bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child‐rearing experiences and home environment concerns among Southeast Asian immigrant mothers in transnational marriage families in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Hwey‐Fang , Wu Kuang‐Ming , Wang Ying‐Hsiang , Chen Yong‐Chuan
Published: November 2019

Aims

To explore the child‐rearing experiences of immigrant mothers and their concerns about children's home environments in the contexts of transnational marriage families and non‐native culture.

Background

Immigrant mothers are often disadvantaged by a relative lack of information on and access to children's healthcare, but little research exists on the experiences of mothers in transnational marriage families as they attempt to provide a secure home environment while navigate an unfamiliar culture.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological research design based on intuition was employed to explore immigrant mothers’ unique lived reality through their subjective experiences and perceptions.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 15 immigrant mothers from 15 transnational marriage families were conducted between May 2016–February 2017. Narratives were analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method because it permits systematic discovery of the lived experiences from the perspective of the study's participants.

Results

Three major themes were identified: (a) striving to maintain a secure home for children; (b) suffering and struggling with difficulties; and (c) trying to overcome difficulties and build an adequate family environment. The essential, prevailing concept of immigrant mothers’ experience in child‐rearing was identified as ‘Where my child is, is home.’

Conclusion

Immigrant mothers bond emotionally and physically to their new land via their children. Their child‐raising experiences are interwoven with their roles in their new familial and cultural homes.

Impact

Immigrant brides often become mothers soon after marrying to continue their husbands’ family line. Understanding their unique child‐rearing experiences and challenges in providing a secure home in a non‐native culture will help nurses provide effective care. Study results will benefit paediatric/family nurses in any setting where care for transnational marriage families is provided, those families themselves, public policymakers and future researchers.
The factors associated with subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults
Authors: Lee JuHee , Sung Jooyoun , Choi MoonKi
Published: November 2019

Aims

To explore the risk factors for subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults in South Korea.

Design

This study employed a descriptive cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 182 patients was recruited from a senior welfare center in Seoul. The mean age of the participants was 78.4 years (SD 5.91). Among them, 64.3% were women. The data were collected by a trained research assistant using structured questionnaires from September 2016–February 2017. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, depression, physical and cognitive activity levels, instrumental activities of daily living, subjective cognitive decline, and cognitive function were assessed. Student's t tests, chi‐square tests, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

The findings revealed that 37.4% of the participants were not cognitively intact. Depression, perceived health status, and cognitive function were significantly associated with subjective cognitive decline (F = 7.10, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 25.3). Age, educational level, perceived health status, and subjective cognitive decline were significantly related to cognitive function (F = 20.98, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 47.0). After controlling for these variables, cognitive activity was significantly and independently related to cognitive function.

Conclusion

The results suggest that for the maintenance of cognitive function, cognitive activity should be encouraged. In addition, older adults who complain of subjective cognitive decline and have risk factors such as depression need therapeutic interventions to prevent actual decrease of cognitive function.

Impact

The present findings advance prior knowledge by considering variables such as physical and cognitive activity levels to provide novel evidence that can be used to develop interventions for community‐dwelling older adults. Thus, to be effective, nursing interventions must seek to improve cognitive function through intellectual stimulation.
Niches and radiations: a case study on the Andean sapphire‐vented puffleg Eriocnemis luciani and coppery‐naped puffleg E. sapphiropygia (Aves, Trochilidae)
Authors: Ramoni‐Perazzi Paolo , Schuchmann Karl‐L. , Weller André , Soto‐Werschitz Irma Alejandra , Passamani Marcelo
Published: November 2019

The interaction between ecology and evolution, particularly with regard to speciation processes, remains a main topic of scientific research. Andean hummingbirds have undergone a remarkable radiation, with many species exhibiting patchy distributions and, in some cases, taxonomic controversy. An example is the sapphire‐vented puffleg Eriocnemis luciani; ssp. baptistae, luciani and meridae, which some authors merge with the coppery‐naped puffleg E. sapphiropygia; ssp. catharina and sapphiropygia. Each group is distributed either north or south from the Huancabamba Depression, the major biogeographical barrier within the tropical Andes. We investigated whether these subspecies share some niche characteristics despite their geographical separation and determined their meaning in the context of the speciation process of trochilids in the tropical Andes. For each subspecies, we performed geographical predictions and paired tests of niche conservatism in environmental space. Geographical predictions included separate regions for subspecies catharina and sapphiropygia, while the predicted regions for subspecies luciani and baptistae greatly overlapped. The E. l. luciani model predicted a single pixel near to the potential area of E. l. meridae, known only from a unique, old record. Subspecies luciani and baptistae exhibited the greatest niche overlap among the pairs of taxa for most variables. However, our results clearly indicated niche divergence for the four members of the E. luciani–sapphiropygia complex, independent of the similarities or slight dissimilarities in their respective backgrounds, indicating that other forces in addition to variation in environmental parameters, such as natural selection or genetic drift, are driving the radiation of these hummingbirds. This finding coincides with the unusually high speciation rates reported for Andean hummingbirds. Thus, the currently accepted taxonomy within the E. luciani–sapphiropygia complex may be even more convoluted than indicated by previous studies. Hence, the results of our study are a wakeup call to include the exploration of lineage diversification in biodiversity‐related efforts.
A systematic literature review on Internet of things in education: Benefits and challenges
Authors: Kassab Mohamad , DeFranco Joanna , Laplante Phillip
Published: November 2019

With close to 20.4 billion devices connected to the Internet to be deployed by 2020, Internet of things (IoT) is already being leveraged in diverse sectors. Now, because of the ubiquitous nature of IoT devices, schools and academic institutions are looking to incorporate IoT in educational activities. With the increased use of IoT in the education domain, it is of utmost importance to study how this technology with its distinguished system functions such as sensing and decision making can support and challenge the pedagogical processes for all interrelated actors (faculty, students, and staff) as well as all involved assets (e.g., libraries, classrooms, and labs). Although there have been several contributions on the inclusion of IoT into the education domain, there is still a lack of consolidated and coherent views on this subject. Hence, we are motivated to close the gap of knowledge and embarked on mapping out the published studies available. This study presents the results of a systematic literature review focusing on the benefits and the challenges faced in education in integrating IoT into the curriculum and educational environments. Different mapping views of the extracted studies are provided as long as a summary of the already implemented tools and a list of gap research questions yet to be investigated.
Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis is the endobacterium of Demodex folliculorum
Authors: Clanner‐Engelshofen B.M. , French L.E. , Reinholz M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Demodex spp. mites are the most complex member of the human skin microbiome. Mostly they are commensals, although their pathophysiological role in inflammatory dermatoses is recognized. Demodex mites cannot be cultivated in vitro, so only little is known about their life cycle, biology and physiology. Different bacterial species have been suggested to be the endobacterium of Demodex mites, including Bacillus oleronius, B. simplex, B. cereus and B. pumilus.

Objectives

Our aim was to find the true endobacterium of human Demodex mites.

Methods

The distinct genetic and phenotypic differences and similarities between the type strain and native isolates are described by DNA sequencing, PCR, MALDI‐TOF, DNA‐DNA hybridization, fatty and mycolic acid analyses, and antibiotic resistance testing.

Results

We report the true endobacterium of Demodex folliculorum, independent of the sampling source of mites or life stage: Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis.

Conclusions

We anticipate our finding to be a starting point for more in‐depth understanding of the tripartite microbe–host interaction between Demodex mites, its bacterial endosymbiont and the human host.
CORRELATED BEHAVIOR IN LIMIT ORDER CANCELLATIONS, COMOVEMENT IN ASSET RETURNS, AND COMMONALITY IN LIQUIDITY
Authors: Egginton Jared , Watson Ethan D.
Published: November 2019

We examine whether there is common behavior in limit order cancellation activity, that is, commonality in cancellation activity, on U.S. exchanges. We then examine whether this commonality in cancellation activity is associated with increased levels of return comovement and commonality in liquidity. We document strong evidence of limit order traders exhibiting exchange, industry, marketwide, and stock‐level commonality with regard to cancellation activity, which is consistent with limit order traders exhibiting correlated trading behavior. We also find that this correlated behavior in cancellation activity is associated with increased levels of return comovement and commonality in liquidity.
Distraction using virtual reality for children during intravenous injections in an emergency department: A randomised trial
Authors: Chen Yen‐Ju , Cheng Su‐Fen , Lee Pi‐Chang , Lai Chi‐Hsiu , Hou I‐Ching , Chen Chi‐Wen
Published: November 2019

Aim and objectives

To determine whether the virtual reality as a distracting intervention could reduce pain and fear in school‐age children receiving intravenous injections at an emergency department.

Background

An intravenous injection is the most common invasive procedure that paediatric patients encounter in emergency department. School‐age children seldom show their fear or discomfort during the procedure which may be ignored.

Design

A randomised controlled trial was conducted from December 2017–May 2018 and performed according to the CONSORT guidelines.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐six children aged 7–12 years were randomly allocated to receive either a routine intravenous injection procedure or one with an immersive virtual reality experience. Children were asked to rate their pain and fear along with their caregivers and nurses on the Wong–Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale, respectively. The time required for successful intravenous insertion was also assessed in the emergency department. Clinical trial registration was done (ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT04081935).

Results

Pain and fear scores were significantly lower in the virtual reality group, as were the children's ratings as perceived by their caregivers and nurses. The children's ratings of pain and fear were positively correlated with the caregivers’ ratings and the nurses' ratings as well. The time required for successful intravenous insertion was significantly lower in the virtual reality group.

Conclusion

Visual reality intervention can effectively reduce the pain and fear during intravenous procedure in school‐age children in emergency department.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this study indicate the feasible clinical value of virtual reality interventions during the administration of intravenous injections in school‐age children in emergency departments.
Nurses' evidence‐based practice knowledge, attitudes and implementation: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alqahtani Naji , Oh Kyeung M. , Kitsantas Panagiota , Rodan Margaret
Published: November 2019

Aim and Objectives

To examine the influence of staff nurses’ individual factors on knowledge, attitudes and implementation of evidence‐based practice in Saudi Arabia and to identify facilitators and barriers to evidence‐based practice implementation.

Background

Evidence‐based practice has been considered as a key for healthcare quality measure. The literature, however, shows that nurses worldwide are not implementing evidence‐based practice as expected and recommended by governing agencies. In Saudi Arabia, evidence‐based practice implementation has not been addressed sufficiently.

Design

A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used. We have complied with the guidelines of STROBE Checklist in presenting this research. A convenience sample of staff nurses (n = 227) was selected from four hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey questions included the Evidence‐based Practice Questionnaire and individual factors. Data were analysed using multiple linear regression models.

Results

Attitudes towards evidence‐based practice had the highest mean followed by evidence‐based practice knowledge and implementation means. Evidence‐based practice training and research involvement were associated with knowledge in the bivariate and multivariate analyses. None of the individual factors were associated with attitudes. However, knowledge was associated with attitudes. Knowledge and attitudes influenced evidence‐based practice implementation positively. Unexpectedly, receiving evidence‐based practice training made it more difficult for nurses to participate in evidence‐based practice implementation process. We found that attitudes partially mediated the relationship between knowledge and evidence‐based practice implementation.

Conclusion

Nurses in Saudi Arabia are willing to be involved in the evidence‐based practice process. However, nurses identified that they need to improve their knowledge and skills in order to be active participants in the process.

Relevance to clinical practice

Organisations and nursing leadership may benefit from developing a comprehensive strategy to promote staff nurses’ involvement in the evidence‐based practice process through providing continuing education and mentoring programmes about evidence‐based practice.
Development of an on-line Raman spectral analytical method for monitoring and endpoint determination of the Cornu Caprae Hircus hydrolysis process
Authors: Yan Xu , Li Wenlong , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Shaoyong , Qu Haibin
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Cornu Caprae Hircus (goat horn, GH), a medicinal animal horn, is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, and hydrolysis is one of the most important processes for GH pretreatment in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In this study, on-line Raman spectroscopy was applied to monitor the GH hydrolysis process by the development of partial least squares (PLS) calibration models for different groups of amino acids.

Methods

Three steps were considered in model development. In the first step, design of experiments (DOE)-based preprocessing method selection was conducted. In the second step, the optimal spectral co-addition number was determined. In the third step, sample selection or reconstruction methods based on hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used to extract or reconstruct representative calibration sets from the pool of hydrolysis process samples and investigated for their ability to improve model performance.

Key findings

This study has shown the feasibility of using on-line Raman spectral analysis for monitoring the GH hydrolysis process based on the designed measurement system and appropriate model development steps.

Conclusions

The proposed Raman-based calibration models are expected to be used in GH hydrolysis process monitoring, leading to more rapid material information acquisition, deeper process understanding, more accurate endpoint determination and thus better product quality consistency.
Effects of IGFBP-3 and GalNAc-T14 on proliferation and cell cycle of glioblastoma cells and its mechanism
Authors: Yang Jiao , Hu Yuhua , Wu Jianliang , Kong Shiqi
Published: November 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of IGFBP-3 and GalNAc-T14 on the proliferation and cell cycle of glioblastoma cells and to explore the mechanisms of action.

Methods

U87MG and U251MG glioblastoma cells were treated with recombinant human IGFBP-3 (rhIGFBP-3). Furthermore, IGFBP-3-overexpressed cells and cells co-overexpressing IGFBP-3 and GalNAc-T14 were constructed by transfection. Cell viability, cell colony formation ability, cell cycle and protein expression were determined by MTT assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting, respectively.

Key findings

Both rhIGFBP-3 treatment and overexpression of IGFBP-3 induced the proliferation, colony formation, and G1/S phase transformation of U87MG and U251MG cells. In addition, the expression of cyclinE, CDK2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins was up-regulated in the cells. In cells co-overexpressing, IGFBP-3 and GalNAc-T14, cell proliferation, colony formation and G1/S phase transformation were inhibited, and the expression of CyclinE, CDK2 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly down-regulated, when compared with IGFBP-3-overexpressed cells.

Conclusions

IGFBP-3 can promote the proliferation, colony formation and G1/S phase transformation of U87MG and U251MG cells, which may be related to the activation of ERK signalling pathway and the up-regulation of cyclinE and CDK2 proteins. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that GalNAc-T14 can inhibit the functions of IGFBP-3.
A botanical drug composed of three herbal materials attenuates the sensorimotor gating deficit and cognitive impairment induced by MK-801 in mice
Authors: Koo Bokyung , Bae Ho Jung , Goo Nayeon , Kim Jaehoon , Kim Jihyun , Cai Mudan , Jung In Ho , Cho Kyungnam , Jung Seo Yun , Chang Suk Woo , Jang Dae Sik , Ryu Jong Hoon
Published: November 2019

Objectives

A botanical drug derived from the ethanolic extract composed of Clematis chinensis Osbeck (Ranunculaceae), Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz (Cucurbitaceae) and Prunella vulgaris Linné (Lamiaceae) has been used to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis as an ethical drug in Korea. In our study, we investigated the effect of this herbal complex extract (HCE) on schizophrenia-like behaviours induced by MK-801.

Methods

HCE (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o) was orally administered to male ICR mice to a schizophrenia-like animal model induced by MK-801. We conducted an acoustic startle response task, an open-field task, a novel object recognition task and a social novelty preference task.

Key findings

We found that a single administration of HCE (100 or 300 mg/kg) ameliorated MK-801-induced abnormal behaviours including sensorimotor gating deficits and social or object recognition memory deficits. In addition, MK-801-induced increases in phosphorylated Akt and GSK-3β expression levels in the prefrontal cortex were reversed by HCE (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg).

Conclusions

These results imply that HCE ameliorates MK-801-induced dysfunctions in prepulse inhibition, social interactions and cognitive function, partly by regulating the Akt and GSK-3β signalling pathways.
Evidence That Inconsistent Gene Prediction Can Mislead Analysis of Dinoflagellate Genomes
Authors: Chen Yibi , González‐Pech Raúl A. , Stephens Timothy G. , Bhattacharya Debashish , Chan Cheong Xin
Published: November 2019

Comparative algal genomics often relies on predicted genes from de novo assembled genomes. However, the artifacts introduced by different gene‐prediction approaches, and their impact on comparative genomic analysis remain poorly understood. Here, using available genome data from six dinoflagellate species in the Symbiodiniaceae, we identified methodological biases in the published genes that were predicted using different approaches and putative contaminant sequences in the published genome assemblies. We developed and applied a comprehensive customized workflow to predict genes from these genomes. The observed variation among predicted genes resulting from our workflow agreed with current understanding of phylogenetic relationships among these taxa, whereas the variation among the previously published genes was largely biased by the distinct approaches used in each instance. Importantly, these biases affect the inference of homologous gene families and synteny among genomes, thus impacting biological interpretation of these data. Our results demonstrate that a consistent gene‐prediction approach is critical for comparative analysis of dinoflagellate genomes.
Semistatic and sparse variance‐optimal hedging
Authors: Di Tella Paolo , Haubold Martin , Keller‐Ressel Martin
Published: November 2019

We consider the problem of hedging a contingent claim with a “semistatic” strategy composed of a dynamic position in one asset and static (buy‐and‐hold) positions in other assets. We give general representations of the optimal strategy and the hedging error under the criterion of variance optimality and provide tractable formulas using Fourier integration in case of the Heston model. We also consider the problem of optimally selecting a sparse semistatic hedging strategy, i.e., a strategy that only uses a small subset of available hedging assets and discuss parallels to the variable‐selection problem in linear regression. The methods developed are illustrated in an extended numerical example where we compute a sparse semistatic hedge for a variance swap using European options as static hedging assets.
Inter‐facility transfers for advanced critical care services: Impacts on rural families
Authors: Burns Margie , Petrucka Pammla
Published: November 2019

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this article is to provide an integrative review of rural family members' experiences of a relative's inter‐facility transfer to an urban tertiary care centre for advanced critical care services.

Background

Although there is an increasing awareness of the negative consequences of a relative's critical illness for family members, there has been limited research conducted on the impacts of this experience for families of patients in rural settings who require an inter‐facility transfer for advanced services.

Search strategy

The search strategy for this review was framed by the study purpose, research question, and a conceptual structure of key constructs. Databases and reference lists were electronically and manually searched.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Articles were included if they were research articles, available in English, and focused on family members' experiences of inter‐facility transfer during critical illness. Articles focusing on critical care transfers within a single urban setting, elective transfers undertaken for patient or family preference, transfers not associated with critical illness, and systematic or scoping reviews were excluded.

Conclusion

Stress and anxiety are central to the rural family members' experience of this phenomenon. These constructs are influenced by modifiable factors, including the actions of health care providers, the financial burden associated with the transfer, the family members' physical proximity to the patient, and their access to information and support networks. Further research is required to explore potential short‐ and long‐term consequences of this experience and the experience of family members who are left behind and to develop and test interventions to support families.

Relevance to clinical practice

This review highlights the concern that health care providers frequently misunderstand the needs of family members who are experiencing this phenomenon. Through a better understanding of this phenomenon, health care providers will be better positioned to effectively support these individuals during this unique experience.
Comparative spatial lipidomics analysis reveals cellular lipid remodelling in different developmental zones of barley roots in response to salinity
Authors: Sarabia Lenin D. , Boughton Berin A. , Rupasinghe Thusitha , Callahan Damien L. , Hill Camilla B. , Roessner Ute
Published: November 2019

Salinity‐induced metabolic, ionic, and transcript modifications in plants have routinely been studied using whole plant tissues, which do not provide information on spatial tissue responses. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the lipid profiles in a spatial manner and to quantify the changes in the elemental composition in roots of seedlings of four barley cultivars before and after a short‐term salt stress. We used a combination of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging, and reverse transcription – quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction platforms to examine the molecular signatures of lipids, ions, and transcripts in three anatomically different seminal root tissues before and after salt stress. We found significant changes to the levels of major lipid classes including a decrease in the levels of lysoglycerophospholipids, ceramides, and hexosylceramides and an increase in the levels of glycerophospholipids, hydroxylated ceramides, and hexosylceramides. Our results revealed that modifications to lipid and transcript profiles in plant roots in response to a short‐term salt stress may involve recycling of major lipid species, such as phosphatidylcholine, via resynthesis from glycerophosphocholine.
A NAC‐type transcription factor confers aluminium resistance by regulating cell wall‐associated receptor kinase 1 and cell wall pectin
Authors: Lou He Qiang , Fan Wei , Jin Jian Feng , Xu Jia Meng , Chen Wei Wei , Yang Jian Li , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: November 2019

Transcriptional regulation is important for plants to respond to toxic effects of aluminium (Al). However, our current knowledge to these events is confined to a few transcription factors. Here, we functionally characterized a rice bean (Vigna umbellata) NAC‐type transcription factor, VuNAR1, in terms of Al stress response. We demonstrated that rice bean VuNAR1 is a nuclear‐localized transcriptional activator, whose expression was specifically upregulated by Al in roots but not in shoot. VuNAR1 overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibit improved Al resistance via Al exclusion. However, VuNAR1‐mediated Al exclusion is independent of the function of known Al‐resistant genes. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that VuNAR1 specifically regulates the expression of genes associated with protein phosphorylation and cell wall modification in Arabidopsis. Transient expression assay demonstrated the direct transcriptional activation of cell wall‐associated receptor kinase 1 (WAK1) by VuNAR1. Moreover, yeast one‐hybrid assays and MEME motif searches identified a new VuNAR1‐specific binding motif in the promoter of WAK1. Compared with wild‐type Arabidopsis plants, VuNAR1 overexpressing plants have higher WAK1 expression and less pectin content. Taken together, our results suggest that VuNAR1 regulates Al resistance by regulating cell wall pectin metabolism via directly binding to the promoter of WAK1 and induce its expression.
Functional evaluation of the various calculation methods for precompression stress
Authors: De Pue Jan , Di Emidio Gemmina , Bezuijen Adam , Cornelis Wim M.
Published: November 2019

Precompression stress (σp) is commonly used as an indicator for the load carrying capacity of a soil and its stress history. Several calculation methods have been proposed to determine σp, but they have proven to be not interchangeable. The aim of this study was to perform a functional evaluation of seven existing methods to test which method would be most recommended to assess soil strength in cultivated fields. This was achieved by investigating the relation of the obtained σp of undisturbed soil samples to other soil properties and stress history. Additionally, the robustness of the methods was evaluated by checking their sensitivity to perturbation of the measured strains. The two most commonly used methods, the Casagrande method and Gompertz model fit method, were found to be the least suitable to calculate σp. These methods lack robustness and do not yield a significant relation with the relevant soil properties or stress history. Better results were obtained with Intersecting linear regressions or at the inflection point of a fourth‐degree polynomial.
Maternal sepsis update: current management and controversies
Authors: Greer Orene , Shah Nishel Mohan , Johnson Mark R
Published: November 2019

Key content

Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, globally and in the UK.

In pregnancy and the puerperium, women may be more susceptible to rapid deterioration of illness following an infection.

Sepsis has a complex pathophysiology and the immunological and cardiovascular adaptations of normal pregnancy may have an adverse impact on the maternal response to infection. Furthermore, physiological changes of pregnancy, which mimic those of sepsis, often delay recognition and optimal management.

‘Bedside’ identification of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance patterns may help to improve clinical outcomes.

Recent updates in sepsis management, areas of controversy and the importance of translational research and clinical trials for pregnancy and the puerperium are discussed.

Learning objectives

To highlight the difficulties of diagnosing sepsis in pregnancy.

To highlight recent updates, new definitions and controversies of current sepsis management.

To highlight the potential for research to develop novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents specific to the pregnant woman.

Ethical issues

Sepsis research involving new technologies differentially benefits high‐income countries compared with low‐/middle‐income countries despite the greatest burden of maternal sepsis being in the latter.

With the current rapid evolution of omic technology platforms, greater affordability will provide greater accessibility.
PEATmoss (Physcomitrella Expression Atlas Tool): a unified gene expression atlas for the model plant Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Fernandez‐Pozo Noe , Haas Fabian B. , Meyberg Rabea , Ullrich Kristian K. , Hiss Manuel , Perroud Pierre‐François , Hanke Sebastian , Kratz Viktor , Powell Adrian F. , Vesty Eleanor F. , Daum Christopher G. , Zane Matthew , Lipzen Anna , Sreedasyam Avinash , Grimwood Jane , Coates Juliet C. , Barry Kerrie , Schmutz Jeremy , Mueller Lukas A. , Rensing Stefan A.
Published: November 2019

Physcomitrella patens is a bryophyte model plant that is often used to study plant evolution and development. Its resources are of great importance for comparative genomics and evo‐devo approaches. However, expression data from Physcomitrella patens were so far generated using different gene annotation versions and three different platforms: CombiMatrix and NimbleGen expression microarrays and RNA sequencing. The currently available P. patens expression data are distributed across three tools with different visualization methods to access the data. Here, we introduce an interactive expression atlas, Physcomitrella Expression Atlas Tool (PEATmoss), that unifies publicly available expression data for P. patens and provides multiple visualization methods to query the data in a single web‐based tool. Moreover, PEATmoss includes 35 expression experiments not previously available in any other expression atlas. To facilitate gene expression queries across different gene annotation versions, and to access P. patens annotations and related resources, a lookup database and web tool linked to PEATmoss was implemented. PEATmoss can be accessed at https://peatmoss.online.uni-marburg.de
Association between perceived psychological stress and cognitive decline in aging: a systematic review protocol
Authors: de Souza-Talarico Juliana Nery , Benavente Sonia Betzabeth Ticona , Alves Andrea Regiani , de Motta Maia Flávia Oliveira , Costa Ana Lúcia Siqueira
Published: November 2019

Review question/objective

: The objective of this review is to identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the association between perceived psychological stress and cognitive decline in aging.
Modeling of 3D Rock Porous Media by Combining X-Ray CT and Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Lin Wei , Li Xizhe , Yang Zhengming , Xiong Shengchun , Luo Yutian , Zhao Xinli
Published: November 2019

Rocks contain multi-scale pore structures, with dimensions ranging from nano- to sample-scale, the inherent tradeoff between imaging resolution and sample size limits the simultaneous characterization of macro-pores and micro-pores using single-resolution imaging. Here, we developed a new hybrid digital rock modeling approach to cope with this open challenge. We first used micron-CT to construct the 3D macro-pore digital rock of tight sandstone, then performed high-resolution SEM on the three orthogonal surfaces of sandstone sample, thus reconstructed the 3D micro-pore digital rock by Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method; finally, we superimposed the macro-pore and micro-pore digital rocks to achieve the integrated digital rock. Maximal ball algorithm was used to extract pore-network parameters of digital rocks, and numerical simulations were completed with Lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM). The results indicate that the integrated digital rock has anisotropy and good connectivity comparable with the real rock, and porosity, pore-throat parameters and intrinsic permeability from simulations agree well with the values acquired from experiments. In addition, the proposed approach improves the accuracy and scale of digital rock modeling and can deal with heterogeneous porous media with multi-scale pore-throat system.
Numerical Investigation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Performance Characterization Using New Variable Pitch Control Scheme
Authors: Mohammed Amin A. , Sahin Ahmet Z. , Ouakad Hassen M.
Published: November 2019

A double multiple streamtube model coupled with variable pitch methodology is used to analyze the performance characteristics of a small-scale straight-bladed Darrieus type vertical axis wind turbine (SB-VAWT). The numerical study revealed that a fixed pitch of −2.5 deg could greatly enhance the performance of the wind turbine. However, no improvement is observed in the starting torque capacity. Furthermore, the performance of upwind and downwind zones has been investigated, and it is found that the VAWT starting capacity is improved by increasing/decreasing the pitch angle upwind/downwind of the turbine. To optimize the performance, four cases of variable pitch angle schemes of sinusoidal nature were examined. The parameters of the sinusoidal functions were optimized using differential evolution (DE) algorithm with different cost functions. The results showed improvement in the power coefficient, yet with low starting capacity enhancement. Among the objective functions used in DE algorithm, the negative of the average power coefficient is found to lead to the best starting capacity with moderate peak power coefficient.
Corner vowels in males and females ages 4 to 20 years: Fundamental and F1–F4 formant frequencies
Authors: Vorperian Houri K. , Kent Raymond D. , Lee Yen , Bolt Daniel M.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine the developmental trajectory of the four corner vowels' fundamental frequency (fo) and the first four formant frequencies (F1–F4), and to assess when speaker-sex differences emerge. Five words per vowel, two of which were produced twice, were analyzed for fo and estimates of the first four formants frequencies from 190 (97 female, 93 male) typically developing speakers ages 4–20 years old. Findings revealed developmental trajectories with decreasing values of fo and formant frequencies. Sex differences in fo emerged at age 7. The decrease of fo was larger in males than females with a marked drop during puberty. Sex differences in formant frequencies appeared at the earliest age under study and varied with vowel and formant. Generally, the higher formants (F3-F4) were sensitive to sex differences. Inter- and intra-speaker variability declined with age but had somewhat different patterns, likely reflective of maturing motor control that interacts with the changing anatomy. This study reports a source of developmental normative data on fo and the first four formants in both sexes. The different developmental patterns in the first four formants and vowel-formant interactions in sex differences likely point to anatomic factors, although speech-learning phenomena cannot be discounted.
Sensitivity analysis of a parabolic equation model to ground impedance and surface roughness for wind turbine noise
Authors: Kayser Bill , Gauvreau Benoit , Ecotière David
Published: November 2019

Input parameters of outdoor sound prediction models are related to environmental phenomena, such as atmospheric conditions and ground properties, which are variable in both time and space. In order to obtain reliable predictions, it is essential to get information on uncertainties by quantifying the sensitivity of numerical or analytical models to their input parameters, and thus determine the inputs that will be the main source of uncertainties. This paper focuses on ground parameters impact on sound propagation considering wind turbine noise. First, the implementation of ground roughness in a parabolic equation model validated against scale model measurements and analytical solution is proposed. Then, the sensitivity of the model to its ground parameters is performed with the Morris' screening method in order to access their relative influences. Three parameters are considered: the ground absorption through the airflow resistivity, the ground roughness through the roughness height, and correlation length. Results clearly show that the variations of ground roughness induce non-negligible differences in sound pressure levels regarding the ground absorption, even for high height sound source, i.e., nongrazing incidence.
Emergence of Ceftriaxone Resistance during a Case of Pneumococcal Meningitis with Fatal Evolution
Authors: Mizrahi A. , Marvaud J. C. , Pilmis B. , Nguyen Van J. C. , Couzigou C. , Bruel C. , Engrand N. , Le Monnier A. , Lambert T.
Published: November 2019

We report a case of a 62-year-old man treated for
Streptococcus pneumoniae
meningitis by ceftriaxone and dexamethasone. After neurological improvement, neurological degradation by vasculitis occurred, despite effective concentrations of ceftriaxone in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
S. pneumoniae
with increased MICs to third-generation-cephalosporins (3GC) was isolated from the ventricular fluid 10 days after the isolation of the first strain. Isolate analysis showed that a mutation in the penicillin-binding protein 2X (PBP2X) has occurred under treatment.
Control of Waterborne Human Viruses by Indigenous Bacteria and Protists Is Influenced by Temperature, Virus Type, and Microbial Species
Authors: Olive Margot , Gan Charles , Carratalà Anna , Kohn Tamar
Published: November 2019

Waterborne human viruses can persist in the environment, causing a risk to human health over long periods of time. In this work, we demonstrate that in both freshwater and seawater environments, indigenous bacteria and protists can graze on waterborne viruses and thereby reduce their persistence. We furthermore demonstrate that the efficiency of the grazing process depends on temperature, virus type, and protist species. These findings may facilitate the design of biological methods for the disinfection of water and wastewater.
Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis in 2019
Authors: Latgé Jean-Paul , Chamilos Georgios
Published: November 2019

Aspergillus fumigatus
is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality.
Naturally Occurring and Engineered Alphaviruses Sensitive to Double-Stranded-RNA-Activated Protein Kinase Show Restricted Translation in Mammalian Cells, Increased Sensitivity to Interferon, and Marked Oncotropism
Authors: Toribio René , Díaz-López Irene , Berlanga Juan José , Molina-Jiménez Francisca , Majano Pedro , Ventoso Iván
Published: November 2019

Interferons (IFNs) induce the expression of a number of antiviral genes that protect the cells of vertebrates against viruses and other microbes. The susceptibility of cells to viruses greatly depends on the level and activity of these antiviral effectors but also on the ability of viruses to counteract this antiviral response. Here, we found that the level of one of the main IFN effectors in the cell, the dsRNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), greatly determines the permissiveness of cells to alphaviruses that lack mechanisms to counteract its activation. These naive viruses also showed a hypersensitivity to IFN, suggesting that acquisition of IFN resistance (even partial) has probably been involved in expanding the host range of alphaviruses in the past. Interestingly, some of these naive viruses showed a marked oncotropism for some tumor cell lines derived from human hepatocarcinoma (HCC), opening the possibility of their use in oncolytic therapy to treat human tumors.
Candida albicans Impacts Staphylococcus aureus Alpha-Toxin Production via Extracellular Alkalinization
Authors: Todd Olivia A. , Noverr Mairi C. , Peters Brian M.
Published: November 2019

Candida albicans
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are commonly coisolated from central venous catheters and deep-seated infections, including intra-abdominal sepsis. Thus, they represent a significant cause of nosocomial morbidity and mortality. Yet how these organisms behave in the context of polymicrobial growth remains poorly understood. In this work, we set out to determine the mechanism by which activation of the staphylococcal
agr
quorum sensing system and production of its major virulence effector alpha-toxin is enhanced during coculture with
C. albicans
. Surprisingly, we likely ruled out that a secreted candidal factor drives this process. Instead, we demonstrated that alkalinization of the extracellular milieu by
C. albicans
and other
Candida
species correlated with elevated
agr
activity. Thus, we propose a mechanism where modulation of the extracellular pH by fungal opportunists can indirectly alter virulence of a bacterial pathogen. Uncovering molecular events that drive interkingdom pathogenicity mechanisms may enhance surveillance and treatment for devastating polymicrobial infections.
К ВНУТРИВИДОВОМУ РАЗНООБРАЗИЮ ALLIUM SCHOENOPRASUM (ALLIACEAE) НА ТИХООКЕАНСКОМ ПОБЕРЕЖЬЕ РОССИИ, "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: КОЛДАЕВА М.Н.
Published: November 2019

Приведено описание новой разновидности Allium schoenoprasum (sect. Schoenoprasum Dumort.), приуроченной к супралиторали морского берега, охарактеризованы условия естественного произрастания и изменение ряда признаков при культивировании.
ВЛИЯНИЕ ВЕТРА НА СТРОЕНИЕ И БИОМЕХАНИКУ ЛИСТЬЕВ CORYLUS COLURNA (BETULACEAE), "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: НЕЦВЕТОВ М.В.
Published: November 2019

Изучены анатомо-морфологические и биомеханические особенности листьев Corylus colurna из защищенного и открытого для ветра мест произрастания. Адаптация листьев к действию ветра в период их формирования состоит в снижении площади листовых пластинок, укорочении и утолщении черешков при одновременном возрастании гибкости за счет увеличения относительного объема колленхимы и паренхимы и его снижения в склеренхиме. Действие ветра приводит к увеличению абсолютной площади проводящих пучков и росту гидравлической проводимости черешков.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ СТРОЕНИЯ ПЕРИКАРПИЯ ВИДОВ РОДА STROGANOWIA (CRUCIFERAE), "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: КАРПОВА А.П. , ЯКОВЛЕВА О.В.
Published: November 2019

Изучено строение перикарпия у 21 вида рода Stroganowia и 3 видов рода Lepidium. На основании строения основного механического слоя и распределения клеток механической ткани у центрального проводящего пучка у видов рода Stroganowia выделены 3 основных типа строения перикарпия. Полученные данные подтвердили необходимость исключения S. litwinowii и S. tiehmii из рода Stroganowia. Распределение видов по типам перикарпия не совпало с существующим делением рода на секции (Павлов, 1939; Бочанцев, 1984). Ранее при выделении секций рода Stroganowia принимался во внимание в основном тип жилкования листьев, но созданные на этой основе секции оказались неоднородными в анатомическом плане.
ЭВОЛЮЦИОННО-МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКИХ ПРИЗНАКОВ ВИДОВ РОДА LEYMUS (POACEAE) АЗИАТСКОЙ РОССИИ, "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: БАЙКОВ К.С. , ЛИПИН А.С.
Published: November 2019

Впервые выполнено моделирование эволюционно-морфологических связей 24 видов рода Ley-mus, распространенных на территории Азиатской России, с использованием метода SYNAP. В базаль-ной части полученной схемы сгруппированы виды типовой секции Leymus. Наиболее обособленное положение в секции Leymus занимает L. mollis. Виды секции Anisopyrum группируются в средней части эволюционной схемы. Они не образуют обособленной группы и перемежаются с видами секции Aphanoneuron. Существование тесных эволюционно-морфологических связей между видами секций Anisopyrum и Aphanoneuron подтверждается их значительном сходством и относительно молодым возрастом изученной группы.
НОВЫЕ ВИДЫ РОДА ROSA (ROSACEAE) ИЗ РОСТОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ, "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: МИРОНОВА Н.В.
Published: November 2019

Описаны 2 новых для науки вида карликовых шиповников Rosa dubovikiae и R. mutabile из секции Gallicanae DC., найденных в Ростовской области.
ДОПОЛНЕНИЕ К ФЛОРЕ ДАГЕСТАНА, "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: МУРТАЗАЛИЕВ Р.А. , ТЕЙМУРОВ А.А. , ЯРОВЕНКО Е.В.
Published: November 2019

Приводятся сведения о 5 новых для флоры Дагестана видах.
FLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF EMPETRUM HERMAPHRODITUM (ERICACEAE), "БОТАНИЧЕСКИЙ ЖУРНАЛ"
Authors: VISLOBOKOV N.A. , SOKOLOFF D.D. , KORYAKIN A.S.
Published: November 2019

Flowers of most Ericaceae are characterized by pentamery and sympetaly. Empetrum is one of the members of Ericaceae that deviate from this flower groundplan. Due to differences in floral morphology, earlier classifications places Empetrum in a distinct family, Empetraceae belonging to various orders. Perianth of Empetrum is composed by two trimerous whorls of free phyllomes. Different authors interpret it as either simple (with tepals) or double (with sepias and petals). The paper presents scanning electron microscopic data on flower development in Empetrum hermaphroditum. Developmental data suggest that the perianth should be interpreted as double one. Petals are free in anthetic flower and rudiments of corolla tube are not found in early stages of flower development. In this respect, Empetrum differs from some other Ericaceae with free petals in anthetic flowers (such as Rhodonendron tomentosum- Leins, 1964) where rudiments of corolla tube can be traced early in development. In both cases, secondary loss of sympetaly should be assumed. In contrast to another, unrelated genus of Ericaceae bearing flowers with three petals (Tripetaleia-Nishino, 1988) no signs of 'cryptic pentamery' can be traced in flowers of Empetrum. Different patterns of carpel arrangement are documented in Empetrum. Polymerous gynoecium of Empetrum is interpreted as an apomorphic character state derived from a gynoecium isomerous to perianth whorls.