bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Celebrating the Silver Anniversary of the North American Testis Workshop
Authors: Robaire Bernard , Eddy Mitch , Goldberg Erwin , Griswold Michael , Heckert Leslie , McCarrey John , Orgebin‐Crist Marie‐Claire , Papadopoulos Vassilios , Trasler Jacquetta , Wright William , Yan Wei , Zirkin Barry
Published: January 2020

Objective

To provide an overview of the history of the North American Testis Workshop (NATW), of its relationship to the American Society of Andrology (ASA), and of the publications that resulted from the first 25 workshops.

Methods

The collection of volumes and journal articles that relate to the NATW was searched.

Discussion and Conclusion

During the first twenty‐five meetings of the NATW, a remarkable number of breakthroughs regarding every aspect of the testis were presented. We anticipate that with the acceleration of new genetic, epigenetic, and molecular knowledge of the functions of testicular cells, we will continue to learn about the discovery of new and clinically important aspects of testicular function during the next twenty‐five NATWs.
Restoration of erectile function by suppression of corporal apoptosis and oxidative stress with losartan in aged rats with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Yamin , Cong Rong , Tian Ye , Chen Chen , Wang Yichun , Zhang Qijie , Zhou Xiang , Ji Chengjian , Meng Xianghu , Song Ninghong
Published: January 2020

Background

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) increases progressively with age, but its potential pathophysiology has not been fully demonstrated. Hence, this article was aimed to identify the functional and morphological characterization of the corpus cavernosum in aged rats and to evaluate the effects of the Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan on age‐related ED (AED).

Material and Methods

A total of 40 young and aged Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): young rats as normal controls (YNC) group; aged rats with normal erectile function (ANC) group; aged rats with ED (AED) group; and a losartan‐treated AED (AED + Losartan) group. The treated group received losartan (30 mg/kg) once daily oral gavage for 4 weeks. Erectile function was measured by the ratio of peak intracavernous pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP), and relevant tissues were harvested for transmission electron microscopy, Immunohistochemistry, Masson's trichrome staining, TUNEL, caspase‐3 activity assay and Western blot.

Results

The AED group exhibited decreases in erectile response and increases in the role of apoptosis, fibrosis as well as oxidative stress, compared with the control groups. After daily administration of losartan for four weeks, it could slightly restore erectile function and significantly attenuate corporal apoptosis, fibrosis, and oxidative stress of AED. However, the result was still not comparable with that of the control groups. Moreover, the expression levels of p‐Bad/Bad and p‐AKT/AKT were significantly lower, whereas the expression levels of Bax/Bcl‐2, Nrf2/Keap‐1, Fibronectin, HO‐1, and caspase‐3 activity were significantly higher in the AED groups and while losartan could significantly attenuate these changes of AED, it was still not comparable with that of the control groups.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that administration of losartan not merely restored erectile function, but also significantly prevented corporal apoptosis and oxidative stress in AED by suppressing the Akt/Bad/Bax/caspase‐3 and Nrf2/Keap‐1 pathways.
Positionality and protocol in field research: Undertaking community‐based investigations in Samoa
Authors: Latai‐Niusulu Anita , Nel Etienne , Binns Tony
Published: January 2020

This article considers the experiences of a Samoan female geographer undertaking community‐based field research in her home country, and identifies some lessons for researchers working in similar circumstances. The paper suggests that ethical behaviour in research is ‘place‐specific’, and there is therefore a need to employ culturally sensitive and ‘location‐specific’ methodologies when undertaking community‐based research fieldwork. For the lead researcher, growing up in Samoa played a significant role in gaining an understanding of a set of robust and effective procedures to evaluate citizens' resilience to climatic and other environmental challenges. Fluency in everyday and more formal local languages, and awareness of local differences, each with multi‐layered connections to local communities, understanding cultural nuances and practising respect for va tapuia [sacred space or relationships] protocols, together facilitated the process of knowledge acquisition and helped to confirm the validity of the conclusions derived from the study.
Laparoscopic partial circular myectomy for congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnant
Authors: Mochizuki Kyoko , Shinkai Masato , Kitagawa Norihiko , Usui Hidehito
Published: January 2020

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare anomaly, and its appropriate management is not well established. This may be the first report describing laparoscopic partial circular myectomy of the esophageal wall in an infant with CES caused by tracheobronchial remnant (TBR). The narrow segment of the esophagus was laparoscopically detected 1 cm above the esophagogastric junction because the segment was whiter and narrower than the other parts of the esophagus. The narrow segment was approximately 1.5 cm in length. Partial anterior 270° circular muscle layers were dissected using hook electrocautery. Small cartilage‐like tissues were identified during the procedure. The muscular layers of both ends were interruptedly sutured. Intraoperative complications were not detected. After undergoing balloon dilation for slight residual stenosis, the patient could eat solid foods without vomiting. Laparoscopic partial circular myectomy is safe and effective for short‐segment lower esophageal stenosis in patients with CES caused by TBR.
Long‐term oncological and functional follow‐up in low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer: results from the prospective nationwide Swiss registry
Authors: Viktorin‐Baier Pascal , Putora Paul M. , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Plasswilm Ludwig , Schwab Christoph , Thoeni Armin , Hochreiter Werner , Prikler Ladislav , Suter Stefan , Stucki Patrick , Müntener Michael , Blick Nadja , Schiefer Hans , Güsewell Sabine , Zürn Karin , Engeler Daniel
Published: January 2020

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term oncological, functional and toxicity outcomes of low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT) in relation to risk factors and radiation dose in a prospective multicentre cohort.

Patients and Methods

Data of patients from 12 Swiss centres undergoing LDR‐BT from September 2004 to March 2018 were prospectively collected. Patients with a follow‐up of ≥3 months were analysed. Functional and oncological outcomes were assessed at ~6 weeks, 6 and 12 months after implantation and annually thereafter. LDR‐BT was performed with 125I seeds. Dosimetry was done 6 weeks after implantation based on the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology recommendations. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS). A prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) rise above the PSA nadir + 2 was defined as biochemical failure. Functional outcomes were assessed by urodynamic measurement parameters and questionnaires.

Results

Of 1580 patients in the database, 1291 (81.7%) were evaluable for therapy outcome. The median (range) follow‐up was 37.1 (3.0–141.6) months. Better BRFS was found for Gleason score ≤3+4 (P = 0.03, log‐rank test) and initial PSA level of <10 ng/mL (P < 0.001). D’Amico Risk groups were significantly associated with BRFS (P < 0.001), with a hazard ratio of 2.38 for intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients vs low‐risk patients. The radiation dose covering 90% of the prostate volume (D90) after 6 weeks was significantly lower in patients with recurrence. Functional outcomes returned close to baseline levels after 2–3 years. A major limitation of these findings is a substantial loss to follow‐up.

Conclusion

Our results are in line with other studies showing that LDR‐BT is associated with good oncological outcomes together with good functional results.
Inducible epithelial resistance against acute Sendai virus infection prevents chronic asthma‐like lung disease in mice
Authors: Goldblatt David L. , Flores Jose R. , Valverde Ha Gabriella , Jaramillo Ana M. , Tkachman Sofya , Kirkpatrick Carson T. , Wali Shradha , Hernandez Belinda , Ost David E. , Scott Brenton L. , Chen Jichao , Evans Scott E. , Tuvim Michael J. , Dickey Burton F.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Respiratory viral infections play central roles in the initiation, exacerbation and progression of asthma in humans. An acute paramyxoviral infection in mice can cause a chronic lung disease that resembles human asthma. We sought to determine whether reduction of Sendai virus lung burden in mice by stimulating innate immunity with aerosolized Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists could attenuate the severity of chronic asthma‐like lung disease.

Experimental Approach

Mice were treated by aerosol with 1‐μM oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) M362, an agonist of the TLR9 homodimer, and 4‐μM Pam2CSK4 (Pam2), an agonist of the TLR2/6 heterodimer, within a few days before or after Sendai virus challenge.

Key Results

Treatment with ODN/Pam2 caused ~75% reduction in lung Sendai virus burden 5 days after challenge. The reduction in acute lung virus burden was associated with marked reductions 49 days after viral challenge in eosinophilic and lymphocytic lung inflammation, airway mucous metaplasia, lumenal mucus occlusion and hyperresponsiveness to methacholine. Mechanistically, ODN/Pam2 treatment attenuated the chronic asthma phenotype by suppressing IL‐33 production by type 2 pneumocytes, both by reducing the severity of acute infection and by down‐regulating Type 2 (allergic) inflammation.

Conclusion and Implications

These data suggest that treatment of susceptible human hosts with aerosolized ODN and Pam2 at the time of a respiratory viral infection might attenuate the severity of the acute infection and reduce initiation, exacerbation and progression of asthma.
Child and adolescent mental health trajectories in relation to exclusion from school from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children
Authors: Tejerina‐Arreal María , Parker Claire , Paget Amelia , Henley William , Logan Stuart , Emond Alan , Ford Tamsin
Published: January 2020

Background

As the prevalence of childhood mental health conditions varies by age and gender, we explored whether there were similar variations in the relationship between psychopathology and exclusion from school in a prospective UK population‐based birth cohort.

Method

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children collected reports of exclusion at 8 years and 16 years. Mental health was assessed at repeated time points using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Results

Using adjusted linear mixed effects models, we detected a nonlinear interaction between exclusion and age related to poor mental health for boys [adjusted coefficient 1.13 (95% confidence interval 0.55–1.71)] excluded by age 8, but not for girls. The SDQ scores of boys who were excluded in primary school were higher than their peers from age 3, and increasingly diverged over time. As teenagers, these interactions appeared for both genders [boys’ adjusted coefficient 0.18 (0.10–0.27); girls 0.29 (0.17–0.40)]. For teenage girls, exclusion by 16 was followed by deteriorating mental health. Family adversity predicted exclusion in all analyses.

Conclusion

Prompt access to effective intervention for children in poor mental health may improve both mental health and access to education.

Key Practitioner Message

Children who were subsequently excluded from school often faced family adversity and had poor mental health, which suggests the need for an interdisciplinary response and a multiagency approach.

Poor mental health may contribute to and result from exclusion from school, so both mental health and education practitioners have a key role to play.

Boys who enter school with poor mental health are at high risk of exclusion in primary school, which prompt assessment and intervention may prevent.

Both boys and girls who are excluded between the ages of 15 and 16 years may have poor, and in the case of girls, deteriorating, mental health.
Modulation of Nqo1 activity intercepts anoikis resistance and reduces metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimokawa Masahiro , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Itoh Shinji , Iseda Norifumi , Sakata Kazuhito , Yugawa Kyohei , Toshima Takeo , Harada Noboru , Ikegami Toru , Mori Masaki
Published: January 2020

The processing of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐like 2 (Nrf2) and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) is important for tumor metastasis. However, the clinical and biological significance of Nrf2/Nqo1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. We aimed to clarify the clinical importance of Nrf2/Nqo1 expression in HCC and evaluate the association of Nrf2/Nqo1 expression with HCC metastasis. We also evaluated the impact of Nqo1 modulation on HCC metastatic potential. We used spheroids derived from HCC cell lines. In anchorage‐independent culture, HCC cells showed increased ROS, leading to the upregulation of Nrf2/Nqo1. Futile stimulation of Nqo1 by β‐lapachone induces excessive oxidative stress and dramatically increased anoikis sensitivity, finally diminishing the spheroid formation ability, which was far stronger than depletion of Nqo1. We analyzed 117 cases of primary HCC who underwent curative resection. Overexpression of Nrf2/Nqo1 in primary HCC was associated with tumor size, high α‐fetoprotein, and des‐γ‐carboxy‐prothrombin levels. Overexpression of Nrf2/Nqo1 was also associated with multiple intrahepatic recurrences (P = .0073) and was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (P = .0031). NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 plays an important role in anchorage‐independent survival, which is essential for survival for circulation and distant metastasis of HCC cells. These results suggest that targeting Nqo1 activity could be a potential strategy for HCC adjuvant therapy.
p62 promotes bladder cancer cell growth by activating KEAP1/NRF2‐dependent antioxidative response
Authors: Li Tao , Jiang Dali , Wu Kaijie
Published: January 2020

p62 is associated with 2 major cellular defense mechanisms against metabolic and oxidative stress, autophagy and the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (KEAP1)‐nuclear factor‐E2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) system. Recent studies indicate that the p62‐KEAP1‐NRF2 pathway promotes tumorigenesis and tumor growth mediated by NRF2‐dependent antioxidative response. However, whether p62 is involved in bladder cancer (BCa) development remains unknown. Here, we found that p62 is overexpressed in BCa tissue and several BCa cell lines. The knockdown of p62 inhibits BCa cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species level. Mechanically, p62 activates NRF2 signaling by sequestrating KEAP1, which leads to the upregulation of antioxidant genes (Gclc, Gstm5, and Gpx2), thus protecting BCa cells from oxidative stress. Our findings indicate that p62 might be involved in the development of BCa and serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Biopsychosocial correlates of physical activity and sedentary time in adults with severe obesity
Authors: Baillot Aurélie , Black Melissa , Brunet Jennifer , Romain Ahmed J.
Published: January 2020

Adults with severe obesity have poorer health, are less active and spend more time sedentary compared to people with a lower body mass index (BMI). There is a pressing need to understand the factors associated with low physical activity (PA) and excessive sedentary time to develop more effective behaviour change interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to identify biopsychosocial correlates of PA and sedentary time in adults living with severe obesity. Forty‐four adults living with severe obesity (age = 50.5 ± 13.3 years; BMI = 44.3 ± 7.8 kg/m2) completed a survey including questions on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, psychosocial factors (eg, social physique anxiety [SPA], social support for PA, PA level self‐perception), quality of life, daily pain and self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). Participants also completed the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) to assess physical fitness and wore an accelerometer to assess objective PA and sedentary time. In stepwise linear multivariate analyses, higher objective MVPA was associated with higher 6MWT distance, being single and lower SPA (R2 = 0.46, P < .001), whereas higher self‐reported MVPA was associated with greater PA level self‐perceptions (R2 = 0.47, P < .001). Greater objective light intensity PA was associated with greater quality of life and self‐efficacy for PA (R2 = 0.26, P = .001). Greater sedentary time was associated with having more comorbidities (R2 = 0.25, P < .001). This study shows that adults living with severe obesity who have more comorbidities, poorer quality of life and/or lower self‐efficacy perception for PA are more likely to be sedentary and to practice less light intensity PA. Additionally, those who were in a relationship, had higher SPA and/or had lower physical fitness practiced less MVPA. Future research is needed to determine causal effects.
Using local ecological knowledge as evidence to guide management: A community‐led harvest calculator for muskoxen in Greenland
Authors: Cuyler Christine , Daniel Colin J. , Enghoff Martin , Levermann Nette , Møller‐Lund Nuka , Hansen Per N. , Damhus Ditlev , Danielsen Finn
Published: January 2020

Indigenous people manage or have tenure rights on over a quarter of the world's land surface. While there is growing interest in “evidence‐based” natural resource management, there are few documented experiences with “evidence‐based” practice in community‐managed lands. We explore the evidence required for decisions about harvesting of a community‐managed muskox herd in Greenland, and the collaboration needed to acquire this evidence. We present the development, application, and outcome of a user‐friendly demographic model—a harvest calculator—and we show how Local Ecological Knowledge was used throughout the process and combined with scientific knowledge. The community members identified suitable harvest scenarios with the use of the calculator. The calculator's predictions corresponded with their own perceptions of declining numbers of muskox bulls and suggested that reversal was possible under an alternative harvest scenario. As a result, the community members used the findings to request a revised muskox harvest quota, which gained immediate approval by the government. We draw on our experience to propose where community‐led harvest calculators can be useful. Community‐led harvest calculators can help indigenous and local communities develop economically within environmentally sustainable limits, while at the same time providing community members a “voice” in natural resource governance. An effective local management regime will require the sustained application of this tool.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging is a predictor of bimanual performance and executive function in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Crichton Alison , Ditchfield Michael , Gwini Stellamay , Wallen Margaret , Thorley Megan , Bracken Jenny , Harvey Adrienne , Elliott Catherine , Novak Iona , Hoare Brian
Published: January 2020

Aim

To examine the association between brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics and executive function and bimanual performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Clinical MRI brain scans were classified as: (1) predominant pathological pattern (normal, white matter injury [WMI]; grey matter injury; focal vascular insults [FVI]; malformations; or miscellaneous); and (2) focal lesions (frontal, basal ganglia, and/or thalamus). Assessments included: (1) bimanual performance; (2) unimanual dexterity; and (3) executive function tasks (information processing, attention control, cognitive flexibility, and goal setting) and behavioural ratings (parent).

Results

From 131 recruited children, 60 were ineligible for analysis, leaving 71 children (47 males, 24 females) in the final sample (mean age 9y [SD 2y], 6y–12y 8mo). Brain MRIs were WMI (69%) and FVI (31%); and frontal (59%), thalamic (45%), basal ganglia (37%), and basal ganglia plus thalamic (21%). Bimanual performance was lower in FVI versus WMI (p<0.003), and with frontal (p=0.36), basal ganglia (p=0.032), and thalamic/basal ganglia lesions (p=0.013). Other than information processing, executive function tasks were not associated with predominant pattern. Frontal lesions predicted attention control (p=0.049) and cognitive flexibility (p=0.009) but not goal setting, information processing, or behavioural ratings.

Interpretation

Clinical brain MRI predicts cognitive and motor outcomes when focal lesions and predominate lesion patterns are considered.

What this paper adds

Early brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicts bimanual performance and cognitive outcomes.

Brain MRI may identify children requiring targeted interventions.

Basal ganglia with/without thalamic lesions predicted bimanual performance.

Frontal lesions were associated with attention control and cognitive flexibility.

Brain MRI predominant patterns predicted motor, not cognitive outcomes, other than information processing.
Comparison of attitudes towards persons with dementia, knowledge of dementia and ageism amongst students in Taiwan and Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Akifusa Sumio , Liu Hsiu‐Yueh , Huang Mao‐Suan , Funahara Madoka , Izumi Maya , Harada Kazuaki , Shono Yasuo
Published: January 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the attitudes towards people with dementia, knowledge of dementia and ageism amongst Taiwanese and Japanese dental hygiene students.

Material and Methods

A total of 328 students participated in this cross‐sectional study. Attitudes, knowledge and ageism were assessed using self‐reports. Participants’ association with older adults or persons with dementia was also assessed. Primary outcomes included attitude, knowledge and ageism amongst students. Secondary outcomes were the factors related to their desire to work with persons with dementia.

Results

Data of 175 Taiwanese and 91 Japanese students were analysed. There were significantly more Japanese (69.2%) than Taiwanese (33.2%) students without experience of cohabitation with older adults. More Taiwanese (45.1%) than Japanese students (30.8%) gave a neutral answer regarding their desire to work with persons with dementia. Japanese students scored significantly higher on the attitude and ageism scales than did Taiwanese students; however, the scores of knowledge assessment were approximately the same. Attitude or ageism did not correlate with knowledge amongst students from either country. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the desire to work with persons having dementia was related to ageism and the relationship with these people, irrespective of country.

Conclusion

Although the students had comparable levels of knowledge, there existed significant difference in the attitudes and the degree of ageism between students from Taiwan vs Japan. This finding may prompt improvement of education on dementia, where differences in nationality and lifestyle, including the rate of ageing and family structure, are taken into consideration.
Elucidating the role of protein synthesis in hippocampus‐dependent memory consolidation across the day and night
Authors: Raven Frank , Bolsius Youri G. , van Renssen Lara V. , Meijer Elroy L. , van der Zee Eddy A. , Meerlo Peter , Havekes Robbert
Published: January 2020

It is widely acknowledged that de novo protein synthesis is crucial for the formation and consolidation of long‐term memories. While the basal activity of many signaling cascades that modulate protein synthesis fluctuates in a circadian fashion, it is unclear whether the temporal dynamics of protein synthesis‐dependent memory consolidation vary depending on the time of day. More specifically, it is unclear whether protein synthesis inhibition affects hippocampus‐dependent memory consolidation in rodents differentially across the day (i.e., the inactive phase with an abundance of sleep) and night (i.e., the active phase with little sleep). To address this question, male and female C57Bl6/J mice were trained in a contextual fear conditioning task at the beginning or the end of the light phase. Animals received a single systemic injection with the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin or vehicle directly, 4, 8 hr, or 11.5 hr following training, and memory was assessed after 24 hr. Here, we show that protein synthesis inhibition impaired the consolidation of context–fear memories selectively when the protein synthesis inhibitor was administered at the first three time points, irrespective of timing of training. Even though the basal activity of signaling pathways regulating de novo protein synthesis may fluctuate across the 24‐hr cycle, these results suggest that the temporal dynamics of protein synthesis‐dependent memory consolidation are similar for day‐time and night‐time learning.
Global warming and chromosomal inversion adaptation in isolated islands:Drosophila subobscurapopulations from Madeira
Authors: Madrenas Raquel , Balanyà Joan , Arenas Concepció , Khadem Manhaz , Mestres Francesc
Published: January 2020

Global warming is an environmental phenomenon to which species must adapt to survive.Drosophila subobscurapresents an adaptive capacity due to its chromosomal inversion polymorphism. Until now, the impact of global warming on this polymorphism has been studied inD. subobscurapopulations located either on a continental mainland or on islands not far from a continent. In this context, gene flow could be a relevant mechanism allowing the movement of thermally adapted inversions between populations. Our aim was to sample and study the chromosomal polymorphism on Madeira, a small isolated island in the Atlantic Ocean. We compared our findings with those reported in the same location approximately four and five decades ago. Moreover, we studied whether global warming has occurred on this island by analyzing mean, maximum and minimum temperatures over a 55‐year period. All atmospheric parameters have increased significantly, consistent with climate change expectations. Frequencies and chromosomal thermal index values of thermal adapted inversions remained quite stable over years. Furthermore, J, U and O chromosomes are almost fixed for “warm” adapted inversions. Thus, if there is little genetic variability remaining and temperatures continue increasing, island populations ofD. subobscuramight be on the threshold of endangerment. However, apart from selection, genetic drift and inbreeding, other processes, such as phenotypic plasticity or thermoregulatory behavior, could be involved in the survival of the species’ populations. Finally, although in danger,D. subobscurais a generalist that lives in humanized environments, and this fact could favor its persistence on Madeira Island.
White Daughter of Empire
Authors: Durber Susan
Published: January 2020

As a white British woman, drawing on a Pilgrim Team Visit to Bangladesh in 2019, I reflect on racism, Empire, and white privilege and on how my eyes have been opened to the history that has shaped me, the wider world, and the Christian faith I have inherited. Through personal memoir, critical reflection on experience, and academic reading, I confront how racism, as a combination of power and prejudice, provides the lens through which I see the world, as a white British woman, and how experience and faith must both challenge and redeem.
The Liberating Awareness
Authors: do Nascimento Cunha Magali
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the search for racial justice as a call from God, using biblical readings and documents produced by the World Council of Churches (WCC). It is anchored in the increasingly intense challenges that emerge in this respect in Brazil, a country whose Indigenous peoples were annihilated in its colonization process, and which up until the 19th century received the largest flow of enslaved Africans in the world. The article combines the Latin American methodology “See, Judge, Act” with the theological methodology of the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace and its three steps: “Celebrating Gifts,” “Visiting the Wounds,” and “Transforming Injustice.” The first part of the paper reflects the “See” and exposes the expressions of everyday racism in Brazil. The second part presents the “Judge,” seeking references to the challenge of racial justice in the Bible and in ecumenical reflection. The third and final section, “Act,” reflects on the possibility for transforming racial injustices, sharing experiences from Brazil as well as one of the Pilgrim Team Visits organized by the WCC in 2019.
“Now We Will Have the Dalit Perspective”
Authors: Peacock Philip Vinod
Published: January 2020

This article seeks to resolve the present impasse within Dalit theology generated by an overreliance on and undertheorizing of the question of Dalit identity. It argues that the implicit location of Dalit theology as a theology of identity does a disservice to Dalit theology itself. Rather, what is needed is to nuance the question of Dalit identity and then flesh out what we mean when we speak of “the Dalit perspective.” Key to doing this is to reconceptualize Dalit identity as a fluid identity: that is, an identity that both destabilizes and allows for the assemblage of alliances among all afflicted.
Banks' home bias in government bond holdings: Will banks in low‐rated countries invest in European safe bonds (ESBies)?
Authors: Dermine Jean
Published: January 2020

This paper offers two new explanations for banks' home bias in government bond holdings: a sovereign‐based rating cap on corporates and the existence of a ‘bank tax.’ These are complementary to the four explanations offered in the literature: risk‐shifting, gambling for resurrection, moral suasion, and a means to store liquidity for financing future investment. Collectively, they cast doubt on the European Union's demand‐led approach to investment in European safe bonds (ESBies) by banks in low‐rated countries. Bank regulations such as constraints on large exposure or risk‐based capital on credit risk concentration will be needed if the objective is to break the so‐called ‘deadly embrace.’
Communicating cancer risk in the primary care consultation when using a cancer risk assessment tool: Qualitative study with service users and practitioners
Authors: Akanuwe Joseph N. A. , Black Sharon , Owen Sara , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan
Published: January 2020

Background

Cancer risk assessment tools are designed to help detect cancer risk in symptomatic individuals presenting to primary care. An early detection of cancer risk could mean early referral for investigations, diagnosis and treatment, helping to address late diagnosis of cancer. It is not clear how best cancer risk may be communicated to patients when using a cancer risk assessment tool to assess their risk of developing cancer.

Objective

We aimed to explore the perspectives of service users and primary care practitioners on communicating cancer risk information to patients, when using QCancer, a cancer risk assessment tool.

Design

A qualitative study involving the use of individual interviews and focus groups.

Setting and participants

Conducted in primary care settings in Lincolnshire with a convenience sample of 36 participants (19 service users who were members of the public) and 17 primary care practitioners (general practitioners and practice nurses).

Results

Participants suggested ways to improve communication of cancer risk information: personalizing risk information; involving patients in use of the tool; sharing risk information openly; and providing sufficient time when using the tool during consultations.

Conclusion

Communication of cancer risk information is complex and difficult. We identified strategies for improving communication with patients involving cancer risk estimations in primary care consultations.
Patients' experiences of the caring encounter with the psychiatric emergency response team in the emergency medical service—A qualitative interview study
Authors: Lindström Veronica , Sturesson Lars , Carlborg Andreas
Published: January 2020

Background

Mental illnesses are increasing in the population; consequently, the number of psychiatric emergencies handled by the emergency medical services (EMS) has also increased. Alternative response systems have been developed and evaluated, but there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the patients' experiences of being cared for in the EMS by a psychiatric emergency response unit (In Swedish: Psykiatrisk Akut Mobilitet [PAM]).

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of the caring encounter with the PAM team.

Design

A qualitative study design with 14 patients' interviews and content analysis was used.

Results

The patients expressed that the PAM team created a safe environment and actively involved the patient in their care by creating an open and safe place for dialogue. In this safe environment, the patients described how they participated in the decision making and received care without fear of being dismissed, ignored or judged.

Discussion and Conclusion

The patients' experiences of being cared for by the PAM team show that person‐centred care was achieved by involving the patients in their own care. This participation was possible because mutual trust and confidence existed, and the patients acknowledged the specialist response unit to be a valuable part of the EMS. However, further studies are needed to explore whether the PAM as a response unit in the EMS decreases the risk of suicide and to examine different health economic aspects of using PAM in the EMS.
Improving the quality of care for people who had a stroke in a low‐/middle‐income country: A qualitative analysis of health‐care professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Baatiema Leonard , de‐Graft Aikins Ama , Sarfo Fred S. , Abimbola Seye , Ganle John K. , Somerset Shawn
Published: January 2020

Background and Objective

Efforts to improve the adoption of evidence‐based interventions for optimal patient outcomes in low‐/middle‐income countries (LMICs) are persistently hampered by a plethora of barriers. Yet, little is known about strategies to address such barriers to improve quality stroke care. This study seeks to explore health professionals’ views on strategies to improve quality stroke care for people who had a stroke in a LMIC.

Methods

A qualitative interview study design was adopted. A semi‐structured interview guide was used to conduct in‐depth interviews among forty stroke care providers in major referral centres in Ghana. Participants were from nursing, medical, specialist and allied health professional groups. A purposive sample was recruited to share their views on practical strategies to improve quality stroke care in clinical settings. A thematic analysis approach was utilized to inductively analyse the data.

Results

A number of overarching themes of strategies to improve quality stroke care were identified: computerization and digitization of medical practice, allocation of adequate resources, increase the human resource capacity to deliver stroke care, development of clinical guideline/treatment protocols, institutionalization of multidisciplinary care and professional development opportunities. These strategies were however differentially prioritized among different categories of stroke care providers.

Conclusion

Closing the gap between existing knowledge on how to improve quality of stroke care in LMICs has the potential to be successful if unique and context‐specific measures from the views of stroke care providers are considered in developing quality improvement strategies and health systems and policy reforms. However, for optimal outcomes, further research into the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategies by stroke care providers is needed.
Corrosion mechanism of MgO‐C bricks used as linings in a vanadium extraction converter
Authors: Huang Weijun , Liu Yajing , Chen Min , Wang Nan
Published: January 2020

To extend the service life of MgO‐C bricks used as linings in vanadium extraction converters, their corrosion mechanism was investigated using stationary immersion and rotary crucible methods at 1673 K. The effects of oxides in vanadium slag were studied using the slag invasion method. The results showed that a decarburization layer was formed but was not effectively sintered under vanadium extraction conditions, resulting in it having a loose structure and poor binding strength. When slag‐splashing technology was applied to protect the converter, the decarburization layer and slag‐splashing layer easily fell off due to scouring by the molten pool. Consequently, the poor strength of the decarburization layer was the main reason for the poor anti‐erosion performance of the MgO‐C bricks and the weak effect of slag‐splashing technology. In addition, higher contents of SiO2 and TiO2 in vanadium slag could form low melting point compounds and increase the thickness of the decarburization layer, thereby accelerating the MgO‐C brick corrosion rate. Higher contents of FeO in the vanadium slag not only formed low melting point compounds but also caused a decarburization reaction with the MgO‐C bricks. However, with increases of V2O3 in the slag, the formation of high melting point compounds decreased the corrosion rate and corrosion depths.
Glass as a joining material for ceramic matrix composites: 25 years of research at Politecnico di Torino
Authors: Ferraris Monica , Casalegno Valentina , Smeacetto Federico , Salvo Milena
Published: January 2020

A revision and update about the research activity done in the past 25 years at Politecnico di Torino (Italy) on design and testing of glasses and glass‐ceramics for the joining of Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) will be presented and discussed. The “glass‐ceramic method” to obtain a thermo‐mechanically stable joint starting from a glass will be detailed with some examples. Several new glass compositions will be presented together with their characterization and behavior as joining materials for oxide‐based and nonoxide‐based CMC.
Effect of heat treatment and salt addition on the physicochemical properties and quality of fresh noodles
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Liu Chong , Hong Jing , Li Limin , Zheng Xueling , Bian Ke , Guan Erqi
Published: January 2020

Heat treatment and salt addition on the physicochemical properties and quality of fresh noodles were investigated. The water activity was decreased, while the bound water content was increased after heat treatment, and this effect was dependent on the treated intensity and salt concentration, which extended the shelf life of noodles. The content of SDS‐soluble protein was decreased after heat treatment, and this effect was dependent on the treated intensity. However, 3% salt concentration can reduce the aggregation of SDS‐soluble protein. The paste viscosities were reduced, whereas the gelatinisation temperatures increased after heat treatment, and the variation was increased with increasing salt concentration. The hardness and chewiness of cooked noodles were increased after heat treatment, but adding salt reduced this effect. Results showed the quality of heat‐treated noodles can be precisely controlled by the addition of salt, and the optimal treatment condition was 98 °C and 2% salt concentration.
Molecular characterization of insulin‐like peptides in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Xue W.‐H. , Liu Y.‐L. , Jiang Y.‐Q. , He S.‐F. , Wang Q.‐Q. , Yang Z.‐N. , Xu H.‐J.
Published: January 2020

Insulin‐like peptides (ILPs) including insulin, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) and relaxin are evolutionarily conserved hormones in metazoans, and they are involved in diverse physiological processes. The migratory brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, encodes four ILP genes (Nlilp1, Nlilp2, Nlilp3 and Nlilp4) but their physiological roles are largely unknown. Sequence analysis showed that NlILP1 contained a relaxin‐specific G protein‐coupled receptor‐binding motif and a variant motif of cysteine residues, and NlILP2 and NlILP4 resembled vertebrate IGFs. RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated gene silencing showed that depletion of each of Nlilp1, 2 and 3 significantly delayed the developmental duration of nymphs, and this effect could be exacerbated by double or triple gene depletion. Depletion of Nlilp1, Nlilp2 or Nlilp3 induces the accumulation of glucose, trehalose and glycogen, which is contradictory to depletion of the insulin receptor (NlInR1) in the BPH. Depletion of Nlilp1 significantly enhanced starvation resistance in both females and males although its extent was smaller than NlInR1 depletion. A parental RNAi assay showed that depletion of each of Nlilp1–4 dramatically impaired female fecundity. These findings indicate that NlILP1–4 have redundant and distinct roles in physiological processes in the BPH, thereby enhancing our understanding of the contribution of each NlILP to the ecological success of this species in natural habitats.
Correlation in telomere lengths between feathers and blood cells in pied flycatchers
Authors: Kärkkäinen Tiia , Bize P. , Stier Antoine
Published: January 2020

The length of telomeres (i.e. the protective non‐coding DNA repeat sequences capping the end of eukaryotic chromosomes) is drawing an increasing attention in ecology and evolution as a biomarker of individual state and fate. Bird erythrocytes are nucleated and telomere measurements using blood derived DNA has become the gold standard in avian biology. However, blood sampling is not trivial and not achievable under all field conditions. We investigated whether feather DNA could be used as an alternative or complementary approach to blood DNA when assessing telomere length with the quantitative PCR method. Indeed, investigating telomere length in different tissues may provide more detailed information regarding both the determinants and the importance of telomere length for avian life histories. We collected tertiary feathers on the same day as a blood sample in adult and 12‐day‐old nestling pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca. Our results show a positive but moderate relationship between telomere length measured using DNA derived from blood and feather samples. This relationship was stronger in nestlings than in adults. Nestlings had longer telomeres in blood than in feathers while no significant difference was observed in adults. Hence, our study demonstrates that feathers can provide a complementary approach to blood for telomere measurements in wild birds, and we discuss further methodological considerations when using feathers for telomere measures. Telomeres seem to show faster erosion with age in blood than feathers, which may account for the lower correlation in telomere lengths between the two tissues in adults.
A New Perspective on Returns to Scale for Truckload Motor Carriers
Authors: Miller Jason W. , Muir William A.
Published: January 2020

Understanding how motor carriers' size affects their productivity (e.g., miles per power unit) is of fundamental importance to carrier managers, shippers, and investors, because the nature of this relationship should influence carriers' strategies with regard to growth. In the truckload (TL) sector, the prevailing assumption is that TL carriers face constant returns to scale such that productivity differs little between large and small carriers. While empirical findings from several studies conducted since deregulation are consistent with this assumption, we contend that the true relationship between carrier size and productivity is more nuanced and is contingent on carriers' level of technical efficiency. Specifically, we develop and test middle range theory that predicts increasing returns to scale for carriers with low technical efficiency, constant returns to scale for carriers with average technical efficiency, and decreasing returns to scale for carriers with high technical efficiency. We test our theory by estimating production functions using quantile regression for data collected from the U.S. Department of Transportation for 1,068 TL carriers. Results from our analyses corroborate our predictions. Our findings hold valuable implications for the logistics literature as well as TL carrier management, shippers, and other industry stakeholders.
Implementation of a community‐based hypertension control program in Matanzas, Cuba
Authors: Valdés González Yamilé , Campbell Norm R.C. , Pons Barrera Edelys , Calderón Martínez Marcy , Pérez Carrera Alina , Morales Rigau José Manuel , Afonso de León Jose Alberto , Pérez Jiménez Vivian , Landrove Rodríguez Orlando , DiPette Donald J. , Giraldo Gloria , Orduñez Pedro
Published: January 2020

Increased blood pressure is a leading risk factor for death worldwide, and improving the control of hypertension is a major health goal to reduce non‐communicable disease. Thus, in 2016, as part of a regional effort between the Pan American Health Organization and Cuban Ministry of Public Health to reduce cardiovascular risk and disease, a community demonstration project was implemented to enhance hypertension control. The intervention project was in a population of 25 868 people served by the Carlos Verdugo Martínez Polyclinic in Matanzas, Cuba. The project implemented interventions currently recommended in the World Health Organization HEARTS modules, including a standardized clinical training program with certification for blood pressure measurement, routine screening for hypertension in clinics and in the community, a simple directive pharmacologic treatment algorithm, and a registry with performance reporting and feedback. Qualitative and quantitative program monitoring and evaluation was established. In a 2010 national survey, the prevalence of hypertension and the rate of hypertension control were estimated to be 31% and 36%, respectively. Following less than one year of the full implementation of the program, the prevalence of hypertension, proportion of the hypertensive population registered as having hypertension, proportion of those drug‐treated who were controlled, and estimated population rate of control were 30%, 90%, 68%, and 58%, respectively. Based on these positive results, the program has been expanded to include another demonstration program initiated in a second region. In addition, preliminary efforts to disseminate and scale‐up aspects of the program to the full Cuban population have started.