bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homelessness and Suicidality: The Role of Bullying and Parental Support
Authors: McCallops Kathleen , Aviles Ann M. , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Palkovitz Rob
Published: April 2020

Objective

To examine the relation between homelessness and suicidality and to test bullying as a mediator and parental support as a moderator of these relations.

Background

Youth from low‐income families are more likely to be bullied and in turn experience negative mental health outcomes. Parental support has been reported to mitigate the effects of stressful events, such as being bullied. However, these relations are still undocumented among youth experiencing homelessness.

Method

This study included a random sample of 2,049 stably housed and 64 homeless youth enrolled in the Delaware Public Schools, grades 9 through 12, who completed the 2015 Delaware Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Hayes's PROCESS macro was used to test for a moderated mediation relation between bullying, suicidality, and parental support for homeless youth.Results:Bullying mediated the relation between homelessness and suicidality, and parental support moderated the relation between bullying and suicidality. Youth experiencing homelessness reported more bullying, which was associated with more severe suicidality. For youth experiencing homelessness with low levels of parental support, bullying was associated with more severe suicidality. Conversely, for youth with high levels of parental support, bullying was not associated with more severe suicidality.

Conclusion

This study indicates that bullying is a mechanism through which homelessness and suicidality are related, while also demonstrating the importance of parental support.

Implication

The increased risk of suicidality among youth experiencing homelessness who are bullied, as well as the effects of parental support, warrant attention from school personnel and youth service providers.
Social support and resilience in persons with severe haemophilia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Ratajová Kateřina , Blatný Jan , Poláčková Šolcová Iva , Meier Zdeněk , Horňáková Tekla , Brnka Robert , Tavel Peter
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Haemophilia is a hereditary haemorrhagic disorder characterized by deficiency or dysfunction of coagulation factors. Recurrent joint and muscle bleeds lead to progressive musculoskeletal damage. Haemophilia affects patients physically but also socially and psychologically. Traumatic experiences, chronic stress and illnesses can lead to mental disorders, but many persons with haemophilia maintain a highly positive outlook.

Aim

To explore qualitatively which coping mechanisms persons with haemophilia use and in what way they help them to live with their diagnosis.

Methods

We recruited five adults with haemophilia and conducted semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Two core themes emerged from the analysis: social support as an external factor and resilience as an internal factor of coping with the disease. Persons with haemophilia usually need help with health‐related complications, and this affects the social support they require. Their wider support network tends to involve family and friends but also healthcare professionals and other specialists. This network provides practical help but also functions as an important psychological protective factor. An unexpected finding was that persons with haemophilia want not only to receive support but are also keen to offer support to others.

Conclusion

These findings can help identify persons who provide most support to people suffering from haemophilia. Haemophilic centres should include in their teams psychologists and social workers and offer individual and group therapy to their clients, group meetings for friends and families of persons with haemophilia, provide learning resources to teachers aiming to incorporate children with haemophilia in their peer group, and organize Balint groups for physicians, psychologists and other healthcare professionals.
Production of a potential collagenolytic protease by nejayote fermentation with Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Rocha‐Pizaña María del R. , Chen Wei Ning , Lee Jaslyn J. L. , Buitimea‐Cantúa Nydia E. , González‐Nimi Emiko , Gutierrez‐Uribe Janet A.
Published: April 2020

Nejayote is the wastewater obtained from maize lime cooking. It was used for Aspergillus oryzae growth and enzyme production. Protein production and collagenolytic activity were evaluated to test the effects of pH, spore inoculum and nejayote content in a 33 factorial design. No collagenolytic activity was observed in the supernatant of the fermentation without nejayote. Using nejayote at 5% increased 1.5 times the fungus growth in comparison with nejayote 1% and 3%; and the maximum collagenolytic activity was reached after 3 days at pH 8 (P < 0.05). After sequencing, a 32 kDa alkaline protease was identified. Along with the alkaline conditions produced by the inclusion of nejayote solids, this waste is an important source of carbohydrates that improved the growth of A. oryzae to produce a protease that has the potential to break collagen. This permits a prospective revalorisation of a waste material to get a product with multiple biotechnological uses.
Technological, nutritional and sensorial characteristics of wheat bread fortified with calcium salts
Authors: Rossi Matías G. , Soazo Marina , Piccirilli Gisela N. , Llopart Emilce E. , Revelant Gilda C. , Verdini Roxana A.
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper was to carry out a comprehensive study of wheat flour breads fortified with different sources of calcium, which includes: technological, nutritional and sensorial characteristics. Calcium salts (lactate: LA, carbonate: CA, and citrate: CI) at two fortification levels (20% and 50%) were analysed. Only the LA fortified breads were harder with lower specific volume and the LA 50% showed the higher chewiness value. The crust colour of the CI 50% breads presented the lower browning index. In vitro nutritional studies showed that calcium content on digest and dialysate was significantly higher in all fortified breads. The CI 20% and all the 50% fortifications showed a better contribution of bioaccessible calcium. Sensorial general quality was not significantly different between fortified and Control breads.
Time, Space, Confucianism and Careers: A Contextualized Review of Careers Research in China – Current Knowledge and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Yao Christian , Duan Zheng (Daniel) , Baruch Yehuda
Published: April 2020

Career studies attract significant attention, but most of the theories and concepts were developed and tested in Western contexts. Based on a systematic review and analysis of 95 articles published in the field of careers that focus on China in the period between 1991 and 2017, this paper identifies emerging trends and outlines a profile of the current development of careers research in the Chinese context. Using a time and space analytical framework, the review evaluates the theoretical and empirical career lenses embedded in the unique Chinese cultural, institutional and organizational contexts and confirms that research on Chinese careers is significantly underdeveloped. Through a theoretical lens of Confucianism, we propose a need to consider context‐specific factors, in particular time and space, when conducting Chinese careers research, and present implications for future research on careers in China.
Hunger in the household: Food insecurity and associations with maternal eating and toddler feeding
Authors: Armstrong Bridget , Hepworth Allison D. , Black Maureen M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Research is needed to identify how food insecurity affects maternal eating behavior and child feeding practices, factors that may pose intergenerational risks for obesity.

Objectives

This longitudinal study investigated whether maternal restrained eating mediated the association between household food insecurity and feeding practices.

Methods

Participants included 277 WIC‐eligible mothers (69% below the poverty line, 70% African American) and their toddlers (Mage= 20.11 months, SD = 5.50) participating in a childhood obesity prevention trial. Maternal reports of household food insecurity, restrained eating, and child feeding practices (restrictive and responsive) were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months and analyzed using multilevel mediation.

Results

Forty percent of mothers reported some degree of household food insecurity over 12 months. Within‐person analyses showed that relative increases in household food insecurity were indirectly related to increases in restrictive and decreases in responsive child feeding practices, mediated through increases in mothers' own restrained eating.

Conclusions

Relative changein household food insecurity (rather than overall severity) appears to have indirect effects on toddler feeding practices, through mothers' own eating. Stable household food security without transient food insecurity may improve health and wellbeing for both mothers and children.
Familiarity plays a small role in noun comprehension at 12–18 months
Authors: Garrison Hallie , Baudet Gladys , Breitfeld Elise , Aberman Alexis , Bergelson Elika
Published: April 2020

Infants amass thousands of hours of experience with particular items, each of which is representative of a broader category that often shares perceptual features. Robust word comprehension requires generalizing known labels to new category members. While young infants have been found to look at common nouns when they are named aloud, the role of item familiarity has not been well examined. This study compares 12‐ to 18‐month‐olds’ word comprehension in the context of pairs of their own items (e.g., photographs of their own shoe and ball) versus new tokens from the same category (e.g., a new shoe and ball). Our results replicate previous work showing that noun comprehension improves rapidly over the second year, while also suggesting that item familiarity appears to play a far smaller role in comprehension in this age range. This in turn suggests that even before age 2, ready generalization beyond particular experiences is an intrinsic component of lexical development.
Permeability spectra of planar M‐type barium hexaferrites with high Snoek’s product by two‐step sintering
Authors: Li Qifan , Chen Yajie , Yu Chengju , Qian Kun , Harris Vincent G.
Published: April 2020

High‐frequency ferrite ceramics exhibiting high permeability and low magnetic loss have been recently attracting more and more attention owing to the rapid development of modern communication technologies. It is known that the magnetic performance of ferrites is strongly associated with the morphology of their polycrystalline structure. In this work, we focus on the control of grain growth and densification process for planar Co‐Ti doped M‐type barium hexaferrites, BaCoxTixFe12‐xO19, by one‐step sintering (OSS) and two‐step sintering (TSS) techniques. Experimental results indicate that a uniform and fine‐grained microstructure is achieved by the TSS method. More importantly, the ferrites prepared by TSS demonstrate high permeability (µ' = 18‐20), low magnetic loss (tan δm = 0.1‐0.3), and high Snoek's product (>25 GHz) in the frequency range of 100‐400 MHz. By fitting experimental data, we have determined that low magnetic loss is derived from the small damping coefficient of spin rotation in terms of Kittel's theory. Therefore, the TSS technique provides an effective and efficient approach to prepare planar BaM hexaferrite materials for ultra‐high frequency (UHF) communication devices requiring low loss and high Snoek's product.
Geniposide alleviates non‐alcohol fatty liver disease via regulating Nrf2/AMPK/mTOR signalling pathways
Authors: Shen Bingyu , Feng Haihua , Cheng Jiaqi , Li Zheng , Jin Meiyu , Zhao Lilei , Wang Qi , Qin Haiyan , Liu Guowen
Published: April 2020

Non‐alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease which causes serious liver damage. Geniposide (GEN), a kind of iridoid glycoside extracted from Gardenia jasminoides fruit, has many biological effects, such as resistance to cell damage and anti‐neurodegenerative disorder. Lipid accumulation was obvious in tyloxapol‐induced liver and oil acid (OA) with palmitic acid (PA)‐induced HepG2 cells compared with the control groups while GEN improved the increasing conditions. GEN significantly lessened the total cholesterol (TC), the triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), myeloperoxidase (MPO), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD) to response the oxidative stress via activating nuclear factor erythroid‐2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), haeme oxygenase (HO)‐1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)α which may influence the phosphorylation of adenosine 5’‐monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway in mice and cells. Additionally, GEN evidently decreased the contents of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBP)‐1c, phosphorylation (P)‐mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC), P‐S6K, P‐S6 and high mobility group protein (HMGB) 1 via inhibiting the expression of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), and these were totally abrogated in Nrf2−/− mice. Our study firstly proved the protective effect of GEN on lipid accumulation via enhancing the ability of antioxidative stress and anti‐inflammation which were mostly depend on up‐regulating the protein expression of Nrf2/HO‐1 and AMPK signalling pathways, thereby suppressed the phosphorylation of mTORC and its related protein.
Heterotopic ossification of tendon and ligament
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Zhou Dong , Wang Haitao , Tan Jun
Published: April 2020

Much of the similarities of the tissue characteristics, pathologies and mechanisms of heterotopic ossification (HO) formation are shared between HO of tendon and ligament (HOTL). Unmet need and no effective treatment has been developed for HOTL, primarily attributable to poor understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms. HOTL forms via endochondral ossification, a common process of most kinds of HO. HOTL is a dynamic pathologic process that includes trauma/injury, inflammation, mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) recruitment, chondrogenic differentiation and, finally, ossification. A variety of signal pathways involve HOTL with multiple roles in different stages of HO formation, and here in this review, we summarize the progress and provide an up‐to‐date understanding of HOTL.
Efficacy and safety of panitumumab alone or in association with radiotherapy in unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hourbeigt K. , Ehret M. , Visseaux L. , Durlach A. , Petit A. , Sanchez J. , Grange‐Prunier A. , Barbe C. , Servagi‐Vernat S. , Grange F.
Published: April 2020

Background

The prognosis of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas is very poor.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of panitumumab alone or in association with radiotherapy in the treatment of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

This was a monocentre retrospective study of all consecutive patients having received at least two courses of panitumumab, alone or in association with radiotherapy, between 2016 and 2019. The primary endpoint was the rate of best overall response, evaluated according to the RECIST 1.1 criteria. The secondary endpoints were the response and disease control rates at 6 weeks and 6 months, progression‐free survival, overall survival and safety.

Results

A total of 25 patients were included; their median age was 86 years, and 17 (86%) had a WHO performance status over 2. The best overall response rate was 52%, including four complete responses (16%) and nine partial responses (36%). All patients with complete response and five out of nine patients with partial response had received concurrent radiotherapy, in most cases in moderate to low doses (<40 Gray, 67%). The response rates at 6 weeks and 6 months were 12% and 28%, respectively. The control rates at 6 weeks and 6 months were 84% and 32%, respectively. Median progression‐free survival was 6.9 months, and median overall survival was 10.5 months. Grade 3 side‐effects, mostly dermatological, occurred in 16 patients (64%).

Conclusion

These results suggest that panitumumab remains pertinent in the treatment of unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, in particular in association with radiotherapy, despite recent advances with anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. It presents several advantages: it can be used in very elderly or feeble patients, it does not provoke anaphylactic or other irreversible or life‐threatening side‐effects, and our study observed some long‐term responses. Further prospective investigation of anti‐EGFR antibodies, in association with anti‐PD‐1 antibodies and/or chemotherapy, should be conducted.
Identification of male heterogametic sex‐determining regions on the Atlantic herring Clupea harengus genome
Authors: í Kongsstovu Sunnvør , Dahl Hans Atli , Gislason Hannes , Homrum Eydna , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Flicek Paul , Mikalsen Svein‐Ole
Published: April 2020

The sex determination system of Atlantic herring Clupea harengus L., a commercially important fish, was investigated. Low coverage whole‐genome sequencing of 48 females and 55 males and a genome‐wide association study revealed two regions on chromosomes 8 and 21 associated with sex. The genotyping data of the single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with sex showed that 99.4% of the available female genotypes were homozygous, whereas 68.6% of the available male genotypes were heterozygous. This is close to the theoretical expectation of homo/heterozygous distribution at low sequencing coverage when the males are factually heterozygous. This suggested a male heterogametic sex determination system in C. harengus, consistent with other species within the Clupeiformes group. There were 76 protein coding genes on the sex regions but none of these genes were previously reported master sex regulation genes, or obviously related to sex determination. However, many of these genes are expressed in testis or ovary in other species, but the exact genes controlling sex determination in C. harengus could not be identified.
Gill amoebae from freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): In vitro evaluation of antiparasitic compounds againstVannellasp.
Authors: Jensen Hannah Malene , Karami Asma Mohammad , Mathiessen Heidi , Al‐Jubury Azmi , Kania Per Walter , Buchmann Kurt
Published: April 2020

Gill parasitic infections challenge farming of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss,Walbaum) in freshwater facilities. Apart from flagellates (Ichthyobodo,(Pinto) and ciliates (Ichthyophthirius(Fouquet), Ambiphrya(Raabe),Apiosoma(Blanchard),Trichodinella(Sramek‐Husek) andTrichodina(Ehrenberg)), we have shown that amoebae are prevalent in Danish trout farms. Gills were isolated from farmed rainbow trout in six fish farms (conventional and organic earth pond and recirculated systems) and placed on non‐nutrient agar (NNA) moistened with modified Neff's amoeba saline (AS) (15°C). Gill amoebae from all examined fish colonized the agar and were identified based on morphological criteria showing species within the generaTrinema(Dujardin) (family Trinematidae),Vannella(Bovee) (family Vannellidae). In addition, hartmannellid amoebae were recorded. We established a monoculture ofVannellasp., confirmed the genus identity by PCR and sequencing and performed an in vitro determination of antiparasitic effects (dose–response studies) of various compounds including sodium chloride (NaCl), hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, formalin, aqueous garlic and oregano extracts and aPseudomonasH6 surfactant. All amoebae were killed in concentrations of 16.90 mg/ml (garlic), 17.90 mg/ml (oregano), NaCl (7.5 mg/ml), hydrogen peroxide (100 µg/ml), peracetic acid (0.03 µg/ml), formaldehyde (25 µg/ml) and thePseudomonasH6 surfactant (250 µg/ml).
Intensification of the triticale (× triticosecale Wittmac) hydration process using periodic operation
Authors: de Oliveira Lucas C. , de Matos Jorge Luiz M. , Jorge Regina M. M.
Published: April 2020

The new triticale cultivars caught the industries attention due to excellent nutritional composition. The rare literature regarding hydration process intensification, coupled with the lack of research regarding the hydration of triticale, motivated this research. This study aimed to evaluate the hydration process intensification of two cultivars triticale. The isothermal operation was done at temperature range of 20–40°C and compared to process intensification using amplitude of 10°C and half‐cycle of 15 min, at an average temperature of 30°C. In parallel to hydration process, the fit of the Peleg model to the experimental data was evaluated and the morphology of the starch granules was observed using SEM images. The hydration temperature did not affect the starch grains morphology. The hydration kinetic was obtained applying the Peleg model, which exhibited a good fit for both operations. The model parameters values (K1 and K2) indicated that the periodic hydration process exhibits a greater water absorption rate and a final higher moisture for both cultivars. The periodic operation reduced the energy consumption of hydration process in approximately 50%, this reduction proves that this operation with temperature modulation is a process strategy highly promising for grains hydration process intensification.

Practical Applications

Triticale is a hybrid grain that has been drawing attention from various industrial sectors for application in the production of malt, packages, various foods, and ethanol. Thus, an understanding of the hydration kinetics of triticale that has not yet been described in the literature, together with the morphology of the starch grains, is of supreme importance. In view of this, the present work presents the water absorption of triticale when submitted to periodic operation by means of temperature modulation, with the aim of intensifying the hydration process as compared to the conventional operation, in addition to observing any potential morphological alterations in the starch grains. These results assist in the monitoring and control of industrial and academic processes, providing a better understanding of the hydration mechanisms and the morphology of the starch granules of the triticale for a possible inclusion of this cereal in new applications and product development.
The Second Victim Phenomenon: How Are Midwives Affected?
Authors: McDaniel Linda R. , Morris Charlotte
Published: April 2020

Perinatal care providers are likely to encounter adverse events such as intrapartum emergencies, traumatic births, or maternal or fetal deaths. As a result of being directly or indirectly involved in an adverse event, health care providers can be considered second victims. The experience of the second victim phenomenon can lead to significant physical, psychological, and psychosocial sequelae that can negatively impact the provider's personal and professional life for either a short or long duration of time. When health care providers experience an adverse event, they may manifest symptoms of guilt, shame, blame, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, isolation, helplessness, and hopelessness, thereby becoming the second victim. Following an adverse event, health care providers who experience second victim phenomenon experience stages of recovery that influence subsequent professional and personal well‐being. Persons who experience the second victim phenomenon can incorporate self‐care behaviors to assist with recovery. Health care organizations have a responsibility to implement efficacious support programs that promote the provider's recovery and a return to safe and full function in the workplace.
Potential of fosfomycin in treating multidrug‐resistant infections in children
Authors: Williams Phoebe CM
Published: April 2020

In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance, there are limited treatment options available to treat multidrug‐resistant organisms in paediatric patients. Fosfomycin is an antibiotic defined as ‘critically important’ by The World Health Organization due to its potential efficacy against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and is increasingly cited in the international literature as a promising antimicrobial for combating sepsis in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. With broad‐spectrum cover that includes both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms and both parenteral and oral formulations available, fosfomycin provides a promising treatment option for paediatric patients. This review summarises fosfomycin's spectrum of activity, published efficacy in paediatric patients, safety considerations and pharmacokinetic data, as well as identifying current clinical trials delineating pharmacokinetic parameters and safety parameters in neonatal sepsis which will provide further information regarding the use of fosfomycin in neonatal and paediatric infections. Limitations regarding the current standards for fosfomycin susceptibility definitions, variations in dosing regimens and the potential mechanisms for resistance are also discussed.
Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve transcorneal permeability of voriconazole: in-vivo studies
Authors: Rasoanirina Bakoliarisoa Nivomalala Voahangy , Lassoued Mohamed Ali , Miladi Karim , Razafindrakoto Zoarilala , Chaâbane-Banaoues Raja , Ramanitrahasimbola David , Cornet Muriel , Sfar Souad
Published: April 2020

Objective

This study investigates the effectiveness of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) in improving voriconazole transcorneal permeability.

Methods

Voriconazole-SNEDDS was prepared with isopropyl myristate, PEG 400, Tween 80® and Span 80® and was subjected for physicochemical characterization after reconstitution with NaCl 0.9% (1/9; v/v). In-vitro antifungal activity was assessed and compared with the marketed formulation. In-vivo studies, namely ocular irritation test via modified Draize test and pharmacokinetic study, were investigated using rabbit as animal model.

Key findings

Voriconazole-SNEDDS presented a droplet size of 21.353 ± 0.065 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.123 ± 0.003, a pH of 7.205 ± 0.006 and an osmolarity of 342.667 ± 2.517 mOsmol/l after reconstitution with NaCl 0.9%. Voriconazole-SNEDDS minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) was similar to the one of marketed formulation for Candida species while it was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for Aspergillus fumigatus. Draize test revealed that Voriconazole-SNEDDS was safe for ocular administration. Voriconazole maximum concentration (5.577 ± 0.852 µg/ml) from SNEDDS was higher than marketed formulation (Cmax = 4.307 ± 0.623 µg/ml), and the Tmax was delayed to 2 h. The area under the concentration–time curve value of Voriconazole-SNEDDS was improved by 2.419-fold.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that SNEDDS is a promising carrier for voriconazole ocular delivery and this encourages further clinical studies.
Comprehensive transcriptome analyses of twoOocystisalgae provide insights into the adaptation to Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Hua , Chang Xin , Su Dan‐Yan , Yao Ru , Liu Xu‐Dong , Zhu Huan , Liu Guo‐Xiang , Zhong Bo‐Jian
Published: April 2020

The harsh environments and high biodiversity of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) provide an ideal natural laboratory for studies on adaptive evolution. Low temperature and intense UV‐B radiation are the main abiotic stresses to plants at high altitudes. The rapid development of RNA sequencing has enabled us to investigate the molecular adaptations of plants that thrive in the QTP at the genomic level. Despite the ecological importance ofOocystisalgae on the plateau, the genetic mechanisms of the adaptations of these algae to this high‐altitude environment remain poorly understood. Here, we sequenced and assembled the transcriptomes ofOocystis marinaandOocystissp. LXD‐20, and undertook comparative transcriptomic and evolutionary analyses to reveal their adaptive strategies. Our results identified 348 positively selected genes inOocystisalgae, and functional analyses indicated that many of these positively selected genes were associated with adaptation to abiotic stresses, such as antioxidative response, DNA repair mechanisms, translation, and post‐translational modifications. We also identified the cold‐responsive and UV‐B‐responsive genes inO. marinaandOocystissp. LXD‐20, and revealed the transcriptional regulation strategies under stress conditions. Our analyses provided a wealth of sequence data to serve as reference transcriptomes for future studies, and shed light on the adaptive strategies of green algae that live in the QTP.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction: A systematic review from a clinical perspective
Authors: Zhang Rui‐Heng , Zhao Wei , Shu Lin‐Ping , Wang Nan , Cai Yao-Hua , Yang Jin‐Kui , Zhou Jian‐Bo , Qi Lu
Published: April 2020

There is now increasing evidence demonstrating that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contributes to microvascular disorder. However, whether OSA is associated with impaired coronary flow reserve is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta‐analysis to summarize current evidence. In a systematic review, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched; five observational studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included in this study. Data were extracted from selected studies and meta‐analysis was performed using random‐effects modelling. In all, 829 OSA patients and 507 non‐OSA subjects were included and assessed for coronary flow reserve (CFR), the clinical indicator of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). For all studies, OSA was significantly associated with reduced CFR. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of CFR was −0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.25 to −0.32, p ＜ 0.001, I2 = 84.4%). The difference in the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) between studies can explain 89% of heterogeneity (coef = −0.05, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.02, p = .078) in a meta‐regression, indicating the CFR tended to negatively correlate with severity of OSA. The Egger regression test did not show statistical significance (p = .49). In conclusion, there are plausible biological mechanisms linking OSA and CMD, and the preponderance of evidence from this systematic review suggests that OSA, especially severe OSA, is associated with reduced CFR. Future studies are warranted to further delineate the exact role of OSA in CMD occurrence and development in a prospective setting.
Evaluation of a collar‐mounted accelerometer for detecting seizure activity in dogs
Authors: Muñana Karen R. , Nettifee Julie A. , Griffith Emily H. , Early Peter J. , Yoder Nathanael C.
Published: April 2020

Background

The majority of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment.

Objectives

To assess the use of a commercially available, collar‐mounted accelerometer to detect generalized seizures in dogs.

Animals

Twenty two client‐owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Methods

Six‐month prospective clinical study during which dogs wore a collar‐mounted accelerometer. Seizure documentation was based on owner observations and video recordings. The accelerometer used a predefined algorithm to detect seizures in the first study phase, and an individualized algorithm in the second study phase. Caregivers completed a quality of life (QoL) questionnaire at the initial and final study visit.

Results

Using the predefined algorithm, the accelerometer detected seizures with a sensitivity of 18.6% (95% CI [13.4%, 23.8%]) and mean false detection rate of 0.096/day. Values did not change significantly with use of an individualized algorithm (sensitivity 22.1%, 95% CI [15.1%, 29.0%]; false detection rate 0.054/day). Mean composite QoL score was significantly improved at study completion (50.42) compared to study initiation (39.53;P= .005), and this change was moderately correlated with a change in weekly exercise (r= 0.46,P= .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Generalized seizures in dogs can be detected with a collar‐mounted accelerometer, but the overall sensitivity is low.
Standing vegetation as a coarse biotic filter for seed bank dynamics: Effects of gap creation on seed inputs and outputs in a native grassland
Authors: Brown Charlotte , Cahill James F.
Published: April 2020

Questions

Small‐scale disturbances have been linked to the maintenance of plant diversity by promoting the coexistence of competitive and subdominant species. Many proposed mechanisms for this coexistence involve changes to the competitive dynamics or abiotic environment. However, another possible mechanism could be a change to seed bank dynamics, ultimately impacting the species available for re‐establishment. Here, we test: (a) how gap creation alters seed bank composition, seed inputs (i.e. seed rain) and outputs (i.e. seedling establishment and predation); and (b) whether these changes are due to total vegetation removal or an indirect consequence of the removal of particularly influential species or traits.

Location

Rough fescue grassland in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

To test the impact of gap creation on seed bank dynamics, we experimentally removed or kept the standing vegetation intact in a paired‐plot design. Within each pair, we combined field sampling with greenhouse emergence studies to measure seed bank composition throughout the growing season. To examine inputs, we added seed trays that collected seed rain, and to examine outputs, we measured germination in seed trays with or without seed predation.

Results

Seed bank composition within gaps was significantly different from the original standing vegetation before removal and the seed bank where standing vegetation was kept intact. Gap creation increased net seed rain and seedling establishment but had no impact on seed predation. These effects of gap creation on seed outputs seem to be reliant on the total removal of vegetation, while seed inputs are also dependent on the community and trait composition of the standing vegetation.

Conclusions

The creation of gaps through small‐scale disturbances leading to a distinct seed bank community is another possible explanation for why we see increased β‐diversity with disturbance. Further, these gaps seem to be more important than standing vegetation compositional changes for preserving the local seed bank and promoting coexistence.
Weather fluctuations drive short‐term dynamics and long‐term stability in plant communities: A 25‐year study in a Central European dry grassland
Authors: Fischer Felícia M. , Chytrý Kryštof , Těšitel Jakub , Danihelka Jiří , Chytrý Milan
Published: April 2020

Question

Infrequent events of extreme drought or extreme temperatures may considerably affect the structure and functioning of vegetation. Here we investigate how fluctuations in precipitation and temperature shape year‐to‐year dynamics and plant species composition in a dry grassland community, and how this variation affects plants with different life histories.

Location

Dry grassland (Festucion valesiacae) in the Pavlov Hills, SE Czech Republic.

Methods

Long‐term trends in vegetation change in the grassland studied were assessed by the ordination of plot records from vegetation surveys performed between 1930 and 2019. In addition, year‐to‐year changes in vegetation were studied in seven permanent plots of 16 m2 surveyed annually from 1993 to 2018. Variation in species composition and abundances was related to temperature and precipitation in the preceeding two springs, summers, autumns and winters using ordinations and mixed‐effect linear models.

Results

There were no remarkable directional changes in the grassland community over the period 1930–2019. However, during the last 25 years, the community exhibited pronounced year‐to‐year fluctuations, which depended on weather conditions in the previous two years. Species with different life histories (e.g. perennials vs. annuals) and different ecology (e.g. ruderal vs. dry‐grassland species) responded differently to specific weather patterns. Perennials were sustained by wet summers, annuals benefitted from wet springs and autumns and moderately warm and wet winters, and covers of ruderals of mixed life histories increased after dry summers.

Conclusions

Plant species composition in a Central European dry grassland shows remarkable year‐to‐year dynamics in response to weather patterns over the previous two years. These community changes are non‐directional and contribute to the stability of this grassland, which has not changed considerably over the past 90 years. However, increasing frequency of drought events because of ongoing climate change can result in a directional change with an expansion of ruderal species.
Water availability mediates functional shifts across ontogenetic stages in a regenerating seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Trindade Diego Pires Ferraz , Sfair Julia Caram , de Paula Alexandre Souza , Barros Maria Fabíola , Tabarelli Marcelo
Published: April 2020

Questions

Community assembly in regenerating forests is a key topic in ecology. Most studies examine the assembly process, assessing adult individuals along the forest succession. Although the adult stage is the final outcome of the assembly process, both abiotic and biotic filters can affect community assembly during early ontogenetic stages. Here, we investigate whether the functional composition and trait assembly patterns (trait convergence or divergence) change across ontogenetic stages along regenerating forest stands exposed to precipitation and chronic anthropogenic disturbance (CAD) gradients.

Location

Caatinga dry forest, Catimbau National Park, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Methods

Seeds (rain and bank), seedlings and adults of woody plant species were recorded across 15 forest regenerating stands (4–70 years since land abandonment) exposed to precipitation and CAD gradients. Seven functional traits related to species dispersal, establishment and resource use were measured for adult individuals and used to calculate the trait values for seeds and seedlings. Twenty old‐growth forest stands were used as a regional flora.

Results

Functional composition (community weighted mean, CWM) varied across ontogenetic stages as wood density increased from seeds to seedlings, while seed mass increased from seeds to both seedlings and adults. The CWM also varied along precipitation/disturbance gradients but not along forest regeneration regardless the ontogenetic stage. Among seeds, dispersal distance increased towards wetter forest stands and decreased towards disturbed sites, while adult wood density increased from drier to wetter regenerating forest stands. Traits converged along the precipitation gradient but not in response to time since land abandonment.

Conclusions

Caatinga dry forest regeneration is functionally structured across ontogenetic stages mediated mostly by water availability, but not over time since land abandonment. The effect of water availability on forest regeneration across ontogenetic stages highlights the complexity of species assembly in human modified landscapes, imposing important consequences considering the expected increasing aridity in the Caatinga.
Spatial and temporal overlaps between leopards (Panthera pardus) and their competitors in the African large predator guild
Authors: Rafiq K. , Hayward M. W. , Wilson A. M. , Meloro C. , Jordan N. R. , Wich S. A. , McNutt J. W. , Golabek K. A.
Published: April 2020

Understanding the mechanisms facilitating coexistence within species assemblages is a key consideration for conservation as intact assemblages are necessary for maintaining full ecosystem function. The African large predator guild represents one of the few remaining functionally intact large predator assemblages on Earth, and as such, represents a unique study system to understand competitive interactions. Yet, relatively little is known of the coexistence mechanisms between some of its intermediately sized members, particularly leopards (Panthera pardus). Here, we use overlapping spatio‐temporal activity and GPS data on lions (Panthera leo), leopards, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to examine spatial interactions and temporal partitioning between leopards and other guild members in northern Botswana. We found that at the population level, male leopard space use and activity patterns were largely unaffected by intraguild competitors. Leopards showed minimal movement coherence with competitors (avoidance or attraction) when moving through areas of home ranges shared with intraguild species. Moreover, we found evidence to support the hypothesis that guild species’ activity patterns are primarily driven by light availability rather than predator avoidance. Our results suggest predator avoidance has a limited impact on broad‐scale leopard spatio‐temporal niches, with aspects of the leopards’ ecology and life history likely facilitating its ability to thrive in close proximity to competitors. Considered alongside other studies, our results suggest that landscape‐level approaches to conservation may be suitable for aiding leopard conservation.
Frequent loss to follow‐up after diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection: A barrier towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus
Authors: Aleman Soo , Söderholm Jonas , Büsch Katharina , Kövamees Jan , Duberg Ann‐Sofi
Published: April 2020

Background

Previous studies on hepatitis C cascade of care have been mainly focused on diagnosis and treatment rate, while less attention has been given to patients lost to follow‐up (LTFU) after diagnosis. Analyses of this latter issue on population level are missing.

Aims

In this nationwide study of people with HCV, we aimed to estimate the proportion LTFU after HCV diagnosis, characterize them, and analyze their other healthcare contacts.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with chronic HCV in the Swedish National Patient Register during 2001‐2011 and still alive December 31, 2013, were included. The number of cured patients without need of follow‐up was estimated. Visits to HCV specialist care during 2012‐2013 were analysed. For those LTFU, other specialist care contacts were studied.

Results

In total 29 217 patients were included, with 24 733 with need of HCV care. 61% (n = 15 007) of them were LTFU from HCV care in 2012‐2013 and 58% did not attend HCV care during the second year after HCV diagnosis. The departments of surgery/orthopaedic or psychiatry/dependency were the most common other non‐primary healthcare contacts. Predictors for LTFU were young age, male sex, low education, presence of psychiatric/dependency diagnosis, unmarried and longer duration since diagnosis of HCV.

Conclusions

This study showed that almost two‐thirds of patients were LTFU after HCV diagnosis, with frequent occurrence early after diagnosis. Efforts to link patients back to HCV care, in combination with early and easy access to HCV treatment and harm reduction, are necessary to reach the HCV elimination goal.
Retrospective analysis of the association of the expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TLR4, PTX3 and Dectin‐1 (CLEC/A) genes with development of invasive aspergillosis among haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with oncohaematological disorders
Authors: Kalkanci Ayse , Tug Esra , Fidan Isil , Guzel Tunccan Ozlem , Ozkurt Zubeyde Nur , Yegin Zeynep Arzu , Sahin Elif Ayça , Kuralay Zeynep
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Several studies described single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on pattern recognition receptor (PRR) such as toll‐like receptors (TLRs), dendritic cell‐associated C‐type lectin‐1 (Dectin‐1/CLEC7A) genes of patients with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by Candida and Aspergillus. We screened TLR4, Dectin‐1 and PTX3 polymorphisms in a Turkish population with invasive aspergillosis (IA) underlying haematological malignancies.

Methods

In this case‐control study, a cohort of 59 patients with haematological malignancies were included. There were 26 IA patients assigned by the EORTC‐MSG criteria and 33 patients with no evidence of fungal disease. DNA and RNA were isolated from frozen bone marrow and serum samples. RNA levels and polymorphisms of TLR4 (rs4986790, rs4986791), Dectin‐1 (rs16910526, rs7309123) and PTX3 (rs2305619, rs3816527) were determined. The odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results and Conclusions

TLR4, PTX3 and Dectin‐1 genes were downregulated in aspergillosis cohort under similar haematological conditions. TLR4 expression was 0.0626 ± 0.032 in controls when compared to IA patients as 0.0077 ± 0.014, and the difference was significant (P = .026). There was a difference in also the PTX3 gene among IA (0.0043 ± 0.004) and control (0.5265 ± 0.0043) groups (P = .035). The Dectin‐1 (CLEC/A) expression was downregulated in IA group (0.1887 ± 0.072 & 0.0655 ± 0.010) but not statistically significant (P > .05). Conditional logistic regression analyses indicated that the GT genotype of rs16910526 polymorphism in Dectin‐1 gene was associated with lower risk of IA (odds ratio = 3.635, 95% confidence interval = 0.690‐3.138, P = .04).
Autophagy inhibits TLR4‐mediated invasiveness of oral cancer cells via the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Kong Qianying , Liang Yancan , He Qifen , You Yingying , Wu Lifen , Liang Lizhong , Liang Jun
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is abnormally expressed in oral cancer tissues and promotes cancer cell invasion. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism by which autophagy regulates oral cancer invasion through the TLR4‐NF‐κB pathway.

Subjects and Methods

We examined TLR4 expression in oral cancer tissues and analysed the relationship between its expression and clinicopathological features. The invasion and migration of LPS‐stimulated oral cancer cells with up‐ or downregulation of TLR4 expression was detected in addition to NF‐κB signalling and autophagy levels. Furthermore, the role of autophagy in regulating TLR4‐mediated cell invasiveness was explored by silencing the expression of key autophagy genes ATG7 and p62.

Results

We found that TLR4 overexpression was closely related to cervical lymphatic metastasis and poor survival. TLR4 activated the NF‐κB pathway to promote the invasiveness of OSCC cells, and autophagy partly inhibited invasiveness by suppressing the NF‐κB pathway. We observed that p62 translocated from the cytoplasm to the nucleus when autophagy was activated by LPS. Finally, silencing p62 further promoted LPS‐mediated cell invasiveness.

Conclusion

Toll‐like receptor 4 significantly enhanced the invasiveness of OSCC cells. Autophagy may regulate cell invasiveness through the NF‐κB pathway by modulating both the cytoplasmic and nuclear levels of p62.