bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of a Group psychological intervention to increase locus of control for alcohol consumption among Alcohol‐Misusing Short‐term (male) Prisoners (GASP)
Authors: Taylor Pamela J. , Playle Rebecca , Robling Michael , Bezeczky Zoe , John‐Evans Hannah , Dimitropoulou Polyxeni , McNamara Rachel , Moriarty Yvonne , Summers Zelda , Bagshaw Ruth
Published: February 2020

Background and aim

Reducing alcohol misuse by male prisoners is an important global issue. Control of drinking behaviour could be a useful target for intervention in this population, and locus of control could be a causal factor in this. We aimed to assess the effect of a clinical psychologist‐facilitated group intervention on male prisoners’ locus of control of drinking behaviour.

Design

A two‐arm, single‐site, open, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

A category B local training prison in South Wales, housing about 770 mainly sentenced men.

Participants

Prisoners serving less than 2 years who met inclusion criteria for pre‐imprisonment alcohol misuse, alone or with drug misuse. A total of 119 were allocated to the intervention arm and 119 to the control arm; 104 and 87, respectively, completed the post‐randomization baseline interview and 68 and 60 completed a second interview approximately 4 weeks later, respectively, after intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) alone.

Intervention

Nine clinical psychologist‐facilitated groups in the prison over 3 weeks. Range of participants per session was one to seven, with three to five most usual.

Measures

The primary outcome was locus of control of behaviour (LCB); secondary outcomes included mental state generally (comprehensive psychiatric rating scale/CPRS) and specifically (Beck Depression Inventory/BDI). An integral process evaluation was conducted.

Findings

LCB scores decreased during the study, but without significant intervention effect [−1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –5.1 to 1.6, P = 0.329]. Change among completers in the control group was from a mean score of 37.4 [standard deviation (SD) = 10.0] to 33.7[SD = 11.7] and in the intervention group from 37.4 (SD = 11.6) to 31.9 (SD = 11.8). Secondary outcomes, including change in mental state, did not differ between arms, but 686 (64%) sessions were lost, most because of ‘prison issues’.

Conclusions

A clinical psychologist‐facilitated group intervention did not have a statistically significant effect on sense of control of drinking behaviour among men with pre‐imprisonment alcohol misuse serving less than 2 years in a South Wales prison. The study proved coterminous, however, with 40% prison staff cuts which seem likely to have contributed to the high loss of group sessions and possibly overwhelmed any treatment effect. Intervention completion failures, previously cited as harmful, had no effect here, so the trial should be repeated when the prison climate improves.
Using an electronic self‐completion tool to identify patients at increased risk of melanoma in Australian primary care
Authors: Habgood Emily , Walter Fiona M. , O’Hare Erin , McIntosh Jennifer , McCormack Chris , Emery Jon D.
Published: February 2020

Background/Objectives

Some international guidelines recommend a risk‐based approach to screening for melanoma, but few suggest how to account for multiple risk factors or how to implement risk‐based screening in practice. This study investigated the acceptability and feasibility of identifying patients at increased risk of melanoma in Australian general practice using a self‐completed risk assessment tool. Stratification of risk was based on the validated Williams melanoma risk prediction model.

Methods

Patients and companions aged 18 or older in Australian general practices were approached in the waiting room and invited to enter information about their melanoma risk factors into the tool using an iPad. Acceptability was measured by the proportion of people willing to participate from those invited and feasibility by the number of people able to complete the tool unaided. Risk of developing melanoma was stratified into four risk categories using the Williams model.

Results

1535 (90.4%) participants were recruited from two general practices. Only 200 participants (13%) needed assistance to complete the tool. The mean risk score for participants was 15.2 (±SD 9.8). The Williams model estimated between 5% and 19% of the sample were at increased risk accounting for an estimated 30% to 60% of future incident melanomas.

Conclusions

A risk‐stratified tool using the Williams model was acceptable and feasible for patients to self‐complete in general practice clinics. This could be an effective way to identify people in primary care for implementing risk‐based targeted melanoma screening and prevention.
The optic nerve head vasoreactive response to systemic hyperoxia and visual field defect progression in open‐angle glaucoma, a pilot study
Authors: Kiyota Naoki , Shiga Yukihiro , Yasuda Masayuki , Aizawa Naoko , Omodaka Kazuko , Tsuda Satoru , Pak Kyongsun , Kunikata Hiroshi , Nakazawa Toru
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To investigate the effect of optic nerve head (ONH) tissue vasoreactivity on glaucoma visual field defect progression.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal study comprised 28 eyes of 16 patients with open‐angle glaucoma. Baseline data were obtained from oxygen inhalation testing, including laser speckle flowgraphy measurements of tissue‐area mean blur rate (MT), which represents ONH tissue blood flow, and the mean percentage change in MT (MT‐change). Follow‐up data were collected for at least 2 years, including at least 5 reliable visual field tests. The average total deviation (TD) was calculated in each sector of the Garway‐Heath map; in this study, superior, central and inferior TD corresponded to inferior, temporal and superior MT or MT‐change, respectively. MT and MT‐change in three sectors per eye were included as explanatory variables in a multivariable linear mixed‐effects model, with TD slope set as the response variable.

Results

At baseline, lower MT and higher diastolic blood pressure were associated with lower MT‐change (p < 0.05). Additionally, MT‐change significantly contributed to TD slope in the corresponding sectors (β = 0.41, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Weaker ONH tissue vasoreactivity to systemic hyperoxia, assessed with laser speckle flowgraphy, was associated with lower baseline ONH tissue blood flow, higher diastolic blood pressure and rapid visual field defect progression. Laser speckle flowgraphy variables during oxygen provocation testing may represent potentially useful predictive biomarkers of glaucoma progression.
Predictors of having a dentist among older adults in Iowa
Authors: Marchini Leonardo , Reynolds Julie C. , Caplan Daniel J. , Sasser Shan , Russell Carlene
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Oral health plays an important role in the general well‐being of older adults, yet older adults experience unique barriers to dental care. In the United States, almost two‐thirds of older adults are dentally uninsured – a reflection of the exclusion of dental benefits from Medicare. The aim of this study was to investigate potential predictors of having a dentist among older adults receiving services funded through the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional analysis on a convenience sample (n = 2692) of adults age 65+ who completed a required survey to determine eligibility to receive services from the IDA. Data from questionnaires completed between March and December 2017 were used to generate multivariable logistic regression models that identified predictors of having a dentist. The dependent variable, having a dentist, was gathered by self‐report in the survey. Explanatory variables eligible for inclusion in the models included demographic and geographic factors, indicators of access to dental care, and factors related to activities of daily living.

Results

Fewer than half (46.2%) of the respondents reported having a dentist. In the final regression model, individuals with dental insurance were more than twice as likely to have a dentist than those without insurance. Conversely, individuals with a tooth/mouth problem and who need help with housekeeping and with transportation were significantly less likely to have a dentist than their counterparts.

Conclusions

These results align with known insurance‐related barriers and identify certain activities of daily living that might influence older adults' ability to access care. The finding that individuals with oral health problems were less likely to have a dentist underscores the need to reduce barriers to care for this population.
Investigation into the sequential application of cationic/anionic fixing agents to improve the oxidative washing resistance of CI Leuco Sulphur Black 1‐dyed cotton fabric
Authors: Mohtashim Quratulain , Rigout Muriel , Carr Chris
Published: February 2020

Sulphur‐dyed cellulosic textiles are susceptible to washing powders containing activated peracid formulations resulting in obvious fading during repeated laundering. This study presents a novel one‐bath/two‐stage exhaust finishing process to improve the oxidative wash fastness of CI Leuco Sulphur Black 1‐dyed cotton fabric. The effect of the combined Tinofix ECO and Bayprotect Cl after‐treatment was to impart better colour fastness to oxidative International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 105 CO9 washing of the dyed cotton compared with those dyed fabrics after‐treated with Tinofix ECO alone. In addition, while the dyed fabrics rub and light fastness performances were unchanged by the after‐treatments, some improvement in the tensile strength of the combined Tinofix ECO and Bayprotect Cl after‐treated fabrics was observed.
Endometrial clear cell carcinoma with metastasis to the common hepatic duct: A rare aetiology of obstructive jaundice, diagnosed by biliary cytology brushing specimen
Authors: Ahsan Beena U. , Alhamar Mohamed , Hogan Kathryn M. , Schultz Daniel , Zuchelli Tobias , Zhang Ziying
Published: February 2020

Clear cell carcinoma is an aggressive subtype of uterine carcinoma. This is the first report of endometrial carcinoma of clear cell type with metastasis to the common hepatic duct, causing malignant biliary stricture and obstructive jaundice diagnosed on a biliary cytology brushing specimen.
Concomitant cardiac and hepatic hemangiomas
Authors: Shojaeifard Maryam , Saedi Sedigheh , Alizadeh Ghavidel Alireza , Karimlu Mohammad Reza , Kasaei Mohammad , Reza Pouraliakbar Hamid , Mozaffari Kambiz
Published: February 2020

Primary tumors of the heart are rare with a reported incidence of about 0.002% to 0.3% at autopsy. A cardiac hemangioma is a form of benign primary cardiac tumor that often presents with atypical clinical symptoms. Hemangiomas are generally isolated lesions. Here, we report a patient with previous hepatic hemangioma who later was found to have a large coexistent cardiac hemangioma presenting with cardiac compressive symptoms.
Examination of the success rate of secondary symbiont manipulation by microinjection methods in the pea aphid system
Authors: Sochard Corentin , Morlière Stéphanie , Toussaint Grégory , Outreman Yannick , Sugio Akiko , Simon Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2020

Insects harbor a wide range of microbial symbionts, but their influence on host phenotypes is described in a limited number of biological models. One experimental approach to gain knowledge on the effects of symbionts to their hosts is to create insect lines with and without symbionts and examine their phenotypes. However, the success rate of symbiont elimination and introduction methods is dependent on several parameters that are scarcely tested or described. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a model insect of symbiosis studies. It harbors a primary symbiont that supplies the host with essential amino acids, and an array of secondary symbionts whose effects have been assessed by manipulating their presence/absence in the insect. Here, we describe the influence of key parameters on the success rate of symbiont manipulation using the pea aphid–secondary symbiont system. We compared two elimination methods differing in antibiotic treatment using several aphid–symbiont combinations. We also created new aphid host–symbiont combinations by secondary symbiont introduction and examined the effects of larval stage of recipient aphids on introduction success. Our study revealed that the aphid–symbiont combination has strong influence on both symbiont introduction and elimination success rates, and that the type of antibiotics and the larval stage of recipient aphids influence the elimination and introduction success rate, respectively.
Skewed distributions of lifetime reproductive success: beyond mean and variance
Authors: Tuljapurkar Shripad , Zuo Wenyun , Coulson Tim , Horvitz Carol , Gaillard Jean‐Michel
Published: February 2020

Lifetime reproductive performance is quantified here by the LRS (lifetime reproductive success), the random number of offspring an individual produces over its lifetime. Many field studies find that distributions of LRS among individuals are non‐normal, zero‐inflated and highly skewed. These results beg the question, what is the distribution of LRS predicted by demographic models when the only source of randomness is demographic stochasticity? Here we present the first exact analysis of the probability distribution of LRS for species described by age + stage models; our analysis starts with estimated vital rates. We illustrate with three examples: the Hadza, human hunter‐foragers (age‐only), the evergreen tree Tsuga canadensis (stage‐only) and Roe deer, Capreolus capreolus (age + stage). For each we obtain the exact distribution of LRS, but also calculate and discuss the first three moments. Our results point to important questions about how such LRS distributions affect natural selection, and life history evolution.
The relationship between cognition and functional outcomes in rehabilitation: FIMCog vs. MoCA
Authors: Zakharova‐Luneva Evgeniya , Cooke Deirdre M , Okano Satomi , Hurst Cameron , Geffen Saul , Eagles Roslyn
Published: February 2020

Aim

To understand the relationship between scores on two standardized measures of cognition, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the cognitive subscale of the Functional Independence Measure (FIMCog), and whether these scores can predict functional outcomes in rehabilitation.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis was conducted on all inpatients admitted to a general rehabilitation unit within a 6‐month period (N = 477). The average age of patients was 74 years. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was completed for all patients on admission and discharge. The MoCA was administered to patients on clinical suspicion of cognitive impairment. The MoCA was completed with 116 patients. Cognitive status was assessed using FIMCog and MoCA. The motor subscale of FIM was used to assess functional status in calculating the motor Rehabilitation Functional Gain (mRFG) and motor Rehabilitation Functional Efficiency (mRFE) scores. Discharge destination was also used as an outcome measure.

Results

There was a moderate correlation between FIMCog and MoCA scores on admission (r = 0.49, P < 0.001). Higher FIMCog and MoCA scores were associated with higher mRFG and mRFE scores. There was an indication that patients with higher MoCA scores were more likely to be discharged to a private residence (adjusted odds ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 0.99, 1.25, P = 0.072). Cut‐off points of <25 on the MoCA (sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 48.9%), and <29 on the FIMCog (sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 53.3%) predicted those patients who were less likely to discharge to a private residence.

Conclusions

FIMCog and MoCA scores on admission were moderately correlated, and strongly correlated with functional rehabilitation outcomes. The FIMCog and MoCA had moderately high utility in predicting discharge destination. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 336–342.
Reversible Lesion of the Corpus Callosum in a Patient With Migraine With Aura: A Case Study
Authors: Lewis Richard , Ruiz Armando , Monteith Teshamae
Published: February 2020

Objective

To describe a patient with migraine with aura (MWA) who was found to have a reversible lesion of the corpus callosum.

Background

Reversible lesions of the splenium of the corpus callosum are well‐described clinical‐radiographic phenomena, which have been associated with a wide array of disease states, including epilepsy, demyelinating disease, infection, and metabolic derangements. There have been few case reports in the literature to date of these lesions associated with migraine headache.

Design/Methods

A case report.

Results

A 41 year‐old female with a history of migraine with visual aura presented with headache associated with left‐sided sensorimotor deficits. Routine laboratory tests were within normal limits. An electroencephlogram was also normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with and without contrast revealed areas of restricted diffusion in the splenium and the genu of the corpus callosum. The patient's symptoms resolved after 2 days. A follow‐up MRI 2 days after the onset of symptoms revealed resolution of the callosal lesions. The patient was diagnosed clinically with migraine with prolonged aura.

Conclusion

MWA may be associated with reversible lesions of the corpus callosum.
Reconstruction of post‐war social work: Experience from former Yugoslavia as an inspiration
Authors: Hessle Sven
Published: February 2020

Immediately after the civil war among the nations of former Yugoslavia that took place 1992–1995, Swedish members of the social work faculty were recruited by UNICEF to support the organising of foster homes for war‐orphaned children. Around 20 projects, some initiated by UNICEF and others by SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) were also organised with Sarajevo University as the main location of the administration. At the request of the Parliament of Republika Srpska, a new school of social work was established at the University of Banja Luka. This was a successful project thanks to network collaboration among the faculties of social work in the former Yugoslavian nations and with academic contributions from universities from Sweden and Berlin. In this article, the two social welfare projects based in Sarajevo and Banja Luka are presented. Together with an accompanying group of experts, I found that an explorative mindset and an abductive approach were helpful tools in dialogues with our partners in the developing world.
Acquired haemophilia and haemostatic control with recombinant porcine factor VIII: case series
Authors: Campbell Sally , Mason Jane , Prasad Ritam , Ambrose Harriet , Hunt Stewart , Tran Huyen
Published: February 2020

Background

Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare acquired bleeding disorder that can present with life‐threatening bleeding.

Aims

To describe recent Australian use of recombinant porcine factor VIII (rpFVIII) replacement therapy as a haemostatic agent in patients with acquired haemophilia.

Methods

Four patients with acquired haemophilia treated in three different institutions around Australia in the past 12 months were included in the study. Haemostatic efficacy of Obizur (Takeda) was assigned by the treating haematologist according to previously published criteria.

Results

Six bleeds were treated with rpFVIII, three of which were initially refractory to treatment with recombinant VIIa. rpFVIII was rated efficacious in 100% of bleeds by 24 h. rpFVIII loading dose was 100 U/kg (100–120 U kg−1) and this increased the factor VIII level (via one‐stage FVIII assay) from <1–1.2% to 54–306% taken 0.5–1.5 h post‐infusion. Subsequent doses ranged from 40 to 60 U/kg twice daily or daily for 3 to 13 days. No rpFVIII related adverse events occurred. Three of the four patients achieved complete remission and were weaned from immunosuppression. One patient died prior to achieving partial remission, secondary to an arterial ischaemic event.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrates that recombinant porcine FVIII is efficacious to treat acute bleeds in acquired haemophilia, including in those who are refractory to bypassing agents. Doses of rpFVIII were able to be titrated based on FVIII level and clinical response.
Relationship between residual kidney function and symptom burden in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Kong Jessica H. , Davies Matthew R. P. , Mount Peter F.
Published: February 2020

Background

Residual kidney function (RKF) has been associated with improved solute clearance and survival in haemodialysis (HD) patients. However, whether RKF impacts symptom burden in HD patients is unknown.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of RKF in HD patients and to explore associations between higher levels of RKF with symptom burden, as well as clinical and biochemical parameters.

Methods

This is a single‐centre, retrospective, observational study. RKF was assessed as urea clearance (KRU) by interdialytic urine collection. Symptom burden was measured using the palliative care outcome scale renal questionnaire.

Results

A total of 90 maintenance HD patients was recruited; 31.9% had KRU ≥1 mL/min/1.73 m2. Patients with KRU ≥1 mL/min/1.73 m2 reported fewer symptoms (5.3 ± 3.5 vs 7.7 ± 3.8) (P = 0.011), including less shortness of breath (15% vs 55%) (P = 0.0013) and vomiting (0% vs 30%) (P = 0.0016). Higher RKF was associated with lower β2‐microglobilin (P < 0.0001), and lower serum potassium (P = 0.02), but no difference in phosphate, haemoglobin, C‐reactive protein or serum albumin.

Conclusion

Higher RKF was significantly associated with fewer symptoms, and lower serum β2‐microglobulin and potassium, suggesting that strategies to preserve RKF may be beneficial.
Efficacy and tolerability of febuxostat in gout patients on dialysis
Authors: Choi See Y. , Choi Seung W. , Lee Sunggun , So Min W. , Oh Ji S. , Lim Doo‐Ho
Published: February 2020

Background

There are no sufficient data available on the use of febuxostat in patients undergoing dialysis.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of febuxostat in gout patients on dialysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and laboratory data available from a referral centre from January 2012 to December 2018. We included gout patients who initiated febuxostat during dialysis. Data regarding serum uric acid levels before and after the febuxostat treatment and clinical information such as gout attack after febuxostat initiation, as well as adverse events involving febuxostat treatment, were obtained from medical records.

Results

Among 62 patients who were treated with febuxostat for over 3 months, 45 were undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and 17 were undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The mean serum uric acid level was significantly reduced 3 months after treatment (3.71 ± 1.32 mg/dL) compared with that at the pretreatment level (9.36 ± 2.06 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). The serum uric acid level was observed to be significantly reduced at 3 months in both HD and PD patients and subsequently remained at a significantly reduced level for 12 months. Of the 62 patients, only two stopped febuxostat due to its adverse effects. Initial dose of 80 mg/day was associated with higher adverse events compared to dose of 20–40 mg/day (odds ratio 8.25, 95% confidence interval 1.90–35.97, P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Febuxostat is efficacious and well tolerated in gout patients on dialysis. Febuxostat taken at dose of 20–40 mg/day might be appropriate initial dose in patients undergoing dialysis.
How does a bank's involvement interplay with a firm's capacity investment? An analysis and comparison of different consortium structures
Authors: Wang Kelly Yujie , Wen Yuan , Yip Tsz Leung , Luo Meifeng
Published: February 2020

As nonrecourse project finance (rather than financing on a sovereign basis) is becoming more prevalent worldwide, financing institutions have to collaborate more closely with firms to optimize capacity‐investment and financing decisions. Under this background, this paper presents a stylized Stackelberg games model, taking into account the firm's capacity investment as well as the bank's interest rate and funding ratio decisions. Consortium structures between bank and firm are formalized into five modes based on industry practice, namely, the integrated consortium, pure shareholder funding, bank as leader, full coordination, and bank as follower. The optimality and equilibrium of each of the five modes are analytically derived, and their existence and uniqueness are demonstrated. Valuable economic insights are obtained through both modeling analysis and numerical experiments, with the main findings including the following: (i) a lack of bank financing leads to insufficient capacity investment and poor consortium performance; (ii) interest rate and funding ratio play important but different roles in the bank's risk management; (iii) the bank's proactivity in leading and coordinating the consortium is critical for the two parties’ overall performance; and (iv) if the bank is the follower, the firm's capacity decision is irrelevant to the bank's loan contract, and the consortium cannot be coordinated to the first‐best level of performance.
Association of West African ancestry and blood pressure control among African Americans taking antihypertensive medication in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Van Tassell Jon C. , Shimbo Daichi , Hess Rachel , Kittles Rick , Wilson James G. , Jorde Lynn B. , Li Man , Lange Leslie A. , Lange Ethan M. , Muntner Paul , Bress Adam P.
Published: February 2020

African Americans have a wide range of continental genetic ancestry. It is unclear whether racial differences in blood pressure (BP) control are related to ancestral background. The authors analyzed data from the Jackson Heart Study, a cohort exclusively comprised of self‐identified African Americans, to assess the association between estimated West African ancestry (WAA) and BP control (systolic and diastolic BP < 140/90 mm Hg). Three nested modified Poisson regression models were used to calculate prevalence ratios for BP control associated with the three upper quartiles, separately, vs the lowest quartile of West African ancestry. The authors analyzed data from 1658 participants with hypertension who reported taking all of their antihypertensive medications in the previous 24 hours. WAA was estimated using 389 ancestry informative markers and categorized into quartiles (Q1: <73.7%, Q2: >73.7%‐81.0%, Q3: >81.0%‐86.3%, and Q4: >86.3%). The proportion of participants with controlled BP in the lowest‐to‐highest WAA quartile was 75.2%, 76.1%, 76.6%, and 74.4%. The prevalence ratios (95% CI) for controlled BP comparing Q2, Q3, and Q4 to Q1 of WAA were 1.00 (0.93‐1.08), 1.02 (0.94‐1.10), and 0.99 (0.91‐1.07), respectively. Among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study taking antihypertensive medication, BP control rates did not differ across quartiles of WAA.
Importance of glycosylation in the interaction of Tamm‐Horsfall protein with collectin‐11 and acute kidney injury
Authors: Gong Kunjing , Xia Min , Wang Yaqin , Bai Lufeng , Ying Wantao , Zhu Fengxue , Chen Yuqing
Published: February 2020

Both Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP) and collectin‐11 (CL‐11) are important molecules in acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we measured the change of glycosylation of THP in patients with AKI after surgery, using MALDI‐TOF MS and lectin array analysis. The amount of high‐mannose and core fucosylation in patients with AKI were higher than those in healthy controls. In vitro study showed that THP could bind to CL‐11 with affinity at 9.41 × 10−7 mol/L and inhibited activation of complement lectin pathway. The binding affinity decreased after removal of glycans on THP. Removal of fucose completely ablated the binding between the two proteins. While removal of high‐mannose or part of the N‐glycan decreased the binding ability to 30% or 60%. The results indicated that increase of fucose on THP played an important role via complement lectin pathway in AKI.
Integrin‐associated molecules and signalling cross talking in osteoclast cytoskeleton regulation
Authors: Kong Lingbo , Wang Biao , Yang Xiaobin , He Baorong , Hao Dingjun , Yan Liang
Published: February 2020

In the ageing skeleton, the balance of bone reconstruction could commonly be broken by the increasing of bone resorption and decreasing of bone formation. Consequently, the bone resorption gradually occupies a dominant status. During this imbalance process, osteoclast is unique cell linage act the bone resorptive biological activity, which is a highly differentiated ultimate cell derived from monocyte/macrophage. The erosive function of osteoclasts is that they have to adhere the bone matrix and migrate along it, in which adhesive cytoskeleton recombination of osteoclast is essential. In that, the podosome is a membrane binding microdomain organelle, based on dynamic actin, which forms a cytoskeleton superstructure connected with the plasma membrane. Otherwise, as the main adhesive protein, integrin regulates the formation of podosome and cytoskeleton, which collaborates with the various molecules including: c‐Cbl, p130Cas, c‐Src and Pyk2, through several signalling cascades cross talking, including: M‐CSF and RANKL. In our current study, we discuss the role of integrin and associated molecules in osteoclastogenesis cytoskeletal, especially podosomes, regulation and relevant signalling cascades cross talking.
Sexual maturity increases mobility and heterogeneity in individual space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr
Authors: Bouchard Colin , Lange Frédéric , Guéraud François , Rives Jacques , Tentelier Cédric
Published: February 2020

We assessed the effects of sexual maturity on space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr as facultative early maturation enables us to work on individuals belonging to the same cohort. We monitored the space use of 40 1‐year‐old males in natura throughout a breeding season. First, mature individuals covered longer distances (absolute and upstream) and located within broader home ranges than immature parr. Second, sexual maturity also generated a higher interindividual variability in space use. Finally, mature individuals exhibited a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites on average. However, some mature individuals experienced a lower probability than immature individuals, suggesting that the space use of some mature individuals may not be optimal. Moreover, mature parr exploiting a broader home range or covering longer upstream distances had a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites. Covering longer upstream distances may therefore increase the reproductive success of mature parr, while involving higher energetic costs and a greater risk of predation.
Assessment of transmission risk in WSSV‐infected shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei upon cooking
Authors: Aranguren Caro Luis Fernando , Mai Hung N. , Nunan Linda , Lin Joshua , Noble Brenda , Dhar Arun K.
Published: February 2020

White spot syndrome virus has been a threat to the global shrimp industry since it was discovered in Taiwan in 1992. Thus, shrimp‐producing countries have launched regulations to prevent import of WSSV‐infected commodity shrimp from endemic areas. Recently, cooked shrimp that is infected with WSSV tested positive by PCR. However, there is no study to determine the infectivity of WSSV in cooked shrimp that tested positive by PCR. In the present study, WSSV‐infected shrimp were cooked at boiling temperature for different times including 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 and 30 min. Upon exposure to boiling temperature, WSSV‐infected shrimp were fed to SPF shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The result showed experimentally challenged shrimp from 0‐min treatment (positive control) indeed got infected with WSSV. However, experimentally challenged shrimp that were fed tissues boiled at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 30 min were not infected with WSSV. Mortality data showed that only the positive control (0‐min) treatment displayed high mortality, whereas no mortality was observed in any other treatment category. These findings suggest that cooking shrimp at boiling temperature for at least 1 min might prevent any potential spread of WSSV from endemic countries to other geographical areas where WSSV has not yet been reported.
The Impact of Frailty on Long‐Term Patient‐Oriented Outcomes after Emergency General Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Katherine C. , Streid Jocelyn , Sturgeon Dan , Lipsitz Stuart , Weissman Joel S. , Rosenthal Ronnie A. , Kim Dae H. , Mitchell Susan L. , Cooper Zara
Published: February 2020

OBJECTIVES

Few studies examine the impact of frailty on long‐term patient‐oriented outcomes after emergency general surgery (EGS). We measured the prevalence of frailty among older EGS patients and examined the impact of frailty on 1‐year outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using 2008 to 2014 Medicare claims.

SETTING

Acute care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients 65 years or older who received one of the five EGS procedures with the highest mortality burden (partial colectomy, small bowel resection, peptic ulcer disease repair, adhesiolysis, or laparotomy).

MEASUREMENTS

A validated claims‐based frailty index (CFI) identified patients who were not frail (CFI < .15), pre‐frail (.15 ≤ CFI < .25), mildly frail (.25 ≤ CFI < .35), and moderately to severely frail (CFI ≥ .35). Multivariable Cox regression compared 1‐year mortality. Multivariable Poisson regression compared rates of post‐discharge hospital encounters (hospitalizations, intensive care unit stay, emergency department visit) and home time over 1 year after discharge. All regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, admission from facility, procedure, sepsis, inpatient palliative care delivery, trauma center designation, hospital bed size, and teaching status, and they were clustered by patient and hospital referral region.

RESULTS

Among 468 459 older EGS adults, 37.4% were pre‐frail, 12.4% were mildly frail, and 3.6% were moderately to severely frail. Patients with mild frailty experienced a higher risk of 1‐year mortality compared with non‐frail patients (hazard ratio = 1.97; confidence interval [CI] = 1.94‐2.01). In the year after discharge, patients with mild and moderate to severe frailty had more hospital encounters compared with non‐frail patients (7.8 and 11.5 vs 2.0 per person‐year; incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 4.01; CI = 3.93‐4.08 vs IRR = 5.89; CI = 5.70‐6.09, respectively). Patients with mild and moderate to severe frailty also had fewer days at home in the year after discharge compared with non‐frail patients (256 and 203 vs 302 mean days; IRR = .97; CI = .96‐.97 vs IRR = .95; CI = .94‐.95, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Older EGS patients with frailty are at increased risk for poor 1‐year outcomes and decreased home time. Targeted interventions for older EGS patients with frailty during the index EGS hospitalization are urgently needed to improve long‐term outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1037–1043, 2020
Low damage lamella preparation of metallic materials by FIB processing with low acceleration voltage and a low incident angle Ar ion milling finish
Authors: SATO T. , AIZAWA Y. , MATSUMOTO H. , KIYOHARA M. , KAMIYA C. , VON CUBE F.
Published: February 2020

Metallic materials are known to be very sensitive to Gallium (Ga) focused ion beam (FIB) processing. Crystal defects formed by FIB irradiation degrade the transmission electron microscope image quality, and it is difficult to distinguish original defects from FIB process‐induced damage. A solution to this problem is the low acceleration voltage and low incident angle (LVLA) Argon ion milling, which can be incorporated as an extensional countermeasure for FIB damage removal and eventually for preparation of high‐quality lamellae. The transmission electron microscope image quality of iron single crystal could be improved by removing crystal defects using the low acceleration voltage and low incident angle Argon ion milling finish. Lamella quality of the processing result was almost similar with that of the conventional electrolytic polishing.

As a practical application of the process, low damage lamella of stainless cast steel could be prepared. Effectiveness of the FIB system equipped with the low acceleration voltage and low incident angle Argon ion milling function as a tool to make high‐quality metallic material lamellae is illustrated.
Mucinous borderline ovarian tumors with and without Intraepithelial Carcinoma: Differences in clinicopathologic features and fertility results
Authors: Chen Rui‐fang , Tao Xiang , Wu Bei‐bei , Li Jun , Wang Jie‐yu , Gu Wei‐yong , Lu Xin
Published: February 2020

Aim

To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristic and fertility results of patients with mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (MBOTs), and the effects of intraepithelial carcinoma (IECA) on them.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients treated for MBOTs with or without IECA were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Patients with IECA were more frequently observed at stage Ic (3/12 vs 1/40, P = 0.034) and accompanied by microinvasive carcinoma (3/12 vs 1/40, P = 0.034). The detected rate of IECA by intraoperative frozen section (5/12, 41.7%) was much lower than that of MBOTs (82.5%, P = 0.010). About 61.5% patients in our study underwent fertility‐sparing surgery. Follow‐up information was retained completely in 41 patients. And all four tumor recurrences were observed (9.8%) in conservative surgery group in 66 months, though there was no statistical association (P = 0.280). There were three patients who recurred more than once, even one occurred tumor‐related death. Only one recurrent patient was in IECA group (P > 0.05). However, patients with IECA were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (3 of 12 vs 0 of 40, P = 0.010) and surgical staging (75% vs 52.5%, P = 0.200). As for fertility results, nine patients wished to be pregnant and seven of them (77.8%) were successful.

Conclusion

For young patients with MBOTs, fertility results are satisfactory after conservative surgery. But patients should be fully informed about the relative high recurrent rate. And IECA has no statistical negative effects on MBOTs till now, but a long‐term follow‐up is required.
Increased risk of dizziness in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients taking zidovudine and efavirenz combination: a Brazilian cohort study
Authors: Valeriano Josué Jeyzon de Lima Soares , Carvalho-Silva Wlisses Henrique Veloso , Coelho Antônio Victor Campos , Moura Ronald Rodrigues , Arraes Luiz Cláudio , Brandão Lucas André Cavalcanti , Crovella Sergio , Guimarães Rafael Lima
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Neuropsychiatric adverse effects (NPAE) related to efavirenz, mainly dizziness, is detrimental to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment. Our study aims at evaluating if zidovudine use potentiates the risk of dizziness related to efavirenz when used together and whether there are significant differences in over time distribution of this NPAE and others relatively frequents regarding efavirenz regimen without zidovudine.

Methods

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under efavirenz-containing different therapy were enrolled. A retrospective analysis of official medical records was accomplished to collect clinical data regarding NPAE occurrence and severity. Univariate statistic and statistical model based on survival analyses were performed.

Key findings

One hundred sixty-two patients were included, of these seventy-seven (47.5%) had NPAE reported, such as dizziness (more frequent), depression and insomnia. Univariate statistical analysis demonstrated that the combined use of efavirenz with zidovudine increased the NPAE risk (OR: 2.5; P-value: 0.008), mainly dizziness risk (OR: 3.5; P-value: 0.009) and survival analysis showed that such combination is associated with dizziness occurrence faster (HR: 2.9; P-value: 0.02).

Conclusions

The results may contribute to clarify the dizziness occurrence dynamics in therapy with efavirenz and zidovudine by identifying susceptibilities and assisting in the choice of combined antiretroviral therapy.
When are pathogen dynamics likely to reflect host population genetic structure?
Authors: Carver Scott , Lunn Tamika
Published: February 2020

Does the structure and connectivity of host populations influence the dynamics and evolution of their pathogens? This topical question is the essence of research investigating the ecology of a Pteropus fruit bat and its zoonotic Nipah virus (NiV) published by Olival et al. in this issue of Molecular Ecology. Questioned less overtly, but nonetheless implicit to the study, is “what are the mechanisms underpinning intraspecific host–pathogen congruence (IHPC) of genetic structure?”. Olival et al. investigated the phylogeographical structure of Pteropus medius and NiV isolates across Bangladesh, from areas inside and outside of the Nipah belt—an area where most human spillover events occur. A high degree of host panmixia was discovered, with some population differentiation east of the Nipah belt. NiV genetic structure was congruent with the host. The authors attributed the panmixia and structuring, respectively, to (a) the highly vagile nature of P. medius, and (b) possible differences between bioregions within and outside the Nipah belt. Other potential explanatory mechanisms were acknowledged, including hybridization and transmission mode. This study makes a valuable contribution to a growing body of literature examining IHPC. This has implications not only for pathogen spillover to humans and domestic animals, but more generally for thinking about the mechanisms that underlie patterns of host and pathogen genetic associations.
The management and outcome of pediatric blunt chest‐abdominal injuries
Authors: Kurahachi Tomohiro , Hashizume Naoki , Asagiri Kimio , Asakawa Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Yoshida Motomu , Tsuru Tomomitsu , Yagi Minoru
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and nature of pediatric blunt chest–abdominal injuries (BCAIs) and to summarize their management, ranging from non‐operative management (NOM), with or without angioembolization (AE), to surgical treatment.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients admitted to our hospital for BCAIs from January 1996 to December 2017. The age, injury pattern, organs of injury, outcome, and treatment were summarized.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐two patients (98 males, 34 females, mean age 7.68 years ± 3.58, range 1–15 years) were included in the study. Their injuries resulted from motor‐vehicle traffic incidents (n = 60), single‐bicycle injuries (n = 16), falls (n = 33), sports (n = 10), assault (n = 6), abuse (n = 3), and others (n = 4). There were no injured organs in 31 cases, while there were 130 injured organs in 101 cases, including the liver (n = 42), spleen (n = 35), lung (n = 23), kidney (n = 13), intestine (n = 10), pancreas (n = 5), and adrenal gland (n = 2). Angiography (AG) was performed in 20 cases, and NOM with AE was performed in 16 cases, including 17 organs (liver injury [n = 9], splenic injury [n = 5], and kidney injury [n = 4]). Surgical treatment was performed in eight cases (splenic injury in one, pancreas injury in one, and intestinal injury in six). NOM without AE was performed in the other cases.

Conclusions

The management of organ injury must take into consideration the management of integrated bleeding. It is recommended that children with severe organ injury are treated in dedicated trauma centers in which AE is available.
Providers’ perspectives on substance use among solid organ transplant candidates in a pediatric hospital
Authors: Steinberg Christofferson Elizabeth , Burgers Darcy E. , Buchanan Cindy , Suplee Amanda F. , Upshaw Naadira , Ariefdjohan Merlin
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Substance use is prevalent among youth and often leads to impairment in multiple domains. Additionally, substance use may pose adverse health issues post‐transplant. Yet, practices related to substance use among pediatric patients who require organ transplant remain inconsistent. In this study, providers were surveyed for their perspectives on substance use among solid organ transplant candidates within a pediatric hospital.

Methods

An online survey was administered to providers on the heart, kidney, and liver transplant teams at one tertiary pediatric care center located in the intermountain region of the United States (N = 50, 42% response rate). Providers answered questions about the need for a hospital‐wide policy across heart, liver, and kidney transplant teams within this transplant center, timing of substance use evaluation, types of substances eliciting concerns based on organ, and recommended interventions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Providers felt strongly about the need for a policy to guide recommendations for substance use among transplant candidates. Providers wanted a hospital‐wide substance use policy (84%) and a standardized measure for assessing substance use (98%). Respondents (98%) indicated that substance use should be assessed during the pretransplant evaluation. Respondents expressed varied concerns based on substance and organ type, and recommended interventions for patients to cease substance use prior to transplant listing.

Conclusions

This study highlights the need for a clear, directive, hospital‐wide policy and standardized procedure for evaluating substance use among adolescent solid organ transplant candidates nationally across pediatric transplant centers.
Intersectional Encounters, Representative Bureaucracy, and the Routine Traffic Stop
Authors: Baumgartner Frank R. , Bell Kate , Beyer Luke , Boldrin Tara , Doyle Libby , Govan Lindsey , Halpert Jack , Hicks Jackson , Kyriakoudes Katherine , Lee Cat , Leger Mackenzie , McAdon Sarah , Michalak Sarah , Murphy Caroline , Neal Eyan , O’Malley Olivia , Payne Emily , Sapirstein Audrey , Stanley Sally , Thacker Kathryn
Published: February 2020

We evaluate the factors associated with an officer’s decision to search a driver or vehicle after a routine traffic stop, and we compare the accuracy of these searches by looking at the share leading to arrest. Racial disparities in search rates by race and gender of driver are similar for all types of officers; all tend to search Black male drivers at higher rates than any other demographic. White male officers have higher search rates for all types of drivers. Further, they conduct the greatest share of “fruitless searches” (those not leading to arrest), and these searches are particularly targeted on those drivers with the greatest number of cumulative disadvantages.
The rise of corporate retailing and the impacts on small‐scale retailing: the survival strategies of Kirana stores and informal street vendors in Durgapur, India
Authors: Ray Nabati , Clarke Graham , Waley Paul
Published: February 2020

In many developing world economies in recent years, the state has been seen to encourage neoliberal economic expansion policies. This has involved both large‐scale foreign corporations and sometimes large‐scale domestic corporations. Many studies have discussed the new landscapes of economic hardship and the impacts on small businesses. The aim of this paper is to argue that the impacts on small traders are in fact more complex and varied than usually appears in the literature. The research was conducted in the industrial city of Durgapur in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, India. First it is argued that the impact has been greatest on the ‘kirana’ owners, operating small convenience type stores with legalized trading arrangements and fixed premises. On the other hand, the street vendors (often unlicensed and having no fixed premises) seem not to be affected in terms of customer loss and indeed could be seen to be doing well against the backcloth of neoliberal expansion. In fact we argue that the growth in the number of street vendors provides as much of a threat to future livelihoods for traditional kirana owners as the growth of large corporations itself.