bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of regional limb perfusion for distal limb infections in the horse
Authors: Biasutti S. A. , Cox E. , Jeffcott L. B. , Dart A. J.
Published: January 2020

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) is a technique widely used for the treatment of limb infections in horses. The objective is to deliver high concentrations of an antimicrobial to a focal region to optimise the bacterial kill with minimal systemic effects. However, experimentally, realising these objectives has been unreliable because conflicting methodologies have produced highly variable results. The aim of this study is to review all of the experimental and clinical literature on RLP between 1990 and 2019 to determine whether there is evidence that RLP has a consistent and practical application for the treatment of distal limb infections in equine practice. A large number of reports have been published on RLP in the horse; however, there are many variations in the technique including the drug used, dose, volume and concentration of perfusate, dosing interval, the type, method and duration of application of the tourniquet and whether the procedure is performed standing or anaesthetised. Prospective clinical studies are lacking, retrospective studies are limited by their nature, while wide differences in treatment regimen and methodology in retrospective and experimental studies have complicated the interpretation of the findings and make it difficult to rationalise an approach that provides a reliable and repeatable outcome. The optimal method of performing RLP has not been established, so the apparent clinical benefits of the technique are often difficult to confirm and quantify. Future studies need to standardise methodologies to enable meaningful comparisons.
The Caenorhabditis elegans INX‐4/Innexin is required for the fine‐tuning of temperature orientation in thermotaxis behavior
Authors: Tsukamoto Satomi , Emmei Taishi , Nakano Shunji , Nishio Nana , Sasakura Hiroyuki , Mori Ikue
Published: January 2020

Innexins in invertebrates are considered to play roles similar to those of connexins and pannexins in vertebrates. However, it remains poorly understood how innexins function in biological phenomena including their function in the nervous systems. Here, we identified inx‐4, a member of the innexin family in C. elegans, by a forward screening of thermotaxis‐defective mutants. The inx‐4 mutants exhibited abnormal migration to a temperature slightly higher than the cultivation temperature, called mild thermophilic behavior. Rescue experiments revealed that INX‐4 acts in the major thermosensory neuron AFD to regulate thermotaxis behavior. INX‐4::GFP fusion protein localized exclusively along axons in AFD neurons. In addition, over‐expression of INX‐4 in AFD neurons induced a cryophilic behavior, which is opposite to inx-4 mutants. Our findings suggest that INX‐4/Innexin in AFD may fine‐tune the execution of thermotaxis behavior when moving to desired temperatures.
Evolutionary history of the Pectoral Sparrow Arremon taciturnus: evidence for diversification during the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Carneiro de Melo Moura Carina , Fernandes Alexandre M. , Aleixo Alexandre , Farias Pereira de Araújo Helder , de Freitas Mariano Erich , Wink Michael
Published: January 2020

We focus on reconstructing a spatiotemporal scenario of diversification of a widespread South American species, the Pectoral Sparrow Arremon taciturnus (Aves: Passerellidae). This species is widely distributed in both the humid and the dry forests of South America and therefore provides an interesting model for understanding the connection between different biomes of South America. We examined nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial genes Cytochrome b (cyt‐b) and NADH subunit 2 (ND2) from 107 specimens, and one nuclear marker (intron 7 of the β‐fibrinogen gene) from a subset of samples collected across the distribution ranges of A. t. taciturnus and A. t. nigrirostris. Six major lineages were recovered in the phylogenies that displayed high levels of variance of allele frequencies and corresponded to distinct geographical locations. The estimation of divergence times provided evidence that diversification of the six lineages of the Pectoral Sparrow occurred throughout the Late Pleistocene across major cis‐Andean biomes and Amazonian interfluves. Our dataset for A. taciturnus provides further evidence that rivers in Amazonia constitute barriers promoting allopatric speciation, with occasional sharing of alleles among lineages, particularly those with adjacent distributions.
Promoter methylation of Bax and Bcl2 genes and their expression in patients with Behcet’s disease
Authors: Asadi Shahin , Khabbazi Alireza , Alipour Shahriar , Abolhasani Somayeh , Haji Jafar , Amjadi Hossein , Sakhinia Ebrahim
Published: January 2020

BCL2 and BAX genes are a group of signalling inducer and inhibitor genes playing a key role in the process of cellular physiological death (apoptosis). These genes, through the JAK/STAT signalling pathway, affect different cytokines on cell function and subsequently lead to the pathophysiology of diseases, especially autoimmune diseases. In addition, altering the methylation of genes can affect their expression. Since the aetiology and pathology of Behcet's disease is not fully understood, the aim of this study was to determine the methylation pattern of BCL2 and BAX genes in patients with Behcet's disease and compare it with those of control group. This was a case–control study on 51 patients with Behcet and 61 control subjects. Blood samples were received from all subjects. Subsequently, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by Ficoll method and the methylation of the sites was investigated using quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMS‐PCR) technique after extraction of DNA by salting out method and its examination with Nano drop. The results of methylation and expression of Bax gene suggest that the methylation level in the patient group significantly increased compared to the healthy individuals (p‐value < .05). Furthermore, the results related to Bax gene expression revealed that the mean of gene expression in the patient group has decreased compared to the healthy group, and this decrease was statistically significant (p‐value < .05). The rate of expression and methylation of Bcl2 did not indicate any change in the two patient and healthy groups. Given the results of this study, it can be guessed that perhaps DNA methylation is involved in certain conditions of the disease and it may result in regulation of the expression of the involved genes such as Bax gene, in the pathogenesis of the disease.
High performance of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescent selective upper tract urinary cytology
Authors: Yamamichi Gaku , Nakata Wataru , Yoshimura Akihiro , Tsujimura Go , Tsujimoto Yuichi , Nin Mikio , Mimura Akihiro , Miwa Hideaki , Tsujihata Masao
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of selective upper tract urinary cytology using extracorporeal 5‐aminolevulinic acid for the diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

We evaluated 104 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy and were diagnosed pathologically as having upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma between March 2013 and May 2019 in Osaka Rosai Hospital. Preoperatively, we collected upper tract urinary cytology from both sides, and compared the sensitivity and specificity between conventional urine cytology and 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescent urine cytology.

Results

The sensitivity of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescent selective upper tract urinary cytology was significantly higher than conventional cytology (90.4% vs 66.3%, P < 0.001), whereas the specificity was equally high (100% vs 98.2%, P = 1.0). In more detailed analysis, the sensitivity of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescent selective upper tract urinary cytology was significantly higher than that of conventional cytology unrelated to patients’ age (<76 years: 90.2% vs 68.6%, P = 0.013; ≥76 years: 90.6% vs 64.2%, P = 0.021), sex (male: 89.2% vs 67.5%, P = 0.001; female: 95.2% vs 61.9%, P = 0.02) or pT stage (pT1 or less: 91.4% vs 69.0%, P = 0.005; pT2 or more: 89.1% vs 63.0%, P = 0.006), tumor grade (high grade: 91.0% vs 70.5%, P = 0.002; low grade: 88.5% vs 53.8%, P = 0.013), and tended to be more efficacious for tumors that could not be detected by imaging techniques (83.3% vs 50.0%, P = 0.075).

Conclusions

5‐Aminolevulinic acid‐induced fluorescent selective upper tract urinary cytology is more sensitive than conventional cytology for the diagnosis of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, regardless of pT stage and tumor grade.
Incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing urological surgery: A multi‐institutional prospective study
Authors: Matsuki Masahiro , Tanaka Toshiaki , Takahashi Atsushi , Inoue Ryuta , Hotta Hiroshi , Itoh Naoki , Taguchi Keisuke , Kato Ryuichi , Kobayashi Ko , Masumori Naoya
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium among patients aged ≥65 years undergoing elective urological surgery.

Methods

From April 2015 through December 2016, 1023 consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who received transurethral, laparoscopic (with or without robot assistance) or open surgery in eight institutions were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Their preoperative cognitive status was assessed with the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised score. The treating physician or nurse assessed delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictive factors for postoperative delirium.

Results

We analyzed 946 patients whose median age was 74 years (range 65–95 years). Postoperative delirium was observed in 32 patients (3.4%). Multivariate analysis showed that a history of cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio 5.24, 95% confidence interval 2.05–13.40), low Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised score <20 points (odds ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.36–9.02), low serum albumin level <3.5 g/dL (odds ratio 3.12, 95% confidence interval 1.25–7.83) and long surgery duration >4 h (odds ratio 4.94, 95% confidence interval 2.20–11.10) were independent risk factors for the development of postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

The preoperative medical history, cognitive status, low serum albumin level and operative duration were associated with the development of postoperative delirium, although the incidence was just 3.4% in elective urological surgery. The present results suggest that the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised is a useful tool for assessment of the risk for delirium.
Resilience of African migrant women: Implications for mental health practice
Authors: Babatunde‐Sowole Olutoyin O. , DiGiacomo Michelle , Power Tamara , Davidson Patricia M. , Jackson Debra
Published: January 2020

Migrants from areas affected by war, especially refugee migrants, are susceptible to mental health issues. In addition to recognising trauma, health professionals, such as mental health nurses, need to be aware of the strength and resilience of refugees and migrants. The capacity to provide trauma‐informed care that is shaped by the recognition of clients’ strength and resilience is required/paramount to meet the current demand of multiculturalism emanating from an increased global migration. To facilitate increased awareness about West African women’s resilience prior to migration and support trauma‐informed care, we used a qualitative strength‐based storytelling approach with 22 West African women residing in Sydney, Australia. Thematic analysis of the women’s stories identified two major themes: When the World Falls Apart and Battered but Strong. Findings revealed that past personal experiences significantly influenced participants’ strength and resilience and contributed to their mental health. Mental health professionals such as nurses can play an important role by incorporating knowledge about the resilience of migrants and refugees into providing appropriate trauma‐informed care.
Respiratory syncytial virus acute respiratory infection‐associated hospitalizations in preterm Mexican infants: A cohort study
Authors: Benítez‐Guerra Daniela , Piña‐Flores Cecilia , Zamora‐López Miguel , Escalante‐Padrón Francisco , Lima‐Rogel Victoria , González‐Ortiz Ana María , Guevara‐Tovar Marcela , Bernal‐Silva Sofía , Benito‐Cruz Beatriz , Castillo‐Martínez Fernanda , Martínez‐Rodríguez Luz E. , Ramírez‐Ojeda Vianney , Tello‐Martínez Nallely , Lomelí‐Valdez Rodrigo , Salto‐Quintana Jack , Cadena‐Mota Sandra , Noyola Daniel E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of severe acute respiratory infections (ARI) in preterm infants. The incidence of RSV‐associated hospitalizations has not been defined in Mexico.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of ARI‐ and RSV‐associated hospitalizations in preterm infants during the first year of life.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 294 preterm infants followed up through monthly telephone calls and routine outpatient visits. Hospitalized children were identified through daily visits to pediatric wards of participating hospitals and through telephone calls. Respiratory samples were tested for RSV by RT‐PCR.

Results

Mean gestational age of participating infants was 33 weeks. Ninety‐six infants were diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and 17 with congenital heart disease (CHD); 11 had both conditions. There were 71 hospitalization episodes in 53 infants. Respiratory samples for RSV detection were available in 44 hospitalization episodes, and the result was positive in 16 (36.3%). At least one hospitalization for ARI was recorded in 33 of 96 participants with BPD, in seven of 17 with CHD, and 18 of 192 infants without these diagnoses. Five (71.4%) of CHD infants who required admission also had BPD. RSV‐confirmed hospitalization rates were 9.4%, 5.9%, and 2.6% for infants with BPD, CHD, and otherwise healthy preterm infants, respectively. Attributable RSV admission frequencies were estimated to be 13.6%, 16.5%, and 4.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Mexican preterm infants, particularly those with BPD, have high rates of ARI‐ and RSVassociated hospitalizations. Specific interventions to reduce the incidence of severe infections in this highrisk group are required.
Impact of a nurse‐led limited risk factor modification program on arrhythmia outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation
Authors: Yaeger Amaryah , Keenan Brendan T. , Cash Nancy R. , Parham Tara , Deo Rajat , Frankel David S. , Schaller Robert D. , Santangeli Pasquale , Nazarian Saman , Supple Gregory E. , Arkles Jeffrey , Kumareswaran Ramanan , Hyman Matthew C. , Riley Michael P. , Garcia Fermin C. , Lin David , Epstein Andrew E. , Callans David J. , Mora Jorge I. , Amaro Anastassia , Schwab Richard , Pack Allan , Marchlinski Francis E. , Dixit Sanjay
Published: January 2020

Background

We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of a nurse‐led risk factor modification (RFM) program for improving weight loss and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) care among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Objective

We now report its impact on arrhythmia outcomes in a subgroup of patients undergoing catheter ablation.

Methods

Participating patients with obesity and/or need for OSA management (high risk per Berlin Questionnaire or untreated OSA) underwent in‐person consultation and monthly telephone calls with the nurse for up to 1 year. Arrhythmias were assessed by office ECGs and ≥2 wearable monitors. Outcomes, defined as Arrhythmia control (0‐6 self‐terminating recurrences, with ≤1 cardioversion for nonparoxysmal AF) and Freedom from arrhythmias (no recurrences on or off antiarrhythmic drugs), were compared at 1 year between patients undergoing catheter ablation who enrolled and declined RFM.

Results

Between 1 November 2016 and 1 April 2018, 195 patients enrolled and 196 declined RFM (body mass index, 35.1 ± 6.7 vs 34.3 ± 6.3 kg/m2; 50% vs 50% paroxysmal AF; P = NS). At 1 year, enrolled patients demonstrated significant weight loss (4.7% ± 5.3% vs 0.3% ± 4.4% in declined patients; P < .0001) and improved OSA care (78% [n = 43] of patients diagnosed with OSA began treatment). However, outcomes were similar between enrolled and declined patients undergoing ablation (arrhythmia control in 80% [n = 48] vs 79% [n = 38]; freedom from arrhythmia in 58% [n = 35] vs 71% [n = 34]; P = NS).

Conclusion

Despite improving weight loss and OSA care, our nurse‐led RFM program did not impact 1‐year arrhythmia outcomes in patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation.
Ability of Older Adults to Report Elder Abuse: An Emergency Department–Based Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Richmond Natalie L. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Reeve Bryce B. , Dayaa Joseph A. , Davis Mackenzie E. , Bowen Samantha B. , Iasiello John A. , Stemerman Rachel , Shams Rayad B. , Haukoos Jason S. , Sloane Philip D. , Travers Debbie , Mosqueda Laura A. , McLean Samuel A. , Platts‐Mills Timothy F.
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

To characterize assessments of a patient's ability to report elder abuse within the context of an emergency department (ED)–based screen for elder abuse.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study in which participants were screened for elder abuse and neglect.

SETTING

Academic ED in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients, aged 65 years and older, presenting to an ED for acute care were assessed by trained research assistants or nurses.

MEASUREMENTS

All patients completed the four‐item Abbreviated Mental Test 4 (AMT4), then completed a safety interview (using the Emergency Department Senior Abuse Identification tool) designed to detect multiple domains of elder abuse and received a physical examination. Based on the cognitive assessment and safety interview, assessors ranked their confidence in the patient's ability to report abuse as absolutely confident, confident, somewhat confident, or not confident. To assess interrater reliability, two assessors independently rated confidence for a subset of patients.

RESULTS

Assessors suspected elder abuse in 18 of 276 patients (6.5%). Assessors were absolutely confident in the patient's ability to report abuse for 95.7% of patients, confident for 2.5%, somewhat confident for 1.5%, and not confident for 0.3%. Among patients with an AMT4 of 4 (n = 249), assessors were confident or absolutely confident in 100% of patients. Among patients with an AMT4 of less than 4 (n = 27), they were confident or absolutely confident in the patient's ability to report abuse for 81% of patients, including 11 of 12 patients with mild cognitive impairment and 7 of 11 patients with severe cognitive impairment. For patients receiving paired evaluations (n = 131), agreement between assessors regarding patient ability to report abuse was 97% (κ = 0.5).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of older adults receiving care in an ED, research assistants and nurses felt that the vast majority were able to report elder abuse, including many patients with cognitive impairment. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:170–175, 2019
Older Adults Hospitalized for Pneumonia in the United States: Incidence, Epidemiology, and Outcomes
Authors: Arnold Forest W. , Reyes Vega Andrea M. , Salunkhe Vidyulata , Furmanek Stephen , Furman Christian , Morton Laura , Faul Anna , Yankeelov Pam , Ramirez Julio A.
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

To define the current incidence, epidemiology, and mortality of older adult patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Louisville, KY and thus estimate the burden of CAP in the older adult population of the United States. To define risk factors associated with early and late outcomes.

DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of older adults (aged ≥65 years) from the University of Louisville Pneumonia Study, a prospective population‐based cohort study of all hospitalized adults with CAP between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2016.

SETTING

The study took place in all nine acute care hospitals for adults in Louisville, KY.

PARTICIPANTS

Residents in the city of Louisville, KY, who were diagnosed with CAP between the inclusion dates were included and who were aged 65 years or older.

MEASUREMENTS

Incidence of CAP and outcomes were measured. A total of nine risk factors were also assessed for any potential association with time to clinical stability, length of stay (LOS), and mortality.

RESULTS

During the 2‐year study, from a Louisville population of 102 264 adults aged 65 years or older, 4760 were hospitalized with CAP. The incidence of older adults hospitalized with CAP was 2093 per 100 000 population. This corresponds to 967 470 older adults in the United States hospitalized per year with CAP. The median time to clinical stability was 2 days, and the median LOS was 6 days. The 30‐day all‐cause mortality was 17%. The 1‐year all‐cause mortality was 38% (829 patients), which corresponds to 361 982 deaths in the United States with CAP in older adults.

CONCLUSION

The estimated burden of CAP in older adults is substantial in the United States. Nearly 1 million older adults are hospitalized for CAP, and over a third of those die within 1 year. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1007–1014, 2020
Advances in the neurophysiology of magnocellular neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Tasker Jeffrey G. , Prager‐Khoutorsky Masha , Teruyama Ryoichi , Lemos José R. , Amstrong William E.
Published: January 2020

Hypothalamic magnocellular neuroendocrine cells have unique electrical properties and a remarkable capacity for morphological and synaptic plasticity. Their large somatic size, their relatively uniform and dense clustering in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, and their large axon terminals in the neurohypophysis make them an attractive target for direct electrophysiological interrogation. Here, we provide a brief review of significant recent findings in the neuroplasticity and neurophysiological properties of these neurones that were presented at the symposium “Electrophysiology of Magnocellular Neurons” during the 13th World Congress on Neurohypophysial Hormones in Ein Gedi, Israel in April 2019. Magnocellular vasopressin (VP) neurones respond directly to hypertonic stimulation with membrane depolarisation, which is triggered by cell shrinkage‐induced opening of an N‐terminal‐truncated variant of transient receptor potential vanilloid type‐1 (TRPV1) channels. New findings indicate that this mechanotransduction depends on actin and microtubule cytoskeletal networks, and that direct coupling of the TRPV1 channels to microtubules is responsible for mechanical gating of the channels. Vasopressin neurones also respond to osmostimulation by activation of epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC). It was shown recently that changes in ENaC activity modulate magnocellular neurone basal firing by generating tonic changes in membrane potential. Both oxytocin and VP neurones also undergo robust excitatory synapse plasticity during chronic osmotic stimulation. Recent findings indicate that new glutamate synapses induced during chronic salt loading express highly labile Ca2+‐permeable GluA1 receptors requiring continuous dendritic protein synthesis for synapse maintenance. Finally, recordings from the uniquely tractable neurohypophysial terminals recently revealed an unexpected property of activity‐dependent neuropeptide release. A significant fraction of the voltage‐dependent neurohypophysial neurosecretion was found to be independent of Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. Together, these findings provide a snapshot of significant new advances in the electrophysiological signalling mechanisms and neuroplasticity of the hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial system, a system that continues to make important contributions to the field of neurophysiology.
The Circulation, Durability, and Erasure of Brands in a Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Pouchet Jessica
Published: January 2020

Through an account of the ephemerality and durability of brands’ meaning and materiality in rural Tanzania, this article expands the semiotic scholarship on brand with an analysis from the world of international development—where branding operates in similar but also different ways. By using an abandoned brand fraction to name contemporary interventions, residents of Tanzania’s East Usambara Mountains aggregated what, from another perspective, were distinct activities, institutions, and goals. In this biodiversity hotspot, residents thus constructed a chronotopic framing that countered the marketing efforts of more powerful actors shaping the region’s landscape through conservation. Such framings allowed residents to bundle and estrange successive, short‐term interventions, thereby emphasizing the continuity of foreign influence and reinforcing a social distance between conservation authorities and village residents—a distance that Tanzanian foresters tried to overcome.
An empirical examination of shift‐share instruments
Authors: Broxterman Daniel A. , Larson William D.
Published: January 2020

Bartik's (1991, 1993) approach to identifying shocks in demand to regional economies has been used extensively for nearly 30 years. We chronicle the development of Bartik‐type shift‐share instruments and examine the empirical performance of alternative versions that use different combinations of national shift and local share variables in their construction. We offer three main findings. First, instruments constructed from shares that omit employment in nontraded sectors empirically dominate versions that include total employment. Second, industrial sectors with high average shares and low variation across areas are more likely to be nontraded and endogenous. This suggests placing large weights on nontraded sector shares worsens both relevance and potential endogeneity. Finally, we demonstrate national shifters other than employment, such as prices and wages, can be used to construct instruments with unique and relevant explanatory power.
Perceived fatigue in children and young adults with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Vassallo Grace , Mughal Zulf , Robinson Louise , Weisberg Daniel , Roberts Stephen A , Hupton Eileen , Eelloo Judith , Burkitt Wright Emma MM , Garg Shruti , Lewis Lauren , Evans D Gareth , Stivaros Stavros M
Published: January 2020

Aim

This study describes the prevalence and severity of perceived fatigue in a young neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) population.

Methods

Ethical approval was obtained and NF1 affected Individuals aged 2–18 years from the Manchester's NF1 clinic invited along with any unaffected siblings. The PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale Parental and child report was used. This validated measure explores cognitive, physical and sleep/rest domains on a 0–100 scale. Higher scores indicate less fatigue. Fatigue scores in affected children were compared to unaffected siblings after adjusting for age, sex and Index of Multiple Deprivation and with published population standards using z‐scores.

Results

A total of 286 families were invited and 75 affected and 16 siblings participated. There were significant differences between NF1 and controls in the aggregated fatigue core (child report 55 ± 19 vs. 75 (14), P < 0.001; parent 54 ± 20 vs. 73 ± 18, P = 0.001) and the three sub‐domains: cognitive (child 48 ± 27 vs. 75 ± 23, P < 0.001), physical (child 59 ± 19 vs. 82 ± 14, P < 0.001) and sleep/rest (child 59 ± 19 vs. 71 ± 15, P = 0.018). Similar differences were seen when compared with published controls (aggregated child z‐score −1.9 ± 1.4, P < 0.001; parent −3.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.001). Prevalence of severe fatigue indicated by scores <2 standard deviation below published means for healthy controls were also higher for children with NF on both parent and child reports. Agreement between child and parent reports were limited as is frequently seen in the literature.

Conclusion

This study suggests that children with NF1 are affected by perceived fatigue when compared with healthy children who do not have NF1.
Abnormal platelet activity in dogs and cats – impact and measurement
Authors: Gant P. , McBride D. , Humm K.
Published: January 2020

Abnormal platelet activity can either lead to bleeding tendencies or inappropriate thrombus formation and can occur secondarily to a wide variety of disease processes, with a range of clinical consequences and severity. This article will discuss the pathophysiology of platelet function abnormalities and consider a logical diagnostic approach applicable to veterinary practice. Recent advances in platelet function testing will then be discussed, with regards to detection of platelet dysfunction and tailoring of pharmacological manipulation. Although many of these tests are still confined to research or academic institutions, techniques for indirectly assessing platelet function are starting to become more widely available. Although we still require further research to develop guidelines for the use of these tests in clinical decision‐making, the recent advances in this field are an exciting step forward in being able to detect and manage platelet dysfunction in both primary care and referral practice.
Analysis of HrpG regulons and HrpG‐interacting proteins by ChIP‐seq and affinity proteomics in Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Yu , Wei Jin‐Wei , Qian Wei , Deng Chao‐Ying
Published: January 2020

Gamma‐proteobacteria Xanthomonas spp. cause at least 350 different plant diseases among important agricultural crops, which result in serious yield losses. Xanthomonas spp. rely mainly on the type III secretion system (T3SS) to infect their hosts and induce a hypersensitive response in nonhosts. HrpG, the master regulator of the T3SS, plays the dominant role in bacterial virulence. In this study, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP‐seq) and tandem affinity purification (TAP) to systematically characterize the HrpG regulon and HrpG interacting proteins in vivo. We obtained 186 candidate HrpG downstream genes from the ChIP‐seq analysis, which represented the genomic‐wide regulon spectrum. A consensus HrpG‐binding motif was obtained and three T3SS genes, hpa2, hrcU, and hrpE, were confirmed to be directly transcriptionally activated by HrpG in the inducing medium. A total of 273 putative HrpG interacting proteins were identified from the TAP data and the DNA‐binding histone‐like HU protein of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (HUxcc) was proved to be involved in bacterial virulence by increasing the complexity and intelligence of the bacterial signalling pathways in the T3SS.
Relationship between bile salts, bacterial translocation, and duodenal mucosal integrity in functional dyspepsia
Authors: Beeckmans Dorien , Farré Ricard , Riethorst Danny , Keita Åsa V. , Augustijns Patrick , Söderholm Johan D. , Vanuytsel Tim , Vanheel Hanne , Tack Jan
Published: January 2020

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a complex disorder, in which multiple mechanisms underlie symptom generation, including impaired duodenal barrier function. Moreover, an altered duodenal bile salt pool was recently discovered in patients with FD. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between bile salts, bacterial translocation, and duodenal mucosal permeability in FD.

Methods

Duodenal biopsies from patients with FD and healthy volunteers (HV) were mounted in Ussing chambers to measure mucosal resistance and bacterial passage in the absence and presence of fluorescein‐conjugated Escherichia coli and glyco‐ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) exposure. In parallel, duodenal fluid aspirates were collected from patients and bile salts were analyzed.

Key results

The transepithelial electrical resistance of duodenal biopsies from patients was lower compared with HV (21.4 ± 1.3 Ω.cm2 vs. 24.4 ± 1.2 Ω.cm2; P = .02; N = 21). The ratio of glyco‐cholic and glyco‐chenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) to tauro‐ and GUDCA correlated positively with transepithelial electrical resistance in patients. Glyco‐ursodeoxycholic acid slightly altered the mucosal resistance, resulting in similar values between patient and healthy biopsies (22.1 ± 1.0 Ω.cm2 vs. 23.0 ± 1.0 Ω.cm2; P = .5). Bacterial passage after 120 minutes was lower for patient than for healthy biopsies (0.0 [0.0‐681.8] vs. 1684.0 [0.0‐4773.0] E coli units; P = .02). Glyco‐ursodeoxycholic acid increased bacterial passage in patient biopsies (102.1 [0.0‐733.0] vs. 638.9 [280.6‐2124.0] E coli units; P = .009). No correlation was found between mucosal resistance and bacterial passage.

Conclusions & inferences

Patients with FD displayed decreased duodenal mucosal resistance associated with bile salts, however, not associated with bacterial passage in vitro. In addition, the hydrophilic bile salt glyco‐ursodeoxycholic acid abolished differences in mucosal resistance and bacterial passage between patient and control group.
Boosting autophagy in sexual reproduction: a plant perspective
Authors: Li Shanshan , Yan He , Mei Wei‐Ming , Tse Yu Chung , Wang Hao
Published: January 2020

The key process of sexual reproduction is the successful fusion of the sperm and egg cell. Distinct from dynamic and flagellated animal sperm cells, higher flowering plant sperm cells are immotile. Therefore, plants have evolved a novel reproductive system to achieve fertilization and generate progenies. Plant sexual reproduction consists of multiple steps, mainly including gametophyte development, pollen–pistil recognition, pollen germination, double fertilization and postfertilization. During reproduction, active production, consumption and recycling of cellular components and energy are critically required to achieve fertilization. However, the underlying machinery of cellular degradation and turnover remains largely unexplored. Autophagy, the major catabolic pathway in eukaryotic cells, participates in regulating multiple aspects of plant activities, including abiotic and biotic stress resistance, pathogen response, senescence, nutrient remobilization and plant development. Nevertheless, a key unanswered question is how autophagy regulates plant fertilization and reproduction. Here, we focus on comparing and contrasting autophagy in several key reproductive processes of plant and animal systems to feature important distinctions and highlight future research directions of autophagy in angiosperm reproduction. We further discuss the potential crosstalk between autophagy and programmed cell death, which are often considered as two disconnected events in plant sexual reproduction.
A tradeoff between tolerance and resistance to a major fungal pathogen in elite wheat cultivars
Authors: Mikaberidze Alexey , McDonald Bruce A.
Published: January 2020

Tolerance and resistance represent two strategies that hosts evolved to protect themselves from pathogens. Tolerance alleviates the reduction in host fitness due to infection without reducing a pathogen's growth, whereas resistance reduces pathogen growth. We investigated the tolerance of wheat to the major fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici in 335 elite wheat cultivars.

We used a novel digital phenotyping approach that included 11 152 infected leaves and counted 2069 048 pathogen fruiting bodies.

We discovered a new component of tolerance that is based on the relationship between the green area remaining on a leaf and the number of pathogen fruiting bodies. We found a negative correlation between tolerance and resistance among intolerant cultivars, presenting the first compelling evidence for a tradeoff between tolerance and resistance to plant pathogens. Surprisingly, the tradeoff arises due to limits in the host resources available to the pathogen and not due to metabolic constraints, contrary to what ecological theory suggests.

The mechanism underlying this tradeoff may be relevant for many plant diseases in which the amount of host resources available to the pathogen can limit the pathogen population. Our analysis indicates that European wheat breeders may have selected for tolerance instead of resistance to an important pathogen.
Salivary microbiota and inflammation‐related proteins in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Belstrøm Daniel , Eiberg Josefine Maria , Enevold Christian , Grande Maria Anastasia , Jensen Claus Antonio Juel , Skov Lone , Hansen Peter Riis
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the composition of the salivary microbiota and quantify salivary levels of inflammation‐related proteins (neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin [NGAL] and transferrin) in patients with psoriasis and compare data to those obtained in patients with periodontitis and orally healthy controls, respectively.

Materials and methods

Stimulated saliva samples from patients with psoriasis (n = 27), patients with periodontitis (n = 58), and orally healthy controls (n = 52) were characterized by means of next‐generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Salivary levels of NGAL and transferrin were quantified using immunoassays.

Results

Linear discriminant effect size analysis showed that 52 (22 psoriasis‐associated and 30 periodontitis‐associated) and 21 (8 psoriasis‐associated and 13 orally healthy control‐associated) bacterial taxa differentiated the salivary microbiota in patients with psoriasis from that of patients with periodontitis and orally healthy controls, respectively. Significantly lower mean salivary levels of NGAL (psoriasis: 996 [std. error 320], periodontitis: 2,072 [295], orally healthy controls: 2,551 [345] ng/ml, p < .0001) and transferrin (psoriasis: 4.37 [0.92], periodontitis: 7.25 [0.88], orally healthy controls: 10.02 [0.94] ng/ml, p < .0001) were identified in patients with psoriasis.

Conclusions

Psoriasis associates with characteristics of the salivary microbiota and salivary levels of inflammation‐related proteins, which are different from characteristics in patients with periodontitis and orally healthy controls, respectively.
The risk of vision loss in contact lens wear and following LASIK
Authors: Wu Yvonne Tzu‐Ying , Ho Arthur , Naduvilath Thomas , Lim Chris , Carnt Nicole , Keay Lisa J , Edwards Katie P , Stapleton Fiona
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To compare the risk of vision loss following contemporary laser‐assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with different types and modality of use of contact lenses.

Methods

Data from a previously published study were used to derive the incidence of vision loss (≥ 2 line loss of best corrected spectacle acuity) following microbial keratitis for different contact lens types and wearing modality, stratified by duration of lens wear. A literature search on vision loss following LASIK was performed between 2003 and 2019. The prevalence of vision loss at six months post‐surgery was captured from clinical trials published after 2003. A proportion meta‐analysis was applied to derive the prevalence of vision loss following LASIK. A least‐squares fitting of cumulative vision loss (P, /10 000 wearers) over time (t, years) using an exponential model estimated the years of contact lens wear to which the risk of vision loss with LASIK was equivalent.

Results

Vision loss following LASIK occurred in 66 (95% confidence interval [CI] 34–108) per 10 000 wearers. As a conservative estimate based on the lower confidence interval of the estimated equivalent years of contact lens wear, daily wear contact lenses and extended overnight silicone wear hydrogel contact lens need to be worn for 103 (95% [CI] 103–391) and 25 (95% [CI] 25‐79) years respectively, to equal the rate of vision loss equivalent to a one‐off LASIK procedure.

Conclusions

The risk of vision loss to the individual is low with either contact lens wear or refractive surgery. Contact lens wear does not pose a higher risk of vision loss than LASIK surgery for the most common wear modalities.
High‐resolution expression profiling of selected gene sets during plant immune activation
Authors: Ding Pingtao , Ngou Bruno Pok Man , Furzer Oliver J. , Sakai Toshiyuki , Shrestha Ram Krishna , MacLean Dan , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: January 2020

The plant immune system involves detection of pathogens via both cell‐surface and intracellular receptors. Both receptor classes can induce transcriptional reprogramming that elevates disease resistance. To assess differential gene expression during plant immunity, we developed and deployed quantitative sequence capture (CAP‐I). We designed and synthesized biotinylated single‐strand RNA bait libraries targeted to a subset of defense genes, and generated sequence capture data from 99 RNA‐seq libraries. We built a data processing pipeline to quantify the RNA‐CAP‐I‐seq data, and visualize differential gene expression. Sequence capture in combination with quantitative RNA‐seq enabled cost‐effective assessment of the expression profile of a specified subset of genes. Quantitative sequence capture is not limited to RNA‐seq or any specific organism and can potentially be incorporated into automated platforms for high‐throughput sequencing.
The (un)desirability of immortality
Authors: Pereira Felipe , Timmerman Travis
Published: January 2020

While most people believe the best possible life they could lead would be an immortal one, so‐called “immortality curmudgeons” disagree. Following Bernard Williams, they argue that, at best, we have no prudential reason to live an immortal life, and at worst, an immortal life would necessarily be bad for creatures like us. In this article, we examine Bernard Williams' seminal argument against the desirability of immortality and the subsequent literature it spawned. We first reconstruct and motivate Williams' somewhat cryptic argument in three parts. After that, we elucidate and motivate the three best (and most influential) counterarguments to Williams' seminal argument. Finally, we review, and critically examine, two further distinct arguments in favor of the anti‐immortality position.
Analytics for Hospital Resource Planning—Two Case Studies
Authors: Xie Jingui , Zhuang Weifen , Ang Marcus , Chou Mabel C. , Luo Li , Yao David D.
Published: January 2020

Using real data and process flows from two large hospitals (in Singapore and in Chengdu, China) as cases, we illustrate how to apply certain modeling and optimization techniques, along with simulation as a validation tool, to hospital resource planning problems. We demonstrate how these simple analytical tools can help achieve significant improvements in both patient service and resource utilization, and without the need to increase the overall level of existing capacities. Two resource planning problems are studied in detail, one concerns the rebalancing of bed capacities among various wards, and the other addresses the allocation of medical diagnostic resource among different types of patients.
Ovum pick‐up and in vitro maturation in spotted paca (Cuniculus paca—Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Barros Felipe Farias Pereira da Câmara , Teixeira Pedro Paulo Maia , Padilha‐Nakaghi Luciana Cristina , Uscategui Ricardo Andres Ramirez , Lima Marina Ragagnin , Santos Victor José Correia , Rossy Kayan da Cunha , Borges Luísa Pucci Bueno , Machado Marcia Rita Fernandes , Vicente Wilter Ricardo Russiano
Published: January 2020

We tested FSHp, eCG and FSHp + eCG to establish ovum pick‐up (OPU) and in vitro maturation method in spotted paca. Eight healthy adult females were subjected to each of four treatments to stimulate ovarian follicular growth. All females were subjected to a hormonal protocol using a single dose of 45 mg of injectable progesterone and single intramuscular injection of 0.075 mg d‐cloprostenol on day 6. Ovarian stimulation was carried out as follows: in Group TFE (FSHp and eCG), animals were treated with a single dose of 80 mg of FSHp and 200 IU of eCG intramuscularly on day 6 after the application of progesterone; in Group TF (FSHp), they were treated with a single dose of 80 mg of FSHp intramuscularly on day 6 after application of progesterone; in Group treatment eCG, they were treated with 200 IU of eCG intramuscularly on day 6 after application of progesterone; and in Group TC (saline solution), 1 ml of saline solution was administered to control does. The OPU was performed between 22 and 26 hr after gonadotropin treatments. All recovered oocytes were placed into maturation media and incubated for 24 hr. There were no differences among the mean number of observed follicles, aspirated follicles and oocytes recovered per treatment. Oocyte maturation rates did not differ among groups, except, TF and treatment eCG oocytes had greater maturation rates than TC oocytes. In this study, gonadotropin administration failed to superovulate treated does and increase oocyte retrieval efficiency. Despite the feasibility of the procedure, further studies are needed to develop and refine hormonal protocols for oocyte recovery and in vitro maturation in this species.
The European environmental regulation of marine renewable energies
Authors: Soria‐Rodríguez Carlos
Published: January 2020

The marine renewable energy (MRE) industry is growing exponentially in the European Union (EU) due to, among other factors, its potential contribution to mitigating climate change. However, there are negative environmental effects associated with the development of MRE that could compromise the protection of the marine ecosystems. In this context, the EU requires environmental protection and sustainable growth for the development of MRE. This article identifies and analyses the main features of the legal framework provided by the EU secondary law instruments regulating the protection of the environment against the impacts of MRE and explores options to strengthen such protection. It argues that the fragmented and sectoral legal framework is theoretically capable of protecting the environment against the impacts of MRE, but needs to be further developed, coordinated and specified to ensure protection in practice. The article also highlights that the consideration of MRE as projects subject to compulsory environmental impact assessment (EIA) under the EIA Directive and the consideration of key environmental obligations during the EIA process could strengthen the ability of the legal framework to provide protection.
Can Testimony Transmit Understanding?
Authors: Malfatti Federica I.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Can we transmit understanding via testimony in more or less the same way in which we transmit knowledge? The standard view in social epistemology has a straightforward answer: no, we cannot. Three arguments supporting the standard view have been formulated so far. The first appeals to the claim that gaining understanding requires a greater cognitive effort than acquiring testimonial knowledge does. The second appeals to a certain type of epistemic trust that is supposedly characteristic of knowledge transmission (and maybe of the transmission of epistemic goods in general) and that is allegedly incompatible with understanding. The third aims to show that there is a certain aspect of understanding (what epistemologists these days like to call “grasping”) that cannot be passed on to another person via testimony alone. In this article, I show that all of these arguments can be resisted. Thus, there seem to be no compelling reasons to embrace the standard view.