bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment of arrhythmia with β‐blocker and flecainide combination in pregnant patients with Andersen–Tawil syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Rujirachun Pongprueth , Junyavoraluk Apichaya , Pithukpakorn Manop , Suktitipat Bhoom , Winijkul Arjbordin
Published: September 2020

Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of ventricular arrhythmia (VA), dysmorphic features, and periodic paralysis. Due to the rarity of this condition, less is known about physiologic effect of pregnancy to ATS and arrhythmia. There is no established guideline for peripartum or postpartum treatment and prevention of arrhythmia in ATS; thus, the clinical management is challenging. We reported two KCNJ2‐associated ATS patients who got pregnant and underwent vaginal birth safely. Both individuals had VA, micrognathia without periodic paralysis. β‐blocker plus flecainide could be an effective treatment combination when monotherapy failed to control arrhythmia. VA of two pregnant patients with ATS could be controlled by either physiologic changes associated pregnancy or the combination treatment of β‐blocker and flecainide.
The effects of vitrification after equilibration in different concentrations of cryoprotectants on the survival and quality of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Yodrug Thatawat , Parnpai Rangsun , Hirao Yuji , Somfai Tamás
Published: September 2020

This study assessed the effects of cryoprotectant concentration during equilibration on the efficiency of bovine blastocyst vitrification and the expression of selected developmentally important genes. In vitro produced bovine blastocysts were equilibrated in either 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) + 7.5% DMSO (Va group) or in 2% EG + 2% DMSO (Vb group) then vitrified on Cryotop® sheets in 16.5% EG + 16.5% DMSO + 0.5M sucrose. After warming, embryos were cultured for 48 hr. Re‐expansion, hatching, and the numbers of total and membrane damaged cells were compared among vitrified groups and a control. There was no significant difference between the vitrified groups in survival, cell numbers and the extent of membrane damage. Vitrification increased the number of membrane‐damaged cells in both groups, however, in a greater extent in the Vb group. Vitrification increased (p < .05) the expression of the HSP70 gene in Va but not in Vb embryos. The expression of IGF2R, SNRPN, HDAC1, DNMT3B, BAX, OCT4, and IFN‐t genes were the same in control and vitrified groups. In conclusion, the concentration of cryoprotectants during equilibration did not affect survival rates; however, normal cell numbers could be maintained only by equilibration in 15% cryoprotectants which was associated with increased HSP70 expression.
Non‐surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus
Authors: Hirayama Yuri , Takishita Rie , Misawa Hiroyasu , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Misumi Koji , Egawa Sachiko , Motoyama Sawako , Hasuta Yasunobu , Nakamura Yoshiyuki , Hashiyada Yutaka
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.
Diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in dogs with suspected idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Gilbert SE , Cardy TJ , Bertram S , Taylor‐Brown F
Published: September 2020

Background

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common cause of repeated seizures in dogs. The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus guidelines recommend performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis as part of a tier II diagnosis of IE, and these procedures have documented risks. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify how often dogs with suspected IE have abnormalities on CSF analysis.

Methods

Dogs aged between 6 months and 6 years that were presented with a history of two or more seizures with at least 24 h between seizure episodes, a normal neurologic examination, no evidence of toxic or metabolic causes, a normal MRI scan (including contrast administration) and CSF analysis were included.

Results

Eighty‐two dogs were included. Of these, nine dogs (10.9%) had abnormalities on CSF analysis: five of nine dogs (55.5%) had albuminocytologic dissociation, three of nine dogs (33.3%) had mild increases in total nucleated cell count (TNCC), and one of nine dogs (11.1%) had mild increase in both total protein and TNCC. Cytology in dogs with elevated TNCC revealed a mononuclear pleocytosis. One of the nine dogs with abnormal CSF had a seizure within the 24 h before investigations, and six of nine dogs had a seizure within 1 month before investigation.

Conclusion

CSF analysis can play an important role in the diagnostic investigation of the underlying causes of repeated seizures. However, in dogs with a normal inter‐ictal neurological examination and MRI scan, it rarely reveals significant abnormalities, and the risk of performing a CSF tap may outweigh the potential diagnostic gain.
Population pharmacokinetic evaluation of cefuroxime in perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis during and after cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Rimmler Christer , Lanckohr Christian , Mittrup Miriam , Welp Henryk , Würthwein Gudrun , Horn Dagmar , Fobker Manfred , Ellger Björn , Hempel Georg
Published: September 2020

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of a contemporary dosing scheme of cefuroxime as perioperative prophylaxis in cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

Cefuroxime plasma concentrations were measured in 23 patients. A 1.5‐g dose of cefuroxime was administered at start of surgery and CPB, followed by 3 additional doses every 6 hours postoperative. Drug levels were used to build a population pharmacokinetic model. Target attainment for Staphylococcus aureus (2–8 mg/L) and Escherichia coli (8–32 mg/L) were evaluated and dosing strategies for optimization were investigated.

Results

A dosing scheme of 1.5 g cefuroxime preoperatively with a repetition at start of CPB achieves plasma unbound concentrations of 8 mg/L in almost all patients during surgery. The second administration is critical to provide this level of coverage. Simulations indicate that higher unbound concentrations up to 32 mg/L are reached by a continuous infusion rate of 1 g/h after a bolus of 1 g. In the postoperative phase, most patients do not reach unbound concentrations above 2 mg/L. To improve target attainment up to 8 mg/L, the continuous application of cefuroxime with infusion rates of 0.125–0.25 g/h is simulated and shown to be an alternative to bolus dosing.

Conclusion

Dosing recommendations for cefuroxime as perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cardiac surgery are sufficient to reach plasma unbound concentration to cover S. aureus during the operation. Target attainment is not achieved in the postoperative period. Continuous infusion of cefuroxime may optimize target attainment.
Administration of all‐transretinoic acid after experimental traumatic brain injury is brain protective
Authors: Hummel Regina , Ulbrich Sebastian , Appel Dominik , Li Shuailong , Hirnet Tobias , Zander Sonja , Bobkiewicz Wieslawa , Gölz Christina , Schäfer Michael K.E.
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

All‐transretinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A metabolite, important in the developing and mature brain. Pre‐injury ATRA administration ameliorates ischaemic brain insults in rodents. This study examined the effects of post‐traumatic ATRA treatment in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Experimental Approach

Male adult mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI or sham procedure and killed at 7 or 30 days post‐injury (dpi). ATRA (10 mg kg−1, i.p.) was given immediately after the injury and 1, 2 and 3 dpi. Neurological function and sensorimotor coordination were evaluated. Brains were processed for (immuno‐) histological, mRNA and protein analyses (qPCR and western blot).

Key Results

ATRA treatment reduced brain lesion size, reactive astrogliosis and axonal injury at 7 dpi, and hippocampal granule cell layer (GCL) integrity was protected at 7 and 30 dpi, independent of cell proliferation in neurogenic niches and blood–brain barrier damage. Neurological and motor deficits over time and the brain tissue loss at 30 dpi were not affected by ATRA treatment. ATRA decreased gene expression of markers for damage‐associated molecular pattern (HMGB1), apoptosis (caspase‐3 and Bax), activated microglia (TSPO), and reactive astrogliosis (GFAP, SerpinA3N) at 7 dpi and a subset of markers at 30 dpi (TSPO, GFAP).

Conclusion and Implications

In experimental TBI, post‐traumatic ATRA administration exerted brain protective effects, including long‐term protection of GCL integrity, but did not affect neurological and motor deficits. Further investigations are required to optimize treatment regimens to enhance ATRA's brain protective effects and improve outcomes.
Shrinking body sizes in response to warming: explanations for the temperature–size rule with special emphasis on the role of oxygen
Authors: Verberk Wilco C.E.P. , Atkinson David , Hoefnagel K. Natan , Hirst Andrew G. , Horne Curtis R. , Siepel Henk
Published: September 2020

Body size is central to ecology at levels ranging from organismal fecundity to the functioning of communities and ecosystems. Understanding temperature‐induced variations in body size is therefore of fundamental and applied interest, yet thermal responses of body size remain poorly understood. Temperature–size (T–S) responses tend to be negative (e.g. smaller body size at maturity when reared under warmer conditions), which has been termed the temperature–size rule (TSR). Explanations emphasize either physiological mechanisms (e.g. limitation of oxygen or other resources and temperature‐dependent resource allocation) or the adaptive value of either a large body size (e.g. to increase fecundity) or a short development time (e.g. in response to increased mortality in warm conditions). Oxygen limitation could act as a proximate factor, but we suggest it more likely constitutes a selective pressure to reduce body size in the warm: risks of oxygen limitation will be reduced as a consequence of evolution eliminating genotypes more prone to oxygen limitation. Thus, T–S responses can be explained by the ‘Ghost of Oxygen‐limitation Past’, whereby the resulting (evolved) T–S responses safeguard sufficient oxygen provisioning under warmer conditions, reflecting the balance between oxygen supply and demands experienced by ancestors. T–S responses vary considerably across species, but some of this variation is predictable. Body‐size reductions with warming are stronger in aquatic taxa than in terrestrial taxa. We discuss whether larger aquatic taxa may especially face greater risks of oxygen limitation as they grow, which may be manifested at the cellular level, the level of the gills and the whole‐organism level. In contrast to aquatic species, terrestrial ectotherms may be less prone to oxygen limitation and prioritize early maturity over large size, likely because overwintering is more challenging, with concomitant stronger end‐of season time constraints. Mechanisms related to time constraints and oxygen limitation are not mutually exclusive explanations for the TSR. Rather, these and other mechanisms may operate in tandem. But their relative importance may vary depending on the ecology and physiology of the species in question, explaining not only the general tendency of negative T–S responses but also variation in T–S responses among animals differing in mode of respiration (e.g. water breathersversusair breathers), genome size, voltinism and thermally associated behaviour (e.g. heliotherms).
Factors associated with advanced colorectal cancer differ between young and older adults in England: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chambers A. C. , Dixon S. W. , White P. , Thomas M. G. , Williams A. C. , Messenger D. E.
Published: September 2020

Aim

Advanced stage presentation of colorectal cancer is associated with poorer survival outcomes, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to determine whether demographic risk factors for advanced stage presentation differed between young and older adults.

Method

Individual‐level data on all incident colorectal cancers in people aged 20 years and above were extracted from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service database for the years 2012 to 2015. Patients were divided into two cohorts: young‐onset colorectal cancer (YOCC) if aged 20–49 years and older‐onset colorectal cancer (OOCC) if aged 50 years and above. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for advanced stage presentation, defined as TNM Stage III or IV, in each cohort.

Results

There were 7075 (5.2%) patients in the YOCC cohort and 128 345 (94.8%) patients in the OOCC cohort. Tumours in the YOCC cohort were more likely to be at an advanced stage (67.2% vs 55.3%, P < 0.001) and located distally (63.7% vs 55.4%, P < 0.001). No demographic factor was consistently associated with advanced stage presentation in the YOCC cohort. Among the OOCC cohort, increased social deprivation [OR (Index of Multiple Deprivation quintile 5 vs 1) = 1.11 (95% CI 1.07–1.16), P < 0.001], Black/Black British ethnicity [OR (baseline White) = 1.25 (95% CI 1.11–1.40), P < 0.001] and residence in the East Midlands [OR (baseline London) = 1.11 (95% CI 1.04–1.17), P = 0.001] were associated with advanced stage presentation.

Conclusion

Demographic factors associated with advanced disease were influenced by age. The effects of social deprivation and ethnicity were only observed in older adults and mirror trends in screening uptake. Targeted interventions for high‐risk groups are warranted.
Evolving Impact of COVID‐19 on Transplant Center Practices and Policies in the United States
Authors: Boyarsky Brian J. , Ruck Jessica M. , Chiang Teresa Po‐Yu , Werbel William A. , Strauss Alexandra T. , Getsin Samantha N. , Jackson Kyle R. , Kernodle Amber B. , Van Pilsum Rasmussen Sarah E. , Baker Talia B. , Al Ammary Fawaz , Durand Christine M. , Avery Robin K. , Massie Allan B. , Segev Dorry L. , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2020

In our first survey of transplant centers in March 2020, >75% of kidney and liver programs were either suspended or operating under restrictions. To safely resume transplantation, we must understand the evolving impact of COVID‐19 on transplant recipients and center‐level practices. We therefore conducted a six‐week follow‐up survey May 7‐15, 2020, and linked responses to the COVID‐19 incidence map, with a response rate of 84%. Suspension of live donor transplantation decreased from 72% in March to 30% in May for kidneys and from 68% to 52% for livers. Restrictions/suspension of deceased donor transplantation decreased from 84% to 58% for kidneys and from 73% to 42% for livers. Resuming transplantation at normal capacity was envisioned by 83% of programs by August 2020. Exclusively using local recovery teams for deceased donor procurement was reported by 28%. Respondents reported caring for a total of 1166 COVID‐19–positive transplant recipients; 25% were critically ill. Telemedicine challenges were reported by 81%. There was a lack of consensus regarding management of potential living donors or candidates with SARS‐CoV‐2. Our findings demonstrate persistent heterogeneity in center‐level response to COVID‐19 even as transplant activity resumes, making ongoing national data collection and real‐time analysis critical to inform best practices.
The future of alcohol surveys: Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Authors: Mäkelä Pia
Published: September 2020

The future of survey research in the alcohol field, as elsewhere, does look gloomy. Even if there is a need to better confront this reality, abandoning traditional survey methods does not guarantee better outcomes and is not an equally burning issue in all countries or surveys and for all objectives. Correcting biases is easier when the aim is to estimate the parameters of a consumption distribution than when the aim is to measure drinking patterns, their changes and subgroup differences. Combining data from various sources requires making assumptions that affect the results but that may be hard to base on evidence. Despite these challenges, alcohol researchers need to take steps in this direction to find out more about the situations and ways in which such new methods would best serve the field.
Stable isotopes and morphology reveal spatial and annual patterns in trophic reliance of an invertivorous juvenile fish
Authors: Senegal Taylor J. , Sesterhenn Timothy M. , Roswell Charles R. , Pothoven Steven A. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: September 2020

Ecological studies have traditionally treated fish species or populations as homogenous groups; however, numerous studies have shown that intrapopulation variation in resource use is widespread. Within‐species diet differences are evident in small and large freshwater systems and may influence trophic and population dynamics. In a previous study of young yellow perch, spatial intrapopulation diet variation was observed for stomach contents, a relatively short‐term diet indicator. In the current study, we build upon the earlier study of yellow perch in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, and assess patterns of long‐term diet indicators (stable isotopes and morphology) to assess consistency of diet variation over time and improve characterisation of trophic differences among sites. Specifically, we analysed soft tissue samples for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios and used geometric morphometrics to describe morphological variation of young yellow perch. While both isotopes displayed significant spatial differences, δ15N values demonstrated a much clearer separation among sites, with greater δ15N values for yellow perch collected closer to the mouth of the Saginaw River. Morphological variation also was more apparent among sites rather than between years or months, with more streamlined yellow perch morphologies evident at sites where they consumed high proportions of zooplankton relative to benthic invertebrates. Somewhat unexpectedly, soft tissue δ13C values varied strongly between the two study years; however, the ultimate cause of such interannual variation in δ13C is unclear. These long‐term indicators showed consistent spatial differences, which suggests that individual fish are using resources at a particular site long enough to reflect a stable isotope or morphological signal. Yellow perch production at different locations seemingly relies on different prey resources, suggesting that annual variation in dominant trophic pathways may alter the performance of yellow perch at each location.
Finding a tenure‐track position in academia in North America: Development of an employability model for new assistant professors
Authors: Saffie‐Robertson Ma. Carolina , Fiset John
Published: September 2020

Searching for an academic position is known to be a stressful and often ambiguous process for applicants. During this transition from doctoral students to assistant professors, applicants seek any additional means to increase their chances of securing an academic appointment. This research draws on data gathered from a sample of recently hired business school professors for tenure‐track positions in Canada and the United States to develop an inductive model of academic employability. The academic employability model derived from our data consists of four dimensions, three of which have been included in existing employability models (Career Identity, Personal Adaptability, and Social and Human Capital) as well as a fourth unique dimension to this model (Academic Professionalism). In addition to providing an analysis of this distinct and context‐rich job market environment, we offer practical advice for aspiring job candidates, doctoral programmes and academic supervisors seeking to improve academic employability of doctoral graduates.
Efficacy of the DigniCap System in preventing chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in breast cancer patients is not related to patient characteristics or side effects of the device
Authors: Pedersini Rebecca , Fornaro Carla , di Mauro Pierluigi , Bianchi Susanna , Vassalli Lucia , Amoroso Vito , Gelmi Maria , Ardine Mara , Rodella Filippo , Cosentini Deborah , Dalla Volta Alberto , Turla Antonella , Pierini Michela , Motta Paolo , Conti Elisa , Simoncini Edda Lucia , Berruti Alfredo
Published: September 2020

Background

The DigniCap System is an effective scalp cooling device for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced alopecia in early breast cancer patients.

Aim

This prospective study was designed to confirm the efficacy and tolerability of the device, to explore potential factors associated with its efficacy and to collect data on patient perceptions and satisfaction.

Methods

Between January 2016 and June 2018, 163 early breast cancer patients eligible for adjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. Hair loss was assessed using the Dean scale, where a score of 0–2 (hair loss ≤50%) was defined as successful.

Results

Hair preservation was successful in 57% of patients in the overall series. The proportion was even higher (81%) in the patient subgroup treated with a paclitaxel and trastuzumab regimen. Side effects (feeling cold, headache, head heaviness, scalp and cervical pain) were mild to moderate and did not correlate with the rate of hair loss. Lifestyle, anthropometric factors and hair characteristics failed to be associated with device efficacy.

Conclusions

The DigniCap System was well tolerated and found to be effective in preventing alopecia in early breast cancer patients. Our study failed to identify factors other than type of chemotherapy regimen associated with hair preservation.
Clinical scoring approach for detection of histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis in adults
Authors: Wang Ning , Zhu Yingying , Zhang Jiaojiao , Pan Shuming , Wang Hairong
Published: September 2020

Background

Histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis (HNL) is rare and can be easily ignored.

Aims

To summarise the characteristics of HNL and find a simple scoring approach to detect HNL in adult patients.

Methods

Adult patients with lymphadenopathy diagnosed by lymph node biopsy were enrolled. Chi‐squared test and t‐test were used to determine the significant variables. The cut‐off values and scores assigned to each factor were performed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and coefficients in the logistic regression respectively. The performance of the scoring system was evaluated by ROC curves.

Results

There were 32 HNL cases and 1162 other cases in the present study. These features, including age, the frequency of presentations of fever, cervical and painful lymph nodes, decrease of white blood cells (WBC), ratio of neutrophil to WBC (N ratio) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were different between patients with HNL and other diseases. Based on the multivariate analysis, the scoring approach was defined as follows: score = 3 (fever) + 2 (cervical lymphadenopathy) + 2 (decreased WBC) + 1 (decreased N ratio) + 2 (elevated LDH). The cut‐off was score 4. This approach performed will detect HNL with an area under the curve of 0.889.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the novel scoring approach we put forward might be useful to detect HNL in adult patients though further studies are needed.
Sex differences in bedbug nymphs, Cimex lectularius
Authors: Langer Lucas , Froschauer Christin , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: September 2020

Bedbugs, Cimex lectularius, have re‐gained their status as economically important insects in many parts of the world and, consequently, re‐attracted research into their biology. Standardizing age, feeding and mating status of experimental animals requires easy and reliable identification of the nymphal sex. Here, we show the angle of the pointedness of the abdomen to be a reliable sex marker in nymphal stage 5, as well as the shape of the 9th sternite, allowing rapid nymph sorting by sex. The sexual dimorphism was driven by males, not females, departing from the larval growth trajectory.
Identification of a secreted superoxide dismutase (SOD) from Nocardia seriolae which induces apoptosis in fathead minnow (FHM) cells
Authors: Hou Suying , Wang Wenji , Chen Guoquan , Xia Liqun , Wang Zhiwen , Lu Yishan
Published: September 2020

Fish nocardiosis is a chronic systemic granulomatous disease, and Nocardia seriolae is the main pathogen. The pathogenesis and virulence factors of N. seriolae are not fully understood. Secreted superoxide dismutase (SOD) may be a virulence factor found by a comparative bioinformatics analysis of the whole genome sequence of N. seriolae and the virulence factor database (VFDB). In order to determine the subcellular localization and study the preliminary function of SOD from N. seriolae (NsSOD), gene cloning, secreted protein identification, subcellular localization in fish cells, and apoptosis detection of NsSOD were carried out in this study. Subcellular localization research revealed that NsSOD‐GFP fusion proteins were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, apoptotic bodies were observed in the transfected FHM cells by the overexpression of protein NsSOD. Then, assays of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) value, caspase‐3 activity and apoptosis‐related genes (Bax, Bid, Bad and Bcl‐2) mRNA expression were conducted. The results showed that ΔΨm was decreased, and caspase‐3 was significantly activated. The mRNA expression of the Bad gene showed significant up‐regulated expression at 24 h.p.t., while Bid and Bax genes showed significant up‐regulated expression at 72 and 96 h.p.t. and anti‐apoptotic gene (Bcl‐2) was down‐regulated in NsSOD overexpressed cells. Taken together, the results indicated that the protein NsSOD might be involved in apoptosis regulation. This study may lay the foundations for further studies on the function of NsSOD and promote the understanding of the virulence factors and the pathogenic mechanisms of N. seriolae.
A systematic analysis of the overall nutritional contribution of food loss and waste in tomatoes, spinach, and kidney beans as a function of processing
Authors: Boz Ziynet , Koelsch Sand Claire
Published: September 2020

Developing more nutrient‐rich, sustainable food supply chains aligns with the co‐benefits of tackling malnutrition and minimizing food loss and waste. While food waste and nutrient loss as a function of food waste and processing have separately been a topic of much previous research, nutrient loss as a function of both processing and food waste from farm to fork has not been addressed. This critical analysis was motivated by the: challenge of nourishing a growing population, the economic impact of food waste, the societal costs of malnutrition, and the overall need to extend produce shelf life sustainably. Both food and nutrient loss and waste can occur simultaneously at various levels throughout the value chain as a function of different processing methods. Combined effects of food waste and nutrient availability/losses were determined through a systematic analysis of the available peer‐reviewed research data during thermal, nonthermal, and minimal processing for tomatoes, spinach, and kidney beans. The waste and loss datasets were derived from the USDA, the FAO, and the US EPA databases. This work presents a justification for more research to reduce nutrient loss and food waste to obtain a more sustainable supply of nutrients in the food industry.

Practical Applications

This analysis serves as a guide for food industry stakeholders concerned with nutrient retention as a result of processing and food waste in the food value chain. It also assesses the combined impact of processing and food waste on nutrient loss from farm to fork. Available nutrient retention data as a function of retort, microwave, high pressure, aseptic and fresh processing, and food waste were employed. To our knowledge, there has not been a study on food waste as a function of processing that considers nutrient retention and loss as a function of food waste within the entire value chain. A summary of specific research needs for a holistic view on nutrient retention affecting product, process, and package conditions through the value chain was presented.
The effect of a behavioural management tool in adults with mild to moderate periodontitis. A single‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Donos Nikolaos , Suvan Jeanie E. , Calciolari Elena , Nibali Luigi , Rollnick Stephen
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare a behavioural management program (test) to a standard communication approach (control) to reduce plaque, improve clinical outcomes and patient's compliance with oral self‐care.

Background

Since psychological factors affect oral health–related behaviours, approaches directed at changing behaviours and improving compliance might improve the effect of oral health education.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, single‐blind, parallel‐design trial involving 71 patients with mild to moderate periodontitis. During a run‐in period, all participants began using a power toothbrush. Two sessions of non‐surgical periodontal therapy were performed post‐baseline, along with one of the two oral healthcare communication approaches. Plaque and bleeding scores, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at the screening visit, baseline visit and at 8 and 14 weeks post‐baseline. Patients were asked to fill in oral self‐care diaries. Experience questionnaires were administered to both clinicians and patients to assess subjective experience of the clinician‐patient interactions during the visits.

Results

In both groups, a significant reduction in plaque and bleeding scores was observed from baseline to 8 weeks after baseline, which then remained stable at week 14, but no differences between the groups were noted. An improvement in CAL and PPD was recorded at week 8 post‐baseline in the test compared to the control group. No inter‐group differences in the clinician's and subject's experience questionnaires were observed.

Conclusion

Both approaches significantly promoted periodontal health. However, changing lifestyle requires repeated communication/engagement over time and a behavioural management program based upon two visits did not provide additional benefit compared to a standard approach.
Impact of Electronic Device Usage Before Bedtime on Sleep and Attention in Adolescents
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Luiza Cruz , de Nogueira Holanda Francisco Wilson , Valdez Pablo , de Almondes Katie Moraes , de Azevedo Carolina Virgínia Macedo
Published: September 2020

Excessive usage of electronic devices delays bedtime and increases nighttime arousal, reducing sleep duration of adolescents in the morning shift. The impacts of media use before bedtime (MBB) on sleep patterns and components of morning attention were evaluated in 89 adolescents (15.8 ± 0.8 years) using sleep questionnaires and a continuous performance task. Multivariate multiple regression analysis was used to examine relationships of MBB, chronotype, and gender with sleep and attention. Smartphones were found to be the most frequently used device before bedtime. Attention components were found to be significantly associated with MBB, with a higher frequency of MBB predicting slower reaction times for tonic and phasic alertness and less stable performance of sustained attention. Media usage before bedtime was not significantly associated with patterns of sleep nor sleep quality. This study showed negative impacts of MBB on most components of morning attention, potentially leading to compromised learning in adolescents.
Remembering Rape in Heaven: A Constructive Proposal for Memory and the Eschatological Self
Authors: Tumminio Hansen Danielle
Published: September 2020

This article offers a theological account of traumatic memory in order to assert that memories have a profound impact upon the eschatological self. It develops this argument first by drawing on resources from trauma theory and feminist philosophy to explain the nature and function of memory. It then explores what is at stake in theological constructions that advocate for the erasure of memory in the eschaton—such as the one advocated for by Miroslav Volf—suggesting that such proposals are theologically tenuous and also inflict injustice upon survivors of sexual trauma. In the final section, it explores Marilyn McCord Adams’s understanding of how God responds to horrendous evils in order to offer an alternative eschatological vision of the self.
Comparing oscillometric noninvasive and invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure monitoring in term neonates under general anesthesia: A retrospective study
Authors: Fujii Tasuku , Nishiwaki Kimitoshi
Published: September 2020

Background

Oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure and/or invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure are commonly used to measure the systolic, diastolic, and mean components of blood pressure. Agreement between the two methods has been reported in adults, children, and infants, but rarely in neonates, especially under general anesthesia.

Aims

This retrospective study compared the agreement of each measured blood pressure value (oscillometric noninvasive or invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure monitoring) in term neonates under general anesthesia.

Methods

Data were collected from neonates born at ≥36 weeks of gestation whose body weight was ≥2500 g and who underwent abdominal or noncardiac thoracic surgery with both oscillometric noninvasive and invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure measurements from January 2015 to March 2020. The primary outcome was the agreement of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure values between the two methods using Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

Paired blood pressure measurements (n = 1193) from 67 cases were compared. In Bland‐Altman analysis, bias (standard deviation), 95% limits of agreement, and percentage error were −9.3 (8.4), −26.1‐7.6, and 26.9% for systolic; 1.6 (6.5), −11.3‐14.6, and 38.7% for diastolic; and −1.3 (5.8), −13.0‐10.3, and 26.9% for mean blood pressure, respectively. During low blood pressure (intra‐arterial mean blood pressure ≤30 mm Hg), the biases (standard deviation) of systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were −11.4 (5.7), −0.7 (3.7), and −5.1 (4.2), whereas during high blood pressure (intra‐arterial mean blood pressure ≥60 mm Hg), the values were 0.1 (9.7), 5.6 (9.4), and 6.4 (7.4), respectively.

Conclusions

Based on the bias and percentage error, the mean blood pressure exhibited the most acceptable agreement between oscillometric noninvasive and invasive intra‐arterial blood pressure monitoring in term neonates under general anesthesia. However, during hypertension or hypotension, there was a large discrepancy between the two methods.
Increasing net immunosuppression after BK polyoma virus infection
Authors: Cotiguala Laura , Masood Ahmad , Park Jeong M. , Samaniego‐Picota Milagros D. , Kaul Daniel R. , Naik Abhijit S.
Published: September 2020

Background

Reducing immunosuppression can effectively treat BK viremia (BKV) and BK nephropathy, but has been associated with increased risks for acute rejection and development of donor‐specific antibodies (DSA). To date there have been no systematic evaluations of re‐escalating immunosuppression in transplant patients with resolving BKV. Importantly, the safety of this approach and impact on graft survival is unclear.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective review of kidney transplant recipients between July 2011 and June 2013 who had immunosuppression reduction after developing BKV (plasma PCR ≥ 1000 copies/ml). Changes in immunosuppression and patient outcomes were tracked until occurrence of a complication event: biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), detection of de novo DSA, or recurrent BKV. Patients were grouped according to whether or not net immunosuppression was eventually increased.

Results

Out of 88 patients with BKV, 44 (50%) had net immunosuppression increased while the other 44 did not. Duration of viremia, peak viremia, induction, and sensitization status were similar between the two groups. In a Kaplan‐Meier analysis, increasing immunosuppression was associated with less BPAR (P = .001) and a trend toward less de novo DSA development (P = .06). Death‐censored graft survival (P = .27) was not different between the two groups. In the net immunosuppression increase group, recurrent BKV occurred in 22.7% without any BKV‐related graft losses.

Conclusion

These findings support potential benefits of increasing immunosuppression in patients with low‐level or resolved BKV, but prospective trials are needed to better understand such an approach.
Provider‐ and patient‐level costs associated with providing antiretroviral therapy during the postpartum phase to women living with HIV in South Africa: A cost comparison of three postpartum models of care
Authors: Cunnama Lucy , Abrams Elaine J. , Myer Landon , Phillips Tamsin K. , Dugdale Caitlin M. , Ciaranello Andrea L. , Zerbe Allison , Iyun Victoria , MacQuilkan Kim , Daries Vanessa , Sinanovic Edina
Published: September 2020

Objective

To compare the unit and total costs of three models of ART care for mother–infant pairs during the postpartum phase from provider and patient's perspectives: (i) local standard of care with women in general ART services and infants at well‐baby clinics; (ii) women and infants continue to receive care through an integrated maternal and child care approach during the postpartum breastfeeding period; and (iii) referral of women directly to community adherence clubs with their infants receiving care at well‐baby clinics.

Methods

Capital and recurrent cost data (relating to buildings, furniture, equipment, personnel, overheads, maintenance, medication, diagnostic tests and immunisations) were collected from a provider's perspective at six sites in Cape Town, South Africa. Patient time, collected via time‐and‐motion observation and questionnaires, was used to estimate patient perspective costs and is comprised of lost productivity time, time spent travelling and the direct cost of travelling.

Results

The cost of postpartum ART visits under models I, II and III was US $13, US $10 and US $7 per visit for a mother–infant pair, respectively, in 2018 US$. The annual costs for the mother–infant pair utilising the average visit frequencies (a mean of 4.5, 6.9 and 6.7 visits postpartum for models I, II and III, respectively) including costs for infant immunisations, visits, medication and diagnostic tests for both mothers and infants were: I – US $222, II – US $335 and III – US $249. Sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of visit frequency on visit cost showed that Model I annual costs would be most costly if visit frequency was equalised.

Conclusion

This comparative analysis of three models of care provides novel data on unit costs and insight into the costs to provide ART and care to mother–infant pairs during the delicate postpartum phase. These costs may be used to help make decisions around integrated services models and differentiated service delivery for postpartum WLH and their children.
COMBUSTION STUDY OF WASTE COOKING OIL BIODIESEL IN AN OIL BURNER
Authors: Nik Aziz Nik Nur Fatin Amiera , Said Mazlan , Abdul Malik Muhammad Syahiran , Mohd. Jaafar Mohammad Nazri , Othman Norazila , Ariffin Mohd Kamal , Hassan Mohd Faizal
Published: September 2020

Depletion of fossil fuels, concerns on environment, and fuel price fluctuation have become the major drives in searching for sustainable alternative fuel. In that regard, a study was conducted to evaluate the combustion performance of Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) converted into biodiesel and blended with Conventional Diesel Fuel (CDF) as a mean of sustainable replacement for diesel fuel. In this study, the production of biodiesel fuel from waste cooking oil was done via transesterification process, using the single step approach. The properties of the WCO biodiesel was characterized. The combustion performance of the produced fuels has been studied for B10 and B30 biodiesel from WCO and CDF (as baseline) based on their wall temperature profiles and gaseous emissions generated such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). It was found that the B30 WCO biodiesel emits lower emission compared to CDF but at the same time generates a lower temperature profile.
UTILIZATION OF TEA WASTE AS AN ALTERNATIVE FILLER FOR NATURAL RUBBER
Authors: Hayeemasae Nabil , Ismail Hanafi
Published: September 2020

Tea leave is considered worthless after being discarded. It frequently dumps to the environment without providing the best solution on it. In this study, tea leave waste (TW) was applied to be used as alternative filler for natural rubber. The study was evaluated through the curing characteristics, tensile properties and the morphology of the composites. The results have shown some interesting findings. As for the curing characteristics, the maximum torque was increased with increasing the TW loadings whereas the scorch and curing time showed the decreasing trend. The tensile modulus was also influenced by the addition of TW which correlated to the maximum torque observed. The extent of mechanical properties depends on the loadings of TW. Considering the amounts of TW, a 10 phr of TW was found to be a content of choice for natural rubber. It provided a balance set of properties regardless whether the mechanical properties and morphological characteristics of the natural rubber.
DUAL MODALITY TRAN-ADMITTANCE MAMMOGRAPHY AND ULTRASOUND REFLECTION TO IMPROVE ACCURACY OF BREAST CANCER DETECTION
Authors: Ain Khusnul , Kurniadi Deddy , Suprijanto Suprijanto , Santoso Oerip
Published: September 2020

Cancer and breast tissue have a very high electrical impedance ratio, so imaging based on impedance can produce high contrast. It is very useful for the early detection of breast cancer. Trans-admittance mammography (TAM) is a modality to detect breast cancer based on impedance. The weakness of TAM is that it can only produce a projection image so that the volume and ratio of cancer to breast tissue cannot be obtained at once. The ratio of anomaly and volume is very important to be determined properly because it is related to the stage and type of cancer. TAM shortcomings can be overcome if anomalous volume information is known precisely. The ultrasound reflection modality can produce information about an anomaly depth and volume correctly. Combining TAM and ultrasound reflection data is expected to provide promising results. The study was conducted to prove the hypothesis by creating a breast phantom composed of gelatin, agar, graphite, glycerol, and distilled water to represent the electrical and acoustic physical properties of cancer and breast tissue. The results showed that the TAM data was only able to produce information about transverse position accurately, while the depth was less accurate. Acoustic devices can produce transverse position information, depth, and volume precisely. The dual-modality of TAM and ultrasound reflection can produce information about the depth position, volume, and the ratio anomaly to reference conductivity accurately.
THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS OPENING SIZES AND CONFIGURATIONS TO AIR FLOW DISPERSION AND VELOCITY IN CROSS-VENTILATED BUILDING
Authors: Mohammad Yusoff Wardah Fatimah
Published: September 2020

The application of natural cross-ventilation in buildings located in the area where the wind speed is low is such a challenge. In hot and humid climate, sufficient air velocity is necessary in providing thermal comfort. Hence, this study intends to investigate the possibility of enhancing the indoor air velocity and flow distribution by employing the Venturi effect at the openings. Two research methods were applied namely field measurement and numerical simulation. The field measurement was executed at a single zone cross-ventilated building. Its purpose is to validate the numerical simulation steps and procedures. Meanwhile, investigations of the air velocity and flow distribution were conducted using ANSYS FLUENT CFD software. The findings indicate that the Venturi effect did occur at the openings. Providing a confined area at the inlet may enhance the Venturi effect, thus increasing the indoor air velocity. Based on the investigated scenario, it is found that the highest indoor air velocity of 0.2 m/s was achieved for the 75 % opening size with 1.5 m projection. This value indicated enhancement as the outdoor air velocity near the inlet was around 0.14 m/s only. The findings also indicate that the indoor air flow distribution of high air velocity focused more at the area of flow path between the inlet and outlet. The findings can be as guidance in enhancing the natural cross-ventilation in buildings especially that are located at the area where the wind speed is low. Nevertheless, the findings are limited to low-rise building with such opening configuration. Further study needs to be executed to determine the effects to other opening configurations and building heights.
Separated Phase Analysis of Heat Transfer in Liquid–Liquid Taylor Flow in a Miniscale Straight Tube
Authors: Alrbee K. , Muzychka Y. S. , Duan X.
Published: September 2020

Heat transfer analysis of liquid–liquid Taylor flow in previous studies almost never shows the effect of slug length on heat transfer. The homogenous or single-phase analysis is often the only method available to deal with flow of multicomponents. In this study, a new approach is developed to model the segmented liquid–liquid Taylor flow as two separated systems to present heat transfer enhancement for each component. The effect of internal circulation and boundary layer renewal within the two fluid components is clearly observed. An experimental setup was assembled using an open loop system at miniscale size in which liquid–liquid Taylor flow is heated under a constant wall temperature. Three silicone oils of 1, 3, and 5 cSt were segmented using distilled water at three volume fractions 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75. Finally, heat transfer data of the dimensionless mean wall heat flux shows good agreement with a predictive model proposed in an earlier work by the second author. The results show an impact of the fluid cell dimensions on the rate of heat transfer.
Consensus Protocol Design for Leader-Following Multi-Agent Systems With Stochastic Sampling Information
Authors: Subramanian K. , Muthukumar P.
Published: September 2020

This paper studies a consensus protocol design for leader-following multi-agent systems (MASs) via stochastic sampling information. Unlike traditional sampled-data control, this paper is focused on the stochastically varying sample intervals with a given probability by the Bernoulli distribution. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and reciprocally convex technique, the sufficient conditions are derived for the stochastic sampled-data protocol design of the error system, which guarantees that the following agent's states can reach an agreement on the leader's state. Finally, the numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed theoretical results.