bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An opposing view to United States liver allocation problems with broader sharing
Authors: Goldberg David
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Since 2014, the liver transplant community has been debating the pros and cons of broader sharing. Over the last 6 years, lung and heart transplantation have moved to broader sharing based on ‘zones’ or circles around a donor hospital, with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) approving a broader kidney sharing proposal in December of 2019 (set to be implemented in December 2020).

Recent findings

In 2017, the OPTN Board of Directors approved a broader sharing policy in liver transplantation that was rooted in expanding the first-line of liver sharing beyond the donor service area (DSA). Faced with the threat of litigation, this proposal was replaced with a circle-based sharing policy titled ‘Acuity Circles’. After a long legal challenge, the implementation of this new policy was delayed from April 2019 until February 2020.

In this review, concerns related to broader sharing in liver allocation will be addressed, in terms of the basis for broader sharing and the potential implications to liver transplantation, rooted in the Final Rule and concerns around variability in organ donation rates and access to the waiting list.
Current status of intestinal transplantation in East Asia
Authors: Hibi Taizo , Chen Yun , Kim Ji-il , Lee Myung Duk , Matsuura Toshiharu , Ueno Takehisa
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Intestinal transplantation (ITx) activity remains low in East Asia. We conducted a multinational, retrospective study on patients who underwent ITx in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, to provide an overview and to foresee future developments and collaborations in this region.

Recent findings

Total 71 ITx were performed in 67 patients. Living donor ITx was most commonly conducted in Japan (n = 13). Despite the low caseload, all three countries demonstrated acceptable patient survival rates of approximately 70% at 5 years. Over 70% of recipients with a functioning graft were free from total parenteral nutrition.

There is an urgent need to establish a nationwide and multinational registry of ITx recipients and patients with intestinal failure in East Asia. An efficient referral system to specialized intestinal rehabilitation and ITx centers and a multidisciplinary team approach is also warranted to provide state-of-the-art treatment for patients desperately waiting for a chance to survive.
Feasibility of staff-led 3-Step Workout for Life to reduce late-life activities of daily living disability: a community-based translational study
Authors: Liu Chiung-ju , Donovan Judy , Wolford Charly L.
Published: February 2020

Translating and implementing research exercise programs that fit into the context of community service provisions could become part of the effort to reduce late-life disability. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a staff-led 3-Step Workout for Life program by applying a logic model in a local senior living community. The academic investigator and community fitness staff worked together to modify and implement the program protocol following the logic model. The community staff recruited residents and delivered the program. Residents were eligible if they were sedentary, showed muscle weakness, and experienced difficulty in performing activities of daily living. Feasibility was evaluated with program completion and attendance rates, adverse events, physical performance, and activities of daily living. Seventeen residents (mean age = 80 years) enrolled and 13 completed the program with an average attendance rate of 95%. No severe adverse events were reported. After program completion, participants’ muscle strength and gross motor coordination of the upper extremity, as well as performance and satisfaction of activities of daily living were improved. This study supported the feasibility of the staff-led 3-Step Workout for Life program to promote independence for residents at risk of late-life disability in a senior living community.
The multifarious regulation of the apical junctional complex
Authors: Rusu Alexandra D. , Georgiou Marios
Published: February 2020

Epithelial cells form highly organized polarized sheets with characteristic cell morphologies and tissue architecture. Cell–cell adhesion and intercellular communication are prerequisites of such cohesive sheets of cells, and cell connectivity is mediated through several junctional assemblies, namely desmosomes, adherens, tight and gap junctions. These cell–cell junctions form signalling hubs that not only mediate cell–cell adhesion but impact on multiple aspects of cell behaviour, helping to coordinate epithelial cell shape, polarity and function. This review will focus on the tight and adherens junctions, constituents of the apical junctional complex, and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complex signalling that underlies junction assembly, integrity and plasticity.
Circumventing surface tension: tadpoles suck bubbles to breathe air
Authors: Schwenk Kurt , Phillips Jackson R.
Published: February 2020

The surface tension of water provides a thin, elastic membrane upon which many tiny animals are adapted to live and move. We show that it may be equally important to the minute animals living beneath it by examining air-breathing mechanics in five species (three families) of anuran (frog) tadpoles. Air-breathing is essential for survival and development in most tadpoles, yet we found that all tadpoles at small body sizes were unable to break through the water's surface to access air. Nevertheless, by 3 days post-hatch and only 3 mm body length, all began to breathe air and fill the lungs. High-speed macrovideography revealed that surface tension was circumvented by a novel behaviour we call ‘bubble-sucking’: mouth attachment to the water's undersurface, the surface drawn into the mouth by suction, a bubble ‘pinched off’ within the mouth, then compressed and forced into the lungs. Growing tadpoles transitioned to air-breathing via typical surface breaching. Salamander larvae and pulmonate snails were also discovered to ‘bubble-suck’, and two insects used other means of circumvention, suggesting that surface tension may have a broader impact on animal phenotypes than hitherto appreciated.
Recombination and lineage-specific mutations linked to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Patiño-Galindo Juan Ángel , Filip Ioan , Chowdhury Ratul , Maranas Costas D. , Sorger Peter K. , AlQuraishi Mohammed , Rabadan Raul
Published: February 2020

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the need to better understand the evolutionary processes that drive the emergence and adaptation of zoonotic viruses in humans. In the betacoronavirus genus, which also includes SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, recombination frequently encompasses the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the Spike protein, which, in turn, is responsible for viral binding to host cell receptors. Here, we find evidence of a recombination event in the RBD involving ancestral linages to both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Although we cannot specify the recombinant nor the parental strains, likely due to the ancestry of the event and potential undersampling, our statistical analyses in the space of phylogenetic trees support such an ancestral recombination. Consequently, SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 share an RBD sequence that includes two insertions (positions 432-436 and 460-472), as well as the variants 427N and 436Y. Both 427N and 436Y belong to a helix that interacts directly with the human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor. Reconstruction of ancestral states, combined with protein-binding affinity analyses using the physics-based trRosetta algorithm, reveal that the recombination event involving ancestral strains of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 led to an increased affinity for hACE2 binding, and that alleles 427N and 436Y significantly enhanced affinity as well. Structural modeling indicates that ancestors of SARS-CoV-2 may have acquired the ability to infect humans decades ago. The binding affinity with the human receptor was subsequently boosted in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 through further mutations in RBD. In sum, we report an ancestral recombination event affecting the RBD of both SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 that was associated with an increased binding affinity to hACE2.

Importance

This paper addresses critical questions about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: what are the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the emergence of the virus, and how can we leverage such knowledge to assess the potential of SARS-like viruses to become pandemic strains? In this work, we demonstrate common mechanisms involved in the emergence of human-infecting SARS-like viruses: first, by acquiring a common haplotype in the RBD through recombination, and further, through increased specificity to the human ACE2 receptor through lineage specific mutations. We also show that the ancestors of SARS-CoV-2 already had the potential to infect humans at least a decade ago, suggesting that SARS-like viruses currently circulating in wild animal species constitute a source of potential pandemic re-emergence.
Estimation of the final size of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Batista Milan
Published: February 2020

In this short paper, the logistic growth model and classic susceptible-infected-recovered dynamic model are used to estimate the final size of the coronavirus epidemic.
Widespread lateral gene transfer among grasses
Authors: Hibdige Samuel G. S. , Raimondeau Pauline , Christin Pascal-Antoine , Dunning Luke T.
Published: February 2020

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) has been documented in a broad range of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and it can promote adaptation. LGT of functional nuclear genes has been reported among some plants, but systematic studies are needed to assess the frequency and facilitators of LGT in the group.

We scan the genomes of a diverse set of 17 grass species that span more than 50 million years of divergence and include major crops to identify grass-to-grass protein-coding LGT.

We identify LGT in 13 species, with significant variation in the amount each received. Rhizomatous species acquired statistically more genes, probably because this growth habit boosts opportunities for transfer into the germline. In addition, the amount of LGT increases with phylogenetic relatedness, which might reflect genomic compatibility amongst close relatives facilitating successful transfers. However, genetic exchanges among highly divergent species with overlapping distributions also occur, pointing to an additional role of biogeography.

Overall, we show that LGT is a widespread phenomenon in grasses, which has moved functional genes across the entire grass family into domesticated and wild species alike. The dynamics of successful LGT appears to be dependent on both opportunity (co-occurrence and rhizomes) and compatibility (phylogenetic distance).
CaptureCompendium: a comprehensive toolkit for 3C analysis
Authors: Telenius Jelena M. , Downes Damien J. , Sergeant Martin , Oudelaar A. Marieke , McGowan Simon , Kerry Jon , Hanssen Lars L.P. , Schwessinger Ron , Eijsbouts Chris Q. , Davies James O.J. , Taylor Stephen , Hughes Jim R.
Published: February 2020

DNA folding within nuclei is a highly ordered process, with implications for gene regulation and development. An array of chromosome conformation capture (3C) methods have been developed to investigate how DNA is packaged within nuclei and to interrogate specific interactions. While these methods use different approaches to examine target loci (many-versus-all) or the entire genome (all-versus-all), they all rely on the core principle of endonuclease digestion and proximity-based ligation to re-arrange genomic order to reflect the three-dimensional nuclear conformation. This sequence reorganization creates novel chimeric DNA fragments which require specialist bioinformatic tools to analyze and visualize. Despite this need for specialist bioinformatic skills, the core biological importance of genome folding has seen widespread methodological uptake. To service the needs of experimentalists using the many-versus-all Capture-C family of methods we have developed CaptureCompendium; a toolkit of software to simplify the design, analysis and presentation of 3C experiments.
Structure of the human clamp loader bound to the sliding clamp: a further twist on AAA+ mechanism
Authors: Gaubitz Christl , Liu Xingchen , Magrino Joseph , Stone Nicholas P. , Landeck Jacob , Hedglin Mark , Kelch Brian A.
Published: February 2020

DNA replication requires the sliding clamp, a ring-shaped protein complex that encircles DNA, where it acts as an essential cofactor for DNA polymerases and other proteins. The sliding clamp needs to be actively opened and installed onto DNA by a clamp loader ATPase of the AAA+ family. The human clamp loader Replication Factor C (RFC) and sliding clamp PCNA are both essential and play critical roles in several diseases. Despite decades of study, no structure of human RFC has been resolved. Here, we report the structure of human RFC bound to PCNA by cryo-EM to an overall resolution of ~3.4 Å. The active sites of RFC are fully bound to ATP analogs, which is expected to induce opening of the sliding clamp. However, we observe the complex in a conformation prior to PCNA opening, with the clamp loader ATPase modules forming an over-twisted spiral that is incapable of binding DNA or hydrolyzing ATP. The autoinhibited conformation observed here has many similarities to a previous yeast RFC:PCNA crystal structure, suggesting that eukaryotic clamp loaders adopt a similar autoinhibited state early on in clamp loading. Our results point to a ‘Limited Change/Induced Fit’ mechanism in which the clamp first opens, followed by DNA binding inducing opening of the loader to release auto-inhibition. The proposed change from an over-twisted to an active conformation reveals a novel regulatory mechanism for AAA+ ATPases. Finally, our structural analysis of disease mutations leads to a mechanistic explanation for the role of RFC in human health.
The Photoconvertible Fluorescent Probe, CaMPARI, Labels Active Neurons in Freely-Moving Intact Adult Fruit Flies
Authors: Edwards Katie A. , Hoppa Michael B. , Bosco Giovanni
Published: February 2020

Linking neural circuitry to behavior by mapping active neuronsin vivois a challenge. Both genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) and intermediate early genes (IEGs) have been used to pinpoint active neurons during a stimulus or a behavior but have drawbacks such as limiting the movement of the organism, requiringa prioriknowledge of the active region or having poor temporal resolution. CaMPARI (calcium-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator) was engineered to overcome these spatial-temporal challenges. CaMPARI is a photoconvertible protein that only converts from green to red fluorescence in the presence of high calcium concentration and violet (405 nm) light. This allows the experimenter to precisely mark active neurons within defined temporal windows. The photoconversion can then be quantified by taking the ratio of the red fluorescence to the green. CaMPARI promises the ability to trace active neurons during specific stimulus; however, CaMPARI’s uses in adultDrosophilahave been limited to photoconversion during fly immobilization. Here, we demonstrate a method that allows photoconversion of multiple freely-moving intact adult flies during a stimulus. Flies were placed in a dish with filter paper wet with acetic acid (pH=2) or neutralized acetic acid (pH=7) and exposed to photoconvertible light (60 mW) for 30 min (500 ms on, 200 ms off). Immediately following photoconversion, whole flies were fixed and imaged by confocal microscopy. The red:green ratio was quantified for the DC4 glomerulus, a bundle of neurons expressingIr64a, an ionotropic receptor that senses acids in theDrosophilaantennal lobe. Flies exposed to acetic acid showed 1.3-fold greater photoconversion than flies exposed to neutralized acetic acid. This finding was recapitulated using a more physiological stimulus of apple cider vinegar. These results indicate that CaMPARI can be used to label neurons in intact, freely-moving adult flies and will be useful for identifying the circuitry underlying complex behaviors.
Insurance demand in emerging Asian and OECD countries: a comparative perspective
Authors: Akhter Waheed , Pappas Vasileios , Khan Saad Ullah
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In this paper, we aim to assess insurance demand across selected Asian and OECD countries during the period of the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data from 55 emerging Asian and OECD countries during the period of the global financial crisis. Our methodology relies on panel regressions. Separate models are run for the Asia/OECD economies and a follow-up distinction between high/low-income regions is also made.

Findings

We find that global financial crisis affects negatively the general insurance demand particularly in high-income region. Higher dependency ratio in Asia tends to decrease insurance demand, whereas education in case of Asia positively influences insurance demand indicating that higher literacy rate can be helpful to capture the potential customers. Our results further reveal that life insurance is an important driver for insurance demand in OECD countries, whereas general insurance demand is higher in the Asian economies.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this study is that data sets employed do not differentiate between different life and general insurance products.

Practical implications

This study is helpful for regulators, policymakers and insurance providers to evaluate, assess and monitor insurance demand in relevant countries.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneering studies that have assessed insurance demand among emerging Asian and OECD countries during the period of the global financial crisis.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2019-0523
The reverse gender divide in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ashour Sanaa
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Many studies have discussed the pre-eminence of females in higher education in terms of numbers as well as academic performance. This global phenomenon has appeared in many countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this study is to identify the social, cultural and familial factors underlying this phenomenon in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the study focuses on the university stage, the undergraduate student is the product of an educational process that begins at school age; therefore, some factors related to the schooling stage are also discussed. The study conceptualises gender differentiation as an outcome of both socialisation processes and rational choice factors.

Findings

Analysing data drawn from a total of 292 undergraduates and 18 experts using questionnaires, it finds that socialisation mechanisms at home and schools, rational choice motivations and other factors such as socially constructed, non-cognitive traits of females shape these differences. The implications of these results for policymakers and future research are discussed.

Practical implications

Increasing access of males to higher education is not merely the responsibility of family and schools but also requires commitment by policy-makers.

Originality/value

The paper presents a significant departure from the largely American and European literature on gender and education, by offering a broader knowledge of this phenomenon in another regional and national context.
Lessons from the MH17 transboundary disaster investigation
Authors: Kuipers Sanneke , Verolme Ellen , Muller Erwin
Published: February 2020

Transboundary crises, incidents and disasters, such as chemical spills, airplane crashes and critical infrastructure breakdowns, involving multiple levels and domains of governance pose a particular set of challenges. These challenges also pertain to the investigation and learning phase of a crisis. We study a typical transboundary case: the crash of a Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17), with 298 people on board from a variety of nationalities but the majority from the Netherlands, that crashed in Ukraine in a conflict zone near the Russian border. The MH17 case contains valuable lessons on transboundary disaster investigations. The Dutch Safety Board (DSB) took the lead of the international independent investigation into the causes of the crash. With an international group of stakeholders, the DSB investigated a crash that resulted from a bilateral conflict, requiring the support from Ukraine's powerful neighbour Russia that meanwhile stood accused of withholding evidence and supporting Ukrainian separatists. Retrieving evidence and researching the causality of the crash was no easy task. If countries wish to follow their ambition to learn from accidents in order to “prevent the past repeated,” they may more often need to investigate such transboundary cases. This case study probes into how challenges that are typical to transboundary crises affected the accident investigation into the MH17 disaster. We search for lessons on transboundary accident investigation that transcend the boundaries of this single case. Such lessons may prove invaluable for learning from future accidents.
Physico‐chemical, organoleptic, antioxidative and release characteristics of flavoured yoghurt enriched with microencapsulated Melissa officinalis essential oil
Authors: Karimi Sani Iraj , Alizadeh Khaledabad Mohamad , Pirsa Sajad , Moghaddas Kia Ehsan
Published: February 2020

In this research, Melissa officinalis essential oil was encapsulated through ultrasonication by using different ratios of whey protein isolate/sodium caseinate as coating material. Flavoured yoghurt was generated by adding microcapsules; the release behaviour of the essential oil was characterised over a 21‐day storage period. The released essential oil was quantified by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography. The results showed that the antioxidative activity of yoghurt samples was increased by the incorporation of encapsulated essential oil. Therefore, the use of microcapsules containing M. officinalis essential oil could be a suitable method for producing nutraceutical foods with antioxidant properties.
Influence of saliva on the results of global laboratory coagulation tests
Authors: Špiljak B , Šimunović L , Lapić I , Rogić D , Špalj S , Vuletić L
Published: February 2020

Background

Oral wounds inevitably come into contact with saliva which can affect the time needed for bleeding to stop. The influence of saliva can be non‐specific, related to dilution of blood, and/or mediated by salivary factors that affect haemostasis directly. The aim of this study was to assess if mixing blood with an individual's saliva would affect the rate of its coagulation measured by global coagulation tests, prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

Methods

The study included 30 healthy non‐smoking volunteers. Paired blood and unstimulated saliva samples were obtained from each participant and PT and APTT were determined in blood, blood + saliva and blood + water mixtures. Coagulation tests were performed using the mechanical clot detection method.

Results

PT was significantly longer in both blood + saliva and blood + water mixtures compared to blood alone. APTT was significantly longer only in blood + water mixture compared to blood.

Conclusions

Similarly prolonged PT in both mixtures suggests that both saliva and water prolong coagulation evenly due to their non‐specific effect of blood dilution. The finding that APTT was significantly prolonged only when blood was mixed with water could indicate presence of tissue factor in saliva, however, in a concentration too low to influence the results of PT.
Resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases in older patients
Authors: Kumari Seema , Semira Christine , Lee Margaret , Lee Belinda , Wong Rachel , Nott Louise , Shapiro Jeremy , Gibbs Peter
Published: February 2020

Background

Colorectal cancer remains a common cancer in the western world, with liver resection being the only potentially curative option for isolated colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). Cancer is a disease of aging, with the optimum management of elderly patients with CRCLM presenting an ongoing dilemma.

Methods

We analysed the outcome of CRCLM using prospectively collected patient data from the multidisciplinary Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer registry, collected from July 2009 to July 2018 at 12 Australian hospitals.

Results

Of 2742 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, liver‐limited disease was present in 977 (36%) patients, of whom 338 (35%) underwent hepatic resection. Resection rates varied with age, including 186 (43%) of 428 patients aged 64 years and younger, 99 (40%) of 245 aged 65–75 years and 53 (17%) of 303 aged 76 and older (P < 0.001). The 30‐day mortality rate was 0.9%. Median survival post resection also varied with age, 96 versus 89 versus 68 months (P < 0.001). In a separate analysis of the oldest patients, those aged over 80 years, where only 11% underwent resection, the median survival was 49 months.

Conclusion

The operative mortality for patients undergoing liver resection at Australian hospitals is low. With advancing age, the rate of liver resection of CRCLM and the post‐resection survival decline. However, excellent survival outcomes can be achieved in selected elderly patients.
Algae‐derived hydroxyapatite behavior as bone biomaterial in comparison with anorganic bovine bone: A split‐mouth clinical, radiological, and histologic randomized study in humans
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Padial‐Molina Miguel , Lopez‐Chaichio Lucia , Gutiérrez‐Garrido Lourdes , Martín‐Morales Natividad , O'Valle Francisco
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To analyze a modified biphasic phycogenic biomaterial in comparison with anorganic bovine bone in maxillary sinus floor elevation in humans.

Material and methods

Eight male patients in need of bilateral two‐stage sinus floor elevation were consecutively recruited for this randomized split‐mouth study. A combination of autogenous cortical bone (ACB, 20%) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB, 80%) (ACB + ABB group) or ACB (20%) and modified biphasic phycogenic material (BP, 80%) (ACB + BP group) were randomly assigned to graft each sinus. Patients were followed up for 6 months post‐surgery when bone samples were collected for analysis.

Results

Radiographically, bone height gain was statistically higher in the ACB + ABB versus the ACB + BP group. While the analysis of the biological compartments showed differences in non‐mineralized tissue (39.15 ± 20.97% vs. 65.87 ± 28.59%, ACB + ABB vs. ACB + BP respectively; p = .018) and remnant biomaterial particles (22.62 ± 17.01% vs. 7.96 ± 8.57%, respectively; p = .028), the percentage of mineralized tissue (38.23 ± 17.55% vs. 24.14 ± 24.66%, respectively; p = .398) showed no statistically significant difference. In contrast, ACB + ABB biopsies showed higher Musashi‐1‐positive cells per mm2 compared to ACB + BP biopsies (811.49 ± 875.30 vs. 236.90 ± 280.81; p < .018), where the fusiform cells corresponded mainly with fibroblasts, as demonstrated by ultrastructural analysis.

Conclusion

Both combinations of materials exhibited bone formation after 6 months of healing in the maxillary sinus cavity. However, the combination with biphasic phycogenic biomaterial induced a higher radiographical vertical resorption and graft collapse in comparison with the combination with anorganic bovine bone, possibly due to a higher remodeling of the graft.
Improvement of battery lifetime in software‐defined network using particle swarm optimization based cluster‐head gateway switch routing protocol with fuzzy rules
Authors: Sahaya Sheela Maria Antony , Prabakaran Rajendran
Published: February 2020

The software‐defined network (SDN) is one of the network architectures, in which the data plane and control plane is divided from each other, and the network can be handled using a sensibly centralized controller and this method is adopted to reconfigure the wireless sensor network automatically. In this article, to implement the SDN in MANET, in which control nodes can be chosen in SDN dynamically for the activation of MANET function to allocate the works to other mobile nodes to the base station. However, in the field of mobile ad hoc networks, the network lifetime, and battery lifetime is one of the major problems and the energy consumption can play a significant rule for the transmission of data in the SDN. Therefore, in this article, particle swarm optimization (PSO) based CGSR (cluster‐head gateway switch routing protocol) algorithm with fuzzy rules is proposed to increase the network lifetime of battery powered mobile nodes by reducing the energy consumptions of each node in software‐defined MANET. In this proposed method, a routing method that can permit various mobile nodes with low battery power to transmits the data from source node to base station. We design a PSO based CGSR routing protocol by selecting the routing mobile nodes using fuzzy rules for packet transmission. In CGSR process, the formation of cluster and selection of cluster head is executed depending on the particle swarm optimization method. This proposed routing protocol can be used to enhance the battery lifetime by extension of the network lifetime with numerical analysis for efficient route node selection.
Autonomic dysfunction, cardio‐pulmonary exercise testing and masked heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in non‐severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Cherneva Radostina , Denchev Stefan , Cherneva Zheyna V.
Published: February 2020

Background

Autonomic dysfunction (AD) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters have been associated with masked heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the general population. Their clinical significance for masked HFpEF in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is however elusive.

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, correlation and clinical significance of AD and CPET with masked HFpEF, in non‐severe COPD patients, complaining of exertional dyspnoea, without clinically overt cardio‐vascular (CV) comorbidities.

Methods and results

We applied CPET and echocardiography in 68 COPD subjects. Echocardiography was performed before CPET and 1–2 min after peak exercise. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with and without masked HFpEF. Peak E/e′ – 15 was applied as a cut‐off. Chronotropic incompetence (CI) was assumed if both failure to reach the target heart rate (HR) on exercise and diminished heart rate reserve <80% occurred. Abnormal HR recovery (HRR) was taken if the decline is <12 beats within the first minute after exercise cessation. Univariate regression showed association between masked HFpEF, HRR, VO2, VO2 at AT, oxygen pulse and VE/VCO2 slope. The multivariate regression demonstrated HRR as the only independent predictor of masked HFpEF – (OR 10.28; 95% CI (3.55–29.80)).

Conclusion

Abnormal HRR is the only independent predictor of masked HFpEF in non‐severe COPD patients. Despite of being associated with masked HFpEF, the lower VO2, lower oxygen pulse, higher VE/VCO2 slope and lower exercise load seem to be the consequences, rather than the triggers for it.
Sex differences in eligibility for advanced heart failure therapies
Authors: Steinberg Rebecca S. , Nayak Aditi , O'Connell Celena , Burford Sharon , Pekarek Ann , Chesnut Neile , Cole Robert T. , Gupta Divya , Laskar S. Raja , Bhatt Kunal , Burke Michael , Attia Tamer , Smith Andrew , Vega J. David , Morris Alanna A.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

We investigated sex‐based differences in eligibility for and outcomes after receipt of advanced heart failure (HF) therapies.

Background

Although women are more likely to die from HF than men, registry data suggest that women are less likely to receive heart transplant (HT) or left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for largely unknown reasons.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients evaluated for advanced HF therapies from 2012 to 2016. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of sex with eligibility for HT/LVAD. Competing risks and Kaplan‐Meier analysis were used to examine survival.

Results

Of 569 patients (31% women) evaluated, 223 (39.2%) were listed for HT and 81 (14.2%) received destination (DT) LVAD. Women were less likely to be listed for HT (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21‐0.61; P < .0001), based on allosensitization (P < .0001) and obesity (P = .02). Women were more likely to receive DT LVAD (adjusted OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.23‐4.29; P = .01). Survival was similar between men and women regardless of whether they received HT and DT LVAD or were ineligible for therapy.

Conclusion

Women are less likely to be HT candidates, but more likely to receive DT LVAD.
Squamous cell carcinoma transformation of lung adenocarcinoma after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: Cytological approach
Authors: Grosse Alexandra , Grosse Claudia
Published: February 2020

The cytological aspects of the recently described phenomenon of "squamous cell transformation" of EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma have not been reported to date. The cytopathologist should be aware of this entity, because the therapy options may differ from "conventional"(secondary)squamous cell carcinoma.
Multi‐stent technique via one endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided hepaticogastrostomy fistula for malignant hilar obstruction
Authors: Iwano Kosuke , Kurita Akira , Yazumi Shujiro
Published: February 2020

Watch a video of this article
Cover Image, Volume 22, Issue 3
Authors: Husain Mansoor , Bain Stephen C. , Jeppesen Ole K. , Lingvay Ildiko , Sørrig Rasmus , Treppendahl Marianne B. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: February 2020

The inside front cover image is based on the Original Article Semaglutide (SUSTAIN and PIONEER) reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes across varying cardiovascular risk by Mansoor Husain, ILDIKO LINGVAY, Marianne Treppendahl et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.13955.

image
Learning for and realising curriculum aspirations through schools as learning organisations
Authors: Sinnema Claire , Stoll Louise
Published: February 2020

How can schools as learning organisations support the realisation of a new curriculum's aspirations? This article describes four common and interrelated challenges—depth, spread, reach, and pace—associated with enacting a new curriculum. It then argues that curriculum capital represented by schools and practitioners that address these challenges and meet associated learning demands—commitment, knowledge, understanding and capability—is essential to ensure that curriculum aspirations are realised. We propose that schools that are learning organisations create the kinds of conditions necessary for responding to the challenges and learning demands. In such schools the considerable individual, collaborative and collective learning needed at many levels is recognised. We highlight how each of the four challenges might be addressed by seven dimensions and four transversals of schools as learning organisations, while recognising that task will be more feasible in systems that are also learning and providing supportive conditions.
Optogenetic intervention of seizures improves spatial memory in a mouse model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kim Hannah K. , Gschwind Tilo , Nguyen Theresa M. , Bui Anh D. , Felong Sylwia , Ampig Kristen , Suh David , Ciernia Annie V. , Wood Marcelo A. , Soltesz Ivan
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine if closed‐loop optogenetic seizure intervention, previously shown to reduce seizure duration in a well‐established mouse model chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), also improves the associated comorbidity of impaired spatial memory.

Methods

Mice with chronic, spontaneous seizures in the unilateral intrahippocampal kainic acid model of TLE, expressing channelrhodopsin in parvalbumin‐expressing interneurons, were implanted with optical fibers and electrodes, and tested for response to closed‐loop light intervention of seizures. Animals that responded to closed‐loop optogenetic curtailment of seizures were tested in the object location memory test and then given closed‐loop optogenetic intervention on all detected seizures for 2 weeks. Following this, they were tested with a second object location memory test, with different objects and contexts than used previously, to assess if seizure suppression can improve deficits in spatial memory.

Results

Animals that received closed‐loop optogenetic intervention performed significantly better in the second object location memory test compared to the first test. Epileptic controls with no intervention showed stable frequency and duration of seizures, as well as stable spatial memory deficits, for several months after the precipitating insult.

Significance

Many currently available treatments for epilepsy target seizures but not the associated comorbidities, therefore there is a need to investigate new potential therapies that may be able to improve both seizure burden and associated comorbidities of epilepsy. In this study, we showed that optogenetic intervention may be able to both shorten seizure duration and improve cognitive outcomes of spatial memory.
Steam generation by LaB6 nanoparticles through photothermal energy conversion
Authors: Zhang Chaofan , Yuan Baohua , Yang Lixia , Bai Liangjiu , Yang Huawei , Wei Donglei , Wang Wenxiang , Liang Ying , Wang Qingyao , Chen Hou
Published: February 2020

Solar steam generation has been considered as an effective way to solve the shortage of freshwater resources. In this paper, we have designed an interfacial evaporation device for efficient solar steam generation based on near infrared (NIR)‐absorbing lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nanoparticles and melamine sponge (MS) as the skeleton. LaB6 nanoparticles as a photothermal conversion material can absorb the NIR light and convert it into heat. Due to the porous 3D network and better hydrophilicity of MS, it can act as a substrate to support the LaB6 dispersed on the surface and transport the water by the capillary force. The evaporation rate of 1.13 kg m−2 h−1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 60.7% under 1 kW m−2 solar illumination were achieved. Moreover, LaB6‐MS photothermal conversion device (LaB6‐MS PTCD), with excellent chemical stability could purify different water sources such as simulated seawater, strong acid, strong alkaline, and dyed methylene blue solution, exhibiting promising application in highly efficient solar energy‐driven seawater desalination and wastewater purification.
A systematic review and quantitative analysis of resting energy expenditure prediction equations in healthy overweight and obese children and adolescents
Authors: Chima L. , Mulrooney H. M. , Warren J. , Madden A. M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Resting energy expenditure (REE) estimates are often needed in young people and can be predicted using prediction equations based on body weight. However, these equations may perform poorly in those who are obese and overweight. The aim of this systematic review was to identify equations based on simple anthropometric and demographic variables that provide the most accurate and precise estimates of REE in healthy obese and overweight young people.

Methods

Systematic searches for relevant studies in healthy obese and overweight young people aged ≤18 years were undertaken using PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, OpenGrey and Cochrane Library (completed January 2018). Search terms included metabolism, calorimetry, obesity and prediction equation. Data extraction, study appraisal and synthesis followed PRISMA guidelines.

Results

From 390 screened titles, 13 studies met inclusion criteria. The most accurate REE predictions (least biased) were provided by Schofield equations [+0.8% (3–18 years); 0% (11–18 years); +1.1% (3–10 years)]. The most precise REE estimations (percentage of predictions ± 10% of measured) for 11–18 years were provided by Mifflin equations (62%) and, for 7–18 years, by the equations of Schmelzle (57%), Henry (56%) and Harris Benedict (54%). Precision of Schofield predictions was 43% in both age groups. No accuracy data were available for those <3 years or for precision for those <7 years.

Conclusions

No single equation provided accurate and precise REE estimations in this population. Schofield equations provided the most accurate REE predictions so are useful for groups. Mifflin equations provided the most precise estimates for individuals aged 11–18 years but tended to underestimate REE.
Gene therapy to the blood–brain barrier with resulting protein secretion as a strategy for treatment of Niemann Picks type C2 disease
Authors: Hede Eva , Christiansen Christine B. , Heegaard Christian W. , Moos Torben , Burkhart Annette
Published: February 2020

Treatment of many diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is complicated by the inability of several therapeutics to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Genetically modifying brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) denotes an approach to overcome the limitations of the BBB by turning BCECs into recombinant protein factories. This will result in protein secretion toward both the brain and peripheral circulation, which is particularly relevant in genetic diseases, like lysosomal storage diseases (LSD), where cells are ubiquitously affected both in the CNS and the periphery. Here we investigated transfection of primary rat brain capillary endothelial cells (rBCECs) for synthesis and secretion of recombinant NPC2, the protein deficient in the lysosomal cholesterol storage disease Niemann Pick type C2. We demonstrate prominent NPC2 gene induction and protein secretion in 21% of BCECs in non‐mitotic monocultures with a biological effect on NPC2‐deficient fibroblasts as verified from changes in filipin III staining of cholesterol deposits. By comparison the transfection efficiency was 75% in HeLa‐cells, known to persist in a mitotic state. When co‐cultured with primary rat astrocytes in conditions with maintained BBB properties 7% BCECs were transfected, clearly suggesting that induction of BBB properties with polarized conditions of the non‐mitotic BCECs influences the transfection efficacy and secretion directionality. In conclusion, non‐viral gene therapy to rBCECs leads to protein secretion and signifies a method for NPC2 to target cells inside the CNS otherwise inaccessible because of the presence of the BBB. However, obtaining high transfection efficiencies is crucial in order to achieve sufficient therapeutic effects.

image

Cover Image for this issue:https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15050.
Scrubs contamination, domestic laundry effect and workwear habits of clinical staff at a referral hospital
Authors: Kokkinos P. , Morgan L. , Hughes K. , Pollard D. , Gasson J. , Bowlt‐Blacklock K.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To determine contamination rates of scrub suits worn by veterinary surgeons and nurses following a single shift.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional preliminary study at a UK small animal referral centre. Sterilised scrub suits were distributed to veterinary surgeons (n = 9) and nurses (n = 9) at the beginning of their clinical shift and worn for at least 8 hours. They were then analysed for bacterial contamination before and after home laundry at 30°C. A questionnaire was distributed to hospital clinical staff regarding workwear habits.

Results

Median bacterial counts were 47 (interquartile range: 14 to 162) and 7 (interquartile range: 0 to 27) colony forming units per cm2 before and after laundering scrub suits. Bacteria identified included Staphylococcus sp., Enterococcus sp.,
Escherichia coli
, Bacillus sp.,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, Micrococcus sp., β‐haemolytic Streptococci and a Group G Streptococcus. From 101 staff surveyed, 64.0% reported wearing fresh, clean scrub tops and 58.4% fresh, clean trousers each day, while 64.4% left the workplace wearing the same clothing in which they undertook clinical work.

Clinical Significance

Workwear contamination risks spread of pathogens into the community and personnel compliance with workplace guidelines warrants further attention. Home laundry at 30°C significantly decreases, but does not eliminate, the bacterial burden after a single shift.
Molecular characterisation and clinical outcomes of Candida auris infection: Single‐centre experience in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almaghrabi Reem S. , Albalawi Rashed , Mutabagani Maysoon , Atienza Edwin , Aljumaah Suliman , Gade Lalitha , Forsberg Kaitlin , Litvintseva Anastasia , Althawadi Sahar
Published: February 2020

Background

Candida auris is a difficult‐to‐diagnose multidrug‐resistant yeast that can cause invasive infections with high mortality. Since emerging in 2009, this pathogen has been associated with numerous outbreaks around the world. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is instrumental for understanding the emergence and local transmission of this pathogen.

Objectives

To describe the clinical, molecular characteristics of Candida auris infection and clinical outcome in our centre.

Patients and methods

Patients with positive cultures for Candida auris were identified in a microbiology database. Clinical characteristics and antifungal susceptibility were obtained. Isolates were sent to the US CDC for whole genome sequencing.

Results

Seven unique patients with eight different isolates were identified. Seven isolates were sent to the US CDC for whole genome sequencing. None of the patients had bloodstream infection. Thirty‐day mortality was higher in infected patients compared with those who were colonised. Seven of the eight isolates were resistant to both fluconazole, and five were resistant to amphotericin B. WGS analysis demonstrated that the seven isolates belonged to the South Asian clade but formed two distinct subclades suggesting two independent introductions and ongoing transmission within the facility.

Conclusions

Candida auris is associated with a high mortality rate in infected patients. Strict infection control measures and surveillance for asymptomatic cases are warranted to halt ongoing transmission.
Two new species of Kaempferia subgenus Protanthium (Zingiberaceae) from northern Thailand
Authors: Nopporncharoenkul Nattapon , Laongsri Woranuch , Jenjittikul Thaya
Published: February 2020

Kaempferia aurora sp. nov. Noppornch. & Jenjitt., from Tak province near the Thailand‐Myanmar border, and K. caespitosa sp. nov. Noppornch. & Jenjitt., from Lampang province, northern Thailand, are described as new species of K. subgen. Protanthium (Horan.) Baker. Their diagnostic characters are compared with those of similar species. Detailed illustrations, photographs of dissected flowers, information on phenology, distribution and ecology, and preliminary conservation statuses are provided for both new species. An identification key to the species of Kaempferia subgen. Protanthium in Thailand is also revised and presented.
Improving oral cavity cancer diagnosis and treatment with fluorescence molecular imaging
Authors: Vonk Jasper , de Wit Jaron Gérard , Voskuil Floris Jan , Witjes Max Johannes Hendrikus
Published: February 2020

Early diagnosis and radical surgical excision of oral squamous cell carcinomas are essential for achieving optimal treatment outcomes. To date, diagnostic tools that rely on anatomical anomalies provide limited information and resolution in clinical practice. As a result, oral cancer is often detected in an advanced stage. Also, no reliable real‐time intraoperative tools are readily available for the evaluation of surgical resection margins. Fluorescence imaging visualises biological processes that occur in early carcinogenesis and could, therefore, enable detection of small tumours in early stages. Furthermore, due to the high sensitivity and spatial resolution, fluorescence imaging could assist in resection margin assessment during surgery. In this review, we discuss several techniques that employ fluorescence for early diagnosis and surgical guidance in oral squamous cell carcinoma and present future perspectives on the potential of fluorescence imaging in oral cancer in the near future.