bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is it still possible to reduce population salt intake in the absence of adequate national policies and regulations? A social marketing intervention
Authors: Soleymani Nejad Marzeyeh , Keshavarz-Mohammadi Nastaran , Omidvar Nasrin , Zayeri Farid
Published: April 2022

Purpose

High salt intake is one of the most important causes of some serious health problems. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a salt intake reduction intervention based on social marketing model in Ahwaz city, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a before-after study with a control group using social marketing approach. Two similar residential complexes were chosen and randomly assigned into intervention or control groups. One hundred and thirty women were selected in each complex. Formative research was conducted, including focus group discussions (FGDs), a survey to identify cognitive factors of salt intake and a 24-h urine test to estimate salt intake value. Based on the results of the formative research, an intervention was planned and implemented for one month in the intervention group. The postintervention assessment was conducted repeating the cognitive survey and urine test. Statistical tests, including independent T-Test and paired T-Test, were used to compare the experimental and control groups.

Findings

Before the intervention mean salt intake levels were 8,574.41 and 8,282.23 mg/day in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The total mean scores of cognitive and behavioral factors were 25.32 and 26.41 out of 59 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. After the intervention in the intervention group, daily salt intake decreased significantly by 1,558.83 mg/day and mean total scores of cognitive and behavioral factors increased significantly by 10.73.

Research limitations/implications

Due to sodium excretion fluctuations in different days and/or different people, estimating sodium excretion based on one-day sample may have bias. Still, 24-h urine test is the most effective method to estimate population mean salt intake which is used in this study.

Practical implications

The authors could not investigate urine sodium levels in other family members due to resource limitations. Knowing this could help us to see if similar results are achieved.

Originality/value

Despite the lack of public policies to decrease population salt intake, interventions based on social marketing can significantly reduce salt intake. However, the long-term effect of such interventions will require further investigation.
A strategy for integrating hillside dwelling design and automated construction techniques
Authors: Tong Philip , Wilhelm Hans-Christian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Sloping topographies in urban areas are often under-utilised due to complex designs and difficult access, resulting in low construction productivity and high cost. Automated construction techniques are usually limited to flat sites or lab spaces. This research combines concepts for automated and prefabricated construction with hillside dwelling design. It proposes a strategy to integrate both aspects and to equally inform design process and design output. The aims are to turn hillside access and construction automation into design generators, improve productivity and use more affordable hillside sites.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of typologies for hillside housing and automated construction techniques is used to derive principles and parameters to inform a strategy and generative script for setting out, volumetric disposition and access and using the topography as a design-generator. The output from the generative script and tool can then form the basis of a high-density, low-rise dwelling development suited for serial, automation-assisted construction. The strategy is tested on a case study site.

Findings

The typological analysis helps devising strategies for integrating construction robotics and design criteria for hillside housing. The generative script illustrates how a strategy is implemented and used in a design tool able to absorb varying input data, including topographies. This generates innovative, site-specific design outcomes, suited for a process that adapts contemporary construction automation techniques and allows for more efficient use of hillside sites.

Originality/value

This research builds on construction automation methods and proposes novel combinations and adaptations for use on hillside sites. It demonstrates how robotics and generative tools can inform early design stages.
National Olympic Committee sponsorship in small states: a case study with a focus on the Caribbean region
Authors: Kim Jeeyoon , Delia Elizabeth , Walsh Patrick
Published: April 2022

Purpose

National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in small states operate in a unique market (e.g. small population, confined market and limited private sector) that brings challenges in securing sponsors and funding athletes. Whereas more than a quarter of International Olympic Committee (IOC)-recognized NOCs represent small states, not much is known about the sponsorship landscape in the market. This study explores the importance and challenges of NOC sponsorship in small states, with a focus on the Caribbean region.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with representatives from NOCs in Caribbean small states. Textual analyses were conducted with Leximancer to identify key themes on the importance and challenges of NOC sponsorship.

Findings

Athletes, funding and community were identified as key themes for the importance of NOC sponsorship. Olympic Movement, time, priority, resources and overcome were themes for sponsorship challenges. Compared to existing sponsorship knowledge driven from developed economies, known determinants for the sponsor's decision-making (e.g. interest in sport, competitor) were found to affect NOC sponsorship in Caribbean small states, but in distinctive ways. Particularly, the lacking appreciation of Olympic values and sport within society, resource constraints (e.g. volunteer-based and operating “within reality”) and competition against member federations and government were highlighted as unique situations/challenges faced in the market.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to explore NOC sponsorship in the important, yet overlooked, market of Caribbean small states. Theoretical insights on how existing sponsorship knowledge applies to and practical implications for securing NOC sponsorship in the marginalized market are provided.
The decline of home‐cooked food
Authors: Griffith Rachel , Jin Wenchao (Michelle) , Lechene Valérie
Published: April 2022

The share of home‐cooked food in the diet of UK households declined from the 1980s. This was contemporaneous with a decline in the market price of ingredients for home cooking relative to ready‐to‐eat foods. We consider a simple model of food consumption and time use that captures the key driving forces behind these apparently conflicting trends. We show that observed behaviour can be rationalised by the fact that the shadow price of home‐cooked food, which accounts for the fact that cooking takes time, has risen relative to the price of ready‐to‐eat food, due to the increase in the market value of time of secondary earners. We discuss the implications for policies that aim to encourage healthier diets.
The effect of neuroimmune modulation on subjective response to alcohol in the natural environment
Authors: Meredith Lindsay R. , Grodin Erica N. , Montoya Amanda K. , Miranda Robert , Squeglia Lindsay M. , Towns Brandon , Evans Christopher , Ray Lara A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite the promising implications for novel immune therapeutics, few clinical trials have tested these therapies to date. An understanding of how immune pharmacotherapies influence complex alcohol use disorder (AUD) profiles, including subjective response to alcohol, is very limited. Initial findings show that ibudilast, a neuroimmune modulator, reduces rates of heavy drinking and measures of alcohol craving.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of a 2‐week clinical trial of ibudilast that enrolled a nontreatment‐seeking sample with AUD. Eligible participants (N = 52) were randomized to receive ibudilast or matched placebo and completed daily diary assessments (DDAs) during the 2‐week period. Each morning, participants reported on their mood and craving levels both before and during the previous day's drinking episode, as well as stimulation and sedation levels during the previous day's drinking episode. Multilevel models were used to compare the effects of ibudilast and placebo on subjective alcohol response. Exploratory analyses tested whether ibudilast moderated the relationship between daily stimulation/sedation and alcohol intake and whether withdrawal‐related dysphoria moderated ibudilast's effects on subjective response.

Results

Ibudilast did not significantly alter mean levels of stimulation or sedation (p's > 0.05). It did, however, moderate the effect of daily stimulation on drinking (p = 0.045). Ibudilast attenuated alcohol‐induced increases in craving compared with placebo (p = 0.047), but not other subjective response measures. Ibudilast significantly tempered daily alcohol‐induced changes in urge to drink and positive mood only among individuals without withdrawal‐related dysphoria.

Conclusions

Ibudilast's effects on subjective alcohol responses appear to be nuanced and perhaps most salient for individuals drinking for positive reinforcement as distinguished from those who drink to feel normal. Consistent with previous findings, reductions in alcohol craving may represent a primary mechanism of ibudilast's effects on drinking. The ecologically valid nature of DDAs provide a clinically useful window into how individuals experience alcohol's effects while taking ibudilast.
Editorial: doesTAFhave a better or worse safety profile thanTDF, to treat hepatitis B?
Authors: Hill Andrew
Published: April 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lim et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16788andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16886
Editorial: delayed gastric emptying as an independent predictor of mortality in gastroparesis—it is clinically relevant after all!
Authors: Karunaratne Tennekoon B. , Sharma Amol
Published: April 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Gourcerol et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16827 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16885
Letter: potential selection bias in the real‐world comparison of ustekinumab versus vedolizumab as a second‐line treatment for Crohn’s disease
Authors: Adomi Motohiko , Ray Avik
Published: April 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lenti et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16742 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16896
Letter: the value of quality liver biopsy before initiation of corticosteroids for severe alcoholic hepatitis‐authors' reply
Authors: Forrest Ewan , Goldin Robert
Published: April 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lanthier et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16835
Predation on artificial caterpillars following understorey fires in human‐modified Amazonian forests
Authors: Rossi Liana Chesini , Berenguer Erika , Lees Alexander Charles , Barlow Jos , Ferreira Joice , França Filipe M. , Tavares Paulo , Pizo Marco Aurélio
Published: April 2022

Tropical forests are facing several impacts from anthropogenic disturbances, climate change, and extreme climate events, with potentially severe consequences for ecological functions, such as predation on folivorous invertebrates. Folivory has a major influence on tropical forests by affecting plant fitness and overall seedling performance. However, we do not know whether the predation of folivorous arthropods by birds, mammals, reptiles, and other arthropods is affected by anthropogenic disturbances such as selective logging and forest fires. We investigated the impacts of both pre‐El Niño human disturbances and the 2015–2016 El Niño understorey fires on the predation of 4500 artificial caterpillars across 30 Amazonian forest plots. Plots were distributed in four pre‐El Niño forest classes: undisturbed, logged, logged‐and‐burned, and secondary forests, of which 14 burned in 2015–16. We found a higher predation incidence in forests that burned during the El Niño in comparison with unburned ones. Moreover, logged‐and‐burned forests that burned again in 2015–16 were found to have significantly higher predation incidence by vertebrates than other forest classes. However, overall predation incidence in pre‐El Niño forest disturbance classes was similar to undisturbed forests. Arthropods were the dominant predators of artificial caterpillars, accounting for 91.5% of total predation attempts. Our results highlight the resilience of predation incidence in human‐modified forests, although the mechanisms underpinning this resilience remain unclear.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Critically important outcomes for infection in trials in kidney transplantation: An international survey of patients, caregivers, and health professionals
Authors: Chan Samuel , Howell Martin , Johnson David W. , Hawley Carmel M. , Tong Allison , Craig Jonathan C. , Cao Christopher , Blumberg Emily , Brennan Daniel , Campbell Scott B. , Francis Ross S. , Huuskes Brooke M. , Isbel Nicole M. , Knoll Greg , Kotton Camille , Mamode Nizam , Muller Elmi , Biostat Elaine M. Pascoe M. , An Ha Phan Hai , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , White David M. , Viecelli Andrea K.
Published: April 2022

Background

Infections are a common complication following kidney transplantation, but are reported inconsistently in clinical trials. This study aimed to identify the infection outcomes of highest priority for patients/caregivers and health professionals to inform a core outcome set to be reported in all kidney transplant clinical trials.

Methods

In an international online survey, participants rated the absolute importance of 16 infections and eight severity dimensions on 9‐point Likert Scales, with 7–9 being critically important. Relative importance was determined using a best–worst scale. Means and proportions of the Likert‐scale ratings and best–worst preference scores were calculated.

Results

353 healthcare professionals (19 who identified as both patients/caregiver and healthcare professionals) and 220 patients/caregivers (190 patients, 22 caregivers, eight who identified as both) from 55 countries completed the survey. Both healthcare professionals and patients/caregivers rated bloodstream (mean 8.4 and 8.5, respectively; aggregate 8.5), kidney/bladder (mean 7.9 and 8.4; aggregate 8.1), and BK virus (mean 8.1 and 8.6; aggregate 8.3) as the top three most critically important infection outcomes, whilst infectious death (mean 8.8 and 8.6; aggregate 8.7), impaired graft function (mean 8.4 and 8.7; aggregate 8.5) and admission to the intensive care unit (mean 8.2 and 8.3; aggregate 8.2) were the top three severity dimensions. Relative importance (best–worst) scores were consistent.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals and patients/caregivers consistently identified bloodstream infection, kidney/bladder infections, and BK virus as the three most important infection outcomes, and infectious death, admission to intensive care unit and infection impairing graft function as the three most important infection severity outcomes.
Disaster aid? Mapping historical responses to volcanic eruptions from 1800–2000 in the English‐speaking Eastern Caribbean: their role in creating vulnerabilities
Authors: Barclay Jenni , Robertson Richie , Scarlett Jazmin P. , Pyle David M. , Armijos Maria Teresa
Published: April 2022

This paper uses volcanic eruptions on the Caribbean islands of Montserrat and Saint Vincent to explore the role that British colonial rule in the past and near past (1800–2000) has played in response to and recovery from hazardous events, and in turn, the influence that the nature of the hazards has on these responses. It shows that systemic vulnerabilities to natural hazards have been created by inadequate aid responses and longer‐term chronic problems and demonstrates that hazard impacts are compounded by them. Vulnerabilities could be reduced by analysing integrated hazard impacts to generate mitigative measures across hazards and identify actions that more closely match timescales of political decision‐making. Incorporating local knowledge and experience into risk analysis will enable the most effective use of aid resources, ahead of emergencies. Finally, coupling aid for long‐term development with emergency response would improve outcomes and adaptation to longer‐term vulnerabilities in immediate rebuilding and short‐term recovery.
A comparison of blood and brain‐derived ageing and inflammation‐related DNA methylation signatures and their association with microglial burdens
Authors: Stevenson Anna J. , McCartney Daniel L. , Gadd Danni A. , Shireby Gemma , Hillary Robert F. , King Declan , Tzioras Makis , Wrobel Nicola , McCafferty Sarah , Murphy Lee , McColl Barry W. , Redmond Paul , Taylor Adele M. , Harris Sarah E. , Russ Tom C. , McIntosh Andrew M. , Mill Jonathan , Smith Colin , Deary Ian J. , Cox Simon R. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Spires‐Jones Tara L.
Published: April 2022

Inflammation and ageing‐related DNA methylation patterns in the blood have been linked to a variety of morbidities, including cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear how these blood‐based patterns relate to patterns within the brain and how each associates with central cellular profiles. In this study, we profiled DNA methylation in both the blood and in five post mortem brain regions (BA17, BA20/21, BA24, BA46 and hippocampus) in 14 individuals from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936. Microglial burdens were additionally quantified in the same brain regions. DNA methylation signatures of five epigenetic ageing biomarkers (‘epigenetic clocks’), and two inflammatory biomarkers (methylation proxies for C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6) were compared across tissues and regions. Divergent associations between the inflammation and ageing signatures in the blood and brain were identified, depending on region assessed. Four out of the five assessed epigenetic age acceleration measures were found to be highest in the hippocampus (β range = 0.83–1.14, p ≤ 0.02). The inflammation‐related DNA methylation signatures showed no clear variation across brain regions. Reactive microglial burdens were found to be highest in the hippocampus (β = 1.32, p = 5 × 10−4); however, the only association identified between the blood‐ and brain‐based methylation signatures and microglia was a significant positive association with acceleration of one epigenetic clock (termed DNAm PhenoAge) averaged over all five brain regions (β = 0.40, p = 0.002). This work highlights a potential vulnerability of the hippocampus to epigenetic ageing and provides preliminary evidence of a relationship between DNA methylation signatures in the brain and differences in microglial burdens.
Inflammatory response and immunohistochemical characterization of experimental calcium silicate‐based perforation repair material
Authors: Okasha Hend , Abu‐Seida Ashraf M. , Hashem Ahmed A. , El Ashry Salma H. , Nagy Mohamed M.
Published: April 2022

This study compares the immunohistochemical reaction of a new experimental tricalcium silicate perforation repair material to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine. A total of 162 mature premolar teeth from 12 dogs were divided into three experimental groups (n = 54 teeth each) according to the evaluation period: 1, 2 and 3 months. Each group was further divided into two equal subgroups (n = 27 teeth each) according to the time of repair: immediate repair and delayed repair. Each subgroup was subdivided according to the material used into three experimental subdivisions (n = 8 teeth each): MTA, Biodentine (Septodont) and experimental material, and two control subdivisions: positive control (n = 2 teeth) and negative control (one tooth). Under general anaesthesia, access cavity was done. Cleaning and shaping were performed using ProTaper universal rotary instruments. The canals were obturated using cold lateral compaction technique with Gutta percha and Adseal sealer. Furcation perforations were created then randomly sealed using the three materials either immediately or after one month (delayed repair). Inflammatory cell count and immunohistochemical analysis of osteopontin‐positive area fraction were digitally analysed using the ImageJ software. Delayed furcal perforation repair showed significantly higher inflammatory cell count than immediate repair. No significant difference in inflammatory cell count and immunohistochemical analysis was detected between the three tested materials. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed the highest immunopositive area fraction in the 3‐month evaluation period. The experimental tricalcium silicate cement performed similarly to Biodentine and MTA regarding the osteopontin expression during perforation repair, suggesting it is a suitable alternative with favourable handling characters.
GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor (GRANT) compared with Leibovich score to predict survival in localized renal cell carcinoma: A nationwide study
Authors: Juul Simon , Donskov Frede , Clark Peter E , Lund Lars , Azawi Nessn H
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine the performance of Leibovich score versus GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score in predicting disease recurrence in renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

In total, 7653 patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma from 2010 to 2018 were captured in the nationwide DaRenCa database; 2652 underwent radical or partial nephrectomy and had full datasets regarding the GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score and Leibovich score. Discrimination was assessed with a Cox regression model. The results were evaluated with concordance index analysis.

Results

Median follow‐up was 40 months (interquartile range 24–56). Recurrence occurred in 17%, and 15% died. A significant proportion of patients (36%) had missing data for the calculation of the Leibovich score. Among 1957 clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients the distribution of GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score of 0, 1, 2, or 3/4 was 21%, 56%, 21% and 1.4%, respectively, and for Leibovich score of low/intermediate/high this was 47%, 36% and 18%, respectively. A similar distribution was seen in 655 non‐clear cell patients. Both Leibovich and GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor scores performed well in predicting outcomes for the favorable patient risk groups. The Leibovich score was better at predicting recurrence‐free survival (concordance index 0.736 versus 0.643), but not overall survival (concordance index 0.657 versus 0.648). Similar results were obtained in non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor and Leibovich scores were validated in clear cell and non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Leibovich score outperformed the GRade, Age, Nodes, and Tumor score in predicting recurrence‐free survival and should remain the standard approach to risk stratify patients during follow‐up when all data are available.
Eradication of sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius, from Tsuken Island, Okinawa, Japan, under transient invasion of males
Authors: Ikegawa Yusuke , Kawamura Futoshi , Sadoyama Yasutsune , Kinjo Kunio , Haraguchi Dai , Honma Atsushi , Himuro Chihiro , Matsuyama Takashi
Published: April 2022

An eradication project against the sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), one of the most important pests of sweet potato in the world, was initiated in Oct. 2007 on Tsuken Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The sterile insect technique (SIT) and male annihilation technique (MAT) were employed as the main control measures to suppress and ultimately eradicate wild populations by impeding normal mating. In addition, two monitoring methods (host plant survey and trap survey) were used to evaluate the progress of the control actions. However, several years after the start of the project, wild male weevils were regularly captured by male‐attractant traps in seasonal patterns, although infestation was scarcely detected by host plant surveys. Evidently, the males flew to Tsuken Island from uncontrolled areas that were farther away than the weevils were previously expected to travel. Although the transient invasion of only males did not cause new colonization, it created a challenge for the progress of the project and the confirmation of the eradication of the weevil on Tsuken Island. To solve this problem, suppressive control measures in the uncontrolled area (Okinawa Island) to reduce transient invaders were implemented. In addition, to assess if control actions needed after eradication, a system was introduced to detect recolonization of the weevil based on trap catches of transient invading males. After the successive collection of 142,257 m of stem of host plants and 158.45 kg of root tubers of sweet potato without infestation (from February 2019 to November 2020), the eradication of C. formicarius from Tsuken Island was ultimately confirmed in November 2020.
Unique and ancestral features in trunk kidney microanatomy and ultrastructure of omul Coregonus migratorius
Authors: Flerova Ekaterina A. , Morozov Alexey A. , Yurchenko Victoria V. , Fomina Anastasia S. , Konovalova Victoria V.
Published: April 2022

This study presents novel data on the microanatomy and ultrastructure of the omul Coregonus migratorius trunk kidney. Adult individuals of C. migratorius were sampled in the Barguzin Bay of Lake Baikal. Active leuko‐ and erythropoiesis were found in the interstitium of the mesonephros. For the first time, cells with radially arranged vesicles have been described in the renal interstitium of C. migratorius. The quantitative characteristics of blood cells and ultrastructural parameters of leukocytes reflected the functioning of the non‐specific defence system in the organism. The share of the renal interstitium, morphological diversity of the epithelial cells of the nephron tubules, the ultrastructural features of the renal corpuscles and nephron tubules and the number of mitochondria in leukocytes and ion‐transporting cells were typical for representatives of the whitefish Coregonus lavaretus complex and thus considered ancestral features of the present‐day C. migratorius population reflecting its adaptive potential to living in an ultra‐deep Lake Baikal.
Non‐lethal sampling for the detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum by qPCR for diagnosis of bacterial kidney disease
Authors: Jansson Eva , Aspán Anna , Comin Arianna , Hjort Maj , Jinnerot Tomas , Axén Charlotte
Published: April 2022

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD), caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically and there is no available cure or prophylaxis. The control of BKD requires continuous surveillance, which is challenging in aquaculture as well as in programs for conservation and restoration of salmonid fish strains. BKD is a notifiable disease in Sweden and is monitored through the mandatory health control program using a polyclonal ELISA for detection of the Rs p57 protein in kidney. Fish must be killed for sampling, an obvious disadvantage especially regarding valuable broodfish. The present study shows that gill‐/cloacal swabs collected in vivo for real‐time PCR (qPCRgc), allow a sensitive and specific detection of Rs. The sensitivity of qPCRgc was estimated to 97.8% (credible interval (ci) 93.8%–100%) compared to 98.3% (ci 92.7%–100%) and 48.8% (ci 38.8%–58.8%) of kidney samples for qPCR (qPCRk) and ELISA (ELISAk) respectively, by use of the Bayesian Latent Class Analysis (BLCA). Since the goal of the program is eradication of BKD the most sensitive test is preferrable. Using qPCRgc instead of ELISAk will result in a lower false negative rate and can be useful for surveillance in aquaculture and in breeding programs with valuable fish. However, a higher false positive rate warrants confirmatory lethal testing before a previously Rs negative farm is subject to restrictions.
Evaluation of the effect of endotracheal aspiration at different head heights on oxygenation of the brain by non‐invasive method in intensive care patients
Authors: Köstekli Sibel , Çelik Sevim , Keskin Emrah
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the effect of endotracheal aspiration at different head heights on oxygenation brain by non‐invasive method in neurosurgery intensive care patients.

Background

Head elevation of mechanical ventilator‐dependent neurosurgery patients and the possible risks of endotracheal aspiration are closely related to the clinical conditions of the patients.

Design

A prospective quasi‐experimental study with repetitive measurements in a single group.

Methods

In the study, neurosurgery intensive care patients were adjusted to a head height of 15, 30 and 45° (n = 46, power analysis %90). Cerebral oxygenation levels were determined with a non‐invasive device at each head height before and in the 1st, 5th and 30th min of endotracheal aspiration. Data were collected with Patient Information Form and cerebral oxygenation device based on NIRS technology. This study performed according to the TREND reporting guidelines for non‐randomized/quasi experimental study.

Results

The highest cerebral oxygenation value was obtained at 30 min. The decrease in the cerebral oxygenation levels of the patients was highest in the 1st min after endotracheal aspiration, at a head height of 15 degrees for the right cerebral region and at a head height of 30 degrees for the left cerebral region. The increase in oxygenation of the right and left cerebral regions occurred highest at a head height of 45 degrees.

Conclusions

The ideal head height should be 45 degrees during and after endotracheal aspiration in regard to maintaining cerebral oxygenation in neurosurgery intensive care patients. It is extremely important to monitor the cerebral oxygenation status of patients, with non‐invasive measurement tools during and after endotracheal aspiration, to prevent secondary complications.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study reveals the importance of raising the head 45 degrees in the best preservation of cerebral oxygenation values in neurosurgery intensive care patients. Intensive care nurses should pay attention to maintaining this head height.
Learning by Owning in a Lemons Market
Authors: MARTEL JORDAN , MIRKIN KENNETH , WATERS BRIAN
Published: March 2022

We study market dynamics when an owner learns about the quality of her asset over time. Since this information is private, the owner sells strategically to a less informed buyer following sufficient negative information. In response, market prices feature a “U‐shape” and trading probabilities a “hump‐shape” with respect to the time to sale. As the owner initially acquires greater information, buyers suffer greater adverse selection, and prices fall accordingly. Eventually, the probability of an informed sale shrinks, and prices rebound. We provide evidence consistent with our model in markets for residential real estate, venture capital investments, and construction equipment.
Small‐scale spatiotemporal variability and distance–decay relationships in intertidal micro‐ and meiobenthic assemblages
Authors: Azovsky Andrey I. , Chertoprud Elena S. , Saburova Maria A.
Published: April 2022

Compositional similarity generally decreases with increasing geographic distance between sites (distance decay of similarity, DDS). Two non‐exclusive mechanisms have been proposed to explain this pattern: increasing differences in environmental conditions and pure spatial effects of dispersal limitation. On regional and global scales, environmental selection is considered the major factor for microbial assemblages, whereas pure spatial effects are generally more profound for larger organisms with limited dispersal ability. We investigated the DDS relationships at a small spatial scale (decimeters ‐ tens of meters) for three groups of benthic organisms differing in body size: diatoms and flagellates (DF), ciliates (CL), and harpacticoids (HA). All groups demonstrated definite DDS relationships. The pure spatial effects were strongest for the smallest‐size protists (DF), relatively weaker for CL and negligible for HA. In contrast, environmental factors (i.e., the differences in sediment properties) were more important for the HA and CL assemblages than for DF assemblages. In addition, we revealed a considerable temporal component of DDS relationships. First, similarity decreased with the time interval between sampling events (“temporal DDS”). Second, the average spatial similarity itself increased with time. These effects were significant for DF and CL only but were weak or undetectable for HA. Thus, our results are opposite to those commonly observed at larger (regional or global) scales. We suppose that the DDS relationships obtained at different spatial scales, despite formal similarity, reflect different phenomena driven by different mechanisms. At the geographical scale, species distribution patterns are mainly driven by long‐distance dispersal processes operated at the population level and dependent on their size‐related traits, which, taken in common, offer the advantage of small‐sized groups. The local‐scale distribution is primarily determined by individual motility and within‐habitat environmental heterogeneity. Small protists are relatively less motile, finely perceived and, therefore, have higher rates of spatial decay.
Half of children with IgA vasculitis‐associated nephritis with nephrotic state spontaneously recover
Authors: Deki Saori , Hamada Riku , Mikami Naoaki , Terano Chikako , Harada Ryoko , Hamasaki Yuko , Ishikura Kenji , Honda Masataka , Hataya Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Background

The clinical spectrum of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), now known as IgA vasculitis‐associated nephritis (IgAVN), ranges from isolated microscopic haematuria to nephrotic syndrome, progressive glomerulonephritis, and kidney failure. The outcome also varies, and the management of IgAVN is controversial. The presence of nephrotic state at disease onset is thought to be a risk factor of a poor prognosis. However, not all patients with nephrotic state have a poor prognosis, and it is unclear whether they need early treatment.

Methods

We herein retrospectively examined the clinical course of paediatric IgAVN cases with nephrotic state (serum albumin [sAlb]<3.0 g/dL and urine protein–creatinine ratio of >2.0 g/ gCr) without kidney injury treated at our hospital between 2010 and 2018.

Results

Of the 216 patients with IgAVN identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria. The median follow‐up period from disease onset to the last observation was 40.5 months (IQR:31.0–74.2). Eleven patients were male, the median age at onset was 5 years, the minimum serum Alb level was 1.9 g/dL, the maximum proteinuria value was 12.3 g/gCr, and the median minimum eGFR was 86.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the acute phase. Eight patients (47%) achieved resolution of nephrotic state within 3 months and complete remission without treatment by the last observation. The patients with spontaneous resolution of nephrotic state had less severe hypoalbuminaemia (Alb<2.0 g/dL) and tended to show a quick increase in the serum albumin level.

Conclusions

Our study found that half of paediatric patients with IgAVN with nephrotic state achieved spontaneous resolution without treatment and enjoyed a favourable short‐term outcome. Consideration of the duration of nephrotic state and trends in the serum albumin level in children with IgAVN may allow unnecessary kidney biopsies and immunosuppressive therapy to be avoided.
Neuropathology of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Choong Chi‐Jing , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: April 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive movement disability accompanied by non‐motor symptoms. The neuropathology hallmark of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons predominantly in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of intracellular inclusions termed Lewy bodies (LBs), which are mainly composed of α‐synuclein (αSyn). Detailed staging based on the distribution and progression pattern of αSyn pathology in the postmortem brains of PD patients revealed correlation with the clinical phenotypes but not invariably. Cumulative evidence from cell and animal studies has implied that αSyn propagation contributes to the anatomical spread of αSyn pathology in the brain. Here, we recount the studies over the past two centuries on the anatomopathological foundations of PD documented. We also review studies on the structural analysis of αSyn and LBs, Braak staging of αSyn pathology, the cell‐to‐cell propagation of αSyn as well as αSyn fibril polymorphisms, which underlie the phenotypic differences in synucleinopathies.
Forest regeneration within Earth system models: current process representations and ways forward
Authors: Hanbury‐Brown Adam R. , Ward Rachel E. , Kueppers Lara M.
Published: April 2022

Earth system models must predict forest responses to global change in order to simulate future global climate, hydrology, and ecosystem dynamics. These models are increasingly adopting vegetation demographic approaches that explicitly represent tree growth, mortality, and recruitment, enabling advances in the projection of forest vulnerability and resilience, as well as evaluation with field data. To date, simulation of regeneration processes has received far less attention than simulation of processes that affect growth and mortality, in spite of their critical role maintaining forest structure, facilitating turnover in forest composition over space and time, enabling recovery from disturbance, and regulating climate‐driven range shifts. Our critical review of regeneration process representations within current Earth system vegetation demographic models reveals the need to improve parameter values and algorithms for reproductive allocation, dispersal, seed survival and germination, environmental filtering in the seedling layer, and tree regeneration strategies adapted to wind, fire, and anthropogenic disturbance regimes. These improvements require synthesis of existing data, specific field data‐collection protocols, and novel model algorithms compatible with global‐scale simulations. Vegetation demographic models offer the opportunity to more fully integrate ecological understanding into Earth system prediction; regeneration processes need to be a critical part of the effort.
Evaluating the use of participatory action research to implement evidence‐based guidance on dementia palliative care in long‐term care settings: A creative hermeneutic analysis
Authors: Buckley Catherine , Hartigan Irene , Coffey Alice , Cornally Nicola , O’Connell Selena , O’Loughlin Christina , Timmons Suzanne , Lehane Elaine
Published: April 2022

Background

Dementia affects a large proportion of society and places a significant burden on older people and healthcare systems internationally. Managing symptoms at the end of life for people with dementia is complex. Participatory action research can offer an approach that helps to encourage implementation of evidence‐based practices in long‐term care settings.

Methods

Three evidence‐based guidance documents (pain assessment and management, medication management, nutrition and hydration management) were introduced in three long‐term care settings for older people. Data generated from work‐based learning groups were analysed using a critical hermeneutic approach to explore the use of participatory action research to support the implementation of guidance documents in these settings.

Results

Engagement and Facilitation emerged as key factors which both enabled and hindered the PAR processes at each study site.

Conclusions

This study adds to the body of knowledge that emphasises the value of participatory action research in enabling practice change. It further identifies key practice development approaches that are necessary to enable a PAR approach to occur in care settings for older people with dementia. The study highlights the need to ensure that dedicated attention is paid to strategies that facilitate key transformations in clinical practice.
Hospitalization following pediatric kidney transplantation: An international comparison among a Canadian pediatric transplant center, North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies, and Cooperative European Pediatric Renal Transplant Initiative registry data
Authors: Kim Jin K. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Tönshoff Burkhard , Chua Michael E. , Raveendran Lucshman , Krupka Kai , Teoh Chia Wei , Ming Jessica M. , Topaloglu Rezan , Dello Strologo Luca , Farhat Walid A. , Koyle Martin A.
Published: March 2022

Background

There are several databases across the world that collect pediatric KT data. We compare the hospitalization outcomes for pediatric KT recipients from a large Canadian transplant center (SickKids database; The Hospital for Sick Children Kidney Transplantation Institutional Database), United States (NAPRTCS), and Europe (CERTAIN registry).

Methods

An institutional retrospective review of KT was performed between 2000 and 2015. Baseline characteristics, duration of initial hospitalization/readmission at 1–5 and 6‐ to 11‐month posttransplant, and 1‐year graft survival data were collected. Corresponding data from the NAPRTCS 2014 Annual Transplant Report and CERTAIN registry were compared.

Results

Posttransplant, patients from NAPRTCS had the shortest duration of hospitalization within the first month (10.4 days, SE 0.2), followed by SickKids (20.3 days, SE 0.7) and CERTAIN (25.5 days, SE 0.7). For both living and deceased donor populations, patients from SickKids were most likely to be hospitalized at 1‐ to 5‐month posttransplant (82.4% [89/108]; 72.1% [98/136]), followed by Europe (52.1% [198/380]; 61.6% [501/813]) and United States (45.4% [2379/5241]; 51.4% [2517/4896]). Patients from Europe were most likely to be hospitalized at 6‐ to 12‐month posttransplant (42.1% [160/380]; 51.7% [420/813]), followed by SickKids (35.2% [38/108]; 37.5% [51/136]) and United States (28.3% [1387/4901]; 31.6% [1411/4465]). Across all databases, the most commonly addressed issues during readmissions were infectious complications.

Conclusion

The differences observed in this investigation may reflect the local reimbursement models, resources for outpatient management, and practice variations across a large Canadian transplant center, United States, and European countries.
Inbred progeny of tall fescue infected with Epichloë fungal endophyte have a high defence compound content and no depression in seed set
Authors: Raahbar A. , Sabzalian M. R. , Mirmohammady Maibody S. A. M. , Zarean M.
Published: March 2022

Substantial evidence is available on the capacity of particular strains of Epichloë fungal endophyte to remove the barriers of self‐pollination in host grasses. We hypothesized that this might open up new methods to obtain inbred lines for specific turf hybrids and genetic studies.

In the present study, we evaluated the first generation of self‐pollination derived plants of endophyte infected clones (EIS1) from putative genotypes 75B+ and 75C+ and those from the first generation of self‐pollination in six commercial tall fescue clones plus their hybrids with 75B− and 75C− for growth, seed yield and polyphenolic content as an index for biosynthesis of defence compounds under field conditions.

The results showed that EIS1 had high hyphal density within leaf sheaths and higher growth and seed‐related traits in at least one genotype. There were higher amounts of flavonoid and phenolic compounds (up to twofold) in both genotypes than in their hybrid counterparts and endophyte‐free progeny. Selected genotypes within EIS1 contained significantly more chlorogenic acid, p‐coumaric acid and rutin than the best non‐infected genotypes.

We conclude that phenotypic selection of individuals from the S1 population is feasible for improving fitness and stress resistance in novel inbred lines of tall fescue for development of new turf cultivars with the desired ecophysiological traits.
Ectomycorrhizal diversity on the roots of Pitch pine (Pinus rigidaMill.) saplings as influenced by remediation and soil metal content
Authors: Eardly Bertrand D. , Cloutier Mara , Chung Taejung , Roitman Sofia , Vieira Fabricio R. , Bruns Mary Ann V.
Published: April 2022

From 1913 to 1980, two zinc smelters in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, emitted large quantities of atmospheric pollutants nearly eliminating forests along a ridge above the town. In 2008, a remediation treatment was applied to the land above one of the smelters that included the planting of several locally adapted plant species. It also included mineral fertilization and mycorrhizal inoculation. One of the species, the Pitch pine (Pinus rigida, Mill.), is a native tree that is both tolerant of metalliferous soils and obligatorily ectomycorrhizal. This report summarizes the results of two observational studies conducted 5 years after the remediation treatment. The first study's objective was to compare ectomycorrhizal communities on treated Pitch pine saplings, with communities on naturally regenerating saplings in an adjacent non‐remediated area. The second study's objective was to determine if the composition of the fungal communities on root tips of naturally regenerating Pitch pine saplings differed with distance from the smelters. Fungal community compositions were determined using internal transcribed spacer rRNA sequences. Comparisons of sequences from the remediated and non‐remediated sites revealed that communities at the remediated sites had lower taxonomic diversity and were dominated by members of a genus in the remediation inoculant. The results of the smelter‐proximity study indicated that although fungal diversity did not differ markedly with distance from the smelters, the relative abundances of some taxa were greater on saplings growing directly above the smelters, where the soils contained highest concentrations of zinc and cadmium.
The novel HLA‐C*06:325 allele identified in a Korean individual awaiting kidney transplantation
Authors: Yang John Jeongseok , Kwon Oh‐Joong , Oh Heung‐Bum
Published: April 2022

HLA‐C*06:325 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 by a non‐synonymous nucleotide substitution in codon 145, changing Arginine to Histidine.