bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised and Unsupervised Classification of Cocoa Bean Origin and Processing using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kumar Santhust , D’Souza Roy N. , Behrends Britta , Corno Marcello , Ullrich Matthias S. , Kuhnert Nikolai , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: February 2020

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) provides an unprecedented wealth of metabolomics information for food products, including insights into compositional changes during food processing. Here, we employed the largest available LC-MS dataset of around 300 cocoa bean samples to assess the capability of two popular multivariate classification methods, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear decomposition analysis (LDA), for studying bean geographic origin and responsible characteristic compounds.

The unsupervised method, PCA, only provides a limited separation in bean origin. Expectedly, the supervised method, LDA, provides a better origin clustering. However, it suffers from a strong, nonlinear dependence on the set of compounds used in the analysis. We show that for LDA a compound filtering criterion based on Gaussian intensity distributions dramatically enhances origin clustering of samples, thus increasing its predictive efficiency. In this form, the supervised method of LDA holds the possibility to identify potential markers of a specific origin.
Correlation network analysis based on untargeted LC-MS profiles of cocoa reveals processing stage and origin country
Authors: Kumar Santhust , D’Souza Roy N. , Corno Marcello , Ullrich Matthias S. , Kuhnert Nikolai , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: February 2020

In order to implement quality control measures and create fine flavor products, an important objective in cocoa processing industry is to realize standards for characterization of cocoa raw materials, intermediate and finished products with respect to their processing stages and countries of origin. Towards this end, various works have studied separability or distinguishability of cocoa samples belonging to various processing stages in a typical cocoa processing pipeline or to different origins. Limited amount of success has been possible in this direction in that unfermented and fermented cocoa samples have been shown to group into separate clusters in PCA. However, a clear clustering with respect to the country of origin has remained elusive. In this work we suggest an alternative approach to this problem through the framework of correlation networks. For 140 cocoa samples belonging to eight countries and three progressive stages in a typical cocoa processing pipeline we compute pairwise Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients based on the LC-MS profiles and derive correlation networks by retaining only correlations higher than a threshold. Progressively increasing this threshold reveals, first, processing stage (or sample type) modules (or network clusters) at low and intermediate values of correlation threshold and then country specific modules at high correlation thresholds. We present both qualitative and quantitative evidence through network visualization and node connectivity statistics. Besides demonstrating separability of the two data properties via this network-based method, our work suggests a new approach for studying classification of cocoa samples with nested attributes of processing stage sample types and country of origin along with possibility of including additional factors, e.g., hybrid variety, etc. in the analysis.
Cortical network mechanisms of response inhibition
Authors: Schaum Michael , Pinzuti Edoardo , Sebastian Alexandra , Lieb Klaus , Fries Pascal , Mobascher Arian , Jung Patrick , Wibral Michael , Tüscher Oliver
Published: February 2020

Both the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) and the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) are crucial for successful response inhibition. However, the particular functional roles of those two regions have been controversially debated for more than a decade now. It is unclear whether the rIFG directly initiates stopping or serves an attentional function, whereas the stopping is triggered by the pre-SMA. The current multimodal MEG/fMRI study sought to clarify the role and temporal activation order of both regions in response inhibition using a selective stopping task. This task dissociates inhibitory from attentional processes. Our results reliably reveal a temporal precedence of rIFG over pre-SMA. Moreover, connectivity during response inhibition is directed from rIFG to pre-SMA and predicts stopping performance. Response inhibition is implemented via beta-band oscillations. Our findings support the hypothesis that response inhibition is initiated by the rIFG as a form of attention-independent top-down control.
Explosive sensing with insect-based biorobots
Authors: Saha Debajit , Mehta Darshit , Atlan Ege , Chandak Rishabh , Traner Mike , Lo Ray , Gupta Prashant , Singamaneni Srikanth , Chakrabartty Shantanu , Raman Barani
Published: February 2020

Stand-off chemical sensing is an important capability with applications in several domains including homeland security. Engineered devices for this task, popularly referred to as electronic noses, have limited capacity compared to the broad-spectrum abilities of the biological olfactory system. Therefore, we propose a hybrid bio-electronic solution that directly takes advantage of the rich repertoire of olfactory sensors and sophisticated neural computational framework available in an insect olfactory system. We show that select subsets of neurons in the locust (Schistocerca americana) brain were activated upon exposure to various explosive chemical species (such as DNT and TNT). Responses from an ensemble of neurons provided a unique, multivariate fingerprint that allowed discrimination of explosive vapors from non-explosive chemical species and from each other. Notably, target chemical recognition could be achieved within a few hundred milliseconds of exposure. Finally, we developed a minimally-invasive surgical approach and mobile multi-unit electrophysiological recording system to tap into the neural signals in a locust brain and realize a biorobotic explosive sensing system. In sum, our study provides the first demonstration of how biological olfactory systems (sensors and computations) can be hijacked to develop a cyborg chemical sensing approach.

We demonstrate a bio-robotic chemical sensing approach where signals from an insect brain are directly utilized to detect and distinguish various explosive chemical vapors.
A Note about the Individualized TMS Focality
Authors: Makarov Sergey N. , Wartman William A. , Daneshzand Mohammad , Nummenmaa Aapo
Published: February 2020

A particular yet computationally successful solution of an inverse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) problem is reported. The goal has been focusing the normal unsigned electric field at the inner cortical surface and its vicinity (the D wave activation site) given a unique high-resolution gyral pattern of a subject and a precise coil model.

For 16 subjects and 32 arbitrary target points, the solution decreases the mean deviation of the maximum-field domain from the target by a factor of 2 on average. The reduction in the maximum-field area is expected to quadruple. The average final deviation is 6 mm.

Rotation about the coil axis is the most significantly altered parameter, and the coil moves 10 mm on average during optimization. The maximum electric field magnitude decreases by 16% on average. Stability of the solution is enforced. The relative average de-focalization is below 1.2 when position/orientation accuracies are within 3 mm/6 degrees, respectively. The solution for the maximum normal field may also maximize the total field and its gradient for neighboring cortical layers III-V (I wave activation).
Manipulation-based skills for anthropomorphic human-arm system based on integrated ANFIS and vector calculus
Authors: Than LE , An LE
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we focus on developing our new approaches to solve Inverse Kinematics using Vector Calculus and integrating the ANFIS module. Specifically, these approaches are evaluated in term of accuracy and performance on the 5-DOF robotic arm model inspired by the human arm structure. Evaluation for our new approaches are described detail in this paper and therefore shows the efficiency and robustness of our methods and potentially leads a new research direction in modeling kinematics of anthro-pomorphic robotic arm.
Differential expression and localization of thermosensitive Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid (TRPV) channels in the mature sperm of white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Majhi Rakesh Kumar , Kumar Ashutosh , Giri Sunil C. , Goswami Chandan
Published: February 2020

Sperm cells have the ability of precise chemotactic and thermotactic movement which is crucial for fertilization, yet the key molecules involved in the detection of different chemical and physical stimuli and guide the sperm cells for proper navigation are not known. This aspect is more complex as each species have their own reproductive identity. Never-the-less, Ca2+-signaling and thus a series of Ca2+-channels seem to coordinate in order to regulate different functions mediated by sperm cells. However, such aspects are controlled by different Ca2+channels and have species-specific differences. In this work we explored if TRPV channels are endogenously expressed in the mature spermatozoa obtained from avian species. We have used the sperm cells of white pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) as a representative avian species to explore the endogenous expression and localization of different TRPV channels. Western blot analysis (WB), flow cytometry, confocal imaging and super resolution imaging was performed for the characterization. Our results strongly suggest the expression and distinct localization of different TRPV channels in the sperm cells. All these TRPV channels are mainly absent in the head region. Only TRPV3 and TRPV4 are sparsely present in the neck region enriched with mitochondria. All these channels (TRPV1-6) are present in the tail region. The differential localization of TRPVs in duck sperm indicate their respective functions relevant in fertilization process of avian sperm. These findings may also have commercial importance in poultry production, cryopreservation of sperm as well as conservation of endangered species through artificial insemination.
Remote-controlled insect navigation using plasmonic nanotattoos
Authors: Tadepalli Sirimuvva , Cao Sisi , Saha Debajit , Liu Keng-Ku , Chen Alex , Bae Sang hyun , Raman Baranidharan , Singamaneni Srikanth
Published: February 2020

Developing insect cyborgs by integrating external components (optical, electrical or mechanical) with biological counterparts has a potential to offer elegant solutions for complex engineering problems.1A key limiting step in the development of such biorobots arises at the nano-bio interface,i.e.between the organism and the nano implant that offers remote controllability.1,2Often, invasive procedures are necessary that tend to severely compromise the navigation capabilities as well as the longevity of such biorobots. Therefore, we sought to develop a non-invasive solution using plasmonic nanostructures that can be photoexcited to generate heat with spatial and temporal control. We designed a ‘nanotattoo’ using silk that can interface the plasmonic nanostructures with a biological tissue. Our results reveal that both structural and functional integrity of the biological tissues such as insect antenna, compound eyes and wings were preserved after the attachment of the nanotattoo. Finally, we demonstrate that insects with the plasmonic nanotattoos can be remote controlled using light and integrated with functional recognition elements to detect the chemical environment in the region of interest. In sum, we believe that the proposed technology will play a crucial role in the emerging fields of biorobotics and other nano-bio applications.
Digital publishing readiness in Nigeria’s print book market
Authors: Ifeduba Emmanuel Chukwunonye
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of production of digital book titles and deployment of e-promotion and how they correlate with school, library, bookshop, consumer and author readiness, with a view to enhancing publishers’ understanding of and participation in e-publishing, which is now crucial for growth and sustainability

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was completed by 109 publishing firms, 79 publishing websites were observed in search of digital titles and e-promotion, and data were analysed using the SPSS to compute frequencies, percentages and correlates of digital publishing innovation adoption

Findings

It is found that 2014 digital titles (mainly textbooks and scholarly content) were issued in four formats by 33 out of 109 firms. Authors and consumers were perceived to be more digital-ready than libraries, schools and bookshops. There was a significant relationship between the issuance of digital titles and author readiness (r = 0. 372), consumer readiness (r = 0.338) and library readiness (r = 0.255). There was also a significant relationship between the adoption of e-promotion and consumer readiness (r = 0.381) and author readiness (r = 0.265).

Originality/value

Book publishing innovation research, especially in Africa, focuses mainly on the adoption of mobile devices, infrastructural challenges and reading habits, paying inadequate attention to the correlates of digital publishing adoption. The results of this study, therefore, shed light on the correlates of digital publishing adoption and should help interested publishers and scholars to understand that author, consumer and library readiness are important determinants of digital publishing adoption, especially in developing economies.
Foreigner service orientation: does the perception of other consumers matter?
Authors: Maher Amro A. , Elsharnouby Tamer H.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop and examine a model that links the foreigner service orientation, defined as indigenous consumers’ preference for service environments popular among foreign versus local consumers, to both foreigner and local comfort in intercultural service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected cross-sectional survey data from 516 indigenous consumers in Qatar.

Findings

According to the findings, although foreigner comfort is positively related to their service orientation, local comfort is negatively related to foreigner service orientation. The results further indicate that the relationships are intensified when cosmopolitanism or collective narcissism is high and when consumers are alone in the service setting.

Practical implications

Service firms can use the findings of this research to create a meaningful service environment based on consumers’ orientation to the in-group and out-group.

Originality value

The examination of the foreigner service orientation addresses the possibility that consumers might prefer foreign consumers to local ones in service environments. This research also addresses the dearth of research on customer-to-customer intercultural service encounter.
Collaborative and sustainable supply chain practices: a case study
Authors: Medina-Serrano Rubén , Gonzalez Reyes , Gasco Jose , Llopis Juan
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore sustainability and collaboration in supply chain (SC) management designs and to develop a sustainable supply chain design (SCD) model.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a literature review of the principal theories and SC management approaches is discussed. Second, the development of a sustainable SCD model is described and explained. Third, the results and the operationalization of the model, which incorporates sustainable procurement elements based on the results of interviews from a case study, are outlined.

Findings

A framework is proposed to provide managers, practitioners and academics with a practical solution to make sustainable SC decisions in a more structured and consistent manner.

Originality/value

The paper presents a currently discussed problem about the design of differentiated supply chains to avoid or offset the effects of allocation issues in the electronic marketplace. Although past literature reviews provide valuable results, they were based upon the assessment of supply chain decisions failing to consider the sustainable corporate social responsibility and the interaction criteria. The findings from this study highlight the importance of addressing supply chain decisions in a structured manner and prioritize the development of dynamic capabilities to improve the firm’s ability to reconfigure internal and external competences to address rapidly changing environments and reinforce a collaborative SC management system with third parties.
Global financial crisis, foreign portfolio investment and volatility
Authors: Derbali Abdelkader , Lamouchi Ali
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and compare the extent and nature of the impact of foreign portfolio investment (FPI) on the stock market volatility, particularly in the Southeast Asian emerging markets, and compare that against the corresponding experience of Indian economy, in the context of a global financial crisis of the recent past.

Design/methodology/approach

The Asian emerging markets are now being perceived as becoming financially more and more vulnerable to international events because of their growing exposure to unstable foreign investment flows. The daily net FPI inflow and the daily leading stock market composite index of four countries, namely, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and India, have been analyzed using autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (ARCH)-generalized ARCH group of models dividing the study period from 2000 to 2014 among pre-crisis, crisis and post-crisis period separately.

Findings

The study reveals that the net inflow of FPI has been a significant determinant of stock market returns in all countries. The impact of volatility spillover from the FPI market to the stock market in the sample countries has been found to be different under different market conditions. The past information and volatility clustering have been significantly influencing the stock market return volatilities of all these Southeast Asian countries on average.

Originality/value

However, there are significant country-wise differences in the relative importance and direction of the relationship of each of these effects with the volatility of the FPI and the stock markets. These effects have been different in these four different markets and they have significantly altered in strength and significance during the global financial crisis and in the post-financial crisis period.
The purpose of the modern corporation: a holistic view
Authors: Martin John A. , Butler Frank C.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the shareholder versus stakeholder debate. This paper outlines how businesses are starting to move toward a stakeholder model, and also discusses what must be done to sustain the momentum toward the stakeholder model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses examples from organizations to highlight the momentum toward the stakeholder model.

Findings

This paper suggests that countervailing forces - from financial analysts, institutional investors, and institutionalized practices in many corporations - will need to be overcome if businesses are to succeed in adopting the stakeholder model.

Practical implications

Thus paper discusses the role of educators in the process of changing the mindset of students, executives, and others from a shareholder to stakeholder mindset.

Originality/value

This paper discusses not only the trend toward the stakeholder model of businesses, but also how to sustain the momentum toward this model.
Effect of flux functional group for solder paste formulation towards soldering quality of SAC305/CNT/Cu
Authors: Ismail Norliza , Jalar Azman , Abu Bakar Maria , Ismail Roslina , Saedi Ibrahim Najib
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the wettability and intermetallic (IMC) layer formation of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305)/CNT/Cu solder joint according to the formulation of solder paste because of different types of fluxes.

Design/methodology/approach

Solder pastes were prepared by mixing SAC305 solder powder with different flux and different wt.% of carbon nanotube (CNT). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify functional groups from different fluxes of as-formulated solder paste. The solder pastes were then subjected to stencil printing and reflow process. Solderability was investigated via contact angle analysis and the thickness of cross-sectionally intermetallic layer.

Findings

It was found that different functional groups from different fluxes showed different physical behaviour, indicated by contact angle value and IMC layer thickness. “Aromatic contain” functional group lowering the contact angle while non-aromatic contain functional group lowering the thickness of IMC layer. The higher the CNT wt.%, the lower the contact angle and IMC layer thickness, regardless of different fluxes. Relationship between contact angle and IMC layer thickness is found to have distinguished region because of different fluxes. Thus it may be used as guidance in flux selection for solder paste formulation.

Research limitations/implications

However, detail composition of the fluxes was not further explored for the scope of this paper.

Originality/value

The quality of solder joint of SAC305/CNT/Cu system, as indicated by contact angle and the thickness of IMC layer formation, depends on existence of functional group of the fluxes.
The development and validation of the Short Language Measure (SLaM): A brief measure of general language ability for children in their first year at school
Authors: Matov Jessica , Mensah Fiona , Cook Fallon , Reilly Sheena , Dowell Richard
Published: February 2020

Background

There is no sufficiently accurate short‐language measure that could be used by speech–language pathologists, teachers or paraprofessionals to screen young school‐aged children to identify those requiring in‐depth language evaluations. This may be due to poor development of the available measures, which have omitted crucial test development steps. Applying more stringent development procedures could result in a measure with sufficient accuracy.

Aims

To create and validate a short‐language measure that has acceptable accuracy, validity and reliability, and which can be used to identify children who require further assessment and/or referral to speech–language services.

Methods & Procedures

The study consisted of two phases. In Phase 1 (measure creation), 56 children were assessed with 160 direction‐following and sentence‐recall test items and a reference measure, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Fourth Edition (CELF‐4). Items were then examined for their individual characteristics (validity, reliability, difficulty and discrimination) via item analysis and the highest quality items were selected to form the Short Language Measure (SLaM). In Phase 2 (measure validation), 126 children were assessed with the SLaM and the reference measure (CELF‐4) to determine SLaM's accuracy, validity and reliability.

Outcomes & Results

A total of 40 test items were selected to form SLaM in Phase 1. Findings from Phase 2 indicated that SLaM had an accuracy of 94% (sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 93%), validity of 0.89 and reliability of 0.93. These values remained relatively consistent across both phases.

Conclusions & Implications

The results indicated that SLaM has excellent psychometric properties. It can be used to identify children who need further evaluation by a speech–language pathologist.

What this paper adds

What is already known on this subject

Prior research suggests that combining a direction‐following and a sentence‐recall task has sufficient discrimination accuracy and agreement with an omnibus language measure. Trialling a large set of direction‐following and sentence‐recall test items to select those with the highest individual characteristics could result in an effective short‐language measure.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge

A short‐language measure (SLaM) was created and validated on two independent samples of children. Items with the highest validities, reliabilities and discrimination capacities were selected to form SLaM. This procedure resulted in a measure with high validity and reliability that exceeded the criterion for adequate discrimination accuracy.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

SLaM is an effective measure that can accurately identify children who require detailed evaluations by speech–language pathologists.
Practice Based Evidence Based Practice, part II: Navigating complexity and validity from within
Authors: van Hennik Robert
Published: February 2020

This article describes ‘Feedback‐informed Therapy within Systems (FITS) as Practice Based Evidence Based Practice (PBEBP)’. In FITS as PBEBP practice and research effectively intertwine. The therapist is both practitioner and researcher and involves clients as co‐researchers. The output of research is input for therapy in the ‘collaborative learning community’ constituted together. Participants co‐research patterns of communication within layers of context and examine the effects of their collaboration. I will illustrate this process of systemic practice‐based research in a seven‐step research design, referring to three (anonymised) systemic therapy cases. Therapist and clients produce ‘validity from within’ when they develop explanations of experiences in stories which are accepted as coherent and generative within a community of concern.

Practitioner points

Family therapists are encouraged to research their practice and involve family members as co‐researchers in order to explore their ongoing collaboration in learning how to learn

In FITS as Practice Based Evidence Based Practice research and practice are intertwined

Small spontaneous differences can make a difference that matters, and be the tipping point in the process of transformation

Practice Based Evidence Based Practice could be used as an alternative to the introduction of evidence‐based protocols
Adolescent binge‐ethanol accelerates cognitive impairment and β‐amyloid production and dysregulates endocannabinoid signaling in the hippocampus of APP/PSE mice
Authors: Ledesma Juan Carlos , Rodríguez‐Arias Marta , Gavito Ana L. , Sánchez‐Pérez Ana M. , Viña José , Medina Vera Dina , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Miñarro José
Published: February 2020

Previous research in rodents suggests that the long‐term neurobehavioral disturbances induced by chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure could be due to endocannabinoid system (ECS) alterations. Moreover, ECS failure has been proposed to mediate the cognitive impairment and β‐amyloid production in Alzheimer disease (AD). Thus, in the present study, we evaluated the effects of adolescent EtOH binge drinking on the cognitive disturbances, hippocampal β‐amyloid levels, and in the ECS expression on a transgenic mouse model (APP/PSEN, AZ) of AD. We exposed AZ and wild‐type mice to a binge‐drinking treatment during adolescence. At 6 and 12 months of age, we evaluated hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory: β‐amyloid concentrations and RNA and protein levels of cannabinoid type‐2 receptors (CB2), diacylglycerol lipase‐α (DAGLα), and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in the hippocampus. The results showed that binge‐EtOH treatment worsens cognitive function and increases β‐amyloid levels in AZ. At 6 months, EtOH heightens CB2 (RNA and protein) and DAGLα (RNA) expression in wild type but not in AZ. On the contrary, EtOH enhances MAGL RNA expression only in AZ. At 12 months, AZ displays increased levels of CB2 (RNA and protein) and DAGLα (protein) compared with control. Similar to what happens at 6 months, EtOH induces an increase in CB2 gene expression in wild type but not in AZ; however, it augments CB2 and DAGLα protein levels in both genotypes. Therefore, we propose that adolescent binge drinking accelerates cognitive deficits associated with aging and AD. It also accelerates hippocampal β‐amyloid accumulation in AZ and affects differently the ECS response in wild type and AZ.
Decreased retinal thickness in preschool offspring of maternal gestational hypertension: the Nanjing Eye Study
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyan , Li Rui , Huang Dan , Tong Haohai , Zhu Hui , Wang Yue , Zhang Xiaohan , Hao Qingfeng , Sun Qigang , Liu Hu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of maternal gestational hypertension (GH) on retinal thickness of 5–6‐year‐old children, including macular thickness, ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness.

Methods

As part of Nanjing Eye Study, comprehensive ocular examinations were conducted in children aged 61–72 months, including noncycloplegic refraction, ocular biometric parameters and retinal parameters. Retinal thickness was measured by Spectral Domain‐Optical Coherence Tomography. Data on pregnancy and birth history were obtained from a detailed questionnaire completed by parents.

Results

Among 1062 children [mean age (standard deviation): 66.9 (3.4) months] with complete from eye examination and questionnaire, 30 (2.8%) children were born with maternal GH. In generalized linear models (adjusted for sex, age, spherical equivalent, axial length, body mass index, birth weight and premature history), children born with maternal GH had thinner average RNFL thickness (100.5 versus 104.4 μm, p = 0.035), superior RNFL thickness (123.7 versus 132.0 μm, p = 0.007), superior GC‐IPL thickness (83.7 versus 86.4 μm, p = 0.005), superior‐nasal GC‐IPL thickness (86.3 versus 88.4 μm, p = 0.029) and superior outer macular thickness (278.0 versus 283.0 μm, p = 0.034) than children born with normal pregnancy.

Conclusion

Children exposed to maternal GH tended to have thinner macular, RNFL and GC‐IPL thickness. These findings suggest that maternal GH may affect the development of retina in children thus hinders the development of the offspring's nervous system.
Tear and aqueous humour cytokine profile in primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Burgos‐Blasco Barbara , Vidal‐Villegas Beatriz , Saenz‐Frances Federico , Morales‐Fernandez Laura , Perucho‐Gonzalez Lucia , Garcia‐Feijoo Julian , Martinez‐de‐la‐Casa Jose M
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in tear and aqueous humour of patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), relative to healthy controls.

Method

Tear and aqueous humour samples were collected from 29 healthy controls and 27 POAG patients. Twenty‐seven inflammatory cytokines were analysed: interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL9, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐15, IL‐17, eotaxin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) basic, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, granulocyte‐monocyte colony‐stimulating factor, interferon (IFN)‐γ, interferon gamma‐induced protein, monocyte chemo‐attractant protein‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1α, MIP‐1β, platelet‐derived growth factor, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Results

In tear samples of glaucoma patients, an increase in IL‐4, IL‐12, IL‐15, FGF‐basic and VEGF was observed, as well as a decrease in MIP‐1a relative to the control group (p < 0.05). IL‐5, IL‐12, IL‐15, IFN‐γ and MIP‐1a were significantly higher in aqueous humour of glaucoma eyes (p < 0.05). A poor correlation between cytokine levels in tear and aqueous humour was observed.

Conclusion

The different profiles of inflammatory marker expression of patients with POAG and healthy controls confirm the inflammatory activity of the pathology, indicating that some of them could be used as potential biomarkers of this disease.
Late onset oxygen requirement following neonatal therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: El‐Dib Mohamed , Munster Chelsea , Szakmar Eniko , Inder Terrie , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To investigate the characteristics of infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE) receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH) who developed late onset oxygen requirement during or after rewarming.

Methods

Infants were stratified by receiving (a) new onset isolated oxygen requirements during or after rewarming; (b) no respiratory support during hospital stay; and (c) invasive and/or non‐invasive respiratory support before or during cooling.

Results

Of 136 infants treated with TH, 49 (36%) did not require any respiratory support, and 78 (57.4%) received invasive or non‐invasive support before or during cooling. Nine infants (6.6%) developed late onset oxygen requirement. The late onset oxygen requirement started at median age of 3.8 days (IQR 3.6‐5.2) and ended at median 7.5 days (IQR 5.8‐12.7). Total hours of O2 exposure were median 62.0 (IQR 24.4‐112.6). Maximum support was low‐flow nasal cannula from 100% oxygen source with a flow rate of 40‐250 mL/min. Infants in this group had higher Apgar scores, milder metabolic acidosis and no seizures. Three infants had diagnostic investigations without significant findings.

Conclusion

A small percentage of neonates with NE developed late onset oxygen requirement during or after rewarming. Late oxygen requirement was associated with evidence of less severe perinatal hypoxia‐ischaemia.
Ability of the COPD Assessment Test to evaluate the lung‐specific quality of life in systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Mugii Naoki , Someya Fujiko
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is utilised to evaluate the treatment outcome regarding the health status in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). However, the ability of the CAT to evaluate the lung‐specific quality of life in systemic sclerosis‐associated interstitial lung disease (SSc‐ILD) is not established. Therefore, we investigated whether CAT scores can be used to evaluate SSc‐ILD as they are for IIP.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with IIP or SSc‐ILD who were evaluated by the CAT were retrospectively assigned to this study. Clinical data at the visit for the CAT were analysed.

Results

The forced vital capacity and distance walked during the 6‐minute walk test (6MWD) were significantly correlated with the CAT score for SSc‐ILD and IIP, and the CAT scores were similarly distributed in SSc‐ILD and IIP. The CAT score of SSc‐ILD patients was negatively affected by pulmonary arterial hypertension, but not by corticosteroids, which affected it in IIP patients. CAT scores of patients with either disease receiving home oxygen therapy were poor. In multiple regression analysis, pulmonary arterial hypertension and 6MWD were independent predictors for the CAT score in patients with SSc‐ILD, while corticosteroid administration was selected as an independent factor in patients with IIP.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the CAT can be applied to evaluate the lung‐specific quality of life in SSc‐ILD similar to IIP regarding the pulmonary function, but it should be noted that pulmonary arterial hypertension in SSc‐ILD influences the CAT score.
Pulmonary valve papillary fibroelastoma
Authors: Papasaikas Dimitrios , Theodoropoulos Konstantinos C. , Zaheer Aneel , Baghai Max , Monaghan Mark J. , Papachristidis Alexandros
Published: February 2020

We present a case of a 70‐year‐old woman with exertional shortness of breath. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a large mass on the ventricular side of the pulmonary valve. The anatomy of the mass was additionally investigated with a transesophageal echocardiogram, which delineated the anatomical details of the structure. The mass was surgically excised, and histopathology confirmed a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma.
Contributions of childhood trauma and atypical development to increased clinical symptoms and poor functioning in recent onset psychosis
Authors: Rosenthal Adi , Meyer Monet S. , Mayo Danessa , Tully Laura M. , Patel Pooja , Ashby Stefania , Titone Madison , Carter Cameron S. , Niendam Tara A.
Published: February 2020

Aim

The trauma‐psychosis cycle proposes an interactive relationship between impaired developmental and cognitive trajectory, childhood trauma exposure, and increased risk for psychosis. This study explored how childhood trauma (CT) and atypical development (AD) impact clinical course in an early psychosis cohort.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of behavioural and clinical research data was conducted with individuals ages 12 to 40 (N = 508; 72.4% males) evaluated by an early psychosis program.

Results

CT exposure was associated with earlier onset of full threshold psychosis, more hospitalizations, higher ratings of negative symptoms, and increased likelihood of engaging in suicidal behaviour. AD alone was associated with earlier onset of psychosis symptoms, higher ratings of negative symptoms and greater likelihood of engaging in non‐suicidal self‐injury. The combination of CT and AD was associated with the earliest symptom onset and poorest psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions

The findings contribute to our understanding of heterogeneity in the early psychosis population and highlight the specific risk factors that could be targets in treatment.
On the causal role of privation in Thomas Aquinas's metaphysics
Authors: Gartenberg Zachary Micah
Published: February 2020

“Privation” (privatio) is defined by Thomas Aquinas as the want of some property in a subject that ought naturally to possess that property. In this paper, I explicate the ontological status of privation as a form of nonbeing in order to shed light on the challenging question whether privation, as a kind of absence, can play a causal role for Aquinas, and if so, how. According to Aquinas, I argue, privations in a subject serve to determine what sort of (efficient) causal relations that subject can enter into, but, as nonbeings, privations cannot be the cause of the subject's entering into those relations, and in this way, they cannot be efficient causes of effects distinct from the subject.
The rate of incidental atypical and malignant breast lesions in reduction mammoplasty specimens
Authors: Genco Iskender S , Steinberg Jordan , Caraballo Bordon Beatriz , Tugertimur Bugra , Dec Wojciech , Hajiyeva Sabina
Published: February 2020

Aims

Reduction mammoplasty (RM) is one of the most common plastic surgeries in the United States. We aimed to demonstrate the rate of incidental atypical and malignant breast lesions (AMBL) found in RM specimens and the impact of the number of submitted tissue sections on the rate of AMBL.

Methods and results

We analysed our database for patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty between 2000 and 2018. Patients with a history of breast cancer were excluded from the study. All pathology reports were analysed for AMBL (ALH, LCIS, FEA, ADH, DCIS, invasive carcinoma). The grossing protocol was to submit 10 sections from each breast between 2000 and 2013 and six sections between 2014 and 2018. One hundred and sixty‐nine of 5208 patients (3.3%) and 216 of 10 340 RM specimens (2.1%) showed at least one AMBL. Nineteen (0.36%) patients had incidental cancer. The median age of patients with AMBL was significantly higher than patients without ABL (aged 59 years versus 45 years). There was no cancer in patients aged <30 years. The age‐controlled rate of overall AMBL as well as atypia and cancer only did not decrease by submitting fewer sections during the 2014–18 period compared to the 2010–13 period.

Conclusions

Decreasing the number of tissue sections from 10 to six did not lead to a significant decrease in the rate of overall AMBL or cancer. Our data suggest that submitting six tissue sections from each breast for patients aged >30 years and two sections from each breast for patients aged <30 years would be sufficient.
‘Without the Right Support Network I'd Probably Be Either Dead or in the Prison System’: The Role of Support in Helping Offenders on their Journey to Desistance
Authors: BATTY ELAINE
Published: February 2020

Reforms designed to enhance the delivery of flexible and holistic support to offenders were introduced in 2013, with a clear focus on addressing ‘broader life management issues’ to enable behaviour change. Data are drawn from total of 117 semi‐structured interviews undertaken with 57 offenders as part of the Welfare Conditionality: Sanctions support and behaviour change project. The article specifically highlights the significance of long‐term support in successfully helping offenders to change their behaviour. It emphasises the importance of long‐term engagement, together with strengths‐based approaches in helping offenders to progress personal development and create a new prosocial identity whereby they can become invested in society.
Catheter‐related thrombosis incidence and risk factors in adult cancer patients with central venous access devices
Authors: Ellis Marc L. , Okano Satomi , McCann Andrew , McDowall Angela , Van Kuilenburg Rosita , McCarthy Alexandra L. , Joubert Warren , Harper John , Jones Mark , Mollee Peter
Published: February 2020

Background

Central venous access devices (CVAD) are commonly employed in the management of cancer patients. While having several benefits they are associated with significant risks.

Aim

To review the incidence and risk factors for catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT) in cancer patients with a CVAD.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational cohort study of adult patients with cancer requiring a CVAD between 1 January 2004 and 29 June 2016. The rate of, and risk factors for the development of, symptomatic CRT were evaluated.

Results

A total of 4920 central lines was inserted into 3130 patients. The incidence of CRT was 3.6%. CRT developed a median of 12 days following line insertion. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) were associated with the highest rates of CRT (hazards ratio (HR) 22.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9–170.6). Older age groups developed CRT at lower rates (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.39–0.84 for age 50–61 years, and HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.45–0.89 for age >61 years) compared to age <50 years. Increased CRT was seen in patients with prior CRT (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.19–2.77). There was a trend to more CRT events with a Khorana tumour score of 1 compared to those with a score of 0 (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.00–1.88). Hodgkin lymphoma, germ cell and oesophagus cancers had the highest CRT rates. Side of insertion was not associated with thrombosis risk (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.57–1.05; P = 0.10).

Conclusions

Age <50 years, PICC lines and prior CRT were associated with highest CRT rate. Cancer subtype and insertion side were not predictive of thrombosis.
Industry bubbles and the cross‐sectional variation of expected consumption growth
Authors: Rojo‐Suárez Javier , Alonso‐Conde Ana Belén , Lago‐Balsalobre Rubén
Published: February 2020

We study the relationship between the domestic consumption growth and industry bubbles, under the assumption that, at a global level, the bubbles created by productive countries totally or partially offset the bubbles created by unproductive countries. Using a methodology based on a time‐varying parameter vector autoregression, we define the expected consumption growth as a function of the exposure to bubbly episodes and the price of bubbles, among other variables. We test the model for nine European countries. Our results show that the variation of construction and technology bubbles has a strong explanatory power for the domestic consumption growth.
Tooth discoloration caused by endodontic treatment: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bosenbecker Juliana , Barbon Fabiola Jardim , de Souza Ferreira Nádia , Morgental Renata Dornelles , Boscato Noéli
Published: February 2020

Introduction

This cross‐sectional study evaluated the influence of endodontic filling material, cervical limit of root filling, and tooth location on the color variation (∆E00) from 1 to 60 months of follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

Color records were obtained from 70 participants who received 83 endodontic treatments. CIEL*a*b* color coordinates were measured on the homologous tooth, which was considered as baseline, and on endodontic treated teeth with a spectrophotometer. ∆E00 was calculated by the CIEDE2000 method at three conditions (condition 1: homologous tooth vs endodontically treated tooth after ≤1 month; condition 2: homologous tooth vs endodontically treated tooth after >1–12 months; condition 3: homologous tooth vs endodontically treated tooth after >12 months up to 5 years) for each variable. The zinc oxide and eugenol mineral trioxide aggregate or resin‐based filling materials, dental cervix or ≥2 mm in the apical direction cervical limit of root filling and anterior or posterior tooth location were considered in the comparisons. Confidence intervals for the means (95% CI) were calculated, ∆E00 values and CIEL*a*b* individual color coordinates were compared for each pair of variables using the Student t test or Welch test (α = .05).

Results

Greater ∆E00 values were generally observed in the condition 3 for cervical limit (∆E00 = 10.7), use of zinc oxide and eugenol and mineral trioxide aggregate‐based filling materials (∆E00 = 10.7), and anterior teeth (∆E00 = 12.4). Only in the condition 1, the ∆E00 values of the filling materials did not show statistical differences (P = .198).

Conclusions

Higher ∆E00 values were yielded from zinc oxide and eugenol and mineral trioxide aggregate‐based filling materials, anterior teeth, and dental cervix cervical limit of root filling.

Clinical significance

Tooth discoloration yielded by endodontic materials and procedures is a challenge to clinical practice resulting in aesthetic problems and discomfort to both patient and professional, especially when it occurs in anterior teeth.
The impact of street clothes among caregivers on residents with dementia in special care units: The STRECLO study
Authors: Bailly Nathalie , Sanchez Stéphane , Ferrand Claude , Souesme Guillaume , Giraudeau Caroline , Agli Océane
Published: February 2020

Aims and objectives

To examine the impact of caregivers' street clothes on people living in special care units (SCUs). We hypothesised that caregivers wearing street clothes would improve residents’ relationships with other residents and caregivers and, as a consequence, would improve their quality of life.

Background

Environmental factors have been recognised as important elements in the care of people with dementia. Among these factors, the importance of the caregivers’ appearance and more particularly their street clothes has been raised.

Design

The Street Clothes study (STRECLO) was designed as a multicentre crossover observational study.

Method

This study was conducted in two volunteer nursing homes. It involved videotaping residents (N = 24) over a 6‐month period: caregivers wore uniform and then street clothes for two consecutive three‐month periods. Three outcome measures were observed as follows: (a) behaviours of residents, (b) contents of conversations and (c) proximal interactions between residents and caregivers. The STROBE checklist was used to ensure quality reporting during this observational study.

Results

When caregivers wore street clothes, we observed the following: (a) greater solicitation and less anxiety in residents, (b) content of conversations between residents and caregivers included more personal and less health information, and (c) more proximal interaction between caregivers and residents.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study which investigated the long‐term effects on residents of SCU caregivers wearing street clothes. Our study demonstrated the potential benefit of not wearing uniform on the quality of life of institutionalised people with dementia.

Relevance to clinical practice

Given the budgetary constraints faced by nursing homes, wearing street clothes for caregivers could be readily applied to clinical practice and represents a promising way to increase the quality of life of dementia residents and their families.