bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography and cross‐sectional anatomy of the head in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Zayed Mohammed
Published: April 2020

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a universally widespread wild carnivore in the world. It has an important impact on human interests and plays a vital role in conservation biology. There is no report to describe computed tomography (CT) of the red fox head and its correlation with gross anatomy. Therefore, the intent of the present study was to document, by CT, the basic anatomical structures in the head region of the red fox to lay the groundwork of an appropriate anatomical description of the head structures comparable with traditional dissection technique. Three red fox heads were imaged sagittally and transversely using CT scanner. Six red fox heads were then serially cut, sagittally and transversely, by an electric band saw, and the obtained slices were cleaned and photographed. Different anatomical structures on CT images and the corresponding anatomic sections were identified and labelled. CT images revealed an excellent three‐dimensional definition of bony structures of the entire craniofacial region. Moreover, CT scans revealed different contrasts between bones, oral and nasal cavities, paranasal sinuses and pharynx which enabled good visualization of those structures. The paranasal sinus system in red fox was poorly developed and represented by a frontal sinus and a small sphenoid sinus, in addition to a maxillary recess. In conclusion, the series of CT images of the normal red fox head presented in the current study will serve as an anatomical reference for the normal head of the red fox, which in turn will improve knowledge for clinical interpretation.
How Job Changes Affect People's Lives — Evidence from Subjective Well‐Being Data
Authors: Chadi Adrian , Hetschko Clemens
Published: April 2020

Starting a new job is able to boost people's careers, but might come at the expense of other areas of life. To investigate individual implications of job mobility, we analyse the effects of job changes on time‐use and indicators of subjective well‐being using rich data from a representative German panel survey. We find that job switchers report relatively high levels of life satisfaction, at least for the first time after the job change. There is no such ‘honeymoon’ period for job changes triggered by plant closures. Instead, we find evidence for a harmful impact of involuntary mobility on family life.
Immunorelated gene polymorphisms associated with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Q , Hua M , Yan S , Zhang C , Wang R , Yang X , Han F , Hou M , Ma D
Published: April 2020

Although the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still unknown, accumulating evidence has revealed that immune response plays a vital part in the pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the involvement of 21 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of immunorelated genes, including cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-9, IL-12A, IL-22, interferon (IFN-α) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1], transcriptional regulatory genes (TBX21, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5B, STAT6, GATA3, FOXP3 and IRF4) and others (IL2RA, IL6R, NFKBIA) in 269 AML in-patients and 200 healthy controls. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship between the SNPs and clinical characteristics. Immunorelated SNP genotyping was performed on the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. All the SNPs in healthy controls were consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. All final P-values were adjusted by Bonferroni multiple testing. Our results showed that IL-22 (rs2227491) was significantly associated with the white blood cell (WBC) counts. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B (STAT-5B) (rs6503691) showed a close relationship with the recurrent genetic abnormalities in patients with AML. We verified the negatively independent effect of age and risk of cytogenetics on overall survival (OS). More importantly, the GG genotype of IL-12A (rs6887695) showed a negative impact on AML prognosis independently. Furthermore, the relative expression of IL-12 was decreased in GG genotype, no matter under a co-dominant or recessive model. However, no correlation was observed between the SNPs mentioned above and disease susceptibility, risk stratification and survival. Our findings suggest that immunorelated gene polymorphisms are associated with prognosis in AML, which may perform as novel inspection targets for AML patients.
Potential role of two novel agonists of thyroid hormone receptor‐β on liver regeneration
Authors: Perra Andrea , Kowalik Marta Anna , Cabras Lavinia , Runfola Massimiliano , Sestito Simona , Migliore Cristina , Giordano Silvia , Chiellini Grazia , Rapposelli Simona , Columbano Amedeo
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Although the hepatomitogenic activity of triiodothyronine (T3) is well established, the wide range of harmful effects exerted by this hormone precludes its use in liver regenerative therapy. Selective agonists of the beta isoform of thyroid hormone receptor (TRβ) do not exhibit T3‐induced cardiotoxicity and show a good safety profile in patients with NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether two novel TRβ agonists, the prodrug TG68 and the active compound IS25 could stimulate hepatocyte proliferation without T3/TRα‐dependent side effects.

Methods

Rats were treated with three different doses (12.5, 25 and 50 μg/100 g body weight) for one week. Hepatocyte proliferation, liver injury and serum biochemical parameters were measured by immunohistochemistry, qRT‐PCR and Western blot.

Results

Both drugs increased hepatocyte proliferation as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (from 14% to 28% vs 5% of controls) and mitotic activity. Enhanced proliferation occurred in the absence of significant signs of liver injury as shown by lack of increased serum transaminase levels or of apoptosis. No cardiac or renal hypertrophy typically associated with treatment with T3 was observed. Importantly, no proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells, such as that seen after administration of T3 or the TRβ agonist GC1 was detected following either TG68 or IS25, demonstrating the hepato‐specificity of these novel TRβ agonists.

Conclusions

The present study shows that TG68 and IS25 induce massive hepatocyte proliferation without overt toxicity. Hence, these agents may have a significant clinical application for regenerative therapies in liver transplantation or other surgical settings.
Seasonal changes in arthropod diversity patterns along an Alpine elevation gradient
Authors: Pilar Fernandez‐Conradi , Loïc Mocellin , Emmanuel Desfossez , Sergio Rasmann
Published: April 2020

Deciphering patterns in species distributions and species interactions along ecological gradients are fundamental topics in ecology. Theory holds that species diversity is greater and interactions are stronger under warmer and more stable environments, such as low elevations and latitudes. However, recent findings have shown conflicting evidence, potentially due to seasonal effects.

We aimed to address this gap by studying seasonal changes in arthropod communities over an elevation gradient in the Swiss Alps, as well as herbivore‐predator interactions and their resulting consequences on plant herbivory levels.

Overall, we found hump‐shaped patterns in arthropod abundance, richness and diversity with increasing elevation, with all factors peaking below the tree line. However, these patterns varied seasonally, with strong mid‐elevation peaks at the beginning of the summer, shifting to a pattern of linear decrease at the beginning of the fall. In searching for mechanisms explaining these changes, we found that shifts in arthropod communities over elevation and seasons usually followed shifts in vegetation productivity estimates. Other factors, such as top‐down control by natural enemies, which was generally stronger at low elevations, and plant species‐specific resistance rates along elevation gradients were also implicated as drivers of diversity and herbivory rates.

These results highlight the complexity of arthropod communities' responses to environmental gradients, which vary during the season in response to relative changes in both bottom‐up and top‐down forces.
Sexually differentiated and neuroanatomically specific co‐expression of aromatase neurons and GAD67 in the male and female quail brain
Authors: Cornil Charlotte A. , Ball Gregory F. , Balthazart Jacques
Published: April 2020

Testosterone aromatization into estrogens in the preoptic area (POA) is critical for the activation of male sexual behavior in many vertebrates. Yet, the cellular mechanisms mediating actions of neuroestrogens on sexual behavior remain largely unknown. We investigated in male and female Japanese quail by dual‐label fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) whether aromatase‐positive (ARO) neurons express glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), the rate‐limiting enzyme in GABA biosynthesis. ARO cells and ARO cells double labeled with GAD67 (ARO‐GAD67) were counted at standardized locations in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) to produce three‐dimensional distribution maps. Overall, males had more ARO cells than females in POM and BST. The number of double‐labeled ARO‐GAD67 cells was also higher in males than in females and greatly varied as a function of the specific position in these nuclei. Significant sex differences were however present only in the most caudal part of POM. Although both ARO and GAD67 were expressed in the VMN, no colocalization between these markers was detected. Together, these data show that a high proportion of estrogen‐synthesizing neurons in POM and BST are inhibitory and the colocalization of GAD67 with ARO exhibits a high degree of anatomical specificity as well as localized sex differences. The fact that many preoptic ARO neurons project to the periaqueductal gray in male quail suggests possible mechanisms through which locally produced estrogens could activate male sexual behavior.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying defective antibody responses
Authors: Deenick Elissa K , Lau Anthony , Bier Julia , Kane Alisa
Published: April 2020

Primary immune deficiency is caused by genetic mutations that result in immune dysfunction and subsequent susceptibility to infection. Over the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number of genetically defined causes of immune deficiency including those which affect B‐cell function. This has not only identified critical nonredundant pathways that control the generation of protective antibody responses but also revealed that immunodeficiency and autoimmunity are often closely linked. Here we explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these rare monogenic conditions that disrupt antibody production, which also have implications for understanding the causes of more common polygenic immune dysfunction.
Blood pressure measurement device selection in low‐resource settings: Challenges, compromises, and routes to progress
Authors: Brady Tammy M. , Padwal Raj , Blakeman Drew E. , Farrell Margaret , Frieden Thomas R. , Kaur Prabhdeep , Moran Andrew E. , Jaffe Marc G.
Published: April 2020

High blood pressure (BP) is the single leading preventable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor across the world. In order to decrease the global burden of CVD, broad hypertension screening programs that facilitate early hypertension diagnosis and treatment are essential. Accurate BP devices are a key element of hypertension control programs. With the overwhelming number of devices available now on the market, most of which have not been tested for accuracy, it can be challenging to select the optimal BP measurement device for clinical settings. This review details essential factors to consider when selecting a good‐quality BP device, particularly for use in low‐resource settings. Barriers to the procurement and use of good‐quality devices are reviewed and practical solutions proposed.
Analysis of Citation Patterns and Impact of Predatory Sources in the Nursing Literature
Authors: Oermann Marilyn H. , Nicoll Leslie H. , Ashton Kathleen S. , Edie Alison H. , Amarasekara Sathya , Chinn Peggy L. , Carter‐Templeton Heather , Ledbetter Leila S.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study was undertaken to learn how predatory journal articles were cited in articles published in legitimate (nonpredatory) nursing journals. The extent of citation and citation patterns were studied.

Design

A two‐phase approach was used.

Methods

In Phase 1, 204 articles published in legitimate nursing journals that cited a predatory publication were randomly selected for analysis from a list of 814 articles with predatory journal citations. In Phase 2, the four predatory journal articles that were cited most frequently were analyzed further to examine their citation patterns.

Findings

The majority (n = 148, 72.55%) of the articles that cited a predatory publication were research reports. Most commonly, the predatory article was only cited once (n = 117, 61.58%). Most (n = 158, 82.72%) of the predatory articles, though, were used substantively, that is, to provide a basis for the study or methods, describe the results, or explain the findings. The four articles in Phase 2 generated 38 citations in legitimate journals, published from 2011 to 2019, demonstrating persistence in citation. An evaluation of the quality of these articles was mixed.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide an understanding of the use and patterns of citations to predatory articles in legitimate nursing journals. Authors who choose predatory journals as the channel to disseminate their publications devalue the work that publishers, editors, and peer reviewers play in scholarly dissemination. Likewise, those who cite these works are also contributing to the problem of predatory publishing in nursing.

Clinical Relevance

Nurse authors should not publish their work in predatory journals and should avoid citing articles from these journals, which disseminates the content through the scholarly nursing literature.
Influence of nutrients on ploidy‐specific performance in an invasive, haplodiplontic red macroalga
Authors: Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Ryan Will H.
Published: April 2020

Worldwide, macroalgae have invaded near‐shore marine ecosystems. However, their haplodiplontic life cycles have complicated efforts to predict patterns of growth and spread, particularly since most theoretical predictions are derived from diplontic taxa (i.e., animals). To complete one revolution of the life cycle, two separate ploidy stages, often including separate haploid sexes, must pass through development and reproduction. In the case of the invasive, red macroalga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum, during the invasion of soft‐sediment estuaries throughout the Northern Hemisphere, diploid tetrasporophytes came to dominate all free‐floating populations and haploid gametophytes were consistently lost. The ecological hypothesis of nutrient limitation might contribute to an explanation of this pattern of tetrasporophytic dominance in free‐floating populations. Under this hypothesis, gametophytes should outperform tetrasporophytes under nutrient limited conditions, but tetrasporophytes should be better able to exploit optimal or even abundant nutrient conditions, such as in eutrophic estuaries. We sampled tetrasporophytes, male gametophytes, and female gametophytes from two sites each located on either side of the Delmarva Peninsula that separates the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. We subjected apices excised from multiple thalli from each life cycle stage to a nutrient‐enriched and a nutrient‐poor seawater treatment and assessed growth and survival. While nutrient addition increased growth rates, there was no significant difference among ploidies or sexes. Gametophytes did, however, suffer higher mortality than tetrasporophytes. We discuss how nutrient‐dependent differences in growth and survival may contribute to observed patterns of tetrasporophytic dominance in soft‐sediment A. vermiculophyllum populations.
Epidemiological Study of Tibial Plateau Fractures Combined with Intercondylar Eminence Fractures
Authors: Lv Hongzhi , Zhang Qi , Chen Wei , Song Zhaohui , Zheng Zhanle , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of tibial plateau fractures combined with intercondylar eminence fractures and identify the risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with tibial plateau fractures who were treated in the third hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2015 to December 2018; 1020 patients (693 [68%] men and 327 [32%] women) meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria had a mean age of 45.2 ± 13.8 years. In total, 506 (50%) cases were left injuries, 495 (48%) were right injuries, and 19 (2%) were bilateral injuries. Among them, 458 (44.9%) with a mean age of 47.0 ± 13.9 years had intercondylar eminence fractures, including 324 men and 134 women. A total of 562 (55.1%) patients were identified without intercondylar eminence fractures, including 369 (65.7%) men and 193 (34.3%) women with an average age of 43.8 ± 13.6 years. The distribution characteristics of tibial plateau fractures with intercondylar eminence involved were identified. The potential associations among fractures and various other factors, such as age, gender, occupation, and mechanism of injury, were explored.

Results

The highest proportion age group of tibial plateau fractures included the ages 35–54 years, with more men than women for both age groups. For males, the highest proportion age group was 35–44 years, and for females, it was 55–64 years (χ
2 = 71.336, P < 0.01). According to Schatzker classification, type IV tibial plateau fractures had the highest risk of intercondylar eminence being involved (70.6%) without significance with type V (69.5%) and VI (68.2%) but with greater significance with types I (11.9%), II (39.2%), and III (9.4%, χ
2 = 280.187, P < 0.01). Multiple analysis showed that simple fractures, including types I, II, and III (OR 0.108, 95% CI: 0.080–0.145), were less likely to involve intercondylar eminence fractures than complex fractures, including types IV, V, and VI. Patients aged >74 years were more likely to have intercondylar eminence fractures compared with other age groups. Retired patients (OR 4.332, 95% CI: 1.147–16.362) were more likely to have fractured intercondylar eminence.

Conclusion

The current study revealed the characteristics of tibial plateau fractures, especially those involving intercondylar eminence fractures, as well as their proportion, distribution, and risk factors, which can be used as reference data for clinical assessment and surgical protocol selection.
Intraovarian regulation of folliculogenesis in the dog: A review
Authors: Songsasen Nucharin , Nagashima Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Dog reproductive cycle is unique among other mammals in that females experience long and variable periods of ovarian inactivity. Neuroendocrine controls of the reproductive cycle have been thoroughly studied in the dog. However, there is little information regarding endocrine, paracrine and autocrine controls of dog ovarian folliculogenesis. Advancements in the understanding of mechanisms regulating dog ovarian follicle development will be helpful in the establishment of an approach to control cyclicity in this species. Furthermore, such information will likely be useful for the establishment of an in vitro follicle culture system to preserve fertility of genetically valuable disease models or endangered canids. This review highlights current knowledge on dog folliculogenesis with emphasis on endocrine, paracrine and autocrine controls of follicular development.
Numerical study of the transverse stability of the Peregrine solution
Authors: Klein Christian , Stoilov Nikola
Published: April 2020

We generalize a previously published numerical approach for the one‐dimensional (1D) nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation based on a multidomain spectral method on the whole real line in two ways: first, a fully explicit fourth‐order method for the time integration, based on a splitting scheme and an implicit Runge‐Kutta method for the linear part, is presented. Second, the 1D code is combined with a Fourier spectral method in the transverse variable both for elliptic and hyperbolic NLS equations. As an example we study the transverse stability of the Peregrine solution, an exact solution to the 1D NLS equation and thus a y‐independent solution to the 2D NLS. It is shown that the Peregine solution is unstable agains all standard perturbations, and that some perturbations can even lead to a blow‐up for the elliptic NLS equation.
Extracting new information from old waveforms: Symmetric projection attractor reconstruction: Where maths meets medicine
Authors: Nandi Manasi , Aston Philip J.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Symmetric Projection Attractor Reconstruction (SPAR) is a relatively new mathematical method that can extract additional information pertaining to the morphology and variability of physiological waveforms, such as arterial pulse pressure. Herein, we describe the potential utility of the method for more sensitive quantification of cardiovascular changes.

What advances does it highlight?

We use a simple example of a human tilt table to illustrate these concepts. SPAR can be used on any approximately periodic waveform and may add value to experimental and clinical settings, where such signals are collected routinely.

Periodic physiological waveform data, such as blood pressure, pulse oximetry and ECG, are routinely sampled between 100 and 1000 Hz in preclinical research and in the clinical setting from a wide variety of implantable, bedside and wearable monitoring devices. Despite the underlying numerical waveform data being captured at such high fidelity, conventional analysis tends to reside in reporting only averages of minimum, maximum, amplitude and rate, as single point averages. Although these averages are undoubtedly of value, simplification of the data in this way means that most of the available numerical data are discarded. In turn, this may lead to subtle physiological changes being missed when investigating the cardiovascular system over time. We have developed a mathematical method (symmetric projection attractor reconstruction) that uses all the numerical data, replotting and revisualizing them in a manner that allows unique quantification of multiple changes in waveform morphology and variability. We propose that the additional quantification of these features will allow the complex behaviour of the cardiovascular system to be mapped more sensitively in different physiological and pathophysiological settings.
Very Low-Intensity Throughput X-Ray Computed Tomography of a Cast FeMnAl Steel Alloy
Authors: Green William H. , Cheeseman Bryan A. , Field Daniel , Limmer Krista R.
Published: April 2020

The X-ray computed tomography (XCT) technique is a widely applicable and powerful non-destructive inspection modality for evaluation and analysis of geometrical and physical characteristics of materials, especially internal structures and features. XCT is applicable to metals, ceramics, plastics, and polymer and mixed composites, as well as components and materiel. The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and its partners are currently investigating the use of cast iron-manganese-aluminum (FeMnAl) steel alloy material in support of weight reduction initiatives in Army Development Programs. Steel alloy FeMnAl has been identified as a key enabling material technology to reduce the weight in ground combat vehicle systems. A set of FeMnAl blocks each approximately 50.8 mm (2 in.) thick by 76.2 mm (3 in.) wide by 76.2 mm (3 in.) long, which had been sectioned from an industrially cast ingot (∼12,000 lbs.), were individually scanned by XCT using a conventional 450 kV X-ray source and a solid-state flat panel detector. Mainly due to the thickness of the blocks, as well as a desire to keep geometric unsharpness relatively small which affected overall scan geometry (set up), the scans had a very low response at the detector through the FeMnAl blocks. With the calibrated detector response through air (i.e., around a block) at 85–90% the response through the block was only 5–10%. The XCT scanning parameters and overall protocol used to mitigate the very low-intensity throughput and achieve acceptable scan image results will be discussed. Image processing (IP) methods used to segment porosity features in the FeMnAl blocks will also be discussed.
Tumor microenvironment-activatable Fe-doxorubicin preloaded amorphous CaCO
3
nanoformulation triggers ferroptosis in target tumor cells
Authors: Xue Chen-Cheng , Li Meng-Huan , Zhao Yang , Zhou Jun , Hu Yan , Cai Kai-Yong , Zhao Yanli , Yu Shu-Hong , Luo Zhong
Published: April 2020

This study describes a ferroptosis/apoptosis-based treatment strategy via the cooperation between Fe
2+
and doxorubicin.
Optogenetic stimulation of phosphoinositides reveals a critical role of primary cilia in eye pressure regulation
Authors: Prosseda Philipp P. , Alvarado Jorge A. , Wang Biao , Kowal Tia J. , Ning Ke , Stamer W. Daniel , Hu Yang , Sun Yang
Published: April 2020

An optogenetic approach targeting phospholipids regulates eye pressure in mice with glaucoma.
Small-molecule inhibitor targeting orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII for prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Wang Leiming , Cheng Chiang-Min , Qin Jun , Xu Mafei , Kao Chung-Yang , Shi Jingjing , You Erli , Gong Wanchun , Rosa Laura Pedro , Chase Peter , Scampavia Louis , Madoux Franck , Spicer Timothy , Hodder Peter , Xu H. Eric , Tsai Sophia Y. , Tsai Ming-Jer
Published: April 2020

We identified inhibitors targeting COUP-TFII for the treatment of diseases including prostate cancer.
Road development in Asia: Assessing the range-wide risks to tigers
Authors: Carter Neil , Killion Alexander , Easter Tara , Brandt Jodi , Ford Adam
Published: April 2020

Roads are encroaching on tiger range in Asia, increasing tiger extinction risk and necessitating bold new planning strategies.
Cation-induced shape programming and morphing in protein-based hydrogels
Authors: Khoury Luai R. , Slawinski Marina , Collison Daniel R. , Popa Ionel
Published: April 2020

Dosing protein hydrogels with divalent cations allows for programming of complex shapes and shape morphing.
Comparative Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Ceftriaxone and Ertapenem in Normoalbuminemia, Hypoalbuminemia, and Albumin Replacement in a Sheep Model
Authors: Dhanani Jayesh A. , Ahern Benjamin , Lupinsky Liad , Jackson Karen , Wallis Steven C. , Abdul-Aziz Mohd H. , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A.
Published: April 2020

Optimal concentrations of unbound antimicrobials are essential for a maximum microbiological effect. Although hypoalbuminemia and albumin fluid resuscitation are common in critical care, the effects of different albumin concentrations on the unbound concentrations of highly protein-bound antimicrobials are not known. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different albumin states on total and unbound concentrations of ertapenem and ceftriaxone using an ovine model. The study design was a prospective, three-phase intervention observational study.
Genome Sequence Comparison of Staphylococcus aureus TX0117 and a Beta-Lactamase-Cured Derivative Shows Increased Cationic Peptide Resistance Accompanying Mutations in
relA
and
mnaA
Authors: Sales Mia Jade , Sakoulas George , Szubin Richard , Palsson Bernhard , Arias Cesar , Singh Kavindra V. , Murray Barbara E. , Monk Jonathan M.
Published: April 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
strain TX0117 is a methicillin-susceptible bacterium with type A beta-lactamase exhibiting a high cefazolin inoculum effect. TX0117 was cured of
blaZ
, yielding TX0117c with increased antimicrobial peptide resistance. The sequencing and genome assembly of TX0117 elucidate six mutations between TX0117 and TX0117c, including
relA
truncation and
mnA_1
substitution.
The role of the westerlies and orography in Asian hydroclimate since the late Oligocene
Authors: Wang Xin , Carrapa Barbara , Sun Yuchen , Dettman David L. , Chapman James B. , Caves Rugenstein Jeremy K. , Clementz Mark T. , DeCelles Peter G. , Wang Mi , Chen Jie , Quade Jay , Wang Fei , Li Zaijun , Oimuhammadzoda Ilhomjon , Gadoev Mustafo , Lohmann Gerrit , Zhang Xu , Chen Fahu
Published: April 2020

Interactions between midlatitude westerlies and the Pamir–Tian Shan mountains significantly impact hydroclimate patterns in Central Asia today, and they played an important role in driving Asian aridification during the Cenozoic. We show that distinct west-east hydroclimate differences were established over Central Asia during the late Oligocene (ca. 25 Ma), as recorded by stable oxygen isotopic values of soil carbonates. Our climate simulations show that these differences are present when relief of the Pamir–Tian Shan is higher than 75% of modern elevation (∼3000 m). Integrated with geological evidence, we suggest that a significant portion of the Pamir–Tian Shan orogen had reached elevations of ∼3 km and acted as a moisture barrier for the westerlies since ca. 25 Ma.
Lung biopsy in children: when is it useful?
Authors: Chan Corey David , Niyogi Anindya , Jaffray Bruce , Brodlie Malcolm , Gabra Hany
Published: April 2020

Aim

To provide a further insight into the usefulness of lung biopsy in children.

Methods

Lung biopsies in children from January 2007 to December 2017 were reviewed (n=39). The histology results were categorised as: definitive diagnosis, normal lung parenchyma, inconclusive.

Results

Lung biopsy provided a definitive diagnosis in 25 (64%) cases. A suspected diagnosis was confirmed in 16 (41%) and a new diagnosis was found in 9 (23%) children. Histology was inconclusive in 11 (28%) cases and normal in 3 (8%). Fifteen (38%) children had treatment altered due to the biopsy result.

Conclusion

Lung biopsy mostly confirmed the suspected diagnosis and was associated with a low procedure related morbidity (n=1) and mortality (n=0). Importantly, the biopsy result identified a pathology which altered treatment in over one third of patients. However, in a number of cases the histology was inconclusive, therefore careful patient selection is recommended to maximise diagnostic yield.
Reflexes that impact spontaneous breathing of preterm infants at birth: a narrative review
Authors: Kuypers Kristel , Martherus Tessa , Lamberska Tereza , Dekker Janneke , Hooper Stuart B , te Pas Arjan B
Published: April 2020

Some neural circuits within infants are not fully developed at birth, especially in preterm infants. Therefore, it is unclear whether reflexes that affect breathing may or may not be activated during the neonatal stabilisation at birth. Both sensory reflexes (eg, tactile stimulation) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) can promote spontaneous breathing at birth, but the application of NIV can also compromise breathing by inducing facial reflexes that inhibit spontaneous breathing. Applying an interface could provoke the trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) by stimulating the trigeminal nerve resulting in apnoea and a reduction in heart rate. Similarly, airflow within the nasopharynx can elicit the TCR and/or laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR), resulting in glottal closure and ineffective ventilation, whereas providing pressure via inflations could stimulate multiple receptors that affect breathing. Stimulating the fast adapting pulmonary receptors may activate Head’s paradoxical reflex to stimulate spontaneous breathing. In contrast, stimulating the slow adapting pulmonary receptors or laryngeal receptors could induce the Hering-Breuer inflation reflex or LCR, respectively, and thereby inhibit spontaneous breathing. As clinicians are most often unaware that starting primary care might affect the breathing they intend to support, this narrative review summarises the currently available evidence on (vagally mediated) reflexes that might promote or inhibit spontaneous breathing at birth.
Association of the IgGN-glycome with the course of kidney function in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Singh Sunny S , Heijmans Ralph , Meulen Claudia K E , Lieverse Aloysius G , Gornik Olga , Sijbrands Eric J G , Lauc Gordan , van Hoek Mandy
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Inflammatory processes are thought to be involved in kidney function decline in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Glycosylation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an important post-translation process affecting the inflammatory potential of IgG. We investigated the prospective relationship between IgGN-glycosylation patterns and kidney function in type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

In the DiaGene study, an all-lines-of-care case–control study (n=1886) with mean prospective follow-up of 7.0 years, the association between 58 IgGN-glycan profiles and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) per year and during total follow-up was analyzed. Models were adjusted for clinical variables and multiple comparisons.

Results

Eleven traits were significantly associated with eGFR change per year. Bisecting GlcNAc in fucosylated and fucosylated disialylated structures and monosialylation of fucosylated digalactosylated structures were associated with a faster decrease of eGFR. Fucosylation of neutral and monogalactosylated structures was associated with less eGFR decline per year. No significant associations between IgG glycans and ACR were found.

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetes, we found IgGN-glycosylation patterns associated with a faster decline of kidney function, reflecting a pro-inflammatory state of IgG. eGFR, but not ACR, was associated with IgG glycans, which suggests these associations may represent renal macroangiopathy rather than microvascular disease.
Understanding sexual offences in UK military and veteran populations: delineating the offences and setting research priorities
Authors: Morgan Louise
Published: April 2020

Recent publications have highlighted the need to address inappropriate behaviours, including discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment, within the British Armed Forces; however, no UK work to date pays sufficient attention to sexual offences as defined by the Sexual Offences Act (2003). In trying to ascertain prevalence, nature and consequences of sexual offences in military and veteran populations, one is faced with majority United States (US) research with different definitions of offences, different populations and different research methods. These and UK publications use various terminology, often ill-defined and used interchangeably (eg, harassment, abuse, violence, assault, trauma), meaning it is not always clear what is being discussed, and the criminal acts of sexual offences have become lost, oversimplified and blurred by their incorporation into wider discussions of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. As a result, there is lack of clarity around the topic, and insufficient recognition and weight is given to the nature and complexity involved in understanding sexual offences and their consequences. It is important to distinguish between different types of unlawful behaviour: each are associated with different physical and psychological health outcomes for victims, and management of perpetrators will differ. Some behaviours will be managed through education and awareness programmes; other behaviours necessitate a prison sentence. This article highlights that understanding sexual offences in military and veteran populations is more complex than existing UK publications have acknowledged, and sets out some of the issues that research needs to consider if we are to develop prevention and management strategies.
Rubric-based debriefing to enhance nursing students’ critical thinking via simulation
Authors: Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Chan Maggie Mee Kie , Tsang Vivien Wai Yin , Pang Michelle Tsz Ha , Chan Claudia Kor Yee , Chau Pui Hing , Tiwari Agnes
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Debriefing plays a vital role in effective simulation-based learning by providing feedback to students to foster their development of critical thinking in the learning.

Objectives

We evaluated the effects of rubric-based debriefing on students’ critical thinking, level of confidence in performing tasks and communication.

Method

This is a quasi-experimental study. Final year nursing undergraduates (n=204) of a local university participated in the study. In the intervention group, students performed two 20 min simulation sessions individually with simulated patients followed by a 15 min individual rubric-based debriefing between the two sessions and had a 5 min of that at the end. In the control group, students performed the same simulation sessions followed by a 20 min individual rubric-based debriefing at the end. The primary outcome was comparing the critical thinking of students between two groups, which was assessed by The Northeastern Illinois University Critical Thinking Rubric. The qualitative data were collected by an open-ended question.

Results

Based on generalised estimating equation models, the intervention effect over time was found to be statistically significant (β=2.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.08) in enhancing students’ critical thinking. No statistically significant differences were reported in the self-perceived confidence levels between the intervention group and control group. Qualitative data reflected positive feedback from students on simulation activities.

Conclusions

This is the first study to provide evidence that a rubric-based debriefing enhances students’ critical thinking in simulation learning.
Designing authentic simulations in ROSE and EBUS for undergraduate laboratory
medicine students
Authors: Miranda Alina , Kelly Alison , Williams Vincent , Kelly Michelle
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Simulation-based education (SBE) has successfully been implemented in
several healthcare professions, more so in the fields of medicine and nursing.
Laboratory medicine courses prepare medical scientists for employment in
pathology laboratories typically via a staged training regime. Laboratory
techniques related to the diagnostic disciplines are introduced to students in
a graduated fashion over time for the development of professional skills and
technical competencies. For students specialising in diagnostic cytology, there
are continual changes to the scope of practice of scientists in industry that
require advanced training at undergraduate level to meet expectations of
contemporary laboratory testing.

Methods

The National Health Education and Training in Simulation (NHET-Sim)
framework was applied to create and deliver bespoke simulations for laboratory
medicine students. This paper outlines the steps taken, including working with
actors and industry partners, to create simulations which contextualise the
pressures and team interactions during diagnostic procedures.

Findings

Supported by a range of expertise and personnel, five laboratory medicine
simulations were developed and delivered to final year students. Details of the
steps taken and range of scenarios are included for sharing and
discussion.

Discussion

SBE can contribute positively to student confidence in communication at
interdisciplinary and interprofessional levels in ways that can be essential to
successful patient management. Understanding that cytology has now evolved to
become part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient-centred care will
improve the overall patient outcome and experience to personalised
medicine.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates how a high-fidelity SBE scenario can test
students’ decision-making around technical, clinical and diagnostic
competencies in a complex investigation that they would likely experience in
industry.
Changing the strategy and culture of stroke awareness education in China: implementing Stroke 1-2-0
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Xutong , Liu Xiaochuan , Xu Yuming , Xu Jihong , Xu Anding , Wang Yongjun , Liu Renyu
Published: April 2020

This project implemented the Stroke 1-2-0 stroke awareness programme across China and investigated its impact over a 2-year period. We initiated the Stroke 1-2-0 educational campaign and Stroke 1-2-0 special task forces (STF) across the nation. Massive media coverage, community-based educational sessions with videos and other related materials and induction of Stroke 1-2-0 STF were the major means of promotion. We delivered a survey at the end of 2016 and 2018 to evaluate the impact of our effort. A total of 3066 participants responded to the first survey in 2016, and 15 207 participants responded in 2018 across China. The acceptance rate for Stroke 1-2-0 versus FAST (an English-language stroke awareness tool) was 50.2% versus 19.1% in 2016, and changed significantly to 82.2% versus 8.0% in 2018 (p<0.001). Stroke 1-2-0 was well accepted by all ages and by people with different academic qualifications. Only 6.5% of survey respondents were aware that there was a therapeutic window for thrombolytic therapy in 2016, but this awareness increased significantly to 32.8% in 2018. Only 12.6% of people in 2016 indicated that they would send patients with stroke to the nearest hospital capable of performing thrombolytic therapy, but there was a nearly threefold increase (52.5%) in this number by 2018. More than 1000 major hospitals joined the Stroke 1-2-0 STF, and more than 20 000 ‘stroke warriors’ have joined our stroke awareness improvement effort so far. Stroke 1-2-0 stroke awareness programme is well-implemented and accepted, and is generating profound improvement in stroke awareness in China.
Geometric nonlinear dynamic analysis of tapered steel members
Authors: Al-Lebban Yasir F.
Published: April 2020

In this study, a theoretical analysis is presented for estimating the in-plane geometric nonlinear elastic stability behavior of steel members with tapered elements under dynamic loads. Beam-column approach is adopted for modeling the structural members as beam-column elements. The formulation is based on the Eulerian description taking into consideration the influence of axial force on bending stiffness. The changes in member chord length due to axial deformation and flexural bowing are also considered. In the dynamic analysis, the system mass properties have been represented using both lumped and consistent mass matrices. The consistent mass matrix is derived in three components: translational, rotational, and axial inertia. The formulation of the mass matrices in local and global coordinate systems of tapered members, which incorporates geometric nonlinearity, has been presented. A parametric study is conducted to examine the effects of number of tapered elements, tapering the prismatic members, time step size, and tapering ratio. The dynamic responses of tapered members have been shown to be significantly affected by these parameters.
Simultaneous muon and reference hadron measurements in the compressed baryonic matter experiment at FAIR
Authors: Senger Anna
Published: April 2020

The mission of the Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at the future Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) in Darmstadt is to explore the QCD phase diagram at high net baryon densities likely to exist in the core of neutron stars. The CBM detector system is designed to perform multi-differential measurements of hadrons and leptons in central gold-gold collisions at beam energies between 2 and 11 A GeV with unprecedented precision and statistics. In order to reduce the systematic errors of the lepton measurements, which generally suffer from a large combinatorial background, both electrons and muons will be measured with the same acceptance. Up to now, no di-muon measurements have been performed in heavy-ion collisions at beam energies below 158 A GeV. The main device for electron identification, a Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector, can be replaced by a setup comprising hadron absorbers and tracking detectors for muon measurements. In order to obtain a complete picture of the reaction, it is important to measure simultaneously leptons and hadrons. This requirement is fulfilled for the RICH, which has a low material budget, and only little affects the trajectories of hadrons on their way to the Time-of-Flight (TOF) detector. In contrast, the simultaneous measurement of muons and hadrons within the same experimental acceptance poses a substantial challenge. This article reviews the simulated performance of the CBM experiment for muon identification, together with the possibility of simultaneous hadron measurements.
CEO Characteristics Enhancing the Impact of CEO Overconfidence on Firm Value After Mergers and Acquisitions — A Case Study in China
Authors: Tang Chia-Hsien , Lee Yen-Hsien , Lee Ming-Chih , Huang Ya-Ling
Published: April 2020

This study aims to explore whether various characteristics of chief executive officers (CEO) enhance the impact of CEO overconfidence on a firm’s value after mergers and acquisitions. The study finds that overconfident CEOs have a positive impact on firm value after mergers and acquisitions. The study also shows that overconfidence amongst CEOs can help to explain merger and acquisition decisions and the likelihood of pursuing acquisitions. Young CEOs were also found to significantly increase the impact of CEO overconfidence on a firm’s value after mergers and acquisitions, while female CEOs were found to be more risk averse when compared to their male peers, with lower leverage and less volatility in their firms when compared to firms run by male CEOs.
Using Higher-Order Strain Interpolation Function to Improve the Accuracy of Structural Responses
Authors: Rezaiee-Pajand Mohammad , Ramezani Mohammadreza , Gharaei-Moghaddam Nima
Published: April 2020

It is widely known that the accuracy of the finite element method has a direct relation with the type of elements and meshes. Another issue which has remained less treated is the impact of loading type on the accuracy of responses. Changing the applied forces from concentrated to distributed loading has a great effect on the accuracy of certain types of elements and this action can greatly reduce their accuracy. Particularly in the coarse meshes, it creates a critical situation. Some elements do not have the ability to provide the exact answers in stated conditions. For example, the well-known plane element, LST, demonstrates promising performance under concentrated shear and bending loading as well as surface traction. In the case of distributed loads and coarse meshes, its accuracy diminishes considerably. To remedy this defect, in this paper, a new higher-order triangular element is proposed by using natural assumed strain approximation. Various numerical examples demonstrate high accuracy and efficiency of the element in comparison with common well-known finite elements in analysis of structures under distributed loading.
Stimulus predictability moderates the withdrawal strategy in response to repetitive noxious stimulation in humans
Authors: Jure Fabricio A. , Arguissain Federico G. , Biurrun Manresa José A. , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Andersen Ole Kæseler
Published: April 2020

Innate defensive behaviors such as reflexes are found across all species, constituting preprogrammed responses to external threats that are not anticipated. Previous studies indicated that the excitability of the reflex arcs like spinal nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) pathways in humans are modulated by several cognitive factors. This study assesses how the predictability of a threat affects the biomechanical pattern of the withdrawal response, showing that distal and proximal muscles are differentially modulated by descending control.
Visual feature tuning of superior colliculus neural reafferent responses after fixational microsaccades
Authors: Khademi Fatemeh , Chen Chih-Yang , Hafed Ziad M.
Published: April 2020

Despite being diminutive, microsaccades still jitter retinal images. We investigated how such jitter affects superior colliculus (SC) activity. We found that SC neurons exhibit short-latency visual reafferent bursts after microsaccades. These bursts reflect not only the spatial luminance profiles of visual patterns but also how such profiles are shifted by eye movement size and direction. These results indicate that the SC continuously represents visual patterns, even as they are jittered by the smallest possible saccades.