bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrasts in alcohol‐related mortality in Czechia and Lithuania: Analysis of time trends and educational differences
Authors: Pechholdová Markéta , Jasilionis Domantas
Published: September 2020

Introduction and Aims.Globally, Czechia and Lithuania are among the top‐ranking countries in terms of high alcohol consumption. This study highlights notable contrasts in temporal trends in alcohol‐related mortality and identifies country‐specific patterns in educational differences.Design and Methods.The study uses harmonised cause‐of‐death series from the Human Cause of Death Database. Mortality disparities by education were assessed using census‐linked mortality data. Directly standardised death rates were used to estimate levels of national and group‐specific mortality. Relative and absolute mortality differences by education were assessed by range‐type measures (Poisson regression mortality ratios and rate differences) and Gini‐type measures.Results.Between 1994–1995 and 2016, the absolute difference between Czechia and Lithuania in terms of alcohol‐related age‐standardised death rates (per 1 000 000) decreased from 450 for males and 130 for females to 76 in males and 11 in females. In both countries, alcohol‐related mortality was markedly higher among persons of lower education levels. Lithuanian males experienced the highest absolute inequalities measured by rate difference between the low and high educated (740 per million), while Lithuanian females showed the most pronounced relative inequalities (6.70‐fold difference between low and high educated). The corresponding figures were less than half for Czechia.Discussion and Conclusions.Reducing educational disparities in alcohol‐related mortality within both countries would have a substantial impact on overall levels. Policies aimed at targeting the lowest priced and illegal alcohols and reducing levels of harmful drinking should be a priority, especially in Lithuania.
Drivers and Performance Implications of Frontline Employees’ Social Capital Development and Maintenance: The Role of Online Social Networks*
Authors: Agnihotri Raj , Mani Sudha , Chaker Nawar N. , Daugherty Patricia J. , Kothandaraman Prabakar
Published: September 2020

Building upon social capital theory, we identify different attributes of frontline employee (FLE) social capital and outline how the use of online social networks (OSNs) can enable social capital development and social capital maintenance. We examine key boundary conditions of time management skills, perceived innovation climate, and customer perceived FLE responsiveness. Use of multi‐informant data from FLEs working in B2B sales/service roles, their customers, and managers enabled a comprehensive analysis that accounts for the endogenous nature of the predictor variables. We find the use of OSNs relates to social capital development and maintenance. Time management skills strengthen links between OSNs and both forms of social capital. However, perceived innovation climate plays a moderating role only in the social capital development process. Unique pathways connecting social capital development to customer loyalty with the firm and social capital maintenance to FLE sales performance were noted.
Immunocytochemical characterization of primary teeth pulp stem cells from three stages of resorption in serum‐free medium
Authors: Alansary Mohammad , Drummond Bernadette , Coates Dawn
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Dental pulp stem cells from primary teeth cultured in serum‐free conditions may have clinical use for the repair and regeneration of teeth as well as other complex tissues and organs. The aim of this study was to test the change in the stem cell markers expression/ stem cell population in human primary pulp cells at the different stages of root resorption.

Methods

Caries‐free human primary canines at defined stages of physiological root resorption were included (n = 9). In vitro cultures were established in xeno‐free, serum‐free Essential 8™ medium with human truncated vitronectin for cell attachment. An embryonic stem cell line (GENEA002) was used as a positive control. The expression of embryonic stem cell markers (Oct4, Nanog and Sox2), neural crest stem cell markers (nestin and Dlx2) and mesenchymal stem cell surface markers (CD90, CD73 and CD105) were investigated by immunocytochemistry. Mesenchymal stem cell markers CD105, CD73 and CD90 and haematopoietic markers: CD45, CD34, CD11b, CD19 and HLA‐DR were quantified with flow cytometry.

Results

The early neural progenitor markers nestin and Dlx2 were detected in most serum‐free cultured dental pulp stem cells, regardless of the tooth resorption stage from which they were harvested. Only isolated cells were found that expressed the embryonic stem cell transcription factors Oct4A, Nanog and Sox2, and in the late stages of resorption, no Oct4A was detected. The majority expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90, CD73 and CD105. Flow cytometry found positive signals for CD90 > 97.3%, CD73 > 99.6% and CD105 > 82.5%, with no detectable differences between resorption stages.

Conclusions

This study identified populations of dental pulp cells in vitro with markers characteristically associated with embryonic stem cells, neural crest‐derived cells and mesenchymal stem cells. Flow cytometry found CD105 expressed at lower levels than CD90 and CD73. The consistency of stem cell marker expression in cells cultured from teeth at different resorption stages suggests that pre‐exfoliated primary teeth that are free of caries may provide a convenient source of multipotent stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.
Management actions shape dung beetle community structure and functional traits in restored tallgrass prairie
Authors: Hosler Sheryl C. , Jones Holly P. , Nelson Melissa , Barber Nicholas A.
Published: September 2020

1. Ecosystem restoration often focuses on re‐establishing species richness and diversity of native organisms. However, effective restoration requires re‐establishment of ecosystem functions and processes by all trophic levels. Functional trait descriptions of communities, including decomposer communities, may provide more comprehensive evaluations of restoration activities and management than taxonomic community metrics alone.

2. We examined species and functional trait composition of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Geotrupidae) communities across a 3–31 yearchronosequence of restored prairies, in which sites varied in the presence of re‐introduced bison and prescribed fire. We calculated functional diversity metrics and community‐weighted mean trait values using behavioural and morphological measurements. We also performed a dung decomposition experiment to measure an ecosystem function driven by these insects.

3. Bison presence doubled beetle abundance and increased richness by 50%. Shannon diversity increased with restoration age, nearly doubling from the youngest to oldest restorations. Functional diversity was unchanged by site characteristics, except functional richness, which was reduced by bison and fire presence. Beetles were, on average, smaller in older restorations, although this pattern was weaker when bison were present.

4. Dung decomposition was unaffected by site characteristics but increased with community weighted mean beetle mass. Dung decomposition was better predicted by mean trait values, suggesting that supporting large‐bodied species may be more important than species diversity in settings where maximizing decomposition function is a goal.

5. Restoration managers should consider dung beetle communities and their functional characteristics when making management decisions, particularly where large grazers are a component of management strategies.
COVID‐19 and Postgraduate Dental Training—A commentary
Authors: Mahendran Krishantini , Yogarajah Sangeetha , Herbert Cameron , Nayee Shalini , Ormond Martyn
Published: September 2020

In this commentary, we discuss the short‐term and long‐term implications of COVID‐19 on postgraduate dental training in the UK, specifically Dental Core Training (DCT) and Specialty Training. Although this commentary focuses on the authors’ experiences within Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) in London, we hope that our viewpoint will resonate with dental postgraduate trainees across Europe and may guide further discussion in this area. We also reflect on adaptations that may be required if there are any future disruptions to dental postgraduate training in the UK.
Do visual and auditory stimulus‐specific response modulation reflect different mechanisms of neocortical plasticity?
Authors: Rygvold Trine Waage , Hatlestad‐Hall Christoffer , Elvsåshagen Torbjørn , Moberget Torgeir , Andersson Stein
Published: September 2020

Stimulus response modulation (SRM) of sensory evoked potentials represents a promising method as a non‐invasive index of long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like synaptic plasticity in the human sensory cortices. As of today, however, no consensus exists regarding which experimental parameters elicit the most robust SRM response. The aim of the current study was twofold; firstly, we aimed to replicate former studies demonstrating visual SRM in healthy adults. Second, we integrated visual and auditory stimuli within the same SRM recording session to assay potential cross‐modal associations. Such an association between modalities would strengthen the assumption that the SRM effect reflects common mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity rather than reflecting modality‐specific phenomena. A replication of previous findings showing robust potentiation of the visual evoked potential was evident, supporting the majority of previous work using similar paradigms, lending further support to the notion that high‐frequent visual stimulation is a viable probe into LTP‐like synaptic plasticity in the human visual cortex. The auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) did not, however, fully replicate previous work, though a significant increase of temporally later AEP components was found. In contrast to our hypothesis, there were no significant within‐subject cross‐modality correlations between the visual and auditory SRM. This lack of significant association might suggest that auditory and visual SRM depend on different mechanisms, and that further SRM studies on non‐invasive LTP‐like synaptic plasticity should focus on optimizing paradigms within the visual modality.
Brain imaging factors associated with progression of subcortical hyperintensities in CADASIL over 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Moreton F. C. , Cullen B. , Dickie D. A. , Lopez Gonzalez R. , Santosh C. , Delles C. , Muir K. W.
Published: September 2020

Background and purpose

Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene cause cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a cerebral small vessel disease manifesting with stroke, migraine and dementia in adults. The disease displays significant phenotypic variability that is incompletely explained. Early abnormalities in vascular function have been shown in animal models. We postulated that studying changes in vascular function may offer insights into disease progression.

Methods

Twenty‐two subjects with CADASIL [50% female, 50 (±11) years] from 19 pedigrees were included in a longitudinal multimodality study using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical measures, neuropsychology and measures of peripheral vascular function. MRI studies included measurement of structural brain changes, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebrovascular reactivity by arterial spin labelling and a CO2 respiratory challenge.

Results

Over 2 years, new stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) occurred in five (23%) subjects and new significant disability in one (5%). There were significant increases in number of lacunes, subcortical hyperintensity volume and microbleeds, and a decrease in brain volume. CBF declined by 3.2 (±4.5) ml/100 g/min over 2 years. CBF and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity at baseline predicted change in subcortical hyperintensity volume at follow‐up. Carotid intima‐media thickness and age predicted brain atrophy. Baseline CBF was lower in subjects who showed a decline in attention and working memory.

Conclusions

Cerebral blood flow predicts radiological progression of hyperintensities and thus is a potential biomarker of disease progression in CADASIL. Over 2 years, there were changes in several relevant imaging biomarkers (CBF, brain volume, lacunes, microbleeds and hyperintensity volume). Future studies in CADASIL should consider assessment of CBF as prognostic factor.
Characterization of kindled VGAT‐Cre mice as a new animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Straub Justyna , Gawda Agnieszka , Ravichandran Pranav , McGrew Bailey , Nylund Elsa , Kang Julianna , Burke Cassidy , Vitko Iuliia , Scott Michael , Williamson John , Joshi Suchitra , Kapur Jaideep , Perez‐Reyes Edward
Published: September 2020

Objective

Development of novel therapies for temporal lobe epilepsy is hindered by a lack of models suitable for drug screening. While testing the hypothesis that “inhibiting inhibitory neurons” was sufficient to induce seizures, it was discovered that a mild electrical kindling protocol of VGAT‐Cre mice led to spontaneous motor and electrographic seizures. This study characterizes these seizures and investigates the mechanism.

Methods

Mice were implanted with electroencephalographic (EEG) headsets that included a stimulating electrode in the hippocampus before being electrically kindled. Seizures were evaluated by review of EEG recordings and behavior. γ‐Aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurotransmission was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and electrophysiology.

Results

Electrical kindling of VGAT‐Cre mice induces spontaneous recurring seizures after a short latency (6 days). Seizures occur 1‐2 times per day in both male and female mice, with only minimal neuronal death. These mice express Cre recombinase under the control of the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), a gene that is specifically expressed in GABAergic inhibitory neurons. The insertion of Cre disrupts the expression of VGAT mRNA and protein, and impairs GABAergic synaptic transmission in the hippocampus.

Significance

Kindled VGAT‐Cre mice can be used to study the mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis and may be useful for screening novel therapeutics.
Meta‐analysis of genetic parameters of production traits in cultured shrimp species
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Tulloch Rachel L. , Thomson Peter C. , Raadsma Herman W. , Khatkar Mehar S.
Published: September 2020

Genetic parameters of growth, reproductive efficiency and survival are important for designing successful genetic improvement programmes. In this study, a database was assembled and a meta‐analysis was conducted using 87 peer‐reviewed published studies on genetic parameters of 63 economically important traits reported across nine major farmed shrimp species. A total of 641 estimates of heritability, 978 estimates of genetic correlations and 658 estimates of phenotypic correlations were included in this study. Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) was the most widely reported species followed by giant freshwater prawn (Marcobrachium rosenbergii) and black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). Published studies demonstrate large variability across heritability and correlation estimates. Consensus estimates were based on both unweighted and weighted averages. The traits were broadly classed into weight, morphology, growth rate, body composition, feeding efficiency, reproductive efficiency and survival. This meta‐analysis revealed moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates for weight (0.30 ± 0.002), morphological (0.26 ± 0.003), growth rate (0.27 ± 0.01) and feeding efficiency (0.58 ± 0.07) traits, but low for body composition (0.06 ± 0.009), reproductive efficiency (0.11 ± 0.006) and survival traits (0.15 ± 0.003). Strong responses to selection were found among the shrimp species studied. We have developed a ShinyApp (https://khatkar.shinyapps.io/shrimp_genetics/) for visualization of the individual heritability estimates. In addition to the meta‐analysis of genetic parameters, we have calculated the correlated responses among economically important traits and highlighted response to selection, realized heritability, social interaction and common environmental effects in shrimp breeding programmes in terms of industry implications. Consensus estimates suggest that there is sufficient additive genetic variation to carry out effective genetic improvement programmes in these species.
Historical changes of Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) landing patterns in the Strait of Gibraltar from 1983 to 2016: Environmental and legislation effects
Authors: Sanz‐Fernández Víctor , Gutiérrez‐Estrada Juan Carlos
Published: September 2020

The Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) is one of the most important fishery resources in the region of the Strait of Gibraltar. The fishery of this demersal species, carried out by the Spanish and Moroccan artisanal fleets, is highly vulnerable to overexploitation whose effects can be enhanced by environmental and regulatory changes. This study evaluates from an univariate perspective the variation patterns of Blackspot seabream landings (from 1983 to 2016) in the Strait of Gibraltar and investigates the effects environmental factors (sea temperature anomaly and NAO index) and regulatory changes on the landings. For this purpose, we used a wide set of univariate seanonal and non‐seasonal approaches like Holt‐Winters, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models and submodels. The Holt‐Winters, autoregressive and ARIMA models were able to detect a strong linear dependence between current landings and previous landings as well as seasonal effects, while the GARCH models indicated the presence of intense uncertainty or volatility around two periods (1993–1998 and 2007–2011), associated with possible effects of underlying biological, environmental‐climatic and regulatory factors. Therefore, the use of a combination of univariate modelling techniques has enabled us to establish potential factors associated with the variability in the landings, which could significantly help move the management of this fishery towards an ecosystem‐based approach.
Angiosarcoma in an arteriovenous fistula after kidney transplantation: Case report and review of treatment options
Authors: Van Acker Paulien , Veys Nic , Speybrouck Sabrina , Van Biesen Wim
Published: September 2020

We present a patient with an angiosarcoma in an arteriovenous fistula and we reviewed current treatments for angiosarcomas. We extended the systematic review by Oskrochi et al. on this topic in 2015, using the same search query. We searched systematically OVID, EMBASE and PubMed from April 2015 until January 2020 with the aim to update the state of the art in managing this rare but serious condition. We retrieved 12 new case reports about 11 unique patients. Mean age was 61.5 ± 11 years. Six arteriovenous fistulas had failed spontaneously. Two fistulas were operatively closed post‐transplant. Nine patients (81.8%) were receiving ongoing immunosuppressive therapy. Pain and growing lesions, mass or swelling were the most frequent symptoms. Angiosarcoma mostly presents with a nonspecific clinical picture of pain, growing lesions and swelling of a previously normal arteriovenous fistula. Amputation of the limb was most frequently conducted as treatment in localized disease. Treatment of systemic disease included supportive care, chemotherapy, especially with paclitaxel and change of immunosuppressive regimen. Metastasized angiosarcoma has a very poor prognosis. Classical chemotherapy has rather low response rates. There is limited data supporting treatment of angiosarcomas with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy. Further comparative research is needed.
Review ‐ Helicobacter, inflammation, immunology and vaccines
Authors: Robinson Karen , Lehours Philippe
Published: September 2020

Understanding the mechanisms involved in induction and regulation of the immune and inflammatory response to Helicobacter pylori is extremely important in determining disease outcomes. H pylori expresses a plethora of factors that influence the host response. Vaccines against H pylori are desperately needed for the prevention of gastric carcinogenesis, especially with the increasing trends in antimicrobial resistance. This review summarizes some important findings, published between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, in the areas of H pylori‐mediated inflammation, immunity and vaccines.
Tourism effects on the subterranean fauna in a Central American cave
Authors: Pacheco Gabrielle Soares Muniz , de Oliveira Marcus Paulo Alves , Cano Enio , Souza Silva Marconi , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes
Published: September 2020

Tourism activity affects the cave's physical environment in several ways, such as damaging speleothems, altering the cave structure for ease of access, and the shifting of cave microclimate. Nevertheless, it is less clear how the pressure of touristic activities affects the cave fauna.

This study aimed to investigate the effects from tourism activities on the cave invertebrate fauna from Gruta de Lanquín Cave (Alta Verapaz, Guatemala). For this, quadrats were placed throughout the cave, where invertebrates were sampled and substrate features were measured.

Results showed that the community structure differed among touristic and non‐touristic areas of the cave and the troglobitic species are structured differently than the rest of the invertebrate community in the cave. It was detected that the pathways designated for touristic use have different substrate features than their adjacent areas.

In order to maintain the conservation of the invertebrate species, several management recommendations are provided, such as determining a well‐established walking path that avoids cave microhabitats and the maintenance of a supervised guided tour.
Varicella zoster virus: an under‐recognised cause of central nervous system infections?
Authors: Parkes‐Smith Jill , Chaudhuri Alex
Published: September 2020

Background

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes infections of the central nervous system (CNS) manifesting as meningitis or encephalitis. It is not commonly tested in CNS infections when compared with enterovirus (EV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV‐1) and 2 (HSV‐2). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings of viral CNS infections are thought to be comparable.

Aims

To describe the manifestations of VZV CNS infections and ascertain if there is a predominant syndrome. To compare CSF parameters of VZV with EV, HSV‐1 and HSV‐2.

Methods

Retrospective study at two hospitals in Brisbane, reviewing medical notes and laboratory information system for results between January 2001 and 2019. The following parameters were recorded – disease classification, presence of rash, duration of symptoms prior to hospitalisation, length of admission, duration of antiviral treatment and 30‐day mortality. CSF biochemistry, cell count (differential), PCR for VZV, EV, HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 were recorded. Statistical analysis of CSF parameters included Student's t‐test and linear regression.

Results

Incidence of meningitis was comparable to encephalitis (44 vs 39%) in 52 cases. CSF protein in VZV was significantly elevated compared with EV (median 1121 vs 569 mg/L; P < 0.001) as was CSF monocytosis (96% vs 61%; P < 0.001). CSF parameters between VZV, HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 were similar. VZV had a higher incidence than HSV‐1 or 2, while it was tested one‐third as often.

Conclusions

VZV CNS infection cannot be predicted by syndrome. CSF findings are markedly different from EV but like HSV‐1 and 2. VZV should be routinely tested with HSV‐1 and 2 when viral CNS infection is suspected.
Salutogenesis in oral health research in preschool children: A scoping review
Authors: Pitchon Ana , Gomes Viviane Elisângela , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e
Published: September 2020

Background

Oral health research in children has focused both on identifying the risk factors for dental caries and on the impact the disease has on children's life.

Aim

Identifying studies that used the salutogenic theory to investigate positive aspects to promote a healthy condition in preschool children.

Design

A literature scoping review was conducted to answer the question: 'What has been produced in scientific literature about children's oral health with a salutogenic theoretical reference?' The checklist preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was applied. The research was conducted on the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science with no language, design, country or date restrictions. Three independent reviewers selected the studies to be included in the research, extracted data, and assessed the studies' contribution to the review.

Results

Among the 38 studies retained, 10 were included, those were published between 2009 and 2018: five in Brazil, two in the United States of America, and one in Canada, China and India, respectively. All articles were published in English language. Nine studies investigated the relation between the parents'/caretakers' sense of coherence and aspects related to the children's oral health condition. One study investigated health factors among the parents of caries‐free children.

Conclusion

Salutogenic orientation must be included in oral health research, so that salutary and risk factors may coexist, contributing to a new perspective for oral health promotion among children.
The double traveling salesman problem with partial last‐in‐first‐out loading constraints
Authors: Chagas Jonatas B. C. , Toffolo Túlio A. M. , Souza Marcone J. F. , Iori Manuel
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we introduce the double traveling salesman problem with partial last‐in‐first‐out loading constraints (DTSPPL). It is a pickup‐and‐delivery single‐vehicle routing problem, where all pickup operations must be performed before any delivery operation because the pickup‐and‐delivery areas are geographically separated. The vehicle collects items in the pickup area and loads them into its container, a horizontal stack. After performing all pickup operations, the vehicle begins delivering the items in the delivery area. Loading and unloading operations must obey a partial last‐in‐first‐out (LIFO) policy, that is, a version of the LIFO policy that may be violated within a given reloading depth. The objective of the DTSPPL is to minimize the total cost, which involves the total distance traveled by the vehicle and the number of items that are unloaded and then reloaded due to violations of the standard LIFO policy. We formally describe the DTSPPL through two integer linear programming (ILP) formulations and propose a heuristic algorithm based on the biased random‐key genetic algorithm (BRKGA) to find high‐quality solutions. The performance of the proposed solution approaches is assessed over a broad set of instances. Computational results have shown that both ILP formulations have been able to solve only the smaller instances, whereas the BRKGA obtained good‐quality solutions for almost all instances, requiring short computational times.
Temperature and rate dependent debonding behaviors of precision glass molding interface
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zhu Chenyu , Li Lihua , Ng Man Cheung , Liu Kun
Published: September 2020

The glass‐to‐mold adhesion in precision glass molding could severely degrade the quality of molded optics and shorten the lifespan of the precious molds. Since the consequences of adhesion take effect during the separation between glass and molds, it is important to investigate the debonding behaviors of a typical glass molding interface. To this end, here we perform a probe tack test procedure for borosilicate glass BK7, where debonding is conducted at molding temperature and specific velocity. We fully characterize the debonding behaviors using the peak adhesion stress σmax and the work of debonding Wdeb. Experiments show that when temperature is decreased from 690°C to 655°C at 10 μm/s, σmax continuously increases, while Wdeb first increases but then sharply decreases. When the debonding velocity is increased from 10 to 50 μm/s at 680°C, σmax also increases while Wdeb overall decreases. Therefore, the debonding behaviors are highly temperature and rate dependent. More importantly, depending on the debonding conditions, three debonding types are identified, that is, the cohesive bulk deformation, the cohesive‐interfacial transition and the interfacial fracture. The cohesive type can be converted into the interfacial fracture, by either decreasing temperature or increasing the debonding velocity. Based on the Wdeb criterion, the three debonding regimes can be clearly distinguished. Finally, analyses on the temperature and velocity experimental results are unified by incorporating the reduced crack velocity aTvc. The dependences of both viscoelasticity and Wdeb on aTvc qualitatively explain the transition condition for different debonding types. Concerning these findings, the work of debonding not only supplements the characterization of adhesion strength, but also throws insightful light on revealing the debonding mechanisms.
Fractionation mapping software to map ganglionated plexus sites during sinus rhythm
Authors: Aksu Tolga , Yalin Kivanc , Gopinathannair Rakesh
Published: September 2020

Ablation of ganglionated plexuses (GPs) is a relatively new technique in patients with vasovagal syncope. Due to individual variation of GP settlement, reproducible GP detection methods are needed to during electrophysiologic study. In the present case, fractionation mapping software of Ensite system was tested to detect localization of GPs and first compared with previously validated fractionated electrograms based strategy.
The Rule of Law and Access to the Courts for EU Migrants
Authors: Barnard Catherine , Butlin Sarah Fraser
Published: September 2020

The ability of workers generally to enforce their labour rights in the UK has been a matter of ongoing discussion over a number of years. However, the dominance of the topic of immigration in the Brexit debates, along with questions surrounding the need for, and position of, EU migrant workers in the British labour market, has brought into sharp focus the issues facing the most vulnerable workers in their ability to enforce their employment rights. This, we argue, poses a serious challenge to the rule of law as defined by Bingham. For him, one of the principles of the rule of law is that access to courts is the ‘obvious corollary of the principle that everyone is bound by and entitled to the benefit of the law’. This leads to our consideration of, first, the perspective of formal enforcement (a ‘thin’ conception of the right of access to the courts) and second, effective substantive enforcement (a ‘thicker’ conception of the right). We argue that some of the reforms proposed in the Taylor review will be a thickened right of access for all workers, but a relatively thinner right for EU migrant workers, in which their particular vulnerabilities and obstacles are not recognized or ameliorated. The chasm between EU migrant and non‐migrant workers in the application of the rule of law would at the very least, remain, if not widen further.
Hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of COVID‐19 physicians survey: Despite lack of evidence, many would take or give to dear ones, and despite the perceived necessity of an RCT, few would participate
Authors: Baicus Cristian , Pinte Larisa , Stoichitoiu Laura E. , Badea Camelia
Published: September 2020

Introduction

There was no evidence concerning the prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine, and only low‐grade evidence regarding the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID‐19 patients. We performed a survey among Romanian physicians in order to see how many of them would administer prophylactically hydroxychloroquine to themselves or to people close to them, and if they would participate to a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Between March 30 and April 02, 2020, a 16‐item questionnaire was shared in a Romanian Facebook group of 2645 physicians dedicated to COVID‐19 information, asking to be completed by physicians who could be directly involved in the care of these patients.

Results

A total of 785 answers were collected. Nine physicians (1.1%) thought that there was clear evidence on prescribing hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis, 375 (48%) considered the evidence acceptable, 348 (44.3%) considered it weak, whereas 53 (6.8%) answered there was no evidence. 59 (7.5%) respondents were determined to take it (of which 31 = 4% already took), 192 (24.5%) were inclined to take, 271 (34.5%) were not decided yet. 175 (22.3%) of respondents declared they (would) give the treatment to their close ones, and this decision was associated with a higher age (P = 0.003), and the opinion that there was evidence (P < 0.001). When asked about the source of the treatment regimen, 286 (36.4%) indicated a scientific paper, while no scientific paper about the prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine existed at that time.

718 (91.5%) considered a randomized clinical trial necessary (RCT), but only 333 (42.4%) answered they would enrol in such a trial. There was only a very weak correlation (Kendall's tau _b = 0.255, P < 0.001) between the belief that an RCT is necessary and the willingness to enrol in such an RCT.

Conclusions

Despite the lack of evidence, many physicians considered the evidence as existing, and were ready to take or to give hydroxychloroquine prophylactically to family. They considered an RCT necessary, but they were not willing to participate.
Color heterogeneity and individual color changes in dentin and enamel bleached in the presence of a metallic orthodontic bracket
Authors: de Melo Oliveira Isadora , Santana Tauan Rosa , Correia Ana Claudia Conceição , Fontes Lucas Silva , Griza Sandro , Faria‐E‐Silva André Luis
Published: September 2020

Objective

This in‐vitro study evaluated the color changes in enamel and dentin bleached in the presence of an orthodontic bracket, as well as the heterogeneity of the color and contribution of each tissue to the color change (CTCC).

Materials and Methods

Enamel‐dentin specimens from extracted bovine teeth were bleached before or after bracket removal or maintained without any treatment (control). The colors of the dentin and enamel were measured individually and after recombining these substrates. The changes in the color (ΔE00) and whitening index (ΔWID) were estimated by the color difference between the bleached specimens and those of the control. The CTCC was also calculated by recombining the tissues from different treatments. Images of specimens obtained from a stereomicroscope were used to analyze the color homogeneity within each tissue.

Results

The highest values of ΔE00 and ΔWID were observed in the specimens bleached in the absence of a bracket. Bleaching in the presence of a bracket resulted in enamel with a center that was whiter than the periphery. Dentin and enamel presented similar CTCC values.

Conclusions

Tooth bleaching performed in the presence of a metallic bracket resulted in a reduced bleaching effect and increased color heterogeneity within both tissues.

Clinical Significance

Tooth bleaching before the orthodontic bracket removal reduces the bleaching effect in both dentin and enamel. Moreover, a heterogeneous color of enamel surface can be observed after tooth bleaching in the presence of a nickel‐free metallic orthodontic bracket.
Piscine orthoreovirus: Biology and distribution in farmed and wild fish
Authors: Polinski Mark P. , Vendramin Niccoló , Cuenca Argelia , Garver Kyle A.
Published: September 2020

Piscine orthoreovirus (PRV) is a common and widely distributed virus of salmonids. Since its discovery in 2010, the virus has been detected in wild and farmed stocks from North America, South America, Europe and East Asia in both fresh and salt water environments. Phylogenetic analysis suggests three distinct genogroups of PRV with generally discrete host tropisms and/or regional patterns. PRV‐1 is found mainly in Atlantic (Salmo salar), Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Salmon of Europe and the Americas; PRV‐2 has only been detected in Coho Salmon of Japan; and PRV‐3 has been reported primarily in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Europe. All three genotypes can establish high‐load systemic infections by targeting red blood cells for principal replication. Each genotype has also demonstrated potential to cause circulatory disease. At the same time, high‐load PRV infections occur in non‐diseased salmon and trout, indicating a complexity for defining PRV's role in disease aetiology. Here, we summarize the current body of knowledge regarding PRV following 10 years of study.
Acoustic noise of refrigerators promote increased growth rate of the gray mold Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Hofstetter Richard W. , Copp Brennan E. , Lukic Ivan
Published: September 2020

Botrytis rot (Botrytis cinerea) is a serious disease of fruit and vegetables around the globe. Botrytis rot is a problem not only in the field, but during storage, transit, and marketing, due to onset of severe rot on ripe produce. Fungal growth is promoted by warm temperatures and high humidity although other factors could play a role. Mechanical stimulation via vibroacoustic energy is known to affect the growth of organisms but is little studied in food safety of crop transportation and storage. We test whether mechanical energy in the form of vibrations and acoustic frequencies from in‐store refrigerators and cold‐storage units affect the growth rate of botrytis rot. We also test a broad range of single tones (frequency, Hz) and dyads (2‐tone chords) from 110 to 25,088 Hz to determine if particular frequencies have differential effects on the growth of botrytis rot. Playback of vibroacoustic recordings of refrigerator units increased the growth of botrytis rot by 13–18%, on average, suggesting that acoustic output from storage units could promote the mold during transport, storage or within grocery stores. Increased fungal growth rate appears to be stimulated by high frequencies, above 5,000 Hz. Additionally, low frequencies below 165 Hz can reduce botrytis rot growth rate suggesting that exposure to very low frequency ranges could be used to control the fungus. Results of this study open new perspectives on how vibroacoustic output from electronic devices and machines may affect food quality and fungal contamination on fruit, flowers, and vegetable produce.
Translation, culture adaption and psychometric testing of the MISSCARE Survey—Swedish version
Authors: Nymark Carolin , Göransson Katarina E. , Saboonchi Fredrik , Falk Ann‐Charlotte , von Vogelsang Ann‐Christin
Published: September 2020

Aim

To translate the MISSCARE Survey into Swedish and establish its validity and reliability by evaluating its psychometric properties.

Background

Missed nursing care is defined as any aspect of required nursing care that is omitted or delayed. The consequence of missed nursing care is a threat to patient safety. The MISSCARE Survey is an American instrument measuring missed nursing care activities (part A) and its reasons (part B).

Methods

The translation was accomplished according to World Health Organization guidelines, focusing on a culture adaptation. Acceptability, construct validity, test–retest reliability and internal consistency were analysed. The Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE 2.0) was used as reporting checklist.

Results

The translation and culture adaptation needed several revisions. A total of 126 nurses answered the test and retest which showed acceptability of missing data. The factor analysis revealed a lack of fit to data for the original factorial structure in part B, while further analysis provided results suggesting a modification based on omitting six items. The internal consistency for part B and its subscales showed good results.

Conclusions

The MISSCARE Survey—Swedish version is a reliable and valid instrument, with good psychometric properties.

Relevance to clinical practice

More reliable language versions of the instrument enable national and international comparisons that could be valuable for nursing managers and/or directors of nursing who are responsible for quality of care and patient safety in the strategic care planning process.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Teen Sexual Behaviors: The Role of Self‐Regulation and School‐Related Factors
Authors: Song Wei , Qian Xueqin
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adolescent sexual risk behaviors and pregnancy. In this study, we examined whether individual and cumulative ACEs increased the risk of unhealthy sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy. To inform intervention efforts, potential mediating mechanisms focusing on youth developmental assets were examined to explain the association.

METHODS

Analyses included 88,815 (9th and 11th grade) students who completed the Minnesota Student Survey in the spring of 2016.

RESULTS

Adolescents who reported each category of ACEs were more likely to initiate sex, have multiple sex partners, engage in unprotected sex, and be involved in pregnancy. Different youth assets, included self‐regulation skills, connectedness to school, not skipping school, and academic performance, were associated with lower likelihood of sexual initiation and sexual risk‐taking. They served as important mediators to reduce, though not completely diminish, the adverse effects of ACEs on sexual initiation and adolescent pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the relationship between ACEs and adolescent sexual risk behaviors and pregnancy is strong and graded. Effective school initiatives and intervention efforts should encourage the development of self‐regulation and connectedness to school among teens who had been exposed to ACEs.
Provider‐Selected Training Needs and Associations With Related Practices in Childcare Settings in Minnesota and Wisconsin*
Authors: Arcan Chrisa , Davey Cynthia , LaRowe Tara L. , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Early care and education settings (ECE) are potential venues for young children to develop healthy lifestyle habits. The study assesses training needs and associations with relevant practices of licensed ECE providers across Minnesota and Wisconsin.

METHODS

A random sample of 823 providers completed a 97‐item survey assessing nutrition and physical activity (PA) practices and training needs. Logistic regression, adjusted for program type (center‐ and family home‐based), and location (urban/rural) examined associations between the top 3 selected training needs and provider practices.

RESULTS

Top training needs: (1) ways to effectively engage parents about healthy eating and PA, (2) low‐cost ways to serve healthy foods, and (3) fun and easy nutrition education curricula. Providers who reported being not happy/somewhat happy vs happy/very happy with parent communication were more likely to need training to engage parents. Among providers who prepared food on‐site, shopping at Farmer's Market had lower odds of needing training for serving healthy meals on a budget. Not having completed nutrition training in the past year providers were more likely to need training for fun and easy nutrition education curricula.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers need additional training to improve communication with parents, healthy food shopping practices, and nutrition‐related games.
A review of the frequency and impact of periodontal disease in dogs
Authors: Wallis C. , Holcombe L. J.
Published: September 2020

Periodontal disease is a frequent problem seen in veterinary practices. Primary‐care veterinary practices, where diagnosis of periodontal disease is predominantly based on visual oral assessment of conscious dogs, report an average prevalence of 9.3 to 18.2% within the dog population. Detailed examinations of anaesthetised dogs report much higher prevalence of between 44 and 100%. The prevalence and severity of periodontitis varies between sizes of dogs, breeds and individuals. The lack of robust evaluation of these variances opens the opportunity for a review of the topic. A literature search was therefore undertaken to determine the frequency and extent (severity and oral location) of periodontal disease in the dog population. Both clinical and retrospective data based surveys of veterinary records, show there is an increased likelihood of developing periodontitis as age increases and with bodyweight decreases. The maxillary and mandibular incisors, fourth premolars and first molars are likely to develop the disease first although in some breeds the canines may also be involved. Poor oral care is a significant risk factor for the development of periodontal disease although diet, behaviour, environment and genetics are also likely to play a role. The information provided in this review can be used by veterinarians to improve the effectiveness of their diagnosis, treatments and interventions by focussing their efforts on the sizes, breeds and individuals most at risk. Given the potential link between periodontal disease and systemic health, veterinarians have the opportunity to positively impact the quality of life of a large number of dogs and therefore their owners.
A novel geomatics method for assessing the Haughton impact structure
Authors: Patterson Calder W. , Ernst Richard E.
Published: September 2020

Terrestrial impact structures are typically modified by erosion, burial, and tectonic deformation. Their systematic morphologies are typically reconstructed through a combination of geological and topographic mapping, satellite imagery, and geophysical surveys. This study applies a novel geomatics approach to assessment of the morphology of the extensively studied Haughton impact structure (HIS), Devon Island, Nunavut, in order to test its potential to improve the accuracy and quality of future impact structure reconstruction. This new methodology integrates HIS lithological data, in the form of digitized geologic mapping, with a digital elevation model, within diametrically opposed, wedge‐shaped couplets, and plots these data as pseudo cross sections that capitalize on the radial symmetry of the impact structure. The pseudo cross sections provide an accurate reconstruction of the near‐surface stratigraphic sequences and terraces in the faulted annulus of the modified crater rim. The resultant pseudo cross sections support current interpretations regarding the 10–12 km diameter of the transient cavity, and successfully reproduce the visible outer ring and intermediate uplifted zone within the central basin. Observed positions of vertical offsets suggest that the extent of impact deformation extends beyond the current estimates of the apparent crater rim to radial distances of between 14 and 15 km. Finally, the new geomatics approach provides an improved determination of the spatial, stratigraphic, and temporal relationships among the Haughton Formation lake sediments, allochthonous crater‐fill impactites, and uplifted target rocks, and indicates that there was a not‐insignificant time gap between the formation of the impact structure and the deposition of the sediments.