bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between dietary diversity and early childhood developmental outcomes in rural China
Authors: Zhao Chunxia , Guan Hongyan , Shi Huifeng , Zhang Jingxu , Huang Xiaona , Wang Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

The period from birth to 2years of age is highly sensitive with respect to the relationship between nutrition and neurodevelopment, but data regarding the association between dietary diversity and early childhood neurodevelopment are limited. We sought to examine the association of two feeding indicators—minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum meal frequency (MMF)—with the neurodevelopment of children aged 6–23 months, using data from a cross‐sectional survey conducted in six rural counties in China. Data on 1,534 children were analysed using logistic regression to explore the associations between dietary diversity and early neurodevelopment, with adjustments for the age, sex and prematurity of the child; the age, sex and educational level of the caregiver; and family size, income and simulative care practices and resources. We found that 32.4% of children had suspected developmental delays based on the Chinese version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Version 3, whereas 77.0% and 39.2% failed to meet the MDD and MMF, respectively. Meeting the MDD was associated with a 39% lower risk of developmental delays (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.43, 0.86]). There was a significant association between MDD and reduced likelihood of developmental delays in gross motor, fine motor, problem‐solving and personal social subscales, whereas MMF was only associated with a lower risk of developmental delays in the gross motor subscale (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI [0.42, 0.94]). We observed an inverse dose–response relationship between the number of food groups consumed and the risk of developmental delays (P < .001).
Ultraconserved yet informative for species delimitation: Ultraconserved elements resolve long‐standing systematic enigma in Central European bees
Authors: Gueuning Morgan , Frey Juerg E. , Praz Christophe
Published: September 2020

Accurate and testable species hypotheses are essential for measuring, surveying and managing biodiversity. Taxonomists often rely on mitochondrial DNA barcoding to complement morphological species delimitations. Although COI‐barcoding has largely proven successful in assisting identifications for most animal taxa, there are nevertheless numerous cases where mitochondrial barcodes do not reflect species hypotheses. For instance, what is regarded as a single species can be associated with two distinct DNA barcodes, which can point either to cryptic diversity or to within‐species mitochondrial divergences without reproductive isolation. In contrast, two or more species can share barcodes, for instance due to mitochondrial introgression. These intrinsic limitations of DNA barcoding are commonly addressed with nuclear genomic markers, which are expensive, may have low repeatability and often require high‐quality DNA. To overcome these limitations, we examined the use of ultraconserved elements (UCEs) as a quick and robust genomic approach to address such problematic cases of species delimitation in bees. This genomic method was assessed using six different species complexes suspected to harbour cryptic diversity, mitochondrial introgression or mitochondrial paraphyly. The sequencing of UCEs recovered between 686 and 1,860 homologous nuclear loci and provided explicit species delimitation in all investigated species complexes. These results provide strong evidence for the suitability of UCEs as a fast method for species delimitation even in recently diverged lineages. Furthermore, we provide the first evidence for both mitochondrial introgression among distinct bee species, and mitochondrial paraphyly within a single bee species.
Resting and swimming metabolic rates in juvenile walruses (Odobenus rosmarus)
Authors: Rosen David A. S.
Published: September 2020

Changes in Arctic ice conditions have raised concerns regarding potential impacts on energy expenditure and food requirements of walruses. Modeling the repercussions of environmental changes requires accurate species‐specific measures of bioenergetic expenditures. This is particularly true for walruses, who have a unique anatomy and foraging ecology from other pinnipeds. This study measured resting metabolic rate (RMR) and subsurface swimming metabolism in two juvenile walruses over a 13‐month period. The walruses had relatively low RMR compared to studies of other young pinnipeds. RMR was greater for the male than the female, as expected given its larger size; the reverse was true on a mass‐specific basis. There was also considerable variability in RMR for each walrus during the year that could not be accounted for by changes in body mass. Metabolism while swimming was about twice RMR, and locomotor costs were higher than generally predicted for other marine mammals. The lower calculated swimming efficiency may reflect the fact that walruses are not “high velocity” pursuit predators. The estimates of metabolic expenditure obtained in this study for young walruses are invaluable for quantifying the energetic consequences of behavioral changes induced by environmental shifts in the wild.
Influence of end stage renal disease on CD28 expression and T‐cell immunity
Authors: Sampani Erasmia , Stangou Maria , Daikidou Dimitra‐Vasilia , Nikolaidou Vasiliki , Asouchidou Despoina , Dimitriadis Chrysostomos , Lioulios George , Xochelli Aliki , Fylaktou Asimina , Papagianni Aikaterini
Published: September 2020

Background

T‐cell immunity is affected in end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, whether this happens at pre‐ or post‐dialysis stage and what is the impact of different renal replacement methods, remains unclear. We investigated the alterations of T‐cell subtypes in patients at pre‐dialysis ESRD and their further changes during dialysis.

Methods

CD4+, CD8+, CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null T‐cells were analysed in 40 ESRD patients at two different time points, (a) the day started on dialysis (ESRD‐T0) and (b) 6 months later (ESRD‐T6), while being on haemodialysis (HD) or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Twenty‐five age matched healthy volunteers served as controls.

Results

CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells were significantly reduced in ESRD‐T0 patients compared to controls, 604 (105‐3551) vs 943 (584‐1867)μ/L, P = .001, and 352 (103‐1561) vs 422.4 (263‐1453)μ/L, P = .05, respectively. However, proportions of CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null cells were significantly increased, 6.4 (0.3‐30)% vs 2.7 (0.1‐7.8)%, P = .04 and 58.2 (12.8‐85.4)% vs 39 (7.8‐57.1)%, P = .01, respectively. Proportion of CD4 + CD28null cells showed significant correlation with serum CRP (r = .4, P = .04) and albumin levels (r = −.5, P = .007) in ERSD patients. ESRD‐T0 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) had increased CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null proportions, 8.6 (1‐30)% vs 2.1 (0.1‐19.8)%, P = .04 and 62.5 (12.8‐85.4)% vs 45.5 (5.7‐73.7)%, P = .02, respectively, compared to those without.

Six months later, both CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null T‐cells were increased in HD compared to CAPD patients, by +110.11 (−27.1 to 311.4)% vs −28.1 (−100 to 30)%, P = .003 and +55.23 (−29.06 to 197.93)% vs −8.34 (−54.99 to 66.72)%, P = .05, respectively.

Conclusions

CD4 + CD28null and CD8 + CD28null T‐cells are increased at pre‐dialysis ESRD, and correlate with chronic inflammatory markers and the presence of CVD. Dialysis methods seem to have different impact on these subpopulations.
Health beliefs and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in Nepal: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maharjan Muna , Thapa Niresh , Panthi Dharma , Maharjan Narayani , Petrini Marcia A. , Jiong Yang
Published: September 2020

The health beliefs and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among women in the mountainous and Terai region of Nepal were investigated and examined for the differences. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with a purposive sample of 216 in mountainous and 294 in Terai. The interview tools were a socio‐demographic scale, a Nepalese Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer followed by the Screening Test. Chi‐square test, binary logistic regression, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal‐Wallis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the screening rate was low for both regions with a significant difference in the benefit of screening and health motivation. Being older and having a positive family history of cervical cancer were shown to be predictors screening practice. Women from both groups preferred female doctors for screening. Culturally appropriate educational interventions focused on the benefits and obstacles of screening is needed to improve the beliefs of cervical cancer and screening and increase the screening rate. Nurses need to be aware of health beliefs regarding cervical cancer during cervical screening and education.
Solid mechanics of the torus–margo in conifer intertracheid bordered pits
Authors: Schulte Paul J. , Hacke Uwe G.
Published: September 2020

Bordered pits of many conifers include a torus–margo structure acting as a valve that prevents air from spreading between tracheids, although the extent of torus deflection as a function of applied pressure is not well known.

Models were developed from images of pits in roots and stems of Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP. A computational solid mechanics approach was utilised to determine the extent of torus deflection from pressure applied to the torus and margo.

Torus deflection increased in nonlinear fashion with applied pressure. The average pressure required for sealing the pit was 0.894 MPa for stems and 0.644 MPa for roots, although considerable variation was apparent between individual pits. The pits of roots were wider and deeper than those of stems. For stems, the pit depth did not increase with pit width; thus the torus displacement needed to seal the pit was less than for pits from roots.

The pressure required to seal the pit depends upon anatomical characteristics such as pit width and pit depth. Although the torus displacement for sealing was greater for roots because of their greater depth, the pressures leading to sealing were not significantly different between roots and stems.
Using Markov chains to quantitatively assess movement patterns of invasive fishes impacted by a carbon dioxide barrier in outdoor ponds
Authors: Borland Lauren K. , Mulcahy Collin J. , Bennie Barbara A. , Baumann Douglas D. , Haro Roger J. , Van Appledorn Molly , Jankowski Kathi Jo , Cupp Aaron R. , Erickson Richard A.
Published: September 2020

Natural resource managers use barriers to deter the movement of aquatic invasive species. Research and development of new invasive species barriers is often evaluated in pond and field scales using high‐resolution telemetry data. Telemetry data sets can be a rich source of data about fish movement and behavior but can be difficult to analyze due to the size of these data sets as well as their irregular sampling intervals. Due to the challenges, most barrier studies only use summary endpoints, such as barrier passage counts or average (e.g., mean or median) fish distance from the barrier, to describe the data. To examine more fine‐scale fish movement patterns, we developed a first‐order Markov chain. We then used this model to help understand the impacts of a barrier on fish behavior. For our study system, we used data from a previous study examining how bighead and silver carp (two invasive fish species in the United States) responded to a carbon dioxide (CO2) barrier in a pond.

Considerations for management

Based upon our findings, management considerations include:

Markov chains can be used to describe and quantify movement patterns of aquatic organisms responding to barriers. These models provide insight not possible with previously used summary approaches.

The CO2 barrier changed both the locations of fish and movement patterns of fish. The changes in movement were not captured using conventional endpoints.

Specifically, fish had less random movement patterns during periods of CO2 exposure. This provides evidence that bighead and silver carp actively avoided areas with CO2 and also shows that our approach can help assess random versus nonrandom movements
Esophageal cancer surgery: review of complications and their management
Authors: Chevallay Mickael , Jung Minoa , Chon Seung‐Hun , Takeda Flavio Roberto , Akiyama Junichi , Mönig Stefan
Published: September 2020

Esophagectomy, even with the progress in surgical technique and perioperative management, is a highly specialized surgery, associated with a high rate of complications. Early recognition and adequate treatment should be a standard of care for the most common postoperative complications: anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. Recent progress in endoscopy with vacuum and stent placement, or in radiology with embolization, has changed the management of these complications. The success of nonoperative treatments should be frequently reassessed and reoperation must be proposed in case of failure. We have summarized the clinical signs, diagnostic process, and management of the frequent complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
The Heterogeneous Effects of Global and National Business Cycles on Employment in US States and Metropolitan Areas*
Authors: Chudik Alexander , Koech Janet , Wynne Mark
Published: September 2020

The growth of globalization in recent decades has increased the importance of external factors as drivers of the business cycle in many countries. Globalization affects countries not just at the macro level but at the level of states and metro areas as well. This paper isolates the relative importance of global, national and region‐specific shocks as drivers of the business cycle in individual US states and metro areas. We find about 2/3 and 1/2 of the employment fluctuations in US states and metro areas, respectively, are explained by the global and national shocks lumped together. The split between the importance of the global and national shocks is about 50:50, based on the standard identification scheme in the literature. Next, we document substantial regional heterogeneity in the sensitivity of states and metro areas to global shocks, and show that direct trade linkages are not the only channel through which the global business cycle impacts regional economies. In particular, indicators of size and industry composition dwarf the explanatory power of trade linkages in explaining the regional differences.
QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE RESIDUALITY OF BROOCHES AND COINS IN ROMANO‐BRITISH CONTEXTS
Authors: Matthews Boehmer Thomas
Published: September 2020

Archaeologists often use Roman‐period brooches and coins in the important task of dating features and phases on sites. Whilst this use of artefacts has had undeniable benefits in terms of establishing their chronology, this is itself dependent upon the reliability of the date that can be ascribed to the brooch or coin. However, questions remain as to the reliability of the evidence relating to a significant aspect of these objects’ dating. Here I point to a discrepancy in the dating of first‐ and second‐centuries CE artefacts in the archaeological record in Britain. Acknowledging the important work undertaken by other scholars in the field, the article describes the frequent inconsistency that nonetheless exists between the defined dates of the manufacture of brooches and coins and the date of their physical archaeological contexts on smaller‐scale sites. It goes on to offer some thoughts regarding dating for future consideration.
Evaluation of the relationship between airway measurements with ultrasonography and laryngoscopy in newborns and infants
Authors: Sever Feyza , Özmert Sengül
Published: September 2020

Background

A difficult laryngoscopy in young children can be a stressful situation for the pediatric anesthetist. In recent years, several measurements have been used to obtain difficult laryngoscopy markers in children. However, there is no prospective study in which ultrasonography is expected to be used for this purpose, particularly in the newborn and infant age groups.

Goals

In this study, our goal was to evaluate the relationship between the preoperative airway assessment tools and the difficult laryngoscopic view in neonates and infants.

Methods

Our study included newborns and infants undergoing elective surgery requiring intubation under general anesthesia. The following measurements were recorded the following: patients' age, body mass index, thyromental distance, mandibular length, the distance between the lip corner and ipsilateral ear tragus, and the transverse length (measured by hand with sign‐middle‐ring fingers side by side). In the thyromental distance measurement, the “thyroid notch” was determined by ultrasonography. Glottic structures appearing during laryngoscopy were graded according to the Cormack‐Lehane Classification.

Results

Of the 150 patients included in the study, 36 were female, and 92% were under the age of one. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopic views was 8% in the age groups studied, and the frequency of difficult laryngoscopic views in the newborn age group was 14.3%. The relationship between airway assessment tools and the Cormack‐Lehane Classification scores was statistically significant. The negative predictive value was high for all values.

Conclusions

The risk of a difficult laryngoscopy increases in children under the age of one. The preoperative airway assessment tools and body mass index had acceptable negative predictive values. We believe that all measurements could be used as markers for difficult laryngoscopy in newborns and infants.
An exploration of group cognitive analytic therapy for anxiety and depression
Authors: Martin Elaine , Byrne Gary , Connon Graham , Power Liz
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cognitive analytic therapy has been shown to be an effective psychological treatment for a range of differing presentations but little research to date has focused on the use of Group CAT (GCAT). The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of GCAT for clients with mood and anxiety disorders in primary care.

Design

This study utilized a mixed method design.

Method

A 12‐session GCAT programme was developed covering key CAT concepts. The structure reflected the three phases of CAT – reformulation, recognition, and revision. Participants completed outcome measures pre‐ and post‐treatment and at 3‐month follow‐up. Acceptability was reported using session attendance and participant feedback in addition to asking clients to rank the utility of CAT treatment components. A therapist interview was also completed.

Results

Fifty‐five per cent of clients completed the treatment, and feedback suggests that GCAT is an acceptable and feasible intervention for a primary care population. Clients also reported on the utility of specific CAT treatment components. Clients demonstrated positive change on a number of outcome measures.

Conclusions

Group cognitive analytic therapy shows promise as an acceptable and feasible treatment for clients with mood and anxiety disorders presenting to primary care services. Further larger and more controlled studies are indicated.

Practitioner points

The study supports the idea that GCAT is an acceptable and feasible treatment for clients with mood and anxiety disorders in a primary care setting.

Clients indicated the utility of various aspects of GCAT

The study provides tentative evidence for the effectiveness of GCAT in ameliorating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in primary care.
Emotional exhaustion among the South Korean workforce before and after COVID‐19
Authors: Hwang Hansol , Hur Won‐Moo , Shin Yuhyung
Published: September 2020

Since the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Korea in January 2020, many South Korean employees have been experiencing work stressors, threats of job insecurity, and feelings of isolation, which together lead to emotional exhaustion. The present study aimed to compare the emotional exhaustion of South Korean employees before and after the pandemic, as well as to examine how the demographic characteristics of employees affected their emotional exhaustion. We administered surveys to 276 employees before the COVID‐19 pandemic (from July to October 2019) and 301 employees after its onset (from March to April 2020). A series of t‐tests demonstrated that both employee samples were similar demographically. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that even when controlling for baseline emotions, the employees assessed after the COVID‐19 experienced significantly higher emotional exhaustion than those assessed before. Furthermore, in reaction to COVID‐19, female employees felt more emotionally exhausted than their male counterparts. Finally, after the COVID‐19 pandemic, younger and short‐tenured employees reported higher emotional exhaustion than older and more experienced employees. These findings provide insight into managing the mental health of employees during the COVID‐19 crisis.

Practitioner points

The emotional exhaustion of the South Korean workforce increased after the COVID‐19 pandemic.

After the pandemic, female employees experienced a higher level of emotional exhaustion than their male counterparts.

After the pandemic, younger and short‐tenured employees experienced a higher level of emotional exhaustion than older and long‐tenured employees.
GhARF16‐1 modulates leaf development by transcriptionally regulating the GhKNOX2‐1 gene in cotton
Authors: He Peng , Zhang Yuzhou , Li Hongbin , Fu Xuan , Shang Haihong , Zou Changsong , Friml Jiří , Xiao Guanghui
Published: September 2020

The leaf is a crucial organ evolved with remarkable morphological diversity to maximize plant photosynthesis. The leaf shape is a key trait that affects photosynthesis, flowering rates, disease resistance and yield. Although many genes regulating leaf development have been identified in the past years, the precise regulatory architecture underlying the generation of diverse leaf shapes remains to be elucidated. We used cotton as a reference model to probe the genetic framework underlying divergent leaf forms. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the GhARF16‐1 and GhKNOX2‐1 genes might be potential regulators of leaf shape. We functionally characterized the auxin‐responsive factor ARF16‐1 acting upstream of GhKNOX2‐1 to determine leaf morphology in cotton. The transcription of GhARF16‐1 was significantly higher in lobed‐leaved cotton than in smooth‐leaved cotton. Furthermore, the overexpression of GhARF16‐1 led to the up‐regulation of GhKNOX2‐1 and resulted in more and deeper serrations in cotton leaves, similar to the leaf shape of cotton plants overexpressing GhKNOX2‐1. We found that GhARF16‐1 specifically bound to the promoter of GhKNOX2‐1 to induce its expression. The heterologous expression of GhARF16‐1 and GhKNOX2‐1 in Arabidopsis led to lobed and curly leaves, and a genetic analysis revealed that GhKNOX2‐1 is epistatic to GhARF16‐1 in Arabidopsis, suggesting that the GhARF16‐1 and GhKNOX2‐1 interaction paradigm also functions to regulate leaf shape in Arabidopsis. To our knowledge, our results uncover a novel mechanism by which auxin, through the key component ARF16‐1 and its downstream‐activated gene KNOX2‐1, determines leaf morphology in eudicots.
Five novel mutations in SASH1 contribute to lentiginous phenotypes in Japanese families
Authors: Araki Yuta , Okamura Ken , Saito Toru , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Natsuga Ken , Nishimoto Junko , Funasaka Yoko , Togawa Yaei , Suzuki Tamio
Published: September 2020

SASH1 has been reported as a causal gene of lentiginous phenotypes with and without heredity, including an autosomal dominant type characterized by lentigines predominantly on sun‐exposed areas such as the face and limbs. Recently, cases of dyschromatosis with SASH1 mutations have been reported worldwide; however, only one case has been reported from Japan. Here, we analyzed six Japanese patients who characteristically showed many lentigines on sun‐exposed areas, using next‐generation sequencing. We identified five novel heterozygous mutations in SASH1 (p.I586M, p.S531Y, p.R644W, p.T525R, and p.S516I) in our patients and their families. The p.R644W substitution identified in two unrelated families was the first mutation located in the sterile alpha motif 1 (SAM1) domain. The degree and location of the lentigines were variable across individuals, even if they shared the same SASH1 mutation. All mutations were predicted to be deleterious by six different algorithms used to evaluate the functional impact of a variation. In addition, immunohistopathological findings and RNA sequencing results suggested that SASH1 mutations were associated with an increase in the number of melanocytes, acceleration of melanogenesis, and upregulated hair keratin expression.
Improvement in disease severity and pruritus outcomes with crisaborole ointment, 2%, by baseline atopic dermatitis severity in children and adolescents with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis
Authors: Eichenfield Lawrence F. , Yosipovitch Gil , Stein Gold Linda F. , Kalabis Mizuho , Zang Chuanbo , Vlahos Bonnie , Sanders Paul , Myers Daniela E. , Bushmakin Andrew G. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Olivadoti Melissa , Paller Amy S.
Published: September 2020

Background/Objectives

Crisaborole ointment, 2%, is a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor for the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). This pooled post hoc analysis of two phase 3 trials (NCT02118766, NCT02118792) assessed improvement and time to improvement in Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) and Severity of Pruritus Scale (SPS) outcomes in pediatric patients with mild‐to‐moderate AD.

Methods

Patients aged ≥2 years were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive twice‐daily crisaborole or vehicle for 28 days. Patients aged 2‐17 years were pooled for this analysis. Proportions of patients and time to achieving ISGA success (clear [0] or almost clear [1] with ≥2‐grade improvement from baseline), ISGA clear/almost clear, ≥1‐grade improvement in ISGA, SPS success (SPS score ≤1 with ≥1‐grade improvement), or ≥1‐grade improvement in SPS score were analyzed and stratified by baseline ISGA.

Results

At first postbaseline assessment (day 8), significantly higher proportions of crisaborole‐ than vehicle‐treated patients achieved ISGA success, ISGA clear/almost clear, ≥1‐grade ISGA improvement, SPS success, or ≥1‐grade improvement in SPS regardless of baseline ISGA. Differences were significantly greater over time for all outcomes for patients with moderate baseline ISGA and numerically greater for those with mild baseline ISGA. Median times to ISGA and SPS outcomes were shorter for crisaborole versus vehicle.

Conclusion

Improvement in ISGA and SPS outcomes were observed with crisaborole in pediatric patients with mild‐to‐moderate baseline AD.
Infliximab for the treatment of recalcitrant bullous Sweet syndrome in a 10‐year‐old girl
Authors: Knöpfel Nicole , Theiler Martin , Luchsinger Isabelle , Hafner Bettina , Brunner Corinne , Kolm Isabel , Weibel Lisa
Published: September 2020

We report the case of a 10‐year‐old girl with bullous Sweet syndrome, recalcitrant to high‐dose systemic corticosteroids. Subsequent treatment with infliximab resulted in a rapid improvement in cutaneous lesions and systemic symptoms. Cutis laxa was noted in the healed skin. We propose early second‐line treatment with infliximab in children with steroid‐refractory Sweet syndrome.
Plaque‐like cutaneous mucinosis of childhood
Authors: Álvarez‐Salafranca Marcial , Colmenero Isabel , Torrecilla Idoipe Nerea , Torrelo Antonio , Ara‐Martín Mariano
Published: September 2020

A healthy 10‐year‐old boy presented with plaque‐like cutaneous mucinosis (PCM) on his back. Cutaneous biopsy was followed by progressive resolution of the skin lesion. Pediatric PCM could differ clinically from the adult form. However, more cases are necessary to draw conclusions.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: A retrospective case series of 126 cases
Authors: Dhar Sandipan , Srinivas Sahana M. , Dhar Subhra , Basu Surupa , Banerjee Raghubir , Malakar Rajib , Ghosh Apurba , Bhattacharya Arunaloke , Ray Swapan Kumar , Bhattacharya Arpita , Chowdhury Jaydeep
Published: September 2020

Background/Objectives

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare neoplasm of hematopoietic myeloid precursor cells, is clinically characterized by spontaneously resolving lesions to a progressive life‐threatening multisystem disorder. Diagnosing LCH in children is challenging as it mimics other skin disorders. This study describes the varied clinical presentation and disease course in children less than 18 years diagnosed with LCH.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of all cases diagnosed with LCH presenting to a children's hospital in the last 26 years. Data on history, cutaneous and systemic examination, and laboratory evaluation performed, were recorded.

Results

A total of 126 children diagnosed with LCH were included in the study. There were 68% cases limited only to skin, and 32% children with multisystem involvement at the initial presentation. Scaly papules were the most common morphologic finding in skin. The skeletal system was the second most common organ system to be affected. Failure to thrive was a common symptom. Progression of skin to systemic involvement was seen in 27.9%. In 76.7%, skin lesions cleared over a period of 2 to 4 years. Complete remission was seen in 56.9% of children over a period of 3 to 7 years, while 8.1% children died of complicationsand 31.8% were lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Long‐term follow‐up in this study has shown cutaneous LCH without systemic involvement has a good prognosis. Skin involvement,along with failure to thrive, was the most common clinical presentation in our study. The skeletal system was the second most common organ system involved.
Relationship satisfaction determines the association between Epstein–Barr virus latency and somatic symptoms after the loss of a spouse
Authors: LeRoy Angie S. , Petit Whitney E. , Brown Ryan L. , Murdock Kyle W. , Garcini Luz M. , Stowe Raymond P. , Fagundes Chris P.
Published: September 2020

The loss of a spouse is associated with a host of negative health outcomes. While bereaved individuals commonly report somatic symptoms, no investigations exist of the association between reactivation of latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and somatic symptoms among this population. Further, how an individual perceives the quality of their lost relationship in retrospect may impact loss outcomes. Among 99 bereaved spouses, elevated EBV antibody titers were associated with somatic symptoms for those who retrospectively reported high or mean levels of relationship satisfaction (RS), but not among those less satisfied. Further, higher RS was associated with greater grief symptoms. This study identifies higher retrospective RS as a possible risk factor for negative physical and mental health outcomes during bereavement.
Family emotional climate and health: Testing conveyance of effects via psychobiological mediators
Authors: Woods Sarah B. , Roberson Patricia N. E. , Priest Jacob B.
Published: September 2020

Using the Biobehavioral Family Model and data from five Midlife in the United States projects (N= 793), this study tests whether allostatic load and negative affect reactivity convey the effects of categorizations of family emotional climate on health appraisal and morbidity (chronic conditions) across 20 years. Results indicated that negative family emotional climate (high strain, low support/parental affection) was indirectly associated with health appraisal 20 years later via negative affect reactivity at 10 years. Ambivalent family emotional climate (high strain/support) was directly associated with greater morbidity. Allostatic load did not serve as a significant mediator in the models tested. Findings suggest that family emotional climates marked by strain and intensity may be especially problematic for health, partly by exacerbating negative affect reactivity.
Efficacy and feasibility of ruxolitinib in chronic steroid‐refractory GVHD in a pediatric intestine transplant
Authors: Ghobrial Shahira , Gonzalez Corina , Yazigi Nada , Kaufman Stuart , Matsumoto Cal , Fishbein Thomas , Hawksworth Jason , Kroemer Alexander , Khan Khalid
Published: September 2020

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) has been a clinical problem in solid organ transplant that includes intestine due to the donor lymphoid tissue mass which accompanies the intestinal component of the graft. We report a case that demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of ruxolitinib a JAK 1/2 inhibitor in the treatment of chronic steroid‐refractory GVHD (SR‐GVHD). The child developed SR‐GVHD following a composite intestine transplant (small bowel, colon, liver, and pancreas). And after receiving ruxolitinib 1.25 mg (0.15 mg/kg/dose) per gastric tube (G‐tube) daily, the child appeared to have improved skin rash and sigmoidoscopy was negative. Nonetheless, we encourage close monitoring of hematologic and infectious adverse effect during dose escalation, and individualizing patient maximum effective dose with the least adverse effect possible. We stress the importance of early diagnosis and hyper‐alertness of GVHD in intestinal transplant patients.
Numb chin syndrome as a presentation for acute myeloid leukemia relapse post–hematopoietic cell transplant: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Banat Omar , Albataineh Tamer , Hashem Hasan
Published: September 2020

NCS is defined as reduced or absent sensation in the chin and lower lip within the distribution of the mental or inferior alveolar nerves. Although commonly associated with local trauma, NCS can indicate an underlying malignancy or can be the presenting symptom of cancer recurrence. We describe a 6‐year‐old female patient with AML and t(8,21) who underwent allogeneic HCT. Five months post‐HCT, the patient presented with right‐sided facial pain and numbness in her chin and lower lip consistent with NCS. Two weeks later, the patient had bone marrow relapse indicating AML recurrence. Although NCS remains a rare diagnosis especially in children, in the context of leukemia, it usually indicates an advanced disease or could be a sign of recurrence, and is commonly associated with grim prognosis. Further research is needed to study the link between NCS and specific cytogenetic abnormalities.
Development and validation of the Health Care System Distrust scale for cancer screening among Koreans
Authors: Lee Shin‐Young
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The current research addresses the need for developing a Health Care System Distrust scale for cancer screening among Koreans living in the Republic of Korea. This study developed and validated a scale to measure health care system distrust and to examine the psychometric properties of the scale.

Methods

Interviews, expert reviews, a pilot test, and a cross‐sectional survey with 884 Koreans were conducted for instrument development and validation. Content validity, construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, convergent and discriminant validity, and reliability of the scale were examined.

Results

Factor analyses demonstrated a three‐factor structure (competency of tests and health care providers, quality of health care organizations, and honesty of health care organizations) of the Health Care System Distrust scale with 12 items accounting for a total of 71.47% of the variance (competency = 33.35%, quality = 21.14%, and honesty = 16.97%). Cronbach's α coefficients of the subscales were 0.72–0.92.

Conclusion

The newly developed Health Care System Distrust scale will aid in understanding Koreans' distrust of the health care system and their cancer screening behaviors, and will improve cancer screening utilization by transforming distrust into trust.
What Native Americans want nurses to know: Attitudes and behaviors desired in client/nurse relationships
Authors: Purtzer Mary Anne , Thomas Jenifer J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study examined Native American perceptions of attitudes and behaviors desired in their client/nurse relationships for the purpose of informing cultural‐competency education and practice.

Design

A descriptive‐qualitative methodology was used and face‐to‐face interviews were conducted.

Sample

A targeted sampling approach was applied; the sample included Native Americans employed at a western reservation casino.

Analytic Strategy

Thematic analysis involved constant‐comparison through the examination of similarities and differences, and relationships between concepts.

Results

Theme I, Native American Experiences with Nurses and Theme II, Native American Experiences with Other Native Americans. Subthemes offer participant perspectives of the dynamics within their client/nurse interactions. Participants offer advice to both nurses and other Native Americans that promotes mutual understanding and respect.

Conclusions

Becoming a culturally competent nurse is a complex developmental journey. Four implications are offered. First, nurses can feel confident doing what they do best; valued nurse attributes and behaviors are being taught and practiced that are foundational for cultural competence. Second, within the context of a population‐health focus, consider individual preferences and beliefs. Third, empower Native American self‐advocacy. Lastly, disrupt racism at the relationship level by seeking cultural humility and practicing critical self‐reflection and dialogue.
Perceived risk of infection and smoking behavior change during COVID‐19 in Ohio
Authors: Chertok Ilana R. Azulay
Published: September 2020

Objective

The recent COVID‐19 pandemic may catalyze smoking behavior modification. The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with reducing smoking exposure during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Design

Cross‐sectional design using the Health Belief Model to develop an online survey distributed throughout Ohio early during the outbreak.

Sample

810 adults in Ohio (77.9% non‐smokers, 22.1% current smokers).

Measurements

Sociodemographic factors, smoking and behavior changes since the COVID‐19 outbreak, and perceived risk of infection were collected. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with indoor smoking bans and factors associated with desire to quit smoking since the outbreak.

Results

For the overall sample, the odds of indoor smoking bans were significantly associated with never smoked, college education, single‐family residence, not living with smokers, and perceived importance of avoiding public places. For smokers, the desire to quit smoking since the COVID‐19 outbreak was associated with diabetes and perceived risk of severe infection.

Conclusions

Identified factors inform residential smoking exposure reduction through indoor smoking bans. Having an increased perceived risk of severe infection among smokers may motivate cessation. Public health nurses can provide accurate and accessible resources for smoking cessation during the COVID‐19 pandemic to promote healthy lifestyle modification.
Fluorescence Sensors for Bismuth (III) Ion from Pyreno[4,5‐d]imidazole Derivatives
Authors: Chanawungmuang Nichapa , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Rashatasakhon Paitoon
Published: September 2020

Three pyreno[4,5‐d]imidazole derivatives are synthesized and evaluated as fluorescent sensors for bismuth (III) ion. The target compounds are prepared in 55–86% yields from a condensation reaction between pyrene‐4,5‐dione and aromatic aldehydes. The compound bearing a phenolic group can selectively detect bismuth (III) ion via fluorescence enhancement with a detection limit of 1.20 μm in CH3CN‐DMSO mixture and 3.40 μm in 10% pH5 aqueous in CH3CN‐DMSO mixture. The sensing mechanism involving a formation of coordination complex is investigated by UV‐VIS and fluorescence titrations, 1H‐NMR and the decomplexation of the bismuth complex by sulfide ion. The application of this sensor for quantitative analysis of spiked bismuth (III) ion in real water samples from two different sources is demonstrated.
Ecological factors affecting the fitness of the threatened orchid Anacamptis robusta (Orchidaceae): Habitat disturbance, interactions with a co‐flowering rewarding orchid and hybridization events
Authors: Capó M. , Borràs J. , Perelló‐Suau S. , Rita J. , Cursach J.
Published: September 2020

The food‐deceptive species Anacamptis robusta is threatened in the Balearic Islands, and its habitat has recently been transformed through human disturbance. This study investigated how human disturbance affects the reproductive output of A. robusta and how its fitness is affected by competition with rewarding relatives, fungal infections and hybridization processes.

To evaluate the impact of habitat loss on plant fitness, data on reproductive measures were obtained in two well‐conserved subpopulations and the unique disturbed subpopulation. Photo‐trapping cameras were installed to determine the floral visitation rate. All flowering individuals in 2019 were georeferenced using differential GPS to examine the influence of geospatial patterns on the reproductive success of A. robusta. In addition, hand‐pollination treatments were performed to evaluate the hybridization between A. coriophora and A. robusta and the origin of A. × albuferensis.

The human‐disturbed subpopulation of A. robusta had a lower fruit set success than the subpopulations in well‐conserved areas. The presence of A. coriophora is negatively affecting the reproductive output of A. robusta. Moreover, A. robusta can only act as the pollen donor during hybridization.

The complexity of the ecological system, which is enhanced by the strong pollinator dependence of the threatened species, must be considered when making conservation decisions. Although human disturbance directly affects plant population stability, other ecological issues must be considered, such as pollinator interaction, interspecific competition for pollinators, fungal infection and hybridization events.
Cassava common mosaic virus infection causes alterations in chloroplast ultrastructure, function, and carbohydrate metabolism of cassava plants
Authors: Zanini Andrea A. , Di Feo Liliana , Luna Dario F. , Paccioretti Pablo , Collavino Agostina , Rodriguez Marianela S.
Published: September 2020

Cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV) is a potexvirus that causes systemic infections in cassava plants, leading to chlorotic mosaic and producing significant yield losses. To date, the physiological alterations and the mechanism underlying biotic stress during the cassava–CsCMV compatible interaction remains unknown. In this study, we found that CsCMV infection adversely modified chloroplast structure and had functional effects on chloroplasts in source leaves during the course of viral infection. Extrusion of the chloroplast membrane with amoeboid‐shaped appearance and disorganized grana stacks were observed in infected mesophyll cells. These alterations were associated with up to 35% reduction of relative chlorophyll content, and a decline of CO2 fixation (13.5% and 24.2% at 90 and 210 days after planting, respectively). The effects of CsCMV infection on the performance index on absorption basis dropped up to 37%. The analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence showed a progressive loss of both oxygen evolving complex activity and “connectivity” within the tripartite system (core antenna‐LHCII‐reaction centre). Here, we report the latter phenomenon for the first time in a viral infection. The oxidative stress process was observed in CsCMV‐infected plants (20.8% reduction of antioxidant capacity with respect to noninfected plants). Other effects of the pathogen included reduction of starch and maltose content in source leaves, and a significant increase (24.7%) of the sucrose:starch ratio, which indicates an altered pattern of carbon allocation. Our results suggest that CsCMV induces chloroplast distortion associated with progressive chloroplast function loss and diversion of carbon flux in source leaf tissue, leading to the loss of cassava tuber yield.
Local weak light induces the improvement of photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in maize seedlings
Authors: Wu Han‐Yu , Tang Hai‐Kun , Liu Li‐An , Shi Lei , Zhang Wang‐Feng , Jiang Chuang‐Dao
Published: September 2020

To copy with highly heterogeneous light environment, plants can regulate photosynthesis locally and systemically, thus, maximizing the photosynthesis of individual plants. Therefore, we speculated that local weak light may induce the improvement of photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in plants. In order to test this hypothesis, maize seedlings were partially shaded, and gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and biochemical analysis were carefully assessed. It was shown that local shading exacerbated the declines in the photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll contents, electron transport and carbon assimilation‐related enzyme activities in shaded leaves as plants growth progressed. While, the decreases of these parameters in adjacent illuminated leaves of shaded plants were considerably alleviated compared to the corresponding leaves of control plants. Obviously, the photosynthesis in adjacent illuminated leaves in shaded plants was improved by local shading, and the improvement in adjacent lower leaves was larger than that in adjacent upper ones. As growth progressed, local shading induced higher abscisic acid contents in shaded leaves, but it alleviated the increase in the abscisic acid contents in adjacent leaves in shaded plants. Moreover, the difference in sugar content between shaded leaves and adjacent illuminated ones was gradually increased. Consequently, local weak light suppressed the photosynthesis in shaded leaves, while it markedly improved the photosynthesis of adjacent illuminated ones. Sugar gradient between shaded leaves and adjacent illuminated ones might play a key role in photosynthetic regulation of adjacent illuminated leaves.
Status, morphology, and phylogenetic relationships of Iyengaria (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae), a brown algal genus with a disjunct distribution in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Santiañez Wilfred John E. , Al‐Bader Dhia , West John A. , Bolton John J. , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

The taxonomy, classification, and phylogenetic relationships of the brown seaweed genus Iyengaria with other members of the family Scytosiphonaceae remain poorly understood. In this study, we addressed some problems in the systematics (taxonomic and classification status) and phylogenetic position of Iyengaria based on our studies on the generitype Iyengaria stellata from Kuwait and South Africa. We confirm that I. stellata is conspecific with Colpomenia capensis based on molecular and morpho‐anatomical data and that the species has a disjunct distribution within the Indian Ocean. Also, the distinguishing features of two Iyengaria species (I. nizamuddinii and ‘I. lobocylindrica’) described from Karachi, Pakistan, are within the morphological range of I. stellata. Hence, these two taxa are considered here as junior heterotypic synonyms of I. stellata. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses suggested the polyphyly of the genus Iyengaria, with the recently described Iyengaria quadriseriata from India forming close associations with Rosenvingea intricata. As such, we remove I. quadriseriata from the genus Iyengaria and relegate it as a synonym of R. intricata. Consequently, by recognizing only one species, our proposals considerably reduce the species diversity in the genus. Moreover, our culture studies suggested that I. stellata exhibits an alternation of heteromorphic generations, similar to other species in the Scytosiphonaceae. Under culture conditions, I. stellata also produced plurangia on microthalli, confirming its affinity with other phylogenetically close relatives in the ‘Hydroclathrus group’ of the family Scytosiphonaceae such as Colpomenia, Rosenvingea, and Chnoospora.