bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences on children's voices in family support services: Practitioner perspectives
Authors: Harkin Jo‐anne , Stafford Lisa , Leggatt‐Cook Chez
Published: July 2020

Australia's 2017 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended to organizations that children should participate in decisions affecting their lives as a safety standard. While a substantial body of research about children's voices in statutory or out‐of‐home care now exists, there remains a paucity of research into children's voices in family support services delivered by nongovernment organizations. This is despite the primary service purpose being to benefit children. This lack of focus in family support was identified as a research priority by a nongovernment organization in Queensland, Australia, which lead to a collaborative research programme. This article reports on initial research from a survey study to describe the current state of play from practitioners into their perceptions and practices of children's participation in family support contexts. A voluntary and anonymous online, qualitative‐predominate survey was opened to 110 practitioners in family support services, of which 50% responded. The findings identified that children's voices were compromised by perceptions of children's capacity relating to age and vulnerability, the parental focus of the service coupled with perceptions of parent's needs and gatekeeping behaviours and service pressures that work against the conditions required for children's rights to voice.
Clinical characteristics of congenital toxoplasmosis with poor outcome in Japan: A nationwide survey and literature review
Authors: Hijikata Midori , Okahashi Aya , Nagano Nobuhiko , Morioka Ichiro
Published: July 2020

The clinical characteristics of congenital toxoplasmosis cases with poor outcomes in Japan were analyzed. Ten cases were selected, identified from a nationwide survey by the Japan Society for Neonatal Health and Development and a literature review. Based on outcomes, two fatal cases showed generalized symptoms at birth; four cases with neurological sequelae showed the three main congenital toxoplasmosis manifestations (chorioretinitis, intracranial calcification, hydrocephalus); four cases with ophthalmological sequelae showed only one or two of the three main manifestations. Eight cases with poor outcomes were not prenatally diagnosed with congenital toxoplasma infection or suspected maternal toxoplasma infection. The outcome of congenital toxoplasmosis might differ depending on the symptomology.
Tensor‐valued diffusion MRI differentiates cortex and white matter in malformations of cortical development associated with epilepsy
Authors: Lampinen Björn , Zampeli Ariadne , Björkman‐Burtscher Isabella M. , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Källén Kristina , Compagno Strandberg Maria , Nilsson Markus
Published: July 2020

Objective

Delineation of malformations of cortical development (MCD) is central in presurgical evaluation of drug‐resistant epilepsy. Delineation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be ambiguous, however, because the conventional T1‐ and T2‐weighted contrasts depend strongly on myelin for differentiation of cortical tissue and white matter. Variations in myelin content within both cortex and white matter may cause MCD findings on MRI to change size, become undetectable, or disagree with histopathology. The novel tensor‐valued diffusion MRI (dMRI) technique maps microscopic diffusion anisotropy, which is sensitive to axons rather than myelin. This work investigated whether tensor‐valued dMRI may improve differentiation of cortex and white matter in the delineation of MCD.

Methods

Tensor‐valued dMRI was performed on a 7 T MRI scanner in 13 MCD patients (age = 32 ± 13 years) featuring periventricular heterotopia, subcortical heterotopia, focal cortical dysplasia, and polymicrogyria. Data analysis yielded maps of microscopic anisotropy that were compared with T1‐weighted and T2‐fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images and with the fractional anisotropy from diffusion tensor imaging.

Results

Maps of microscopic anisotropy revealed large white matter‐like regions within MCD that were uniformly cortex‐like in the conventional MRI contrasts. These regions were seen particularly in the deep white matter parts of subcortical heterotopias and near the gray‐white boundaries of focal cortical dysplasias and polymicrogyrias.

Significance

By being sensitive to axons rather than myelin, mapping of microscopic anisotropy may yield a more robust differentiation of cortex and white matter and improve MCD delineation in presurgical evaluation of epilepsy.
Rice production and food security in Asian Mega deltas—A review on characteristics, vulnerabilities and agricultural adaptation options to cope with climate change
Authors: Schneider Pia , Asch Folkard
Published: July 2020

Asian Mega deltas (AMDs) are among the world´s most important rice‐growing areas and vital for food security. This review describes the major environmental and agricultural characteristics as well as current and future threats to food production and livelihood, using three AMDs as examples, namely the Ganges–Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh, the Ayeyarwady delta in Myanmar and the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. In addition, we analysed the most widely used agricultural adaptation methods in these areas. The major threat to agriculture is salinity intrusion and water scarcity, which consequently leads to a shortage of irrigation water and yield reduction. The most common applied agricultural adaptation strategies are the use of salt‐tolerant varieties and the adjustment of cropping calendars, as well as the use of water‐saving technologies. It was found that there are many concepts that address individual problems, but a comprehensive and integrated concept for delta regions to adapt to climate change is still missing.
Antihypertensive medication use and blood pressure control among treated older adults
Authors: Ernst Michael E. , Chowdhury Enayet K. , Nelson Mark R. , Reid Christopher M. , Margolis Karen L. , Beilin Lawrence , Stocks Nigel P. , Murray Anne M. , Wolfe Rory , Lockery Jessica E. , Orchard Suzanne G. , Woods Robyn L. , McNeil John J. ,   the ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: July 2020

The association of different antihypertensive regimens with blood pressure (BP) control is not well‐described among community‐dwelling older adults with low comorbidity. We examined antihypertensive use and BP control in 10 062 treated hypertensives from Australia and the United States (US) using baseline data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial. Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) drugs were the most prevalently used antihypertensive in both countries (Australia: 81.7% of all regimens; US: 62.9% of all regimens; P < .001). Diuretics were the next most commonly used antihypertensive in both countries, but were more often included in regimens of US participants (48.9%, vs 33.3% of regimens in Australia; P < .001). Among all antihypertensive classes and possible combinations, monotherapy with a RAS drug was the most common regimen in both countries, but with higher prevalence in Australian than US participants (35.9% vs 20.9%; P < .001). For both monotherapy and combination users, BP control rates across age, ethnicity, and sex were consistently lower in Australian than US participants. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI, significantly lower BP control rates remained in Australian compared to US participants for the most commonly used classes and regimens (RAS blocker monotherapy: BP control = 45.5% vs 54.2%; P = .002; diuretic monotherapy: BP control = 45.2% vs 64.5%; P = .001; and RAS blocker/diuretic combo: BP control = 50.2% vs 65.6%; P = .001). Our findings highlight variation in antihypertensive use in older adults treated for hypertension, with implications for BP control. Differences in BP control that were observed may be influenced, in part, by reasons other than choice of specific regimens.
An extracellular vesicle epitope profile is associated with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Burrello Jacopo , Bolis Sara , Balbi Carolina , Burrello Alessio , Provasi Elena , Caporali Elena , Gauthier Lorenzo Grazioli , Peirone Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Monticone Silvia , Barile Lucio , Vassalli Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

The current standard biomarker for myocardial infarction (MI) is high‐sensitive troponin. Although powerful in clinical setting, search for new markers is warranted as early diagnosis of MI is associated with improved outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) attracted considerable interest as new blood biomarkers. A training cohort used for diagnostic modelling included 30 patients with STEMI, 38 with stable angina (SA) and 30 matched‐controls. Extracellular vesicle concentration was assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Extracellular vesicle surface‐epitopes were measured by flow cytometry. Diagnostic models were developed using machine learning algorithms and validated on an independent cohort of 80 patients. Serum EV concentration from STEMI patients was increased as compared to controls and SA. EV levels of CD62P, CD42a, CD41b, CD31 and CD40 increased in STEMI, and to a lesser extent in SA patients. An aggregate marker including EV concentration and CD62P/CD42a levels achieved non‐inferiority to troponin, discriminating STEMI from controls (AUC = 0.969). A random forest model based on EV biomarkers discriminated the two groups with 100% accuracy. EV markers and RF model confirmed high diagnostic performance at validation. In conclusion, patients with acute MI or SA exhibit characteristic EV biomarker profiles. EV biomarkers hold great potential as early markers for the management of patients with MI.
Lysosomal dysfunction of corneal fibroblasts underlies the pathogenesis of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2 and can be rescued by TFEB
Authors: Choi Seung‐il , Woo Jong Hwan , Kim Eung Kweon
Published: July 2020

Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is the most common form of transforming growth factor β‐induced (TGFBI) gene‐linked corneal dystrophy and is pathologically characterized by the corneal deposition of mutant‐TGFBIp. The defective autophagic degradation of pathogenic mutant‐TGFBIp has been shown in GCD2; however, its exact mechanisms are unknown. To address this, we investigated lysosomal functions using corneal fibroblasts. Levels of cathepsins K and L (CTSK and CTSL) were significantly decreased in GCD2 cells, but of cathepsins B and D (CTSB and CTSD) did not change. The maturation of the pro‐enzymes to their active forms (CTSB, CTSK and CTSL) was inhibited in GCD2 cells. CTSL enzymes directly degraded both LC3 (autophagosomes marker) and mutant‐TGFBIp. Exogenous CTSL expression dramatically reduced mutant‐TGFBIp in GCD2 cells, but not TGFBIp in WT cells. An increased lysosomal pH and clustered lysosomal perinuclear position were found in GCD2 cells. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) levels were significantly reduced in GCD2 cells, compared to WT. Notably, exogenous TFEB expression improved mutant‐TGFBIp clearance and lysosomal abnormalities in GCD2 cells. Taken together, lysosomal dysfunction in the corneal fibroblasts underlies the pathogenesis of GCD2, and TFEB has a therapeutic potential in the treatment of GCD2.
Design and performance evaluation of a passive flat plate collector solar dryer for agricultural products
Authors: Babar Onkar A , Tarafdar Ayon , Malakar Santanu , Arora Vinkel Kumar , Nema Prabhat K.
Published: July 2020

A passive flat plate collector solar dryer (FPC‐SD) was designed and fabricated for drying of agricultural products. It has drying capacity of 7.5 kg, drying chamber cross sectional area of 0.74 m × 0.58 m, collector aspect ratio 2, collector depth of 0.25 m and hence volume of 0.5 m3. Total pressure drop across drying bed ΔPT was 1.29 kg/m2. The difference between the dryer inlet and ambient temperature was recorded for certain days and was 24.6°C at 1.30 p.m. with average solar insolation of 882.35 W/m2. Performance of FPC‐SD was evaluated by drying mushroom under sun drying and passive FPC solar dryer. The moisture ratio of the samples reached zero in 33 hr for sun drying while 21 hr for FPC‐SD. Solar drying took 36.36% lesser time than open sun drying.

Practical applications

The designed and fabricated flat plate collector (FPC) solar dryer incorporated with a phase change material is a farmer's friendly unit, which can dry agricultural products at farm level. Traditional open sun drying is usually practiced by farmers for drying of fruits and vegetables which generates wastage and also is an energy inefficient process. It also results in loss of nutritional quality due to slow and intermittent drying. The solar dryer is a sustainable and environment friendly farmer's gadget for drying of fruit and vegetables with better retention of the quality. The phase change material helps to prolong the operation even after sunset and thus this continuous operation accomplishes the drying process sooner. Incorporation of phase change material as thermal storage unit helps in improving its performance. Present FPC‐SD helps carry out drying in nearly 35 to 40% lesser time than open sun drying.
Gut microbiota signatures and clinical manifestations in celiac disease children at onset: a pilot study
Authors: Di Biase Anna Rita , Marasco Giovanni , Ravaioli Federico , Dajti Elton , Colecchia Luigi , Righi Beatrice , D'Amico Virginia , Festi Davide , Iughetti Lorenzo , Colecchia Antonio
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Recent researches have shown an altered gut microbiota in celiac disease (CD) patients compared with healthy controls (HCs). This study aims to evaluate the composition of the microbiota of CD children at onset and the relationship between bacterial abundances and symptoms.

Methods

Celiac disease patients were consecutively enrolled at a pediatric unit referring for suspected CD. HCs were also included in the study. Stool and duodenal samples were collected and evaluated by a high taxonomic fingerprint microbiota array.

Results

Thirty‐seven subjects enrolled: 21 CD patients and 16 HCs. Fourteen subjects were male (38%). The mean age was 75 months (standard deviation 31.5) for CD patients and 71 months (standard deviation 34.9) for HCs. Duodenal microbiota of CD patients showed a dominance of Enterobacteriaceae and subdominance of Bacteroidetes/Streptococcus. Stool microbiota showed a lower abundance of Bacteroides–Prevotella (P = 0.013), Akkermansia (P = 0.002), and Staphylococcaceae (P = 0.001) in CD patients compared with HC. At symptoms level, an increased mean relative abundance of Bacillaceae and Enterobaeriaceae in patients with abdominal pain (P = 0.007 and P = 0.010) was found. CD patients with diarrhea had reduced mean relative abundance of Clostridium cluster XIVa (P = 0.044) and Akkermansia (P = 0.033) and an increase in Bacillaceae (P = 0.048) and Fusobacterium (P = 0.048).

Conclusions

Gut microbiota of CD children at disease onset is different from that of HC. Pro‐inflammatory microbiota imbalances were associated with CD symptoms. Further studies are needed to assess whether dysbiosis is associated with CD early onset and symptoms.
Nurses' knowledge on routine care and maintenance of adult vascular access devices: A scoping review
Authors: Raynak Andrea , Paquet France , Marchionni Caroline , Lok Valerie , Gauthier Mélanie , Frati Francesca
Published: July 2020

Background

Vascular access devices (VAD), centrally (CVAD) or peripherally (PIV) located, are common in the nursing profession. A high proportion of admitted patients require a VAD to enable administration of intravenous treatments or diagnostic modalities. As the primary caregivers for these patients, nurses are responsible for ongoing care and maintenance of these devices.

Objective

This scoping review examines the current state of practicing nurses knowledge around routine care and maintenance of adult VADs.

Methods

In the fall of 2018, the following databases were searched: Medline‐Ovid 1946 to current, Embase‐Ovid 1947 to current, Ebsco CINAHL Plus with full text and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health database, and articles were selected according to the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Inclusion criteria: original research published in peer‐reviewed journals; in English or French; and focused on practising nurses’ knowledge about the routine care and maintenance of adult VADs.

Results

Of the 4,099 abstracts identified, 36 full‐text articles were included. Study characteristics are reportedin addition to themes found in the literature: the relationship between demographic data and CVAD/PIV knowledge, the state of nurses’ CVAD/PIV knowledge and nurses’ CVAD/PIV knowledge scores. Overall, significant gaps in nurses’ knowledge on the care and maintenance of VADs are noted.

Conclusion

The variability in nurses’ knowledge around both CVAD and PIV led the authors to conclude that there is room for improvement in the educational preparation of nurses and a need for workplace training.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This scoping review intends to highlight the knowledge gap of nurses with regard to best practices for VAD routine care and maintenance and demonstrate the need for education, both in educational and healthcare institutions, to ensure high‐quality care and improved patient outcomes.
Combination of instrumental and qualitative descriptive analysis for evaluation of selected tonic waters quality features
Authors: Marjanska Ewa , Szpakowska Maria
Published: July 2020

The combination of sensory and instrumental analysis was applied for quality assurance of selected tonic waters. The quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) in terms of 14 sensory attributes (aroma, astringency, bite, burn, numbing, tongue heaviness, carbonation, mouth coating, sweet taste, sour taste, bitter taste, sweet aftertaste, sour aftertaste, and bitter aftertaste) of selected tonic waters was performed by sensory experts. The results of this analysis were bound with potentiometric sensor results to elaborate mathematical models for prediction of these attributes by partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Predicted values of sensory attributes were in a good agreement with those obtained by sensory experts since the SD on predicted values were relatively low and determination coefficients were high. The only exception was for sweet aftertaste attribute, which model was not so well‐fitted, probably due to specific interactions of tonic waters' sweet components. This approach may ensure the standards of food quality regarding sensory parameters with diminishing assessment's time and costs.
Genetic and environmental risk for lymphoma in boxer dogs
Authors: Craun Kaitlyn , Ekena Joanne , Sacco James , Jiang Tao , Motsinger‐Reif Alison , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in humans is associated with environmental chemical exposures, and risk is enhanced by genetic variants in glutathione S‐transferases (GST) enzymes.

Objective

We hypothesized that boxer dogs, a breed at risk for lymphoma, would have a higher prevalence of GST variants with predicted low activity, and greater accumulated DNA damage, compared to other breeds. We also hypothesized that lymphoma in boxers would be associated with specific environmental exposures and a higher prevalence of canine GST variants.

Animals

Fifty‐four healthy boxers and 56 age‐matched nonboxer controls; 63 boxers with lymphoma and 89 unaffected boxers ≥10 years old.

Methods

We resequenced variant loci in canine GSTT1, GSTT5, GSTM1, and GSTP1 and compared endogenous DNA damage in peripheral leukocytes of boxers and nonboxers using the comet assay. We also compared GST variants and questionnaire‐based environmental exposures in boxers with and without lymphoma.

Results

Endogenous DNA damage did not differ between boxers and nonboxers. Boxers with lymphoma were more likely to live within 10 miles of a nuclear power plant and within 2 miles of a chemical supplier or crematorium. Lymphoma risk was not modulated by known canine GST variants.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Proximity to nuclear power plants, chemical suppliers, and crematoria were significant risk factors for lymphoma in this population of boxers. These results support the hypothesis that aggregate exposures to environmental chemicals and industrial waste may contribute to lymphoma risk in dogs.
Hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of antiviral therapy: The emerging role of non‐viral risk factors
Authors: Li Wanying , Deng Rui , Liu Shi , Wang Kaifeng , Sun Jian
Published: July 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the major malignant lethal tumours, is most prevalent in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Both viral and non‐viral factors contribute to the development of HCC. It is established that viral factors associated with HBV DNA level, HBV genotype, designated gene mutation, HBV DNA integration, HBx protein, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBV RNA are correlated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Before the introduction of antiviral therapy, viral factors once attracted more attention during the development of HCC. With the widespread use of antiviral therapy, predominantly nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), most patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have achieved sustained viral control. The role of non‐viral factors, especially modifiable factors, is anticipated to be reinforced in the future. Herein, we reviewed the modifiable non‐viral risk factors of HBV‐related HCC, in the hope of providing substantial evidence for further development of novel precautionary measures for HCC. In addition, the therapeutic interventions for reducing the risk of HCC, like potential conventional pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle modification are also discussed in this review. Future studies that would explore the specific mechanism of HBV‐related HCC development in patients with satisfactory viral control and related precision treatment are warranted.
Nutrient‐sensing components of the mouse stomach and the gastric ghrelin cell
Authors: Nunez‐Salces Maria , Li Hui , Feinle‐Bisset Christine , Young Richard L. , Page Amanda J.
Published: July 2020

Background

The ability of the gut to detect nutrients is critical to the regulation of gut hormone secretion, food intake, and postprandial blood glucose control. Ingested nutrients are detected by specific gut chemosensors. However, knowledge of these chemosensors has primarily been derived from the intestine, while available information on gastric chemosensors is limited. This study aimed to investigate the nutrient‐sensing repertoire of the mouse stomach with particular emphasis on ghrelin cells.

Methods

Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to determine mRNA levels of nutrient chemosensors (protein: G protein–coupled receptor 93 [GPR93], calcium‐sensing receptor [CaSR], metabotropic glutamate receptor type 4 [mGluR4]; fatty acids: CD36, FFAR2&4; sweet/umami taste: T1R3), taste transduction components (TRPM5, GNAT2&3), and ghrelin and ghrelin‐processing enzymes (PC1/3, ghrelin O‐acyltransferase [GOAT]) in the gastric corpus and antrum of adult male C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess protein expression of chemosensors (GPR93, T1R3, CD36, and FFAR4) and their co‐localization with ghrelin.

Key Results

Most nutrient chemosensors had higher mRNA levels in the antrum compared to the corpus, except for CD36, GNAT2, ghrelin, and GOAT. Similar regional distribution was observed at the protein level. At least 60% of ghrelin‐positive cells expressed T1R3 and FFAR4, and over 80% expressed GPR93 and CD36.

Conclusions and Inferences

The cellular mechanisms for the detection of nutrients are expressed in a region‐specific manner in the mouse stomach and gastric ghrelin cells. These gastric nutrient chemosensors may play a role modulating gastrointestinal responses, such as the inhibition of ghrelin secretion following food intake.
The Ineliminability of Epistemic Rationality*
Authors: Christensen David
Published: July 2020

Many writers have recently urged that the epistemic rationality of beliefs can depend on broadly pragmatic (as opposed to truth‐directed) factors. Taken to an extreme, this line of thought leads to a view on which there is no such thing as a distinctive epistemic form of rationality. A series of papers by Susanna Rinard develops the view that something like our traditional notion of pragmatic rationality is all that is needed to account for the rationality of beliefs. This approach has undeniable attractions. But examining different versions of the approach uncovers problems. The problems help reveal why epistemic rationality is an indispensable part of understanding rationality—not only of beliefs, but of actions. We may or may not end up wanting to make a place, in our theories of epistemic rationality, for factors such as the practical or moral consequences of having beliefs. But a purely pragmatic notion of rationality—one that’s stripped of any component of distinctively epistemic evaluation—cannot do all the work that we need done.
Development and validation of an ICU‐specific pressure injury risk assessment scale
Authors: Wåhlin Ingrid , Ek Anna‐Christina , Lindgren Margareta , Geijer Sebastian , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: July 2020

Background

Critically ill patients are at high risk for pressure injury (PI) due to critical illness combined with multiple interventions and therapies. It is hence important to gain more knowledge about the risk factors associated with pressure injury development and methods for decreasing its prevalence.

Aims

To develop and validate a clinical useful ICU‐specific PI risk assessment scale based on the RAPS.

Method

The study was designed as a prospective instrument development and validation study. The Risk Assessment Pressure Ulcer Scale (RAPS), which in Sweden is a commonly used PI risk assessment scale, was used as a starting point. Development was then performed in different steps; adaption of items and response options to ICU care, discussion with ICU staff members to enhance clinical relevance and usability, test of interrater reliability, revision of instrument, a new test with 300 patients followed by statistical evaluation.

Results

The final version of the RAPS‐ICU consists of six items: failure of vital organs, mobility, moisture, sensory perception, level of consciousness and special treatment in the form of mechanical ventilation, continuous dialysis and/or inotropic drugs. A total score was reached by summing all responses. Each of the items was found to be significant associated with PI development as well as the total score (p < 0.001). The total score also showed a high interrater reliability (ICC = 0.96), good sensitivity and acceptable specificity with AUC = 0.71 and ICU staff perceived the RAPS‐ICU as relevant and easy to use in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The RAPS‐ICU is a valid and clinically useful tool to identify patients at risk to develop pressure injury at ICU.
Extracellular GABA waves regulate coincidence detection in excitatory circuits
Authors: Sylantyev Sergiy , Savtchenko Leonid P. , O'Neill Nathanael , Rusakov Dmitri A.
Published: July 2020

Key points

Rapid changes in neuronal network activity trigger widespread waves of extracellular GABA in hippocampal neuropil.

Elevations of extracellular GABA narrow the coincidence detection window for excitatory inputs to CA1 pyramidal cells.

GABA transporters control the effect of extracellular GABA on coincidence detection.

Small changes in the kinetics of dendritic excitatory currents amplify when reaching the soma.

Coincidence detection of excitatory inputs by principal neurons underpins the rules of signal integration and Hebbian plasticity in the brain. In the hippocampal circuitry, detection fidelity is thought to depend on the GABAergic synaptic input through a feedforward inhibitory circuit also involving the hyperpolarisation‐activated Ih current. However, afferent connections often bypass feedforward circuitry, suggesting that a different GABAergic mechanism might control coincidence detection in such cases. To test whether fluctuations in the extracellular GABA concentration [GABA] could play a regulatory role here, we use a GABA 'sniffer' patch in acute hippocampal slices of the rat and document strong dependence of [GABA] on network activity. We find that blocking GABAergic signalling strongly widens the coincidence detection window of direct excitatory inputs to pyramidal cells whereas increasing [GABA] through GABA uptake blockade shortens it. The underlying mechanism involves membrane‐shunting tonic GABAA receptor current; it does not have to rely on Ih but depends strongly on the neuronal GABA transporter GAT‐1. We use dendrite‐soma dual patch‐clamp recordings to show that the strong effect of membrane shunting on coincidence detection relies on nonlinear amplification of changes in the decay of dendritic synaptic currents when they reach the soma. Our results suggest that, by dynamically regulating extracellular GABA, brain network activity can optimise signal integration rules in local excitatory circuits.
Orexin neurons and inhibitory Agrp→orexin circuits guide spatial exploration in mice
Authors: Garau Celia , Blomeley Craig , Burdakov Denis
Published: July 2020

Key points

Photoinhibition of endogenous activity of lateral hypothalamic orexin neurons causes place preference and reduces innate avoidance

Endogenous activity of orexin neurons correlates with place preference

Mediobasal hypothalamic Agrp neurons inhibit orexin neurons via GABA, and chemogenetic suppression of Agrp neurons increases avoidance in an orexin receptor‐dependent manner.

Hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin neurons integrate multiple sensory cues and project brain‐wide to orchestrate diverse innate behaviours. Their loss impairs many context‐appropriate actions, but the motivational characteristics of orexin cell activity remain unclear. We and others previously approached this question by artificial orexin stimulation, which could induce either rewarding (positive valence) or aversive (negative valence) brain activity. It is unknown to what extent such approaches replicate natural/endogenous orexin signals, which rapidly fluctuate during wakefulness. Here we took an alternative approach, focusing on observing and silencing natural orexin cell signals associated with a fundamental innate behaviour, self‐paced spatial exploration. We found that mice are more likely to stay in places paired with orexin cell optosilencing. The orexin cell optosilencing also reduced avoidance of places that mice find innately aversive. Correspondingly, calcium recordings revealed that orexin cell activity rapidly reduced upon exiting the innately aversive places. Furthermore, we provide optogenetic evidence for an inhibitory GABAergic Agrp→orexin hypothalamic neurocircuit, and find that Agrp cell suppression increases innate avoidance behaviour, consistent with orexin disinhibition. These results imply that exploration may be motivated and oriented by a need to reduce aversive orexin cell activity, and suggest a hypothalamic circuit for fine‐tuning orexin signals to changing ethological priorities.
Ultra-High Strain Rate Constitutive Modeling of Pure Titanium Using Particle Impact Test
Authors: Wang Xuchen , Hassani Mostafa
Published: July 2020

With the advent of advanced testing techniques such as laser-induced particle impact test, it is possible to study materials mechanics under extremely high deformation rates, i.e., above 106 s−1, a relatively less explored regime of strain rates. Inspired by the classical Taylor impact test, in this study, we accelerate microparticles of commercially pure titanium to a range of impact velocities, from 144 to 428 m/s, toward a rigid substrate and record their deformation upon impact in real-time. We also conduct finite element modeling of the experimentally recorded impacts using two constitutive equations, namely, Johnson–Cook and Zerilli–Armstrong. We show that the titanium microparticles experience strain rates in the range of 106–1010 s−1 upon impact. We evaluate the capability of the Johnson–Cook and Zerilli–Armstrong equations in predicting the deformation response of pure Ti at ultra-high strain rates. With an optimization-based constitutive modeling approach, we also propose updated strain rate-related parameters for both equations and improve the extent to which the two models can describe the deformation of pure titanium at ultra-high strain rates.
Effect of Loading Rate and Pipe Wall Thickness on the Strength and Toughness of Welded and Unwelded Polyethylene Pipes
Authors: EL-Bagory Tarek M. A. A. , Sallam Hossam E. M. , Younan Maher Y. A.
Published: July 2020

The primary objective of this paper is to depict the mechanical behavior of welded and unwelded high-density polyethylene (HDPE), pipes to provide the designer with reliable design data relevant to practical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of strain rate and specimen configuration on the mechanical behavior of welded and unwelded pipes made from HDPE. Tensile tests are conducted on specimens longitudinally cut from the pipe with thickness (10 and 30 mm), at different crosshead speeds (5–500 mm/min), and different gauge lengths (20, 25, and 50 mm) to investigate the mechanical properties of welded and unwelded specimens. All tests are performed at room temperature (Ta = 23 °C). Butt fusion, BF, welding method is used to join the different parts of HDPE pipes. The present results showed that the mechanical characteristics of welded specimens are lower than those of unwelded specimens. In the case of test specimens taken from unwelded pipe, the results of mechanical characteristics revealed that a necking phenomenon before failure appears at different locations along the gauge section. On the other hand, the fracture of welded specimens almost occurs at the fusion zone. It is found that the crosshead speed and specimen configurations have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of both welded and unwelded specimens.
Influence of Thermodynamic and Regime Parameters on the Efficiency of a System of Series Connected Low-Power Natural Gas Turbogenerators
Authors: Kalabukhov D. S.
Published: July 2020

Turboexpanders for gas industry are used for various purposes, for example, for generating electricity at gas distribution and compressor stations of the natural gas transmission system. Considering the initially high gas pressures, in many cases it is advisable to use a system of successively located turbine drives. This makes it possible to convert the energy of gas pressure into electrical energy to consumers of different capacities.

To date, theoretical work on the optimization of regime and geometric parameters of such systems at initial stages of design is absent. In this paper, parametric studies were conducted on the effect of initial project data on the energy efficiency of a system of two turbo-generators with a power of up to 50 kW. As initial data, the thermodynamic parameters at the input and output from the turbine drive system and the operating parameters of the turbine drives are considered. To carry out the research, a mathematical flow model in the system of series connected axial small-sized turbines is implemented in the Matlab software package.

Rational ranges of thermodynamic and regime relationships are found, which allows to significantly increase the design efficiency of a system of axial small-sized turbogenerators in comparison with the case of its design without taking into account the received information.
Design and Evaluation of a Fiber Optic Sensor for Particle and Concentration Monitoring in a Contaminated Flow Rig
Authors: Li Alice K. , McDonell Vincent , Venaas Max , Waldherr Gregor A. , Lin Hai
Published: July 2020

Optimizing safety and efficiencies is vital to turbomachinery design in the aerospace industry. However, aircraft engines subject to ingestion of airborne particle mixtures of unknown size and concentration have undergone unpredictable malfunction and power losses. Premature damage could be caused by increased erosion rates from mixtures with abrasive material. Similarly, corrosion rates could also increase for mixtures with corrosive material. Further, ingestions with melting points below the combustion exit temperature do melt, adhere to turbine blades, and thereby produce clogs and power losses. Additional blockage could be caused by accumulation of material of fluctuating volumes on blades and vanes. Such malfunction can be prevented by providing these engine systems with an on-board sensor capable of defining the particle size and size distribution and determining instantaneous and cumulative ingestion rates. This study demonstrates the methods used in the design of a fiber optic sensor to size the ingested material and measure its distribution and concentration directly in an engine’s flow path. A high-velocity, high-temperature contamination rig has been designed and built for testing the sensor and evaluating its functionality under engine conditions. Durability tests will be conducted to determine sensor lifespan and assess feasibility of incorporation in current turbomachinery for aircraft protection. Contaminant particle distribution and flow patterns in pipe cross section were studied through laser diffraction and light scattering, to enhance understanding of changes in sensor upon particle impingement.
Effects of dolphin hearing bandwidth on biosonar click emissions
Authors: Strahan Madelyn G. , Finneran James J. , Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S.
Published: July 2020

Differences in odontocete biosonar emissions have been reported for animals with hearing loss compared to those with normal hearing. For example, some animals with high-frequency hearing loss have been observed to lower the dominant frequencies of biosonar signals to better match a reduced audible frequency range. However, these observations have been limited to only a few individuals and there has been no systematic effort to examine how animals with varying degrees of hearing loss might alter biosonar click properties. In the present study, relationships between age, biosonar click emissions, auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), and hearing bandwidth were studied in 16 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) of various ages and hearing capabilities. Underwater hearing thresholds were estimated by measuring steady-state AEPs to sinusoidal amplitude modulated tones at frequencies from 23 to 152 kHz. Input-output functions were generated at each tested frequency and used to calculate frequency-specific thresholds and the upper-frequency limit of hearing for each subject. Click emissions were measured during a biosonar aspect change detection task using a physical target. Relationships between hearing capabilities and the acoustic parameters of biosonar signals are described here and compared to previous experiments with fewer subjects.
Ocean currents promote rare species diversity in protists
Authors: Villa Martín Paula , Buček Aleš , Bourguignon Thomas , Pigolotti Simone
Published: July 2020

Transport by ocean currents contributes to the diversity of planktonic species observed in metagenomic studies.
Pre-Clovis occupation of the Americas identified by human fecal biomarkers in coprolites from Paisley Caves, Oregon
Authors: Shillito Lisa-Marie , Whelton Helen L. , Blong John C. , Jenkins Dennis L. , Connolly Thomas J. , Bull Ian D.
Published: July 2020

We unequivocally confirmed pre-Clovis human occupation of the western Great Basin using fecal lipid biomarkers and a new 14C date.
Co-delivery of IKBKE siRNA and cabazitaxel by hybrid nanocomplex inhibits invasiveness and growth of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Li Yuanke , Liu Hao , Jain Akshay , Patel Pratikkumar Vinodchandra , Cheng Kun
Published: July 2020

Co-delivery of IKBKE siRNA and cabazitaxel inhibits invasiveness and growth of triple-negative breast cancer.
Wireless steerable vision for live insects and insect-scale robots
Authors: Iyer Vikram , Najafi Ali , James Johannes , Fuller Sawyer , Gollakota Shyamnath
Published: July 2020

A mechanically steerable vision system that imitates insect head motion can be mounted on insects and small robots.
Complete Coding Genome Sequence of an Avian Influenza A/H3N8 Virus Strain Detected in North Kazakhstan in 2018
Authors: Sultankulova Kulyaisan , Orynbayev Mukhit , Kozhabergenov Nurlan , Akylbayeva Karlygash , Melisbek Aibarys , Jekebekov Kuanysh , Zhunushov Asankadyr , Zakarya Kunsulu , Burashev Yerbol
Published: July 2020

We report the complete coding genome sequence of the influenza A/H3N8 virus, isolated from
Anas querquedula
in northern Kazakhstan in 2018. Phylogenetic analysis of the surface antigens of strain A/garganey/North-Kazakhstan/45/2018 showed that its hemagglutinin belonged to the Asian line, while its neuraminidase was assigned to the Eurasian group.
Supplemental Material: Oxidative conditions can lead to exceptional preservation through phosphatization
Authors: Gueriau Pierre , al. et
Published: July 2020

Methods; additional synchrotron X-ray fluorescence maps, spectra, and main elemental contributions; REE patterns; Ce L3-edge spectra; Fe K-edge continuous Cauchy wavelet transforms modulus; SEM images; and precise locations of the point analyses
Renal hyperfiltration is independently associated with increased all-cause mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Penno Giuseppe , Orsi Emanuela , Solini Anna , Bonora Enzo , Fondelli Cecilia , Trevisan Roberto , Vedovato Monica , Cavalot Franco , Gruden Gabriella , Laviola Luigi , Nicolucci Antonio , Pugliese Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Introduction

In addition to favoring renal disease progression, renal ‘hyperfiltration’ has been associated with an increased risk of death, though it is unclear whether and how excess mortality is related to increased renal function. We investigated whether renal hyperfiltration is an independent predictor of death in patients with type 2 diabetes from the Renal Insufficiency And Cardiovascular Events Italian multicenter study.

Research design and methods

This observational, prospective cohort study enrolled 15 773 patients with type 2 diabetes consecutively attending 19 Italian diabetes clinics in 2006–2008. Serum creatinine, albuminuria, cardiovascular risk factors, and complications/comorbidities were assessed at baseline. Vital status on 31 October 2015 was retrieved for 15 656 patients (99.26%). Patients were stratified (A) by absolute estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in eGFR deciles or Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) categories and (B) based on age-corrected thresholds or age and gender-specific 95th and 5th percentiles in hyperfiltration, hypofiltration, and normofiltration groups.

Results

The highest eGFR decile/category and the hyperfiltration group included (partly) different individuals with similar clinical features. Age and gender-adjusted death rates were significantly higher in deciles 1, 9, and 10 (≥103.9, 50.9–62.7, and <50.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively) versus the reference decile 3 (92.9–97.5 mL/min/1.73 m2). Mortality risk, adjusted for multiple confounders, was also increased in deciles 1 (HR 1.461 (95% CI 1.175 to 1.818), p=0.001), 9 (1.312 (95% CI 1.107 to 1.555), p=0.002), and 10 (1.976 (95% CI 1.673 to 2.333), p<0.0001) versus decile 3. Similar results were obtained by stratifying patients by KDIGO categories. Death rates and adjusted mortality risks were significantly higher in hyperfiltering and particularly hypofiltering versus normofiltering individuals.

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetes, both high-normal eGFR and hyperfiltration are associated with an increased risk of death from any cause, independent of confounders that may directly impact on mortality and/or affect GFR estimation. Further studies are required to clarify the nature of this relationship.

Trial registration number

NCT00715481.
Linking coping strategies to locally-perceived aetiologies of mental distress in northern Rwanda
Authors: Tamming Teisi , Otake Yuko
Published: July 2020

Introduction

How and why people in a particular setting turn to a specific coping strategy for their distress is pivotal for strengthening mental healthcare and this needs to be understood from a local point of view. Prior research in northern Rwanda documented common local concepts of distress for the population that cannot receive assistance despite severe adversities; however, the locally-perceived causes, manifestation and coping strategies and their associations are still unclear.

Methods

The qualitative study in the Musanze district, northern Rwanda, was informed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with people with lived experience and those in close contact with people with lived experience of distress. Ethnographic observation was conducted and the analyses were complimented by an earlier ethnography in the same village.

Results

Study participants (n=15) included community members with lived experience of mental distress and/or those with close friends or family with lived experience. The perceived manifestations of the mental distresses were diverse and the causal attributions shifted from more social, concrete and explainable (eg, loss) towards magical, more abstract and unexplainable (eg, poisoning). Finally, participants sought coping strategies in accordance with their causal attribution in ways that made sense to them.

Conclusion

The coping strategies were chosen according to the perceived aetiology of the symptoms and they were perceived to be effective for their distress. Local coping strategies that match people’s help-seeking patterns should therefore be supported in policy and programmes. In Rwanda this requires a mutual training of medical professionals and traditional healers and establishing co-treatment within two parallel systems. This also requires the support for programmes and initiatives that strengthen positive interactions and change in circumstances.
Mixed results with baricitinib in biological-resistant adult-onset Still’s disease and undifferentiated systemic autoinflammatory disease
Authors: Kacar Mark , Fitton John , Gough Andrew K , Buch Maya H , McGonagle Dennis G , Savic Sinisa
Published: July 2020

This clinical case series describes our experience with the use of Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib in two patients suffering from refractory adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) as well as in one case suffering from AOSD-like autoinflammatory disease in the context of myelodysplastic syndrome. All patients suffered from disease non-responsive to conventional Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as well as biological therapies including interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 blockade, relying instead on high daily doses of prednisolone. We also report the first case ofPneumocystis jiroveciiinfection following baricitinib use.
Centrifuge modelling of a tetrapod jacket foundation under lateral cyclic and monotonic loading in soft soil
Authors: Zhu Shu , Chen Ren-peng , Kang Xin
Published: July 2020

The tetrapod jacket foundation is one of the most common types of foundations used for offshore structures. Although the static bearing capacity of the jacket foundation is important, a safe design must be taken into consideration for accumulative deformation and stiffness degradation during cycling. To address this, a set of centrifuge model tests of a tetrapod jacket foundation subjected to cyclic and monotonic loading was conducted in kaolin. The test results mainly reveal (i) the influence of loading history on the lateral bearing capacity of the jacket foundation; (ii) the evolution of accumulative deformation of the jacket foundation during cycling; (iii) the stiffness degradation of soil–pile interaction under cyclic loading. Comparing typical “lateral soil resistance”–“pile lateral displacement” (p–y) curve approaches with test results, a hyperbolic tangent p–y curve method is adopted to calculate the soil–pile interaction of the jacket foundation. The values of the p-multipliers of leading-row and trailing-row piles in soft soils are clearly lower than that in sands. Finally, a cyclic p–y curve method related to cycles and embedded depths is developed for the jacket foundation in the hope of providing guidance for the design of the jacket foundation in soft soil.