bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ingestion of an exogenous ketone monoester improves the glycemic response during oral glucose tolerance test in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance: A cross‐over randomized trial
Authors: Nakagata Takashi , Tamura Yoshifumi , Kaga Hideyoshi , Sato Motonori , Yamasaki Nozomu , Someya Yuki , Kadowaki Satoshi , Sugimoto Daisuke , Satoh Hiroaki , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

As a low‐carbohydrate diet and the use of sodium–glucose transporter‐2 inhibitors are both known to increase D‐beta‐hydroxybutyrate levels, the effect of these levels on glucose metabolism has attracted attention. We investigated the acute effects of ketone monoester (KM) ingestion on blood glucose levels during the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in participants with impaired glucose tolerance.

Materials and Methods

Nine Japanese adults aged 48–62 years (4 men, 5 women) with impaired glucose tolerance participated in this study. After participants fasted overnight, we carried out OGTT for 180 min with and without KM ingestion on two separate days in a randomized cross‐over design. We compared the area under the curve (AUC) of D‐beta‐hydroxybutyrate, glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon and free fatty acids during OGTT.

Results

The AUC of D‐beta‐hydroxybutyrate during OGTT was significantly higher with KM than without KM (KM 5995.3 ± 1257.1 mmol/L·h; without KM 116.1 ± 33.9 mmol/L·h, P < 0.0001), and the AUC of glucose with KM was significantly lower than that without KM (KM 406.6 ± 70.6 mg/dL·h; without KM 483.2 ± 74.3 mg/dL·h, P < 0.0001). This improved glucose excursion was associated with enhanced AUC of insulin during the first half (0–90 min) of OGTT, even though the AUC of C‐peptide during this period was unchanged. In contrast, the AUC of insulin, C‐peptide, glucagon and free fatty acids during 180 min of OGTT were similar in both conditions.

Conclusion

The ingestion of KM decreased the AUC of glucose during 75‐g OGTT in Japanese individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, and the mechanism might involve elevated levels of circulating early phase insulin.
CEO EXTRAVERSION AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE DECISIONS: THE ROLE OF FIRM DYNAMICS, PRODUCT MARKET COMPETITION, AND FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Lartey Theophilus , Kesse Kwabena , Danso Albert
Published: October 2020

Using panel data of U.S. firms, we focus on an important yet understudied facet of the chief executive officer's (CEO) personality—extraversion—and how it affects corporate capital structure decisions. We examine how this relation is moderated by financing (tax) benefits, financial crisis, firm size, growth opportunities, and collateralization. The results show that firms managed by extraverted CEOs use greater financial leverage, adjusting toward target leverage levels at a faster speed, with about half‐life within a year for book and market leverage. In addition, the positive extraversion–leverage relation is enhanced for firms that are large, have greater collateralizable assets, and are more vulnerable to external shocks (financial crisis). Last, although the positive extraversion–leverage relation holds particularly when product market competition is high, the effect is attenuated for high‐growth opportunity firms.
DO WELL‐CONNECTED BOARDS INVEST OPTIMALLY IN R&D ACTIVITIES?
Authors: Iyer Subramanian R. , Sankaran Harikumar , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2020

Researchers have argued that the uncertainty surrounding innovative activities causes firms to either underinvest or overinvest in research and development (R&D). We examine whether the information gained by boards through directors’ connections helps mitigate such distortions. We find that an increase in directors’ connections has an asymmetric impact on under‐ and overinvesting firms. R&D expenditures are shown to increase with board connections. Such increases in R&D intensity exacerbate the extent of overinvestment, resulting in a loss in future market‐to‐book value. The increase in R&D intensity, however, reduces underinvestment only among firms with higher than average R&D productivity. We find that increased director busyness is one cause of overinvestment.
Investigation of curcumin emulsion stability and gastrointestinal digestion prepared with rapeseed oil body
Authors: He Shenghua , Zhou Sanjiu , Guo Weiyun , Wang Yonghui , Liu Chunhong , Wang Rongchun , Xiao Fugang
Published: October 2020

In this study, rapeseed oil bodies (RPOBs) were used to prepare curcumin emulsions (CEs) in order to investigate their stability and gastrointestinal. The results showed that particle size significantly reduced (p < .05) with increasing RPOBs concentrations from 1.0 to 6.0 wt%. Additionally, CEs showed good stability at pH 2.0–10.0. However, CEs were instable at salt concentration ranging from 100 to 500 mM and at temperatures between 35 and 95°C. CE fat droplet size after 30 min of digestion time exhibited a remarkable increase (p < .05) compared with other times. Upon exposure to simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) conditions, CEs particle sizes gradually decreased with increasing digestion time. Then, 56% curcumin and 40 μmol/ml free fatty acids were produced from CEs after 180 min digestion time under SIF conditions.

Practical applications

Our findings indicate that rapeseed oil bodies as a novel carrier can be applied for the delivery‐controlled release of lipophilic bioactive compounds from emulsions during gastrointestinal digestion.
The role of dietitian clinical judgement in the nutrition care process within the acute care setting: a qualitative study
Authors: Vo R. , Smith M. , Patton N.
Published: October 2020

Background

Dietitian clinical decision making in the acute care setting likely incorporates a practitioner’s clinical judgement to effectively support patient care. The term ‘dietitian clinical judgement’ is well used in clinical practice, yet is poorly defined and often used interchangeably with other concepts. The aim of this research was to describe the nature of dietitians’ clinical judgement in the acute care setting.

Methods

A qualitative design within the interpretative paradigm was used guided by principles of philosophical hermeneutics. Dietitians with at least 3 years experience were invited to participate in two 60‐min in‐depth semi‐structured interviews which were recorded, transcribed and interpreted using hermeneutic principles. A reference group was used to increase rigour and further interpretation of the findings.

Results

Ten dietitians participated in the interviews and five of these same participants in the reference focus group. The findings revealed clinical judgement to be a sophisticated practitioner dependent meta‐reasoning process that helps the dietitian manage complexity, guide interpersonal interactions and individualise patient care. It is characterised by tacit and efficient use of various reasoning strategies reliant on the dietitian’s clinical experience, used to synthesise and weigh up various types of information and knowledge with respect to delivering context‐relevant care.

Conclusions

Dietitian clinical judgement is a necessary part of clinical decision making that extends beyond logical or critical thinking. It facilitates a person‐centredness to patient care and professional relationships that are key dimensions to dietitian clinical decision making. These findings provide training and professional development insights to managers, educators and supervisors.
Promotion of professional quality of life through reducing fears of compassion and compassion fatigue: Application of the Compassionate Mind Model to Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (Health Visiting) training
Authors: McVicar Andrew , Pettit Ann , Knight‐Davidson Pamela , Shaw‐Flach Adelle
Published: October 2020

Aims and Objectives

To identify whether a Compassionate Mind Model‐based curriculum reduces students’ perceived fears of compassion and improves their professional well‐being.

Background

Enabling compassion is mandatory within nurse education but evidencing it is challenging. Research suggests that application of the Compassionate Mind Model might reduce students’ fears of compassion and also decrease compassion fatigue. This study reports outcomes of a post‐registration curriculum based on that model for training Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (Health Visiting).

Design

A quantitative, prospective evaluation of a 12‐month training course for Health Visiting students. Reporting was guided by the STROBE checklist for observational studies.

Methods

Fears of compassion scales were applied at course start (time 1), mid‐point (time 2; +6 months) and end (time 3; +12 months) to evaluate fears of compassion of 26 post‐registration student Health Visitors (81% of course cohort) who provided data at all three points. The Professional Quality of Life tool was administered simultaneously to evaluate compassion satisfaction and burnout/secondary traumatic stress (compassion fatigue).

Results

Between time 1 and time 3, mean fears of compassion scores decreased by 16.6‐48.5% (repeated measures analysis of variance); mid‐point scores were intermediary. At time 3, compassion satisfaction had increased slightly (+4.1%), negatively correlated with fears of compassion for self (r = −0.602; p = .001; n = 26) and fears of receiving compassion from others (r = −0.568; p = .002; n = 26). Burnout score decreased by 18.7%, correlated positively with fear of compassion for self (r = 0.493; p = .011; n = 26) and fear of receiving compassion from others (r = 0.615; p = .001; n = 26). Secondary traumatic stress score decreased by 16.5% but was not correlated with any fear of compassion.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that application of the Compassionate Mind Model might reduce practitioners’ fears of compassion linked to a decrease in risk of compassion fatigue.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Compassionate Mind Model could provide an effective vehicle to promote compassion and nurse well‐being.
‘The desire for a harmonious interaction’: A qualitative study of how healthcare professionals in community‐based dementia teams perceive their role in reaching and supporting family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds
Authors: Gulestø Ragnhild , Halvorsrud Liv , Bjørge Heidi , Lillekroken Daniela
Published: October 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore how healthcare professionals in community‐based dementia teams perceive their role in reaching and supporting family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds when caring for a family member suffering from dementia or cognitive impairment.

Background

Despite increased focus on barriers to accessing the dementia healthcare service for family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds, the lack of knowledge on how to address these barriers in order to reach and support this group is evident.

Design

The study has a qualitative, explorative design. The principles of consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were applied for reporting methods and findings.

Methods

Based on data from semi‐structured interviews (n = 9) conducted in two large Norwegian municipalities, a thematic analysis influenced by Braun and Clarke was used. The analytical findings draw on Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical concepts of field, habitus and capital.

Findings

‘The desire for a harmonious interaction’ was identified as an overarching theme. However, while desirable, the analysis shows that healthcare professionals in community‐based dementia teams do not always succeed in reaching and supporting family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds. The study reveals that the dementia healthcare service is a complex, normative and sometimes rigid system that requires a number of distinct attributes to navigate.

Conclusions

The different social structures within the dementia healthcare service can both create and retain barriers that prevent family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds from receiving support on their own terms.

Relevance to clinical practice

A practical implication of allowing critical reflection on the dementia healthcare service is that it provides opportunities for discussion. Healthcare professionals in community‐based dementia teams need to reflect on how normative ideals and ‘taken‐for‐granted’ mindsets can affect their ability to reach and support family caregivers from minority ethnic backgrounds.
Nurses’ perspectives on climate change, health and nursing practice
Authors: Kalogirou Maya R. , Dahlke Sherry , Davidson Sandra , Yamamoto Shelby
Published: October 2020

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore Canadian nurses’ perspectives on climate change, health, nursing practice and the relationships between these concepts.

Background

Climate change negatively impacts human health. With a mandate to promote health, nurses have a professional and ethical responsibility to address climate change. Little is known about Canadian nurses’ perspectives on climate change or how they perceive of their professional responsibility towards addressing it.

Methods

A focused ethnography was conducted in three medicine units and the emergency room at a Canadian hospital. Nurses (n = 22) participated in semi‐structured interviews, and observations were collected. Data were analysed via thematic analysis. Reporting is in accordance with the COREQ guideline.

Results

Three themes were identified: muddled terminology, climate change and health, and nursing's relationship to climate change.

Conclusion

Participants had varying levels of knowledge about climate change and its relationship to health or practice. Climate change was a personal concern, and nursing's role in addressing it was not understood.

Relevance to Practice

This study highlighted that practising nurses did not readily recognise their role in addressing climate change. More work is needed to clarify this role and bring it into the consciousness of every‐day nursing practice. Furthermore, more work is needed to examine how healthcare organisations can better support environmentally responsible nursing practice.
‘The Lynchpin of the Acute Stroke Service’—An envisioning of the scope and role of the advanced nurse practitioner in stroke care in a qualitative study
Authors: Laird Elizabeth Ann , McCauley Claire , Ryan Assumpta , Beattie Alison
Published: October 2020

Background

Stroke prevalence is rising internationally. Advanced practice nursing is established across many jurisdictions; however, its contribution to stroke services is under research.

Aim

To gain insights into the future scope and role of future advanced nurse practitioners in stroke care from the perspectives of key stakeholders.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach.

Methods

Interviews were conducted in 2019 with a purposive sample of 18 participants, comprising stroke nurses, stroke unit managers, stroke survivors and their family carers, recruited in one UK healthcare trust. The research is reported in line with COREQ. Data were analysed in accordance with an inductive content analysis approach.

Results

The abstraction process generated four main themes. These were ‘The lynchpin of the acute stroke service’, ‘An expert in stroke care’, ‘Person and family focussed’ and ‘Preparation for the role’.

Conclusion

These findings offer new perspectives on the potential scope and role of advanced nurse practitioners in stroke service delivery. Further research should focus on how to address the challenges confronted by advanced nurse practitioners when endeavouring to engage in autonomous clinical decision‐making.

Impact

Study findings may advance postregistration education curricula, clinical supervision models and research directions.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is support for the implementation of advanced practice nursing in the hyperacute and acute stroke phases of the care pathway. An interprofessional model of clinical supervision has potential to support the developing advanced nurse practitioner in autonomous clinical decision‐making.
Development of an in vitro model of the dentogingival junction using 3D organotypic constructs
Authors: Lu Emily Ming‐Chieh , Hobbs Carl , Ghuman Mandeep , Hughes Francis J.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The overall aim was to propose a plausible model of the dentogingival junction (DGJ) to deepen our understanding of the extrinsic influences responsible for the development of the junctional epithelial phenotype. The specific objective was to test the hypothesis that epithelial migration and proliferation would be inhibited by periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts in an in vitro model of the DGJ consisting of 3D organotypic cultures.

Background

Previously, we showed that 3D organotypic cultures containing human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) supported the development of a multi‐layered epithelium, while constructs containing human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLF) resulted in epithelial atrophy (Lu EMC, Hobbs C, Dyer CJ, Ghuman M, Hughes FJ. J Perio Res., 2020). However, changes in epithelial phenotype have not been studied within an in vitro model of the DGJ.

Methods

The in vitro model of the DGJ comprised of a donor HGF construct (H400 epithelium overlying HGF‐collagen matrix) supported by a dimensionally larger recipient collagen bed enriched with HPDLF. Samples were harvested, fixed and processed for immunohistochemistry. The changes in epithelial migration and proliferation following contact with HPDLF were assessed by measuring the horizontal extension of the epithelial outgrowth on the recipient collagen matrix.

Results

Within our in vitro model of the DGJ, epithelial migration and proliferation were inhibited following contact with the recipient HPDLF. By contrast, the control set‐up showed a relative increase in epithelial growth, where the epithelium came into contact with the recipient HGF. Overall, there were limited changes in the molecular expression of keratin markers.

Conclusion

This study has proposed a plausible in vitro model of the DGJ to illustrate the role of different fibroblasts in the regulation of dentogingival epithelia. Furthermore, it suggests that the anatomical positional stability of the JE and its apparent resistance to apical migration could be associated with its interaction with the PDL.
Aventriculi associated with holoprosencephaly in a dog
Authors: Barnard Laura , Durand Alexane , Blume Lauren , Lee Laura , Cameron Starr
Published: October 2020

Case Description

A 10‐month‐old neutered male mixed breed dog was presented for assessment of poorly controlled seizures.

Clinical Findings

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed complete absence of the lateral and third ventricles and mesencephalic aqueduct. Postmortem computed tomographic (CT) imaging and positive contrast cisterno‐ventriculography confirmed the lack of a contiguous ventricular system. However, histopathology identified the presence of vestigial lateral and third ventricles with hypoplastic choroid plexus, atresia of the third ventricle, and fused thalami, consistent with a diagnosis of lobar holoprosencephaly (HPE).

Clinical Relevance

To our knowledge, this report is the first case of radiographically confirmed aventriculi associated with HPE, a rare congenital malformation previously reported in people, to be described in veterinary medicine.
Left ventricular M‐mode prediction intervals in 7651 dogs: Population‐wide and selected breed‐specific values
Authors: Esser Lilith Carla , Borkovec Martin , Bauer Alexander , Häggström Jens , Wess Gerhard
Published: October 2020

Background

Echocardiography is a common method to measure heart size in dogs. The heart dimensions are influenced by body weight (BW) and potentially by breed.

Objectives

To establish BW‐dependent prediction intervals (PIs) of the left ventricular (LV) linear dimensions in a population of dogs of many breeds in multicenter environment, and to identify breeds deviating from these intervals.

Dogs

Seven thousand six hundred and fifty‐one dogs.

Methods

Retrospectively, data from heart screens conducted between 2009 and 2016 were included. Cardiac dimensional PIs were generated using allometric scaling including all nonsighthound dogs and values were compared to previously published PIs. The values measured in dogs of respective breeds, including sighthounds, were then compared to the overall nonsighthound PIs to identify deviant breeds. The interobserver‐variability of the measurements was determined using the explained residual variance.

Results

Prediction intervals for the nonsighthound dogs were in agreement with previously published cardiac PIs, although the upper limits of the generated PIs of our study were slightly below those currently applied (except the interventricular septum in systole and the left ventricular free wall in diastole below 10.0 kg and 15.0 kg, respectively). Values measured in the nonsighthound breed Newfoundland deviated for most dimensions. Most of the sighthound breeds analyzed had greater cardiac dimensions, with the exception of the Irish Wolfhound.

Conclusion and Importance

Findings of our study reinforces the value of BW‐dependent PIs for cardiac dimensions in dogs and suggest that these PIs are valid for most nonsighthound breeds, but not the sighthound breeds.
Risk factors for enterococcal bacteriuria in dogs: A retrospective study
Authors: Wood Michael W. , Lepold Adam , Tesfamichael Dahlia , Lasarev Michael R.
Published: October 2020

Background

In humans,Enterococcusspp. urinary tract infections (UTI) are commonly associated with urinary catheter‐induced urothelial inflammation but this is not the case in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To identify risk factors predisposing dogs to enterococcal bacteriuria.

Animals

Seventy dogs withEnterococcusspp. bacteriuria (case) and 70 dogs withEnterococcus colibacteriuria (control).

Methods

A single center retrospective case‐control study with subjects and controls identified by a medical records search forEnterococcusspp. (subject) orE coli(control) bacteriuria from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. Cases and controls were balanced with respect to average age and weight. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate and test whether the odds of havingEnterococcusspp. bacteriuria (instead ofE coli) were associated with the presence of any given characteristic.

Results

A history of recurrent bacteriuria was significantly more common inEnterococcusspp. cases than inE colicontrols (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04‐4.16,P= .04). Comorbidities associated with the presence ofEnterococcusspp. bacteriuria included lower urinary tract (LUT) anatomic abnormalities (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.17‐8.10,P= .02), urolithiasis (P= .01), and the presence of LUT neoplasia (P= .04). Small frequencies (n = 12 and n = 6, respectively) compromise our ability to precisely estimate the genuine OR for the latter 2 characteristics.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

If the identified risk factors promoteEnterococcusspp. colonization in dogs via induced LUT inflammation similar to people thenEnterococcusspp. bacteriuria could be a sentinel for underlying LUT inflammation.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in drug‐resistant idiopathic epilepsy of dogs: A noninvasive neurostimulation technique
Authors: Charalambous Marios , Van Ham Luc , Broeckx Bart J. G. , Roggeman Tom , Carrette Sofie , Vonck Kristi , Kervel Roelof R. , Cornelis Ine , Bhatti Sofie F. M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been assessed in epileptic humans, clinical trials in epileptic dogs can provide additional insight.

Objectives

Evaluate the potential antiepileptic effect of rTMS in dogs.

Animals

Twelve client‐owned dogs with drug‐resistant idiopathic epilepsy (IE).

Methods

Single‐blinded randomized sham‐controlled clinical trial (dogs allocated to active or sham rTMS) (I) and open‐labeled uncontrolled clinical trial (dogs received active rTMS after sham rTMS) (II). Monthly seizure frequency (MSF), monthly seizure day frequency (MSDF), and number of cluster seizures (CS) were evaluated for a 3‐month pre‐TMS and post‐rTMS period and safety was assessed. The lasting effect period of rTMS was assessed in each dog treated by active stimulation using the MSF ratio (proportion of post‐TMS to pre‐rTMS MSF) and treatment was considered effective if the ratio was <1.

Results

No adverse effects were reported. In trial I, MSF and MSDF decreased significantly (P= .04) in the active group (n = 7). In the sham group (n = 5), no significant changes were found (P= .84 and .29, respectively). Cluster seizures did not change significantly in either group. No significant differences were detected between the groups. In trial II, previously sham‐treated dogs (n = 5) received active rTMS and significant decreases in MSF and MSDF were noted (P= .03 and .008, respectively). The overall effect of rTMS lasted for 4 months; thereafter, the MSF ratio was >1.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation may be a safe adjunctive treatment option for dogs with drug‐resistant IE, but large‐scale studies are needed to establish firm conclusions.
Predicting antimicrobial susceptibility from the bacterial genome: A new paradigm for one health resistance monitoring
Authors: McDermott Patrick F. , Davis James J.
Published: October 2020

The laboratory identification of antibacterial resistance is a cornerstone of infectious disease medicine. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing has long been based on the growth response of organisms in pure culture to a defined concentration of antimicrobial agents. By comparing individual isolates to wild‐type susceptibility patterns, strains with acquired resistance can be identified. Acquired resistance can also be detected genetically. After many decades of research, the inventory of genes underlying antimicrobial resistance is well known for several pathogenic genera including zoonotic enteric organisms such as Salmonella and Campylobacter and continues to grow substantially for others. With the decline in costs for large scale DNA sequencing, it is now practicable to characterize bacteria using whole genome sequencing, including the carriage of resistance genes in individual microorganisms and those present in complex biological samples. With genomics, we can generate comprehensive, detailed information on the bacterium, the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, clues to its source, and the nature of mobile DNA elements by which resistance spreads. These developments point to a new paradigm for antimicrobial resistance detection and tracking for both clinical and public health purposes.
Fossoriality in a risky landscape: badger sett use varies with perceived wolf risk
Authors: Diserens T. A. , Bubnicki J. W. , Schutgens E. , Rokx K. , Kowalczyk R. , Kuijper D. P. J. , Churski M.
Published: October 2020

Many medium‐sized carnivores are fossorial and use burrow systems to reduce predation risk or avoid predators. But fossorial species cannot stay safely underground forever, and they must also risk emerging overground, to forage and find mates. To make this trade‐off effectively and maximize their own fitness, it is imperative they assess how predation risk varies in space and time, and adapt their denning behaviour accordingly. We used European badger (Meles meles) burrows (setts) in Białowieża Forest, Poland as a model for investigating how the denning behaviour of a fossorial mesocarnivore varies across gradients of landscape scale perceived risk imposed by wolves (Canis lupus) and humans, defined as wolf space use and distance to settlements, respectively. We monitored seventeen setts with varying levels of perceived human and wolf risk with camera traps for two months to study three denning behaviours: frequency of badger sett use, frequency of badger sett sharing with other mesocarnivore species and badger emergence time. Frequency of sett use varied relative to perceived wolf but not human risk. Setts in the highest risk areas were used ca. 60% less often than those in the lowest perceived risk areas, and setts with juveniles were only present in areas of lower perceived risk. Food availability, quantified as earthworm abundance in an area of 2.1 km2 around setts, did not affect the frequency setts were used. Emergence time and frequency of sett sharing with other mesocarnivores, which have been proposed to be anti‐predator strategies, did not vary with either perceived risk factor. These results show fossorial species can adapt their use of burrows to the prevailing risk landscape and suggest burrows deserve more attention in studies on the ecological impacts of apex predators.
Bre1 and Ubp8 regulate H2B mono‐ubiquitination and the reversible yeast‐hyphae transition in Candida albicans
Authors: Zhu Wencheng , Fan Xueyi , Zhao Qun , Xu Yinxing , Wang Xiongjun , Chen Jiangye
Published: October 2020

The reversible yeast‐hyphae transition of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is tightly linked to its pathogenicity. In this study, we show that histone H2B mono‐ubiquitination (H2Bub) at lysine 123 was maintained at a low level in the yeast state, whereas it increased significantly during yeast‐to‐hyphae transition and decreased when hyphae converted to yeast. The increased H2Bub level is correlated with activation of the hyphal program. H2B ubiquitination and deubiquitination are dynamically regulated by the E3 ligase Bre1 and the deubiquitinase Ubp8 during the reversible yeast‐hyphae transition. The functions of Bre1 and Ubp8 in hypha‐specific gene (HSG) regulation appears to be direct because both are recruited to the coding regions of HSGs during hyphal induction. The sequential recruitment of Bre1 and Ubp8 to HSGs coding regions is important for the initiation and maintenance of HSG expression. Additionally, Ubp8 contributes to the pathogenicity of C. albicans during early infection in a mouse model. Our study is the first to link H2B ubiquitination to the morphological plasticity and pathogenicity of the human fungal pathogen C. albicans and shed light on potential antifungal treatments.
Reflections on the lived experience of working with limited personal protective equipment during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Iheduru‐Anderson Kechi
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has placed significant strain on United States’ health care and health care providers. While most Americans were sheltering in place, nurses headed to work. Many lacked adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), increasing the risk of becoming infected or infecting others. Some health care organizations were not transparent with their nurses; many nurses were gagged from speaking up about the conditions in their workplaces. This study used a descriptive phenomenological design to describe the lived experience of acute care nurses working with limited access to PPE during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 28 acute care nurses via telephone, WebEx, and Zoom. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The major theme, emotional roller coaster, describes the varied intense emotions the nurses experienced during the early weeks of the pandemic, encompassing eight subthemes: scared and afraid, sense of isolation, anger, betrayal, overwhelmed and exhausted, grief, helpless and at a loss, and denial. Other themes include: self‐care, ‘hoping for the best’, ‘nurses are not invincible’, and ‘I feel lucky’. The high levels of stress and mental assault resulting from the COVID‐19 crisis call for early stress assessment of nurses and provision of psychological intervention to mitigate lasting psychological trauma.
Findings from a mixed‐methods pragmatic cluster trial evaluating the impact of ethics education interventions on residential care‐givers
Authors: Gallagher Ann , Peacock Matthew , Williams Emily , Zasada Magdalena , Cox Anna
Published: October 2020

There has been little previous research regarding the effectiveness of ethics education interventions for residential care‐givers. The Researching Interventions to Promote Ethics in social care project responded to the question: Which is the most effective ethics education intervention for care‐givers in residential social care? A pragmatic cluster trial explored the impact of three ethics education interventions for: (a) interactive face‐to‐face ethics teaching; (b) reflective ethics discussion groups; and (c) an immersive simulation experience. There was also a control arm (d). 144 trial participants were recruited from 39 residential care homes for older people in southern England. Change scores compared across intervention arms showed a significant reduction in work‐related moral stress in the teaching arm compared with control group (p = .03); there were no significant differences between control and intervention arms in change scores for moral sensitivity, interpersonal reactivity (empathy) or ethical leadership. Qualitative data themes were as follows: ethical care; care challenges; and ethical care inhibitors. Overall findings stimulate reflection on the value of three different ethics education interventions and the most appropriate means to evaluate their impact. Findings suggest the complexity and diverse nature of ethical competence in care. We suggest a way forward for research evaluating ethics education.
Resistance to human immunodeficiency virus infection: a rare but neglected state
Authors: Tamalet Catherine , Devaux Christian , Dubourg Gregory , Colson Philippe
Published: October 2020

The natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is well understood. In most individuals sexually exposed to HIV, the risk of becoming infected depends on the viral load and on sexual practices and gender. However, a low percentage of individuals who practice frequent unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV‐infected partners remain uninfected. Although the systematic study of these individuals has made it possible to identify HIV resistance factors including protective genetic patterns, such epidemiological situations remain paradoxical and not fully understood. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV‐free, unexposed blood donors are not equally susceptible to HIV infection; in addition, PBMCs from highly exposed seronegative individuals are generally resistant to infection by primary HIV clinical isolates. We review the literature on permissiveness of PBMCs from healthy blood donors and uninfected hyperexposed individuals to sustained infection and replication of HIV‐1 in vitro. In addition, we focus on recent evidence indicating that the gut microbiota may either contribute to natural resistance to or delay replication of HIV infected individuals.
Comparative proteomic analysis reveals novel potential virulence factors of Aeromonas veronii
Authors: Yang Bin‐Tong , Sun Yu‐Feng , Cao Li‐Nan , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Zhou Jin‐Hua , Li Ya‐Nan , Sun Wu‐Wen , Wang Gui‐Qin , Shan Xiao‐Feng , Kang Yuan‐Huan , Qian Ai‐Dong
Published: October 2020

Aeromonas veronii is an important zoonotic and aquatic pathogen. An increasing number of reports indicate that it has caused substantial economic losses in the aquaculture industry, in addition to threatening human health. However, little is known about its pathogenesis. Exploration of new virulence factors of A. veronii would be helpful for further understanding its pathogenesis. Hence, we comparatively analyzed the proteomes of virulent, attenuated, and avirulent strains of A. veronii using tandem mass tag (TMT) protein labeling and found numerous proteins either up‐ or downregulated in the virulent strain. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed that these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were involved mainly in pathways associated with bacterial chemotaxis and microbial metabolism in diverse environments. Furthermore, the expression levels of lysine decarboxylase, endoribonuclease, maltoporin, pullulanase, and aerolysin were positively correlated with the virulence of the strains, suggesting that their function may be closely related to the virulence of A. veronii. The results of qRT‐PCR and multiple reaction monitoring for some DEPs were consistent with the results of TMT protein labeling. These results suggest that these DEPs may be novel potential virulence factors and will help to further understand the pathogenesis of A. veronii.
Spherization of red blood cells and platelet margination in COPD patients
Authors: Zouaoui Boudjeltia Karim , Kotsalos Christos , de Sousa Daniel Ribeiro , Rousseau Alexandre , Lelubre Christophe , Sartenaer Olivier , Piagnerelli Michael , Dohet‐Eraly Jérôme , Dubois Frank , Tasiaux Nicole , Chopard Bastien , Van Meerhaeghe Alain
Published: October 2020

Red blood cells (RBCs) in pathological situations undergo biochemical and conformational changes, leading to alterations in rheology involved in cardiovascular events. The shape of RBCs in volunteers and stable and exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients was analyzed. The effects of RBC spherization on platelet transport (displacement in the flow field caused by their interaction with RBCs) were studied in vitro and by numerical simulations. RBC spherization was observed in COPD patients compared with volunteers. In in vitro experiments at a shear rate of 100 s−1, treatment of RBCs with neuraminidase induced greater sphericity, which mainly affected platelet aggregates without changing aggregate size. At 400 s−1, neuraminidase treatment changes both the size of the aggregates and the number of platelet aggregates. Numerical simulations indicated that RBC spherization induces an increase of the platelet mean square displacement, which is traditionally linked to the platelet diffusion coefficient. RBCs of COPD patients are more spherical than healthy volunteers. Experimentally, RBC spherization induces increased platelet transport to the wall. Additional studies are needed to understand the link between the effect of RBCs on platelet transport and the increased cardiovascular events observed in COPD patients.
Melatonin's antioxidant properties protect plants under salt stress
Authors: Michard Erwan , Simon Alexander A.
Published: October 2020

This article comments on: Melatonin improves rice salinity stress tolerance by NADPH oxidase‐dependent control of the plasma membrane K+ transporters and K+ homeostasis
Abnormal dynamics of functional connectivity in first‐episode and treatment‐naive patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Liu Junhong , Li Xiaoming , Xue Kangkang , Chen Yuan , Wang Kaiyu , Niu Qihui , Li Youhui , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang
Published: October 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the whole‐brain dynamic functional connectivity of first‐episode and treatment‐naive patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and to investigate the clinical correlations of abnormal changes in dynamic functional connectivity.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients in our hospital diagnosed with first‐episode OCD and 29 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education were included in our study. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed on a 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance scanner in our hospital. Three temporal metrics of connectivity state expression were calculated: (i) fraction of time; (ii) mean dwell time; and (iii) number of transitions. The Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale was used to assess the severity of OCD symptoms.

Results

In the comparison of dynamic functional connectivity indicators, we found that there were significant differences in the number of transitions among the four functional connectivity states but no significant differences in the fraction of time or the mean dwell time. The total Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale score was positively correlated with the number of transitions. In the validation analysis, when the size of the sliding window changed, there was still a significant difference in the number of transitions between OCD patients and healthy controls.

Conclusion

The functional networks of OCD patients have lost the correct dynamic rhythm, which may be considered as a potential marker for OCD and for new directions for its intervention.
Coats plus syndrome (cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts‐1): A case report
Authors: Morgado Francisca , Batista Mariana , Moreno Ana , Coutinho Inês
Published: October 2020

We present a 6‐year‐old girl with skin hyperpigmentation, leukoplakia, and onychodystrophy, the classic mucocutaneous triad usually associated with dyskeratosis congenita. The patient also had premature graying of the hair, bone marrow failure, hepatitis, exudative retinopathy, osteopenia with multiple long bone fractures, and intracranial calcifications and brain cysts. Coats plus syndrome is a rare disease with a clinical and genetic overlap with dyskeratosis congenita. This disease is reviewed, with a focus on the pathogenesis of the genetic anomalies and its background as a telomere biology disorder.
PLACK syndrome resulting from a novel homozygous variant in CAST
Authors: Boggs Jennifer M. E. , Irvine Alan D.
Published: October 2020

PLACK syndrome (OMIM 616295) is a form of generalized peeling skin syndrome (GPSS; OMIM 270300). It is an autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by pathogenic mutations in CAST, which encodes calpastatin, an endogenous specific inhibitor of calpain, a calcium‐dependent cysteine protease. We present a 5‐year‐old girl diagnosed with PLACK syndrome with typical clinical features and homozygosity for a novel variant.
Depressive symptoms among mothers of children with psoriasis—A case‐control study
Authors: Żychowska Magdalena
Published: October 2020

Background/Objectives

Childhood psoriasis is known to have a negative impact on caregivers' quality of life (QoL). The prevalence of depression among caregivers of children with psoriasis has not been fully studied. The aim of this case‐control study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in mothers of children with psoriasis.

Methods

Sixty mothers caring for a child with psoriasis were identified. The control group consisted of 60 age‐ and gender‐matched children with nevi and their mothers. The severity of psoriasis was analyzed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). The QoL of each child was evaluated using Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) or Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Mothers completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). BDI score of ≥10 points was considered to be indicative of depression.

Results

Mothers of children suffering from psoriasis achieved significantly higher scores in the BDI questionnaire when compared to mothers in the control group (7.3 ± 6.91 points vs 2.75 ± 3.46 points, respectively; P = .000005). More mothers in the study group demonstrated depressive features on BDI compared to controls (n = 14 psoriasis and n = 3 control, respectively; P = .009). BDI score did not correlate with any of the child's scores including severity of the child's psoriasis and the impact of psoriasis on child's QoL.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates high levels of depressive symptoms among mothers of children with psoriasis. Presence of emotional disturbances among caregivers should be taken into consideration in the integrated approach to childhood dermatological disorders.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, fibrosarcomatous variant: A rare tumor in children
Authors: Chicaud Matthieu , Frassati‐Biaggi Annonciade , Kaltenbach Sophie , Karanian Marie , Orbach Daniel , Fraitag Sylvie
Published: October 2020

Fibrosarcomatous transformation of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is associated with a significantly worse prognosis in adults, but is a very rare feature in the pediatric population. Here, we report a case that occurred in a child. The diagnosis of fibrosarcomatous transformation of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was confirmed by a histopathological assessment and fluorescence in situ hybridization. A comparison with eleven other patients reported in the literature revealed that the local recurrence and mortality rates in children are similar to those observed in adults.
Study on illness perceptions of Chinese rural‐dwelling adults with hypertension: A descriptive study
Authors: Yang Lili , Winslow Betty , Huang Jingying , Zhou Na
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the levels of illness perception and identify interrelations among the variables of illness perception, demographic, and health‐related characteristics in a sample of rural Chinese adults with hypertension (HTN).

Design

This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study using descriptive and correlation analysis.

Sample

It included 163 people diagnosed with HTN for at least 3 years who lived in two rural villages in Zhejiang Province of mainland China during 2014–2015.

Measurements

Illness perception was measured by the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised. Demographic and illness characteristics were collected by the researcher. Weight, height, and blood pressure (BP) were, respectively, measured by calibrated scale and digital sphygmomanometers.

Results

The findings showed that the BP control rate was 28.80% in the village. The highest average item score found in timeline (3.98 ± 0.76) and control (3.29 ± 0.67) subscales indicated that rural Chinese adults believe in the chronicity and controllability of HTN. Negative illness representation presented the lowest mean item score (2.64) suggesting that the participants neither perceive symptom variation of the illness nor their illness as serious. Interrelations existed among the illness perception variables with variation from that in other previous study. The cause of HTN was attributed to balance factors, psychological factors, risk factors, and cultural factors in sequence. Age, education, body mass index, and household annual income were correlated with illness perception.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that misconceptions about HTN perception existed among rural adults in the villages. Comprehensive health education program is needed to increase rural adults' knowledge and management of HTN.
Photoprotection and optimization of sucrose usage contribute to faster recovery of photosynthesis after water deficit at high temperatures in wheat
Authors: Correia Pedro M. P. , da Silva Anabela B. , Roitsch Thomas , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Marques da Silva Jorge
Published: October 2020

Plants are increasingly exposed to events of elevated temperature and water deficit, which threaten crop productivity. Understanding the ability to rapidly recover from abiotic stress, restoring carbon assimilation and biomass production, is important to unravel crop climate resilience. This study compared the photosynthetic performance of two Triticum aestivum L. cultivars, Sokoll and Paragon, adapted to the climate of Mexico and UK, respectively, exposed to 1‐week water deficit and high temperatures, in isolation or combination. Measurements included photosynthetic assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, in vitro activities of Rubisco (EC 4.1.1.39) and invertase (INV, EC 3.2.1.26), antioxidant capacity and chlorophyll a fluorescence. In both genotypes, under elevated temperatures and water deficit (WD38°C), the photosynthetic limitations were mainly due to stomatal restrictions and to a decrease in the electron transport rate. Chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters clearly indicate differences between the two genotypes in the photoprotection when subjected to WD38°C and showed faster recovery of Paragon after stress relief. The activity of the cytosolic invertase (CytINV) under these stress conditions was strongly related to the fast photosynthesis recovery of Paragon. Taken together, the results suggest that optimal sucrose export/utilization and increased photoprotection of the electron transport machinery are important components to limit yield fluctuations due to water shortage and elevated temperatures.