bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiparameter flow cytometric detection and quantification of senescent cells in vitro
Authors: Adewoye Adeolu Badi , Tampakis Dimitris , Follenzi Antonia , Stolzing Alexandra
Published: August 2020

It has been over half a century since cellular senescence was first noted and characterized, and yet no consensus senescent marker has been reliably established. This challenge is compounded by the complexity and heterogenic phenotypes of senescent cells. This necessitates the use of multiple biomarkers to confidently characterise senescent cells. Despite cytochemical staining of senescence associated-beta-galactosidase being a single marker approach, as well as being time and labour-intensive, it remains the most popular detection method. We have developed an alternative flow cytometry-based method that simultaneously quantifies multiple senescence markers at a single-cell resolution. In this study, we applied this assay to the quantification of both replicative and induced senescent primary cells. Using this assay, we were able to quantify the activity level of SA β-galactosidase, the expression level of p16INK4a and γH2AX in these cell populations. Our results show this flow cytometric approach to be sensitive, robust, and consistent in discriminating senescent cells in different cell senescence models. A strong positive correlation between these commonly- used senescence markers was demonstrated. The method described in this paper can easily be scaled up to accommodate high-throughput screening of senescent cells in applications such as therapeutic cell preparation, and in therapy-induced senescence following cancer treatment.
Genome-Wide Investigation and Expression Profiling Under Abiotic Stresses of a Soybean Unknown Function (DUF21) and Cystathionine-β-Synthase (CBS) Domain-Containing Protein Family
Authors: Hao Qingnan , Yang Yanyan , Shan Zhihui , Chen Haifeng , Zhang Chanjuan , Chen Limiao , Yuan Songli , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Shuilian , Yang Zhonglu , Qiu Dezhen , Zhou Xinan
Published: August 2020

Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) domain-containing proteins (CDCPs) constitute a large family in plants, and members of this family have been implicated in a variety of biological processes. However, the precise functions and the underlying mechanisms of most members of this family in plants remain to be elucidated. CBSDUF proteins belong to the CDCP superfamily, which contains one domain of unknown function (DUF21) and an N terminus that is adjacent to two intracellular CBS domains. In this study, a comprehensive genome database analysis of soybean was performed to investigate the role(s) of these CBSDUFs and to explore their nomenclature, classification, chromosomal distribution, exon–intron organization, protein structure, and phylogenetic relationships; the analysis identified a total of 18 putative CBSDUF genes. Using specific protein domains and phylogenetic analysis, the CBSDUF gene family was subdivided into eight groups. The soybean CBSDUF genes showed an uneven distribution on 12 chromosomes of Glycine max. RNA-seq transcriptome data from different tissues in public databases revealed tissue-specific and differential expression profiles of the GmCBSDUFs, and qPCR analysis revealed that certain groups of soybean CBSDUFs are likely involved in specific stress responses. In addition, GmCBSDUF3 transgenic Arabidopsis was subjected to phenotypic analysis under NaCl, PEG, and ABA stress treatments. The overexpression of GmCBSDUF3 could enhance tolerance to drought and salt stress in Arabidopsis. This study presents a first comprehensive look at soybean CBSDUF proteins and provides valuable resources for functionally elucidating this protein subgroup within the CBS domain-containing protein family.
Physicians’ attitudes towards reproduction in young patients with early breast cancer in China
Authors: Zhang Yuzhu , Dian Liping , Wei Xiaoqing , Huang Junyan , Sun Yang , Song Xue , Yang Chunmin , Kang Mengling , Ou Aihua , Chen Qianjun , Xu Rui
Published: August 2020

Background

As more young patients with breast cancer undergo treatments and obtain good prognoses, the issue of postoperative reproduction in breast cancer patients has attracted more attention.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional survey of 2000 breast cancer-associated physicians using a 24-items questionnaire adapted from prior guides. Then we used a multivariable linear regression model to confirm independent associations between the propensity of physicians’ attitudes toward reproduction and physicians’ specific demographic characteristics.

Results

A total of 911/1249 (72.93%) eligible physicians completed the questionnaire. Regarding the most concerning topic of whether breast cancer patients could conceive, 65 (7.1%) physicians having low and 457 (50.2%) physicians having high propensity for recommending reproduction. For ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after surgery and radiotherapy, 599 (65.8%) physicians did not agree with the recommendation to conceive. 231 (25.4%) highly agree with the recommendation of reproduction for 2 years after surgery in invasive breast cancer patients with lymph nodes-negative. Only 140 (15.4%) physicians did not agree with the recommendation for 5 years after surgery in invasive breast cancer patients with lymph nodes-positive. A total of 861 (94.5%) physicians stated that they advised the patients to consult experts from other disciplines, such as gynecology, oncology, genetic and psychology disciplines. In multivariable analysis, more positive attitude toward reproduction was significantly associated with male, more than 11 times of participating in academic forum on breast cancer, 1–2 times of consulting about reproduction problems after breast cancer surgery per outpatient service and more than 11 min spending on solving the problem about reproduction in early breast cancer.

Conclusion

This study showed that attitudes towards reproduction of young breast cancer patients from physicians in China. Physicians had a high propensity for recommending reproduction. Compared with the two reproduction guidelines recommendation when to reproduce in different circumstances for breast cancer patients, physicians from China remained a relatively conservative attitude. Most physicians advised the patients to consult experts from other disciplines, such as gynecology, oncology, genetic and psychology disciplines.
Are Catastrophic Misinterpretations of Bodily Sensations Typical for Patients with Panic Disorder? An Experimental Study of Patients with Panic Disorder or Other Anxiety Disorders and Healthy Controls
Authors: Ohst Barnabas , Tuschen-Caffier Brunna
Published: August 2020

Background

Research on catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations in patients with a diagnosis of panic disorder has yielded inconsistent findings concerning the question of how typical these misinterpretations are and how this compares with other anxiety disorders. Limitations of assessment strategies concerning catastrophic misinterpretations have been discussed. We assessed catastrophic misinterpretations by activating participants’ fear memory, as has been suggested.

Methods

Participants in the experimental group (EG) were shown a suspenseful film clip to induce physiological arousal before completing a measure of catastrophic misinterpretation (BSIQ-FR). Skin conductance level (SCL) was used as marker for physiological arousal.

Results

As expected, the film manipulation led to a significant increase in physiological arousal in the EG compared to the control group (CG) across all disorder groups. ANOVAs did not show significant interactions between factors Group (Panic Disorder, Other Anxiety Disorder, and Healthy Controls) and Condition (EG, CG). However, comparison of means indicated that participants with panic disorder showed more catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations than patients with other anxiety disorders in the EG, but not in the CG.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the activation of fear memory via induction of physiological arousal facilitated the measurement of catastrophic misinterpretations, and provide further evidence that catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations are typical for panic disorder.
The Unintended Impact of Colombia’s Covid-19 Lockdown on Forest Fires
Authors: Amador-Jiménez Mónica , Millner Naomi , Palmer Charles , Pennington R. Toby , Sileci Lorenzo
Published: August 2020

The covid-19 pandemic led to rapid and large-scale government intervention in economies and societies. A common policy response to covid-19 outbreaks has been the lockdown or quarantine. Designed to slow the spread of the disease, lockdowns have unintended consequences for the environment. This article examines the impact of Colombia’s lockdown on forest fires, motivated by satellite data showing a particularly large upsurge of fires at around the time of lockdown implementation. We find that Colombia’s lockdown is associated with an increase in forest fires compared to three different counterfactuals, constructed to simulate the expected number of fires in the absence of the lockdown. To varying degrees across Colombia’s regions, the presence of armed groups is correlated with this fire upsurge. Mechanisms through which the lockdown might influence fire rates are discussed, including the mobilisation of armed groups and the reduction in the monitoring capacity of state and conservation organisations during the covid-19 outbreak. Given the fast-developing situation in Colombia, we conclude with some ideas for further research.
Students’ perceptions of teaching behaviour in Turkish secondary education: a Mokken Scaling of My Teacher Questionnaire
Authors: Telli Sibel , Maulana Ridwan , Helms-Lorenz Michelle
Published: August 2020

Teacher behaviour has significant impact on student learning and outcomes and determines the teaching quality in learning environments. The My Teacher Questionnaire (MTQ) has been used to assess students’ perceptions of teaching behaviour in national and international studies with well-cited outcomes. In this cross-sectional survey study, we adjusted and shortened the MTQ for diverse settings in Turkish secondary education, using the nonparametric IRT model, Mokken Scaling (MS). The sample consisted of 12,036 students (grade 9–12, age 15–19 years) involving 446 classes/teachers from 24 general public high schools in Turkey. More than half of the students (n = 6544, 54.40%) were females, while 306 students (2.5%) did not report their gender. The MS polytomous Double Monotonicity Model (DMM) was employed for scaling the individual student data. The ten selected items (MTQ10) showed a strong unidimensional structure (H = 0.61) with good internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.93, Molenaar Sijtsmaρ = 0.93) and construct validity. The final structure was tested on three random data sets and convergent validity of the MTQ10 was examined using student engagement in learning. The scale MTQ10 functioned well across various groups (random samples, genders, grades, subjects). Based on these results, MTQ10 reveals strong psychometric quality for the assessment of students’ perceptions of teaching behaviour with the potential to deepen our understanding of teaching behaviours and teaching quality in Turkey.
Is Cell-to-Cell Scale Variability Necessary in Reservoir Models?
Authors: Osman Hossam , Graham Gavin H. , Moncorge Arthur , Jacquemyn Carl , Jackson Matthew D.
Published: August 2020

Reservoir models typically contain hundreds-of-thousands to millions of grid cells in which petrophysical properties such as porosity and permeability vary on a cell-to-cell basis. However, although the petrophysical properties of rocks do vary on a point-to-point basis, this variability is not equivalent to the cell-to-cell variations in models. We investigate the impact of removing cell-to-cell variability on predictions of fluid flow in reservoir models. We remove cell-to-cell variability from models containing hundreds of thousands of unique porosity and permeability values to yield models containing just a few tens of unique porosity and permeability values grouped into a few internally homogeneous domains. The flow behavior of the original model is used as a reference. We find that the impact of cell-to-cell variability on predicted flow is small. Cell-to-cell variability is not necessary to capture flow in reservoir models; rather, it is the spatially correlated variability in petrophysical properties that is important. Reservoir modelling effort should focus on capturing correlated geologic domains in the most realistic and computationally efficient manner.
A gender-stereotyped representation of Marie in Jean-Philippe Toussaint’s tetralogy M. M. M. M. (2017)
Authors: Brodahl Greta
Published: August 2020

This article examines the portrait of Marie in Toussaint (M.M.M.M., ed. de Minuit, Paris, 2017) and asks how Marie is represented as a woman in the tetralogy. The study shows that although Marie is portrayed as a modern, independent woman, she is also presented with different gender-stereotyped characteristics. The theoretical and methodological approach to this topic will be based on Simone de Beauvoir’s The second sex (1949), in particular the chapter “Myths” that focuses on women and myths in a historical perspective. Another question the article raises is what may be the author’s intention by playing with stereotyped characteristics. I will argue that the author exposes a modern woman’s ambivalent situation in our patriarchal society. Furthermore, that he writes within a literary tradition that gives a stereotyped representation of women as part of the collective myths.
Policy Preferences and Policy Legitimacy After Referendums: Evidence from the Brexit Negotiations
Authors: Hobolt Sara B. , Tilley James , Leeper Thomas J.
Published: August 2020

How do votes in direct democratic ballots translate into policy preferences about future outcomes and affect the perceived legitimacy of those outcomes? This article examines these questions in the context of sovereignty referendums: specifically, the 2016 referendum on British membership of the European Union (EU). While the referendum result gave the British government a mandate for Britain leaving the EU, it did not provide any firm guidance as to the kind of Brexit that voters would prefer and consider legitimate. To examine the perceived desirability and legitimacy of different Brexit outcomes, we conducted a nationally representative conjoint experiment measuring attitudes towards different possible negotiation outcomes. Our findings show that ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ voters were highly divided over what they wanted from Brexit on salient negotiation issues, but also that most voters did not regard any possible outcome as legitimate.
Speed of convergence to the quasi-stationary distribution for Lévy input fluid queues
Authors: Palmowski Zbigniew , Vlasiou Maria
Published: August 2020

In this note, we prove that the speed of convergence of the workload of a Lévy-driven queue to the quasi-stationary distribution is of order 1/t. We identify also the Laplace transform of the measure giving this speed and provide some examples.
Hydrogenation of chlorate ions by commercial carbon supported palladium catalysts—a comparative study
Authors: Sikora Emőke , Karacs Gábor , Kocserha István , Muránszky Gábor , Fiser Béla , Viskolcz Béla , Vanyorek László
Published: August 2020

The chlorate elimination potential of three commercial activated carbon supported 10 wt% palladium catalysts (Cat-I, Cat-II and Cat-III) have been compared in heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation. The physical–chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and ζ potential measurements. Chlorate reduction tests have been carried out by applying the same procedure and conditions in each case. The studied catalysts were active, but Cat-I and Cat-III showed higher activity, and eliminated 93% and 91% of chlorate, respectively. Reuse tests have also been carried out to compare the catalysts. Although Cat-I and Cat-III were shown almost equally high activity in the first cycle, the reuse tests showed that Cat-III could have a better applicability.
Considerations for Return to Exercise following Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 in the Recreational Athlete
Authors: Metzl Jordan D. , McElheny Kathryn , Robinson James N. , Scott Daphne A. , Sutton Karen M. , Toresdahl Brett G.
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality around the world. The spectrum of COVID-19 is broad, from clinical disease requiring intensive medical care to less severe symptoms that are treated with supportive care. The majority of COVID-19 cases fall into the mild-to-moderate category, with symptoms lasting less than 6 weeks. Nevertheless, the morbidity from COVID-19 is significant and can affect multiple body systems, most frequently the cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. For patients who wish to return to exercise after mild-to-moderate COVID-19, the wide range of disease expression presents a challenge for clinicians seeking to offer counsel. This literature review on return to activity following mild to moderate COVID-19 in the recreational athlete includes evidence-based considerations and recommendations for clinicians in guiding the safest return to activity.
Geomechanical modelling and two-way coupling simulation for carbonate gas reservoir
Authors: Ahmed Barzan I. , Al-Jawad Mohammed S.
Published: August 2020

Geomechanical modelling and simulation are introduced to accurately determine the combined effects of hydrocarbon production and changes in rock properties due to geomechanical effects. The reservoir geomechanical model is concerned with stress-related issues and rock failure in compression, shear, and tension induced by reservoir pore pressure changes due to reservoir depletion. In this paper, a rock mechanical model is constructed in geomechanical mode, and reservoir geomechanics simulations are run for a carbonate gas reservoir. The study begins with assessment of the data, construction of 1D rock mechanical models along the well trajectory, the generation of a 3D mechanical earth model, and running a 4D geomechanical simulation using a two-way coupling simulation method, followed by results analysis. A dual porosity/permeability model is coupled with a 3D geomechanical model, and iterative two-way coupling simulation is performed to understand the changes in effective stress dynamics with the decrease in reservoir pressure due to production, and therefore to identify the changes in dual-continuum media conductivity to fluid flow and field ultimate recovery. The results of analysis show an observed effect on reservoir flow behaviour of a 4% decrease in gas ultimate recovery and considerable changes in matrix contribution and fracture properties, with the geomechanical effects on the matrix visibly decreasing the gas production potential, and the effect on the natural fracture contribution is limited on gas inflow. Generally, this could be due to slip flow of gas at the media walls of micro-extension fractures, and the flow contribution and fracture conductivity is quite sufficient for the volume that the matrixes feed the fractures. Also, the geomechanical simulation results show the stability of existing faults, emphasizing that the loading on the fault is too low to induce fault slip to create fracturing, and enhanced permeability provides efficient conduit for reservoir fluid flow in reservoirs characterized by natural fractures.
Micro-nano structured functional coatings deposited by liquid plasma spraying
Authors: Huan Yuchun , Wu Kaidi , Li Changjiu , Liao Hanlin , Debliquy Marc , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2020

Inspired by the micro-nano structure on the surface of biological materials or living organisms, micro-nano structure has been widely investigated in the field of functional coatings. Due to its large specific surface area, porosity, and dual-scale structure, it has recently attracted special attention. The typical fabrication processes of micro-nano structured coatings include sol-gel, hydrothermal synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, etc. This paper presents the main features of a recent deposition and synthesis technique, liquid plasma spraying (LPS). LPS is an important technical improvement of atmospheric plasma spraying. Compared with atmospheric plasma spraying, LPS is more suitable for preparing functional coatings with micro-nano structure. Micro-nano structured coatings are mainly classified into hierarchical-structure and binary-structure. The present study reviews the preparation technology, structural characteristics, functional properties, and potential applications of LPS coatings with a micro-nano structure. The micro-nano structured coatings obtained through tailoring the structure will present excellent performances.
Social Rehabilitation Through a Community-Based Rehabilitation Lens: Empowerment, Participation and Inclusion of the Elderly Long-Term Unemployed in the Re-employment Process
Authors: Kokko Riitta-Liisa , Hänninen Kaija , Törrönen Maritta
Published: August 2020

This research examined social rehabilitation in the context of the components of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) through the experiences of elderly long-term unemployed in the re-employment process in Finland. Two questions were posed: ‘What kinds of experiences do the elderly long-term unemployed have of social rehabilitation?’ and ‘What can the key components of CBR—empowerment, participation and inclusion—offer for the re-employment process?’ We analysed social rehabilitation through the experiences of 15 elderly long-term unemployed individuals who had been employed in the intermediate labour market, and results showed they had experienced social rehabilitation in diametrically opposed ways, both positive and negative. The positive experiences included hopefulness, partnership, and re-employment, while a negative outlook, being left alone in the workplace community, and exclusion from the labour market were found amongst the negative experiences. Based on the results, we built a practical model of social rehabilitation, which we called the EPI model.
Der Standort des lyrischen Wir
Authors: Nebrig Alexander
Published: August 2020

In der Forschung zu Friedrich Hölderlins ›Der Ister‹ besteht ein Konsens darüber, dass die beiden Sprechinstanzen des Gedichtes denselben Standort haben. Diese Deutung identifiziert vorschnell das lyrische Wir der ersten Strophe mit dem lyrischen Ich. Dagegen wird hier das Wir als eine rhetorische Funktion des lyrischen Ich aufgefasst, das die abwesende Sprechergruppe der Sänger anwesend macht (I–II). Die Prosopopoiia wird textgenetisch hergeleitet und als kontrastive Exposition erörtert (III). Sie dient der lyrischen Rede über den Fluss ab der zweiten Strophe als Negativfolie. Die Distanz gegenüber dem lyrischen Wir stellt das lyrische Ich gleichfalls gegen die Tradition der Stromdichtung, die nicht mehr affirmativ gestaltet wird, sondern literalisiert und negiert wird (IV–VI).
Parenting methods in relation to norm awareness, social success, and perspectives of family in adulthood
Authors: Nishimura Kazuo , Yagi Tadashi , Yano Makoto
Published: August 2020

The importance of parenting methods applied in the home to child development is broadly acknowledged. However, there has not been much empirical research showing how parenting methods later relate to personality formation and social success in adulthood. In this study, we asked adults in Japan to recall messages received from parents during early childhood, and we then tested the strength of the relationships of the messages with performance in adulthood. Messages passed from parents to children were investigated from the following three aspects: (1) the norm message passed from parent to child, (2) how the message was delivered to the child, and (3) how the child received the message. Our general conclusion is that the ways in which messages are passed from parents to children in the course of a child’s development can have a long-term and material effect on the child. This conclusion is valid for the message itself, for the method of delivery, and for the way in which it is received.
Pädagogische Orientierungen zum Schriftspracherwerb von Fachkräften im Kindergarten (2006 und 2016)
Authors: Rank Astrid
Published: August 2020

Die vorliegende Studie stellt eine Replikation des quantitativen Teils der Studie von Rank (2008, 2009) dar, in der die bei Fachkräften vorhandenen pädagogischen Orientierungen zum vorschulischen Lernen und Schriftspracherwerb untersucht wurden. An der erneuten Erhebung im Jahr 2016 mit demselben Fragebogen nahmen 147 Fachkräfte teil. Die Ergebnisse belegen eine nach wie vor hohe Zustimmung zum Kindergarten als Lernort. Selbstgesteuerter Schriftspracherwerb wird allerdings signifikant häufiger abgelehnt als noch vor zehn Jahren. Als signifikante Prädiktoren hierbei zeigen sich in der Regressionsanalyse ein instruierendes Lernkonzept und Unsicherheit gegenüber der Schule.
A Simple Model for Minimum Induced Drag of Multiplanes: Could Prandtl Do the Same?
Authors: Picchi Scardaoni Marco
Published: August 2020

In a famous report about the induced drag of multiplanes, L. Prandtl conceived the Best Wing System: the lifting system having the minimum induced drag among all the other ones, for assigned wingspan and lift. The resulting shape was a box-wing, asymptotically equivalent to a multiplane having infinite wings. At the end of the report, he gave the performance of this optimal lifting system (in terms of dimensionless induced drag and vertical gap) through a curve, without presenting the method he used. Nowadays, modern computational aerodynamics show an excellent agreement between the numerical results and Prandtl’s prevision. The first part of the paper aims at clarifying which method Prandtl used for the Best Wing System only. In the second part of the paper, starting from Prandtl’s different approach for the biplane and triplane problem, we propose a simple model for the evaluation of the induced drag of multiplanes, using notions an aerodynamicist of 1920s likely had. We show that the limit multiplane having infinitely many wings, under the ansatz of elliptic lift distribution on the outermost wings and constant lift distribution on the innermost ones, matches the Best Wing System curve. This leads to a simple but interesting interpretation of the actual results.
COVID-19 and the Changes in the Sexual Behavior of Men Who Have Sex with Men: Results of an Online Survey
Authors: Shilo Guy , Mor Zohar
Published: August 2020

Background

Social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect the sexual behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM). In early March 2020, Israel imposed travel restrictions and limited social contacts to household members only. The effects of these restrictions on the sexual behavior and mental health of MSM are unknown.

Aim

To assess sexual behaviors and mental health of Israeli MSM during social distancing and to compare sexual behaviors before and during social distancing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Data were collected through anonymous web-based questionnaires in a popular geospatial application used by MSM between March and April 2020 during the social-distancing period.

Outcomes

The dependent variable was casual sex, in violation of social-distancing regulations. Independent variables were demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors before and during social-distancing restrictions, and mental health.

Results

Of the 2,562 participants, 1,012 (39.5%) continued to meet new casual sex partners during this period. Being of a younger age, single, and with higher levels of mental distress predicted engagement in casual sex during the social-distancing period. MSM reduced their sexual risk and limited sexual repertoire—in particular, kissing with their sexual partners. Participants also spent more time in dating applications than in the pre–social-distancing period and increased their use of sex phone, webcams, and porn consumption. They perceived the threat of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus to be greater than that of HIV: only 3.2% could imagine themselves having sex with a partner who is infected with SARS-CoV-2 compared with 30.1% in case of HIV, P < .01.

Clinical Implications

MSM reduced their risk behaviors during social distancing because of the threat of COVID-19. Casual sex during social distancing was associated with negative feelings of mental distress. Future public health response in the future waves of COVID-19 morbidity should strike a balance between containment measures and the need for social distancing with its possible mental and social burdens.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study in Israel and one of the few in the world to examine sexual behaviors among MSM during the COVID-19 social distancing period. It involved a relatively large sample, through convenience sampling, which limits causality. Findings should be interpreted cautiously, specifically because COVID-19–related behaviors and circumstances may change rapidly.

Conclusion

The negative feelings of distress due to social distancing should be considered as a potential barrier to adherence among vulnerable populations, such as MSM. Future public health response should strike a balance between containment measures and its possible mental, social, and financial burdens.
What is the current state of patient education after Clostridioides difficile infection?
Authors: DeBenedictus Christina M. , Hecker Michelle T. , Zuccaro Patricia D. , John Jacob P. , Donskey Curtis J. , Patel Payal K.
Published: August 2020

In a survey of hospitals and of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), we found that most facilities had educational materials or protocols for education of CDI patients. However, approximately half of CDI patients did not recall receiving education during their admission, and knowledge deficits regarding CDI prevention were common.
Mitigation of climatic conditions and pest protection provided by insect-proof nets for cabbage cultivation in East Africa
Authors: Nordey Thibault , Faye Emile , Chailleux Anaïs , Parrot Laurent , Simon Serge , Mlowe Nickson , Fernandes Paula
Published: August 2020

Although several studies have underlined the advantages of using insect-proof nets to improve yields while reducing the use of pesticides, one obstacle to the diffusion of this technique in tropical conditions is the associated increase in temperature in the tunnel. The aim of this work was to assess the interest of combining the physical protection provided by nets against insect pests with the beneficial impacts of using shade nets to grow cabbages. A two-season experiment was set up to compare temperature conditions, insect pest populations, yields, and the quality of cabbage crops grown in the open field and in low tunnels covered with nets providing different degrees of shading, 17.2% by white and 50.1% by silver nets. During the day, the temperature under the white and silver nets was 10.4 °C and 6.3 °C higher, respectively, than in the open field in the first season, and 6.5 °C and 5.9 °C higher in the second season. Both insect-proof nets significantly reduced insect pest populations and hence the need for insecticide treatments. The white nets increased marketable yield by 45.4% in the first season and by 16.4% in the second compared to yields in the open field, whereas silver nets reduced yield by 18.6% and 15.0%, respectively. The reduction in yield under silver nets was attributed to excessive shading that prevented the light requirements of cabbage crops from being fulfilled. Economic analysis raised some concerns about the profitability of the use of netting to grow cabbage due to investment costs and the lack of premium prices for vegetables produced with fewer pesticides in local markets.
Genetic testing in Poland and Ukraine: should comprehensive germline testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 be recommended for women with breast and ovarian cancer?
Authors: Nguyen-Dumont Tu , Karpinski Pawel , Sasiadek Maria M. , Akopyan Hayane , Steen Jason A. , Theys Derrick , Hammet Fleur , Tsimiklis Helen , Park Daniel J. , Pope Bernard J. , Slezak Ryszard , Stembalska Agnieszka , Pesz Karolina , Kitsera Nataliya , Siekierzynska Aleksandra , Southey Melissa C. , Myszka Aleksander
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To characterize the spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic germline variants in women from south-west Poland and west Ukraine affected with breast or ovarian cancer. Testing in women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer in these regions is currently mainly limited to founder mutations.

Methods

Unrelated women affected with breast and/or ovarian cancer from Poland (n = 337) and Ukraine (n = 123) were screened by targeted sequencing. Excluded from targeted sequencing were 34 Polish women who had previously been identified as carrying a founder mutation in BRCA1. No prior testing had been conducted among the Ukrainian women. Thus, this study screened BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the germline DNA of 426 women in total.

Results

We identified 31 and 18 women as carriers of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) genetic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2, respectively. We observed five BRCA1 and eight BRCA2 P/LP variants (13/337, 3.9%) in the Polish women. Combined with the 34/337 (10.1%) founder variants identified prior to this study, the overall P/LP variant frequency in the Polish women was thus 14% (47/337). Among the Ukrainian women, 16/123 (13%) women were identified as carrying a founder mutation and 20/123 (16.3%) were found to carry non-founder P/LP variants (10 in BRCA1 and 10 in BRCA2).

Conclusions

These results indicate that genetic testing in women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer in Poland and Ukraine should not be limited to founder mutations. Extended testing will enhance risk stratification and management for these women and their families.
Gender contexts, dowry and women’s health in India: a national multilevel longitudinal analysis
Authors: Stroope Samuel , Kroeger Rhiannon A. , Fan Jiabin
Published: August 2020

Gender-biased contexts may impact women’s lives across a variety of domains. This study examined whether changes in district prevalence of a salient gendered practice – dowry – are associated with changes in poor health for women in India. Two waves of national multilevel panel data were used to assess the relationship between changes in district-level dowry prevalence and changes in self-rated health for 23,785 ever-married women aged 15–50 years. Increased dowry prevalence was found to be associated with increased poor self-rated health for women. This relationship remained when controlling for potentially confounding factors including household socioeconomic status, caste, infrastructure, mobility and state fixed-effects.
Spatial pattern and determinants of diagnosed diabetes in southern India: evidence from a 2012–13 population-based survey
Authors: Barua Somdutta , Saikia Nandita , Sk Rayhan
Published: August 2020

The diabetes epidemic is expanding rapidly in India, with 69.2 million people living with diabetes in 2015. This study assessed the spatial pattern and determinants of diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the districts of six states and one union territory (UT) in southern India – a region that has a high prevalence of diabetes. Using cross-sectional population-based survey data from the 2012–13 District Level Household and Facility Survey-4, the prevalence and magnitude of diagnosed diabetes at district level for the population aged 18 years and above were computed. Moran’s I was calculated to explore the spatial clustering of diagnosed diabetes prevalence. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and Spatial Lag (SL) regression models were carried out to investigate the spatial determinants of diagnosed diabetes prevalence. The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was found to be substantially higher than that of self-reported diabetes in southern India (7.64% vs 2.38%). Diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the study area varied from 10.52% in Goa to 4.89% in Telangana. The Moran’s I values signified positive moderate autocorrelation. Southern India had 14.15 million individuals with diagnosed diabetes in 2012–13. Bangalore had the highest number of persons with diagnosed diabetes, and Palakkad had the smallest number. In the OLS and SL models, the proportion of people with secondary education and above, wealthy and Christian populations were found to be significant determinants of diagnosed diabetes prevalence. In addition, in the OLS model, the proportion of Scheduled Tribe population showed a negative relationship with diagnosed diabetes prevalence. In order to prevent or postpone the onset age for diabetes, there is a need to raise awareness about diabetes in India.
Effects of suckling on milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows in cow–calf contact systems
Authors: Barth Kerstin
Published: August 2020

In this research communication I show the effect of various cow–calf contact systems on milk yield and milk composition during the periods when calves where allowed to suckle their dams and after the calves were separated in comparison to cows that were only machine milked throughout their lactation. Analyses were based on four different experiments, but conducted at the same research station and under comparable housing and feeding conditions. Nursing dams had contact to their calves during the whole day, during night-time or only twice per day shortly before milking. A control group of cows that had no contact to their offspring was part of every experiment. Data of the regular monthly milk recordings were analysed with linear mixed models. Results showed a significant effect of the suckling system on the machine milk yield over the whole lactation. While cows with night-time contact reached the milk production level of the control cows, cows with whole day or short-time contact still produced less milk after the calves were separated. Fat content was always lower during the suckling period but not afterwards. The significantly higher milk protein content in dams with calf contact requires further investigation. Somatic cell count in milk of nursing dams was slightly increased, probably due to the exposure of the teats to frequent suckling in addition to machine milkings. In conclusion, cow–calf contact systems influence the performance of cows during and after the suckling period but to varying degrees depending on the system adopted.
Welfare assessment in dairy cows using hair cortisol as a part of monitoring protocols
Authors: Vesel Urška , Pavič Tea , Ježek Jožica , Snoj Tomaž , Starič Jože
Published: August 2020

Welfare of dairy cows can be assessed using welfare assessment protocols consisting of resource, management and animal-based measures. Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol is one of the best-known protocols, which depends almost entirely on animal-based measures. To gain more objective and rapid welfare assessment, new techniques have been developed to measure welfare of animals, such as hair cortisol concentration. As cortisol is released in response to stress, it has long been used as a biomarker of stress in animals. While the precise mechanism of cortisol incorporation into hair is unknown, hair cortisol concentration seems to be a marker of long-term systemic cortisol concentration. Hair cortisol is, therefore, a potential marker of chronic stress and is not likely to be affected by acute stress. Studies on cattle show connections between hair cortisol concentration and factors such as pregnancy, parity, diseases, ectoparasites, body condition score, environmental changes, stocking density and milk yield. Hair cortisol concentration appears to be affected by time of sampling, cow age and breed, UV radiation, season, body region of sampled hair and hair colour. Its concentration also depends on sampling and analytical methods. Hair cortisol is a promising non-invasive tool to evaluate welfare of dairy cows, however, more research is needed to determine the extent of effects on its concentration and the appropriate method of sampling and analysis. Correlations between Welfare Quality® Assessment Protocol scores and pooled hair cortisol concentrations have not yet been found, and more research is needed with larger sample size, a standardized protocol of hair sampling, processing and analysis. With proper attention to detail, hair cortisol levels in pooled hair samples might come to be used as a reliable indicator of dairy animal welfare.
Physical development, ease of integration into the dairy herd and performance of primiparous dairy cows reared with full whole-day, half-day or no mother-contact as calves
Authors: Zipp Katharina A. , Knierim Ute
Published: August 2020

We investigated whether different rearing conditions affected the physical development, ease of integration into the dairy herd and performance of primiparous dairy cows and the results are reported in this Research Communication. The three rearing conditions investigated were whole-day cow-calf contact for 9 weeks (WDC), half-day contact for nine weeks (HDC) and no mother-contact (NC) with nipple-bucket-feeding (max. 2 × 3 l/d) and group-housing from the 8th day onward. After permanent separation from the dams (WDC and HDC), all calves had been nipple-bucket-fed and gradually weaned from week 10 to 13 of life and kept together as calves and heifers. Measures of physical development were trunk girth, height at withers and body weight. Lying behavior during the first 48 h after introduction to the dairy herd after first calving was used as an indicator of ease of integration. Performance measures were age at calving, lactation duration, milk yield and culling rates during the first lactation. No differences between WDC and HDC could be detected. Moreover, no treatment-effects on physical development or performance could be found. All treatments showed reduced lying for the first 24 h after introduction to the dairy herd. Afterward NC-heifers lay less than WDC, with HDC-heifers ranging in between. We conclude that under the conditions investigated higher weights two weeks after weaning in WDC- and HDC-calves did not carry through to the first lactation and did not lead to earlier maturity and higher performance, but that integration into the herd may be alleviated when calves have early experience of the herd and associated conditions.
A modified longitudinal incision via transoral sublabial approach for removal of the nasal vestibular cyst: a clinical observation
Authors: He C , Li W-L , Ye C-G , Zhen H-T
Published: August 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of the removal of nasal vestibular cysts through a modified longitudinal incision via a transoral sublabial approach.

Method

In 28 cases, a nasal vestibular cyst was removed through a modified longitudinal incision via a transoral sublabial approach. A visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the numbness of the nasal alar and upper lip. Post-operative complications were recorded. Medical photographs were used for assessment.

Results

For all patients, incisions reached clinical primary healing one week after surgery. All patients were free of post-operative haematoma, infection, oronasal fistula and malformation. In the first week and the first month after surgery, numbness of the nasal alar and upper lip was recorded in few cases. The patients were followed up for 2–57 months without recurrence.

Conclusion

Removal of nasal vestibular cysts via a transoral sublabial approach with a modified longitudinal incision is a minimally invasive and simple surgical method with few complications and a quick recovery.
Birds of a feather: Anand Panyarachun, elite families and network monarchy in Thailand
Authors: Nishizaki Yoshinori
Published: August 2020

This article attempts to illuminate Duncan McCargo's influential yet ambiguous concept of ‘network monarchy’ — the source of political power wielded by Thailand's royalist establishment. Drawing on Thai-language primary sources, especially cremation volumes, I argue, first, that many individuals who have made up various institutional components of the network monarchy come from a constellation of traditional royalist families that have intermarried with each other. Contrary to what McCargo suggests, these people are not just bound by their devotion to the monarchy alone, but also by their families’ pervasive intermarriage ties forged over many decades. These ties have given the network monarchy additional resilience, even though not all its members toe the ideological line all the time. My second argument concerns the temporal context in which the network monarchy has come into being. Although McCargo makes it seem that the late King Bhumibol developed the network monarchy — his personal patronage network — as a political tool from scratch in the post-1973 period, it has actually grown, in part, out of the pre-existing elite family networks. I develop these twin arguments by using the case of one royalist prime minister — Anand Panyarachun — as a focal point of analysis.
National trends in non-fatal suicidal behaviors among adults in the USA from 2009 to 2017
Authors: Bornheimer Lindsay A. , Wang Kaipeng , Zhang Anao , Li Juliann , Trim Elise E. , Ilgen Mark , King Cheryl A.
Published: August 2020

Background

The age-adjusted rate of suicide death in the USA has increased significantly since 2000 and little is known about national trends in non-fatal suicidal behaviors (ideation, plan, and attempt) among adults and their associated sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. This study examined trends in non-fatal suicidal behaviors among adults in the USA.

Methods

Data were obtained from adults 18–65 years of age who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), including mental health assessment, from 2009 to 2017 (n = 335 359). Examinations of data involved trend analysis methods with the use of logistic regressions and interaction terms.

Results

Suicidal ideation showed fluctuation from 2009 to 2017, whereas suicide plan and attempt showed significantly positive linear trends with the odds increasing by an average of 3% and 4%, respectively. Suicide plan increased the most for females and adults ages 18–34, and attempt increased the most for adults with drug dependence. Both plan and attempt increased the most among adults who either had mental illness but were not in treatment or had no mental illness.

Conclusions

Given attempted suicide is the strongest known risk factor for suicide death, reducing non-fatal suicidal behaviors including attempt are important public health and clinical goals. The interactional findings of age, sex, mental health status, and drug dependence point toward the importance of tailoring prevention efforts to various sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Where does the elephant come from? The evolution of causal cognition is the key
Authors: Gärdenfors Peter , Högberg Anders , Lombard Marlize
Published: August 2020

Osiurak and Reynaud do not explain the evolutionary emergence and development of the elephant in the room, that is, technical cognition. We first argue that there is a tight correlation between the evolution of cumulative technological culture (CTC) and the evolution of reasoning about abstract forces. Second, intentional teaching plays a greater role in CTC evolution than acknowledged in the target article.
Supporting the weight of the elephant in the room: Technical intelligence propped up by social cognition and language
Authors: Thornton Alex , Happé Francesca , Caldwell Christine A.
Published: August 2020

We consider the evolutionary plausibility of Osiurak and Reynaud's (O&R) arguments. We argue that technical reasoning is not quite the magic bullet that O&R assume, and instead propose a co-evolutionary account of the interplay between technical reasoning and social learning, with language emerging as a vital issue neglected in O&R's account.