bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting resistance of flexible armour using multiple layers of triaxial kevlar fabric
Authors: Messiry Magdi El , El-Tarfawy Shaimaa Youssef
Published: October 2020

The textiles capable of cutting resistance found applications in the industrial and military areas to construct flexible lightweight soft body armors. In the present work, a theoretical model to understand the mechanism of fabric cut resistance in a different direction for weft-knitted, triaxial, and multiple layers structures. An experimental study of cutting resistance force was done on weft-knitted fabric with Kevlar 29 triaxial fabrics in multiple layers structure to support derived mathematical model for the effect of multiple layers structure on their cutting force. The study examines specific cut resistance of the structure from four layers of Kevlar triaxial fabrics covered with knitted fabric on both sides. The angle of cutting force varied from 0°, 60°, and 90° with respect to the yarn inclination. Results show that the cutting force of the multilayer structure is linearly proportional to the number of Kevlar triaxial fabrics layers. The specific cut resistance value of the structure from four layers of Kevlar triaxial fabrics, covered with knitted fabric on both sides, reached 544, 435, and 326 (N/g/cm2) for cutting directions: angled 60°, vertical, and horizontal, respectively. In this work, the comparison between the triaxial fabric of high areal density and multiple layers of triaxial fabric with resultant same areal density indicates that a better specific cutting force was achieved in the first case. Furthermore, it investigated the relationship between triaxial surface density, the direction of cutting, and the number of triaxial fabric layers and discussed the optimum specific properties of the different structures.
Mikropolitik in Organisationen
Authors: Dick Petra
Published: October 2020

Dieser Beitrag behandelt ein in der Praxis wohlbekanntes Phänomen, das - nach langzeitiger Vernachlässigung - nunmehr auch in der Wissenschaft zunehmend Beachtung findet: Mikropolitik.
Personalwirtschaftslehre - eine ökonomische Disziplin?!
Authors: Backes-Gellner Uschi
Published: October 2020

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, inwieweit Personalwirtschaftslehre an deutschen Hochschulen als ökonomische Disziplin (Personalökonomie) betrieben wird und werden sollte. Er stellt das Grundkonzept einer Personalökonomie vor und skizziert daraus resultierende theoretische Interpretationsmuster des Arbeitsverhältnisses und der Personalpolitik in Unternehmen. In einem zweiten Schritt wird anhand publizierter Forschungsergebnisse gezeigt, wie diese Interpretationsmuster für die Analyse betrieblicher Personalpolitik fruchtbar gemacht und welche empirisch untermauerten Forschungsergebnisse zur Personalpolitik in Deutschland gewonnen wurden. Der Beitrag wird abgerundet durch wissenschaftstheoretische und hochschuldidaktische Überlegungen. Er endet mit einem Plädoyer, die Personalwirtschaftslehre zumindest auch als ökonomische Disziplin zu betreiben.
Ein alternativer Ansatz zur Handlungsanalyse im Assessment Center
Authors: Musolesi Frank
Published: October 2020

Im Zusammenhang mit der Assessment Center-Technik führen Ratingskalen infolge ihrer realnormorientierten Auswirkungen nicht selten zu unbefriedigenden Ergebnissen. Der vorliegende Aufsatz versucht durch eine eher idealnormorientierte Vorgehensweise diesen Mangel zu verbessern. Weitere Überlegungen münden in ein Personalentwicklungskonzept, dessen Bestandteile vorgestellt werden.
Informatiker in Führungspositionen – Voraussetzungen für eine Managementkarriere
Authors: Hartmann Michael
Published: October 2020

Informatiker genießen den Ruf, für die heutige Informationsgesellschaft unverzichtbar zu sein und dementsprechend gute Karrierechancen zu besitzen. Auf der Basis von Ergebnissen eines empirischen Forschungsprojekts wird diese Vermutung überprüft. Wesentliches Resultat der Untersuchung ist, daß das zentrale Karriereknterium Führungsfähigkeit zum einen zur Folge hat, daß Informatiker deutlich schlechtere Aufstiegschancen haben als vielfach angenommen, und zum anderen eine soziale Auslese mit sich bringt, die nur den Kindern aus den gehobenen gesellschaftlichen Kreisen eine Managementkarriere ermöglicht.
Personalentwicklung für weibliche Führungskräfte?
Authors: Küpper Gunhild
Published: October 2020

Frauen sind – trotz guter Berufs- und Ausbildungssituation – in den führenden Positionen der Industrie, in den Führungsgremien von Parteien und Gewerkschaften und in den obersten Stellen der Universitäten unverändert deutlich unterrepräsentiert.

Es kann festgestellt werden, daß auf der einen Seite bundesdeutsche Arbeitgeber gegenwärtig über die bisher bestausgebildete Frauengeneration verfügen, dieser jedoch auf der anderen Seite nicht ihrem Know-how entsprechend adäquate Berufs- und Aufstiegschancen anbieten. Frauen werden zum einen generell beruflich weniger gefördert bzw. für spezifische Positionen als weniger geeignet betrachtet als Männer, und zum anderen fehlt ihnen selbst oft der Mut aufgrund dieser gering ausgeprägten beruflichen und sozialen Unterstützung sich für eine berufliche Karriere zu entscheiden. Die wenigen Frauen, die dennoch eine leitende Position anstreben, die erste Hürde geschafft haben und an einem Auswahlverfahren für Führungskräfte teilnehmen können, erleben nicht selten, daß es für sie weitaus schwieriger ist als für ihre männlichen Mitbewerber, diese Verfahren erfolgreich zu durchlaufen. Hier sind folglich Barrieren zu vermuten, die ein berufliches Vorwärtskommen von Frauen erschweren.

Der nachfolgende Aufsatz befaßt sich speziell mit der Frage, welche Barrieren sich beim beruflichen Aufstieg von Frauen bzw. in den Auswahlverfahren für Führungspositionen aufzeigen lassen und wo Personalpolitik unterstützend ansetzen könnte.
Mikropolitik im Spiegelbild empirischer Organisationsforschung
Authors: Engelhart Roman
Published: October 2020

Als Alternativkonzepte zu den POIS werden im zweiten Teil des Beitrags der Influence Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) und die Perceptions of Organizational Politics Scale (POPS) vorgestellt. Während der IBQ die Klassifikation interessegeleiteter Einflußstrategien erweitert, lenkt die POPS ihr Hauptaugenmerk auf die (subjektiv) wahrgenommene Politisierung des Organisationsklimas; beide Erhebungsinstrumente weisen allerdings ernstzunehmende psychometrische Defizite auf. Der abschließende Ausblick beinhaltet Vorschläge zur Weiterentwicklung von POIS, IBQ bzw. POPS und skizziert Leitlinien für ihren kritisch reflektierten Einsatz im Rahmen politischer Personalbzw. Organisationsentwicklungskonzepte.
Personalwirtschaftliche Theorien - Anforderungen, Systematisie-rungsansätze und konzeptionelle Überlegungen
Authors: Weibler Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Der Personalwirtschaftslehre wird in regelmäßigen Abständen ein Theorienproblem bescheinigt. Dies wird zum Anlaß genommen, sich grundsätzlich mit den Anforderungen an eine (allgemeine) personalwirtschaftliche Theorie auseinanderzusetzen. Überlegungen zu den Zielen und dem Gegenstand der Personalwirtschaftslehre werden nachfolgend aufgenommen. Anschließend werden bisherige Systematisierungen personalwirtschaftlicher Theorien beschrieben und in ihrer Gesamtheit gewürdigt. Ein Bezugsrahmen zur Verdeutlichung des Prozesses der Theorieauswahl- und -anwendung innerhalb der Personalwirtschaftslehre wird entworfen. Anschließend wird ein perspektivischer Problemzugang skizziert, der die Personalwirtschaftslehre konzeptionell mit der Betriebswirtschaftslehre verbinden kann. Es wird in diesem Zusammenhang vorgeschlagen, die Personalwirtschaftslehre als eine Führungslehre vom Einsatz der Human-Ressoarcen zu verstehen.
Personalberatung als Institution: Make or Buy-Entscheidungen im Personalbereich
Authors: Föhr Silvia
Published: October 2020

Die lang erwartete Öffnung des Personalberatungsmarktes durch die Aufhebung des Vermittlungsmonopols der Bundesanstalt für Arbeit hat eine diffuse Situation herbeigeführt: Es strömen zahlreiche Personalberatungsunternehmen mit unsicheren Gewinnerwartungen auf den Markt, die Nachfrager scheinen zur Annahme der neuen Leistungspakete bereit. Eine marktgleichgewichtsähnliche Situation ist jedoch erst in ferner Zukunft zu erwarten. Es erscheint dringlich, das diffuse Untersuchungsfeld von Angebots- und Nachfragebedingungen zu ordnen. Aus institutionenökonomischer Sicht hat die Institution Personalberatung ihre Existenzberechtigung, weil sie bestimmte Transaktionen erleichtert bzw. erst ermöglicht. Die Spezialisierung auf Teilaufgaben führt zur Ausnutzung von Skalenvorteilen der Informationsverarbeitung. Darüber hinaus bestehen Transaktionskostenvorteile bei Standardisierung relativ unspezifischer und wiederholter Transaktionen. Zudem kann die interne Ökonomie der nachfragenden Unternehmen verbessert werden, indem die Einschaltung von Personalberatern Organisationskosten bei der Implementation senken hilft. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist, die Marktentwicklung für Personalberatung aus Nachfragersicht abzuschätzen.
Optionen betrieblicher Entgeltflexibilität aus anreiztheoretischer Sicht: Umsetzungsvorschläge für die Praxis betrieblicher Entgelt systeme
Authors: Hardes Heinz-Dieter , Uhly Alexandra
Published: October 2020

Mit Hinweis auf veränderte Rahmenbedingungen des internationalen Wettbewerbs werden zunehmend Flexibilitätsanforderungen an Unternehmen konstatiert. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit den Potentialen betrieblicher Entgeltflexibilisierung, wobei ein breites begriffliches Verständnis von Entgeltflexibilität zugrundegelegt wird. Im Rahmen von Ansätzen der Arbeits- und Personalökonomie werden Anreiz- sowie Kostenaspekte erfolgsabhängiger Beteiligungsentgelte und senioritätsbezogener Entgelt-Strukturen analysiert. Zwei konkrete Beispiele zur betrieblichen Umsetzung werden vorgeschlagen, ein erfolgsabhängiger Weihnachtsbonus als Ersatz für fixierte Gratifikationen und zeitverzögerte Versorgungsentgelte als aufgeschobene Vergütungselemente im Fall des späteren Ruhestandes von Mitarbeitern.
Gesundheitszirkel im Betrieb. Kritische Betrachtung eines neuen Instrumentes des betrieblichen Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutzes
Authors: Susen Britta , Niedermeier Renate , Mahltig Gert
Published: October 2020

Gesundheitszirkel gelten als ein vielversprechendes partizipatives Instrument der betrieblichen Arbeitsgestaltung und des Arbeits- und Gesundheitsschutzes. In dem Artikel wird betont, daß die Durchführung von Gesundheitszirkeln in jedem Fall die bestehenden Organisationsstrukturen und -routinen eines Betriebes beeinflußt. Da bisher die Gesundheitszirkelidee vorwiegend in den Gesundheitswissenschaften und in Arbeitsschutzkreisen diskutiert wird, wird nun vorgeschlagen, sie auch als Thema der Personalforschung und der betrieblichen Personalressorts zu begreifen. Deshalb werden moderne Verständnisse von Gesundheit und Gesundheitsförderung beschrieben und verschiedene Konzepte von Gesundheitszirkeln vorgestellt. Vor diesem Hintergrund und auf Basis ihrer eigenen Erfahrungen untersuchen die Autoren kritisch, welche Anforderungen Gesundheitszirkel in der Praxis an die Organisation stellen. Dabei wird vorgeschlagen, Maßnahmen der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung eng mit Organisationsentwicklungsprozessen zu verkoppeln.
Oligomonocytic and overt chronic myelomonocytic leukemia show similar clinical, genomic, and immunophenotypic features
Authors: Calvo Xavier , Garcia-Gisbert Nieves , Parraga Ivonne , Gibert Joan , Florensa Lourdes , Andrade-Campos Marcio , Merchan Brayan , Garcia-Avila Sara , Montesdeoca Sara , Fernández-Rodríguez Concepción , Salido Marta , Puiggros Anna , Espinet Blanca , Colomo Luís , Roman-Bravo David , Bellosillo Beatriz , Ferrer Ana , Arenillas Leonor
Published: October 2020

Oligomonocytic chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (OM-CMML) is defined as those myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) or myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, unclassifiable with relative monocytosis (≥10% monocytes) and a monocyte count of 0.5 to <1 × 109/L. These patients show clinical and genomic features similar to those of overt chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), although most of them are currently categorized as MDS, according to the World Health Organization 2017 classification. We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 40 patients with OM-CMML with well-annotated immunophenotypic and molecular data and compared them to those of 56 patients with overt CMML. We found similar clinical, morphological, and cytogenetic features. In addition, OM-CMML mirrored the well-known complex molecular profile of CMML, except for the presence of a lower percentage of RAS pathway mutations. In this regard, of the different genes assessed, only CBL was found to be mutated at a significantly lower frequency. Likewise, the OM-CMML immunophenotypic profile, assessed by the presence of >94% classical monocytes (MO1s) and CD56 and/or CD2 positivity in peripheral blood monocytes, was similar to overt CMML. The MO1 percentage >94% method showed high accuracy for predicting CMML diagnosis (sensitivity, 90.7%; specificity, 92.2%), even when considering OM-CMML as a subtype of CMML (sensitivity, 84.9%; specificity, 92.1%) in our series of 233 patients (39 OM-CMML, 54 CMML, 23 MDS, and 15 myeloproliferative neoplasms with monocytosis and 102 reactive monocytosis). These results support the consideration of OM-CMML as a distinctive subtype of CMML.
The adult multidisciplinary respiratory neuromuscular clinic
Authors: Shah Neeraj M. , Murphy Patrick B. , Kaltsakas Georgios
Published: October 2020

Many neuromuscular disorders (NMD) are complicated by respiratory failure. These patients are best managed in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic to provide timely access to the various disciplines they require. The key mainstay of treatment of respiratory failure in patients with NMD is noninvasive ventilation, supported by secretion clearance, speech and language therapy, optimisation of nutrition and the maintenance of mobility. Patients with specific conditions may also require cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, urology and psychological services. The respiratory NMD multidisciplinary team should also provide access to palliative care, and caregiver health and wellbeing should also be reviewed at clinical reviews. The future of care for the respiratory NMD patient will increasingly involve home services and telehealth and the clinic should be equipped and resourced to deliver these. Although not all health systems will be able to provide all elements of the multidisciplinary team discussed here, this review provides the “ideal” recipe for the adult multidisciplinary team and the evidence base underpinning this from which a clinic can be developed.

Educational aims

To provide an overview of the care of an adult neuromuscular disorder patient presenting to the multidisciplinary respiratory clinic.

To provide the evidence base for establishing the different elements of the multidisciplinary respiratory clinic.
Application of SWATH mass spectrometry in the identification of circulating proteins does not predict future weight gain in early psychosis
Authors: Heald Adrian , Azadbakht Narges , Geary Bethany , Conen Silke , Fachim Helene , Lee Dave Chi Hoo , Geifman Nophar , Farman Sanam , Howes Oliver , Whetton Anthony , Deakin Bill
Published: October 2020

Weight gain is a common consequence of treatment with antipsychotic drugs in early psychosis, leading to further morbidity and poor treatment adherence. Identifying tools that can predict weight change in early psychosis may contribute to better-individualised treatment and adherence. Recently we showed that proteomic profiling with sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra (SWATH) mass spectrometry (MS) can identify individuals with pre-diabetes more likely to experience weight change in relation to lifestyle change. We investigated whether baseline proteomic profiles predicted weight change over time using data from the BeneMin clinical trial of the anti-inflammatory antibiotic, minocycline, versus placebo. Expression levels for 844 proteins were determined by SWATH proteomics in 83 people (60 men and 23 women). Hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis of baseline proteomics data did not reveal distinct separation between the proteome profiles of participants in different weight change categories. However, individuals with the highest weight loss had higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. Our findings imply that mode of treatment i.e. the pharmacological intervention for psychosis may be the determining factor in weight change after diagnosis, rather than predisposing proteomic dynamics.
optimalFlow: optimal transport approach to flow cytometry gating and population matching
Authors: del Barrio Eustasio , Inouzhe Hristo , Loubes Jean-Michel , Matrán Carlos , Mayo-Íscar Agustín
Published: October 2020

Background

Data obtained from flow cytometry present pronounced variability due to biological and technical reasons. Biological variability is a well-known phenomenon produced by measurements on different individuals, with different characteristics such as illness, age, sex, etc. The use of different settings for measurement, the variation of the conditions during experiments and the different types of flow cytometers are some of the technical causes of variability. This mixture of sources of variability makes the use of supervised machine learning for identification of cell populations difficult. The present work is conceived as a combination of strategies to facilitate the task of supervised gating.

Results

We propose optimalFlowTemplates, based on a similarity distance and Wasserstein barycenters, which clusters cytometries and produces prototype cytometries for the different groups. We show that supervised learning, restricted to the new groups, performs better than the same techniques applied to the whole collection. We also present optimalFlowClassification, which uses a database of gated cytometries and optimalFlowTemplates to assign cell types to a new cytometry. We show that this procedure can outperform state of the art techniques in the proposed datasets. Our code is freely available as optimalFlow, a Bioconductor R package at https://bioconductor.org/packages/optimalFlow.

Conclusions

optimalFlowTemplates + optimalFlowClassification addresses the problem of using supervised learning while accounting for biological and technical variability. Our methodology provides a robust automated gating workflow that handles the intrinsic variability of flow cytometry data well. Our main innovation is the methodology itself and the optimal transport techniques that we apply to flow cytometry analysis.
The evolution of fruit scent: phylogenetic and developmental constraints
Authors: Nevo Omer , Valenta Kim , Kleiner Annemarie , Razafimandimby Diary , Jeffrey Juan Antonio James , Chapman Colin A. , Ayasse Manfred
Published: October 2020

Background

Fruit scent is increasingly recognized as an evolved signal whose function is to attract animal seed dispersers and facilitate plant reproduction. However, like all traits, fruit scent is likely to evolve in response to conflicting selective pressures and various constraints. Two major constraints are (i) phylogenetic constraints, in which traits are inherited from ancestors rather than adapted to current conditions and (ii) developmental constraints, if phenotypes are limited by the expression of other traits within the individual. We tested whether phylogenetic constraints play a role in fruit scent evolution by calculating the phylogenetic signal in ripe fruits of 98 species from three study sites. We then estimated the importance of developmental constraints by examining whether ripe fruits tend to emit compounds that are chemically similar to, and share biosynthetic pathways with, compounds emitted by conspecific unripe fruits from which they develop.

Results

We show that closely related taxa are not more similar to each other than to very distinct taxa, thus indicating that fruit scent shows little phylogenetic signal. At the same time, although ripe and unripe fruits of the same species tend to emit different chemicals, they tend to employ chemicals originating from similar biosynthetic pathways, thus indicating that some developmental constraints determine ripe fruit scent.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the complex landscape in which fruit scent has evolved. On one hand, fruit scent evolution is not limited by common ancestry. On the other hand, the range of chemicals that can be employed in ripe fruits is probably constrained by the needs of unripe fruits.
Blood-based epigenetic estimators of chronological age in human adults using DNA methylation data from the Illumina MethylationEPIC array
Authors: Lee Yunsung , Haftorn Kristine L. , Denault William R. P. , Nustad Haakon E. , Page Christian M. , Lyle Robert , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Moen Gunn-Helen , Prasad Rashmi B. , Groop Leif C. , Sletner Line , Sommer Christine , Magnus Maria C. , Gjessing Håkon K. , Harris Jennifer R. , Magnus Per , Håberg Siri E. , Jugessur Astanand , Bohlin Jon
Published: October 2020

Background

Epigenetic clocks have been recognized for their precise prediction of chronological age, age-related diseases, and all-cause mortality. Existing epigenetic clocks are based on CpGs from the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (450 K) which has now been replaced by the latest platform, Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip (EPIC). Thus, it remains unclear to what extent EPIC contributes to increased precision and accuracy in the prediction of chronological age.

Results

We developed three blood-based epigenetic clocks for human adults using EPIC-based DNA methylation (DNAm) data from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public repository: 1) an Adult Blood-based EPIC Clock (ABEC) trained on DNAm data from MoBa (n = 1592, age-span: 19 to 59 years), 2) an extended ABEC (eABEC) trained on DNAm data from MoBa and GEO (n = 2227, age-span: 18 to 88 years), and 3) a common ABEC (cABEC) trained on the same training set as eABEC but restricted to CpGs common to 450 K and EPIC. Our clocks showed high precision (Pearson correlation between chronological and epigenetic age (r) > 0.94) in independent cohorts, including GSE111165 (n = 15), GSE115278 (n = 108), GSE132203 (n = 795), and the Epigenetics in Pregnancy (EPIPREG) study of the STORK Groruddalen Cohort (n = 470). This high precision is unlikely due to the use of EPIC, but rather due to the large sample size of the training set.

Conclusions

Our ABECs predicted adults’ chronological age precisely in independent cohorts. As EPIC is now the dominant platform for measuring DNAm, these clocks will be useful in further predictions of chronological age, age-related diseases, and mortality.
Genome-wide association analysis of stripe rust resistance in modern Chinese wheat
Authors: Jia Mengjie , Yang Lijun , Zhang Wei , Rosewarne Garry , Li Junhui , Yang Enian , Chen Ling , Wang Wenxue , Liu Yike , Tong Hanwen , He Weijie , Zhang Yuqing , Zhu Zhanwang , Gao Chunbao
Published: October 2020

Background

Stripe rust (yellow rust) is a significant disease for bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. A genome-wide association study was conducted on 240 Chinese wheat cultivars and elite lines genotyped with the wheat 90 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to decipher the genetic architecture of stripe rust resistance in Chinese germplasm.

Results

Stripe rust resistance was evaluated at the adult plant stage in Pixian and Xindu in Sichuan province in the 2015–2016 cropping season, and in Wuhan in Hubei province in the 2013–2014, 2016–2017 and 2018–2019 cropping seasons. Twelve stable loci for stripe rust resistance were identified by GWAS using TASSEL and GAPIT software. These loci were distributed on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4B (3), 4D, 6D, and 7B and explained 3.6 to 10.3% of the phenotypic variation. Six of the loci corresponded with previously reported genes/QTLs, including Sr2/Yr30/Lr27, while the other six (QYr.hbaas-1BS, QYr.hbaas-2BL, QYr.hbaas-3AL, QYr.hbaas-4BL.3, QYr.hbaas-4DL, and QYr.hbaas-6DS) are probably novel. The results suggest high genetic diversity for stripe rust resistance in this population. The resistance alleles of QYr.hbaas-2AS, QYr.hbaas-3BS, QYr.hbaas-4DL, and QYr.hbaas-7BL were rare in the present panel, indicating their potential use in breeding for stripe rust resistance in China. Eleven penta-primer amplification refractory mutation system (PARMS) markers were developed from SNPs significantly associated with seven mapped QTLs. Twenty-seven genes were predicted for mapped QTLs. Six of them were considered as candidates for their high relative expression levels post-inoculation.

Conclusion

The resistant germplasm, mapped QTLs, and PARMS markers developed in this study are resources for enhancing stripe rust resistance in wheat breeding.
Linked color imaging improves visibility of reflux esophagitis
Authors: Takeda Tsutomu , Asaoka Daisuke , Abe Daiki , Suzuki Maiko , Nakagawa Yuta , Sasaki Hitoshi , Inami Yoshihiro , Ikemura Muneo , Utsunomiya Hisanori , Oki Shotaro , Suzuki Nobuyuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Yatagai Noboru , Komori Hiroyuki , Akazawa Yoichi , Matsumoto Kohei , Ueda Kumiko , Ueyama Hiroya , Shimada Yuji , Matsumoto Kenshi , Hojo Mariko , Osada Taro , Nojiri Shuko , Nagahara Akihito
Published: October 2020

Background

With more prevalent gastroesophageal reflux disease comes increased cases of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Image-enhanced endoscopy using linked-color imaging (LCI) differentiates between mucosal colors. We compared LCI, white light imaging (WLI), and blue LASER imaging (BLI) in diagnosing reflux esophagitis (RE).

Methods

Consecutive RE patients (modified Los Angeles [LA] classification system) who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy using WLI, LCI, and BLI between April 2017 and March 2019 were selected retrospectively. Ten endoscopists compared WLI with LCI or BLI using 142 images from 142 patients. Visibility changes were scored by endoscopists as follows: 5, improved; 4, somewhat improved; 3, equivalent; 2, somewhat decreased; and 1, decreased. For total scores, 40 points was considered improved visibility, 21–39 points was comparable to white light, and < 20 points equaled decreased visibility. Inter- and intra-rater reliabilities (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient [ICC]) were also evaluated. Images showing color differences (ΔE*) andL*a*b* color values in RE and adjacent esophageal mucosae were assessed using CIELAB, a color space system.

Results

The mean age of patients was 67.1 years (range: 27–89; 63 males, 79 females). RE LA grades observed included 52 M, 52 A, 24 B, 11 C, and 3 D. Compared with WLI, all RE cases showed improved visibility: 28.2% (40/142), LA grade M: 19.2% (10/52), LA grade A: 34.6% (18/52), LA grade B: 37.5% (9/24), LA grade C: 27.3% (3/11), and LA grade D: 0% (0/3) in LCI, and for all RE cases: 0% in BLI. LCI was not associated with decreased visibility. The LCI inter-rater reliability was “moderate” for LA grade M and “substantial” for erosive RE. The LCI intra-rater reliability was “moderate–substantial” for trainees and experts. Color differences were WLI: 12.3, LCI: 22.7 in LA grade M; and WLI: 18.2, LCI: 31.9 in erosive RE (P < 0.001 for WLI vs. LCI).

Conclusion

LCI versus WLI and BLI led to improved visibility for RE after subjective and objective evaluations. Visibility and the ICC for minimal change esophagitis were lower than for erosive RE for LCI. With LCI, RE images contrasting better with the surrounding esophageal mucosa were more clearly viewed.
Genetic polymorphisms of PGF and TNFAIP2 genes related to cervical cancer risk among Uygur females from China
Authors: Ainiwaer Zumurelaiti , Maisaidi Reyilanmu , Liu Jing , Han Lili , Husaiyin Sulaiya , Lu Jing , Niyazi Mayinuer
Published: October 2020

Background

PGFandTNFAIP2are important angiogenic factors, which were abnormal expression in cervical cancer (CC). However, there is currently no report investigating the relationship ofPGFandTNFAIP2gene polymorphisms to CC risk.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of 342 CC patients and 498 cancer-free controls in a Chinese Uygur female population. Three SNPs (PGFrs8019391,PGFrs2268615, andTNFAIP2rs710100) were selected and genotyped to assess the possible association ofPGFandTNFAIP2polymorphisms with CC susceptibility. Logistic regression analysis adjusted by age was used.

Results

PGFrs2268615 (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04–1.86,p = 0.024) andTNFAIP2rs710100 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI =1.07–1.95,p = 0.018) polymorphisms were associated with the increased risk of CC. Moreover, T allele ofPGFrs8019391 was highly represented in patients with stage III–IV compared with stage I-II (OR = 2.17,p = 4.58 × 10− 4). MDR analysis revealed a positive interaction between the SNPs.

Conclusion

Our data indicated thatPGFrs2268615, andTNFAIP2rs710100 polymorphisms might be risk factors for CC susceptibility, which contributed to the increased risk of CC.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Maternal syphilis treatment and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective study in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Wan Zhihua , Zhang Huan , Xu Haigang , Hu Yang , Tan Cai , Tao Yuling
Published: October 2020

Background

Studies investigating the associations of maternal syphilis treatment with birth outcomes mainly concentrated in economically developed areas. Limited data are available in economically underdeveloped areas, such as Jiangxi Province. The study aims to investigate the impact of maternal treatment on birth outcomes in Jiangxi Province, China.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China’s Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Jiangxi Province. All syphilis infected pregnant women who delivered ≥28 gestational weeks and were registered in this system between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 were enrolled. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated by group-specific analyses according to their treatment status, adequacy and initiation time.

Results

4210 syphilis infected pregnant women were included in the analyses. Infants born to untreated mothers (n = 1364) were at significantly higher risk for stillbirth (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.74, 95% CI, 1.01–3.00, P = 0.045), preterm birth (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI, 1.02–1.59, P = 0.034) and low birth weight (LBW) (aOR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.86, P = 0.006) than those born to treated mothers (n = 2846) after adjustment for confounding factors. A significantly higher risk of stillbirth (aOR = 3.68; 95% CI, 1.62–8.34, P = 0.002), preterm birth (aOR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.71–3.00, P < 0.001), LBW (aOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59–3.14, P < 0.001) and congenital syphilis (CS) (aOR = 3.63; 95% CI, 1.80–7.31, P < 0.001) was found in infants exposed to mothers treated inadequately (n = 1299) than those treated adequately (n = 1547). No pregnant women who initiated the treatment in the first trimester (n = 682) delivered a neonatal CS case. Compared with mothers who initiated treatment in the first trimester (n = 682), those initiated in the third trimester (n = 1234) suffered an increased risk of stillbirth (aOR = 4.48; 95% CI, 1.31–15.30, P = 0.017), preterm birth (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.61–3.40, P < 0.001) and LBW (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI, 1.97–5.37, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Maternal treatment, especially early and adequate treatment, plays a crucial role in mitigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among syphilis infected women.
Women’s experience of psychological birth trauma in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Ke , Dai Ling , Wu Meiliyang , Zeng Tieying , Yuan Mengmei , Chen Ye
Published: October 2020

Background

The psychological birth trauma is a universal phenomenon in childbearing women. The influences could extend in a wide range, which includes the mothers’ health, mother-infant relationship, partner relationship. The medical staff could even choose to quit playing their part in the birthing process. The phenomenon has gradually garnered attention around the world. However, it has rarely been discussed under Chinese special conditions. The study was to explore Chinese women’s lived experiences of psychological birth trauma during labor and birth.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted in this study. Twenty-four women were recruited, who reported having experienced psychological birth trauma. In-depth interviews were conducted within 1 week after birth. Colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the data.

Results

Twenty-four women participated in the study. Four themes emerged to describe the women’s experience of psychological birth trauma: “How am I supposed to relieve the endless pain?” “ Can’t I be weak?” “Am I not important?” “What uncertainties are waiting for me?”

Conclusions

The findings provide deep insight into Chinese women’s unique experience of psychological birth trauma. The social and health system could prevent psychological harm during birth and promote maternal health by measures of pain management, thoughtful attention, adequate caring, and prenatal preparation.
Is it the time to implement the routine use of distress thermometer among Egyptian patients with newly diagnosed cancer?
Authors: Abd El-Aziz Nashwa , Khallaf Salah , Abozaid Waleed , Elgohary Ghada , Abd El-Fattah Ola , Alhawari Mai , Khaled Safaa , AbdelHaffez Azza , Kamel Ehab , Mohamed Sherif
Published: October 2020

Background

The distress thermometer (DT) is an effective tool for identifying distress among cancer patients worldwide. However, DT has not been studied in Egyptian patients. We aimed to study the prevalence of distress among Egyptian patients with different types of cancers using DT.

Methods

A total of 550 patients with newly diagnosed hematological and solid cancers who were followed up at 3 Oncology Centers in Egypt were enrolled. They completed a sociodemographic and clinical status questionnaire, the DT and the Problem List (PL) scale.

Results

At a DT cut-off score of ≥4, 46% of patients had significant distress, which was related to the tumor site and stage. The most frequent problems reported were treatment decision (64.4%), worry (47%), and fears (44.5%). In univariate logistic regression analysis, participants who had significant distress described 23 out of 36 problems in the practical, family, emotional, and physical areas. After adjustment to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, multivariable analysis confirmed that insurance, depression, fear, sadness, worry, loss of interest in usual activity, and sleep were independent factors associated with significant distress in cancer patients.

Conclusions

Almost half of Egyptian patients newly diagnosed with cancer reported significant distress. Those who had significant distress described extra problems in the practical, family, emotional, and physical areas. We recommend the routine use of DT for screening Egyptian patients with cancer, as well as the involvement of the psycho-oncology and social services, at the time of their initial diagnosis.
High expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) predicts poor outcome in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Li Min , Cheng Xue , Rong Rong , Gao Yan , Tang Xiuwu , Chen Youguo
Published: October 2020

Background

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a fatal form of ovarian cancer. Previous studies indicated some potential biomarkers for clinical evaluation of HGSOC prognosis. However, there is a lack of systematic analysis of different expression genes (DEGs) to screen and detect significant biomarkers of HGSOC.

Methods

TCGA database was conducted to analyze relevant genes expression in HGSOC. Outcomes of candidate genes expression, including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), were calculated by Cox regression analysis for hazard rates (HR). Histopathological investigation of the identified genes was carried out in 151 Chinese HGSOC patients to validate gene expression in different stages of HGSOC.

Results

Of all 57,331 genes that were analyzed, FAP was identified as the only novel gene that significantly contributed to both OS and PFS of HGSOC. In addition, FAP had a consistent expression profile between carcinoma-paracarcinoma and early-advanced stages of HGSOC. Immunological tests in paraffin section also confirmed that up-regulation of FAP was present in advanced stage HGSOC patients. Prediction of FAP network association suggested that FN1 could be a potential downstream gene which further influenced HGSOC survival.

Conclusions

High-level expression of FAP was associated with poor prognosis of HGSOC via FN1 pathway.
Correction to: Drusen characteristics of type 2 macular neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Ahmed Daniel , Stattin Martin , Haas Anna-Maria , Graf Alexandra , Krepler Katharina , Ansari-Shahrezaei Siamak
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Effects of cumulative trauma load on long-term trajectories of life satisfaction and health in a population-based study
Authors: Sacchi Livia , Merzhvynska Mariia , Augsburger Mareike
Published: October 2020

Background

Lifetime traumatic events are known to have a detrimental long-term impact on both mental and physical health. Yet, heterogeneity in the stress response regarding well-being in adults is not well understood. This study investigates effects of cumulative trauma on latent trajectories of two indices of well-being, subjective health and life satisfaction in a large representative sample by means of latent variable modelling techniques.

Methods

Data from the pairfam study wave 2–9, a longitudinal representative survey was used (N = 10,825). Individuals reported on lifetime trauma type exposure on wave 7 and indicated levels of life satisfaction and health at each wave. Different types of latent Variable Mixture Models were applied in an iterative fashion. Conditional models investigated effects of cumulative trauma load.

Results

The best fitting model indicated three latent trajectories for life, and four for health, respectively. Trauma load significantly predicted class membership: Higher exposure was associated with non-stable trajectories for both indices but followed complex patterns of both improving and decreasing life satisfaction and health. Trauma load also explained variability within classes.

Conclusions

The current study expands on evidence to the long-term development of health and life satisfaction in response to traumatic events from a latent variable modelling perspective. Besides detrimental effect, it also points to functional adaptation after initial decline and increased well-being associated with trauma exposure. Thus, response to traumatic stress is marked by great heterogeneity. Future research should focus on variables beyond exposure to trauma that can further identify individuals prone to trajectories of declining well-being.
Feasibility of implementing a community cardiovascular health promotion program with paramedics and volunteers in a South Asian population
Authors: Agarwal Gina , Bhandari Manika , Pirrie Melissa , Angeles Ricardo , Marzanek Francine
Published: October 2020

Background

The South Asian population in Canada is growing and has elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This study sought to adapt an evidence-based community risk assessment and health promotion program for a South Asian community with a large proportion of recent immigrants. The aims were to assess the feasibility of implementing this program and also to describe the rates of cardiometabolic risk factors observed in this sample population.

Methods

This was a feasibility study adapting and implementing the Community Paramedicine at Clinic (CP@clinic) program for a South Asian population in an urban Canadian community for 14 months. CP@clinic is a free, drop-in chronic disease prevention and health promotion program implemented by paramedics who provide health assessments, health education, referrals and reports to family doctors. All adults attending the recreation centre and temple where CP@clinic was implemented were eligible. Volunteers provided Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu translation. The primary outcome of feasibility was evaluated using quantitative process measures and a qualitative key informant interview. For the secondary outcome of cardiometabolic risk factor, data were collected through the CP@clinic program risk assessments and descriptively analyzed.

Results

There were 26 CP@clinic sessions held and 71 participants, predominantly male (56.3–84.6%) and South Asian (87.3–92.3%). There was limited participation at the recreation centre (n = 19) but CP@clinic was well-attended when relocated to the local Sikh temple (n = 52). Having the volunteer translators was critical to the paramedics being able to collect the full risk factor data and there were some challenges with ensuring enough volunteers were available to staff each session; as a result, there were missing risk factor data for many participants. In the 26 participants with complete or almost complete risk factor data, 46.5% had elevated BP, 42.3% had moderate/high risk of developing diabetes, and 65.4% had an indicator of cardiometabolic disease.

Conclusion

Implementing CP@clinic in places of worship is a feasible approach to adapting the program for the South Asian population, however having a funded translator in addition to the volunteers would improve the program. Also, there is substantial opportunity for addressing cardiometabolic risk factors in this population using CP@clinic.
Effects of toner-handling work on respiratory function, chest X-ray findings, and biomarkers of inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress: a 10-year prospective Japanese cohort study
Authors: Terunuma Niina , Ikegami Kazunori , Kitamura Hiroko , Ando Hajime , Kurosaki Shizuka , Masuda Masashi , Kochi Takeshi , Yanagi Nobuaki , Fujino Yoshihisa , Ogami Akira , Higashi Toshiaki
Published: October 2020

Background

Exposure to toner, a substance used in photocopiers and printers, has been associated with siderosilicosis and other adverse effects. However, these findings are limited, and there is insufficient evidence on the long-term effects of toner exposure. Using longitudinal analysis, this study aimed to examine the effects of work involving toner exposure on the respiratory system over time.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in a Japanese toner and copier manufacturing enterprise between 2003 and 2013. The cohort included a total of 1468 workers, which comprised 887 toner-handling workers and 581 non-toner-handling workers. We subdivided the toner-handling workers into two groups according to the toner exposure concentration, based on the baseline survey in 2003. We compared the chest X-ray results, respiratory function indicators, and serum and urinary biomarkers of inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress among the three groups: high-concentration toner exposure group, low-concentration toner exposure group, and non-toner-handling group. To consider the effects of individual differences on the longitudinal data, we used a linear mixed model.

Results

Similar chest X-ray results, the biomarkers, and most of the respiratory function indicators were found in the non-toner-handling and toner-handling groups. There were no significant yearly changes in the percentage of vital capacity (%VC) in the high-concentration toner exposure group, while there was a significant yearly increase in %VC in the low-concentration toner exposure group and non-toner-handling group. The yearly change in each group was as follows: high-concentration toner exposure group, − 0.11% (95% confidence interval [CI], − 0.29 to 0.08; P = 0.250); low-concentration toner exposure group, 0.13% (95% CI, 0.09–0.17; P < 0.001); and non-toner-handling group, 0.15% (95% CI, 0.01–0.20; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In our 10-year prospective study, toner-handling work was not associated with the deterioration of respiratory function and an increase in biomarker values for inflammation, allergy, and oxidative stress. This finding suggests that toner-handling work is irrelevant to the onset of respiratory disease and has minimal adverse effects on the respiratory system under a well-managed work environment.
Evaluation of adhesion barrier types in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model
Authors: Shimizu Atsushi , Kai Miho , Tasaki Masako , Chino Naotaka , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: October 2020

Background

Adhesion formation after hepatectomy creates problems for repeat hepatectomy. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a spray (AdSpray) and sheet adhesion barrier (Seprafilm) in a rat hepatectomy-induced adhesion model.

Methods

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent partial resection of the left lateral liver lobe. They were randomly assigned to control (n = 10), AdSpray (n = 10), and Seprafilm groups. Seven days after surgery, the animals were sacrificed, and adhesions at the hepatic resection surface were blindly evaluated.

Results

In the control group, adhesions were formed in all 10 animals (100%), with a 69% adhesion extent (mean). In the AdSpray group, the incidence of adhesions (40%) and the adhesion extent (mean, 10%) were significantly lower than in the control group (incidence; p = 0.0147, adhesion extent; p = 0.0007). In the Seprafilm group, the incidence of adhesions was 70%. The adhesion extent of Seprafilm (mean, 30%) was significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.0492). No significant differences were observed between the AdSpray and Seprafilm groups. As for histopathological examination, animals in the AdSpray group showed a similar healing profile to that of the control group without delayed healing and regeneration of mesothelial cells. In contrast, the Seprafilm group showed ongoing foreign body reaction to Seprafilm, and regeneration of mesothelial cells was immature at 7 days.

Conclusions

Both the spray-type gel and sheet adhesion barriers significantly reduced adhesion formation after hepatectomy. The spray-type adhesion barrier caused no adverse events and induced favorable healing. These adhesion barriers may be effective in hepatectomy. Further animal studies and clinical trials are required to determine their benefits in clinical use.
Association between a novel dietary lipophilic index (LI) with metabolic phenotypes in a community-based study in Tabriz- Iran
Authors: Soltani Nika , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Nikniaz Leila , Mahmoudinezhad Mahsa
Published: October 2020

Background

Dietary fatty acids are important dietary determinants of metabolic disorders in human. However, it is important to develop an index that considers not only the amount of dietary fatty acids but also the structure, fluidity and melting point of them. In the current study we investigated the association between a novel dietary lipophilic index (LI) with metabolic profile and dyslipidemia in a community based study in Tabriz-Iran.

Methods

Dietary data were collected using a validated, 79-food item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and dietary LI was calculated. Anthropometric variables were measured and metabolic profile including blood sugar, serum lipids and liver enzymes were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the adult treatment panel (ATP) III criteria.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 42.53 ± 12.03 years and most of the participants were women. Mean of dietary LI was 34.99 ± 6.91. Higher dietary LI was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.17, P < 0.04), waist circumference (β = 0.18, P < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.27, P < 0.01). Also LI was increased with increasing waist circumference (0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (0.001), and negatively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.001).

Conclusion

The novel dietary LI was considered as a useful tool in prediction of cardio-metabolic risk factors including general and central obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in a population-based study in Iran. Further researches in other disease and populations could highlight the application of this index in clinical settings.