bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulated ocular surgery
Authors: Gama Rita
Published: December 2019

Building cataract and vitreoretinal surgical skills can be challenging and stressful due to a steep learning curve and high stakes for the patient. In addition, most residents have limited exposure to microsurgery in medical school, which can create additional stress. Ophthalmic graduate medical programs have moved toward the integration of virtual simulation technology into resident cataract surgery training. The simulated ophthalmologic surgery courses are a group of three teaching programmes held in Lisbon: “Cataract beginners’ course”, “Video Symposium and Cataract advanced course” and “Vitreoretinal surgery basic course”. These 2 days courses included a group of lectures and “tips and tricks from experts” on the first day. On the second day a monitor was attributed to every trainee for the practical course. Different steps of surgery were trained in the Simulator, Wet‐lab surgery ont the Phillips® artificial eyes and Fluidics on the phacoemulsification system. Eyesi® indirect augmented reality simulator for indirect ophthalmoscopy is also included on these courses. Trainees completed an evaluation sheet before starting the course. A registration form indicating the specific surgical steps to be trained and the selected difficulty level was filled out. A similar evaluation sheet was completed by the monitor for each trainee, and discussion was held at the end of the day between the trainer and the trainee evaluating the day's session. The tool is useful to develop self‐awareness among trainees and to identify gaps, lead active continuous professional development plan, and eventually improve their surgical skills before ever operating on a live patient.
The latest on viral gene therapy
Authors: Arsenijevic Yvan
Published: December 2019

In this presentation, we will discuss the last developments of ocular gene therapy aiming to restore visual functions and protect the retina from different forms of inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD). The issue of disease models will also be addressed, especially for Usher syndrome, for which the vector should target the sensory cells of the cochlea and the retina. In addition to gene therapy for recessive and dominant forms of IRDs and the new perspectives to treat them with CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the development of optogenetic tools will be described. Different strategies to restore function of large mutated genes using minigenes or triple vectors to expand the capacity of AAV vectors will also be exposed. The state‐of‐the‐art of the new developing technologies should help to choose the best available tool to attempt to treat the disease of interest.
Dispelling myths and misconceptions in simulation based education
Authors: Ferris John
Published: December 2019

Improving the safety of surgical training is the principle aim of simulation training. Barriers to the introduction of simulation techniques into training programs are the misconceptions that simulation training must be high‐tech and therefore expensive, that it is too time consuming for trainers and that it is only for cataract surgery. This talk will focus on dispelling these myths and misconceptions and to demonstrate how to deliver an affordable simulation training program for all ophthalmic surgical subspecialties. It will also describe how to use a “digital classroom” to deliver high fidelity surgical training without wet‐labs and how this approach is being used to provide remote mentoring of trainees who do not have access to experienced local trainers.
The academic‐industrial complexity
Authors: Levin Leonard A.
Published: December 2019

The transfer of findings from academic laboratories to industry laboratories is frequently difficult (Levin and Behar‐Cohen, Trend Pharmacol Sci 38:1052, 2017). We will discuss strategies to solve the problem, including (1) educating academic researchers and trainees to this issue, teaching them the procedures that are followed by industry laboratories in confirming results such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP; (2) insuring that results are reproduced by researchers in other laboratories; (3) recognizing the importance of sufficient effect size to drive future development; (4) using a team approach so that the same person is not responsible for the experimental design, performing the experiments, and analyzing the results; (5) improving relations between academic laboratories and industry laboratories by arriving at common uses of positive and negative controls used in experiments between academic and industry laboratories; (7) obtaining financial support to perform the requisite experiments with sufficient numbers of animals and repeat experiments; (8) and incentivizing early partnerships between industry and academia.
Macular interface pathophysiology
Authors: BASTAKIS GEORGE
Published: December 2019

The vitreous body occupies nearly 80% of the total ocular volume. It constitutes a dynamic structure that normally changes composition and formation through time. Vitreous characteristics can also change owing trauma, metabolic or oxidative factors. Physiologically, the process of gradual vitreous liquefaction (synchysis) comes along with the progressive vitreous collagen fibrils packing and aggregation (syneresis). Both synchysis and syneresis can lead to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) after normal cortex dehiscence from the underlying retina tissue (vitreoretinal interface).

In contrast, when the dehiscence process is abnormal (anomalous, incomplete or partial), various pathological conditions can be created on the retina. The pathologies formed specifically on the macular region from the above conditions are named vitreomacular interface diseases (VMID). In this presentation, we will analyse the pathophysiological mechanisms of different VMID like a macular hole (MH), vitreomacular traction syndrome (VTS) and epiretinal membrane (ERM). Moreover, we will present different molecular and cellular components mentioned in the literature and implicated in VMID formation, and we will try to highlight potential future treatment options for the diseases.
Bag‐in‐the‐lens cataract surgery in patients with uveitis
Authors: Van Os Luc
Published: December 2019

The bag‐in‐the‐lens technique involves opening of the posterior capsule and suspension of the implant in both the anterior and the posterior capsulorhexis. This results in a stable, well‐centered lens position and sequesters any remaining lens epithelial cells in a closed space. Postoperative complications such as PCO and capsular fibrosis are thus prevented and additional interventions such as Nd:YAG‐capsulotomy are avoided. This offers a big advantage in uveïtis patients, who are often at a younger age when presenting with cataract. We will describe the technique in detail and discuss the results of the use of the bag‐in‐the‐lens implant in patients with uveitis at the department of ophthalmology of the Antwerp University Hospital.
Artificial intelligence in glaucoma: Assisted diagnosis and risk assessment
Authors: Hemelings Ruben
Published: December 2019

Recently, systems of automated or assisted analysis of retinal imaging have emerged for various pathologies, including glaucoma. The development of such deep learned systems (referred to as artificial intelligence) currently requires a large amount of labeled data. This talk will give example strategies on how to overcome this burden by selecting training and validation data in a smart manner. The second part of this presentation will elaborate on glaucoma risk estimation using fundus images.
Clinical pathological correlations in Meretoja corneal lattice amyloidosis
Authors: Mattila Jaakko , Kessel Klaus
Published: December 2019

Corneal lattice amyloidosis, previously mis‐designated lattice corneal dystrophy, type II, is the earliest clinical manifestation of gelsolin amyloidosis (Agel), also known as Meretoja syndrome and Familial amyloidosis, Finnish. Agel results from one of two single nucleotide substitutions in gelsolin gene. Although most common in Finland, Agel is found in several countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. We analysed the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and distribution of corneal amyloid in a retrospective series of 31 patients (median follow‐up, 32 months). At 2 years after PK, median BCVA was 20/280 versus 20/400 preoperatively; 3/18 eyes had a BCVA ≥20/63 and 13/18 grafts were clear. Graft failed in 16/31 eyes, which resulted from surface complications in 11/16 eyes; 7 eyes were re‐grafted. Corneal neovascularization predicted failure and poor BCVA. To correlate visual results with amyloid deposition, we stained PK specimens from 42 patients with Congo red, and digitally labelled amyloid deposits and stromal tissue on pixel level for training and validation of an automated algorithm to quantify relative amyloid deposition (RAD) and its association with BCVA. Areas of amyloid and stroma detected by the algorithms were displayed on whole slide images (WSI) with a red overlay. We had not enough evidence to either prove or exclude a correlation (Spearman's rank correlation, −0.264, p = 0.091) between RAD and BCVA. It may be that deposition of amyloid in an around Bowman layer rather than the total RAD in the cornea determines the outcome after PK. Because of the failure risk and guarded visual prognosis after PK in Agel, it is reasonable to limit PK to bilateral advanced disease and try to optimize ocular surface health to delay PK.
OCT and OCT‐A in pediatric ocular oncology
Authors: Stathopoulos Christina
Published: December 2019

Over the last years, the use of optical coherence tomography in pediatric ocular oncology has become instrumental for the diagnosis and treatment of different tumors, by providing precise location of the lesions and documentation of growth or concomittant complications. In the specific case of retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular pediatric tumor, OCT allows (i) the early detection of new tumors or tumor recurrences, (ii) the monitoring of the treatment response, (iii) the evaluation of the retina and optic nerve status especially in cases of concomitant dense retrohyaloidal or epiretinal seeding and also (iv) the documentation of treatment‐related adverse effects affecting the macula or the choroid. Recently, the use of optical coherence tomography‐angiography has enabled to investigate changes in the foveal microvascular anatomy of different pediatric cases at diagnosis or after various treatments.
Pathophysiology of leakage and the special role of vascular abnormalities in DME
Authors: Schlingemann Reinier
Published: December 2019

Breakdown of the inner endothelial blood‐retinal barrier (BRB) in diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions results in vasogenic edema and neural tissue damage, causing loss of vision. The understanding of the complex cellular and molecular processes involved in BRB leakage has grown rapidly in recent years. Altered BRB function is caused by a change in the permeability characteristics of retinal endothelial cells induced by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cytokines. This leads to increased paracellular and transcellular transport across the retinal vascular wall via opening of endothelial intercellular junctions and qualitative and quantitative changes in endothelial caveolar transcellular transport, respectively. Functional changes in pericytes and astrocytes, as well as structural changes in the composition of the endothelial glycocalyx and the basal lamina around BRB endothelium further facilitate BRB leakage. As Starling's rules apply, active transcellular transport of plasma proteins by the BRB endothelial cells causing increased interstitial osmotic pressure is probably the main factor in the formation of macular edema. In addition to these active, regulated and reversible mechanisms of leakage, long standing retinal vascular disease such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion may also lead to the formation of vascular abnormalities in the form of telangiectatic capillaries (TelCaps). These are characterized by chronic uncontrolled leakage associated with formation of hard exudates, which may be independent of VEGF and require other forms of treatment such as laser photocoagulation instead of VEGF inhibitors or corticosteroids.
Herpetic retinits… Who is the guilty one?
Authors: Carreño Ester
Published: December 2019

The presentation will cover the approach for the diagnosis and treatment of herpetic retinitis. It will provide with a practical approach on when and what to suspect and how to handle a potential visual threatening such as herpetic retinitis.
Retinal vessels before and after carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Ala‐Kauhaluoma Marianne
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To elucidate short term changes in retinal circulation following carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Design

Prospective, non‐randomized, cohort study.

Subjects and controls

Nine patients were examined before and 5 weeks after CEA. Control group of nine medically healthy subjects was examined at baseline.

Methods

Analysis of clinical ocular findings and aspects of retinal and choroidal circulation included best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment biomicroscopy, fundus photography and dynamic vessel analyzer (DVA) measurements. Central retinal arterial equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and arteriovenous ratio (AVR) were determined from 30° disc centered photographs using semi‐automated software, Vesselmap.

Main outcome measures

Retinal circulation as expressed in CRAE, CRVE, AVR and DVA measurements.

Results

Preoperative ipsilateral CRVE was higher when compared to controls and to contralateral eyes: 235.8 μm (199.2–284.7) versus 205.9 μm (149.2–245.9) and versus 222.4 μm (200.7–259.4), p = 0.014 and p = 0.028, respectively. DVA flicker light‐induced venular vasodilatation increased postoperatively in ipsilateral eyes; 2.3% (0.3‐4.1) versus 2.6% (0.7‐5.1); p = 0.028. SFCT and IOP in ipsilateral eyes were comparable to contralateral eyes and controls preoperatively, and remained unchanged postoperatively.

Conclusions

After CEA, retinal venules in ipsilateral eye appear less dilated indicating normalization in retinal circulation. Furthermore, flicker light‐induced vasodilatation increase, suggesting improved retinal endothelial function postoperatively.
Dynamic and static vessel analyses – background on technology and measurement principles
Authors: Vilser Walthart
Published: December 2019

The superficial retinal vasculature can be directly viewed and assessed by using non‐invasive technologies such as photography and video recording. While single image capture provides only a snapshot in time, video capture allows for observation of vessel dynamics at rest and during stimulation. Changes in the retinal micro‐circulation have been shown to be useful markers of both systemic and ocular vascular conditions. This talk will provide some background on the technology and measurement principles of static and dynamic vessel analysis.
Techniques for graft preparation in DMEK
Authors: Muraine Marc
Published: December 2019

DMEK is a surgical technique that is now known by many surgeons and is gradually replacing other surgical techniques in the management of corneal endothelial pathologies. There are currently several different preparation techniques, the most famous and most widely used being the initial technique described by Guerrit Melles. During this procedure, the Descemet membrane is detached using one or two forceps from the periphery. The isolated graft rolls spontaneously with the endothelium outside. It is then aspirated into a glass cartridge before being injected into the anterior chamber. Another preparation technique we have described is to detach the Descemet membrane by hydrodissection after inverting the corneal curvature. It is then possible to roll the graft with the endothelium inside, and mark it easily before inserting it into an injection cartridge. The main advantages are the easier unfolding of the graft and the assurance of positioning it in the right position. A third technique consists in detaching the Descemet membrane by performing a Big Bubble technique but it is not always possible to isolate a graft larger than 7 mm. Whatever the technique, the most important thing for each surgeon is to train regularly in order to choose the procedure that best suits him. There does not seem to be any difference in terms of endothelial cell loss depending on each technique. It should also be kept in mind that the performance of a DMEK is accompanied by a greater number of post‐operative graft detachment and that other endothelial graft techniques should be proposed in case of specific surgical conditions. In addition, the precut techniques proposed by corneal banks are now making the surgical procedure even easier and faster.
Retinal diseases and prospects for therapy in the genomic era
Authors: Lotery Andrew J.
Published: December 2019

This lecture will review recent progress in developing treatments for inherited retinal diseases. It will include discussions of ongoing clinical trials in X linked retintis pigmentosa, choroideremia, stargardt disease and AMD that have developed from the development of genomic medicine in these conditions. The author is involved in all of these studies.
Primary Vitreous and retinal lymphoma (PVRL): Risk factor and prognosis
Authors: Cassoux Nathalie
Published: December 2019

Primary Vitreous and retinal lymphoma (PVRL): risk factor and prognosis Pr cassoux PVRL also called primary intra ocular lymphoma (PIOL) is a subset of primary cerebral lymphoma. This lymphoma is part of a heterogeneous group of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma poorly understood and widely incurable. The vast majority of patients are affected by central nervous system diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL. During the past three decades, there have been consistent reports of an increase in the incidence of NHL worldwide. In the United States, the age‐adjusted incidence rate has almost doubled since the 1970s, from 11.07 per 100 000 in 1975 to 20.20 per 100 000 in 2008 for NHL The etiology of NHL is poorly understood, with the only established risk factors being infection and immune dysregulation. In immunosuppressed patients PVRL is generally associated with EBV infection which is not the case in their immunocompetent counterpart. There is no proofs of the role of environment and exposition to chemical agents had an influence on DLBCL incidence (Interlymph data). Prognosis of PVRL is functional and linked to local progression with a risk of blindness. The poor survival is due to the risk of CNS involvement during evolution. Between 60% and 85% of patients with initially isolated PVRL will develop CNS localization within 29 months of diagnosis PVRL. Until recently, primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) was associated with a uniformly dismal prognosis. It is now reasonable to anticipate long‐term survival and possibly cure for a significant proportion of patients diagnosed with PCNSL. Poor prognosis is linked to age, performance status and associated comorbidities. A significant number of patients get prolonged survival with intensive chemotherapy plus consolidation.
The Light Sword Lens and its usefulness for presbyopia reduction
Authors: Petelczyc Krzysztof , Miler Michal , Blocki Narcyz , Kolacz Katarzyna , Jaroszewicz Zbigniew , Kakarenko Karol , Kolodziejczyk Andrzej , Rekas Marek
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the light sword lens ‐ an optical imaging element with extended depth of focus and angularly varying optical power for compensation of presbyopia.

Methods

Two novel light sword lenses were compared with commercially available intraocular lenses with the help of an optical system for intraocular lens testing certified according to the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization. The point spread function, the modulation transfer function for 50 lines/mm and the modulation transfer function area (MTFa) ratio were measured.

Results

The light sword lenses exhibit a point spread function with a distinct maximum in the whole designed defocus range (0‐3D or 0‐4D). Contrast transfer ratio maintains higher values than 0.2 for defocus at least up to 2.5 D.

Conclusions

Unlike the hitherto known solutions, the light sword lens permits to obtain high uniformity of the contrast transfer function and focusing within a range of defocus extending to the value of 3D. Therefore the proposed concept seems to be very promising for a development of presbyopia‐correcting intraocular lenses capable to restore a high quality functional vision substituting lost accommodation range.
Never give up
Authors: Demet Yuksel
Published: December 2019

Research process is the aim of producing new knowledge, deepening and understanding your daily clinical experience. It takes time, persistence and belief in science. The final goal is to contribute to progress on eye diseases and disorders. But It also brings to the researcher a self‐reflection to improve ability to listen, observe, focus, create and excel. Success is dependent on the scientific environment where you work, mentors that you meet and loving people that shares your life. Sharing, asking, patience and creativity are the tools that will guide you in your project. Women face many challenges in that field: it is hard to find a balance between work and family, part‐time work is not always accepted, you enter an uneven playing field, you face an “only” experience. Those challenges can be used to bring an added value to research and medicine: a new way of thinking, diversity in discussions and freedom of thought without being invaded by professional ambition. Beyond the debate of biological difference between man and women, the most important issue is to look to a same problem from a different perspective. Gender diversity is crucial to science.
Metabolomics or proteomics: which way to go?
Authors: Wilmer Beuerman Roger
Published: December 2019

Increasing advances in technology have made it possible to consider the metabolome as an objective. In fact, in some situations it is feasible to carry out proteomics and metabolomics on the same samples. However, there is a caution as a metabolomic study will require much more initial sample than a proteomics study. The same instrument will carry u the two different types of analysis. What do the two methods convey? The metabolome consists of small molecules found within cells that are largely involved in cellular energy production and other basic functions. The time scale for metabolomics is in minutes while the time scale for proteomics is measured in many minutes to hours. So the two approaches complement each other and provide a more complete understanding of the response of cells to an event. For example, when a contact lens is placed over the cornea for the first time, how do the cells of the different layers cope with the change in oxygen levels in the first few minutes and then compensate for the change in conditions over the next hours or days. This is a good example of a situation where both metabolomics and proteomics can provide a more complete understanding of the adjustment of the cornea. The tears are a respository for both the metabolome and proteome.
LINC00511 contributes to glioblastoma tumorigenesis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via LINC00511/miR‐524‐5p/YB1/ZEB1 positive feedback loop
Authors: Du Xiaoliu , Tu Yiming , Liu Shuang , Zhao Pengzhan , Bao Zhongyuan , Li Chong , Li Jinhao , Pan Minhong , Ji Jing
Published: December 2019

Tumour invasion is closely related to the prognosis and recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme and partially attributes to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Long intergenic non‐coding RNA 00511 (LINC00511) plays a pivotal role in tumour; however, the role of LINC00511 in GBM, especially in the epigenetic molecular regulation mechanism of EMT, is still unclear. Here, we found that LINC00511 was up‐regulated in GBM tissues and relatively high LINC00511 expression predicted poorer prognosis. Moreover, ectopic LINC00511 enhanced GBM cells proliferation, EMT, migration and invasion, whereas LINC00511 knockdown had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we confirmed that ZEB1 acted as a transcription factor for LINC00511 in GBM cells. Subsequently, we found that LINC00511 served as a competing endogenous RNA that sponged miR‐524‐5p to indirectly regulate YB1, whereas, up‐regulated YB1 promoted ZEB1 expression, which inversely facilitated LINC00511 expression. Finally, orthotopic xenograft models were performed to further demonstrate the LINC00511 on GBM tumorigenesis. This study demonstrates that a LINC00511/miR‐524‐5p/YB1/ZEB1 positive feedback loop provides potential therapeutic targets for GBM progression.
Outpatient dermatology consultations for oncology patients with acute dermatologic adverse events impact anticancer therapy interruption: a retrospective study
Authors: Barrios D.M. , Phillips G.S. , Freites‐Martinez A. , Hsu M. , Ciccolini K. , Skripnik Lucas A. , Marchetti M.A. , Rossi A.M. , Lee E.H. , Deng L. , Markova A. , Myskowski P.L. , Lacouture M.E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) of anticancer therapies may negatively impact dosing and quality of life. While therapy interruption patterns due to dAEs have been studied in hospitalized cancer patients, similar outcomes in outpatient oncodermatology are lacking.

Objectives

To analyse the therapy interruption patterns, clinico‐histopathologic characteristics and management outcomes of outpatient dermatology consultations for acute dAEs attributed to the most frequently interrupted class of oncologic agents.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all cancer patients who received a same‐day outpatient dermatology consultation for acute dAEs at our institution from 1 January to 30 June 2015. Relevant data were abstracted from electronic medical records, including demographics, oncologic history and explicit recommendations by both the referring clinician and consulting dermatologist on anticancer therapy interruption. Consultations with the most frequently interrupted class of oncologic treatment were characterized according to clinico‐histopathologic features, dermatologic management and clinical outcomes.

Results

There were 426 same‐day outpatient dermatology consultations (median age 59, 60% female, 30% breast cancer), of which 295 (69%) had systemic anticancer therapy administered within 30 days prior. There was weak inter‐rater agreement between referring clinicians and consulting dermatologists on interruption of anticancer treatment (n = 150, κ = 0.096; 95% CI −0.02 to 0.21). Seventy‐three (25%) consultations involved interruption by the referring clinician, most commonly targeted therapy (24, 33%). Maculopapular rash was commonly observed in 23 consultations with 25 dAEs attributed to targeted agents (48%), and topical corticosteroids were most frequently utilized for management (22, 38%). The majority (83%) of consultations with targeted therapy‐induced dAEs responded to dermatologic treatment and 84% resumed oncologic therapy, although three (19%) at a reduced dose. Rash recurred only in two instances (13%).

Conclusions

A high frequency of positive outcomes in the management of targeted therapy‐induced dAEs by outpatient consulting dermatologists and low recurrence of skin toxicity suggests impactful reductions in interruption of anticancer therapy.
Effect of immunosuppressive treatment on biomarkers in adult atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Roekevisch E. , Szegedi K. , Hack D.P. , Schram M.E. , Res P.C.J.M. , Bos J.D. , Leeflang M.M.G. , Luiten R.M. , Kezic S. , Spuls P.I. , Middelkamp‐Hup M.A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Biomarkers to objectively measure disease severity and predict therapeutic responses are needed in atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective

Primary aim: To identify biomarkers reflecting therapeutic response in patients with AD treated systemically.

Secondary aims: (i) To identify a biomarker pattern predicting responsiveness to systemic treatment. (ii) To identify differences in expression of biomarker in filaggrin gene (FLG) mutation carriers vs. non‐FLG mutations carriers.

Methods

Thirty‐eight severe AD patients treated with methotrexate or azathioprine participated. Serum levels of a proliferation‐inducing ligand, B‐cell activating factor of the TNF family, thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 17) (TARC (CCl‐17)), interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA), interleukin‐1 bèta, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐18, IL‐31, interferon gamma, tumour necrosis factor alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monokine induced by interferon gamma (chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 9), interferon gamma‐induced protein 10 (C‐X‐C motif chemokine Ligand 10), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (chemokine (C‐C Motif) ligand 2), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 beta (chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 4), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5), Cutaneous T‐cell‐attracting chemokine (chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 27) (CTACK (CCL‐27)), thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL‐5, interleukin‐1 alpha and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor were analysed by ELISA and Luminex. The primary outcomes were differences in mean absolute change of SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) between groups after 12 weeks compared with baseline. Responders to treatment were defined by a SCORAD reduction in ≥50%. Buccal mucosa swabs were collected to determine FLG genotype status.

Results

Thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine, CTACK, IL‐13 and VEGF showed a significant decrease after treatment with methotrexate or azathioprine. However, no decrease in individual cytokine levels was significantly correlated with a change in any of the outcome parameters. In addition, baseline biomarker levels were not significantly different between responders and non‐responders, and FLG and non‐FLG mutants showed similar biomarker profiles.

Conclusion

Thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine and CTACK were confirmed as potential biomarkers. VEGF and IL‐13 have a potential value as well. Biomarkers could not be used to discriminate at baseline between responders and non‐responders, or FLG genotype status.
Electrophysiological responses of carrot psyllids (Trioza apicalis), in different phases of their life cycle, to volatile carrot and conifer compounds
Authors: Anderbrant Olle , Yuvaraj Jothi Kumar , Høgetveit Lars‐Arne , Nissinen Anne I. , Andersson Martin N.
Published: December 2019

Carrot psyllids (Trioza apicalis) pose a constant threat to carrot production in parts of Europe, and treatments with chemical insecticides are common. To be able to develop alternative control tactics, more knowledge about the psyllid's host‐finding behaviour and underlying physiology is needed. Using single‐sensillum recordings from overwintered and non‐overwintered males and females, we found essentially identical responses for the two groups and for both sexes. Using six compounds emanating from carrots or conifers, the psyllids' overwintering plants, and extracts of carrot leaves, five different olfactory sensory neuron classes could be distinguished from our high‐quality recordings, viz. #1 responding strongly and exclusively to terpinene‐4‐ol, #2 responding strongly and most often exclusively to nonanal, #3 responding moderately strongly to terpinolene, #4 responding strongly to (Z)‐3‐hexenal and most often weaker to terpinolene, #5 responding exclusively to carrot extract.
Computer‐aided photo‐identification of a rare stingray, Megatrygon microps
Authors: Keeping Jennifer A. , Reeve‐Arnold Katie E. , Burns Neil M. , Catarina Nilza , Bailey David M. , McNeill Deborah C.
Published: December 2019

A protocol for photo‐identification of individual Megatrygon microps has been defined. One hundred and four identification photographs were taken between 2005 and 2019. Spot patterns on the dorsal surface were used to identify individuals. Unique scarring on eight M. microps re‐observed provided an independent confirmation of pattern stability of up to 761 days. Previous studies lacked statistical testing used to validate this photo‐identification approach. I3S photo‐matching software was used to successfully match images, identifying 69 individuals. A photo‐matching software facilitates an open‐source platform for identifying individual M. microps, allowing for better population assessments.
“Sage on the stage or guide on the side”—Undergraduate nursing students’ experiences and expectations of bioscience tutors in a blended learning curriculum: A qualitative study
Authors: Koch Jane , Ramjan Lucie M. , Everett Bronwyn , Maceri Anna , Bell Kate , Salamonson Yenna
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

This study sought to explore undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of the role and value of their bioscience tutors in a blended learning curriculum.

Background

Blended learning approaches typically have reduced face‐to‐face contact with tutors—particularly in bioscience subjects which nursing students have traditionally found difficult, and the move to more web‐based learning resources may compound this difficulty.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted with 19 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in bioscience subjects, at a large university in outer metropolitan Sydney, Australia in 2016. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted over the telephone or face‐to‐face. Duration of interviews ranged from 13 to 71 min. Results were thematically analysed. EQUATOR guidelines for qualitative research (COREQ) applied.

Results

Two main themes with accompanying sub‐themes were identified. The first theme identified the importance of the tutor in bioscience, including their qualities, expertise and contextualisation of learning. The second theme provided insights into students’ perceptions of what they considered good and poor approaches to learning.

Conclusions

This study has clearly shown that while nursing students appreciated the flexibility offered by the online component of a blended learning curriculum, they still wanted an experienced bioscience tutor with clinical experience for their face‐to‐face classes. While the tutor was seen as crucial to providing clarification and context for content that was often challenging, they also played a key role in engaging and motivating students and creating a learning environment where students felt empowered to ask questions and debate issues with their peers. Given the increased use of online learning, further research could determine if the current study findings are also applicable in nonscience areas of study.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of students having a sound understanding of the biosciences for safe, effective clinical practice cannot be underestimated.
Threats to patient dignity in clinical care settings: A qualitative comparison of Indonesian nurses and patients
Authors: Asmaningrum Nurfika , Kurniawati Dini , Tsai Yun‐Fang
Published: December 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore and compare nurses’ and patients’ viewpoints of disrespectful behaviours that threaten patient dignity during hospitalised care.

Background

Patient's dignity is an important ethical consideration for nursing care practice. In clinical settings, nurse–patient interactions can generate behaviour considered disrespectful and undignified, often due to a disruptive hospital atmosphere and emotional frustrations of nurses and patients. How behaviours and attitudes threaten patient dignity in Indonesian clinical care settings has not been well studied.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

This multi‐site study purposively recruited nurses and inpatients from six public hospitals in four districts in Eastern Java, Indonesia. Individual, face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 35 inpatients and 40 registered nurses from medical and surgical wards. Data from verbatim transcriptions of digital audio recordings were analysed with inductive content analysis. The COREQ checklist for qualitative research was used for reporting this study.

Results

Five categories emerged which described disrespectful behaviours that threaten patient dignity. Three categories were important for both nurses and patients: negligence, impoliteness and dismissal. Descriptions of the behaviours were comparable for both groups. The forth category, inattentiveness, was highlighted by nurses, while the fifth category, discrimination, was highlighted by patients.

Conclusions

Examining behaviours considered to be disrespectful in an Indonesian healthcare setting expand on perspectives towards dignity in care. The comparable viewpoints of nurses and patients provide knowledge of how undignified behaviours could be reduced in cross‐cultural healthcare settings. Behaviours perceived as undignified primarily by nurses or patients might result from differences in social roles and responsibilities.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding nurses’ and patients’ perspectives of undignified care is an important step in reducing behaviours that violate patient dignity in clinical practice. Nurses’ commitment to patient‐centred care should include being responsive, compassionate, communicative and attentive, which could ameliorate instances of undignified behaviours.
Couples' Job Insecurity and Relationship Satisfaction in the Netherlands
Authors: Blom Niels , Verbakel Ellen , Kraaykamp Gerbert
Published: December 2019

Objective

The goal of this study is to estimate the effect of one's own and one's partner's job insecurity on relationship satisfaction, with attention to gender and educational differences in these effects. Second, we test whether the effects of individual job insecurity on individual relationship satisfaction depends on partner job insecurity.

Background

Research has established that job insecurity is negatively associated with relationship quality at the individual level, but little is known about how partner's job insecurity shapes individual perceptions of relationship quality. Although one's partner's job insecurity is expected to be negatively associated with relationship quality on average, it may be protective in cases in which individual job insecurity is also high. We expand spillover–crossover and family stress models to develop and test hypotheses about the independent and interactive effects of individual and partner job insecurity on relationship quality and further consider potential gender and educational differences in the independent effects of individual and partner job insecurity on individual perceptions of relationship quality.

Method

Dutch dyadic longitudinal panel data was used (Dutch Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panels 2008–2015) composed of 11,536 observations of 3,668 individuals. Random and fixed effects models were estimated to study differences between individuals (random effects) and changes over time within individuals (fixed effects).

Results

Men and women were less satisfied with their relationship when they felt more job insecurity, and women were less satisfied when their male partner experienced job insecurity. Men's relationship satisfaction was less strongly related to job insecurity when his partner experienced job insecurity as well. Relationship satisfaction of higher educated men suffered less from job insecurity than that of lower educated men.

Conclusion

Job insecurity was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, and this association was dependent on gender and, among men, on partner's job insecurity and educational attainment. A dyadic and moderation perspective is important for understanding the relationship between employment and relationship quality.
An Institutional Theory Approach to the Evolution of the Corporate Social Performance – Corporate Financial Performance Relationship
Authors: Brower Jacob , Dacin Peter A.
Published: December 2019

In the present study, we integrate research from the dynamic institutional theory literature to develop a set of theory‐driven hypotheses regarding how the institutionalization of corporate social performance (CSP) in the organizational field over the period 1991–2008 impacts the CSP‐ corporate financial performance (CFP) relationship for firms in the marketplace. The results of our panel time series and dynamic linear estimation models suggest that early CSP adopters are more likely to experience both greater firm profitability and increased stock market valuation as a result of their higher CSP levels. However, they also tend to incur more firm‐idiosyncratic risk for being ahead of the market’s CSP expectations. We also demonstrate that the significant rise in CSP adoption and activities over time, as CSP has become institutionalized, has resulted in CSP becoming a weaker driver of both firm profitability and stock market valuation.
Schizymenia jonssonii sp. nov. (Nemastomatales, Rhodophyta): a relict or an introduction into the North Atlantic after the last glacial maximum?
Authors: Gunnarsson Karl , Russell Stephen , Brodie Juliet
Published: December 2019

North‐Atlantic records of Schizymenia dubyi extend along the eastern shores of the North Atlantic from Morocco to southern Britain and Ireland, and the species is also recorded from Iceland. A study was undertaken to confirm the identity of the specimens from Iceland that were geographically separate from the main distribution of S. dubyi and in contrast to other species of the genus did not have gland cells. We analyzed rbcL and COI molecular sequence data from Icelandic specimens and compared the results with those for Schizymenia specimens available in GenBank. For both markers, Schizymenia was shown to be a monophyletic genus. The Icelandic specimens were clearly genetically distinct from S. dubyi and formed a well‐supported clade with Schizymenia species from the Northern Pacific. Based on these results, we have described a new species, Schizymenia jonssonii, which can be distinguished by molecular phylogeny, its lack of gland cells and by being strictly intertidal. Crustose tetrasporophytes with identical COI and rbcL sequences were found at the same locations as foliose plants. Schizymenia apoda is reported for the first time in the UK, its identity confirmed by rbcL sequence data. In light of these findings, it is likely that by further molecular analysis of the genus Schizymenia in the north‐eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a higher diversity of Schizymenia spp. will be discovered in this region.
Liking of food textures and its relationship with oral physiological parameters and mouth‐behavior groups
Authors: Kim Sophia , Vickers Zata
Published: December 2019

Researchers have categorized people into four “mouth‐behavior” groups based on their oral processing preferences, and claimed that members of those mouth‐behavior groups differ in their food texture preferences. If people could be classified into groups based on their liking of different textures, food products could be targeted to specific subgroups, potentially enhancing consumer acceptability. In the first part of our study, we grouped people based on their liking ratings of a wide variety of food textures by asking 288 participants to rate their liking of 106 food texture attributes in an online survey. In the second part of our study, we further examined relationships among individuals' food texture liking ratings, mouth‐behavior group membership, and measurements of four oral physiological parameters (saliva flow rate, chewing efficiency, biting force, and particle size sensitivity). One‐hundred participants completed the online survey on food texture liking, classified themselves into one of four mouth‐behavior groups (Chewers, Crunchers, Smooshers, and Suckers), and were measured for four oral physiological parameters. We refuted the idea that large texture‐liking subgroups exist. Although our participants self‐categorized themselves into the four mouth‐behavior groups similarly to previous researchers, our texture liking measurements did not support the presumed preferences of those mouth‐behavior groups. Clustering of participants on their oral physiological measurements produced a “low particle‐size sensitivity” cluster, a “high biting force” cluster, a “high saliva flow rate” cluster, and a “low saliva flow and low chewing efficiency” cluster. Neither our texture liking nor our oral physiological measurements predicted membership in the four mouth‐behavior groups.
Unreported alcohol use was common but did not impact hepatitis C cure in HIV‐infected persons who use drugs
Authors: Irvin Risha , Chander Geetanjali , Ward Kathleen M. , Manogue Sean , Falade‐Nwulia Oluwaseun , Moon Juhi , Sutcliffe Catherine G. , Brinkley Sherilyn , Haselhuhn Taryn , Katz Stephanie , Herne Kayla , Arteaga Lilian , Thomas David L. , Mehta Shruti H. , Sulkowski Mark S.
Published: December 2019

We investigated the prevalence and impact of heavy alcohol use on the hepatitis C virus (HCV) care continuum amongst HIV/HCV co‐infected persons who use drugs. In the CHAMPS study, 144 HIV/HCV co‐infected persons were randomized to contingent cash incentives, peer mentors and usual care to evaluate the impact on HCV care. Alcohol use was ascertained using the 10‐item AUDIT (hazardous: male ≥8, female ≥4) and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) (heavy: ≥50 ng/mL), an alcohol biomarker. Log binomial regression was used to evaluate the association between heavy alcohol use and failure to initiate treatment and to achieve sustained virologic response (SVR). Of the 135 participants with PEth data, median age was 55 years, 59% were male, 92% were Black, 91% reported a history of drug use, and 97% were on antiretroviral therapy. Hazardous drinking was reported on AUDIT by 28% of participants, and 35% had heavy alcohol use by PEth. Of the 47 individuals with a PEth ≥50 ng/mL, 23 (49%) reported no or minimal alcohol use by AUDIT. HCV treatment was initiated in 103 of 135 participants, and SVR was achieved in 92%. PEth ≥50 ng/mL (Relative Risk [RR] 0.72, 95% CI 0.35‐1.48) was not significantly associated with failure to initiate HCV treatment or failure to achieve SVR (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.46‐1.57).In conclusion, alcohol use was common and frequently not detected by self‐report. However, heavy alcohol use, even when measured objectively, was not associated with failure to initiate HCV treatment or to achieve cure.
Corruption, Party Leaders, and Candidate Selection: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Asquer Raffaele , Golden Miriam A. , Hamel Brian T.
Published: December 2019

Research indicates that voters are not particularly effective at removing corrupt politicians from office, in part because voters make decisions on the basis of many competing factors. Party leaders are much more single‐minded than voters and will choose to deselect implicated legislators if it means maintaining a positive party reputation and improving the odds of winning a legislative majority. We examine renominations to Italy’s legislature in two periods marked by corruption. We compare these renomination patterns with those from the prior legislature, when corruption lacked political salience. Our analysis shows that incumbent renominations are negatively associated with the number of press mentions that link the incumbent to corruption—but only when corruption is salient to the public. Our study highlights the importance of party leaders in forcing malfeasant legislators out of office—and reducing corruption—and redirects attention from voters to political elites as a critical channel in enforcing democratic accountability.