bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A tailored rhomboid mucocutaneous advancement flap to treat anal stenosis
Authors: Gallo G. , Stratta E. , Realis Luc A. , Clerico G. , Trompetto M.
Published: May 2020

Aim

Anal stenosis (AS) is a rare but disabling disorder that often represents a complication of anorectal surgery. The aim of our study was to assess the safety and functional outcome of a modified rhomboid flap (MRF) in the treatment of moderate and severe AS.

Methods

Between January 2002 and September 2017, 50 consecutive patients with moderate and severe AS who underwent an MRF were retrospectively included. Anal continence (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score) and symptoms (Obstructed Defaecation Syndrome Score) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 12 months. Furthermore, anal calibre was measured both preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 6 and 12 months.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 97 ± 48.3 (33–180) months. The main aetiology was a previous excisional haemorrhoidectomy (N = 23; 46%). The mean preoperative anal calibre was 9.96 ± 2.68 (5–15) mm and there was a statistically significant improvement in all three periods (P < 0.0001) of postoperative evaluation (1, 6 and 12 months) with a mean difference, obtained comparing preoperative and 12 months anal calibre, of 14.1 ± 2.72 (P < 0.0001). Statistically significant improvement in both Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score and Obstructed Defaecation Syndrome Score was observed in all patients at 12 months. The overall success rate was 96% (48/50 patients).

Conclusion

The use of an MRF is a safe and suitable option for the treatment of moderate and severe AS. The possibility of tailoring the flap, based on the degree as well as the level of AS, is the key.
Public attitudes toward biodiversity‐friendly greenspace management in Europe
Authors: Fischer Leonie K. , Neuenkamp Lena , Lampinen Jussi , Tuomi Maria , Alday Josu G. , Bucharova Anna , Cancellieri Laura , Casado‐Arzuaga Izaskun , Čeplová Natálie , Cerveró Lluïsa , Deák Balázs , Eriksson Ove , Fellowes Mark D. E. , Fernández de Manuel Beatriz , Filibeck Goffredo , González‐Guzmán Adrián , Hinojosa M. Belen , Kowarik Ingo , Lumbierres Belén , Miguel Ana , Pardo Rosa , Pons Xavier , Rodríguez‐García Encarna , Schröder Roland , Gaia Sperandii Marta , Unterweger Philipp , Valkó Orsolya , Vázquez Víctor , Klaus Valentin H.
Published: May 2020

Increasing urbanization worldwide calls for more sustainable urban development. Simultaneously, the global biodiversity crisis accentuates the need of fostering biodiversity within cities. Policies supporting urban nature conservation need to understand people's acceptance of biodiversity‐friendly greenspace management. We surveyed more than 2,000 people in 19 European cities about their attitudes toward near‐natural urban grassland management in public greenspaces, and related their responses to nine sociocultural parameters. Results reveal that people across Europe can support urban biodiversity, yet within the frames of a generally tidy appearance of public greenery. Younger people and those using greenspaces for a greater variety of activities were more likely to favor biodiversity‐friendly greenspace management. Additionally, people who were aware of the meaning of biodiversity and those stating responsibility for biodiversity conservation particularly supported biodiversity‐friendly greenspace management. Our results point at explicit measures like environmental education to increase public acceptance of policies that facilitate nature conservation within cities.
Health‐related quality of life and functional impairment in acute vestibular disorders
Authors: Möhwald K. , Hadzhikolev H. , Bardins S. , Becker‐Bense S. , Brandt T. , Grill E. , Jahn K. , Dieterich M. , Zwergal A.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

Acute vestibular symptoms have a profound impact on patients’ well‐being. In this study, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional impairment were investigated prospectively in patients with different peripheral and central vestibular disorders during the acute symptomatic stage to decipher the most relevant underlying factors.

Methods

In all, 175 patients with acute vestibular disorders were categorized as central vestibular (CV, n = 40), peripheral vestibular (PV, n = 68) and episodic vestibular disorders (EV, n = 67). All patients completed scores to quantify generic HRQoL (European Quality of Life Score Five Dimensions Five Levels, EQ‐5D‐5L) and disease‐specific HRQoL (Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI). Vestibular‐ocular motor signs were assessed by video‐oculography, vestibular‐spinal control by posturography and verticality perception by measurement of subjective visual vertical.

Results

Patients with PV had a poorer HRQoL compared to patients with CV and EV (EQ‐5D‐5L/DHI: PV, 0.53 ± 0.31/56.1 ± 19.7; CV, 0.66 ± 0.28/43.3 ± 24.0; EV, 0.75 ± 0.24/46.7 ± 21.4). After adjusting for age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors and non‐vestibular brainstem/cerebellar dysfunction patients with PV persisted to have poorer generic and disease‐specific HRQoL (EQ‐5D‐5L −0.17, DHI +11.2) than patients with CV. Horizontal spontaneous nystagmus was a highly relevant factor for subgroup differences in EQ‐5D‐5L and DHI, whilst vertical spontaneous nystagmus, subjective visual vertical and sway path were not. EQ‐5D‐5L decreased significantly with more intense horizontal subjective visual vertical in CV (rho = −0.57) and PV (rho = −0.5) but not EV (rho = −0.13).

Conclusions

Patients with PV have the highest functional impairment of all patients with acute vestibular disorders. Vestibular‐ocular motor disturbance in the yaw plane has more impact than vestibular‐spinal or vestibular‐perceptive asymmetry in the roll and pitch plane, suggesting that horizontal visual stability is the most critical for HRQoL.
Association of IL1R2 rs34043159 with sporadic Alzheimer’s disease in southern Han Chinese
Authors: Chen K. , Tang Y. , Zhao X. , Hou C. , Li G. , Zhang B.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between IL1R2 rs34043159 and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 500 AD patients and 500 healthy controls were recruited. The SNaPshot technique was used to detect IL1R2 rs34043159.

Results

The dominant and recessive models of IL1R2 rs34043159 were associated with AD with or without adjustment of age, gender and education [dominant model, P = 0.019, odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.89, adjusted; recessive model, P = 0.011, OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51–0.92, adjusted]. The recessive model of IL1R2 rs34043159 was associated with early‐onset AD (EOAD) with or without adjustment of age, gender and education (recessive model, P = 0.038, OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.97, adjusted). The additive model was associated with late‐onset AD (LOAD) (P = 0.041). The dominant model of IL1R2 rs34043159 was associated with LOAD with or without adjustment of age, gender and education (dominant model, P = 0.005, OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17–2.44, adjusted).

Conclusion

An association between the dominant and recessive model of IL1R2 rs34043159 and AD was found. The recessive model of IL1R2 rs34043159 was associated with EOAD. The additive and dominant models of IL1R2 rs34043159 were associated with LOAD.
Argyrophilic grain disease in individuals younger than 75 years: clinical variability in an under‐recognized limbic tauopathy
Authors: Wurm R. , Klotz S. , Rahimi J. , Katzenschlager R. , Lindeck‐Pozza E. , Regelsberger G. , Danics K. , Kapas I. , Bíró Z. A. , Stögmann E. , Gelpi E. , Kovacs G. G.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

Argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) is a limbic‐predominant 4R‐tauopathy. AGD is thought to be an age‐related disorder and is frequently detected as a concomitant pathology with other neurodegenerative conditions. There is a paucity of data on the clinical phenotype of pure AGD. In elderly patients, however, AGD pathology frequently associates with cognitive decline, personality changes, urine incontinence and cachexia. In this study, clinicopathological findings were analysed in individuals younger than 75.

Methods

Patients were identified retrospectively based on neuropathological examinations during 2006–2017 and selected when AGD was the primary and dominant pathological finding. Clinical data were obtained retrospectively through medical records.

Results

In all, 55 patients (2% of all examinations performed during that period) with AGD were identified. In seven cases (13%) AGD was the primary neuropathological diagnosis without significant concomitant pathologies. Two patients were female, median age at the time of death was 64 years (range 51–74) and the median duration of disease was 3 months (range 0.5–36). The most frequent symptoms were progressive cognitive decline, urinary incontinence, seizures and psychiatric symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed mild temporal atrophy.

Conclusions

Argyrophilic grain disease is a rarely recognized limbic tauopathy in younger individuals. Widening the clinicopathological spectrum of tauopathies may allow identification of further patients who could benefit from tau‐based therapeutic strategies.
Effect of different surface treatments of human occlusal sclerotic dentin on micro‐tensile bond strength to resin composite core material
Authors: Kwansirikul Anawat , Sae‐Lee Daraporn , Angwaravong Onauma , Angwarawong Thidarat
Published: May 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the micro‐tensile bond strength (μTBS) of composite bonded to human occlusal sclerotic dentin following different surface treatments to determine the sclerotic dentin morphology. Human molars without (normal dentin; group 1) or with occlusal wear (sclerotic dentin; groups 2–5) were divided and subjected to different surface treatments, including the normal protocol for the Contax self‐etch bonding system (group 1 and 2); doubled etch‐prime time (group 3); pre‐conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid before normal protocol (group 4); or pre‐conditioning with 37% phosphoric acid before doubling the self‐etching time (group 5). All teeth were restored with composite (Luxacore Z dual), sectioned into stick specimens and stored for 24 h in water before specimens were subjected to the μTBS test (n = 50 per group). The μTBS of normal dentin was not statistically significantly different from that of the sclerotic dentin groups, except for the doubled etch‐prime time group which showed lower μTBS. Sclerotic dentin pre‐treated with phosphoric acid resulted in less sclerotic casts and wider dentinal tubules, while doubled etch‐prime time did not alter the morphology, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. In conclusion, the use of 37% phosphoric acid before applying self‐etch bonding resulted in more tubule openings and a significantly higher μTBS when compared with the doubled etch‐prime time group.
Seizures in autoimmune encephalitis: Kindling the fire
Authors: Wesselingh Robb , Butzkueven Helmut , Buzzard Katherine , Tarlinton David , O'Brien Terence J. , Monif Mastura
Published: May 2020

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Autoimmune epilepsy is a subset of epilepsy that occurs in the setting of autoimmunity, such as in autoimmune encephalitis (AIE). AIE is an autoimmune disorder characterized by immune‐mediated neuroinflammation resulting in a variety of neurological symptoms, including psychiatric disturbance, cognitive dysfunction, and seizures. Seizures in AIE are thought to be a result of antibodies directed against neuronal cell‐surface proteins involved in synaptic transmission. The role of blood‐brain barrier dysfunction, myeloid cell infiltration, and the initiation of proinflammatory cascades in epileptogenesis has been shown to be important in animal models and human patients with epilepsy. Epileptogenesis in AIE is likely to arise from the synergistic effect of both innately driven neuroinflammation and antibody‐induced hyperexcitability. Together, these processes produce persistent drug‐resistant seizures that contribute to the morbidity seen in AIE. Understanding the proinflammatory pathways involved in this process may improve diagnostics and provide alternative treatment targets in AIE.
Stereotactic laser anterior corpus callosotomy for Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome
Authors: Tao James X. , Satzer David , Issa Naoum P. , Collins John , Wu Shasha , Rose Sandra , Henry Julia , Santos de Lima Fabiane , Nordli Douglas , Warnke Peter C.
Published: May 2020

Objective

Corpus callosotomy is an effective palliative treatment for drug‐resistant Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Laser interstitial thermal therapy has been increasingly used in the treatment of epilepsy. Here, we assess the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive stereotactic laser anterior corpus callosotomy (SLACC) for drop attacks in LGS.

Methods

We reviewed sequential cases of patients with medically intractable LGS who underwent SLACC using a two‐cannula technique between November 2014 and July 2019. Pre‐ and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the anteroposterior length of callosal ablation (contrast‐enhancing lesion) and estimated disconnection (gap in tract projections on diffusion tensor imaging). Patients were followed longitudinally to assess clinical outcomes.

Results

Ten patients were included in this study. The median age was 33 (range = 11‐52) years, median duration of epilepsy was 26 (range = 10‐49) years, and median duration of postoperative follow‐up was 19 (range = 6‐40) months. In the anteroposterior direction, 53 ± 7% (mean ± SD) of the corpus callosum was ablated and 62 ± 19% of the corpus callosum was estimated to be disconnected. Six (60%) of 10 patients achieved >80% seizure reduction, two (20%) of whom became seizure‐free. Eight (80%) patients had >80% reduction in drop attacks, five (50%) of whom became free of drop attacks. Three patients subsequently underwent laser posterior callosotomy with further improvement in drop attacks and/or overall seizure frequency. One patient had an asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage along the cannula tract. One patient developed significant aggression after becoming seizure‐free.

Significance

Seizure outcomes following SLACC were comparable to previously reported outcomes of open callosotomy, with reasonable safety profile. SLACC appears to be an effective alternative to open anterior corpus callosotomy with minimal postoperative discomfort and a short recovery period.
On the identification and analysis of citation pattern irregularities among journals
Authors: Chakraborty Joyita , Pradhan Dinesh K. , Nandi Subrata
Published: May 2020

Recent studies report that few journals are adopting unethical citation practices to inflate Impact Factor (IF) artificially. “Clarivate Analytics” has started to blacklist such journals since 2006. As reported in the literature, evaluation of journals individually, to detect anomalies from vast and dynamically changing citation network is not efficient. The primary purpose of this work is to define a diverse feature set that can identify such cases of extreme outliers and reason them. The sample size is narrowed down using an unsupervised clustering algorithm in the absence of a labeled training dataset. Next, time‐series IF data is analyzed to detect point outliers. Furthermore, microscopic features are identified to reason them. Results reflected from the F‐value after ANOVA analysis reveals that geometrical patterns (self‐loop, pairwise and group mutual‐citation) among journals, an abrupt increase in the paper count of donor and corresponding IF inflation of recipient are some of the essential features. Microscopic features include social factor (calculation of revised IF after removing directed self or mutual‐citation), impact of the field of study, impact of publication house and author factor that includes author self and mutual‐citation. The significance of this work is to ensure that the quality of a journal is withheld without compromising research integrity by controlling or auditing individual features periodically.
Mapping potentials adjacent to the cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation line during incremental pacing: A feasible and highly accurate maneuver to confirm complete CTI conduction block
Authors: Jiménez‐López Jesus , Vallès Ermengol , Martí‐Almor Julio , González‐Matos Carlos , Bas Deva , Benito Begoña , Alcalde Oscar , Cabrera Sandra , Altaba Carmen , Bazan Victor
Published: May 2020

Background

The diagnostic accuracy of incremental atrial pacing (IP) to determine complete cavo‐tricuspid isthmus (CTI) block during typical atrial flutter (AFL) ablation is limited by both an extensive/nonlinear ablation and/or the presence of intra‐atrial conduction delay elsewhere in the right atrium. We examined the diagnostic performance of an IP variant based on the assessment of the atrial potentials adjacent to the ablation line which aims at overcoming both limitations.

Methods

From a prospective population of 108 consecutive patients, 15 were excluded due to observation of inconclusive CTI ablation potentials precluding for a straight comparison between the IP maneuver and its variant. In the remaining 93, IP was performed from the low lateral right atrium and the coronary sinus ostium, with the ablation catheter positioned both at the CTI line and adjacent (<5 mm) to its septal and lateral aspect. The IP variant consisted of measuring the interval between the two atrial electrograms situated on the same side of the ablation line, opposite to the pacing site, a ≤10 ms increase indicating complete CTI block.

Results

The IP maneuver and its variant were consistent with complete CTI block in 82/93 (88%) and 87/93 (93%) patients, respectively. Four patients had AFL recurrence during follow‐up: 2/4 and 4/4 had been adequately classified as incomplete block by the IP maneuver and its variant, respectively. Twenty‐three patients (24%) had significant intra‐atrial conduction delay elsewhere in the right atrium. The IP maneuver and its variant were suggestive of an incomplete CTI block in 11/23 and 4/23 in this setting (P = .028), with the later best predicting subsequent AFL relapses (2/12 vs 2/4, P = .01).

Conclusions

The IP variant, which was designed to overcome the limitations of the conventional IP maneuver, accurately distinguishes complete from incomplete CTI block and helps to predict AFL recurrences after ablation.
How EU Juridification shapes Constitutional Social Rights
Authors: Bruzelius Cecilia
Published: May 2020

This article demonstrates how EU member states' distinct constitutional traditions shape the impact of EU juridification on national welfare states and social rights. These traditions come with different ‘constitutional social rights norms’ – that is, distinct distributions of obligation and power to protect social rights between judicial and political actors. The article argues that norms common to the political constitutional tradition are less compatible with the EU's juridified notion of rights than those distinguishing legal constitutionalism. To develop this argument, the article takes an in‐depth look at Germany and Sweden, which represent the two constitutional traditions. This reveals how the Swedish constitutional understanding of social rights as politically defined collective rights has shifted towards a more juridified notion of rights, as EU law effectively makes social entitlements defined in national legislation more justiciable. The already significantly juridified understanding of social rights in Germany, in contrast, comes closer to that of the EU.
Certolizumab for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a real‐world multicentre Italian study
Authors: Dattola A. , Balato A. , Megna M. , Gisondi P. , Girolomoni G. , De Simone C. , Caldarola G. , Cama E. , Piaserico S. , Fargnoli M.C. , Fidanza R. , Parodi A. , Burlando M. , Offidani A. , Diotallevi F. , Potenza C. , Conti A. , Chiricozzi A. , Campione E. , Bianchi L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Certolizumab, a pegylated tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor, reduced disease activity in randomized trials of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Real‐life data are missing.

Objective

To confirm the effectiveness and safety of certolizumab in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in routine clinical practice.

Methods

In this retrospective study involving 11 Italian sites, patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis received subcutaneous certolizumab (400 mg loading dose at 0, 2 and 4 weeks, followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks) for up to 52 weeks. Primary outcomes included mean change from baseline in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) scores, and the proportion of patients achieving a 75%, 90% or 100% reduction in PASI score. Other endpoints included Disease Activity Score computed on 44 joints correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate during the first hour (DAS44‐ESR), Tender Joint Count (TJC), Swollen Joint Count (SJC), pain [visual analogue scale (VAS) score], inflammatory markers and quality of life (QOL).

Results

In the study were enrolled 153 patients (mean age: 55 years). Certolizumab reduced the mean PASI score from baseline by 4.45, 6.30 and 7.58 at weeks 12, 24 and 52, respectively (P < 0.001 for all). At weeks 24 and 52, 69.6% and 83.3% of patients had a PASI score ≤3. DAS44‐ESR, TJC, SJC and mNAPSI scores, and pain VAS were also all significantly improved from baseline at each time point. C‐reactive protein levels decreased during treatment, being significant at week 24. On multivariate analysis, psoriasis duration, baseline PASI, mNAPSI and pain VAS scores were found to be predictive of the improvement in PASI score at week 12.

Conclusion

Certolizumab displayed also in the real‐life encouraging results in both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients.
Population expansion of the invasive Pomacentridae Chromis limbata (Valenciennes, 1833) in southern Brazilian coast: long‐term monitoring, fundamental niche availability and new records
Authors: Anderson Antônio B. , da Silva Jodir Pereira , Sorvilo Raquel , Francini Carlo Leopoldo B. , Floeter Sergio R. , Barreiros João P.
Published: May 2020

Human‐mediated species invasions are recognized as a leading cause of global biotic homogenization and extinction. Studies on colonization events since early stages, establishment of new populations and range extension are scarce because of their rarity, difficult detection and monitoring. Chromis limbata is a reef‐associated and non‐migratory marine fish from the family Pomacentridae found in depths ranging between 3 and 45 m. The original distribution of the species encompassed exclusively the eastern Atlantic, including the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is also commonly reported from West Africa between Senegal and Pointe Noire, Congo. In 2008, vagrant individuals of C. limbata were recorded off the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, South Brazil (27° 41′ 44″ S, 48° 27′ 53″ W). This study evaluated the increasing densities of C. limbata populations in Santa Catarina State shoreline. Two recent expansions, northwards to São Paulo State and southwards to Rio Grande do Sul State, are discussed, and a niche model of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) was performed to evaluate suitable C. limbata habitats. Brazilian populations are established and significantly increasing in most sites where the species has been detected. The distributional boundaries predicted by the model are clearly wider than their known range of occurrence, evidencing environmental suitability in both hemispheres from areas where the species still does not occur. Ecological processes such as competition, predation and specially habitat selectivity may regulate their populations and overall distribution range. A long‐term monitoring programme and population genetics studies are necessary for a better understanding of this invasion and its consequences to natural communities.
Comparison of the efficiency of two different proton pump inhibitor formula in treatment of patients with atypical gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Lin Xi‐Hsuan , Luo Jiing‐Chyuan , Ting Po‐Hsiang , Chang Tien‐En , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Hou Ming‐Chih , Lee Fa‐Yauh
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

The prospective, open‐label, randomized study aims to compare the efficacy of lansoprazole, a fast orally disintegrating proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and dexlansoprazole, a dual delayed release PPI, in patients with atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods

Patients with atypical GERD symptoms with a total reflux symptom index score > 10 were eligible for enrollment. From February 2018 to December 2019, 232 subjects were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive oral lansoprazole, Takepron OD 30 mg, once daily before breakfast or oral dexlansoprazole, Dexilant 60 mg, once daily before breakfast for 8 weeks. The primary end‐point is to compare the symptoms response rate after an 8‐week PPI therapy between the two groups.

Results

There were 232 study subjects enrolling in this study. After the 8‐week PPI therapy, dexlansoprazole‐treated group had a significantly higher response rate than lansoprazole‐treated group in cough (76.5% vs 38.0%) and globus (69.7% vs 30.8%) (P all < 0.05 by intention‐to‐treat). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the use of dexlansoprazole, presence of dyslipidemia, and typical GERD symptoms (acid reflux and heartburn) were predictors for symptom response for cough; the use of dexlansoprazole and presence of erosive esophagitis were predictors for symptom response for globus (P all < 0.05). No predictor for therapy response to hoarseness was noted.

Conclusions

There is a higher response rate for cough and globus symptoms in patients with atypical GERD after the 8‐week PPI therapy with dexlansoprazole rather than lansoprazole.
Professionals' Perspectives on Partnering with Families of Individuals with ID
Authors: John Aesha
Published: May 2020

Background

Since individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and their parents rely on a wide variety of support and services from helping professionals such as social workers, teachers, and therapists, family‐professional partnership is an important area of research. Although past research sheds light on parental views on partnership, relatively few studies have focused on professionals' perspectives.

Specific Aims

The aim of this study was to capture the perspectives of ID professionals on partnering with families of individuals with ID.

Method

Forty‐three ID professionals participated in a focus group that included open‐ended questions on characteristics of their most and least effective partnerships with families, and supportive and challenging factors in forming partnerships with parents.

Findings

Thematic analyses of the focus group responses helped uncover five themes: (1) clear, honest, and respectful communication between professionals and families, (2) the quality of relationship between the professional and the client's family, (3) professionals' and parents' knowledge and experience in the ID field, (4) degree to which a family is involved, and (5) realistic expectations.

Discussion

These findings can inform both the training of future professionals and parent education initiatives, and in turn, positively impact the quality of parent‐professional partnerships.
The clinical and economical impact of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: Peters Emmeline G. , Pattamatta Madhuri , Smeets Boudewijn J. J. , Brinkman Daan J. , Evers Silvia M. A. A. , de Jonge Wouter J. , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Luyer Misha D. P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Colorectal surgery is associated with postoperative ileus (POI). Despite its widespread manifestation, the influence of POI on recovery, quality of life (QoL), and costs is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess whether the inflammatory processes found in experimental studies are also evident in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. In addition, the impact of POI on short and long‐term QoL and costs was investigated.

Methods

We analyzed the outcomes of the SANICS‐II trial, including prospective evaluation of inflammatory parameters in blood samples, costs from a societal perspective and QoL, using validated questionnaires. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without POI, and in particular patients with POI as unique complication.

Key Results

A total of 265 patients (POI, n = 66 vs non‐POI, n = 199) were included and 38/66 had POI as only complication. CRP levels were significantly increased on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 3, and 4 in patients with POI. Furthermore, plasma levels of cytokines IL‐6, Il‐8 and IL‐10 were significantly increased the first 2 days after resection. Patients with POI had a higher overall complication rate and a reduced QoL 3 months postoperatively, even in the only POI group. Moreover, mean societal cost per patient with POI was 38%‐47% higher at 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions & Inferences

Supporting findings from experimental studies, inflammatory parameters were increased in patients with only POI and comparable with all patients with POI. These results demonstrate the impact and large contribution of POI in postoperative inflammation, costs and QoL in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
Cannabidiol on 5‐FU‐induced oral mucositis in mice
Authors: Cuba Letícia de Freitas , Salum Fernanda Gonçalves , Guimarães Francisco Silveira , Cherubini Karen , Borghetti Ruchielli Loureiro , de Figueiredo Maria Antonia Zancanaro
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, histological, hematological, and oxidative stress effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in mice with induced oral mucositis.

Methods

We used 90 mice of the CF‐1 strain in which oral mucositis was induced using a protocol with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) chemotherapy. The animals were divided randomly into 10 study groups. Three groups were treated with different doses of CBD (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), while 2 were control groups (positive control: 5‐FU + mechanical trauma + placebo; and negative control: mechanical trauma + placebo), and 2 experimental times were studied (4 and 7 days). All treatments were by intraperitoneal administration.

Results

In the clinical evaluation, the groups treated with CBD showed less severity of oral lesions compared with the positive control at both experimental times. The intensity of the inflammatory response was also lower in the groups treated with this drug, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the positive control. With regard to erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts and anti‐oxidant enzyme activity, the groups treated with CBD showed better results, but only some of these variables showed statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

CBD seems to exert an anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant activity favoring a faster resolution of oral mucositis in this animal model.
Phosphorus addition increased carbon partitioning to autotrophic respiration but not to biomass production in an experiment with Zea mays
Authors: Ven Arne , Verlinden Melanie S. , Fransen Erik , Olsson Pål Axel , Verbruggen Erik , Wallander Håkan , Vicca Sara
Published: May 2020

Plant carbon (C) partitioning—the relative use of photosynthates for biomass production, respiration, and other plant functions—is a key but poorly understood ecosystem process. In an experiment with Zea mays, with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), we investigated the effect of phosphorus (P) fertilization and AMF on plant C partitioning. Based on earlier studies, we expected C partitioning to biomass production (i.e., biomass production efficiency; BPE) to increase with increasing P addition due to reduced C partitioning to AMF. However, although plant growth was clearly stimulated by P addition, BPE did not increase. Instead, C partitioning to autotrophic respiration increased. These results contrasted with our expectations and with a previous experiment in the same set‐up where P addition increased BPE while no effect on autotropic respiration was found. The comparison of both experiments suggests a key role for AMF in explaining these contrasts. Whereas in the previous experiment substantial C partitioning to AMF reduced BPE under low P, in the current experiment, C partitioning to AMF was too low to directly influence BPE. Our results illustrate the complex influence of nutrient availability and mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant C partitioning.
Mutation of MEDIATOR 18 and chromate trigger twinning of the primary root meristem in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ruiz‐Aguilar Bricia , Raya‐González Javier , López‐Bucio Jesús Salvador , Reyes de la Cruz Homero , Herrera‐Estrella Luis , Ruiz‐Herrera León Francisco , Martínez‐Trujillo Miguel , López‐Bucio José
Published: May 2020

Plants adapt to soil injury and biotic stress via cell regeneration. In Arabidopsis, root tip damage by genotoxic agents, antibiotics, UV light and cutting induces a program that recovers the missing tissues through activation of stem cells and involves ethylene response factor 115 (ERF115), which triggers cell replenishment. Here, we show that mutation of the gene encoding an MED18 subunit of the transcriptional MEDIATOR complex and chromate [Cr(VI)], an environmental pollutant, synergistically trigger a developmental program that enables the splitting of the meristem in vivo to produce twin roots. Expression of the quiescent centre gene marker WOX5, auxin‐inducible DR5:GFP reporter and the ERF115 factor traced the changes in cell identity during the conversion of single primary root meristems into twin roots and were induced in an MED18 and chromate‐dependent manner during the root twinning events, which also required auxin redistribution and signalling mediated by IAA14/SOLITARY ROOT (SLR1). Splitting of the root meristem allowed dichotomous root branching in Arabidopsis, a poorly understood process in which stem cells may act to enable whole organ regeneration.
Production networks in Europe: A natural experiment of the European Union enlargement to the east
Authors: Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada , Voicu Anca M. , Vidovic Martina
Published: May 2020

This paper focuses on the 2004 enlargement of the European Union to the East and treats it as a natural experiment to investigate two issues: first, whether there has been a trade creation effect in final and intermediate goods and second, to what extent this effect has been more pronounced for final or for intermediate goods. Using difference‐in‐differences analysis, we find that the effect of the 2004 EU enlargement has been positive for both intermediate and final goods trade, and it is in general greater for final goods. Using a generalized gravity model of trade that controls for the multilateral resistance and bilateral time‐invariant factors, we estimate an increase in bilateral trade of 28% for final goods and 24% for intermediates. However, the effects are heterogeneous by sub‐sector and indicate that the main trade gains were for non‐durable consumer goods and food and beverages primary and processed products.
Small Sample Corrections for Wald Tests in Latent Variable Models
Authors: Ozenne Brice , Fisher Patrick M. , Budtz-J⊘rgensen Esben
Published: May 2020

Latent variable models are commonly used in psychology and increasingly used for analysing brain imaging data. Such studies typically involve a small number of participants (n<100), where standard asymptotic results often fail to control the type 1 error appropriately. The paper presents two corrections improving the control of the type 1 error of Wald tests in latent variable models estimated by using maximum likelihood. First, we derive a correction for the bias of the maximum likelihood estimator of the variance parameters. This enables us to estimate corrected standard errors for model parameters and corrected Wald statistics. Second, we use a Student t-distribution instead of a Gaussian distribution to account for the variability of the variance estimator. The degrees of freedom of the Student t-distributions are estimated by using a Satterthwaite approximation. A simulation study based on data from two published brain imaging studies demonstrates that combining these two corrections provides superior control of the type 1 error rate compared with the uncorrected Wald test, despite being conservative for some parameters. The methods proposed are implemented in the R package lavaSearch2, which is available from https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/lavaSearch2.
Six‐month breastfeeding maintenance after a self‐efficacy promoting programme: an exploratory trial
Authors: Antoñanzas‐Baztán Elena , Belintxon Maider , Marín‐Fernández Blanca , Redín‐Areta Maria D. , Mujika Agurtzane , Pumar‐Méndez Maria J. , Lopez‐Dicastillo Olga
Published: May 2020

Background

Breastfeeding care plays a fundamental role in establishing breastfeeding and longer duration after discharge. Practices though vary among professionals involved and are often inconsistent with good practices recommended, being a threat to women’s breastfeeding self‐efficacy. Breastfeeding self‐efficacy is considered a predictor for successful breastfeeding and a significant variable amenable to intervention for promoting lactation

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of a new breastfeeding self‐efficacy promoting programme (SIALAC) on 6‐month breastfeeding maintenance.

Methods

In this exploratory multi‐centre controlled trial, participants were allocated into control and intervention groups sequentially. Professionals in charge of the treatment groups were trained in between, with an especial focus on reducing practice variability. Control and intervention group women received usual care, and the intervention group received in addition SIALAC, a three‐stage breastfeeding self‐efficacy promoting programme. Primary outcome was breastfeeding maintenance up to 6 months analysed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Student’s t‐test or chi‐square tests were also used for continuous and categorical variables. Data on breastfeeding status and breastfeeding self‐efficacy were collected at baseline, and 4, 8 and 24 weeks after birth.

Results

From May 2014 through November 2015, participants were enrolled. The sample consisted of 112 women. No relevant socio‐demographic or obstetric difference was found between groups. The intervention achieved a significant difference between groups in breastfeeding survival (X2 = 4.94, p = 0.026). Six‐month breastfeeding maintenance was significantly higher in the intervention group (67% vs. 55%; X2 = 5.384, p = 0.020). Breastfeeding dropout in the control group was 3.3 (CI 1.1, 10.1) times higher than that of the intervention group at 6 months. Breastfeeding self‐efficacy scores were higher in the intervention group although without significant statistical difference. The programme showed good acceptability.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding self‐efficacy promoting programme SIALAC was beneficial in fostering 6‐month breastfeeding survival. Full‐scale trial should consider feasibility‐related issues identified.
Successful management of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia using defibrillation and intravenous amiodarone therapy in a cat
Authors: Berlin Noa , Ohad Dan G. , Maiorkis Igal , Kelmer Efrat
Published: May 2020

Objective

To describe the successful management of ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) using cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including defibrillation, followed by continuous rate infusion of IV amiodarone, in a cat with cardiac arrest secondary to tachyarrhythmia.

Case summary

A 12‐year‐old previously healthy neutered male Scottish Fold cat presented following an acute episode of collapse. Initial physical examination revealed severe tachycardia and cardiovascular collapse. Within a few minutes after arrival, the cat experienced cardiopulmonary arrest. Electrocardiographic assessment was suggestive of VF, and CPR was initiated, including 2 rounds of defibrillation (2 joule/kg each), resulting in return of spontaneous circulation with sustained VT. After procainamide and lidocaine failed to result in conversion to normal sinus rhythm (NSR), continuous IV amiodarone therapy was initiated, and NSR was achieved. Echocardiography demonstrated severe systolic dysfunction, and tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TICM) secondary to chronic VT was suspected; however, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or end‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy could not be ruled out. The patient was discharged the following day with oral amiodarone and pimobendan. During a recheck examination performed 7 months later the cat was in NSR, with no direct evidence of long‐term amiodarone adverse effects. The cat died acutely at home 8 months after discharge.

New or unique information provided

This report is the first to describe the successful use of IV amiodarone in a cat to manage sustained VT following CPR.
Review of Geometric Uncertainty Quantification in Gas Turbines
Authors: Wang Junying , Zheng Xinqian
Published: May 2020

Due to the manufacturing error and in-service degradation of gas turbines, there is always a deviation between the actual geometry and the design geometry. This geometric deviation has a prominent uncertainty characteristic, resulting in a dispersion of the gas turbine performance and thereby reducing the manufacturing qualification rate and service life. As the performance and reliability requirements of gas turbines increase continually, more and more attention has been paid to the quantitative study of the effect of the geometric uncertainty on performance. In this paper, the main sources and features of gas turbine geometric uncertainty are reviewed first. Then, the basic principles, characteristics, and application in gas turbines of different uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods are reviewed. Finally, the progress, challenges, and prospects for correlational research are summarized in the conclusion.
Design of Diffractive Optical Elements by Direct and Indirect Construction of Diffraction Pattern: A Comparative Study
Authors: Xiong Hui , Sun Liaoxin
Published: May 2020

In this work, we present the design method of diffractive beam splitters via two comparative technical routes, the first referred as the direct scheme and the second referred as the indirect scheme. Comparative study is carried on the design procedures and results. The advantages of the direct design scheme include overcoming the limit on the number of phase pixels and being capable of realizing beam shaping and splitting simultaneously. Numerical simulation shows that the uniformity of spots array pattern in the direct design is close to that of the indirect design. These results are helpful for the design and application of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) in modern optical devices.
Theoretical investigation of the low frequency fundamental mechanism of the objective occlusion effect induced by bone-conducted stimulation
Authors: Carillo Kévin , Doutres Olivier , Sgard Franck
Published: May 2020

The objective occlusion effect induced by bone-conducted stimulation refers to the low frequency acoustic pressure increase that results from occluding the ear canal opening. This phenomenon is commonly interpreted as follows: the bone-conducted sound “leaks” through the earcanal opening and is “trapped” by the occlusion device. This instinctive interpretation misrepresents the fundamental mechanism of the occlusion effect related to the earcanal impedance increase and already highlighted by existing electro-acoustic models. However, these models simplify the earcanal wall vibration (i.e., the origin of the phenomenon) to a volume velocity source which, in the authors' opinion, (i) hinders an exhaustive comprehension of the vibro-acoustic behavior of the system, (ii) hides the influence of the earcanal wall vibration distribution, and (iii) could blur the interpretation of the occlusion effect. This paper analyzes, illustrates, and interprets the vibro-acoustic behavior of the open and occluded earcanal using an improved finite element model of an outer ear in conjunction with an associated electro-acoustic model developed in this work. The two models are very complementary to dissect physical phenomena and to highlight the influence of the earcanal wall vibration distribution, characterized here by its curvilinear centroid position, on the occlusion effect.
Incipient tip vortex cavitation localization using block-sparse compressive sensing
Authors: Park Minseuk , Park Yongsung , Lee Keunhwa , Seong Woojae
Published: May 2020

Noise induced by incipient-propeller tip vortex cavitation (TVC) has a few sources near the propeller tips, which radiate a broadband signal. This article describes a compressive sensing (CS)-based TVC localization technique for coherent multiple-frequency processing, which jointly processes the measured data at multiple frequencies. Block-sparse CS, which groups several single-frequency measurements into blocks, is adopted for coherent multiple-frequency processing. The coherent multiple-frequency processing improves localization performance over that of single-frequency processing. Unlike single-frequency processing using conventional CS, which combines independent single-frequency measurement treatments by averaging, coherent multiple-frequency processing produces accurate localization without requiring a sufficient number of treated frequencies, long-time-sampled data with a time-invariant signal assumption, or even a single cavitation event. The approach is demonstrated on experimental data from a transducer source experiment and a cavitation source experiment.
The Effects of Self-Myofascial Release Foam Rolling on Muscle Soreness or Pain After Experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Hjert Corall S. , Wright Cynthia J.
Published: May 2020

Focused Clinical Question: Does an acute bout of foam rolling (FR) help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)-related muscle soreness or pain in the first 0–72 hr? Clinical Bottom Line: There is moderate quality evidence to support the use of FR to reduce DOMS-related muscle soreness or pain at 24, 48, and 72 hr post DOMS. There is no evidence to support FR to reduce DOMS-related muscle soreness immediately after physical activity, or that FR before physical activity can prevent muscle soreness or pain.