bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy syndromes, etiologies, and the use of next‐generation sequencing in epilepsy presenting in the first 2 years of life: A population‐based study
Authors: Stödberg Tommy , Tomson Torbjörn , Barbaro Michela , Stranneheim Henrik , Anderlid Britt‐Marie , Carlsson Sofia , Åmark Per , Wedell Anna
Published: September 2020

Objective

Population‐based data on epilepsy syndromes and etiologies in early onset epilepsy are scarce. The use of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has hitherto not been reported in this context. The aim of this study is to describe children with epilepsy onset before 2 years of age, and to explore to what degree whole exome and whole genome sequencing (WES/WGS) can help reveal a molecular genetic diagnosis.

Methods

Children presenting with a first unprovoked epileptic seizure before age 2 years and registered in the Stockholm Incidence Registry of Epilepsy (SIRE) between September 1, 2001 and December 31, 2006, were retrieved and their medical records up to age 7 years reviewed. Children who met the epilepsy criteria were included in the study cohort. WES/WGS was offered in cases of suspected genetic etiology regardless of whether a structural or metabolic diagnosis had been established.

Results

One hundred sixteen children were included, of which 88 had seizure onset during the first year of life and 28 during the second, corresponding to incidences of 139 and 42/100 000 person‐years, respectively. An epilepsy syndrome could be diagnosed in 54% of cases, corresponding to a birth prevalence of 1/1100. Structural etiology was revealed in 34% of cases, a genetic cause in 20%, and altogether etiology was known in 65% of children. The highest diagnostic yield was seen in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 65% revealing an etiology. WES/WGS was performed in 26/116 cases (22%), with a diagnostic yield of 58%.

Significance

Epilepsy syndromes can be diagnosed and etiologies revealed in a majority of early onset cases. NGS can identify a molecular diagnosis in a substantial number of children, and should be included in the work‐up, especially in cases of epileptic encephalopathy, cerebral malformation, or metabolic disease without molecular diagnosis. A genetic diagnosis is essential to genetic counselling, prenatal diagnostics, and precision therapy.
Subpolar gyre and temperature drive boreal fish abundance in Greenland waters
Authors: Post Søren , Werner Karl Michael , Núñez‐Riboni Ismael , Chafik Léon , Hátún Hjálmar , Jansen Teunis
Published: September 2020

As result of ocean warming, marine boreal species have shifted their distribution poleward, with increases in abundance at higher latitudes, and declines in abundance at lower latitudes. A key to predict future changes in fish communities is to understand how fish stocks respond to climate variability. Scattered field observations in the first half of the 20th century suggested that boreal fish may coherently invade Greenland waters when temperatures rise, but this hypothesis has remained untested. Therefore, we studied how local temperature variability and the dynamics of the subpolar gyre, a large‐scale driver of oceanic conditions in the North Atlantic, affect abundance of boreal fishes in a region that sharply defines their lower thermal boundary. We analysed information from demersal trawl surveys from 1981 to 2017, for species distributed from shallow shelf to depths of 1,500 m, collected at over 10,000 stations along ~3,000 km of Greenland. Our results show that local temperature and variability of Labrador and Irminger Sea water in the subpolar gyre region drive interdecadal variability of boreal fish abundance in Greenland waters. Although temperature fluctuations were higher in shallow than deep regions, fish abundance changed as quickly in great depths as in shallow depths. This link between physics and biology provides an opportunity for prediction of future trends, which is of utility in Greenland, where fisheries constitute more than 90% of the national export value.
Open questions on the mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Authors: Vögtle Friederike‐Nora
Published: September 2020

Mitochondrial protein homeostasis is crucial for cellular health, and perturbations have been linked to a plethora of human diseases. Proteostasis is maintained mainly by a network of mitochondrial chaperones and proteases, that assist in protein folding and degrade nonfunctional or superfluous proteins. Upon proteomic imbalances or defects in mitochondrial functions, protective cellular responses are activated to restore and maintain organellar integrity. This viewpoint describes our current knowledge and understanding of these protective pathways and addresses open questions and perspectives in the field of mitochondrial stress responses.
Transient benefits of climate change for a high‐Arctic polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulation
Authors: Laidre Kristin L. , Atkinson Stephen N. , Regehr Eric V. , Stern Harry L. , Born Erik W. , Wiig Øystein , Lunn Nicholas J. , Dyck Markus , Heagerty Patrick , Cohen Benjamin R.
Published: September 2020

Kane Basin (KB) is one of the world's most northerly polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulations, where bears have historically inhabited a mix of thick multiyear and annual sea ice year‐round. Currently, KB is transitioning to a seasonally ice‐free region because of climate change. This ecological shift has been hypothesized to benefit polar bears in the near‐term due to thinner ice with increased biological production, although this has not been demonstrated empirically. We assess sea‐ice changes in KB together with changes in polar bear movements, seasonal ranges, body condition, and reproductive metrics obtained from capture–recapture (physical and genetic) and satellite telemetry studies during two study periods (1993–1997 and 2012–2016). The annual cycle of sea‐ice habitat in KB shifted from a year‐round ice platform (~50% coverage in summer) in the 1990s to nearly complete melt‐out in summer (<5% coverage) in the 2010s. The mean duration between sea‐ice retreat and advance increased from 109 to 160 days (p = .004). Between the 1990s and 2010s, adult female (AF) seasonal ranges more than doubled in spring and summer and were significantly larger in all months. Body condition scores improved for all ages and both sexes. Mean litter sizes of cubs‐of‐the‐year (C0s) and yearlings (C1s), and the number of C1s per AF, did not change between decades. The date of spring sea‐ice retreat in the previous year was positively correlated with C1 litter size, suggesting smaller litters following years with earlier sea‐ice breakup. Our study provides evidence for range expansion, improved body condition, and stable reproductive performance in the KB polar bear subpopulation. These changes, together with a likely increasing subpopulation abundance, may reflect the shift from thick, multiyear ice to thinner, seasonal ice with higher biological productivity. The duration of these benefits is unknown because, under unmitigated climate change, continued sea‐ice loss is expected to eventually have negative demographic and ecological effects on all polar bears.
Beyond structural determinism: advantages and challenges of qualitative social network analysis for studying social capital of migrants
Authors: Sommer Elena , Gamper Markus
Published: September 2020

In this article we address the challenges and advantages of studying social capital of migrant entrepreneurs, applying a mixed‐method research design involving qualitative semi‐structured interviews and standardized network map data collection. Despite some limitations discussed in the article, the study illustrates that an applied methodological approach has a potential to overcome some of the pitfalls of ‘structural determinism’ by looking both at structural and contextual aspects as well as actors’ active role in accessing and (re)shaping their business‐related networks across different geographic spaces. The article demonstrates that qualitative social network analysis is particularly valuable for emphasizing the role of human agency and temporal changes of social relations both in terms of network composition and network content as well as for exploring the meaning attached to social ties, potential access barriers to certain types of social capital and strategies to overcome these barriers.
The potential of a surface pre‐reacted glass root canal dressing for treating apical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Xiong B. , Shirai K. , Matsumoto K. , Abiko Y. , Furuichi Y.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of a prototype root canal dressing containing surface pre‐reacted glass–ionomer (S‐PRG) fillers on repairing induced periapical lesions in a rat model. Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] was applied as a comparison in the healing process.

Methodology

The pulp chambers of the maxillary first molars in 64 male Wistar rats aged 16 weeks were opened to induce periapical lesions. After 28 days, the mesial canal of each tooth was prepared, irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite only (control group: irrigation) or followed by the respective dressing [Ca(OH)2 group, irrigation + Ca(OH)2; S‐PRG group, irrigation + S‐PRG] and restored with composite resin for 3 or 7 days (10/group). Four rats with healthy molars were used as blank controls. Descriptive analysis of the periapical radiographs, haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical observation was performed 3 and 7 days after treatment. The periapical grey value, CD68 macrophages and osteoclasts (cathepsin‐K) were quantified and statistically analysed with Tukey’s honest significant difference test. A significant difference was achieved when P values were <0.05.

Results

S‐PRG and Ca(OH)2 dressings were associated with increased periapical grey values and inhibited osteoclast activity at 3 and 7 days; a significant difference in radiographic results and the number of osteoclasts was obtained at 3 and 7 days compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Reparative tissue was observed histologically in the space of the periapical resorbed necrotic area after S‐PRG and Ca(OH)2 treatment for 3 and 7 days. The number of macrophages was significantly decreased at 3 and 7 days in the S‐PRG and Ca(OH)2 specimens when compared with the controls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In a rat experimental model, the S‐PRG root canal dressing was comparable to Ca(OH)2 in promoting the healing of experimentally induced periapical lesions. S‐PRG paste has the potential to be used as an alternative intracanal dressing in teeth with apical periodontitis.
Biowaste‐derived hydroxyapatite reinforced with polyvinyl pyrrolidone/aloevera composite for biomedical applications
Authors: Mathina Mathiyalagan , Shinyjoy Elangomannan , Kavitha Louis , Gopi Dhanaraj
Published: September 2020

The present investigation focuses on the synthesis of crabshell‐derived hydroxyapatite (CS‐HAP)/ water‐soluble synthetic polymer—polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)/aloevera(AV)—a natural biopolymer, as a composite for enhanced mechanical, antibacterial and biocompatible properties. The reinforcement of polymer has a significant function in increasing the mechanical property of the composite, whereas the incorporation of AV improves the antibacterial and biocompatibility. Phase composition, morphology, mechanical property, and hydrophilicity of CS‐HAP/PVP/AV biocomposite with different concentrations of PVP and AV were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX), Vickers microhardness tests, contact angle, respectively. Furthermore, the antibacterial efficiency of the composite is assessed using Escherichia coli (E coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus). The biocompatibility of HOS MG 63 cells on the CS‐HAP/PVP/AV composite is evaluated by MTT assay test. The obtained results evidence that the as‐synthesized composite have appropriate mechanical, antibacterial and biocompatible properties. Overall, the combination of mechanical property of PVP, antibacterial and biocompatible property of AV in CS‐HAP/PVP/AV, makes the composite a potential therapeutic material for various biomedical applications.
Chemical durability of lead crystal glass: Comparison of short‐term aqueous and atmospheric alteration at 90°C
Authors: Collin Marie , Diallo Babacar , Lecoq Hélène , Ory Sandra , Chauvet Elodie , Pellerin Nadia
Published: September 2020

Crystal glass alteration in an aqueous medium has been extensively studied following the implementation of strict regulations regarding lead leaching. However, despite the widespread use of lead glasses and crystal glass by artists and artisans ever since antiquity, few works focus on crystal glass corrosion in atmospheric conditions. In this preliminary study, the altered layers formed on crystal glass in aqueous and atmospheric conditions at 90°C are compared. On the timescale studied (20 days), ToF‐SIMS profiles of both altered layers show water ingress. This hydration step is correlated with K leaching in aqueous media, and29Si and27Al NMR analysis of the altered structure highlights the formation of newQ4and AlO6units. Low alkali leaching is observed in atmospheric conditions, but the altered glass structure is highly hydrolyzed, as attested by its high water and silanol content. As a result, the altered layer formed in aqueous conditions is more polymerized than the one formed in atmospheric conditions, and potentially more passivating through a mechanism involving water availability. On the bases of29Si/1H and27Al/1H CP‐MAS NMR experiments, the oxygen repartition is described in the altered glasses, differentiating the oxygen atoms involved in structural NBO from that of hydroxyl groups.
Physicochemical and flavour characteristics of Maillard reaction products derived from Aloididae aloidi muscle enzymatic hydrolysates coupled with High‐Pressure Processing
Authors: Bu Ying , Zhu Lunwei , Xu Wenting , Zhu Wenhui , Liu He , Li Jianrong , Li Xuepeng
Published: September 2020

Maillard reaction (MR) plays a crucial role in food processing and storage, and Maillard reaction products (MRPs) contribute to improve flavour of foods. In this study, Aloididae aloidi enzymatic hydrolysates lyophilised powder coupled with high‐pressure processing (F1) and atmospheric pressure (F2) was used to evaluate physicochemical and flavour properties after MR. Compared with F2, F1 has not only higher organic acid, 5′‐nucleotides and free amino acid (FAA) content, but also a reduced proportion of bitter amino acids. After MR, significant changes in MRPs were found, such as the accumulation of intermediate and browning products, the decline of pH. Furthermore, the content of FAAs and 5′‐nucleotides in MRPs showed an obvious decrease, whereas the total content of organic acid increased. In addition, the electronic nose (e‐nose) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometer (GC‐MS) results showed that the content of volatile compounds with meaty flavour increased in MRPs and aldehydes with fishy flavour obviously decreased. To sum up, the enzymatic hydrolysis coupled with high‐pressure processing and MR can better improve the flavour.
Evaluating the Quality of Online Survey Data Collected in 2018 in the USA: Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariate Analyses
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Todoroki Makoto
Published: September 2020

Collecting survey data in Japan and the USA is difficult for many reasons, including the difficulty of creating complete sampling frames and low response rates. Online surveys, which collect data through online access panels and recruit members using nonprobability sampling, is becoming a popular alternative to traditional survey techniques, both in market and social science research. However, sociological researchers are hesitant to adopt online survey data collection techniques as it is unclear how representative such data are. This article examines the quality of online survey data by comparing online surveys with the two datasets collected using probability sampling, the American Community Survey and the General Social Survey. We conducted univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses and investigated whether similarities improve from the univariate analyses to bivariate relationships, and to bivariate relationships with controls. The results show that similarities improved from univariate to bivariate and multivariate analyses, but the results of bivariate and multivariate analyses did not differ. We concluded that data collected via volunteer‐based access panels yielded similar results to the benchmark data, especially when the relationships among variables are examined. We argue that automatically discrediting the data collected via volunteer‐based access panels is not good practice. With careful considerations of data quality, online survey data with nonprobability sampling could advance sociological research by giving researchers more freedom to ask questions at a relatively low cost, with a quick turnaround time, and more opportunities to conduct cross‐national research.
Evaluation of the BD Stem Cell Enumeration Kit on the BD FACSCanto II flow cytometer using bd facscanto clinical and bd facsdiva software
Authors: Rimac Vladimira , Bojanić Ines , Gojčeta Koraljka , Golubić Ćepulić Branka
Published: September 2020

Introduction

CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) enumeration by cell flow cytometry is routinely used in clinical laboratories for monitoring of HSC mobilization into peripheral blood and assessment of the quality of HSC products. The modified ISHAGE protocol is the most often used procedure for determination of CD34+ cells using flow cytometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate BD Enumeration stem cell kit on flow cytometer BD facscanto II, using facscanto clinical and facsdiva softwares.

Methods

Validation study included determination of within‐run and between‐run precision, trueness (bias), comparison of the test results analyzed on facscanto clinical and facsdiva softwares, assessment of linearity, specimen stability, and carryover.

Results

For between‐run precision, coefficients of variation (CVs) were all <10%, except for low control level on facsdiva software. CVs for within‐run precision were <10%, except for high absolute count of CD34+ cells on facsdiva software. Comparison of data showed no statistically significant differences between facscanto clinical and facsdiva software (Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were .993 for % of CD34+ cells and 0.983 for absolute count of CD34+ cells). In linearity study, bias for all dilutions was < 20%, and carryover assessment cannot be considered significant on both softwares. There was a statistically significant difference (P = .044) in absolute count of CD34+ cells after 24 hours of storage, when using facscanto clinical software.

Conclusion

BD Stem Cell Enumeration Kit can be used in routine laboratory work on BD FACSCanto II instrument, whereas facscanto clinical and facsdiva software were used for acquisition and data analysis.
Circulating Hodgkin cells: A clinicopathologic analysis of seven patients and a review of the literature
Authors: Aladily Tariq N.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Hodgkin cell leukemia is a rare phenomenon in which Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg cells circulate the peripheral blood. Few cases were reported but no modern case series is available in the literature.

Methods

Peripheral blood smears from patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) at our institution were reviewed. Relevant clinical and pathologic parameters were collected and compared with reported cases in the literature.

Results

Seven patients were identified over a period of 8 years. All patients were males with a median age of 35 years. The diagnosis was classic HL in six (86%) patients and nodular lymphocyte predominant in one (14%). All patients presented with anemia (100%), and six (86%) had leukopenia and lymphopenia. Circulating Hodgkin cells were few in number and ranged between 2% and 10% of total white blood cells. Mononuclear Hodgkin cells were more common than binucleated Reed‐Sternberg cells. All patients were in stage IV disease (100%). Six patients (86%) died within one year of identifying these cells.

Conclusions

Hodgkin cell leukemia is very rare and represents a terminal event in the course of the disease of any histologic subtype. It is strongly associated with poor prognostic factors of HL such as advanced clinical stage, male gender, and the presence of anemia and lymphopenia. Circulating Hodgkin cells are few in number and thus can be missed in routine blood film examination. We describe the morphologic features of leukemic Hodgkin cells in details in order to help pathologists identify them for both diagnostic and research purposes.
Recurrent PROC and novel PROS1 mutations in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with idiopathic deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Do Minh Duc , Pham Dung Van , Le Long Phi , Gia Le Linh Hoang , Minh Tran Luan Bao , Dang Huynh Minh Duc , Do Quang Minh , Vu Hoang Anh , Nguyen Nam Hoai , Mai Thao Phuong
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Genetic mutations of PROC and PROS1 are well‐known risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the Asian population. However, the genetic profile of Vietnamese patients with DVT remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of genetic mutations of these two genes in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with idiopathic DVT.

Materials and methods

A total of 50 Vietnamese patients diagnosed with idiopathic DVT were recruited in this study. The entire coding regions of the protein C and protein S genes were amplified and directly sequenced to determine genetic alterations.

Results

Four and six genetic mutations were detected in protein C and protein S genes, respectively, in 24 Vietnamese DVT patients. PROC c.565C > T (p.R189W) was the most common mutation found in 13 out of 50 patients, while the mutations of PROS1 comprised three missense and three nonsense variants which diffuse along the gene.

Conclusions

This study shows that mutations of protein C and protein S genes are prevalent in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with idiopathic DVT, and PROC c.565C > T (p.R189W) was the most common genetic alteration.
Overall hemostasis potential and aPTT‐clot waveform analysis as powerful laboratory diagnostic tools for identification of hemophilia A patients with unexpected bleeding phenotype
Authors: Milos Marija , Coen Herak Désirée , Mahmoud Hourani Soutari Nida , Pavic Josipa , Zupancic‐Salek Silva , Zadro Renata , Antovic Jovan P.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Traditionally used laboratory methods do not always accurately reflect bleeding severity in hemophilia A (HA) patients. The ability of three global assays for identifying patients with unexpected bleeding phenotype was investigated.

Methods

Overall hemostasis potential (OHP), aPTT‐clot waveform analysis (aPTT‐CWA), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), FVIII activities, and prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 concentrations were measured in 62 HA patients (30 severe and 32 non‐severe) and 27 male controls. Bleeding phenotype was determined using our proposed scoring system including age at first joint bleed, number of target joints, and number of joint/muscle bleeds per year. Bleeding score ≤ 4 defined patients with mild bleeding phenotype (N = 27); score ≥ 5 defined severe bleeding phenotype (N = 35).

Results

The receiver operating characteristic analysis performed for distinguishing patients with severe and mild bleeding phenotype yielded following values of area under the curve: 0.910 (FVIII); 0.891 (aPTT‐CWA parameter DELTA); 0.769 (OHP); and 0.634 (ETP). Unexpected bleeding phenotype was identified in 11/62 HA patients: 8/32 (25%) non–severe HA patients had severe, while 3/30 (10%) severe HA patients had mild bleeding phenotype, and global assays enabled the identification of all these patients. OHP and DELTA were revealed as the most reliable parameters for bleeding phenotype determination (10/11 and 9/11 unexpected results, respectively).

Conclusion

This study emphasizes OHP and aPTT‐CWA as a powerful laboratory diagnostic tool in identifying HA patients with unexpected bleeding presentations, with the best results achieved by combining both assays. Global assays should not completely replace FVIII activity measurement but should be a part of the HA diagnostic algorithm.
High intake of added sugars is linked to rapid weight gain in infancy, breastfeeding ≥12 months may protect against this: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Kong Kai Ling , Burgess Brenda , Morris Katherine S. , Faith Myles S. , Paluch Rocco A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Consumption of added sugars is linked to excess adiposity in older age groups and breastfeeding has been shown to protect against later obesity.

Objectives

This investigation aimed to determine whether intake of added sugars associates with rapid weight gain in individuals under 2 years of age, if intake of added sugars associates with breastfeeding duration, and how both influence body weight.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of data from three 24‐hours dietary recalls collected from 141 infants/toddlers (age 11.9 ± 1.9 months, 44.7% male) was performed. Multivariable regressions assessed relationships between added sugar intakes, breastfeeding duration, and weight status. Hierarchical regressions examined added variance accounted for in rapid weight gain (specifically, upward weight‐for‐age percentile [WFA %tile] crossing) through the interaction of added sugars * breastfeeding duration.

Results

Added sugars correlated positively with upward WFA %tile crossing (r= 0.280,P< .001) and negatively with breastfeeding duration (r=−0.468,P< .001). Consumption of added sugars was a significant predictor of rapid weight gain when breastfeeding duration was short (<12 months,β= 0.020,P= .029), but not long (≥12 months,β= 0.001,P= .875).

Conclusions

A high intake of added sugars in individuals below age 2 associates with rapid weight gain, though breastfeeding ≥12 months appears protective against this. Further studies are necessary to substantiate these findings and provide insight into underlying mechanisms.
On the International Labour Organization and prison labour: An invitation to recalibrate
Authors: MILMAN‐SIVAN Faina , SAGY Yair
Published: September 2020

This article re‐examines the ILO's normative outlook on prison labour, arguing that it is out of touch with the realities on the ground, where public/private hybrid forms of prison labour are proliferating. The authors bring to light the controversy surrounding the position taken by the ILO, as member States repeatedly demand that it relax, and increasingly defy, its dichotomous stance. They illustrate the heavy price to be paid if the ILO stays on its current course, but also if it adopts the position favoured by some of these member States. Instead, they point to two alternatives that go beyond these conflicting positions.
The Rana Plaza disaster seven years on: Transnational experiments and perhaps a new treaty?
Authors: TREBILCOCK Anne
Published: September 2020

This article examines several noteworthy initiatives that were implemented following the deadly 2013 Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh. They broke new ground in transnational labour law. The ILO‐backed initiatives were largely successful but remain insufficient to achieve lasting change in the ready‐made garment industry, where global brands’ supply chain buying practices constrain investment in occupational safety and health. A proposed United Nations treaty on business and human rights now seeks to enhance corporate accountability. Although promising, as part of a smart mix of multi‐level public and private solutions, the treaty needs fine‐tuning in the light of lessons learned from post‐Rana Plaza experiments.
The trade–labour relationship in the light of the WTO Appellate Body's embrace of pluralism
Authors: LANGILLE Joanna
Published: September 2020

Labour lawyers have raised concerns that the law of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has the potential to limit member States' ability to respond to violations of (international) labour rights/standards, both at home and abroad. But its Appellate Body has interpreted WTO law to “permit pluralism”, preserving Members' right to regulate. This jurisprudence has carved out “policy space” for Members, broadened the scope of doctrinal exceptions and blunted the force of disciplines that seek deep integration through regulatory coordination/coherence. These moves mean that numerous labour‐protecting measures are likely to be legal under WTO law, diminishing the potential conflict between multilateral trade law and labour law.
Ultrahigh energy storage density and charge‐discharge performance in novel sodium bismuth titanate‐based ceramics
Authors: Bian Shuaishuai , Yue Zhenxing , Shi Yunzhou , Zhang Jie , Feng Wei
Published: September 2020

Lead‐free ferroelectric ceramics are very suitable for electrostatic energy storage capacitors due to their outstanding characteristics of high charge‐discharge speed, high power density, and environmental friendliness. Herein, a novel material system as (1−x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xCaZr0.5Ti0.5O3 (NBT‐CZT, x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, and 0.20) was designed and prepared for dielectric energy storage ceramics. It demonstrated that the CZT additives induced a phase transition for the NBT ceramics, from ferroelectric to relaxor ferroelectric. In particular, extremely high stored energy storage density (6.92 and 5.37 J/cm3), high recoverable energy storage density (4.77 and 4.37 J/cm3), and moderate efficiency (69.0% and 81.4%) were achieved in both the samples of x = 0.12 and x = 0.15, respectively. The ceramics exhibited excellent stability of energy storage performance covering a wide temperature (25°C–200°C) and frequency (0.5–50 Hz) range, and also fatigue cycles up to 105. Additionally, the NBT‐CZT ceramics had a fast discharge speed (t0.9 < 100 ns) and high power density (24.2 MW/cm3, E = 100 kV/cm, x = 0.15), and the charge‐discharge process remained stable even when the measured temperature was up to 160°C. Therefore, the NBT‐CZT ceramics have the potential to be utilized in electrostatic energy storage applications.
Phrenic nerve stimulation during right ventricular outflow tract pacing: A rare but possible complication
Authors: Sekihara Takayuki , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Ishida Tomokazu , Nagao Moeko , Kakehashi Shota , Mukai Moe , Aoyama Daisetsu , Nodera Minoru , Eguchi Tomoya , Hasegawa Kanae , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

Phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) caused by a right ventricular (RV) lead is an uncommon complication of pacemaker implantations. We demonstrated a case of left PNS caused by an RV lead placed in the RV outflow tract (RVOT). The PNS was dependent on ventricular capture. This case highlighted a risk of PNS even during RVOT pacing.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes in a Saudi hypertensive population
Authors: Mahmud Azra , Alahaideb Ruba , Alshammary Haifa , Abanumay Mayar , Alfawwaz Afnan , Alhelabi Sara , Alonazy Amgad , Al‐Zaibag Muayed
Published: September 2020

International Guidelines recommend ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for the management of hypertension. ABPM phenotypes predict outcomes independent of office blood pressure (BP). The authors explored the prevalence and clinical correlates of ABPM phenotypes and relationship with office BP in Saudi patients (n = 428, mean age 53.5 ± 14.6, 55% male) referred to a Specialist Hypertension clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ABPM phenotypes included sustained normotension (27%), masked hypertension, MHT(32%), sustained hypertension, SHT(52%), and white coat hypertension(2.6%). MHT was more prevalent using asleep than 24‐hours (26.4% vs 12.9%, P < .01) or awake BP (26.4% vs 8.5%, P < .001) and observed in 85% of pre‐hypertensive patients. Isolated nocturnal hypertension was more prevalent in MHT vs SHT (70% vs 30%, P < .001). Office BP overestimated control rates compared with ABPM (48% vs 12.9%, P < .001). Our study shows that one in three Saudi patients will be managed inappropriately if office BP alone was relied upon for management of hypertension.
Curcumin alleviates oxidative stress and inhibits apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy via Sirt1‐Foxo1 and PI3K‐Akt signalling pathways
Authors: Ren Bin‐cheng , Zhang Yu‐fei , Liu Shan‐shan , Cheng Xiao‐jing , Yang Xin , Cui Xiao‐guang , Zhao Xin‐rui , Zhao Hui , Hao Min‐feng , Li Meng‐dan , Tie Yuan‐yuan , Qu Li , Li Xue‐yi
Published: September 2020

Diabetes is a disorder of glucose metabolism, and over 90% are type 2 diabetes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the type 2 diabetes complications, usually accompanied by changes in myocardial structure and function, together with cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our study investigated the effect of curcumin on regulating oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis in DCM. In vivo, diabetes was induced in an experimental rat model by streptozoticin (STZ) together with high‐glucose and high‐fat (HG/HF) diet feeding. In vitro, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured with high‐glucose and saturated free fatty acid palmitate. Curcumin was orally or directly administered to rats or cells, respectively. Streptozoticin ‐induced diabetic rats showed metabolism abnormalities and elevated markers of OS (superoxide dismutase [SOD], malondialdehyde [MDA], gp91phox, Cyt‐Cyto C), enhanced cell apoptosis (Bax/Bcl‐2, Cleaved caspase‐3, TUNEL‐positive cells), together with reduced Akt phosphorylation and increased Foxo1 acetylation. Curcumin attenuated the myocardial dysfunction, OS and apoptosis in the heart of diabetic rats. Curcumin treatment also enhanced phosphorylation of Akt and inhibited acetylation of Foxo1. These results strongly suggest that apoptosis was increased in the heart of diabetic rats, and curcumin played a role in diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment by modulating the Sirt1‐Foxo1 and PI3K‐Akt pathways.
Maternal and cord plasma branched‐chain amino acids and child risk of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Anand Neha S. , Ji Yuelong , Wang Guoying , Hong Xiumei , van der Rijn Madeleine , Riley Anne , Pearson Colleen , Zuckerman Barry , Wang Xiaobin
Published: September 2020

Background

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are essential amino acids involved in biological functions of brain development and recently linked with autism. However, their role in attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not well‐studied. We investigated individual and combined relationships of maternal plasma and newborn cord plasma BCAAs with childhood development of ADHD.

Methods

We utilized the Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly urban, low‐income, US minority population. Child developmental outcomes were defined in three mutually exclusive groups – ADHD, neurotypical (NT), or other developmental disabilities based on physician diagnoses per ICD‐9 or 10 in medical records. The final sample included 626 children (299 ADHD, 327 NT) excluding other developmental disabilities. BCAAs were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We used factor analysis to create composite scores of maternal and cord BCAA, which we divided into tertiles. Logistic regressions analyzed relationships between maternal or cord BCAA tertiles with child ADHD risk, controlling for maternal race, age, parity, smoking, education, low birth weight, preterm birth, and child sex. Additionally, we analyzed maternal and cord plasma BCAAs jointly on child ADHD risk.

Results

Adjusted logistic regression found significantly increased odds of child ADHD diagnosis for the second (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.54, p = .032) and third tertiles (OR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.15, p = .002) of cord BCAA scores compared to the first tertile. This finding held for the third tertile when further adjusting for maternal BCAA score. There was no significant association between maternal BCAA score and child ADHD risk, nor a significant interaction between maternal and cord BCAA scores.

Conclusions

In this prospective US birth cohort, higher cord BCAA levels were associated with a greater risk of developing ADHD in childhood. These results have implications for further research into mechanisms of ADHD development and possible early life screening and interventions.
Hydrological connectivity drives longitudinal movement of endangered endemic Chilean darter Percilia irwini (Eigenmann, 1927)
Authors: Vivancos Aurélien , Górski Konrad , Manosalva Aliro , Toledo Barbara , Reid Malcolm , Habit Evelyn
Published: September 2020

Movement is a fundamental aspect of fish ecology, and it therefore represents an important trait to monitor for the management and conservation of fish populations. This is especially true for small benthic fish, as they often inhabit part of the catchment where their movement may be restricted by alterations to river connectivity due to human activity. Still, the movement of these small benthic fish remains poorly understood, partly because of their small size and their cryptic nature. This applies to Percilia irwini, an endangered small darter native to the south‐central region of Chile. Its habitat has been affected by the presence of large hydroelectric dams and is currently threatened by the construction of several others. In this study, the authors investigated movement patterns of P. irwini from populations inhabiting different parts of the Biobío catchment, with different levels of connectivity due to natural and/or human‐induced features. The authors combined chronological clustering with random forest classification to reconstruct lifelong movements from multi‐elemental otolith microchemistry transects. The majority of the movements detected occurred in an undisturbed part of the catchment. These were directional upstream movements occurring between capture sites from the lower and the middle reaches of the river, representing a distance of nearly 30 km, a distance much larger than previously thought. Nonetheless, in the part of the catchment where connectivity was affected by human activity, no such movements were identified. This study shows that connectivity alteration could impede naturally occurring movement and further threaten the resilience of populations of P. irwini. Furthermore, the results presented are used to discuss advantages and disadvantages of microchemistry analysis for studying movement of small benthic fish.
Encapsulation of Clitoria ternatea extract in liposomes by synergistic combination of probe‐type ultrasonication and high‐pressure processing
Authors: Chen Hua Wei , Chang Yu Wei
Published: September 2020

Clitoria ternatea petals are commonly used in health drinks and natural food colorants due to their antioxidant and antibacterial effects, as well as preventing cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the extract of Clitoria ternatea petals obtained under different temperature conditions was analyzed for their antioxidant components (polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins) and their antioxidant capacity (DPPH free‐radical scavenging rate). The effects of the homogenization mode, ratio of lecithin to cholesterol, extract concentration of Clitoria ternatea petals, and extraction temperature on the diameter and uniform of liposome were also investigated to protect their active biological activities. Furthermore, the objective of this study was to improve the homogeneous size distribution of liposomes by probe‐type ultrasonication and high‐pressure processing (HPP) under the effect of pressure through hydrostatic pressure. The results showed that the extract of Clitoria ternatea petals for the best antioxidant effect was obtained at 50°C. According to the results of the Taguchi method, the optimal liposome particle size was the 1:0.15 ratio of lecithin to cholesterol, extract concentration was 0.7%, using the homogenization mode of the probe‐type ultrasonication. As a result, HPP was first employed as a useful method for the preparation of liposome and the improvement of particle size and polydispersity index via the preprocessing of probe sonication and showed considerable promise for use in encapsulation in the dairy beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Association of Positive Delirium Screening with Incident Dementia in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Briesacher Becky A. , Koethe Benjamin , Olivieri‐Mui Brianne , Saczynski Jane S. , Fick Donna Marie , Devlin John W. , Marcantonio Edward R.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Early detection of delirium in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is a priority. The extent to which delirium screening leads to a potentially inappropriate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is unknown.

DESIGN

Nationwide retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2013.

SETTING

An SNF.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1,175,550 Medicare enrollees who entered the SNF from a hospital and had no prior diagnosis of dementia.

EXPOSURE

A positive screen for delirium using the validated Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), performed as part of the federally mandated Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment.

MEASUREMENTS

Incident all‐cause dementia, ascertained throughInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision(ICD‐9), diagnosis in Medicare claims or active diagnoses in MDS.

RESULTS

Positive screening for delirium was identified in 7.7% of cases (n = 90,449), and most occurred within the first 7 days of SNF admission (62.5%). The overall incidence of ADRD was 6.3% (n = 73,542). Nearly all new diagnoses of ADRD (93.5%) occurred within the first 30 days of SNF admission. Patients who screened CAM positive for delirium had a nearly threefold increased risk of receiving an incident ADRD diagnosis on the same day (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.50–4.63). Among patients who screened CAM positive for delirium, those who were cognitively intact or had mild cognitive impairments were, on average, six times more likely to receive an incident ADRD diagnosis (HR = 6.64; 95% CI = 1.76–25.0) relative to those testing CAM negative.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Among older adults not previously diagnosed with dementia, a positive screen for delirium was significantly associated with higher risk of ADRD diagnosis after admission to a SNF. This risk was highest for patients in the first days of their stay and with the least cognitive impairment, suggesting that the ADRD diagnosis was potentially inappropriate.
The transition debate in Brazilian history: The bourgeois paradigm and its critique
Authors: Salgado Pedro
Published: September 2020

The origins of capitalism in Brazil have been traditionally overlooked by the literature on its developmental trajectory, either considered as an outcome of colonial exploitation or described through a broad notion of ‘bourgeois revolution’. The recent discussion between the consequentialist interpretation of bourgeois revolutions and the Political Marxist critique of the bourgeois paradigm allows for a reassessment of these narratives, with a stronger emphasis on the specific disputes of early‐20th‐century Brazil. In this paper, I engage with Florestan Fernandes as the main representative of the bourgeois paradigm within Brazil. As an alternative, I present a reassessment of the ‘capitalist transition’ understood as a set of social property relations organised around market dependency. By tracing this form of market dependency through Brazilian historiography, I present a narrative that posits the development of capitalism in Brazil through the nonrevolutionary rise of an industrial bourgeoisie during the Old Republic and the competing strategies of declining (British) and rising (US/Germany) financial imperialism in the 1920s. Therefore, it highlights the role of (geo)political disputes by pointing towards the policy changes introduced by the Vargas regime in the 1930s as a key factor in the transition to capitalism in Brazil.
How federally insured reverse mortgages affect the credit outcomes of older adults
Authors: Moulton Stephanie , Haurin Donald , Dodini Samuel , Schmeiser Maximilian D.
Published: September 2020

This study examines how the extraction of home equity through the federally insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) affects the credit outcomes of older adults. We use data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York/Equifax Consumer Credit Panel, supplemented with a unique credit panel data set of reverse mortgage borrowers. Using matched sample difference‐in‐differences with individual fixed effects, we estimate credit outcomes for older adults who borrowed through a HECM between 2008 and 2011, relative to older homeowners not borrowing from home equity. Our results indicate that the HECM is associated with a short‐term reduction in revolving credit card debt, as well as a reduction in the probability of bankruptcy. We find some evidence of heterogeneous treatment effects, where older adults with higher levels of consumer debt prior to originating a HECM experience larger subsequent declines in debt, increases in credit score, and steeper reductions in bankruptcy rates.
The experiences of living with a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor
Authors: Petre Oana A. , Crăciun Irina C. , Băban Adriana
Published: September 2020

Background

Kidney transplantation is considered an optimal treatment option for patients with end‐stage kidney disease in terms of survival rate, quality of life and cost‐effectiveness. However, posttransplant life involves many medical, psychological and social challenges for transplant recipients. Understanding individuals' challenges and needs after transplantation is a prerequisite for developing effective patient education and self‐management programmes.

Objective

To explore how individuals experience life with a transplanted kidney from a deceased donor.

Methods

The purposive sample included eight kidney transplant recipients. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Finding

Three main themes emerged from the data and each one presents a certain aspect of the posttransplant experience: an inner struggle to find a new normality (personal level), me and the others (relational level) and only between me, my donor and god (spiritual level).

Conclusion

The experience of receiving a kidney from a deceased donor represents a complex psychological challenge for recipients. The study is unique as it shows the spiritual dimension of the transplantation experience and how the recipients' views on transplantation and organ donation are shaped by their religious and cultural background, indicating the importance of a holistic nursing approach.