bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are there gender differences in the association between body mass index and left ventricular diastolic function? A clinical observational study in the Japanese general population
Authors: Hirokawa Megumi , Daimon Masao , Kozuma Kayoko , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Kimura Koichi , Nakao Tomoko , Nakanishi Koki , Sawada Naoko , Ishiwata Jumpei , Yoshida Yuriko , Kato Tomoko S , Mizuno Yoshiko , Morita Hiroyuki , Yatomi Yutaka , Komuro Issei
Published: September 2020

Background

Increased body mass index (BMI) is a major risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HFpEF is more prevalent in elderly females than males. We hypothesized that there may be gender differences in the association between BMI and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) diastolic parameters.

Methods

We enrolled 456 subjects (243 males) without overt cardiac diseases, all of whom underwent a health checkup. Early (E) and late (A) diastolic transmitral flow velocity, early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e′), and left atrial (LA) volume index were measured by echocardiography to assess LV diastolic function. To examine gender differences in the association between BMI and LV diastolic function, we analyzed the interaction effects of gender on the association between BMI and echocardiographic LV diastolic parameters.

Results

Although there were significant gender differences in the association between BMI and E/A and e′ in the crude model (interaction effect 0.037 and 0.173, respectively; P = .006 and .022, respectively), these differences were not statistically significant after adjustment for factors related to LV diastolic function. On the other hand, there were significant associations between BMI and LV diastolic parameters in each gender, even after adjustment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest there is no gender difference in the association between BMI and echocardiographic LV diastolic parameters. However, the association between BMI and LV diastolic parameters was significant in both genders. Controlling body weight might be beneficial for both women and men to prevent progression of LV diastolic dysfunction and development of HFpEF.
Seasonal hydrology and fish assemblage structure in the floodplain of the lower Amazon River
Authors: Silva Poliane B. , Arantes Caroline C. , Freitas Carlos E. C. , Petrere Miguel , Ribeiro Frank R. V.
Published: September 2020

We investigated how the taxonomic and functional structures of fish assemblages in the lower Amazon River floodplain responded to seasonal hydrological variations. Fishes were sampled in 440 aquatic habitats across a floodplain area of 17,673 km2 during periods of high, receding, low and rising water. In addition, we recorded local environmental and landscape variables known to affect fish assemblages in floodplains. Redundancy analysis indicated that the taxonomic and functional structures of the fish assemblages were associated with water levels as well as local environmental, landscape and spatial variables. Our results showed that piscivores, planktivores and omnivores, as well as species with periodic and intermediate life history strategies, dominated the floodplain fish assemblages during periods of high‐water levels, whereas herbivores, invertivores and detritivores, as well as species of large body size with an equilibrium life history strategy, dominated the fish assemblages during periods of low‐water levels. Hydrology strongly influenced the structure of the fish assemblages in the Amazon floodplains. Our results indicate that the maintenance of seasonal hydrological dynamics in the basin is essential for the conservation of the regional fish diversity.
Advancing nature‐based approaches to address the biodiversity and climate emergency
Authors: Mori Akira S.
Published: September 2020

Biodiversity loss and climate change are often considered as intertwined issues. However, they do not receive equal attention. Even in the context of nature‐based climate solutions, which consider ecosystems to be crucial to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, the potential role of biodiversity has received little attention. Here this essay emphasizes biodiversity as the cause—not only the consequence—to help society and nature face challenges associated with the changing climate. Reconsidering and emphasizing the linkages between these twin environmental crises is urgently needed to make collective efforts for the environment truly effective.
Standard procedures for the diagnostic pathway of sleep‐related epilepsies and comorbid sleep disorders: an EAN, ESRS and ILAE‐Europe consensus review
Authors: Nobili L. , de Weerd A. , Rubboli G. , Beniczky S. , Derry C. , Eriksson S. , Halasz P. , Högl B. , Santamaria J. , Khatami R. , Ryvlin P. , Rémi J. , Tinuper P. , Bassetti C. , Manni R. , Koutroumanidis M. , Vignatelli L.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Some epilepsy syndromes (sleep‐related epilepsies, SREs) have a strong link with sleep. Comorbid sleep disorders are common in patients with SRE and can exert a negative impact on seizure control and quality of life. Our purpose was to define the standard procedures for the diagnostic pathway of patients with possible SRE (scenario 1) and the general management of patients with SRE and comorbidity with sleep disorders (scenario 2).

Methods

The project was conducted under the auspices of the European Academy of Neurology, the European Sleep Research Society and the International League Against Epilepsy Europe. The framework entailed the following phases: conception of the clinical scenarios; literature review; statements regarding the standard procedures. For the literature search a stepwise approach starting from systematic reviews to primary studies was applied. Published studies were identified from the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library.

Results

Scenario 1: Despite a low quality of evidence, recommendations on anamnestic evaluation and tools for capturing the event at home or in the laboratory are provided for specific SREs. Scenario 2: Early diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders (especially respiratory disorders) in patients with SRE are likely to be beneficial for seizure control.

Conclusions

Definitive procedures for evaluating patients with SRE are lacking. Advice is provided that could be of help for standardizing and improving the diagnostic approach of specific SREs. The importance of identifying and treating specific sleep disorders for the management and outcome of patients with SRE is underlined.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: can a diagnosis be made in patients not fulfilling electrodiagnostic criteria?
Authors: Liberatore G. , Manganelli F. , Doneddu P. E. , Cocito D. , Fazio R. , Briani C. , Filosto M. , Benedetti L. , Mazzeo A. , Antonini G. , Cosentino G. , Jann S. , Cortese A. , Marfia G. A. , Clerici A. M. , Siciliano G. , Carpo M. , Luigetti M. , Lauria G. , Rosso T. , Cavaletti G. , Santoro L. , Peci E. , Tronci S. , Ruiz M. , Cotti Piccinelli S. , Schenone A. , Leonardi L. , Toscano A. , Mataluni G. , Spina E. , Gentile L. , Nobile‐Orazio E. ,   the Italian CIDP Database Study Group
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

The aim was to identify the clinical and diagnostic investigations that may help to support a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) in patients not fulfilling the European Federation of Neurological Societies and Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) electrodiagnostic criteria.

Methods

The data from patients with a clinical diagnosis of CIDP included in a national database were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

In all, 535 patients with a diagnosis of CIDP were included. This diagnosis fulfilled the EFNS/PNS criteria in 468 patients (87.2%) (definite in 430, probable in 33, possible in three, while two had chronic immune sensory polyradiculopathy). Sixty‐seven patients had a medical history and clinical signs compatible with CIDP but electrodiagnostic studies did not fulfill the EFNS/PNS criteria for CIDP. These patients had similar clinical features and frequency of abnormal supportive criteria for the diagnosis of CIDP compared to patients fulfilling EFNS/PNS criteria. Two or more abnormal supportive criteria were present in 40 (61.2%) patients rising to 54 (80.6%) if a history of a relapsing course as a possible supportive criterion was also included. Increased cerebrospinal fluid proteins and response to immune therapy most frequently helped in supporting the diagnosis of CIDP. Response to therapy was similarly frequent in patients fulfilling or not EFNS/PNS criteria (87.3% vs. 85.9%).

Conclusions

Patients with a clinical diagnosis of CIDP had similar clinical findings, frequency of abnormal supportive criteria and response to therapy compared to patients fulfilling EFNS/PNS criteria. The presence of abnormal supportive criteria may help in supporting the diagnosis of CIDP in patients with a medical history and clinical signs compatible with this diagnosis but non‐diagnostic nerve conduction studies.
A guide to assessing cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo
Authors: González‐Gualda Estela , Baker Andrew G. , Fruk Ljiljana , Muñoz‐Espín Daniel
Published: September 2020

Cellular senescence is a physiological mechanism whereby a proliferating cell undergoes a stable cell cycle arrest upon damage or stress and elicits a secretory phenotype. This highly dynamic and regulated cellular state plays beneficial roles in physiology, such as during embryonic development and wound healing, but it can also result in antagonistic effects in age‐related pathologies, degenerative disorders, ageing and cancer. In an effort to better identify this complex state, and given that a universal marker has yet to be identified, a general set of hallmarks describing senescence has been established. However, as the senescent programme becomes more defined, further complexities, including phenotype heterogeneity, have emerged. This significantly complicates the recognition and evaluation of cellular senescence, especially within complex tissues and living organisms. To address these challenges, substantial efforts are currently being made towards the discovery of novel and more specific biomarkers, optimized combinatorial strategies and the development of emerging detection techniques. Here, we compile such advances and present a multifactorial guide to identify and assess cellular senescence in cell cultures, tissues and living organisms. The reliable assessment and identification of senescence is not only crucial for better understanding its underlying biology, but also imperative for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting senescence in the clinic.
The geography of high‐priority conservation areas for marine mammals
Authors: Astudillo‐Scalia Yaiyr , de Albuquerque Fábio Suzart
Published: September 2020

Aim

For decades, biogeographers have used patterns of animal and plant diversity to identify areas that could be considered for conservation efforts. Since richness is not the best framework to conserve biodiversity, ecologists have been using patterns of complementarity to ensure that sites selected for inclusion in a reserve network complement those already selected. They also have investigated their association with the environment to conserve biodiversity in terrestrial realms successfully. In this study, we extended these ideas to marine realms. Specifically, we investigated if complementarity patterns vary with latitude, and what are the reasons for the observed patterns.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present day.

Major taxa studied

Marine mammals.

Methods

Global distribution maps for 123 marine mammals were obtained from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Spatial Database to determine the global presence/absence of species. Random forest models were used to investigate the relationship between oceanographic variables and patterns of complementarity‐based marine mammal site importance, calculated using the softwareZonation.

Results

Complementarity maps for all marine mammal species show a gradient of increasing importance from pelagic towards coastal areas, with patches of high priority in the Southern, North Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Conversely, maps depicting hotspots of richness (HRs) of marine mammals show that HRs are highly biased towards tropical zones. Random forests identified temperature, bathymetry and salinity as the critical drivers of high conservation priority for marine mammals at a global extent.

Main conclusions

Our results support the tenet that site complementarity can be modelled and predicted as a function of environmental variables. Because marine mammals face a higher level of threats compared to their land counterparts, our results can help stakeholders and citizens to advocate for actions in priority areas. Also, complementarity patterns could provide important insight into how patterns might change in the future, given the impacts of climate.
Biomass:N:K:Ca:Mg:P ratios in forest stands world‐wide: Biogeographical variations and environmental controls
Authors: Zhang Kerong , Cheng Xiaoli , Dang Haishan , Zhang Quanfa
Published: September 2020

Aim

Community‐level biomass‐to‐nutrient ratios and elemental stoichiometry of forests can provide insights for understanding the efficiency of nutrient use and the adaptation strategies of trees. However, the global‐scale pattern of biomass:N:K:Ca:Mg:P ratios in forest stands and its responses to environmental drivers remain unknown.

Location

World‐wide.

Time period

1959–2015.

Major taxa studied

Trees in forests.

Methods

We synthesized data from 356 forests distributed globally to study the biogeographical variations in biomass‐to‐nutrient ratios and elemental stoichiometry.

Results

Our results revealed that the biomass:N, biomass:P, biomass:K, biomass:Ca and biomass:Mg ratios of living trees in forests averaged 330.2 ± 11.1, 3847.1 ± 164.6, 615.3 ± 26.1, 393.2 ± 15.0 and 2221.5 ± 92.0, respectively. The biomass:N, biomass:K, biomass:Mg, P:K, P:Mg and Ca:Mg ratios decreased with mean annual temperature and increased from low to high latitude, whereas the N:P and K:Ca ratios displayed the opposite trends. The biomass:P, N:P and K:Ca ratios increased significantly with increasing mean annual precipitation (MAP), whereas the P:K, P:Mg and Ca:Mg ratios decreased with the MAP. The biomass:N and biomass:Ca ratios decreased significantly with increasing soil N and Ca stocks, respectively. Forest stand age significantly affected biomass‐to‐nutrient ratios, with the older forests displaying higher biomass:N and biomass:P. The scaling relationships indicated that, on average, as biomass increased, biomass:N would increase, because N rose more slowly than linearly with biomass, whereas the Ca and Mg increased proportionally with biomass.

Main conclusions

Our findings proved that the community‐level biomass‐to‐nutrient ratios and stoichiometry were affected by climate, soil, stand age and taxonomy of trees.
Open letter to the (light) brown‐skinned woman in my neighborhood
Authors: Nettles‐Barcelón Kimberly D.
Published: September 2020

The author reflects on the experiences of everyday life during the pandemic. Exploring ideas of community, suburban contradictions, and brown people's attachments to the logics of settler colonialism.
TRADE, TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE, AND WAGE INEQUALITY: THE CASE OF MEXICO
Authors: Waddle Andrea
Published: September 2020

Following the U.S.–Mexico trade integration, the skill premium rose dramatically in Mexico. Standard trade theory predicts the skill premium in a skill‐scarce country should fall—not rise—following such an integration. This article reconciles theory and data by building a model in which intermediate producers in Mexico begin to produce for the U.S. supply chain following liberalization. To do so, they must rent ideas from the United States, which are more skill‐intensive, thus increasing the skill premium. This mechanism is supported by the data: Mexican plants and industries that trade more with the United States rent more U.S. technology and have higher skill premia.
Lifetime antimicrobial use is associated with weight status in early adolescence—A register‐based cohort study
Authors: Figueiredo Rejane Augusta de Oliveira , Kajantie Eero , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Rounge Trine B. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Viljakainen Heli
Published: September 2020

Background

Antimicrobial agents (AMs) are the most prescribed drugs to children. Early and repeated exposure to AMs in infancy is associated with increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity.

Aims

We extended the investigation of AMs use, from birth to early adolescence, and evaluated their association with weight status.

Materials & Methods

A total of 10093 children from Finnish Health in Teens cohort (Fin‐HIT) with register‐based data on AMs purchases and measured weight status at the mean age of 11.2 y (SD 0.82) were included in the study. The key exposures were the number AM purchases at a given age or the sum of these during the entire follow‐up time to describe lifetime exposure / use. Outcome was weight status in early adolescence defined with International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs for the age‐ and sex‐specific body mass index. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Multinomial Logistic Regression.

Results

Of children, 73.7% were normal weight, 11.1% thin and 15.2% overweight/obese. AMs use was highest during the second year of life, when 65% of all children used AMs, but thereafter decreased with age. The highest mean purchases and prevalence at any given age along with the highest lifetime use were consistently seen among overweight children. Each episode of AMs use throughout life increased the risk of being overweight in adolescence [OR = 1.02 (1.02–1.03)]. However, there was an inverse association between AMs use and thinness [OR = 0.98 (0.97–0.99)].

Discussion

Despite a high prevalence of AMs use during the early years, lifetime‐use was associated with weight status in early adolescence in a dose response manner.

Conclusion

Future studies should address mechanisms underlying the relationship between AM use and weight.
The dependence of lattice thermal conductivity on phonon modes in pyrochlore‐related Ln2Sn2O7 (Ln = La, Gd)
Authors: Li Zheng , Yang Jun , Xing Yan , Wan Chunlei , Watanabe Satoshi , Pan Wei
Published: September 2020

Rare‐earth pyrochlore materials are promising thermal barrier coatings materials and fundamental understanding of their thermal transport is crucial for further improving its performance. In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) method, we calculated the intrinsic lattice thermal conductivities of Ln2Sn2O7 (Ln = La, Gd) and conducted a comprehensive analysis on the mode thermal conductivity, relaxation time, Grüneisen parameters, group velocity, and specific heat, respectively. It is shown that in pyrochlore‐type materials the number of the optical phonons is much larger than that of the acoustic phonon, and the thermal conductivity of acoustic phonons are suppressed, both of which increase the contribution ratio of optical phonons. Especially, through cumulative analysis, we found that the contribution of optical phonons is significant: the ratio of optical contribution is more than 50% and 64% in La2Sn2O7 and Gd2Sn2O7. This work provides a comprehensive picture illustrating the significant role of the optical phonons in the lattice thermal conduction in rare‐earth pyrochlore materials, and points out an avenue to obtain low thermal conductivity in complex structural thermal insulation materials.
Solvothermal synthesis of various C3N4 films on FTO substrates and their photocatalytic and sensing applications
Authors: Yao Ssu‐Yu , Chang Kao‐Shuo
Published: September 2020

This paper reports solvothermal syntheses of pristine and KOH–NaCl‐modified melon and melon–rGO composite films without post annealing and their applications in photocatalysis and Cu2+ sensing. Melon seed‐layer coating enhanced film adhesion to fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrates. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to verify melon film structures. Assorted complex agents were studied to tailor film morphologies. (001)‐Oriented nanorods were observed in KOH–NaCl‐modified melon films. Constituent elements were determined based on their binding energies using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Ultraviolet–visible and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to confirm band gaps and valence band positions, respectively, of melon films. Associated energy‐band diagrams were then constructed. The melon–rGO composite films exhibited superior photodegradation of methylene blue (degradation rate constant [k] ≅ 6.4 × 10−3/min) and rhodamine B (k ≅ 2.5 × 10−3/min) under visible‐light irradiation. The performance was confirmed by nanorod structures, low photoluminescence emission, and high electrochemical surface areas. Furthermore, a reliable photoelectrochemical current density (~0.5 mA/cm2) at a 0.6‐V bias was obtained for KOH–NaCl‐modified melon and melon–rGO composite films. The KOH–NaCl‐modified melon films demonstrated excellent selectivity between Cu2+ and Cr6+, indicating promising applications in Cu2+ sensing.
Development of the Guernsey community participation and leisure assessment—Revised (GCPLA‐R)
Authors: Baker Peter , Taylor‐Roberts Laura , Jones Fergal W.
Published: September 2020

A sufficiently psychometrically robust measure of community and leisure participation of adults with intellectual disabilities was not in existence, despite research identifying this as an important outcome and a key contributor to quality of life. The current study aimed to update the Guernsey Community Participation and Leisure Assessment (GCPLA). Adults with intellectual disabilities, carers and experts were consulted in creating a revised pool of 46 items. These were then tested and data from 326 adults with intellectual disabilities were analysed for their component structure and psychometric properties. Principal component analysis discovered a stable set of components describing seven different clusters. This revised measure (the GCPLA‐R) was demonstrated to have satisfactory reliability, and scores were related to challenging behaviour and adaptive behaviour in theoretically consistent ways and were correlated with scores on comparable measures.
The effect of high‐salt diet on t‐lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy males—A pilot study
Authors: Wenstedt Eliane F. E. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , van der Bom‐Baylon Nelly D. , Schrooten Esmee M. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Vogt Liffert
Published: September 2020

Animal studies show that high‐salt diet affects T‐cell subpopulations, but evidence in humans is scarce and contradictory. This pilot study investigated the effect of a 2‐week high‐salt diet on T‐cell subpopulations (ie, γδ T cells, Th17 cells, and regulatory T cells) in five healthy males. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 33 (2) years, with normal body mass index, kidney function, and baseline blood pressure. In terms of phenotype, there was an isolated increase of CD69 expression in Vδ1 T cells (P = .04), which is an early activation marker. There were no statistically significant changes or trends in any of the other tested markers or in the Th17 or regulatory T‐cell subsets. The increase in CD69 was strongly correlated to increases in 24‐hour urinary sodium excretion (r = .93, P = .02). These results of this pilot may motivate the use of longer dietary salt interventions in future studies on salt and adaptive immune cells.
Transcriptome‐wide genotype–phenotype associations in Daphnia in a predation risk environment
Authors: Ravindran Suda Parimala , Tams Verena , Cordellier Mathilde
Published: September 2020

Phenotypic variation plays an important role in how species cope with environmental challenges. Pinpointing which genes and genomic regions are underlying phenotypic variability thus helps to understand the processes of acclimation and adaptation. We used Daphnia as a system to identify candidates playing a role in phenotypic variation related to a predation risk environment with a genome‐wide association approach. Furthermore, a gene co‐expression network analysis allowed identifying clusters of co‐expressed genes which correlated to life history traits. To enhance the understanding of the functional roles of the transcripts, we identified orthologs and paralogs from related species and used ontologies to annotate the candidates of interest. Our study revealed that only one life history trait and two morphometric traits have a genetic association in the presence of predation risk (fish kairomones), whereas most genotype–phenotype associations were detected in a genotype–environment interaction analysis for reproduction‐related phenotypic traits. The gene co‐expression network analysis identified a total of 44 modules, of which one module correlated to another life history trait namely the ‘total number of broods’. The combined use of gene co‐expression network and transcriptome‐wide association analysis allowed the identification of 131 candidate transcripts associated with life history traits in Daphnia galeata. These results lay the ground for targeted studies to further understand phenotypic variability in this species.
The effects of ambiguity on entrepreneurship
Authors: Bonilla Claudio A. , Cubillos Pablo A. Gutiérrez
Published: September 2020

We incorporate ambiguity (Knightian uncertainty) into a classic model of entrepreneurship to analyze, among other things, its effects on the optimal level of business startups, the relation between total assets and the size of the entrepreneurial investment, the effects of increasing ambiguity on developing new ventures, and the decision to self‐select into entrepreneurship for an indifferent decision maker. We first show that, under the monotone‐likelihood ratio property, the introduction of ambiguity negatively affects the optimal entrepreneurial investment, something that is consistent with most experimental evidence about entrepreneurial choice under ambiguity. Then, we show that the classical explanations for the positive correlation between total assets and business startups based on decreasing absolute risk aversion preferences and prudent behavior can be challenged when ambiguity is incorporated into the analysis, and we provide the conditions that guarantee that the traditional comparative static result under risk is replicated under ambiguity. We also show that increases in ambiguity aversion reduce entrepreneurial activities. Finally, we discuss our results under alternative ways of modeling ambiguity.
Conductive hydro drying of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L) pulp: Insights for natural food colorant applications
Authors: Preethi Ramakrishnan , Deotale Shweta M. , Moses Jeyan A. , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy
Published: September 2020

Natural food colorants are often unstable and undergo rapid degradation reactions. These are significant at higher temperatures, as in the case of drying of food powders. In this research, conductive hydro drying (CHD), a variant of the refractance window drying technology was used to prepare flakes from beetroot pulp. Three different temperatures (40, 50, and 60°C) were used and the results were compared against tray dried counterparts. Significant differences in moisture content, water activity, color, powder characteristics, reconstitution behavior, total phenolic content, antioxidant property, and betalain content (both betaxanthin and betacyanin) were observed between the drying methods. With significantly lower drying time, CHD can be conveniently used for commercial applications requiring the drying of natural pigment‐rich foods.

Practical applications

CHD is an effective alternative method for drying of natural colorant rich foods

“Non‐thermal” drying approach showed significant retention of betalains, phenolics, and antioxidant activity as compared with tray drying

CHD is commercially viable and can be conveniently scaled up

This novel drying approach shows significant savings in cost, energy, and time
Psychotropic medications use and side effects of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Charlot L. R. , Doerfler L. A. , McLaren J. L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are treated with psychotropic medications, and polypharmacy is common. Although few studies address psychotropic side effects in the population, people with IDD have been found more likely to experience side effects than others who do not have IDD. Because many individuals with IDD may not report side effects reliably, there is risk that side effects may be missed.

Methods

Psychotropic use and side effects of 71 adults with IDD admitted for a 30‐day crisis stay to a Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (START) Resource Center were reviewed. START is a specialised behavioural health outreach, training and crisis programme for individuals with IDD. During crisis stays, centre nurses administer the Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects screen, a psychometrically established psychotropic medication side effects screen developed for use with people with IDD. Data reviewed were de‐identified data used to inform day‐to‐day practices and assess outcomes for individuals START served.

Results

The average age was 28 years, and 56% of the sample was male. All individuals were taking at least one psychotropic, while 79% were taking three or more. The average number of psychotropics used was 3.94. Antipsychotics were the most commonly prescribed medications taken by 85% of the sample; 49% of whom were not reported to have psychosis. Although the overall number of psychotropics did not correlate with Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects scores, the average scale scores for all participants was high in contrast to prior studies of people with IDD not taking psychotropics, with central nervous system side effects being the most commonly reported.

Conclusion

In the present study, data for individuals experiencing a crisis were reviewed and indicated high rates of psychotropic polypharmacy and side effects rates higher than previously reported for people with IDD not taking psychotropics. Prospective study in larger samples is needed to determine if missed or under‐appreciated psychotropic side effects may play a role in behavioural health challenges of some people with IDD.
Community‐Engaged Approach to the Development and Implementation of a Student‐Centered Return to Learn Care Plan After Concussion
Authors: Conrick Kelsey McGuire , Moore Megan , Abbotts Laurel , Widdice Laura , Hoag Samara , Kroshus Emily , Philipson Erik Bruce , Jinguji Thomas , Weiner Bryan Jeffrey , Glang Ann , Rivara Frederick Peter , Chrisman Sara Powell Dow , Dickason Celeste Quitiquit , Vavilala Monica Shanta
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Current return to learn (RTL) after concussion guidelines lack specificity for individualized student care, limiting potential for adoption and implementation. We used a community‐engaged research framework to develop and evaluate the implementation of a student‐centered care plan that assists school personnel in facilitating RTL.

METHODS

We used best‐practice RTL guidelines and input from administrators and medical experts to iteratively develop a flexible student‐centered care plan. Thirteen schools participated. Coding completion of care plans indicated feasibility and fidelity; interviews with RTL coordinators indicated acceptability.

RESULTS

The care plan includes educational materials, symptom checklists, and guidelines for classroom adjustments linked to student symptoms. Care plans were initiated for 24 (70.6%) of 34 students with concussions, indicating feasibility. Fidelity was high, with the following subsections completed: Action Checklist (90%), Symptom Evaluation (91%), Temporary Adjustment Recommendations (95%). Qualitative analysis of interviews suggested care plans were acceptable and facilitate consistent communication, prioritization of individual needs of students, and increased ability to delegate tasks to other school staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a student‐centered, individually tailored care plan for RTL is feasible and acceptable in public high schools. Future research should examine how to expediently initiate student‐centered concussion care plans after diagnosis to optimize recovery.
1,5‐Disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles as inhibitors of the mitochondrial Ca2+‐activated F1FO‐ATP(hydrol)ase and the permeability transition pore
Authors: Algieri Vincenzo , Algieri Cristina , Maiuolo Loredana , De Nino Antonio , Pagliarani Alessandra , Tallarida Matteo Antonio , Trombetti Fabiana , Nesci Salvatore
Published: September 2020

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), a high‐conductance channel triggered by a sudden Ca2+ concentration increase, is composed of the F1FO‐ATPase. Since mPTP opening leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a feature of many diseases, a great pharmacological challenge is to find mPTP modulators. In our study, the effects of two 1,5‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives, five‐membered heterocycles with three nitrogen atoms in the ring and capable of forming secondary interactions with proteins, were investigated. Compounds 3a and 3b were selected among a wide range of structurally related compounds because of their chemical properties and effectiveness in preliminary studies. In swine heart mitochondria, both compounds inhibit Ca2+‐activated F1FO‐ATPase without affecting F‐ATPase activity sustained by the natural cofactor Mg2+. The inhibition is mutually exclusive, probably because of their shared enzyme site, and uncompetitive with respect to the ATP substrate, since they only bind to the enzyme–ATP complex. Both compounds show the same inhibition constant (Kʹi), but compound 3a has a doubled inactivation rate constant compared with compound 3b. Moreover, both compounds desensitize mPTP opening without altering mitochondrial respiration. The results strengthen the link between Ca2+‐activated F1FO‐ATPase and mPTP and suggest that these inhibitors can be pharmacologically exploited to counteract mPTP‐related diseases.
High efficiency and workflow of His bundle pacing and atrioventricular node ablation guided by three‐dimensional mapping system
Authors: Sun Yuanjun , Yu Xiaohong , Xiao Xianjie , Yin Xiaomeng , Gao Lianjun , Zhang Rongfeng , Dai Shiyu , Wang Nan , Zhang Duoduo , Dong Yingxue , Yang Yanzong , Xia Yunlong
Published: September 2020

Background

Atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation combined with His bundle pacing is an effective strategy for permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) with rapid ventricular rate refractory to pharmacological therapy. We aimed to access the feasibility and efficiency of His bundle pacing and AVN ablation guided by three‐dimensional (3‐D) mapping system throughout the procedure.

Methods

Eighteen patients with permanent AF with refractory rate and symptoms were referred for His bundle pacing and AVN ablation guided by 3‐D mapping (CARTO3). Electroanatomic 3‐D mapping of the right atrium and right ventricle was performed by the ablation catheter with CARTO 3 system, followed by the visualization of the leads for implantation and AVN ablation.

Results

Implantation of His bundle and ventricular leads and AVN ablation were achieved successfully with the help of 3‐D mapping in 17 patients. Selective His bundle pacing was achieved in five patients (29.4%), and the other (70.6%) were nonselective His bundle pacing. The mean procedure duration was 99.4 ± 16.4 minutes. The mean fluoroscopy time was 7.0 ± 2.6 minutes. The time spent on His lead implantation was 6.1 ± 3.2 minutes. One patient experienced AVN ablation from left side under aortic valves due to no effect of ablation in right atrium.

Conclusion

His bundle pacing and AVN ablation guided by throughout real‐time 3‐D mapping system are of high‐efficiency and feasibility.
Osborn waves during therapeutic hypothermia and recurrence of fatal arrhythmia in patients resuscitated following sudden cardiac arrest
Authors: Park Yoon Jung , Bae Myung Hwan , Kim Hyeon Jeong , Park Bo Eun , Kim Hong Nyun , Jang Se Yong , Lee Jang Hoon , Yang Dong Heon , Park Hun Sik , Cho Yongkeun , Chae Shung Chull
Published: September 2020

Background

This study investigates the impact of the occurrence of Osborn waves during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on the recurrence of future fatal arrhythmias in patients resuscitated after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Methods

Of all survivors of out‐of‐hospital SCA, 100 consecutive patients (mean age, 52 ± 15 years; 80% men) who received TH were included in this study.

Results

The most common first documented arrhythmia was ventricular fibrillation (VF) (77%), and ischemic heart disease (44%) and idiopathic VF (22%) were the most common causes of SCA in resuscitated patients. During TH, Osborn waves developed in 29 patients (29%). Osborn waves occurred more frequently in patients with Brugada syndrome. Patients with Osborn waves had lower in‐hospital (10.3% vs 26.8%; P = .072) and 1‐year death rates (20.7% vs 39.4%; P = .073) and better cerebral function (cerebral performance category scale, 2.0 ± 1.5 vs 2.7 ± 1.8; P = .053) than those without Osborn waves, although there was no statistical significance. Among 78 in‐hospital survivors, 31 (40%) underwent implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Appropriate ICD shocks from fatal arrhythmias were more frequent in patients who had Osborn waves than in those without Osborn waves (43% vs 6%; P = .032).

Conclusions

Osborn waves during TH had no significant effect on the survival and cerebral function of patients resuscitated SCA. However, appropriate ICD shocks due to the recurrence of VF were more frequent in patients with Osborn waves during long‐term follow‐up.
The virtual visit: Using immersive technology to visit hospitals during social distancing and beyond
Authors: Dinh Andrew , Furukawa Louise , Caruso Thomas J.
Published: September 2020

Medical trainees face substantial financial and scheduling burdens during the interview process at various levels of training. With current social distancing and travel restrictions in place, in‐person interviews now carry an additional health risk that make it difficult for training programs and applicants to conduct a thorough interview process. Virtual interviews and presentations are some of the technology‐driven solutions that have been accelerated in the current social context to mitigate financial burdens and health risks. By utilizing immersive technology to provide virtual tours of training sites, applicants have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive perspective before making the critical decision of where to continue their training. We provide our experiences with creating a 360‐degree virtual tour of our children's hospital and the methods for distribution to pediatric anesthesia fellowship applicants. Moving forward, training programs may consider immersive virtual tours as an alternative to face‐to‐face site visits to not only help alleviate the financial and scheduling burden for applicants but also to protect the well‐being of healthcare personnel and patients in the context of a global pandemic.
Non‐standard hepatic venous reconstruction in the setting of absent inferior vena cava in partial graft pediatric liver transplantation–A matched retrospective cohort study
Authors: Leal‐Leyte Pilar , Valamparampil Joseph , Thambithurai Ravikumar , Shanmugam Naresh P. , Reddy Mettu Srinivas , Rela Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Recipient cava may be unavailable for outflow reconstruction in some children undergoing liver transplantation (PLT) due to caval agenesis, tumor, or fibrotic caval occlusion. Non‐standard hepatic venous reconstruction (NHVR) with a direct veno‐caval anastomosis or neo‐cava reconstruction is necessary in such cases. Retrospective review of all PLT needing NHVR performed in our unit from January 2010 to September 2019 was performed. Outcomes of this group were compared to a 2:1 matched control group who underwent transplantation with standard piggyback technique. Fifteen children (4.9%) of 304 PLT recipients underwent NHVR. Caval agenesis in biliary atresia (n = 5, 33%) and hepatoblastoma infiltrating the cava (n = 4, 27%) were the commonest indications. Ten children had neo‐cava reconstruction, while 5 had direct anastomosis to the supra‐hepatic caval cuff or right atrium. One child had developed neo‐cava thrombosis without graft venous outflow obstruction in the post‐operative period. There was no significant difference in major morbidity, need for re‐operation (20% vs 16.7%; P = 1.00), hospital stay (24 days, vs 21 days; P = .32), graft & patient survival among the study and control groups. Absent or inadequate recipient cava during PLT with a partial liver graft can be safely managed with technical modifications. Results equivalent to standard piggyback implantation can be achieved.
Antibacterial Photodynamic Treatment of Porphyromonas gingivalis with Toluidine Blue O and a NonLaser Red Light Source Enhanced by Dihydroartemisinin
Authors: Ding Chao , Zhang Fengmin , Gao Yuwei , Li Yujun , Cheng Dechun , Wang Jielin , Mao Limin
Published: September 2020

In vitro experiments confirmed that antibacterial photodynamic treatment (aPDT) inactivates periodontal pathogens. However, more effective sterilization is needed in the complex oral environment. This study tested whether dihydroartemisinin (DHA) enhanced the photokilling effect of aPDT on Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) in planktonic and biofilm states. aPDT combining toluidine blue O (TBO) with 630 nm red light was performed on bacterial suspensions and biofilms in vitro with different final concentrations of DHA (10, 20 and 40 μg mL−1). The sensitization mechanism was preliminarily investigated by uptake experiments. The above experiments were repeated with different incubation times (30, 60, 120 s). Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms exhibited significantly higher resistance to aPDT than P. gingivalis in suspension under the same experimental parameters. DHA alone had no cytotoxic effect on P. gingivalis with or without light irradiation. In either bacterial suspensions or biofilms, DHA concentration‐dependently enhanced the photokilling effect of aPDT and increased TBO uptake by P. gingivalis. Prolonged incubation time enhanced the photokilling efficiency of aPDT until cellular TBO uptake reached saturation. DHA can enhance aPDT activity against P. gingivalis in planktonic and biofilm states. DHA also accelerated TBO uptake, reducing incubation time.
Role of Hypotaurine in Protection against UVA‐Induced Damage in Keratinocytes
Authors: Baseggio Conrado Alessia , Fanelli Sergio , McGuire Victoria Anne , Ibbotson Sally Helen
Published: September 2020

Photoageing and skin cancer are major causes of morbidity and are a high cost to society. Interest in the development of photoprotective agents for inclusion in topical cosmetic and sunscreen products is profound. Recently, amino acids with a sulfinic group, notably hypotaurine, have been included as ingredients in cosmetic preparations. However, the mechanism of action of hypotaurine as a possible anti‐aging agent is unknown, despite its use as a free radical scavenger. To address this issue, we investigated hypotaurine uptake in a human keratinocyte model and examined its effect on UVR‐induced cytotoxicity. Hypotaurine was taken up by keratinocytes in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, with levels remaining significantly above baseline 48 h after washout. A cytoprotective effect of pre‐incubation with 2.5–5 mMhypotaurine was shown as indicated by increased cell viability when keratinocytes were irradiated with UVA at 5 or 10 Jcm‐2, with the level of hypotaurine also significantly reduced. These findings indicate a potential cytoprotective effect of hypotaurine against the deleterious effects of UVA irradiation. This provides support for further studies to evaluate the potential photoprotective benefits of hypotaurine supplementation of topical cosmetic and sunscreen products.
Challenges and benefits of applying fish behaviour to improve production and welfare in industrial aquaculture
Authors: Macaulay Georgia , Bui Samantha , Oppedal Frode , Dempster Tim
Published: September 2020

An understanding of behaviour is used in zoos, laboratories and agriculture to reduce stressful aspects of the captive environment for animals. While fish are one of the most cultivated of all vertebrate groups, incorporating their behaviour into production management has proved elusive. Here, we evaluate the current evidence base relating to use of (i) innate behaviours of fish and (ii) their ability to learn new behaviours via human‐mediated training or through social learning, in fish farms. Studies that tested habituation and conditioning (training) as a tool to improve welfare demonstrate positive effects for improving fish welfare and coping capacity. However, methods solely reliant on innate behavioural responses to stimuli will always be imperfect, due to variation in individual responses which are often context dependent. To date, there has been no successful demonstration of social learning as a tool for aquaculture. While many experimental scale studies report promising results, few have translated to commercial scale, highlighting a mismatch between theoretical and practical use and cautions against extrapolation of results from small‐scale studies to commercial situations. While some promising evidence exists that fish behaviour can be integrated into farm management, logistical and scale‐related hurdles must be overcome before this can occur. We conclude that fish behaviour is an additional and currently under‐researched resource that could be integrated into farm practices to improve production and welfare in industrial aquaculture.
Ultrasonographic cervical evaluation: A tool to select ewes for non‐surgical embryo recovery
Authors: Figueira Lucas Machado , Alves Nadja Gomes , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves , Vergani Gabriel Brun , Oliveira Maria Emilia Franco , de Lima Renato Ribeiro , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira
Published: September 2020

This study assessed the cervical ultrasonography mapping as a tool to select donor ewes for non‐surgical embryo recovery (NSER). Lacaune ewes had their cervix evaluated by ultrasonography 12 hr after induced oestrus onset (Trial 1, n = 24) or 30 min before NSER (Trial 2, n = 17). Cervical rings were longitudinally evaluated and classified by their degree of misalignment on ultrasonography (DMUS) into: DMUS‐1—cervix rectilinear, DMUS‐2—intermediate and DMUS‐3—highly asymmetrical. For predicting cervical transposing, only DMUS‐1 and DMUS‐2 were considered suitable. Similar ranking was attributed to degree of misalignment on the cervical map (DMCM 1–3), established immediately before NSER, which was performed at days 6 to 7 after oestrus. In Trial 1, cervical retraction for NSER was not possible only in three ewes classified as DMUS‐3 (3/14, 21.4%). No difference (p > .05) was observed in the cervical transposing rates between ewes with different DMUS (ranged from 80% to 100%). In Trial 2, DMUS‐1 and DMUS‐2 reached 100% of transposing, and the only DMUS‐3 ewe has not been transposed. In Trial 1, the prediction performance for successful cervical transposing showed low sensitivity (45%) and no specificity due to a high incidence of false negatives (52%). However, in Trial 2, sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. The DMCM and DMUS were uncorrelated, probably due to cervical stretching required to perform NSER. In conclusion, cervical ultrasound assessment immediately before NSER was more efficient to predict the cervical transposing than at induced oestrus, allowing the classification and selection of ewes eligible for NSER.