bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical detection of citrullinated histone H3‐positive neutrophils is useful for identifying active glomerular and interstitial lesions in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Kimura Hidehito , Mii Akiko , Shoji Jun , Arakawa Yusuke , Shimizu Akira
Published: September 2020

Aims

Activated neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), resulting in a form of cell death called NETosis. NET formation is reportedly involved in the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV). Citrullination of histones is a key step in NET formation, and the presence of citrullinated histones in neutrophils may be associated with disease induction and activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between infiltrating citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit)‐positive neutrophils and disease specificity and activity in various glomerulonephritides.

Methods and results

We selected 32 kidney biopsies with glomerulonephritides, including AAV, lupus nephritis (LN), Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), and poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis (PSAGN). We examined the presence of H3Cit in infiltrating neutrophils and their association with necrotising, crescentic lesions and tubulointerstitial lesions. In PSAGN and HSPN, we found many myeloperoxidase (MPO)+ neutrophils in glomeruli; however, only a few were H3Cit+. In LN, MPO+ neutrophils mainly existed in the margins of glomerular tufts forming wire‐loop lesions, and some of these were noted to be H3Cit+ neutrophils. In contrast, we found a significantly higher frequency of H3Cit+ neutrophils, despite the small number of MPO+ neutrophils, in microscopic polyangiitis in AAV. In particular, H3Cit+ neutrophils were prominent in necrotising lesions along the glomerular capillaries. Moreover, we also found H3Cit+ neutrophils in the interstitium, with marked peritubular capillaritis in AAV.

Conclusions

H3Cit immunostaining is a useful tool for identifying activated neutrophils. The frequency of H3Cit+ neutrophils is not only a disease‐specific marker but also a potential marker for disease activity in AAV.
Driver mutations occur frequently in metastases of well‐differentiated small intestine neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Samsom Kris G , Levy Sonja , van Veenendaal Linde M , Roepman Paul , Kodach Liudmila L , Steeghs Neeltje , Valk Gerlof D , Wouter Dercksen M , Kuhlmann Koert F D , Verbeek Wieke H M , Meijer Gerrit A , Tesselaar Margot E T , van den Berg José G
Published: September 2020

Aims

To investigate the clinicopathological significance of driver mutations in metastatic well‐differentiated small intestine neuroendocrine tumours (SI‐NETs).

Methods and results

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 35 metastatic SI‐NETs and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) of eight metastatic SI‐NETs were performed. Biopsies were obtained between 2015 and 2019. Tumours were classified according to the 2019 World Health Organization classification. WGS included assessment of somatic mutations in all cancer‐related driver genes, the tumour mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite status. NGS entailed a cancer hotspot panel of 58 genes. Our cohort consisted of 21% grade 1, 60% grade 2 and 19% grade 3 SI‐NETs. Driver mutations were identified in ~50% of SI‐NETs. In total, 27 driver mutations were identified, of which 74% were in tumour suppressor genes (e.g. TP53, RB1, and CDKN1B) and 22% were in proto‐oncogenes (e.g. KRAS, NRAS, and MET). Allelic loss of chromosome 18 (63%), complete loss of CDKN2A and CDKN1B (both 6%) and CDKN1B mutations (9%) were most common. Potential targetable genetic alterations were detected in 21% of metastasised SI‐NETs. All tumours were microsatellite‐stable and showed low TMBs (median 1.10; interquartile range 0.87–1.35). The Ki67 proliferation index was significantly associated with the presence of driver mutations (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Driver mutations occur in 50% of metastasised SI‐NETs, and their presence is associated with a high Ki67 proliferation index. The identification of targetable mutations make these patients potentially eligible for targeted therapy.
Effect of dominant parabioticAnt‐Gardenants on the understory and ground‐dwelling ant assemblage in the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Vicente Ricardo Eduardo , Izzo Thiago Junqueira
Published: September 2020

Camponotus femoratus(Fabricius, 1804) andCrematogaster leviorLongino, 2003 are Amazonian ants that jointly live in a parabiotic association in arboreal nests that are known as Ant‐Gardens (AGs). Both species are locally abundant and aggressive, which forage on the ground and on the vegetation.

We evaluated, with extensive sampling, the effect ofCa. femoratusandCr. levioron the ground and the understory dwelling of ant assemblages in the southern Amazon using pit‐fall traps, beating‐tray sampling, and baiting.

We found thatCa. femoratusandCr. leviorcaused a decrease in both the abundance and the species richness of the ground ants, changing the assemblage composition, and causing a nestedness pattern. Yet, AG ants seem to not promote significant changes in the assemblage of ants in the understory, with the exception of canopy openness and region, indicating a spatial resource partitioning.

Our results showed that the frequency of these parabiotic AG ant pairs can modify the regional assemblage of the ground‐dwelling ants. As ants are ecological engineers and interact with numerous organisms in tropical habitats, the effect of the parabiotic ants can be extended to other organisms that inhabit the gaps along succession.
The effects of perceived regulatory efficacy, ethnocentrism and food safety concern on the demand for organic food
Authors: Shahabi Ahangarkolaee Saeed , Gorton Matthew
Published: September 2020

Certified organic products hold a niche but growing share of global food markets with considerable interest in the factors affecting consumers’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for organic food. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of perceived regulatory efficiency, food safety concern and ethnocentrism on demand for organic food. In total, 450 Iranian food shoppers took part in a choice experiment for organic rice, with the attributes: price, retail outlet, product type and country of origin. Mixed logit model results suggest that perceived regulatory efficacy and food safety concerns enhance WTP for organic food, while ethnocentrism enhances consumers’ WTP for domestically produced food but not organic food per se. In emerging economies, the growth of the organic market will depend on the perceived robustness of regulatory systems while ethnocentrism will curtail the potential for export‐based models of development.
Covid‐19 pandemic and the skin
Authors: Drenovska Kossara , Schmidt Enno , Vassileva Snejina
Published: September 2020

In the beginning of the COVID‐19 outbreak, skin manifestations, if present, were not paid enough attention. Then, the focus moved toward the impact of the prolonged use of personal protective measures in both healthcare workers and patients. In the meantime, attention is increasingly paid to dermatology as a result of the concern for certain groups of dermatologic patients, including those whose condition may worsen by the thorough disinfection measures and those treated with immunosuppressants or immunomodulators. Following patients with psoriasis on biological therapy, as well as other inflammatory and autoimmune cutaneous disorders such as atopic dermatitis, pemphigus, pemphigoid diseases, and skin cancer provoked the interest of dermatologists. Finally, an intriguing question to the dermatologic society was whether skin changes during COVID‐19 infection exist and what could be their diagnostic or prognostic value. Here, we summarize skin conditions during the COVID‐19 pandemic, patient information, and expert recommendations and give an overview about the registries launched to document skin changes during COVID‐19, as well as details about certain patient groups infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, for example, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and autoimmune bullous diseases.
A study to compare Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell count determined on a next‐generation automated cell counter with flow cytometric CD34 count in peripheral blood and the harvested peripheral blood stem cell graft from autologous and allogenic donors
Authors: Mishra Shruti , Kulkarni Uday , Mathews Nitty , V Ramya , Ch. Nair Sukesh , George Biju , Mammen Joy J.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

A successful bone marrow transplant requires a minimum of 2‐4 × 106 cells/kg patient body weight of CD 34+ cells to be transfused, where peripheral blood CD34+ cell count being and ideal predictor. We compared the correlation and predictive capacity of both hematopoietic progenitor cell count (HPC) determined on the Sysmex XN‐9000 and flow cytometric CD34 in autologous and allogenic donors.

Methods

Autologous and allogenic donors were taken as per criteria. TLC (Total Leukocyte Count), MNC (Mononuclear cell count), HPC, and CD34 assay were done in both the peripheral blood prior to apheresis, and the harvest product postapheresis. Sysmex XN‐9000 was used for TLC, MNC, and HPC tests, and a modified ISH‐AGE protocol was used to enumerate CD34 by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0.

Results

Sixty‐seven allogenic and 35 autologous donors were enrolled. 45% were females, and 55% were males. Correlation between HPC and CD34 was found to be 0.887 with P value < .01 in peripheral blood and 0.847 with P value < .01 in the harvested product. On the other hand, TLC had a correlation of 0.424 and 0.520 in peripheral blood and harvested, respectively. MNC had a weak association. The cutoff value for a target dose of 2 × 106 CD34 cells/kg was 37 × 106/L for pre‐HPC. For a target of 4 × 106 CD34 cells/kg, the cutoff value calculated to be 54 × 106/L (Sensitivity: 85%, Specificity: 89%) for peripheral blood HPC.

Conclusion

We conclude that HPC is comparable to CD34 in predicting harvest product's adequacy.
Presence of constipation predicts the therapeutic efficacy of pembrolizumab in metastatic urothelial cancer patients
Authors: Inoue Satoshi , Sassa Naoto , Kato Takashi , Yamauchi Yushi , Hirabayashi Tsuyoki , Yuguchi Yuri , Maeda Motohiro , Soeda Yuya , Hattori Ryohei , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To study bowel function in urothelial cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab and to assess its association with treatment efficacy.

Methods

This retrospective study was analyzed for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment between December 2017 and June 2019 at Nagoya University and affiliated hospitals in Japan. The association between bowel dysfunction (defined as constipation or need for laxatives) and treatment efficacy was investigated.

Results

We retrospectively enrolled 73 patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. All patients received pembrolizumab at 200 mg per bodyweight administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Performance status was 0–1 in 58 patients (79.5%), and liver metastasis was detected in 22 patients (30.1%). The median age was 72 years (range 40–89 years). A total of 45 patients had constipation. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival from the start of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment was 4.0 months (95% confidence interval 1.0–17.3) and 6.6 months (95% confidence interval 1.0–18.0), respectively. Patients with constipation had a significantly higher risk of disease progression (P = 0.005). There was no significant association between constipation and overall survival (P = 0.131). However, complete response was observed among two patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor, both of whom did not present constipation.

Conclusion

The presence of constipation might be a prognostic factor for urothelial cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
Adhesion molecule cross‐linking and cytokine exposure modulate IgE‐ and non‐IgE‐dependent basophil activation
Authors: Kalm Frida , Mansouri Ladan , Russom Aman , Lundahl Joachim , Nopp Anna
Published: September 2020

Basophils are known for their role in allergic inflammation, which makes them suitable targets in allergy diagnostics such as the basophil activation test (BAT) and the microfluidic immunoaffinity basophil activation test (miBAT). Beside their role in allergy, basophils have an immune modulatory role in both innate immunity and adaptive immunity. To accomplish this mission, basophils depend on the capability to migrate from blood to extravascular tissues, which includes interactions with endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and soluble mediators. Their receptor repertoire is well known, but less is known how these receptor–ligand interactions impact the degranulation process and the responsiveness to subsequent activation. As the consequences of these interactions are crucial to fully appreciate the role of basophils in immune modulation and to enable optimization of the miBAT, we explored how basophil activation status is regulated by cytokines and cross‐linking of adhesion molecules. The expression of adhesion molecules and activation markers on basophils from healthy blood donors was analysed by flow cytometry. Cross‐linking of CD203c, CD62L, CD11b and CD49d induced a significant upregulation of CD63 and CD203c. To mimic in vivo conditions, valid also for miBAT, CD62L and CD49d were cross‐linked followed by IgE‐dependent activation (anti‐IgE), which caused a reduced CD63 expression compared with anti‐IgE activation only. IL‐3 and IL‐33 priming caused increased CD63 expression after IgE‐independent activation (fMLP). Together, our data suggest that mechanisms operational both in the microfluidic chip and in vivo during basophil adhesion may impact basophil anaphylactic and piecemeal degranulation procedures and hence their immune regulatory function.
Full color white light, temperature self‐monitor, and thermochromatic effect of Cu+ and Tm3+ codoped germanate glasses
Authors: Zhang Yuhang , Chen Baojiu , Zhang Xizhen , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Wang Xin , Zhang Yanqiu , Wang Li , Li Desheng , Lin Hai
Published: September 2020

Lighting sources with full‐color visible output are widely preferred in practical applications. In addition, modern lighting sources also tend to be intelligentized, and the intelligentization asks for smart luminescence materials. In this work, we attempt to develop novel full‐color emitting material with temperature sensing and thermochromatic ability. To this end, the Cu2+ is successfully reduced to Cu+ which is incorporated into the germanate glasses. The glasses are prepared via a melt‐quenching technique using graphite powders as reducing reagent. The supper‐broadening of the excitation and the emission spectra of Cu+ in the germanate glasses are observed. Full‐color emission is realized by introducing Tm3+ as co‐dopant to provide the blue component in the spectra. The energy transfer behavior between Cu+ and Tm3+ is investigated, and it is found that these two luminescence centers are independently existent without energy transfer between them. The chromatic properties of the Cu+/Tm3+ co‐doped glasses are tuned by Tm3+ concentration and excitation wavelength. The temperature sensing based on the fluorescence intensity ratio technique is demonstrated, and a constant sensitivity for the temperature detection is obtained. Moreover the thermochromatic property is also investigated, and it is found that the studied Cu+/Tm3+‐doped glasses exhibit excellent thermochromatic performance.
Mediating effects of family functioning on the relationship between care burden and family quality of life of caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in Mongolia
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Kim Hyunlye , Park Seojin , Yoo Jaeyong , Gelegjamts Delgersuren
Published: September 2020

Background

Intellectual disabilities are characterized by constant and complex needs for care that place a heavy burden on the families of affected individuals and affect their overall quality of life. We evaluated the mediating effects of family functioning on the relationship between care burden and the family quality of life of caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in Mongolia.

Methods

Data were collected from a sample of 150 caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities from October 2017 to November 2017. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the mediating effects of family functioning.

Results

Family functioning had a partial mediating effect (β = .702, p < .001) on the relationship between care burden and family quality of life.

Conclusion

Family functioning should be considered when developing a social support intervention to improve family quality of life among caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities.
A cluster‐randomized trial measuring the effects of a digital learning tool supporting decoding and reading for meaning in grade 2
Authors: Gissel Stig Toke , Andersen Simon Calmar
Published: September 2020

A large‐scale, cluster‐randomized controlled field trial (Nclassrooms = 47; Nstudents = 1,013) assessed the impact of a digital text‐to‐speech reading material that supported 8‐year‐olds’ decoding and reading comprehension. An active control group used the most prevalent Danish learning material with a research‐based systematic, explicit phonics approach supporting primarily decoding. The digital tool allows children to read unfamiliar text for meaning. Students are supported in mapping between orthography and phonology by three levels of text‐to‐speech support and in identifying spelling patterns. The risk of students overusing text‐to‐speech was countered by postponing access to having words read aloud by directing students towards identifying and training relevant orthographic patterns before activating text‐to‐speech. Results showed no statistically significant difference in decoding, but treatment improved reading comprehension. The study demonstrates how digital tools can facilitate strengthening students' decoding skills as efficiently as a traditional phonics‐based programme while students are reading text of relatively high orthographic complexity for meaning.
Long noncoding RNA TCONS‐00106987 promotes atrial electrical remodelling during atrial fibrillation by sponging miR‐26 to regulate KCNJ2
Authors: Du Juanjuan , Li Zhan , Wang Xiao , Li Jianhua , Liu Donglu , Wang Ximin , Wei Jinqiu , Ma Shenzhou , Zhang Yujiao , Hou Yinglong
Published: September 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to play indispensable roles in multiple heart diseases. However, the correlations between lncRNAs and atrial fibrillation (AF) are unclear. In this study, we performed comprehensive lncRNA profiling via high‐throughput RNA sequencing analysis using non‐AF and AF rabbit models. Based on a series of filtering pipelines and bioinformatics analyses, TCONS‐00106987 was selected for further research. TCONS‐00106987 levels were increased in the atria during AF. Moreover, the atrial effective refractory period was shortened and the AF inducibility was increased in vivo in response to lentiviral‐mediated up‐regulation of TCONS‐00106987. TCONS‐00106987 repression resulted in the opposite effects. Further studies indicated that TCONS‐00106987 expression was positively correlated with the expression of the protein‐coding gene KCNJ2. Luciferase reporter assays and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording confirmed that TCONS‐00106987 promoted electrical remodelling via endogenous competition with microRNA‐26 (miR‐26) to induce transcription of its target gene KCNJ2, thereby increasing inward‐rectifier K+ current (IK1). In conclusion, our study reveals a pathogenic lncRNA‐miRNA regulatory network specific to atrial electrical remodelling that offers potential therapeutic targets for AF.
Study on a two‐dimensional correlation visible–near infrared spectroscopy kinetic model for the moisture content of fresh walnuts stored at room temperature
Authors: Li Chengji , Zhang Shujuan , Sun Haixia , Zhao Huamin , Chen Caihong , Xing Shuhai
Published: September 2020

In order to implement the real‐time detection of moisture content in fresh walnuts during storage, a visible–near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) kinetic model of fresh walnuts at room temperature was established. Eight characteristic wavelengths were optimized by the two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy technology, using the moisture content as the external perturbation. The average moisture content of fresh walnuts at different storage times was analyzed, and a first‐order reaction kinetic model was established (,RMSEP = 0.119). The spectroscopy information and the moisture content index at the characteristic bands were coupled to establish a partial least square prediction model for the moisture content of fresh walnuts (,RMSEP = 1.827).The multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with the reflectance at the characteristic band as the independent variable and the moisture content as the dependent variable (p < .0001,R2 = 0.873), and the NIR kinetic model for moisture content was established. On this basis, the linear relationship between the storage time of fresh walnuts and the NIR reflectance could be obtained. Results revealed that a two‐dimensional correlation NIR kinetic model for moisture content could quickly detect the moisture content of fresh walnuts.

Practical applications

Fresh walnut is very nutritious and has better taste and flavor than dried ones. In order to remove the bitter taste, the seed coat of fresh walnut needs to be peeled before consumption and processing. With the increase of storage time, the fruit will lose most of its moisture content, making it difficult to peel the seed coat and lose the meaning of fresh food. Therefore, it will be harder to peel the seed coat and process the walnut kernel if the storage time is unknown. This study established a kinetic model for moisture content of fresh walnut during storage based on the visible–near infrared spectroscopy, which may help to further research the storage and processing method of fresh walnut.
Oscillating rheology of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed flour dough in relation to different particle size
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Thomas Linu
Published: September 2020

The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of particle size on the mechanical spectra of jackfruit seed flour (JFSF) dough (JFSF/water = 1:2) before and after the nonisothermal (NIH) heating from 50 to 105°C. The jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) were ground into flour and separated based on particle sizes (595, 297, 149, 105, 74, and 63‐μm). The particle size distribution of flour was measured by the laser light scattering. The mechanical rigidity of the dough samples assessed by a rheometer. The maximum weight percentage of particles (44.19%) were passed through 297‐μm while the 90% volume distribution of particles was 217.7‐μm. The peak temperature (Tp) of the dough produced from the selected particle fractions (297, 149, and 74 μm) decreased linearly with increasing the fineness during the NIH. At 25°C, the frequency sweep test demonstrated that the mechanical rigidity of doughs increased in the order of 297‐μm > whole > 149‐μm > (297 + 74)‐μm > 74‐μm, however, those values reversed after the heat/cool process except for the whole flour sample. The results could be useful to select the particle size of JFSF to achieve a desired consistency in the product during thermal processing.

Practical Applications

Size reduction is an important unit operation in the food industry. It has many industrial benefits including convenience, removal of undesired materials, and improve the reactivity with increased surface area. Jackfruit seeds are waste material. Production of flour from jackfruit seeds followed by size reduction could introduce a new ingredient in the market with unique functionality and applications. The flour has potential for the development of gluten‐free products and dough thickener.
Mass transfer approach to in‐vitro glycemic index of different biscuit compositions
Authors: Santhi Rajkumar Priyadarshini , Suriyamoorthy Priyanga , Moses Jeyan Arthur , Anandharamakrishnan Chinnaswamy
Published: September 2020

Glycemic index (GI) is an important factor for determining the effect on blood glucose levels after the intake of a specific food. A modified in‐vitro digestion framework was adopted to test the GI of different biscuit compositions and to examine its effect of mass transfer mechanisms. For this study, three formulations of biscuits with fat (A), millet (B), and fiber (C) were used to see the relationship between mass transfer mechanism and GI. This new in‐vitro method was validated with the standard method and was found to be in close agreement with each other. The results showed that the coefficients of diffusion were 4.33, 1.32, and 0.19 m2/s, indicating a direct correlation with GI values of 56, 69, and 51 and the starch digestibility index was found to be 13.99%, 9.21% and 20.46% for A, B, and C respectively. The decrease in mass transfer and increase in resistant starch reduces the GI of the biscuits.

Practical application

This is an unique experimental approach addressing the impact of mass transfer on GI with different biscuit compositions. This engineering perspective will be helpful in building food systems such that the mass transfer can be handled specifically for diabetic patients by deciding the bio‐availability of glucose from the food matrix. Development of new food products and personalized nutrition may gain insights by regulating the mass transport behavior of food particles, thereby controlling their GI.
Rapid Integration of Home Telehealth Visits Amidst COVID‐19: What Do Older Adults Need to Succeed?
Authors: Hawley Chelsea E. , Genovese Nicole , Owsiany Montgomery T. , Triantafylidis Laura K. , Moo Lauren R. , Linsky Amy M. , Sullivan Jennifer L. , Paik Julie M.
Published: September 2020

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify and address patient‐perceived barriers to integrating home telehealth visits.

DESIGN

We used an exploratory sequential mixed‐methods design to conduct patient needs assessments, a home telehealth pilot, and formative evaluation of the pilot.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs geriatrics‐renal clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with scheduled clinic visits from October 2019 to April 2020.

MEASUREMENTS

We conducted an in‐person needs assessment and telephone postvisit interviews.

RESULTS

Through 50 needs assessments, we identified patient‐perceived barriers in interest, access to care, access to technology, and confidence. A total of 34 (68%) patients were interested in completing a home telehealth visit, but fewer (32 (64%)) had access to the necessary technology or were confident (21 (42%)) that they could participate. We categorized patients into four phenotypes based on their interest and capability to complete a home telehealth visit: interested and capable, interested and incapable, uninterested and capable, and uninterested and incapable. These phenotypes allowed us to create trainings to overcome patient‐perceived barriers. We completed 32 home telehealth visits and 12 postvisit interviews. Our formative evaluation showed that our pilot was successful in addressing many patient‐perceived barriers. All interviewees reported that the home telehealth visits improved their well‐being. Home telehealth visits saved participants an average of 166 minutes of commute time. Five participants borrowed a device from a family member, and five visits were finished via telephone. All participants successfully completed a home telehealth visit.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified patient‐perceived barriers to home telehealth visits and classified patients into four phenotypes based on these barriers. Using principles of implementation science, our home telehealth pilot addressed these barriers, and all patients successfully completed a visit. Future study is needed to understand methods to deploy larger‐scale efforts to integrate home telehealth visits into the care of older adults.
Relationship between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate in 873 adults with a physically active lifestyle: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Baart A. M. , Balvers M. G. J. , de Vries J. H. M. , ten Haaf D. S. M. , Hopman M. T. E. , Klein Gunnewiek J. M. T.
Published: September 2020

Background

Vitamin B12 and folate function as co‐factors in pathways used during physical activity. Physical activity may therefore increase vitamin requirements, leading to a risk of deficient plasma concentrations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate in physically active adults, as well as identify other determinants of vitamin B12 and folate plasma concentrations.

Methods

The study population consisted of 873 adults (528 men and 345 women), aged 19–78 years, who participated in a 4‐day walking event. The relationship between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate was assessed using correlation and linear regression analyses. In addition, potential other determinants (sex, age, body mass index, energy intake and physical activity) of vitamin plasma concentrations were investigated.

Results

Significant positive correlations were observed between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 [Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.08–0.21] and folate (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.12–0.25). In addition to vitamin intake, sex, age and energy intake were also determinants of both vitamin B12 and folate plasma concentrations in multivariable regression models.

Conclusions

The results suggest a positive association between intake and plasma concentrations for both vitamin B12 and folate in physically active people. By contrast to our hypothesis, physical activity was not a determinant of vitamin B12 and folate plasma concentrations. However, sex, age and energy intake were found to be determinants. Thus, when studying the relationship between intake and plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 or folate, these factors should be taken into account.
High‐resolution optical microscopy for characterising microstructural deformation in microtensile testing
Authors: WANNI J. , MICHOPOULOS J.G. , BAGCHI A. , BANERJEE S. , BANERJEE N. , ACHUTHAN A.
Published: September 2020

Imaging surface deformation of a coupon specimen in microtensile testing with an optical microscope presents challenges due to the narrow depth of field (DoF) of optical microscopes. Materials being heterogeneous at microscopic length scale, the sample surface deforms into a complex 3D surface texture, evolving continuously as the loading increases. Because of the narrow DoF, the region that is in focus within the field of view (FoV) decreases substantially in size with the increasing out‐of‐plane heterogeneous deformation. To address this challenge, a method based on image blending and stabilisation of the captured image frames is proposed. Image blending combines the partial regions that are in focus from a set of successive image frames captured at different working distances from the object surface plane to construct a single image that has a large part of the FoV in focus. The blended images are then obtained at different levels of macroscopic strains, that is the global homogeneous strain, in order to characterise the evolution of the heterogeneous deformation. The image stabilisation removes any misalignments of the blended images by spatially realigning them choosing a common feature as a reference point. The validation of the proposed method with conventionally and additively manufactured stainless steel 316L (SS 316L) specimens demonstrates excellent improvement in image quality. Almost 100% of the FoV is maintained in focus regardless of the amount of out‐of‐plane heterogeneous deformation caused during tensile testing, which is quite remarkable for optical microscopy imaging. Consequently, the blended and stabilised images enhanced the accuracy of digital image correlation (DIC). Time‐lapse videos of the deformation generated using these images captured the evolution of the slip bands and their transmission through twinning boundaries in the stainless steel microstructure. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using image‐processing techniques to advance optical microscopy to image complex 3D surfaces evolving with time.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide for the improvement of a hypertrophic retracting scar—An interesting case report
Authors: Belmontesi Magda
Published: September 2020

Background

Post‐surgery disabling scars are frequent after surgical interventions.

Aim

We evaluated a new strategy for scars management.

Methods

A woman with a postsurgery disabling scar, consequent to an accident that needed surgical intervention, had serious difficulties to walk and perform normal daily activities. A few months after the intervention, she was treated with a combined therapy consisting of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) vials 5.625 mg/3 mL (administered subcutaneously as a biostimulant treatment through the scars and throughout the whole atrophic area), associated with nucleotide administered topically and as a food supplement. The patient was treated with an additional topical nighttime treatment cream based on nucleotides, hyaluronic acid, Allium cepa extract, and vitamin E, plus a daily treatment with a cream containing nucleotides, and a nutraceutical systemic treatment with 25 mg/cps of nucleotides and 5 mg/cps of Q10‐coenzyme (1 cps/d).

Results

This reasonably cheap treatment was effective and safe for this disabling scar at the right foot. One year after starting treatment, the patient confirmed her complete satisfaction. This is the first case report describing an unexpectedly successful outcome while using this combination therapy on a woman with a postsurgery disabling scar.
A discursive paper on the importance of health literacy among foreign domestic workers during outbreaks of communicable diseases
Authors: Ho Ken Hok Man , Smith Graeme Drummond
Published: September 2020

Aim

Using an integrated model of health literacy, we discuss the importance of health literacy among foreign domestic workers in the provision of informal caregiving during outbreaks of communicable diseases. COVID‐19 pandemic is used as an example.

Background

Adequate health literacy in the population is known to be important for the prevention of communicable diseases. Foreign domestic workers, a group of marginalised caregivers in private households, are generally presumed to have limited health literacy because of numerous socio‐cultural disadvantages. To date, there is limited evidence that these informal healthcare providers receive support from community‐based nurses.

Design

A discursive paper.

Conclusion

Foreign domestic workers, with varying levels of health literacy, may be viewed either as a resource to break the chain of infection or as a potential reservoir of communicable diseases in the community. Meanwhile, restrictions imposed in response to diseases transmissions (e.g. stay‐at‐home measures for COVID‐19) may directly exacerbate the social support received by these foreign domestic works and their ability to access health‐related information. There are also concerns about their ability to appraise and evaluate information related to communicable diseases at a time when fake news and misinformation are being disseminated through social media. Language and cultural barriers are important issues that need to be addressed to ensure that foreign domestic workers are in a position to follow public health recommendations.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses hold an important position in empowering foreign domestic workers with adequate health literacy, by engaging groups of foreign domestic workers in the community and their consulates in planning educational programmes and effectively disseminating information. At a time of global pandemic, an assessment of the health literacy levels of foreign domestic workers in places like Hong Kong is urgently required.
The experiences of carers looking after people with Parkinson’s disease who exhibit impulsive and compulsive behaviours: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: McKeown Eamonn , Saleem Tariq , Magee Cathy , Haddad Mark
Published: September 2020

Aim

To understand the experiences of carers who were confronted by the development of impulsive and compulsive behaviours.

Background

Impulsive and compulsive behaviours (ICBs) are a serious complication in Parkinson's disease (PD) strongly associated with dopamine replacement therapy used to treat patients. These behaviours comprise abnormal activities such as pathological gambling, binge eating, compulsive shopping and hypersexuality. These behaviours place a considerable burden on patients and on their carers and families.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Using a convenience sampling approach, 13 carers were recruited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were conducted over the telephone. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. COREQ guidelines were adhered to in the reporting of this study.

Results

Five main themes were identified: (a) realisation—developing awareness of ICB symptoms and their causes; (b) reacting—confronting and attempts to manage ICBs; (c) reaching out—help‐seeking and selective disclosure; (d) reframing—shifting perspectives on ICBs over time; and (e) resignation—impact on relationships and facing the future.

Conclusions

The profound impact of ICBs on quality of life, relationships and economic stability was clear in the carers’ accounts. Possible avenues for future clinical research are suggested.

Relevance to clinical practice

The potentially devastating effects of ICBs provide a strong imperative for nurses and other health professionals to ensure that close monitoring for symptom development together with patient education is always part of practice.
Cone beam computed tomography findings in temporomandibular joint of chronic qat chewers: Dimensional and osteoarthritic changes
Authors: Almashraqi Abeer A. , Halboub Esam S. , Al‐Maweri Sadeq A. , Barngkgei Imad , Al‐wesabi Mohammed A. , Al‐kamel Ahlam , Alhammadi Maged S. , Alamir Abdulwahab H.
Published: September 2020

The social habit of chewing qat (also known as khat) is widely practised in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been linked with various oro‐facial conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). This cross‐sectional, comparative study sought to investigate the effects of qat chewing on temporomandibular joint (TMJ), using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 85 Yemeni males were included. The participants were divided into two groups: Qat chewers (QC; n = 41) and non‐qat chewers (NQC; n = 44). Relevant data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and standardised clinical examination. Additionally, CBCT images of the TMJs were obtained, and then, osteoarthritic changes and TMJ dimensions were analysed. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analyses, with a significant level was set at 0.05. Compared to NQC, a significantly higher proportion of QC presented with clinical signs of TMDs. The qualitative CBCT findings revealed significantly higher osteoarthritic changes in QC than in NQC: osteophyte (51.2% vs 22.7%; P = .008), subcortical sclerosis (48.8% vs 27.3%; P = .047), articular surface flattening (46.3% vs 6.8%; P = .009) and subcortical cysts (43.9% vs 4.5%; P < .001). However, CBCT quantitative findings (condylar dimensions) did not show significant differences between the two groups. The chewing side of the QC group showed slightly more changes compared to the non‐chewing side. The results demonstrate that qat chewing has detrimental effects on TMJ manifested mainly as osteoarthritic changes. Further large‐scale studies are recommended.
Using expletive insertion to pursue and sanction in interaction
Authors: Hoey Elliott M. , Hömke Paul , Löfgren Emma , Neumann Tayo , Schuerman William L. , Kendrick Kobin H.
Published: September 2020

This article uses conversation analysis to examine constructions like who the fuck is that—sequence‐initiating actions into which an expletive like the fuck has been inserted. We describe how this turn‐constructional practice fits into and constitutes a recurrent sequence of escalating actions. In this sequence, it is used to pursue an adequate response after an inadequate one was given, and sanction the recipient for that inadequate response. Our analysis contributes to sociolinguistic studies of swearing by offering an account of swearing as a resource for social action.
Effects of putrescine injection in broiler breeder eggs
Authors: Goes Emanuele Cristiny , Cardoso Dal Pont Gabriela , Oliveira Priscila Raijche , da Rocha Chayane , Maiorka Alex
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing doses of putrescine injected in ovo on hatchability, intestinal morphology and pre‐starter performance of broilers. For this purpose, 720 eggs from broiler breeders were separated into a negative control (no injection) and injection treatments with increasing doses of putrescine (0.05; 0.1; 0.15 and 0.2%), totalling five treatments of 144 eggs each. Eggs were distributed in a completely randomized design inside the setter and the injection of solutions occurred at 17 days of incubation. After hatch, 330 birds were housed in mixed lots following the original treatments, totalling 5 treatments of 6 replicates with 11 birds each. Six birds per treatment were weighed and euthanized by cervical dislocation to collect the liver, intestine and breast 24 hr after injection, at hatch and 24 hr after hatch. At 2 days of age, intestines were collected from 4 animals per treatment to analyse histomorphology. The effects of putrescine levels were evaluated by polynomial regression models, ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% probability. The hatchability decreased linearly in response to increased doses of putrescine. The percentage of residual yolk was lower in animals that received putrescine compared to the control. After injection, the percentage of breast increased linearly, and the percentage of intestine had a quadratic response to increased doses of putrescine. However, 24 hr after hatch, the percentage of intestine linearly decreased, and the percentage of liver linearly increased in response to increased doses of putrescine. Villus height increased quadratically, crypt depth decreased linearly, and goblet cells increased linearly in response to the putrescine dose. FI and BWG were not affected in the pre‐starter phase; however, FCR increased in response to increased levels of putrescine. Due to putrescine effects on embryos, it is recommended that the doses injected in ovo not exceed 0.1%.
Characterization of Hepatitis B virus polymerase mutations A194T and CYEI and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide resistance
Authors: Liu Yang , Chang Silvia , Martin Ross , Flaherty John , Mo Hongmei , Feierbach Becket
Published: September 2020

Both the A194T and a quadruple mutation CYEI (S106C, H126Y, D134E and L269I) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase reverse transcriptase domain (pol/RT) are suggested to be associated with treatment failure with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). To further evaluate this assertion, the prevalence of these mutations at baseline as well as their development and/or loss during TDF and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) treatment was analysed in 3886 patients enrolled in Gilead HBV clinical studies. In total, six out of 3886 (0.2%) patients carried the rtA194T mutation, while only 1 patient carried a triple CYE and 2 patients carried a quadruple CYEI mutation at baseline. All the patients harbouring rtA194T or CYE/CYEI at baseline achieved viral suppression by week 96 after TDF or TAF treatment. No patients developed an rtA194T mutation or > 1 substitution of CYEI, and the number of patients losing any substitutions of CYEI (n = 17) was similar to the number who developed a single substitution of CYEI (n = 32) during treatment. Phenotypic evaluation of the site‐directed mutant (SDM) panel containing these mutations with or without other resistance mutations did not demonstrate a significant shift in TFV and TAF potency in vitro. No evidence of rtA194T and CYEI conferring resistance to TDF or TAF was observed based on the treatment responses to TDF or TAF in patients with mutations at baseline, the lack of selection of mutations after starting TDF or TAF treatment and no change in susceptibility to TFV or TAF in vitro.
Peri‐complication diagnosis of hepatitis C infection: Risk factors and trends over time
Authors: Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Chung Hannah , Sander Beate , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Holder Laura , Cerocchi Orlando , Austin Peter C. , Feld Jordan J.
Published: September 2020

Background & Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common and treatable cause of cirrhosis and its complications, yet many chronically infected individuals remain undiagnosed until a late stage. We sought to identify the frequency of and risk factors for HCV diagnosis peri‐complication, that is within six months of an advanced liver disease complication.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of Ontario residents diagnosed with chronic HCV infection between 2003 and 2014. HCV diagnosis peri‐complication was defined as the occurrence of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma or liver transplant within ±6 months of HCV diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for peri‐complication diagnosis among all those diagnosed with HCV infection.

Results

Our cohort included 39,515 patients with chronic HCV infection, of whom 4.2% (n = 1645) were diagnosed peri‐complication; these represented 31.6% of the 5,202 patients who developed complications in the follow‐up period. Peri‐complication diagnosis became more common over the study period and was associated with increasing age among baby boomers, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, chronic HBV co‐infection and moderate to high levels of morbidity. Female sex, immigrant status, having more previous outpatient physician visits, a previous emergency department visit, a history of drug use or mental health visits were associated with reduced risk of peri‐complication diagnosis.

Conclusions

Over a quarter of HCV‐infected patients with complications were diagnosed peri‐complication. This problem increased over time, suggesting a need to further expand HCV screening.