bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Research for Strategic Leafy Brassica (Brassica oleracea) Improvement
Authors: Swegarden Hannah , Stelick Alina , Dando Robin , Griffiths Phillip D.
Published: November 2019

Plant breeders working with new or underrepresented horticultural crops often have minimal sensory resources available to aid in the breeding and selection of new varieties. Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is a recently popularized horticultural crop in Western markets, however, plant breeding programs have little knowledge regarding the underlying sensory characteristics motivating this trend. We employed a multilayered, sensory‐driven approach to understand the inherent consumer values, sensory attributes, and consumer preferences for kale types currently available on the market and novel genotypes from the Cornell AgriTech vegetable breeding program. Underlying consumer values related to storability, health and wellbeing, and sensory characteristics were identified through Qualitative Multivariate Analysis (QMA). A trained descriptive panel developed a lexicon of 44 sensory attributes common within kale germplasm, 21 of which exhibited significant differences among the 15 tested kale genotypes. Following a consumer test, four clusters of kale consumers were identified with agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and external preference mapping was used to connect consumer hedonic scores with descriptive data. Consumers demonstrated a preference for familiar kale types (that is, curly types), while new test hybrids scored favorably within flavor and appearance modalities. Preference mapping highlighted the utility of plant breeding in developing products to expand the existing sensory space. This work provides important resources for horticultural crop selection efforts, and it serves as a strategic model for breeding programs working with new or unfamiliar traits.

Practical Application

Plant breeders are responsible for selecting and improving traits that influence consumer acceptance, including quality traits such as appearance and flavor. Understanding the relative importance of sensory characteristics and the variation of these sensory characteristics can help plant breeders prioritize these traits within their program. We have developed a standardized sensory lexicon for kale and related leafy Brassicas, identified variation for texture and flavor in our breeding program, and gained a better understanding of consumer preferences to guide future breeding efforts.
Fitness effects of ecotourism on an endangered carnivore
Authors: Larm M. , Erlandsson R. , Norén K. , Angerbjörn A.
Published: November 2019

Nature‐based recreational and tourism activities can exert significant direct and indirect impacts on wildlife, through behavioral, physiological and distributional changes. Despite many studies demonstrating such changes, few attempts have been made to quantify the fitness consequences and evaluate their biological significance. Helagsfjällen in Sweden is a core area of the endangered Fennoscandian arctic fox Vulpes lagopus, and a popular area for recreational tourism. Some dens in the area experience daily disturbance from tourism during the summer season, while others are virtually undisturbed. We used a long‐term dataset (2008–2017) of 553 juveniles in 74 litters to investigate summer juvenile survival, which is an important fitness component for the arctic fox. We found that the mean juvenile survival rate increased from 0.56 at undisturbed dens to 0.83 at disturbed den during years of decreasing small‐rodent abundance, where predation on the arctic fox is presumed to be highest. We suggest that the increased survival could be mediated by a human activity‐induced predator refuge for the arctic foxes in close proximity of trails and mountain huts. Our study demonstrates a possible positive indirect effect of nature‐based tourism on wildlife and is one of a few studies attempting to quantify this impact. It highlights the importance of context for how animals are affected by disturbance. We also demonstrate that studying how the effects of tourism activity vary depending on the context could provide opportunities for identifying the mechanisms behind these effects, which can be an important link between scientific research and the management of wildlife and tourism activities.
Incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis following macular surgery in France between 2006 and 2016
Authors: Ben Ghezala Inès , Mariet Anne‐Sophie , Benzenine Eric , Bron Alain M. , Baudin Florian , Daien Vincent , Korobelnik Jean‐François , Quantin Catherine , Creuzot‐Garcher Catherine
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To report the incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) after macular surgery in France between 2006 and 2016 and to identify associated factors.

Methods

This retrospective database study included all hospital discharge records involving a surgical procedure for an epiretinal membrane or a macular hole in France from January 2006 to October 2016. Acute POE was identified by two codes in the tenth edition of the International Classification of Diseases within 42 days of a macular surgical procedure in the French national administrative database.

Results

In France, 152 034 macular surgical procedures for epiretinal membranes or macular holes were recorded from 1 January 2006 to 31 October 2016. Suspected acute POE was reported in 381 cases. The incidence of POE was 0.25% overall, 0.30% for epiretinal membrane surgery and 0.14% for macular hole surgery. In multivariable Poisson regression analysis, epiretinal membrane surgery was associated with POE [incidence rate ratio (IRR), 2.24; 95% CI, 1.62–3.11; p < 0.001]. For epiretinal membrane surgery, the 2010–2011 period was significantly associated with a higher risk of POE (IRR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13–2.42; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The incidence of POE after macular surgery was 0.25% overall in France between 2006 and 2016 and twice higher for epiretinal membrane surgery than for macular hole surgery. For epiretinal surgery only, the incidence of POE was higher in 2010–2011 (period of the switch to transconjunctival vitrectomy) than in the rest of the study period.
Stigmas toward psychosis‐related clinical features among the general public in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yen‐Chin , Lin Yi‐Ting , Liu Chih‐Min , Hwang Tzung‐Jeng , Hsieh Ming H. , Chien Yi‐Ling , Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Liu Chen‐Chung
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Stigma can be a barrier to early intervention of severe mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia, which further leads to poor outcomes. Mental health campaigns were designed to educate the general public about signs for early identification of psychosis, but the line between schizophrenia and attenuated psychosis was not well demarcated. We wonder if people would generalize their stigmas towards schizophrenia to subjects with subthreshold psychotic symptoms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was employed which used a structured questionnaire, comprised of four case vignettes describing attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), schizophrenia, psychotic‐like experiences (PLE), or depression, and was followed by two sets of questions using the 4‐point Likert scale to measure discrimination and prejudices. Participants were chosen by convenience sampling of laypersons from different backgrounds.

Results

A total of 268 subjects completed this survey. A gradient of stigmas, highest toward schizophrenia, followed by APS/depression, and lowest toward PLE was apparent across gender, all age groups, and education levels. Participants who were younger and had higher education revealed a trend of lower prejudice and discrimination. People who have visited a psychiatric hospital showed higher discrimination toward schizophrenia, APS, and depression. People who have seen mentally ill persons in public places showed lower stigma toward PLE.

Discussion

Our respondents posed a differentiable attitude towards PLE, APS, and schizophrenia, while exhibiting no difference between APS and depression. Certain personal attributes were correlated with stigma levels. Further investigation about mental health literacy and attitudes towards subjects with psychotic symptoms in the general public is warranted.
From free to forced adaptation: A political ecology of the ‘state‐society‐flood’ nexus in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Authors: Tran Thong Anh
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the adaptation processes with reference to the narrative analysis of human–environment interactions in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. From the political ecology perspective, it focuses on the discourses of the power relationships embedded within the ‘state‐society‐flood’ nexus over the course of its ‘opening‐up and closing‐off’ processes (e.g. excavating large‐scale canals for human settlements and agricultural expansion (opening‐up) and human interventions into natural systems through water control structures (closing‐off)). Drawing on empirical data gathered from 33 interviews and nine focus group discussions in three study areas and relevant literature, the paper argues that human interactions with the flood environments are intertwined with adjustments of adaptation patterns as evidenced through three periods: free adaptation (pre‐1975), transitional adaptation (1976–2010) and forced adaptation (after 2010). These processes have witnessed a gradual power shift in the ‘state‐society’ relations in manipulating floods, which moves from the top‐down towards a more collaborative fashion. By unravelling the political ecology of the ‘state‐society‐flood’ nexus, this paper exhibits the skewed development in the delta, which is largely bound to short‐term development planning to prioritise local socio‐economic and political objectives. The paper contributes important policy implications for achieving socially just and environmentally sustainable development in the delta.
Microalgae Schizochytrium sp. as a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): Effects on diet digestibility, oxidation and palatability and on immunity and inflammatory indices in dogs
Authors: Souza Camilla Mariane Menezes , de Lima Daniele Cristina , Bastos Taís Silvino , de Oliveira Simone Gisele , Beirão Breno Castello Branco , Félix Ananda Portella
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on diet palatability, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and metabolizable energy (ME), blood variables and indicators of immunity in dogs. We also evaluated oxidative stability. Two diets containing 0 and 0.4% of microalgae Schizochytrium sp. were evaluated in three experiments. On Experiment I the palatability of diets containing 0% versus 0.4% microalgae was compared. In Experiment II test diets were offered for 30 days to determine digestibility, fecal characteristics, and blood parameters. In Experiment III, the oxidative stability of diets containing microalgae versus anchovy oil was evaluated. There was a higher intake ratio of the diet containing microalgae (p < .05). The ME and CTTAD of nutrients increased (p < .05), except for ether extract after acid hydrolysis, with the inclusion of the microalgae in diet. The amount of monocytes and phagocytic granulocytes was higher (p < .05) in dogs fed 0.4% microalgae. There was greater oxidative stability for the sample containing microalgae. The addition of 0.4% microalgae presented high palatability, increased phagocytic cell numbers, and demonstrated oxidative stability superior to anchovy oil.
Primary therapy and survival among patients with nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a population‐based analysis in the Netherlands, 1993–2016
Authors: Posthuma Hidde L. A. , Zijlstra Josée M. , Visser Otto , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Kersten Marie José , Dinmohamed Avinash G.
Published: November 2019

In this nationwide, population‐based study, we assessed trends in primary treatment and survival among 687 patients with nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (75% males; median age, 40 years; and 74% stage‐I/II disease) diagnosed in the Netherlands between 1993–2016. There were no noteworthy changes in the application of primary therapy over time among adult patients across the different disease stages and age groups. Survival among various subgroups of adult patients was largely comparable to the expected survival of the general population. A particularly encouraging finding was that young adult patients experienced virtually no excess mortality, as compared to the general population.
Organic farming for local markets in Kenya: Contribution of conversion and certification to environmental benefits
Authors: Tankam Chloé , Djimeu Eric W.
Published: November 2019

Organic farming is a way to address environmental issues. In Kenya, organic production for domestic markets based on local certification represents a solution to both economic and environmental issues. We propose to address this latter issue. Indeed, no quantitative studies have been dedicated to these systems’ impacts on the environment. However, their theoretical benefits can be weakened, first by their functioning based on internal control and indirect external control, and second by the risk of self‐selection since farmers using low levels of synthetic inputs have less effort to make in order to enter in conversion process. Thanks to unique farm‐level survey data along with the propensity score matching method, we assess the producer‐level effects of organic certification for fruits and vegetables on agro‐ecological practices. We show that conversion and certification are associated with organic farming techniques and positive perceptions of different statements about environmental values. However, we do not notice any additional effects of certification compared to conversion alone. Although economic issues are important, we focus on environmental issues that appear as important for smallholders. In a context with no public regulation, conversion‐only farmers and locally certified farmers could be a lever for a more sustainable agriculture.
Modelling the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of ichthyoplankton in the Yangtze Estuary, China
Authors: Zhang Zhixin , Mammola Stefano , Xian Weiwei , Zhang Hui
Published: November 2019

Aim

Species distribution models (SDMs) are an effective tool to explore the potential distribution of terrestrial, freshwater and marine organisms; however, SDMs have been seldom used to model ichthyoplankton distributions, and thus, our understanding of how larval stages of fishes will respond to climate change is still limited. Here, we developed SDMs to explore potential impacts of climate change on habitat suitability of ichthyoplankton.

Location

Yangtze Estuary, China.

Methods

Using long‐term ichthyoplankton survey data and a large set of marine predictor variables, we developed ensemble SDMs for five abundant ichthyoplankton species in the Yangtze Estuary (Coilia mystus, Hypoatherina valenciennei, Larimichthys polyactis, Salanx ariakensis and Chelidonichthys spinosus). Then, we projected their habitat suitability under present and future climate conditions.

Results

The ensemble SDMs had good predictive performance and were successful in estimating the known distributions of the five species. Model projections highlighted two contrasting patterns of response to future climates: while C. mystus will likely expand its range, the ranges of the other four species will likely contract and shift northward.

Main conclusions

According to our SDM projections, the five ichthyoplankton species that we tested in the Yangtze Estuary are likely to respond differently to future climate changes. These projected different responses seemingly reflect the differential functional attributes and life‐history strategies of these species. To the extent that climate change emerges as a critical driver of the future distribution of these species, our findings provide an important roadmap for designing future conservation strategies for ichthyoplankton in this region.
Effects of chronic cigarette smoking on myocardial deformation parameters by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Yaman Belma , Akpınar Onur , Cerit Levent , Kemal Hatice S. , Usalp Songül , Yüksek Ümit , Açıkgöz Eser , Coşkun Uğur , Duygu Hamza
Published: November 2019

Background

Cigarette smoking causes myocardial damage with several mechanisms such as sympathetic nervous system activation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Chronic smokers have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiac events. We aimed to compare the myocardial deformation parameters between chronic smokers and nonsmoker healthy population.

Method

Forty‐two healthy participants (mean age 33.48 ± 10.00 years) without smoking history, 40 participants (mean age 33.98 ± 9.27 years) who had been smoking were prospectively included. In addition to conventional echocardiographic measurements, global longitudinal strain (GLS) of left ventricle (LV), GLS of right ventricle (RV), left atrial strain, and strain rate were analyzed.

Results

Smokers had lower peak early diastolic velocity (E) and E/a (early diastolic velocity/late diastolic velocity) ratio in mitral inflow (70.0 ± 13.9 cm/sec vs 77.1 ± 13.3 cm/sec, P = .023; 1.4 ± 0.4 vs 1.7 ± 0.4, P = .011; respectively). Peak early diastolic velocity of mitral valve septal annulus (Em) and Em/Am ratio (peak early diastolic velocity of mitral valve/late diastolic velocity of mitral valve) (11.0 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs 12.1 ± 2.4 cm/sec, P = .023; 1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.4 ± 0.4, P = .039; respectively) were lower in smokers. LV GLS and RV GLS were significantly lower in smokers (−17.6% ± 3.01 vs −19.2% ± 2.5; P = .013, −18.9% ± 4.4 vs −21.0% ± 4.5; P = .039; respectively).

Conclusion

Impaired LV and RV deformation were found in chronic smokers in our study. Although there was no statistically significant difference with left ventricular ejection fraction, LV GLS which is the early indicator of LV systolic dysfunction was lower in chronic smokers. The assessment of early harmful effects of smoking on left and right ventricle might be evaluated with speckle tracking echocardiography.
Use of a photo‐realism 3D rendering technique to enhance echocardiographic visualization of the anatomical details during beating‐heart mitral valve repair
Authors: Vairo Alessandro , Marro Matteo , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Rinaldi Mauro , Salizzoni Stefano
Published: November 2019

The NeoChord procedure is an innovative microinvasive, transventricular, beating‐heart chordal replacement technique for patients with severe degenerative mitral valve regurgitation resulting from prolapsed or flail leaflets. Use of three‐dimensional (3D) transoesophageal echocardiographic imaging is crucial to the physician operator for device navigation during the procedure and to assess the functional results of the repair at the end of the procedure. Photo‐realistic, 3D rendering techniques have been recently developed for medical use. Philips TrueVue (Philips Healthcare, Eindhoven, NL) is a photo‐realism technique that employs the use of a virtual light source that simulates the interaction of light on 3‐dimensional surfaces. Use of photo‐realism techniques, in conjunction with 3D echocardiography, improves the visualization of morphological characteristics of the mitral valve before, during, and after beating‐heart mitral valve repair procedures.
Radar aeroecology – a missing piece of the puzzle for studying the migration ecology of animals
Authors: Schmaljohann Heiko
Published: November 2019

In a recent Ecography article, Bauer et al. (2019) identified the most pressing questions for advancing our understanding of how anthropogenic changes in the environment affect aerial migrants at the macroscale and how these changes consequently influence humans. To surmount the associated challenges, large‐scale networks of weather surveillance radar are the suggested solution because addition to measuring precipitation and wind, they also continuously monitor the aggregated biomass movements of insects, birds and bats over large spatial and temporal scales. As such, they provide essential and unprecedented fundamental information about macroecological patterns (e.g. migration routes, phenologies and navigation strategies) for migratory species. In addition to the simultaneous description of such patterns for all such species at the continental level, long‐term changes in these can be revealed by taking into account existing historical radar data. The combination of these three properties, i.e. cross‐species, continental and long‐term, is unique and provides the much‐needed information regarding migration ecology that the individual‐based approaches cannot provide via tracking, manipulative and genetic studies of single species. Thus, radar aeroecology constitutes a missing piece of the puzzle to answer the grand challenges of migration ecology.
Pluridisciplinary programmes for innovation: Realities and limits of a promising form of learning
Authors: Ruano‐Borbalan Jean‐Claude
Published: November 2019

Higher education has adopted an innovation imperative that has driven significant transformations in the sector. A new kind of learning programme, based on problem‐solving, design thinking, creativity and “pluridisciplinarity” has emerged in the last two decades and become an emblematic form of learning to cope with current “complex” economic and societal problems by examining their roots at ground level. The French case study allows one to understand the distance between general policy orientations for innovation and actors' capacity and the need to take into account the local context.
Caeco‐caecal and caeco‐colic intussusception in two half‐sibling Standardbred horses
Authors: Gough S. L. , Labens R. , Quinn C. , Hughes K. J. , Slack‐Smith V. , Hilbert B. J.
Published: November 2019

This report describes caecal intussusception in two young half‐sibling Standardbred horses. Both horses presented showing signs of low‐grade abdominal pain. The horses remained haemodynamically stable despite signs of abdominal pain and associated tachycardia. Exploratory celiotomy was undertaken in both horses due to persistent abdominal pain and a poor response to administration of analgesic medications. Exploration of the abdomen revealed caeco‐caecal intussusception in one horse and caeco‐colic intussusception in the other horse. An underlying cause for caecal dysfunction and subsequent intussusception was not identified in either patient. Manual reduction of the intussusception was successful in both cases. The horses recovered uneventfully from surgery.
Numerical prediction of notch bluntness effect on fracture resistance of SM490A carbon steel
Authors: Youn Gyo‐Geun , Kim Ji‐Soo , Kim Yun‐Jae , Kamaya Masayuki
Published: November 2019

The present work investigates the notch radius effect on fracture resistance using the finite element (FE) damage analysis based on the multiaxial fracture strain model. The damage model was determined from experimental data of notched bar tensile and fracture toughness test data using a sharp‐cracked compact tension specimen. Then, the FE damage analysis was applied to simulate fracture resistance tests of SM490A carbon steel specimens with different notch radii. Comparison of simulated results with experimental data showed good agreement. Further simulation was then performed to see effects of the specimen size, thickness, and side groove on J‐R curves for different notch radii. It was found that effects of the specimen size and thickness became more pronounced for the larger notch radius. Furthermore, it was found that without side groove, tearing modulus for notched specimens was similar to that for cracked specimens, regardless of the notch radius.
Microbially influenced lacustrine carbonates: A comparison of Late Quaternary Lahontan tufa and modern thrombolite from Fayetteville Green Lake, NY
Authors: DeMott Laura M. , Napieralski Stephanie A. , Junium Christopher K. , Teece Mark , Scholz Christopher A.
Published: November 2019

Carbonate microbialites in lakes can serve as valuable indicators of past environments, so long as the biogenicity and depositional setting of the microbialite can be accurately determined. Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene frondose draping tufa deposits from Winnemucca Dry Lake (Nevada, USA), a subbasin of pluvial Lake Lahontan, were examined in outcrop, petrographically, and geochemically to determine whether microbially induced precipitation is a dominant control on deposition. These observations were compared to modern, actively accumulating microbialites from Fayetteville Green Lake (New York, USA) using similar methods. In addition, preserved microbial DNA was extracted from the Lahontan tufa and sequenced to provide a more complete picture of the microbial communities. Tufas are texturally and geochemically similar to modern thrombolitic microbialites from Fayetteville Green Lake, and the stable isotopic composition of organic C, N, inorganic C, and O supports deposition associated with a lacustrine microbial mat environment dominated by photosynthetic processes. DNA extraction and sequencing indicate that photosynthetic microbial builders were present during tufa deposition, primarily Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria with minor abundances of Cyanobacteria and Acidobacteria. Based on the sequencing results, the depositional environment of the tufas can be constrained to the photic zone of the lake, contrasting with some previous interpretations that put tufa formation in deeper waters. Additionally, the presence of a number of mesothermophilic phyla, including Deinococcus–Thermus, indicates that thermal groundwater may have played a role in tufa deposition at sites not previously associated with groundwater influx. The interpretation of frondose tufas as microbially influenced deposits provides new context to interpretations of lake level and past environments in the Lahontan lake basins.
Off the beaten track? Critical approaches to exploration studies
Authors: Martin Peter R. , Armston‐Sheret Edward
Published: November 2019

Since the 1980s, studying histories of exploration has become an increasingly prominent area of scholarship and has attracted critical attention from a range of different academic perspectives. Whether framed as a process of imperial expansion, as a quest for the production of new knowledge, or as a means for certain individuals to establish or advance their reputations, the complex motivations that lay behind European travellers' desire to venture overseas has been examined and critiqued by scholars situated in a number of different disciplines. Growing attention has been paid to those groups or individuals who have historically been written out of traditional, hagiographic exploration accounts, and we have seen the key roles played by women explorers, “indigenous intermediaries,” and various others exposed and investigated more thoroughly. The purpose of this paper is to review these diverse scholarly literatures, with a particular focus on those which centre their analysis on the long nineteenth century. In doing so, we demonstrate that the study of exploration is not just of narrow historical interest, but rather offers a means in which to shed new light on many wider social, political, and cultural processes that were taking place during this period.
Previous Helicobacter pylori infection–induced atrophic gastritis: A distinct disease entity in an understudied population without a history of eradication
Authors: Kishikawa Hiroshi , Ojiro Keisuke , Nakamura Kenji , Katayama Tadashi , Arahata Kyoko , Takarabe Sakiko , Miura Soichiro , Kanai Takanori , Nishida Jiro
Published: November 2019

Individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis who are negative for active H. pylori infection with no history of eradication therapy have been identified in clinical practice. By excluding false‐negative and autoimmune gastritis cases, it can be surmised that most of these patients have experienced unintentional eradication of H. pylori after antibiotic treatment for other infectious disease, unreported successful eradication, or H. pylori that spontaneously disappeared. These patients are considered to have previous H. pylori infection–induced atrophic gastritis. In this work, we define these cases based on the following criteria: absence of previous H. pylori eradication; atrophic changes on endoscopy or histologic confirmation of glandular atrophy; negative for a current H. pylori infection diagnosed in the absence of proton‐pump inhibitors or antibiotics; and absence of localized corpus atrophy, positivity for autoantibodies, or characteristic histologic findings suggestive of autoimmune gastritis. The risk of developing gastric cancer depends on the atrophic grade. The reported rate of developing gastric cancer is 0.31%‐0.62% per year for successfully eradicated severely atrophic cases (pathophysiologically equal to unintentionally eradicated cases and unreported eradicated cases), and 0.53%‐0.87% per year for spontaneously resolved cases due to severe atrophy. Therefore, for previous H. pylori infection–induced atrophic gastritis cases, we recommend endoscopic surveillance every 3 years for high‐risk patients, including those with endoscopically severe atrophy or intestinal metaplasia. Because of the difficulty involved in the endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer in cases of previous infection, appropriate monitoring of the high‐risk subgroup of this understudied population is especially important.
Characterization of the γδ T‐cell compartment during infancy reveals clear differences between the early neonatal period and 2 years of age
Authors: van der Heiden Marieke , Björkander Sophia , Rahman Qazi Khaleda , Bittmann Julia , Hell Lena , Jenmalm Maria C , Marchini Giovanna , Vermijlen David , Abrahamsson Thomas , Nilsson Caroline , Sverremark‐Ekström Eva
Published: November 2019

γδ T cells are unconventional T cells that function on the border of innate and adaptive immunity. They are suggested to play important roles in neonatal and infant immunity, although their phenotype and function are not fully characterized in early childhood. We aimed to investigate γδ T cells in relation to age, prematurity and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Therefore, we used flow cytometry to characterize the γδ T‐cell compartment in cord blood and peripheral blood cells from 14‐day‐, 2‐year‐ and 5‐year‐old children, as well as in peripheral blood samples collected at several time points during the first months of life from extremely premature neonates. γδ T cells were phenotypically similar at 2 and 5 years of age, whereas cord blood was divergent and showed close proximity to γδ T cells from 14‐day‐old neonates. Interestingly, 2‐year‐old children and adults showed comparable Vδ2+ γδ T‐cell functionality toward both microbial and polyclonal stimulations. Importantly, extreme preterm birth compromised the frequencies of Vδ1+ cells and affected the functionality of Vδ2+ γδ T cells shortly after birth. In addition, CMV infection was associated with terminal differentiation of the Vδ1+ compartment at 2 years of age. Our results show an adult‐like functionality of the γδ T‐cell compartment already at 2 years of age. In addition, we demonstrate an altered γδ T‐cell phenotype early after birth in extremely premature neonates, something which could possible contribute to the enhanced risk for infections in this vulnerable group of children.
Peripheral arterial disease screening and diagnostic practice: A scoping review
Authors: Donohue Cornelius M. , Adler Joseph V. , Bolton Laura L.
Published: November 2019

Early reliable, valid screening, diagnosis, and treatment improve peripheral arterial disease outcomes, yet screening and diagnostic practices vary across settings and specialties. A scoping literature review described reliability and validity of peripheral ischaemia diagnosis or screening tools. Clinical studies in the PUBMED database January 1, 1970, to August 13, 2018, were reviewed summarising ranges of reliability and validity of peripheral ischaemia diagnostic and screening tools for patients with non‐neuropathic lower leg ischaemia. Peripheral ischaemia screening and diagnostic practices varied in parameters measured such as timing, frequency, setting, ordering clinicians, degree of invasiveness, costs, definitions, and cut‐off points informing clinical and referral decisions. Traditional ankle/brachial systolic blood pressure index <0.9 was a reliable, valid lower leg ischaemia screening test to trigger specialist referral for detailed diagnosis. For patients with advanced peripheral ischaemia or calcified arteries, toe‐brachial index, claudication, or invasive angiographic imaging techniques that can have complications were reliable, valid screening, and diagnostic tools to inform management decisions. Ankle/brachial index testing is sufficiently reliable and valid for use during routine examinations to improve timing and consistency of peripheral ischaemia screening, triggering prompt specialist referral for more reliable, accurate Doppler, or other diagnosis to inform treatment decisions.
Rapid detection of biofilm by wound blotting following sharp debridement of chronic pressure ulcers predicts wound healing: A preliminary study
Authors: Nakagami Gojiro , Schultz Gregory , Kitamura Aya , Minematsu Takeo , Akamata Kaname , Suga Hiraku , Kurita Masakazu , Hayashi Chieko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: November 2019

For optimal wound bed preparation, wound debridement is essential to eliminate bacterial biofilms. However, it is challenging for clinicians to determine whether the biofilm is completely removed. A newly developed biofilm detection method based on wound blotting technology may be useful. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of biofilm elimination on wound area decrease in pressure ulcers, as confirmed using the wound blotting method. In this retrospective observational study, we enrolled patients with pressure ulcers who underwent sharp debridement with pre‐ and post‐debridement wound blotting. Biofilm was detected on the nitrocellulose membrane using ruthenium red or alcian blue staining. Patients were included if the test was positive for biofilm before wound debridement. Percent decrease in wound area after 1 week was calculated as an outcome measure. We classified the wounds into a biofilm‐eliminated group and a biofilm‐remaining group based on the post‐debridement wound blotting result. Sixteen wound blotting samples from nine pressure ulcers were collected. The percent decrease in wound area was significantly higher in the biofilm‐eliminated group (median: 14.4%, interquartile range: 4.6%‐20.1%) than in the biofilm‐remaining group (median: −14.5%, interquartile range: −25.3%‐9.6%; P = .040). The presence of remaining biofilms was an independent predictor for reduced percent decrease in wound area (coefficient = −22.84, P = .040). Biofilm‐based wound care guided by wound blotting is a promising measure to help clinicians eliminate bacterial bioburden more effectively for wound area reduction.
Online intervention to reduce pediatric anxiety: An evidence‐based review
Authors: Santilhano Michele
Published: November 2019

Topic

Online intervention for school‐age youth suffering from symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

Purpose

A review of the evidence was conducted to examine the effects of nonpharmacological interventions available online for a reduction of symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in school‐age youth.

Sources Used

The search strategy included the databases of Pubmed, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Clinical Trials, and Evidence‐Based Reviews. A combination of search terms was used to identify studies with database‐specific truncations: “Child* and youth* anxiety screen and intervention” AND “meta‐analysis”, “child anxiety” AND “systematic review”, “child anxiety and personal empowerment and SR”, “SCARED*”, “COPE”, and “SCARED* and SR”. Studies published between 2007 and 2017 were included for this review. Twenty studies met criteria and represented level one or two using Melnyk and Fineout‐Overholt, Level of Evidence Rating System for intervention inquiries.

Conclusion

Positive outcomes of improved physiological, social, and cognitive development are supported in the studies using cognitive behavior therapy such as the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE) program. The COPE‐online program is a cost‐effective strategy to complements models used for early screening and timely interventions for school‐age youth who struggle with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in Indonesia
Authors: Turana Yuda , Tengkawan Jeslyn , Soenarta Arieska Ann
Published: November 2019

Over one‐third of the population in Indonesia has hypertension, almost two‐thirds of treated patients have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP), and the majority of patients with hypertension also have comorbidities. Home BP monitoring (HBPM) is a useful tool for diagnosing and managing hypertension. The use of HBPM is recommended by the latest consensus from the Indonesian Society of Hypertension (2019), and nearly, all doctors recommend HBPM for hypertensive patients. However, the use of HBPM in Indonesia is limited by the cost of devices and a perception that these devices are unreliable. In addition, knowledge about proper procedures is lacking. Withdrawal of mercury sphygmomanometers from the end of 2018 is expected to encourage the use of digital sphygmomanometers and the implementation of HBPM. The most common antihypertensive agent used in Indonesia varies by patient age, being angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in those aged 40‐60 years and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in older patients. Across all age groups, combination therapy with a CCB plus an angiotensin receptor blocker was common (41%‐42% of patients). The high prevalence of hypertension in Indonesia has an important economic impact, and approaches to increase awareness of the disease and adherence to therapy are needed, particularly given data showing the benefits of strict BP control.
Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis reveals CD9/ITGA4/PI3K‐Akt axis mediates trabecular meshwork cell apoptosis in human glaucoma
Authors: Yan Junwei , Yang Xuejiao , Jiao Xuefei , Yang Xian , Guo Mingjin , Chen Yunqing , Zhan Lu , Chen Wenshi
Published: November 2019

Glaucoma has been the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a high‐risk factor of glaucoma, repression of which has been the important treatment of glaucoma in clinic. Trabecular meshwork is crucial for maintaining IOP in aqueous humour out‐flow system. It is urgent to reveal the molecular mechanism of trabecular meshwork in glaucoma. Previous studies found that some pathways were related to glaucoma, such as extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐protein kinase B (Akt) and apoptosis. To identify novel molecules in glaucoma, we performed high‐throughput transcriptome and proteome analysis to immortal human trabecular meshwork cells (iHTM) and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork cells (GTM3), respectively. Twenty‐six up‐regulated genes/proteins and 59 down‐regulated genes/proteins were identified as the high‐risk factors based on differential analysis, including some known factors of glaucoma. Furthermore, a glaucoma‐related protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for investigating the function roles of risk factors. Some genes were identified as potential regulator in the pathogenesis of glaucoma based on the topology analysis and module analysis to the network. Importantly, we identified and demonstrated that CD9 played key roles in glaucoma by biological experiment. CD9 is down‐regulated in glaucoma, overexpression of CD9 can active integrin α4 (ITGA4), PI3K and Akt, which lead to the decreased apoptosis and attenuate glaucoma. All these results provide a novel molecular therapy of glaucoma.
Improved Quality of Death and Dying in Care Homes: A Palliative Care Stepped Wedge Randomized Control Trial in Australia
Authors: Liu Wai‐Man , Koerner Jane , Lam Lawrence , Johnston Nikki , Samara Juliane , Chapman Michael , Forbat Liz
Published: November 2019

OBJECTIVES

Mortality in care homes is high, but care of dying residents is often suboptimal, and many services do not have easy access to specialist palliative care. This study examined the impact of providing specialist palliative care on residents' quality of death and dying.

DESIGN

Using a stepped wedge randomized control trial, care homes were randomly assigned to crossover from control to intervention using a random number generator. Analysis used a generalized linear and latent mixed model. The trial was registered with ANZCTR: ACTRN12617000080325.

SETTING

Twelve Australian care homes in Canberra, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1700 non‐respite residents were reviewed from the 12 participating care homes. Of these residents, 537 died and 471 had complete data for analysis. The trial ran between February 2017 and June 2018.

INTERVENTION

Palliative Care Needs Rounds (hereafter Needs Rounds) are monthly hour‐long staff‐only triage meetings to discuss residents at risk of dying without a plan in place. They are chaired by a specialist palliative care clinician and attended by care home staff. A checklist is followed to guide discussions and outcomes, focused on anticipatory planning.

MEASUREMENTS

This article reports secondary outcomes of staff perceptions of residents' quality of death and dying, care home staff confidence, and completion of advance care planning documentation. We assessed (1) quality of death and dying, and (2) staff capability of adopting a palliative approach, completion of advance care plans, and medical power of attorney.

RESULTS

Needs Rounds are associated with staff perceptions that residents had a better quality of death and dying (P < .01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.83‐12.21), particularly in the 10 facilities that complied with the intervention protocol (P < .01; 95% CI = 6.37‐13.32). Staff self‐reported perceptions of capability increased (P < .01; 95% CI = 2.73‐6.72).

CONCLUSION

The data offer evidence for monthly triage meetings to transform the lives, deaths, and care of older people residing in care homes. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:305–312, 2020
A Dyadic Analysis of the Associations Between Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: The Mediating Roles of Negative Urgency and Communication Patterns
Authors: Dugal Caroline , Bélanger Claude , Brassard Audrey , Godbout Natacha
Published: November 2019

Prior research has suggested associations between cumulative childhood trauma (CCT), negative urgency, communication patterns, and psychological intimate partner violence (P‐IPV), but no study has examined these links using a dyadic approach. This study examined the sequential mediation of negative urgency and communication patterns in the link uniting CCT and P‐IPV in a sample of 501 heterosexual couples. Results suggest that more CCT events are associated with higher levels of negative urgency, which in turn are associated with a higher tendency to endorse a demand/withdraw and/or demand/demand communication pattern, and to perpetrate P‐IPV. Findings support the need to assess CCT, emotional self‐control, dyadic and communication patterns, and P‐IPV perpetration and victimization in couples seeking help in order to select interventions that will take into account the individual and dyadic nature of P‐IPV.
A randomized, patient/evaluator‐blinded, split‐face study to compare the efficacy and safety of polycaprolactone and polynucleotide fillers in the correction of crow's feet: The latest biostimulatory dermal filler for crow's feet
Authors: Jeong Guk Jin , Ahn Ga Ram , Park Su Jung , Hong Ji Yeon , Kim Beom Joon
Published: November 2019

Background

No data on the clinical results and safety profiles of the polycaprolactone (PCL) ‐based dermal filler for crow's feet correction have been published.

Aims

This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of a novel PCL‐based dermal filler, DLMR01, with that of RJR, a purified polynucleotide dermal filler.

Patients/Methods

A total of 30 subjects with symmetric crow's feet of 2‐4 points on the Crow's Feet Grading Scale (CFGS) were enrolled in this randomized, patient/evaluator‐blinded, split‐face study. Each subject was randomized to receive injections of DLMR01 or RJR in their right or left crow's feet. At 4 and 12 weeks, all participants were evaluated via CFGS, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and PRIMOS software system.

Results

No significant difference in CFGS, GAIS, and Ra value was detected between DLMR01 side and RJR at 12 weeks (improvement rate in CFGS from baseline at week 12—DLMR01: 48.28% [14/29], RJR: 41.38% [12/29]).

Conclusion

The novel PCL‐based dermal filler DLMR01 shows suitable efficacy and safety, widening the selection possibilities for clinicians and patients in the treatment crow's feet.
Phosphorus in the culture of the Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) farmed in monoculture and in integrated multitrophic systems
Authors: Flickinger Dallas L. , Dantas Daniela P. , Proença Danilo C. , David Fernanda S. , Valenti Wagner C.
Published: November 2019

Inputs, outputs, and accumulation of phosphorus were evaluated for monoculture and polyculture grow‐outs of the Amazon river prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum and tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum in stagnant earthen ponds using a hypereutrophic water source. A completely randomized experiment was designed with four treatments and three replications: prawn monoculture—monoculture with 30 prawns/m2, fish monoculture—monoculture with 3 fish/m2, integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA)—polyculture with 30 prawns/m2 and 3 fish/m2 reared free swimming, and POLY‐CAGE—polyculture with 30 prawns/m2 and 40 fish/m3 reared in net cages. Samples of commercial diet, water, rain, animals, accumulated sludge, total suspended solids, and settleable solids were collected throughout the experiment to determine the total phosphorus contents of the inputs and outputs and to calculate the phosphorus budget. Results showed high variability in the phosphorus content of each variable in all treatments. Much of the phosphorus was accumulated as solid material at the bottom of the pond (ca. 31–73%). The integrated grow‐outs showed the best phosphorus conversion from the commercial diet (ca. 24–34%) and phosphorus use efficiency from all inputs (ca. 12–18%). Bioturbation from both species appeared to influence the liberation of phosphorus to the water column, stimulating plankton productivity and promoting the turnover of nutrients. A mud‐feeder species should be added to the IMTA systems to take advantage of the large amounts of nutrients in the bottom sediments and increase the uptake of phosphorus by the farmed species.