bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renin–angiotensin system inhibition and risk of infection and mortality in COVID‐19: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Koshy Anoop N. , Murphy Alexandra C. , Farouque Omar , Ramchand Jay , Burrell Louise M. , Yudi Matias B.
Published: November 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of COVID‐19, enters human cells by binding of its viral protein to the aminopeptidase angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This has led to speculation whether treatment with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors was associated with an increased likelihood of a positive test for COVID‐19 and risk of mortality.

Aims

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate whether RAS inhibitors increased the likelihood of a positive test or death/severe illness in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE was conducted for studies stratified by the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Pooled analysis was performed using a random‐effects model.

Results

Seven trials of 73 122 patients were included. Overall, 16 624 (22.7%) patients had a positive COVID‐19 test and 7892 (10.8%) were on a RAS inhibitor. RAS inhibitors were not associated with higher likelihood of a positive COVID‐19 test result (odds ratio (OR) 0.97 (95% CI 0.97–1.05, P = 0.48) with low heterogeneity. This was comparable when stratifying by use of each medication class. The use of RAS inhibitors was also not associated with mortality or severe illness (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.73–1.07, P = 0.21) with moderate heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Use of ACEI or ARB was not associated with a heightened susceptibility for a positive diagnosis of COVID‐19. Furthermore, they were not associated with increased illness severity or mortality due to COVID‐19. Randomised controlled trials are needed to address definitively the potential benefits or harms of RAS inhibitors in patients with COVID‐19.
COVID‐19 in Australia: our national response to the first cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the early biocontainment phase
Authors: Shaban Ramon Z. , Li Cecilia , O'Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Gerrard John , Stuart Rhonda L. , Teh Joanne , Gilroy Nicole , Sorrell Tania C. , White Elizabeth , Bag Shopna , Hackett Kate , Chen Sharon C. A. , Kok Jen , Dwyer Dominic E. , Iredell Jonathan R. , Maddocks Susan , Ferguson Patricia , Varshney Kavita , Carter Ian , Barratt Ruth , Robertson Mark , Baskar Sai R. , Friend Caren , Robosa Roselle S. , Sotomayor‐Castillo Cristina , Nahidi Shizar , Macbeth Deborough A. , Alcorn Kylie A. D. , Wattiaux Andre , Moore Frederick , McMahon Jamie , Naughton William , Korman Tony M. , Catton Mike , Kanapathipillai Rupa , Romanes Finn , Rowe Emily , Catford Jennifer , Kennedy Brendan , Qiao Ming , Shaw David
Published: November 2020

Background

On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization recognised clusters of pneumonia‐like cases due to a novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). COVID‐19 became a pandemic 71 days later.

Aim

To report the clinical and epidemiological features, laboratory data and outcomes of the first group of 11 returned travellers with COVID‐19 in Australia.

Methods

This is a retrospective, multi‐centre case series. All patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were admitted to tertiary referral hospitals in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

Results

The median age of the patient cohort was 42 years (interquartile range (IQR), 24–53 years) with six men and five women. Eight (72.7%) patients had returned from Wuhan, one from Shenzhen, one from Japan and one from Europe. Possible human‐to‐human transmission from close family contacts in gatherings overseas occurred in two cases. Symptoms on admission were fever, cough and sore throat (n = 9, 81.8%). Co‐morbidities included hypertension (n = 3, 27.3%) and hypercholesterolaemia (n = 2, 18.2%). No patients developed severe acute respiratory distress nor required intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation. After a median hospital stay of 14.5 days (IQR, 6.75–21), all patients were discharged.

Conclusions

This is a historical record of the first COVID‐19 cases in Australia during the early biocontainment phase of the national response. These findings were invaluable for establishing early inpatient and outpatient COVID‐19 models of care and informing the management of COVID‐19 over time as the outbreak evolved. Future research should extend this Australian case series to examine global epidemiological variation of this novel infection.
Corticosteroid exposure prior to admission and predicting need for rescue therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Barnes Alex , Spizzo Paul , Mountifield Réme
Published: November 2020

Background

Steroid exposure has been associated with poorer outcomes following colectomy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC).

Aim

To examine the effect of prolonged oral corticosteroid therapy immediately prior to admission on the likelihood of requiring rescue therapy along with predictors of intravenous corticosteroid failure on Day 1 of admission.

Methods

A retrospective case note and electronic record review was conducted at a tertiary inflammatory bowel disease referral centre of admissions for ASUC meeting Truelove and Witts criteria from 2013 to 2019.The data was analysed for the effect of pre‐admission steroid exposure on need for rescue therapy and for predictors of intravenous corticosteroid failure.

Results

Ninety‐two admissions were identified for ASUC meeting Truelove and Witts criteria. Over 1 week of steroid therapy prior to admission was associated with need for rescue therapy and trended to significance for colectomy at admission and at 12 months. A generalised linear model was constructed with multivariate regression significant for over 1 week of steroid therapy prior to admission, endoscopic Mayo score and albumin. The area under the receiver operator curve for this model was 0.86.

Conclusion

Prolonged steroid use prior to ASUC admission is a significant predictor of need for rescue therapy. A generalised linear model incorporating steroid prior to admission, endoscopic Mayo score and albumin was highly accurate at predicting failure of corticosteroid. Consideration should be given for commencement of rescue therapy prior to Day 3, especially in those with prolonged steroid prior to admission.
Practice patterns and predictors of outpatient care following acute kidney injury in an Australian healthcare setting
Authors: See Emily J. , Ransley David G. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Toussaint Nigel D. , Bailey Michael , Johnson David W. , Robbins Ray , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: November 2020

Background

Survivors of acute kidney injury (AKI) are at increased risk of major adverse kidney events and international guidelines recommend individuals be evaluated 3 months following AKI.

Aim

We describe practice patterns and predictors of post‐AKI care in an Australian tertiary hospital.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of adults with AKI (defined by KDIGO criteria) admitted to a single centre between 2012 and 2016. The primary outcome was outpatient nephrology review at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included inpatient nephrology review, and outpatient serum creatinine and urinary protein measurements. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic and competing risk regression.

Results

Only 117 of 2111 (6%) patients with AKI were reviewed by a nephrologist at 3 months. Reviewed patients were more likely to have a higher discharge serum creatinine (odds ratio (OR) 1.20 per 10 μmol/L increase; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.25) or a history of peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.00–3.14). They were less likely to be older (OR 0.66 per decade; 95% CI 0.57–0.76) or to have a history of liver (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26–0.87) or ischaemic heart (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.27–0.94) disease. AKI stage did not predict follow up. The median time from discharge to outpatient serum creatinine testing was 12 days (interquartile range 4–47) and proteinuria was measured in 538 (25%) patients.

Conclusions

A minority of admitted AKI patients receive recommended post‐AKI care. Studies in other Australian institutions are required to confirm or refute these concerning findings.
Evaluating the impact of grammar complexity in automatic algorithm design
Authors: Pagnozzi Federico , Stützle Thomas
Published: November 2020

Grammar‐based automatic algorithm design has been shown to generate stochastic local search algorithms that compete with or outperform state‐of‐the‐art methods. In such systems, algorithms are divided in components and a grammar is used to describe how to properly combine the components to create a working algorithm. In our approach, the grammar is converted into parameters and an automatic parameter configuration tool is used to find the best configuration. This approach allows us to consider and hybridize different metaheuristic templates producing combinations never tested before, but this flexibility leads to a very large configuration space to explore. Is such complexity really needed to achieve state‐of‐the‐art performance? In this paper, we investigate this question by creating grammars that allow the hybridization of stochastic local search algorithms at most two, one, or zero times. We use these grammars to generate algorithms for the three most studied objectives of the permutation flowshop problem: makespan, total completion time, and total tardiness. The generated algorithms are compared using benchmark sets from the literature as well as a quantitative measure of algorithm complexity using a metric based on concept directed acyclic graphs. The experiments show that our system tends to generate hybridized algorithms only when they can provide a substantial performance improvement. On the contrary, when such algorithms do not improve performance, the system generates simpler algorithms regardless of the grammar used.
Efficient methods for stochastic joint replenishment and delivery problem
Authors: Wang Sirui , Wang Lin
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider the joint replenishment and delivery scheduling of the one‐warehouse, ‐retailer system with stochastic demand. In this distribution system, items are first jointly replenished and therefore can share a major ordering cost. Then a coordinated delivery scheduling is adopted to arrange the delivery plan. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear program. Subsequently, we introduce two algorithms to handle this complex problem: a Lipschitz optimization method and a modified RAND heuristic. Numerical experiments show that the proposed methods are quite efficient. Sensitivity analysis also shows some interesting findings in terms of management.
Does fiduciary duty to creditors reduce debt covenant violation avoidance behavior?
Authors: Levi Shai , Segal Benjamin , Segal Dan
Published: November 2020

Financial reports should provide useful information to shareholders and creditors. Directors, however, normally owe fiduciary duties to equity holders and not creditors. We examine whether this slant in fiduciary duties affects the extent to which firms use financial engineering to circumvent debt covenant violation. By avoiding debt covenant violation, firms prevent creditors from taking actions to reduce bankruptcy risk and recover their investment, and allow the firm to continue operating for the benefit of equity holders. We find that a Delaware court ruling that imposed fiduciary duties toward creditors led to a decrease in financial engineering and debt covenant avoidance in Delaware firms. We also show that board quality lowers financial engineering and debt covenant avoidance by firms only when their directors owe a legal fiduciary duty to creditors. Collectively, our results suggest that unless directors are required to protect creditors’ interest, they are likely to take actions to circumvent debt covenant violations.
CX3CL1 promotes tumour cell by inducing tyrosine phosphorylation of cortactin in lung cancer
Authors: Fan Mengtian , Wu Jinghong , Li Xian , Jiang Yingjiu , Wang Xiaowen , Bie Mengjun , Weng Yaguang , Chen Sicheng , Chen Bin , An Liqin , Zhang Menghao , Huang Gaigai , Zhu Mengying , Shi Qiong
Published: November 2020

It has been reported that chemokine CX3CL1 can regulate various tumours by binding to its unique receptor CX3CR1. However, the effect of CX3CL1‐CX3CR1 on the lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma is still unclear. Here, we showed that CX3CL1 can further invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma A549 and lung squamous cell carcinoma H520. In addition, Western blot and immunofluorescence test indicated CX3CL1 up‐regulated the phosphorylation level of cortactin, which is a marker of cell pseudopodium. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation levels of c‐Src and c‐Abl, which are closely related to the regulation of cortactin phosphorylation, are elevated. Nevertheless, the src/abl inhibitor bosutinib and mutations of cortactin phosphorylation site could inhibit the promotion effect of CX3CL1 on invasion and migration of A549 and H520. Moreover, these results of MTT, Hoechst staining and Western blot suggested that CX3CL1 had no effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of A549 and H520 in vitro. The effects of CX3CL1 were also verified by the subcutaneous tumour formation in nude mice, which showed that it could promote proliferation and invasion of A549 in vivo. In summary, our results indicated that CX3CL1 furthered invasion and migration in lung cancer cells partly via activating cortactin, and CX3CL1 may be a potential molecule in regulating the migration and invasion of lung cancer.
Site‐specific specimen preparation for SIMS analysis of radioactive samples
Authors: Liu Junliang , Li Kexue , Lozano‐Perez Sergio , Grovenor Chris R.M.
Published: November 2020

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry is an important technique for the study of the composition of a wide range of materials because of the exceptionally high sensitivity that allows the study of trace elements and the ability to distinguish isotopes that can be used as markers for reactions and transport processes. However, when studying nuclear materials, it is often necessary to analyse highly radioactive samples, and only rather few SIMS facilities are available in active environments. In this paper, we present a methodology using focussed ion beam milling to prepare samples from radioactive specimens that are sufficiently large to undertake SIMS mapping experiments over microstructurally significant regions, but with overall activities small enough to be readily transported and analysed by a SIMS instrument in a normal laboratory environment. Radioactive samples prepared using this methodology can also be used for correlative SIMS analysis with other analytical microscopies. SIMS results showing the distributions of deuterium in oxides on in‐reactor corroded zirconium alloys are presented to demonstrate the potential of this sample preparation technique.
Recent developments in dermoscopy for dermatology
Authors: Chen Xi , Lu Quansheng , Chen Can , Jiang Guan
Published: November 2020

Background

Dermoscopy is considered to be a bridge between clinical observation and histopathological examination, allowing the in vivo examination of skin microstructures that are not visible to the naked eye, from the epidermis to the superficial dermis. Dermoscopy has undergone rapid development, witnessing the history from natural light to polarized light, from handheld dermoscopy to videodermoscopy, and from classic dermoscopy to digital dermoscopy. Its application extends from the initial differential diagnosis of pigmented skin diseases (melanocytic and nonmelanocytic) to general dermatology, including appendage (nail and hair) abnormalities and diseases related to infection and inflammation.

Aims

We aimed to provide the latest developments in dermoscopy from the perspective of handheld dermoscopy, videodermoscopy, fluorescence‐advanced videodermatoscopy, polarized transilluminating dermoscopy, and digital dermoscopy.

Methods

In this review, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for reviews, case reports, and observational studies on dermoscopy.

Results

We provided an updated review of dermoscopy based on published literature.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy is an indispensable diagnostic tool in dermatology, and it is expected to be further developed in the future.
Structural equation modeling on the relationship between maternal characteristics and pregnancy complications: A study based on National Family Health Survey
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Dhillon Preeti
Published: November 2020

Aim

This study aimed to understand the complex relationship between maternal complications and women's characteristics in India.

Methods

The present study builds structural equation modeling (SEM) using the data from the National Family Health Survey round 4 (2015–16) and includes 190, 898 women who had given their last birth during 5 years preceding the survey. Based on eight questions related to maternal complications, the SEM constructed two latent variables – complications during pregnancy (PREGCOMP) and delivery (DELCOMP).

Results

Result shows that prolonged labor was highly prevalent (42%) among women, followed by vaginal bleeding (34%) and swelling in legs, body or face (32%). Women from affluent households (β = −0.02 for each‐middle, richer and richest quantile), with higher education (β = −0.02), timing when they received first ANC (β = −0.003) and women who received full ANC (β = −0.01) had a lower risk of PREGCOMP. However, consanguineous marriage (β = 0.01) was positively related to PREGCOMP. Further, women with PREGCOMP (β = 0.20), rural residents (β = 0.02), having exposure to mass media (β = 0.01), and who had facility delivery (β = 0.04) were at high risk of DELCOMP. Women with pregnancy complications are more likely to have delivery complications. [Correction added on 27 November, after first online publication: The statement “who received full antenatal care (ANC) (β = −0.05)” has been removed.]

Conclusion

Socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly affect both the latent variables. This study concludes that the use of intensive healthcare services reduces health complications. The paper recommends early visits and full ANC checkups to reduce pregnancy complications.
Improved Fluoroscopy and Time Efficiency with Radial Access for Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography
Authors: Kenawy Ahmed E. , Tekle Wondwossen , Hassan Ameer E.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Radial artery catheterization has been newly incorporated into the field of endovascular surgical neuroradiology as a safer and more efficient method for Cerebral angiography as opposed to the femoral artery approach. The objective is to understand the relationship between cerebral angiography procedure times after an operator has converted to a radial first approach.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted from January to August of 2019 to compare procedural times for femoral and radial artery approaches. This was conducted by comparing different procedural specifications, such as total procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and amount of contrast used.

RESULTS

The average age of the 434 patients in the analysis was 63.9 years with a range of 19 and 96 years. One hundred eighty‐three patients (mean fluoroscopy time 7.55, 95% confidence interval 7.03‐8.08) underwent successful diagnostic cerebral angiographies through the radial artery and, 251 patients through the femoral approach. The first 2 months of the radial approach saw an average fluoroscopy time of 11.23 minutes. In the last 2 months of the study, the fluoroscopy time plateaued to an average of 6.73 minutes after 55 cases. Radial artery average procedural time was reduced from 33 to 21 minutes. Angiography utilizing the femoral approach averaged 16 minutes throughout the study period.

CONCLUSION

Transradial procedural time and fluoroscopy time continued to improve until about 55 cases, but did not reach the peak efficiency of the femoral approach. Further advances in catheter technology are needed to continue to improve radial artery diagnostic cerebral angiography.
Computational Biomechanical Analysis of Engaging and Nonengaging Abutments for Implant Screw‐Retained Fixed Dental Prostheses
Authors: Savignano Roberto , Soltanzadeh Pooya , Suprono Montry S.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the stress distribution, using 3‐dimensional finite element analysis (FEA), on different implant components of a mandibular screw‐retained fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) situation when using different combinations of engaging and nonengaging abutments.

Material and Methods

A model of artificial bone was digitally designed. Dental implants were positioned in the lower right posterior area of teeth #’s 28 (premolar – pm) and 30 (molar – m). Restorative implant components were digitally designed and placed into the implant model. Four different implant abutment situations were simulated through FEA: (1) Both engaging abutments (mE‐pmE), (2) both nonengaging (mNE‐pmNE), (3) molar nonengaging and premolar engaging (mNE‐pmE), and (4) molar engaging and premolar nonengaging (mE‐pmNE). Thirty‐five (35) Ncm preload to the abutment screws and 160 N static load at 45° angle to the occlusal plane were applied in each group.

Results

The equivalent Von Mises stress was measured on each component. Stress distribution changed among the different configurations and ranged from 516.0 to 1304.6 MPa in the implants, and from 554.6 to 994.5 MPa with the abutments. Higher stress was found for the mNE‐pmNE designs (1078.6‐1106.9 MPa). Engaging and nonengaging abutments had different stress distributions on the screw (698.8‐902.5 MPa). Peak stress areas were located on the upper part of the screws for the nonengaging configuration, and on the lower areas for the engaging abutments. The sum of the stress on both implants decreased in the following order: mNE‐pmNE > mE‐pmNE > mNE‐pmE > mE‐pmE.

Conclusion

Under conditions of this study, abutment design produced different stress patterns to the implant components. The lowest and most balanced stress distribution was found for the mE‐pmE configuration followed by the mNE‐pmE configuration.
Do rapid diagnostic methods improve antibiotic prescribing in paediatric bacteraemia?
Authors: Faugno Amy K , Laidman Alexandra Y , Perez Martinez Jonathan D , Campbell Anita J , Blyth Christopher C
Published: November 2020

Aim

Rapid blood culture pathogen identification facilitated by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight and GeneXpert has the potential to improve antibiotic prescribing. This study investigates the impact of these rapid diagnostics on the timeliness of effective and optimal antibiotic prescribing in paediatric patients with bacteraemia.

Methods

A single centre retrospective cohort study was performed comparing paediatric bacteraemia cases pre‐ and post‐rapid diagnostic implementation. Primary outcomes were the proportion of cases receiving, and median time to administration of effective and optimal antibiotics from blood culture collection. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit admissions, and all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 255 bacteraemia cases were subject to final data analysis, 129 in the control cohort (pre‐implementation of rapid diagnostics) and 126 in the rapid diagnostics cohort. The median time to effective (2.3 vs. 1.8 h, P = 0.20) and optimal therapy (44.4 vs. 39.1 h, P = 0.66) did not differ significantly between the cohorts. There was also no significant difference found in the number of cases reaching effective (120 vs. 116, P = 0.77) and optimal therapy (66 vs. 62, P = 0.76), length of stay (7 vs. 9 days), all‐cause mortality (1.6 vs. 1.6%) and number of intensive care unit admissions (20 vs. 15).

Conclusion

The implementation of rapid diagnostics, when used in isolation, resulted in no improvement in antibiotic prescribing or patient clinical outcomes. To be effective, rapid diagnostics must be coupled with active real‐time antimicrobial stewardship promotion, de‐escalation or modification based on early laboratory results.
Same Progress for All? Inclusive Education, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities and Students With Intellectual Disability in European Countries
Authors: Buchner Tobias , Shevlin Michael , Donovan Mary‐Ann , Gercke Magdalena , Goll Harald , Šiška Jan , Janyšková Kristýna , Smogorzewska Joanna , Szumski Grzegorz , Vlachou Anastasia , Demo Heidrun , Feyerer Ewald , Corby Deirdre
Published: November 2020

Over the course of the last 30 years, inclusive education has emerged as a key aim of education policies around the world. Also in Europe, most countries took efforts to make their education systems more inclusive—which led to growing numbers of children and young persons with disabilities in general education in Europe. The implementation processes of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) fuelled these efforts. However, as some authors have argued, not all students with disabilities seem to have benefited in the same way from these developments—such as children and young persons with intellectual disability (ID). This paper aims to explore this phenomenon in more depth by comparing some measures in relation to the implementation processes of the UNCRPD of seven European countries. Doing so, we analyze trends in placements (mainstream and special schools) of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in general and of students with intellectual disability specifically. As we show, an increase of students identified as having SEN in mainstream schools can be observed in all countries during the implementation process of the UNCRPD. However, in comparison to this rather broad group of learners, the percentage of students with intellectual disability in mainstream settings did not increase as much. Furthermore, the calculation of the “exclusion rate” revealed that this group of learners remains a key population of special schools. These results need to be understood as effects of specific shortcomings in the implementation of the UNCRPD, as we discuss in a further section. We conclude our paper with recommendations on future research and policies on inclusive education regarding students with intellectual disability.
Relationship between polypharmacy, xerostomia, gustatory sensitivity, and swallowing complaints in the elderly: A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Fernandes Mariana S. , Castelo Paula M. , Chaves Giovanna N. , Fernandes João P. S. , Fonseca Fernando L. A. , Zanato Luciana E. , Gavião Maria B. D.
Published: November 2020

Oral dysfunctions are common in the elderly but the literature lacks a multidisciplinary approach on the relationship between polypharmacy, saliva flow, xerostomia, taste, and swallowing complaints. This cross‐sectional study included 204 non‐institutionalized elderly (>60 years; 123 women/81 men), free of severe disabilities and non‐alcohol/tobacco consumers, from whom specific pharmacological therapies were evaluated, as well xerostomia (Xerostomia Inventory‐XI) and swallowing complaints (EAT‐10 questionnaire), salivary flow rate and gustatory sensitivity. Statistical analysis included Chi‐square, Mann–Whitney, Two‐way ANCOVA, and linear multiple regression. Polypharmacy (≥5 drugs daily), hyposalivation, and severe taste dysfunction were found in 18, 46, and 10% of the participants, respectively. Polypharmacy was related with xerostomia (p = .041) and swallowing complaints (p < .001; power = 94%), but not with taste dysfunction. Dry mouth complaint and higher risk of swallowing disorders were found in 50 and 12% of the elderly, respectively, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors users (n = 36) showed higher EAT‐10 scores (p = .038). Regression models showed that stimulated salivary flow rate was dependent on gender and diuretic use, while xerostomia scores were dependent on the number of medications and unstimulated saliva flow (p < .001). In conclusion, the results draw attention to the high frequency of oral and maxillofacial dysfunctions found in non‐institutionalized elderly, especially polypharmacy, xerostomia and swallowing complaints, and the side effects of drugs that can disturb the oral functions, the acceptance of food, and the adherence to oral therapies.
Hidden below‐ground plant diversity buffers against species loss during land‐use change in species‐rich grasslands
Authors: Hiiesalu Inga , Klimešová Jitka , Doležal Jiři , Mudrák Ondřej , Götzenberger Lars , Horník Jan , de Bello Francesco
Published: November 2020

Questions

Theory suggests that while plant diversity of grasslands decreases in response to increased competition for light, many plant species persist below‐ground even in the temporary absence of shoots. Thus, we hypothesized that below‐ground, diversity is less affected by increased competition during land‐use change compared to above‐ground.

Location

Species‐rich, oligotrophic grasslands in the Železné hory Mts, eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Methods

We quantified above‐ and below‐ground plant richness (roots and rhizomes, seed and bud bank) in grasslands subjected to seven years of experimental abandonment and fertilization. We used conventional species identification to measure richness above‐ground and 454 sequencing of the chloroplast trnL (UAA) gene to measure richness of roots and rhizomes; additionally, we used the shoot emergence method to measure soil seed and bud bank richness.

Results

While above‐ground richness decreased with abandonment and fertilization, below‐ground richness remained less affected or even increased compared to the control (traditional mowing). Overall, compared to above‐ground the proportion of plant species found only below‐ground as roots and rhizomes increased, particularly in the abandonment with fertilization treatment.

Conclusions

Below‐ground plant diversity could potentially buffer against biodiversity losses during short‐term land‐use change. Our findings highlight that measuring the complete plant species diversity improves our understanding of processes that underlie plant diversity and coexistence and refine predictions of vegetation responses to biodiversity threats.
Second Language Learners’ Attitudes Toward French Varieties: The Roles of Learning Experience and Social Networks
Authors: LINDBERG RACHAEL , TROFIMOVICH PAVEL
Published: November 2020

People often believe that some language varieties are more prestigious than others, which can trigger speech‐centered biases and inform social judgments of the speaker. However, it is largely unknown what types of language experience and exposure might mitigate language biases, especially for second language (L2) learners. The goal of this study was to investigate this issue by focusing on L2 French learners’ attitudes toward European and Quebec varieties of French. L2 French learners in Montreal (N = 106) rated 2 audios recorded by native speakers from France in a listening comprehension task, with 1 of the 2 speakers introduced as a speaker of Quebec French. The learners described their language learning experience, filled out a French social network questionnaire, and completed a French proficiency test. Results revealed some evidence of reverse linguistic stereotyping, with learners preferring to speak like one speaker significantly more than the other, based on the speaker's assumed identity, not actual speech. Four of the 6 speaker ratings were also associated with participants’ oral proficiency scores, social network density, and positive experiences in Quebec. Findings have implications for the use of speech models in L2 teaching and for the mitigation of language‐centered biases in L2 classrooms.
The effects of intensive oral care before surgery for gastric cancer patients
Authors: Nishikawa Mao , Honda Michitaka , Kimura Ryosuke , Kobayashi Ayaka , Yamaguchi Yuji , Hori Soshi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Kawamura Hidetaka , Nakayama Yujiro , Todate Yukitoshi , Takano Yoshinao , Yamaguchi Hisashi , Hamada Koichi , Iketani Susumu , Seto Ichiro , Izumi Yuichi , Seto Kanichi
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Oral function management has been recognized as important strategy for preventing postoperative complications. In this historical cohort study, we focused on the patients who planed gastrectomy, and investigated the appropriate duration and frequency of preoperative oral care to prevent complications after surgery.

Methods

Patients who planed surgery for gastric cancer between 2012 and 2018 were enrolled. We defined intensive oral care (IOC) as initial intervention at least three weeks before surgery and follow‐up intervention within a week before surgery. As the primary outcome, the incidence of postoperative infectious complications was compared between the IOC and non‐intensive oral care groups.

Results

A total of 576 patients were enrolled, including 66 with IOC. The incidence of infectious complications was 2/66 (3.0%) in the IOC group and 64/510 (12.5%) in the non‐intensive oral care group. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with IOC exposure had a lower chance of developing postoperative infectious complications (odds ratio; 0.217, 0.051–0.927).

Conclusions

Intensive oral care can help prevent postoperative infectious complications after gastrectomy. These findings suggest that appropriate preoperative oral care includes at least two interventions: three weeks or more before and within one week before surgery.
Facial expression recognition in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: is the preservation of happiness recognition hypothesis true?
Authors: Hayashi Satoshi , Terada Seishi , Takenoshita Shintaro , Kawano Yoshiko , Yabe Mayumi , Imai Nao , Horiuchi Makiko , Miki Tomoko , Yokota Osamu , Yamada Norihito
Published: November 2020

Aim

Social cognition encompasses facial expression recognition (FER), theory of mind, and empathy. Although studies examining FER in large numbers of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia are rare, relative preservation of happiness recognition in dementia was reported in some studies. In this study, we examined performance on FER tests and its relationship to clinical demographics and other cognitive function test scores in patients with cognitive decline.

Methods

The present study administered an FER test and several cognitive tests to outpatients at a memory clinic. The FER test presents four facial expressions (happiness, surprise, anger, and sadness). A total of 187 patients were placed in one of the three groups based on their cognitive status: dementia group (n = 63), MCI group (n = 92), and normal cognition group (n = 32).

Results

The total scores on the FER test significantly differed among the three groups (normal > MCI > dementia). In the recognition of happiness and surprise, the dementia group had significantly lower scores than the normal cognition group. There were no significant differences in the recognition of anger and sadness scores among the three groups. The FER scores for happiness and surprise were primarily related to executive function scores, but the FER scores for anger and sadness were primarily related to age.

Conclusions

We note the difference in recognition of causative factors among the four emotions (happiness, surprise, anger, sadness). Our study raises serious doubts about the preservation of happiness recognition hypothesis in dementia based on FER tests.
A stratigraphic example of the architecture and evolution of shallow water mouth bars
Authors: Cole Grant , Jerrett Rhodri , Watkinson Matthew P.
Published: November 2020

Improved understanding of mouth bar morphodynamics, and the resulting stratigraphic architectures, is important for predicting the loci of deposition of different sediment fractions, coastal geomorphic change and heterogeneity in mouth bar reservoirs. Facies and architectural analysis of exceptionally well‐exposed shallow water (ca 5 m depth) mouth bars and associated distributaries, from the Xert Formation (Lower Cretaceous), of the Maestrat Basin (east‐central Spain), reveal that they grew via a succession of repeated autogenic cycles. An initial mouth bar accretion element forms after avulsion of a distributary into shallow standing water. Turbulent expansion of the fluvial jet and high bed friction results in rapid flow deceleration, and deposition of sediment in an aggradational to expansional bar‐form. Vertical bar growth causes flattening and acceleration of the jet. The accelerated flow scours channels on the bar top, which focuses further expansion of the mouth bar at individual loci where the channels break through the front of the mouth bar. Here, new mouth bar accretion elements form, downlapping and onlapping against a readily recognizable surface of mouth bar reorganization. Vertical growth of the new mouth bar accretion elements causes flattening and re‐acceleration of the jet, leading to channelization, and initiation of the next generation of mouth bar accretion elements. Thus the mouth bar grows, until bed‐friction effects cause backwater deceleration and super‐elevation of flow in the feeding distributary. Within‐channel sedimentation, choking and upstream avulsion of the feeding channel, results in mouth bar abandonment. In this study, mouth bars are formed of at least two to three accretion elements, before abandonment happened. The results of this study contrast with the notion that mouth bars form by simple vertical aggradation and radial expansion. However the architecture and facies distributions of shallow water mouth bars are a predictable product of intrinsic processes that operate to deposit them.
Microbial signatures from speleothems: A petrographic and scanning electron microscopy study of coralloids from the Koněprusy Caves (the Bohemian Karst, Czech Republic)
Authors: Suchý Václav , Borecká Lenka , Pachnerová Brabcová Kateřina , Havelcová Martina , Svetlik Ivo , Machovič Vladimír , Lapčák Ladislav , Ovšonková Zuzana Aurélia
Published: November 2020

Exotic carbonate – siliceous coralloid speleothems of the Koněprusy Caves, which consist of dominant aggregates of feather‐like, radial fibrous, dogtooth and gothic‐arch calcite crystals, contain a diversity of petrified fossil microbes entombed in siliceous parts of the speleothems. Although a complete diagenetic continuum of SiO2 polymorphs, ranging from opal‐A, through opal‐CT, to moganite and crystalline quartz, was identified to form thin irregular laminae and the infills of secondary pores throughout the speleothems, the microbes have been preserved only in opal aggregates concentrated in younger growth zones of the speleothems. The identified biomorphic bodies included ovoid and spheroidal forms, interpreted as coccoid microbes, and tubular, bent and elongated forms believed to represent putative silicified filamentous microbes of unknown taxonomic affinity. Other biomorphic microstructures resembling biofilms, and plastic deformations and binary fissions of individual coccoid microbes have also been recognized. The silicified microbes, most of which have been heavily encrusted in situ, still reveal the presence of organic carbon and other biogenic elements detectable beneath their opal coats. Micro‐cavities beneath and around coccoid microbes, interpreted as micro‐borings, suggest that the microbes were able to remove the opal substrate by chemical etching. The morphology and mineralization styles of the microbes, the age of which was estimated to be in the range of 100 to 102 ka, exhibit similarities to silicified microbes from present‐day siliceous hot‐spring geysers and travertines. In contrast to the siliceous parts of the coralloids, the calcite crystals forming the matrix of the speleothems do not contain any calcified microfossils. However, deeply etched calcite crystals, spiky calcite sub‐crystals, needle‐fibre calcite and sparmicrite grains indicate that the processes of calcite dissolution–precipitation mediated by the microbes may have also affected the speleothem exteriors.
A novel HLA‐B*13 variant, HLA‐B*13:146, identified by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Linlin
Published: November 2020

HLA‐B*13:146 has two nucleotide changes from HLA‐B*13:01:01:01 in exon 3.
A novel HLA‐A*24 allele, HLA‐A*24:512, identified by next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang Linlin , Wang Yan
Published: November 2020

The new allele HLA‐A*24:512 showed one nucleotide difference compared to A*24:02:01:01 at position 548 (A > G).
A new, minimally invasive procedure for dogs with encapsulated Ahmed drainage implants and elevated intraocular pressures: A case series
Authors: Berkowski William , Michau Tammy , Stine Jessica , Plummer Caryn , Sherwood Mark B.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To describe a novel, minimally invasive method for re‐establishing aqueous humor outflow in dogs with refractory glaucoma after fibrous encapsulation of their Ahmed drainage implants.

Procedure

Three dogs (4 eyes) underwent trans‐capsular implantation of an Alcon EX‐PRESS® glaucoma filtration device under sedation (2 dogs) or general anesthesia (1 dog). After rotating the eye downwards, a 2 mm incision was made in the conjunctiva/Tenon's capsule overlying the encapsulated Ahmed plate, and later closed with absorbable suture. All eyes received subconjunctival mitomycin‐C 0.02 mg.

Results

Mean post‐operative follow‐up was 341 days (range: 77‐530). All eyes were hypertensive pre‐operatively (mean IOP: 31.25 ± 7.14 mmHg) despite receiving topical latanoprost (4/4), timolol (4/4), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (4/4), and demecarium bromide (2/4). Two eyes (dogs 1 and 2) were visual pre‐operatively, while 2 eyes (dog 3) displayed equivocal or no vision. Post‐operatively, all eyes received timolol and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Other anti‐hypertensive medications were discontinued. Immediately following surgery, all eyes were mildly hypotensive (mean IOP: 5.75 ± 1.71 mm Hg). Two of 4 eyes were normotensive and visual until days 90 (dog 2) and 530 (dog 1) (IOP range: 10‐16 mm Hg). One eye (dog 3) was normotensive for approximately 150 days, and then hypertension returned. One eye (dog 3) from the start displayed severe uveitis, hypertensive episodes, and was phthisical by the end of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Trans‐capsular EX‐PRESS® implantation is a minimally invasive procedure for treatment of refractory glaucoma in dogs with encapsulated Ahmed drainage implants, and further investigation is warranted.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Results of the GERPA Multicenter Study
Authors: Fournier Damien , Carrière Romain , Bour Maxime , Grisot Emilie , Triponney Pauline , Muller Cédric , Lemoine Jérôme , Jeannot Katy , Plésiat Patrick ,   the GERPA Study Group
Published: November 2020

Resistance mechanisms of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) were assessed on a collection of 420 nonredundant strains nonsusceptible to ceftazidime (MIC > 8 μg/ml) and/or imipenem (>4 μg/ml), collected by 36 French hospital laboratories over a one-month period (the GERPA study). Rates of C/T resistance (MIC > 4/4 μg/ml) were equal to 10% in this population (42/420 strains), and 23.2% (26/112) of the isolates were resistant to both ceftazidime and imipenem.
Rifampin, Rifapentine, and Rifabutin Are Active against Intracellular Periprosthetic Joint Infection-Associated Staphylococcus epidermidis
Authors: Fisher Cody , Patel Robin
Published: November 2020

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is a major cause of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI); its intracellular persistence within osteoblasts may compromise therapy if that therapy is not intracellularly active. The intracellular activity of rifampin, rifapentine, and rifabutin was assessed against five rifampin-susceptible and two rifampin-resistant
S. epidermidis
isolates.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Resisting Norovirus Infection as Revealed by a Human Challenge Study
Authors: Patin N. V. , Peña-Gonzalez A. , Hatt J. K. , Moe C. , Kirby A. , Konstantinidis K. T.
Published: November 2020

The role of the human gut microbiome in determining whether an individual infected with norovirus will be symptomatic is poorly understood. This study provides important data on microbes that distinguish asymptomatic from symptomatic microbiomes and links these features to infection responses in a human challenge study. The results have implications for understanding resistance to and treatment of norovirus infections.
Supplemental Material: The role and significance of juvenile sediments in the formation of A-type granites, West Junggar oceanic arc (NW China): Zircon Hf-O isotopic perspectives
Authors: Yin Jiyuan , al. et
Published: November 2020

Table S1: Summary of zircon Lu-Hf-O isotope data from the late Carboniferous to early Permian granitoids in the West Junggar oceanic arc (NW China); Table S2: LA-ICP-MS U-Pb isotopic analysis for zircon grains from the granitic batholiths in the West Junggar oceanic arc (NW China); Table S3: Major and trace element compositions of the granitic batholiths in the West Junggar oceanic arc (NW China); and Table S4: Lu-Hf-O isotopic compositions of zircon grains from the granitic batholiths in the West Junggar oceanic arc (NW China).
Bubble CPAP splitting: innovative strategy in resource-limited settings
Authors: Verma Akanksha , Jaiswal Rahul , Naranje Kirti M , Gupta Girish , Singh Anita
Published: November 2020

Background

Non-invasive respiratory support for neonates using bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) delivery systems is now widespread owing to its safety, cost effectiveness and easy applicability. Many innovative solutions have been suggested to deal with the possible shortage in desperate situations like disasters, pandemics and resource-limited settings. Although splitting of invasive ventilation has been reported previously, no attempts to split non-invasive respiratory support have been reported.

Objective

The primary objective was to test the feasibility of splitting the bCPAP assembly using a T-piece splitter in a simulation model.

Methods

A pilot simulation-based study was done to split a single bCPAP assembly using a T-piece. Other materials consisted of a heated humidification system, an air oxygen blender, corrugated inspiratory and expiratory tubing, nasal interfaces and two intercostal chest tube drainage bags. Two pressure manometers were used simultaneously to measure delivered pressures at different levels of set bCPAPs at the expiratory limb of nasal interfaces.

Results

Pressures measured at the expiratory end of two nasal interfaces were 5.1 and 5.2 cm H2O, respectively, at a flow of 6 L/min and a water level of 5 cm H2O in both chest bags. When tested across different levels of set continuous positive airway pressure (3–8 cmH2O) and fractional inspired oxygen concentration (0.30–1.0), measured parameters corresponded to set parameters.

Conclusion

bCPAP splitting using a T-piece splitter is a technically simple, feasible and reliable strategy tested in a simulation model. Further testing is needed in a simulated lung model.