bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathologic and molecular features of intracranial desmoplastic small round cell tumors
Authors: Lee Julieann C. , Villanueva‐Meyer Javier E. , Ferris Sean P. , Cham Elaine M. , Zucker Jacob , Cooney Tabitha , Gilani Ahmed , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Trembath Dimitri , Mafra Manuela , Chiang Jason , Ellison David W. , Cho Soo‐Jin , Horvai Andrew E. , Van Ziffle Jessica , Onodera Courtney , Devine Patrick , Grenert James P. , de Voijs Carmen M.A. , van Blokland W.T. Marja , de Leng Wendy W.J. , Ploegmakers Marieke J. , Flucke Uta , Pekmezci Melike , Bollen Andrew W. , Tihan Tarik , Koelsche Christian , von Deimling Andreas , Wesseling Pieter , Solomon David A. , Perry Arie
Published: December 2019

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are highly aggressive sarcomas that most commonly occur intra‐abdominally, and are defined by EWSR1‐WT1 gene fusion. Intracranial DSRCTs are exceptionally rare with only seven previously reported fusion‐positive cases. Herein, we evaluate the clinical, morphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of five additional examples. All patients were male (age range 6–25 years; median 11 years), with four tumors located supratentorially and one within the posterior fossa. The histologic features were highly variable including small cell, embryonal, clear cell, rhabdoid, anaplastic and glioma‐like appearances. A prominent desmoplastic stroma was seen in only two cases. The mitotic index ranged from <1 to 12/10 HPF (median 5). While all tumors showed strong desmin positivity, epithelial markers such as EMA, CAM 5.2 and other keratins were strongly positive in only one, focally positive in two and negative in two cases. EWSR1‐WT1 gene fusion was present in all cases, with accompanying mutations in the TERT promoter or STAG2 gene in individual cases. Given the significant histologic diversity, in the absence of genetic evaluation these cases could easily be misinterpreted as other entities. Desmin immunostaining is a useful initial screening method for consideration of a DSRCT diagnosis, prompting confirmatory molecular testing. Demonstrating the presence of an EWSR1‐WT1 fusion provides a definitive diagnosis of DSRCT. Genome‐wide methylation profiles of intracranial DSRCTs matched those of extracranial DSRCTs. Thus, despite the occasionally unusual histologic features and immunoprofile, intracranial DSRCTs likely represent a similar, if not the same, entity as their soft tissue counterpart based on the shared fusion and methylation profiles.
Spongiform pemphigoid: A case series of an uncommon histopathologic pattern
Authors: Merton Armand , Wu Yu‐Hung
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune bullous disease characterized by subepidermal separation. We encountered cases of bullous pemphigoid confirmed by direct immunofluorescence study but demonstrating spongiotic dermatitis without subepidermal clefting. Many of them occurred in volar sites, mimicking dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected patients who were pathologically and/or immunopathologically diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid from 2002 to 2017. Patients who presented with prominent spongiosis without subepidermal clefting were included and compared with patients who were diagnosed with dyshidrotic dermatitis.

Results

A total of nine cases of spongiform pemphigoid out of 385 bullous pemphigoid patients (2.3%) were identified and compared with 15 patients with dyshidrotic dermatitis. Average age of spongiform pemphigoid patients (76 years) was much older than that of the control group (34 years). Microvesicles in the mid‐ to lower epidermis (P < 0.001), eosinophils exocytosis (P < 0.001), and eosinophils microabscess (P < 0.001) in both the epidermis and papillary dermis were more common in spongiform pemphigoid.

Conclusion

Spongiform pemphigoid mimics spongiotic dermatitis may result in a pathological diagnostic pitfall. The presence of eosinophil microabscess and exocytosis in the epidermis and papillary dermis were important clues. Immunofluorescence studies should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid.
East is East and West is West: Population genomics and hierarchical analyses reveal genetic structure and adaptation footprints in the keystone species Paracentrotus lividus (Echinoidea)
Authors: Carreras Carlos , García‐Cisneros Alex , Wangensteen Owen S. , Ordóñez Víctor , Palacín Creu , Pascual Marta , Turon Xavier
Published: December 2019

Aim

The Atlanto‐Mediterranean edible purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, is a commercially exploited keystone species in benthic communities. Its browsing activity can deeply modify the littoral landscape, and changes in its abundance are of major conservation concern. This species is facing nowadays contrasting anthropogenic pressures linked to predator release, exploitation and sea warming. Management of this key species requires knowledge of its genetic structure, connectivity and local adaptation. Our goal was to assess the current global status of the species under a genomic perspective.

Location

Atlanto‐Mediterranean shores from Morocco and France to Turkey.

Methods

We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) of 241 individuals belonging to 11 populations spanning the known range of distribution of the species. We obtained 3,348 loci for population genomics and outlier analyses.

Results

We identified significant genetic structure and a gradient matching the longitudinal position of the localities. A hierarchical analysis revealed two main clusters (Atlantic and Mediterranean) and subtler patterns of differentiation within them. Candidate markers for selection identified between and within these two main clusters were mostly different, likely indicating different selective pressures. Adaptation to maximum salinity and maximum temperature appeared as an important driver of the transition between Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. Other stressors, such as minimum temperature or range of temperature, seem to define the structuring within the Mediterranean.

Main conclusions

Our study shows the potential of hierarchical analyses on population genomics to detect fine‐scale genetic structure and adaptation signatures in marine species with long dispersal capabilities. Although genetic interchange occurs widely in Paracentrotus lividus, the species is sensitive to dispersal barriers, displays isolation by distance and faces local selective pressures associated to environmental conditions, all of which can render it more vulnerable than previously thought.
Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment developmental and socio‐emotional scales: reliability and predictive value in an at‐risk population
Authors: Hadders‐Algra Mijna , Tacke Uta , Pietz Joachim , Rupp André , Philippi Heike
Published: December 2019

Aim

To assess the reliability and predictive validity of the developmental and socio‐emotional scales of the Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment (SINDA).

Method

To assess reliability, two sets of three assessors forming eight assessor‐pairs independently rated the developmental and socio‐emotional scales of 60 infants. To evaluate predictive validity, 223 infants (gestational age 30wks [range 23–41wks]; 117 males, 106 females) attending a non‐academic outpatient clinic were assessed by different assessors with SINDA’s neurological, developmental, and socio‐emotional scales. Atypical neurodevelopmental outcome at a corrected age of 24 months or older implied a Bayley Mental or Psychomotor Developmental Index score of less than 70 or neurological disorder (including cerebral palsy). Behavioural and emotional disorders were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Predictive values were calculated from SINDA (2–12mo corrected age, median 7mo) and typical versus atypical outcome, and for intellectual disability only (Mental Developmental Index <70).

Results

Assessors highly agreed on the developmental and socio‐emotional assessments (developmental scores: Spearman’s rank correlation coefficientρ=0.972; single socio‐emotional behaviour items: Cohen’sκ=0.783–0.896). At 24 months or older, 65 children had atypical outcome. Atypical neurological scores predicted atypical outcome (sensitivity 83%, specificity 96%); atypical developmental scores predicted intellectual disability (sensitivity 77%, specificity 92%). Atypical emotionality and atypical self‐regulation were associated with behavioural and emotional disorders.

Interpretation

SINDA’s three scales are reliable, and have a satisfactory predictive validity for atypical developmental outcome at 24 months or older in a non‐academic outpatient setting. SINDA’s developmental scale has promising predictive validity for intellectual disability. SINDA’s socio‐emotional scale is a tool for caregiver counselling.

What this paper adds

Standardized Infant NeuroDevelopmental Assessment (SINDA)’s developmental and socio‐emotional scales have excellent interrater reliability.

Replication of the satisfactory validity of SINDA’s neurological scale for atypical outcome.
Participation as human right and health benefit for young people with physical disabilities
Authors: Shakespeare Tom
Published: December 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Anaby et al. on pages 640–646 of this issue.
Psychosocial aspects and contributions of behavioural science to medication‐taking for adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Winkley K. , Upsher R. , Polonsky W. H. , Holmes‐Truscott E.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this narrative review was to determine the contribution of behavioural and psychosocial research to the field of medication‐taking for adults with type 2 diabetes over the past 25 years. We review the behavioural and psychosocial literature relevant to adults with type 2 diabetes who are treated with oral antidiabetes agents, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and insulin. Delayed uptake of, omission of and non‐persistence with medications are significant problems among adults with type 2 diabetes. At each stage of the course of diabetes, during which medication to lower blood glucose is initiated or intensified, ~50% of people take less medication than prescribed. Research aimed at increasing optimal medication‐taking behaviour has targeted ‘forgetfulness’, developing interventions which aid medication‐taking, such as reminder devices, with limited success. In parallel, investigation of beliefs about medication has provided insights into the perceived necessity of and concerns about medication and how these inform medication‐taking decisions. Guidance is available for health professionals to facilitate shared decision‐making, particularly with insulin therapy; however, interventions addressing medication beliefs are limited. Optimal medication‐taking behaviour is essential to prevent hyperglycaemia in adults with type 2 diabetes. Evidence from the past 25 years has demonstrated the association between medication beliefs and medication‐taking behaviour. Health professionals need to address medication concerns, and establish and demonstrate the utility of diabetes medication with the individual within the clinical consultation. There are interventions that may assist diabetes health professionals in the shared decision‐making process, but further development and more robust evaluation of these tools and techniques is required.
Do people displaced by development need more than financial compensation? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Atahar Syed Al
Published: December 2019

Motivation

Millions of people worldwide have been forcibly displaced by development projects. Bangladesh is no exception: development projects have already displaced thousands. Although those displaced are usually compensated financially, the amounts are often too small to restore their livelihoods. This has led to complementary support, such as benefit‐sharing, rebuilding and rehabilitation of livelihoods, and resettlement with development.

Purpose

The study assessed the sufficiency of paid compensation in the Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge (JMB) resettlement project in order to demonstrate the need for alternative supports to complement the compensation processes to reconstruct displaced people's livelihoods.

Approach and methods

Households affected by the JMB project were surveyed to answer a questionnaire. Professionals and officials of the implementing agencies and key informants were interviewed. The results were compared with other better cases reported in the literature.

Findings

The monetary compensation offered to those displaced by the JMB was not enough to resettle, restore, or reconstruct displaced people's livelihoods. As a result, most of the displaced people’s livelihoods have remained unreconstructed; many faced impoverishment. The respondents' felt that the compensation paid did not cover their loss. The absence of alternative solutions for coping with the limitations of compensation left persons affected by the project much worse off than before.

Policy and implications

Livelihoods of displaced people can be protected by taking measures to avoid impoverishment. In addition to ensuring that compensation is commensurate with losses, introducing benefit‐sharing — through transfers of shares of revenues, or paying a rent for land taken over — can provide additional and consistent income. Community‐supportive systems and policies in resettlement plans should be adopted. Bangladesh should legislate to legally back benefit‐sharing resettlement policies, with penalties for non‐compliance. Funding agencies such as the World Bank, the ADB, and international and national NGOs should also act to ensure that development projects do not continue to impoverish displaced people.
Shared neural mechanisms for processing emotions in music and vocalizations
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado , De Benedetto Francesco , Guazzone Martina
Published: December 2019

The neural mechanisms involved in the processing of vocalizations and music were compared, in order to observe possible similarities in the encoding of their emotional content. Positive and negative emotional vocalizations (e.g. laughing, crying) and violin musical stimuli digitally extracted from them were used as stimuli. They shared the melodic profile and main pitch/frequency characteristics. Participants listened to vocalizations or music while detecting rare auditory targets (bird tweeting, or piano's arpeggios). EEG was recorded from 128 sites. P2, N400 and Late positivity responses of ERPs were analysed. P2 peak was earlier in response to vocalizations, while P2 amplitude was larger to positive than negative stimuli. N400 was greater to negative than positive stimuli. LP was greater to vocalizations than music and to positive than negative stimuli. Source modelling using swLORETA suggested that, among N400 generators, the left middle temporal gyrus and the right uncus responded to both music and vocalizations, and more to negative than positive stimuli. The right parahippocampal region of the limbic lobe and the right cingulate cortex were active during music listening, while the left superior temporal cortex only responded to human vocalizations. Negative stimuli always activated the right middle temporal gyrus, whereas positively valenced stimuli always activated the inferior frontal cortex. The processing of emotional vocalizations and music seemed to involve common neural mechanisms. Notation obtained from acoustic signals showed how emotionally negative stimuli tended to be in Minor key, and positive stimuli in Major key, thus shedding some lights on the brain ability to understand music.
Forkhead box C1 promotes the pathology of osteoarthritis by upregulating β‐catenin in synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Yin , Zhang Hui , Gao Weilu , Lu Ming , Liu Wendong , Li Yetian , Yin Zongsheng
Published: December 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, and no effective treatment is available. The OA classification has shifted from a cartilage‐only disease to a whole‐joint disease, and the synovial membrane plays an important role. Therefore, studies are needed to identify additional genes that regulate the pathological changes in the synovial membrane to develop a promising therapeutic strategy for OA. Here, we validated that the expression of forkhead box protein C1 (FoxC1) and β‐catenin was upregulated in OA synovial membranes and synovial fibroblasts (SFs). Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that FoxC1 overexpression promoted, whilst silencing inhibited OA synovial fibroblast (OASF) proliferation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine [interleukin 6 (IL‐6), interleukin 8 (IL‐8) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)] production. FoxC1 overexpression increased β‐catenin mRNA, total and nuclear protein expression in OASFs and upregulated a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif 5 (ADAMTS‐5), fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) mRNA and total protein expression in OASFs. Conversely, FoxC1 knockdown reduced β‐catenin mRNA, total and nuclear protein expression in OASFs and reduced ADAMTS‐5, fibronectin, MMP3 and MMP13 mRNA and total protein expression in OASFs. β‐catenin mediates FoxC1‐induced pathological changes (proliferation, catabolic regulation and inflammation) in OASFs. MicroRNA‐200a‐3p (miR‐200a‐3p) binds to the 3′‐UTR of FoxC1 and mediates FoxC1 expression. Intra‐articular FoxC1‐specific siRNA transfection hindered OA development in mice. Therefore, our results demonstrate the key role FoxC1 plays in vivo and in vitro in OA synovial pathology, possibly identifying a potential novel therapeutic target for OA.
Intervention with erythropoietin in sarcopenic patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture and its potential effects on postoperative rehabilitation
Authors: Zhang Yiou , Chen Li , Wu Peng , Lang Junzhe , Chen Lei
Published: December 2019

Aim

To explore the intervention with erythropoietin (EPO) in sarcopenic patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures, and its potential effects on postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods

A total of 141 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were selected from January 2018 to January 2019. Patients (aged ≥60 years) with indications for EPO use, but without significant medical history, were selected in the present study. All patients were screened for sarcopenia, and divided into the intervention group and control group according to whether they took EPO. The intervention groups received EPO postoperatively every day for 10 days, whereas the control groups received an equal dose of normal saline. Patients' handgrip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle, duration of hospitalization and postoperative infection rate were assessed by analysis.

Results

Among sarcopenic women, the handgrip strength was higher in the intervention group than in the control group after a week (P < 0.05). However, no significant effect was found in men (P > 0.05). The appendicular skeletal muscle increment of the intervention group with sarcopenia was markedly increased regardless of sex (P < 0.001). In addition, the postoperative infection rate was lower in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05), accompanied by a shorter hospital stay due to EPO administration (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

EPO can improve the muscle strength of female patients with sarcopenia during the perioperative period, and increase muscle mass both of women and men. It can improve the symptoms of sarcopenia, but cannot reverse sarcopenia. Additionally, it can reduce the postoperative complications of patients with hip fracture and shorten the length of hospital stay. Therefore, postoperative administration of EPO might potentially promote rapid postoperative rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 150–155.
Mental health according to sleep duration in stroke survivors: A population‐based nationwide cross‐sectional study
Authors: Moon Hye‐Mi , Kim Yoonjung
Published: December 2019

Aim

Many stroke survivors experience sleep disorders, and are at risk of severe depression and stress. This study examined the association between mental health and sleep duration among Korean stroke survivors.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys V (2010–2012) and VI (2013). The nationally representative sample included 504 adults aged ≥19 years.

Results

The odds ratio for suicidal ideation was 2.71 (95% confidence interval 1.11–6.60) for stroke survivors who slept <5 h as compared with stroke survivors who slept between 6 and 8 h. Although stress and depression did not differ according to sleep duration, suicidal ideation did.

Conclusions

Sleep duration should be considered as a possible leverage point for preventing suicidal ideation among stroke survivors, and health promotion programs that promote and educate survivors about the importance of appropriate sleep duration are required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••–••.
Performance evaluation of three semantic expansions to query PubMed
Authors: Massonnaud Clément , Lelong Romain , Kerdelhué Gaétan , Lejeune Emeline , Grosjean Julien , Griffon Nicolas , Darmoni Stefan J.
Published: December 2019

Background

PubMed is one of the most important basic tools to access medical literature. Semantic query expansion using synonyms can improve retrieval efficacy.

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the performance of three semantic query expansion strategies.

Methods

Queries were built for forty MeSH descriptors using three semantic expansion strategies (MeSH synonyms, UMLS mappings, and mappings created by the CISMeF team), then sent to PubMed. To evaluate expansion performances for each query, the first twenty citations were selected, and their relevance were judged by three independent evaluators based on the title and abstract.

Results

Queries built with the UMLS expansion provided new citations with a slightly higher mean precision (74.19%) than with the CISMeF expansion (70.28%), although the difference was not significant. Inter‐rater agreement was 0.28. Results varied greatly depending on the descriptor selected.

Discussion

The number of citations retrieved by the three strategies and their precision varied greatly according to the descriptor. This heterogeneity could be explained by the quality of the synonyms. Optimal use of these different expansions would be through various combinations of UMLS and CISMeF intersections or unions.

Conclusion

Information retrieval tools should propose different semantic expansions depending on the descriptor and the search objectives.
Vitrified and nonvitrified municipal solid wastes as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and sand substitution in mortars
Authors: Sharifikolouei Elham , Canonico Fulvio , Salvo Milena , Baino Francesco , Ferraris Monica
Published: December 2019

This work aims to evaluate the potential suitability of nonvitrified and vitrified bottom ashes to serve as substitute materials for both OPC and sand in mortars on an industrial scale. Three bottom ashes were selected as OPC substitutes: one was vitrified inside the incinerator plant (W1‐C), one was carbonated under ambient conditions for 3 months (W2‐C), and part of the carbonated bottom ash was further washed with Ca(OH)2 (W2‐W‐C). Composition and phases of the bottom ash sources were assessed by XRF and XRD, respectively. Thereafter, mortars were prepared by replacing 10, 20 or 30 wt% of OPC with these bottom ashes. It was shown that even though Ca(OH)2 washing step (W2‐W‐C) led to an increment of the compressive strength in final mortars compared to the use of W2‐C, it failed to reach the mechanical performance of OPC. On the contrary, the use of vitrified bottom ashes (W1‐C) could lead to obtaining compressive strength comparable to that of standard mortar if added up to 10 wt%. Regarding the sand substitution, vitrified bottom ashes could reach suitable compressive strength when replacing 20 wt% of standard sand. The alkali aggregate reaction test confirmed the neutrality of substitution material added up to 50 wt%.
Can traffic light nutritional labels induce healthier consumer choices? Experimental evidence from a developing country
Authors: Defago Daniel , Geng José Fernando , Molina Oswaldo , Santa María Diego
Published: December 2019

In a context of increasing health problems related to bad dietary habits in developing countries, simplified nutritional label formats may be a promising policy alternative. The aim of this study is to assess whether the multiple traffic light (MTL) system can improve the nutritional quality of consumer decisions. We conducted a selection experiment in Peru, where participants were offered a choice between three alternatives in two different food categories (crackers and beverages). Individuals were randomly assigned products with MTL labels on them. Our results reveal that exposure to MTL labels significantly increases the probability of avoiding the least healthy options and of choosing the healthiest items among the alternatives provided. These effects are large in magnitude and seem to be driven by individuals that are female, report average or above average dietary habits, and lack basic nutritional knowledge. However, our findings also suggest that the effectiveness of MTL labels may be sensitive to the specific characteristics of the set of options provided. These findings contribute to the emerging experimental literature on MTL labels in two ways. First, we provide evidence that this system can be effective in inducing consumers to make healthier choices in real‐life situations. Second, we explore which individuals are more likely to benefit from exposure to MTL labels, as well as potential limitations to their effectiveness. Overall, our results provide new insights on how to assess the issue of bad nutrition in emerging economies.
Effect of season and proximate composition on the Br, As, Cd and Pb contents in different kinds of key foods consumed in Portugal
Authors: Ventura Marta , Cardoso Carlos , Bandarra Narcisa Maria , Delgado Inês , Coelho Inês , Gueifão Sandra , Martins Marta , Costa Maria Helena , Castanheira Isabel
Published: December 2019

On the basis of a Total Diet Study, the Br, As, Cd and Pb contents in relevant food groups consumed in Portugal were determined. The studied groups were meat products, fatty fish, lean fish, shellfish, cephalopods, fresh and dried fruit, crucifers and other vegetables. It was observed that the concentrations of As, Br, Cd and Pb in fruit, vegetables and meat products were much lower than in seafood. Fresh fruit exhibited the lowest elemental contents. The concentrations of As, Br, Cd and Pb did not show any dependence on season. With respect to proximate composition, elemental content dependence on protein or ash was weak. PCA showed relevant associations: between Br and ash contents in fatty fish; between Cd, Pb and protein contents in crucifers; and between As, fat and protein contents in the other vegetables group. Therefore, the effect of the proximate composition on the studied elemental contents warrants investigation.
Effects of processing and storage conditions on the stability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf flavonoids
Authors: Liu Jiang , Mu Taihua , Sun Hongnan , Fauconnier Marie Laure
Published: December 2019

The effect of heat, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment, pH, light, temperature and simulated digestion on sweet potato leaf flavonoids (SPLF) stability was studied. Results showed heat treatment at 75 °C for 90 min or HHP treatment at 600 MPa for 30 min did not cause significant effect on SPLF. Heat treatment at 100 °C for 60 min and 90 min led to decrease in antioxidant activity by 20% and 25%, respectively, while pH 7.0 and 8.0 significantly decreased amount of SPLF by approximately 75%, decreased antioxidant activity by about 30% and 47% separately. Light treated samples recorded a decrease in SPLF by 52% and antioxidant activity by 24%. No significant effect on SPLF was observed for samples stored at −18 °C, 4 °C or room temperature. The retention of flavonoids and antioxidant activity was 45.9 ± 3.6% and 56.2 ± 2.6%, individually in SPLF after simulated digestion.
Meeting report and review: Immunological assays and correlates of protection for next‐generation influenza vaccines
Authors: Krammer Florian , Weir Jerry P. , Engelhardt Othmar , Katz Jacqueline M. , Cox Rebecca Jane
Published: December 2019

Background

This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions from the “Immunological Assays and Correlates of Protection for Next‐Generation Influenza Vaccines” meeting which took place in Siena, Italy, from March 31, 2019, to April 2, 2019.

Conclusions

Furthermore, we review current correlates of protection against influenza virus infection and disease and their usefulness for the development of next generation broadly protective and universal influenza virus vaccines.
Evaluating complications in below‐knee skin cancer surgery after introduction of preoperative appointments: A 2‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lindholm Vivian M. , Isoherranen Kirsi M. , Schröder Marika T. , Pitkänen Sari T.
Published: December 2019

Below‐knee dermatological surgery has a high risk of complications such as wound infection, bleeding, and necrosis. In this study, we evaluated the impact of preoperative appointments on complication risks. We searched the medical records of the Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUS) Dermatosurgery unit for all below‐knee surgeries during 2016, when no preoperative nurse appointments were carried out, and compared it with 2018, when preoperative appointments for risk patients were introduced. The study included 187 patients in 2016 and 179 patients in 2018, of whom 68 (about one third) attended preoperative appointments. At the appointments, risk factors were evaluated, and compression therapy was introduced when possible. The results show complication rates of 13.4% in 2016 vs 10.1% in 2018 (P = .33), despite significantly higher risks in the 2018 patient group. The odds ratio for complications in appointment attendees vs non‐attendees was reduced after adjustments to 0.58; however, this was insignificant (P = .47). The odds of complications for skin grafts were considerably higher: 11.33 vs other surgery techniques (P = .00). In conclusion, the introduction of preoperative appointments appeared to reduce complications in below‐knee surgery. For graft reconstructions, complication risk is high, even with carefully planned pre‐ and postoperative care. Further studies are needed to evaluate preventable risk factors of below‐knee graft reconstructions.
Polyphasic characterization of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from animal feeds in Algeria
Authors: Bouti Karima , Verheecke‐Vaessen Carol , Mokrane Salim , Meklat Atika , Djemouai Nadjette , Sabaou Nasserdine , Mathieu Florence , Riba Amar
Published: December 2019

In Algeria, little information is available on the population structure of Aspergillus section Flavi in raw materials and resultant animal feeds. A total of 172 isolates belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi were recovered from 57 animal feeds and identified on the basis of macro and micro‐morphological characters, mycotoxin production and genetic relatedness. For the molecular analysis, sequencing of the calmodulin gene (CaM) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were performed for representative isolates. Four distinct morphotypes were distinguished: Aspergillus flavus (78.5%), Aspergillus tamarii (19.2%), Aspergillus parasiticus (1.7%), and Aspergillus alliaceus (0.6%). All A. flavus isolates were of the L type and no correlation between sclerotia production and aflatoxigenicity was observed. Our results showed that 68% of the A. flavus strains produced aflatoxins B (AFB), and 72.7% were cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) producers. The three isolates of A. parasiticus were able to produce AFB and aflatoxins G but not CPA whereas, all the strains of A. tamarii produced only CPA. The obtained results revealed the presence of different species of Aspergillus section Flavi, among which were aflatoxin producers. This study provides evidence useful for considerations in aflatoxin control strategies.
What Does “Couple” Mean in Couple Therapy Outcome Research? A Systematic Review of the Implicit and Explicit, Inclusion and Exclusion of Gender and Sexual Minority Individuals and Identities
Authors: Spengler Elliot S. , DeVore Elliott N. , Spengler Paul M. , Lee Nicholas A.
Published: December 2019

This study systematically reviewed extant couple therapy outcome studies (k = 111) through December 2018 to evaluate for implicit or explicit, inclusion or exclusion of gender and/or sexual minority individuals and identities. We evaluated sampling, participant demographic reporting, and language used in each manuscript for any reference or consideration given to participants' sexual and/or gender identity. Results indicate that couples have been historically presumed to be heterosexual and cisgender male or female without reported assessment. More recent inclusion and consideration of sexual minority individuals is limited and absent for nonmonosexual and gender minority individuals. These findings are contextualized in supplementary analyses of other sociocultural characteristics (e.g., race, age, length together). Suggestions are provided for affirmative consideration of the plurality of individuals' sexual and gender identities. Implications are discussed for research, training and practice of couple therapy with sexual and/or gender minority couples.
Measuring the Effect of Sexual Health Education Training in Professionals: Structure of the Sexual Health Education for Professionals Scale (SHEPS) Among Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Students
Authors: Zamboni Brian D. , Ross Michael W.
Published: December 2019

Marriage and family therapists and sexual health therapists are likely to receive training in graduate school that prepares them to encounter sexual concerns among clients, but there are few standard ways to assess the efficacy of this training. The Sexual Health Education for Professionals Scale (SHEPS) was developed to address this deficit. In this preliminary study, 163 marriage and family therapy graduate students completed the SHEPS prior to starting a graduate course in assessing and treating sexual concerns. Exploratory factor analyses indicate that the SHEPS subscales have good psychometric properties. The Skills and Knowledge subscales have factors labeled Typical Clients, Special Clients, Conservative Clients, and Ethically Complicated Clients. The Attitudes subscale had factors called General Sexual Attitudes, Valuing Sexual Health Training, Open to Providing Sexual Help, and Conservatism. This new instrument may be used to assess education and training of sexual health and marriage and family therapists. Larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies are needed in future.
Myelin uncompaction and axo‐glial detachment in chronic ataxic neuropathy with monospecific IgM antibody to ganglioside GD1b
Authors: Tagliapietra Matteo , Zanusso Gianluigi , Ferrari Sergio , Orlandi Riccardo , Bertolasi Laura , Cavallaro Tiziana , Monaco Salvatore
Published: December 2019

To describe clinical features, disease course, treatment response, and sural nerve biopsy findings in a patient with chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy, Binet stage A chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and monoclonal IgMλ paraprotein against ganglioside GD1b. During 9 months of hospitalization at two neurologic centers, the patient underwent serial neurologic examinations, neurophysiologic studies, imaging investigations, extensive laboratory work‐up, bone marrow, and sural nerve biopsies. The patient had a severe progressive sensory neuropathy accompanied by motor involvement, dysautonomia, and marked bulbar weakness with preserved ocular movements. Conduction studies were characterized by prolonged F‐wave minimal latencies, prolonged distal latencies, reduction of compound motor action potentials, and absence of sensory nerve action potentials. Sural nerve biopsy showed endoneurial edema, axonal degeneration, and regeneration, in the absence of cellular inflammation, macrophagic activation, and B‐lymphocyte infiltration; no IgM or complement deposition was detected. Myelinated fibers showed redundant/abnormally thickened myelin, myelin vacuolation, and frank intramyelinic edema with condensed axoplasm. Ultrastructural features included axo‐glial detachment, disruption of membrane integrity, and myelin uncompaction. This study shows that monospecific anti‐GD1b IgM paraprotein is associated with non‐inflammatory nerve damage. We suggest that the loss of myelin and axonal integrity reflects antibody‐induced disruption of membrane lipid rafts.
Advancing Theory with Review Articles
Authors: Post Corinne , Sarala Riikka , Gatrell Caroline , Prescott John E.
Published: December 2019

Reviewing a body of work presents unique opportunities for making a theoretical contribution. Review articles can make readers think theoretically differently about a given field or phenomenon. Yet, review articles that advance theory have been historically under‐represented inJournal of Management Studies.Accordingly, the purpose of this editorial is to propose a multi‐faceted approach for fashioning theoretical contributions in review articles, which we hope will inspire more authors to develop and submit innovative, original, and high‐quality theory‐building review articles. We argue that advancing theory with review articles requires an integrative and generative approach. We propose a non‐exhaustive set of avenues for developing theory with a review article: exposing emerging perspectives, analysing assumptions, clarifying constructs, establishing boundary conditions, testing new theory, theorizing with systems theory, and theorizing with mechanisms. As a journal,Journal of Management Studiesis a journal of ideas – new ideas; ideas drawn from reflections on extant theory and ideas with potential to change the way we understand and interpret theory. With this in mind, we think that advancing theory with review articles is an untapped source of new ideas.
Identity integration in people with acquired disabilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Adler Jonathan M. , Lakmazaheri Ava , O'Brien Eamon , Palmer Alison , Reid Micah , Tawes Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Objective

This qualitative investigation focused on identity integration in a sample of individuals who acquired physical disabilities in adulthood. It also argues for the importance and ethics of these methods in the broader field of scholarship on personality change following adversity.

Method

Thirteen adults participated in the study. Participants engaged in an expanded Life Story Interview wherein they narrated the story of their life, including a section devoted to their story of acquiring a physical disability. In addition, participants completed questionnaires concerning their psychological well‐being and maturity.

Results

We identified two dimensions of narrative themes participants used in grappling with identity integration: one represented active processing of one's life experiences and the other represented the extent to which participants described their identity as wholly transformed by the experience of acquiring a disability. When overlaid, these dimensions yielded four narrative strategies titled: Adapters, Wanderers, Drifters, and Resisters. We also observed that Adapters seemed to have better psychological well‐being and maturity than the other groups.

Conclusions

This study offers a foundation for future scholarship on identity among people with disabilities. It also describes the contexts in which retrospective, qualitative methods are especially appropriate for research on personality change following adversity.
Reptodigitus Chapmanii (Nostocales, Hapalosiphonaceae) Gen. Nov.: A Unique Nostocalean (Cyanobacteria) Genus Based on a Polyphasic Approach1
Authors: Casamatta Dale A. , Villanueva Chelsea D. , Garvey Alyssa D. , Stocks Holly S. , Vaccarino Melissa , Dvořák Petr , Hašler Petr , Johansen Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2019

The Nostocales is a monophyletic, heterocytous lineage of cyanobacteria capable of akinete production and division in multiple planes, depending upon family‐level clade. While present in a variety of ecosystems, the diversity of the Nostocales has been poorly elucidated. Due to environmentally ‐induced phenotypic plasticity, morphology alone is often insufficient to determine the true phylogenetic placement of these taxa. In order to bridge this gap, taxonomists now employ the polyphasic approach, combining methods such as morphological analysis, phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequence and genetic identity based on ribosomal genes, and secondary structure of the 16S‐23S ITS and 16S rRNA gene sequences, as well as ecological characterization. Using this combined approach, a new genus and species (Reptodigitus chapmanii gen. et sp. nov.) isolated from the St. Johns River (Jacksonville, Florida, USA) within the Nostocales is herein described. Phylogenetic analyses place this taxon within the Hapalosiphonaceae, sister to the clade containing Fischerella, Hapalosiphon, and Westiellopsis. The 16S‐23S ITS secondary folding structure analysis also supports the erection of this new genus.
Trait‐based numerical classification of mesic and wet grasslands in Poland
Authors: Lengyel Attila , Swacha Grzegorz , Botta‐Dukát Zoltán , Kącki Zygmunt
Published: December 2019

Questions

What vegetation types can be distinguished on the basis of plant functional traits using numerical classification? How do they match syntaxonomical units?

Location

Poland.

Methods

Six thousand nine hundred and eighty‐five vegetation plots representing mesic and wet grasslands (Molinio‐Arrhenatheretea, Polygono‐Poetea) were retrieved from the Polish Vegetation Database. Plant functional trait data were assembled from the LEDA and Clo‐Pla databases for most species occurring in the data set. Community‐weighted mean for five traits were calculated for each plot: specific leaf area, canopy height, seed mass, bud bank index and clonality index. Plots were classified using Ward's method and iterative relocation based on silhouette widths. The clusters were interpreted and characterized on the basis of species and trait composition, functional diversity, functional redundancy, Ellenberg indicator values, and geographical distribution. The similarity between the trait‐based classification and the syntaxonomical assignment of plots is evaluated both statistically and by expert knowledge.

Results

Twelve clusters were distinguished. The classification mirrored the main gradients structuring grasslands in Poland, although, some vegetation types with the strong dominance of functionally unique species appeared more distinct than they are treated in syntaxonomy. Clusters did not differ significantly in functional diversity and redundancy. The differences of clusters in species and trait composition and environmental background are discussed.

Conclusion

The application of trait data and numerical methods is a promising approach for obtaining vegetation classifications. Such classifications can be in closer relationship with the most important ecosystem processes than floristic classifications because communities comprising different species but similar functional trait distribution are not separated. Trait‐based classifications match phytosociological units to a variable degree. Functional uniqueness and variation of abundance determines how individual species influence the delimitation of vegetation types using our approach.
Does HEV‐3 subtype play a role in the severity of acute hepatitis E?
Authors: Abravanel Florence , Dimeglio Chloé , Castanier Mathilde , Péron Jean‐Marie , Kamar Nassim , Lhomme Sébastien , Izopet Jacques
Published: December 2019

Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV‐3) is a major aetiologic agent of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. Two main HEV‐3 subtypes are found in Europe: subtypes 3c and 3f. We have analysed the clinical and biological parameters from 100 French immunocompetent patients with an HEV subtype 3f or subtype 3c infection, included in a prospective multicentre study. Stepwise regression analysis found that infections with HEV subtype 3f were associated with fever (OR: 6.1 95%CI: 1.4‐26.1), have a greater virus load (OR: 7.4; 95%CI: 1.3‐42.2) and require more frequent hospitalization (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.1‐51.4) than those infected with subtype 3c. The directed acyclic graph strengthens the multivariate analyses indicating a direct link between the HEV subtype, HEV RNA concentration, fever and hospitalization. Further studies on patients in other European countries are needed to confirm this relationship and determine the underlying mechanism.
How Many Seats in Congress Is Control of Redistricting Worth?
Authors: Peress Michael , Zhao Yangzi
Published: December 2019

How large a benefit is partisan control of the redistricting process? Do legal constraints on redistricting—such as the preclearance requirement of the Voting Rights Act—alter this benefit? Are institutions designed to reduce the benefit to partisan control—such as redistricting commissions—effective? To measure the effects of partisan districting on the electoral fortunes of the parties, we collect data on the partisan composition of state government, House election outcomes, and moderating institutions over an 80‐year period. Our results suggest that over time, both parties have benefited from unified control, with the effects largest in states where voters were evenly divided among the parties and smallest in states where the controlling party had a large advantage in the electorate. The effects have changed over time, with both parties having equally benefited from control during the middle of the 20th century, the benefit largely disappearing in the late part of the century, and the Republican Party seeing a moderate advantage from control in the current century. The benefits of partisan control were not diminished in states with redistricting commissions. The preclearance requirement appears to have hurt the Democratic Party except when its vote share was very low. The aggregate effects of partisan redistricting are moderate in magnitude—in the modern period, this effect has typically been less than 10 House seats, with the last election where control of the House would have flipped in expectation occurring in 1954.