bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance management practices for green building projects: towards hybrid BIM system
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In general, maintenance management is considered as part of the construction sector for the larger service of post-construction activity and process. However, as green building (GB) construction projects grow in scale and complexity, interconnections between the mentioned activities and processes can be noticed in a problematic planning performance management to monitor the GB components for the corrective and preventive maintenance action. Issues often arise during construction activity and pose a problem for the society due to the poor and improper maintenance execution, such as the recent fire in the Grenfell Tower (14 June 2017, about 80 fatalities).

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of maintenance management practices of GB and main features of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and techniques were based on analysis of number of literature reviews in GB scenarios.

Findings

The research results described are concerned with an integrated system to analyse information and building a decision-making support in maintenance planning in GB based on robust data collection about concrete failures and causes, provide appropriate planning decision and reduce risks of GB failure throughout the lifetime.

Originality/value

The paper concludes that implementing a research framework for developing such a system can help improve the performance of maintenance planning of GB design, construction and maintenance operations.
‘Your wealth is your health’: the fundamental causes of inequalities in diabetes management outcomes: a qualitative analysis
Authors: O'Donnell Shane
Published: July 2020

Fundamental Cause Theory (FCT) is among the most influential explanations for health inequalities. The theory posits that the social gradient in health persists because higher‐socioeconomic status (SES) groups are systematically more able to take advantage of new medical innovations and health‐enhancing knowledge due to their greater access to resources. Taking the life histories of people with diabetes (PwD) (N = 17) in the Republic of Ireland as a case study, this paper aims to elucidate the behaviours and agencies underlying 'fundamental causality' through examining how PwD of contrasting SES respond to disease management information. Findings highlight how the most common barriers to effective diabetes control were chronic psychological distress, combined with the cultural significance of alcohol consumption, which was central to both the social and economic subsistence of male participants in particular. However, higher‐SES groups were more likely to experience a 'turnabout' in their life, whereby they could remove themselves from the conditions giving rise to their distress and move into a social space where more health‐enhancing behaviours were possible. It concludes with a discussion of potential mechanisms that may explain why such turnabouts were more likely to occur in the case of higher‐SES groups and the implications for FCT.
Field detection of urease and carbonic anhydrase activity using rapid and economical tests to assess microbially induced carbonate precipitation
Authors: Medina Ferrer Fernando , Hobart Kathryn , Bailey Jake V.
Published: July 2020

Microbial precipitation of calcium carbonate is a widespread environmental phenomenon that has diverse engineering applications, from building and soil restoration to carbon sequestration. Urease‐mediated ureolysis and CO2 (de)hydration by carbonic anhydrase (CA) are known for their potential to precipitate carbonate minerals, yet many environmental microbial community studies rely on marker gene or metagenomic approaches that are unable to determine in situ activity. Here, we developed fast and cost‐effective tests for the field detection of urease and CA activity using pH‐sensitive strips inside microcentrifuge tubes that change colour in response to the reaction products of urease (NH3) and CA (CO2). The urease assay proved sensitive and useful in the field to detect in situ activity in biofilms from a saline lake, a series of calcareous fens, and ferrous springs, finding relatively high urease activity in lake samples. Incubations of lake microbes with urea resulted in significantly higher CaCO3 precipitation compared to incubations with a urease inhibitor, showing that the rapid assay indicated an on‐site active metabolism potentially mediating carbonate precipitation. The CA assay, however, showed less sensitivity compared to the urease test. While its sensitivity limits its utility, the assay may still be useful as a preliminary indicator given the paucity of other means for detecting CA activity in the field. Field urease, and potentially CA, activity assays complement molecular approaches and facilitate the search for carbonate‐precipitating microbes and their in situ activity, which could be applied toward agriculture, engineering and carbon sequestration technologies.
Persistence of Cost Inefficiency Among Schools: A Myth or Reality?
Authors: Andrews Antony
Published: July 2020

Inefficiency persistence is often ignored in empirical studies that assess school efficiency levels. Using longitudinal data on state and state‐dependent private schools from 62 New Zealand territories, a dynamic random‐effect stochastic frontier model is employed to obtain the magnitude of inefficiency persistence along with the measure of cost efficiency estimates. The results show that a naive non‐dynamic model incorrectly shows New Zealand schools to be highly cost‐efficient in short run. However, the dynamic model exposes the fact that New Zealand state schools face high persistence in cost inefficiency, which is limiting their ability to provide cost‐efficient schooling in long run. Furthermore, an estimated 9% of the annual state school funding is lost due to the persistence in cost inefficiency. The findings of this study indicate that cost inefficiency among New Zealand schools appears to be long run, requiring significant policy change from the national government.
Virtual reality for acute and chronic pain management in adult patients: a narrative review
Authors: Chuan A. , Zhou J. J. , Hou R. M. , Stevens C. J. , Bogdanovych A.
Published: July 2020

Virtual reality is a computer‐generated environment that immerses the user in an interactive artificial world. This ability to distract from reality has been utilised for the purposes of providing pain relief from noxious stimuli. As technology rapidly matures, there is potential for anaesthetists and pain physicians to incorporate virtual reality devices as non‐pharmacological therapy in a multimodal pain management strategy. This systematic narrative review evaluates clinical studies that used virtual reality in adult patients for management of acute and chronic pain. A literature search found 690 citations, out of which 18 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality using the Jadad and Nottingham‐Ottawa Scales. Agreement on scores between independent assessors was 0.87 (95%CI 0.73–0.94). Studies investigated virtual reality use: intra‐operatively; for labour analgesia; for wound dressing changes; and in multiple chronic pain conditions. Twelve studies showed reduced pain scores in acute or chronic pain with virtual reality therapy, five studies showed no superiority to control treatment arms and in one study, the virtual reality exposure group had a worsening of acute pain scores. Studies were heterogeneous in: methods; patient population; and type of virtual reality used. These limitations suggest the evidence‐base in adult patients is currently immature and more rigorous studies are required to validate the use of virtual reality as a non‐pharmacological adjunct in multimodal pain management.
Politics Disrupted? Collective Intentionality, Inaugural Performativity, and Institutional Receptivity in Undocumented Migrant Struggles
Authors: Swerts Thomas
Published: July 2020

Critical scholarship on “the promise‐of‐the‐political” thesis customarily understands undocumented migrant struggles (UMS) as being politically disruptive. However, the question of what gets disrupted, how, by whom, and to what effect tends to be ignored. Building on insights from the empirical literature on UMS and ethnographic research of the “Solidarity March With and Without Papers”, this paper argues that three conditions need to be in place for UMS to be disruptive. First, undocumented activists need to craft collective intentions to challenge the institutional order in and through joint action. Second, protest acts need to effectively interrupt everyday routines symbolising the status quo and instigate replication. Third, UMS need to unsettle and force a response from the order in ways that defy existing institutional logics. These findings are translated into a research agenda that proposes to investigate the relative importance of collective intentionality, inaugural performativity and institutional receptivity for UMS.
Improvement in inner retinal function in glaucoma with nicotinamide (vitamin B3) supplementation: A crossover randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hui Flora , Tang Jessica , Williams Pete A. , McGuinness Myra B. , Hadoux Xavier , Casson Robert J. , Coote Michael , Trounce Ian A. , Martin Keith R. , van Wijngaarden Peter , Crowston Jonathan G.
Published: July 2020

Importance

Retinal ganglion cells endure significant metabolic stress in glaucoma but maintain capacity to recover function. Nicotinamide, a precursor of NAD+, is low in serum of glaucoma patients and its supplementation provides robust protection of retinal ganglion cells in preclinical models. However, the potential of nicotinamide in human glaucoma is unknown.

Background

To examine the effects of nicotinamide on inner retinal function in glaucoma, in participants receiving concurrent glaucoma therapy.

Design

Crossover, double‐masked, randomized clinical trial. Participants recruited from two tertiary care centres.

Participants

Fifty‐seven participants, diagnosed and treated for glaucoma.

Methods

Participants received oral placebo or nicotinamide and reviewed six‐weekly. Participants commenced 6 weeks of 1.5 g/day then 6 weeks of 3.0 g/day followed by crossover without washout. Visual function measured using electroretinography and perimetry.

Main outcome measures

Change in inner retinal function, determined by photopic negative response (PhNR) parameters: saturated PhNR amplitude (Vmax), ratio of PhNR/b‐wave amplitude (Vmax ratio).

Results

PhNR Vmax improved beyond 95% coefficient of repeatability in 23% of participants following nicotinamide vs 9% on placebo. Overall, Vmax improved by 14.8% [95% CI: 2.8%, 26.9%], (P = .02) on nicotinamide and 5.2% [−4.2%, 14.6%], (P = .27) on placebo. Vmax ratio improved by 12.6% [5.0%, 20.2%], (P = .002) following nicotinamide, 3.6% [−3.4%, 10.5%], (P = .30) on placebo. A trend for improved visual field mean deviation was observed with 27% improving ≥1 dB on nicotinamide and fewer deteriorating (4%) compared to placebo (P = .02).

Conclusions

Nicotinamide supplementation can improve inner retinal function in glaucoma. Further studies underway to elucidate the effects of long‐term nicotinamide supplementation.
Colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in patients with hand eczema: Prevalence and association with severity, atopic dermatitis, subtype and nasal colonization
Authors: Nørreslet Line B. , Edslev Sofie M. , Andersen Paal S. , Plum Frederik , Holt Jette , Kjerulf Anne , Ebbehøj Niels E. , Clausen Maja‐Lisa , Flachs Esben M. , Agner Tove
Published: July 2020

Background

While Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization has been thoroughly studied in atopic dermatitis (AD), where S. aureus is related to flares and considered a trigger factor, S. aureus colonization in hand eczema (HE) has only been sparsely studied.

Objectives

To examine the 1‐week prevalence of S. aureus colonization in HE patients, and its association with severity, HE subtype, AD, and nasal S. aureus colonization compared with healthy controls.

Methods

In a case‐control study of 50 adult HE patients and 50 healthy controls, bacterial swabs from lesional skin (patients only), non‐lesional skin (dorsal hand), and the nasal cavity were sampled for culturing of S. aureus on days 1, 3, 5 and 8. Participants were characterized by demographics, AD, HE subtype, filaggrin gene mutation status, and HE severity.

Results

Twenty‐seven HE patients (54%) were colonized with S. aureus on the hand compared to one control (2%) (P < .01). Nasal S. aureus colonization was found in 72% of patients and 22% of controls (P < .01). For patients, S. aureus colonization on the hands was associated with an atopic HE subtype and HE severity (P = .01 and P < .01, respectively).

Conclusions

Both hand and nasal S. aureus colonization were highly prevalent among HE‐patients and may have an impact on the persistence of HE.
The rise of coffee in the Brazilian south‐east: tariffs and foreign market potential, 1827–40†
Authors: Absell Christopher David
Published: July 2020

During the period spanning independence in 1822 to mid‐century, Brazil's south‐east shifted from specializing in the export of cane sugar to coffee. This article explores the mechanism underlying this shift by exploiting a wealth of new monthly data on the Brazilian and international coffee and cane sugar markets during the period 1827–40. It argues that the timing of the coffee boom was driven by a rapid increase in foreign market potential associated with the abolition of the tariff on coffee in the US. It estimates that American tariff reform served to increase coffee exports and African slave imports by around one‐fifth. American firms, with indirect links to the slave trade, rapidly became major players in the export market in Rio de Janeiro, while non‐American firms, traditionally specialized in continental European destinations, turned their sights on the American market.
Parenting Coordination Law in the U.S. and Canada: A Review of the Sources and Scope of the PC's Authority
Authors: Dale Milfred D. , Bomrad Hon. Dolores , Jones Alexander
Published: July 2020

The development of parenting coordination has continued from its informal beginnings in the 1980s to the present where more than twenty states and provinces have enacted statutes or rules regarding parenting coordinator appointments. Parenting coordination evolved as a tool for courts attempting to manage the conflicts between parents that placed children of divorce and parental separation at risk for behavioral, emotional, and psychological problems. Use of parenting coordinators (PCs) in some form now occurs in almost every jurisdiction, even those with no formal statute or rule. This review examines the legal foundations for court authority to order parenting coordination interventions as well as the legal efforts to define the scope of the PC's authority in individual cases. Included is the examination of the statutes, rules, and case law illustrating many of the controversies and psycholegal flashpoints in the field. AFCC's updated Guidelines for Parenting Coordination (2019) reflect maturation and professionalization of the intervention via suggestions for training, professional competence, and ethical guidance. The authors offer assistance and suggestions for those working to develop or improve legal parenting coordination frameworks.
Termination of Parental Rights in New York: Why Such a Variation By County?
Authors: Weinberger Bari Z. , Pollack Daniel
Published: July 2020

Termination of parental rights (“TPR”) ends the parent–child relationship though a process governed by state law. As a recent analysis of federal data revealed, TPR rates vary widely by state. In West Virginia, the TPR rate was 283 per 100,000. In New York State, the focus of this article, there were approximately 30 TPRs for every 100,000 children in 2014. Within New York State, TPR rates vary by county. In this exploratory piece, we analyze TPR rates in New York by county, noting discrepancies and seeking possible explanations for these variations, including possible effects of income disparities, single‐parent households, poor mental health, binge drinking, and drug addiction. This is an initial exploration only, and is not intended to be a rigorous quantitative study. Rather, our scope arises from what we have noticed from front line practice. It is our hope that researchers will use our exploratory findings for extended analysis, including analysis of TPR data from other states.
Transarterial‐ chemoembolization remains an effective therapy for intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma with preserved liver function
Authors: Saito Natsuhiko , Tanaka Toshihiro , Nishiohuku Hideyuki , Sato Takeshi , Masada Tetsuya , Matsumoto Takeshi , Anai Hiroshi , Sakaguchi Hiroshi , Sueyoshi Satoru , Marugami Nagaaki , Kichikawa Kimihiko
Published: July 2020

Aim

To evaluate outcomes as well as prognostic factors of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with preserved liver function to determine positioning of TACE.

Methods

Of 158 treatment‐naïve patients with intermediate‐stage HCC who received initial TACE from February 2007 to January 2016, 113 patients met the following inclusion criteria: no combined therapy within 4 weeks after initial TACE, and Child–Pugh score under 7. Response rate and overall survival were evaluated. The prognostic factors were investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models. The deterioration of liver function after repeated TACE was also evaluated.

Results

The response rate was 92.7% (complete response, 63.3%; partial response, 29.4%). The median survival time was 45.2 months. Survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 90.4%, 77.0%, and 60.8% respectively. Age ≥ 75 years (P = 0.022), serum α‐fetoprotein level ≥ 200 ng/mL (P = .010), tumor number ≥ 11 (P = 0.008), and heterogeneous enhancement on dynamic computed tomography (P = 0.024) were poor prognostic factors. The deterioration rate of Child–Pugh score and albumin–bilirubin grade was 18.5% and 12.3%, respectively, after the first TACE, 15.6% and 5.1%, respectively, after the second TACE, and 14.5% and 11.1%, respectively, after the third TACE.

Conclusion

Superselective TACE can achieve high tumor response rates with prolonged overall survival for patients with intermediate‐stage HCC with preserved liver function. Age, serum α‐fetoprotein level, tumor number ≥ 11, and heterogeneous enhancement on dynamic computed tomography indicated significantly poor prognosis.
Pressure injuries among admissions to a hospital in the tropics
Authors: Graves Nicholas , Maiti Raju , Aloweni Fazila Abu Bakar , Yuh Ang Shin , Lo Zhiwen Joseph , Harding Keith
Published: July 2020

We report incidence rates for pressure injuries seen in an acute hospital in Singapore that were classified as Stage 3 or Stage 4. The characteristics of patients and the factors that explain variation in the primary outcome of duration of hospital stay are summarized. Existing data were available from Singapore General Hospital for all admissions from January 2016 to December 2019. Univariable analysis was done and a multivariable Poisson regression model estimated. Incidence rates declined from 4.05 to 3.4 per 1000 admissions in the 48 months between 2016 and 2019. The vast majority were community acquired with 75% in admission from the patients' home. Factors that explain variation in length of stay were, ethnicity; site of injury; community versus healthcare associated; inter‐hospital transfer; fracture as reason for admission; and the number of days between admission and assessment of wound by specialist nurse. Stage 3 and 4 injuries arise in a home environment most often and are subsequently managed in acute hospital at high cost. These are novel epidemiological data from a hospital in the tropics where the potential to improve outcomes, implement screening and prevention, and thus increase the performance of health services is strong.
Leaf carbohydrates assimilation and metabolism affect seed yield of rapeseed with different waterlogging tolerance under the interactive effects of nitrogen and waterlogging
Authors: Kuai Jie , Li Xiaoyong , Li Zhen , Xie Yan , Wang Bo , Zhou Guangsheng
Published: July 2020

Waterlogging is a main factor causing rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) yield loss, and reasonable nitrogen (N) applications can compensate for this loss. To investigate the effects of N rates on seed yield of waterlogged rapeseed, the waterlogging‐tolerant rapeseed variety ZS 9 and sensitive variety GH01 were waterlogged for 0 and 10 days with five leaves at the seedling stage under four N rates (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg/ha). Waterlogging significantly decreased seed yield, while N application can alleviate the yield loss. The yield decrease rate of waterlogged GH01 was greater than that of ZS 9 under the same N rate. During the seedling and bolting stage, the leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) and ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity increased, while activities of adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), sucrose synthase (SuSy) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) decreased with more N under the same watering conditions. Compared to the plants without waterlogging, the leaf Pn and Rubisco activity, starch and sucrose contents of waterlogged rapeseed decreased at the two stages; activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS of waterlogged rapeseed decreased at the seedling while increased at the bolting stage for both the two varieties. At the flowering stage, the Pn, the activities of Rubisco, AGPase, SuSy, SPS and contents of sucrose, starch increased with more N application for both ZS 9 and GH01. Compared to the plants without waterlogging, the Pn and Rubisco activity for waterlogged plants of the two varieties increased; the waterlogged plants of tolerant variety had higher activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS, while those of sensitive variety was significantly lower. However, the decreased starch and sucrose content were found in both tolerant and sensitive varieties. The activities of AGPase, SuSy and SPS at flowering were highly positively correlated with yield under the interactive effects of N and waterlogging. These results suggested that the flowering stage is the most important stage that N had the positive regulation on waterlogged rapeseed growth. The carbohydrates translocation from leaves to seeds of the tolerant variety were enhanced after waterlogging, while that of the sensitive variety was still inhibited. This was the main reason for the difference in yield between the two waterlogged varieties.
Maximizing learning without sacrificing the fun: Stealth assessment, adaptivity and learning supports in educational games
Authors: Shute Valerie , Rahimi Seyedahmad , Smith Ginny , Ke Fengfeng , Almond Russell , Dai Chih‐Pu , Kuba Renata , Liu Zhichun , Yang Xiaotong , Sun Chen
Published: July 2020

In this study, we investigated the validity of a stealth assessment of physics understanding in an educational game, as well as the effectiveness of different game‐level delivery methods and various in‐game supports on learning. Using a game calledPhysics Playground, we randomly assigned 263 ninth‐ to eleventh‐grade students into four groups: adaptive, linear, free choice and no‐treatment control. Each condition had access to the same in‐game learning supports during gameplay. Results showed that: (a) the stealth assessment estimates of physics understanding were valid—significantly correlating with the external physics test scores; (b) there was no significant effect of game‐level delivery method on students' learning; and (c) physics animations were the most effective (among eight supports tested) in predicting both learning outcome and in‐game performance (e.g. number of game levels solved). We included student enjoyment, gender and ethnicity in our analyses as moderators to further investigate the research questions.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of arrhythmia during follow‐up of patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Stampe Niels K. , Jespersen Camilla B. , Glinge Charlotte , Bundgaard Henning , Tfelt‐Hansen Jacob , Winkel Bo G.
Published: July 2020

Aims

The current knowledge of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is limited. We aimed to investigate the nature of IVF, including clinical assessment and later diagnosis, and risk factors of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in the follow‐up period.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2019 we systematically identified all patients from Rigshospitalet, Denmark, with a resuscitated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with no identifiable cause. All patients were followed routinely in the ICD outpatient clinic and the majority also in an inherited heart disease outpatient clinic. Outcomes were analysed with Cox regressions models and cumulative incidence curves.

Results

We identified 84 patients with an initial diagnosis of IVF; of these, three (3.6%) patients were later diagnosed with a cardiac disease. The remaining IVF patients (n = 81, median age 45 years; men 71.6%) were followed a median follow‐up of 5.2 years (interquartile range, 2.0–7.6). A total of 24 (29.6%) patients had appropriate ICD therapy and 12 (14.8%) patients had inappropriate ICD therapy. No predominant type of ventricular arrhythmia at first appropriate ICD therapy was observed. Early repolarization at baseline was not associated with an increased risk of appropriate ICD therapy (P = .842). Repeated cardiac arrest at index SCA increased the risk of appropriate ICD therapy (hazard ratio, 2.63 [95% CI, 1.08–6.40; P = .033]).

Conclusion

Most patients remained idiopathic throughout the follow‐up period and the overall long‐term prognosis of IVF was good. Repeated cardiac arrest at index SCA was a risk factor of appropriate ICD therapy and early repolarization was not associated with an increased risk of appropriate ICD therapy.
LV only pacing‐mediated electrical storm with cardiac resynchronization therapy managed by simultaneous biventricular pacing
Authors: Kella Danesh K. , Kantipudi Charan , Stambler Bruce S.
Published: July 2020

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is a rare complication of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Little is known about ventricular proarrhythmia related to the pacing vector of CRT. This case report describes the elimination of ventricular arrythmia using biventricular pacing in a patient with VT‐storm related to LV only pacing as part of the AdaptivCRT algorithm (Medtronic Inc). Simultaneous biventricular pacing was effective in eliminating polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Changing the pacing vector is a noninvasive treatment strategy that should be considered to manage VA due to CRT.
Comprehensive role of prostate‐specific antigen identified with proteomic analysis in prostate cancer
Authors: Li Haoyong , Ma Zhe , Che Zhifei , Li Qi , Fan Jinfeng , Zhou Zhiyan , Wu Yaoxi , Jin Yingxia , Liang Peiyu , Che Xianping
Published: July 2020

Current treatments including androgen deprivation fail to prevent prostate cancer (PrCa) from progressing to castration‐resistant PrCa (CRPC). Accumulating evidence highlights the relevance of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) in the development and progression of PrCa. The underlying mechanism whereby PSA functions in PrCa, however, has yet been elucidated. We demonstrated that PSA knockdown attenuated tumorigenesis and metastasis of PrCa C4‐2 cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas promoted the apoptosis in vitro. To illuminate the comprehensive role of PSA in PrCa, we performed an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)‐based proteomic analysis to explore the proteomic change induced by PSA knockdown. Among 121 differentially expressed proteins, 67 proteins were up‐regulated, while 54 proteins down‐regulated. Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the mechanism through which PSA exerts influence on PrCa. Protein‐protein interaction analysis showed that PSA may mediate POTEF, EPHA3, RAD51C, HPGD and MCM4 to promote the initiation and progression of PrCa. We confirmed that PSA knockdown induced the up‐regulation of MCM4 and RAD51C, while it down‐regulated POTEF and EPHA3; meanwhile, MCM4 was higher in PrCa para‐cancerous tissue than in cancerous tissue, suggesting that PSA may facilitate the tumorigenesis by mediating MCM4. Our findings suggest that PSA plays a comprehensive role in the development and progression of PrCa.
Detection of the parasitic nematode, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, in zebrafish tissues and environmental DNA in research aquaria
Authors: Norris Lauren , Lawler Noah , Hunkapiller Andree , Mulrooney Donna M. , Kent Michael L. , Sanders Justin L.
Published: July 2020

Although zebrafish continue to increase in popularity as a vertebrate animal model for biomedical research, chronic infectious diseases in laboratory populations remain prevalent. The presence of pathogens such as Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, a parasitic nematode found in the intestine of infected zebrafish, can significantly influence experimental endpoints and negatively impact reproducibility of research findings. Thus, there is a need for screening tests for zebrafish with the sensitivity to detect even low levels of pathogens present in tissues. Assays based on the detection of DNA are commonly used for such screening tests. Newer technologies such as digital PCR provide an opportunity to improve the sensitivity and precision of these assays, so they can be reliably used to detect pathogen DNA in water, reducing the need for lethal testing. We have designed a qPCR‐based assay with the sensitivity to detect less than 5 copies of the P. tomentosa SSU‐rDNA gene in tissues of infected zebrafish and environmental DNA from aquarium water housing infected fish. In addition, we adapted this test to a dPCR platform to provide a precise quantification of P. tomentosa DNA and demonstrate the resistance of this assay to inhibitors commonly found in freshwater aquaria.
Modelling the effect of vaccination on transmission dynamics of nervous necrosis virus in grouper larvaeEpinephelus coioides
Authors: Lu Tien‐Hsuan , Chen Chi‐Yun , Yang Ying‐Fei , Liao Chung‐Min
Published: July 2020

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infection in susceptible grouper larvae has been reported to cause high mortalities, leading to great economic losses in aquaculture industry. Although the effects of NNV vaccines on grouper have been broadly investigated, vaccination strategies have not been fully established. To this end, we introduced the parsimonious epidemiological models that explored the assessment of key epidemiological parameters and how they changed when vaccinations showed the effects. We showed that the models capture the published cumulative mortality data accurately. We estimated a basic reproduction numberR0 = 2.44 for NNV transmission in grouper larvae without vaccination. To effectively control NNV transmission by vaccination, a model for disease control was also generalized to attain the goals of controlled reproduction number less than 1. Our results indicated that at least 60% of grouper population needed to be immunized for ~75 min. Our data‐driven modelling approach that links the transmission dynamics of NNV and vaccination strategies for grouper has the potential to support evidence‐based planning and adaptation of integrated control measures. We encourage that the epidemiology‐based framework introduced here can be further implemented for establishing effective vaccination and mitigation actions aimed at controlling diseases in fish farming practices.
Rapid and miniaturized method for detection of hygiene indicators, Escherichia coli and coliforms, in dairy products
Authors: Kadyan Saurabh , Kumar Naresh , Lawaniya Ramakant , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Arora Bhawna , Tehri Nimisha
Published: July 2020

Current investigation was aimed to develop colorimetric tests for rapid detection of Escherichia coli/coliforms. These test (s) for E. coli and coliforms were developed using the modified E. coli selective medium (M‐ECSM) and coliform selective medium, respectively. The selective media contain a combination of group specific marker enzymes and selective agents. The marker enzymes were screened using chromogenic substrates wherein β‐D‐glucuronidase and glutamate decarboxylase were found specific for E. coli while β‐D‐galactosidase for coliforms. The selectivity of the media was achieved using different concentrations of ampicillin and gentamicin. The optimized test procedures enabled sensitive detection of 0.35 ± 0.10 log cfu/ml of E. coli and 0.57 ± 0.15 log cfu/ml of coliforms at 37°C within 14.30 ± 0.45 and 12.15 ± 0.30 hr, respectively. M‐ECSM selectively inhibited major Enterobacteriaceae contaminants (Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia) up to 6 log cfu/ml. Moreover, better selectivity of M‐ECSM was reported against tested commercial chromogenic media. Field evaluation of developed test (s) reported prevalence of E. coli/coliforms as 57.29/88.54% in 96 raw milk and 16.28/51.16% in 43 pasteurized milk samples. Further, test components were vacuum dried in the form of miniaturized point‐of‐need test for field application in dairy farms and industries with minimal infrastructural requirements.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of 2019 novel coronavirus disease patients presenting with initial gastrointestinal symptoms in Wuhan, China: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Luo Shihua , Deng Zhiqing , Zhang Xiaochun , Pan Zhenyu , Xu Haibo
Published: July 2020

Background and Aim

Patients with 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) could present with gastrointestinal symptoms without fever or respiratory manifestations, which could be overlooked by health‐care providers. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in patients presenting with initial gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

We evaluated all confirmed cases of COVID‐19 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between January 10 and February 29, 2020. We divided these patients into two groups: patients with initial gastrointestinal symptoms (group A, n = 183) and patients with respiratory syndrome and/or fever (group B, n = 1228). The clinical characteristics, radiological features, and laboratory data were assessed.

Results

The clinical procedures of both groups underwent 1–2 weeks rising period and were downward trend at 3 weeks; less than 5% of patients progressed to critical illness. In both groups, mean leukocyte count (P = 0.354) and lymphocyte count (P = 0.386) were below normal, and C‐reactive protein level was elevated (P = 0.412). There was mild liver function injury (aspartate aminotransferase, 65.8 ± 12.7 vs 67.4 ± 9.3 U/L, P = 0.246; alanine aminotransferase, 66.4 ± 13.2 vs 69.6 ± 12.7 U/L, P = 0.352), and normal renal function was intact (blood urea nitrogen 6.4 ± 2.5 vs 5.6 ± 2.8 mmol/L P = 0.358; creatinine 85.7 ± 37.2, 91.2 ± 32.6 μmol/L, P = 0.297). After a series of treatment, 176 and 1169 were stable and alive in groups A and B, respectively. The survival rate did not differ significantly between the groups (P = 0.313).

Conclusion

COVID‐19 patients presented with initial gastrointestinal symptoms had similar clinical characteristics and outcomes, when compared with patients with fever and respiratory symptoms.
Response of Kalahari vegetation to seasonal climate and herbivory: Results of 15 years of vegetation monitoring
Authors: Schmiedel Ute , Jacke Vasco , Hachfeld Berit , Oldeland Jens
Published: July 2020

Questions

The arid Kalahari is prone to desertification as a result of climate change and/or land use. We analysed the effects of climatic variables and game herbivory on the vegetation composition to answer the question of how different life‐form types respond to climate, browsers and grazers as drivers of vegetation change.

Location

The study was situated in the arid savanna of the South African Kalahari.

Methods

Vegetation monitoring was conducted on 20 randomly selected permanent plots (100 m2) within a biodiversity observatory. For each plot, individuals per species (abundance) were counted annually and grouped into eight life‐form types (annual and perennial graminoid and annual and perennial forb, geophyte, dwarf shrub, large shrub and tree). We ran generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) with abundance per life‐form type as response variable and a seasonal drought index (Standardised Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index [SPEI]), total annual rainfall, year, density of large game and springbok as fixed effects, plot as random effect and year as random slope.

Results

Seasonal SPEI and density of large game and springbok had the strongest effect on abundance per life‐form type. Annual rainfall did not show any effect. The grazing large game had positive effects on the abundance of herbaceous life forms and dwarf shrubs. The predominantly browsing springbok had negative effects on perennial forbs, dwarf shrubs and trees. Directional trends in abundance per life form over time (increase of annual and decrease of perennial graminoids and forbs, increase of large shrubs) and decrease of total annual cover suggest early stages of vegetation degradation and shrub encroachment in response to both herbivory and climate.

Conclusions

Our study showed that studies aimed at understanding the dynamics of arid systems should include both variance of intra‐annual climatic conditions and herbivore density as environmental drivers, related to abundance per life‐form/strategy type to reveal their specific responses to the environment.
Agroforestry diversity, indigenous food consumption and nutritional outcomes in Sauria Paharia tribal women of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Ghosh‐Jerath Suparna , Kapoor Ridhima , Singh Archna , Nilima  , Downs Shauna , Goldberg Gail , Fanzo Jessica
Published: July 2020

Like several indigenous populations, Sauria Paharias, a vulnerable indigenous tribal group residing in a biodiverse environment of Jharkhand, India, have high levels of undernutrition. We assessed agroforestry and dietary diversity, food consumption especially indigenous food (IF) intake and nutritional status of Sauria Paharia women through a cross‐sectional study conducted in 18 villages of Godda district, Jharkhand. Household level information was elicited through household surveys including a dietary survey and a food frequency questionnaire. Twenty‐four‐hour dietary recalls (24 HDR) and anthropometric assessments were taken on one randomly selected woman per household. An index, Food Accessed Diversity Index (FADI) created to measure agroforestry diversity, showed a low mean score of 0.21 ± 0.15 and range: 0, 0.85. Fifty‐nine percent of women consumed any IF during 24 HDR. Median minimum dietary diversity score for women (MDD‐W) was 3 (acceptable score ≥5). More than 96% of women had intakes below estimated average requirements for all nutrients studied (energy; vitamins A, C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine; folate; iron; calcium and zinc) except protein; 41% women were underweight. IF consumption was independently associated with calcium and vitamin A intake. Decision trees developed for micronutrient consumption at different levels of MDD‐W score and IF consumption scenarios revealed 1.3 to 2.9 times higher consumption of micronutrients among women with MDD‐W ≥ 3 or 4. Strategies like agricultural extension programmes promoting indigenous varieties and nutrition education for increasing dietary diversity with IFs have potential to address undernutrition in Sauria Paharia women.
Long‐term follow‐up of the two‐incision implantation technique for the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: van der Stuijt Willeke , Baalman Sarah W.E. , Brouwer Tom F. , Quast Anne‐Floor B.E. , de Groot Joris R. , Knops Reinoud E.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The two‐incision implantation technique of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) was introduced as an alternative to the standard three‐incision approach by omitting the superior parasternal incision. Thereby, complications may be prevented. Short‐term follow‐up demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the two‐incision technique. However, long‐term results are lacking.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients implanted between February 2009 and June 2020. Patients were divided into a group of patients who were implanted with the standard three‐incision technique and a group who were implanted with the two‐incision technique. Outcomes were defibrillation impedance and efficacy and complications requiring intervention.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included (age 42.4 ± 16.6 years, 35.4% female, BMI 25.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2). Thirty‐one patients underwent S‐ICD implantation with the three‐incision technique and 237 patients with the two‐incision technique. First shock efficacy during defibrillation testing was 93% in the three‐incision group versus 94% in the two‐incision group (P = .69), and shock impedance was 85 versus 68 ohms (P = .04). First shock success was 75% versus 76% for spontaneous episodes (P = 1.00). Complication‐free survival at 5‐year follow‐up in the three‐incision group was estimated at 0.96 (95% CI 0.90‐1.00) versus 0.98 (95% CI 0.96‐1.00) in the two‐incision group (P = .20) and for inappropriate shocks at 5‐year 0.77 (95% CI 0.63‐0.94) versus 0.83 (95% CI 0.77‐0.89, P = .30), respectively.

Conclusion

Five‐year follow‐up in this S‐ICD cohort showed similar complication rates and effectiveness of two‐incision technique compared to the three‐incision technique. This technique offers physicians a less invasive and more simplified implantation procedure for the S‐ICD, with a better cosmetic result.
Scar nonexcitability using simultaneous pacing for substrate ablation of ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Anderson Robert D. , Lee Geoffrey , Campbell Timothy , Bennett Richard G. , Kizana Eddy , Watts Troy , Kalman Jonathan , Kumar Saurabh
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To describe an expedited strategy of simultaneous high‐output pacing during radiofrequency ablation to achieve scar homogenization and electrical inexcitability as an approach for substrate ablation for scar‐related ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Background

Scar homogenization with additional testing for electrical inexcitability is known endpoints for catheter ablation, but achieving both can be time consuming. We describe a strategy of simultaneous pacing during radiofrequency ablation to expedite this approach.

Methods and results

Ten patients (age 74 ± 6 years; all men, (LV) ejection fraction of 33% ± 8%, ischemic cardiomyopathy, 9; VT storm, 7) underwent scar homogenization with electrical inexcitability to pacing (10 mA, 9 ms pulse width), as well as noninducibility of any VT as an acute procedural endpoint. Thirty‐four VTs were inducible in 10 patients with a total of 1127 ablation lesions applied. Median ablation lesions per patient were 97 (interquartile range [IQR]25‐75 71‐151), and the total ablation time was 49 minutes (IQR25‐75 45‐56 minutes) with average duration per lesion of 32.2 seconds (IQR25‐75 25.8‐37.8 seconds). Average power was 33 W (IQR25‐75 32‐38 W), average contact force was 13 g (IQR25‐75 11.9‐14.6 g) with a median impedance drop of 9.6 Ω/lesion (IQR25‐75 8.1‐10.0 Ω). There were no ventricular fibrillation episodes using this strategy. The median procedure time was 246 minutes (IQR25‐75 214‐293 minutes). Acute procedural success was seen in nine patients with 97% of VTs noninducible.

Conclusion

Simultaneous ablation with high output pacing to achieve scar inexcitability, when combined with scar homogenization and noninducibility of any VT may be an expeditious, safe, and effective technique for catheter ablation.
Stumbling out of the gate: The energy‐based implications of morning routine disruption
Authors: McClean Shawn T. , Koopman Joel , Yim Junhyok , Klotz Anthony C.
Published: July 2020

Despite academic and practical advice regarding the virtues of daily routines for effective work performance, such routines are vulnerable to disruption from any number of sources. To understand whether and how routine disruptions affect employees at work, we draw on cognitive energetics theory (CET) and explore the potential negative consequences of morning routine disruptions on employees’ energy allocations at work. Moreover, given that CET is fundamentally a theory of goal attainment, we examine the downstream impact of routine disruptions on employees’ work goal progress. Results from two daily experience‐sampling studies show that when employees’ morning routines were disrupted, employees experienced higher levels of depletion and reduced calmness. In turn, depletion was associated negatively, and calmness was associated positively, with daily work engagement. Finally, daily work engagement was positively related to subsequent daily goal progress. These findings have important implications for our understanding of employees’ morning routines and the ways that disruptions to those routines ripple through employees’ workdays.
The Roles of Experts and Expert‐Based Information in the Advocacy Coalition Framework: Conceptual and Empirical Considerations Based on the Acid Mine Drainage Case Study in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Funke Nikki , Huitema Dave , Petersen Arthur , Nienaber Shanna
Published: July 2020

The Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) remains one of the leading conceptual models in the policy sciences because it continues to be revised and updated as required. A focus area of the ACF that requires further theorization is the roles of experts and expert‐based information in influencing policy problem contexts. Our article takes a necessary step in this direction by (1) evaluating the usefulness of Weible’s expectations regarding the uses of expert‐based information in different types of policy subsystems and factors that contribute to shifts from one subsystem to another; and (2) making critical observations that result from this evaluation in the context of the controversial acid mine drainage policy case study in South Africa. The findings of our case study analysis indicate that Weible’s framework performed reasonably well but also revealed opportunities for further improvement. We therefore suggest adding awareness raising as a use of expert‐based information, developing a typology of different types of experts who participate in policy subsystems, and including a focus on the use of expert‐based information in policy subsystem shifts. We also reflect upon the relevance and importance of continuing to expand ACF applications to countries outside of North America and Western Europe.