bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lofexidine in Combination With Oral Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder Relapse Prevention: A Pilot Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Hermes Gretchen , Hyman Scott M. , Fogelman Nia , Kosten Thomas R. , Sinha Rajita
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

Lofexidine (LFX), an α2A adrenergic receptor agonist, known to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms, was assessed in combination with oral naltrexone (NTX) for effects on opioid use outcomes and NTX treatment compliance.

Methods

Detoxified individuals (ages 18‐55, 80% male) with opioid use disorder Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition were randomized to 2.4 mg/day of LFX (n = 26) or Placebo (PBO, n = 31) in a double‐blind manner for 12 weeks of treatment. NTX compliance, opioid‐free urine samples, opioid craving as well as vital signs, subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms were assessed.

Results

Intent to treat analysis revealed significantly better control over opioid craving in the LFX/NTX vs PBO/NTX group (P < .03), but no differences between groups in NTX compliance, opioid use, and overall opioid craving. However, subject withdrawal due to medication intolerance was significantly higher in the LFX/NTX (5/26) vs PBO/NTX (0/31) (P < .01). Two additional patients were withdrawn due to acute hepatitis infection. Post hoc secondary analyses with the nonwithdrawn sample indicated significantly higher rates of treatment completion (P < .05) and NTX compliance (P < .01), lower percent opioid urine samples (P < .05), and lower overall opioid craving (P < .05) in the LFX/NTX vs the PBO/NTX group.

Conclusion and scientific significance

Although preliminary, these findings suggest that LFX at doses up to 2.4 mg/daily was safe and improved control over opioid cravings. Among those who tolerated the medication, LFX/NTX significantly improved the opioid craving, delayed return to opioid use, and improved treatment compliance and completion rates. These findings support further assessment of LFX dose titration schedule along with the adjunctive use of LFX with NTX treatment to enhance opioid relapse prevention. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–9).
Focused estimation for noisy and small data sets: a Bayesian minimum expected loss estimator approach
Authors: Ramírez‐Hassan Andrés , Correa‐Giraldo Manuel
Published: August 2019

Central to many inferential situations is the estimation of rational functions of parameters. The mainstream in statistics and econometrics estimates these quantities based on the plug‐in approach without consideration of the main objective of the inferential situation. We propose the Bayesian Minimum Expected Loss (MELO) approach focusing explicitly on the function of interest, and calculating its frequentist variability. Asymptotic properties of the MELO estimator are similar to the plug‐in approach. Nevertheless, simulation exercises show that our proposal is better in situations characterised by small sample sizes and/or noisy data sets. In addition, we observe in the applications that our approach gives lower standard errors than frequently used alternatives when data sets are not very informative.
‘Every day I worry about something’: A qualitative exploration of children’s experiences of stress and coping
Authors: Cheetham‐Blake Tara J. , Family Hannah E. , Turner‐Cobb Julie M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Most research investigating children’s experiences of stress and coping has utilized a quantitative approach. This study aimed to examine children’s experiences of stress by conducting interviews with children and their parents.

Design

Dyadic child–parent interviews, embedded within a multiphase design.

Methods

Thirty‐eight children (22 boys) aged 7–11 years and 38 parents (34 mothers) completed in‐depth dyadic interviews about stressful life events, adversity, and coping, analysed using inductive thematic analysis with a phenomenological lens.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) navigating the social minefield; (2) pressure to thrive in the modern world; (3) fear of the unknown; and (4) learning life’s lessons. The first suggested that social relationships are a major feature of children’s stress experiences; however, social support was also found to be a beneficial coping mechanism. The second theme highlighted multiple sources of pressure on young children (including school, extracurricular activities, pressure from self and others); the impact of such pressure was dependent upon children’s coping resources. The third theme emphasized the difficulty of coping with novel stressors, and how awareness can help reduce this fear. The final theme highlighted important lessons that children can learn from stressful experiences and how to cope with stress.

Conclusions

This study addresses the importance of the person and context‐dependent nature of stress and coping in order for children to survive and thrive following stressful experiences. These findings contribute to existing knowledge that could be used to develop a toolkit for coping with stress, designed specifically for children, parents, schools, and services.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Stress experienced in childhood can have a significant impact on psychological and physiological outcomes across the life course. It is known that individual differences are vital for understanding the effects of stress on health, for children as well as adults. Qualitative methods enable deeper understanding of children’s experiences of stress and coping.

What does the study add?

Depth and breadth to understanding children’s experiences of stressful events.

An individual differences focus on the early stress experience that is frequently overlooked.

Support for the use of a dyadic interview approach for assessing children’s stress experiences.
The Social Interaction Model of Objectification: A process model of goal‐based objectifying exchanges between men and women
Authors: Gervais Sarah J. , Sáez Gemma , Riemer Abigail R. , Klein Olivier
Published: August 2019

People perceive and treat women as sex objects in social exchanges. The interaction processes through which women are objectified, however, have rarely been considered. To address this gap in the literature, we propose the Social Interaction Model of Objectification (SIMO). Rooted in social exchange and objectification theories, the SIMO predicts objectifying behaviours stemming from sexual goals between men and women. We propose that the behavioural dynamics of objectification can be understood through a series of goal‐based exchange processes that are shaped by patriarchy. Articulating the SIMO and its predictions for behaviour in social interactions, we describe the scant social psychological studies in this area. Not only is the SIMO useful for understanding objectifying interaction processes, but it can be used to understand why women sometimes evaluate objectification positively as well as instances of sexual violence. Finally, we discuss critical directions for future research and provide promising methodological approaches for testing the SIMO.
Queer Pop–Ups: A Cultural Innovation in Urban Life
Authors: Stillwagon Ryan , Ghaziani Amin
Published: August 2019

Research on sexuality and space emphasizes geographic and institutional forms that are stable, established, and fixed. By narrowing their analytic gaze on such places, which include gayborhoods and bars, scholars use observations about changing public opinions, residential integration, and the closure of nighttime venues to conclude that queer urban and institutional life is in decline. We use queer pop–up events to challenge these dominant arguments about urban sexualities and to advocate instead a “temporary turn” that analyzes the relationship between ephemerality and placemaking. Drawing on interviews with party promoters and participants in Vancouver, our findings show that ephemeral events can have enduring effects. Pop–ups refresh ideas about communal expression, belonging, safety, and the ownership of space among queer–identified people who feel excluded from the gayborhood and its bars. As a case, pop–ups compel scholars to broaden their focus from a preoccupation with permanent places to those which are fleeting, transient, short–lived, and experienced for a moment. Only when we see the city as a collection of temporary spaces can we appreciate how queer people convert creative cultural visions into spatial practices that enable them to express an oppositional ethos and to congregate with, and celebrate, their imagined communities.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in keratoacanthoma and squamous cell carcinoma: A blinded study of CD123 as a diagnostic marker
Authors: Fraga Garth R. , Chow Peter
Published: August 2019

Background

Histopathologic distinction between keratoacanthoma (KA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is challenging. We surmised that a discriminatory immunostain would be clinically meaningful. Previous investigators have found CD123‐positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) are more prominent in KA than SCC. We sought to determine if CD123 immunostaining might have value as a diagnostic test for distinguishing KA from SCC.

Methods

We used blinded, semi‐automated image analysis to compare CD123 expression in 66 KAs and 63 SCCs in a tissue microarray.

Results

PDCs were present in both KA and SCC. Mean PDC frequency was higher in KA than SCC (14.2 vs 11.2 mean cells/0.0945 square mm) but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.1240). There was no significant difference in mean PDC cluster frequency, mean intratumoral PDC frequency, or the percentage of PDCs as proportion of the total mononuclear inflammatory cell infiltrate between KA and SCC.

Conclusion

CD123 immunostaining is not a clinically useful test for distinguishing KA from SCC.
Systematic review of cognitive deficits in adult mitochondrial disease
Authors: Moore H. L. , Blain A. P. , Turnbull D. M. , Gorman G. S.
Published: August 2019

The profile and trajectory of cognitive impairment in mitochondrial disease are poorly defined. This systematic review sought to evaluate the current literature on cognition in mitochondrial disease, and to determine future research directions. A systematic review was conducted, employing PubMed, Medline, Psycinfo, Embase and Web of Science, and 360‐degree citation methods. English language papers on adult patients were included. The literature search yielded 2421 articles, of which 167 met inclusion criteria. Case reports and reviews of medical reports of patients yielded broad diagnoses of dementia, cognitive impairment and cognitive decline. In contrast, systematic investigations of cognitive functioning using detailed cognitive batteries identified focal cognitive rather than global deficits. Results were variable, but included visuospatial functioning, memory, attention, processing speed and executive functions. Conclusions from studies have been hampered by small sample sizes, variation in genotype and the breadth and depth of assessments undertaken. Comprehensive cognitive research with concurrent functional neuroimaging and physical correlates of mitochondrial disease in larger samples of well‐characterized patients may discern the aetiology and progression of cognitive deficits. These data provide insights into the pattern and trajectory of cognitive impairments, which are invaluable for clinical monitoring, health planning and clinical trial readiness.
Effects of aminoguanidine on γ‐aminobutyric acid accumulation pathways in fresh tea leaves under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Wu Qinyan , Guo Rui , Zhang Wenwen , Li Dongdong , Rao Bing , Ma Shengzhou , Zhao Fei , Yao Kebing , Zhuang Yiqing
Published: August 2019

Aminoguanidine (AG), a specific inhibitor of diamine oxidase (DAO), can be used to investigate the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation pathways. The effect of AG on GABA accumulation pathways of tea fresh leaves remains to be explored. Our results indicated AG concentration did not significantly affect GAD activity, but high concentration solution made GABA‐T activity increase. AG (1 mm) maximally, but not entirely, blocked the polyamine degradation pathway, but had no effect on GAD and GABA‐T. The polyamine degradation pathway was responsible for 26.8% and 17.0% of GABA formation under hypoxic conditions involving immersion and immersion–vacuum, respectively, because DAO and PAO activity was not completely inhibited.
Single use versus reusable digital flexible ureteroscopes: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Kam Jonathan , Yuminaga Yuigi , Beattie Kieran , Ling Koi Yi , Arianayagam Mohan , Canagasingham Bertram , Ferguson Richard , Varol Celalettin , Khadra Mohamed , Winter Matthew , Ko Raymond
Published: August 2019

Objectives

To compare the performance and surgical outcomes of two different single‐use digital flexible ureteroscopes with a reusable video flexible ureteroscope.

Methods

Patients undergoing retrograde flexible ureteroscopy at Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia, were included in this study. Three different flexible ureteroscopes were used in this study: (i) single‐use digital LithoVue (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA); (ii) single‐use digital PU3022A (Pusen, Zhuhai, China); and (iii) reusable digital URF‐V2 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Visibility and maneuverability was rated on a 5‐point Likert scale by the operating surgeon. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 150 patients were included in the present study. Of these, 141 patients had ureteroscopy for stone treatment, four for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and five for diagnostic/tumor treatment. There were 55 patients in the LithoVue group, 31 in the PU3022A group and 64 patients in the Olympus URF‐V2 group. The URF‐V2 group had higher visibility scores than both the single‐use scopes and higher maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. The LithoVue had higher visibility and maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. There were no differences in operative time, rates of relook flexible ureteroscopes, scope failure or complication rates observed.

Conclusions

Single‐use digital flexible ureteroscopes have visibility and maneuverability profiles approaching that of a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Single‐use flexible ureteroscopes achieve similar clinical outcomes to the more expensive reusable versions.
Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular studies for determination of wound age and vitality in rats
Authors: Khalaf Azem A. , Hassanen Eman I. , Zaki Amr R. , Tohamy Adel F. , Ibrahim Marwa A.
Published: August 2019

In forensic medicine, it is vital to verify with the best attainable accuracy once injuries occurred during vital or post‐mortem conditions. An immunohistochemical study was carried out to examine the time‐dependent expression of macrophage‐specific gene CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68), alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in different skin wound timings (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days) in rats. Histopathological studies were performed to assess the wound age and vitality. Eighteen male albino Wister rats (weighing 170‐200 g) were used for wound induction. Rats (n = 3) were euthanised at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days from the starting point of wound induction. Histopathological examination showed that the epidermal re‐epithelialisation was completed 14 days after skin incision. The inflammatory phase was recorded during the first 3 days of healing and reached the maximum levels at 5 days, then declined after 7 days, and completely removed at 14 days. The beginning of the proliferative phase was dated to day 3 and the peak at days 5 and 7. The initiation of the granulation tissue formation and remodelling phase of the healing process was observed 5 days after wounding. By immunohistochemical staining, negative VEGF gene expressions at early stages (0‐3 days) were observed, as well as neither CD68+ macrophages nor α‐SMA+ myofibroblast cells were detected. By increasing the wound ages (5‐7 days), granulation tissue and angiogenesis were observed, with the migration of macrophages and fibroblast, which expressed VEGF, CD68, and α‐SMA positive reaction. Time‐dependent expression of the above markers suggested that they would be useful indicators for the determination of wound age. Both VEGF and transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGFb1) mRNA levels were determined in different skin wound ages. The transcription of TGFb1 and VEGF increased shortly after wounding, until post‐wounding day 7. It then declined constantly, reaching minimal values on day 14.
Mapping Tasmania's cultural landscapes: Using habitat suitability modelling of archaeological sites as a landscape history tool
Authors: Jones Penelope J. , Williamson Grant J. , Bowman David M. J. S. , Lefroy Edward C.
Published: August 2019

Aim

Understanding past distributions of people across the landscape is key to understanding how people used, affected and related to the natural environment. Here, we use habitat suitability modelling to represent the landscape distribution of Tasmanian Aboriginal archaeological sites and assess the implications for patterns of past human activity.

Location

Tasmania, Australia.

Methods

We developed a RandomForest ‘habitat suitability' model of site records in the Tasmanian Aboriginal Heritage Register. We applied a best‐effort bias correction, considered 31 predictor variables relating to climate, topography and resource proximity, and used a variable selection procedure to optimize the final model. Model uncertainty was assessed via bootstrapping and we ran an analogous MaxEnt model as a cross‐validation exercise.

Results

The results from the RandomForest and MaxEnt models are highly congruent. The strongest environmental predictors of site occurrence include distance to coast, elevation, soil clay content, topographic roughness and distance to inland water. The highest habitat suitability scores are distributed across a wide range of environments in central, northern and eastern Tasmania, including coastal areas, inland water body margins and forests and savannas in the drier parts of Tasmania. With the exception of coastal areas much of western Tasmania has low habitat suitability scores, consistent with theories of low‐density Holocene Tasmanian Aboriginal settlement in this region.

Main conclusions

Our modelling suggests Tasmanian Aboriginal people occupied a heterogeneity of habitats but targeted coastal areas around the whole island, and drier, less steep and/or open forest and savanna environments in the central lowlands. The western interior was identified as being rarely used by Aboriginal people in the Holocene, with the exception of isolated pockets of habitat; yet whether this is a true reflection of Aboriginal‐resourceuse demands increased archaeological surveys, particularly in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
QKI‐6 inhibits bladder cancer malignant behaviours through down‐regulating E2F3 and NF‐κB signalling
Authors: Shi Fei , Deng Zheng , Zhou Zheng , Jiang Chen‐Yi , Zhao Rui‐Zhe , Sun Feng , Cui Di , Bei Xiao‐Yu , Yang Bo‐Yu , Sun Qian , Wang Xing‐Jie , Wu Qi , Xia Shu‐Jie , Han Bang‐Min
Published: August 2019

Quaking homolog (QKI) is a member of the RNA‐binding signal transduction and activator of proteins family. Previous studies showed that QKI possesses the tumour suppressor activity in human cancers by interacting with the 3'‐untraslated region (3'‐UTR) of various gene transcripts via the STAR domain. This study first assessed the association of QKI‐6 expression with clinicopathological and survival data from bladder cancer patients and then investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Bladder cancer tissues (n = 223) were subjected to immunohistochemistry, and tumour cell lines and nude mice were used for different in vitro and in vivo assays following QKI‐6 overexpression or knockdown. QKI‐6 down‐regulation was associated with advanced tumour TNM stages and poor patient overall survival. QKI‐6 overexpression inhibited bladder cancer cell growth and invasion capacity, but induced tumour cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, ectopic expression of QKI‐6 reduced tumour xenograft growth and expression of proliferation markers, Ki67 and PCNA. However, knockdown of QKI‐6 expression had opposite effects in vitro and in vivo. QKI‐6 inhibited expression of E2 transcription factor 3 (E2F3) by directly binding to the E2F3 3'‐UTR, whereas E2F3 induced QKI‐6 transcription by binding to the QKI‐6 promoter in negative feedback mechanism. QKI‐6 expression also suppressed activity and expression of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signalling proteins in vitro, implying a novel multilevel regulatory network downstream of QKI‐6. In conclusion, QKI‐6 down‐regulation contributes to bladder cancer development and progression.
PLCA8 suppresses breast cancer apoptosis by activating the PI3k/AKT/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Mao Misha , Chen Yongxia , Jia Yunlu , Yang Jingjing , Wei Qun , Li Zhaoqing , Chen Lini , Chen Cong , Wang Linbo
Published: August 2019

The cysteine‐rich lysosomal protein placenta‐specific 8 (PLAC8), also called onzin, has been shown to be involved in many types of cancers, and its role is highly dependent on cellular and physiological contexts. However, the precise function of PLAC8 in breast cancer (BC) progression remains unclear. In this study, we investigated both the clinical significance and biological functions of PLAC8 in BC progression. First, high PLAC8 expression was observed in primary BC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues through immunohistochemistry analysis. The results of in vitro and in vivo assays further confirmed that PLAC8 overexpression promotes cell proliferation and suppress BC cell apoptosis, whereas PLAC8 silencing has the opposite effect. In addition, the forced expression of PLAC8 greatly induces cell migration, partially by affecting the EMT‐related genes, including down‐regulating E‐cadherin expression and facilitating vimentin expression. Further mechanistic analysis confirmed that PLAC8 contributes to cell proliferation and suppresses cell apoptosis in BC by activating the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway. The results of our study provide new insights into an oncogenic role of PLAC8 and reveal a novel PLAC8/ PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB pathway as a potential therapeutic target for BC.
Effects of extreme drought on primary production, species composition and species diversity of a Mediterranean annual plant community
Authors: Alon Moshe , Sternberg Marcelo
Published: August 2019

Questions

What are the effects of extreme drought on above‐ground and below‐ground net primary production (ANPP and BNPP, respectively) of an annual plant community in a Mediterranean shrubland? How do annual plant communities in Mediterranean shrublands respond to extreme drought, in terms of changes in their species composition, species richness, and species diversity?

Location

A Mediterranean shrubland in the Judean Hills, Israel.

Method

Rainout shelters were used to simulate a 66% reduction in annual rainfall, preceded by a baseline year when no treatments were applied. Above‐ground and below‐ground (i.e., root) biomass was harvested and species surveys were performed following one growing season.

Results

Above‐ground primary production was significantly reduced by drought, while below‐ground production remained mostly stable. Consequently, the shoot:root ratio was reduced by drought, indicating either increased community resource allocation to root production at the expense of shoots or stable root biomass production in the face of drought. Community diversity increased in droughted plots, and significant changes were detected in species composition and dominance patterns.

Conclusions

Extreme drought had a profound effect at the ecosystem and community level on the studied Mediterranean shrubland. Extreme drought seems to increase species diversity and evenness in the short term, likely due to release from competition. We predict this effect to be countered by low biomass production and individual species abundance if extreme drought persists a sufficiently long time, leading to significant changes in long‐term plant dominance patterns and community structure.
Sex specificity of kidney markers to assess prognosis in cirrhotic patients with TIPS
Authors: Torner Maria , Mangal Adjmal , Scharnagl Hubert , Jansen Christian , Praktiknjo Michael , Queck Alexander , Gu Wenyi , Schierwagen Robert , Lehmann Jennifer , Uschner Frank E. , Graf Christiana , Strassburg Christian P. , Fernandez Javier , Stojakovic Tatjana , Woitas Rainer , Trebicka Jonel
Published: August 2019

Background & Aims

Renal function assessed by creatinine is a key prognostic factor in cirrhotic patients. However, creatinine is influenced by several factors, rendering interpretation difficult in some situations. This is especially important in early stages of renal dysfunction where renal impairment might not be accompanied by an increase in creatinine. Other parameters, such as cystatin C (CysC) and beta‐trace protein (BTP), have been evaluated to fill this gap. However, none of these studies have considered the role of the patient's sex. The present study analysed CysC and BTP to evaluate their prognostic value and differentiate them according to sex.

Patients and methods

CysC and BTP were measured in 173 transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)‐patients from the NEPTUN‐STUDY(NCT03628807) and analysed their relationship with mortality and sex. Propensity score for age, MELD, etiology and TIPS indication was used.

Results

Cystatin C and BTP showed excellent correlations with creatinine values at baseline and follow‐up. CysC was an independent predictor of overall mortality (HR = 1.66(1.33‐2.06)) with an AUC of 0.75 and identified a cut‐off of 1.55 mg/L in the whole cohort. Interestingly, CysC was significantly lower in females, also after propensity score matching. In males, the only independent predictor was the creatinine level (HR = 1.54(1.25‐1.58)), while in females CysC levels independently predicted mortality (HR = 3.17(1.34‐7.52)).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time that in TIPS‐patients creatinine predicts mortality in males better than in females, whereas CysC is a better predictor of mortality in females. These results may influence future clinical decisions on therapeutic options for example, allocation for liver transplantation in TIPS‐patients.
Duodenal nutrient exposure contributes to enhancing gastric accommodation
Authors: Carbone Florencia , Verschueren Sofie , Rotondo Alessandra , Tack Jan
Published: August 2019

Background

The gastric accommodation reflex consists of a relaxation which creates a reservoir for the ingested food before emptying to the duodenum occurs. The mechanisms that control gastric accommodation are not fully understood. This study aims to use intragastric pressure (IGP) measurement and pyloric balloon obstruction to determine the contribution of duodenal nutrient exposure to gastric accommodation and meal‐induced satiation.

Methods

Two conditions were tested in 11 healthy subjects (28.3 ± 3.2 years; 23.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2; four females). IGP was measured during an intragastric nutrient drink (ND) infusion at a constant rate (60 mL/min) in the presence of a deflated (control) or inflated (pyloric obstruction) balloon placed into the pylorus. During the study, subjects filled out Likert scales for satiation scores and visual analogue scale for 9 epigastric symptoms (hunger, expected amount to eat, satiation, bloating, fullness, nausea, belching, gastric cramps, and pain) before and during ND infusion until maximal satiation.

Key Results

During pyloric obstruction, the IGP drop and the area above the IGP curve (AAC) were significantly smaller compared with the control condition (6.7 ± 1.0 mm Hg vs3.6 ± 0.8 mm Hg, P = .03 and 69.7 ± 13.5 mm Hg × min vs 20.1 ± 9.0 mm Hg × min, P = .001, respectively). Pyloric obstruction decreased nutrient tolerance compared with the control condition (787.9 ± 73.1 mL vs 970.9 ± 79.2 mL, respectively, P < .05). Pyloric obstruction increased symptoms of bloating (1.3 ± 0.4 vs 2.6 ± 0.6; P = .04), fullness (2.3 ± 0.5 vs 3.6 ± 0.3; P = .03), and nausea (0.4 ± 0.2 vs 1.3 ± 0.4; P = .04) compared to control.

Conclusion & Inferences

Duodenal nutrient exposure contributes to enhancing gastric accommodation. Preventing the passage of nutrients from the stomach to the duodenum inhibits gastric accommodation and increases meal‐induced satiation, bloating, nausea, and fullness.
The experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder, their caregivers and health care providers during day procedure: A mixed methods study
Authors: Taghizadeh Neda , Heard Gaylene , Davidson Andrew , Williams Katrina , Story David
Published: August 2019

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder is now diagnosed in more than 1% of children in Australia and USA. Children with autism spectrum disorder may have additional health care needs, require more specialized services for their health care, or experience more difficulties during hospital attendance. Customized care for these children may assist in decreasing potentially challenging behaviours during hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers during attendance for day procedures in two hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Further, the perceptions of their health care providers were explored.

Methods

Twenty‐nine participants, including 14 health care providers and 15 caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder, were interviewed within 72 hours of their day procedure attendance at the Royal Children's Hospital and the Royal Dental Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Interviews were recorded digitally, then transcribed and coded. Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods (content analysis) were used.

Results

Hospital attendance was often stressful. Participants identified a number of facilitating factors including good communication, clear explanations, and friendly attitudes of staff. Flexibility and individualized care of patients (such as avoiding unnecessary blood pressure measurements, and not changing into hospital gowns) were valued. Supportive aids (such as computers or special interest objects), use of social stories, and giving premedication were all considered helpful.

Perceived barriers to care included prolonged waiting times for operation date as well as waiting on the day of operation, lack of private space, lack of noninvasive equipment such as cutaneous infrared thermometers, poor communication, and inadequate training of staff about autism spectrum disorder.

Conclusion

Providing optimal care for children with autism spectrum disorder requires a multifaceted approach that may require changes to hospital work flow, staff training, better use of aids (such as tablet computers and social stories), and premedication. Good communication and flexibility are key areas of importance.
Endocrinological characterization of an ovarian sex cord–stromal tumor with a Sertoli cell pattern in a Japanese Black cow
Authors: El‐Sheikh Ali Hossam , Kitahara Go , Nibe Kazumi , Osawa Takeshi
Published: August 2019

A Japanese Black cow was evaluated for prolonged post‐partum anestrus and enlargement of the right ovary. Transrectal ultrasonography revealed that the right ovary was markedly enlarged and had a solid appearance, while the left ovary was small and inactive. The presumptive diagnosis was directed towards granulosa‐theca cell tumour (GTCT) which was supported by markedly elevated plasma anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH; 332.0 ng/ml), oestradiol (E2; 103.3 pg/ml) and immunoreactive inhibin (ir‐INH; 2.1 ng/ml) in comparison with the diagnostic cut‐off points for bovine GTCTs. Since the cow had been infertile and had swelling of the udder, slaughter was chosen. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumour was an ovarian sex cord–stromal tumour (SCST) with a Sertoli cell pattern. These findings suggest that plasma AMH, ir‐INH and E2 could be possible biomarkers for bovine ovarian SCST with a Sertoli cell pattern, whereas this case could not be distinguished from GTCTs based on endocrinological profile.
A Systematic Review of the Evidence Supporting Mobile‐ and Internet‐Based Psychological Interventions For Self‐Harm
Authors: Arshad Usman , Farhat‐ul‐Ain  , Gauntlett Jessica , Husain Nusrat , Chaudhry Nasim , Taylor Peter James
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Internet‐ and mobile phone‐based psychological interventions have the potential to overcome many of the barriers associated with accessing traditional face‐to‐face therapy. Self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (STB) are prevalent global health problems that may benefit from Internet‐ and mobile‐based interventions. We provide a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating mobile‐ and Internet‐based interventions for STB, including nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI).

Methods

Online databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Medline) were searched up to March 2019 for single‐arm and controlled trials of Internet‐ or mobile‐based interventions for STB. The potential for bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Twenty‐two eligible trials were identified. The research was limited by a lack of controlled designs and small samples. Evidence supports the acceptability of interventions. There is preliminary evidence that these interventions are associated with a decline in STB. A meta‐analysis suggested a positive treatment effect on suicidal ideation when compared to treatment as usual, but not when trials with active controls were also considered.

Conclusions

Overall, Internet‐ and mobile‐based interventions show promise and further controlled trials are warranted, focusing on behavioral outcomes (NSSI, suicidal behavior).

This review was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42017074065).
A Chinese leukemia patient, typed as HLA‐E*01:01:01:11, a novel HLA‐E allele
Authors: Sun Li‐Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Han , Hong Wen‐Xu , Xu Yun‐Ping
Published: August 2019

There is a single nucleotide different in intron 1 between E*01:01:01:01 and E*01:01:01:11.
Caveolae: The FAQs
Authors: Parton Robert G. , del Pozo Miguel A. , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Nabi Ivan R. , Le Lay Soazig , Lundmark Richard , Kenworthy Anne K. , Camus Anne , Blouin Cedric M. , Sessa William C. , Lamaze Christophe
Published: August 2019

Caveolae are an abundant, but enigmatic, plasma membrane feature of vertebrate cells. In this brief commentary, the authors attempt to answer some key questions related to the formation and function of caveolae based on round‐table discussions at the first EMBO Workshop on Caveolae held in France in May 2019.
Antivenin‐associated serum sickness in a dog
Authors: Lee Benjamin M. , Zersen Kristin M. , Schissler Jennifer R. , Sullivan Lauren A.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe a case of documented serum sickness in a dog following administration of a single dose of a novel antivenin crotalidae polyvalent.

Case Summary

A 4‐year‐old female neutered mixed breed dog developed recurrent signs of hypersensitivity (swelling, edema, urticaria/hives, gastrointestinal signs, vasculitis) at 1 and 2 weeks following administration of a single unit of a novel antivenin crotalidae polyvalent plasma product. Both episodes were treated with antihistamines and glucocorticoids and signs improved rapidly, with a prolonged course of glucocorticoids and antihistamines administered following the second occurrence. Diagnosis of serum sickness was based on clinical appearance of delayed hypersensitivity following exposure to novel biologic product, absence of other inciting cause of hypersensitivity, complement testing, and skin biopsies confirming vasculitis.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case documents the first report of delayed hypersensitivity with a novel antivenin plasma product. This is the only case report of serum sickness to a single unit of antivenin. Additionally, the dog developed recurrence of hypersensitivity following the initial episode at 1 week; appropriate identification and prolonged treatment could have prevented recurrence and additional hospitalization. Cost and benefit analysis should be considered with antivenin administration.
Active control of noise in a duct using the sparsely coded time-domain underdetermined multichannel inverse filters
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Chen Hung-Yu , Yang Lihao , Huang Shin-Cheng
Published: August 2019

A time-domain underdetermined multichannel inverse filtering (TUMIF) technique is proposed for active feedforward control of noise in ducts. Traditionally, feedforward active control is formulated as an overdetermined inverse filtering problem which generally leads to non-zero residual noise. In this work, a multichannel control approach is presented from the perspectives of vector subspaces and model-matching framework. By introducing multiple secondary sources, the problem can be reformulated into an underdetermined system, which admits infinite number of exact solutions with zero residual noise. However, the finite impulse response filter obtained using the least-square method tends to be prohibitively long for real-time implementation. To tackle this problem, two sparse coding techniques, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm, are exploited to reduce the controller orders. Simulation and experiment results obtained using a digital signal processor demonstrated that a two-channel reduced-order TUMIF controller has achieved significantly higher noise reduction than the filtered-x least-mean-squares algorithm.
Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to Bacteroides fragilis Enterotoxin Regulate NF-κB Activation and Inflammatory Responses through β-Catenin Expression
Authors: Jeon Jong Ik , Ko Su Hyuk , Kim Jung Mogg
Published: August 2019

The
Bacteroides fragilis
enterotoxin (BFT), a virulence factor of enterotoxigenic
B. fragilis
(ETBF), interacts with intestinal epithelial cells and can provoke signals that induce mucosal inflammation. Although β-catenin signaling is reported to be associated with inflammatory responses and BFT is known to cleave E-cadherin linked with β-catenin, little is known about the β-catenin-mediated regulation of inflammation in ETBF infection.
Transmembrane Domain Dissociation Is Required for Hendra Virus F Protein Fusogenic Activity
Authors: Slaughter Kerri Beth , Dutch Rebecca Ellis
Published: August 2019

The paramyxovirus Hendra virus (HeV) causes severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans. To develop therapeutics for HeV and related viral infections, further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying paramyxovirus fusion events. Knowledge gained in studies of the HeV fusion (F) protein may be applicable to a broad span of enveloped viruses. In this study, we demonstrate that disulfide bonds introduced between the HeV F transmembrane domains (TMDs) block fusion. Depending on the location of these disulfide bonds, HeV F can still fold properly and bind a prefusion conformation-specific antibody prior to cell disruption. These findings support our current model for HeV membrane fusion and expand our knowledge of the TMD and its role in HeV F stability and fusion promotion.
Disruption of Type III Interferon (IFN) Genes
Ifnl2
and
Ifnl3
Recapitulates Loss of the Type III IFN Receptor in the Mucosal Antiviral Response
Authors: Peterson Stefan T. , Kennedy Elizabeth A. , Brigleb Pamela H. , Taylor Gwen M. , Urbanek Kelly , Bricker Traci L. , Lee Sanghyun , Shin Haina , Dermody Terence S. , Boon Adrianus C. M. , Baldridge Megan T.
Published: August 2019

Type III interferons are potent antiviral cytokines important for regulation of viruses that infect at mucosal surfaces. Studies using mice lacking the
Ifnlr1
gene encoding the type III interferon receptor have demonstrated that signaling through this receptor is critical for protection against influenza virus, norovirus, and reovirus. Using a genetic approach to disrupt murine type III interferon cytokine genes
Ifnl2
and
Ifnl3
, we found that mice lacking these cytokines fully recapitulate the impaired control of viruses observed in mice lacking
Ifnlr1
. Our results support the idea of an exclusive role for known type III interferon cytokines in signaling via IFNLR to mediate antiviral effects at mucosal surfaces. These findings emphasize the importance of type III interferons in regulation of a variety of viral pathogens and provide important genetic evidence to support our understanding of the ligand-receptor interactions in this pathway.
Evolutionary Perspectives on the Moonlighting Functions of Bacterial Factors That Support Actin-Based Motility
Authors: Köseoğlu Volkan K. , Agaisse Hervé
Published: August 2019

Various bacterial pathogens display an intracellular lifestyle and spread from cell to cell through actin-based motility (ABM). ABM requires actin polymerization at the bacterial pole and is mediated by the expression of bacterial factors that hijack the host cell actin nucleation machinery or exhibit intrinsic actin nucleation properties.
Rare presentation of bronchopulmonary Kaposi sarcoma
Authors: Diaz Raiko , Almeida Patricia , Morgan Dionne
Published: August 2019

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disorder that is commonly associated with human herpes virus 8 as well as the HIV. In fact, KS is one of the most common AIDS-defining illnesses. KS typically presents with diffuse, violaceous cutaneous nodules, and may have concomitant visceral involvement. However, visceral involvement rarely occurs without skin manifestations. A rare case of localised bronchopulmonary KS without skin involvement is described in a patient with previously undiagnosed HIV. This atypical presentation represents a challenge for modern-day physicians in developed countries where the prevalence of AIDS-related diseases is decreasing.
Rapid onset type-1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to nivolumab immunotherapy: a review of existing literature
Authors: Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Elnair Radowan , Khan Uzma Ikhtiar , Omar Muhammad , Morey-Vargas Oscar L
Published: August 2019

Nivolumab is a programmed cell death receptor (PD-1) inhibitor that is increasingly used for various malignancies, both as a first line agent and as salvage therapy. Being a PD-1/PD-1 ligand checkpoint inhibitor, it is known to cause autoimmune inflammation of various organs and has been associated with thyroiditis, insulitis, colitis, hepatitis and encephalitis to name a few. There are increasing reports of nivolumab leading to acute onset fulminant type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). We present a case of a 68-year-old man who developed DKA after 2 doses of nivolumab for metastatic melanoma. He was found to have type 1 diabetes, but no diabetes related antibodies were positive. He recovered from diabetes and continues to use insulin 1 year after his diagnosis. This case and associated review illustrates the importance of educating and monitoring patients who start nivolumab therapy regarding this potentially life threatening complication.
Electrical injury: an unusual cause of pneumothorax and a review of literature
Authors: Handa Ajay , Tendolkar Manjit Sharad , Singh Sarvinder , Gupta Prakash N
Published: August 2019

Electrical injuries are a common occurrence and can be minor or even fatal depending on the voltage to which an individual has been exposed to. Electrical current causes tissue damage by producing heat due to local tissue resistance. Serious electrocution may manifest with cutaneous burns, visceral injuries, organ perforation, and cardiac and respiratory effects. Pneumothorax as a complication of electrical injury is a very rare entity. We report one such case of electrical burn injury with right-sided pneumothorax as an immediate complication.
Effects of team-based goals and non-monetary incentives on front-line health worker performance and maternal health behaviours: a cluster randomised controlled trial in Bihar, India
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L , Mehta Kala , Raheel Hina , Srikantiah Sridhar , Chaudhuri Indrajit , Trehan Shamik , Mohanty Sunil , Borkum Evan , Mahapatra Tanmay , Weng Yingjie , Kaimal Rajani , Sivasankaran Anita , Sridharan Swetha , Rotz Dana , Tarigopula Usha Kiran , Bhattacharya Debarshi , Atmavilas Yamini , Munar Wolfgang , Rangarajan Anu , Darmstadt Gary L
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We evaluated the impact of a ‘Team-Based Goals and Incentives’ (TBGI) intervention in Bihar, India, designed to improve front-line (community health) worker (FLW) performance and health-promoting behaviours related to reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition.

Methods

This study used a cluster randomised controlled trial design and difference-in-difference analyses of improvements in maternal health-related behaviours related to the intervention’s team-based goals (primary), and interactions of FLWs with each other and with maternal beneficiaries (secondary). Evaluation participants included approximately 1300 FLWs and 3600 mothers at baseline (May to June 2012) and after 2.5 years of implementation (November to December 2014) who had delivered an infant in the previous year.

Results

The TBGI intervention resulted in significant increases in the frequency of antenatal home visits (15 absolute percentage points (PP), p=0.03) and receipt of iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets (7 PP, p=0.02), but non-significant changes in other health behaviours related to the trial’s goals. Improvements were seen in selected attitudes related to coordination and teamwork among FLWs, and in the provision of advice to beneficiaries (ranging from 8 to 14 PP) related to IFA, cord care, breast feeding, complementary feeding and family planning.

Conclusion

Results suggest that combining an integrated set of team-based coverage goals and targets, small non-cash incentives for teams who meet targets and team building to motivate FLWs resulted in improvements in FLW coordination and teamwork, and in the quality and quantity of FLW–beneficiary interactions. These improvements represent programmatically meaningful steps towards improving health behaviours and outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT03406221