bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optic Disc Coloboma in children – prevalence, clinical characteristics and associated morbidity
Authors: Skriapa Manta Athanasia , Olsson Monica , Ek Ulla , Wickström Ronny , Teär Fahnehjelm Kristina
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to report prevalence, ocular outcome, neurological characteristics, cognitive and behavioural problems in children with optic disc coloboma (ODC).

Methods

This was a population‐based, cross‐sectional study of 31 children between 2 and 18 years of age diagnosed with ODC. The children were part of a larger cohort of 184 children with congenital optic disc malformations. Clinical ophthalmological examinations, neurological assessments, behavioural and developmental screening were performed.

Results

The prevalence of ODC was 8.9/100 000 children. Of the 31 patients, 18 had unilateral ODC (p = 0.21). The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the ODC eye ranged from blindness to 1.3 (median 0.3). BCVA was 0.82 in eyes with an isolated ODC (range 0.4–1.3) and 0.15 (range 0–0.5) in eyes with concurrent macular involvement (p < 0.0001). Nystagmus was observed more often in patients with bilateral ODC (9/13 versus 3/17, p = 0.004). Two patients had retinal detachment. Behavioural/psychological screening was performed in 21 patients with severe deficits identified in six cases. Intellectual disability was present in seven patients. Neurological dysfunction was diagnosed in 8/22 cases. All of the above children had already systemic diagnoses before the ODC diagnosis was made.

Conclusions

ODC was the second most common optic disc malformation in this cohort after optic nerve hypoplasia. The children had a wide range of ocular comorbidity. An isolated ODC without macular involvement was not associated with profound vision loss. The ability of screening in the regular child care centres to diagnose extraocular comorbidities was very good and referral to a paediatrician appears redundant in cases of normal development.
Human native endocarditis caused by Streptococcus canis—a case report
Authors: Mališová Barbora , Šantavý Petr , Lovečková Yvona , Hladký Bořivoj , Kotásková Iva , Pol Jiří , Lonský Vladimír , Němec Petr , Freiberger Tomáš
Published: December 2018

We report a very rare case of Streptococcus canis native infective endocarditis in a 73‐year‐old woman living in close contact with her dog. Her echocardiography showed large calcifications in the mitral annulus, massive regurgitation below the posterior leaflet, and adjacent vegetation. Blood culture was positive for Streptococcus Lancefield group G. A coronary artery bypass and mitral valve replacement had to be done. Streptococcus canis was detected in a heart valve using a broad range PCR followed by 16S rRNA and confirmed by tuf gene sequencing, while tissue culture remained negative. The patient was not bitten by her dog nor did she have comorbidities or skin ulcers. She fully recovered.
Combination of electrohydraulic lithotripsy and laparoscopy for gallbladder access in type III Mirizzi syndrome
Authors: Nitta Toshikatsu , Chino Yoshihide , Kataoka Jun , Ohta Masahito , Tominaga Tomo , Fujii Kensuke , Ishibashi Takashi
Published: December 2018

Introduction

A 50‐year‐old Japanese man presented with obstructive jaundice. We performed endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage before biliary decompression. CT showed a thickened gallbladder wall with low‐density areas and a 35‐mm gallstone; the stone was impacted in the gallbladder neck and cystic duct. The patient was therefore diagnosed with Mirizzi syndrome (type II or III) and scheduled for laparoscopic treatment. We performed subtotal cholecystectomy and intraoperative choledochoscopy because we recognized a fistula between the gallbladder and common bile duct preoperatively.

Materials and Surgical Technique

We opened the ductus choledochus, and a choledochoscope was introduced under laparoscopic guidance. An electrohydraulic lithotripsy probe with irrigation was passed through the choledochoscope to extract the gallstone.

Discussion

This fragmentation technique is effective for impacted large stones observed in Mirizzi syndrome. Therefore, electrohydraulic lithotripsy with laparoscopy is effective in cases of difficult gallbladder access such as that that occurs in type II or III Mirizzi syndrome.
Standardization of surgical procedures for laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy: A single‐institutional experience
Authors: Hayami Shinya , Ueno Masaki , Kawai Manabu , Miyamoto Atsushi , Suzaki Norihiko , Hirono Seiko , Okada Ken‐ichi , Yamaue Hiroki
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Surgical techniques for Spiegel lobectomy remain technically difficult because of its deep anatomical location. Laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy has not yet been standardized or widely reported. In the current study, we introduce technical improvements, including the liver hanging maneuver, to laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. Additionally, we demonstrate the safety and feasibility of this procedure.

Materials and Surgical Technique

We performed consecutive laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy on six patients: five with hepatocellular carcinoma and one with colorectal liver metastasis. As preparation before liver parenchymal resection, necessary and sufficient mobilization of the Spiegel lobe was performed. A few Glissonian pedicles of the Spiegel lobe were exposed from the hilar plate and divided to reduce the inflow to the Spiegel lobe. After that, vessel tape was used in the hanging maneuver. The tape was pulled forward to give the cutting plane moderate tension during liver parenchymal resection. Lifting this tape provided better exposure for determining the correct cutting plane during liver parenchymal transection. The median operation time was 207 min (range, 147–240 min) and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 mL (range, 15–85 mL). There were no severe postoperative complications.

Discussion

We safely performed laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy. To maintain a sufficient surgical view, especially during liver parenchymal resection, the hanging maneuver may be a useful technique. This single‐center investigation into standardized laparoscopic Spiegel lobectomy featuring improvements in technique showed potential for favorable results.
The centrality of health behaviours: A network analytic approach
Authors: Nudelman Gabriel , Kalish Yuval , Shiloh Shoshana
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Since behavioural risk factors are the foremost causes of disability and premature mortality, developing new perspectives for understanding them is of utmost importance. This paper describes an innovative approach that conceptualizes health‐related behaviours as nodes in a weighted network.

Design & Methods

Using self‐reported data from a representative sample (n = 374), a network of 37 health behaviours was analysed, with the aim of identifying ‘central’ nodes, that is, behaviours that are likely to co‐occur with others and potentially influence them.

Results

In line with conservation of resources theory, the analysis indicated that behaviours related to basic physiological needs (nutrition and sleep) were most central. Behaviour centrality also varied across subpopulations: Periodic medical examinations, eating meals regularly, and sleep hygiene were more central among high‐ compared to low‐socio‐economic status participants; behaviours related to supportive social relationships and sun protection were more central among women compared to men.

Conclusion

By emphasizing behavioural connectivity, the approach applied herein has identified core health behaviours with potentially high impact on healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Many health behaviours are related to each other.

Engagement in one health behaviour can affect engagement in other behaviours.

What does this study add?

Health behaviour can be viewed and analysed as a network.

Sleep and nutrition behaviours are the most central behaviours in the network.

Centrality varies as a function of socio‐economic status and gender.
Retention of signs following a one‐day key word sign training
Authors: Smidt Andy , Markoulli Constantina , Wine Chloe , Chang Elsie , Turnbull Harmony , Huzmeli Aylin , Hines Monique
Published: December 2018

Accessible summary

We taught teachers sign language to use with children with a disability

We asked teachers if they liked the training and learning signs

We tested their memory of signs after training and 6 and 12 weeks later

We found that teachers can learn signs in a one‐day workshop and remember them later

Teachers forgot some of the signs by 6 weeks later

Teachers want follow‐up sessions to practise the signs to help them remember the signs.

Background

Children and adults with developmental disability frequently require either aided or unaided alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Key word sign (KWS) involves using natural gesture and sign language to support the key words in spoken utterances. The purpose of this study was to determine whether communication partners of children and adults with developmental disabilities can learn and retain a basic KWS vocabulary.

Materials and Methods

Communication partners attended a one‐day training workshop where they were taught 100 signs. Measures of sign recognition and production were taken prior to the training, immediately after the training on the day and at 6 and 12 weeks later.

Results

Participants were able to learn signs during the workshop and demonstrate receptive and expressive knowledge of KWS. However, sign knowledge decreased after 6 and 12 weeks. Participants noted that having to be tested again after several weeks, motivated them to practise and served as a follow‐up.

Conclusion

This paper provides evidence that KWS training enables participants to learn and retain signs, but that there is a need for ongoing training and support even for communication partners who use sign regularly.
Tissue factor over-expression in platelets of patients with anti-phospholipid syndrome: induction role of anti-β2-GPI antibodies
Authors: Capozzi A , Manganelli V , Riitano G , Recalchi S , Truglia S , Alessandri C , Longo A , Garofalo T , Misasi R , Valesini G , Conti F , Sorice M
Published: December 2018

Anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. It is well known that in these patients thrombosis may be the result of a hypercoagulable state related to anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) antibodies. Moreover, platelets may play a role in thrombotic manifestations by binding of anti-β2-GPI antibodies. Platelets express tissue factor (TF), the major initiator of the clotting cascade, after activation. We primarily analyzed whether anti-β2-GPI antibodies may trigger a signal transduction pathway leading to TF expression in human platelets. Platelets from healthy donors were incubated with affinity purified anti-β2-GPI antibodies for different times. Platelet lysates were analyzed for phospho-interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK), phospho-p65 nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and TF by Western blot. IRAK phosphorylation was observed as early as 10 min of anti-β2-GPI treatment, with consequent NF-κB activation, whereas TF expression, detectable at 45 min, was significantly increased after 4 h of anti-β2-GPI treatment. Virtually no activation was observed following treatment with control immunoglobulin IgG. We then analyzed TF expression in platelets from 20 APS patients and 20 healthy donors. We observed a significant increase of TF in APS patients versus control subjects (P < 0·0001). This work demonstrates that anti-β2-GPI antibodies may trigger in vitro a signal transduction pathway in human platelets, which involves IRAK phosphorylation and NF-κB activation, followed by TF expression. Furthermore, ex vivo, platelets of APS patients showed a significantly increased expression of TF. These findings support the view that platelets may play a role in the pathogenesis of APS, with consequent release of different procoagulant mediators, including TF.
Front Cover
Authors: Meester J.A.N. , Verstraeten A. , Alaerts M. , Schepers D. , Van Laer L. , Loeys B.L.
Published: December 2018

The cover image is based on the Review Overlapping but distinct roles for NOTCH receptors in human cardiovascular disease, by J.A.N. Meester et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13382.

image
Cold snare polypectomy: Indications, devices, techniques, outcomes and future
Authors: Horiuchi Akira , Ikuse Tamaki , Tanaka Naoki
Published: December 2018

Colonoscopy has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by enabling the removal of precancerous lesions. Although cold snare and hot snare polypectomy have similar retrieval rates and complete resection rates, rates of delayed bleeding tend to be lower with cold snare polypectomy than with hot snare polypectomy, especially for patients taking antithrombotic agents. However, among cold snares there may be differences in terms of the completeness of polyp excision, as complete removal appears more likely with thin‐wire dedicated cold snares compared to the traditional, thick‐wire cold snares. Cold snare polypectomy may be especially well suited for use in patients taking antithrombotic agents, due to its minimal risk of delayed bleeding. Histological analyses suggest that cold snare polypectomy causes less damage to blood vessels in the submucosal layers, which results in a reduced incidence of hemorrhage compared to hot snare polypectomy. However, cold snare removal of small polyps may result in fragmentation of small specimens during collection and concerns as to whether the resection is complete. An endoscopy biomarker of effective cold snare polypectomy technique is needed to ensure complete removal of non‐pedunculated colorectal polyps ≤10 mm. Future uses of cold snare polypectomy may include piecemeal removal of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp lesions >10 mm. Currently, cold snare polypectomy should be considered a primary method for colorectal polyps of less than 10 mm, especially those in the 4‐ to 10‐mm range.
Artificial intelligence and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: Current status and future perspective
Authors: Mori Yuichi , Kudo Shin‐ei , Mohmed Hussein E. N. , Misawa Masashi , Ogata Noriyuki , Itoh Hayato , Oda Masahiro , Mori Kensaku
Published: December 2018

With recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is gaining increasing attention. Main research focuses in this field include automated identification of dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus and detection of early gastric cancers. By helping endoscopists avoid missing and mischaracterizing neoplastic change in both the esophagus and the stomach, these technologies potentially contribute to solving current limitations of gastroscopy. Currently, optical diagnosis of early‐stage dysplasia related to Barrett's esophagus can be precisely achieved only by endoscopists proficient in advanced endoscopic imaging, and the false‐negative rate for detecting gastric cancer is approximately 10%. Ideally, these novel technologies should work during real‐time gastroscopy to provide on‐site decision support for endoscopists regardless of their skill; however, previous studies of these topics remain ex vivo and experimental in design. Therefore, the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of CAD for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in clinical practice remain unknown, although a considerable number of pilot studies have been conducted by both engineers and medical doctors with excellent results. This review summarizes current publications relating to CAD for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from the perspective of endoscopists and aims to indicate what is required for future research and implementation in clinical practice.
Waist circumference and abdominal volume index are the strongest anthropometric discriminators of metabolic syndrome in Spanish adolescents
Authors: Perona Javier S. , Schmidt Rio‐Valle Jacqueline , Ramírez‐Vélez Robinson , Correa‐Rodríguez María , Fernández‐Aparicio Ángel , González‐Jiménez Emilio
Published: December 2018

Background

Waist circumference has been suggested as predictor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents but it has not been compared with newly proposed anthropometric indexes. This study aimed to disclose the capacity of ten classic and novel anthropometric indexes to discriminate by the presence of MetS in this young population.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed on 981 adolescents (13.2 ± 1.2 years) randomly recruited from eighteen schools in south‐east Spain. Body fat percentage (BF%), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI), body adiposity index for paediatrics (BAIp), conicity index (C‐Index), waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) and body shape index (ABSI) were measured and calculated. Receiver‐operator curves (ROC) were created to determine the discriminatory capacity of these anthropometric parameters for MetS.

Results

The prevalence of MetS was 7.0% for boys and 6.1% in girls. Participants with MetS had significantly higher levels of blood pressure and plasma levels of lipids, glucose and insulin. All anthropometric indexes were elevated in MetS individuals compared to the non‐MetS group. AVI and WC showed the highest AUC values (0.83 for boys and 0.86 for girls). In contrast, according to ROC analyses, no anthropometric index was capable of discriminating the components of MetS (hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperglycaemia and low‐HDL levels), except for abdominal obesity.

Conclusion

We suggest the use of WC and AVI, with the cut‐off points presented herein, for the discrimination between adolescents with or without MetS.
Beyond the message: advantages of snapshot proteomics with single‐cell mass cytometry in solid tumors
Authors: Mistry Akshitkumar M. , Greenplate Allison R. , Ihrie Rebecca A. , Irish Jonathan M.
Published: December 2018

Single‐cell technologies that can quantify features of individual cells within a tumor are critical for treatment strategies aiming to target cancer cells while sparing or activating beneficial cells. Given that key players in protein networks are often the primary targets of precision oncology strategies, it is imperative to transcend the nucleic acid message and read cellular actions in human solid tumors. Here, we review the advantages of multiplex, single‐cell mass cytometry in tissue and solid tumor investigations. Mass cytometry can quantitatively probe nearly any cellular feature or target. In discussing the ability of mass cytometry to reveal and characterize a broad spectrum of cell types, identify rare cells, and study functional behavior through protein signaling networks in millions of individual cells from a tumor, this review surveys publications of scientific advances in solid tumor biology made with the aid of mass cytometry. Advances discussed include functional identification of rare tumor and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells and dissection of cellular mechanisms of immunotherapy in solid tumors and the periphery. The review concludes by highlighting ways to incorporate single‐cell mass cytometry in solid tumor precision oncology efforts and rapidly developing cytometry techniques for quantifying cell location and sequenced nucleic acids.
A notch critical plane approach of multiaxial fatigue life prediction for metallic notched specimens
Authors: Luo Peng , Yao Weixing , Li Piao
Published: December 2018

An approach based on the local stress response is proposed to locate the fatigue critical point for metallic blunt notched specimens under multiaxial fatigue loading. According to the stress analysis, both stress gradient and gradient of loading nonproportionality exist at notch root. The plane in the vicinity of the notch that passes through the fatigue critical point and experiences the maximum shear stress amplitude is defined as the critical plane for notch specimens (CPN). Furthermore, the Susmel's fatigue damage parameter is modified to assess fatigue life of notched components by combining CPN and the theory of critical distance (TCD). The multiaxial fatigue test of the thin‐walled round tube specimens made of Ni‐base alloy GH4169 is carried out to verify the above approaches. In addition, test data of two kinds of materials are collected. The results show that the maximum absolute error of the fatigue critical point is 9.6° and the majority of the predicted life falls within the three‐time scatter band.
Understanding others: Emotion recognition in humans and other animals
Authors: Ferretti Valentina , Papaleo Francesco
Published: December 2018

Emotion recognition represents the ability to encode an ensemble of sensory stimuli providing information about the emotional state of another individual. This ability is not unique to humans. An increasing number of studies suggest that many aspects of higher order social functions, including emotion recognition, might be present in species ranging from primates to rodents, indicating a conserved role in social animals. The aim of this review is to examine and compare how emotions are communicated and perceived in humans and other animals, with the intent to highlight possible new behavioral approaches and research perspectives. We summarize the evidence from human emotion recognition, and latest advances in the development of nonhuman animal behavioral tests, using or implying the use of this cognitive function. The differential implication of sensory modalities used by animals to communicate and decipher emotional states is also discussed. The opportunity to measure emotion recognition abilities in rodents may allow us to better identify the neural mechanisms mediating this complex function, thus promoting the development of new intervention strategies for several neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by social cognitive dysfunctions.
Estimating the global distribution of field size using crowdsourcing
Authors: Lesiv Myroslava , Laso Bayas Juan Carlos , See Linda , Duerauer Martina , Dahlia Domian , Durando Neal , Hazarika Rubul , Kumar Sahariah Parag , Vakolyuk Mar'yana , Blyshchyk Volodymyr , Bilous Andrii , Perez‐Hoyos Ana , Gengler Sarah , Prestele Reinhard , Bilous Svitlana , Akhtar Ibrar ul Hassan , Singha Kuleswar , Choudhury Sochin Boro , Chetri Tilok , Malek Žiga , Bungnamei Khangsembou , Saikia Anup , Sahariah Dhrubajyoti , Narzary William , Danylo Olha , Sturn Tobias , Karner Mathias , McCallum Ian , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Moltchanova Elena , Fraisl Dilek , Moorthy Inian , Fritz Steffen
Published: December 2018

There is an increasing evidence that smallholder farms contribute substantially to food production globally, yet spatially explicit data on agricultural field sizes are currently lacking. Automated field size delineation using remote sensing or the estimation of average farm size at subnational level using census data are two approaches that have been used. However, both have limitations, for example, automatic field size delineation using remote sensing has not yet been implemented at a global scale while the spatial resolution is very coarse when using census data. This paper demonstrates a unique approach to quantifying and mapping agricultural field size globally using crowdsourcing. A campaign was run in June 2017, where participants were asked to visually interpret very high resolution satellite imagery from Google Maps and Bing using the Geo‐Wiki application. During the campaign, participants collected field size data for 130 K unique locations around the globe. Using this sample, we have produced the most accurate global field size map to date and estimated the percentage of different field sizes, ranging from very small to very large, in agricultural areas at global, continental, and national levels. The results show that smallholder farms occupy up to 40% of agricultural areas globally, which means that, potentially, there are many more smallholder farms in comparison with the two different current global estimates of 12% and 24%. The global field size map and the crowdsourced data set are openly available and can be used for integrated assessment modeling, comparative studies of agricultural dynamics across different contexts, for training and validation of remote sensing field size delineation, and potential contributions to the Sustainable Development Goal of Ending hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Filamentous fungi in wrapped forages determined with different sampling and culturing methods
Authors: Schenck Jessica , Djurle Annika , Funck Jensen Dan , Müller Cecilia , O'Brien Martin , Spörndly Rolf
Published: December 2018

The use of wrapped forage bales with high dry‐matter (DM) content implies risk of fungal growth inside the wrapping, and impaired feed quality. Since fungi may be unevenly distributed in bales, the method of sampling can influence the outcome of the analysis. Three common sampling methods for detection of fungi in wrapped forage were compared: direct plating of visible mouldy patches on bale surfaces (Method I), direct plating of pieces of foliage from drilled core samples (Method II) and quantitative analysis dilution series of drilled core samples (Method III). All samples were cultured on two media at two temperatures. Samples were collected from 124 farms in Sweden and Norway. Using Methods I, II and III, fungi were detected on 52%, 77% and 56% of the farms respectively. Fifty‐two fungal species were identified using a combination of culturing and molecular methods. The most predominant species were Arthrinium spp., found on 55% of the farms, followed by Penicillium roqueforti at 48% of the farms. Incubation at 25°C resulted in higher numbers of all genera, except Aspergillus, compared to incubation at 37°C. The different methods of sampling and culturing did not identify the same fungal species within the same bale. Analysing one bale per farm resulted in detection of less than half the number of species compared to analysing three bales. Of the sampling and culturing methods compared, direct plating of drilled core samples cultivated at malt extract agar at 25°C performed best in terms of qualitative analysis of fungi species.
Performance of oat (Avena sativa L.) sown in late summer for autumn forage production in Central Europe
Authors: Andrzejewska Jadwiga , Contreras‐Govea Francisco E. , Pastuszka Anna , Kotwica Karol , Albrecht Kenneth A.
Published: December 2018

Spring‐sown oat (Avena sativa L.) is well adapted for forage production in Central Europe; however, environmental conditions make this crop susceptible to crown rust disease (Puccinia coronata) when grown in summer. The objective of this study was to assess oat cultivars sown in late summer, when conditions for crown rust are less favourable, and harvest in autumn for forage with potential use for feeding lactating dairy cows. Three oat cultivars: Berdysz, Zuch and ForagePlus, the first two from Poland and the latter from United States, were sown 1 and 15 August, and 1 September, over three consecutive years, and harvested for forage in late October. The two Polish cultivars had 61% leaf area affected by rust with 1 August sowing, but ForagePlus was not affected by rust with any sowing date. Sowing 15 August significantly reduced crown rust incidence and increased DM yield of the Polish cultivars 21% relative to the 1 August sowing date, but decreased ForagePlus DM yield by 35%. Sowing 1 September resulted in best forage nutritive value, but the lowest DM yields for all cultivars. Calculated milk production per ton of forage for all cultivars was lowest with the 1 August sowing date. Calculated milk production per hectare was greatest for Berdysz sown in mid‐August. Oat can be sown 15 August and harvested in autumn for forage production, avoiding crown rust disease during summer in Poland. Nutritive value of autumn oat forage is adequate to meet forage requirements of lactating dairy cows.
Can – and Should – Lawyers be Considered ‘Appropriate’ Appropriate Adults?
Authors: DEHAGHANI ROXANNA , NEWMAN DANIEL
Published: December 2018

This article furthers the debate on vulnerable suspects by bringing together research on appropriate adults and criminal defence lawyers. The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) forbids all lawyers from acting as appropriate adults. The courts, in very limited case law, have taken a different approach, leaving a space in which lawyers might be considered suitable to fill the gap left by an appropriate adult's absence. This account is supported by exploring the views of custody officers on the appropriate adult and its use, drawing upon empirical data. Fieldwork with defence lawyers is then explored to highlight how lawyers might have some of the suitable characteristics of the appropriate adult but could not realistically perform such duties in practice (or conceptually). This article illustrates that lawyers are ill‐equipped to deal with a client's vulnerability and therefore argues that they should never be viewed as an ‘appropriate adult replacement’.
Effect of ripening with Penicillium roqueforti on texture, microstructure, water distribution and volatiles of chicken breast meat
Authors: Guo Liping , Yu Bing , Wang Shuling , Zhu Yinglian , Li Peng , Wang Baowei , Huang Ming , Sun Jingxin
Published: December 2018

In this study, the influence of ripening with Penicillium roqueforti on texture, microstructure, protein structure, water mobility and volatile flavour compounds of chicken breast meat was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed that the granule formed and chicken myofibril fractured after ripening. Reduction in α‐helix and increases in β‐sheet structure content accompanied by decrease in hardness and springiness and increase in gumminess were found in ripened chicken breast meat. Low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) revealed that increasing intra‐myofibrillar water and decreasing extra‐myofibrillar water resulted in the higher water‐holding capacity after ripening with P. roqueforti. In addition, chicken breast meat ripened with P. roqueforti contained more volatile flavour compounds, in particular aldehydes.
Health‐promoting effects of dietary polysaccharide extracted from Dendrobium aphyllum on mice colon, including microbiota and immune modulation
Authors: Liu Huifan , Wu Hui , Wang Qin
Published: December 2018

The health‐promoting effects of a polysaccharide (DAP) purified from Dendrobium aphyllum, on mice colon were investigated. The results indicated that consumption of DAP facilitated the differentiation degree of CD4+ T cells to Th1, Th17 and Treg cells; and depressed the differentiation degree to Th2 cells, since DAP up‐regulated IL‐6 expression (from 1.08 ± 0.24 to 3.40 ± 0.36). Besides, oral administration of DAP reduced the gastrointestinal transit time from 255 ± 1.21 to 164 ± 0.46 min, decreased the pH from 6.70 ± 0.27 to 5.54 ± 0.31, improved faecal water‐binding capability from 59.4% ± 0.35 to 63.5% ± 0.22. Additionally, the increase in four health‐promoting short chain fatty acids were observed, which might result from the enrichment of the relative abundance of health‐promoting microbiota genera, including Porphyromonadaceae and Ruminococcaceae. The DAP‐induced up‐regulation of the genus Erysipelotrichaceae might be related to the homeostasis in both Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17.
Effects of quinoa and amaranth on zinc, magnesium and calcium content in beer wort
Authors: Kordialik‐Bogacka Edyta , Bogdan Paulina , Ciosek Aneta
Published: December 2018

Pseudocereals such as quinoa and amaranth can be used as partial replacements for malt in the production of new beers. Quinoa and amaranth are of interest due to their high levels of nutrients and micronutrients, including minerals which can significantly improve the performance of brewing yeast and the fermentation rate. In this study, we investigated whether the use of quinoa or amaranth as partial replacements for malt affected the concentration of ions such as zinc and magnesium in beer wort. The use of amaranth, and in particular quinoa, increased the content of both zinc and magnesium ions substantially, even when only 10% of the barley malt was replaced. With 10% quinoa, Zn2+ and Mg2+ content increased by 41% and 49%, respectively, while the ratio of Mg2+ to Ca2+ rose from 1.4:1 to 1.9:1. Use of unmalted quinoa and amaranth appears a good way of enriching wort with essential metal ions.
Emerging roles of bioactive peptides on brain health promotion
Authors: Katayama Shigeru , Nakamura Soichiro
Published: December 2018

Cognitive dysfunction is a major debilitating age‐related disorder. Natural dietary bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective and brain health benefits, including the prevention of cognitive impairment and dementia, have received increasing attention. Because cognitive decline is thought to result from dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, the induction of neuroprotective proteins, including neurotrophic factors, protein chaperones, and antioxidant enzymes, by dietary bioactive compounds may help prevent age‐related cognitive decline. Phytochemicals and bioactive peptides have been demonstrated to have a preventive effect on cognitive decline in different animal models and in human studies. This review focuses on the in vivo effects of bioactive peptides on brain function and the expression of neuroprotective factors.
Not all gifts are good: The potential practical costs of motivated gifts
Authors: Aknin Lara B. , Wiwad Dylan , Girme Yuthika U.
Published: December 2018

People rely on support from others to accomplish mundane and momentous tasks. When asking for assistance, is it beneficial to incentivize a helper by offering amotivated gift(i.e., a gift with the hope of getting support in return)? Six studies (N > 2,500) examine the frequency and potential costs of motivated gifts. In Study 1, a third of Americans indicated that they had given a motivated gift at least once, while nearly two‐thirds believed they had received one. In Studies 2a–d, most participants who imagined receiving a motivated gift before a favor request reported lower willingness to help and anticipated satisfaction from helping than participants who imagined simply being asked for a favor. Finally, Study 3 replicates these findings with actual help provided among friends in a laboratory setting. Findings suggest that motivated gifts are relatively common but may sometimes undermine the assistance that people hope to receive.
Chalcone flavokawain A attenuates TGF‐β1‐induced fibrotic pathology via inhibition of ROS/Smad3 signaling pathways and induction of Nrf2/ARE‐mediated antioxidant genes in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hseu You‐Cheng , Yang Ting‐Yu , Li Mei‐Ling , Rajendran Peramaiyan , Mathew Dony Chacko , Tsai Chia‐Hsuan , Lin Ruei‐Wan , Lee Chuan‐Chen , Yang Hsin‐Ling
Published: December 2018

TGF‐β1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular fibrotic diseases. Chalcones are reportedly cancer chemo‐preventive food components that are rich in fruits and vegetables. In this study, flavokawain A (FKA, 2‐30 μM), a naturally occurring chalcone in kava extracts, was evaluated for its anti‐fibrotic and antioxidant properties in TGF‐β1‐stimulated vascular smooth muscle (A7r5) cells, as well as its underlying molecular mechanism of action. Immunofluorescence data showed down‐regulated F‐actin expression with FKA treatment in TGF‐β1‐stimulated A7r5 cells. Western blotting demonstrated that FKA treatment suppressed the expression of α‐SMA and fibronectin proteins under TGF‐β1 stimulation. Findings from wound‐healing and invasion experiments showed that FKA inhibits TGF‐β1‐mediated migration and invasion. Western blotting demonstrated that treatment with FKA down‐regulated MMP‐9 and MMP‐2 and up‐regulated TIMP‐1 expression. Further evidence showed that FKA decreased TGF‐β1‐mediated phosphorylation and the transcriptional activity of Smad3. TGF‐β1‐induced excessive ROS production was remarkably reversed by FKA treatment in A7r5 cells, and inhibition by FKA or N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) substantially diminished TGF‐β1‐induced p‐Smad3 activation and wound‐healing migration. Interestingly, FKA‐mediated antioxidant properties were associated with increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and elevated antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase activity. Activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling was accompanied by the induction of HO‐1, NQO‐1 and γ‐GCLC genes in FKA‐treated A7r5 cells. Notably, silencing of Nrf2 (siRNA transfection) significantly diminished the FKA‐mediated antioxidant effects, indicating that FKA may inhibit TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis through suppressing ROS generation in A7r5 cells. Our results suggested that anti‐fibrotic and antioxidant activities of the chalcone flavokawain A may contribute to the development of food‐based chemo‐preventive drugs for fibrotic diseases.
Identification of potential prognostic TF‐associated lncRNAs for predicting survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Guo Qiuyan , He Yanan , Sun Liyuan , Kong Congcong , Cheng Yan , Wang Peng , Zhang Guangmei
Published: December 2018

The pathophysiology of ovarian cancer (OV) is complex and depends on multiple biological processes and pathways. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify reliable prognostic biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes and helping personalize treatment of OV. A long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA)‐based risk score model was constructed to infer the prognostic efficacy of transcription factors (TFs) based on the OV dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The risk score model was further validated in other independent cohorts from Gene Expression Omnibus. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the survival prediction performance in comparison with other clinical and molecular variables. Our results revealed that the top‐ranked TF‐associating lncRNAs were significantly associated with overall survival, progression‐free survival and disease‐free survival. Stratification analysis according to clinical variables indicated the prognostic independence of POLR2A‐associating lncRNAs. In comparison, the signature of POLR2A‐associating lncRNAs was more sensitive and specific than existing clinical and molecular signatures. Functional and experimental analysis suggested that POLR2A‐associating lncRNAs may be involved in known biological processes and pathways of OV. Our findings revealed that the lncRNA‐based risk score model can provide helpful information on OV prognosis stratification and discovery of therapeutic biomarkers.
Trajectories of Interracial Heterosexual Couples: A Longitudinal Analysis of Relationship Quality and Separation
Authors: Brown Cameron C. , Williams Zenova , Durtschi Jared A.
Published: December 2018

Minimal research has examined interracial couples’ relationship satisfaction and dissolution patterns over time. Using dyadic data across 8 years, we examined potential differences in relationship quality trajectories through latent growth curve modeling with 1,336 couples as well as differential risks for relationship dissolution through logistic regression between same‐race and interracial relationships using a different subset of 2,370 couples. Results indicated that women in interracial relationships were significantly lower in initial relationship quality than women in same‐race relationships. Further, interracial couples of Black‐Hispanic partnerings were twice as likely to separate across 8 years than same‐race couples. These results suggest that despite interracial relationships not substantively differing from same‐race couples in trajectories of relationship quality, specific Black‐Hispanic interracial couples are at a higher risk of eventual separation.
Dermapen in the treatment of wrinkles in cigarette smokers and skin aging effectively
Authors: Amer Mohamed , Farag Fawzeya , Amer Amin , ElKot Riham , Mahmoud Rana
Published: December 2018

Skin aging is a complex biological process that arises from two basic processes: intrinsic aging (influenced by genetics factors, cellular metabolism, hormone, and metabolic processes) and extrinsic aging caused by chronic light exposure, pollution, ionizing radiation, chemicals, toxins (Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2008;8:393). Intrinsic aging called also chronological aging is observed in sun‐protected skin of elderly persons. Microneedling, as the term indicates, means the use of needles or “microneedles” to achieve a therapeutic effect. The technique of microneedling was innovated by Fernandes. Safe treatment for facial wrinkles due to both (aging and smoking) and Dermapen is an effective and all skin types with the advantage of being an inexpensive office maneuver and relatively risk‐free procedure, avoiding significant downtime depigmentation or complication.
Relationships among general health, job satisfaction, work engagement and job features in nurses working in a public hospital: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: González‐Gancedo Jacob , Fernández‐Martínez Elena , Rodríguez‐Borrego María Aurora
Published: December 2018

Aim and objective

To describe relations among health, job satisfaction, work engagement and job features in Spanish nurses working in a public hospital.

Background

It has been established that nursing staff health affects the quality of their work and is associated with job satisfaction, work engagement and different job features. Understanding the relationships among these variables could provide useful information to improve staff performance and prevent work‐related illnesses.

Design

A descriptive, cross‐sectional, correlational and comparative study was performed between January–April 2016. This research adheres to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline.

Methods

A total of 926 nurses were requested to complete an online questionnaire. Nurses on sick leave or in period of unpaid leave during data collection were excluded. The final study population reached 392 nurses. The online survey was fully completed by 373 nurses. General health, job satisfaction and work engagement were measured. Tools used were as follows: sociodemographic questions, the General Health Questionnaire, the Overall Job Satisfaction Scale and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale.

Results

Significant correlations among general health, job satisfaction and work engagement were found. Specifically, general health levels were negatively correlated with job satisfaction and work engagement subscales. Job features with influence on these constructs were the type of shift, type of contract, type of service, salary, type of continuous formation and having a specialty/profile.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that job‐related features affect job satisfaction, general health and work engagement. The organisation should make interventions over these features to increase job satisfaction and work engagement levels, since they are relevant for nursing staff health and patient security.

Relevance to clinical practice

The analysis of the relationships among general health, job satisfaction, work engagement and job features in nurses could offer a basis to design preventive programmes to improve staff performance and prevent work‐related illnesses.
Tetrasomy 18p: The challenges of noninvasive prenatal testing and combined test
Authors: Tolva Gianluca , Silipigni Rosamaria , Quarenghi Aida , Vergani Patrizia , Guerneri Silvana , Milani Donatella
Published: December 2018

Circulating cell‐free DNA, having no procedural risk of miscarriage, is the most suitable sample for a noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Here we report on a boy, who came to our attention for hypotonia and psychomotor delay when he was 16 months old. During the pregnancy his mother performed a NIPT that resulted compatible with the presence of trisomy 18. A confirmatory invasive procedure has been proposed, but not performed, because the family preferred to follow a conservative line. A series of ultrasound excluded the presence of any major malformations. Genetic tests, performed after birth, revealed the presence of a tetrasomy 18p with an extra isochromosome 18p. Our report wants to underline the importance of an invasive procedure and consequent cytogenetic analysis in case of NIPT results indicating autosomal trisomies because under it may hide the presence of other structural chromosomal anomalies. These conditions are normally not visible at prenatal ultrasound or using combined test (CT) and the only identifiable not invasive sign could be the results of high risk at NIPT.
Atmospheric shock waves after impacts of cosmic bodies up to 1000 m in diameter
Authors: Artemieva N. , Shuvalov V.
Published: December 2018

The results of numerical modeling of meteoroids' interaction with Earth's atmosphere are presented. We model the entry in two dimensions and then interpolate the results into a 3‐D model to calculate interaction of shock waves with the surface. Maximum shock pressures, wind speeds, and areas subjected to substantial overpressure are calculated for oblique impacts of asteroids and comets. We show that vertical impacts produce a smaller damage zone on the surface than oblique ones. Damage caused by shock waves covers an order of magnitude larger area than any other hazardous effects. The function of energy release in the atmosphere, which is traditionally used in meteoritics, has a limited application if cosmic bodies are larger than tens of meters in diameter: at each time moment energy is smoothed along a substantial length of the trajectory; both emitted radiation (routinely used for calibration of semi‐analytical models) and shock wave amplitude are complex functions of temperature–density distributions in atmosphere.
Quantitative multi‐locus metabarcoding and waggle dance interpretation reveal honey bee spring foraging patterns in Midwest agroecosystems
Authors: Richardson Rodney T. , Curtis Hailey R. , Matcham Emma G. , Lin Chia‐Hua , Suresh Sreelakshmi , Sponsler Douglas B. , Hearon Luke E. , Johnson Reed M.
Published: December 2018

We explored the pollen foraging behaviour of honey bee colonies situated in the corn and soybean dominated agroecosystems of central Ohio over a month‐long period using both pollen metabarcoding and waggle dance inference of spatial foraging patterns. For molecular pollen analysis, we developed simple and cost‐effective laboratory and bioinformatics methods. Targeting four plant barcode loci (ITS2, rbcL, trnL and trnH), we implemented metabarcoding library preparation and dual‐indexing protocols designed to minimize amplification biases and index mistagging events. We constructed comprehensive, curated reference databases for hierarchical taxonomic classification of metabarcoding data and used these databases to train the metaxa2 DNA sequence classifier. Comparisons between morphological and molecular palynology provide strong support for the quantitative potential of multi‐locus metabarcoding. Results revealed consistent foraging habits between locations and show clear trends in the phenological progression of honey bee spring foraging in these agricultural areas. Our data suggest that three key taxa, woody Rosaceae such as pome fruits and hawthorns, Salix, and Trifolium provided the majority of pollen nutrition during the study. Spatially, these foraging patterns were associated with a significant preference for forests and tree lines relative to herbaceous land cover and nonflowering crop fields.
Women's rights, torture and immigration detention
Authors: Sahgal Gita
Published: December 2018

In its drive to detain and deport, the Home Office is violating the prohibition on torture and undermining women's rights