bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Client, provider and community referrer perceptions of telehealth for the delivery of rural paediatric allied health services
Authors: Campbell Jessica , Theodoros Deborah , Russell Trevor , Gillespie Nicole , Hartley Nicole
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine allied health client, provider and community referrer perceptions of telehealth for the delivery of rural paediatric allied health services to facilitate adoption.

Design

A qualitative design employed semistructured interviews with the three key stakeholder groups.

Setting

Stakeholders were associated with BUSHkids (The Royal Queensland Bush Children's Health Scheme), a not‐for‐profit organisation serving children and families in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Thirty‐nine stakeholders (12 clients, 16 providers and 11 community referrers).

Main outcome measures

Participants were asked about familiarity with telehealth, willingness to use telehealth and perceived barriers and facilitators to telehealth acceptability.

Result

Fifty‐nine percent of participants had experienced telehealth and 77 percent were willing to use it. Participants perceived that technology problems were a barrier to telehealth, that children would not be able to concentrate on or enjoy telehealth sessions, that relationships and communication would be inferior to in‐person sessions, and that telehealth was inappropriate for disciplines employing physical touch. Participants identified access to health services as a key benefit of telehealth, said that technology problems could be worked around, and said that telehealth services could be supported with internal partners (eg, assistants) and external partners (eg, local medical centres). They also identified a variety of telehealth benefits to families (eg, convenience, privacy).

Conclusion

Overall, telehealth was acceptable to stakeholders. Providers need training to facilitate child participation online and identify alternatives to physical touch. Co‐learning opportunities should be used to address low provider and referrer self‐efficacy.
Be your product
Authors: HARDON ANITA , DAVATOS IAN ANTHONY B. , LASCO GIDEON
Published: October 2019

Young people in Puerto Princesa, the Philippines, are drawn to working as salespeople for AIM Global, a purveyor of the nutritional supplement C24/7. The company relies on multilevel marketing, in which sellers recruit other sellers, offering youth not only the chance to earn money but also educational discounts, access to bank cards, and an opportunity to develop do‐it‐yourself entrepreneurial skills. Trainers encourage sellers to capitalize on their intimate relations, to tailor the supplements to assuage aging clients’ metabolic‐health anxieties, and to use C24/7 themselves so that they can testify to its benefits. Such “sociometabolic” work is omnipresent in urban settings, where workers in beauty salons and gyms likewise promise to mitigate the material, bodily disturbances caused by toxic environments and precarious living conditions. [multilevel marketing, youth, sociometabolic labor, relational work, aspirations, nutritional supplements, metabolic health, ecology, Philippines]
Precarious Territory: Property Law, Housing, and the Socio‐Spatial Order
Authors: Blomley Nicholas
Published: October 2019

Most of us access shelter over land over which other people have legally sanctioned dominant interests and powers, creating systemic relations of security and vulnerability that I term precarious property. We all live inside the territory of property, but do so under different terms. Rather than thinking of the territory of property as an exclusive space of insiders and outsiders, I think of it as a relational technology that organises forms of conditional spatial access. Territorialised expressions of law play a crucial role in organising such relations through a “property space” that frames property’s participants, their interactions, their alternatives to transacting, and the meanings of property itself. Thinking territorially about precarious property offers us both analytical and ethico‐political insights, I suggest.
Optimizing the decellularization process of an upper limb skeletal muscle; implications for muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Naik Anish , Griffin Michelle , Szarko Matthew , Butler Peter E
Published: October 2019

Upper limb muscle reconstruction is required following cancer resection, trauma, and congenital deformities. Current surgical reconstruction of the muscle involves local, regional and free flaps. However, muscle reconstruction is not always possible due to the size of the defect and functional donor site morbidity. These challenges could be addressed with the production of scaffolds composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from decellularized human skeletal muscle. This study aimed to find an optimal technique to decellularize a flexor digitorum superficialis muscle. The first two protocols were based on a detergent only (DOT) and a detergent‐enzymatic protocol (DET). The third protocol avoided the use of detergents and proteolytic enzymes (NDNET). The decellularized scaffolds were characterized using qualitative techniques including histological and immunofluorescent staining and quantitative techniques assessing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), glycosaminoglycan (GAG), and collagen content. The DOT protocol consisting of 2% SDS for 4 hours was successful at decellularizing human FDS, as shown by DNA content assay and nuclei immunofluorescence staining. The DOT protocol maintained the microstructure of the scaffolds as shown by Masson’s trichrome staining and collagen and GAG content. DET and NDNET protocols maintained the ECM, but were unsuccessful in removing all DNA content after two cycles of decellularization. Decellularization of skeletal muscle is a viable option for muscle reconstruction using a detergent only technique for upper limb defects. Further testing in vivo will assess the effectiveness of decellularized scaffolds for upper limb muscle skeletal tissue engineering.
An 8‐Week Relaxation Program Consisting of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Stress and Attenuate Stress‐Driven Eating
Authors: Masih Tasmiah , Dimmock James A. , Epel Elissa , Guelfi Kym J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Stress is often associated with the intake of energy‐dense palatable foods. This trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8‐week worksite‐based relaxation intervention to address psychological stress and unhealthy food intake.

Methods

Thirty‐six men and women were exposed to an acute stressor, while physiological and psychological responses were assessed, prior to being offered a test meal. Participants were then randomised to a relaxation intervention (RELAX; face‐to‐face classes and daily home practice of progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness meditation), or a wait‐list control (CON). All measures were repeated after the intervention.

Results

Intervention compliance was high (80% ± 19% face‐to‐face; 79% ± 18% home practice), and each session acutely reduced perceived stress (p < .001) and increased relaxation (p < .001). After 8 weeks, trait mindfulness was increased (p = .025), along with reduced tension (p = .013) and increased relaxation (p < .05) post‐acute stressor in the intervention group. There was no effect of the intervention on palatable eating, cravings, or energy intake at a laboratory test meal, with small associated effect sizes (d = 0.01–0.3).

Conclusions

The program studied here is feasible and sessions transiently reduce perceived stress and improve mindfulness; however, the program may not influence the physiological response to an acute stressor or appetite and eating variables.
Evaluation of the rate of wood degradation at the Iron Age archaeological site of Biskupin, Poland
Authors: Zborowska M. , Babiński L. , Czaczyk K. , Pawlicka‐Kaczorowska J. , Prądzyński W.
Published: October 2019

A study was made of the degradation of archaeological Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) at the Iron Age archaeological site of Biskupin, Poland. Wood degradation was evaluated after 10 years of deposition of samples in different burial conditions (mineral soil, peat and water) and at different depths (25, 50 and 100 cm) at the location of the original archaeological wood from the Lusatian culture settlement. Changes in the wood samples were assessed on the basis of selected physical (maximum water content, basic density and porosity) and chemical (chemical composition, structure of cellulose and lignin) properties. The observed degradative changes were different for samples deposited in different locations of the archaeological site and at different depths. They relate mainly to carbohydrates—both cellulose and hemicelluloses—although the structure of lignin also underwent changes. The experiment using wood that had been degraded to a similar degree to the Biskupin wood enabled identification of the actual danger of degradation of the latter. It was found that the remains of the wooden structure of the Biskupin settlement are degrading, despite the favourable physicochemical conditions prevailing at the site, and it is necessary to take measures to prevent its further decomposition.
Correlation between orthopaedic and radiographic examination findings and arthroscopic ligament fibre damage in dogs with cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Ashour AE , Hoffman CL , Muir P
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective is to study the correlations between physical examination and stifle radiography findings and severity of arthroscopic cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) fibre damage in dogs with cruciate rupture (CR).

Design

Design Prospective clinical study.

Methods

Twenty‐nine client‐owned dogs with CR underwent physical examination, stifle radiography and arthroscopy, and the findings were recorded. Initial examination was repeated after sedation and after general anaesthesia. The Spearman rank correlations of examination variables with diagnostic imaging were examined.

Results

Overall, cranial tibial translation assessed by the tibial compression test in extension showed correlation with arthroscopic CrCL fibre damage (P < 0.05). Correlations between severity of cranial drawer laxity and arthroscopic CrCL fibre damage were not significant. Under general anaesthesia, stifle laxity tests were positively correlated with lameness severity grade (SR ≥ 0.41, P < 0.05). Meniscal damage was correlated with pain on the internal rotation of the tibia (SR= 0.42, P<0.05) and severity of radiographic osteophytosis (SR= 0.53, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Detection and estimation of severity of cranial tibial translation enable the diagnosis of CR and also the inference of the severity of CrCL fibre rupture, particularly with the tibial compression test in extension. Severity of joint laxity is best assessed under general anaesthesia. Such knowledge should reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and may enhance early diagnosis and treatment of dogs with CR over time.
Trajectory patterns of academic engagement among elementary school students: The implicit theory of intelligence and academic self‐efficacy matters
Authors: Zhen Rui , Liu Ru‐De , Wang Ming‐Te , Ding Yi , Jiang Ronghuan , Fu Xinchen , Sun Yan
Published: October 2019

Background

The dropout rate of Chinese elementary school students after 2007 rose again. Little research to date has identified individual differences in pathways of academic engagement to discern those at risk of disengagement and dropout from schools, as well as the longitudinal linkages between cognitive beliefs with academic engagement.

Aims

Examine the developmental trajectories of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural engagement, and assess relations between the implicit theory of intelligence and academic self‐efficacy and the development of academic engagement.

Sample and methods

We recruited 532, 450, and 415 elementary students to rate on self‐report scales in April 2016 (T1), October 2016 (T2), and April 2017 (T3), respectively. Trajectories of academic engagement were analysed by using a multiple‐process growth mixture model, and levels of entity theory of intelligence and academic self‐efficacy between engagement groups were compared by using analysis of variance.

Results

We categorized the students into four groups: persistent (71.24%), climbing (6.01%), descending (16.54%), and struggling engagement (6.20%) groups. Within each group, the levels of academic self‐efficacy from T1 to T3 demonstrated a consistent trend with the engagement trajectory; the levels of the implicit theory of intelligence over time showed the reverse trend.

Conclusions

Attention should be given more on the students from the descending and struggling groups. The implicit theory of intelligence and academic self‐efficacy showed different longitudinal associations with engagement trajectories.
Pre‐ and post‐serial metagenomic analysis of gut microbiota as a prognostic factor in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kusakabe Shinsuke , Fukushima Kentaro , Maeda Tetsuo , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Fujita Jiro , Yokota Takafumi , Shibayama Hirohiko , Oritani Kenji , Kanakura Yuzuru
Published: October 2019

The human gut harbours diverse microorganisms, and gut dysbiosis has recently attracted attention because of its possible involvement in various diseases. In particular, the lack of diversity in the gut microbiota has been associated with complications of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), such as infections, acute graft‐versus‐host disease and relapse of primary disease, which lead to a poor prognosis. However, few studies have serially examined the composition of the intestinal microbiota after HSCT. In this study, we demonstrated, using next‐generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, combined with uniFrac distance analysis, that the intestinal microbiota of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT substantially differed from that of healthy controls and recipients of autologous transplants. Faecal samples were obtained daily throughout the clinical course, before and after transplantation. Notably, the proportions of Bifidobacterium and genera categorized as butyrate‐producing bacteria were significantly lower in patients with allogeneic HSCT than in healthy controls. Furthermore, among allogeneic transplant recipients, a subgroup with a preserved microbiota composition showed a benign course, whereas patients with a skewed microbiota showed a high frequency of complications and mortality after transplantation. Thus, we conclude that the stability of intestinal microbiota is critically involved in outcomes of HSCT.
How we manage adults with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Fenaux Pierre , Platzbecker Uwe , Ades Lionel
Published: October 2019

The prognosis in Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), although recently refined by molecular studies, remains largely based on conventional prognostic scores [International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS], classifying patients into “lower risk” MDS (LR‐MDS) and “higher risk” MDS (HR‐MDS). In LR‐MDS, treatment mainly aims at improving cytopenias, principally anaemia, while in HR‐MDS it aims at delaying disease progression and prolonging survival. In LR‐MDS without deletion 5q, anaemia is generally treated first by erythropoietic stimulating factors, while second line treatments are currently not approved [lenalidomide, hypomethylating agents (HMA), luspatercept] or rarely indicated (antithymocyte globulin). Lenalidomide has major efficacy in LR‐MDS with deletion 5q. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) is sometimes considered in LR‐MDS, and iron chelation can be considered when multiple red blood cell transfusions are required. Allo‐SCT is the only potentially curative treatment for HR‐MDS; however, it is rarely applicable. It is generally preceded by intensive chemotherapy (IC) or HMA in patients with excess of marrow blasts (especially if >10%). In other patients, HMA can improve survival. The role of new drugs, including venetoclax or, in case of specific mutations, IDH1 or IDH2 inhibitors, is investigated. IC is mainly indicated as a bridge to allo‐SCT, in the absence of unfavourable karyotype.
Safety of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous rituximab during first‐line treatment of patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: the Spanish population of the MabRella study
Authors: García‐Muñoz Ricardo , Quero Cristina , Pérez‐Persona Ernesto , Domingo‐García Abel , Pérez‐López Cristina , Villaescusa‐de‐la‐Rosa Teresa , Martínez‐Castro Ana M. , Arguiñano‐Pérez José M. , Parra‐Cuadrado Juan F. , Panizo Carlos
Published: October 2019

Rituximab is a standard treatment for non‐Hodgkin diffuse large B‐cell (DLBCL) and follicular (FL) lymphomas. A subcutaneous formulation was developed to improve the resource use of intravenous rituximab, with comparable efficacy and safety profiles except for increased administration‐related reactions (ARRs). MabRella was a phase IIIb trial to assess the safety of switching from intravenous to subcutaneous administration of rituximab during first‐line induction/maintenance for DLBCL or FL, focusing on ARRs. Efficacy, satisfaction and quality of life were also assessed. Patients received subcutaneous rituximab plus standard induction chemotherapy for DLBCL or FL for 4–7 cycles, and/or every 2 months maintenance monotherapy for FL for 6–12 cycles. The study included 140 patients: DLBCL, n = 29; FL, n = 111. Ninety‐five percent of patients experienced adverse events, reaching grade ≥3 in 38·6% and were serious in 30·0%. AARs occurred in 48·6%, mostly (84·9%) at the injection site, with only 2·1% of patients reaching grade 3. The end‐of‐induction complete/unconfirmed complete response rate was 69·6%. After a median follow‐up of 33·5 months, median disease‐/event‐/progression‐free and overall survivals were not attained. The Rituximab Administration Satisfaction Questionnaire showed improvements in overall satisfaction and the EuroQoL‐5D a good quality‐of‐life perception at induction/maintenance end. Therefore, switching to subcutaneous rituximab showed no new safety issues and maintained efficacy with improved satisfaction and quality of life.
Efficacy of the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccine for refractory pediatric solid tumors: A phase I clinical trial
Authors: Akazawa Yu , Hosono Ako , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Kaneda Hide , Nitani Chika , Hara Junichi , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Kohashi Kenichi , Manabe Atsushi , Fukutani Miki , Wakabayashi Masashi , Sato Akihiro , Shoda Kayoko , Shimomura Manami , Mizuno Shoichi , Nakamoto Yasunari , Nakatsura Tetsuya
Published: October 2019

Pediatric refractory solid tumors are aggressive malignant diseases, resulting in an extremely poor prognosis. KOC1, FOXM1, and KIF20A are cancer antigens that could be ideal targets for anticancer immunotherapy against pediatric refractory solid tumors with positive expression for these antigens. This nonrandomized, open‐label, phase I clinical trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccine, which is a cocktail of cancer peptides derived from KOC1, FOXM1, and KIF20A, in patients with pediatric refractory solid tumors. Twelve patients with refractory pediatric solid tumors underwent NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccination weekly by intradermal injections. The primary endpoint was the safety of the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccination, and the secondary endpoints were the immune response, as measured by interferon‐r enzyme‐linked immunospot assay, and the clinical outcomes including tumor response and progression‐free survival. The NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccine was well tolerated. The clinical response of this trial showed that 4 patients had stable disease after 8 weeks and 2 patients maintained remission for >11 months. In 4, 8, and 5 patients, the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccine induced the sufficient number of peptide‐specific CTLs for KOC1, FOXM1, and KIF20A, respectively. Patients with high peptide‐specific CTL frequencies for KOC1, FOXM1, and KIF20A had better progression‐free survival than those with low frequencies. The findings of this clinical trial showed that the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccine could be a novel therapeutic strategy, with adequate effects against pediatric refractory solid tumors. Future large‐scale trials should evaluate the efficacy of the NCCV Cocktail‐1 vaccination.
Synthesis, activity, and molecular modeling studies of 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives from natural phenylpropanoids as new trypanocidal agents
Authors: de Souza Thiago Belarmino , Caldas Ivo Santana , Paula Favero Reisdorfer , Rodrigues Camila Coelho , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira , Dias Danielle Ferreira
Published: October 2019

The search for compounds with new structural scaffolds is an important tool to the discovery of new drugs against Chagas disease. We report herein the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles obtained from eugenol and di‐hydroeugenol and their in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal activity. These derivatives were obtained by a three‐step objective route and were suitably characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Two compounds (9 and 10) showed activity against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi (Y strain) in the range 42.8–88.4 μM and were weakly toxic to cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2 cells). The triazole 10 was the most active derivative and could reduce more than 50% of parasitemia after a 100‐mg/kg oral treatment of mice infected with T. cruzi. Molecular docking studies suggested this compound could act as a trypanocidal agent by inhibiting cruzain, an essential enzyme for T. cruzi metabolism, usually inhibited by triazole compounds.
Responding to the Impacts of the Climate Crisis on Children and Youth
Authors: Sanson Ann V. , Van Hoorn Judith , Burke Susie E. L.
Published: October 2019

Climate change poses an urgent threat to future generations. Children are more susceptible to its effects than adults, with immediate and lifelong impacts on their physical and mental health. In addition to having direct experiences of climate impacts, children and youth respond psychologically in troubling ways to their awareness of the climate crisis. Children’s and youth’s needs for support vary across contexts. Climate impacts are generally greater in the developing world (despite the fact that people there are less responsible for causing the crisis), where capacity to prepare for and adapt to the effects is weaker. Hence, we need urgent action on both mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. In doing this work, we must acknowledge and build the agency and engagement of children and youth, which also builds resiliency and hope. Although many programs are encouraging, they fail to reach all children in need and are limited in terms of evaluation. Experts in child development can help fill these gaps. In the developed world, few studies address how to support young people in face of their feelings regarding climate change. Listening and providing opportunities for active engagement are among the ways adults can help young people cope, and build a sense of efficacy and a capacity to tackle the crisis and adapt to climate impacts. The upsurge in school strikes for climate action demonstrates young people’s deep concerns about their future and their determination to prevent a climate catastrophe. The climate change crisis raises questions about how professionals committed to the well‐being of the next generation should respond—business as usual is no longer an option, and many valuable ways exist to help ensure that children can thrive on a livable planet.
Beyond the Nuclear Family: Children’s Social Networks and Depressive Symptomology
Authors: Manalel Jasmine A. , Antonucci Toni C.
Published: October 2019

This study identified social network profiles among children, determined whether profiles vary across sociodemographic characteristics, and investigated links between childhood profiles and depressive symptomology using three waves of data spanning 23 years (Wave 1, 1992 Metro‐Detroit representative sample: n = 193, ages 8–12). Latent profile analysis revealed three profiles: Close Family (22%), Varied Family (57%), Friend and Family (21%). White children were more likely than Black children to be in the Friend and Family profile. Children in the Close Family profile reported the lowest levels of depressive symptomology in childhood, but exhibited the steepest increase over time. Findings suggest that close, family centric networks are protective in childhood, but less so as children develop into adulthood, highlighting the importance of considering developmental perspectives.
‘Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in the management of advanced pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis’
Authors: Satapathy Swayamjeet , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Bhansali Anil
Published: October 2019

Objective

Inoperable and metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) present a therapeutic challenge with current treatment options being limited to radiolabelled meta‐iodo‐benzyl‐guanidine (MIBG) and systemic chemotherapy. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) seems to be a promising option for these patients with few studies reporting favourable response. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRRT in patients with advanced PPGLs.

Methods

This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches in PubMed, Scopus and Embase were made using relevant keywords and articles up to May 2019 were included. Data on efficacy and toxicity were extracted from the individual articles, and pooled estimates were generated using meta‐analysis.

Results

Twelve articles consisting of 201 patients with advanced PPGLs were included. Overall, treatment with PRRT achieved an objective response rate of 25% (95% CI: 19%‐32%) and a disease control rate of 84% (95% CI: 77%‐89%). Clinical and biochemical responses were seen in 61% and 64% of the patients, respectively. Among the PRRTs, similar tumour response rates were noted for 90Y—yttrium‐ and 177Lu—lutetium‐based agents. Treatment‐related adverse effects were minimal with grade 3/4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia and nephrotoxicity observed in 3%, 9%, 11% and 4% of the patients, respectively. Treatment discontinuation was noted in five out of 102 patients.

Conclusions

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy is a safe and efficacious treatment option for advanced PPGLs and may be considered a viable alternative to chemotherapy and I‐131 MIBG.
Normative database and determinants of macular vessel density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Fernández‐Vigo José I. , Kudsieh Bachar , Shi Hang , Arriola‐Villalobos Pedro , Donate‐López Juan , García‐Feijóo Julián , Ruiz‐Moreno José M. , Fernández‐Vigo José Á.
Published: October 2019

Importance

To provide a normative vessel density (VD) database for the macula through swept‐source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to assess the main determinants of this measurement.

Background

In contrast with dye angiography, the recently introduced OCTA technique allows for the non‐invasive measurement of retinal and choroidal VD metrics.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Participants

The right eyes of 346 healthy subjects were studied. In 105 subjects both eyes were imaged.

Methods

Foveal and parafoveal macular VD measurements were obtained in the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and in the choriocapillaris (CC) layer. Also recorded were age, sex, axial length (AL), foveal and choroidal thickness (CT).

Main Outcome Measures

Normative database and determinants of macular VD measured by OCTA.

Results

Mean participant age was 38.3 ± 20.1 years (mean ± SD) (range 5‐83). Foveal VDs in the different plexuses were: SCP 22.1% ± 5.0% (7.3‐35.1), DCP 19.9% ± 6.3% (6.9‐51.2) and CC: 52.8% ± 4.3% (40.2‐62.1). Parafoveal VDs ranged from 45.4% ± 3.7% to 51.8% ± 4.6%. Positive correlation was observed between foveal VD and foveal thickness (R = .327), as well as between parafoveal DCP VD and CT (R = .250;P ≤ .006), while correlation with age was negative in the SCP and CC (R = −.283;P < .001). No associations were detected between macular VD and sex or AL (P ≥ .05).

Conclusion and Relevance

Macular VD showed wide individual variation, was positively correlated with foveal thickness and with CT, negatively correlated with age, and showed no correlation with AL or sex.
Targeted panel sequencing in pediatric primary cardiomyopathy supports a critical role of TNNI3
Authors: Kühnisch Jirko , Herbst Christopher , Al‐Wakeel‐Marquard Nadya , Dartsch Josephine , Holtgrewe Manuel , Baban Anwar , Mearini Giulia , Hardt Juliane , Kolokotronis Konstantinos , Gerull Brenda , Carrier Lucie , Beule Dieter , Schubert Stephan , Messroghli Daniel , Degener Franziska , Berger Felix , Klaassen Sabine
Published: October 2019

The underlying genetic mechanisms and early pathological events of children with primary cardiomyopathy (CMP) are insufficiently characterized. In this study, we aimed to characterize the mutational spectrum of primary CMP in a large cohort of patients ≤18 years referred to a tertiary center. Eighty unrelated index patients with pediatric primary CMP underwent genetic testing with a panel‐based next‐generation sequencing approach of 89 genes. At least one pathogenic or probably pathogenic variant was identified in 30/80 (38%) index patients. In all CMP subgroups, patients carried most frequently variants of interest in sarcomere genes suggesting them as a major contributor in pediatric primary CMP. In MYH7, MYBPC3, and TNNI3, we identified 18 pathogenic/probably pathogenic variants (MYH7 n = 7, MYBPC3 n = 6, TNNI3 n = 5, including one homozygous (TNNI3 c.24+2T>A) truncating variant. Protein and transcript level analysis on heart biopsies from individuals with homozygous mutation of TNNI3 revealed that the TNNI3 protein is absent and associated with upregulation of the fetal isoform TNNI1. The present study further supports the clinical importance of sarcomeric mutation—not only in adult—but also in pediatric primary CMP. TNNI3 is the third most important disease gene in this cohort and complete loss of TNNI3 leads to severe pediatric CMP.
ZNF703 is an important player in head and neck cancer
Authors: Orhan Ceren , Bakır Burak , Dalay Nejat , Buyru Nur
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Despite advances in treatment, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains difficult to treat and the overall survival rate has only modestly improved over the past years. Therefore, there is a need to understand the molecular mechanism of HNSCC. Zinc finger protein 703 (ZNF703) is an oncogenic transcription factor, and ZNF703 gene expression is altered in many cancers as a result of chromosome 8p12 amplification. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression pattern of ZNF703 in HNSCC in association with CCND1 expression and Akt phosphorylation.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

One hundred and five patients with HNSCC.

Methods

Fifty HNSCC tumour and non‐cancerous tissue samples were investigated by qRT‐PCR and Western blotting.

Results

ZNF703 gene expression was increased in 22.9% of tumour tissues compared with its normal counterparts. The results were correlated with clinicopathological features, copy number variation and survival data.

Conclusion

ZNF703 over‐expression is associated with copy number variation and this over‐expression may activate PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in HNSCC.
Nerve‐tumour interaction enhances the aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Lun , Chiu Po‐Hsien , Li Wing‐Yin , Yang Muh‐Hwa , Wei Pei‐Yin , Chu Pen‐Yuan , Wang Yi‐Fen , Tai Shyh‐Kuan
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a poor prognostic pathologic feature of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The mechanisms of PNI remain poorly understood, and nerve‐tumour interactions have been implicated for its pathogenesis.

Design and setting

Systematic investigation of nerve‐tumour interactions was performed using fresh human peripheral nerve. In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the ability of human peripheral nerves to enhance OSCC migration/invasion. Retrospective cohort study was also carried out in one medical centre from 2001 to 2009.

Participants

314 T1‐2 OSCC patients.

Main outcome measures

In the transwell migration/invasion assay, the cells in five representative fields were counted. In the nerve implantation model, tumour size was estimated. PNI quantification by PNI focus number was carried out in the OSCC patients to correlate with cervical lymph node metastasis and oncologic outcomes.

Results

The transwell migration/invasion assay demonstrated that human peripheral nerves, compared with subcutaneous soft tissue, significantly enhanced the migration/invasion abilities of OSCC. Moreover, the enhanced migration was dose‐dependent with increased length or number of peripheral nerve segments. The nerve implantation model showed that human peripheral nerve also enhanced OSCC growth in vivo. Finally, increased PNI focus number was found dose‐dependently associated with increased cervical lymph node metastasis and decreased 5‐year disease‐specific survival rates.

Conclusions

These results clearly indicated the presence of nerve‐tumour interaction that involved paracrine influences leading to aggressiveness of OSCC. Further investigations are required to explore key cell types and molecules involved in nerve‐tumour interactions for future therapeutic targeting of PNI in OSCC.
Prognostic role of pre‐treatment serum albumin in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Yang Huifen , Wang Kai , Liang Zheng , Guo Sitong , Zhang Peng , Xu Yi , Zhou Huifang
Published: October 2019

Background

Pre‐treatment serum albumin (ALB) is a novel index that was identified in recent years and is considered to be closely related to the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the association between ALB and NPC remains controversial.

Objective of Review

To assess the prognostic significance of pre‐treatment serum ALB in patients with NPC.

Type of Review

A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Search Strategy

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science for studies published up to August 2018. The keywords used were related to albumin, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prognosis.

Evaluation Method

We extracted the following data from all included studies: author, publication year, country, cancer centre, time points of randomisation, sample size, mean or median age, gender, TNM stage of NPC, cut‐off value of pre‐treatment serum albumin, number of high‐grade cases and duration of follow‐up. Then, we generated the pooled hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) to perform this meta‐analysis.

Results

Ten studies comprising 7339 cases were included. Lower pre‐treatment serum ALB levels were significantly associated with worse OS (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.17‐1.48) and DMFS (HR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.08‐1.80). In general, our findings were further verified in the subgroup analyses based on three features, including cancer stage, cut‐off value and analysis type.

Conclusion

A decreased level of pre‐treatment serum albumin implies a poor prognosis and can be detected to define the risk stratification of NPC patients.
Contact allergy to citral and its constituents geranial and neral, coupled with reactions to the prehapten and prohapten geraniol
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Bruze Magnus , Engfeldt Malin , Isaksson Marléne , Lindberg Magnus , Ryberg Kristina , Stenberg Berndt , Svedman Cecilia , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Bråred Christensson Johanna
Published: October 2019

Background

Citral is commonly used as a fragrance and flavor material and consists of the aldehydes geranial and neral. Citral is included in fragrance mix (FM) II. Geranial and neral have also been identified in autoxidation of geraniol, a fragrance compound present in FM I.

Objectives

To study contact allergy to citral, geranial, and neral, and concomitant reactivity to oxidized geraniol and fragrance markers of the baseline series.

Methods

A total of 1476 dermatitis patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested using geranial, neral, and citral, all 3.5% petrolatum (pet.) as well as geraniol 6.0% and oxidized geraniol 11% pet. in addition to the Swedish baseline series.

Results

Frequencies of positive reactions to citral, geranial, and neral were 2.9%, 3.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Together, citral and geranial gave 4.2% positive patch test reactions in consecutive dermatitis patients. In patients with positive reactions to citral or its components, 25% to 34% reacted to FM II and 61% reacted to oxidized geraniol.

Conclusions

Patch testing with citral, its components, or oxidized geraniol detects contact allergic reactions not detected using the baseline series. Patch testing with pure geraniol was shown to be of little value. Geranial and neral, although closely chemically related, are concluded to be separate haptens.
On Country: Emplaced Approaches to Collaborative Community Engagement [and] ((in) Through) Mapping Processes in ‘Workshop’ Mode
Authors: Gilbert Jock
Published: October 2019

This piece takes as a starting point, the conceptual shift from an understanding of landscape to that of Country, reflected upon in an earlier work in this edition, through a transformational shift facilitated through the Interpretive Wonderings* mapping workshop. This shift is attended by a simultaneous shift in practice from that of participation (a seeking or inviting of engagement in the framework of the inviter) to collaboration (finding engagement in the place of the invitee such that the inviter/invitee assignation is inverted). The implications of this shift will then be explored through the role of a collaborative, emergent approach to curation within the event itself – the role of the interstitial moment arising through attention to the conception of ‘curatorial free space’ in informing a place‐based approach to the practice of landscape architecture. In conclusion, the article will outline the move to a practice which rather than adopting a curatorial point of view, seeks to establish a contingent stand point – facilitating an emplaced practice of landscape.

*Editorial note: The Interpretive Wonderings Portfolio comprises a set of interrelated writings that attempt to provide a distinctive, multi‐perspectival account of this creative research project. In addition to this research piece, other articles include: a co‐authored contextual overview which situates the project in theoretical and practical terms (Drake et al. 2019a, this issue)’, a compilation of short texts that offer reflective analyses from the different perspectives of the project’s principal researchers, Sophia Pearce, Campbell Drake, Jock Gilbert and Sven Mehzoud (Drake et al. 2019b, this issue), and an associated research‐led article by Mehzoud (2019, this issue). Read individually, each designated article presents a focused inquiry (depth); taken together as a curated series, they provide the reader with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview (breadth) and appreciation of the project’s guiding aspirations, objectives and outcomes that amounts to more than the sum of its discrete parts.
Cardiotoxicity in breast cancer treatment: What about left ventricular diastolic function and left atrial function?
Authors: Timóteo Ana Teresa , Moura Branco Luisa , Filipe Frederico , Galrinho Ana , Rio Pedro , Portugal Guilherme , Oliveira Sónia , Ferreira Rui Cruz
Published: October 2019

Aims

Cardiotoxicity is a possible complication of cancer treatment, particularly with anthracyclines and anti‐HER2 drugs. Systolic dysfunction has already been described. Diastolic dysfunction and left atrial function are less studied. We sought to analyze the impact of cardiotoxic treatments on left ventricular diastolic function and left atrial (LA) function.

Methods and Results

Retrospective study of 100 patients (all women, with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years) with three exams in the span of 1 year during treatment for breast cancer. Patients with previous cancer treatment, coronary artery disease, significant valvular disease, and atrial arrhythmias were excluded. Diastolic dysfunction was classified according to international guidelines and left atrial strain was analyzed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking. In our sample, 74% received anthracyclines, 83% anti‐HER2, and 76% radiation treatment. In the follow‐up, 20% developed new or worsening diastolic dysfunction. Age was the only independent predictor (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.04–3.58, P = .037). In left atrial function, only the contractile function was significantly reduced in 20.8% of the patients and age was also the only independent predictor, but with a protective effect (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.91, P = .023).

Conclusions

During breast cancer treatment, 20% of the patients develop new or worsening diastolic dysfunction, being age the main determinant, suggesting higher impact of chemotherapy in older patients. Contractile left atrial function is also compromised but, in this case, age seems to be protective. Our results support a stricter surveillance in older patients together to eventually adjust chemotherapy regimens.
Responses of surface SOC to long‐term experimental warming vary between different heath types in the high Arctic tundra
Authors: Jung Ji Young , Michelsen Anders , Kim Mincheol , Nam Sungjin , Schmidt Niels M. , Jeong Sujeong , Choe Yong‐Hoe , Lee Bang Yong , Yoon Ho Il , Lee Yoo Kyung
Published: October 2019

Over the past few decades the Arctic has warmed up more than the lower latitudes. Soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Arctic is vulnerable to climate change, and carbon dioxide (CO2) produced via SOC decomposition can amplify atmospheric temperature increase. Although SOC composition is relevant to decomposability, studies on its compositional changes with warming are scarce, particularly in the Arctic. Therefore, we investigated the responses of SOC and the bacterial community to climate manipulation under Cassiope and Salix heath vegetation communities in permafrost‐affected soil in Zackenberg, Greenland. After 8–9 years of experimental warming, we evaluated changes in SOC quantity and quality of three density fractions of soil: free light fraction (FLF), occluded light fraction (OLF) and heavy fraction (HF). The SOC content at 0–5‐cm depth was significantly reduced with warming under Cassiope, and it was accompanied by decreased FLF content, attributed to accelerated decomposition of the FLF by warming. However, SOC molecular composition and bacterial community composition were not affected by warming. By contrast, there was no warming effect on SOC under Salix, which could be partially due to smaller temperature increases caused by higher moisture levels associated with larger silt and clay contents, or to different responses of the dominant plant species to temperature. In both soils, more than 55% of SOC was associated with minerals, and its molecular composition indicated microbial decomposition. Our results suggested that long‐term warming in the high Arctic could induce the loss of SOC, particularly in the FLF; however, the response could vary with vegetation type and/or soil properties, that is, soil texture.

Highlights

We show decreased SOC with long‐term (8‐year) warming of heath soils in the high Arctic

Particularly, the free light fraction of SOC in topsoil decreased with warming in a Cassiope heath site

Mineral‐associated SOC content was more than 55% and showed signs of microbial processing

Effects of warming differed according to soil properties and/or plant community composition
Comparison of Lewis–Sumner syndrome with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy patients in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Fargeot G. , Maisonobe T. , Psimaras D. , Debs R. , Lenglet T. , Adams D. , Vandendries C. , Labeyrie C. , Viala K.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Whether the Lewis–Sumner syndrome (L‐SS) is a distinct entity from other types of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP‐ot) remains controversial.

Method

The clinical/electrophysiological characteristics and long‐term outcomes of 45 L‐SS and 35 CIDP‐ot patients were retrospectively compared.

Results

The CIDP‐ot group was composed of 11 patients with a typical CIDP, 17 with a pure sensory form, four with a distal form and three with a pure motor form. In the L‐SS group, asymmetric (P < 0.001) and monomelic involvement (P = 0.04) of the upper limbs (P < 0.001) was significantly more frequent; paucisymptomatic forms (Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale ≤ 1) were less frequent (P < 0.001); electroneuromyography showed that conduction block in intermediate nerve segments was the main demyelinating feature, with frequent F‐wave abnormalities on nerves without conduction block (44%). Long‐term prognosis was globally poorer in the L‐SS group with more frequent aggravation during treatment (P = 0.02), less frequent treatment withdrawal (P = 0.03) and longer time to achieve successful withdrawal (39 vs. 15 months).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that L‐SS patients have a less favourable therapeutic response rate and long‐term outcomes. Rapid differentiation of L‐SS from other forms of CIDP is important in order to anticipate a more complicated disease course management, with from one side the inefficacy or even harmfulness of corticosteroids and from the other side a difficult weaning procedure. A prospective study is necessary to confirm these results.
The Woman at the Well
Authors: Vernon O'Brien Rachele
Published: October 2019

The woman at the well argued theology with Jesus, and he listened to her and engaged her in conversation. Theological education today must make spaces for the voices of the marginalized to be heard and prepare church leaders to listen respectfully to people from the margins.
The Pan‐African Women's Ecumenical Empowerment Network in the Caribbean
Authors: Ortega Ofelia
Published: October 2019

The context of theological formation in the Caribbean is the diversity and crucible of cultures and in which women have played a great role and made a great impact.
Apolipoprotein E impairs amyloid‐β fibril elongation and maturation
Authors: Islam Tohidul , Gharibyan Anna L. , Golchin Solmaz A. , Pettersson Nina , Brännström Kristoffer , Hedberg Isabell , Virta Merit‐Miriam , Olofsson Linnea , Olofsson Anders
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is strongly linked to amyloid depositions of the Aβ peptide (Aβ). The lipid‐binding protein apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been found to interfere with Aβ amyloid formation and to exert a strong clinical impact to the pathology of AD. The APOE gene exists in three allelic isoforms represented by APOE ε2, APOE ε3, and APOE ε4. Carriers of the APOE ε4 variant display a gene dose‐dependent increased risk of developing the disease. Aβ amyloids are formed via a nucleation‐dependent mechanism where free monomers are added onto a nucleus in a template‐dependent manner. Using a combination of surface plasmon resonance and thioflavin‐T assays, we here show that ApoE can target the process of fibril elongation and that its interference effectively prevents amyloid maturation. We expose a complex equilibrium where the concentration of ApoE, Aβ monomers, and the amount of already formed Aβ fibrils will affect the relative proportion and formation rate of mature amyloids versus alternative assemblies. The result illustrates a mechanism which may affect both the clearance rate of Aβ assemblies in vivo and the population of cytotoxic Aβ assemblies.