bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum variability of the active solar-type star ξ Bootis A
Authors: Takeda Yoichi , Honda Satoshi , Taguchi Hikaru , Hashimoto Osamu
Published: February 2020

An extensive spectroscopic study on ξ Boo A (a chromospherically active solar-type star) was conducted based on the spectra obtained from 2008 December through to 2010 May, with the aim of detecting any spectrum variability and understanding its physical origin. For each spectrum, the atmospheric parameters were spectroscopically determined based on Fe lines, and the equivalent widths (along with the line-broadening parameters) of 99 selected lines were measured. We could detect meaningful small fluctuations in the equivalent widths of medium-strength lines. This variation was found to correlate with the effective temperature ($T_{\rm eff}$) consistently with the T-sensitivity of each line, which indicates that the difference in the mean temperature averaged over the disk of inhomogeneous condition is mainly responsible for this variability. It was also found that the macrobroadening widths of medium-strength lines and the equivalent widths’ dispersion of saturated lines tend to increase with the effective Landé factor, suggesting the influence of a magnetic field. Our power spectrum analysis applied to the time-sequence data of the V i$/$Fe ii line-strength ratio and $T_{\rm eff}$ could not confirm the 6.4 d period reported by previous studies. We suspect that surface inhomogeneities of ξ Boo A at the time of our observations were not so much simple (such as a single star patch) as rather complex (e.g., intricate aggregate of spots and faculae).
Polarization imaging of M 87 jets by general relativistic radiative transfer calculation based on GRMHD simulations
Authors: Tsunetoe Yuh , Mineshige Shin , Ohsuga Ken , Kawashima Tomohisa , Akiyama Kazunori
Published: February 2020

The spectacular images of the M 87 black hole taken by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) have opened a new era of black hole research. One of the next issues is to take polarization images around the central black hole (BH). Since radio emission is produced by synchrotron process, polarization properties should vividly reflect the magnetic field structures at the jet base and thus provide good information regarding the magnetic mechanism of jet formation. With this kept in mind we perform general relativistic (GR) radiative transfer calculations of polarized light based on the GR magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation data of accretion flow and outflow in M 87, to obtain their linear and circular polarization images in the BH horizon-scale. We found that the linear polarization components originating from the jet base and inner accretion flow should experience Faraday rotation and depolarization when passing through magnetized plasmas around the BH, thus sensitively depending on the BH spin. Through the comparison with total intensity image at $1.3\:$mm by EHT and the polarization degree and the rotation measure (RM) measured at $1.3\:$mm with the Submillimeter Array, the model with the spin parameter of $a=0.9\, M_{\,\mathrm{BH}}$ (with $M_{\,\mathrm{BH}}$ being the BH mass) is favored over other models with $a = 0.5\, M_{\,\mathrm{BH}}$ or $0.99\, M_{\,\mathrm{BH}}$, though we need further systematic studies for confirmation. We also find in low-temperature models a clear ring-like image in the circular polarization map, which arises because of Faraday conversion of the linearly polarized synchrotron emission and is thus indicative of magnetic field direction. This occurs only when the emission region is threaded with well-ordered magnetic fields and hence no clear images are expected in high-temperature disk models, in which disk emission is appreciable. We will be able to elucidate the field configuration through the comparison between the simulated polarization images and future polarimetry with EHT and other VLBI observations.
Empyema Necessitans a Rare Complication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Empyema in a Child
Authors: Pugh C. Preston
Published: February 2020

Abstract: Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of a pleural effusion that occurs when infected fluid dissects into the chest wall from the pleural space. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Actinomyces israelii have previously been the most commonly reported etiologic agents. This case presents an empyema necessitans secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) following an influenza A infection in a child.
Impact of Person-Centered Interventions on Patient Outcomes in Acute Care Settings
Authors: Klancnik Gruden Maja , Turk Eva , McCormack Brendan , Stiglic Gregor
Published: February 2020

Background:

Preventing adverse events is one of the most important issues in health care.

Purpose:

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the impact of person-centered interventions on patient outcomes in an acute care setting.

Methods:

The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Eligible interventions included person-centered interventions that address at least one of these outcomes: pressure ulcer, accidental falls, medication errors, and/or cross infection.

Results:

The review showed that there is a paucity of evidence supporting the use of person-centered interventions in reducing patient falls. For the other outcomes, existing research provides an insufficient evidence base on which to draw conclusions.

Conclusions:

Theory of person-centeredness is still in its ascendency. Poor evidence may also be the result of quantitative research designs that are insufficient in studying the impact of a person-centered approach. We postulate that use of mixed-methods designs is beneficial and would give a clearer picture of the impact of person-centered interventions.
Extraperitoneal packing in unstable blunt pelvic trauma: A single-center study
Authors: Frassini Simone , Gupta Shailvi , Granieri Stefano , Cimbanassi Stefania , Sammartano Fabrizio , Scalea Thomas M. , Chiara Osvaldo
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures often require a multi-modal approach including both operative and endovascular management. While an important adjunct in hemorrhage control, time to angioembolization even at the most advanced trauma centers may take hours. Extraperitoneal packing (EPP) is a fast and effective procedure that can immediately address pelvic hemorrhage from the retroperitoneal space in severe pelvic injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early EPP, looking at 24 hours and overall mortality, and the hemodynamic impact of EPP in unstable blunt pelvic trauma.

METHODS

All trauma patients admitted to an urban Level I trauma center were evaluated from 2002 to 2018 in a retrospective single-center comparative study. Inclusion criteria were patients 14 years or older who sustained blunt trauma with pelvic fractures and hemodynamic instability. Exclusion criteria were a concomitant head injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale >3) and patients who underwent resuscitative thoracotomy. The patient population was divided into two groups: an EPP group and a no-EPP group. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics in the two groups: a one-to-one matched analysis using nearest-neighbor matching was performed based on the estimated propensity score of each patient.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-four patients presented hemodynamically unstable, with a pelvic fracture (180 no-EPP, 64 EPP). With propensity score matching, 37 patients in each group were analyzed. Survival within the first 24 hours was significantly improved in the EPP group (81.1% vs. 59.5%, p = 0.042) and we registered similar results in overall survival rate (78.4% EPP group vs. 56.8% no-EPP group, p = 0.047). Those patients who underwent early EPP (n = 64) were associated with a significant improvement in hemodynamic stability, with a pre-EPP mean arterial pressure of 49.9 mm Hg and post-EPP mean arterial pressure of 70.1 mm Hg (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Extraperitoneal pelvic packing is an effective procedure that can be performed immediately, even within the trauma bay, to improve hemodynamic stability and overall survival in patients who sustain severe blunt pelvic trauma. The early use of EPP can be lifesaving.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level III.
Examining the antecedents and consequences of brand experience dimensions: implications for branding strategy
Authors: Bapat Dhananjay
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of advertising, brand-related-stimuli, on the dimensions of sensory, emotional and intellectual brand experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is divided into two parts. In the first part, the objective is to examine antecedents to brand experience dimensions for umbrella brand and product brand using an experimental study; in the second part, the relationship among brand experience dimensions, brand experience evaluation and brand loyalty was examined using structural equation modeling by incorporating the measures after exposure to advertisement for both types of brands.

Findings

Based on a 2 × 2 factorial design, the results confirm that the main effect of advertisement exists on sensory, emotional and intellectual brand experience. For product brand, brand experience evaluation was mediator between both intellectual brand experience and emotional brand experience with brand loyalty. The effect of interaction between branding strategy and advertisement was not significant. For an umbrella brand, brand experience evaluation acted as a mediator between emotional brand experience dimension and brand loyalty. For product brand, brand experience evaluation acted as a mediator between both intellectual brand experience and emotional brand experience dimension with brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

The research has implications with regard to the antecedents and consequences of brand experience and offers implications for branding strategy.

Originality/value

The present study is integrated and comprehensive, as it covers various facets of brand experience.
Diagnostic roles of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA in cancer
Authors: Fu Chang‐Jin , Cong Jing , Sun Shan‐Shan , Ren Meng‐Meng , Xie Shu‐Yang , Wang Ping‐Yu
Published: February 2020

HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) is considered a diagnostic biomarker for cancer; however, results of previous studies on HOTAIR are inconsistent. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to investigate the role of HOTAIR in cancer diagnosis. Medline, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant literature up to May 2019. Over all, we included 20 studies from 17 articles on the role of HOTAIR in cancer diagnosis (individual diagnosis) and 7 studies from 6 articles on the role of HOTAIR along with other biomarkers in cancer diagnosis (combinative diagnosis). The sensitivity and specificity of HOTAIR‐mediated individual diagnosis of cancers were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–0.85) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.66–0.81), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of HOTAIR‐mediated combinative diagnosis of cancer were 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77–0.87) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80–0.91), respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for individual and combinative diagnoses was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81–0.87) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88–0.93), respectively, indicating that a combinative diagnosis has a relatively better diagnostic accuracy (z = –2.22, P = 0.01) than individual diagnosis. In conclusion, HOTAIR levels might be a promising biomarker in cancer diagnosis. In addition, using HOTAIR in combination with other biomarkers showed a relatively better diagnostic accuracy than HOTAIR alone.
Born‐digital biodiversity data: Millions and billions
Authors: Kays Roland , McShea William J. , Wikelski Martin
Published: February 2020

Given the dramatic pace of change of our planet, we need rapid collection of environmental data to document how species are coping and to evaluate the impact of our conservation interventions. To address this need, new classes of “born digital” biodiversity records are now being collected and curated many orders of magnitude faster than traditional data. In addition to the millions of citizen science observations of species that have been accumulating over the last decade, the last few years have seen a surge of sensor data, with eMammal's camera trap archive passing 1 million photo‐vouchered specimens and Movebank's animal tracking database recently passing 1.5 billion animal locations. Data from digital sensors have other advantages over visual citizen science observation in that the level of survey effort is intrinsically documented and they can preserve digital vouchers that can be used to verify species identity. These novel digital specimens are leading spatial ecology into the era of Big Data and will require a big tent of collaborating organizations to make these databases sustainable and durable. We urge institutions to recognize the future of born‐digital records and invest in proper curation and standards so we can make the most of these records to inform management, inspire conservation action and tell natural history stories about life on the planet.
Association between uric acid levels and cardio‐renal outcomes and death in patients with type 2 diabetes: A subanalysis of EMPA‐REG OUTCOME
Authors: Verma Subodh , Ji Qiuhe , Bhatt Deepak L. , Mazer C. David , Al‐Omran Mohammed , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Wanner Christoph , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Zwiener Isabella , George Jyothis T. , Zinman Bernard , Fitchett David
Published: February 2020

In the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial, we explored the association between pre‐randomization uric acid level tertile (<309.30 μmol/L; 309.30 to <387.21 μmol/L; ≥387.21 μmol/L) and cardiovascular (CV) death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), HHF or CV death, all‐cause mortality, three‐point major adverse CV events (MACE), and incident or worsening nephropathy. Patients with type 2 diabetes and CV disease received empagliflozin or placebo. The median baseline plasma uric acid level was 344.98 μmol/L, and patients’ baseline characteristics were mainly balanced across tertiles. Baseline uric acid levels were associated with cardio‐renal outcomes: in the placebo group, for the highest versus lowest tertile, the multivariable hazard ratios for three‐point MACE, HHF or CV death, and incident or worsening nephropathy were 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–1.67; P = 0.2088), 1.51 (95% CI 1.02–2.23; P = 0.0396) and 1.77 (95% CI 1.33–2.34; P < 0.0001), respectively. When tested as a continuous variable, baseline uric acid was associated with all outcomes in the placebo group. Empagliflozin improved all cardio‐renal outcomes across tertiles, with all interaction P values >0.05. Further investigation of these relationships is required.
Therapeutic potential of PPARγ natural agonists in liver diseases
Authors: Wu Liwei , Guo Chuanyong , Wu Jianye
Published: February 2020

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a vital subtype of the PPAR family. The biological functions are complex and diverse. PPARγ plays a significant role in protecting the liver from inflammation, oxidation, fibrosis, fatty liver and tumours. Natural products are a promising pool for drug discovery, and enormous research effort has been invested in exploring the PPARγ‐activating potential of natural products. In this manuscript, we will review the research progress of PPARγ agonists from natural products in recent years and probe into the application potential and prospects of PPARγ natural agonists in the therapy of various liver diseases, including inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, non‐alcoholic fatty liver and liver cancer.
Interpersonal Risk Factors for Suicide in Cocaine Dependence: Association with Self‐Esteem, Personality Traits, and Childhood Abuse
Authors: Zhornitsky Simon , Le Thang M. , Dhingra Isha , Adkinson Brendan D. , Potvin Stephane , Li Chiang‐shan R.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Studies have linked cocaine dependence to suicidality. According to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, suicidal behavior becomes likely with the simultaneous presence of perceived burdensomeness (PB), lack of (or thwarted) belongingness (TB), and acquired fearlessness about death (FAD). Here, we examined personality and other variables, including depression, self‐esteem, childhood abuse, and substance use, as predictors of these risk factors in cocaine‐dependent individuals (CDs).

Methods

Seventy CDs and 70 healthy controls (HCs) participated. We examined group differences in a group‐by‐sex analysis of variance and identified predictors of PB, TB, and FAD in stepwise regressions.

Results

CDs exhibited elevated PB and TB but not FAD, compared to HCs. CDs also exhibited elevated harm avoidance, novelty seeking, depression, and lower self‐esteem and reward dependence. Females reported elevated sexual abuse, harm avoidance, reward dependence, depression, but lower FAD, relative to males, among CDs and HCs. Among CDs, PB was predicted by lower self‐esteem and greater emotional abuse; TB was predicted by lower self‐esteem and reward dependence, as well as greater emotional and sexual abuse; and FAD was predicted by lower harm avoidance and greater physical abuse.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting suicidality in cocaine dependence should take into consideration self‐esteem, personality traits, and childhood abuse.
On the Approximation of the Full Mass Matrix in the Rotational-Coordinate-Based Beam Formulation
Authors: Fan Wei , Ren Hui , Ju Ren , Zhu Weidong
Published: February 2020

A novel approach is developed to approximate the full mass matrix in the rotational-coordinate-based beam formulation, which can improve the efficiency of calculating its inverse in dynamic analyses. While the rotational-coordinate-based beam formulation can reduce numbers of elements and generalized coordinates, its mass matrix is a full matrix, such that corresponding Jacobian matrix is also full, and it is time-consuming to calculate its inverse. To increase efficiency of calculating its inverse, the full mass matrix is approximated in this work. Two approximations are adopted: (1) a double integral is approximated by a single integral; and (2) a full matrix is approximated by a sum of several rank-one matrices. Through this way, the approximate mass matrix can be decomposed as a band-diagonal sparse matrix and multiplication of low-rank matrices, and its inverse can be efficiently calculated using Sherman–Woodbury formula. Through this way, the approximate mass matrix can be efficiently calculated. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of the current approach, and its accuracy and efficiency are analyzed.
Patients, clinicians and researchers working together to improve cardiovascular health: a qualitative study of barriers and priorities for patient-oriented research
Authors: Santana Maria-Jose , Zelinsky Sandra , Ahmed Sadia , Doktorchik Chelsea , James Matthew , Wilton Stephen , Quan Hude , Fernandez Nicolas , Anderson Todd , Butalia Sonia
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The overall goal of this study is to identify priorities for cardiovascular (CV) health research that are important to patients and clinician-researchers. We brought together a group of CV patients and clinician-researchers new to patient-oriented research (POR), to build a multidisciplinary POR team and form an advisory committee for the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.

Design

This qualitative POR used a participatory health research paradigm to work with participants in eliciting their priorities. Therefore, participants were involved in priority setting, and analysis of findings. Participants also developed a plan for continued engagement to support POR in CV health research.

Setting

Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.

Participants

A total of 23 participants, including patients and family caregivers (n=12) and clinician-researchers (n=11).

Results

Participants identified barriers and facilitators to POR in CV health (lack of awareness of POR and poor understanding on the role of patients) and 10 research priorities for improving CV health. The CV health research priorities include: (1) CV disease prediction and prevention, (2) access to CV care, (3) communication with providers, (4) use of eHealth technology, (5) patient experiences in healthcare, (6) patient engagement, (7) transitions and continuity of CV care, (8) integrated CV care, (9) development of structures for patient-to-patient support and (10) research on rare heart diseases.

Conclusions

In this study, research priorities were identified by patients and clinician-researchers working together to improve CV health. Future research programme and projects will be developed to address these priorities. A key output of this study is the creation of the patient advisory council that will provide support and will work with clinician-researchers to improve CV health.
Association of trajectory of body mass index with knee pain risk in Japanese middle-aged women in a prospective cohort study: the Japan Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Ito Ayumi , Hayashi Kunihiko , Suzuki Shosuke , Ideno Yuki , Kurabayashi Takumi , Ogata Toru , Seichi Atsushi , Akai Masami , Iwaya Tsutomu
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) trajectory, lifestyle and reproductive factors are associated with knee pain risk among middle-aged women.

Design

Prospective study of the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS).

Setting

The JNHS investigates the health of female nurses in Japan. Biennial follow-up questionnaires are mailed to the participants.

Participants

The 7434 women aged over 40 years who responded to the 10-year self-administered follow-up questionnaire.

Primary outcome measure

Self-reported knee pain at the 10-year follow-up was the primary outcome. We analysed BMI (normal or overweight) trajectory data from a baseline survey to the 10-year follow-up survey using group-based trajectory modelling. Exposure measurements were BMI trajectory, BMI at age 18 years, lifestyle variables and reproductive history.

Results

BMI trajectories from baseline to the 10-year follow-up were divided into four groups: remained normal, remained overweight, gained weight or lost weight. At the 10-year follow-up, 1281 women (17.2%) reported knee pain. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with the remained normal group, multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of knee pain were 1.93 (1.60 to 2.33) for the remained overweight group, 1.60 (1.23 to 2.08) for the gained weight group and 1.40 (0.88 to 2.21) for the lost weight group. The attributable risk percent (95% CI) of the remained overweight group was 48.1% (37.3% to 57.0%) compared with the reference group of remained normal. Alcohol intake at baseline was significantly associated with knee pain.

Conclusions

The lost weight group had a lower risk than the remained overweight group and the gained weight group and did not carry statistically significant risks for knee pain. Weight reduction and maintaining a normal BMI in middle age was important for preventing knee pain in women.
High-dimensional immune-profiling in cancer: implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Chuah Samuel , Chew Valerie
Published: February 2020

Immunotherapy is a rapidly growing field for cancer treatment. In contrast to conventional cancer therapies, immunotherapeutic strategies focus on reactivating the immune system to mount an antitumor response. Despite the encouraging outcome in clinical trials, a large proportion of patients still do not respond to treatment and many experience different degrees of immune-related adverse events. Furthermore, it is now increasingly appreciated that even many conventional cancer therapies such as radiotherapy could have a positive impact on the host immune system for better clinical response. Hence, there is a need to better understand tumor immunity in order to design immunotherapeutic strategies, especially evidence-based combination therapies, for improved clinical outcomes. With this aim, cancer research turned its attention to profiling the immune contexture of either the tumor microenvironment (TME) or peripheral blood to uncover mechanisms and biomarkers which might aid in precision immunotherapeutics. Conventional technologies used for this purpose were limited by the depth and dimensionality of the data. Advances in newer techniques have, however, greatly improved the breadth and depth, as well as the quantity and quality of data that can be obtained. The result of these advances is a wealth of new information and insights on how the TME could be affected by various immune cell-types, and how this might in turn impact the clinical outcome of cancer patients . We highlight herein some of the high-dimensional technologies currently employed in immune profiling in cancer and summarize the insights and potential benefits they could bring in designing better cancer immunotherapies.
Ankylosing spondylitis and mortality following hospitalised pneumonia: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Holland-Fischer Mette , Thomsen Reimar W , Tarp Ulrik , Nørgaard Mette
Published: February 2020

Objective

Little is known about the prognosis of infections in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared with patients without AS. The purpose of this study was to examine whether AS is associated with poorer outcomes in patients who are hospitalised with pneumonia.

Methods

In a population-based cohort study including patients with hospitalised pneumonia with and without AS, we compared 90-day rates of mortality, all-cause readmission (90 days post-discharge) and pulmonary complications including pulmonary embolism, empyema and pulmonary abscess. We used Cox regression analyses to compute crude and adjusted HRs while adjusting for sex, age and level of comorbidity.

Results

A total of 387 796 patients (median age 71 years) were hospitalised for pneumonia in Denmark between 1997 and 2017. Among these, 842 (0.2%) had AS (median age 65 years). The 90-day mortality was 12.5% in patients with AS and 15.5% in patients with non-AS pneumonia, with crude and adjusted 90-day HRs of 0.79 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.96) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.79 to 1.16), respectively. The 90-day post-discharge readmission rate was 27.3% in patients with AS and 25.4% in patients without AS, with a corresponding adjusted readmission HR of 1.12 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.27). Relative risk of pulmonary complications among patients with AS compared with patients without AS decreased over the study period, with adjusted HRs of 1.63 (95% CI 0.82 to 3.27) in 1997–2006 falling to 0.62 (95% CI 0.31 to 1.23) in 2007–2017.

Conclusions

AS is not associated with increased mortality following hospitalisation for pneumonia. Furthermore, no increased risk of readmission or pulmonary complications in patients with AS was detected in recent study years.
Grade 4 Pneumonitis in a Patient Treated with a Combination of Gemcitabine and Docetaxel for Recurrent Leiomyosarcoma of the Uterus
Authors: Wang Connor , Rose Stephen , Mankowski Gettle Lori , Spencer Ryan
Published: February 2020

Gemcitabine and docetaxel combination chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the uterus. Although they are generally well-tolerated agents, they can also cause severe and life-threatening pulmonary toxicities. Here, we describe a case of grade 4 pneumonitis due to gemcitabine and docetaxel in a 74-year-old woman with recurrent, metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma. Despite early recognition of chemotherapy-induced lung injury and early administration of corticosteroid, she developed noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. She required multiple intubations and a tracheostomy. Physicians should not only be aware of gemcitabine and docetaxel’s potential to cause life-threatening pulmonary injuries but also recognize the variability in clinical presentations and treatment responses, the radiographic findings of these lung toxicities, and the need for early corticosteroid therapy in these cases.
Eight new Lepadellidae (Rotifera, Monogononta) from the Congo bring to level endemism in Africa’s rotifers
Authors: LUO YONGTING , SEGERS HENDRIK
Published: February 2020

While patterns in diversity and biogeography of macroscopic organisms may be fairly well-documented, this is much less the case for microscopic organisms, for which mechanisms working at entirely different scales may be relevant. Data deficiency remains a major obstacle to the study of these mechanisms, and this situation is exacerbated in regions for which accessibility is not self-evident. We here report on the Lepadellidae rotifers in zooplankton samples collected during the Boyekoli ebale Congo 2010 expedition and a subsequent visit to Yangambi, DR Congo in June 2012. The material contained eight hitherto unknown species amongst 33 Lepadellidae taxa. This remarkable result illustrates a previously unknown and largely endemic microfauna of the Congo Basin and refutes the “African anomaly” hypothesis on the purported poverty of the Central African rotifer fauna. We describe the new species, viz. Colurella asymmetrica n. sp., Lepadella hanneloreae n. sp., L. jingruae n. sp., L. weijiai n. sp., L.wilungulai n. sp., L. yangambi n. sp., Squatinella curviseta n. sp. and S. longipila n. sp., and comment on the diversity and biogeographical relationships of this fauna. Two of the new species appear to have a South American congener as their closest relative, potentially constituting two more examples of rare African-South American vicariant species-pairs in Rotifera.
Hyperspectral Raman Imaging Using a Spatial Heterodyne Raman Spectrometer with a Microlens Array
Authors: Allen Ashley , Waldron Abigail , Ottaway Joshua M. , Chance Carter J. , Michael Angel S.
Published: February 2020

A new hyperspectral Raman imaging technique is described using a spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) and a microlens array (MLA). The new technique enables the simultaneous acquisition of Raman spectra over a wide spectral range at spatially isolated locations within two spatial dimensions ( x, y) using a single exposure on a charge-coupled device (CCD) or other detector types such as a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector. In the SHRS system described here, a 4 × 4 mm MLA with 1600, 100 µm diameter lenslets is used to image the sample, with each lenslet illuminating a different region of the SHRS diffraction gratings and forming independent fringe images on the CCD. The fringe images from each lenslet contain the fully encoded Raman spectrum of the region of the sample “seen” by the lenslet. Since the SHRS requires no moving parts, all fringe images can be measured simultaneously with a single detector exposure, and in principle using a single laser shot, in the case of a pulsed laser. In this proof of concept paper, hyperspectral Raman spectra of a wide variety of heterogeneous samples are used to characterize the technique in terms of spatial and spectral resolution tradeoffs. It is shown that the spatial resolution is a function of the diameter of the MLA lenslets, while the number of spatial elements that can be resolved is equal to the number of MLA lenslets that can be imaged onto the SHRS detector. The spectral resolution depends on the spatial resolution desired, and the number of grooves illuminated on both diffraction gratings by each lenslet, or combination of lenslets in cases where they are grouped.
Inequalities Between Migrants and Non-Migrants in Accessing and Using Health Services in Greece During an Era of Economic Hardship
Authors: Kaitelidou Daphne , Galanis Petros , Economou Charalambos , Mladovsky Philipa , Siskou Olga , Sourtzi Panayota
Published: February 2020

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2013 until March 2014 to explore the existence of inequalities in access to and utilization of health services by migrants compared to non-migrants in Greece and to test the influence of various factors on these disparities. Also, we investigated the influence of several socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Study population included 1,152 migrants and 702 non-migrants. Migrants, participants suffering from a chronic disease, those without health insurance, and patients who assessed their health status as not at all good/a little good/moderate were statistically more likely to report unmet needs in getting their medication. Uninsured participants, females, those unemployed or without a permanent occupational status, and those who assessed their health status as not at all good/a little good/moderate were statistically more likely to report unmet needs in access to health services during the last year. Regarding the use of health services, those with health coverage, non-migrants, and females were statistically more likely to go for a blood test as a hospital outpatient. Greece, despite administrative delays and barriers, provided full coverage to the uninsured, asylum seekers, and migrants, even many groups of undocumented migrants.
VE-Cadherin and Anastomosis of Blood Vessels Formed by Dental Stem Cells
Authors: Sasaki J.I. , Zhang Z. , Oh M. , Pobocik A.M. , Imazato S. , Shi S. , Nör J.E.
Published: February 2020

It is known that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be induced to differentiate into vasculogenic endothelial (VE) cells. However, the process that results in sprouting and anastomosis of DPSC-derived vessels remains unclear. Here, we performed studies to understand the mechanisms underpinning the anastomosis of the host vasculature with blood vessels generated by DPSCs (a model for mesenchymal stem cells). VE-cadherin–silenced primary human DPSCs seeded in tooth slice/scaffolds and transplanted into the subcutaneous space of immunodeficient mice generated fewer functional blood vessels (i.e., anastomosed with the host vasculature) than control DPSCs transduced with scrambled sequences. Both VE-cadherin–silenced and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)–silenced cells showed a decrease in the number of capillary sprouts in vitro. Interestingly, DPSC stably transduced with a VE-cadherin reporter demonstrated that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces VE-cadherin expression in sprouting DPSCs undergoing anastomosis, but not in quiescent DPSCs. To begin to understand the mechanisms regulating VE-cadherin, we stably silenced MEK1 and observed that VEGF was no longer able to induce VE-cadherin expression and capillary sprout formation. Notably ERG, a transcriptional factor downstream from MEK/ERK, binds to the promoter region of VE-cadherin (chip assay) and is induced by VEGF in DPSCs. Collectively, these data defined a signaling pathway triggered by VEGF that results in phosphorylation of MEK1/ERK and activation of ERG leading to expression of VE-cadherin, which is required for anastomosis of DPSC-derived blood vessels. In conclusion, these results unveiled a signaling pathway that enables the generation of functional blood vessels upon vasculogenic differentiation of DPSCs.
Food Insecurity and Risk Indicators for Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Sexually Active Persons Aged 15-44, National Survey of Family Growth, 2011-2017
Authors: Loosier Penny S. , Haderxhanaj Laura , Beltran Oscar , Hogben Matthew
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Food insecurity is linked to poor sexual health outcomes, especially among persons engaged in sexual behaviors that are associated with the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We examined this link using nationally representative data.

Methods:

We used data on adolescents and adults aged 15-44 who reported sexual activity in the past year from 6 years (September 2011–September 2017) of cross-sectional, weighted public-use data from the National Survey of Family Growth. We compared data on persons who did and did not report food insecurity, accounting for demographic characteristics, markers of poverty, and past-year STI risk indicators (ie, engaged in 1 of 4 high-risk activities or diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea).

Results:

Respondents who reported at least 1 past-year STI risk indicator were significantly more likely to report food insecurity (females: adjusted risk ratio [ARR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-1.97; P < .001; males: ARR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.16-1.85) than respondents who did not report food insecurity. This finding was independent of the association between food insecurity and markers of poverty (≤100% federal poverty level [females: ARR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.23-1.72; P < .001; males: ARR = 1.81; 95% CI, 1.49-2.20; P < .001]; if the respondent or someone in the household had received Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the past year [females: ARR = 3.37; 95% CI, 2.81-4.02; P < .001; males: ARR = 3.27; 95% CI, 2.76-3.87; P < .001]). Sex with opposite- and same-sex partners in the past year was significantly associated with food insecurity (females: ARR = 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.85; P = .01; males: ARR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.15-3.42; P = .02).

Conclusions:

Food insecurity should be considered a social determinant of health independent of poverty, and its effect on persons at highest risk for STIs, including HIV, should be considered when planning interventions designed to decrease engagement in higher-risk sexual behaviors.
(De)Racializing Refugee Medicine
Authors: Munyikwa Michelle
Published: February 2020

Based on ethnographic research within refugee-serving institutions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA), this paper examines the relationship between physicians and the knowledge they produce and consume about caring for refugees from around the world. I explore the “seething presence” of race in refugee medicine, a domain of medical practice whose entanglement with racial ideology and practice has been underexamined. I consider how knowledge about refugees from different groups—whether racially laden designations like “Asian” or “African” or national markers like Congolese or Burmese—circulates in clinical spaces as health-care teams diagnose and treat refugees using standards of “evidence-based” medicine. Assessing the primary literatures that refugee health-care providers use to justify varying care plans, I argue that race, while often unmentioned, structures the practice of refugee medicine. Additionally, the implicit use of race as an analytic, not racism or economic injustice, often disguises the impact of structural racism and inequality in refugee health disparities. I end with some reflections on how we might conduct a more just practice of refugee health care—and by extension, health care more generally—by shifting our gaze from the particularities of seemingly obvious cultural difference to social structure.
Helper-assisted continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: Does the choice of helper matter?
Authors: Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Chan Gordon Chun-Kau , Chow Kai Ming , Fung Winston , Pang Wing-Fai , Law Man-Ching , Leung Chi Bon , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk Chun
Published: February 2020

Background:

There is an increasing number of elderly patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who could not perform dialysis exchange themselves and require assistance. We examine the outcome of Chinese CAPD patients who required helper-assisted dialysis and compare the outcome between different types of helper.

Methods:

We reviewed 133 incident patients on helper-assisted CAPD and 266 incident patients who performed self-CAPD exchanges (self-peritoneal dialysis (PD) group). Outcome measures included patient survival, peritonitis-free survival, and overall peritonitis rate.

Results:

At 24 months, patient survival of the helper-assisted and self-PD groups were 56.0% and 80.6%, respectively ( p < 0.0001). Within the helper-assisted group, patient survival at 24 months was 55.5%, 63.2%, and 27.2% for the patients with domestic helper, family member, and nursing home staff as their helpers, respectively ( p = 0.037). Peritonitis-free survival of the helper-assisted and self-PD groups were 54.2% and 64.9%, respectively ( p = 0.039). Within the helper-assisted group, peritonitis-free survival at 24 months was 59.4%, 55.4%, and 37.2% for the patients with domestic helper, family member, and nursing home staff as their helpers, respectively ( p = 0.06). There was no significant difference in peritonitis rate between patients with domestic helper, family member, and nursing home staff as their helpers (0.54, 0.57, and 0.94 episodes per patient-year, respectively, p = 0.2).

Conclusions:

Helper-assisted CAPD patients had worse patient survival and peritonitis-free survival than the self-PD group. Assistance by nursing home staff was associated with worse patients’ survival and peritonitis-free survival than assistance by family members or domestic maids.
Financial implications of dialysis modalities in the developing world: A Chinese perspective
Authors: Liu Jing , Hutton David W , Gu Yonghong , Hu Yao , Li Yi , Ma Liang , Zeng Xiaoxi , Fu Ping
Published: February 2020

Background:

End-stage renal disease has been imposing a heavy economic burden on public health; however, few studies have been performed on the cost-effectiveness of dialysis modalities. We aim to estimate the cost-effectiveness of different dialysis modalities in China.

Methods:

Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed using Markov models based on published data of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) modalities in China. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify key variables influencing the results.

Results:

Over a 10-year time horizon, the base-case cost-effectiveness analysis indicated that PD-first absolutely dominated the HD-first option by gaining 0.13 more quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costing RMB ¥81,081 less. When using reported mortality of HD and PD from the United States, the PD-first option still dominated HD-first with higher QALYs and lower costs. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the results were more sensitive to the direct cost of HD, utility of HD, utility of PD, direct cost of PD, PD mortality, and HD mortality, while less sensitive to the indirect costs and transition probabilities. The HD utility needed to be at least 0.148 higher than PD utility for HD to be cost-effective. PD was about 72% likely to be considered cost-effective compared with HD, regardless of the willingness-to-pay for QALYs.

Conclusion:

PD appears to be more cost-effective than HD in China, and the major influential factors on the cost-effectiveness are the direct costs of HD, utility of HD, utility of PD, direct costs of PD, PD mortality, and HD mortality.
Supine equilibration of extracellular fluid in peritoneal dialysis varies with intra-abdominal pressure
Authors: Schneditz Daniel , Sauseng Notburga , Pütün Ezgi , Rosenkranz Alexander R , Ribitsch Werner
Published: February 2020

Background:

Increased intra-abdominal pressure (PIA) leads to venous congestion in splanchnic and adjoining circulations. The aim is to examine whether PIA in peritoneal dialysis (PD) affects the mobilization of extracellular fluid from the lower body in supine body position.

Methods:

Patients were studied during a regular peritoneal equilibration test (PET) in supine body position using multifrequency bioimpedance analysis to determine extracellular resistance and absolute volume overload (AVO) in wrist-to-ankle (W2A) as well as in ankle-to-ankle (A2A) configurations. Measurements were taken at baseline (T0) after draining the peritoneal cavity, at T1 shortly after filling with 2 L of standard dialysate, and at T2 before taking the 2 h PET samples. PIA was measured from the column height in the PD catheter. Extracellular resistance in the lower extremities (RL) was taken as half of the A2A resistance.

Results:

Eighteen patients (56 ± 15 years, 76 ± 21 kg, body mass index (BMI) 26.4 ± 7 kg/m2, 13 men) were studied. After having assumed a supine body position for the duration of 17, 77, and 155 min, AVO continuously decreased from 1.6 ± 1.3 (T0) to 1.2 ± 1.5 (T1) and 1.0 ± 1.4 L (T2). RL significantly increased from 238 ± 57 (T0) to 254 ± 62 (T1) and 264 ± 67 Ohm (T2). This increase was negatively correlated to BMI and PIA measured at any time point, but not to net ultrafiltration volume.

Conclusions:

Orthostatic fluid shifts from the lower limbs may take up to 2 h in supine PD patients, especially with high BMI and PIA because of venous congestion in splanchnic and adjoining circulations.
Maternal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin suppresses male reproductive functions in their adulthood
Authors: Mai X , Dong Y , Xiang L , Er Z
Published: February 2020

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant in the environment. The developmental period is more sensitive to TCDD and there is a possibility that maternal exposure to TCDD may affect in adulthood. Adult female Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 µg/kg TCDD during the critical stage of organogenesis, that is, on GD15. The results revealed a significant decrease in indices of reproductive organ weight in adult male rats exposed to prenatal TCDD, and dose-dependent reduction in epididymal sperm reserves, percent motile, and viable sperm with an increase in percent morphological abnormal sperm. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed downregulated expression levels of steroidogenic markers such as steroidogenic acute regulatory, cholesterol side-chain cleavage, and 3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSDs) in experimental rats. Immunofluorescence sections portrayed reduced distribution of 3β- and 17β-HSD proteins in testes of experimental rats. Furthermore, spermatogenic markers (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase) were significantly altered in the testes. Serum levels of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormones, and luteinizing hormone were significantly decreased. Testicular levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated with a decline in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and total thiol levels. Moreover, histological and morphometric examination of testicular cross-sections depicted degenerative changes. Male fertility assessment in adult rats revealed a significant decrease in mating index, fertility index, and mean number of pre- and postimplantations with an increase in pre- and postimplantation losses in rats cohabited with in utero TCDD-exposed adult males. In conclusion, the findings of this study provided clear evidence that maternal exposure to TCDD during the critical stage of development results in suppressed reproductive health in adulthood.
The Aesthetics and Phenomenology of Grief: Two Meditations
Authors: Gambs Deborah
Published: February 2020

These two short personal essays were written in response to anticipating the death of my mother in 2004. Living Art is written from New York City while working on my dissertation and Clipping Hair is written from Iowa on a short visit in the year and a half before her death. Juxtaposed together, the differing sensations of anticipatory grief, looking at Francis Bacon’s artwork, paintings of distorted bodies, and the fragile sensing dying body, flow into and overlap one another. In retrospect, it is possible to see that each presents a different aesthetic—one of lush grieving and another of a more stark, contained angst. Yet, both meditations center on bodies and the sensations and emotions that figure in grief and illness. They may be read vertically, one at a time, in fragments horizontally, or simultaneously.