teachers seeking to work in a STEM setting, and considered themselves moving towards established STEM teachers’ identity.

Conclusion

This study concluded that STEM teachers’ identity can be viewed as a dialogical, dynamic, and evolving process that results from the interaction of personal and professional traits within new educational experiences exemplified by the new and different experiences in their STEM schools.

Despite several challenges, such as limited resources and influence from the bureaucracy and norms of the traditional education system, the teachers still persist in their professional growth and desire to impact the larger context of the Egyptian education system.
Effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on choroid and ocular vasculature: a literature review
Authors: da Cruz Natasha Ferreira Santos , Polizelli Murilo Ubukata , Cezar Laís Maia , Cardoso Emmerson B. , Penha Fernando , Farah Michel Eid , Rodrigues Eduardo B. , Novais Eduardo A.
Published: August 2020

To provide information on the effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors on choroidal vessels and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and possible implications for development of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two independent investigators conducted a qualitative review of PubMed to identify studies on the choroidal effect of PDE5 inhibitors in June 2019. The search used key words that included PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, choroid, choroidal flow, choroidal vessels, choroidal thickness, CSC, AMD or a combination. Only studies which assessed choroidal findings were included. Many ocular diseases are related to changes in choroidal thickness and perfusion. Patients with AMD, who have decreased choroidal perfusion, may manifest more severely diminished choroidal ability to deliver oxygen and other metabolites to the retina, leading to growth of neovascular tissue. As a result of this engorgement of the choroidal vasculature, some patients may have leakage across the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and accumulation of subretinal fluid, resulting in CSC. Transient visual symptoms, i.e., changes in color perception and increased light sensitivity, are well-known adverse effects, but there have been rare reports of vision-threatening ocular complications in users of PDE5 inhibitors, such as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and cilioretinal artery occlusion. The choroid is a vascular tissue analogous in many respects to the corpus cavernosum, and PDE5 inhibitors may increase the choroidal thickness and perfusion. While it is intuitively obvious that thickness of the choroid alone does not guarantee better choriocapillaris oxygenation, it is a reasonable step towards ameliorating ischemia. These drugs have numerous physiologic effects on the choroid related to blood flow, such as clinical consequences in CSC and AMD.
Effect of soil amendment with Chenopodium album dry biomass and two Trichoderma species on growth of chickpea var. Noor 2009 in Sclerotium rolfsii contaminated soil
Authors: Ali Amna , Javaid Arshad , Shoaib Amna , Khan Iqra Haider
Published: August 2020

Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne plant pathogen that causes root diseases in hundreds of plant species. It also causes collar rot disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The present pot study was carried out to investigate the effect of soil amendment with dry biomass of a weed Chenopodium album L. and two antagonistic fungi, namely Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride, on growth and yield of chickpea variety Noor 2009 in soil infected with S. rolfsii. The pathogen-contaminated soil was amended either with 1, 2, or 3% C. album dry biomass, T. harzianum, and T. viride alone, or combinations of either of the two Trichoderma species and plant dry biomass. The lowest shoot and root dry biomass and grain yield of chickpea were recorded in S. rolfsii inoculation alone without any soil amendment (positive control). Plant growth and yield were significantly and gradually increased over positive control with an increase in C. album dry biomass application in the soil. Likewise, soil application of either of the two Trichoderma species significantly enhanced plant growth and yield over positive control under biotic stress of S. rolfsii. Combined application of either T. harzianum or T. viride with 3% dry biomass of C. album also proved highly effective in alleviating biotic stress of S. rolfsii on growth and yield of chickpea.
Fine structure of the silk spinning system in the caddisworm, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jeong , Sun Yan , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: August 2020

Silk is produced by a variety of insects, but only silk made by terrestrial arthropods has been examined in detail. To fill the gap, this study was designed to understand the silk spinning system of aquatic insect. The larvae of caddis flies, Hydatophylax nigrovittatus produce silk through a pair of labial silk glands and use raw silk to protect themselves in the aquatic environment. The result of this study clearly shows that although silk fibers are made under aquatic conditions, the cellular silk production system is quite similar to that of terrestrial arthropods. Typically, silk production in caddisworm has been achieved by two independent processes in the silk glands. This includes the synthesis of silk fibroin in the posterior region, the production of adhesive glycoproteins in the anterior region, which are ultimately accumulated into functional silk dope and converted to a silk ribbon coated with gluey substances. At the cellular level, each substance of fibroin and glycoprotein is specifically synthesized at different locations, and then transported from the rough ER to the Golgi apparatus as transport vesicles, respectively. Thereafter, the secretory vesicles gradually increase in size by vesicular fusion, forming larger secretory granules containing specific proteins. It was found that these granules eventually migrate to the apical membrane and are exocytosed into the lumen by a mechanism of merocrine secretion.
Measure Scan and Synthesis of Palliative and End-of-Life Process Quality Measures for Advanced Cancer
Authors: O’Hanlon Claire E. , Lindvall Charlotta , Lorenz Karl A. , Giannitrapani Karleen F. , Garrido Melissa , Asch Steven M. , Wenger Neil , Malin Jennifer , Dy Sydney Morss , Canning Mark , Gamboa Raziel C. , Walling Anne M.
Published: August 2020

PURPOSE:

Monitoring and improving the quality of palliative and end-of-life cancer care remain pressing needs in the United States. Among existing measures that assess the quality of palliative and end-of-life care, many operationalize similar concepts. We identified existing palliative care process measures and synthesized these measures to aid stakeholder prioritization that will facilitate health system implementation in patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS:

We reviewed MEDLINE/PubMed-indexed articles for process quality measures related to palliative and end-of-life care for patients with advanced cancer, supplemented by expert input. Measures were inductively grouped into “measure concepts” and higher-level groups.

RESULTS:

Literature review identified 226 unique measures from 23 measure sources, which we grouped into 64 measure concepts within 12 groups. Groups were advance care planning (11 measure concepts), pain (7), dyspnea (9), palliative care–specific issues (6), other specific symptoms (17), comprehensive assessment (2), symptom assessment (1), hospice/palliative care referral (1), spiritual care (2), mental health (5), information provision (2), and culturally appropriate care (1).

CONCLUSION:

Measure concepts covered the spectrum of care from acute symptom management to advance care planning and psychosocial needs, with variability in the number of measure concepts per group. This taxonomy of process quality measure concepts can be used by health systems seeking stakeholder input to prioritize targets for improving palliative and end-of-life care quality in patients with advanced cancer.