bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of oximetric parameters to identify a high‐risk phenotype of moderate‐severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Authors: Labarca Gonzalo , Dreyse Jorge , Salas Constanza , Letelier Francisca , Schmidt Alexia , Rivera Francisca , Jorquera Jorge
Published: August 2020

It is unclear if oximetric parameters, such as total time of SpO2 < 90%, (T90), oxygen desaturation index‐3% (ODI), minimum SpO2, are able to describe a high‐risk subtype of cardiovascular (CV) comorbidities in patients with Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) beyond the apnea‐hypopnea index.

Objective

To analyzed oximetric variables in patients with moderate‐severe OSA to assess their predictive value regarding as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), coronary heart disease (CHD) and CV mortality.

Methods

Using data from SantOSA cohort, we develop receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) for each parameter, defining the proposed cutoff point in a training set. Then, in a validation set with a 5 years follow‐up, we evaluate the clinical differences between groups using the proposed cutoff. We also calculated adjusted Hazard Ratios (HR) of mortality using a Cox regression model.

Results

About 965 patients with moderate‐severe OSA (525 in training and 440 in validation group) were included. The best AUC was achieved with T90 (AUC = 0.66) and ODI (AUC = 0.61). Proposed cutoffs of T90 were hypertension: 10%, T2DM: 20%, CHD: 15%, meanwhile, proposed cutoff of ODI was ≥ 30 ev for hypertension and T2DM. Regarding CV mortality, T90 ≥ 20% was independently associated with an adjusted HR 2.44 (CI, 1.21‐4.94), P‐value = 0.01, meanwhile, ODI ≥ 30 ev. reported and adjusted HR 1.59 (CI, 0.75‐3.39), P‐value = 0.22.

Conclusion

In patients with moderate‐severe OSA, oximetric parameters, especially T90 ≥ 20% remained a predictor of mortality after adjusting for a range of demographic and disease predictors.
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maritano Furcada Joaquín , Castro Horacio Matías , De Vito Eduardo Luis , Grande Ratti María Florencia , Posadas‐Martínez María Lourdes , Giunta Diego Hernán , Vazquez Fernando Javier , Ferreyro Bruno Leonel
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a frequent complication in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is unclear that the extent to which the traditional risk stratifying scores for PE are accurate in this population.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of adult patients with COPD and suspected PE included in an Institutional Registry of Thromboembolic Disease at a tertiary teaching hospital in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AU‐ROC), sensitivity and specificity of the Wells and Geneva scores using a positive computed tomography angiography as the gold standard for PE. We also estimated the sensitivity and specificity for the presence of isolated worsening of dyspnea at presentation, without other cardinal symptoms of acute exacerbation of COPD.

Results

A total of 168 patients were included, of which 22% had confirmed PE. The AUC was 0.66 (95% CI 0.56‐0.76) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.45‐0.67) for the Wells and Geneva, respectively. Considering the most widely used cutoff points, the sensitivity and specificity were 24% and 90% for the Wells and 59% and 43% for the Geneva score, respectively. Isolated worsening of dyspnea on presentation had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 37%.

Conclusions

Both Wells and Geneva scores exhibit poor diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of PE in patients with COPD. The presence of isolated worsening of dyspnea on presentation could be an easy to identify criteria for the initial triage in this population. Further validation of our findings remains warranted.
Pediatric transplantation in Europe during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Early impact on activity and healthcare
Authors: Doná Daniele , Torres Canizales Juan , Benetti Elisa , Cananzi Mara , De Corti Federica , Calore Elisabetta , Hierro Loreto , Ramos Boluda Esther , Melgosa Hijosa Marta , Garcia Guereta Luis , Pérez Martínez Antonio , Barrios Maribel , Costa Reis Patricia , Teixeira Ana , Lopes Maria Francelina , Kaliciński Piotr , Branchereau Sophie , Boyer Olivia , Debray Dominque , Sciveres Marco , Wennberg Lars , Fischler Björn , Barany Peter , Baker Alastair , Baumann Ulrich , Schwerk Nicolaus , Nicastro Emanuele , Candusso Manila , Toporski Jacek , Sokal Etienne , Stephenne Xavier , Lindemans Caroline , Miglinas Marius , Rascon Jelena , Jara Paloma ,   ERN TransplantChild
Published: August 2020

The current pandemic SARS‐CoV‐2 has required an unusual allocation of resources that can negatively impact chronically ill patients and high‐complexity procedures. Across the European Reference Network on Pediatric Transplantation (ERN TransplantChild), we conducted a survey to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 outbreak on pediatric transplant activity and healthcare practices in both solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The replies of 30 professionals from 18 centers in Europe were collected. Twelve of 18 centers (67%) showed a reduction in their usual transplant activity. Additionally, outpatient visits have been modified and restricted to selected ones, and the use of telemedicine tools has increased. Additionally, a total of 14 COVID‐19 pediatric transplanted patients were identified at the time of the survey, including eight transplant recipients and six candidates for transplantation. Only two moderate‐severe cases were reported, both in HSCT setting. These survey results demonstrate the limitations in healthcare resources for pediatric transplantation patients during early stages of this pandemic. COVID‐19 disease is a major worldwide challenge for the field of pediatric transplantation, where there will be a need for systematic data collection, encouraging regular discussions to address the long‐term consequences for pediatric transplantation candidates, recipients, and their families.
18‐month‐olds fail to use recent experience to infer the syntactic category of novel words
Authors: Havron Naomi , Babineau Mireille , Christophe Anne
Published: August 2020

Infants are able to use the contexts in which familiar words appear to guide their inferences about the syntactic category of novel words (e.g. ‘This is a’ + ‘dax’ ‐> dax = object). The current study examined whether 18‐month‐old infants can rapidly adapt these expectations by tracking the distribution of syntactic structures in their input. In French, la petite can be followed by both nouns (la petite balle, ‘the little ball’) and verbs (la petite mange, ‘the little one is eating’). Infants were habituated to a novel word, as well as to familiar nouns or verbs (depending on the experimental group), all appearing after la petite. The familiar words served to create an expectation that la petite would be followed by either nouns or verbs. If infants can utilize their knowledge of a few frequent words to adjust their expectations, then they could use this information to infer the syntactic category of a novel word – and be surprised when the novel word is used in a context that is incongruent with their expectations. However, infants in both groups did not show a difference between noun and verb test trials. Thus, no evidence for adaptation‐based learning was found. We propose that infants have to entertain strong expectations about syntactic contexts before they can adapt these expectations based on recent input.
Prevalence and impact of concomitant malignancy on outcomes among ambulatory heart failure population
Authors: Shuvy Mony , Zwas Donna R. , Keren Andre , Gotsman Israel
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) and cancer are medical conditions with a rising prevalence resulting in increased co‐occurrence. We assessed the impact of cancer on clinical outcome in patients with HF and the prognostic impact of specific types of cancers on different HF subpopulations.

Methods

All patients with HF were evaluated for the occurrence of malignant neoplasm at a health maintenance organization and were followed for cardiac‐related hospitalizations and death.

Results

The study cohort included 7106 HF patients, 1564 of them (22%) had a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm. HF patients with concomitant cancer were older, had more comorbidities and were more likely to have NYHA class III/IV (42% vs. 37%, P < .01), compared with patients with no malignancy. The overall 2‐year mortality rate of the entire HF cohort was 23.2%. Survival rate by Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated that the presence of a malignancy was directly associated with reduced survival: 67.2 ± 1.2% vs 79.5 ± 0.5%, P < .001. Malignancy was associated with an increase in mortality with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21‐1.54, P < .001. The strongest impact of malignancy on outcomes was related to age; among patients <70 years old, the increase in the risk of mortality was the highest with a HR of 2.07, 95% CI 1.54‐2.80, P < .001.

Conclusions

Malignancy is common among patients with HF. Patients with concomitant HF and malignancies have poor outcomes, and the impact of cancer on outcome is stronger among young patients.
Secondary mitral regurgitation—Insights from microRNA assessment
Authors: Spinka Georg , Bartko Philipp E. , Pavo Noemi , Freitag Claudia , Zlabinger Katrin , Prausmüller Suriya , Arfsten Henrike , Heitzinger Gregor , Mascherbauer Julia , Hengstenberg Christian , Gyöngyösi Mariann , Hülsmann Martin , Goliasch Georg
Published: August 2020

Background

While secondary mitral regurgitation (sMR) is associated with adverse outcome in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), key pathophysiologic mechanisms remain poorly understood and might be elucidated by microRNAs (miRNA/miR), that were recently related to cardiac remodelling. This study sought to assess (i) the differences of miRNA profiles in patients with severe sMR compared to matched disease controls, (ii) the correlation between circulating miRNAs and surrogates of sMR severity as well as (iii) the prognostic implications of miRNA levels in severe sMR.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐six HFrEF patients were included, of these 44 patients with severe sMR 2:1 matched to HFrEF controls with no/mild sMR. A comprehensive set of miRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐29a, miR‐122, miR‐132, miR‐133a, miR‐let7i) were measured and correlated to echocardiographic sMR severity.

Results

miRNA patterns differed distinctly between patients with severe sMR and HFrEF controls (P < .05). Among the panel of assessed miRNAs, miR‐133a correlated most strongly with surrogates of sMR severity (r = −0.41, P = .001 with sMR vena contracta width). Interestingly, elevated levels of miR‐133 were associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular death and/or HF hospitalizations with and adjusted HR of 1.85 (95% CI 1.24‐2.76, P = .003).

Conclusions

This study unveils distinct pathophysiologic maladaptions at a cellular level in patients with severe sMR compared to no/mild sMR by showing significant differences in miRNA profiles and correlations with sMR severity, supporting the concept that sMR drives cardiac remodelling in heart failure. Moreover, the increased risk for adverse outcome in HFrEF patients with severe sMR conveyed by miR‐133a might indicate irreversible myocardial damage.
Microbes make the meal: oligolectic bees require microbes within their host pollen to thrive
Authors: Dharampal Prarthana S. , Hetherington Matthew C. , Steffan Shawn A.
Published: August 2020

1. For solitary bees that specialise on select pollen types (oligoleges), larval development depends on the availability of forage pollen from appropriate host plants and the naturally occurring microbiota present therein. While access to host pollen may be critical for the development of oligolectic bees, the extent to which pollen microbiota contribute to their brood success is unknown.

2. To investigate, we used a diet manipulation experiment to rear larvae of the oligolege, Osmia ribifloris, under in‐vitro conditions. Larvae were reared either on host pollen provisioned by their mother or on non‐host pollen collected by honey bees, in the presence or absence of the respective pollen‐associated microbiota. We assessed impacts on components of larval fitness: developmental time, biomass, and survivorship.

3. Our results revealed a significant interaction between pollen type and pollen‐associated microbes. The relative effect of microbes on larval performance was substantially greater than that of pollen type. Host pollen substrate produced the fittest larvae but only when combined with its full complement of naturally occurring microbiota. In contrast, host pollen without microbes resulted in a marked decline in fitness components. Larvae consuming non‐host pollen showed intermediate fitness, regardless of whether microbes were present or not.

4. These findings imply that the microbiota associated with maternally provisioned host pollen perform critical functions in larval nutrition and survival. For oligoleges in particular, the ability to develop on poorer quality host pollen likely derives from this sustained symbiosis with their microbial exosymbionts, rather than the biochemical characteristics of pollen type alone.
Decoding kinetic features of hand motor preparation from single‐trial EEG using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Gatti Ramiro , Atum Yanina , Schiaffino Luciano , Jochumsen Mads , Biurrun Manresa José
Published: August 2020

Building accurate movement decoding models from brain signals is crucial for many biomedical applications. Predicting specific movement features, such as speed and force, before movement execution may provide additional useful information at the expense of increasing the complexity of the decoding problem. Recent attempts to predict movement speed and force from the electroencephalogram (EEG) achieved classification accuracies at or slightly above chance levels, highlighting the need for more accurate prediction strategies. Thus, the aims of this study were to accurately predict hand movement speed and force from single‐trial EEG signals and to decode neurophysiological information of motor preparation from the prediction strategies. To these ends, a decoding model based on convolutional neural networks (ConvNets) was implemented and compared against other state‐of‐the‐art prediction strategies, such as support vector machines and decision trees. ConvNets outperformed the other prediction strategies, achieving an overall accuracy of 84% in the classification of two different levels of speed and force (four‐class classification) from pre‐movement single‐trial EEG (100 ms and up to 1,600 ms prior to movement execution). Furthermore, an analysis of the ConvNet architectures suggests that the network performs a complex spatiotemporal integration of EEG data to optimize classification accuracy. These results show that movement speed and force can be accurately predicted from single‐trial EEG, and that the prediction strategies may provide useful neurophysiological information about motor preparation.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a tool to understand genetic conditions associated with epilepsy
Authors: Silvennoinen Katri , Balestrini Simona , Rothwell John C. , Sisodiya Sanjay M.
Published: August 2020

Advances in genetics may enable a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and promote a shift to more personalised medicine in the epilepsies. At present, understanding of consequences of genetic variants mainly relies on preclinical functional work; tools for acquiring similar data from the living human brain are needed. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in particular paired‐pulse TMS protocols which depend on the function of cortical GABAergic interneuron networks, has the potential to become such a tool. For this report, we identified and reviewed 23 publications on TMS studies of cortical excitability and inhibition in 15 different genes or conditions relevant to epilepsy. Reduced short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and reduced cortical silent period (CSP) duration were the most commonly reported findings, suggesting abnormal GABAA‐ (SICI) or GABABergic (CSP) signalling. For several conditions, these findings are plausible based on established evidence of involvement of the GABAergic system; for some others, they may inform future research around such mechanisms. Challenges of TMS include lack of complete understanding of the neural underpinnings of the measures used: hypotheses and analyses should be based on existing clinical and preclinical data. Further pitfalls include gathering sufficient numbers of participants, and the effect of confounding factors, especially medications. TMS‐EEG is a unique perturbational technique to study the intrinsic properties of the cortex with excellent temporal resolution; while it has the potential to provide further information of use in interpreting effects of genetic variants, currently the links between measures and neurophysiology are less established. Despite these challenges, TMS is a tool with potential for elucidating the system‐level in vivo functional consequences of genetic variants in people carrying genetic changes of interest, providing unique insights.
Pregnancy‐related complications and risk of postpartum readmission for seizures and epilepsy: A national study
Authors: Tantillo Gabriela B. , Jetté Nathalie , Yoo Ji Yeoun , Stone Joanne , Egerman Marc , Dhamoon Mandip S.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Peripartum seizures remain a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, recognition of high‐risk individuals is essential. We aimed to determine the rate and identify risk factors for postpartum seizure/epilepsy readmissions.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify index admissions for delivery and readmissions for seizures in the year 2013, defined by International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for epilepsy, convulsions, and eclampsia in the primary diagnostic position. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine 30‐day readmission for seizures as well as associations between demographic, medical, psychiatric, and pregnancy‐related factors.

Results

There were 1 633 714 index admissions for delivery, with a 30‐day readmission rate for seizures/epilepsy of 19.69 per 100 000 index admissions. The mean age of index participants was 28.6 years (SD = 5.8). Postpartum 30‐day readmissions for eclampsia represented 80% of seizure/epilepsy readmissions. Higher income was associated with lower odds of seizure/epilepsy readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34‐0.72, P = .03) for the highest income group. Eclampsia (OR = 19.9, 95% CI = 9.38‐42.2, P < .001), preexisting epilepsy (OR = 10.63, 95% CI = 6.43‐17.56, P < .001), pre‐eclampsia (OR = 3.23, 95% CI = 2.31‐4.51, P < .001), and gestational hypertension (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.94‐3.98, P < .001) were associated with readmission for seizures.

Significance

Readmissions for seizures are fortunately rare, but are important to minimize given morbidity and mortality. Most seizure readmissions occurring within 30 days postpartum were coded as eclampsia rather than convulsions or pre‐existing epilepsy. These findings suggest that early identification of women with pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia may play a role in the prevention of postpartum seizures. Women with these risk factors should be identified to optimize care and monitored closely for seizure‐associated complications.
The combined effects of climate change and river fragmentation on the distribution of Andean Amazon fishes
Authors: Herrera‐R Guido A. , Oberdorff Thierry , Anderson Elizabeth P. , Brosse Sébastien , Carvajal‐Vallejos Fernando M. , Frederico Renata G. , Hidalgo Max , Jézéquel Céline , Maldonado Mabel , Maldonado‐Ocampo Javier A. , Ortega Hernán , Radinger Johannes , Torrente‐Vilara Gislene , Zuanon Jansen , Tedesco Pablo A.
Published: August 2020

Upstream range shifts of freshwater fishes have been documented in recent years due to ongoing climate change. River fragmentation by dams, presenting physical barriers, can limit the climatically induced spatial redistribution of fishes. Andean freshwater ecosystems in the Neotropical region are expected to be highly affected by these future disturbances. However, proper evaluations are still missing. Combining species distribution models and functional traits of Andean Amazon fishes, coupled with dam locations and climatic projections (2070s), we (a) evaluated the potential impacts of future climate on species ranges, (b) investigated the combined impact of river fragmentation and climate change and (c) tested the relationships between these impacts and species functional traits. Results show that climate change will induce range contraction for most of the Andean Amazon fish species, particularly those inhabiting highlands. Dams are not predicted to greatly limit future range shifts for most species (i.e., the Barrier effect). However, some of these barriers should prevent upstream shifts for a considerable number of species, reducing future potential diversity in some basins. River fragmentation is predicted to act jointly with climate change in promoting a considerable decrease in the probability of species to persist in the long‐term because of splitting species ranges in smaller fragments (i.e., the Isolation effect). Benthic and fast‐flowing water adapted species with hydrodynamic bodies are significantly associated with severe range contractions from climate change.
Concentrated versus diffused growth assets: agglomeration economies and regional cohesion
Authors: Capello Roberta , Cerisola Silvia
Published: August 2020

The interest toward the supposed trade‐off between efficiency and equity has strongly come back to the fore within the European Union (EU) after the 2008 economic crisis. The worsening of spatial economic imbalances, in fact, opened again the debate whether the European institutions should focus their budget allocations on core areas or on peripheral areas of less developed countries, following concentrated or spatially distributed normative actions. This paper addresses the question by applying an original method to assess the relative importance of urban efficiency with respect to spatially distributed resource endowments in affecting regional inequality. An innovative two‐step procedure is applied: that first estimates a regional production function and then makes use of its output through a simulation to assess efficiency versus spatially even distribution of resources on the improvement of regional cohesion. The results show that urban efficiency gains play a relatively minor role in affecting regional disparities if compared with a spatially even distribution of production factors.
Fighting racism within ourselves — Even when you have carried your mixed‐race children in your womb
Authors: Clavijo Nathalie
Published: August 2020

This alternative narrative tells the story of an upper‐middle‐class White feminist scholar, Lili. Lili builds her feminist knowledge by pursuing an equality ideal situated at the crossroads of gender, race, class and religion. Married to a Black Muslim man from West Africa and mother of three mixed‐race sons, Lili's story shows the ambiguities of her own anti‐racist struggles. Her story illustrates how being anti‐racist does not mean that one is free from racism, even in the case of a White woman who has carried her mix‐raced children in her womb. This is a call for humility and self‐awareness when entering in anti‐racism acts.
Moulting season corticosterone correlates with winter season bodyweight in an Arctic migrant bird
Authors: Doyle Susan , Cabot David , Furlong John , Liu Yixin , Colhoun Kendrew , Walsh Alyn J. , McMahon Barry J.
Published: August 2020

In vertebrates, the endocrine system translates environmental changes into physiological responses on which natural selection can act to regulate individual fitness and, ultimately, population dynamics. Corticosterone (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are important regulators of the avian endocrine system but relatively few studies have investigated their downstream effects on key morphological fitness‐related traits in free‐living populations. This study quantified endocrine–morphology relationships in free‐living Greenland Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis that breed in the high Arctic. CORT and DHEA were extracted from feather and blood samples and tested for relationships with three morphological traits associated with survival and reproduction: bodyweight, body size and facial plumage coloration. We expected CORT concentration to be higher in birds with less favourable morphological traits (i.e. lighter, smaller and less attractive) and DHEA to be higher in birds with more favourable traits (i.e. heavier, bigger and more attractive). As expected, individuals with higher CORT during the post‐breeding moult (July/August) had significantly lower bodyweight during the following winter (November–April). In contrast, we found no robust DHEA–morphology relationships and no statistically significant relationship between CORT and body size or facial plumage. Overall, this study provides evidence of a negative relationship between CORT and bodyweight extending across different seasons of the annual cycle in a long‐distance migrant. This is of particular interest because bodyweight fluctuates rapidly in response to environmental resources and is closely linked to both survival and reproductive success in this species. Understanding the relationship between CORT and key morphological traits is important because endocrine‐disrupting contaminants in the Arctic increasingly interfere with CORT function in birds, including Barnacle Geese, and based on the results of this study may have consequences for bodyweight regulation.
Fatty change of the liver microenvironment influences the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer
Authors: Masaki Satoshi , Hashimoto Yoshimi , Kunisho Shoma , Kimoto Akiko , Kitadai Yasuhiko
Published: August 2020

Fatty liver is the most common cause of liver disease, and its prevalence has been increasing globally. Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for approximately 10% of all cancers and metastasizes most commonly to the liver. Paget's ‘Seed and Soil’ theory of metastasis proposed that the secondary growth of cancer cells is dependent on the distal organ microenvironment. This implies that the risk of metastasis may change due to changes in the microenvironment of target organs. However, the association between steatosis, fatty change in the liver microenvironment, and liver metastasis has not been clarified. Here, we induced fatty liver conditions in BALB/c mice using a choline‐deficient high‐fat diet with 0.1% methionine (CDAHFD) and then injected the CT26 cells to produce experimental metastasis. The number of metastatic tumours was significantly increased in mice with severe fatty liver as compared to control mice. The average size of metastatic tumours was smaller in mice with moderate fatty liver than in control mice. The stromal components, including cancer‐associated fibroblasts, tumour‐associated macrophages and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, were also examined. Metastatic tumours in fatty liver showed invasive growth patterns without a fibrotic capsule. Compared to control groups, the polarization of macrophages and subtypes of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes differed depending on the extent of fatty liver progression. These results indicated that fatty changes in the liver influenced liver metastasis of CRC. Although moderate fatty changes suppress the growth of metastatic tumours in the liver, a severe fatty microenvironment may promote invasion and metastasis through alteration of the tumour microenvironment (TME).
Improvement of melting and crystallisation properties of rambutan seed fat as cocoa butter improver by two‐stage fractionation technique
Authors: Azzatul F. , Jahurul M.H.A. , Norliza J. , Norazlina M.R. , Hasmadi M. , Md. Sharifudin Shaarani , Matanjun Patricia , Lee Jau‐Shya , Shihabul A. , Wahab Noorakmar Ab.
Published: August 2020

The search for hard fats is increasing by the day due to their demand for industrial purposes. Rambutan seed fat (RSF) was fractionated prior to investigate the melting and crystallisation behaviours, triacylglycerols (TAGs), and morphology using different chromatographic and thermal techniques. The increasing trends were observed for high‐melting symmetrical monounsaturated TAGs such as 1,3‐distearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol and 1‐palmitoyl‐3‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol in both solid fractions upon fractionation. The solid fractions (F1‐S) and (F2‐S) exhibited small peaks towards low melting area and big peaks towards high melting area with the offset temperatures of 35.29–48.75 °C and 43.58–52.70 °C with significantly higher enthalpies (93.49 and 105.13 J g−1) upon fractionation. F2‐S showed the densely packed microstructure compared to that of crude RSF and F1‐S. Based on the thermal behaviours as well as morphology of RSF fractions, cocoa butter improver could be prepared that has the potential to be utilised in chocolate manufacturing in tropical countries.
Coverage of the external prostatic region by the hybrid method compared with the conventional method of prostate low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Tanaka Nobumichi , Asakawa Isao , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Yamaki Kaori , Fujii Tomomi , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To compare the dose evaluation parameters between conventional (using loose seed alone) and hybrid (using loose seeds in combination with stranded seeds) low‐dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

Methods

Between 2014 and July 2016, a total of 219 patients who underwent low‐dose rate brachytherapy were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (trial number: UMIN 000012780). Patients were randomized and allocated to two groups (conventional method vs hybrid method). Post‐dosimetric parameters (%D90, minimal percentage of the dose received by 90% of the prostate gland; V100, percentage of the prostate volume receiving 100% of the prescribed minimal peripheral dose; V150, percentage of the prostate volume receiving 150% of the prescribed minimal peripheral dose; %UD30, minimal percentage of the dose received by 30% of the urethra; R100, rectal volume [mL] receiving 100% of the prescribed dose) calculated at 1 month after seed implantation by computed tomography scan were compared between the two groups, as well as the post‐dosimetric parameters using the planning target volume of the prostate + 5‐mm margin.

Results

Regarding dose evaluation parameters, the prostate dose (%D90, V100, V150) and the urethral dose (%UD30) were not significantly different between the two groups, whereas V100 (+5‐mm margin) and %D90 (+5‐mm margin) were significantly higher in the hybrid method group compared with the conventional method group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present randomized study shows that the hybrid method of low‐dose rate brachytherapy can achieve a higher coverage of the periprostatic region compared with the conventional method while maintaining an acceptable level of urethral and rectal doses.
Risk reduction using trailing stop‐loss rules
Authors: Dai Bochuan , Marshall Ben R. , Nguyen Nhut H. , Visaltanachoti Nuttawat
Published: August 2020

We consider the effectiveness of trailing stop‐loss rules which, unlike traditional stop‐loss rules, involve the sale trigger price being moved higher to protect profits as prices rise. Our results indicate that while these rules have inferior mean returns to a mean–variance optimal benchmark, they are effective at stopping losses. The trailing stop‐loss strategy reduces total risk and lessens downside risk, especially during declining market states. Transaction costs reduce the benefits of tighter stop‐loss rules, but the rules with larger stop‐loss thresholds remain useful after accounting for transaction costs.
Risk factors of severe hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus infection in tertiary care center in Thailand
Authors: Aikphaibul Puneyavee , Theerawit Tuangtip , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Wacharachaisurapol Noppadol , Jitrungruengnij Nattapong , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: August 2020

Aim

To determine factors associated with severe hospitalized Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐associated LRTI and to describe management in tertiary care center.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review was conducted among children under 5 years old hospitalized with RSV‐associated LRTI at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Severe RSV‐associated LRTI was defined as death, mechanical ventilator, or positive pressure ventilation use, prolonged hospitalization >7 days. Factors associated with severe RSV were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

From January 2011 to December 2016, 427 children were hospitalized. Median age was 10 months (IQR 4.2‐23.0). One hundred seventy‐four (41%) patients had severe RSV (11 deaths, 56 mechanical ventilators, 19 positive pressure ventilation, and 88 prolonged hospitalization). Factors associated with severe RSV were chronic lung disease (aOR 15.16 [4.26‐53.91]), cirrhosis/biliary atresia (aOR 15.01 [3.21‐70.32]), congenital heart disease (aOR 5.11 [1.97‐13.23]), chemotherapy (aOR 4.7 [1.34‐16.56]), and pre‐term (aOR 2.03 [1.13‐3.67]). Oxygen therapy was mainly low flow oxygen delivery. 88% of cases received bronchodilator. Parenteral antibiotics were prescribed in 37.9% of cases.

Conclusions

Children with co‐morbidities have higher risk of severe RSV‐associated LRTI. More than two‐third of patients received bronchodilator, of which was not recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics. The specific treatment and prevention for RSV are urgently needed.
Surface degradation evaluation of different self‐adhesive restorative materials after prolonged energy drinks exposure
Authors: Yazkan Başak
Published: August 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of energy drinks and soft beverages on the surface degradation of different self‐adhesive materials.

Materials and methods

A 156 disc shaped specimens of each of the following materials were prepared: Alkasite (Cention N, CN), High viscozity glass ionomer (Equia Forte, EF), Glass Carbomer (GCP Fill, GC) (n = 52). After specimen preparations, baseline surface roughness measurements were done using a 3D non‐contact optical profilometer. Then, specimens were subdivided into 4 subgroups (n = 13) and stored in petri dish containing Red Bull; Burn; Coca‐Cola and Distilled water. The surface roughness of the specimens were measured after 1‐day, 1‐week, and 1‐month of immersion in beverages.

Result

It was observed that 1‐month Red Bull immersion revealed the highest roughness difference (ΔRa) for each self‐adhesive restorative material and this was followed by Burn. Whereas, the lowest ΔRa values were observed after 1‐day coke and distilled water immersion in all tested material groups (P < 0.05). Coke and distilled water presented the energy drinks' 1‐day immersion affect, after 1‐week immersion (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The energy drinks have a substantially damaging effect on roughness of self adhesive materials compared with soft drinks and distilled water; and this effect is increasing with exposure duration.
An insular record of the Mayan cichlid Mayaheros urophthalmus (Günther, 1862) (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) on an island 70 km offshore in the Honduran Caribbean
Authors: Lardizábal Claudia C. , Martínez Dilenia E. , Zamora Lesbia E. , McMahan Caleb D. , Matamoros Wilfredo A.
Published: August 2020

Here we report the first record of the Mayan cichlid, Mayaheros urophthalmus, occurring on an offshore island 70 km from the mainland, the most distant record from the mainland to date. Specimens were collected during several ichthyological surveys on the island of Guanaja, Honduras in November 2019. Mayan cichlids are euryhaline fishes that perform very well in fresh, brackish and marine waters. It has been hypothesized that their high tolerance to salinity and potential of using costal waterways has facilitated the colonization and expansion of M. urophthalmus.
Comparative demography of commercially important species of coral grouper, Plectropomus leopardus and P. laevis, from Australia's great barrier reef and Coral Sea marine parks
Authors: Payet Samuel D. , Lowe Jake R. , Mapstone Bruce D. , Pratchett Morgan S. , Sinclair‐Taylor Tane H. , Taylor Brett M. , Waldie Peter A. , Harrison Hugo B.
Published: August 2020

Understanding the spatial and environmental variation in demographic processes of fisheries target species, such as coral grouper (Genus: Plectropomus), is important for establishing effective management and conservation strategies. Herein we compare the demography of Plectropomus leopardus and P. laevis between Australia's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), which has been subject to sustained and extensive fishing pressure, and the oceanic atolls of Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP), where there is very limited fishing for reef fishes. Coral grouper length‐at‐age data from contemporary and historical otolith collections across 9.4 degrees of latitude showed little difference in lifetime growth between GBRMP and CSMP regions. Plectropomus laevis populations in GBRMP reefs had significantly higher rates of total mortality than populations in the CSMP. Mean maximum lengths and mean maximum ages of P. laevis were also smaller in the GBRMP than in the CSMP, even when considering populations sampled within GBRMP no‐take marine reserves (NTMRs). Plectropomus leopardus, individuals were on average smaller on fished reefs than NTMRs in the GBRMP, but all other aspects of demography were broadly similar between regions despite the negligible levels of fishing pressure in the CSMP. Similarities between regions in growth profiles and length‐at‐age comparisons of P. laevis and P. leopardus suggest that the environmental differences between the CSMP and the GBRMP may not have significant impacts on lifetime growth. Our results show that fishing may have influenced the demography of coral grouper on the GBR, particularly for the slower growing and longer lived species, P. laevis.
Scaring Nemo: Contrasting effects of observer presence on two anemonefish species
Authors: Trnski Lena , Sabetian Armagan , Lilkendey Julian
Published: August 2020

Behaviours of Clark's anemonefish Amphiprion clarkii and the dusky anemonefish Amphiprion melanopus were studied in Vanuatu. Six anemones and their resident fish were observed for typical behaviours (hiding, watching, roaming, inter‐, and intraspecific behaviour) with and without the presence of a snorkelling observer. Observer presence had significant but contrasting effects on hiding behaviour in A. clarkii and A. melanopus. Bolder anemonefish species may be able to outcompete other species in areas with high human presence.
Morphological predictors of swimming speed performance in river and reservoir populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni
Authors: Svozil Daniel Phillip , Baumgartner Lee J. , Fulton Christopher J. , Kopf Richard Keller , Watts Robyn J.
Published: August 2020

Dam construction is a major driver of ecological change in freshwater ecosystems. Fish populations have been shown to diverge in response to different flow velocity habitats, yet adaptations of fish populations to river and reservoir habitats created by dams remains poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate divergence of morphological traits and prolonged swimming speed performance between lotic and lentic populations of Australian smelt Retropinna semoni and quantify the relationship between prolonged swimming speed performance and morphology. Prolonged swimming speed performance was assessed for 15 individuals from each of three river and two reservoir populations of R. semoni using the critical swimming speed test (Ucrit). Body shape was characterized using geometric morphometrics, which was combined with fin aspect ratios and standard length to assess morphological divergence among the five populations. Best subsets model‐selection was used to identify the morphological traits that best explain Ucrit variation among individuals. Our results indicate R. semoni from river populations had significantly higher prolonged swimming speed performance (Ucrit = 46.61 ± 0.98 cm s−1) than reservoir conspecifics (Ucrit = 35.57 ± 0.83 cm s−1; F1,74 = 58.624, Z = 35.938, P < 0.001). Similarly, R. semoni sampled from river populations had significantly higher fin aspect ratios (ARcaudal = 1.71 ± 0.04 and 1.29 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 56.247, Z = 40.107, P < 0.001; ARpectoral = 1.85 ± 0.03 and 1.33 ± 0.02 respectively; F(1,74) = 7.156, Z = 4.055, P < 0.01). Best‐subset analyses revealed Ucrit was most strongly correlated with pectoral and caudal fin aspect ratios (R2adj = 0.973, AICc = 41.54). Body shape, however, was subject to a three‐way interaction among population, habitat and sex effects (F3,74 = 1.038. Z = 1.982; P < 0.05). Thus sexual dimorphism formed a significant component of unique and complex variation in body shape among populations from different habitat types. This study revealed profound effects of human‐altered flow environments on locomotor morphology and its functional link to changes in swimming performance of a common freshwater fish. While past studies have indicated body shape may be an important axis for divergence between lotic and lentic populations of several freshwater fishes, fin aspect ratios were the most important predictor of swimming speed in our study. Differences in body morphology here were inconsistent between river and reservoir populations, suggesting this aspect of phenotype may be more strongly influenced by other factors such as predation and sexual dimorphism.
Development of methodology for assessment of long‐term morphodynamic impact on flood hazard
Authors: Dysarz Tomasz
Published: August 2020

A methodology for quantification of the impact of sediment transport on flood hazard is proposed. The applied algorithm consists of several Python scripts for automation of sediment routing, hydrodynamic simulations, and geoprocessing of results. Flood hazard maps are uniquely linked with particular simulations of morphological changes in a river. Finally, the maps are stochastically processed. The proposed procedure was applied for a selected reach of the Warta river, located in Poland. Simulations were run for 6‐ and 12‐year flow series composed randomly on the basis of historical data. The 30 flow series for each period and four functions describing the transport of sediment were treated as uncertain variables. It was assumed that the features characterising the mean sample may properly represent the sediment content in the river reach studied. The final results are presented as maps showing the probabilities of inundation. The comparison of results with literature data confirmed the significance of the impact related to sediment transport processes on the quantification of flood hazard uncertainty. The main advantages of the presented algorithm are effective management of simulations and processing of results obtained in 240 runs of the sediment routing model.
Distribution and morphology of sensory and autonomic fibres in the subendocardial plexus of the rat heart
Authors: Shenton Fiona C. , Campbell Thomas , Jones James F. X. , Pyner Susan
Published: August 2020

Cardiac reflexes originating from sensory receptors in the heart ensure blood supply to vital tissues and organs in the face of constantly changing demands. Atrial volume receptors are mechanically sensitive vagal afferents which relay to the medulla and hypothalamus, affecting vasopressin release and renal sympathetic activity. To date, two anatomically distinct sensory endings have been identified which may subserve cardiac mechanosensation: end‐nets and flower‐spray endings. To map the distribution of atrial receptors in the subendocardial space, we have double‐labelled rat right atrial whole mounts for neurofilament heavy chain (NFH) and synaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) and generated high‐resolution maps of the rat subendocardial neural plexus at the cavo‐atrial region. In order to elucidate the nature of these fibres, double labelling with synaptophysin (SYN) and either NFH, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was performed. The findings show that subendocardial nerve nets are denser at the superior cavo‐atrial junction than the mid‐atrial region. Adluminal plexuses had the finest diameters and stained positively for synaptic vesicles (SV2 and SYN), CGRP and TH. These plexuses may represent sympathetic post‐ganglionic fibres and/or sensory afferents. The latter are candidate substrates for type B volume receptors which are excited by stretch during atrial filling. Deeper nerve fibres appeared coarser and may be cholinergic (positive staining for ChAT). Flower‐spray endings were never observed using immunohistochemistry but were delineated clearly with the intravital stain methylene blue. We suggest that differing nerve fibre structures form the basis by which atrial deformation and hence atrial filling is reflected to the brain.
Management of nail psoriasis with a single injection of abobotulinum toxin
Authors: Botsali Ayşenur , Erbil Hakan
Published: August 2020

Nail psoriasis is challenging; as topical agents generally fail and systemic therapies are doubted especially when the involvement of the skin is rather localized. The response of chronic plaque‐type psoriasis to botulinum toxin injections is reported in case series that is essentially explained through the modulation of neurogenic inflammation. Herein, we report the successful treatment results of two cases demonstrating different features of nail psoriasis treated by abobotulinum toxin.
Clinical efficacy and safety of nano‐microneedle‐assisted phenylethyl resorcinol for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles
Authors: Yu Cheng‐Qian , Xu Xue‐Gang , Chen Hong‐Duo , Li Yuan‐Hong
Published: August 2020

Background

Infraorbital dark circles (DC) are defined as a symptom that presents darkness under infraorbital eyelids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nano‐microneedle‐assisted phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles.

Methods

Twenty female participants were randomized to two groups. In the experimental group (group E), participants received topical PR gel under the left orbit once a day and topical plus nano‐microneedle‐assisted PR gel under the right orbit twice a week. In the control group (group C), participants were treated with gel without PR. Melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) were measured before the session (T0), 4 and 8 weeks during the treatment session (T4, T8), and 1 and 2 months after the last session (T12, T16). The global assessment was performed by a blinded dermatologist.

Results

The mean value of MI in group E was significantly lower than the baseline at T8 (P < .05), and the right side decreased more significantly than the left side (P < .05). However, there was no difference of MI before and after treatment in group C (P > .05). There was no big difference of the mean EI between the two sides (P > .05). The treatment was well tolerated, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

PR combined with nano‐microneedle could be an effective and safe method for infraorbital DC.