bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualizing UK moorland burning studies with geographical variables and sponsor identity
Authors: Brown Lee E. , Holden Joseph
Published: June 2020

It has been claimed that geographical variability could alter conclusions from some studies examining the impacts of prescribed moorland burning, including the Effects of Moorland Burning on the Ecohydrology of River basins (EMBER) project. We provide multiple lines of evidence, including additional analyses, to refute these claims. In addition, new findings from EMBER study catchments highlight previously unconsidered issues of burning adjacent to and over watercourses, contrary to guidelines.

A systematic review confirms the EMBER conclusions are in line with the majority of published UK studies on responses to prescribed burning of Sphagnum growth/abundance, soil properties, hydrological change and both peat exposure and erosion.

From this review, we identify an association between sponsor identity and some recent research conclusions related to moorland burning. This additional variable, which has not previously been incorporated into moorland burning policy debates, should be given greater consideration when evidence is being evaluated. We also show that sponsorship and other perceived conflicts of interest were not declared on a recent publication that criticized the EMBER project.

Policy implications. Effects of Moorland Burning on the Ecohydrology of River basins (EMBER) findings still suggest multiple environmental impacts associated with prescribed vegetation burning on peatland. Non‐compliance with guidelines for heather burning alongside/over watercourses merits closer attention. Policy communities might need to consider potential influences associated with funder identity when evaluating studies.
Sub‐cellular imaging shows reduced photosynthetic carbon and increased nitrogen assimilation by the non‐native endosymbiont Durusdinium trenchii in the model cnidarian Aiptasia
Authors: Sproles Ashley E. , Oakley Clinton A. , Krueger Thomas , Grossman Arthur R. , Weis Virginia M. , Meibom Anders , Davy Simon K.
Published: June 2020

Hosting different symbiont species can affect inter‐partner nutritional fluxes within the cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we measured the spatial incorporation of photosynthetically fixed 13C and heterotrophically derived 15N into host and symbiont cells of the model symbiotic cnidarian Aiptasia (Exaiptasia pallida) when colonized with its native symbiont Breviolum minutum or the non‐native Durusdinium trenchii. Breviolum minutum exhibited high photosynthetic carbon assimilation per cell and translocation to host tissue throughout symbiosis establishment, whereas D. trenchii assimilated significantly less carbon, but obtained more host nitrogen. These findings suggest that D. trenchii has less potential to provide photosynthetically fixed carbon to the host despite obtaining considerable amounts of heterotrophically derived nitrogen. These sub‐cellular events help explain previous observations that demonstrate differential effects of D. trenchii compared to B. minutum on the host transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and host growth and asexual reproduction. Together, these differential effects suggest that the non‐native host–symbiont pairing is sub‐optimal with respect to the host's nutritional benefits under normal environmental conditions. This contributes to our understanding of the ways in which metabolic integration impacts the benefits of a symbiotic association, and the potential evolution of novel host–symbiont pairings.
Covid‐19 and UK Universities
Authors: Ahlburg Dennis A.
Published: June 2020

Universities UK (UUK) has suggested that there may be very significant losses to higher education as a consequence of Covid‐19. However, losses are likely to be substantially lower than the potential losses estimated by UUK. But the magnitude of losses is very uncertain. The UUK’s proposal to restrict undergraduate enrolment per university to stop institutions poaching students is not in the interests of the most highly regarded universities, or that of students. Some rationalisation of the sector should be the price of further government support. Now is also the time to reconsider how university research is funded.
Men, chronic illness and healthwork: accounts from male partners of women with endometriosis
Authors: Hudson Nicky , Law Caroline , Culley Lorraine , Mitchell Helene , Denny Elaine , Norton Wendy , Raine‐Fenning Nick
Published: June 2020

Currently dominant in medical discourse, the concept of self‐management sees the responsibility for health and illness shift from the state to the individual. However, while this emphasis on individual responsibility and management has burgeoned, the role and status of partners and other family members in the management of chronic illness remains under‐theorised. While self‐management privileges individual responsibility for the management of chronic illness, the role of partners remains unclear. This paper utilises data from a study of heterosexual couples’ experiences of living with the chronic gynaecological condition endometriosis to explore how male partners engage in its day‐to‐day management. In all, 22 couples participated in in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with each partner interviewed separately (n = 44). Data were analysed thematically and dyadically, informed by an interpretivist relational approach. The paper utilises the concept of healthwork to describe the illness work, everyday life work, biographical work and emotion work men engaged in. The paper demonstrates how the conceptual value of healthwork is enhanced by incorporating an analysis of the emotional effort required in managing chronic illness. The paper illustrates the value of investigating the role of partners in managing chronic illness to provide a fuller account of the distributed and relational nature of healthwork.
Paradigm Shifts in Social Housing after Welfare‐State Transformation: Learning from the German Experience
Authors: Schönig Barbara
Published: June 2020

Welfare‐state transformation and entrepreneurial urban politics in Western welfare states since the late 1970s have yielded converging trends in the transformation of the dominant Fordist paradigm of social housing in terms of its societal function and institutional and spatial form. In this article I draw from a comparative case study on two cities in Germany to show that the resulting new paradigm is simultaneously shaped by the idiosyncrasies of the country's national housing regime and local housing policies. While German governments have successively limited the societal function of social housing as a legitimate instrument only for addressing exceptional housing crises, local policies on providing and organizing social housing within this framework display significant variation. However, planning and design principles dominating the spatial forms of social housing have been congruent. They may be interpreted as both an expression of the marginalization of social housing within the restructured welfare housing regime and a tool of its implementation according to the logics of entrepreneurial urban politics.
Political connections in the land market: Evidence from China's state‐owned enterprises
Authors: Wang Long , Yang Yang
Published: June 2020

This study examines whether political connections lead state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) to behave differently from privately owned enterprises (POEs) in acquiring land parcels at auctions and explores the underlying mechanisms that drive the price premiums paid by SOEs. We find that SOEs pay 11.9% more than POEs for observably comparable land parcels at auctions, and the price premiums SOEs pay are mainly driven by wholly state‐owned enterprises (WSOEs). In particular, we provide evidence that SOEs have advance access to information about the development of land parcels in 134 state‐level special economic zones, and land parcels purchased by SOEs lead to positive stock market performance. We also show that an anti‐corruption campaign that weakens political connections and reduces the information advantage leads to a decrease in the price premiums paid by SOEs.
Regulating short‐term rental housing: Evidence from New Orleans
Authors: Valentin Maxence
Published: June 2020

This study examines the effects of regulations targeting Airbnb and other short‐term rental (STR) suppliers in the urban center of New Orleans. I show that although the new ordinances reduced participation in the STR market as intended, STR usage actually increased in the neighborhoods adjacent to areas the most affected by the regulations. I subsequently show that the new regulations depressed property values in the neighborhoods facing the tightest regulations by approximately 30%, implying that homeowners factor into their housing purchasing decisions the option to participate in the STR market.
Melanoma beyond the skin: A case of anorectal melanoma
Authors: Caballero Marianna , Joseph Bacheline , Sanon Ciara , Snow Jeffrey
Published: June 2020

Anorectal melanoma is a rare cancer with a very poor prognosis. Symptoms on presentation include rectal bleeding, anal pain, an appreciable anorectal mass, change in bowel habits, pruritis, and tenesmus. Current surgical treatment options include abdominoperineal resection and wide local excision (WLE). However, recent reports suggest that WLE is adequate for disease control while minimizing the morbidity associated with surgery. We present a case of a 63 year old female with an initial diagnosis of an unspecified rectal tumour found to be anorectal melanoma.
Transcriptomic analysis of the bagworm moth silk gland reveals a number of silk genes conserved within Lepidoptera
Authors: Tsubota Takuya , Yoshioka Taiyo , Jouraku Akiya , Suzuki Takao K. , Yonemura Naoyuki , Yukuhiro Kenji , Kameda Tsunenori , Sezutsu Hideki
Published: June 2020

Lepidopteran insects produce cocoons with unique properties. The cocoons are made of silk produced in the larval tissue silk gland and our understanding of the silk genes is still very limited. Here, we investigated silk genes in the bagworm moth Eumeta variegata, a species that has recently been found to produce extraordinarily strong and tough silk. Using short‐read transcriptomic analysis, we identified a partial sequence of the fibroin heavy chain gene and its product was found to have a C‐terminal structure that is conserved within nonsaturniid species. This is in accordance with the presence of fibroin light chain/fibrohexamerin genes and it is suggested that the bagworm moth is producing silk composed of fibroin ternary complex. This indicates that the fibroin structure has been evolutionarily conserved longer than previously thought. Other than fibroins we identified candidates for sericin genes, expressed strongly in the middle region of the silk gland and encoding serine‐rich proteins, and other silk genes, that are structurally conserved with other lepidopteran homologues. The bagworm moth is thus considered to be producing conventional lepidopteran type of silk. We further found a number of genes expressed in a specific region of the silk gland and some genes showed conserved expression with Bombyx mori counterparts. This is the first study allowing comprehensive silk gene identification and expression analysis in the lepidopteran Psychidae family and should contribute to the understanding of silk gene evolution as well as to the development of novel types of silk.
Surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to calcimimetic treatment: A retrospective single‐center cohort study
Authors: Okada Manabu , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Ichimori Toshihiro , Tomosugi Toshihide , Hiramitsu Takahisa , Tsuzuki Toyonori
Published: June 2020

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy (PTx) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) resistant to calcimimetic treatment, we retrospectively studied 187 patients with SHPT who had no history of calcimimetic treatment (NCMT) (NCMT group) and 186 patients with SHPT who were resistant to calcimimetic treatment (RCMT) (RCMT group). Success rate and operative time of PTx were compared among the two groups. Operative time was significantly longer in the RCMT group than in the NCMT group (180 vs 158 minutes, P < .001), but the difference was attenuated after multivariate adjustment including the weight of the largest parathyroid gland. No significant differences were observed in success rate of PTx (90.9% vs 91.4%, P = 1.000) between the two groups. In patients with SHPT who are resistant to calcimimetic treatment, operative time could be elongated but success rate of PTx remains unchanged.
Prevalence and risk factors of interstitial lung disease in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: He Chengmei , Chen Zhilei , Liu Suying , Chen Hua , Zhang Fengchun
Published: June 2020

Objective

To systematically review the prevalence and risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2019. Two investigators reviewed records according to predefined criteria. We calculated the pooled prevalence, weighted mean differences (WMDs), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model, and performed subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Egger's test.

Results

In 23 studies with 6157 pSS patients, the pooled prevalence of ILD in pSS patients was 13% (95% CI: 9‐19). The pSS‐ILD prevalence was higher in Asia (20%) than that in Europe (10%). Male gender (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.26‐2.95), elder age (WMD = 9.25 years, 95% CI: 2.78‐15.72) and higher C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = 3.92 mg/L, 95% CI: 0.27‐1.61) was associated with ILD in pSS patients.

Conclusion

Interstitial lung disease was prevalent in pSS patients. Elder age, male gender and higher CRP were risk factors for pSS‐ILD. Our data highlighted the importance of screening for ILD in high‐risk pSS patients.
Axial skeletal lesions and disease duration in SAPHO syndrome: A retrospective review of computed tomography findings in 81 patients
Authors: Li Chen , Ye Yuqian , Cao Yihan , Zhang Wen , Xu Wenrui , Wu Nan , Zhang Shuyang , Zhang Weihong
Published: June 2020

Aims

To explore the relevance of disease duration with axial skeletal lesions in synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome based on computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Patients who had undergone whole‐spine CT were included from a previously reported single‐center cohort of SAPHO syndrome. Patients with previous treatments of bisphosphates, biological agents or surgeries were excluded. Sites of axial skeletal involvement were reviewed including the spine, sacroiliac joints, and anterior chest wall. Duration of osteoarticular involvement was defined as the interval between the onset of osteoarticular symptoms and the CT evaluation.

Results

Eighty‐one patients (54 female and 27 male) were included in the study. The mean disease duration was 26.9 ± 34.9 months. Fifty (63.0%) patients showed spinal lesions on CT. The average numbers of involved vertebral segments for corner and endplate lesions were 3.16 ± 3.51 and 0.73 ± 1.85 respectively. Sixty‐eight (84.0%) patients exhibited abnormalities in the anterior chest wall. The number of involved vertebral segments showed poor correlation with disease duration for both corner lesions (r2 = 0.051, P = 0.043) and endplate lesions (r2 = 0.137, P = 0.001). Patients with costoclavicular involvement showed remarkably longer disease duration than those without (49.3 ± 47.7 months vs 18.0 ± 23.5 months, P = 0.006), while no significant difference was detected regarding other structures in the anterior chest wall.

Conclusion

Costoclavicular involvement is a hallmark of long disease duration in SAPHO syndrome. Corner and endplate lesions in the vertebrae and sacroiliac involvement may not relate to disease course.
taxadb: A high‐performance local taxonomic database interface
Authors: Norman Kari E. A. , Chamberlain Scott , Boettiger Carl
Published: June 2020

A familiar and growing challenge in ecological and evolutionary research is that of establishing consistent taxonomy when combining data from separate sources. While this problem is already well understood and numerous naming authorities have been created to address the issue, most researchers lack a fast, consistent, and intuitive way to retrieve taxonomic names.

We present taxadb R package which creates a local database, managed automatically from within R, to provide fast operations on millions of taxonomic names.

taxadb provides access to established naming authorities to resolve synonyms, taxonomic identifiers, and hierarchical classification in a consistent and intuitive data format.

taxadb makes operation on millions of taxonomic names fast and manageable.
The In situ Plankton Assemblage eXplorer (IPAX): An inexpensive underwater imaging system for zooplankton study
Authors: Lertvilai Pichaya
Published: June 2020

Zooplankton play vital ecological roles that maintain aquatic ecosystems. Imaging instruments have enabled in situ observations of these organisms that can be automated and are less invasive than traditional sampling methods. However, these instruments are often costly and require sophisticated engineering expertise to operate.

The In situ Plankton Assemblage eXplorer (IPAX) is an open‐source low‐cost imaging platform for zooplankton studies. The IPAX is a programmable instrument that has powerful LED illumination and a high‐resolution camera that can image zooplankton in situ, while material costs are less than USD $450. The optical performance of the instrument was calibrated in the laboratory using a calibration target and preserved zooplankton. The IPAX was then deployed in the field to observe diversity, emergent patterns and phototactic behaviour of demersal zooplankton at night to demonstrate its practicality.

Laboratory calibration indicated that the IPAX can resolve 100 µm features with 70% contrast at the focal plane with 5 cm × 3 cm field of view and 5 mm depth of field. The instrument also resolved fine morphological details of preserved zooplankton when in focus. The field deployment demonstrated capability to resolve the myriad of zooplankton present in addition to the different phototactic behaviour that was elicited and observed from the different colour LEDs.

The IPAX enables economical and autonomous surveys of zooplankton in various aquatic habitats. Its low cost facilitates construction and deployment of multiple units that can cover large spatial areas, while its versatility also allows adaptations to many experimental needs for aquatic ecology.
Proposal of Nursing Diagnosis “Readiness for Enhanced Healthy Aging”: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Cardoso Rosane Barreto , Caldas Célia Pereira , de Souza Priscilla Alfradique , Brandão Marcos Antônio Gomes , Santana Rosimere Ferreira
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

To analyze the concept of healthy aging and propose the development of a nursing diagnosis

METHODS

Concept analysis using the method proposed by Walker and Avant

FINDINGS

Four bibliographic databases were searched, and 36 articles were included in the analysis. Seven antecedents, seven attributes, and three consequences for “healthy aging” were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept analysis supported the development of the new nursing diagnosis “readiness for enhanced healthy aging,” which can assist nurses in implementing actions aimed at promoting the health of older adults.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE

The establishment of a nursing diagnosis may provide nurses the opportunity to implement interventions that promote the maintenance of functional and cognitive capacity, psychological and spiritual well‐being, and social engagement, aiming at healthy aging with high quality of life.
The Agents Intervening against Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit Trial (AID‐ICU trial): A detailed statistical analysis plan
Authors: Andersen‐Ranberg Nina , Poulsen Lone M. , Perner Anders , Wetterslev Jørn , Mathiesen Ole , Mortensen Camilla B. , Estrup Stine , Ebdrup Bjørn H. , Hästbacka Johanna , Citerio Giuseppe , Caballero Jesus , Morgan Matthew P. G. , Oxenbøll‐Collet Marie , Weber Sven‐Olaf , Sofie Andreasen Anne , Bestle Morten H. , Pedersen Helle B. S. , Nielsen Louise G. , Uslu Bülent , Jensen Troels B. , Thee Carsten , Dey Nilanjan , Lange Theis
Published: June 2020

Background

The AID‐ICU trial aims to assess the benefits and harms of haloperidol for the treatment of delirium in acutely admitted, adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This paper describes the detailed statistical analysis plan for the primary publication of results from the AID‐ICU trial.

Methods

The AID‐ICU trial is an investigator‐initiated, pragmatic, international, multicentre, randomized, blinded, parallel‐group trial allocating 1000 adult ICU patients with manifest delirium 1:1 to haloperidol or placebo. The primary outcome measure is days alive and out of hospital within 90 days post‐randomization. Secondary outcome measures are days alive without delirium or coma, serious adverse reactions (SARs) to haloperidol, use of escape medicine, days alive without mechanical ventilation, and mortality, health‐related quality‐of‐life measures and cognitive function 1‐year post‐randomization. Statistical analysis will be conducted in accordance with the current pre‐specified statistical analysis plan. One formal interim analysis will be performed. The primary outcome will be adjusted for stratification variables (site and delirium motor subtype) and compared between treatment groups using a likelihood ratio test described by Jensen et al A secondary analysis will be conducted with additional adjustment of the primary outcome for prognostic variables at baseline. The primary conclusion of the trial will be based on the intention‐to‐treat analysis of the primary outcome adjusted for stratification variables.

Conclusion

The AID‐ICU trial will provide important, high‐quality data on the benefits and harms of treatment with haloperidol in acutely admitted, adult patients with manifest delirium in the ICU.
Immune modulation via T regulatory cell enhancement: Disease‐modifying therapies for autoimmunity and their potential for chronic allergic and inflammatory diseases—An EAACI position paper of the Task Force on Immunopharmacology (TIPCO)
Authors: Roth‐Walter Franziska , Adcock Ian M. , Benito‐Villalvilla Cristina , Bianchini Rodolfo , Bjermer Leif , Boyman Onur , Caramori Gaetano , Cari Luigi , Fan Chung Kian , Diamant Zuzana , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Knol Edward F. , Kolios Antonios , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Nocentini Giuseppe , Palomares Oscar , Redegeld Frank , Van Esch Betty , Stellato Cristiana
Published: June 2020

Therapeutic advances using targeted biologicals and small‐molecule drugs have achieved significant success in the treatment of chronic allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases particularly for some patients with severe, treatment‐resistant forms. This has been aided by improved identification of disease phenotypes. Despite these achievements, not all severe forms of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases are successfully targeted, and current treatment options, besides allergen immunotherapy for selected allergic diseases, fail to change the disease course. T cell–based therapies aim to cure diseases through the selective induction of appropriate immune responses following the delivery of engineered, specific cytotoxic, or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Adoptive cell therapies (ACT) with genetically engineered T cells have revolutionized the oncology field, bringing curative treatment for leukemia and lymphoma, while therapies exploiting the suppressive functions of Tregs have been developed in nononcological settings, such as in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. ACT with Tregs are also being considered in nononcological settings such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and chronic inflammatory disorders. After describing the general features of T cell–based approaches and current applications in autoimmune diseases, this position paper reviews the experimental models testing or supporting T cell–based approaches, especially Treg‐based approaches, in severe IgE‐mediated responses and chronic respiratory airway diseases, such as severe asthma and COPD. Along with an assessment of challenges and unmet needs facing the application of ACT in these settings, this article underscores the potential of ACT to offer curative options for patients with severe or treatment‐resistant forms of these immune‐driven disorders.
Effects of acute hCG stimulation on serum INSL3 and 25‐OH vitamin D in Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Santi Daniele , Ivell Richard , Anand‐Ivell Ravinder , De Toni Luca , Fanelli Flaminia , Mezzullo Marco , Pelusi Carla , Pagotto Uberto , Belli Serena , Granata Antonio R. M. , Roli Laura , Rochira Vincenzo , Trenti Tommaso , Ferlin Alberto , Simoni Manuela
Published: June 2020

Background

It has recently been suggested that the hypergonadotropic hypogonadism characterizing Klinefelter syndrome (KS) might not be due to a steroidogenic dysfunction per se, but mainly to an altered testosterone (T) secretion into the bloodstream. However, the Leydig cell functionality remains incompletely studied in KS, and new markers should be considered. Previous data indicated that chronic hCG stimulation influences the production of both insulin‐like peptide 3 (INSL3) and 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D (25‐VD) in eugonadal men.

Aim of the study

To evaluate INSL3 and 25‐VD serum levels, as markers of Leydig cell functionality, in association with sex steroids, after an acute hCG test in a group of KS patients and healthy volunteers.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospective case‐control clinical trial was carried out. KS patients (n = 11) and age‐matched healthy controls (n = 11) provided a basal blood sample (V0) immediately followed by a single intramuscular injection of hCG 5000 IU. Blood samples were taken in the following five days (V1‐V5).

Results

At baseline, INSL3 was lower in KS patients compared with controls (P = .007). When adjusted for INSL3 levels, the production of steroids was similar between KS patients and controls. 25‐VD was in the insufficient range both in KS patients and in controls and was not different (P = .064). Acute hCG stimulation increased neither INSL3 nor 25‐VD in both KS patients and controls. In controls, an inverse correlation was detected between INSL3 levels and body mass index (P = .020) and waist circumference (P = .020).

Conclusions

INSL3 secretion is independent from steroidogenesis, and its production is mostly not influenced by acute hCG stimulation both in KS men and in controls. INSL3 serum levels should be considered as a marker of Leydig cell differentiation and numbers rather than steroidogenesis. 25‐VD serum levels are also not increased by a single acute hCG administration, which was not able to restore the normal concentrations of 25‐VD.
Extracorporeal life support system during cardiovascular procedures: Insights from the German Lifebridge registry
Authors: Masyuk Maryna , Abel Peter , Hug Martin , Wernly Bernhard , Haneya Assad , Sack Stefan , Sideris Konstantinos , Langwieser Nicolas , Graf Tobias , Fuernau Georg , Franz Marcus , Westenfeld Ralf , Kelm Malte , Felix Stephan B. , Jung Christian
Published: June 2020

The frequency of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device application has increased in recent years. Besides implantation in the emergency setting, such as circulatory arrest, MCS is also increasingly used electively to ensure hemodynamic stability in high‐risk patients, for example, during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), valve interventions or off‐pump coronary bypass surgery. Lifebridge (Zoll Medical GmbH, Germany) is a compact percutaneous MCS device widely used in daily clinical routine. The present study aimed to investigate the indications, feasibility, and outcomes after use of Lifebridge in cardiac interventions, evaluating a large‐scale multicenter database. A total of 60 tertiary cardiovascular centers were questioned regarding application and short‐term outcomes after the use of the Lifebridge system (n = 160 patients). Out of these 60 centers, eight consented to participate in the study (n = 39 patients), where detailed data were collected using standardized questionnaires. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patient population, procedural as well as follow‐up data were recorded and analyzed. In 60 interrogated centers, Lifebridge was used in 74% of emergency cases and 26% in the setting of planned interventions. The subcohort interrogated in detail displayed the same distribution of application scenarios, while the main cardiovascular procedure was high‐risk PCI (82%). All patients were successfully weaned from the device and 92% (n = 36) of the patients studied in detail survived after 30 days. As assessed 30 days after insertion of the device, bleeding requiring red blood cell (RBC) transfusion constituted the main complication, occurring in 49% of cases. In our analysis of clinical data, the use of Lifebridge in cardiac intervention was shown to be feasible. Further prospective studies are warranted to identify patients who benefit from hemodynamic MCS support despite the increased rate of RBC transfusion due to challenges in access sites during cardiovascular procedures.
Effect of immunosuppressive therapy on oxygen saturation and diameter of retinal vessels in initial onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Alotaibi Mohammed D. , Gikandi Priscilla W. , Stefánsson Einar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To demonstrate changes in oxygen saturation and calibre of retinal vessels in initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease at baseline and during immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods

In this prospective study, 22 patients (44 eyes) were studied. Retinal oximetry measurements were performed using the noninvasive spectrophotometric retinal oximeter (Oxymap T1) at baseline and at 1–3 months, 4–6 months, 5–7 months and more than 9 months after treatment.

Results

At baseline, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.12 ± 0.78 (Snellen equivalent, 20/265). Arteriolar and venular oxygen saturations were 108 ± 7% and 70 ± 9%, respectively and calibres of arterioles and venules were 12.1 ± 1.1 pixels and 16.9 ± 1.4 pixels, respectively. At 4–6 months of follow‐up, logMAR BCVA was almost maximum (0.08 ± 0.1, Snellen equivalent 20/24; p < 0.001) and thereafter remained almost unchanged. After immunosuppressive therapy, arteriolar and venular oxygen saturation values continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow‐up (92 ± 7% and 56 ± 10%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both arterioles and venules). Similarly, arteriolar and venular calibres continued to decrease up to >9 months of follow‐up to 11.4 ± 0.9 pixels (p = 0.006) and 15.6 ± 1.3 pixels (p = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Eyes with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with VKH disease have increased oxygen saturation and calibres of retinal vessels at baseline. Immunosuppressive therapy normalizes these changes and in a similar pattern improves BCVA.
Prevalence, incidence and epidemiology of childhood uveitis
Authors: Siiskonen Mira , Hirn Iida , Pesälä Roosa , Hautala Timo , Ohtonen Pasi , Hautala Nina
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To analyse the prevalence, incidence and aetiology of paediatric uveitis.

Methods

A retrospective, population‐based cohort study of Finnish children with uveitis in Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District in 2008–2017. The data included parameters for age, gender, age at diagnosis, laterality, chronicity, anatomical distribution of the disease, aetiology and systemic association.

Results

One hundred fifty patients aged <16 years (mean age 6.9 ± 3.9 years) with uveitis were included, out of whom 53% were girls. The first uveitis episode occurred at 1–6 years in 59%, and 62% of them were girls. In the age group of 7–15 years, boys were diagnosed with uveitis more frequently than girls (61% versus 39%, respectively). Seventy percent of the girls were diagnosed with their first uveitis episode at the age of 1–6 years, whereas only 48% of the boys were diagnosed at that age. The prevalence of uveitis increased from 64/100 000 children <16 years in 2008 (95% CI, 47.7–84.2) to 106/100 000 in 2017 (95% CI, 84.6–130.2). The incidence of childhood uveitis in 2008–2017 was 14/100 000 person‐years in children <16 years (95% CI, 11.3–16.5). Eighty‐seven percent of the cases were non‐infectious, 9% were infectious, and 3% had masquerade syndromes. Sixty‐one percent of patients had juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Conclusion

The prevalence of paediatric uveitis has increased during the last decade in both genders. Uveitis is more frequent in girls, and they were diagnosed at a younger age than boys. Idiopathic cases and JIA accounted for a majority of aetiological features.
Editorial: peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum—a challenge for patients, healthcare professionals and research
Authors: Townsend Tristan , Probert Chris
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wang et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15766.
Letter: assessing iron deficiency in patients with IBD—a step in the right direction, but uncertainty remains
Authors: Garg Mayur , Chand Sheital , Weenink Petrus , Yunqiu Wu Karen , Cheng Richard K. Y.
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Daude et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15739.
Editorial: simultaneous, prolonged monitoring of the acid pocket and oesophageal reflux. Authors' reply
Authors: Ma Zheng Feei , Deraman Mohd Adli , Coyle Cathal , Lee Yeong Yeh
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Deraman et al and Katz and Castell papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15746 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15807.
Editorial: transperineal ultrasound in addition to a transabdominal ultrasound in ulcerative colitis—one more arrow in the quiver of non‐invasive diagnostics. Authors’ reply
Authors: Sagami Shintaro , Kobayashi Taku , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: June 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sagami et al and Deepak and Itani papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15767 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15816.
Systemic exposure to 5‐fluorouracil and its metabolite, 5,6‐dihydrofluorouracil, and development of a limited sampling strategy for therapeutic drug management of 5‐fluorouracil in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy
Authors: Jacob Jeana , Mathew Sumith K. , Chacko Raju Titus , Aruldhas Blessed Winston , Singh Ashish , Prabha Ratna , Mathew Binu Susan
Published: June 2020

Aims

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) is widely used in combination chemotherapy, and literature suggests pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing to improve clinical efficacy and reduce toxicity. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic exposure of both 5‐FU and its metabolite, 5,6‐dihydrofluorouracil (DHFU), in patients with gastrointestinal malignancy and to establish a simplified strategy to assist in therapeutic drug management for dose optimization.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study, performed in 27 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal malignancy who were prescribed 5‐FU. Multiple samples were collected per patient over the slow bolus (15–20 min) and continuous infusion period (over 44 h) in doses 1 and 3, and the concentrations of 5‐FU and DHFU were measured.

Results

A higher proportion of patients had exposures within the therapeutic range in dose 3 (50%) as compared to dose 1 (37.5%) with 5‐FU. There was an association between delayed time to maximum concentration of DHFU and a high maximum concentration of 5‐FU. A limited sampling strategy was developed with 4 samples, 2 during the bolus period and 2 during the continuous period (at 18 h and the end of infusion), which accurately predicted the total area under the curve of 5‐FU.

Conclusion

Using body surface area‐based dosing with 5‐FU, 50–60% of patients were outside of the therapeutic range. In the absence of genotype testing, measurement of the metabolite DHFU could be a phenotypical measure of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase enzyme activity. A limited sampling strategy was developed in patients who were prescribed a combination regimen of slow bolus, followed by a 44‐hour continuous infusion of 5‐FU to assist in the therapeutic drug management of patients.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with treatment with rituximab, azathioprine and prednisone for dermatomyositis
Authors: Castaño‐Amores Celia , Nieto‐Gómez Pelayo
Published: June 2020

We observed a severe case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a 22‐year‐old woman diagnosed with dermatomyositis in 2016 in Venezuela, and treated with rituximab and azathioprine. The patient met clinical and microbiological criteria. Treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine was initiated, and the patient was discharged. She was rehospitalized with signs and symptoms of a manic episode. During hospitalization, the patient developed acute kidney injury related to sulfadiazine crystalluria. Finally, acute kidney injury was resolved and the patient was successfully discharged.
Parametric g‐formula implementations for causal survival analyses
Authors: Wen Lan , Young Jessica G. , Robins James M. , Hernán Miguel A.
Published: June 2020

The g‐formula can be used to estimate the survival curve under a sustained treatment strategy. Two available estimators of the g‐formula are noniterative conditional expectation and iterative conditional expectation. We propose a version of the iterative conditional expectation estimator and describe its procedures for deterministic and random treatment strategies. Also, because little is known about the comparative performance of noniterative and iterative conditional expectation estimators, we explore their relative efficiency via simulation studies. Our simulations show that, in the absence of model misspecification and unmeasured confounding, our proposed iterative conditional expectation estimator and the noniterative conditional expectation estimator are similarly efficient, and that both are at least as efficient as the classical iterative conditional expectation estimator. We describe an application of both noniterative and iterative conditional expectation to answer “when to start” treatment questions using data from the HIV‐CAUSAL Collaboration.
Improving students’ learning by providing a graphic organizer after a multimedia document
Authors: Colliot Tiphaine , Jamet Éric
Published: June 2020

The present study was intended to deepen current knowledge about the impact of graphic organizers (GOs) on students’ learning in a computer‐based learning environment, by evaluating the effects of successive versus simultaneous presentation of a GO and an explanatory text. Based on the previous studies, we hypothesized that simultaneous display of a GO improves learning performances for the information it highlights (represented elements), but impairs those for nonrepresented elements, owing to a focused processing effect during text reading. We predicted that staggering the display of the document and the GO would avoid this effect and enhance the learning of both represented and nonrepresented elements. We compared three groups: students who studied a multimedia document without a GO (control group); students who viewed the same multimedia document accompanied by a GO that was displayed simultaneously (simultaneous GO group); and students who viewed the document and were then shown the GO (successive GO group). In line with previous research on GOs, results showed that adding a GO to the multimedia document increased students’ memorization of the represented elements and their comprehension. Interestingly, students in the successive GO group exhibited enhanced memorization of the nonrepresented elements and had the highest comprehension scores. These original results indicate that delaying the display of the GO can lead students to process the overall information more deeply and, in turn, improve their learning.
Understanding face mask use to prevent coronavirus and other illnesses: Development of a multidimensional face mask perceptions scale
Authors: Howard Matt C.
Published: June 2020

Face masks are an avenue to curb the spread of coronavirus, but few people in Western societies wear face masks. Social scientists have rarely studied face mask wearing, leaving little guidance for methods to encourage these behaviours. In the current article, we provide an approach to address this issue by developing the 32‐item and 8‐dimension Face Mask Perceptions Scale (FMPS). We begin by developing an over‐representative item list in a qualitative study, wherein participants’ responses are used to develop items to ensure content relevance. This item list is then reduced via exploratory factor analysis in a second study, and the eight dimensions of the scale are supported. We also support the validity of the FMPS, as the scale significantly relates to both face mask wearing and health perceptions. We lastly confirm the factor structure of the FMPS in a third study via confirmatory factor analysis. From these efforts, we identify an avenue that social scientists can aid in preventing coronavirus and illness more broadly – by studying face mask perceptions and behaviours.
Cultural orientation, power, belief in conspiracy theories, and intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19
Authors: Biddlestone Mikey , Green Ricky , Douglas Karen M.
Published: June 2020

The current study investigated cultural and psychological factors associated with intentions to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Participants (n = 704) completed measures of individualism–collectivism, belief in conspiracy theories about COVID‐19, feelings of powerlessness, and intentions to engage in behaviours that reduce the spread of COVID‐19. Results revealed that vertical individualism negatively predicted intentions to engage in social distancing, directly and indirectly through both belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and feelings of powerlessness. Vertical collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions directly. Horizontal collectivism positively predicted social distancing intentions indirectly through feelings of powerlessness. Finally, horizontal collectivism positively predicted hygiene‐related intentions both directly and indirectly through lower feelings of powerlessness. These findings suggest that promoting collectivism may be a way to increase engagement with efforts to reduce the spread of COVID‐19. They also highlight the importance of examining the interplay between culture and both personal feelings (powerlessness) and information consumption (conspiracy theories) during times of crisis.
Solitary rib lesions showing prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) uptake in pre‐treatment staging 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography scans for men with prostate cancer: benign or malignant?
Authors: Chen Michael Y. , Franklin Anthony , Yaxley John , Gianduzzo Troy , McBean Rhiannon , Wong David , Tatkovic Annaleis , McEwan Louise , Walters James , Kua Boon
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To determine the proportion of solitary rib lesions on pre‐treatment 68Gallium‐labelled prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)/computed tomography (CT) scans in men with prostate cancer that are malignant and examine any predictive factors.

Patients and methods

This retrospective single tertiary referral institution cohort study of men reviewed the results of 68Ga‐PSMA‐11 positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans performed for primary staging prior to treatment of prostate cancer from July 2014 to September 2019. Men with PSMA uptake outside the prostate in only the rib lesion were included. A solitary rib lesion was considered to be malignant if it increased in size on follow‐up imaging. A lesion was considered benign if the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level remained <0.1 µg/L following a radical prostatectomy (RP), <2 µg/L above nadir following radiotherapy (RT) as per the Phoenix criteria, histology was benign on rib biopsy, or follow‐up imaging showed no growth of the rib lesion. If a lesion did not meet these criteria it was considered indeterminate.

Results

A total of 62 men had PSMA uptake in a solitary rib lesion; 54 went on to have RPs and eight underwent RT. In all, 61 of the men (98.4%) met the criteria for a benign rib lesion. Only one man had a false‐negative malignant lesion. This man had a rib lesion with a low maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of 2.21 reported as benign, but the postoperative PSA level was 0.67 µg/L and the rib lesion progressed on follow‐up imaging, with development of widespread metastases. Of the benign rib lesions, there were four false positives reported as possible metastases. Three had percutaneous rib biopsies, two of which came back with benign histology and one was indeterminate. The indeterminate biopsy patient had a RP and his postoperative PSA level was <0.1 µg/L. A total of 43 (69.4%) men with benign rib lesions had a SUVmax greater than the SUVmax of the malignant lesion.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first cohort study of men with PSMA‐avid solitary rib lesions on pre‐treatment 68Ga‐PSMA PET/CT staging scans for prostate cancer. Our results indicate that the vast majority of these lesions have low‐intensity uptake and are benign. Intervention to confirm this is not usually required.
Multi‐angle development of therapeutic methods for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hoshi Minako
Published: June 2020

Recent clinical trial results support the idea that treatment based on the so‐called amyloid hypothesis is a promising approach in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but actually, developing effective treatments for AD remains highly challenging. The discovery that neuron‐specific sodium pump activity is impaired in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease has suggested a role for the sodium pump in the pathogenesis of these diseases. This opens up new possibilities for intervention, such as inhibiting the aberrant interaction of the sodium pump with the disease‐specific ligand(s) or activating the sodium pump itself or its downstream signalling. In this review article, I would like to discuss possible anti‐amyloid therapies, focusing especially on our own research.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Neurochemistry in Japan. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.4/issuetoc
ZNF251 promotes the progression of lung cancer by activating ERK signaling
Authors: Zhong Chenxi , Chen Chunji , Yao Feng , Fang Wentao
Published: June 2020

Aberrant activation of ERK signaling is a hallmark of lung cancer. Although constitutively activating mutations of EGFR and KRAS contribute to the hyperactivation of ERK1/2, other mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, the zinc finger protein ZNF251 was found to be upregulated in clinical lung cancer samples, and it promoted the growth of lung cancer cells and the growth of primary lung KPC cells from mouse models (Ad‐Cre, KrasG12D, and P53f/f). In studying the molecular mechanism, ZNF251 was found to inhibit the expression of dual‐specificity phosphatase 6, a negative regulator of ERK activation, by directly binding to its promoter region. Taken together, our data indicate the tumor‐promoting effects of ZNF251 in lung cancer and suggest that ZNF251 is a therapeutic target.