bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the intracerebral hemorrhage score for predicting outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage using oral anticoagulants
Authors: Fakiri M. O. , Uyttenboogaart M. , Houben R. , van Oostenbrugge R. J. , Staals J. , Luijckx G.J.
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

The intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score is the most widely used and validated prognostic model for estimating 30‐day mortality in ICH. However, the score was developed and validated in an ICH population probably not using oral anticoagulants (OACs). The aim of this study was to determine the performance of the ICH score for predicting the 30‐day mortality rate in the full range of ICH scores in patients using OACs.

Methods

Data from admitted patients with ICH were collected retrospectively in two Dutch comprehensive stroke centers. The validity of the ICH score was evaluated by assessing both discrimination and calibration in OAC and OAC‐naive patient groups.

Results

A total of 1752 patients were included of which 462 (26%) patients were on OAC. The 30‐day mortality was 54% for the OAC cohort and 34% for the OAC‐naive cohort. The 30‐day mortality was higher in the OAC cohort for ICH score 1 (33% vs. 12.5%; odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence intervals, 1.1–10.4) and ICH score 2 (53% vs. 26%; odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence intervals, 1.2–8.2) compared with the predicted mortality rate of the original ICH score. Overall, the discriminative ability of the ICH score was equally good in both cohorts (area under the curve 0.83 vs. 0.87, respectively).

Conclusions

The ICH score underestimated the 30‐day mortality rate for lower ICH scores in OAC‐ICH. When estimating the prognosis of ICH in patients using OAC, this underestimation of mortality must be taken into account.
Are media messages to consume more under‐utilized seafood species reliable?
Authors: Farmery Anna K , van Putten Ingrid E , Phillipov Michelle , McIlgorm Alistair
Published: May 2020

Consumers are being encouraged to choose sustainable seafood. In particular, eating less‐popular, under‐utilized species is promoted as a more sustainable seafood choice. This message is advocated in the media by a range of different organizations and individuals; however, evidence of greater seafood sustainability as a result of these messages is lacking. We examine current media messaging around sustainable seafood, focussing on the messages to eat more under‐utilized species, in an Australian and international context. We identify six different intended outcomes of these messages, including that eating more under‐utilized species will take pressure off heavily fished stocks, and explore the conditions under which the perceived outcomes would be realized. We use an economic lens and discuss the effect of certain aspects of consumer demand and seafood product substitutability. We propose that in order to take pressure off overfished stocks, the message to consume more under‐utilized species would need to be accompanied by messages to limit or eat less seafood. In addition, the benefits of eating more under‐utilized species as currently promoted are not always achievable and that the outcomes of some messages, if realized, could lead to overfishing of unregulated stocks and a reduction in overall fish supply. While there are many potentially positive social, economic and environmental outcomes of consuming currently under‐utilized species, media messages should encourage consumers to buy a range of seafood, including under‐utilized species, which can be traced back to a well‐managed fishery, rather than promoting under‐utilized species per se.
Understanding SARS‐CoV‐2 endocytosis for COVID‐19 drug repurposing
Authors: Glebov Oleg O.
Published: May 2020

The quest for the effective treatment against coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)‐coronavirus 2(CoV‐2) coronavirus is hampered by the lack of knowledge concerning the basic cell biology of the infection. Given that most viruses use endocytosis to enter the host cell, mechanistic investigation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection needs to consider the diversity of endocytic pathways available for SARS‐CoV‐2 entry in the human lung epithelium. Taking advantage of the well‐established methodology of membrane trafficking studies, this research direction allows for the rapid characterisation of the key cell biological mechanism(s) responsible for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Furthermore, 11 clinically approved generic drugs are identified as potential candidates for repurposing as blockers of several potential routes for SARS‐CoV‐2 endocytosis. More broadly, the paradigm of targeting a fundamental aspect of human cell biology to protect against infection may be advantageous in the context of future pandemic outbreaks.
Histological features of BRAF V600E‐mutant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Chen Tiffany Y , Lorch Jochen H , Wong Kristine S , Barletta Justine A
Published: May 2020

Aims

Treatment with a BRAF inhibitor, alone or in combination with a MEK inhibitor, may be considered for BRAF‐mutant anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). The purpose of this study was to characterise the histology of BRAF V600E‐mutant ATC.

Methods and results

We identified 28 ATC that were consecutively resected between 2003 and 2019. All tumour slides for each case were evaluated for the presence of a precursor tumour and for ATC morphology (sarcomatoid, pleomorphic giant cell, epithelioid or squamous). BRAF V600E mutation status was determined by BRAF V600E IHC or molecular analysis (OncoPanel NGS). Eighteen (64%) ATC had an associated well‐differentiated precursor, including 10 (36%) with associated papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and eight (29%) with associated follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) or Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC). Most ATC (19 cases, 68%) demonstrated a mixed anaplastic morphology. Squamous morphology was present in four cases. Ten (36%) ATC had a BRAF V600E mutation. All ATC that had a PTC precursor had a BRAF V600E mutation (and all ATC with a BRAF V600E mutation had a PTC precursor), whereas no ATC with an FTC or HCC precursor had a BRAF V600E mutation. All four cases of ATC with a squamous morphology had a PTC precursor and a BRAF V600E mutation.

Conclusion

In our cohort, the presence of a PTC precursor predicted the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation, whereas ATC with an FTC or HCC precursor lacked a BRAF V600E mutation. A squamous morphology was associated with the presence of a PTC precursor and a BRAF V600E mutation.
Evaluation of a new thromboplastin reagent STA‐NeoPTimal on a STA R Max analyzer for the measurement of prothrombin time, international normalized ratio and extrinsic factor levels
Authors: Mullier François , Paridaens Marie‐Sophie , Evrard Jonathan , Baudar Justine , Guldenpfennig Maité , Devroye Celia , Miller Laurence , Chatelain Bernard , Lessire Sarah , Jacqmin Hugues
Published: May 2020

Introduction

We aimed at evaluating the performance of a new prothrombin time (PT) reagent (STA‐NeoPTimal) with two other PT reagents (STA‐Neoplastine R and STA‐Neoplastine CI Plus) and the reference PT reagent used in our laboratory (ReadiPlasTin).

Methods

Evaluation consisted in intra‐ and interassay precision assessment, determination of sensitivity to unfractionated heparin (UFH) or enoxaparin in spiked samples and to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients (n = 43). Method comparison of the 4 PT reagents, factor II, V, VII and X assays was tested on normal (n = 20) and abnormal samples: VKA (n = 47), preoperative (n = 23), liver failure (n = 12) and burned patients (n = 37).

Results

Analytical performance met manufacturers’ criteria for all reagents. All PT reagents gave correlation coefficients >0.8 and even >0.9 in many situations. In some VKA samples, differences ≥ 0.5 INR units were found in samples within and above therapeutic ranges. For burned patients, PT correlations were good but with some minimal bias (<5.0%) while factor assays gave very consistent results (R > .8 and mainly >0.9). As expected, poor responsiveness of the PT to DOAC concentrations was observed with all four assays.

Conclusion

The STA‐NeoPTimal showed comparable performance to ReadiPlasTin, making it suitable for VKA control, detection of factors II, V, VII, X deficiency and assessment of liver disease coagulopathy. However, for patients receiving VKA, some significant differences were observed. We confirmed the inability of the PT assay to detect residual DOAC concentrations. Finally, burned patients results showed that recombinant thromboplastins were less sensitive to factor deficiencies in comparison to extraction thromboplastins.
Evaluation of automated capillary complete blood counts for routine clinical decision making in a large cohort of hematological patients, using Mindray BC‐3000 Plus Auto and Sysmex XE‐5000 hematology analyzers
Authors: Oudatzis Georgios , Tsagarakis Nikolaos J. , Paterakis Georgios , Vasileiou Paraskevi , Xenou Efthalia , Maraki Paraskevi , Pangrati Toula , Angelopoulou Maria K. , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Konstantopoulos Kostas
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Venous blood (VB) sampling for complete blood count (CBC) via venipuncture is the basic method for the daily evaluation of hematological patients. However, several issues during this process, such as venipuncture difficulty and repetitive attempts, may cause pain, phlebitis, hematomas, inadequate sampling, and patient discomfort. Capillary blood (CB) sampling could be an alternative and less painful solution for the patient. The purpose of this study was the comparative evaluation of basic CBC parameters, as counted from venous and capillary blood samples.

Methods

During the period 06/2016‐06/2019 in which the study was conducted, 1634 automated counts of VB or CB were performed, derived from 425 hematological hospitalized patients. Bland‐Altman plots were performed to show the agreement of VB and CB counts of common hematological parameters (Hb, Hct, WBC, absolute neutrophil count‐[ANC], RBC, Plt, MCV, MCH), using two different hematology analyzers (Mindray BC‐3000 Plus Auto and Sysmex XE‐5000). Clinical significance of CB sampling was assessed by applying specific clinically significant cutoffs for Hb, ANC, and Plt.

Results

All measured parameters revealed a significant correlation (r > .9) between CB and VB samples, irrelatively of the hematology analyzer used. CB measurements of Hb, ANC, and Plt, at different clinically important cutoff levels, showed excellent sensitivity (87%‐100%), specificity (95%‐100%), positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (87%‐100% and 90%‐100%, respectively).

Conclusion

Capillary blood and VB counts in hematological patients were equivalent for most basic hematological parameters. Hb, ANC, and Plt CB counts revealed clinically significant performance, indicating that they can reliably substitute VB sampling in the day work.
Systematic review of the efficacy of topical haemoglobin therapy for wound healing
Authors: Hu Jieman , Guo Shaoning , Hu Haiyan , Sun Jianan
Published: May 2020

Hypoxia is a common cause of poor wound healing, for which a variety of oxygen therapies have been developed. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional methods of treatment, namely the type of equipment, its setting, safety and cost, local haemoglobin therapy has been developed, although no reviews have so far been published. Here, we systematically review the current evidence to establish the efficacy, scope, adverse reactions, and required precautions of this new form of therapy. A search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of science databases, with 17 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, comprising one animal model study and 16 clinical studies. Local haemoglobin therapy is able to safely and effectively promote the healing of a variety of wounds, especially those that are chronic and non‐healing. However, premature discontinuation of this treatment can result in impediment to wound healing and even deterioration of the wound. The distinct benefit of the elimination of slough and relief of pain suggests that this technique may represent a new generation of debridement technology. Furthermore, its ease of use and convenience enables patient self‐management, thereby greatly reducing health care costs.
Adaptive retrieval practice withmultiple‐choicequestions in the university classroom
Authors: Greving Sven , Lenhard Wolfgang , Richter Tobias
Published: May 2020

Retrieval practice promotes retention more than restudying (i.e., thetesting effect) and is applied to many educational settings. However, little research has investigated means to enhance this effect in educational settings. Theoretical accounts assume retrieval practice to be the most effective whenever retrieval is difficult but successful. Therefore, we developed a novel retrieval practice procedure, which adapts to learners' abilities and can be applied irrespective of learning content. This adaptive procedure aims to make retrieval gradually easier whenever students provide an incorrect answer. In a field experiment, students read book chapters as part of a weekly university course. In three consecutive weeks, they then practiced reading assignments by (a) adaptive testing, (b) non‐adaptive testing and (c) restudy. In Week 4, a surprise criterial test took place. Restudy outperformed both testing conditions, whereas adaptive testing performed equally well as non‐adaptive testing. However, exploratory analyses revealed that with increasing retention intervals, the superiority of restudy disappeared. Furthermore, whenever participants fully read the assignments and retention intervals increased, adaptive testing outperformed non‐adaptive testing. In sum, adaptive retrieval practice did not prove to be generally superior, but retention interval and students' preparation for class might be conditions rendering adaptive retrieval useful in educational settings.
Psychosocial aspects of periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment: A qualitative study
Authors: Horne Poppy E. , Foster Page Lyndie A. , Leichter Jonathan W. , Knight Ellie T. , Thomson W. Murray
Published: May 2020

Aims

Patient‐reported outcomes have attracted interest as there has been a shift from clinician‐centric endpoints. This qualitative study aimed to develop an understanding of the psychosocial impact of periodontitis and its treatment.

Materials and methods

Fourteen adults were asked to document their experiences of untreated periodontitis and non‐surgical periodontal therapy at a university clinic, using written or audio‐recorded diaries. The diary data were then used as a framework for semi‐structured qualitative interviews, conducted at the completion of initial non‐surgical treatment. Inductive thematic content data analysis was employed.

Results

Three themes illustrated the detrimental impact of periodontitis: “concealment,” “having a guilty conscience” and “patient comfort as paramount.” These were related to a core underlying concept, “progression to a more positive outlook,” which described a distinct shift in participants’ attitudes and optimism after their periodontal treatment. Despite finding treatment unpleasant, the participants described profound positive influences on their social well‐being, self‐esteem, mood, work, relationships and outlook.

Conclusions

This study illustrated the broad psychosocial impact of periodontitis. The findings suggest that the benefits of periodontal treatment extend beyond improvements in traditional biomedical indicators to those which are more relevant and desirable to patients.
Oligosaccharide‐dependent anti‐inflammatory role of galectin‐1 for macrophages in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Iwatani Shuko , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Amano Takahiro , Otake Yuriko , Tani Mizuki , Yoshihara Takeo , Tsujii Yoshiki , Hayashi Yoshito , Inoue Takahiro , Okuzaki Daisuke , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Miyoshi Eiji , Iijima Hideki , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Galectin‐1 plays a protective role against colitis by binding with polylactosamine structures on macrophages in β‐1,4‐galactosyltransferase I‐deficient mice, but the precise function of galectin‐1 remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory role of galectin‐1 on macrophages to ameliorate ulcerative colitis in both animal model and human tissue samples.

Methods

The expression of galectin‐1 in colonic tissues of ulcerative colitis patients was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Cytokine production of mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) cultured with galectin‐1 was investigated. Galectin‐1 binding capacity and polylactosamine expression in macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharides were evaluated by flow cytometry. BMDMs cultured with galectin‐1 were transferred into Recombination activating gene (Rag) 2−/− mice, and the severity of the dextran sodium sulfate‐induced colitis model was investigated. Furthermore, RNA sequencing was performed to characterize macrophages treated with galectin‐1.

Results

In ulcerative colitis patients, tissue expression of galectin‐1was decreased in inflamed mucosa compared with non‐inflamed mucosa. Galectin‐1 induced interleukin‐10 production in BMDMs, and the interleukin‐10 production was abrogated by lactose, which inhibits the interaction of oligosaccharide–galectin binding. Dextran sodium sulfate colitis was significantly ameliorated in Rag2−/− mice undergoing galectin‐1‐treated BMDM transfer compared with those undergoing vehicle‐treated BMDM transfer. RNA sequencing revealed that treatment with galectin‐1 increased the expression of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and CD163, but decreased the expression of CD80 on BMDMs.

Conclusion

Galectin‐1, whose expression is decreased in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis patients, can ameliorate murine colitis by conferring oligosaccharide‐dependent anti‐inflammatory properties to macrophages.
Self‐reported bowel symptoms are associated with differences in overall gut microbiota composition and enrichment of Blautia in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Brunkwall Louise , Ericson Ulrika , Nilsson Peter M , Orho‐Melander Marju , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

Altered gut microbiota have been suggested as part of an etiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but studies have shown contrasting results. Our aim was to examine gut microbiota composition in a large population‐based cohort, with respect to presence and severity of bowel symptoms.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 1988 participants of the Malmö Offspring Study (mean age 40 years, 53% women). From a questionnaire, 19% reported having bowel symptoms the last 2 weeks and 15% reported having IBS. Bowel symptoms were assessed by a validated set of questions with visual analog scales. Gut microbiota was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (300 bp*2 in V1–V3 region) from fecal samples. The association between abundance of bacteria at genus level and bowel symptoms was calculated by logistic regression or general linear model, adjusted for false discovery rate (q < 0.05).

Results

Self‐reported bowel symptoms (P = 0.003) and IBS (P = 0.031) were associated with difference in overall gut microbiota composition (beta‐diversity). Additionally, bowel symptoms and IBS were associated with increased abundance of Blautia, and bowel symptoms also with a genus in the SHA98 order and Butyricimonas. Pain was associated with increased abundance of Fusobacterium. Diarrhea was associated positively with [Prevotella] and Blautia and negatively with a genus in the SHA98 order and a genus in the Christensenellaceae family.

Conclusion

Self‐reported bowel symptoms are associated with differences in overall gut microbiota composition and abundancy of a few specific bacteria at genus level in a population‐based cohort. Diarrhea is the individual symptom with most associations.
Dietary vitamin A intakes among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health facilities in Dessie Town, North East Ethiopia
Authors: Koricho Z. , Atomssa G. E. , Mekonnen T. C. , Tadesse S. E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, cellular differentiation, embryonic development, reproduction, growth and the immune system. Women who live in developing countries face a risk of undernutrition during pregnancy as a result of poverty, poor diet quality and quantity, and a high fertility rate. This poor dietary problem could reflect the high risk of vitamin A deficiency in women. The present study aimed to determine the adequacy of vitamin A among pregnant women following antenatal care in health facilities of Dessie Town, Ethiopia, January 2017.

Methods

Health facility‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 390 women who attended antenatal care in Dessie Town. Food groups from the Food and Agriculture Organization based on 24‐h dietary recall were used to measure dietary intake of vitamin A and dietary diversity of women. Adequacy of vitamin A was determined from the nutrient adequacy ratio after obtaining reports of nutrient intake from food composition tables version III and IV in terms of B carotene and retinol equivalent, respectively, based on the estimated average requirement recommendation of vitamin A, 370 retinol equivalent day−1for pregnant women. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors of vitamin A adequacy.

Results

Adequacy of vitamin A among pregnant women was 41.8%, with an average nutrient adequacy ratio of 0.9. The mean dietary intake of vitamin A was 290.1 µg day–1. The predictors for adequacy of vitamin A were high and medium women diversity scores (adjusted odds ratio = 2.92; 95% confidence interval = 1.50–5.70) and (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87; 95% confidence interval = 1.11–3.16).

Conclusions

In the present study, adequacy of vitamin A was low and was affected by the dietary diversity score. A focus on food‐based approaches, especially regarding educating pregnant women to diversify their diet, is crucial for reducing the risk of vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin A is crucial micronutrient for the health of women and fetus, being essential for morphological, ocular and functional developments, as well as fetal organ and skeletal growth. Its requirement is greater during pregnancy and its deficiencies lead to maternal and child mortality and development. The dietary intake of vitamin A among pregnant women remains below the current recommendation.

Inadequate intake of vitamin A

Pregnant women

Heath facility

Dessie, Ethiopia
Time‐lapse visualization of shrinking soot in diesel particulate filter during active‐regeneration using field emission scanning electron microscopy
Authors: SRILOMSAK M. , HANAMURA K.
Published: May 2020

Regeneration of diesel particulate filter (DPF) is a complicated process due to its high operating temperature and associated oxidation of soot on the filter substrate. Several oxidation mechanisms of diesel soot have been proposed based on reaction kinetics, but more information about the oxidation phenomena is needed in a practical system, that is, soot oxidation on a DPF substrate. In this work, the DPF regeneration process was, for the first time, visualized at the particle scale ex‐situ, in time‐lapse series, using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Time‐lapse transformation of soot cake layer on a real DPF was followed from initiation through the complete regeneration process. In parallel, transformation of the soot primary particle diameter was directly measured using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. FE‐SEM visualization clearly showed shrinkage of the soot cake layer on the DPF wall as oxidation progressed. Furthermore, diameter distribution analysis revealed a trend of shrinkage of the nanoscale soot primary particles during oxidation, supporting the FE‐SEM observations of the micron‐scale shrinkage of the agglomerated soot cake layer. Fragmentation of the shrunken soot cake layer was also observed and is suspected to be a result of locally higher gas flow that depends on surface pore morphology of the filter substrate.

Lay Description

In this work, the DPF regeneration process was, for the first time, visualized at the particle scale ex‐situ, in time‐lapse series, using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Time‐lapse transformation of soot cake layer on a real DPF was followed from initiation through the complete regeneration process. In parallel, transformation of the soot primary particle diameter was directly measured using high resolution transmission electron microscopy. FE‐SEM visualization clearly showed shrinkage of the soot cake layer on the DPF wall as oxidation progressed. Furthermore, diameter distribution analysis revealed a trend of shrinkage of the nano‐scaled soot primary particles during oxidation, supporting the FE‐SEM observations of the shrinkage of the micron‐scale agglomerated soot cake layer. Fragmentation of the shrunken soot cake layer was also observed and is suspected to be a result of locally higher gas flow that depends on surface pore morphology of the filter substrate. Further detail mechanism about transformations of the soot cake layer was additionally discussed based on electrostatic attraction.
Treatment of linear scleroderma “En coup de Sabre” with single‐stage autologous fat grafting: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ayoub Rita , Saba Salim C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Linear scleroderma “en coups de sabre” is a disease that causes scar‐like lesions in the forehead and the scalp, and atrophy of the underlying structures. The result is an acute facial asymmetry that can be distressing to affected young adults. Several surgical treatments are available such as free tissue transfer and synthetic fillers.

Aims

In this report, we present a rare case of linear scleroderma “en coups de sabre,” which was successfully managed with single‐stage autologous fat grafting.

Patients/Methods

The patient was a 17‐year‐old male who presented with a soft‐tissue defect in the left forehead region. Treatment consisted of transferring autologous fat into the defect in a retrograde fashion, as described by Coleman, and overcorrecting the defect to account for fat resorption.

Results

At 6 mo postoperatively, the patient had maintained a satisfactory correction of his left forehead and scalp regions with minimal resorption of fat.

Conclusion

Autologous fat grafting provides a safe and easy approach for the treatment of linear scleroderma “en coups de sabre”. With minimal manipulation of the aspirated fat, combined with overcorrection of the defect, long‐term clinically satisfactory results can be obtained.
Trimethyllysine and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide – pathogenic factors or surrogate markers of increased cardiovascular disease risk?
Authors: von Eckardstein A.
Published: May 2020

Click here to view the Original article by Bjørnestad et al.
Verification of the criteria for reduced occlusal force to diagnose oral hypofunction in older Japanese people: A prospective cohort study on incident functional disability
Authors: Komiyama Takamasa , Ohi Takashi , Miyoshi Yoshitada , Tomata Yasutake , Zhang Shu , Tsuji Ichiro , Watanabe Makoto , Hattori Yoshinori
Published: May 2020

In 2016, the Japanese Society of Gerodontology (JSG) proposed the concept of “oral hypofunction (OHF),” and recommended two initial criteria for reduced occlusal force (ROF): <200 N of maximum occlusal force (MOF) and < 20 remaining teeth. However, the JSG stated that these criteria need to be reviewed by accumulating further evidence. To examine the validity and equivalence of the two criteria for ROF in the diagnostic criteria for OHF by using the incidence of functional disability as the outcome. This study enrolled 815 community‐dwelling Japanese individuals ≥ 70 years. They underwent examinations for physical, mental and social functions; MOF; and number of teeth at baseline. The incidence of functional disability (a condition that requires at least partial assistance with daily activities) based on the first certification of long‐term care insurance was followed up. The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that MOF < 200 N (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.72) and < 20 teeth (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.84) were significantly associated with increased risk of functional disability. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the optimal cut‐off values of MOF and number of teeth that best predicted incident functional disability were 264.6 N and 19 teeth, respectively. Twelve teeth were the optimal threshold that best predicted < 200 N of MOF. The two criteria for ROF in the diagnostic criteria for OHF had some degree of validity. However, further studies are needed to develop appropriate and reliable criteria for a decision of ROF.
Costs and uptake of a community model of paediatric food allergy care versus specialist hospital care: A before‐and‐after controlled trial
Authors: Hiscock Harriet , Perera Prescilla , Tang Mimi LK , Danchin Margaret H , Sung Valerie , Karnon Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Aim

To compare the costs of community‐based food allergy model of care (intervention cohort, IC) with a tertiary‐hospital, specialist allergy clinic model of care (control cohort, CC).

Methods

In this pragmatic controlled trial, children (aged 0–12 years) newly referred to the allergy clinic at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital with suspected/known food allergy to three or fewer foods were allocated to see either a community‐based paediatrician, trained via online webinars and web‐based clinical decision support tools for food allergy diagnosis and management, or a hospital allergist. Per‐patient costs to the health‐care system and out‐of‐pocket costs to families seen within 12 months (clinician time, allergy tests and medicare billing) were compared between the two models of care.

Results

At 12 months, 54/181 (30%) CC families had been seen in the allergy clinic and 93/115 (81%) of the IC families who chose to see a community paediatrician had been seen. In an intention‐to‐treat analysis (ITT), health‐care system costs per IC patient were higher than the costs per CC patient (mean cost $333 versus $319, respectively; mean difference $14, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) −97 to 118, P = 0.81). Total out‐of‐pocket costs to family were $129 in the IC compared with $89 in the CC (mean difference $40, 95% CI $4–$77, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

A community‐based model of care for simple food allergy showed that costs to the health‐care system were similar between the community model and hospital care but did not show reduced out‐of‐pocket costs to the families 12‐months post‐enrolment.
Population Biology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Waithaka Edna , Yongo Edwine , Outa Nicholas , Mutethya Eunice
Published: May 2020

The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was introduced into Lake Naivasha to provide exploitable fisheries, being one of the commercially important fish providing livelihoods to communities around the lake. Its stocks in the lake have been declining, however, because of intense fishing, ecological changes and effects of other exotic species. The present study was undertaken to investigate the population and biological parameters of Oreochromis niloticus. Fish samples (1,021) were caught monthly from January to December 2017, collecting a total of 1,021 O. niloticus, with an overall sex ratio of 2.21:1.0 (male: female). The length of the fish ranged from 9.0 to 40.0 cmTL and weighed between 20 and 1,220 g. The mean length and weight for all fish was 22.6 cm and 272.6 g. The slope b of length–weight relationship was 2.86 for all fish, indicating negative allometry. The mean condition factors were 0.99, 1.04 and 1.01 for male, female and all fish, respectively. The length at first maturity (Lm50) was estimated to be 28.0 cmTL for all sexes, indicating the fish matures at smaller sizes. The length at first capture (Lc50) was calculated to be 19.38 cm, a value much lower than its Lm50, reflecting the capture of juvenile fish. The asymptotic length (L∞) was 42 cm, the growth coefficient (K) was 0.21/year, and the growth performance index (Ф) was 2.57. The natural (M), fishing (F) and total mortality (Z) coefficients were estimated to be 0.55, 0.26 and 0.80/year, respectively. The optimum sustainable yield (E0.5), maximum sustainable yield (Emax) and maximum economic yield (E0.1) indices of 0.23, 0.35 and 0.26, respectively, imply an optimal exploitation of O. niloticus. The results of the present study provided some important insights into the biology and management needs of the O. niloticus fishery in Lake Naivasha, as well as revealing a gap for further research on its reproductive biology.
Coping with Pleistocene climatic fluctuations: Demographic responses in remote endemic reef fishes
Authors: Delrieu‐Trottin Erwan , Hubert Nicolas , Giles Emily C. , Chifflet‐Belle Pascaline , Suwalski Arnaud , Neglia Valentina , Rapu‐Edmunds Cristian , Mona Stefano , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo
Published: May 2020

Elucidating demographic history during the settlement of ecological communities is crucial for properly inferring the mechanisms that shape patterns of species diversity and their persistence through time. Here, we used genomic data and coalescent‐based approaches to elucidate for the first time the demographic dynamics associated with the settlement by endemic reef fish fauna of one of the most remote peripheral islands of the Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui (Easter Island). We compared the demographic history of nine endemic species in order to explore their demographic responses to Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. We found that species endemic to Rapa Nui share a common demographic history, as signatures of population expansions were retrieved for almost all of the species studied here, and synchronous demographic expansions initiated during the last glacial period were recovered for more than half of the studied species. These results suggest that eustatic fluctuations associated with Milankovitch cycles have played a central role in species demographic histories and in the final stage of the community assembly of many Rapa Nui reef fishes. Specifically, sea level lowstands resulted in the maximum reef habitat extension for Rapa Nui endemic species; we discuss the potential role of seamounts in allowing endemic species to cope with Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, and we highlight the importance of local historical processes over regional ones. Overall, our results shed light on the mechanisms by which endemism arises and is maintained in peripheral reef fish fauna.
CURATORIAL NETWORKS AND MUSEUM CULTURE: Objects and Evidence in Museums of African Art
Authors: Jules‐Rosette Bennetta
Published: May 2020

The valuation and display of African art in museum contexts entails contrasting strategies of objectification. In this process, objects may be used as material evidence for larger cultural trends and new movements. This essay examines the role of curatorial networks in creating discourses about African art objects that reframe their cultural significance and economic value. These curatorial networks are treated as a habitus for the art and a discursive framework for its valuation. This analysis builds upon a taxonomic nodal model, which may be used to identify the reconfiguration of museum discourses, curatorial knowledge, and markets for artistic circulation. Two case studies, examining the paintings of Congolese artist Tshibumba Kanda Matulu (1947–circa 1981) from the 1970s and the collection of legendary Malian photographer Seydou Keïta (1921–2001) from the 1960s and the 1970s, demonstrate how curatorial networks reframe the circulation and evidential status of African art over time. The article concludes with an assessment of repatriation claims with relationship to a framework for analyzing the evidential claims of museums.
SANKOFATIZATION AND DECOLONIZATION: The Rapprochement of German Museums and Government with Colonial Objects and Postcolonialism
Authors: Apoh Wazi
Published: May 2020

This paper examines how node three national museums in Germany are dealing with colonial objects in their spaces. It also explores the German government’s recent rapprochement with scholars in its ex‐colonies on how to deal with its colonial past within a discourse of evidence and sankofatization. Sankofatization is defined as a Ghanaian‐Akan ideology that signifies the selection of past ideas for retention within a type of renaissance paradigm. In December 2015, the German Federal Foreign Office invited delegates from Togo, Ghana, Namibia, Tanzania, and Cameroon to take part in a unique program dubbed “A Themed Tour of German Colonial History.” Reporting on this tour, the paper assesses the activism of German civic organizations and museums in their ongoing attempts to decolonize colonial cityscapes, street names, and exhibits. But this discussion is much more than an ethnographic report. The implications of this rapprochement policy for discourses on the archaeology of German colonialism and the anthropology of colonial museums denote significant changes in transnational cooperation. Overall, the themed tour recalled that silencing of negative past experiences and past misdeeds is never permanent. Generational change often influences a renaissance, or sankofatization, of past realities to serve emerging postcolonial needs.
Preferential attraction of different colours of light emitting diodes for Culicoides species in West Bengal, India
Authors: Mazumdar S. M. , Mazumdar A.
Published: May 2020

The preferential attraction of adult Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) to specific wavelengths was studied in West Bengal, India. A total of 280 collections were made with suction light traps fitted with various colours of light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed at cattle sheds during June, August and November in 2017. In addition, the numbers that have been collected in the evening and morning were compared. Locally manufactured suction light traps fitted with ultra violet (UV), blue, green, yellow, pink, red and white LEDs were compared. UV light attracted the highest number of midges followed by blue and then green LED. Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer and Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer were the most abundant followed by Culicoides fulvus Sen and Das Gupta, Culicoides innoxius Sen and Das Gupta, Culicoides anophelis Edwards and Culicoides huffi Causey. The species composition remained similar across the wavelengths. Although significant variations in midge population have been observed across the months, no significant difference in dusk and dawn abundance was noticed. The females showed a mixed population with less parous individuals.
Population and community‐level compositional patterns shape the realized niche of the rare arctic‐alpine species Carex lachenalii Schkuhr
Authors: Czortek Patryk , Delimat Anna , Dyderski Marcin K. , Zięba Antoni , Jagodziński Andrzej M. , Jaroszewicz Bogdan
Published: May 2020

The ability for vegetative growth and development of generative organs often reflects an adaptation to the environment and may be a suitable proxy for understanding population dynamics of rare relict species. An example of such a plant is Carex lachenalii Schkuhr, an arctic‐alpine species, in the temperate zone of Europe only occurring in isolated localities of high‐elevation mountain ranges. We aimed to assess whether there were relationships between flower production and clonal growth of C. lachenalii, both at the tuft and plot level, and how co‐occurring vegetation could modify this relationship. In the study we focused on population‐level traits of C. lachenalii, vegetation traits and components of functional diversity. At the tuft level we found that the proportion of flowering ramets of C. lachenalii decreased with increasing diameter of the tuft. At the plot level, in snowbed vegetation C. lachenalii produced more flowering ramets. We suggest this is due to higher environmental stress, expressed by high importance of habitat filtering (low functional dispersion) in shaping species composition of co‐occurring vegetation. In granite grasslands and milder environment (expressed by higher functional dispersion), C. lachenalii produced more vegetative ramets, which we suggest is a result of a more competitive environment. While in snowbeds investment in flowering ramets could promote successful persistence of C. lachenalii, survival of subpopulations occurring in the highly competitive conditions of granite grasslands may be uncertain due to potentially weak adaptation to competition with graminoids and dwarf shrubs.
Comparative anatomy of Sirhookera (Orchidaceae) growing in Western Ghats of southern India
Authors: Ravichandran Koshila Ravi , Mayakrishnan Balachandar , Kanithottathil Jinsha , Thangavelu Muthukumar
Published: May 2020

We compared the anatomical characteristics of vegetative organs, peduncle and mycorrhizal morphology of the two known species of Sirhookera (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) to identify anatomical markers for identification and the ecological adaptations of these species. The leaves are hypostomatic bearing tetracytic stomata and the walls of subsidiary cells are smooth in Sirhookera lanceolata and undulate in Sirhookera latifolia. On the adaxial and abaxial surfaces the leaves are covered by a thick cuticle. The hypodermis is dimorphic and present on both sides of the leaf; chlorenchyma is homogenous and the vascular bundles are collateral. The rhizome of Sirhookera possesses a single‐layered epidermis, thick cuticle, thin‐walled parenchymatous ground tissue containing starch grains and scattered collateral vascular bundles. A thick‐walled sclerenchymatous band separates the cortex from the parenchymatous ground tissue comprising of banded cells in the peduncle. Starch grains are present in the ground tissue of the S. latifolia peduncle. The roots consist of the velamen, ∩‐thickened exodermis, thin‐walled cortex consisting of water‐storage cells, O‐thickened endodermis and a vascular cylinder with parenchymatous pith. Starch grains are present in the root cortical cells of S. lanceolata but absent in S. latifolia. Fungal pelotons that aids in nutrient acquisition were observed in the root cortical region of both species. The study revealed significant differences between the anatomical characteristics of the two species and that most of the anatomical features of Sirhookera relate to their ecological adaptations.
The impact of preoperative glycated hemoglobin levels on outcomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tay Ze Yun , Kao Huang‐Kai , Lien Kuang‐Hsu , Hung Shao‐Yu , Huang Yenlin , Tsang Ngan‐Ming , Chang Kai‐Ping
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and the treatment outcomes of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Three hundred and fifty‐eight OSCC patients were consecutively enrolled between July 2004 and July 2016. Clinicopathological parameters and survival outcomes were analyzed following HbA1c stratification of 6.5% (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%: n = 74, 20.6%) and 7.0% (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%: n = 53, 14.8%).

Results

Higher HbA1c levels were associated with elevated body mass index, lower albumin levels, wider surgical margins, and prolonged hospital stays (HbA1c 6.5%: p = .001, .048, .030, .009, respectively; HbA1c 7.0%: p = .092, .032, .009, .015, respectively). Survival rates stratified by HbA1c 6.5% were as follows: locoregional recurrence‐free survival, p = .014; distant metastasis‐free survival, p = .013; second primary cancer‐free survival, p = .015; overall survival, p = .014; disease‐specific survival, p = .002 and HbA1c 7.0%: locoregional recurrence‐free survival, p = .013; distant metastasis‐free survival, p = .013; second primary cancer‐free survival, p = .014; overall survival, p = .015; disease‐specific survival, p = .004. Multivariate analyses identified HbA1c as an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease‐specific survival (HbA1c 6.5%: p = .014 and .002, respectively; HbA1c 7.0%: p = .036 and .013, respectively).

Conclusions

Oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with higher preoperative HbA1c levels had longer hospitalization and worse survival outcomes.
No Learning Curve of the Direct Superior Approach in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Duijnisveld Bouke J , van den Hout Joost A A M , Wagenmakers Robert , Koenraadt Koen L M , Bolder Stefan B T
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the learning curve of the direct superior approach (DSA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to compare surgical, clinical, and radiological results with a matched control group using the mini posterior approach (MPA).

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed from October 2016 to May 2017 including our first 52 patients undergoing THA using the DSA. Patients with primary osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis and a body mass index (BMI) < 35 who were eligible for surgery were included. As a control group, 52 patients who underwent the MPA were included, matched based on age, BMI, and ASA classification. In the DSA group, damage to the iliotibial tract and the distal external rotators, including the external obturator and quadriceps femoris muscles, was avoided. Outcome measures were collected, including surgical time, blood loss, postoperative pain, length of stay, implant position, use of walking aids, patient reported outcome measures (PROM), and complications. Unpaired t‐tests were used to analyze differences between the DSA and the MPA group in surgical time, blood loss, length of stay, and acetabular and femoral component position. χ2‐tests were used to analyze mobility and the number of complications. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze pain scores and PROM between the DSA and the MPA groups.

Results

The mean surgical time of 61 min (SD 8) in the DSA group was longer (P < 0.001) compared to that in the MPA group, 46 min (SD 12). No differences were found in blood loss, postoperative pain, or mean length of stay in the hospital. After 6 weeks, 94% of the patients in the DSA group were able to walk inside their home without walking aids compared to 90% in the MPA group. The mobility scores were not different after follow up of 6 weeks and 1 year (P = 0.12 and P = 0.36 respectively). All PROM improved postoperatively in both the DSA and the MPA group (P < 0.01). Acetabular cup and femoral stem position were not compromised by the DSA. Complications included two Vancouver B2 periprosthetic fractures in the DSA group, of which there was one surgical‐related fracture and one fracture after a traffic accident. Complications in the MPA group included one periprosthetic fracture, two hip dislocations, and one ischial neuropathy. No infections or thromboembolic events were observed. The 1‐year complication rate was not different between the MPA and DSA groups (P = 0.40).

Conclusion

The DSA can be safely introduced as no learning curve in the prosthesis position or the complication rate was found.
Trait inheritance in pepper (Capsicum spp.) cultivars identified as resistant to green peach aphid (Myzus persicae)
Authors: Chen Qing , Liang Xiao , Wu Chunling
Published: May 2020

The green peach aphid, here abbreviated as green peach aphid (GPA), is a significant global pest of pepper. Conventional insecticide use risks the development of resistance and harms beneficial insects, whereas the deployment of resistant pepper cultivars offers an effective, economical and eco‐friendly management strategy. However, no GPA resistance gene has yet been identified in pepper. In this study, greenhouse and field screening for resistance to GPA in 24 pepper cultivars identified 'ZDC' as highly resistant and 'DYJJ' as highly susceptible. Subsequent inheritance analysis using these cultivars as parents showed that the segregation ratio of resistant and susceptible offspring was 1:1 for F1 plants and 3:1 for F2 plants. This indicated that pepper resistance to GPA was controlled by a single dominant gene. The highly resistant cultivar 'ZDC' may enable incorporation of resistance in future breeding programmes following further investigations to establish a fuller understanding of the genetics of GPA resistance in this species.