bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Anterior Insula Encodes Performance Feedback and Relays Prediction Error to the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Billeke Pablo , Ossandon Tomas , Perrone-Bertolotti Marcela , Kahane Philippe , Bastin Julien , Jerbi Karim , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Fuentealba Pablo
Published: January 2020

Adaptive behavior requires the comparison of outcome predictions with actual outcomes (e.g., performance feedback). This process of performance monitoring is computed by a distributed brain network comprising the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the anterior insular cortex (AIC). Despite being consistently co-activated during different tasks, the precise neuronal computations of each region and their interactions remain elusive. In order to assess the neural mechanism by which the AIC processes performance feedback, we recorded AIC electrophysiological activity in humans. We found that the AIC beta oscillations amplitude is modulated by the probability of performance feedback valence (positive or negative) given the context (task and condition difficulty). Furthermore, the valence of feedback was encoded by delta waves phase-modulating the power of beta oscillations. Finally, connectivity and causal analysis showed that beta oscillations relay feedback information signals to the mPFC. These results reveal that structured oscillatory activity in the anterior insula encodes performance feedback information, thus coordinating brain circuits related to reward-based learning.
Enriching Topic Coherence on Reviews for Cross-Domain Recommendation
Authors: Saraswat Mala , Chakraverty Shampa
Published: January 2020

With the advent of e-commerce sites and social media, users express their preferences and tastes freely through user-generated content such as reviews and comments. In order to promote cross-selling, e-commerce sites such as eBay and Amazon regularly use such inputs from multiple domains and suggest items with which users may be interested. In this paper, we propose a topic coherence-based cross-domain recommender model. The core concept is to use topic modeling to extract topics from user-generated content such as reviews and combine them with reliable semantic coherence techniques to link different domains, using Wikipedia as a reference corpus. We experiment with different topic coherence methods such as pointwise mutual information (PMI) and explicit semantic analysis (ESA). Experimental results presented demonstrate that our approach, using PMI as topic coherence, yields 22.6% and using ESA yields 54.4% higher precision as compared with cross-domain recommender system based on semantic clustering.
Raging elephants: effects of human disturbance on physiological stress and reproductive potential in wild Asian elephants
Authors: Tang Ruchun , Li Wenwen , Zhu Di , Shang Xiaotong , Guo Xianming , Zhang Li
Published: January 2020

Human disturbance has become a widespread threat to wildlife viability. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), an endangered and disturbance-prone species, is under severe threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, human–elephant conflict and poaching. Establishing connections between human disturbance, stress responses and reproduction is crucial for assessing the long-term survivability of a species and will provide critical information for conservation management. The current study investigated the effects of human disturbance on population-level stress responses and stress-related effects on reproductive potential of wild Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China. We used a radioimmunoassay to measure the concentration of fecal cortisol and estradiol in 257 samples collected from five local populations at 15 sites over 4 years. Human disturbance in Xishuangbanna was quantified based on the Ecological-Niche Factor Analysis model. We found that fecal cortisol concentrations were strongly positively correlated with the degree of human disturbance and increased markedly with the expansion of tea plantations. Percentage of non-stressed individuals in a population was higher depending on the extend of undisturbed area in their home ranges. Fecal estradiol concentrations decreased significantly with increasing stress levels. Our results suggest that human disturbance poses environmental challenges to wild Asian elephant populations, and chronic exposure to human disturbance could lead to population decline. The study demonstrates the efficacy of non-invasive endocrine monitoring for further informing management decisions and developing conservation strategies.
MitraClip® as bridging strategy for heart transplantation in Chagas cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Vasquez-Rodríguez Juan Felipe , Medina Héctor Manuel , Cabrales Jaime Ramón , Torres Adriana Gisella
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with end-stage heart failure, suffering from severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, are not eligible for heart transplant due to high mortality risk and primary graft dysfunction. Severe PH may be favoured by functional severe mitral regurgitation, which is present in many cardiopathies like end-stage Chagasic cardiomyopathy.

Case summary

We present a case of a young man with end-stage heart failure secondary to Chagas cardiomyopathy with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and severe PH. The patient received percutaneous correction with MitraClip® system reducing PH and making him a suitable candidate for heart transplant.

Discussion

In patients with advanced heart failure, FMR, and severe PH, optimal treatment according to current guide lines is recommended. MitraClip® therapy appears to be safe and effective for control of severe PH as a bridge measure for cardiac transplantation.
Ventricular scar channel entrances identified by new wideband cardiac magnetic resonance sequence to guide ventricular tachycardia ablation in patients with cardiac defibrillators
Authors: Roca-Luque Ivo , Van Breukelen Ana , Alarcon Francisco , Garre Paz , Tolosana Jose M , Borras Roger , Sanchez Paula , Zaraket Fatima , Doltra Adelina , Ortiz-Perez Jose T , Prat-Gonzalez Susanna , Perea Rosario J , Guasch Eduard , Arbelo Elena , Berruezo Antonio , Sitges Marta , Brugada Josep , Mont Lluis
Published: January 2020

Aims

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) substrate-based ablation has become a standard procedure. Electroanatomical mapping (EAM) detects scar tissue heterogeneity and define conduction channels (CCs) that are the ablation target. Late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) is able to depict CCs and increase ablation success. Most patients undergoing VT ablation have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that can cause image artefacts in LGE-CMR. Recently wideband (WB) LGE-CMR sequence has demonstrated to decrease these artefacts. The aim of this study is to analyse accuracy of WB-LGE-CMR in identifying the CC entrances.

Methods and results

Thirteen consecutive ICD-patients who underwent VT ablation after WB-LGE-CMR were included. Number and location of CC entrances in three-dimensional EAM and in WB-LGE-CMR reconstruction were compared. Concordance was compared with a historical cohort matched by cardiomyopathy, scar location, and age (26 patients) with LGE-CMR prior to ICD and VT ablation. In WB-CMR group, 101 and 93 CC entrances were identified in EAM and WB-LGE-CMR, respectively. In historical cohort, 179 CC entrances were identified in both EAM and LGE-CMR. The EAM/CMR concordance was 85.1% and 92.2% in the WB and historical group, respectively (P = 0.66). There were no differences in false-positive rate (CC entrances detected in CMR and absent in EAM: 7.5% vs 7.8% in WB vs. conventional CMR, P = 0.92) nor in false-negative rate (CC entrances present in EAM not detected in CMR: 14.9% vs.7.8% in WB vs. conventional CMR, P = 0.23). Epicardial CCs was predictor of poor CMR/EAM concordance (OR 2.15, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Use of WB-LGE-CMR sequence in ICD-patients allows adequate VT substrate characterization to guide VT ablation with similar accuracy than conventional LGE-CMR in patients without an ICD.
Opposing effects of bacterial endophytes on biomass allocation of a wild donor and agricultural recipient
Authors: Rubin Rachel L , Jones Ashley N , Hayer Michaela , Shuman-Goodier Molly E , Andrews Lela V , Hungate Bruce A
Published: January 2020

Root endophytes are a promising tool for increasing plant growth, but it is unclear whether they perform consistently across plant hosts. We characterized the blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) root microbiome using two sequencing methods, quantified the effects of root endophytes in the original host (blue grama) and an agricultural recipient, corn (Zea mays), under drought and well-watered conditions and examined in vitro mechanisms for plant growth promotion. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that the blue grama root microbiome was similar across an elevation gradient, with the exception of four genera. Culturing and Sanger sequencing revealed eight unique endophytes belonging to the genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus and Pseudomonas. All eight endophytes colonized corn roots, but had opposing effects on aboveground and belowground biomass in each plant species: they increased blue grama shoot mass by 45% (19) (mean +/− SE) while decreasing corn shoot mass by 10% (19), and increased corn root:shoot by 44% (7), while decreasing blue grama root:shoot by 17% (7). Furthermore, contrary to our expectations, endophytes had stronger effects on plant growth under well-watered conditions rather than drought conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that ecological features, including host identity, bacterial traits, climate conditions and morphological outcomes, should be carefully considered in the design and implementation of agricultural inocula.
Between innovation and precaution: how did offspring safety considerations play a role in strategies of introducing new reproductive techniques?
Authors: Jans Verna , Dondorp Wybo , Mastenbroek Sebastiaan , Mertes Heidi , Pennings Guido , Smeets Hubert , de Wert Guido
Published: January 2020

The field of reproductive medicine has been criticized for introducing ARTs without systematic research on possible safety risks and for failing to meet the standards of evidence-based innovation held elsewhere in medicine. In this paper, firstly, we ask whether ‘responsible innovation’ has been a concern for the field, and if so, how it has understood the practical implications of this idea for the development and introduction of potentially risky new ARTs. Secondly, we consider whether the field has indeed fallen short of its responsibilities in this respect, and if so, how things can be improved. To answer these questions, we present three case studies involving the introduction of a new reproductive technology: ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing and mitochondrial replacement therapy. As a framework for analyzing these cases, we used Per Sandin’s account of the four dimensions of dealing with risks (threat, uncertainty, action, command) that are central to debates about the possible role of the so-called precautionary principle. We conclude that, although offspring safety concerns have been on the agenda of the debate about bringing the relevant technologies to the clinic, systematic safety and effectiveness studies were not always conducted. As professionals in assisted reproduction have a responsibility to take account of the welfare of the children they are creating, we suggest a policy of proceeding with systematic caution. Legal measures may be needed to ensure that professional guidance is followed in practice. Finally, an open question concerns the threshold for acceptable risk in the context of introducing new ARTs. Multiple stakeholders, including professional societies and patient organizations, should have a role in the urgent debate about this.
Cathelicidin Mediates a Protective Role of Vitamin D in Ulcerative Colitis and Human Colonic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gubatan John , Mehigan Gillian A , Villegas Fernando , Mitsuhashi Shuji , Longhi Maria Serena , Malvar Grace , Csizmadia Eva , Robson Simon , Moss Alan C
Published: January 2020

Background

Vitamin D plays a protective role in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients through unclear mechanisms. Cathelicidin is an antimicrobial peptide induced by 1,25(OH)D2. Our goal was to evaluate the link between cathelicidin and vitamin D–associated clinical outcomes in UC patients, explore vitamin D induction of cathelicidin in human colon cells, and evaluate the effects of intrarectal human cathelicidin on a murine model of colitis.

Methods

Serum and colonic cathelicidin levels were measured in UC patients and correlated with clinical and histologic outcomes. Human colon cells were treated with 1,25(OH)2D and production of cathelicidin and cytokines were quantified. Antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli from cell culture supernatants was measured. Mice were treated with intrarectal cathelicidin, and its effects on DSS colitis and intestinal microbiota were evaluated.

Results

In UC patients, serum 25(OH)D positively correlated with serum and colonic cathelicidin. Higher serum cathelicidin is associated with decreased risk of histologic inflammation and clinical relapse but not independent of 25(OH)D or baseline inflammation. The 1,25(OH)2D treatment of colon cells induced cathelicidin and IL-10, repressed TNF-α, and suppressed Escherichia coli growth. This antimicrobial effect was attenuated with siRNA-cathelicidin transfection. Intrarectal cathelicidin reduced the severity of DSS colitis but did not mitigate the impact of colitis on microbial composition.

Conclusions

Cathelicidin plays a protective role in 25(OH)D-associated UC histologic outcomes and murine colitis. Cathelicidin is induced by vitamin D in human colonic epithelial cells and promotes antimicrobial activity against E. coli. Our study provides insights into the vitamin D–cathelicidin pathway as a potential therapeutic target.
Solar gain mitigation in ventilated tiled roofs by using phase change materials
Authors: Bottarelli Michele , Gallero Francisco Javier González , Maestre Ismael Rodríguez , Pei Gang , Su Yuehong
Published: January 2020

Several passive cooling design techniques are known for reducing solar heat gain through building envelope in summer season. These include the use of phase change materials (PCM), which has received an increased attention over the last years, and the strategy of increasing the above-sheathing ventilation (ASV) in ventilated roofs. However, few studies combine both technologies to maximise the building resilience in hot season. The effect of including a PCM layer into a ventilated roof is numerically analysed here in two different configurations: firstly, laid on the roof deck (PCM1 case) and, secondly, suspended in the middle of the ASV channel (PCM2 case). A computational fluid dynamics model was implemented to simulate airflow and heat transfer around and through the building envelope, under 3 days of extreme hot conditions in summer with high temperatures and low wind speed. Results showed slight differences in terms of mean temperatures at the different roof layers, although temperature fluctuations at deck in the PCM1 case were smaller than half of those estimated for the benchmark case. However, PCM2 configuration achieved a daily reduction of about 10 Wh/m2 (18%) in building energy load with respect to the benchmark case, whilst PCM1 got only 4% due to the lower ventilation at night time. Therefore, a suspended PCM layer in the ASV channel would be a better measure in terms of energy performance than laid on the deck surface, although this last option significantly decreases thermal stress of the insulation layer.
Expanded Spectrum of Antiretroviral-Selected Mutations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2
Authors: Tzou Philip L , Descamps Diane , Rhee Soo-Yon , Raugi Dana N , Charpentier Charlotte , Taveira Nuno , Smith Robert A , Soriano Vicente , de Mendoza Carmen , Holmes Susan P , Gottlieb Geoffrey S , Shafer Robert W
Published: January 2020

Background

HIV-1 and HIV-2 differ in their antiretroviral (ARV) susceptibilities and drug resistance mutations (DRMs).

Methods

We analyzed published HIV-2 pol sequences to identify HIV-2 treatment-selected mutations (TSMs). Mutation prevalences were determined by HIV-2 group and ARV status. Nonpolymorphic mutations were those in <1% of ARV-naive persons. TSMs were those associated with ARV therapy after multiple comparisons adjustment.

Results

We analyzed protease (PR) sequences from 483 PR inhibitor (PI)-naive and 232 PI-treated persons; RT sequences from 333 nucleoside RT inhibitor (NRTI)-naive and 252 NRTI-treated persons; and integrase (IN) sequences from 236 IN inhibitor (INSTI)-naive and 60 INSTI-treated persons. In PR, 12 nonpolymorphic TSMs occurred in ≥11 persons: V33I, K45R, V47A, I50V, I54M, T56V, V62A, A73G, I82F, I84V, F85L, L90M. In RT, 9 nonpolymorphic TSMs occurred in ≥10 persons: K40R, A62V, K70R, Y115F, Q151M, M184VI, S215Y. In IN, 11 nonpolymorphic TSMs occurred in ≥4 persons: Q91R, E92AQ, T97A, G140S, Y143G, Q148R, A153G, N155H, H156R, R231 5-amino acid insertions. Nine of 32 nonpolymorphic TSMs were previously unreported.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirmed the ARV association of previously reported HIV-2 DRMs and identified novel TSMs. Genotypic and phenotypic studies of HIV-2 TSMs will improve approaches to predicting HIV-2 ARV susceptibility and treating HIV-2–infected persons.
Feminist Commodity Activism: The New Political Economy of Feminist Protest
Authors: Repo Jemima
Published: January 2020

This article theorizes the commodification of the recent resurgence of feminist activism through the concept of “feminist commodity activism.” The focus is on the mass popularization of feminist-themed commodities, with T-shirts as a particular focus. First, I discuss how the mass marketing of feminist goods ties in with: (a) commodity feminism, by refetishizing commodities and consumption as empowering for women; (b) neoliberal feminism, through the construction of the feminist as an economic and choice-making subject; and (c) commodity activism, by entangling feminism with the discourses and practices of ethical consumption. Building on these concepts, I propose “feminist commodity activism” as a way to capture and further analyze the current commodification of feminism activism occurring at their intersection. I argue that feminist commodity activism instigates three further shifts: the commodification of the aesthetic experience of feminist street protest; the transfer of feminist activist agency to companies, charities, and entrepreneurs; and the branding of the feminist as a subject of value. Finally, the article considers the challenges that these shifts pose for feminist critique and politics.
Scattered and Unsystematic: The Taught Discipline in the Intellectual Life of International Relations
Authors: Ettinger Aaron
Published: January 2020

Prompted by Hagmann and Biersteker's (2014) call for a critical pedagogy of international relations, this article addresses the “taught discipline” of international relations arguing that the field needs a sustained and systematic debate on the role of IR pedagogy. In typical disciplinary stocktaking, scholars focus primarily on the “published discipline” and the “practiced discipline,” leaving a gap in our understanding of a major component of academic international relations—teaching. This article maps the discipline's intellectual system of influence and exchange to demonstrate the attenuated influence of the taught discipline. Then it presents critical questions to initiate a robust debate on the place, purpose, and scope of IR pedagogy. The purpose here is to improve the quality and thoughtfulness of classroom teaching, and to explore the underappreciated potential of the taught discipline as a site of rejuvenation in the intellectual life of international relations.
Population pharmacokinetics and dosing considerations of daptomycin in critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Xie Feifan , Li Sanwang , Cheng Zeneng
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The dosing regimen of daptomycin for critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) remains controversial. The goal of this study was to provide guidance for optimal daptomycin therapy in CRRT patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Methods

Individual concentration data of 32 CRRT subjects pooled from previously published studies were used to construct the population pharmacokinetic model for daptomycin. Model-based simulations were performed to evaluate the efficacy and risk of toxicity for daptomycin doses of 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg, q24h or q48h, under CRRT doses of 25, 30 and 35 mL/h/kg. Efficacy was assessed by the bacteriostatic and bactericidal AUC/MIC targets and drug exposure-based efficacy references. Toxicity was estimated by safety exposure references and the trough concentration threshold.

Results

A two-compartment model adequately described the pharmacokinetics of daptomycin. Efficacy analysis demonstrated that q48h dosing is associated with an extremely low probability of bactericidal target attainment on every second day after dosing and q24h dosing is preferred for a high probability of bactericidal target attainment. Toxicity evaluation showed that 8 mg/kg q24h has a high probability for reaching the toxicity-related concentration threshold, while 6 mg/kg q24h gives a satisfactory risk–benefit balance. The studied CRRT doses had a limited impact on efficacy and a CRRT dose of 30–35 mL/h/kg may lower the risk of toxicity.

Conclusions

The model predicted that the combination of 6 mg/kg q24h daptomycin dose and CRRT dose of 30–35 mL/h/kg would achieve the best balance of efficacy and safety.
A customizable deep learning model for nosocomial risk prediction from critical care notes with indirect supervision
Authors: Goodwin Travis R , Demner-Fushman Dina
Published: January 2020

Objective

Reliable longitudinal risk prediction for hospitalized patients is needed to provide quality care. Our goal is to develop a generalizable model capable of leveraging clinical notes to predict healthcare-associated diseases 24–96 hours in advance.

Methods

We developed a reCurrent Additive Network for Temporal RIsk Prediction (CANTRIP) to predict the risk of hospital acquired (occurring ≥ 48 hours after admission) acute kidney injury, pressure injury, or anemia ≥ 24 hours before it is implicated by the patient’s chart, labs, or notes. We rely on the MIMIC III critical care database and extract distinct positive and negative cohorts for each disease. We retrospectively determine the date-of-event using structured and unstructured criteria and use it as a form of indirect supervision to train and evaluate CANTRIP to predict disease risk using clinical notes.

Results

Our experiments indicate that CANTRIP, operating on text alone, obtains 74%–87% area under the curve and 77%–85% Specificity. Baseline shallow models showed lower performance on all metrics, while bidirectional long short-term memory obtained the highest Sensitivity at the cost of significantly lower Specificity and Precision.

Discussion

Proper model architecture allows clinical text to be successfully harnessed to predict nosocomial disease, outperforming shallow models and obtaining similar performance to disease-specific models reported in the literature.

Conclusion

Clinical text on its own can provide a competitive alternative to traditional structured features (eg, lab values, vital signs). CANTRIP is able to generalize across nosocomial diseases without disease-specific feature extraction and is available at https://github.com/h4ste/cantrip.
MicroRNA-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances radiosensitivity by targeting CDK1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Hong-Mei , Tan Hua-Yan , Lin Yue , Xu Bei-Ning , Zhao Wen-Hua , Xie Yu-An
Published: January 2020

This study aims to determine whether miR-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the radiosensitivity by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its expression levels in the HCC cell lines were significantly lower than those in normal human liver cell line. Bioinformatics analysis indicated CDK1 was a potential target of miR-1271-5p. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay confirmed that CDK1 is a direct target gene of miR-1271-5p. With overexpression of miR-1271-5p in SMMC-7721 and HuH-7 cells, cell proliferation was decreased, radiosensitivity was enhanced, cell cycle distribution was altered and the growth of transplanted tumours in nude mice was significantly reduced. miR-1271-5p overexpression enhanced radiosensitivity, which could be reduced by CDK1 overexpression. Overall, our findings suggested that miR-1271-5p inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the radiosensitivity of HCC cell lines by targeting CDK1.
Reproductive biology of the land crab Epigrapsus politus Heller, 1862 (Brachyura: Gecarcinidae) on Iriomote-jima, Japan
Authors: Doi Wataru , Itoh Daiki , Kato Shunsuke , Mizutani Akira , Kohno Hiroyoshi
Published: January 2020

The breeding cycle of the land crab Epigrapsus politusHeller, 1862 (Gecarcinidae) was studied through a mark-recapture experiment on subtropical Iriomote-jima, Japan between September and November 2017. The abundance of E. politus at the cobble shore increased during the breeding season, and then decreased. Crab density was estimated to be 423.5 over 20 m2. The population showed a bimodal and a monomodal body-length frequency for males and females, respectively. Lifespan was estimated to be between one and two or three years. Ovigerous (egg bearing) females were detected from early September to late November, with the highest abundance occurring between late September and early November. The proportion of embryonic development (non-eyed and eyed eggs) of ovigerous females and the presence or absence of embryos and embryonic development of recaptured females showed that larvae were released on the days after the full moon. In comparison, egg extrusion occurred during the period of the previous full moon, i.e., eggs were incubated for four weeks. Females produced one brood within a single breeding season. The breeding ecology of E. politus was characterized as being short and occurring in a cooler season than that of other gecarcinids inhabiting the subtropical islands of the northwest Pacific.
A note on the system GRW with the intensional contraction rule
Authors: Ilić Mirjana , Boričić Branislav
Published: January 2020

In Ilić and Boričić (2014, Log. J. IGPL, 22, 673–695), the right-handed cut-free sequent calculus $GRW$ for the contraction-less relevant logic $RW$ is defined. In this paper, we show that the enlargement of the system $GRW$ with the structural rule of intensional contraction (WI) presents the sequent system for the principal relevant logic $R$ but the rule of cut cannot be eliminated in $GRW+$(WI).
Sand Fly Colony Crash Tentatively Attributed to Nematode Infestation
Authors: Temeyer Kevin B , Schlechte Kristie G , Dandeneau Laryssa B
Published: January 2020

Maintenance of laboratory colonies of insects and other arthropod pests offers significant research advantages. The availability, age, sex, housing conditions, nutrition, and relative uniformity over time of biological material for research facilitate comparison of results between experiments that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. A laboratory research colony of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), old world sand flies, was maintained with high-colony productivity for a number of years, but within a relatively short (4–6 mo) time period, colony productivity declined from over 10,000 flies per week to less than 100 per week. Mites and nematodes were both visible in the larval medium; however, the mites had been present throughout high productivity periods; therefore, it seemed reasonable to investigate the nematodes. PCR amplification of 18S rRNA yielded a clean cDNA sequence identified by BLAST search as Procephalobus sp. 1 WB-2008 (Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae) small subunit ribosomal RNA gene, GenBank EU543179.1, with 475/477 nucleotide identities. Nematode samples were collected and identified as Tricephalobus steineri, (Andrássy, 1952) Rühm, 1956 (Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae) based on morphological characteristics of the esophagus and the male copulatory apparatus. Mites (Tyrophagus putrescentiae [Acariformes: Acaridae]) may have played an additional predatory role in the loss of sand fly colony productivity. We hypothesized that the origin of the nematode infestation was rabbit dung from a local rabbitry used in preparation of the larval medium. Colony productivity was fully restored within 3 mo (two sand fly generational periods) by replacement of the rabbit dung from a clean source for use to prepare sand fly larval medium.
Epiglottic granular cell tumour: a case report and literature review
Authors: Bouayyad Sarah , Ong Jen , Bouayyad Houda , Woodun Heerani
Published: January 2020

Granular cell tumour is a rare, benign tumour that may arise in the soft tissues of various locations. It is often asymptomatic; hence, it gets misdiagnosed as other conditions. This is a case of an asymptomatic 50-year-old male with an incidental finding of a supraglottic lesion during routine oesophagogastroscopy. Examination under general anaesthetic showed a whitish non-ulcerating exophytic lesion on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis, sparing anterior commissure and vocal cords. Surgical excision was performed with an open supraglottic laryngectomy approach. Histopathology confirmed GCT, strongly positive for S-100 protein and weakly positive for CD68. Accurate histologic analysis is a key to identify this rare tumour among other differentials. Although benign, ongoing monitoring is advised due to risk of recurrence.
A Metaphysical Appreciation of C.S. Lewis and Owen Barfield’s ‘Great War’
Authors: Di Fuccia Michael Vincent
Published: January 2020

The recent publication of the renowned ‘great war’ letters between Inklings C.S. Lewis and Owen Barfield has reinvigorated scholarly discussion regarding their respective views on the ‘truthfulness of the imagination’. However, in focusing primarily on their epistemological differences and rarely considering the high view Lewis affords the imagination in his fiction, analyses of the ‘great war’ tend to over-accentuate Lewis and Barfield’s differences. A metaphysical appreciation sheds fresh light on the ‘great war’, casting a more Barfield-friendly Lewis whose shared high view of the imagination is more in line with that of his fiction and later non-fiction.
How metallicity affects volatile abundances: implications for planetary system formation
Authors: Dominguez Gerardo
Published: January 2020

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of several thousand extrasolar planetary systems having a wide range of orbital and compositional characteristics. A host star’s metallicity, defined as the abundance of all elements heavier than helium (metals), appears to play a role in determining whether an exoplanetary system is more likely to include Jupiter-sized gas and ice giants. Here, we show how molecular cloud (MC) metallicity is likely to significantly affect the initial conditions of planetary formation by affecting the abundances of volatile ices (H2O, CO, etc.) in parent MCs. Through analytic and numerical treatments of molecular chemical lifetimes, we show that volatile elements are more likely to be found as ices in metal-rich clouds compared to metal-poor ones. These correlations, in turn, may impact the characteristics of planetary systems as a function of their metallicity as suggested by the systematic shifts in snowline distances as a function of metallicity. We evaluate the ‘wet Earth’ hypothesis for the origins of Earth’s water and find that elevated protoplanetary disc pressures are required to retain the required partial (∼2 per cent) monolayer of water on interstellar dust grain surfaces with MRN distribution.
Cricetus cricetus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)
Authors: Kryštufek Boris , Hoffmann Ilse E , Nedyalkov Nedko , Pozdnyakov Alexandr , Vohralík Vladimir
Published: January 2020

Cricetus cricetus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a medium-sized cricetid commonly called the common hamster. A sexually dimorphic rodent of unique coloration with robust body, blunt head, short legs, and rudimentary tail, it is the largest hamster and the only species in the genus Cricetus. It is easily recognizable by a color pattern of contrasting dark and light areas. Because its distribution extends from northwestern Europe to eastern China across 5,500 km of low altitude agricultural land, steppe, and forest steppe, the frequently used term European hamster is misleading. Both geographic range and relative abundance started declining in the 1960s on the western edge of its distribution, and now C. cricetus is protected by the Bern Convention and the Fauna-Flora-Habitats Directives.
Association of subjective global assessment of nutritional status with gut microbiota in hemodialysis patients: a case–control study
Authors: Lin Ting-Yun , Hung Szu-Chun
Published: January 2020

Background

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the pathogenesis of PEW in CKD patients has not been fully identified. The gut microbiota has been implicated in the regulation of host metabolism and energy balance. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between nutritional status and the composition of the gut microbiota in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Gut microbial diversity and taxonomy were examined in 88 hemodialysis patients with PEW (n = 22) and normal nutritional status (n = 66) who were matched 1:3 for age and sex. Nutritional status was assessed by using the 7-point subjective global assessment (SGA) score (1–3 = severe PEW; 4–5 = moderate PEW and 6–7 = normal nutrition). The gut microbiota was assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.

Results

Patients with normal nutritional status had a significantly higher body mass index and physical activity and serum albumin levels, but significantly lower levels of inflammatory cytokines than patients with PEW. The most striking finding was that the α-diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly lower in patients with PEW. In a multivariate analysis, the SGA score was independently and positively associated with α-diversity (P = 0.049). Patients with or without PEW were different with respect to the principal coordinate analysis of β-diversity. Notably, the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a butyrate-producing bacteria, was markedly reduced in patients with PEW.

Conclusion

In hemodialysis patients, PEW assessed with the SGA was associated with gut dysbiosis.
Pet Ownership Protects Against Recurrence of Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Redding Laurel E , Kelly Brendan J , Stefanovski Darko , Lautenbach John K , Tolomeo Pam , Cressman Leigh , Gruber Eli , Meily Paige , Lautenbach Ebbing
Published: January 2020

Background

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated and health care–associated diarrhea in humans. Recurrent CDI (R-CDI) occurs in ~20%–30% of patients with CDI and results in increased morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs. Genomic analyses have shown overlap of C. difficile isolates from animals and people, suggesting that a zoonotic reservoir may contribute to recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine whether pet ownership is a risk factor for recurrence of CDI.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study among patients with recurrent CDI (cases; n = 86) and patients with nonrecurrent CDI (controls; n = 146). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine the association between recurrence of CDI and pet ownership while accounting for patient-level risk factors.

Results

Pet ownership was not significantly associated with recurrence of CDI (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38–2.72; P = 0.965) among all patients (n = 232). However, among the subset of patients with community-associated or community-onset health care facility–acquired CDI (n = 127), increasing contact with pets was increasingly protective against recurrence: for every point increase in a pet contact score (out of 7 possible points), the odds of recurrence decreased by 14% (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74–1.00; P = 0.051).

Conclusions

Close interactions with pets appear protective against the recurrence of community-acquired CDI. A potential mechanism may involve beneficial contributions to the microbiota of pet owners afflicted with CDI, as has been observed for other conditions such as atopy, obesity, and food allergies. However, more research is needed to understand the interactions between pets, owners, and their microbiota.
Threatening Life Events and Difficulties and Psychotic Disorder
Authors: Beards Stephanie , Fisher Helen L , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Hubbard Kathryn , Reininghaus Ulrich , Craig Thomas J , Di Forti Marta , Mondelli Valeria , Pariante Carmine , Dazzan Paola , Murray Robin , Morgan Craig
Published: January 2020

Objective

Stressful life events have been implicated in the onset of psychotic disorders, but there are few robust studies. We sought to examine the nature and magnitude of associations between adult life events and difficulties and first-episode psychoses, particularly focusing on contextual characteristics, including threat, intrusiveness, and independence.

Method

This study forms part of the Childhood Adversity and Psychosis Study (CAPsy), an epidemiological case-control study in London, United Kingdom. Data on life events and difficulties (problems lasting 4 wk or more) during 1 year prior to onset (cases) or interview (controls) were assessed using the semi-structured Life Events and Difficulties Schedule (LEDS). Data were available on 253 individuals with a first episode of psychosis and 301 population-based controls.

Results

We found strong evidence that odds of exposure to threatening and intrusive events in the 1 year prior to onset were substantially higher among cases compared with controls, independent of age, gender, ethnicity, and social class (ORs > 3). This was consistent across diagnostic categories. We found further evidence that the effect of threatening events and difficulties was cumulative (1 event odds ratio [OR] 2.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51–4.79]; 2 events OR 4.87 [95% CI 2.34–10.16]; ≥3 events OR 5.27 [95% CI 1.83–15.19]; 1 difficulty OR 3.02 [95% CI 1.79–5.09]; 2 difficulties OR 9.71 [95% CI 4.20–22.40]; ≥3 difficulties OR 12.84 [95% CI 3.18–51.85]).

Conclusions

Threatening and intrusive life events and difficulties are common in the year pre-onset among individuals with a first episode of psychosis. Such experiences may contribute to the development of psychotic disorders.
Outcome of short-term emergency department observation care of children with sickle cell disease and vaso-occlusive crises: initial experience from south-western Nigeria
Authors: Adegoke Samuel A , Oladimeji O I , Ologun B G , Aladekomo T A , Oyelami O A
Published: January 2020

Background

Short-term emergency department (ED) observation care may prevent prolonged and unnecessary hospital admission in patients with sickle pain. This study highlights the outcomes of short-term ED care of acute pain in children with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Methods

Children aged 6 mo to 19 y with SCD and painful crises who were managed by short-term ED care from July 2017 to June 2019 were studied retrospectively. Biodata, pain score, type of care, length of hospital stay, inpatient transfer rate (the proportion that required transfer for full admission) and return rate (the proportion that returned to the hospital for retreatment of unresolved pain) were documented.

Results

From July 2017 to June 2019, 122 children with SCD were admitted to the ED for painful crises, of whom 118 (96.7%) with 167 hospital visits were managed by short-term ED observation care. The median length of stay was 10.5 h. In 50.3% of encounters, patients were successfully managed without requiring further care. However, in 17.4% of encounters, they had their ED observation care terminated and converted to full admission. The overall return rate for acute care within 1 wk for either persistence of symptoms or any other complaint was 31.7%.

Conclusions

Dedicated short-term ED observation care has the potential to provide effective and timely management of acute pain in children with SCD.
Review of the biology and host associations of the wasp genus Gasteruption (Evanioidea: Gasteruptiidae)
Authors: Parslow Ben A , Schwarz Michael P , Stevens Mark I
Published: January 2020

Gasteruption is an easily recognized genus of wasps whose larvae are predator-inquilines in the nests of cavity-nesting solitary bees (Apidae, Colletidae, Halictidae and Megachilidae), with some records for solitary wasps as hosts (Crabronidae, Vespidae and Sphecidae). There is conflicting information about the biology and host associations for the genus because of a lack of information from the majority of biogeographical regions in the world. Here we concatenate all available literature records pertaining to the biology of adults, host associations and larval development. We conclude that bee hosts are more readily used compared to wasp hosts (71 bee, 13 wasp species), with the majority of wasp observations without sufficient data to be confident of the host association. The majority of known records are for hosts nesting in cavity nests (76 species) rather than ground nests (eight species), with most species recorded from a single host association. From available data, the approximate rates of host nests with parasitized broods are low: 4–7%. We also provide suggestions for improving the quality of future observations in the group.
Wounds Related to Malignancy in Postacute and Long-term Care: A Case Series
Authors: Levine Jeffrey M. , Menezes Rikitha , Namagiri Santhini
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE

To study the epidemiology and characteristics of wounds related to malignancy in a large, academically affiliated postacute/long-term care (PALTC) facility.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series of 1 year of wound care consultations. Inclusion criteria included a cancer diagnosis with wounds related to malignancy or complications from cancer-related debility and/or treatment.

SETTING

Academically affiliated 514-bed PALTC facility.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 190 consults, 27 residents (14.2%) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 20 (74.1%) were female, and 7 (25.9%) were male. The average age of residents with a cancer diagnosis and wounds was 69.5 years (range, 48.1–86.7 years), and 25 (92.6%) were on the postacute service.

RESULTS

The most common reasons for consultation included pressure injuries (44.4%), surgical wounds (21.4%), and malignant wounds (14.8%). Seventy-six percent of pressure injuries were present on admission. Breast (29.6%), gastrointestinal (25.9%), and gynecologic (11.1%) malignancies were most common. Of the studied residents, 14 (51.9%) had metastases, and 13 (92.9%) had pressure injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings begin to fill a gap in understanding the spectrum of wounds in PALTC residents with cancer and reinforce the importance of the wound care skill set, including pressure injury prevention. Quality cancer care for older adults must anticipate severe skin complications not only from the tumor and its treatment, but also from the sequelae of immobility, immune compromise, malnutrition, and skin failure. The close association of metastatic disease with pressure injury raises issues of unavoidability and casts new doubt upon the use of pressure injuries for quality measurement.
Acute Skin Failure in the Critically Ill Adult Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dalgleish Lizanne , Campbell Jill , Finlayson Kathleen , Coyer Fiona
Published: January 2020

GENERAL PURPOSE

To present a systematic review of the literature conducted to define and extend knowledge of the risk factors, causes, and antecedent conditions of acute skin failure (ASF) in adult intensive care patients.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:

1. Outline the background information helpful for understanding the authors' systematic review of ASF in adult intensive care patients.

2. Summarize the results of the authors' review of the risk factors, causes, and antecedent conditions of ASF in adult intensive care patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To define and extend knowledge of the risk factors, causes, and antecedent conditions of acute skin failure (ASF) in the adult intensive care patient cohort.

DATA SOURCES:

The Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Database, PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Google Scholar.

STUDY SELECTION:

Studies were selected if they were qualitative or quantitative research that reported ASF in adult human patients in an ICU setting. The preliminary search yielded 991 records and 22 full texts were assessed for eligibility. A total of three records were included. Studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Data from the included studies were extracted by one reviewer and summarized in data collection tables that were checked and verified by a second reviewer.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Study authors identified five independent predictors of ASF: peripheral vascular disease, mechanical ventilation longer than 72 hours, respiratory failure, liver failure, and sepsis. However, the term ASF was applied to retrospective cohorts of patients who developed severe pressure injuries. This, combined with the absence of evidence surrounding the assessment, clinical criteria, and diagnosis of ASF, could impact these variables’ predictability relative to the condition.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results highlight a substantial evidence gap regarding the etiology, diagnostic biomarkers, and predictors of ASF. Further research focused on these gaps may contribute to an accurate and agreed-upon definition for ASF, as well as improved skin integrity outcomes.
Approaches to Microthrombotic Wounds: A Review of Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Authors: Mufti Asfandyar , Maliyar Khalad , Syed Maleeha , Pagnoux Christian , Alavi Afsaneh
Published: January 2020

GENERAL PURPOSE

To discuss the pathogenesis and clinical features of wounds caused by microthrombi formation under the following categories of systemic diseases: cold-related and immune-complex deposition diseases, coagulopathies, abnormalities in red blood cell structure, emboli, and vasospasm.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:

1. Recall the etiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of the various types of microthrombotic wounds.

2. Describe the clinical manifestations and treatment of the various types of microthrombotic wounds.

Typical wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and arterial ulcers are responsible for more than 70% of chronic wounds. Atypical wounds have broad differential diagnoses and can sometimes develop as a combination of different conditions. Regardless of the etiology, impaired blood circulation is characteristic of all chronic and acute wounds. Chronic wounds associated with microthrombi formation are an important group of atypical wounds commonly linked to an underlying systemic disease. In this perspective article, the pathogenesis and clinical features of wounds caused by microthrombi formation are discussed under the following categories of systemic diseases: cold-related and immune-complex deposition diseases, coagulopathies, abnormalities in red blood cell structure, emboli, and vasospasm.