bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supply improves Daphnia performance at fluctuating temperatures, simulating diel vertical migration
Authors: Isanta Navarro Jana , Fromherz Matthias , Dietz Michelle , Zeis Bettina , Schwarzenberger Anke , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik
Published: August 2019

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a common predator avoidance strategy of zooplankton. Migration to deeper water layers during the day to escape visually hunting predators is most likely to require physiological adaptations to periodically changing temperatures. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play crucial roles in membrane temperature acclimation. Exposure to cold temperatures typically results in an increase in the relative abundance of PUFA in cell membranes and PUFA requirements of Daphnia increase with decreasing temperatures.

To assess the role of dietary PUFA in coping with temperature fluctuations experienced during DVM, we reared Daphnia magna at either constantly warm or fluctuating temperatures, simulating DVM both with and without dietary PUFA supplementation.

We show that the well‐known positive effect of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation on offspring production and population growth rates of D. magna is more pronounced at alternating temperatures than at constantly warm temperatures. Exposure to alternating temperatures caused modification in body PUFA concentrations and, consequently, increased lipid peroxidation. However, detrimental effects of lipid peroxidation were not evident.

Our data demonstrate that the capacity to cope with the distinct temperature fluctuations experienced during DVM increases with dietary eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation, suggesting that an adequate dietary PUFA supply is crucial especially for migrating Daphnia populations. A dietary deficiency in long‐chain PUFA may thus severely constrain predator evasion, potentially resulting in increased mortality and cascading effects on lower trophic levels.
Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw‐like lesions in rodents: A comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuroshima Shinichiro , Sasaki Muneteru , Murata Hiroshi , Sawase Takashi
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis was to investigate the pathology and pathogenesis of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in rodents.

Background

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw occurs in patients taking antiresorptive drugs, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, and anti‐angiogenesis agents. However, there is limited information about the pathology of MRONJ at the clinical level. Moreover, no information about the exact mechanisms of MRONJ is clinically available.

Materials and methods

The PubMed, SCOPUS and Medline databases were used to search for relevant articles up to April 2018 by two independent reviewers. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed.

Results

Of the 1841 studies, 10 articles met the eligibility criteria. The most commonly observed pathology of MRONJ‐like lesions was exposed bone without epithelial coverage, decreases in the number of osteocytes and increases in necrotic bone with more empty lacunae. No definitive pathogenesis of MRONJ‐like lesions was found. Both zoledronic acid (ZA) monotherapy and ZA/chemotherapeutic and/or dexamethasone combination therapy were significant high‐risk factors for developing MRONJ‐like lesions (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion

Based on rodent studies, common pathological findings were extracted in bisphosphonate‐related ONJ (BRONJ)‐like lesions, whereas no definitive pathogenesis was identified. There is no information about the pathology and pathogenesis of denosumab‐related ONJ. These findings clearly suggest that accumulation of scientific evidence based on animal studies is absolutely necessary to explore the pathology and pathogenesis of MRONJ in humans. ZA administration would be a significant risk factor for developing BRONJ‐like lesions.
Immune tolerance induction in paediatric patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors receiving emicizumab prophylaxis
Authors: Batsuli Glaivy , Zimowski Karen L. , Tickle Kelly , Meeks Shannon L. , Sidonio Robert F.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The formation of neutralizing antifactor VIII (fVIII) antibodies, called inhibitors, is the most common complication in modern haemophilia A care. Novel non‐factor replacement therapies, such as emicizumab, have sought to address the limitations of bypassing agents for bleeding management in patients with inhibitors. However, immune tolerance induction (ITI) remains the primary method for eradicating inhibitors and restoring the hemostatic response to fVIII.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review a case series of paediatric patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors who have received ITI for inhibitor eradication concomitantly with emicizumab prophylaxis for bleeding prevention.

Methods

Single institution retrospective chart review of paediatric patients with severe haemophilia A receiving ITI and emicizumab.

Results

Seven patients were included in this cohort. Six patients used three different recombinant fVIII products at 100 IU/kg three times per week, and one patient used a plasma‐derived fVIII product at an initial dose of 50 IU/kg three times per week. Three patients achieved a negative inhibitor titre <0.6 Chromogenic Bethesda Units per mL (CBU/mL), and two patients achieved a normal fVIII recovery ≥66%. There were nine bleeding events in four patients, but no thrombotic events. All patients remained on ITI and emicizumab.

Conclusion

Immune tolerance induction while on emicizumab prophylaxis is a feasible approach in paediatric haemophilia A patients with inhibitors. This is the first report of the concomitant use of ITI in patients receiving emicizumab prophylaxis described as the ‘Atlanta Protocol’.
Long‐term outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence, esophageal varices exacerbation, and mortality in hepatitis C virus‐related liver cirrhosis after interferon‐based therapy
Authors: Ogasawara Nobuhiko , Saitoh Satoshi , Akuta Norio , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Kawamura Yusuke , Sezaki Hitomi , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Ikeda Kenji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: August 2019

Aim

The long‐term effects of sustained virologic response (SVR) to antiviral therapy on the risk of liver complications, such as exacerbation of esophageal varices (EV), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), malignant lymphoma, and liver‐related and overall death in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients with liver cirrhosis are not fully known.

Methods

These risks were evaluated during long‐term follow up of 457 patients with HCV‐related Child–Pugh Class A liver cirrhosis without history of HCC.

Results

The respective cumulative 5‐ and 10‐year rates of EV exacerbation were 2.0% and 3.1%. Multivariate analysis identified the presence of EVs, thrombocytopenia at baseline. and alcohol intake as significant independent predictors of EV exacerbation before and after SVR. The cumulative 5‐ and 10‐year rates of HCC were 6.8% and 10.2%, respectively. Male sex and the presence of EV were significant independent determinants of HCC before and after SVR. Although the cumulative 5‐year HCC recurrence rate was 49.4%, the overall survival rate since HCC was 73.6% at 5 years. The overall survival rates since SVR were 98.7% and 93.6% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Progression of HCC was the most frequent all‐cause mortality, but none of the patients died of liver decompensation. Male sex and Fibrosis‐4 index of ≥3.0 after SVR were significant and independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusion

Patients with HCV remain at risk of HCC for >10 years after achieving SVR, and HCC is the most common cause of mortality. We recommend long‐term surveillance of cirrhotic patients with HCV, even after achieving SVR.
Increased IgG4‐positive plasma cells in nodular‐sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma: a diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Nowak Verena , Agaimy Abbas , Kristiansen Glen , Gütgemann Ines
Published: August 2019

Aims

Despite increasing interest in the recently established immunoglobulin 4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD), its pathogenesis and aetiology remain largely unclear. Characteristic histopathological features are one of the key elements of diagnosis, including ‘storiform’ fibrosis, obliterative phlebitis, increased lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and increased levels of IgG4 in serum and tissue. Histopathological features of IgG4‐RD are striking but not specific, and can pose a pitfall for surgical pathologists. This paper aims to determine the actual amount of IgG4+ plasma cells in nodular‐sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL) and its potential to be misdiagnosed in routine clinical practice.

Methods and results

IgG4+ plasma cells per high‐power field (HPF) and the ratio of IgG4+ versus IgG+ plasma cells (IgG4/IgG ratio) in lymph node biopsies of 24 patients with nodular‐sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL) were determined using immunohistochemistry and consensus scoring criteria as used for IgG4‐RD. Ten lymph node biopsies with reactive follicular hyperplasia were assessed for comparison. Higher numbers of IgG4+ plasma cells (P < 0.001) were observed in NSHL versus follicular hyperplasia (mean 34 versus 8 per HPF) with a mean IgG4/IgG ratio of 0.38 versus 0.18. Five cases (21%) fulfilled the consensus criteria of IgG4‐RD, with >50 IgG4+ plasma cells per HPF and an IgG4/IgG ratio of >0.4. The mean count of IgG4+ plasma cells per HPF in NSHL varied greatly (3–88) with increased numbers of IgG4+ plasma cells seen near areas of fibrosclerosis.

Conclusions

Significantly higher levels of IgG4+ plasma cells are common in NSHL, emphasising the need to exclude Reed–Sternberg cells by morphology and immunohistochemistry in biopsies where IgG4‐RD is suspected.
Survival synchronicity in two avian insectivore communities
Authors: Jansen Dorine Y. M. , Lloyd Penn , Oschadleus Hans-Dieter , Altwegg Res
Published: August 2019

Climate change is forecast to increase climatic variability, in particular the occurrence of extreme events. Consequently, it is imperative to understand how climatic variation influences the dynamics of communities. We investigated synchronicity in survival in response to climatic variation among bird communities occupying habitats that differed in climatic seasonality: a more seasonal wetland and a less seasonal fynbos shrubland in South Africa. We predicted higher synchronicity at the wetland than at the shrubland because there was more potential for weather to induce variation in survival at this climatically more variable site. We estimated survival from ringing data for four wetland species and three fynbos species in hierarchical models with an asynchronous (species‐specific) variance component and a synchronous (common) variance component. Comparing models including and excluding a climatic covariate enabled us to estimate the effect of climatic variation as a synchronizing and desynchronizing agent on survival. As hypothesized, synchronicity in survival was substantially greater at the more seasonal wetland than at the climatically more stable fynbos site: 0.50 (95% credible interval 0.01–1.92 on the logit scale) and 0.03 (0.00001–0.19), respectively. Similarly, asynchronicity in survival was greater for wetland species than for fynbos species. However, we found no clear evidence that weather affected survival. We provide the first survival estimates of several African endemic birds and the first estimates of synchronicity and asynchronicity in survival of communities outside the strongly seasonal northern temperate zone. Our results suggest that the relative magnitude of synchronicity and asynchronicity varies among communities and support the idea that environmental variability induces synchronicity.
Male nurses' views of gender in the nurse–family relationship in paediatric care
Authors: Arreciado Marañón A. , Rodríguez‐Martín D. , Galbany‐Estragués P.
Published: August 2019

Aims

(1) To learn how male nurses view and manage their relationships with families of hospitalized children, in contrast to how they view those established by female nurses. (2) To know if male nurses' relationships with families of hospitalized children are influenced by gender roles and stereotypes.

Background

Relationships are essential in care. Prevailing gender stereotypes suggest that males have more difficulties with relationships than with technical aspects of nursing.

Method

Descriptive qualitative research in a public tertiary hospital September–December 2015. Participants were male nurses who worked in maternal and child health. Purposive sampling, based on criteria of homogeneity‐regularity and heterogeneity‐diversity. Semi‐structured interviews and content analysis.

Findings

Twelve male nurses participated. Two key themes emerged. (1) Establishment of professional–family relationship. Male nurses denied that male and female nurses established relationships with families differently, attributing any differences to personality rather than gender. (2) Management of relationships. Male nurses claimed that they set more limits on their relationships with families than female nurses.

Discussion

Male nurses both disrupted and reproduced gendered stereotypes about relationships with families, revealing new models of masculinity.

Conclusion

Male nurses reject the stereotype that nursing is a women's profession, but they interpret their relationships with families in terms of gender roles and stereotypes.

Implications for nursing and nursing policy

These findings contribute to understandings of the influence of gender stereotypes in nursing. They support the work of professional associations and labour unions in Spain and other countries to combat gender stereotypes and gender differences in nursing.
Shared decision‐making in outpatients with mental disorders: Patients´ preferences and associated factors
Authors: Morán‐Sánchez Inés , Gómez‐Vallés Paula , Bernal‐López María Ángeles , Pérez‐Cárceles María Dolores
Published: August 2019

Rationale, aims and objectives

Over the last years, traditional paternalistic model is being questioned. Shared Decision‐Making (SDM) model has been proposed as a way to improve patient‐physician interaction. Little is known to what extent people with severe mental illness want to be involved in decision‐making process. This study evaluates their preferences about making clinical decisions and which variables influence these desires.

Method

One hundred seven patients with DSM diagnoses of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and 100 Non Psychiatric Comparison (NPC) subjects recruited from mental health and primary care departments completed a self‐reported questionnaire about preferences in decision‐making process. Demographic and clinical information was obtained through review of available records and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

Results

Patients and NPCs differed as regards their preferences about their participation in medical decisions. NPCs were 18 times more likely to prefer options about their treatment and 2 times more likely to prefer to take medical decisions by their own than psychiatric patients. The best predictors of the preference of a SDM model were a lower BPRS global score and the absence of previous compulsory admissions.

Conclusions

Psychiatric patients more frequently preferred a passive role in the decision‐making process. Interventions to promote SDM should be tailored to the values and needs of each patient because not everyone wants to participate to the same degree. We found several factors to take into account in patient engagement in SDM as these populations may be more vulnerable.
Evaluation of the application of an edible coating and different frying temperatures on acrylamide and fat content in potato chips
Authors: Trujillo‐Agudelo Sara , Osorio Ana , Gómez Faver , Contreras‐Calderón Jose , Mesías‐Garcia Marta , Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Morales Francisco , Vega‐Castro Oscar
Published: August 2019

The consumption of fried foods and specifically potatoes is associated with the development of cardiovascular and cancer diseases in the population due to these foods contain a high fat level and some toxic compounds such as acrylamide. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the application of an edible coating developed from whey proteins and rosemary extracts on the reduction of acrylamide and fat in potato chips. The methodology included factorial experimental design, taking as independent variables: percentage of whey protein (5–11%), percentage of rosemary extract (0–2%), and frying temperature (170–190°C). The fat content was determined according to AOAC and acrylamide by LC‐ESI‐MS‐MS. In addition, textural analyses were performed on potato chips. The content of acrylamide oscillated between 130 and 650 μg/kg. The acrylamide content was significantly affected by the frying temperature (p < 0.05). The fat content ranged between 8 and 31%. The firmness values ranged between 0.5 and 5.7 N. It can be concluded that the edible coating reduces the content of acrylamide and fat during frying, in addition to improving the firmness of the potato. Therefore, the designed coating could be an alternative to the public health problem generated by the consumption of fried foods.

Practical application

The present investigation shows how the use of coatings from whey proteins with the addition of extracts of natural antioxidants from rosemary can reduce the formation of neo‐formed contaminants (acrylamide) and adsorption of fat, which represents a great processing alternative for the industry that allows them to comply with the regulations, recommendations, and existing trends regarding to the consumption of healthier products. In addition, the use of the coating does not affect the sensory quality of the potatoes. This also represents an attractive alternative for consumers who demand increasingly safe and healthy and tasty products, favoring the decrease in the prevalence of degenerative diseases in world population.
Production of clove oil nanoemulsion with rapid and enhanced antimicrobial activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: de Meneses Alessandra C. , Sayer Claudia , Puton Bruna M. S. , Cansian Rogério L. , Araújo Pedro H. H. , de Oliveira Débora
Published: August 2019

The clove essential oil is a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial with potential applications in many fields of the industry. Nanoemulsions (NEs) with Dp ~135 nm loaded with clove oil (CO) and crodamol were produced by ultrasound. The presence of crodamol in formulation increased droplet size homogeneity and prevented the diffusional degradation with the consequent increase in the stability. The formulation containing 7 mg/mL of CO presented a high surface area and exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration against gram‐positive and negative bacteria when compared to the free CO, indicating an increase in the antimicrobial activity with the reduction of the droplet size to the nanometric range. Microbial inhibition kinetics showed a fast action of the NE in the inactivation of microorganisms tested. The antioxidant activity was evaluated and both free and nanoemulsified CO remained with antioxidant potential around 90%. The present work produced CO NE with rapid and increased bioactivity, and strong antioxidant potential, becoming an effective and natural alternative for future applications in food formulations.

Practical applications

The clove essential oil is very interesting to the food and pharmaceutical industries due to the great antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, some limitations are related to its hydrophobic character, which limits the application in food formulations due to the low solubility in aqueous media. The essential oils nanoemulsions can be a great alternative to improve the oil solubility, increase the contact area, and protect the bioactive components that are present in the essential oil. Although some studies have been showing the great potential of the essential oil nanoemulsions, the investigation around the reduction of the emulsion droplet diameter, considering the relation between the nanometric range and the increase in the bioavailability and biological activity, is a critical issue to enable their application in food formulations.
Novel per‐oral endoscopic myotomy method preserving oblique muscle using two penetrating vessels as anatomic landmarks reduces postoperative gastroesophageal reflux
Authors: Tanaka Shinwa , Toyonaga Takashi , Kawara Fumiaki , Watanabe Daisuke , Hoshi Namiko , Abe Hirohumi , Ariyoshi Ryusuke , Ohara Yoshiko , Takao Toshitatsu , Morita Yoshinori , Umegaki Eiji , Kodama Yuzo
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

One of the main concerns related to peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is postoperative gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The two penetrating vessels (TPVs) that are found at the boundary between the circular and oblique muscles in the posterior cardia wall have been suggested to be a good indicator of the optimal distal extent of POEM. However, the effect of performing myotomy using the TPVs as an anatomical reference on the frequency of post‐POEM GER has not been studied.

Methods

This study involved consecutive patients who underwent POEM for the treatment of achalasia between April 2015 and June 2017. All enrolled patients underwent POEM in the 5 o'clock position and were divided into two groups: the conventional line group (CL group, n = 31), in which the TPVs were not exposed during submucosal tunnel dissection in the cardia, and the TPVs line group (TPVs group, n = 83), in which the TPVs were exposed and gastric myotomy was performed along the right side of the TPVs to preserve the oblique muscle. Examinations for post‐POEM GER were conducted 3 months after the POEM.

Results

The frequency of grade B or higher reflex esophagitis was 26/83 (31.3%) in the TPVs group and 18/31 (58.1%) in the CL group (P = 0.017). Nine of 83 patients (10.8%) had GER symptoms in the TPVs group, and six of 31 (19.4%) had GER symptoms in the CL group (P = 0.23).

Conclusions

The novel myotomy method preserving oblique muscle using TPVs as anatomical landmarks significantly reduced the frequency of post‐POEM GER.
Celebratory Socialism: Subcultural Politics of Dancing, Drinking, and Hooking Up Among Youth of Brazil's MST
Authors: Gurr Mel
Published: August 2019

Utilizando observação participante em pesquisa no Congresso Nacional do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) realizado no ano 2014, este artigo descreve as dimensões ativas da corporalidade, como um importante espaço de aprendizagens políticas e elaboração simbólica entre os jovens militantes deste movimento. Ele explora os rituais de beber, dançar, e ficar depois de um experiência de repressão estatal. O artigo apresenta formas com que os jovens criam sua própria subcultura socialista obtendo assim um vislumbre experiencial sobre uma sociedade mais igualitária. Ao mesmo tempo, esses domínios lançam luz sobre negociações mais amplas de gênero, sexualidade e pertença na sociedade brasileira e no MST. Prestando atenção às implicações políticas das práticas prazerosas, argumenta que a festa do socialismo é uma fonte de resistência e força, promovendo a participação dos jovens rurais nos projetos políticos emancipatórios num conjuntura difícil.
Better performance of germination in hyperosmotic solutions in conspecific weedy rice than cultivated rice
Authors: Wang Yuan , Mo Shu‐Da , Kong Meng‐Yao , Chao Jing , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Yang Jin‐Ling , Yan Yu‐Jiang , Shi Zhi‐Hua , Qiang Sheng , Song Xiao‐Ling , Dai Wei‐Min
Published: August 2019

Weeds and crops that grow together often confront similar types of environmental stress, especially drought stress. Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) and cultivated rice (O. sativa L.) provide a unique pair consisting of a weed and a conspecific model crop that can be used to study the drought tolerance of plants across a large distributional range. The investigation on weedy rice's damage to paddy fields showed that it was more serious in dry direct seeding than water direct seeding. Compared with water direct seeding, the seeds of cultivated rice and weedy rice in dry direct seeding will absorb water and germinate under the condition of insufficient soil moisture. Our hypothesis is that weedy rice seeds have evolved stronger germination ability than coexisting cultivated rice under water stress, so that they can obtain more growth space in the early stage in dry direct seeding and thus obtain higher fitness. Seeds of weedy rice populations and coexisting rice cultivars were collected from 61 sites across China and were germinated with 20% polyethylene glycol‐6000 to simulate drought stress. Two drought response indices, which assessed germination rate and germination index, plus one germination stress tolerance index, indicated significantly greater drought tolerance in weedy rice populations than in coexisting rice cultivars (P < 0.01). Drought tolerance for the three indexes were indica weedy rice > indica rice cultivars, japonica weedy rice > japonica rice cultivars, and indica weedy rice > japonica rice cultivars. These results indicate that weedy rice populations show stronger drought stress tolerance than coexisting rice cultivars at various sites, specifically during the seed germination period. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation found that drought response of weedy rice populations and coexisting rice cultivars were significantly different with these environmental factors: latitude, altitude, annual mean precipitation, mean annual temperature, mean precipitation in the sowing month, mean temperature in the sowing month, and sowing methods. Weedy rice shows different patterns of drought tolerance variation across geographical (latitude and altitude) and environmental (precipitation) gradients compared to coexisting rice cultivars. This study suggests that weedy rice might have evolved new drought tolerance and could provide a useful source of genetic resources for improving drought tolerance of crop cultivars and breeding direct seeded cultivars to reduce the usage of seeds in direct seeding.
Food origin labels in Ghana: Finding inspiration in the European geographical indications system on honey
Authors: Besah‐Adanu Courage , Bosselmann Aske S. , Hansted Lise , Kwapong Peter K.
Published: August 2019

Geographical indication (GI) identifies goods originating from a particular territory, where certain qualities and reputation of the product are essentially attributed to that origin. GIs connote value addition hence a tool for livelihood improvement among producers of local products. This is especially the case for honey, which is mainly produced rural areas in Ghana, where there are few other income sources. However, GIs are unknown in the country. This paper discusses various elements and storylines that commonly characterize registered GI products, focusing on GI honeys registered within the EU and the single GI honey registered in Africa, the Oku white Honey in Cameroon. The study is based on a literature review of GI honey records and the EU DOOR database, general literature, and complemented with fieldwork. A number of elements were identified to characterize GI honeys and can be grouped into three elements: indicative, essential, and supportive. The three groups of elements are important for the identification, development, and promotion of GIs in Ghana. Analyzing potential GI honey case within the three groups of elements shows Ghana has a GI legislation but has to develop the capacity for relevant state institutions necessary for GI building.
Autopsy findings in the early stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with “dropped head” syndrome
Authors: Tanikawa Satoshi , Tanino Mishie , Wang Lei , Ishikawa Marin , Miyazaki Masaya , Tsuda Masumi , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi , Matoba Kotarou , Nakamura Nishio , Nagashima Kazuo , Hall William W. , Tanaka Shinya
Published: August 2019

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) has been rarely observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the neuropathological findings of this condition have almost never been described. The identification of transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43), which binds to RNA/DNA has provided a new method for studying ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Post‐mortem examination of an adult sudden death case of a 71‐year‐old patient who complained of DHS exhibited severe loss of anterior motor neurons in the cervical cord (C4‐6). Loss of nerve fibers of the anterior roots was striking compared with posterior roots, together with marked neurogenic atrophy of posterior muscles semispinalis cervicis. Bunina bodies were found in large neurons of Betz giant cells, but not in the motor neurons of spinal cords, or neurons of bulbar regions. Phosphorylated TDP‐43 (p‐TDP‐43)‐positive structures were detected in the residual neurons of the cervical, thoracic and lumber cords, hypoglossal nucleus, cerebellar dentate nucleus and parahippocampal cortex, together with ubiquitin‐positive inclusions. Phosphorylated Tau positive structures in neuronal cytoplasm were found in the amygdala, entorhinal cortex and parahippocampal cortex, some of which co‐expressed p‐TDP‐43. The medial zone of cervical cords may be the first onset site, and that is the cause of head drop in the early stage of ALS. In spite of detailed examination, the direct cause of sudden death was not verified. This autopsy report revealed the relation of DHS which is a rare clinical manifestation of ALS, and neuropathological findings.
Perceptions of illness as predictive factors for perceived stress in patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program
Authors: Sadeghi Masoumeh , Alavi Mousa , Mohammadi Mahboobeh , Roohafza Hamidreza , Mahmoodi Azam , Visentin Denis , Lopez Violeta , Cleary Michelle
Published: August 2019

Psychosocial risk factors, such as perceived stress, not only increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also act as barriers for treatment adherence and cardiac rehabilitation. In this study, we examined the predictive role of perceptions for illness to perceived stress in Iranian patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2017 to determine correlations of demographic variables and domains of illness perception with perceived stress, and to develop a predictive model for perceived stress. In total, 150 patients with cardiovascular disease, who were admitted to a cardiac rehabilitation center, completed the questionnaires. (i) demographic and health‐related characteristics; (ii) the Perceived Stress Scale‐14; and (iii) the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. The mean perceived stress was 16.2 (8.4), and five illness perception subscales – timeline, personal control, treatment control, understanding and emotional response – were associated with increased perceived stress. Variables in the multi‐variate predictive model accounted for 48% of the total variance in perceived stress. The results demonstrated the value of assessing and managing the patients' perceptions of illness to reduce their perceived stress, which could support adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Daikenchuto, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, promotes colonic transit by inducing a propulsive movement pattern
Authors: Kubota Kunitsugu , Mase Akihito , Matsushima Hiroaki , Fujitsuka Naoki , Yamamoto Masahiro , Morine Yuji , Taketomi Akinobu , Kono Toru , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: August 2019

Background

The traditional Japanese herbal medicine, daikenchuto (DKT), has been used to treat constipation and postoperative ileus. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the pharmacological effects of DKT remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of DKT on motor patterns and transit activity in the isolated rat colon.

Methods

The entire colon or segments of the proximal colon in rats were isolated and placed in Krebs solution. The motility of the colon was evaluated by analyzing spatiotemporal maps of diameter derived from video imaging and measuring the intraluminal pressure in the anal end of the proximal colon, and the transit time of a plastic bead through the entire isolated colon.

Key Results

Several types of propagating contractions were observed in the isolated entire colon. When DKT was added to Krebs solution, the frequency of large‐extent anal propagating contractions increased. DKT treatment increased the intraluminal pressure in the isolated proximal colon, which was related to the propagating contractions. This effect was abolished by treatment with the neural blocker tetrodotoxin. These findings suggest DKT induced peristaltic contractions in the isolated colon. DKT accelerated colonic transit activity, which was related to peristaltic contractions induction in the colon. These effects were also observed in the colons treated with bethanechol and the active ingredient of DKT, hydroxy‐α‐sanshool.

Conclusions and Inferences

Daikenchuto could enhance colonic transit activity by inducing peristaltic contractions, which may be mediated by the activation of the enteric nervous system in the colon.
Regularity in speech rhythm as a social coalition signal
Authors: Polyanskaya Leona , Samuel Arthur G. , Ordin Mikhail
Published: August 2019

Regular rhythm facilitates audiomotor entrainment and synchronization in motor behavior and vocalizations between individuals. As rhythm entrainment between interacting agents is correlated with higher levels of cooperation and prosocial affiliative behavior, humans can potentially map regular speech rhythm onto higher cooperation and friendliness between interacting individuals. We tested this hypothesis at two rhythmic levels: pulse (recurrent acoustic events) and meter (hierarchical structuring of pulses based on their relative salience). We asked the listeners to make judgments of the hostile or collaborative attitude of two interacting agents who exhibit either regular or irregular pulse (Experiment 1) or meter (Experiment 2). The results confirmed a link between the perception of social affiliation and rhythmicity: evenly distributed pulses (vowel onsets) and consistent grouping of pulses into recurrent hierarchical patterns are more likely to be perceived as cooperation signals. People are more sensitive to regularity at the level of pulse than at the level of meter, and they are more confident when they associate cooperation with isochrony in pulse. The evolutionary origin of this faculty is possibly the need to transmit and perceive coalition information in social groups of human ancestors. We discuss the implications of these findings for the emergence of speech in humans.
Optimizing clonidine dosage for sedation in mechanically ventilated children: A pharmacokinetic simulation study
Authors: Hayden John C. , Bardol Maddlie , Doherty Dermot R. , Dawkins Ian , Healy Martina , Breatnach Cormac V. , Gallagher Paul J. , Cousins Gráinne , Standing Joseph F.
Published: August 2019

Background

Clonidine is in widespread off‐label use as a sedative in mechanically ventilated children, despite limited evidence of efficacy. A variety of dosage regimens have been utilized in clinical practice and in research studies. Within these studies, clonidine has inconsistently shown useful sedation properties. One of the reasons attributed to the inconsistent signs of efficacy is suboptimal clonidine dosing.

Aims

This study aims to propose a target plasma concentration and simulate clonidine pharmacokinetics (PK) in a cohort of mechanically ventilated children to evaluate the adequacy of clonidine dosage regimens used in clinical practice and research studies.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken to identify a clonidine pharmaockinetic‐pharmacodynamics (PKPD) model, from which a target concentration for sedation was defined. Using a previously published PK model, the projected plasma concentrations of 692 mechanically ventilated children (demographics taken from a recent study) were generated. Doses from recently published clinical studies were investigated. Adequacy of each regimen to attain therapeutic clonidine plasma concentrations was assessed.

Results

A target plasma concentration of above 2 µg/L was proposed. Nine dosage regimens (four intravenous boluses, four intravenous infusions, and one nasogastric route boluses) were evaluated ranging from 1 µg/kg eight hourly intravenous boluses to a regimen up to 3 µg/kg/hr continuous intravenous infusion. Regimens with a loading dose of 2 µg/kg followed by variable continuous infusion of up to 2 µg/kg/hr titrated according to sedation score appear most suitable. Doses should be halved in neonates.

Conclusion

The variety of dosage regimens in the previous studies of clonidine along with difficulties in the conduct of interventional studies may have contributed to the lack of efficacy data to support its use. Simulations of clonidine plasma concentrations based on known population pharmacokinetic parameters suggest a loading dose followed by higher than current practice maintenance dose infusion is required to achieve adequate steady‐state concentrations early in treatment. Further PKPD studies will aid in the determination of the optimal clonidine dosage regimen.
Flowering‐mediated root‐fungus symbiosis loss is related to jasmonate‐dependent root soluble sugar deprivation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yuan Jie , Cheng Ting , Tang Meng‐Jun , Sun Kai , Song Shi‐Li , Xu Fang‐Ji , Dai Chuan‐Chao
Published: August 2019

The role of flowering in root‐fungal symbiosis is not well understood. Because flowering and fungal symbionts are supported by carbohydrates, we hypothesized that flowering modulates root‐beneficial fungal associations through alterations in carbohydrate metabolism and transport. We monitored fungal colonization and soluble sugars in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana following inoculation with a mutualistic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari across different plant developmental stages. Jasmonate signalling of wild‐type plants, sugar transport, and root invertase of wild‐type and jasmonate‐insensitive plants were exploited to assess whether and how jasmonate‐dependent sugar dynamics are involved in flowering‐mediated fungal colonization alterations. We found that flowering restricts root‐fungal colonization and activates root jasmonate signalling upon fungal inoculation. Jasmonates reduce the constitutive and fungus‐induced accumulation of root glucose and fructose at the flowering stage. Further experiments with sugar transport and metabolism mutant lines revealed that root glucose and fructose positively influence fungal colonization. Diurnal, jasmonate‐dependent inhibitions of sugar transport and soluble invertase activity were identified as likely mechanisms for flowering‐mediated root sugar depletion upon fungal inoculation. Collectively, our results reveal that flowering drives root‐fungus cooperation loss, which is related to jasmonate‐dependent root soluble sugar depletion. Limiting the spread of root‐fungal colonization may direct more resources to flower development.
Acquired erythropoietic protoporphyria: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Snast Igor , Kaftory Ran , Sherman Shani , Edel Yonatan , Hodak Emmilia , Levi Assi , Lapidoth Moshe
Published: August 2019

Background

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a semi‐dominantly inherited porphyria presenting with photosensitivity during early childhood. Acquired EPP has been reported; however, data regarding this rare disorder are scarce.

Purpose

To evaluate the characteristics of acquired EPP.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed by three reviewers. Studies describing patients with acquired EPP were included. Additionally, we present an index case of a 26‐year‐old patient who acquired clinically and biochemically typical EPP in association with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

Results

We included 20 case reports describing 20 patients. Most (80%) patients were male of mean age 58 ± 13 years. In all patients, acquired EPP was associated with hematological disease, most commonly MDS (85%) followed by myeloproliferative disease (10%). In 86% of cases, hematological disease led to abnormality or somatic mutation in chromosome 18q (the locus of the ferrochelatase gene). The mean erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX concentration was very high (4286 μg/dL). Most (90%) patients presented with photosensitivity, 20% experienced blistering, and 25% presented with hepatic insufficiency, both uncommon in EPP. In 55% of patients, hematological disease was diagnosed after occurrence of cutaneous symptoms. Beta‐carotene led to partial control of symptoms in 5 patients and resolution in another patient. Azacitidine treatment of MDS led to resolution of cutaneous symptoms in three patients.

Conclusion

We present the distinct features of acquired EPP and highlight that any patient presenting with new‐onset photosensitivity, irrespective of age should be evaluated for porphyria.
Blunted cardiovascular responses to acute psychological stress predict low behavioral but not self‐reported perseverance
Authors: Chauntry Aiden J. , Williams Sarah E. , Whittaker Anna C.
Published: August 2019

Emerging evidence relates attenuated physiological stress reactions to poor behavioral regulation. However, only a small number of behaviors such as impulsivity and risk taking have been explored. Nevertheless, one opportunistic study suggested that blunted reactivity might relate to poor perseverance. The present study examined the relationship between cardiovascular reactivity to acute active psychological stress and self‐reported and behavioral perseverance. Participants (N = 64) completed a self‐report perseverance questionnaire before heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured at rest and in response to 4‐min active (paced auditory serial addition; PASAT) and passive (cold pressor) stress tests. This was followed by an unsolvable Euler puzzle tracing task, with the time spent and number of attempts endeavoring to solve the puzzle recorded as behavioral perseverance measures. Blunted systolic and diastolic BP reactivity to the PASAT was associated with fewer attempts at the impossible puzzle, and lower diastolic BP PASAT reactivity related to less time persevering at the puzzle. Moreover, attenuated diastolic BP and HR PASAT reactivity predicted poorer perseverance at keeping one's hand in the iced water of the cold pressor task. There was no association between reactivity and self‐reported perseverance. These preliminary findings add to the evidence that implicates blunted reactivity as a physiological marker of poor behavioral regulation, and this may indicate why individuals with blunted reactivity are at increased risk of developing negative health outcomes (e.g., obesity and addictions).
Review on integrated production of the brine shrimp Artemia in solar salt ponds
Authors: Van Stappen Gilbert , Sui Liying , Hoa Van Nguyen , Tamtin Montakan , Nyonje Betty , de Medeiros Rocha Renato , Sorgeloos Patrick , Gajardo Gonzalo
Published: August 2019

The brine shrimp Artemia is a highly required, convenient and cost‐effective live food used in fish and shellfish larviculture. Its cysts, originating from a limited number of inland salt lakes, are traded worldwide. Over the past decades, Artemia pond production in solar saltworks, integrated with salt production, has emerged as an alternative to cope with possible cyst shortages and high prices on the international market and as a tool to fulfill local cyst and Artemia biomass demands associated with local and regional aquaculture developments. This article reviews the principles of Artemia pond production and how it is practiced in terms of general management. It also describes the distinctive features that have evolved in various countries, due to geographical, environmental and socio‐economic characteristics and the local aquaculture context. It highlights the lessons that may be learnt from previous successes and failures for new areas where the technique may be introduced. The principles of Artemia pond production are also discussed in the light of global and local Artemia biodiversity, as its protection is key to support the sustainability of the aquaculture industry. This review pioneers in bringing this information, much of which was restricted to grey literature until now, under the attention of the international scientific audience. Future research and development should focus on continued proper management to secure cyst production and to maximize cyst quantities. Moreover, using the information provided by the Artemia genome will allow as well to strive for improved cyst quality, by producing strains with specific market characteristics.
In search for a predictive marker of acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Moodley Yuben
Published: August 2019

See related Article
A palimpsest of ornaments: the art of Azulejo as a hybrid language
Authors: Ventura Teixeira Céline
Published: August 2019

While scholarship has explored azulejo decoration of Iberian churches and palaces, the ornamental language used in ceramic tiles as a reflection of hybridisation in the early modern period deserves further scrutiny. Azulejo production is a useful means to study visual hybridity in the Iberian world. This article explores the azulejo as the expression of a hybrid language incorporating imported Italo‐Flemish patterns, which became interlinked with pre‐existing forms, including arabesques from the Mudéjar tradition. Differing motifs were combined to create new ornamental expressions, as seen for example in the Quinta da Bacalhoa, near Lisbon. The dynamic of the appropriation of a range of sources, such as Italo‐Flemish engravings, Indo‐Persian carpets and Oriental forms, created veritable ornamental palimpsests, reflecting an extraordinary dialogue across diverse arts and cultures. Western European models were combined with the sensibility and skills of local craftsmen in Asia and the Americas. The azulejos decorating the Church of Santa Monica in Goa are emblematic of this fusion. In the same way, the migration of Spanish tile makers to the New World, and their association with indigenous craftsmen there contributed to the emergence of original azulejo compositions, as seen in the cloister of the monastery of San Francisco in Lima.
Transatlantic works of art: the hybrid qualities of two kinds of baroque
Authors: Trusted Marjorie
Published: August 2019

This essay is a study of the marble baroque sculpture of St Rose of Lima, later the patron saint of South America and the Philippines. The sculpture was executed by the Maltese artist active in Rome, Melchiorre Cafà (1636–1667), and signed and dated 1665. It was destined for the Dominican church of Sto Domingo in Lima. The Iberian peninsula and Viceregal America were inextricably linked politically and culturally from the sixteenth century onwards. In the visual arts, notably in architecture, painting, sculpture, ceramics and metalwork, compelling hybrid forms resulted from these intertwined connections. But as well as forms and shapes, decorative techniques and surfaces, the importation of works of art from Europe also changed the way in which art was viewed and received.