bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meat color is determined not only by chromatic heme pigments but also by the physical structure and achromatic light scattering properties of the muscle
Authors: Hughes Joanne M. , Clarke Frank M. , Purslow Peter P. , Warner Robyn D.
Published: December 2019

Meat color is important for consumer acceptability, with excessively dark meat often associated with consumer rejection. It is determined chromatically by pigment content (measured by hue and chroma) and achromatically by scattering of light by the microstructure (measured by lightness), the latter of which has received minimal research focus. This review discusses the individual components of the meat microstructure that cause differences in achromatic contributions to color. Differences in achromatic light scattering between light and dark extremes of meat color are most likely explained by structural attributes within the muscle cell. These differences are proposed to arise from variations in (a) transverse shrinkage of the structural lattice of the myofilaments, myofibrils, and muscles fibers, (b) longitudinal shrinkage of the sarcomere, and (c) different protein composition of the surrounding medium (sarcoplasm and extracellular space). These are discussed at a mechanistic level, in relation to six parameters of the muscle cell: (a) protein surface charge altering the myofilament spacing, (b) protein solubility, (c) sarcoplasmic protein binding to myofilaments and myofibrils, (d) integrity of the cytoskeleton and cell adhesion proteins, (e) sarcomere integrity and myofibrillar proteins, and (f) myosin denaturation and rigor bond modification. New data are presented to support the proposed role of structural elements in muscle causing achromatic light scattering and their contribution to the surface color of meat. In addition, the relationships between lightness and water holding capacity and pH are explored and the economic impact of dark meat for the meat industry is discussed.
Infant Death Following Home Birth: A Case Report of Fatal Neonatal Hypoglycemia
Authors: Schuppener Leah M. , Corliss Robert F.
Published: December 2019

Infants born to diabetic mothers are at increased risk for symptomatic hypoglycemia and death after birth. A 36‐year‐old G4P3 mother with a history of gestational diabetes and newly diagnosed type II insulin‐dependent diabetes gave birth at home, in the care of a midwife, to a macrosomic infant girl (10 lbs.). Several hours after birth, the infant became lethargic and was found to be hypoglycemic (blood sugar: 28 mg/dL). Glucose and sugar water were administered by the midwife; however, the infant continued to decompensate. Emergency medical services were called, and the infant was transported to the hospital where, despite resuscitative efforts, she died. An autopsy and review of the literature was performed. At autopsy, characteristic features of maternal–fetal glucose dysregulation were identified, including fetal macrosomia, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and severe pancreatic islet cell hypertrophy/hyperplasia. Developmental abnormalities and other potential causes of death were not identified. Although deaths due to hypoglycemia cannot be reliably diagnosed postmortem using vitreous glucose levels, a clinical history of maternal glucose dysregulation in combination with certain gross and histologic findings should prompt a pathologist to consider maternal–fetal glucose dysregulation as a diagnosis of exclusion and cause of death.
Effectiveness of nitrogen fixation in rhizobia
Authors: Lindström Kristina , Mousavi Seyed Abdollah
Published: December 2019

Biological nitrogen fixation in rhizobia occurs primarily in root or stem nodules and is induced by the bacteria present in legume plants. This symbiotic process has fascinated researchers for over a century, and the positive effects of legumes on soils and their food and feed value have been recognized for thousands of years. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation uses solar energy to reduce the inert N2 gas to ammonia at normal temperature and pressure, and is thus today, especially, important for sustainable food production. Increased productivity through improved effectiveness of the process is seen as a major research and development goal. The interaction between rhizobia and their legume hosts has thus been dissected at agronomic, plant physiological, microbiological and molecular levels to produce ample information about processes involved, but identification of major bottlenecks regarding efficiency of nitrogen fixation has proven to be complex. We review processes and results that contributed to the current understanding of this fascinating system, with focus on effectiveness of nitrogen fixation in rhizobia.
Pre‐migration traumatic experiences, post‐migration perceived discrimination and substance use among Russian and Kurdish migrants—a population‐based study
Authors: Salama Essi S. , Castaneda Anu E. , Lilja Eero , Suvisaari Jaana , Rask Shadia , Laatikainen Tiina , Niemelä Solja
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

The associations between traumatic events, substance use and perceived discrimination have been rarely studied among migrants in host countries. We examined whether pre‐migration potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) or perceived discrimination (PD) are associated with substance use among migrants with voluntary (Russians) and forced (Kurds) migration backgrounds.

Design

Cross‐sectional interview and health examination data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study were used. The target sample (n = 1000 for each group) was drawn from the national population register using stratified random sampling by participants’ country of birth and native language.

Setting

Population‐based data were collected from six cities in Finland during 2010–12.

Participants

The participation rates were 68% (Russians) and 59% (Kurds). The analytical sample size varied (Russians n = 442–687, Kurds n = 459–613), as some participants completed only interview, health examination or short interview. The majority of Kurds had a refugee background (75%) while Russians had mainly migrated for other reasons (99%).

Measurements

The three main outcomes were self‐reported binge drinking, daily smoking and life‐time cannabis use. PTEs and PD were self‐reported in the interview. Socio‐demographic background, migration‐related factors and current affective symptoms were adjusted for.

Findings

Among Kurds, PTEs were associated with binge drinking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.30–5.42] and PD was associated with life‐time cannabis use (aOR = 3.89, 95% CI = 1.38–10.97) after adjusting for contextual factors. Among Russians, PTEs were associated with life‐time cannabis use adjusting for contextual factors (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.12–4.18).

Conclusions

In Finland, pre‐migration traumatic experiences appear to be associated with life‐time cannabis use among the Russian migrant population (voluntary migration) and binge drinking among the Kurdish migrant population (forced migration). Perceived discrimination in Finland appears to be associated with life‐time cannabis use among Kurdish migrants.
A quantile autoregression analysis of price volatility in agricultural markets
Authors: Chavas Jean‐Paul , Li Jian
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the dynamics of agricultural price volatility based on a quantile autoregression (QAR) model. The QAR model provides a flexible representation of the distribution of price and its dynamics. The approach is applied to U.S. wheat and corn markets over the period of 1980–2017. This period is of significant interest as it covers important changes in agricultural policy and increased reliance on markets. The price analysis is conducted conditional on stocks held in the previous period. We show how increasing previous stocks shift the price distribution to the left and decreases the odds of facing price spikes (by shifting down the upper tail of the price distribution). Our analysis also examines the effects of changing public stocks on prices. For both wheat and corn, this reflects changing agricultural policy, contrasting the 1980s (when public stocks were relatively high) with the post‐2005 period (when public stocks became zero). We document how higher public stock ratio during the previous period did not lower the odds of facing price spikes. Applied to the wheat and corn markets, we also uncover evidence of local dynamic instability in the upper tail of the price distribution, suggesting that price instability becomes more pronounced when previous stocks are low.
International consensus is needed on premedication for non‐emergency neonatal intubation after survey found wide‐ranging policies and practices in 70 countries
Authors: Mari Judit , Franczia Peter , Margas Wojciech , Rutkowski Jakub , Bebrysz Magdalena , Bokiniec Renata , Seliga‐Siwecka Joanna
Published: December 2019

Aim

This study evaluated whether practitioners from 70 countries used premedication for non‐emergency neonatal intubation and identified attitudes and experience regarding the safety, side effects and efficiency of neonatal intubation.

Methods

Invitations to take part in the survey were issued between December 18, 2018 and February 4, 2019 to the users of neonatal‐based websites and Facebook groups, members of professional societies and the authors of relevant publications in the last five years.

Results

We analysed 718 completed questionnaires from 40 European and 30 non‐European countries. Most of the responses were from neonatologists (69.6%) and paediatric or neonatal trainees (10.3%). In units without a protocol (31.6%), more than half of the practitioners (60.4%) chose premedication according to personal preference and 37.0%‐11.9% of the overall respondents did not use any drugs for non‐emergency intubation. The most frequently reported drug combination was fentanyl, atropine and succinylcholine (6.8%). Most of the practitioners (78.5%) use the same drugs for term and preterm infants. Only 24.8% of the physicians were fully satisfied with their premedication practices.

Conclusion

Nearly 12% of the respondents did not use premedication for non‐emergency neonatal intubation. The wide‐ranging policies and practices found among the respondents highlight the need for international consensus guidelines.
Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal treatment for a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck located entirely within the inguinal canal: A case report
Authors: Kojima Shigehiro , Sakamoto Tsuguo
Published: December 2019

A 43‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck, for which laparoscopic total extraperitoneal excision was successfully undertaken. The hydrocele was located entirely within the inguinal canal and was barely visible at the internal inguinal ring, even with strong retraction. The inferior epigastric vessels were at risk of injury secondary to excessive tension when retracting the round ligament. To overcome these problems, the hydrocele was approached from the medial side of the inferior epigastric vessels across the transversalis fascia. This approach allowed us to reach the distal end of the hydrocele and avoid excessive traction on the vessels. Thus, a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck can be addressed successfully with minimally invasive laparoscopic total extraperitoneal excision. Approaching the hydrocele from the medial side of the inferior epigastric vessels across the transversalis fascia may be useful.
Who can benefit from augmented reality in chemistry? Sex differences in solving stereochemistry problems using augmented reality
Authors: Habig Sebastian
Published: December 2019

This paper is about augmented reality (AR) and its potentials to support students in handling scientific representations. For this purpose, first representations are examined from a science educational and instructional psychology perspective. After giving a short overview of AR in general and how it can be delineated from virtual reality (VR), potential advantages of an educational use of AR are outlined considering typical difficulties of students when learning with scientific representations. Since literature frequently reports sex differences in spatial abilities, this study focuses on potential differential effects in the use of AR depending on sex. Against this background, AR might be a tool which can help to compensate for disadvantages in spatial abilities. In order to investigate this question, chemistry students had to answer 20 items related to stereochemistry, a concept that places high demands on mental spatial rotation skills. While one half of the items had to be solved using two‐dimensional (2D) ball‐and‐stick figures of molecules, the other half had to be answered with the help of AR representations. Due to the aforementioned sex differences regarding visuo‐spatial abilities between males and females found in the literature, it is hypothesized that AR representations will support all students but females in particular by reducing cognitive load. If this assumption is correct, the AR items would have to be correctly solved by the students more often than the 2D items. The results of analyses of variance indeed reveal a significant effect of the sex variable dependent on the type of representation. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to survey the students’ attitudes towards learning with the AR app used.
Medulloblastoma genomics in the modern molecular era
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Liu Anthony P. Y. , Northcott Paul A.
Published: December 2019

Medulloblastoma (MB) represents a spectrum of biologically and clinically distinct entities. Initially described histopathologically as a small, round blue cell tumor arising in the cerebellum, MB has emerged as a paradigm for molecular classification in cancer. Recent advances in genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of MB have further refined molecular classification and complemented conventional histopathological diagnosis. Herein, we review the main clinical and molecular features of the four consensus subgroups of MB (WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4). We also highlight hereditary predisposition syndromes associated with increased risk of MB. Finally, we explore advances in the classification of the consensus molecular groups while also presenting cutting‐edge frontiers in identifying intratumoral heterogeneity and cellular origins of MB.
Trends in use, pharmacology, and clinical applications of emerging herbal nutraceuticals
Authors: Williamson Elizabeth M. , Liu Xinmin , Izzo Angelo A.
Published: December 2019

The nutraceuticals market is vast, encompassing many different products with inconsistent levels of evidence available to support their use. This overview represents a Western perspective of the nutraceuticals market, with a brief comparison with that in China, as an illustration of how individual health supplements increase and decrease in popularity in regional terms. Recent changes in sales patterns, mainly taken from the US market, are summarized and a selection of five newer products, which have not been subject to extensive recent review are profiled: astaxanthin, a carotenoid found in red algae, seafood, salmon and trout, as an antioxidant; cannabidiol, a non‐euphoric marijuana ingredient used as mood enhancer and for painful/inflammatory conditions; modified extracts of ginseng used in new indications including dementia and space travel; monk fruit, a non‐sugar high intensity sweetener and nigella seed, a popular food ingredient and Asian medicine, which has experienced an extraordinary rise in sales recently.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc
Cellular senescence and senescence‐associated secretory phenotype via the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway in cancer
Authors: Loo Tze Mun , Miyata Kenichi , Tanaka Yoko , Takahashi Akiko
Published: December 2019

Cellular senescence is historically regarded as a tumor suppression mechanism to prevent damaged cells from aberrant proliferation in benign and premalignant tumors. However, recent findings have suggested that senescent cells contribute to tumorigenesis and age‐associated pathologies through the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Therefore, to control age‐associated cancer, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of the SASP in the cancer microenvironment. New findings have suggested that the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, a critical indicator of innate immune response, triggers the SASP in response to accumulation of cytoplasmic DNA (cytoplasmic chromatin fragments, mtDNA and cDNA) in senescent cells. Notably, the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway promotes or inhibits tumorigenesis depending on the biological context in vivo, indicating that it may be a potential therapeutic target for cancer. Herein, we review the regulatory machinery and biological function of the SASP via the cGAS‐STING signaling pathway in cancer.
Endogenous CXCL9 affects prognosis by regulating tumor‐infiltrating natural killer cells in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fukuda Yasunari , Asaoka Tadafumi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Yokota Yuki , Kubo Masahiko , Kinoshita Mitsuru , Urakawa Shinya , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Tomimaru Yoshito , Akita Hirofumi , Noda Takehiro , Gotoh Kunihito , Kobayashi Shogo , Hirata Michinari , Wada Hisashi , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro
Published: December 2019

CXCL9, an IFN‐γ inducible chemokine, has been reported to play versatile roles in tumor‐host interrelationships. However, little is known about its role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Here, we aimed to elucidate the prognostic and biological implications of CXCL9 in iCCA. Endogenous CXCL9 expression and the number of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes were immunohistochemically assessed in resection specimens. These data were validated in mice treated by silencing CXCL9 with short hairpin RNA. In addition, the induction of endogenous CXCL9 and the effects of CXCL9 on tumor biological behaviors were evaluated in human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that high CXCL9 expression was closely correlated with prolonged postoperative survival and a large number of tumor‐infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells. In fact, due to the trafficking of total and tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐expressing NK cells into tumors, CXCL9‐sufficient cells were less tumorigenic in the liver than CXCL9‐deficient cells in mice. Although CXCL9 involvement in tumor growth and invasion abilities differed across cell lines, it did not exacerbate these abilities in CXCL9‐expressing cell lines. We showed that CXCL9 was useful as a prognostic marker. Our findings also suggested that CXCL9 upregulation might offer a therapeutic strategy for treating CXCL9‐expressing iCCA by augmenting anti–tumor immune surveillance.
Pathogenesis of multiple pancreatic cancers involves multicentric carcinogenesis and intrapancreatic metastasis
Authors: Fujita Yusuke , Matsuda Sachiko , Sasaki Yasushi , Masugi Yohei , Kitago Minoru , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Shinoda Masahiro , Tokino Takashi , Sakamoto Michiie , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: December 2019

There are increased opportunities in oncology clinics to identify multiple pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) that co‐occur simultaneously or arise metachronously in the pancreatic parenchyma, yet their pathogenesis remains elusive. We hypothesized that two potential pathways, multicentric carcinogenesis and intrapancreatic metastasis, might contribute to forming multiple PDAC. Among 241 resected cases, we identified 20 cancer nodules from nine patients with multiple PDAC (six with synchronous PDAC, one with metachronous PDAC, and two with both synchronous and metachronous PDAC). Integrated clinical, pathological, and mutational analyses, using TP53 and SMAD4 immunostaining and targeted next‐generation sequencing of 50 cancer‐related genes, were conducted to examine the intertumor relationships. Four of the nine patients were assessed as having undergone multicentric carcinogenesis because of heterogeneity of immunohistochemical and/or mutation characteristics. In contrast, tumors in the other five patients showed intertumor molecular relatedness. Two of these five patients, available for matched sequencing data, showed two or more shared mutations. Moreover, all the smaller nodules in these five patients showed identical TP53 and SMAD4 expression patterns to the corresponding main tumors. Consequently, these five patients were considered to have undergone intrapancreatic metastasis. None of the five smaller nodules arising from intrapancreatic metastasis was accompanied by pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and three of them were tiny (≤1mm). Patients whose tumors resulted from intrapancreatic metastasis appeared to have higher disease stages and worse outcome than those with tumors from multicentric carcinogenesis. Our results provide insight into pancreatic carcinogenesis, showing that the development of multiple PDAC involves distinct evolutionary paths that potentially affect patient prognosis.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with Escherichia coli in airway samples
Authors: Schneer Sonia , Khoury Johad , Adir Yochai , Stein Nili , Shaked Mishan Pninit , Ken‐Dror Shifra , Weber Gabriel , Meler Ruth , Khateeb Aysha , Shteinberg Michal
Published: December 2019

Purposes

Escherichia coli is one of the most common pathogens in nosocomial and community‐acquired infections, but is an uncommon respiratory pathogen. However, this pathogen may at times be seen in respiratory secretions. The study aims to determine the clinical and prognostic value of E. coli in respiratory secretions.

Methods

Cultures of respiratory secretions from hospitalized and outpatients between 2009 and 2016 were screened for isolation of E. coli. We defined three groups of patients: “Sensitive (S)”—growth of E. coli sensitive to all antimicrobials tested; Intermediate (I)—resistant to 1‐2 antimicrobial classes; and “Resistant (R)”—resistant to at least three antibiotic classes. We compared factors associated with resistant strains and outcomes between the groups.

Results

Eighty patients with E. coli isolates from respiratory secretions were identified while screening 177 712 (4.5: 10 000 samples). Of the E. Coli‐positive cultures, 11 were from ambulatory patients, 31 patients were hospitalized and 37 were hospitalized and intubated. Ten people had bronchiectasis and 29 had COPD. Patients with resistant E. coli had significantly more hospitalization days prior to positive culture (S = 1.2 ± 1.89 days, I = 1.23 ± 1.5 days and R = 3.7 ± 5.4 days, respectively; P = 0.002). Mortality was higher in patients with a resistant strain (R) versus (I) or (S) (76.7%, 31.8% and 26.7%, respectively; P < 0.0001) and remained significantly elevated after correction for prior hospital days.

Conclusions

Pulmonary infection due to E. coli is uncommon. Isolation of resistant E. coli is associated with length of previous hospitalization, elevated mortality and may be viewed as a nosocomial pathogen.
Evaluation of the CT imaging findings in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thromboembolism
Authors: Ozer Gokaslan Cigdem , Onrat Ersel , Gokaslan Serkan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the only pulmonary hypertension that can be treated surgically. Multidedector computerized tomography angiography (MDCTA) is considered as an important tool. In this study, the important CT findings of CTEPH and the vascular MDCTA findings of CTEPH were classified as central, peripheral, central and peripheral. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these groups with parenchymal and hemodynamic findings.

Materials and Methods

MDCTA examinations of 26 patients who had been diagnosed with CTEPH were retrospectively reviewed. Vascular, cardiac and parenchymal findings were examined in MDCTA. Patients were divided into three groups as peripheral, central and peripheral and central chronic thromboembolism. The relationship between these groups with demographic, vascular, parenchymal and hemodynamic findings was investigated.

Results

The most common vascular finding was the wall filling defects attached to the lobar and/or segmental arterial walls, while the parenchymal finding was the fibrotic shrinkage.

There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups compared to parenchymal findings which are mosaic pattern, brochiectasis, fibrotic changes and atelectasis, pulmonary artery diameter, right atrial diameter and RV/LV ratio. Age and sex were not different in patients between the three groups.

Conclusion

The results of the this study confirm the important role of MDCTA in the evaluation of vascular, cardiac and parenchymal findings in the patients with CTEPH and identifying patients that would most benefit from surgical treatment by visualization of the segmental and subsegmental branches of the pulmonary arteries.
The influence of alcohol consumption among partners in newly cohabiting relationships
Authors: Leggat Geoffrey , Livingston Michael , Kuntsche Emmanuel , Kuntsche Sandra , Callinan Sarah
Published: December 2019

Introduction and Aims

Research has linked exposure to the drinking of one's partner or spouse and changes in alcohol‐related behaviours. However, there is a dearth of studies which consider only cohabiting relationships. More couples are preferring to cohabit prior to and in place of marriage. As a result, studies focused on cohabiting couples may provide a more representative consideration of modern long‐term relationships. The present study uses a representative, longitudinal sample with annual follow‐up and aims to determine if cohabiting partner's drinking habits are influenced by their partner's consumption, as well as consider the role of intimacy as a key component of these influences compared to a relationship's label or legal status.

Design and Methods

Data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey identified 1483 newly cohabiting, Australian heterosexual couples between 2001 and 2016. Individual alcohol consumption was analysed using a cross‐lagged, three‐wave actor‐partner structural equation model.

Results

A respondent's own drinking was a stable and significant predictor of future consumption, and a greater predictor of later drinking than their partner's. Female consumption generally exerted significant influence on their male partner's later consumption, while male drinking was non‐significant for all but the first year following cohabitation. Overall, women generally had greater influence on their partner's drinking than men.

Discussion and Conclusions

This study furthers our understanding of each partner's role in influencing consumption within intimate relationships. Cohabiting couples appear to have some similarities with married couples regarding partner influence and may better represent the typical contemporary long‐term relationship.
Sitting in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 treated with nusinersen
Authors: Aragon‐Gawinska Karolina , Daron Aurore , Ulinici Ana , Vanden Brande Laura , Seferian Andreea , Gidaro Teresa , Scoto Mariacristina , Deconinck Nicolas , Servais Laurent ,   SMA‐Registry Study Group
Published: December 2019

Aim

To determine factors associated with acquisition of a sitting position in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) treated with nusinersen.

Method

Using data from the registry of patients with SMA1 treated with nusinersen, we compared the subgroups of sitters and non‐sitters after 14 months of therapy as a function of baseline level,SMN2copy number, age at treatment initiation, and improvement at 2 and 6 months post‐treatment initiation. We used Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, Section 2 (HINE‐2) and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders for motor evaluation.

Results

Fifty children (22 females, 28 males), mean age 22 months (SD 20.7; range 2.5–102.8mo) were treated. Data on sitting position acquisition were collected for 47 patients at month 14. Fifteen patients were able to sit unassisted; 11 of 15 had a baseline HINE‐2 score of at least 2 points and 11 of 14 had an improvement over baseline of at least 2 points at month 6. Patients who improved by 2 or more points at month 6 were three times more likely to be sitters at month 14 than those who did not.

Interpretation

High baseline motor function and improvement in HINE‐2 score after 6 months of treatment are associated with the probability of acquiring a sitting position in patients with SMA1 treated with nusinersen.

What this paper adds

Fifteen of 47 patients with spinal muscular atrophy could sit unaided 14 months after treatment with nusinersen.

The number ofSMN2copies were not predictive of acquisition of a sitting position.

Baseline condition and clinical response after 6 months of treatment were most predictive of sitting position acquisition.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes: too little too late
Authors: Javed S. , Hayat T. , Menon L. , Alam U. , Malik R. A.
Published: December 2019

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy in people with type 2 diabetes is poorly managed because of its insidious onset, delayed diagnosis and more complex aetiology resulting from the contribution of not only hyperglycaemia, but also ageing, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and obesity. Because there is no US Food and Drug Adminstration‐approved disease‐modifying therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the key to ameliorating it in type 2 diabetes has to be through earlier diagnosis and timely multi‐factorial risk factor reduction. The management of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy also requires a detailed appraisal of the choice of therapy, taking into account efficacy, patient wishes, comorbidities, side effect profile and potential for abuse.
A bibliometric analysis of the top 50 most cited articles published in the Dental Traumatology
Authors: Ahmad Paras , Vincent Abbott Paul , Khursheed Alam Mohammad , Ahmed Asif Jawaad
Published: December 2019

Background/Aims

The impact of a scientific article in its respective field is reflected by its citation count. The purpose of this review was to conduct a citation analysis in order to identify and analyze the top 50 most cited articles published in Dental Traumatology since its inception in order to highlight the contribution of the journal to the field of Dental Traumatology.

Methods

Elsevier's Scopus was used to search and analyze the 50 most frequently cited scientific papers. After the screening process, two reviewers arranged the articles in a descending order based on their citation counts. Each article was then cross‐matched with Google Scholar. The articles were analyzed, and information including citation counts, citation density, publication year, authorship, contributing institutions and countries, article topic, study design, and keywords was extracted.

Results

The literature search identified 2421 articles. The citation counts of the 50 selected articles varied from 117 to 580 (Scopus) and 206 to 1130 (Google Scholar). The year in which most top 50 articles were published was 2002 (n = 5). Among 105 authors, the greatest contribution was made by JO Andreasen (n = 12). Most of the articles originated from the United States (n = 12) with the greatest contributions from the University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark (n = 6). Original research article was the most frequent study design (n = 34). The majority of the top 50 articles were focused on traumatic dental injuries. Among 131 unique key words, root resorption (n = 6) was the most frequently used. A non‐significant correlation occurred between citation count (correlation coefficient = 0.127, P = .378), citation density (correlation coefficient = 0.654, P = 2.493), and publication age.

Conclusions

This study identified the top 50 most cited articles published in this journal in the specialty of Dental Traumatology. The publication year of an article was not significantly associated with citation count nor citation density.
Shared morphological consequences of global warming in North American migratory birds
Authors: Weeks Brian C. , Willard David E. , Zimova Marketa , Ellis Aspen A. , Witynski Max L. , Hennen Mary , Winger Benjamin M.
Published: December 2019

Increasing temperatures associated with climate change are predicted to cause reductions in body size, a key determinant of animal physiology and ecology. Using a four‐decade specimen series of 70 716 individuals of 52 North American migratory bird species, we demonstrate that increasing annual summer temperature over the 40‐year period predicts consistent reductions in body size across these diverse taxa. Concurrently, wing length – an index of body shape that impacts numerous aspects of avian ecology and behaviour – has consistently increased across species. Our findings suggest that warming‐induced body size reduction is a general response to climate change, and reveal a similarly consistent and unexpected shift in body shape. We hypothesise that increasing wing length represents a compensatory adaptation to maintain migration as reductions in body size have increased the metabolic cost of flight. An improved understanding of warming‐induced morphological changes is important for predicting biotic responses to global change.
Inspiratory muscle training and testing: Rationale, development and feasibility
Authors: Allen Kate J. , Fitzharris Laura E. , McConnell Alison K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Inspiratory muscle training applies a training stimulus directly to the inspiratory muscles and is distinct from whole‐body training. The potential benefits of inspiratory muscle training have yet to be explored in horses.

Objectives

The objectives were as follows: (a) to develop an equine‐specific method of testing and training inspiratory muscles; (b) to assess tolerance and feasibility in a pilot study in a commercial Thoroughbred training establishment.

Study design

Field study.

Methods

A mask was used to interface commercial human inspiratory muscle training equipment. Ten horses undertook inspiratory muscle training once daily while stood in the stable approximately 5 days/wk over a 9‐week period. Inspiratory muscle strength testing employed a continuous incremental inspiratory loading protocol alternating two loaded and two minimally loaded breaths until failure to tolerate the load occurred or the maximum 60 breaths were completed. The inspiratory muscle strength testing was undertaken twice; firstly, in 10 horses with minimal acclimatisation and secondly, in eight horses experienced with the inspiratory muscle training programme.

Results

The 10 horses undertook inspiratory muscle training for a median of 42 days, reaching a median peak training load of 32.5 cm H2O. One horse did not tolerate the mask with repeated snorting and was replaced. All horses completed the inspiratory muscle strength testing. The median peak value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 1 was 27 cm H2O and in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 2 was 41 cm H2O. Two of 10 horses reached the maximum possible value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 1; therefore, the test was adapted to permit a higher maximum value, despite this 3/8 horses reached the maximum possible value in inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol 2.

Main limitations

A small number of horses were assessed. The inspiratory muscle strength testing protocol was refined during the study and requires additional refinement.

Conclusion

Inspiratory muscle testing and training were feasible and tolerated in horses. Further research is required to understand whether the inspiratory muscle strength testing values obtained correlate with other physiological/performance outcomes. The potential benefits and/or adverse effects of inspiratory muscle training warrant further investigation.
Impacts of land management practices on blue carbon stocks and greenhouse gas fluxes in coastal ecosystems—A meta‐analysis
Authors: O’Connor J. Jack , Fest Benedikt J. , Sievers Michael , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: December 2019

Global recognition of climate change and its predicted consequences has created the need for practical management strategies for increasing the ability of natural ecosystems to capture and store atmospheric carbon. Mangrove forests, saltmarshes and seagrass meadows, referred to as blue carbon ecosystems (BCEs), are hotspots of atmospheric CO2 storage due to their capacity to sequester carbon at a far higher rate than terrestrial forests. Despite increased effort to understand the mechanisms underpinning blue carbon fluxes, there has been little synthesis of how management activities influence carbon stocks and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in BCEs. Here, we present a global meta‐analysis of 111 studies that measured how carbon stocks and GHG fluxes in BCEs respond to various coastal management strategies. Research effort has focused mainly on restoration approaches, which resulted in significant increases in blue carbon after 4 years compared to degraded sites, and the potential to reach parity with natural sites after 7–17 years. Lesser studied management alternatives, such as sediment manipulation and altered hydrology, showed only increases in biomass and weaker responses for soil carbon stocks and sequestration. The response of GHG emissions to management was complex, with managed sites emitting less than natural reference sites but emitting more compared to degraded sites. Individual GHGs also differed in their responses to management. To date, blue carbon management studies are underrepresented in the southern hemisphere and are usually limited in duration (61% of studies <3 years duration). Our meta‐analysis describes the current state of blue carbon management from the available data and highlights recommendations for prioritizing conservation management, extending monitoring time frames of BCE carbon stocks, improving our understanding of GHG fluxes in open coastal systems and redistributing management and research effort into understudied, high‐risk areas.
What motivates patients and caregivers to engage in health research and how engagement affects their lives: Qualitative survey findings
Authors: Hemphill Rachel , Forsythe Laura P. , Heckert Andrea L. , Amolegbe Andrew , Maurer Maureen , Carman Kristin L. , Mangrum Rikki , Stewart Lisa , Fearon Ninma , Esmail Laura
Published: December 2019

Background

US research organizations increasingly are supporting patient and stakeholder engagement in health research with a goal of producing more useful, relevant and patient‐centered evidence better aligned with real‐world clinical needs. The Patient‐Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) engages patients, family caregivers and other health‐care stakeholders, including clinicians, payers and policymakers, as active partners in prioritizing, designing, conducting and disseminating research as a key strategy to produce useful evidence for health‐care decision making.

Objective

To inform effective engagement practices and policies, we sought to understand what motivates patients and caregivers to engage as partners on PCORI‐funded research projects and how such engagement changed their lives.

Methods

We conducted thematic analysis of open‐ended survey responses from 255 patients, family caregivers and individuals from advocacy and community‐based organizations who engaged as partners on 139 PCORI‐funded research projects focusing on a range of health conditions.

Results

Partners' motivations for engaging in research were oriented primarily towards benefiting others, including a desire to improve patients' lives and to support effective health‐care interventions. In addition to feeling they made a positive difference, many partners reported direct benefits from engagement, such as new relationships and improved health habits.

Discussion and Conclusions

By identifying patient and caregiver motivations for engaging in research partnerships and what they get out of the experience, our study may help research teams and organizations attract partners and foster more satisfying and sustainable partnerships. Our findings also add to evidence that engagement benefits the people involved as partners, strengthening the case for more widespread engagement.
Testing alternative methods for estimation of bird migration phenology from GPS tracking data
Authors: Soriano‐Redondo Andrea , Acácio Marta , Franco Aldina M. A. , Herlander Martins Bruno , Moreira Francisco , Rogerson Katharine , Catry Inês
Published: December 2019

The development and miniaturization of GPS tracking devices has enabled a better understanding of migration phenology, but it can be challenging to identify where and when migration starts and ends, and researchers rely on multiple methods to infer it. Here, we use GPS tracks of 18 trans‐Saharan migrant White Storks Ciconia ciconia to determine how the choice of method influences the estimation of migratory timing and discuss its implications. We evaluate and provide R code for the implementation of five alternative methods: spatial threshold, absolute displacement, spatio‐temporal displacement, net squared displacement and change point analysis. Spatial threshold, absolute displacement and spatio‐temporal displacement methods produce, in most cases, significantly different estimates of migration timing and duration as compared with net squared displacement and change point analysis.
Effect of carbon sources on the properties of lightweight corundum‐spinel refractory with density gradient
Authors: Wan Qifa , Yin Hongfeng , Tang Yun , Yuan Hudie , Ren Xiaohu , Xin Yalou , Liu Yuchi
Published: December 2019

Lightweight refractories are expected to have excellent performance in high and room temperature in addition to energy consumption reduction. Lightweight corundum‐spinel refractory was fabricated by carbothermal reduction of MgO, the oxygen diffusion rate controlled oxidation of Mg vapor, and subsequent reaction between MgO and Al2O3. The lightweight corundum‐spinel refractory was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Effects of flaky graphite particle size and carbon black content on the properties of lightweight corundum‐spinel refractory were investigated. The results showed that flaky graphite particle size had great effect on the stacking density of green compacts and the properties of refractory. When flaky graphite particle size was 42.44 µm, the refractory possessed bulk density 2.68 g/cm3, compressive strength (CS) 63.5 MPa, and refractoriness under load 1641°C fired at 1550°C for 4 hours. With the decrease of carbon black content, the properties of refractory increased, but the CS was low due to the generation of structure defects including large pores and cracks when compared with the samples using graphite as carbon source. In order to obtain lightweight refractory with good performance, the carbon particle size and content should be chosen properly in addition to firing temperature and holding time.
‘In the middle’: A qualitative study of talk about mental health nursing roles and work
Authors: Terry Julia
Published: December 2019

Professional identities are important in defining workers' roles, and are concerned with attributes relating to those roles and how they are performed. Evidence shows mental health nurses undertake many different roles as part of their work. Yet, the roles of mental health nurses are insufficiently understood by healthcare staff, service users, and nurses themselves. Mental health nursing work has been deemed invisible and lacking in role clarity. Poor understandings about professional identity of mental health nurses result in difficulties recruiting to the profession, nurses lacking confidence articulating the value of their work, with misunderstandings apparent with service users about the specific role of mental health nursing in their care. The primary focus of this study, conducted in Wales, United Kingdom, was to examine how talk about mental health nursing was handled by participants from multiple perspectives. Data consisted of 17 individual interview transcripts with mental health nurses and 13 interview transcripts from mental health service users, and three focus groups with nursing students. Participants' talk was analysed using thematic analysis. This paper reports how participants described mental health nursing work to have significant role overlap with other multidisciplinary team members. Participants highlighted that mental health nurses often have an ‘in the middle’ label because the complexity of their work can be hard to describe. The implications are pertinent for nurses because if they are considered to be in a liminal position, they risk being perceived as neither one role nor another, resulting in nurses struggling with professional identities and role confidence.
Gamma deployment problem in grids: hardness and new integer linear programming formulation
Authors: Faraj Marcelo Fonseca , Urrutia Sebastián , Sarubbi João F. M.
Published: December 2019

Vehicular networks are mobile networks designed for the domain of vehicles and pedestrians. These networks are an essential component of intelligent transportation systems and have the potential to ease traffic management, lower accident rates, and offer other solutions to smart cities. One of the most challenging aspects in the design of a vehicular network is the distribution of its infrastructure units, which are called roadside units (RSUs). In this work, we tackle the gamma deployment problem that consists of deploying the minimum number of RSUs in a vehicular network in accordance with a quality of service metric called gamma deployment. This metric defines a vehicle as covered if it connects to some RSUs at least once in a given time interval during its whole trip. Then, the metric parameterizes the minimum percentage of covered vehicles necessary to make a deployment acceptable or feasible. In this paper, we prove that the decision version of the gamma deployment problem in grids is NP‐complete. Moreover, we correct the multiflow integer linear programming formulation present in the literature and introduce a new formulation based on set covering that is at least as strong as the multiflow formulation. In experiments with a commercial solver, the set covering formulation widely outperforms the multiflow formulation with respect to running time and linear programming relaxation gap.
Multi‐institutional survey of causes of maternal rejection in Giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis in North American zoos
Authors: Siciliano‐Martina L.
Published: December 2019

Maternal rejection has been attributed to a variety of causes among wild mammals and those in human care, including dystocia, health concerns, primipary, inappropriate maternal care experienced by the mother as a calf and an inability to display natural behaviours, although the specific causes among Giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis have not been isolated. To address this, a survey was designed and disseminated using the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Giraffe Listserv. The primary objectives were to document the circumstances surrounding maternal rejection events and any resulting calf abnormalities. The survey focused specifically on previously documented rejection causes among other ungulate species, as well as commonly suggested causes based on anecdotal evidence. Among the responses from 36 institutions, 12 animals were reported as maternally rejected and nine were maternally separated. Participating institutions frequently cited human presence during labour and low birth weight among rejected calves. Many of the expected causes of maternal rejection, including medical concerns, maternal inexperience and labour duration, were not indicated as contributing factors among participating institutions. Likewise, survey respondents did not note any extreme behavioural differences among Giraffes that receive limited or no maternal care. This survey provides preliminary, descriptive trends; however, future studies should further investigate these relationships. These results may inform husbandry decisions and help avoid future rejection events.