bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Variation in the Development of Beliefs About Conservation
Authors: Busch Justin T. A. , Watson‐Jones Rachel E. , Legare Cristine H.
Published: October 2020

Examining variation in reasoning about sustainability between diverse populations provides unique insight into how group norms surrounding resource conservation develop. Cultural institutions, such as religious organizations and formal schools, can mobilize communities to solve collective challenges associated with resource depletion. This study examined conservation beliefs in a Western industrialized (Austin, Texas, USA) and a non‐Western, subsistence agricultural community (Tanna, Vanuatu) among children, adolescents, and adults (N = 171;n = 58 7–12‐year‐olds,n = 53 13–17‐year‐olds, andn = 60 18–68‐year‐olds). Participants endorsed or rejected four types of justifications for engaging in land and animal conservation: sustainability, moral, religious, or permissible. In both populations, participants endorsed sustainability justifications most frequently. Religious justifications increased with age in Tanna and decreased with age in Austin. Tannese participants were also more likely to endorse multiple justifications for conservation than Austin participants. Data across all justification types show a main effect of age in both communities; endorsement of conservation decreased with age in Austin, but increased with age in Tanna. Across age groups, participants were more likely to endorse the conservation of animals than land in Austin, yet equally as likely to endorse the conservation of land and animals in Tanna. Overall, these results reveal similarities and differences in the beliefs that support the conservation of natural resources across populations.
The impact of donor and recipient diabetes on renal transplant outcomes
Authors: Singh Navdeep , Washburn Kenneth , Schenk Austin , El‐Hinnawi Ashraf , Bumgardner Ginny , Logan April , Rajab Amer
Published: October 2020

The use of diabetic kidneys is increasing worldwide with better outcome than being on waitlist and possible reversal of diabetic changes in transplanted kidneys. But particular caution is warranted in diabetic donor‐recipient combination. Total 1223 deceased donor kidney transplants were performed at our center between 2008 and 2018. 689 from non‐diabetic donor (NDD) to non‐diabetic recipient, 400 from non‐diabetic donor to diabetic recipient, 97 from diabetic to non‐diabetic recipient, and 32 from diabetic donor (DD) to diabetic recipient. The DD was older than NDDs (median age 48 vs 39 years, P < 0.0001). DD had higher BMI (35.6 vs 26.9, P < 0.0001), higher KDPI (74% vs 37%, P < 0.0001), and higher terminal creatinine (1.10 mg/dl vs 0.95 mg/dl, p 0.0046) than the NDD. Diabetes recipients were comparatively older (57 vs 54, P < 0.001). DD recipients had higher serum creatinine at 6 months (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl, p 0.00304) and 2 years post‐transplant (1.70 vs 1.50 mg/dl P < 0.0002). DD recipients had more favorable end CPRA than NDD recipients (77.5% at 0% vs 67.4% at 0, P = 0.0074). Ten‐year patient and graft survival was best in NDD‐recipient pair and worse in DD‐recipient pair. Diabetic donor kidneys to diabetic recipients have lower 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year graft survival.
Induction immunosuppression and the risk of incident malignancies among older and younger kidney transplant recipients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Lingyu , Motter Jennifer , Bae Sunjae , Ahn JiYoon B. , Kanakry Jennifer A. , Jackson John , Schnitzler Mark A. , Hess Gregory , Lentine Krista L. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Segev Dorry L. , McAdams‐DeMarco Mara
Published: October 2020

Background

Older (≥65) KT recipients differ from their younger counterparts in their immune response to immunosuppression (IS) and may have a different risk of malignancy after receiving induction.

Methods

We identified 66 700 adult KT recipients treated with anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) (n = 40 443) or interleukin‐2 receptor antagonist (IL‐2RA) (n = 26 327) induction (1/1/1999–12/31/2014) using USRDS/Medicare data. We estimated the risk of first‐diagnosed post‐KT malignancy associated with induction (ATG vs. IL‐2RA) using Cox proportional hazard models. We then tested whether these risks differed between older and younger recipients (Wald test for interaction). Models incorporated inverse probability of treatment weights to adjust for confounders.

Results

The 3‐year cumulative incidences of any diagnosed malignancy were 11.5%. ATG was associated with a higher malignancy risk (HR = 1.12, 95%CI:1.06–1.18). This association differed (pinteraction = 0.04) between younger (HR = 1.12, 95%CI:1.06–1.18) and older recipients (HR = 1.03, 95%CI:0.96–1.09). ATG was also associated with higher risk of skin (HR = 1.18, 95%CI:1.08–1.29), lung (HR = 1.24, 95%CI:1.05–1.47), and ovary malignancies (HR = 1.94, 95%CI:1.08–3.48). However, only the association of ATG with post‐KT skin malignancy differed (pinteraction = 0.01) between younger (HR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.08–1.29) and older (HR = 1.01; 95%CI:0.93–1.09) recipients.

Conclusions

Compared with IL‐2RA induction, ATG was associated with elevated post‐KT malignancy risk but only among younger recipients. Transplant centers may need to tailor induction IS for younger recipients to mitigate malignancy risk.
Edoxaban for the Long‐Term Therapy of Venous Thromboembolism: Should the Criteria for Dose Reduction be Revised?
Authors: Camporese Giuseppe , Simioni Paolo , Di Micco Pierpaolo , Fernández‐Capitán Carmen , Rivas Agustina , Font Carme , Sahuquillo Joan Carles , Villares Paula , Prandoni Paolo , Monreal Manuel ,   and the RIETE Investigators
Published: October 2020

Edoxaban is used for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment. Real‐life data are lacking about its use in long‐term therapy. We aimed to assess the efficacy and the safety of edoxaban for long‐term VTE treatment in a real‐life setting. Patients with VTE included in the Registro Informatizado Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) registry, receiving edoxaban 60 or 30 mg daily were prospectively followed up to validate the benefit of using different dosages. The main outcome was the composite of VTE recurrences or major bleeding in patients with or without criteria for dose reduction. Multivariable analysis to identify predictors for the composite outcome was performed. From October 2015 to November 2019, 562 patients received edoxaban for long‐term therapy. Most (94%) of the 416 patients not meeting criteria for dose reduction received 60 mg daily, and 92 patients meeting criteria (63%) received 30 mg daily. During treatment, two patients developed recurrent VTE, six had major bleeding and nine died (2 from fatal bleeding). Among patients not meeting criteria for dose reduction, those receiving 30 mg daily had a higher rate of the composite event (hazard ratio (HR) 8.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–42.4) and a significant higher mortality rate (HR 31.1; 95% CI 4.63–262) than those receiving 60 mg. Among patients meeting criteria for dose reduction, those receiving 60 mg daily had no events, and a nonsignificantly higher mortality rate (HR 5.04; 95% CI 0.54–133) than those receiving 30 mg daily. In conclusion, edoxaban seems to be effective and safe for long‐term VTE treatment in real life. Criteria for dose reduction should be reformulated.
Characterization of intragastric pressure waveform in endoscopic pressure study integrated system: Novel diagnostic device for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Shimamura Yuto , Inoue Haruhiro , Rodriguez de Santiago Enrique , Abad Mary Raina Angeli , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Toshimori Akiko , Tanabe Mayo , Sumi Kazuya , Iwaya Yugo , Ikeda Haruo , Onimaru Manabu
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Endoscopic pressure study integrated system (EPSIS) is a novel diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). EPSIS has been developed to evaluate lower esophageal sphincter function by monitoring the intragastric pressure (IGP) while insufflating the stomach during gastroscopy. Based on previous data, EPSIS could diagnose GERD with good accuracy by assessing IGP waveform pattern. This study aimed to further characterize the waveform to improve the diagnostic yield of EPSIS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with typical GERD symptoms who underwent both EPSIS and 24‐h impedance‐pH monitoring (MII‐pH) at a single tertiary referral center from October 2018 to May 2020. EPSIS was performed by using a through‐the‐scope catheter connected to the pressure measuring system (TR‐W550, TR‐TeH08, AP‐C35; Keyence, Osaka, Japan) to monitor IGP. Abnormal acid reflux was defined as acid exposure time (AET) over 6.0%. Pressure waveform was characterized as follows: (i) Basal IGP, (ii) Maximum IGP, (iii) Pressure difference, (iv) Gradient of the waveform.

Results

A total of 57 patients with GERD symptoms were analyzed. Twenty‐one patients presented abnormal AET on MII‐pH. Among EPSIS parameters, pressure difference during insufflation correlated with AET (ρ = −0.66, P < 0.01) and showed the best diagnostic accuracy for AET with the cutoff value of 4.7 mmHg (area under the curve [AUC], 0.87). The gradient of EPSIS waveform also revealed good diagnostic accuracy for abnormal AET with the cutoff value of 0.07 mmHg/s (AUC, 0.81).

Conclusions

Endoscopic pressure study integrated system waveform parameters, especially pressure difference, presented high diagnostic accuracy for the presence of abnormal acid reflux.
Money spider dietary choice in pre‐ and post‐harvest cereal crops using metabarcoding
Authors: Cuff Jordan P. , Drake Lorna E. , Tercel Maximillian P.T.G. , Stockdale Jennifer E. , Orozco‐terWengel Pablo , Bell James R. , Vaughan Ian P. , Müller Carsten T. , Symondson William O.C.
Published: October 2020

Money spiders (Linyphiidae) are an important component of conservation biological control in cereal crops, but they rely on alternative prey when pests are not abundant, such as between cropping cycles. To optimally benefit from these generalist predators, prey choice dynamics must first be understood.

Money spiders and their locally available prey were collected from cereal crops 2 weeks pre‐ and post‐harvest. Spider gut DNA was amplified with two novel metabarcoding primer pairs designed for spider dietary analysis, and sequenced.

The combined general and spider‐exclusion primers successfully identified prey from 15 families in the guts of the 46 linyphiid spiders screened, whilst avoiding amplification of Erigone spp. The primers show promise for application to the diets of other spider families such as Agelenidae and Pholcidae.

Distinct invertebrate communities were identified pre‐ and post‐harvest, and changes in spider diet and, to a lesser extent, prey choice reflected this. Spiders were found to consume one another more than expected, indicating their propensity towards intraguild predation, but also consumed common pest families.

Changes in spider prey choice may redress prey community changes to maintain a consistent dietary intake. Consistent provision of alternative prey via permanent refugia should be considered to sustain effective conservation biocontrol.
Thematic content of obsessive and compulsive symptoms and conversion to psychosis in a clinical high‐risk cohort
Authors: Kennedy Leda , Brucato Gary , Lundgren Brooke , Califano Allegra , Dishy Gabriella , Hesson Hannah , Masucci Michael D. , Pia Tyler , Goldberg Pablo H. , Xu Qing , Wall Melanie M. , Girgis Ragy R.
Published: October 2020

Aim

We sought to explore the complex phenomenological overlap between obsessive and compulsive symptoms (OCS), and attenuated positive symptoms among 156 young people at clinical high‐risk (CHR) for psychosis.

Methods

In order to explore the hypothesis that OCS of an implausible nature might optimally predict future transition to syndromal psychosis, ideas associated with obsessive and compulsive experiences elicited by clinical measures were thematically categorized as “plausible” or “implausible.”

Results

While OCS were found to be common in our CHR sample, we did not find that implausible OCS themes were predictive of conversion.

Conclusion

Given the absence of qualitative differences between OCS and early psychotic symptoms, we propose that clinicians encountering adolescent or young adult patients with new‐onset OCD or OCS in the past year should monitor such symptoms for a minimum of 2 years to assess for the possible emergence of psychosis.
Sleep in first‐episode schizophrenia patients, their unaffected siblings and healthy controls: A comparison
Authors: Fekih‐Romdhane Feten , Nefzi Houssem , Sassi Hadhami , Cherif Wissal , Cheour Majda
Published: October 2020

Background

Sleep disturbances in schizophrenia are common throughout its course including in the prodrome, and have been mainly attributed to severity of symptoms and antipsychotic use. We aimed to investigate whether early course patients with schizophrenia and young non‐psychotic siblings of patients with schizophrenia also show sleep disturbances and whether sleep correlates with symptoms and functioning.

Methods

Three study groups, that is, adults newly diagnosed with schizophrenia (n = 54), young non‐psychotic siblings of schizophrenia patients (n = 56) and a sample of healthy controls matched to the patients and siblings (n = 61) were evaluated on Horne and Ostberg Morningness‐Eveningness Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Severity of symptoms and functioning are assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale, respectively. Age, gender, occupation and marital status were regarded as covariates, and differences between the three groups were evaluated using analysis of covariance.

Results

Early course schizophrenia patients and non‐psychotic siblings of schizophrenia patients showed significantly reduced sleep quality relative to healthy controls (P < .001). Schizophrenia patients had significantly higher daytime sleepiness compared to controls (P < .001). Chronotypes in schizophrenia patients and unaffected siblings did not significantly differ from those of the healthy controls.

Conclusions

Like chronic medicated schizophrenia patients, early course schizophrenia patients and young non‐psychotic siblings of individuals with schizophrenia have sleep disturbances. These findings indicate that sleep markers can distinguish unaffected siblings of schizophrenia from healthy controls and serve as an endophenotype for schizophrenia.
Mechanical harvester removes invasive aquatic weeds to restore water quality and fish habitat values on the Burdekin floodplain
Authors: Waltham Nathan J. , Pyott Merv , Buelow Christina , Wearne Lynise
Published: October 2020

Removal of approximately 5 ha of an aquatic weed in late 2016 rapidly improved water quality in a 7 km section of creek on the Burdekin floodplain, northern Queensland – one of many creeks feeding into the Bowling Green Bay RAMSAR wetland. Numbers of native fish species found in the creek increased from one species prior to treatment to 15 species within 2 years. This project concluded that removal of weed blocks to re‐oxygenate water and improve fish passage is one important action towards improving environmental conditions of floodplains in the Great Barrier Reef catchments, as long as there is ongoing weed follow up.
Bionomics and rearing of Miltotranes prosternalis (Lea, 1929) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a mutualistic cycad pollinator in Australia
Authors: Hsiao Yun , Oberprieler Rolf G.
Published: October 2020

Pollination is the crucial stage for reproduction and survival of plants, therefore knowledge about the bionomics of pollinators is often critical for plant conservation. Bowenia spectabilis (Cycadales: Stangeriaceae) is a CITES‐protected cycad species endemic to the Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland, Australia. It is pollinated by a host‐specific weevil species, Miltotranes prosternalis (Lea, 1929) (Curculionidae: Molytinae), which breeds in its male cones but also visits its female cones and pollinates them. The association between the cycad and the weevil is an obligate brood‐site reward pollination system, in which the weevil is provided with food and a brood site by the plant in “return” for the service of pollinating it. To facilitate the knowledge of the natural history of this unique Bowenia pollinator, we developed a method for rearing mature larvae of M. prosternalis collected from the field in the laboratory. Furthermore, we summarize biological information of M. prosternalis gathered from previous studies and by firsthand observations in the wild and during rearing in captivity.
Health‐Related Influences of Extending Marital Benefits to Same‐Sex Couples: Results From the California Health Interview Survey
Authors: Elwood William N. , Irvin Veronica L. , Liu Benmei , Lee Richard , Breen Nancy
Published: October 2020

Objective

To explore how incremental California legal changes toward the implementation of same‐sex marriage influenced self‐reported mental and physical health among adult Californians in legal same‐sex marriages and partnerships.

Methods

We analyzed California Health Interview Survey data from 2005 to 2015 to assess the relationship between self‐reported mental and physical health and legal same‐sex marital/partnership status. Physical health was measured using a single self‐report question, mental health using the six‐item Kessler distress scale. Independent variables were sexual identity and legal marital/partner status. Bivariate analyses compared mental and physical health before and after the 2008 California Supreme Court decision affirming marriages as a basic civil or human right. Multivariate analyses tested relationships between marital/partnered status, sexual identity by year after adjusting for sociodemographics.

Results

Reports of poor and fair health decreased, reports of very good health increased, and psychological distress scores decreased for legally coupled gay men and lesbians but increased slightly for single lesbians and gay men. Household income increased among espoused lesbians and gay men and decreased among unmarried counterparts.

Conclusions

Espoused gay and lesbian respondents were more likely to be employed and to have college educations than unmarried counterparts, perhaps a continuing influence of 2005 California legislation requiring private employers to provide health insurance benefits to employees' same‐sex partners. Our findings suggest that physical and mental health improved for lesbians and gay men once same‐sex marriage became legal throughout California.

Implications

These findings demonstrate a need for survey questions to elicit information about marital status and the sex/gender of a respondent's spouse inclusive of sexual and gender identities.
Multi‐hypothesis comparison of Farquhar and Collatz photosynthesis models reveals the unexpected influence of empirical assumptions at leaf and global scales
Authors: Walker Anthony P. , Johnson Abbey L. , Rogers Alistair , Anderson Jeremiah , Bridges Robert A. , Fisher Rosie A. , Lu Dan , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Serbin Shawn P. , Ye Ming
Published: October 2020

Mechanistic photosynthesis models are at the heart of terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) simulating the daily, monthly, annual and decadal rhythms of carbon assimilation (A). These models are founded on robust mathematical hypotheses that describe how A responds to changes in light and atmospheric CO2 concentration. Two predominant photosynthesis models are in common usage: Farquhar (FvCB) and Collatz (CBGB). However, a detailed quantitative comparison of these two models has never been undertaken. In this study, we unify the FvCB and CBGB models to a common parameter set and use novel multi‐hypothesis methods (that account for both hypothesis and parameter variability) for process‐level sensitivity analysis. These models represent three key biological processes: carboxylation, electron transport, triose phosphate use (TPU) and an additional model process: limiting‐rate selection. Each of the four processes comprises 1–3 alternative hypotheses giving 12 possible individual models with a total of 14 parameters. To broaden inference, TBM simulations were run and novel, high‐resolution photosynthesis measurements were made. We show that parameters associated with carboxylation are the most influential parameters but also reveal the surprising and marked dominance of the limiting‐rate selection process (accounting for 57% of the variation in A vs. 22% for carboxylation). The limiting‐rate selection assumption proposed by CBGB smooths the transition between limiting rates and always reduces A below the minimum of all potentially limiting rates, by up to 25%, effectively imposing a fourth limitation on A. Evaluation of the CBGB smoothing function in three TBMs demonstrated a reduction in global A by 4%–10%, equivalent to 50%–160% of current annual fossil fuel emissions. This analysis reveals a surprising and previously unquantified influence of a process that has been integral to many TBMs for decades, highlighting the value of multi‐hypothesis methods.
Estimating appendicular muscle mass in older adults with consideration on paralysis
Authors: Ueshima Junko , Maeda Keisuke , Murotani Kenta , Shimizu Akio , Nagano Ayano , Sato Keisuke , Ishida Yuria , Mori Naoharu , Suenaga Masaki
Published: October 2020

Aim

This study aimed to develop appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) estimating formulas that also consider the presence of paralysis for older adults and people with disabilities.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 315 consecutive patients, post‐stroke, aged ≥65 years, in a rehabilitation hospital. Six different ASM estimating formulas were developed using a five‐fold cross‐validation method and compared with the measured ASM obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis. These formulas included age, gender, height, weight, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, calf circumference and presence of paralysis. Using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), we examined the correlation between the formulas and the measured ASM. The accuracy of the ASM estimating formula for detecting decreased muscle mass was evaluated using the F‐value and Matthew's correlation coefficient.

Results

Patients' mean ± SD age was 79.0 ± 8.1 years, and 51.4% of them were men. The mean ± SD bioelectrical impedance analysis‐measured ASM was 13.7 ± 4.3 kg. Furthermore, 241 (76.5%) patients had decreased measured ASM. The mean adjusted R2 of the developed six formulas was 0.861–0.871. In all formulas, the r and ICC of the estimated ASM for the measured ASM were strong (r = 0.936–0.930 and ICC = 0.928–0.934). These formulas revealed excellent sensitivity (86.0–88.2%), specificity (72.5–81.1%), accuracy (0.838–0.870), F‐value (0.899–0.918) and Matthew's correlation coefficient (0.509–0.612) for measured ASM depletion.

Conclusions

We successfully developed ASM estimating formulas using anthropometric measurements considering the presence of paralysis. Thus, these formulas are beneficial for diagnosing sarcopenia in older adults, without requiring any special equipment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1145–1150.
Short‐Lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache With Conjunctival Injection and Tearing (SUNCT) Improves With Bilateral Ventral Tegmental Area Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Evidente Virgilio Gerald H. , Ponce Francisco A. , Evidente Maris H. , Garrett Robin , Lambert Margaret
Published: October 2020

Background

Short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) is a severe headache disorder characterized by clustered episodes of extreme pain. Refractory to most interventions, ipsilateral unilateral ventral tegmental area (VTA) deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been previously reported to be efficacious in 14 cases.

Methods and Results

Herein, we report the first case of an individual with medically refractory SUNCT who underwent bilateral VTA DBS. The patient experienced better improvement of his headaches with bilateral stimulation compared to unilateral stimulation. He also had a return of severe headaches within a few hours after his stimulator was switched off during sleep, with rebound worsening of his headaches over several days. The main side effects were double vision and difficulty focusing while reading, which were observed primarily with unipolar stimulation that required high voltages, high frequencies, and multiple negative contacts to control the headaches. The side effects were minimized with bipolar and interleaving stimulation with comparable control of his headaches.

Conclusion

Bilateral VTA DBS may be effective in alleviating medical refractory SUNCT.
Implementing culturally competent transplant care and implications for reducing health disparities: A prospective qualitative study
Authors: Gordon Elisa J. , Romo Elida , Amórtegui Daniela , Rodas Alejandra , Anderson Naomi , Uriarte Jefferson , McNatt Gwen , Caicedo Juan Carlos , Ladner Daniela P. , Shumate Michelle
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite available evidence‐based interventions that decrease health disparities, these interventions are often not implemented. Northwestern Medicine's® Hispanic Kidney Transplant Program (HKTP) is a culturally and linguistically competent intervention designed to reduce disparities in living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) among Hispanics/Latinos. The HKTP was introduced in two transplant programs in 2016 to evaluate its effectiveness.

Objective

This study assessed barriers and facilitators to HKTP implementation preparation.

Methods

Interviews and group discussions were conducted with transplant stakeholders (ie administrators, nurses, physicians) during implementation preparation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided interview design and qualitative analysis.

Results

Forty‐four stakeholders participated in 24 interviews and/or 27 group discussions. New factors, not found in previous implementation preparation research in health‐care settings, emerged as facilitators and barriers to the implementation of culturally competent care. Implementation facilitators included: stakeholders’ focus on a moral imperative to implement the HKTP, personal motivations related to their Hispanic heritage, and perceptions of Hispanic patients’ transplant education needs. Implementation barriers included: stakeholders’ perceptions that Hispanics’ health insurance payer mix would negatively impact revenue, a lack of knowledge about LDKT disparities and patient data disaggregated by ethnicity/race, and a perception that the family discussion component was immoral because of the possibility of coercion.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our study identified novel barriers and facilitators to the implementation preparation of a culturally competent care intervention. Healthcare administrators can facilitate organizations’ implementation of culturally competent care interventions by understanding factors challenging care delivery processes and raising clinical team awareness of disparities in LDKT.
Exploring patient and pharmacist perspectives on complex interventions for cardiovascular prevention: A qualitative descriptive process evaluation
Authors: Campbell David J. T. , Saunders‐Smith Terry , Manns Braden J. , Tonelli Marcello , Ivers Noah , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Pannu Raj , King‐Shier Kathryn
Published: October 2020

Background

The Assessing outcomes of enhanced Chronic disease Care through patient Education and a value‐baSed formulary Study (ACCESS) is a randomized controlled trial evaluating two interventions targeting barriers to care among those at high risk of cardiovascular disease: copayment elimination for cardioprotective medications, and a tailored self‐management support programme. We designed a process evaluation to better understand participant perspectives on the interventions.

Design

We used a qualitative descriptive study design, collecting patient and pharmacist feedback via individual semi‐structured telephone interviews and in‐person focus groups. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis.

Results

Fifty‐three patients (39 interviews and 14 in two focus groups) and 20 pharmacists participated. Copayment elimination provided quality of life benefits: minimizing the need to 'cut‐back', allowing 'peace of mind' and providing emotional support. Health‐related benefits included: improving adherence to covered medications, and helping to afford non‐covered goods. The only criticism was that not all medications and testing supplies were covered. Patients reported that the educational materials provided helpful information, acted as a reminder, improved confidence, improved adherence to medication, and helped initiate conversations with providers about indicated medication. Some participants felt that the educational materials were repetitive, overly medication‐focused and not tailored enough. Pharmacists felt that their patients benefitted from both interventions, which improved patient adherence and communication with their patients.

Conclusion

The success of interventions intended to change behaviour is largely dependent upon participant's feelings that the intervention is helpful. This process evaluation provided insights into participants' perceptions on these interventions. Reception of both was largely positive with a few criticisms noted.
Colorectal adenocarcinomas diagnosed following a negative faecal immunochemical test show high‐risk pathological features in a colon screening programme
Authors: Steel Michael J. , Bukhari Hussam , Gentile Laura , Telford Jennifer , Schaeffer David F.
Published: October 2020

Aims

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is used every 2 years to screen average‐risk British Columbians aged 50–74 years, with follow‐up colonoscopy for positive results. Non‐screen‐detected colorectal adenocarcinomas are defined as those detected within 25 months following a negative FIT. We aimed to more clearly characterise these malignancies.

Methods and results

A medical chart and focused pathology review of colorectal malignancies from 926 individuals who completed FIT in the British Columbia Colon Screening Program in 2014, and whose pathology reports were available for review, was conducted. This cohort was divided into two groups: individuals with colorectal adenocarcinomas diagnosed following a positive FIT (screen‐detected) and individuals with colorectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed within 25 months of a negative FIT (FIT‐interval cancers). Rates of clinically relevant pathological parameters, as outlined in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), 8th edition, were compared between the screen‐detected and FIT‐interval cancer groups. A total of 876 screen‐detected and 50 FIT‐interval cancers were identified. FIT‐interval cancers exhibited higher rates of high‐grade differentiation (including poorly differentiated and undifferentiated cases; P < 0.01) and aggressive histotype (signet ring cell and mucinous carcinomas; P < 0.01) than did screen‐detected cancers after Bonferroni correction. Colorectal adenocarcinoma diagnosed after a negative FIT may therefore be associated with worse prognostic determinants than screen‐detected cancers.

Conclusion

FIT‐interval cancers are associated with high‐risk pathological features; the possibility that more aggressive, fast‐growing lesions which arise in the interval after truly negative FITs cannot be ruled out. Further study of a larger cohort of FIT‐interval cancers controlling for interaction among the different pathologic parameters will be undertaken.
Effectiveness of a formulation containing peptides and vitamin C in treating signs of facial ageing: three clinical studies
Authors: Escobar S. , Valois A. , Nielsen M. , Closs B. , Kerob D.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Vitamin C and peptides are widely used in cosmetic products but there is a paucity of clinical studies showing that the formulations are effective in treating signs of facial ageing. These 3 clinical studies evaluated the effectiveness of an anti‐ageing formula containing natural vitamin C (10%), biopeptides (rice and lupin), hyaluronic acid, and Vichy volcanic mineralising water, in amber glass ampoules with no preservatives (Peptide‐C ampoules).

Methods

Dansyl chloride fluorescence labelling compared cell turnover for Peptide‐C ampoules vs untreated skin in 32 female subjects. Study 2, an open clinical study, evaluated the efficacy on wrinkles of Peptide‐C ampoules by investigator clinical scoring based on Dynamical Atlas visual assessment (N = 40) and subject self‐assessment questionnaires (N = 47). Study 3, an open clinical study, evaluated wrinkles by instrumental quantification with 3D fringe projection analysis (N = 40) and subject questionnaires (N = 51).

Results

The mean cell turnover was faster for skin treated with Peptide‐C ampoules compared to untreated skin (17.1 days vs. 19.2 days; P < 0.0001). In study 2, after 28 days application of Peptide‐C ampoules, clinical grading of crow’s‐feet wrinkles, forehead wrinkles and nasolabial folds decreased by 9%, 11% and 5%, respectively (all P < 0.05 vs baseline). Of 47 subjects, 77%, 64% and 79% indicated their skin seemed smoothed out, fine lines were less visible, and skin complexion was more radiant, respectively. In study 3, the number of wrinkles decreased by 11.5% after 29 days application of Peptide‐C ampoules vs baseline (P < 0.05) and 65% of subjects responded the fine lines were less visible.

Conclusion

This formulation of a combination of anti‐ageing ingredients in ampoules, allowing a minimalist formula, showed significant results on improving facial wrinkles and radiance.
ABH damping of monolithic silica glass cantilever by structural and material modification using fs laser micromachining
Authors: Tomita Kana , Kishi Tetsuo , Yano Tetsuji , Vlugter Pieter , Bellouard Yves
Published: October 2020

Combining femtosecond laser exposure with chemical etching enables the fabrication of arbitrary 3D shapes in fused silica with micron precision. Here, we investigate the use of this process combined with additional tuning of the material properties for controlling the vibrational behavior of silica microcantilevers through an acoustic black hole (ABH) effect. This effect, caused by a tapered profile at the cantilever's end, enables the trapping of propagating acoustic waves. Such cantilevers with ABH design show a remarkable amplitude decrease in the resonance peak without adding any damping material as demonstrated experimentally. Finally, using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), we observe residual effects of the laser exposure at the surface of the specimen that have noticeable influence on the dynamic behavior of the device.
Optimization of the detection of inhibitory autoantibodies against the VWF‐cleaving protease ADAMTS13 with an automated chemiluminescent ADAMTS13 activity immunoassay
Authors: Jacquemin Marc , Van Horenbeeck Isa , Debasse Mirjam , Toelen Jelle , Schoeters Joke , Vanlinthout Ingrid , Peerlinck Kathelijne , Dierickx Daan , Van Laer Christine
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disease associated with the production of autoantibodies against the VWF‐cleaving protease ADAMTS13. The detection of these antibodies is made difficult by the instability of ADAMTS13 in citrated plasma and the time‐consuming ADAMTS13 assays. The aim of our study was to evaluate the optimal conditions for detecting anti‐ADAMTS13 inhibitory antibodies with the novel automated chemiluminescent immunoassay HemosILR AcuStar ADAMTS13 Activity assay.

Methods

The parallelism between the AcuStar ADAMTS13 calibration curve and ADAMTS13 concentrations in serially diluted citrated plasma was evaluated after 2 hours incubation at 25°C, 37°C, or 37°C after addition of Ca2+ to preserve the activity of the metalloprotease. Using Bethesda assays based on the 3 incubation procedures and the HemosILR AcuStar ADAMTS13 Activity assay, the inhibitor titers were determined in patients’ samples with ADAMTS13 antibodies and compared with those determined using the TechnozymR ADAMTS13 activity ELISA.

Results

The criterion of parallelism was respected for the 3 incubation methods over the range of ADAMTS13 concentrations relevant for the detection of ADAMTS13 inhibitor antibodies in a Bethesda assay. In agreement with this observation, all the incubation methods permitted the accurate detection and quantification of inhibitory anti‐ADAMTS13 antibodies in the samples from patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Conclusion

Incubation of plasma samples with normal plasma at 25°C, 37°C, or 37°C after addition of Ca2+ can be used in a Bethesda assay for quantifying the inhibitory activity of antibodies interfering with ADAMTS13 in the chemiluminescent HemosILR AcuStar ADAMTS13 Activity assay.
Social networking sites: Can midwives and nurses working with adolescent mothers harness their potential value?
Authors: Nolan Samantha J. , Hendricks Joyce , Williamson Moira , Ferguson Sally L.
Published: October 2020

Aim

This paper aims to discuss social networking sites as potentially salutogenic, culturally relevant extensions to maternity care provision for adolescent mothers.

Background

Studies report that online networking may enhance social capital, a concept linked to enhanced well‐being, particularly for marginalized individuals. Improving outcomes for adolescent mothers is an ongoing global strategy; thus, this paper has relevance for all professionals involved in their care.

Design

This is a discussion paper.

Data Sources

This paper draws on the authors' research and is supported by literature and theory. Key terms and Boolean operators were used to identifiy English‐language papers published in January 1995 to January 2019 in nine databases and Google Scholar databases.

Implications for nursing

Despite limited evidence specific to adolescent mothers, contextual studies suggest that social networking sites may enhance well‐being. Nurses and midwives need to understand adolescent mothers' use of online networks to aid development of innovative, health‐enhancing care strategies using adolescent‐familiar modalities.

Conclusion

This paper highlights the need for further research regarding the value of professional engagement in online networks to enhance an adolescent's transition to motherhood.
Enhancing upconversion luminescence and thermal sensing properties of Er/Yb co‐doped oxysulfide core‐shell nanocrystals
Authors: Jiao Jianxin , Liu Yuwei , Wang Hong , Yin Xiumei , Xing Mingming , Luo Xixian , Tian Ying
Published: October 2020

The development of noncontact thermal probe based on stable inorganic materials of trivalent lanthanide (Ln3+) doped phosphors with nontoxicity is of vital importance for their promising applications in bio‐medical fields. Here we explore the upconversion luminescence and thermal sensing properties of Er3+, Yb3+ co‐doped oxysulfide in a broad temperature range of 300‐583 K. It was found that constructing an active shell with an optimum concentration of sensitizers is an efficient way to improve both the luminescent intensities and thermal sensitivity. Compared with the core‐only sample, the luminescent intensity of the Y2O2S: Er3+, Yb3+@ Y2O2S: 5%Yb3+ sample is significantly enhanced by 12‐fold at excitation of 980 nm. While further increasing the Yb3+ concentration in the shell activates new quenching pathways of Er3+ → Yb3+ → quencher from the core to the shell. Similar quenching mechanisms are also observed at excitation of 1550 nm. These energy transfer processes and luminescence mechanisms are verified in the fluorescence decay measurements. Furthermore, coating the core sample with an active shell doped by 10% Yb3+ enhances the thermal sensitivity by 30%, holding a high and stable sensitivity more than 50 × 10−4 K−1 in a broad temperature range of 423‐573 K at 980 nm excitation. In addition, at the much safer excitation wavelength of 1550 nm, this sample achieved the maximum sensitivity of 45 × 10−4 K−1 at 503 K. Our work contributes a feasible and versatile way to promote the luminescence and thermal sensing properties of Ln3+‐based materials, combining with the nontoxic oxysulfide host, indicating their potential applications as safe fluorescent and temperature nano‐probes in bio‐field.
Preparation and characterization of ferrous oxalate cement—A novel acid‐base cement
Authors: Luo Zhongqiu , Ma Yue , He Huan , Mu Weihong , Zhou Xintao , Liao Wenyu , Ma Hongyan
Published: October 2020

Ferrous oxalate cement (FOC), a new type of acid‐base cement, is prepared at room temperature through reactions between iron‐rich copper slag (CS) and oxalic acid (OA). In this work, the influences of precursor proportions, including the copper slag‐to‐oxalic acid mass ratio (CS/OA), borax‐to‐cement mass ratio (B/C), and water‐to‐cement mass ratio (W/C), on the setting behavior and compressive strength of FOC paste are investigated. Furthermore, the evolutions of pH and ions concentrations are traced to understand the reaction mechanism of FOC. The results show that the compressive strength decreases with an increase in W/C; when W/C is fixed, with an increase in CS/OA, the compressive strength first increases and then decreases, giving an optimal value. The compressive strengths of specimens at 3, 7, and 28 days can reach 33, 41, and 55 MPa, respectively, under the optimal conditions (CS/OA = 3.6, B/C = 0.03, and W/C = 0.18). The setting time is also a function of W/C and CS/OA, and can be extended by adding borax. Iron oxalate hydrate (FeC2O4·2H2O) has been identified as the exclusive hydration product of FOC due to the chemical reaction between Fe2SiO4 or Fe3O4 contained in CS and OA solution. At the initial stage of reaction, OA is dissolved to release protons, HC2O4− and C2O42−, which facilitate the dissolution of Fe2SiO4 and Fe3O4 and the release of Fe2+ in the aqueous phase. Then the Fe2+ ions combine with HC2O4− and C2O42− to precipitate FeC2O4·2H2O, acting as the cementitious phase to bond the unreacted CS particles.
The effects of music ıntervention on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Düzgün Mustafa Volkan , Özer Zeynep
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of music intervention on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials following Cochrane methods were conducted.

Data Sources

We performed a literature search in Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, the Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations, Ovid and ProQuest without year limitation. The review period covered January 1978–March 2020.

Review Methods

Two independent researchers screened the literature using specific keywords and selected randomized controlled trials based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria according to the PICOS criteria.

Result

Of 2,081 randomized controlled trials, 5 were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The total sample of the five trials was 554 participants. Active and passive music lasting 11–60 min was played in 1–14 sessions. No publication bias was noted. Cochran's Q test results pointed to a low level of heterogeneity among the randomized controlled trials. Overall, the results showed that music intervention had a low and positive effect on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Conclusion

A systematic review and meta‐analysis conducted on five trials showed that music can be an effective way to increase breast milk production.

Impact

This systematic review and meta‐analysis investigated the effect of music on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers and found sound evidence supporting its positive effects. Nurses, academics, mothers, and their children and society can benefit from these results. Nurses who give counselling to breastfeeding mothers can use music intervention to help them increase breast milk production.
Performance of a deep neural network in teledermatology: a single‐centre prospective diagnostic study
Authors: Muñoz‐López C. , Ramírez‐Cornejo C. , Marchetti M.A. , Han S. S. , Del Barrio‐Díaz P. , Jaque A. , Uribe P. , Majerson D. , Curi M. , Del Puerto C. , Reyes‐Baraona F. , Meza‐Romero R. , Parra‐Cares J. , Araneda‐Ortega P. , Guzmán M. , Millán‐Apablaza R. , Nuñez‐Mora M. , Liopyris K. , Vera‐Kellet C. , Navarrete‐Dechent C.
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for the diagnosis of skin diseases has shown promise in experimental settings but has not been yet tested in real‐life conditions.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance and potential clinical utility of a 174‐multiclass AI algorithm in a real‐life telemedicine setting.

Methods

Prospective, diagnostic accuracy study including consecutive patients who submitted images for teledermatology evaluation. The treating dermatologist chose a single image to upload to a web application during teleconsultation. A follow‐up reader study including nine healthcare providers (3 dermatologists, 3 dermatology residents and 3 general practitioners) was performed.

Results

A total of 340 cases from 281 patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age of patients was 33.7 (17.5) years; 63% (n = 177) were female. Exposure to the AI algorithm results was considered useful in 11.8% of visits (n = 40) and the teledermatologist correctly modified the real‐time diagnosis in 0.6% (n = 2) of cases. The overall top‐1 accuracy of the algorithm (41.2%) was lower than that of the dermatologists (60.1%), residents (57.8%) and general practitioners (49.3%) (all comparisonsP < 0.05, in the reader study). When the analysis was limited to the diagnoses on which the algorithm had been explicitly trained, the balanced top‐1 accuracy of the algorithm (47.6%) was comparable to the dermatologists (49.7%) and residents (47.7%) but superior to the general practitioners (39.7%;P = 0.049). Algorithm performance was associated with patient skin type and image quality.

Conclusions

A 174‐disease class AI algorithm appears to be a promising tool in the triage and evaluation of lesions with patient‐taken photographs via telemedicine.
A new species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the rio Madeira basin, Brazil
Authors: Zanata Angela M. , Ohara Willian M.
Published: October 2020

This study describes Characidium nambiquara, a new species from the upper rio Guaporé, rio Madeira basin, Brazil. The new species differs from most congeners by the presence of isthmus and area between the contralateral pectoral‐fin bases completely naked. From congeners with some degree of scaleless ventral surface of the body C. nambiquara differs by having 10 circumpeduncular scales. The new species is also distinguished from congeners by the spotted colour pattern on body of the large‐sized specimens and by having black dashes on all fins and conspicuous midlateral longitudinal dark stripe or conspicuous vertical bars absent. Characidium nambiquara further differs from most congeners by the presence of 34–36 pored scales on the lateral line, 3 horizontal scale rows above the lateral line and 3 horizontal scale rows from the lateral line to the midventral scale series. Remarks on intraspecific colour variation within the genus, not related to sexual dimorphism, are also provided.