bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colchicine for stroke prevention in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Katsanos A. H. , Palaiodimou L. , Price C. , Giannopoulos S. , Lemmens R. , Kosmidou M. , Georgakis M. K. , Weimar C. , Kelly P. J. , Tsivgoulis G.
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Although clinical trials suggest that colchicine may reduce the risk of vascular events in patients with a history of coronary artery disease, its effect on the prevention of cerebrovascular events still remains unclear.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed of all available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on incident strokes during the follow‐up of patients with a history of cardiovascular disease randomized to colchicine treatment or control (placebo or usual care).

Results

Four RCTs were identified, including a total of 5553 patients (mean age 61 years, 81% males), with a follow‐up ranging from 1 to 36 months. Colchicine treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident stroke during follow‐up compared to control (risk ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.13–0.71), without heterogeneity across included studies (I2 = 0%). Based on the pooled incident stroke rate of control groups (0.9%) in the included RCTs, it was estimated that administration of low‐dose colchicine to 161 patients with coronary artery disease would prevent one stroke during a follow‐up of 23 months.

Conclusion

Colchicine treatment decreases stroke risk in patients with a history of coronary artery disease. The effect of colchicine in secondary stroke prevention is currently being evaluated in an ongoing RCT.
The interim management procedure approach for assessed stocks: Responsive management advice and lower assessment frequency
Authors: Huynh Quang C. , Hordyk Adrian R. , Forrest Robyn E. , Porch Clay E. , Anderson Sean C. , Carruthers Thomas R.
Published: March 2020

Stock assessments are often used to provide management advice, such as a total allowable catch (TAC), to fishery managers. Many stocks are not assessed annually, and the TAC from the previous assessment is often maintained in years between assessments. We developed two interim management procedures (MPs) that update the estimate of current vulnerable biomass from a surveyed index of abundance to adjust the TAC from a previous assessment. These MPs differ in how they handle uncertainty in observed indices. Using closed‐loop simulation, we evaluated the two interim MPs (with 10‐ and 5‐year assessment intervals) against several “status quo” approaches: (1) an annual assessment, and (2) a stock assessment every 5 or 10 years with (a) fixed TACs or (b) projections between assessments. We evaluated performance across three life‐history types and six operating model scenarios. The interim MPs performed similarly to annual assessments in terms of trends in biomass and yield, regardless of the assessment interval of the interim MPs. The interim MPs often produced more yield than the Fixed TAC MP with 10‐year assessment intervals, for example, in depleted scenarios. The Fixed TAC MP performed more similarly to interim MPs when the assessment interval for the Fixed TAC MP was decreased to five years. The interim MPs can also perform well when circumstances arise that are not accounted for in the Projection MP. Our results show that interim MPs should be considered for infrequently assessed stocks or rebuilding stocks, and highlight potential cost savings of interim MPs over annual assessments.
Peptide cargo tunes a network of correlated motions in human leucocyte antigens
Authors: Hopkins Jade R. , Crean Rory M. , Catici Dragana A. M. , Sewell Andrew K. , Arcus Vickery L. , Van der Kamp Marc W. , Cole David K. , Pudney Christopher R.
Published: March 2020

Most biomolecular interactions are typically thought to increase the (local) rigidity of a complex, for example, in drug‐target binding. However, detailed analysis of specific biomolecular complexes can reveal a more subtle interplay between binding and rigidity. Here, we focussed on the human leucocyte antigen (HLA), which plays a crucial role in the adaptive immune system by presenting peptides for recognition by the αβ T‐cell receptor (TCR). The role that the peptide plays in tuning HLA flexibility during TCR recognition is potentially crucial in determining the functional outcome of an immune response, with obvious relevance to the growing list of immunotherapies that target the T‐cell compartment. We have applied high‐pressure/temperature perturbation experiments, combined with molecular dynamics simulations, to explore the drivers that affect molecular flexibility for a series of different peptide–HLA complexes. We find that different peptide sequences affect peptide–HLA flexibility in different ways, with the peptide cargo tuning a network of correlated motions throughout the pHLA complex, including in areas remote from the peptide‐binding interface, in a manner that could influence T‐cell antigen discrimination.
Diagnostic evaluation and considerations in hypocellular bone marrow failure—A focus on genomics
Authors: Fox Lucy C. , Wood Erica M. , Ritchie David S. , Blombery Piers
Published: March 2020

Hypocellular bone marrow failure (BMF) has myriad differential diagnoses, most simply considered as acquired and inherited disorders, which are frequently indistinguishable upon morphologic examination of the blood and bone marrow. Accurate diagnosis is critical to optimization of management and begins with a detailed history (including family history) and physical examination. Next‐generation sequencing technologies complement traditional testing techniques (such as chromosomal fragility and telomere length assessment) and have a broad application in the diagnosis and prognostication of BMF, with the importance of detection of both germline changes and also somatic variants increasingly well understood and appreciated. There is increasing awareness of germline predisposition to haematological malignancy, which incorporates but is not limited to the traditional inherited BMF syndromes and which raises challenges for counselling, monitoring and treatment of people who harbour a germline lesion. There are many benefits to both patients and their kindred of accurate determination of the precise germline change underlying heritable bone marrow diseases, along with its associated mode of inheritance. While individually, these diseases are rare, collectively they are not so and there are many collaborative efforts underway to document the natural history of these disorders, the associated phenotypes and the ever‐increasing list of variants which have sufficient evidence to warrant the ascription of a pathogenic classification. We describe the many diagnostic considerations when evaluating newly presenting patients with hypocellular BMF, with a focus on genomic assessment, which is relevant in both germline and acquired diseases.
Reduction of in‐hospital cardiac arrest rates in intensive care‐equipped New South Wales hospitals in association with implementation of Between the Flags rapid response system
Authors: Bhonagiri Deepak , Lander Harvey , Green Malcolm , Straney Lahn , Jones Daryl , Pilcher David
Published: March 2020

Background

The NSW Clinical Excellence commission introduced the 'Between the Flags' programme, in response to the death of a young patient, as a system‐wide approach for early detection and management of the deteriorating patient in all NSW hospitals. The impact of BTF implementation on the 35 larger hospitals with intensive care units (ICU) has not been reported previously.

Aim

To assess the impact of 'Between the Flags' (BTF), a two‐tier rapid response system across 35 hospitals with an ICU in NSW, on the incidence of in‐hospital cardiac arrests and the incidence and outcome of patients admitted to an ICU following cardiac arrest and rapid response team activation.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study of the BTF registry (August 2010 to June 2016) and the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database (January 2008 to December 2016) in 35 New South Wales public hospitals with an ICU. The primary outcome studied was the proportion of in‐hospital cardiac arrests. Secondary outcomes included changes in the severity of illness and outcomes of cardiac arrest admissions to the ICU and changes in the volume of rapid response calls.

Results

The cardiac arrest rate per 1000 hospital admissions declined from 0.91 in the implementation period to 0.70. Propensity score analysis showed significant declines in ICU and hospital mortality and length of stay for cardiac arrest patients admitted to the ICU (all P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The BTF programme was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac arrests in hospitals and ICU admissions secondary to cardiac arrests in 35 NSW hospitals with an ICU.
Reduction of SOST gene promotes bone formation through the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway and compensates particle‐induced osteolysis
Authors: Zhang Zai Hang , Jia Xin Yu , Fang Jing Yi , Chai Hao , Huang Qun , She Chang , Jia Peng , Geng De Chun , Xu Wei
Published: March 2020

The increase in bone resorption and/or the inhibition of bone regeneration caused by wear particles are the main causes of periprosthetic osteolysis. The SOST gene and Sclerostin, a protein synthesized by the SOST gene, are the characteristic marker of osteocytes and regulate bone formation and resorption. We aimed to verify whether the SOST gene was involved in osteolysis induced by titanium (Ti) particles and to investigate the effects of SOST reduction on osteolysis. The results showed osteolysis on the skull surface with an increase of sclerostin levels after treated with Ti particles. Similarly, sclerostin expression in MLO‐Y4 osteocytes increased when treated with Ti particles in vitro. After reduction of SOST, local bone mineral density and bone volume increased, while number of lytic pores on the skull surface decreased and the erodibility of the skull surface was compensated. Histological analyses revealed that SOST reduction increased significantly alkaline phosphatase‐ (ALP) and osterix‐positive expression on the skull surface which promoted bone formation. ALP activity and mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cells also increased in vitro when SOST was silenced, even if treated with Ti particles. In addition, Ti particles decreased β‐catenin expression with an increase in sclerostin levels, in vivo and in vitro. Inversely, reduction of SOST expression increased β‐catenin expression. In summary, our results suggested that reduction of SOST gene can activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, promoting bone formation and compensated for bone loss induced by Ti particles. Thus, this study provided new perspectives in understanding the mechanisms of periprosthetic osteolysis.
Development and characterization of microsatellites from the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus
Authors: Wadl Phillip A. , Trigiano Robert N. , Boggess Sarah L. , Harris‐Shultz Karen , Williams Livy H. , McQuate Grant T.
Published: March 2020

To conduct population genetics analyses on sweetpotato weevils (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) collected from three populations in the United States, microsatellite loci were developed from sweetpotato weevil transcriptome sequences obtained from a publicly available database. Nineteen of 27 microsatellite loci tested were usable for population analyses. Sweetpotato weevil individuals from Georgia (N = 17), Hawaii (N = 16) and South Carolina (N = 12) were analysed. Here, we present microsatellite primer sequences for 19 loci and population genetics statistics, including diversity, population differences and relatedness. Thirty‐nine alleles were detected in the 45 individuals, and four private alleles were observed in individuals from the Hawaii and South Carolina populations. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 1.00, and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 0.44. The mean Shannon's information index ranged from 0.30 to 0.49 for the three populations. Pairwise differences among populations (FST estimates) from individuals ranged from a low of 0.022 between Georgia and Hawaii to a high of 0.036 between Georgia and South Carolina, and cluster analysis (PCA and Structure) indicated two populations independent of geographical location.
Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Older Adults
Authors: Schwarzfuchs Dan , Rabaev Elena , Sagy Iftach , Zimhony‐Nissim Noa , Lipnitzki Inna , Musa Hadeel , Jotkowitz Alan , Brandstaetter Evgenia , Barski Leonid
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVES

Much of the research previously done on diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was based on a young population with type 1 diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM). But substantial numbers of DKA episodes occur in patients with a prior history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). There is a lack of Data are lacking about DKA in older adults. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of older adult patients with DKA.

DESIGN

Retrospective matched cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with DKA between 2004 and 2017.

SETTING

Soroka University Medical Center, Be'er Sheva, Israel.

PARTICIPANTS

The clinical characteristics of DKA patients 65 years and older were compared with patients younger than 65 years.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 385 consecutive patients for whom the admission diagnosis was DKA: 307 patients (79.7%) younger than 65 years (group 1), and 78 patients (20.3%) older than 65 years (group 2). Patients in group 2 compared with group 1 had a significantly higher Charlson index (6 [6–6] vs 6 [6–7]; P < .0001) and DM with target organ damage (24.4% vs 6.2%; P < .0001). Patients in group 2 compared with group 1 had more serious disease according to results of laboratory investigations. The total in‐hospital mortality rate of patients in group 2 was 16.7% compared with 1.6% in patients in group 1 in a sex and co‐morbidities matched analysis (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

DKA in older adults is a common problem. The serious co‐morbidities and precipitating factors such as infection/sepsis, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accidents, may explain the severity of the problem of DKA in older adults and the high rate of mortality of these patients. DKA appears to be a lifethreatening condition in older adults. The alertness of physicians to DKA in older adults, timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and prevention are cornerstones of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1256–1261, 2020.
From strawberry gingivitis to palatal perforation: The clinicopathological spectrum of oral mucosal lesions in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Nico Marcello Menta Simonsen , Pinto Nathalia Targa , Lourenço Silvia Vanessa
Published: March 2020

Background

Reports of oral manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) usually refer to single‐case reports; “strawberry gingivitis” has been increasingly reported.

Objective

To study the clinicopathological findings of four patients in which the diagnosis of GPA was suspected from the observation of their oral lesions and compare these to existent data.

Methods

Retrospective study of a case series.

Results

One patient presented typical “strawberry gingivitis” with localized disease and negative ANCA results. Two patients presented rapidly growing oral ulcers associated with systemic compromise and high ANCA levels. One patient presented with a chronic granulomatous lesion that leaded to palatal perforation.

Conclusion

Oral manifestations of GPA may vary from rapidly evolving lesions in acutely ill patients to chronic and locally destructive lesions in slowing developing disease. These differences are also evident in the histopathological findings.
Sustainable Consumption: The Psychology of Individual Choice, Identity, and Behavior
Authors: Ruby Matthew B , Walker Iain , Watkins Hanne M
Published: March 2020

The global human community is facing an increasingly urgent dilemma: How do we improve standards of living while lessening our impact on the environment? This special issue presents recent contributions from both psychological and interdisciplinary research on sustainable consumption. To situate these articles in a broader context, we first establish the necessity of improving sustainable consumption and discuss some of the foundational psychological work addressing this issue. Second, we outline how sustainability can be addressed at various stages, from production and marketing to consumption and waste. Third, we stress the need to broaden the focus on individual consumption to include collective action. Fourth, we discuss a number of critiques of past research on sustainable consumption. Finally, we highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in supporting sustainable development. These themes are all addressed in greater depth by each of the contributions to the special issue.
Melatonin protects the retina from experimental nonexudative age‐related macular degeneration in mice
Authors: Diéguez Hernán H. , González Fleitas María F. , Aranda Marcos L. , Calanni Juan S. , Keller Sarmiento María I. , Chianelli Mónica S. , Alaimo Agustina , Sande Pablo H. , Romeo Horacio E. , Rosenstein Ruth E. , Dorfman Damián
Published: March 2020

Nonexudative age‐related macular degeneration (NE‐AMD) represents the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Currently, there are no available treatments for NE‐AMD. We have developed a NE‐AMD model induced by superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) in C57BL/6J mice, which reproduces the disease hallmarks. Several lines of evidence strongly support the involvement of oxidative stress in NE‐AMD‐induced retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and outer retina damage. Melatonin is a proven and safe antioxidant. Our aim was analysing the effect of melatonin in the RPE/outer retina damage within experimental NE‐AMD. The treatment with melatonin starting 48 h after SCGx, which had no effect on the ubiquitous choriocapillaris widening, protected visual functions and avoided Bruch´s membrane thickening, RPE melanin content, melanosome number loss, retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65)‐immunoreactivity decrease, and RPE and hotoreceptor ultrastructural damage induced within experimental NE‐AMD exclusively located at the central temporal (but not nasal) region. Melatonin also prevented the increase in outer retina/RPE oxidative stress markers and a decrease in mitochondrial mass at 6 weeks post‐SCGx. Moreover, when the treatment with melatonin started at 4 weeks post‐SCGx, it restored visual functions and reversed the decrease in RPE melanin content and RPE65‐immunoreactivity. These findings suggest that melatonin could become a promising safe therapeutic strategy for NE‐AMD.
Semimartingale theory of monotone mean–variance portfolio allocation
Authors: Černý Aleš
Published: March 2020

We study dynamic optimal portfolio allocation for monotone mean–variance preferences in a general semimartingale model. Armed with new results in this area, we revisit the work of Cui et al. and fully characterize the circumstances under which one can set aside a nonnegative cash flow while simultaneously improving the mean–variance efficiency of the left‐over wealth. The paper analyzes, for the first time, the monotone hull of the Sharpe ratio and highlights its relevance to the problem at hand.
Climate synchronises shrub growth across a high‐arctic archipelago: contrasting implications of summer and winter warming
Authors: Le Moullec Mathilde , Sandal Lisa , Grøtan Vidar , Buchwal Agata , Hansen Brage Bremset
Published: March 2020

Climate change is most pronounced at high latitudes, where plant and animal populations are often strongly influenced by environmental fluctuations related to climate and weather. Environmental conditions can co‐fluctuate over large distances and thereby synchronise primary production in space. However, large‐scale studies of such spatiotemporal patterns remain rare in the Arctic, where short time‐series and poor spatial replication have characterised the data available on both biotic and abiotic parameters. Here, we use dendrochronological tools to measure ring growth of a dominant dwarf shrub, the polar willow Salix polaris, previously found to reliably trace community‐level vascular plant biomass production. We investigated climate drivers of vegetation growth and their role in the synchronisation of primary production across the rapidly warming archipelago of Svalbard (n = 8 sites, composed of 17 sub‐sites, 0.06–293 km apart). We found contrasting effects of summer versus winter weather on ring growth and its spatial synchrony. Although an overall positive effect of summer temperature caused spatially synchronous growth, negative impacts of winter rain‐on‐snow events occurred only locally, potentially counteracting such synchrony. However, the anticipated increase in both summer temperature and spatial extent of rain‐on‐snow events, causing basal ice encapsulation of the vegetation, could change the relative importance of seasons for spatiotemporal dynamics of shrub growth. Because these shrub ring growth chronologies reflect annual fluctuations in total vascular plant biomass, fuelling the bottom–up controlled food‐web, these results have large implications for our understanding of how climate change shapes tundra ecosystem productivity in time and space.
Associations between metabolic acidosis at birth and reduced Apgar scores within the normal range (7‐10): A Swedish cohort study of term non‐malformed infants
Authors: Cnattingius Sven , Johansson Stefan , Razaz Neda
Published: March 2020

Background

Risks of neonatal and long‐term neurological outcomes are influenced by metabolic acidosis at birth and by reduced Apgar scores, even within the normal range (7‐10).

Objective

To analyse associations between metabolic acidosis at birth and risks of reduced Apgar scores within the normal range.

Methods

In a Swedish cohort of term non‐malformed infants born between 2008 and 2013, we included 81 861 infants with information from cord blood gas analyses and Apgar score values of 7‐10 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Poisson log‐linear regression analyses were used to examine associations between metabolic acidosis at birth (defined as pH <7.05 or <7.10 and base deficit ≥12) and Apgar scores of 7, 8, and 9. Adjusted risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (C). were calculated.

Results

Compared with infants without metabolic acidosis, the adjusted RR of an Apgar score of 9 at 5 minutes was 3.14 (95% CI 2.57, 3.84) in infants with metabolic acidosis (pH <7.05 as cut‐off), and 10.13 (95% CI 7.63, 13.45) and 7.60 (95% CI 3.54, 16.33) for Apgar scores of 8 and 7, respectively. Corresponding RRs of Apgar scores at 10 minutes were also substantially increased. The magnitude of RDs varied, but was consistently increased. Both reduced Apgar scores and metabolic acidosis (pH <7.10) influenced neonatal morbidity.

Conclusions

Metabolic acidosis is associated with increased risks of reduced Apgar scores within the normal range. Due to international variations in the assessment of Apgar score, our findings need to be confirmed in other populations.
Does single‐layer centrifugation with Bovicoll improve sperm quality of frozen‐thawed semen in Fleckvieh bulls?
Authors: Szlendak Joanna , Adler Christine , Scherzer Jakob , Niwinska Anna , Kautz Ewa , Faundez Ricardo
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sperm selection by single‐layer centrifugation (SLC) performed before freezing on sperm quality after thawing of Fleckvieh bull semen. Ejaculates from 22 bulls were collected by artificial vagina and divided into two aliquots. One aliquot (control sample) was diluted with Steridyl® and frozen over nitrogen vapour in a Digitcool freezer (IMV Technologies). Sperm from the second aliquot (SLC sample) was selected using the SLC technique with Bovicoll colloid and then frozen over nitrogen vapour in a Digitcool freezer. After thawing, both samples (control and SLC) were evaluated by computer‐aided sperm analysis (CASA; SCA 6.4 System; Microptic S.L) for sperm motility parameters. Integrity of the plasma membrane (viability), high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) and acrosome integrity were assessed using a Guava® easyCyte flow cytometer (IMV Technologies). Morphological examination of spermatozoa was performed by Differential Interference Contrast microscopy (Leica DMi8). Morphological examination of live, immobilized spermatozoa was analysed under high magnification (≥6,600×). After thawing, the mean sperm viability of the control sample was 51.57%, compared to 40.37% for the SLC sample (p < .01). HMMP was higher (p < .01) in the control sample (40.37% versus 28.96%), and the mean of live spermatozoa with damaged acrosome was significantly higher (p < .03) in the SLC sample (1.63% versus 1.95%). The mean percentage of motile spermatozoa was 80.17% in the control sample, compared to 75.14% in the SLC sample (p < .0195), and rapid subpopulation reduced from 20.08% to 8.99% (p < .0001) after SLC. Percentage of hyperactivated sperm decreased from 12.23% to 4.28% (p < .0001) after SLC. Given the overall results, the sperm quality of thawed Fleckvieh bull semen was not improved when sperm were selected by SLC before freezing.
A Right to Understand Injustice: Epistemology and the “Right to the Truth” in International Human Rights Discourse
Authors: Werkheiser Ian
Published: March 2020

People's “right to truth” or their “right to know” about their government's human rights abuses is a growing consensus in human rights discourses and a fertile area of work in international and humanitarian law. In most discussions of this right to know the truth, it is commonly seen as requiring the state or international institutions to provide access to evidence of the violations. In this paper, I argue that such a right naturally has many epistemic aspects, and the tools of social epistemology can be helpful in elucidating what such a right entails. As a beginning for this project, I draw on those resources to argue that the right to know the truth is only meaningful if it includes a right to understand the abuses, and that such understanding can only come through the development of community epistemic capacities. Given this, I further argue that the state has a duty to support the development of these capacities, and that a critical place for beginning this process is in public schools.
Action‐Monitoring Alterations as Indicators of Predictive Deficits in Schizophrenia
Authors: Storchak Helena , Ehlis Ann‐Christine , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: March 2020

A flexible and dynamically adjustable behavior is crucial to adapt to a continuously changing environment. In order to optimally adapt, we need to learn from the consequences of our behavior. We usually learn through different kinds of prediction errors, which occur when we experience unexpected situations due to false predictions. With this literature review, we intended to contribute to current etiological models that ascribe various positive symptoms (particularly delusions and hallucinations) in patients with schizophrenia to false prediction errors and deficient predictive learning. We discuss alterations in the electrophysiological measure of the error‐related negativity/error negativity (ERN/Ne) as a global deficit and a trait in schizophrenia, as they have been observed in different samples of patients with schizophrenia, in individuals at high‐risk and individuals with subclinical schizotypal traits. As the ERN/Ne can itself be considered the result of predictive processes (evaluation of current action outcomes as worse than expected), we propose that the reported alterations indicate that patients suffering from schizophrenic illnesses fail to adequately classify the outcomes of their actions as better or worse than expected due to a deficit in self‐monitoring. Furthermore, we discuss results in further action‐monitoring components, such as the correct response negativity (CRN)—a smaller negativity elicited by correct responses; and error positivity (Pe)—a later positivity assumed to reflect conscious error processing. The reported results show normal Pe amplitudes and normal post‐error adjustments (adaptations after committed error to improve performance), indicating an intact later and conscious processing. From the results of diminished differences between ERN/Ne and CRN amplitudes, we conclude a general predictive deficit in early aspects of self‐monitoring associated with positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Sepsis‐related anemia in a pediatric intensive care unit: transfusion‐associated outcomes
Authors: Elshinawy Mohamed , Kamal Maha , Nazir Hanan , Khater Doaa , Hassan Radwa , Elkinany Hassan , Wali Yasser
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients with sepsis in intensive care units are at high risk of developing anemia, which might have adverse effects on their prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on the outcomes of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with sepsis.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial, enrolling 67 children, aged 2 to 144 months who were admitted to a PICU with a new episode of sepsis from November 2017 to April 2018. Patients were allocated randomly to two groups: Group 1, liberal transfusion strategy group, including 33 patients who had initial hemoglobin (Hb) between 7 or greater and less than 10 g/dL and received an RBC top‐up transfusion to 12 g/dL; and Group 2, restrictive strategy group, including 34 patients who had the same Hb range and did not receive RBCs. Patients with Hb less than 7 or greater than 10 g/dL were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 33 patients who received liberal transfusions, 31 (93.94%) required ventilation, and 29 (87.88%) had multiorgan dysfunction. They had a significantly lengthier hospital stay and a higher incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury. Moreover, mortality was significantly higher in the liberal transfusion group (42.4% vs. 17.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to the restrictive transfusion strategy, liberal transfusion might be associated with a worse outcome. However, the possible role of other known and unknown confounding factors and minor protocol violations should be taken into consideration. We recommend minimizing factors worsening anemia in PICU patients to reduce the need for transfusion.
Evaluation of selected plant species under drained saline and waterlogged conditions in pots when irrigated with treated wastewater
Authors: Zouari Marwa , Bloem Elke , Souguir Dalila , Schnug Ewald , Hanchi Belgacem , Hachicha Mohamed
Published: March 2020

A pot experiment was carried out to study the effect of the use of treated wastewater (TWW) on selected plant species. In total three treatments were compared including high soil salinity under drained and waterlogging conditions in comparison to a drained non‐saline treatment. The effect of TWW on growth performance of the plant species was investigated to find out which of the plant species is most promising to be grown under the saline or waterlogged conditions when irrigated with TWW. The TWW application reduced the soil salinity even under the waterlogged conditions but more efficiently in drained soils. From the six plant species Atriplex nummularia, Acacia cyanophyllia and Eucalyptus gomphocephala performed better, with lower mortality and higher biomass production than Casuarina glauca, Cupressus sempervirens and Pinus halepensis. Salinity under the drained conditions in combination with TWW application even caused higher yields in case of Atriplex nummularia and Acacia cyanophyllia compared to a non‐saline soil.
Using a Mock Trial: An Experiential Learning Opportunity
Authors: Miller John , Seidler Todd
Published: March 2020

Experiential learning opportunities are significant supplements to the traditional lecture format. Among experiential learning methods, mock trials have been proven to be effective. Experiential learning provides the students with a platform from which they can integrate and apply concepts gleaned from class. Students are challenged to write and orally communicate these concepts at a level that would be clear to those involved in the experience. Kolb’s model of experiential learning provides four stages through which students may become genuine learners. This study illustrates how the authors implemented a mock trial experience into their classes to create an experiential learning opportunity.
Value-Centric Education: A Transcending Approach
Authors: Lyberger Mark R.
Published: March 2020

Value-centric teaching is about creating a memorable learning environment that is attractive, meaningful, and relevant. A teaching philosophy that encompasses a strategic value-oriented approach integrates real-world and translatable experiences. The foundation is transferable. It strives to blend the passion for learning with foundational elements to motivate students to achieve and continue to grow. It is an emergent process that evolves over time and becomes stronger as it adapts to new challenges even as it remains true to its core principles. Educators have a vital role to play and must adhere to the principle of value orientation to further accentuate its educational and societal impact. Value-centric teaching enables a deeper exploration of life, enhancing knowledge, its values, its meaning, and responsibilities.
Lateral propagation–induced subduction initiation at passive continental margins controlled by preexisting lithospheric weakness
Authors: Zhou Xin , Li Zhong-Hai , Gerya Taras V. , Stern Robert J.
Published: March 2020

Subduction initiation at weakened passive continental margin could be induced by lateral propagation of existing subduction zones.
Overcoming obstacles to experiments in legal practice
Authors: Lynch H. Fernandez , Greiner D. J. , Cohen I. G.
Published: March 2020

The biggest ethical concern is failing to seek reliable evidence to guide the legal profession
Coding functions of “noncoding” RNAs
Authors: Wei Lian-Huan , Guo Junjie U.
Published: March 2020

Hundreds of RNA regions that encode microproteins are found to regulate cell growth
Chlorotoxin-directed CAR T cells for specific and effective targeting of glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Dongrui , Starr Renate , Chang Wen-Chung , Aguilar Brenda , Alizadeh Darya , Wright Sarah L. , Yang Xin , Brito Alfonso , Sarkissian Aniee , Ostberg Julie R. , Li Li , Shi Yanhong , Gutova Margarita , Aboody Karen , Badie Behnam , Forman Stephen J. , Barish Michael E. , Brown Christine E.
Published: March 2020

CAR T cells using chlorotoxin as the tumor-targeting domain recognize and kill glioblastoma with high specificity and potency.
A potent peptide-steroid conjugate accumulates in cartilage and reverses arthritis without evidence of systemic corticosteroid exposure
Authors: Cook Sangar Michelle L. , Girard Emily J. , Hopping Gene , Yin Chunfeng , Pakiam Fiona , Brusniak Mi-Youn , Nguyen Elizabeth , Ruff Raymond , Gewe Mesfin M. , Byrnes-Blake Kelly , Nairn Natalie W. , Miller Dennis M. , Mehlin Christopher , Strand Andrew D. , Mhyre Andrew J. , Correnti Colin E. , Strong Roland K. , Simon Julian A. , Olson James M.
Published: March 2020

A scorpion-derived peptide-steroid conjugate accumulates in cartilage and reverses inflammation in a rat model of arthritis without steroid toxicity.
A regenerative peripheral nerve interface allows real-time control of an artificial hand in upper limb amputees
Authors: Vu Philip P. , Vaskov Alex K. , Irwin Zachary T. , Henning Phillip T. , Lueders Daniel R. , Laidlaw Ann T. , Davis Alicia J. , Nu Chrono S. , Gates Deanna H. , Gillespie R. Brent , Kemp Stephen W. P. , Kung Theodore A. , Chestek Cynthia A. , Cederna Paul S.
Published: March 2020

Regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces show promise to improve prosthetic rehabilitation in people with upper limb loss.
Molecular and Clinical Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant and Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains from Liver Abscess in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yi-Tsung , Cheng Yi-Hsiang , Chuang Chien , Chou Sheng-Hua , Liu Wan-Hsin , Huang Chi-Han , Yang Tsuey-Ching , Kreiswirth Barry N. , Chen Liang
Published: March 2020

Hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains are the major cause of liver abscesses throughout East Asia, and these strains are usually antibiotic susceptible. Recently, multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent (MDR-HV)
K. pneumoniae
strains have emerged due to hypervirulent strains acquiring antimicrobial resistance determinants or the transfer of a virulence plasmid into a classic MDR strain. In this study, we characterized the clinical and microbiological properties of
K. pneumoniae
liver abscess (KPLA) caused by MDR-HV strains in Taiwan.
Updates in Laboratory Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Infections
Authors: Terrero-Salcedo David , Powers-Fletcher Margaret V.
Published: March 2020

Appropriate diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is critical due to the high rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as the substantial economic burden, associated with the management of these diseases. The recognition of IFI and differentiation from other infections with similar clinical presentations can be challenging, which can lead to diagnostic error that not only has an impact on individual patient health outcomes but also on antimicrobial drug usage and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria.
Mutations Near the N Terminus of Vaccinia Virus G9 Protein Overcome Restrictions on Cell Entry and Syncytium Formation Imposed by the A56/K2 Fusion Regulatory Complex
Authors: Cotter Catherine A. , Moss Bernard
Published: March 2020

The entry of enveloped viruses is achieved by the fusion of viral and cellular membranes, a critical step in infection that determines host range and provides targets for vaccines and therapeutics. Poxviruses encode an exceptionally large number of proteins comprising the entry/fusion complex (EFC), which enables infection of diverse cells. Vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype member of the poxvirus family, also encodes the fusion regulatory proteins A56 and K2, which are displayed on the plasma membrane and may be beneficial by preventing reinfection and cell-cell fusion. Previous studies showed that A56/K2 interacts with the G9/A16 EFC subcomplex in detergent-treated cell extracts. Functional evidence for the importance of this interaction was obtained by serially passaging wild-type VACV in cells that are nonpermissive because of A56/K2 expression. VACV mutants with amino acid substitutions or duplications near the N terminus of G9 were enriched because of their ability to overcome the block to entry imposed by A56/K2.
Differential Outcomes following Optimization of Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Viruses from Clades AE, B, and C
Authors: Tartaglia Lawrence J. , Gupte Siddhant , Pastores Kevin C. , Trott Sebastien , Abbink Peter , Mercado Noe B. , Li Zhenfeng , Liu Po-Ting , Borducchi Erica N. , Chandrashekar Abishek , Bondzie Esther Apraku , Hamza Venous , Kordana Nicole , Mahrokhian Shant , Lavine Christy L. , Seaman Michael S. , Li Hui , Shaw George M. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: March 2020

We sought to enhance the infectivity of three SHIV stocks by optimization of a key residue in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Env (Env375). We developed the following three new simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) stocks: SHIV-SF162p3S/wild type, SHIV-AE16W, and SHIV-325cH. SHIV-SF162p3S could not be optimized, SHIV-AE16W proved comparable to the parental virus, and SHIV-325cH demonstrated markedly enhanced replicative capacity compared with the parental virus.
The Transcriptional Cofactor VGLL1 Drives Transcription of Human Papillomavirus Early Genes via TEAD1
Authors: Mori Seiichiro , Takeuchi Takamasa , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Kukimoto Iwao
Published: March 2020

Although a number of transcription factors have been reported to be involved in HPV gene expression, little is known about the cofactors that support HPV transcription. In this study, we demonstrate that the transcriptional cofactor VGLL1 plays a prominent role in HPV early gene expression, dependent on its association with the transcription factor TEAD1. Whereas TEAD1 is ubiquitously expressed in a variety of tissues, VGLL1 displays tissue-specific expression and is implicated in the development and differentiation of epithelial lineage tissues, where HPV gene expression occurs. Our results suggest that VGLL1 may contribute to the epithelial specificity of HPV gene expression, providing new insights into the mechanisms that regulate HPV infection. Further, VGLL1 is also critical for the growth of cervical cancer cells and may represent a novel therapeutic target for HPV-associated cancers.
Associations of habitual fish oil supplementation with cardiovascular outcomes and all cause mortality: evidence from a large population based cohort study
Authors: Li Zhi-Hao , Zhong Wen-Fang , Liu Simin , Kraus Virginia Byers , Zhang Yu-Jie , Gao Xiang , Lv Yue-Bin , Shen Dong , Zhang Xi-Ru , Zhang Pei-Dong , Huang Qing-Mei , Chen Qing , Wu Xian-Bo , Shi Xiao-Ming , Wang Dong , Mao Chen
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the associations of habitual fish oil supplementation with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in a large prospective cohort.

Design

Population based, prospective cohort study.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Participants

A total of 427 678 men and women aged between 40 and 69 who had no CVD or cancer at baseline were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and followed up to the end of 2018.

Main exposure

All participants answered questions on the habitual use of supplements, including fish oil.

Main outcome measures

All cause mortality, CVD mortality, and CVD events.

Results

At baseline, 133 438 (31.2%) of the 427 678 participants reported habitual use of fish oil supplements. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for habitual users of fish oil versus non-users were 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.83 to 0.90) for all cause mortality, 0.84 (0.78 to 0.91) for CVD mortality, and 0.93 (0.90 to 0.96) for incident CVD events. For CVD events, the association seemed to be stronger among those with prevalent hypertension (P for interaction=0.005).

Conclusions

Habitual use of fish oil seems to be associated with a lower risk of all cause and CVD mortality and to provide a marginal benefit against CVD events among the general population.
Vitamin C supplementation reduces the odds of developing a common cold in Republic of Korea Army recruits: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Tae Kyung , Lim H R , Byun J S
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The Republic of Korea (ROK) military has a high incidence of respiratory diseases at training centres. Vitamin C has been reported to reduce the incidence of colds. For the purpose of preventing soldiers' respiratory diseases, this study aimed to investigate whether vitamin C intake can prevent common colds in the ROK Army soldiers.

Methods

This was a randomised, placebo-controlled, and double-blind trial of soldiers who enlisted in the Korea Army Training Centre for 30 days from 12 February to 13 March 2018. The study participants were divided into groups (vitamin C vs placebo). The military medical records were searched to determine whether the participants had a common cold. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between vitamin C intake and diagnosis of common colds. In addition, subgroup analysis on the relationship between vitamin C intake and common cold according to smoking status, training camp and physical rank was conducted.

Results

A total of 1444 participants were included in our study. Of these participants, 695 received vitamin C (6000 mg/day, vitamin C group), while 749 participants received placebo (0 mg/day, placebo group). The vitamin C group had a 0.80-fold lower risk of getting a common cold than did the placebo group. Subgroup analyses showed that this effect was stronger among subjects in camp A, among never smokers and among those in physical rank 3.

Conclusion

Vitamin C intake provides evidence to suggest that reducing the common colds in Korean Army soldiers. Our results may serve as a basis for introducing military healthcare policies that can provide vitamin C supplementation for military personnel in basic military training.
Ensuring the comparability of cross-national survey data on intimate partner violence against women: a cross-sectional, population-based study in the European Union
Authors: Martín-Fernández Manuel , Gracia Enrique , Lila Marisol
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To ensure the cross-national comparability of the set of questions addressing physical and sexual intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) included in the European Union (EU) Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) survey. Once the measurement invariance of these measures is established, we aim to make appropriate and valid comparisons of the levels of physical and sexual IPVAW across the EU countries.

Design

Cross-sectional, population-based study.

Participants

Data were drawn from the survey conducted by the FRA on violence against women, including the responses of 42 002 adult women from the 28 countries of the EU.

Main outcome measures

The set of questions addressing lifetime prevalence of physical and sexual IPVAW used in the FRA survey. The psychometric properties (ie, reliability and validity) of these measures were examined, as well as their latent structure and their measurement invariance across the 28 EU countries.

Results

The physical and sexual IPVAW measures presented adequate internal consistency and validity evidence based on their relations to other variables in all countries. A latent two-factor structure was supported and scalar invariance was established across countries. Our results showed that the average levels of physical and sexual IPVAW were highest in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and UK compared with the rest of the EU countries. In many of the other countries the levels of these types of violence overlapped, especially in the case of sexual IPVAW.

Conclusions

The findings of this study showed that the set of questions addressing physical and sexual IPVAW included in the FRA survey can be compared across all EU countries, highlighting the importance of testing the measurement equivalence of the instruments used in large sociodemographic surveys in order to make valid cross-national comparisons.