bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epicutaneously sensitized food‐induced anaphylaxis is ameliorated with “oral tolerance” to antigen
Authors: Mori Yukari , Ugajin Tsukasa , Okada Kouhei , Handa Yutaro , Umemoto Naoshi , Iijima Hazuki , Igawa Ken , Yokozeki Hiroo
Published: October 2020

Food allergy is an antigen‐specific immunological adverse reaction after exposure to a given food. Multiple clinical studies showed that oral immunotherapy (OIT) is effective for the prevention and treatment for food allergy that is developed in infants and children. However, the effectiveness of OIT for epicutaneously sensitized food allergy remains unclear. Previously, we established a mouse model of epicutaneous‐sensitized food allergy. In this model, systemic allergic reaction including intestinal and skin symptoms, such as anaphylaxis, was observed. We treated this model with OIT in two ways (OIT before sensitization or OIT during the sensitization phase) and evaluated the preventive effect of both methods. OIT before sensitization significantly ameliorated mast cell degranulation in sensitized skin, but there was no decrease in rectal temperatures or in mast cell degranulation in the jejunum. However, OIT administered during the sensitization phase significantly ameliorated the decrease in rectal temperature and mast cell degranulation in the skin and jejunum. OIT before sensitization increased the regulatory T cells in mesenteric lymph node (MLN), but not in the spleen, and it reduced antigen‐specific IgG, but not IgE, production compared with the non‐OIT control. However, OIT during sensitization caused a greater increase in regulatory T cells in both the MLN and spleen and reduced antigen‐specific IgE and IgG generation compared with the non‐OIT control group. Thus, OIT during the sensitization phase was effective for the prevention of epicutaneous‐sensitized food allergy.
The use of machine learning and deep learning algorithms in functional magnetic resonance imaging—A systematic review
Authors: Rashid Mamoon , Singh Harjeet , Goyal Vishal
Published: October 2020

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is presently one of the most popular techniques for analysing the dynamic states in brain images using various kinds of algorithms. From the last decade, there is an exponential rise in the use of the machine and deep learning algorithms of artificial intelligence for analysing fMRI data. However, it is a big challenge for every researcher to choose a suitable machine or deep learning algorithm for analysing fMRI data due to the availability of a large number of algorithms in the literature. It takes much time for each researcher to know about the various approaches and algorithms which are in use for fMRI data. This paper provides a review in a systematic manner for the present literature of fMRI data that makes use of the machine and deep learning algorithms. The major goals of this review paper are to (a) identify machine learning and deep learning research trends for the implementation of fMRI; (b) identify usage of Machine Learning Algorithms and deep learning in fMRI, and (c) help new researchers based on fMRI to put their new findings appropriately in existing domain of fMRI research. The results of this systematic review identified various fMRI studies and classified them based on fMRI types, mental diseases, use of machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The authors have provided the studies with the best performance of machine learning and deep learning algorithms used in fMRI. The authors believe that this systematic review will help incoming researchers on fMRI in their future works.
A close look at pentose metabolism of gut bacteria
Authors: Basen Mirko , Kurrer Sonja Elisabeth
Published: October 2020

In the human gut, plant dietary fibers are broken down to hexoses (C6) and pentoses (C5) and subsequently fermented by gut bacteria, producing short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The biochemistry of C5 metabolism has not been studied well in gut microorganisms. Garschagen et al. provide a new perspective in a detailed biochemical study on C5 metabolism of the abundant Prevotella copri, which uses the sedoheptulose‐1,7‐bisphosphate pathway instead of the pentose phosphate pathway.
One stem cell program to rule them all?
Authors: Wiggans Mallory , Pearson Bret J.
Published: October 2020

Many species of animals have stem cells that they maintain throughout their lives, which suggests that stem cells are an ancestral feature of all animals. From this, we take the viewpoint that cells with the biological properties of ‘stemness’—self‐renewal and multipotency—may share ancestral genetic circuitry. However, in practice is it very difficult to identify and compare stemness gene signatures across diverse animals and large evolutionary distances? First, it is critical to experimentally demonstrate self‐renewal and potency. Second, genomic methods must be used to determine specific gene expression in stem cell types compared with non‐stem cell types to determine stem cell gene enrichment. Third, gene homology must be mapped between diverse animals across large evolutionary distances. Finally, conserved genes that fulfill these criteria must be tested for role in stem cell function. It is our viewpoint that by comparing stem cell‐specific gene signatures across evolution, ancestral programs of stemness can be uncovered, and ultimately, the dysregulation of stemness programs drives the state of cancer stem cells.
Split moult: time constraints or endogenous strategy?
Authors: Kiat Yosef , Izhaki Ido
Published: October 2020

Plumage renewal is an important process in the avian yearly cycle, yet knowledge about the factors that shape moult strategies is far from complete. A varying proportion of individuals of several Palaearctic passerine species divide their flight‐feather moult between breeding and wintering areas. Here we focus on split moult, which includes retaining some or all the secondary feathers during the main moult period (interrupted moult) and later renewal of these feathers (complementary moult), after migration or breeding. We built a large moult database (213 species, 64 076 individuals) to describe split moult pattern in Palaearctic passerines, identify its frequency and test whether it is more common in long‐distance migrants than in short‐distance migrants and sedentary species. We found that first‐year individuals, tested shortly after the main moult period, exhibited interrupted moult, yet individuals tested later in the annual cycle also retained non‐moulted secondaries. In contrast, in most species, adults tested later in the annual cycle had fully renewed flight‐feathers. This would suggest that age may be a factor associated with the probability of exhibiting split moult, as this strategy was more common in adults than in first‐year birds. Furthermore, we found that interrupted and split moults occur more often among long‐distance migrants than among sedentary or short‐distance migrants. Our results probably imply that the split flight‐feather moult is not initiated in the first winter of the bird's life, as has been suggested in previous studies. In addition, the occurrence of split moult among long‐distance migrants in which the main moult takes place during the winter and among sedentary or short‐distance migratory species, suggests that split moult probably does not represent an evolutionary transition between summer and winter moult; in both species groups, an evolutionary transition towards winter moult is probably impossible. Based on our findings, we suggest that split moult may be a moult strategy that allows birds to cope with time and energy constraints during the main moult period by retaining part of their flight‐feathers and resuming their moult later in the yearly cycle.
Rapid synthesis of nanostructured porous silicon carbide from biogenic silica
Authors: Riikonen Joakim , Rantanen Jimi , Thapa Rinez , Le Nguyen T. , Rigolet Séverinne , Fioux Philippe , Turhanen Petri , Bodiford Nelli K. , Kalluri Jhansi R. , Ikonen Timo , Nissinen Tuomo , Lebeau Bénédicte , Vepsäläinen Jouko , Coffer Jeffery L. , Lehto Vesa‐Pekka
Published: October 2020

Nanostructured silicon carbide (SiC) is an exceptional material with numerous applications, for example, in catalysis, biomedicine, high‐performance composites, and sensing. In this study, a fast and scalable method of producing nanostructured SiC from plant materials by magnesiothermic reduction via self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) route was developed. The produced biogenic material possessed a high surface area above 200 m2/g with a SiC crystallite size below 10 nm, which has not been done previously by SHS. This method enables affordable synthesis of the material plant‐based precursors in a reaction that only takes a few seconds, thereby paving a way for nanostructured SiC production in high volumes using renewable resources. The material was also functionalized with carboxylic acid and bisphosphonate moieties, and its use as metal adsorbent in applications such as wastewater remediation was demonstrated.
Managerial discretion in revenue recognition amidst financial restatements and implications for GAAP compliance
Authors: Burnett Brian M. , Martin Gregory W. , Reppenhagen David A.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we examine GAAP‐compliant and non‐compliant revenue accruals among non‐fraud, non‐error restated firm‐years. The restatement setting isolates and quantifies managerial discretion in the revenue recognition process and provides insight into the role of GAAP compliance in producing predictive information. We find consistent evidence that non‐GAAP‐compliant revenue accruals are predictive of future cash receipts and total sales. We find that this main result is strongest for accrued revenues rather than deferred revenues. We find additional evidence that non‐GAAP‐compliant revenue accruals are generally more or similarly predictive of future cash receipts or total sales when compared to GAAP‐compliant revenue accruals for both restated and non‐restated firm‐years. Our findings suggest that managers’ discretion provides predictive information in the restatement setting, where managers’ judgment is likely most prevalent. We also find that ex‐post compliance with US GAAP does not isolate and remove less predictive information. Last, we fail to find reliable evidence that managers in our sample use their discretion over revenue accruals to smooth revenues or to meet or beat revenue and earnings benchmarks.
iPad‐assistedreading fluency instruction for fourth graders with reading difficulties: A single case experimental design
Authors: Mize Min , Park Yujeong
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of iPad‐assisted reading instruction for fourth‐grade students' oral reading fluency and their attitudes towards reading. Three fourth‐grade students at‐risk for reading disabilities participated in an iPad‐assisted repeated reading programme that integrated repeated reading, vocabulary instruction, error correction and feedback procedures. During each intervention session, the participants practiced reading a fourth grade‐level text, engaged in repeated reading with the intervention agent and repeatedly read the text three or four times with error correction. The oral reading rate for the fourth‐grade text that they practiced and a transfer text (i.e., new text that students have not practiced before) served as the primary dependent variables. Their attitudes towards reading were measured before and after the intervention. Using a multiple baseline across participants design, we showed that the iPad‐assisted repeated reading programme improved all participants' oral reading rates on both the grade‐level text and the transfer text. Implications of the study and future directions were discussed.
High prevalence and clinical impact of dynapenia and sarcopenia in Japanese patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Findings from the Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Dynapenia study
Authors: Mori Hiroyasu , Kuroda Akio , Yoshida Sumiko , Yasuda Tetsuyuki , Umayahara Yutaka , Shimizu Sayoko , Ryomoto Kayoko , Yoshiuchi Kazutomi , Yamamoto Tsunehiko , Matsuoka Taka‐aki , Shimomura Iichiro , Matsuhisa Munehide
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

The present study aimed to clarify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of sarcopenia and dynapenia, which are muscle weakness with and without low muscle mass, respectively, in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 1,328 participants with type 1 diabetes (n = 177), type 2 diabetes (n = 645) and without diabetes (n = 506). Sarcopenia was defined as a low grip strength and slow gait speed with low skeletal muscle mass index, whereas dynapenia was defined as low strengths of grip and knee extension with a normal skeletal muscle mass index. Participants without sarcopenia and dynapenia were defined as robust.

Results

Among participants aged ≥65 years, sarcopenia and dynapenia were observed in 12.2% and 0.5% of individuals without diabetes, 42.9% and 11.4% of type 1 diabetes patients, and 20.9% and 13.9% of type 2 diabetes patients. In both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients, sarcopenic patients were significantly older and thinner, and showed a significantly higher rate of diabetic neuropathy than robust patients. In patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, dynapenic patients were older, and showed a higher rate of diabetic neuropathy and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate than robust patients. Patients complicated with sarcopenia and dynapenia showed a significantly lower physical quality of life and higher rate of incidental falls than robust patients.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and dynapenia were more frequent in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes than in individuals without diabetes, which might contribute to their impaired quality of life and incidental falls.
Serum C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 14 levels are associated with serum C‐peptide and fatty liver index in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Matsushita Yuriko , Hasegawa Yutaka , Takebe Noriko , Onodera Ken , Shozushima Masaharu , Oda Tomoyasu , Nagasawa Kan , Honma Hiroyuki , Nata Koji , Sasaki Akira , Ishigaki Yasushi
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

Recent studies have suggested C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), secreted from adipose tissue, to play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. However, the clinical significance of CXCL14 in humans has not been elucidated. This study aimed to assess correlations between serum CXCL14 levels and clinical parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

In total, 176 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited. Serum CXCL14 concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We examined the associations of serum CXCL14 levels with laboratory values, abdominal computed tomography image information, surrogate markers used for evaluating the pathological states of diabetes, obesity and atherosclerosis.

Results

Serum CXCL14 levels correlated positively with body mass index, waist circumference, subcutaneous and visceral fat areas, and serum alanine transaminase, uric acid, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and C‐peptide (CPR) levels. In contrast, CXCL14 levels correlated inversely with age, pulse wave velocity and serum adiponectin levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed serum levels of CPR (β = 0.227, P = 0.038) and the fatty liver index (β = 0.205, P = 0.049) to be the only parameters showing independent statistically significant associations with serum CXCL14 levels.

Conclusions

Serum CXCL14 levels were independently associated with serum CPR and fatty liver index in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In these patients, a high serum CPR concentration might reflect insulin resistance rather than β‐cell function, because CXCL14 showed simple correlations with obesity‐related parameters. Collectively, these data suggested that serum CXCL14 levels in type 2 diabetes patients might be useful predictors of elevated serum CPR and hepatic steatosis.
The spawning location of vulnerable ferox trout (Salmo trutta L.) in the Lough Corrib and Lough Mask catchments, Western Ireland
Authors: Gargan Patrick G. , Økland Finn , Shephard Samuel , Fitzgerald Colm , O'Grady Martin
Published: October 2020

Ferox trout are large, long‐lived, piscivorous trout normally found in deep lakes; they are highly prized by trophy anglers. Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Western Ireland, have recorded the majority of Irish specimen ferox trout since angling records began. Little was known regarding the spawning location of ferox trout relative to sympatric brown trout, and a radio telemetry study was initiated in both catchments in 2005. Over the period 2005–2009, 79 ferox were captured by angling and radio tagged in Lough Corrib, while 55 ferox were tagged in Lough Mask. Manual and helicopter tracking were carried out on all spawning streams entering both lakes over the autumn/winter period to detect tagged fish. Overall, 37 radio‐tagged trout (46.8%) were detected in Lough Corrib streams and 21 tagged trout (38.2%) were recorded from Lough Mask streams. Results from radio tracking indicate that the majority (92%) of ferox trout tagged in Lough Corrib spawned in a single spawning stream, the Cong river, while the majority (76%) of ferox trout tagged in Lough Mask spawned in the Cong canal and Cong river. These results suggest that these streams are most likely the principle spawning locations of ferox trout in both lakes. The occurrence of ferox trout predominantly in single spawning rivers in both catchments highlights the vulnerability of the study ferox populations. As a result of these findings, conservation measures were introduced for ferox trout in both catchments.
Embedding and Sustaining a Focus on Function in Specialty Research and Care
Authors: Callahan Kathryn E. , Boustani Malaz , Ferrante Lauren , Forman Daniel E. , Gurwitz Jerry , High Kevin P. , McFarland Frances , Robinson Thomas , Studenski Stephanie , Yang Mia , Schmader Kenneth E.
Published: October 2020

Function and the independent performance of daily activities are of critical importance to older adults. Although function was once a domain of interest primarily limited to geriatricians, transdisciplinary research has demonstrated its value across the spectrum of medical and surgical care. Nonetheless, integrating a functional perspective into medical and surgical therapeutics has yet to be implemented consistently into clinical practice. This article summarizes the presentations and discussions from a workshop, “Embedding/Sustaining a Focus on Function in Specialty Research and Care,” held on January 31 to February 1, 2019. The third in a series supported by the National Institute on Aging and the John A. Hartford Foundation, the workshop aimed to identify scientific gaps and recommend research strategies to advance the implementation of function in care of older adults. Transdisciplinary leaders discussed implementation of mobility programs and functional assessments, including comprehensive geriatric assessment; integrating cognitive and sensory functional assessments; the role of culture, environment, and community in incorporating function into research; innovative methods to better identify functional limitations, techniques, and interventions to facilitate functional gains; and the role of the health system in fostering integration of function. Workshop participants emphasized the importance of aligning goals and assessments and adopting a team science approach that includes clinicians and frontline staff in the planning, development, testing, and implementation of tools and initiatives. This article summarizes those discussions.
Fingerstick Glucose Monitoring in Veterans Affairs Nursing Home Residents with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jeon Sun Y. , Shi Ying , Lee Alexandra K. , Hunt Lauren , Lipska Kasia , Boscardin John , Lee Sei
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Guidelines recommend less intensive glycemic treatment and less frequent glucose monitoring for nursing home (NH) residents. However, little is known about the frequency of fingerstick (FS) glucose monitoring in this population. Our objective was to examine the frequency of FS glucose monitoring in Veterans Affairs (VA) NH residents with diabetes mellitus, type II (T2DM).

DESIGN AND SETTING

National retrospective cohort study in 140 VA NHs.

PARTICIPANTS

NH residents with T2DM and older than 65 years admitted to VA NHs between 2013 and 2015 following discharge from a VA hospital.

MEASUREMENTS

NH residents were classified into five groups based on their highest hypoglycemia risk glucose‐lowering medication (GLM) each day: no GLMs; metformin only; sulfonylureas; long‐acting insulin; and any short‐acting insulin. Our outcome was a daily count of FS measurements.

RESULTS

Among 17,474 VA NH residents, mean age was 76 (standard deviation (SD) = 8) years and mean hemoglobin A1c was 7.6% (SD = 1.5%). On day 1 after NH admission, 49% of NH residents were on short‐acting insulin, decreasing slightly to 43% at day 90. Overall, NH residents had an average of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–1.9) FS measurements on NH day 1, decreasing to 1.4 (95% CI = 1.3–1.4) by day 90. NH residents on short‐acting insulin had the most frequent FS measurements, with 3.0 measurements (95% CI = 2.9–3.0) on day 1, decreasing to 2.6 measurements (95% CI = 2.5–2.7) by day 90. Less frequent FS measurements were seen for NH residents receiving long‐acting insulin (2.1 (95% CI = 2.0–2.2) on day 1) and sulfonylureas (1.7 (95% CI = 1.5–1.8) on day 1). Even NH residents on metformin monotherapy had 1.1 (95% CI = 1.1–1.2) measurements on day 1, decreasing to 0.5 (95% CI = 0.4–0.6) measurements on day 90.

CONCLUSION

Although guidelines recommend less frequent glucose monitoring for NH residents, we found that many VA NH residents receive frequent FS monitoring. Given the uncertain benefits and potential for substantial patient burdens and harms, our results suggest decreasing FS monitoring may be warranted for many low hypoglycemia risk NH residents.
Current update of first trimester preeclampsia screening in Asia
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yi , Huang Hui‐Yu , Chan Kok‐Seong , Chen Yen‐Tin , Chu Fu‐Chieh , Shaw Steven W.
Published: October 2020

In consideration of high prevalence of preeclampsia, enormous studies attempted to look for strategies in early gestation. Hence, a powerful screening should be built up in first trimester. Then, Aspirin could be administrated for proper prevention. The objective of this article is reviewing the screening for preeclampsia in first trimester recently. To identify the high‐risk group precisely, an effective model should be recommended to Asian population. Articles related to first trimester screening of PE in Asia from databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus were searched for this narrative review. The criteria included randomized clinical trials, observational prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case–control studies, systematic review and meta‐analysis and professional review articles. Screening models combining maternal factors, biophysical factors, ultrasound studies and biochemical factors achieved high predictive performance of preeclampsia. In Asia, the detection rate of the Fetal Medicine Foundation is superior to those of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Consequently, this effective model from the Fetal Medicine Foundation should be continuously used for screening in first trimester for the Asian.
Effect of oral administration of omeprazole on the microbiota of the gastric glandular mucosa and feces of healthy horses
Authors: Cerri Simona , Taminiau Bernard , de Lusancay Alexandra Hache‐Carré , Lecoq Laureline , Amory Hélène , Daube Georges , Cesarini Carla
Published: October 2020

Background

Omeprazole administration is associated with changes in gastric and fecal microbiota and increased incidence of Clostridioides difficile enterocolitis in humans and dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Study purpose was to assess the effect of omeprazole on gastric glandular and fecal microbiota in healthy adult horses.

Animals

Eight healthy horses stabled on straw and fed 100% haylage.

Methods

Prospective controlled study. Transendoscopic gastric glandular biopsies, gastric fluid, and fecal samples were obtained from each horse twice at a 7‐day interval before the administration of omeprazole. Samples were taken on the same horses before and after a 7‐day administration of omeprazole (4 mg/kg PO q24h). pH was assessed on fresh gastric fluid and other samples were kept at −20°C until analysis. Bacterial taxonomy profiling was obtained by V1V3 16S amplicon sequencing from feces and gastric glandular biopsies. Analysis of alpha, beta diversity, and comparison between time points were performed with MOTHUR and results were considered significant when P < .05.

Results

Gastric pH increased significantly after 7 days of omeprazole administration (P = .006). Omeprazole did not induce significant major changes in composition of fecal or gastric glandular microbiota, however, after administration, certain microbial genera became more predominant in the gastric glandular mucosa (lower Simpson's evenness, P = .05). Only the genus Clostridium sensu strictu_1 had a significant shift in the glandular gastric mucosa after omeprazole administration (P = .002). No population shifts were observed in feces.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Oral administration of omeprazole could have fewer effects in gastrointestinal microbiota in the horse compared to other species.
Historical isolation facilitates species radiation by sexual selection: Insights fromChorthippusgrasshoppers
Authors: Nolen Zachary J. , Yildirim Burcin , Irisarri Iker , Liu Shanlin , Groot Crego Clara , Amby Daniel Buchvaldt , Mayer Frieder , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Pereira Ricardo J.
Published: October 2020

Theoretical and empirical studies have shown that species radiations are facilitated when a trait under divergent natural selection is also involved in sexual selection. It is yet unclear how quick and effective radiations are where assortative mating is unrelated to the ecological environment and primarily results from sexual selection. We address this question using sympatric grasshopper species of the genusChorthippus, which have evolved strong behavioural isolation while lacking noticeable ecomorphological divergence. Mitochondrial genomes suggest that the radiation is relatively recent, dating to the mid‐Pleistocene, which leads to extensive incomplete lineage sorting throughout the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Nuclear data shows that hybrids are absent in sympatric localities but that all species have experienced gene flow, confirming that reproductive isolation is strong but remains incomplete. Demographic modelling is most consistent with a long period of geographic isolation, followed by secondary contact and extensive introgression. Such initial periods of geographic isolation might facilitate the association between male signaling and female preference, permitting the coexistence of sympatric species that are genetically, morphologically, and ecologically similar, but otherwise behave mostly as good biological species.
Laboratory monitoring during antifungal treatment of paediatric tinea capitis
Authors: Aleohin Natalie , Bar Jonathan , Bar‐Ilan Efrat , Samuelov Liat , Sprecher Eli , Mashiah Jacob
Published: October 2020

Griseofulvin and terbinafine are considered effective first‐line therapies for tinea capitis (TC). Haematological dyscrasias and hepatic injury are possible adverse effects with both drugs. There is a debate in the literature regarding the necessity of laboratory monitoring during griseofulvin and terbinafine treatment. We aimed at assessing the prevalence and severity of haematological and hepatic laboratory test abnormalities in a paediatric cohort of African immigrants in Tel‐Aviv with TC who were treated with Terbinafine or Griseofulvin. We conducted a retrospective study of all TC cases diagnosed and treated at the paediatric dermatology clinic, Tel‐Aviv Medical centre, between June 2013 and March 2019. Epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Our cohort included 321 patients of whom 225 (70%) were treated with Griseofulvin and 96 (30%) with Terbinafine. We identified a total of 64 (20%) patients with haematological or hepatic laboratory test abnormalities that in most cases (96.3%) were considered as mild. No difference in laboratory abnormalities prevalence was identified between the griseofulvin and terbinafine groups (21.3% and 16.6%, respectively). Only one patient treated with Griseofulvin revealed significantly increased levels of hepatic aminotransferases that required discontinuation of treatment. Mild elevation in hepatic transaminases is relatively common among paediatric patients treated with systemic antifungal treatment for TC. However, significant laboratory abnormalities are extremely rare and may be diagnosed and addressed early through periodic laboratory tests monitoring.
Melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Balaji Thodur Madapusi , Varadarajan Saranya , Jagannathan Raghunathan , Gupta Archana A. , Raj A. Thirumal , Patil Shankargouda , Fageeh Hammam Ibrahim , Fageeh Hytham N.
Published: October 2020

The aim was to provide a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of any potential differences in melatonin levels in periodontitis vs. the healthy state. The keyword combination “melatonin” AND “periodontitis” was searched in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis were performed on articles satisfying the inclusion criteria. Only 14 studies were included in the systematic review, out of which only 10 had quantitative data compatible with a meta‐analysis. Ten studies demonstrated low melatonin in periodontitis, three studies demonstrated an initial reduction in melatonin levels followed by elevation with worsening of periodontitis, and one study showed an elevation in melatonin levels in the transition from a healthy state to periodontitis. Grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation revealed that all the included studies had low to very low overall evidence. The meta‐analysis revealed a significant reduction (p < .0001) in salivary melatonin levels in chronic periodontitis (3.26 ± 3.44 pg/ml) compared with healthy controls (5.27 ± 5.39 pg/ml), with a mean difference of 2.65 ± 7.84 and a confidence interval of 1.94–3.36. The significantly lower salivary melatonin levels in periodontitis must be inferred with caution given the low quality of the included studies.
‘It’s in the silence you feel you hear’
Authors: Vilmar Therese Wiwe
Published: October 2020

The ekphrasis dates back to Antiquity and is firmly established as a concept in literary criticism. In 1994 W. J. T. Mitchell outlined the modern interpretation of ekphrasis as the ‘verbal representation of visual representation’. This article discusses a similar intermedial occurrence that is largely overlooked in literary theory: melophrasis, which could be defined as the ‘verbal representation of musical representation’. Using the main arguments of ekphrasis theory, the article engages in a critical dialogue with existing word and music research by Werner Wolf in particular. Instead of focusing on the mediality and formality of music in literature, this article is interested in the reading experience: the musicality evoked by melophrases. The purpose is to propose an analytical framework for literary scholars, and the article thus suggests two broad melophrastic categories inspired by film music theory and narratology: diegetic (the level of the plot/characters) and non‐diegetic (the level of the text/reader). This is demonstrated in two canonical works: a diegetic melophrasis that is the Vinteuil Sonata in Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time (1913–1927), and the non‐diegetic fugue chapter ‘Sirens’ in James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922). The article argues that melophrases create aesthetic intermedial reading experiences with a significant musical quality: a feeling of hearing.
Current Treatment Modalities for Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Mainland China: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Huang Ze‐qing , Fu Fan‐yu , Li Wen‐long , Tan Biao , He Hai‐jun , Liu Wen‐gang , Chen Wei‐heng
Published: October 2020

Objective

To investigate the application of treatment modalities for patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in mainland China.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was based on the online application of China Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Database (CONFHD). Between July 2016 to December 2018, the CONFHD program planned to recruit ONFH patients from 12 administrative areas across mainland China. Real‐world medical records of treatment regimens for these patients, including surgeries and prescriptions, were approved to upload to the CONFHD application for further analysis. The surgeries performed on these patients were classified into total hip arthroplasty and hip‐preserving procedures, and the latter was further classified into core decompression, bone grafting, and tantalum rod implantation. Prescription medications were classified into chemical medicine and Chinese herbal medicine (CHM); chemical medicine was further classified according to their chemical compounds, and CHM was classified according to therapeutic functions based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. Descriptive analysis was performed to summarize the application of different treatment regimens on the overall sample.

Results

A total of 1491 patients (2381 hips) who fulfilled the protocol criteria were included. There were 1039 males and 452 females with a mean age of 47.29 ± 12.69 years. The causes of ONFH were alcoholism in 642 patients (43%), corticosteroid in 439 patients (29%), trauma in 239 patients (16%), and idiopathic ONFH in 171 patients (11%). Operative treatments (including total hip arthroplasty and hip‐preserving procedures) were performed on 49% of patients (43% of hips), chemical medicine therapy (including bisphosphonate, statins, and prostacyclin) was given to 37% of patients (37% of hips), and CHM was administrated to 72% of patients (75% of hips). The aforementioned interventions were not always used alone, since 47% of patients (52% of hips) received combined regimens with multiple interventions. Among hips treated by surgery, all hips with ARCO stage IV ONFH received THA (305 hips), and THA was also performed on 63 hips with stage II ONFH. Over half of hips with stage I (81%), II (91%), and III (92%) ONFH had received pharmacological treatments. Prostacyclin and bisphosphonate were the top two most prescribed medicines used alone. CHM therapies with multiple CHM functions were more commonly prescribed.

Conclusion

Current treatment modalities for ONFH patients in mainland China include operative treatment, chemical medicine, and CHM. Combined regimens with different treatment modalities are common in real‐world clinical practices.
Associations between pediatric asthma and adult non‐communicable diseases
Authors: Juber Nirmin F. , Lee Chien‐Chang , Pan Wen‐Chi , Liu Jason J.
Published: October 2020

Background

To date, there is no comprehensive study examining how asthma diagnosed in childhood or adolescence is associated with diagnoses of subsequent non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) during adulthood. Our study aimed to examine the associations between pediatric asthma and several adult NCDs, with temporality and long interval times between asthma and NCD diagnoses.

Methods

We used RAND Indonesian Family Life Survey Fifth Wave (IFLS5) fielded in 2014‐2015, to study whether being diagnosed with pediatric asthma at 0‐19 years of age was associated with increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach diseases, kidney diseases, and heart diseases or stroke diagnosed in adulthood. We used the weighted Poisson regression adjusting for age, sex, urbanicity, and insurance status to estimate risk ratios. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex and age of asthma and other NCD diagnoses.

Results

Pediatric asthma significantly increased risks of hypertension, diabetes, and stomach diseases diagnosed at 20 years of age or above. Males with pediatric asthma diagnosed at 0‐10 years of age had significantly higher risk of hypertension, while females with pediatric asthma diagnosed at 0‐10 years of age had significantly higher risks of diabetes and stomach diseases. Females with pediatric asthma diagnosed at 11‐19 years of age had significantly higher risks of diabetes, arthritis, stomach diseases, and kidney diseases. We also found varying associations by age of NCD diagnosis.

Conclusion

Our results suggest pediatric asthma is associated with increased risks of several adult NCDs, and these associations may vary by sex and age of asthma and other NCD diagnoses.
Adenoviral‐induced rash and mucositis: Expanding the spectrum of reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption
Authors: Gámez‐González Luisa Berenise , Peña‐Varela Claudia , Ramírez‐López Jesus Moises , Yamazaki‐Nakashimada Marco Antonio
Published: October 2020

Mucocutaneous eruptions associated with respiratory pathogens, specifically Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), has recently been described as a MIRM (MP‐induced rash and mucositis). The term reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) has been proposed, since non‐MP pathogens may also cause a similar rash and mucositis. We report two cases with clinical manifestations suggestive of MIRM/RIME, both with documented adenovirus infection.
Cataract Formation by Near‐infrared Radiation in Rabbits
Authors: Okuno Tsutomu , Kojima Masami , Yamaguchi‐Sekino Sachiko , Ishiba Yoshihisa , Suzuki Yukihisa , Sliney David H.
Published: October 2020

Surveys and epidemiological studies have shown an increased prevalence of cataracts in workers in the glass and steel industries. These cataracts are associated with exposure to intense infrared radiation (IR) emitted from heated materials and industrial furnaces. Thermal model calculations predicted that near and far IR would cause cataract with different mechanisms. The present study investigated cataract formation by near IR. Eyes of pigmented rabbits were exposed to IR at a wavelength of 808 nm. Morphological changes in the anterior segment of the eye were assessed by slit‐lamp microscopy, and temperature distributions in the anterior chamber of the eye were observed during IR exposure using microencapsulated thermochromic liquid crystals. Cortical cataract appeared below the exposed area of the iris in eyes that had been exposed for 6 min to an irradiance of 1.27 W cm−2 or higher. The monitored temperature in the anterior chamber began to increase in the region adjacent to the exposed area of the iris with the onset of IR exposure. These results demonstrate that 808‐nm IR is absorbed and converted to heat within the iris, which is then conducted to the lens and produce a cataract, as Goldmann theory states.
Bayesian Stacked Parametric Survival with Frailty Components and Interval‐Censored Failure Times: An Application to Food Allergy Risk
Authors: Wheeler Matthew W. , Westerhout Joost , Baumert Joe L. , Remington Benjamin C.
Published: October 2020

To better understand the risk of exposure to food allergens, food challenge studies are designed to slowly increase the dose of an allergen delivered to allergic individuals until an objective reaction occurs. These dose‐to‐failure studies are used to determine acceptable intake levels and are analyzed using parametric failure time models. Though these models can provide estimates of the survival curve and risk, their parametric form may misrepresent the survival function for doses of interest. Different models that describe the data similarly may produce different dose‐to‐failure estimates. Motivated by predictive inference, we developed a Bayesian approach to combine survival estimates based on posterior predictive stacking, where the weights are formed to maximize posterior predictive accuracy. The approach defines a model space that is much larger than traditional parametric failure time modeling approaches. In our case, we use the approach to include random effects accounting for frailty components. The methodology is investigated in simulation, and is used to estimate allergic population eliciting doses for multiple food allergens.
Communicating about Contaminated Site Cleanup using Coordinated and Consistent Metrics: Opportunity and Challenge for the U.S. Department of Energy
Authors: Lowrie Karen , Mayer Henry , Greenberg Michael
Published: October 2020

Over $500 billion has gone toward cleanup of large contaminated sites owned and/or operated by the U.S. Federal Government over the past 30 years. Nevertheless, some stakeholders worry about the risks associated with what they perceive as a slow process of cleanup, as well as the positive and negative impacts of the cleanup activities themselves. Therefore, it is important for both the U.S. taxpayer and workers and residents living near the sites that are impacted by site conditions and activities, to clearly understand the progress that is being made toward achieving published cleanup goals, and a timeline for completion. This manuscript asks how lessons drawn from risk communication literature can inform practices for communicating metrics related to cleanup progress at U.S Department of Energy former nuclear weapon sites to different audiences. Following the review of literature, we present a case study that explores metrics being used and communicated on the websites of DOE and its largest sites, and discuss the consistency of these metrics and implications for public understanding and trust of progress being made. We finish the manuscript by applying the principles from the literature to the findings from the case study to suggest how the DOE could consider improvements in the format, content or delivery of cleanup progress metrics to its various audiences.
Nutrient and trace element concentrations influence greenhouse gas emissions from Malaysian tropical peatlands
Authors: Dhandapani Selvakumar , Evers Stephanie , Ritz Karl , Sjögersten Sofie
Published: October 2020

Tropical peatlands are unique and globally important ecosystems for carbon storage that are generally considered nutrient poor. However, different nutrient and trace element concentrations in these complex ecosystems and their interactions with carbon emissions are largely unknown. The objective of this research was to explore the concentrations of macro‐ and micronutrients and othertrace elements in surface peats, and their relationship with greenhouse gas emissions in North Selangor peatlands subjected to different land use. All nutrient and trace element concentrations except chromium exhibited significant differences between sites. Most macronutrients and some micronutrients showed significant differences between seasons, typically with a reduction over time from wet to dry seasons, possibly due to leaching. CO2 emissions were positively related to organic matter content and manganese concentrations and negatively correlated with selenium. CH4 emissions were positively correlated with organic matter content, manganese, copper, barium, cobalt and aluminium, and negatively correlated with molybdenum, selenium, lithium and vanadium. This research has detected loss of essential nutrients over time, aiding to increase nutrient limitation in tropical peatlands due to drainage. The observed significant correlation between trace elements and greenhouse gas emissions strengthens the importance of including trace element analyses in understanding the biogeochemical functions of these understudied peatlands.
Events and Machine Learning
Authors: Hebblewhite Augustus , Hohwy Jakob , Drummond Tom
Published: October 2020

Hebblewhite, Hohwy, and Drummond view the special issue from a machine learning perspective drawing close relations to model‐based, hierarchical reinforcement learning.
Adverse event reporting for cellular therapy products: Current status and future directions
Authors: Loper Kathy , Sugrue Michele W. , Raval Jay S. , Schwartz Joseph Yossi , Land Kevin , Koh Mickey , Mengling Thilo , Greinix Hildegard , Halter Jörg P. , Celluzzi Christina M. , Chaudhri Maysum
Published: October 2020

Adverse event (AE) and adverse reaction (AR) reporting are key components of patient safety and surveillance systems. Review and analysis of this data yields opportunities for process improvement, product information and interventions, and can lead to improved patient outcomes and donor safety overall. AE and AR reporting for cellular therapy products is fragmented and not well characterized in a central reference. This review article, authored by experts from various organizations, serves to summarize the current state of reporting and offers opportunities for streamlining and coordination, as well as key reference for professionals in this field.
Caudal vena cava collapsibility index as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness in dogs
Authors: Donati Pablo A. , Guevara Juan M. , Ardiles Victoria , Guillemi Eliana C. , Londoño Leonel , Dubin Arnaldo
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the use of the caudal vena cava collapsibility index (CVCCI) as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in hospitalized, critically ill dogs with hemodynamic or tissue perfusion abnormalities.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Private referral center.

Animals

Twenty‐seven critically ill, spontaneously breathing dogs with compromised hemodynamics or tissue hypoperfusion.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The electronic medical records were searched for dogs admitted for any cause, from August 2016 to December 2017. We included dogs with ultrasound measurements of: CVCCI, performed at baseline; and velocity time integral (VTI) of the subaortic blood flow, carried out before and after a fluid load. CVCCI was estimated as: (maximum diameter‐minimum diameter/maximum diameter) × 100. Dogs in which VTI increased ≥15% were considered fluid responders. The CVCCI accurately predicted fluid responsiveness with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.88 to 1.00). The optimal cut‐off of CVCCI that better discriminated between fluid responders and nonresponders was 27%, with 100.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. At baseline, fluid responders had lower VTI (5.48 [4.26 to 7.40] vs 10.61 [7.38 to 13.23] cm, P = 0.004) than nonresponders. The basal maximum diameter of the caudal vena cava adjusted to body weight was not different between responders and nonresponders (0.050 [0.030 to 0.100] vs 0.079 [0.067 to 0.140] cm/kg, P = 0.339). The increase in VTI was related to basal CVCCI (R = 0.60, P = 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed narrow 95% limits of agreement between measurements of CVCCI and VTI performed by different observers or by the same observer.

Conclusions

The results of this small cohort study suggest that CVCCI can accurately predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill dogs with perfusion abnormalities. Further research is necessary to extrapolate these results to larger populations of hospitalized dogs.