bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IgG antibody responses are preferential compared to IgM for use as serological markers for detecting recent exposure to Plasmodium vivax infection
Authors: Longley Rhea J , White Michael T , Brewster Jessica , Liu Zoe SJ , Bourke Caitlin , Takashima Eizo , Harbers Matthias , Tham Wai-Hong , Healer Julie , Chitnis Chetan E , Monteiro Wuelton , Lacerda Marcus , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Tsuboi Takafumi , Mueller Ivo
Published: August 2020

To achieve malaria elimination, new tools are required to explicitly target Plasmodium vivax. Recently, a novel panel of P. vivax proteins were identified and validated as serological markers for detecting recent exposure to P. vivax within the last 9 months. In order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of these markers, IgM in addition to IgG antibody responses were assessed to a down-selected panel of 20 P. vivax proteins. IgM was tested using archival plasma samples from observational cohort studies conducted in malaria-endemic regions of Thailand and Brazil. IgM responses to these proteins generally had poorer classification performance than IgG.
Neutralizing antibody response in non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Ruetalo Natalia , Businger Ramona , Althaus Karina , Fink Simon , Ruoff Felix , Hamprecht Klaus , Flehmig Bertram , Bakchoul Tamam , Templin Markus F. , Schindler Michael
Published: August 2020

The majority of infections with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or mild without the necessity of hospitalization. It is of importance to reveal if these patients develop an antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 and to define which antibodies confer virus neutralization. We conducted a comprehensive serological survey of 49 patients with a mild course of disease and quantified neutralizing antibody responses against a clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolate employing human cells as targets.

Four patients (8%), even though symptomatic, did not develop antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and two other patients (4%) were only positive in one of the six serological assays employed. For the remainder, antibody response against the S-protein correlated with serum neutralization whereas antibodies against the nucleocapsid were poor predictors of virus neutralization. Regarding neutralization, only six patients (12%) could be classified as highly neutralizers. Furthermore, sera from several individuals with fairly high antibody levels had only poor neutralizing activity. In addition, employing a novel serological Western blot system to characterize antibody responses against seasonal coronaviruses, we found that antibodies against the seasonal coronavirus 229E might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.

Altogether, we show that there is a wide breadth of antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in patients that differentially correlate with virus neutralization. This highlights the difficulty to define reliable surrogate markers for immunity against SARS-CoV-2.
Epicardial slices: a 3D organotypic model for the study of epicardial activation and differentiation
Authors: Maselli D. , Matos R. S. , Johnson R. D. , Chiappini C. , Camelliti P. , Campagnolo P.
Published: August 2020

The epicardium constitutes an untapped reservoir for cardiac regeneration. Upon myocardial injury, the adult epicardium re-activates the embryonic program, leading to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration and differentiation. Despite some successes in harnessing the epicardial therapeutic potential by thymosin β4 (Tβ4) pre-treatment, further translational advancements are hampered by the paucity of representative experimental models. Here we apply innovative protocols to obtain living 3D organotypic slices from porcine hearts, encompassing the epicardial/myocardial interface. In culture, our slices preserve thein vivoarchitecture and functionality, presenting a continuous epicardium overlaying a healthy and connected myocardium. Upon Tβ4 treatment of the slices, the epicardial cells become activated upregulating embryonic and EMT genes and invading the myocardium where they differentiate towards the mesenchymal lineage. Our 3D organotypic model enables to investigate the reparative potential of the adult epicardium, offering a new tool to exploreex vivothe complex 3D interactions occurring within the native heart environment.
Computationally guided in-vitro vascular growth model reveals causal link between flow oscillations and disorganized neotissue
Authors: Van Haaften E.E. , Quicken S. , Huberts W. , Bouten C.V.C. , Kurniawan N.A.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Disturbed shear stress is thought to be the driving factor of neointimal hyperplasia in blood vessels and grafts, for example in hemodialysis conduits. Despite the common occurrence of neointimal hyperplasia, however, the mechanistic role of shear stress is unclear. This is especially problematic in the context ofin situscaffold-guided vascular regeneration, a process strongly driven by the scaffold mechanical environment. To address this issue, we herein introduce an integrated numerical-experimental approach to reconstruct the graft-host response and interrogate the mechanoregulation in dialysis grafts. Starting from patient data, we numerically analyze the biomechanics at the vein-graft anastomosis of a hemodialysis conduit. Using this biomechanical data, we show in anin vitrovascular growth model that oscillatory shear stress, in the presence of cyclic strain, favors neotissue development by reducing the secretion of remodeling markers by vascular cells and promoting the formation of a dense and disorganized collagen network. These findings identify scaffold-based shielding of cells from oscillatory shear stress as a potential handle to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in grafts.
A novel three-dimensional tetranuclear CoII coordination polymer with water hexamers based on the V-shaped tetracarboxylate ligand 4-(2,4-dicarboxylatophenoxy)phthalate
Authors: Li Shao-Dong , Su Feng , Zhu Miao-Li , Lu Li-Ping
Published: August 2020

A new coordination polymer (CP), namely, poly[[diaquatris[μ2-1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene]bis[μ6-4-(2,4-dicarboxylatophenoxy)phthalato]tetracobalt(II)] hexahydrate], {[Co4(C16H6O9)2(C12H10N4)3(H2O)2]·6H2O}
n
, has been synthesized by solvothermal reaction. The CP was fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It presents a three-dimensional (3D) structure based on tetranuclear CoII secondary building units (SBUs) with a tfz-d net and point symbol (43)2(46·618·84). The 4-(2,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid (H4dcppa) ligands are completely deprotonated and link {Co4(COO)4}4− SBUs into two-dimensional (2D) layers. Furthermore, adjacent layers are connected by 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene (bib) ligands, giving rise to a 3D supramolecular architecture. Interestingly, there are numerous elliptical cavities in the CP where isolated unique discrete hexameric water clusters have been observed. The results of thermogravimetric and magnetic analyses are described in detail.
What influences the innovation environment in BPO companies?
Authors: Ponciano Emanuel Soares , Amaral Creusa Sayuri Tahara
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the factors that form the innovation environment in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, from a case study in a Brazilian multinational company operating in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and BPO segment.

Design/methodology/approach

Minnesota Innovation Research Program (MIRP) questionnaire was adopted, aimed to environment conducive to innovation. It was applied to a sample of employees, from different hierarchical levels, who participated in an innovation training program developed and implemented by the organization. The data were analyzed to verify, in a simplified initial diagnosis, the influence of internal and external factors defined by MIRP in the company's innovation process.

Findings

Innovation management process focuses predominantly on processes (71.4% of occurrences). As impact of the factors: results (88.9%), autonomy (76.3%), leadership (74.9%), resources (74.6%), internal relationship of the innovation group (73.1%), formalization (68.4%), processes (64.5%), relationship effectiveness (63.7%), external relationship of the innovation group (63.2%) and dependence on external resources (52.6%). There was confirmation that the innovation program of company is effective and that the culture of innovation is institutionalized.

Research limitations/implications

A crossing of supplementary information could reveal some significant difference in the perception of the innovative culture and performance of the innovation processes between distinguished profiles.

Practical implications

Better guidance for management of ICT/BPO companies in an Open Innovation paradigm.

Social implications

Better relationship among the actors of an Open Innovation industry arrangement.

Originality/value

Improvement of the innovation process can occur through a greater focus on Open Innovation.
Design cybernetics in support of cross-disciplinary collaboration: educating the next generation of Chinese architects and structural engineers
Authors: Herr Christiane M.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper offers design cybernetics as a theoretical common ground to bridge diverging approaches to design as they frequently occur in collaborative design projects. Focusing on the education of architects and structural engineers in China, the paper examines how compatible approaches to design can be established in both disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses relevant literature as well as observations from Chinese practice and academia. Design cybernetics is introduced and examined as a basis for establishing shared narratives to support cross-disciplinary collaborations involving architects and structural engineers.

Findings

Design cybernetics offers a body of vocabulary and a rich resource of strategies to address applied designing across design-oriented disciplines such as architecture and science-based disciplines such as structural engineering. The meta perspective of design cybernetics also provides a basis for the implementation of pedagogy supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration in applied design.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the paper is limited to the examination of the theoretical framing as well as the implementation of pedagogy in the cultural and geographical context of China.

Practical implications

The paper outlines several design cybernetic strategies for pedagogy in support of cross-disciplinary collaborative design processes and illustrates their implementation in applied design education.

Originality/value

Addressing a significant and persistent gap between the two disciplines of architecture and structural engineering in the context of Chinese building practice, this paper examines the particularities of this context and presents an educational approach to support cross-disciplinary collaboration that has value in and beyond the context of China.
Barriers and facilitators to ex-service personnel obtaining employment within social care roles with older people: a scoping review
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Bramley Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to review evidence about the barriers and facilitators to ex-service personnel obtaining employment within social care roles. Social care has long-standing, well-recognised problems of staff recruitment and retention. Policymakers and employers are exploring if there are untapped sources of potential employees. Some ex-service personnel may be interested in exploring a move to social care work with older people but may face barriers to such a move which may need to be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

Databases and grey literature were searched systematically to provide an overview of evidence on this topic. In total, 23 articles were included in the review.

Findings

A narrative analysis revealed barriers to ex-service personnel obtaining employment within social care not only related to their previous occupation, health status and identity but also facilitators related to the sector’s severe recruitment challenges and the transferable skills of ex-service personnel. Evidence suggests that learning from health services may be highly relevant and transferable.

Research limitations/implications

This review was confined to English language studies published between 2008 and 2018. Few mentioned specific user or client groups.

Originality/value

This review identified evidence suggesting that learning from health services may be highly relevant and transferable to the social care sector so as to facilitate the transition of more ex-service personnel into social care work with older people.
Paracetamol – An old drug with new mechanisms of action
Authors: Przybyła Grzegorz W. , Szychowski Konrad A. , Gmiński Jan
Published: August 2020

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly used over‐the‐counter (OTC) drug in the world. Despite its popularity and use for many years, the safety of its application and its mechanism of action are still unclear. Currently, it is believed that paracetamol is a multidirectional drug and at least several metabolic pathways are involved in its analgesic and antipyretic action. The mechanism of paracetamol action consists in inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX‐1, COX‐2, and COX‐3) and involvement in the endocannabinoid system and serotonergic pathways. Additionally, paracetamol influences transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and voltage‐gated Kv7 potassium channels and inhibits T‐type Cav3.2 calcium channels. It also exerts an impact on L‐arginine in the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis pathway. However, not all of these effects have been clearly confirmed. Therefore, the aim of our paper was to summarize the current state of knowledge of the mechanism of paracetamol action with special attention to its safety concerns.
Estimates of individual differences in vocabulary size in English: how many words are needed to ‘close the vocabulary gap’?
Authors: Duff Dawna , Brydon Melissa
Published: August 2020

Background

Teaching vocabulary may be an effective way to address poor reading comprehension. However, it is unclear how many words or word families a school aged child with poor vocabulary would need to learn to meaningfully impact comprehension. This study provides estimates of vocabulary size for children with differing vocabulary achievement in middle elementary grades.

Methods

English speaking children (n = 41) completed an adapted version of the Vocabulary Size Test (VST‐a) , which estimates number of word families known. VST‐a scores were significantly related to raw scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test‐4 (PPVT‐4) , F(1,40)=71.6, p < 0.0001, R2 of 0.642. The regression equation defining the relationship between VST‐a and PPVT‐4 raw scores and normative data from the PPVT‐4 were used to estimate vocabulary size for children (fourth–eighth grades) with typical, high and low scores on the PPVT‐4. These were considered in terms of word families required to support comprehension of a range of texts (Nation, 2006).

Results

Typical vocabulary size for fourth–eighth grades was estimated to be approximately 7,300–9,100 word families, increasing at approximately 460 word families annually. Within grades, there is a gap of approximately 1,300 word families between individuals with PPVT‐4 scores at the mean and 1 SD below the mean.

Conclusions

Direct teaching of vocabulary may make a meaningful contribution to typical rates of vocabulary growth. Long‐term vocabulary instruction would be required for those with low vocabulary knowledge, if ‘typical’ vocabulary breadth is the target. Vocabulary gains required to reach a threshold of 8,000 word families may be smaller. Results could help to identify students most likely to have improved reading comprehension as a result of vocabulary instruction. Theoretically, these estimates help specify the nature of vocabulary as a comprehension ‘pressure point’.
Political parties, globalization and labour strength: Assessing differences across welfare state programs
Authors: ENGLER FABIAN
Published: August 2020

This article investigates how globalization and organized labour condition partisan effects on different welfare state programs. The main argument is that the conditional effect of globalization on government partisanship depends on how relevant a program is to the needs of vulnerable groups and that organized labour additionally affects this relationship. Analyzing 21 OECD countries between 1980 and 2011/2014, empirical evidence largely corroborates this argument: Firstly, the expectation that partisan differences decrease with globalization in general and especially in weak labour countries in the case of programs that are less relevant for compensation holds true for old‐age provision and partly for sick pay insurance. Secondly, and in accordance with theoretical expectations concerning programs that are primarily relevant for compensation, partisan differences increase with globalization, in general regarding education and only in strong labour countries regarding unemployment benefits. Therefore, while globalization constrains national politics’ room for manoeuvre in some areas, parties are still able to follow their ideologically preferred policies and respond to compensation demands in others.
Under pressure. Economic constraints, electoral politics and labour market reforms in Southern Europe in the decade of the Great Recession
Authors: BULFONE FABIO , TASSINARI ARIANNA
Published: August 2020

Even when subject to comparable exogenous constraints during the Eurozone crisis and in its immediate aftermath, governments in Southern Europe have pursued distinct labour market reform agendas. What room for manoeuvre did governments of crisis‐struck peripheral countries really have in shaping their labour market reform strategies, and how can we account for the observed variation? We address these questions by making a twofold contribution to the debate on the political economy of austerity in the Eurozone periphery. First, through the first systematic analysis of all labour market and collective bargaining (CB) reforms implemented in Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece over 2009–2019, we identify those elements of core labour market deregulation common across Southern European countries (namely, the loosening of employment protection for workers on open‐ended contracts and the decentralisation of CB to the firm level); and those elements of variation, both cross‐country and cross‐party, in the content of corollary labour market interventions that accompanied this core deregulation. Second, we explain these similarities and variations in reform outcomes as the product of the interaction of two factors: economic constraints and electoral dynamics. We argue that the implementation of the common core of deregulation is linked to the exogenous pressure to improve export competitiveness to which Southern European countries have been subjected since the crisis. Through the combination of survey data analysis and qualitative evidence, we then show empirically how the variation in the corollary measures accompanying deregulation is linked to the class composition of the electoral social blocs Southern European partisan governments rely on or aim to assemble. Based on this analysis, we identify four ideal‐typical labour market reformist strategies attempted by Southern European governments during the decade of the Great Recession. The analysis highlights that although domestic politics plays a crucial role in shaping structural adjustment under crisis conditions, not all reform strategies are equally viable within the framework of Economic and Monetary Union.
Plasma proteomic profile of frailty
Authors: Sathyan Sanish , Ayers Emmeline , Gao Tina , Milman Sofiya , Barzilai Nir , Verghese Joe
Published: August 2020

Frailty is a state of decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes in aging, and is characterized by dysregulation across various biological pathways. Frailty may manifest biologically as alteration in protein expression, possibly regulated at genetic, transcriptional and epigenetic levels. In this study, we examined the proteomic profile associated with frailty defined by an established cumulative frailty index (FI). Using the SomaScan® assay, 4265 proteins were measured in plasma, of which 55 were positively associated and 88 were negatively associated with the FI. The proteins most strongly associated with frailty were fatty acid‐binding proteins, including fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) (p = 1.96 × 10−19) and FABPA (p = 8.10 × 10−16), leptin (p = 1.43 × 10−14), and ANTR2 (p = 7.95 × 10−20). Pathway analysis with the top 143 frailty‐associated proteins revealed enrichment for proteins in pathways related to lipid metabolism, musculoskeletal development and function, cell‐to‐cell signaling and interaction, cellular assembly, and organization. Frailty prediction model constructed with elastic net regression utilizing 110 proteins demonstrated a correlation between predicted frailty and observed frailty (r = 0.57, p < 2.2 × 10−16). Predicted frailty was also more strongly correlated with chronological age (r = 0.54, p < 2.2 × 10−16) than observed frailty (r = 0.37, p = 1.2 × 10−15). This study identified novel proteins and pathways related to frailty that may offer improved frailty phenotyping and prediction.
Can Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery Include Some Heavy Drinking? A Replication and Extension up to 9 Years Following Treatment
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie , Pearson Matthew R. , Wilson Adam D. , Stein Elena R. , Votaw Victoria R. , Hallgren Kevin A. , Maisto Stephen A. , Swan Julia E. , Schwebel Frank J. , Aldridge Arnie , Zarkin Gary A. , Tucker Jalie A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent research indicates some individuals who engage in heavy drinking following treatment for alcohol use disorder fare as well as those who abstain with respect to psychosocial functioning, employment, life satisfaction, and mental health. The current study evaluated whether these findings replicated in an independent sample and examined associations between recovery profiles and functioning up to 6 years later.

Methods

Data were from the 3‐year and 7‐ to 9‐year follow‐ups of subsamples initially recruited for the COMBINE study (3‐year follow‐up: n = 694; 30.1% female, 21.0% non‐White; 7‐ to 9‐year follow‐up: n = 127; 38.9% female, 27.8% non‐White). Recovery at 3 years was defined by latent profile analyses including measures of health functioning, quality of life, employment, alcohol consumption, and cannabis and other drug use. Functioning at the 7‐ to 9‐year follow‐up was assessed using single items of self‐rated general health, hospitalizations, and alcohol consumption.

Results

We identified 4 profiles at the 3‐year follow‐up: (i) low‐functioning frequent heavy drinkers (13.9%), (ii) low‐functioning infrequent heavy drinkers (15.8%), (iii) high‐functioning heavy drinkers (19.4%), and (iv) high‐functioning infrequent drinkers (50.9%). At the 7‐ to 9‐year follow‐up, the 2 high‐functioning profiles had the best self‐rated health, and the high‐functioning heavy drinking profile had significantly fewer hospitalizations than the low‐functioning frequent heavy drinking profile.

Conclusions

Previous findings showing heterogeneity in recovery outcomes were replicated. Most treatment recipients functioned well for years after treatment, and a subset who achieved stable recovery engaged in heavy drinking and reported good health outcomes up to 9 years after treatment. Results question the long‐standing emphasis on drinking practices as a primary outcome, as well as abstinence as a recovery criterion in epidemiologic and treatment outcome research and among stakeholder groups and funding/regulatory agencies. Findings support an expanded recovery research agenda that considers drinking patterns, health, life satisfaction, and functioning.
Metabolic behavior and prognostic role of pretreatment 18F‐FDG PET/CT in gist
Authors: Albano Domenico , Bosio Giovanni , Tomasini Davide , Bonù Marco , Giubbini Raffaele , Bertagna Francesco
Published: August 2020

Aim

The metabolic behavior and the prognostic value of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is not well investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the metabolic behavior of GIST and the prognostic role of pretreatment PET/CT features.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 35 patients with a diagnosis of GIST who underwent a pretreatment 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT scan. We analyzed PET images visually and semiquantitatively by measuring several metabolic parameters as the maximum standardized uptake value corrected for body weight (SUVbw), for lean body mass (SUVlbm), for body surface area (SUVbsa), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to measure the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival curves.

Results

Twenty‐nine (82%) patients showed a positive 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT, whereas the remaining 6 had no hypermetabolic lesions. 18F‐FDG‐avidity was significantly related with mitotic index, tumor stage and tumor risk group. Instead, semiquantitative PET/CT parameters correlated only with tumor risk group. Disease progression occurred in 16 patients whereas death in seven. 18F‐FDG‐avidity, MTV and TLG were the only variables significantly associated with PFS.

Conclusion

An 82% rate of PET avidity in GIST was found and it was correlated with stage, tumor risk group and mitotic index. Only baseline 18F‐FDG‐avidity, MTV and TLG were independently correlated with PFS.
Cabbage and fermented vegetables: From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID‐19
Authors: Bousquet Jean , Anto Josep M. , Czarlewski Wienczyslawa , Haahtela Tari , Fonseca Susana C. , Iaccarino Guido , Blain Hubert , Vidal Alain , Sheikh Aziz , Akdis Cezmi A. , Zuberbier Torsten ,   ARIA group
Published: August 2020

Large differences in COVID‐19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS‐CoV‐2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS‐CoV‐2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID‐19. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT1R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof‐of‐concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2‐associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID‐19 severity.
Correlation of weight loss with residual gastric volume on computerized tomography in patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy: A systematic review
Authors: Singla Vitish , Aggarwal Sandeep , Aggarwal Samagra , Gupta Mehul , Singh Deepti
Published: August 2020

Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure worldwide. There is wide variation however in post‐operative weight loss on long term follow‐up, and residual gastric volume (RGV) is believed to be an important variable. Multiple studies have correlated RGV as assessed by Computerized Tomography volumetry with excess weight loss (EWL%) following LSG, but definite consensus is lacking. This article systematically reviews the published studies in English literature to ascertain whether any correlation exists between the RGV and EWL% following LSG. Ten studies were included in this review, and significant differences were noted in the technique of RGV assessment, and timing of RGV and EWL% assessment. Five studies found a statistically significant correlation between the RGV and EWL%. One study found a correlation which did not reach statistical significance. Two additional studies reported that the resected volume rather than RGV correlated with the EWL%. Meta‐analysis of studies reporting correlation between RGV and EWL% showed that up to 26.3% (95% CI: 5.1%‐56.1%) of variability in EWL% can be explained by variations in RGV. A lower RGV is likely to result in a better post‐operative weight loss following LSG. There is need for standardization of technique and timing of RGV assessment.
Eczematous graft‐vs‐host disease: A report of three cases and review of the literature
Authors: Chan Su‐Lin , Wood Benjamin Andrew , Mesbah Ardakani Nima
Published: August 2020

Graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) is the most common complication following hematopoietic cell transplantation, which affects skin frequently. Acute and chronic forms of GVHD manifest commonly as maculopapular to morbilliform eruptions and sclerotic or lichen‐planus‐like lesions, respectively; however, atypical presentations such as eczema‐like GVHD may occur at times. We describe three cases of GVHD with diverse and polymorphous cutaneous eruptions including pompholyx‐like and vasculitis‐like rash as well as erythematous plaques and papulosquamous eruptions, with skin biopsy showing unifying histopathological findings with concurrent changes of spongiotic dermatitis and vacuolar interface reaction with apoptotic keratinocytes. In addition, the clinical and pathological features of previously reported cases of eczema‐like GVHD are reviewed. It is emphasized that the course of the disease can be variable and successful management often involves a combination of multiple therapeutic modalities including immunosuppression with or without ultraviolet therapy. These cases highlight the importance of meticulous clinicopathological correlation with careful exclusion of mimicking conditions to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
Allegations of misuse of African DNA in the UK: Will data protection legislation in South Africa be sufficient to prevent a recurrence?
Authors: Moodley Keymanthri , Kleinsmidt Anita
Published: August 2020

Concerns have been raised around the alleged commercialisation of South African genetic material by various research institutes nationally and abroad. We consider whether the Protection of Personal Information Act in South Africa will conflict with or complement existing protections in health law and research ethics. The Act is not applicable to de‐identified samples that cannot be re‐identified but we question whether genetic samples can ever be truly de‐identified. The research participants in this matter provided consent for use of their samples for research but did not consent to commercialisation by global research institutions, and neither did the researchers. We suggest that consent models incorporating broad consent as an option should include explicit discussions around benefit sharing and commercialisation. Mistrust between researchers and participants impedes scientific research and can harm relationships built up over the years between South African researchers and local communities.
Basal‐IQ technology in the real world: satisfaction and reduction of diabetes burden in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Messer L. H. , Campbell K. , Pyle L. , Forlenza G. P.
Published: August 2020

Aim

To describe person‐reported outcomes of the Basal‐IQ predictive low‐glucose‐suspend system (Tandem Diabetes Care, San Diego, CA, USA) in real‐world use.

Methods

Adults with type 1 diabetes/caregivers of minors with type 1 diabetes completed the Diabetes Impact and Device Satisfaction questionnaire (11 items scored on 10‐point Likert scales) prior to Basal‐IQ system initiation, and at 2, 4 and 6 months post‐initiation. Analysis was stratified by previous insulin treatment method. Beta mixed models were used to measure change in device satisfaction (e.g. trust, ease of use) and diabetes impact (e.g. hypoglycaemia fear, poor sleep) scores between time points, adjusting for baseline covariates.

Results

A total of 967 adults and caregivers [54% women, mean (sd) age 36 (17) years, 57% Tandem pump users, 27% non‐Tandem pump users, 17% multiple daily injection users] completed surveys. Device satisfaction significantly increased from baseline to 2 months in all groups (P<0.001 multiple daily injection and non‐Tandem pump users; P=0.048 Tandem pump users), and was sustained from 2 to 6 months in all groups. Diabetes impact decreased significantly from baseline to 2 months in all groups (P<0.001 for all), was sustained from 2 to 6 months in multiple daily injection and Tandem pump users, and increased slightly at 4 months/decreased at 6 months in non‐Tandem users.

Conclusion

The Basal‐IQ system increased device satisfaction and reduced diabetes impact in all users in the first 2 months of use, and satisfaction was sustained over 6 months, with small fluctuations.
Small mammals in the big city: Behavioural adjustments of non‐commensal rodents to urban environments
Authors: Mazza Valeria , Dammhahn Melanie , Lösche Elisa , Eccard Jana A.
Published: August 2020

A fundamental focus of current ecological and evolutionary research is to illuminate the drivers of animals’ success in coping with human‐induced rapid environmental change (HIREC). Behavioural adaptations are likely to play a major role in coping with HIREC because behaviour largely determines how individuals interact with their surroundings. A substantial body of research reports behavioural modifications in urban dwellers compared to rural conspecifics. However, it is often unknown whether the observed phenotypic divergence is due to phenotypic plasticity or the product of genetic adaptations. Here, we aimed at investigating (a) whether behavioural differences arise also between rural and urban populations of non‐commensal rodents; and (b) whether these differences result from behavioural flexibility or from intrinsic behavioural characteristics, such as genetic or maternal effects. We captured and kept under common environment conditions 42 rural and 52 urban adult common voles (Microtus arvalis) from seven subpopulations along a rural–urban gradient. We investigated individual variation in behavioural responses associated with risk‐taking and exploration, in situ at the time of capture in the field and ex situ after 3 months in captivity. Urban dwellers were bolder and more explorative than rural conspecifics at the time of capture in their respective sites (in situ). However, when tested under common environmental conditions ex situ, rural individuals showed little change in their behavioural responses whereas urban individuals altered their behaviour considerably and were consistently shyer and less explorative than when tested in situ. The combination of elevated risk‐taking and exploration with high behavioural flexibility might allow urban populations to successfully cope with the challenges of HIREC. Investigating whether the observed differences in behavioural flexibility are adaptive and how they are shaped by additive and interactive effects of genetic make‐up and past environmental conditions will help illuminate eco‐evolutionary dynamics under HIREC and predict persistence of populations under urban conditions.
International recommendations for an effective control of head louse infestations
Authors: Mumcuoglu Kosta Y. , Pollack Richard J. , Reed David L. , Barker Stephen C. , Gordon Shirley , Toloza Ariel C. , Picollo Maria I. , Taylan‐Ozkan Aysegul , Chosidow Olivier , Habedank Birgit , Ibarra Joanna , Meinking Terri L. , Vander Stichele Robert H.
Published: August 2020

Head louse infestations continue to be a concern of public health in most countries, including the most developed ones. The present recommendations are intended to inform and stress the role and impact of the different authorities, institutions, industry, and the public in the control of head lice in order to reduce the prevalence of this parasite. We encourage health authorities to pursue more effective methods to correctly identify such infestations, and evaluate existing and new pediculicides, medical devices, louse repellents, and louse‐ and nit‐removal remedies. Pediculicides and medical devices must have verifiable claims in the instructions for use and should be tested periodically to document current levels of resistance by lice to the active ingredients and to the formulated products. Where the prevalence of lice is claimed to be epidemic, children should be periodically evaluated objectively to document the actual level of prevalence. Continuing education for health providers and the general population promises to correct misinformation regarding the biology, prevention, and management of lice. Parents should regularly inspect their children for head lice and treat as necessary. Health authorities are encouraged to eliminate policies and practices that rely upon school exclusion as a means to reduce incidence and prevalence, e.g., the ‘no‐nit’ policy which lacks scientific justification, and are counterproductive to the health and welfare of children.
Same‐sex parents facing parenting standards. First results from three longitudinal studies
Authors: Geay Bertrand , Humeau Pierig , Spruyt Emilie
Published: August 2020

How do same‐sex parents take on the “job” of parenting and the institutional norms that define it during the first months of the child's life? What are the proximities and differences between same‐sex parents and heterosexual parents in matters of eating habits, hygiene, emotional regulation, and play habits? This paper answers these questions by using a systematic comparison of data provided by the French Longitudinal Study of Children (Étude Longitudinale Française depuis l'Enfance or ELFE) and the DEVHOM project. We first underline the fact that the habits of gay and lesbian families are close to those of the families belonging to social groups which they most often originate from: educated middle and upper classes. However, they differ on a greater sensitivity to breastfeeding norms and a greater concern for some aspects of their children's development. We offer three hypotheses to explain this difference: primary socialisation, specific forms of family organisation and a greater normative pressure felt by homosexual couples.
Experimental and numerical investigations of an oxygen single‐bubble shrinkage in a borosilicate glass‐forming liquid doped with cerium oxide
Authors: Pereira Luiz , Kloužek Jaroslav , Vernerová Miroslava , Laplace Annabelle , Pigeonneau Franck
Published: August 2020

The shrinkage of an oxygen single‐bubble is investigated in a cerium‐doped borosilicate glass melt at 1150°C. Nine glass samples are synthesized and investigated, utilizing three different amounts of Ce2O3 and three different redox ratios (Ce‐(III)/Cetotal). Employing in‐situ observation, the single‐bubble behavior is recorded with a camera. For each glass melt, five experiments are performed with different initial bubble radii. The shrinkage rate () depends strongly on the cerium content as well as the redox ratio. Numerical calculations are also conducted to support the understanding of the bubble shrinkage mechanism in the given cases. The model adequately estimates the experimental data for several cases, and an explanation is proposed for the cases, in which it does not. Moreover, we demonstrate, physically and mathematically, the influence of the initial radius of the bubble on the mass transfer between the rising bubble and the melt. We confirm the utilization of the “modified Péclet number,” which is a dimensionless number that takes into consideration the influence of multivalent elements on mass transfer. Finally, we master the bubble shrinkage behavior by normalizing the experimental data employing a characteristic time for the mass transfer (τ).
Supportive treatment following peri‐implantitis surgery: An RCT using titanium curettes or chitosan brushes
Authors: Koldsland Odd Carsten , Aass Anne Merete
Published: August 2020

Aims

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of two maintenance programmes when treatments were performed every third month from six to 18 months following surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Materials and methods

At the 6‐month post‐surgical evaluation, 44 subjects were randomized into groups receiving supportive peri‐implant treatment either by the use of titanium curettes or chitosan brushes at implants registered with BoP and PPD >3 mm. Follow‐up examinations and supportive therapy were performed 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months post‐surgically. Clinical and radiographic assessments were made.

Results

The percentage of implants registered with inflammation was high at the 6‐month baseline examination (>80% bleeding on probing in both test and control group) and remained high throughout the observation period. Similar observations were made for all clinical parameters, and no significant difference was found between test and control groups.

Conclusions

In the present study, no statistical significant difference was found when supportive peri‐implant treatment was performed with either titanium curettes or chitosan brushes. Within the limits of the study, the results might indicate the need of more effective submucosal cleaning procedures following peri‐implant surgery.
Variability in virulence of Beauveria spp. soil isolates against Ostrinia nubilalis
Authors: Medo Juraj , Medová Janka , Michalko Jaroslav , Cagáň Ľudovít
Published: August 2020

European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) is an important maize pest which is treated mainly by synthetic pesticides with many negative effects for ecosystem and human health. Soil borne entomopathogenic fungi of species belonging to Beauveria genus may provide an alternative strategy for biological control of this pest. In this article, we report results of virulence testing of 46 soil isolates of Beauveria spp. against O. nubilalis in relation to isolates origin and haplotype. All strains were collected from soil using Galleria mellonella bait method. Conidia suspension with concentration 107 conidia in ml was used for virulence test against 4th instar larvae of O. nubilalis at temperature 25°C. After 14 days, mortality of larvae was in the range 34%–96%. Median lethal time LT50 was estimated to 5.5–21.3 days. Mortality was not in relation to habitat or any other environmental parameter of sites where isolates came from. Differences among species were insignificant. Isolates were divided into 8 genetic lineages and 14 haplotypes using sequencing of ITS and Bloc nuclear regions. None of the lineages showed higher mortality than others. Despite more or less virulent isolates being found in each lineage, the three most virulent isolates belonged to the same lineage Beauveria bassiana A3. The four most virulent isolates were compared to commercial isolate GHA to assess medium lethal concentration. LC50 were estimated in range 7.5 × 104 to 9.5 × 105. Three of the four isolates showed equal or greater efficiency than strain GHA.
Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS) in critically ill children is associated with clinical outcomes: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Hauschild D. B. , Oliveira L. D. A. , Ventura J. C. , Farias M. S. , Barbosa E. , Bresolin N. L. , Moreno Y. M. F.
Published: August 2020

Background

Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS) has been described in critically ill adults and may contribute to unfavourable outcomes. The present study aimed to describe and characterise PICS in critically ill children (PICS‐ped) and to verify its association with clinical outcomes.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with children aged between 3 months and 15 years. PICS‐ped, based on adult definition, was described. PICS‐ped was defined as PICU length of stay >14 days; C‐reactive protein > 10.0 mg L−1; lymphocytes <25%; and any reduction of mid‐upper arm circumference Z‐score. Clinical, demographic, nutritional status, nutrition therapy parameters and clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis comprised Mann–Whitney and Fisher’s chi‐squared tests, as well as logistic and Cox regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 153 children were included, with a median age of 51.7 months (interquartile range 15.6–123.4 months), and 60.8% male. The mortality rate was 10.5%. The prevalence of PICS‐ped was 4.6%. Days using vasoactive drugs and days using antibiotics were associated with PICS‐ped. PICS‐ped was associated with mortality in crude (odds ratio = 6.67; P = 0.013) and adjusted analysis (odds ratio = 7.14; P = 0.017). PICS‐ped was also associated with PICU and hospital length of stay, as well as duration of mechanical ventilation. Similar results were found in a subset of critically ill children who required mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h.

Conclusions

Children with PICS‐ped required antibiotics or vasoactive drugs for a longer period. PICS‐ped was associated with poor clinical outcomes in critically ill children. More studies are needed to properly define PICS‐ped for this population.
Manifestation and parental assessment of children’s cancer pain at home: An exploratory mixed‐methods study
Authors: Parker Roses , Wiseman Theresa , Twycross Alison , McKeever Stephen
Published: August 2020

Aims and objectives

To describe pain manifestation in children with cancer at home and understand how parents assess this pain.

Background

Pain is experienced by children with cancer throughout their cancer journey. Short‐term, and into survivorship, pain has negative physical and psychological consequences. Changes in treatment location mean children with cancer spend more time at home. Little is known about pain experienced by children at home or how parents assess this pain.

Design

A mixed‐methods convergent parallel study was reported using STROBE.

Method

Parents of children with cancer on active treatment were recruited from one tertiary cancer centre. Parental attitudes towards pain expression were assessed using surveys. Parents recorded their child's pain manifestation in pain diaries kept for one month. Interviews captured a deeper understanding of pain manifestation and how parents assess this pain at home. Integration occurred after each data collection method was analysed separately.

Results

Predominantly children were not in pain at home. However, most children experienced at least one episode of problematic pain over the pain diary period. Surveys showed parents held misconceptions regarding children's pain expression. Interviews diverge from surveys and suggest parents used a range of information sources to assess pain.

Conclusion

Children with cancer may differ from one another in the manifestation of pain at home resulting in multiple pain trajectories. Parents of children with cancer are able to adequately assess their child's pain using information from multiple sources.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is not currently possible to predict which children will experience problematic pain at home, so all parents require pain management education prior to discharge.

Teaching parents to use bundled approaches to pain assessment may accelerate their learning.

Healthcare professionals may benefit from using multiple information sources to assess pain.