bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gunshot wounds to the colon: predictive risk factors for the development of postoperative complications, an experience of 172 cases in 4 years
Authors: Elfaedy Osama , Elgazwi Khaled , Alsharif Jamal , Mansor Salah
Published: December 2019

Background

In our study, we have defined and evaluated risk factors for the development of post‐operative complications in patients with gunshot wounds to the colon. The purpose of the study is to identify the most influential risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective study of 172 patients admitted with gunshot wounds to the colon from 17 February 2011 to 31 December 2014. Age, gender, shock upon admission defined by vital signs and haemoglobin level, blood transfusion, injured site of the colon, the colon injury score, faecal contamination, surgical procedure, colon diversion, multiple organ injuries, delay time pre‐operation and duration of the operation were considered as risk factors. All patients were observed for any postoperative complications.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐six patients (96.5%) were males, and six (3.5%) were female. The mean age was 28.5 years. On admission 104 (60.5%) patients were in shock, 89 (51.7%) required blood transfusion. Forty‐four (25.5%) patients had an injury to the ascending colon, while 53 (30.8%), 13 (7.6%), 23 (13.4%), 21 (12.2%) and 18 (10.5%) patients had an injury in transverse, descending, sigmoid, rectum and multiple colon injuries respectively. A colon diversion was used in 64 patients (37.2%). Post‐operative complications documented in 67 (38.9%) patients, 35 (20.3%) required re‐exploratory laparotomy, while the disability occurred in 18 (10.4%)) cases, and post‐operative mortality was 12 (6.9%).

Conclusion

Surgeons should be aware that shock state upon admission and blood transfusion are risk factors for postoperative complications in a patient with a gunshot penetrating injury to the colon.
Simulation‐based surgical education in cardiothoracic training
Authors: Villanueva Claudia , Xiong Jess , Rajput Siddharth
Published: December 2019

Simulation has emerged as a feasible adjunct to surgical education and training for most specialties. It provides trainees with an immersive, realistic way to learn a variety of skills in a safe environment with the end goal of improving patient safety. There are three broad types of simulators: full mannequin simulators, part‐task trainers or bench models and virtual reality systems. This review aims to describe the current use of simulation in cardiothoracic surgical education and training. We identified multiple procedures that can be simulated in cardiothoracic surgery using a combination of the above simulators, three‐dimensional printing and computer‐based simulation. All studies that assessed the efficacy of simulators showed that simulation enhances learning and trainee performance allowing for repetitive training until the acquisition of competence but further research into how it translates into the operating theatre is required. In Australia, cardiac surgery simulation is not yet part of the training curricula, but simulators are available for certain tasks and procedures.
Long‐term survival following successful abdominal aortic aneurysm repair evaluated using Australian administrative data
Authors: Purkiss Shaun , Keegel Tessa , Vally Hassan , Wollersheim Dennis
Published: December 2019

Background

Long‐term survival (LTS) following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery is an outcome that can compare open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) methods. We examined the LTS of persons following successful AAA repair using administrative health data covering the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits and Medicare Benefits Schemes from 1993 to 2014.

Methods

Participants undergoing AAA surgery were identified using procedure codes and the last service provision date used as a proxy mortality marker. LTS and relative survival with control populations in those who survived the initial post‐operative period were used to compare OSR and EVAR and estimates between the first and second halves of the study.

Results

A total of 2060 persons who had undergone AAA repair were identified. Overall median LTS (95% CI) following elective, ruptured OSR and EVAR were 10.4 (9.1–11.0), 8.5 (6.7–10.3) and 9.7 (8.1–11.3) years, respectively. Relative survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 0.89 and 0.7 for OSR and 0.87 and 0.66 for EVAR. LTS rates were similar for OSR and EVAR in age groups 65–84 years (EVAR/OSR range 0.96–1.16); however, EVAR was superior to OSR in persons aged >85 years at 5 years (EVAR/OSR 1.32, log‐rank P < 0.05). Relative survival following all techniques of AAA repair showed no significant change over the duration of the study.

Conclusion

LTS following AAA repair was heterogeneous in comparison with control populations and varied with age and procedure. The 5‐year LTS following EVAR in persons aged >85 years is superior to OSR. Administrative data can define long‐term outcomes following aortic aneurysm surgery and may complement data already collected by surgeons.
The face of remission induction
Authors: Paul Shilpa , Rausch Caitlin R. , Jabbour Elias J.
Published: December 2019

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease in which prognosis is determined by cytogenetic and molecular aberrations as well as patient‐related factors, including age, prior haematologic disorders, and comorbidities. Despite the diverse disease biology, the standard of care for remission induction therapy has changed very little since its inception in 1973. Next generation sequencing has helped to increase our knowledge of the disease pathogenesis, allowing us to develop targeted and possibly more effective treatment options. Seven new agents have been approved for the treatment of AML since 2017, all of which are directed toward a specific molecular subtype or patient population. With the advent of these therapies, a more optimal, patient‐specific approach rather than the historical ‘one‐size fits all’ model can be utilised. This review will discuss the role of these novel therapies in the remission induction setting.
CD155 contributes to the mesenchymal phenotype of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Qianqian , Gao Jian , Yin Ping , Wang Wei , Wang Biao , Li Yan , Zhao Chenghai
Published: December 2019

Patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) lack molecular targets and have an unfavorable outcome. CD155 is overexpressed in human cancers, but whether it plays a role in TNBC is unexplored. Here we found that CD155 was enriched in both TNBC cell lines and tumor tissues. High CD155 expression was related to poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. CD155 was associated with a mesenchymal phenotype. CD155 knockdown induced a mesenchymal‐epithelial transition in TNBC cells, and suppressed TNBC cell migration, invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CD155 cross‐talked with oncogenic IL‐6/Stat3 and TGF‐β/Smad3 pathways. Moreover, CD155 knockdown inhibited TNBC cell growth and survival. Taken together, these data indicate that CD155 contributes to the aggressive behavior of TNBC; targeting CD155 may be beneficial to these patients.
From communication to co‐operation: Reconceptualizing social workers' engagement with children
Authors: Ruch Gillian , Winter Karen , Morrison Fiona , Hadfield Mark , Hallett Sophie , Cree Viv
Published: December 2019

Communicating and engaging with children is a foundational component of child care social work practice, but all too frequently, in the wake of serious incidents, it is the focus of criticism. Drawing on findings from a large‐scale ESRC‐funded research project conducted in the four U.K. nations, this paper explores, through a psychosocial analytic lens, how social workers anticipate, enact and reflect on their encounters with both children and their families. Close analysis of what social workers said about their practice alongside what they were observed to do in practice revealed perceptions, patterns and processes of communication that, first, minimize emotions and the complexity of the professional task and second, overly privilege verbal interaction. Drawing on Sennett's (2012) ideas this paper offers a reconceptualisation of this professional task, from a communicative to a co‐operative one. It affords and creates a space in which social workers can develop more attuned communicative practices that include rituals, gestures and the minimal use of force. The theoretical insights and evidence‐informed practice recommendations arising from this research have conceptual significance for the social work discipline and practical significance for the child care social work profession, across national and international contexts.
Hepatitis C donor viremic cardiac transplantation: A practical approach
Authors: Morris Kathleen L. , Adlam James P. , Padanilam Mathew , Patel Amit , Garcia‐Cortes Rafael , Chaudhry Sunit‐Preet , Seasor Erica , Tompkins Shannon , Hoefer Caitlin , Zanotti Giorgio , Walsh Mary Norine , Salerno Christopher , Bochan Markian , Ravichandran Ashwin
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Patients with end‐stage heart failure eligible for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) exceed the number of available donor organs. With highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral therapy now available, HCV+ organs are increasingly utilized. We seek to describe our experience with patients receiving HCV viremic organs as compared to non‐HCV transplant recipients.

Methods

Our center began utilizing HCV hearts in February 2018. We retrospectively reviewed baseline demographics, laboratory data and outcomes for those undergoing OHT with majority being from a viremic HCV donor.

Results

Twenty‐three of 25 HCV recipients received hearts from NAT+ donors with 22 of 23 seroconverting within 7 days. Fifteen recipients have completed HCV treatment, with the longest duration of follow‐up being 13 months. No differences in rates of rejection, hospitalizations or death were seen between non‐HCV and HCV transplant patients.

Discussion

With the advent of available direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs), viremic HCV hearts provide an opportunity to increase organ availability. Moreover, treatment for HCV in the setting of immunosuppression is well‐tolerated and results in sustained viremic response.

Conclusion

Viremic, discordant HCV OHT can be performed in a safe and effective manner utilizing a systematic, multidisciplinary approach without an effect on short‐term outcomes.
A face‐to‐face comparison of the intra‐amygdala and intrahippocampal kainate mouse models of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and their utility for testing novel therapies
Authors: Welzel Lisa , Schidlitzki Alina , Twele Friederike , Anjum Muneeb , Löscher Wolfgang
Published: December 2019

Objective

Intracranial (intrahippocampal or intra‐amygdala) administration of kainate in rodents leads to spatially restricted brain injury and development of focal epilepsy with characteristics that resemble mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Such rodent models are used both in the search for more effective antiseizure drugs (ASDs) and in the development of antiepileptogenic strategies. However, it is not clear which of the models is best suited for testing different types of epilepsy therapies.

Methods

In the present study, we performed a face‐to‐face comparison of the intra‐amygdala kainate (IAK) and intrahippocampal kainate (IHK) mouse models using the same mouse inbred strain (C57BL/6). For comparison, some experiments were performed in mouse outbred strains.

Results

Intra‐amygdala kainate injection led to more severe status epilepticus and higher mortality than intrahippocampal injection. In male C57BL/6 mice, the latent period to spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) was short or absent in both models, whereas a significantly longer latent period was determined in NMRI and CD‐1 outbred mice. When SRSs were recorded from the ipsilateral hippocampus, relatively frequent electroclinical seizures were determined in the IAK model, whereas only infrequent electroclinical seizures but extremely frequent focal electrographic seizures were determined in the IHK model. As a consequence of the differences in SRS frequency, prolonged video‐electroencephalographic monitoring and drug administration were needed for testing efficacy of the benchmark ASD carbamazepine in the IAK model, whereas acute drug testing was possible in the IHK model. In both models, carbamazepine was only effective at high doses, indicating ASD resistance to this benchmark drug.

Significance

We found a variety of significant differences between the IAK and IHK models, which are important when deciding which of these models is best suited for studies on novel epilepsy therapies. The IAK model appears particularly interesting for studies on disease‐modifying treatments, whereas the IHK model is well suited for studying the antiseizure activity of novel ASDs against difficult‐to‐treated focal seizures.
Forest genomics: Advancing climate adaptation, forest health, productivity, and conservation
Authors: Isabel Nathalie , Holliday Jason A. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: December 2019

Forest ecosystems provide important ecological services and resources, from habitat for biodiversity to the production of environmentally friendly products, and play a key role in the global carbon cycle. Humanity is counting on forests to sequester and store a substantial portion of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide produced globally. However, the unprecedented rate of climate change, deforestation, and accidental importation of invasive insects and diseases are threatening the health and productivity of forests, and their capacity to provide these services. Knowledge of genetic diversity, local adaptation, and genetic control of key traits is required to predict the adaptive capacity of tree populations, inform forest management and conservation decisions, and improve breeding for productive trees that will withstand the challenges of the 21st century. Genomic approaches have well accelerated the generation of knowledge of the genetic and evolutionary underpinnings of nonmodel tree species, and advanced their applications to address these challenges. This special issue of Evolutionary Applications features 14 papers that demonstrate the value of a wide range of genomic approaches that can be used to better understand the biology of forest trees, including species that are widespread and managed for timber production, and others that are threatened or endangered, or serve important ecological roles. We highlight some of the major advances, ranging from understanding the evolution of genomes since the period when gymnosperms separated from angiosperms 300 million years ago to using genomic selection to accelerate breeding for tree health and productivity. We also discuss some of the challenges and future directions for applying genomic tools to address long‐standing questions about forest trees.
Pattern of local adaptation to quantitative host resistance in a major pathogen of a perennial crop
Authors: Dumartinet Thomas , Abadie Catherine , Bonnot François , Carreel Françoise , Roussel Véronique , Habas Rémy , Martinez Reina Teresa , Perez‐Vicente Luis , Carlier Jean
Published: December 2019

Understanding the mechanisms involved in pathogen adaptation to quantitative resistance in plants has a key role to play in establishing durable strategies for resistance deployment, especially in perennial crops. The erosion of quantitative resistance has been recently suspected in Cuba and the Dominican Republic for a major fungal pathogen of such a crop: Pseudocercospora fijiensis, causing black leaf streak disease on banana. This study set out to test whether such erosion has resulted from an adaptation of P. fijiensis populations, and to determine whether or not the adaptation is local. Almost 600 P. fijiensis isolates from Cuba and the Dominican Republic were sampled using a paired‐population sampling design on resistant and susceptible banana varieties. A low genetic structure of the P. fijiensis populations was detected in each country using 16 microsatellite markers. Cross‐inoculation experiments using isolates from susceptible and resistant cultivars were carried out, measuring a quantitative trait (the diseased leaf area) related to pathogen fitness on three varieties. A further analysis based on those data suggested the existence of a local pattern of adaptation to resistant cultivars in both of the study countries, due to the existence of specific (or genotype by genotype) host–pathogen interactions. However, neither cost nor benefit effects for adapted populations were found on the widely used “Cavendish” banana group. These results highlight the need to study specific host–pathogen interactions and pathogen adaptation on a wide range of quantitative resistance phenotypes in banana, in order to develop durable strategies for resistance deployment.
Choosing best practices for managing impacts of trawl fishing on seabed habitats and biota
Authors: McConnaughey Robert A. , Hiddink Jan G. , Jennings Simon , Pitcher C. Roland , Kaiser Michel J. , Suuronen Petri , Sciberras Marija , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D. , Collie Jeremy S. , Mazor Tessa , Amoroso Ricardo O , Parma Ana M. , Hilborn Ray
Published: December 2019

Bottom trawling accounts for almost one quarter of global fish landings but may also have significant and unwanted impacts on seabed habitats and biota. Management measures and voluntary industry actions can reduce these impacts, helping to meet sustainability objectives for fisheries, conservation and environmental management. These include changes in gear design and operation of trawls, spatial controls, impact quotas and effort controls. We review nine different measures and actions and use published studies and a simple conceptual model to evaluate and compare their performance. The risks and benefits of these management measures depend on the extent to which the fishery is already achieving management objectives for target stocks and the characteristics of the management system that is already in place. We offer guidance on identifying best practices for trawl‐fisheries management and show that best practices and their likelihood of reducing trawling impacts depend on local, national and regional management objectives and priorities, societal values and resources for implementation. There is no universal best practice, and multiple management measures and industry actions are required to meet sustainability objectives and improve trade‐offs between food production and environmental protection.
Diphthamide modification of eEF2 is required for gut tumor‐like hyperplasia induced by oncogenic Ras
Authors: Tsuda‐Sakurai Kayoko , Kimura Masaki , Miura Masayuki
Published: December 2019

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) undergoes a unique post‐translational modification called diphthamidation. Although eEF2 diphthamidation is highly conserved, its pathophysiological function is still largely unknown. To elucidate the function of diphthamidation in tumor, we examined the involvement of diphthamidation pathway enzyme Dph5 in tumor progression in Drosophila adult gut. Expression of oncogenic RasV12 in gut intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and enteroblasts (EBs) causes hypertrophy and disruption of gut epithelia, and shortened life span. Knockdown of Dph5 ameliorated these pathogenic phenotypes. Dph5 is required for gross translation activation and high dMyc protein level in RasV12 tumor‐like hyperplasia. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Dph5 is involved in the regulation of ribosome biogenesis genes. These results suggest that diphthamidation is required for translation activation partly through the regulation of ribosome biogenesis in Ras‐induced tumor‐like hyperplasia model in Drosophila gut.
Expediting learning through peer teaching: experiences with the Jigsaw technique
Authors: Woods Helen Buckley
Published: December 2019

When designing a teaching session, lack of time and the weight of custom and practice can lead to methods being repeated routinely (Woods, 2013a). The institutional context and student demographic are also fundamental in determining teaching design (Fry, Ketteridge & Marshall, 2015). In this feature, a versatile teaching method (Jigsaw) is described with reference to theories of learning. Examples of its application in professional learning contexts are presented and discussed.

D.I.
The criterion‐related validity of a short commensurate measure of personality‐based person‐organization fit
Authors: Iyer Punya V. , Oostrom Janneke K. , Serlie Alec W. , van Dam Arjan , Born Marise Ph.
Published: December 2019

Our goal was to develop a commensurate measure of personality‐based person‐organization fit and examine its criterion‐related validity for two retention‐related attitudes: job satisfaction and intention to stay. At T0, 637 employees completed our questionnaire. Two years later, at T1, 171 of the original respondents completed our questionnaire again. Results showed that the organizational personality perceptions are relatively stable. Polynomial regression analyses and surface plots revealed that job satisfaction and intention to stay are higher when there is perfect fit between the person and the organization compared to when the person and the organization differ in traits. However, in most cases, we found the work attitudes to be maximized when both the person and the organization score high on the personality traits.
Long‐term outcomes of pediatric kidney transplantation: A single‐center experience over the past 34 years in Japan
Authors: Aoki Yujiro , Hamasaki Yuko , Satoh Hiroyuki , Matsui Zenichi , Muramatsu Masaki , Hamada Riku , Harada Ryoko , Ishikura Kenji , Hataya Hiroshi , Honda Masataka , Sakai Ken , Shishido Seiichiro
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To evaluate long‐term outcomes and risk factors for graft loss in pediatric kidney transplantation over a 30‐year period.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 400 consecutive kidney transplants carried out in 377 children during 1975–2009. Patients were stratified according to the immunosuppressive regimen (era 1: methylprednisolone and azathioprine; era 2: calcineurin inhibitor‐based therapy, including methylprednisolone and azathioprine or mizoribine; era 3: basiliximab induction therapy, including calcineurin inhibitors, methylprednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil).

Results

The median age and bodyweight at transplantation were 9.7 years and 20.6 kg, respectively. In total, 364 (91.0%) children received a living related donor transplantation. The acute rejection rate within 1 year post‐transplant decreased significantly from 61.0% in era 1 to 14.5% in era 3 (P < 0.001). For transplant eras 1–3, 1‐year graft survival was 81%, 93% and 95%; 5‐year graft survival was 66%, 86% and 93%; and 10‐year graft survival was 47%, 79% and 89%, respectively. The overall 5‐, 10‐ and 20‐year patient survival rates were 96%, 93% and 88%, respectively. A Cox multivariate analysis identified cold ischemia time (hazard ratio 1.385, 95% confidence interval 1.251–1.603), acute rejection (hazard ratio 1.682, 95% confidence interval 1.547–3.842), re‐transplant (hazard ratio 2.680, 95% confidence interval 1.759–3.982) and donor type (hazard ratio 2.957, 95% confidence interval 1.754–4.691) as independent risk factors for graft loss at 10 years post‐transplant.

Conclusions

The progress of immunosuppressive therapy has led to a low incidence of acute rejection and a high graft survival rate across 30 years of pediatric transplantation.
Gas‐solid displacement reactions in the Ti–W–C system
Authors: Dempsey Ryan D. , Lipke David W.
Published: December 2019

Displacement reactions between binary and ternary ceramics in the Ti–W–C system and reactive gaseous atmospheres are investigated in this work. Specifically, WC and 50:50 wt% TiC:WC solid solution powders were exposed to flowing hydrogen gas, or equilibrated against an excess of titanium in the presence of iodine, to form metallic tungsten and TiC solid products. In the case of pure WC reacting with hydrogen, transformation to metallic tungsten occurred as a result of removal of chemically bound carbon as gaseous hydrocarbons. In the case of pure WC reacting with titanium iodide vapors, transformation was accompanied by the appearance of TiC as a solid product formed at the gas‐solid interface. In the case of 50:50 wt% TiC:WC solid solution powders, hydrogen was generally found to be an ineffective displacing reagent, whereas reaction with titanium iodide vapors was observed to proceed virtually to completion, resulting in a two phase product mixture comprising metallic tungsten and TiC. For the latter case, a variety of microstructures could be observed within a given batch, including tungsten platelets and/or lamellae in a TiC matrix, or coarse tungsten grains interspersed with TiC grains. These morphological variations are speculated to arise from compositional variation in the starting material and the occurrence of local rapid coarsening along fast diffusion pathways within reacting agglomerates and polycrystalline primary particles. The observed reaction products and relative efficacy of gaseous reagents to promote displacement reactions in the Ti–W–C system are rationalized on the basis of thermodynamic predictions. The reaction between 50:50 wt% TiC:WC solid solution powders and titanium iodide vapors constitutes the first known report of an internal displacement reaction proceeding via gaseous intermediates in a nonoxide ceramic system.
The effects of social messaging on students' learning and intrinsic motivation in peer assessment
Authors: Li Lan , Gao Fei , Guo Shuqing
Published: December 2019

This study aims to gain a better understanding of how the newly arisen social messaging may impact the practice of peer assessment. Seventy‐nine ESL (English as second language) students reviewed each other's English essays in three peer assessment groups: a three‐member group using wiki (wiki group), a three‐member group using social messaging (small messaging group), and a six‐member group using social messaging (big messaging group). Data analysis suggested that peer assessment facilitated by social messaging can be at least of the same effectiveness as wiki‐facilitated peer assessment on ESL students' writing skills and intrinsic motivation. In addition, the findings indicated that students in the small messaging group outperformed students in the big messaging group on essay writing and reported a significantly higher rating on perceived competence, a positive indicator of the behavioural measures of intrinsic motivation, than students in the big messaging group.
Forging ahead: Update on radiofrequency ablation technology and techniques
Authors: Sandhu Amneet , Nguyen Duy T.
Published: December 2019

Innovations in radiofrequency (RF) ablation and nonablative techniques have led to significant advances in addressing complex arrhythmogenic substrates for a variety of cardiac arrhythmias. Anatomical challenges, deep substrate, and mid‐myocardial locations may pose difficulties and decrease success rates using routine methods. In this review, we provide an update on novel RF technology and techniques including (a) high‐power, low‐duration ablation, (b) ablation facilitated by low‐ionic irrigant, and (c) bipolar ablation. In addition, we review emerging technologies including electroporation, needle catheter ablation, and ablation with the lattice catheter.
Association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, bone mineral density and osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Die , Xu Jing
Published: December 2019

Aims/Introduction

Low bodyweight and hypoalbuminemia are independently associated with osteoporosis. In this study, the relationship among the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was explored, and the GNRI predictive value was evaluated.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 225 men and 192 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Their general condition, and laboratory and BMD data were collected. Spearman’s partial correlation analysis adjusting for age, body mass index and albumin was used for exploring the association among the GNRI, BMD and bone metabolism markers. Statistical analyses, including multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, were also applied in this study.

Results

On Spearman’s partial correlation analysis, GNRI was positively associated with BMD and albumin‐corrected calcium (r = 0.145–0.561, P < 0.01). For the multivariate regression analysis, we observed that the GNRI was dramatically related to high total lumbar, total hip, femur neck BMD and osteoporosis (odds ratio 0.857 for men and 0.927 for women, all P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the GNRI (0.876 for men and 0.704 for women, all P < 0.01) was the largest compared with that of albumin and body mass index in osteoporosis prediction.

Conclusions

In this study, it was shown that the GNRI was positively correlated with BMD, and inversely correlated with osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. In addition, compared with body mass index, albumin and age, the GNRI was a more powerful indicator for osteoporosis.
Characterization of a novel Yersinia ruckeri serotype O1‐specific bacteriophage with virulence‐neutralizing activity
Authors: Welch Timothy J.
Published: December 2019

A lytic bacteriophage (φNC10) specific to serotype O1 Yersinia ruckeri has been identified and evaluated as a model to assess the potential use of bacteriophages and their products for disease control in aquaculture. Electron microscopy of purified φNC10 revealed a virion particle with a small (70 nm) polyhedral head and short tail. φNC10 infected only serotype O1 strains of Y. ruckeri and failed to bind a defined Y. ruckeri mutant strain lacking O1 lipopolysaccharides (O1‐LPS), suggesting that φNC10 uses O1‐LPS as its receptor. In addition, spontaneous φNC10‐resistant mutants of Y. ruckeri exhibited defects in O1‐LPS production and were sensitive to rainbow trout serum. Purified φNC10 displayed a polysaccharide depolymerase activity capable of degrading Y. ruckeri O1‐LPS and thereby sensitizing Y. ruckeri to the bactericidal effects of rainbow trout serum. The φNC10‐associated polysaccharide depolymerase activity also reduced the ability of Y. ruckeri cells to cause mortality following intraperitoneal injection into rainbow trout. These data demonstrate a potential utility of φNC10 and its associated polysaccharide depolymerase activity for Y. ruckeri disease prevention.
When family dining protects against sweet food consumption… and when it does not
Authors: Laporte Marie‐Eve , Rieunier Sophie , Michel Geraldine
Published: December 2019

The World Health Organization recommends reducing sugar intake in order to improve one's health. In this spirit, the aim of this research is to test the impact that dining as a family has on the consumption of sweet food and to compare the results with the impact of dining alone or with friends, at home or away. Based on a mixed‐method design combining an experiment with a descriptive survey, the results show that family dining at home fosters healthier eating behavior by restricting sweet food consumption, while dining alone or with friends at home leads more consumption of sweet foods. However, this protective effect of family dining does not hold outside the home. This study helps explain the contradictions in the literature regarding how the presence of others influences food intake. It provides guidance to policy and business stakeholders on ways to reduce sugar consumption and to improve consumers' eating behaviors.
Improvement of skin texture and wrinkles using radiofrequency ultra‐thin electrode technology
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie , Wilson April
Published: December 2019

Background

Application of radiofrequency (RF) energy with microneedles to facial skin shown to promote skin renewal.

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the VoluDerm technology with 100 ultra‐thin electrodes gen100 tip for improvement of skin texture and wrinkles.

Methods

A prospective, open‐label, intra‐individual‐controlled trial. Twelve subjects (mean age, 45.5; Fitzpatrick skin types II‐III) with Fitzpatrick Elastosis Scale (FES) score 3‐6 were treated with VoluDerm RF technology using the gen100 ultra‐thin electrodes disposable tip. The participants underwent three treatments at 3‐week intervals. Treatment safety was evaluated at each treatment visit and at the follow‐up visits (1 and 3 months post last treatment). Efficacy of treatment evaluated at 1 and 3 months after the last treatment using the FES as well as evaluator‐ and subject‐rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).

Results

Treatment was well tolerated, with no downtime or adverse events. One and three months after the last treatment session, physician‐rated FES showed statistically significant improvement of 2.67 ± 1.18 and 2.33 ± 1.03, respectively (P < .0001), from baseline (4.83 ± 0.69). According to the investigator assessment of improvement using the GAIS scale, all subjects had an improvement in skin texture and pigmentation and most of the patients (91.7%) had an improvement in skin brightness, tightness, and wrinkles.

Conclusion

This is the first study evaluating the Legend+ RF System with VoluDerm technology using the novel gen100 ultra‐thin electrodes tip. This study demonstrated effective and well‐tolerated treatment for improving skin texture and appearance with minimal to no downtime.
Retracted: Risk Management in Financial Institutions
Authors: RAMPINI ADRIANO A. , VISWANATHAN S. , VUILLEMEY GUILLAUME
Published: December 2019

We study risk management in financial institutions using data on hedging of interest rate and foreign exchange risk. We find strong evidence that institutions with higher net worth hedge more, controlling for risk exposures, across institutions and within institutions over time. For identification, we exploit net worth shocks resulting from loan losses due to declines in house prices. Institutions that sustain such shocks reduce hedging significantly relative to otherwise‐similar institutions. The reduction in hedging is differentially larger among institutions with high real estate exposure. The evidence is consistent with the theory that financial constraints impede both financing and hedging.
“H Newman” and Ludwig Wittgenstein: Re-evaluating the History of John Henry Newman's Philosophical Reception
Authors: Morris-Chapman Daniel Pratt
Published: December 2019

It is commonly held that that the dominance of logical positivism, in the early part of the twentieth-century, hindered Newman's philosophical recognition. However, commentators also argue that Newman's writing began to gain wider recognition following Wittgenstein's reference to “H Newman” (1969) in the posthumous publication of On Certainty. This essay explores whether or not this version of the history of Newman's philosophical reception rings true – exploring whether or not the reference to “H Newman” really marks a watershed for Newman's philosophical legacy.
Sustainability in critical care practice: A grounded theory study
Authors: Baid Heather , Richardson Janet , Scholes Julie , Hebron Clair
Published: December 2019

Background

Sustaining high‐quality, critical care practice is challenging because of current limits to financial, environmental, and social resources. The National Health Service in England intends to be more sustainable, although there is minimal research into what sustainability means to people working in critical care, and a theoretical framework is lacking that explains the social processes influencing sustainability in critical care.

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to explain the concept of sustainability from the perspective of practitioners caring for critically ill patients.

Design

The qualitative research followed a Charmazian constructivist grounded theory approach, including concurrent data collection and interpretation through constant comparison analysis.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted online or by telephone with 11 health care professionals working in critical care in the South of England (8 nurses, 2 physiotherapists, and 1 technician). Schatzman's dimensional analysis and Straussian grounded theory techniques supplemented the data analysis.

Results

Sustainability was defined as maintaining financial, environmental, and social resources throughout the micro, meso, and macro systems of critical care practice. The most pertinent social process enabling sustainability of critical care was satisficing (satisfaction of achieving a goal of quality care while sufficing within the limits of available resources). Increased satisficing enabled practitioners to fulfil their sense of normative, responsible, sustainable, and flourishing practice. Satisficing was bounded by the cognitive and environmental influences on decisions and an ethical imperative to ensure resources were used wisely through stewarding.

Conclusions

An explanation of the concept of sustainability and significant social processes, in relation to critical care, are presented in a theoretical framework, with implications for how financial, environmental, and social resources for critical care practice can be maintained.

Relevance to clinical practice

This theory offers clinicians, managers, educators, and researchers a definition of sustainability in critical care practice and provides a structured approach to addressing critical care sustainability issues.
Neoadjuvant dose‐modified docetaxel in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A phase 3 study
Authors: Sun Yan , Guo Wei , Bai Yuxian , Ge Minghua , Hu Chaosu , Wu Shaoxiong , Hao Junfang , Gao Ming , Pan Jianji , Dong Pin , Wu Yunong , Liang Houjie , Wei Qichun , Zhong Meizuo , Lu Taixiang
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dose‐modified docetaxel plus cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (TPF) in Chinese patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Materials and methods

This Phase III, open‐label, multi‐center study included Chinese adults with previously untreated TNM Stage III or IV SCCHN (NCT00995293). Patients were randomized (1:1) to induction chemotherapy with TPF (docetaxel 60 mg/m2 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5‐FU 750 mg/m2 per day continuous IV infusion on days 1–5) or PF (cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on day 1 and 5‐FU 750 mg/m2 per day on days 1–5) every 3 weeks for 3–4 cycles. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Median PFS in the TPF (n = 108) and PF (n = 111) groups was 400 days and 342 days (HR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53─1.06; p = .227), respectively. Overall response rate was higher for TPF versus PF (76.3% vs. 52.9%; p = .001), although this equalized following radiotherapy (75.0% vs. 73.9%). In the TPF and PF groups, ≥1 treatment‐emergent adverse event was experienced by 104 (94.5%) and 110 (93.2%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Adding dose‐modified docetaxel to PF did not significantly improve PFS but may increase anti‐tumor activity in Chinese patients with locally advanced SCCHN.
Donor‐to‐recipient weight ratio is a risk factor for hepatic artery thrombosis after whole‐liver transplantation in children under 25 kg
Authors: Kim Stephanie S. , Ramos‐Gonzalez Gabriel , Staffa Steven J. , Labib Zahra , Kim Heung Bae , Vakili Khashayar
Published: December 2019

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) following pediatric liver transplantation increases morbidity and risk of graft failure. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent deceased‐donor liver transplantation from August 2002 to July 2016. Multi‐organ transplant recipients were excluded. We examined the incidence of HAT at our institution and sought to identify associated donor or recipient risk factors. A total of 127 deceased‐donor liver transplant patients with a median age of 1.7 years (IQR 0.67‐6.7) were identified. Of those, 14 developed HAT, all weighing under 25 kg. Among 100 patients under 25 kg, whole‐liver graft recipients had an odds ratio of 3.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 15.34; P = .045) for developing HAT compared with split‐liver graft recipients. Within the whole‐liver recipient group under 25 kg, 11 patients developed HAT with a median donor‐to‐recipient ratio (DRWR) of 0.9 (IQR: 0.7‐1.2) compared with a median DRWR of 1.4 (IQR: 1.1‐1.9) for those who did not develop HAT. Multivariate analysis showed DRWR to be an independent risk factor for HAT in patients weighing under 25 kg who received whole organ grafts, with an odds ratio of 3.89 (95% CI: 1.43, 10.54; P = .008) for each 0.5 unit decrease in DRWR. Our results suggest that in recipients under 25 kg 1) split‐liver grafts may have a lower rate of HAT and 2) selecting whole organ donors with a higher DRWR may decrease the incidence of HAT.
The ethics of resisting immigration law
Authors: Hidalgo Javier
Published: December 2019

States heavily restrict immigration, and many people violate these restrictions. For example, unauthorized immigrants cross borders without official permission, and other actors, such as people smugglers, assist them in doing so. How should we evaluate resistance to immigration law from a moral perspective? In this article, I survey recent work on the ethics of resisting immigration law. In particular, I examine three categories of resistance to immigration law as the following: unauthorized immigration, people smuggling, and citizens' resistance to laws that prohibit them from assisting or interacting with unauthorized immigrants.
Characterization and genetic diversity of Dioscorea bacilliform viruses present in a Pacific yam germplasm collection
Authors: Sukal Amit C. , Kidanemariam Dawit B. , Dale James L. , Harding Rob M. , James Anthony P.
Published: December 2019

Yam is an important food staple in many Pacific Island countries, but its production is limited by several factors including virus infection. The presence of viruses also hinders the exploitation of the crop by restricting the international dissemination of yam germplasm due to quarantine concerns. In this study, a total of 224 yam accessions present in the Pacific germplasm collection at SPC‐CePaCT, Fiji, were tested for the presence of badnaviruses using a combination of rolling circle amplification (RCA) and sequencing. Of these, 35 tested positive for either Dioscorea bacilliform AL virus (DBALV) or Dioscorea bacilliform AL virus 2 (DBALV2). DBALV was only detected in samples from Vanuatu and Tonga, while DBALV2 was restricted to Papua New Guinean samples. Ten complete genome sequences of DBALV and DBALV2 were obtained and pairwise comparison of the partial reverse transcriptase/ribonuclease H (RT/RNase H)‐coding sequence revealed identities ranging from 89% to 100% and 92% to 100%, respectively. The results suggest that DBALV and DBALV2 are the prevalent badnavirus species infecting yams in the Pacific region.
“Prepared” fear or socio‐cultural learning? Fear conditioned to guns, snakes, and spiders is eliminated by instructed extinction in a within‐participant differential fear conditioning paradigm
Authors: Luck Camilla C. , Patterson Rachel R. , Lipp Ottmar V.
Published: December 2019

Across three experiments, we investigated whether electrodermal responses conditioned to ontogenetic fear‐relevant (pointed guns) and phylogenetic fear‐relevant stimuli (snakes and spiders) would resist instructed extinction in a within‐participant differential fear conditioning paradigm. Instructed extinction involves informing participants before extinction that the unconditional stimulus (US) will no longer be presented. This manipulation has been shown to abolish fear conditioned to fear‐irrelevant conditional stimuli, but is said to leave fear conditioned to images of snakes and spiders intact. The latter finding, however, has only been demonstrated when fear‐relevance is manipulated between‐groups. It is also not known whether instructed extinction affects fear conditioned to ontogenetic fear‐relevant stimuli, such as pointed guns. In Experiment 1, we demonstrated that fear conditioned to images of pointed guns does not resist instructed extinction. In Experiment 2, we detected some evidence to suggest that fear conditioned to images of snakes and spiders survives instructed extinction but this evidence was not conclusive. In Experiment 3, we directly compared the effects of instructed extinction on fear conditioned to snakes and spiders and to guns and provide strong evidence that fear conditioned to both classes of stimuli is reduced after instructed extinction with no differences between ontogenetic and phylogenetic stimuli. The current results suggest that when fear relevance is manipulated within‐participants fear conditioned to both phylogenetic and ontogenetic, fear‐relevant stimuli responds to instructed extinction providing evidence in favor of a socio‐cultural explanation for “preparedness” effects.
Professional care team burden scale: cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Turkish version
Authors: Kalanlar Bilge , Kuru Alici Nilgün
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Care teams in nursing homes have to meet the expectations of the people they care for, their relatives and the institutions. This affects the quality of the care. An increased care burden may negatively affect the quality of work, lives and the health of formal caregivers.

Objectives

This methodological cross‐sectional study was conducted to adapt the Professional Care Team Burden (PCTB) Scale, which was developed to assess the difficulties experienced by caregivers working in long‐term care, to Turkish and test its validity and reliability.

Material and method

The study was conducted with 100 caregivers working at a nursing home and rehabilitation centre. The Caregiver Information Form and the Professional Care Team Burden Scale were used to collect data. The language and content validity, construct validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the scale were tested, respectively.

Results

The factor analysis showed that the Professional Care Team Burden Scale could be used in two dimensions. When the test–retest was done, the reliability of the scale was found to be high (0.982). The construct validity of the scale showed that the three‐factor model did not acceptably fit the data, while the two‐dimensional model obtained by removing some of the variables from the model did fit the data (RMSEA = 0.106, GFI = 0.933, CFI = 0.916, IFI = 0.919, RFI = 0.778 and RMR = 0.078). The factor loadings for the construct validity of the scale demonstrated that the two‐factor model showed an acceptable fit.

Conclusions

The study found that the two‐factor Turkish version of the Professional Care Team Burden Scale met the validity and reliability criteria. The scale, which has an important place in the assessment of the formal caregivers’ burden, can be used with healthcare professionals providing care for older adults.