bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of oxidative stress on AIF‐mediated apoptosis and bovine muscle tenderness during postmortem aging
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhang Jiaying , Guo Zhaobin , Shi Xixiong , Zhang Yubin , Zhang Li , Yu Qunli , Han Ling
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to explore the effect exerted by oxidative stress on apoptosis‐inducing factors (AIF)‐mediated apoptosis and bovine muscle tenderness during postmortem aging. We investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, mitochondrial membrane permeability, AIF expression level, nucleus apoptosis, shear force, myofibril fragmentation index, pH, and energy level. According to the results, a rise in ROS content was accompanied by the rise in mitochondrial membrane permeability from 6 to 72 hr. In the meantime, the AIF expression in mitochondria was downregulated significantly within 72 hr. However, samples treated with N‐acetylcysteine had significantly lower ROS content (6 to 72 hr) and mitochondrial membrane permeability (12 to 72 hr) than the control group. Moreover, during postmortem aging, the variations in AIF levels in mitochondria were closely associated with meat tenderization and nucleus apoptosis. These findings demonstrated that oxidative stress induced by ROS significantly promoted AIF release from mitochondria by enhancing the mitochondrial membrane permeability, and the released AIF mediated nucleus apoptosis that further enhanced bovine muscle tenderness. Besides, results suggest that in the early stage, the environmental factors (ATP content and pH) significantly decreased (0 to 72 hr), whereas ROS‐induced oxidative stress had no significant effect on environmental factors. These observations further suggested that during postmortem aging, the decrease of pH and ATP consumption are required by AIF release. We conclude that ROS‐induced oxidative stress and internal environment are vital for meat tenderization through the regulation of AIF‐mediated apoptosis pathway.

Practical Application

ROS‐induced oxidative stress contributes to bovine muscle tenderization by promoting cell apoptosis. It is likely to lay a theoretical foundation for developing innovative tenderization techniques by altering the internal oxidation environment of postmortem muscles.
Transition to high‐dose or strong opioids: a population‐based study of people initiating opioids in Australia
Authors: Lalic Samanta , Gisev Natasa , Bell J. Simon , Ilomäki Jenni
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

Strong and high‐dose opioids are associated with opioid overdose and death. The objective of this study was to determine the rate and predictors of transitioning to high‐dose or strong opioids among people initiating opioids.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

People initiating opioid analgesics from July 2013 to January 2018 were identified from a random 10% sample of Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme eligible population.

Measurements

Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the predictors of escalating to ≥ 50 mg oral morphine equivalents (OMEs)/day (cohort 1); ≥ 90 mg OMEs/day (cohort 2) and transitioning from weak opioids to strong opioids (cohort 3) over 12 months of follow‐up. Predictors included age, sex, number of comorbidities, history of depression, prior treatment for cancer and selected other medication use.

Findings

In total, 861 691 people initiated opioids at average doses < 50 mg OMEs/day (cohort 1), 874 401 at < 90 mg OMEs/day (cohort 2) and 603 884 initiated weak opioids (cohort 3). Overall, 1.4% of people escalated to doses ≥ 50 mg OMEs/day, 0.8% to doses ≥ 90 mg OMEs/day and 7.3% transitioned to strong opioids. The strongest predictors of transitioning included prior treatment for cancer [cohort 1: HR = 3.19, 95% CI = 3.00–3.40; cohort 2: HR = 4.19, 95% CI = 3.90–4.51; cohort 3: HR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.95–2.18] and age ≥ 75 years (cohort 1: HR = 3.04, 95% CI = 2.73–3.38; cohort 2: HR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.17–2.89; cohort 3: HR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.80–1.96). Females transitioned to high doses and strong opioids less rapidly than males (cohort 1: HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.76–0.82; cohort 2: HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.66–0.73; cohort 3: HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93–0.96).

Conclusions

In Australia, more than one in every 13 people initiating weak opioids transition to strong opioids. By extrapolation, more than 26 000 Australian adults initiating opioids escalate to high doses each year. People with cancer treatment history, older people and males transition to strong and high‐dose opioids more rapidly than others.
Antimicrobial effectiveness of grape seed extract against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy analysis
Authors: Fiallos Nicole de Mello , Cecchin Doglas , de Lima Carolina Oliveira , Hirata Raphael , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Sassone Luciana Moura
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of 6.5% Vitis vinifera grape seed extract (GSE) against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Saline solution (SS), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) were used for comparison. Dentin discs were inoculated with E. faecalis strain establishing a 3‐week‐old biofilm. Discs (n = 10) were exposed to 5.25% NaOCl, 2% CHX, 6.5% GSE and SS (negative control) for 10 min. Discs were stained with the fluorescent LIVE/DEAD‐BacLight™ dye and analysed using CLSM. The proportion of dead cells in biofilm was analysed using one‐way anova and Tukey tests (P < 0.05). A higher proportion of dead cells was found in GSE group compared with CHX and SS (P < 0.05). NaOCl group was associated with the highest proportion of dead cells (P < 0.05). GSE presented antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis; however, NaOCl was the most effective irrigant solution. GSE was more effective than CHX and SS.
Laser‐assisted diagnosis of symptomatic cracks in teeth with cracked tooth: A 4‐year in‐vivo follow‐up study
Authors: Sapra Ashita , Darbar Arun , George Roy
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a near‐infrared diode laser could be used as an adjunct to help identify and localise symptomatic cracks in patients with cracked tooth. An 810‐nm diode laser at 1 W continuous wave energy with a 200 micro‐fibre tip was used to scan the offending tooth. Crack identified during the laser scan was removed, restored and reviewed after four weeks and after 4 years. The laser was able to significantly (P = 0.0001) identify suspected cracked teeth from non‐cracked control teeth. Of the twelve patients examined, ten participants experienced discomfort as the laser passed over a crack line. At 4‐week and 4‐year recall, a majority of the ten treated patients responded positively to the management of crack. This study showed that diode laser could be an adjunctive tool for early detection and management of symptomatic cracks with the possibility of improving long‐term survival.
Effectiveness and safety of the conversion to MeltDose® extended‐release tacrolimus from other formulations of tacrolimus in stable kidney transplant patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Sánchez Fructuoso Ana , Ruiz Juan Carlos , Franco Antonio , Diekmann Fritz , Redondo Dolores , Calviño Jesús , Serra Nuria , Aladrén María José , Cigarrán Secundino , Manonelles Ana , Ramos Ana , Gómez Gonzalo , González Posada José Manuel , Andrés Amado , Beneyto Isabel , Muñiz Andrés López , Perelló Manel , Lauzurica Ricardo
Published: December 2019

Tacrolimus is the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation. Its narrow therapeutic window mandates serum level strict monitoring and dose adjustments to ensure the optimal risk‐benefit balance. This observational retrospective study analyzed the effectiveness and safety of conversion from twice‐daily immediate‐release tacrolimus (IR‐Tac) or once‐daily prolonged‐release tacrolimus (PR‐Tac) to the recent formulation once‐daily MeltDose® extended‐release tacrolimus (LCP‐Tac) in 365 stable kidney transplant recipients. We compared kidney function three months before and three months after the conversion. Three months after conversion, the total daily dose was reduced ~35% (P < .0001), and improved bioavailability and stable serum LCP‐Tac concentrations were observed. There was no increase in the number of patients requiring tacrolimus dose adjustments after conversion. Renal function was unaltered, and no cases of BPAR were reported. Reports of tremors, as collected in the clinical histories for each patient, decreased from pre‐conversion (20.8%) to post‐conversion (11.8%, P < .0001). LCP‐Tac generated a cost reduction of 63% compared with PR‐Tac. In conclusion, the conversion strategy to LCP‐Tac from other tacrolimus formulations in stable kidney transplant patients showed safety and effectiveness in a real‐world setting, confirming the data from RCTs. The specific pharmacokinetic properties of LCP‐Tac could be potentially advantageous in patients with tacrolimus‐related adverse events.
How did a lower drink‐drive limit affect bar trade and drinking practices? A qualitative study of how alcohol retailers experienced a change in policy
Authors: Sumpter Colin , Mohan Andrea , McKell Jennifer , Lewsey James , Emslie Carol , Fitzgerald Niamh
Published: December 2019

Introduction and Aims

Reducing the legal drink‐drive limit from 0.08% to 0.05% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can reduce road traffic accidents and deaths if properly enforced. Reduced limits may be opposed by alcohol retail and manufacturing industries on the basis of commercial impact. Our aim was to qualitatively explore how a reduction in the drink‐drive limit from 0.08% to 0.05% BAC in Scotland, was experienced by bar owners or managers, including any resultant changes in customer drinking or business practice. This is the first study of this type.

Design and Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 owners and managers of on‐trade premises in Scotland in 2018, approximately three years after the drink‐drive limit was reduced. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Most participants reported no long‐term financial impact on their business, but a few, mainly from rural areas, reported some reduction in alcohol sales. Observed drinking changes included fewer people drinking after work or leaving premises earlier on weekdays. Adaptations to businesses included improving the range of no/low‐alcohol drinks and food offered. Changes such as these were seen as key to minimising economic impact.

Discussion and Conclusions

Opposition to legislative measures that impact on commercial interests is often strong and receives significant public attention. This study found that Scottish businesses that adapted to the drink‐drive limit change reported little long‐term economic impact. These findings are of international relevance as potential BAC limit reductions in several other jurisdictions remain the subject of debate, including regarding the impact on business.
Combined CO2 laser and photodynamic therapy enhances the efficacy of treatment of basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Ferrara Francesca , Lacava Rossella , Barisani Alessia , Messori Stefano , Patrizi Annalisa , Bardazzi Federico , Vaccari Sabina
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives

In selected cases, conventional photodynamic therapy (C‐PDT) is a valid alternative to surgery for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, it is limited to superficial BCCs. Pretreatment of BCCs with ablative lasers may enhance its efficacy. We evaluated the C‐PDT and CO2 laser combination therapy for the treatment of superficial and nodular BCCs.

Patients and methods

In this prospective, interventional, monocentric study, patients affected by BCC were treated with CO2 laser therapy, using a continuous superpulsed CO2 laser for nodular BCCs and a fractional CO2 laser for superficial BCCs. All patients were subsequently treated with photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolevulinate cream and an Aktilite CL128® (Galderma) lamp.

Results

32 patients (20 males, 12 females) aged from 45 to 96 years (with a total of 181 BCCs) were treated using a CO2 laser combined with C‐PDT. A 100 % cure rate was achieved at three months, with no signs of relapse in 97.2 % of the cases during the mean follow‐up period (10.7 months, range 4 to 18 months). We observed mild adverse reactions and good aesthetic results.

Conclusions

We recommend this combination therapy in selected cases, based on its high efficacy, good aesthetic results and few side effects.
Thirteen‐year trends in the prevalence of diabetes in an urban region of Switzerland: a population‐based study
Authors: de Mestral C. , Stringhini S. , Guessous I. , Jornayvaz F. R.
Published: December 2019

Aim

To assess trends in prevalence of total and diagnosed diabetes, and in the probability of detecting undiagnosed diabetes in the Swiss population.

Methods

The Bus Santé study is an annual cross‐sectional study of adults residing in Geneva state, Switzerland. We included 8532 participants (51% women) from the years 2005 to 2017, when fasting plasma glucose data became available. Total diabetes was defined as the sum of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes, while diagnosed diabetes was defined as having a previous diagnosis, and undiagnosed diabetes as having fasting plasma glucose level of ≥7 mmol/l and no previous diagnosis. We calculated the probability of finding undiagnosed diabetes among participants without a diagnosis. We examined for linear and quadratic trends, grouping survey years into five survey periods.

Results

In total, 711 diabetes cases were identified over 13 years. The age‐ and gender‐standardized prevalence of total diabetes decreased between the periods 2005–2009 and 2012–2013 from 9.6% (95% CI 8.3, 10.9) to 7.1% (95% CI 5.8, 8.4), but increased to 8.6% (95% CI 7.3%, 9.9%) by 2016–2017 (P‐quadratic <0.01). For diagnosed diabetes, the prevalence decreased between 2005–2009 and 2014–2015 from 8.3% (95% CI 7.0%, 9.5%) to 6.1% (95% CI 5.0%, 7.2%), but increased slightly again to 7.0% (95% CI 5.8%, 8.2%) by 2016–2017 (P‐quadratic = 0.01). Men generally had a higher prevalence of total and diagnosed diabetes than women, except in 2016–2017, when the prevalence of total diabetes was 9.5% (95% CI 7.6, 11.5) among men and 7.7% (95% CI 6.0, 9.5) among women (P >0.05). The probability of finding undetected diabetes among participants without a diabetes diagnosis decreased slightly between 2005–2009 and 2012–2013 from 1.5% (95% CI 0.9, 2.0) to 1.0% (95% CI 0.5, 1.5), but increased afterwards to 1.7% (95% CI 1.0, 2.3) by 2016–2017 (P‐quadratic = 0.06); in 2016–2017, it was 2.6% (95% CI 1.5, 3.7) among men and 0.7% (95% CI 0.1, 1.3) among women (P <0.01).

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes has remained relatively constant over time. However, the probability of finding undetected cases of diabetes in the population without diabetes may be increasing among men.
Overcoming the Valley of Death: A Design Innovation Perspective
Authors: Klitsie Joannes Barend , Price Rebecca Anne , De Lille Christine Stefanie Heleen
Published: December 2019

In large organizations, innovation activities often take place in separate departments, centers, or studios. These departments aim to produce prototypes of solutions to the problems of operational business owners. However, too often these concepts remain in the prototype stage: they are never implemented and fall into what is popularly termed the Valley of Death.

A design approach to innovation is presented as a solution to the problem. However, practice shows that teams that use design nevertheless encounter implementation challenges due to the larger infrastructure of the organization they are part of. This research aims to explore which organizational factors contribute to the Valley of Death during design innovation. An embedded multiple case study at a large heritage airline is applied. Four projects are analyzed to identify implementation challenges. A thematic data analysis reveals organizational design, departmental silos, and dissimilar innovation strategies contribute to the formation of, and encounters with, the Valley of Death. Arising resource‐assignment challenges that result from these factors are also identified. Materialization, user‐centeredness, and holistic problem framing are identified as design practices that mitigate encounters with the Valley of Death, thus leading to projects being fully realized.
Agricultural intensification drives changes in hybrid network robustness by modifying network structure
Authors: Morrison Beth M. L. , Brosi Berry J. , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: December 2019

Within ecological communities, species engage in myriad interaction types, yet empirical examples of hybrid species interaction networks composed of multiple types of interactions are still scarce. A key knowledge gap is understanding how the structure and stability of such hybrid networks are affected by anthropogenic disturbance. Using 15,169 interaction observations, we constructed 16 hybrid herbivore‐plant‐pollinator networks along an agricultural intensification gradient to explore changes in network structure and robustness to local extinctions. We found that agricultural intensification led to declines in modularity but increases in nestedness and connectance. Notably, network connectance, a structural feature typically thought to increase robustness, caused declines in hybrid network robustness, but the directionality of changes in robustness along the gradient depended on the order of local species extinctions. Our results not only demonstrate the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on hybrid network structure, but they also provide unexpected insights into the structure‐stability relationship of hybrid networks.
Unmasking continental natal homing in goliath catfish from the upper Amazon
Authors: Hauser Marília , Duponchelle Fabrice , Hermann Theodore W. , Limburg Karin E. , Castello Leandro , Stewart Donald J. , Torrente‐Vilara Gislene , García‐Vásquez Aurea , García‐Davila Carmen , Pouilly Marc , Pecheyran Christophe , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Renno Jean‐François , Moret Arthur S. , Doria Carolina R. C.
Published: December 2019

Amazonian goliath catfishes are widespread in the Amazon Basin. Recently, otolith 87Sr:86Sr analyses using laser ablation–multi‐collector–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS) revealed a >8,000 km trans‐Amazonian natal homing in Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii among fish caught and hatched in the largest Amazon River tributary, the upper Madeira basin. Although also suspected for fish in the upper Amazon, homing could not be demonstrated owing to less distinct environmental 87Sr:86Sr gradients along the Amazon mainstem. Using scanning X‐ray fluorescence microscopy (SXFM), a separate study provided evidence that Se:Ca and Sr:Ca are useful markers for identifying migration into Andean headwaters and the estuarine environment.

We analysed otoliths of known 87Sr:86Sr profiles using SXFM mapping to test if Sr:Ca and Se:Ca patterns could demonstrate natal homing for three fish caught in the upper Amazon, using as reference two individuals that were natal homers and two forced residents (hatched after the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River) from the upper Madeira River.

As hypothesised, although the Sr isotope profiles of the upper Amazon individuals were uninformative, two of them presented similar alternating mirror patterns of Sr:Ca and Se:Ca to those of the upper Madeira natal homers, indicating migrations out of the Andean region and into the estuary area. Both were therefore natal homers from the upper Amazon.

The third individual from the upper Amazon presented similar Sr:Ca and Se:Ca patterns to those of the upper Madeira residents, suggesting it was a natural resident from the upper Amazon.

By combining the results of 87Sr:86Sr analyses (LA‐MC‐ICPMS) and Sr:Ca and Se:Ca mappings (SXFM) that are completely independent of one another, we demonstrated that B. rousseauxii also performs natal homing in the upper Amazon. Our results indicate that the life cycle of B. rousseauxii is more complex than previous literature hypothesised, with the existence of partial migration, even in absence of physical barriers. Quantifying the relative importance of these different life‐history strategies will have important implications for fisheries management. Our results also lay the groundwork for conservation efforts in the context of hydropower development in the Amazon Basin and set testable hypotheses of the potential impacts of the Madeira River dams.
The microbially driven formation of siderite in salt marsh sediments
Authors: Lin Chin Yik , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Krylov Alexey , Antler Gilad
Published: December 2019

We employ complementary field and laboratory‐based incubation techniques to explore the geochemical environment where siderite concretions are actively forming and growing, including solid‐phase analysis of the sediment, concretion, and associated pore fluid chemistry. These recently formed siderite concretions allow us to explore the geochemical processes that lead to the formation of this less common carbonate mineral. We conclude that there are two phases of siderite concretion growth within the sediment, as there are distinct changes in the carbon isotopic composition and mineralogy across the concretions. Incubated sediment samples allow us to explore the stability of siderite over a range of geochemical conditions. Our incubation results suggest that the formation of siderite can be very rapid (about two weeks or within 400 hr) when there is a substantial source of iron, either from microbial iron reduction or from steel material; however, a source of dissolved iron is not enough to induce siderite precipitation. We suggest that sufficient alkalinity is the limiting factor for siderite precipitation during microbial iron reduction while the lack of dissolved iron is the limiting factor for siderite formation if microbial sulfate reduction is the dominant microbial metabolism. We show that siderite can form via heated transformation (at temperature 100°C for 48 hr) of calcite and monohydrocalcite seeds in the presence of dissolved iron. Our transformation experiments suggest that the formation of siderite is promoted when carbonate seeds are present.
Factors that influence the oral impact on daily performance of older people in Brazil: A cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , de Almeida Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas , de Lucena Edson Hilan Gomes , Probst Livia Fernandes , Cavalcante Denise de Fatima Barros , Frias Antônio Carlos , Bulgareli Jaqueline Vilela , Pereira Antônio Carlos
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate factors that influence the oral health‐related quality of life of older people (65 years and over) in Brazil.

Background

Population‐based studies should be conducted to support health‐planning interventions.

Materials and methods

Data from the São Paulo State Survey on Oral Health (SBSP‐2015), which consisted of 5951 individuals, were used. A theoretical‐conceptual model was built based on the impact of family socio‐economic characteristics, individual social‐demographic features and self‐perceived and clinical oral health status on the oral impact on daily performance (OIDP). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was conducted at 5% significance level. Statistically significant variables included within the adjusted logistic regression model entered the multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).

Results

Oral health impact on daily activities was observed in 34.6% of older people. Characteristics significantly related to impact on OIDP score were as follows: family income up to R$ 500 (OR = 2.73), self‐perceived treatment need (OR = 1.33), self‐perceived toothache (OR = 1.52), self‐perception of denture replacement need (OR = 1.27), dissatisfaction (OR = 1.50) or very dissatisfied (OR = 2.57) with own oral health, partial lower denture use (OR = 1.34) and needing partial lower dentures (OR = 1.28). Increased number of people living in the same house (B = 0.05, OR = 1.06), number of bedrooms in the house (B = −0.10, OR = 0.90), age (B = −0.03, OR = 0.97) and number of teeth needing treatment (B = 0.08, OR = 1.08) contributed significantly to OIDP.

Conclusion

Prevalence of OIDP of older people in the state of São Paulo was related to factors other than their clinical and self‐perceived oral health status.
Geology ‘far from the madding crowd’, along the northern border of Vietnam
Authors: Williams Mark , Komatsu Toshifumi , Duc Phong Nguyen , Harvey Tom , Vandenbroucke Thijs
Published: December 2019

To the north of Hanoi, about a day's drive by car, lies Ha Giang Province, the northernmost region of Vietnam. Ha Giang is remote from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and beyond its eponymous provincial capital towards the border with China, mountains rise quickly to Quan Ba, ‘Heaven's Gate’. The mountains form an uneven landscape of steep‐sided karst rising from deep river‐cut gorges and form a formidable barrier on the northern frontier of Vietnam. Beyond ‘Heaven's Gate’ lies the little travelled region of Dong Van, with its majestic mountains of Palaeozoic strata rising precipitously to the sky. Here, a century ago, the French geologists Henri Mansuy and Jacques Deprat documented early finds of fossils from lower Palaeozoic strata on the border with China.
The effect of native and polymerised whey protein isolate addition on surface and microstructural properties of processed cheeses and their meltability determined by Turbiscan
Authors: Nastaj Maciej , Terpiłowski Konrad , Sołowiej Bartosz G.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and polymerised whey protein isolate (WPP) addition on physicochemical properties of processed cheese with partial fat replacement. Surface properties were determined by advancing (θa) and receding (θr) contact angles, apparent free surface energy (γs). Roughness measurements, cheese meltability and Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) were evaluated by Turbiscan. Higher WPP concentrations produced the more hydrophobic surfaces of the samples. Conversely, increase in WPI addition promoted the hydrophilic cheese surfaces. The effect of roughness was much larger for samples containing WPI. The increase in protein addition caused a decrease in meltability and an increase in stability of cheeses. The optical and confocal images have proved that cheeses with WPP demonstrated more packed and denser structure in comparison to samples with WPI.
Irradiation‐induced brittle‐to‐ductile transition in α‐quartz
Authors: Ravinder R. , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Rajesh , Vangla Prashanth , Krishnan N. M. Anoop
Published: December 2019

Silicate materials such as quartz and silica glass are inherently brittle in nature. Here, using atomistic simulations, we demonstrate that the quartz crystal exhibits a brittle‐to‐ductile transition when irradiated. We show that the nanoscale plasticity observed in the irradiated structure is reminiscent of metal‐like plasticity, which is neither observed in the isochemical crystalline or glassy structure. Invoking an energy landscape approach, we demonstrate that the local atomic self‐organization facilitated by the shallow energy landscape is at the origin of this plastic behavior. Overall, the results suggest that the irradiation could be a methodology to induce a ductile transition in materials that are otherwise brittle.
The impact of an mHealth app on knowledge, skills and anxiety about dressing changes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chang Hsiao‐Yun , Hou Ya‐Ping , Yeh Fu‐Hao , Lee Su‐Shin
Published: December 2019

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile health (mHealth) application, based on self‐regulation theory, on patients’ knowledge of wound care, skills in changing dressings and anxiety.

Design

A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Seventy patients (or family members) at a 1,500‐bed university hospital in Taiwan were randomized into an experimental (N = 35) or control group (N = 35) from March to December 2016. The experimental group used a mHealth application for wound care; the control group received verbal instructions and a booklet. Instruments to collect data were a wound care knowledge scale, wound care skills scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a digital heart variability device. Data were collected at baseline, after three additional demonstrations and before discharge. The generalized estimating equation was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The experimental group showed significantly higher levels of wound care knowledge, improved wound care skills, lower levels of state anxiety, and lower heart rate variability than the control group after baseline data collection.

Conclusions

Results support hat a mHealth application may be effective in health education. Clinicians can use the results to promote patients’ wound care knowledge, enhance their wound care skills, and reduce anxiety related to dressing changes.

Impact

Lack of wound care knowledge and skills can affect the willingness and ability to perform effective wound dressing changes, producing anxiety and having an impact on a patient's self‐care after hospital discharge. mHealth applications (apps) have the potential to deliver health information in targeted and tailored ways that strengthen the self‐management of diseases. mHealth app can increase wound care knowledge, improve care skills, and reduce anxiety related to wound care. mHealth app effectively supports self‐monitoring of the wound healing process, self‐judgement of the wound condition, and self‐reaction of wound care accuracy. mHealth app provides step‐by‐step visual tutorials on wound care that allow patients and family caregivers to take pictures of the wounds and monitor the wound healing process. mHealth app for wound care knowledge is an effective and individualized method for learning.

Clinical Trial: This study was registered by U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03683303).
Effect of hypertension status on the association between sleep duration and stroke among middle‐aged and elderly population
Authors: Hu Lihua , Huang Xiao , Zhou Wei , You Chunjiao , Li Juxiang , Li Ping , Wu Yanqing , Wu Qinghua , Wang Zengwu , Gao Runlin , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu
Published: December 2019

We aimed to examine whether hypertension status modified the association between sleep duration and stroke among middle‐aged and elderly population. This cross‐sectional study included 10 516 participants aged ≥45 years from the China Hypertension Survey study. Sleep duration and history of stroke were assessed by questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, a generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) and a two‐piecewise logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and stroke in different status of hypertension. 95% confidence interval (CI) for turning point was obtained by bootstrapping. Multiple logistic analyses showed that per 1 hour increase in sleep duration was associated with a 37% increased prevalence of stroke among participants without hypertension and associated with a 8% increased prevalence of stroke among hypertensive participants (without hypertension: odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09‐1.71; with hypertension: OR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.95‐1.21; PInteraction = .029). The fully adjusted smooth curves presented a linear association between sleep duration and stroke among participants without hypertension, but a threshold, nonlinear association among hypertensive participants. The turning point for the curve was found at a sleep duration of 8 (95% CI 5‐9) h among hypertensive patients. The ORs (95% CIs) for stroke were 0.92 (0.79, 1.06) and 1.60 (1.23, 2.08) to the left and right of the turning point, respectively. In conclusion, we found a linear association between sleep duration and stroke among middle‐aged and elderly participants without hypertension, but a threshold, nonlinear association among hypertensive participants.
The use of finger foods in care settings: an integrative review
Authors: Heelan M. , Prieto J. , Roberts H. , Gallant N. , Barnes C. , Green S.
Published: December 2019

Background

Reduced food intake is prevalent in people in residential and hospital care settings. Little is known about the use of finger foods (i.e. foods eaten without cutlery) with respect to increasing feeding independence and food intake. The Social Care Institute for Excellence (Malnutrition Task Force: State of the Nation, 2017) recommends the use of finger foods to enable mealtime independence and to prevent loss of dignity and embarrassment when eating in front of others. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate the existing literature regarding the use and effectiveness of finger foods among adults in health and social care settings.

Methods

An integrative review methodology was used. A systematic search of electronic databases for published empirical research was undertaken in October 2018. Following screening of titles and abstracts, the full texts of publications, which investigated outcomes associated with the provision of finger foods in adult care settings, were retrieved and assessed for inclusion. Two independent investigators conducted data extraction and quality assessment using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. Thematic analysis was used to summarise the findings.

Results

Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified: Finger food menu implementation; Importance of a team approach; Effect on nutrition; and Influence on wellbeing. Study designs were poorly reported, with small sample sizes.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that the provision of finger foods may positively affect patient outcomes in long‐term care settings. There is a paucity of research evaluating the use of a finger food menu in acute care settings, including economic evaluation. Future high quality trials are required.
Clinical features and outcome in 25 dogs with respiratory‐associated pulmonary hypertension treated with sildenafil
Authors: Johnson Lynelle R. , Stern Joshua A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can develop secondary to many common cardiopulmonary diseases, and the use of sildenafil has improved care of affected dogs.

Objective

To evaluate response to sildenafil in dogs with respiratory‐associated PH.

Animals

Twenty‐five dogs with PH.

Methods

Prospective clinical trial. Doppler echocardiography identified dogs with moderate to severe PH, and additional tests were performed to detect underlying diseases. A 17‐point quality of life (QOL) questionnaire was completed, and sildenafil was prescribed, along with other medications deemed necessary for the management of clinically diagnosed respiratory diseases. After 30 days, dogs returned to the hospital for repeat echocardiogram and QOL survey.

Results

The median age was 12.4 years, and most dogs were small breed dogs (median weight, 6.5 kg). Syncope (64%), cough (56%), and respiratory difficulty (32%) were the most common presenting complaints. Respiratory diseases associated with PH included tracheobronchomalacia, pulmonary fibrosis, inflammatory airway disease, and brachycephalic syndrome, with multiple diseases in some dogs. Eight of 25 dogs (32%) died or were euthanized within 1 month. In the remaining dogs, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (83.0 ± 17.4 mm Hg before, 55.4 ± 17.4 mm Hg after) and QOL scores were significantly improved after 1 month of sildenafil. Fifty percent mortality was reached 6 months after study entry, with 4 dogs alive 5 years after diagnosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Sildenafil responsiveness is variable in dogs with respiratory‐associated PH, but improved QOL was demonstrated in dogs surviving >1 month, and long‐term survival was noted in some cases.
Learning from science and history about black‐backed jackalsCanis mesomelasand their conflict with sheep farmers in South Africa
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli , Drouilly Marine , O'Riain M. Justin
Published: December 2019

The black‐backed jackalCanis mesomelas, henceforth jackal, has re‐emerged as a threat to South African sheep farmers. This sparked contestation between farmers and conservationists over the reasons for their return and the relative merits of lethal and non‐lethal approaches to protecting livestock. Three separate reviews of the scientific literature converged on the same broad conclusion that lethal control of jackals is probably ineffective, but that more scientific research is necessary, especially on farms. We draw on historic evidence and recent research across a range of disciplines to show that jackal diet and behaviour varies regionally and alter in response to changing threats and opportunities. More data will not support generalisable conclusions and have already been eclipsed by broad‐scale changes in the political, economic and ecological landscapes of South Africa. Reduced government support for farmers, rising production costs and falling product prices, together with an increasing frequency of droughts, have conspired to weaken the collective management hand of farmers and, ultimately, contributed to a decline in the sheep farming industry. Many sheep farmers have sold their land to non‐commercial ‘lifestyle' farmers or expanding nature reserves, creating a growing network of safer spaces for jackals to persist, from which their offspring can sink into neighbouring commercial farmland. When these landscape‐level changes are combined with the wide phenotypic plasticity and catholic diet of the jackal, we should be neither surprised at their resurgence nor contented with suggestions that more ecological research is likely to facilitate any sustainable solutions.
Unravelling the distinctive craniomandibular morphology of the Plio‐PleistoceneEumysopsin the evolutionary setting of South American octodontoid rodents (Hystricomorpha)
Authors: Olivares A. Itatí , Álvarez Alicia , Verzi Diego H. , Perez S. Ivan , De Santi Nahuel A.
Published: December 2019

Echimyidae is a species‐rich clade of Neotropical rodents, which diversified in association with forested biomes. Since the late Miocene, a few lineages from southern South America have been adapted to open environments.Eumysopsis one of these southern echimyids, and its peculiar craniomandibular morphology has been assumed to be a result of adaptation to open environments. We performed a geometric morphometric analysis of craniomandibular shape variation to explore whether, as suspected,Eumysopsis divergent from other echimyids and octodontoids. In addition, we explored whether deterministic factors driven by different ecological dimensions can explain the diversification of shape among octodontoids. We found that craniomandibular shape variation in octodontoids was related to ecological variables. Comparing competing evolutionary models suggested that the input of selective factors play a key role in octodontoid craniomandibular shape diversification; habitat and habits were found to be the most influential factors. In the analysed morphospaces,Eumysopswas located distant from other echimyids due to its distinctive traits, especially wide and posteriorly displaced orbits, and related low craniomandibular joint. Divergent orbits and resulting wider panoramic vision support the interpretation ofEumysopsas an open‐habitat specialist echimyid. But what is more relevant, is thatEumysopsoccupied a sector of the octodontoid cranial morphospace not filled by living representatives; this highlights the contribution of fossils in providing key information on the specialization boundaries explored by a clade throughout its history.
Prophetic Voices: Simone Weil and Flannery O'Connor
Authors: Doering E. Jane , Johansen Ruthann Knechel
Published: December 2019

This study juxtaposes Simone Weil's exposition of God's invitation to know and love the good through the divine signature of beauty stamped on the order of the world and Flannery O'Connor's depiction of a society whose oppressive order allows some characters to oppose outright a divine order or to live under the illusion that the divine invitation is irrelevant because they, in their egoism and materialist values, are the centre of the universe. An examination of O'Connor's and Weil's ideas on order and beauty, grace and decreation, within the disorders of their contexts, reveals both writers' skills in pointing prophetically through disorder to divine order, thus, disclosing bridges of revelation.
Stability of species and provenance performance when translocated into different community assemblages
Authors: Camarretta Nicolò , Harrison Peter A. , Bailey Tanya , Davidson Neil , Lucieer Arko , Hunt Mark , Potts Brad M.
Published: December 2019

The stability of species and provenance performance across diverse environments is a major issue in restoration, particularly for assisted migration and climate‐adjusted provenancing strategies. This study examines how differences in species and provenance performance are affected by plant community composition in a dry sclerophyll forest restoration experiment. Five indices were measured over 6 years post‐establishment to evaluate the relative performance of community composition using 10 provenances of two focal eucalypts (Eucalyptus pauciflora and Eucalyptus tenuiramis) under six community treatments for E. pauciflora and five for E. tenuiramis. Community treatments varied according to the species planted as the immediate neighbor to the focal species, and included same species, same genus, or one of three different genera. Significant species and provenance differences were observed for all measured performance indices, with no evidence of interaction effects with community treatments. E. tenuiramis was more susceptible to insects and frost, and had poorer establishment but greater growth of the survivors than E. pauciflora. Generally, nonlocal provenances were more susceptible to insect herbivory and frost damage and had higher mortality than local provenances. At this early life‐stage there was no evidence that co‐planted species affected the relative performance of focal species or provenances, arguing transfer functions are likely stable across different planted communities. While species and provenance performance was not affected by community context, focal species differed in their response to upslope migration and any climate‐adjusted provenancing may require staged transfers to avoid maladaptation under contemporary growing conditions.
Access to water in Donbass and Crimea: Attacks against water infrastructures and the blockade of the North Crimea Canal
Authors: Pertile Marco , Faccio Sondra
Published: December 2019

This article analyses two situations currently endangering water security in Donbass and Crimea, highlighting the international law obligations of the actors involved. First, the article analyses the ongoing armed conflict in Donbass, exploring what responsibilities may be envisaged under the applicable rules of international humanitarian law and international criminal law for the actors involved in the continuous attack and damaging of water facilities. Second, the article focuses on the legality of Ukraine’s decision to block the North Crimea Canal, thereby stopping the flow of water towards the occupied territory of Crimea. The question is whether this action can be qualified as a lawful sovereign decision or whether there are international rules limiting Ukraine’s discretion. The article analyses the legal obligations of both Ukraine and the Russian Federation under general international law, international humanitarian law and human rights law.
A Preliminary Precision Treatment Rule for Remission of Suicide Ideation
Authors: Kessler Ronald C. , Chalker Samantha A. , Luedtke Alex R. , Sadikova Ekaterina , Jobes David A.
Published: December 2019

Objective

There is growing interest in the development of composite precision treatment rules (PTRs) to guide the selection of the treatments most likely to be helpful for individual patients. We present here the results of an effort to develop a preliminary PTR for Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) relative to enhanced‐care as usual based on secondary analysis of the Operation Worth Living (OWL) randomized controlled trial. The outcome of interest is eliminating suicide ideation (SI) within 3 months of initiating treatment.

Method

A state‐of‐the‐art ensemble machine learning method was used to develop the PTR among the n = 148 U.S. Soldiers (predominately male and White, age range 18–48) OWL patients.

Results

We estimated that CAMS was the better treatment for 77.8% of patients and that treatment assignment according to the PTR would result in a 13.6% (95% CI: 0.9%–26.3%) increase in 3‐month SI remission compared to random treatment assignment.

Conclusions

Although promising, results are limited by the small sample size, restrictive baseline assessment, and inability to evaluate effects on suicidal behaviors or disaggregate based on history of suicidal behaviors. Replication is needed in larger samples with comprehensive baseline assessments, longer‐term follow‐ups, and more extensive outcomes.
Detection of an HLA‐C*03 variant, HLA‐C*03:85, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: December 2019

One nucleotide substitution at residue 68 of HLA‐C*03:03:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐C*03:85.
In vitro and in vivo effects of toceranib phosphate on canine osteosarcoma cell lines and xenograft orthotopic models
Authors: Sánchez‐Céspedes Raquel , Accornero Paolo , Miretti Silvia , Martignani Eugenio , Gattino Francesca , Maniscalco Lorella , Gola Cecilia , Iussich Selina , Martano Marina , Morello Emanuela , Buracco Paolo , Aresu Luca , Maria Raffaella De
Published: December 2019

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in dogs, and it has a high metastatic rate and poor prognosis. Toceranib phosphate (TOC; Palladia, Zoetis) is a veterinary tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits VEGFR‐2, PDGFRs and c‐Kit, but its efficacy is not yet fully understood in the treatment of canine OSA. Here, we evaluated the functional effects of TOC on six OSA cell lines by transwell, wound healing and colony formation assays. Subsequently, two cell lines (Wall and Penny) were selected and were inoculated in mice by intrafemoral injection to develop an orthotopic xenograft model of canine OSA. For each cell line, 30 mice were xenografted; half of them were used as controls, and the other half were treated with TOC at 40 mg/kg body weight for 20 days. TOC inhibited cell growth of all cell lines, but reduced invasion and migration was only observed in Penny and Wall cell lines. In mice engrafted with Penny cells and subjected to TOC treatment, decreased tumour growth was observed, and PDGFRs and c‐Kit mRNA were downregulated. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated a significant reduction of Ki67 staining in treated mice when compared to controls. The results obtained here demonstrate that TOC is able to slightly inhibit cell growth in vitro, while its effect is evident only in a Penny cell xenograft model, in which TOC significantly reduced tumour size and the Ki67 index without modifying apoptosis markers.