bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza response planning for the centers of excellence for influenza research and surveillance: Science preparedness for enhancing global health security
Authors: Moore Kristine A. , Ostrowsky Julia T. , Mehr Angela J. , Osterholm Michael T. ,   The CEIRS Pandemic Planning Committee
Published: April 2020

Background

The Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS) network, funded by the US National Institutes of Health, has been operational since 2007 and is tasked with conducting research to improve understanding of influenza viruses. Recently, CEIRS developed an Influenza Response Plan (IRP) to improve science preparedness for the network.

Methods

Development of the IRP involved a collaborative process between project staff, CEIRS center directors or their designees, and NIAID CEIRS leadership (referred to as the Pandemic Planning Advisory Committee [PPAC]). Project staff identified and summarized the response capabilities of each center and then worked with the PPAC to identify and rank research priorities for an emergency response using a modified Delphi method.

Results

Key elements of the response plan include tables of response capabilities for each CEIRS center, a framework that outlines and ranks research priorities for CEIRS during an emergency situation, and an operational strategy for executing the research priorities.

Conclusions

The CEIRS IRP highlights the importance of enhancing science preparedness in advance of an influenza pandemic or other influenza‐related zoonotic incident to ensure that research can be carried out expeditiously and effectively in emergency situations and to improve global health security.
Metabolic and perfusion responses to acute hypoglycemia in the rat cortex: A non‐invasive magnetic resonance approach
Authors: Lei Hongxia , Gruetter Rolf
Published: April 2020

Hypoglycemia is critical condition during diabetic treatment that involves intensive insulin therapy, and it may impair brain function. We aimed to compare cortical responses of three hypoglycemic phases and the restoration of glycemia to control levels after a severe episode in rats using non‐invasive perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and localized 1H MR spectroscopy. Under light α‐chloralose anesthesia, cortical blood flow (cCBF) was 42 ± 3 ml/100 g/min at euglycemia (~ 5 mM plasma glucose), was not altered at mild hypoglycemia I (42 ± 4 ml/100 g/min, 2–3.5 mM), increased to 60 ± 8 ml/100 g/min under moderate hypoglycemia II (1–2 mM) and amplified to 190 ± 35 ml/100 g/min at severe hypoglycemia III (< 1 mM). 1H MRS revealed metabolic changes at hypoglycemia I without any perfusion alteration. At hypoglycemia III, glutamine and glutamate decreased, whereas aspartate increased. When animals subsequently regained glycemic control, not all metabolites returned to their control levels, for example, glutamine. Meanwhile, ascorbate was increased with amplified hypoglycemic severity, whereas glutathione was reduced; these compounds did not return to normal levels upon the restoration of glycemia. Our study is the first to report cCBF and neurochemical changes in cortex upon five glycemic stages. The cortical responses of different hypoglycemic phases would explain variable neuronal damages after hypoglycemia and might help identify the degrees of hypoglycemic insults and further improve alternative therapies.

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A single‐center blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the anti‐aging effects of a novel HSF™‐based skin care formulation
Authors: Duscher Dominik , Maan Zeshaan N. , Hu Michael S. , Thor Dominik
Published: April 2020

Background

Similar to chronic wounds, skin aging is characterized by dysfunction of key cellular regulatory pathways. The hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) pathway was linked to both conditions. Recent evidence suggests that modulating this pathway can rejuvenate aged fibroblasts and improve skin regeneration. Here, we describe the application of a novel HIF stimulating factor (HSF™)‐based formulation for skin rejuvenation.

Methods

Over a period of 6 weeks using a split‐face study design, the effects on skin surface profile, skin moisture, and transepidermal water loss were determined in 32 female subjects (mean age 54, range 32‐67 years) by Fast Optical in vivo Topometry of Human Skin (FOITSHD), Corneometer, and Tewameter measurements. In addition, a photo documentation was performed for assessment by an expert panel and a survey regarding subject satisfaction was conducted.

Results

No negative skin reactions of dermatological relevance were documented for the test product. A significant reduction in skin roughness could be demonstrated. The clinical evaluation of the images using a validated method confirmed significant improvement of wrinkles, in particular of fine wrinkles, lip wrinkles, and crow's feet. A significant skin moisturizing effect was detected while skin barrier function was preserved. The HSF™‐based skin care formulation resulted in a self‐reported 94% satisfaction rate.

Conclusion

With no negative skin reactions and highly significant effects on skin roughness, wrinkles, and moisturization, the HSF™‐based skin care formulation achieved very satisfying outcomes in this clinical trial. Given the favorable results, this approach represents a promising innovation in aesthetic and regenerative medicine.
Pharmacological screening of fenofibrate-loaded solid dispersion in fructose-induced diabetic rat
Authors: Ghosh Milon Kumar , Wahed Mir Imam Ibne , Khan Rafiqul Islam , Habib Anwar , Barman Ranjan Kumar
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Hyperlipidaemia is a common phenomenon in diabetes mellitus. Fenofibrate (FF) is a good candidate for the treatment of lipid abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes. But the bioavailability as well as therapeutic efficacy of this drug is limited to its dissolution behaviour. Here, the authors assess the therapeutic efficacy of a newly formulated solid dispersion of fenofibrate (SDF) having enhanced dissolution profiles in contrast to pure FF using fructose-induced diabetic rat model.

Methods

Fructose-induced diabetic rat model was developed to assess the pharmacological efficacy of the formulated SDF, and the results were compared with the effects of conventional FF therapy.

Key findings

The 14 days treatment showed better improvement in lipid-lowering potency of SDF than pure FF. SDF containing one-third dose of pure FF showed similar effect in terms of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein lowering efficacy, whereas increased high-density lipoprotein at same extent. The similar dose of SDF produced more prominent effect than FF. Histological studies also demonstrated the enhanced lipid clearance from liver by SDF than FF that was concordant with the biochemical results.

Conclusions

This newly formulated SDF would be a promising alternative for conventional fenofibrate in treating hyperlipidaemia.
Integration of miRNA‐regulatory networks in hepatic stellate cells identifies TIMP3 as a key factor in chronic liver disease
Authors: Azar Fida , Courtet Kevin , Dekky Bassil , Bonnier Dominique , Dameron Olivier , Colige Alain , Legagneux Vincent , Théret Nathalie
Published: April 2020

Background & Aims

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a critical process involved in liver fibrosis. Several miRNAs are implicated in gene regulation during this process but their exact and respective contribution is still incompletely understood. Here we propose an integrative approach of miRNA‐regulatory networks to predict new targets.

Methods

miRNA regulatory networks in activated HSCs were built using lists of validated miRNAs and the CyTargetLinker tool. The resulting graphs were filtered according to public transcriptomic data and the reduced graphs were analysed through GO annotation. A miRNA network regulating the expression of TIMP3 was further studied in human liver samples, isolated hepatic cells and mouse model of liver fibrosis.

Results

Within the up‐regulated miRNAs, we identified a subnetwork of five miRNAs (miR‐21‐5p, miR‐222‐3p, miR‐221‐3p miR‐181b‐5p and miR‐17‐5p) that target TIMP3. We demonstrated that TIMP3 expression is inversely associated with inflammatory activity and IL1‐ß expression in vivo. We further showed that IL1‐ß inhibits TIMP3 expression in HSC‐derived LX‐2 cells. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we showed that, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), TIMP3 expression is associated with survival (P < .001), while miR‐221 (P < .05), miR‐222 (P < .01) and miR‐181b (P < .01) are markers for a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Several miRNAs targeting TIMP3 are up‐regulated in activated HSCs and down‐regulation of TIMP3 expression is associated with inflammatory activity in liver fibrosis and poor prognosis in HCC. The regulatory network including specific miRNAs and TIMP3 is therefore central for the evolution of chronic liver disease.
Using demographic model selection to untangle allopatric divergence and diversification mechanisms in the Rheum palmatum complex in the Eastern Asiatic Region
Authors: Feng Li , Ruhsam Markus , Wang Yi‐Han , Li Zhong‐Hu , Wang Xu‐Mei
Published: April 2020

Allopatric divergence is often initiated by geological uplift and restriction to sky‐islands, climate oscillations, or river capture. However, it can be difficult to establish which mechanism was the most likely to generate the current phylogeographical structure of a species. Recently, genomic data in conjunction with a model testing framework have been applied to address this issue in animals. To test whether such an approach is also likely to be successful in plants, we used population genomic data of the Rheum palmatum complex from the Eastern Asiatic Region, in conjunction with biogeographical reconstruction and demographic model selection, to identify the potential mechanism(s) which have led to the current level of divergence. Our results indicate that the R. palmatum complex originated in the central Hengduan Mts and possibly in regions further east, and then dispersed westward and eastward resulting in genetically distinct lineages. Populations are likely to have diverged in refugia during climate oscillations followed by subsequent expansion and secondary contact. However, model simulations within the western lineage of the R. palmatum complex cannot reject a restriction to sky‐islands as a possible mechanism of diversification due to the genetically ambiguous position of one population. This highlights that genetically mixed populations might introduce ambiguity regarding the best diversification model in some cases. Although it might be possible to resolve this ambiguity using other data, sometimes this could prove to be difficult in complex biogeographical areas.
World Workshop on Oral Medicine VII: Prognostic biomarkers in oral leukoplakia and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia—A systematic review of retrospective studies
Authors: Celentano Antonio , Glurich Ingrid , Borgnakke Wenche S. , Farah Camile S.
Published: April 2020

Objective

To systematically review retrospective studies examining prognostic potentials of candidate biomarkers to stratify malignant progression of oral leukoplakia (OL) and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL).

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Evidence‐Based Medicine and Web of Science databases targeted literature published through 29 March 2018. Inter‐rater agreement was ascertained during title, abstract and full‐text reviews. Eligibility evaluation and data abstraction from eligible studies were guided by predefined PICO questions and bias assessment by the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis criteria. Biomarkers were stratified based on cancer hallmarks.

Results

Eligible studies (n = 54/3,415) evaluated 109 unique biomarkers in tissue specimens from 2,762 cases (2,713 OL, 49 PVL). No biomarker achieved benchmarks for clinical application to detect malignant transformation. Inter‐rater reliability was high, but 65% of included studies had high “Study Confounding” bias risk.

Conclusion

There was no evidence to support translation of candidate biomarkers predictive of malignant transformation of OL and PVL. Systematically designed, large, optimally controlled, collaborative, prospective and longitudinal studies with a priori‐specified methods to identify, recruit, prospectively follow and test for malignant transformation are needed to enhance feasibility of prognostic biomarkers predicting malignant OL or PVL transformation.
Cervical Radiculopathy Caused by a Vertebral Artery Loop: Is a Focused Fluoroscopic‐Guided Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection a Possible Treatment Modality?
Authors: Croci Davide Marco , Koetsier Eva , Maino Paolo , Reinert Michael , Robert Thomas , Scarone Pietro
Published: April 2020

We describe a case of a patient suffering with cervical radiculopathy due to vertebral artery loop with nerve root compression, treated with an epidural steroid injection. A 37‐year‐old man presented with a 2‐year history of right‐sided radicular pain along the C7 dermatome. Imaging showed a right‐sided loop of the vertebral artery at the V1–V2 transition with contact on the C7 nerve root. The pain was resistant to conservative treatment, and the decision was made to perform a focused fluoroscopy‐guided translaminar epidural steroid injection near the C7 nerve root. The procedure was uneventful, and the symptoms resolved completely after the procedure. Targeted epidural steroid injection might be a useful and safe diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients affected by cervical radiculopathy due to a VA loop. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a VA loop associated with cervical radiculopathy treated with this technique.
Building ‘a compassionate armour’: The journey to develop strength and self‐compassion in a group treatment for complex post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Ashfield Emily , Chan Carmen , Lee Deborah
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Complex post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with severe difficulties in emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and shame. For individuals with these difficulties, exposure‐based treatment for PTSD symptoms is less effective and can even be harmful. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of change at an individual and group level for individuals completing treatment for complex PTSD.

Design

Constructivist grounded theory was used to develop an explanatory theoretical model of the change process.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women with a diagnosis of complex PTSD who had completed the group treatment.

Results

The theoretical model captured change as an ongoing journey, which continued after treatment finished. Participants identified three essential aspects of the group that brought about change. The first was the group itself, in which valued relationships were formed. Additionally, participants described two key mechanisms – developing a comprehensive understanding of themselves and their difficulties, and experiencing their emotions and compassion from others.

Conclusions

The key mechanisms of change were the relationships formed within the group and the need for a deeper understanding of the self in order to reduce shame and prepare for exposure‐based treatment. Further support is provided for a phase‐based approach to complex PTSD treatment. Psychoeducation alone, however, was not sufficient, and it was also crucial that participants could safely access their emotions and experience compassion from others in order for change to come about.

Practitioner points

Important aspects of treatment for complex PTSD are emphasised to inform professional practice. In particular, the role of relationships is altering self‐perceptions through group therapy.

Other key elements included participants building an understanding of themselves and their difficulties through psychoeducation, developing compassion for others and themselves, and safely accessing their emotions.

This study also builds upon the body of evidence for the benefits of phase‐based treatment which addresses shame and emotional regulation prior to exposure therapy.
Previous antibiotic use and the development of Kawasaki disease: a matched pair case‐control study
Authors: Fukazawa Mitsuharu , Fukazawa Mitsuru , Nanishi Etsuro , Nishio Hisanori , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Ohga Shouichi
Published: April 2020

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile illness with systemic vasculitides, mostly affecting infants and young children. The etiology of KD is still unclear; however, altered gut microbiota have been recently implicated as a contributing factor for the development of vasculitis.

Methods

We conducted an age‐ and gender‐matched case‐control study on 50 patients and 200 control subjects to search for potential factors leading to intestinal dysbiosis associated with KD. Data were analyzed using conditional multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Previous antibiotic administration was associated with the patients who developed KD (odds ratio [OR] 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7−29.1, P < 0.0001), but not other variables, including breastfeeding and group nursery. In subgroup analyses, cesarean birth was indicated as an associated factor in addition to previous antibiotic administration in infants under 12 months of age (OR: 8.0, 95% CI: 1.8−34.4, P = 0.005), but not in older children.

Conclusions

The association between previous antibiotic administration and the onset of KD was demonstrated. Antibiotics may contribute to the development of KD by affecting the intestinal microbiota in infants and young children.
Propositions as Structured Cognitive Event‐Types
Authors: Davis Wayne A.
Published: April 2020

According to act theories, propositions are structured cognitive act‐types. Act theories appear to make propositions inherently representational and truth‐evaluable, and to provide solutions to familiar problems with alternative theories, including Frege’s and Russell’s problems, and the third‐realm and unity problems. Act theories have critical problems of their own, though: acts as opposed to their objects are not truth evaluable, not structured in the right way, not expressed by sentences, and not the objects of propositional attitudes. I show how identifying propositions with other cognitive event‐types, namely thoughts, has the perceived virtues of act theories without the defects.
Selective visual attention to emotional pictures: Interactions of task‐relevance and emotion are restricted to the late positive potential
Authors: Schindler Sebastian , Straube Thomas
Published: April 2020

The temporal dynamics of top‐down voluntary and bottom‐up driven emotional attention are a matter of debate. Both emotion and task‐relevance have been shown to affect the early posterior negativity (EPN) and the late positive potential (LPP) during the processing of emotional pictures, whereas there are mixed findings related to interactions of emotion and task‐relevance. In this preregistered study, we used Bayesian models to test this interplay between emotion and task‐relevance. Participants (N = 104) were presented negative, neutral, and positive International Affective Picture System (IAPS) pictures, and block‐wise were asked to respond either to negative, neutral, or positive pictures, rendering one stimulus category task‐relevant and the remaining stimuli task‐irrelevant. Bayesian models showed evidence for the absence of interactions between task‐relevance and emotion. Furthermore, models showed parallel emotion and task effects for the EPN and late stages of the LPP. Additional interactive effects were found during an early LPP interval (400 to 600 ms), with increased LPP amplitudes when emotion was rendered task‐relevant. Taken together, the results revealed distinct but parallel temporal onsets of task‐relevance and emotion effects, followed by task and emotion interactions in the early LPP. Thus, based on this high‐powered study employing Bayesian analysis, evidence is provided that interactions between task‐relevance and emotion do not emerge before the LPP time window. These results further inform theories proposing early parallel and late interactive processes of the emotional salience of stimuli and top‐down attention.
Fostering sustainable land restoration through circular economy‐governed transitions
Authors: Priyadarshini Priya , Abhilash Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil
Published: April 2020

Soil and land are critical common pool resources offering a multitude of ecosystem services (ES) and presently affected by degradation and unplanned exploitation. The present article therefore attempts to elucidate the importance of circular economy in boosting land restoration and realization of several sustainable development goals through efficient waste recycling and clean energy production from degraded lands combined with policy restructuring for aligning circularity with restoration. Integrative policy frameworks targeting a “sustainable restoration economy” can help improve the cost feasibility of restoration projects through circularization of resource value chains besides enhancing social welfare and ecological vitality.
Impact of soil salinity on mangrove restoration in a semiarid region: a case study from the Saloum Delta, Senegal
Authors: Devaney John L. , Marone Diatta , McElwain Jennifer C.
Published: April 2020

Ongoing losses to mangrove forests globally have prompted increased interest in restoration programs that seek to restore vital ecosystem functions and services. In many cases, data on local‐scale environmental tolerances of mangrove species used in reforestation efforts is lacking, and failure of restoration projects has been attributed to incorrect species selection in plantations. Here, we assess the impact of soil salinity on the early establishment success of monospecific red mangrove Rhizophora mangle reforestation projects in the Saloum Delta, Senegal, a region where widespread mangrove restoration efforts are ongoing. At soil salinities >60 ppt, stomatal conductance, photosystem II operating efficiency, and growth of planted R. mangle seedlings were severely reduced. Similarly, after 1–3 years, survival of mangrove seedlings decreased in soil salinities of >60 ppt. In contrast, we recorded naturally occurring black mangrove Avicennia germinans growing in exceptionally hypersaline conditions (90 ppt), representing some of the most saline vegetated ecosystems on Earth. The findings reported herein can be used to inform species choice in reforestation projects and help improve success rates of coastal wetland restoration projects in semiarid regions.
Porosity in chalk – roles of elastic strain and plastic strain
Authors: Fabricius Ida Lykke
Published: April 2020

Chalks originate as Cretaceous to Recent pelagic or hemipelagic calcareous ooze, which indurate via burial diagenesis to chalk and limestone. Because they accumulate in pelagic settings with high environmental continuity, chalks may form thick formations and even groups. For this reason, and because chalks have a simple mineralogy (low magnesium calcite, silica and clays), they are ideal for the study of diagenetic processes including the depth‐related decrease of porosity. It is the aim of this study to illustrate how the evaluation of in situ elastic strain can help in understanding these processes including the interplay between stress‐controlled diagenetic processes and processes furthered by thermal energy. Petrophysical core and well data can be used for analyses of how porosity reduction via pore collapse and pressure dissolution is related to in situ elastic strain. The data in question are: depth, density of overburden, pore pressure, ultrasonic P‐wave velocity and dry density/porosity. The analysis reveals that the transition from ooze to chalk is associated with high elastic strain and consequent pressure dissolution at calcite–particle contacts causing contact cementation. The transition from chalk to limestone is also associated with high elastic strain, especially at clay–calcite interphases causing development of stylolites via pressure dissolution, and consequent pore‐filling cementation. Following each transformation the elastic strain drops rapidly. The observation of this diagenesis‐related pattern in elastic strain of the sedimentary rock is novel and should not only be helpful in understanding the porosity development in sedimentary basins, but also add basic scientific insight.
Discovery of HLA‐DPB1*454:01 in a Singaporean Malay individual
Authors: Kaur Ashminder , Cho Louise , Cereb Nezih , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: April 2020

One nucleotide substitution in codon 85 of HLA‐DPB1*04:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DPB1*454:01.
Respiratory pathogens associated with intubated pediatric patients following hematopoietic cell transplant
Authors: Gertz Shira J. , McArthur Jennifer , Hsing Deyin D. , Nitu Mara E. , Smith Lincoln S. , Loomis Ashley , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Duncan Christine N. , Mahadeo Kris M. , Moffet Jerelyn , Hall Mark W. , Pinos Emily L. , Cheifetz Ira M. , Rowan Courtney M. ,   for the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury, Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) Network
Published: April 2020

Background

We describe organisms found in the respiratory tracts of a multicenter cohort of pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients with respiratory failure.

Methods

Twelve centers contributed up to 25 pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients requiring mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure to a retrospective database. Positive respiratory pathogens and method of obtaining sample were recorded. Outcomes were assessed using Mann‐Whitney U test or chi‐squared analysis.

Results

Of the 222 patients in the database, ages 1 month through 21 years, 34.6% had a positive respiratory culture. 105 pathogens were identified in 77 patients; of those, 48.6% were viral, 34.3% bacterial, 16.2% fungal, and 1% parasitic. PICU mortality with a respiratory pathogen was 68.8% compared to 54.9% for those without a respiratory pathogen (P = .045). Those with a positive respiratory pathogen had longer PICU length of stay, 20 days (IQR 14.0, 36.8) vs 15 (IQR 6.5, 32.0), P = .002, and a longer course of mechanical ventilation, 17 days (IQR 10, 29.5) vs 8 (3, 17), P < .0001. Method of pathogen identification, type of pathogen, and the presence of multiple pathogens were not associated with changes in PICU outcomes.

Conclusions

In this multicenter retrospective cohort of intubated pediatric post‐HCT patients, there was high variability in the respiratory pathogens identified. Type of pathogen and method of detection did not affect PICU mortality. The presence of any organism leads to increased PICU mortality, longer PICU stay, and increased duration of mechanical ventilation suggesting that early detection and treatment of pathogens may be beneficial in this population.
Direct and indirect patient costs of tuberculosis care in India
Authors: Chandra Ankit , Kumar Rakesh , Kant Shashi , Parthasarathy Raghavan , Krishnan Anand
Published: April 2020

Objective

To synthesise the evidence for estimating the direct and indirect patient costs of drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant tuberculosis care in India.

Method

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, IndMED and Google Scholar were searched for studies conducted in India between 2000 and 2018 and published in English. The search terms were “tuberculosis” AND “costs” (cost Analysis, economics, cost of illness, health care costs, health expenditures, direct service costs, catastrophic cost) AND “India”. The cost of TB care was from the patient’s perspective. Data regarding costs were extracted, indexed to the year 2018 using cumulative inflation rate and converted to US dollars at the exchange rate of 2018.

Results

Thirteen studies were included in this review. The mean (unweighted) total cost incurred by patients being treated for drug‐sensitive TB in a public health facility was $ 235.00 (SD‐ 222.10), and the median of means was $ 170.60 (range – 43.70–718.40). The mean direct cost was 45.5% of the total cost. Only one study, which was conducted in a private facility, reported the mean total cost for drug‐resistant TB as $ 7778.04. Catastrophic cost (total cost ≥ 20% of the total annual household income) was experienced by 7% to 32.4% of drug‐sensitive TB patients and by 68% of drug‐resistant TB patients.

Conclusion

Despite free diagnostic and treatment services provided under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme, the patient cost of tuberculosis care is high. Relevant studies vary widely in methodology and cost reporting.
Micro‐elimination of hepatitis C through testing of Egyptian pregnant women presenting at delivery: implications for screening policies
Authors: Mostafa Aya , Ebeid Fatma S.E. , Khaled Belal , Ahmed Rania H.M. , El‐Sayed Manal H.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

Despite the high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt, screening of pregnant women is not yet universal, making national and global elimination unlikely. This study assessed the proportion of pregnant women who were screened for HCV infection at delivery, the prevalence and risk factors for HCV infection, the associated adverse neonatal outcomes, and the real‐life linkage to care of infected women and follow‐up of their infants’ HCV status and timing of testing.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of a retrospective cohort of all pregnant women who were admitted to a university hospital in Cairo for delivery between January and June 2018 (n = 6734). HCV antibody‐ and RNA‐positive women and their infants were prospectively followed‐up by phone interviews till September 2019.

Results

2177 (32.3%) pregnant women were screened for HCV infection. 19 (0.9%) tested HCV antibody‐ and RNA‐positive. Being ≥ 30 years old (ORa 3.6, 95% CI: 1.4–9.2; P = 0.009), history of abortion (ORa 3.5, 95% CI: 1.2–10.3; P = 0.022) and blood transfusion (ORa 29.1, 95% CI: 9.6–88.4; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for infection. Adverse neonatal outcomes did not vary significantly among HCV antibody‐positive and antibody‐negative women. Only 13 (68.4%) HCV antibody‐ and RNA‐positive women started treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) post‐breastfeeding (two completed the treatment course and were cured). Four (21.1%) did not start treatment, and two (10.5%) were lost to follow‐up. All infants of the 13 HCV antibody‐ and RNA‐positive women who started DAA therapy tested HCV RNA‐negative within their first year of life.

Conclusion

Extending screening services to all pregnant women and better linkage to care are essential for the national elimination of HCV infection.
Hematopoietic cell infusion‐related adverse events in pediatric/small recipients in a prospective/multicenter study
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiko , Ohto Hitoshi , Yamada‐Fujiwara Minami , Okuyama Yoshiki , Fujiwara Shin‐ichiro , Muroi Kazuo , Mori Takehiko , Kasama Kinuyo , Kanamori Heiwa , Iseki Tohru , Nagamura‐Inoue Tokiko , Kameda Kazuaki , Kanda Junya , Nagai Kazuhiro , Fujii Nobuharu , Ashida Takashi , Hirose Asao , Takahashi Tsutomu , Minakawa Keiji , Tanosaki Ryuji
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Hematopoietic cell infusion‐related adverse events (HCI‐AEs) in hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) have been largely attributed to toxicity of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for cryopreservation, but HSC products also contain various cells and plasma components. Our recent prospective study of 1125 HSCT recipients revealed the highest overall HCI‐AE rate in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using fresh/noncryopreserved products, although products of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation and cord blood transplantation (CBT) are generally cryopreserved with DMSO containing smaller plasma volumes. We aimed to clarify if product volume and component effects are more substantial in small recipients including children.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed subgroup analysis on 219 recipients of 45 kg or less body weight (whole small recipients), including 90 children (pediatric recipients), from the original cohort (general recipients).

RESULTS

Whereas overall HCI‐AE rates did not differ among hematopoietic stem cell sources in the general recipients, bradycardia most often occurred after CBT in whole small recipients. Conversely, whole small and general recipients shared the same trend of having the highest rate of hypertension in BMT. The overall HCI‐AE rate was higher in allogeneic HSCT compared with autologous HSCT. Notably, pediatric recipients showed a 10‐fold higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in allogeneic HSCT compared with autologous HSCT, suggesting a possible role of allogeneic antigens. Multivariate analysis identified a relatively large infusion volume per body weight as a significant factor correlating with HCI‐AE in whole small recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

We should be aware of product volume and specific HCI‐AEs such as nausea and vomiting in small patients including children.
Trade policymaking in Uruguay: Recent trends and challenges ahead
Authors: Estrades Carmen , Flores Manuel
Published: April 2020

This paper reviews the main recent trends in trade and trade policy in Uruguay. At first sight, between 2012 and 2018 no major changes are noticed in trade and trade policy in the country. Trade lost importance as share of national GDP, exports concentrated in primary sectors, and tariffs remained unchanged. However, some advances are noted. Trade in services increased substantially, export markets diversified, and the country participated actively in multilateral negotiations. As part of MERCOSUR, the country has just signed two potentially liberalising agreements, and the bloc’s internal agenda is also being modernized. At the national level, the country has undergone a series of reforms to modernise its customs procedures and facilitate trade. Some challenges lie ahead. MERCOSUR needs to consolidate the recent liberalising trend, and needs to work on its internal agenda, to liberalise interregional trade, remove non‐tariff barriers and harmonise special regimes for imports. Uruguay, for its part, needs to continue with its domestic reforms to consolidate trade facilitation, to reduce duties and charges to trade, and to attract foreign investment.
Gas nanobubble dispersions as the important agent in environmental processes – generation methods review
Authors: Ulatowski Karol , Sobieszuk Paweł
Published: April 2020

This article presents the review of the research papers concerning nanobubble generation. In main section of this article, numerous methods of nanobubble generation have been discussed pinpointing the differences in results obtained in similar experimental setups. Different generation methods have been tabularized to present the composition of phases, the diameter of generated bubbles as well as the commentary concerning discrepancies within one method. The number of nanobubble applications in environmental processes is increasing in the last year; however, the thorough investigation of their generation methods is not covered in literature. This review article is gathering knowledge about nanobubble generation methods and is comparing results obtained by different research teams. It should lay foundation for future research concerning nanobubbles, what will lead to increasing the efficiency of various environmental processes, including wastewater flotation, metal recovery, and soil and groundwater remediation.
Short‐term intermittent parathyroid hormone (1–34) administration increased angiogenesis and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in femora of mature and middle‐aged C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Lee Seungyong , Prisby Rhonda D.
Published: April 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We sought to assess the effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (1–34) administration on bone angiogenesis, the redistribution of bone marrow blood vessels, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 as a function of advancing age in mice.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Short‐term (i.e. 10 days) intermittent parathyroid hormone (1–34) administration increased the number of small (≤29‐µm‐diameter) bone marrow blood vessels and augmented matrix metalloproteinase 9. These changes occurred before alterations in trabecular bone. Given the rapid response in bone angiogenesis, this investigation highlights the impact of intermittent parathyroid hormone (1–34) administration on the bone vascular network.

Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration augments bone, stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) and relocates bone marrow blood vessels closer to osteoid seams. Discrepancies exist, however, regarding bone angiogenesis. Given that Mmp9 participates in cellular homing and migration, it might aid in blood vessel relocation. We examined the influence of short‐term intermittent PTH administration on angiogenesis, Mmp9 secretion and the distance between blood vessels and bone. Mature (6‐ to 8‐month‐old) and middle‐aged (10‐ to 12‐month‐old) male and female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: control (CON), and 5 (5dPTH) and 10 days (10dPTH) of intermittent PTH administration. Mice were given PBS (50 µl day−1) or PTH(1–34) (43 µg kg−1 day−1). Frontal sections (5 µm thick) of the right distal femoral metaphysis were triple‐immunolabelled to identify endothelial cells (anti‐CD31), vascular smooth muscle cells (anti‐αSMA) and Mmp9 (anti‐Mmp9). Vascular density, Mmp9 density, area and localization, and blood vessel distance from bone were analysed. Blood vessels were analysed according to diameter: 1–29, 30–100 and 101–200 µm. Trabecular bone microarchitecture and bone static and dynamic properties were assessed. No main effects of age were observed for any variable. The density of CD31‐labelled blood vessels 1–29 and 30–100 µm in diameter was higher (P < 0.05) and tended (P = 0.055) to be higher, respectively, in 10dPTH versus 5dPTH and CON. Mmp9 was augmented (P < 0.05) in 10dPTH versus the other groups. Mmp9 was closer (P < 0.05) to blood vessels 1–29 µm in diameter and furthest (P < 0.05) from bone. In conclusion, bone angiogenesis occurred by day 10 of intermittent PTH administration, coinciding with augmented Mmp9 secretion near the smallest blood vessels (1–29 µm in diameter).
Coupling structure with function in acid‐sensing ion channels: challenges in pursuit of proton sensors
Authors: Rook Matthew L. , Musgaard Maria , MacLean David M.
Published: April 2020

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are a class of trimeric cation‐selective ion channels activated by changes in pH within the physiological range. They are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems where they participate in a range of physiological and pathophysiological situations such as learning and memory, pain sensation, fear and anxiety, substance abuse and cell death. ASICs are localized to cell bodies and dendrites, including the postsynaptic density, and within the last 5 years several examples of proton‐evoked ASIC excitatory postsynaptic currents have emerged. Thus, ASICs have become bona fide neurotransmitter‐gated ion channels, activated by the smallest neurotransmitter possible: protons. Here we review how protons are thought to drive the conformational changes associated with ASIC activation and desensitization. In particular, we weigh the evidence for and against the so‐called ‘acidic pocket’ being a vital proton sensor and discuss the emerging role of the β11‐12 linker as a desensitization switch or ‘molecular clutch’. We also examine how proton‐induced conformational changes pose unique challenges to classical molecular dynamics simulations, as well as some possible solutions. Given the emergence of new methodologies and structures, the coming years will probably see many advances in the study of acid‐sensing ion channels.

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Where do we go from here? Ongoing colonialism from Attachment Theory
Authors: Choate Peter W. , CrazyBull Brandy , Lindstrom Desi , Lindstrom Gabrielle
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: The article challenges the current interpretation of Attachment Theory (AT) which favours placement of Indigenous children in non-Indigenous homes. Historical attempts to assimilate Indigenous populations are examined in relation to ongoing assimilation within child intervention and justice systems. The goal is to stimulate discussion about possible culturally appropriate models to articulate the complex and multiple attachments formed by an Indigenous person who is brought up in an Indigenous community, compared to the popular Western and Eurocentric view of parenting through dyadic attachment derived from AT.METHODS: A review of AT literature examining key questions of cross-cultural applicability validity in relation to Indigenous populations. Consultations were held with Elders from the Blackfoot Confederacy of Alberta as part of the Nistawatsiman project. Data were gathered in a project relating to AT and the Supreme Court of Canada.FINDINGS: Cultural Attachment Theory is emerging as a preferred way to think of Indigenous contexts as opposed to applying traditional AT. The validity of AT with Indigenous families is likely not valid and perpetuates colonial and assimilative understandings of family, parenting and the place of culture.CONCLUSIONS: Pan-Indigenous methods bias child intervention, blinding them to the capacity of Indigenous caring systems’ capacity to raise their children. The use of AT sustains over- representation of Indigenous children in care and continues the colonial practices of fracturing Indigenous caregiving systems which, in turn, creates the patterns for the next generation’s over-representation in care. Indigenous ways of knowing and being are required along with Indigenous-based decision making.
Disrupting the grassroots narrative of social work in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Hunt Sonya , Staniforth Barbara , Beddoe Liz
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: The Aotearoa New Zealand social work professionalisation project disrupted underpinning grassroots narratives of the profession and led to decades of debate and conflict. Social work emphasises egalitarian approaches and, during the 1980s and 1990s, social workers responded to internal and external challenges of elitism, racism, and sexism. However, the ongoing professionalisation project has been at times, at odds with social justice imperatives and undermined by neoliberal drivers.METHODS: This research investigated how political, sociocultural and economic dimensions impacted on the development and initial implementation of the Social Workers Registration Act (2003) and how key actors at the time were affected. A qualitative realist research methodology has been utilised, analysing qualitative interviews with 22 participants, policy documents and archival data to clarify discourses of power and capture the voices and rich stories of those involved in the debates at the time.FINDINGS: A sociological lens was utilised to focus and frame the coalescing political, socio-cultural and economic forces that contributed to the problematising of social work professionalisation and the determining of the need for registration. Insight from some key actors at the time, including educators, the profession, tangata whenua, employers, practitioners, the State, and the public were considered.CONCLUSIONS: Examining these forces behind the professionalisation project provides a platform to consider if social work in Aotearoa New Zealand has been strengthened with registration. There are ongoing challenges and threats to the independence and social justice focus of the profession that grew alongside the grassroots of social work.
Social work and service improvement: An example from the first youth forensic forum
Authors: Appleby Joanna
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: This article focuses on the social work contribution to service improvement by reflecting on the establishment of the first youth forensic forum in Aotearoa New Zealand, held in October 2018.APPROACH: An exploration of the Aotearoa New Zealand context that led to the establishment of the first youth forensic workforce forum is presented. Issues included disjointed mental health care for young offenders who move between secure residences, concerns about over- assessment of vulnerable young people, silo-ed specialist youth forensic knowledge, and a disconnected workforce. Led by a social worker, youth forensic workforce issues were addressed through the inaugural national youth forensic forum in 2018. The aim of the forum was to bring a disparate workforce together in order to improve mental health assessment experiences for young people within youth justice residences. This initiative was grounded in social work approaches of Māori responsivity, networking, ecological systems and relational practice.CONCLUSION: Social workers have an important role in advocating for, and effecting, system change. The process for doing so within the youth forensic forum is presented. Social workers in all fields of practice are encouraged to consider how they work to make systems more responsive to the people they serve.
Research on the Mechanism of Cold Chain Logistics Subsidy
Authors: Xu Nai-Ru , Cai Zheng-Qun
Published: April 2020

Considering the coexistence of cold chain agro-products and ordinary agro-products in the market, the research object is the cold chain logistics subsidy. It is designed that a supply chain system consisting of duopoly upstream agro-products suppliers and a downstream agro-products retailer for research. The mechanism of cold chain logistics subsidy is studied by analyzing the influence of cold chain subsidy on pricing behavior and cold chain decision-making of cold chain agro-products and ordinary agro-products. Based on the decentralized decision-making model without government subsidy, a differential pricing model for cold chain agro-products and ordinary agro-products with government subsidy is established in order to reduce the cost of cold chain agro-products. The optimal pricing strategy of two agro-products suppliers and their downstream retailer can be obtained by solving this problem. The research finds that differential pricing caused by government subsidy can achieve profit Pareto improvement of suppliers, retailer, and supply chain system of cold chain agro-products, but cannot achieve the optimal profit of the whole supply chain. Therefore, in view of the loss of supply chain efficiency caused by decentralized decision-making, the Shapley value method is used to make coordination, and the contract coordination mechanism is designed. Finally, the sensitivity of parameters is analyzed by a numerical example.
Smad3 Regulates Neuropilin 2 Transcription by Binding to its 5′ Untranslated Region
Authors: Xie Xiujie , Urabe Go , Marcho Lynn , Williams Corey , Guo Lian‐Wang , Kent K. Craig
Published: April 2020

Background

Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic change and consequential intimal hyperplasia (IH) cause arterial stenosis and posttreatment restenosis. Smad3 is a master transcription factor, yet its underlying functional mechanisms in this disease context are not well defined.

Methods and Results

In cultured smooth muscle cells, Smad3 silencing and overexpression respectively reduced and increased the mRNA and protein of NRP2 (neuropilin 2), a recently reported pro‐IH signaling factor. Smad3 silencing attenuated pro‐IH smooth muscle cell phenotypes including proliferation, migration, and dedifferentiation (reduced smooth muscle α‐actin). While increased Smad3 enhanced these phenotypes, NRP2 silencing abolished this enhancement. Interestingly, the 5′ untranslated region but not the promoter of NRP2 was indispensable for Smad3‐enhanced transcriptional activity (luciferase assay); both chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed predominant Smad3 binding in the +51 to +78 bp region of NRP2′s 5′ untranslated region. In vivo, Smad3 haploinsufficiency reduced NRP2 (immunostaining) and IH (by 47%) in wire‐injured mouse femoral arteries.

Conclusions

Smad3 controls NRP2 expression by occupying its 5′ untranslated region in promoting smooth muscle cell phenotypic change in vitro. This and in vivo results shed new light on the long‐debated role of Smad3 in IH.