bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Work‐Related Stressors and Mindfulness on Mental and Physical Health Among Australian Nurses and Healthcare Workers
Authors: De Cieri Helen , Shea Tracey , Cooper Brian , Oldenburg Brian
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To examine the relative impact of work‐related stressors and the personal resource of mindfulness on employees’ mental and physical health.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey design with nursing and healthcare workers in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Data were collected from 702 respondents. Mean scores for work‐related stressors and employee mental and physical health were compared with population norms. We used hierarchical linear regressions to examine the relative impact of demographics, work‐related stressors, and mindfulness on employee mental and physical health.

Findings

Employees in this sample reported higher levels of work‐related stress and poorer mental health compared to available norms, while their levels of physical health were within the normal range. Regression analyses showed that work‐related stressors were important predictors of employee mental health, but mindfulness was the stronger predictor. There was a slightly stronger relationship between employee physical health and work‐related stress compared to mindfulness. Furthermore, being younger and employed in a non‐nursing role were associated with better physical health.

Clinical Relevance

Encouraging mindfulness as a health behavior practice among nurses and other healthcare workers could improve employee well‐being and potentially enable them to more effectively fulfill the requirements of their demanding roles.
The effect of human umbilical cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cell media containing serum on recovery after laser treatment: A double‐blinded, randomized, split‐face controlled study
Authors: Kim Jihee , Kim Bomi , Kim Soomin , Lee Young In , Kim Jemin , Lee Ju Hee
Published: July 2019

Background

Ablative CO2 fractional laser (AFL) is a common cosmetic procedure to improve skin laxity. However, due to prolonged downtime and the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, laser‐assisted delivery of active ingredients as post–laser treatment has gained interest in past years. Among various active ingredients, human umbilical cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCBMSCs) can be a promising agent promoting skin regeneration.

Aims

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a human cord blood cell–conditioned media containing serum and cream on patients who underwent AFL treatment. A randomized, investigator‐blinded, prospective, split‐face comparison study was conducted.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐three patients who underwent AFL on both cheeks applied a human umbilical cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCBMSC)‐conditioned media containing cream with or without stem cell containing serum application. As a primary outcome measure, we evaluated the total area of microcrusts and post‐treatment erythema using digital photographs. Additionally, skin biophysical parameters (corneometer, TEWL) and global improvement scores for skin texture were assessed.

Results

The area of total microcrusts was reduced in the study group which applied both serum and cream. The global improvement score of the post‐treatment erythema was significantly reduced. Investigator‐assessed global improvement scores were higher in the combination treatment group. Additionally, there was no adverse event, which was associated with the use of either hUCBMSCs containing serum or cream.

Conclusion

The application of human cord blood cell containing serum and cream resulted in accelerated wound healing and reduced post‐treatment erythema, which effectively reduced recovery time after ablative laser treatment.
Opportunities and competition in thick labor markets: Evidence from plant closures
Authors: Haller Peter , Heuermann Daniel F.
Published: July 2019

Since Marshall (1890), it has been widely held in urban economic theory that cities insure workers against the risk of unemployment by offering a larger pool of potential jobs. Using a large administrative panel data set on workers displaced as a result of plant closures, we examine whether positive effects from a higher urban job density are offset by more intense competition between workers. When controlling for the sorting of workers between regions, we find robust evidence that the effect of job competition on unemployment duration exceeds that of job opportunities in absolute value. Our results put the idea of urban risk‐sharing into perspective and provide an explanation for observed longer unemployment durations in cities.
Incidence and risk factors for the diagnosis of lymphoma in dogs in UK primary‐care practice
Authors: Pittaway C. , Schofield I. , Dobson J. , O'Neill D. G. , Brodbelt D. C.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To identify the incidence, risk factors and presenting signs of lymphoma in dogs presenting to primary‐care practice in the UK using analysis of data within the VetCompass™ programme.

Materials and Methods

Case records from the VetCompass™ programme from primary‐care practices in the UK were searched for newly diagnosed lymphoma in dogs within a 1‐year period: 2013. Diagnosis was based on clinical records with or without laboratory confirmation. Signalment was evaluated as risk factors for lymphoma diagnosis using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

There were 286 presumed newly diagnosed cases identified during 2013 from 455,553 dogs (overall incidence risk 63 of 100,000 dogs per year) of which 193 (67%) were laboratory confirmed (42 of 100,000 dogs per year). Advanced age, dogs older than 12 years, dogs weighing more than 30 kg and some specific breeds were significantly associated with lymphoma diagnosis. Only 18 dogs (6%) of the population identified were referred to a specialist clinic.

Clinical Significance

This study concurs with others that age, bodyweight and breed are significant risk factors for lymphoma. Results of this study highlight: (1) the low number of dogs with lymphoma that are referred to specialists in the UK and (2) that few dogs undergo immunophenotyping (which can carry prognostic importance), emphasising the importance of epidemiological programmes that evaluate diseases presented to primary‐care veterinarians.
Airborne conifer pollen grains are rarely deposited on stigmas of coflowering insect‐pollinated angiosperms
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Chen , Hu Mo‐Han , Huang Shuang‐Quan
Published: July 2019

Although plant species with either animal or wind pollination modes are widespread and usually sympatric in nature, the degree of pollen interference from wind‐pollinated species on animal‐pollinated species remains little known. Conifer trees generally release a huge number of pollen grains into the air, floating into our noses and sometimes causing an allergic response. Here we document airborne pollen from two conifers (Pinus densata Mast. and
Picea likiangensis (Franch.) E. Pritz.) deposited on the stigmas of eight coflowering insect‐pollinated angiosperms over 2 years in a mountainous forest community, in Shangri‐La, southwest China. Pollen density in the air as well as conifer pollen deposited onto stigmas at short and long distances from the airborne pollen source were quantified. Our results showed that conifer pollen as a proportion of total stigmatic pollen loads in the insect‐pollinated plants varied from 0.16% to 8.67% (3.16% ± 0.41%,
n = 735) in 2016 and 0.66% to 5.38% (2.87% ± 0.86%,
n = 180), and pollen quantity per unit area was closely related to that of airborne pollen in the air. Conifer pollen deposition on stigmas of insect‐pollinated species decreased greatly with increased distance from the pollen source. In the 10 plant species flowering in summer after conifer pollen release had finished, heterospecific pollen deposited on these stigmas came mainly from other insect‐pollinated flowers, with little contribution from airborne conifer pollen. The results indicate that there might be little interference with coflowering angiosperms by airborne pollen from dominant conifers in natural communities.
Plenasium xiei sp. nov. from the Cretaceous of Northeast China: Additional evidence for the longevity of osmundaceous ferns
Authors: Cheng Ye‐Ming , Liu Feng‐Xiang , Tian Ning , Jin Yue‐Gao , Sun Tong‐Xing
Published: July 2019

A new species of the Osmundaceae, Plenasium xiei sp. nov., is herein described from the Cretaceous of Northeast China. The specimens examined here represent the earliest unequivocal record of the extant genus Plenasium in Eurasia based on fossil rhizomes. The rhizome consists of a central stem with a mantle of petiole bases and adventitious roots. The stem contains an ectophloic‐dictyoxylic siphonostele and a two‐layered cortex. The C‐shaped leaf trace bears two protoxylem bundles at the point of separation from the stele. The pith is heterogeneous. The parenchymatous inner cortex is thinner than the sclerenchymatous outer cortex. Lobed sclerenchyma bands occur at the adaxial sides of the stem xylem strands, in the concavity of the leaf trace, and along the adaxial side of the vascular bundles of the petiole base. In distal petiole portions, the sclerenchyma band splits into several groups in the transverse view. Sclerenchyma rings are heterogeneous with an abaxial sclerenchymatous arc of thick‐walled fibers. Numerous sclerenchyma strands of thick‐walled fibers appear in the petiolar inner cortex and the stipular wing. These fossils provide unambiguous evidence for the existence of subgenus Plenasium of modern Plenasium by at least the Late Cretaceous, demonstrating the longevity of this extant subgenus. Altogether the leaf and rhizome fossil records of Plenasium indicate that this genus was widely distributed across North America and Eurasia from the Early Cretaceous to the Early Cenozoic, followed by a range restriction to Eurasia in the Late Cenozoic. Extant Plenasium species are only known from East and Southeast Asia.
In vitro and in vivo effects of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on blood cholinesterases in sheep
Authors: Larsen Karen E. , Lifschitz Adrián L. , Lanusse Carlos E. , Virkel Guillermo L.
Published: July 2019

The combination of the organophosphate (OP) chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the pyrethroid cypermethrin (CPM) is commonly marketed aspour‐onformulations for the control of sheep lice, ked, and blowflies. CPF irreversibly inhibits acetylcholinesterases (AChE), while pyrethroids are not AChE inhibitors. However, combinations of pyrethroids with OPs showed a highly synergistic effect on AChE inhibition. Thus, the aim of the current work was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the inhibitory potency of both pesticides, alone and in combination with AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities in sheep blood. In vitro, IC50 values were similar after CPF or CPF plus CPM incubations. Thepour‐oncoadministration of recommended doses of CPF and CPM did not cause a significant inhibition of AChE and BChE in sheep blood. Only slight percentages of inhibition of their catalytic activities were observed when both drugs were given at 4‐fold higher dose rates. The lower systemic availability of topical administration of OPs in sheep may help to explain the lower degree of inhibition of blood AChE and BChE in vivo. The results emerged from this research are a further contribution to the knowledge of the risks of implementing higher dosage regimens of OPs‐containing antiparasitic formulations.
Regional cooperation and benefit sharing for sustainable water resources management in the Lower Mekong Basin
Authors: Sok Serey , Meas Sopheak , Chea Sophearin , Chhinh Nyda
Published: July 2019

Benefit sharing is a concept associated with regional cooperation for sustainable water resources management. To this end, the present study analyses how implementation of this concept may contribute to economic growth and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the Lower Mekong Basin (LMB). It focuses on the balance between economic and human development, national interests, and the procedures used to manage water resources in the basin. It was found that: (a) Benefits obtained from the Mekong River are not equally shared between riparian countries because of inadequate regional cooperation, with economic and social development in the LMB being uneven, with Thailand and Vietnam achieving better human development, poverty reduction and food security outcomes than Laos and Cambodia; (b) Lack of shared national interests, or a common development agenda, has resulted in unsustainable water resource management outcomes; and (c) Procedures for water resources management agreed by the four LMB countries are well‐aligned with the conceptual framework for benefit sharing defined by Sadoff and Grey (2002, Water Policy, 4, 389), although while these procedures have the potential to facilitate a more cooperative agenda for equitable sharing of social, economic and environmental benefits from the water resources of the Mekong River, implementation of the 1995 Mekong Agreement currently remains controversial. The five procedures for water resource management developed by the Mekong River Commission have not resulted in satisfactory outcomes, due in part to the institution lacking regulatory authority.
Mineralogy and oxygen isotope systematics of magnetite grains and a magnetite‐dolomite assemblage in hydrated fine‐grained Antarctic micrometeorites
Authors: Dobrică Elena , Ogliore Ryan C. , Engrand Cécile , Nagashima Kazuhide , Brearley Adrian J.
Published: July 2019

We report the mineralogy and texture of magnetite grains, a magnetite‐dolomite assemblage, and the adjacent mineral phases in five hydrated fine‐grained Antarctic micrometeorites (H‐FgMMs). Additionally, we measured the oxygen isotopic composition of magnetite grains and a magnetite‐dolomite assemblage in these samples. Our mineralogical study shows that the secondary phases identified in H‐FgMMs have similar textures and chemical compositions to those described previously in other primitive solar system materials, such as carbonaceous chondrites. However, the oxygen isotopic compositions of magnetite in H‐FgMMs span a range of ∆17O values from +1.3‰ to +4.2‰, which is intermediate between magnetites measured in carbonaceous and ordinary chondrites (CCs andOCs). The δ18O values of magnetites in one H‐FgMMhave a ~27‰ mass‐dependent spread in a single 100 × 200 μm particle, indicating that there was a localized control of the fluid composition, probably due to a low water‐to‐rock mass ratio. The ∆17O values of magnetite indicate that H‐FgMMs sampled a different aqueous fluid than ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites, implying that the source of H‐FgMMs is probably distinct from the asteroidal source ofCCs andOCs. Additionally, we analyzed the oxygen isotopic composition of a magnetite‐dolomite assemblage in one of the H‐FgMMs (sample 03‐36‐46) to investigate the temperature at which these minerals coprecipitated. We have used the oxygen isotope fractionation between the coexisting magnetite and dolomite to infer a precipitation temperature between 160 and 280 °C for this sample. This alteration temperature is ~100–200 °C warmer than that determined from a calcite‐magnetite assemblage from theCR2 chondrite Al Rais, but similar to the estimated temperature of aqueous alteration for unequilibratedOCs,CIs, andCMs. This suggests that the sample 03‐36‐46 could come from a parent body that was large enough to attain temperatures as high as theOCs,CIs, andCMs, which implies an asteroidal origin for this particular H‐FgMM.
“More Splendid than the Sun”: Christ’s Flesh among the Reasons for the Incarnation
Authors: Case Brendan
Published: July 2019

This article defends two arguments proposed by Robert Grosseteste for the view that the Incarnation is logically prior to the Fall. Each of them is motivated by the goodness of Christ as a creature who is nonetheless worthy of worship, though the first considers this fact as an intrinsic good, and the second considers it as instrumentally good, by virtue of its making possible fleshly communion between God and his creatures. I will then consider Bonaventure’s reasons for rejecting these arguments, which turn on the worry that they posit a divine obligation to become Incarnate. I show that while Bonaventure’s concern is reasonable, he addresses it at the unacceptable cost of denying important aspects of the Incarnation’s purpose in the actual world. However, Bonaventure accepts that the Incarnation and Passion are “necessary” for human redemption in a way that is consistent with divine freedom, an intuition which Aquinas brings to particularly clear expression by analyzing the Incarnation as necessary in the sense of being the most fitting means of salvation. Applying this line of thought to Christ’s flesh, considered as the fitting instrument by which God has elected to perfectly beatify humanity, allows us to reconcile Grosseteste’s insistence on the Incarnation’s priority to the Fall with Bonaventure’s insistence on its absolute gratuity.
Relationship between symptoms during a gastric emptying study and intestinal chemosensitivity with daily symptoms
Authors: Chakraborty Subhankar , Desai Anshuman , Halland Magnus , Burton Duane , Camilleri Michael , Zinsmeister Alan R. , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: July 2019

Background

Non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is a heterogeneous disorder, which is characterized by upper gastrointestinal symptoms and sensorimotor disturbances, including abnormal gastric emptying (GE) and increased intestinal chemosensitivity, and associated with greater plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels during duodenal lipid infusion. However, the relationship(s) between these disturbances and daily symptoms in NUD is variable. We hypothesize that abnormal GE and symptoms during a GE study and during duodenal lipid infusion are associated with the severity of daily symptoms and that GLP‐1 mediates symptoms during duodenal lipid infusion in NUD.

Methods

Gastric emptying of solids, symptoms during the GE study and duodenal lipid infusion, and daily gastrointestinal symptoms (2 week diary) were measured in 24 healthy controls and 40 NUD patients. During duodenal lipid infusion, participants received the GLP‐1 antagonist exendin 9‐39 or placebo.

Key Results

In controls and patients, GE of solids was normal in 75% and 75%, delayed in 8% and 12.5%, or rapid in 17% and 12.5%, respectively. No controls but 26 patients (65%) had severe symptoms during the GE study. During lipid infusion, gastrointestinal symptoms were greater (P = .001) in patients and not affected by exendin. Symptoms during GE study and lipid infusion accounted for respectively 62% and 37% of variance in daily symptom severity.

Conclusions

In NUD, symptoms during a GE study and to a lesser extent during lipid infusion explain the variance in daily symptoms. Intestinal chemosensitivity is not reduced by GLP‐1 antagonist. Assessment of symptoms during a GE study may provide a useful biomarker for NUD in research and clinical practice.
Three's a crowd: triple‐isotope analysis traces alternate plant nitrogen nutrition pathways
Authors: Soper Fiona M.
Published: July 2019

This article is a Commentary on Bourgeois et al. 223: 1784–1794.
Cold stress tolerance of soybeans during flowering: QTL mapping and efficient selection strategies under controlled conditions
Authors: Jähne Felix , Balko Christiane , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias , Leiser Willmar L.
Published: July 2019

Breeding soybeans for higher latitudes requires cultivars with an increased chilling stress tolerance, especially when flowering occurs. Phenotyping in climate chambers to select for this trait is labour‐intensive and requires an optimal allocation of resources due to limited space. We screened a diversity panel of 35 early maturity cultivars and a biparental population of 103 RILs for their cold stress tolerance at flowering stage. Pod number under control and stress conditions is highly heritable and showed only a weak correlation between the two treatments. Based on different testing scenarios, we could show that testing more genotypes with less replicates yields much higher responses to selection and hence should be pursued in such climate‐controlled experiments. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for pod number under both conditions (chromosomes 7 and 13) and a cold tolerance‐specific QTL (chromosome 11). Furthermore, we performed genomic predictions using different test set scenarios and prediction models, showing that genomic prediction is a promising tool to select for cold stress tolerance, particularly if known QTL can be used as fixed effects in the model.
Surgeon crossover between pediatric and adult centers is associated with decreased rate of loss to follow‐up among adolescent renal transplantation recipients
Authors: Hung Ya‐Ching , Williams Jonathan E. , Bababekov Yanik J. , Rickert Chalres G. , Chang David C. , Yeh Heidi
Published: July 2019

The risk of adverse outcomes for pediatric renal transplant patients is highest during the transition from pediatric to adult care. While there have been many studies focus on graft failure and death, loss to follow‐up likely plays a large role in patient outcomes. We hypothesize patients are lost to follow‐up during this transition period and that patients transplanted at pediatric centers with a closely affiliated adult center (AFFs) are less likely to suffer from fragmentation of care and become lost to follow‐up. AFFs were defined as those pediatric centers whose transplant surgeons were also on staff at an adult center and were identified using center websites. We included patients undergoing renal transplantation at <=18 years of age and had data for the entire transition period on the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (n = 6,762, 92.3% in 95 AFFs). 32% of patients were lost to follow‐up. On regression, patients transplanted at AFF were 33% less likely to be lost to follow‐up compared with those from non‐AFF (OR 0.67 CI 0.54‐0.82, P < 0.01). The proportion of patients lost to follow‐up during the transition period is remarkably high, but lower among recipients transplanted at AFFs. Poor follow‐up may be mitigated by improving integration of care.
Predicting ideal outcome after pediatric liver transplantation: An exploratory study using machine learning analyses to leverage Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation Data
Authors: Wadhwani Sharad Indur , Hsu Evelyn K. , Shaffer Michele L. , Anand Ravinder , Ng Vicky Lee , Bucuvalas John C.
Published: July 2019

Machine learning analyses allow for the consideration of numerous variables in order to accommodate complex relationships that would not otherwise be apparent in traditional statistical methods to better classify patient risk. The SPLIT registry data were analyzed to determine whether baseline demographic factors and clinical/biochemical factors in the first‐year post–transplant could predict ideal outcome at 3 years (IO‐3) after LT. Participants who received their first, isolated LT between 2002 and 2006 and had follow‐up data 3 years post–LT were included. IO‐3 was defined as alive at 3 years, normal ALT (<50) or GGT (<50), normal GFR, no non‐liver transplants, no cytopenias, and no PTLD. Heat map analysis and RFA were used to characterize the impact of baseline and 1‐year factors on IO‐3. 887/1482 SPLIT participants met inclusion criteria; 334 had IO‐3. Demographic, biochemical, and clinical variables did not elucidate a visual signal on heat map analysis. RFA identified non‐white race (vs white race), increased length of operation, vascular and biliary complications within 30 days, and duct‐to‐duct biliary anastomosis to be negatively associated with IO‐3. UNOS regions 2 and 5 were also identified as important factors. RFA had an accuracy rate of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.68‐0.74), PPV = 0.83, and NPV = 0.70. RFA identified participant variables that predicted IO‐3. These findings may allow for better risk stratification and personalization of care following pediatric liver transplantation.
Multi-Dimensional Penalized Hazard Model with Continuous Covariates: Applications for Studying Trends and Social Inequalities in Cancer Survival
Authors: Fauvernier Mathieu , Roche Laurent , Uhry Zoé , Tron Laure , Bossard Nadine , Remontet Laurent ,   and the Challenges in the Estimation of Net Survival Working Survival Group
Published: July 2019

Describing the dynamics of patient mortality hazard is a major concern for cancer epidemiologists. In addition to time and age, other continuous covariates have often to be included in the model. For example, survival trend analyses and socio-economic studies deal respectively with the year of diagnosis and a deprivation index. Taking advantage of a recent theoretical framework for general smooth models, the paper proposes a penalized approach to hazard and excess hazard models in time-to-event analyses. The baseline hazard and the functional forms of the covariates were specified by using penalized natural cubic regression splines with associated quadratic penalties. Interactions between continuous covariates and time-dependent effects were dealt with by forming a tensor product smooth. The smoothing parameters were estimated by optimizing either the Laplace approximate marginal likelihood criterion or the likelihood cross-validation criterion. The regression parameters were estimated by direct maximization of the penalized likelihood of the survival model, which avoids data augmentation and the Poisson likelihood approach. The implementation proposed was evaluated on simulations and applied to real data. It was found to be numerically stable, efficient and useful for choosing the appropriate degree of complexity in overall survival and net survival contexts; moreover, it simplified the model building process.
Morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Franco Raquel Porto Alegre Valente , Mobile Rafael Zancan , Filla Clarissa de Fátima Santos , Sbalqueiro Ricardo , de Lima Antônio Adilson Soares , Silva Rhonan Ferreira , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro , Turkina Anna , Franco Ademir
Published: July 2019

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the palate, palatal rugae pattern, and dental arch form in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods and results

An observational case‐control study was designed following the STROBE statement and checklist. The sample consisted of 132 patients (39 diagnosed with schizophrenia and 93 controls). Dental casts of the patients were classified based on the pattern of their palatal rugae, their dental arch form, and the area of their palate. The palatal rugae in patients with schizophrenia had a more random distribution and shape compared to the control group (P = .027). Oval dental arches were the most prevalent in both groups (P = .473). The palate area was slightly larger in the control group (3.2318 ± 0.549 mm2) compared with the group of patients with schizophrenia (3.060 ± 0.470 mm2) (P = .090).

Conclusion

Palatal rugae pattern may feature as a potential minor physical anomaly for schizophrenia. Additional studies with alternative sampling and classification systems are necessary to understand this finding and its applications in practice.
Un/gendering Social Selves: How Nonbinary People Navigate and Experience a Binarily Gendered World
Authors: Barbee Harry , Schrock Douglas
Published: July 2019

Based on in‐depth interviews, we explore how people who do not identify exclusively or consistently as either women or men (i.e., nonbinary people) navigate a culture that bifurcates people into women or men. Using an interactionist approach, we first analyze how interviewees employ discourse (e.g., names, identity labels, and pronouns) and the body (e.g., expressions, decoration, and transformation) to present themselves as nonbinary, which we conceptualize as ungendering social selves. Second, we examine the emotional benefits (e.g., authenticity, pride, liberation) and burdens (e.g., fear, rejection, exhaustion) of ungendering. Third, we uncover the emotional, social, and structural conditions under which our nonbinary‐identified participants sometimes present themselves as binarily gendered, which we conceptualize as gendering social selves. We conclude with discussing empirical and theoretical contributions.
Molecular characterization of Canis familiaris oral papillomavirus 1 identified in naturally infected dogs from Northeast Brazil
Authors: Reis Jordana D. R. , Oliveira Luana B. , Santos Lucas A. B. O. , Soares Rosilene C. , Batista Marcus V. A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Canine papillomavirus (CPV) has 20 described types associated with papillomas or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Knowledge about CPV diversity is scarce. Studies on papillomaviruses that infect other hosts show substantial diversity with some types and variants being associated with cancer.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the genetic variability of the capsid L1 gene of CPV identified in lesions of naturally infected dogs from Brazil.

Animals

Six dogs presenting with oral and cutaneous warts from different veterinary clinics in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil.

Methods and materials

Nine skin biopsy samples were collected for histopathological and molecular analyses. Bioinformatics tools were used for genotyping and diversity analysis. Mutations were characterized based on their impact on the L1 protein structure.

Results

Sequences of CPV1 were obtained from exophytic papillomas. These sequences had at least five different mutations showing that all sequences were putative CPV1 variants. One CPV1 sequence, obtained from an oral SCC, had a highly destabilizing substitution in the L1 protein which was likely to be associated with changes in protein function.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Despite the small number of cases analysed and the partial analysis of L1 nucleotide and amino acid sequences, this study has demonstrated diversity in CPV samples from Northeast Brazil. A putative new CPV1 variant associated with oral SCC, with novel protein structure changing mutations, was identified which may be important for understanding papillomavirus pathogenesis.
Biodegradation kinetics of diuron by Pseudomonas aeruginosa FN and optimization of biodegradation using response surface methodology
Authors: Kučić Grgić Dajana , Ocelić Bulatović Vesna , Cvetnić Matija , Dujmić Vučinić Željka , Vuković Domanovac Marija , Markić Marinko , Bolanča Tomislav
Published: July 2019

Diuron is a selective and the most persistent herbicide. Widespread use of this compound has led to the elevated concentrations of diuron in groundwater and wastewater. The main objectives of this study were to investigate biodegradation of diuron by Pseudomonas aeruginosa FN and evolved degradation product, 3,4‐dichloroanilines (3,4‐DCA). The influence of temperature, initial optical density of Pseudomonas aeruginosa FN and initial diuron concentration were examined to further optimize biodegradation of diuron, and the effect of these factors were investigated by the response surface methodology (RSM) and full factorial design (FFD). The optimal biodegradation conditions were obtained at T = 25°C, γ (diuron) = 0.5 mg/L and initial optical density of 0.2. The biodegradation kinetic of diuron was described by Monod model and the obtained value of F‐test was grater that 0.96 which showed good correlation between Monod model and experimental results.
Transformation of Chinese as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Relationship with Their Students in the Australian Context
Authors: Han Yu , Ji Xiaoyan , Han Jinghe
Published: July 2019

This study explores the transformation of teacher–student relationship between expatriate Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) teachers and their students situating in the Australian educational context. The disparity of tradition between the two educational cultures influences substantially on communication between teachers and students within classroom. To better understand how CFL teachers’ background educational culture may impact their interaction with Australian students, focus group discussion data were applied as the data collection method. Findings reveal that at the beginning of their teaching practice CFL teachers’ understanding of teacher–student relationship influenced by their background educational culture had major impact on their strategies in teacher–student interaction in class. However, with the progress of teaching and meantime influenced by the Australian local educational culture, their behaviors for dealing with teacher–student relationship in class changed. Basically, their ways of handling teacher–student relationship transformed from a more Eastern guanxi tendency to a more Western rapport tendency. This transformation did not occur automatically and easily; it was achieved by the CFL teachers’ struggles and tribulations in the process of interacting with their Australian students. In an era of CFL teacher shortage, it is hoped that this study would shed some light on CFL teacher education.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Start-Up of a Capillary Pumped Loop for Terrestrial Applications
Authors: Accorinti Flavio , Blet Nicolas , Ayel Vincent , Dutour Sebastien , Bertin Yves
Published: July 2019

A study on the start-up phases of a capillary pumped loop for terrestrial application (CPLTA) is proposed in this paper. Experimental analysis and numerical modeling, using a one-dimensional spatial discretization model, based on thermohydraulic equations and solved by nodal network/electrical analogy, are presented to study the thermal and hydraulic behavior of the loop for methanol and n-pentane as working fluids, during start-up transient phases. The experimental observations are backed up by the numerical model to help the transient and steady analysis of this kind of loop. The precise numerical study allows to have a better understanding of the complicated phenomena happening during the start-up and to have a global view of the behavior of the capillary pumped loop for integrated power (CPLIP) during these phases. In this study, it will be also shown the influence of vapor line solid walls thermal inertia and its impact on the dynamic behavior and on the success of the start-up of the loop.
Empirical High Cycle Fatigue Assessment Model of MEMS Devices
Authors: Chang Chia-Cheng , Chiang Kuo-Ning
Published: July 2019

Many microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices generate large deflections and stresses under some severe loads, and this cumulative stress often causes structural fatigue when applying high cyclic loads. It affects the reliability and quality of the product and can easily damage structures in harsh environments. For example, accelerometers and gyroscopes in motion sensors always combine a movable mass component with a bending or torsion spring, which can severely deform their structure at some large accelerations or angular accelerations. After this high cycle of deformation, the spring structure will be damaged and cause device failure, we call this failure mode high cycle fatigue (HCF). This is very common for MEMS products, but it is difficult for designers to predict it at design stage. To prevent early fatigue problems and reduce product development time, we developed a simulation process and empirical prediction model to help designers predict HCF and improve fatigue strength of moving structures used in MEMS devices. In this study, a bending and a torsion beam are used as test vehicles. A combination of dynamic and electromechanical coupling simulations was developed and applied to analyze the effects of frequency under HCF testing. The test structures were fabricated using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MEMS technique and these test structures were used to validate empirical life prediction equation developed in this research. The frequency effect of HCF was also to be included in the developed prediction model. Based on the test results, the accuracy of the empirical prediction equation is improved by including frequency effect.
Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing of Nanocomposites: A Literature Review
Authors: Medellin Anthony , Du Wenchao , Miao Guanxiong , Zou Jun , Pei Zhijian , Ma Chao
Published: July 2019

Nanocomposites have been widely used to improve material properties. Nanoscale reinforcement materials in vat photopolymerization resins improve the hardness, tensile strength, impact strength, elongation, and electrical conductivity of the printed products. This paper presents a literature review on the effects of reinforcement materials on nanocomposite properties. Additionally, preprocessing techniques, printing processes, and postprocessing techniques of nanocomposites are discussed. The nanocomposite properties are summarized based on their applications in the mechanical, electrical and magnetic, and biomedical industries. Future research directions are proposed to improve the material properties of printed nanocomposites.
On the Improvement of Vibration Mitigation and Energy Harvesting Using Electromagnetic Vibration Absorber-Inerter: Exact H2 Optimization
Authors: Joubaneh Eshagh Farzaneh , Barry Oumar Rafiou
Published: July 2019

Electromagnetic resonant shunt tuned mass damper-inerter (ERS-TMDI) has recently been developed for dual-functional vibration suppression and energy harvesting. However, energy harvesting and vibration mitigation are conflicting objectives, thus rendering the multi-objectives optimization problem a very challenging task. In this paper, we aim at solving the design trade-off between these two objectives by proposing alternative configurations and finding the model with the best performance for both vibration suppression and energy harvesting. Three novel configurations are presented and are compared with the conventional ERS-TMDI. In the first two configurations, the primary structure and the absorber are only coupled through the spring. Both inerter and electromagnetic devices are connected to the ground in the first configuration, whereas only the inerter is connected to the ground in the second configuration. The third configuration is inspired by the recently developed three-element vibration-inerter (TEVAI), but in this case an electromagnetic device is sandwiched in between the primary structure and the absorber. Closed-form expressions are presented for optimum vibration mitigation and energy harvesting performances using H2 criteria for both ground and force excitations. The obtained explicit expressions are validated using matlab optimization toolbox. Simulation examples reveal that the first configuration performs the best, whereas the second performs the worst in terms of both vibration mitigation and energy harvesting. It is also demonstrated that replacing the series RLC with a parallel circuit can improve or degrade the vibration mitigation performance, but it constantly enhances the energy harvesting performance in all four models.
Determination of Mars Solar-Belt by Modeling of Solar Radiation Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Khatib Tamer , Abunajeeb Irjuwan , Heneni Zainab
Published: July 2019

Missions to Mars need a power source, while, one of the most compatible sources for such a purpose is the photovoltaic system. Photovoltaic systems generate power based on the available energy from the Sun, and thus, solar radiation intensity at Mars should be known for design purposes. In this research, the feed-forward back-propagation artificial neural network is developed to predict solar radiation in terms of longitude, latitude, time of the day, temperature, altitude, pressure, amount of dust, and volume mixing ratio of water ice clouds. Data which are used to develop this model are obtained from the Mars Climate Database. The results of the developed method are accurate as compared with other methods whereas the correlation (R2) coefficient for the developed model is 0.97. The developed model then is used to predict mean solar radiation and mean temperature for every location on Mars and then the data are presented on Mars maps in order to determine the best location for harvesting energy from the Sun by photovoltaic systems. According to results, the solar radiation-temperature belt on Mars is found to be between latitudes 20 deg south and 15 deg north.
A Novel, Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Combination for the Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Corneal Infections
Authors: Chojnacki Michaelle , Philbrick Alesa , Scherzi Tyler , Pecora Nicole , Dunman Paul M. , Wozniak Rachel A. F.
Published: July 2019

Bacterial keratitis causes significant blindness, yet antimicrobial resistance has rendered current treatments ineffective. Polymyxin B-trimethoprim (PT) plus rifampin has potent
in vitro
activity against
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, two important causes of keratitis. Here we further characterize this combination against
P. aeruginosa
in a murine keratitis model.
Antimicrobial Activity of Exebacase (Lysin CF-301) against the Most Common Causes of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Watson Aubrey , Oh Jun Taek , Sauve Karen , Bradford Patricia A. , Cassino Cara , Schuch Raymond
Published: July 2019

Exebacase, a recombinantly produced lysin (cell wall hydrolase), and comparator antibiotics were tested by the broth microdilution method against strain sets of
Staphylococcus
and
Streptococcus
spp., which are the most common causes of infective endocarditis in humans. Exebacase was active against all
Staphylococcus
spp. tested, including
S. aureus
and coagulase-negative staphylococci (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/1 μg/ml). Activity against
Streptococcus
spp.
Sudan Ebolavirus VP35-NP Crystal Structure Reveals a Potential Target for Pan-Filovirus Treatment
Authors: Landeras-Bueno Sara , Oda Shun-ichiro , Norris Michael J. , Li Salie Zhe , Guenaga Javier , Wyatt Richard T. , Saphire Erica Ollmann
Published: July 2019

Outbreaks of the filoviruses can be unpredictable in timing, location, and identity of the causative virus, with each of Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Bundibugyo virus, and Marburg virus reemerging in the last several years to cause human disease with 30 to 90% lethality. The 2014–2016 outbreak in particular, with nearly 30,000 patients, highlighted the ability of these viruses to emerge unexpectedly and spread rapidly. Two ebolavirus outbreaks have emerged this year, yet we still lack FDA-approved drugs with pan-filovirus activity to treat existing and emergent ebolaviruses. For all filoviruses, the interaction between the nucleoprotein and the phosphoprotein is essential for the virus life cycle and is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. In this report, we describe the crystal structure of the SUDV nucleoprotein with the interacting domain of the viral phosphoprotein, and we identify residues critical for high-affinity interaction and for control of the oligomeric state of the nucleoprotein. Structural comparison of this heterodimer with other members of the filovirus family allowed us to find conserved and essential atomic features that will facilitate understanding of the virus life cycle and the rational design of antivirals.
Chromatin Profiling of the Repetitive and Nonrepetitive Genomes of the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Price Robert Jordan , Weindling Esther , Berman Judith , Buscaino Alessia
Published: July 2019

The fungus
Candida albicans
is an opportunistic pathogen that normally lives on the human body without causing any harm. However,
C. albicans
is also a dangerous pathogen responsible for millions of infections annually.
C. albicans
is such a successful pathogen because it can adapt to and thrive in different environments. Chemical modifications of chromatin, the structure that packages DNA into cells, can allow environmental adaptation by regulating gene expression and genome organization. Surprisingly, the contribution of chromatin modification to
C. albicans
biology is still largely unknown. For the first time, we analyzed
C. albicans
chromatin modifications on a genome-wide basis. We demonstrate that specific chromatin states are associated with distinct regions of the
C. albicans
genome and identify the roles of the chromatin modifiers Sir2 and Set1 in shaping
C. albicans
chromatin and gene expression.
Hepatitis C Virus Induces the Ubiquitin-Editing Enzyme A20 via Depletion of the Transcription Factor Upstream Stimulatory Factor 1 To Support Its Replication
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Chan Stephanie T. , Kim Ja Yeon , Ou Jing-hsiung James
Published: July 2019

Hepatitis C virus establishes chronic infection in approximately 85% of the patients whom it infects. However, the mechanism of how HCV evades host immunity to establish persistence is unclear. In this report, we demonstrate that HCV could induce the expression of the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20, an important negative regulator of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and NF-κB signaling pathways. This induction of A20 enhanced HCV replication as it could stimulate the HCV IRES activity to enhance the translation of HCV proteins. The induction of A20 was mediated by the depletion of USF-1, a suppressor of the A20 promoter. Our study thus provides important information for further understanding the interaction between HCV and its host cells.
Periorbital dermatitis in patients receiving docetaxel in combination chemotherapy
Authors: Tabata Mika Michelle , Kwong Bernice
Published: July 2019

Recognition of new cutaneous side effects of combination chemotherapy can help prevent unnecessary cessation or reduction of cancer therapy. Periorbital rash has not been found with docetaxel alone, but here, we report it as a result of combination chemotherapy. A series of three patients who received docetaxel in combination with other chemotherapies developed clinically near-identical, distinctive periorbital rashes. Rashes resolved by resolving underlying docetaxel-induced epiphora in conjunction with ophthalmological consultation, topical skin-directed care, and in some cases, chemotherapy dose reduction. It is important for dermatologists and oncologists to recognise the increased severity of cutaneous reactions when docetaxel is used in combination chemotherapy.
Recurrent fetal hydrops with maternal M alloimmunisation: not a benign condition
Authors: Yu Michelle , Graham Kathryn , Pasalic Leonardo , Alahakoon Thushari Indika
Published: July 2019

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is associated with red cell antibodies. Anti-M usually results in a mild haemolysis and is rarely clinically significant. There is no established consensus on management of pregnancies with anti-M. A case of recurrent HDFN with maternal M alloimmunisation was identified at a tertiary hospital in Australia. We collected the patient and neonate’s clinical and pathological data and interpreted the case with available literature. This is the first case in literature of recurrent fetal hydrops in the setting of M alloimmunisation. Neonate was delivered in a poor condition, intubated and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for ionotropic support, red cell transfusion and plasma transfusion for coagulopathy. Direct Coombs test was positive, confirming HDFN. Although anti-M rarely causes HDFN, accurate history, fetal surveillance and monitoring is essential for identification of fetal anaemia. Concurrent placental disease may increase fetal risk from anti-M antibodies.
Gabapentin for the treatment of pain manifestations in children with severe neurological impairment: a single-centre retrospective review
Authors: Collins Aedin , Mannion Rory , Broderick Annemarie , Hussey Séamus , Devins Mary , Bourke Billy
Published: July 2019

Pain, irritability and feeding intolerance are common symptoms affecting quality of life in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI). We performed a retrospective study to explore the use of gabapentinoid medications for symptom control in children with SNI. Patients attending the palliative care or gastroenterology department being treated with gabapentin for irritability, vomiting or pain of unknown origin were included. Information was gathered retrospectively from medical documentation. Irritability was reduced in 30 of the 42 patients included. Gabapentin was discontinued in 15 children, 12 of whom then received pregabalin. Three children had a good response to pregabalin, six a minimal improvement and three no improvement. These results support the use of gabapentinoids in this patient cohort.