bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of an extended postnatal home visiting programme on oral health among children in a disadvantaged area of Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Brännemo Ida , Dahllöf Göran , Cunha Soares Fernanda , Tsilingaridis Georgios
Published: July 2020

Aim

To evaluate oral health outcomes and early oral health promotion of children in a Swedish, parental support programme conducted in a collaboration between Child Health Services and Social Services.

Methods

The intervention offered first‐time parents six home visits from a paediatric nurse and a parental advisor with Social Services. On the fourth visit (infant age 6‐8 months), parents received a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste from non‐dental staff. Twice, at child ages 18 and 36 months, a dentist used the International Caries Detection and Assessment System to record caries and conducted a structured interview with the parents on oral health habits. The intervention group (n = 72) was compared to a reference group (n = 100) from the standard child healthcare programme, which included one home visit.

Results

Significantly, caries prevalence was lower and tooth brushing habits more consistent in the intervention group compared to the reference group in the standard child health programme. The difference was most pronounced at 18 months and had decreased at the 36‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

The extended postnatal home visiting programme had a positive impact on oral health. Early oral health promotion delivered by non‐dental professionals could be a beneficial approach to early caries prevention.
Population pharmacokinetics of anidulafungin in ICU patients assessing inter‐ and intrasubject variability
Authors: Kapralos Iasonas , Mainas Efstratios , Apostolopoulou Olympia , Siopi Maria , Neroutsos Efthymios , Apostolidi Stella , Dimopoulos George , Sambatakou Helen , Valsami Georgia , Meletiadis Joseph , Dokoumetzidis Aristides
Published: July 2020

Aims

The population pharmacokinetics (PK) of anidulafungin in critically ill patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) was explored with the intention of evaluating and optimizing dosing regimens.

Methods

A PK study was conducted in a cohort of 13 patients treated with anidulafungin using intensive sampling during multiple periods per patient and the high‐performance liquid chromatography method for drug quantification. A population PK model was developed to describe the concentration‐time course of anidulafungin and the inter‐individual (IIV) and interoccasion variability (IOV) of the PK parameters. Model‐based PK simulations have been performed to estimate the probability of target attainment (PTA), given the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target of free 24‐hour area under the free drug concentration‐time curve over minimum inhibitory concentration for several dosing regimens.

Results

A two‐compartment PK model, with first‐order elimination, best described the data with population clearance (CL) and central/peripheral volume of distribution (V1/V2) of 0.778 L/h and 10.2/21.1 L, respectively, and a mean ± s.d. AUC0‐24 of 119.97 ± 46.23 mg·h/L. Pronounced IIV and IOV variability was found for CL (38% and 31%) and V1 (47% and 30%), respectively. Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were found to be covariates on CL and V1, respectively. Low PTA values were calculated for borderline Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)‐susceptible Candida strains.

Conclusions

Although anidulafungin exposure was found comparable to that in healthy volunteers, elevated interindividual and significant interoccasion variability was found in critically ill ICU patients, which resulted in reduced PTA values in these patients.
Women's experience of social media breastfeeding support and its impact on extended breastfeeding success: A social cognitive perspective
Authors: Black Rachel , McLaughlin Marian , Giles Melanie
Published: July 2020

Objective

This paper investigates the experiences of women using a social media Facebook group for breastfeeding support and attempts to explore whether it has aided in extended breastfeeding success. In addition, it aims to explore the value of social cognitive theory (SCT) in explaining these experiences.

Design

Exploratory, deductive approach.

Methods

Qualitative, audio‐recorded, semi‐structured interviews were conducted from eight women who were members of a private Facebook group'. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis, and SCT was used as a theoretical lens through which the data were interrogated.

Results

A number of themes were identified from the women's experiences, with analysis uncovering the superordinate theme ‘increased self‐efficacy' which provided an understanding of how the group impacted women's experiences and aided them in breastfeeding success. The sub‐themes of education, accessibility, online community, normalization, and extended goals provided a more detailed understanding of how self‐efficacy was increased through group membership.

Conclusion

The symbiotic relationship between members of a social media group facilitates greater breastfeeding success and a longer duration of breastfeeding through the central concept of the SCT: reciprocal determinism. Therefore, it is posited that the SCT is a suitable theory of behaviour change which can potentially be used to develop interventions aiming to increase breastfeeding rates and duration.
Do specific types of sleep disturbances represent risk factors for poorer health‐related quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease? A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Scott Alexander J. , Flowers Olivia , Rowse Georgina
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Poor global sleep quality is commonly reported in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is linked to poorer health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). However, understanding is currently limited by a lack of: (1) longitudinal research and (2) research investigating the impact of specific types of problems sleeping on IBD‐related outcomes, particularly on HRQoL.

Design

Observational longitudinal cohort study.

Methods

N = 276 participants with IBD completed measures at baseline (T1) and 4 weeks later at T2. Four specific sleep disturbances associated with IBD including sleep apnoea, insomnia, restless legs, and nightmares were measured alongside depression, anxiety and stress, and HRQoL.

Results

After controlling for participant demographics and clinical characteristics, T1 depression, anxiety, stress, and T1 HRQoL, more severe symptom severity of sleep apnoea (B = −0.30, p < .05) and insomnia symptoms (B = −0.23, p < .05) at T1 significantly predicted poorer HRQoL at T2. However, the experience of restless legs (B = −0.03, p > .87) and nightmares (B = −0.14, p > .11) at T1 did not predict HRQoL.

Conclusion

Symptoms synonymous with sleep apnoea and insomnia might represent modifiable risk factors that provide independent contributions to HRQoL over time in those with IBD. These findings suggest that interventions designed to improve sleep apnoea and insomnia could confer benefits to HRQoL in those with IBD. However, more longitudinal research is needed to understand the contribution of sleep disturbances over the longer term, as well as more randomized controlled trials testing the effect of improving sleep on IBD‐related outcomes.
‘calling‐out’ vs. ‘calling‐in’ prejudice: Confrontation style affects inferred motive and expected outcomes
Authors: Woods Freya A. , Ruscher Janet B.
Published: July 2020

Laypersons differentiate between two confrontations styles, varying in communication style, perceived motive, and typical context: call‐outs (typically public, non‐accommodating language, and self‐promoting confronter) and call‐ins (typically private, accommodating language, and education‐focused confronter). Popular press espouses a general preference for call‐ins relative to call‐outs, but no empirical work has addressed perceptions of these confrontation styles. To investigate the presumed efficacy of these styles, we modelled communicative differences with Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT), which explores the strategies individuals use to modulate communicative differences with interaction partners. The present studies examined third‐party perceptions of confronter motive and likely outcomes between call‐in and call‐out styles (Study 1) and between typical private and atypical public styles (Study 2) about an anti‐Black comment. We examined responses of participants who imagined themselves taking part in public vs. private call‐in and call‐out confrontations (Study 3). Results showed that these styles are seen as similarly effective in terms of target compliance and internalization, but as operating through different mechanisms. Specifically, call‐in styles facilitated positive inferences of motive, which fostered expectations of positive confrontation outcomes. Additionally, the effects of communication style superseded the impact of context. Results have implications for strategies allies can use to facilitate effective, educational confrontations of prejudice.
Early outcomes of single‐port robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: lessons learned from the learning‐curve experience
Authors: Covas Moschovas Marcio , Bhat Seetharam , Onol Fikret , Rogers Travis , Patel Vipul
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe the crucial factors related to the implementation of the da Vinci single‐port (SP) system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA), and the early outcomes after the introduction of this robot for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and methods

We prospectively collected data from 50 consecutive patients with prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent RARP using this robot. The median follow‐up was 53 days. We performed a transperitoneal technique. The robotic (multiport) trocar was placed on the supra‐umbilical midline 20 cm from the pubis and an assistant trocar placed in the right lower quadrant. We report our initial experience describing the intra‐ and postoperative outcomes associated with this new robot. Also, we report the early functional and oncological outcomes in the follow‐up period considered. Continuous variables were described as medians and interquartile ranges, while categorical variables as frequencies and proportions.

Results

The median total operative time was 118 min, median console time was 80 min, and median estimated blood loss was 50 mL. There were no intraoperative complications or blood transfusions. The final pathology reported 18% Grade Group (GrGp)1, 58% GrGp2, 18% GrGp3, 2% GrGp4, and 4% GrGp5. In all, 40 patients (80%) were pT2 and 20% were ≥pT3a. The overall positive surgical margin rate was 14%. In all, 39 patients (78%) achieved full continence at median of 21 days after RARP. The median pain scale (0–10) score at 8, 12 and 16 h after RARP was 2, 2, and 0, respectively.

Conclusion

The use of the da Vinci SP robot with an additional assistant port for RARP is technically safe and feasible, with acceptable short‐term functional and oncological outcomes. However, there is a technical learning curve for this new platform due to the smaller scope of the operative field and the decreased flexibility and strength of the surgical instruments.
Efficiency in the transformation of schooling into competences: A cross‐country analysis using PIAAC data
Authors: Calero Jorge , Murillo Huertas Inés P. , Raymond José L.
Published: July 2020

This study (i) compares the competence levels of the adult population in a set of OECD countries; (ii) assesses the comparative efficiency with which the education system in each country transforms schooling into competences, distinguishing by educational level, and (iii) tracks the evolution of this efficiency by birth cohorts. Using PIAAC data, the paper applies standard parametric frontier techniques under two alternative specifications. The results obtained identify Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Japan as being the most efficient and Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Ireland and Poland as the least efficient.
Eating in case of emotion dys‐regulation, depression and anxiety: Different pathways to emotional eating in moderate and severe obesity
Authors: Willem Clémence , Gandolphe Marie‐Charlotte , Doba Karyn , Roussel Méline , Verkindt Hélène , Pattou François , Nandrino Jean‐Louis
Published: July 2020

Emotion dys‐regulation is thought to be involved in the development and maintenance of emotional eating (EE), notably through its links with anxious and depressive symptoms. AIM: The aims of the study were to: (a) examine the mediating effect of depressive and anxious symptoms on the relationship between emotion dys‐regulation and EE in obesity and (b) compare those links with various degrees of obesity severity. One hundred and twenty patients with obesity, including 60 with “n” (MO) (30 ≤ BMI < 40) and 60 with “severe obesity” (SO) (BMI > 40), completed self‐report measures of emotion dys‐regulation, depression, anxiety and EE. Partial least square structural equation modelling and multi‐group analyses were performed. Emotion dys‐regulation was found to be significantly associated with EE only when the severity of obesity was taken into account. In addition, although the MO and SO groups reported similar levels of emotional and eating disorders, significant differences were found between the groups in pathways leading to EE. In MO, emotion dys‐regulation was only associated with more EE through more anxiety. In SO, emotion dys‐regulation was both directly and indirectly associated with more EE, but only through more depression in the latter. Emotion dys‐regulation, anxiety and depression do not have the same impact on EE depending on the severity of obesity. Psychotherapeutic interventions should aim at reducing emotion dys‐regulation in obesity from MO onwards, but the focus should be on the management of anxiety‐related affects in MO and depression‐related affects in SO.
Assessing the current state of ecological connectivity in a large marine protected area system
Authors: Roberts Kelsey E. , Cook Carly N. , Beher Jutta , Treml Eric A.
Published: July 2020

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) is a critical step in ensuring the continued persistence of marine biodiversity. Although the area protected in MPAs is growing, the movement of individuals (or larvae) among MPAs, termed connectivity, has only recently been included as an objective of many MPAs. As such, assessing connectivity is often neglected or oversimplified in the planning process. For promoting population persistence, it is important to ensure that protected areas in a system are functionally connected through dispersal or adult movement. We devised a multi‐species model of larval dispersal for the Australian marine environment to evaluate how much local scale connectivity is protected in MPAs and determine whether the extensive system of MPAs truly functions as a network. We focused on non‐migratory species with simplified larval behaviors (i.e., passive larval dispersal) (e.g., no explicit vertical migration) as an illustration. Of all the MPAs analyzed (approximately 2.7 million km2), outside the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, <50% of MPAs (46‐80% of total MPA area depending on the species considered) were functionally connected. Our results suggest that Australia's MPA system cannot be referred to as a single network, but rather a collection of numerous smaller networks delineated by natural breaks in the connectivity of reef habitat. Depending on the dispersal capacity of the taxa of interest, there may be between 25 and 47 individual ecological networks distributed across the Australian marine environment. The need to first assess the underlying natural connectivity of a study system prior to implementing new MPAs represents a key research priority for strategically enlarging MPA networks. Our findings highlight the benefits of integrating multi‐species connectivity into conservation planning to identify opportunities to better incorporate connectivity into the design of MPA systems and thus to increase their capacity to support long‐term, sustainable biodiversity outcomes.
Outcomes after heart transplantation for al compared to ATTR cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Griffin Jan M. , Chiu Leonard , Axsom Kelly M. , Bijou Rachel , Clerkin Kevin J. , Colombo Paolo , Cuomo Margaret O. , De Los Santos Jeffeny , Fried Justin A. , Goldsmith Jeff , Habal Marlena , Haythe Jennifer , Helmke Stephen , Horn Evelyn M. , Latif Farhana , Hi Lee Sun , Lin Edward F. , Naka Yoshifumi , Raikhelkar Jayant , Restaino Susan , Sayer Gabriel T. , Takayama Hiroo , Takeda Koji , Teruya Sergio , Topkara Veli , Tsai Emily J. , Uriel Nir , Yuzefpolskaya Melana , Farr Maryjane A. , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: July 2020

Light‐chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has a worse prognosis than transthyretin (ATTR) CA. In this single‐center study, we compared post‐heart transplant (OHT, orthotopic heart transplantation) survival for AL and ATTR amyloidosis, hypothesizing that these differences would persist post‐OHT. Thirty‐nine patients with CA (AL, n = 18; ATTR, n = 21) and 1023 non‐amyloidosis subjects undergoing OHT were included. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to evaluate the impact of amyloid subtype and era (early era: from 2001 to 2007; late era: from 2008 to 2018) on survival post‐OHT. Survival for non‐amyloid patients was greater than ATTR (P = .034) and AL (P < .001) patients in the early era. One, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were higher for ATTR patients than AL patients in the early era (100% vs 75%, 67% vs 50%, and 67% vs 33%, respectively, for ATTR and AL patients). Survival in the non‐amyloid cohort was 87% at 1 year, 81% at 3 years, and 76% at 5 years post‐OHT. In the late era, AL and ATTR patients had unadjusted 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year survival rates of 100%, which was comparable to non‐amyloid patients (90% vs 84% vs 81%). Overall, these findings demonstrate that in the current era, differences in post‐OHT survival for AL compared to ATTR are diminishing; OHT outcomes for selected patients with CA do not differ from non‐amyloidosis patients.
A rare case of lupoid leishmaniasis defying diagnosis for a decade
Authors: Gehlhausen Jeff , Sibindi Cosmas , Ko Christine J. , Grant Matthew , Zubek Amanda
Published: July 2020

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common disease affecting millions in endemic areas worldwide. We present a case of lupoid leishmaniasis, a rare variant of CL, which clinically mimicked sarcoidosis and/or granulomatous rosacea for 10 years until ultimate diagnosis. An 82‐year‐old U.S. citizen with an extensive travel history presented with a 10‐year history of facial plaques on the cheeks and was previously diagnosed and treated as sarcoidosis. Multiple biopsies (previously and at presentation) revealed tuberculoid granulomas with negative special stains for microorganisms and negative sterile tissue cultures for acid‐fast bacilli, bacteria, and fungal organisms. A diagnosis of granulomatous rosacea was rendered and multiple medical therapies were attempted, none with sustained improvement. Repeat biopsy of a new lesion revealed intracellular organisms consistent with leishmaniasis, which was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Lupoid leishmaniasis is a rare presentation of CL including facial plaques that can mimic granulomatous diseases affecting the face including sarcoidosis and granulomatous rosacea. CL can sometimes be challenging to diagnose through standard histopathologic examination; immunohistochemistry for CD1a can be used to augment tissue‐based examination and PCR should be sent early in cases with sufficient concern.
Trichoblastic carcinosarcoma with panfollicular differentiation (panfollicular carcinosarcoma) and CTNNB1 (beta‐catenin) mutation
Authors: Giang Jenny , Biswas Asok , Mooyaart Antien L. , Groenendijk Floris H. , Dikrama Petra , Damman Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

We present a case of trichoblastic carcinosarcoma with panfollicular differentiation. An 80‐year‐old man presented with a lesion on the left ear, which had been present for several months. Histopathology revealed a well‐demarcated neoplasm in the dermis composed of intimately intermingled malignant epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The epithelial component showed multilineage follicular differentiation toward all of the elements of a normal hair follicle. Molecular analysis revealed identical molecular aberrations in both epithelial and mesenchymal components including CTNNB1 and SUFU mutations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of panfollicular carcinosarcoma and of the presence of a CTNNB1 mutation in trichoblastic carcinosarcoma.
Seeing the forest through many trees: Multi‐taxon patterns of phylogenetic diversity in the Atlantic Forest hotspot
Authors: Brown Jason L. , Paz Andrea , Reginato Marcelo , Renata Cecilia Amaro , Assis Claydson , Lyra Mariana , Caddah Mayara K. , Aguirre‐Santoro Julian , d’Horta Fernando , Raposo do Amaral Fabio , Goldenberg Renato , Lucas Silva‐Brandão Karina , Freitas André Victor Lucci , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Michelangeli Fabian A. , Miyaki Cristina Y. , Carnaval Ana C.
Published: July 2020

Aim

We combine phylogenetic and point locality data from selected lineages of the Atlantic Forest flora and fauna to compare spatial patterns of biodiversity sustained by the current configuration of forest remnants to a scenario of complete forest preservation. We then ask the question "how much biodiversity is likely lost, already"? Specifically, we assess how habitat loss likely impacted the climatic spaces occupied by the local species, the inferred composition of local communities and the spatial distribution of phylogenetic diversity and endemism.

Location

Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Methods

Using carefully curated point localities, phylogenetic data and parameterized models of species distributions, we generate maps of phylogenetic diversity, phylogenetic endemism and phylogenetic turnover for the entire Atlantic Forest. We map patterns of clade‐specific diversity under complete preservation of forest and then incorporate present‐day deforestation patterns to provide a more realistic scenario.

Results

Instead of a singular pattern, three different reoccurring syndromes described the flora and fauna of the Atlantic Forest. These patterns emerged irrespectively of clade age and life history traits. General turnover patterns were highly consistent with previous analyses of species composition and panbiogeographical studies. Deforestation has altered the availability of climatic spaces in the Atlantic Forest, its biological communities and the distribution of evolutionary lineages in space. However, approximately 60% of the pre‐Columbian climatic space persists in forest remnants, and today's biological communities are estimated to be 45% similar to pre‐deforestation times.

Main conclusions

The Atlantic Forest has been reduced to 8% of its once largely continuous range. However, the disproportionately large amounts of climate, community and lineage diversity that persist in remnants provide hope and support for conservation efforts that combine species occurrence and phylogenetic data. Inclusion of evolutionary thinking into strategic approaches to restoring Brazilian ecosystems could further conservation effectiveness by incorporating the adaptive potential of local assemblages in the face of further environmental shifts.
ESD using the pocket‐creation method enables complete resection of lesions at an anastomotic site
Authors: Nemoto Daiki , Takezawa Takahito , Hayashi Yoshikazu
Published: July 2020

Watch a video of this article
Similarity and difference in the characteristics of eosinophilic esophagitis between Western countries and Japan
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Okimoto Eiko , Shibagaki Kotaro , Nagano Nahoko , Ishihara Shunji
Published: July 2020

Over the past two decades, the incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have risen rapidly, especially in Western countries, with cases in Japan also showing a gradual increase in recent years. However, similarities and differences regarding the characteristics of EoE between Western countries and Japan remain to be clearly elucidated. The current clinical guidelines for diagnosis include symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and dense eosinophilic infiltration in the esophageal epithelium. Most affected patients in Japan are diagnosed incidentally during a medical health check‐up and asymptomatic cases with typical endoscopic findings suggestive of EoE are frequently encountered. Clinical characteristics of EoE in Japanese are similar to those seen in Western populations. The predominant symptom is dysphagia, with food impaction extremely rare in Japanese cases. Linear furrows are the most frequently reported characteristic endoscopic finding, while an esophageal stricture or narrow caliber is rarely observed. Treatment strategies for EoE include drugs, dietary restrictions, and endoscopic dilation when the disease is advanced with stricture formation. Although single therapy using a proton‐pump inhibitor has been shown to achieve symptomatic and histological response in the majority of patients in Japan, no prospective randomized control studies that evaluated drug or elimination diet therapy have been presented. Overall, EoE has similar clinical characteristics between Japanese and Western populations, while disease severity seems to be milder in Japan. Additional studies are necessary to determine genetic factors, natural history of the disease, and treatment efficacy of drugs and elimination diet as compared to Western populations.
Eco‐evolutionary dynamics driven by fishing: From single species models to dynamic evolution within complex food webs
Authors: Perälä Tommi , Kuparinen Anna
Published: July 2020

Evidence of contemporary evolution across ecological time scales stimulated research on the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of natural populations. Aquatic systems provide a good setting to study eco‐evolutionary dynamics owing to a wealth of long‐term monitoring data and the detected trends in fish life‐history traits across intensively harvested marine and freshwater systems. In the present study, we focus on modelling approaches to simulate eco‐evolutionary dynamics of fishes and their ecosystems. Firstly, we review the development of modelling from single species to multispecies approaches. Secondly, we advance the current state‐of‐the‐art methodology by implementing evolution of life‐history traits of a top predator into the context of complex food web dynamics as described by the allometric trophic network (ATN) framework. The functioning of our newly developed eco‐evolutionary ATNE framework is illustrated using a well‐studied lake food web. Our simulations show how both natural selection arising from feeding interactions and size‐selective fishing cause evolutionary changes in the top predator and how those feed back to its prey species and further cascade down to lower trophic levels. Finally, we discuss future directions, particularly the need to integrate genomic discoveries into eco‐evolutionary projections.
Carbon storage dynamics in peatlands: Comparing recent‐ and long‐term accumulation histories in southern Patagonia
Authors: Bunsen Michael S. , Loisel Julie
Published: July 2020

Peatlands have been important terrestrial carbon (C) reservoirs throughout the Holocene, yet whether these ecosystems will become stronger or weaker C sinks in the future remains debated. While surface peat layers (acrotelm) have a greater apparent rate of C accumulation than deeper, millennial‐aged peat (catotelm), it is difficult to project how much more aerobic decomposition will take place before the younger surface cohorts join the older deeper ones. Studies have suggested that warming could lead to weakened C accumulation in peatlands due to enhanced aerobic decay in the acrotelm, which would lead to a slower transfer of peat into the catotelm, if any. Conversely, other studies have suggested increased C accumulation in the acrotelm and thus, larger long‐term C transfer into the catotelm under warming conditions because of greater plant productivity and faster peat accumulation. Improving our predictions about the rate of present and future peatland development is important to forecast feedbacks on the global C cycle and help inform land management decisions. In this study, we analyzed two peat cores from southern Patagonia to calculate their long‐ versus short‐peat C accumulation rates. The acrotelm rates were compared to the catotelm peat C legacies using an empirical modeling approach that allows calculating the future catotelm peat storage based on today's acrotelm characteristics, and thus predict if those recent rates of C accumulation will lead to greater or weaker long‐term C storage in the future. Our results indicate that, depending on local bioclimatic parameters, some peatlands may become stronger C sinks in the future, while others may become weaker. In the case of this study, the wetter site is expected to increase its C sink capacity, while our prediction for the drier site is a net decrease in C sequestration in the coming decades to centuries.
A proposal for enhanced EU herbage VCU and DUS testing procedures
Authors: Gilliland Trevor J. , Annicchiarico Paolo , Julier Bernadette , Ghesquière Marc
Published: July 2020

Herbage production is regarded as having environment‐friendly credentials. However, as the ruminant production it supports is facing major challenges on sustainability, environmental footprint and human health concerns, EU herbage cultivar testing must contribute to the solutions. Before new cultivars can be sold in a member state (MS) and gain EU‐wide marketing, they must pass official tests to prove they are both novel (distinct, uniform and stable, DUS) with improved value for cultivation and use (VCU). Herbage species present specific challenges, as their allogamy imposes a wide within‐cultivar variation that adds complexity to DUS tests and their “value” is only realized in ruminant produce. Current VCU systems measure production, chemical composition and disease/stress tolerances, often on large numbers of candidate cultivars, but prohibitive labour costs and logistics mean that animal intake, ruminant output or environmental benefits cannot be measured directly. Furthermore, some candidate cultivars with proven superior VCU fail DUS even though the non‐distinct comparison is with a significantly lower performing registered cultivar. To resolve these problem cases, a “vmDUS” distinctness tool is proposed, which uses molecular markers but conforms to UPOV‐declared principles. A short overview of current grassland research shows smart proxy measures of animal value can easily and quickly be adopted into an integrated pan‐European (EU‐VCU) test network. The proposed EU‐VCU scheme will reallocate test resources to conduct these additional tests by placing MS in data sharing collaborations, while retaining their national listing authority. The benefits to all stakeholders from adopting these new testing procedures are considered.
Clinical observations in very elderly patients with COVID‐19 in Wuhan
Authors: Rui Li , Sirui Li , Xuebei Du , Xujun Ye , Yanggan Wang
Published: July 2020

Background

In December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) started in Wuhan, and is now causing a worldwide pandemic. However, the experience in very elderly patients is very limited, which has important implications for the investigation of hospital infection in medical and health institutions.

Methods

Seven patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection in the Department of Geriatrics at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were included. Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Laboratory tests and chest computed tomography (CT) images from the patients before and after the COVID‐19 infection were compared.

Results

The median age of patients was 91 years old (87–96). Six patients had pneumonia in the last 6 months. Dyspnea occurred in one patient 64 h after the onset of the disease. In the other six patients, minor fatigue with low fever were the only other manifestations of the disease. Lymphopenia and a significant reduction in plasma globulin level was observed compared with levels before the onset of the disease. None had typical chest CT phenotypes during the early stage, except the critically ill patient mentioned who had developed “white lung” and then died. One patient even showed absorption of inflammation compared with previous hypostatic pneumonia.

Conclusions

The ratio of fatal cases in very elderly patients with COVID‐19 is no higher than that reported in non‐elderly patients was, and probably due to a low immune response. However, the elderly patients manifested minor clinical symptoms and atypical changes in chest CT images, which usually lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 709–714.
An assessment of poverty determinants in U.S. census tracts, 1970–2010
Authors: Gayán‐Navarro Carlos , Sanso‐Navarro Marcos , Sanz‐Gracia Fernando
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with the determinants of poverty in the U.S. at the census tract level. By proceeding in this way, potential aggregation errors that may occur when using larger areas as the unit of observation are avoided. Our empirical analysis exploits a geographically consistent data set covering the period 1970–2010 and all metropolitan statistical areas. The estimations have been carried out using a system generalized method of moments framework for dynamic panels. Our results show that poverty is a persistent phenomenon, especially in tracts with higher levels. Those variables with a more robust relationship with poverty reflect labor market conditions. We also obtain evidence of a higher vulnerability of women to poverty. These findings have been framed within the debate about the optimal design of local development strategies. The main conclusion drawn is that place‐based and person‐centered policies can be considered as complementary rather than as substitutes.
Perceived age and perceived health among a Chinese cohort: Does it mean the same thing?
Authors: Messaraa C. , Richard T. J. C. , Walsh M. , Doyle L. , O’Connor C. , Robertson N. , Mansfield A. , Hurley S. , Mavon A. , Grenz A.
Published: July 2020

Background & Aims

Previous investigations have aimed at investigating parameters affecting age perception on several ethnicities. Perceived health has been a newer focus on Caucasian skin, yet little is known on the skin features used to estimate the health status of Chinese women and we aimed to investigate whether these cues are the same as those used for age perception.

Methods

Age and health appearance of 276 Chinese female volunteers were estimated from their photographs by 1025 female naïve Chinese graders 20–69 years old. Models were built to predict perceived age and health from topographic, colour and biophysical measured variables, in two subsets of the studied volunteers: below and above 50 years. Machine learning‐based predictive models for age and health perception were built on the collected data, and the interpretability of the models was established by measuring feature importance.

Results

Age perception was mostly driven by topographic features, particularly eye bags and eyelid sagging in the group below 50 years old. Wrinkles, notably from the lower part of the face and oval of the lower face, were found to be more relevant in the group above 50 years. Health appearance was primarily signalled by skin imperfections and global pigmentation in the subset below 50 years, whereas colour‐related parameters and skin hydration acted as health cues for the subset above 50 years.

Conclusion

Distinct skin features were acting as cues for age perception and/or health perception and varied per age subset. Their contribution should be borne in mind when designing products for ‘younger looking skin’ and ‘healthier looking skin’.
Fabrication of ZnO–GO hybrid for enhancement of chemically bonded phosphate ceramic coatings corrosion protection performance on AISI304L stainless steel
Authors: Tang Hao , Liu Yaxuan , Bian Da , Guo Yongxin , Zhao Yongwu
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a solvothermal method is used to prepare nano‐sized zinc oxide‐graphene oxide (ZnO–GO) hybrid, and the ZnO–GO hybrid is characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis, Raman, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics coatings with different content of ZnO–GO hybrid are prepared on the stainless steel through the sol‐gel method. The corrosion performance of the coatings is evaluated by electrochemical properties and the analysis of the surface and cross morphology of the coating. Results indicate ZnO–GO hybrid significantly enhances the compactness and corrosive behavior of the coating because the overlapping structure of GO flake improves the barrier performance of the coating. Besides, ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of GO can react with aluminum dihydrogen phosphate binder, in that case the adhesion between GO and the coating is improved.
Consumer perception of packaging: An eye‐tracking study of gluten‐free cookies
Authors: Sielicka‐Różyńska Maria , Jerzyk Ewa , Gluza Natalia
Published: July 2020

The growing interest in gluten‐free products makes it crucial to understand the mechanism of consumers' perception of gluten‐free claims. Due to the limited research measuring the influence of the type (verbal/nonverbal), number and location of gluten‐free statements on product labels on visual attention and consumers' purchase decisions, the main aim of this research was to evaluate the perception of gluten‐free claims and the Crossed Grain symbol on cookie packages of both consumers who are on a gluten‐free diet and those who are not. To that end, a questionnaire survey (600 respondents) and an eye‐tracking study (67 respondents) were carried out. The results showed that the respondents are aware of the basic rules of gluten‐free products' labelling, but 32% of those on the diet claimed that the products were not labelled properly. The analysis proved (p < .05) the significant relation between the number of gluten‐free claims and consumers' purchase intention. The respondents paid more attention to verbal gluten‐free claims than to nonverbal ones on packaging (p < .05). In the case of the Crossed Grain symbol, addition of verbal statement strengthened the information and decreased the respondents' level of uncertainty about a given product, which is important, especially for people newly adopting the diet. No difference in the visual attention to gluten‐free statements between the followers and non‐followers of the diet was found (p > .05), which allowed us to conclude that the perception of gluten‐free claims is an automatic process. These results suggest that designing product labels by considering the information architecture concerning gluten may help strengthen consumers' attitudes towards gluten‐free products and impact buying behaviour.
Effects of ultraviolet‐C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of polysaccharide films prepared from the stalk base of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Authors: Han Hee‐Seon , Song Kyung Bin
Published: July 2020

The effects of ultraviolet (UV)‐C irradiation on the physicochemical properties of oyster mushroom polysaccharide (OMP) films were investigated. The prepared OMP films were subjected to UV‐C treatment (5.4 kJ m−2). UV‐C irradiation increased the tensile strength and decreased the water vapour permeability of the OMP films. In addition, the incorporation of 1.0% Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CTLE) enhanced the antioxidant activity as well as antimicrobial activity of OMP films; however, UV‐C treatment did not affect the activities of films containing CTLE. Furthermore, UV‐C‐irradiated films had higher contact angles than non‐irradiated films, indicating increased surface hydrophobicity. Microstructural imaging revealed that UV‐C treatment caused the surface of treated films to be smoother than that of untreated films owing to surface degradation. These results indicated that UV‐C irradiation can be used for OMP films to improve film properties that are associated with application of films as food packaging material.
Effects of microwave heating, steaming, boiling and baking on the structure and functional properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) protein isolates
Authors: Wang Lei , Dong Ji‐lin , Zhu Ying‐ying , Shen Rui‐ling , Wu Li‐gen , Zhang Kang‐yi
Published: July 2020

The effects of microwave heating (MW), steaming (SM), boiling (BL) and baking (BK) on the structure and functional properties of quinoa protein isolates (QPI) were investigated. SDS‐PAGE showed the 20–30 kDa band strength of QPI‐BL was enhanced, which indicated the disulphide bond was broken and protein molecules dissociated. Due to the recombination of subunits, some large molecular weight or insoluble polymer components of QPI‐SM and QPI‐BK did not pass through the gel. Microwave heating and boiling showed negative effects for α‐helix and positive effects for β‐sheet, which implied the molecular structure was transformed from ordered to disordered, the secondary structure became loose. The reduction of free SH (sulfhydryl) and surface hydrophobicity implied that aggregation and cross‐linking of protein molecules for QPI‐SM and QPI‐BK. QPI, QPI‐MW and QPI‐BL exhibited better solubility, which was related to the water holding capacity (WHC) and emulsification. For QPI‐SM and QPI‐BK, functional properties (including solubility, WHC and gel‐forming ability) decreased due to molecular aggregation. Heat treatments significantly affect the structure and functional properties of QPI, the current research showed that microwave heating and boiling might be better heat treatment methods for QPI and would help the development of quinoa protein products.
A role for human leucocyte antigens in the susceptibility to SARS‐Cov‐2 infection observed in transplant patients
Authors: Poulton Kay , Wright Paul , Hughes Pamela , Savic Sinisa , Welberry Smith Matthew , Guiver Malcolm , Morton Muir , van Dellen David , Tholouli Eleni , Wynn Robert , Clark Brendan
Published: July 2020

We analysed data from 80 patients who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA who had previously been HLA typed to support transplantation. Data were combined from two adjacent centres in Manchester and Leeds to achieve a sufficient number for early analysis. HLA frequencies observed were compared against two control populations: first, against published frequencies in a UK deceased donor population (n = 10,000) representing the target population of the virus, and second, using a cohort of individuals from the combined transplant waiting lists of both centres (n = 308), representing a comparator group of unaffected individuals of the same demographic. We report a significant HLA association with HLA‐ DQB1*06 (53% vs. 36%; p < .012; OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.94–3.22) and infection. A bias towards an increased representation of HLA‐A*26, HLA‐DRB1*15, HLA‐DRB1*10 and DRB1*11 was also noted but these were either only significant using the UK donor controls, or did not remain significant after correction for multiple tests. Likewise, HLA‐A*02, HLA‐B*44 and HLA‐C*05 may exert a protective effect, but these associations did not remain significant after correction for multiple tests. This is relevant information for the clinical management of patients in the setting of the current SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and potentially in risk‐assessing staff interactions with infected patients.
Templated grain growth of high coercive field CuO‐doped textured PYN‐PMN‐PT ceramics
Authors: Brova Michael J. , Watson Beecher H. , Walton Rebecca L. , Kupp Elizabeth R. , Fanton Mark A. , Meyer Richard J. , Messing Gary L.
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the templated grain growth and texturing of Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PYN‐PMN‐PT) ceramics. A PbO‐CuO liquid phase was determined to substantially increase the growth of PYN‐PMN‐PT on barium titanate template particles. Texturing resulted in an 83% enhancement in strain behavior (754 pm/V) compared with random PYN‐PMN‐PT ceramics (413 pm/V). The increased Pb(Yb1/2Nb1/2)O3 (PYN) content of textured 21PYN‐41PMN‐38PT resulted in a high coercive field of 13.9 kV/cm. Residual barium titanate templates reduced the polarization from 33.7 to 26.2 µC/cm2 and slightly decreased the Curie temperature (236‐224°C). These results show that textured PYN‐PMN‐PT is a promising material for high strain and coercive field transducers.
Microstructure and gas permeation performance of porous silicon nitride ceramics with unidirectionally aligned channels
Authors: Li Xueqing , Yao Dongxu , Zuo Kaihui , Xia Yongfeng , Yin Jinwei , Liang Hanqin , Zeng Yu‐Ping
Published: July 2020

Porous Si3N4 ceramics with unidirectionally aligned channels were prepared via freezing ceramics suspension with distinct solid contents under different freezing temperatures. The samples obtained using lower solid content in ceramic suspension at higher freezing temperature exhibit larger Darcian and non‐Darcian constants due to their higher open porosity, larger pore size and lower tortuosity. Moreover the investigation on individual contributions of viscous energy losses and inertial energy losses on the total pressure drop during permeation process indicates that with decreasing the solid content or the freezing temperature the viscous energy losses increase but the inertial energy losses decrease for samples owing to the differences in their pore structures. It is worth mentioning that porous Si3N4 ceramics with unidirectionally aligned channels exhibit larger Darcian and non‐Darcian constants than those with similar pore size distributions and open porosity owing to their lower tortuosity, thus rendering them appropriate for filters and membrane supports.
As time goes by: 20 years of changes in the aquatic macroinvertebrate metacommunity of Mediterranean river networks
Authors: Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano , Acosta Raúl , Castro‐López Daniel , Cid Núria , Fortuño Pau , Munné Antoni , Múrria Cesc , Pimentão Ana Rita , Sarremejane Romain , Soria Maria , Tarrats Pol , Verkaik Iraima , Prat Narcís , Bonada Núria
Published: July 2020

Aim

To analyse temporal metacommunity dynamics in river networks in relation to hydrological conditions and dispersal.

Location

Fifteen river reaches from the Llobregat, Besòs and Foix catchments in the North‐Eastern Iberian Peninsula.

Taxon

Aquatic macroinvertebrates belonging to 99 different families.

Methods

We sampled aquatic macroinvertebrate communities during spring in 20 consecutive years. We built two environmental distances (one related with water chemistry and another one with river flow regime) and two spatial distances (network distance and topographic distance). Then we used Mantel tests (accounting for spatial autocorrelation) to relate macroinvertebrate dissimilarity with environmental and spatial distances. Additionally, we determined the dry and wet years using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and we classified macroinvertebrate families based on their ability to fly and to drift. Finally, we ran a linear regression model including the correlation value (r) of each Mantel test as response variable and distance type (environmental or spatial), SPI, dispersal mode, their pairwise interactions and a three‐way interaction as predictor variables.

Results

Metacommunity organization varied over time and it was significantly affected by precipitation, which can be related to river network connectivity. The environmental filters, mainly the flow regime, were generally more important than the spatial filters in explaining community dissimilarity over the study period. However, this depended on the dispersal abilities of the organisms. Network fragmentation due to flow intermittence during the dry years significantly reduced the dispersal capacity of strong aerial dispersers, leading to spatially structured metacommunities. For strong drift dispersers, community dissimilarity patterns were generally best explained by environmental filters regardless of SPI.

Main conclusions

A significant temporal variation in metacommunity organization can be expected in highly dynamic systems (e.g. Mediterranean rivers) and it might depend on the dispersal modes and abilities of the organisms, since they determine the response to changes in environmental and landscape filters.