bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter‐individual variability in atrasentan exposure partly explains variability in kidney protection and fluid retention responses: A post hoc analysis of the SONAR trial
Authors: Koomen Jeroen V. , Stevens Jasper , Bakris George , Correa‐Rotter Ricardo , Hou Fan Fan , Kitzman Dalane W. , Kohan Donald , Makino Hirofumi , McMurray John J. V. , Parving Hans‐Henrik , Perkovic Vlado , Tobe Sheldon W. , de Zeeuw Dick , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate whether atrasentan plasma exposure explains between‐patient variability in urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (UACR) response, a surrogate for kidney protection, and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) response, a surrogate for fluid expansion.

Methods

Type 2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (n = 4775) received 0.75 mg atrasentan for 6 weeks in the active run‐in period. Individual area under the concentration‐time‐curve (AUC) was estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model. The association between atrasentan AUC, other clinical characteristics, and UACR and BNP response, was estimated using linear regression.

Results

The median atrasentan AUC was 43.8 ng.h/mL with a large variation among patients (2.5th‐97.5th percentiles [P]: 12.6 to 197.5 ng.h/mL). Median UACR change at the end of enrichment was −36.0% and median BNP change was 8.7%, which also varied among patients (UACR, 2.5th‐97.5th P: −76.2% to 44.5%; BNP, 2.5th‐97.5th P: −71.5% to 300.0%). In the multivariable analysis, higher atrasentan AUC was associated with greater UACR reduction (4.88% per doubling in ng.h/mL [95% confidence interval {CI}: 6.21% to 3.52%], P < .01) and greater BNP increase (3.08% per doubling in ng.h/mL [95% CI: 1.12% to 4.11%], P < .01) independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemoglobin or BNP. Caucasian patients compared with black patients had greater UACR reduction (7.06% [95% CI: 1.38% to 13.07%]) and also greater BNP increase (8.75% [95% CI: 1.65% to 15.35%]). UACR response was not associated with BNP response (r = 0.06).

Conclusion

Atrasentan plasma exposure varied among individual patients and partially explained between‐patient variability in efficacy and safety response.
Does the electrode amplification style matter? A comparison of active and passive EEG system configurations during standing and walking
Authors: Scanlon Joanna E. M. , Jacobsen Nadine Svenja Josée , Maack Marike C. , Debener Stefan
Published: November 2020

It has been stated that active‐transmission electrodes should improve signal quality in mobile EEG recordings. However, few studies have directly compared active‐ and passive‐transmission electrodes during a mobile task. In this repeated measurement study, we investigated the performance of active and passive signal transmission electrodes with the same amplifier system in their respective typical configurations, during a mobile auditory task. The task was an auditory discrimination (1,000 vs. 800 Hz; counterbalanced) oddball task using approximately 560 trials (15% targets) for each condition. Eighteen participants performed the auditory oddball task both while standing and walking in an outdoor environment. While walking, there was a significant decrease in P3 amplitude, post‐trial rejection trial numbers, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). No significant differences were found in signal quality between the two electrode configurations. SNR and P3 amplitude were test‐retest reliable between recordings. We conclude that adequate use of a passive EEG electrode system achieves signal quality equivalent to that of an active system during a mobile task.
The neural bases of spatial attention and perceptual rhythms
Authors: Gaillard Corentin , Ben Hamed Suliann
Published: November 2020

Attentional processes allow the brain to overcome its processing capacities limitations by enhancing relevant visual information and suppressing irrelevant information. Thus attention plays a critical role, shaping our perception of the world. Several models have been proposed to describe the neuronal bases of attention and its mechanistic underlyings. Recent electrophysiological evidence show that attentional processes rely on oscillatory brain activities that correlate with rhythmic changes in cognitive performance. In the present review, we first take a historical perspective on how attention is viewed, from the initial spotlight theory of attention to the recent dynamic view of attention selection and we review their supporting psychophysical evidence. Based on recent prefrontal electrophysiological evidence, we refine the most recent models of attention sampling by proposing a rhythmic and continuous model of attentional sampling. In particular, we show that attention involves a continuous exploration of space, shifting within and across visual hemifield at specific alpha and theta rhythms, independently of the current attentional load. In addition, we show that this prefrontal attentional spotlight implements conjointly selection and suppression mechanisms, and is captured by salient incoming items. Last, we argue that this attention spotlight implements a highly flexible alternation of attentional exploration and exploitation epochs, depending on ongoing task contingencies. In a last part, we review the local and network oscillatory mechanisms that correlate with rhythmic attentional sampling, describing multiple rhythmic generators and complex network interactions.
Association of oral health factors related to oral function with mortality in older Japanese
Authors: Saito Mizuki , Shimazaki Yoshihiro , Nonoyama Toshiya , Tadokoro Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine the effects of oral health factors related to oral function and their combination on mortality in older people.

Background

Recent studies have reported that oral factors, including oral function, are associated with mortality.

Materials and methods

The participants were 4765 community‐dwelling individuals aged 75 and 80 years. The follow‐up period for survival or death was 3.5 years, and the date of death was defined based on data managed by the insurer. A Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality as dependent variables for oral health factors, including the number of teeth, swallowing disability, oral dryness and oral hygiene and the combinations of oral health factors as independent variables.

Results

In univariate analyses, all four oral health factors were significantly associated with mortality. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, body mass index and medical history, and analysing the oral health factors separately, swallowing difficulty had the highest HR for mortality (adjusted HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.35‐3.33). In the analysis using combinations of oral health factors as the independent variable, the participants with swallowing disability, oral dryness and poor oral hygiene had the highest HR for mortality (adjusted HR, 8.35; 95% CI, 3.45‐21.08).

Conclusion

Oral health factors related to oral function appear to be associated with mortality risk and an accumulation of oral health factors increases mortality risk among older people.
What can a home hemodialysis program offer to patients in a nursing home setting? A case series and feasibility analysis
Authors: Scarpioni Roberto , Ricardi Marco , Manini Alessandra , Chiappini Paola , Ballocchi Laura , Albertazzi Vittorio , DeAmicis Sara , Melfa Luigi , Rocca Chiara , Valsania Teresa , Blanco Valentina , Fenocchio Chiara
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Over the last decades, the number of elderly patients on dialysis has rapidly grown on account of increased life expectancy, improved care and reduced mortality rate. Therefore, cooperation between geriatricians and nephrologists has become mandatory for co‐managing kidney disease in these patients. Based on renewed interest in home hemodialysis (HHD), elderly patients may benefit from not being transported from their home for therapy.

Methods

Here, we report our experience with HHD involving three elderly patients who were followed‐up over a 15‐months period in a nursing home.

Findings

Our experience demonstrates that hospitalization abruptly dropped from 40 days to zero days, the need for erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) diminished, transportation‐related costs for home treatments decreased, and quality of life (QoL) improved. This was confirmed by a questionnaire administered to our patients at the start and again after 6 months of HHD which evaluated the Physical Health Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Health Component Score (MCS).

Discussion

Home hemodialysis may represent an important way to improve social, mental, and physical recovery, while also eliminating the cost of transportation and the discomfort of abandoning their “homes” and daily habits. Home hemodialysis is an effective alternative to in‐center HD or peritoneal dialysis (PD) that should be offered to elderly patients when a home caregiver is not available, nonetheless, nursing assistance is required. Moreover, HHD allows patients to stay at home, thereby avoiding several weekly trips to the dialysis center, and may be useful in reducing infections, especially in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic, as demonstrated by our experience.
Assisted Walking Program on Walking Ability in In‐Hospital Geriatric Patients: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Gazineo Domenica , Godino Lea , Decaro Roberta , Calogero Pietro , Pinto Daniela , Chiari Paolo , Zoli Marco , Ambrosi Elisa
Published: November 2020

Objectives

The main aim of this study was to evaluate if an individualized assisted walking program (IAWP) for hospitalized older patients could improve walking ability compared with usual geriatric care and rehabilitation.

Design

A randomized controlled trial with an active control group, open labeled with parallel assignment was conducted between October 2018 and January 2020.

Setting

Geriatric ward.

Participants

A total of 387 hospitalized patients (≥65 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control (usual‐care) group.

Intervention

The control group received usual hospital care. The intervention group received also an IAWP.

Measurements

The primary endpoint was change in walking ability from hospital admission (considering both current and pre‐admission status) to discharge, as assessed with the Braden Activity subscale measures. The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of in‐hospital adverse events, such as complications of mobility, pressure ulcers, falls, pain and mortality, and the length of hospital stay. Intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses were performed.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between intervention and control groups. The intervention group, relative to the control group, had significantly improved walking ability at discharge (P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of in‐hospital adverse events. No adverse effects were detected.

Conclusion

In in‐hospital patients aged 65 and older, an IAWP improves walking ability at discharge.
Reply to: Comment on: Revascularization in Patients Aged 80 Years and Older with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Phan Derek Q. , Zadegan Ray , Lee Ming‐Sum
Published: November 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Alain Putot
Botulinum toxin type A attenuates hypertrophic scar formation via the inhibition of TGF‐β1/Smad and ERK pathways
Authors: Li Yue‐Hua , Yang Jiaomei , Zheng Zhao , Hu Da‐Hai , Wang Zhi‐Dong
Published: November 2020

Background

Hypertrophic scar is a common complication in would healing process, and how to effectively prevent and treat it has been a hot and difficult research issue. Previous studies have showed that botulinum toxin type A (BTA) has effects on the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar, but little is known about the specific mechanisms.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of BTA on the inhibition of hypertrophic scar formation.

Methods

Hypertrophic scar‐derived human fibroblasts were cultured and then treated with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and various concentrations of BTA. Cell proliferation and viability were measured by CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay and trypan blue staining, respectively. The total amount of collagen was examined using Sirius red staining. Collagen I and Collagen III in the culture supernatant were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the transcription and translation levels.

Results

Our results revealed that BTA decreased the proliferation of hypertrophic scar‐derived human fibroblasts. The mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha‐smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and collagen III induced by TGF‐β1 were inhibited by BTA in a dose‐dependent manner. BTA also inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK.

Conclusion

BTA decreased the proliferation of fibroblasts and prevented overdeposition of ECM through the inhibition of the TGF‐β1/Smad and ERK pathways. The findings of this study provide new scientific reference for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar.
MicroRNA‐101a‐3p could be involved in the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis by mediating UBE2D1 and FZD4
Authors: Mao Dan , Wu Mingsong , Wei Jiying , Zhou Xiangwen , Yang Lan , Chen Fang
Published: November 2020

Background

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease that gradually affects the articular cartilage, synovium, and bone structure. To date, the molecular mechanism of TMJOA pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the biological function of the micro‐ribonucleic acid 101a‐3p (miR‐101a‐3p) and its role in TMJOA.

Methods

We detected the effect of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) on chondrocyte proliferation using Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) technology. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we detected transcription levels of miR‐101a‐3p in a rat model with TMJOA and inflamed chondrocytes, as well as in a group of normal rats. The effect of miR‐101a‐3p on apoptosis was examined in vitro using flow cytometry (FCM). We then analyzed the target of miR‐101a‐3p via bioinformatics and confirmed it using a luciferase reporter assay (LRA).

Results

We showed that IL‐1β could inhibit proliferation of chondrocytes. We found that miR‐101a‐3p levels were significantly lower in the rat inflammation model with TMJOA and inflamed chondrocytes than in the normal group. Additionally, miR‐101a‐3p substantially promoted apoptosis of chondrocytes, and both bioinformatic analyses and LRA found that this miRNA targeted the genes ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme 2D1 (UBE2D1) and Frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4).

Conclusion

Our results suggested that miR‐101a‐3p was involved in the pathogenesis of TMJOA and that its mechanism was probably interaction with its target genes UBE2D1 and FZD4.
Moving Policy Toward a Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Approach to Support Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Authors: Temkin Deborah , Harper Kristen , Stratford Brandon , Sacks Vanessa , Rodriguez Yosmary , Bartlett Jessica D.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

As attention to the potential negative outcomes of childhood trauma has grown, so have calls for schools to take an active role in supporting students experiencing trauma. These calls extend beyond efforts initiated by individual schools to include those mandated by state law, which largely focus on teacher training and on screening for adversity.

METHODS

This article explores the evidence base and limitations for current approaches in state law and explores how policies to address other student health, safety, and wellness issues can help either ameliorate or exacerbate students' experiences with trauma.

RESULTS

Few trainings for nonclinical staff have rigorous evidence of effectiveness, and based on evidence of teacher trainings on other topics, cannot work in environments that do not actively reinforce and encourage the application of that knowledge. Trainings also largely do not acknowledge the structures and systems, including systemic racism within schools, that may contribute to disparate rates of adversity for black and American Indian and Alaskan Native children. Screening carries several risks, including confounding adversity with experiencing trauma, missing broader contextual adversity, and potentially retraumatizing children.

CONCLUSIONS

State policymakers need to take a more holistic approach in creating policies to support students experiencing trauma.
State Laws Matter When It Comes to District Policymaking Relative to the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child Framework
Authors: Chriqui Jamie F. , Leider Julien , Temkin Deborah , Piekarz‐Porter Elizabeth , Schermbeck Rebecca M. , Stuart‐Cassel Victoria
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) framework supports the “whole child” across 10 domains. This study assessed state law and district policy WSCC coverage.

METHODS

Primary legal research was used to compile relevant district policies and state laws for a stratified random sample of 368 public school districts across 20 states for school year 2017‐18. Policies/laws were evaluated on 79 items across the WSCC domains (range: 3‐14 items/domain). Multivariable regressions examined the relationship between state laws and district policies, controlling for district characteristics, and weighted to account for the sample design and non‐response.

RESULTS

On average, district policies and state laws addressed 53% and 60% of the 79 items, respectively. State law predicted district policy WSCC attention across items (coeff. = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.38) and 4 domains: physical activity (coeff. = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.29, 0.86); health services (coeff. = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.39, 0.62); social and emotional climate (coeff. = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.45); and family engagement (coeff. = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.28, 0.54). State law was associated with lower district‐level coverage in 3 domains (health education; counseling, psychological, and social services; and community involvement).

CONCLUSIONS

Although WSCC implementation is locally‐driven, states have an active role to play in setting a policy “floor” for guiding district WSCC attention.
From Consultation to Shared Decision‐Making: Youth Engagement Strategies for Promoting School and Community Wellbeing
Authors: Sprague Martinez Linda , Pufall Jones Elizabeth , Connolly BA Nico
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The benefits of youth engagement are well documented. In this paper, we examine youth engagement in America's Promise Alliance's Every School Healthy initiative, a part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation'sTogether for Healthy and Successful Schools Initiative (THSS).

METHODS

Six community acceleration sites were selected through a competitive grant‐making process. Sites were required to describe youth engagement strategies. A case study design was employed to examine how sites conceptualize youth engagement as well as youth engagement strategies employed across 6 sites. Data sources included observations, team member debriefs, and document review.

RESULTS

There was variation in howyouth engagementandyouth voiceare conceptualized in educational settings, and readiness for youth engagement. Sites actively solicited and implemented youth engagement resources and strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

By failing to engage young people, well‐intentioned adults miss important opportunities. Youth engagement presents an exciting opportunity for school leaders, policymakers, and program planners to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence individual and community health and wellbeing and, in turn, helps them to develop responsive policies and programs.
Every School Healthy: Creating Local Impact Through National Efforts
Authors: Pufall Jones Elizabeth , Hatfield Daniel P. , Connolly Nico
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Whole school, whole community, whole child (WSCC) approaches to education address contexts beyond school that influence young people's academic and life outcomes. These recommended approaches demand mobilization of an array of actors, but such mobilization is challenging. Little research has explored strategies for convening national experts to support local communities.

METHODS

This paper presents a case narrative of Every School Healthy (ESH), a grant‐funded effort to support organizations/school districts in 6 communities building WSCC initiatives by engaging national youth development organizations as expert advisors to ESH and communities. A thematic analysis of the narrative yielded 3 key learnings.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged as key learnings regarding implementation of national‐local initiatives: (1) baseline assessment of local communities should be conducted to identify opportunities for maximizing strengths; (2) national organizations must be flexible with the expertise they bring to the initiative; (3) national organizations should prioritize community‐cultivated solutions and meet communities where they are.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 themes presented in this case narrative offer insights for effectively mobilizing national organizations to support healthy, equitable school environments at the local level.
Drinking tastes of Chinese rice wine under different heating temperatures analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and tribology tests
Authors: Xu Wenhu , Jiang Jianzhong , Xu Qixiang , Zhong Min
Published: November 2020

Drinking tastes and lubrication properties of Chinese rice wine (CRW) under different heating temperatures were studied by tribology tests, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and sensory evaluations. CRW's drinking tastes were evaluated by taste panelists. Flavor compounds were detected by GC–MS. Lubrication properties of CRW were measured by tribometer. Drinking tastes changed under different heating temperatures and were the best at 60°C assessed by panelists. Four key compounds, furfural, benzaldehyde, butanedioic acid diethyl ester, and phenylethyl alcohol, were determined by GC–MS affecting drinking tastes of CRW. Their variation trends were consistent with the changes of CRW's tastes. The variation of CRW's lubrication properties had a positive correlation with that of CRW's taste, especially astringency. The lowest friction coefficient implied the best lubrication performance and taste at 60°C. Therefore, it was possible to rapidly evaluate drinking tastes of CRW using tribology technology based on the results. Reasons for temperatures influencing CRW's lubrication properties and drinking tastes were also analyzed in this study.
Grammatical and Lexical Development During Short‐Term Study Abroad: Exploring L2 Contact and Initial Proficiency
Authors: ISSA BERNARD IBRAHIM , FARETTA–STUTENBERG MANDY , BOWDEN HARRIET WOOD
Published: November 2020

This study examined linguistic development among both intermediate and advanced college‐level second language (L2) learners during short‐term study abroad summer programs in Spain. Participants completed a measure of overall proficiency, as well as assessments of receptive grammatical (morphosyntactic) and lexical (semantic) abilities at the beginning and end of their programs. They also reported their use of and exposure to the target language on a weekly basis while abroad. Analyses explored (a) whether learners in each group made gains in these receptive abilities, and (b) to what extent contact with the L2 and/or initial proficiency accounted for variability in linguistic development across all learners. Results indicated that learners in both groups evidenced significant linguistic gains, in both morphosyntactic and lexical domains for the intermediate‐level learners, and in the lexical domain for the advanced learners. In analyses across all learners, L2 contact did not account for variability in either morphosyntactic or lexical development, whereas higher initial proficiency facilitated some morphosyntactic and lexical development. Results suggest that learners at both intermediate and advanced levels can experience linguistic gains during short‐term study abroad, and that initial proficiency plays a limited role in explaining variability in gains among these learners.
Isolated cortical tuber in an infant with genetically confirmed tuberous sclerosis complex 1 presenting with symptomatic West syndrome
Authors: Miyata Hajime , Fushimi Soichiro , Ota Yoko , Vinters Harry V. , Adachi Kaori , Nanba Eiji , Akiyama Tomoyuki
Published: November 2020

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder caused by mutations in either TSC1 on chromosome 16 or TSC2 on chromosome 9, clinically characterized mainly by facial angiofibroma, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. Cortical dysplasias, subependymal nodules, and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma are characteristic central nervous system lesions among 11 major features in the current clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC. We encountered an unusual case of genetically confirmed TSC1 presenting with symptomatic West syndrome due to an isolated cortical dysplasia in the left occipital lobe of a six‐month‐old male infant who did not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC. The patient underwent left occipital lesionectomy at age 11 months and has been seizure‐free for nearly six years since then. Histological examination of the resection specimen revealed cortical neuronal dyslamination with abundant dysmorphic neurons and ballooned cells, consistent with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type IIb. However, the lesion was also accompanied by unusual features, including marked calcifications, dense fibrillary gliosis containing abundant Rosenthal fibers, CD34‐positive glial cells with abundant long processes confined to the dysplastic cortex, and multiple nodular lesions occupying the underlying white matter, consisting exclusively of ballooned cell and/or balloon‐like astrocytes with focal calcifications. Genetic testing for TSC1 and TSC2 using the patient's peripheral blood revealed a germline heterozygous mutation in exon 7 (NM_000368.5: c.526dupT, p.Tyr176fs) in TSC1. Isolated FCD with unusual features such as calcification, dense fibrillary gliosis, Rosenthal fibers and/or subependymal nodule‐like lesions in the white matter may indicate the possibility of a cortical tuber even without a clinical diagnosis of TSC. Identification of such histopathological findings has significant implications for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of TSC, and is likely to serve as an important supplementary feature for the current clinical diagnostic criteria for TSC.
Hydrogen and methane breath test results are negatively associated with IBS and may reflect transit time in post‐surgical patients
Authors: Essa Hani , Hamdy Shaheen , Green Darren , Lal Simon , McLaughlin John , Hoffmann Sandra , Leitao Eugena , Paine Peter
Published: November 2020

Background

Contention surrounds hydrogen and methane breath tests as putative measures of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics associated with positive and negative results to help clarify their role.

Methods

525 glucose hydrogen/methane breath tests completed over 3 years were analyzed to look for positively and negatively associated predictive factors. Characteristics such as height and weight and underlying medical conditions, medications, and surgical history were collated.

Key results

There were 85 and 42 positive hydrogen and methane tests, respectively. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (HR = 0.17, p = 0.004) and those with a higher body mass index (HR = 0.93, p = 0.004) were significantly less likely to have a positive test. Patients who underwent the test post‐surgically were significantly more likely to have a positive test (HR = 2.76, p = 0.001). A sub‐analysis of post‐surgical patients by type and region of surgical resection demonstrated that none were statistically more likely than the next to have a positive test. However, for the surgical group as a whole the number of motility‐depressing drugs taken (such as opioids) was associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of a positive test (HR = 0.752, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that patients with a diagnosis of IBS are statistically less likely to have a positive test and it is of limited utility in this group. Post‐surgical patients are more likely to have a positive test, possibly secondary to fast transit rather than bacterial overgrowth, as suggested by a significantly negative association with motility‐suppressing drugs in this sub‐group.
Seasonal time constraints shape life history, physiology and behaviour independently, and decouple a behavioural syndrome in a damselfly
Authors: Tüzün Nedim , Savaşçı Beste Başak , Stoks Robby
Published: November 2020

The integration of traits into ‘syndromes' has been suggested as a useful framework to advance insights in trait responses to environmental stressors. Yet, how stressors shape the consistency (‘repeatability') of traits and their covariation at the individual level remains debated. We studied how seasonal time constraints shape trait repeatability and integration of life‐history, behavioural and physiological traits along a fast–slow continuum, using the ‘pace‐of‐life syndrome' as a framework. We manipulated the photoperiod during the larval development of the damselfly Ischnura elegans, generating a time‐relaxed early, a control, and a time‐constrained late group. The photoperiod treatment did not seem to affect the voltinism of the larvae. As predicted, late‐period larvae accelerated development and growth, yet this acceleration was no longer detectable for growth and metabolic rate during the final instar, possibly due to costs of the initial life‐history acceleration. This warrants caution when inferring a species' pace‐of‐life based on a specific developmental stage. The late‐period larvae were as predicted more active (only during the later stages of the final instar) and bolder than the control larvae, but not different from the early‐period larvae. Most studies on time constraints only compared late and control animals, thereby potentially wrongly concluding adaptive responses to time constraints. Activity, boldness and body mass were repeatable, while growth and metabolic rates were not. Notably, repeatabilities did not change under time constraints. There was no support for an overall trait integration in a pace‐of‐life syndrome, yet activity and boldness covaried positively as expected. Importantly, this ‘behavioural syndrome' was decoupled in the late‐period larvae, which might be adaptive to enhance energy acquisition to fuel the accelerated development rate. Our results suggest that besides the predicted plastic acceleration of life‐history, plastic changes in behavioural trait integration may also be an important but overlooked adaptive aspect of responding to time constraints.
Phosphate and phosphite have a differential impact on the proteome and phosphoproteome of Arabidopsis suspension cell cultures
Authors: Mehta Devang , Ghahremani Mina , Pérez‐Fernández Maria , Tan Maryalle , Schläpfer Pascal , Plaxton William C. , Uhrig R. Glen
Published: November 2020

Phosphorus absorbed in the form of phosphate (H2PO4−) is an essential but limiting macronutrient for plant growth and agricultural productivity. A comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to phosphate starvation is essential for the development of more phosphate‐efficient crops. Here we employed label‐free proteomics and phosphoproteomics to quantify protein‐level responses to 48 h of phosphate versus phosphite (H2PO3−) resupply to phosphate‐deprived Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells. Phosphite is similarly sensed, taken up and transported by plant cells as phosphate, but cannot be metabolized or used as a nutrient. Phosphite is thus a useful tool for differentiating between non‐specific processes related to phosphate sensing and transport and specific responses to phosphorus nutrition. We found that responses to phosphate versus phosphite resupply occurred mainly at the level of protein phosphorylation, complemented by limited changes in protein abundance, primarily in protein translation, phosphate transport and scavenging, and central metabolism proteins. Altered phosphorylation of proteins involved in core processes such as translation, RNA splicing and kinase signaling was especially important. We also found differential phosphorylation in response to phosphate and phosphite in 69 proteins, including splicing factors, translation factors, the PHT1;4 phosphate transporter and the HAT1 histone acetyltransferase – potential phospho‐switches signaling changes in phosphorus nutrition. Our study illuminates several new aspects of the phosphate starvation response and identifies important targets for further investigation and potential crop improvement.
Frequent platelet donation is associated with lymphopenia and risk of infections: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Zhao Jingcheng , Gabriel Erin , Norda Rut , Höglund Petter , Baden Lindsey , Diedrich Beatrice A. , Marits Per , Enoksson Sara L. , Gansner John M. , Kaufman Richard , Dickman Paul W. , Edgren Gustaf
Published: November 2020

Background

Recently, plateletpheresis donations using a widely used leukoreduction system (LRS) chamber have been associated with T‐cell lymphopenia. However, clinical health consequences of plateletpheresis‐associated lymphopenia are still unknown.

Study Design and Methods

A nationwide cohort study using the SCANDAT3‐S database was conducted with all platelet‐ and plasmapheresis donors in Sweden between 1996 and 2017. A Cox proportional hazards model, using donations as time‐dependent exposures, was used to assess the risk of infections associated with plateletpheresis donations using an LRS chamber.

Results

A total of 74 408 apheresis donors were included. Among donors with the same donation frequency, plateletpheresis donors using an LRS chamber were at an increased risk of immunosuppression‐related infections and common bacterial infections in a dose‐dependent manner. While very frequent donors and infections were rare in absolute terms resulting in wide confidence intervals (CIs), the increased risk was significant starting at one‐third or less of the allowed donation frequency in a 10‐year exposure window, with hazard ratios reaching 10 or more. No plateletpheresis donors that used an LRS chamber experienced a Pneumocystis jirovecii, aspergillus, disseminated mycobacterial, or cryptococcal infection. In a subcohort (n = 42), donations with LRS were associated with low CD4+ T‐cell counts (Pearson's R = −0.41; 95% CI, − 0.63 to −0.12).

Conclusion

Frequent plateletpheresis donation using an LRS chamber was associated with CD4+ T‐cell lymphopenia and an increased risk of infections. These findings suggest a need to monitor T‐lymphocyte counts in frequent platelet donors and to conduct future investigations of long‐term donor health and for regulators to consider steps to mitigate lymphodepletion in donors.
Regional alopecia and dermatitis due to Lodderomyces elongisporus in a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
Authors: St Clair Laura , Hopf Cynthia , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Mazulis Christina , Miller Julia , Scott Danny W. , Childs‐Sanford Sara
Published: November 2020

Background

Lodderomyces elongisporus is a yeast with a worldwide distribution that has been reported as a cause of infection in immunocompromised humans and in a dog that had been quilled by a porcupine.

Objectives

The objective of this report is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis caused by L. elongisporus in a North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum).

Animal

One wild adult male North American porcupine from New York state, USA.

Methods and materials

The porcupine was presented for alopecia and scaling dermatitis over the caudal dorsum. Diagnostic testing included cytological evaluation, trichogram, bacterial and fungal culture, and histopathological examination of skin biopsies.

Results

Histopathological findings from skin specimens demonstrated mild eosinophilic perivascular‐to‐interstitial dermatitis with superficial dermal fibrosis, mild epidermal hyperplasia with moderate‐to‐marked intracorneal and intrafollicular yeast. Fungal culture with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization confirmed L. elongisporus as the cause of the dermatitis. The porcupine was treated with a six week course of oral itraconazole with clinical resolution.

Clinical relevance

Infection with L. elongisporus should be included as a differential diagnosis for North American porcupines exhibiting signs of dermatitis including scaling and alopecia. This case report may be relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of porcupines with dermatitis and for animals or humans that have been quilled by a porcupine.
Reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted MRI can identify restricted diffusion in the spinal cord of dogs and cats with presumptive clinical and high‐field MRI diagnosis of acute ischemic myelopathy
Authors: Mai Wilfried
Published: November 2020

Diffusion‐weighted imaging MRI is the gold standard imaging technique for diagnosis of suspected acute brain ischemia in dogs and cats; however, it is technically challenging to apply to spinal cord imaging, due to its very small size, the inherent low spatial resolution of diffusion‐weighted imaging, and the marked distortion resulting from magnetic field inhomogeneities caused by the osseous components of the vertebral column surrounding the spinal cord. Ischemic myelopathy is a common cause of acute non‐compressive myelopathy in dogs and cats. Technological improvement in diffusion‐weighted imaging pulse sequences allow imaging at smaller field of view with better spatial resolution and less image distortion. We sought to evaluate reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted imaging MRI using a dedicated proprietary pulse sequence (FOCUS, General Electric) in a small sample of dogs and cats with a presumptive clinical and MRI diagnosis of acute ischemic myelopathy that were imaged with this pulse sequence. Five dogs and two cats fitted these inclusion criteria. In all of them, hyperintense spinal cord parenchyma signal was seen on diffusion‐weighted imaging images corresponding to decreased signal on apparent diffusion coefficient map indicative of restricted diffusion, consistent with ischemia and cytotoxic edema. These areas matched the areas of abnormal T2‐weighted signal and cord swelling observed on conventional spinal MRI. This small exploratory descriptive study indicates feasibility and possible usefulness of reduced field‐of‐view diffusion‐weighted imaging MRI in dogs and cats with suspected acute ischemic myelopathy and that it may be added to the imaging protocol of the spine in such patients in an appropriate clinical setting.
Indomethacin markedly blunts cerebral perfusion and reactivity, with little cognitive consequence in healthy young and older adults
Authors: Shoemaker L. N. , Wilson L. C. , Lucas S. J. E. , Machado L. , Walker R. J. , Cotter J. D.
Published: November 2020

Key points

Cognitive function depends on adequate cerebrovascular perfusion and control. However, it is unknown whether acutely‐reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) impairs cognition in healthy adults.

In the present study, we used a placebo‐controlled, single‐blinded, randomized cross‐over design to test the hypothesis that acutely‐reduced CBF (using a pharmacological aid; indomethacin) would impair cognition in young and older healthy adults.

At baseline, older adults had lower cognitive performance and CBF, but similar cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 and dynamic cerebral autoregulation compared to young adults.

In both young and older adults, cognitive performance on a mental switching task was slightly (7%) reduced after indomethacin, but not significantly associated with reductions in CBF (∼31%).

These results indicate that cognitive performance is broadly resilient against a ∼31% reduction in CBF per se in healthy young and older adults.

Cognitive function depends on adequate cerebrovascular perfusion and control. However, it is unknown whether acutely‐reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) impairs cognition in healthy adults. Using a placebo‐controlled, single‐blinded, randomized cross‐over design, we tested the hypothesis that acutely‐reduced CBF (using indomethacin [1.2 mg kg–1 oral dose]) would impair cognition in young (n = 13; 25 ± 4 years) and older (n = 12; 58 ± 6 years) healthy adults. CBF and cerebrovascular control were measured using middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAvmean) and its reactivity to hypercapnia (CVRHYPER) and hypocapnia (CVRHYPO), respectively. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery including response time tasks. Baseline comparisons revealed that older adults had 14% lower MCAvmean and 15% lower cognitive performance (all P ≤ 0.048), but not lower CVRHYPER/HYPO (P ≥ 0.26). Linear and rank‐based mixed models revealed that indomethacin decreased MCAvmean by 31% (95% confidence interval = –35 to –26), CVRHYPER by 68% [interquartile range (IQR) = –94 to –44] and CVRHYPO by 50% (IQR = –83 to –33) (treatment‐effect; all P < 0.01), regardless of age. Baseline CVRHYPER/HYPO values were strongly associated with their indomethacin‐induced reductions (r = 0.70 to 0.89, P < 0.01). Mental switching performance was impaired 7% (IQR = 0–19) after indomethacin (P = 0.04), but not significantly associated with reductions in MCAvmean (Young: rho = –0.31, P = 0.30; Older: rho = 0.06, P = 0.86). In conclusion, indomethacin reduced MCAvmean and impaired cognition slightly; however, no clear association was evident in younger or older adults. Older adults had poorer cognition and lower MCAvmean, but similar CVRHYPER/HYPO.
Framing and Tracing Human-Centered Design Teams’ Method Selection: An Examination of Decision-Making Strategies
Authors: Rao Vivek , Kim Euiyoung , Kwon Jieun , Agogino Alice M. , Goucher-Lambert Kosa
Published: November 2020

Designers’ choices of methods are well known to shape project outcomes. However, questions remain about why design teams select particular methods and how teams’ decision-making strategies are influenced by project- and process-based factors. In this mixed-methods study, we analyze novice design teams’ decision-making strategies underlying 297 selections of human-centered design methods over the course of three semester-long project-based engineering design courses. We propose a framework grounded in 100+ factors sourced from new product development literature that classifies design teams’ method selection strategy as either Agent- (A), Outcome- (O), or Process- (P) driven, with eight further subclassifications. Coding method selections with this framework, we uncover three insights about design team method selection. First, we identify fewer outcomes-based selection strategies across all phases and innovation types. Second, we observe a shift in decision-making strategy from user-focused outcomes in earlier phases to product-based outcomes in later phases. Third, we observe that decision-making strategy produces a greater heterogeneity of method selections as compared to the class average as a whole or project type alone. These findings provide a deeper understanding of designers’ method selection behavior and have implications for effective management of design teams, development of automated design support tools to aid design teams, and curation of design method repositories.
Investigation of the Capabilities of Transverse Magnetic Field Controlled Laser-Induced Plasma Micro-Machining
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Liu Yayun , Bhandari Suman , Zhang Guojun , Deng Jianxin , Zhang Zhen , Ehmann Kornel
Published: November 2020

Laser-induced plasma micro-machining (LIPMM) has proven a number of advantages in micro-machining due to reduced thermal defects, smaller heat-affected zones, and larger aspect ratios when compared with conventional laser ablation. The present work explores the use of external magnetic fields to further enhance process outcomes in LIPMM. Specifically, machining characteristics and outcomes including plasma intensity, attainable aspect ratios, and surface quality will be explored through a theoretical and experimental study in different classes of materials in a transverse magnetic field controlled LIPMM. First, process improvement mechanisms are illustrated in terms of plasma confinement and laser absorption in transverse magnetic fields. A magnetic field redistribution analysis is performed to reveal the differences in the achievable enhancements in machining characteristics in terms of material characteristics. Second, a set of single-factor experiments is conducted to investigate the effects of the strength and direction of the magnetic field on machining capabilities in magnetic and nonmagnetic materials (410, 304 stainless steels and silicon). The experimental results show that plasma intensity and aspect ratios can be significantly increased in the presence of transverse magnetic fields. The greatest influence on machining capability is achieved in a magnetic material. In this case, plasma intensity and aspect ratios were increased by about 176% and 160%, respectively, when compared with other materials with a magnetic field strength of 0.1 T and a magnetic field direction parallel to the processing direction. Finally, the morphology and cross-section profiles of micro-channels have been measured for verifying the impact on the surface quality of transverse magnetically controlled LIPMM.
Comparative Study of Incremental Forming and Elevated Temperature Incremental Forming Through Experimental Investigations on AA 1050 Sheet
Authors: Singh Swarit Anand , Priyadarshi Satwik , Tandon Puneet
Published: November 2020

Unlike conventional forming processes, incremental forming (IF) does not require any part-specific tooling. It is a flexible forming process that is suitable to form user-specific shapes and for low volume production. The IF process has been recognized as a promising manufacturing process over conventional forming for the materials having decent formability. However, it does not give reliable results while forming hard to form materials. A few investigations revealed that heat plays a vital role in enhancing the formability. On heating, the yield stress of the materials gets reduced, the ductility increases, and hence the formability improves. Thus, for the materials having poor formability, an advance IF technique, elevated temperature incremental forming (ET-IF), has been developed. ET-IF involves incremental forming of the sheets while being heated by an external heat supply. This research study focuses on the execution of the ET-IF process and its comparison with the conventional IF process. A radiation type heating device to perform the ET-IF process is designed and fabricated. The experimental investigations were carried out on 1 mm thick AA 1050 sheets by carrying out the IF process at room temperature and enhanced temperatures. Experimentation was initiated with performing straight grove tests, which were later extended to form a few more shapes. Experimental results confirm the delay in fracture and intensification of formability with the ET-IF process in comparison to that of the IF process at room temperature. The work overcomes the limitation and enlarges the scope of application of the IF process.