bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PER2 C111G polymorphism, cognitive reserve and cognition in subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Bessi V. , Giacomucci G. , Mazzeo S. , Bagnoli S. , Padiglioni S. , Balestrini J. , Tomaiuolo G. , Piaceri I. , Carraro M. , Bracco L. , Sorbi S. , Nacmias B.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

CLOCK and PER2 genes have been implicated in sleep–wake cycle alterations and neurodegenerative diseases. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of CLOCK T3111C and PER2 C111G on cognitive functioning in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) patients and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients at the baseline of a longitudinal study, and the effect of these two polymorphisms on the progression to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) of the two groups.

Methods

Sixty‐eight subjects (41 SCD and 27 MCI) who underwent clinical evaluation, neuropsychological assessment, CLOCK and PER2 genotyping at baseline and neuropsychological follow‐up every 2 years for a mean time of 10 years were included. Subjects who developed AD (SCD‐c and MCI‐c) and non‐converters (SCD‐nc, MCI‐nc) were considered.

Results

CLOCK T3111C was detected in 47% of cases (21 SCD, 11 MCI) and PER2 C111G in 19% of cases (eight SCD and five MCI). PER2 G carriers presented lower premorbid intelligence score (P = 0.049), fewer years of education (P = 0.007) and a lower frequency of family history of AD (P = 0.04) than G non‐carriers. MCI PER2 G carriers had worse performance in tests assessing memory, executive function, language and visuospatial abilities at baseline. During follow‐up, two SCD and 15 MCI subjects progressed to AD: both of the SCD‐c subjects presented the PER2 G allele, while none of the SCD PER2 G non‐carriers converted to AD (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

PER2 seems to have a role in cognitive reserve and cognition in SCD and MCI patients. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to assess the role of PER2 C111G on the risk of progression to AD.
Self‐reported quality of life and degree of youth‐parent agreement: A long‐term follow‐up of childhood‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Puka Klajdi , Ferro Mark A. , Camfield Carol S. , Levin Simon D. , Smith Mary Lou , Wiebe Samuel , Zou Guangyong , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To prospectively delineate self‐reported health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) 8 and 10 years after an epilepsy diagnosis and evaluate the degree of AYA‐parent agreement in ratings of AYA’s HRQOL.

Methods

Data came from the Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES), a 10‐year longitudinal study of children, aged 4‐12 years, with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Epilepsy‐specific HRQOL was self‐reported by AYA 8 and 10 years after diagnosis and by parents at multiple time points throughout the 10‐year follow‐up. Measurers of HRQOL over time were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effect model approach. AYA‐parent agreement was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

A total of 165 AYAs participated at long‐term follow‐up. There was considerable heterogeneity among AYA’s HRQOL, and as a group, there was no significant change in HRQOL from the 8‐ to 10‐year follow‐up. Household income at the time of diagnosis, seizure control at follow‐up, and a history of emotional problems (anxiety/depression) were independent predictors of HRQOL at follow‐up. AYA‐parent agreement on AYA’s HRQOL was moderate (ICC 0.62, 95% CI 0.51‐0.71), although considerable differences were observed at the individual level. AYA‐parent agreement varied with AYA’s and parent's age, seizure control, and family environment.

Significance

In the long‐term after a diagnosis of epilepsy, AYAs report stable HRQOL over time at the group level, although notable individual differences exist. Seizure control, anxiety/depression, and family environment meaningfully impact AYA’s long‐term HRQOL. AYA and parent reports on HRQOL are similar at the group level, although they cannot be used interchangeably, given the large individual differences observed.
First report of Scaphoideus titanus for Madeira Island
Authors: Aguin‐Pombo D. , Aguiar A. M. F. , Cravo D.
Published: September 2020

This is the first report of Scaphoideus titanus, the main vector of flavescence dorée, for Madeira (Portugal) and also for Macaronesia. This new record currently represents its southernmost occurrence in Europe. This leafhopper is present in most of the primary wine production regions in the north of Madeira island. There were no symptoms of flavescence dorée disease during the monitoring period from 2010 to 2017. The ability of S. titanus to survive in regions with a subtropical climate suggests that it may also live in the most meridional areas of the Mediterranean region where, until now, it has been absent.
Evidence of fostering in an internally brooding sea anemone
Authors: Lane Sarah M. , Briffa Mark , Wilson Alastair J. , Truebano Manuela , Foster Nicola L.
Published: September 2020

Evidence of alloparental care during the incubation stage has largely been demonstrated for species that incubate their offspring externally in a nest. Alloparental care in these species generally consists of the rearing of mixed broods which contain a low proportion of “foreign” young alongside the host's own offspring. However, many animals, including sea anemones, incubate offspring either on or within their bodies. The beadlet anemone Actinia equina incubate their young internally, and as many sea anemones are capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually, the origin of these internally brooded young has been the subject of much debate. While genetically identical young are brooded internally under the juvenile stage, it is thought that those produced sexually are released as larvae into the water and must return to the gastric cavity of an adult in order for metamorphosis to occur. As the likelihood of a planula larva finding its way back to its parent is slim, this suggests that alloparental care may play a role in the survival of juveniles in this species, a hypothesis first suggested a century ago but rarely tested. Here, using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers, we find evidence of alloparental care in A. equina. Our results indicate that while a high proportion of juveniles were genetically identical to their brooding adult, the remaining juveniles showed stark genetic differences to their brooding adult. These juveniles shared far fewer alleles with their “parent” than expected under sexual reproduction, indicating that they were not the adult's offspring. Furthermore, we found variation in the genetic composition of broods, which consisted either of (a) entirely genetically identical individuals, (b) a mix of unique individuals and clonemates or (c) entirely unique individuals, that is no shared genotype. Our results thus indicate that adult A. equina tolerate the presence of non‐offspring within their gastric cavity and furthermore that they may incubate entirely “foreign” broods.
Commercial genetic testing for type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy and myofibrillar myopathy does not correspond to a histopathological diagnosis
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Finno Carrie J. , Henry Marisa L. , Schott Melissa , Velez‐Irizarry Deborah , Peng Sichong , McKenzie Erica C. , Petersen Jessica L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Commercial genetic tests for type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM2) and myofibrillar myopathy (MFM) have not been validated by peer‐review, and formal regulation of veterinary genetic testing is lacking.

Objectives

To compare genotype and allele frequencies of commercial test variants (P variants) in MYOT (P2; rs1138656462), FLNC (P3a; rs1139799323), FLNC (P3b; rs1142918816) and MYOZ3 (P4; rs1142544043) between Warmblood (WB) and Arabian (AR) horses diagnosed with PSSM2/MFM by muscle histopathology, and phenotyped breed‐matched controls. To quantify variant frequency in public repositories of ancient and modern horse breeds.

Study design

Cross sectional using archived clinical material and publicly available data.

Methods

We studied 54 control‐WB, 68 PSSM2/MFM‐WB, 30 control‐AR, 30 PSSM2/MFM‐AR and 205 public genotypes. Variants were genotyped by pyrosequencing archived DNA. Genotype and allele frequency, and number of variant alleles or loci were compared within breed between controls, PSSM2/MFM combined and MFM or PSSM2 horses considered separately using additive/genotypic and dominant models (Fisher's exact tests). Variant frequencies in modern, early domestic and Przewalski horses were determined from a public data repository.

Results

There was no significant association between any P locus and a histopathological diagnosis of PSSM2/MFM, and no difference between control and myopathic horses in total loci with alternative alleles, or total alternate alleles when PSSM2/MFM was considered combined or separately as PSSM2 or MFM. For all tests, sensitivity was <0.33. Allele frequencies in WB (controls/cases) were: 8%/15% (P2), 5%/6% (P3a/b) and 9%/13% (P4); in AR, frequencies were: 12%/17% (P2), 2%/2% (P3a/b) and 7%/12% (P4). All P variants were present in early domestic (400‐ to 5500‐year‐old) horses and P2 present in the Przewalski.

Conclusions

Because of the lack of significant association between a histopathological diagnosis of PSSM2 or MFM and the commercial genetic test variants P2, P3 and P4 in WB and AR, we cannot recommend the use of these variant genotypes for selection and breeding, prepurchase examination or diagnosis of a myopathy.
Outbreak of acute larval cyathostominosis – A “perfect storm” of inflammation and dysbiosis
Authors: Walshe Nicola , Mulcahy Grace , Crispie Fiona , Cabrera‐Rubio Raul , Cotter Paul , Jahns Hanne , Duggan Vivienne
Published: September 2020

Background

Cyathostomins are prevalent and pathogenic intestinal helminths of horses, causing acute and chronic disease, including acute larval cyathostominosis, which has a mortality rate of 50%. Factors determining individual susceptibility to acute larval cyathostominosis are unknown. Investigation of these factors could lead to novel treatment and prevention strategies.

Objectives

To investigate clinicopathological and faecal microbiota changes associated with disease in individual horses in an acute larval cyathostominosis outbreak.

Study design

Case series.

Methods

The study population was a herd of 23 mixed breed horses in Ireland. The outbreak occurred in November 2018. Fourteen horses were clinically affected. Clinical status was monitored and recorded. Blood and faecal sampling allowed clinicopathological, faecal 16s rRNA gene sequencing and faecal egg count analyses.

Results

Two horses were euthanised, whilst 12 recovered. Common clinical signs included loose faecal consistency, weight loss and pyrexia. Consistent clinicopathological findings were borderline anaemia, leucocytosis, thrombocytosis, hyperfibrinogenaemia, hyperglobulinaemia and a reverse A: G ratio. Decreased alpha‐diversity of the faecal microbiota and greater relative abundance of the genus Streptococcus, class Bacilli, order Lactobacillales and family Streptococcaceae, and family Prevotelleceae was found in clinically affected horses compared to their clinically normal cohorts. An increase in obligate fibrolytic bacteria was seen in the clinically normal group compared to the clinical group. Histopathological findings of the colon and caecum revealed a severe necrotising typhlocolitis associated with cyathostomin larvae and bacterial overgrowth in the mucosa of the large intestine.

Main limitations

The study population in this outbreak is small. There are several confounding factors limiting this to a descriptive case series. Faecal microbiota has been shown to reflect the large intestinal microbiota but do not represent changes directly.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that acute larval cyathostominosis is associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota as well as the inflammatory stimulus of numerous emerging larvae leading to structural and functional pathology of the large intestine.
Lamellar perfusion and energy metabolism in a preferential weight bearing model
Authors: van Eps Andrew W. , Belknap James K. , Schneider Xavier , Stefanovski Darko , Engiles Julie B. , Richardson Dean W. , Zedler Steven T. , Medina‐Torres Carlos E. , Watts Mauria R.
Published: September 2020

Background

Supporting limb laminitis (SLL) is suspected to be caused by lamellar ischaemia as a consequence of increased mechanical load.

Objectives

Examine the effects of prolonged preferential weight bearing (PWB) on lamellar perfusion and metabolism.

Study design

In vivo experiment.

Methods

Microdialysis probes were inserted in the lamellar and sublamellar dermis of one forelimb in 13 Standardbred horses. In six horses, a platform shoe (contralateral forelimb) was used to induce increased load on the microdialysis‐instrumented forelimb (PWB). The remaining seven horses were controls (CON). All horses were housed in stocks with limb weight distribution logged continuously for 92 hours. Microdialysate was collected and analysed every 4 hours for glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and lactate to pyruvate ratio (L:P). Microdialysis urea clearance was used to estimate lamellar perfusion. Data were analysed using a mixed‐effects linear regression model.

Results

Median [IQR] load on the microdialysis‐instrumented limb was equivalent to 38.7% bwt. [37.3‐40.3] in PWB and 27.3% bwt. [26.6‐28] in CON. Limb offloading frequency increased in CON (P < .001) but not PWB (P = .2). Lamellar microdialysate glucose decreased in PWB (P < .001) and CON (P = .004), however, the rate of decrease was higher in PWB (P = .007). Lamellar L:P increased in PWB (P < .001) and peaked at 196 [79‐656], whereas L:P did not change over time in CON (P = .6) and peaked at 42 [41‐49]. Lamellar urea clearance decreased in PWB (P < .001) but not in CON (P = .3). Sublamellar L:P and urea clearance did not change over time in either group (P > .05).

Main limitations

The PWB model may not be representative of naturally occurring SLL.

Conclusions

Evidence of lamellar ischaemia (increased L:P and decreased urea clearance) was detected exclusively in the lamellar dermis of PWB feet subjected to persistently increased load. Lamellar ischaemia is a consequence of increased mechanical load and likely contributes to the development of SLL.
Parenting Stress During the COVID‐19 Outbreak: Socioeconomic and Environmental Risk Factors and Implications for Children Emotion Regulation
Authors: Spinelli Maria , Lionetti Francesca , Setti Annalisa , Fasolo Mirco
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 outbreak imposed to Italian families many changes in their daily life increasing the risk of developing psychological problems. The present study explored risk factors associated with parenting stress and implications for children’s emotion regulation in families with different socioeconomic risks. Parents of 2–14 years old children completed a survey reporting difficulties experienced due to the lockdown, level of household chaos, parenting stress, parent involvement in the child’s daily life, and children emotion regulation competences. The general mean levels of parenting stress and children emotion regulation abilities were not at clinical level compared with Italian norms. Household chaos predicted higher levels of parenting stress, which, in turn, was associated with less effective emotion regulation in children through the mediating role of parental involvement. More stressed parents were less involved in their children’s activities, decreasing children’s effective emotion regulation. Only for SES no‐risk families, the lockdown constraints increased parenting stress. For SES at‐risk families, the impact of parenting stress and involvement on children regulation strategies was stronger, with a protective role played by parental involvement on children’s negativity not evident for SES no‐risk families. Dealing with the lockdown is a stressful experience for parents who have to balance personal life, work, and children upbringing, without other help. This situation potentially impairs their ability to be supportive caregivers and is consequently detrimental for children well‐being. Policies should take into consideration the implications of the lockdown for families’ mental health and tailor supportive interventions according to family’s risk factors.
Insects in high‐elevation streams: Life in extreme environments imperiled by climate change
Authors: Birrell Jackson H. , Shah Alisha A. , Hotaling Scott , Giersch J. Joseph , Williamson Craig E. , Jacobsen Dean , Woods H. Arthur
Published: September 2020

Climate change is altering conditions in high‐elevation streams worldwide, with largely unknown effects on resident communities of aquatic insects. Here, we review the challenges of climate change for high‐elevation aquatic insects and how they may respond, focusing on current gaps in knowledge. Understanding current effects and predicting future impacts will depend on progress in three areas. First, we need better descriptions of the multivariate physical challenges and interactions among challenges in high‐elevation streams, which include low but rising temperatures, low oxygen supply and increasing oxygen demand, high and rising exposure to ultraviolet radiation, low ionic strength, and variable but shifting flow regimes. These factors are often studied in isolation even though they covary in nature and interact in space and time. Second, we need a better mechanistic understanding of how physical conditions in streams drive the performance of individual insects. Environment‐performance links are mediated by physiology and behavior, which are poorly known in high‐elevation taxa. Third, we need to define the scope and importance of potential responses across levels of biological organization. Short‐term responses are defined by the tolerances of individuals, their capacities to perform adequately across a range of conditions, and behaviors used to exploit local, fine‐scale variation in abiotic factors. Longer term responses to climate change, however, may include individual plasticity and evolution of populations. Whether high‐elevation aquatic insects can mitigate climatic risks via these pathways is largely unknown.
Community and structural constraints on the complexity of eastern North American forests
Authors: Gough Christopher M. , Atkins Jeff W. , Fahey Robert T. , Hardiman Brady S. , LaRue Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Canopy structural complexity, which describes the degree of heterogeneity in vegetation density, is strongly tied to a number of ecosystem functions, but the community and structural characteristics that give rise to variation in complexity at site to subcontinental scales are poorly defined. We investigated how woody plant taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, maximum canopy height, and leaf area index (LAI) relate to canopy rugosity, a measure of canopy structural complexity that is correlated with primary production, light capture, and resource‐use efficiency.

Location

Our analysis used 122 plots distributed across 10 ecologically and climatically variable forests spanning a > 1,500 km latitudinal gradient within the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) of the USA.

Time period

2016–2018.

Taxa studied

Woody plants.

Methods

We used univariate and multivariate modelling to examine relationships between canopy rugosity, and community and structural characteristics hypothesized to drive site and subcontinental variation in complexity.

Results

Spatial variation in canopy rugosity within sites and across the subcontinent was strongly and positively related to maximum canopy height (r2 = .87 subcontinent‐wide), with the addition of species richness in a multivariate model resolving another 2% of the variation across the subcontinent. Individually, woody plant species richness and phylogenetic diversity (r2 = .17 to .44, respectively) and LAI (r2 = .16) were weakly to moderately correlated with canopy rugosity at the subcontinental scale, and inconsistently explained spatial variation in canopy rugosity within sites.

Main conclusions

We conclude that maximum canopy height is a substantially stronger predictor of complexity than diversity or LAI within and across forests of eastern North America, suggesting that canopy volume places a primary constraint on the development of structural complexity. Management and land‐use practices that encourage and sustain tall temperate forest canopies may support greater complexity and associated increases in ecosystem functioning.
Diversity and distribution across a large environmental and spatial gradient: Evaluating the taxonomic and functional turnover, transitions and environmental drivers of benthic diatom communities
Authors: Virta Leena , Soininen Janne , Norkko Alf
Published: September 2020

Aim

Global biodiversity loss has raised interest in understanding variation in diversity at different scales. In particular, studies conducted across large spatial gradients are crucial, because they can increase perspectives on how ecological patterns change relative to environmental factors and facilitate predictions of possible responses to environmental change. We explored the full extent of a brackish sea to test the hypotheses that: (a) benthic communities are defined by the limited ranges of species, controlled by varying drivers along a large environmental gradient; (b) the responses of taxonomic and functional community composition and turnover to the environmental gradient are different, thus highlighting the need to include both measures in ecological studies; and (c) diversity reaches the minimum at intermediate salinities (Remane curve) owing to the low adaptation of freshwater and marine species.

Location

A large environmental and spatial gradient spanning the entire Swedish coastline (c. 2,300 km; salinity 1.2–27.6), the Baltic Sea.

Time period

August 2018.

Major taxa studied

Benthic diatoms.

Methods

We assessed environmental drivers for the communities and calculated the taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversity along the gradient. We also compared the taxonomic and functional composition and diversity of communities among areas with different salinity.

Results

We found support for the hypothesis of limited species ranges, because taxonomic beta diversity, mainly induced by changes in salinity and climate, was high, whereas functional beta diversity remained considerably lower, and the composition and diversity of communities, in addition to environmental drivers controlling the communities, differed between regions with different salinity. The lowest taxonomic diversity was found at intermediate salinities of 5–6.

Main conclusions

These findings advance understanding of large‐scale patterns of benthic diversity, emphasize the importance of large gradient studies for a better understanding of general ecological patterns and highlight the vulnerability of brackish water ecosystems as ecologically important tipping‐point realms.
Regional impact and spillover effect of public infrastructure investment: An empirical study in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Zhang Juanfeng , Zhang Danxia , Li Lele , Zeng Hui
Published: September 2020

Since China's reform and opening up, public infrastructure investments have significantly improved. These investments drive China's long‐term economic growth. Based on panel data of 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2006 to 2017, the simultaneous equation models (SEMs) are constructed to explore the regional impact and spillover effect of infrastructures with resolving endogenous problems. Public infrastructure investment remains to have a systemic effect on household income, urban population, and land prices in certain regions. In certain region, the estimated coefficients of public infrastructure investment are consistent with expectations and significant, which are 0.523, 0.142, and 0.781 with three‐stage least squares method. And the endogenous variables also affect public infrastructure investment. But, the coefficient of the spatial term is −0.019, negative and not significant. The cross‐regional spillover effect of public infrastructure investment is nonsignificant using the generalized spatial three‐stage least squares method.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem of cultural and creative industries in Porto: A sub‐ecosystem approach
Authors: Loots Ellen , Neiva Miguel , Carvalho Luís , Lavanga Mariangela
Published: September 2020

It is still a matter of dispute whether entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) frameworks can be confined to a single industry in isolation, let alone whether such a sub‐ecosystem approach can be employed in a domain that is distinct from the high‐growth industries usually scrutinised in the literature. This article seeks to apply a systemic and dynamic EE perspective to the development of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) within an urban context, with a particular focus on how urban development interacts with the sub‐ecosystem of this sector over time. An in‐depth case study in the city of Porto (Portugal) revealed that existing EE frameworks are well‐suited to research on creative sub‐ecosystems. It also enabled us to flesh out associations with other entrepreneurial activities and policy domains within the city. We highlight the prominent roles of local culture and policies when the context is resource‐constrained: policy led to an upward, positive spiral that moved Porto’s EE in relation to CCIs into a growth stage, during which it began to interact with, and faced resource competition from, high‐tech entrepreneurship. We argue that having an integrated view of the dynamics of entrepreneurial sub‐ecosystems and urban affairs can improve what is understood of productivity and causality in entrepreneurship.
Simple Resistivity Probe System for Real‐Time Monitoring of Injected Reagents
Authors: Stevenson David , Solano Felipe , Wei Yunxiao , Thomson Neil R. , Barker James F. , Devlin J. F.
Published: September 2020

In situ treatment usually requires contact between an injected reagent and target contaminant to realize mass removal from source zones and plumes. Despite significant site characterization efforts, unknown heterogeneities that exist at all spatial scales often hinder prediction of the distribution of injected reagents. To provide remediation practitioners with additional information on the distribution of injected reagents, a prototype real‐time monitoring probe was designed and tested. This new probe comprises a two‐wire resistivity circuit, hence the designation dipole resistivity probe (DRP). The low‐cost DRPs were built to be attached as arrays to a central stalk, and installed by direct‐push techniques. An installed network of multilevel DRPs can be used to detect the arrival, persistence, and relative concentration of a high‐conductivity reagent solution in real‐time across a zone of interest. Static cell and sandbox experiments were conducted to test and refine the DRP design before field testing. Static cell experimental results indicated that the DRP was sensitive to solution electrical conductivity (EC), and that the probe response and EC relationship is nonlinear and dependent on the fixed resistor used. The choice of fixed resistor can be adjusted to optimize the DRP response over a critical EC range of interest. Under dynamic conditions in the sandbox, the DRP was able to reproduce breakthrough profiles collected by a commercial EC sensor. The results from two field studies demonstrated the utility of the DRPs to generate information regarding the arrival and persistence of reagents in an efficient and cost‐effective manner. The first field study used a network of DRPs to monitor the land application of a sodium sulfate solution, and the second field study employed DRPs to monitor the distribution and longevity of a persulfate solution. While additional field testing is warranted, the results presented are encouraging and suggest that this low‐cost system can be used to improve our understanding of the detailed migration of injected reagents in treatment zones.
Review: Diagnosis ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection
Authors: Godbole Gauri , Mégraud Francis , Bessède Emilie
Published: September 2020

New imaging techniques are still the topic of many evaluations for both the diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylorigastritis and the detection of early gastric cancer. Concerning invasive tests, there were studies on the reuse of the rapid urease test material for other tests, and a novel fluorescent method to be used for histology but with limited sensitivity. Progress occurred essentially in the molecular methods area, especially next‐generation sequencing which is applied to detect bothH pyloriand the mutations associated with antibiotic resistance. For non‐invasive tests, a few studies have been published on the validity of breath collection bags, the shortening of the testing time, the performance of different analysers or the added value of citric acid in the protocol. The accuracy of serological immunochromatographic tests is also improving. Multiplex serology detecting antibodies to certain proteins allows confirmation of a current infection. Dried blood spots can be used to collect and store blood without a loss of accuracy. Finally, the serum antibody titer can be useful in predicting the risk of gastric cancer. Several stool antigen tests were evaluated with good results, and a novel test using immunomagnetic beads coated with monoclonal antibodies is potentially interesting. PCR detection in stools can also be effective but needs an efficient DNA extraction method. The use of easyMAG®(bioMérieux) combined with Amplidiag®H pylori + ClariR (Mobidiag) appears to be powerful.
Exploring motivations of a master's degree pursuit in Hong Kong
Authors: Jung Jisun , Li Xiaoshi
Published: September 2020

This study explores student motivation to pursue a master's degree. It also explores how motivation differs based on the students' background, such as his or her study mode or place of origin. Qualitative data were collected through seventy semi‐structured interviews of master's students in various programmes in Hong Kong. The results of this study show that there are two main motivations for pursuing the master's degree in current economic and social conditions: intrinsic motivation towards growth and extrinsic motivation to satisfy deficiencies. The paper argues that students decided to pursue a master's degree because of the interplay of different motivations, the patterns of which differed according to the students' particular characteristics. The study's findings expand our understanding of the heterogeneity of current students' backgrounds and their diverse demands for masters‐level education. The implications of these motivations are proposed for further discussion.
Geochemical description and sulfur isotope data for Shahrak intrusive body and related Fe‐mineralization (east Takab), northwest Iran
Authors: Sepahi Ali A. , Ghoreishvandi Hamid , Maanijou Mohammad , Maruoka Teruyuki , Vahidpour Hamed
Published: September 2020

The Shahrak intrusive body (SIB) occurs at the intersection of the Urumieh–Dokhtar Volcanic Belt and the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic belt in northwest Iran. This intrusive body consists of granodiorite, monzonite, monzodiorite, and monzogabbro, that intruded Oligo‐Miocene sedimentary units and Cretaceous and Precambrian metamorphic rocks. Iron mineralization has occurred as magnetite skarn with hematite and pyrite in calcareous units at the contact with the SIB. The Rb–Sr age dating shows that the age of the SIB is about 24.9 Ma (Chattian). Whole rock geochemical studies indicate that the magma has calc‐alkaline to high‐K calc‐alkaline affinities and is metaluminous. The multi‐elements spider diagrams normalized to chondrite and primitive mantle show significant enrichment of light rare earth element against heavy rare earth element and depletion of Ti, P, Ta, and Nb, indicating characteristic features of the volcanic arc rocks in a subduction setting. Furthermore, the various types of tectonomagmatic diagrams show that these rocks are generated in an active continental margin. The parental magma of the rocks probably originated from an enriched mantle on the basis of the geochemistry of the REE elements. The average Sr isotopic composition of the SIB is 87Sr/86Sr(i) = 0.706. Therefore, the parent magma of the SIB may be the result of partial melting of enriched mantle or subducted slab contaminated with the continental crust. The sulfur isotope composition of pyrite grains (ave., +5.29 ‰) in the Korkora‐1 iron deposit indicates that the sulfides are formed from magma or due to in situ dissolution and leaching of igneous sources. Dehydration melting of the subducted part of oceanic crust has likely produced the fluids that are necessary for melting of the mantle wedge to produce mafic‐intermediate melts. The generated melts penetrated into the crust, and during their ascent they underwent a little crustal contamination and eventually were emplaced as intrusive bodies comprising gabbrodiorite to granodiorite.
Role of proteoglycans on skin ageing: a review
Authors: Ruiz Martínez M.A. , Peralta Galisteo S. , Castán H. , Morales Hernández M.E.
Published: September 2020

This work analyses the role of proteoglycans on skin ageing, influenced by the presence of glycosylated proteins, which exercise diverse functions on the skin. They are essential components that restore the cells, providing hydration, maintaining hydration of the extracellular matrix, preventing the formation of wrinkles thanks to their ability to combine to other molecules such as collagen or hyaluronic acid and favouring the smoothness of the skin texture. The use of these proteins is a very recent and promising topic, since their application may revolutionize skin ageing therapies. Of the existing proteoglycans, decorin, versican and perlecan are of special note, playing a fundamental role on skin.
Evaluation of the regenerative potential of dentin conditioning and naturally derived scaffold for necrotic immature permanent teeth in a dog model
Authors: El Halaby Hisham M. , Abu‐Seida Ashraf M. , Fawzy Mervat I. , Farid Mona H. , Bastawy Hagar A.
Published: September 2020

This study evaluated the outcome of partial exposure of dentin matrix to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and application of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) scaffold on regeneration of necrotic immature permanent teeth in a dog model. The present study was carried out on 216 permanent immature roots in nine mongrel dogs aged 6‐9 months. Pulp necrosis and periapical pathosis were induced in 180 roots. These roots were divided into five equal groups (36 roots each) according to the treatment protocol: group I: blood clot; group II: 17% EDTA solution and blood clot; group III: PRF; group IV: 17% EDTA solution and PRF; and group V: without treatment (positive control). The negative control group (group VI) represented 36 untouched normal roots for normal maturation. The groups were followed up for 1, 2 and 3 months (subgroups). Maturation of the roots was monitored by radiography and histopathology. All data were statistically analysed. Group IV exhibited the highest increase in root length and thickness, decrease in apical diameter, the highest score of vital tissue infiltration and least inflammatory scores. There was a significant difference regarding the increase in root length and thickness and decrease in apical diameter in all subgroups of the experimental and negative control groups (P ≤ .05). PRF has a better regenerative potential than the blood clot during treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp. Inclusion of 17% EDTA solution as a final irrigation enhances the regenerative potential of both PRF and blood clot.
Patient literacy and awareness of medicine safety
Authors: See Marissa , Butcher Belinda E , Banh Alex
Published: September 2020

Objective

To assess public understanding of medicine safety, approach to risks and preferences in accessing safety information.

Methods

Qualitative data were obtained from an online survey (n = 1079) covering four major themes around side effects and risks of medicines: willingness to accept side effects of medications, information seeking, sufficiency of information and understanding pharmacovigilance process. Comparisons were made for age, gender and social/financial status.

Key findings

Most respondents acknowledged medications were associated with side effects. If side effects were experienced, most (73%) would seek advice from their doctor or pharmacist. Four in 10 respondents felt doctors and pharmacists do not provide sufficient information about medications, even though many (47%) relied on their doctor to provide this. Although 51% felt that pharmaceutical companies were already providing enough information to patients, 95% responded that extra effort could still be made. Two-thirds of the respondents felt it was the companies’ responsibility to educate doctors and pharmacists so they could pass the information on, even though younger respondents preferred direct communication to patients compared to older respondents (<24 years, 36% versus >65 years, 10%; P < 0.001). Men were more willing to accept risks, while women were more likely to seek information about their medicines. Understanding of the role of pharmaceutical companies and government in maintaining the safety of medicines was generally poor.

Conclusions

There is an ongoing need for consumer education regarding medicine safety. Doctors and pharmacists remain the more trusted source of information. Pharmaceutical companies play an important role in ensuring such information is both accessible and accurate.
A Latent State‐Trait analysis of global self‐esteem: A reconsideration of its state‐like component in an organizational setting
Authors: Perinelli Enrico , Alessandri Guido
Published: September 2020

In this study, we addressed the relevance of the state‐trait variance decomposition of global self‐esteem (GSE) in organizational research. We used a longitudinal sample of 393 military cadets followed for 2 years (nT2 = 376) and adopted Latent Curve—Latent State‐Trait models for separating stable and transient factors in GSE and in three work‐related variables (e.g., work engagement, affective commitment, in‐role/extra‐role performance). Although literature often considered GSE a trait‐like variable, our results showed that it has a significant state variance that positively covaried with the state components of all three work‐related variables included in our study. Thus, we suggest rejecting the rigid separation between “state‐constructs” and “trait‐constructs”, and recommend a paradigm that focuses on the trait and state components of each psychological construct.
Long‐term administration of alpha‐1 blocker can reverse the micturition pattern in a bladder outlet obstruction murine model
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Chiba Hiroki , Kanno‐Kakibuchi Yukiko , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Higuchi Madoka , Ouchi Mifuka , Togo Mio , Abe‐Takahashi Yui , Michishita Mai , Kitano Tatsuya , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the effect of chronic administration of an alpha‐1 blocker on micturition patterns in long‐term partial bladder outlet obstruction.

Methods

Mice were divided into three groups: a normal group, in which animals were fed a standard diet; a partial bladder outlet obstruction group, in which the proximal urethra was tied and animals were fed a standard diet; and a partial bladder outlet obstruction + naftopidil group, in which the proximal urethra was tied and animals were fed a standard diet containing naftopidil. Micturition behavior was evaluated in all groups for 6 months after partial bladder outlet obstruction surgery. The parameters evaluated included voided volume, time per void, urination frequency and total urine volume. Quantitative assessment of gene expression was also carried out.

Results

Total urine volume, as well as total and average voided volume during night, was significantly decreased in partial bladder outlet obstruction + naftopidil mice compared with partial bladder outlet obstruction animals. The levels of transcripts encoding 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2A and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 were significantly decreased in the partial bladder outlet obstruction + naftopidil group compared with the partial bladder outlet obstruction group.

Conclusions

Long‐term administration of an alpha‐1 blocker seems to reverse the disturbance of the micturition pattern caused by partial bladder outlet obstruction. Mechanistically, this effect might be mediated by changes in the expression of a serotonin receptor and/or in the activity of the fibrogenesis pathway.
MicroRNA‐423‐5p as a biomarker for early diagnosis and outcome prediction of acute kidney injury in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Liu Jiaolei , Li Xin , Wang Lin , Yu Huining , Huang Jiaohong , Liu Qingjun , Wang Chao , Jiang Aili
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of serum and urinary microRNA‐423‐5p in the prediction of acute kidney injury onset and survival in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Methods

A total of 180 acute decompensated heart failure patients, including 57 acute kidney injury cases and 123 non‐acute kidney injury cases, were included in this study. Serum and urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin, a biomarker of renal injury of acute kidney injury, was detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of microRNA‐423‐5p in serum and urine samples was examined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The clinical significance of microRNA‐423‐5p was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

The levels of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and microRNA‐423‐5p in serum and urine samples were elevated in patients with acute kidney injury compared with the non‐acute kidney injury cases (all P < 0.05). Serum and urinary microRNA‐423‐5p had relatively high predictive performance for acute kidney injury onset in acute decompensated heart failure patients, and this predictive value was more significant when combined with urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin. In addition, serum and urinary elevated levels of microRNA‐423‐5p predicted a poor 180‐day survival in the acute kidney injury group.

Conclusion

Increased serum and urinary microRNA‐423‐5p can predict the occurrence of acute kidney injury in acute decompensated heart failure patients, and is associated with poor survival of acute kidney injury patients. In addition, the diagnostic value of urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin for the early screening of acute kidney injury from acute decompensated heart failure patients might be improved by considering the changes in urinary microRNA‐423‐5p.
Ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy protocol in the management of high attenuation value upper ureteric stones: A randomized comparative study
Authors: Al‐Dessoukey Ahmad A , ElSheemy Mohammed S , Abdallah Mahmoud , Moussa Ayman S , Sayed Osama , Abdallah Rabie , Massoud Amr M , Abdelhamid Mohamed H , Ragheb Ahmed M , Ghoneima Waleed , Abdelbary Ahmed M , Elmarakbi Akram A
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy protocol in the management of high attenuation value upper ureteric stones compared with slow‐rate, power‐ramping shock wave lithotripsy.

Methods

This was a randomized trial enrolling patients with a single high attenuation value (≥1000 HU) upper ureteric stones between January 2019 and July 2019. Ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy (54 patients) was applied at a rate of 30 shock waves/min with power ramping from 6 to 18 kV for 100 shock waves, then a safety pause for 2 min, followed by ramping 18–22 kV for 100 shock waves, then a safety pause for 2 min. Then, full power (22 kV) was maintained until the end of the session. Slow‐rate, power‐ramping shock wave lithotripsy (47 patients) was applied at a rate of 60 shock waves/min with power ramping from 6 to 10 kV during the first 500 shock waves, then from 11 to 22 kV during the next 1000 shock waves, then maintained on 22 kV in the last 1500 shock waves. Up to three sessions were carried out with a follow up 3 months after the last session. The primary outcome was the stone‐free rate. Perioperative data of the two protocols were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in preoperative data. The stone‐free rate was significantly higher in ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy after single (92.6% vs 23.4%) and multiple (96.3% vs 63.8%) sessions. Most complications were mild, with no significant difference between both groups (9.3% vs 12.8%; P = 0.573). Logistic regression analysis identified ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy protocol as the only significant independent factor for the stone‐free rate (odds ratio 12.589, P = 0.025).

Conclusion

Ultraslow full‐power shock wave lithotripsy for high attenuation value upper ureteric stones is associated with a significantly higher stone‐free rate, and with mild complications that are comparable to those of standard shock wave lithotripsy.
Trends in Immigrant Overeducation: The Role of Supply and Demand
Authors: Hou Feng , Lu Yao , Schimmele Christoph
Published: September 2020

This study asks whether recent immigrants and Canadian‐born youth have become increasingly overeducated for their jobs because of changes in the supply of university‐educated workers and demand for their human capital. Based on analyses of four Canadian censuses, the study found that over the 2001–2016 period, only about one‐half of the growth in the supply of university‐educated workers was matched with growth in jobs that required a university degree. Recent immigrants bore most of the brunt of this structural imbalance, becoming more concentrated in low‐ and medium‐skill jobs. In comparison, the prevalence of education‐occupation match of young Canadian‐born workers increased over this period. Consequently, the gap in overeducation between these population groups has widened. To address this gap, immigration policy should use a tandem process that selects immigrants based on human capital and demand‐driven criteria.
Consensus statements on the clinical usage and characteristics of aripiprazole for Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Michael M. C. , Chung Albert K. K. , Yeung Timothy M. H. , Wong David T. W. , Lee C. K. , Lai Eric , Chan Gloria F. Y. , Mak Gregory K. L. , Wong Jessica O. Y. , Ng Roger M. K. , Tam K. L. , Mak K. Y.
Published: September 2020

Aripiprazole, a dopamine partial agonist, is a second‐generation anti‐psychotic that is widely used for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. A group of psychiatric experts in Hong Kong developed a set of consensus statements, aiming to facilitate the understanding of clinical properties and usages of aripiprazole among local physicians. Of note, because aripiprazole long‐acting injectable has been available locally not long before the establishment of the consensus panel, which limited the discussion on its use in the local context, the consensus statements were focused primarily on oral aripiprazole. To draft the consensus statements, the panellists discussed the published evidence and their clinical experience regarding aripiprazole in a series of meetings based on several areas. At the final meeting, each drafted statement was voted on anonymously by all panellists based on its practicability of recommendation in Hong Kong. A set of consensus statements on the characteristics and clinical use of aripiprazole was established and accepted by the panel. These statements serve to provide a practical reference for physicians in Hong Kong, and possibly other parts of the Asia‐Pacific region, on the use of aripiprazole in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and other psychotic problems.