bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and quantification of novel C‐terminal TDP‐43 fragments in ALS‐TDP
Authors: Feneberg Emily , Charles Philip D. , Finelli Mattéa J. , Scott Connor , Kessler Benedikt M. , Fischer Roman , Ansorge Olaf , Gray Elizabeth , Talbot Kevin , Turner Martin R.
Published: December 2020

The pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions, containing C‐terminal fragments of the protein TDP‐43. Here, we tested the hypothesis that highly sensitive mass spectrometry with parallel reaction monitoring (MS‐PRM) can generate a high‐resolution map of pathological TDP‐43 peptide ratios to form the basis for quantitation of abnormal C‐terminal TDP‐43 fragment enrichment. Human cortex and spinal cord, microscopically staged for the presence of p‐TDP‐43, p‐tau, alpha‐synuclein, and beta‐amyloid pathology, were biochemically fractionated and analyzed by immunoblot and MS for the detection of full‐length and truncated (disease‐specific) TDP‐43 peptides. This informed the synthesis of heavy isotope‐labeled peptides for absolute quantification of TDP‐43 by MS‐PRM across 16 ALS, 8 Parkinson’s, 8 Alzheimer’s disease, and 8 aged control cases. We confirmed by immunoblot the previously described enrichment of pathological C‐terminal fragments in ALS‐TDP urea fractions. Subsequent MS analysis resolved specific TDP‐43 N‐ and C‐terminal peptides, including a novel N‐terminal truncation site‐specific peptide. Absolute quantification of peptides by MS‐PRM showed an increased C:N‐terminal TDP‐43 peptide ratio in ALS‐TDP brain compared to normal and disease controls. A C:N‐terminal ratio >1.5 discriminated ALS from controls with a sensitivity of 100% (CI 79.6–100) and specificity of 100% (CI 68–100), and from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease with a sensitivity of 93% (CI 70–100) and specificity of 100% (CI 68–100). N‐terminal truncation site‐specific peptides were increased in ALS in line with C‐terminal fragment enrichment, but were also found in a proportion of Alzheimer cases with normal C:N‐terminal ratio but coexistent limbic TDP‐43 neuropathological changes. In conclusion this is a novel, sensitive, and specific method to quantify the enrichment of pathological TDP‐43 fragments in human brain, which could form the basis for an antibody‐free assay. Our methodology has the potential to help clarify if specific pathological TDP‐43 peptide signatures are associated with primary or secondary TDP‐43 proteinopathies.
Association of urinary free cortisol with bone formation in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion
Authors: Ishida Akiko , Igarashi Katsushi , Ruike Yutaro , Ishiwata Kazuki , Naito Kumiko , Kono Satomi , Deguchi Hanna , Fujimoto Masanori , Shiga Akina , Suzuki Sawako , Yoshida Tomohiko , Tanaka Tomoaki , Tatsuno Ichiro , Yokote Koutaro , Koide Hisashi
Published: December 2020

Context

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFx). However, the influence of this condition on bone turnover or its association with mild ACS is still controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mild ACS on bone quality among patients living with the disease.

Design and setting

A retrospective study was conducted using data from 55 mild ACS and 12 nonfunctioning adrenal tumour (NFT) patients who visited Chiba University Hospital, Japan, from 2006 to 2018.

Patients and main outcome measures

We analysed clinical features and bone‐related factors, including bone mineral density (BMD) and VFx, performed blood tests to assess bone metabolism markers in patients with mild ACS and NFT, and assessed the associations between bone‐related markers and endocrinological parameters in patients with mild ACS.

Results

No significant differences between mild ACS and NFT patients were observed with respect to the presence or absence of VFx and BMD. Urinary free cortisol (UFC) was higher in mild ACS patients with VFx than those without (p = .037). The T‐score and young adult mean (YAM) of the BMD of the femoral neck in mild ACS patients with a body mass index <25 were positively correlated with dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels (ρ: 0.42, p = .017; ρ: 0.40, p = .024, respectively). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase was negatively correlated with UFC in the patients with mild ACS (ρ: −0.37, p = .026).

Conclusions

These results suggest that urinary free cortisol may be useful for predicting bone formation in mild ACS patients.
SRY‐negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD: Long‐term outcomes and early blockade of gonadotropic axis
Authors: Lambert Sophie , Peycelon Matthieu , Samara‐Boustani Dinane , Hyon Capucine , Dumeige Laurence , Peuchmaur Michel , Fiot Elodie , Léger Juliane , Simon Dominique , Paye‐Jaouen Annabel , Bouligand Jérome , Siffroi Jean‐Pierre , Carel Jean‐Claude , McElreavey Ken , El Ghoneimi Alaa , Brachet Cécile , Bouvattier Claire , Martinerie Laetitia
Published: December 2020

Objective

SRY‐negative 46,XX testicular and ovotesticular disorders/differences of sex development (T/OTDSD) represent a very rare and unique DSD condition where testicular tissue develops in the absence of a Y chromosome. To date, very few studies have described the phenotype, clinical and surgical management and long‐term outcomes of these patients. Particularly, early blockade of the gonadotropic axis in patients raised in the female gender to minimize postnatal androgenization has never been reported.

Design

Retrospective description of sixteen 46,XX T/OTDSD patients.

Results

Sixteen 46,XX SRY‐negative T/OTDSD were included. Most (12/16) were diagnosed in the neonatal period. Sex of rearing was male for six patients and female for ten, while the clinical presentation varied, with an external masculinization score from 1 to 10. Five patients raised as girl were successfully treated with GnRH analog to avoid virilization during minipuberty. Ovotestes/testes were found bilaterally for 54% of the patients and unilaterally for the others (with a contralateral ovary). Gonadal surgery preserved appropriate tissue in the majority of cases. Spontaneous puberty occurred in two girls and one boy, while two boys required hormonal induction of puberty. One of the girls conceived spontaneously and had an uneventful pregnancy. DNA analyses (SNP‐array, next‐generation sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing) were performed. A heterozygous frameshit mutation in the NR2F2 gene was identified in one patient.

Conclusions

This study presents a population of patients with 46,XX SRY‐negative T/OTDSD. Early blockade of gonadotropic axis appears efficient to reduce and avoid further androgenization in patients raised as girls.
Assessing the strength of climate and land‐use influences on montane epiphyte communities
Authors: Richards Jeannine H.
Published: December 2020

Epiphytes, air plants that are structurally dependent on trees, are a keystone group in tropical forests; they support the food and habitat needs of animals and influence water and nutrient cycles. They reach peak diversity in humid montane forests. Climate predictions for Central American mountains include increased temperatures, altered precipitation seasonality, and increased cloud base heights, all of which may challenge epiphytes. Although remaining montane forests are highly fragmented, many tropical agricultural systems include trees that host epiphytes, allowing epiphyte communities to persist even in landscapes with lower forest connectivity. I used structural equations models to test the relative effects of climate, land use, tree characteristics, and biotic interactions on vascular epiphyte diversity with data from 31 shade coffee farms and 2 protected forests in northern Nicaragua. I also tested substrate preferences of common species with randomization tests. Tree size, tree diversity, and climate all affected epiphyte richness, but the effect of climate was almost entirely mediated by bryophyte cover. Bryophytes showed strong sensitivity to mean annual temperature and insolation. Many ferns and some orchids were positively associated with bryophyte mats, whereas bromeliads tended to establish among lichen or on bare bark. The tight relationships between bryophytes and climate and between bryophytes and vascular epiphytes indicated that relatively small climate changes could result in rapid, cascading losses of montane epiphyte communities. Currently, shade coffee farms can support high bryophyte cover and diverse vascular epiphyte assemblages when larger, older trees are present. Agroforests serve as valuable reservoirs for epiphyte biodiversity and may be important early‐warning systems as the climate changes.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity and differential expression of decidual tissues during the peripartum period
Authors: Huang Jingrui , Li Qi , Peng Qiaozhen , Xie Yingming , Wang Weinan , Pei Chenlin , Zhao Yanhua , Liu Rong , Huang Lihui , Li Tieping , Xie Liangqun , Zhang Jiejie , Dai Lei , Chen Jingfei , Sun Jingchi , Zhang Weishe
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The decidua is a tissue that contacts both maternal and foetal components and is pivotal to labour onset due to its location. Due to the heterogeneity of decidual tissue, it is challenging to study its role in the peripartum period. Herein, we analysed the transcriptomes of peripartum decidua at single‐cell resolution.

Materials and methods

Single‐cell RNA sequencing was performed for 29 231 decidual cells before and after delivery to characterize the transcriptomes.

Results

Eight major cell types (including endothelial cells, fibroblasts) and subtypes of decidual stromal cells, extravillous trophoblasts and T cells were identified and found to have various functions. Compared with before delivery, the activation of decidual stromal cell, extravillous trophoblast and T‐cell subtypes to different degrees was observed after delivery. Furthermore, the activation involved multiple functions, such as cell proliferation, and several pathways, such as the activator protein 1 pathway. The results of pseudotemporal ordering showed differentiation of decidual stromal cell and extravillous trophoblast subtypes, suggesting inhomogeneity of these subgroups in decidualization (decidual stromal cell) and invasion (extravillous trophoblast).

Conclusions

The peripartum decidual tissue is heterogeneous. This study revealed changes in the decidua and its components at single‐cell resolution; these findings provide a new perspective for the study of peripartum decidua.
An integrated approach to tackling wildlife crime: Impact and lessons learned from the world's largest targeted manta ray fishery
Authors: Booth Hollie , Mardhiah Ulfah , Siregar Hanifah , Hunter Jonathan , Giyanto  , Putra Mochamad Iqbal Herwata , Marlow Jo , Cahyana Andi , Boysandi  , Demoor Apolinardus Yosef Lia , Lewis Sarah , Adhiasto Dwi , Adrianto Luky , Yulianto Irfan
Published: December 2020

Manta rays (Mobula birostris and M. alfredi) are threatened by overexploitation for international trade. Indonesia was home to the world's largest documented manta fishery—Lamakera, in East Nusa Tenggara. However, in 2014, the Indonesian government declared manta rays a protected species. Here we describe an integrated intervention to reduce manta hunting and mortality in Lamakera, which combined community outreach and livelihood‐focused incentives with targeted enforcement actions; and assess its impact over a five‐year period (2013–2018) using a theory‐based research design. Results show that the intervention is associated with a significant decline in manta hunting effort and mortality (p < .001), which is correlated and temporally‐associated with conservation activities, and did not occur for modeled and natural experiment counterfactuals. Overall, total manta ray mortality declined by 86% by 2018, vs. the 2013 baseline. We conclude that a multifaceted, data‐driven approach reduced illegal hunting and trade of manta rays from 2013 to 2018. However, this impact is not indefinite; new challenges are emerging, which highlight the importance of a long‐term adaptive strategy. We make several recommendations for designing interventions to mitigate trade‐driven over‐exploitation of megafauna: (a) understand diverse drivers of human behavior; (b) adopt data‐driven problem‐oriented planning; (c) continuously document and share learning; (d) establish partnerships with diverse stakeholders to develop resilient institutions for enduring impact.
A threatened species index for Australian birds
Authors: Bayraktarov Elisa , Ehmke Glenn , Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Chauvenet Alienor L. , Avery‐Gomm Stephanie , McRae Louise , Wintle Brendan A. , O'Connor James , Driessen Joris , Watmuff James , Nguyen Hoang Anh , Garnett Stephen T. , Woinarski John , Barnes Megan , Morgain Rachel , Guru Siddeswara , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: December 2020

Quantifying species population trends is crucial for monitoring progress towards global conservation targets, justifying investments, planning targeted responses and raising awareness about threatened species. Many global indicators are slow in response and report on common species, not on those at greatest risk of extinction. Here we develop a Threatened Species Index as a dynamic tool for tracking annual changes in Australia's imperiled birds. Based on the Living Planet Index method and containing more than 17,000 time series for 65 bird taxa surveyed systematically, the index at its second iteration shows an average reduction of 59% between 1985 and 2016, and 44% between 2000 and 2016. Decreases seem most severe for shorebirds and terrestrial birds and least severe for seabirds. The index provides a potential means for measuring performance against the Convention on Biological Diversity's Aichi Target 12, enabling governments, agencies and the public to observe changes in threatened species.
Knowledge, attitude and behaviours toward mental illness and help‐seeking in a large nonclinical Tunisian student sample
Authors: Fekih‐Romdhane Feten , Chebbi Ons , Sassi Hadhami , Cheour Majda
Published: December 2020

Background

Mental disorders are widespread among students. However, mental health help‐seeking remains low. Several reviews and meta‐analyses have shown that the main barrier to seeking help from mental health professionals is stigma. This paper aimed to assess stigma in a sample of students, and its association with help‐seeking intentions and comfort with disclosing a mental illness.

Method

The ‘Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill’, the ‘Mental Health Knowledge Schedule’, and the ‘Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale’ were administered to a total of 714 college students (62.2% female; mean age = 20.9).

Results

We found that 43.8% of students agreed that one of the main causes of mental illness is a lack of self‐discipline and willpower, 21.9% did not consider depression as a mental illness, and 39.6% felt that they would be 'unlikely' or 'very unlikely' to seek the help of a health professional for mental health problems. Females had higher scores in help‐seeking intentions (p < .001) and knowledge of mental illness (p = .019). Students' age negatively correlated with knowledge (p < .001, r = −.147). Pearson correlations indicated that help‐seeking intentions positively correlated with more favourable future intentions of being in contact with a person with a mental illness (p < .001, r = .103) and greater mental health knowledge (p < .001, r = .163); and that comfort with disclosing significantly and negatively correlated with attitudes (p < .001, r = −.125).

Conclusion

To date, few young people see mental health professionals as a preferred source of support, and action is needed to change this perception or reform mental health services to make them more attractive to this age group.
Cross‐species transmission of retroviruses among domestic and wild felids in human‐occupied landscapes in Chile
Authors: Sacristán Irene , Acuña Francisca , Aguilar Emilio , García Sebastián , José López María , Cabello Javier , Hidalgo‐Hermoso Ezequiel , Sanderson Jim , Terio Karen A. , Barrs Vanessa , Beatty Julia , Johnson Warren E. , Millán Javier , Poulin Elie , Napolitano Constanza
Published: December 2020

Human transformation of natural habitats facilitates pathogen transmission between domestic and wild species. The guigna (Leopardus guigna), a small felid found in Chile, has experienced habitat loss and an increased probability of contact with domestic cats. Here, we describe the interspecific transmission of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) between domestic cats and guignas and assess its correlation with human landscape perturbation. Blood and tissue samples from 102 free‐ranging guignas and 262 domestic cats were collected and analyzed by PCR and sequencing. Guigna and domestic cat FeLV and FIV prevalence were very similar. Phylogenetic analysis showed guigna FeLV and FIV sequences are positioned within worldwide domestic cat virus clades with high nucleotide similarity. Guigna FeLV infection was significantly associated with fragmented landscapes with resident domestic cats. There was little evidence of clinical signs of disease in guignas. Our results contribute to the understanding of the implications of landscape perturbation and emerging diseases.
TRPV4 integrates matrix mechanosensing with Ca2+ signaling to regulate extracellular matrix remodeling
Authors: Ji Chenfan , McCulloch Christopher A.
Published: December 2020

In healthy connective tissues, mechanosensors trigger the generation of Ca2+ signals, which enable cells to maintain the structure of the fibrillar collagen matrix through actomyosin contractile forces. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is a mechanosensitive Ca2+‐permeable channel that, when expressed in cell‐matrix adhesions of the plasma membrane, regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In high prevalence disorders such as fibrosis and tumor metastasis, dysregulated matrix remodeling is associated with disruptions of Ca2+ homeostasis and TRPV4 function. Here, we consider that ECM polymers transmit cell‐activating mechanical signals to TRPV4 in cell adhesions. When activated, TRPV4 regulates fibrillar collagen remodeling, thereby altering the mechanical properties of the ECM. In this review, we integrate functionally connected processes of matrix remodeling to highlight how TRPV4 in cell adhesions and matrix mechanics are reciprocally regulated through Ca2+ signaling.
Effects of two fretting damage modes on the dental implant–abutment interface and the generation of metal wear debris: An in vitro study
Authors: Gao Jing , Min Jie , Chen Xin , Yu Ping , Tan Xin , Zhang Qianqian , Yu Haiyang
Published: December 2020

Fretting damage at the dental implant–abutment interface (IAI) is a critical factor of dental implant failure, and it has been investigated using fatigue cycle (FC) loading tests. For the first time, we applied chewing cycle (CC) loading onto the IAI to simulate masticatory movements. It was found that more serious furrow wear was induced by the sliding forces present under CC loading. Furthermore, four types of metal wear debris and a markedly higher torque loss rate were observed after undergoing both cyclic loadings. Such debris can aggravate the resulting fretting damage, and an increased amount of large‐grain wear debris was generated under CC loading. Therefore, CC loading can be an effective approach for exploring the fretting damage at the IAI to improve implant‐supported prostheses.
Temperature adaptation of soil microbial respiration in alpine, boreal and tropical soils: An application of the square root (Ratkowsky) model
Authors: Li Jinquan , Bååth Erland , Pei Junmin , Fang Changming , Nie Ming
Published: December 2020

Warming is expected to stimulate soil microbial respiration triggering a positive soil carbon‐climate feedback loop while a consensus remains elusive regarding the magnitude of this feedback. This is partly due to our limited understanding of the temperature‐adaptive response of soil microbial respiration, especially over broad climatic scales. We used the square root (Ratkowsky) model to calculate the minimum temperature for soil microbial respiration (Tmin, which describes the temperature adaptation of soil microbial respiration) of 298 soil samples from alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau and forest ecosystems across China with a mean annual temperature (MAT) range from −6°C to +25°C. The instantaneous soil microbial respiration was determined between 4°C and 28°C. The square root model could well fit the temperature effect on soil microbial respiration for each individual soil, with R2 higher than 0.98 for all soils. Tmin ranged from −8.1°C to −0.1°C and increased linearly with increasing MAT (R2 = 0.68). MAT dominantly regulated Tmin variation when accounting simultaneously for multiple other drivers (mean annual precipitation, soil pH and carbon quality); an independent experiment showed that carbon availability had no significant effect on Tmin. Using the relationship between Tmin and MAT, soil microbial respiration after an increased MAT could be estimated, resulting in a relative increase in respiration with decreasing MAT. Thus, soil microbial respiration responses are adapted to long‐term temperature differences in MAT. We suggest that Tmin = −5 + 0.2 × MAT, that is, every 1°C rise in MAT is estimated to increase Tmin of respiration by approximately 0.2°C, could be used as a first approximation to incorporate temperature adaptation of soil microbial respiration in model predictions. Our results can be used to predict future changes in the response of soil microbial respiration to temperature over different levels of warming and across broad geographic scales with different MAT.
Uncharted waters of the entrepreneurial ecosystems research: Comparing Greater Istanbul and Reading ecosystems
Authors: Belitski Maksim , Büyükbalci Pınar
Published: December 2020

This study introduces the complementarity perspective to the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) research as a process to compare the two entrepreneurial ecosystems of Reading (United Kingdom) and Istanbul (Turkey). We apply the multiple‐case design methodology based on the rapid ethnography and the grounded theory to construct two entrepreneurial ecosystem models characterized by different EE taxonomy pillars and embedded in different local and institutional contexts. As a result of the study, two findings emerge. First, we find three distinct complementarities in both EEs: access to resources, effective use of resources, entrepreneurial orientation, and ecosystem awareness. Second, EE taxonomy pillars serve as mediators between ecosystem elements that drive entrepreneurial activity and complementarities. We argue that this approach could be applied to understand how EEs work and develop in regions with heterogeneous economic, geographical, and institutional contexts.
Volunteering masculinities in search and rescue work: Is there “a place for girls on the team”?
Authors: Weller Sarah‐Louise , Clarke Caroline A , Brown Andrew D
Published: December 2020

This article explores performative enactments of gender at work in a UK‐based Search and Rescue voluntary organization, QuakeRescue. Based on ethnographic research, we analyze how gender is performatively constituted in this male‐dominated setting, focusing in particular on how hegemonic masculinity is enacted through bodies, physicality, and technical competence. Our findings show how performative acts, predicated on essentialist understandings of superior masculine bodies, constructed femininity as limited, deficient, and Other, legitimizing the assigning of mundane, routine tasks to women volunteers. By endorsing women's presence, albeit as low‐status team members, there was sufficient recognition to ensure that sedimented practices of “doing gender” at QuakeRescue remained largely unquestioned. We conclude that hegemonic masculinity predicated on bodily practices in male‐dominated workspaces is oppressive in its effects, and until this is recognized and acknowledged, transformative potential is limited.
Describing pre‐appointment written materials as an intervention in the context of children’s NHS therapy services: A national survey
Authors: Armitage Samantha , McColl Elaine , Kolehmainen Niina , Rapley Tim
Published: December 2020

Context

Pre‐appointment written materials, including letters and leaflets, are commonly used by healthcare organisations to deliver professional‐patient interactions. The written materials potentially change patients’ knowledge and behaviour as part of a healthcare intervention but have received little investigation.

Objective

To describe the content of pre‐appointment written materials through a behaviour change intervention perspective.

Design

Mixed methods study with an online questionnaire about pre‐appointment written materials and an analysis of actual materials. Questionnaire data were analysed descriptively and pre‐appointment materials by qualitative framework analysis.

Setting and participants

Children's community/outpatient occupational therapy, physiotherapy and/or speech and language therapy services across the UK. Service managers/clinical leads provided data.

Intervention

Pre‐appointment written materials.

Results

Questionnaire responses were received from n = 110 managers/clinical leads from n = 58 NHS organisations. Written materials (n = 64) were received from n = 24 organisations. Current materials are used by therapy services as a conduit to convey the therapy service's expectations related to: accessing the service, decision‐making about care and help‐giving. The materials enrol the parent and child to the therapy services’ expectations by behaviour change techniques. The materials configure the parent/child expectations, knowledge and behaviour towards the therapy services’ operational procedures.

Conclusion

Pre‐appointment written materials configure patients to organisations’ operational procedures. The written materials currently lack support for parent/child empowerment, shared decision‐making and self‐management to improve health.

Patient Contribution

Four parents of children accessing therapy services were involved in the study. The parents shared their experiences to highlight the importance of the topic and contributed to the final research design and methods.
Remembering the Vikings: Violence, institutional memory and the instruments of history
Authors: Ellis Caitlin
Published: December 2020

The Vikings maintain a fearsome and violent reputation to this day. This perspective on vikings was shaped by monastic chroniclers and dynastic propaganda. But are vikings the victims of history because their history has been written by their victims? Viking violence has been contextualised using comparative history but also as the result of a socialised warrior mentality. To church historians, vikings could explain the lack of memory in their own institutions; gaps in historical records are still attributed to viking devastation. Sometimes viewed as the instruments of God in the medieval period, now vikings are the instruments of history, either as convenient explanations or catalysts for change.
Evidence–practice gaps in initial neuro‐protective nursing care: A mixed methods study of Thai patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Promlek Kesorn , Currey Judy , Damkliang Jintana , Considine Julie
Published: December 2020

Aims

This paper aims to identify the frequency and nature of evidence–practice gaps in the initial neuro‐protective nursing care of patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury provided by Thai trauma nurses.

Background

Little is known about how Thai trauma nurses use evidence‐based practice when providing initial neuro‐protective nursing care to patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.

Design

A mixed methods design was used to conduct this study.

Methods

Data were collected from January to March 2017 using observations and audits of the clinical care of 22 patients by 35 nurses during the first 4 h of admission to trauma ward. The study site was a regional hospital in Southern Thailand.

Results

The major evidence–practice gaps identified were related to oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring and targets, mean arterial pressure and systolic blood pressure targets and management of increased intracranial pressure through patient positioning and pain and agitation management.

Conclusion

There were evidence–practice gaps in initial neuro‐protective nursing care provided by Thai trauma nurses that need to be addressed to improve the safety and quality of care for Thai patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury.
Effects of two different positions on stress, pain and feeding tolerance of preterm infants during tube feeding
Authors: Ceylan Sibel Serap , Keskin Züleyha
Published: December 2020

Aims

This study aims to investigate the effects of semi‐elevated right lateral and semi‐elevated supine positions on feeding tolerance, stress severity and pain levels among premature infants during tube feeding.

Methods

This was a randomized cross‐over clinical trial. A total of 34 premature infants who were fed via orogastric tube were included in this study. Feeding tolerance was assessed by abdominal circumference measurements and checking gastric residuals; this assessment was single blinded. Physiological values were evaluated before, during and after tube feeding. The stress severity and pain levels of the infants were also evaluated independently by the researchers before, during and after tube feeding. A significance level of .05 was accepted for all statistical analyses.

Results

There were no difference between infants' vital signs, stress and pain scores according to feeding positions before tube feeding (p > .05). By feeding positions, a statistically significant difference was found between infants' vital signs, abdominal circumference and gastric residuals of infants during tube feeding. Pain and stress levels of infants were found to be significantly higher in the semi‐elevated supine position during tube feeding (p < .05).

Conclusions

Use of the semi‐elevated right lateral position during tube feeding was found to have a more helpful effect in reducing stress and pain among premature infants when compared with the use of the semi‐elevated supine position.
The role of parental depression during early childhood obesity treatment—Secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ek Anna , Vásquez‐Barquero María Yasmín , Sandvik Pernilla , Eli Karin , Somaraki Maria , Nowicka Paulina
Published: December 2020

Background

Parental depression is a risk factor for childhood obesity.

Objectives

To examine the influence of parental depression on child weight status, eating behaviours, and parental feeding practices during childhood obesity treatment.

Methods

Hundred and twenty eight children with obesity aged 4 to 6 years and their parents were randomized to a parent support program or to standard treatment. At baseline and after 12 months, children's heights and weights were measured. Parents reported levels of depression (Beck's Depression Inventory‐II), feeding practices (Child Feeding Questionnaire), and children's eating behaviors (Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire). Independent and dependent paired sample t‐tests and linear regressions were used to analyze data.

Results

After obesity treatment, mothers reported lower levels of depression, whereas fathers did not. No associations were found between parental level of depression and child weight status, or between baseline level of parental depression and feeding practices. Associations were found between baseline parental depression and children's food responsiveness (β = .03; P = .01; 95% CI [0.01, 0.05]), emotional overeating (β = .02; P = .02; 95% CI [0.004, 0.04]), and desire to drink (β = .02; P = .03; 95% CI [0.002, 0.04]) (adjusted for background variables).

Conclusions

Parental depression did not influence child weight status or parental feeding practices but was associated with obesity‐related child eating behaviors.
An Investigation into a Digital Strategy for Industrial Design Education
Authors: Aldoy Noor , Andrew Evans Mark
Published: December 2020

As the number of digital natives increases and the range of digital design tools / media continues to expand, it is timely to examine the potential for an entirely digital industrial design process that can be employed in practice and education. Following a literature review, a draft Digital Industrial Design (DID) strategy that focuses on the core design activities of sketching, drawing, model making, and prototyping was generated. A paper‐based, theoretical model was established and presented to graduating students, academics and practitioners. The results indicated that, while graduating students were interested in employing an approach based entirely on digital methods, the majority had doubts about its capacity to replace conventional and hybrid methods. The removal of paper‐based sketching, the conventional hands‐on experience when model making, and the cost of digital tools were identified as primary concerns. Although academics believed that the future of industrial design programmes would become increasingly digital, it was identified that current programmes were failing to exploit the opportunities afforded by these technologies fully.
COPD patients with chronic bronchitis and higher sputum eosinophil counts show increased type‐2 and PDE4 gene expression in sputum
Authors: Singh Dave , Bassi Michele , Balzano Deborah , Lucci Germano , Emirova Aida , Anna Nandeuil Marie , Jellema Gera , Afolabi Ebenezer K. , Leaker Brian , Kornmann Oliver , Michael Beeh Kai , Watz Henrik , Govoni Mirco
Published: December 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with higher eosinophil counts are associated with increased clinical response to phosphodiesterase‐4‐inhibitors (PDE4i). However, the underlying inflammatory mechanisms associated with this increased response is not yet elucidated. This post hoc analysis focused on sputum gene expression in patients with chronic bronchitis who underwent 32‐day treatment with two doses of the inhaled PDE4i CHF6001 (tanimilast) or placebo on top of triple therapy. Biological characterization and treatment effects were assessed between patients with different sputum eosinophil levels (eosinophilhigh ≥ 3%; eosinophillow < 3%) at baseline (primary samples) or at the end of the treatment of the placebo arm (validation samples). Forty‐one genes were differentially expressed in primary samples (p‐adjusted for false discovery rate < 0.05); all up‐regulated in eosinophilhigh patients and functionally enriched for type‐2 and PDE4 inflammatory processes. Eleven out of nineteen genes having immune system biological processes annotations including IL5RA, ALOX15, IL1RL1, CLC, GATA1 and PDE4D were replicated using validation samples. The expression of a number of these inflammatory mediators was reduced by tanimilast treatment, with greater effects observed in eosinophilhigh patients. These findings suggest that type‐2 and PDE4 overexpression in COPD patients with higher sputum eosinophil counts contribute to the differential clinical response to PDE4i observed in previous clinical trials.
Evaluation of sexual orientation and gender identity documentation at school‐based health centers in New York City
Authors: Serafino Stephanie , Rajoria Melinda , Gold Melanie A. , Garbers Samantha
Published: December 2020

Rationale

National organizations have called for routine collection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in clinical settings to track access to and quality of care provided to sexual and gender minority patients to improve health outcomes. However, there are limited data on this implementation for among adolescent populations.

Methods

A secondary data analysis from seven school‐based health centers (SBHCs) in New York City explored SOGI documentation for 8888 adolescent patients in 2015 to 2018. Using Electronic Health Records, SBHC medical providers' implementation rate of patient SOGI documentation was assessed. Trends in SOGI documentation were reviewed.

Results

At 18‐month post‐EHR modification and training, SOGI documentation increased and was sustained at 47%. Those documented as female were significantly more likely to have SOGI documentation compared to those documented as male (36% vs 26% for SO; 36% vs 25% for GI).

Conclusions

This study identified incomplete data collection in SOGI documentation among adolescents receiving medical and mental health services in SBHCs.
microRNAs in inflammatory alveolar bone defect: A review
Authors: Yuan Yun , Zhang Hongming , Huang Hui
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory alveolar bone defects are caused by periodontal pathogens, are one of the most common oral diseases in the clinic, and are characterized by periodontal support tissue damage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can participate in a variety of inflammatory lesions and modulate bone metabolism through the posttranscriptional regulation of target genes. In recent years, studies have confirmed that some miRNAs play significant roles in the development of inflammatory alveolar bone defects. Therefore, we reviewed the correlation between miRNAs and inflammatory alveolar bone defects and elucidated the underlying mechanisms to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory alveolar bone defects.
Effects of oral appliance treatment on inflammatory biomarkers in obstructive sleep apnea: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hedberg Pär , Nohlert Eva , Tegelberg Åke
Published: December 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to increased circulating concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers and treatment may change these. We aimed to assess the effect of oral appliance (OA) therapy on inflammatory biomarkers in a randomised controlled pilot trial. A total of 71 patients with OSA and systemic hypertension were randomly allocated to an active, mandible protruded (OAa) or a passive, mandible non‐protruded device (OAp) treatment. Serum concentrations of the inflammatory biomarkers white blood cells, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and tumour necrosis factor‐α were measured at baseline and after 3 months of OA treatment. The differences between treatment groups in biomarker concentration change during the treatment were presented as the Vargha and Delaney effect size and evaluated with the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. This effect size expresses the probability of a higher value in a random participant from one group compared with a random patient from the other group, and a value of 0.5 means stochastically equal groups. After 3 months of treatment, there was a significant reduction of the apnea–hypopnea index in the OAa group compared with the OAp group (effect size 0.258, 95% confidence interval 0.146–0.386, p < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups in any of the inflammatory markers’ concentration changes during the treatment period (effect sizes between 0.488 and 0.524; all p values ≥.737). Thus, OA treatment for 3 months did not affect circulating concentrations of some common inflammatory markers in patients with OSA and systemic hypertension.
Niger Delta conflict and the cry for restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria: A study of Akpos Adesi's Agadagba Warriors
Authors: Mark Tekena Gasper
Published: December 2020

The Nigerian polity, since its independence, has faced many problems. Some of these problems are high rates of unemployment and poverty, religious intolerance, inter‐ethnic conflicts, resource control, etc. Attempts have been made by the past and present governments to address some of these challenges, but all attempts have proven futile. This has led many concerned groups to call for a restructuring of the country to make for fairness in the distribution and management of the nation's resources. This paper examines restructuring and the cry for true federalism in Nigeria using Akpos Adesi's Agadagba Warriors whose premiere performance was on the 12 May 2006 as a case study. The study employs the case study and content analysis research approaches of the qualitative method. The paper claims that Akpos Adesi's play metaphorizes the main causes of anti‐Nigeria agitations, deduced from the text as ethnic sentiments, lack of equity in the sharing of the nation's resources and concentration of political authority at the central government. As seen in the play, the Niger Delta, amongst the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, contributes the highest quota to Nigeria's economy, in terms of crude oil production, which is the mainstay of Nigeria's economy. However, the lack of the practice of true federalism and unequal distribution of the wealth accrued from crude oil sales to the Niger Delta results in constant conflict between the federal government and Niger Deltans. Separatist tendencies and the clamour for restructuring of the nation by the Niger Deltans become the driving themes of this discourse.
Bacterial epibiont communities of panmictic Antarctic krill are spatially structured
Authors: Clarke Laurence J. , Suter Léonie , King Rob , Bissett Andrew , Bestley Sophie , Deagle Bruce E.
Published: December 2020

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are amongst the most abundant animals on Earth, with a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean. Genetic and genomic studies have failed to detect any population structure for the species, suggesting a single panmictic population. However, the hyper‐abundance of krill slows the rate of genetic differentiation, masking potential underlying structure. Here we use high‐throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes to show that krill bacterial epibiont communities exhibit spatial structuring, driven mainly by distance rather than environmental factors, especially for strongly krill‐associated bacteria. Estimating the ecological processes driving bacterial community turnover indicated this was driven by bacterial dispersal limitation increasing with geographic distance. Furthermore, divergent epibiont communities generated from a single krill swarm split between aquarium tanks under near‐identical conditions suggests physical isolation in itself can cause krill‐associated bacterial communities to diverge. Our findings show that Antarctic krill‐associated bacterial communities are geographically structured, in direct contrast with the lack of structure observed for krill genetic and genomic data.
The fungal‐specific histone acetyltransferase Rtt109 regulates development, DNA damage response, and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Zhang Yuanwei , Fan Jialu , Ye Jing , Lu Ling
Published: December 2020

In eukaryotes, histone acetylation catalyzed by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) has been demonstrated to be critical for various physiological processes. However, the biological functions of HAT and the underlying mechanism by which HAT‐regulated processes are involved in fungal development and virulence in the human opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus remain largely unexplored. Here, we functionally characterized the roles of Rtt109 in A. fumigatus, an ortholog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone acetyltransferase Rtt109. In vivo and in vitro HAT assays revealed that AfRtt109 functions as a canonical histone acetyltransferase, acetylating lysines 9 and 56 of histone H3. Deletion of Afrtt109 leads to severe defects in vegetative growth, conidiation, and causes reduced virulence in the Galleria mellonella model, as well as hypersensitivity to genotoxic agents. Moreover, site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that the conserved arginine residues R265 and R306 of Rtt109 are required for the H3K9 and H3K56 acetylation and virulence of A. fumigatus. Unexpectedly, R265E and R306E mutants did not exhibit any detectable phenotypic defects, implying that A. fumigatus Rtt109 regulates fungal development via histone acetylation‐independent mechanisms. Together, our results revealed the critical role of fungal‐specific HAT Rtt109 in regulating fungal development and virulence, and suggested that it may serve as a unique target for antifungal therapies.
Clinicopathological findings of a mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes/Leigh syndrome overlap patient with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT‐ND1
Authors: Hayashi Yuichi , Iwasaki Yasushi , Yoshikura Nobuaki , Yamada Megumi , Kimura Akio , Inuzuka Takashi , Miyahara Hiroaki , Goto Yuichi , Nishino Ichizo , Yoshida Mari , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: December 2020

We report clinicopathological findings of a patient with mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke‐like episodes/Leigh syndrome (MELAS/LS) associated with a novel m.3482A>G mutation in MT‐ND1. A 41‐year‐old woman had experienced multiple stroke‐like episodes since age 16. She developed akinetic mutism two months before admission to our hospital. Neurological examination revealed akinetic mutism, bilateral deafness, and muscular atrophy. Cerebrospinal fluid tests revealed elevated pyruvate and lactate levels. Fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images on magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense areas in the right frontal and both sides of temporal and occipital lobes, both sides of the striatum, and the midbrain. Muscle biopsy revealed strongly succinate dehydrogenase‐reactive blood vessels. L‐arginine therapy improved her consciousness and prevented further stroke‐like episodes. However, she died from aspiration pneumonia. Postmortem autopsy revealed scattered infarct‐like lesions with cavitation in the cerebral cortex and necrotic lesions in the striatum and midbrain. The patient was pathologically confirmed as having MELAS/LS based on two characteristic clinicopathological findings: presenting MELAS/LS overlap phenotype and effectiveness of L‐arginine treatment.
Discoid Labral Meniscus Covering Two‐Thirds of a Type C Glenoid: A Case Report
Authors: Wolf Olof , Ekholm Carl
Published: December 2020

Background

Glenoid morphology and dysplasia have been extensively described in conjunction with shoulder arthritis. Dysplastic glenoids have a substantial inherent retroversion, a deficient posteroinferior rim, a short scapular neck, and an inferior inclination of the joint surface. The effect of dysplasia on fracture surgery has not been reported to the same extent.

Case presentation

A 65‐year‐old man presented with a proximal humeral fracture. The patient was scheduled for osteosynthesis. The head was deemed unrepairable at the time of surgery and the operative plan changed to replace the proximal humerus. A discoid meniscus‐like labral extension covering two‐thirds of the glenoid was encountered. This finding covered a dysplastic glenoid. The combination of a fracture and a dysplastic glenoid had not been accounted for and made the reconstruction more difficult. The patient received a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty after perioperative considerations regarding reconstruction. At the 2‐month follow up, the patient had a satisfactory clinical outcome, with 90° of flexion and minimal residual pain.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that elective disorders with dysplasia also present to the fracture team. Careful analysis of preoperative imaging should result in an operative plan taking unexpected findings into account.