bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating carbon emission, accumulation and transport in inland waters to understand their role in the global carbon cycle
Authors: Vachon Dominic , Sponseller Ryan A. , Karlsson Jan
Published: November 2020

Inland waters receive a significant quantity of carbon (C) from land. The fate of this C during transit, whether it is emitted to the atmosphere, accumulated in sediments or transported to the ocean, can considerably reshape the landscape C balance. However, these different fates of terrestrial C are not independent but are instead linked via several catchment and aquatic processes. Thus, according to mass conservation, any environmental change inducing a shift in a particular C fate should come at the expense of at least one other fate. Nonetheless, studies that have investigated C emission, accumulation and transport concertedly are scarce, resulting in fragmented knowledge of the role of inland waters in the global C cycle. Here, we propose a framework to understand how different C fates in aquatic systems are interlinked and covary under environmental changes. First, to explore how C fates are currently distributed in streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes, we compiled data from the literature and show that ‘C fate allocation’ varies widely both within and among inland water systems types. Secondly, we developed a framework that integrates C fates in any inland water system by identifying the key processes underlying their linkages. Our framework places the partitioning between the different C forms, and how this is controlled by export from land, internal transformations and hydrology, as central to understanding C fate allocation. We argue that, by focusing on a single fate, studies could risk drawing misleading conclusions regarding how environmental changes will alter the role of inland waters in the global C cycle. Our framework thus allows us to holistically assess the consequences of such changes on coupled C fluxes, setting a foundation for understanding the contemporary and future fate of land‐derived C in inland water systems.
Does biochar improve all soil ecosystem services?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto
Published: November 2020

Biochar is considered to sequester C and deliver other soil ecosystem services, but an overview that synthesizes the current knowledge of biochar implications on all essential soil ecosystem services is difficult to find in the ample biochar literature. Most previous research and review articles on this topic focused on a single ecosystem service and did not integrate all essential soil ecosystem services. This overview paper (1) synthesizes the impacts of biochar on water and wind erosion, C sequestration, soil water, nutrient leaching, soil fertility, crop yields, and other soil ecosystem services based on published literature and (2) highlights remaining research areas. Literature indicates that, in addition to sequestering C, biochar can reduce N2O emissions, nitrate leaching, and runoff; increase soil microbial biomass, plant available water, and crop yields (particularly in tropical regions), and CO2 emissions; and have small or no effects on water and wind erosion. Biochar benefits can be in this order: C sequestration > N2O emissions > Nitrate leaching > Available water > Soil biology > Soil fertility > Crop yields > Runoff. However, literature also indicates that biochar does not always improve all ecosystem services. Its benefits depend on biochar feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, application rate, biochar properties, soil properties, climate, and other factors. For example, biochar can enhance crop yields more in degraded and low fertility soils than in highly fertile and fine‐textured soils. Long‐term (>3 years) field‐scale studies under different soil types, management conditions, and climates are needed for a determination of optimum levels of application, comprehensive life‐cycle analysis, and assessment of agronomic and environmental tradeoffs. Overall, biochar can improve most soil ecosystem services, but the extent of such improvement is highly dependent on biochar properties and soil and climatic conditions.
Smartphone‐Delivered Progressive Muscle Relaxation for the Treatment of Migraine in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Minen Mia T. , Adhikari Samrachana , Padikkala Jane , Tasneem Sumaiya , Bagheri Ashley , Goldberg Eric , Powers Scott , Lipton Richard B.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Scalable, accessible forms of behavioral therapy for migraine prevention are needed. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) delivered by a smartphone application (app) in the Primary Care setting.

Methods

This pilot study was a non‐blinded, randomized, parallel‐arm controlled trial of adults with migraine and 4+ headache days/month. Eligible participants spoke English and owned a smartphone. All participants were given the RELAXaHEAD app which includes an electronic headache diary. Participants were randomized to receive 1 of the 2 versions of the app‐one with PMR and the other without PMR. The primary outcomes were measures of feasibility (adherence to the intervention and diary entries during the 90‐day interval) and acceptability (satisfaction levels). We conducted exploratory analyses to determine whether there was a change in Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) scores or a change in headache days.

Results

Of 139 participants (77 PMR, 62 control), 116 (83%) were female, mean age was 41.7 ± 12.8 years. Most patients 108/139 (78%) had moderate‐severe disability. Using a 1‐5 Likert scale, participants found the app easy to use (mean 4.2 ± 0.7) and stated that they would be happy to engage in the PMR intervention again (mean 4.3 ± 0.6). For the first 6 weeks, participants practiced PMR 2‐4 days/week. Mean per session duration was 11.1 ± 8.3 minutes. Relative to the diary‐only group, the PMR group showed a greater non‐significant decline in mean MIDAS scores (−8.7 vs −22.7, P = .100) corresponding to a small‐moderate mean effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.38).

Conclusion

Smartphone‐delivered PMR may be an acceptable, accessible form of therapy for migraine. Mean effects show a small‐moderate mean effect size in disability scores.
Rehabilitating Probation: Strategies for Re‐legitimation after Policy Failure
Authors: ROBINSON GWEN
Published: November 2020

This article draws on insights from the organisational studies literature to make sense of the recent history of probation in England & Wales in the aftermath of the failed Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reform programme. It considers that recent history as a crisis of legitimacy, necessitating active strategies of re‐legitimation aimed at recovering from reputational damage. It argues that top‐down plans to restructure the service will only go so far in this endeavour: the expanded National Probation Service must also be prepared to engage in legitimation work on its own behalf. However, this is likely to be challenging for a number of reasons that include the mixed constituency of external stakeholders whom probation seeks to satisfy, and important questions of identity, agency, and voice.
Testing and validation of the CIC‐cgQ and CIC‐childQ in paediatric patients and their caregivers
Authors: Wickham Azadeh , McElroy Susan F. , Bowlin Paul , Koenig Joel , Carrasco Alonso , Gatti John
Published: November 2020

Are the clean intermittent catheterization (CIC)‐cgQ and the CIC‐childQ feasible and generate valid measures of success performing CIC? CIC is the primary treatment for neurogenic bladder. However, instituting CIC with children can be challenging. Currently there are no validated instruments to measure the abilities of paediatric patients and their caregivers to perform CIC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a modified version of the Intermittent Self Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC‐Q) in children with neurogenic bladder and their caregivers performing CIC. Children with spinal dysraphism, such as myelomeningocele (MMC) may face urologic challenges related to neurogenic bladder including renal compromise, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence due to bladder deterioration. CIC is an important intervention in the management of patients with neurogenic bladder. There are no valid tools currently available to measure the success of CIC in paediatric patients or their caregivers. A non‐experimental, psychometric research design was employed for this pilot study. Data collection was performed using online and paper surveys. The ISC‐Q was modified into two versions for use in the United States, one for caregivers of children on CIC (CIC‐cgQ) and one for paediatric patients on CIC (CIC‐childQ). A convenience sample of subjects was recruited from Spinal Differences Clinic and the local spina bifida support group. Informed consent was embedded in the invitation letter/email with survey completion indicating consent to participate. Criterion related validity was described using known group sum scores along with Cronbach's α for internal reliability. The tools were pilot tested on 15 caregivers and four children. Cronbach's alphas were .84 and .83 for the caregivers and children, respectively. Subjects identified a priori as successful with CIC scored higher than those identified as unsuccessful. The CIC‐cgQ and the CIC‐childQ are valid and reliable measures of the impact of CIC on the lives of caregivers and children. Future studies with larger sample sizes will allow further psychometric testing. This instrument gives researchers the ability to measure the impact of CIC on the lives of children and caregivers.
Effect of music therapy on preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yue Wei , Han Xinrui , Luo Jianghe , Zeng Zhumei , Yang Ming
Published: November 2020

Aim

To systematically examine the effectiveness of music therapy on preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit.

Background

In recent years, the application of music therapy for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care unit has attracted more and more attention because of its clinical effects. However, there still exist disputes among different studies.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

Eleven databases were searched over the period from 1910 ‐4 November 2019.

Review methods

Papers were selected for analysis in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The meta‐analysis was carried out by using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 13 trials involving 1,093 participants were included. Meta‐analysis showed music therapy had a significant influence on preterm infant's heart rate, respiratory rate, oral feeding volume, stress level, and maternal anxiety with moderate‐to‐high heterogeneity among studies. Also, music therapy had no influences on oxygen saturation and behavioural state.

Conclusions

Music therapy can not only effectively improve preterm infant's heart rate, stable respiratory rate, and attenuate stress level but also exert positive impact on oral feeding volume. In addition, music therapy also plays a role in reducing maternal anxiety. However, due to the heterogeneity across studies in some outcomes, further studies with larger sample size and more stringent design should be conducted before recommendation.

Impact

Music therapy can significantly improve preterm infant's heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress level, as well as increase oral feeding volume. These results may exert a positive impact on well‐being and quality of life in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Hospitals can apply music therapy which has been considered a non‐pharmacological and no‐invasive treatment to preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Mixed‐lineage leukaemia 1 contributes to endometrial stromal cells progesterone responsiveness during decidualization
Authors: Xiong Yao , Wang Yan , Ma Ling , Zhang Ying , Qu Xinlan , Huang Lei , Wen Xue , Liu Huimin , Zhang Ming , Zhang Yuanzhen
Published: November 2020

Studies have reported that non‐receptive endometrium or abnormal decidualization was closely related to recurrent implantation failure (RIF). MLL1 is a histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) transferase that regulates the transcriptional activation of target genes. The role of MLL1 has been underexplored during decidualization. In our research, we found the expression of MLL1 was closely related to endometrial receptivity, and it was responsible to hormone stimulation. Inhibiting the function of MLL1 by MM102 reduced the transformation of HESCs. Furthermore, down‐regulation of MLL1 by siRNA transfection significantly decreased PGR and its target genes expression. MLL1 act as a co‐activator of ERα, and both of them were recruited to PGR regulatory regions, thus promote PGR transcription. Our study showed that MLL1 plays a key role in promoting progesterone signalling transmission.
circ‐AKT3 aggravates renal ischaemia‐reperfusion injury via regulating miR‐144‐5p /Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and oxidative stress
Authors: Xu Yong , Jiang Wei , Zhong Lili , Li Hailun , Bai Lin , Chen Xiaoling , Lin Yongtao , Zheng Donghui
Published: November 2020

Renal ischaemia‐reperfusion (RI/R) injury is one major pathological state of acute kidney injury (AKI) with a mortality rate ranking 50% to 80%. MiR‐144‐5p acts as a molecular trigger in various diseases. We presumed that miR‐144‐5p might be involved RI/R injury progression. We found that RI/R injury decreased miR‐144‐5p expression in rat models. MiR‐144‐5p downregulation promoted cell apoptosis rate and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signal in RI/R injury rats. By performing bioinformatic analysis, RIP, RNA pull‐down, luciferase reporter experiments, we found that circ‐AKT3 sponged to miR‐144‐5p and decreased its expression in RI/R injury rats. Moreover, we found that circ‐AKT3 promoted cell apoptosis rate and activated Wnt/β‐catenin signal, and miR‐144‐5p mimic reversed the promotive effect of circ‐AKT3 in rat models. We also found that circ‐AKT3 increased the oxidative stress level in rat models. In conclusion, our study suggests that the circAKT3 is involved RI/R injury progression through regulating miR‐144‐5p/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and oxidative stress.
Small molecules restore the function of mutant CLC5 associated with Dent disease
Authors: Liu Jingshu , Sadeh Tal T. , Lippiat Jonathan D. , Thakker Rajesh V. , Black Graeme C. , Manson Forbes
Published: November 2020

Dent disease type 1 is caused by mutations in the CLCN5 gene that encodes CLC5, a 2Cl−/H+ exchanger. The CLC5 mutants that have been functionally analysed constitute three major classes based on protein expression, cellular localization and channel function. We tested two small molecules, 4‐phenylbutyrate (4PBA) and its analogue 2‐naphthoxyacetic acid (2‐NOAA), for their effect on mutant CLC5 function and expression by whole‐cell patch‐clamp and Western blot, respectively. The expression and function of non‐Class I CLC5 mutants that have reduced function could be restored by either treatment. Cell viability was reduced in cells treated with 2‐NOAA. 4PBA is a FDA‐approved drug for the treatment of urea cycle disorders and offers a potential therapy for Dent disease.
Serum progesterone and retinopathy in male patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Wang Yahao , Zhou Yue , Ma Wenru , Huang Yajing , Hu Jianxia , Wang Yangang
Published: November 2020

Aims/Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum progesterone (P) and retinopathy in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to investigate whether P is associated with its progression.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,376 male participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University (Qingdao, China). Through logistic regression analysis after adjusting the potential confounding variation, the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval related to the quartiles of progesterone were obtained.

Results

According to the quartiles of P levels, the prevalence rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the last quartile is obviously greater to other quartiles (52.5–34.9%, 31.9%, 37.5%, P < 0.001). Compared with those in the first quartile, the prevalence of DR for the last quartile had an OR of 1.85 in the non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy group, while the OR was 8.35 in the proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (P < 0.001, unadjusted model). When adjusted for age, body mass index, duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure and other variables, the ORs for DR in the fourth quartile were 2.13 (95% confidence interval 1.49–3.06) in the non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy group and 8.44 (95% confidence interval 2.69–26.43) in the proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (P < 0.001). The positive association between P and DR risk was independent in adjusted logistic regression.

Conclusions

High levels of serum progesterone are significantly associated with DR in male hospitalized patients. This could mean that a higher P level in men is a potential clinical factor to identify DR, and the causality remains to be further explored.
Analysis of correlation between carcass and viscera for chicken eviscerating based on machine vision technology
Authors: Chen Yan , Ai Hui , Li Shuo
Published: November 2020

In the poultry evisceration, the inconsistent position of visible carcass and invisible viscera may be one of the most neglected problems, which increase the level of visceral damage by gripping manipulator. In order to detect the position of the chicken carcass and viscera, a computer vision‐based automation system is developed to extract the region of interest from each chicken in the image acquisition system. The segmentation method of carcass is proposed by applying the color space transformation and the threshold segmentation. This method combines with several operations of morphology and reconstruction to remove the other regions such as wings and legs. After a midline abdominal incision of the chicken, the viscera is segmented using the active contour algorithm. Following data analysis, the change trend of relative position is presented between carcass and viscera. The average longitudinal deviation value of weighting 1,000–1,500 g and 1,500–2000 g chickens were 22.9 and 32.4 mm, separately. These results indicate that the relative position is significantly changed between carcass and viscera with chicken size in the longitudinal direction. In this study, machine vision technology can be satisfactorily applied to predict the position of chicken viscera, which can provide technical support for poultry processing.

Practical applications

For a long time, avian influenza virus and various pathogenic microorganism have been threatening the breeding and slaughtering of poultry, which can easily damage the health of people and cause widespread transmission of the virus. Therefore, automated evisceration technology by intelligent robot will become the development trend of the poultry slaughtering. However, due to the invisibility of the poultry viscera, it will easily cause damage of the internal organs during the manipulator evisceration. In this study, in order to avoid repetitive and boring work and manual operation errors, machine vision technology was introduced to automatically obtain the relative position between the visible carcass and the invisible viscera of individual chicken based on image segmentation algorithms. Thus, the position of the viscera can be predicted based on the data analysis and the carcass location, which provide useful information to guide the robot for evisceration, and it is also helpful to conduct further research in the slaughtering and processing of other poultry.
The association between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (with or without metabolic syndrome) and extrahepatic cancer development
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuki , Ikeya Takashi , Okuyama Shuhei , Fukuda Katsuyuki , Kobayashi Daiki
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

This study was designed to determine whether non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a risk factor for cancer development.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study at the Center for Preventive Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital. Among all participants who underwent a health checkup between 2005 and 2019, cancer development tendencies were compared between those who were diagnosed with NAFLD and those who were not. Further evaluation was conducted among NAFLD‐diagnosed participants with versus without MetS in the same manner. Those with a history of a specific liver disease, any type of cancer, or alcohol consumption in any amount at the time of the initial visit were excluded from the study.

Results

Data were collected from 30 172 participants who underwent health checkups, among whom 4394 (14.6%) had NAFLD. Over the 14‐year follow‐up period, 2086 participants (6.9%) developed cancer. Participants with NAFLD had a higher incidence of digestive organ neoplasms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.67), especially in the stomach (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02–1.94) and small intestine (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 0.87–8.96), than did those without NAFLD. Participants with NAFLD and MetS had significantly lower rates of neoplasms in respiratory and intrathoracic organs (OR: 0.35 95% CI: 0.14–0.88) and male genital organs (OR: 0.46 95% CI: 0.24–0.87) than did individuals without NAFLD.

Conclusions

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with the development of gastrointestinal malignancies, while MetS is a negative risk factor for lung and prostate cancer.
Immature teratoma arising from uterine corpus in an 11‐year‐old girl: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhao Yinling , Xu Tianhui , Bu Xinhua , Yuan Donglan , Wu Yiqun , Qian Hua
Published: November 2020

Teratomas are one of the most common germ cell tumors, and they usually occur in ovaries. Extragonadal teratomas are rare, especially immature ones. Only several cases of primary teratomas of the uterus have been reported since 1929. Here, the case of an 11‐year‐old patient who had a 6‐month history of sustained abnormal vaginal discharge is presented. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a solid mass in her uterus, resulting in the patient undergoing surgery. Examination of PET‐CT scans revealed a mass in the right ovary of the patient 20 days after surgery. The patient underwent a second surgery followed by chemotherapy. This is the youngest case among reported patients of primary immature uterine teratoma, and this patient showed no evidence of recurrence during 2 years of follow‐up.
Does visceral adiposity have an effect on the survival outcomes of the patients with endometrial cancer?
Authors: Celik Engin , Kizildag Yirgin Inci , Goksever Celik Hale , Engin Gulgun , Sozen Hamdullah , Ak Naziye , Saip Pınar , Onder Semen , Topuz Samet , Salihoglu Mehmet Y.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the female reproductive tract in the developed countries. There are many risk factors defined for the development of endometrial cancer, including obesity. We aimed to evaluate the significance of adiposity on the survival outcomes of the patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods

The patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent surgery between April 2009 and October 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes were measured at the level of umbilicus on single‐slice magnetic resonance imaging. Visceral adiposity index was calculated. Patients were compared regarding their clinical, demographical, pathologic and survival characteristics. Patients divided into low visceral adiposity (≤0.265, group 1) and high visceral adiposity (>0.265, group 2).

Results

A total of 186 patients were included in this retrospective study. There was no significant difference in terms of the demographical, clinical and tumor characteristics of the patients, except age, menopausal status, subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue. Although no significant difference in progression‐free survival and disease‐specific survival was noted between groups (P = 0.181), more patients in group 2 died because of endometrial cancer as statistically significant (P = 0.024). Disease‐specific survival showed a significant difference between groups according to the log‐rank test.

Conclusion

Visceral adiposity tissue is a significant and reliable prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer prognosis. Women diagnosed with endometrial cancer should be informed about the deleterious effects of visceral adiposity on disease‐specific survival.
Discovery of a Chinese familial deletion 18p syndrome due to a false positive result on noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Ju Duan , Zuo Zhigang , Li Xiaozhou , Shi Yunfang , Zhang Ying , Xue Fengxia
Published: November 2020

Clinical manifestations of deletion 18p syndrome vary a lot, which makes it easily overlooked in the clinical practice. Familial transmission of deletion 18p syndrome is rare. We report a Chinese familial deletion 18p syndrome, which was diagnosed by anatomizing the underlying reason for the discrepancy between noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and prenatal diagnosis. A 35‐year‐old pregnant woman was recruited to our center owing to the abnormal NIPT result with a high risk of chromosome 18 monosomy. However, the karyotype of the fetus was normal after amniocentesis. Further analysis indicated that the pregnant woman herself had an abnormal karyotype of 46,XX,del(18)(p11.2), (arr18p11.32p11.21[136,227‐15,099,116]×1) and her first 12‐year‐old son had got the same deletion of 18p as her. A distinct phenotype variability was noted although they share identical deletion. We consider that adequate clinical genetic counseling is vital for women with adverse pregnancy history before getting pregnant. Maternal CNVs may be one of the main causes of the false‐positive result on NIPT. NIPT, especially extended NIPT may provide extra valuable evidence when used as routine prenatal screening method.
Urothelial health after platelet‐rich plasma injection in intractable recurrent urinary tract infection: Improved cell proliferation, cytoskeleton, and barrier function protein expression
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Jhang Jia‐Fong , Hsu Yung‐Hsiang , Ho Han‐Chen , Lin Teng‐Yi , Birder Lori A. , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: November 2020

Objective

This clinical study used autologous intravesical platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) injections to treat patients with recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Changes in urothelial proliferation, cytoskeleton, and barrier function protein expression after treatment were investigated.

Materials

All patients underwent 4‐monthly intravesical PRP injections with 1‐year follow‐up. Successful treatment was defined as ≤2 UTI episodes within the preceding 1 year. Bladder biopsies were performed at the first and fourth PRP injection, and specimens were investigated by Western blot for the proteins sonic hedgehog (Shh), CD34, cytokeratin 5 (CK5), CK14, CK20, zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), E‐cadherin, inflammatory proteins tryptase and p38, apoptotic protein BAX (BCL2‐associated X protein) and caspase‐3, functional proteins M2 (muscarinic receptor 2) and M3, and beta‐adrenoceptor‐3, with glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase used as normalizing protein for quantification.

Results

The study enrolled 22 patients with rUTI and 17 controls, with successful outcome in 14 of 22 (63.6%) patients. Compared with controls, Western blot quantification results showed that rUTI patients had lower CD34, CK20, M3, and ZO‐1, but higher CK5, BAX, and caspase‐3 at baseline. The reduced CD34, CK20, M2, and M3 expressions at baseline were significantly increased after repeat PRP injections. Patients with a successful outcome had significant increase of CD34, Shh, CK20, M2, and M3 expressions after PRP injections.

Conclusion

Intravesical PRP repeat injections improve the urothelial cell proliferation and increase the CK 20 expression in umbrella cells. PRP repeat injections have a beneficial effect on bladder urothelium‐associated changes in rUTI. Thus, PRP injection may restore urothelial health and prevent UTI recurrence in intractable rUTI.
Electrolocation? The evidence for redox‐mediated taxis in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Starwalt‐Lee Ruth , El‐Naggar Mohamed Y. , Bond Daniel R. , Gralnick Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2020

Shewanella oneidensis is a dissimilatory metal reducing bacterium and model for extracellular electron transfer (EET), a respiratory mechanism in which electrons are transferred out of the cell. In the last 10 years, migration to insoluble electron acceptors for EET has been shown to be nonrandom and tactic, seemingly in the absence of molecular or energy gradients that typically allow for taxis. As the ability to sense, locate, and respire electrodes has applications in bioelectrochemical technology, a better understanding of taxis in S. oneidensis is needed. While the EET conduits of S. oneidensis have been studied extensively, its taxis pathways and their interplay with EET are not yet understood, making investigation into taxis phenomena nontrivial. Since S. oneidensis is a member of an EET‐encoding clade, the genetic circuitry of taxis to insoluble acceptors may be conserved. We performed a bioinformatic analysis of Shewanella genomes to identify S. oneidensis chemotaxis orthologs conserved in the genus. In addition to the previously reported core chemotaxis gene cluster, we identify several other conserved proteins in the taxis signaling pathway. We present the current evidence for the two proposed models of EET taxis, “electrokinesis” and flavin‐mediated taxis, and highlight key areas in need of further investigation.
Microtubule‐assisted mechanism for toxisome assembly in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Duan Yabing , Zhang Jie , Lu Fei , Zhu Yuanye , Shim Won Bo , Zhou Mingguo
Published: November 2020

In Fusarium graminearum, a trichothecene biosynthetic complex known as the toxisome forms ovoid and spherical structures in the remodelled endoplasmic reticulum (ER) under mycotoxin‐inducing conditions. Previous studies also demonstrated that disruption of actin and tubulin results in a significant decrease in deoxynivalenol (DON) biosynthesis in F. graminearum. However, the functional association between the toxisome and microtubule components has not been clearly defined. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the microtubule network provides key support for toxisome assembly and thus facilitates DON biosynthesis. Through fluorescent live cell imaging, knockout mutant generation, and protein–protein interaction assays, we determined that two of the four F. graminearum tubulins, α1 and β2 tubulins, are indispensable for DON production. We also showed that these two tubulins are directly associated. When the α1–β2 tubulin heterodimer is disrupted, the metabolic activity of the toxisome is significantly suppressed, which leads to significant DON biosynthesis impairment. Similar phenotypic outcomes were shown when F. graminearum wild type was treated with carbendazim, a fungicide that binds to microtubules and disrupts spindle formation. Based on our results, we propose a model where α1–β2 tubulin heterodimer serves as the scaffold for functional toxisome assembly in F. graminearum.
Cycling amongst Māori: Patterns, influences and opportunities
Authors: Jones Rhys , Kidd Bruce , Wild Kirsty , Woodward Alistair
Published: November 2020

This paper outlines the results of mixed‐methods research on Māori and cycling. Our findings suggest that Māori cycle at similar rates to Pākehā (NZ European); however conditions may differ, possibly indicating higher levels of “necessity cycling” amongst Māori. Māori experience similar barriers to cycling, including a lack of suitable cycling infrastructure, but these occur against a backdrop of stark social, economic and transport‐related inequities. Particular barriers for Māori may include inflexible work conditions, concerns about neighbourhood safety, inadequate provision for social cycling, and lack of access to places of importance to Māori. We identify potential solutions, including more whānau‐friendly and culturally safe cycling infrastructure, and cycling programmes designed around Māori commitments to whanaungatanga and kaitiakitanga.
Palatal rugae positional changes during orthodontic treatment of growing patients
Authors: Pazera Caroline , Gkantidis Nikolaos
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To investigate the anteroposterior and vertical changes of the median rugae area, which is commonly used as dental model superimposition reference, relevant to its underlying skeletal structures.

Settings and sample population

Retrospectively collected pre‐ and post‐treatment cephalometric radiographs and 3D digital dental models of 24 orthodontic patients (age at treatment start: 12.26 ± 0.83 years; assessment period: 2.13 ± 0.68 years) were analysed. All had mild to moderate malocclusions that were treated non‐extraction with full fixed appliances.

Material and Methods

The incisive papilla and rugae points were placed on the dental models that were then registered to the cephalometric radiographs. Afterwards, the radiographs were superimposed on Sella, ANS‐PNS, and through a maxillary structural method. The vertical and horizontal movements of the papilla and the rugae points, as well as of a central incisor, were measured (Viewbox 4 software).

Results

The incisive papilla and the three rugae points remained stable anteroposteriorly, but moved downwards in the vertical dimension (approximately 1‐2 mm), in a similar manner (P > .05). However, the anteroposterior position of the papilla and the first rugae points were affected by changes in anterior tooth position and inclination (P < .05).

Conclusion

Both the second and third rugae can be used as superimposition references for tooth movement assessment. The use of the papilla and the first rugae area is not recommended, because they are affected by tooth movement. The outcomes of a palatal superimposition are comparable to those of a maxillary skeletal superimposition in the anteroposterior, but not in the vertical dimension.
Risk Factors of Graft Resorption after Arthroscopic Autologous Scapular Spine Bone Graft for Recurrent Shoulder Instability
Authors: Yang Jinsong , Xiang Ming , Chen Hang , Li Yiping , Zhang Qing , Dai Fei
Published: November 2020

Objective

To analyze if general factors such as age, gender, dominant side, fasting blood sugar level, BMI (body mass index), smoking, and drinking play a role in graft resorption after arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone grafting.

Methods

From July 2016 to August 2018, patients who were diagnosed with anterior shoulder instability with subcritical bone loss (10%–15%) and underwent arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft transplant were retrospectively reviewed and enrolled in this study. The age, gender, dominant side, fasting blood sugar level, BMI, smoking, and drinking conditions of the enrolled patients were recorded. The graft resorption rate at postoperative 1 year was also measured on three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D‐CT) scans. The Pearson test and the Spearman test were used to identify any significant correlation between the general factors and graft resorption rate.

Results

A total of 27 patients who underwent arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft for recurrent shoulder instability qualified and were included in this study. There were 20 males and seven females, the mean age was 30.8 ± 9.4 years, the mean follow‐up time was 29.3 months (range, 25–39 months), during which no severe complications such as infection, neurovascular injury, or re‐dislocation were observed. The bone graft healed in all cases, the mean healing time was 2.6 ± 0.5 months (range, 2–3 months). At the last follow‐up, the mean Constant–Murley score was 89.74 ± 3.71, the mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 9.77 ± 5.31, and the mean visual analogue score (VAS) was 0.74 ± 0.64. The apprehension test was all negative at final follow‐up. The fasting blood sugar level was 4.78 ± 0.42 mmol/L, BMI was 23.70 ± 4.70. Five patients were “smoking” and 22 “non‐smoking”, four patients were “drinking” and 23 were “non‐drinking.” The graft resorption rate at postoperative 1 year was 19.4% ± 7.5%. The Pearson test and the Spearman test showed no significant correlation between age, gender, dominant side, fasting blood sugar level, BMI, smoking, drinking, and graft resorption rate.

Conclusion

Age, gender, dominant side, fasting blood sugar level, BMI, smoking, and drinking were not significantly correlated with graft resorption after the arthroscopic autologous scapular spine bone graft for recurrent shoulder instability.
Barriers and Adherence to Pain Management in Advanced Cancer Patients
Authors: Mercadante Sebastiano , Adile Claudio , Tirelli Walter , Ferrera Patrizia , Penco Italo , Casuccio Alessandra
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess patients’ barriers to pain management and analgesic medication adherence in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study in patients with advanced cancer receiving chronic opioid therapy. Age, gender, cancer diagnosis, Karnofsky level, and educational status were recorded. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS), Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ‐II), Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were the measurement instruments used.

Results

One‐hundred‐thirteen patients were analyzed. The mean age was 68 (±13) years, and 59 (52%) were male. The mean Karnofsky status was 51.4 (standard deviation [SD] 11.5). The mean score for BQ‐II items was 1.77 (SD 0.7). The BQ‐II score was independently related to the HADS‐Depression score (P = 0.033) and the total HADS score (P = 0.049). Negative side‐effects and attitudes toward psychotropic medication globally prevailed among MARS items. These items were independently associated with gender (P = 0.030), pain (P = 0.003), and depression (P = 0.047).

Conclusion

Barriers to pain management were mild. Psychological factors such as depression were the main factor associated with barriers. Poor adherence to analgesic medication was mostly manifested as negative side‐effects and attitudes toward psychotropic medication, was more frequent observed in females, and was associated with the ESAS items pain and depression.
Is the estimated glomerular filtration rate formula useful for evaluating the renal function of Down syndrome?
Authors: Nishino Tomohiko , Endo Shota , Miyano Hiroki , Umeda Chisato , Tomii Yuji , Watanabe Yoshitaka , Nakagawa Mayu , Kakegawa Daisuke , Fujinaga Shuichiro
Published: November 2020

Background

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have different growth rates compared with normal children. The present study examined the reliability of a general formula, Uemura’s formula, utilized in normal Japanese children to estimate renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate – eGFR) in children with DS.

Methods

This study included 758 children aged 2–18 years with DS who visited our medical center. Patients with congenital heart disease, or congenital anomalies of the kidney or urinary tract detected via abdominal ultrasonography, chronic glomerulonephritis, and vesicoureteral reflux, etc., were excluded. Height and serum creatinine data gathered from 2421 examinations of 379 children with DS (224 boys and 155 girls) were used to evaluate Uemura’s formula.

Results

The mean eGFR was lower in children with DS than in children without DS. Stage II chronic kidney disease was indicated in 44.6% of examinations and stage III in 0.8%. The association of eGFR with age differed between sexes. Boys with DS showed a significant but weak negative correlation between eGFR and age (r = −0.273, P < 0.001), whereas girls with DS showed a significant but very weak negative correlation (r = −0.111, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A new eGFR formula that takes into account specific growth rates and puberty is needed for children with DS because general renal function evaluation formulas are inappropriate for these patients.
Academic practice partnerships: A review of a statewide population health nursing leadership initiative
Authors: Jones Krista , Burnett Glenda , Sztuba Laura , Hannon Robin
Published: November 2020

Objective

In 2012, the state public health nurse (PHN) Leaders Workgroup formed with members from the state PHN Administrators organization and PHN faculty to facilitate the development of statewide PHN Academic practice partnerships (APP's). In 2016, the workgroup received a state Nurses Foundation grant for $6,000 followed by $5,000 in 2017 to fund the first 2 years of APP projects.

Design

The workgroup disseminated two calls for proposals to the Deans of state academic nursing institutions and local health department leaders, utilizing an application adapted from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) APP Toolkit. Selection criteria included project intent; partner support; anticipated outcomes; budget; geographic location; and alignment with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health framework.

Sample and Results

Sixteen proposals were received and reviewed by workgroup members resulting in 10 funded pilot projects. In 2018, the workgroup was awarded $55,980 from the RWJF to expand this initiative; funding an additional 10 APP's to date. Partnerships were reported as valuable by students, faculty, and practice partners. Barriers included provider participation, adherence to project timelines, communication, and the navigation of group dynamics.

Conclusion

Academic practice partnerships positively impact patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, nursing outcomes, and student learners.
Evaluation of two academic practice partnerships for chronic disease management in nursing education
Authors: McClure Natasha , Lutenbacher Melanie , Smith Hayes K. Melissa
Published: November 2020

More clinical sites are essential to meeting the learning needs of nursing students who will care for patients with chronic disease after graduation. Partnerships between schools of nursing and academic practices can increase clinical training capacity, allow future nurse practitioners (NPs) to apply knowledge and skills in the context of care delivery, and potentially improve patient outcomes with little associated risk. This article describes the experiences of primary care NP students (n = 37), NP faculty (n = 2), and clinic providers (n = 2) in an academic practice partnership performing home visits with complex pediatric asthma and adult heart failure (HF) patients. A 14‐item postexperience survey was used to obtain student feedback. Over 75% (n = 28) of student participants responded. Most respondents, 80% assigned to pediatric asthma patients and 90% assigned to adult HF patients, reported the home visit experience prepared them to care for patients with chronic diseases. Clinic providers indicated the extra attention to both patient groups reduced barriers to care and improved care continuity. This partnership offers a model for developing clinical skills in advanced practice nursing students and enhancing scarce clinical placement resources. Findings were used to refine the program and expand to include all 150 students in the subsequent academic year.
The Fluid Intake Appraisal Inventory for low fluid intake among patients on haemodialysis: Translation and psychometric evaluation of the Danish version
Authors: Pahus Jytte , Lindberg Magnus , Finderup Jeanette , Ludvigsen Mette Spliid
Published: November 2020

Aims and objectives

To translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Danish version of the Fluid Intake Appraisal Inventory (Da‐FIAI) regarding reliability and validity.

Background

Patients on haemodialysis are advised to restrict their fluid intake, which often requires patients to change their way of life and health behaviour.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The FIAI was translated to Danish by two sets of target translations and two sets of back‐translations (n = 4). One hundred and ninety‐five patients on haemodialysis needing ultrafiltration completed the questionnaire for the evaluation study of the Da‐FIAI, and psychometric properties were evaluated.

Results

Criterion validity was supported, and the Da‐FIAI had an excellent internal consistency; known‐groups validity and the factor structure could not be confirmed in the Danish sample.

Conclusions

We have shown that the Da‐FIAI is useful in a Danish haemodialysis population to score the patient’s ability to avoid drinking in specific situations.

Relevance to clinical practice

Using the Da‐FIAI in the continuing nurse–patient communication, nurses have a validated instrument to evaluate patients’ self‐efficacy in fluid intake management and systematically identify and advise patients who need additional support.
Experiences of surviving life‐threatening illness: The meaning of recovery
Authors: Gustafsson Lena‐Karin , Rylander Anneli
Published: November 2020

Background

Recovery from life‐threatening illness may be experienced as more demanding and lasts longer than patients first expect. Many patients experience recovery after life‐threatening illness, as filled with complex problems. These problems are primarily physical and psychological, although also social, and adversely affect daily life as well as perceived quality of life. Patients experience uncertainty about living with the legacy of a life‐threatening illness and how it negatively limits their daily lives and experienced health.

Aim

The purpose is to illuminate experiences of the meaning of recovery from life‐threatening disease.

Ethical approval

Approval for the study was obtained through a Regional Research Ethics Committee.

Methods

This study was conducted as a qualitative narrative study. This means that written stories of human recovery beyond suffering from life‐threatening disease were collected and analysed with a phenomenological hermeneutic method.

Results

The findings reveal two major areas – intrapersonal meanings and relational meanings. Four themes were found in these areas, each of which was divided into subthemes as follows: obstacles, for example disappointment of life, alienation of self and opportunities/resources: for example balance, own knowledge, hope and gratitude; relational obstacles, for example a lack of care, stigmatisation and economic stress; and relational resources such as informal care and professional care.

Study limitations

The informants were predominantly women that may be explained by the fact that females seem to be more often engaged in social media and willing to participate in these kinds of studies. Another limitation is that we only reached out to Swedish speaking Facebook groups when recruiting our informants.

Conclusions

In the narratives of their recovery process, surprisingly few focused on professional health care as a resource. Experiences from the study may be used to further develop care, especially to support patient self‐care regarding intrapersonal and relational resources that promote patient recovery beyond suffering from life‐threatening disease.