bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal population variability in local forest communities has mixed effects on tree species richness across a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Fung Tak , Chisholm Ryan A. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina , Bourg Norm , Brockelman Warren Y. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Chang‐Yang Chia‐Hao , Chitra‐Tarak Rutuja , Chuyong George , Condit Richard , Dattaraja Handanakere S. , Davies Stuart J. , Ewango Corneille E. N. , Fewless Gary , Fletcher Christine , Gunatilleke C. V. Savitri , Gunatilleke I. A. U. Nimal , Hao Zhanqing , Hogan J. Aaron , Howe Robert , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Kenfack David , Lin YiChing , Ma Keping , Makana Jean‐Remy , McMahon Sean , McShea William J. , Mi Xiangcheng , Nathalang Anuttara , Ong Perry S. , Parker Geoffrey , Rau E‐Ping , Shue Jessica , Su Sheng‐Hsin , Sukumar Raman , Sun I‐Fang , Suresh Hebbalalu S. , Tan Sylvester , Thomas Duncan , Thompson Jill , Valencia Renato , Vallejo Martha I. , Wang Xugao , Wang Yunquan , Wijekoon Pushpa , Wolf Amy , Yap Sandra , Zimmerman Jess
Published: November 2019

Among the local processes that determine species diversity in ecological communities, fluctuation‐dependent mechanisms that are mediated by temporal variability in the abundances of species populations have received significant attention. Higher temporal variability in the abundances of species populations can increase the strength of temporal niche partitioning but can also increase the risk of species extinctions, such that the net effect on species coexistence is not clear. We quantified this temporal population variability for tree species in 21 large forest plots and found much greater variability for higher latitude plots with fewer tree species. A fitted mechanistic model showed that among the forest plots, the net effect of temporal population variability on tree species coexistence was usually negative, but sometimes positive or negligible. Therefore, our results suggest that temporal variability in the abundances of species populations has no clear negative or positive contribution to the latitudinal gradient in tree species richness.
A sentiment analysis approach to improve authorship identification
Authors: Martins Ricardo , Almeida José João , Henriques Pedro , Novais Paulo
Published: November 2019

Writing style is considered the manner in which an author expresses his thoughts, influenced by language characteristics, period, school, or nation. Often, this writing style can identify the author. One of the most famous examples comes from 1914 in Portuguese literature. With Fernando Pessoa and his heteronyms Alberto Caeiro, Álvaro de Campos, and Ricardo Reis, who had completely different writing styles, led people to believe that they were different individuals. Currently, the discussion of authorship identification is more relevant because of the considerable amount of widespread fake news in social media, in which it is hard to identify who authored a text and even a simple quote can impact the public image of an author, especially if these texts or quotes are from politicians. This paper presents a process to analyse the emotion contained in social media messages such as Facebook to identify the author's emotional profile and use it to improve the ability to predict the author of the message. Using preprocessing techniques, lexicon‐based approaches, and machine learning, we achieved an authorship identification improvement of approximately 5% in the whole dataset and more than 50% in specific authors when considering the emotional profile on the writing style, thus increasing the ability to identify the author of a text by considering only the author's emotional profile, previously detected from prior texts.
Helicobacter pylori heteroresistance to clarithromycin in adults—New data by in situ detection and improved concept
Authors: Kocsmár Éva , Kocsmár Ildikó , Buzás György Miklós , Szirtes Ildikó , Wacha Judit , Takáts Alajos , Hritz István , Schaff Zsuzsa , Rugge Massimo , Fassan Matteo , Kiss András , Lotz Gábor
Published: November 2019

Background

Clarithromycin (Cla) heteroresistance of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infections is commonly assessed by comparing the resistance status of antrum and corpus biopsy samples and by demonstrating the discrepancy between them (interniche heteroresistance). However, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique is capable of showing the synchronous presence of susceptible and resistant bacteria (intraniche heteroresistance), enabling the detection of heteroresistant H pylori populations within one biopsy sample.

Materials and Methods

Antrum and corpus biopsy specimens of 305 H pylori‐infected patients were investigated with an rRNA‐targeted Cla‐resistance FISH test. Anamnestic data were collected from the institutional electronic register. Prevalence rates of susceptible, homo‐ and heteroresistant cases were correlated with the anamnestic and clinicopathological data.

Results

Overall Cla‐resistance rate was 23.9% (73 cases), consisting of 35 (11.5%) homoresistant and 38 (12.5%) heteroresistant cases. Thirty‐five patients had at least one biopsy site where susceptible and resistant bacteria were present simultaneously. From this subset, 20 cases demonstrated intraniche heteroresistance on both sites. Prior Cla‐based eradication attempts were more frequent in homoresistant than in susceptible and heteroresistant cases (P < .001, P < .001, respectively). Cla‐containing therapy eradicated heteroresistant infections at a significantly lower rate in comparison with susceptible cases (P = .0112), but more effectively than homoresistants (P = .0393).

Conclusions

The most frequent type of Cla‐heteroresistance is the coexistence of susceptible and resistant H pylori bacteria in the same location (intraniche heteroresistance). A previous Cla‐based eradication attempt predisposes patients to homoresistant infection. Heteroresistance is characterized by a non‐eradication‐related background and intermediate characteristics in many respects when compared to susceptible and homoresistant cases.
How well are we performing the initial assessment of HIV‐positive patients? Results from a multicentre cohort in Spain
Authors: Suárez‐García I , Alejos B , Delgado E , Rivero M , Pineda JA , Jarrin I ,   the Cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Network (CoRIS) study group
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to the recommendations of the Spanish guidelines for the initial assessment of patients with HIV infection in the multicentre Cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Network (CoRIS) during the years 2004–2017.

Methods

We calculated the percentage of patients who had each of 11 clinical and analytical recommended examinations performed in their initial evaluation. We evaluated the factors associated with not performing each examination with multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

We included 13 612 patients in the study. In the initial assessment, CD4 count and viral load were determined in more than 98.0% of the patients. Serologies for hepatitis A, B and C and syphilis were determined in 55.8%, 66.4%, 89.8% and 81.7% of the patients, respectively. Total cholesterol and creatinine were determined in 78.7% and 78.9% of the patients, respectively. The lowest proportions of examinations were observed for blood pressure, smoking status and latent tuberculosis screening, which were performed in 43.2%, 50.6% and 53.9% of the patients, respectively. Injecting drug users and heterosexual patients (compared to men who have sex with men) and patients with a lower educational level had a higher risk of having an incomplete initial assessment for a substantial number of examinations. Latent tuberculosis screening was less likely in patients with CD4 counts < 200 cells/µL.

Conclusions

The initial assessment of HIV‐infected patients is suboptimal for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk, smoking status, screening of syphilis and viral hepatitis, and diagnosis of latent tuberculosis: adherence to the guidelines was low for these examinations.
Pentecostal Dynamics of African Initiated Churches
Authors: Olofinjana Israel Oluwole
Published: November 2019

This essay is a historical consideration of the body of churches known as African Initiated Churches (AICs). The key research questions I am investigating are whether this church can be classified as Pentecostal and how it employs transnational networking in its mission strategy. I have approached this question by exploring the Pentecostal dynamics and transnational networking of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church as an example of an AIC. To this end, I analyze the Pentecostal and transnational nature of an international ecumenical conference organized by the church in London in 2017. This essay is written from the perspective of someone who was born and raised within the church movement, but has also studied the movement as part of African Christianity. The originality of this essay is in its analysis of the transnational nature of the international ecumenical conference.
Nurses' intentions to respond to requests for legal assisted‐dying: A Q‐methodological study
Authors: Wilson Michael R. , Wiechula Rick , Cusack Lynette , Wilson Marie
Published: November 2019

Aims

To explore the intentions of nurses to respond to requests for legal assisted‐dying.

Background

As more Western nations legalize assisted‐dying, requests for access will increase across clinical domains. Understanding the intentions of nurses to respond to such requests is important for the construction of relevant policy and practice guidelines.

Design

Mixed‐methods.

Data Sources

A total of 45 Australian nurses from aged, palliative, intensive, or cancer care settings surveyed in November 2018.

Method

Q‐methodology studying nurses’ evaluations of 49 possible responses to a request for a hastened death. Data consisted of rank‐ordered statements analysed by factor analysis with varimax rotation.

Findings

Four distinct types of intentions to respond to requests for assisted‐dying: a) refer and support; b) object to or deflect the request; c) engage and explore the request; or d) assess needs and provide information.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the complexity of intentionality in assisted‐dying nursing practice and differences from other forms of end‐of‐life care, particularly regarding patient advocacy and conscientious objection. This study enables further research to explore determinants of these intentions. It can also assist the development of professional guidance by linking policy and clinical intentions.

Impact

Identified a basic range of nurses’ intentions to respond to requests for assisted‐dying, as there was no evidence at present. Developed a fourfold typology of intentions to respond with most nurses intending to engage in practices that support the requestor and sometimes the request itself. A minority would object to discussing the request. The relatively low level of advocacy within the intended responses selected also is distinctly different from other end‐of‐life care research findings. This research could assist nursing associations in jurisdictions transitioning to legal assisted‐dying to develop guidance ways nurses can frame their responses to requests.
Genotype‐by‐environment interactions for seminal fluid expression and sperm competitive ability
Authors: Patlar Bahar , Ramm Steven A.
Published: November 2019

Sperm competition commonly occurs whenever females mate multiply, leading to variation in male paternity success. This can be due to variation in the various traits that might affect sperm competitive ability, which itself depends on both genetic and environmental factors, as well as on genotype‐by‐environment interactions (GEI). Seminal fluid is a major component of the male ejaculate that is often expected to mediate sperm competition, where different genotypes can differ in their seminal fluid expression as a response to different levels of sperm competition (i.e. exhibit GEI). We therefore here focussed on testing for GEI in expression of two recently identified seminal fluid transcripts, suckless‐1 and suckless‐2, which potentially modulate sperm competitive ability in the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano via their effects on manipulating post‐mating partner behaviour and ultimately the fate of transferred ejaculates. In addition, we sought to test for GEI in sperm competitive ability in a standardized sperm competition (P1 and P2) assay, to investigate the relationship between natural variation in the expression of these seminal fluid transcripts generated through GEI and relative paternity success. We found GEI for the expression level of suckless‐1 and suckless‐2, as well as for sperm competitive ability. Moreover, we found a positive relation between the expression of suckless‐1 and relative paternity success (P1). This suggests that natural variation in the expression of this seminal fluid transcript indeed can influence sperm competition outcomes in M. lignano.
Application of cryogenic grinding pretreatment to enhance extractability of bioactive molecules from pumpkin seed cake
Authors: Balbino Sandra , Dorić Martina , Vidaković Silvija , Kraljić Klara , Škevin Dubravka , Drakula Saša , Voučko Bojana , Čukelj Nikolina , Obranović Marko , Ćurić Duška
Published: November 2019

Pumpkin seed cake, a by‐product of pumpkin seed oil production, is a potential source of nutraceuticals, which remain unexploited by current management practices. This research assessed its bioactive potential and investigated the effect of cryogenic grinding pretreatment on extractability of various nonpolar and polar bioactive molecules. Notable amounts of squalene (1,684 mg/kg), phytosterols (3,900 mg/kg), and tocopherols (220.3 mg/kg) were extracted from the untreated (control) pumpkin seed cake together with 72.6 mg/kg of protochlorophylls and 90.1 mg/kg of total phenols. Control pumpkin seed cake also yielded 16.75% of total fiber. Application of cryogenic grinding as well as its duration significantly increased the amount of bioactive molecules extracted from pumpkin seed cake as well as extracts antioxidant activity. Major increase was determined for phytosterols and protochlorophylls which were 2 and 2.5 fold higher, respectively, in pumpkin seed cake samples ground with cryogenic cooling during 12 min.

Practical applications

Yearly production of pumpkin seed oil leaves behind more than 11.500 tons of by‐product in the form of pumpkin seed cake which is currently mainly used as livestock feed or for composting. Results of this study reveal high bioactive potential of pumpkin seed cake, which opens way to new possibilities of its utilization in functional food and dietary supplements production. In particular, it could be exploited as low cost raw material for the extraction of high added value extracts aimed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Application of cryogenic conditions during grinding additionally enhances bioactive potential of pumpkin seed cake.
Decontamination of Bacillus cereus in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seeds by infrared radiation and modeling of microbial inactivation through experimental models
Authors: Shavandi Mahdi , Kashaninejad Mahdi , Sadeghi Alireza , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Hasani Mahdiyeh
Published: November 2019

In this work, infrared (IR) irradiation was used for inactivation of Bacillus cereus in cardamom seeds. The effect of IR power (100, 200, and 300 W), sample distance from radiation source (5, 10, and 15 cm) and holding times (0–11 min) was investigated on B. cereus count, as well as cardamom seeds color and temperature profiles. Inactivation of B. cereus on cardamom seeds during IR processing was demonstrated by experimental models. The highest reduction of B. cereus count (5.11 Log CFU/g) was achieved after 8 min IR irradiation at 300 W power and 15 cm distance. Measurement of temperature profiles revealed that there was a significant difference (p < .05) between surface and center temperatures of the cardamom seeds. The green color (a* value) of cardamom seeds was slightly affected and the highest color change was observed at 200 W IR, 10 cm distance and 10 min irradiation that resulted in an increase of a* from −3.05 ± 0.96 to −0.05 ± 0.44. In conclusion, IR irradiation could be successful for decontamination of cardamom seeds without severe alteration of its quality. Among the experimental models for microbial inactivation during IR processing, the Double Weibull model had the highest coefficient value of determination (R2 = 0.9966).
Applications of X‐ray computed tomography for the evaluation of biomaterial‐mediated bone regeneration in critical‐sized defects
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ M. PEÑA , WITTE F. , TOZZI G.
Published: November 2019

Bone as such displays an intrinsic regenerative potential following fracture; however, this capacity is limited with large bone defects that cannot heal spontaneously. The management of critical‐sized bone defects remains a major clinical and socioeconomic need with osteoregenerative biomaterials constantly under development aiming at promoting and enhancing bone healing. X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) has become a standard and essential tool for quantifying structure–function relationships in bone and biomaterials, facilitating the development of novel bone tissue engineering strategies. This paper presents recent advancements in XCT analysis of biomaterial‐mediated bone regeneration. As a noninvasive and nondestructive technique, XCT allows for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds and biomaterial microarchitecture, bone growth into the scaffold as well as the 3D characterisation of biomaterial degradation and bone regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, in combination with in situ mechanical testing and digital volume correlation (DVC), XCT demonstrated its potential to better understand the bone–biomaterial interactions and local mechanics of bone regeneration during the healing process in relation to the regeneration achieved in vivo, which will likely provide valuable knowledge for the development and optimisation of novel osteoregenerative biomaterials.

Lay Description

Bone, being a dynamically adaptable material, displays excellent regenerative properties following fracture. However, the self‐healing capacity of bone becomes more difficult with large bone defects. Those defects are common and occur in many clinical situations; hence, biomaterials are mostly used to restore both bone structure and function in the defect site. X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) is a powerful tool to evaluate bone regeneration in critical‐sized defects after the implantation of biomaterials, allowing to an improved understanding of the regeneration process following different bone tissue engineering approaches. This paper focuses on recent advancements in XCT analysis to characterise biomaterial‐mediated bone regeneration in critical‐sized defects. XCT supports three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of biomaterials, scaffolds and regenerated bone microarchitecture, as well as bone ingrowth into the scaffold. As a nondestructive technique, XCT allows for a 3D characterisation of biomaterial degradation and bone regeneration over time. In addition, XCT combined with in situ mechanical experiments and digital volume correlation (DVC) provides a 3D evaluation and quantification of bone–biomaterial interactions and deformation mechanisms during the regeneration process. This remains essential for the development and enhancement of novel biomaterials able to produce bone that is comparable with the native tissue they aim to replace.
Yield of next‐generation neuropathy gene panels in axonal neuropathies
Authors: Lee Diana C. , Dankwa Lois , Edmundson Christyn , Cornblath David R. , Scherer Steven S.
Published: November 2019

The use and utility of targeted gene panels for diagnosing the type of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth have grown rapidly because commercial gene panels that contain most of the relevant genes are available and affordable for many patients. We used a targeted gene panel to analyze 175 patients who had an unexplained axonal polyneuropathy affecting large myelinated axons, 86 of whom reported a family history of neuropathy, and 89 of whom did not. In patients reporting a family history, the panel identified a pathogenic variant causing the neuropathy in six cases (7%); in patients not reporting a family history, the gene panel identified pathogenic variants causing neuropathy in two patients (2%). Interpretation in a tertiary referral setting, current gene panels identify the genetic cause of neuropathy in a small minority of patients who have an unexplained axonal neuropathy, even in those reporting a family history.
Relationship between tactile stimuli and basic tastes: CATA with consumers with visual disability
Authors: Riofrio‐Grijalva Renata , Lago Maider , Fabregat‐Amich Paula , Guerrero Jose , Cuesta Alberto , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura
Published: November 2019

The sensation of touch can play an important role in generating expectations when coming into contact with the food packaging or the food itself, especially in people with visual impairment. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between some tactile sensations and the five basic tastes in visually impaired consumers. A check all that apply (CATA) test was adapted to explore the basic tastes‐tactile stimuli relationship in this consumer segment. Also, a second CATA test was conducted to determine the best descriptors for the tactile sensations related with the basic tastes. Results of the first test showed a relationship among some of the basic tastes with singular tactile sensations, sweetness, and bitterness being the main drivers of the difference. Descriptors such as “smooth,” “velvety,” or “silky” were used to describe the tactile stimuli related to sweetness, while “rough,” “sandy,” or “hard” were used to describe the ones related to bitterness.

Practical applications

Results of the present study could be useful for the packaging industry, providing valuable information for developing new ways of generating expectations, and maybe enhancing some basic tastes, especially for blind consumers. Hospitality and restaurant businesses could also benefit from the results of this study by providing new ideas about developing multimodal experiences for diners. In addition, an example of a CATA adapted methodology is described in the manuscript, showing a friendly and sensitive manner of working with visually impaired consumers.
AtRTP5 negatively regulates plant resistance to Phytophthora pathogens by modulating the biosynthesis of endogenous jasmonic acid and salicylic acid
Authors: Li Weiwei , Zhao Dan , Dong Jingwen , Kong Xianglan , Zhang Qiang , Li Tingting , Meng Yuling , Shan Weixing
Published: November 2019

Plants have evolved powerful immune systems to recognize pathogens and avoid invasions, but the genetic basis of plant susceptibility is less well‐studied, especially to oomycetes, which cause disastrous diseases in many ornamental plants and food crops. In this research, we identified a negative regulator of plant immunity to the oomycete Phytophthora parasitica, AtRTP5 (Arabidopsis thaliana Resistant to Phytophthora 5), which encodes a WD40 repeat domain‐containing protein. The AtRTP5 protein, which was tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP), is localized in the nucleus and plasma membrane. Both the A. thaliana T‐DNA insertion rtp5 mutants and the Nicotiana benthamiana RTP5 (NbRTP5) silencing plants showed enhanced resistance to P. parasitica, while overexpression of AtRTP5 rendered plants more susceptible. The transcriptomic analysis showed that mutation of AtRTP5 suppressed the biosynthesis of endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and JA‐dependent responses. In contrast, salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis and SA‐dependent responses were activated in the T‐DNA insertion mutant rtp5‐3. These results show that AtRTP5 acts as a conserved negative regulator of plant immunity to Phytophthora pathogens by interfering with JA and SA signalling pathways.
Built environment for physical activity—An urban barometer, surveillance, and monitoring
Authors: Devarajan Raji , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Goenka Shifalika
Published: November 2019

The Lancet Commission on Obesity (LCO), also known as the “syndemic commission,” states that radical changes are required to harness the common drivers of “obesity, undernutrition, and climate change.” Urban design, land use, and the built environment are few such drivers. Holding individuals responsible for obesity detracts from the obesogenic built environments. Pedestrian priority and dignity, wide pavements with tree canopies, water fountains with potable water, benches for the elderly at regular intervals, access to open‐green spaces within 0.5‐km radius and playgrounds in schools are required. Facilities for physical activity at worksite, prioritization of staircases and ramps in building construction, redistribution of land use, and access to quality, adequate capacity, comfortable, and well‐networked public transport, which are elderly and differently abled sensitive with universal design are some of the interventions that require urgent implementation and monitoring. An urban barometer consisting of valid relevant indicators aligned to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), UN‐Habitat‐3 and healthy cities, should be considered a basic human right and ought to be mounted for purposes of surveillance and monitoring. A “Framework Convention on Built Environment and Physical Activity” needs to be taken up by WHO and the UN for uptake and implementation by member countries.
Deterioration of ovary plays a key role in heat stress‐induced spikelet sterility in sorghum
Authors: Chiluwal Anuj , Bheemanahalli Raju , Kanaganahalli Vinutha , Boyle Dan , Perumal Ramasamy , Pokharel Meghnath , Oumarou Halilou , Jagadish S.V. Krishna
Published: November 2019

In sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), the impact of heat stress during flowering on seed set is known, but mechanisms that lead to tolerance are not known. A diverse set of sorghum genotypes was tested under controlled environment and field conditions to ascertain the impact of heat stress on time‐of‐day of flowering, pollen viability, and ovarian tissue. A highly conserved early morning flowering was observed, wherein >90% of spikelets completed flowering within 30 min after dawn, both in inbreds and hybrids. A strong quantitative impact of heat stress was recorded before pollination (reduced pollen viability) and post pollination (reduced pollen tube growth and linear decline in fertility). Although viable pollen tube did reach the micropylar region, 100% spikelet sterility was recorded under 40/22°C (day/night temperatures), even in the tolerant genotype Macia. Heat stress induced significant damage to the ovarian tissue near the micropylar region, leading to highly condensed cytoplasmic contents and disintegrated nucleolus and nucleus in the susceptible genotype RTx430. Whereas, relatively less damages to ovarian cell organelles were observed in the tolerant genotype Macia under heat stress. Integrating higher tolerance in female reproductive organ will help in effective utilization of the early morning flowering mechanism to enhance sorghum productivity under current and future hotter climate.
Conducting Research with Individuals at Risk for Suicide: Protocol for Assessment and Risk Management
Authors: Ward‐Ciesielski Erin F. , Wilks Chelsey R.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Suicide prediction, prevention, and intervention are urgent research areas. One barrier for research with high‐risk populations is limited resources to manage risk in a research setting. We describe using the University of Washington Risk Assessment Protocol (UWRAP) to assess and manage suicide risk during phone‐administered eligibility assessments in two clinical trials.

Method

Study 1 (N = 151) recruited suicidal adults who were not engaged in mental health treatment and Study 2 (N = 135) recruited suicidal adults who used alcohol to regulate emotions. Pre‐ and postassessment ratings of stress, urge to harm self, urge to use drugs/alcohol, and intent to harm self were compared and strategies to manage increased suicide risk following screening interviews were implemented, as indicated.

Results

In both studies, average postassessment ratings were significantly lower than pre‐assessment. A minority of participants reported higher ratings on one or more domains; however, following more thorough suicide risk assessment, risk was appropriately managed by providing low‐level interventions (e.g., validation).

Conclusions

Suicide risk in research involving community participants can be managed by using appropriate risk protocols.
Distribution of human killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors and ligands among blood donors of Catalonia
Authors: Closa Laia , Vidal Francisco , Herrero Maria J. , Caro Jose L.
Published: November 2019

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) belong to a diverse family of receptors present in NK cells and certain subsets of T cells. They bind to HLA class I molecules and, such as these, are highly polymorphic. This study is the first to determine KIR gene content diversity and perform high‐resolution genotyping of corresponding HLA class I ligands in 445 unrelated blood donors resident in Catalonia (northeast Spanish region) and registered in the Blood and Tissue Bank of Barcelona between 2017 and 2018. The study was performed using a new next‐generation sequencing method developed and validated by our group, with an important hands‐on‐time reduction and very cost‐effectiveness. Thirty‐eight KIR genotypes were observed. Haplotype combination frequencies were 24.49% for AA, 75.51% for BX. The most frequent genotype, found in 109 individuals (24.49%), was genotype ID 1. Seventeen genotypes occurred only once. Thirty individuals carried all KIR genes (genotype ID 6). We detected 46 HLA‐A, 63 HLA‐A‐B, and 40 HLA‐A‐C alleles. A majority of individuals were heterozygous for C1/C2 (42.24%), 38.43% were homozygous for C1, and 19.33% were homozygous for C2. The most common KIR‐HLA ligand pair was KIR3DL1‐Bw4+, present in 75.73% of cases. No differences were found in KIR gene frequencies between the Catalan cohort and other Iberian Peninsula populations. Our findings will be useful for guiding further research evaluating the functional significance of KIR‐ligand associations in specific diseases.
Sequential measurement of Trypanosoma cruzi parasitic load in endomyocardial biopsies for early detection and follow‐up of Chagas disease reactivation after heart transplantation
Authors: Benvenuti Luiz Alberto , Roggério Alessandra , Nishiya Anna Shoko , Mangini Sandrigo , Levi José Eduardo
Published: November 2019

Background

Reactivation of Chagas disease after heart transplantation is characterized by proliferation and dissemination of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites to several organs. Reactivation affecting the allograft can simulate acute cellular rejection, from which it should be distinguished through the analysis of endomyocardial biopsies (EMB).

Methods

We evaluated retrospectively 100 EMB collected in the first year of follow‐up from 13 heart‐transplanted, chagasic patients who presented reactivation and were successfully treated. Additionally, 37 EMB from 8 patients who did not present reactivation constituted the control group. We reviewed histopathology and performed a real‐time PCR‐based assay in order to evaluate the T cruzi parasitic load of each EMB.

Results

The parasitic load of the EMB at the time of reactivation ranged from 22.80 to 190 000/106 cells (median: 1555). In 6 patients, none of the EMB obtained prior to reactivation amplified T cruzi DNA. On the other hand, 10 EMB from 7 patients, obtained 9‐105 days before reactivation (median: 26 days), showed parasitic load ranging from 8.25 to 625/106 cells (median: 167.55). In all patients, the parasitic load increased at the time of reactivation, usually sharply. After initiation of treatment, all patients showed negative PCR or a dramatic reduction of the parasitic load in the following EMB. None of the EMB from the control group amplified T cruzi DNA.

Conclusions

Sequential measurement of T cruzi parasitic load in EMB is useful for monitoring Chagas disease reactivation after heart transplantation. Its increase suggests imminent reactivation and its decrease after treatment indicates favorable evolution for cure of the episode of reactivation.
Morphologic and quantitative evaluation of bone marrow aspirates from Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Schwartz Diana , Guzman David Sanchez‐Migallon , Beaufrere Hugues , Ammersbach Melanie , Paul‐Murphy Joanne , Tully Thomas N. , Christopher Mary M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Bone marrow aspirate assessments provide valuable information about hematopoietic status and hematologic disease. Hematopoietic cell differentials and morphologies have been anecdotally described in psittacines, but quantitative studies are lacking.

Objectives

We aimed to determine differential cell counts and calculate granulocyte:erythroid (G:E) ratios in bone marrow aspirates from Hispaniolan Amazon parrots and report representative morphologies of the hematopoietic cells.

Methods

Bone marrow aspirates were collected from 32 clinically healthy, captive, parrots. Peripheral blood was obtained for CBCs. Bone marrow differential cell counts (%) were determined by counting 500 cells on modified Wright's‐stained smears. G:E ratios were calculated. Representative images of hematopoietic cells at all stages of development were taken.

Results

Of the 32 parrots sampled, 17 bone marrow samples were of sufficient cellularity and quality for evaluation. Erythroid cells comprised 68.9 ± 8.6% (total ± SD) of the hematopoietic cells and consisted primarily of early‐ and late‐stage polychromatophilic rubricytes (43.6 ± 2.1% of total erythroid cells). Granulocytic cells comprised 28.1 ± 3.8% of the hematopoietic cells and consisted primarily of mature and band heterophils (11.9 ± 5.2% and 6.5 ± 3.4%, respectively, of total granulocytic cells). A unique morphologic finding in avian progranulocytes was the presence of multiple different granules. The G:E ratio was 0.4 ± 0.2 (median 0.4, range 0.1‐0.9). Thrombocyte lineage cells could not be reliably identified and were not counted. CBC results were largely within expected limits.

Conclusions

The low G:E ratios observed could be normal in this species; however, these ratios could be affected by factors related to sampling and cell identification. These findings will be a valuable resource for the diagnostic evaluation of clinical bone marrow samples from Hispaniolan Amazon parrots and could serve as a general reference for psittacine bone marrow evaluation.
Analysis of Residual Stresses On the Expanding Transition Zone of Steam Generator Tubes of Apr1400
Authors: Kiptisia Wycliffe , Namgung Ihn
Published: November 2019

The Advanced Power Reactor 1400 (APR1400) Steam Generator (SG) uses alloy 690 as tube material and SA-508 Grade 3 Class 1 as tubesheet material to form tube-to-tubesheet joint through the hydraulic expansion process. Failures in SGs have been identified to occur due to poorly formed tube-to-tubesheet expansion joint or due to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) of the tube resulting from high residual tensile stresses in the transition zone. This paper investigates this residual stresses. Both theoretical and Finite Element Methodology (FEM) was used to assess and compare the contact pressure in the tube-to-tubesheet joint. In addition, the expansion joint axial strength was assessed by comparing the pull-out force against the joint contact force and an iterative method in FEM used to determine the limit autofrettage pressure. A single U-tube hole and tubesheet with ligament thickness were taken as a single cylinder and plane strain condition assumed. The results obtained shows that the maximum residual longitudinal tensile stress occurs at the inner surface of the tube with a value of 230.32MPa and the maximum residual hoop stress also occurs at the inner surface with a value of 151.76MPa. The joint contact force was estimated to be 20 times more than the pull-out force and the limit autofrettage pressure was estimated to be 141.85MPa.
A Resonated and Synchrophased Three Beams Neutron Cancer Therapy Installation
Authors: Haidar Nassar H. S.
Published: November 2019

The technique of composite region coupling by a neutron source at a common boundary of different regions that has been introduced in 2019 has allowed for an additive separation of variables neutron-density 3D wave analytical solution to the posing four-regional boundary value problem (BVP) of neutron cancer therapy (NCT). The three employable mutually orthogonal neutron beams, which may have different pulse shapes, have distinct modulation frequencies ω,ϖ, and ŵ and distinct relative time delays ε and ε̂. By employing this solution, we demonstrate in this paper how the therapeutic utility index and the ballistic index for this kind of dynamical NCT form a nonlinear optimization problem. Both of these indices are demonstrated to be remarkably periodically discontinuous in ε or ε̂, even in the neighborhood of the respective ε∗ or ε̂∗. As an extension of a result obtained also in 2019, for a certain lower-dimensional setup, a Pareto optimal control vector ω∗=(ω∗,ϖ∗,ε∗,ŵ∗,ε̂∗) is identified for this 3D problem. The existence of this vector paves the way toward what we call a “resonated and synchrophased three beams neutron cancer therapy (RASP-3BNCT) installation.”
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Heart Rate on Flow in the Left Ventricle in Health and Disease—Aortic Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Di Labbio Giuseppe , Ben Assa Eyal , Kadem Lyes
Published: November 2019

There is much debate in the literature surrounding the effects of heart rate on aortic regurgitation (AR). Despite the contradictory information, it is still widely believed that an increase in heart rate is beneficial due to the disproportionate shortening of the duration of diastole relative to systole, permitting less time for the left ventricle to fill from regurgitation. This in vitro work investigates how a change in heart rate affects the left ventricular fluid dynamics in the absence and presence of acute AR. The experiments are performed on a novel double-activation left heart simulator previously used for the study of chronic AR. The intraventricular velocity fields are acquired via time-resolved planar particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a clinically relevant plane. Considering fluid dynamic factors, an increase in heart rate was observed to have a limited benefit in the case of mild AR and a detrimental effect for more severe AR. With increasing heart rate, mild AR was associated with a decrease in regurgitant volume, a negligible change in regurgitant volume per diastolic second, and a limited reduction in the fraction of retained regurgitant inflow. More severe AR was accompanied by an increase in both regurgitant volume and the fraction of retained regurgitant inflow, implying a less effective pumping efficiency and a longer relative residence time of blood in the ventricle. Globally, the left ventricle's capacity to compensate for the increase in energy dissipation associated with an increase in heart rate diminishes considerably with severity, a phenomenon which may be exploited further as a method of noninvasive assessment of the severity of AR. These findings may affect the clinical belief that tachycardia is preferred in acute AR and should be investigated further in the clinical setting.
Could a Compliant Foam Anvil Characterize the Biofidelic Impact Response of Equestrian Helmets?
Authors: Michio Clark J. , Connor Thomas A. , Post Andrew , Blaine Hoshizaki T. , Ní Annaidh Aisling , Gilchrist Michael D.
Published: November 2019

The performance of equestrian helmets to protect against brain injuries caused by fall impacts against compliant surfaces such as turf has not been studied widely. We characterize the kinematic response of simulated fall impacts to turf through field tests on horse racetracks and laboratory experiments. The kinematic response characteristics and ground stiffness at different going ratings (GRs) (standard measurement of racetrack condition) were obtained from 1 m and 2 m drop tests of an instrumented hemispherical impactor onto a turf racetrack. The “Hard” rating resulted in higher peak linear accelerations and stiffness, and shorter impact durations than the “Soft” and “Heavy” ratings. Insignificant differences were found among the other GRs, but a strong overall relationship was evident between the “going rating” and the kinematic response. This relationship was used to propose a series of three synthetic foam anvils as turf surrogates in equestrian falls corresponding to ranges of GRs of (i) heavy-soft (H-S), (ii) good-firm (G-F), and (iii) firm-hard (F-H). Laboratory experiments consisted of a helmeted headform being dropped onto natural turf and the turf surrogate anvils using a monorail drop rig. These experiments revealed that the magnitudes and durations of the linear and rotational accelerations for helmeted impacts to turf/turf surrogates were similar to those in concussive sports falls and collisions. Since the compliance of an impacted surface influences the dynamic response of a jockey's head during a fall impact against the ground, it is important that this is considered during both accident reconstructions and helmet certification tests.
A novel template for anorectal fistula reporting in anal endosonography and MRI – a practical concept
Authors: Sudoł-Szopińska Iwona , Kołodziejczak Małgorzata , Aniello Giulio Santoro
Published: November 2019

Anorectal fistula surgery is associated with risks of recurrence and/or faecal incontinence due to anal sphincter injuries. In order to minimise these complications, preoperative evaluation of the anatomy of the fistula tract and morphology of the anal sphincters is mandatory. Anal endosonography (AES) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), due to high resolution of images and ability to identify a number of fistula elements which are important for surgeons in treatment planning, are the methods of choice in the diagnosis of anorectal fistulas.In this paper, a new template for endosonographic and MRI report, systematically describing all anorectal fistula’s characteristics, is presented. This template provides practical information for the surgeon, useful in preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up.
Enhanced Decision Making and Working Memory During Exercise in the Heat With Crushed Ice Ingestion
Authors: Saldaris Jacinta M. , Landers Grant J. , Lay Brendan S.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To examine the effects of precooling via crushed ice ingestion on cognitive function during exercise in the heat. Methods: Eleven active men ingested either 7 g·kg−1 of crushed ice (ICE) or thermoneutral water (CON) 30 minutes before running 90 minutes on a treadmill at a velocity equivalent to 65% VO2peak in hot and humid conditions (35.0°C [0.5°C], 53.1% [3.9%] relative humidity). Participants completed 3 cognitive tasks to investigate decision making (8-choice reaction time [CRT]), working memory (serial seven [S7]), and executive control (color multisource interference task [cMSIT]) on arrival, after precooling, and after running. Results: Precooling significantly decreased preexercise core (Tcore) and forehead skin temperature in ICE compared with CON, respectively (Tcore 0.8°C [0.4°C], –0.2°C [0.1°C]; Thead –0.5°C [0.4°C], 0.2°C [0.8°C]; P ≤ .05). Postrun, ICE significantly reduced errors compared with CON for CRT (P ≤ .05; d = 0.90; 90% confidence interval, 0.13–1.60) and S7 (P ≤ .05; d = 1.05; 90% confidence interval, 0.26–1.75). Thermal sensation was lower after precooling with ICE (P ≤ .05), but no significant differences were recorded between conditions for cMSIT errors, skin temperature, heart rate, or ratings of perceived exertion or perceived thirst (P > .05). Conclusions: Precooling via ICE maintained cognitive accuracy in decision making and working memory during exercise in the heat. Thus, ICE may have the potential to improve sporting performance by resisting deleterious effects of exercise in a hot and humid environment on cognitive function.
Perceived Health Care Climate of Older People Attending an Exercise Program: Validation of the German Short Version of the Health Care Climate Questionnaire
Authors: Heissel Andreas , Pietrek Anou , Rapp Michael A. , Heinzel Stephan , Williams Geoffrey
Published: November 2019

The role of perceived need support from exercise professionals in improving mental health was examined in a sample of older adults, thereby validating the short Health Care Climate Questionnaire. A total of 491 older people (M = 72.68 years; SD = 5.47) attending a health exercise program participated in this study. Cronbach’s alpha was found to be high (α = .90). Satisfaction with the exercise professional correlated moderately with the short Health Care Climate Questionnaire mean value (r = .38; p < .01). The mediator analyses yielded support for the self-determination theory process model in older adults by showing both basic need satisfaction and frustration as mediating variables between perceived autonomy support and depressive symptoms. The short Health Care Climate Questionnaire is an economical instrument for assessing basic need satisfaction provided by the exercise therapist from the participant’s perspective. Furthermore, this cross-sectional study supported the link from coaching style to the satisfaction/frustration of basic psychological needs, which in turn, predicted mental health. Analyses of criterion validity suggest a revision of the construct by integrating need frustration.
Comparing Two Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Accelerometer Cut Points in Older Adults With Neck and Back Disabilities Undergoing Exercise and Spinal Manipulation Interventions
Authors: Malone Quinn , Passmore Steven , Maiers Michele
Published: November 2019

Different techniques used to analyze and reduce accelerometer data may impact its interpretation. To determine which variables were impacted by changing analysis parameters, the authors performed a secondary analysis of data gained from a clinical trial conducted on older adults (aged ≥65 years; M = 71.1 and SD = 5.3; n = 100) with neck and back disabilities and compared the effects of two different cut- point sets (Matthews and Freedson sets) commonly used to analyze older adult accelerometry data. The Matthews set was found to assign significantly greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day than the Freedson set in all comparisons. This suggests that, if moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per unit time is a primary outcome measure, the choice of which analysis method is used should be carefully considered. Further results from analyses of dependent variables, time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity bouts of >10 min/day, mean bout length, and number of bouts per day are discussed.
Automated Measures of Force and Motion Can Improve Our Understanding of Infants’ Motor Persistence
Authors: Lucca Kelsey , Gire David , Horton Rachel , Sommerville Jessica A.
Published: November 2019

Every day, young learners are confronted with challenges. The degree to which they persist in overcoming those challenges, and the different ways they persist, provides critical insights into the various cognitive, motoric, and affective processes that drive behavior. Here, we present a systematic overview of the methodologies that have been traditionally used to study persistence, and offer suggestions for new approaches to the study of persistence that will make strides in moving the field forward. We argue that automated measures of force and motion, which have long been used in the study of infants’ motoric behavior, can provide a means to unravel the psychological processes that guide infants’ trying behavior. To illustrate this, we present a case study that highlights the novel lessons to be learned by the use of automated measures of force and motion regarding infants’ persistence, along with an analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of this approach, as well as detailed instructions for application. In sum, we conclude that these measures, when used in conjunction with more traditional approaches, will provide creative new insights into the nature and development of early persistence.