bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic differences affecting insufficient fruit and vegetable intake: a population-based household survey of Thai people
Authors: Phulkerd Sirinya , Thapsuwan Sasinee , Thongcharoenchupong Natjera , Soottipong Gray Rossarin , Chamratrithirong Aphichat
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The sociodemographic determinants of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in the general population in Thailand remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and insufficient FV consumption in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

This nationally representative survey employed a cross-sectional multi-stage sampling design. A total of 6,991 individuals aged 15 years or older participated in the study. Information on participants' FV consumption and sociodemographic characteristics were collected via questionnaire. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Findings

The overall prevalence of insufficient FV consumption in the study sample was 65.6%. Age of the participants, sex, marital status, place of residence, occupation, income and education were found to be significantly associated with insufficient FV consumption among this sample of the Thai population.

Originality/value

Findings suggest the need for promotion of FV consumption and intervention policies aimed at increasing FV intake by taking into account sociodemographic characteristics of the population.
Coastal decision‐makers’ perspectives on updating storm surge guidance tools
Authors: DeLorme Denise E. , Stephens Sonia H. , Bilskie Matthew V. , Hagen Scott C.
Published: April 2020

This paper reports on the process and results of focus groups conducted as stakeholder engagement for a two‐year, marine extension agency‐sponsored interdisciplinary project in coastal Louisiana, USA. The project involved refining the topographic features (eg flood protection infrastructure) of a computational storm surge model using local knowledge of elevation data. Coastal Louisiana experiences continual changes to the built and natural environment and persistent land loss, necessitating frequent adjustments to real‐time storm surge and restoration planning models to make them more useful for decision‐makers. Stakeholder involvement ensured accurate updates to the real‐time computational system and accessible and understandable modelling results displayed by an interactive decision‐support tool. The findings provide insights and recommendations from various practitioners that are applicable to decision‐support model and tool development for coastal hazard emergency response.
The effect of Chinese wild blueberry fractions on the growth and membrane integrity of various foodborne pathogens
Authors: Zhou Tong‐tong , Wei Cai‐hong , Lan Wei‐qing , Zhao Yong , Pan Ying‐jie , Sun Xiao‐hong , Wu Vivian C.H.
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Chinese wild blueberry extract and its fractions against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Chinese wild blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) crude extract (BBE) was obtained using methanol extraction, and sugars plus organic acids (F1), phenolics fraction (F2), and anthocyanins plus proanthocyanidins (F3) fractions were separated using C‐18 Sep‐Pak columns. The minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of each fractional component were determined using a two‐fold‐serial dilution method. Nucleic acid leakage (OD260 nm) and protein release (Bradford protein assay) were determined by spectrophotometry, to evaluate the permeability of the cell membrane. F3 was found to exhibit the greatest antimicrobial activity against the four tested strains, followed by F2, F1, and BBE. V. parahaemolyticus was the most sensitive to the all fractions, followed by S. Enteritidis, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus. Survival curve analysis showed that the number of bacteria decreased from six log colony‐forming units (CFU) to less than 10 CFU after bacteria were treated with fractions for 12 hr, which demonstrated the bactericidal effect of blueberry fractions. Furthermore, when the pathogens were treated with fractions for 2 hr, the OD260 nm and OD595 nm values increased significantly (P < 0.01), which indicated the significant release of nucleic acid and protein. The results from this study indicated that blueberry fractions, especially F3, inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens by damaging their cell membrane, and may be developed as a natural preservative to prevent and control foodborne pathogens.

Practical Application

A blueberry crude extract and its sugars plus organic acids, phenolics, and anthocyanins plus proanthocyanidins fractions, inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogens by destroying their cell membrane. Therefore, Chinese wild blueberries have potential as a natural preservative to prevent and control foodborne pathogens.
Comparative proton versus photon treatment planning for the Medicare Medical Treatment Overseas Program: The Royal Adelaide Hospital experience
Authors: Hu Yvonne , Dalfsen Raymond , Penfold Scott N , Gorayski Peter , Tee Hui Chin , Penniment Michael , Le Hien
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Australia’s first proton beam therapy (PBT) service, The Australian Bragg Centre for Proton Therapy and Research, is scheduled to open in the near future providing PBT for patients closer to home. Patients currently access Commonwealth funding for PBT via the Medicare Medical Treatment Overseas Program (MTOP). Proton versus photon treatment planning is a pre‐requisite for the MTOP application. The Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Department of Radiation Oncology has been providing this since 2016. We aim to provide a descriptive overview of our proton versus photon treatment planning process, presenting a summary of the comparative planning results and the treatment pathways selected for the patients referred.

Methods

All patients referred to the RAH for comparative planning between January 2016 and December 2018 were included in the analysis. Comparative plans were generated for each case using Pinnacle or Eclipse treatment planning systems. The planning techniques used and plan quality metrics were reported.

Results

Forty three patients were referred for comparative planning. The age range was 1–63 years, with the majority (72%) being paediatric patients (age ≤18 years). Of the 19 cases that have been submitted to MTOP, 16 have been accepted and 3 denied. Two of the accepted cases chose not to travel abroad for PBT. The other 14 cases have received PBT overseas.

Conclusions

The RAH has provided an important service to demonstrate the dosimetric difference between PBT and photon therapy for Australian patients, an important step in supporting the funding of patients for treatment overseas.
Accuracy of dual‐bolus CT in the diagnosis of active arterial bleeding in adult pelvic trauma
Authors: Harisis George N , Lee Jonathan TL , Clements Warren , Joseph Tim , Goh Gerard S
Published: April 2020

Introduction

A single‐phase dual‐bolus CT (DB‐CT) simultaneously opacifies both arterial and venous systems and can be utilised in the trauma setting to aid in the diagnosis of active bleeding while also allowing for optimal assessment of the abdominal and pelvic viscera. Active bleeding can be venous or arterial, the latter being amenable to angiography and potentially embolisation. We aimed to establish the accuracy of single‐phase DB‐CT vs commonly performed portal venous CT (PV‐CT) in the diagnosis of active bleeding when compared to formal digital subtraction angiography as the gold standard.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with active bleeding on PV‐CT or DB‐CT at a level 1 tertiary centre over a 6‐year period and who subsequently proceeded to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were included for analysis. The initial CT images were retrospectively reviewed by two consultant interventional radiologists who were blinded to the subsequent outcome of the DSA and to each other’s results. The sensitivity, specificity and inter‐observer agreement between the two readers was then able to be assessed.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included in the analysis. Sensitivity for the diagnosis for any active bleeding was high for both DB‐CT and PV‐CT (range 88.9%–100%) while diagnosis of specifically arterial bleeding was comparatively lower (51.9%–79%). Inter‐observer agreement for the identification of arterial bleeding was better for DB‐CT (fair) compared to PV‐CT (poor).

Conclusion

Both PV‐CT and DB‐CT demonstrate high sensitivity in the diagnosis of any active bleeding though identification of specifically arterial bleeding is lower for both scanning methods. Nevertheless, inter‐observer reliability for the identification of arterial bleeding is higher for DB‐CT. Multi‐phase arterial and venous CT may yield better results and could be a focus for future studies.
Does policy uncertainty of the blockchain dampen ICO markets?
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Zhang Dunli , Zheng Jianming , Aerts Walter
Published: April 2020

Policy uncertainty created by regulatory authorities regarding the blockchain matters for the initial coin offering (ICO) market. Using an ICO dataset from four major cryptocurrency exchanges, we find that higher policy uncertainty regarding the blockchain leads to a lower return and a lower trading volume of an ICO on its first trading day. Although ICOs are decentralised by design and less vulnerable to direct regulatory intervention, we conclude that blockchain policy uncertainty constitutes an important component of the information environment of ICO ventures.
Development and use of a single real‐time PCR assay to identify the three spider mite species Tetranychus urticae, Tetranychus lambi and Tetranychus ludeni (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Chen Yizhou , Woolley Lauren , Nguyen Duong , Gupta Risha , Chandler Gregory T , Nehl David , Herron Grant A
Published: April 2020

Tetranychid spider mites are a significant worldwide pest of agriculture with Tetranychus urticae being the most important. In Australian cotton, T. urticae is the most damaging, but Tetranychus ludeni and Tetranychus lambi are also present and can be difficult to distinguish morphologically. For this reason, a fast‐diagnostic assay was developed to identify T. urticae, T. lambi and T. ludeni in a single real‐time PCR reaction. The assay design was based on a universal primer pair to amplify the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1) with three species‐specific TaqMan probes. The assay was validated by sequencing three known reference strains for T. urticae, T. lambi and T. ludeni and a blind test on 14 DNA samples that included species other than the three target species. The method correctly identified the target species and produced a negative result against other non‐target species. Furthermore, we examined 22 field‐collected spider mite populations from Australian cotton that had been laboratory maintained. Here, we found that 50% of the populations labelled as T. urticae were mixed with T. lambi and quarter of the populations labelled with T. lambi contained T. urticae. It demonstrates just how difficult it is to maintain strain integrity with multiple species in proximity. Finally, the assay was used by Biosecurity Australia to test 2125 mite quarantine intercept specimens. They found 1949 T. urticae, 1 T. lambi, 13 T. ludeni and 162 unknown specimens confirming assay accuracy and robustness. The diagnostic assay developed can provide quick spider mite species identification and can support multiple uses including species identification to support spray decisions or the precise identification of border quarantine intercepts where accuracy and turnaround time is critical.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients requiring prolonged inotropes after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Cruz Rodriguez Jose B. , Stewart Garrick C. , Pamboukian Salpy V. , Tallaj Jose A. , Rajapreyar Indranee , Kirklin James K. , Holman William L. , Hoopes Charles W. , Mukherjee Debabrata , Mallawaarachchi Indika , Dwivedi Alok , Acharya Deepak
Published: April 2020

Limited data exist regarding patients with continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support who require long‐term inotropes. Our primary objective was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and all‐cause mortality of LVAD recipients with prolonged inotrope use (PIU). Secondary endpoints were to compare predictors of PIU, mortality, risk of late re‐initiation of inotropes, time to gastrointestinal bleed (GIB), infection, and arrhythmias. Retrospective cohort study was conducted on adult patients with primary continuous‐flow LVADs implanted from January 2008 to February 2017 and the patients were followed up through February 2018. We defined PIU as ≥14 days of inotrope support. Kaplan–Meier method, competing risk models and Cox proportional hazard models were used. Final analytic sample was 203 patients, 58% required PIU, and 10% were discharged on inotropes. There was no difference in preimplant characteristics. One‐year survival rate was 87% if no PIU required, 74% if PIU required, and 72% if discharged on inotropes. PIU was associated with longer length of stay and higher incidence of GIB. We found no association between PIU and late re‐initiation of inotropes, infection or arrhythmias. Adjusted hazard risk of death was increased in patients with PIU (HR = 1.66, P = .046), older age (HR = 1.28, P = .031), and higher creatinine levels (HR = 1.60, P = .007). Prolonged inotrope use is frequently encountered following LVAD implantation and is associated with adverse prognosis but remains a therapeutic option. Inability to wean inotropes prior to hospital discharge is a marker of patients at particularly higher risk of mortality following LVAD implantation.
Measurement of German cockroach allergens and their isoforms in allergen extracts with mass spectrometry
Authors: Mindaye Samuel T. , David Natalie A. , Zarkesh Esfahani Sayyed Amin , Schal Coby , Matsui Elizabeth C. , Rabin Ronald L. , Slater Jay E.
Published: April 2020

Background

Allergen extracts are the primary tool for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. In the United States, most allergen extracts are non‐standardized. More sophisticated analytical approaches are needed to characterize these products and enable manufacturers and regulators to better determine potency.

Objective

To expand the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay for an in‐depth characterization of German cockroach (GCr; Blattella germanica) allergen extracts.

Methods

We applied advanced liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques including MRM. The expanded LC/MRM‐MS method was optimized to measure known GCr allergens and their isoforms/variants in commercial extracts and environmental samples. We performed isoform‐specific allergen measurements in multiple extracts from four commercial sources and extracts prepared using environmental samples from urban homes. To investigate causes of heterogeneity, we examined over 30 extraction process variables.

Results

Evaluation of the commercial extracts confirmed the variability of production lots and commercial sources. Commonly used defatting and extraction protocols yielded extracts with comparable allergen profiles and content. However, the identity and quality of source materials was a major contributor to variability. In comparing commercial GCr extracts to environmental samples, relative quantities of Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 3, Bla g 4 and Bla g 11 were similar, while Bla g 5, Bla g 6, Bla g 7 and Bla g 8 were present in the environmental samples but largely absent for the commercial extracts.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

LC/MRM‐MS can be used to measure all known GCr allergens in commercial allergen extracts and environmental samples. Significant differences exist between allergen profiles of commercial extracts and the profiles of environmental samples from dwellings. This analytical platform can serve as a template to achieve better product characterization of similarly complex products.
Doing ethnographic method with babies – Participation and perspective approached from the floor
Authors: Orrmalm Alex
Published: April 2020

This article focuses on the insights we can gain about children's participation and children's perspectives by exploring babies' engagements with the researcher and research technology during ethnographic fieldwork in babies' homes. The article argues that attending to what is unplanned, troubling and messy offers opportunities for reflection on how participation and perspectives is done with babies in specific embodied and material research encounters. The article further argues for a cautious curiousness towards bringing in the notions of babies' participation and babies' perspectives into the discussion on children's participation and children's perspectives.
Linguistic Convergence to Observed Versus Expected Behavior in an Alien‐Language Map Task
Authors: Wade Lacey , Roberts Gareth
Published: April 2020

Individuals shift their language to converge with interlocutors. Recent work has suggested that convergence can target not only observed but also expected linguistic behavior, cued by social information. However, it remains uncertain how expectations and observed behavior interact, particularly when they contradict each other. We investigated this using a cooperative map task experiment, in which pairs of participants communicated online by typing messages to each other in a miniature “alien” language that exhibited variation between alien species. The overall task comprised three phases, in each of which participants were told that they would be paired with a different partner. One member of the pair was given explicit linguistic expectations in each phase, while the software controlled whether or not observed behavior from their partner would be consistent or inconsistent with these expectations. The other participant was given no such expectations, allowing us to control for the role of expectation. Participants converged to both observed and expected linguistic behavior, and convergence was boosted when observation and expectation were aligned. When expected and observed behavior were misaligned, participants updated their expectations, though convergence levels did not drop. Furthermore, participants generalized what they learned about one partner to apparent novel partners of the same alien species. We also discuss individual variation in convergence patterns and the lack of a relationship between linguistic convergence and success at the map task. Findings are consistent with observations outside the laboratory that language users converge toward expected linguistic behavior. They also have broader implications for understanding linguistic accommodation and the influence of social information on linguistic processing and production.
Clinical “real‐world” experience with letermovir for prevention of cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients
Authors: Anderson Anthony , Raja Mohammed , Vazquez Neisy , Morris Michele , Komanduri Krishna , Camargo Jose
Published: April 2020

Background

Letermovir was approved in 2017 for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in seropositive (R+) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients. Post‐marketing data with this new agent are scarce.

Methods

We compared the incidence of both CMV reactivation (any viremia) and clinically significant CMV infection (CS‐CMVi; CMV DNAemia leading to preemptive treatment or presence of CMV tissue invasive disease) at days +100 and +200 post‐HCT in 25 adult allogeneic HCT patients who received letermovir prophylaxis (until day 100) and a historical control group of 106 CMV R+ allogeneic HCT recipients who underwent CMV preemptive therapy.

Results

CMV reactivation within 100 days post‐HCT was lower in the letermovir group vs control group (20% vs 72% respectively, P < .001). The 100‐day cumulative incidence of CS‐CMVi was significantly lower in the letermovir group vs control group (4% vs 59% respectively, P < .001). Significantly reduced incidence of CMV reactivation and CS‐CMVi was also observed at 200 days in the letermovir group. No difference in mortality was observed between the two groups.

Conclusion

This study confirms the efficacy of letermovir in preventing CMV reactivation in CMV R+ allogeneic HCT recipients in first 100 days post‐HCT and suggests sustained efficacy after discontinuation of prophylaxis.
A combination of total tau and neurofilaments discriminates between neurodegenerative and primary psychiatric disorders
Authors: Fourier A. , Formaglio M. , Kaczorowski F. , Mollion H. , Perret‐Liaudet A. , Sauvee M. , Quadrio I.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are commonly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. No biomarker is currently available to diagnose psychiatric conditions. As a consequence, the distinction between psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders can be challenging in daily practice.

Methods

This retrospective study included a cohort of 64 primary psychiatric patients (PSY) and 162 patients suffering from various neurodegenerative disorders (NDG). Total tau (t‐Tau), phosphorylated tau (p‐Tau), Aβ1‐42 peptide (Aβ1‐42) and neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) were analysed in cerebrospinal fluid. The discrimination between PSY and NDG patients was assessed using both individual and combined analysis of cerebrospinal fluid markers.

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid t‐Tau and NfL exhibited the best diagnostic performances: they were able to discriminate between PSY and each subgroup of NDG patients. t‐Tau had the highest sensitivity (93.8%) but a poor specificity (67.3%). Indeed, some NDG subgroups exhibited low t‐Tau levels comparable to PSY patients. A sequential combination t‐Tau + NfL improved the characterization of patients, especially in these particular subgroups, increasing specificity up to 89.6% without modification of sensitivity. Finally, this combination of markers led to a high classification rate of 90.7% for the whole cohort of patients.

Conclusion

The sequential combination t‐Tau + NfL enables the biological detection of neurodegeneration in patients with psychiatric features. This association of markers seems to be a promising strategy for a differential diagnosis in clinical practice between primary psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders, thus improving medical care of patients.
Multimeric conformation of type III intermediate filaments but not the filamentous conformation exhibits high affinity to lipid bilayers
Authors: Hwang Beomju , Ise Hirohiko
Published: April 2020

Vimentin, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and peripherin, classified as the type III intermediate filament family, maintain the integrity and architecture of various cell types. Recently, we reported their cell surface expression and binding to multivalent N‐acetylglucosamine‐conjugated polymers. Furthermore, the presence of vimentin on the surface of various cell types including malignant tumor cells and fibroblasts has been demonstrated. Type III intermediate filament proteins are traditionally considered intracellular proteins and do not possess signal peptides for cell membrane recruitment. Therefore, the mechanism of their transport to the cell surface is unclear. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate this mechanism by focusing on the relationship between their multimeric structure and lipid bilayer affinity. Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that cell surface‐expressed type III intermediate filament proteins formed a multimeric mostly including 4–12‐mers but not filamentous structure. Moreover, surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that the multimeric structure of these recombinant proteins had high affinity to lipid bilayers, whereas their filament‐like large multimeric structure did not. Our results suggest that type III intermediate filaments are incorporated into the cell membrane through alteration from a filamentous to a multimeric structure.
Why stay? Resilience in haemophilia physicians in the 1980s
Authors: Sekhar Mallika , Jadhav Sushrut
Published: April 2020

Aims

The occurrence of AIDS in 1980s posed difficult problems for haemophilia clinicians worldwide. The impact of these events is substantial, and the events continue to be subject to judicial proceedings and publications. The stance of haemophilia physicians, particularly their professional resilience, is of importance and remains unexamined.

Methods

Deploying oral histories informed by literature review of scientific publications and past inquiry reports, this qualitative study addresses how physicians continued to work in haemophilia during those years and attributes that contributed to their resilience.

Results and conclusions

Experience and role in laboratory aspects were of value in handling and communicating uncertainty. Collegiality, peer support and scholarship were important in sustaining their roles, in clinical decision‐making and re‐instating confidence in the therapeutic relationship during the toughest years of their practice.
SHRIMP U–Pb ages of zircons from the Lengshuikeng ore field, North Wuyi Mountains, South China: Implications for dating volcaniclastic rocks
Authors: Wu Jian‐Hua , Guo Heng‐Fei , Yang Dong‐Guang , Wang Kai‐Xing , Wei Chang‐Xi , Guo Jia‐Lei
Published: April 2020

The Lengshuikeng Ag‐Pb‐Zn ore field is located in the North Wuyi Mesozoic volcanic belt south of the Qinzhou–Hangzhou suture zone between the Yangtze and Cathaysia paleo‐plates. Previous zircon U–Pb geochronological studies on ignimbrites and tuffs from this area have yielded conflicting ages of 157–161 Ma (Early Upper Jurassic) and 137–144 Ma (Early Lower Cretaceous). Volcanic rocks in the ore field have even been proposed to include both ages. Our SHRIMP zircon U–Pb dating of the ignimbrite and tuff samples from the ore field, along with field observations and results from geochronological work on other volcanic and sub‐volcanic rocks in the region, shows that two populations of magmatic zircons, one autocrystic and the other xenocrystic, are present in the pyroclastic rocks. The autocrystic zircons have ages suggesting formation/eruption at approximately 140 Ma, whereas the xenocrystic zircons give ages of 155–159 Ma, indicating intrusion of granitic porphyries in the Early Upper Jurassic. Therefore, the pyroclastic rocks in the Lengshuikeng Ag–Pb–Zn ore field formed in the Early Lower Cretaceous. The youngest zircon U–Pb ages from pyroclastic rocks may not represent the formation/eruption ages of the host rock, depending most likely on the existence and/or abundance of juvenile or vitric pyroclasts in the rocks.
Approach to ablative management of patient with persistent atrial fibrillation and enduring pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Kalman Jonathan M. , Sugumar Hariharan
Published: April 2020

Enduring isolation of the pulmonary veins (PV) is becoming increasingly common in patients undergoing repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. We describe our approach to ablation strategy in a patient with enduring isolation of PV and briefly discuss the role of non‐PV triggers.
Genotype‐environment interactions rule the response of a widespread butterfly to temperature variation
Authors: Günter Franziska , Beaulieu Michaël , Freiberg Kasimir F. , Welzel Ines , Toshkova Nia , Žagar Anamarija , Simčič Tatjana , Fischer1 Klaus
Published: April 2020

Understanding how organisms adapt to complex environments is a central goal of evolutionary biology and ecology. This issue is of special interest in the current era of rapidly changing climatic conditions. Here, we investigate clinal variation and plastic responses in life history, morphology and physiology in the butterfly Pieris napi along a pan‐European gradient by exposing butterflies raised in captivity to different temperatures. We found clinal variation in body size, growth rates and concomitant development time, wing aspect ratio, wing melanization and heat tolerance. Individuals from warmer environments were more heat‐tolerant and had less melanised wings and a shorter development, but still they were larger than individuals from cooler environments. These findings suggest selection for rapid growth in the warmth and for wing melanization in the cold, and thus fine‐tuned genetic adaptation to local climates. Irrespective of the origin of butterflies, the effects of higher developmental temperature were largely as expected, speeding up development; reducing body size, potential metabolic activity and wing melanization; while increasing heat tolerance. At least in part, these patterns likely reflect adaptive phenotypic plasticity. In summary, our study revealed pronounced plastic and genetic responses, which may indicate high adaptive capacities in our study organism. Whether this may help such species, though, to deal with current climate change needs further investigation, as clinal patterns have typically evolved over long periods.
Embryonic development of skull bones in the Sahara horned viper (Cerastes cerastes), with new insights into structures related to the basicranium and braincase roof
Authors: Khannoon Eraqi R. , Ollonen Joni , Di‐Poï Nicolas
Published: April 2020

Ontogenetic studies are crucial for understanding functional morphology, origin and adaptation of skulls in vertebrates. However, very few studies have so far released complete embryonic series focusing on skull embryonic development in species showing diverse and extreme cranial morphologies such as snakes. The wide distribution and unique reproductive and ecological behaviors of venomous vipers, including the heterogeneity in breeding and egg incubation periods in oviparous species, make this group an excellent new model for studying the diversity of skull developmental processes in snakes. Here we present the first complete description of osteocranium development in a viperine snake, Cerastes cerastes, using detailed analysis of the ossification pattern of individual bones across different embryonic stages based on high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography data. Particularly, we describe in detail the development of the laterosphenoid from its dorsal and ventral components, dividing the trigeminal foramen into maxillary and mandibular foramina. Furthermore, our data help clarify some controversy concerning the presence and/or origin of structures related to the snake basicranium and braincase roof. For example, our detailed description of supraoccipital development suggests that this bone derived, at least in part, from the tectum posterius, although the involvement of the tectum synoticum cannot be totally excluded. Similarly, the epiotic centers of supraoccipital ossification are confirmed during braincase development, and the ancestral lacrimal bone primordium is observed as a ventral element at the early stages of prefrontal development. Finally, our embryonic C. cerastes data highlight a plausible asymmetry in snake skull development, mostly occurring in the basicranium region, but further investigations of embryonic samples and viper species would be required to confirm such phenomenon.
Becoming a good nurse – Socialisation of newly employed nurses into the oncological clinic
Authors: Pettersson Alexandra , Glasdam Stinne
Published: April 2020

Aim and objectives

To explore newly employed nurses’ socialisation in the process of introduction into an oncological clinic from the perspectives of unit managers and newly employed nurses.

Background

There are managerial challenges in retaining nurses at workplaces. The way in which nurses are socialised into their work is important for their job satisfaction and retainment.

Method

Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with seven nurses and two unit managers, and written introductory material. Thematic analyses were made, inspired by Goffman's concepts of social interaction, back stage, front stage and roles. SRQR checklist was used.

Results

Unit managers created the framework for socialising newly employed nurses through written introductory guidelines and assignments of supervisors as mainstream role models. Newly employed nurses were socialised gradually through mirroring their supervisors in their role as nurse. Front stage, patients often functioned as objects for newly employed nurses’ training. Back stage, patients often functioned as communication objects for all professionals. Newly employed nurses, who also demand roles such as transformer, boss, coordinator, prompter and friend, were socialised into the role of assistant to the doctor. Medical rounds functioned as a socialisator in this process.

Conclusion

The allocated supervisors were role models in socialising newly employed nurses into an oncological clinic and its culture. Nurses were socialised into an understanding of care as a biomedical orientation, in which medicine had a higher value than care in the existing knowledge hierarchy at the oncological clinic. This might have implications for who applies for and stays in the job.

Relevance to clinical practice

Increased awareness of the importance of socialisation of nurses into the clinic during the introduction process. Re‐thinking nurses’ independent functions and patient perspectives in introduction of newly employed nurses to maintain and develop nursing as an independent profession.
Development of a preliminary sensory lexicon for mate tea
Authors: de Godoy Rossana Catie Bueno , Chambers Edgar , Yang Gongshun
Published: April 2020

A Lexicon was developed for yerba mate tea including attributes, definitions, and references to describe the color, aroma, and flavor. A highly trained panel generated 39 attributes and evaluated 18 samples of tea. Some attributes such as smoky, woody, straw‐like, ashy, astringent, bitter, sweet aromatics, musty dusty, and dark green were present in most of the samples. Other characteristics such as green, floral, spice brown, and petroleum‐like appeared in less than 50% of the samples. The sensory profile of mate tea was complex but differed for various teas. This terminology can be useful for manufacturers, producers, and consumers and helpful for the standardization of mate tea.

Practical application

The development of a sensory lexicon for mate tea can be helpful for the entire mate tea chain from grower to producer to consumer. Such a lexicon aids researcher in breeding programs for Yerba Mate, can help crop managers producing mate tea with the desired characteristics; assists manufacturers in differentiating products, categorizing and selecting of raw material, optimizing processes and developing new products; and can ensure consumers they are getting a consisted, expected product. Such data are critical for use in sensory studies where descriptive data are related to consumer preferences and for conducting studies in different, labs, regions, and countries.
Simulation in psychiatry for medical doctors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Piot Marie‐Aude , Dechartres Agnès , Attoe Chris , Jollant Fabrice , Lemogne Cédric , Layat Burn Carine , Rethans Jan‐Joost , Michelet Daphne , Cross Sean , Billon Gregoire , Guerrier Gilles , Tesniere Antoine , Falissard Bruno
Published: April 2020

Context

Most medical doctors are likely to work with patients experiencing mental health conditions. However, educational opportunities for medical doctors to achieve professional development in the field of psychiatry are often limited. Simulation training in psychiatry may be a useful tool to foster this development.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of simulation training in psychiatry for medical students, postgraduate trainees and medical doctors.

Methods

For this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched eight electronic databases and trial registries up to 31 August 2018. We manually searched key journals and the reference lists of selected studies. We included randomised and non‐randomised controlled studies and single group pre‐ and post‐test studies. Our main outcomes were based on Kirkpatrick levels. We included data only from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using random‐effects models.

Results

From 46 571 studies identified, we selected 163 studies and combined 27 RCTs. Interventions included simulation by role‐play (n = 69), simulated patients (n = 72), virtual reality (n = 22), manikin (n = 5) and voice simulation (n = 2). Meta‐analysis found significant differences at immediate post‐tests for simulation compared with active and inactive control groups for attitudes (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31‐0.73 [I2 = 0.0%] and SMD = 0.28, 95% CI 0.04‐0.53 [I2 = 52.0%], respectively), skills (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI 0.56‐2.18 [I2 = 93.0%] and SMD = 1.49, 95% CI 0.39‐2.58 [I2 = 93.0%], respectively), knowledge (SMD = 1.22, 95% CI 0.57‐1.88 [I2 = 0.0%] and SMD = 0.72, 95% CI 0.14‐1.30 [I2 = 80.0%], respectively), and behaviours (SMD = 1.07, 95% CI 0.49‐1.65 [I2 = 68.0%] and SMD = 0.45, 95% CI 0.11‐0.79 [I2 = 41.0%], respectively). Significant differences in terms of patient benefit and doctors’ behaviours and skills were found at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Despite heterogeneity in methods and simulation interventions, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of simulation training in psychiatry training.
Fault‐controlled dolostone geometries in a transgressive–regressive sequence stratigraphic framework
Authors: Yao Shuqing , Gomez‐Rivas Enrique , Martín‐Martín Juan Diego , Gómez‐Gras David , Travé Anna , Griera Albert , Howell John A.
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the geometries of fault‐controlled dolostone geobodies and their structural and sequence stratigraphic controls, which provide new insights for the prediction and production of fault‐controlled dolomitized hydrocarbon reservoirs. A very thick succession (>1600 m) of Aptian–Albian shallow‐marine carbonates of the Benassal Formation that crop out in the Benicàssim area (Maestrat Basin, eastern Spain) is partly replaced by dolomite, resulting in dolostone geometries ranging from massive patches to stratabound bodies. Detailed mapping, systematic logging and correlation were carried out to characterize the structural, sedimentary and sequence stratigraphic framework of the area and to constrain the principal controls on the full‐range of dolostone geometries. The results show that carbonate sediments accumulated in a half graben stacked in three transgressive–regressive sequences. Large‐scale massive dolostone patches (with up to kilometre extension) formed near large‐scale faults indicating that they acted as entry points for warm dolomitizing fluids into the basin. These dolostone patches laterally pass to large stratabound bodies that extend for long distances (at least 7 km) away from feeding faults, forming a continuum. The presence of a regional unconformity and a clastic fine‐grain low‐permeability unit (Escucha Formation) on top of the Benassal Formation likely constrained the dolomitization fluids to an up to 580 m thick interval below the base of the Escucha Formation. Thus, only limestones within this interval, corresponding to the two uppermost transgressive–regressive sequences, were dolomitized. There is a clear relationship between the stratigraphic framework and the preferred replaced beds. Dolomitization preferentially affected sediments deposited in inner to middle ramp settings with predominant wackestone to packstone textures. Such facies are laterally most abundant in the east of the study area (i.e. basinward) and vertically in layers around the maximum flooding zone of the top sequence, which is preferentially affected by dolomitization.
Approaches to inducing antigen‐specific immune tolerance in allergy and autoimmunity: Focus on antigen‐presenting cells and extracellular vesicles
Authors: Nazimek Katarzyna , Bryniarski Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

Increasing prevalence of allergic and autoimmune diseases urges clinicians and researchers to search for new and efficient treatments. Strategies that activate antigen‐specific immune tolerance and simultaneously maintain immune reactivity to all other antigens deserve special attention. Accordingly, antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) seem to be the best suited for orchestrating these mechanisms by directing T cell immune responses towards a tolerant subtype. Recent advances in understanding cell‐to‐cell communication via extracellular vesicles (EVs) make the latter promising candidates for reprogramming APCs towards a tolerant phenotype, and for mediating tolerogenic APC function. Thus, comprehensive studies have been undertaken to describe the interactions of APCs and EVs naturally occurring during immune tolerance induction, as well as to develop EV‐based manoeuvres enabling the induction of immune tolerance in an antigen‐specific manner. In this review, we summarize the findings of relevant studies, with a special emphasis on future perspectives on their translation to clinical practice.
Intersectional Heterotopia: HIV and LGBTQ+ Movement in China
Authors: Pan Xin , Loopmans Maarten
Published: April 2020

Unprotected sex is the primary mode of HIV transmission in China. In 2014, 25.8 per cent of newly diagnosed cases were attributed to unprotected sex between men (National Health and Family Planning Commission 2015). While the majority of the nation’s new HIV infections are due to heterosexual sex, HIV is deeply tied to homosexuality in public discourse in China. Standing at the intersection of a stigmatised disease and sexual dissidence, HIV‐positive gay men are particularly ‘Othered’, suffering from intense prejudice and discrimination. However, we analyse how this intersection not only presents oppression, but also agency. Whereas Chinese mainstream discourses are often imbued with homo‐negativity, the intersection of being gay and HIV‐positive has allowed the creation of LGBTQ+ NGOs as heterotopia which do not only function as counter‐sites where alternative social relations and norms can be imagined, but also as nodes in wider societal networks from where LGBTQ+ rights can be promoted.
Development and Implementation of the National Mental Health Referral Network for Elite Athletes: A Case Study of the Australian Institute of Sport
Authors: Rice Simon , Butterworth Matt , Clements Matti , Josifovski Daniel , Arnold Sharyn , Schwab Cecily , Pennell Kerryn , Purcell Rosemary
Published: April 2020

Awareness-raising and antistigma campaigns have sought to increase the acceptance of mental ill health across the general community and subpopulations of elite athletes. Nonetheless, gaps remain for models of clinical service provision. As cultural change prompts elite athletes toward more open and positive perceptions of help seeking, the number of athletes seeking evidence-based mental health intervention has been predicted to increase. In this context, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) established the national Mental Health Referral Network. The network comprises registered mental health professionals (psychologists) and is led by the AIS Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement branch. This case study describes the development and implementation of this network, including the service-provider procurement process and strategic consultation provided by Orygen. Details are provided for international bodies seeking to undertake similar initiatives. Reflections on program implementation highlight opportunities for expansion and data capture, informing future education-based initiatives.
Reengaging Athletes During Learning
Authors: Thurston Rhys J.
Published: April 2020

This study examines the concentration and attention span of young athletes and players, with a particular focus on engagement during meetings. It delves into the generational gap between young athletes and coaches and how technological advancements are shaping attitudes, concentration, and stimulation. It looks at how teachers are addressing the issue in classrooms and how coaches can adapt to teachers’ reengagement strategies to suit their young athletes’ learning needs. It draws on studies and research from regarded and respected educators as well as marketers who are dealing with the problem of attention spans during television commercials. Finally, it provides examples of how professional sporting organizations are structuring meetings to support athletes’ attention spans and learning needs.
Salivary gland macrophages and tissue-resident CD8
+
T cells cooperate for homeostatic organ surveillance
Authors: Stolp Bettina , Thelen Flavian , Ficht Xenia , Altenburger Lukas M. , Ruef Nora , Inavalli V. V. G. Krishna , Germann Philipp , Page Nicolas , Moalli Federica , Raimondi Andrea , Keyser Kirsten A. , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Barone Francesca , Dettmer Matthias S. , Merkler Doron , Iannacone Matteo , Sharpe James , Schlapbach Christoph , Fackler Oliver T. , Nägerl U. Valentin , Stein Jens V.
Published: April 2020

Salivary gland memory CD8
+
T cells use distinct motility modes and cooperate with tissue macrophages for organ surveillance.
Efficacy of Trovafloxacin against Experimental
Staphylococcus aureus
Endocarditis
Authors: Kaatz Glenn W. , Seo Susan M. , Aeschlimann Jeffrey R. , Houlihan Heather H. , Mercier Reneé-Claude , Rybak Michael J.
Published: April 2020

Trovafloxacin is a new fluoronaphthyridone chemically and functionally related to members of the fluoroquinolone class of antimicrobial agents. The in vivo efficacy of the drug was compared with that of vancomycin by using the rabbit model of left-sided endocarditis. Rabbits infected with either a nafcillin-susceptible or -resistant test strain were treated with trovafloxacin (13.3 mg/kg of body weight every 12 h) or vancomycin (25 mg/kg of body weight every 8 h) for 4 days. In comparison with untreated controls, both antimicrobial agents effectively cleared bacteremia and significantly reduced bacterial counts in vegetations and tissues of animals infected with either test strain. No resistance to trovafloxacin emerged in test strains during therapy. We conclude that in this model trovafloxacin is as efficacious as vancomycin is and may serve as a viable alternative to vancomycin for use in humans with similar infections.
Evaluation of Possible Correlations between Antifungal Susceptibilities of Filamentous Fungi In Vitro and Antifungal Treatment Outcomes in Animal Infection Models
Authors: Odds F. C. , Van Gerven F. , Espinel-Ingroff A. , Bartlett M. S. , Ghannoum M. A. , Lancaster M. V. , Pfaller M. A. , Rex J. H. , Rinaldi M. G. , Walsh T. J.
Published: April 2020

Nine isolates of filamentous fungi previously tested in 11 different laboratories for their susceptibilities to amphotericin B and itraconazole in vitro were injected intravenously into mice and guinea pigs, and responses to treatment with both agents were studied. The experiments were done in a single laboratory. Mean survival times, the percentages of animals surviving 12 days after infection, and culture results for samples of deep organs obtained postmortem were used as markers of antifungal efficacy. Because of variations in organism pathogenicity, interpretable test systems in vivo could not be established for
Fusarium
spp. in mice or guinea pigs or for
Pseudallescheria boydii
in mice, even with the use of immunosuppressive pretreatments. Among the infections that could be evaluated, some degree of response to the corresponding treatment in vivo was seen in animals infected with each of two
Rhizopus arrhizus
isolates susceptible to amphotericin B at <0.5 μg/ml and
Aspergillus
spp. isolates susceptible to itraconazole at <1.0 μg/ml. Conversely, no responses were apparent with infecting strains for which MICs were ≥2 μg/ml (amphotericin B) or ≥1 μg/ml (itraconazole). However, the limitations of the intravenous challenge systems studied mean that no firm conclusion relating MICs in vitro to the lowest effective doses in vivo could be drawn.