bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The virtues of collective gatherings: A study on the positive effects of a major scouting event
Authors: Bouchat Pierre , Rimé Bernard , Van Eycken Roxanne , Nils Frédéric
Published: December 2019

The present study addresses, in a highly ecological setting, the short‐ and long‐term psychosocial consequences of participation in a major scouting event. Using a quasi‐longitudinal design comprising three measures taken over two‐and‐a‐half months (i.e., baseline level; within the 24 hr following the event; 10 weeks after the gathering), we show that participation in this collective gathering was followed by a series of positive effects at the psychosocial level. More precisely, we noticed an increase in the scout's levels of social integration, and individual and social well‐being after their participation in the gathering. Further, in line with a central tenet of the neo‐Durkheimian model of collective processes, the results stress the key role of perceived emotional synchrony in the prediction of the outcomes. Higher perceived emotional synchrony during the gathering was associated with stronger in‐group identification, identity fusion, pride, openness to experience, self‐esteem, positive affects, and adhesion to specific scouting values. Finally, we found that the effects of participation lasted more than a few days and were predicted by the level of perceived emotional synchrony. These findings are the first to show that positive effects of participation in a collective event last for at least ten weeks.
Patterns and mechanisms of heterogeneous breeding distribution shifts of North American migratory birds
Authors: McCaslin Hanna M. , Heath Julie A.
Published: December 2019

There is widespread evidence that species distributions are shifting in response to climate change. Warming temperatures and climate niche constraints are hypothesized drivers of northward shifts in temperate migratory bird breeding distributions, but heterogeneity in the direction of distribution shifts suggests that the climate niche hypothesis does not explain all changes in distributions. We propose that: 1) changes in migration costs and benefits related to dampened seasonal differences between breeding and winter areas, 2) sensitivity to supplemental cues that affect duration of migration and onset of reproduction, 3) a latitudinal mismatch‐driven fitness gradient, or a combination of these drivers may explain southward distribution shifts. We examined latitudinal shifts in breeding distribution centroids for 73 species of migratory birds from 1994 to 2017 across eastern, central and western regions of North America using Breeding Bird Survey data and tested if life history characteristics related to the above hypotheses and population status were associated with shift patterns. We found that 44% of regional centroid shifts were southward, 55% were northward, and several species shifted in different directions in different regions. Migratory strategy and protandry predicted breeding distribution centroid shifts, although they tended to be more predictive of northward shifts than southward shifts. There was evidence that supplemental cues explained some southward shifts because herbivorous birds tended to shift southward compared to insectivores, or raptors that shifted northward. Shifts in centroids were not explained by trends in abundance, suggesting that centroid shifts were not attributable to population declines or increases at distribution margins. Our results show the prevalence of heterogeneous breeding distribution shifts, including often overlooked southward shifts, and suggest that more work is needed to develop alternative hypotheses that would explain southward shifts in distributions.
Seasonal and directional dispersal behavior in an ongoing dove invasion
Authors: Slager David L.
Published: December 2019

Range expansions require the dispersal of individual organisms, but dispersal behavior is notoriously difficult to study. Eurasian collared‐doves have colonized both Europe and North America this century, with both initial invasions proceeding northwestward via ‘jump’ dispersal. The European population has reached carrying capacity, but in the Americas, where exponential population growth continues, little is known about dispersal behavior. I queried citizen science field notes to investigate Eurasian collared‐dove dispersal behavior in North America along the Pacific Ocean, a natural barrier to northwestward landbird dispersal. I examined coastal and pelagic records of Eurasian collared‐doves to determine the seasonality and directionality of dispersal flights and to assess changes in the frequency of dispersal‐related behavior across years. Most reports of Eurasian collared‐doves flying in flocks along the coast and most pelagic sightings were in March–May, mirroring the spring natal dispersal documented during the European invasion. Almost all spring coastal flocks were flying north, consistent with the overall northwestward direction of the initial North American invasion and northward deflection of northwest‐bound birds upon encountering the Pacific Ocean. Spring flying flock observations showed no significant change in frequency from 2010 to 2018 after controlling for overall increases in spring collared‐dove reports. This refined understanding of Eurasian collared‐dove dispersal behavior informs full life cycle management of this rapidly increasing invader in the Americas, raises new questions about evolutionary mechanisms driving this spectacular invasion, and illustrates the potential power of citizen science field notes for documenting dispersal behavior, a longstanding challenge in ecology.
Geographical patterns and current and short‐term historical correlates of phylogenetic diversity and endemism for New World primates
Authors: Varzinczak Luiz H. , Zanata Thais B. , Moura Mauricio O. , Passos Fernando C.
Published: December 2019

Aim

Addressing the phylogenetic relationship among species has been insightful to understand evolutionary and biogeographical processes shaping the distribution of diversity across broad geographical gradients. Here we determine the geographical distribution and the variables correlated with the phylogenetic component of diversity and endemism for primates, as well as their relationships with the taxonomic component of diversity.

Location

New World.

Taxon

New World monkeys, Platyrrhini.

Methods

We mapped primate occurrence in cells of 110 × 110 km. For each cell, we calculated phylogenetic diversity (PD) and endemism (PE), as well as how much these indices deviate from their expected values based on species richness (SR) and endemism (SE), respectively. Using simultaneous autoregressive models, we tested the effects of mean annual temperature, forest structure and climate history on the current patterns of primate phylogenetic diversity.

Results

We found that most primate phylogenetic diversity is found in the tropical forests of South America. Tropical forests also present much higher PD and PE than predicted by SR and SE, respectively, demonstrating their importance in producing and maintaining primate phylogenetic diversity in the New World. Furthermore, regions presenting low SR and SE nevertheless show high PE, likely because these areas have witnessed the evolution of many clades occurring exclusively therein. Overall, mean annual temperature had the highest influence in explaining phylogenetic indices.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest a strong influence of primate biogeography throughout the New World on the geographical distribution of the phylogenetic component of their diversity, with the Amazon, Atlantic Forest and Central America containing the greatest amount and endemism of phylogenetic diversity. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics underlying the geographical distribution of New World's primate diversity, especially in a phylogenetic context in which their biogeographical history has deeply affected current patterns of primate diversity in this region. Our results provide essential information for the conservation of primate evolutionary history, especially considering the forecast effects of habitat loss and climate change on the dynamics of tropical forests.
The antitumour activity of 2‐(4‐amino‐3‐methylphenyl)‐5‐fluorobenzothiazole in human gastric cancer models is mediated by AhR signalling
Authors: Wang Yuling , Liu Ying , Tang Tao , Luo Ying , Stevens Malcolm F. G. , Cheng Xi , Yang Yan , Shi Dongfang , Zhang Jihong , Bradshaw Tracey D.
Published: December 2019

Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Identification of novel molecular therapeutic targets and development of novel treatments are critical. Against a panel of gastric carcinoma cell lines, the activity of 2‐(4‐amino‐3‐methylphenyl)‐5‐fluorobenzothiazole (5F 203) was investigated. Adopting RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques, we sought to determine molecular pharmacodynamic (PD) markers of sensitivity and investigate arylhydrocarbon (AhR) receptor‐mediated signal transduction activation by 5F 203. Potent (IC50 ≤ 0.09 μmol/L), selective (>250‐fold) in vitro antitumour activity was observed in MKN‐45 and AGS carcinoma cells. Exposure of MKN‐45 cells to 5F 203 triggered cytosolic AhR translocation to nuclei, inducing CYP1A1 (>50‐fold) and CYP2W1 (~20‐fold) transcription and protein (CYP1A1 and CYP2W1) expression. G2/M arrest and γH2AX expression preceded apoptosis, evidenced by PARP cleavage. In vivo, significant (P < .01) 5F 203 efficacy was observed against MKN‐45 and AGS xenografts. In mice‐bearing 5F 203‐sensitive MKN‐45 and 5F 203‐insensitive BGC‐823 tumours in opposite flanks, CYP1A1, CYP2W1 and γH2AX protein in MKN‐45 tumours only following treatment of mice with 5F 203 (5 mg/kg) revealed PD biomarkers of sensitivity. 5F 203 evokes potent, selective antitumour activity in vitro and in vivo in human gastric cancer models. It triggers AhR signal transduction, CYP‐catalysed bioactivation to electrophilic species causing lethal DNA double‐strand breaks exclusively in sensitive cells. 5F 203 represents a novel therapeutic agent with a mechanism of action distinct from current clinical drugs, exploiting novel molecular targets pertinent to gastric tumourigenesis: AhR, CYP1A1 and CYP2W1. PD markers of 5F 203 sensitivity that could guide patient selection have been identified.
Sensitivity of the RMSD for Detecting Item‐Level Misfit in Low‐Performing Countries
Authors: Tijmstra Jesper , Bolsinova Maria , Liaw Yuan‐Ling , Rutkowski Leslie , Rutkowski David
Published: December 2019

Although the root‐mean squared deviation (RMSD) is a popular statistical measure for evaluating country‐specific item‐level misfit (i.e., differential item functioning [DIF]) in international large‐scale assessment, this paper shows that its sensitivity to detect misfit may depend strongly on the proficiency distribution of the considered countries. Specifically, items for which most respondents in a country have a very low (or high) probability of providing a correct answer will rarely be flagged by the RMSD as showing misfit, even if very strong DIF is present. With many international large‐scale assessment initiatives moving toward covering a more heterogeneous group of countries, this raises issues for the ability of the RMSD to detect item‐level misfit, especially in low‐performing countries that are not well‐aligned with the overall difficulty level of the test. This may put one at risk of incorrectly assuming measurement invariance to hold, and may also inflate estimated between‐country difference in proficiency. The degree to which the RMSD is able to detect DIF in low‐performing countries is studied using both an empirical example from PISA 2015 and a simulation study.
Predictors and outcomes of postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery
Authors: Thanavaro Joanne , Taylor John , Vitt Linda , Guignon Mary S. , Thanavaro Samer
Published: December 2019

Background

Postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery (CS‐PRF) is a devastating complication and its incidence and predictors vary depending on how it is defined and the patient population.

Aims

This study was conducted to determine the incidence, predictors and outcomes of CS‐PRF defined as prolonged mechanical ventilation >48 hours and reintubation.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of 1257 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between June 2011 and December 2018. The research questions were addressed through bivariate inferential, descriptive and binary logistic regression.

Results

The overall incidence of CS‐PRF was 15.9% and significant regression predictors included diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.77, P = .001), preoperative renal replacement therapy (OR = 2.07, P = .033), need for intraoperative transfusion (OR = 2.35, P = .000), combined coronary bypass/valvular surgery (OR = 2.61, P = .001) and intra‐aortic balloon pump (OR = 3.60, P = .000). CS‐PRF patients had increased postoperative blood transfusions (69.5% vs 27.9%, P = .000), reoperation for bleeding (9.0 vs 0.4%, P = .000), pleural effusion (13.5% vs 4.1%, P = .000), pneumonia (33.5% vs 1.6%, P = .000), acute kidney injury (70.9% vs 39.9%, P = .000), atrial fibrillation (42.5% vs 26.3%, P = .000), coma/encephalopathy (21.5% vs 3.3%, P = .000) and cerebrovascular accident (6.0% vs 1.3%, P = .000). They also had longer intensive care (262.1 vs 97.4 hours, P = .000) and hospital lengths of stay (17 vs 8 days, P = .000), and increased in‐hospital mortality (17.5% vs 0.4%, P = .000). Survivors of CS‐PRF were less likely to be discharged home (38.0% vs 84.4%, P = .000).

Conclusions

Knowledge of predictors for CS‐PRF may help identify patients who are at risk for this complication and who may benefit from preventive measures to promote early extubation and to avert reintubation.
Hospice Utilization in the United States: A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Cancer and Noncancer Deaths
Authors: Cagle John G. , Lee Joonyup , Ornstein Katherine A. , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: December 2019

OBJECTIVES

Reliable national estimates of hospice use and underuse are needed. Additionally, drivers of hospice use in the United States are poorly understood, especially among noncancer populations. Thus the objectives of this study were to (1) provide reliable estimates of hospice use among adults in the United States; and (2) identify factors predicting use among decedents and within subsamples of cancer and noncancer deaths.

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective cohort study using the Health and Retirement Study survey. Excluding sudden deaths, we used data from the 2012 survey wave to predict hospice use in general, and then separately for cancer and non‐cancer deaths.

SETTING

Study data were provided by a population‐based sample of older adults from the U.S.

PARTICIPANTS

We constructed a sample of 1,209 participants who died between the 2012 and 2014 survey waves.

MEASUREMENTS

Hospice utilization was reported by proxy. Exposure variables included demographics, functionality (activities of daily living [ADLs]), health, depression, dementia, advance directives, nursing home residency, and cause of death.

RESULTS

Hospice utilization rate was 52.4% for the sample with 70.8% for cancer deaths and 45.4% for noncancer deaths. Fully adjusted model results showed being older (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54), less healthy (OR = .79), having dementia (OR = 1.52), and having cancer (OR = 5.47) were linked to greater odds of receiving hospice. Among cancer deaths, being older (OR = 1.64) and female (OR = 2.54) were the only predictors of hospice use. Among noncancer deaths, increased age (OR = 1.58), more education (OR = 1.56), being widowed (OR = 1.55), needing help with ADLs (OR = 1.13), and poor health (OR = .77) were associated with hospice utilization.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest hospice remains underutilized, especially among individuals with noncancer illness. Extrapolating results to the US population, we estimate that annually nearly a million individuals who are likely eligible for hospice die without its services. Most (84%) of these decedents have a noncancer condition. Interventions are needed to increase appropriate hospice utilization, particularly in noncancer care settings. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:783–793, 2020
The body with chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia: A phenomenologically derived understanding
Authors: Monaro Susan , West Sandra , Gullick Janice
Published: December 2019

Aims and Objectives

To explore person and family lifeworld narratives of chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) after major amputation has been offered as a treatment option.

Background

Chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia manifests as ischaemic pain, ulceration and/or gangrene and is receiving heightened attention due to the increasing health system burden from associated complex wounds and hospitalisations for repeat procedures. The patient and family impact of these manifestations is not well‐reported: current studies largely seek to measure treatment outcomes. Patient‐reported outcome measurements need to be developed but should be underpinned by rigorous qualitative research.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal, qualitative design using interpretive phenomenology.

Methods

The journeys of 19 people with CLTI were explored via 42 semi‐structured interviews with 14 patient and 13 family participants. The initial interview was conducted soon after the advice of the need for major amputation, and where amputation followed, participants were invited for a second interview 6 months postprocedure. Hermeneutic phenomenological analysis was guided by Merleau‐Ponty's philosophy of embodiment.

Results

People with embodied CTLI faced an existential crisis due to the catastrophic impact of creeping decay of their flesh and vascular system, relentless pain and a sense of spreading poison from gangrene, infection and drugs, which disrupted the interleaving of the physical and existential body. Consequent to the creeping decay and surgery, participants also experienced shifting body boundaries and an unreliable body.

Conclusions

The lifeworld of the patient and family living with CTLI is irrevocably altered through the disruption of a spontaneous and reliable body. This shapes subsequent therapeutic relationships and discourse.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

People facing CLTI require early patient‐ and family‐centred discussions about the possibility for major amputation and its potential to arrest the further decline of the body and to support the body's existential expression.
Health problems and care needs in patients with Korsakoff’s syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: van Dam Mirjam Johanna , van Meijel Berno , Postma Albert , Oudman Erik
Published: December 2019

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome suffer from a broad range of comorbid somatic and/or psychiatric conditions.

The various health problems in patients with Korsakoff's syndrome limit their ability to perform daily activities and also negatively affect their social functioning.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome have complex somatic and psychiatric comorbid conditions co‐occurring with behavioural and functional problems. They are compounded by patients’ poor self‐awareness regarding their health status and functioning.

What are the implications for practice?

This review demonstrates that patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should receive integrated care.

Integrated care for patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should be based on accurate multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostics in which nurses and nurse assistants have a prominent role due to their central position in the care process patients with Korsakoff's syndrome.

Introduction

The literature shows that Korsakoff's syndrome is associated with a wide range of severe comorbid somatic and psychiatric health problems that lead to care needs in several domains of functioning.

Aim

To provide a comprehensive overview of Korsakoff patients’ health conditions and related care needs.

Method

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library and CINAHL up to January 2019. After applying our inclusion criteria, two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data and assessed methodological quality.

Results

Twelve articles were included. The commonest somatic comorbid conditions were liver disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD and diabetes mellitus. The commonest psychiatric comorbid conditions were mood disorder, personality disorder and psychotic disorder. Anxiety, aggressive/agitated behaviour, depressive symptoms and care needs in social functioning and (instrumental) activities of daily living were also very commonly reported.

Discussion

In patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, somatic and psychiatric comorbid conditions co‐occur with behavioural and functional problems. They are compounded by patients’ poor self‐awareness regarding their health status and functioning. Adequate responses to their care needs require high‐quality integrated care.

Implications for practice

Patients with Korsakoff's syndrome should receive integrated care based on accurate multidimensional and multidisciplinary diagnostics in which nurses have a prominent role.
Changes in subarctic vegetation after one century of land use and climate change
Authors: Kapfer Jutta , Popova Ksenia
Published: December 2019

Questions

Have species richness and composition in subarctic vegetation changed over the past ca. 90 years? Are compositional shifts linked to changes in land management or climate? Are observed changes associated with vegetation type, life form, or habitat preference?

Location

Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas, NW Russia.

Methods

We resurveyed vegetation ca. 90 years after the first sampling in 1927–1930 to study changes in species richness, abundance and composition. Because of missing plot‐related environmental measurements we used a weighted averaging approach calculating relative changes in species‐specific optimum values for different environmental gradients represented by species indicator values to identify compositional change in relation to the environment. Changes in species composition were visualised using detrended correspondence analyses. Significances of observed changes in species richness and frequency were evaluated using restricted permutation tests. A χ2 test was used to test if observed changes in abundances were related to species’ life form and habitat preferences.

Results

Species composition has changed significantly over the past ca. 90 years, as indicated by significant changes in species’ frequencies and values of optima for the environmental gradients temperature, moisture, nutrients and light. Species richness decreased significantly, in particular in nitrophilous and wet growing vegetation. Species typical for grazed grasslands and meadows and species of wet habitats became less abundant, while dwarf shrubs and forest species increased.

Conclusions

Land abandonment, in combination with climate change, is likely to have caused the observed changes in the subarctic vegetation of NW Russia. Shifts in the species dominance ratios and interspecific competition (e.g. for reallocated nutrients) after land abandonment may have been promoted by the subsequent change towards a warmer climate, facilitating the regrowth of previously open meadows with grazing‐intolerant tall herbs, forest herbs and dwarf shrubs. This study illustrates clearly the long‐term effects of land‐use change, the consequences of which are still visible even after almost one century in the subarctic.
Characterization of the matrix and fusion crust of the recent meteorite fall Ozerki L6
Authors: Maksimova A. A. , Petrova E. V. , Chukin A. V. , Karabanalov M. S. , Felner I. , Gritsevich M. , Oshtrakh M. I.
Published: December 2019

We studied the interior and the fusion crust of the recently recovered Ozerki L6 meteorite using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), magnetization measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The phase composition of the interior and of the fusion crust was determined by means of SEM, XRD, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The unit cell parameters for silicate crystals were evaluated from the X‐ray diffractograms and were found the same for the interior and the fusion crust. Magnetization measurements revealed a decrease of the saturation magnetic moment in the fusion crust due to a decrease of Fe‐Ni‐Co alloy content. Both XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy show the presence of magnesioferrite in the fusion crust. The temperatures of cation equilibrium distribution between the M1 and M2 sites in silicates calculated using the data obtained from XRD and Mössbauer spectroscopy appeared to be in a good consistency: 553 and 479 K for olivine and 1213 and 1202 K for orthopyroxene.
Conjunctival microcirculation is associated with cerebral cortex microcirculation in post‐resuscitation mild hypothermia: A rat model
Authors: Zhao Shen , Yang Zhengfei , Sun Peng , Wu Xiaobo , Tang Wanchun , Shao Fei , Tang Ziren
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study aimed to compare the changes in sublingual and conjunctival microcirculation occurring with cerebral cortex microcirculation changes during mild hypothermia in a rat model of cardiac arrest.

Methods

Twenty‐four rats were randomized into mild hypothermia (M) or normothermia (C) groups. Ventricular fibrillation was electrically induced and left untreated for 8 minutes, followed by 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The core temperature in group M reduced to 33 ± 0.5°C at 13 minutes after restoration of spontaneous circulation and was maintained for 8 hours. In group C, the core temperature was maintained at 37 ± 0.2°C. The hemodynamics and microcirculation in the sublingual region, bulbar conjunctiva, and cerebral cortex were measured at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 hours after restoration of spontaneous circulation.

Results

The M group showed significantly worse sublingual microcirculation at 6 hours post‐resuscitation. However, microcirculation in the conjunctiva and cerebral cortex at 3 hours post‐resuscitation were better in the M group. In the M group, microcirculation in the cerebral cortex was significantly correlated with that in the conjunctiva but not the sublingual microcirculation.

Conclusions

Changes in conjunctival microcirculation are closely related to cerebral cortex microcirculation during mild hypothermia, indicating that cerebral cortex microcirculation could be monitored by measuring conjunctival microcirculation.
Fatty acid activation and utilization by Alistipes finegoldii, a representative Bacteroidetes resident of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Radka Christopher D. , Frank Matthew W. , Rock Charles O. , Yao Jiangwei
Published: December 2019

Members of the Bacteroidetes phylum, represented by Alistipes finegoldii, are prominent anerobic, Gram‐negative inhabitants of the gut microbiome. The lipid biosynthetic pathways were analyzed using bioinformatic analyses, lipidomics, metabolic labeling and biochemistry to characterize exogenous fatty acid metabolism. A. finegoldii only produced the saturated fatty acids. The most abundant lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and sulfonolipid (SL). Neither phosphatidylglycerol nor cardiolipin are present. PE synthesis is initiated by the PlsX/PlsY/PlsC pathway, whereas the SL pathway is related to sphingolipid biosynthesis. A. finegoldii incorporated medium‐chain fatty acids (≤14 carbons) into PE and SL after their elongation, whereas long‐chain fatty acids (≥16 carbons) were not elongated. Fatty acids >16 carbons were primarily incorporated into the 2‐position of phosphatidylethanolamine at the PlsC step, the only biosynthetic enzyme that utilizes long‐chain acyl‐ACP. The ability to assimilate a broad‐spectrum of fatty acid chain lengths present in the gut environment is due to the expression of two acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthetases. Acyl‐ACP synthetase 1 had a substrate preference for medium‐chain fatty acids and synthetase 2 had a substrate preference for long‐chain fatty acids. This unique combination of synthetases allows A. finegoldii to utilize both the medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acid nutrients available in the gut environment to assemble its membrane lipids.
Quantifying guideline adherence in mucormycosis management using the EQUAL score
Authors: Koehler Philipp , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Stemler Jannik , Otte Felix , Berkhoff Ariana , Beste Nedim , Budin Sofia , Cornely Florian B. , Evans Johanna M. , Fuchs Frieder , Pesch Luca , Rebholz Arvid W. , Reiner Omer , Schmitt Marius , Schuckelt Julien , Spiertz Arlene , Salmanton‐García Jon , Kron Florian , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Mucormycosis is a difficult‐to‐diagnose life‐threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality. Adherence to guidelines that lead through complex management and support clinical decisions is however rarely reported. By applying the EQUAL Score, our study evaluates the management of mucormycosis at the University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with mucormycosis at the University Hospital of Cologne. Data collection comprised items for quality assessment in mucormycosis management according to the EQUAL Mucormycosis Score and economics.

Results

Of 29 patients identified, 27 were documented retrospectively. Eight patients of 18 with neutropenia (>10 days) or receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation (44.4%) received mould active prophylaxis. Chest CT was done in 21 patients (77.8%), while BAL and direct microscopy of BAL fluid was performed in 22 patients (81.5%), culture in 22 (81.5%) and fungal PCR in 24 (88.9%). First‐line treatment was liposomal amphotericin B in 19 patients (70.4%). Isavuconazole or posaconazole with therapeutic drug monitoring was used in four (14.8%) and in one patient (3.7%), respectively. In our cohort, crude mortality was 51.9% (n = 14) with a median survival time of 113 days. During the management of the 27 patients, 450 points (53.8%) of the maximum EQUAL Mucormycosis Score were achieved (median 15 points, range 6‐30).

Conclusions

We observed management of mucormycosis aligning with current guidelines and hope to encourage other groups to use the EQUAL Score in routine clinical settings. Future studies will evaluate whether guideline adherence in mucormycosis management improves patient outcome.
Mutation in OsCADT1 enhances cadmium tolerance and enriches selenium in rice grain
Authors: Chen Jie , Huang Xin‐Yuan , Salt David E. , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: December 2019

How cadmium (Cd) tolerance in rice is regulated remains poorly understood. We used a forward genetic approach to investigate Cd tolerance in rice.

Using a root elongation assay, we isolated a rice mutant with enhanced Cd tolerance, cadt1, from an ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)‐mutagenized population of a widely grown Indica cultivar. The mutant accumulated more Cd in roots but not in shoots and grains. Using genomic resequencing and complementation, we identified OsCADT1 as the causal gene for the mutant phenotype, which encodes a putative serine hydroxymethyltransferase.

OsCADT1 protein was localized to the nucleus and the OsCADT1 gene was expressed in both roots and shoots. OsCADT1 mutation resulted in higher sulphur and selenium accumulation in the shoots and grains. Selenate influx in cadt1 was 2.4 times that of the wild‐type. The mutant showed higher expression of the sulphate/selenate transporter gene OsSULTR1;1 and the sulphur‐deficiency‐inducible gene OsSDI1. Thiol compounds including cysteine, glutathione and phytochelatins were significantly increased in the mutant, underlying its increased Cd tolerance. Growth and grain biomass were little affected.

The results suggest that OsCADT1 acts as a negative regulator of sulphate/selenate uptake and assimilation. OsCADT1 mutation increases Cd tolerance and enriches selenium in rice grains, providing a novel solution for selenium biofortification.
Finnish model of peer‐group mentoring: review of research
Authors: Tynjälä Päivi , Pennanen Matti , Markkanen Ilona , Heikkinen Hannu L. T.
Published: December 2019

This article reviews research on the Finnish model of peer‐group mentoring (PGM). The theoretical foundation of the model is based on the constructivist theory of learning, the concept of autonomy in teaching profession, peer learning, and narrative identity work. The model has been disseminated nationwide in the educational sector to promote professional development of teachers and educational staff, mainly in primary and secondary education, but also in early childhood education and higher education. The thematic review is based on 46 peer‐reviewed publications about PGM in Finland in 2009–2019. Research has focused on the following main themes: (1) general aspects and characteristics of the implementation of the model; and (2) mentors’ and mentees’ experiences. The qualitative approach has been dominant in research. The studies show that both mentors and mentees find PGM a useful tool for individual professional learning and well‐being. Indirect influences have been reported about the development of work communities. The main challenges in applying the model are the lack of national agreement concerning the organization of PGM and allocation of mentors’ and mentees’ working time to PGM. It is concluded that PGM, as well as teachers’ professional development as a whole, should be seen as an integral part of the educational ecosystem.
The diagnosis of hypersensitivity to antibiotics is rarely confirmed by allergy work‐up in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Braun Camille , Reix Philippe , Durieu Isabelle , Nove‐Josserand Raphaele , Durupt Stéphane , Ohlmann Camille , Mainguy Catherine , Nicolas Jean‐François , Nosbaum Audrey , Jubin Virginie
Published: December 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients receive many antibiotic treatments for recurrent respiratory infections and frequently report antibiotic hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). In this retrospective study, medical records of CF patients were reviewed to clarify the clinical features, the culprit antibiotics, and the prevalence of antibiotic HSRs in the CF population. From 601 CF patients, 95 suspected antibiotic HSRs occurred in 60 patients (prevalence of 10.0%). β‐Lactams were the most common inducers, but cotrimoxazole was also frequently involved. Seventy‐six of 95 suspected HSRs were assessed by allergy workup including skin tests (43/76 reactions) and/or drug reintroduction as a full course of the culprit antibiotic (73 of 76 reactions). From the 43 suspected HSRs that were skin‐tested, only three had positive skin tests and were not subjected to drug readministration. All the other 73 suspected HSRs received a full course of the culprit antibiotic: HSR symptoms recurred in 10 of 73 cases and therefore were considered as confirmed antibiotic HSRs; for the remaining 63 suspected HSRs that did not relapse after drug readministration, the diagnosis of antibiotic HSRs was excluded. In summary, 13 of 76 suspected HSRs were confirmed as antibiotic HSRs. The prevalence of suspected and confirmed antibiotic HSRs in CF patients appears similar to that reported in the general population. Of note, most of the antibiotic suspected HSRs are not confirmed after allergology workup. A complete allergy workup appears therefore crucial to make a correct diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary contraindication of major antibiotics.
Physical fitness and health‐related quality of life in pediatric renal transplant recipients: An interventional trial with active video gaming
Authors: Weigmann‐Faßbender Sandra , Pfeil Kathrin , Betz Theresa , Sander Anja , Weiß Klaus , Tönshoff Burkhard , Friedmann‐Bette Birgit
Published: December 2019

Background

Pediatric renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, one contributing factor is reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, motor coordination, muscle strength, daily physical activity, and health‐related quality of life and to find out, if active video gaming is effective for improving these items in this patient population.

Methods

Twenty renal transplant recipients (13.5 ± 3.4 years) and 33 matched healthy controls (13.1 ± 3.2 years) performed a spiroergometry, a motor coordination test, and a maximal handgrip strength test. Quality of life was determined with a validated questionnaire, and daily physical activity was recorded with a physical activity monitor. Thirteen patients (12.9 ± 3.4 years) participated in a 6‐week home‐based exergaming intervention (3×/week for 30 minutes) and repeated all tests after that.

Results

The renal transplant recipients exhibited a substantial impairment compared with the controls in peak oxygen consumption (−31%, P < .001), motor competence (−44%, P < .001), daily physical activity (−33%, P = .001), and quality of life (−12%, P = .017). Handgrip strength was similar in both groups. Despite of low compliance in the intervention group, steps per hour were significantly increased after 6 weeks of exergaming (+31%, P = .043); however, all other measures remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Cardiorespiratory fitness, motor competence, and quality of life are reduced in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Home‐based exergaming is not appropriate to improve these items, probably due to a substantially impaired motor competence. However, it provided a stimulus for an increased daily physical activity.
The impact of caregiver post‐traumatic stress and depressive symptoms on pediatric transplant outcomes
Authors: Annunziato Rachel A. , Stuber Margaret L. , Supelana Christina J. , Dunphy Claire , Anand Ravinder , Erinjeri Jinson , Alonso Estella M. , Mazariegos George V. , Venick Robert S. , Bucuvalas John , Shemesh Eyal
Published: December 2019

PTSS as well as symptoms of depression have been reported in children who experience a serious medical adversity as well as their caretakers. The adverse effects of PTSS, when experienced by the patients, on medical outcomes have been clearly documented. However, the impact of those symptoms, if any, when experienced by the caretakers on child outcomes has not been investigated prospectively. We evaluated whether caregiver PTSS and depression symptoms predict adherence to medications and medical outcomes in a prospective multisite study. Four hundred children participated in MALT. Caretaker PTSS were assessed by the IES and depressive symptoms by CES‐D. During 2 years of follow‐up, the MLVI was used to determine adherence. Centrally read, biopsy‐confirmed organ rejection was the primary medical outcome. IES scores were not associated with either adherence or rejection outcomes. In contrast, there were significant correlations between CES‐D (depression) scores and lower adherence, r = .13, P < .001, and a trend toward higher scores on the CES‐D among those whose children had experienced rejection, 12.4 (SD = 10.9) versus 9.1 (SD = 8.6), P = .077. Caregivers' PTSS were not a risk factor for poor child outcomes in this cohort, whereas depression symptoms were associated with non‐adherence and possibly increased rates of rejection. Further study can validate if caregivers' depression as opposed to PTSS confers greater risk and should be a focus during the clinical care of medically ill children.
Assisted reproduction for felid species conservation—Sperm competences at risk
Authors: Müller Karin , Eder Susanne , Jakop Ulrike , Schiller Jürgen , Müller Peter , Bashawat Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Cryobanking of gametes in combination with artificial insemination is an essential option to support conservation programmes for endangered and threatened species. About two‐thirds of the felid species are classified as ‘near threatened’, ‘vulnerable’ or ‘endangered’ (www.cites.org), and mostly, epididymal sperm are collected from euthanized or castrated male felids and cryopreserved. However, epididymal compared with ejaculated and cryopreserved compared with fresh sperm have a limited potential to fertilize if vaginal non‐surgical insemination is applied in feline species. Missing or highly diluted seminal fluid in epididymal and cryopreserved sperm, as well as a potential interference of extender ingredients with the natural interactive properties of sperm in the female genital tract is discussed as potential drawback which hampers a proper sperm transit and fertilization besides the limited longevity of cryopreserved feline sperm. Individual components in seminal fluid as well as cryoextenders may adversely alter sperm properties and have a different impact on fertility and preservation success. The identification and investigation of beneficial as well as detrimental components is a precondition to deduce options for improving the process of cryopreservation in felids, particularly, if only epididymal sperm are available.
Designing effective transfers: Lessons from India’s school meal program
Authors: Afridi Farzana , Barooah Bidisha , Somanathan Rohini
Published: December 2019

We estimate attendance gains for primary school children from a cost‐neutral change in the design of India’s school meal program. Municipal schools in the capital region of Delhi shifted from packaged food to cooked meals in 2003, with no change in payments to meal providers. Using the staggered implementation of this transition and child‐level panel data, we estimate a 3 percentage point increase in average monthly attendance, with large effects for early grades. We also find that girls are more responsive to the cooked meals, but because they attend morning schools, whereas boys attend afternoon schools, this may simply reflect benefits from better‐timed meals. Our study illustrates how better‐designed transfers can improve outcomes within tightly constrained budgets.
Agricultural productivity, the real effective exchange rate, and structural change: Some evidence from Africa
Authors: Grabowski Richard , Self Sharmistha
Published: December 2019

Agriculture is thought to play a number of roles in the early development process. All of these roles involve fostering non‐agricultural development, in particular manufacturing. It is argued in this paper that agriculture plays a role that has hitherto been ignored. Specifically, if agricultural labor productivity increases faster than manufacturing labor productivity, the real effective exchange rate will depreciate. This depreciation of real effective exchange rate occurs because in very poor countries agriculture makes up the dominant share of both GDP and employment. The depreciation also makes it easier for a country to expand the production of tradables relative to nontradables, with manufacturing being the main tradable. This proposition, which as agricultural labor productivity increases relative to manufacturing labor productivity the real effective exchange rate depreciates, is tested using data drawn from 10 sub‐Saharan African countries.
Climatic signals in lacustrine deposits of the Upper Yacoraite Formation, Western Argentina: Evidence from clay minerals, analcime, dolomite and fibrous calcite
Authors: Gomes João Paulo B. , Bunevich Rodrigo B. , Tonietto Sandra N. , Alves Daisy B. , Santos Julice F. , Whitaker Fiona F.
Published: December 2019

Authigenic clays are an important control on reservoir quality in lacustrine carbonates but remain challenging to predict. Lacustrine depositional systems respond to climatic variations in rainfall, surface runoff and groundwater input, and evaporation, and result in rapid and frequent changes in lake volume; this is expressed through changing water depth and shoreline position. In the upper portion of the Early Palaeocene Yacoraite Formation of the Salta Basin in Argentina, extensive lacustrine deposits were deposited during the sag phase of rifting. Prior high‐resolution stratigraphic studies have suggested that climatic factors control microbial carbonate sequences within a ‘balanced fill’ lake, with variation in the lake level having a major influence on facies association changes. This study characterizes the evolution of facies and mineralogy within the Yacoraite Formation, focusing on the distribution of clay minerals, making a link between the high, medium and low‐frequency sequence stratigraphic cycles. The low‐frequency transgressive hemicycle of the upper portion of the Yacoraite Formation is comprised of abundant siliciclastic facies, suggesting a wetter period. Microbialites occurring in this interval are coarse‐grained and agglutinated. Detrital clay minerals such as illite and chlorite and associated siliciclastic sediments were input to the lake during high‐frequency transgressive periods. During high‐frequency regressive hemicycles, sedimentation was dominated by carbonate facies with Ca‐rich dolomite and the authigenic clays are comprised of chlorite/smectite mixed‐layers. By contrast, the low frequency regressive hemicycle records fine‐grained agglutinated microbialite with horizons of fibrous calcite, more stoichiometric dolomite, barite and authigenic magnesian smectite. This indicates elevated ion concentrations in the lake under intense evaporation during an arid period. Understanding the conditions that are favourable for formation and preservation of authigenic clays within the lacustrine environment can improve understanding of reservoir quality in comparable economically important deposits.
Rethinking the Bystander Effect in Violence Reduction Training Programs
Authors: Levine Mark , Philpot Richard , Kovalenko Anastasiia G.
Published: December 2019

Many violence prevention programs include a focus on the role of bystanders and third parties in violence prevention training. Central to this work has been the classic social psychological research on the “bystander effect”. However, recent research on bystander behavior shows that the bystander effect does not hold in violent or dangerous emergencies. Meta‐analyses of the literature show that the presence of others can facilitate as well as inhibit intervention in emergencies. Studies of real‐life bystander behavior captured on CCTV cameras shows that some bystander intervention is the norm and that the likelihood of bystanders being victimized is low. One reason for the limited effectiveness of violence reduction programs may be their approach to bystanders. We argue that violence reduction programs should: recognize that some intervention is likely (although it may not always be successful); see the group as a route to successful intervention rather than a threat to the likelihood of any single individual becoming an intervener; inform bystanders of the real risks of victimization; utilize the power of social relations between bystanders, victims, and perpetrators to enhance successful intervention; seek to deliver bystander intervention training in situ, rather than away from the context of the aggression or violence.