bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strongyloides stercoralis seropositivity is not associated with increased symptoms in a remote Aboriginal community
Authors: Hansen Martin , Bowden Emily , Currie Bart J. , Ward Linda , Andrews Ross M. , Dhurrkay Roslyn Gundjirryirr , Gurruwiwi George Garambaka , Kearns Therese
Published: May 2020

Background

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil‐transmitted helminth, endemic in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in northern Australia with estimates of prevalences up to 60%. Hyperinfection in the setting of immunosuppression is a rare, but well recognised cause of significant morbidity and mortality. However, the morbidity associated with chronic uncomplicated infection is less well characterised.

Aims

To measure the prevalence of symptoms potentially attributable to S. stercoralis infection and their association with seropositivity.

Methods

This retrospective matched case‐control study reviewed records of primary healthcare presentations for symptoms in the 12 months before and after an ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) in a remote Aboriginal community.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐five S. stercoralis seropositive cases were matched with 175 seronegative controls. The most frequently reported symptom overall in the 12 months prior to the MDA was cough followed by abdominal pain, weight loss/malnutrition, diarrhoea and pruritis. Seropositive cases were not more likely than matched controls to have symptoms typically attributed to strongyloidiasis. In the seropositive cohort, we found no difference in symptoms in the 12 months before and after an ivermectin MDA despite a reduction in seroprevalence.

Conclusion

We found no evidence to suggest that S. stercoralis seropositivity was associated with increased symptoms when compared to matched seronegative controls. Treatment with ivermectin did not reduce symptoms in seropositive cases. Without evidence to support that population‐based screening or treatment programmes reduce symptoms, the emphasis must remain on identifying and managing those few individuals with immunosuppression that predisposes them to potentially life‐threatening hyperinfection.
Are healthcare workers more likely than the general population to consult in primary care for an influenza‐like illness? Results from a case‐control study
Authors: Peytremann Arnaud , Senn Nicolas , Mueller Yolanda
Published: May 2020

Background

Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting influenza. However, existing studies do not differentiate professional categories or domains of the healthcare system that are most at risk.

Methods

This case‐control study compared proportions of patients with professional activity in the healthcare system between cases consulting their primary care physician for an influenza‐like illness (ILI) and controls from the general patient population of the same practices of the Swiss sentinel network. Influenza was confirmed by rRT‐PCR in a subset of practices. Analysis used a mixed logistic regression model, including age and sex as potential confounders.

Results

During the 2018/2019 influenza surveillance season, out of 4287 ILI cases and 28 561 controls reported in 168 practices, 235 (5.5%), respectively 872 (3.1%), were active in the healthcare system. After adjustment, being active in health care increased the odds of consulting for an ILI (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.40‐1.97). The association was strongest for physicians and nursing aides. In terms of work setting, odds of consulting for ILI were increased for professionals of almost all healthcare settings except home‐based care.

Conclusion

Individuals active in the healthcare system were more likely to consult their primary care physician for an influenza‐like illness than for another reason, compared with individuals not active in the healthcare system. These results warrant further efforts to understand influenza transmission in the healthcare system at large.
HDAC inhibitor protects chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and oxygen‐glucose deprivation injuries via H3K14 and H4K5 acetylation‐mediated BDNF expression
Authors: Fang Yao‐Ching , Chan Lung , Liou Jing‐Ping , Tu Yong‐Kwang , Lai Mei‐Jung , Chen Chin‐I , Vidyanti Amelia Nur , Lee Hsueh‐Yun , Hu Chaur‐Jong
Published: May 2020

Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common cause of dementia, but the treatment is still lacking. Although many studies have reported that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) confer protective effects against ischemic and hypoxic injuries, their role in VaD is still uncertain. Previous studies shown, one HDACi protected against cognitive decline in animals with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we tested several 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[b,f]azepine hydroxamates, which act as HDACis in the CCH model (in vivo), and SH‐SY5Y (neuroblastoma cells) with oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD, in vitro). We identified a compound 13, which exhibited the best cell viability under OGD. The compound 13 could increase, in part, the protein levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It increased acetylation status on lysine 14 residue of histone 3 (H3K14) and lysine 5 of histone 4 (H4K5). We further clarified which promoters (I, II, III, IV or IX) could be affected by histone acetylation altered by compound 13. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and Q‐PCR analysis indicate that an increase in H3K14 acetylation leads to an increase in the expression of BDNF promoter II, while an increase in H4K5 acetylation results in an increase in the activity of BDNF promoter II and III. Afterwards, these cause an increase in the expression of BDNF exon II, III and coding exon IX. In summary, the HDACi compound 13 may increase BDNF specific isoforms expression to rescue the ischemic and hypoxic injuries through changes of acetylation on histones.
Effect of real‐life insulin pump with predictive low‐glucose management use for 3 months: Analysis of the patients treated in a Japanese center
Authors: Tsunemi Asako , Sato Junko , Kurita Mika , Wakabayashi Yuka , Waseda Naoko , Koshibu Mami , Shinohara Mai , Ozaki Atsuko , Nakamura Hiromi , Hirano Naomi , Ikeda Fuki , Satoh Hiroaki , Watada Hirotaka
Published: May 2020

Aims/Introduction

In Japan, an insulin pump with predictive low‐glucose management (PLGM) was launched in 2018. It automatically suspends insulin delivery when the sensor detects or predicts low glucose values. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of PLGM in patients treated in a Japanese center.

Materials and Methods

We carried out a retrospective observational analysis of 16 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and one patient after pancreatectomy. They switched from the MiniMed 620G device to the 640G device with PLGM. The primary outcome was the change in the percentage of time in hypoglycemia. The secondary outcome was the change in HbA1c (%) over a period of 3 months. We also explored the presence of “post‐suspend hyperglycemia” with the 640G device.

Results

After changing to the 640G device, the percentage of time in hypoglycemia (glucose <50 mg/dL) significantly decreased from 0.39% (0–1.51%) to 0% (0–0.44%; P = 0.0407). The percentage of time in hyperglycemia (glucose >180 mg/dL) significantly increased from 25.53% (15.78–44.14%) to 32.9% (24.71–45.49%; P = 0.0373). HbA1c significantly increased from 7.6 ± 1.0% to 7.8 ± 1.1% (P = 0.0161). From 1.5 to 4.5 h after the resumption of insulin delivery, the percentage of time in hyperglycemia was 32.23% (24.2–53.75%), but it was significantly lower, 2.78% (0–21.6%), when patients manually restarted the pump within 30 min compared with automatic resumption 31.2% (20–61.66%; P = 0.0063).

Conclusions

Predictive low‐glucose management is an effective tool for reducing hypoglycemia, but possibly elicits “post‐suspend hyperglycemia.” This information is useful for achieving better blood glucose control in the patients treated with PLGM.
Identification and validation of potential flood hazard area using GIS‐based multi‐criteria analysis and satellite data‐derived water index
Authors: Dash Pratik , Sar Jishnu
Published: May 2020

This article identifies potential flood hazard areas through multi‐criteria analysis in Allahabad district, India. The study has incorporated eight criteria, namely, flow accumulation, draining capability, elevation, groundwater depth, land use, runoff coefficient, slope, and geology for preparing hazard index. The weights of the criteria were obtained through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method based on their relative importance for occurring floods. Finally, a flood hazard index (FHI) was prepared by combining the parameter ratings and corresponding weights. The credibility of the present methodology was tested through validation with the satellite‐based inundation map of August 20, 2016. A normalized difference water index (NDWI) was prepared from Landsat‐8 OLI data and the inundated area was delineated by a binary classification of NDWI based on a threshold calculated following Otsu's method. The analysis found 81% of inundation is associated with high to very high flood hazard zones. Agricultural land is more prone to flood than other land use types. The results showed that the GIS‐based multi‐criteria analysis framework could be effectively applied for flood hazard analysis to support decision making in disaster management.
Antibacterial activity and mechanism of Litsea cubeba essential oil against food contamination by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica
Authors: Mei Canchao , Wang Xue , Chen Yicun , Wang Yangdong , Yao Feng , Li Zicheng , Gu Qing , Song Dafeng
Published: May 2020

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LC‐EO) has been reported as antibacterial agents, but there are few studies about its possible antibacterial mechanism. The antibacterial activities and the underlying mechanisms of LC‐EO against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella enterica were investigated. The results showed that the LC‐EO was more effective against gram‐negative bacteria. The inhibition zone for E. coli O157: H7 and S. enterica were 3.1 ± 0.8 and 4.5 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of LC‐EO against both bacteria was 0.9 μg/ml, while the minimum bactericidal concentrations were 4.5 and 9 μg/ml. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that citral (86.8%) was the main component of LC‐EO. The results of a time–kill analysis illustrated that treatment with LC‐EO led to a rapid decrease in viable bacterial cell number. The release of electrolytes and nucleic acids from the bacterial cells increased with the dose of LC‐EO. Propidium iodide uptake revealed that LC‐EO caused cell membrane damage. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy showed that LC‐EO caused damage to the cell walls and membranes, resulting in cell deformation, atrophy, and large central voids. Thus, LC‐EO may provide the basis for the development of new natural food preservatives.
Rationing Limited Healthcare Resources in the COVID‐19 Era and Beyond: Ethical Considerations Regarding Older Adults
Authors: Farrell Timothy W. , Francis Leslie , Brown Teneille , Ferrante Lauren E. , Widera Eric , Rhodes Ramona , Rosen Tony , Hwang Ula , Witt Leah J. , Thothala Niranjan , Liu Shan W. , Vitale Caroline A. , Braun Ursula K. , Stephens Caroline , Saliba Debra
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) continues to impact older adults disproportionately with respect to serious consequences ranging from severe illness and hospitalization to increased mortality risk. Concurrently, concerns about potential shortages of healthcare professionals and health supplies to address these issues have focused attention on how these resources are ultimately allocated and used. Some strategies, for example, misguidedly use age as an arbitrary criterion that disfavors older adults in resource allocation decisions. This is a companion article to the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) position statement, “Resource Allocation Strategies and Age‐Related Considerations in the COVID‐19 Era and Beyond.” It is intended to inform stakeholders including hospitals, health systems, and policymakers about ethical considerations that should be considered when developing strategies for allocation of scarce resources during an emergency involving older adults. This review presents the legal and ethical background for the position statement and discusses these issues that informed the development of the AGS positions: (1) age as a determining factor, (2) age as a tiebreaker, (3) criteria with a differential impact on older adults, (4) individual choices and advance directives, (5) racial/ethnic disparities and resource allocation, and (6) scoring systems and their impact on older adults. It also considers the role of advance directives as expressions of individual preferences in pandemics. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1143–1149, 2020.
Effects of feeding extruded flaxseed on layer performance, total tract nutrient digestibility, and fatty acid concentrations of egg yolk, plasma and liver
Authors: Huang Siyuan , Baurhoo Bushansingh , Mustafa Arif
Published: May 2020

A study was conducted to determine the effects of graded levels of extruded flaxseed (EF) on laying hen performance, apparent total tract nutrient retention (ATTNR) and fatty acid concentrations of egg yolk, blood plasma and liver. Seventy‐two White Leghorn layers (58 weeks old; three per cage) were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: 0 (control), 3, 6 and 9% of EF‐supplemented diets for 8 weeks. Results showed that feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio and egg weight were not affected by treatments. The ATTNR of dry matter (p = .001) and gross energy (p = .014) was lower for layers fed 9% EF than those fed the control diet, while ATTNR of organic matter (p = .001) and nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy (p = .003) were lower for birds fed 6% and 9% EF compared with those fed the control diet. Relative to the control diet, feeding EF increased (p < .001) egg yolk, plasma and liver n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations. Birds fed 6% EF produced eggs > 300 mg of n‐3 PUFA after two weeks of feeding, while the highest of n‐3 PUFA concentrations were achieved for birds fed 9% EF. It was concluded that feeding EF up to 9% of the diet had no adverse effects on layer performance and increased n‐3 PUFA concentrations in blood plasma, liver and egg yolk. However, moderate to high levels of EF (i.e., 6% and 9% of the diet) reduced nutrient ATTNR and nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy. Omega‐3‐enriched eggs can be achieved by feeding layers EF at 6% of the diet.
Femonationalism and populist politics: The case of the Swiss ban on female genital mutilation
Authors: Bader Dina , Mottier Véronique
Published: May 2020

This article examines configurations of Swiss national identity that were generated in the course of the drafting of the 2012 Female Genital Mutilation Act, a new law that seeks to regulate practices of female genital modification (including female circumcision and genital cosmetic surgery). Our analysis of Swiss parliamentary debates on this legislative proposal between 2005 and 2011 shows that Swiss MPs came to depict female circumcision as a threat to the Swiss nation but portrayed genital cosmetic surgery carried out in Swiss clinics as a signifier of “Swissness.” The Swiss debates over women's genital modifications produced an unusually high level of political unanimity between pro‐feminist left‐wing MPs and anti‐feminist conservative and populist MPs, all of whom claimed to defend women's rights. In this process, MPs formulated criteria for membership and non‐membership of the Swiss nation which, we argue, reflect wider political dynamics, best understood through the lens of femonationalism.
Local Administration of Methylcobalamin for Subacute Ophthalmic Herpetic Neuralgia: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial
Authors: Xu Gang , Zhou Chao Sheng , Tang Wei Zhen , Xu Jie , Xu Gang , Cheng Chao , Wang Li Dong , Ding Kai Hua
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is one of the most frequently involved sites of postherpetic neuralgia. A single‐center randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of local methylcobalamin injection for subacute ophthalmic herpetic neuralgia (SOHN).

Methods

One hundred and five patients with a pain score of 4 or greater were randomized to receive a combination of methylcobalamin and lidocaine via local injection (LM group, n = 35), intramuscular methylcobalamin and local lidocaine injection (IM group, n = 35), and oral methylcobalamin tablet and lidocaine local injection (OM group, n = 35) for 4 weeks. Multilevel mixed modeling was employed to examine treatment responses.

Results

Pain scores were reduced in all groups, but this reduction was significantly greater in the LM group (6.7 at baseline vs. 2.8 at endpoint) when compared with systemic administration (IM group 6.8 vs. 4.9, OM group 6.7 vs. 5.1). Clinically relevant reduction of pain (>30%) was seen in 91% of patients in the LM group, a significantly greater proportion than in the systemic groups (66% IM group, 57% OM group). Analgesic use reduced significantly in the LM group (94% at baseline vs. 6% at endpoint) but not in systemic groups (IM group 97% vs. 86%, OM group 94% vs. 80%). Health‐related quality of life was higher in the LM group than in the systemic groups. In mixed modelling, increased age was associated with a lower response to methylcobalamin.

Conclusions

This study indicates that local injection of methylcobalamin produces significant pain relief from SOHN and is superior to systemic administration.
Urticarial vasculitis in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Al Kamzari Ahmed , Al Musalhi Buthaina , Al Abrawi Safiya , Al‐Zakwani Ibrahim , Abdwani Reem
Published: May 2020

Background/Objectives

To determine the prevalence of urticarial vasculitis (UV) in a pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) cohort of Arab ethnicity from Oman and to describe their demographic, clinical, and laboratory features.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study among pediatric rheumatology centers in Oman over a 10‐year period from 2008 to 2018. Analyses were performed using univariate statistics.

Results

A total of 148 pSLE under the age of 13 years were included of which 30% (n = 44) were men. The overall mean age at SLE diagnosis was 7.6 ± 3.5 years while the mean disease duration was 10.1 ± 5.4 years. UV was diagnosed in 36% (n = 53) of pSLE patients. Patients with pSLE and UV were more likely to be male (57% vs 15%;P < .001), diagnosed at a younger age (5.9 vs 8.5 years;P < .001), have a family history of SLE (53% vs 36%;P = .044), and have associated conjunctivitis, (32% vs 5.3%;P < .001) but less likely to have CNS involvement (7.6% vs 20%;P = .045) or hematological manifestations such as leukopenia (9.4% vs 24%;P = .028) and thrombocytopenia (5.7% vs 18%;P = .045). This subgroup was also more likely to be associated with low C3 complement count (94% vs 66%;P < .001) and positive cytoplasmic ANCA (11% vs 0%;P = .022).

Conclusion

We report a high occurrence of UV in a pSLE cohort associated with unique demographic, clinical, and laboratory features.
Single versus en bloc kidney transplant from donors less than or equal to 15 kg to pediatric recipients
Authors: Mo Hyejin , Ko Hyunmin , Chung Chris Tae Young , Kim Hyo Kee , Han Ahram , Min Sangil , Ha Jongwon
Published: May 2020

With small kidneys, EBKTs could provide sufficient renal mass but could lead to inefficient use of resources, while SKTs could result in insufficient function due to small renal mass. We aimed to compare the outcomes of EBKT and SKT from small donors weighing ≤15 kg to pediatric recipients. We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients who met the inclusion criteria between January 1, 1984, and April 30, 2019, at a single institution. Of a total of 23 patients, 12 received EBKT and 11 received SKT. The median age of donors, weight of donors, and weight of recipients were comparable between the two groups. The median age of recipients and median weight of allografts were greater in the EBKT group than in the SKT group. The median follow‐up was 53.9 months. There was no significant difference in eGFR, protein creatinine ratios at 1‐year follow‐up, and overall graft survival. The size of the kidney increased by approximately 13%‐43% in the EBKT group and 40%‐60% in the SKT group. This study demonstrated that kidneys from small donors weighing 5‐15 kg could be split in pediatric recipients without compromising the outcome.
What influences adolescents to continuously use e‐cigarettes?
Authors: Han Gyumin , Son Hyunmi
Published: May 2020

Objective

The use of e‐cigarettes is rapidly increasing in adolescents. Health care providers pay attention to e‐cigarette users because of the risk of developing addiction and problematic behavior. Based on ecological perspective, this study investigated factors influencing continued e‐cigarette use.

Methods

We classified 1556 current e‐cigarette users into experimental and continued users using the Korean national representative data. Data were analyzed using the chi‐square test and logistic regression based on a complex sample analysis.

Results

Among current e‐cigarette users, 55.1% were continued users. Adolescents who use e‐cigarettes because of the belief that they are less harmful than cigarettes, concealment, easy purchase, and adding various flavors had a high risk of continued use. Continued users were more likely to have a higher weekly allowance, lower rate of living with family, and higher chance of smoking parents and exposure to passive smoking at home.

Conclusions

Continued e‐cigarette use was influenced by interpersonal and environmental factors, such as ease of purchase and addition of flavoring substances. Improving the environment of adolescents can prevent continued use of e‐cigarettes.
Progressively increasing density of the solid center of a ground‐glass nodule in a solitary pulmonary capillary hemangioma: A case report
Authors: Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Matsumoto Jun , Murakami Mizuho , Hiyama Noriko , Yamaguchi Hirokazu , Kusakabe Masashi , Horiuchi Hajime , Morikawa Teppei
Published: May 2020

Solitary pulmonary capillary hemangiomas (SPCHs) are recently recognized, rare benign lesions that form solitary nodules owing to capillary proliferation. These lesions are usually detected incidentally as small ground‐glass nodules (GGNs) on computed tomography (CT), and progressively enlarge over time. The radiological distinction from peripheral lung cancers is particularly challenging. However, to date, there have been no reports on progressive changes in the central density of SPCH on CT. An asymptomatic 49‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital for an abnormal shadow that was detected on chest CT during medical check‐up. He was subsequently followed‐up with chest CT. The nodule increased in size, and the central area became progressively denser. He underwent surgery 5 years and 10 months after the first visit owing to suspicion of lung cancer. Despite the collapse of the surgical specimen by artifacts, histopathological examination revealed a diagnosis of SPCH; collagenous fibers were found in the walls of the intralesional capillaries. The patient is presently alive without any recurrence, 6 months after the operation. In this case, the SPCH demonstrated a GGN with progressively increasing density of the central solid area on the CT. This remarkable feature made the preoperative distinction from lung cancer particularly difficult.
Poverty, Policy, and Federal Administrative Discourse: Are Bureaucrats Speaking EquitableAntipovertyPolicy Designs into Existence?
Authors: Starke Anthony M.
Published: May 2020

Non‐elected,non‐appointed federal employees,referred to as “bureaucrats,” are among the many policy actors that participate in policy discourse.This article investigates whether bureaucrats’ administrative discourse promotes economic equality,as Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.envisioned.Based on a qualitative analysis of data from congressional testimonies (n = 34) before and after the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, this study discusses the role of public administrators as contributors to welfare policy discourse and the resulting implications for the fight for equality and equal citizenship.It finds that bureaucrats’ welfare policy discourse marginalized vulnerable populations,particularly African American women.
Towards scheduled pre‐parturient caesarean sections in bitches
Authors: De Cramer Kurt G. M. , Nöthling Johan O.
Published: May 2020

Elective caesarean section (CS) is the safest means of delivering the litter in bitches in specific situations. Timeously performing elective pre‐parturient CSs at a fixed time would be convenient and prevent emergency CSs and foetal demise. This review proposes a method of performing elective pre‐parturient CSs which is safe for both the bitch and puppies. Brachycephaly, small litters and large litters, preceding litter delivered by CS and trial of labour after a preceding CS are identified as factors increasing the need for CS whereas emergency CS is identified as factor increasing foetal demise. The first day of cytological dioestrus more precisely predicts the day of onset of spontaneous parturition than the first day of the LH surge or the dates during oestrus on which progesterone (P4) first exceeds 6 nM or 16 nM. Foetal biparietal diameter at the time of onset of spontaneous parturition varies too much to accurately predict readiness for CS. During the last few days of gestation, P4 with cut‐off concentrations at 15.8, 8.7 and 3.18 nM, but not plasma cortisol concentrations, hold promise as predictors of onset of parturition and when to perform pre‐parturient CSs. A protocol associating medetomidine hydrochloride as premedicant with propofol as induction agent and sevoflurane as maintenance is safe for scheduled CS and yields good maternal and puppy survival rates at delivery, 2 hr and 7 days after CSs. Clinicians have to pay attention to the haematocrit of bitches at the time of cervical dilatation which is at the lower end of the normal reference ranges for non‐pregnant dogs and to the decline in haematocrit during CS (as a proxy for blood loss) which is approximately 7% for both parturient (open cervix) and pre‐parturient (closed cervix) CSs. Pre‐parturient CSs can be scheduled and performed 57 days after onset of cytological dioestrus with puppy survival rates of 99%. Collectively, these studies provide a protocol to safely perform elective CSs in a large proportion of the obstetric population at a convenient time of the day but more research is required with larger numbers to establish whether this practice is routinely safe and safe in all breeds.
Older patients’ perspectives on mealtimes in hospitals: a scoping review of qualitative studies
Authors: Jonsson Ann‐Sofie , Nyberg Maria , Jonsson Inger M. , Öström Åsa
Published: May 2020

The increasing age of populations throughout the world means that healthcare services are faced with new challenges, not least regarding the provision of food during hospital stay. There is a lack of knowledge of how hospital mealtimes are experienced by older patients, and so the aim of this article was to review current knowledge regarding mealtimes in hospitals from the perspectives of older patients. A literature search was performed using seven databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, SweMed+, ASSIA and CINAHL with no limits regarding publication date. The inclusion criteria were peer‐reviewed articles in English or Swedish that used qualitative methods to examine older patients’ (>65 years) mealtime experiences. The Five Aspect Meal Model (FAMM) served as a framework for understanding the complexity behind a mealtime experience. Qualitative content analysis was used as a guide when analysing the material. The search produced 415 studies, 14 of which were included in the review. The findings generated three main themes for understanding how older patients experience mealtimes while in hospital: (1) the food and the food service, (2) mealtime assistance and commensality during mealtimes and (3) the importance of retaining one’s independence. The review also clearly indicated a shortage of studies that solely focus on older patients’ experiences of their mealtime. More research is therefore needed to be fully able to understand the complex task of providing meals in hospitals.
An Integrated Curriculum in Collegiate‐Level German Studies with Accompanying Proficiency Ratings
Authors: Bernhardt Elizabeth , Nissler Paul , Leffell Cici Malik
Published: May 2020

The contemporary watchword within curricular discussions in German is integration across multiple linguistic levels and literacy dimensions. This article contributes to the discussion by chronicling how one university responded and contributed to curricular currents in German, constructing concrete documents reflective of those currents. The article provides an explication of how an undergraduate German curriculum was developed horizontally (i.e., across courses) and vertically (i.e., within courses); it also discusses oral and writing proficiency ratings of 206 students completing the first‐year and second‐year sequence codified in these documents. This data set enables readers to judge the relationship between certain features of the curriculum and their influence on student performance and projects how this configuration can establish a foundation for the German major. Beyond vivifying student performance, the data provided enable direct comparison with other institutions, their student bodies, and with curricula developed in world languages other than German.
Living and Learning in a Foreign Language House: A Description of a Residential Language Learning Program
Authors: Kelling Hans‐Wilhelm , Bown Jennifer
Published: May 2020

Foreign language houses, on‐campus residences in which students pledge to speak in their target language, offer valuable opportunities for language and culture learning. Scores of such programs exist at universities across North America (Dewey, Baker, Bown, & Martinsen, 2011), yet little is written about them in the research literature. This article details a foreign language residence at a large private university in the Western United States, describing the history of the program as well as the design of the foreign language house – from the physical space to the curriculum and social programming. It is hoped that this article provides insights into how to initiate or improve existing programs.
Ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination and controlled mild hypothermia for the treatment of long‐lasting and super‐refractory status epilepticus in 3 dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Gioeni Daniela , Di Cesare Federica , D'Urso Elisa Silvia , Rabbogliatti Vanessa , Ravasio Giuliano
Published: May 2020

Objective

To describe the use of a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine combination and mild hypothermia for the treatment of status epilepticus in 3 dogs that did not respond to GABAergic medication.

Case Series Summary

Three dogs, each with a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy, were presented to the emergency department in a state of status epilepticus. The dogs were treated unsuccessfully with benzodiazepine as a first‐line therapy that was followed by IV propofol anesthesia maintained for at least 12 hours. When general anesthesia was discontinued, seizures reoccurred. All 3 dogs then received a bolus of ketamine (1 mg/kg, IV) over a period of 5 minutes that was followed by a bolus of dexmedetomidine (3 μg/kg, IV) over the same time period and then followed by a continuous infusion for 12 hours of ketamine at a constant rate of 1 mg/kg/h and dexmedetomidine at a variable rate of 3–7 μg/kg/h. Body temperature was maintained between 36.7 and 37.7°C at a state of mild hypothermia throughout treatment. The dogs recovered uneventfully over 48 hours after treatment was discontinued with no evidence of seizures. No notable alterations in physiological parameters were observed during the drug infusions. All dogs were discharged following examinations that showed normal neurological function.

New or Unique Information Provided

This case series highlights the potential benefits of a ketamine‐dexmedetomidine infusion combined with mild hypothermia for the treatment of status epilepticus refractory to GABAergic therapy in dogs suffering from idiopathic epilepsy. After the dogs were weaned from the ketamine‐dexmedetomidine infusion, all dogs experienced complete recovery. Thus, this case series introduces a novel approach to treat this intense condition.
Deep phenotyping of cardiac function in heart transplant patients using cardiovascular system models
Authors: Colunga Amanda L. , Kim Karam G. , Woodall N. Payton , Dardas Todd F. , Gennari John H. , Olufsen Mette S. , Carlson Brian E.
Published: May 2020

Key points

Right heart catheterization data from clinical records of heart transplant patients are used to identify patient‐specific models of the cardiovascular system.

These patient‐specific cardiovascular models represent a snapshot of cardiovascular function at a given post‐transplant recovery time point.

This approach is used to describe cardiac function in 10 heart transplant patients, five of which had multiple right heart catheterizations allowing an assessment of cardiac function over time.

These patient‐specific models are used to predict cardiovascular function in the form of right and left ventricular pressure‐volume loops and ventricular power, an important metric in the clinical assessment of cardiac function.

Outcomes for the longitudinally tracked patients show that our approach was able to identify the one patient from the group of five that exhibited post‐transplant cardiovascular complications.

Heart transplant patients are followed with periodic right heart catheterizations (RHCs) to identify post‐transplant complications and guide treatment. Post‐transplant positive outcomes are associated with a steady reduction of right ventricular and pulmonary arterial pressures, toward normal levels of right‐side pressure (about 20 mmHg) measured by RHC. This study shows that more information about patient progression is obtained by combining standard RHC measures with mechanistic computational cardiovascular system models. The purpose of this study is twofold: to understand how cardiovascular system models can be used to represent a patient's cardiovascular state, and to use these models to track post‐transplant recovery and outcome. To obtain reliable parameter estimates comparable within and across datasets, we use sensitivity analysis, parameter subset selection, and optimization to determine patient‐specific mechanistic parameters that can be reliably extracted from the RHC data. Patient‐specific models are identified for 10 patients from their first post‐transplant RHC, and longitudinal analysis is carried out for five patients. Results of the sensitivity analysis and subset selection show that we can reliably estimate seven non‐measurable quantities; namely, ventricular diastolic relaxation, systemic resistance, pulmonary venous elastance, pulmonary resistance, pulmonary arterial elastance, pulmonary valve resistance and systemic arterial elastance. Changes in parameters and predicted cardiovascular function post‐transplant are used to evaluate the cardiovascular state during recovery of five patients. Of these five patients, only one showed inconsistent trends during recovery in ventricular pressure–volume relationships and power output. At the four‐year post‐transplant time point this patient exhibited biventricular failure along with graft dysfunction while the remaining four exhibited no cardiovascular complications.
Normal human and sheep fetal vessel oxygen saturations by T2 magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saini Brahmdeep S. , Darby Jack R. T. , Portnoy Sharon , Sun Liqun , van Amerom Joshua , Lock Mitchell C. , Soo Jia Yin , Holman Stacey L. , Perumal Sunthara R. , Kingdom John C. , Sled John G. , Macgowan Christopher K. , Morrison Janna L. , Seed Mike
Published: May 2020

Key points

Human fetal Doppler ultrasound and invasive blood gas measurements obtained by cordocentesis or at the time of delivery reveal similarities with sheep (an extensively used model for human fetal cardiovascular physiology).

Oxygen saturation (SO2) measurements in human fetuses have been limited to the umbilical and scalp vessels, providing little information about normal regional SO2 differences in the fetus.

Blood T2 MRI relaxometry presents a non‐invasive measure of SO2 in the major fetal vessels.

This study presents the first in vivo validation of fetal vessel T2 oximetry against the in vitro T2–SO2 relationship using catheterized sheep fetuses and compares the normal SO2 in the major vessels between the human and sheep fetal circulations.

Human fetal vessel SO2 by T2 MRI confirms many similarities with the sheep fetal circulation and is able to demonstrate regional differences in SO2; in particular the significantly higher SO2 in the left versus right heart.

Blood T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxometry non‐invasively measures oxygen saturation (SO2) in major vessels but has not been validated in fetuses in vivo. We compared the blood T2–SO2 relationship in vitro (tubes) and in vivo (vessels) in sheep, and measured SO2 across the normal human and sheep fetal circulations by T2. Singleton pregnant ewes underwent surgery to implant vascular catheters. In vitro and in vivo sheep blood T2 measurements were related to corresponding SO2 measured using a blood gas analyser, as well as relating T2 and SO2 of human fetal blood in vitro. MRI oximetry was performed in the major vessels of 30 human fetuses at 36 weeks (term, 40 weeks) and 10 fetal sheep (125 days; term, 150 days). The fidelity of in vivo fetal T2 oximetry was confirmed through comparison of in vitro and in vivo sheep blood T2–SO2 relationships (P = 0.1). SO2 was similar between human and sheep fetuses, as was the fetal oxygen extraction fraction (human, 33 ± 11%; sheep, 34 ± 7%; P = 0.798). The presence of streaming in the human fetal circulation was demonstrated by the SO2 gradient between the ascending aorta (68 ± 10%) and the main pulmonary artery (49 ± 9%; P < 0.001). Human and sheep fetal vessel MRI oximetry based on T2 is a validated approach that confirms the presence of streaming of umbilical venous blood towards the heart and brain. Streaming is important in ensuring oxygen delivery to these organs and its disruption may have important implications for organ development, especially in conditions such as congenital heart disease and fetal growth restriction.
Bismuth adducted intact molecular ions [M + Bi]+ under low-energy bismuth cluster ion beams
Authors: Miyayama Takuya , Iida Shin-ichi
Published: May 2020

The authors propose the use of a low-energy (sub-keV/atom) bismuth cluster ion beam for time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). 2 keV Bi3+ at an incident angle of 65° generated bismuth-adducted secondary molecular ions [M + Bi]+, which are not observed under normal TOF-SIMS conditions. This low-energy Bi primary ion beam was used for the depth profiling of Irganox1010/Irganox1098 multilayered organic thin films. [M + Bi]+ gave a better dynamic range for both Irganox1010 and Irganox1098 layers. The results suggest that a 2 keV Bi3+ ion beam is more suitable for the depth profiling of organic thin films than a 54 keV Bi3++ ion beam of typical TOF-SIMS conditions.
The Ability of Baseline and Normative Neurocognitive Testing to Identify Cognitive Impairments Following Concussion: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Hattrup Nicholas M. , Gardiner Rebekah L. , Gray Hannah , Welch Bacon Cailee E. , Valovich McLeod Tamara C.
Published: May 2020

Focused Clinical Question: In a high school, college, and professional athletic population, does individualized baseline tests increase the diagnostic accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) of identifying cognitive impairments when utilizing neurocognitive testing compared to normative data? Clinical Bottom Line: There was insufficient evidence to definitively suggest the use of individualized baseline data over the use of normative data during a postinjury assessment.
Preservice Physical Education Teachers’ Perceived Physical Literacy and Teaching Efficacy
Authors: Choi Siu-Ming , Sum Raymond Kim-Wai , Wallhead Tristan , Ha Amy Sau-Ching , Sit Cindy Hui-Ping , Shy Deng-Yau , Wei Feng-Min
Published: May 2020

Physical education teacher education is a time when preservice teachers can reinforce their physical literacy (PL). Professional coursework within the teacher preparation program should also develop their teaching efficacy. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to examine the predictive relationship between preservice physical education teachers’ perceived PL and teaching efficacy. The findings revealed that the PL dimension of self-expression and communication with others was the most significant predictor of teaching efficacy in developing content knowledge, applying scientific knowledge to teaching, teaching students with special needs, and using technology. Furthermore, preservice teachers’ knowledge and understanding of PL predicted their teaching efficacy in accommodating skill level differences within instruction. These predictive relationships suggest that preservice teachers’ PL influences their efficacy to enact effective teaching behaviors and should remain an ongoing priority of physical education teacher preparation programming suggested by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Defined lifestyle and germline factors predispose Asian populations to gastric cancer
Authors: Suzuki Akihiro , Katoh Hiroto , Komura Daisuke , Kakiuchi Miwako , Tagashira Amane , Yamamoto Shogo , Tatsuno Kenji , Ueda Hiroki , Nagae Genta , Fukuda Shiro , Umeda Takayoshi , Totoki Yasushi , Abe Hiroyuki , Ushiku Tetsuo , Matsuura Tetsuya , Sakai Eiji , Ohshima Takashi , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Rino Yasushi , Nakajima Atsushi , Fukayama Masashi , Ishikawa Shumpei , Aburatani Hiroyuki
Published: May 2020

Lifestyle and germline factors determine specific gastric carcinogenesis of East Asians.
Emergence of an equatorial mode of climate variability in the Indian Ocean
Authors: DiNezio Pedro N. , Puy Martin , Thirumalai Kaustubh , Jin Fei-Fei , Tierney Jessica E.
Published: May 2020

Greenhouse warming could activate a mode of climate variability in the Indian Ocean unprecedented in historical observations.
A 3D human brain–like tissue model of herpes-induced Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cairns Dana M. , Rouleau Nicolas , Parker Rachael N. , Walsh Katherine G. , Gehrke Lee , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2020

In vitro 3D human brain–like cultures infected with herpes virus develop Alzheimer’s disease characteristics.
Prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases with plant virus nanoparticles
Authors: Zampieri Roberta , Brozzetti Annalisa , Pericolini Eva , Bartoloni Elena , Gabrielli Elena , Roselletti Elena , Lomonosoff George , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Santi Luca , Imperatori Francesca , Merlin Matilde , Tinazzi Elisa , Dotta Francesco , Nigi Laura , Sebastiani Guido , Pezzotti Mario , Falorni Alberto , Avesani Linda
Published: May 2020

We describe the design and testing of candidates for therapeutic autoimmune disease biopharmaceuticals built from plant viruses.
A hexavalent Coxsackievirus B vaccine is highly immunogenic and has a strong protective capacity in mice and nonhuman primates
Authors: Stone V. M. , Hankaniemi M. M. , Laitinen O. H. , Sioofy-Khojine A. B. , Lin A. , Diaz Lozano I. M. , Mazur M. A. , Marjomäki V. , Loré K. , Hyöty H. , Hytönen V. P. , Flodström-Tullberg M.
Published: May 2020

A proof-of-concept study shows the generation of an immunogenic hexavalent Coxsackie B virus vaccine that prevents disease.
The convergence history of India-Eurasia records multiple subduction dynamics processes
Authors: Pusok Adina E. , Stegman Dave R.
Published: May 2020

Reunion plume push set in motion a sequence of events speeding up India, starting with initiation of double subduction.
The genetic architecture of a host shift: An adaptive walk protected an aphid and its endosymbiont from plant chemical defenses
Authors: Singh Kumar Saurabh , Troczka Bartlomiej J. , Duarte Ana , Balabanidou Vasileia , Trissi Nasser , Carabajal Paladino Leonela Z. , Nguyen Petr , Zimmer Christoph T. , Papapostolou Kyriaki M. , Randall Emma , Lueke Bettina , Marec Frantisek , Mazzoni Emanuele , Williamson Martin S. , Hayward Alex , Nauen Ralf , Vontas John , Bass Chris
Published: May 2020

A complex series of mutational events protected a mutualistic symbiosis during the shift of an insect to a toxic host plant.
BCG vaccination–induced emergency granulopoiesis provides rapid protection from neonatal sepsis
Authors: Brook Byron , Harbeson Danny J. , Shannon Casey P. , Cai Bing , He Daniel , Ben-Othman Rym , Francis Freddy , Huang Joe , Varankovich Natallia , Liu Aaron , Bao Winnie , Bjerregaard-Andersen Morten , Schaltz-Buchholzer Frederik , Sanca Lilica , Golding Christian N. , Larsen Kristina Lindberg , Levy Ofer , Kampmann Beate ,   The EPIC Consortium, Tan Rusung , Charles Adrian , Wynn James L. , Shann Frank , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine S. , Tebbutt Scott J. , Kollmann Tobias R. , Amenyogbe Nelly , Lee Amy H. , Bennike Tue B. , Diray-Arce Joann , Idoko Olubukola , Pomat William S. , van Haren Simon , Cox Momoudou , Darboe Alansana , Falsafi Reza , Hinshaw Samuel H. , Ndure Jorjoh , Njie-Jobe Jainaba , Pettengill Matthew A. , Marchant Arnaud , Richmond Peter C. , Ford Rebecca , Saleu Gerard , Masiria Geraldine , Matlam John Paul , Kirarock Wendy , Roberts Elishia , Malek Mehrnoush , Sanchez-Schmitz Guzman , Singh Amrit , Angelidou Asimenia , Smolen Kinga K. , Brinkman Ryan R. , Ozonoff Al , Hancock Robert E.W. , van den Biggelaar Anita H.J. , Steen Hanno , Vo Diana , Kraft Ken , McEnaney Kerry , Vignolo Sofia
Published: May 2020

Neonatal administration of BCG vaccine rapidly increases neutrophil production to reduce mortality from sepsis.
Chemical perturbations reveal that RUVBL2 regulates the circadian phase in mammals
Authors: Ju Dapeng , Zhang Wei , Yan Jiawei , Zhao Haijiao , Li Wei , Wang Jiawen , Liao Meimei , Xu Zhancong , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhou Guanshen , Mei Long , Hou Nannan , Ying Shuhua , Cai Tao , Chen She , Xie Xiaowen , Lai Luhua , Tang Chao , Park Noheon , Takahashi Joseph S. , Huang Niu , Qi Xiangbing , Zhang Eric Erquan
Published: May 2020

A compound that disassembles the circadian repressive super-complex can reset circadian phase and relieve jet lag in mice.