bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of serum cytokeratin‐18 in children with chronic liver disease
Authors: Shalby Mohsen M , Ibrahim Soha A , Behairy Ola G , Behiry Eman G , Mahmoud Dina A
Published: May 2019

Aim

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of serum cytokeratin‐18 (CK‐18) in children with chronic liver diseases (CLD) and correlate its serum level with liver histology and other liver biomarkers.

Methods

This study included two groups, the first group included children with CLD and the second group included healthy matched age and gender subjects as a control group, complete history and clinical examination, and serum CK‐18 was measured using the sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique.

Results

Serum concentrations of CK‐18 were significantly elevated in CLD patients with mean ± standard deviation (1070.63 ± 699.2 ng/mL) compared to healthy controls mean ± standard deviation (203.95 ± 83.57 ng/mL). CK‐18 levels were associated with a change in hepatocyte and portal tract (P = 0.005) as it was elevated with cirrhosis and fibrosis stage (P = 0.02) as it was elevated with moderate and severe fibrosis than mild fibrosis, also it showed a gradual increase in accordance with child Pugh score. There was a positive correlation between CK‐18 levels and Total IgG, paediatric end‐stage liver disease score and model for end‐stage liver disease scores, the best cutoff point of CK‐18 was 624 ng/mL, with sensitivity 93.06%, specificity 62.5% and diagnostic accuracy 90.0% for detection of fibrosis.

Conclusion

CK‐18 could be used as a non‐invasive diagnostic marker in children with CLD.
Molecular phylogeny and evolution of phenotype in silica‐scaled chrysophyte genus Mallomonas
Authors: Čertnerová Dora , Čertner Martin , Škaloud Pavel
Published: May 2019

The evolution of phenotypes is highly understudied in protists, due to the dearth of morphological characters, missing fossil record, and/or unresolved phylogeny in the majority of taxa. The chrysophyte genus Mallomonas (Stramenopiles) forms species‐specific silica scales with extraordinary diversity of their ornamentation. In this paper, we molecularly characterized three additional species to provide an updated phylogeny of 43 species, and combined this with evaluations of 24 morphological traits. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we evaluated phylogenetic signal in traits, reconstructed the trait evolution, and compared the overall phylogenetic and morphological diversity. The majority of traits showed strong phylogenetic signal and mostly dynamic evolution. Phylogenetic relatedness was often reflected by the phenotypic similarity. Both V‐rib and dome are very conservative structures that are presumably involved in precise scale overlap and bristle attachment, respectively. Based on modern species, it seems the dome firstly appeared on apical and/or caudal scales, and only later emerged on body scales. Bristle was presumably present in the common ancestor and gradually elongated ever since. However, most other morphological traits readily changed during the evolution of Mallomonas.
To what extent does maternal body mass index predict intentions, attitudes, or practices of early infant feeding?
Authors: Davie Philippa , Bick Debra , Chilcot Joseph
Published: May 2019

Public health guidelines recommend women establish and maintain exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months postpartum. Women with a body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) in the overweight or obese range are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding than healthy weight women. Evidence for psychological mechanisms of this association using validated methods of measurement is limited, but factors such as attitudes and intentions for infant feeding are implicated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal BMI, antenatal attitudes and intentions for infant feeding, and subsequent breastfeeding practices. A total of N = 128 women completed an online questionnaire antenatally, and n = 48 were followed‐up in the first month postpartum. Validated measures of intentions (Infant Feeding Intentions Scale) and attitudes (Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale) for infant feeding were used. One‐way analysis of variance and multivariate regression analyses assessed study objectives. Infant feeding attitudes (p = .327) and intentions (p = .254) were similar among healthy weight, overweight, and obese women and did not differ significantly. In adjusted regression models, only intentions significantly predicted early breastfeeding behaviour (p = .036; AR2 = .301). Missing data analysis revealed no significant differences in the profile of completing versus noncompleting women. Evidence suggests postnatal factors contribute significantly to lower breastfeeding rates in cohorts of women with overweight or obese BMIs. Further investigations should consider using theory and methods from behavioural science to longitudinally investigate modifiable mechanisms of action responsible for lower breastfeeding rates among overweight and obese women to inform practices that support prolonged breastfeeding.
Dispersal limitations and historical factors determine the biogeography of specialized terrestrial protists
Authors: Singer David , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Payne Richard J. , Blandenier Quentin , Duckert Clément , Fernández Leonardo D. , Fournier Bertrand , Hernández Cristián E. , Granath Gustaf , Rydin Håkan , Bragazza Luca , Koronatova Natalia G. , Goia Irina , Harris Lorna I. , Kajukało Katarzyna , Kosakyan Anush , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Kosykh Natalia P. , Vellak Kai , Lara Enrique
Published: May 2019

Recent studies show that soil eukaryotic diversity is immense and dominated by micro‐organisms. However, it is unclear to what extent the processes that shape the distribution of diversity in plants and animals also apply to micro‐organisms. Major diversification events in multicellular organisms have often been attributed to long‐term climatic and geological processes, but the impact of such processes on protist diversity has received much less attention as their distribution has often been believed to be largely cosmopolitan. Here, we quantified phylogeographical patterns in Hyalosphenia papilio, a large testate amoeba restricted to Holarctic Sphagnum‐dominated peatlands, to test if the current distribution of its genetic diversity can be explained by historical factors or by the current distribution of suitable habitats. Phylogenetic diversity was higher in Western North America, corresponding to the inferred geographical origin of the H. papilio complex, and was lower in Eurasia despite extensive suitable habitats. These results suggest that patterns of phylogenetic diversity and distribution can be explained by the history of Holarctic Sphagnum peatland range expansions and contractions in response to Quaternary glaciations that promoted cladogenetic range evolution, rather than the contemporary distribution of suitable habitats. Species distributions were positively correlated with climatic niche breadth, suggesting that climatic tolerance is key to dispersal ability in H. papilio. This implies that, at least for large and specialized terrestrial micro‐organisms, propagule dispersal is slow enough that historical processes may contribute to their diversification and phylogeographical patterns and may partly explain their very high overall diversity.
Collecting comprehensive traffic information using pavement vibration monitoring data
Authors: Ye Zhoujing , Xiong Haocheng , Wang Linbing
Published: May 2019

Traffic data is essential for intelligent traffic management and road maintenance. However, the enormous effort used for data collection and analysis, combined with conventional approaches for traffic monitoring, is inefficient due to its high energy consumption, high cost, and the nonlinear relationships among various factors. This article proposes a new approach to obtain traffic information by processing raw data on pavement vibration. A large amount of raw data was collected in real time by deploying a vibration‐based in‐field pavement monitoring system. The data was processed with an efficient algorithm to achieve the monitoring of the vehicle speed, axle spacing, driving direction, location of the vehicle, and traffic volume. The vehicle speed and axle spacing were back‐calculated from the collected data and verified with actual measurements. The verification indicated that a reasonable precision could be achieved using the developed methods. Vehicle types and vehicles with an abnormal weight were identified by a three‐layer artificial neural network and the k‐means++ cluster analysis, respectively, which may help law enforcement in determining on an overweight penalty. A cost and energy consumption estimation of an acceleration sensing node is discussed. An upgraded system with low cost, low energy consumption, and self‐powered monitoring is also discussed for enabling future distributed computing and wireless application. The upgraded system might enhance integrated pavement performance and traffic monitoring.
Polar landmark protein HubP recruits flagella assembly protein FapA under glucose limitation in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Park Soyoung , Yoon Jihee , Lee Chang‐Ro , Lee Ju Yeon , Kim Yeon‐Ran , Jang Kyoung‐Soon , Lee Kyu‐Ho , Seok Yeong‐Jae
Published: May 2019

How motile bacteria recognize their environment and decide whether to stay or navigate toward more favorable location is a fundamental issue in survival. The flagellum is an elaborate molecular device responsible for bacterial locomotion, and the flagellum‐driven motility allows bacteria to move themselves to the appropriate location at the right time. Here, we identify the polar landmark protein HubP as a modulator of polar flagellation that recruits the flagellar assembly protein FapA to the old cell pole, thereby controlling its activity for the early events of flagellar assembly in Vibrio vulnificus. We show that dephosphorylated EIIAGlc of the PEP‐dependent sugar transporting phosphotransferase system sequesters FapA from HubP in response to glucose and hence inhibits FapA‐mediated flagellation. Thus, flagellar assembly and motility is governed by spatiotemporal control of FapA, which is orchestrated by the competition between dephosphorylated EIIAGlc and HubP, in the human pathogen V. vulnificus.
Assessing the potential functions of nocturnal stomatal conductance in C3 and C4 plants
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Chowdhury Faqrul I. , Granda Elena  , Yao Yinan , Tissue David T.
Published: May 2019

Nocturnal stomatal conductance contributes to water loss at night without carbon gain in C3 or C4 plants because photosynthesis does not occur in the dark. The functional relevance of nocturnal conductance thus remains an unresolved conundrum. Here, we review and re‐analyse previously published datasets on nocturnal conductance (gn) globally (176 species) to synthesize our current understanding on its potential biological function and to identify remaining research gaps. We found that gn was positively correlated with relative growth rate, which is compatible with the postulate that circadian‐driven nocturnal conductance enhances predawn stomatal conductance, thereby priming stomata for photosynthesis in early daylight. The variation in gn across plant species and functional types was not consistent with the hypotheses that the main function of gn is to: remove excess CO2, which might limit growth; enhance oxygen delivery to the functional sapwood; enhance nutrient supply; or that gn is due to stomatal leakiness. We suggest further study regarding the potential of gn to be an important functional and ecological trait influencing competitive outcomes and we outline a research programme to achieve that objective.
Different strategies of nitrogen acquisition in two tropical seagrasses under nitrogen enrichment
Authors: Viana Inés G. , Saavedra‐Hortúa Daniel Arturo , Mtolera Matern , Teichberg Mirta
Published: May 2019

Tropical marine seagrasses live in environments with low nutrient concentrations. However, as land development intensifies along tropical coastlines, the marine environment in which these organisms grow is becoming more nutrient‐rich.

Nitrogen (N) uptake, assimilation, translocation and storage under a diversity of N sources in enriched conditions were investigated in two tropical seagrass species, Cymodocea serrulata and Thalassia hemprichii, from an oligotrophic marine environment.

Both seagrasses were able to take up different inorganic and organic N sources through their above‐ and belowground tissues when enriched with high N concentrations. The uptake rates of T. hemprichii were generally higher than C. serrulata in leaves and rhizome, whereas root uptake was systematically higher in C. serrulata.

Acropetal and basipetal translocation was observed in both species. Reduction and assimilation of N, measured in terms of their nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activity, were correlated with nitrate and ammonium uptake rates, respectively. Cymodocea serrulata showed a tendency to immediately use the available N, whereas T. hemprichii allocated more N in assimilation and storage investment. The responses of these seagrasses to N‐enrichment demonstrate their ability to adapt to over‐enrichment by varying N sources in the first step of the eutrophication process.
Rescue of a plant cytorhabdovirus as versatile expression platforms for planthopper and cereal genomic studies
Authors: Gao Qiang , Xu Wen‐Ya , Yan Teng , Fang Xiao‐Dong , Cao Qing , Zhang Zhen‐Jia , Ding Zhi‐Hang , Wang Ying , Wang Xian‐Bing
Published: May 2019

Plant viruses have been used as rapid and cost‐effective expression vectors for heterologous protein expression in genomic studies. However, delivering large or multiple foreign proteins in monocots and insect pests is challenging.

Here, we recovered a recombinant plant cytorhabdovirus, Barley yellow striate mosaic virus (BYSMV), for use as a versatile expression platform in cereals and the small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) insect vector.

We engineered BYSMV vectors to provide versatile expression platforms for simultaneous expression of three foreign proteins in barley plants and SBPHs. Moreover, BYSMV vectors could express the c. 600‐amino‐acid β‐glucuronidase (GUS) protein and a red fluorescent protein stably in systemically infected leaves and roots of cereals, including wheat, barley, foxtail millet, and maize plants. Moreover, we have demonstrated that BYSMV vectors can be used in barley to analyze biological functions of gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis genes. In a major technical advance, BYSMV vectors were developed for simultaneous delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease and single guide RNAs for genomic editing in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves.

Taken together, our results provide considerable potential for rapid screening of functional proteins in cereals and planthoppers, and an efficient approach for developing other insect‐transmitted negative‐strand RNA viruses.
The Medicago truncatula LysM receptor‐like kinase LYK9 plays a dual role in immunity and the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Gibelin‐Viala Chrystel , Amblard Emilie , Puech‐Pages Virginie , Bonhomme Maxime , Garcia Magali , Bascaules‐Bedin Adeline , Fliegmann Judith , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , le Signor Christine , Jacquet Christophe , Gough Clare
Published: May 2019

Plant ‐specific lysin‐motif receptor‐like kinases (LysM‐RLKs) are implicated in the perception of N‐acetyl glucosamine‐containing compounds, some of which are important signal molecules in plant−microbe interactions. Among these, both lipo‐chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) and chitooligosaccharides (COs) are proposed as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal symbiotic signals. COs can also activate plant defence, although there are scarce data about CO production by pathogens, especially nonfungal pathogens.

We tested Medicago truncatula mutants in the LysM‐RLK MtLYK9 for their abilities to interact with the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and the oomycete pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches. This prompted us to analyse whether A. euteiches can produce COs.

Compared with wild‐type plants, Mtlyk9 mutants had fewer infection events and were less colonised by the AM fungus. By contrast, Mtlyk9 mutants were more heavily infected by A. euteiches and showed more disease symptoms. Aphanomyces euteiches was also shown to produce short COs, mainly CO II, but also CO III and CO IV, and traces of CO V, both ex planta and in planta.

MtLYK9 thus has a dual role in plant immunity and the AM symbiosis, which raises questions about the functioning and the ancestral origins of such a receptor protein.
Palatal morphology in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients: Association with infant cleft dimensions and timing of hard palate repair
Authors: Botticelli Susanna , Küseler Annelise , Mølsted Kirsten , Ovsenik Maja , Nørholt Sven Erik , Dalstra Michel , Cattaneo Paolo M. , Pedersen Thomas Klit
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To assess the impact of cleft severity and timing of hard palate repair on palatal dimensions in unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) children.

Setting and sample population

Single‐centre analysis within a multicenter RCT of primary surgery; 122 UCLP randomized to early hard palate closure (EHPC) at 12 months or delayed hard palate closure (DHPC) at 36 months; 28 frequency‐matched controls.

Methods

Linear measurements of palatal height, width and length were performed on 116 digital models of UCLP subjects (8.21 years, SD = 0.53) and 28 models of non‐cleft individuals (8.44 years SD = 0.72). Cleft dimensions at infancy (mean 1.8 months) were considered. In a pilot study, shell‐to‐shell distances between the 3D cleft palate objects and a reference mesh were calculated and differences between the groups assessed. Morphological differences were visualized using colour mapping.

Results

Compared to controls, UCLP subjects presented a higher palate at the level of the anterior scar (P = 0.002), but generally a lower palate in the middle region (P < 0.001). Comparing UCLP subgroups, the DHPC subjects showed a flatter palate posteriorly (P = 0.048) and the EHPC group exhibited more transversal constriction (P = 0.003 at M1 level). 3D analysis revealed a shallower palate in the DHPC group both in the middle (P = 0.002) and the posterior part (P = 0.008). Anterior cleft severity correlated negatively with palatal height (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Unilateral cleft lip and palate palates differ from controls in width and height. DHPC may represent an advantage for the transversal dimension, but a disadvantage for palatal height. Infant cleft dimensions partially explain differences in palatal height.
Association between interleukin‐10 gene polymorphisms and severe chronic periodontitis
Authors: Emampanahi Mohaddeseh , Masoudi Rad Saba , Saghaeian Jazi Marie , Mansour Samaei Nader , Behnampour Nasser , Mohammadi Saeed , Fakhari Elham
Published: May 2019

Objective

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that is a result of the interaction between pathogenic bacteria and host immune response. Genetic alterations in interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) gene may be associated with the increased risk of periodontitis. We investigated the association between genotype and haplotype frequencies of IL‐10 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to periodontitis in an Iranian population.

Methods

In this case–control study, a total of 64 patients with periodontitis and 128 healthy subjects were recruited. The PCR‐RFLP technique was used to detect IL‐10 promoter genotypes at the positions of ‐1082 (G/A), ‐819 (C/T), and ‐592 (C/A) in association with the susceptibility to severe chronic periodontitis.

Results

Regarding IL‐10 ‐592 (C/A) and IL‐10 ‐819 (C/T) alleles and genotypes, no significant association was observed between the risk of periodontitis and genotype frequencies. However, the frequency of GG genotype in IL‐10 ‐1082 (G/A) polymorphic region was higher in normal subjects and was associated with the decreased risk of periodontitis under recessive model [OR = 2.89, 95% CI (0.99–8.43), p = 0.039]. Haplotype analysis revealed a significantly higher presence of H7 (AGC; ‐592/‐1082/‐819) [OR = 97.74, 95% CI (95.52–99.96), p < 0.0001].

Conclusion

IL‐10 ‐1082(G/A) polymorphism and AGC (‐592/‐1082/‐819) haplotype could be associated with the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis.
Experiencing community and domestic violence is associated with epigenetic changes in DNA methylation of BDNF and CLPX in adolescents
Authors: Serpeloni Fernanda , Nätt Daniel , Assis Simone Gonçalves de , Wieling Elizabeth , Elbert Thomas
Published: May 2019

Experiencing violence changes behavior, shapes personalities, and poses a risk factor for mental disorders. This association might be mediated through epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression, such as DNA methylation. The present study investigated the impact of community and domestic violence on DNA methylation measured in saliva collected from 375 individuals including three generations: grandmothers (n = 126), mothers (n = 125), and adolescents (n = 124, 53% female). Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, in adolescents, we detected two CpG sites that showed an association of DNA methylation and lifetime exposure to community and domestic violence even after FDR correction: BDNF_cg06260077 (logFC −0.454, p = 3.71E‐07), and CLPX_cg01908660 (logFC = −0.372, p = 1.38E‐07). Differential DNA methylation of the CpG BDNF_cg06260077 associated with exposure to violence was also observed in the maternal but not the grandmaternal generation. BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) and CLPX (caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit) genes are involved in neural development. Our results thus reveal altered molecular mechanisms of developmental and intergenerational trajectories in survivors of repeated violent experiences.
Macroscopic evaluation of the placenta of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Meesters Maya , Opsomer Geert , Govaere Jan
Published: May 2019

Macroscopic evaluation of the placenta is an essential post‐partum examination in the alpaca and can be of special interest in case of abortion, premature birth or stillbirth. Since there are not many reference values regarding macroscopic properties of normal alpaca placentas, a small descriptive study was conducted. Only placentae from normally foaling alpaca mares, giving birth to healthy crias, after a full‐term and uneventful gestation (±350 days; range 335–360 days) were taken into account (N = 11). Crias weighed (±SD) 7.7 ± 2.25 kg (range 5.5–10 kg), while the mean weight of the full‐term placentas was 0.8 ± 0.19 kg, that is 10% of the bodyweight of the crias. The weight of the allantoamnion and chorion was 0.2 ± 0.07 kg and 0.5 ± 0.13 kg, respectively. The umbilical cord length was 8.8 ± 2.84 cm, and the length of the pregnant and non‐pregnant uterine horns was 69.4 ± 12.77 cm and 54.5 ± 6.81 cm, respectively. The length of the corpus was 14.6 ± 4.68 cm, and the distance from the umbilicus to the corpus was 18.5 ± 6.13 cm. The tissue volume of the allantoamnion was 0.14 ± 0.079 L, and the chorionic volume was 0.37 ± 0.078 L. The surface area of the allantoamnion and the chorion was 87.6 ± 15.56 dm2 and 72.3 ± 9.28 dm2, respectively. All placentas had small calcifications either around the umbilical cord alone or around the umbilicus and blood vessels of the pregnant uterine horn. These measurements could be used to macroscopically evaluate alpaca placentas, although more research is needed to extend our knowledge of macroscopic evaluation of normal and abnormal placentas.
Hydrologic similarity to reference wetlands does not lead to similar plant communities in restored wetlands
Authors: Sueltenfuss Jeremy P. , Cooper David J.
Published: May 2019

Few wetland restoration projects include long‐term hydrologic and floristic data collection, limiting our understanding of community assembly over restored hydrologic gradients. Although reference sites are commonly used to evaluate outcomes, it remains unclear whether restoring similar water levels to reference sites also leads to similar plant communities. We evaluated long‐term datasets from reference and restored wetlands 15 years after restoration to test whether similar water levels in reference and restored sites led to vegetation similarity. We compared the hydrologic regimes for three different wetland types, tested whether restored wetland water levels were different from reference water levels, and whether hydrologic similarity between reference and restored wetlands led to similarity in plant species composition. We found restored wetlands had similar water levels to references 15 years after restoration, and that species richness was higher in reference than restored wetlands. Vegetation composition was similar across all wetland types and was weakly correlated to wetland water levels overall. Contrary to our hypothesis, water table depth similarity between restored and reference wetlands did not lead to similar plant species composition. Our results highlight the importance of the initial planting following restoration and the importance of hydrologic monitoring. When the restoration goal is to create a specific wetland type, plant community composition may not be a suitable indicator of restoration progress in all wetland types.
Risk‐Informed Requirements for Design and Assessment of Structures Under Temporary Use
Authors: Hingorani Ramon , Tanner Peter
Published: May 2019

The relatively high failure rates, with important consequences in many cases, suggest that the implicitly acceptable risk levels corresponding to temporary civil engineering structures and activities might exceed the bounds of normally acceptable levels associated with different societal activities. Among other reasons, this may be attributed to the lack of a rational approach for the assessment of risks associated with the different technologies supporting these activities in general, and for structures in particular. There is a need for establishing appropriate target reliability levels for structures under temporary use taking into account specific circumstances such as reduced risk exposure times. This issue is being addressed in this article. Acceptance criteria for building‐structure‐related risks to persons obtained in prior studies are adapted to the special circumstances of nonpermanent risk exposure. Thereby, the general principle followed is to maintain the same risk levels per time unit as for permanently occupied buildings. The adaptation is based on the statistical annual fatality rate, a life safety risk metric that allows for a consistent comparison of risks across different societal activities and technologies. It is shown that the target reliability indices taking account of the temporary use of buildings might be significantly higher than the values suggested for permanently used structures.
Reduced Bias for Respondent-Driven Sampling: Accounting for Non-Uniform Edge Sampling Probabilities in People Who Inject Drugs in Mauritius
Authors: Ott Miles Q. , Gile Krista J. , Harrison Matthew T. , Johnston Lisa G. , Hogan Joseph W.
Published: May 2019

People who inject drugs are an important population to study to reduce transmission of blood-borne illnesses including human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis. We estimate the human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C prevalence among people who inject drugs in Mauritius. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS), which is a widely adopted link tracing sampling design used to collect samples from hard-to-reach human populations, was used to collect this sample. The random-walk approximation underlying many common RDS estimators assumes that each social relationship (edge) in the underlying social network has an equal probability of being traced in the collection of the sample. This assumption does not hold in practice. We show that certain RDS estimators are sensitive to the violation of this assumption. To address this limitation in current methodology, and the effect that it may have on prevalence estimates, we present a new method for improving RDS prevalence estimators using estimated edge inclusion probabilities, and we apply this to data from Mauritius.
Using interventions to reduce seclusion and mechanical restraint use in adult psychiatric units: an integrative review
Authors: Väkiparta Laura , Suominen Tarja , Paavilainen Eija , Kylmä Jari
Published: May 2019

The aim of this integrative review was to describe interventions aimed at reducing seclusion and mechanical restraint use in adult psychiatric inpatient units and their possible outcomes. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Medic databases were searched for studies published between 2008 and 2017. Based on electronic and manual searches, 28 studies were included, and quality appraisal was carried out. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Interventions to proactively address seclusion were environmental interventions, staff training, treatment planning, use of information and risk assessment. Interventions to respond to seclusion risk were patient involvement, family involvement, meaningful activities, sensory modulation and interventions to manage patient agitation. Interventions to proactively address mechanical restraint were mechanical restraint regulations, a therapeutic atmosphere, staff training, treatment planning and review of mechanical restraint risks. Interventions to respond to mechanical restraint risks included patient involvement, therapeutic activities, sensory modulation and interventions to manage agitation. Outcomes related to both seclusion and mechanical restraint reduction interventions were varied, with several interventions resulting in both reduced and unchanged or increased use. Outcomes were also reported for combinations of several interventions in the form of reduction programmes for both seclusion and mechanical restraint. Much of the research focused on implementing several interventions simultaneously, making it difficult to distinguish outcomes. Further research is suggested on the effectiveness of interventions and the contexts they are implemented in.
Sand–mud couplets deposited by spontaneous remobilization of subaqueous transitional flows
Authors: Koo Woong Mo , Mohrig David , Buttles James , Sturmer Daniel , Pontén Anna , Hess Thomas
Published: May 2019

Clean basal and capping argillaceous sandstone couplets in deep water settings have been previously interpreted as the result of spatially segregated turbidity currents and debris flows or spatio‐temporal transitioning of a turbulent flow to a transitional/laminar state. However, this paper presents three‐dimensional laboratory experiments demonstrating that a single sediment‐gravity flow can develop sand–mud couplets by autogenic remobilization of sediments that are still in the process of being deposited. This remobilization appears common to flows composed of mixtures of sand and mud with viscosities and strengths measurably greater than water, but not so high as to fully suppress the settling of sand through the depositional current. Dewatering in the early sand deposit acts to lubricate the basal portion of the increasingly muddy upper division of the flow, causing it to accelerate downslope, triggering a secondary flow with a sediment composition distinct from the original mixture. Sediment deposition and remobilization processes in a single sediment‐gravity flow and their resultant deposit were imaged acoustically and cored at representative locations within the deposit. The acoustic data and cores show sand–mud couplets that are qualitatively similar to interpreted turbidite–debrite‐like couplets in natural systems.
Current challenges and opportunities for bacillus Calmette‐Guérin replacement vaccine candidates
Authors: Méndez‐Samperio Patricia
Published: May 2019

Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) remains the only licensed vaccine against human tuberculosis (TB). BCG is a live‐attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, with limitations in efficacy against respiratory TB, the most common form of the disease responsible for transmission. However, continues to be used in the immunization programmes of different countries in the absence of another alternative. In order to improve BCG efficacy against pulmonary TB, in the current clinical TB vaccine pipeline, there are live‐attenuated TB vaccines to replace BCG. This review discusses the current status of the development of live vaccine candidates designed to replace BCG from the rational strategies and immunological challenges to its clinical trial and identify key areas in the next years considered essential to confer improved safety and efficacy over BCG.
Fitness, physical activity, working memory, and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight/obesity
Authors: Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Migueles Jairo H. , Rodriguez‐Ayllon Maria , Molina‐García Pablo , Hillman Charles H. , Catena Andrés , Pontifex Matthew B. , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: May 2019

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of physical fitness, sedentary time, and physical activity (PA) with working memory and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight/obesity. Seventy‐nine children with overweight/obesity (10.2 ± 1.1 years old) participated in this cross‐sectional study. We assessed physical fitness components (ie, muscular strength, speed agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) using the ALPHA battery. Sedentary time and PA were assessed by GT3X+accelerometers (ActiGraph). Working memory was assessed using the delayed non‐matched‐to‐sample task; mean reaction time (RT) and response accuracy were registered. Neuroelectric activity (ie, P3 amplitude and latency) was registered using the ActiveTwo System of BioSemi electroencephalogram. Higher upper‐limb absolute strength was associated with lower response accuracy (P = 0.023), while higher lower‐limb relative‐to‐weight strength was associated with larger P3 amplitude (P < 0.05). Higher speed agility and cardiorespiratory fitness levels were associated with shorter mean RT and larger P3 amplitude, and speed agility was also associated with shorter P3 latency (allP < 0.05). Vigorous PA was associated with larger P3 amplitude (P < 0.05). No associations were found for sedentary time or the rest of PA intensities (P ≥ 0.05). In addition to cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and speed agility are also associated with working memory and neuroelectric activity in children with overweight/obesity. The association between PA and working memory is intensity‐dependent, as significant findings were only observed for vigorous PA. Randomized controlled trials in this population would help to better understand whether improvements in different components of fitness and PA lead to better working memory and underlying brain function.
Sequential delivery of long‐pulsed 755‐nm alexandrite laser and long‐pulsed 1,064‐nm neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet laser treatment for pigmented disorders
Authors: Cho Sung Bin , Ahn Keun Jae , Oh Doojin , Kim Heesu , Yoo Kwang Ho
Published: May 2019

Background

Long‐pulsed (LP) lasers at pulse durations of 1‐300 ms have been used to destroy nests of nevi cells by selectively targeting pigment chromophores.

Objective

To evaluate dual‐wavelength LP laser‐induced tissue reactions.

Methods

The patterns of LP 755‐nm alexandrite (Alex) and/or 1064‐nm neodymium (Nd):yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (YAG) laser‐induced tissue reactions were macroscopically evaluated using a tattoo‐embedded phantom. Additionally, a pilot in vivo human study was performed for common acquired melanocytic nevus, of which dermoscopic images and high‐speed cinematographs were obtained.

Results

Combinations of Nd:YAG and Alex laser treatments at interpulse intervals of 10 or 20 ms generated round to oval zones of photothermal and photoacoustic injury in two distinctive areas containing disintegrated tattoo particles. Treatment at interpulse intervals of 10 or 20 ms between Alex and Nd:YAG pulses elicited lesser degrees of thermal damage to surrounding tissues, compared to treatment at 100 or 200 ms. Immediately after combined LP laser treatment of human nevus lesions in vivo, Nd:YAG‐Alex treatment at a 20‐ms interpulse interval exhibited more remarkable crusting and erosive appearances than Alex‐Nd:YAG treatment.

Conclusion

For treating pigmented disorders, sequential delivery of LP Nd:YAG and Alex pulses at short interpulse intervals of 10‐20 ms can effectively destroy nests of pigment chromophores.
One Model Does Not Fit All: Group Consciousness and the Political Participation and Attitudes of American Indians
Authors: Herrick Rebekah , Mendez Jeanette Morehouse
Published: May 2019

Objective

Although group consciousness of minority groups is believed to increase their rates of political participation and help shape their attitudes, no research has examined group consciousness of American Indians. Therefore, our objective is to help fill this void by estimating the effects of American Indians' group consciousness on their political interests, voting rates, and support for co‐ethnic candidates.

Methods

We use a unique data set based on an opt‐in panel survey of American Indians.

Results

We find that similar to most Americans, American Indians who have higher levels of group consciousness are more likely to support co‐ethnic candidates. However, unlike African Americans and Hispanics, group consciousness has little effect on American Indians' political participation and interest.

Conclusions

We believe that the unique findings may be related to the small number of American Indians in the United States, or their unique place in the U.S. political fabric. Nevertheless, the findings warn against assuming that theories designed for one minority group will automatically transfer to another.
Do All Evangelicals Think Alike? An Examination of Religious Affiliation and the Partisan Identification of Latinxs
Authors: Reyes‐Barriéntez Alicia M.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study is to examine the role of religious identification in shaping the partisan affiliation of Latinxs.

Methods

Using the 2006 Latino National Survey and the 2012 Pew National Survey of Latinos, I conduct an ordinary least squares regression of partisan affiliation among Latinxs by religious affiliation, logistic regressions of presidential voting among Latinxs, and I estimate the predicted probabilities of presidential voting among Latinxs by religious affiliation.

Results

Latinx evangelical Protestants are less likely than Latinx evangelical Catholics to self‐identify as Democratic and to vote for a Democratic presidential candidate.

Conclusion

Among Latinx Catholics, the growth of the evangelical community signals greater support for the Democratic Party.
Application of high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing for HLA typing of DNA extracted from postprocessing cord blood units
Authors: Seshasubramanian Vani , Venugopal Meganathan , D. S. Kannan Aruna , Naganathan Chandramouleeswaran , Manisekar Nirmal K. , Kumar Yogesh N. , Narayan Saranya , Periathiruvadi Srinivasan
Published: May 2019

Cord blood has become an acceptable source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation. HLA plays a major role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Typing of cord blood samples for HLA alleles has been performed based on the serological and molecular methods. However, with the advent of next‐generation sequencing technology, HLA typing becomes more accurate and unambiguous (upto intron level). Contamination of cord blood cells with erythropoietic cells poses a challenge in DNA extraction and downstream application. In the present study, DNA extracted from buffy coat of cord blood samples was typed for HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, DRB1, and DQB1 alleles by Illumina miniseq and the sequences were aligned, phased, and mapped by MIA FORA software algorithms. Most frequent alleles found were HLA A*01:01:01 (17%), A*24:02:01 (15.1%), A*11:01:01 (13.6%), B*40:06:01 (10.7%), C*06:02:01 (17.7%), C*04:01:01 (14.2%), C*15:02:01 (11.4%), C*07:02:01 (10.7%), DRB1*07:01:01 (15.9%), DRB1*10:01:01 (10.2%), DQB1*06:01:01 (17.4%), DQB1*05:01:01 (12.4%), and DQB1*05:03:01 (10.4%). One null allele (A*24:11N), two novel alleles in B loci and three rare alleles (B*40:06:04, B*51:01:05, and C*01:44) were also identified in the present study. This study shows that high‐throughput, unambiguous (third‐field resolution) HLA typing can be performed on cord blood samples. In order to preserve the precious sample for future use, minimal amount of cord blood samples (postprocessing) could be used for HLA typing purpose.
A Multilingual Turn in German Studies: Premises, Provisos, and Prospects
Authors:   The Eaton Group
Published: May 2019

In fall 2016, a group of scholars gathered at the 40thGerman Studies Association convention in San Diego, CA, in a space called the Eaton Room, for a seminar on multilingualism in German Studies. After three days sharing this space of dialogue, members returned home to their various teaching and research settings and, reflecting further on insights developed out of the group's collaborative work in the GSA seminar space, each formulated the maxims on multilingualism in German Studies presented in this article. Though the 10 subsections derive inevitably from the work and insights of these individual scholars and their programs of research, the entirety of the manuscript was counter‐read, commented, and emended by each member of the authorial collective, at several stages of the composition process, before and after blind peer‐review. Thus, in the spirit of collaborative inquiry – and indeed of multilingual practice itself – the members consider The Eaton Group to be the singular though multiple author of this piece. As such, The Eaton Group offer this collaboratively developed constellation of premises, provisos, and prospects for the future of multilingualism in German Studies teaching and research, not as a consistent and sequential protocol of directives but as a set of aspirations and provocations with which language, literature, and culture teachers may engage as they make their own curricular and pedagogical decisions.
Infectious complications of bronchial stenosis in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Fallis Rebecca J. , Jablonski Lindsay , Moss Sean , Axelrod Peter , Clauss Heather
Published: May 2019

Background

Bronchial stenosis is a known complication of lung transplantation, but there are limited data regarding whether transplant recipients with bronchial stenosis develop more infectious complications than those without bronchial stenosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective single‐center observational cohort study between January 1, 2011 and September 29, 2016 of 35 lung transplant recipients diagnosed with bronchial stenosis and a random sample of 35 lung transplant recipients without bronchial stenosis. Data collected included donor/recipient demographic and anatomic information, respiratory cultures, episodes of respiratory infections diagnosed using CDC‐NNIS criteria, hospitalizations, and 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Patients were followed up to 1 year after transplant.

Results

Bronchial stenosis occurred at a median of 54 days post‐transplant (range 5‐365 days). Bronchial stenosis patients spent more time in the hospital (87.4 vs 46.8 days, P = 0.011) and had more total hospitalizations (4.54 vs 2.37, P < 0.01) than their counterparts. The relative risk of pneumonia among cases vs controls was 4.0 (95% CI 2.2‐7.3, P < 0.01); for purulent tracheobronchitis the relative risk was 3.1 (95% CI 1.6‐6.1, P < 0.01). Patients with bronchial stenosis were significantly more likely to have respiratory cultures growing Staphylococcus aureus (RR 5.0; P = 0.001) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RR 2.1, P = 0.026). Mortality within the first year following transplant was equal in both the groups (14.3% vs 14.3%).

Conclusions

There was no significant increase in 1‐year mortality for lung transplant patients who developed bronchial stenosis. However, bronchial stenosis patients had significantly higher risks of pneumonia and tracheobronchitis, and spent more days in the hospital than those without bronchial stenosis.
Can we transfuse wisely in patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute leukemia or autologous stem cell transplantation?
Authors: Lamarche Michelle C. , Hammond Danielle E. , Hopman Wilma M. , Sirosky‐Yanyk Angela , Shepherd Lois , Bhella Sita D.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Transfusion of 2 units of red blood cells (RBCs) for Hb ≤80 g/L is the prevailing liberal practice for patients undergoing intensive treatment for acute leukemia or hematopoietic transplant across North America. There is little evidence regarding optimal transfusion targets in these highly transfusion‐dependent patient populations.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective pre‐post cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to Kingston Health Sciences Center between April through December 2016 (pre) and April through December 2017 (post) for acute leukemia induction chemotherapy or high dose chemotherapy (HDCT) for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The pre‐cohort was transfused using a liberal threshold (2 units of RBCs for Hb ≤80 g/L) and the post‐cohort using a more restrictive threshold (1 unit RBCs for Hb ≤70 g/L), implemented with a computerized physician order entry form. Primary outcome was number of RBC units transfused per inpatient day. Secondary outcomes included inpatient mortality and select morbidity measures.

RESULTS

124 patients underwent 134 treatment courses: 62 courses of induction chemotherapy (pre = 26, post = 36) and 72 courses of HDCT for ASCT (pre = 39, post = 33). There was a significant decrease in median RBC utilization per admission in both patient populations: 10.5 versus 6.7 in the leukemia group (p = 0.01) and 2.0 versus 1.0 in the ASCT group (p = 0.04). This reduction was seen without a difference in inpatient mortality, length of stay, falls, serious bleeds, requirement for ICU, or time to engraftment post ASCT.

CONCLUSIONS

A restrictive transfusion strategy in patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia or ASCT decreased inpatient RBC usage without increasing adverse inpatient events.