bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Black and White of Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Advanced Dementia
Authors: Sharma Rashmi K. , Kim Hyosin , Gozalo Pedro L. , Sullivan Donald R. , Bunker Jennifer , Teno Joan M.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Over the past decade, feeding tube use in nursing home residents with advanced dementia has declined by 50% among white and black patients. Little is known about whether a similar reduction has occurred in other invasive interventions, such as mechanical ventilation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Acute‐care hospitals in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Medicare beneficiaries with advanced dementia who previously resided in a nursing home and were hospitalized between 2001 and 2014 with pneumonia and/or septicemia and of either black or white race.

MEASUREMENT

Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), as identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) procedure codes. Two multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between race and the likelihood of receiving IMV, adjusting for patients' demographics, physical function, and comorbidities. A hospital fixed‐effects model examined the association of race within a hospital, whereas a random‐effects logistic model was used to estimate the between‐hospital variation in the probability of receiving IMV and examine the overall association of race and use of IMV.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2014, 289,017 patients with advanced dementia were hospitalized for pneumonia or septicemia. Use of IMV increased from 3.7% to 12.1% in white patients and from 8.6% to 21.8% in blacks. Among those ventilated, 1‐year mortality rates remained high, at 82.7% for whites and 84.2% for blacks dying in 2013. Compared with whites, blacks had a higher odds of receiving IMV in the fixed‐effects (within‐hospital) model (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29–1.39) and in the random‐effects (between‐hospital) model (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.40–1.51).

CONCLUSION

IMV use in patients with advanced dementia has increased substantially, with black patients having a larger increase than whites, based, in part, on the hospitals where black patients receive care.
Hospital Elder Life Program in Long‐Term Care (HELP‐LTC): A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Boockvar Kenneth S. , Judon Kimberly M. , Eimicke Joseph P. , Teresi Jeanne A. , Inouye Sharon K.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) has been shown to prevent delirium in hospitalized older adults. The objective of this study was to test the efficacy of HELP adapted to long‐term care (HELP‐LTC).

DESIGN

Cluster randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

A 514‐bed academic urban nursing home.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 219 long‐term nursing home residents who developed an acute illness or change in condition were randomly assigned to HELP‐LTC (n = 105) or usual care (n = 114) by unit.

INTERVENTION

HELP‐LTC is a multicomponent intervention targeting delirium risk factors of cognitive impairment, immobility, dehydration, and malnutrition. Two certified nursing assistants (CNAs) delivered HELP‐LTC components twice daily 7 days per week. In addition, recommendations were given to primary providers to reduce medications associated with delirium.

MEASUREMENTS

Delirium (primary outcome) and delirium severity were ascertained each weekday by a research assistant blinded to group assignment, using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM severity score (CAM‐S), respectively. Cognitive function was determined using the Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS). Hospitalization was ascertained by chart review.

RESULTS

Participants were 81.7 years of age on average and 65.3% female. At baseline, usual care group participants had better cognitive function than intervention group participants (CPS = 1.33 vs 2.25; P = .004). Delirium symptoms declined over the course of the episode (mean CAM‐S = 3.63 at start vs 3.27 at end). Overall, 33.8% of the total sample experienced incident delirium. After adjusting for baseline cognitive function, no significant differences were found in delirium or delirium severity between intervention and usual care groups. Hospitalization was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSION

An intervention targeting delirium risk in long‐term nursing home residents did not prevent delirium or reduce delirium symptoms. Baseline differences in cognitive function between groups, greater than expected improvements in both groups, quality‐enhancing practices such as consistent assignments delivered to both groups, and adaptations of the intervention may have biased results toward null. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2329–2335, 2020.
Reply from Sun et al
Authors: Sun Haiying , Ning Ruoqi , Xu Dong , Tang Fangxu
Published: July 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Cedric Mahiat.
Aspiring to a Good Life: Rural–Urban Mobility and Young People's Desires in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Dodd Lucy M. M.
Published: July 2020

As comunidades rurais e indígenas assumem uma responsabilidade crescente pela conservação ambiental na América Latina. No Brasil, essas comunidades estão mediando compromissos com atores cujas expectativas de gestão ambiental frequentemente negligenciam seus anseios de vida e aspirações de bem‐estar. Com base no trabalho de campo etnográfico com ribeirinhos na Reserva Gurupá‐Melgaço, no Pará, descrevo como os jovens conciliam seus desejos com as expectativas e discursos de “tradicionalidade.” À medida que as cidades pequenas se urbanizam e o transporte melhora, eles têm maior mobilidade para buscar educação e emprego fora da reserva. Esses jovens continuam a contribuir com suas comunidades rurais, porém suas expectativas de vida rural estão mudando. Eu argumento que os jovens da Amazônia desejam autonomia para se engajar criativamente com áreas rurais e urbanas, meios de subsistência diversos, novas tecnologias e mercadorias tanto para satisfazer suas aspirações por uma “boa vida” como para desafiar noções convencionais de “tradicionalidade.” [circulação rural‐urbana, Amazônia, middle ground, populações tradicionais, povos indígenas, cultura dos jovens]
Ideophone Humor: The Enregisterment of a Stereotype and Its Inversion
Authors: Bermúdez Natalia
Published: July 2020

This case study shows how speech play and verbal art mediate the transformation of pejorative stereotypes into alternative representations of Indigenous (Naso) identities for sociopolitical commentary. Ideophones become emblematic of the rube character and are enregistered as such through colonial organs such as national public education. Public education and other systems of structural power instill the ideological contrast between nonrepresentational and representational: ideophones are placed in opposition to abstract, arbitrary symbols, just like “primitive” Naso identity is hegemonically placed in opposition to “civilized” Spanish identity. Colonial ideologization places the “rube” character in the past, incongruent with modern representation, and indexes this character through ideophonic signs. However, Naso individuals play on the ideophone stereotype through subversive inverted mockery; they create alternative interpretations of subjects in order to form social solidarity and alignment with other Nasos.
Rural‐Urban Disparities in Pancreatic Cancer Stage of Diagnosis: Understanding the Interaction With Medically Underserved Areas
Authors: Segel Joel E. , Hollenbeak Christopher S. , Gusani Niraj J.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To estimate differences in pancreatic cancer diagnosis stage by rurality of patient residence and residence in a medically underserved area (MUA).

Methods

Using 2010‐2016 Pennsylvania Cancer Registry data, we restrict our analysis to adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We categorize each patient's residence by Rural‐Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC): (1) metro; (2) nonmetro adjacent with population ≥20,000; (3) nonmetro adjacent with population <20,000; (4) nonmetro nonadjacent, and (5) completely rural; also by whether the county was a full MUA, partial MUA, or non‐MUA. We examine the percent of patients diagnosed with local and locoregional stage of disease for each residential rurality and MUA status grouping. We estimate multivariate linear probability models of local and locoregional stage of diagnosis while controlling for demographics, insurance type, year, rurality, and MUA status. Finally, we estimate models interacting rurality with MUA status to disentangle the relative impact of each on diagnostic stage.

Findings

We find that no pancreatic patients living in completely rural areas were diagnosed at the local stage, the lowest of all categories of rurality. In adjusted models, we find that patients living in completely rural areas have significantly lower rates of local and local/regional stage of diagnosis. The estimates are attenuated slightly when controlling for MUA.

Conclusions

We find significantly lower rates of early stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis for patients living in completely rural areas. While lack of primary medical care resources is an important factor, rural residence remains an important independent predictor in later stage of diagnosis.
RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 2: PCR results and correlation with vaccination status
Authors: Harcourt‐Brown F. M. , Harcourt‐Brown N. , Joudou L. M.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To report PCR results and vaccination status of rabbits with rabbit haemorrhagic disease following an investigation into sudden or unexpected death.

Materials and Methods

PCR testing for RHDV2 and RHDV1 was performed on rabbit liver samples at two laboratories. Laboratory A reported results as positive or negative; Laboratory B reported results quantitatively as RNA copies per mg liver, categorised as negative, inconclusive or positive. The vaccination status of rabbits with both histopathological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and positive PCR test results were collated.

Results

PCR results matched histopathological findings in 188 of 195 (96%) cases. Seven individuals showed equivocal results, all of which had histopathological features of RHD but three tested PCR‐negative and four results conflicted between laboratories. RHDV2 was the serotype detected in all PCR‐positive cases. Histological features of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and PCR test results were positive in 125 rabbits; 51 unvaccinated, 56 in‐date with Nobivac Myxo‐RHD and 13 vaccinated against RHDV2 – although nine of these were vaccinated within 10 days of death.

Clinical Significance

PCR testing complements histopathology in cases of sudden death in rabbits by confirming the diagnosis and identifying virus serotype, but there can be false negatives. Although RHDV2 is currently prevalent in UK pet rabbits, vaccination against both RHDV1 and RHDV2 is recommended. Failures of RHDV2 vaccine are infrequent.
Molecular detection of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae in human blood and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Sergentomyia minuta: unexpected host‐parasite contacts
Authors: Pombi M. , Giacomi A. , Barlozzari G. , Mendoza‐Roldan J. , Macrì G. , Otranto D. , Gabrielli S.
Published: July 2020

The detection of atypical Kinetoplastida in vertebrate hosts and vectors might suggest unexpected host‐parasite contacts. Aside to major vectors of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum in Italy (e.g. Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus perfiliewi), the sand fly fauna also includes Sergentomyia minuta, herpetophilic and proven vector of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae, in which records of blood meal on mammals and detection of L. infantum DNA are increasing. This study was conducted in Central Italy aiming to molecularly detect potential atypical Leishmania host‐vector contacts. Detection of Leishmania spp. DNA was performed by polymerase chain reaction (SSU rRNA, ITS1 targets) on field‐collected sand fly females (N = 344), blood samples from humans (N = 185) and dogs (N = 125). Blood meal identification was also performed on engorged sand flies. Leishmania spp. DNA was found in 13.1% sand flies, 3.7% humans and 14.4% dogs. Sequence analysis identified L. infantum in S. minuta (4.4%), P. perniciosus (9.1%), humans (2.2%) and dogs (14.4%). Leishmania tarentolae was detected in S. minuta (12.6%), P. perfiliewi (6.6%) and human (1.6%) samples. Of 28 S. minuta examined for blood meal, 3.6 and 21.4% scored positive for human and lizard DNA, respectively. These results indicate the importance of one‐health approach to explore new potential routes of transmission of leishmaniasis involving S. minuta.
Power in Child Caregiving in a Patrilineal Ghanaian Society: Implications for Childcare Research and Practice
Authors: Drah Bright B.
Published: July 2020

Ethnographic research on childcare has focused on understanding the influence of cultural contexts on childcare. The research, however, lacks discussions of a child's caregiver as a position of power, and analysis of the knowledge underpinning childcare. Consequently, much remains unknown about the adults responsible for childcare, the significance of their roles, and the values that shape their actions. This paper analyzes how the meanings embedded within the position of “child's caregiver” and the narratives around the position influence childcare practices in Manya Klo, Ghana. The findings suggest that research has overlooked the influence of power in analyses of childcare roles and identifying children's caregivers. The findings challenge the use of female household headship, direct observation of parent–child contact, provision of material goods, and fathers’ absence as bases for determining children's caregivers. The differences in the meanings of childcare concepts create different expectations for local communities and external agencies that support children.
The island syndrome hypothesis is only partially validated in two rodent species in an inland–island system
Authors: Juette Tristan , Garant Dany , Jameson Joël W. , Réale Denis
Published: July 2020

According to the island syndrome and island rule hypotheses, island isolation and reduced area lead to phenotypic shifts in ecologically relevant traits in insular populations compared to mainland ones. These hypotheses have been built up with oceanic islands in mind or islands where isolation is high and colonization rate relatively limited. This set of hypotheses, however, may not be applicable to other inland–island systems or recently fragmented landscapes. We investigated how island life leads to phenotypic changes in two rodent metapopulations: deer mice and red‐backed voles in a fragmented system on a river in Canada. From 2013 to 2016, we sampled 454 deer mice and 665 red‐backed voles spread across 10 islands and six mainland sites on river shores. We compared body mass, tail and hindfoot length, exploration and reaction towards predators, between individuals from island and mainland sites, and assessed the role of connectivity, isolation and area of islands. Insular individuals from both species were less aggressive towards potential predators and insular mice were more thorough explorers compared to mainland ones. Male mice were heavier and juvenile mice had longer tails on islands. However, contrary to expectations, we found negative relationships between aggressiveness and juvenile exploration score with patch connectivity for mice. Island connectivity significantly affected tail length of mice through a concave relationship. Finally, vole aggressiveness and exploration of male mice were positively correlated to island isolation. Our study supports only partially the predictions of the island syndrome hypothesis. It provides empirical evidence that inland–island life can modify traits in deer mice, but less so in red‐backed voles in a non‐oceanic system. It also raises questions about the direct causal factors of these changes in a naturally fragmented landscape, and urges for more predictive models about phenotypic/genetic divergence among populations in natural and artificial fragmented landscapes.
Bayesian analyses in phylogenetic palaeontology: interpreting the posterior sample
Authors: Wright April M. , Lloyd Graeme T.
Published: July 2020

Establishing hypotheses of relationships is a critical prerequisite for any macroevolutionary analysis, but different approaches exist for achieving this goal. Amongst palaeontologists using morphological data the Bayesian approach is increasingly preferred over parsimony, but this shift also alters the way we think about samples of trees. Here we revisit stratigraphic congruence as a comparator between Bayesian and parsimony samples, but in a new visual context: treespace. Such spaces represent an ordination of unique topologies that can also be extended to create a ‘landscape’ where altitude represents some comparative measure (here congruence with stratigraphy). By co‐opting existing visualization tools and applying them to a meta‐analysis of 128 cladistic data sets we show that there is no consistent favouring of either Bayesian or parsimony according to stratigraphic congruence metrics, and further that empirical treespace visualizations suggest a complex variety of topological landscapes. We conclude by arguing that treespaces should become a standard exploratory tool in phylogenetic analysis.
Enhanced OsNLP4‐OsNiR cascade confers nitrogen use efficiency by promoting tiller number in rice
Authors: Yu Jun , Xuan Wei , Tian Yunlu , Fan Lei , Sun Juan , Tang Weijie , Chen Gaoming , Wang Baoxiang , Liu Yan , Wu Wei , Liu Xiaolan , Jiang Xingzhou , Zhou Cong , Dai Zhaoyang , Xu Dayong , Wang Chunming , Wan Jianmin
Published: July 2020

Increased use of nitrogen fertilizers has deleterious impact on the environment. Increase in yield potential at low nitrogen supply is regarded as a cereal breeding goal for future agricultural sustainability. Although natural variations of nitrogen transporters have been investigated, key genes associated with assimilation remain largely unexplored for nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) enhancement. Here, we identified a NIN‐like protein NLP4 associated with NUE through a GWAS in rice. We found that OsNLP4 transactivated OsNiR encoding nitrite reductase that was critical in nitrogen assimilation in rice. We further constructed quadrupling NREs (Nitrate‐responsive cis‐elements) in the promoter of OsNiR (p4xNRE:OsNiR) and enhanced nitrogen assimilation significantly. We demonstrated that OsNLP4‐OsNiR increased tiller number and yield through enhancing nitrogen assimilation and NUE. Our discovery highlights the genetic modulation of OsNLP4‐OsNiR signalling cascade as a strategy for high NUE and yield breeding in rice.
Effects of task‐irrelevant or filler items on brain mechanisms of visual spatial attention
Authors: Drisdelle Brandi Lee , Corriveau Isabelle , Fortier‐Gauthier Ulysse , Jolicoeur Pierre
Published: July 2020

Many visual search paradigms use color to distinguish task‐relevant items from those considered fillers (e.g., blue task‐relevant items and grey fillers). Hilimire and colleagues suggested that the N2pc, a lateralized electrophysiological component typically observed in visual attention, is a neural correlate for localized attentional interference, which postulates that target selection is degraded by nearby competing stimuli. In their study, N2pc amplitude decreased with decreasing distance between task‐relevant items presented among fillers. With an increase in distance, however, there was also an increase in the number of fillers between task‐relevant items. We tested whether this distance effect could be explained by the presence of fillers near task‐relevant items rather than their proximity per se. We manipulated the distance between task‐relevant items (adjacent, separated by two, or by four positions) and the presence/absence of fillers orthogonally. We used two color schemes: blue task‐relevant items and grey fillers or grey task‐relevant items and blue fillers (manipulated between‐subjects) to control for color interactions. N2pc amplitude increased with increasing distance, but only when fillers were present, suggesting that the results of Hilimire et al. may be due to increasing fillers interference. Exploratory analyses also suggested that the colors selected to be task‐relevant and task‐irrelevant could play a role in our ability to filter task‐irrelevant information. Our results suggest that fillers are not as inconsequential as sometimes assumed and generally support the Ambiguity Resolution Theory, where nearby items increase N2pc amplitude because of a greater need for focused attention.
Oxidative stress and use of antioxidants in fish semen cryopreservation
Authors: Sandoval‐Vargas Leydy , Silva Jiménez Mauricio , Risopatrón González Jennie , Villalobos Elías Figueroa , Cabrita Elsa , Valdebenito Isler Iván
Published: July 2020

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed as one of the main causes of the impairment of fish spermatozoa integrity and functionality during cryopreservation. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids in sperm cells and the low antioxidant capacity of diluted semen are key factors in making sperm cells susceptible to ROS attacks. For this reason, some recent studies have determined the antioxidant status of the seminal plasma and spermatozoa of fish species. Additionally, some studies have evaluated the effects of antioxidants on post‐thaw sperm quality. Although ROS are certainly involved in sperm damage, other factors, such as ice crystal formation, seem to play a crucial role in cryodamage. This challenge has not yet been resolved because both the endogenous antioxidant capacity of the semen and its response to different supplementation practices seem to present specific inter‐ and intraspecies characteristics and effects. This review summarises knowledge on antioxidant defence and oxidative stress in fish semen, as well as antioxidant supplementation in cryopreservation media, in order to establish perspectives for future studies.
Restoring degraded riparian forest ecosystems of the Western Ghats for ecological sustainability
Authors: Mohan Mahesh , Saritha Vadakke Neelamana K. , Rameshan Mutharimettak , Chacko Ashly , Gopikrishna Velamparambil G.
Published: July 2020

The riparian ecosystems of the Western Ghats are highly diversified tropical forest ecosystems. The synergic effect of various threats may adversely affect and reduce the capacity of these riparian ecosystems to resilience, even though they have specific adaptations for living in extreme conditions. These diversity‐rich riparian ecosystems provide critical ecological services such as influencing environmental processes, acting as habitats for both terrestrial and aquatic biota, and supporting the livelihood of the surrounding community. Hence the restoration of such damaged ecosystems is highly significant. This article presents a scheme for sustainable restoration of the disturbed riparian ecosystems with the involvement of multi‐stakeholders. The three‐stage scheme ensures the support and livelihood of the local community, along with the ecological restoration of riparian ecosystems using nature‐based solutions with a scientific approach. The restoration will enhance the ecosystem services, climate change adaptations, and resilience, as well as the carbon sequestration capacity of the tropical region.
Effects of local environmental heterogeneity and provenance selection on two direct seeded eucalypt forest species
Authors: Mogilski Michelle , Fensham Roderick J , Firn Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Large‐scale land‐clearing has threatened Australian forest biodiversity, particularly within the South East Queensland bioregion where nearly 55% of humid‐climate eucalypt forest has been cleared. Restoration is key to the persistence of these forests but conventional reforestation techniques, including the exclusive use of locally sourced seed and nursery‐raised planting stock, are being reconsidered in terms of cost‐effectiveness and ability to create climatically resilient forests. In this study, we examined the success of a 2‐year‐old direct seeding restoration project ofCorymbia citriodoraandEucalyptus tereticornisfrom one local and two nonlocal provenances. We established a field trial to compare germination rates ofE.tereticornisseed and seed‐balls from the varying provenance sources in the field and in controlled laboratory growth chambers. We found no evidence of local provenance superiority in the field or in laboratory conditions. Periods of unseasonable rainfall and flooding may have constrainedE.tereticornisgermination in the field site. We conclude that direct seeding with seed‐balls may represent an effective method for establishingC.citriodorain South East Queensland, and that the approach warrants further investigation with other restoration species. Matching species with site conditions should be an initial consideration before long‐term revegetation investments are made.
k‐Nearest neighbors local linear regression for functional and missing data at random
Authors: Rachdi Mustapha , Laksaci Ali , Kaid Zoulikha , Benchiha Abbassia , Al‐Awadhi Fahimah A.
Published: July 2020

We combine the k‐Nearest Neighbors (kNN) method to the local linear estimation (LLE) approach to construct a new estimator (LLE‐kNN) of the regression operator when the regressor is of functional type and the response variable is a scalar but observed with some missing at random (MAR) observations. The resulting estimator inherits many of the advantages of both approaches (kNN and LLE methods). This is confirmed by the established asymptotic results, in terms of the pointwise and uniform almost complete consistencies, and the precise convergence rates. In addition, a numerical study (i) on simulated data, then (ii) on a real dataset concerning the sugar quality using fluorescence data, were conducted. This practical study clearly shows the feasibility and the superiority of the LLE‐kNN estimator compared to competitive estimators.
The Unavailability of Authorial Intent
Authors: Lin Szu‐Yen
Published: July 2020

Monroe C. Beardsley's unavailability argument is one of the most underrated anti‐intentionalist arguments in the philosophy of interpretation. The main idea of this argument is that, since independent evidence of authorial intent is normally unavailable, the literary interpreter should focus on what a text means rather than on what the author intends it to mean. In this article I propose a revised version of the argument to show that the unavailability of authorial intent suffices to make actual intentionalism untenable as a recommendation for finding out textual meaning.
Frequency of allotype “b” in human platelet antigen 1 to 29 systems among blood donors in Japan estimated using high‐resolution melt analysis
Authors: Hayashi Tomoya , Aminaka Ryota , Ishii Hiroyuki , Tani Yoshihiko , Fujimura Yoshihiro , Takihara Yoshihiro , Hirayama Fumiya
Published: July 2020

Background

Antibodies against human platelet antigens (HPAs) cause thrombocytopenias. It is thus important to know the frequency of “b” allotypes in each HPA system for the diagnosis and treatment of anti‐HPA antibody‐mediated thrombocytopenia.

Study Design and Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells obtained from 2170 blood donors in Japan and was subjected to high‐resolution melt (HRM) analysis using polymerase chain reaction for each of the HPA genes, using 23 primer pairs. For genotyping, the resulting amplicons were classified based on their HRM curves. In some cases, direct sequence analysis was performed after HRM analysis to determine nucleotide substitutions. In cases where amino acid substitutions were predicted, protein expression levels were examined in a cell line using 293T cells.

Results

The frequencies of each of the HPA‐b genotypes were as follows: HPA‐1b, 0.4%; HPA‐2b, 11.8%; HPA‐3b, 41.3%; HPA‐4b, 0.8%; HPA‐5b, 4.3%; HPA‐6b, 1.9%; HPA‐15b, 48.8%; HPA‐21b, 0.6%; and “b” allotype in the other HPA systems, 0.0%. Twenty‐eight variants were found; nine of them were predicted to cause amino acid substitution. However, expression analysis revealed that they did not affect protein expression levels on the cell surface.

Conclusion

Nine HPA systems are of primary importance in Japan in potentially triggering thrombocytopenia via the HPA antibodies. Similar studies in other countries or races, together with ours, could provide basic information for clinicians in multiethnic societies.
Colonic torsion in 4 Great Danes
Authors: Czajkowski Peter S. , Fryer Katy J.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe 4 Great Danes with colonic torsions and describe the risk of torsion recurrence in this breed, which has not previously been reported. This study also describes pneumocolon as a rapid and noninvasive diagnostic for confirmation of colonic torsion.

Series summary

Four Great Danes were presented with nonspecific gastrointestinal (GI) clinical signs. Colonic torsion was diagnosed in each case with either plain radiography identifying pneumocolon or contrast radiography (barium enema). Bloodwork in each case revealed nonspecific changes. Each case had a previous gastropexy, 3 of which were prophylactic and 1 as a surgical emergency for gastric dilatation–volvulus. Three cases had favorable outcomes with emergency surgical intervention and returned to normal activity levels with resolution of clinical signs. Two cases of colonic torsion recurred, 1 of which occurred subsequent to a prior left‐sided colopexy. One case of recurrence had persistent clinical signs following surgical revision and was euthanized.

New or unique information provided

This is the first report describing pneumocolon to identify a colonic torsion, providing a rapid and low‐morbidity diagnostic aid and to describe the recurrence of colonic torsion in 2 dogs. Support to a previous hypothesis for an association between colonic torsion and altered GI motility is provided. Prior publications reporting colonic torsion and entrapment in German Shepherd Dogs associated with disruption of the duodenocolic ligament reported no recurrence following correction without colopexy. The recurrence in these 2 dogs suggests colonic torsion in Great Danes may represent a different or more severe form of this condition.
Exposure of domestic swine to influenza A viruses in Ghana suggests unidirectional, reverse zoonotic transmission at the human–animal interface
Authors: Ayim‐Akonor Matilda , Mertens Eva , May Jürgen , Harder Timm
Published: July 2020

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have both zoonotic and anthroponotic potential and are of public and veterinary importance. Swine are intermediate hosts and ‘mixing vessels’ for generating reassortants, progenies of which may harbour pandemic propensity. Swine handlers are at the highest risk of becoming infected with IAVs from swine but there is little information on the ecology of IAVs at the human–animal interface in Africa. We analysed and characterized nasal and throat swabs from swine and farmers respectively, for IAVs using RT‐qPCR, from swine farms in the Ashanti region, Ghana. Sera were also analysed for IAVs antibodies and serotyped using ELISA and HI assays. IAV was detected in 1.4% (n = 17/1,200) and 2.0% (n = 2/99) of swine and farmers samples, respectively. Viral subtypes H3N2 and H1N1pdm09 were found in human samples. All virus‐positive swine samples were subtyped as H1N1pdm09 phylogenetically clustering closely with H1N1pdm09 that circulated among humans during the study period. Phenotypic markers that confer sensitivity to Oseltamivir were found. Serological prevalence of IAVs in swine and farmers by ELISA was 3.2% (n = 38/1,200) and 18.2% (n = 18/99), respectively. Human H1N1pdm09 and H3N2 antibodies were found in both swine and farmers sera. Indigenous swine influenza A viruses and/or antibodies were not detected in swine or farmers samples. Majority (98%, n = 147/150) of farmers reported of not wearing surgical mask and few (4%, n = 6) reported to wear gloves when working. Most (n = 74, 87.7%) farmers reported of working on the farm when experiencing influenza‐like illness. Poor husbandry and biosafety practices of farmers could facilitate virus transmission across the human–swine interface. Farmers should be educated on the importance of good farm practices to mitigate influenza transmission at the human–animal interface.
Identification of focus areas for Australian Bat Lyssavirus potential exposure prevention in the Metro North Hospital and Health Service region
Authors: May Fiona , Mann Kay , Francis Daniel , Young Megan
Published: July 2020

Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) is a fatal rabies‐like disease spread to humans from bats. All people who report bat bites or scratches in Queensland are considered potentially exposed to ABLV and are followed up and treated to prevent ABLV. Preventing members of the public intentionally interacting with bats will reduce the number of potential exposures to ABLV. In order to target public health messaging, this study examines the epidemiology of potential ABLV exposures in Metro North Hospital and Health Service (HHS), a region of Queensland that encompasses metro and rural areas in the south‐east of the state. People who intentionally handled bats during the study period were more likely to be adult (93%), male (60%), scratched (51%) by a megabat (72%) and been potentially exposed while rescuing the bat when it was trapped or injured (72%). The number of potential exposures reported in Queensland has increased since 2013; the same year, a Queensland child died of ABLV. Seasonally, exposures are more common during bat breeding and nursing periods when bats are more active (summer to autumn). Although there were more notifications in a band stretching north from the inner city to northern metro suburbs, notification rates were higher in large rural statistical areas in the north of the HHS. These data will be used to develop geographically targeted ABLV prevention messaging for the general public.
The occurrence of Salmonella, extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem resistant non‐fermenting Gram‐negative bacteria in a backyard poultry flock environment
Authors: Shah Devendra H. , Board Melissa M. , Crespo Rocio , Guard Jean , Paul Narayan C. , Faux Cynthia
Published: July 2020

Increase in the number of small‐scale backyard poultry flocks in the USA has substantially increased human‐to‐live poultry contact, leading to increased public health risks of the transmission of multi‐drug resistant (MDR) zoonotic and food‐borne bacteria. The objective of this study was to detect the occurrence of Salmonella and MDR Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) in the backyard poultry flock environment. A total of 34 backyard poultry flocks in Washington State (WA) were sampled. From each flock, one composite coop sample and three drag swabs from nest floor, waterer‐feeder, and a random site with visible faecal smearing, respectively, were collected. The samples were processed for isolation of Salmonella and other fermenting and non‐fermenting GNB under ceftiofur selection. Each isolate was identified to species level using MALDI‐TOFF and tested for resistance against 16 antibiotics belonging to eight antibiotic classes. Salmonella serovar 1,4,[5],12:i:‐ was isolated from one (3%) out of 34 flocks. Additionally, a total of 133 ceftiofur resistant (CefR) GNB including Escherichia coli (53), Acinetobacter spp. (45), Pseudomonas spp. (22), Achromobacter spp. (8), Bordetella trematum (1), Hafnia alvei (1), Ochrobactrum intermedium (1), Raoultella ornithinolytica (1), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (1) were isolated. Of these, 110 (82%) isolates displayed MDR. Each flock was found positive for the presence of one or more CefR GNB. Several MDR E. coli (n = 15) were identified as extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) positive. Carbapenem resistance was detected in non‐fermenting GNB including Acinetobacter spp. (n = 20), Pseudomonas spp. (n = 11) and Stenotrophomonas maltophila (n = 1). ESBL positive E. coli and carbapenem resistant non‐fermenting GNB are widespread in the backyard poultry flock environment in WA State. These GNB are known to cause opportunistic infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Better understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of these GNB in the backyard poultry flock settings is needed to identify potential risks of transmission to people in proximity.
Change to the Demands Made of the Teaching Profession and the Ambiguity of New Concepts
Authors: Kohnová Jana
Published: July 2020

This paper is concerned with concepts such as quality of education, evaluation of the standard of the work of the teacher and comparison of educational results. It points to the importance of standards and the difficulties involved in their implementation. It also discusses the concept of competence and its relevance to framework educational programmes and the further education of teachers. The paper also focuses on a number of trends in education that are less widely discussed: instability — permanent change, reduction of education, emphasis on topicality and practical applicability, underestimation of the system, etc. The final part of the paper presents a current project from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic — a proposal for career progression.
Analysis of Functioning the School Council at Primary School
Authors: Vidláková Jitka
Published: July 2020

The topic of the contribution is pupil participation in school life. In this framework we will focus on student councils, which represent one of the possible forms of pupil participation. The study analyzes the foundation and the existence of a student council at a selected primary school using a modified Lagerwei’s model of stages of change. In the text we present a comprehensive view on the functioning of student council, as we confront the data relating to its activities obtained from the headmaster, teachers and pupils. The study focuses primarily on researchers dealing with the issue of pupil participation but its focus also brings ideas and inspiration for other professionals and for school practice.
Peroxisomal proliferator‐activated receptor α‐b deficiency induces the reprogramming of nutrient metabolism in zebrafish
Authors: Li Ling‐Yu , Lv Hong‐Bo , Jiang Zhe‐Yue , Qiao Fang , Chen Li‐Qiao , Zhang Mei‐Ling , Du Zhen‐Yu
Published: July 2020

Key points

The pparab subtype in zebrafish is much more highly expressed in tissues with high oxidative activity than pparaa.

The pparab deficiency in zebrafish reduces fatty acid β‐oxidation both in liver and muscle, illustrating its functional homology as a mammalian peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα).

pparab deficiency promotes metabolic reprogramming by increasing glucose utilization and inhibiting amino acid breakdown.

The present study brings new insights into the comprehensive regulatory roles of PPARα in the cellular fuel selection and provides a valuable animal model for PPARα studies from a viewpoint of comparative physiology.

Dysfunction of lipid metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic metabolic diseases. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) is essential for normal metabolic homeostasis and, in particular, for the regulation of fatty acid β‐oxidation (FAO). However, little is known about its regulation roles in systemic nutrient metabolism. To explore the underlying modulation role of PPARα in metabolic homeostasis, we generated a pparab‐knockout zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. The pparab mutants demonstrated lower expression of key enzymes involved in FAO, as well as lower mitochondrial and peroxisomal FAO in tissues, which was associated with lipid accumulation in liver and visceral mass. Conversely, glucose utilization was higher because they demonstrated lower blood glucose and tissue glycogen concentrations, as well as activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/AKT pathway. In addition, pparab‐deficient zebrafish demonstrated activation of AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signalling and higher protein content, implying greater protein synthesis and/or lower amino acid breakdown. These data clearly revealed that pparab deletion reduces FAO but increases glucose utilization and protein deposition to maintain energy homeostasis. The present study provides new insights into the comprehensive regulatory role of PPARα in systemic energy metabolism in fish, and this pparab‐deficient zebrafish also constitutes a valuable model for investigating the functions of PPARα in mammals from comparative physiology aspects.
Pathophysiological changes in inner hair cell ribbon synapses in the ageing mammalian cochlea
Authors: Jeng Jing‐Yi , Ceriani Federico , Olt Jennifer , Brown Steve D. M. , Holley Matthew C. , Bowl Michael R. , Johnson Stuart L. , Marcotti Walter
Published: July 2020

Key points

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with the loss of inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses, lower hearing sensitivity and decreased ability to understand speech, especially in a noisy environment.

Little is known about the age‐related physiological and morphological changes that occur at ribbon synapses.

We show that the differing degrees of ARHL in four selected mouse stains is correlated with the loss of ribbon synapses, being most severe for the strains C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J, less so for C57BL/6NTacCdh23+‐Repaired and lowest for C3H/HeJ.

Despite the loss of ribbon synapses with age, the volume of the remaining ribbons increased and the size and kinetics of Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis in IHCs was unaffected, indicating the presence of a previously unknown degree of functional compensation at ribbon synapses.

Although the age‐related morphological changes at IHC ribbon synapses contribute to the different progression of ARHL, without the observed functional compensation hearing loss could be greater.

Mammalian cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) are specialized sensory receptors able to provide dynamic coding of sound signals. This ability is largely conferred by their ribbon synapses, which tether a large number of vesicles at the IHC's presynaptic active zones, allowing high rates of sustained synaptic transmission onto the afferent fibres. How the physiological and morphological properties of ribbon synapses change with age remains largely unknown. Here, we have investigated the biophysical and morphological properties of IHC ribbon synapses in the ageing cochlea (9–12 kHz region) of four mouse strains commonly used in hearing research: early‐onset progressive hearing loss (C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NTac) and ‘good hearing’ strains (C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ and C3H/HeJ). We found that with age, both modiolar and pillar sides of the IHC exhibited a loss of ribbons, but there was an increased volume of those that remained. These morphological changes, which only occurred after 6 months of age, were correlated with the level of hearing loss in the different mouse strains, being most severe for C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J, less so for C57BL/6NTacCdh23+ and absent for C3H/HeJ strains. Despite the age‐related reduction in ribbon number in three of the four strains, the size and kinetics of Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis, as well as the replenishment of synaptic vesicles, in IHCs was not affected. The degree of vesicle release at the fewer, but larger, individual remaining ribbon synapses colocalized with the post‐synaptic afferent terminals is likely to increase, indicating the presence of a previously unknown degree of functional compensation in the ageing mouse cochlea.
Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 at the interface between renin‐angiotensin system inhibition and coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Siri‐Angkul Natthaphat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: July 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is the third major coronavirus outbreak of this century. Its aetiological agent, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), requires angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for cellular entry. The commonly used angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) could affect SARS‐CoV‐2 infectivity and may alter COVID‐19 disease progression by altering ACE2 expression. Current evidence of ACEI/ARB‐ACE2 interaction as well as the effects of ACEIs/ARBs on viral‐associated acute lung injury is summarized and discussed in this review. This review assesses the evidence gathered so far and highlights the research that needs to be done to help inform clinical decision making.

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Fidelity and coordination of mitochondrial protein synthesis in health and disease
Authors: Rudler Danielle L. , Hughes Laetitia A. , Viola Helena M. , Hool Livia C. , Rackham Oliver , Filipovska Aleksandra
Published: July 2020

The evolutionary acquisition of mitochondria has given rise to the diversity of eukaryotic life. Mitochondria have retained their ancestral α‐proteobacterial traits through the maintenance of double membranes and their own circular genome. Their genome varies in size from very large in plants to the smallest in animals and their parasites. The mitochondrial genome encodes essential genes for protein synthesis and has to coordinate its expression with the nuclear genome from which it sources most of the proteins required for mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery is unique because it is encoded by both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes thereby requiring tight regulation to produce the respiratory complexes that drive oxidative phosphorylation for energy production. The fidelity and coordination of mitochondrial protein synthesis are essential for ATP production. Here we compare and contrast the mitochondrial translation mechanisms in mammals and fungi to bacteria and reveal that their diverse regulation can have unusual impacts on the health and disease of these organisms. We highlight that in mammals the rate of protein synthesis is more important than the fidelity of translation, enabling coordinated biogenesis of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with respiratory chain proteins synthesised by cytoplasmic ribosomes. Changes in mitochondrial protein fidelity can trigger the activation of the diverse cellular signalling networks in fungi and mammals to combat dysfunction in energy conservation. The physiological consequences of altered fidelity of protein synthesis can range from liver regeneration to the onset and development of cardiomyopathy.

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Exhaust Heat Recovery Unit Equipped With Nanofluid and Helical Tapes, a Solution for Cleaner Energy Production
Authors: Sheikholeslami M. , Arabkoohsar A. , Jafaryar M.
Published: July 2020

In internal combustion engines (ICE), a major part of the generated energy via burning the fuel is wasted. The cooling fluid controlling the temperature, the reclaimed hot gases for reducing the environmental impacts, and the hot combustion productions leaving the engine from the exhaust are the main origins of energy waste in such a machine. Waste heat recovery and flue gas condensation are the methods by which the overall efficiency of a thermal engine is enhanced, and its environmental impacts are mitigated. In this paper, the utilization of the exhaust waste energy of ICE by using a heat exchanger with nanofluid and helical tape, in order to augment the thermal performance of the engine and reduce its environmental impact, is investigated numerically. In this heat exchanger, the flue gas of the engine at high temperature and H2O-CuO nanofluid are considered as the primary and secondary working fluids, and the twisted tape makes the flow further disturbed so that a larger overall heat transfer coefficient is obtained. The finite volume method has been applied to scrutinize the impacts of Reynolds number as well as the twisting-tape turns number on the operation and performance of the tube. As such, suitable correlations for the prediction of some of the thermos-physical parameters of the problem (such as Nusselt number and Darcy factor) are extracted regarding the obtained data. The results of the study reveal that Nusselt number is higher for larger numbers of the tape turn and higher Reynolds numbers, while a lower friction factor is achieved as the number of the turns is reduced.