bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Increased Addictive Internet and Substance Use Behavior During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in China
Authors: Sun Yan , Li Yangyang , Bao Yanping , Meng Shiqiu , Sun Yankun , Schumann Gunter , Kosten Thomas , Strang John , Lu Lin , Shi Jie
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic and control measures may have increased the risk of abusing addictive substances as well as addictive behaviors.

Methods

We present an initial online survey in 6416 Chinese about the relation between the COVID‐19 pandemic and addictive behavior in China.

Results

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, 46.8% of the subjects reported increased dependence on internet use, and 16.6% had longer hours of internet use. The prevalence (4.3%) of severe internet dependence rose up to 23% than that (3.5%) before the COVID‐19 pandemic occurred, and their dependence degree rose 20 times more often than being declined (60% vs 3%). Relapses to abuse from alcohol and smoking abstinence were relatively common at 19% and 25%, respectively. Similarly, 32% of regular alcohol drinkers and 20% of regular smokers increased their usage amount during the pandemic.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

These three coping behaviors (internet, alcohol, and smoking) during this COVID‐19‐related crisis appear to have increased the risk for substance use disorders and internet addiction. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Menstrual symptoms and risk of preterm birth: A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Rowlands Ingrid J. , Aye San Kyu Kyu , Schoenaker Danielle A. J. M. , Dobson Annette J. , Mishra Gita D.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To examine the prospective association between menstrual symptoms before pregnancy and preterm birth.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data from 14 247 young Australian women born between 1973 and 1978 who participated in a longitudinal, population‐based cohort study between 1996 and 2015. Women were first surveyed at 18‐23 years, and seven waves of data were collected at roughly three‐yearly intervals. At each survey, women were asked about “severe period pain,” “heavy periods,” and “irregular periods” within the last 12 months. From 2009 onward, information on their children was collected, including birth dates and preterm birth (<37 weeks). Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to examine prospective associations between self‐reported menstrual symptoms before pregnancy and risk of preterm birth.

Results

Data from 6615 mothers who had 12 337 live singleton births were available for analysis. Among all births, women reporting severe period pain (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.34 [95% CI 1.10‐1.62]) or heavy periods (1.25 [1.02‐1.53]) before pregnancy had higher odds of preterm birth. However, in analyses stratified by birth order, only severe period pain (2.05 [1.41‐2.99]), heavy periods (1.77 [1.23‐2.55]), or irregular periods (1.58 [1.10‐2.28]) before a second or subsequent birth were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.

Conclusions

Severe period pain, heavy periods, and irregular periods before a second or subsequent birth may be associated with preterm birth.
The role of high‐dose melphalan with autologous stem‐cell transplant in multiple myeloma: is it time for a paradigm shift?
Authors: Kazandjian Dickran , Mo Clifton C. , Landgren Ola , Richardson Paul G.
Published: June 2020

Recent advances in multiple myeloma include numerous approvals of novel therapies with unprecedented efficacy, a rapid and sustained tempo of new drug development, and further refinements to prognostication to include minimal residual disease (MRD) testing and improved risk stratification. The upfront use of immunomodulatory drug and proteasome inhibitor combinations followed by maintenance has resulted in transformative clinical benefit. Four‐drug regimens incorporating monoclonal antibodies are reporting unprecedented rates of complete response and MRD negativity in the absence of intensification. In the context of these advances, the added value of high‐dose melphalan with autologous stem‐cell transplant (HDM‐ASCT) is a key question. From a safety standpoint, HDM‐ASCT is associated with both acute toxicities that reduce quality of life and long‐term toxicities that may limit life expectancy for some patients. The present review discusses the recent advances in induction therapy, the impact of these advances on HDM‐ASCT, the evolving role of MRD testing and the short‐ and long‐term risks of HDM‐ASCT. Recognising that prospective data remains limited, we suggest that HDM‐ASCT not be considered mandatory for eligible newly diagnosed patients who are treated with highly efficacious regimens and achieve deep responses, but rather be held in reserve without early exposure to the clinical and genomic toxicity inherent to this approach.
Female presence enhances sexual performance of sterile Anastrepha ludens males of the Tapachula‐7 GSS strain
Authors: Arredondo José , Ruiz Lia , López Gladis , Pérez‐Staples Diana , Díaz‐Fleischer Francisco
Published: June 2020

The sterile insect technique (SIT), used for the control of many tephritid fly pests, is based on the rearing and release of large numbers of sexually competitive sterile insects into a wild population. In the interest of reducing expenses and increasing SIT effectiveness, genetic sexing strains (GSS) have been developed. These strains allow the production and release of only males. The objective of our study was to assess the effects of pre‐release adult exposure to methoprene and to females on the mating propensity and mating competitiveness of GSS sterile males of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae). GSS sterile males were kept on a protein‐sugar (protein‐fed) or a protein‐sugar‐methoprene diet and were exposed to different proportions of females for the normal pre‐release period of 5 days. Using laboratory and field‐cage bioassays, we examined the influence of methoprene and female presence on the mating success of sterile males of 3–9 days old, in competition for wild females with untreated males and with wild males. Methoprene and female exposure had no significant effects on male mating success in the laboratory, whereas age had a positive relationship with the number of copulations observed. However, in field‐cage bioassays, males exposed to females obtained a higher number of copulations than unexposed control males. Possible implications of these findings for programs that use GSS and especially for the campaign against Mexican fruit flies are discussed.
Trait and state interoceptive abnormalities are associated with dissociation and seizure frequency in patients with functional seizures
Authors: Koreki Akihiro , Garfkinel Sarah N. , Mula Marco , Agrawal Niruj , Cope Sarah , Eilon Talia , Gould Van Praag Cassandra , Critchley Hugo D. , Edwards Mark , Yogarajah Mahinda
Published: June 2020

Objective

Dissociative traits represent a disturbance in selfhood that may predispose to, and trigger, functional seizures (FSs). The predictive representation and control of the internal physiological state of the body (interoception) are proposed to underpin the integrity of the sense of self (“minimal selfhood”). Therefore, discrepancies between objective and subjective aspects of interoception may relate to symptom expression in patients with FSs. Here, we tested whether individual differences in trait measures of interoception relate to dissociative symptoms, and whether state interoceptive deficits predict FS occurrence.

Methods

Forty‐one participants with FSs and 30 controls completed questionnaire ratings of dissociation, and measures of (1) interoceptive accuracy (IA)—objective performance on heartbeat detection tasks; (2) trait interoceptive sensibility—subjective sensitivity to internal sensations (using the Porges Body Perception Questionnaire); and (3) state interoceptive sensibility—subjective trial‐by‐trial measures of confidence in heartbeat detection. Interoceptive trait prediction error (ITPE) was calculated from the discrepancy between IA and trait sensibility, and interoceptive state prediction error (ISPE) from the discrepancy between IA and state sensibility.

Results

Patients with FSs had significantly lower IA and greater trait interoceptive sensibility than healthy controls. ITPE was the strongest predictor of dissociation after controlling for trait anxiety and depression in a regression model. ISPE correlated significantly with FS frequency after controlling for state anxiety.

Significance

Patients with FSs have disturbances in interoceptive processing that predict both dissociative traits reflecting the disrupted integrity of self‐representation, and the expression of FSs. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorder, and could lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
An Application of HFE‐D for Evaluating Sea Water Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers of Southern Vietnam
Authors: Le Thi Thuy Van , Lertsirivorakul Rungruang , Bui Tran Vuong , Schulmeister Marcia K.
Published: June 2020

The coastal aquifers and inland waters of the Long Xuyen Quadrangle and Ca Mau Peninsula of southern Vietnam have been significantly impacted by sea water intrusion (SI) as a result of recent anthropogenic activities. This study identified the evolution and spatial distribution of hydrochemical conditions in coastal aquifers at this region using Hydrochemical Facies Evolution Diagram (HFE‐D) and Geographical Information System mapping. Hydraulic heads and water chemistry were measured at 31 observation wells in four layered aquifers during dry and rainy seasons in early (2005), and more recent (2016), stages of agricultural development. Hydrochemical facies associated with intrusion or freshening stages were mapped in each aquifer after assigning mixing index values to each facies. The position of groundwater freshening and SI phases differed in Holocene, Upper Pleistocene, Middle Pleistocene, and Lower Pleistocene aquifers. The geographic position of freshening and intrusion fronts differ in dry and rainy seasons, and shifted after 11 years of groundwater abstraction in all four aquifers. The spatial and temporal differences in hydrochemical facies distributions according to HFE‐D reflect the relative impact of SI in the four aquifers. The study results provide a better understanding of the evolution of groundwater quality associated with SI in a peninsular coastal aquifer system, and highlight the need for improving groundwater quality and management in similar coastal regions.
Diffuse MIST1 expression and decreased α1,4‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (αGlcNAc) glycosylation on MUC6 are distinct hallmarks for gastric neoplasms showing oxyntic gland differentiation
Authors: Yamada Shigenori , Yamanoi Kazuhiro , Sato Yoshiko , Nakayama Jun
Published: June 2020

Aims

Gastric neoplasms showing oxyntic gland differentiation (GAOGs) constitute a gastric neoplasm subtype that shows low atypia, thus similar to non‐neoplastic gastric oxyntic glands. Therefore, their diagnosis in biopsy specimens is difficult. GAOGs were first described in 2007, and introduced in the latest World Health Organization classification book as gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA‐FG) and oxyntic gland adenoma. Previously, we assessed α1,4‐linked N‐acetylglucosamine (αGlcNAc) residues attached to the MUC6 scaffold in gastric neoplasms, and observed decreased αGlcNAc glycosylation in both differentiated‐type gastric cancer and high‐grade pyloric gland adenoma (PGA), a gastric cancer precursor. GA‐FG and PGA often harbour the same mutations. However, the αGlcNAc status in GAOGs remained unknown. To elucidate αGlcNAc expression in GAOGs, we performed the study.

Methods and results

We assessed the expression of αGlcNAc; the mucin markers MUC6, MUC5AC, and MUC2; the gastric gland cell markers MIST1, pepsinogen 1 (PG1), H/K‐ATPase and chromogranin‐A (CGA); and the proliferation marker Ki67 in 13 GAOG lesions. All 13 (100%) were MUC6‐positive, whereas 10 (76.2%) were αGlcNAc‐negative. Moreover, all 13 (100%) were MIST1‐ and PG1‐positive, three (23.1%) were MUC5AC‐positive, four (30.8%) were H/K‐ATPase‐positive, and one (7.7%) was CGA‐positive.

Conclusions

GAOGs frequently lost αGlcNAc residues on MUC6, but expressed the gastric gland progenitor marker MIST1 and aberrantly expressed various types of gastric gland cell lineage marker, suggestive of immature differentiation to gastric gland cells. Thus, diffuse MIST1 positivity and decreased αGlcNAc glycosylation on MUC6‐positive cells could serve as important biomarkers for the histopathological diagnosis of GAOG.
Recommendations for management of diabetic foot ulcers during COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Kelahmetoglu Osman , Camlı Mehmet Fatih , Kirazoglu Ahmet , Erbayat Yusuf , Asgarzade Susan , Durgun Ufuk , Mehdizade Turan , Yeniocak Ali , Yildiz Kemalettin , Sonmez Ergun Selma , Guneren Ethem
Published: June 2020

COVID‐19 pandemia began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. A total of 1 878 489 people were infected and 119 044 people were lost because of the disease and its complications by 15 April. Severe morbidity and mortality complications are mostly seen in elderly and patients having comorbidities. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of severe complications of diabetes mellitus and it may require urgent surgical interventions. In this paper, we aimed to create a management algorithm to prevent the unexpected complications that may occur in the patients and health care workers during the evaluation of COVID‐19 in DFU patients who require urgent surgical intervention. We advise the use of thorax computerised tomography for preoperative screening in all DFU patients with severe signs of infection and especially those requiring urgent surgery for both the detection of the possible undiagnosed COVID‐19 in the patient for the need for close follow‐up and protection of the surgical and anaesthesiology team.
Susceptibility of sunflower inbred lines and putative resistance sources to Smicronyx fulvus LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Prasifka Jarrad R.
Published: June 2020

The red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a primary seed‐feeding pest of cultivated sunflowers, Helianthus annuus L., in North America. Host plant resistance is one tool available to complement insecticide‐based management of S. fulvus. Artificial infestations of 30 adult weevils per head were used to determine whether variation for susceptibility to S. fulvus exists in previously released inbred lines, and how a new weevil‐resistant line, HA 488, compares with other putative sources of resistance. Correcting for the number of seeds per head, 13 older inbred lines showed variation in per cent seed damage from 20% to 38%, with two lines (HA 412 HO, HA 821) being more damaged than most of the tested lines. Among four putative resistance sources, HA 488 was significantly less damaged (5%) than two previously identified open‐pollinated varieties (PI 170424, PI 253417, with 13%–14% seed damage), while the source of the resistance in HA 488, PI 431542, was statistically intermediate (12%). The resistance available in HA 488 is a marked improvement, potentially reducing damage per weevil by two thirds or more, but additional work on genetic markers for resistance, economic thresholds and basic weevil biology (e.g. degree‐day models for adult emergence) is needed to support implementation of integrated pest management for this key sunflower pest.
Wolbachia is present in the European grapevine moth
Authors: Pazian Marlon , Bacala Elisa , Rei Fernando T. , Nobre Tânia
Published: June 2020

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana, has high economic impact on grapevines being one of the most harmful pests of vineyards worldwide. Wolbachia infection has not yet been reported for this moth. We systematically look for Wolbachia presence in L. botrana from three areas within the viticultural region of Alentejo (Portugal), via wsp gene specific PCR, and consistently found its presence. The interaction between the grapevine, its associated moth pest and the Wolbachia needs to be further explored, towards its potential in the development of symbiosis‐based pest management strategies.
Unexpected deep‐sea fish species on the Porcupine Bank (NE Atlantic): Biogeographical implications
Authors: Bañón Rafael , de Carlos Alejandro , Ruiz‐Pico Susana , Baldó Francisco
Published: June 2020

Four specimens corresponding to three rare deep‐water fish species were caught on the Porcupine Bank (Northeast Atlantic) in September 2019. These catches include the new northernmost records of Azores rockling Gaidropsarus granti and deep‐water dab Poecilopsetta beanii in the Atlantic Ocean and the second record of the latter species in its eastern zone. Three of the specimens were retained and their molecular identification also allowed the Cataetyx alleni DNA barcode to be obtained for the first time. The appearance of P. beanii, a West Atlantic species, in its eastern zone is discussed in relation to a possible phenomenon of transoceanic drift in the larval stage.
Fractional carbon dioxide laser for facial scarring due to windscreen glass shatter injury
Authors: Pai Anusha H. , Srinivas Pai Ganesh , Bhat Pavithra S.
Published: June 2020

Background

Facial injuries due to flying windscreen glass pieces are common in road accident and require surgical intervention by plastic surgeons to debride, suture, and dress the injuries. Posthealing patients visit dermatologists for further treatment of residual scar tissue. Interestingly, tiny papules or small nodular scars seen on otherwise level background which persists for beyond 3 months (scar modeling time) may actually harbor small fragments of glass. Such lesions can only be treated by fractional CO2 therapy.

Methods

Two patients who had papules and small nodular lesions on the accident scarred areas were subjected to fractional CO2 laser (ultraPulse, Lumenis)with moderate fluence and high density, once and observed over a period of 12 weeks.

Results

On targeting the papules and small nodules, tiny particles of glass appeared out of the broken lesions.

Discussion

Irrespective of the surgery done on accident victims involving windshield glass injuries, fractional CO2 may be considered at a later stage, especially with presence of papules interspersed in the area of facial scars.
Effective dosage of growth differentiation factor‐9β in folliculogenesis and angiogenesis in the sheep ovarian tissues grafted onto chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Vatanparast Mahboubeh , Moshrefi Mojgan , Yari Nahid , Khalili Mohammad Ali , Macchiarelli Guido , Palmerini Maria Grazia
Published: June 2020

Aim

Scientists have tried to culture and transplant the ovarian tissues (OT), to preserve fertility in cancer patients. However, one of the main limitations to the applicability of this technique is the folliculogenesis disruption after transplantation. Due to the roles exerted by growth differentiation factor‐9β (GDF9β), we decided to determine the most effective dose of GDF9β on promotion of folliculogenesis and angiogenesis in sheep OT grafted onto the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM).

Methods

Fresh sheep OT were grafted onto the CAM for 5 days, and divided into four groups based on the addition of increasing doses of GDF9β (0, 150, 200 and 250 ng/mL). Following culture, histological (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E] staining) and immunohistological studies (Ki‐67) were done. Fibrotic and necrotic regions were measured using MICROVISIBLE software. For comparing the follicle development rates between the groups as well as differences in the Ki‐67‐positive follicles, analysis of variance was applied.

Results

In both 200 and 250 ng/mL GDF9β groups, significantly higher rates of intermediary and primary follicles were observed, also the numbers of good quality follicles increased in the aforementioned groups and the rates of fibrotic and necrotic areas decreased. Moreover, in the 200 and 250 ng/mL GDF9β groups, the number of capillaries and the proliferative activity increased. The lower dose of GDF9β (150 ng/mL) neither activated the primordial follicles nor lead to an increase in the number of growing follicles.

Conclusion

Addition of high dosages of GDF9β to the OT, grafted onto the CAM resulted in higher folliculogenesis and better transplantation features due to improvement in angiogenesis.
Prospective study of pregnancy outcome between perceived stress and stress‐related hormones
Authors: Cui Yuqian , Yu Hongling , Meng Fanwei , Liu Jin , Yang Fang
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between physiological and psychological stress on pregnancy outcome in women undergoing in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) treatment.

Methods

Women undergoing the first IVF cycle were enrolled to complete the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Their blood samples were collected on the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle to measure 5‐hydroxytryptamine, renin, norepinephrine, angiotensin II and cortisol. Salivary amylase was obtained on the embryo transfer day.

Results

Compared with normal women who came to the hospital for regular physical examination, the incidence of anxiety and depression was higher in women seeking for IVF treatment. After psychological intervention, the condition got improved and the incidence of anxiety and depression was 6.25% and 7.81% separately in these women. There were no significant differences between the anxiety scores in women with and without pregnancy. The depression scores did show some statistically differences, with higher scores in the nonpregnancy group. The level of 5‐hydroxytryptamine, renin, norepinephrine and cortisol were not significantly different between the two groups, while angiotensin II and salivary amylase seemed to be negatively correlated with pregnancy outcome. Simultaneously, a positive correlation was found between angiotensin II and anxiety and depression scores.

Conclusion

Depression during IVF has a negative impact on pregnancy outcome. The measurement of angiotensin II and salivary amylase might be reference index for the psychological status of patients during IVF‐ET.
Case report of persistent elevation of βhCG in a nonpregnant woman: A diagnostic puzzle
Authors: Nikolić Branka , Rakić Aleksandar , Ardalić Daniela , Cimbaljević Marijana
Published: June 2020

Detectable serum levels of beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) in nonpregnant, perimenopausal women bring confusion in both clinician and patient and could lead to unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. A 45‐year‐old woman with the continuous elevation of βhCG underwent hysteroscopy, two laparoscopic surgeries, two explorative uterine cavity curettages and three cycles of cytostatic therapy. No ultrasonographic, macroscopic or histological signs of pregnancy, both uterine and ectopic or gestational trophoblastic disease were found. Both radiographic and computed tomography reports ruled out the presence of a nongynecological neoplasm. All recommended steps were taken for confirmation or ruling out the possibility of heterophile antibodies interference, but the results were not absolute. Finally, the referent laboratory confirmed the presence of the antibodies, but their exact type remains unknown. This case underlines the importance of the universally accepted protocol in the cases of persistent βhCG elevation in nonpregnant, perimenopausal women.
Faecal calprotectin levels during the first year of life in healthy children
Authors: Günaydın Şahin Burcu Sena , Keskindemirci Gonca , Özden Tülin Ayşe , Durmaz Özlem , Gökçay Gülbin
Published: June 2020

Aim

A high faecal calprotectin (FC) level is a non‐invasive marker for inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, healthy infants have elevated levels of FC with large variations. The aim of our study was to determine the levels of FC and associated factors in healthy infants aged 0–12 months.

Methods

Infants younger than 1 year of age were in the follow‐up programme of the Well Child Unit. Data on the clinical characteristics, including birth, anthropometric measurements and feeding types of infants in the unit, were obtained from their personal health records. One fresh stool sample was collected from each infant. ELISA was used to measure FC.

Results

We included 84 infants younger than 1 year of age. The median FC value was 313 μg/g. The FC levels were greater in the youngest (0–30 days) group of infants than in the oldest (181–365 days) group (P < 0.001). The FC levels were higher in infants delivered by caesarean section than in those delivered vaginally (P = 0.016). The levels were also higher in infants who were solely breastfed than in those who received mixed feeding (breast milk and formula) during the first 6 months of life (P = 0.030).

Conclusion

The FC levels in this group of infants were high, especially in the first month of life. Several birth and environmental factors influenced the FC values. Further studies with a larger cohort of infants and serial assessment of FC over time are required to better understand the patterns of this biomarker during infancy.
Finding complexity in complexes: Assessing the causes of mitonuclear discordance in a problematic species complex of Mesoamerican toads
Authors: Firneno Thomas J. , O’Neill Justin R. , Portik Daniel M. , Emery Alyson H. , Townsend Josiah H. , Fujita Matthew K.
Published: June 2020

Mitonuclear discordance is a frequently encountered pattern in phylogeographic studies and occurs when mitochondrial and nuclear DNA display conflicting signals. Discordance among these genetic markers can be caused by several factors including confounded taxonomies, gene flow, and incomplete lineage sorting. In this study, we present a strong case of mitonuclear discordance in a species complex of toads (Bufonidae: Incilius coccifer complex) found in the Chortís Block of Central America. To determine the cause of mitonuclear discordance in this complex, we used spatially explicit genetic data to test species limits and relationships, characterize demographic history, and quantify gene flow. We found extensive mitonuclear discordance among the three recognized species within this group, especially in populations within the Chortís Highlands of Honduras. Our data reveal nuclear introgression within the Chortís Highlands populations that was most probably driven by cyclical range expansions due to climatic fluctuations. Though we determined introgression occurred within the nuclear genome, our data suggest that it is not the key factor in driving mitonuclear discordance in the entire species complex. Rather, due to a lack of discernible geographic pattern between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, as well as a relatively recent divergence time of this complex, we concluded that mitonuclear discordance has been caused by incomplete lineage sorting. Our study provides a framework to test sources of mitonuclear discordance and highlights the importance of using multiple marker types to test species boundaries in cryptic species.
Impact of peritoneal catheter intramural design on dialysis discontinuation rate
Authors: Musone Dario , Nicosia Valentina , Diana Massimo , Viola Vincenzo , Treglia Antonio
Published: June 2020

Aim

Catheter dislocation is an important cause of technique failure for peritoneal dialysis (PD). Aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intramural trait configuration on this outcome.

Methods

We considered 240 swan neck, double‐cuffed catheters positioned in adult patients in our Centre with mini‐laparotomy technique partitioned, according with the intramural segment design, in a standard technique group (ST) (n. 199): oblique passage of the catheter through the rectus sheath in the craniocaudal direction, and in a modified technique group (MT) (n. 41): anterior fascia lanced 3 cm cranially to the deep cuff to let catheter out. The primary end‐point was dialysis failure due to tip migration. Secondary end‐points were any other causes of catheter removal.

Results

Incidence of catheter removal for non‐responsive tip migration was 14.3% in MT and 6.1% in ST. Neither this difference nor the catheter survival rate for this outcome was statistically significant. PD interruption for refractory exit site/tunnel infection (ESI) was in favour of ST (4% ST, 35.7% MT; P < .01) whereas ESI catheter survival rate was only marginally significant (292.8 days in MT vs 743.6 in ST, P = .045). No other recorded cause of PD discontinuation was significantly different.

Conclusion

Modified technique group is associated with a major ESI risk but, given the average survival, it seems to be due more to exit site management than to the specific surgical procedure. MT is not superior to ST to prevent catheter dislocation nevertheless, considering its simplicity and rapidity it can be deemed as first‐choice option.
Testimonial contractarianism: A knowledge‐first social epistemology
Authors: Simion Mona
Published: June 2020

According to anti‐reductionism in the epistemology of testimony, testimonial entitlement is easy to come by: all you need to do is listen to what you are being told. Say you like anti‐reductionism; one question that you will need to answer is how come testimonial entitlement comes so cheap; after all, people are free to lie.

This paper has two aims: first, it looks at the main anti‐reductionist answers to this question and argues that they remain unsatisfactory. Second, it goes on a rescue mission on behalf of anti‐reductionism. I put forth a novel, knowledge‐first anti‐reductionist account, which I dub ‘Testimonial Contractarianism’. According to the view defended here, in virtue of the social contract in play, compliance with the norms governing speech acts is the default position for speakers. Insofar as norm compliance is the default for speakers, I argue, all else equal, entitlement to believe is the default for hearers.
Ventilation in pediatric anesthesia: A French multicenter prospective observational study (PEDIAVENT)
Authors: Lebossé Marion , Kern Delphine , De Queiroz Mathilde , Bourdaud Nathalie , Veyckemans Francis , Chassard Dominique , Baudin Florent ,   the ADARPEF (Association Des Anesthésistes Réanimateurs Pédiatriques d'Expression Française)
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Protective ventilation is now a standard of care in adults. However, management of ventilation is heterogeneous in children and little is known regarding the mechanical ventilation parameters actually used during pediatric anesthesia.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess current ventilatory practices during pediatric anesthesia in France and to compare them with pediatric experts' statements, with a specific focus on tidal volume.

Patients and methods

We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study, regarding the ventilatory management and the mechanical ventilation parameters, over two days (21 and 22 June 2017) in 29 pediatric centers in France. All children undergoing general anesthesia during these 2 days were eligible; those who required extracorporeal circulation or one‐lung ventilation were excluded.

Results

A total of 701 children were included; median [IQR] age was 60 [24‐120] months. Among the patients in whom controlled ventilation was used, 254/515 (49.3%) had an expired tidal volume >8 mL/kg and 44 children (8.8%) an expired tidal volume ≥10 mL/kg. Lower weight and use of a supraglottic airway device were significantly associated with provision of a tidal volume ≥10 mL/kg (odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval [0.92; 0.97], P < .001 and 2.28 [1.20; 4.31], P = .012, respectively). The positive end‐expiratory pressure was set at a median [IQR] of 4 [3‐5] cmH2O; it was <3 cmH2O in 15.7% of children and not used in 56/499 (9.3%). Among intubated children, 57 (18.3%) received a tidal volume < 10 mL/kg with a positive end‐expiratory pressure ≥3 cmH2O in association with recruitment maneuvers.

Conclusions

Ventilatory practices in children were heterogenous, and a large proportion of children were not ventilated as it is currently recommended by some experts.
Reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in sympatry
Authors: Munguía‐Rosas M. A. , Jácome‐Flores M. E.
Published: June 2020

Reproductive isolation is a necessary condition for plant domestication in their domestication centre where crops co‐occur with their wild progenitors. However, the identification of reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation have been overlooked in plants under domestication.

We assessed pre‐ and post‐pollination reproductive barriers and their relative contribution to reproductive isolation between wild and domesticated chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) in its domestication centre.

We found that wild and domesticated chaya both exhibit a high degree of reproductive isolation. However, the reproductive isolation barriers exhibited some asymmetry: while pre‐pollination barriers (differential pollen production and pollinator specificity) were only detected in wild plants, post‐pollination barriers (pollen–pistil incompatibility and/or failure to set fruit) were observed in both wild and domesticated plants.

We conclude that complete reproductive isolation has evolved in sympatry in co‐occurring domesticated and wild chaya.
Another thread in the tangled knot of leaf senescence
Authors: Law Simon R.
Published: June 2020

The emergence of yellow and red hued foliage in plants, which we commonly associate with vegetal decline or a foreshadowing of winter, signals the progression of a process known as leaf senescence. It is characterised by a series of carefully orchestrated degradation events, which liberate nutrients from senescing tissues and redistribute them to growing organs such as young leaves and reproductive structures. As the timing and execution of this process is essential to maximising the viability of succeeding plant generations and fruit production, it has tremendous implications for the agricultural industry. In this issue of Physiologia Plantarum, Zhang et al. (2020) describes the way in which a novel microRNA (miRNA) affects the timing of leaf senescence in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) by modulating biosynthesis of the phytohormone cytokinin.
Health problems in youth competitive alpine skiing: A 12‐month observation of 155 athletes around the growth spurt
Authors: Schoeb Thierry , Peterhans Loris , Fröhlich Stefan , Frey Walter O. , Gerber Christian , Spörri Jörg
Published: June 2020

Alpine ski racing is known as a high‐risk sport; however, little is known on the health problems occurring at youth level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of health problems in youth competitive alpine skiers with respect to sex, age, and season differences, to describe their severity and location and to assess the influence of biological maturation. Over a 12‐month period, 155 youth competitive alpine skiers around the growth spurt were prospectively monitored for health problems using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) questionnaire. These data were verified by supplemental interviews at the end. Biological maturation was estimated by a non‐invasive, anthropometric‐based assessment method. During competition season, 42.2% of the skiers suffered from health problems and 19.8% reported their problem being substantial. Females had significantly higher rates of acute and overuse injuries compared to males, while there was no sex difference in duration, severity, and time loss. Skiers of the category U15 showed higher prevalence of acute and overuse injuries than U14 skiers. During preparation season, health problem prevalence was substantially lower. The knee was found to be the most affected body part for both acute and overuse injuries. There was a direct association between the offset to the age at peak height velocity (APHV) and the occurrence and severity of acute injuries. In conclusion, youth competitive alpine skiers suffer from a large number of health problems. Since sex, age, and biological maturation are important, effective injury prevention should already start before reaching the APHV.
Case series of six kidney transplanted patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Mella Alberto , Mingozzi Silvia , Gallo Ester , Lavacca Antonio , Rossetti Maura , Clari Roberta , Randone Olga , Maffei Stefano , Salomone Mario , Imperiale Daniele , Biancone Luigi
Published: June 2020

Few reports described the outcome of kidney transplanted patients (KTs) affected by COVID‐19 treated with interleukin‐6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab (TCZ). We report our case series of 6 KTs with COVID‐19 pneumonia who received TCZ: All were of male gender, with a mean age of 55.5 ± 8.4 years, a median time from transplantation of 3611 days (1465‐5757); 5/6 had cardiovascular comorbidities, 1/6 had diabetes, and 3/6 have one or more previous KTs. Four out of six patients died, at an average time of 9.75 ± 2.4 days after tocilizumab administration, 3/6 due to a coexistent septic shock. Two patients improved after TCZ and were discharged at 20 and 21 days, respectively; in both patient, a significant increase of total lymphocyte count was observed. In conclusion, KTs, where the role of peculiar factors such as chronic immunosuppression is still undetermined, represent a high‐risk group with significant COVID‐19‐associated mortality. The evaluation of the TCZ effect in COVID‐19 pneumonia requires controlled studies (ideally RCTs) in this specific population.
Intractable hypercalcemia in a patient with multiple myeloma: An infectious etiology
Authors: Lopez James , Raval Mihir , Mohan Meera
Published: June 2020

Hypercalcemia is a common laboratory finding in patients with malignancy, as well as with granulomatous disease. We report the case of a 75‐year‐old man with multiple myeloma (MM) who presented with generalized weakness, fever, and intractable hypercalcemia. The hypercalcemia proved difficult to treat despite well‐controlled MM, as well as adequate use of bisphosphonates and calcitonin. Biopsy of sub‐centimeter mesenteric adenopathy was significant for Histoplasma capsulatum and negative for malignancy, suggesting disseminated gastrointestinal histoplasmosis as the sole etiology for uncontrolled hypercalcemia. He was successfully treated with voriconazole. Disseminated histoplasmosis can be fatal if left untreated and warrants vigilance of non‐malignant etiologies of hypercalcemia. While hypercalcemia is a common clinical manifestation of MM, our patient is an exemplar of maintaining a broader differential diagnosis in immunocompromised hosts.
How Intractability Spans the Cognitive and Evolutionary Levels of Explanation
Authors: Rich Patricia , Blokpoel Mark , de Haan Ronald , van Rooij Iris
Published: June 2020

The challenge of explaining how cognition can be tractably realized is widely recognized. Classical rationality is thought to be intractable due to its assumptions of optimization and/or domain generality, and proposed solutions therefore drop one or both of these assumptions. We consider three such proposals: Resource‐Rationality, the Adaptive Toolbox theory, and Massive Modularity. All three seek to ensure the tractability of cognition by shifting part of the explanation from the cognitive to the evolutionary level: Evolution is responsible for producing the tractable architecture. We consider the three proposals and show that, in each case, the intractability challenge is not thereby resolved, but only relocated from the cognitive level to the evolutionary level. We explain how non‐classical accounts do not currently have the upper hand on the new playing field.
How do I manage O− red blood cell inventory
Authors: Chhibber Vishesh G. , Fischman Jane , Benedetto Alexandra T. , Nikolis Nancy M. , Indrikovs Alexander J. , Shariatmadar Sherry
Published: June 2020

Currently there are no widely accepted guidelines regarding the appropriate use of O− red blood cells (RBCs). Although there has been a decline in overall RBC utilization since 2010, the use of O− RBCs has continued to proportionally increase over this time period resulting in frequent shortages. When faced with these shortages, we implemented some simple strategies that resulted in a significant decrease in annual O− RBC utilization from 10% to 7.5% despite an increase in total RBC utilization. These strategies included collaboration with the clinical staff, improving practices within the blood bank, and having our health system partner with our blood supplier. Herein, we detail our strategies for hospital transfusion services to improve O− RBC utilization. Most of these can be easily implemented and do not require additional resources.
Comparative intraocular pressure measurements using three different rebound tonometers through in an ex vivo analysis and clinical trials in canine eyes
Authors: Shim Jaeho , Kang Seonmi , Park Yoonji , Kim Sunhyo , Go Seokmin , Lee Eunji , Seo Kangmoon
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical relevance of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with three different rebound tonometers in an ex vivo analysis and clinical trials in dogs.

Animals and procedures

Ex vivo analysis and clinical trials were performed separately. For the ex vivo analysis, eight enucleated eyes were obtained from four Beagle dogs. IOP values measured with TONOVET®(TV‐IOP), TONOVET‐Plus®(TVP‐IOP), and SW‐500®(SW‐IOP) were compared with manometric IOPs. For clinical trials, each tonometer was evaluated separately, depending on whether TVP‐IOP was higher or lower than 14 mm Hg. One‐way repeatedmeasures analysis of variance, simple linear regression analysis, and Bland‐Altman plots were used for statistical analyses.

Results

In ex vivo analysis, TV‐IOP and TVP‐IOP were not significantly different from manometric IOP. However, SW‐IOP underestimated IOP compared to manometry. Higher discrepancy was observed in TV‐IOP and SW‐IOP with an increase in manometric IOP. In clinical trials, no significant difference was observed between TV‐IOP (9.73 ± 2.92) and TVP‐IOP (11.36 ± 2.23) when TVP‐IOP was lower than 14 mm Hg, but SW‐IOP (8.70 ± 3.03) was significantly lower than TVP‐IOP. TV‐IOP (15.96 ± 6.47) and SW‐IOP (13.09 ± 3.72) were significantly lower than TVP‐IOP (20.08 ± 6.60) when the IOP was higher than 14 mm Hg of TVP‐IOP.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the TONOVET®and TONOVET‐Plus®provide a useful approach for ex vivo analysis. In clinical trials, results of TV‐IOP and SW‐IOP were significantly lower than of TVP‐IOP when IOP was higher than 14 mm Hg of TVP‐IOP. The characteristics of rebound tonometers should be considered in clinical settings.
Recognition of foreign-accented speech in noise: The interplay between talker intelligibility and linguistic structure
Authors: Strori Dorina , Bradlow Ann R. , Souza Pamela E.
Published: June 2020

Foreign-accented speech recognition is typically tested with linguistically simple materials, which offer a limited window into realistic speech processing. The present study examined the relationship between linguistic structure and talker intelligibility in several sentence-in-noise recognition experiments. Listeners transcribed simple/short and more complex/longer sentences embedded in noise. The sentences were spoken by three talkers of varying intelligibility: one native, one high-, and one low-intelligibility non-native English speakers. The effect of linguistic structure on sentence recognition accuracy was modulated by talker intelligibility. Accuracy was disadvantaged by increasing complexity only for the native and high intelligibility foreign-accented talkers, whereas no such effect was found for the low intelligibility foreign-accented talker. This pattern emerged across conditions: low and high signal-to-noise ratios, mixed and blocked stimulus presentation, and in the absence of a major cue to prosodic structure, the natural pitch contour of the sentences. Moreover, the pattern generalized to a different set of three talkers that matched the intelligibility of the original talkers. Taken together, the results in this study suggest that listeners employ qualitatively different speech processing strategies for low- versus high-intelligibility foreign-accented talkers, with sentence-related linguistic factors only emerging for speech over a threshold of intelligibility. Findings are discussed in the context of alternative accounts.
Numerical analysis of three-dimensional echo decorrelation imaging
Authors: Cox Michael T. , Abbass Mohamed A. , Mast T. Douglas
Published: June 2020

A numerical model for three-dimensional echo decorrelation imaging, a pulse-echo ultrasound method applicable to thermal ablation monitoring, is presented. Beam patterns for steered transmit and receive array apertures are combined with a three-dimensional numerical tissue model to yield beamformed scan lines in a pyramidal configuration, volumetric B-mode images, and spatial maps of normalized decorrelation between sequential image volumes. Simulated three-dimensional echo decorrelation images of random media are analyzed as estimators of local tissue reflectivity decoherence, mimicking thermal ablation effects. The estimation error is analyzed as a function of correlation window size, scan line density, and ensemble averaging of decorrelation maps.
Differences in Preschool Boys’ and Girls’ Overhand Throwing Practice Behaviors During a Mastery Motivational Climate
Authors: Johnson Jerraco L. , Hastie Peter A. , Rudisill Mary E. , Wadsworth Danielle
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which preschool boys’ and girls’ gender and skill level relate to their throwing practice behaviors during a mastery motivational climate intervention. Fifty-four preschool children (24 boys, 30 girls) participated in a 7-week FMS intervention. Children’s practice behaviors (number of visits, total time, and total trials) at the overhand throwing station were video recorded during each session. A series of unpaired Welch assessments were run to determine if there were differences in practice behaviors across the intervention based on gender and initial skill level. Results indicated significant differences in practice time and trials based on gender and skill level, but no differences in the number of visits. It appears that throwing gender stereotypes perhaps may be related to practice behaviors for young children. Interventions should consider ways to make throwing more enticing for young girls and less skilled children to encourage practice and enhance learning.
Great expectations: virus-mediated gene therapy in neurological disorders
Authors: Kariyawasam Didu , Alexander Ian E , Kurian Manju , Farrar Michelle Anne
Published: June 2020

Gene therapy (GT) has tremendous potential for the treatment of neurological disorders to transform patient care. The successful application of virus-mediated GT to treat spinal muscular atrophy is a significant milestone, serving to accelerate similar progress in a spectrum of neurological conditions, with more than 50 clinical trials currently underway, across neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, chronic pain and neoplastic diseases. This review provides an overview of the key features of virus-mediated GT, paradigms of delivery and dosing, potential risks and highlights ongoing research to optimise safe and effective delivery of vectors into the nervous system. Examples of the application of GT in various neurological diseases alongside clinical development challenges will be presented. As the development and translation of GTs gain pace, success can only ultimately be realised for patients following implementation in the health system. The challenges and controversies of daunting costs, ethics, early diagnosis and health system readiness will require innovative pricing schemes, regulatory policies, education and organisation of a skilled workforce to deliver of high-quality care in clinical practice as we prepare for advanced therapeutics in neurology.