bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour Force Participation among MENA Women in the United States: Exploring the Role of Ethnically Homogamous Relationships
Authors: Bulut Elif , Carlson Elwood
Published: March 2020

This study uncovers variations in female labour force participation (FLFP) among women in the US originating from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a focus on differences by nativity status, and investigates the role of ethnically homogamous relationships in explaining these variations. Lower levels of US labour force participation among women from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is puzzling, given that these women have higher educational attainments than most women in the US. Recent work has suggested that looking more closely at the influence of homogamy on immigrant women’s economic activity may help to explain this puzzle. Drawing from prior research on FLFP and immigrant integration, we hypothesized that foreign‐born women from MENA will report lower labour force participation rates relative to their US‐born counterparts, and ethnically homogamous marriage will explain differences in FLFP across nativity status. Data come from the Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) from 2012–2016 American Community Surveys (ACS). The analytic sample consists of 33,133 women in the United states of MENA origin who are in the prime working ages of 25 to 59. As hypothesized, we found that foreign‐born MENA women reported significantly lower labour force participation rates than their US‐born counterparts. We also found that after controlling for all relevant characteristics, MENA women (both US‐born and foreign‐born) with MENA husbands remained dramatically less likely to be in the labour force than women with non‐MENA husbands. Our findings suggest the disadvantage in FLFP experienced by foreign‐born MENA women is due mostly to high rates of ethnically homogamous relationships among this population relative to their US‐born counterparts. Thus, our study highlights ethnic homogamy as a structural‐cultural barrier for MENA women’s labour force activity in the US and suggests that empirical research on FLFP and immigrant integration should consider partner characteristics as a key determinant of women’s labour force participation.
Knockout of AKAP150 improves impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction through the Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhu Yan‐Rong , Jiang Xiao‐Xin , Ye Peng , Wang Zhi‐Mei , Zheng Yaguo , Liu Zhizhong , Chen Shao‐Liang , Zhang Dai‐Min
Published: March 2020

Vascular dysfunction resulting from diabetes is an important factor in arteriosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that during hyperglycaemia and diabetes, AKAP150 promotes vascular tone enhancement by intensifying the remodelling of the BK channel. However, the interaction between AKAP150 and the BK channel remains open to discussion. In this study, we investigated the regulation of impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. Using AKAP150 null mice (AKAP150−/−) and wild‐type (WT) control mice (C57BL/6J), diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. We found that knockout of AKAP150 reversed vascular remodelling and fibrosis in mice with diabetes and in AKAP150−/− diabetic mice. Impaired Akt/GSK3β signalling contributed to decreased BK‐β1 expression in aortas from diabetic mice, and the silencing of AKAP150 increased Akt phosphorylation and BK‐β1 expression in MOVAS cells treated with HG medium. The inhibition of Akt activity caused a decrease in BK‐β1 expression, and treatment with AKAP150 siRNA suppressed GSK3β expression in the nuclei of MOVAS cells treated with HG. Knockout of AKAP150 reverses impaired BK channel‐mediated vascular dysfunction through the Akt/GSK3β signalling pathway in diabetes mellitus.
Local application of enamel matrix derivative prevents acute systemic inflammation after periodontal regenerative surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Peric Marina , Marhl Urska , Petrini Morena , Bettini Laura , Tonetti Maurizio , Gennai Stefano
Published: March 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare surgical treatment of periodontal intra‐bony defects (IBD) with or without the adjunct of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in terms of acute‐phase responses in healthy patients.

Methods

Thirty‐eight periodontitis‐affected subjects, one IDB each, were randomized to minimally invasive periodontal surgery (MIS) with or without EMD. Periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 6‐months. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 1, 7 and 180 days after treatment.

Results

At 24 hr, the group treated MIS with EMD showed lower values of C‐reactive protein (CRP; p < .01) as no inflammatory perturbation was noticed. Conversely, MIS group resulted in an acute inflammatory response at 24 hr (p < .05) that regressed to its baseline values at day 7. The EMD group showed a higher number of cases without residual BOP or PPD ≥ 5mm 6 months after surgery (p < .05), and post‐surgical gingival recession was lower (p < .05).

Conclusions

The adjunctive application of EMD during surgical treatment resulted in a minor increase in serum CRP 24‐hr after surgery. These findings suggest a possible systemic anti‐inflammatory effect of EMD. Within its limitations, this pilot trial confirmed better clinical periodontal outcomes in the EMD group. NCT03590093.
The current extent of and need for shared decision making in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in the Netherlands: an online survey study amongst patients and physicians
Authors: van der Kraaij G.E. , Vermeulen F.M. , Smeets P.M.G. , Smets E.M.A. , Spuls P.I.
Published: March 2020

Background

In shared decision making (SDM), patients and physicians work together to choose the best treatment option for an individual patient. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are particularly suitable for SDM, considering that the best treatment option depends on a patient’s preferences and values (preference‐sensitive decisions). Currently, it is unknown to what extent SDM is applied in treatment decisions for these diseases in the Netherlands.

Objectives

Primary, to assess the current extent of SDM in AD and psoriasis in the Netherlands amongst patients and dermatologists. Secondary, to assess the degree to which patients and physicians endorse SDM, to explore which characteristics are related to their preference to be involved in SDM and to identify which barriers and facilitators for SDM they perceive.

Methods

Two similar online surveys, one for patients with AD or psoriasis and one for (resident) dermatologists, were carried out. The surveys comprised validated questionnaires (shared decision making questionnaire (SDM‐Q; range 0–100), Control Preference Scale) and study‐specific statements mainly regarding barriers and facilitators for SDM.

Results

The responses of 219 patients and 147 physicians were analysed. Dermatologists experienced significantly more SDM than patients (SDM‐Q 82 vs 55; P < 0.01).

Most patients and dermatologists prefer to share treatment decisions. Mainly facilitators for SDM were perceived, including the positive perception of patients and dermatologists regarding SDM. The perceived barriers included lack of continuity of care by the same physician and lack of time.

Conclusion

Despite the dermatologists’ optimistic perspective, patients experience a limited extent of SDM and physicians should be aware of this gap. Improvement of SDM in AD and psoriasis is needed. The positive attitude of patients and dermatologists towards the process and outcome of SDM is important facilitators, while barriers were mainly perceived on an organizational level.
The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes
Authors: Gu X. , Gao Y. , Yan Y. , Marks M. , Zhu L. , Lu H. , Guan Z. , Shi M. , Ni L. , Peng R. , Zhao W. , Wu J. , Qi T. , Lu S. , Qian Y. , Gong W. , Zhou P.
Published: March 2020

Background

Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long‐term consequences.

Objectives

To describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis.

Methods

We report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients.

Results

A total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow‐up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome.

Conclusions

Ocular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.
Knowledge about and attitude toward cosmeceuticals among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almeman Ahmad A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Whitening cosmeceuticals are commonly used for beauty purposes and managing pigmentation disorders. There is significant variability across the world with regard to knowledge as well as legislation of cosmeceuticals.

Aim

To evaluate the knowledge of and attitude toward whitening cosmeceuticals among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross‐sectional observational study based on an online survey conducted between February and August 2019. The participants were registered pharmacists in different sectors in Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qassim, Ministry of Health. The pharmacists’ response to questions on demographic characteristics, occupation, knowledge, and attitude toward whitening cosmeceuticals were collected in an online sheet.

Results

In all, 584 pharmacists completed the survey; of these, 5.49%, 24.82%, and 70% were consultants, pharmacists I, and pharmacists, respectively. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.6:1. The most common response in the survey is “I don't know.” Interestingly, 324 (59.12%) of the participants could define whitening cosmeceuticals, but 520 (90%) did not identify the term's source. Regarding practice, 196 (35.77%) participants had never used a whitening cosmetic, whereas 72 (13.14%) had but could not identify the agent. Forty percent of the participants were unaware of the possibility of combining two or more whitening cosmeceuticals and 13.14% thought that such combinations are contraindicated.

Conclusion

There is significant variability among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding the understanding and practice of whitening cosmeceuticals. Our results indicate that further measures are essential for increasing the awareness of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.
The “Peter Principle” revisited—Reflections on science, surgery and research
Authors: Thomson Peter
Published: March 2020

Revisiting the eponymous “Peter Principle,” in this article the author reflects upon a professional lifetime as a clinician, surgeon and researcher, and summarises his efforts to improve contemporary understanding of oral cancer development, refine diagnostic procedure and facilitate efficacious, early treatment intervention to halt the process of carcinogenesis. The author reviews the principles underpinning effective translational research. Utilising his own work in oral epithelial cell science, interventional surgery and potentially malignant disorder patient management and surveillance, a number of significant advances in our knowledge base and their specific clinical application and potential impact are discussed. Research remains an active and ongoing process, however, and the author believes it essential for future relevance that hypotheses should always be initiated, led and mentored by experienced clinical practitioners.
Hepatitis B prophylaxis in adolescents who present for examination after alleged sexual assault
Authors: Jones Michael E , Tully Joanna M
Published: March 2020

Aim

In Australia, the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from single sexual contact is low. This, combined with assumed widespread immunity from vaccination, has resulted in a lack of clarity surrounding the necessity for hepatitis B post‐exposure prophylaxis following recent sexual assault.

Methods

This retrospective audit was conducted through the Victorian Forensic Paediatric Medical Service (VFPMS) at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Subjects were patients aged 13–17 years who presented to VFPMS between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2016 for forensic medical examination following an alleged penetrative sexual assault. Data collected included subject demographics, immunisation status, route of potential HBV exposure, time between alleged sexual assault and presentation, whether HBsAb levels were tested and the results and whether HBV prophylaxis was administered to the subject and its timing.

Results

A total of 2121 records were reviewed, and 420 subjects were found to be eligible for inclusion; 26.2% (n = 110) had HBsAb levels measured at initial presentation. Of these 110 subjects, 45.5% (n = 50) had titre levels less than 10 (deemed to be non‐protective) and were therefore vulnerable to HBV infection. Of the 420 subjects, 4.5% (n = 19) received HBV prophylaxis as a result of their assessment.

Conclusions

Results suggest that a high proportion of Australian adolescents presenting following recent sexual assault may be at risk of hepatitis B infection. Very few received timely prophylaxis. Follow‐up attendance rates were poor. Administration of the hepatitis B booster vaccine at the point of contact may reduce the risk of HBV infection in this group of adolescents.
Pharmacokinetics of three formulations of vitacoxib in horses
Authors: Wang Jianzhong , Qiu Jicheng , Xiao Hongzhi , Gong Xiaohui , Sun Pan , Li Jing , Zhang Suxia , Cao Xingyuan
Published: March 2020

The pharmacokinetic properties of three formulations of vitacoxib were investigated in horses. To describe plasma concentrations and characterize the pharmacokinetics, 6 healthy adult Chinese Mongolian horses were administered a single dose of 0.1 mg/kg bodyweight intravenous (i.v.), oral paste, or oral tablet vitacoxib in a 3‐way, randomized, parallel design. Blood samples were collected prior to and at various times up to 72 hr postadministration. Plasma vitacoxib concentrations were quantified using UPLC‐MS/MS, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. No complications resulting from the vitacoxib administration were noted on subsequent administrations, and all procedures were tolerated well by the horses throughout the study. The elimination half‐life (T1/2λz) was 4.24 ± 1.98 hr (i.v.), 8.77 ± 0.91 hr (oral paste), and 8.12 ± 4.24 hr (oral tablet), respectively. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 28.61 ± 9.29 ng/ml (oral paste) and 19.64 ± 9.26 ng/ml (oral tablet), respectively. Area under the concentration‐versus‐time curve (AUClast) was 336 ± 229 ng hr/ml (i.v.), 221 ± 94 ng hr/ml (oral paste), and 203 ± 139 ng hr/ml, respectively. The results showed statistically significant differences between the 2 oral vitacoxib groups in Tmax value. T1/2λz (hr), AUClast (ng hr/ml), and MRT (hr) were significantly different between i.v. and oral groups. The longer half‐life observed following oral administration was consistent with the flip‐flop phenomenon.
Risk factors for child food contamination in low‐income neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique: An exploratory, cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bick Sarah , Perieres Lauren , D'Mello‐Guyett Lauren , Baker Kelly K. , Brown Joe , Muneme Bacelar , Nala Rassul , Dreibelbis Robert , Cumming Oliver
Published: March 2020

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, food may be a critical transmission route for pathogens causing childhood diarrhoea, but basic food hygiene is often overlooked in public health strategies. Characterising child food contamination and its risk factors could help prioritise interventions to reduce foodborne diarrhoeal disease, especially in low‐income urban areas where the diarrhoeal disease burden is often high. This cross‐sectional study comprised a caregiver questionnaire coupled with food sampling, and food preparation observations, among the study population of an ongoing sanitation trial in Maputo. The aim was to determine the prevalence of child food contamination and associated risk factors. The prevalence of Enterococcus spp., as an indicator of faecal contamination, was estimated in food samples. Risk factor analyses were performed through zero‐inflated negative binomial regression on colony counts. A modified hazard analysis and critical control point approach was used to determine critical control points (CCPs) that might effectively reduce risk. Fifty‐eight linked caregiver questionnaires and food samples were collected, and 59 food preparation observations were conducted. The prevalence of enterococci in child foods exceeding 10 colony forming units per gram was 53% (95% confidence interval [40%, 67%]). Risk factors for child food contamination were identified, including type of food, food preparation practices, and hygiene behaviours. CCPs included cooking/reheating of food and food storage and handling. This exploratory study highlights the need for more research into diarrhoeagenic pathogens and foodborne risks for children living in these challenging urban environments.
ATM suppresses leaf senescence triggered by DNA double‐strand break through epigenetic control of senescence‐associated genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zhonghai , Kim Jin Hee , Kim Jeongsik , Lyu Jae Il , Zhang Yi , Guo Hongwei , Nam Hong Gil , Woo Hye Ryun
Published: March 2020

All living organisms are unavoidably exposed to various endogenous and environmental stresses that trigger potentially fatal DNA damage, including double‐strand breaks (DSBs). Although a growing body of evidence indicates that DNA damage is one of the prime drivers of aging in animals, little is known regarding the importance of DNA damage and its repair on lifespan control in plants.

We found that the level of DSBs increases but DNA repair efficiency decreases as Arabidopsis leaves age. Generation of DSBs by inducible expression of I‐PpoI leads to premature senescence phenotypes.

We examined the senescence phenotypes in the loss‐of‐function mutants for 13 key components of the DNA repair pathway and found that deficiency in ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM), the chief transducer of the DSB signal, results in premature senescence in Arabidopsis. ATM represses DSB‐induced expression of senescence‐associated genes, including the genes encoding the WRKY and NAC transcription factors, central components of the leaf senescence process, via modulation of histone lysine methylation.

Our work highlights the significance of ATM in the control of leaf senescence and has significant implications for the conservation of aging mechanisms in animals and plants.
Treatment of Osteochondral Fracture of the Lateral Femoral Condyle with TWINFIX Ti Suture Anchor “X”‐Shaped Internal Fixation under Arthroscopy: A Surgical Technique and Three Cases Report
Authors: Zhou Song , Cai Min , Huang Ke
Published: March 2020

Osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle is a rare intra‐articular injury with or without patellar dislocation. This kind of disease is commonly seen in the knee joint sprain during strenuous activity. At present, open reduction is often used to treat osteochondral fractures. In recent years, with the development of arthroscopy, we have been able to complete the reduction and internal fixation of fractures under arthroscopy. In this paper, three cases of osteochondral fracture of lateral femoral condyle were treated with arthroscopic TWINFIX Ti suture anchor internal fixation, and good results were obtained. After operation, the fracture of femoral condyle healed well and the function of knee joint recovered gradually. Suture anchor system is mostly used to repair rotator cuff and patellar tendon. This is the first case to apply the suture anchor system to the reduction and fixation of fracture.
Intravenous Combined with Topical Tranexamic Acid Administration Has No Additional Benefits Compared with Intravenous Administration Alone in High Tibial Osteotomy: A Retrospective Case‐Control Study
Authors: Li Songlin , Lu Qunshan , Guo Xingzhi , Zhang Meng , Miao Zhuang , Luo Desu , Liu Peilai
Published: March 2020

Objective

To investigate whether intravenous combined with topical administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) is superior to intravenous administration alone in terms of blood loss, incision complications, functional recovery, and pain relief in high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Methods

Clinical data of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) treated with unilateral HTO were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were grouped according to the TXA administration method, with 24 patients in the combined group and 21 in the solo group. In the combined group, 100 mL saline containing 1 g TXA was intravenously administered before application of a tourniquet, and 20 mL saline containing 2 g TXA was injected through a drainage tube after closure of the incision. Alternatively, 100 mL of saline containing 1 g TXA was intravenously administered before application of a tourniquet in the solo group. The blood loss and adverse events were compared between the two groups.

Results

All patients were followed for more than half a year. The drainage volume on the first day and total blood loss on the second day after surgery in the combined and single treatment groups were 130.06 ± 29.22 and 165.35 ± 43.08 mL (P < 0.05), respectively, and 327.17 ± 64.26 and 385.45 ± 63.31 mL (P < 0.05). There were no blood transfusions in either group. One case of delayed incision healing was observed in the solo group, and no such event occurred in the combined group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the following factors: the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT); levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D‐dimer on the second day after surgery; numbers of hospitalization days and thromboembolism events; and knee joint function and visual analog score 6 months after surgery.

Conclusion

Intravenous combined with topical TXA administration in HTO is superior to intravenous administration alone for reducing postoperative blood loss and drainage volume without thromboembolic complications. However, even with only intravenous TXA administration, no cases of blood transfusion and only 1 case of incision complication occurred. At the same time, the combined use of TXA did not improve the recovery of knee joint function and pain relief after HTO.
Characterization of novel regulators for heat stress tolerance in tomato from Indian sub‐continent
Authors: Balyan Sonia , Rao Sombir , Jha Sarita , Bansal Chandni , Das Jaishri Rubina , Mathur Saloni
Published: March 2020

The footprint of tomato cultivation, a cool region crop that exhibits heat stress (HS) sensitivity, is increasing in the tropics/sub‐tropics. Knowledge of novel regulatory hot spots from varieties growing in the Indian sub‐continent climatic zones could be vital for developing HS‐resilient crops. Comparative transcriptome‐wide signatures of a tolerant (CLN1621L) and sensitive (CA4) cultivar pair shortlisted from a pool of varieties exhibiting variable thermo‐sensitivity using physiological‐, survival‐ and yield‐related traits revealed redundant to cultivar‐specific HS regulation. The antagonistically expressing genes encode enzymes and proteins that have roles in plant defence and abiotic stresses. Functional characterization of three antagonistic genes by overexpression and silencing established Solyc09g014280 (Acylsugar acyltransferase) and Solyc07g056570 (Notabilis) that are up‐regulated in tolerant cultivar, as positive regulators of HS tolerance and Solyc03g020030 (Pin‐II proteinase inhibitor), that are down‐regulated in CLN1621L, as negative regulator of thermotolerance. Transcriptional assessment of promoters of these genes by SNPs in stress‐responsive cis‐elements and promoter swapping experiments in opposite cultivar background showed inherent cultivar‐specific orchestration of transcription factors in regulating transcription. Moreover, overexpression of three ethylene response transcription factors (ERF.C1/F4/F5) also improved HS tolerance in tomato. This study identifies several novel HS tolerance genes and provides proof of their utility in tomato thermotolerance.
Increased Risk of ADHD at Short and Long Interpregnancy Intervals in a National Birth Cohort
Authors: Cheslack‐Postava Keely , Sourander Andre , Suominen Auli , Jokiranta‐Olkoniemi Elina , McKeague Ian W. , Brown Alan S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Short or long interpregnancy interval (IPI) may adversely impact conditions for foetal development. Whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is related to IPI has been largely unexplored.

Objectives

To examine the association between IPI and ADHD in a large, population‐based Finnish study.

Methods

All children born in Finland between 1991 and 2005 and diagnosed with ADHD (ICD‐9 314x or ICD‐10 F90.x) from 1995 to 2011 were identified using data from linked national registers. Each subject with ADHD was matched to 4 controls based on sex, date of birth, and place of birth. A total of 9564 subjects with ADHD and 34,479 matched controls were included in analyses. IPI was calculated as the time interval between sibling birth dates minus the gestational age of the second sibling. The association between IPI and ADHD was determined using conditional logistic regression and adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Relative to births with an IPI of 24 to 59 months, those with the shortest IPI (<6 months) had an increased risk of ADHD (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12, 1.51) and the ORs for the longer IPI births (60‐119 months and ≥120 months) were 1.12 (95% CI 1.02, 1.24) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.08, 1.45), respectively. The association of longer IPI with ADHD was attenuated by adjustment for maternal age at the preceding birth, and comorbid autism spectrum disorders did not explain the associations with ADHD.

Conclusions

The risk of ADHD is higher among children born following short or long IPIs although further studies are needed to explain this association.
Roles of arginine in fish nutrition and health: insights for future researches
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Morteza , Ahmad Khan Mukhtar , Yousefi Morteza , Costas Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Amino acids are important molecules in fish nutrition with critical roles in protein synthesis, immune function and health. Among the essential amino acids, arginine is one of the functional amino acids in animals. Arginine requirement in fish ranges between 3.0 and 8.1% of dietary protein. The amino acid involves in ureagenesis, immune function, antioxidant defence, somatotropic axis, stress responses and ammonia detoxification in fish. To have an extended insight about the current knowledge of arginine effects in fish, this article reviewed available data on arginine effects in different fish species. It covers variations in arginine requirements of different fish species, interaction of arginine with lysine and glutamine, modulation of ureagenesis and ammonia detoxification, modulation of insulin and growth hormone responses, cortisol response, modulation of antioxidant system, immune responses and disease resistance. This review indicates that rearing conditions and dietary ingredients may affect fish arginine requirement. In addition, there is a need for further data about the antioxidant effects of arginine under oxidative condition, its immunostimulant effects under pathogenic challenge, mechanisms of ammonia detoxification and cortisol response by arginine in different fish species.
Kilowatt-Scale Fuel Cell Systems Powered by Recycled Aluminum
Authors: Godart Peter , Fischman Jason , Hart Douglas
Published: March 2020

Presented here is a novel system that uses an aluminum-based fuel to continuously produce electrical power at the kilowatt scale via a hydrogen fuel cell. This fuel has an energy density of 23.3 kW h/L and can be produced from abundant scrap aluminum via a minimal surface treatment of gallium and indium. These additional metals, which in total comprise 2.5% of the fuel’s mass, permeate the grain boundary network of the aluminum to disrupt its oxide layer, thereby enabling the fuel to react exothermically with water to produce hydrogen gas and aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH), an inert and valuable byproduct. To generate electrical power using this fuel, the aluminum–water reaction is controlled via water input to a reaction vessel in order to produce a constant flow of hydrogen, which is then consumed in a fuel cell to produce electricity. As validation of this power system architecture, we present the design and implementation of two proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems that successfully demonstrate this approach. The first is a 3 kW emergency power supply, and the second is a 10 kW power system integrated into a BMW i3 electric vehicle.
Simple masking method for selective atomic layer deposition of thin films
Authors: Hashemi Astaneh Sarah , Sukotjo Cortino , Takoudis Christos G. , Feinerman Alan
Published: March 2020

A simple physical masking method is presented for selective atomic layer deposition (ALD). Iron powder and a magnet are used as a masking pair. This method is easy and efficient for depositing patterned thin films with feature sizes estimated 0.3 mm or larger on any substrate. In this work, using iron powder held in place by a magnet would mask part of the silicon wafer substrate, while no iron powder is on the unmasked part. A silver particulated thin film was deposited on the masked Si wafer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used for silver characterization on the masked and unmasked parts of the sample. Results indicated that an ALD-like surface growth of a silver thin film occurred on the unmasked Si wafer, and no growth was detected on the masked portion of the Si wafer.
Validity of a Smartphone Application and Chest Strap for Recording RR Intervals at Rest in Athletes
Authors: Pereira Reabias de A. , Alves José Luiz de B. , Silva João Henrique da C. , Costa Matheus da S. , Silva Alexandre S.
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the smartphone application (app) HRV Expert (CardioMood) and a chest strap (H10 Polar) for recording R-R intervals compared with electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods: A total of 31 male recreational runners (age 36.1 [6.3] y) volunteered for this study. R-R intervals were recorded simultaneously by the smartphone app and ECG for 5 minutes to analyze heart-rate variability in both the supine and sitting positions. Time-domain indexes (heart rate, mean R-R, SD of RR intervals, count of successive normal R-R intervals differing by more than 50 ms, percentage of successive normal R-R intervals differing by more than 50 ms, and root mean square of successive differences between normal R-R intervals), frequency-domain indexes (low frequency, normalized low frequency, high frequency, normalized high frequency, low-frequency to high-frequency ratio, and very low frequency), and nonlinear indexes (SD of instantaneous beat-to-beat variability and long-term SD of continuous R-R intervals) were compared by unpaired t test, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, and Bland–Altman plot to evaluate the agreement between the devices. Results: High similarity with P value varying between .97 and 1.0 in both positions was found. The correlation coefficient of the heart-rate-variability indexes was perfect (r = 1.0; P = .00) for all variables. The constant error, standard error of estimation, and limits of agreement between ECG and the smartphone app were considered small. Conclusion: The smartphone app and chest strap provide excellent ECG compliance for all variables in the time domain, frequency domain, and nonlinear indexes, regardless of the assessed position. Therefore, the smartphone app replaces ECG for any heart-rate-variability analysis in runners.
Perceived Job Demands and Resources in the Sport Management Academic Environment
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth A. , Sauder Molly Hayes , Rode Cheryl R.
Published: March 2020

Relatively little is known about the experiences of sport management faculty in relation to job demands and resources. With the constantly evolving nature of higher education and growth of the sport management discipline, it is important to understand the perspective of faculty members, as they have a substantial impact on students, the discipline at large, and the sport industry. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of sport management faculty regarding several potential job demands and job resources in the academic environment. Survey research was conducted using a sample of sport management faculty (N = 144). The survey yielded both qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Results indicated a job demand for faculty in that high levels of workplace aggression were reported. Job resources in the form of relationships with others and satisfaction with the nature of the work were identified. Pay, promotion, and perceptions of managers’ operational competence and ethics were illuminated as areas that must be improved if they are to serve as job resources. Finally, a number of demands and resources correlated with turnover intentions. Findings provide practical implications for the sport management academic discipline and suggest new avenues of productive future research.
U.S. Center for SafeSport: Preventing Abuse in Sports
Authors: Johnson Nicole , Hanna Katie , Novak Julie , Giardino Angelo P.
Published: March 2020

While society at large recognizes the many benefits of sport, it is important to also recognize and prevent factors that can lead to an abusive environment. This paper seeks to combine the current research on abuse in the sport environment with the work of the U.S. Center for SafeSport. The inclusion of risk factors unique to sport and evidence-informed practices provides framing for the scope and response to sexual abuse in sport organizations in the United States. The paper then explores the creation and mission of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, including the role of education in prevention and of policy, procedures, audit, and compliance as important aspects of a comprehensive safeguarding strategy. This paper provides preliminary data on the reach of the Center, established in 2017. This data captures the scope of education and training and the increase in reports to the Center from within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
Publishers try out alternative pathways to open access
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: March 2020

But can they overcome free riders and price concerns?
EPA expands controversial ‘transparency’ plan
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: March 2020

Critics blast revised proposal that covers a wider range of research, saying it will undermine protections
Seeking new, highly effective thermoelectrics
Authors: Xiao Yu , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: March 2020

Operating across a wide temperature range is a priority for thermoelectric materials
Hope for hematological diseases
Authors: Wilkinson Adam C.
Published: March 2020

Tweaking growth media helps cultured hematopoietic stem cells thrive
Science at Sundance 2020
The Reason I Jump
,
Jerry Rothwell, director
, MetFilm Sales, 2020, 82 minutes.
The Social Dilemma
,
Jeff Orlowski, director
, Exposure Labs, 2020, 93 minutes.
Okavango: River of Dreams (Director's Cut)
,
Dereck Joubert and Beverly Joubert, directors
, Terra Mater Factual Studios and Wildlife Films, 2019, 94 minutes.
Spaceship Earth
,
Matt Wolf, director
, RadicalMedia and Stacey Reiss Productions, 2019, 116 minutes.
Rebuilding Paradise
,
Ron Howard, director
, NatGeo, 2020, 95 minutes.
The Cost of Silence
,
Mark Manning, director
, Conception Media, 2020, 84 minutes.
Authors: Krauss Robert S. , Cornelison DDW , Kardon Gabrielle , Shapiro Michael D. , Koch Paul L.
Published: March 2020

A counterculture commune seeking a more sustainable lifestyle moves inside an airtight dome. Parents yearning to connect with their autistic children find hope in a Japanese author's profound testimony. The climate crisis hits home as a tight-knit California community attempts to move forward after a devastating wildfire. From a meandering love letter to an imperiled African ecosystem, to a warning about the motives that underlie social media, the science and technology stories told at this year's Sundance Film Festival were urgent, insightful, and well suited for the event's 2020 theme of "imagined futures." Read on to see what our reviewers thought of six of the festival's featured films.
An R195K Mutation in the PA-X Protein Increases the Virulence and Transmission of Influenza A Virus in Mammalian Hosts
Authors: Sun Yipeng , Hu Zhe , Zhang Xuxiao , Chen Mingyue , Wang Zhen , Xu Guanlong , Bi Yuhai , Tong Qi , Wang Mingyang , Sun Honglei , Pu Juan , Iqbal Munir , Liu Jinhua
Published: March 2020

Four influenza pandemics in humans (the Spanish flu of 1918 [H1N1], the Asian flu of 1957 [H2N2], the Hong Kong flu of 1968 [H3N2], and the swine origin flu of 2009 [H1N1]) are all proposed to have been caused by avian or swine influenza viruses that acquired virulence factors through adaptive mutation or reassortment with circulating human viruses. Currently, influenza viruses circulating in animals are repeatedly transmitted to humans, posing a significant threat to public health. However, the molecular properties accounting for interspecies transmission of influenza viruses remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrated that PA-X plays an important role in cross-species transmission of influenza viruses. At least three human-specific amino acid substitutions in PA-X dramatically enhanced the adaptation of animal influenza viruses in mammals. In particular, PA-X 195K might have contributed to cross-species transmission of H7N9, H5N6, and H1N1/2009 viruses from animal reservoirs to humans.
Association of injury related hospital admissions with commuting by bicycle in the UK: prospective population based study
Authors: Welsh Claire , Celis-Morales Carlos A , Ho Frederick , Lyall Donald M , Mackay Daniel , Ferguson Lyn , Sattar Naveed , Gray Stuart R , Gill Jason M R , Pell Jill P , Welsh Paul
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine whether bicycle commuting is associated with risk of injury.

Design

Prospective population based study.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Participants

230 390 commuters (52.1% women; mean age 52.4 years) recruited from 22 sites across the UK compared by mode of transport used (walking, cycling, mixed mode versus non-active (car or public transport)) to commute to and from work on a typical day.

Main outcome measure

First incident admission to hospital for injury.

Results

5704 (2.5%) participants reported cycling as their main form of commuter transport. Median follow-up was 8.9 years (interquartile range 8.2-9.5 years), and overall 10 241 (4.4%) participants experienced an injury. Injuries occurred in 397 (7.0%) of the commuters who cycled and 7698 (4.3%) of the commuters who used a non-active mode of transport. After adjustment for major confounding sociodemographic, health, and lifestyle factors, cycling to work was associated with a higher risk of injury compared with commuting by a non-active mode (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.61). Similar trends were observed for commuters who used mixed mode cycling. Walking to work was not associated with a higher risk of injury. Longer cycling distances during commuting were associated with a higher risk of injury, but commute distance was not associated with injury in non-active commuters. Cycle commuting was also associated with a higher number of injuries when the external cause was a transport related incident (incident rate ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval 3.00 to 3.90). Commuters who cycled to work had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and death than those who did not. If the associations are causal, an estimated 1000 participants changing their mode of commuting to include cycling for 10 years would result in 26 additional admissions to hospital for a first injury (of which three would require a hospital stay of a week or longer), 15 fewer first cancer diagnoses, four fewer cardiovascular disease events, and three fewer deaths.

Conclusion

Compared with non-active commuting to work, commuting by cycling was associated with a higher risk of hospital admission for a first injury and higher risk of transport related incidents specifically. These risks should be viewed in context of the health benefits of active commuting and underscore the need for a safer infrastructure for cycling in the UK.
mHealth: providing a mindfulness app for women with chronic pelvic pain in gynaecology outpatient clinics: qualitative data analysis of user experience and lessons learnt
Authors: Ball Elizabeth , Newton Sian , Rohricht Frank , Steed Liz , Birch Judy , Dodds Julie , Cantalapiedra Calvete Clara , Taylor Stephanie , Rivas Carol
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To determine whether a pre-existing smartphone app to teach mindfulness meditation is acceptable to women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and can be integrated into clinical practice within the National Health Service (NHS) CPP pathways, and to inform the design of a potential randomised clinical trial.

Design

A prestudy patient and public involvement (PPI) group to collect feedback on the acceptability of the existing app and study design was followed by a three-arm randomised feasibility trial. In addition, we undertook interviews and focus groups with patients and staff to explore app usability and acceptability. We also obtained participant comments on the research process, such as acceptability of the study questionnaires.

Setting

Two gynaecology clinics within Barts Health NHS, London, UK.

Participants

Patients with CPP lasting ≥6 months with access to smartphone or personal computer and understanding of basic English.

Intervention

The intervention was mindfulness meditation content plus additional pain module delivered by a smartphone app. Active controls received muscle relaxation content from the same app. Passive (waiting list) controls received usual care.

Main outcome measures

Themes on user feedback, app usability and integration, and reasons for using/not using the app.

Results

The use of the app was low in both active groups. Patients in the prestudy PPI group, all volunteers, were enthusiastic about the app (convenience, content, portability, flexibility, ease of use). Women contributing to the interview or focus group data (n=14), from a ‘real world’ clinic (some not regular app users), were less positive, citing as barriers lack of opportunities/motivation to use the app and lack of familiarity and capabilities with technology. Staff (n=7) were concerned about the potential need for extra support for them and for the patients, and considered the app needed organisational backing and peer acceptance.

Conclusion

The opinions of prestudy PPI volunteers meeting in their private time may not represent those of patients recruited at a routine clinic appointment. It may be more successful to codesign/codevelop an app with typical users than to adapt existing apps for use in real-world clinical populations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN10925965.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis and active cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bendary Ahmed , Ramzy Ahmed , Bendary Mohamed , Salem Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Background

Patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant active cancer (AC) are considered high-risk patients and usually are not allowed to undergo surgical valve replacement. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be an attractive option for them; however, little is known about the outcomes of TAVR in this subset of complex patients.

Methods and results

In this meta-analysis, Medline, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were searched (anytime up to April 2019) for studies evaluating the outcomes of TAVR in patients with or without AC. We assessed pooled estimates (with their 95% CIs) of the risk ratio (RR) for the all-cause mortality at the 30-day and 1-year follow-ups, a 4-point safety outcome (any bleeding, stroke, need for a pacemaker and acute kidney injury) and a 2-point efficacy outcome (device success and residual mean gradient (mean difference)). Three studies (5162 patients) were included. Of those patients, a total of 368 (7.1%) had AC. Apart from a significantly higher need for a postprocedural pacemaker (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.58, p=0.01), TAVR in patients with AC resulted in similar outcomes for safety and efficacy at the 30-day follow-up compared with those without AC. Patients with AC experienced similar rates of the all-cause mortality at the 30-day follow-up compared with those without (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.59, p=0.76); however, the all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with AC at the 1-year follow-up (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.33, p=0.0006). This mortality difference was independent of cancer stage (advanced or limited) at the 30-day follow-up but not at the 1-year follow-up; only patients with limited cancer stages showed similar all-cause mortality rates compared with those without cancer at the 1-year follow-up (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.91, p=0.37).

Conclusion

TAVR in patients with AC is associated with similar 30-day and potentially worse 1-year outcomes compared with those in patients without AC. The 1-year all-cause mortality appears to be dependent on the cancer stage. Involving a specialised oncologist who usually considers cancer stage in the decision-making process and applying additional preoperative scores such as frailty indices might refine the risk assessment process among these patients.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019120416.