bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mowa nienawiści jako przedmiot badań. Praktyki komunikacyjne nacechowane nienawiścią w dyskursie medialnym
Authors: Jaszczyk-Grzyb Magdalena
Published: July 2020

Hate Speech as an Object of Research: Hate-Fuelled Communication Practices in Media DiscourseHate speech is currently an issue discussed in many scientific disciplines and is one of the threads of linguistic research conducted at the Department of Intercultural Glottopedagogy at the Institute of Applied Linguistics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Since 2014, the Department has been involved in the RADAR project (Regulating Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism), conducted in cooperation with other European universities and public institutions, and co-financed by the European Commission. The aim of this article is to present partial results of empirical research conducted under the project, including a catalogue of hate-oriented communication practices in media discourse. Mowa nienawiści jako przedmiot badań. Praktyki komunikacyjne nacechowane nienawiścią w dyskursie medialnymObecnie mowa nienawiści stanowi zagadnienie omawiane w wielu dyscyplinach naukowych, w tym jest również jednym z wątków badań językoznawczych prowadzonych w Zakładzie Glottopedagogiki Interkulturowej, działającym w ramach Instytutu Lingwistyki Stosowanej na Uniwersytecie im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu. Od 2014 roku w zakładzie tym prowadzono w kooperacji z innymi europejskimi uniwersytetami oraz instytucjami publicznymi projekt RADAR (Regulating Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism), współfinansowany przez Komisję Europejską. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie częściowych wyników badań empirycznych prowadzonych w ramach tego projektu, do których należy katalog praktyk komunikacyjnych nacechowanych nienawiścią w dyskursie medialnym.
Jak z pewnego miasteczka szatan wyrzucił szatana. Girardowskie mechanizmy w "My z Jedwabnego" Anny Bikont
Authors: Źrebiec Antoni
Published: July 2020

How Satan Cast Satan out of a Small Town: Girardian Mechanisms in The Crime and the Silence by Anna BikontThis article identifies the categories of René Girard’s anthropology in the content of The Crime and the Silence (My z Jedwabnego), a non-fiction book by Anna Bikont. The article stresses the mechanisms of mimetic violence and the scapegoat apparent in the events she describes. Bikont presents not only the results of her investigation into the events of 1941, but also the collective memory of the local community and its attitude to the public debate on the subject. Jak z pewnego miasteczka szatan wyrzucił szatana. Girardowskie mechanizmy w My z Jedwabnego Anny BikontCelem artykułu jest odniesienie kategorii antropologicznych wypracowanych przez René Girarda do treści reportażu Anny Bikont pod tytułem My z Jedwabnego. Artykuł podkreśla obecność mechanizmów mimetycznej przemocy i kozła ofiarnego w prezentowanych przez autorkę wydarzeniach. Analizę umożliwia szeroki zakres zebranego przez reportażystkę materiału, w którym Bikont prezentuje nie tylko wyniki badań mających odtworzyć przebieg wydarzeń z 1941 roku, ale również trwającą pośród mieszkańców miasteczka pamięć zbrodni i ich stosunek do narosłej dookoła sprawy debaty publicznej.
Thermal Conductivity Anisotropy in Phonon Transport of Bi2Te3/Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Superlattice Film
Authors: Kang Soo-Young , Park No-Won , Lee Won-Yong , Kang Min-Sung , Kim Gil-Sung , Koo Sang-Mo , Koh Jung-Hyuk , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: July 2020

Nanoscale superlattice thin films generally exhibit larger phonon and electron scattering at the interface in the direction of the cross-plane of the samples. Therefore, it is very important to further detailed study of especially phonon transport of the superlattice films. Here, we
report temperature dependent thermal conductivity anisotropy in phonon transport of Bi2 Te3 /Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3 superlattice thin films at 200–500 K. Thermal conductivity of these thin films for in- and cross-plane thermal conductivities
were determined to be approximately 0.74 and 0.4 W m–1 K–1 at 200–500 K, respectively, clearly indicating ∼185% suppression in- and cross-plane thermal conductivities of the superlattice thin films with a large anisotropic behavior. Such large anisotropy
in the thermal conductivity can be attributed to enhanced phonon scattering occurring at the interface of the Bi2Te3 and Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 layer.
Object Recognition Based on Nano Memristive Neural Network with Variable Structure
Authors: Sun Junwei , Han Gaoyong , Wang Yanfeng
Published: July 2020

Many Memristive neural network arrays that have been designed in recent years are simultaneously dealt with all of their synapses in working status. Therefore, when a relatively small-scale neural network is implemented with these memristor arrays, some of these synapses which are not
used may cause errors in the result due to the impact of unexpected interference signals, and it can also cause some unnecessary energy consumption. In this paper, a memristive neural network with variable network structure is investigated. Based on this network, the number of synapses involved
in the work can be flexibly adjusted to improve system performance. Two different scales of neural networks are simulated in Pspice to prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed memristive neural network structure.
Performance Enhancement by the Introduction of Additional Narrow Band Gap Bottom Layer of aSi0.64Ge0.36: H on Proposed p + aSi:H/i-aSi: H/n+ aSi0.73Ge0.27: H Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Rasheed J. Fatima , Babu V. Suresh
Published: July 2020

This work is the continuation of our previous work entitled "Investigations on optical, material and electrical properties of aSi:H and aSiGe:H in making proposed n+aSi:H/iaSi:H/p+aSiGe:H graded band gap solar cells." In this work, we present an additional
bottom layer made of increased germanium content: aSi0.64Ge0.36:H to the previously recommended p+aSi:H/i-aSi:H/n+aSi0.73Ge0.27:H photovoltaic cell to strengthen the absorption spectrum and thereby boosting the
attainment of the solar cell. Moreover, the overall active layer thickness is reduced from 430 nm of previous work to 395 nm of proposed work. This work includes the fabrication of samples of epitaxially grown aSiGe:H thin films of varying band gap made with Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour
Deposition (PECVD) technique succeeded by their characterisation. The establishment of band gap tailoring by varying the germane (GeH4) gas flow rate is thoroughly investigated through optical characterisation. The growth chemistry of PECVD made aSi0.64Ge0.36:H
layer has been analysed and the presence of respective radicals has been verified using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. In accordance with the measured band gaps, p+ aSi:H/i-aSi:H/n+aSi0.73Ge0.27:H/naSi0.64Ge0.36:H
solar cell has been proposed. A comprehensive inquiry on optimisation of the recommended structure has been made by varying the optical band gap and thickness of the bottom most aSi0.64Ge0.36:H layer of the structure. All the cell parameters including open circuit voltage
(Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), maximum power point voltage (Vm), maximum power point current density (Jm), Fill factor (FF) and conversion efficiency (η) has been calculated using SCAPS1D solar
simulator. Furthermore, C–V characteristics and Mott-Schottky plot of the proposed structure has been evaluated. The introduction of narrow band gap amorphous silicon germanium (aSi0.64Ge0.36:H) at the bottom has remarkably enhanced Jsc
and η to 15.54 mA/cm2 and 15.15% respectively, which is better compared to reported amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells having single junction.
Lead Free (Bi, Na)TiO3–BiAlO3 Ceramics for Piezoelectric Application
Authors: Ji Jae-Hoon , Shin Don-Jin , Lee Sang-Kwon , Koo Sang-Mo , Ha Jae-Geun , Kamiko Masao , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: July 2020

In this research, substitution effects of BiAlO3 with (Bi, Na)TiO3 piezoelectric ceramics was investigated for the sensors and actuators applications. (Bi,Na)TiO3 material has been employed for the piezoelectric devices applications because of their
high piezoelectric charge constant, d33, of 88 pC/N, electromechanical coupling coefficient, kp, of 22% and inverse piezoelectric charge constant of 498 pm/V. As a piezoelectric material, (Bi, Na)TiO3 has perovskite structure with tetragonal basis.
The improvement of piezoelectric and inverse piezoelectric properties is important for industrial device applications. Therefore, in this research, we have tried to increase functional and electrical properties of (Bi, Na)TiO3 piezoelectric materials by substituting BiAlO3
dopants. As a result, the piezoelectric constant was increased up to 140 pC/N, and the densification was increased up to 5.92 g/cm3 .
Identification Feature Design for Homogenization Product Based on Characteristic Difference
Authors: Wang Jiajing , Kong Yueping , He Qing , Zeng Yingyuan
Published: July 2020

Aiming at the serious homogenization problems between the products with the same model and batches, and the difficulty identification due to wear, pollution and other factors which led small characteristic differences between cutters failure to identify, an identification feature design
method of homogenization product to prevent tracking failure was presented. The feature enhanced direct parts marking (DPM) was analyzed, Data Matrix (DM) codes feature design based on marking process and affine transformation was proposed. Feature differences between individuals were enhanced
from the source, DM code texture feature design based on Gray-level Co-occurrence (GLCM) was proposed and DM code texture library was established in product manufacturing process. By using the method of Hamming distance and Euclidean distance, the similarity between the target characteristics
and DM code marking feature, manufacturing process texture library was matched when product identification was failed to read. The experimental results showed that the proposed method could identify the product failure recovery or remedy better.
Rapid Detection Device of Methamphetamine Based on Improved Light Emitting Diode Induced Fluorescence Detector
Authors: Liang Si-Jia , Zhou Jian-Guang
Published: July 2020

In recent years, drug abuse has become a major public health problem, drug-driving poses serious threats to the public security. For the urgent need to rapidly on-site screen drug evidence and drug abusers, we have developed a fluorescent drug detection device based on LED induction
(FD-LED). The core part of the device is 365 nm high-intensity LED excitation light source, FD-LED detector' performance was tested by the fluorescent brightener OB. In this study, the FD-LED detector was evaluated, and the influence of baseline noise, baseline drift, sensitivity, detection
limit and quantitative limit on the detector was analyzed, the result showed that the proposed detector had good stability and sensitivity, at the same time, the chromatographic detection conditions were set, the solution based on methamphetamine C1 sample was collocated, and combined with
liquid chromatography, a detection system for methamphetamine was developed. The results showed that the minimum detection amount of the sample was 1.0 × 10–9 g/ml, and the signal-concentration relationship was obvious in the range of 1.0 ng/ml∼15.6 ng/ml. This device
could provide an effective method for roadside drug testing and clinical diagnosis, and give helpful assistance to law enforcement officers.
Impacts of Channel Length and Type of Active Layer on Electrical Properties of Organic Thin-Film Transistors: Theoretical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Wageh S. , Boukhili W. , Tunç Ali Veysel , Hamad N. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmed
Published: July 2020

The organic thin film transistors made of different polymers with various channel lengths were fabricated, characterized and modeled. Three types of polymers with different polydispersity (PDI) and molecular weight were applied as active layers. Optimizing OTFTs were achieved by two
technological ways, namely the treatment of SiO2 by octadecyl trichlorosilane (OTS) (self-assembled monolayers (SAM)) in correlation with channel length variation. The effect of treatment of SiO2 by OTS (octadecyl trichlorosilane) on the output and transfer characteristics
along with the electrical parameters were investigated. In addition, the effects of polydispersity (PDI) and molecular weight of organic semiconductor were accounted. The characteristics of transistors depended on the exposure to SiO2 by OTS, channel length, polydispersity (PDI)
and molecular weight of polymers. The devices fabricated with treatment of SiO2 by OTS along with organic semiconductor, possessing high molecular weight has a channel length of 2.5 μm, which showed outstanding mobility of 10–2 cm2V –1s–1,
current ratio Ion/Ioff = 2.5 × 106 and a low contact resistance of 4.8 × 10 5 Ω. An analytical model reproduced output electrical properties having characteristics of fabricated devices. The obtained results by the
model were fairly agreed with those obtained experimentally for long and short channel devices.
High thermally conductive epoxy composite inks cured by infrared laser irradiation for two-dimensional/three-dimensional printing technology
Authors: Park Gi-Tae , Lee Sung Jun , Kim Byeong Guk , Lee Sang Hun , Kang Jae Wook , Lee Bum-Joo , Lee Myong-Hoon
Published: June 2020

We propose a new fabrication method of high thermally conductive epoxy composites for 3 D printing technology, which is based on a thermosetting epoxy system containing graphene nanoplate (GNP) as an IR-absorbing material. Firstly, we developed highly heat-dissipating inks based on bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) type epoxy resins containing graphene nanoplate (GNP) which was used as a heat dissipating filler and, simultaneously, an IR-absorbing material for heat induced rapid curing of printed layer. h-BN was also added as a heat dissipating filler in order to increase the thermal conductivity and to decrease the electrical conductivity of the composite. Secondly, by using a micro dispenser equipped with an IR laser, 2D/3D line patterns of thermally conductive epoxy composites were printed and cured in-situ. Thermal and electrical conductivities of the resulting composites were discussed with respect to the resin compositions and the irradiation conditions. The highest thermal conductivity of 2.77 W/m·K was achieved when the contents of GNP and h-BN were 15.0 and 20.0 phr, respectively.
Coal characterization and coalbed methane potential of the Chico-Lomã Coalfield, Paraná Basin, Brazil – Results from exploration borehole CBM001-CL-RS
Authors: Kalkreuth W , Levandowski J , Weniger P , Krooss B , Prissang R , da Rosa A Lima
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the coal characteristics in the Chico-Lomã coalfield, Brazil and to evaluate the potential of natural gas associated with the coal seams (CBM), by carrying out a test well (CBM001-CL-RS) for collecting coal samples, followed by gas desorption measurements, and petrographical and chemical analyses of the coals and their methane adsorption capacities. The gas collected was analyzed for gas composition, stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes. The results indicate a cumulative coal thickness of 11.46 m in well CBM001-CL-RS, associated with an igneous intrusion of 10 m thickness. In the contact zone with the intrusion, the organic matter is severely altered with partial transformation of the coal to natural coke at distances less than 2 m from the intrusion. The ash content, based on proximate analysis, shows a variation from 29.1 to 82.8 wt.%. The sulphur content ranges from 0.43 to 3.89 wt.% and shows higher values in samples from the top of the Rio Bonito Formation. The gas desorption measurements range from 0.05 to 0.74 cm3/g, with methane being the predominant gas (>90%). A thermal origin of the gas is suggested by C and H isotopes and the C1 (methane) to C3 (propane) hydrocarbon distribution. The methane adsorption capacity of the samples varies from 2.50 to 6.50 cm3/g. Changes in microporosity related to thermal alteration may have a significant impact on the gas-holding capacity of samples located near the contact to the intrusion. For the study area, a 3D geological model was generated to estimate the volume of coal in the coalfield, followed by assessment of the gas volume associated with the coal. Based on the 3D model, a preliminary appraisal indicates resources of 7.2 billion tons of coal for the Chico-Lomã coalfield, associated with 2.7 billion m3 of gas.
A comparison of diet versus diet + exercise programs for health improvement in middle-aged overweight women
Authors: Joseph Gili , Arviv-Eliashiv Rinat , Tesler Riki
Published: June 2020

Background:

Obesity is an independent risk factor for many diseases. Many studies have investigated the benefits of losing weight as well as the best methods for weight loss. This research evaluated the impact of various weight loss programs on health enhancement among overweight women aged 40–60 years.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study that analyzed data from 145 overweight women in weight loss programs. Each woman joined one of four programs: 8 weeks of exercise plus diet (exe + nutr), 8 weeks of diet only (nutrition), 8 weeks of exercise only, or a control group. Women completed a psychological questionnaire and also underwent anthropometric tests, blood pressure checks, a predicted maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) test on an ergometer bicycle, a one-leg balance test, straight leg test, and a sit and reach test, both before and after the program. Participants also provided a blood sample.

Results:

All of the measured variables improved in the exe + nutr and nutrition programs when compared with the control group; the exe + nutr group improved the most: body mass index, −1.3 kg/m2; body fat, −2.9%; lean body mass, +1.1; VO2 max, +4.8; body image, +1.02; and p < 0.01.

Conclusion:

The hypothesis-generating findings showed that weight loss programs improved anthropometric, biochemical, physiological, physical, and psychological variables in women aged 40–60 years. The program that included diet restriction with exercise, guidance, and regular counseling showed the best results.
Photosynthetic performance and photosynthesis-related gene expression coordinated in a shade-tolerant species Panax notoginseng under nitrogen regimes
Authors: Zhang Jin-Yan , Cun Zhu , Chen Jun-Wen
Published: June 2020

Background

Nitrogen (N) is an essential component of photosynthetic apparatus. However, the mechanism that photosynthetic capacity is suppressed by N is not completely understood. Photosynthetic capacity and photosynthesis-related genes were comparatively analyzed in a shade-tolerant speciesPanax notoginsenggrown under the levels of low N (LN), moderate N (MN) and high N (HN).

Results

Photosynthetic assimilation was significantly suppressed in the LN- and HN-grown plants. Compared with the MN-grown plants, the HN-grown plants showed thicker anatomic structure and larger chloroplast accompanied with decreased ratio of mesophyll conductance (gm) to Rubisco content (gm/Rubisco) and lower Rubisco activity. Meanwhile, LN-grown plants displayed smaller chloroplast and accordingly lower internal conductance (gi). LN- and HN-grown individuals allocated less N to light-harvesting system (NL) and carboxylation system (NC), respectively. N surplus negatively affected the expression of genes in Car biosynthesis (GGPS,DXR,PSY,IPIandDXS). The LN individuals outperformed others with respect to non-photochemical quenching. The expression of genes (FBA, PGK, RAF2, GAPC, CAB, PsbAandPsbH) encoding enzymes of Calvin cycle and structural protein of light reaction were obviously repressed in the LN individuals, accompanying with a reduction in Rubisco content and activity. Correspondingly, the expression of genes encodingRAF2,RPI4,CABandPetEwere repressed in the HN-grown plants.

Conclusions

LN-induced depression of photosynthetic capacity might be caused by the deceleration on Calvin cycle and light reaction of photosynthesis, and HN-induced depression of ones might derive from an increase in the form of inactivated Rubisco.
Comparison of admission rates among patients treated by male and female emergency physicians: a multicenter study
Authors: Valiuddin Hisham , Ring Hope , Fallon Michelle , Valiuddin Yaser
Published: July 2020

Background

No study to date has looked at the gender of emergency medicine (EM) physicians in the United States in relation to admission rates. This study seeks to investigate admission rates of adult patients treated by female vs male EM physicians, to identify whether a practice pattern bias exists.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study of four community hospitals. Population: All patient encounters between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Outcome: We compared multiple benchmarks, including admission rates, patient acuity, length of stay, return visits, patient age, and years of practice using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation Coefficients.

Results

171,762 encounters by 71 EM physicians; 29 females, 42 males. Average admission rates: female 30.1%, male 28.0%, p = .188. Average encounters: female 2456, male 2394, p = 0.77. Acuity: female 149.3, male 146.9, p = .227. Average length of stay (minutes): female 294.4, male 277.4, p = .137. Average patient age: female 50.9, male 50.2, p = .457. Median time of encounter: female 12.8, male 12.7, p = .964. Years of practice: female 16.2, male 19.1, p = .274. Average return visits per one thousand: female 8.5, male 8.5, p = .864. Secondary analysis of Pearson Correlation Coefficient of Significance; admission rate and length of stay: female 0.53, p = .0026; male 0.76, p < .0001. Admission rate and acuity: female 0.56, p = .0012; male 0.76, p < .0001. Admission rate and patient age: female 0.54, p = 0.0018; male 0.50, p = 0.0003.

Conclusion

No statistically significant difference exists between the admission rates of male and female emergency medicine physicians. The admission rate in both groups had the highest correlation with patients’ age, acuity, and length of stay.
Postoperative adjuvant treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion: a non-randomized interventional clinical study
Authors: Wang Liming , Wang Weihu , Rong Weiqi , Li Zhuo , Wu Fan , Liu Yunhe , Zheng Yiling , Zhang Kai , Siqin Tana , Liu Mei , Chen Bo , Wu Jianxiong
Published: July 2020

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is considered to be one of the important prognostic factors that affect postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with variable results across their treatment options. This study was carried out to investigate efficacy of postoperative adjuvant RT in HCC patients with MVI.

Methods

This was single center, prospective study carried out in HCC patients with MVI, aged 35–72 years. All patients were non-randomly allocated to receive standard postoperative treatment of HBV/HCV and nutritional therapy or RT in addition to standard postoperative treatment (1:1). The primary endpoints assessed were relapse-free survival and overall survival. The prognostic factors associated with survival outcomes were also analyzed. The safety events were graded according to NCI-CTCAE v4.03 criteria.

Results

Of the 115 patients eligible for study, 59 patients were included in analysis. Univariate analysis revealed that MVI classification (P = 0.009), post-operative treatment strategies (P = 0.009) were prognostic factors for worst RFS; tumor size (P = 0.011), MVI classification (P = 0.005) and post-operative treatment (P = 0.015) were associated for OS. The 1-, 2-, 3-year RFS rates were 86.2, 70.5 and 63.4% for patients in RT group, and 46.4, 36.1, and 36.1% in control group. For OS, corresponding rates were 96.6, 80.7, and 80.7% for patients in RT group and 79.7, 58.3, and 50.0% in control group. Subgroup classification of HCC patients according to low risk MVI showed significantly longer RFS (P = 0.035) and OS (P = 0.004) in RT group than control group, while for high risk MVI, RT depicted longer OS than control group with no significance (P = 0.106). Toxicities were usually observed in acute stage with no grade 4 toxicities.

Conclusion

Postoperative adjuvant RT following hepatectomy offers better RFS for HCC patients with MVI than with standard postoperative therapy. Also, it will be useful to control microscopic lesions in both M1 (low risk) and M2 (high risk) subgroups of HCC patients with MVI.

Trial registration

Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1800017371. Date of Registration: 2018-07-26. Registration Status: Retrospectively registered.
Sterile, abscess-like cerebral lesion during trastuzumab therapy after HER2 status switch in a triple negative breast cancer patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mezei Tamás , Hajdu Melinda , Czigléczki Gábor , Lotz Gábor , Kocsis Judit , Kulka Janina , Horváth Anna
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer is a global health problem – it is the most common malignancy among women. Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) account for 10–20% of female breast cancer. Most TNBC cases confer poor prognosis. Brain metastasis appears in more than 15% in the triple negative breast cancer population, which causes serious decrease in survival. Changes of immunophenotype are not uncommon in breast cancer, offering new therapeutic options in cases where targetable proteins or pathways are being identified.

Case presentation

After five lines of chemotherapy and 82 months following the first diagnosis, our patient with brain metastatic triple negative breast cancer had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genetic heterogeneity in the metastatic tissue sample interpreted as HER2 status conversion. After the removal of the metastasis, we started first line therapy for metastatic HER2 positive cancer with trastuzumab and paclitaxel. After the first cycle of trastuzumab, on day 8, she had a seizure, and neurosurgical examination showed an abscess-like lesion. The punctate proved to be sterile by microbiological and pathological examination, so we continued cytostatic therapy without the anti-HER2 antibody. 3 months later, we could not identify the previous abscess-like lesion in the control computer tomography (CT) scan, and our patient had no neurological deficits.

Conclusion

We emphasize the importance of regular tissue confirmation of predictive markers in progressive tumorous disease even if our presented case is not unequivocally a “conversion case”. Tumor subtype is determined according to algorithms and definitions published in guidelines, nevertheless, use of different guidelines may lead to controversial interpretation in cases where HER2 genetic heterogeneity is present. Furthermore, we suggest that seronegative, aseptic intracranial fluid effusion after the removal of a brain metastasis may possibly be a side effect of trastuzumab.
The discharge conversation: a phenomenographic interview study
Authors: Theodoridis Kyriakos , Noghi Adina , Borglin Gunilla
Published: July 2020

Background

Studies have highlighted deficiencies in the information given by nurses to surgical patients. Studies also show that the role of the nurse in connection with the discharge of patients after surgery is unclear. The aim of the study was therefore to elicit and to explore registered nurses’ conceptions of the phenomenon of nursing care information given to surgical patients in connection with hospital discharge.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen nurses at surgical unites at the southern parts of Sweden. The interviews were transcribed and then analysed according to the phenomenographic approach.

Result

The analysis resulted into three descriptive categories which conjointly may be said to express the general conceptions of the informants. Thus, according to the informants, the provision of nursing care information in connection with the discharge of surgical patients is: (i) not a nursing priority, (ii) adapted to the context of care, and (iii) a possible enhancement of the nursing process and the quality of care.

Conclusion

The result of the study implies that the discharge conversation may be seen as an opportunity for the nursing profession to formalise and to enhance the quality of care in connection with the discharge of surgical patients.
Comparison of non-schistosomal colorectal cancer and schistosomal colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Weixia , Lu Kui , Wang Limei , Jing Hongyan , Pan Weiyu , Huang Sinian , Xu Yanchao , Bu Dacheng , Cheng Meihong , Liu Jing , Liu Jican , Shen Weidong , Zhang Yingyi , Yao Junxia , Zhu Ting
Published: July 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare clinicopathological features of patients with non-schistosomal and schistosomal colorectal cancer to explore the effect of schistosomiasis on colorectal cancer (CRC) patients’ clinical outcomes.

Methods

Three hundred fifty-one cases of CRC were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Survival curves were constructed by using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to identify associations with outcome variables.

Results

Colorectal cancer patients with schistosomiasis (CRC-S) were significantly older (P< 0.001) than the patients without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS). However, there were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS patients in other clinicopathological features. Schistosomiasis was associated with adverse overall survival (OS) upon K-M analysis (P= 0.0277). By univariate and multivariate analysis, gender (P= 0.003), TNM stage (P< 0.001), schistosomiasis (P= 0.025), lymphovascular invasion (P= 0.030), and lymph nodes positive for CRC (P< 0.001) were all independent predictors in the whole cohort. When patients were stratified according to clinical stage and lymph node metastasis state, schistosomiasis was also an independent predictor in patients with stage III–IV tumors and in patients with lymph node metastasis, but not in patients with stage I–II tumors and in patients without lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

Schistosomiasis was significantly correlated with OS, and it was an independent prognostic factor for OS in the whole cohort. When patients were stratified according to clinical stage and lymph node metastasis state, schistosomiasis was still an independently unfavorable prognosis factor for OS in patients with stage III–IV tumors or patients with lymph node metastasis.
Experimental immunization of mice with a recombinant bovine enterovirus vaccine expressing BVDV E0 protein elicits a long-lasting serologic response
Authors: Ren Xiao , Zhang Shan , Gao Xintao , Guo Xiaoyu , Xin Ting , Zhu Hongfei , Jia Hong , Hou Shaohua
Published: July 2020

Background

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a cause of substantial economic loss to the cattle industry worldwide, and there are currently no effective treatment or preventive measures. Bovine enterovirus (BEV) has a broad host range with low virulence and is a good candidate as a viral vaccine vector. In this study, we explored new insertion sites for the expression of exogenous genes in BEV, and developed a recombinant infectious cDNA clone for BEV BJ101 strain expressing BVDV E0 protein.

Methods

A recognition site for the viral proteinase 3Cprowas inserted in the GpBSK-BEV plasmid at the 2C/3A junction by overlapping PCR. Subsequently, the optimized full-length BVDV E0 gene was inserted to obtain the recombinant infectious plasmid GpBSK-BEV-E0. The rescued recombinant virus was obtained by transfection with linearized plasmid. Expression of BVDV E0 in the recombinant virus was confirmed by PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis, and the genetic stability was tested in MDBK cells over 10 passages. We further tested the ability of the recombinant virus to induce an antibody response in mice infected with BVDV and immunized them with the recombinant virus and parental strain.

Results

The rescued recombinant virus rBEV-E0 was identified and confirmed by western blot and indirect immunofluorescence. The sequencing results showed that the recombinant virus remained stable for 10 passages without genetic changes. There was also no significant difference in growth dynamics and plaque morphology between the recombinant virus and parental virus. Mice infected with both recombinant and parental viruses produced antibodies against BEV VP1, while the recombinant virus also induced antibodies against BVDV E0.

Conclusion

A new insertion site in the BEV vector can be used for the prevention and control of both BEV and BVDV, providing a useful tool for future research on the development of viral vector vaccines.
Sensitivity and specificity of double-blinded penicillin skin testing in relation to oral provocation with amoxicillin in children
Authors: Labrosse Roxane , Paradis Louis , Samaan Kathryn , Lacombe-Barrios Jonathan , Paradis Jean , Bégin Philippe , Des Roches Anne
Published: July 2020

Current recommendations for the management of penicillin allergy are to perform penicillin skin testing (PST) with penicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) and benzylpenicillin (BP) prior to drug challenge with amoxicillin. However, the role of PST is increasingly questioned in the pediatric setting. To resolve the question of PST’s diagnostic accuracy, consecutive children with a history of non-life-threatening penicillin allergy referred to a tertiary-care allergy center were recruited to undergo double-blinded PST with PPL and BP prior to drug provocation to amoxicillin. Five of 158 participants (3.2%) presented with an immediate or accelerated reaction upon amoxicillin challenge, none of which were severe. Only one of these had positive PST (20%), compared to 15 of 153 amoxicillin tolerant participants (9.8%). The sensitivity and specificity of PST with PPL and BP for reacting upon amoxicillin challenge were 20% (95% CI: 0.5–71.6%) and 90% (95% CI: 84.4–94.4%), respectively. These results argue against the routine use of PST as a preliminary step to drug provocation with amoxicillin in this population, as it is unlikely to significantly alter pre-test probability of reacting to challenge.
Herbicidal efficacy of harzianums produced by the biofertilizer fungus, Trichoderma brevicompactum
Authors: Yin Miaomiao , Fasoyin Opemipo Esther , Wang Chen , Yue Qun , Zhang Yunyun , Dun Baoqing , Xu Yuquan , Zhang Liwen
Published: July 2020

Herbicides are important tools for weed control in modern agriculture. In the search for potential herbicidal natural products from fungal species, harzianum A and B were identified from the biofertilizer fungus, Trichoderma brevicompactum. In the phytotoxicity assays on the dicot species Brassica chinensis, harzianum A and B reduced both shoot and root lengths at low concentrations and inhibited the seed germination at 2 μg mL−1. In addition, harzianum A and B also exhibited phytotoxicity against monocots, Oryza sativa L. cv. Nipponbare and Echinochloa crusgalli L. Beauv.. Compared with a common herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, harzianum A and B performed similar activity in a pot assay, and were more effective in post-emergence than pre-emergence conditions. Harzianum A and B have potential as efficient herbicide for controlling important dicotyledon and monocotyledon weeds at low concentrations. They can be sprayed in liquid form in both pre- and post-emergence conditions. Our results confirmed the importance of these molecules for the development of new herbicides.
The association between low pre-operative step count and adverse post-operative outcomes in older patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Richards Simon J. G. , Jerram Pippa M. , Brett Christian , Falloon Michelle , Frizelle Frank A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Multiple tools exist estimating perioperative risk. With an ageing surgical demographic, frailty is becoming an increasingly important concept in perioperative medicine due to its association with adverse post-operative outcomes. Reduced physical activity is a hallmark of frailty, and we postulate that a low pre-operative step count may be an objective measure of frailty. This study aimed to determine the association between low pre-operative step count and post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing elective colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

A prospective analysis of 85 older patients undergoing major elective colorectal surgery was performed at a tertiary centre between October 2017 and October 2018. Patients aged 65 years and over who met inclusion criteria were provided with an activity tracker to wear for 14 days prior to planned surgery. Their median daily step count was measured and a cut-off of < 2500 steps/day was used to define a reduced step count. Primary outcomes included length of stay and 30-day post-operative complication rate. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the influence of low pre-operative step count and other preoperative variables, on post-operative outcomes including mortality, prolonged hospital admission, and complication rates.

Results

Of 85 patients, 17 (20%) were identified as having a low pre-operative step count. A low pre-operative step count was associated with a significantly increased length of stay (14 vs. 6 days, IRR 2.09, 95% CI 1.55–2.83, p ≤ 0.01) and rate of major post-operative complications (29.4% vs. 8.8%, OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.03–14.3, p = 0.04). It was also associated with significantly increased rates of discharge to care facilities (p < 0.01) and requiring support on discharge (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Low pre-operative step count (< 2500 steps/day) is predictive of an increased risk of post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Accurate preoperative identification may allow for treatment modification and tailored perioperative care. The possibility of using a wearable activity tracker as a simple but powerful pre-habilitation tool is raised as an important avenue for future study.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000045213).
Postpartum meloxicam administration alters plasma haptoglobin, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and oxylipid concentrations in postpartum ewes
Authors: Olagaray Katie E. , Bradford Barry J. , Sordillo Lorraine M. , Gandy Jeffery C. , Mamedova Laman K. , Swartz Turner H. , Jackson Trey D. , Persoon Emma K. , Shugart Caitlin S. , Youngs Curtis R.
Published: July 2020

Background

Postpartum inflammation is a natural and necessary response; however, a dysfunctional inflammatory response can be detrimental to animal productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (meloxicam) on ewe postpartum inflammatory response, ewe plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid and oxylipid concentrations, and lamb growth.

Results

After lambing, 36 Hampshire and Hampshire × Suffolk ewes were sequentially assigned within type of birth to control (n = 17) or meloxicam orally administered on d 1 and 4 of lactation (MEL; 90 mg,n = 19). Milk and blood samples were collected on d 1 (prior to treatment) and d 4. Milk glucose-6-phosphate was not affected by MEL. Plasma haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations were less for MEL ewes; control ewes with greater d 1 Hp concentrations had elevated Hp on d 4, but this was not the case for MEL-treated ewes. Treatment with MEL increased plasma arachidonic acid concentration by more than 4-fold in ewes rearing singles but decreased concentrations of 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid, prostaglandin F2α, 8-iso-prostaglandin E2, and 8,9-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Nine oxylipids in plasma had interactions of treatment with d 1 Hp concentration, all of which revealed positive associations between d 1 Hp and d 4 oxylipid concentrations for CON, but neutral or negative relationships for MEL. MEL decreased 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid:13-oxooctadecadienoic acid ratio and tended to increase 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid:9-oxooctadecadienoic acid ratio (both dependent on d 1 values), indicating progressive metabolism of linoleic acid-derived oxylipids occurred by enzymatic oxidation after MEL treatment. Meloxicam reduced oxylipids generated across oxygenation pathways, potentially due to an improved redox state.

Conclusions

Postpartum MEL treatment of ewes decreased plasma concentrations of Hp and several oxylipids, with the greatest impact in ewes with biomarkers reflecting a greater inflammatory state before treatment. Anti-inflammatory strategies may help resolve excessive postpartum inflammation in some dams.
Relational trajectories in families with parental mental illness: a grounded theory approach
Authors: Patrick Pamela Marie , Reupert Andrea E. , McLean Louise A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Adult children of parents with mental illness experience a myriad of complex emotions as they attempt to make meaning of the lived experiences of their parents. A crucial time for adult children is emerging adulthood, a time when they move away from their family of origin and establish their own identity and independence. Despite existing research that provides a static description of adult children’s lived experiences, the literature lacks an explanatory theory about the dynamic, relational processes that occur as adult children progress from one life stage to the next.

Methods

The current study aimed to develop an explanatory theory of the relational trajectory that adult children might experience as they course through adulthood and parenthood over time. Semistructured interviews using grounded theory analysis were conducted with 10 adult children aged between 27 and 51 years old.

Results

Three key phases within the Relational Trajectory Model (RTM) were identified: (i) confusion, (ii) contemplation, and (iii) reconciliation. By reflecting on their own parenting role, adult children were able to reach an evolved parental identity, with the majority of participants also making relationship reparations with their parents with mental illness. Parallels are drawn to theories of identity and intergenerational family systems to further explain and substantiate the processes encompassed within the RTM.

Conclusion

Generating an explanatory theory serves as a potential guide for mental health professionals working with families with parental mental illness, by drawing attention to the intricacies of familial relationships and interpersonal ties.
Social trust predicts sleep disorder at 6 years after the Great East Japan earthquake: data from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sugawara Yumi , Tomata Yasutake , Sekiguchi Takuya , Yabe Yutaka , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: July 2020

Background

The physical and psychological health impacts on victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) have lasted for a long time. Some cross-sectional studies have reported a relationship between social networks and/or social support and mental health among victims. Previous studies were cross-sectional observations at one time point after a disaster, it remains unclear whether the lack of social trust soon after the GEJE predicts long-term mental health outcomes among the victims. The objective of the present study was to examine prospectively the association between social trust soon after the GEJE and trends in sleep disorders up to 6 years after the GEJE.

Methods

We conducted a health survey on residents living in two areas affected by the GEJE. We analyzed data from 1293 adults (aged ≥18 years) who had participated in an initial health survey. The participants responded to a self-administrated questionnaire composed of items on health condition, mental health, including sleep disorders (based on the Athens Insomnia Scale [AIS]), and social trust. We classified the participants into two categories (high or low) based on the level of social trust at the first health survey. A linear mixed model was used to estimate trends in AIS scores in relation to social trust at the first health survey.

Results

The AIS scores of participants in the low social trust group were significantly higher than those in the high social trust group throughout the 6 years after the GEJE (P < 0.01). After adjusting for some covariates, the AIS score estimate for the participants who had low social trust was 1.30 point higher than those for the participants who had high social trust.

Conclusion

Social trust at 3 to 5 months after the GEJE predicted AIS scores at 6 years after the GEJE among victims. This finding suggests that it may be possible to identify people who have a lower potential for mental resilience from disaster damage over the long term. Further, health interventions for this high-risk group could help promote resilience after a disaster.
Excess Rab4 rescues synaptic and behavioral dysfunction caused by defective HTT-Rab4 axonal transport in Huntington’s disease
Authors: White Joseph A. , Krzystek Thomas J. , Hoffmar-Glennon Hayley , Thant Claire , Zimmerman Katherine , Iacobucci Gary , Vail Julia , Thurston Layne , Rahman Saad , Gunawardena Shermali
Published: July 2020

Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by protein inclusions and loss of striatal neurons which result from expanded CAG repeats in the poly-glutamine (polyQ) region of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Both polyQ expansion and loss of HTT have been shown to cause axonal transport defects. While studies show that HTT is important for vesicular transport within axons, the cargo that HTT transports to/from synapses remain elusive. Here, we show that HTT is present with a class of Rab4-containing vesicles within axons in vivo. Reduction of HTT perturbs the bi-directional motility of Rab4, causing axonal and synaptic accumulations. In-vivo dual-color imaging reveal that HTT and Rab4 move together on a unique putative vesicle that may also contain synaptotagmin, synaptobrevin, and Rab11. The moving HTT-Rab4 vesicle uses kinesin-1 and dynein motors for its bi-directional movement within axons, as well as the accessory protein HIP1 (HTT-interacting protein 1). Pathogenic HTT disrupts the motility of HTT-Rab4 and results in larval locomotion defects, aberrant synaptic morphology, and decreased lifespan, which are rescued by excess Rab4. Consistent with these observations, Rab4 motility is perturbed in iNeurons derived from human Huntington’s Disease (HD) patients, likely due to disrupted associations between the polyQ-HTT-Rab4 vesicle complex, accessory proteins, and molecular motors. Together, our observations suggest the existence of a putative moving HTT-Rab4 vesicle, and that the axonal motility of this vesicle is disrupted in HD causing synaptic and behavioral dysfunction. These data highlight Rab4 as a potential novel therapeutic target that could be explored for early intervention prior to neuronal loss and behavioral defects observed in HD.
Fyn kinase inhibition reduces protein aggregation, increases synapse density and improves memory in transgenic and traumatic Tauopathy
Authors: Tang Si Jie , Fesharaki-Zadeh Arman , Takahashi Hideyuki , Nies Sarah Helena , Smith Levi M. , Luo Anin , Chyung Annabel , Chiasseu Marius , Strittmatter Stephen M.
Published: July 2020

Accumulation of misfolded phosphorylated Tau (Tauopathy) can be triggered by mutations or by trauma, and is associated with synapse loss, gliosis, neurodegeneration and memory deficits. Fyn kinase physically associates with Tau and regulates subcellular distribution. Here, we assessed whether pharmacological Fyn inhibition alters Tauopathy. In P301S transgenic mice, chronic Fyn inhibition prevented deficits in spatial memory and passive avoidance learning. The behavioral improvement was coupled with reduced accumulation of phospho-Tau in the hippocampus, with reductions in glial activation and with recovery of presynaptic markers. We extended this analysis to a trauma model in which very mild repetitive closed head injury was paired with chronic variable stress over 2 weeks to produce persistent memory deficits and Tau accumulation. In this model, Fyn inhibition beginning 24 h after the trauma ended rescued memory performance and reduced phospho-Tau accumulation. Thus, inhibition of Fyn kinase may have therapeutic benefit in clinical Tauopathies.