bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Position Statement on Atopic Dermatitis in Sub‐Saharan Africa: current status and roadmap
Authors: Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Takaoka R. , Ahogo K.C. , Belachew W.A. , Brown S.J. , Correia J.C. , Correia M. , Degboe B. , Dorizy‐Vuong V. , Faye O. , Fuller L.C. , Grando K. , Hsu C. , Kayitenkore K. , Lunjani N. , Ly F. , Mahamadou G. , Manuel R.C.F. , Kebe Dia M. , Masenga E.J. , Muteba Baseke C. , Ouedraogo A.N. , Rapelanoro Rabenja F. , Su J. , Teclessou J.N. , Todd G. , Taïeb A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The first International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD) global meeting dedicated to atopic dermatitis (AD) in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland in April 2019. A total of 30 participants were present at the meeting, including those from 17 SSA countries, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) (a committee of the International League of Dermatological Societies, ILDS www.ilds.org), the Fondation pour la Dermatite Atopique, as well as specialists in telemedicine, artificial intelligence and therapeutic patient education (TPE).

Results

AD is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases in SSA. Besides neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a dermatological presentation, AD requires closer attention from the WHO and national Departments of Health.

Conclusions

A roadmap has been defined with top priorities such as access to essential medicines and devices for AD care, in particular emollients, better education of primary healthcare workers for adequate triage (e.g. better educational materials for skin diseases in pigmented skin generally and AD in particular, especially targeted to Africa), involvement of traditional healers and to a certain extent also patient education, bearing in mind the barriers to effective healthcare faced in SSA countries such as travel distances to health facilities, limited resources and the lack of dermatological expertise. In addition, several initiatives concerning AD research in SSA were discussed and should be implemented in close collaboration with the WHO and assessed at follow‐up meetings, in particular, at the next ISAD meeting in Seoul, South Korea and African Society of Dermatology and Venereology (ASDV) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, both in 2020.
Acne from the young patient's perspective
Authors: Claudel J.‐P. , Auffret N. , Leccia M.‐T. , Poli F. , Dréno B.
Published: November 2019

Acne may significantly impact quality of life, self‐esteem and self‐worth. The aim of this paper was to provide an overview of the knowledge and perception of acne and its risk factors in adolescents and young adults. The most critical issues reported for an optimal management of this specific population were identified. A PubMed literature review of results from patient‐oriented surveys published between 2007 and 2018 was conducted. Two different types of survey were used: those using either validated questionnaires or specifically developed questionnaires. No consistency or directly comparable data with regards to age, onset, duration, severity and treatment of acne and by whom and where data were collected were observed. Acne affected female patients psychologically more than male patients. The majority referred to their treating physician in order to obtain information, and all surveys pointed out that specific treatment programs would allow to increase awareness about acne. Beliefs, traditions and economic factors continue to impact the perception of and treatment choices for acne in almost all countries and cultures, maintaining the improvement of awareness about acne a major global health challenge. In conclusion, identifying, considering and managing the patient's concerns about acne may improve the young patient's well‐being and thus decrease additional healthcare expenses for emerging psychological comorbidities. This can be achieved by creating substantial and structured awareness through local and global information campaigns via the treating physicians, Internet, social networks and education.
Disease burden and patient needs and benefits in anogenital psoriasis: developmental specificities for person‐centred healthcare of emerging adults and adults
Authors: da Silva N. , von Stülpnagel C. , Langenbruch A. , Danckworth A. , Augustin M. , Sommer R.
Published: November 2019

Background

Establishing romantic relationships involving cohabitation and/or sexual intercourse is an overriding task for many people during emerging adulthood, i.e. from their late teens through the twenties. The diagnosis of anogenital psoriasis may hinder social/intimate relationships, resulting in higher disease burden in this age group.

Objectives

To compare the disease burden and patient needs/benefits between emerging adults (18–30 years) and adults (>30 years) with psoriasis, with and without anogenital involvement; and to identify sociodemographic/clinical variables accounting for better patient‐reported outcomes.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with psoriasis vulgaris were recruited within a cross‐sectional nationwide survey randomly assigning 157 dermatology practices/clinics in Germany. Anogenital involvement was established based on a high‐resolution grid on the topology of psoriasis. The main outcome measures were the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), the EuroQoL visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Patient Benefit Index (PBI).

Results

Participants were 1921 patients: 173 emerging adults and 1749 adults >30 years. Anogenital involvement was observed in 621 patients (32.3%). Patient with anogenital psoriasis reported decreased health and more QoL impairments compared with those without anogenital lesions. Emerging adults presented more QoL impairments and less treatment benefits than older patients, and they were more prone to underrate a wide range of needs, except when the anogenital area was affected. Beyond anogenital involvement and higher disease severity, less treatment benefits were associated with more QoL impairments, particularly for emerging adults.

Conclusions

The developmental instability of many emerging adults may result in difficulties to establish/adhere to treatment goals and thus in decreased perception of treatment benefit and more QoL impairments. Anogenital involvement is a risk factor for increased disease burden regardless of age. Assessing anogenital involvement in all patients and helping younger patients to define/adhere to treatment goals should be prioritized in patient‐centred healthcare for psoriasis.
Isotope analysis reveals proportional change and site‐selection variation of river‐ and lake‐produced eggs of a landlocked migratory fish
Authors: Sawada Hayato , Shigeta Kanji , Kawakami Masaki , Yuma Masahide , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: November 2019

Changes in the proportions of river‐ and lake‐produced eggs of a landlocked amphidromous fish, ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) in the Lake Biwa water system, Japan, were monitored by stable isotope analysis, based on different δ15N and δ13C values of prey organisms between the lake and its tributaries. During the 3 month reproduction season, the δ15N values of spawned eggs decreased with time. This result implies that there was a shift from lake‐produced eggs to river‐produced eggs within a reproductive season, based on the observation that adult fish in the lake had previously been shown to have eggs with distinctly higher δ15N values in their ovaries than those in the tributaries. This explanation was also supported by the change in δ13C values of the spawned eggs. Furthermore, eggs with lower δ15N and higher δ13C values tended to be spawned at less variable depths, suggesting that females spawning river‐produced eggs selected the spawning sites from a narrower range. We conclude that stable isotope ratios of spawned eggs can be indicators of the relative contributions of different food chains and can enable comparisons of reproductive characteristics between types of egg.
Prevalence of prothrombotic factors in patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome or non‐cirrhotic nonmalignant portal vein thrombosis: A hospital‐based observational study
Authors: Fan Jiahao , Wang Qiuhe , Luo Bohan , Chen Hui , Wang Zhengyu , Niu Jing , Yuan Jie , Yuan Xulong , Bai Wei , He Chuangye , Guo Wengang , Li Kai , Yin Zhanxin , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong
Published: November 2019

Background and Aim

Comprehensive investigations on the prothrombotic factors of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), including Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) and non‐cirrhotic nonmalignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT), in Eastern patients are scarce.

Methods

Between March 2012 and July 2017, 812 consecutive patients, including 418 BCS and 394 non‐cirrhotic nonmalignant PVT patients, were admitted to Xijing Hospital (a Chinese tertiary academic hospital) and screened for prothrombotic factors. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P‐trends were calculated by using conditional logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) was only 6.3% among BCS patients but 28.3% among PVT patients. Notably, the presence of MPNs was associated with a higher risk of hepatic vein‐type BCS (OR 9.9, 95% CI 3.6–26.7, P‐trend < 0.001) and extensive thrombosis in PVT (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.9–8.9, P‐trend < 0.001). Calreticulin mutations existed in 2.7% of SVT patients. Furthermore, the prevalence of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency in BCS patients was 7.3% and 22.5%, respectively, similar to that in patients with PVT (7.4% and 25.7%). In addition, factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria were identified in < 1% of both BCS and PVT patients.

Conclusion

There is a significant positive association between MPNs and hepatic vein‐type BCS or non‐cirrhotic nonmalignant PVT with extensive thrombosis. Additionally, calreticulin mutations should be tested in JAK2V617F‐negative SVT patients in China. However, screening for factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria may be unnecessary.
Acute myocardial infarction activates magnocellular vasopressin and oxytocin neurones
Authors: Roy Ranjan K. , Augustine Rachael A. , Brown Colin H. , Schwenke Daryl O.
Published: November 2019

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide. For those who survive the acute insult, the progressive dilation of the ventricle associated with chronic heart failure is driven by an adverse increase in circulating levels of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, which is secreted from hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) nerve terminals. Although increased vasopressin neuronal activity has been demonstrated in the latter stages of chronic heart failure, we hypothesised that vasopressin neurones become activated immediately following an acute MI. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were anaesthetised and an acute MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 90 minutes of myocardial ischaemia, brains were collected. Dual‐label immunohistochemistry was used to quantify the expression of Fos protein, a marker of neuronal activation, within vasopressin‐ or oxytocin‐labelled neurones of the hypothalamic PVN and SON. Fos protein and tyrosine hydroxylase within the brainstem were also quantified. The results obtained show that the expression of Fos in both vasopressin and oxytocin neurones of the PVN and SON was significantly elevated as soon as 90 minutes post‐MI compared to sham rats. Moreover, Fos protein was also elevated in tyrosine hydroxylase neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius and rostral ventrolateral medulla of MI rats than sham rats. We conclude that magnocellular vasopressin and oxytocin neuronal activation occurs immediately following acute MI, rather than in the later stages of chronic heart failure. Therefore, prompt vasopressin antagonist therapy as an adjunct treatment for acute MI may impede the progression of ventricular dilatation, which remains a key adverse hallmark of chronic heart failure.
Regulation of prepubertal dynorphin secretion in the medial basal hypothalamus of the female rat
Authors: Dees William L. , Hiney Jill K. , Srivastava Vinod K.
Published: November 2019

The onset of puberty is the result of an increase in secretion of hypothalamic gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH). This action is a result of not only the development of stimulatory inputs to its release, but also the gradual decrease in inhibitory inputs that restrain release of the peptide prior to pubertal onset. Dynorphin (DYN) is one of the inhibitory inputs produced in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH); however, little is known about what substance(s) control its prepubertal synthesis and release. Because neurokinin B (NKB) increases in the hypothalamus as puberty approaches, we considered it a candidate for such a role. An initial study investigated the acute effects of an NKB agonist, senktide, on the secretion of DYN from MBH tissues incubated in vitro. In other experiments, central injections of senktide were administered to animals for 4 days then MBHs were collected for assessment of DYN synthesis or for the in vitro secretion of both DYN and GnRH. Because insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 has been shown to play an important role at puberty, additional animals received central injections of this peptide for 4 days to assess NKB and DYN synthesis or the in vitro secretion of NKB. The results obtained show that senktide administration up‐regulates the NKB receptor protein, at the same time as suppressing the DYN and its receptor. Senktide consistently suppressed DYN and elevated GnRH secretion in the same tissue incubates from both the acute and chronic studies. IGF‐1 administration caused an increase in NKB protein, at the same time as decreasing DYN protein. Furthermore, the central administration of IGF‐1 caused an increase in NKB release, an action blocked by the IGF‐1 receptor blocker, JB‐1. These results indicate that the IGF‐1/NKB pathway contributes to suppressing the DYN inhibitory tone on prepubertal GnRH secretion and thus facilitates the puberty‐related increase in the release of GnRH to accelerate the onset of puberty.
Can skeletal surface area predictin vivofoot surface area?
Authors: Strickson E. Catherine , Hutchinson John R. , Wilkinson David M. , Falkingham Peter L.
Published: November 2019

The surface area of feet in contact with the ground is a key morphological feature that influences animal locomotion. Underfoot pressures (and consequently stresses experienced by the foot), as well as stability of an animal during locomotion, depend on the size and shape of this area. Here we tested whether the area of a skeletal foot could predictin vivosoft tissue foot surface area. Computed tomography scans of 29 extant tetrapods (covering mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians) were used to produce models of both the soft tissues and the bones of their feet. Soft tissue models were oriented to a horizontal plane, and their outlines projected onto a surface to produce two‐dimensional silhouettes. Silhouettes of skeletal models were generated either from bones inCTpose or with all autopodial bones aligned to the horizontal plane. Areas of these projections were calculated using alpha shapes (mathematical tight‐fitting outline). Underfoot area of soft tissue was approximately 1.67 times that of skeletal tissue area (~ 2 times for manus, ~ 1.6 times for pes, if analysed separately). This relationship between skeletal foot area and soft tissue area, while variable in some of our study taxa, could provide information about the size of the organisms responsible for fossil trackways, suggest what size of tracks might be expected from potential trackmakers known only from skeletal remains, and aid in soft tissue reconstruction of skeletal remains for biomechanical modelling.
Bone foramen dimensions and blood flow calculation: best practices
Authors: Hu Qiaohui , Nelson Thomas J. , Seymour Roger S.
Published: November 2019

Some blood vessels enter bones through foramina, leaving the size of the foramen as a gauge for estimating the rate of blood flow and hence the metabolic rate of the supplied tissues. Foramen dimensions have been measured using varied methods in previous foramen studies, to relate regional blood flows with associated physiological processes. With the increasing interests in this ‘foramen technique’, standard methods with minimized measurement errors are therefore required. This study provides details of microphotographic and micro‐computerized tomographic methods, and introduces a new alternative method, which uses impression material to measure foramen dimensions. The three methods are compared and the results indicate that all of them are capable of obtaining precise and accurate foramen dimension values, although they all have limitations. A microphotograph of the external opening is suggested to be the standard method because of its ease of use, but the alternative methods provide more detailed information on foramen shape. If the foramen is mainly occupied by one artery, blood flow rates can be calculated from foramen size and artery wall‐lumen ratio, which is evaluated from the literature survey in this study. If veins or nerves also penetrate the foramen, a relative index of blood flow rate is nevertheless possible for comparative purposes.
Inadvertent intra‐arterial injection of deoxycholic acid: A case report and proposed protocol for treatment
Authors: Lindgren Aleksandra L. , Welsh Kathleen M.
Published: November 2019

Deoxycholic acid (ATX‐101) is a secondary bile acid that was approved as an injectable drug for the reduction of submental fat. Necrosis, an uncommon but serious adverse event, can occur due to inadvertent superficial injection or intra‐arterial injection of the acid. The management of the intra‐arterial injection of deoxycholic acid has not been well characterized. Here, we discuss methods to decrease the risk of such injections and draw on existing protocols for the inadvertent intra‐arterial injection of sclerotherapy solutions and dermal fillers to propose a safe, practical approach to treatment. A case report is presented of a 42‐year‐old woman who received a deoxycholic acid injection for the correction of submental fullness, which was complicated by the inadvertent intra‐arterial injection of the acid. The adaptation of published treatment protocols for the inadvertent injection of sclerosing solutions and dermal fillers allowed for a good outcome in this patient. The inadvertent intra‐arterial injection of deoxycholic acid is a rare event. The risk of such injections can be reduced with attention to injection technique and can be managed successfully following the adaptation of protocols in the literature for similar events from vascular compromise due to dermal fillers and sclerosing solutions.
Prostate cancer survivorship priorities for men and their partners: Delphi consensus from a nurse specialist cohort
Authors: Ralph Nicholas , Green Anna , Sara Sally , McDonald Suzanne , Norris Philip , Terry Victoria , Dunn Jeffrey C. , Chambers Suzanne K.
Published: November 2019

Aims & objectives

To describe the prostate cancer survivorship experience and priorities from the perspective of prostate cancer specialist nurses.

Background

Specialist nurses are providing long‐term survivorship care to men and their partners however, few prostate cancer survivorship interventions are effective and priorities for nurse‐led survivorship care are poorly understood.

Design

A three‐round modified Delphi approach.

Methods

The study was conducted between 1 December 2018 and 28 February 2019 to develop a consensus view from an expert nurse cohort (43 prostate cancer specialist nurses: 90% response). First, participants described men's prostate cancer survivorship experience and priorities for improving care for men and partners. In subsequent rounds, participants identified key descriptors of the survivorship experience; rated priorities for importance and feasibility; and identified a top priority action for men and for partners. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were applied. Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies informed the conduct of the study.

Results

Prostate cancer specialist nurses characterised the prostate cancer survivorship experience of men as under‐resourced, disjointed and distressing. In all, 11 survivorship priorities for men and three for partners were identified within five broad areas: capacity building; care coordination; physical and psychosocial care; community awareness and early detection; and palliative care. However, feasibility for individual items was frequently described as low.

Conclusion

Internationally, prostate cancer survivorship care for men and their partners requires urgent action to meet future need and address gaps in capacity and care coordination. Low feasibility of survivorship priorities may reflect translational challenges related to capacity. Prostate cancer survivorship care guidelines connected to practice priorities are urgently needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings address key gaps in the evidence for developing national nurse‐led prostate cancer survivorship priorities. These priorities can be used to inform survivorship guidelines including nursing care for men with prostate cancer and their partners.
Communities of practice: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of what it means and how it really works among nursing students and novices
Authors: Terry Daniel R. , Nguyen Hoang , Peck Blake , Smith Andrew , Phan Hoang
Published: November 2019

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the enablers, barriers and impact that communities of practice have on novice nurses and students learning to become registered nurses.

Background

Communities of practice have formed the basis for conceptualising the process of learning that occurs among groups of people within a place of work—a mainstay of healthcare practice. There is a dearth of literature that focuses specifically on the outcomes from student and novice engagement with existing communities of practice.

Design

Systematic review and Meta‐synthesis.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus and PsycINFO databases were accessed between 1997–2019. The screening and selection of studies were based on eligibility criteria and methodological quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research. Meta‐synthesis was grounded in the original experiences and collectively synthesised into meaningful themes. The review follows the PRISMA reporting guidelines and PRISMA checklist.

Results

The findings highlight three major themes and included enablers for successful communities of practice, barriers to successful communities of practice, and success in action as described by students and novice nurses.

Discussion

We suggest successful communities of practice occur when safe and supported spaces ensure students and novices feel comfortable to experiment with their learning, and we emphasise the benefits of having more novice nurses situated within close proximity and under the direct influence of the established practices of more experienced or core group of peers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Communities of practice that function successfully create an environment that prioritises the embedding of novices into the broader group. In so doing, students and novice nurses feel supported, welcomed, empowered, and able to make the transition from student to colleague and novice nurse to more experienced nurse. It allows them to experiment with ever new ways of fulfilling the role, while aiding better clinical outcomes.
Are prescribers not aware of cardiovascular contraindications for diclofenac? A claims data analysis
Authors: Scholle O. , Kollhorst B. , Haug U.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To compare diclofenac use before and after implementation of European risk minimization measures in 2013, focusing on diclofenac initiators and prevalence of congestive heart failure (NYHA class II–IV), ischaemic heart disease, peripheral arterial disease and cerebrovascular disease (new contraindications) in these patients in Germany.

Methods

We included adults with health insurance coverage on 1 January 2011 (cohort 2011) or 1 January 2014 (cohort 2014) and during a 1‐year pre‐observation period. We defined diclofenac initiators as persons filling a prescription of systemic diclofenac in 2011 (cohort 2011) or 2014 (cohort 2014) and without such a prescription during the respective pre‐observation period.

Results

Each cohort comprised >10 million persons. Between 2011 and 2014, the age‐standardized proportion of persons initiating diclofenac decreased by 29% (from 8.2% to 5.8%) amongst female patients and by 26% (from 8.5% to 6.3%) amongst male patients; in the subgroup of persons with new contraindications, this proportion decreased by 33% (from 9.8% to 6.6%) amongst female patients and by 31% (from 10.0% to 6.7%) amongst male patients. Amongst diclofenac initiators, the proportion of those with new contraindications did not change between 2011 (12.0%) and 2014 (11.8%).

Conclusion

The overall decline of about 30% in diclofenac initiation between 2011 and 2014 was largely independent of the presence or absence of new contraindications. The proportion of diclofenac initiators with a new contraindication remained at a high level (more than one in ten patients), demonstrating the need for research at the prescriber level (e.g. interventional studies) and further measures to improve patient safety.
‘Getting to clinic study’: A mixed methods study of families who fail to attend hospital outpatient clinics
Authors: Christie‐Johnston Carey‐Ann , O'Loughlin Rachel , Hiscock Harriet
Published: November 2019

Aim

Non‐attendance rates at paediatric hospital outpatient clinics are high; however, parent‐reported reasons for non‐attendance are poorly understood. We aimed to identify: (i) modifiable system and parent factors that prevent parents from attending paediatric outpatient clinic appointments with their child; and (ii) parent views on changes that could be made to reduce non‐attendance.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with a random sample of parents of children aged 0–18 years who did not attend scheduled new or review outpatient clinic appointments at a metro, tertiary children's hospital in Melbourne, between 1 May and 31 July 2017. Families were excluded if the principal investigator had previously cared for the child in clinic.

Results

A total of 50 parents completed an interview. Common factors related to non‐attendance were reported as not receiving an appointment letter (n = 13, 26%) or text reminder (n = 16, 32%); and difficulties making changes to scheduled appointments (n = 11, 22%). Parents suggested a number of ways hospitals could reduce non‐attendance, including flexible clinic times, reduced waiting periods, cheaper parking, consistent text reminders of upcoming appointment and, overwhelmingly, the ability to reschedule via text, removing the need to telephone the hospital.

Conclusions

The principal reasons families struggle to attend appointments is being unaware of appointments, not receiving letters or text reminders. The lack of correct contact details held by the hospital's electronic medical record suggest systems errors in communication are impacting attendance rates of children in the clinics, and that addressing these internal issues may increase clinic attendance rates.
Evaluation of QuantiFERON tuberculosis Gold In‐Tube assay for diagnosis of active tuberculosis in children
Authors: Zubarioglu Tanyel , Bayraktar Banu , Dalgic Nazan , Sancar Mesut , Cakir Erkan , Togay Alper , Gencer Hasim , Bulut Emin , Yalciner Altan
Published: November 2019

Aim

Tuberculin skin test (TST) is still used in diagnostic algorithms of childhood tuberculosis (TB). QuantiFERON TB Gold In‐Tube assay (QFT‐GIT) is an alternative test to TST based on the detection of interferon‐gamma release upon in vitro induction of peripheral mononuclear cells by TB antigens. In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value and performance of QFT‐GIT for active childhood TB.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2011 in three referral hospitals in Turkey with 124 children who were diagnosed with definite active TB. Sensitivity values of TST and QFT‐GIT were determined by accepting the microbiological confirmation as the gold standard of diagnosis of TB.

Results

In our study, sensitivity of QFT‐GIT and TST was found to be 65 and 66% respectively. However, combined usage of QFT‐GIT and TST was found to be more sensitive (85%) than TST or QFT‐GIT alone (P < 0.0001). Although negative results of QFT‐GIT or TST did not exclude the diagnosis of active TB in children, their positivity supported the diagnosis. Specificity could not be measured as only microbiologically confirmed cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease were enrolled in the study.

Conclusion

Although sensitivities of TST and QFT‐GIT are too low to exclude active TB, their positivity supports diagnosis of active TB in children concomitant with signs and symptoms. QFT‐GIT and TST should be used together to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and could help exclude a diagnosis of TB if the pretest probability is low.
Melatonin promotes the development of immature oocytes from the COH cycle into healthy offspring by protecting mitochondrial function
Authors: Zou Huijuan , Chen Beili , Ding Ding , Gao Ming , Chen Dawei , Liu Yajing , Hao Yan , Zou Weiwei , Ji Dongmei , Zhou Ping , Wei Zhaolian , Cao Yunxia , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: November 2019

Melatonin (MT) regulates reproductive performance as a potent antioxidant; however, its beneficial effects on oocyte development remain largely unknown, especially in human oocytes. The collected 193 immature oocytes from the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycle underwent in vitro maturation (IVM) in IVM medium contained 10 μmol/L MT (n = 105, M group) and no MT (n = 88, NM group), followed by insemination and embryo culture. The results showed that the high‐quality blastocyst formation rate in the M group (28.4%) was significantly higher than that in the NM group (2.0%) (P = .0001), and the aneuploidy rate was low (15.8%). In the subsequent clinical trials, three healthy infants were delivered. Next, single‐cell RNA‐seq data revealed 1026 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups, KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the majority of DEGs involved in oxidative phosphorylation pathway, which associated with ATP generation, was upregulated in the M group. Finally, confocal fluorescence staining results revealed that the mitochondrial membrane potential in the oocytes significantly increased and intracellular ROS and Ca2+ levels greatly decreased in the M group. Melatonin can promote the development of immature human oocytes retrieved from the COH cycle into healthy offspring by protecting mitochondrial function.
Two indoleamines are secreted from rat pineal gland at night and act on melatonin receptors but are not night hormones
Authors: Lee Bo Hyun , Bussi Ivana L. , de la Iglesia Horacio O. , Hague Chris , Koh Duk‐Su , Hille Bertil
Published: November 2019

Introduction

At night, the pineal gland produces the indoleamines, melatonin, N‐acetylserotonin (NAS), and N‐acetyltryptamine (NAT). Melatonin is accepted as a hormone of night. Could NAS and NAT serve that role too? Methods: Concentration‐response measurements with overexpressed human melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2; mass spectrometry analysis of norepinephrine‐stimulated secretions from isolated rat pineal glands; analysis of 24‐hour periodic samples of rat blood. Results: We show that NAT and NAS do activate melatonin receptors MT1 and MT2, although with lower potency than melatonin, and that in vitro, melatonin and NAS are secreted from stimulated, isolated pineal glands in roughly equimolar amounts, but secretion of NAT was much less. All three were found at roughly equal concentrations in blood during the night. However, during the day, serum melatonin fell to very low values creating a high‐amplitude circadian rhythm that was absent after pinealectomy, whereas NAS and NAT showed only small or no circadian variation. Conclusion: Blood levels of NAS and NAT were insufficient to activate peripheral melatonin receptors, and they were invariant, so they could not serve as circulating hormones of night. However, they could instead act in paracrine circadian fashion near the pineal gland or via other higher‐affinity receptors.
Consistency of option prices under bid–ask spreads
Authors: Gerhold Stefan , Gülüm Ismail Cetin
Published: November 2019

Given a finite set of European call option prices on a single underlying, we want to know when there is a market model that is consistent with these prices. In contrast to previous studies, we allow models where the underlying trades at a bid–ask spread. The main question then is how large (in terms of a deterministic bound) this spread must be to explain the given prices. We fully solve this problem in the case of a single maturity, and give several partial results for multiple maturities. For the latter, our main mathematical tool is a recent result on approximation by peacocks.
Cryptococcal antigenemia prevalence and clinical data in HIV‐infected patients from the reference centre at INI‐FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast of Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Marcela de F. , Brito‐Santos Fabio , Trilles Luciana , Almeida Marcos A. , Wanke Bodo , Veloso Valdilea G. , Nunes Estevao P. , Lazera Marcia dos S.
Published: November 2019

Cryptococcal meningitis is a several disease common in late stage of HIV infection. Detection of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is an important for early diagnosis of this invasive mycosis. The pre‐emptive treatment for isolated antigenemia prevents the onset of meningoencephalitis. Screening CrAg in patients with low CD4 count is cost‐effective in countries with prevalence of antigenemia above 3%. However, in Brazil, the number of prevalence studies on cryptococcosis and HIV is insufficient. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of CrAg and describe clinical characteristics from a cohort of patients followed at a reference center in Brazil. CrAg screening was performed in 89 inpatients with CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage III/IV from the National Institute of Infecttious Disease, Rio de Janeiro. Patients with isolated antigenemia received pre‐emptive therapy with fluconazole and patients with meningoencephalitis were treated with Amphotericin B. Individuals were followed up for 12 months. Prevalence of serum CrAg was 11.23%, cryptococcal meningoencephalitis 6.74% and isolated antigenemia 4.81%. None of the patients with isolated antigenemia developed meningoencephalitis during the follow up. Signs and symptoms of meningoencephalitis were unspecific or absent. Our study suggests the need of CrAg screening in Brazil and highlights that lumbar puncture is mandatory in all individuals CrAg positive to exclude asymptomatic meningoencephalitis.
There is No Away: Where Do People Go When They Avoid an Interpersonal Conflict?
Authors: Hample Dale , Hample Jessica Marie
Published: November 2019

When people avoid conflict, there is no “away.” Where do they go physically or mentally? Both engaging and avoiding have a push and a pull. If we knew where avoiders go, we could study the pull of avoidance. This is a descriptive study (N = 446) of interpersonal conflict. We found that physical and mental avoidance appeared with similar frequency, and that they could occur in combination. People often recognized their need for avoidance early, based on the topic being familiar or various signals of trouble. Avoidance during the conflict could be physical or mental, but notably involved false agreement or topic manipulation. The possibility of violence (physical, verbal, or emotional) was often relevant. Relationship worries frequently motivated the avoidance. After the avoidance rumination was common, often centering on what we called “festering anger.”
A practical guide for the use of very low calorie diets in adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lambert Kelly , Bahceci Su , Lucan Beth , Ryan Murielle
Published: November 2019

Obesity is increasingly common in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Being overweight or obese is associated with both the development and progression of kidney disease. Lifestyle interventions such as the use of very low‐calorie diets (VLCD) are being used increasingly for patients with CKD despite warnings from manufacturers that they should be avoided or used with caution. Whilst these diets are effective and can induce rapid weight loss and suppress appetite, their use in patients with chronic and end stage kidney disease is more complex than in the general population. VLCD use in adults with kidney disease requires a more nuanced approach to prescription and closer monitoring for unintended side effects. This review describes the indications and clinical management of patients with CKD undertaking a very low‐calorie diet and provides practical guidance regarding how to manage a VLCD, particularly for the latter stages of CKD.
Periodontitis and respiratory diseases: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Trindade Soraya Castro , Passos‐Soares Johelle de Santana , Carvalho‐Filho Paulo Cirino , Figueiredo Ana Cláudia Morais Godoy , Lyrio Amanda Oliveira , Hintz Alexandre Marcelo , Pereira Mauricio Gomes , Scannapieco Frank
Published: November 2019

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the recent scientific literature addressing the association between periodontitis and asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.

Materials and Methods

The search for studies was carried out using MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Lilacs, Web of Science, Scopus, and SciELO databases, including the gray literature (ProQuest). Reference lists of selected articles were also searched. Studies having varying epidemiological designs assessing the association between periodontitis and respiratory diseases in human subjects were eligible for inclusion. Three independent reviewers performed the selection of articles and data extraction. Fixed and random effects meta‐analysis were performed for the calculation of the association measurements (Odds Ratio—OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

A total of 3,234 records were identified in the database search, with only 13 studies meeting the eligibility criteria and 10 studies contributed data for meta‐analysis. Using a random effects models periodontitis was associated with asthma: ORadjusted: 3.54 (95% CI: 2.47–5.07), I2 = 0%; with COPD: OR adjusted: 1.78 (95% CI: 1.04–3.05), I2 = 37.9%; and with pneumonia: OR adjusted: 3.21 (95% CI: 1.997–5.17), I2 = 0%.

Conclusions

The main findings of this systematic review validated an association between periodontitis and asthma, COPD and pneumonia.
Correlation study on mtDNA polymorphisms as potential risk factors in aggressive periodontitis by NGS
Authors: Shi Qiao , Luan Qingxian , Wang Xiaoxuan , Cai Yu
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to determine whether aggressive periodontitis is associated with specific mitochondrial polymorphisms.

Materials and Methods

A total of 165 unrelated Han Chinese were enrolled in the study. We analyzed the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in 97 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 68 healthy controls by NGS. The mitochondrial DNA was L‐PCR‐amplified and subsequently sequenced by an Illumina Genome Analyzer (NGS). Chi‐square tests were used to assess the differences between the two groups. In cases of significant difference, multivariate logistic regression models were further used to analyze the association between mtDNA polymorphisms and aggressive periodontitis.

Results

Significant association was observed between aggressive periodontitis and eight mitochondrial polymorphisms: "8860G‐10400C" (OR = 2.828, p = .002), "8701A" (OR = 2.308, p = .005), "12705C‐10398A" (OR = 2.683, p = .002), "9540C" (OR = 3.838, p = .001) and "10873T‐15043G" (OR = 4.375, p = .001).

Conclusions

The pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis is complicated, and its heredity is not well characterized. Our study was the first to use next‐generation sequencing and found that 8860G‐10400C, 8701A, 12705C‐10398A, 9540C, and 10873T‐15043G are associated with aggressive periodontitis in the Han Chinese population.
Overview on the review articles published during the past 30 years relating to the potential climate change effects on plant pathogens and crop disease risks
Authors: Juroszek P. , Racca P. , Link S. , Farhumand J. , Kleinhenz B.
Published: November 2019

From 1988 to July 2019 more than 100 review articles were published, including opinion papers and book chapters, that focused on potential climate change effects on plant pathogens and the future crop disease risks. Therefore, an overview of them is presented herein, particularly helpful for beginners and non‐experts in climate change biology research. Specifically, this overview contributes to a faster and more convenient identification of appropriate review articles, for example, related to a certain crop, pathogen, plant disease or country of interest. However, not all important crops, pathogens, diseases and countries are considered specifically and in‐depth in any of these review articles, suggesting that there are still research gaps prevalent, which are also highlighted herein. Nevertheless, the overview suggests that researchers are increasingly busy and successful in summarizing the fragmented information spread throughout the international literature. Consequently, they are providing ‘step‐by‐step’ a comprehensive, in‐depth, and continuously updated knowledge platform on potential climate change effects on plant pathogens and the respective crop disease risks in the future, although some aspects will, by nature, be repeated.
The acute impact of an ultramarathon on right heart: A 12‐lead ECG study
Authors: D’Ascenzi Flavio , Anselmi Francesca , Ceccon Chiara , Baccani Bernardo , Sisti Nicolò , Gismondi Annalaura , Sciaccaluga Carlotta , Aprile Federica , Fiorentini Caterina , Graziano Francesca , Franchini Andrea , Berti Beatrice , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Cameli Matteo , Zorzi Alessandro , Bonifazi Marco , Mondillo Sergio
Published: November 2019

Background

Some concerns exist about possible detrimental effects on cardiac function of ultra‐endurance competitions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of an ultramarathon by comparing pre‐ and post‐race 12‐lead ECG features.

Methods

A total of 301 competitive athletes (mean age: 48 ± 9 years) running a 50‐km ultramarathon were analyzed. Twelve‐lead ECG was collected the day before the race and immediately at the finish line. According to the Italian law, athletes could have participated only after undergoing pre‐participation screening that ruled out the presence of an underlying heart disease.

Results

After the race a significant increase in P‐wave voltage (P < .001) and P‐wave duration (P < .001) was found as compared to pre‐race data with a higher percentage of athletes fulfilling the ECG criteria for right atrial enlargement (RAE; from 3% to 17%, P < .001). The presence of RAE post‐race significantly correlated with age, hours of training/week, and years of training and inversely with time at the finish line and the final position in the ranking. T‐wave and R‐wave amplitude (P < .001) and QTc‐interval duration (P < .001) significantly increased after the race. No significant differences in terms of supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias were found.

Conclusions

A sizeable proportion of athletes running a 50‐km ultramarathon demonstrated post‐race ECG signs of right heart overload but no arrhythmias. This finding supports the hypothesis that ultra‐endurance races may induce transient right heart overload.
Latino Suicide and Religion: Examining Differences Across Destinations, Religious Traditions, and Native‐Versus Foreign‐Born Groups
Authors: Barranco Raymond , Harris Casey T.
Published: November 2019

Despite over a century of research examining the macro‐level link between religion and suicide, only recently has research examined this important relationship for Latinos within the United States. Such research has grown more essential in light of the growing geographic diversification of Latinos in the United States over the past two decades with increasing settlement beyond traditional Latino communities and into “new destinations.” Therefore, our aim was to answer two key questions: (1) What is the impact of the religious context on Latino suicide across emerging and traditional points of settlement? and (2) Are religious contextual characteristics associated with Latino suicide differently for native‐ or foreign‐born Latinos in each of these types of communities? Our results suggest that (1) religion has no impact on Latino suicide in traditional destinations, (2) only Catholicism negatively impacts foreign‐born Latino suicide in new destinations, and (3) native‐born Latinos’ suicide is negatively impacted by Catholicism, mainline Protestantism, and evangelical Protestantism. We discuss the implications of these findings.
The deposition of CENH3 in maize is stringently regulated
Authors: Feng Chao , Yuan Jing , Bai Han , Liu Yalin , Su Handong , Liu Yang , Shi Lindan , Gao Zhi , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu
Published: November 2019

The centromere, as an essential element to mediate chromosome segregation, is epigenetically determined by CENH3‐containing nucleosomes as a functional marker; therefore the accurate deposition of CENH3 is crucial for chromosome transmission. We characterized the deposition of CENH3 in maize by over‐expression and mutational analysis. Our results revealed that over‐expressing CENH3 in callus is lethal while over‐expressing GFP‐CENH3 and CENH3‐YFP in callus and plants is not and can be partly deposited normally. Different mutations of GFP‐CENH3 demonstrated that CENH3‐Thr4 in the N‐terminus was needed for the deposition as a positive phosphorylation site and the last five amino acids in the C‐terminus are necessary for deposition. The C‐terminal tail of CENH3 is confirmed to be responsible for the interaction of CENH3 and histone H4, which indicates that CENH3 maintains deposition in centromeres via interacting with H4 to form stable nucleosomes. For GFP‐CENH3 and CENH3‐YFP, the fused tags at the termini probably affect the structure of CENH3 and reduce its interaction with other proteins, which in turn could decrease proper deposition. Taken together, multiple amino acids or motifs were shown to play essential roles in CENH3 deposition, which is suggested to be affected by numerous factors in maize.