bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Psychopathology: The Role of Brain‐Based Diatheses, Sensitivities, and Susceptibilities
Authors: Guyer Amanda E.
Published: April 2020

The rates of onset for several forms of psychopathology peak during adolescence, which coincides with the refinement of brain circuitry attuned to expanding social‐contextual interactions, stressors, and settings. Although some adolescents experience mental health difficulties, most do not develop significant problems. Conceptual work suggests that brain‐based individual differences in adolescents’ neurobiological susceptibility to their social contexts play a role in the development of psychopathology and well‐being. In this article, I summarize evidence supporting the idea that individual differences in brain structure and function moderate the relation between adolescents’ social‐contextual experiences and psychopathology. I discuss why this approach is important in developmental research designed to identify adolescents at greatest risk for psychopathology or poised for positive outcomes, as well as those who may benefit most from intervention.
An ensemble high‐resolution projection of changes in the future habitat of American lobster and sea scallop in the Northeast US continental shelf
Authors: Tanaka Kisei R. , Torre Michael P. , Saba Vincent S. , Stock Charles A. , Chen Yong
Published: April 2020

Aim

To address the uncertainty associated with climate‐driven biogeographical changes in commercial fisheries species through an ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM) approach.

Location

Northeast US Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (NEUS‐LME).

Methods

We combined an ensemble SDM platform (BIOMOD 2) and a high‐resolution global climate model (NOAA GFDL CM2.6) to quantify spatiotemporal changes in habitat of two commercially important species in the Northeast US Continental Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem (NEUS‐LME); American lobster (Homarus americanus); and sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus). An ensemble SDM was calibrated using multi‐decadal fisheries‐independent surveys (1984–2016). Statistically weighted species‐specific ensemble SDM outputs were combined with 80 years of projected bottom temperature and salinity changes in response to a high greenhouse gas emissions scenario (an annual 1% increase in atmospheric CO2).

Results

Statistically significant changes (p < .05) in habitat suitability for both species were found over a large portion of the study area. Sea scallop undergoes a northward shift over the study period, while American lobster moves further offshore. The ensemble projections showed that several management zones were identified with increases and decreases in species‐specific habitat. Uncertainty due to variations in ensemble member models was also found in the direction of change within each management zone.

Main conclusions

This study provides ensemble estimates of climate‐driven changes and associated uncertainties in the biogeography of two economically important species in the United States. Projected climate change in the NEUS‐LME will pose management challenges, and our ensemble projections provide useful information for climate‐ready management of commercial fisheries.
Parental education and the risk of cerebral palsy for children: an evaluation of causality
Authors: Forthun Ingeborg , Lie Rolv Terje , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Solheim Magne Haugland , Moster Dag , Wilcox Allen J , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Tollånes Mette C
Published: April 2020

Aim

To explore whether increasing parental education has a causal effect on risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in the child, or whether unobserved confounding is a more likely explanation.

Method

We used data from Norwegian registries on approximately 1.5 million children born between 1967 and 2011. We compared results from a traditional cohort design with results from a family‐based matched case–control design, in which children with CP were matched to their first cousins without CP. In addition, we performed a simulation study to assess the role of unobserved confounding.

Results

In the cohort design, the odds of CP were reduced in children of mothers and fathers with higher education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60–0.75 for maternal education, and adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.67–0.85 for paternal education). In the family‐based case–control design, only an association for maternal education remained (adjusted OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99). Results from a simulation study suggested that this association could be explained by unobserved confounding.

Interpretation

A causal effect of obtaining higher education on risk of CP in the child is unlikely. Results stress the importance of continued research on the role of genetic and environmental risk factors that vary by parents’ educational level.

What this paper adds

Children of higher‐educated parents had significantly lower odds of cerebral palsy (CP).

There was no evidence of difference in risk of CP within first cousins whose mothers or fathers had different educational levels.

Association between parental education and odds of CP did not reflect a causal effect.
Stability of the resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin in the ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa
Authors: Rodrigues Alice Sutana , Guedes Raul Narciso Carvalho , Siqueira Herbert Álvaro Abreu de , Torres Jorge Braz
Published: April 2020

Natural enemies resistant to insecticides are expected to help control the remaining arthropod pests after insecticide application and, hence, prevent crop damage, pest resurgence, and resistance selection. Field‐evolved resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin and to other pyrethroids exhibited by the neotropical ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been characterized and enhanced under laboratory selection. In this study, we investigated the stability of the resistance and its relationship with detoxification enzyme activity and biological performance, which are important for a biocontrol agent. One subgroup of the resistant population of E. connexa was established without selection pressure (R‐UNSEL) during eight generations, and compared to either a susceptible (SUS) or its parental resistant (R‐SEL) population. The resistance ratio in R‐UNSEL was reduced by 50% compared to R‐SEL between the first and fourth generation without selection pressure, but stayed stable afterwards, from the fifth to the eighth generation. Despite eight generations without selection pressure and reduction in the resistance level, the resistance ratio in R‐UNSEL was still 39× greater than in the SUS population. The reduced resistance in R‐UNSEL correlated to reduction in esterase activity, but the R‐UNSEL maintained greater activity than the SUS group. The absence of selection pressure and reduction in enzyme activity in R‐UNSEL did not mitigate the adaptive costs, with 2.7× lower egg production compared to SUS females. These findings indicate that resistance to lambda‐cyhalothrin in R‐UNSEL has already stabilized in the population. Although the resistance ratio and detoxifying enzymes were reduced in R‐UNSEL, the impact on fecundity was maintained. Furthermore, the absence of crossing with wild SUS individuals will allow the R‐UNSEL offspring to retain the resistance allowing survival to lambda‐cyhalothrin even when used at the highest recommended field rate.
Linear mixed models and geostatistics for designed experiments in soil science: Two entirely different methods or two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Slaets Johanna I. F. , Boeddinghaus Runa S. , Piepho Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2020

Soil scientists are accustomed to geostatistical methods and tools such as semivariograms and kriging for analysis of observational data. Such methods assume and exploit that observations are spatially correlated. Conversely, analysis of variance (ANOVA) of designed experiments assumes that observations from different experimental units are independent, an assumption that is justified based on randomization. It may be beneficial, however, to perform an ANOVA assuming a geostatistical covariance model. Also, it is increasingly common to have multiple observations per experimental unit. Simple ANOVA assuming independence of observations is not appropriate for such data. Instead, a linear mixed model accounting for correlation among observations made on the same plot is required for proper analysis. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the benefits of integrating geostatistical covariance structures and ANOVA procedures into a linear mixed modelling framework. Two examples from designed experiments are considered in detail, making a link between terminologies and jargon used in geostatistical analysis on the one hand and linear mixed modelling on the other hand. We provide code in R and SAS for both examples in two supporting companion documents.

Highlights

Analysis of variance and geostatistical analysis can be joined in a mixed model.

Randomization justifies the independence assumption in analysis of variance.

Geostatistical models imply a correlation of errors and can improve efficiency.

Lacking randomization, spatial correlation can be accounted for in a mixed model.
Patient‐centredness in acute stroke care – a qualitative study from the perspectives of patients, relatives and staff
Authors: Busetto L. , Stang C. , Hoffmann J. , Amiri H. , Seker F. , Purrucker J. , Ringleb P. A. , Nagel S. , Bendszus M. , Wick W. , Gumbinger C. ,   for the Stroke Consortium Rhine‐Neckar
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Although patient‐centredness is considered a key component of high‐quality neurological care, it is unclear to what extent it can or should be implemented during the acute phase. Using acute stroke as an example, the aim was to identify critical junctures for patient‐centredness along the acute care pathway from the perspectives of patients, relatives and staff.

Methods

A qualitative multi‐method study was conducted including 27 non‐participant observations and 37 semi‐structured interviews with patients, relatives and staff. Junctures were defined as critical when mentioned (as problematic) in two or three information sources (i.e. observations, staff interviews, or patient and relative interviews), as potentially critical when mentioned in one, and as uncritical when not mentioned.

Results

Post‐procedure communication after thrombectomy, patients’ stay at the stroke unit and decision‐making around transfer, discharge and rehabilitation were identified as critical junctures for patient‐centredness. Arrival at the emergency department and the (thrombectomy) treatment itself were identified as uncritical junctures, whilst history‐taking and treatment preparation, the treatment decision and patients’ stay at the intensive care unit were identified as potentially critical junctures.

Conclusions

In acute stroke care, patients, relatives and staff prioritize fast over patient‐centred decision‐making in the most time‐critical phases, especially before and during treatment. This is reversed after the procedure, when difficulties arise implementing a patient‐centred approach in clinical practice. To improve patient‐centredness where it is most needed, clear guidelines and accessible resources are recommended. Future research should investigate whether insights from acute phases of stroke care are applicable to other neurological conditions as well.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of VALTOCO (NRL‐1; diazepam nasal spray) in patients with epilepsy during seizure (ictal/peri‐ictal) and nonseizure (interictal) conditions: A phase 1, open‐label study
Authors: Hogan Robert Edward , Tarquinio Daniel , Sperling Michael R. , Klein Pavel , Miller Ian , Segal Eric B. , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Carrazana Enrique
Published: April 2020

Objective

To assess pharmacokinetics and safety of diazepam nasal spray (NRL‐1; VALTOCO®) in pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy in seizure and nonseizure states.

Methods

A single dose of diazepam nasal spray (5, 10, 15, or 20 mg based on weight) was administered during each of two conditions (ictal/peri‐ictal and interictal condition) to patients 6‐65 years old with partial or generalized epilepsy with motor seizures or seizures with clear alteration of awareness; a second dose was permitted if needed for persistent seizures. Dosing could be interictal or ictal/peri‐ictal first, with a washout of ≥14 days. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were taken at prespecified time points. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), sedation, nasal irritation, nasal mucosal pain, and olfactory changes were assessed.

Results

Of 57 patients in the study (mean age = 28.1 years [range = 6‐59], 54.4% female, 80.7% white), 49 were included in the primary pharmacokinetic analyses. Diazepam pharmacokinetic profiles were similar under both conditions, with approximately 2‐hour median time to mean (SD) maximum plasma concentrations of 164 (88) and 189 (110) ng/mL for ictal/peri‐ictal and interictal conditions, respectively; drug exposure during the first 6 hours postdosing was 532 (313) and 615 (368) h•ng/mL, respectively. Seventeen patients (29.8%) reported TEAEs, of whom eight (14%) had treatment‐related TEAEs, with those reported in ≥2 patients being dysgeusia (n = 3, 5.3%) and nasal discomfort (n = 2, 3.5%). One patient had serious TEAEs (recurrent seizures, metabolic encephalopathy), which were deemed unrelated to study treatment. No changes in respiratory rate were observed, nor were there clinically relevant changes in sedation, olfaction, nasal irritation, or acute nasal mucosal pain.

Significance

The epileptic conditions (ictal/peri‐ictal, interictal) had minimal impact on diazepam nasal spray pharmacokinetics in patients with epilepsy. Therefore, diazepam nasal spray can be administered ictally and interictally. Diazepam nasal spray safety was consistent with the profile of diazepam.
Insoluble tau aggregates induce neuronal death through modification of membrane ion conductance, activation of voltage‐gated calcium channels and NADPH oxidase
Authors: Esteras Noemi , Kundel Franziska , Amodeo Giuseppe F. , Pavlov Evgeny V. , Klenerman David , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: April 2020

Most neurodegenerative disorders are associated with aggregation and accumulation of misfolded proteins. One of these proteins, tau, is involved in a number of pathologies including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Aggregation and phosphorylation of tau have been shown to be a trigger for abnormal signal transduction and disruption of cellular homeostasis. Here, we have studied the effect of extracellular tau at different stages of aggregation in cortical co‐cultures of neurons and astrocytes, to understand how this process affects tau pathogenicity. We found that the species formed after prolonged in vitro aggregation of tau (longer than 1 day) are able to stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through the activation of NADPH oxidase without decreasing the level of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione. The same late insoluble aggregates of tau induced calcium signals in neurons and a gradual increase in the ionic current of artificial membranes. Both tau‐induced calcium signals and ROS production in NADPH oxidase were reduced in the presence of the inhibitor of voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCC) nifedipine. This suggests that insoluble aggregates of tau incorporate into the membrane and modify ionic currents, changing plasma membrane potential and activating VGCCs, which induces a calcium influx that triggers ROS production in NADPH oxidase. The combination of all these effects likely leads to toxicity, as only the same insoluble tau aggregates which demonstrated membrane‐active properties produced neuronal cell death.
Animal and forage responses on lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pastures under contrasting grazing managements in a temperate climate
Authors: Berone Germán D. , Sardiña María C. , Moot Derrick J.
Published: April 2020

This study determined the impact of a change in grazing system on beef production from lucerne pastures in Argentina. One system (T500) used the traditional recommendation to commence grazing in spring when lucerne was near to 10% flowering. The grazing interval was ~ 500 growing degree‐days (GDD; above a base temperature for growth of 5°C) from mid‐spring to mid‐autumn. In contrast, the T350 system commenced grazing 11–15 days earlier at ~ 1,000 kg DM/ha and the grazing interval was ~ 350 GDD from mid‐spring to mid‐summer, and from mid‐summer to mid‐autumn, it was ~ 500 GDD. Total live‐weight production was ~ 30% or 185 and 115 kg/ha higher in T350 than T500 in Years 1 and 2 respectively. This was due to a higher live‐weight production per head and a higher stocking rate, because T350 produced 1,600 kg DM ha−1 year−1 more forage. Plant population (~70 plants/m2) and perennial biomass (root plus crown) at the end of the second year did not differ between treatments. This suggests that lucerne persistence was not affected by the more intensive spring grazing of T350, because an adequate period of autumn recovery was allowed. This work quantified the live‐weight gain (+30%, +150 kg/ha) when the grazing management of lucerne during the spring–summer period was based on crop growth status (i.e. standing biomass, canopy height) rather than on crop phenology.
Evaluation of thromboelastometry, thrombin generation and plasma clot lysis time in patients with bleeding of unknown cause: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Veen Caroline S. B. , Huisman Elise J. , Cnossen Marjon H. , Kom‐Gortat Regina , Rijken Dingeman C. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , de Maat Moniek P. M. , Kruip Marieke J. H. A.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Diagnostic evaluation of patients with a bleeding tendency remains challenging, as no disorder is identified in approximately 50% of patients. An impaired interplay of several haemostatic factors might explain bleeding phenotype in these patients.

Objective

To investigate whether global haemostasis assays are able to identify haemostatic abnormalities in patients with a bleeding tendency unexplained by current diagnostic laboratory tests.

Materials and methods

Patients of ≥12 years with a bleeding tendency were included from a tertiary outpatient clinic. Bleeding phenotype was assessed with the ISTH‐BAT. Patients were classified as having bleeding of unknown cause (BUC) or a mild bleeding disorder (MBD) based on abnormalities assessed by routine haemostatic tests. Global haemostasis tests (rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM), thrombin generation test (TG) and plasma clot lysis time (CLT)) were measured in all patients. The results were compared with 76 controls.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐one patients were included, and 60% (109/181) was classified as having BUC. BUC patients demonstrated a significantly prolonged lag time in TG (median 7.7 minutes, IQR 6.7‐8.7) and a significantly prolonged CLT (median 60.5 minutes, IQR 54.7‐66.1) compared to controls. No differences in ROTEM variables were found. Patients with MBD showed an impaired thrombin generation with a significantly decreased ETP (median 1024 nmol/L*min, IQR 776‐1355) and peak height (median 95 nmol/L, IQR 76‐138), compared to BUC patients and controls.

Conclusion

No major differences were found in ROTEM and TG variables in BUC patients compared to controls. BUC patients did have a significantly prolonged clot lysis time. The underlying mechanism for this finding is unknown.
Depressive symptoms and adherence to prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia from Croatia and Slovenia
Authors: Bago Martina , Butkovic Ana , Preloznik Zupan Irena , Faganel Kotnik Barbara , Prga Ivana , Bacic Vrca Vesna , Zupancic Salek Silva
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Adherence to a prophylactic therapy is obligatory to prevent bleeding in patients with haemophilia. It has already been recognized that depression is associated with treatment adherence.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults with haemophilia using an instrument designed or validated for diagnosing or screening for depression and to investigate the association of symptoms of depression with nonadherence to prophylactic therapy in patients from two East European countries.

Methods

Adult patients with severe or moderate haemophilia receiving prophylaxis were eligible for the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed with BDI‐II, adherence with VERITAS‐Pro, demographic and socioeconomic data were collected using a questionnaire, and clinical data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Final sample included 81 participants (median age was 45 years, range 18‐73 years). There were 9 (11%) participants with scores on BDI‐II above 14 points, the cut‐off score for depressive symptomatology. In general, participants were adherent. However, there were 14 (17%) participants who had scores above 57 points, the cut‐off score for nonadherence. There was an association between having depressive symptoms and being nonadherent, and depressive symptoms explained additional variance in adherence after controlling for sociodemographic, psychosocial and clinical characteristics.

Conclusion

Since there is an association between depressive symptoms and nonadherence, it would be beneficial for both patients and the public health system for screening for depressive symptoms to be included as a part of the treatment protocol.
Diagnostic accuracy of FibroScan‐AST score to identify non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis with significant activity and fibrosis in Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Comparison between M and XL probes
Authors: Oeda Satoshi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Imajo Kento , Seko Yuya , Kobayashi Takashi , Ogawa Yuji , Moriguchi Michihisa , Yoneda Masato , Anzai Keizo , Irie Hiroyuki , Sueoka Eisaburo , Aishima Shinichi , Kage Masayoshi , Itoh Yoshito , Eguchi Yuichiro , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: April 2020

Aim

Recently, FibroScan‐AST (FAST) score was reported to be effective for identifying non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with significant activity and fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of FAST score of Japanese patients and compare the cut‐off values and diagnostic accuracy between the FibroScan M and XL probes.

Methods

Eighty‐two and 84 patients were included the verification and validation sets, respectively. All patients were diagnosed with NAFLD by biopsy by two central expert pathologists. Liver stiffness measurements and controlled attenuation parameter were carried out, and diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

No significant difference existed in FAST score between the M and XL probes (0.489 vs. 0.483, P = 0.187). No significant difference existed in the area under the ROC between the two probes (M, 0.7598; XL, 0.7614; P = 0.958). According to the Youden index, the cut‐off value using the M probe was 0.57 with 68.2% sensitivity and 78.3% specificity. For the XL probe, the cut‐off value was 0.56 with 68.2% sensitivity and 73.3% specificity. To obtain sensitivity and specificity values higher than 90%, cut‐off values of 0.35 and 0.66 were chosen for the M probe and 0.32 and 0.63 were chosen for the XL probe.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy of FAST score between the FibroScan M and XL probes. The FAST score can be used to identify NASH with significant risk in Japanese patients regardless of probe selection.
Maternal knowledge, stimulation, and early childhood development in low‐income families in Colombia
Authors: Cuartas Jorge , Rey‐Guerra Catalina , McCoy Dana Charles , Hanno Emily
Published: April 2020

Theoretical models assume that parental knowledge about child development and caregiving motivates parental stimulation, shaping child development. Evidence supporting these models is scarce in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). This study tests the relations between maternal knowledge, stimulation, and child development in a Colombian sample of 1,277 low‐income mothers and their children under the age of five. Mothers showed diverse knowledge about child development and caregiving. Moreover, maternal knowledge when children were 9–26 months old indirectly predicted growth in children's cognitive, receptive language, and gross motor skills at ages 27–46 months, partially through maternal engagement in stimulating activities with the child.
Predictors of oral health promotion behaviors among elementary school children: Examination of an extended social cognitive theory
Authors: Bashirian Saeed , Seyedzadeh‐Sabounchi Shabnam , Shirahmadi Samane , Karimi‐Shahanjarini Akram , Soltanian Ali Reza , Vahdatinia Farshid
Published: April 2020

Background

Brushing teeth with fluoride‐containing toothpaste and flossing are considered as effective solutions for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Aim

The aim of this study was to use the promoted social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate factors influencing adherence to oral hygiene behaviors by elementary school children.

Design

In this cross‐sectional study, 988 elementary school children were chosen using the multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using the SCT scale, and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Theoretical models were examined using the structural equation modeling.

Results

The SCT explained 50% of the variance in brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and 55.6% of the variance in flossing behaviors. The total effect of family environment (β = .60, P < .05), self‐efficacy in overcoming impediments (β = .50, P < .05), and emotional coping (β = .40, P < .05) variables in the conceptual model had significantly influenced tooth brushing behavior. The total effect of self‐efficacy (β = .79, P < .05), family environment (β = .41, P < .05), and situational perception (β = .35, P < .05) variables of the conceptual model significantly influenced the flossing behavior.

Conclusions

The SCT, self‐efficacy, and family environment were strongly associated with brushing and flossing behaviors. Therefore, supportive family environments should be considered as one of the top contributors to successful oral health promotion.
Predicting the flexural strength of Li‐ion‐conducting garnet type oxide for solid‐state‐batteries
Authors: Fu Zhezhen , McOwen Dennis , Zhang Lei , Gong Yunhui , Ren Yaoyu , Gritton J. Evans , Godbey Griffin , Dai Jiaqi , Hu Liangbing , Wachsman Eric
Published: April 2020

The mechanical strength of solid‐state electrolytes is crucial for applications in solid‐state batteries (eg block lithium dendrites and withhold the stress due to volume expansion of the electrode). We determined the flexural strength of doped Li7La3Zr2O12 (Li7La2.75Ca0.25Zr1.75Nb0.25O12, LLCZN) garnet type electrolyte as ~8.6 ± 1.5 MPa to ~51.5 ± 4.8 MPa as functions of porosity and grain size. Based on the experimental results, a series of theoretical models were established to obtain empirical equations to study the effects of porosity and grain size. Our further experiments demonstrate that the empirical equations can be used to predict the flexural strength of garnet type oxides based on its microstructure (porosity and grain size). Optimization of the grain size of fully dense garnet oxide can increase the strength up to ~106.0 ± 11.6 MPa (tape casting‐sintering method with a grain size of ~2.8 µm).
Endogenous thrombopoietin promotes non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma cell proliferation and migration by regulating EGFR signalling
Authors: Zou Zifang , Fan Xiaoxi , Liu Yang , Sun Yanbin , Zhang Xin , Sun Guanghao , Li Xuehao , Xu Shun
Published: April 2020

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a haematopoietic cytokine mainly produced by the liver and kidneys, which stimulates the production and maturation of megakaryocytes. In the past decade, numerous studies have investigated the effects of TPO outside the haematopoietic system; however, the role of TPO in the progression of solid cancer, particularly lung cancer, has not been well studied. Exogenous TPO does not affect non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells as these cells show no or extremely low TPO receptor expression; therefore, in this study, we focused on endogenous TPO produced by NSCLC cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of 150 paired NSCLC and adjacent normal tissues indicated that TPO was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and correlated with clinicopathological parameters including differentiation, P‐TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and tumour size. Suppressing endogenous TPO by small interfering RNA inhibited the proliferation and migration of NSCLC cells. Moreover, TPO interacted with the EGFR protein and delayed ligand‐induced EGFR degradation, thus enhancing EGFR signalling. Notably, overexpressing TPO in EGF‐stimulated NSCLC cells facilitated cell proliferation and migration, whereas no obvious changes were observed without EGF stimulation. Our results suggest that endogenous TPO promotes tumorigenicity of NSCLC via regulating EGFR signalling and thus could be a therapeutic target for treating NSCLC.
The effect of population density on growth and survival of a Neotropical annual killifish
Authors: García Daniel , Reichard Martin
Published: April 2020

We used a field experiment to test the effects of population density on the growth rate and survival of Austrolebias bellottii, a Neotropical annual killifish. Effects differed between the sexes: males at high densities achieved a smaller final size and experienced higher mortality while no such effects were observed in females. This sex‐specific effect could be an indirect consequence of mate competition.
Effects of grain drying methods on postharvest insect infestation and physicochemical characteristics of maize grain
Authors: Asemu Aynadis Molla , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye , Subramanyam Bhadriraju , Delele Mulugeta Admasu , Kalsa Karta Kaske , Alavi Sajid
Published: April 2020

In this study, the storability of maize that dried using a newly designed solar bubble dryer (SBD), solar cabinet dryers (mixed and indirect), and open sun drying at two sample loads—thick layer (21.74 kg/m2) and thin layer (10.87 kg/m2) were evaluated. The dried maize grains were stored in four different farmer houses for 6 months. Storage loss of the grain was recorded over 6 months, at an interval of 2 months. The chemical compositions and germination capacity of dried maize were assessed after drying. The results revealed that significantly lower mean values of total live insect counts, percentage weight loss, percentage of insect‐damaged kernels, and percentage loss of bulk density were recorded in thin layer dried maize across all storage periods. Drying methods posed significant effect on the total live insect count up to 4 months of storage, the lowest number was observed for open sun and solar bubble‐dried grain. Percentage germination was significantly affected by the amount of sample load. The present study showed that drying can slow down insect population development and associated losses during storage. Therefore, SBD can be promoted as part of integrated postharvest handling technique to reduce postharvest loss of maize.

Practical Applications

Percentage of grain postharvest losses in developing countries is very high. Grain drying and storage are the two most important postharvest activities to control grain loss before and after storage. In this study, storage insect susceptibility of maize grain dried with different types of solar dryers (solar bubble, solar mixed and indirect cabinet, and open sun) is presented. Gains that were dried in thin layer manner were less infested by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, than thick layer. The physicochemical properties of maize grain were not significantly affected by each of the drying methods. This study will be useful for smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives in giving a sustainable and low cost drying technology and showing the optimum drying conditions to reduce grain loss. It will also be helpful for food processing industries to produce safe and high quality products.
Black tea withering moisture detection method based on convolution neural network confidence
Authors: An Ting , Yu Huan , Yang Chongshan , Liang Gaozhen , Chen Jiayou , Hu Zonghua , Hu Bin , Dong Chunwang
Published: April 2020

Deep learning method was applied to rapidly and nondestructively predict the moisture content in withered leaves. In this study, a withering moisture detection method based on confidence of convolution neural network (CNN) was proposed. The method used data augmentation to preprocess the original image. The prediction results obtained by the CNN model were compared with the results of traditional partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine regression (SVR) models. The results clarified that the quantitative prediction model of the moisture content in withering leaves based on the confidence of convolutional neural network has the best prediction performance. The performance parameters of the optimal prediction model: correlation coefficient (Rp), root‐mean‐square error of external verification set (RMSEP) and relative standard deviation (RPD) are 0.9957, 0.0059, and 9.5781, respectively. Compared with traditional linear PLS and nonlinear SVR algorithms, deep learning method can better characterize the correlation between images and moisture. The moisture‐related information in the image can be extracted to a greater degree by the convolution kernel of the convolutional neural network. The model has better generalization, which can rapidly and nondestructively predict the moisture content in withered leaves.

Practical applications

CNN is increasingly used in food technology. This study solves the problem that the withered leaves moisture content cannot be quantitatively predicted based on the confidence of the proposed CNN. Compared with traditional machine vision methods, our proposed CNN model can retain more original information in addition to the color and texture features of withered leaves. And it can quickly and accurately judge the moisture content without destroying the tissue components of the withered leaves. This study is of great significance to the intelligence of black tea processing equipment. Simultaneously, the proposed model based on deep learning provides a new idea for the intelligent detection of black tea withering process.
Racial Disparities Exist in Outcomes After Major Fragility Fractures
Authors: Wright Nicole C. , Chen Ligong , Saag Kenneth G. , Brown Cynthia J. , Shikany James M. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Fractures associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) are associated with pain, disability, and increased mortality. A recent, nationwide evaluation of racial difference in outcomes after fracture has not been performed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if 1‐year death, debility, and destitution rates differ by race.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

US Medicare data from 2010 to 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Non‐Hispanic black and white women with PMO who have sustained a fragility fracture of interest: hip, pelvis, femur, radius, ulna, humerus, and clinical vertebral.

MEASUREMENTS

Outcomes included 1‐year: (1) mortality, identified by date of death in Medicare vital status information, (2) debility, identified as new placement in long‐term nursing facilities, and (3) destitution, identified as becoming newly eligible for Medicaid.

RESULTS

Among black and white women with PMO (n = 4,523,112), we identified 399,000 (8.8%) women who sustained a major fragility fracture. Black women had a higher prevalence of femur (9.0% vs 3.9%; P < .001) and hip (30.7% vs 28.0%; P < .001) fractures and lower prevalence of radius/ulna (14.7% vs 17.0%; P < .001) and clinical vertebral fractures (28.8% vs 33.5%; P < .001) compared with white women. We observed racial differences in the incidence of 1‐year outcomes after fracture. After adjusting for age, black women had significantly higher risk of mortality 1 year after femur, hip, humerus, and radius/ulna fractures; significantly higher risk of debility 1 year after femur and hip fractures; and significantly higher risk of destitution for all fractures types.

CONCLUSIONS

In a sample of Medicare data from 2010 to 2016, black women with PMO had significantly higher rates of mortality, debility, and destitution after fracture than white women. These findings are a first step toward understanding and reducing disparities in PMO management, fracture prevention, and clinical outcomes after fracture. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1803‐1810, 2020.
Is packaging affecting consumers' preferences for meat products? A study of modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging in Iberian dry‐cured ham
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Tejerina David , Díaz‐Caro Carlos , Elghannam Ahmed , García‐Torres Susana , Mesías Francisco J. , Trujillo José , Crespo‐Cebada Eva
Published: April 2020

Iberian dry‐cured ham is one of the most prominent Spanish traditional meat products with very special nutritional and sensory properties, which make it widely appreciated both in Spain and in foreign markets. The packaging formats used for sliced Iberian ham are vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging, which are more in line with the current trends and consumer habits and have contributed to its popularization. The aim of this article is to study the preferences of Spanish consumers for these two types of packaging of Iberian dry‐cured ham using a dual approach with sensory analysis and choice experiment. Data were collected by means of a survey conducted with 253 Spanish consumers. The choice experiment has shown that the participants proved to have a higher preference for the vacuum packaging. However, sensory test revealed that hams packaged in modified atmosphere received higher scores in terms of odor when making a global comparison.

Practical Applications

New purchasing habits require the adaptation of traditional products to new formats more in consonance with current consumer lifestyles. Iberian ham is one of these traditional products that until now selling in a whole‐piece format, which does not seem affordable for many consumers. So companies had to offer new sliced packaging format that could adapt with consumers' needs without affecting the organoleptic characteristics of the product. On the other hand, since we are dealing with a gourmet product of high sensory quality, results of this work would help companies in the sector to understand how the packaging format would influence the sensory attributes of the product. Both approaches applied in this article will allow industrials to know how consumer would behave in a pre and post‐purchase situation of different sliced dry‐cured Iberian ham packages that could be part of future marketing strategies within the Iberian sector.
When I understood loss and grief
Authors: Sevy Majers Joan
Published: April 2020

Accessible summary

What is known about the subject

A parent's mental illness was viewed as a loss, like a death, causing profound grief.

I learned how important parent–child communication is as an important factor in managing my own grief.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge

A child's grief, in this case, from loss of a parent due to mental illness, as in death, was profound at the time and did affect many aspects of my life.

The failure to intervene in a timely fashion impaired effective resolution of that grief.

Implications for mental health nursing

Assessment of family dynamics and communication is critical to building coping skills for any young child dealing with loss of parental support due to mental illness.

Early intervention with young children in need of emotional support and security is needed to assist them with effective adaptation to grief and loss.

It is expected that loss of a parent from death will undoubtedly cause children to grieve. With supportive interventions, children can recover and grow into healthy, well‐adjusted adults. Severe mental illness in a parent, however, also creates loss by altering the parent–child relationship, often leaving children confused, frightened and feeling alone. In the past, family members, especially the remaining parent, might not have recognized the symptoms of a grieving child and the system at that time was not well prepared to assist them in meeting that need. This is the story of one such child.
Long‐term hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics during entecavir treatment in Korean patients—Functional cure unlikely
Authors: Cho Ju‐Yeon , Sohn Won , Paik Yong‐Han , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Park Chan Guk
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the on‐treatment kinetics of quantitative HBsAg during entecavir therapy to predict the treatment period needed to achieve functional cure. From a cohort of 1009 CHB treatment‐naïve patients who were started on entecavir, the kinetics of quantitative HBsAg decline was assessed in 410 patients by a linear mixed model. The difference in the kinetics of quantitative HBsAg was determined based on the HBeAg positivity, HBeAg seroclearance and presence of baseline liver cirrhosis. Among the 410 patients, 213 patients (52.0%) were HBeAg‐positive and 217 patients (66.1%) were male with a median age of 48 years. During a median follow‐up of 53.5 months, the quantitative HBsAg level showed a slow but consistent decrease. The expected log qHBsAg levels as a function of time during entecavir treatment in HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(−) patients were 3.4773‐0.0039 × Months and 3.1853‐0.0036 × Months, respectively. The estimated time to clearance of quantitative HBsAg in our study was greater than 74.1 years in HBeAg‐positive patients and 73.5 years in HBeAg‐negative patients. The calculated time to achieve functional cure is lifelong without regard to HBeAg seroclearance or presence of liver cirrhosis. The mathematical modelling from a long‐term follow‐up of chronic hepatitis B patients on entecavir shows that HBsAg clearance requires decades of treatment. Thus, lifelong therapy is inevitable in entecavir‐treated patients to achieve functional cure.
Thiazolidinediones reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic events in diabetic patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Tse Yee‐Kit , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Liang Lilian Yan , Lee Hye Won , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Kong Alice Pik‐Shan , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung
Published: April 2020

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improve glycaemic control and ameliorate liver steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in patients with fatty liver disease. We aimed to study the impact of TZD and glycaemic control on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic events in diabetic patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We performed a retrospective cohort study on diabetic patients with CHB in 2000‐2017 using a territory‐wide electronic healthcare database in Hong Kong. Diabetes mellitus was identified by use of any antidiabetic medication, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥6.5%, fasting glucose ≥7 mmol/L in two measurements or ≥11.1 mmol/L in one measurement and/or diagnosis codes. Use of antidiabetic medications was modelled as time‐dependent covariates. Of 28 999 diabetic patients with CHB, 3963 (13.7%) developed liver‐related events (a composite endpoint of HCC and hepatic events) at a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 7.1 (3.7‐11.8) years; 1153 patients received TZD during follow‐up. After adjusted for important confounders, TZD use was associated with a reduced risk of liver‐related events (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24‐0.88; P = .019). Similar trends were observed in HCC (aHR 0.57) and hepatic events (aHR 0.35) separately. Compared to HbA1c of 6.5% at baseline, patients with HbA1c ≥7% had an increased risk of liver‐related events; the risk further increased in 5795 (20.0%) patients with HbA1c ≥9% at baseline (aHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04‐1.26; P = .006). TZD use is associated with a lower risk of liver‐related events in diabetic patients with CHB. Liver‐related events are more common in patients with high HbA1c levels.
Migratory flow and hepatitis delta infection in Italy: A new challenge at the beginning of the third millennium
Authors: Stroffolini Tommaso , Ciancio Alessia , Furlan Caterina , Vinci Maria , Fontana Rosanna , Russello Maurizio , Colloredo Guido , Morisco Filomena , Coppola Nicola , Babudieri Sergio , Ferrigno Luigina , Sagnelli Caterina , Sagnelli Evangelista
Published: April 2020

In Italy, HDV infection endemicity has greatly decreased overtime. Migratory flow may change this scenario as migrants often come from high HDV endemicity areas. Here, we studied characteristics of HDV infection in Italy, particularly addressed to the birth area of subjects. Chronic HBsAg carriers consecutively referring to 9 units in Italy prospectively enrolled for a six‐month period in 2019 were tested for anti‐HDV by ELISA. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify anti‐HDV positivity independent predictors. A total of 894 HBsAg‐positive subjects were enrolled. Of them, 786 (87.9%) were tested for anti‐HDV. Anti‐HDV overall prevalence was 9.9% (6.4% in Italian natives and 26.4% in non‐natives; P < .001). HDV‐RNA was checked in 63 (80.8%) of the 78 anti–HDV+ subjects, and 49 (77.8%) tested positive. Compared to non‐natives, Italians were more likely males (male/female 1.6 vs 0.6; P < .05) and older (median age 57 years vs 46 years; P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that non‐natives (OR = 6.02; CI 95% = 3.06‐11.84) and cirrhosis (OR 9.6; CI 95% = 5.39‐17.30) were independently associated with anti‐HDV positivity. A remarkable changing pattern in some characteristics of anti–HDV‐positive subjects was observed over 1987‐2019: a decreasing male/female ratio, an increasing mean age and proportion of cirrhotic subjects. Anti‐HDV prevalence decreased from 7.4% to 6.4% among Italians, increasing from 12.2% to 26.4% among non‐natives during 2001‐2019. Hence, HDV infection in Italians is further decreasing and mostly affects old people and subjects with advanced disease reflecting a survival effect. Conversely, non‐natives are sixfold more likely anti–HDV‐positive with an increasing trend. Migratory flow may be a new challenge for HDV infection at the beginning of the third millennium.
Serum cortisol and thyroid hormone concentrations and survival in foals born from mares with experimentally induced ascending placentitis
Authors: Müller Vitória , Toribio Ramiro E. , Dembek Katarzyna , Moraes Bruna S. S. , Mousquer Mariana A. , Curcio Bruna R. , Nogueira Carlos E. W.
Published: April 2020

Background

There are few publications on occurrence of nonthyroidal illness syndrome in foals and on the prognostic value of cortisol and thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations in newborn foals.

Objectives

To determine serum cortisol and TH concentrations (total and free thyroxine: T4 and FT4; total and free triiodothyronine: T3 and FT3) in foals born from mares with placentitis, to determine their association with survival, and their use as prognostic markers.

Animals

A cohort of 29 newborn foals comprising 5 Control, 14 Low‐risk, and 10 Sick foals were evaluated over the first week of life.

Methods

In this prospective study foals born to mares with experimentally‐induced placentitis were assigned to Low‐risk or Sick groups while foals born to control mares were classified as Control based on clinical findings. Foals were also classified as Term (n = 13), Dysmature (n = 7), or Premature (n = 9), and survival rate was recorded. Serum cortisol and TH hormone concentrations were measured at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 168 hours of life.

Results

Sick non‐surviving foals had lower (P < .05) T3 : cortisol ratio at 12 (3.68 ± 1.06 versus 18.58 ± 2.78), 24 (5.47 ± 2.34 versus 23.40 ± 3.82), and 48 (10.47 ± 6.29 versus 26.6 ± 2.90) hours of life when compared to Sick surviving foals and lower (P < .05) T4 : cortisol ratio at 12 (75.12 ± 21.71 versus 414.47 ± 58.47) and 24 hours (127.83 ± 55.21 versus 430.87 ± 80.31) after birth than Sick surviving foals.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Placental infections can impair fetal thyroid function. Low T3 : cortisol and T4 : cortisol ratios seem to be good prognostic markers in newborn foals.