bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Ideas. Familial Influences, Shame, Guilt, and Depression Among Sexual Minority Adolescents
Authors: Mereish Ethan H. , Cox Diana J. , Harris Julia C. , Anderson Quinn R. , Hawthorne David J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study examined the mediating effects of self‐conscious emotions (i.e., shame and guilt) on the relationships between familial influences and depressive symptoms among sexual minority adolescents (SMAs).

Background

Familial influences, such as family rejection or parental affirmation, are associated with depression. However, little research has been conducted to identify specific mechanisms that can explain the associations between familial influences and depressive symptoms among SMAs.

Method

Participants were 94 adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years, who were recruited through the community and completed self‐report measures.

Results

Family rejection was associated with more feelings of shame and guilt, whereas parent affirmation was associated with less shame and guilt. Shame and guilt were associated with more depressive symptoms. Indirect effects of family rejection on depression were significant through shame but not guilt. Indirect effects of parental affirmation on depression were significant through shame and guilt.

Conclusion

The results help identify mechanisms through which familial influences may be associated with depressive symptoms. Shame and guilt are important modifiable psychological factors that can be targets of intervention for SMAs.

Implications

Future research and interventions must incorporate familial influences as well as self‐conscious emotions to improve the mental health of SMAs.
With the margins: Writing subaltern resistance and social transformation
Authors: Vijay Devi , Gupta Shalini , Kaushiva Pavni
Published: November 2020

In this study, we surface the problems of representation mainstream organizational theory encounters in documenting and telling accounts of subaltern actors and social transformation. We explore how writing practices that draw on feminist postcolonial literary traditions can transform organizational studies of social change. Drawing on three literary texts—Mahasweta Devi's Draupadi, Urmila Pawar's The Weave of My Life, and Arundhati Roy's Ministry of Utmost Happiness—we reflect on how we may represent the lives of others. Inspired by these three writers, we suggest solidaristic transgression, unsettled habitation, and counter‐discursive memory work as three modes of engagement that challenge us as academics writing for change.
Development of volatile compounds fingerprints by headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry in concentrated tomato paste and distillate during evaporation processing
Authors: Wang Dan , Lu Rongrong , Ma Yue , Guo Shuang , Zhao Xiaoyan , Liang Hao
Published: November 2020

Volatile profiles of fresh tomato pulp, concentrated pastes and distillates during evaporation were analysed by headspace‐gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS), and volatile fingerprints were established. Topographic plots showed ninety signal peaks, forty‐two peaks (monomers and dimers) for twenty‐five compounds were identified, including four alcohols, ten aldehydes, eight ketones, two esters and a furan. The fingerprints showed clear differences. After evaporation, phenylacetaldehyde, pentanal, 2‐pentanone, 3‐methylbutanal and benzaldehyde were newly detected in the concentrated pastes and distillates, while 2‐heptanol, octanal, isopropyl acetate and 2‐pentylfuran were no longer detectable. Prolonged evaporation caused volatile components in both pastes and distillates to decrease; most were evaporated into distillates, including all alcohols and esters, most aldehydes and some ketones. The fresh pulp, concentrated pastes and distillates were clearly distinguished by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. This work provides a theoretical reference for tomato paste processing and the utilisation of distillate discarded.
Intestinal ultrasound as first‐line investigation in low‐risk gastrointestinal symptoms: a new model of care
Authors: White Lauren S. , Campbell Caitlin , Lee Andrew , Lord Anton , Radford‐Smith Graham
Published: November 2020

Background

Functional gut disorders (FGD) are common. Diagnosis is symptom based, although symptoms may be indistinguishable from inflammatory bowel disease. As a result of this, investigations are common, diagnostic yield is low. A streamlined novel model of care may reduce costly investigations.

Aim

To compare a new model of care for patients with low‐risk gastrointestinal symptoms to a matched historical cohort.

Methods

Data were prospectively collected over 12 months. General practitioner referrals for low‐risk abdominal symptoms were triaged to a new multidisciplinary clinic structure utilising intestinal ultrasound. Outcomes were compared to the historical model in the preceding 12 months. Duration of care (time from referral to discharge), number of contact episodes and investigations ordered were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients meeting strict inclusion criteria completed their care. Compared with the historical cohort, colonoscopies reduced from 0.7 to 0.05 per patient (P < 0.0001). Gastroenterology consults reduced from 1.5 to 1.2 (P = 0.303) and dietitian review increased from 0.8 to 1.5 (P < 0.0001). Total contact episodes reduced from 3.2 to 1.8 (P < 0.0001). Duration of care reduced from a median of 252 days to 130 days (interquartile ranges (IQR) 287 and 69, respectively; P < 0.0001). Time from first consultation to discharge reduced from 125 to 42 days (IQR 188 and 63; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This multidisciplinary approach to care of low‐risk abdominal symptoms significantly reduced contact episodes, time in care and invasive investigations. It decreased costly gastroenterology consultation and increased allied health exposure. It demonstrates improved health service outcomes.
Minority status, access to information, and individual performance
Authors: Subasi Burcu , van Ginkel Wendy P. , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: November 2020

With growing nationality diversity in organizations, the question under which circumstances differences in nationality background between team members affect individual performance increases in importance. Research showed that dissimilarity may negatively affect individual performance and that the status difference between nationality majority and nationality minority moderates this effect. We take this analysis an important step further by recognizing that not all nationality minorities are low status and propose that status differences among nationality minority groups influence the extent to which nationality minority background affects individual performance. We identify the elaboration of distributed information in the team as a mediator and process accountability as a moderator in this effect. Results of a multilevel team experiment in which we manipulated team nationality composition and process accountability supported our hypotheses, testifying to the value of status‐based distinctions between minority groups in the study of relational demography effects. The mediating role of the elaboration of distributed information also provides an important bridge to team diversity research inviting further conceptual integration.
Pulsed flow in clean‐in‐place sanitization to improve hygiene and energy savings in dairy industry
Authors: Silva Lucas Donizete , Filho Ubirajara Coutinho , Naves Emiliane Andrade Araújo , Gedraite Rubens
Published: November 2020

Demand for dairy products has increased and sanitization is key to food security of this products. Thus, this work investigated the cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) with pulsed flow in the sanitization stage on stainless steel surfaces contaminated with raw milk compared to CIP with stationary flow for hygiene and energy saving purposes. In addition, fluid dynamic behavior in geometries typically found in dairy pipelines was investigated and energy consumption estimated. For this, a CIP prototype was used, where a straight cylindrical section and an elbow were subjected to natural contamination with raw milk and later sanitized, evaluating the waviness and period effects on the pulsed flow through the central composite design. The dynamic fluid behaviors of the stationary and pulsed regimes were studied using computer simulation. The results showed that both variables were significant for cell removal. However, the reduction in colonies was more significant in the straight cylinders compared to the elbow. Larger waviness and shorter periods promoted higher cell removals due to the occurrence of annular effect and its frequency. Pulsed flow associated with computational fluid dynamics showed improved sanitization efficiency in difficult reach places and reduced energy consumption.

Practical applications

Strategies to reduce losses and to guarantee food safety are essential. Pulsed flow sanitization can be used in dairy industries to improve cell removal in difficult‐to‐access geometries during sanitization, to reduce energy consumption and time spent compared to the stationary flow process, commonly employed in dairy. In addition, this change is attractive, as it can be made with only adjustments to the control system, not necessarily requiring new equipment.
Impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome: A population‐based survey
Authors: Oshima Tadayuki , Siah Kewin Tien Ho , Yoshimoto Takanori , Miura Ko , Tomita Toshihiko , Fukui Hirokazu , Miwa Hiroto
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are a group of stress‐sensitive gut–brain disorders. The COVID‐19 outbreak has caused immense stress and anxiety among the general public. Strict measures to counter COVID‐19 emergency, including physical distancing, have also taken a toll on physical and mental health. We investigated the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

An online survey was conducted in Japan for a group of randomly assigned panelists from May 26 to 27, 2020. Each respondent answered a questionnaire on stress, physical distancing, and worries about COVID‐19. Gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed to diagnose FD and IBS (Rome III), and psychological symptoms were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

A total of 5157 subjects were finally enrolled, with FD in 8.5%, IBS in 16.6%, and FD–IBS overlap in 4.0%. For both gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms, respondents with FD–IBS overlap showed the worst scores, followed by IBS‐alone, then FD‐alone respondents. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, 11.9% of respondents reported deterioration and 2.8% reported improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms. FD–IBS overlap, psychological disease comorbidity, and stress at work/school were significantly associated with symptom deterioration. Younger age, commuting by public transport, and work/study from home were associated with symptom improvement.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic negatively affected FD/IBS subjects, with respondents showing FD–IBS overlap syndrome as the most important independent factor associated with deterioration in gastrointestinal symptoms. Physicians need to take extra care of FD/IBS patients in the post‐COVID period.
Economic and Clinical Impact of Digitally Produced Dentures
Authors: Smith P. Bradford , Perry Jeffrey , Elza William
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Digital denture technology has been gradually moving to the mainstream of dentistry over the last 25 years. Implementation of a four‐step system utilizing in‐house CAD/CAM milling technology may create cost savings for the clinical program in a dental university setting. An analysis was completed to evaluate the cost savings, if any, of fabricating complete dentures digitally versus traditionally through an outside lab.

Materials and Methods

A large clinic at a North American dental school began fabricating digital dentures in 2019 utilizing the four‐step Ivoclar system. A combination of 3D printing and CAD/CAM milling produced multiple denture products used in the steps of the digital process, including the final milled complete denture.

Results

A significant cost savings was achieved, both in terms of material cost and in chair time cost when compared to traditional laboratory fabricated complete dentures.

Conclusion

A large clinic at a North American dental school introduced digital denture technology into the student clinical experience. This digital technology has created a cost‐saving benefit when fabricating digital dentures. Using 3D printing for the preliminary steps resulted in substantial cost savings. Fewer visits to complete the denture fabrication steps, along with fewer postinsertion visits, added further savings. Patient satisfaction with the digital denture process has been consistently high, as has student and faculty satisfaction with the final product.
Adolescent empathic concern and perspective taking: Heterogeneous developmental trajectories and childhood social and psychological factors
Authors: Farrell Ann H. , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: November 2020

Objective

The joint developmental trajectories of empathic concern and perspective taking were examined across adolescence, along with childhood social and psychological predictors.

Method

Adolescents completed self‐report measures of empathy annually from Grades 7 to 10 (i.e., ages 13 to 16;N = 609; 53.9% girls; 76.2% White). Childhood social and psychological predictors were assessed in Grades 5 and 6 using self‐ and parent‐reports.

Results

As predicted, the majority of individuals reflected a joint trajectory of moderate stable empathic concern and moderate increasing perspective taking (31.9%), followed by joint high increasing (17.2%) and joint low stable (7.4%) empathy. Fewer adolescents reflected joint trajectories of being high on one form of empathy but not the other (e.g., high empathic concern only, 1.6%; high increasing perspective taking only, 2.8%). High increasing perspective taking was a better indicator of high increasing empathic concern than the reverse. Higher childhood hyperactivity, higher bullying perpetration, and lower perceived school climate were prominent predictors of developing low levels of at least one form of empathy, but childhood anxiety was a predictor of developing high empathy.

Conclusions

The skills and abilities associated with perspective taking and empathic concern should be promoted, with special attention paid to early indicators of affective, cognitive, and behavioral self‐regulation.
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: Assessing factors associated with owner compliance after the first year of enrollment
Authors: Ruple Audrey , Jones Melissa , Simpson Missy , Page Rodney
Published: November 2020

Background

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS) is one of the largest canine cohort studies undertaken in the United States to date. This study design allows for evaluation of multiple exposures and outcomes throughout the lifetime of each dog, but relies on participants to comply with study requirements over a long period of time. Failure to do so can lead to biased reporting of results.

Objectives

To examine factors associated with dog owner compliance for GRLS.

Animals

Golden Retrievers (n = 3044) whose owners elected to participate in GRLS.

Methods

Prospective, cohort study. A logistic regression model was constructed to examine associations between data collected at the time of initial enrollment in GRLS and the outcome of failure to fulfill all study obligations at the end of the first year after enrollment in GRLS.

Results

There were 192 (6.3%) owners who did not comply with study requirements 1 year after enrollment. Owners of dogs without a record of vaccination had nearly 4 times higher odds (adjusted OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5, 9.2) of being noncompliant than owners of vaccinated dogs and owners of dogs that slept in the garage had nearly 6 times higher odds (adjusted OR: 5.7, 95% CI: 1.9, 17.0) of being noncompliant than owners of dogs that slept in their bedroom.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Survey questions about a dog's sleeping location at night and vaccination status are important indicators of an owner's odds of compliance in a prospective study. Use of similar questions during enrollment in cohort studies might help to predict owner compliance that can aid in subject selection.
Origin of isolated olivine grains in carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Jacquet Emmanuel , Piralla Maxime , Kersaho Pauline , Marrocchi Yves
Published: November 2020

We report microscopic, cathodoluminescence, chemical, and O isotopic measurements of FeO‐poor isolated olivine grains (IOG) in the carbonaceous chondrites Allende (CV3), Northwest Africa 5958 (C2‐ung), Northwest Africa 11086 (CM2‐an), and Allan Hills 77307 (CO3.0). The general petrographic, chemical, and isotopic similarity with bona fide type I chondrules confirms that the IOG derived from them. The concentric CL zoning, reflecting a decrease in refractory elements toward the margins, and frequent rimming by enstatite are taken as evidence of interaction of the IOG with the gas as stand‐alone objects. This indicates that they were splashed out of chondrules when these were still partially molten. CaO‐rich refractory forsterites, which are restricted to ∆17O <−4‰ likely escaped equilibration at lower temperatures because of their large size and possibly quicker quenching. The IOG thus bear witness to frequent collisions in the chondrule‐forming regions.
Quantifying dispersal variability among nearshore marine populations
Authors: Catalano Katrina A. , Dedrick Allison G. , Stuart Michelle R. , Puritz Jonathan B. , Montes Humberto R. , Pinsky Malin L.
Published: November 2020

Dispersal drives diverse processes from population persistence to community dynamics. However, the amount of temporal variation in dispersal and its consequences for metapopulation dynamics is largely unknown for organisms with environmentally driven dispersal (e.g., many marine larvae, arthropods and plant seeds). Here, we used genetic parentage analysis to detect larval dispersal events in a common coral reef fish, Amphiprion clarkii, along 30 km of coastline consisting of 19 reef patches in Ormoc Bay, Leyte, Philippines. We quantified variation in the dispersal kernel across seven years (2012–2018) and monsoon seasons with 71 parentage assignments from 791 recruits and 1,729 adults. Connectivity patterns differed significantly among years and seasons in the scale and shape but not in the direction of dispersal. This interannual variation in dispersal kernels introduced positive temporal covariance among dispersal routes that theory predicts is likely to reduce stochastic metapopulation growth rates below the growth rates expected from only a single or a time‐averaged connectivity estimate. The extent of variation in mean dispersal distance observed here among years is comparable in magnitude to the differences across reef fish species. Considering dispersal variation will be an important avenue for further metapopulation and metacommunity research across diverse taxa.
Plasmodium sporozoites on the move: Switching from cell traversal to productive invasion of hepatocytes
Authors: Loubens Manon , Vincensini Laetitia , Fernandes Priyanka , Briquet Sylvie , Marinach Carine , Silvie Olivier
Published: November 2020

Parasites of the genus Plasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria, are transmitted through the bite of anopheline mosquitoes, which deposit sporozoites into the host skin. Sporozoites migrate through the dermis, enter the bloodstream, and rapidly traffic to the liver. They cross the liver sinusoidal barrier and traverse several hepatocytes before switching to productive invasion of a final one for replication inside a parasitophorous vacuole. Cell traversal and productive invasion are functionally independent processes that require proteins secreted from specialized secretory organelles known as micronemes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how sporozoites traverse through cells and productively invade hepatocytes, and discuss the role of environmental sensing in switching from a migratory to an invasive state. We propose that timely controlled secretion of distinct microneme subsets could play a key role in successful migration and infection of hepatocytes. A better understanding of these essential biological features of the Plasmodium sporozoite may contribute to the development of new strategies to fight against the very first and asymptomatic stage of malaria.
The Arabidopsis small G‐protein AtRAN1 is a positive regulator in chitin‐induced stomatal closure and disease resistance
Authors: Song Zhiqiang , Zhang Cheng , Chen Ling , Jin Pinyuan , Tetteh Charles , Zhou Xiuhong , Gao Zhimou , Zhang Huajian
Published: November 2020

Chitin, a fungal microbial‐associated molecular pattern, triggers various defence responses in several plant systems. Although it induces stomatal closure, the molecular mechanisms of its interactions with guard cell signalling pathways are unclear. Based on screening of public microarray data obtained from the ATH1 Affymetrix and Arabidopsis eFP browser, we isolated a cDNA encoding a Ras‐related nuclear protein 1 AtRAN1. AtRAN1 expression was enriched in guard cells in a manner consistent with involvement in the control of the stomatal movement. AtRAN1 mutation impaired chitin‐induced stomatal closure and accumulation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in guard cells. In addition, Atran1 mutant plants exhibited compromised chitin‐enhanced plant resistance to both bacterial and fungal pathogens due to changes in defence‐related genes. Furthermore, Atran1 mutant plants were hypersensitive to drought stress compared to Col‐0 plants, and had lower levels of stress‐responsive genes. These data demonstrate a previously uncharacterized signalling role for AtRAN1, mediating chitin‐induced signalling.
The possible role of sirtuin 5 in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Ning , Lin Sze‐Kwan , Kok Sang‐Heng , Wang Han‐Wei , Lee Yuan‐Ling , Shun Chia‐Tung , Chi Chih‐Wen , Yang Hsiang , Hong Chi‐Yuan
Published: November 2020

Objectives

We investigated the relation between expression of sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) in osteoblastic cells and progression of apical periodontitis. The role of SIRT5 in hypoxia‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and osteoblast apoptosis was also examined.

Materials and Methods

Progression of rat apical periodontitis was monitored by conventional radiography and microcomputed tomography. SIRT5 and oxidative stress biomarker 8‐OHdG in bone‐lining cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling was used to demonstrate apoptosis. In primary human osteoblasts cultured under hypoxia, Western blot was used to analyze SIRT5 expression and cleavage of pro‐caspase 3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP). SIRT5 was overexpressed through lentiviral technique. ROS formation and mitochondrial membrane potential changes were assessed by MitoSOX‐Red and JC‐1 fluorescence, respectively. Immunofluorescence microscope was used to evaluate mitochondrial release of cytochrome c.

Results

In rat apical periodontitis, disease progression was accompanied by decreased expression of SIRT5, increased oxidative stress, and enhanced apoptosis in bone‐lining cells. SIRT5 was suppressed in cultured osteoblasts under hypoxia. SIRT5 overexpression ameliorated hypoxia‐enhanced ROS formation, mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c leakage, activation of caspase‐3, and PARP fragmentation.

Conclusions

SIRT5 is able to alleviate hypoxia‐enhanced osteoblast apoptosis. SIRT5 augmentation may have therapeutic potential for apical periodontitis.
Glass Panels and Peepholes: Nonhuman Animals and the Right to Privacy
Authors: Pepper Angie
Published: November 2020

In this paper, I defend the claim that many sentient nonhuman animals have a right to privacy. I begin by outlining the view that the human right to privacy protects our interest in shaping different kinds of relationships with one another by giving us control over how we present ourselves to others. I then draw on empirical research to show that nonhuman animals also have this interest, which grounds a right to privacy against us. I further argue that we can violate this right even when other animals are unaware that we are watching them.
The Impact of forest and non‐forest cover on drinking water treatment costs: panel evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Mulatu Dawit W. , Fentie Amare , Siikamäki Juha
Published: November 2020

Empirical assessment of relationships between land use and land cover and drinking water chemical treatment cost is lacking in developing countries. This study is conducted to assess the impact of forest and non‐forest cover on water purification chemical costs in Ethiopia. A panel fixed effects regression model was applied and analysed at the watershed, upstream parts of the watershed, and different buffer distances ranging from 2.5 to 30 kilometers. Findings indicated that forest cover both at watershed and upstream level has a significant effect on water treatment chemical cost. Result showed that watershed forest cover contributes significantly to reduction of treatment chemical costs as compared to non‐forest cover, but the contribution to the reduction of treatment cost declines as the buffer distance increases. Thus, the findings highlighted that protecting forest enhances water quality and reduces the chemical costs incurred to treat potable water.
Synthesis of large-area MoS2 films by plasma-enhanced chemical film conversion of solution-processed ammonium tetrathiomolybdate
Authors: Bhattacharya Souvik , Liu Tianqi , Ye Zhipeng , He Rui , Mohan Sankaran R.
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of large-area molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) films is desired for many emerging electronic and optical applications. A typical approach is to deposit films from vapor-phase precursors either by thermal- or plasma-activated chemistry. Here, we show that MoS2 films exhibiting excellent crystallinity and smooth surfaces are produced by plasma conversion of solution-deposited precursor films. Films containing a single-source precursor for MoS2, ammonium tetrathiomolybdate, were spin coated and converted by an atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge with substrate heating at 500 °C. X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman spectroscopy show that the plasma is necessary to successfully convert the precursor to MoS2. Further enhancements in the crystallinity and surface roughness were obtained by annealing the films, as revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Insights into the role of the plasma were provided by AFM characterization and a “plasma-trigger” experiment, which suggest that a nanocone surface morphology facilitates the growth of the films.
CXCR3-Dependent Immune Pathology in Mice following Infection with Toxoplasma gondii during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Nishida Akari , Ikeda Rina , Furuoka Hidefumi , Nishikawa Yoshifumi
Published: November 2020

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the obligate intracellular parasiteToxoplasma gondii. The symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis range from embryonic death and resorption to subclinical infection, but the mechanism of disease onset remains unclear.
Hydrogen-Oxidizing Bacteria Are Abundant in Desert Soils and Strongly Stimulated by Hydration
Authors: Jordaan Karen , Lappan Rachael , Dong Xiyang , Aitkenhead Ian J. , Bay Sean K. , Chiri Eleonora , Wieler Nimrod , Meredith Laura K. , Cowan Don A. , Chown Steven L. , Greening Chris
Published: November 2020

Desert ecosystems, spanning a third of the earth’s surface, harbor remarkably diverse microbial life despite having a low potential for photosynthesis. In this work, we reveal that atmospheric hydrogen serves as a major previously overlooked energy source for a large proportion of desert bacteria. We show that both chemoheterotrophic and photoautotrophic bacteria have the potential to oxidize hydrogen across deserts sampled across four continents. Whereas hydrogen oxidation was slow in native dry deserts, it increased by three orders of magnitude together with photosynthesis following hydration. This study revealed that continual harvesting of atmospheric energy sources may be a major way that desert communities adapt to long periods of water and energy deprivation, with significant ecological and biogeochemical ramifications.
Prevalence of impaired physiological function consistent with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S): an Australian elite and pre-elite cohort
Authors: Rogers Margot Anne , Appaneal Renee Newcomer , Hughes David , Vlahovich Nicole , Waddington Gordon , Burke Louise M , Drew Michael
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Athlete health, training continuity and performance can be impeded as a result of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Here we report the point prevalence of symptoms described by the RED-S model in a mixed-sport cohort of Australian female athletes.

Methods

Elite and pre-elite female athletes (n=112) from eight sports completed validated questionnaires and underwent clinical assessment to assess the point prevalence of RED-S symptoms. Questionnaires included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DASS-21), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), SCOFF questionnaire for disordered eating, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q), and a custom questionnaire on injury and illness. Clinical assessment comprised resting metabolic rate (RMR) assessment, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-derived body composition and bone mineral density, venous and capillary blood samples, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 7.0.2). Descriptive prevalence statistics are presented.

Results

Almost all (80%) participants (age 19 (range 15–32) years; mass 69.5±10.3 kg; body fat 23.1%±5.0%) demonstrated at least one symptom consistent with RED-S, with 37% exhibiting between two and three symptoms. One participant demonstrated five symptoms. Impaired function of the immunological (28%, n=27), haematological (31%, n=33) and gastrointestinal (47%, n=51) systems were most prevalent. A moderate to high (11%–55%) prevalence of risk of low energy availability was identified via RMR and LEAF-Q, and identified mental illnesses were prevalent in one-third of the assessed cohort.

Conclusion

Symptoms described by the RED-S model were prevalent in this cohort, supporting the need for improved awareness, monitoring and management of these symptoms in this population.
Treatment persistence and colectomy-free outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis receiving golimumab or adalimumab: a UK experience
Authors: Hoque Sami , Puenpatom Amy , Boccaletti Simona , Green Chloe , Black Christopher M , Roberts Jenna , Rajkovic Ivana , Milligan Gary
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine real-world treatment persistence, colectomy-free survival and treatment switching patterns in UK patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) prescribed golimumab or adalimumab.

Design

This was a retrospective chart review study in adult patients diagnosed with UC using data from 16 National Health Service sites in the UK. Patient records were included in the study if they had initiated first or second-line adalimumab or golimumab between 1 March 2016 and 30 September 2017 (index date). Subjects were required for ≥6 months post treatment initiation. Demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment-related data and colectomy data were extracted over a follow-up period of 6–12 months. Treatment persistence rate was the primary outcome. Colectomy-free survival and treatment switching were secondary outcomes. Outcomes were compared between treatments using χ2tests and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. The t-tests were used for continuous variables. Time-to-event variables were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.

Results

The study included a total of 183 patients (96 (52.5%) prescribed adalimumab; 87 (47.5%) golimumab), and patients were mostly first line (79.8%). Demographic and clinical characteristics were generally similar between treatment groups. Persistence rates within 12 months were 64.6% for adalimumab and 64.4% for golimumab (p=0.681). Overall, 20.2% switched to other therapy within 1 year, with 8.2% golimumab and 12.0% adalimumab switching to another biologic. Of patients prescribed adalimumab, 14.6% had ≥1 dose change, mainly dose escalations. In the 12 months post treatment initiation, 8.2% of patients underwent colectomy, with no significant difference in colectomy-free survival by treatment, p=0.73.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of clinical outcomes and real-world persistence for adalimumab and golimumab in UC. The persistence rates of both therapies were above 64.0% at 12 months following treatment initiation. In addition, the 1-year colectomy-free survival was relatively similar between the two treatments.
Managing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prisons: a systematic review
Authors: Beaudry Gabrielle , Zhong Shaoling , Whiting Daniel , Javid Babak , Frater John , Fazel Seena
Published: November 2020

Background

There are reports of outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons in many countries. Responses to date have been highly variable and it is not clear whether public health guidance has been informed by the best available evidence. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the evidence on outbreaks of highly contagious diseases in prison.

Methods

We searched seven electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles and official reports published between 1 January 2000 and 28 July 2020. We included quantitative primary research that reported an outbreak of a given contagious disease in a correctional facility and examined the effects of interventions. We excluded studies that did not provide detail on interventions. We synthesised common themes using the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline, identified gaps in the literature and critically appraised the effectiveness of various containment approaches.

Results

We identified 28 relevant studies. Investigations were all based in high-income countries and documented outbreaks of tuberculosis, influenza (types A and B), varicella, measles, mumps, adenovirus and COVID-19. Several themes were common to these reports, including the public health implications of infectious disease outbreaks in prison, and the role of interagency collaboration, health communication, screening for contagious diseases, restriction, isolation and quarantine, contact tracing, immunisation programmes, epidemiological surveillance and prison-specific guidelines in addressing any outbreaks.

Discussion

Prisons are high-risk settings for the transmission of contagious diseases and there are considerable challenges in managing outbreaks in them. A public health approach to managing COVID-19 in prisons is required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020178827
Differential effect on different immune subsets of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with TNBC
Authors: Massa Chiara , Karn Thomas , Denkert Carsten , Schneeweiss Andreas , Hanusch Claus , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Zahm Dirk-Michael , Jackisch Christian , van Mackelenbergh Marion , Thomalla Jörg , Marme Frederik , Huober Jens , Müller Volkmar , Schem Christian , Mueller Anja , Stickeler Elmar , Biehl Katharina , Fasching Peter A , Untch Michael , Loibl Sibylle , Weber Karsten , Seliger Barbara
Published: November 2020

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer (BC). Due to the absence of targets such as HER2 or hormone receptors, early TNBC is treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Since TNBC is also considered the most immunogenic type of BC with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes that are predictive for chemotherapy response and prognostic for patients′ survival, many different immunotherapeutic strategies are currently explored in clinical trials for the treatment of this disease. In order to efficiently combine chemotherapy with immunotherapy, it is important to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on immune cells in vivo.

Methods

Peripheral blood was taken from 56 patients with TNBC undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (Nab-Pac) followed by epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) at three different time points. Multicolor flow cytometry was used to characterize the immune cell composition and functional properties along neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

Whereas the first phase of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not significantly alter the patients′ immune cell composition, after the second phase of chemotherapeutic administration most B cells (>90%) were lost and the frequency of natural killer (NK) cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes decreased approximately to 50%. In contrast, the frequency of CD8+ T cells were less affected.

Conclusions

Despite late consequences of Nab-Pac cannot be ruled out, these data suggest that different chemotherapeutics might have distinct effects on the immune cell repertoire and that different immune cell populations exhibit a specific susceptibility to these chemotherapies with B and NK cells being more affected than T cells. This might also have an impact on the combination of chemotherapies with immunotherapies.

Trial registration number

NCT02685059.
Heterogeneity of PNPT1 neuroimaging: mitochondriopathy, interferonopathy or both?
Authors: Pennisi Alessandra , Rötig Agnès , Roux Charles-Joris , Lévy Raphaël , Henneke Marco , Gärtner Jutta , Teke Kisa Pelin , Sarioglu Fatma Ceren , Yiş Uluç , Konczal Laura L , Burkardt Deepika D , Wu Sulin , Gaignard Pauline , Besmond Claude , Hubert Laurence , Rio Marlène , Barcia Giulia , Munnich Arnold , Boddaert Nathalie , Schiff Manuel
Published: November 2020

Background

Biallelic variants in PNPT1 cause a mitochondrial disease of variable severity. PNPT1 (polynucleotide phosphorylase) is a mitochondrial protein involved in RNA processing where it has a dual role in the import of small RNAs into mitochondria and in preventing the formation and release of mitochondrial double-stranded RNA into the cytoplasm. This, in turn, prevents the activation of type I interferon response. Detailed neuroimaging findings in PNPT1-related disease are lacking with only a few patients reported with basal ganglia lesions (Leigh syndrome) or non-specific signs.

Objective and methods

To document neuroimaging data in six patients with PNPT1 highlighting novel findings.

Results

Two patients exhibited striatal lesions compatible with Leigh syndrome; one patient exhibited leukoencephalopathy and one patient had a normal brain MRI. Interestingly, two unrelated patients exhibited cystic leukoencephalopathy resembling RNASET2-deficient patients, patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) or congenital CMV infection.

Conclusion

We suggest that similar to RNASET2, PNPT1 be searched for in the setting of cystic leukoencephalopathy. These findings are in line with activation of type I interferon response observed in AGS, PNPT1 and RNASET2 deficiencies, suggesting a common pathophysiological pathway and linking mitochondrial diseases, interferonopathies and immune dysregulations.
Endovascular management of torcular dural sinus malformations in children: the role of straight sinus occlusion
Authors: Smajda Stanislas , Söderman Michael , Dorfmüller Georg , Dorison Nathalie , Nghe Marie-Claire , Rodesch Georges
Published: November 2020

Background

Torcular dural sinus malformations (tDSMs) with arteriovenous shunts are rare congenital intracranial vascular malformations that carry a high rate of neurologic impairment and death in the neonatal, infant and young pediatric population. Their impact on brain venous drainage, especially the deep venous system, is one of the key factors in the clinical prognosis and natural history of the disease. We describe our therapeutic strategy for tDSMs, disconnecting the reflux into the deep venous system by performing an endovascular straight sinus occlusion.

Methods

Among all children with dural sinus malformations seen between 2002 and 2020, we retrospectively reviewed those with tDSM in whom straight sinus occlusion had been performed.

Results

Our databank included nine patients with tDSM that were embolized. Mean age at the clinical onset was 8.9±9.6 months (min–max=0–31). Five patients presented a significant reflux in the straight sinus on digital subtraction angiography. Those patients were initially clinically worse (mean modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3.8) than those who did not present with reflux (mean mRS 2.25), this reflux being responsible for intraventricular hemorrhage in three patients. The reflux was suppressed by transarterial embolization in one patient and by transvenous straight sinus occlusion in four patients. Staged endovascular treatment resulted in a complete cure in six patients without complications, and clinical improvement in all patients.

Conclusion

Straight sinus occlusion is a feasible technique that needs to be considered in the treatment strategy for tDSM with deep venous reflux in order to avoid or minimize brain damage.
Transradial versus transfemoral access for anterior circulation mechanical thrombectomy: analysis of 375 consecutive cases
Authors: Phillips Timothy John , Crockett Matthew Thomas , Selkirk Gregory D , Kabra Ruchi , Chiu Albert Ho Yuen , Singh Tejinder , Phatouros Constantine , McAuliffe William
Published: November 2020

Objective

To compare transradial artery access (TRA) to the gold standard of transfemoral artery access (TFA) in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for stroke caused by anterior circulation large vessel occlusion.

Methods

The clinical outcomes, procedural speed, angiographic efficacy and safety of both techniques were analysed in 375 consecutive cases over an 18-month period in a high volume statewide neurointerventional service.

Results

There was no significant difference in patient characteristics, stroke parameters, imaging techniques or intracranial techniques. The median time elapsed between CT scanning and reperfusion was 96.5 min (IQR 68–123) in the TFA group and 95 min (IQR 68–123) in the TRA group (p=0.456). Of 336 patients who were independent at presentation 58% (124/214) of the TFA group and 67% (82/122) of the TRA group had a modified Rankin score of 0–2 at 90-day follow-up (p=0.093). Cross-over from radial to femoral was 4.6% (4/130) compared with 1.6% cross-over from femoral to radial (4/245), but did not meet the predetermined level of statistical significance (OR 2.92, 95% CI 0.81 to 10.52), p=0.088) and did not impact median procedural speed. Adequate angiographic reperfusion, first pass reperfusion, embolisation to new territory and symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage were similar in both groups. There was a significant difference in major access site complications requiring an additional procedure. None of the TRA cases had a major access site complication but 6.5% (16/245) of the TFA cases did (p=0.003).

Conclusion

This study suggests that using TRA for anterior circulation MT is fast, efficacious, safe and not inferior to the gold standard of TFA.
Transitions between cigarette, ENDS and dual use in adults in the PATH study (waves 1–4): multistate transition modelling accounting for complex survey design
Authors: Brouwer Andrew F , Jeon Jihyoun , Hirschtick Jana L , Jimenez-Mendoza Evelyn , Mistry Ritesh , Bondarenko Irina V , Land Stephanie R , Holford Theodore R , Levy David T , Taylor Jeremy M G , Fleischer Nancy L , Meza Rafael
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Even prior to 2018, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) began to dramatically change the landscape of tobacco products and product use patterns in the USA.

Methods

Using a Markov multistate transition model accounting for complex survey design, transition rates between never, non-current, cigarette, ENDS and dual use states were estimated for 23 253 adult participants in waves 1–4 (approximately 2013–2017) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study. We made short-term transition projections and estimated HRs for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and income.

Results

Cigarette use was persistent among adults, with 89.7% (95% CI 89.1% to 90.3%) of exclusive cigarette users and 86.1% (95% CI 84.4% to 87.9%) of dual users remaining cigarette users (either exclusive or dual) after one wave. In contrast, ENDS use was less persistent, with 72.1% (95% CI 69.6% to 74.6%) of exclusive ENDS users and 50.5% (95% CI 47.8% to 53.3%) of dual users remaining ENDS users (with or without cigarettes) after one wave. Exclusive ENDS users were more likely to start cigarette use after one wave than either never users (HR 25.2; 95% CI 20.9 to 30.5) or non-current users (HR 5.0; 95% CI 4.3 to 5.8). Dual users of ENDS and cigarettes were more likely to stop using cigarettes than exclusive cigarette users (HR 1.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.3). Transition rates varied among sociodemographic groups.

Conclusions

Multistate transition models are an effective tool for uncovering and characterising longitudinal patterns and determinants of tobacco use from complex survey data. ENDS use among US adults was less persistent than cigarette use prior to 2018.
Design of built-up steel beam-columns composed of two-channel sections
Authors: Iskander G. , Soliman E. , Sayed-Ahmed E.
Published: November 2020

Built-up columns composed of two chords present an ideal design for long columns subject to high straining actions. The objective of this paper is to investigate the capacity of built-up columns composed of two-channel sections subjected to eccentric loading and propose a design method for them. A nonlinear numerical finite element model is developed for these columns and verified against experimental investigation available from literature; the model includes both the geometric and material nonlinearities along with the effect of initial imperfections. The model is used to perform a parametric study to investigate the effect of different factors on the built-up columns’ capacity. The results of the parametric study are also used to propose a design method for these columns. A limited experimental investigation is performed on two eccentrically loaded built-up columns, the results of experimental work showed good agreement with the numerical model results and the proposed design method.
Revisiting the restricted movement paradigm: the dispersal of Atlantic salmon fry from artificial redds
Authors: Eisenhauer Zachary J. , Christman Paul M. , Matte Jean-Michel , Ardren William R. , Fraser Dylan J. , Grant James W.A.
Published: November 2020

The restricted movement paradigm (RMP) asserts that stream fishes are sedentary, living much of their lives within a single reach. To test the RMP, we implanted eyed Atlantic salmon eggs (Salmo salar) into a total of 19 artificial redds, in seven salmon-free streams, in 6 years, and estimated summer fry dispersal through electrofishing surveys. As expected, most fry dispersed downstream, but an average of 35% moved upstream. Surprisingly, fry moved just as far upstream as downstream (medians = 403 and 404 m, respectively). Fry were larger at lower densities and farther from redd sites, consistent with density-dependent growth, and larger upstream than downstream, possibly indicating that larger fry were better able to move upstream against the current. Dispersal distances were normally distributed around all but two of 19 redds, and half of the downstream dispersal curves were best described by unimodal distributions, consistent with a homogeneous movement strategy. Our data suggest that salmon fry were more mobile and move upstream more than previously thought, which should facilitate their stocking or reintroduction to new habitats.