bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Shock Index is not accurate at predicting outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Saffouri Eliana , Blackwell Clare , Laursen Stig B. , Laine Loren , Dalton Harry R. , Ngu Jing , Shultz Michael , Norton Rebecca , Stanley Adrian J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) remains a major cause of hospital admission worldwide. The recent UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) report on severe gastrointestinal bleeding used the Shock Index to assess bleeding severity and found an association between Shock Index and mortality. However, this has never been prospectively validated as a predictor of outcome in UGIB.

Aims

To compare the Shock Index with existing pre‐endoscopic UGIB risk scores in predicting outcomes after UGIB

Methods

In an international, prospective study of 3012 consecutive patients with UGIB, we compared the Shock Index with existing scores including the Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS), admission Rockall score, AIMS65, and the newly described “ABC” score. Pre‐determined endpoints were need for major (≥4 units red cells) transfusion, need for endoscopic therapy and 30‐day mortality.

Results

The Shock Index was inferior to the GBS in predicting need for major transfusion (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve [AUROC] 0.655 vs 0.836, P < 0.001) and need for endotherapy (AUROC 0.606 vs 0.747, P < 0.001). The Shock Index was inferior to all other scores for 30‐day mortality: for example, AUROC 0.611 vs 0.863 for ABC score (P < 0.001). Adding the Shock Index to the ABC score did not improve accuracy of the ABC score in predicting mortality (AUROC 0.864 vs 0.863, P = 0.95).

Conclusion

The Shock Index performed poorly with AUROCs <0.66 and was inferior to existing pre‐endoscopy scores at predicting major clinical endpoints after UGIB. We found no clear evidence that the Shock Index is clinically useful at predicting outcomes in UGIB.

[Correction added on 20 December 2019, after first online publication: Summary section has been changed for clarification.]
Effect of a prospective opioid reduction intervention on opioid prescribing and use after radical prostatectomy: results of the Opioid Reduction Intervention for Open, Laparoscopic, and Endoscopic Surgery (ORIOLES) Initiative
Authors: Patel Hiten D. , Faisal Farzana A. , Patel Neil D. , Pavlovich Christian P. , Allaf Mohamad E. , Han Misop , Herati Amin S.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a prospective opioid reduction intervention after radical prostatectomy (RP; based on a surgery‐specific guideline and education) on post‐discharge opioid prescribing, use, disposal, and need for additional opioid medication.

Patients and Methods

A prospective, non‐randomised, pre–post interventional trial of patients undergoing RP for prostate cancer (August 2017–November 2018) was conducted as part of the Opioid Reduction Intervention for Open, Laparoscopic, and Endoscopic Surgery (ORIOLES) Initiative. An evidence‐based intervention including: a discharge sheet, nursing education, and standardised prescribing guideline, was applied with the primary outcome of total oral morphine equivalents (OMEQ) used after RP. Secondary outcomes included opioid prescribing, opioid disposal, need for additional opioid medication, and presence of incisional/post‐surgical abdominal pain at 30 days after RP.

Results

A total of 214 (Pre‐Intervention arm) and 229 (Post‐Intervention arm) adult patients were enrolled (100% follow‐up). The intervention reduced post‐discharge opioid prescribing (from 224.3 to 120.3 mg; −46.4%, P = 0.01), reduced opioid use (from 52.1 to 38.3 mg; −26.5%, P < 0.01), and increased opioid disposal (+13.5%, P < 0.01). Greater prescribing of opioids at discharge, higher body mass index, and use of opioid medication prior to surgery, were independently associated with greater post‐discharge opioid use, while history of a chronic pain diagnosis was not statistically significant. In the Post‐Intervention cohort, 2.2% of patients needed additional medication for post‐surgical pain (0.9% obtained a prescription) and 1.3% initiated long‐term use.

Conclusions

A prospective, evidence‐based intervention reduced post‐discharge opioid prescribing and use, while increasing disposal after RP. Risk factors for increased opioid use were identified. The results support expanding the use of evidence‐based opioid reduction interventions to other surgical specialties.
Aggression in the Australian night time economy: A comparison of alcohol only versus alcohol and illicit drug consumption
Authors: Norman Thomas , Peacock Amy , Bruno Raimondo , Chan Gary , Morgan Anthony , Voce Isabella , Droste Nicolas , Taylor Nicholas , Coomber Kerri , Miller Peter G.
Published: October 2019

Introduction and Aims

Associations between substance use and aggression may be amplified by simultaneous alcohol and illicit drug use. This study aims to compare differences in involvement in past aggression between people who use different substances while accounting for broader risk propensity.

Design and Methods

Self‐reported data on past three‐month involvement in verbal and physical aggression (victim or perpetrator) were drawn from interviews conducted in night‐time entertainment districts in seven Australian cities (n = 5078). Using inverse probability of treatment weighting techniques, participants who reported alcohol versus alcohol and illicit drug use on the night of interview (including ecstasy, cannabis and other illicit stimulant subgroups) were weighted on the basis of drug use risk covariates (e.g. alcohol consumed, gender) to determine differences in involvement in aggression involvement.

Results

After weighting for covariates, individuals who reported consuming any illicit drug + alcohol and ecstasy + alcohol combinations were more likely to be involved in physical (33% and 105%, respectively) and verbal (36% and 116%, respectively) aggression in the previous 3‐months when compared to those who consumed alcohol only. Cannabis + alcohol and other illicit stimulant + alcohol combinations were no more likely to be involved in either forms of aggression.

Discussion and Conclusions

The likelihood of having been involved in past aggressive incidents was higher among those who reported any illicit drug + alcohol and ecstasy + alcohol combinations than those who reported alcohol exclusively, after accounting for covariates. These findings highlight individuals that may benefit most from the development of tailored health promotion/preventative safety interventions in night‐time settings.
Nature and history of the CIOMS International Ethical Guidelines and implications for local implementation: A perspective from East Africa
Authors: Barugahare John , Kutyabami Paul
Published: October 2019

The theme of the 10th Annual Research Ethics Conference organized by the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (2018) was “Evolution of Research Ethics in Uganda and the Region: Past, Present and Future”. We were asked to address the topic: “The History of CIOMS and the recent changes in the international ethics guidelines: implications for local research”. The thrust of the conference was to track progress in ensuring ethical conduct of research, highlight challenges encountered, and to propose strategies for effective and meaningful implementation of international ethical guidelines in local contexts. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to comment on the implications of the history of CIOMS ethical guidelines and suggest strategies for their effective and meaningful implementation in the East African region, and perhaps the whole of Sub‐Saharan Africa. Inferring from the ‘evolutionary’, ‘flexible’, and ‘general’ nature of the CIOMS guidelines, we proposed a six‐point strategy for ensuring their effective and meaningful implementation in local contexts. This strategy is in the form of obligations for local research regulators and researchers, the fulfillment of which will go a long way towards their smooth and meaningful implementation in local contexts. These obligations are: ensuring evidence‐based adaptation of each individual guideline; ensuring sufficiently judicious and motivated RECs membership; acting proactively to ensure harmony between bioethics and local legal regimes; cultivating a ‘bioethics culture’ among the public; moving towards regional bioethics governance; and playing an active and meaningful role in future revisions of these guidelines.
Drivers of the beta diversity of spider assemblages in southern Brazilian temporary wetlands
Authors: de Ávila Arthur C. , Pires Mateus M. , Rodrigues Everton N.L. , Costi José A.R. , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: October 2019

1. The composition of local assemblages is assembled by an interplay of species sorting, mass effects and dispersal limitation processes. The contributions of assembly processes to metacommunity structure can change with ecosystem type and specificities of the study area. Spider composition is influenced by environmental features such as habitat structure and climate, and also by spatial distances between patches. However, little is known about the roles of assembly processes in spider metacommunity structure in wetlands.

2. The beta diversity patterns of spider assemblages were assessed in 24 temporary wetlands distributed along a latitudinal gradient in southern Brazil. The study also assessed the individual correspondence of beta diversity (and its turnover and richness components) with dissimilarities in habitat structure and climate, as well as with geographic distances, using Mantel and partial Mantel correlation tests and multivariate correlograms.

3. Turnover was the most important component of spider beta diversity. Mantel tests detected significant correlations of spider beta diversity with habitat structure. Partial Mantel tests detected significant relationships only between spider beta diversity (and the richness component) and geographic distances. Additionally, spider composition was more similar than chance on smaller scales.

4. These results evidenced a complex interplay of assembly processes explaining spider metacommunity structure in temporary wetlands. Although species‐sorting processes associated with habitat structure were important in structuring local spider composition, mass effects and dispersal limitation across climatic zones played an important role on a broader scale.
The immunology of Plasmodium vivax malaria
Authors: Antonelli Lis R. , Junqueira Caroline , Vinetz Joseph M , Golenbock Douglas T. , Ferreira Marcelo U. , Gazzinelli Ricardo T.
Published: October 2019

Plasmodium vivax infection, the predominant cause of malaria in Asia and Latin America, affects ~14 million individuals annually, with considerable adverse effects on wellbeing and socioeconomic development. A clinical hallmark of Plasmodium infection, the paroxysm, is driven by pyrogenic cytokines produced during the immune response. Here, we review studies on the role of specific immune cell types, cognate innate immune receptors, and inflammatory cytokines on parasite control and disease symptoms. This review also summarizes studies on recurrent infections in individuals living in endemic regions as well as asymptomatic infections, a serious barrier to eliminating this disease. We propose potential mechanisms behind these repeated and subclinical infections, such as poor induction of immunological memory cells and inefficient T effector cells. We address the role of antibody‐mediated resistance to P. vivax infection and discuss current progress in vaccine development. Finally, we review immunoregulatory mechanisms, such as inhibitory receptors, T regulatory cells, and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10, that antagonizes both innate and acquired immune responses, interfering with the development of protective immunity and parasite clearance. These studies provide new insights for the clinical management of symptomatic as well as asymptomatic individuals and the development of an efficacious vaccine for vivax malaria.
Exposure to domestic violence and its effects on adolescents: A survey among Turkish students
Authors: Oğuztürk Ömer , Demir Nefise , Bülbül Selda , Türkel Yakup , Ünlü Erdal
Published: October 2019

Problem

Exposure to domestic violence is an important social problem. What remains unknown are the effects of domestic violence on Turkish adolescents.

Methods

This study was performed in Kırıkkale, Turkey, to determine the state of verbal and/or physical domestic violence and its effects on adolescent behavior. A total of 1,807 students (44.4% female and 55.6% male) with a mean age of 15.1 ± 1.6 years at two high schools and five elementary schools were enrolled in the study and completed questionnaires that surveyed their exposure to domestic violence and its possible relationship to their disruptive behaviors.

Findings

Twenty‐three percent of the students were exposed to violence. Among those, 75% had been exposed to violence within the family, 53% by their friends and 17% by their teachers. Of those exposed to domestic violence, 70% were exposed only verbally and 24% only physically. The economic level of the family, gender, marital status of the parents, and education level of the father were significant factors on violence exposure within the family. The results showed that the rates of being involved in a fight, getting injured at a fight, using a gun, bringing knives (mostly pocket knives) to school and using it were higher in children exposed to domestic violence than with the children who were not.

Conclusions

To address the impact of domestic violence on teens and possibly decrease the adolescent's violent behavior and its consequences, policies aiming to reduce violence in the social environments of adolescents are needed.
Medicare reimbursement policy for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A qualitative analysis of public comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Authors: Dixon Dave L. , Salgado Teresa M. , Luther James Matthew , Byrd James Brian
Published: October 2019

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered the best means of diagnosing hypertension. However, it is rarely used and is reimbursed only under narrow conditions. We sought to gain insight into the perceived value of ABPM among stakeholders who responded to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) request for comments to inform the first revision of ABPM reimbursement policy in over 15 years. We found that most comments were classifiable in two main themes, current coverage and future coverage. Individuals and institutions representing multiple disciplines and specialties were highly supportive of expanding the current CMS coverage of ABPM, including for a wide range of clinical indications and populations. It is clear from the comments reviewed that there is wide support for expanding CMS coverage for ABPM. Broad support for a change in ABPM reimbursement policy may lead to changes in the way this technology is used in the United States.
Nuclear localization of the tyrosine kinase BMX mediates VEGFR2 expression
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Yonghao , Su Hong , Zhang Haifeng , Jones Dennis , Zhou Huanjiao Jenny , Ji Weidong , Min Wang
Published: October 2019

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are major contributors to angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through the binding of VEGF ligands. We have previously shown that the bone marrow tyrosine kinase BMX is critical for inflammatory angiogenesis via its direct transactivation of VEGFR2. In the present study, we show that siRNA‐mediated silencing of BMX led to a significant decrease in the total levels of VEGFR2 mRNA and protein, without affecting their stability, in human endothelial cells (ECs). Interestingly, BMX was detected in the nuclei of ECs, and the SH3 domain of BMX was necessary for its nuclear localization. Luciferase assays showed a significant decrease in the Vegfr2 (kdr) gene promoter activity in ECs after BMX silencing, indicating that BMX is necessary for Vegfr2 transcription. In addition, we found that wild‐type BMX, but not a catalytic inactive mutant BMX‐K445R, promoted Vegfr2 promoter activity and VEGF‐induced EC migration and tube sprouting. Mechanistically, we show that the enhancement of Vegfr2 promoter activity by BMX was mediated by Sp1, a transcription factor critical for the Vegfr2 promoter. Loss of BMX significantly reduced Sp1 binding to the Vegfr2 promoter as assayed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Wild‐type BMX, but not a kinase‐inactive form of BMX, associated with and potentially phosphorylated Sp1. Moreover, a nuclear‐targeted BMX (NLS‐BMX), but not cytoplasm‐localized form (NES‐BMX), bound to Sp1 and augmented VEGFR2 expression. In conclusion, we uncovered a novel function of nuclear‐localized BMX in regulating VEGFR2 expression and angiogenesis, suggesting that BMX is a therapeutic target for angiogenesis‐related diseases.
Crosstalk between cancer‐associated fibroblasts and immune cells in cancer
Authors: An Yuanyuan , Liu Fengtian , Chen Ying , Yang Qing
Published: October 2019

Multiple studies have shown that cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumour progression, including carcinogenesis, invasion, metastasis and the chemoresistance of cancer cells. Immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and T cells, play a dual role in the tumour microenvironment. Although increasing research has focused on studying interactions between distinct cells in the tumour microenvironment, the complex relationships between CAFs and immune cells remain unclear and need further study. Here, we summarize our current understanding of crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells, which may help clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic value in tumour progression.
Evaluation of two different CAD‐CAM inlay‐onlays in a split‐mouth study: 2‐year clinical follow‐up
Authors: Coşkun Elif , Aslan Yılmaz U. , Özkan Yasemin K.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the clinical performance of hybrid ceramic inlay‐onlay restorations over a 2‐year period.

Clinical Considerations

A total of 30 lithium disilicate glass ceramic (LDC; control group) and 30 hybrid ceramic (HC; test group) inlay/onlay restorations were performed in 14 patients. Clinical evaluations were performed after 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of cementation according to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria, gingival index, and plaque index. The Friedman test was used for the significant difference in time and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for the determination of differences. The clinical parameters, gingival and plaque indexes differences in time were analyzed with Chi‐square test. No statistically significant difference (P > .05) was found between the two groups in the modified USPHS, gingival index, and plaque index evaluations, whether statistically significant differences were found within groups. The total survival rate was 100% for both groups after 2 years.

Conclusion

Based on the 2‐year data, the tested HC can be considered a reliable material for inlay/onlay restorations.

Clinical Significance

The results of this in vivo study suggest that both resin nanoceramic materials and LDC materials have been successfully incorporated in treatments of inlay and onlay restorations. Short‐term results showed that resin nanoceramic materials can be counted as a good choice in inlay and onlay restorations in an effort to reduce the treatment time associated with ceramic firing processes.
Early stages of Margaritifera margaritifera glochidiosis in Atlantic salmon: Morphopathological characterization
Authors: Castrillo Pedro A. , Varela‐Dopico Catuxa , Ondina Paz , Quiroga María Isabel , Bermúdez Roberto
Published: October 2019

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida encyst into the fish mucosa to metamorphose and complete their life cycle, causing a parasitic disease known as glochidiosis. This parasitic stage represents a bottleneck for the survival of naiads, particularly for critically endangered species as Margaritifera margaritifera; however, little is known about the events occurring during this critical stage. Therefore, this study aimed to histologically characterize the development of M. margaritifera glochidiosis in Atlantic salmon to get insight into the pathogenesis of this interaction. Fish exposed to glochidia were sampled during the first 44 days post‐exposure, and organs were observed by stereomicroscopy and light microscopy. Glochidia attached to the gills by pinching the lamellar epithelium, whereupon an acute proliferative branchitis engulfed most of the larvae. However, during the first 14 days, a severe detachment of unviable glochidia occurred, associated with the presence of pleomorphic inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial degeneration. In the cases where larvae remained attached, a chronification of the lesions with none to scarce inflammation was observed. These results provide key information to better understand the complex host–parasite interaction during the early stages of glochidiosis and provide valuable information to optimize artificial rearing of naiads in conservation of threatened freshwater mussel populations.
Critical thinking disposition among hospital nurses in Japan: Impact of organizational versus personal factors
Authors: Futami Asako , Noguchi‐Watanabe Maiko , Mikoshiba Naoko , Yamamoto‐Mitani Noriko
Published: October 2019

Aim

Critical thinking is vital in implementing evidence‐based practice. However, little is known about factors related to critical thinking among nurses in Japan. This study aims to comprehensively explore the organizational and personal factors related to critical thinking disposition among hospital nurses in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional, self‐administered questionnaire survey. Critical thinking was measured using the 33‐item Japanese Critical Thinking Disposition Scale. We asked nurse managers about organizational characteristics of hospitals/units and about their critical thinking disposition. We questioned staff nurses regarding personal characteristics, cultural construal of self, self‐esteem, perception of their work environment and workload, experiences of nursing research, and critical thinking disposition. We conducted multiple regression analysis to identify factors associated with staff nurses' critical thinking.

Results

We analyzed data from 68 nurse managers and 986 staff nurses. The staff nurses' mean age was 37.6 years and 91% of the participants were female. Factors related to higher critical thinking were working in an emergency unit (β = .07, p = .040); having a bachelor's degree or higher qualification (β = .07, p = .030); having higher independent view of self (β = .22, p < .001), self‐esteem (β = .24, p < .001), and perceived workload (β = .10, p = .002); and training experience of nursing research in post‐licensure education (β = .15, p < .001).

Conclusions

The factors influencing critical thinking disposition are mainly related to personal characteristics or experiences. Providing research training for nurses may contribute to fostering critical thinking.
Idiopathic chronic diarrhea associated with dysbiosis in a captive cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Koo Bon‐Sang , Baek Seung Ho , Kim Green , Hwang Eun‐ha , Oh Hanseul , Son Yeonghoon , Lim Kyung Seob , Kang Philyong , Lee Hwal‐Yong , Jeong Kang‐Jin , Kim Young‐Hyun , Villinger Francois , Hong Jung‐Joo
Published: October 2019

Chronic inflammatory enteric diseases occur commonly in humans and animals, especially in captive bred macaques. However, information about the etiology of idiopathic chronic inflammatory diarrhea in cynomolgus monkeys is limited. In this paper, we reported the unusual case of idiopathic chronic diarrhea in a captive cynomolgus monkey based on microbial, imaging, and microbiome examinations.
The Extremophile Endolithella mcmurdoensis gen. et sp. nov. (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorellaceae), A New Chlorella‐like Endolithic Alga From Antarctica
Authors: Martins Teresa P. , Ramos Vitor , Hentschke Guilherme S. , Castelo‐Branco Raquel , Rego Adriana , Monteiro Maria , Brito Ângela , Tamagnini Paula , Cary S. Craig , Vasconcelos Vitor , Krienitz Lothar , Magalhães Catarina , Leão Pedro N.
Published: October 2019

The McMurdo Dry Valleys constitute the largest ice‐free region of Antarctica and one of the most extreme deserts on Earth. Despite the low temperatures, dry and poor soils and katabatic winds, some microbes are able to take advantage of endolithic microenvironments, inhabiting the pore spaces of soil and constituting photosynthesis‐based communities. We isolated a green microalga, Endolithella mcmurdoensis gen. et sp. nov, from an endolithic sandstone sample collected in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Victoria Land, East Antarctica) during the K020 expedition, in January 2013. The single non‐axenic isolate (E. mcmurdoensis LEGE Z‐009) exhibits cup‐shaped chloroplasts, electron‐dense bodies, and polyphosphate granules but our analysis did not reveal any diagnostic morphological characters. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA (SSU) gene, the isolate was found to represent a new genus within the family Chlorellaceae.
The AVR4 effector is involved in cercosporin biosynthesis and likely affects the virulence of Cercospora cf. flagellaris on soybean
Authors: Santos Rezende Josielle , Zivanovic Marija , Costa de Novaes Maria Izabel , Chen Zhi‐Yuan
Published: October 2019

One of the most devastating fungal diseases of soybean in the southern USA is Cercospora leaf blight (CLB), which is caused mainly by Cercospora cf. flagellaris. Recent studies found that the fungal effector AVR4, originally identified in Cladosporium fulvum as a chitin‐binding protein, is highly conserved among other Cercospora species. We wanted to determine whether it is present in C. cf. flagellaris and, if so, whether it plays a role in the pathogen infection of soybean. We cloned the Avr4 gene and created C. cf. flagellaris ∆avr4 mutants, which produced little cercosporin and significantly reduced expression of cercosporin biosynthesis genes. The ∆avr4 mutants were also more sensitive to chitinase and showed reduced virulence on soybean compared to the wild‐type. The observed reduced virulence of C. cf. flagellaris ∆avr4 mutants on detached soybean leaves is likely due to reduced cercosporin biosynthesis. The phenotypes of reduced cercosporin production and cercosporin pathway gene expression, similar to those of the ∆avr4 mutants, were reproduced when wild‐type C. cf. flagellaris was treated with double‐stranded RNA targeting Avr4 in vitro. These two independent approaches demonstrated for the first time the direct involvement of AVR4 in the biosynthesis of cercosporin.
Clinico‐mycological study of onychomycosis in a tertiary care hospital—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kayarkatte Manasa N. , Singal Archana , Pandhi Deepika , Das Shukla
Published: October 2019

Onychomycosis (OM), has a worldwide prevalence of 5% and 0.5%‐5% in India. Trichophyton. rubrum (T rubrum) and T mentagrophytes are the most commonly isolated fungi. As the clinical and mycological characteristics change with time and geographical region; it is important to study the temporal and topographic patterns periodically. The study was conducted to identify the epidemiological and clinico‐mycological characteristics of patients with OM attending a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Hundred patients with clinical diagnosis of OM were recruited. Among these, 88 patients who tested positive for OM on direct microscopy with KOH, culture and/or histopathology with periodic acid‐Schiff were included in the study. The clinico‐mycological characteristics and risk factors associated with OM were evaluated. OM was more common in males (M:F = 2.5:1). The mean age of patients with OM was 39 ± 15.3 years (SE 1.52) with mean disease duration of 27.6 ± 46.1 months (SE 4.9). Seventeen (19.3%) patients had concomitant diabetes mellitus. The patients displayed mean body mass index (BMI) of 25.67 ± 1.35 kg/sq m. Concurrent dermatophytosis of skin was present in 35 (39.77%) patients. Two feet‐one hand syndrome was present in 5 patients. Fingernail involvement without toenail involvement was more common than toenail involvement alone. (43.18% vs 38.63%). Distal and lateral subungual OM (DLSO) was the commonest clinical variant (81.8%). Mycological culture showed growth in 47 (53.40%) patients. Dermatophytes were isolated in majority, that is in 30 (63.82%) patients followed by non‐dermatophytic moulds (NDM) in 7 (14.8%) and Candida spp. in the remaining 10 (21.27%) patients.
Utility of the plasma pancreatic polypeptide response to modified sham feeding in diabetic gastroenteropathy and non‐ulcer dyspepsia
Authors: Desai Anshuman , Low Phillip A. , Camilleri Michael , Singer Wolfgang , Burton Duane , Chakraborty Subhankar , Bharucha Adil E.
Published: October 2019

Background

The relationship between cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (ie, plasma pancreatic polypeptide [PP] response to modified sham feeding [MSF]) indices of vagal function is unclear. Hyperglycemia inhibits PP secretion via vagally mediated mechanisms. Our aims were to (a) compare the PP response, (b) its relationship with glycemia, and (c) the relationship between PP response to MSF, gastric emptying (GE) of solids, and symptoms during GE study in healthy controls, patients with diabetic gastroenteropathy (DM), and non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD).

Methods

In 24 healthy controls, 40 DM, and 40 NUD patients, we measured plasma PP concentrations during MSF, cardiovagal functions, GE, and symptoms during a GE study.

Key Results

Baseline PP concentrations were higher in DM than in controls and NUD (P = .01), and in type 2 than in type 1 DM patients (P < .01). The PP increment during MSF was normal (≥20 pg/mL) in 70% of controls, 54% of DM, and 47% of NUD patients. Overall, the PP response and cardiovagal tests were concordant (P = .01). Among patients with a reduced PP increment with MSF, 7/10 of T1DM and 1/7 of T2DM patients had moderate or severe cardiovagal dysfunctions (P < .05). The PP response to MSF was not associated with GE.

Conclusions & Inferences

Up to 30% of healthy controls have a reduced PP increment during MSF, limiting the utility of this test to detect vagal injury. The PP response is more useful when it is normal than abnormal. A reduced PP response is more likely to be associated with cardiovagal dysfunctions in T1DM than in T2DM.
Circadian gating of dark‐induced increases in chloroplast‐ and cytosolic‐free calcium in Arabidopsis
Authors: Martí Ruiz María Carmen , Jung Hyun Ju , Webb Alex A. R.
Published: October 2019

Changes in the spatiotemporal concentration of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]) in different organelles of the cell contribute to responses of plants to physiological and environmental stimuli. One example are [Ca2+] increases in the stroma of chloroplasts during light‐to‐dark transitions; however, the function and mechanisms responsible are unknown, in part because there is a disagreement in the literature concerning whether corresponding dark‐induced changes in cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]cyt) can be detected.

We have measured changes in [Ca2+]cyt upon darkness in addition to the already known dark‐induced increases in [Ca2+]stroma in the aerial part of the Arabidopsis thaliana plant.

These [Ca2+]cyt transients depend on the photoperiod and time of day, peaking at anticipated dusk, and are superimposed on daily 24 h oscillations in [Ca2+]cyt. We also find that the magnitude of the dark‐induced increases in Ca2+ in both the cytosol and chloroplasts are gated by the nuclear circadian oscillator.

The modulation of the magnitude of dark‐induced increases in [Ca2+]stroma and [Ca2+]cyt by transcriptional regulators in the nucleus that are part of the circadian oscillator demonstrates a new role for the circadian system in subcellular Ca2+ signalling, in addition to its role in driving circadian oscillations of [Ca2+] in the cytosol and chloroplasts.
Associations between maternal stress during pregnancy and offspring obesity risk later in life—A systematic literature review
Authors: Lamichhane Nishan , Olsen Nanna Julie , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Obel Carsten , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , Händel Mina Nicole
Published: October 2019

Exposure to prenatal stress is linked to health consequences in the offspring. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize and critically appraise primary human studies that have examined the association between prenatal exposure to psychosocial stress, or adverse life events, stress hormones, and later risk of developing obesity. We searched Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, WorldCat, and OpenGrey up to January 2019 to identify relevant literature. We critically appraised the identified studies, assessed their quality, and summarized their findings. From a total of 5930 search results and references of studies that authors considered pertinent, we identified 15 relevant studies among which three were of high quality and the rest were medium‐quality studies. We found direct association between exposure to stress in fetal life and different measures of obesity in the offspring in eight studies. The direct association was usually observed in studies that involved measurement of stress among mothers exposed to natural disasters. Due to lack of adequate and comparable data from the included studies, we did not conduct a meta‐analysis. We concluded that there may be direct association between prenatal stress and later obesity, but further research with more comparable sources of stressors is recommended.
Impacts of temperature on metabolic rates of adult Extatosoma tiaratum reared on different host plant species
Authors: Hill Sarah J. , Silcocks Sarah C. , Andrew Nigel R.
Published: October 2019

Access to balanced nutrition enables optimum health and development, body repair, fat storage, increased fecundity and longevity. In the present study, we assessed the responses of a generalist leaf feeder (the phasmid Extatosoma tiaratum) reared continuously on one of three host plants, tree lucerne (Chamaecyisus palmensis), bramble (Rubus fruticosus) and Eucalyptus species, in a low fluctuating temperature environment until adulthood. Once all individuals reached adulthood, we exposed each individual to a ramping temperature event (starting at 25 °C and ramping the temperature at 0.25 °C min−1) and assessed their metabolic rates () responses at specific temperature 'bins' (25, 30, 35, 40 and 42 °C). Sex but not diet influenced respiration and metabolic rate. Male individuals, on average, had a higher than females. Sex and diet were significant influences on at different temperatures. Metabolic rates at lower temperatures were not affected by sex or diet type. At 35 °C, metabolic rates were influenced by sex and diet, with males reared on bramble and tree lucerne having a higher metabolic rate than females reared on the same foodplant, whereas Eucalypt reared animals showing an opposite trend. Lifetime egg production by females was 150% higher on bramble compared with the other host plants. Incorporating fluctuating temperature ranges into experiments will further help to understand the impact that thermal stress will have on the growth, development, performance and survival of insects in a more variable climatic and nutritional landscape.
Rising atmospheric CO2concentration inhibits nitrate assimilation in shoots but enhances it in roots of C3plants
Authors: Bloom Arnold J. , Kasemsap Pornpipat , Rubio‐Asensio José S.
Published: October 2019

We have proposed that rising atmospheric CO2concentrations inhibit malate production in chloroplasts and thus impede assimilation of nitrate into protein in shoots of C3plants, a phenomenon that will strongly influence primary productivity and food security under the environmental conditions anticipated during the next few decades. Although hundreds of studies support this proposal, several publications in 2018 and 2019 purport to present counterevidence. The following study evaluates these publications as well as presents new data that elevated CO2enhances root nitrate assimilation in wheat andArabidopsiswhile it inhibits shoot nitrate assimilation.
Community‐acquired pneumonia due to drug‐resistantEnterobacteriaceae: A global perspective
Authors: Aston Stephen J. , Wootton Daniel G.
Published: October 2019

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Indian Income Inequality, 1922‐2015: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj?
Authors: Chancel Lucas , Piketty Thomas
Published: October 2019

We combine household surveys and national accounts, as well as recently released tax data to track the dynamics of Indian income inequality from 1922 to 2015. According to our benchmark estimates, the top 1 percent of earners captured less than 21 percent of total income in the late 1930s, before dropping to 6 percent in the early 1980s and rising to 22 percent in the recent period. Our results appear to be robust to a range of alternative assumptions seeking to address numerous data limitations. These findings suggest that much more can be done to promote inclusive growth in India. We also stress the need for more transparency on income and wealth statistics, which is key to allow an informed democratic debate on inequality.
Object‐oriented tracking of thematic and spatial behaviors of urban heat islands
Authors: Zhu Rui , Guilbert Éric , Wong Man Sing
Published: October 2019

Modeling thematic and spatial dynamic behaviors of urban heat islands (UHIs) over time is important for understanding the evolution of this phenomenon to mitigate the warming effect in urban areas. Although previous studies conceptualized that a UHI only has a single life cycle with spatial behaviors, a UHI can be detected to appear and disappear several times periodically in terms of thematic and spatial integrated behaviors. Such multiple behaviors have not yet been illustrated with proof or evidence. This study conceptualizes a UHI as an object which has thematic and spatial behaviors simultaneously and proposes several graphs to depict periodic life‐cycle transitions triggered by behaviors. The conceptualized behaviors have been modeled and implemented in an object‐relational database management system and temperature readings collected from numerous weather stations were interpolated as temperature images per hour. The results of this study indicate that the model could track the spatial and thematic evolution of UHIs continuously and reveal their periodical patterns and abnormal cases.
Blood safety assessment of hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen pomegranate arils: are foodborne outbreaks an emerging blood safety risk?
Authors: Styles Claire E. , Hoad Veronica C. , Kiely Philip , Seed Clive R. , Gosbell Iain B.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Foodborne hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks are becoming more common in high‐income countries with low HAV incidence, and the associated blood safety risk may not be adequately mitigated by routine HAV risk mitigation strategies. This study describes the rapid risk modeling undertaken in response to a 2018 HAV outbreak in Australia associated with imported frozen pomegranate arils.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The input parameters used in the modeling were the outbreak‐associated HAV incidence, duration of viremia, population seroprevalence, and rate of symptomatic infection in adults. The number and risk of viremic components issued, cases of transfusion transmission, and symptomatic infections among recipients were estimated.

RESULTS

The incidence of pomegranate‐associated HAV infection among donors was very low, with fewer than 0.1 viremic fresh components estimated to have been released during the risk period. The risk of this event was less than one in 500,000, and the risks of transfusion transmission and symptomatic illness in recipients were less than one in one million. When considering only donors who had consumed the pomegranate product, the risk was much higher, with approximately one in 1000 components estimated to be viremic.

CONCLUSION

Rapid risk assessment indicated that the overall risk to blood safety associated with a small foodborne outbreak of HAV was negligible. Because fresh components collected from donors known to have consumed the affected product were at high risk, these donors were identified via signage in donor centers and deferred. The contribution of factors other than outbreak size to risk management decisions is discussed.
Platelet in vitro assays: their correspondence with their in vivo hemostatic potential
Authors: Escolar Gines , McCullough Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

Developments during the past few years have resulted in multiple kinds of platelet products for transfusion. This involves different collection methods, containers, preservative solutions, modifications of storage temperatures and durations, and additional treatments such as pathogen reduction. Much experience has been obtained testing these processes in vitro to seek indications of in vivo effectiveness. Availability of an in vitro method that correlated with in vivo effectiveness would be extremely valuable for these different kinds of platelet products and as more innovation in platelet preparation occurs in the future. This report reviews the methods for in vitro platelet testing with a view to their in vivo implications and whether such testing could be helpful in projecting the clinical effectiveness of different platelet products.
Competencia reflexiva en formadores del profesorado de matemática
Authors: Seckel María José , Font Vicenç
Published: October 2019

El artículo presenta un estudio sobre el desarrollo de la competencia reflexiva en formadores del profesorado de matemática en etapa inicial. El objetivo es describir el ciclo formativo con el que se desarrolló esta competencia en una formadora. Se trata de un estudio de caso cualitativo, que recolectó datos a partir de entrevistas, observación y documentos. Los resultados muestran el proceso de adopción y aplicación de los criterios de idoneidad didáctica, y el impacto de su uso en el rediseño de procesos de enseñanza propuestos.
BRK phosphorylates SMAD4 for proteasomal degradation and inhibits tumor suppressor FRK to control SNAIL, SLUG, and metastatic potential
Authors: Miah S. , Banks C. A. S. , Ogunbolude Y. , Bagu E. T. , Berg J. M. , Saraf A. , Tettey T. T. , Hattem G. , Dayebgadoh G. , Kempf C. G. , Sardiu M. , Napper S. , Florens L. , Lukong K. E. , Washburn M. P.
Published: October 2019

BRK phosphorylates and targets SMAD4 for proteasomal degradation to regulate aspects of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Pioneer interneurons instruct bilaterality in the Drosophila olfactory sensory map
Authors: Kaur Rashmit , Surala Michael , Hoger Sebastian , Grössmann Nicole , Grimm Alexandra , Timaeus Lorin , Kallina Wolfgang , Hummel Thomas
Published: October 2019

An adhesion-based developmental mechanism triggers global brain circuit organization.
Teaching robots social autonomy from in situ human guidance
Authors: Senft Emmanuel , Lemaignan Séverin , Baxter Paul E. , Bartlett Madeleine , Belpaeme Tony
Published: October 2019

A robot was programmed to progressively learn appropriate social autonomous behavior from in situ human demonstrations and guidance.
Minimal navigation solution for a swarm of tiny flying robots to explore an unknown environment
Authors: McGuire K. N. , De Wagter C. , Tuyls K. , Kappen H. J. , de Croon G. C. H. E.
Published: October 2019

A minimal navigation solution is presented for swarms of tiny flying robots to explore unknown, GPS-denied environments.
New Antifungal Susceptibility Test Based on Chitin Detection by Image Cytometry
Authors: Wang Yan , Andriampamonjy Arisandy N. , Bailly Sebastien , Garnaud Cécile , Maubon Danièle , Cornet Muriel , Aldebert Delphine
Published: October 2019

The antifungal susceptibility tests used in clinical laboratories have several limitations. We developed a new test, SensiFONG, based on the detection of chitin levels after exposure to antifungal drugs. The optimal culture conditions were 30°C for 6 h for yeast strains and 26°C for 16 h for molds. The strains were exposed to a range of echinocandin or azole concentrations. Chitin was stained with calcofluor white.
Development of Neutropenic Murine Models of Iron Overload and Depletion To Study the Efficacy of Siderophore-Antibiotic Conjugates
Authors: Kidd James M. , Abdelraouf Kamilia , Nicolau David P.
Published: October 2019

Siderophore-antibiotic conjugates have increased
in vitro
activity in low-iron environments where bacteria express siderophores and associated transporters. The host immune hypoferremic response reduces iron availability to bacteria; however, patients with iron overload or deficiency may have altered ability to restrict iron, which may affect the efficacy of siderophore-antibiotic conjugates.
In vivo
models of infection with iron overload and deficiency are needed to perform this assessment.
Surfeit 4 Contributes to the Replication of Hepatitis C Virus Using Double-Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Kong Lingbao , Aoyagi Haruyo , Yang Zibing , Ouyang Tao , Matsuda Mami , Fujimoto Akira , Watashi Koichi , Suzuki Ryosuke , Arita Minetaro , Yamagoe Satoshi , Dohmae Naoshi , Suzuki Takehiro , Suzuki Tetsuro , Muramatsu Masamichi , Wakita Takaji , Aizaki Hideki
Published: October 2019

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS4B protein induces the formation of a membranous web (MW) structure that provides a platform for the assembly of viral replication complexes. The main constituents of the MW are double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). Here, we found that the cellular protein Surf4, which maintains endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi intermediate compartments and the Golgi compartment, is recruited into HCV RNA replication complexes by NS4B and is involved in the formation of DMVs. Moreover, Surf4 participates in the replication of poliovirus, which uses DMVs as replication sites, but has no effect on the replication of dengue virus, which uses invaginated vesicles as replication sites. These results indicate that the cellular protein Surf4 is involved in the replication of positive-strand RNA viruses that use DMVs as RNA replication sites, providing new insights into DMV formation during virus replication and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of positive-strand RNA viruses.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Haloimpatiens lingqiaonensis Strain P8956
Authors: Anani Hussein , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: October 2019

In 2016,
Haloimpatiens lingqiaonensis
was described as a bacterial isolate from paper mill wastewater. Previously, no whole-genome sequence was available for this microorganism. Whole-genome sequencing of strain P8956 yielded a 3,295,388-bp genome with a 30.7% G+C content, 2,917 protein-coding genes, and 95 predicted RNA genes.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Infantis Strain Isolated from Broiler Chicken in Peru
Authors: Vallejos-Sánchez Katherine , Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Villanueva-Pérez Doris , Bendezú Jorge , Montalván Ángela , Zimic-Peralta Mirko , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo , Fernández-Díaz Manolo
Published: October 2019

This report shows the whole-genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Infantis strain FARPER-219. Antibiotic resistance genes are found mainly in the plasmid. Our findings show important genetic information that provides an understanding of the recent spread of this serotype in poultry.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Potential Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium,
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain CK-NBRI-02
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Chauhan Puneet Singh , Sopory Sudhir K. , Singla-Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani , Adlakha Nidhi , Kaur Charanpreet
Published: October 2019

Pseudomonas
sp. strain CK-NBRI-02 is a potential plant growth-promoting Gram-negative rhizobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of maize plants growing in fields in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, India. Here, we report a 5.25-Mb draft assembly of the genome sequence of
Pseudomonas
sp. strain CK-NBRI-02 with an average G+C content of 62.47%.