bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early changes in IL‐21, IL‐22, CCL2, and CCL4 serum cytokines after outpatient autologous transplantation for multiple sclerosis: A proof of concept study
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José C. , Turrubiates‐Hernández Grecia A. , López‐Silva Leslie J. , Salazar‐Riojas Rosario , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: October 2020

Changes in serum cytokines after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were documented. Thirty‐six consecutive MS patients who had their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scored before AHSCT were prospectively enrolled. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) was infused at 200 mg/kg in two administrations given 10 days apart: the first dose for mobilization, the second as the conditioning regimen. Patients were mobilized with 10 µg/kg/day subcutaneous G‐CSF. Serum was collected 14 days before and 14 after AHSCT. IL‐6, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL 17‐A, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐23, TNF‐A, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 were measured by magnetic bead‐based immunoassay. t Test and Wilcoxon test were used to compare cytokine levels before and after AHSCT. There were 28 women and 8 men with a median age of 46 (15–62) years, median duration of MS was 9.5 (1–32) years, and EDSS score was 5.7 (1.5–8.0). Patients had a decrement of pro‐inflammatory IL‐21 and IL‐22 (p = .003 and p = .028) and an increment of anti‐inflammatory CCL2 and CCL4 (p < .001 and p = .039) after AHSCT. Decrease of IL‐21 and IL‐22 coupled with an increment of CCL2 and CCL4 could reflect the immunomodulatory effect of auto‐HSCT and be an early indicator of its efficacy.
The social and clinical impact of the COVID‐19 epidemic on the Strasbourg lung transplant cohort: A single‐center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Renaud‐Picard Benjamin , Gallais Floriane , Riou Marianne , Chatron Eva , Degot Tristan , Freudenberger Sophie , Porzio Michele , Schuller Armelle , Stauder Julien , Hirschi Sandrine , Kessler Romain
Published: October 2020

The clinical and social impacts of the COVID‐19 epidemic on lung transplant (LTx) recipients remain poorly known. We aimed to evaluate its social, clinical, and behavioral consequences on the LTx patients followed in Strasbourg university hospital. A questionnaire was used to collect details concerning patients’ lifestyles, their protection methods used to avoid COVID‐19 contamination, and clinical infection‐related information for March 2020. A specific score was created to quantify patients’ contacts and the associated risk of infectious contagion. Data were collected from 322 patients (91.2%). A majority reported a higher application than usual of social distancing and barrier measures. 43.8% described infectious‐related symptoms and 15.8% needed an anti‐infective treatment. There was no difference in symptom onset according to age, native lung disease, diabetes, or obesity. Nineteen patients were tested for COVID‐19, and four were diagnosed positive, all with a favorable outcome. The infection risk contact score was higher for symptomatic patients (p: 0.007), those needing extra‐medical appointments (p < .001), and those receiving anti‐infective treatments (p = .02). LTx patients reported a careful lifestyle and did not seem at higher risk for COVID‐19. Our score showed encouraging preliminary results and could become a useful tool for the usual infection‐related follow‐up of the LTx patients.
Remote FEV1 Monitoring in Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Huang Chengrui , Izmailova Elena S. , Jackson Natalie , Ellis Robert , Bhatia Gaurav , Ruddy Marcella , Singh Dave
Published: October 2020

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is a critical parameter for the assessment of lung function for both clinical care and research in patients with asthma. While asthma is defined by variable airflow obstruction, FEV1 is typically assessed during clinic visits. Mobile spirometry (mSpirometry) allows more frequent measurements of FEV1, resulting in a more continuous assessment of lung function over time and its variability. Twelve patients with moderate asthma were recruited in a single‐center study and were instructed to perform pulmonary function tests at home twice daily for 28 days and weekly in the clinic. Daily and mean subject compliances were summarized. The agreement between clinic and mobile FEV1 was assessed using correlation and Bland‐Altman analyses. The test‐retest reliability for clinic and mSpirometry was assessed by interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Simulation was conducted to explore if mSpirometry could improve statistical power over clinic counterparts. The mean subject compliance with mSpirometry was 70% for twice‐daily and 85% for at least once‐daily. The mSpirometry FEV1 were highly correlated and agreed with clinic ones from the same morning (r = 0.993) and the same afternoon (r = 0.988) with smaller mean difference for the afternoon (0.0019 L) than morning (0.0126 L) measurements. The test‐retest reliability of mobile (ICC = 0.932) and clinic (ICC = 0.942) spirometry were comparable. Our simulation analysis indicated greater power using dense mSpirometry than sparse clinic measurements. Overall, we have demonstrated good compliance for repeated at‐home mSpirometry, high agreement and comparable test‐retest reliability with clinic counterparts, greater statistical power, suggesting a potential for use in asthma clinical research.
Impact of Green Tea Catechin Ingestion on the Pharmacokinetics of Lisinopril in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Misaka Shingen , Ono Yuko , Uchida Atsushi , Ono Tomoyuki , Abe Osamu , Ogata Hiroshi , Sato Hideyuki , Suzuki Masahiko , Onoue Satomi , Shikama Yayoi , Shimomura Kenju
Published: October 2020

Lisinopril, a highly hydrophilic long‐acting angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, is frequently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Green tea consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular outcomes and total mortality, whereas green tea or its catechin components has been reported to decrease plasma concentrations of a hydrophilic β blocker, nadolol, in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of green tea extract (GTE) on the lisinopril pharmacokinetics. In an open‐label, randomized, single‐center, 2‐phase crossover study, 10 healthy subjects ingested 200 mL of an aqueous solution of GTE containing ~ 300 mg of (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate, a major catechin component in green tea, or water (control) when receiving 10 mg of lisinopril after overnight fasting. The geometric mean ratio (GTE/control) for maximum plasma concentration and the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve of lisinopril were 0.289 (90% confidence interval (CI) 0.226–0.352) and 0.337 (90% CI 0.269–0.405), respectively. In contrast, there were no significant differences in time to reach maximum lisinopril concentration (6 hours in both phases) and renal clearance of lisinopril (57.7 mL/minute in control vs. 56.9 mL/minute in GTE). These results suggest that the extent of intestinal absorption of lisinopril was significantly impaired in the presence of GTE, whereas it had no major effect on the absorption rate and renal excretion of lisinopril. Concomitant use of lisinopril and green tea may decrease oral exposure to lisinopril, and therefore result in reduced therapeutic efficacy.
Could cellular and signaling abnormalities converge to provoke atopic dermatitis?
Authors: Elias Peter M. , Wakefield Joan S.
Published: October 2020

Diverse inherited and acquired abnormalities in epidermal structural and enzymatic proteins compromise permeability, barrier function and antimicrobial defense in atopic dermatitis (AD). Though several mutations in filaggrin (FLG) predominate, alterations in other S‐100, cornified envelope precursor proteins (hornerin [HRNR], filaggrin 2 [FLG2], SPRR3, mattrin) which regulate lamellar body formation; SPINK5, which encodes the serine protease inhibitor, LEKTI1, and a fatty acid transporter, FATP4, are all separately associated with an AD phenotype. Exogenous and endogenous stressors, such as prolonged psychological stress, a low environmental humidity, or exposure to basic soaps and surfactants can further compromise barrier function and are often required to trigger disease. In the immunologists’ view, the barrier abnormality is relevant only because it allows antigen and pathogen access, while stimulating Th2 cytokine production. These proteins in turn downregulate lipid synthetic enzyme and antimicrobial peptide levels, as well as multiple epidermal structural proteins, including filaggrin. Each inherited and acquired abnormality can independently compromise lamellar body secretion production, resulting in defective lamellar membrane organization and antimicrobial defense. Furthermore, elevated pH of the SC is critical for AD pathogenesis, compromising post‐secretory lipid processing, while also enhancing inflammation. There are various therapeutic options that interdict different stages in this pathogenic paradigm.
Dual TGFβ and Wnt inhibition promotes Mesp1‐mediated mouse pluripotent stem cell differentiation into functional cardiomyocytes
Authors: Pappas Matthew P. , Peifer Lindsay N. , Chan Sunny S. K.
Published: October 2020

Efficient derivation of cardiomyocytes from mouse pluripotent stem cells has proven challenging, and existing approaches rely on expensive supplementation or extensive manipulation. Mesp1 is a transcription factor that regulates cardiovascular specification during embryo development, and its overexpression has been shown to promote cardiogenesis. Here, we utilize a doxycycline‐inducible Mesp1‐expressing mouse embryonic stem cell system to develop an efficient differentiation protocol to generate functional cardiomyocytes. Our cardiac differentiation method involves transient Mesp1 induction following by subsequent dual inhibition of TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways using small molecules. We discovered that whereas TGFβ inhibition promoted Mesp1‐induced cardiac differentiation, Wnt inhibition was ineffective. Nevertheless, a combined inhibition of both pathways was superior to either inhibition alone in generating cardiomyocytes. These observations suggested a potential interaction between TGFβ and Wnt signaling pathways in the context of Mesp1‐induced cardiac differentiation. Using a step‐by‐step approach, we have further optimized the windows of Mesp1 induction, TGFβ inhibition and Wnt inhibition to yield a maximal cardiomyocyte output – Mesp1 was induced first, followed by dual inhibition of TGFβ and Wnt signaling. Our protocol is capable of producing approximately 50% of cardiomyocytes in 12 days, which is comparable to existing methods, and have the advantages of being technically simple and inexpensive. Moreover, cardiomyocytes thus derived are functional, displaying intrinsic contractile capacity and contraction in response to electric stimulus. Derivation of mouse cardiomyocytes without the use of growth factors or other costly supplementation provides an accessible cell source for future applications.
The mediating role of adiposity in the longitudinal association between cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in adolescents: LabMed cohort study
Authors: Beltran‐Valls Maria Reyes , Santos Rute , Mota Jorge , Moreira Carla , Lopes Luís , Agostinis‐Sobrinho César
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether the association between the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) at baseline and blood pressure (BP) at follow‐up is mediated by adiposity in adolescents.

Materials and methods

The sample comprised 734 adolescents (349 girls) aged 12‐18 years from the LabMed Physical Activity Cohort Study. The variables of interest were measured in 2011 (baseline) and in 2013 (2‐year follow‐up). CRF was assessed by the 20‐m shuttle run test. Body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, pubertal status and resting BP were assessed according to standard procedures. Boot‐strapped mediation procedures were performed, and indirect effects (IE) with confidence intervals (CI) not including zero were considered statistically significant.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, body mass index acted as a mediator of the relationship between CRF and systolic BP (IE = −0. 023; CI = −0.039; −0.009), pulse pressure (IE = −0.023; CI = −0.034; −0.012) and rate product pressure (IE = −2.839; CI = −5.329; −0.340). Similar results were obtained for waist circumference as mediator for systolic BP (IE = −0.019; CI = −0.033; −0.005), pulse pressure (IE = −0.017; CI = −0.028; −0.007) and rate product pressure (IE = −3.793; CI = −6.097; −1.689). Likewise, body fat percentage mediated the association for: systolic BP (IE = −0.029; CI = −0.048; −0.010), pulse pressure (IE = −0.027; CI = −0.041; −0.013) and rate product pressure (IE = −4.280; CI = −7.488; −1.264).

Conclusions

Adiposity mediated the association between CRF and BP in adolescents. Therefore, both optimal CRF and adiposity levels are important to maintain normal BP ranges throughout adolescence.
THE AGGREGATE AND LOCAL ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT FINANCED HEALTH CARE
Authors: Dupor Bill , Guerrero Rodrigo
Published: October 2020

Government‐financed health care expenditures, through Medicare and Medicaid, have grown from roughly 0% to over 7.6% of national personal income over the past 50 years. This paper investigates the stimulative effects of Medicare spending. Using an annual, state‐level panel, we regress state income growth on own‐state spending and spending in other states, instrumented by unanticipated shocks to aggregate Medicare spending, to estimate local and spillover effects. In our benchmark specification, the own‐spending multiplier equals 1.3 and the spillover multiplier equals 0.4. The total Medicare spending multiplier (i.e., local plus spillover) is approximately 1.7. (JEL E32, E62, H51)
Pathways to care in at‐risk mental states: A systematic review
Authors: Allan Sophie M. , Hodgekins Jo , Beazley Peter , Oduola Sheri
Published: October 2020

Aim

Pathways to care are well studied in the First Episode Psychosis field, but less attention has been given to At‐Risk Mental States or prodromal psychosis. This is important because accessing appropriate help at the earliest opportunity is likely to improve outcomes, particularly for those who make transition to psychosis. The present systematic review aimed to synthesize the available literature on pathways to care in ARMS or prodromal psychosis, and investigate the barriers and facilitators to receiving care for ARMS.

Methods

The CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, Medline Complete, PsycINFO and PubMED databases were searched. Studies were included if they were published in English between 1985 and 2019, where reported data came exclusively from an At‐Risk Mental State population, and the study described or related to pathways to care.

Results

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 8 were quantitative. Screening tools and pathways to care instruments varied. Mental health professionals, and general practitioners played a key role in help seeking. Family involvement was also found to be an important factor.

Conclusions

Pathways to care research in At‐Risk Mental States are more scarce than in the field of First Episode Psychosis. More research is warranted, especially concerning the role of patient‐level characteristics on pathways to care. A validated measure of pathways to care may also be of benefit.
Implementation of early psychosis services in Latin America: A scoping review
Authors: Aceituno David , Mena Cristián , Vera Norha , Gonzalez‐Valderrama Alfonso , Gadelha Ary , Diniz Elton , Crossley Nicolas , Pennington Mark , Prina Matthew
Published: October 2020

Aim

The evidence of the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of early intervention for psychosis (EIP) services has motivated their implementation worldwide. However, complex interventions of such EIP services require local adaptations to successfully match population needs and cultural differences. Latin America is a heterogenous region where EIP services are progressively being adopted. Our aim is to map such initiatives in the region with a focus on implementation outcomes.

Methods

A scoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted. International and regional databases were searched for publications describing EIP programmes in the region. Besides mapping the services, we described implementation outcomes based on the Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies Checklist.

Results

Ten articles describing seven EIP initiatives from the region were found. Four countries were represented: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. The implementation outcomes reporting was heterogenous, although it was possible to ascertain EIP services are feasible and adequate for the region's context. Also, there is some evidence of effectiveness in terms of reducing hospitalizations and improving symptoms. Information about fidelity measures was scarce and there was no information about costs or cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

Only a small proportion of Latin American countries have adopted EIP services. Although these programmes seem to be feasible and effective, data on other implementation outcomes, such as fidelity, cultural appropriateness, cost‐effectiveness and affordability are not available. This might in part explain why this effective approach has not been yet scaled‐up at nationwide levels.
Aging‐related changes in cortical mechanisms supporting postural control during base of support and optic flow manipulations
Authors: Malcolm Brenda R. , Foxe John J. , Joshi Sonja , Verghese Joe , Mahoney Jeannette R. , Molholm Sophie , De Sanctis Pierfilippo
Published: October 2020

Behavioral findings suggest that aging alters the involvement of cortical sensorimotor mechanisms in postural control. However, corresponding accounts of the underlying neural mechanisms remain sparse, especially the extent to which these mechanisms are affected during more demanding tasks. Here, we set out to elucidate cortical correlates of altered postural stability in younger and older adults. 3D body motion tracking and high‐density electroencephalography (EEG) were measured while 14 young adults (mean age = 24 years, 43% women) and 14 older adults (mean age = 77 years, 50% women) performed a continuous balance task under four different conditions. Manipulations were applied to the base of support (either regular or tandem (heel‐to‐toe) stance) and visual input (either static visual field or dynamic optic flow). Standing in tandem, the more challenging position, resulted in increased sway for both age groups, but for the older adults, only this effect was exacerbated when combined with optic flow compared to the static visual display. These changes in stability were accompanied by neuro‐oscillatory modulations localized to midfrontal and parietal regions. A cluster of electro‐cortical sources localized to the supplementary motor area showed a large increase in theta spectral power (4–7 Hz) during tandem stance, and this modulation was much more pronounced for the younger group. Additionally, the older group displayed widespread mu (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) suppression as balance tasks placed more demands on postural control, especially during tandem stance. These findings may have substantial utility in identifying early cortical correlates of balance impairments in otherwise healthy older adults.
Refined Learning Tracking with a Longitudinal Probabilistic Diagnostic Model
Authors: Zhan Peida
Published: October 2020

Refined tracking allows students and teachers to more accurately understand students’ learning growth. To provide refined learning tracking with longitudinal diagnostic assessment, this article proposed a new model by incorporating probabilistic logic into longitudinal diagnostic modeling. Specifically, probabilistic attributes were used instead of binary attributes to model the latent variables that affect students’ performance. Thus, in the proposed model, attribute‐level growth can be quantified in a more refined manner. The feasibility of the proposed model was examined using simulated data. The results mainly indicated that the model parameters for the proposed model could be well recovered. An empirical example was conducted to illustrate the applicability and advantages of the proposed model. The results mainly indicated that when distinguishing the level of students, the diagnostic results of the proposed model and the conventional longitudinal diagnostic model for binary attributes displayed a high degree of consistency; however, the former could provide more refined description of growth and a better model‐data fit than the latter.
Taxonomic review of the lace bug genus Omoplax (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) endemic to “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan) with the description of its new allied genus and species
Authors: Souma Jun , Kamitani Satoshi
Published: October 2020

In this study, we revise the lace bugs (family Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan (also known as the “Oriental Galapagos”). Three species belonging to two endemic genera are recognized: Acanthomoplax tomokunii gen. et sp. nov., Omoplax desecta (Horváth, 1912), and O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001. A key to species is provided to facilitate the identification of Ogasawaran lace bugs.
The bumblebee Bombus ardens ardens (Hymenoptera: Apidae) visits white clover in orchards before Oriental persimmon blooms
Authors: Nikkeshi Aoi , Inoue Hiromitsu , Arai Tomonori , Kishi Shigeki , Kamo Tsunashi
Published: October 2020

Flowers on the ground of orchards can provide substantial resources for wild pollinators of orchard trees. Few studies, however, have examined the relative importance of groundcover flowers to orchard pollination by analyzing pollen on the body surface of pollinators. Oriental persimmon trees bloom within the longer blooming period of white clover, which is occasionally found as a flowering plant on the ground of persimmon orchards in Japan. The present study compared the insect species assemblage collected on persimmon flowers with that on clover. Before persimmon bloomed, Bombus ardens ardens and Apis cerana japonica were the major visitors of clover flowers. Once persimmon bloomed, the former was the most abundant bee that visited persimmon flowers over the flowering period. Apis mellifera was captured only on clover flowers. We found numerous clover pollen grains on the body surface of bumblebees captured on persimmon flowers, but far fewer persimmon pollen grains on bees that visited clover. These findings show that B. ardens ardens utilized the clover flowers under the orchards before persimmon bloomed.
Atorvastatin disrupts primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell functions via prenylation‐dependent mitochondrial inhibition and oxidative stress
Authors: Tan Qian , Yu Danfang , Song Lin
Published: October 2020

Primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) is the major component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Atorvastatin, a HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor, is a cholesterol‐lowering drug commonly used to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies have reported the pleiotropic effects of atorvastatin on endothelial cells, but the findings are controversial and inconclusive. In addition, little is known about the biological effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC. In this work, we demonstrate that atorvastatin at micromolar but not nanomolar concentrations induces dysfunctions of a number of HBMEC events, including differentiation into capillary network, migration and growth but not cell adhesion. We further show that the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC are independent of angiogenesis stimulators. Atorvastatin induces HBMEC apoptosis even in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum. Mechanism studies indicate that atorvastatin at micromolar concentration leads to protein prenylation inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction and thereby subsequent oxidative stress and damage in HBMEC. Rescue experiments confirm that atorvastatin inhibits HBMEC functions via prenylation‐dependent mitochondrial inhibition. Our work reveals the inhibitory effects of atorvastatin on HBMEC and suggests the possible negative influence of atorvastatin in blood–brain barrier.
MACRO TRAKL: STRUCTURAL PARALLELS BETWEEN ‘HELIAN’ AND SEBASTIAN IM TRAUM
Authors: Millington Richard
Published: October 2020

Scholarship on Georg Trakl (1887–1914) has to date largely concerned itself with the finer details of his famously enigmatic poetic expression, especially his imagery and diction, rather than the artistry underlying larger compositional units such as poems, cycles, and collections. This study starts to redress the balance by taking a wide‐angled view of the shape and structure of his second and final published collection Sebastian im Traum (1915). In particular, it makes the case that by dividing the collection into five parts, Trakl was adapting and magnifying a format with which he had already achieved success – in the single longest lyric he ever wrote: ‘Helian’, from his previous collection Gedichte (1913). By cross‐reading each part of ‘Helian’ with the corresponding cycle from Sebastian im Traum, it shows that the parallels extend beyond the merely formal consideration of a fivefold division to a deeper level of thematic organisation, the analysis of which brings essential elements of Trakl's view of the world and the poet's place within it into sharper focus.
DER KOBOLD DER EROTISCHEN IRONIE – PLATON‐LEKTÜREN MIT THOMAS MANN
Authors: Mayer Mathias
Published: October 2020

Thomas Mann offers us a number of perspectives on Plato that so far have never been adequately described. For Mann, the artist seems to be a ʻplatonic natureʼ– not in the sense of asexual love, but as a constellation of creativity and homosexuality. Mann uses the key concept of ʻerotic ironyʼ as a kind of formula determined by Plato's philosophy of love as set out in the Symposium and Phaedrus. He was familiar with these works in the translations by Rudolf Kassner – and this means, in turn, that Mannʼs essay on Schopenhauer must also be seen in a new light.
Association of coagulopathy with liver dysfunction in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Tsutsumi Takeya , Saito Makoto , Nagai Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Shinya , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Lim Lay Ahyoung , Adachi Eisuke , Koga Michiko , Okushin Kazuya , Akai Hiroyuki , Kunimatsu Akira , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Aim

Liver dysfunction is sometimes observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), but most studies are from China, and the frequency in other countries is unclear. In addition, previous studies suggested several mechanisms of liver damage, but precise or additional mechanisms are not clearly elucidated. Therefore, we examined COVID‐19 patients to explore the proportion of patients with liver dysfunction and also the factors associated with liver dysfunction.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 60 COVID‐19 patients hospitalized at the Hospital affiliated with The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan). Patients who presented ≥40 U/L alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at least once during their hospitalization were defined as high‐ALT patients, and the others as normal‐ALT patients. The worst values of physical and laboratory findings during hospitalization for each patient were extracted for the analyses. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with bootstrap (for 1000 times) were carried out.

Results

Among 60 patients, there were 31 (52%) high‐ALT patients. The high‐ALT patients were obese, and had significantly higher levels of D‐dimer and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, as well as white blood cell count, and levels of C‐reactive protein, ferritin, and fibrinogen. Multivariable analysis showed D‐dimer and white blood cells as independent factors.

Conclusions

Considering that higher D‐dimer level and white blood cell count were independently associated with ALT elevation, liver dysfunction in COVID‐19 patients might be induced by microvascular thrombosis in addition to systemic inflammation.
Developing and validating the Japanese version of professional attitude scale for nurses
Authors: Takada N. , Asakura K. , Sugiyama S.
Published: October 2020

Aim

We developed and psychometrically tested the Japanese version of the Professional Attitude Scale for Nurses (PASN‐J).

Background

Nurses must recognize the importance of their professionalism; therefore, it is critical to quantitatively measure nurses’ professional attitudes.

Introduction

This instrument validation study was designed to generate an itemized scale and examine its content validity/psychometric testing using a sample of Japanese nurses.

Methods

Based on a trait approach focusing on the characteristic traits of the nursing profession, a 59‐item draft scale was generated. During November 2017, 2657 nurses from 29 facilities in Japan were surveyed. The questionnaire included demographics, the 59‐item draft scale, and a self‐report scale of nurses’ professional behaviour and nursing practice ability. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we evaluated the construct, criterion‐related, concurrent, and known‐groups validity, and reliability of the PASN‐J.

Results

Data from 1716 participants were analysed. The analyses yielded a 38‐item, 3‐factor scale that adequately fit the data. PASN‐J scores were positively correlated with nurses’ professional behaviour and nursing practice ability.

Conclusion

The 38‐item PASN‐J has good reliability and validity, making it useful for measuring the current condition of nursing professionalism and evaluating nursing education. Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This scale can evaluate nursing education and promote nurses’ professionalism. The PASN‐J will help identifying the elements of undergraduate nursing education that require further emphasis. Additionally, the PASN‐J could facilitate the development of nursing policies to promote professional development in nurses. Ultimately, evaluating nursing education with the PASN‐J enhances nurses’ professional attitudes and subsequently improves their quality of nursing, nursing efficiency and patient outcomes.
Deciding about the use of a Personal Safety Alerting Device—The need for a legitimation process: A qualitative study
Authors: Thilo Friederike J. S. , Schols Jos M. G. A. , Halfens Ruud J. G. , Linhart Monika , Hahn Sabine
Published: October 2020

Aims

To explore reasons, thoughts, motives, and influencing factors regarding the use or non‐use of Personal Safety Alerting Devices (PSADs) in the daily lives of community‐dwelling older persons.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design was used.

Methods

Six focus groups were conducted with a total of 32 older persons between February–August 2016. Data analysis followed the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven.

Results

The participants described the use or non‐use of PSADs as a decision resulting from a “legitimation process”. This process implies that a person needs to perceive the necessity for a PSAD and then determine the right moment at which to start using it. During this process, each person weighs her or his “ageing self” and “perception of technology” then decides whether to start using a device or to delay its use. “Critical events” initiate this process, compelling the person to consider their own safety and their possible need for assistance.

Conclusion

The legitimation process suggests that the initiation of PSAD use represents a turning point in life. Using a PSAD is not simply a matter of obtaining one. It is a complex decision‐making process establishing legitimation for its use, which is interwoven with one's individual ageing, self‐perception, and the meaning attributed to the device.

Impact

Older persons need to be supported; in particular, they require time to go through the legitimation process for PSAD use. Nurses can empower them in this process, such that they perceive using a PSAD as a means to restore their frailty balance and feel enabled to (re)gain control over their own life and thus to preserve their independence.
Macroevolutionary dynamics of parasite diversification: A reality check
Authors: Hay Eleanor M. , Poulin Robert , Jorge Fátima
Published: October 2020

Parasitism is often invoked as a factor explaining the variation in diversification rates across the tree of life, while also representing up to half of Earth's diversity. Yet, patterns and processes of parasite diversification remain mostly unknown. In this study, we assess the patterns of parasite diversification and specifically determine the role of life‐history traits (i.e. life cycle complexity and host range) and major coevolutionary events in driving diversification across eight phylogenetic datasets spanning taxonomically different parasite groups. Aware of the degree of incomplete sampling among all parasite phylogenies, we also tested the impact of sampling bias on estimates of diversification. We show that the patterns and rates of parasite diversification differ among taxa according to life cycle complexity and to some extent major host transitions. Only directly transmitted parasites were found to be influenced by an effect of major host transitions on diversification rates. Although parasitism may be a main factor responsible for heterogeneity in diversification among the tree of life, the high degree of incomplete parasite phylogenies remains an obstacle when modelling diversification dynamics. Nevertheless, we provide the first comparative test of parasite diversification, revealing some consistent patterns and insight into the processes that shape it.
Calcium chloride impregnation of potato slices using ultrasound to reduce oil absorption during frying
Authors: Moreira Rosana G. , Da Silva Paulo F. , Zheng Tianyan
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound was used to deliver Ca+2ions to specific parts of the potato tissue (lamella‐media in inner cells) to stabilize the cellular material during deep‐fat frying, thus minimizing oil absorption. Potato slices were soaked in a solution of CaCl2(1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 × 103ppm) at different times (5, 10, and 30 min) using ultrasound (47 kHz, 240 W) before frying (165°C, 85 s). At a CaCl2concentration of 50 × 103ppm and 30 min of sonication, the samples had a reduction of 43% in oil content when compared to the control (fried chip without pretreatment). Response surface methodology studies predicted an oil content of 0.21 kg oil/kg dry matter (DM) for nonsonicated chips soaked in 50 × 103ppm solution of CaCl2for 16.5 min, and 0.16 kg oil/kg DM for sonicated samples impregnated for 23 min. Higher CaCl2concentrations yielded darker samples, lower porosity, and higher degree of shrinkage for the sonicated and nonsonicated samples. The sonicated treatment scored the highest values for texture, flavor, and overall quality from a sensory consumer test. Micrographic images of potato slices revealed that the cellular structure was stabilized when the samples were treated with solutions of 20–50 × 103ppm of CaCl2using sonication for 30 min.

Practical Applications

Sonication with CaCl2impregnation of potato tissue effectively reduces oil absorption in potato chips during deep‐fat frying by 43% when compared to untreated controls. By physically and/or chemically altering the structure of raw materials, achieving the desired final product quality attributes—color, texture, odor, and flavor—should be more tunable by the manufacturing process. This technology will bring versatility to the use of raw materials into the development of new products without the need of altering the already established conventional unit operations and equipment. Therefore, this combined technology should attract a great deal of interest not only from the scientific community, but also from the food and snacks industry.
Phytochemicals of ethanolic extract and essential oil ofPersicaria hydropiperand their potential as antibacterial agents for food packaging polylactic acid film
Authors: Aziman Nurain , Abdullah Noriham , Bujang Aishah , Mohd Noor Zainon , Abdul Aziz Aziyah , Ahmad Rohaya
Published: October 2020

This study aims to determine phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract and essential oil ofPersicaria hydropiper, and their potential as antibacterial agents in polylactic acid (PLA) film. The yield of ethanolic extract and essential oil were 11.02 and 0.70%, respectively. Chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, myricetin and quercetin were detected as major components in theP. hydropiperethanolic extract, while dodecanal, caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, decanal, α‐caryophyllene, citronellol, heptadecanal, linalool and phytol were detected in theP. hydropiperessential oil. Based on the disc diffusion assay, both ethanolic extract and essential oil ofP. hydropiperpossessed antibacterial activity against bacteriaStaphylococcus aureusonly at different concentrations, with minimum inhibitory concentration values: 0.625 and 5 mg/ml, respectively; and minimum bactericidal concentration values: 5 and 40 mg/ml, respectively. However, they found to show antibacterial activity against three bacteriaS. aureus,Escherichia coliandSalmonella Typhimuriumat different concentrations and time using time‐kill kinetics assay. Incorporation of ethanolic extract and essential oil in PLA film also exhibited an antibacterial effect againstS. aureus. Our findings confirmed the potential use of bothP. hydropiperethanolic extract and essential oil as antibacterial agents in biodegradable PLA film.
Spatially resolved mass spectrometry analysis of amyloid plaque‐associated lipids
Authors: Blank Martina , Hopf Carsten
Published: October 2020

Over the last 10 years, considerable technical advances in mass spectrometry (MS)‐based bioanalysis have enabled the investigation of lipid signatures in neuropathological structures. In Alzheimer´s Disease (AD) research, it is now well accepted that lipid dysregulation plays a key role in AD pathogenesis and progression. This review summarizes current MS‐based strategies, notably MALDI and ToF‐SIMS imaging as well as laser capture microdissection combined with LC‐ESI‐MS. It also presents recent advances to assess lipid alterations associated with Amyloid‐β plaques, one of the hallmarks of AD. Collectively, these methodologies offer new opportunities for the study of lipids, thus pushing forward our understanding of their role in such a complex and still untreatable disease as AD.

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Emotion regulation during personal goal pursuit: Integration versus suppression of emotions
Authors: Benita Moti , Shechter Talia , Nudler‐Muzikant Shahar , Arbel Reout
Published: October 2020

Objective

Goal pursuit may involve setbacks likely to elicit negative emotions. To continue pursuing the goal, an individual may need to regulate those emotions. In this study, we compared the unique contributions of two emotion regulation styles, integrative emotion regulation (IER) and suppressive emotion regulation (SER), to goal pursuit processes. We tested the hypotheses that IER and SER would be differentially related to goal progress and goal‐related effort and goal‐related depressed mood would mediate those relations.

Method

255 Israeli participants completed five web questionnaires at two‐week intervals. We examined the mediation hypothesis using multilevel structural equation modeling.

Results

At the within‐person level, increases in IER predicted increases in goal progress at a given time point through increases in goal‐related effort, while increases in SER predicted decreases in goal progress through increases in goal‐related depressed mood. At the between‐persons level, participants with higher IER reported more goal progress; this effect was mediated by goal‐related effort. Participants with higher SER reported lower goal progress; this effect was mediated by higher goal‐related depressed mood. The findings held after controlling for such factors as participants' perceived goal competence, goal stress, sex, and age.

Conclusions

IER promotes goal pursuit, but SER impedes it.
Comparison of viral control between two tenofovir dose reduction regimens (300 mg every 48 hours versus 300 mg every 72 hours) in chronic hepatitis B patients with moderate renal impairment from tenofovir‐induced renal dysfunction
Authors: Chotiyaputta Watcharasak , Poosanasuwansri Karn , Kiattisunthorn Kraiwiporn , Chainuvati Siwaporn , Tanwandee Tawesak
Published: October 2020

Long‐term use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) can induce renal dysfunction that requires TDF dose reduction. Previous studies showed that systemic drug use exerts a threefold higher risk of moderate renal impairment. This study aimed to compare viral control between two tenofovir dose reduction regimens in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with moderate renal impairment from TDF‐induced renal dysfunction. This noninferiority, randomized controlled study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. Virologically suppressed CHB patients treated with TDF who had moderate renal impairment were randomly allocated to receive TDF 300 mg either every 48 or 72 hours. Forty‐six patients (67.4% male) with a mean age of 62.8 ± 7.8 years were enrolled. Among all patients, 34.8% were HBeAg‐positive, and 23.9% had cirrhosis. All included patients completed 12 months of follow‐up. No patients had virological breakthrough. After dose reduction, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was improved in both groups, but a higher proportion of patients had an eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the TDF every 72 hours group. Other renal parameters, including serum phosphate, tubular maximal reabsorption for phosphate per GFR, urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio, urine sugar and urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, were not significantly different between groups. Among TDF‐treated CHB patients with TDF‐induced moderate renal impairment, more aggressive dose reduction in TDF from every 48 hours to every 72 hours did not affect virological breakthrough. A higher proportion of patients in the TDF every 72 hours group had improvement in renal function.
Six new species of Argostemma Wall. (Rubiaceae) from Laos
Authors: Lanorsavanh Soulivanh , Chantaranothai Pranom , Souvannakhoummane Keooudone
Published: October 2020

Argostemma Wall. is a large genus of herbaceous plants in the tribe Argostemmateae (Rubiaceae–Rubioideae), mainly distributed in Southeast Asia and its taxonomy is far from completely known. Eight species of Argostemma were previously reported from Laos, but we here add six more species (Argostemma lamxayanum, A. lobbioides, A. longisepalum, A. paksongense, A. svengsuksae and A. vientianense) which are all new to science. The new species were found in limestone habitats in southern and central Laos. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, photographs and a key to all the known species in Laos are provided.
Impatiens macrantha (Balsaminaceae) sp. nov., a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China
Authors: Qin Ying , Xia Chang‐ying , Yang Xu‐dong , Triboun Pramote , Son Hoang Thanh , Wu Xue‐xue , Pei Zi‐xin , Yu Sheng‐xiang
Published: October 2020

Impatiens macrantha S. X. Yu&Ying Qin (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data shows the new species to belong to I. subg. Clavicarpa and to be closely related to I. tubulosa with which it shares succulent stems and racemose inflorescences, but it can be easily distinguished by having a 4 – or 5 – ridged stem, obovate or elliptic leaf blade, and saccate lower sepal. Furthermore, I. macrantha is distinguishable from other Impatiens in China by its obviously larger leaves and flowers. The evidence from morphology and molecular data both support I. macrantha as new to science.
Tree height and leaf drought tolerance traits shape growth responses across droughts in a temperate broadleaf forest
Authors: McGregor Ian R. , Helcoski Ryan , Kunert Norbert , Tepley Alan J. , Gonzalez‐Akre Erika B. , Herrmann Valentine , Zailaa Joseph , Stovall Atticus E. L. , Bourg Norman A. , McShea William J. , Pederson Neil , Sack Lawren , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J.
Published: October 2020

As climate change drives increased drought in many forested regions, mechanistic understanding of the factors conferring drought tolerance in trees is increasingly important. The dendrochronological record provides a window through which we can understand how tree size and traits shape growth responses to droughts.

We analyzed tree‐ring records for 12 species in a broadleaf deciduous forest in Virginia (USA) to test hypotheses for how tree height, microenvironment characteristics, and species’ traits shaped drought responses across the three strongest regional droughts over a 60‐yr period.

Drought tolerance (resistance, recovery, and resilience) decreased with tree height, which was strongly correlated with exposure to higher solar radiation and evaporative demand. The potentially greater rooting volume of larger trees did not confer a resistance advantage, but marginally increased recovery and resilience, in sites with low topographic wetness index. Drought tolerance was greater among species whose leaves lost turgor (wilted) at more negative water potentials and experienced less shrinkage upon desiccation.

The tree‐ring record reveals that tree height and leaf drought tolerance traits influenced growth responses during and after significant droughts in the meteorological record. As climate change‐induced droughts intensify, tall trees with drought‐sensitive leaves will be most vulnerable to immediate and longer‐term growth reductions.
The other side of droughts: wet extremes and topography as buffers of negative drought effects in an Amazonian forest
Authors: Esteban Erick J. L. , Castilho Carolina V. , Melgaço Karina L. , Costa Flávia R. C.
Published: October 2020

There is a consensus about negative impacts of droughts in Amazonia. Yet, extreme wet episodes, which are becoming as severe and frequent as droughts, are overlooked and their impacts remain poorly understood. Moreover, drought reports are mostly based on forests over a deep water table (DWT), which may be particularly sensitive to dry conditions.

Based on demographic responses of 30 abundant tree species over the past two decades, in this study we analyzed the impacts of severe droughts but also of concurrent extreme wet periods, and how topographic affiliation (to shallow ‐ SWTs ‐ or deep ‐ DWTs ‐ water tables), together with species functional traits, mediated climate effects on trees.

Dry and wet extremes decreased growth and increased tree mortality, but interactions of these climatic anomalies had the highest and most positive impact, mitigating the simple negative effects. Despite being more drought‐tolerant, species in DWT forests were more negatively affected than hydraulically vulnerable species in SWT forests.

Interaction of wet–dry extremes and SWT depth modulated tree responses to climate, providing buffers to droughts in Amazonia. As extreme wet periods are projected to increase and at least 36% of the Amazon comprises SWT forests, our results highlight the importance of considering these factors in order to improve our knowledge about forest resilience to climate change.