bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of serum galactomannan in initiating and modifying antifungal therapy in children with cancer and persistent high‐risk febrile neutropenia
Authors: Delgado‐Araneda Matías , Valenzuela Romina , de la Maza Verónica , Rabello Marcela , Álvarez Ana M. , Contardo Verónica , Zubieta Marcela , Gutierrez Valentina , Claverie Ximena , Torres Juan P. , Salgado Carmen , Tordecilla Juan , Varas Mónica , Avilés Carmen L. , Venegas Marcela , Villarroel Milena , Santolaya María E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Invasive fungal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cancer and high‐risk febrile neutropenia (HRFN). Repeated serum galactomannan (sGM) measurements have been described as an effective tool to guide therapy in adults under suspicion of invasive aspergillosis. However, the utility of this approach has not been reported in paediatric population.

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of sGM measurements in initiating and modifying antifungal therapy (AFT) in children with cancer and persistent HRFN.

Patients/Methods

Nested case‐control study in children with cancer and persistent HRFN episodes, between July 2013 and January 2019. Patients were classified as cases and controls depending on if they received AFT or not, respectively. Through odds ratio analysis, we assessed the role of sGM positivity in the AFT initiation decision. Then, we analysed the group of patients that initiated AFT, and compared those who had AFT modifications and those who did not, analysing different sGM kinetics thresholds.

Results

A total of 191 episodes from children with persistent HRFN were enrolled, of which 107 received AFT and 84 did not. The median age was 7 years (IQR 4‐12), 52% were male and 89% had a haematologic malignancy as underlying disease. Positive sGM was not associated with AFT initiation (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.43‐2.33, P = .99). A difference threshold in sGM Δ ≥ 0.3 sGM was significantly associated with AFT modification (OR 5.07, 95% CI 1.02‐ 25.70, P = .04).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the utility of serial sGM sampling during AFT in children with persistent HRFN.
Anesthetic management of pediatric patients with Niemann‐Pick disease type C for intrathecal 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin injection
Authors: Ulloa Morgan L. , Froyshteter Alexander B. , Kret Lauren N. , Chang Denise P. , Sarah Gabriel E. , McCarthy Robert J. , Barnes Steve D. , Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2020

Background

Niemann‐Pick disease type C is an autosomal‐recessive, lysosomal storage disorder with variable age of onset and a heterogeneous clinical presentation that includes neurological, psychiatric, and visceral findings. Serial intrathecal injections of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin are being evaluated as a treatment modality for Niemann‐Pick disease type C with a subset of patients requiring anesthesia for this procedure.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of anesthesia provided for patients undergoing intrathecal injection of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric patients who received serial intrathecal injections of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin with anesthesia at two tertiary care centers was conducted from December 2015 through April 2019. Data were extracted for analysis included preoperative comorbidities, demographics, vital signs, intraoperative anesthesia course, airway management technique, venous access, postoperative course, and perioperative complications. In total, 19 patients were identified and a total of 394 anesthetic encounters were included in this study.

Results

All 394 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin administration procedures were successfully performed, and there were no changes made in the anesthetic plan during the anesthesia encounters. Three hundred forty‐nine anesthetics were performed utilizing inhalation induction and mask maintenance, and 45 anesthetics were performed with placement of a supraglottic airway device due to patient body habitus and provider preference. The incidence of a major adverse event (aspirations, arterial desaturation) was 5/394 (1.3%, 95% CI 0.05%‐3.1%). Minor adverse events (emesis, delirium, hypotension, seizure, and airway obstruction) were observed in 19/394 encounters (4.8%, 95% CI 3.0%‐7.5%).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that general anesthesia induced via inhalation induction and maintained with volatile anesthetic via mask or supraglottic airway is a safe and effective option for pediatric patients with Niemann‐Pick disease type C undergoing serial intrathecal injections of 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin, supporting this technique as a viable option for anesthetic care in these patients.
A multiplex real‐time PCR assay enables simultaneous rapid detection and quantification of bacteria associated with acute oak decline
Authors: Crampton Bridget G. , Plummer Sarah J. , Kaczmarek Maciej , McDonald James E. , Denman Sandra
Published: April 2020

Acute oak decline (AOD) is a syndrome affecting mature oak trees and is characterized by stem bleeds from vertical fissures on trunks, and inner bark necrosis caused by a polybacterial consortium, in which Gibbsiella quercinecans and Brenneria goodwinii, and to a lesser extent Rahnella victoriana and Lonsdalea britannica, play key roles. Here we report a novel multiplex real‐time PCR assay that enables simultaneous and rapid detection and quantification of these four bacterial species from stem bleed swabs. Experiments with axenic cultures were performed to determine specificity and sensitivity of the multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR). Whilst the primer/probe set for B. goodwinii was species‐specific, primer/probe sets for the other three species were able to identify other members of their respective genera. There was no cross detection of genera within the multiplex qPCR, and non‐target bacteria were not detected. The multiplex AOD assay had differential sensitivity for each bacterial species. The assay was evaluated on swab samples collected from stem bleeds of declining oak trees at a site in south‐east England and was able to detect all four bacterial species. Absolute quantification of the bacteria from swab samples was possible through the inclusion of a standard curve prepared from dilutions of gene copy standards. This diagnostic tool will facilitate rapid detection of AOD‐associated bacteria from samples that can easily be taken by non‐specialists without specific training, and will also find application in other experimental work such as pathogenicity and control trials.
Collection and production of native seeds for ecological restoration
Authors: Pedrini Simone , Gibson‐Roy Paul , Trivedi Clare , Gálvez‐Ramírez Candido , Hardwick Kate , Shaw Nancy , Frischie Stephanie , Laverack Giles , Dixon Kingsley
Published: April 2020

The global push to achieve ecosystem restoration targets has resulted in an increased demand for native seeds that current production systems are not able to fulfill. In many countries, seeds used in ecological restoration are often sourced from natural populations. Though providing seed that is reflective of the genetic diversity of a species, wild harvesting often cannot meet the demands for large‐scale restoration and may also result in depletion of native seed resources through over harvesting. To improve seed production and decrease seed costs, seed production systems have been established in several countries to generate native seeds based on agricultural or horticultural production methods or by managing natural populations. However, there is a need to expand these production systems which have a primary focus on herbaceous species to also include slower maturing shrub and tree seed. Here we propose that to reduce the threat of overharvest on the viability of natural populations, seed collection from natural populations should be replaced or supplemented by seed production systems. This overview of seed production systems demonstrates how to maximize production and minimize unintended selection bias so that native seed batches maintain genetic diversity and adaptability to underpin the success of ecological restoration programs.
From self‐compassion to compassionate action: reflecting on ending life of stillbirth care in nursing
Authors: Lin Chien‐Hui , Liu Ying‐Chun , Chiang Hsien‐Hsien
Published: April 2020

Nurses’ distress in response to the professional experience of the neonatal loss and stillbirth care is poorly addressed in nursing practice; therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore nurses’ experiences of labour of a stillborn baby. A qualitative approach with ten Registered Nurses from hospital birth units in northern Taiwan was used to investigate the stillbirth care experiences of nurses. Research data analysed by interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) were collected from eight digital recorded sessions of group dialogues, nurses' responses and feedbacks. Three main themes extracted from data include unfolding the suffering, engrossing in stillborn parents and demonstrating compassionate actions for the stillborn baby. Unfolding the suffering includes shame, guilt and disenfranchised grief. Engrossing in stillborn parents includes perceiving the mother’s suppress sadness and empathising with the father’s anger. Finally, demonstrating compassionate actions includes fulfilling the parents’ needs to say goodbye to their stillborn baby and saying a personal goodbye to the dead baby. The finding of this study shows that the reflective group provided the space for nurses to unfold their suffering, share their emotion, and develop practical wisdom in caring for stillborn baby and the parents. The experience of nurse group conducting the reflecting dialogues could be a expository strategy to promote the nurse to provide the compassionate care actions.
How can stigma contribute to our understanding of the formation and mobilization of collective identities in health social movements?
Authors: Smith Nicholas C.
Published: April 2020

Scholars across several theoretical traditions have become increasingly interested in understanding the underlying factors and mechanisms that contribute to the formation and mobilization of collective identities in health social movements (HSMs). In this essay, I make the case that stigma can serve as a useful theoretical and conceptual framework in understanding the processes through which collective identities emerge and mobilize around health‐related issues. I begin by introducing the concepts of HSMs, collective identity and stigma and reviewing how scholars have defined these concepts. Next, I establish theoretical, conceptual, and empirical links among stigma, collective identity, and HSMs. I conclude by further specifying how and why stigma can serve as a unifying framework for medical sociologists, social psychologists, and social movement researchers to advance scholarship on HSMs.
The guaranteed minimum income in Portugal: A universal safety net under political and financial pressure
Authors: Pereirinha José António , Branco Francisco , Pereira Elvira , Amaro Maria Inês
Published: April 2020

The Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) was created in Portugal by a centre‐left Socialist Party government in 1996, as the most important constitutive part of a ‘new generation of active social policies,’ which completed the existence in Portugal of a universal system of guaranteed income. Its transformation into a Social Integration Income (SII) in 2003 and its retrenchment in the period of the Great Recession and troika austerity (2011–2015) has reduced the scope of this policy measure as a universal safety net policy. This article examines the context and the major drivers for the creation and for the policy changes that occurred in the GMI/SII. Looking at the political debates and the changes in this policy measure along this period, we argue that the major reforms introduced since its creation reflect ideological cleavages within the political arena. Considering the very low share in total government current expenditure of GMI/SII, this can explain the social policy selective retreat associated to the changes introduced in this policy measure by the centre‐right coalition in government, in the latest period of cost containment of social policy in Portugal, leading to a great decrease in the number of beneficiaries and to an increase of its inadequacy.
RETRACTED: Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of a large, diverse population of maize near‐isogenic lines
Authors: Morales Laura , Repka A. C. , Swarts Kelly L. , Stafstrom William C. , He Yijian , Sermons Shannon M. , Yang Qin , Lopez‐Zuniga Luis O. , Rucker Elizabeth , Thomason Wade E. , Nelson Rebecca J. , Balint‐Kurti Peter J.
Published: April 2020

Genome‐wide association (GWA) studies can identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) putatively underlying traits of interest, and nested association mapping (NAM) can further assess allelic series. Near‐isogenic lines (NILs) can be used to characterize, dissect and validate QTL, but the development of NILs is costly. Previous studies have utilized limited numbers of NILs and introgression donors. We characterized a panel of 1270 maize NILs derived from crosses between 18 diverse inbred lines and the recurrent inbred parent B73, referred to as the nested NILs (nNILs). The nNILs were phenotyped for flowering time, height and resistance to three foliar diseases, and genotyped with genotyping‐by‐sequencing. Across traits, broad‐sense heritability (0.4–0.8) was relatively high. The 896 genotyped nNILs contain 2638 introgressions, which span the entire genome with substantial overlap within and among allele donors. GWA with the whole panel identified 29 QTL for height and disease resistance with allelic variation across donors. To date, this is the largest and most diverse publicly available panel of maize NILs to be phenotypically and genotypically characterized. The nNILs are a valuable resource for the maize community, providing an extensive collection of introgressions from the founders of the maize NAM population in a B73 background combined with data on six agronomically important traits and from genotyping‐by‐sequencing. We demonstrate that the nNILs can be used for QTL mapping and allelic testing. The majority of nNILs had four or fewer introgressions, and could readily be used for future fine mapping studies.
Epidemiology of a toxoplasmosis outbreak in a research institution in northern Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Cabral Monica Thaís , Pinto‐Ferreira Fernanda , Martins Felippe Danyel Cardoso , de Matos Ricardo Luís Nascimento , de Matos Andressa Maria Rorato Nascimento , Santos Anne Caroline , Nino Beatriz de Souza Lima , Pereira Leia , Narciso Simone Garani , Garcia João Luis , Freire Roberta Lemos , Navarro Italmar Teodorico , Mitsuka‐Bregano Regina
Published: April 2020

Toxoplasmosis is a reportable disease in Brazil. The objective of this study was to investigate a toxoplasmosis outbreak at a research institution in Londrina—PR, Brazil. The outbreak was reported in October 2015; however, the first cases occurred in August 2015. Blood samples were collected from 674 persons at the institution. Samples were collected from soil, water (water tank) and food (vegetables) served in the restaurant. Each participant responded to an epidemiological questionnaire. For the blood samples, a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was performed to detect IgM, IgG and specific IgG avidity antibodies; 10.8% (73/674) had evidence of acute toxoplasmosis. Statistical analysis showed a significant association (p < .001) between acute infection and eating lunch in the restaurant of the institution. Regarding the types of food offered in the restaurant during the period, there was a significant association between consuming raw salad (p < .001) and becoming ill. We conclude that the vegetables or raw vegetables served in the restaurant were probably the source of infection; however, the long period between exposure and case reporting made it difficult to identify the source of transmission.
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in raw meat intended for pet consumption
Authors: Shapiro Amanda , Bosward Katrina , Mathews Karen , Vincent Gemma , Stenos John , Tadepalli Mythili , Norris Jacqueline
Published: April 2020

The discovery of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in cattery‐confined breeding cats indicating prior or current exposure (Shapiro et al., 2015) prompted an investigation into possible sources of infection. One hypothesis was that raw meat diets containing reservoir species may provide a source of C. burnetii transmission. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether C. burnetii DNA was present in raw meat sold exclusively for companion animal consumption. The sample population consisted of raw meat packages (n = 58) of primarily kangaroo origin, with three to four aliquots (50–120 mg) randomly selected from each package. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole tissue in each of these aliquots using a modified protocol. Three quantitative PCR assays were used for the detection of C. burnetii targeting the IS1111 gene, the heat shock operon htpAB and the C. burnetii outer membrane protein‐coding gene, com1. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in 25/58 samples (43%) using the IS1111, htpAB and/or com1 PCR assays and confirmed by DNA sequencing. All samples amplifying a product in the com1 assay also amplified a product in the htpAB and IS1111 assays. A total of 17/58 (29%) packets were positive with all three genes, 4/58 (7%) were positive with two genes (IS1111 and htpAB) and 4/58 (7%) were positive with the IS1111 gene only. Coxiella burnetii DNA was five times more likely to be found in offal than skeletal muscle meat samples. All meat samples in which C. burnetii DNA was found were from kangaroo tissues, while samples labelled as non‐kangaroo meat (n = 4) were negative. Multi‐locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) identified three different genotypes of C. burnetii that have all been identified previously from Australian human clinical Q fever cases. Further investigations are required to determine the potential role of certain raw meats in the transmission of C. burnetii to cats and humans.
HIITing the brain with exercise: mechanisms, consequences and practical recommendations
Authors: Calverley Thomas A. , Ogoh Shigehiko , Marley Christopher J. , Steggall Martin , Marchi Nicola , Brassard Patrice , Lucas Samuel J.E. , Cotter James D. , Roig Marc , Ainslie Philip N. , Wisløff Ulrik , Bailey Damian M.
Published: April 2020

The increasing number of older adults has seen a corresponding growth in those affected by neurovascular diseases, including stroke and dementia. Since cures are currently unavailable, major efforts in improving brain health need to focus on prevention, with emphasis on modifiable risk factors such as promoting physical activity. Moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) paradigms have been shown to confer vascular benefits translating into improved musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular function. However, the time commitment associated with MICT is a potential barrier to participation, and high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has since emerged as a more time‐efficient mode of exercise that can promote similar if not indeed superior improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness for a given training volume and further promote vascular adaptation. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of HIIT on the brain are surprisingly limited. The present review outlines how the HIIT paradigm has evolved from a historical perspective and describes the established physiological changes including its mechanistic bases. Given the dearth of RCTs, the vascular benefits of MICT are discussed with a focus on the translational neuroprotective benefits including their mechanistic bases that could be further potentiated through HIIT. Safety implications are highlighted and components of an optimal HIIT intervention are discussed including practical recommendations. Finally, statistical effect sizes have been calculated to allow prospective research to be appropriately powered and optimise the potential for detecting treatment effects. Future RCTs that focus on the potential clinical benefits of HIIT are encouraged given the prevalence of cognitive decline in an ever‐ageing population.

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Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Performance of Centrifugal Pump Under Bubble Inflow Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics–Population Balance Model Coupling Model
Authors: He Denghui , Ge Zhenguo , Bai Bofeng , Guo Pengcheng , Luo Xingqi
Published: April 2020

In this study, a numerical simulation method based on Eulerian–Eulerian model and population balance model (PBM) (i.e., computational fluid dynamics (CFD)–PBM coupling model) was developed to investigate the gas–liquid two-phase performance of centrifugal pump under bubble inflow. The realizable k–ε model turbulence model was implemented in ansysfluent solver. The air and water were employed as the working fluids, which was consistent with the experiment. The water head and pressure increment obtained by the experiment were used to validate the numerical method. The results show that the CFD–PBM coupling model is superior to the Eulerian–Eulerian model, particularly in the “surging” conditions. Using the CFD–PBM coupling model, the influences of parameters, such as inlet gas volume fraction, liquid phase flowrate, and rotational speed, on the head and efficiency of the centrifugal pump were investigated. Under the design condition, when the inlet gas volume fraction increases from 3% to 5%, the bubbles form air mass and stagnate in the impeller channel. The stagnated air mass can hardly be discharged with the liquid phase. Thus, the pump head drops suddenly, i.e., the surging occurs. The two-phase performance of centrifugal pump can be improved under the surging condition by increasing the liquid flowrate and the rotational speed to a certain value. The results contribute to an alternative simulation method to investigate the characteristics of bubble flow in pump and shed new lights on the understanding of the performance of centrifugal pumps under two-phase flow conditions.
Secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements under ambient and humid conditions using MeV ions
Authors: Seki Toshio , Ishii Kenta , Aoki Takaaki , Matsuo Jiro
Published: April 2020

Secondary ion emission with MeV heavy ions provides a unique opportunity for insight into ion collisions and material analysis. MeV-energy ion beams excite electrons near the surface and enhance the ionization of high-mass molecules, enabling the acquisition of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) spectra of ionized molecules with suppressed fragments. The SIMS technique with MeV-energy heavy ions (MeV-SIMS) has opened new possibilities for investigating the chemical composition and structure of organic and biological materials, as well as for their imaging. The ambient analysis system is essential for analyzing solid–liquid interfaces, because liquid materials evaporate easily in a vacuum. It is difficult to measure volatile liquid (wet) samples using conventional SIMS. The mean free path of ions with energy in the keV range is very short in low vacuum, and these ions cannot penetrate the surface. By contrast, evaporation of liquid materials in He at atmospheric pressure is suppressed and samples containing liquid can be measured using the MeV-SIMS technique without the need for preparing dry samples. Recently, the authors developed a humidity-controlled ambient MeV-SIMS system because the water evaporation rate strongly depends on humidity. To obtain imaging mass spectra of wet samples, the wet sample surface needs to be maintained under ambient and humid conditions for a prolonged time. At 0.04 MPa, under 100% humidity, a sample of aqueous solution of benzoic acid produced water droplets that remained in the target chamber for more than 30 min, and clusters and compounds of benzoic acid with water were detected with high sensitivity by the humidity-controlled ambient MeV-SIMS system.
Effects of Dynamic Stretching Combined With Static Stretching, Foam Rolling, or Vibration Rolling as a Warm-Up Exercise on Athletic Performance in Elite Table Tennis Players
Authors: Hsu Fang-Yu , Tsai Kuei-Lan , Lee Chia-Lun , Chang Wen-Dien , Chang Nai-Jen
Published: April 2020

Context: Warm-up exercise is an essential preexercise routine for athletes to optimize performance. However, the benefits of combined warm-up protocols remain unclear. Objective: This comparative study investigated the acute effects of dynamic stretching (DS) followed by static stretching (SS), self-myofascial release using a foam rolling (FR) device, or vibration foam rolling (VFR) as a warm-up exercise to improve flexibility, power, agility, and specific skills in elite table tennis players. Design: A crossover study. Setting: University. Participants: Twenty-three elite table tennis players. Interventions: Players completed 3 different interventions in a random order (DS + SS, DS + FR, and DS + VFR). The target muscle groups included the bilateral posterior calf, posterior thigh, anterior thigh, back, and shoulder. Main Outcome Measures: Sit-and-reach test for flexibility, board jump test for lower-extremity power, medicine ball throw test for upper-extremity power, Edgren Side Step Test for agility, and ball speed of table tennis was assessed before and after intervention. Results: After intervention, significant increases in flexibility (15.2%, 20.4%, and 23.8%); lower-limb power (4.5%, 6.6%, and 6.3%); upper-limb power (9.6%, 8.5%, and 9.1%); and ball speed (7.4%, 7.6%, and 7.7%) were observed for DS + SS, DS + FR, and DS + VFR, respectively (all P < .001). In addition, only DS coupled with FR (5.1%) and DS in conjunction with VFR (2.7%) significantly improved agility (P < .001). However, no significant improvements in agility were observed after DS + SS. In addition, no one protocol was superior to the other in all outcomes. Conclusion: The authors suggest that a combination of DS with FR or VFR as warm-up exercises significantly improved flexibility, power, ball speed, in addition to agility in elite table tennis players. Coach and athletic professionals may take this information into account for choosing more effective warm-up protocols to enhance performance.
Inhibition of Vps34 reprograms cold into hot inflamed tumors and improves anti–PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy
Authors: Noman Muhammad Zaeem , Parpal Santiago , Van Moer Kris , Xiao Malina , Yu Yasmin , Arakelian Tsolere , Viklund Jenny , De Milito Angelo , Hasmim Meriem , Andersson Martin , Amaravadi Ravi K. , Martinsson Jessica , Berchem Guy , Janji Bassam
Published: April 2020

Targeting Vps34 makes melanoma and CRC eligible to anti–PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.
Global agricultural economic water scarcity
Authors: Rosa Lorenzo , Chiarelli Davide Danilo , Rulli Maria Cristina , Dell’Angelo Jampel , D’Odorico Paolo
Published: April 2020

We advance the notion of agricultural economic water scarcity to identify where irrigation expansion may increase food production.
Focusing the Lens on the CAMERA Concepts: Early Combination β-Lactam and Vancomycin Therapy in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Wilsey H Andrew , Burgess Donna R. , Burgess David S.
Published: April 2020

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) has grown to become a major burden on health care systems. The cumulation of limited therapeutic options and worsened patient outcomes with persistent MRSA bacteremia has driven research in optimizing its initial management. The guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America currently recommend combination therapy for refractory MRSA bacteremia, but the utility of combining antibiotics from the start of therapy is under investigation.
Manogepix (APX001A) Displays Potent
In Vitro
Activity against Human Pathogenic Yeast, but with an Unexpected Correlation to Fluconazole MICs
Authors: Arendrup Maiken Cavling , Jørgensen Karin Meinike
Published: April 2020

Manogepix (APX001A) is the active moiety of the novel drug candidate fosmanogepix (APX001). We previously reported the broad-spectrum activity of manogepix but also observed a correlation between increased manogepix and fluconazole MICs. Here, we extended this study and included isolates with acquired fluconazole resistance. Isolates (
n
 = 835) were identified using CHROMagar, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and, when needed, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing.
The Small RNA sr8384 Is a Crucial Regulator of Cell Growth in Solventogenic Clostridia
Authors: Yang Yunpeng , Zhang Huan , Lang Nannan , Zhang Lu , Chai Changsheng , He Huiqi , Jiang Weihong , Gu Yang
Published: April 2020

The uses of sRNAs as new resources for functional studies and strain modifications are promising strategies in microorganisms. However, these crucial regulatory molecules have hardly been explored in industrially important solventogenic clostridia. Here, we identified sr8384 as a novel determinant sRNA controlling the cell growth of solventogenic
Clostridium acetobutylicum
. Based on a detailed functional analysis, we further reveal the pleiotropic function of sr8384 and its multiple direct and indirect crucial targets, which represents a valuable source for understanding and optimizing this anaerobe. Of note, manipulation of this sRNA achieves improved cell growth and solvent synthesis. Our findings provide a new perspective for future studies on regulatory sRNAs in clostridia.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Trypanosoma cruzi B. M. López Strain (TcIa), Isolated from a Colombian Patient
Authors: Gómez Inmaculada , Rastrojo Alberto , Sanchez-Luque Francisco José , Lorenzo-Díaz Fabián , Macías Francisco , Valladares Basilio , Aguado Begoña , Requena José María , López Manuel Carlos , Thomas M. Carmen
Published: April 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi
parasite strains are classified into six lineages (discrete typing units TcI to TcVI). The broad genetic diversity of
T. cruzi
strains has an influence on the development of the host response and pathogenesis, as well as drug susceptibility. Here, the draft genome of the
T. cruzi
B. M. López strain (TcIa) is reported.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of 51 Campylobacter jejuni and 12 Campylobacter coli Clinical Isolates from Chile
Authors: Bravo Verónica , Varela Carmen , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Kastanis George J. , Balkey Maria , Blondel Carlos J. , Gonzalez-Escalona Narjol
Published: April 2020

Campylobacter
species are the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide and an emerging threat in developing countries. Here, we report the draft whole-genome sequences of 51
Campylobacter jejuni
and 12
Campylobacter coli
strains isolated from patients with gastroenteritis in Santiago, Chile.
Genome Sequence of Resistant
Serratia
sp. Strain HRI, Isolated from a Bottle of Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride-Based Disinfectant
Authors: Mc Carlie Samantha J. , Hellmuth Julius E. , Newman Jeffrey , Boucher Charlotte E. , Bragg Robert R.
Published: April 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant issue, and it threatens the prevention and effective treatment of a range of bacterial infections. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant isolate
Serratia
sp. strain HRI. A hybrid assembly was created using sequences from a first (MiSeq) and second (PacBio) sequencing run. This work is imperative for understanding antimicrobial resistance and adds to the knowledge base for combating multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Terminal Genome Sequences of the Soft Tick Bunyavirus
Authors: Sugimoto Satoko , Suda Yuto , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Kurosu Takeshi , Mizutani Tetsuya , Saijo Masayuki , Shimojima Masayuki
Published: April 2020

The complete genome sequence of the soft tick bunyavirus (STBV) was obtained using the Sanger sequencing technique. Comparison with other viral sequences revealed that STBV has unique sequences in the terminal regions that are highly conserved among the genus
Orthonairovirus
.
Genome Sequence of the Alphaproteobacterium Blastochloris sulfoviridis DSM 729, Which Requires Reduced Sulfur as a Growth Supplement and Contains Bacteriochlorophyll
b
Authors: Kyndt John A. , Montano Salama Dayana , Meyer Terry E.
Published: April 2020

The genome sequence of
Blastochloris sulfoviridis
is 3.85 Mb with a GC content of 68%. Its nearest relative is
B.
tepida
(average nucleotide identity [ANI], 91.5%), followed by
B.
viridis
(ANI, 83%). According to ANI and whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis, the nearest relatives of
Blastochloris
are
Rhodoplanes
and
Rhodopseudomonas
, confirming the recognition of distinct genera.
Quality improvement programme to increase the rate of deferred cord clamping at preterm birth using the Lifestart trolley
Authors: Hoyle Emily Suzanne , Hirani Sunaya , Ogden Sally , Deeming Jenna , Yoxall Charles William
Published: April 2020

Aim

To increase the documented use of the Lifestart trolley to allow premature infants’ (<32 weeks’ gestation) resuscitation and stabilisation with an intact umbilical cord at delivery.

Design

A 13-month quality improvement programme from April 2018 to April 2019 was undertaken using Plan, Do, Study and Act (PDSA) cycles. Data were reviewed from 113 consecutive preterm (<32 weeks) deliveries to identify whether Lifestart was used and whether 2 min deferred cord clamping (DCC) occurred in eligible infants as per hospital policy. Episodes of non-compliance were analysed, causes established and interventions implemented to reduce similar future non-compliance. Data collected were presented graphically and included in alternate monthly newsletters to staff, which also included lessons learnt from the reviews of non-compliance.

Results

Documented use of the Lifestart rose from 10% at the start of the project to 79% in the final month. Not all babies are eligible for DCC. Within this project, 40 (35%) of preterm infants were not eligible to receive DCC. Of those that were eligible, the rate of DCC increased from 17% in the first 3 months to 92% in the last 3 months of the project (p<0.0001).

Implications and relevance

By undertaking regular PDSA cycles and improving education surrounding importance of DCC, we have noted a significant improvement in the use of Lifestart, which in turn facilitates DCC.

The learning from this project has been used to create an instructional video to help maintain the improved compliance rates.
Cardiac calcified amorphous tumour associated with multiple myeloma
Authors: Yamanaka Tetsuo , Fukatsu Toru , Uchimuro Tomoya , Takanashi Shuichiro
Published: April 2020

We report an 86-year-old woman who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) and was receiving chemotherapy since the age of 82. A high echoic mass attached to the mitral valve was observed on transthoracic echocardiography 4 years after the treatment. The possibility of malignancy could not be ruled out, and hence, the mass was excised surgically. Pathologically, most of the mass consisted of calcified lesion without tumour tissue, and these findings were not inconsistent with calcified amorphous tumour (CAT). This case suggests that CAT may be associated with MM and has been reported after a thorough literature review.
How the menstrual cycle and menstruation affect sporting performance: experiences and perceptions of elite female rugby players
Authors: Findlay Rebekka J , Macrae Eilidh H R , Whyte Ian Y , Easton Chris , Forrest (née Whyte) Laura J
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To explore athletes’ past and current experiences and perceptions of the menstrual cycle in relation to its impact on sporting performance.

Methods

15 international female rugby players participated in individual semi-structured interviews (age: 24.5±6.2 years). All interviews were recorded and transcribedverbatim, resulting in 37 376 words of text for descriptive and thematic analysis. Inter-rater reliability checks resulted in a concordance of agreement of 83%.

Results

Almost all athletes (93%) reported menstrual cycle-related symptoms. Thirty-three per cent perceived heavy menstrual bleeding and 67% considered these symptoms impaired their performances. Two-thirds of athletes self-medicated to alleviate symptoms. Thematic analysis generated 262 meaning units, 38 themes, 10 categories and 4 general dimensions. The four general dimensions were: (1) symptoms: physiological and psychological menstrual cycle-related symptoms such as dysmenorrhoea, flooding, reduced energy levels, worry, distraction, fluctuating emotions and reduced motivation; (2) impact: perceived impact of menstruation on different aspects of daily lives and performance including negative and neutral responses; (3) resolution: the methods/approaches in dealing with menstruation-related concerns including accepting, or adapting and managing symptoms with self-medication or expert treatment; (4) support: available support and comfortability in discussing menstrual cycle-related issues.

Conclusions

This study provides the first in-depth insight into athlete’s experiences of the menstrual cycle and perceived impact on training and competition. It highlights individual responses to menstrual ‘issues’ and emphasises the need for clinicians and support staff to undertake menstrual cycle profiling, monitoring and continue to develop awareness, openness, knowledge and understanding of the menstrual cycle.
Advances in regenerative medicine for otolaryngology/head and neck surgery
Authors: McPhail Michael J , Janus Jeffrey R , Lott David G
Published: April 2020

Head and neck structures govern the vital functions of breathing and swallowing. Additionally, these structures facilitate our sense of self through vocal communication, hearing, facial animation, and physical appearance. Loss of these functions can lead to loss of life or greatly affect quality of life. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly developing field that aims to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues, and organs. Although the field is largely in its nascence, regenerative medicine holds promise for improving on conventional treatments for head and neck disorders or providing therapies where no current standard exists. This review presents milestones in the research of regenerative medicine in head and neck surgery.
Socioeconomic gradient in the developmental health of Canadian children with disabilities at school entry: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeraatkar Dena , Duku Eric , Bennett Teresa , Guhn Martin , Forer Barry , Brownell Marni , Janus Magdalena
Published: April 2020

Objective

To examine the relationship between developmental health and neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) in kindergarten children with disabilities.

Design

Cross-sectional study using population-level database of children’s developmental health at school entry (2002–2014).

Setting

12 of 13 Canadian provinces/territories.

Measures

Taxfiler and Census data between 2005 and 2006, respectively, were aggregated according to custom-created neighbourhood boundaries and used to create an index of neighbourhood-level SES. Developmental health outcomes were measured for 29 520 children with disabilities using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a teacher-completed measure of developmental health across five domains.

Analysis

Hierarchical generalised linear models were used to test the association between neighbourhood-level SES and developmental health.

Results

All EDI domains were positively correlated with the neighbourhood-level SES index. The strongest association was observed for the language and cognitive development domain (β (SE): 0.29 (0.02)) and the weakest association was observed for the emotional maturity domain (β (SE): 0.12 (0.01)).

Conclusions

The magnitude of differences observed in EDI scores across neighbourhoods at the 5th and 95th percentiles are similar to the effects of more established predictors of development, such as sex. The association of SES with developmental outcomes in this population may present a potential opportunity for policy interventions to improve immediate and long-term outcomes.
Association between infertility treatment and intrauterine growth: a multilevel analysis in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shinohara Satoshi , Hirata Shuji , Suzuki Kohta
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to identify intrauterine growth differences according to infertility treatment compared with spontaneous conception and to describe intrauterine growth trajectories.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A single primary and tertiary medical centre in Japan.

Participants

This study included singleton pregnant women with prenatal check-ups and delivery at the University of Yamanashi Hospital between 1 July 2012 and 30 September 2017. Patients were divided into four groups: spontaneous conception, infertility treatment without assisted reproductive technology (ART), fresh-embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer (FET).

Interventions

Differences in intrauterine growth according to the infertility treatment, including ART, and birth weight were evaluated. Multilevel analysis was employed to evaluate intrauterine growth trajectories stratified by the sex of the offspring.

Primary outcome measure

Estimated fetal weight (EFW) assessed by ultrasound examination.

Results

We assessed data from 37 239 prenatal examination results from 2377 pregnant women (spontaneous conception, n=1764; infertility treatment without ART, n=171; fresh-embryo transfer, n=112; and FET, n=330) in the final analysis. Multilevel analysis was adjusted for gestation duration, gestation period, parity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, type of infertility treatment, maternal age, smoking status, placenta previa, thyroid disease, gestational diabetes mellitus and the interaction between each potential confounding factor and gestation duration. In male fetuses, the interaction between FET and gestational duration (estimate: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.67) significantly affected the EFW. Similarly, in female fetuses, FET (estimate: −69.85; 95% CI: −112.09 to −27.61) and the interaction between FET and gestation duration (estimate: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.87) significantly affected the EFW.

Conclusions

This study shows that FET affects intrauterine growth trajectory from the second trimester to term, particularly in female fetuses. Our findings require further prospective research to examine the effect of infertility treatment on fetal growth.
Comprehensive characterisation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with microsatellite instability: histology, molecular pathology and clinical implications
Authors: Luchini Claudio , Brosens Lodewijk A A , Wood Laura D , Chatterjee Deyali , Shin Jae Il , Sciammarella Concetta , Fiadone Giulia , Malleo Giuseppe , Salvia Roberto , Kryklyva Valentyna , Piredda Maria L , Cheng Liang , Lawlor Rita T , Adsay Volkan , Scarpa Aldo
Published: April 2020

Objective

Recently, tumours with microsatellite instability (MSI)/defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) have gained considerable interest due to the success of immunotherapy in this molecular setting. Here, we aim to clarify clinical-pathological and/or molecular features of this tumour subgroup through a systematic review coupled with a comparative analysis with existing databases, also providing indications for a correct approach to the clinical identification of MSI/dMMR pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Design

PubMed, SCOPUS and Embase were searched for studies reporting data on MSI/dMMR in PDAC up to 30 November 2019. Histological and molecular data of MSI/dMMR PDAC were compared with non-MSI/dMMR PDAC and with PDAC reference cohorts (including SEER database and The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network - TCGA project).

Results

Overall, 34 studies with 8323 patients with PDAC were included in the systematic review. MSI/dMMR demonstrated a very low prevalence in PDAC (around 1%–2%). Compared with conventional PDAC, MSI/dMMR PDAC resulted strongly associated with medullary and mucinous/colloid histology (p<0.01) and with aKRAS/TP53wild-type molecular background (p<0.01), with more commonJAKgenes mutations. Data on survival are still unclear.

Conclusion

PDAC showing typical medullary or mucinous/colloid histology should be routinely examined for MSI/dMMR status using specific tests (immunohistochemistry, followed by MSI-PCR in cases with doubtful results). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) should be adopted either where there is limited tissue or as part of NGS tumour profiling in the context of precision oncology, acknowledging that conventional histology of PDAC may rarely harbour MSI/dMMR.
Presentation of the clothed self on the hospital ward: an ethnographic account of perceptual attention and implications for the personhood of people living with dementia
Authors: Boddington Paula , Featherstone Katie , Northcott Andy
Published: April 2020

This study contributes to our understanding of the ‘medical gaze’ and its impact on the ways in which people living with dementia experience care during a hospital admission. Visual perception has a powerful effect on our emotional and moral reactions to others. One aspect of how we perceive and respond to others is through clothing, which relates strongly to class and social position. Our focus is on exploring the ways in which patient clothing may affect the perceptions and response of others, and self-perception and resulting behaviour. We draw on ethnographic research within acute hospital wards in five hospitals across England and Wales, examining the everyday organisation and delivery of care to people living with dementia. People living with dementia are a significant population who have poor experiences and outcomes of care within the acute setting. Our data suggest that the twin aspects of clothing and appearance—of self-perception, and of perception by others—may be especially important in the fast-paced context of an acute ward environment, where patients living with dementia may be struggling with the impacts of an additional acute medical condition within in a highly timetabled, regimented, and unfamiliar environment of the ward, and where staff perceptions of them may feed into clinical assessments of their condition and subsequent treatment and discharge pathways.
Thermomechanical properties of sand–structure interface using temperature-controlled triaxial instrument
Authors: Li Chunhong , Kong Gangqiang , Zhang Xinrui , Liu Hanlong , Wang Lehua
Published: April 2020

To study the effect of temperature on the mechanical properties of a sand–structure interface, a temperature-controlled interface shear test system based on a triaxial instrument was developed by placing a cylindrical structure inside a triaxial soil sample and connecting them to two individual thermostat water baths. Sand–aluminum interface shear tests under effective cell pressures of 50, 100, and 200 kPa and temperatures of 6, 19, 32, and 45 °C were carried out to evaluate the thermal effects on the interface strength under drained conditions. Constant vertical force–stiffness coupled with a thermal load applied to the aluminum top before the interface shearing was also considered. The results show that the new apparatus can serve a variety of thermomechanical load paths, including maintaining a constant rate of displacement and a constant vertical force–stiffness on the structure top prior to the shearing process. The apparatus also has advantages over other interface shear devices in controlling drainage conditions and measurement of volume change and excess pore pressure. A comparison with the previous literature on interface shear strength verifies the results in this study. Different thermomechanical load paths applied on the interface supplement the insignificant thermal effect on the sand–aluminum interface shear strength. However, it is the first time that the displacement of the aluminum is observed to be related to thermal variations and independent of the magnitude of the vertical force.