bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin and morphine: potential beneficial effects of co‐use
Authors: Hemati Karim , Pourhanifeh Mohammad Hossein , Dehdashtian Ehsan , Fatemi Iman , Mehrzadi Saeed , Reiter Russel J. , Hosseinzadeh Azam
Published: May 2020

Morphine is a potent analgesic agent used to control acute or chronic pain. Chronic administration of morphine results in analgesic tolerance, hyperalgesia, and other side effects including dependence, addiction, respiratory depression, and constipation, which limit its clinical usage. Therefore, identifying the new analgesics with fewer side effects which could increase the effect of morphine and reduce its side effects is crucial. Melatonin, a multifunctional molecule produced in the body, is known to play an important role in pain regulation. The strong anti‐inflammatory effect of melatonin is suggested to be involved in the attenuation of the pain associated with inflammation. Melatonin also increases the anti‐nociceptive actions of opioids, such as morphine, and reverses their tolerance through regulating several cellular signaling pathways. In this review, published articles evaluating the effect of the co‐consumption of melatonin and morphine in different conditions were investigated. Our results show that melatonin has pain‐killing properties when administered alone or in combination with other anti‐nociceptive drugs. Melatonin decreases morphine consumption in different pathologies. Furthermore, attenuation of morphine intake can be accompanied by reduction of morphine‐associated side‐effects, including physical dependence, morphine tolerance, and morphine‐related hyperalgesia. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that the combination of melatonin with morphine could reduce morphine‐induced tolerance and hyperalgesia, which may result from anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of melatonin. Overall, we underscore that, to further ameliorate patients' life quality and control their pain in various pathological conditions, melatonin deserves to be used with morphine by anesthesiologists in clinical practice.
Land suitability for energy crops under scenarios of climate change and land‐use
Authors: Cronin Jennifer , Zabel Florian , Dessens Olivier , Anandarajah Gabrial
Published: May 2020

Bioenergy is expected to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. Most integrated assessment models assume an expansion of agricultural land for cultivation of energy crops. This study examines the suitability of land for growing a range of energy crops on areas that are not required for food production, accounting for climate change impacts and conservation requirements. A global fuzzy logic model is employed to ascertain the suitable cropping areas for a number of sugar, starch and oil crops, energy grasses and short rotation tree species that could be grown specifically for energy. Two climate change scenarios are modelled (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5), along with two scenarios representing the land which cannot be used for energy crops due to forest and biodiversity conservation, food agriculture and urban areas. Results indicate that 40% of the global area currently suitable for energy crops overlaps with food land and 31% overlaps with forested or protected areas, highlighting hotspots of potential land competition risks. Approximately 18.8 million km2 is suitable for energy crops, to some degree, and does not overlap with protected, forested, urban or food agricultural land. Under the climate change scenario RCP8.5, this increases to 19.6 million km2 by the end of the century. Broadly, climate change is projected to decrease suitable areas in southern regions and increase them in northern regions, most notably for grass crops in Russia and China, indicating that potential production areas will shift northwards which could potentially affect domestic use and trade of biomass significantly. The majority of the land which becomes suitable is in current grasslands and is just marginally or moderately suitable. This study therefore highlights the vital importance of further studies examining the carbon and ecosystem balance of this potential land‐use change, energy crop yields in sub‐optimal soil and climatic conditions and potential impacts on livelihoods.
Establishment of a system for finding inhibitors of ε RNA binding with the HBV polymerase
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Quan , Ohsaki Eriko , Ueda Keiji
Published: May 2020

Although several nucleo(s)tide analogs are available for treatment of HBV infection, long‐term treatment with these drugs can lead to the emergence of drug‐resistant viruses. Recent HIV‐1 studies suggest that combination therapies using nucleo(s)tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non‐nucleo(s)tide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) could drastically inhibit the viral genome replication of NRTI‐resistant viruses. In order to carry out such combinational therapy against HBV, several new NRTIs and NNRTIs should be developed. Here, we aimed to identify novel NNRTIs targeting the HBV polymerase terminal protein (TP)‐reverse transcriptase (RT) (TP‐RT) domain, which is a critical domain for HBV replication. We expressed and purified the HBV TP‐RT with high purity using an Escherichia coli expression system and established an in vitro ε RNA‐binding assay system. Then, we used TP‐RT in cell‐free assays to screen candidate inhibitors from a chemical compound library, and identified two compounds, 6‐hydroxy‐DL‐DOPA and N‐oleoyldopamine, which inhibited the binding of ε RNA with the HBV polymerase. Furthermore, these drugs reduced HBV DNA levels in cell‐based assays as well by inhibiting packaging of pregenome RNA into capsids. The novel screening system developed herein should open a new pathway the discovery of drugs targeting the HBV TP‐RT domain to treat HBV infection.
COVID‐19 is a Real Headache!
Authors: Bolay Hayrunnisa , Gül Ahmet , Baykan Betül
Published: May 2020

After the emergence of a novel coronavirus named SARS‐CoV‐2, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was initially characterized by fever, sore throat, cough, and dyspnea, mainly manifestations of respiratory system. However, other manifestations such as headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell were added to the clinical spectrum, during the course of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The reports on the neurological findings are increasing rapidly and headache seems to be the leader on the symptom list. Headache was reported in 11%‐34% of the hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, but clinical features of these headaches were totally missing in available publications. According to our initial experience, significant features of headache presentation in the symptomatic COVID‐19 patients were new‐onset, moderate‐severe, bilateral headache with pulsating or pressing quality in the temporoparietal, forehead or periorbital region. The most striking features of the headache were sudden to gradual onset and poor response to common analgesics, or high relapse rate, that was limited to the active phase of the COVID‐19. Symptomatic COVID‐19 patients, around 6%‐10%, also reported headache as a presenting symptom. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms of headache include activation of peripheral trigeminal nerve endings by the SARS‐CoV‐2 directly or through the vasculopathy and/or increased circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines and hypoxia. We concluded that as a common non‐respiratory symptom of COVID‐19, headache should not be overlooked, and its characteristics should be recorded with scrutiny.
Microneedle patch based on dissolving, detachable microneedle technology for improved skin quality – Part 1: ex vivo safety evaluation
Authors: Zvezdin V. , Peno‐Mazzarino L. , Radionov N. , Kasatkina T. , Kasatkin I.
Published: May 2020

Objective

The aim of the paper presented herein is the description and safety evaluation of the process of dissolution of an 86‐microneedle patch composed of hyaluronic acid, when applied topically to human abdominal skin explants. Such explants were chosen to replace the inability of obtaining periorbital skin. In order to evaluate penetration and dissolution of the microneedles, we employed histochemical methods and a fluorescent dye FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate).

Methods

Abdominoplasty human skin explants were treated with square microneedle patches with a 1.5‐cm2 surface area, containing 86 microneedles and having 450 ± 23.5 µm in height with 1 mm interspacing between nearest neighbouring microneedles. Histological processing and staining for cell viability, FITC distributions and glycosaminoglycans were performed. The stained surface percentage for each treatment was compared to control untreated samples at given time points. A Mann–Whitney test was used to identify the difference between two populations (sites of skin samples punctured with stained and clear microneedles, respectively) at the given level of statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Results

The application of the MN patch to excised skin explants showed these microneedles to be non‐invasive into the dermis of the skin. Skin puncturing with MN patches revealed 17 different sites of microneedle penetration immediately afterwards and 4 sites, 2 h later. Although there were some variances in the epidermal depth of penetration, these variances did not impact on cell viability. The hyaluronic acid‐based microneedles having 450 µm in length penetrated the epidermis at an averaged depth by 26 µm without disrupting skin cell viability and without causing an inflammatory response. Hyaluronic acid could be detected in most of these penetration sites, with no diffusion into the dermis, which is important for cosmetic applications. FITC analysis uncovered fluorescein isothiocyanate distribution within microneedle insertion site, which remained steady after 2 and 6 h of experimentation.

Conclusion

Using ex vivo tracer staining studies, we have shown that the evaluated microneedle applicator is capable of penetrating the skin epidermis and delivering substances embedded in the needle polymer matrix. In addition, the tested product was shown to be safe, which provides a broad perspective for delivering cosmetic and pharmaceutic agents.
Evaluation of mechanical and biocompatibility properties of hydroxyapatite/manganese dioxide nanocomposite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application
Authors: Azizi Fatemeh , Heidari Fatemeh , Fahimipour Farahnaz , Sajjadnejad Mohammad , Vashaee Daryoosh , Tayebi Lobat
Published: May 2020

The aim of this research was to evaluate the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation behavior of scaffolds made of pure hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA‐modified by MnO2 for bone tissue engineering applications. HA and MnO2 were developed using sol‐gel and precipitation methods, respectively. The scaffolds properties were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microcopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The interaction of scaffold with cells was assessed using in vitro cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. The obtained results indicate that the HA/MnO2 scaffolds possess higher compressive strength, toughness, hardness, and density when compared to the pure HA scaffolds. After immersing the scaffold in the SBF solution, more deposited apatite appeared on the HA/MnO2, which results in the rougher surface on this scaffold compared to the pure HA scaffold. Finally, the in vitro biological analysis using human osteoblast cells reveals that scaffolds are biocompatible with adequate ALP activity.
Prevalence of globin gene modifiers encountered in fetuses during antenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Mehta Pallavi , Sawant Pratibha , Gorivale Manju , Nadkarni Anita , Colah Roshan , Mukherjee Malay B.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The hemoglobinopathies are the commonest group of single gene disorders in the Indian subcontinent. Although genetic modifiers are known to have a remarkable effect on phenotypic expression, the effects of the possible co‐inheritance of different modifiers are not taken into account during prenatal diagnosis. The present study was undertaken to look for the frequency of globin gene modifiers like the types of β‐globin gene mutations, α thalassemia, α gene triplication, and the Xmn1 polymorphism in fetuses during antenatal diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies.

Materials and methods

A total of 580 fetuses with different diagnoses were screened for the presence of genetic modifiers.

Results

Twenty‐two different β‐globin gene mutations were identified of which 3.5% were milder mutations. Among the affected fetuses, 29.6% of the β‐thalassemia major and 52.9% of the sickle cell anemia (SCA) fetuses had one genetic modifier while 3.7% of the β‐thalassemia major and 41.1% of the SCA fetuses had co‐inherited two modifiers. α‐gene triplication was detected in 16 (3.5%) β‐thalassemia/sickle cell heterozygous and normal fetuses of which 5 babies (2 β‐thalassemia heterozygous and 3 normal) could be followed up. Of the 2 β‐thalassemia heterozygous babies, one had a severe clinical presentation.

Conclusion

Many fetuses had one or two gene modifiers. However, the impact of these on ameliorating the severity of the disease could not be evaluated as all the fetuses with β thalassemia major or sickle cell disease were terminated. Parents having heterozygous fetuses with α gene triplication should be followed up periodically after birth for better management of these babies.
Fathers' food parenting: A scoping review of the literature from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Davison Kirsten K. , Haines Jess , Garcia Evelin A. , Douglas Sabrina , McBride Brent
Published: May 2020

Background

While food parenting is a robust area of inquiry, studies have largely focused on mothers. Given the diversity of family structures today and increases in fathers' engagement in caregiving, fathers' food parenting warrants attention.

Objective

We present a scoping review of research on fathers' food parenting (1990‐2019). Eligible studies included peer‐reviewed research published in English documenting fathers' food parenting and presenting results for fathers separate from mothers.

Results

Seventy‐seven eligible studies were identified. Most studies were based in the U.S (63.6%) and utilized a cross‐sectional design (93.5%). Approximately half of studies used a validated measure of food parenting (54.5%) and slightly less than 30% utilized theory (28.6%). Many studies did not report information on fathers' residential status (37.7%) or their relationship to the target child (biological vs social) (63.6%). Content analysis of study findings showed that: fathers are involved in food parenting, but at lower levels than mothers; there are few consistent mother‐father differences in food parenting practices; and fathers' controlling food parenting is linked with negative nutrition outcomes in children while responsive food parenting is linked with positive child outcomes.

Conclusion

To better inform family interventions to prevent childhood obesity, future food parenting research with fathers should recognize the diversity of family structures and utilize prospective, theory‐based, designs.
T follicular helper cells in germinal center B cell selection and lymphomagenesis
Authors: Mintz Michelle A. , Cyster Jason G.
Published: May 2020

Germinal centers (GCs) are confined anatomic regions where rapidly proliferating B cells undergo somatic mutation and selection and eventual differentiation into memory B cells or long‐lived plasma cells. GCs are also the origin of malignancy, namely follicular lymphoma (FL), GC B cell‐diffuse large B cell lymphoma (GCB‐DLBCL), and Burkitt lymphoma (BL). GC B cell lymphomas maintain their GC transcriptional signatures and sustain many features of the GC microenvironment, including CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Tfh cells are essential for the formation and maintenance of GCs, providing critical helper signals such as CD40L. Large‐scale sequencing efforts have led to new insights about the tightly regulated selection mechanisms that are commonly targeted during GC B cell lymphomagenesis. For instance, HVEM, a frequently mutated surface molecule in GC‐derived lymphomas, engages the inhibitory receptor BTLA on Tfh cells and loss of HVEM leads to exaggerated T cell help. Here, we review current understanding of how Tfh cells contribute to the selection of GC B cells, with a particular emphasis on how Tfh cell signals may contribute to lymphomagenesis. The possibility of targeting Tfh cells for the treatment of GC‐derived lymphomas is discussed.
The Schwartz Centre Rounds: Supporting mental health workers with the emotional impact of their work
Authors: Allen Deborah , Spencer Graham , McEwan Kirsten , Catarino Francisca , Evans Rachael , Crooks Sarah , Gilbert Paul
Published: May 2020

In healthcare settings, there is an emotional cost to caring which can result in compassion fatigue, burnout, secondary trauma, and compromised patient care. Innovative workplace interventions such as the Schwartz Rounds offer a group reflective practice forum for clinical and non‐clinical professionals to reflect on the emotional aspects of working in health care. Whilst the Rounds are established in medical health practice, this study presents an evaluation of the Rounds offered to mental health services. The Rounds were piloted amongst 150 mental health professionals for 6 months and evaluated using a mixed‐methods approach with standardized evaluation forms completed after each Round and a focus group (n = 9) at one‐month follow‐up. This paper also offers a unique six‐year follow‐up of the evaluation of the Rounds. Rounds were rated as helpful, insightful, and relevant, and at six years follow‐up, Rounds were still rated as valuable and viewed as embedded. Focus groups indicated that Rounds were valued because of the opportunity to express emotions (in particular negative emotions towards patients that conflict with the professional care‐role), share experiences, and feel validated and supported by colleagues. The findings indicate that Schwartz Rounds offer a positive application in mental healthcare settings. The study supports the use of interventions which provide an ongoing forum in which to discuss emotions, develop emotional literacy, provide peer support and set an intention for becoming a more compassionate organization in which to work.
Glass‐forming regions and enhanced 2.7 μm emission by Er3+ heavily doping in TeO2–Ga2O3–R2O (or MO) glasses
Authors: Wang Weichao , Mao Liyan , Liu Jinlin , Xu Shanhui
Published: May 2020

Er3+‐doped fiber lasers operating at 2.7 μm have attracted increasing interest because of their various important applications; however, the intrinsic self‐terminating effect of Er3+ and the reliability of glass hosts hindered the development of Er3+‐doped fiber lasers. Herein, the glass‐forming regions of a series TeO2–Ga2O3–R2O (or MO) (R = Li, Na, and Rb; M = Mg, Sr, Ba, Pb, and Zn) glasses are predicted by the thermodynamic calculation method. On this basis, the physical and optical properties of TeO2–Ga2O3–ZnO (TGZ) glass are investigated in detail as an example. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode, the fluorescence intensity at 2.7 μm reaches a maximum in the heavily Er3+‐doped TGZ glass. By contrast, the accompanying near‐infrared fluorescence at 1.5 μm and upconversion green emissions at 528 nm and 546 nm are all effectively weaken. Furthermore, the lifetime gap between the 4I11/2 upper laser level and 4I13/2 lower laser level is sharply narrowed from 2.81 ms to 0.59 ms, which is beneficial to overcome the population conversion bottleneck. All results demonstrate that these newly developed ternary tellurite glass systems are promising candidates for near‐/mid‐infrared laser glass fiber, fiber amplifiers, and fiber lasers.
Copper phosphate compounds with visible‐to‐near‐infrared‐active photo‐fenton‐like photocatalytic properties
Authors: Han Gill Sang , Cho In Sun
Published: May 2020

Copper pyro‐, ortho‐, and tetra‐phosphate compounds (Cu2P2O7, Cu3P2O8, and Cu4P2O9) with the general composition, CuxP2O5+x (x = 2, 3, 4), were prepared through the conventional solid‐state synthesis route, and their optical properties and visible‐infrared light‐induced photocatalytic activities were investigated for the first time. The copper phosphate compounds showed comparable particle sizes, and their primary optical bandgaps were estimated to lie in the range of 2.8‐3.6 eV. Their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the kinetics of decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) solution under visible‐light irradiation (>420 nm). Among the three kinds of copper phosphate, Cu4P2O9 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity due to its smallest bandgap (of the three compounds considered) and appropriate band positions. More interestingly, the three copper phosphate compounds, particularly Cu3P2O8, show strong near‐infrared (NIR) light absorption, thereby enabling the NIR‐induced photocatalytic decomposition of RhB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, a possible photo‐Fenton photocatalytic reaction mechanism was also proposed based on the band structure/position.
Implementing Active Support in disability day services: A 6‐month prospective study on engagement and behaviours of concern among adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Lin Jiayong , Manokara Vimallan , Ng Jesselyn S. , Penchaliah Sivananda
Published: May 2020

Background

Adults with intellectual disability are often disengaged in disability services. While Active Support has found efficacy in residential settings, less is known in day services. This study examines the impact of Active Support in day services for adults with intellectual disability in Singapore, particularly on engagement and behaviours of concern.

Method

An experimental design was used, with a group of 32 participants receiving an Active Support programme over 6 months, compared to a control group of 16 participants with treatment as usual. Time sampling of behaviours was conducted every 4 weeks.

Results

The Active Support group saw increases in activity engagement and social engagement with staff, and decreases in disengagement and stereotypical behaviours, compared to the control group over time.

Conclusion

Results support the implementation of Active Support across other day services for adults with intellectual disability. Active Support principles should be considered in planning policies and service outcome measures.
A red knot as a black swan: how a single bird shows navigational abilities during repeat crossings of the Greenland Icecap
Authors: Kok Eva M. A. , Tibbitts T. Lee , Douglas David C. , Howey Paul W. , Dekinga Anne , Gnep Benjamin , Piersma Theunis
Published: May 2020

Despite the wealth of studies on seasonal movements of birds between southern nonbreeding locations and High Arctic breeding locations, the key mechanisms of navigation during these migrations remain elusive. A flight along the shortest possible route between pairs of points on a sphere (‘orthodrome’) requires a bird to be able to assess its current location in relation to its migration goal and to make continuous adjustment of heading to reach that goal. Alternatively, birds may navigate along a vector with a fixed orientation (‘loxodrome’) based on magnetic and/or celestial compass mechanisms. Compass navigation is considered especially challenging for summer migrations in Polar regions, as continuous daylight and complexity in the geomagnetic field may complicate the use of both celestial and magnetic compasses here. We examine the possible use of orientation mechanisms during migratory flights across the Greenland Icecap. Using a novel 2 g solar‐powered satellite transmitter, we documented the flight paths travelled by a female red knotCalidris canutus islandicaduring two northward and two southward migrations. The geometry of the paths suggests that red knots can migrate across the Greenland Icecap along the shortest‐, orthodrome‐like, path instead of the previously suggested loxodrome path. This particular bird's ability to return to locations visited in a previous year, together with its sudden course changes (which would be appropriate responses to ambient wind fields), suggest a map sense that enables red knots to determine location, so that they can tailor their route depending on local conditions.
His bundle pacing for newly acquired pacing needs in patients implanted with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A feasibility study based on the automated screening score and clinical cases
Authors: Gauthey Anaïs , Calle Simon , Accinelli Stefano , Depuydt Philippe , Garnir Quentin , Scavée Christophe , Marchandise Sébastien , Wauters Aurélien , Bordachar Pierre , de Pooter Jan , Le Polain de Waroux Jean‐Benoît
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Management of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) patients with newly acquired pacing needs remains problematic. His bundle pacing (HBP) allows for cardiac pacing without significant changes in the QRS morphology. We hypothesized that HBP does not alter S‐ICD sensing and functions.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients were implanted with a HB pacemaker. Among them, 17 demonstrated successful His recruitment and were prospectively screened with the automated screening tool (AST). Results of screenings performed immediately after implant and during follow‐up, during intrinsic rhythm and while pacing from all available pacing configurations, were compared using the AST score. Positive‐screening tests were defined by greater than or equal to 1 positive vector.

Results

Among the 17 patients successfully implanted (male: 41%; mean age: 73), 13 presented an indication of ventricular pacing and four of cardiac resynchronization. Absolute AST scores during both HBP (all configurations) and intrinsic rhythm were similar (p: NS). Due to left bundle branch block correction, HBP resulted in higher number of positive vectors (AST ≥ 100). AST scores were higher during HBP when compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP) (primary vector: 272 [16; 648] vs 4.6 [0.8; 16.2]; P = .003; secondary vector: 569 [183; 1186] vs 1.5 [0.7; 8.3]; P < .0001; alternate vector: 44 [2;125] vs 4.8 [0.9; 9.3]; P = .02) and resulted in a much higher number of positive vectors. Up to 90% of the patients had a positive‐screening test during HBP. This passing rate was higher when compared RVP (17%; P < .0001).

Conclusion

HBP restores normal intrinsic conduction and minimally modifies the surface electrocardiograph and subcutaneous electrograms. When ventricular pacing is needed, HBP might represent an ideal pacing option for patients implanted with a S‐ICD.
Management of primary cutaneous lymphoma patients during COVID‐19 pandemic: EORTC CLTF guidelines
Authors: Papadavid E. , Scarisbrick J. , Ortiz Romero P. , Guaglino P. , Vermeer M. , Knobler R. , Stadler R. , Bagot M.
Published: May 2020

Linked articles: COVID‐19 SPECIAL FORUM. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2020; 34: e346–e380.
Short‐ and long‐term diets of the threatened longhorned pygmy devil ray, Mobula eregoodoo determined using stable isotopes
Authors: Burgess Katherine B. , Broadhurst Matt K. , Raoult Vincent , Laglbauer Betty J. L. , Coleman Melinda A. , Bennett Michael B.
Published: May 2020

Most mobulids are listed as near threatened to endangered. Nonetheless, effective conservation measures are hindered by knowledge gaps in their ecology and behaviour. In particular, few studies have assessed diets and trophic ecologies that could inform methods to avoid fishing mortality. Here, a shortfall in data for the longhorned pygmy devil ray, Mobula eregoodoo was addressed by describing temporal variability in dietary preferences using stable isotope analysis. During summer and autumn in 2017, five bather‐protection gillnets were deployed off eastern Australia (29° S, 153.5° E). From the catches of these gillnets, 35 adult M. eregoodoo had liver, muscle and stomach contents sampled to determine δ13C and δ15N profiles. Analyses revealed that surface zooplankton and zooplanktivorous teleosts were important dietary components across short‐ and long‐term temporal scales. Large quantities of undigested sandy sprat, Hyperlophus vittatus, in the stomachs of some specimens unequivocally confirm feeding on teleosts. A narrow isotopic niche and minimal isotopic overlap with reef manta rays, Mobula alfredi from the same geographic region in eastern Australia implies M. eregoodoo has unique and highly specialised resource use relative to other mobulids in the area. The species is clearly vulnerable to capture during inshore migrations, presumably where they feed on shallow‐water shoaling teleosts. Female M. eregoodoo likely have a low annual reproductive output, so population recoveries from fishing‐induced declines are likely to be slow. Measures to reduce the by catch of M. eregoodoo in local bather‐protection gillnets, and artisanal fisheries more broadly, should be given priority.
Energy pathways associated with sustained spermatozoon motility in the endangered Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii
Authors: Rahi Deepali , Dzyuba Borys , Xin Miaomiao , Cheng Yu , Dzyuba Viktoriya
Published: May 2020

Sturgeon spermatozoa are unique for their sustained motility. We investigated the relative importance of bioenergetic pathways in the energy supply of Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii spermatozoa during motile and immotile states. Spermatozoon motility and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) were analysed following exposure to inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation (sodium azide, NaN3), glycolysis (2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, DOG) and β‐oxidation of fatty acids (sodium fluoride, NaF), and to an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation (carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenyl hydrazine, CCCP). No significant difference in curvilinear velocity was observed after addition of these reagents to activation medium (AM) or nonactivation medium (NAM) for incubation. Incubation of spermatozoa in NAM containing CCCP or NaN3 resulted in significantly decreased motility duration compared to controls. The OCR of sturgeon spermatozoa in AM (11.9 ± 1.4 nmol O2 min−1 (109 spz)−1) was significantly higher than in NAM (8.2 ± 1.5 nmol O2 min−1 (109 spz)−1). The OCR significantly declined with addition of NaN3 to AM and NAM. No significant difference in motility parameters or OCR was observed with NaF or DOG. These results suggest active oxidative phosphorylation in both immotile and motile spermatozoa. Nevertheless, mitochondrial respiration occurring during motility is not sufficient to meet the high energy demands, and the energy required for sustained motility of Siberian sturgeon spermatozoa is derived from adenosine triphosphate accumulated during the quiescent state.
Monitoring freshwater fish communities in large rivers using environmental DNA metabarcoding and a long‐term electrofishing survey
Authors: Goutte Aurélie , Molbert Noëlie , Guérin Sabrina , Richoux Robin , Rocher Vincent
Published: May 2020

Monitoring freshwater fish communities in a large human‐impacted river is a challenging task. The structure of fish assemblages has been monitored yearly in the Marne and the Seine Rivers, across the Paris conurbation, France, using traditional electrofishing (EF) surveys since 1990, in accordance with the European Water Framework Directive. In addition, metabarcoding of DNA extracted from environmental samples (eDNA) was concomitantly conducted in nine sampling sites in 2017 and in 2018 to compare the estimates of species richness and relative abundance among three methods: annual, long‐term EF monitoring and eDNA. The present study confirms better detection of fish species using eDNA compared to annual EF. eDNA metabarcoding was also more efficient for species detection than a 3–6‐year EF survey but was similar or less efficient than a long‐term EF survey of 14 years of monitoring. In addition, the numbers of reads per species relative to the total number of reads significantly increased with (a) increasing relative abundance (relative percentage of individuals caught per species) and (b) increasing number of years that a fish species was detected during the 2000–2018 period. These results suggest that eDNA could reflect local population persistence.
High‐pressure treatment of hummus in selected packaging materials: Influence on texture, rheology, and microstructure
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Thomas Linu , Mulla Mehrajfatema
Published: May 2020

In this work, the effects of high‐pressure (HP) treatments on textural, rheological, and microstructural properties of hummus samples in selected packaging were investigated, to assess their suitability for use in the HP environment. The hummus samples obtained from a local store were subjected to high‐pressure treatment (300–600 MPa/25°C for 15 min) in three selected packaging materials (coextruded LLDPE, LLDPE, and polylactide/essential oil blend), and thereafter, examined the textural and microstructural properties of the postprocess samples. Samples in the packaging materials remained intact without any leakage. Texture parameters did not change significantly within the pressure range of 300–500 MPa, however, changed significantly at 600 MPa. The elastic modulus (G′) of hummus was predominantly higher than the viscous modulus (G″), and the rigidity, increased with increasing the pressure, irrespective of the packaging materials. The sample packed in polylactide/essential oil blend film and processed at 600 MPa exhibited a significant change in the overall quality. Micrographs and particle‐size distribution of pressure‐treated hummus supported the aggregation of particles and emulsification of starch/protein/oil layers. Overall, the structure of the hummus remained satisfactory in all the investigated films within a pressure range of 300–500 MPa. It appears that the pressure treatment at 600 MPa had a major impact on the product quality than the selected packaging materials, except for the polylactide/essential oil films where barrier properties were changed significantly.

Practical Applications

High‐pressure (HP) processing is one of the most accepted novel technology, food industry ever accepted after the thermal processing. Hummus—a delicious dip developed in the Middle East has been widely accepted. The product is sold in the supermarket without a proper packaging and, therefore, a chance of microbial contamination remains in the product. To improve the hygiene/safety and the shelf life of the hummus, HP could be applied to the samples packed with selected materials including a biodegradable one.
Reply to: Objectively Measured Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Mortality Among Brazilian Older Adults
Authors: Bielemann Renata M. , Demarco Flávio F. , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Bertoldi Andréa D.
Published: May 2020

This letter comments on the letter by Bilal Katipoglu.
Characterizing the Impact of Fear of Falling on Activity and Falls in Older Adults with Glaucoma
Authors: E Jian‐Yu , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Kuo Pei‐Lun , West Sheila K. , Friedman David S. , Gitlin Laura N. , Li Tianjing , Schrack Jennifer A. , Ramulu Pradeep Y.
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

Fear of falling (FoF) may alter mobility in older adults, especially among those with visual impairment. Using a longitudinal prospective cohort of older glaucoma patients, we investigated whether and how FoF is associated with future falls and physical activity.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

Hospital‐based single‐center recruitment.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma.

MEASUREMENTS

FoF was measured annually over a 3‐year period using the University of Illinois at Chicago FoF Questionnaire, with lower Rasch‐analyzed FoF scores (in logit units) indicating less fear. Participants recorded falls prospectively over the 3‐year period using monthly mail‐in calendars. Daily steps were collected annually over 7 days using an accelerometer. Visual field (VF) sensitivity was derived by combining sensitivities from monocular VF results. Participants completed questionnaires to determine other demographic/health characteristics. Multivariate random effects models evaluated within‐participant changes in fall rates and physical activity across study years.

RESULTS

At lower FoF levels (FoF≤0), each one‐unit worsening in FoF score across study years was associated with 2.73 times higher odds of reporting at least one fall in the next year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.55‐4.81) but was not associated with average daily steps (P = .44). Similar results were seen when fall rates were normalized by number of steps taken (P = .97). At higher FoF levels (FoF > 0), inter‐year changes in FoF scores were not significantly associated with reporting a fall in the following year (P = .78) but were associated with 407 fewer average daily steps per one‐unit change in FoF (95% CI = −743 to −71).

CONCLUSION

FoF is an important psychological factor associated with mobility in glaucoma patients, although specific aspects of mobility (fall rates vs activity levels) affected vary by the degree of FoF. Our findings suggest that customizing behavioral interventions for older adults based on their levels of FoF may be an important strategy for fall prevention and activity promotion. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1847‐1851, 2020.
Conservative vs Surgical Treatment of Impacted Femoral Neck Fracture in Patients 75 Years and Older
Authors: Wei Peiran , Xu Yan , Gu Yue , Geng Dawei , Yao Qingqiang , Wang Liming
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conservative treatment (CST), internal fixation (IF), and hemiarthroplasty (HA) in treating patients older than 75 years with impacted femoral neck fracture (IFNF).

DESIGN

A randomized clinical trial to compare clinical outcomes of CST, IF, and HA in IFNF patients older than 75 years with a 1:1:1 ratio.

SETTING

Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 154 patients with IFNF aged between 75 and 97 years.

INTERVENTION

Patients with IFNF were allocated to CST, IF, and HA. They all received a 36‐month follow‐up.

MEASUREMENTS

All patients were evaluated by Harris hip score (HHS) (primary outcome) for hip function, European Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions (EQ‐5D) index scores for health‐related quality of life, and visual analogue scale score for hip pain. Operation duration, blood loss, mortality, union rate, complications, and reoperation were also recorded. Assessors were blind to the type of treatment.

RESULTS

The baseline parameters of the three groups were similar. IF group had much lower blood loss than HA group (P < .05), while no significant difference in operative duration was found between the two groups (P > .05). HHS in HA group was significantly higher at 1, 3, and 6 months (P < .05), but no significant difference in HHS was found between CST and IF groups at any of the time points during the overall follow‐up (P > .05). EQ‐5D index score was higher in HA group at each follow‐up within 1 year (P < .05), but the difference was not significant at 2‐ and 3‐year follow‐up (P > .05). There was no significant difference in mortality among the three groups at each follow‐up point (P > .05). The nonunion rate was 11.76% (6/51) in CST group and 9.80% (5/51) in IF group and showed no significant difference (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

CST may be a feasible way for IFNF in the older patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04219943. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2214–2221, 2020.
Evolving concepts on the role of dyslipidemia, bioenergetics, and inflammation in the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Stino Amro M. , Rumora Amy E. , Kim Bhumsoo , Feldman Eva L.
Published: May 2020

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most widespread and disabling neurological conditions, accounting for half of all neuropathy cases worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, no approved disease modifying therapies exist. There is now a growing body of evidence that DPN secondary to type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents different disease processes, with T2DM DPN best understood within the context of metabolic syndrome rather than hyperglycemia. In this review, we highlight currently understood mechanisms of DPN, along with their corresponding potential therapeutic targets. We frame this discussion within a practical overview of how the field evolved from initial human observations to murine pathomechanistic and therapeutic models into ongoing and human clinical trials, with particular emphasis on T2DM DPN and metabolic syndrome.
Intra‐Ethnic Differences in Chronic Pain and the Associated Factors: An Exploratory, Comparative Design
Authors: Kim Hee Jun , Chang Sun Ju , Park Hyunjeong , Choi Seung Woo , Juon Hee‐Soon , Lee Kyung‐eun , Ryu Hyunju
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To describe and compare the levels of pain severity and pain interference, pain catastrophizing, and associated factors between elderly Koreans living in South Korea and Korean Americans living in the United States with chronic pain.

Methods

An exploratory, comparative design was used for this study. A total of 270 individuals (138 Koreans living in South Korea and 132 Korean Americans living in the United States), aged more than 65 years, with self‐reported chronic pain, and defined as at least 3 months of persistent musculoskeletal pain, is included. Outcome variables were pain severity, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine factors associated with the outcome variables.

Results

In multivariate analysis, Korean Americans had higher levels of pain severity and pain catastrophizing than Koreans. Depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health‐related quality of life were significant factors for pain severity, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing for both groups. Among those factors, health‐related quality of life was the most significant factor for predicting pain severity and pain interference, whereas depressive symptoms were the most significant factor for predicting pain catastrophizing for both groups.

Conclusions

Intra‐ethnic differences in pain severity and pain catastrophizing were found between elderly Koreans living in South Korea and Korean Americans living in the United States.

Clinical Relevance

Because unfamiliar sociocultural and environmental factors may influence the pain responses, cultural differences and language barriers should be taken into account in pain research and management strategies for Asian immigrants in the United States. Psychological factors, including depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health‐related quality of life, should also be considered in chronic pain management for both elderly Koreans and Korean Americans.
The efficacy and safety of fractional radiofrequency nanoneedle system in the treatment of atrophic acne scars in Asians
Authors: Nitayavardhana Sunatra , Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Ng Janice Natasha C. , Eimpunth Sasima , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: May 2020

Background

Multiple treatment modalities have been developed to treat atrophic acne scars with varying degrees of success. Post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne scar treatments remain a major concern in Asian patients. Fractional radiofrequency (FRF) has been used in many dermatological skin conditions including acne scars.

Aims

To determine the efficacy and safety of FRF nanoneedle system in the treatment of acne scars in Asians.

Methods

This is a prospective, evaluator‐blinded study with 25 subjects diagnosed with moderate to severe acne scarring. All subjects received 3 monthly treatments of the FRF nanoneedle system on both cheeks. Primary outcome was the clinical improvement of acne scars graded by 2 blinded dermatologists at baseline, 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month follow‐ups. Objective scar volume analysis was done using ultraviolet A (UVA) light video camera. Subjects’ self‐assessment, pain score, and adverse events were also recorded.

Results

Twenty‐three out of 25 subjects completed the study and attended all follow‐up. Clinical improvement of acne scars was observed as early as 1‐month follow‐up. Objective evaluation of acne scar volume decreased significantly on all follow‐up compared to baseline (P < .005). Majority of the subjects (48%) reported marked improvement in their acne scars. Adverse events such as pain, erythema, burning sensation, edema, scab formation, and PIH were mild and temporary.

Conclusions

FRF nanoneedle system is a safe and effective treatment for acne scars in Asians. However, despite the significant changes in the scar volume, caution should be used to avoid excessive coagulation resulting in PIH.
Quantitative evaluation of rejuvenation treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles by regression model and 3D photography
Authors: Fang Rou‐Yu , Zhang Han‐Chao , Liu Yu‐Guang , Sun Qiu‐Ning
Published: May 2020

Objective

With the application of 3D photography, our study aimed to quantify parameters of static nasolabial fold wrinkles and establish mathematic regression model between parameters of wrinkles and age, further to quantitatively evaluate the effect of rejuvenation treatment in terms of age.

Methods

From October 2016 to May 2018, 433 Chinese female volunteers, aged 25‐60 years old, were enrolled in this study. Antera 3D camera was used to collect four parameters of static nasolabial fold wrinkles on the left and right sides of the volunteers, including overall size, average depth (mm), average width (mm), and maximum depth (mm). For those presented a linear relationship with age, univariate linear regression fitting was performed, followed by residual analysis, goodness of fit test, and significance test.

Results

The results of univariate linear regression fitting showed there was a clear linear relationship between the maximum depth, average depth, overall size of nasolabial fold wrinkles and age, and the regression equations were established. The significance test of regression coefficients showed P values were less than .0001.

Conclusions

With application of the regression model between parameters of nasolabial fold wrinkles and age, the effect of rejuvenation treatment can be quantitatively evaluated in terms of age, which has certain reference and promotion value.
Rheologic properties of soft tissue fillers and implications for clinical use
Authors: Heitmiller Kerry , Ring Christina , Saedi Nazanin
Published: May 2020

Background

The use of injectable soft‐tissue fillers has become an essential tool in esthetic rejuvenation. Rheology, the study of flow of matter, helps to understand the function of these products.

Aims

The purpose of this article is to review the rheologic properties of soft‐tissue fillers currently available in the United States and to evaluate how these properties relate to clinical performance.

Methods

This article explains basic rheologic terms and describes how rheologic properties of specific soft‐tissue fillers affect filler performance.

Results

The currently available soft‐tissue fillers have unique rheologic and physicochemical properties that influence performance and cosmetic outcome. These properties determine that filler product is most appropriate based on degree of soft‐tissue defect and anatomic location.

Conclusion

It is imperative for physicians to have an in‐depth understanding of the rheologic properties of soft‐tissue fillers in order to appropriately select and utilize these products for the desired cosmetic outcome.