bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Team Utilizing Pharmacists in Multimodal, Bundled Care Reduce Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospital Readmission Rates
Authors: Gentene Anthony J. , Guido Maria Rose , Woolf Brittany , Dalhover Amber , Boesken Timmi Anne , Mueller Eric W. , Zafar Muhammad Ahsan
Published: November 2019

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major contributor of morbidity and mortality in the United States resulting in high hospitalization and readmission rates. For health systems, identifying an effective strategy to reduce COPD readmissions has remained difficult. Multiple COPD care bundles have been developed with varying degrees of success. Bundles that were multidisciplinary and included pharmacists were successful in reducing readmissions.

Objective:

To describe and assess a multidisciplinary, 5-element, COPD care bundle that was implemented in an academic, urban safety-net hospital to reduce COPD readmissions and the role of pharmacists in bundle implementation.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team collaborated to develop a 5-element COPD care bundle that met unmet patient needs. The bundle elements included the following, with pharmacy responsible for the first two: optimization of COPD inhalers, 30-day supply of insurance-compatible inhalers, individualized patient inhaler teaching, provision of standardized discharge instructions, and scheduling of a 15-day discharge follow-up appointment. Bundle was implemented with multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to develop intra- and interdepartment processes.

Results:

Prior to bundle implementation, the health system COPD readmission rates were 22.7%. Reliable implementation of the bundle reduced readmissions to 14.7% over a 6-month period. Pharmacy adherence to completion of the bundle was over 95% over 2 years of bundle use.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists have a crucial role in hospital-based transitions of care to reduce COPD readmissions.
Unmanned aerial vehicle trajectory data fusion based on an active and passive feedback system
Authors: Tang Xin-min , Chen Ji-da , Li Teng
Published: November 2019

The surveillance data obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle during real-time operation are very important for unmanned aerial vehicle supervision. In this study, in order to obtain more reliable and accurate unmanned aerial vehicle flight paths, we have proposed a trajectory fusion method of unmanned aerial vehicle data based on an active and passive feedback system. The active surveillance data are obtained from automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast and the passive surveillance data are derived from the unmanned aerial vehicle ground control station. The convex combination fusion algorithm is employed to fuse the two sets of data to obtain the accurate flight state and a continuous stable running track for the unmanned aerial vehicle. The simulation results showed that the fusion trajectory obtained using the convex combination fusion algorithm was smoother than the local trajectory obtained by the interacting multiple model algorithm.
Public opinion on basic income: Mapping European support for a radical alternative for welfare provision
Authors: Roosma Femke , van Oorschot Wim
Published: November 2019

The idea of a universal basic income (BI) is both radical and simple. Obtaining a sufficient citizenship-based income without work obligations is fundamentally opposing the foundations of the welfare systems that are in place nowadays. As BI has gained increasing attention in public debates and among policymakers, questions arise about its social legitimacy. This study is the first to analyse a broad range of explanatory individual and contextual factors that may affect popular support for BI. In addition, we study how BI support is related to support of current welfare provisions, to analyse how radically different people perceive a BI to be. We use a unique survey question – available for 23 European countries, from the recent release of the European Social Survey (2016) –that introduces BI with an extended definition, emphasizing its universal and unconditional character and that it will replace other benefits and services and is paid for by taxes. Results show relatively high, but varying levels of support among European countries and social groups. People who are in a more vulnerable socio-economic position support BI more, as well as political left-wingers, egalitarianists and people who support targeting benefits at the poor. Also, a BI is more supported in countries with higher levels of material deprivation. This pattern of relations on both the individual and contextual levels seems to suggest that it is not the universal character or its unconditionality that makes a BI so attractive to a large share of the European population, but the fact that it provides (poor) people with a guaranteed minimum income. We also find that people who support other welfare reforms are more supportive of a BI. This, and the fact that younger people are more pro-BI might give hope to BI advocates who present the proposal as a social system of the future.
Support for a universal basic income: A demand–capacity paradox?
Authors: Parolin Zachary , Siöland Linus
Published: November 2019

Debate around a universal basic income (UBI) tends to focus on the economic and social implications of the policy proposal. Less clear, however, are the factors influencing support for a UBI. Using the 2016 European Social Survey, we investigate how trade union membership and left political ideology (central to power resources theory) and attitudes towards immigrants’ access to welfare benefits (central to welfare state chauvinism) affect individual support for a UBI. We also investigate how country-level differences in levels of social spending moderate individual-level UBI support. Results from multi-level models suggest that a broader coalition of UBI supporters can generally be found in countries where social spending is low. Specifically, we find that welfare state chauvinism is more likely to be associated with negative attitudes towards a UBI in countries with high levels of spending, but has only a weak association with UBI support in low-spending countries. Similarly, political ideology is more consequential in explaining UBI support in countries with higher levels of spending. These tensions form a demand–capacity paradox: the countries which are presumably least equipped to implement a UBI see the most broad-based support for the policy.
Numerical sensitivity analyses for identifying rate-limiting factors influencing total energy exchange efficiency in energy recovery ventilator
Authors: Sotokawa Hajime , Chung Juyeon , Yoo Sung-Jung , Ito Kazuhide
Published: November 2019

Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are used to recover sensible and latent heat to reduce the heating and cooling load caused by outdoor air intake into indoor environments. The efficiency of the heat exchanger, comprising flow channels and constituent materials, determines the heat exchange performance of the ERV. Understanding the heat and mass transfer mechanisms in the ERV and optimizing the geometry and materials of the flow channel are essential for improving the ERV performance. Herein, numerical methods for predicting and clarifying the hygrothermal transfer mechanism in the heat exchange element of an ERV were developed, and their prediction accuracy was confirmed by analysing the exchange efficiencies in the scaled-down ERV unit model. The verified numerical model was applied to sensitivity analyses to clarify the rate-limiting factors influencing the total heat exchange efficiency of the ERV. Our findings have clarified that under Japan Industrial Standard cooling conditions, a 50-fold increase in the thermal conductivity of the spacer plate, the total heat recovery performance was enhanced by 13%, as for a 2-fold increase in the moisture conductivity, the performance was enhanced by 20%. The findings of this research can be expected to contribute to the energy saving effect in buildings.
Reducing police turnover: Recommendations for the law enforcement agency
Authors: Hilal Susan , Litsey Bryan
Published: November 2019

Law enforcement is a career that offers long-term employment; however, not everyone who enters the profession stays until they retire. Because the costs of employing a police officer can be significant to both the organization and the individual seeking to pursue and maintain a career in law enforcement, identifying ways to reduce police turnover is important. This study captures the experiences of officers who left prematurely, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, to help identify what agencies can do to keep officers long term. Data for this exploratory study was gathered via semi-structured interviews with 36 former police officers. The findings highlighted several common themes that law enforcement agencies could address, including: leadership training, clear and transparent processes, permanent light-duty assignments, shift flexibility, improved morale, and more focus on personal wellness.
Strange bedfellows? Consumer culture and the moral order in the post-socialist world – An afterword
Authors: Shevchenko Olga
Published: November 2019

Critiques of consumption frequently assume moral undertones, with the effect of obscuring the moral foundations underlying consumer practices themselves. The articles in this collection offer compelling and ethnographically rich evidence of the moral tensions that inform consumer preferences in post-socialist Europe. Consumer behaviors and discourses have historically played an important role in the region, determining grounds for social inclusion under socialism as much as under capitalism. This makes post-socialist settings particularly rich sites for ethnographic studies of the intersection between consumer culture and the moral order, as it allows us to trace how the criteria for full social membership – a chance to be seen, heard, and treated with respect – relate to consumption under different economic and political regimes.
Targeted Inhibitory Effect of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by Hre2.Grp78 Chimeric Promoter Regulating Fusion Gene TK/VP3
Authors: Li Jin-Yun , Huang Wen-Xiao , Chen Jie , Zhao Su-Ping , Tang Yao-Yun
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To construct plasmids with Hre2.Grp78 chimeric promoter regulating fusion gene TK/VP3 and elaborate the effects of overexpressed TK/VP3 on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Methods:

Four plasmids were constructed, including pcDNA3.1-CMV-TK/VP3, pcDNA3.1-Hre2.TK/VP3, pcDNA3.1-Grp78.TK/VP3, and pcDNA3.1-Hre2.Grp78.TK/VP3. The human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HNE1 cells were transfected with the 4 plasmids, respectively. Cell viabilities were evaluated using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and apoptosis was conducted using flow cytometry analysis. The expression of TK, VP3, Grp78, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and apoptosis-related proteins was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

Results:

The recombinant plasmids that could steadily overexpress TK and VP3 were successfully constructed. Expression of TK and VP3 in cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-Hre2.TK/VP3 and pcDNA3.1-Grp78.TK/VP3 was significantly higher than pcDNA3.1-CMV-TK/VP3, and expression in cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-Hre2.Grp78.TK/VP3 was the highest. Under glucose deprivation or hypoxia condition, Grp78 or hypoxia-inducible factor 1α was overexpressed so that expression of TK and VP3 was significantly upregulated, which could further inhibit cell proliferation and enhance cell apoptosis.

Conclusion:

We successfully constructed 4 plasmids with Hre2.Grp78 chimeric promoter regulating fusion gene TK/VP3, which could significantly inhibit the proliferation as well as enhance the apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells under glucose deprivation or hypoxia condition.
An accurate method for the calculation of ultimate load in lattice boom
Authors: Zhou Liming , Tang Jinghao , Wang Weijie , Zhao Erfei , Ren Shuhui , Zhang Qixun , Liu Peng
Published: November 2019

To calculate the ultimate load of the lattice boom accurately, the effective length factor and imperfection factor are introduced to the current stability factor formula. First, we propose a stability factor formula by conducting a series of tests of high-strength steel tubes under axial compression and analyzing the experimental data. Second, the effective length factor of the chord which is caused by braces is calculated on the basis of different effective length factors and stability curves. Then, the correctness of the proposed effective length factor and the stability factor formula are proved by destructive tests under three loading modes. Using the modified stability factor formula, the accuracy of ultimate load of lattice boom is enhanced. These findings will be of great value for improving the design level of lattice boom and providing a theory and test basis for the completion of the buckling design method of the high-strength steel tubes.
The test data provision of USMCA: A potential to promote or negate the timely access to genetically engineered biologics?
Authors: Boru Zeleke T
Published: November 2019

With the adoption of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (henceforth, TRIPS), the WTO members agreed to provide a minimum level of Intellectual Property (IP) protections to a broad range of subjects, including “undisclosed test or other data.” However, following the entry into force of TRIPS, some WTO members (particularly, developed countries) have concluded Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that consist of TRIPS-plus provisions, which go beyond the minimum standard established under TRIPS. One of the agreements that represent such a trajectory is the newly renegotiated agreement between the U.S, Mexico and Canada. The agreement has been negotiated, among other issues, to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This trilateral agreement also changed the name NAFTA to the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement or NAFTA 2.0. The new agreement contains rules that govern undisclosed test or other data (hereafter, test data), which biopharmaceutical companies submit to Health Regulatory Authorities for the purpose of obtaining the right to market biological medicines (hereafter, biologics). Drawing upon the aforementioned background, this article examines if and how USMCA’s test data rule contravenes the obligations of the USMCA Parties to fulfill, protect and respect the right to biologics, as contained under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (hereafter, ICESCR) and other international human rights instruments that cover the right to health. The first section provides an overview of USMCA, the second section addresses the nature of legal protection given to test data under the TRIPS Agreement, the third section is devoted to examining the nature of obligation as contained under USMCA’s rule on test data, the fourth discusses the legal basis of the right to biologics, while the fifth section assesses if and how the rule on test data impedes the USMCA Parties from realizing the right to biologics. The last section provides a conclusion.
First total synthesis of mariamide A
Authors: Xia Yamu , Chen Chenglong , Li Mengying , Zhou Weizeng , Sun Shuyu , Chu Shanpeng , Wang Hui
Published: November 2019

Mariamide A, a lignanamide isolated from the seeds of Silybum marianum, has demonstrated potential utility as an antioxidant and antidiabetic agent and possesses an 8-O-4′ neolignan skeleton. Herein, a first total synthesis of mariamide A is presented that proceeds in nine steps using vanillin as the starting material. The key steps for the preparation of mariamide A involve an I2-catalyzed bromomethoxylation of an alkene group, a nucleophilic substitution followed by a sequential elimination and a monoacylation reaction.
Comparative study of yeast selenium vs. sodium selenite on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity in weaned piglets challenged by Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Lv Liangkang , Zhang Hui , Liu Zhengya , Lei Long , Feng Zhi , Zhang Dandan , Ren Ying , Zhao Shengjun
Published: November 2019

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of selenium from different sources on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood immune indices of piglets orally challenged with Salmonella typhimurium (ST). In a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, 32 piglets (6.43 ± 0.54 kg of body mass) were assigned into four groups with or without dietary inclusion of sodium selenite (SS) or yeast selenium (YS) and with or without ST challenge (5 ml 1 × 109 cfu/ml ST or 5 ml saline) on d 13. In each period, YS increased average daily feed intake and average daily gain but did not reach statistical significance. During the challenged stage, piglets fed YS had higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, and YS reduced the amount of Escherichia coli in feces. Additionally, YS regulated the composition of T-lymphocyte subset and influenced the production of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, in this study selenium-enriched yeast was more effective in enhancing nutrient digestibility, and inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress by inducing the activity of the lymphocytes, expression of antioxidant enzymes and so on.
Protecting patients from infection: Improving topical prophylaxis compliance on surgical wards
Authors: Slyne Holly , Clews Natalie , Beech Sid , Smilie Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Background:

At a medium-sized district general hospital in the heart of England, it was identified that compliance to the administration of topical prophylaxis on three general surgery wards had reduced to 23%, following implementation of an electronic medication prescription record. Therefore, a quality improvement project was commenced to improve this compliance to protect patients from meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation and associated bacteraemia.

Aim:

To improve compliance of topical prophylaxis administration on three surgical wards to protect patients from infection.

Method:

Quality improvement plan – do – study – act (PDSA) cycles evaluated the effectiveness of four different strategies from baseline data which was 23% compliant in December 2016. These included teaching and communication strategies, prompts in medical notes, discontinuation of Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment as part of the topical prophylaxis regime and discontinuation of the topical wash lotion from requiring a prescription.

Results:

The compliance of prophylaxis administration increased consistently throughout from 23% in December 2016 to 92% in March 2018. Consequently, the number of patients that developed a MRSA colonisation on the three wards reduced by 54%, from 13 in the 12 months before the study to six in the 12 months after the study.

Discussion:

This study led to a change in the Trust MRSA Policy to better protect patients from infection, particularly surgical site infection and MRSA bacteraemia. It suggests that quality improvement methodology has a place in infection prevention practice.
Assessing Consumer Perceptions of Neolocalism: Making a Case for Microbreweries as Place-Based Brands
Authors: Taylor Scott , DiPietro Robin B.
Published: November 2019

The current study considers microbrewery taproom customers’ perceptions of neolocalism and the influence that these perceptions have on relationship quality (i.e., satisfaction and trust) and the subsequent influences on place attachment and brand attachment. The current study also utilizes a discussion of neolocalism to posit that the current understanding of place-based brands should be extended to consider the social aspects related to a place. Results indicate that perceptions of neolocalism have a significant positive influence on relationship quality, and relationship quality has significant positive influences on place attachment and brand attachment. Practitioner and academic implications of the research are discussed in detail.
When Did It Start? Origin of the Foresight Field
Authors: Hines Andy
Published: November 2019

While foresight continues to develop as a field, it is arguably still relatively unknown and underappreciated by potential clients and the public. Futurists are still explaining themselves and what they do on a regular basis. One challenge in explaining futures work is a lack of consensus around key questions about the field. While a variety of perspectives is valuable to futures work, for those new to it, the myriad answers to core questions—such as who futurists are, how futurists work, and how long have futurists been doing it—creates unnecessary confusion. While efforts have been made to address these questions, progress has been spotty. The field has been unable to settle on a name for itself that captures who futurists are. The recently proposed Foresight Competency Model is a step toward consensus on how futurists work. A key question that remains open is how long has formal futures work been done, that is, when did foresight begin as a field. An informal listserv discussion among professional futurists revealed a lack of consensus that was confirmed by a literature search. This piece took on the challenge of pinning down a specific year as the beginning of field—concluding that 1945 is the best candidate. The goal is to help futurists explain the field to those new to it.
Andexanet alfa for reversal of factor Xa inhibitor-associated anticoagulation
Authors: Carpenter Elise , Singh Divita , Dietrich Eric , Gums John
Published: November 2019

Background:

Review of clinical data on andexanet alfa for the reversal of factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor associated anticoagulation.

Data sources:

In the present review, we identified articles via PubMed using the combined keywords andexanet alfa, apixaban, enoxaparin, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. Additional online searches via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Lexicomp were conducted for both prescribing and cost information. Portola Pharmaceuticals was contacted for information used for United States Food and Drug Administration approval of andexanet alfa.

Study selection and data extraction:

English-language clinical trials and reviews published between January 2008 and April 2019 were included for review. Bibliographies of selected articles were reviewed manually for relevant publications, focusing on reversal strategies for apixaban, enoxaparin, edoxaban, or rivaroxaban associated anticoagulation using andexanet alfa. Review articles were excluded.

Data synthesis:

The safety and tolerability of andexanet alfa were evaluated in one phase I, two phase II, and one phase III clinical trials. The use of andexanet alfa for reversing FXa inhibitor-associated anticoagulation were evaluated in the phase III ANNEXA-4 study.

Conclusions:

Studies evaluating laboratory parameters for coagulation show that andexanet alfa rapidly neutralizes the anticoagulant effects of apixaban, enoxaparin, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. Clinical studies show that andexanet alfa improves markers related to coagulation, and reverses major bleeding in healthy volunteers and patients with life-threatening bleeding. Interruption of anticoagulation may result in thromboembolic and ischemic events. The use of andexanet alfa requires close monitoring for signs and symptoms of thromboembolic events, ischemic events, and cardiac arrest. Furthermore, anticoagulation should be resumed following the administration of andexanet alfa as soon as medically appropriate.
Risk factor reduction in type 2 diabetes demands a multifactorial approach
Authors: Rydén Lars , Ferrannini Giulia , Mellbin Linda
Published: November 2019

Dysglycaemia (i.e. type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance) is not only common in patients with cardiovascular disease but increases the risk for future cardiovascular complications. Hyperglycaemia, the hallmark of diabetes, has since long been considered to be the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes is, however, a complex, multifactorial disorder to which, for example, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction and factors such as increased thrombogenicity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia contribute. Thus, treatment needs to be multifactorial and to take cardiovascular aspects into account. Life-style adjustments are, together with blood pressure, lipid and glucose control, important parts of such management. Recent trial data reveal a beneficial effect on cardiovascular prognosis and mortality of blood glucose lowering agents belonging to the classes: sodium-glucose-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists. The precise mechanisms by which certain sodium-glucose-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists lead to these beneficial effects are only partly understood. An important impact of the benefits of sodium-glucose-transporter 2 inhibitors is a reduction in heart failure while glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists may retard the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease or stabilising plaques. Although there has been a considerable improvement in the prognosis for people with atherosclerotic diseases over the last decades there is still a gap between those with dysglycaemia, who are at higher risk, than those without dysglycaemia. This residual risk is reasonably related to two major factors: a demand for improved management and a need for new and improved therapeutic opportunities of type 2 diabetes, both routes to an improved prognosis that are at hands. This review is a comprehensive description of the possibilities to improve the prognosis for patients with dysglycaemia by a multifactorial management according to the most recent European guidelines issued in 2019 by the European Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.
Inappropriate Laughter: Affective Homophily and the Unlikely Comedy of #MeToo
Authors: Sundén Jenny , Paasonen Susanna
Published: November 2019

This article investigates the affective and ambiguous dynamics of feminist humor as an unexpected strategy of resistance in connection with #MeToo, asking what laughter may do to the sharpness of negative affect of shame and anger driving the movement. Our inquiry comes in three vignettes. First, we deploy Nanette—Hannah Gadsby’s 2018 Netflix success heralded as the comedy of the #MeToo era—arguing that the uniform viral warmth surrounding the show drives the emergence of networked feminisms through “affective homophily,” or a love of feeling the same. With Nanette, the contagious qualities of laughter are tamed by a networked logic of homophily, allowing for intensity while resisting dissent. Our second vignette zooms in on a less known feminist comedian, Lauren Maul, and her online #MeToo musical comedy riffing off on apologies made by male celebrities accused of sexual harassment, rendering the apologies and the men performing them objects of ridicule. Our third example opens up the door to the ambivalence of irony. In considering the unexpected pockets of humor within the #MeToo scandal that ripped apart the prestigious institution of the Swedish Academy, we explore the emergence of carnivalesque comedy and feminist uses of irony in the appropriation of the pussy-bow blouse as an ambiguous feminist symbol. Our examples allow us to argue for the political importance of affective ambiguity, difference, and dissent in contemporary social media feminisms, and to highlight the risk when a movement like #MeToo closes ranks around homogeneous feelings of not only shame and rage, but also love.
Cultural Liturgies goes to a madrasah: What can Christians learn from how Muslims educate children?
Authors: Wilson Tom
Published: November 2019

This article brings James Smith’s three-volume Cultural Liturgies into dialogue with fieldwork in ‘Midlands Madrasah’, drawing out questions and points of discussion that are applicable to Christian education of children, especially within a church context. The article begins with an overview of madrasah education and the main arguments of Cultural Liturgies. The second, third and fourth sections then bring Cultural Liturgies into dialogue with the function of a madrasah in faith formation, the content taught in the madrasah, and the pedagogical approach taken. Finally, three recommendations are made to Christians: to invest time, create community and embody the story of faith.
Interpersonal Distance Regulation and Approach-Avoidance Reactions Are Altered in Psychopathy
Authors: Welsch Robin , von Castell Christoph , Hecht Heiko
Published: November 2019

In this study, we examined the impact of psychopathy on approach-avoidance reactions and interpersonal distance (IPD) in response to social cues. We selected a student sample and measured psychopathy via self-report. Participants were immersed in a virtual environment in which a virtual person displayed either angry or happy facial expressions. In the first experiment, participants had to walk toward the virtual person until a comfortable IPD had been reached. In the second experiment, participants had to push or pull a joystick in response to the facial expression of the virtual person. Our results suggest that psychopathy does not change average IPD but does impair its regulation. That is, the facial expression of the avatar no longer modulated IPD in participants with psychopathic traits to the extent that it did in participants with fewer psychopathic traits. The speed of the approach and avoidance reactions is altered in psychopathy when confronted with social cues.
Mentoring in Business and Professional Communication: Case Study of a Multiyear Dynamic
Authors: Rosselot-Merritt Jeremy , Bloch Janel
Published: November 2019

Mentoring of graduate students is essential to the professional development of business and professional communication (BPC) scholars; it also helps advance the field of BPC and its disciplinary identity. In this article, a professor and graduate student use a case-study approach incorporating historical/archival data collection and grounded in critical reflection to describe and characterize their own long-term, cross-institutional mentoring relationship. They analyze artifacts from their mentoring experience; discuss benefits and challenges to mentoring in BPC; offer implications for mentees, mentors, and academic programs in creating formal mentoring plans; and suggest topics for further research.
Understanding self-organization and formal institutions in peri-urban transformations: A case study from Beijing
Authors: Zhang Shuhai , de Roo Gert , Rauws Ward
Published: November 2019

This article explores the mechanisms of urban self-organization and the role of formal institutions in shaping peri-urban areas. A case study of Gaobeidian, a former rural village that is now part of Beijing, examines the mechanisms of change and the interdependent relations between institutions and bottom-up initiatives that drive peri-urban transformations. The paper presents two main contributions: (1) it identifies the differences between government-controlled planning, shared governance, self-governance and self-organization and how these intertwine in urban transformations; (2) it proposes three distinct roles played by institutions in relation to self-organization: triggering, constraining and enabling. The empirical study of this Chinese case will enrich the current debate on planning for self-organizing cities by revealing the impact of, and the various responses to, self-organization dynamics in a hierarchical institutional environment.
Book review: Hiba Bou Akar, For the War Yet to Come: Planning Beirut’s Frontiers
Authors: Simone AbdouMaliq
Published: November 2019

Hiba Bou Akar, For the War Yet to Come: Planning Beirut’s Frontiers. Standford, California: Stanford University Press, 2018, 264pp., $28.00. ISBN: 1503605604, 9781503605602.
Buschke–Löwenstein tumor of the penis
Authors: Pineda-Murillo J. , Lugo-García J. A. , Martínez-Carrillo G. , Torres-Aguilar J. , Viveros-Contreras C. , Schettino-Peredo M. V.
Published: November 2019

Background

The Buschke–Löwenstein tumor comes from the confluence of multiple condyloma acuminata and is clinically manifested by warty, exophytic, ulcerated lesions, with aggressive behavior, rapid growth, invasion and destruction of adjacent structures.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old man with type II diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and a history of high-risk sexual behavior with multiple partners was evaluated in the urology department for multiple penile lesions of verrucous appearance and fetid odor of 10 months of evolution. Biopsy of the lesion was performed revealing a giant condyloma acuminatum.

Conclusions

Radical surgical excision with wide surgical margins remains the first line of treatment. Close follow-up of these patients is crucial given the complexity and tumor recurrence.
Natriuretic peptides appeared after their receptors in vertebrates
Authors: Grandchamp Anna , Tahir Shifa , Monget Philippe
Published: November 2019

Background

In mammals, the natriuretic system contains three natriuretic peptides, NPPA, NPPB and NPPC, that bind to three transmembrane receptors, NPR1, NPR2 and NPR3. The natriuretic peptides are known only in vertebrates. In contrast, the receptors have orthologs in all the animal taxa and in plants. However, in non-vertebrates, these receptors do not have natriuretic properties, and most of their ligands are unknown. How was the interaction of the NP receptors and the NP established in vertebrates? Do natriuretic peptides have orthologs in non-vertebrates? If so, what was the function of the interaction? How did that function change? If not, are the NP homologous to ancestral NPR ligands? Or did the receptor’s binding pocket completely change during evolution?

Methods

In the present study, we tried to determine if the pairs of natriuretic receptors and their ligands come from an ancestral pair, or if the interaction only appeared in vertebrates. Alignments, modeling, docking, research of positive selection, and motif research were performed in order to answer this question.

Results

We discovered that the binding pocket of the natriuretic peptide receptors was completely remodeled in mammals. We found several peptides in non vertebrates that could be related to human natriuretic peptides, but a set of clues, as well as modeling and docking analysis, suggest that the natriuretic peptides undoubtedly appeared later than their receptors during animal evolution. We suggest here that natriuretic peptide receptors in non vertebrates bind to other ligands.

Conclusions

The present study further support that vertebrate natriuretic peptides appeared after their receptors in the tree of life. We suggest the existence of peptides that resemble natriuretic peptides in non-vertebrate species, that might be the result of convergent evolution.
Production of theophylline via aerobic fermentation of pu-erh tea using tea-derived fungi
Authors: Zhou Binxing , Ma Cunqiang , Ren Xiaoying , Xia Tao , Li Xiaohong , Wu Yang
Published: November 2019

Background

Caffeine is one of the most abundant methylxanthines in tea, and it remains stable in processing of general teas. In the secondary metabolism of microorganism, theophylline is the main conversion product in caffeine catabolism through demethylation. Microorganisms, involved in the solid-state fermentation of pu-erh tea, have a certain impact on caffeine level. Inoculating an appropriate starter strain that is able to convert caffeine to theophylline would be an alternative way to obtain theophylline in tea. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify the effective strain converting caffeine to theophylline in pu-erh tea, and discuss the optimal conditions for theophylline production.

Results

Caffeine content was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) and theophylline content was increased significantly (p < 0.05) during the aerobic fermentation of pu-erh tea. Five dominant fungi were isolated from the aerobic fermentation and identified as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus pallidofulvus, Aspergillus sesamicola and Penicillium mangini, respectively. Especially, A. pallidofulvus, A. sesamicola and P. mangini were detected in pu-erh tea for the first time. All isolates except A. sydowii TET-2, enhanced caffeine content and had no significant influence on theophylline content. In the aerobic fermentation of A. sydowii TET-2, 28.8 mg/g of caffeine was degraded, 93.18% of degraded caffeine was converted to theophylline, and 24.60 mg/g of theophylline was produced. A. sydowii PET-2 could convert caffeine to theophylline significantly, and had application potential in the production of theophylline. The optimum conditions of theophylline production in the aerobic fermentation were 1) initial moisture content of 35% (w/w), 2) inoculation quantity of 8%, and 3) incubation temperature at 35 °C.

Conclusions

For the first time, we find that A. sydowii PET-2 could convert caffeine to theophylline, and has the potential value in theophylline production through aerobic fermentation.
Onychomadesis and potential association with HFMD outbreak in a kindergarten in Hubei province, China, 2017
Authors: Li Dan , Wu Yang , Xing Xuesen , Huang Jigui , Mao Anlu , Liu Tian , Rao Ping , Qin Wei , Zhang Lijie , Feng Luzhao , Gao Shangren , Guan Xuhua
Published: November 2019

Background

In 2017, an outbreak of onychomadesis occurred in kindergarten H, Hubei province, China. We investigated the field to learn about the magnitude and reason of the outbreak.

Methods

The case definition was that a child with onychomadesis or transverse ridging (Beau’s line) in fingernails and toenails without previous traumatic or systemic disease in kindergarten H from Sep. 1st to Nov. 30th, 2017. A retrospective cohort study was carried out to analyze the epidemiological relationship between onychomadesis and the hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Primary Class #2, kindergarten H. We also performed a serological survey for neutralizing antibodies against coxsackie virus A6 (CVA6), coxsackie virus A10 (CVA10) among 15 cases and six healthy children in the kindergarten. Meanwhile, some children were carried out with routine blood, fungal microscopic and microelement tests. Indoor environment examinations had been done for all classes.

Results

A total of 20 cases were identified in Kindergarten H. Seventy-five percent (15/20) cases occurred in Primary Class #2. Fifty-five percent of the cases (11/20) had suffered from HFMD within two months. The median time between onychomadesis and HFMD was 45 days (ranging from 31 to 58 days). A retrospective cohort study in Primary Class #2 showed the attack rate was 90.0% among 10 children who suffered from HFMD in the past two months compared to 30.0% among 20 children who didn’t (Rate Ratio [RR] =3.0, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] =1.5–6.0). The positive rates of neutralizing antibodies were 66.7% for CVA6 and 26.7% for CVA10 in tested cases. The result of routine blood, fungal microscopic, microelements tests were normal in cases. The indicators of environment were within the normal range.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that the outbreak of onychomadesis in Hubei province was probably associated with HFMD epidemic within two months.
Biopsychosocial and clinical characteristics in patients with resected breast and colon cancer at the beginning and end of adjuvant treatment
Authors: García-García Teresa , Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula , Jara Carlos , Beato Carmen , Castelo Beatriz , Mangas Montserrat , de Castro Eva Martínez , Ramchandani Avinash , Gomez David , Calderón Caterina
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze biopsychosocial factors affecting how patients cope with cancer and adjuvant treatment and to appraise psychological distress, coping, perceived social support, quality of life and SDM before and after adjuvant treatment in breast cancer patients compared to colon cancer patients.

Methods

NEOcoping is a national, multicenter, cross-sectional, prospective study. The sample comprised 266 patients with colon cancer and 231 with breast cancer. The instruments used were the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire-Patient (SDM-Q-9) and Physician’s (SDM-Q-Doc), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ).

Results

Breast cancer patients reacted worse to the diagnosis of cancer with more symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatization, and were less satisfied with their involvement than those with colon cancer (p = 0.003). Participants with colon cancer were older and had more physical symptoms and functional limitations at the beginning of adjuvant treatment, while there were scarcely any differences between the two groups at the end of adjuvancy, at which time both groups suffered greater psychological and physical effects and scored lower on coping strategies, except for anxious preoccupation.

Conclusions

Breast cancer patients need more information and involvement of the oncologist in shared decision-making, as well as and more medical and psychological support when beginning adjuvant treatment. Both breast and colon cancer patients may require additional psychological care at the end of adjuvancy.
Childhood obesity in urban Ghana: evidence from a cross-sectional survey of in-school children aged 5–16 years
Authors: Ganle John Kuumuori , Boakye Priscilla Pokuaa , Baatiema Leonard
Published: November 2019

Background

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in many low-income urban settings; but its determinants are not clear. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of childhood obesity and associated factors among in-school children aged 5–16 years in a Metropolitan district of Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among a sample of 285 in-school children aged 5–16 years. Pre-tested questionnaires and anthropometric data collection methods were used to collect data. Descriptive, bivariate, binary and multivariate logistic regression statistical techniques were used to analyse data.

Results

Some 46.9% (42.2% for males and 51.7% for females) of the children were overweight. Of this, 21.2% were obese (BMI falls above 95th percentile). Childhood obesity was higher in private school (26.8%) than public school (21.4%), and among girls (27.2%) than boys (19%). Factors that increased obesity risks included being aged 11–16 as against 5–10 years (aOR = 6.07; 95%CI = 1.17–31.45; p = 0.025), having a father whose highest education is ‘secondary’ (aOR =2.97; 95% CI = 1.09–8.08; p = 0.032), or ‘tertiary’ (aOR = 3.46; 95% CI = 1.27–9.42; p = 0.015), and consumption of fizzy drinks most days of the week (aOR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.24–6.52; p = 0.014). Factors that lowered obesity risks included engaging in sport at least 3times per week (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.33–0.96; p = 0.034), and sleeping for more than 8 h per day (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.19–0.79; p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Higher parental (father) educational attainment and frequent consumption of fizzy drinks per week may increase obesity risks among in-school children aged 5–16 years in the Metropolitan district of Ghana. However, regular exercise (playing sport at least 3 times per week) and having 8 or more hours of sleep per day could lower obesity risks in the same population. Age and sex-appropriate community and school-based interventions are needed to promote healthy diet selection and consumption, physical activity and healthy life styles among in-school children.
Using photo-elicitation to explore perceptions of physical activity among young people with cystic fibrosis
Authors:   On behalf of Youth Activity Unlimited – A Strategic Research Centre of the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Denford S. , Hill D. M. , Mackintosh K. A. , McNarry M. A. , Barker A. R. , Williams C. A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Physical activity is recommended in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to explore motives, barriers and enablers to physical activity among this population. Methods: Twelve participants (12–18 years) were recruited via convenience sampling. Photo-elicitation alongside semi-structured interviews were used to explore participants’ views and experiences of physical activity.

Results

Our findings revealed motives for physical activity including health, enjoyment and autonomy. Those with families who valued physical activity tended to have positive attitudes towards physical activity, and valued and integrated it into their lives. Moreover, they were likely to be intrinsically motivated to be active. Several factors enable and act as barriers to physical activity. Whilst CF influenced physical activity, the majority of enablers and barriers raised where congruent with the general populations.

Conclusion

This study provides support that healthcare providers should encourage both young people with CF and their families to be active, and subsequently informs the development of clinical interventions to support physical activity among young people with CF and their families.
Correction to: Atypical bronchial carcinoid with postobstructive mycobacterial infection: case report and review of literature
Authors: Hakami Abdulrahman , Zwartkruis Evita , Radonic Teodora , Daniels Johannes M. A.
Published: November 2019

Please note that an affiliation has been missed from the published article [1].
Application of three statistical models for predicting the risk of diabetes
Authors: Liu Siyu , Gao Yue , Shen Yuhang , Zhang Min , Li Jingjing , Sun Pinghui
Published: November 2019

Background

At present, the proportion of undiagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults is as high as 15.5%. People with diabetes who are not treated and controlled in time may have various complications, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetic foot disorders, which not only seriously affect the quality of life of people with diabetes but also impose a heavy burden on families and society. Therefore, prevention and control of type 2 diabetes is of great significance.

Methods

We constructed a logistic regression model, a neural network model and a decision tree model to analyse the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and then compared the prediction accuracy of the different models by calculating the area under the relative operating characteristic (ROC) curve and back-inputting the data into the model.

Results

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in 4177 subjects who were not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was 9.31%. The most influential factors associated with type 2 diabetes were triglyceride (TG) ≥ 1.17 mmol/L (odds ratio (OR) =2.233), age ≥ 70 years (OR = 1.734), hypertension (OR = 1.703), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.674), and total cholesterol≥5.2 mmol/L (TC) (OR = 1.463). The prediction accuracies of the three prediction models were 90.8, 91.2, and 90.7%, respectively, and the areas under curve (AUCs) were 0.711, 0.780, and 0.698, respectively. The differences in the AUCs after back propagation (BP) of the neural network model, logistic regression model and decision tree model were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

BP neural networks have a higher predictive power for identifying the associated risk factors of type 2 diabetes than the other two models, but it is necessary to select a suitable model for specific situations.