bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Next steps for drowning prevention in rural and remote Australia: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Taylor Danielle H. , Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine unintentional drowning by remoteness in Australia.

Design

A systematic review of both peer‐reviewed and grey literature published between January 1990 and December 2019 (inclusive).

Method

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines, MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycINFO (ProQuest), SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar were searched for studies exploring fatal and non‐fatal unintentional drowning by remoteness. Epidemiological data, common factors and prevention strategies were extracted and mapped to Australian standard geographical classifications (major cities, inner regional, outer regional, remote and very remote). Level of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and prevention strategies aligned to the hierarchy of control.

Result

Thirty‐two studies satisfied inclusion criteria (66% reporting epidemiology; 59% risk factors; and 44% prevention strategies). All (100%) included studies were assessed very low against Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Findings indicate rural populations (ie, excluding major cities) have higher rates of drowning positively correlated with increasing remoteness. Common factors included age (child), natural water bodies, undertaking boating and watercraft activities and alcohol consumption. While a range of prevention strategies has been proposed, only one study outlined a rural drowning prevention strategy which had been implemented and evaluated. Strategies were generally low on the hierarchy of control.

Conclusion

Rural populations are proportionately overrepresented in drowning statistics. Proposed prevention strategies have unknown efficacy. Greater research into rural drowning of Australians is needed especially exploring behavioural motivations, program delivery, cost‐effectiveness and evaluation. Development and use of a standard definition for remoteness are recommended. Rural populations use water extensively; therefore, there is an urgent need to keep them safe.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal splenopexy for wandering spleen: A novel technique using a three‐incision retroperitoneal pouch
Authors: Umeda Satoshi , Kimura Koki , Takama Yuichi , Yamauchi Katsuji , Yonekura Takeo
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Wandering spleen is a rare condition for which splenopexy is indicated to prevent splenic torsion. We present a novel laparoscopic splenopexy technique for wandering spleen based on creation of a three‐incision retroperitoneal pouch.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A 12‐year‐old male patient with abdominal distention and vomiting was transferred to our institution. Contrast‐enhanced CT revealed a swollen wandering spleen with associated gastric volvulus, and the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery. A 5‐mm camera port was inserted through an umbilical incision with two additional ports, one in the right upper abdomen and one in the left flank. Normal saline was injected into the retroperitoneal space from the left flank with a 23‐G needle to create a retroperitoneal pouch. Three ventrodorsal peritoneal incisions were created at the same site in the peritoneum. The swollen spleen was inserted into the retroperitoneal pouch from the central incision, and the upper and lower poles of the spleen were exposed to the abdominal cavity from the cranial and caudal incisions to prevent splenic torsion. Finally, anterior gastropexy was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 11 without complaints. As of 10 months after surgery, the patient had no recurrences of splenic torsion or gastric volvulus.

Discussion

In the present method, the retroperitoneal pouch was created without difficulty by injection of normal saline. Even in a patient with a swollen spleen, this novel method could prevent splenic torsion without using artificial materials or extensively dissecting the retroperitoneal space.
Estimating carbon biomass in forests using incomplete data
Authors: Wijedasa Lahiru S. , Jain Anuj , Ziegler Alan D. , Evans Theodore A. , Fung Tak
Published: November 2020

Historical vegetation studies have been of limited use in total aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation because they only report incomplete data consisting of tree diameter‐class distributions or plot‐level summaries, rather than data on each tree individual. To address this issue, we assessed an existing method (ST‐n) and developed three new methods (ST‐p, PL‐n and PL‐p) for estimating total AGB using only incomplete data from tropical forest plots. ST‐n and ST‐p apply to studies with tree diameter‐class distributions (or stand tables, “ST”), whereas PL‐n and PL‐p apply to studies with plot‐level summary variables (“PL”) in the form of total tree basal area, mean tree diameter, and total number of trees. ST‐n and PL‐n are non‐parametric (“n”) methods that do not impose any form on the underlying distribution of tree diameters. In contrast, ST‐p and PL‐p are parametric (“p”) methods that involve fitting probability distributions of tree diameter to the data. We applied the methods to incomplete data from 58 1‐ha plots in Panama and 300 1‐ha pseudo‐plots (generated by randomly sampling tree diameters from empirical distributions for three larger plots) in Southeast Asia, and four allometric equations. For these two regions and equations, ST‐p gave low total proportional errors (TPEs, as measured by proportional root‐mean‐square error) of 1%–8%. In contrast, ST‐n gave moderate to large TPEs of 10%–66%. PL‐n and PL‐p gave low to moderate TPEs of 5%–30%. The methods have great potential to expand the pool of large‐scale baseline AGB assessments to historical studies with incomplete data.
Crestal bone changes around early vs. conventionally loaded implants with a multi‐phosphonate coated surface: A randomized pilot clinical trial
Authors: Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Gutierrez‐Garrido Lourdes , Lopez‐Chaichio Lucia , Guerra‐Lorenzo Claudia , Rodriguez‐Alvarez Roque , Padial‐Molina Miguel
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives

To compare the marginal bone level around implants with a thin multi‐phosphonate coated surface after either an early or conventional loading protocol.

Material and methods

A randomized pilot clinical trial was conducted. Dental impressions were obtained after either 4 (test) or 8 weeks (control) and single crowns screwed‐in 2 weeks later. Several variables were evaluated including radiographical marginal bone level (MBL), patient's level variables, and those related to the restoration and surrounding tissues. These data were obtained at several time points up to a 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were included in the study, 18 assigned to the test group. No differences at implant placement were detected for tissue thickness, keratinized mucosa, nor any other clinical or radiological variable. At the time of impressions, tissue was thinner in the test group (2.30 (0.46) versus 2.78 (0.66) mm, test versus control, respectively; p = .012) so shorter abutments were used in this group. Regardless, no significant changes in marginal bone level were detected neither within group along time nor between groups. The average MBL at the 1‐year follow‐up was −0.15 (0.32) versus −0.22 (0.37) (p = .443) (test versus control, respectively). None of the clinical or radiological variables evaluated had a determinant influence on the MBL at any visit nor group.

Conclusion

The use of implants with a multi‐phosphonate coated surface for early loading offers successful radiographical outcomes 1 year after loading. MBL over time was not affected by taking the impressions 4 or 8 weeks after implant placement and loading them 2 weeks later.
Mitigation translocation as a management tool
Authors: Bradley Holly S. , Tomlinson Sean , Craig Michael D. , Cross Adam T. , Bateman Philip W.
Published: November 2020

Mitigation translocation is a subgroup of conservation translocation, categorized by a crisis‐responsive time frame and the immediate goal of relocating individuals threatened with death. However, the relative successes of conservation translocations with longer time frames and broader metapopulation‐ and ecosystem‐level considerations have been used to justify the continued implementation of mitigation translocations without adequate post hoc monitoring to confirm their effectiveness as a conservation tool. Mitigation translocations now outnumber other conservation translocations, and understanding the effectiveness of mitigation translocations is critical given limited global conservation funding especially if the mitigation translocations undermine biodiversity conservation by failing to save individuals. We assessed the effectiveness of mitigation translocations by conducting a quantitative review of the global literature. A total of 59 mitigation translocations were reviewed for their adherence to the adaptive scientific approach expected of other conservation translocations and for the testing of management options to continue improving techniques for the future. We found that mitigation translocations have not achieved their potential as an effective applied science. Most translocations focused predominantly on population establishment‐ and persistence‐level questions, as is often seen in translocations more broadly, and less on metapopulation and ecosystem outcomes. Questions regarding the long‐term impacts to the recipient ecosystem (12% of articles) and the carrying capacity of translocation sites (24% of articles) were addressed least often, despite these factors being more likely to influence ultimate success. Less than half (47%) of studies included comparison of different management techniques to facilitate practitioners selecting the most effective management actions for the future. To align mitigation translocations with the relative success of other conservation translocations, it is critical that future mitigation translocations conform to an established experimental approach to improve their effectiveness. Effective mitigation translocations will require significantly greater investment of time, expertise, and resources in the future.
Major histocompatibility complex class II polymorphic variants are associated with asthma predisposition in the Punjabi population of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Aslam Raheela , Shahid Mariam , Bano Iqbal , Ayoub Muhammad , Sabar Muhammad Farooq , Altaf Saba , Kousar Samra , Ghani Muhammad Usman , Husnain Tayyab , Shahid Ahmad Ali
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Various genome wide association studies have manifested that Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6p21 houses many potential candidate genes for asthma.

Objective

This Case‐Control association study was planned to determine the association of 10 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), residing within and around MHC genes’ region on chromosome 6p21, with Asthma in Punjabi population of Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods

A total of 161 subjects, 61 physician‐diagnosed asthma patients and 100 age‐matched healthy controls, were recruited from Lahore, a city in Punjab. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs9378249, rs2070600, rs404860, rs6689, rs1049124, rs1063355, rs1049225, rs1049219, rs7773955 and rs928976) located within or near AGER, NOTCH and HLA genes in MHC region, were genotyped in both patients and controls using single base extension reaction and capillary electrophoresis‐based genetic analyser. Statistical models were applied using SHEsis Plus. Results were adjusted for various cofactors (age, gender and environment) and by applying multiple corrections. Haplotype and linkage disequilibrium analyses were performed on Haploview software v4.1.

Results

Three of the studied SNPs rs1049124, rs1049219 and rs7773955 show independent significant association with asthma under allelic and genotypic models. Two of the haplotypes, H7 and H13, “CTAATTT” and “CCACTAT”, respectively, for rs2070600, rs404860, rs6689, rs1049124, rs1063355, rs1049219 and rs7773955, are found to be significantly associated with the disease.

Conclusion

This study reports association of SNP variants residing on HLA‐DQB1 and HLA‐DQA2 genes and haplotypes H7 and H13 on genomic region 6p21 with Asthma in the Punjabi population of Lahore, Pakistan.
Paraoxonase‐2: A potential biomarker for skin cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Bacchetti Tiziana , Salvolini Eleonora , Pompei Veronica , Campagna Roberto , Molinelli Elisa , Brisigotti Valerio , Togni Lucrezia , Lucarini Guendalina , Sartini Davide , Campanati Anna , Mattioli‐Belmonte Monica , Rubini Corrado , Ferretti Gianna , Offidani Annamaria , Emanuelli Monica
Published: November 2020

Background

Cutaneous neoplasms include melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Among NMSCs, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common lesion. On the contrary, although accounting for less than 5% of all skin cancers, melanoma is responsible for most of cutaneous malignancy‐related deaths. Paraoxonase‐2 (PON2) is an intracellular enzyme exerting a protective role against production of reactive oxygen species within mitochondrial respiratory chain. Recently, a growing attention has been focused on exploring the role of PON2 in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of PON2 in skin neoplasms.

Materials and methods

36 cases of BCC, distinguished between nodular and infiltrative lesions, as well as 29 melanoma samples were analysed by immunohistochemistry to evaluate PON2 protein expression. Subsequent statistical analyses were carried out to explore the existence of correlations between intratumour enzyme levels and clinicopathological features.

Results

Results obtained showed PON2 overexpression in BCCs compared with controls. In particular, distinguishing between less and more aggressive tumour forms, we found no significant differences in enzyme levels between nodular BCCs and controls. Conversely, PON2 expression was significantly higher in infiltrative BCCs compared with controls. Moreover, the enzyme was strongly upregulated in melanoma samples with respect to controls. Interestingly, PON2 levels were positively correlated with Breslow thickness, Clark level, regression, mitoses, lymph node metastases, primary tumour (pT) parameter and pathological stage.

Conclusions

Reported findings seem to suggest that PON2 expression levels could be positively related with tumour aggressiveness of both BCC and melanoma.
Non‐invasive and tracheostomy invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Utilization and survival rates in a cohort study over 12 years in Germany
Authors: Spittel Susanne , Maier André , Kettemann Dagmar , Walter Bertram , Koch Birgit , Krause Kerstin , Norden Jenny , Münch Christoph , Meyer Thomas
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate utilization rates, treatment pathways and survival prognosis in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) undergoing non‐invasive (NIV) and tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A prospective cohort study using a single‐centre register of 2702 ALS patients (2007 to 2019) was conducted. Utilization of NIV/TIV and survival data were analysed in three cohorts: (i) non‐NIV; (ii) NIV (NIV without subsequent TIV); and (iii) TIV (including TIV preceded by NIV).

Results

A total of 1720 patients with available data were identified, 72.0% of whom (n = 1238) did not receive ventilation therapy. NIV was performed in 20.8% of patients (n = 358). TIV was performed in 9.5% of patients (n = 164), encompassing both primary TIV (7.2%, n = 124) and TIV with preceding NIV (2.3%, n = 40). TIV was more often utilized without previous NIV (25.7% vs. 8.3% of all ventilated patients), demonstrating that primary TIV was the prevailing pathway for invasive ventilation. The median (range) survival was significantly longer in the NIV cohort (40.8 [37.2–44.3] months) and the TIV cohort (82.1 [68.7–95.6] months) as compared to the non‐NIV cohort (33.6 [31.6–35.7] months).

Conclusions

Although NIV represents the standard of care, its utilization rate was low. TIV was mainly started without preceding NIV, suggesting that TIV may not be confined to NIV treatment escalation. However, TIV was pursued in a minority of patients who had previously undergone NIV. The survival benefit observed in the patients with NIV was equal to that reported in a controlled pivotal trial, but the prognosis with TIV is highly variable. The determinants of utilization of NIV/TIV and of survival (bulbar syndrome, availability of ventilation‐related home nursing, cultural factors) warrant further investigation.
Best of a bad job or masters of illusion: Do nest light conditions make the eggs of brood parasitic brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) more similar to the eggs of their hosts?
Authors: Rutledge Samantha , Carr David E. , Hauber Mark E. , Hanley Daniel
Published: November 2020

Brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) are generalist obligate brood parasites, laying in the nest of nearly 300 avian species, and successfully parasitizing well over 100 host species. Cowbird eggs are generally considered non‐mimetic, although some have suggested that cowbird eggs resemble several of their host species’ eggs. To date, no investigation has examined the level of avian‐perceived similarity between cowbird and diverse host eggs in the contexts of light characteristics at the nest and the visual system of the relevant viewer. Because the cowbird exploits a wide range of species that lay in a variety of nest types, hosts view these eggs under an array of light conditions which could facilitate or hinder egg discrimination. When considering the visual system of the relevant viewers and the light conditions at their nest, we found that the coloration of cowbird eggs was more similar to host than non‐host species’ eggs. Host responses (whether they accept or reject cowbird eggs) were not statistically different when hosts perceived a large chromatic difference between their own eggs and the cowbird's eggs. Instead, we found that host responses were predicted by the degree to which nesting light conditions facilitated color similarity between host and cowbird eggs, such that hosts typically nesting under light conditions where this color discrimination task was more challenging were more likely to reject cowbird eggs. This suggests that the nesting light environment may have selected for increased coevolved egg recognition abilities in a suite of cowbird host species, even in the absence of parasitic egg color mimicry.
Pairs trading on different portfolios based on machine learning
Authors: Chang Victor , Man Xiaowen , Xu Qianwen , Hsu Ching‐Hsien
Published: November 2020

This article presents an advanced visualization and analytics approach for financial research. Statistical arbitrage, particularly pairs trading strategy, has gained ground in the financial market and machine learning techniques are applied to the finance field. The cointegration approach and long short‐term memory (LSTM) were utilized to achieve stock pairs identification and price prediction purposes, respectively, in this project. This article focused on the US stock market, investigating the performance of pairs trading on different types of portfolios (aggressive and defensive portfolio) and compare the accuracy of price prediction based on LSTM. It can be briefly concluded that LSTM offers higher prediction precision on aggressive stocks and implementing pairs trading on the defensive portfolio would gain higher profitability during a specific period between 2016 and 2017. However, predicting tools like LSTM only offer limited advice on stock movement and should be cautiously utilized. We conclude that analytics and visualization can be effective for financial analysis, forecasting and investment strategy.
Induced genetic ablation of Rest leads to the alteration of stimulus‐induced response of the vagal nerve
Authors: Aoki Hitomi , Abe Chikara , Hara Akira , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Morita Hironobu , Kunisada Takahiro
Published: November 2020

Rest (RE1‐silencing transcription factor, also called Nrsf) is involved in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of neuronal stem/progenitor cells by preventing precocious expression of neuronal genes. In order to further investigate the function of Rest in neurons, we generated and examined mice evoking genetic ablation of Rest specifically in neural tissues by generating Rest conditional knockout mice. As the Rest knockout mice are embryonically lethal, we used a Sox1‐Cre allele to excise the floxed Rest gene from the early stage of nerve cell differentiation including neural crest‐derived nerve cells. Using this conditional Rest knockout Sox1‐Cre; Restflox/flox mice, we have revealed the role of Rest in the parasympathetic nervous system in the stomach and heart
High diversity and strong variation in host specificity of seed parasitic acorn weevils
Authors: Li Qian‐Ya , Hu Xing‐Hua , Liu De‐Chen , Ouyang Ao , Tong Xin , Wang Yong‐Jin , Wang Rong , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: November 2020

Host specificity of phytophagous insects plays a critical role in the maintenance of plant diversity. However, a lack of approaches to identify the larvae of phytophagous insects, which usually have similar morphology, can lead to misinterpretation of their host ranges.

Acorn weevils are seed‐exploiting parasites of Fagaceae species, a dominant plant group in subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests (EBLFs). Therefore, variation in their host specificity may profoundly influence plant diversity in this ecosystem.

Here, we collected larvae of acorn weevils from 36 655 seeds of Fagaceae species in EBLFs in southeastern China and performed multiple operational taxonomic unit (OTU) delimitation analyses using one mitochondrial (COI) and two nuclear (ArgK and EF1‐α) genes to reveal species composition of acorn weevils and assess the variation in host specificity among OTUs.

We analysed the DNA barcoding sequences from 478 larvae and 4 adults of acorn weevils sampled from 17 common Fagaceae species (five genera) and detected 11 OTUs. Moreover, host range varied drastically among different OTUs, with Curculio bimaculatus being the most generalised.

Our results revealed high diversity of acorn weevils and that strong variation in host specificity can even exist among OTUs in the same genus, addressing the need to distinguish different Curculio species before conducting forest management in EBLFs.
Subjective cognitive decline in diabetes: Associations with psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park Chang , Zhu Bingqian , Fritschi Cynthia
Published: November 2020

Aims

To determine whether psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors were associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Design

A secondary analysis with a cross‐sectional, correlational design.

Methods

Data from two parent studies were combined. A total of 105 adults with diabetes were recruited from a Midwestern city in the United States from September 2013–March 2014 and September 2016–September 2017. Subjective cognitive decline was measured with the psychological‐cognitive symptom subscale of the Diabetes Symptom Checklist–Revised. Psychological factors (diabetes distress, fatigue, and depressive symptoms) and sleep were measured using the Diabetes Distress Scale and Patient–Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Diabetes‐related factors were measured with body mass index and glycaemia control. Quantile regression was used to examine the associations.

Results/Findings

The mean age of the participants was 58.10 (SD 7.92) years and 58.1% were women. The participants’ mean psychological‐cognitive symptom score was 1.41 (SD 1.13). After controlling for age and gender, sleep disturbance, sleep‐related impairment, and body mass index were associated with SCD in lower cognitive symptom quantile groups (5th to 30th percentiles). In contrast, fatigue and depressive symptoms were more strongly associated with SCD in higher quantile groups (70th to 95th percentiles).

Conclusion

In adults with T2D, SCD was differentially associated with psychological, sleep, and diabetes‐related factors depending on cognitive symptom percentiles. Adults with T2D require regular screening for SCD. If they complain of cognitive symptoms at clinical visits, different underlying factors should be assessed according to their symptom severity.

Impact

Findings from this study provided evidence for early identification of SCD and its influencing factors, which may help to develop nursing interventions to recognize and/or delay the onset of cognitive impairment in adults with T2D.
Patient education interventions for health behaviour change in adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease: A protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi Wendan , Ghisi Gabriela L. M. , Hyun Karice , Zhang Ling , Gallagher Robyn
Published: November 2020

Aim

To assess the efficacy of structured patient education on disease‐related knowledge and health behaviour change outcomes in adults with coronary heart disease.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analyses including meta‐regression on education duration.

Methods

Seven databases (including Medline, Pubmed (non‐Medline), CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Emcare and Cochrane central register of controlled trials) will be searched from inception through 2020 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials testing interventions to improve health behaviours and disease‐related knowledge in adults with coronary heart disease. Risk for bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk for Bias tool. Data will be synthesized using random‐effects meta‐analyses in Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Version 3. Heterogeneity will be assessed using Cochrane's Q statistic and the I‐squared statistic will be reported. Meta‐regression will be used to determine the effect of intervention duration. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test and which will be adjusted by conducting the trim‐and‐fill test when necessary. Funding for this project began in March 2020.

Discussion

We will examine knowledge and behaviour outcomes including physical activity, dietary habits, smoking and medication adherence for patients with coronary heart diseases. This review will be the most comprehensive meta‐analysis of structured patient education interventions to date and the first to analyse the effect of education duration.

Impact

The efficacy of patient education on knowledge and behaviour outcomes for patients with coronary heart diseases has not yet been established. This systematic review will determine the efficacy of structured patient education on knowledge and behaviour outcomes and determine whether the duration of patient education influences patient outcomes and thus guide intervention design. PROSPERO registration Number: CRD42020173467.
Nurses´ stressors and psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The mediating role of coping and resilience
Authors: Lorente Laura , Vera María , Peiró Teresa
Published: November 2020

Aims

This study analyses the cross‐sectional effect of sources of stress during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses´ psychological distress, focusing on the mediating role of coping strategies, both problem focused and emotion focused and resilience.

Design

Cross‐sectional and quantitative analyses.

Methods

Structural equation modelling was performed using survey data obtained during the period between 1 April‐25 May 2020 in a sample of 421 nurses from 39 Spanish provinces.

Results

Results confirmed that: (a) All the stressors have a significant, direct, and negative relationship with nurses´ psychological distress; (b) Emotion‐focused strategies is negatively related to nurses´ psychological distress directly and indirectly through resilience; and (c) Problem‐focused strategies is positively related to nurses´ psychological distress and negatively and indirectly through emotion‐focused strategies.

Conclusion

This study identifies an important mediation sequence of stressors on psychological distress through the simultaneous concurrent effect of Problem‐focused and Emotion‐focused strategies and resilience. It shows that enacting the two coping mechanisms and resilience resources is important to achieve an adaptive effect on nurses´ mental health.

Impact

Nurses with insufficient preparation and those with high levels of fear of contagion do not enact proper coping strategies. Thus, these nurses need special consideration due to their risk of higher vulnerability.
Electrophysiological identification of superior vena cava: Novel insight into slow conduction or conduction block
Authors: Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Egami Yasuyuki , Ukita Kohei , Kawamura Akito , Nakamura Hitoshi , Matsuhiro Yutaka , Yasumoto Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Tanaka Akihiro , Okamoto Naotaka , Yano Masamichi , Shutta Ryu , Sakata Yasushi , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun
Published: November 2020

Introduction

It has not been clarified how to identify the electrophysiological junction between right atrium (RA) and superior vena cava (SVC). The aim of this study was to identify the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction according to slow conduction or conduction bock and to examine the electrophysiological SVC isolation procedure.

Methods

Seventy‐three consecutive atrial fibrillation patients who underwent SVC mapping using a CARTO 3 system were enrolled in this study. Slow conduction or conduction block between the RA and SVC was identified by adjusting the lower threshold criteria of the early meets late function and was described as a white line. The SVC isolation was performed along the white line and with pacing maneuvers to confirm direct SVC capture.

Results

Activation mapping (1296 ± 631 points) was obtained in 66 patients (90%) in 4.6 ± 1.8 min. Slow conduction or conduction block was observed in all patients. The threshold for detecting slow conduction or conduction block was 24 ± 8 ms. The location of the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction was higher in the anterior portion (anterior‐septal, anterior, and anterior‐lateral) than in the posterior portion (posterior‐septal, posterior, and posterior‐lateral) (−2.3 ± 6.2 mm vs. 7.1 ± 6.3 mm, p < .001). The SVC isolation at the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction was successful in all patients without any injury to the sinus node function. Asymptomatic phrenic nerve injury was observed in three patients (4.5%).

Conclusion

In all patients, the electrophysiological RA–SVC junction determined by slow conduction or conduction block was identified and the electrophysiological SVC isolation was performed successfully and safely.
MiR155 modulates vascular calcification by regulating Akt‐FOXO3a signalling and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Li Yong , Sun Wei , Saaoud Fatma , Wang Yuzhen , Wang Quanyi , Hodge Johnie , Hui Yvonne , Yin Sophia , Lessner Susan M. , Kong Xiangqing , Fan Daping
Published: November 2020

microRNA‐155 (miR155) is pro‐atherogenic; however, its role in vascular calcification is unknown. In this study, we aim to examine whether miR155 regulates vascular calcification and to understand the underlying mechanism. Quantitative real‐time PCR showed that miR155 is highly expressed in human calcific carotid tissue and positively correlated with the expression of osteogenic genes. Wound‐healing assay and TUNEL staining showed deletion of miR155 inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and apoptosis. miR155 deficiency attenuated calcification of cultured mouse VSMCs and aortic rings induced by calcification medium, whereas miR155 overexpression promoted VSMC calcification. Compared with wild‐type mice, miR155−/− mice showed significant resistance to vitamin D3 induced vascular calcification. Protein analysis showed that miR155 deficiency alleviated the reduction of Rictor, increased phosphorylation of Akt at S473 and accelerated phosphorylation and degradation of FOXO3a in cultured VSMCs and in the aortas of vitamin D3‐treated mice. A PI3K inhibitor that suppresses Akt phosphorylation increased, whereas a pan‐caspase inhibitor that suppresses apoptosis reduced VSMC calcification; and both inhibitors diminished the protective effects of miR155 deficiency on VSMC calcification. In conclusion, miR155 deficiency attenuates vascular calcification by increasing Akt phosphorylation and FOXO3a degradation, and thus reducing VSMC apoptosis induced by calcification medium.
Oil droplet breakup during pressure swirl atomization of food emulsions: Influence of atomization pressure and initial oil droplet size
Authors: Taboada Martha L. , Schäfer Ann‐Christin , Karbstein Heike P. , Gaukel Volker
Published: November 2020

Atomization of emulsions with pressure swirl atomizers is a common task in food process engineering. Especially in spray drying processes for food materials like dairy products, it is the technology of choice. During atomization, emulsions are subjected to high stresses, which can lead to deformation and breakup of the dispersed droplets. In this study, the influence of atomization pressure (5–20 MPa) and initial oil droplet size (0.26, 3.1, and 20.8 μm) on the oil droplet breakup during atomization of food based oil‐in‐water emulsions with pressure swirl atomizers was investigated. It was shown that a significant oil droplet breakup takes place upon atomization. The size of oil droplets with an initial value of 3.1 and 20 μm was reduced up to 0.36 μm. No breakup of oil droplets with an initial value of 0.26 μm was observed. The breakup was highly dependent on the atomization pressure. The results were analyzed based on existing knowledge on droplet breakup in laminar flow. A concept to estimate capillary numbers during atomization was developed based on common models from different applications. The results of this study can be used to control the resulting oil droplet size after atomization with pressure swirl atomizers.

Practical application

Spray drying of emulsions is a widely used process in the food industry to produce products with encapsulated oily components. Product examples include infant formula, milk powder, and the encapsulation of aroma and coloring compounds. Breakup of the oil droplets during the atomization step of spray drying can change a previously adjusted and desired oil droplet size. As the oil droplet size in the final product can be responsible for several properties like sensorial aspects and stability, a control of oil droplet breakup is essential. Pressure swirl atomizers are widely used in industrial applications as atomization devices. In this study, oil droplet breakup during atomization with these atomizers was investigated. The findings in this study allow a better control of the oil droplet size during atomization in practical applications.
Association of iodine‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours with urinary iodine excretion in pregnant women with mild iodine deficiency
Authors: Wang Z. , Wu Y. , Shi Z. , Song J. , Wang G. , Xu C. , Song Q. , Jin W. , Cui X. , Wu C. , Zang J. , Guo C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Subsequent to the implementation of the universal salt iodisation policy, China has all but eliminated the iodine deficiency disorders. However, pregnant women are still experiencing mild iodine deficiency. The present study explored factors that could relate to mild iodine deficiency in pregnant women.

Methods

In total, 2400 pregnant women were enrolled using a multistage, stratified, random sampling method in Shanghai. Data were collected via a standardised questionnaire. The urine samples and household cooking salt samples were collected for the detection of urinary iodine and salt iodine concentrations.

Results

The median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) was 148.0 μg L−1 for all participants, and 155.0 μg L−1, 151.0 μg L−1 and 139.6 μg L−1 in the first, second and third trimesters. The MUIC in the third trimester was significantly lower than that of the first trimester (P < 0.05). The usage rates of iodised salt and qualified‐iodised salt were 71.5% and 59.4%, respectively. Iodine‐related knowledge score composition ratio was significantly different between the high and low UIC groups (P < 0.05). Participants’ MUIC increased significantly with the increases in iodine‐related knowledge score (P < 0.001). The third trimester was a significant risk factor for high UIC, whereas high iodine‐related knowledge score, actively learning dietary knowledge and having a habit of consuming iodine‐rich food were significant protective factors for high UIC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Iodine level is adequate among pregnant women in Shanghai during the first and the second trimesters, although it is is insufficient in the third trimester. Good iodine‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours are important for pregnant women with respect to maintaining adequate urinary iodine.
Comparing Xe+pFIB and Ga+FIB for TEM sample preparation of Al alloys: Minimising FIB‐induced artefacts
Authors: Zhong Xiangli , Wade C. Austin , Withers Philip J. , Zhou Xiaorong , Cai Changrun , Haigh Sarah J. , Burke M. Grace
Published: November 2020

Recently, the dual beam Xe+ plasma focused ion beam (Xe+pFIB) instrument has attracted increasing interest for site‐specific transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation for a local region of interest as it shows several potential benefits compared to conventional Ga+FIB milling. Nevertheless, challenges and questions remain especially in terms of FIB‐induced artefacts, which hinder reliable S/TEM microstructural and compositional analysis. Here we examine the efficacy of using Xe+ pFIB as compared with conventional Ga+ FIB for TEM sample preparation of Al alloys. Three potential source of specimen preparation artefacts were examined, namely: (1) implantation‐induced defects such as amophisation, dislocations, or ‘bubble’ formation in the near‐surface region resulting from ion bombardment of the sample by the incident beam; (2) compositional artefacts due to implantation of the source ions and (3) material redeposition due to the milling process. It is shown that Xe+pFIB milling is able to produce improved STEM/TEM samples compared to those produced by Ga+ milling, and is therefore the preferred specimen preparation route. Strategies for minimising the artefacts induced by Xe+pFIB and Ga+FIB are also proposed.

Lay Description

FIB (focused ion beam) instruments have become one of the most important systems in the preparation of site‐specific TEM specimens, which are typically 50‐100 nm in thickness. TEM specimen preparation of Al alloys is particularly challenging, as convention Ga‐ion FIB produces artefacts in these materials that make microstructural analysis difficult or impossible. Recently, the use of noble gas ion sources, such as Xe, has markedly improved milling speeds and is being used for the preparation of various materials. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the structural defects formed during FIB milling and assess the ion‐induced chemical contamination in these TEM samples. Here we explore the feasibility and efficiency of using Xe+PFIB as a TEM sample preparation route for Al alloys in comparison with the conventional Ga+FIB.
Profiling of systemic and brain steroids in male songbirds: Seasonal changes in neurosteroids
Authors: Jalabert Cecilia , Ma Chunqi , Soma Kiran K.
Published: November 2020

Steroids are secreted by the gonads and adrenal glands into the blood to modulate neurophysiology and behaviour. In addition, the brain can metabolise circulating steroids and synthesise steroids de novo. Songbirds show high levels of neurosteroid synthesis. In the present study, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay for the measurement of 10 steroids in whole blood, plasma and microdissected brain tissue (1‐2 mg) of song sparrows. Our assay is highly accurate, precise, specific and sensitive. Moreover, the liquid‐liquid extraction is fast, simple and effective. We quantified steroids in the blood and brain of wild male song sparrows in both breeding and non‐breeding seasons. As expected, systemic androgen levels were higher in the breeding season than in the non‐breeding season. Brain androgens were detectable only in the breeding season; androstenedione and 5α‐dihydrotestosterone levels were up to 20‐fold higher in specific brain regions than in blood. Oestrogens were not detectable in blood in both seasons. Oestrone and 17β‐oestradiol were detectable in brain in the breeding season only (up to 1.4 ng g‐1 combined). Progesterone levels in several regions were higher in the non‐breeding season than the breeding season, despite the lack of seasonal changes in systemic progesterone. Corticosterone levels in the blood were higher in the breeding season than in the non‐breeding season but showed few seasonal differences in the brain. In general, the steroid levels presented here are lower than those in previous reports using immunoassays, because of the higher specificity of mass spectrometry. We conclude that (i) brain steroid levels can differ greatly from circulating steroid levels and (ii) brain steroid levels show region‐specific seasonal patterns that are not a simple reflection of circulating steroid levels. This approach using ultrasensitive LC‐MS/MS is broadly applicable to other species and allows steroid profiling in microdissected brain regions.
Effect of mass and habitat on the shape of limb long bones: A morpho‐functional investigation on Bovidae (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla)
Authors: Etienne Cyril , Filippo Andréa , Cornette Raphaël , Houssaye Alexandra
Published: November 2020

Limb long bones are essential to an animal's locomotion, and are thus expected to be heavily influenced by factors such as mass or habitat. Because they are often the only organs preserved in the fossil record, understanding their adaptive trends is key to reconstructing the paleobiology of fossil taxa. In this regard, the Bovidae has always been a prized group of study. This family is extremely diverse in terms of both mass and habitat, and it is expected that their bones will possess adaptations to both factors. Here, we present the first 3D geometric morphometric study focusing on bovid limb long bones. We used anatomical landmarks as well as curve and surface sliding semi‐landmarks to accurately describe the stylopod and zeugopod bones. We included 50 species from ten of the twelve currently recognized tribes of bovids, ranging from 4.6 to 725 kg, and living in open plains, forests, mountains, or anywhere in‐between. Shape data were correlated with the mean mass of the species and its habitat, even when taking into account the phylogenetic history of our sample. Bones pertaining to heavy species are more robust, adapted for a better repartition of stronger forces. Articulations are especially affected, being proportionally much larger in heavier species. Muscle insertion areas are unevenly affected. Insertion areas of muscles implied in body support and propulsion show a strong increase in their robustness when compared to insertion areas of muscles acting on the limb mostly when it is off the ground. Habitat influences the shape of the humerus, the radius‐ulna, and the femur, but not of the tibia, whether the phylogeny is taken into account or not. Specific habitats tend to be associated with particular features on the bones. Articulations are proportionally wider in open‐habitat species, and the insertion areas of muscles involved in limb extension and propulsion are wider, reflecting the fact that open habitat species are more cursorial and rely on fast running to avoid predators. Forest and mountain species generally present similar adaptations for increased manoeuvrability, such as a round femoral head, and generally have more gracile bones.
Iron oxides in novel skin care formulations attenuate blue light for enhanced protection against skin damage
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Sarkas Harry W. , Boland Patricia
Published: November 2020

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a main cause of aging of sun‐exposed skin, but greater attention is being focused on the damaging effects of high‐energy visible (HEV) light (400 and 500 nm). HEV light exposure has increased with expanding use of consumer electronics, such as smartphones, which have a peak emission in the 400‐490 nm range. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect against UVA and UVB radiation but provide limited protection against HEV light.

Aim

Iron oxides including red iron oxide (Fe2O3), yellow iron oxide (Fe(OH)3/FeOOH), and black iron oxide (Fe3O4) effectively block HEV light, each with a different attenuation profile. Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides with patented skin care ingredients have been incorporated into several formulations to provide enhanced skin protection (Colorescience, Inc).

Methods

The percent of HEV light attenuation from 400 nm to 490 nm light was measured in vitro using a technique known as diffuse transmittance spectroscopy using a Perkin Elmer Lambda™ 750 UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer equipped with a 100‐mm integrating Labsphere® and PbS detector.

Results

Products formulated with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides demonstrated 71.9%‐85.6% attenuation across the tested wavelengths of 415‐465 nm.

Conclusion

Sunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. To our knowledge, similar studies with iron oxides have not been performed.
Stronger together? Assessing the causal effect of inter‐municipal cooperation on the efficiency of small Italian municipalities
Authors: Luca Davide , Modrego Felix
Published: November 2020

When local governments are small and fragmented, promoting inter‐municipal cooperation (IMC) among them is seen as a tool to improve the management of public services by reaping economies of scale and scope. Yet, the empirical evidence on the impacts of IMC on local governments' efficiency is scarce and inconclusive. In this paper, we investigate the experience of Italy's municipal unions (Unioni di comuni). We develop an index of technical efficiency by means of robust data envelopment analysis. We then exploit nearest‐neighbor matching and fuzzy regression discontinuity design estimators to explore whether municipal unions have any impacts on the administrative efficiency of member municipalities. We fail to find any strong, significant effect.
Agglomeration and firm wage inequality: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Anping , Dai Tianshi , Partridge Mark D.
Published: November 2020

There is a large literature examining the effects of agglomeration on income distribution but less is known about its effects in developing countries. In this study, we apply panel data from a microfirm‐level survey and from city‐level data to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between agglomeration and establishment wage dispersion in China. Given the potential endogeneity of city size, we employ an instrumental variable regression approach. We find strong evidence that agglomeration has significant effects on wage inequality in the short and long run. The link between agglomeration and wage inequality is heterogeneous across regions. The spatially varying results appear to be due to different stages of development. Our results are consistent with the sorting models in that it appears that the most productive and least productive firms are relatively thriving in coastal cities, but not inland.