bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caste, military, migration: Nepali Gurkha communities in Britain
Authors: Pariyar Mitra
Published: December 2019

The 200-year history of Gurkha service notwithstanding, Gurkha soldiers were forced to retire in their own country. The policy changes of 2004 and 2009 ended the age-old practice and paved the way for tens of thousands of retired soldiers and their dependants to migrate to the UK, many settling in the garrison towns of southern England. One of the fundamental changes to the Nepali diaspora in Britain since the mass arrival of these military migrants has been the extraordinary rise of caste associations, so much so that caste – ethnicised caste –has become a key marker of overseas Gurkha community and identity. This article seeks to understand the extent to which the policies and practices of the Brigade of Gurkhas, including pro-caste recruitment and organisation, have contributed to the rapid reproduction of caste abroad. Informed by Vron Ware’s paradigm of military migration and multiculture, I demonstrate how caste has both strengthened the traditional social bonds and exacerbated inter-group intolerance and discrimination, particularly against the lower castes or Dalits. Using the military lens, my ethnographic and historic analysis adds a new dimension to the largely hidden but controversial problem of caste in the UK and beyond.
Moving Childhood Immunizations Out of the Public Health Setting: Effects on Immunization Rates
Authors: Powell Christy , Nunery Cliff , Hays Stacia , Curry Kim
Published: December 2019

County health departments typically bear responsibility for implementing immunization programs. In 2011, the Florida state legislature made significant reductions in state health department funding, and responsibility for routine childhood immunizations in some counties was shifted to local federally qualified health centers. This study was conducted to assess the impact of these administrative changes on childhood immunization rates in one county. A secondary analysis of data in the state immunization registry was conducted to assess changes and patterns in childhood immunization rates within the local health department, federally qualified health centers, and private pediatric practices. These changes were compared in the 3-year period before, during, and after the change. Results revealed that there was no net negative change in the vaccination rates of 0- to 7-year-old children in the county. There was a shift in the proportion of vaccinations administered by each health care delivery setting. The majority of immunizations were administered in private pediatric practices. When state funding for the local public health department ceased, other delivery settings covered the immunizations previously provided in the public health sector.
Patient Willingness to Pay for Faster Return to Work or Smaller Incisions
Authors: Alokozai Aaron , Lindsay Sarah E. , Eppler Sara L. , Fox Paige M. , Ladd Amy L. , Kamal Robin N.
Published: December 2019

Background: Value-based health care models such as bundled payments and accountable care organizations can penalize health systems and physicians for excess costs leading to low-value care. Health systems can minimize these extra costs by constraining diagnostic (eg, magnetic resonance imaging utilization) or treatment options with debatable necessity in the setting of clinical equipoise. Instead of restricting more expensive treatments, it is plausible that health systems could instead recoup the extra costs of these treatments by charging patients supplementary out-of-pocket charges (cost sharing). The primary aim of this exploratory study was to assess hand surgery patient willingness to pay supplementary out-of-pocket charges for a procedure that theoretically leads to an earlier return to work or smaller incisions when there are 2 procedures that lead to similar results (clinical equipoise). Methods: A total of 122 patients completed a questionnaire that included demographic information, a financial distress assessment, a series of scenarios asking patients the degree to which they are willing to pay extra for the procedure choice, as well as their perspective of how much insurers should be responsible for these additional costs. Results: Patients were willing to pay out-of-pocket to some degree for a procedure that leads to earlier return to work and smaller incision size when compared with a similar alternative procedure, but noted that insurers should bear a greater burden of costs. Approximately 10% of patients were willing to pay maximum amounts ($2500+) for earlier return to work (3, 7, and 14 days earlier) and smaller incision sizes of any length. Conclusions: Some patients may be willing to pay out-of-pocket and cost share for procedures that lead to earlier return to work and smaller incisions in the setting of clinical equipoise. As such, when developing and implementing alternative payment models, health systems could potentially offer services with debatable necessity in the setting of equipoise for a supplementary out-of-pocket charge.
Family Matters: Rethinking the Psychology of Human Social Motivation
Authors: Ko Ahra , Pick Cari M. , Kwon Jung Yul , Barlev Michael , Krems Jaimie Arona , Varnum Michael E. W. , Neel Rebecca , Peysha Mark , Boonyasiriwat Watcharaporn , Brandstätter Eduard , Crispim Ana Carla , Cruz Julio Eduardo , David Daniel , David Oana A. , de Felipe Renata Pereira , Fetvadjiev Velichko H. , Fischer Ronald , Galdi Silvia , Galindo Oscar , Golovina Galina , Gomez-Jacinto Luis , Graf Sylvie , Grossmann Igor , Gul Pelin , Hamamura Takeshi , Han Shihui , Hitokoto Hidefumi , Hřebíčková Martina , Johnson Jennifer Lee , Karl Johannes A. , Malanchuk Oksana , Murata Asuka , Na Jinkyung , O Jiaqing , Rizwan Muhammed , Roth Eric , Salgado Sergio Antonio Salgado , Samoylenko Elena , Savchenko Tatyana , Sevincer A. Timur , Stanciu Adrian , Suh Eunkook M. , Talhelm Thomas , Uskul Ayse K. , Uz Irem , Zambrano Danilo , Kenrick Douglas T.
Published: December 2019

What motives do people prioritize in their social lives? Historically, social psychologists, especially those adopting an evolutionary perspective, have devoted a great deal of research attention to sexual attraction and romantic-partner choice (mate seeking). Research on long-term familial bonds (mate retention and kin care) has been less thoroughly connected to relevant comparative and evolutionary work on other species, and in the case of kin care, these bonds have been less well researched. Examining varied sources of data from 27 societies around the world, we found that people generally view familial motives as primary in importance and mate-seeking motives as relatively low in importance. Compared with other groups, college students, single people, and men place relatively higher emphasis on mate seeking, but even those samples rated kin-care motives as more important. Furthermore, motives linked to long-term familial bonds are positively associated with psychological well-being, but mate-seeking motives are associated with anxiety and depression. We address theoretical and empirical reasons why there has been extensive research on mate seeking and why people prioritize goals related to long-term familial bonds over mating goals. Reallocating relatively greater research effort toward long-term familial relationships would likely yield many interesting new findings relevant to everyday people’s highest social priorities.
Safety of long-term intrathecal methotrexate in progressive forms of MS
Authors: Stark James W. , Josephs Lena , Dulak Deirdre , Clague Madison , Sadiq Saud A.
Published: December 2019

Background:

There are few treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with advanced disability [expanded disability status scale (EDSS) ⩾ 6.0]. In 2010, we reported initial results of using intrathecal methotrexate (ITMTX) in patients with progressive MS. We now report on long-term use of ITMTX. We performed a retrospective chart analysis of patients who have had 18 or more treatments to establish the ongoing safety and tolerability of ITMTX. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish the safety and tolerability of long-term therapy with (ITMTX) in patients with treatment-resistant, progressive forms of MS.

Methods:

We studied 83 patients (67 secondary and 16 primary progressive) who received ITMTX 12.5 mg every 8–11 weeks for 3–10 years (range: 18–57 treatments). All patients were evaluated neurologically, and their EDSS was assessed at every treatment. In addition, all adverse events, frequency of infections, and any hospitalizations, were noted.

Results:

There were no deaths, hospitalizations, or other serious adverse effects related to ITMTX. Headaches occurred at least once in 12% of patients, and transient fatigue occurred in 53% of patients. As determined by EDSS, there was no significant change from baseline status to post-treatment scores in both primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) patients.

Conclusions:

Pulsed ITMTX was well tolerated for up to 10 years in PPMS patients with no serious adverse effects. Although this was an open-label, retrospective analysis, and efficacy could not be studied, there was evidence of disease stabilization in many patients receiving ITMTX. It appears that long-term ITMTX is a safe therapeutic option in advanced progressive MS.
Variability in total shoulder arthroplasty planning software compared to a control CT-derived 3D printed scapula
Authors: Shah Sarav S , Sahota Shawn , Denard Patrick J , Provencher Matthew T , Parsons Bradford O , Hartzler Robert U , Dines Joshua S
Published: December 2019

Background

Two techniques exist from which all 3D preoperative planning software for total shoulder arthroplasty are based. One technique is based on measurements constructed on the mid-glenoid and scapular landmarks (Landmark). The second is an automated system using a best-fit sphere technique (Automated). The purpose was to compare glenoid measurements from the two techniques against a control computed tomography-derived 3D printed scapula.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of osteoarthritic shoulders of 20 patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty were analyzed with both 3D planning software techniques. Measurements from a 3D printed scapula (Scapula) from the true 3D computed tomography scan served as controls. Glenoid version and inclination measurements from each group were blinded and reviewed.

Results

In 65% (Automated) and 45% (Landmark) of cases, either inclination or version varied by 5° or more versus 3D printed scapula. Significant variability in version differences compared to the scapula group existed (p = 0.007). Glenoid version from the Scapula = 13.0° ± 10.6°, Automated = 15.0° ± 13.9°, and Landmark = 12.2° ± 7.8°. Inclination from Scapula = 5.4° ± 7.9°, Automated = 6.1° ± 12.6°, and Landmark = 6.2° ± 9.1°.

Discussion

A high percentage of cases showed discrepancies in glenoid inclination and version values from both techniques. Surgeons should be aware that regardless of software technique, there is variability compared to measurements from a control 3D computed tomography printed scapula.
The status-quo of play-based pedagogies in Western Australia: Reflections of early childhood education practitioners
Authors: Hesterman Sandra , Targowska Anna
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative research project conducted in 2017 that explored practitioners’ experiences and perceptions of the provision of play pedagogies in contemporary Western Australian early childhood education contexts. Interviews were conducted with four play-based learning teachers and an open-ended survey was completed by 40 early childhood educators who were members of the audience at a Western Australia conference in 2017. The study participants discussed beliefs and values pertaining to quality play-based learning and tensions associated with the diminishing role of play in the early years of schooling and its impact on young children. They also highlighted several enablers and barriers that influence and shape current early childhood education practice. The findings of this study provide further evidence for the issues identified in recent Early Childhood Australia (Western Australia) discussion papers and in other research surrounding play-based learning in the current social-political context.
A Clinicoradiological and Functional Evaluation of Lapidus Surgery for Moderate to Severe Bunion Deformity Shows Excellent Stable Correction and High Long-Term Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Jagadale Vivek S. , Thomas Ruth L.
Published: December 2019

Background. Lapidus surgery involving arthrodesis of the first metatarsocuneiform (MTC) joint is an effective procedure for the correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus. The aim of this study was to collect and analyze radiographic data from our institution and determine the extent of first metatarsal shortening associated with the Lapidus procedure. Materials and Methods. A total of 53 patients (54 feet) who underwent arthrodesis of the first MTC joint combined with modified McBride bunionectomy for correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity, between 2010 and 2015 were included in this study. Complete radiographic evaluation and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery) scoring was available for 54 feet. The average preoperative hallux valgus angulation (HVA) was 32° and the average intermetatarsal angle (IMA) was 16°. Results. Excluding 2 patients with postoperative hallux varus the average postoperative HVA correction at last follow-up was 14°. Average postoperative IMA was 9°. Although there was minimal bone resection during preparation of the MTC joint, no significant shortening of the first metatarsal was observed with this procedure. The relative length of the first metatarsal to the second metatarsal changed only 1.3%. Nonunion of the first MTC joint occurred in 10.3%, but only 1 foot was symptomatic requiring revision. The average postoperative hallux AOFAS score was 80.8. In sum, 63% of patients were very satisfied, 27% satisfied with reservations, and 10% were dissatisfied. Conclusion. The Lapidus bunion procedure offers excellent stable correction of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity with minimal shortening of the first metatarsal and thereby higher patient satisfaction.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series
Guiding Principles in Developing World-class Disciplines at the University of Science and Technology of China: A Case Study of the Development and Innovation of Quantum Information Science
Authors: Zheng Bin , Tang Shukun , Fan Qiong
Published: December 2019

In developing world-class disciplines, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has made swift progress in the field of quantum information, which is an all-new and non-mainstream discipline in physics. From a cultural perspective, this paper analyses the construction of the academic–research–production–application chain of USTC's quantum information discipline. It also explores the values and implementation schemes adopted in the development of a leading and open scientific research platform and a high-calibre research team. Based on the analysis, it summarizes the features of scientific culture in this discipline, such as an emphasis on basic education, the integration of research institutes with teaching departments, inclusiveness to cater for various interests, and persistence in serving the country through science.
Religious and Traditional Belief Systems Coexist and Compete with Science for Cultural Authority in West Africa
Authors: Falade Bankole
Published: December 2019

This study examines the coexistence of science with Christian, Islamic and African religious beliefs and its implications for science communication. Using Moscovici's social representations theory and focusing on his accommodation hypothesis, the paper draws from experiences in mental health care, vaccination controversies and viral epidemics using case studies from West Africa. It also draws similarities from historical vaccination controversies around the world and the Zika virus epidemic in Brazil.

The paper shows that Moscovici's accommodation hypothesis of cognitive polyphasia better explains the coexistence of science and religious belief, which can, however, be double-edged. It also shows that coexistence can lead to a positive cross-referral system, as in the case of mental health in Ghana; can have initial negative outcomes, as in vaccination campaigns in Nigeria and Cameroon; or can aid the spread and eventual containment of disease, as experienced during the Ebola virus disease epidemic in West Africa.

Thus, while science remains a reference beacon in all controversies, its coexistence with religious belief can lead to an initial plunge in authority from which it eventually recovers. The choice of authority is also complicated by the dual role of some scientists as religious leaders and by previous untoward experiences with science, conspiracy theories and rumours about Western interventions in Africa.
How Different Scientific Cultures Influence Triz Innovations: Applying Actor–Network Theory in Case Studies of Tesla and NIO Electric Cars
Authors: Xu Yuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Zhengfeng
Published: December 2019

Translation is a critical element in the innovative theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) methodology. It entails three levels: translating specific practical problems into general TRIZ problems, translating general problems into methodological problems using TRIZ's innovation principles, and practically applying theoretical solutions. Moreover, translations of the same technical problems and TRIZ innovation principles may differ. We applied actor–network theory to explain significant differences in TRIZ translation mechanisms that could account for differences in problem-solving results in different regions. We found that variations in innovation elements among different scientific cultures directly influence TRIZ translation mechanisms.
Analysis of Science Popularization Policies Issued by Chinese Central Government Organs and People's Organizations from 2011 to 2015
Authors: Liu Ya , Tong Hefeng , Zhao Xuan , Gao Lei , Jiao Yidan
Published: December 2019

This study explores the external features and content of 254 policy files promulgated by Chinese central government organs and people's organizations from 2011 to 2015. The study shows that policy is a powerful means to promote science popularization in China. The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) takes the lead in policymaking. Science popularization policies cover a wide range of subjects, and diversified tools have been adopted to support policy implementation. Some problems remain and need to be tackled, such as the unbalanced distribution of policymakers, poor adaptability of policy to development and insufficient dissemination. On the basis of our analysis, we propose suggestions for future science popularization policymaking, including enhancing the awareness of policymakers, strengthening coordination and cooperation, meeting the needs of the times, and enriching channels of communication.
Effect Evaluation of the Integration of Citizen Science Activities into Environmental Education Project Design: A Case Study of the Spring Swallow Survey Project
Authors: Jiang Nuxue , Zhang Lei , Jing Cheng
Published: December 2019

Citizen science is a process that seeks to involve the public in scientific projects through systematic data collection and observations of natural phenomena. Environmental education centres on the relationship between humans and nature and has attracted the attention of more and more educators because of its increasingly important educational value. This paper reports an empirical study on environmental education projects featuring observations of natural phenomena and using local environmental resources. Using the Spring Swallow Survey project as an example, the design ideas and evaluation framework for the project are analysed. The implementation effect of the project is examined quantitatively and qualitatively. Finally, the resource package used in the project is revised and redeveloped according to the effect evaluation data.
Nisargopchar Ashram: Gandhi’s Legacy and Public Health in Contemporary India
Authors: Alter Joseph S.
Published: December 2019

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a staunch advocate for nature cure. He promoted the use of earth, air, sunlight, water and diet not only to treat medical problems but also as an integral feature of a programme for comprehensive public health reform. As such, Gandhi conceptualised healthcare as an encompassing, biomoral project designed to produce Swaraj in the broadest sense of the term. Nature cure was, in other words, fundamental to sarvodaya as a form of praxis. This essay focusses on Gandhi’s establishment of Nisargopchar, a nature cure ashram in the Uruli Kanchan village, and the conceptualisation of the ashram within the framework of the constructive programme and rural development more broadly. This focus not only highlights fundamental tensions and contradictions of social class within the Gandhian project but also sheds light on the way in which Gandhi’s vision of biomoral reform provides a perspective on how these contradictions and tensions, which are especially visible in contemporary India, reflect larger, more encompassing global problems of consumption, development and progress measured in terms of material wealth.
Optimal cutoff score for patient-reported outcome measures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using load–displacement curve analysis
Authors: Kim Sung-Gon , Nagao Masashi , Nozawa Masahiko , Doi Tokuhide
Published: December 2019

To assess psychological components after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, we developed a new patient-reported outcome measure, the Japanese anterior cruciate ligament injury questionnaire 25 (JACL-25), and demonstrated that the JACL-25 is valid, reliable, and sufficiently responsive to evaluate psychological factors that are associated with outcomes in individuals with ACL injuries. The purpose of this study was to identify the optimum cutoff score for the JACL-25 that indicates successful clinical outcomes, combining with the graphical data obtained using the KT-2000. We studied 30 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction with a patella tendon or hamstring tendon autograft. On the same day of the JACL-25 evaluation, anterior knee laxity tests were performed using the KT-2000 arthrometer. ACL stiffness was calculated on the graphs of the hysteresis, which can be used to measure side-to-side differences in anterior translation. Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to determine the most appropriate cutoff level for the JACL-25 score for the stiffness reduction ratio and anterior–posterior (AP) translation. The average JACL-25 score was 23.8 (standard deviation (SD) 18.4). The average side-to-side displacement difference in AP translation was 2.4 (SD 4.2) mm. The average stiffness reduction ratio was 24.4% (SD 31.8). The smallest AIC values for the cutoff level for the JACL-25 score, the stiffness reduction ratio, and side-to-side differences of the anterior translation were 9, 27%, and 1.1 mm, respectively. We determined the optimal cutoff score for the JACL-25 that identifies successful clinical outcomes.
Medical management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis - 7 year experience in a tertiary endometriosis centre in London
Authors: Wild Marianne , Miskry Tariq , Al-Kufaishi Asmaa , Rose Gillian , Crofton Mary
Published: December 2019

Background

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis has an estimated prevalence of 1% in women of reproductive age. Ninety percent have rectovaginal lesions but disease may also include the bowel, bladder and ureters. Current practice often favours minimally invasive surgical excision; however, there is increasing evidence that medical management can be as effective as long as obstructive uropathy and bowel stenosis are excluded. Our objective was to establish the proportion of women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis successfully managed with hormonal therapies within our tertiary endometriosis centre in West London. Secondary analysis was performed on anonymised data from the Trust’s endometriosis database.

Results

One hundred fifty-two women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis were discussed at our endometriosis multidisciplinary meeting between January 2010 and December 2016. Seventy-five percent of women underwent a trial of medical management. Of these, 44.7% did not require any surgical intervention during the study period, and 7.9% were symptomatically content but required interventions to optimise their fertility prospects. Another 7.0% were successfully medically managed for at least 12 months, but ultimately required surgery as their symptoms deteriorated. 26.5% took combined oral contraceptives, 14.7% oral progestogens, 1.5% progestogen implant, 13.2% levonorgestrel intrauterine device, 22.1% gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, and 22.1% had analogues for 3–6 months then stepped down to another hormonal contraceptive. All women who underwent serial imaging demonstrated improvement or stable disease on MRI or ultrasound.

Conclusions

Medical treatments are generally safe, well tolerated and inexpensive. More than half (52.6%) of women were successfully managed with medical therapy to control their symptoms. This study supports the growing evidence supporting hormonal therapies in the management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. The findings may be used to counsel women on the likely success rate of medical management.
Estrogen stimulates SREBP2 expression in hepatic cell lines via an estrogen response element in the SREBP2 promoter
Authors: Meng Ye , Zong Lu
Published: December 2019

Objective

Hypoestrogenism in women is strongly associated with menopause and it can lead to lipid disorder, which predisposes people to premature cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism of lipid disorder remains unclear. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) is the key transcription factor regulating cholesterol metabolism. We hypothesize that estrogen regulates SREBP2 transcription through an estrogen response element (ERE) in the SREBP2 promoter region.

Methods

Human hepatoblastoma cells (HepG2) were treated with dose-dependent concentrations of estradiol (E2) for 24 h. Then, SREBP2 expression was determined via real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. The expressions of the SREBP2 downstream target genes HMGCR and LDLR were determined via real-time PCR. Lipid secretion in the culture media of HepG2 cells was measured using ELISA. Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified high-scoring ERE-like sequences in the SREBP2 gene promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis was used to confirm the ERE. DNA fragments of the putative or mutated ERE-like sequence were synthesized and ligated into pGL3-basic plasmid to construct the SREBP2 promoter luciferase reporter systems. SREBP2-Luciferase (SREBP2-Luc), SREBP2-Mutation (SREBP2-Mut) and the blank control were transfected into hepatic cell lines. Luciferase activities were measured using the dual-luciferase reporter assay system. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and the luciferase reporter assay were repeated in human hepatoma cells (HuH-7).

Results

We found that E2dose-dependently increased the expression of SREBP2 in HepG2 cells and that the increased levels were blocked when treated with an estrogen receptor-alpha antagonist. Additionally, E2increased both HMGCR and LDLR expression and lipid secretion in HepG2 cells. Notably, we identified a functional ERE in the SREBP2 gene promoter, to which E2could specifically bind and induce transcription.

Conclusions

An ERE was identified in the SREBP2 gene promoter. It mediates the regulation of SREBP2 expression by estrogen in hepatocytes. This study provides a mechanism to link cardiovascular disease with estrogen.
Secretory RING finger proteins function as effectors in a grapevine galling insect
Authors: Zhao Chaoyang , Rispe Claude , Nabity Paul D.
Published: December 2019

Background

All eukaryotes share a conserved network of processes regulated by the proteasome and fundamental to growth, development, or perception of the environment, leading to complex but often predictable responses to stress. As a specialized component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), the RING finger domain mediates protein-protein interactions and displays considerable versatility in regulating many physiological processes in plants. Many pathogenic organisms co-opt the UPS through RING-type E3 ligases, but little is known about how insects modify these integral networks to generate novel plant phenotypes.

Results

Using a combination of transcriptome sequencing and genome annotation of a grapevine galling species, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae, we identified 138 putatively secretory protein RING-type (SPRINGs) E3 ligases that showed structure and evolutionary signatures of genes under rapid evolution. Moreover, the majority of the SPRINGs were more expressed in the feeding stage than the non-feeding egg stage, in contrast to the non-secretory RING genes. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the SPRINGs formed clusters, likely resulting from species-specific gene duplication and conforming to features of arthropod host-manipulating (effector) genes. To test the hypothesis that these SPRINGs evolved to manipulate cellular processes within the plant host, we examined SPRING interactions with grapevine proteins using the yeast two-hybrid assay. An insect SPRING interacted with two plant proteins, a cellulose synthase, CSLD5, and a ribosomal protein, RPS4B suggesting secretion reprograms host immune signaling, cell division, and stress response in favor of the insect. Plant UPS gene expression during gall development linked numerous processes to novel organogenesis.

Conclusions

Taken together, D. vitifoliae SPRINGs represent a novel gene expansion that evolved to interact with Vitis hosts. Thus, a pattern is emerging for gall forming insects to manipulate plant development through UPS targeting.
Absence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the open reading frame (ORF) of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in a large sampling of various chicken breeds
Authors: Kim Yong-Chan , Won Sae-Young , Jeong Byung-Hoon
Published: December 2019

Background

Prion diseases are zoonotic diseases with a broad infection spectrum among mammalian hosts and are caused by the misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) derived from the normal prion protein (PrPC), which encodes the prion protein gene (PRNP). Currently, although several prion disease-resistant animals have been reported, a high dose of prion agent inoculation triggers prion disease infection in these disease-resistant animals. However, in chickens, natural prion disease-infected cases have not been reported, and experimental challenges with prion agents have failed to cause infection. Unlike other prion disease-resistant animals, chickens have shown perfect resistance to prion disease thus far. Thus, investigation of the chicken PRNP gene could improve for understanding the mechanism of perfect prion-disease resistance. Here, we investigated the genetic characteristics of the open reading frame (ORF) of the chicken PRNP gene in a large sampling of various chicken breeds.

Results

We found only tandem repeat deletion polymorphisms of the chicken PRNP ORF in the 4 chicken breeds including 106 Dekalb White, 100 Ross, 98 Ogolgye and 100 Korean native chickens. In addition, the distribution of chicken insertion/deletion polymorphisms was significantly different among the 4 chicken breeds. Finally, we found significant differences in the number of PRNP SNPs between prion disease-susceptible species and prion disease-resistant species. Notably, chickens lack SNPs in the ORF of the prion protein.

Conclusion

In this study, we found that the absence of SNPs in the chicken PRNP ORF is a notable feature of animals with perfect resistant to prion disease.
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for morphological and yield-related traits in an oil palm hybrid (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis) population
Authors: Osorio-Guarín Jaime A. , Garzón-Martínez Gina A. , Delgadillo-Duran Paola , Bastidas Silvio , Moreno Leidy P. , Enciso-Rodríguez Felix E. , Cornejo Omar E. , Barrero Luz Stella
Published: December 2019

Background

The genusElaeishas two species of economic importance for the oil palm agroindustry:Elaeis oleifera(O), native to the Americas, andElaeis guineensis(G), native to Africa. This work provides to our knowledge, the first association mapping study in an interspecific OxG oil palm population, which shows tolerance to pests and diseases, high oil quality, and acceptable fruit bunch production.

Results

Using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), we identified a total of 3776 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were used to perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) in 378 OxG hybrid population for 10 agronomic traits. Twelve genomic regions (SNPs) were located near candidate genes implicated in multiple functional categories, such as tissue growth, cellular trafficking, and physiological processes.

Conclusions

We provide new insights on genomic regions that mapped on candidate genes involved in plant architecture and yield. These potential candidate genes need to be confirmed for future targeted functional analyses. Associated markers to the traits of interest may be valuable resources for the development of marker-assisted selection in oil palm breeding.
The prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width in patients with suspected infection in the emergency department
Authors: Uffen Jan Willem , Oomen Patrick , de Regt Marieke , Oosterheert Jan Jelrik , Kaasjager Karin
Published: December 2019

Background

Sepsis is a potential life threatening dysregulated immune response to an infection, which can result in multi-organ failure and death. Unfortunately, good prognostic markers are lacking in patients with suspected infection to identify those at risk. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a common and inexpensive hematologic laboratory measurement associated with adverse prognosis in multiple diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of RDW for mortality and early clinical deterioration in patients with a suspected infection in the emergency department.

Methods

In this single center prospective observational cohort study, consecutive patients with suspected infection presenting for internal medicine in the emergency department between September 2016 and March 2018 were included. For prognostic validation of bedside sepsis scores and RDW receiver operating characteristics were generated. Association between RDW and mortality and ICU admission was analyzed univariate and in a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

1046 patients were included. In multivariate analyses, RDW was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04–1.28) and early clinical deterioration (OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.18). For 30-day mortality RDW had an AUROC of 0.66 (95% CI 0.59–0.72). Optimal cut-off value for RDW 2 was 12.95%. For early clinical deterioration RDW had an AUROC of 0.59 (95% CI 0.54–0.63) with an optimal cut-off value of 14.48%.

Conclusions

RDW was found to be a significant independent prognostic factor of 30-day mortality and early clinical deterioration in patients with suspected infection.. Therefore it can be a used as an extra marker besides bedside sepsis scores in identifying patients at risk for worse outcome in patients with suspected infection.
Description of frail older people profiles according to four screening tools applied in primary care settings: a cross sectional analysis
Authors: Vergara Itziar , Mateo-Abad Maider , Saucedo-Figueredo María Carmen , Machón Mónica , Montiel-Luque Alonso , Vrotsou Kalliopi , Nava del Val María Antonia , Díez-Ruiz Ana , Güell Carolina , Matheu Ander , Bueno Antonio , Núñez Jazmina , Rivas-Ruiz Francisco
Published: December 2019

Background

Regarding the health care of older populations, WHO recommends shifting from disease-driven attention models towards a personalized, integrated and continuous care aimed to the maintenance and enhancement of functional capacities. Impairments in the construct of functional intrinsic capacity have been understood as the condition of frailty or vulnerability. No consensus has been yet reached regarding which tools are the most suitable for screening this kind of patients in primary care settings. Tools based on the measurement of functional performance such as Timed up and go test (TUG), Short Physical Performance battery (SPPB), self-completed questionnaires like Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and clinical judgement, as the Gerontopole Frailty Scale (GFS) may be adequate. The objective of this work is to describe and compare characteristics of community-dwelling individuals identified as vulnerable or frail by four tools applied in primary care settings.

Methods

Cross sectional analysis developed in primary care services in two regions of Spain.

Community-dwelling independent individuals aged 70 or more willing to participate were recruited and data was collected via face-to-face interviews. Frailty was assessed by TUG, SPPB, TFI and GFST. Also socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and health status data (comorbidities, polypharmacy, self-perceived health), were collected. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and cluster analysis were used to identify groups of individuals with similar characteristics.

Results

Eight hundred sixty-five individuals were recruited, 53% women, with a mean age of 78 years. Four clusters of participants emerge. Cluster 1 (N = 263) contained patients categorized as robust by most of the studied tools, whereas clusters 2 (N = 199), 3 (N = 183) and 4 (N = 220) grouped patients classified as frail or vulnerable by at least one of the tools. Significant differences were found between clusters.

Conclusions

The assessed tools identify different profiles of patients according to their theoretical construct of frailty. There is a group of patients that are identified by TUG and SPPB but not by GFS or TFI. These tools may be useful in primary care settings for the implementation of a function- driven clinical care of older patients.
The efficacy and safety of exercise for prevention of fall-related injuries in older people with different health conditions, and differing intervention protocols: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhao Renqing , Bu Wenqian , Chen Xianghe
Published: December 2019

Background

Whether exercise prevents fall-related injuries in different health conditions and with different training protocols is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of exercise on fall-related injuries by participant characteristics and divergent exercise protocols. The safety and compliance of exercise were also examined.

Methods

Electronic database searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for randomised controlled trials that evaluated the influence of exercise on fall-induced injuries in older people.

Results

Twenty-five trials met the inclusion criteria. Exercise significantly reduced the risk of fall-related injuries in older adults, risk ratio (RR) 0.879 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.832–0.928]. Among the injuries, events needing medical care or resulting fractures were also decreased by exercise intervention, with RR 0.681 (0.562–0.825) and 0.561 (0.366–0.860), respectively. When analysis was stratified by participant characteristics and exercise protocols, we found that participants at high risk of falling, or with osteoporosis, were sensitive to exercise intervention. Combined exercise protocols and balance training were the most effective exercise types in reducing fall-related injuries. Exercise-associated beneficial effects were even significant in very old people (≥80 years) and across the duration of interventions (< 6 months, 6 to 12 months and ≥ 12 months). Exercise only generated a very low injury rate per participant year (0.002, 95% CI 0–0.05) and showed relatively good compliance of exercise (as reported in the included papers) (78.5, 95% CI 72.8–84.2%).

Conclusions

Exercise is effective in preventing fall-induced injuries across a variety of baseline participant characteristics and exercise protocols. Exercise was associated with a low injury rate and had a good compliance, suggesting it is a feasible approach to managing fall-related injuries.
Effect of dance on multi-muscle synergies in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yun , Watanabe Kazuhiko , Asaka Tadayoshi
Published: December 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dance in the experienced older dancers compared to the inexperienced older adults. We explored the effect of dance on the composition of muscle groups and multi-muscle synergies stabilizing the center of pressure (COP) displacement in preparation to take a step during support surface translation.

Methods

Eight dance experienced elderly participants were asked to take a step in response to support surface perturbations. Uncontrolled manifold analysis was used to identify muscle modes (M-modes) as factors in the muscle activation space. Variance components in the M-mode space and indices of M-mode synergy stabilizing COP displacement were computed.

Results

The reciprocal M-modes were observed more frequently in the dance group than in the control group prior to the step initiation. Dance led to higher indices of multi-muscle synergies and earlier anticipatory synergy adjustments during preparation for making a step in response to the support surface translations.

Conclusions

Dance appeared to be associated with adjustments in both the composition of M-modes and M-mode co-variation patterns resulting in stronger synergies stabilizing COP coordinate in older adults. The results reported here could have clinical relevance when offering a dance approach to balance training for impaired individuals.
Weather effects on hand, foot, and mouth disease at individual level: a case-crossover study
Authors: Du Zhicheng , Lin Shao , Marks Tia , Zhang Wangjian , Deng Te , Yu Shicheng , Hao Yuantao
Published: December 2019

Background

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) raises an urgent public health issue in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in China. The associations between weather factors and HFMD have been widely studied but with inconsistent results. Moreover, previous studies utilizing ecological design could not rule out the bias of exposure misclassification and unobserved confounders.

Methods

We used case-crossover analysis to assess the associations of weather factors on HFMD. Individual HFMD cases from 2009 to 2012 in Guangdong were collected and cases located within 10 km of the meteorological monitoring sites were included. Lag effects were examined through the previous 7 days. In addition, we explored the variability by changing the distance within 20 km and 30 km.

Results

We observed associations between HFMD and weather factors, including temperature and relative humidity. An approximately U-shaped relationship was observed for the associations of temperature on HFMD across the same day and the previous 7 days, while an approximately exponential-shaped was seen for relative humidity. Statistically significant increases in rates of HFMD were associated with each 10-unit increases in temperature [Excess rate (ER): 7.7%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 3.9, 11.7%] and relative humidity (ER: 1.9%; 95% CI: 0.7, 3.0%) on lag days 0–6, when assessing within 10 km of the monitoring sites. Potential thresholds for temperature (30.0 °C) and relative humidity (70.3%) detected showed associations with HFMD. The associations remained robust for 20 km and 30 km.

Conclusions

Our study found that temperature and relative humidity are significantly associated with the increased rates of HFMD. Thresholds and lag effects were observed between weather factors and HFMD. Our findings are useful for planning on targeted prevention and control of HFMD.
Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses in the Hormozgan province southern Iran
Authors: Behzadi Mohammad Amin , Leyva-Grado Victor Hugo , Namayandeh Mandana , Ziyaeyan Atoosa , Feyznezhad Roya , Dorzaban Hedayat , Jamalidoust Marzieh , Ziyaeyan Mazyar
Published: December 2019

Background

Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, causing thousands of deaths due to acute and persistent infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Providing updated serologic data can improve both surveillance and disease control programs. This study is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of markers for viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) and the epidemiology of such infections in the general population of southern Iran’s Hormozgan province.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2017, a total of 562 individuals with ages ranging from 1 to 86 years, who visited governmental public laboratories for routine check-ups, were tested for the presence of serological markers to hepatitis virus types A to E using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

The overall anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody seroprevalence was 93.2% (524/562). The prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies was 15.8% (89/562) among which 1.6% (9/562) of the seropositive individuals also had evidence of recent exposure to the virus (IgM positivity). Two and a half percent (14/562) were positive for hepatitis B surface (HBs) antigen, whereas 11.6% (65/562) tested positive for anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) antibodies. Among anti-HBc positive patients, 11% (7/65) had HBs Ag and 5% (3/65) were positive for anti-hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies. The prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies was 0.7% (4/562). The seroprevalence of anti-HAV, HEV IgG, anti-HBc antibodies, and HBs Ag increased with age.

Conclusion

The present study confirms a high seroprevalence of HAV infection among the examined population and reveals high levels of endemicity for HEV in the region. Planned vaccination policies against HAV should be considered in all parts of Iran. In addition, improvements on public sanitation and hygiene management of drinking water sources for the studied area are recommended.
Response to correspondence from Hays and colleagues concerning our paper entitled, use of the KDQOL-36™ for assessment of health-related quality of life among dialysis patients in the United States
Authors: Cohen Dena E. , Lee Andrew , Sibbel Scott , Benner Deborah , Brunelli Steven M. , Tentori Francesca
Published: December 2019

In their correspondence, Hays et al. raise two main critiques of our recently published article entitled “Use of the KDQOL-36™ for assessment of health-related quality of life among dialysis patients in the United States.” First, Hays et al. expressed concerns regarding the comparison of mean scores on five Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) subscales, given that the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) are scored on a different numeric scale compared to the other three subscales. Second, Hays et al. note that the correlations reported in our manuscript between the general health perceptions item (“In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor”) and the 5 KDQOL subscales were inconsistent with findings derived from other KDQOL datasets. Here, we respond to these two critiques.