bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of endodontic access simulation on the fracture strength of lithium‐disilicate and resin‐matrix ceramic CAD‐CAM crowns
Authors: OĞUZ Ece İrem , Kılıçarslan Mehmet Ali , Özcan Mutlu
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of simulated endodontic access preparation on the failure loads of lithium disilicate crowns and resin‐matrix ceramic (RMC) crowns.

Materials and methods

Eighty maxillary first premolar crowns were manufactured by using four different CAD/CAM blocks (n = 20): lithium disilicate (LD; IPS e.max CAD), resin nanoceramic (RNC; Lava Ultimate), flexible nanaoceramic (FNC; GC Cerasmart), and polymer‐infiltrated ceramic (PIC; VITA Enamic). Half of each group was accessed and repaired to simulate endodontic treatment. After cyclic loading, all specimens were loaded to failure. Data were analyzed with two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey‐HSD test (α = .05).

Results

The load to failure results showed significant differences for material types (P < .001), but not for endodontic access simulation (P = .09). The highest and lowest mean failure loads were obtained for LD (1546 N) and PIC (843 N), respectively.

Conclusion

The endodontic access preparation was not found to affect the fracture strength of LD and RMC crowns. The LD showed higher fracture strength than RMC crowns. Even though significant differences were noted for failure loads regarding different crown materials, all could reasonably withstand masticatory forces.

Clinical Significance

The endodontic access preparation through a restoration is known to be a common challenge in clinical practice. Maintaining a repaired LD or RMC crown is feasible and replacement may not be necessary.
Intraflagellar Transport 80 Is Required for Cilia Construction and Maintenance in Paramecium tetraurelia
Authors: Shi Lei , Chi Yuhao , Shen Xiangyu , Lu Guoliang , Shen Yuan
Published: May 2020

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) represents a bidirectional dynamic process that carries cargo essential for cilia building and the maintenance of ciliary function, which is important for the locomotion of single cells, intracellular and intercellular signalling transduction. Accumulated evidence has revealed that defects in IFT cause several clinical disorders. Here, we determined the role of IFT80, an IFT‐B protein that is mutated in Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. Using the RNAi method in the ciliate Paramecium as model, we found that loss of IFT80 prevents cilia biogenesis and causes strong cell lethality. A specific antibody against IFT80 was also prepared in our study, which labelled IFT80 in cilia of Paramecium. GFP fusion experiments were performed to illustrate the dynamic movement of IFT‐A and IFT‐B proteins in cilia of Paramecium; then, we found that the depletion of IFT80 in cells prevents IFT‐A and IFT‐B proteins from entering the cilia. Our results showed the distribution change of other IFT proteins in cells that were depleted of IFT80, and we discuss the possible roles of IFT80 in Paramecium.
Effect of the administration of prolactin‐releasing peptide2 on feeding activity in the intertidal blennyRhabdoblennius nitidus(Günther, 1861)
Authors: Takegaki Takeshi , Nakatake Yosuke , Amiya Noriko
Published: May 2020

Prolactin‐releasing peptide2 (PrRP2) was administered intraperitoneally to male intertidal blennyRhabdoblennius nitidus, a species with male uniparental care of eggs, to investigate the effect on their feeding activity. A significant inhibitory effect on appetite was observed in the breeding season, but not in the nonbreeding season. These results suggest that PrRP2 and PrRP2 receptors are more active during the breeding season. The presence of a mechanism to inhibit feeding activity while parents take care of their offspring may be important for the success of parental care.
The Families ofLGBTQOlder Adults: Theoretical Approaches to Creative Family Connections in the Context of Marginalization,Social‐HistoricalChange, and Resilience
Authors: Allen Katherine R. , Lavender‐Stott Erin S.
Published: May 2020

This article examines how families are theorized at the complex crossroads of age, sexuality, and gender, and explores theoretical innovations derived from analyses embedded in the families of LGBTQ older adults, who have lived outside the embrace of heteronormativity. To address the extent of theorizing, we conducted a content analysis of 36 studies from 2010 to 2019. The articles revealed a social justice orientation that contextualized the marginalization and resilience in the social‐historical framing of LGBTQ older adults' family life. Most articles used theory explicitly or implicitly, including life course, minority stress, and intersectionality theories, and demonstrated the intimate connection of theory and research. Future theorizing about the families of LGBTQ older adults requires more diverse samples, contextualization of LGBTQ older adults' families through critical approaches such as queer theory, and the opportunity to study new avenues into intra‐ and intergenerational family ties in this pioneering population.
Parents Are Unaware of Their Youths' Tobacco Use: Results from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study
Authors: King Jessica L. , Merten Julie W. , Nicksic Nicole E.
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

In this study, we determined the prevalence of and factors associated with parent unawareness of youth tobacco
use.

METHODS

We used data from waves 1, 2, and 3 (2013‐2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, a nationally representative study of 13,650 US youth ages 12 to 17 and their parents. We conducted weighted multivariate analyses comparing parent unawareness of youth‐reported ever use and associations between parents' unawareness of youth use and covariates.

RESULTS

Youth ever tobacco use ranged from 21.8% in 2013‐2014, to 24.1% in 2014‐2015, to 23.4% in 2015‐2016. Parent unawareness ranged from 57.6% in 2013‐2014, to 61.9% in 2014‐2015, and 64.5% in 2015‐2016. Factors associated with higher parent unawareness of youth tobacco use in 2015‐2016 were youth being female, black, or Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.24‐2.61; all ps < .05). Youth with lower academic performance, relatives who used tobacco, tobacco available in the home, or past 30‐day use, were less likely to have parents unaware of their use (AORs 0.33‐0.56; all ps < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among youth who reported ever using tobacco, most had parents who were unaware of their use. School‐based efforts targeting specific sociodemographic factors could increase parent awareness of youth tobacco
use.
Melatonin ameliorates aortic valve calcification via the regulation of circular RNA CircRIC3/miR‐204‐5p/DPP4 signaling in valvular interstitial cells
Authors: Wang Yongjun , Han Dong , Zhou Tingwen , Zhang Jibin , Liu Chun , Cao Feng , Dong Nianguo
Published: May 2020

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is highly prevalent with marked morbidity and mortality rates and a lack of pharmaceutical treatment options because its mechanisms are unknown. Melatonin is reported to exert atheroprotective effects. However, whether melatonin protects against aortic valve calcification, a disease whose pathogenesis shares many similarities to that of atherosclerosis, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that the intragastric administration of melatonin for 24 weeks markedly ameliorated aortic valve calcification in high cholesterol diet (HCD)–treated ApoE−/− mice, as evidenced by reduced thickness and calcium deposition in the aortic valve leaflets, improved echocardiographic parameters (decreased transvalvular peak jet velocity and increased aortic valve area), and decreased osteogenic differentiation marker (Runx2, osteocalcin, and osterix) expression in the aortic valves. Consistent with these in vivo data, we also confirmed the suppression of in vitro calcification by melatonin in hVICs. Mechanistically, melatonin reduced the level of CircRIC3, a procalcification circular RNA, which functions by acting as a miR‐204‐5p sponge to positively regulate the expression of the procalcification gene dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4). Furthermore, CircRIC3 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effects of melatonin on hVIC osteogenic differentiation. Taken together, our results suggest that melatonin ameliorates aortic valve calcification via the regulation of CircRIC3/miR‐204‐5p/DPP4 signaling in hVICs; therefore, melatonin medication might be considered a novel pharmaceutical strategy for CAVD treatment.
Current population genetics of Japanese harbor seals: Two distinct populations found within a small area
Authors: Mizuno Mariko , Kobayashi Mari , Sasaki Takeshi , Haneda Takayuki , Masubuchi Takahito
Published: May 2020

We used microsatellite loci to understand the current population genetics of Japanese harbor seals, and found that they were subdivided into two distinct populations, one in Erimo and the other in eastern Hokkaido, despite being only 150 km apart and having no obvious geographical boundaries between them. Strong population subdivision between the two areas may be due to the small number of haul‐out sites and population size, and that a single habitat type is used for haul‐out sites in Japan. Also, at Erimo, there are numerous rocky reefs at a single haul‐out site that stretch up to 1.3 km offshore from land, while 10 haul‐out sites in eastern Hokkaido, separated by a maximum of 30 km, are interspersed along 75 km of the coast. The direction in which the rocky reefs stretch away from land or in which the haul‐out sites are facing may be limiting the movement of Japanese harbor seals and causing strong population subdivision between Erimo and eastern Hokkaido. No recent genetic bottlenecks were detected, although the seals in Erimo and eastern Hokkaido were reported to have experienced declines in population size over the past few decades.
Reformulation of bread rolls using oat fibre: An acceptable way of dietary fibre enrichment?
Authors: Jaworska D. , Królak M. , Jeżewska‐Zychowicz M.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the sensory quality of wheat bread rolls with and without the addition of 12% of oat fibre (with high β‐glucan content) from a consumer perspective. A consumer group of 383 people rated the acceptability of fresh rolls and rolls after 1 day of storage using 9‐point hedonic scales. A trained panel evaluated fresh rolls and rolls after 1 and 2 days of storage using quantitative descriptive analysis as a sensory profile method. The consumer group assessed the overall acceptability of the fresh bread rolls enriched with fibre as higher than fresh bread rolls without fibre addition. The decrease in the sensory quality of rolls during storage was observed by both groups of evaluators. The trained panel found that increased storage time resulted in a greater reduction of aroma and flavour ratings, as well as in elasticity and overall quality, in the stored rolls with 12% fibre addition compared to those without fibre addition. Nevertheless, consumers’ high sensory acceptability of the fresh bread rolls enriched with fibre should be taken into account in the introduction of the oat fibre source product onto the market.
Comparison of four pressure ulcer risk assessment tools in critically ill patients
Authors: Theeranut Ampornpan , Ninbanphot Suchada , Limpawattana Panita
Published: May 2020

Background

Critically ill patients are at a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers (PUs) than non‐critically ill patients. Tools that aid in the early identification of those who are most at risk of PUs could help health care providers deliver early interventions and reduce unfavourable outcomes.

Aims

To compare the validity of four PU risk tools (the Braden scale, the Braden [ALB] scale, the CALCULATE, and the COMHON index) and to demonstrate the optimal cut‐off points for each tool in critically ill patients.

Design

This was a prospective descriptive study.

Method

This study was conducted in the intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary care hospital in Thailand from January to April 2019. Baseline characteristics were collected at admission to the ICUs. Skin assessment was evaluated every 24 hours. PU assessment scores were collected every 72 hours. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the performance of the tests in predicting PUs.

Results

A total of 288 patients were recruited. The incidence of PUs was 11.1%. The Braden (ALB) scale performed the best based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (area under curve 0.74), followed by the CALCULATE (area under curve 0.71), the Braden (area under curve 0.67) scale, and the COMHON (area under curve 0.61) index. At the optimal cut‐off point, the Braden (ALB) scale (≤13)) and the CALCULATE (≥3) were similar in terms of performance with an area under the curve of 0.69.

Conclusion

The Braden (ALB) performed the best at predicting PU development in ICU patients.

Relevance to clinical practice

The validity of all four PU risk tools was limited in Thai patients. The scales should thus be used in conjunction with clinical judgement to provide optimal outcomes. The development of better assessment tools for the prediction of PUs is required.
The Kok effect revisited
Authors: Yin Xinyou , Niu Yuxi , van der Putten Peter E. L. , Struik Paul C.
Published: May 2020

The Kok effect refers to the abrupt decrease around the light compensation point in the slope of net photosynthetic rate vs irradiance. Arguably, this switch arises from light inhibition of respiration, allowing the Kok method to estimate day respiration (Rd). Recent analysis suggests that increasing proportions of photorespiration (quantified as Γ*/Cc, the ratio of CO2 compensation point Γ* to chloroplast CO2 concentration, Cc) with irradiance explain much of the Kok effect. Also, the Kok method has been modified to account for the decrease in PSII photochemical efficiency (Φ2) with irradiance.

Using a model that illustrates how varying Rd, Γ*/Cc, Φ2 and proportions of alternative electron transport could engender the Kok effect, we quantified the contribution of these parameters to the Kok effect measured in sunflower across various O2 and CO2 concentrations and various temperatures.

Overall, the decreasing Φ2 with irradiance explained c. 12%, and the varying Γ*/Cc explained c. 25%, of the Kok effect. Maximum real light inhibition of Rd was much lower than the inhibition derived from the Kok method, but still increased with photorespiration.

Photorespiration had a dual contribution to the Kok effect, one via the varying Γ*/Cc and the other via its participation in light inhibition of Rd.
Moderate phosphorus additions consistently affect community composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tropical montane forests in southern Ecuador
Authors: Dueñas Juan F. , Camenzind Tessa , Roy Julien , Hempel Stefan , Homeier Jürgen , Suárez Juan Pablo , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: May 2020

Anthropogenic atmospheric deposition can increase nutrient supply in the most remote ecosystems, potentially affecting soil biodiversity. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities rapidly respond to simulated soil eutrophication in tropical forests. Yet the limited spatio‐temporal extent of such manipulations, together with the often unrealistically high fertilization rates employed, impedes generalization of such responses.

We sequenced mixed root AMF communities within a seven year‐long fully factorial nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition experiment, replicated at three tropical montane forests in southern Ecuador with differing environmental characteristics. We hypothesized: strong shifts in community composition and species richness after long‐term fertilization, site‐ and clade‐specific responses to N vs P additions depending on local soil fertility and clade life history traits respectively.

Fertilization consistently shifted AMF community composition across sites, but only reduced richness of Glomeraceae. Compositional changes were mainly driven by increases in P supply while richness reductions were observed only after combined N and P additions.

We conclude that moderate increases of N and P exert a mild but consistent effect on tropical AMF communities. To predict the consequences of these shifts, current results need to be supplemented with experiments that characterize local species‐specific AMF functionality.
A Simple Estimator of Two‐Dimensional Copulas, with Applications1
Authors: Anderson Eddie , Prokhorov Artem , Zhu Yajing
Published: May 2020

Copulas are distributions with uniform marginals. Non‐parametric copula estimates may violate the uniformity condition in finite samples. We look at whether it is possible to obtain valid piecewise linear copula densities by triangulation. The copula property imposes strict constraints on design points, making an equi‐spaced grid a natural starting point. However, the mixed‐integer nature of the problem makes a pure triangulation approach impractical on fine grids. As an alternative, we study the ways of approximating copula densities with triangular functions which guarantees that the estimator is a valid copula density. The family of resulting estimators can be viewed as a non‐parametric MLE of B‐spline coefficients on possibly non‐equally spaced grids under simple linear constraints. As such, it can be easily solved using standard convex optimization tools and allows for a degree of localization. A simulation study shows an attractive performance of the estimator in small samples and compares it with some of the leading alternatives. We demonstrate empirical relevance of our approach using three applications. In the first application, we investigate how the body mass index of children depends on that of parents. In the second application, we construct a bivariate copula underlying the Gibson paradox from macroeconomics. In the third application, we show the benefit of using our approach in testing the null of independence against the alternative of an arbitrary dependence pattern.
When ESKD complicates the management of pain
Authors: Jhamb Manisha , Tucker Laura , Liebschutz Jane
Published: May 2020

Pain is one of the most common symptoms reported by patients with end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and negatively impacts their health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), dialysis adherence, healthcare utilization, and mortality. There are a number of patient‐related and health system‐related barriers that make it very challenging to treat pain in these patients. Moreover, the limited availability of efficacious and safe nonopiate analgesic options has led to over‐use of opioids in this population. We propose a framework for pain assessment and tailored treatment using nonpharmacological and pharmacological approaches to optimize pain management and opioid use. Additionally, we recommend system‐level changes to improve care coordination and pain management in ESKD patients.
Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin discontinuation in long‐term liver transplant patients
Authors: Dobrindt Eva Maria , Keshi Eriselda , Salim Yones , Gillespie Allan , Saipbaev Akylbek , Schöning Wenzel , Öllinger Robert , Pratschke Johann , Eurich Dennis
Published: May 2020

Background

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG)—as a monotherapy or combined with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs)—has effectively lowered Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection after liver transplantation. However, it is associated with high costs and viral resistance. HBIG‐free prophylaxis with novel NUCs (tenofovir, entecavir) composes a viable alternative. We evaluated reinfection rate, histological changes, and outcome associated with HBIG discontinuation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing liver transplantation due to HBV‐induced liver disease at our center since 1988. A controlled HBIG discontinuation was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in 65 patients. Recurrent infection was determined by HbsAg values. Fibrosis and inflammation were evaluated by routine biopsy. The survival of patients after HBIG discontinuation was compared to a control population on HBIG for prophylaxis.

Results

From 1988 to 2013, 352 patients underwent liver transplantation due to HBV‐induced liver disease. 169 patients could be included for analysis. 104 (51.5%) patients continued a prophylaxis containing HBIG. HBIG was discontinued in 65 (38.5%) patients in a controlled manner, maintaining an oral NUC. None of those patients showed HBV reinfection or graft dysfunction. No significant changes of inflammation grades (P = .067) or fibrosis stages (P = .051) were detected. The survival of patients after HBIG discontinuation was comparable to the control (P = .95).

Conclusion

HBIG withdrawal under continuation of oral NUC therapy is safe and not related to graft dysfunction, based on blood tests and histology. HBIG‐free prophylaxis is not associated with a worse outcome and displays a financial relief as well as a logistic simplification during long‐term follow‐up.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy presenting with acute sensorineural hearing loss in an intestinal transplant recipient
Authors: Lippa Andrew M. , Ocwieja Karen E. , Iglesias Julie , Fawaz Rima , Elisofon Scott , Lee Christine , Sharma Tanvi S.
Published: May 2020

A 20‐year‐old male presented 3.5 years after intestinal transplantation with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Initial brain imaging was consistent with inflammation and/or demyelination. Lumbar puncture was initially non‐diagnostic and a broad infectious workup was unrevealing. Three months after presentation, a repeat LP detected JC virus for which tests had not earlier been conducted. He continued to deteriorate despite withdrawal of prior immunosuppression and addition of mirtazapine, maraviroc, and steroids. He died of progressive neurologic decompensation 5 months after his initial presentation. This case highlights progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) as a rare complication after solid organ transplantation and acute sensorineural hearing loss as an unusual first presenting symptom of PML. JC virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute sensorineural hearing loss in any immunocompromised patient.
Automatic wheat ear counting using machine learning based on RGB UAV imagery
Authors: Fernandez‐Gallego Jose A. , Lootens Peter , Borra‐Serrano Irene , Derycke Veerle , Haesaert Geert , Roldán‐Ruiz Isabel , Araus Jose L. , Kefauver Shawn C.
Published: May 2020

In wheat (Triticum aestivum L) and other cereals, the number of ears per unit area is one of the main yield‐determining components. An automatic evaluation of this parameter may contribute to the advance of wheat phenotyping and monitoring. There is no standard protocol for wheat ear counting in the field, and moreover it is time consuming. An automatic ear‐counting system is proposed using machine learning techniques based on RGB (red, green, blue) images acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Evaluation was performed on a set of 12 winter wheat cultivars with three nitrogen treatments during the 2017–2018 crop season. The automatic system uses a frequency filter, segmentation and feature extraction, with different classification techniques, to discriminate wheat ears in micro‐plot images. The relationship between the image‐based manual counting and the algorithm counting exhibited high levels of accuracy and efficiency. In addition, manual ear counting was conducted in the field for secondary validation. The correlations between the automatic and the manual in‐situ ear counting with grain yield were also compared. Correlations between the automatic ear counting and grain yield were stronger than those between manual in‐situ counting and GY, particularly for the lower nitrogen treatment. Methodological requirements and limitations are discussed.
AtNOT1 is required for gametophyte development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pereira Patrícia A. , Boavida Leonor C. , Santos Mário R. , Becker Jörg D.
Published: May 2020

In flowering plants, pollen development is under a dynamic and well‐orchestrated transcriptional control, characterized by an early phase with high transcript diversity and a late post‐mitotic phase skewed to a cell‐type‐specific transcriptome. Such transcriptional changes require a balance between synthesis and degradation of mRNA transcripts, the latter being initiated by deadenylation. The CCR4‐NOT complex is the main evolutionary conserved deadenylase complex in eukaryotes, and its function is essential during germline specification in animals. We hypothesized that the CCR4‐NOT complex might play a central role in mRNA turnover during microgametogenesis in Arabidopsis. Disruption of NOT1 gene, which encodes the scaffold protein of the CCR4‐NOT complex, showed abnormal seed set. Genetic analysis failed to recover homozygous progeny, and reciprocal crosses confirmed reduced transmission through the male and female gametophytes. Concordantly, not1 embryo sacs showed delayed development and defects in embryogenesis. not1 pollen grains exhibited abnormal male germ unit configurations and failed to germinate. Transcriptome analysis of pollen from not1/+ mutants revealed that lack of NOT1 leads to an extensive transcriptional deregulation during microgametogenesis. Therefore, our work establishes NOT1 as an important player during gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.
Analgesic effect of topical and subconjunctival morphine in dogs after phacoemulsification: A pilot study
Authors: Spertus Chloe B. , Espinheira Gomes Filipe , Martin‐Flores Manuel , Parry Stephen A. , Ledbetter Eric C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To determine the efficacy of a single treatment of topical and subconjunctival 0.1% preservative‐free morphine sulfate (PFMS) in providing analgesia following phacoemulsification in dogs.

Animals studied

Ten diabetic and ten non‐diabetic client‐owned dogs treated with bilateral phacoemulsification.

Procedures

A prospective, randomized, masked, negative‐controlled clinical trial was performed. All dogs received topical (0.2 mL) and subconjunctival (0.1 mL) 0.1% PFMS in one eye following phacoemulsification. The other eye received an equal volume and mode of administration of balanced salt solution (BSS). Ophthalmic examination, blinking rates, tearing, conjunctival hyperemia, aqueous flare, and central corneal esthesiometry (CCE) were evaluated in all eyes 1 day prior to surgery and at 4, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Complete physical examination, ocular ultrasound, electroretinogram, hemogram, and serum biochemistry panel were performed in all dogs prior to phacoemulsification. All dogs received the standard of care treatment before and after surgery, including uniform anesthetic protocol.

Results

Baseline ophthalmic exams were unremarkable, except for the presence of cataracts, in all dogs. The mean CCE (±SD) at 4 hours post‐operatively was 1.76 ± 1.27 g/mm2 and 1.85 ± 1.5 g/mm2 for the negative control and PFMS groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences in blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, tearing, aqueous flare, blinking rates, CCE, or intraocular pressure (IOP) between the treatment groups for any of the time points for the non‐diabetic and diabetic dogs, or for all dogs combined (P > .05).

Conclusions

Topical and subconjunctival 0.1% PFMS did not affect the evaluated parameters after phacoemulsification in the study dogs at the timepoints assessed.
10 Innovative Institutes
Authors: González Carlos M.
Published: May 2020

Engineering is a major that is continuously evolving. To meet the demand of a changing world, educational institutions are implementing new instructional models that can rise to the changes occurring today and tomorrow. What does the future of engineering education look like? This article explores some of the unique program offerings available to today’s engineers, ranging from research opportunities, global collaboration, diversity inclusion programs, entrepreneurship education, and STEM mentoring.
Focus on Methodology: A sense of sociomaterialism: How sociomaterial perspectives might illuminate health professions education
Authors: Burm Sarah , MacLeod Anna
Published: May 2020

Emerging from the field of socio-technical studies (STS), “sociomaterial” refers to a diverse group of theoretical approaches that, broadly speaking, share a commitment to symmetrically privileging both social and material elements. Not surprisingly, the ways in which a sociomaterial researcher engages in the process of collecting and analysing data will differ from studies that foreground a more human-centered point of view. This paper introduces researchers to the principles informing sociomaterial research and demonstrates their application in the context of a problem that has reached rampant levels among healthcare professionals—burnout. In this paper, we provide an accessible, in-depth description of what we mean by the sociomaterial, describe its historical roots and elucidate what it means to engage in empirical sociomaterial work. In so doing, our goal is to illuminate the potential of sociomaterial studies for exploring the complexity of health professions education.
Auditory filter-bank compression improves estimation of signal-to-noise ratio for speech in noise
Authors: Liu Fangqi , Demosthenous Andreas , Yasin Ifat
Published: May 2020

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimation is necessary for many speech processing applications often challenged by nonstationary noise. The authors have previously demonstrated that the variance of spectral entropy (VSE) is a reliable estimate of SNR in nonstationary noise. Based on pre-estimated VSE-SNR relationship functions, the SNR of unseen acoustic environments can be estimated from the measured VSE. This study predicts that introducing a compressive function based on cochlear processing will increase the stability of the pre-estimated VSE-SNR relationship functions. This study demonstrates that calculating the VSE based on a nonlinear filter-bank, simulating cochlear compression, reduces the VSE-based SNR estimation errors. VSE-SNR relationship functions were estimated using speech tokens presented in babble noise comprised of different numbers of speakers. Results showed that the coefficient of determination (R2) of the estimated VSE-SNR relationship functions have absolute percentage improvements of over 26% when using a filter-bank with a compressive function, compared to when using a linear filter-bank without compression. In 2-talker babble noise, the estimation accuracy is more than 3 dB better than other published methods.
Physical Activity, Mental and Personal Well-Being, Social Isolation, and Perceptions of Academic Attainment and Employability in University Students: The Scottish and British Active Students Surveys
Authors: Budzynski-Seymour Emily , Conway Rebecca , Wade Matthew , Lucas Alex , Jones Michelle , Mann Steve , Steele James
Published: May 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) promotes health and well-being. For students, university represents a transitional period, including increased independence over lifestyle behaviors, in addition to new stressors and barriers to engaging in PA. It is, therefore, important to monitor PA trends in students to gain a greater understanding about the role it might play in physical and mental well-being, as well as other factors, such as attainment and employability.Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2016 in Scottish universities and colleges, and in 2017 in universities and colleges across the United Kingdom, and the data were pooled for the present study (N = 11,650). Cumulative ordinal logistic regression was used to model the association between PA levels and mental and personal well-being, social isolation, and perceptions of academic attainment and employability.Results: Only 51% of the respondents met the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous PA per week. There was a linear relationship between PA levels and all outcomes, with better scores in more active students.Conclusions: UK university students are insufficiently active compared with the general population of 16- to 24-year olds. Yet, students with higher PA report better outcomes for mental and personal well-being, social isolation, and perceptions of academic attainment and employability.
Tumor’s loss is clinician’s gain
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: May 2020

A mutation in the epigenetic machinery creates a metabolic vulnerability in lung cancers.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Antibiotic Capacity of Two Host Defense Peptides
Authors: Arenas Iván , Ibarra Marco Antonio , Santana Felix L. , Villegas Elba , Hancock Robert E. W. , Corzo Gerardo
Published: May 2020

Two nonamidated host defense peptides named Pin2[G] and FA1 were evaluated against three types of pathogenic bacteria: two (
Staphylococcus aureus
UPD13 and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
UPD3) isolated from diabetic foot ulcer patients, and another (
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium [ATCC 14028]) from a commercial collection.
In vitro
experiments showed that the antimicrobial performance of the synthetic peptides Pin2[G] and FA1 was modest, although FA1 was more effective than Pin2[G].
Supplemental Material: Late Cenozoic drainage reorganization of the paleo-Yangtze river constrained by multi-proxy provenance analysis of the Paleo-lake Xigeda
Authors: Deng Bin
Published: May 2020

Methodology and test data
Family cluster of three recovered cases of pneumonia due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection
Authors: Xiong Yong , Song Shihui , Ye Guangming , Wang Xinghuan
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has affected more than 1 270 000 people worldwide. The numbers of reported cases continue to rise and threaten global health. Transmissions among family members are frequently observed, although the route of transmission is partially known. Here we report three cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection within one family. Sequencing of the S gene of the viral genome showed 100% identity among samples, suggesting that the same strain caused the infection. Following treatment with oseltamivir and short-term methylprednisolone combined with symptomatic management, all three patients recovered within 3 weeks, as evidenced by the disappearance of their symptoms, clearance of pulmonary infiltrates and consecutive negative molecular diagnostic test findings. Our observations suggest the importance of preventing family transmission and the efficacy of current integrated treatment for mild/moderate pneumonia in COVID-19 cases.
Clinicopathological characteristics of 8697 patients with COVID-19 in China: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jieyun , Zhong Zhimei , Ji Pan , Li Hongyuan , Li Bocheng , Pang Jielong , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhao Chunling
Published: May 2020

Objective

Our study aims to present a summary of the clinicopathological characteristics of patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that can be used as a reference for further research and clinical decisions.

Design

Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they had cohort, case–control or case series designs and provided sufficient details on clinical symptoms, laboratory outcomes and asymptomatic patients.

Setting

PubMed, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were electronically searched to identify related studies published between 1 January 2020 and 16 March 2020. Three reviewers independently examined the literature, extracted relevant data and assessed the risk of publication bias before including the studies in the meta-analysis.

Participants

The confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Results

A total of 55 unique retrospective studies involving 8697 patients with COVID-19 were identified. Meta-analysis showed that a higher proportion of infected patients were male (53.3%), and the two major symptoms observed were fever (78.4%) and cough (58.3%). Other common symptoms included fatigue (34%), myalgia (21.9%), expectoration (23.7%), anorexia (22.9%), chest tightness (22.9%) and dyspnoea (20.6%). Minor symptoms included nausea and vomiting (6.6%), diarrhoea (8.2%), headache (11.3%), pharyngalgia (11.6%), shivering (15.2%) and rhinorrhea (7.3%). About 5.4% of the patients were asymptomatic. Most patients showed normal leucocyte counts (64.7%) and elevated C reactive protein levels (65.9%). Lymphopaenia was observed in about 47.6% of the infected patients, along with abnormal levels of myocardial enzymes (49.4%) and liver function (26.4%). Other findings included leucopenia (23.5%), elevated D-dimer (20.4%), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (20.4%), leucocytosis (9.9%), elevated procalcitonin (16.7%) and abnormal renal function (10.9%).

Conclusions

The most commonly experienced symptoms of patients with COVID-19 were fever and cough. Myalgia, anorexia, chest tightness and dyspnoea were found in some patients. A relatively small percentage of patients were asymptomatic and could act as carriers of the disease. Most patients showed normal leucocyte counts, elevated levels of C reactive protein and lymphopaenia, confirming the viral origin of the disease.
Novel use of a continuous PECS II block for mastitis pain treatment
Authors: Delfino Enrica , Netto Roberta , Cena Alessandra , Faraoni Lorella , Gogna Daniela , Montagnani Luca
Published: May 2020

Nipple trauma and mastitis (an inflammatory condition of the breast) are common causes of intense pain during breast feeding. Although such pain normally results in early weaning, which has negative impacts on both maternal and child health, little is understood about the treatment of pain experienced during breast feeding. Here, we describe our experience with a woman who presented at 26 days post partum with a 15-day history of deep nipple wounds that caused bilateral mastitis and excruciating pain that radiated dorsally. Antibiotic, antifungal and non-pharmacological therapies were unsuccessful, and she wished to suspend breast feeding. We performed a bilateral pectoralis nerve block type II and inserted intrafascial catheters between the pectoralis minor and serratus muscles for continuous analgesia. Following block completion, the pain in her torso resolved immediately. The local anesthetic infusion continued for 40 hours and the patient had sustained analgesia with rapid healing of nipple lesions and her breast feeding commencing at 36 hours after block placement.
Association between rectal douching and HIV acquisition: the mediating role of condom use and rectal bleeding in a national online sample of Chinese men who have sex with men
Authors: Lu Tianyi , Mao Xiang , Peng Erlei , Gao Yangyang , Chu Zhenxing , Dong Willa , Zhang Wenran , Jiang Yong-Jun , Xu Junjie
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Previous studies have demonstrated that rectal douching (RD) is associated with HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the precise mechanism underlying the association between RD and HIV remains unclear.

Methods

We recruited participants over WeChat from October 2017 to October 2018. Respondents received mailed HIV self-testing kits, uploaded images of HIV self-test results and completed an online electronic questionnaire simultaneously. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, RD practices and sexual risk behaviours. HIV status was measured as the result of the HIV self-testing. The Baron and Kenny statistical method was used to assess the association between RD and HIV, controlling for condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and rectal bleeding.

Results

Of 1365 participants, 39.93% (545/1365) reported RD in the past 6 months, 60.07% had multiple male sexual partners and 43.08% had CAI in the past 6 months. The prevalence of HIV, based on self-testing, was 3.37% (46/1365). Multivariable logistic analysis showed RD was significantly associated with bottom sexual role (adjusted OR (aOR) 14.0; 95% CI 9.8 to 20.2), having multiple male sexual partners (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2), CAI (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6), rectal bleeding (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6) and HIV infection (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4). Baron and Kenny analysis found both CAI (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1) and rectal bleeding (aOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.4) play a mediating role in the association between RD and HIV.

Conclusions

Our study results confirmed the relationship between RD and HIV, and found CAI and rectal bleeding mediated HIV infection in Chinese MSM who douched. Strategies should be encouraged to strengthen health education and reduce high-risk sexual behaviour in order to reduce the risk of HIV in MSM who use enemas. Rectal microbicides may represent an efficient means of providing HIV prophylaxis among MSM.
Physical activity perceptions, experiences, and beliefs of older adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease and their care partners
Authors: Bechard Lauren E. , Beaton Dorcas , McGilton Katherine S. , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Black Sandra E.
Published: May 2020

Physical activity (PA) participation provides functional and social benefits for persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but PA participation in these populations is low. To support health promotion initiatives for cognitively impaired older adults, this study explored the perceptions, experiences, and beliefs of older adults with cognitive impairment and their caregivers concerning PA. Ten care dyads (community-dwelling adult aged ≥65 years diagnosed with MCI or mild-to-moderate AD and their care partner) participated in semi-structured interviews informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework about their PA perceptions, experiences, and beliefs. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of interview transcripts yielded 4 emergent themes: (1) PA as a meaningful activity, (2) experience versus evidence as motivating, (3) participation is possible despite dementia, and (4) care partners as enablers. Findings from this study address a research gap concerning the PA perceptions, experiences, and beliefs of cognitively impaired older adults and their care partners.

Novelty Older adults with MCI/AD want to and are capable of engaging in PA. Care partners are critical supporters of PA participation in MCI/AD. Adapted health promotion strategies could enhance PA in MCI/AD.
Benchmarking of water consumption and waste management in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) in Toronto
Authors: Ghajarkhosravi Mahssa , Huang Yirong , Fung Alan S. , Kumar Rakesh , Straka Vera
Published: May 2020

Water and solid waste benchmarking and developing meaningful performance indicators can help government and building owners to make effective decisions on improving their buildings’ efficiency and sustainability. For this study, information on 120 multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) has been collected and analyzed. The study entails the following steps: performing water and solid waste benchmarking for the 120 MURBs, developing meaningful performance indicators; determining performance ranking; and estimating different levels of savings (water, solid waste, cost, and GHG emissions). The most appropriate performance indicator and the benchmarking range for water and solid waste are as follows: water consumption normalized by square metre, 1.06–4.19 m3/m2; solid waste benchmarking normalized by number of units, 1.58–17.4 yd3/unit. Also, the MURBs domestic hot water system efficiencies are found to be very low (with overall system efficiency in the range of 35% to 45%). A relatively strong correlation is found between annual natural gas consumption and annual water consumption.
Optimal load redistribution on interdependent networks under a novel flow interaction model
Authors: Huang Mingyu , Ding Li , Ding Wei , Lin Tao , Guan Zhihong
Published: May 2020

Complex systems are always composed of many subsystems that exhibit interdependent relationship with each others. It becomes increasingly important across many fields to understand the effect of interdependence among these subsystems. In this paper, we consider a novel flow interaction model on a system comprising two networks with initial line loads and capacities. Once a line in one network is subjected to overload failure, its load will be redistributed to the whole system. Based on this model, we study how load transfer due to redistribution affects the dynamic process of failure propagation and the failure outbreak threshold. Furthermore, we solve an optimal load transfer problem to find the minimum cumulative cost on the low failure level. Our results provide theoretical guidance for optimal load scheduling to suppress cascades in the interdependent networks.
Dynamical Semigroups in the Birkhoff Polytope of Order 3 as a Tool for Analysis of Quantum Channels
Authors: Snamina Mateusz , Zak Emil J.
Published: May 2020

In the present paper we show a link between bistochastic quantum channels and classical maps. The primary goal of this work is to analyse the multiplicative structure of the Birkhoff polytope of order 3 (the simplest nontrivial case). A suitable complex parametrization of the Birkhoff polytope is proposed, which reveals several its symmetries and characteristics, in particular: (i) the structure of Markov semigroups inside the Birkhoff polytope, (ii) the relation between the set of Markov time evolutions, the set of positive definite matrices and the set of divisible matrices. A condition for Markov time evolution of semigroups in the set of symmetric bistochastic matrices is derived, which leads to an universal conserved quantity for all Markov evolutions. Finally, the complex parametrization is extended to the Birkhoff polytope of order 4.
The Impact of Intraoperative Hypothermia on Blood Loss and Allogenic Blood Transfusion in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Pan Pin , Song Kai , Yao Yao , Jiang Tao , Jiang Qing
Published: May 2020

Background. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) usually leads to substantial blood loss, which may cause allogenic blood transfusion. Hypothermia occurring during operation has been reported to increase blood loss and transfusion rates in nonorthopedic cohorts. However, the relationship between intraoperative hypothermia and blood loss remains controversial in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of hypothermia and identify the impact of intraoperative body temperature and hypothermia on blood loss and transfusion rates in total knee and hip arthroplasty (TKA and THA, respectively). Methods. This retrospective study enrolled 616 consecutive patients, who underwent primary unilateral TKA or THA at our institution during the period from April 2012 to July 2014. The occurrence of a temperature below 36°C during the operation was documented to identify the incidence of hypothermia. Univariate analysis was performed to find the risk factors for hypothermia. Multiple regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to explore the association of intraoperative temperature and hypothermia with intraoperative blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion. Results. The incidence of intraoperative hypothermia was 13.5%, 14.0%, and 13.1% in TJA, TKA, and THA, respectively. Intraoperative temperature (P = 0.045, P = 0.006) and hypothermia (P = 0.042, P < 0.001) were associated with intraoperative blood loss and perioperative transfusion in TKA. Intraoperative temperature (P = 0.002) was negatively related to the amount of blood loss, and hypothermia (P = 0.031) was the independent risk factor for transfusion in THA. Conclusion. Intraoperative hypothermia is associated with increased blood loss and transfusion rates in TJA. Efforts should be made to maintain normothermia during operation in these patients.