bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dabigatran reversal with idarucizumab prior to lung transplantation
Authors: Harano Takashi , Rivosecchi Ryan M. , Morrell Matthew R. , Sanchez Pablo G.
Published: November 2020

Background

When the transplant candidates are receiving oral anticoagulation therapy before transplantation, it is crucial to have an urgent reversal strategy to prevent hemorrhagic complications perioperatively. The aim of this study was to present the experience with idarucizumab to reverse the anticoagulant activity of dabigatran prior to lung transplantation.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical outcomes of idarucizumab use before lung transplantation.

Results

Between July 2016 and June 2019, six patients were on dabigatran at the time of transplantation. Out of the six patients, four patients received idarucizumab. These four recipients received a median of 3 units (range 0‐4 units) of packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and 450 ml (range 250‐1500 ml) of intraoperative salvage of shed blood (cell saver blood) during the lung transplant. The two patients who were not administered idarucizumab received 5 units and 13 units of pRBCs and 900 ml and 3600 ml of cell saver blood, respectively. There was no grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) at 72 hours after transplantation or in‐hospital mortality in idarucizumab group. In the group without idarucizumab, there was one case of grade 3 PGD without any in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Dabigatran reversal with idarucizumab provides reasonable hemostasis during lung transplantation.
951. PACHYPODIUM INOPINATUM
Authors: Goyder David J. , Rakotonasolo Franck , Rees Paul
Published: November 2020

Pachypodium inopinatum Lavranos is known with certainty from a single mountain on the central plateau of Madagascar and was only described formally in 1996. The genus as a whole is popular with succulent enthusiasts, and threats to wild populations include collection of mature plants and seed, artisanal mining, and bush fires. P. inopinatum is illustrated here, and an artificial key provided to aid identification of the non‐arborescent yellow, cream or white‐flowered species of Pachypodium in Madagascar.
953. UAPACA BOJERI
Authors: Andriamanohera Mihajamalala Andotiana , Rakotoarisoa Solofo Eric , Lehmann Caroline E. R.
Published: November 2020

Uapaca bojeri Baill. (Phyllanthaceae), is a tree species endemic to Madagascar, colloquially known as ‘tapia’, that forms monodominant grassy woodlands in a series of disconnected populations across the Central Highlands. Uapaca bojeri and the ecosystems it forms are culturally, economically and scientifically important to Madagascar. The species, Uapaca bojeri, and the ecosystems it dominates, are in need of new research and conservation efforts to understand how sustainable use of the species can align with its conservation and that of the unique plants and animals special to the tapia woodlands.
954. DELONIX REGIA
Authors: Lewis Gwilym
Published: November 2020

Delonix regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf. (Leguminosae), a red‐flowered, bird‐pollinated, showy tree, endemic to Madagascar, is described and illustrated for the second time in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, since it first featured in 1829.
956. COFFEA PERRIERI
Authors: Davis Aaron , Rakotonasolo Franck
Published: November 2020

Coffea perrieri, one of 59 species of Coffea endemic to Madagascar is illustrated and described. It is compared with the commercial coffees, Arabica and robusta, and its habitat preferences, conservation risk, uses, and present distribution are discussed.
The development of race effects in face processing from childhood through adulthood: Neural and behavioral evidence
Authors: Golarai Golijeh , Ghahremani Dara G. , Greenwood Anders C. , Gabrieli John D. E. , Eberhardt Jennifer L.
Published: November 2020

Most adults are better at recognizing recently encountered faces of their own race, relative to faces of other races. In adults, this race effect in face recognition is associated with differential neural representations of own‐ and other‐race faces in the fusiform face area (FFA), a high‐level visual region involved in face recognition. Previous research has linked these differential face representations in adults to viewers’ implicit racial associations. However, despite the fact that the FFA undergoes a gradual development which continues well into adulthood, little is known about the developmental time‐course of the race effect in FFA responses. Also unclear is how this race effect might relate to the development of face recognition or implicit associations with own‐ or other‐races during childhood and adolescence. To examine the developmental trajectory of these race effects, in a cross‐sectional study of European American (EA) children (ages 7–11), adolescents (ages 12–16) and adults (ages 18–35), we evaluated responses to adult African American (AA) and EA face stimuli, using functional magnetic resonance imaging and separate behavioral measures outside the scanner. We found that FFA responses to AA and EA faces differentiated during development from childhood into adulthood; meanwhile, the magnitudes of race effects increased in behavioral measures of face‐recognition and implicit racial associations. These three race effects were positively correlated, even after controlling for age. These findings suggest that social and perceptual experiences shape a protracted development of the race effect in face processing that continues well into adulthood.
Incidence and outcomes of hospital treated acute myocarditis from 2003 to 2015 in Spain
Authors: Ruiz‐Ortiz Martín , Anguita‐Sánchez Manuel , Bonilla‐Palomas Juan Luis , Fernández‐Pérez Cristina , Bernal‐Sobrino José Luis , Cequier‐Fillat Angel , Bueno‐Zamora Hector , Marín Francisco , Elola‐Somoza Francisco Javier
Published: November 2020

Background

There are no data on population‐based epidemiological changes in acute myocarditis in Europe. Our aim was to evaluate temporal trends in incidence, clinical features and outcomes of hospital treated acute myocarditis (AM) in Spain from 2003 to 2015.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study using information of all hospital discharges of the Spanish National Health System. All episodes with a discharge diagnosis of AM from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2015 were included. The risk‐standardized in‐hospital mortality ratio (RSMR) was calculated using a multilevel risk‐adjustment model developed by the Medicare and Medicaid Services. Temporal trends for in‐hospital mortality were modelled using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

A total of 11 147 episodes of AM were analysed, most of them idiopathic (94.7%). The rate of AM discharges increased along the period, from 13 to 30/million inhabitants/year (2003‐2015), and this increase was statistically significant when weighted by age and sex (incidence rate ratio, IRR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04‐1.08,P = .001). In‐hospital crude mortality rate was 3.1%, diminishing significantly along 2003‐2015 (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92‐0.99,P = .02). RSMR also significantly diminished along the period (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92‐0.99,P = .01). Renal failure (OR 7.03, 5.38‐9.18,P = .001), liver disease (OR 4.61, 2.59‐8.21,P = .001), pneumonia (OR 4.13, 2.75‐6.20,P = .001) and heart failure (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.47‐2.47,P = .001) were the strongest independent factors associated with in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Acute myocarditis is an uncommon entity, although hospital discharges have increased in Spain along the study period. Most of AM were idiopathic. Adjusted mortality was low and seemed to decrease from 2003 to 2015, suggesting an improvement in AM management.
Energy sources that fuel metabolic processes in protruding finger‐like organelles
Authors: Villar Pablo S. , Vergara Cecilia , Bacigalupo Juan
Published: November 2020

Cells possess a variety of organelles with characteristic structure and subcellular localization intimately linked to their specific function. While most are intracellular and found in virtually all eukaryotic cells, there is a small group of organelles of elongated cylindrical shapes in highly specialized cells that protrude into the extracellular space, such as cilia, flagella, and microvilli. The ATP required by intracellular organelles is amply available in the cytosol, largely generated by mitochondria. However, such is not the case for cilia and flagella, whose slender structures cannot accommodate mitochondria. These organelles consume massive amounts of ATP to carry out high energy‐demanding functions, such as sensory transduction or motility. ATP from the nearest mitochondria or other reactions within the cell body is severely limited by diffusion and generally insufficient to fuel the entire length of cilia and flagella. These organelles overcome this fuel restriction by local generation of ATP, using mechanisms that vary depending on the nutrients that are available in their particular external environment. Here, we review, with emphasis in mammals, the remarkable adaptations that cilia and flagella use to fuel their metabolic needs. Additionally, we discuss how a decrease in nutrients surrounding olfactory cilia might impair olfaction in COVID‐19 patients.
Enhancing ductility and fatigue strength of additively manufactured metallic materials by preheating the build platform
Authors: Nezhadfar P.D. , Shamsaei Nima , Phan Nam
Published: November 2020

The effect of preheating the build platform (process) on the microstructure/defect structure (structure) as well as the tensile and fatigue behaviour (property) of the laser beam powder bed fused (LB‐PBF) 316L stainless steel (SS) is investigated. Preheating the build platform to 150°C (P150) affects the thermal gradient and cooling rate resulting in the reduction of the volumetric defects (i.e., gas‐entrapped pores and lack of fusion (LoF)) as compared with the condition where the build platform is non‐preheated (NP). The ductility of P150 LB‐PBF 316L SS is improved as compared with the NP counterpart, resulting from the less volumetric defects as well as the change in the crystallographic orientation of the grains in P150 condition. In addition, preheating the build platform is found to enhance the fatigue resistance of LB‐PBF 316L SS specimens. This is associated with fewer and smaller volumetric defects in P150 specimens as compared with the NP ones.
Patient preference for urologist gender
Authors: Wynn Jessica , Johns Putra Lydia
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To determine the factors associated with patients preferring the gender of their treating urologist in various clinical settings.

Methods

A total of 400 urology outpatients participated in a structured interview on the nature of their presenting complaint, perception of their complaint and the preference for the gender of their urologist in four specific scenarios of consultation, physical examination, office‐based procedure and surgery. Patients who expressed a gender preference received follow‐up telephone calls.

Results

A gender preference was expressed by 63 (15.8%), 108 (27.0%), 89 (22.3%) and 29 (7.3%) patients for the scenarios of consultation, physical examination, office‐based procedure and surgery, respectively. Patients were more likely to have a preference if they were female or had a condition they considered embarrassing, with most preferences being for a gender‐concordant urologist. Reasons included a previous negative experience and perceived gender‐specific treatment styles. Patients who subsequently saw a doctor of the opposite gender to their preference were more likely to change their mind if their clinical interaction was positive.

Conclusions

Female patients, those with a perceived embarrassing condition and patients undergoing examination or office‐based procedures are more likely to have a gender preference for their urologist, with a subsequent positive experience leading to patients discarding pre‐existing preferences. With improved understanding of how patient characteristics, perception of their condition and previous experiences can affect their choices in various clinical situations, urologists can better meet patient expectations and address barriers to healthcare in urology.
Target antifungal peptides of immune signalling pathways in silkworm, Bombyx mori, against Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Geng T. , Lu F. , Wu H. , Lou D. , Tu N. , Zhu F. , Wang S.
Published: November 2020

Antifungal innate immunity is an important defence used by insects against entomogenous fungi. However, the downstream target antifungal peptides of different immune signalling pathways are unknown. We found that the Toll, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak/STAT) and Immunodeficiency (IMD) signalling pathways in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, can be activated by Beauveria bassiana. Inhibition of the Toll, IMD and Jak/STAT signalling pathways reduced the antifungal activities of silkworm haemolymph. We verified the target antifungal peptides of different immune signalling pathways. The expression patterns of five anti‐fungal peptide genes in silkworm larvae and BmN cells were detected after blocking or over‐expressing the immune signalling pathways. The Toll signalling pathways mediated the expression of Bmcecropin A, Bmattacin 1 and Bmgloverin 2; IMD signalling pathways mediated Bmenbocin 1, Bmgloverin 2 and Bmattacin 1; Jak/STAT signalling pathways mediated Bmstorage protein 30K‐19G1 (Bmsp 1), Bmattacin 1 and Bmcecropin A. These data indicated that anti‐microbial peptide genes in B. mori evolved through expansion and selection of existing genes to adapt to the challenge of invasive microorganisms such as fungi. This information provides insight into the antifungal immune responses in B. mori and aids understanding of insect immune regulation mechanisms.
Direct selective laser sintering of hexagonal barium titanate ceramics
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Fei , Wu Zhipeng , Lu Yongfeng , Yan Xueliang , Nastasi Michael , Chen Yan , Hao Yifei , Hong Xia , Cui Bai
Published: November 2020

A direct selective laser sintering (SLS) process was combined with a laser preheating procedure to decrease the temperature gradient and thermal stress, which was demonstrated as a promising approach for additive manufacturing of BaTiO3 ceramics. The phase compositions in BaTiO3 ceramics fabricated by SLS were investigated by X‐ray and neutron diffractions. The surface morphologies and cross‐section microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A dense hexagonal h‐BaTiO3 layer was formed on the surface and extended to a depth of 500 μm, with a relative density higher than 97% and absence of pores or microcracks. SLS resulted in the formation of the high‐temperature phase, h‐BaTiO3, which was retained at room temperature possibly due to the high cooling rate. The grain boundaries of SLSed h‐BaTiO3 ceramics consist of a Ti‐rich secondary phase. Compared with that of the pressureless sintered t‐BaTiO3 ceramics, the Vickers hardness of SLSed h‐BaTiO3 is 70% higher.
A personal network approach to the study of nurse champions of innovation and their innovation projects’ spread
Authors: Luz Shirly , Drach‐Zahavy Anat , Shadmi Efrat
Published: November 2020

Aims

To develop and test the relationship between nurse champions’ personal social networks and innovation success in terms of spread.

Design

A cross sectional.

Method(s)

Data were collected on 94 nurse champions at three medium‐large tertiary medical centres from 2015–2016. Data from champions on their personal network were assessed via a standardized and acceptable three‐step network survey. Success in terms of innovation spread was assessed via perceived extent of spread. Network structural and relational characteristics were depicted by level of spread. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between network characteristics and innovation spread.

Findings

Above and beyond various project and network control variables, network density was significantly and positively related to project spread, tie‐strength diversity was significantly and negatively related to project spread and difference in ethnic origin between champions and alters was significantly and positively related to project spread. Maximum age of network members was marginally significantly related to project spread.

Conclusion(s)

Our findings show that high‐density personal social networks; networks where tie strength among network members is similar, thus, creating liking and trust among members; having at least one older network member who might have close access to professional and organizational resources acquired throughout their career; and having ties with network members from different ethnic groups to prevent knowledge stickiness, all promote innovation spread. Champions should be carefully nominated based on their ability to engage network members and to build ties with various network members inside and outside the nursing unit; once selected, champions should be aware of their social networks.

Impact

The current study explored champions’ personal‐network structure, composition and variance measures and their implications for innovation project spread. The findings demonstrated that nursing champions’ personal social networks matter for innovation spread. This finding has implications for the nominating and the coaching of champions.
Experiences of geriatric nurses in nursing home settings across four countries in the face of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Sarabia‐Cobo Carmen , Pérez Victoria , de Lorena Pablo , Hermosilla‐Grijalbo Carmen , Sáenz‐Jalón María , Fernández‐Rodríguez Angela , Alconero‐Camarero Ana Rosa
Published: November 2020

Aim

To explore the emotional impact and experiences of geriatric nurses working in nursing homes and caring for patients with coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID‐19).

Design

This is a qualitative study with phenomenological method and data were gathered through in‐depth interview.

Methods

The experiences and expectations that nurses are facing during their care duties were explored via video conference, using a semi‐structured interview guide. We have followed the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research COREQ.

Results

Interviews (N=24) were conducted with nurses from four countries (Spain, Italy, Peru, and Mexico) during April 2020. Three main categories were extracted: fear of the pandemic situation, the sense of duty and professional commitment, and emotional exhaustion.

Conclusions

Regardless of the country and situation, in the face of the pandemic, dramatic situations have been experienced in nursing homes worldwide, with nursing staff feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and reflection is urged on a global level to consider the most appropriate model of care in nursing homes.
Integrating systematic biological and proteomics strategies to explore the pharmacological mechanism of danshen yin modified on atherosclerosis
Authors: Yang Kailin , Zeng Liuting , Ge Anqi , Pan Xiaoping , Bao Tingting , Long Zhiyong , Tong Qiaozhen , Yuan Mengxia , Zhu Xiaofei , Ge Jinwen , Huang Zhengde
Published: November 2020

This research utilized the systematic biological and proteomics strategies to explore the regulatory mechanism of Danshen Yin Modified (DSYM) on atherosclerosis (AS) biological network. The traditional Chinese medicine database and HPLC was used to find the active compounds of DSYM, Pharmmapper database was used to predict potential targets, and OMIM database and GeneCards database were used to collect AS targets. String database was utilized to obtain the other protein of proteomics proteins and the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) data of DSYM targets, AS genes, proteomics proteins and other proteins. The Cytoscape 3.7.1 software was utilized to construct and analyse the network. The DAVID database is used to discover the biological processes and signalling pathways that these proteins aggregate. Finally, animal experiments and proteomics analysis were used to further verify the prediction results. The results showed that 140 active compounds, 405 DSYM targets and 590 AS genes were obtained, and 51 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the DSYM‐treated ApoE‐/‐ mouse AS model. A total of 4 major networks and a number of their derivative networks were constructed and analysed. The prediction results showed that DSYM can regulate AS‐related biological processes and signalling pathways. Animal experiments have also shown that DSYM has a therapeutic effect on ApoE‐/‐mouse AS model (P < .05). Therefore, this study proposed a new method based on systems biology, proteomics, and experimental pharmacology, and analysed the pharmacological mechanism of DSYM. DSYM may achieve therapeutic effects by regulating AS‐related signalling pathways and biological processes found in this research.
Does Politicization Matter for EU Representation? A Comparison of Four European Parliament Elections*
Authors: Vasilopoulou Sofia , Gattermann Katjana
Published: November 2020

What is the effect of politicization on EU representation? We empirically test two competing views through a focus on party–voter congruence, namely whether parties share the policy preferences of their voters. The first perspective expects that the process of politicization – either through party or media contestation – would improve party–voter agreement. The second perspective argues that politicization has not improved the supply of partisan debate with parties still not offering satisfactory options to voters who are primarily driven by protest‐based considerations; and as such does not expect an effect. We analyse congruence on the left–right and pro–anti‐EU dimensions, capturing questions related to EU policy and polity, respectively. Our examination of four European Parliament elections (1999–2014) and 341 parties across 53 electoral contexts points to the limited effect of politicization upon representation. Our findings have significant implications for the study of EU politicization and representation and open up avenues for future research.
Still Governing in the Shadows? Member States and the Political and Security Committee in the Post‐Lisbon EU Foreign Policy Architecture*
Authors: Maurer Heidi , Wright Nicholas
Published: November 2020

The Lisbon Treaty introduced far‐reaching reforms for EU foreign policy co‐operation. In the decade since, most scholarship has focused on the High Representative and EEAS. Far less consideration has been given to its consequences for member states' ownership of foreign policy. This article therefore examines how these institutional reforms have affected the Political and Security Committee (PSC), established to enable member states to better manage EU foreign policy cooperation. Drawing on new empirical data, it shows that the PSC has found its capacity to act as strategic agenda‐setter increasingly constrained because of greater opportunities for activism by the HRVP and EEAS; and by the emergence of the European Council as the key arbiter in foreign policy decision‐making. While this indicates the PSC today finds it harder to perform the role originally assigned to it, it is gaining alternative relevance through an emerging oversight role, which has implications for member states' EU foreign policy engagement.
Oceanic dispersal barriers in a holoplanktonic gastropod
Authors: Choo Le Qin , Bal Thijs M. P. , Goetze Erica , Peijnenburg Katja T. C. A.
Published: November 2020

Pteropods, a group of holoplanktonic gastropods, are regarded as bioindicators of the effects of ocean acidification on open ocean ecosystems, because their thin aragonitic shells are susceptible to dissolution. While there have been recent efforts to address their capacity for physiological acclimation, it is also important to gain predictive understanding of their ability to adapt to future ocean conditions. However, little is known about the levels of genetic variation and large‐scale population structuring of pteropods, key characteristics enabling local adaptation. We examined the spatial distribution of genetic diversity in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and nuclear 28S gene fragments, as well as shell shape variation, across a latitudinal transect in the Atlantic Ocean (35°N–36°S) for the pteropod Limacina bulimoides. We observed high levels of genetic variability (COI π = 0.034, 28S π = 0.0021) and strong spatial structuring (COI ΦST = 0.230, 28S ΦST = 0.255) across this transect. Based on the congruence of mitochondrial and nuclear differentiation, as well as differences in shell shape, we identified a primary dispersal barrier in the southern Atlantic subtropical gyre (15–18°S). This barrier is maintained despite the presence of expatriates, a gyral current system, and in the absence of any distinct oceanographic gradients in this region, suggesting that reproductive isolation between these populations must be strong. A secondary dispersal barrier supported only by 28S pairwise ΦST comparisons was identified in the equatorial upwelling region (between 15°N and 4°S), which is concordant with barriers observed in other zooplankton species. Both oceanic dispersal barriers were congruent with regions of low abundance reported for a similar basin‐scale transect that was sampled 2 years later. Our finding supports the hypothesis that low abundance indicates areas of suboptimal habitat that result in barriers to gene flow in widely distributed zooplankton species. Such species may in fact consist of several populations or (sub)species that are adapted to local environmental conditions, limiting their potential for adaptive responses to ocean changes. Future analyses of genome‐wide diversity in pteropods could provide further insight into the strength, formation and maintenance of oceanic dispersal barriers.
Robust Estimation for Response Time Modeling
Authors: Hong Maxwell , Rebouças Daniella A. , Cheng Ying
Published: November 2020

Response time has started to play an increasingly important role in educational and psychological testing, which prompts many response time models to be proposed in recent years. However, response time modeling can be adversely impacted by aberrant response behavior. For example, test speededness can cause response time to certain items to deviate from the hypothesized model. In this article, we introduce a robust estimation approach when estimating a respondent's working speed under the log‐normal model by down‐weighting aberrant response times. A simulation study is carried out to compare the performance of two weighting schemes and a real data example is provided to showcase the use of the new robust estimation method. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.
Effects of exenatide on microvascular reactivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Östlund Papadogeorgos Nikolaos , Kuhl Jeanette , Shore Angela , Kahan Thomas , Jörneskog Gun , Kalani Majid
Published: November 2020

Objective

We studied the effect of the GLP‐1RA exenatide on skin microvascular function in patients with T2DM and CAD.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with T2DM, CAD, and HbA1C 42–86 mmol/mol were randomized to treatment with exenatide or conventional non‐GLP‐1‐based therapy for 12 weeks. Skin microvascular function was examined in the forearm by LDF and iontophoretic application of acetyl choline and SNP, and by PORH at baseline and after 12 weeks. Blood samples for fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, and lipid profile were collected.

Results

At 12 weeks, patients on exenatide showed reductions in HbA1C (from 63.5 ± 13 to 60.7 ± 14 mmol/mol, p = .065), body weight (from 92.6 ± 16 to 89 ± 16 kg, p < .001), and systolic blood pressure (from 141 ± 13 to 134 ± 16 mm Hg, p < .05) as compared to the conventionally treated group. There were no significant changes in skin microvascular function between or within the two groups at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Three months' daily treatment with the GLP‐1RA exenatide in T2DM patients with CAD showed no significant effects on skin microvascular function or blood glucose control, while this study confirms a reduction in body weight and blood pressure by exenatide, as compared to conventional antidiabetic drug treatment.
A conserved double‐W box in the promoter of CaWRKY40 mediates autoregulation during response to pathogen attack and heat stress in pepper
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Qin , Shi Lan‐Ping , Yang Sheng , Qiu Shan‐Shan , Ma Xiao‐Ling , Cai Jin‐Sen , Guan De‐Yi , Wang Zong‐Hua , He Shui‐Lin
Published: November 2020

CaWRKY40 was previously found to be transcriptionally up‐regulated by Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation (RSI) or heat stress (HS), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Herein, we report that a double‐W box‐element (DWE) in the promoter of CaWRKY40 is critical for these responses. The upstream W box unit WI of this composite element is crucial for preferential binding by CaWRKY40 and responsiveness to RSI or HS. DWE‐driven CaWRKY40 can be transcriptionally and nonspecifically regulated by itself and by CaWRKY58 and CaWRKY27. The DWE was also found in the promoters of CaWRKY40 orthologs, including AtWRKY40, VvWRKY40, GmWRKY40, CplWRKY40, SaWRKY40, SpWRKY40, NtWRKY40, and NaWRKY40. DWEAtWRKY40 was analogous to DWECaWRKY40 by responding to RSI or HS and AtWRKY40 expression. These data suggest that a conserved response of plants to pathogen infection or HS is probably mediated by binding of the DWE by WRKY40.
Exit site infection and peritonitis due to Serratia species in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis: Epidemiology and clinical outcomes
Authors: Au Christy W. H. , Yap Desmond Y. H. , Chan Jasper F. W. , Yip Terence P. S. , Chan Tak M.
Published: November 2020

Aim

To study the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of catheter‐related infections of Serratia species in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the patient characteristics, antibiotics susceptibility/resistance patterns and treatment outcomes of exit site infection (ESI) and peritonitis due to Serratia in PD patients during the period of 2004 to 2017.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐one patients had Serratia ESI, of which 10 (6.2%) progressed to tunnel tract involvement and 11 (6.8%) developed PD peritonitis. Nineteen (11.8%) patients with Serratia ESI failed to respond to medical treatment and required catheter removal. Fifty‐six (34.8%) patients had repeat Serratia ESI, which occurred at 12.9 ± 13.6 months after the previous episode. Twenty‐two patients had Serratia peritonitis, which accounted for 1% of peritonitis during the study period. Ten (45.5%) patients responded to medical treatment while 12 (54.5%) patients required catheter removal. Nine patients (36.4%) failed to resume PD and were converted to long‐term haemodialysis. Two patients had repeat peritonitis at 2 months and 3 years, respectively, after the initial episode. Serratia species in PD patients showed high rates of resistance to ampicillin, and first‐ and second‐generation cephalosporins, but were generally susceptible to aminoglycosides, carboxy‐/ureido‐penicillins and carbapenems.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Serratia ESI show low risk of progression to peritonitis and favourable response to medical therapy, while Serratia peritonitis was associated with high rates of catheter removal and peritoneal failure.
Gastrointestinal perforations and associated risk factors in children after liver transplantation
Authors: Aslan Serdar , Akış Yıldız Zeliha , Yazar Şerafettin , Kargı Ahmet , Dönmez Ramazan , Selimoğlu Ayşe , Arıkan Çiğdem , Kavlak Emre , Polat Kamil Yalçın
Published: November 2020

In this study, possible risk factors of gastrointestinal perforations (GIP) that increase mortality after liver transplantation in children were investigated. One hundred and thirty‐one pediatric patients who underwent 139 liver transplants between January 2016 and February 2020 were evaluated retrospectively based on preoperative and surgical data. Furthermore, cases with biliary atresia, which constitute 26.7% (35) of the patients, were compared within themselves and with other groups. It was found that the cases that developed perforations were younger, lower in weight, and had higher number of surgeries than those who did not, while the mortality and morbidity rates were higher in these patients. When cases with biliary atresia were analyzed within themselves, no significant difference was found between perforated biliary atresia and non‐perforated cases in terms of age, weight, and previous surgery. When biliary atresia and other etiologies were compared, biliary atresia cases were found to be transplanted at a younger age, at a lower weight, and this group had a higher risk for perforation. Early laparotomy should be performed in order to reduce mortality in GIPs. Patients that are younger, underweight, previously operated, and using mesh must be closely monitored.
Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption: Case report of an unusual presentation
Authors: Samara Elpida , Kelly Emily , Walker Rosamunde , Borumandi Farzad
Published: November 2020

Idiopathic cervical root resorption (ICRR) is a rare condition involving the cemento‐enamel junction of the teeth. Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption (MICRR) involves several teeth with an unknown prevalence and aetiology. The resorptive lesions are often detected on routine radiographs or during clinical examination. The defects are often painless, hence they are usually diagnosed late and in an advanced stage when diagnosed clinically. The restoration of MICRR can be demanding with subsequent loss of the teeth affected. In this report, we describe the case of a 16‐year‐old female with MICRR, the therapeutic challenges and clinical burden for this young patient over a period of approximately 5 years.
Care in pregnancies subsequent to stillbirth or perinatal death
Authors: Graham Nicole , Stephens Louise , Heazell Alexander EP
Published: November 2020

Key content

Pregnancies following stillbirth have an increased risk of adverse outcome, including a 4.8‐fold increased risk of stillbirth.

Risk factors for stillbirth include obesity, smoking, advanced maternal age, fetal growth restriction, hypertension and diabetes.

Increased risk of medical problems may result from recurrent placental pathologies or genetic conditions or persistent maternal disease; thus, care for a subsequent pregnancy should commence with investigation of the index stillbirth.

Parents also require additional psychological support to navigate mixed emotions, particularly anxiety, about the development of pregnancy complications.

Antenatal care in a subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth should ideally be delivered by a multidisciplinary team to provide continuity of physical and psychological care.

Learning objectives

To improve understanding of the importance of a preconception/early pregnancy appointment and the key information to be covered in such an appointment in a pregnancy after stillbirth.

To know what information can be gained from postnatal investigations and the placental histology report and the relationship between this information and a subsequent pregnancy after stillbirth.

To be able to describe an example of a model of care used to address medical and psychological needs of parents in subsequent pregnancy.

Ethical issues

Failing to appreciate the medical and psychological significance of a history of stillbirth may lead to suboptimal antenatal care that does not meet women’s needs.

Lack of robust evidence may lead to prescription of medication without clear evidence of benefit.
Barriers and facilitators influencing adherence to occupational therapy home assessment recommendations: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Harper Kristie J. , Taylor Susan L. , Parsons Dave N.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To identify and describe the barriers and facilitators that influence adherence to recommendations provided as part of an occupational therapy home assessment.

Introduction:

Home assessments, including environmental interventions, are commonly used by occupational therapists. Home assessment recommendations aim to support a patient's independence in their occupational roles and improve safety in the home. Research evaluating home assessments and adherence to recommended strategies is limited. However, low adherence has been associated with poorer outcomes including falls, deconditioning, and decreased function. This research aims to synthesize factors that influence adherence to home assessment recommendations.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider all qualitative and quantitative studies that report on adherence to recommendations provided during occupational therapy home assessments. Studies will include adults (>18) and/or their caregivers, who live in the community and receive an occupational therapy home assessment.

Methods:

A mixed methods systematic review will be undertaken. Eight databases will be searched for studies published in English reporting on adherence following home assessments completed by occupational therapists published after January 2000. Study quality will be assessed using standardized JBI critical appraisal tools dependent on study design. Data extraction will be performed using a standardized tool, followed by data transformation. Data synthesis will follow the convergent integrated approach. All findings will be tabulated to explore factors that influence adherence.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020159233
Inter‐spike mitochondrial Ca2+ release enhances high frequency synaptic transmission
Authors: Yang Che Ho , Lee Kyu‐Hee , Ho Won‐Kyung , Lee Suk‐Ho
Published: November 2020

Key points

Presynaptic mitochondria not only absorb but also release Ca2+ during high frequency stimulation (HFS) when presynaptic [Ca2+] is kept low (<500 nm) by high cytosolic Ca2+ buffer or strong plasma membrane calcium clearance mechanisms under physiological external [Ca2+].

Mitochondrial Ca2+ release (MCR) does not alter the global presynaptic Ca2+ transients.

MCR during HFS enhances short‐term facilitation and steady state excitatory postsynaptic currents by increasing vesicular release probability.

The intra‐train MCR may provide residual calcium at interspike intervals, and thus support high frequency neurotransmission at central glutamatergic synapses.

Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering contributes to local regulation of synaptic transmission. It is unknown, however, whether mitochondrial Ca2+ release (MCR) occurs during high frequency synaptic transmission. Confirming the previous notion that 2 μm tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) is a specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (mNCX), we studied the role of MCR via mNCX in short‐term plasticity during high frequency stimulation (HFS) at the calyx of Held synapse of the rat. TPP+ reduced short‐term facilitation (STF) and steady state excitatory postsynaptic currents during HFS at mature calyx synapses under physiological extracellular [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]o = 1.2 mm), but not at immature calyx or at 2 mm [Ca2+]o. The inhibitory effects of TPP+ were stronger at synapses with morphologically complex calyces harbouring many swellings and at 32°C than at simple calyx synapses and at room temperature. These effects of TPP+ on STF were well correlated with those on the presynaptic mitochondrial [Ca2+] build‐up during HFS. Mitochondrial [Ca2+] during HFS was increased by TPP+ at mature calyces under 1.2 mm [Ca2+]o, and further enhanced at 32°C, but not under 2 mm [Ca2+]o or at immature calyces. The close correlation of the effects of TPP+ on mitochondrial [Ca2+] with those on STF suggests that mNCX contributes to STF at the calyx of Held synapses. The intra‐train MCR enhanced vesicular release probability without altering global presynaptic [Ca2+]. Our results suggest that MCR during HFS elevates local [Ca2+] near synaptic sites at interspike intervals to enhance STF and to support stable synaptic transmission under physiological [Ca2+]o.
Loss of Baiap2l2 destabilizes the transducing stereocilia of cochlear hair cells and leads to deafness
Authors: Carlton Adam J. , Halford Julia , Underhill Anna , Jeng Jing‐Yi , Avenarius Matthew R. , Gilbert Merle L. , Ceriani Federico , Ebisine Kimimuepigha , Brown Steve D. M. , Bowl Michael R. , Barr‐Gillespie Peter G. , Marcotti Walter
Published: November 2020

Key points

Mechanoelectrical transduction at auditory hair cells requires highly specialized stereociliary bundles that project from their apical surface, forming a characteristic graded ‘staircase’ structure.

The morphogenesis and maintenance of these stereociliary bundles is a tightly regulated process requiring the involvement of several actin‐binding proteins, many of which are still unidentified.

We identify a new stereociliary protein, the I‐BAR protein BAIAP2L2, which localizes to the tips of the shorter transducing stereocilia in both inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs).

We find that Baiap2l2 deficient mice lose their second and third rows of stereocilia, their mechanoelectrical transducer current, and develop progressive hearing loss, becoming deaf by 8 months of age.

We demonstrate that BAIAP2L2 localization to stereocilia tips is dependent on the motor protein MYO15A and its cargo EPS8.

We propose that BAIAP2L2 is a new key protein required for the maintenance of the transducing stereocilia in mature cochlear hair cells.

The transduction of sound waves into electrical signals depends upon mechanosensitive stereociliary bundles that project from the apical surface of hair cells within the cochlea. The height and width of these actin‐based stereocilia is tightly regulated throughout life to establish and maintain their characteristic staircase‐like structure, which is essential for normal mechanoelectrical transduction. Here, we show that BAIAP2L2, a member of the I‐BAR protein family, is a newly identified hair bundle protein that is localized to the tips of the shorter rows of transducing stereocilia in mouse cochlear hair cells. BAIAP2L2 was detected by immunohistochemistry from postnatal day 2.5 (P2.5) throughout adulthood. In Baiap2l2 deficient mice, outer hair cells (OHCs), but not inner hair cells (IHCs), began to lose their third row of stereocilia and showed a reduction in the size of the mechanoelectrical transducer current from just after P9. Over the following post‐hearing weeks, the ordered staircase structure of the bundle progressively deteriorates, such that, by 8 months of age, both OHCs and IHCs of Baiap2l2 deficient mice have lost most of the second and third rows of stereocilia and become deaf. We also found that BAIAP2L2 interacts with other key stereociliary proteins involved in normal hair bundle morphogenesis, such as CDC42, RAC1, EPS8 and ESPNL. Furthermore, we show that BAIAP2L2 localization to the stereocilia tips depends on the motor protein MYO15A and its cargo EPS8. We propose that BAIAP2L2 is key to maintenance of the normal actin structure of the transducing stereocilia in mature mouse cochlear hair cells.
Network Redundancy: A Key Design Factor for Cooling Networks
Authors: Pejman Reza , Najafi Ahmad Raeisi
Published: November 2020

Microvascular composite offers a variety of multi-functionality based on the choice of fluid flowing through the embedded microchannels. The design of the microchannel network in microvascular composites is quite challenging. Indeed, the design is often expected to have high cooling efficiency, satisfy the manufacturing and operating constraints, and also have redundancy to increase the temperature uniformity and alleviate the destructive effects of potential microchannel blockage. In this study, we present a design optimization framework to satisfy these requirements. We use the Hybrid Topology/Shape (HyTopS) optimization scheme to design a redundant blockage-tolerant cooling network. In this method, the optimizer can change the topology of the design during the shape optimization process. Being able to modify the topology of the network enables the optimizer to provide network redundancy to effectively optimize the design for blockage tolerance. We also solve several numerical examples to show the unique features of the proposed method.
Design Automation for Mass Customisation via Additive Manufacture: A Case Study on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Mask
Authors: Li Shiya , Ploumpis Stylianos , Zafeiriou Stefanos , Myant Connor
Published: November 2020

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been identified as a key enabler for Mass Customization (MC) due to its negligible tooling cost associated with producing one-off items. This is especially valuable for the medical industry where the ability to create patient-specific products can greatly improve performance and comfort. However, the use of AM so far has only been limited to previously custom-made devices due to the prohibitive design costs associated with a knowledge-intensive and highly manual design process. The research community has often overlooked this area and as yet no study has shown a completely automated process that can reduce or even eliminate this design cost for existing mass-produced ergonomic products (e.g. respirators). This study investigates the methodology of developing a completely automated design pipeline through a case study on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask. Through a parametric design approach, a fully automated pipeline was constructed based on a large-scale statistical shape model “learnt” from 9,663 high-resolution facial scans. The pipeline accepts a single “in-the-wild” facial image as the only data input and produces a CAD model of CPAP mask in under a minute. The significant reduction in design time, ease of data acquisition and the complete removal of a manual CAD modelling process can make AM more accessible for CPAP masks manufacturers. The same workflow can potentially be employed to construct automation pipelines for other types of wearables, therefore encouraging the adoption of AM for MC of a wider selection of products.
Exploring System of Systems Resilience vs. Affordability Trade-Space Using a Bio-Inspired Metric
Authors: Chatterjee Abheek , Malak Richard , Layton Astrid
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study is to investigate the value of an ecologically inspired architectural metric called the Degree of System Order in the System of Systems (SoS) architecting process. Two highly desirable SoS attributes are the ability to withstand and recover from disruptions (resilience) and affordability. In practice, more resilient SoS architectures are less affordable and it is essential to balance the trade-offs between the two attributes. Ecological research analyzing long-surviving ecosystems (nature’s resilient SoS) using the Degree of System Order metric has found a unique balance of efficient and redundant interactions in their architecture. This balance implies that highly efficient ecosystems tend to be inflexible and vulnerable to perturbations while highly redundant ecosystems fail to utilize resources effectively for survival. Motivated by this unique architectural property of ecosystems, this study investigates the response to disruptions vs. affordability trade-space of a large number of feasible SoS architectures. Results indicate that the most favorable SoS architectures in this trade-space share a specific range of values of Degree of System Order. This suggests that Degree of System Order can be a key metric in engineered SoS development. Evaluating the Degree of System Order does not require detailed simulations and can, therefore, guide the early stage SoS design process towards more optimal SoS architectures.