bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial signatures and their inflammatory potentials associated with prostate cancer
Authors: Brüggemann Holger , Al‐Zeer Munir A.
Published: January 2020

Chronic inflammation can create a microenvironment that can contribute to the formation of prostate pathologies. Far less well understood is the origin of inflammation in the prostate. One potential source is microbial infections of the prostate. This review summarizes recent findings regarding the presence of bacteria in the prostate and the dysbiosis of bacterial populations in the urinary tract and the gastrointestinal tract related to prostate cancer, thereby focusing on next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐generated data. The current limitations regarding NGS‐based detection methods and other difficulties in the quest for a microbial etiology for prostate cancer are discussed. We then focus on a few bacterial species, including Cutibacterium acnes and Escherichia coli that are often NGS‐detected in prostatic tissue specimens, and discuss their possible contribution as initiator or enhancer of prostate inflammation and prostate carcinogenesis.
Letter: clinical outcomes of patients with hepatitis D infection in the liver transplant setting—authors' reply
Authors: Brancaccio Giuseppina , Gaeta Giovanni B.
Published: January 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Brancaccio et al and Brancaccio and Ferrarese et al papers. To view this articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15188 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15619.
To Double Down or Decouple? North Korea and China as Challenges to the U.S.‐South Korea Alliance
Authors: Kim Jangho , Ohn Daewon , Park Jae Jeok , Richey Mason
Published: January 2020

This article argues that both North Korea's nuclear weapons and Chinese attempts at wedge‐driving between South Korea and the United States represent threats to degrade and perhaps decouple the U.S.‐South Korea alliance. These will intensify regardless of the outcome of current diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula. This puts at risk a component of the San Francisco System that has served as a pillar for Northeast Asian regional security for almost seven decades. We assess what the potential problems will be for the U.S.‐South Korea alliance as they emanate from these two policy challenges, and what actions policymakers in both Washington and Seoul can prioritize in order to modify or neutralize them.
Why Has the San Francisco System Survived? Historical and Theoretical Perspectives
Authors: Tow William T. , Hj Md Kasim Md Zaidul Anwar
Published: January 2020

Despite persistent forecasts of its imminent demise, the U.S. network of bilateral alliances in the Indo‐Pacific—commonly known as the “San Francisco System”—remains operative and viable. Its perpetuation largely defies established international relations theory which maintains that the lack of a commonly perceived threat leads to alliance dissolution. These U.S. security ties in Asia have instead endured as part of a larger American enterprise to build and promote a liberal postwar order in the face of an existential challenge from the Soviet Union and a growing threat from the People’s Republic of China. They have adapted to ongoing forces of regional structural change and are likely to continue doing so, even during Donald Trump’s transactional presidency marked by an “America First” posture. A combination of geopolitical, economic, and institutional factors will preclude the San Francisco System’s demise. That network in unlikely to become an “Asian NATO.” Washington’s management of its Indo‐Pacific alliances and partnerships, however, will become more complex and multifaceted in the years ahead, especially as Chinese regional power and influence grows. More fluid and diverse forms of network management such as selective minilateralism and the integration of threat response policy with order‐building strategy will underscore future U.S. alliance behavior in the region.
Developing an understanding of others’ emotional states: Relations among affective theory of mind and empathy measures in early childhood
Authors: Gallant Caitlyn M. M. , Lavis Lydia , Mahy Caitlin E. V.
Published: January 2020

Theory of mind (ToM) consists of cognitive and affective components; however, few studies have evaluated the coherence of affective ToM measures and their associations with empathy. This research examined the relations among affective ToM tasks and assessments of empathy, measured directly and via parent reports in 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds. Children (N = 117) completed: an Appearance‐Reality Emotion Task, an adapted Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, an Affective Stories Task, and an empathy task. Parents reported on children’s ToM and empathy, and language was assessed using a Picture Vocabulary Test. Controlling for language, no relationships were found among affective ToM measures and children’s age was only related to the Affective Stories Task. Further, controlling for age, only parent‐reported empathy was associated with the Appearance‐Reality Emotion Task. Once vocabulary and age were controlled, measures of affective ToM are unrelated and different developmental patterns emerged across measures.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject

Affective theory of mind is a distinct subcomponent of theory of mind that corresponds to an independent developmental mechanism.

However, little research has been conducted on affective ToM, its developmental trajectory during the preschool years, its assessment, and its relationship with related constructs, such as empathy.

What the present study adds

Children’s performance on affective ToM tasks was unrelated once age and language abilities were accounted for. Thus, there is a need to examine affective ToM and its measurement more extensively to ensure we are effectively capturing this construct.

This study was the first to establish a Preschool Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task that uses images of children and pictorial response options and an Affective Stories Task that captures age‐related changes in affective ToM beyond language skills.
Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update
Authors: Mullen Carrie , Whalley Benjamin J. , Schifano Fabrizio , Baker Julien S.
Published: January 2020

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) are prescribed for medical conditions related to low testosterone. Abuse of AASs has surged as they become recognised as potent image enhancement drugs. The primary goal of most abusers is to obtain a more attractive outward appearance. Abuse is complex. There are a vast range of AAS substances illegally available, the nature of their true composition is difficult to evaluate. Users follow dosing patterns which incorporate a number of different AASs, in addition to other pharmaceutical substances believed to complement the desired physical effects or manage unwanted effects. Animal work and medical case reports suggest potential to cause serious hepatotoxicity, plus possible neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and damage to the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. As the long‐term AASs users reach maturity, further controlled experimentation, with larger sample sizes, is required. Data gathering should be directed towards the most vulnerable group of AAS users, females and adolescent boys.
The role of innate immune cells in systemic sclerosis in the context of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Servaas N H , Spierings J , Pandit A , van Laar J M
Published: January 2020

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, heterogeneous autoimmune connective tissue disease. Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) has emerged as a valuable treatment option for rapidly progressive diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients, and thus far is the only treatment that has been shown to have a long-term clinical benefit. AHSCT is thought to reintroduce immune homeostasis through elimination of pathogenic self-reactive immune cells and reconstitution of a new, tolerant immune system. However, the mechanism of action underlying this reset to tolerance remains largely unknown. In this study we review the immune mechanisms underlying AHSCT for SSc, with a focus on the role of the innate immune cells, including monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, in restoring immune balance after AHSCT.
Low-dose IL-2 induces CD56bright NK regulation of T cells via NKp44 and NKp46
Authors: McQuaid S L , Loughran S T , Power P A , Maguire P , Szczygiel A , Johnson P A
Published: January 2020

Low-dose interleukin (IL)-2 has shown clinical benefits in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Both regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer (NK) cells are increased in response to low-dose IL-2 immunotherapy. The role of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases has been extensively studied; however, NK cells have not been as thoroughly explored. It has not been well reported whether the increase in NK cells is purely an epiphenomenon or carries actual benefits for patients with autoimmune diseases. We demonstrate that low-dose IL-2 expands the primary human CD56bright NK cells resulting in a contact-dependent cell cycle arrest of effector T cells (Teffs) via retention of the cycle inhibitor p21. We further show that NK cells respond via IL-2R-β, which has been shown to be significant for immunity by regulating T cell expansion. Moreover, we demonstrate that blocking NK receptors NKp44 and NKp46 but not NKp30 could abrogate the regulation of proliferation associated with low-dose IL-2. The increase in NK cells was also accompanied by an increase in Treg cells, which is dependent on the presence of CD56bright NK cells. These results not only heighten the importance of NK cells in low-dose IL-2 therapy but also identify key human NK targets, which may provide further insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of low-dose IL-2 in autoimmunity.
Using machine learning to construct nomograms for patients with metastatic colon cancer
Authors: Zhao B. , Gabriel R. A. , Vaida F. , Eisenstein S. , Schnickel G. T. , Sicklick J. K. , Clary B. M.
Published: January 2020

Aim

Patients with synchronous colon cancer metastases have highly variable overall survival (OS), making accurate predictive models challenging to build. We aim to use machine learning to more accurately predict OS in these patients and to present this predictive model in the form of nomograms for patients and clinicians.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Database (2010–2014), we identified right colon (RC) and left colon (LC) cancer patients with synchronous metastases. Each primary site was split into training and testing datasets. Nomograms predicting 3‐ year OS were created for each site using Cox proportional hazard regression with lasso regression. Each model was evaluated by both calibration (comparison of predictedvsobserved OS) and validation (degree of concordance as measured by the c‐index) methodologies.

Results

A total of 11 018 RC and 8346 LC patients were used to construct and validate the nomograms. After stratifying each model into five risk groups, the predicted OS was within the 95% CI of the observed OS in four out of five risk groups for both the RC and LC models. Externally validated c‐indexes at 3 years for the RC and LC models were 0.794 and 0.761, respectively.

Conclusions

Utilization of machine learning can result in more accurate predictive models for patients with metastatic colon cancer. Nomograms built from these models can assist clinicians and patients in the shared decision‐making process of their cancer care.
Kidney transplantation and cardiomyopathy: Concepts and controversies in clinical decision‐making
Authors: Jha Ajay Kumar , Lata Suman
Published: January 2020

Increasing comorbidities and an aging population have led to a tremendous increase in the burden of both kidney and cardiac dysfunction. Concomitant cardiomyopathy exposes the patients with kidney disease to further physiological, hemodynamic, and pathologic alterations. Kidney transplantation imposes lesser anesthetic and surgical complexities compared to another solid organ transplant. The surgical decision‐making remains an unsettled issue in these conditions. The surgical choices, techniques, and sequences in kidney transplant and cardiac surgery depend on the pathophysiological perturbations and perioperative outcomes. The absence of randomized controlled trials eludes us from suggesting definite management protocol in patients with end‐stage kidney disease with cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, in this review, we extracted data from published literature to understand the pathophysiologic interactions between end‐stage renal diseases with cardiomyopathy and also proposed the management algorithm in this challenging scenario. The proposed management algorithm would ensure consensus across all stakeholders involved in decision‐making. Our simplistic evidence‐based approach would augur future randomized trials and would further ensure refinement in our management approach after the emergence of more definitive evidence.
Assessment of the prognostic significance of low gradient severe aortic stenosis and preserved left ventricular function requires the integration of the consistency of stroke volume calculation and clinical data
Authors: Shen Hong , Stacey Brandon R. , Applegate Robert J. , Zhao David , Gandhi Sanjay K. , Kon Neal D. , Kincaid Edward H. , Pu Min
Published: January 2020

Background

This study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of low gradient severe aortic stenosis (LG SAS) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with the integration of echocardiographic and clinical data.

Methods

The study included 172 patients with LG SAS (AVAi ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2, mean aortic pressure gradient < 40 mm Hg) and LVEF (≥ 50%). LV outflow tract diameters were measured at both the aortic valve annulus and 5 mm below the annulus for the measurement consistency. Patients were divided into the low flow LG SAS (LF/LG SAS: SVi < 35mL/m2 and AVAi ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2) and normal‐flow LG SAS groups (NF/LG SAS: SVi ≥ 35mL/m2 and AVAi ≤ 0.6 cm2/m2). Echocardiographic findings and clinical data were systematically analyzed with mean follow‐up of 3.0 ± 1.6 years.

Results

LF/LG SAS had significantly smaller AVAi, lower SVi, a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (28% vs 12% P = .01) and diabetes (47% vs 27% P = .007) and lower 3‐year cumulative survival than NF/LG SAS. Multivariable analysis showed that dyspnea, renal dysfunction (CI 1.42‐3.99, P < .01), left atrial diameter, and SVi were independently associated with an increased risk for all‐cause mortality. Aortic valve intervention (AVI) improved survival in LF/LG SAS (68% vs 48%, P < .05) in comparison with medical management (HR: 4.20, CI: 1.12‐15.76, P = .03), but only modestly in NF/LG SAS (75% vs 65% P > .05).

Conclusion

Outcome of LG SAS was independently associated with clinical characteristics. AVI likely improved outcome of LF/LG SAS who had high‐risk clinical characteristics and unfavorable echocardiographic findings.
Warm developmental temperatures induce non‐adaptive plasticity in the intrasexually selected colouration of a dragonfly
Authors: Lis Cassandra , Moore Michael P. , Martin Ryan A.
Published: January 2020

1. When the breeding environment fluctuates across generations, reproductive traits may evolve plasticity that optimises the balance between survival and mating success for the prevailing environment.

2. For sexually selected colouration, this balance can depend on environmental temperatures. Accordingly, breeding colouration often co‐varies with temperature through space and time. However, whether such traits exhibit plasticity in response to environmental temperatures is poorly understood.

3. In the present study, a dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) was reared under ambient or experimentally warmed conditions and tested for plasticity in its intrasexually selected wing colouration. Although wing colouration improves male territorial success, these advantages are smaller under warmer conditions than cooler conditions. It was therefore predicted that males reared under the ambient thermal conditions of the study site (Cleveland, Ohio) would develop more wing colouration than those reared under experimentally warmed conditions.

4. Contrary to this prediction, males reared in warm larval temperatures produced more wing colouration. Thus, although the secondary sexual colouration of this species displays some thermal plasticity, it does not appear to be adaptive relative to the known thermal variation of intrasexual selection in this population.

5. Given that the environment often determines the strength and direction of sexual selection, future studies should consider the potential for non‐adaptive, and even maladaptive, developmental plasticity in the sexually selected traits of insects.
Neuroanatomy of dyslexia: An allometric approach
Authors: Peyre Hugo , Mohanpuria Neha , Jednoróg Katarzyna , Heim Stefan , Grande Marion , van Ermingen‐Marbach Muna , Altarelli Irene , Monzalvo Karla , Williams Camille Michèle , Germanaud David , Toro Roberto , Ramus Franck
Published: January 2020

Despite evidence for a difference in total brain volume between dyslexic and good readers, no previous neuroimaging study examined differences in allometric scaling (i.e. differences in the relationship between regional and total brain volumes) between dyslexic and good readers. The present study aims to fill this gap by testing differences in allometric scaling and regional brain volume differences in dyslexic and good readers. Object‐based morphometry analysis was used to determine grey and white matter volumes of the four lobes, the cerebellum and limbic structures in 130 dyslexic and 106 good readers aged 8–14 years. Data were collected across three countries (France, Poland and Germany). Three methodological approaches were used as follows: principal component analysis (PCA), linear regression and multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA). Difference in total brain volume between good and dyslexic readers was Cohen's d = 0.39. We found no difference in allometric scaling, nor in regional brain volume between dyslexic and good readers. Results of our three methodological approaches (PCA, linear regression and MGCFA) were consistent. This study provides evidence for total brain volume differences between dyslexic and control children, but no evidence for differences in the volumes of the four lobes, the cerebellum or limbic structures, once allometry is taken into account. It also finds no evidence for a difference in allometric relationships between the groups. We highlight the methodological interest of the MGCFA approach to investigate such research issues.
Enriched Latent Dirichlet Allocation for Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Osmani Amjad , Mohasefi Jamshid Bagherzadeh , Gharehchopogh Farhad Soleimanian
Published: January 2020

One of the main benefits of unsupervised learning is that there is no need for labelled data. As a method of this category, latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) estimates the semantic relations between the words of the text effectively and can play an important role in solving various issues, including emotional analysis in combination with other parameters. In this study, three novel topic models called date sentiment LDA (DSLDA), author–date sentiment LDA (ADSLDA), and pack–author–date sentiment LDA (PADSLDA) are proposed. The proposed models extend LDA through some extra parameters such as date, author, helpfulness, sentiment, and subtopic. The proposed models use helpfulness in the Gibbs sampling algorithm. Helpfulness is a part of readers who found the review helpful. The proposed models divide the words into two categories: the words more affected by the distribution of subtopic and the words more affected by the main topic. In this study, a new concept called pack is introduced, and a new model called PADSLDA is proposed for sentiment analysis at pack level. The proposed models outperformed the baseline models because according to evaluations results, the extra parameters can appropriately affect the generating process of words in a review. Sentiment analysis at the document level, perplexity, and topic coherence are the main parameters used in the evaluations.
Southward re‐distribution of tropical tuna fisheries activity can be explained by technological and management change
Authors: Rubio Iratxe , Ganzedo Unai , Hobday Alistair J. , Ojea Elena
Published: January 2020

There is broad evidence of climate change causing shifts in fish distribution worldwide, but less is known about the response of fisheries to these changes. Responses to climate‐driven shifts in a fishery may be constrained by existing management or institutional arrangements and technological settings. In order to understand how fisheries are responding to ocean warming, we investigate purse seine fleets targeting tropical tunas in the east Atlantic Ocean using effort and sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) data from 1991 to 2017. An analysis of the spatial change in effort using a centre of gravity approach and empirical orthogonal functions is used to assess the spatiotemporal changes in effort anomalies and investigate links to SSTA. Both analyses indicate that effort shifts southward from the equator, while no clear pattern is seen northward from the equator. Random forest models show that while technology and institutional settings better explain total effort, SSTA is playing a role when explaining the spatiotemporal changes of effort, together with management and international agreements. These results show the potential of management to minimize the impacts of climate change on fisheries activity. Our results provide guidance for improved understanding about how climate, management and governance interact in tropical tuna fisheries, with methods that are replicable and transferable. Future actions should take into account all these elements in order to plan successful adaptation.
Predictive modelling of illegal fishing in no‐take marine protected areas
Authors: Davis Tom R. , Harasti David
Published: January 2020

Illegal fishing is an acknowledged problem within no‐take areas (NTAs), which are frequently used as a marine conservation management tool. While gathering data on illegal fishing is difficult, it is necessary, as these data enable increased efficiency of compliance patrols, where resources are inherently limited. In particular, information about short‐term temporal variations in illegal fishing in NTAs is needed to guide management and compliance efforts. To address this knowledge gap, daily variations in illegal fishing effort were examined using surveillance cameras at two sites in New South Wales, Australia. Generalised linear modelling (GLM) identified that illegal fishing was significantly greater on non‐working days and during periods with no rain, light winds and slight seas. The GLM developed provided useful predictions of illegal activity in both the NTA used to build the model and in a second nearby NTA. The study demonstrated that illegal fishing was principally concentrated on days with good boating conditions and was greater at the study site closer to boat launching facilities. These insights will assist with future targeting of enforcement, community outreach and management efforts, which should focus on days and sites with an increased likelihood of illegal fishing.
Anoxia can increase the rate of decay for cnidarian tissue: UsingActinia equinato understand the early fossil record
Authors: Hancy Anthony D. , Antcliffe Jonathan B.
Published: January 2020

An experimental decay methodology is developed for a cnidarian model organism to serve as a comparison to the many previous such studies on bilaterians. This allows an examination of inherent bias against the fossilisation of cnidarian tissue and their diagnostic characters, under what conditions these occur, and in what way. The decay sequence ofActinia equinawas examined under a series of controlled conditions. These experiments show that cnidarian decay begins with an initial rupturing of the epidermis, followed by rapid loss of recognisable internal morphological characters. This suggests that bacteria work quicker on the epidermis than autolysis does on the internal anatomy. The data also show that diploblastic tissue is not universally decayed more slowly under anoxic or reducing conditions than under oxic conditions. Indeed, some cnidarian characters decay more rapidly under anoxic conditions than they do under oxic conditions. This suggests the decay pathways acting may be different to those affecting soft bilaterian tissue such as soft epidermis and internal organs. What is most important in the decay of soft polyp anatomy is the microbial community, which can be dominated by oxic or anoxic bacteria. Different Lagerstätte, even of the same type, will inevitably have subtle difference in their bacterial communities, which among other factors, could be a control on soft polyp preservation leading to either an absence of compelling soft anthozoans (Burgess Shale) or an astonishing abundance (Qingjiang biota).
Aggregate ceramic films produced at room temperature by press forming
Authors: Suzuki Muneyasu , Kusaka Yasuyuki , Tsuchiya Tetsuo , Ushijima Hirobumi , Akedo Jun
Published: January 2020

Recently, the demand for flexible or stretchable Internet‐of‐things devices has increased with the rise in popularity of wearables. Also, research is progressing for the development of oxide‐based all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries, which are expected to have improved safety and performance compared with current batteries. Room‐temperature processes for the production of oxide films would facilitate the development of such novel devices. Press forming is a simple room‐temperature process; however, conventional press forming cannot produce highly dense green compacts. Here, we developed a new press forming‐based, room‐temperature process, the mega‐press forming (MF) method, that produces highly dense aggregate oxide films at a pressure below 1 GPa, which is lower than that at which oxide particles fracture, by taking advantage of the differences in cohesive force between microsized and nanosized particles. We used our novel process to produce highly dense lead zirconate titanate aggregate films on aluminum foil at room temperature, and found that when impregnated with silicone oil, these films exhibited low leakage current density and saturated polarization hysteresis properties. Furthermore, we were able to produce films with a porosity of only 6%, which is much lower than that of films produced by conventional press forming (20%). Thus, the MF method will be useful for the development of novel functional composite ceramics that are difficult to fabricate using high‐temperature processes.
Feasibility of His‐bundle pacing in patients with conduction disorders following transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: De Pooter Jan , Gauthey Anaïs , Calle Simon , Noel Antoine , Kefer Joelle , Marchandise Sebastien , Coeman Mathieu , Philipsen Tine , Kayaert Peter , Gheeraert Peter , Jordaens Luc , Timmermans Frank , Van Heuverswyn Frederic , Bordachar Pierre , le Polain de Waroux Jean‐Benoît
Published: January 2020

Background

Conduction disorders requiring permanent pacemaker implantation occur frequently after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This multicenter study explored the feasibility and safety of His bundle pacing (HBP) in TAVR patients with a pacemaker indication to correct a TAVR‐induced left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Methods

Patients qualifying for a permanent pacemaker implant after TAVR were planned for HBP implant. HBP was performed using the Select Secure (3830; Medtronic) pacing lead, delivered through a fixed curve or deflectable sheath (C315HIS or C304; Medtronic).

Successful HBP was defined as selective or nonselective HBP, irrespective of LBB recruitment. Successful LBBB correction was defined as selective or nonselective HBP resulting in paced QRS morphology similar to pre‐TAVR QRS and paced QRS duration (QRSd) less than 120 milliseconds with thresholds less than 3.0 V at 1.0‐millisecond pulse width.

Results

The study enrolled 16 patients requiring a permanent pacemaker after TAVR (age 85 ± 4 years, 31% female, all LBBB; QRSd: 161 ± 14 milliseconds). Capture of the His bundle was achieved in 13 of 16 (81%) patients. HBP with LBBB correction was achieved in 11 of 16 (69%) and QRSd narrowed from 162 ± 14 to 99 ± 13 milliseconds and 134 ± 7 milliseconds during S‐HBP and NS‐HBP, respectively (P = .005). At implantation, mean threshold for LBBB correction was 1.9 ± 1.1 V at 1.0 millisecond. Thresholds remained stable at 11 ± 4 months follow‐up (1.8 ± 0.9 V at 1.0 millisecond, P = .231 for comparison with implant thresholds). During HBP implant, one temporary complete atrioventricular block occurred.

Conclusion

Permanent HBP is feasible in the majority of patients with TAVR requiring a permanent pacemaker with the potential to correct a TAVR‐induced LBBB with acceptable pacing thresholds.
Establishment and cryopreservation of a cell line derived from caudal fin of endangered catfish Clarias dussumieri Valenciennes, 1840
Authors: Swaminathan T. Raja , Dharmaratnam Arathi , Raja S. Arun , Raj N. Sundar , Lal Kuldeep K
Published: January 2020

We describe a new cell line, Clarias dussumieri fin (ClDuF), from the caudal fin of C. dussumieri using the explant technique followed by cryopreservation. The cryopreserved CiDuF cells were validated for quality and other characteristics. They showed typical epithelial morphology in vitro and epithelial cells outgrew their fibroblast cells after the fifth passage. ClDuF cells had a characteristic sigmoid curve with population doubling in 24 h. Immunotyping of the ClDuF cells against cytokeratin suggested the epithelial lineage. Chromosome analysis showed normal diploid (2n = 50) numbers and the cells did not contain any contamination, including Mycoplasma and other microbes. Partial sequencing of fragments of mitochondrial 16s rRNA and COI genes of ClDuF confirmed that the cell line was initiated from C. dussumieri. Cells at the 10th and 25th passages had more than 80% and 70% viability in the culture, respectively, after 6 months of storage at LN2. These ClDuF cells were morphologically identical to the cells before freezing and the genetic resource of C. dussumieri was preserved. The species‐specific cells can serve as a valuable source for virus isolation, conservation and cloning of somatic cells.
Novel petrolatum‐based ointment that is highly moisturizing and has superior usability with increased adherence in patients with facial dry skin
Authors: Murakami Yumi , Saya Yumiko , Morita Eishin , Matsunaka Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Background

Petrolatum is often used to suppress water evaporation from the skin surface. However, its stickiness, shininess, and other factors make it inconvenient for continuous use.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and usability between a newly developed petrolatum‐based ointment (NOV® II Moisture Balm) and white petrolatum.

Methods

Twenty‐nine subjects with atopic dermatitis or xeroderma with symptoms of dry skin applied NOV® II Moisture Balm on the right sides of the face and white petrolatum on the left side, respectively, for 8‐12 weeks. The skin conditions (erythema, exudate/crusting, dryness, and itch) were scored, stratum corneum water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured, and the free amino acid and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels in the stratum corneum were analyzed before and end of the trial.

Results

Dryness, exudate/crusting, and TEWL decreased significantly on both the white petrolatum and the NOV® II Moisture Balm sides, while stratum corneum water content and the free amino acid levels in the stratum corneum increased significantly. On the NOV® II Moisture Balm side, erythema and the TSLP levels decreased significantly. In a questionnaire on usability, the subjects felt NOV® II Moisture Balm spread better and were less sticky and shiny than white petrolatum, and more subjects wanted to continue using NOV® II Moisture Balm.

Conclusions

NOV® II Moisture Balm was equivalent to white petrolatum in moisturizing and improving the physiologic functions of the skin, but had superior usability.
Comparison of Features of a Mobile Application to Report School Violence Through Benchmarking
Authors: Ferreira Renata C. , Frota Mirna A. , de Vasconcelos Filho José E. , Bastos Antônio P. F. , Luna Geisy L. M. , Rolim Karla M. C.
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

At a time and educational context favorable to technologies and innovations, we took the initiative to mobile phone applications (apps) relevant to school violence in an effort to be responsive to a growing public health problem in multiple countries.

METHODS

In this study, we compared and verified the features of 10 apps for reporting violence in schools. We used a benchmarking tool for integrative review of these mobile apps.

RESULTS

There were 13 apps on the Google Play platform, 11 apps in the App Store, and 5 apps on both platforms, totaling 19 apps. We selected 10 apps for comparative analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Through benchmarking, we determined the relevant features of the apps with recommendations for improving app development in the future.
L‐arginine supplementation during the final third of gestation improves litter uniformity and physical characteristics of neonatal piglet thermoregulation
Authors: Moreira Rennan Herculano Rufino , Mendes Melissa Fabíola dos Santos Alves , Palencia Jorge Yair Pérez , Lemes Marina Alves Gomes , Roque Andressa Rodrigues , Kutschenko Marianne , Ferreira Rony Antônio , de Abreu Márvio Lobão Teixeira
Published: January 2020

The study assessed the effects of dietary L‐arginine supplementation from days 85 to 115 of gestation on sow performance, litter quality, piglet physiology and survival variables in the first 24 hr of life. Twenty multiparous sows, with a history of hyperprolificacy (more than 14 piglets per litter), were used. A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of two treatments: feed supplemented or not with 1% L‐arginine from days 85 to 115 of gestation. The experimental unit consisted of the sow and its respective litter, using 10 replicates per treatment. The sows were distributed into the treatments based on body condition and parity. Supplementation with L‐arginine reduced the within‐litter standard deviation and the within‐litter coefficient of variation of piglet weight at 24 hr by 54 g and 4.14 percentage points respectively (p = .029; p = .035). Supplementation with 1.0% L‐arginine decreased the percentages of piglets weighing less than 800 g by 5.60 and 5.08 points at birth and at 24 hr of life respectively. Piglets from sows supplemented with L‐arginine had higher (p = .088) average rectal temperatures at birth and lower (p = .030) rectal temperature at 24 hr of life in comparison with control piglets. No significant differences in placental weight or estimated colostrum production and intake were observed in the first 24 hr of life. At 24 hr of life, piglets weighing less than 1,000 g and from supplemented sows had lower (p = .048) surface/mass ratios and higher body mass index (p = .070). Piglets from supplemented sows and who weighed 1601 to 1,800 g had lower body mass index and ponderal index (p = .002; p = .003). Supplementation with L‐arginine during the final third of gestation reduces the incidence of unviable piglets (<800 g) and improved litter uniformity and piglets’ body conformation within the first 24 hr of life.
Hormonal contraceptive use and subjective sleep reports in women: An online survey
Authors: Bezerra Andréia Gomes , Andersen Monica Levy , Pires Gabriel Natan , Banzoli Carolina V. , Polesel Daniel Ninelo , Tufik Sergio , Hachul Helena
Published: January 2020

Female sexual hormones have known hypnogenic effects and the use of hormonal replacement therapy in postmenopausal women leads to improvement in sleep quality. However, the effects of hormonal contraceptives in women of reproductive age are still scarcely understood. This study sought to evaluate the impact of hormonal contraceptive use on subjective self‐reports of sleep through a web‐based cross‐sectional survey. A total of 2,055 women between 18 and 40 years old participated by answering an online questionnaire evaluating hormonal contraceptive use, sleep‐related characteristics and related features. Sleep assessment tools comprised the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Statistical comparisons were performed between hormonal contraceptive users and those who reported no current use. Analyses were repeated to compare users of combined contraceptives with users of progestagens only, as well as to compare users of different generations of contraceptives. Among the total sample, 1,286 participants met the inclusion criteria (918 of them were currently taking a hormonal contraceptive). Contraceptive users reported more frequent sleep complaints and had higher scores on ESS and ISI, which means increased excessive daytime sleepiness and more insomnia symptoms. Women using progestagen‐only therapies reported lower total sleep duration compared with combined therapy. Users of third‐generation contraceptives showed lower total sleep time and higher ISI score when compared with non‐users. In conclusion, contraceptive users have more insomnia symptoms and increased excessive daytime sleepiness when compared with women who do not use any hormonal contraceptive method, and progestagen‐only therapy was associated with lower sleep duration.
Smaller does not mean worse: variation of roe deer antlers from two distant populations in their mechanical and structural properties and mineral profile
Authors: Cappelli J. , Ceacero F. , Landete‐Castillejos T. , Gallego L. , García A.
Published: January 2020

Antler size, structure, composition and mechanics have been shown to reflect nutrition, climate and body effects in red deer, but studies have only assessed effects on size in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Roe deer show little sexual dimorphism, lower inter‐male fighting and could form groups during part of the year but does not form harems, in contrast to red deer. Thus, it is interesting to assess how nutrition and habitat affects investment in antlers as compared to red deer. Antlers were collected from adult males of two game estates differing in location, climate and management: 13 from the south‐east of Spain (mild winter, hot summer, dry habitat and rich supplementary feeding), and 10 specimens came from central‐southern part of the Czech Republic (snowy winter, mild summer, humid habitat and limited supplementary feeding). After measuring whole‐antler parameters, a destructive sampling was performed to obtain a full‐transversal section and cortical bone samples from two sampling position along the main beam. Then bone structure, mechanical properties (three‐point bending test, impact test) and the mineral profile were studied. Roe deer from Spain had heavier and longer antlers than Czech roe deer. Their bone material had a higher mechanical quality, although Czech roe deer compensated by developing antlers with thicker walls. Mineral composition also differs, particularly by greater contents in Czech antlers in 3 minerals associated with nutrient stress: Fe, K and Zn. We concluded that the differences found between populations may be caused by differences in habitat quality and diet, in a similar way as reported for red deer, despite interspecific differences. Our study suggests that habitat affects antler parameters and, as previous results in red deer, suggests that improving diet quality may affect size, composition and mechanical quality of antler material. Certainly, antlers of roe deer provide information useful for population management.
Marine stepping‐stones: Connectivity of Mytilus edulis populations between offshore energy installations
Authors: Coolen Joop W. P. , Boon Arjen R. , Crooijmans Richard , van Pelt Hilde , Kleissen Frank , Gerla Daan , Beermann Jan , Birchenough Silvana N. R. , Becking Leontine E. , Luttikhuizen Pieternella C.
Published: January 2020

Recent papers have suggested that epifaunal organisms use artificial structures as stepping‐stones to spread to areas that are too distant to reach in a single generation. With thousands of artificial structures present in the North Sea, we test the hypothesis that these structures are connected by water currents and act as an interconnected reef. Population genetic structure of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, was expected to follow a pattern predicted by a particle tracking model (PTM). Correlation between population genetic differentiation, based on microsatellite markers, and particle exchange was tested. Specimens of M. edulis were found at each location, although the PTM indicated that locations >85 km offshore were isolated from coastal subpopulations. The fixation coefficient FST correlated with the number of arrivals in the PTM. However, the number of effective migrants per generation as inferred from coalescent simulations did not show a strong correlation with the arriving particles. Isolation by distance analysis showed no increase in isolation with increasing distance and we did not find clear structure among the populations. The marine stepping‐stone effect is obviously important for the distribution of M. edulis in the North Sea and it may influence ecologically comparable species in a similar way. In the absence of artificial shallow hard substrates, M. edulis would be unlikely to survive in offshore North Sea waters.
Beyond summative decision making: Illuminating the broader roles of competence committees
Authors: Pack Rachael , Lingard Lorelei , Watling Christopher , Cristancho Sayra
Published: January 2020

Context

Although competence committees (CCs) are most often conceptualised as group decision‐making bodies, policy documents forward a more ambitious vision and outline several additional roles for CCs that support the continuous quality improvement of education programmes and promote formative feedback. However, whether these functions are encompassed in the everyday work of CCs is currently unknown.

Methods

This constructivist grounded theory study elaborates the range of roles taken up by CCs and illuminates the processes through which these roles are actualised. Two investigators observed 27 CC meetings (>80 hours) across seven diverse postgraduate programmes at a single Canadian institution. Following each observation, a semi‐structured interview was conducted with one CC member. Data collection and analysis unfolded iteratively.

Results

In this study, CCs did much more than make summative decisions about progression and entrustment; they identified a variety of problems that arose at the levels of both the individual learner and the programme, and leveraged their knowledge of assessment data to develop solutions. The problem‐solving work of CCs was enabled by the in‐depth data review, synthesis and analysis work that occurred before scheduled meetings, outside protected academic or administrative time. Although this work often appeared invisible to those outside the committee, the insights gleaned from data review provided committee members with essential information about how their programme of assessment was unfolding in practice.

Conclusions

Competence committees may be an untapped resource that can support assessment for learning, local evaluation of competency‐based medical education (CBME) implementation and continuous quality improvement for programmes of assessment. However, the ability of CCs to engage in this work is fragile and is currently sustained by the willingness of faculty members to devote their time and energy to it. The resourcing of CCs may have profound implications for translation of the theory of programmatic assessment and CBME into practice.
Intentional cooperation and acting as part of a single body
Authors: Blomberg Olle
Published: January 2020

According to some accounts, an individual participates in joint intentional cooperative action by virtue of conceiving of himself or herself and other participants as if they were parts of a single agent or body that performs the action. I argue that this notional singularization move fails if they act as if they were parts of a single agent. It can succeed, however, if the participants act as if to bring about the goal of a properly functioning single body in action of which they would be parts. This latter version of the move manages to capture the cooperative character of joint intentional cooperative action, and does this without requiring of participants that they act on higher‐order interlocking intentions.
Visualization of the human enteric nervous system by confocal laser endomicroscopy in Hirschsprung's disease: An alternative to intraoperative histopathological diagnosis?
Authors: Shimojima Naoki , Kobayashi Masakuni , Kamba Shunsuke , Harada Atsushi , Hirobe Seiichi , Ieiri Satoshi , Kuroda Tatsuo , Sumiyama Kazuki
Published: January 2020

Background

Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital abnormality of the enteric nervous system (ENS) presenting severe constipation soon after birth due to the lack of ganglion cells in the distal gut. Surgery for Hirschsprung's disease requires an intraoperative histopathological diagnosis to assess the extent of aganglionosis. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a novel endoscopic technique allowing real‐time, in vivo analysis of cellular details during ongoing endoscopy. In this study, we evaluated the possibility of a new application of CLE to provide real‐time observations of the ENS in patients with Hirschsprung's disease. In this preclinical feasibility study, we assessed the visualization of the ENS by CLE using surgically resected intestines.

Methods

The subjects were nine patients who underwent pull‐through surgery for Hirschsprung's disease between September 2014 and March 2016. The colon specimens were stained with 0.1% cresyl violet and evaluated using CLE. We compared the CLE findings with those of the histopathological examination.

Key Results

The ENS was clearly visualized as a ladder‐like structure in the ganglionic segment but was not observed in the aganglionic segment. Of the 69 samples, corresponding positive and negative results for both CLE and the histopathology were obtained in 61 (88%). In addition, CLE was able to visualize unique, wavy structures comprising thick nerve bundles characteristic of the aganglionic/transition zone in Hirschsprung's disease.

Conclusions and Inferences

As a novel tool for visualizing the human ENS, CLE has the potential to revolutionize how pediatric surgeons identify the level of ganglionosis during surgery for Hirschsprung's disease and may be a superior alternative to intraoperative histopathological diagnosis.