bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of deep breathing on predictability of stroke volume variation in spontaneous breathing patients
Authors: Mukai Akira , Suehiro Koichi , Kimura Aya , Kodama Sae , Tanaka Katsuaki , Mori Takashi , Nishikawa Kiyonobu
Published: December 2019

Background

This study investigated the ability of stroke volume variation (SVV) during deep breathing to discriminate fluid responders among spontaneously breathing patients.

Methods

Thirty patients undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled and assessed before anaesthetic induction. Haemodynamic variables, including stroke volume (SV) and SVV, were measured using the ClearSight system during normal breathing. After these measurements, each patient was required to maintain deep breathing (6 breaths min−1) and haemodynamic variables were recorded. Then, the table was adjusted to the Trendelenburg position (15°) for 2 minutes, and haemodynamic variables were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created for SVV during normal and deep breathing, and the difference in SVV between normal and deep breathing (ΔSVV) to discriminate fluid responders (SV increase >10% after changing position). The correlation between SV increase and ΔSVV was examined using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The grey zone approach was used to assess the inconclusive range of the haemodynamic variables.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that ΔSVV showed good reliability in predicting fluid responsiveness (AUC: 0.850; 95% CI: 0.672‐0.953; threshold: 4%, sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity: 88.9%], while SVV during normal breathing did not (AUC: 0.579; 95% CI: 0.386‐0.756)]. Although SVV during deep breathing exhibited acceptable predictability (AUC: 0.778; 95% CI: 0.589‐0.908), the sensitivity was not good (58.3%). With the grey zone approach, the inconclusive range of ΔSVV was small with the range of 1.4%‐4.2% (23% of patients).

Conclusion

Deep breathing could improve the reliability of dynamic indices in spontaneously breathing patients.

Trial registration

UMIN‐CTR, identifer: UMIN000027970. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000032040
ETph: enhancers and their targets in pig and human database
Authors: Sun H. , Liao Y. , Wang Z. , Zhang Z. , Oyelami F. O. , Olasege B. S. , Wang Q. , Pan Y.
Published: December 2019

Enhancers, as the genomic non‐coding sequences, play a key role in the activation of gene expression. They have been widely identified in the human genome. Pig is an important biomedical model for human health. Few studies have been performed to explore the enhancers in the pig genome. The human enhancer information may be useful to identify enhancers in the pig genome. In addition, the genetic background of pig traits could be useful to annotate human enhancers and diseases. Thus, in order to further study enhancers and their potential roles in human and pig, we developed a public database, ETph (Enhancers and their Targets in pig and human). ETph integrates the information on human enhancers, pig putative enhancers, target genes, pig QTL terms, human diseases, GO terms and the KEGG pathway. A total of 25 182 enhancers were identified in the pig genome using the human homology sequence information. Among them, 6232 high‐confidence enhancers were used to build the ETph. ETph provides a convenient platform to search, browse and download data. Moreover, a web‐based analytical tool was designed to visualize networks and topology graphs among pig putative enhancers, target genes, pig QTL traits and human diseases. ETph might provide a useful tool for researchers to investigate the genetic background of pig traits and human diseases. ETph is freely accessible at http://klab.sjtu.edu.cn/enhancer/.
Symbiotic collision tumour of the scalp: squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma
Authors: Mangkorntongsakul Varitsara , Tng Er Tsing Vivian , Scurry James , Gourlay Ralph
Published: December 2019

Cutaneous collision tumours are the co‐existence of two tumours of different histopathological morphologies that coincide at the same or adjacent anatomical sites. A large scalp nodule excised from a 70 year‐old man revealed a collision tumour composed of cells of squamous carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma. Immunohistochemistry using dual staining for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated an unusual pattern; nests of melanoma cells surrounded by a layer of squamous carcinoma cells. The unique architecture observed in the case suggested a relationship between the two tumours.
Increasing incidence of Acanthamoeba keratitis in a large tertiary ophthalmology department from year 1994 to 2018
Authors: Nielsen Stine Elkjær , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Acanthamoeba (AA) keratitis is a rare and severe infection with poor prognosis. The aim was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of AA keratitis in a large tertiary ophthalmology department in Denmark.

Methods

A search was performed in our electronic patient records by the keywords: ‘PHMB/polyhexanid’, ‘Brolene’ or ‘amoeba and chlorhexidine’ from year 1994 to 2018, and afterwards medical records were reviewed. A total of 65 cases of AA keratitis were hereby identified.

Results

Patients were relatively young, median (range) age of 38 (15–70) years. A significant increase of diagnosing AA keratitis occurred from 0.13 cases per million per year in the first 5 years to 2.7 cases per million per year the last 5 years. Eighty‐nine per cent of patients were contact lens users, and 49% had received corticosteroids before the diagnosis was established. Severe pain was present in 34% of patients. Prognosis was poor with final visual acuity of logMAR (mean, 95% CI) 0.30 (0.18–0.41), 18% had transplantation à chaud, and 2% were enucleated.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the incidence of AA keratitis is increasing, also in Denmark. Most patients were young contact lens users. The course of the disease is long and often painful, and the prognosis is poor despite relevant treatment.
Increased ferritin levels in non‐transfusion‐dependent β°‐thalassaemia/HbE are associated with reduced CXCR2 expression and neutrophil migration
Authors: Thiengtavor Chayada , Siriworadetkun Sirikwan , Paiboonsukwong Kittiphong , Fucharoen Suthat , Pattanapanyasat Kovit , Vadolas Jim , Svasti Saovaros , Chaichompoo Pornthip
Published: December 2019

Severe bacterial infection is a major complication causing morbidity and mortality in β‐thalassaemia/HbE patients. Innate immunity constitutes the first line of defence against bacterial infection. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the innate immune phenotype and function related to factors predisposing to infection in non‐transfusion‐dependent (NTD) β°‐thalassaemia/HbE patients. Twenty‐six patients and 17 healthy subjects were recruited to determine complement activity (C3, C4, mannose‐binding lectin and CH50) and surface receptor expression including markers of phagocytosis (CD11b, CD16 and C3bR), inflammation (C5aR) and migration (CD11b, CXCR1 and CXCR2) on neutrophils and monocytes. In addition, phagocytosis and oxidative burst activity of neutrophils and monocytes against Escherichia coli and neutrophil migration were examined. Decreased C3 and surface expression of CD11b and C3bR on neutrophils were found in patients. However, phagocytosis of neutrophils in patients was still in the normal range. Interestingly, patients displayed a significant reduction of surface expression of CXCR2 [1705 ± 217 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI)] on neutrophils, leading to impaired neutrophil migration (9·2 ± 7·7%) when compared to neutrophils from healthy subjects (2261 ± 627 MFI and 27·8 ± 9% respectively). Moreover, surface expression of CXCR2 on neutrophils was associated with splenectomy status, serum ferritin and haemoglobin levels. Therefore, impaired neutrophil migration could contribute to the increased susceptibility to infection seen in NTD β°‐thalassaemia/HbE patients.
Mucormycosis in children with haematological malignancies is a salvageable disease: a report from the Israeli Study Group of Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Elitzur Sarah , Arad‐Cohen Nira , Barg Assaf , Litichever Naomi , Bielorai Bella , Elhasid Ronit , Fischer Salvador , Fruchtman Yariv , Gilad Gil , Kapelushnik Joseph , Kharit Mira , Konen Osnat , Laor Ruth , Levy Itzhak , Raviv Dror , Shachor‐Meyouhas Yael , Shvartser‐Beryozkin Yulia , Toren Amos , Yaniv Isaac , Nirel Ronit , Izraeli Shai , Barzilai‐Birenboim Shlomit
Published: December 2019

Mucormycosis has emerged as an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, but contemporary data in children are lacking. We conducted a nationwide multicentre study to investigate the characteristics of mucormycosis in children with haematological malignancies. The cohort included 39 children with mucormycosis: 25 of 1136 children (incidence 2·2%) with acute leukaemias prospectively enrolled in a centralized clinical registry in 2004–2017, and an additional 14 children with haematological malignancies identified by retrospective search of the databases of seven paediatric haematology centres. Ninety‐two percent of mucormycosis cases occurred in patients with acute leukaemias. Mucormycosis was significantly associated with high‐risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (OR 3·75; 95% CI 1·51–9·37; P = 0·004) and with increasing age (OR 3·58; 95% CI 1·24–9·77; P = 0·01). Fifteen patients (38%) died of mucormycosis. Rhinocerebral pattern was independently associated with improved 12‐week survival (OR 9·43; 95% CI 1·47–60·66; P = 0·02) and relapsed underlying malignancy was associated with increased 12‐week mortality (OR 6·42; 95% CI, 1·01–40·94; P = 0·05). In patients receiving frontline therapy for their malignancy (n = 24), one‐year cumulative mucormycosis‐related mortality was 21 ± 8% and five‐year overall survival was 70 ± 8%. This largest paediatric population‐based study of mucormycosis demonstrates that children receiving frontline therapy for their haematological malignancy are often salvageable.
Mental and physical health conditions in people with intellectual disabilities: Comparing local and national data
Authors: Perera Bhathika , Audi Salma , Solomou Solomis , Courtenay Ken , Ramsay Hugh
Published: December 2019

Accessible summary

People with intellectual disability have multiple health problems.

People with intellectual disability have more physical and mental health conditions than people without intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disability may need more health checks due to increased prevalence of physical and mental illnesses.

More studies are needed to understand what interventions are effective to reduce health problems in people with intellectual disability.

Background

Studies have reported increased prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) compared to people without intellectual disabilities. However, there are no studies looking into specific health conditions at a national level and comparing with areas that are socio‐economically disadvantaged (e.g. low income and low education attainment). This study examines and compares the prevalence of physical and mental health morbidity in people with and without intellectual disabilities at a local and national level in the UK.

Method

This study was an anecdotal analysis of physical and mental health data and annual health check‐up for England (national), London (regional) and Haringey (inner‐city borough of London) in 2016/17 using data from the NHS Digital database.

Results

Patterns of mental and physical conditions for people with and without intellectual disabilities were similar across Haringey, London and England data. Severe mental illness was more prevalent among people with intellectual disabilities compared to non‐intellectual disability peers. This further increased in the inner‐city London borough for the intellectual disability group. Certain physical health conditions were also more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities. Certain activities such as monitoring blood pressure, recording body mass index and checking HbA1C were better in people with intellectual disabilities. Uptake of annual health checks for people with intellectual disabilities remained around 50%.

Discussion

This study further highlights the increased prevalence of mental and physical disorders in people with intellectual disabilities compared to people without intellectual disabilities. Further increased risk of mental disorders in an inner London borough compared to national data aligns with existing literature that highlights the negative impact of socio‐economic deprivation on mental and physical health. Further studies are needed to assess the health and social care measures that can reduce the physical and mental health morbidity in people with intellectual disabilities.
Clinical relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Eickmeier Olaf , Zissler Ulrich M. , Wittschorek Julia , Unger Frederike , Schmitt‐Grohé Sabina , Schubert Ralf , Herrmann Eva , Zielen Stefan
Published: December 2019

Rationale

The clinical relevance of sensitization to Aspergillus (A) fumigatus in cystic fibrosis (CF) is unclear. Some researchers propose that specific A fumigatus IgE is an innocent bystander, whereas others describe it as the major cause of TH‐2‐driven asthma‐like disease.

Objectives

Lung function parameters in mild CF patients may be different in patients with and without A fumigatus sensitization. We aimed to ascertain whether allergen exposure to A fumigatus by bronchial allergen provocation (BAP) induces TH‐2 inflammation comparable to an asthma‐like disease.

Methods

A total of 35 patients, aged 14.8 ± 8.5 years, and 20 healthy controls were investigated prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 18): specific (s)IgE negative, and group 2 (n = 17): sIgE positive (≥0.7 KU/L) for A fumigatus. Lung function, exhaled NO, and induced sputum were analysed. All sensitized patients with an FEV1 > 75% (n = 13) underwent BAP with A fumigatus, and cell counts, and the expression of IL‐5, IL‐13, INF‐γ, and IL‐8 as well as transcription factors T‐bet, GATA‐3, and FoxP3, were measured.

Results

Lung function parameters decreased significantly compared to controls, but not within the CF patient group. After BAP, 8 of 13 patients (61%) had a significant asthmatic response and increased eNO 24 hours later. In addition, marked TH‐2‐mediated inflammation involving eosinophils, IL‐5, IL‐13, and FoxP3 became apparent in induced sputum cells.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the clinical relevance of A fumigatus for the majority of sensitized CF patients. A distinct IgE/TH‐2‐dominated inflammation was found in induced sputum after A fumigatus exposure.
New clinical characteristics and novel pathogenic variants of patients with hereditary leukodystrophies
Authors: Xie Juan‐Juan , Ni Wang , Wei Qiao , Ma Huan , Bai Ge , Shen Ying , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: December 2019

Aim

Leukodystrophies are a group of inherited white matter disorders with clinical, genetic, and imaging heterogeneity, which usually pose a diagnostic challenge for physicians. We aimed to identify new clinical characteristics and novel pathogenic variants of hereditary leukodystrophies in this study.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 28 unrelated patients clinically suspected with leukodystrophies. Leukocytes enzyme activity test, electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and brain MRI were conducted. Functional analysis was performed, and the pathogenicity of variants was classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and guidelines.

Results

We made definite diagnosis in 8 probands with 12 pathogenic variants and reported new clinical characteristics and imaging features of these patients. Three novel pathogenic variants were identified, including a microdeletion variant c.2654_2654+3del within CSF1R, a nonsense variant c.1321C>T, and a missense variant c.166G>C within GALC.

Conclusion

Our results have deepened the understanding of clinical, genetic, and imaging heterogeneity of hereditary leukodystrophies, and expanded the spectrum of pathogenic variants and clinical features.
A field‐validated species distribution model to support management of the critically endangered Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek) butterfly in Canada
Authors: Westwood Richard , Westwood Alana R. , Hooshmandi Mahsa , Pearson Kara , LaFrance Kerienne , Murray Colin
Published: December 2019

The Poweshiek skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek) is a critically endangered grassland butterfly with six populations remaining in the United States and Canada. The single Canadian population, with the largest remaining contiguous habitat, includes less than ~50 observed individuals and extirpation is potentially imminent. Captive breeding is underway and there is a need to locate suitable sites for reintroduction and habitat management. Species distribution models (SDMs) predict habitat quality and guide management decisions. Most SDMs rely on statistical validation as a surrogate metric for accuracy, with presence‐only SDMs usually reporting area under the curve (AUC). Although experts have long cautioned against relying on statistical validation alone, accuracy is rarely field‐validated. We developed a presence‐only SDM using the maximum entropy (Maxent) method to predict probability of occurrence for the Poweshiek skipperling and determine environmental covariates associated with high probability of occurrence. We collected two independent datasets to (a) calibrate our model to predict categories of habitat quality (using factor analysis) and (b) compare expected and observed habitat quality to calculate model accuracy. Statistical validation showed that we predicted presence‐absence of training data with high accuracy (AUC = 0.98). Covariates responsible for most of the variation in probability of occurrence included soil drainage, habitat patch size, and land use type. Only 0.4% of the study area was expected to represent good‐excellent habitat with the remaining 99.6% medium‐poor. Our model predicted novel habitat quality with 81% accuracy (better than chance). Poor‐medium habitat was predicted more accurately (92%) than good‐excellent habitat (54%). Our model showed better accuracy than most other field‐validated SDMs reviewed. We reiterate calls for greater field‐validation of SDMs: if we had relied on statistical validation alone, perceived accuracy of our model would be inflated. Finally, managers can use our results to reliably exclude predicted poor‐medium habitats as candidates for Poweshiek skipperling habitat management or reintroduction.
Vulvamalignome: eine interdisziplinäre Betrachtung
Authors: Wohlmuth Christoph , Wohlmuth‐Wieser Iris
Published: December 2019

Vulvamalignome stellen die vierthäufigste Gruppe von gynäkologischen Krebserkrankungen dar. Erste Ansprechpartner sind typischerweise niedergelassene Dermatologen und Gynäkologen. Mit der jeweiligen Fachexpertise findet die Diagnose und Therapie idealerweise interdisziplinär zwischen spezialisierten Dermatoonkologen und gynäkologischen Onkologen statt. Vulvamalignome sind überwiegend Erkrankungen des höheren Lebensalters, obwohl alle histologischen Subtypen auch bei Frauen unter 30 Jahren vorkommen. Die Diagnose erfolgt oft verzögert. Eine genaue Kartierung von Biopsien (Mapping) ist von großer Bedeutung, da Lokalisation und Entfernung von der Mittellinie in Abhängigkeit von der zugrunde liegenden Histologie das operative Vorgehen bestimmen. Plattenepithelkarzinome machen mehr als 76 % der Vulvamalignome aus und vulväre intraepitheliale Neoplasien (VIN) sind dabei wichtige Vorstufen. Der zweithäufigste Typ der Vulvakarzinome ist das Basalzellkarzinom. Melanome machen 5,7 % der vulvären Malignome aus und ihre Prognose ist schlechter als die der kutanen Melanome. Die meisten Studien zu Checkpoint‐Inhibitoren und zielgerichteten Therapien haben Patientinnen mit vulvären Melanomen nicht ausgeschlossen. Die vorliegende Evidenz wird im folgenden diskutiert.

Die Methode der Wahl bei lokal resezierbaren Vulvamalignomen ist die Exzision. Angesichts ihrer Seltenheit sollte die Behandlung in spezialisierten Zentren erfolgen, um eine optimale Krankheitskontrolle zu erreichen und Kontinenz und sexuelle Funktion bestmöglich zu erhalten.
Kombinierte CO2‐Laser‐ und photodynamische Therapie erhöht die Wirksamkeit der Behandlung von Basalzellkarzinomen
Authors: Ferrara Francesca , Lacava Rossella , Barisani Alessia , Messori Stefano , Patrizi Annalisa , Bardazzi Federico , Vaccari Sabina
Published: December 2019

Hintergrund und Ziele

In ausgewählten Fällen ist die konventionelle photodynamische Therapie (cPDT) bei der Behandlung des Basalzellkarzinoms (BZK) eine geeignete Alternative zu einem chirurgischen Eingriff. Allerdings ist sie auf superfizielle BZK beschränkt. Die Vorbehandlung von BZK mit ablativen Lasern könnte die Wirksamkeit der cPDT erhöhen. Wir haben die Kombinationstherapie aus cPDT und CO2‐Laser bei der Behandlung von superfiziellen und nodulären BZK untersucht.

Patienten und Methoden

In der prospektiven monozentrischen Interventionsstudie wurden Patienten mit BZK unter Verwendung eines kontinuierlichen supergepulsten CO2‐Lasers für noduläre BZK sowie eines fraktionierten CO2‐Lasers für superfizielle BZK mit CO2‐Lasertherapie vorbehandelt. Anschließend wurden alle Patienten mit photodynamischer Therapie unter Verwendung von Methylaminolävulinat‐Creme und einer Aktilite CL128® Lampe (Galderma) behandelt.

Ergebnisse

32 Patienten (20 Männer, 12 Frauen) im Alter von 45 bis 96 Jahren (mit insgesamt 181 BZK) erhielten eine Kombinationstherapie aus CO2‐Laser und cPDT. Nach drei Monaten lag die Heilungsrate bei 100 %. Während der durchschnittlichen Nachbeobachtungszeit von 10,7 Monaten (Bereich: 4–18 Monate) gab es bei 97,2 % der Fälle keine Anzeichen eines Rezidivs. Wir beobachteten leichte unerwünschte Reaktionen und gute ästhetische Ergebnisse.

Schlussfolgerungen

Aufgrund der hohen Wirksamkeit, dem guten ästhetischen Ergebnis und den geringen Nebenwirkungen empfehlen wir diese Kombinationstherapie bei ausgewählten Fällen.
Decoding the Notch signal
Authors: Falo‐Sanjuan Julia , Bray Sarah J.
Published: December 2019

Notch signalling controls many key cellular processes which differ according to the context where the pathway is deployed due to the transcriptional activation of specific sets of genes. The pathway is unusual in its lack of amplification, also raising the question of how it can efficiently activate transcription with limited amounts of nuclear activity. Here, we focus on mechanisms that enable Notch to produce appropriate transcriptional responses and speculate on models that could explain the current gaps in knowledge.
Knee pain and crouch gait in individuals with cerebral palsy: what impact does crouch‐related surgery have?
Authors: Pelrine Eliza R , Novacheck Tom F , Boyer Elizabeth R
Published: December 2019

Aim

To investigate the effect of crouch‐related surgery on knee pain in individuals with cerebral palsy.

Method

We retrospectively identified individuals with two three‐dimensional gait analyses at baseline and follow‐up visits. All individuals walked in crouch gait at baseline. Visits were 9 months to 42 months apart. Baseline knee pain, age, crouch‐related surgery (yes/no), and minimum knee flexion at follow‐up were entered into a logistic regression to predict follow‐up knee pain.

Results

Thirty‐two individuals (21 males, 11 females; mean [SD] age 12y 10mo [2y 5mo]; 8y 1mo–18y 7mo) received crouch‐related surgery, while 19 were managed non‐surgically. At baseline, knee pain prevalence was 38% in the surgical group and 21% in the non‐surgical group. At follow‐up, 34% of the surgical group and 16% of the non‐surgical group had knee pain (odds ratio: 2.809, p=0.285).

Interpretation

Crouch‐related surgery does not appear to decrease knee pain prevalence compared to a comparison group, based on this preliminary study. Further investigation of the roles of these procedures is indicated with regards to this patient‐reported outcome.

What this paper adds

Approximately 38% of individuals undergoing crouch‐related surgery had knee pain.

Approximately 42% of individuals with baseline knee pain who had surgery still had knee pain 1 year postoperatively.

Approximately 50% of those with baseline knee pain managed non‐surgically still had knee pain 1 year later.

Crouch‐related surgery tended not to decrease knee pain prevalence 1 year postoperatively.
Patients with cirrhosis and SBP: Increase in multidrug‐resistant organisms and complications
Authors: Li Hanwei , Wieser Andreas , Zhang Jiang , Liss Ingrid , Markwardt Daniel , Hornung Roman , Neumann‐Cip Anna C. , Mayerle Julia , Gerbes Alexander , Steib Christian J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. In recent years, it has been postulated that the rate of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDROs) is increasing, especially in nosocomial SBP patients. Aim of the present work was to investigate this hypothesis and its possible clinical consequences.

Materials and methods

One hundred and three culture‐positive patients between 2007 and 2014 were compared with 81 patients between 2015 and 2017, to study the change of microbiological profiles and their clinical consequences. The cirrhosis patients with bacterascites requiring treatment were included as well.

Results

The most prevalent Gram‐negative bacteria isolated from ascites were Enterobacterales (31.6%) and in Gram‐positive pathogens Staphylococci (22.8%). There was a significant increase in MDROs (22.3% ICU 40.7%, P = .048), accompanied by an increased incidence of sepsis (from 21.4% to 37.0%, P = .021), hepatorenal syndrome (from 40.8% to 58.0%, P = .007) and the need of catecholamine therapy (from 21.4% to 38.8%, P = .036). Nosocomial origin correlated with higher MDRO proportion, more complications and lower antimicrobial susceptibility rates in 12 commonly used antibiotics. MDROs were confirmed as an isolated predictor for inpatient mortality and complications in multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions

The feeling in clinical practice that MDROs have increased in the last 11 years could be confirmed in our study in Munich, Germany. Nosocomial SBP correlated with significantly higher MDRO rates (nearly 50%) and complication rates. In our opinion, an antibiotic combination with comprehensive effect should be taken into account in nosocomial SBP patients in this region.
Simulation of over‐exploitation of ornamental fish and its consequences for the functional structure of assemblages of Amazonian streams
Authors: Castanho Danilo G. R. , de Deus Cláudia P. , Zuanon Jansen , Santorelli Sergio , Leitão Rafael P. , Teresa Fabrício B.
Published: December 2019

The consequences of over‐exploitation may seriously impair the integrity and functioning of ecosystems. When loss of species is accompanied by the loss of ecological processes, the effects are no longer just taxonomic and may affect the stability of the environments. Ornamental fishing is one of the main economic activities of the middle Negro River. Such activity is directed to a small number of species and has the Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) as the main target species. Given the potential effects this pressure and the lack of information on its consequences, the present study analysed, through simulations, the possible effects of depletion of ornamental fish populations on the functional structure of fish assemblages, represented by functional diversity (FD) and functional redundancy (FR) indexes. We sampled 13 streams exploited by the ornamental fishery, where we collected 4,286 specimens of 110 species, of which 22 were targeted as ornamental fishing. We found that the ornamental species corresponded, on average, to 27.8% of the species and 33.3% of the FD of the assemblages. In a scenario of complete exclusion of ornamental species, local communities would lose 24.6% of the FD and reduce up to 12% of the FR. With these results, it is possible to infer that the local extinction of exploited species would cause negative impacts on the multifunctionality and the resilience of the streams ecosystems. In this way, we emphasise the need for proper management of the ornamental fisheries aiming to the sustainability of the activity and to the conservation of ecosystem functionality.
Hybrid modeling of alpha rhythm and the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations abnormalities in the thalamocortical region and basal ganglia in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cakir Yuksel
Published: December 2019

A hybrid computational model of thalamocortical circuitry and basal ganglia is proposed to investigate the relation between the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF) in the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) in the striatum and electroencephalogram (EEG) changes within the alpha frequency bands in thalamic region in the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD). For that purpose, an Izikhevich neuron model‐based network of the basal ganglia region is constructed and connected with the thalamic region which is modeled as neural mass. By considering the neurodegenerative changes in AD, the network dynamics are analyzed. The relation between the neural activity of basal ganglia and AD is investigated by modeling the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal. Decrease in fALFF of slow‐4 band in the simulated BOLD signal of the striatum is observed. As the thalamic region receives inhibitory connections from basal ganglia over globus pallidus internal segment (GPi), the parameter changes emulating AD degenerations in the striatum increased the inhibitory effect on the thalamic network, and as a result, slowing in alpha rhythms is observed. It is observed that the decrease in the synaptic strength between the neurons in the striatum has a dominant effect on the slowing in alpha rhythm and also causes a decrease in fALFF of slow‐4 band in striatum. This demonstrates a close and causal relation between the decrease in fALFF in the striatum and the slowing in alpha rhythms in the thalamic region in AD.
Reconstructing the Concept of Diversity Climate – A Critical Review of Its Definition, Dimensions, and Operationalization
Authors: Cachat‐Rosset Gaëlle , Carillo Kévin , Klarsfeld Alain
Published: December 2019

Over the last 20 years, the notion of diversity climate has gained popularity as it is purported to play a key role in maximizing the positive effects of workforce diversity. However, it remains an a‐contextual, unclear and unstable concept relying on a variety of conceptualizations and subsequent operationalizations. We conducted a literature review to highlight the inconsistencies of diversity climate research and as a result the limited validity of its findings. We then develop a new conceptualization for diversity climate, articulated around three components: intentionality, programming and praxis, that integrate the different perspectives adopted in diversity climate research. This study has significant implications for both research and practice, providing a robust reconstruction of the concept. We ultimately identify relevant avenues for future research.
Individual and social factors affecting the ability of American crows to solve and master a string pulling task
Authors: Pendergraft LomaJohn T. , Lehnert Adrienne L. , Marzluff John M.
Published: December 2019

Crows and other birds in the family Corvidae regularly share information to learn the identity and whereabouts of dangerous predators, but can they use social learning to solve a novel task for a food reward? Here, we examined the factors affecting the ability of 27 wild‐caught American crows to solve a common string pulling task in a laboratory setting. We split crows into two groups; one group was given the task after repeatedly observing a conspecific model the solution and the other solved in the absence of conspecific models. We recorded the crows’ estimated age, sex, size, body condition, level of nervousness, and brain volume using DICOM images from a CT scan. Although none of these variables were statistically significant, crows without a conspecific model and large brain volumes consistently mastered the task in the minimum number of days, whereas those with conspecific models and smaller brain volumes required varying and sometimes a substantial number of days to master the task. We found indirect evidence that body condition might also be important for motivating crows to solve the task. Crows with conspecific models were no more likely to initially solve the task than those working the puzzle without social information, but those that mastered the task usually copied the method most frequently demonstrated by their knowledgeable neighbors. These findings suggest that brain volume and possibly body condition may be factors in learning new tasks and that crows can use social learning to refine their ability to obtain a novel food source, although they must initially learn to access it themselves.
A novel spatiotemporal stock assessment framework to better address fine‐scale species distributions: Development and simulation testing
Authors: Cao Jie , Thorson James T. , Punt André E. , Szuwalski Cody
Published: December 2019

Characterizing population distribution and abundance over space and time is central to population ecology and conservation of natural populations. However, species distribution models and population dynamic models have rarely been integrated into a single modelling framework. Consequently, fine‐scale spatial heterogeneity is often ignored in resource assessments. We develop and test a novel spatiotemporal assessment framework to better address fine‐scale spatial heterogeneities based on theories of fish population dynamic and spatiotemporal statistics. The spatiotemporal model links species distribution and population dynamic models within a single statistical framework that is flexible enough to permit inference for each state variable through space and time. We illustrate the model with a simulation–estimation experiment tailored to two exploited marine species: snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio, Oregoniidae) in the Eastern Bering Sea and northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis, Pandalidae) in the Gulf of Maine. These two species have different types of life history. We compare the spatiotemporal model with a spatially aggregated model and systematically evaluate the spatiotemporal model based on simulation experiments. We show that the spatiotemporal model can recover spatial patterns in population and exploitation pressure as well as provide unbiased estimates of spatially aggregated population quantities. The spatiotemporal model also implicitly accounts for individual movement rates and can outperform spatially aggregated models by accounting for time‐and‐size varying selectivity caused by spatial heterogeneity. We conclude that spatiotemporal modelling framework is a feasible and promising approach to address the spatial structure of natural resource populations, which is a major challenge in understanding population dynamics and conducting resource assessments and management.
Catching industrial fishing incursions into inshore waters of Africa from space
Authors: Belhabib Dyhia , Cheung William W. L. , Kroodsma David , Lam Vicky W. Y. , Underwood Philip J. , Virdin John
Published: December 2019

Small‐scale fisheries contribute substantially to the sustainability of coastal communities by providing livelihood and economic opportunities and ensuring food security. However, their geographic range of operation overlaps with that of industrial fisheries, increasing the resource competition, risk of vessel collision and inter‐sector conflicts, while jeopardizing the sustainability of fish stocks. When industrial vessels venture into waters that are reserved to artisanal fisheries, their operations become illegal. In Africa, the extent of such operations, beyond their legal implications, has resulted in severe economic, food security and maritime safety issues. In this paper, we use automatic identification system data derived from satellite technology to predict fishing operations and find that industrial fleets spend 3%–6% of their time fishing within inshore areas reserved for small‐scale fisheries between 2012 and 2016, of the total 4.2 million industrial fishing hours within the Exclusive Economic Zones of African countries. We assessed the total fishing effort by this form of illegal fishing operations at 166 million kWhours at least out of 4.9 billion kWhours in total. We discuss this dangerous form of illegal fishing, which often results in deadly collisions with small‐scale sector operators, increases competition and conflicts over fisheries access, threatens the sustainability of fish stocks, and calls for better governance, and protection.
A novel multiscale approach to brittle fracture of nano/micro‐sized components
Authors: Kotoul Michal , Skalka Petr , Profant Tomáš , Řehák Petr , Šesták Petr , Černý Miroslav , Pokluda Jaroslav
Published: December 2019

Principles and advantages of a new concept based on the ab initio aided strain gradient elasticity theory are shown in comparison with the classical Barenblatt cohesive model. The method is applied to the theoretical prediction of the critical energy release rate and the crack tip opening displacement at the crack instability in nanopanels made of germanium and molybdenum crystals. The necessary length scale parameter l1 is determined for germanium and molybdenum by the best gradient elasticity fits of ab initio computed screw dislocation displacements and phonon dispersions. Values of ab initio computed critical energy release rates and crack opening profiles revealed that the length l1 is related to inflexion points of profiles. A novel ab initio method in combination with continuum mechanics was successfully tested to replace molecular statics dependent of availability of interatomic potentials. The asymptotic strain gradient elasticity solution for displacement components near the crack tip in materials with cubic lattice was also derived.
The history of hemodialysis in China
Authors: Bi Shu‐Hong , Mu Bingyao , Tang Ziyong , Fan Minhua , Wang Tao , Ahmad Suhail
Published: December 2019

The technique of hemodialysis was introduced into China more than 50 years ago; and both research and use of clinical hemodialysis began in mid‐1960s to late‐1960s. A brief review of the history of hemodialysis in China is presented here, including a brief description of pioneers and their contributions, local development and use of dialyzers, hemodialysis machines, and vascular access, and dialysis management and logistics.
Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4), a potential biomarker of frailty in HIV‐infected people on stable antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Blanco J‐R , Romero L , Ramalle‐Gómara E , Metola L , Ibarra V , Sanz M , Oteo J‐A , Garcia A , Pérez‐Martínez L
Published: December 2019

Objectives

A quantitative biomarker for identification of pre‐frail and frail persons is still lacking. This study aimed to identify biomarker predictors of frailty in HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of HIV‐infected patients who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year and who presented an undetectable viral load (< 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) at baseline was carried out. For each frail patient, up to four pre‐frail and robust patients were randomly selected. The frailty status assessment was based on the five‐item criteria described by Fried et al. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical and HIV‐related characteristics were evaluated. Multiple potential biomarkers of frailty and a biological age biomarker were analysed.

Results

A total of 73 HIV‐infected patients on ART for at least 1 year were evaluated. The patients were categorized as robust (n = 33), pre‐frail (n = 32) and frail (n = 8) using the Fried criteria. All patients were on ART, with 100% undetectable viral load (< 50 copies/mL) at baseline. No significant differences in demographic, clinical or analytical characteristics were observed among patients in the different categories based on Fried criteria, with the exception of the veterans aging cohort study index (VACS). Similarly, no differences were observed in HIV‐related characteristics, although nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) use was less common in frail persons. The distribution of biomarker values varied according to frailty status, with frail persons having higher levels of interleukin (IL)‐8, IL‐18, CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4). In multivariable analysis, the assocation of frailty with RBP4 showed a tendency to statistical significance (odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.99–1.00; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Differential biomarker expression was present according to Fried status. Longitudinal studies will clarify the utility of these biomarkers as targets for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention.
Prevalence of overweight among youth with chronic conditions in the United States: An update from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health
Authors: Haegele Justin A. , Foley John T. , Healy Sean , Paller Alexis
Published: December 2019

Background

Surveillance of overweight trends among youth with chronic conditions can inform the prioritization of funding, research and intervention.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to utilize the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data to provide current estimates of the prevalence of overweight among US youth with common chronic conditions. A secondary purpose was to examine parental concern about weight status among youth with chronic conditions who were overweight.

Methods

This study included children aged 10 to 17 years with (n=10 997) and without (n=13 408) chronic conditions from the 2016 NSCH. Estimates of overweight, and parental concern for weight status, were compared among youth with 19 common chronic conditions and youth without chronic conditions.

Results

Overall, youth with chronic conditions were significantly more likely to be overweight compared with youth without chronic conditions (35.4% vs 27.8%). Overweight was most prevalent among youth with diabetes (56.4%), intellectual disabilities (53.6%) and hearing impairments (46.1%). Parents of youth with chronic conditions who were overweight were significantly more concerned that their child's weight was too high than those without chronic conditions.

Conclusions

This study identifies youth with chronic conditions, particularly those with certain conditions, as being in need of prioritization of funding, research and intervention.
Densification, strengthening and toughening in hafnium carbide with the addition of silicon carbonitride
Authors: Hao Wei , Ni Na , Guo Yi , Li Chuanwei , Fan Xiaohui , Xiao Weiwei , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xiao Ping
Published: December 2019

Hafnium carbide (HfC) possesses low toughness and damage tolerance, which limits its application as high‐temperature structural materials. Here we report a route to fabricate a dense HfC with high toughness by incorporating a two‐component SiCN (silicon carbonitride) sintering aid, which is composed of SiCN and turbostratic carbon in the spark plasma sintering. The addition of the SiCN not only enhances the density (up to ~97%) of the final product, but more importantly results in an increase in toughness from 4.3 to 8.5 MPa m1/2 with only a 10% reduction in the flexural strength. The improvement has been attributed to the unique microstructure of the obtained samples, exhibiting several important characteristics: (a) homogeneously dispersed SiCN and C secondary phases in the HfC matrix to control grain size; (b) HfC grains contain different levels of Si, O, and N to form solid solution; (c) enrichment of free carbon at grain boundaries and triple junctions.
Swelling kinetics of rice and potato starch suspensions
Authors: Desam Gnana Prasuna , Li Jinsha , Chen Guibing , Campanella Osvaldo , Narsimhan Ganesan
Published: December 2019

Granule size distribution of 8% w/w suspension of normal rice starch (NRS), waxy rice starch (WRS), modified potato starch (MPS), and normal potato starch (NPS) in water when subjected to heating at 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85°C at different hold times (0–60 min) were characterized. The average starch granule diameter was larger at higher temperatures and hold times for NRS, WRS, and MPS indicating swelling, whereas for NPS it decreased indicating breakage. Swelling varied in the order: MPS > NRS > WRS. Earlier proposed pseudo first‐ and second‐order kinetic and Weibull models for swelling were evaluated. Swelling kinetics was also predicted using our previously developed mechanistic model (Desam et. al., 2018a Journal of Food Engineering 222:237–249) whose predictions agreed well with the experimental data of mean granule diameter and granule size distribution with time at different temperatures, and therefore can be employed to describe swelling at different processing conditions.

Practical Applications

Starches are incorporated in food products for a variety of reasons such as stabilizing, thickening, binding, and gelling. Starch occurs as discrete granules. Upon exposure to water, starch granules swell when heated. This results in thickening of starch suspension (known as pasting) due to an increase in volume fraction of swollen granules. Starch pasting results in an increase in its viscosity. Therefore, the texture of a variety of food products such as sauces, puddings, soups, batter mixes, and so forth are influenced by pasting. The rheology and texture of starch paste obtained by cooking of starch granules are governed by its swelling. It is, therefore, necessary to quantify swelling in order to predict the rheology of starch paste as well as to develop new food formulations. We developed a mechanistic model which predicts the swelling kinetics of rice and potato starch suspensions.