bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical student well‐being during rural clinical placement: A cross‐sectional national survey
Authors: Saikal Aiasha , Pit Sabrina Winona , McCarthy Louella
Published: February 2020

Context

Understanding rural student well‐being is essential to inform the development and training of the future rural medical workforce so as to ensure a pipeline of rural doctors to meet rural communities' needs. However, little is known about the well‐being of students who are on rural placement. This study aims to identify the predictors of well‐being amongst a national sample of medical students on rural clinical placement.

Methods

The Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators (FRAME) 2015 national exit survey of medical students, completed at the end of rural terms, was used (n = 644) to test the associations between well‐being and demographic, financial, academic, supervisor, placement and clinical skills factors, and attitude to future rural work. Univariate and logistic regression were used.

Results

Students aged 18‐24 years (odds ratio [OR], 8.07 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.07‐31.46]) and 25‐34 years (OR, 4.06 [95% CI, 1.35‐12.18]) reported higher levels of well‐being compared to students aged over 35 years. Academic support from the rural clinical school (OR, 5.74 [95% CI, 2.59‐12.73]), perceived respect from supervisors (OR, 3.13 [95% CI, 1.23‐7.99]), not feeling socially isolated (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.40‐5.20]), access to counselling services (OR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.10‐3.83]), rural placement being a first choice (OR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.58‐5.86]) and positive attitudes to being part of a rural workforce in the future (OR, 4.0 [95% CI, 2.0‐8.3]) were associated with higher odds of well‐being compared to students who felt the opposite. Gender, rural background, financial support, clinical skills and role clarity were not found to be associated with well‐being (P > .5).

Conclusions

This study may provide guidance to rural clinical schools, policymakers and medical educators in developing rural placement programmes that enhance student well‐being so we can address workforce shortages in rural areas.
Opposite effects of dopamine on the mechanical activity of circular and longitudinal muscle of human colon
Authors: Zizzo Maria Grazia , Bellanca Annalisa , Amato Antonella , Serio Rosa
Published: February 2020

Background

Because dopamine (DA) has gained increasing evidence as modulator of gut motility, we aimed to characterize dopaminergic response in human colon, evaluating function and distribution of dopamine receptors in circular vs longitudinal muscle strips.

Methods

Mechanical responses to DA and dopaminergic agonists on slow phasic contractions and on basal tone were examined in vitro as changes in isometric tension. RT‐PCR was used to reveal the distribution of dopaminergic receptors.

Key Results

In spontaneous active circular muscle, DA induced an increase in the amplitude of slow phasic contractions and of the basal tone, via activation of D1‐like receptors. DA contractile responses were insensitive to neural blockers or to atropine and inhibited by phospholipase C (PLC) pathway inhibitors. In precontracted circular muscle strips, DA, at the higher concentrations tested, caused a relaxant response via activation of D2‐like receptors. In the longitudinal muscle, DA caused only muscular relaxation due to activation of D2‐like receptors. DA relaxant responses were insensitive to neural blockers or to nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and reduced by a wide‐spectrum K+ channel blockers. Transcripts encoding for all the dopaminergic receptor subtypes was observed in both circular and longitudinal preparations.

Conclusions and inferences

Dopamine is able to modulate contractile activity of the human colon. In the circular muscle layer, DA induces mainly muscular contraction activating non‐neural D1‐like receptors, coupled to PLC/IP3 pathway. In the longitudinal muscle layer, DA induces muscular relaxation acting on non‐neural D2‐like receptors leading to the increase in K+ conductance.
Soil‐borne pathogens as determinants of regeneration patterns at community level in Mediterranean forests
Authors: Domínguez‐Begines Jara , Ávila José M. , García Luis V. , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena
Published: February 2020

Emergent diseases are an increasing problem in forests worldwide. Exotic pathogens are now threatening forests where pathogens have not traditionally been considered to be major ecological drivers of tree demography, such as water‐limited Mediterranean forests. However, how pathogens might limit regeneration in invaded forests is largely unknown.

Here we used fungicide to analyse the impact of soil‐borne oomycete pathogens on seedling establishment at community level in Mediterranean forests invaded by the exotic oomycetePhytophthora cinnamomi. Fungicide effects were modelled as a function of the tree neighbourhood composition, the seed mass of the target species, and the abiotic environment.

Fungicide application had positive effects on seedling performance that varied in magnitude and spatial structure among coexisting species. Seed mass predicted fungicide effects on seedling emergence, but not on survival or growth. Positive fungicide effects were modulated by levels of abiotic resources, mainly water, increasing with soil moisture.

Our results support a novel role for soil‐borne oomycete pathogens as one more axis of the regeneration niche of woody species in water‐limited forests. Given the increasing numbers of exotic oomycete pathogens worldwide, more research is needed to understand the role of this relevant microbial group as a factor shaping seedling establishment.
Alveolar bone histological necrosis observed prior to extractions in patients, who received bone‐targeting agents
Authors: Nicolatou‐Galitis Ourania , Papadopoulou Erofili , Vardas Emmanouil , Kouri Maria , Galiti Dimitra , Galitis Evangelos , Alexiou Konstantina‐Eleni , Tsiklakis Kostas , Ardavanis Alexandros , Razis Evangelia , Athanasiadis Ilias , Droufakou Stavroula , Psyrri Amanda , Karamouzis Michalis V. , Linardou Helena , Daliani Danai , Tzanninis Dimitrios , Sachanas Sotirios , Laschos Konstantinos , Kyrtsonis Marie‐Christine , Antoniou Fotini , Laskarakis Apostolos , Giassas Styllianos , Nikolaidi Adamantia , Rigakos George , Ntokou Anna , Migliorati Cesar A. , Ripamonti Carla I.
Published: February 2020

Objective

We reported the alveolar bone histology prior to dental extractions in cancer patients, who received bone‐targeting agents (BTA).

Subjects and Methods

Fifty‐four patients were included. Patients underwent extractions, and bone biopsies were taken.

Results

Extractions were performed due to pain, swelling, purulence, fistula, and numbness, not responding to treatment, in 40 patients (group A); extractions due to asymptomatic, non‐restorable teeth, were performed in 14 patients (group B). Complete alveolar jaw bone histological necrosis was observed in 28 of 40 (70%) patients of group A and none of group B (p < .001). The development of clinical osteonecrosis (MRON) was assessed in 44 patients; 10 patients, who were also treated with Low Level Laser Treatments‐LLLT, were excluded from this analysis, as the alternative therapies were a confounding factor. Twelve patients, with alveolar bone histological necrosis prior to extraction, developed medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) compared with two patients with vital or mixed vital/non‐vital bone (p < .0007). BTAs >1 year and concurrent targeted therapy were also significantly associated with MRONJ (p = .016 and p = .050).

Conclusion

Pain, swelling, purulence, fistula, and numbness were significantly associated with complete bone histological necrosis prior to extractions and increased MRONJ development. Research is justified to explore whether histological necrosis represents an early stage of osteonecrosis.
Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Local Infiltration of Tramadol in Pediatric Tonsillectomy Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tsaousi Georgia G. , Chatzistravou Anastasia , Papazisis George , Grosomanidis Vasilios , Kouvelas Dimitrios , Pourzitaki Chryssa
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to appraise clinical evidence of the impact of peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol, on postoperative pain control and the occurrence of adverse effects in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Methods

A database search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) pertinent to peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol compared to no treatment (placebo) or other analgesic regimens. The outcomes of interest were postoperative pain intensity, time to first analgesic demand, rescue analgesic consumption up to 24 hours after intervention, and the occurrence of adverse events.

Results

Twelve RCTs enrolling 972 pediatric patients were selected for qualitative analysis, among which eight were suitable for meta‐analysis. Tramadol infiltration induced a significant reduction of pain intensity up to 24 hours post‐tonsillectomy (mean difference [MD], −2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.49 to −1.12; P < 0.001; I2 = 97%) and time to first analgesic (MD 180.54; 95% CI, 56.91 to 304.18; P = 0.004; I2 = 99%), with no profound impact on postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio [RR] 0.98; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.32; P = 0.90; I2 = 0%) compared to the placebo group. The analgesic efficacy of tramadol infiltration was equivalent to the local or systematic use of ketamine or infiltration with local anesthetics. This effect was further enhanced when tramadol infiltration served as an adjunct to other analgesic interventions. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

In children undergoing tonsillectomy, peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol is associated with a postoperative analgesic benefit when compared to placebo, with negligible adverse events. Yet, no definite conclusion can be drawn due to the low quality, considerable heterogeneity, and paucity of the available data.
Hydrogen sulfide and rhizobia synergistically regulate nitrogen (N) assimilation and remobilization during N deficiency‐induced senescence in soybean
Authors: Zhang Ni‐Na , Zou Hang , Lin Xue‐Yuan , Pan Qing , Zhang Wei‐Qin , Zhang Jian‐Hua , Wei Ge‐Hong , Shangguan Zhou‐Ping , Chen Juan
Published: February 2020

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is emerging as an important signalling molecule that regulates plant growth and abiotic stress responses. However, the roles of H2S in symbiotic nitrogen (N) assimilation and remobilization have not been characterized. Therefore, we examined how H2S influences the soybean (Glycine max)/rhizobia interaction in terms of symbiotic N fixation and mobilization during N deficiency‐induced senescence. H2S enhanced biomass accumulation and delayed leaf senescence through effects on nodule numbers, leaf chlorophyll contents, leaf N resorption efficiency, and the N contents in different tissues. Moreover, grain numbers and yield were regulated by H2S and rhizobia, together with N accumulation in the organs, and N use efficiency. The synergistic effects of H2S and rhizobia were also demonstrated by effects on the enzyme activities, protein abundances, and gene expressions associated with N metabolism, and senescence‐associated genes (SAGs) expression in soybeans grown under conditions of N deficiency. Taken together, these results show that H2S and rhizobia accelerate N assimilation and remobilization by regulation of the expression of SAGs during N deficiency‐induced senescence. Thus, H2S enhances the vegetative and reproductive growth of soybean, presumably through interactions with rhizobia under conditions of N deficiency.
Low‐temperature tolerance of the Antarctic species Deschampsia antarctica: A complex metabolic response associated with nutrient remobilization
Authors: Clemente‐Moreno María José , Omranian Nooshin , Sáez Patricia L. , Figueroa Carlos María , Del‐Saz Néstor , Elso Mhartyn , Poblete Leticia , Orf Isabel , Cuadros‐Inostroza Alvaro , Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Bravo León , Fernie Alisdair R. , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Flexas Jaume , Nikoloski Zoran , Brotman Yariv , Gago Jorge
Published: February 2020

The species Deschampsia antarctica (DA) is one of the only two native vascular species that live in Antarctica. We performed ecophysiological, biochemical, and metabolomic studies to investigate the responses of DA to low temperature. In parallel, we assessed the responses in a non‐Antarctic reference species (Triticum aestivum [TA]) from the same family (Poaceae). At low temperature (4°C), both species showed lower photosynthetic rates (reductions were 70% and 80% for DA and TA, respectively) and symptoms of oxidative stress but opposite responses of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidases and catalase). We employed fused least absolute shrinkage and selection operator statistical modelling to associate the species‐dependent physiological and antioxidant responses to primary metabolism. Model results for DA indicated associations with osmoprotection, cell wall remodelling, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant secondary metabolism (synthesis of flavonols and phenylpropanoids), coordinated with nutrient mobilization from source to sink tissues (confirmed by elemental analysis), which were not observed in TA. The metabolic behaviour of DA, with significant changes in particular metabolites, was compared with a newly compiled multispecies dataset showing a general accumulation of metabolites in response to low temperatures. Altogether, the responses displayed by DA suggest a compromise between catabolism and maintenance of leaf functionality.
Molecular investigation of organ‐autonomous expression of Arabidopsis circadian oscillators
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Lingbao , Yuan Li , Song Yang , Sun Junqiu , Jia Qian , Xie Qiguang , Xu Xiaodong
Published: February 2020

The circadian pacemaker in plants is a hierarchical multioscillator system that directs and maintains a 24‐hr oscillation required for organism homeostasis and environmental fitness. Molecular clockwork within individual tissues and organs acts cell autonomously, showing differences in circadian expression of core oscillators and their target genes; there are functional dominance and coupling in the complex regulatory network. However, molecular characteristics of organ‐specific clocks are still unknown. Here, we showed the detached shoot and root possess dynamic circadian protein–protein interactions between clock core components, periodicity in organs exhibits a difference. The period length difference between shoot and root was not remarkable in prr7‐3 and prr7‐3 prr9‐1 mutants. In addition, the phase transition curve indicated that shoot and root clock respond differently to the resetting cues of ambient temperature. PRR9 and PRR7 compensate circadian period between 22°C and 28°C in shoot, not in root. The circadian rhythms of PRR9 or PRR7 transcript accumulation showed no difference at 22°C and 28°C in shoot, but differences were observed in root. In summary, our results reveal the specificity of dynamic circadian protein–protein interactions in organ‐autonomous clocks and the critical roles of PRR9 and PRR7 in mechanisms regulating temperature compensation in aerial shoot system.
Recapitulation of Hypoxic Tumor–stroma Microenvironment to Study Photodynamic Therapy Implications
Authors: Lamberti María Julia , Morales Vasconsuelo Ana Belén , Ferrara María Gracia , Rumie Vittar Natalia Belén
Published: February 2020

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic ecosystem where fibroblasts are recruited in order to provide a niche to support growth and, in some extent, to promote therapeutic resistance. However, the role of fibroblasts in stimulating or impairing photodynamic therapy (PDT) outcome has not yet been fully addressed. PDT is based on interactions between light, oxygen and photosensitizer, leading to phototoxic reactions that culminate in cell death. In this study, we demonstrated the consequences of a hypoxic stromal phenotype on tumor mass for exploring PDT response. We mimicked TME complexity implementing colon cancer cells and fibroblasts 3D cultures called spheroids. Using hypoxia reporting lines, we verified that homotypic spheroids exhibited a size‐dependent transcriptional HIF‐1 activity. When cocultured, fibroblasts were localized in the hypoxic core. In homotypic stromal spheroids, the distribution of the endogenous photosensitizer PpIX was homogeneous while decreased in hypoxic areas of tumor 3D cultures. When monocultured, fibroblasts were more efficient to produce PpIX from its prodrug Me‐ALA. Interestingly, the cross talk between cancer cells and fibroblasts attenuated PpIX accumulation and conferred tumor PDT resistance when compared to homotypic 3D cultures. Overall, our data suggest that stroma and tumor act in an integrated, reciprocal fashion which could ultimately influence on therapeutic response.
Identifying when it is financially beneficial to increase or decrease fungicide dose as resistance develops: An evaluation from long‐term field experiments
Authors: van den Bosch Frank , Blake Jonathan , Gosling Paul , Helps Joe C. , Paveley Neil
Published: February 2020

As the frequency of fungicide resistant strains increases in a pathogen population, there is a change in the shape of the response curve of disease severity to fungicide dose. We showed previously, in a theoretical analysis, that such changes can result in an increase or a decrease in the economically optimal dose of fungicide; this depends on how the response curve changes (which is determined jointly by the degree of insensitivity and frequency of a new strain) and the shape of the disease–yield loss relationship (which is a characteristic of the pathogen and crop). Here, we use field dose–response data to estimate economic optimum doses for the control of Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat over a 21‐year period. Resistance to fungicide developed to varying degrees against three modes of action (MoA). Changes of optimal dose across years differed according to MoA, but there was an underlying pattern of initial increase in optimal dose, followed by a decrease (ultimately to zero dose at high levels of fungicide resistance). Fungicides are often applied in mixture and analysis shows that, provided the mixture partner is effective, the economic optimal dose increases less as resistance develops than when the fungicide is used as solo product; however, the subsequent decrease in optimal dose remains.
Environmental exposures and child and maternal gut microbiota in rural Malawi
Authors: Kortekangas Emma , Kamng'ona Arox W. , Fan Yue‐Mei , Cheung Yin Bun , Ashorn Ulla , Matchado Andrew , Poelman Basho , Maleta Kenneth , Dewey Kathryn G. , Ashorn Per
Published: February 2020

Background

Gut microbiota composition is associated with child health, but the effect of the environment on microbiota composition is not well understood. Few studies have been conducted in low‐income settings where childhood malnutrition is common and possibly related to microbiota composition.

Objectives

To investigate whether gut microbiota composition in young children and their mothers is associated with different environmental exposures in rural Malawi. We hypothesized that more adverse environmental exposures would be associated with lower levels of microbiota maturity and diversity.

Methods

Faecal samples from up to 631 children and mothers participating in a nutrition intervention trial were collected at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 30 months (children) and at 1 month (mothers) after birth and analysed for microbiota composition with 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacterial OTU and genus abundances, measures of microbiota maturity and diversity, and UniFrac distances were compared between participants with different environmental exposures. The exposure variables included socio‐economic status, water source, sanitary facility, domestic animals, maternal characteristics, season, antibiotic use, and delivery mode.

Results

Measures of microbiota maturity and diversity in children were inversely associated with maternal education at 6, 18, and 30 months and did not otherwise differ consistently between participants with different environmental exposures. Phylogenetic distance was related to season of stool sample collection at all time points. At the level of individual OTUs and genera, season of stool sample collection, type of water source, and maternal education showed most associations with child gut microbiota, while HIV status was the most important predictor of relative OTU and genus abundances in mothers.

Conclusion

The results do not support the hypothesis that adverse environmental exposures are broadly associated with lower microbiota maturity and diversity but suggest that environmental exposures influence the abundance of several bacterial OTUs and genera and that low maternal education is associated with higher microbiota maturity and diversity.
Auditory stimulus‐ and response‐locked ERP components and behavior
Authors: Fogarty Jack S. , Barry Robert J. , Steiner Genevieve Z.
Published: February 2020

To clarify the functional significance of Go event‐related potential (ERP) components, this study aimed to explore stimulus‐ and response‐locked ERP averaging effects on the series of ERP components elicited during an auditory Go/NoGo task. Go stimulus‐ and response‐locked ERP data from 126 healthy young adults (Mage = 20.3, SD = 2.8 years, 83 female) were decomposed using temporal principal components analysis (PCA). The extracted components were then identified as stimulus‐specific, response‐specific, or common to both stimulus‐ and response‐locked data. MANOVAs were then used to test for stimulus‐ versus response‐locked averaging effects on common component amplitudes to determine their primary functional significance (i.e., stimulus‐ or response‐related). Go stimulus‐ and response‐related component amplitudes were then entered into stepwise linear regressions predicting the reaction time (RT), RT variability, and omission errors. Nine ERP components were extracted from the stimulus‐ and response‐locked data, including N1‐1, processing negativity (PN), P2, response‐related N2 (RN2), motor potential (MP), P3b, P420, and two slow wave components; SW1 and SW2. N1‐1, PN, and P2 were stimulus‐specific, whereas, RN2, MP, and P420 were response‐specific; P3b, SW1, and SW2 were common to both data sets. P3b, SW1, and SW2 were significantly larger in the response‐locked data, indicating that they were primarily response‐related. RT, RT variability, and omission errors were predicted by various stimulus‐ and response‐related components, providing further insight into ERP markers of auditory information processing and cognitive control. Further, the results of this study indicate the utility of quantifying some common components (i.e., Go P3b, SW1, and SW2) using the response‐locked ERP.
Altered psychophysiological correlates of risk‐taking in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Hüpen Philippa , Wagels Lisa , Weidler Carmen , Kable Joseph W. , Schneider Frank , Habel Ute
Published: February 2020

Elevated levels of risk‐taking behavior as well as affective instability are both cardinal features of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). To our knowledge, there are no studies which directly investigate underlying affective processes of risk‐taking behavior in BPD, despite the centrality of affect in BPD symptomatology, and indications of affective dysregulation contributing to increased risk‐taking behavior in BPD. Here, we examined risk‐taking behavior in BPD and its underlying affective processes, using skin conductance responses (SCRs) as a proxy. Twenty‐three individuals with BPD and 24 healthy controls performed a modified version of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task, where decisions take place over a time scale of several seconds, enabling us to investigate a continuous integral of SCRs in anticipation of decisions. We used trial‐by‐trial mixed model analyses to account for within‐ and between‐participant effects, as well as large variability that are often observed in SCRs. In contrast to healthy controls, who showed elevated SCRs in response to high risk, individuals with BPD did not show differential physiological sensitivity towards different risk levels. In addition, increased SCRs––under low risk––were related to more cautious risk‐taking behavior in HCs. However, increased SCRs under low risk in BPD were related to greater risk‐taking behavior. Alterations in the processing of affective signals, such as SCRs in the context of risk, may impair adaptation to environmental demands and may lead to increased risk‐taking behavior in BPD.
Who Is at Risk of Dying Young from Suicide and Sudden Violent Death? Common and Specific Risk Factors among Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors: Werbart Törnblom Annelie , Sorjonen Kimmo , Runeson Bo , Rydelius Per‐Anders
Published: February 2020

Objective

Suicides and other sudden violent deaths are the most common causes of death among young people worldwide. This case–control study compared risk factors for suicide and other sudden violent death among young people.

Method

A total of 436 psychological autopsy interviews with next of kin were performed. The samples aged 10–25 years included 63 cases of suicide, 62 cases of other sudden violent death, and 104 matched living controls. Two stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The number of recent stressful life events was the only common risk factor for suicide and other sudden violent death. Specific risk factors for suicide were any form of addiction and being an inpatient in adult psychiatric care. Specific risk factors for other sudden violent death were lower elementary school results, lower educational level, and abuse of psychoactive drugs.

Conclusions

The suicide group seems to have been more vulnerable and exposed to different kinds of stressors, whereas the sudden violent death group seems to have been more acting out and risk‐taking. Both groups must be the subject of prevention and intervention programs.
The future of voluntary blood donation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelgader A. M. , Al Ghumlas Abeer K.
Published: February 2020

Replacement blood donations are a major source of blood in KSA. This presentation highlights “the peace time and war experiences,” where the voluntary donor potential was tested.

The “Peacetime Experience”—King Saud University Student Donor Drive

This donor drive commenced in 1983 with 13 donors in its first and the annual collection reached 4500 blood units in the academic session 1995‐1996, when the student enrollment was around 30,000. In 2018 the enrollment jumped to 120,000 students. If we add the staff and auxiliary personnel, the population of potential voluntary blood donors will be enough to cover the current and future blood needs of King Khalid University Hospital. Unfortunately, this drive did not survive due to administrative and organizational difficulties.

The “First” Gulf War Experience

At the end of 1990, when the Allied Forces started to end the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the Saudi Ministry of Health waged a publicity campaign asking healthy individuals to donate their blood. The response was phenomenal, and the blood inventory in blood banks swelled about five‐ to sevenfold. First‐time donors broke the “fear barrier,” went through the donation experience, and it is hoped they will return to donate voluntarily.

Conclusions

The major lesson learned from the King Saud University student donor drive and Gulf War experience is the enormous voluntary donor potential in Saudi Arabia. There is a need for forward planning to shift the current partial involuntary donor system to a voluntary system based on nonremunerated donors.
Efficacy of frameless stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of presumptive canine intracranial gliomas: A retrospective analysis (2014‐2017)
Authors: Moirano Steven J. , Dewey Curtis W. , Haney Siobhan , Yang Jun
Published: February 2020

The use of conventional multi‐fractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of glial tumours is well documented in the literature. Recently, stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) has become more widely available allowing for hypo‐fractionated protocols; however, its usefulness in the treatment of canine intracranial gliomas is largely undetermined. We conducted a retrospective analysis, including 21 dogs diagnosed with presumptive intracranial gliomas treated with one or more courses of three fractions of 8 to 10 Gy CyberKnife SRT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and prognostic factors associated with the use of SRT for the treatment of canine intracranial gliomas. Overall MST for all dogs was 636 days (d). Dogs treated with one course of the described SRT protocol had a MST of 258 days while those treated with >1 course had a MST of 865 days (P= .0077 log rank, 0.0139 Wilcoxon). Dogs treated with one course of SRT who received adjuvant chemotherapy had a MST of >658 days and lived significantly longer than those who did not receive chemotherapy (MST, 230 days) (P= .0414 log rank, 0.0453 Wilcoxon). The most common adverse event included presumptive transient demyelination in 3/21 dogs, which was treated successfully with corticosteroids in all patients. This study provides evidence that SRT is effective in prolonging survival in dogs with intracranial gliomas, and may provide similar results to conventional fractionated protocols, while decreasing the number of hospital visits and anaesthetic episodes. Additionally, it appears that patients can be safely treated with multiple rounds of SRT resulting in improved survival times.
Sarcoidosis y compromiso renal: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura científica
Authors: Rocha Óscar Gilberto , García Paola Karina , Echeverri Jorge Enrique , D'achardi Roberto Enrique , Rodríguez Martha Patricia , Córdoba Juan Pablo , Núñez Olga
Published: February 2020

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 30 años, que presentaba síntomas respiratorios y constitucionales de dos meses de evolución. Se documentó exudado linfocitario y proteinuria, y se descartó tuberculosis y neoplasia maligna. Se le practicó biopsia pleural y de ganglio linfático, que reportaron sarcoidosis. Se tomó biopsia renal por presencia de proteinuria con pruebas serológicas negativas, y se encontró glomerulonefritis membranosa secundaria. Se inició tratamiento con prednisolona.
Estudio de supervivencia en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer atendidos en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología
Authors: Manrique Díaz Mónica , Narváez Gordillo Carlos Eduardo , Guzmán Cruz Paula Carolina , Pedraza Gálviz Margarita
Published: February 2020

El cáncer es un problema de salud relevante en el perfil epidemiológico de Colombia. Datos poblacionales han demostrado que, después de las enfermedades cardiovasculares y las muertes violentas, las neoplasias malignas son la tercera causa de mortalidad en nuestro país. En Colombia, la ausencia y la falta de consolidación de este tipo de registros no permiten valorar ni la magnitud ni la distribución de la morbilidad de forma adecuada para las diferentes zonas del país, especialmente en la población infantil. Por lo tanto, los registros hospitalarios de cáncer son una herramienta fundamental que proporciona información directa sobre nuevos casos de cáncer y su comportamiento general respecto a sobrevida y pronóstico. El objetivo principal es caracterizar la distribución porcentual y de sobrevida de población infantil con neoplasias atendida en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología, como sustrato epidemiológico para nutrir la base de datos nacional de cáncer en niños.
Frecuencia de la mutación p.Q829X del gen Otoferlina (OTOF) en población colombiana con sordera no sindrómica
Authors: Morales Ortíz Lisbeth , Gelvez Moyano Nancy , Urrego Luisa Fernanda , Leiva María Fernanda , Tamayo Fernández Marta L.
Published: February 2020

Introducción: Las pérdidas auditivas son heredables en un 50-60% de los casos. Dentro de estas, las sorderas no sindrómicas predominan y se han descrito más de 40 genes asociados. Uno de los más frecuentemente implicados es el gen de Otoferlina (OTO F).Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de la mutación p.Q829X en el gen OTO F en 649 individuos colombianos con sordera no sindrómica.Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionó una población de 649 individuos para realizar la búsqueda de la mutación p.Q829X por medio de la técnica PCR-RFLP. Resultados: Se identificaron 12 individuos con la mutación p.Q829X (12/649), que corresponden a una frecuencia del 1,8%.Conclusiones:La mutación p.Q829X es la más frecuente en el gen OTO F, y la tercera luego de las mutaciones S199F y 35delG en el gen GJB2, causantes de sordera en la población analizada. Se observó variabilidad en el grado de pérdida auditiva en los individuos homocigotos para la mutación y presencia de neuropatía auditiva en el 62,5% de estos casos.
Caracterización del suicidio en adolescentes del Quindío, Colombia (1989-2008)
Authors: Medina-Pérez Óscar Adolfo , Londoño Osorio Ana Milena , Orozco Roa Catherine
Published: February 2020

Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia del suicidio en adolescentes quindianos en el periodo 1989-2008. Metodología: La investigación es de carácter cuantitativo descriptivo y longitudinal. Las cifras de suicidio fueron suministradas por el Instituto Seccional de Salud del Quindío (ISSQ) y las tasas se realizaron con las proyecciones poblacionales del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE).Resultados: En total, se registraron 115 suicidios en adolescentes (el 29,6 % en mujeres y el 70,4 % en hombres). El método más utilizado fue el ahorcamiento (39 %), seguido de la intoxicación (35 %) y el arma de fuego (25 %). La tasa para los 20 años de estudio fue de 6,1/100 000 habitantes. En el último quinquenio el suicidio femenino con una tasa de 7,2 fue superior al masculino, que registró 6,6.Conclusión: Es preocupante el aumento registrado en los últimos 10 años, en especial en mujeres, por lo que se hace urgente trabajar en programas de prevención e intervención.
Guía práctica para el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica en urgencias del Hospital de San Ignacio (Bogotá, Colombia)
Authors: Pérez Perilla Patricia , Moreno Carrillo Atilio , Zarco Montero Luis
Published: February 2020

En la actualidad, los servicios de urgencias atienden pacientes con daño neurológico grave, especialmente por trauma craneoencefálico, en quienes durante la reanimación inicial se logra la recuperación de la estabilidad hemodinámica, pero requieren intubación traqueal y soporte con ventilación mecánica, sin que con ello se logren recuperar las funciones cerebrales y de tallo, lo que lleva a la sospecha de muerte encefálica. No es útil que un paciente con alta probabilidad de certeza para este diagnóstico sea trasladado a una unidad de cuidado intensivo, pero sí es necesario que los pacientes con este diagnóstico, potencialmente donantes de órganos, puedan ofrecer este último servicio altruista en su existencia. Los médicos urgenciólogos deben hacer este diagnóstico cuando sea el caso y conocer el ámbito legal que lo rodea.
Hepcidina: su interacción con la hemojuvelina y su aporte en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades relacionadas con el metabolismo del hierro
Authors: Esquiva Mercado María Claudia , Acevedo Toro Paola Andrea
Published: February 2020

La hepcidina es una hormona peptídica, producida en el hígado y considerada un regulador del metabolismo del hierro. Su regulación está dirigida a la absorción intestinal del hierro y a la función de la ferroportina dentro de la célula, a fin de mantener un balance entre el consumo y las reservas de hierro. Esta hormona, a su vez, está regulada por procesos inflamatorios, estados de anemia ferropénica, actividad hematopoyética y algunas vías de señalización como SMAD, STAT y JAK. En estas vías interviene una proteína de membrana llamada hemojuvelina, la cual actúa como un correceptor de la proteína morfogenética ósea, cuya función es inducir el gen de transcripción de la hepcidina mediante la vía SMAD1/5/8-SMAD4. Debido a la asociación de la hemojuvelina con la expresión de la hepcidina y la relación de esta última con procesos inflamatorios y regulación del metabolismo del hierro, se han propuesto algunas técnicas para la determinación de ambas proteínas como Elisa, Dotblot, inmunoensayos y SELDI-TOF MS.
10 Smart Cities
Authors: Kosowatz John
Published: February 2020

Politicians and urban planners have been laying the groundwork to leverage technology to meet the demands of growing urban population and provide greater efficiencies in delivering services in the quest to create smart cities. Some cities are further along in developing these services than others, with those in Asia and Europe leading the pack. Dubai and Singapore, for instance, have large, signature infrastructure and building projects carved into their plans. All are embracing IoT. This article highlights 10 cities that are widely recognized as leading the way.
“So Many Mental Health Issues Go Unsaid”: Implications for Best Practice Guidelines From Student-Athletes’ Perspectives About Service Availability
Authors: Way William C. , Coker-Cranney Ashley M. , Watson Jack C.
Published: February 2020

Using the framework of multidisciplinary best practice recommendations promoted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, this study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate Division I student-athletes’ perceived access to and satisfaction with mental health service availability. Participants were asked about their satisfaction with direct (e.g., counseling, psychiatry, assessment) and indirect (e.g., mental health outreach, educational workshops) service availability, both on campus and within athletics. Results from a researcher-generated survey indicated that participants were moderately satisfied with service availability in each of the four contexts. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that student-athletes’ satisfaction was predicted by different factors for each service type-location combination. Qualitative data contained requests for more athlete-centered mental health services as well as more preventative outreach in general. These data provide a foundation for understanding factors that influence student-athletes’ satisfaction with mental health service availability and offer practical implications for current best practice recommendations.
Darkness made visible
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: February 2020

An international team of astronomers has produced the first ever image of a black hole.
VDAC oligomers form mitochondrial pores to release mtDNA fragments and promote lupus-like disease
Authors: Kim Jeonghan , Gupta Rajeev , Blanco Luz P. , Yang Shutong , Shteinfer-Kuzmine Anna , Wang Kening , Zhu Jun , Yoon Hee Eun , Wang Xinghao , Kerkhofs Martijn , Kang Hyeog , Brown Alexandra L. , Park Sung-Jun , Xu Xihui , Zandee van Rilland Eddy , Kim Myung K. , Cohen Jeffrey I. , Kaplan Mariana J. , Shoshan-Barmatz Varda , Chung Jay H.
Published: February 2020

VDACs are MOM's ruin

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is normally kept within the mitochondria. It can be released into the cytosol in response to stress and thus encounter cytosolic DNA sensors, triggering type I interferon responses. During apoptosis, mtDNA release is mediated by macropores in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) created by oligomerization of the proteins BAX and BAK. Kim
et al.
found that during oxidative stress, mtDNA escapes instead through macropores formed by oligomerization of voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) (see the Perspective by Crow). In a mouse model of lupus, an inhibitor of VDAC oligomerization diminished mtDNA release and downstream signaling events. This treatment reduced lupus-like symptoms in the model, suggesting a potential therapeutic route for conditions mediated by mtDNA release.

Science
, this issue p.
1531
; see also p.
1445
Host monitoring of quorum sensing during
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infection
Authors: Moura-Alves Pedro , Puyskens Andreas , Stinn Anne , Klemm Marion , Guhlich-Bornhof Ute , Dorhoi Anca , Furkert Jens , Kreuchwig Annika , Protze Jonas , Lozza Laura , Pei Gang , Saikali Philippe , Perdomo Carolina , Mollenkopf Hans J. , Hurwitz Robert , Kirschhoefer Frank , Brenner-Weiss Gerald , Weiner January , Oschkinat Hartmut , Kolbe Michael , Krause Gerd , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: February 2020

Spying on bacterial signals

Many bacteria produce small molecules for monitoring population density and thus regulating their collective behavior, a process termed quorum sensing. Pathogens like
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which complicates cystic fibrosis disease, produce different quorum-sensing ligands at different stages of infection. Moura-Alves
et al.
used experiments in human cells, zebrafish, and mice to show that a host organism can eavesdrop on these bacterial conversations. A host sensor responds differentially to bacterial quorum-sensing molecules to activate or repress different response pathways. The ability to “listen in” on bacterial signaling provides the host with the capacity to fine-tune physiologically costly immune responses.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaw1629
Constructive molecular configurations for surface-defect passivation of perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Rui , Xue Jingjing , Wang Kai-Li , Wang Zhao-Kui , Luo Yanqi , Fenning David , Xu Guangwei , Nuryyeva Selbi , Huang Tianyi , Zhao Yepin , Yang Jonathan Lee , Zhu Jiahui , Wang Minhuan , Tan Shaun , Yavuz Ilhan , Houk Kendall N. , Yang Yang
Published: February 2020

Optimizing surface passivation

Unproductive charge recombination at surface defects can limit the efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells, but these defects can be passivated by the binding of small molecules. Wang
et al.
studied three such small molecules—theophylline, caffeine, and theobromine—that bear both carbonyl and amino groups. For theophylline, hydrogen bonding of the amino hydrogen to surface iodide optimized the carbonyl interaction with a lead antisite defect and improved the efficiency of a perovskite cell from 21 to 22.6%.

Science
, this issue p.
1509
Response to Comment on “Demographic dynamics of the smallest marine vertebrates fuel coral reef ecosystem functioning”
Authors: Brandl Simon J. , Morais Renato A. , Casey Jordan M. , Parravicini Valeriano , Tornabene Luke , Goatley Christopher H. R. , Côté Isabelle M. , Baldwin Carole C. , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Bellwood David R.
Published: February 2020

Allgeier and Cline suggest that our model overestimates the contributions of cryptobenthic fishes to coral reef functioning. However, their 20-year model ignores the basic biological limits of population growth. If incorporated, cryptobenthic contributions to consumed fish biomass remain high (20 to 70%). Disturbance cycles and uncertainties surrounding the fate of large fishes on decadal scales further demonstrate the important role of cryptobenthic fishes.
The ongoing quest for pure foods
Pure Adulteration: Cheating on Nature in the Age of Manufactured Food
Benjamin R. Cohen
University of Chicago Press, 2019. 332 pp.
Authors: Blum Deborah
Published: February 2020

Early adulteration sowed mistrust in the food production system that endures today
Unbiased Identification of Immunogenic Staphylococcus aureus Leukotoxin B-Cell Epitopes
Authors: Hernandez David N. , Tam Kayan , Shopsin Bo , Radke Emily E. , Kolahi Pegah , Copin Richard , Stubbe François-Xavier , Cardozo Timothy , Torres Victor J. , Silverman Gregg J.
Published: February 2020

Unbiased identification of individual immunogenic B-cell epitopes in major antigens of a pathogen remains a technology challenge for vaccine discovery. We therefore developed a platform for rapid phage display screening of deep recombinant libraries consisting of as few as one major pathogen antigen. Using the bicomponent pore-forming leukocidin (Luk) exotoxins of the major pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
as a prototype, we randomly fragmented and separately ligated the hemolysin gamma A (HlgA) and LukS genes into a custom-built phage display system, termed pComb-Opti8.
Association between suicide risk and traumatic brain injury in adults: a population based cohort study
Authors: Lu Yueh-Chien , Wu Ming-Kung , Zhang Li , Zhang Cong-Liang , Lu Ying-Yi , Wu Chieh-Hsin
Published: February 2020

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, and its treatment is potentially a heavy economic burden. Suicide is another global public health problem and the second leading cause of death in young adults. Patients with TBI are known to have higher than normal rates of non-fatal deliberate self-harm, suicide and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the association between TBI and suicide risk in a Chinese cohort.

Method

This study analysed data contained in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 17 504 subjects with TBI and for 70 016 subjects without TBI matched for age and gender at a ratio of 1 to 4. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to estimate subsequent suicide attempts in the TBI group. Probability of attempted suicide was determined by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

The overall risk of suicide attempts was 2.23 times higher in the TBI group compared with the non-TBI group (0.98 vs 0.29 per 1000 person-years, respectively) after adjustment for covariates. Regardless of gender, age or comorbidity, the TBI group tended to have more suicide attempts, and the risk attempted suicide increased with the severity of TBI. Depression and alcohol attributed disease also increased the risk of attempted suicide in the TBI group.

Conclusion

Suicide is preventable if risk factors are recognised. Hence, TBI patients require special attention to minimise their risk of attempted suicide.
Roll-your-own loose tobacco packaging warning labels: a qualitative study using a novel elicitation method
Authors: Blank Mei-Ling , Hoek Janet
Published: February 2020

Background

Many countries have seen roll-your-own (RYO) loose tobacco use increase, despite policies to reduce smoking prevalence. On-pack pictorial warning labels (PWLs) typically feature general warnings about smoking, and no jurisdictions link these to specific types of tobacco (ie, RYO tobacco or tailor made cigarettes). We explored the warning narratives a sample of RYO smokers created when given an opportunity to create their own PWL.

Methods

We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with New Zealand RYO smokers aged between 18 and 67 years. Participants used a novel elicitation method—a ‘construct-a-pouch’ exercise—to develop an on-pouch warning they regarded as effective. We used a qualitative descriptive approach to interpret the transcripts.

Results

Participants engaged with the novel and emotive content of the images and text messages, and constructed PWLs that typically drew on themes of regret, sadness and loss. Participants perceived the warning narratives they created as highly credible and emotionally salient. These contrasted sharply with existing PWLs on RYO pouches, which they rationalised as tired, uninteresting and unlikely to prompt cessation.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the importance of high-affect arousing PWLs and suggest involving smokers in the formative creation of PWLs may result in markedly more impactful warnings. Linking PWLs to the type of tobacco smoked may also reduce the rationalisations smokers employ to discount warnings, and result in warnings that prompt engagement and personal reflection.
Viscous effects in the dark sector of the Universe
Authors: Fabris J. C. , Caramês T. R. P. , Wojnar A. , Velten H. E. S.
Published: February 2020

Viscous properties are attributed to the dark sector of the Universe. They contribute to the accelerated expansion phase of the Universe and can alleviate existing tensions in the [Formula: see text]CDM model at small scales. We provide a short review of recent efforts on this topic. Different viscous models for the dark sector are analysed both from theoretical and observational point of view.
Particle properties outside of the static limit in cosmology
Authors: Grib A. A. , Pavlov Yu. V.
Published: February 2020

It is shown that in the rest frame of the observer in expanding Universe states of particles with negative energy exist.The properties of such states are studied. The comparison with the case of negative energies of particles in black holes and rotating coordinates out of the static limit is made.