bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migraine Treatment in Emergency Departments of Brazil: A Retrospective Study of 2 Regions
Authors: Krymchantowski Abouch , Jevoux Carla , Silva‐Néto Raimundo Pereira , Krymchantowski Ana Gabriela
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study describes the approaches, medications used, and time of care for migraineurs, who have been in emergency departments (ED) from 2 different regions of Brazil.

Methods

Retrospective, cross‐sectional, observational, non‐randomized study of migraine patients seen at 2 headache centers in Brazil.

Results

Eighty‐four migraine patients (15 men and 69 women) were divided into 2 groups: chronic (19%, n = 16) and episodic migraineurs (81%, n = 68). In the ED, medications were used in the following order of frequency: dipyrone or metamizole (89.3%, 75/84), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (57.1%; 48/84) opioids (51.1%; 43/84), metoclopramide (29.8%; 25/84), dexamethasone (28.6%; 24/84), chlorpromazine (13.1%; 11/84), and subcutaneous sumatriptan (7.1%; 6/84). The average time in the care center was 8.2 hours, but only 23 patients (27.4%) left the hospital with greater than 50% relief in headache severity.

Conclusions

Dipyrone and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatories were the most used drugs, but nearly half received opioids. More efficient drugs were poorly used. Considering the number of patients leaving the hospital with headache relief, a changing treatment paradigm should be carried out in Brazil.
Lexical availability and writing ability of EFL learners
Authors: Akbarian Is'haaq , Farrokhi Javad
Published: October 2020

Studies on lexical availability (LA) reveal a different dimension of vocabulary knowledge and development. Likewise, this study explores (a) the relationship between LA and writing ability of male and female learners and (b) differences and similarities between the tokens and types of the words they generated. An LA task and a composition test were administered to 100 (50 males and 50 females) EFL learners. The results highlight a positive correlation between LA and the writing scores for both males and females. Frequency analyses and t‐test results also show no differences between male and female learners in terms of tokens and types of the retrieved words. Thus, lexical availability studies can provide similar pedagogical implications in instructing writing skill for both male and female EFL learners.
Regulation of neuroinflammation by B cells and plasma cells
Authors: Wang Angela , Rojas Olga , Lee Dennis , Gommerman Jennifer L.
Published: October 2020

The remarkable success of anti‐CD20 B cell depletion therapies in reducing the burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease has prompted significant interest in how B cells contribute to neuroinflammation. Most focus has been on identifying pathogenic CD20+ B cells. However, an increasing number of studies have also identified regulatory functions of B lineage cells, particularly the production of IL‐10, as being associated with disease remission in anti‐CD20–treated MS patients. Moreover, IL‐10–producing B cells have been linked to the attenuation of inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. In addition to IL‐10–producing B cells, antibody‐producing plasma cells (PCs) have also been implicated in suppressing neuroinflammation. This review will examine regulatory roles for B cells and PCs in MS and EAE. In addition, we speculate on the involvement of regulatory PCs and the cytokine BAFF in the context of anti‐CD20 treatment. Lastly, we explore how the microbiota could influence anti‐inflammatory B cell behavior. A better understanding of the contributions of different B cell subsets to the regulation of neuroinflammation, and factors that impact the development, maintenance, and migration of such subsets, will be important for rationalizing next‐generation B cell–directed therapies for the treatment of MS.
Social assistance and inclusive growth
Authors: Barrientos Armando , Malerba Daniele
Published: October 2020

The expansion of social assistance in low‐ and middle‐income countries raises important issues for inclusive growth. Labour is by far the principal asset of low‐income groups. Changes in the quantity, quality, and allocation of labour associated with social assistance will impact on the productive capacity of low‐income groups and therefore on inclusive growth. The article re‐assesses the findings reported by impact evaluations of social assistance in low‐ and middle‐income countries to address this issue. Most studies have tested for potentially adverse labour supply incentive effects from transfers but have failed to find supportive evidence. The article highlights findings from this literature on the effects of social assistance on human capital accumulation and labour reallocation. They point to the conclusion that well‐designed and well‐implemented social assistance contributes to inclusive growth.
Reinvigorating the social contract and strengthening social cohesion: Social protection responses to COVID‐19
Authors: Razavi Shahra , Behrendt Christina , Bierbaum Mira , Orton Ian , Tessier Lou
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of those who are inadequately covered by social protection in more and less developed countries alike, and has exacerbated the fragility of a social contract that was already under strain in many countries. A weak social contract in the context of an exceptional crisis poses a very real risk to social cohesion. Nevertheless, many States have reasserted themselves as the guarantor of rights by protecting public health and incomes. By sustaining these measures, economic recovery will be supported which will help minimize risks that may weaken social cohesion. However, this is a fast‐moving, inherently unstable and protracted crisis. Social protection stands at a critical juncture. Decisive policy action will be required to strengthen social protection systems, including floors, as one of the cornerstones of a reinvigorated social contract.
Defining physiological contributions to yield loss in response to irrigation in cotton
Authors: Ermanis Alessandro , Gobbo Stefano , Snider John L. , Cohen Yafit , Liakos Vasileios , Lacerda Lorena , Perry Calvin D. , Aaron Bruce Matthew , Virk Gurpreet , Vellidis George
Published: October 2020

Excessive irrigation can reduce cotton yield, but studies assessing the relative contribution of component physiological processes to yield loss are limited. The objective of the current experiment was to quantify irrigation‐induced yield loss attributable to Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (IPAR), Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) and Harvest Index (HI). For three irrigation treatments (well‐watered, over‐irrigated, and dryland) during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, biweekly measurements of predawn leaf water potential (ΨPD) and light interception were taken along with measurements of biomass, lint yield, fibre quality and harvest index. Irrigation effects on yield were only observed during the 2019 season, and the results showed that ΨPD remained relatively high in both seasons and was rarely affected by irrigation treatment. A significant reduction in yield was observed for irrigated treatments, despite the dryland producing lower biomass. Any positive effects of IPAR and RUE on lint yield due to excess irrigation were offset by large declines in HI. We conclude that HI was the dominant contributor to yield loss due to excessive irrigation because reduced boll numbers and average boll mass were observed in plots with the greatest total above‐ground biomass.
Medication errors and risk areas in a critical care unit
Authors: Escrivá Gracia Juan , Aparisi Sanz Álvaro , Brage Serrano Ricardo , Fernández Garrido Julio
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the main medication errors, their causality and the highest risk areas in critical care.

Design

A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study.

Methods

We performed a systematic analysis of the prescription, transcription and administration records of 2,634 dose units of medications that were administered to a total of 87 critically ill patients during 2018.

Results

Final results have shown important medication errors and a high number of significant drug interactions; prescription phase had the highest mistake rate (71%) and cause of errors (68%); transcription stage had a more variable error typology. A significant correlation was observed between the presence of causes and contributing factors to error during the prescription and the commission of errors during the nurse transcription, being the main risk areas the time of antibiotic administration, dilution errors, concentration and speed of administration of high‐risk medications and the technique used for nasogastric tube drug administration.

Conclusion

In critical care, an intolerable number of medication errors are still committed, placing the origin of many of them in the causality and contributing factors identified in the prescription stage.

Impact

The origin of many of the medication errors and most interactions is in the prescription stage, being the nurse transcription (nurse intervention) in an important filter that prevents a considerable number of errors from finally reaching the patient. The schedule of administration of time‐dependent antibiotics, high‐risk medications and the technique of administering medications through a nasogastric tube are important risk areas for the commission of medication errors.
Inquiry into women’s pathways to diagnosis of endometriosis: A qualitative study protocol
Authors: Cromeens Martha G. , Thoyre Suzanne , Carey Erin T. , Knafl Kathleen , Robinson Whitney R.
Published: October 2020

Aims

This protocol describes a study aiming to: (1) describe pathways and experiences of women's symptom recognition, appraisal and management of endometriosis; and (2) identify differences in pathways and experiences among a socioeconomically and racially diverse group of women.

Design

Descriptive qualitative study with stratified purposeful sampling.

Methods

Data will be collected from a minimum of 24 women with provider‐presumed or surgically confirmed diagnoses across two time points. The study will recruit across socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity (non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, and Hispanic/Latina) to ensure diversity of the sample. Recruitment will occur at a large public hospital in the southeastern United States (US). Participants will be interviewed using semi‐structured interview guides informed by Elder and Giele's Life Course perspective approaching women as active beings in dynamic systems shaped by: 1) their location in time and space; 2) linked lives; and 3) human agency, and 4) the time of their lives. Each woman's experiences, symptoms, and contacts with health‐care systems will be mapped to trace their diagnostic pathways. Coded interviews and data will undergo within‐ and across‐case analysis to identify similarities and differences in their experiences. Institutional review board approval was obtained June 2019.

Discussion

The participants’ diagnostic maps will enable us to distinguish the differences in pathways and experiences between and across groups. Findings will inform the development of interventions aimed at shortening the time to diagnosis.

Impact

This will be the first study to compare pathways to diagnosis of endometriosis in a socioeconomically and racially diverse sample of US women using the life course perspective. The results from this research stand to inform future interventions aimed at helping women achieve more timely diagnoses.
Latitudinal and environmental patterns of species richness in lizards and snakes across continental North America
Authors: Whiting Evan T. , Fox David L.
Published: October 2020

Aim

Little is known about the contributions of individual clades to the broader latitudinal diversity gradients of lizards and snakes in North America. Additionally, the environmental variables underpinning these patterns have not been extensively studied, nor have the relationships between squamate species richness and biome variety, a proxy for habitat heterogeneity. Here, we deconstruct the latitudinal diversity gradient of squamates and investigate lizard and snake species richness in relation to environmental gradients and biomes across continental North America.

Location

North America, excluding islands.

Taxon

Squamata (lizards and snakes).

Methods

We collated a suite of environmental variables (n = 10) and squamate species ranges (n = 1,152) in an equal‐area grid system (100 × 100 km cells) spanning continental North America. We deconstructed the latitudinal diversity gradient of squamates and examined species richness patterns for all lizards, all snakes and several individual squamate clades. We used multiple linear regressions to determine which environmental factors are most important for each squamate clade. Finally, we documented species richness within biomes and tested for correlations between species richness and biome variety.

Results

Squamates exhibit a strong latitudinal diversity gradient across continental North America. Snakes are more widespread and have a stronger gradient than lizards. Our multiple linear regression results indicate strong associations between species richness and environmental variables for all individual squamate clades analysed; temperature variables are strongly positively correlated with species richness. Biome variety is more strongly correlated with lizard species richness than snake species richness. Squamates are most species‐rich in tropical/subtropical forests, deserts and mangroves.

Main conclusions

Most snake clades in North America exhibit strong latitudinal diversity gradients, but only two lizard clades, Dactyloidae (anoles) and Gekkota (geckos), display strong gradients and thus drive the overall lizard pattern. Squamate clades differ in their responses to environmental gradients, as reflected by their species richness patterns, with warmer climates generally harboring more species. Lizards are more strongly associated with habitat heterogeneity than snakes are, consistent with results from previous studies. Squamates in more rapidly shifting biomes (e.g. deserts, mangroves) may face a greater risk of extinction from impending climate change.
Electrophysiologic approach to diagnosis and ablation of patients with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia associated with complex anatomy and/or physiology
Authors: Oesterle Adam , Lee Adam C. , Voskoboinik Aleksandr , Moss Joshua D. , Vedantham Vasanth , Walters Tomos E. , Lee Byron K. , Tseng Zian H. , Gerstenfeld Edward P. , Scheinman Melvin M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is a rare supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), typically involving a single decremental posteroseptal accessory pathway (AP).

Methods

Four patients with long RP SVT underwent electrophysiology (EP) study and ablation. The cases were reviewed.

Results

Case 1 recurred despite 3 prior ablations at the site of earliest retrograde atrial activation during orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia (ORT). Mapping during a repeat EP study demonstrated a prepotential in the coronary sinus (CS). Ablation over the earliest atrial activation in the CS resulted in dissociation of the potential from the atrium during sinus rhythm. The potential was traced back to the CS os and ablated. Case 2 underwent successful ablation at 6 o'clock on the mitral annulus (MA). ORT recurred and successful ablation was performed at 1 o'clock on the MA. Case 3 had tachycardia with variation in both V‐A and A‐H intervals which precluded the use of usual maneuvers so we used simultaneous atrial and ventricular pacing and introduced a premature atrial contraction with a closely coupled premature ventricular contraction. Case 4 had had two prior atrial fibrillation ablations with continued SVT over a decremental atrioventricular bypass tract that was successfully ablated at 5 o'clock on the tricuspid annulus. A second SVT consistent with a concealed nodoventricular pathway was successfully ablated at the right inferior extension of the AV nodal slow pathway.

Conclusion

We describe challenging cases of PJRT by virtue of complex anatomy, diagnostic features, and multiple arrhythmia mechanisms.
Same‐day discharge following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: A safe and cost‐effective approach
Authors: Creta Antonio , Ventrella Nicoletta , Providência Rui , Earley Mark J. , Sporton Simon , Dhillon Gurpreet , Papageorgiou Nikolaos , Chow Anthony , Lambiase Pier D. , Lowe Martin , Schilling Richard J. , Finlay Malcolm , Hunter Ross J.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The frequency of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased dramatically, stretching resources. Discharge on the same day as treatment may increase the efficiency and throughput. There are limited data regarding the safety of this strategy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation in a tertiary center and in a district general hospital, and identified those discharged on the same day of treatment. The safety endpoint was any complication and/or presentation to hospital in the 48‐h and at 30 days postdischarge. We performed an economic analysis to calculate potential cost saving.

Results

Among a total population of 2628 patients, we identified 727 subjects (61.1 ± 12.5 years, 69.6% male) undergoing day‐case AF ablation. Cryoballoon technique was used in 79.2% of the day‐cases, and 91.6% of the procedures were performed under conscious sedation. 1.8% (13) of the participants met the safety composite endpoint at 48‐h, however only 0.7% (5) required at least 1 day of hospitalization. Bleeding or hematoma at the femoral access site (0.5%) and pericarditic chest pain (0.5%) were the main reasons for readmission. None experienced cardiac tamponade or other life‐threatening complications in the 48‐h postdischarge. Overall rate of complication and/or presentation to hospital at 30 days was 3.7%. Our day‐case policy resulted in an annual cost‐saving of approximately of £83 927 for our hospital.

Conclusion

In this large multicentre cohort, same‐day discharge in selected patients following AF ablation appears to be safe and cost‐effective, with a very low rate of early readmission or post‐discharge complication.
Up‐regulation of FoxO1 contributes to adverse vascular remodelling in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Liu Jingjin , Xie Xiang , Yan Dan , Wang Yongshun , Yuan Hongbin , Cai Yin , Luo Jierong , Xu Aimin , Huang Yu , Cheung Chi Wai , Irwin Michael G. , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: October 2020

Vascular complications from diabetes often result in poor outcomes for patients, even after optimized interventions. Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) is a key regulator of cellular metabolism and plays an important role in vessel formation and maturation. Alterations of FoxO1 occur in the cardiovascular system in diabetes, yet the role of FoxO1 in diabetic vascular complications is poorly understood. In Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced type 1 diabetic rats, FoxO1 expression was up‐regulated in carotid arteries at 8 weeks of diabetes that was accompanied with adverse vascular remodelling characterized as increased wall thickness, carotid medial cross‐sectional area, media‐to‐lumen ratio and decreased carotid artery lumen area. This adverse vascular remodelling induced by hyperglycaemia in diabetic rats required FoxO1 activation as pharmacological inhibition of FoxO1 with 50mg/kg AS1842856 (AS) reversed vascular remodelling in type 1 diabetic rats. The adverse vascular remodelling in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurred concomitantly with increases in pro‐inflammatory factors, adhesion factors, apoptosis, NOD‐like receptor family protein‐3 inflammasome activation and the phenotypic switch of arterial smooth muscle cells, which were all reversed by AS. In addition, FoxO1 inhibition counteracted the down‐regulation of its upstream mediator PDK1 in T1DM. PDK1 activator reduced FoxO1 nuclear translocation, which serves as the basis for subsequent transcriptional regulation during hyperglycaemia. Taken together, our data suggest that FoxO1 is a critical trigger for type 1 diabetes‐induced vascular remodelling in rats, and inhibition of FoxO1 thus offers a potential therapeutic option for diabetes‐associated cardiovascular diseases.
LINC01128 regulates the development of osteosarcoma by sponging miR‐299‐3p to mediate MMP2 expression and activating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway
Authors: Yao Qiang , Chen Ting
Published: October 2020

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common metastatic bone cancers, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. The important role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological processes of OS has been demonstrated through several studies. In the current study, we evaluated the role of the lncRNA, LINC01128, in OS. We analysed the expression of LINC01128 in three OS gene expression omnibus (GEO) data sets GSE21257, GSE36001 and GSE42352. The expression of LINC01128 in OS tissues and matched non‐tumour tissues obtained from 50 OS patients was detected using qRT‐PCR. The association between LINC01128 expression and overall survival of OS patients was evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. The effects of LINC01128 knockdown and overexpression were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo assays. The LINC01128/miR‐299‐3p/ MMP2 axis was verified using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and qRT‐PCR assays. GEO data sets analysis revealed that the expression of LINC01128 was increased in OS. Elevated LINC01128 expression was accompanied by shorter overall survival in OS patients. Functional studies revealed that LINC01128 knockdown reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01128 sponged miR‐299‐3p to increase MMP2 expression. Rescue assays determined the role of the LINC01128/miR‐299‐3p/MMP2 axis in the proliferation, migration and invasion of OS cells. Additionally, the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway was activated by LINC01128 and MMP2 in OS cell lines. In summary, this study demonstrates that LINC01128 facilitates OS by functioning as a sponge of miR‐299‐3p, thus promoting MMP2 expression and activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway.
Putative chromosomal rearrangements are associated primarily with ecotype divergence rather than geographic separation in an intertidal, poorly dispersing snail
Authors: Kess Tony , Brachmann Matthew , Boulding Elizabeth G.
Published: October 2020

Littorina saxatilis is becoming a model system for understanding the genomic basis of ecological speciation. The parallel formation of crab‐adapted ecotypes that exhibit partial reproductive isolation from wave‐adapted ecotypes has enabled genomic investigation of conspicuous shell traits. Recent genomic studies suggest that chromosomal rearrangements may enable ecotype divergence by reducing gene flow. However, the genomic architecture of traits that are divergent between ecotypes remains poorly understood. Here, we use 11,504 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers called using the recently released L. saxatilis genome to genotype 462 crab ecotype, wave ecotype and phenotypically intermediate Spanish L. saxatilis individuals with scored phenotypes. We used redundancy analysis to study the genetic architecture of loci associated with shell shape, shape corrected for size, shell size and shell ornamentation, and to compare levels of co‐association among different traits. We discovered 341 SNPs associated with shell traits. Loci associated with trait divergence between ecotypes were often located inside putative chromosomal rearrangements recently characterized in Swedish L. saxatilis. In contrast, we found that shell shape corrected for size varied primarily by geographic site rather than by ecotype and showed little association with these putative rearrangements. We conclude that genomic regions of elevated divergence inside putative rearrangements were associated with divergence of L. saxatilis ecotypes along steep environmental axes—consistent with models of adaptation with gene flow—but were not associated with divergence among the three geographical sites. Our findings support predictions from models indicating the importance of genomic regions of reduced recombination allowing co‐association of loci during ecological speciation with ongoing gene flow.
Do as I say or as I do? Food handler's knowledge on good handling practices and evaluation of hygienic–sanitary conditions in hospital foodservices
Authors: Barbosa Fernanda Montenegro , de Souza Camila Valdejane Silva , Ribeiro Ellane Sabryna , de Azevedo Paulo Roberto Medeiros , da Silva Chaves Damasceno Karla Suzanne Florentino , Mont'Alverne Jucá Seabra Larissa
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall hygienic–sanitary conditions of university hospitals foodservices and assess food safety knowledge and self‐reported practices of food handlers. A self‐administered questionnaire based on sanitary standards for foodservices was given to 123 food handlers from three public hospitals. Microbiological analysis of food handling surfaces and food hygiene inspections were also performed. Food handlers' self‐reported knowledge and practices reached satisfactory levels (77.2% and 78.1%, respectively), and showed a significant positive intercorrelation (p < .05). Food hygiene inspections in the hospitals foodservices presented a 60.9% average of adequacy and microbiological analysis results showed that 66.7% of the evaluated surfaces presented significant contamination by mesophilic bacteria. The presence of coliforms at 45°C above the safety limit was identified in 47.9% of the surfaces. The results showed a need for motivating hospital food handlers to practice the safe handling knowledge that they have demonstrated in theory.
Bacterial pathogen detection by conventional culture‐based and recent alternative (polymerase chain reaction, isothermal amplification, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, bacteriophage amplification, and gold nanoparticle aggregation) methods in food samples: A review
Authors: Kim Sang‐Oh , Kim Sang‐Soon
Published: October 2020

The rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of foodborne pathogens is important to ensure food safety. Culture medium‐based methods for bacteria detection have long been used since Robert Koch's first finding. These methods are simple and cheap but have limitations, such as being time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and having low selectivity. In this regard, several alternative detection methods have been reported. Among these, recent studies related to the application of polymerase chain reaction, isothermal amplification, bacteriophage amplification, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and gold nanoparticle aggregation for detection of pathogens in food are discussed in this review. The principles, advantages, and disadvantages of alternative methods are covered, including their rapidity, sensitivity, and selectivity. Finally, regulations related to bacterial pathogen detection in the United States and South Korea were compared with remarks for their progress.
Ethanol neurotoxicity is mediated by changes in expression, surface localization and functional properties of glutamate AMPA receptors
Authors: Gerace Elisabetta , Ilari Alice , Caffino Lucia , Buonvicino Daniela , Lana Daniele , Ugolini Filippo , Resta Francesco , Nosi Daniele , Grazia Giovannini Maria , Ciccocioppo Roberto , Fumagalli Fabio , Pellegrini‐Giampietro Domenico E. , Masi Alessio , Mannaioni Guido
Published: October 2020

Modifications in the subunit composition of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) have been linked to the transition from physiological to pathological conditions in a number of contexts, including EtOH‐induced neurotoxicity. Previous work from our laboratory showed that EtOH withdrawal causes CA1 pyramidal cell death in organotypic hippocampal slices and changes in the expression of AMPARs. Here, we investigated whether changes in expression and function of AMPARs may be causal for EtOH‐induced neurotoxicity. To this aim, we examined the subunit composition, localization and function of AMPARs in hippocampal slices exposed to EtOH by using western blotting, surface expression assay, confocal microscopy and electrophysiology. We found that EtOH withdrawal specifically increases GluA1 protein signal in total homogenates, but not in the post‐synaptic density‐enriched fraction. This is suggestive of overall increase and redistribution of AMPARs to the extrasynaptic compartment. At functional level, AMPA‐induced calcium influx was unexpectedly reduced, whereas AMPA‐induced current was enhanced in CA1 pyramidal neurons following EtOH withdrawal, suggesting that increased AMPAR expression may lead to cell death because of elevated excitability, and not for a direct contribution on calcium influx. Finally, the neurotoxicity caused by EtOH withdrawal was attenuated by the non‐selective AMPAR antagonist 2,3‐dioxo‐6‐nitro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline‐7‐sulfonamide disodium salt as well as by the selective antagonist of GluA2‐lacking AMPARs 1‐naphthyl acetyl spermine. We conclude that EtOH neurotoxicity involves changes in expression, surface localization and functional properties of AMPARs, and propose GluA2‐lacking AMPARs as amenable specific targets for the development of neuroprotective drugs in EtOH‐withdrawal syndrome.

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Age‐ and gender‐dependent variability in the geometry of middle cerebral artery bifurcations
Authors: Żyłkowski Jarosław , Rosiak Grzegorz , Rowiński Olgierd , Spińczyk Dominik
Published: October 2020

The goal of this study was to analyze trends in the geometric parameters of blood vessels with age in a randomly selected group of 200 computed tomography angiography studies of radiologically healthy individuals using dedicated statistical techniques. A quantitative description of cerebral vascular geometry with numerical parameters (bifurcation angle, branching angle, co‐planarity index, average curvature, and average torsion) was proposed. The changes and variability in geometry were analyzed according to age. The bifurcation angle, branching angle, and average curvature increased with age, whereas the co‐planarity index and average torsion decreased with age. For equal‐diameter branches, women comparing to men presented lower bifurcation angles in the 4th decade of life, and lower values for the co‐planarity index in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. In non–equal‐diameter branches, the opposite relationship was observed for bifurcation angle in the 4th decade of life comparing both groups. All analyzed parameters showed clearly visible trends with patient age. Deviations in specific decades of life were detected; these deviations could be linked to the development of aneurysms in specific age groups.
Clinical results of transarterial embolization for post‐partum hemorrhage in 62 patients
Authors: Ono Yasuyuki , Kariya Shuji , Nakatani Miyuki , Ueno Yutaka , Yoshida Asami , Maruyama Takuji , Komemushi Atsushi , Tanigawa Noboru
Published: October 2020

Aim

The pathology of post‐partum hemorrhage (PPH) differs depending on its cause, background and timing of bleeding, and the effectiveness of transarterial embolization (TAE) is thought to vary based on these characteristics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes of TAE for PPH.

Methods

Technical success, initial clinical success (hemostasis without repeat TAE or surgical treatment after initial TAE) and final clinical success (hemostasis with or without repeat TAE, but without surgical treatment) were assessed in 62 Japanese patients. Factors affecting final clinical success were analyzed using univariate analysis. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Further, the clinical course and factors associated with rebleeding, return of menstruation and fertility, and complications of TAE were assessed.

Results

Final clinical success rate was significantly lower in cases with obstetrical disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) DIC (P = 0.01, 0.03). Rebleeding (n = 9, 14.5%) was more common in patients with retained products of conception (RPOC) (P = 0.006). On long‐term follow‐up in 23 patients, return of menstruation was confirmed in 17 (73.9%) of these patients. Subsequent pregnancy was confirmed in seven patients (30.4%). TAE‐related complications were seen in 6 patients (9.0%). There were no maternal deaths.

Conclusions

Obstetrical and ISTH DIC reduced the success rate of TAE for PPH (P = 0.01, 0.03). Rebleeding, which is observed significantly more frequently in PPH caused by RPOC (P = 0.006), can be effectively treated by repeat TAE.
On the relationship between BCG coverage and national COVID‐19 outcome: could ‘heterologous’ herd immunity explain why some countries are better off?
Authors: Lerm M.
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected most parts of the global society since its emergence, and the scientific community has been challenged with questions urgently demanding answers. One of the early hypotheses on COVID‐19 outcome was that some protection could be offered by the tuberculosis vaccine (BCG), and several clinical studies were initiated along with the emergence of numerous observational studies on the relationship between BCG and COVID‐19 severity. In the present work, I demonstrate a strong correlation between the number of years that countries implemented BCG vaccination plans and age‐standardized mortality rates during the first months of the pandemic in Europe. Further analyses of age groups in two European countries with comparably few confounding factors and easily identifiable groups of BCG‐vaccinated and non‐vaccinated subgroups suggest a population‐level effect of BCG on national outcomes of COVID‐19. This phenomenon of ‘heterologous herd immunity’ deserves further investigation, both in epidemiological and experimental studies.
Observational study of falls in children from windows and balconies: What has changed?
Authors: Houlton Adelene Y , Manglick Patricia , Soundappan Soundappan S V , Douglass Candace , Wicks Suzanne , Holland Andrew J A , Cass Danny T
Published: October 2020

Aim

To describe patterns of injury from window and balcony falls in children presenting to a tertiary paediatric trauma centre in New South Wales.

Methods

A retrospective review of cases of children <15 years who had sustained injuries in a fall from a building, identified from the trauma database between 1998 and 2019.

Results

A total of 381 falls from windows and balconies were recorded over the 22‐year study period. There were 218 falls from windows (57%) and 163 from balconies. The majority (64%) were children under 4 years of age. The male to female ratio was 2:1. While many children sustained simple abrasions, contusions and lacerations, 17% sustained injuries with an injury severity scores of ≥12. There were four deaths.

Conclusions

This study identified that children falling from buildings remains a problem in Australia. Although many injuries were minor, severe injuries and fatalities continue to occur.
Who Lives Where and Why? Residential Changes Across Adulthood in Persons With Down Syndrome
Authors: Lee Chung E. , Urbano Richard C. , Burke Meghan M. , Hodapp Robert M.
Published: October 2020

Although lifespans have increased for adults with Down syndrome, few studies have examined changes in residential arrangements across adulthood. Using datasets from sibling (Phase I) and parent (Phase II) reporters of individuals with Down syndrome, this study examined: percentages of adults who lived with or away from parents during their 20s, 30s, and 40s–50s; changes over adulthood in offspring and parental functioning; and predictors of leaving the parental home. In these secondary data analyses, we examined 250 adults with Down syndrome in Phase I and 703 adults with Down syndrome in Phase II. In both phases, gradual declines in living with parents occurred from the 20s to the 30s, more rapid declines in the 40s–50s. When adults with Down syndrome were aged 40–59, both adults and parents showed health and functional declines. Older ages of adults with Down syndrome and, in the 40s–50s group, presumed parental functional declines both predicted adults with Down syndrome leaving their parents' homes. Practical, policy, and research implications are discussed.
Assessment of littoral algal diversity from the northern Gulf of Mexico using environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Bombin Sergei , Wysor Brian , Lopez‐Bautista Juan M.
Published: October 2020

Traditional methods for algal biodiversity monitoring are costly and time inefficient because they rely on high‐level taxonomic expertise to address species identity problems involving phenotypic plasticity and morphological convergence. These problems are exacerbated in regions such as the Gulf of Mexico, that has a limited history of phycological exploration, but that are economically important or threatened by numerous anthropogenic stressors. Given the high pace of disturbance to natural systems, there is a critical need for expedient and cost‐effective tools for the study of benthic algal communities. Here we document the use of environmental DNA metabarcoding, using the partial LSU rDNA and 23S rDNA plastid molecular markers, to elucidate littoral algal diversity in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. We assigned 73.7% of algal OTUs to genus and 59.6% to species ranks. Our current study detected molecular signals for 35 algal/protist species with no previous reports in the Gulf of Mexico, thus providing an important, molecular‐validated, baseline of species richness for this region. We also make several bioinformatic recommendations for the efficient use of high‐throughput sequence data to assess biological communities.
Self‐Determination to Increase Oral Reading Fluency Performance: Pilot and Replication Single‐Case Design Studies
Authors: Didion Lisa , Toste Jessica R. , Benz Sarah A.
Published: October 2020

We report findings from multiple baseline design studies examining the effects of a program (“Data Mountain”) to improve the oral reading fluency (ORF) performance of 12 third‐grade students with significant reading difficulties. The Data Mountain program guided students through self‐monitoring, goal setting, and motivation training related to their reading performance. In the pilot study, these components were introduced across two experimental phases (self‐monitoring and goal setting, followed by motivation training) to observe potential additive effects. In the replication study, the full Data Mountain program was introduced in one experimental phase. Between‐case standardized mean difference effect sizes yielded moderate effects across studies (ES = 0.53, 0.63). Visual analyses of data revealed that students demonstrated increased levels of words read correctly per minute (wpm). In the pilot study, students’ fluency increased to an average of 22 wpm in the self‐monitoring and goal‐setting phase, and to a further 9 wpm in the motivation training phase. In the replication study, students increased an average of 18 wpm with the Data Mountain program. These results provide evidence to suggest that self‐determination and motivation training have the potential to support the ORF performance of students with significant reading difficulties in the elementary grades.
Describing the current status of Plasmodium falciparum population structure and drug resistance within mainland Tanzania using molecular inversion probes
Authors: Moser Kara A. , Madebe Rashid A. , Aydemir Ozkan , Chiduo Mercy G. , Mandara Celine I. , Rumisha Susan F. , Chaky Frank , Denton Madeline , Marsh Patrick W. , Verity Robert , Watson Oliver J. , Ngasala Billy , Mkude Sigsbert , Molteni Fabrizio , Njau Ritha , Warsame Marian , Mandike Renata , Kabanywanyi Abdunoor M. , Mahende Muhidin K. , Kamugisha Erasmus , Ahmed Maimuna , Kavishe Reginald A. , Greer George , Kitojo Chonge A. , Reaves Erik J. , Mlunde Linda , Bishanga Dunstan , Mohamed Ally , Juliano Jonathan J. , Ishengoma Deus S. , Bailey Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2020

High‐throughput Plasmodium genomic data is increasingly useful in assessing prevalence of clinically important mutations and malaria transmission patterns. Understanding parasite diversity is important for identification of specific human or parasite populations that can be targeted by control programmes, and to monitor the spread of mutations associated with drug resistance. An up‐to‐date understanding of regional parasite population dynamics is also critical to monitor the impact of control efforts. However, this data is largely absent from high‐burden nations in Africa, and to date, no such analysis has been conducted for malaria parasites in Tanzania countrywide. To this end, over 1,000 P. falciparum clinical isolates were collected in 2017 from 13 sites in seven administrative regions across Tanzania, and parasites were genotyped at 1,800 variable positions genome‐wide using molecular inversion probes. Population structure was detectable among Tanzanian P. falciparum parasites, approximately separating parasites from the northern and southern districts and identifying genetically admixed populations in the north. Isolates from nearby districts were more likely to be genetically related compared to parasites sampled from more distant districts. Known drug resistance mutations were seen at increased frequency in northern districts (including two infections carrying pfk13‐R561H), and additional variants with undetermined significance for antimalarial resistance also varied by geography. Malaria Indicator Survey (2017) data corresponded with genetic findings, including average region‐level complexity‐of‐infection and malaria prevalence estimates. The parasite populations identified here provide important information on extant spatial patterns of genetic diversity of Tanzanian parasites, to which future surveys of genetic relatedness can be compared.
Optimised tissue clearing minimises distortion and destruction during tissue delipidation
Authors: Lee Krit , Lai Hei Ming , Soerensen Maja Hoejvang , Hui Edward Sai‐Kam , Ma Victor Wan‐San , Cho William Chi‐Shing , Ho Yuen‐Shan , Chang Raymond Chuen‐Chung
Published: October 2020

Aims

A variety of tissue clearing techniques have been developed to render intact tissue transparent. For thicker samples, additional partial tissue delipidation is required before immersion into the final refractive index (RI)‐matching solution, which alone is often inadequate to achieve full tissue transparency. However, it is difficult to determine a sufficient degree of tissue delipidation, excess of which can result in tissue distortion and protein loss. Here, we aim to develop a clearing strategy that allows better monitoring and more precise determination of delipidation progress.

Methods

We combined the detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) with OPTIClear, a RI‐matching solution, to form a strategy termed Accurate delipidation with Optimal Clearing (Accu‐OptiClearing). Accu‐OptiClearing allows for a better preview of the final tissue transparency achieved when immersed in OPTIClear alone just before imaging. We assessed for the changes in clearing rate, protein loss, degree of tissue distortion, and preservation of antigens.

Results

Partial delipidation using Accu‐OptiClearing accelerated tissue clearing and better preserved tissue structure and antigens than delipidation with SDS alone. Despite achieving similar transparency in the final OPTIClear solution, more lipids were retained in samples cleared with Accu‐OptiClearing compared to SDS.

Conclusions

Combining the RI‐matching solution OPTIClear with detergents, Accu‐OptiClearing, can avoid excessive delipidation, leading to accelerated tissue clearing, less tissue damage and better preserved antigens.
Identification of citrus immune regulators involved in defence against Huanglongbing using a new functional screening system
Authors: Huang Chien Yu , Niu DongDong , Kund Gregory , Jones Mike , Albrecht Ute , Nguyen Lincoln , Bui Christine , Ramadugu Chandrika , Bowman Kim D. , Trumble John , Jin Hailing
Published: October 2020

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating citrus disease in the world. Almost all commercial citrus varieties are susceptible to the causal bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). Currently, there are no effective management strategies to control HLB. HLB‐tolerant traits have been reported in some citrus relatives and citrus hybrids, which offer a direct pathway for discovering natural defence regulators to combat HLB. Through comparative analysis of small RNA profiles and target gene expression between an HLB‐tolerant citrus hybrid (Poncirus trifoliata × Citrus reticulata) and a susceptible citrus variety, we identified a panel of candidate defence regulators for HLB‐tolerance. These regulators display similar expression patterns in another HLB‐tolerant citrus relative, with a distinct genetic and geographic background, the Sydney hybrid (Microcitrus virgata). Because the functional validation of candidate regulators in tree crops is always challenging, we developed a novel rapid functional screening method, using a C. Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso)/potato psyllid/Nicotiana benthamiana interaction system to mimic the natural transmission and infection circuit of the HLB complex. When combined with efficient virus‐induced gene silencing in N. benthamiana, this innovative and cost‐effective screening method allows for rapid identification and functional characterization of regulators involved in plant immune responses against HLB, such as the positive regulator BRCA1‐Associated Protein, and the negative regulator Vascular Associated Death Protein.
Getting the most out of waste: how dung beetles boost the nitrogen content in their food
Authors: Madzivhe Fhulufhedzani M. , Woolley Christopher , Byrne Marcus
Published: October 2020

The life cycle of almost all dung beetles revolve around mammalian dung, the feed on dung, look for mating partners on dung and lay eggs in the dung. We know they feed on dung, but we still do not understand how exactly they filter‐feed on the dung and which particles size range they are ingesting. The aim on this study was to investigate the filter feeding by particle selection by adult dung beetles using Scarabaeus goryi and how that improves the nutrient quality of the ingested particles. We compared the particle sizes and nutrient content of the dung with the ingested material in the foregut, hindgut and the faeces of the dung beetle. Adult dung beetles do select smaller dung particles when feeding, we found the maximum particle size for the ingested particle to be around 1400 μm. The average particle size increased through the gut length. Dung beetles also selected particles with higher nitrogen content when feeding, the nitrogen content increased from about 1.5% in the dung to just over 5% in the foregut which then decreased to the level of the unprocessed dung in the dung beetle faeces. Carbon content did not increase from the unprocessed dung to the foregut but decreased through the gut length. Feeding by particle size selection by dung beetles helps in selecting particles with higher nitrogen content to compensate for the low levels found in dung.