bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of the addition of surfactants to sodium hypochlorite on the removal of hard tissue debris
Authors: Guerreiro M. Y. R. , Belladonna F. G. , Monteiro L. P. B. , Lima C. O. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Brandão J. M. S.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effect of the addition of surfactants to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), before and after final irrigation with 17% EDTA, from mesial canals of mandibular molars through microcomputed tomographic (micro‐CT) analysis.

Methodology

Thirty moderately curved mandibular mesial roots with Vertucci type II canal configuration were selected and scanned in a micro‐CT device at an isotropic resolution of 22.9 μm. The specimens were assigned to three groups (n = 10) with respect to the root length, degree of curvature of the mesial root, volume and 3D anatomy of the root canals according to the irrigating solution used during root canal preparation: 2.5% NaOCl and 0.1% Benzalkonium Chloride, 2.5% NaOCl and 0.1% Tween 80 and 2.5% NaOCl without additives. The root canals were instrumented up to Reciproc R25 instrument. Then, the specimens were scanned again after canal preparation and after final irrigation with 17% EDTA, and the registered data sets were examined to evaluate the percentage of AHTD. For comparison between the different groups before and after using 17% EDTA, the Kruskal–Wallis test was used with a significance level of 5%. For comparison between the same groups before and after using 17% EDTA, the Wilcoxon test was used with a significance level of 5%.

Results

None of the irrigant solutions tested was able to completely eliminate hard tissue debris from mesial canals of mandibular molars. There were no significant differences in the percentage of AHTD amongst the different irrigation solutions (P > 0.05). Final irrigation with 17% EDTA significantly reduced the percentage of AHTD (P < 0.05), without differences amongst the groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The addition of surfactants to NaOCl did not affect the removal of AHTD from mesial canals of extracted mandibular molars. Final irrigation with 17% EDTA significantly improved AHTD removal.
Prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intensive care units: Barriers and compliance
Authors: Aloush Sami M. , Al‐Rawajfa Omar M.
Published: April 2020

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compliance of Jordanian nurses with ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention guidelines and the barriers to compliance.

Method

A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 294 nurses from nine hospitals in Jordan completed a self‐reported questionnaire.

Results

According to the study compliance categories, 45.6% of the participants reported ‘insufficient compliance,’ 24.8% ‘weak compliance’ and 29.6% ‘sufficient compliance.’ Nurses with more experience and previous education on ventilator‐associated pneumonia reported higher compliance scores than their counterparts with less experience and no previous education. Nurses reported several barriers that limited their own compliance, such as lack of education, lack of policies and protocols, lack of resources and the shortage of staff.

Conclusion

The compliance of nursing staff with the prevention guidelines was poor. Applying tailored educational programs may help improve their level of compliance. These programs must target new graduate nurses and be conducted in those hospitals with limited resources.
Clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Homma Yukio , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Tomoe Hikaru , Furuta Akira , Ueda Tomohiro , Maeda Daichi , Lin Alex TL , Kuo Hann‐Chorng , Lee Ming‐Huei , Oh Seung‐June , Kim Joon Chul , Lee Kyu‐Sung
Published: April 2020

The clinical guidelines for interstitial cystitis and related symptomatic conditions were revised by updating our previous guidelines. The current guidelines define interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome as a condition with chronic pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder accompanied by other urinary symptoms, such as persistent urge to void or urinary frequency in the absence of confusable diseases. The characteristic symptom complex is collectively referred as hypersensitive bladder symptoms. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is divided into Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome represent interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with Hunner lesions and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome without Hunner lesions, respectively. So‐called non‐Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis featured by glomerulations or bladder bleeding after distension is included in bladder pain syndrome. The symptoms are virtually indistinguishable between Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; however, Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome should be considered as a separate entity of disorder. Histopathology totally differs between Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome; Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis is associated with severe inflammation of the urinary bladder accompanied by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and urothelial denudation, whereas bladder pain syndrome shows little pathological changes in the bladder. Pathophysiology would also differ between Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome, involving interaction of multiple factors, such as inflammation, autoimmunity, infection, exogenous substances, urothelial dysfunction, neural hyperactivity and extrabladder disorders. The patients should be treated differently based on the diagnosis of Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, which requires cystoscopy to determine the presence or absence Hunner lesions. Clinical studies are to be designed to analyze outcomes separately for Hunner‐type interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome.
Lessons from the American federal‐state unemployment insurance system for a European unemployment benefits system
Authors: O’Leary Christopher J. , Barnow Burt S. , Lenaerts Karolien
Published: April 2020

This article reviews practices in the United States (US) federal‐state unemployment insurance (UI) system regarding applicant eligibility, benefit generosity, benefit financing and emergency measures with the aim of revealing lessons for a possible European unemployment benefit system (EUBS) for European Union (EU) Member States. We overview the US system for UI and examine important areas of federal leadership. While the US system offers some good ideas for setting up an EUBS, there are also lessons in some shortcomings of the US experience. We overview existing national UI systems in the EU and review the debate on an EUBS in the EU. We identify areas of risk for individual and institutional moral hazard in a multi‐tiered UI system and give examples of monitoring methods and incentives to ameliorate such risks. We suggest approaches for gradual system development, encouraging lower‐tier behaviour, benefit financing, and responses to regional and system‐wide labour market crises.
The cross‐border portability of social security benefits: Status and progress?
Authors: Holzmann Robert , Wels Jacques
Published: April 2020

The importance of the cross‐border portability of social benefits is increasing in parallel with the rise in the absolute number of international migrants and their share of the world population, and perhaps more importantly with the much higher and rising share of the world population that for some part of their life is working and/or retiring abroad. This article estimates how the rising stock of migrants is distributed over four key portability regimes ranging from portability through bilateral social security arrangements to undocumented workers with no access to any scheme. The comparison of estimates for 2000 and 2013 indicate a modest but noticeable increase in the share of migrants under regime I (full portability) by 1.4 per cent, but the biggest change occurred under regime III (no access to social security but also no contributions required), which almost doubled to 9.4 per cent. Regime II (potential exportability without totalization) reduced by 3.0 percentage points but remains the dominant scheme (at 53.2 per cent). The estimates suggest that the scope of regime IV (informality) reduced by 2.9 percentage points, accounting for 14.0 per cent of all migrants in 2013. This trend is positive, but more will need to be done to progress on benefit portability and various potential solutions lie outside bilateral agreements that are difficult to establish.
The relevance of institutions and people’s preferences in the PSNP and IN‐SCT programmes in Ethiopia
Authors: Vinci Vincenzo , Roelen Keetie
Published: April 2020

The effective implementation of social protection interventions is key for achieving positive change. The existing literature mainly focuses on issues related to programme design and impact, rather than the factors that influence the emergence, expansion and provision of these programmes. This article builds on the recent literature that indicates that the quality of institutions and people’s preferences play an important role in the implementation of social protection. It does so by using Ethiopia and its Productive Safety Net Programme – one of the largest social protection programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa – as a case study, thereby contributing to debates on how to implement social protection more effectively, particularly in settings of widespread poverty and relatively low levels of institutional capacity. Based on primary qualitative data, the article finds that greater institutional quality at the local level is associated with the more effective provision of social protection. The ability of community members and social protection clients to voice preferences can lead to adaptations in implementation, although the extent to which this occurs is highly gendered.
Unravelling myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Gender‐specific changes in the microRNA expression profiling in ME/CFS
Authors: Cheema Amanpreet K. , Sarria Leonor , Bekheit Mina , Collado Fanny , Almenar‐Pérez Eloy , Martín‐Martínez Eva , Alegre Jose , Castro‐Marrero Jesus , Fletcher Mary A. , Klimas Nancy G. , Oltra Elisa , Nathanson Lubov
Published: April 2020

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem illness characterized by medically unexplained debilitating fatigue with suggested altered immunological state. Our study aimed to explore peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in ME/CFS subjects under an exercise challenge. The findings highlight the immune response and inflammation links to differential miRNA expression in ME/CFS. The present study is particularly important in being the first to uncover the differences that exist in miRNA expression patterns in males and females with ME/CFS in response to exercise. This provides new evidence for the understanding of differential miRNA expression patterns and post‐exertional malaise in ME/CFS. We also report miRNA expression pattern differences associating with the nutritional status in individuals with ME/CFS, highlighting the effect of subjects' metabolic state on molecular changes to be considered in clinical research within the NINDS/CDC ME/CFS Common Data Elements. The identification of gender‐based miRNAs importantly provides new insights into gender‐specific ME/CFS susceptibility and demands exploration of sex‐suited ME/CFS therapeutics.
The poor health of deep‐water species in the context of fishing activity and a warming climate: will populations of Molva species rebuild or collapse?
Authors: Lloret Josep , Serrat Alba , Thordarson Gudmundur , Helle Kristin , Jadaud Angelique , Bruno Isabel , Ordines Francesc , Sartor Paolo , Carbonara Pierluigi , Rätz Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2020

Many deep‐water fish populations, being K‐selected species, have little resilience to overexploitation and may be at serious risk of depletion as a consequence. Sea warming represents an additional threat. In this study, the condition, or health, of several populations of common ling (Molva molva), blue ling (Molva dypterygia) and Mediterranean or Spanish ling (Molva macrophthalma) inhabiting different areas in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean was evaluated, to shed light on the challenges these deep‐water species are facing in the context of fishing activity and a warming climate. The data on the condition of Molva populations which are analysed here have been complemented with data on abundance and, for the southernmost species (Mediterranean ling), with two other health indicators (parasitism and hepato‐somatic index). Despite some exceptions (e.g., common ling in Icelandic waters), this study shows that the condition of many populations of Molva species in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea has worsened, a trend which, in recent decades, has usually been found to be accompanied by a decline in their abundance. In addition, the poor health status of most populations of common ling, blue ling and Mediterranean ling considered in this analysis points to a lower sustainability of these populations in the future. Overall, the health status and abundance of Molva populations in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean suggest that only some populations located in the North Atlantic may be able to rebuild, whereas the populations in southern North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, which are probably most at risk from sea warming, are facing serious difficulties in doing so. In the context of fisheries and global warming, this study's results strongly indicate that management bodies need to consider the health status of many of the populations of Molva species, particularly in southern European waters, before implementing their decisions.
Skilled Nursing Facility Patients Discharged to Home Health Agency Services Spend More Days at Home
Authors: Simning Adam , Orth Jessica , Wang Jinjiao , Caprio Thomas V. , Li Yue , Temkin‐Greener Helena
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of the utilization of Medicare‐certified home health agency (CHHA) services with post‐acute skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge outcomes that included home time, rehospitalization, SNF readmission, and mortality.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

New York State fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older admitted to SNFs for post‐acute care and discharged to the community in 2014.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 25,357 older adults.

MEASUREMENTS

The outcomes included days spent alive in the community (“home time”), rehospitalization, SNF readmission, and mortality within 30‐ and 90‐day post‐SNF discharge periods. The primary independent variables were SNF five‐star overall quality rating and receipt of CHHA services within 7 days of SNF discharge. Zero‐inflated negative binomial regression and logistic regression models characterized the association of CHHA linkage with home time and other outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

Following SNF discharge, 17,657 (69.6%) patients received CHHA services. In analyses that adjusted for patient‐, market‐, and other SNF‐level factors, older adults discharged from higher quality SNFs were more likely to receive CHHA services. In analyses that adjusted for patient‐ and market‐level factors, receipt of post‐SNF CHHA services was associated with 2.03 and 4.17 (P < .001) more days in the community over 30‐ and 90‐day periods. Receiving CHHA services was also associated with decreased odds for rehospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = .68; P < .001; OR = .91; P = .008), SNF readmission (OR = .36; P < .001; OR = .62; P < .001), and death (OR = .34; P < .001; OR = .63; P < .001) over 30‐ and 90‐day periods, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among older adults discharged from a post‐acute SNF stay, those who received CHHA services had better discharge outcomes. They were less likely to experience admissions to institutional care settings and had a lower mortality risk. Future efforts that examine how the type and intensity of CHHA services affect outcomes would build on this work. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1573‐1578, 2020.
Reconstruction of the prograde PT history of high‐P migmatitic paragneisses via melt‐reintegration approach and thermodynamic modelling (Allochthonous Complexes, NW Iberian Massif)
Authors: Novo‐Fernández Irene , Albert Richard , Arenas Ricardo , Garcia‐Casco Antonio , Díez Fernández Rubén , Sánchez Martínez Sonia , Gerdes Axel , De Capitani Christian
Published: April 2020

The Upper Units of the allochthonous complexes of the NW Iberian Massif constitute a terrane with continental affinity. They represent the vestiges of a Cambrian magmatic arc developed in the periphery of Gondwana (West African Craton) which was involved in the Devonian Variscan collision, undergoing high‐P, high‐T metamorphism. This includes ultramafic rocks, high‐P mafic rocks (eclogites and granulites) and high‐P migmatitic paragneisses. The latter rocks show an extensive migmatization with the leucosomes oriented parallel to the regional foliation. The migmatitic paragneisses are composed of garnet, kyanite, biotite, quartz, plagioclase, K‐feldspar, rutile and Ti‐hematite. Thermodynamic modelling using the measured bulk composition in the NCKFMASTHO system indicates metamorphic peak conditions of ~15 kbar and ~800 to 835°C, followed by a significant cooling. The prograde evolution is assessed by means of a melt‐reintegration approach, using the composition of the garnet and its inclusions. An appropriate composition of liquid is added to the measured bulk composition to emulate the pre‐melting bulk composition. Modelling of this melt‐reintegrated composition allows to identify a colder high‐P episode below ~500°C. Zircon crystals extracted from the leucosomes show overgrowths crystallized from the partial melt at c. 389 Ma (U–Pb system). The P–T–t path proposed reveals a subduction of the peri‐Gondwanan arc‐derived section down to mantle depths. An isobaric heating stage occurred as a result of residence at great depths and/or inception of a transient oceanic basin at c. 395 Ma. The ensuing near‐isothermal exhumation occurred due to the extension related to the inception of the basin, reaching the thermal peak shortly before c. 389 Ma. Subsequent cooling is related to the underthrusting of colder oceanic and transitional crust below the HP‐HT Upper Units.
Systems, features, figures: Approaches to language and class vs. language and race
Authors: Lo Adrienne
Published: April 2020

This paper contrasts different approaches taken in research on language and race vs. language and class. It looks at the timescales, units of analysis, and phenomena that have drawn scholars’ attention, and considers how each subfield approaches the study of language and inequality.

본고는 언어와 인종주의 연구, 언어와 사회계층 연구의 두 분야에서 쓰이는 다양한 이론적 접근들을 비교·분석 한다. 본고는 기존연구들에서 쓰여진 시공간적 접근방법, 연구분석 단위와 분석방법 및 연구 현상을 면밀하게 검토하며 이러한 이론적 접근들을 언어와 사회 불평등 연구분야에 어떻게 적용시킬 수 있는지 알아본다.
Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Parkinson's Disease: A Case Series Study1
Authors: Osawa Chihaya , Kamei Yuichi , Nozaki Kentaro , Furusawa Yoshihiko , Murata Miho
Published: April 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients frequently suffer from insomnia and insomnia can result in reduction of quality of life in PD. Although pharmacotherapy is most applicable for insomnia, it may cause side‐effects in PD. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy of brief cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) in PD. A total of 11 PD patients aged 43–84 years with chronic insomnia received two sessions of CBTI. Patients reported a significant decrease in total score for the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The total score for the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS) improved. Although objective sleep measured by actigraph did not improve, subjective sleep measured by sleep diary improved. Functional impairment measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) significantly decreased. These results revealed that brief CBTI was effective in improving insomnia in PD, with improvements extending to functional impairments that had been affected by insomnia. Additionally, this non‐pharmacotherapy treatment could be easily applied to PD patients who may have difficulty coming to the clinic frequently due to physical symptoms.
Investor's Pessimistic and False Belief About Trustworthiness and Stake Size in Trust Decision1
Authors: Kuroda Kiri , Kamijo Yoshio , Kameda Tatsuya
Published: April 2020

Trust is a vital element of any society. Previous studies using trust games have provided insight into understandings of trusting behavior. However, investors' behaviors can be confounded by their risk preferences in the game, and little is known about the relationship between stake size and beliefs of others' good intentions underlying trust. We thus used a variant of the trust game and conducted two experiments to examine how stake size affects investors' beliefs about receivers' trustworthiness, with model‐based analyses. We showed that, when holding all else equal, investors trusted more, but their expectations of reciprocation declined as stake size increased. However, actual receivers' reciprocation rates showed the opposite trend to investors' pessimistic beliefs. Furthermore, following previous studies in social psychology, we hypothesized that investors' social preferences (social value orientation) moderated the beliefs underlying trust, but they had no explanatory powers in investors' expectations of reciprocation. These results suggest that peoples' naive beliefs about stake size play a more important role in trust decisions than expected.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of medium‐chain triglyceride dietary supplementation on epilepsy in dogs
Authors: Berk Benjamin A. , Law Tsz H. , Packer Rowena M. A. , Wessmann Annette , Bathen‐Nöthen Andrea , Jokinen Tarja S. , Knebel Anna , Tipold Andrea , Pelligand Ludovic , Meads Zoe , Volk Holger A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT) enriched diet has a positive effect on seizure control and behavior in some dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE).

Objective

To evaluate the short‐term efficacy of MCTs administered as an add‐on dietary supplement (DS) to a variable base diet to assess seizure control and antiseizure drug's (ASD) adverse effect profiles.

Animals

Twenty‐eight dogs with International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force Tier II (IVETF) level diagnosis of treated IE with 3 or more seizures in the last 3 months were used.

Methods

A 6‐month multicenter, prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled crossover trial was completed, comparing an MCT‐DS with a control‐DS. A 9% metabolic energy‐based amount of MCT or control oil was supplemented to the dogs' diet for 3 months, followed by a control oil or MCT for another 3 months, respectively. Dogs enrolled in this study satisfied most requirements of IE diagnosis stated by the IVETF II level. If they received an oil DS or drugs that could influence the metabolism of the investigated DS or chronic ASD, the chronic ASD medication was adjusted, or other causes of epilepsy were found, the dogs were excluded from the study.

Results

Seizure frequency (median 2.51/month [0‐6.67] versus 2.67/month [0‐10.45];P= .02) and seizure‐day frequency were significantly (1.68/month [0‐5.60] versus 1.99/month [0‐7.42],P= .01) lower when dogs were fed MCT‐DS in comparison with the control‐DS. Two dogs were free of seizures, 3 had ≥50% and 12 had <50% reductions in seizure frequency, and 11 dogs showed no change or an increase in seizure frequency.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These data show antiseizure properties of an MCT‐DS compared to a control oil and support former evidence for the efficacy of MCTs as a nutritive, management option for a subpopulation of drug‐resistant dogs with epilepsy.
The impact of seed deficiency on productivity and on negative drought effect in semi‐natural grassland
Authors: Stampfli Andreas , Zeiter Michaela
Published: April 2020

Questions

Vegetative re‐sprouting and recruitment from seed determine grassland recovery after severe drought, but the mechanisms determining vegetation composition are not fully understood. We ask how the timing of drought and seed availability modify the drought legacy effects on composition and function in a temperate, semi‐natural grassland.

Location

Negrentino, southern Alps, Switzerland.

Methods

Under automated rainout shelters, we simulated extreme seasonal drought events in a late summer and in the following spring, added rainwater to simulate normal conditions in no‐drought controls and maintained haymaking at times of normal practice. Towards the end of the summer drought, we added seeds of ten local species in a three‐factor split‐plot arrangement with seven blocks as the replicated unit. We measured fine‐scale variation in soil depth. We assessed the biomass of graminoids and forbs at regular harvesting dates and the species frequencies of established plants and recruits before treatment start, repeating these assessments for three years thereafter. We measured the biomass proportions of post‐drought annual recruit cohorts in year 4 after drought.

Results

One‐time seed addition augmented recruits, modified species composition and enhanced species diversity; these effects propagated to increased reproductive shoots of recruits and community biomass four years later. Single and repeated seasonal droughts only caused low adult plant mortality but clearly reduced recruitment from seed, while post‐drought establishment was slightly enhanced. Seed augmentation compensated the negative spring drought effect on forb recruits and in turn mitigated the negative impact of drought on species diversity after drought.

Conclusions

Our experiment shows that seed deficiency limits productivity and that seed deficiency compensation can help to stabilize diversity and productivity in semi‐natural grassland. Releasing the current constraints of management on seed supply in grassland would therefore assist in mitigating negative drought impacts.
Germination response of invasive plants to soil burial depth and litter accumulation is species‐specific
Authors: Sonkoly Judit , Valkó Orsolya , Balogh Nóra , Godó Laura , Kelemen András , Kiss Réka , Miglécz Tamás , Tóth Edina , Tóth Katalin , Tóthmérész Béla , Török Péter
Published: April 2020

Questions

Plant invasions are considered among the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. In a full‐factorial greenhouse experiment we analysed the effect of soil burial depth and litter cover on the germination of invasive plants. We hypothesised that: (a) burial depth and litter cover affect the germination of the studied species; (b) the effects of burial and litter cover interact with each other, and (c) the effects are species‐specific, but dependent on seed size.

Methods

We tested the germination and seedling growth of 11 herbaceous invasive species in a full‐factorial experiment using four levels of seed burial depths and litter cover. We analysed the effect of burial, litter cover, and their interactions on germination, seedling length and biomass across species and at the species level.

Results

Soil burial depth and litter cover had a significant effect on the germination of the studied species, but there were considerable differences between species. We observed a general trend of species with bigger seeds being not or less seriously affected by soil burial and litter cover than smaller‐seeded species. Correlations between seed weight and effect sizes mostly confirmed this general trend, but not in the case of soil burial.

Conclusions

Our findings confirmed that seed size is a major driver of species’ response to litter cover and to the combined effects of litter cover and soil burial, but there is no general trend regarding the response to soil burial depth. Despite its very small seeds, the germination of Cynodon dactylon was not affected by soil burial. The germination of Ambrosia artemisiifolia was hampered by both soil burial and litter cover despite its relatively large seeds. Thus, specific information on species’ response to burial depth and litter accumulation is crucial when planning management or restoration in areas threatened by plant invasions.
Translation inhibition from a distance: The small RNA SgrS silences a ribosomal protein S1‐dependent enhancer
Authors: Azam Muhammad S. , Vanderpool Carin K.
Published: April 2020

Many bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) efficiently inhibit translation of target mRNAs by forming a duplex that sequesters the Shine‐Dalgarno (SD) sequence or start codon and prevents formation of the translation initiation complex. There are a growing number of examples of sRNA–mRNA binding interactions distant from the SD region, but how these mediate translational regulation remains unclear. Our previous work in Escherichia coli and Salmonella identified a mechanism of translational repression of manY mRNA by the sRNA SgrS through a binding interaction upstream of the manY SD. Here, we report that SgrS forms a duplex with a uridine‐rich translation‐enhancing element in the manY 5ʹ untranslated region. Notably, we show that the enhancer is ribosome‐dependent and that the small ribosomal subunit protein S1 interacts with the enhancer to promote translation of manY. In collaboration with the chaperone protein Hfq, SgrS interferes with the interaction between the translation enhancer and ribosomal protein S1 to repress translation of manY mRNA. Since bacterial translation is often modulated by enhancer‐like elements upstream of the SD, sRNA‐mediated enhancer silencing could be a common mode of gene regulation.
Metarhizium anisopliae sensu lato (s.l.) oil‐in‐water emulsions drastically reduced Rhipicephalus microplus larvae outbreak population on artificially infested grass
Authors: Marciano A. F. , Golo P. S. , Coutinho‐Rodrigues C. J. B. , Camargo M. G. , Fiorotti J. , Mesquita E. , Corrêa T. A. , Perinotto W. M. S. , Bittencourt V. R. E. P.
Published: April 2020

Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini, 1887 (Arachnida: Ixodidae) is a mandatory bloodsucking ectoparasite, and it is considered one of the main sanitary problems in livestock. In the development of new technologies for controlling ticks, Metarhizium anisopliae complex (M. anisopliae s. l.) Sorokın, 1883 (Ascomycota: Clavicipitaceae) have been shown to be an effective and safe alternative. However, when applied in the field, abiotic factors may directly influence their microbial activity, and different oily adjuvants enhance fungal efficacy, stability and viability under environmental conditions. Here, the efficacy of two Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. isolates (CG 148 and CG 347) were compared in mineral oil (MO) or vegetable oil (VO) emulsions to control cattle ticks under semi‐natural conditions, as well as their persistence in the soil over time. Engorged female ticks were placed on the soil of grass pots previously treated or not with conidial oil‐in‐water emulsions. Both M. anisopliae s.l. oil‐in‐water emulsions tested were able to control R. microplus, achieving up to 100% daily efficacy, and remained viable in the soil for up to 60 days after treatment. These results show the prospective applicability of Metarhizium spp. to control the cattle tick and a real possibility for its control in the environment.
Predicting use of high‐flow nasal cannula therapy following extubation in paediatrics
Authors: White Deborah K. , Daubney Esther S. , Harvey Mark E. , Kayani Riaz , Pathan Nazima
Published: April 2020

Background

High‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is widely used for respiratory support within paediatrics, most commonly used as a supportive measure in acute respiratory failure, aiming to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). It is increasingly being used following extubation of critically ill children potentially at a higher risk of requiring re‐intubation. Less data indicate the use for post‐extubation HFNC therapy or possible clinical outcomes of this therapy.

Aims and objectives

To identify reasons for, and variables to predict, the use of HFNC therapy post‐extubation.

Design

This was a retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

All children admitted to a nine‐bedded regional paediatric intensive care unit requiring IMV between 18 December 2017 and 28 November 2018 were identified. The demographic data and bedside clinical and laboratory variables of the patients requiring HFNC therapy were compared with those who did not require HFNC.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the median age and weight of children receiving HFNC therapy post‐extubation compared with children not receiving it. In a logistic regression model, the highest ventilation (peak inspiratory pressure) and oxygen requirements in the first 24 hours of admission, along with the presence of comorbidity and use of HFNC therapy prior to intubation, predicted the use of HFNC following extubation, (r2 0.42, area under the receiver operating curve 0.843, P < .0001).

Conclusions

The direct correlation between high initial ventilatory requirements and pre‐existing comorbidity was significant for the use of post‐extubation HFNC therapy. This may be useful to stratify children in the use of HFNC therapy post‐extubation in the critically ill population.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides evidence that it may be possible to predict the use of HFNC therapy post‐extubation. Avoiding unnecessary use of this therapy improves patient care while providing a positive economic impact.
An Eight‐Year Follow‐Up Study on the Treatment of Single‐Level Cervical Spondylosis Through Intervertebral Disc Replacement and Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
Authors: Guo Hao , Sheng Jun , Sheng Wei‐Bin , Liang Wei‐Dong , Wang Jian , Xun Chuan‐Hui
Published: April 2020

Objective

To compare the efficacy and safety of the postoperative long‐term effect of the treatment of single‐level cervical spondylosis through anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and artificial cervical disc replacement (ACDR).

Methods

This is a retrospective contrastive study, which was conducted for the period of January 2007 and January 2009 at the Department of Spine Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. A total of 113 patients were divided into two groups depending on the operation method: ACDF group (fusion group, n = 66) and ACDR group (replacement group, n = 47). The ACDR group comprised of 23 males and 24 females. The age of these patients ranged from 31–60 years, with an average age of 42.89 ± 6.30 years. The ACDF group comprised of 38 males and 28 females. The age of these patients ranged from 28–73 years old, with an average age of 49.38 ± 9.89 years old. The evaluation index included the visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), range of motion, dysphagia, adjacent vertebral disease, and related complications (prosthesis displacement, heterotopic ossification, etc.).

Results

A total of 113 patients met the inclusion criteria, and these patients receive more than 96 months of follow‐up. The VAS and NDI of these two groups of patients significantly improved, when compared with those before the operation. In the last follow‐up visit, the range of motion in the ACDR group and ACDF group was 43.22 ± 3.58 and 32.54 ± 2.82, respectively, and both are significantly different comparing to the values measured before the operation (P < 0.05). The dysphagia incidence of the ACDR group was higher than that of the ACDF group at the 36th month, but was lower than that of the ACDF group in other points time. In the last follow‐up visit, six patients (12.77%) in the ACDR group and 18 patients (27.27%) in the ACDF suffered from adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). The general complication rate in the replacement group and fusion group was 38.31% and 37.88%, respectively, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, the clinical efficacy and related complication rate of single‐level cervical spondylosis after an anterior cervical approach operation was superior in the ACDR group when compared to the ACDF group.
How do sexual expression, reproductive phenology and reproductive success relate to sexual systems in Fissidens Hedw. (Fissidentaceae)? A case study comparing two different sexual systems in mosses
Authors: dos Santos W. L. , Maciel‐Silva A. S. , Pôrto K. C.
Published: April 2020

Reproductive performance is known to differ between co‐sexual and non‐co‐sexual species. Thus, our aim was to determine whether: (i) the distance between sex structures is negatively associated with sex expression; (ii) male gametangia take longer to mature in rhizautoicous species than in gonioautoicous species; and (iii) the gonioautoicous sexual system has greater reproductive success (i.e. percentage of ramets with sporophyte) than the rhizautoicous sexual system.

One population each of the mosses Fissidens scariosus and F. submarginatus, rhizautoicous and gonioautoicous, respectively, in a remnant of Atlantic Forest in Brazil were sampled monthly from September 2016 until August 2017. The number and phenophases of antheridia, archegonia and sporophytes were analysed for each species. Sexual expression and reproductive success were calculated, and reproductive phenology compared across environmental variables.

As expected, sexual expression was significantly higher for the gonioautoicous species, which produced antheridia throughout the year and archegonia over many months, while gametangia production by the rhizautoicous species occurred only during the rainy season. Mean number of gametangia per perigonium and perichaetium were slightly higher for the rhizautoicous species (6.84 antheridia; 11.38 archegonia) than for the gonioautoicous species (4.39; 7.62). Gametangia and sporophyte production in the rhizautoicous species were markedly seasonal compared to that of the gonioautoicous species, although reproductive success did not differ.

Therefore, we infer that the rhizautoicy (i.e. a functional dioicy) promotes lower expression of gametangia compared to gonioautoicy but is more efficient and so obtains the same reproductive success.
The effect of emotional communication on infants' distinct prosocial behaviors
Authors: Walle Eric A. , Reschke Peter J. , Main Alexandra , Shannon Roisin M.
Published: April 2020

Discrete emotions convey distinct relational meanings that inform the response of a social partner, such as how to help. Although prosocial behaviors can take different forms and are observed in a variety of contexts across development, distinct forms of helping are often studied in forced‐choice settings in limited emotional contexts. This study examined the prevalence of three prosocial behaviors (instrumental helping, comforting, and indirect helping) by 16‐, 19‐, and 24‐month‐old infants in response to situations involving an experimenter reacting emotionally (anger, disgust, fear, sadness, and joy) to an event (a broken toy; an unknown object). Instrumental helping was more prevalent in response to sadness than fear, anger, disgust, and joy, with instrumental helping in joy contexts emerging at 24 months. Conversely, comforting was largely absent in joy and disgust contexts in comparison to the other emotional contexts and increased overall with age. Indirect helping was rarely observed in response to disgust and joy and was most frequent in response to sadness. Furthermore, both 24‐ and 19‐month‐olds were more likely to engage in indirect helping compared with 16‐month‐olds. This study supports the view that infant prosocial behavior is influenced by emotional cues and that distinct forms of helping emerge gradually in infancy.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a lung transplant recipient presenting with memory impairment: Case report and literature review
Authors: Crowhurst Thomas , Koszyca Barbara , Holmes Mark , Holmes‐Liew Chien‐Li
Published: April 2020

Background

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by JC virus (JCV). The disease occurs in the setting of significant immunocompromise and has now been reported in many different settings, although only very rarely after lung transplantation. The mortality rate is high and therapeutic options are limited.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 66‐year‐old man who presented with non‐specific memory disturbance at 19 months after lung transplantation for chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He had required methylprednisolone for acute allograft rejection but achieved good graft function. Physical examination was unremarkable. CT revealed hypodensity in the left frontal lobe. MR demonstrated significant hyperintense white‐matter abnormalities on T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, mainly focused on the periventricular region adjacent the frontal horn of the left lateral ventricle. Brain biopsy confirmed PML. The patient had his immunosuppression reduced but then developed antibody‐mediated rejection four months later. Despite re‐escalation of immunosuppression, he remains neurologically stable on mirtazapine at eight months post‐diagnosis.

Conclusions

This very rare case highlights the challenges presented by PML, especially in the lung transplant population. It reveals the difficult balance between reducing immunosuppression to protect the brain versus prevention of lung allograft rejection. It clearly highlights the need for improved therapeutic modalities.
Seroprevalence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever among three selected risk human groups in disease‐endemic region of Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Furqan , Shabbir Muhammad Zubair , Ashraf Kamran , Ali Muzaffar , Yaqub Saima , Mukhtar Nadia , Zafar Khan Adnan , Tahir Zarfishan , Yaqub Tahir
Published: April 2020

The occurrence of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in humans is linked with animals living in close vicinity, and information on the incidence of CCHF at the human–animal interface is scarce. Therefore, the current study was designed to identify the high‐risk groups of individuals linked with animals in the Chakwal district of Pakistan having a history of CCHF cases in humans. In subject matter, coupled with risk factor analysis, we performed a sero‐based CCHF surveillance in three selected risk groups of humans including abattoir workers (n = 137), milkmen (n = 169) and animal handlers (n = 147). Sera samples and questionnaire‐based data were collected from each of the participants and screened for anti‐CCHFV IgG antibodies using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The highest seroprevalence was observed in animal handlers (n = 14, 9.52%, 95% CI: 4.68–13.99) followed by abattoir workers (n = 9, 6.57%, 95% CI: 2.42–10.72) and milkmen (n = 3, 1.78%, 95% CI: 0.24–4.24). The risk of seropositivity was significantly associated with humans linked with tick‐infested animals (OR: 11.0, 95% CI: 1.5–83.0, p = .002), old age >40 years (OR: 6.6, 95% CI: 2.7–16.0, p < .0001), illiteracy (OR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.5–13.0, p = .004) and humans without knowledge about CCHF (OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.8–33.0, p = .0009). The findings of the current study highlighted the seroprevalence of CCHF in high‐risk groups of humans living in a disease‐endemic area of Pakistan and highlight the need for well‐integrated disease surveillance in the future to better comprehend disease control interventions.
A Novel, Contactless, Portable “Spot-Check” Device Accurately Measures Respiratory Rate
Authors: Daw William , Kingshott Ruth N. , Saatchi Reza , Burke Derek , Evans Robert , Holloway Alan , Travis Jon , Jones Anthony , Hughes Ben , Elphick Heather E.
Published: April 2020

Respiratory rate (RR) is an important vital sign used in the initial and ongoing assessment of acutely ill patients. It is also used as a predictor of serious deterioration in a patient's clinical condition. Convenient electronic devices exist for measurement of pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and temperature. Although devices which measure RR exist, none has entered everyday clinical practice. We have developed a contactless portable respiratory rate monitor (CPRM) and evaluated the agreement in respiratory rate measurements between existing methods and our new device. The CPRM uses thermal anemometry to measure breath signals during inspiration and expiration. RR data were collected from 52 healthy adult volunteers using respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) bands (established contact method), visual counting of chest movements (established noncontact method), and the CPRM (new method), simultaneously. Two differently shaped funnel attachments to the CPRM were evaluated for each volunteer. Data showed a good agreement between measurements from the CPRM and the gold standard RIP, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.836, mean difference 0.46 and 95% limits of agreement of −5.90 to 6.83. When separate air inlet funnels of the CPRM were analyzed, stronger agreement was seen with an elliptical air inlet; ICC 0.908, mean difference 0.37 with 95% limits of agreement −4.35 to 5.08. A contactless device for accurately and quickly measuring respiratory rate will be an important triage tool in the clinical assessment of patients. More testing is needed to explore the reasons for outlying measurements and to evaluate in the clinical setting.
Reflection of Thermoelastic Waves From the Insulated Surface of a Solid Half-Space With Time-Delay
Authors: Sarkar Nihar , De Soumen , Das Narayan , Sarkar Nantu
Published: April 2020

This paper is devoted to study the reflection of thermoelastic plane waves from the thermally insulated stress-free boundary of a homogeneous, isotropic and thermally conducting elastic half-space. A new linear theory of generalized thermoelasticity under heat transfer with memory-dependent derivative (MDD) is employed to address this study. It has been found that three basic waves consisting of two sets of coupled longitudinal waves and one independent vertically shear-type wave may travel with distinct phase speeds. The formulae for various reflection coefficients and their respective energy ratios are determined in case of an incident coupled longitudinal elastic wave at the thermally insulated stress-free boundary of the medium. The results for the reflection coefficients and their respective energy ratios for various values of the angle of incidence are computed numerically and presented graphically for copper-like material and discussed.