bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Nitrogen Management in Growth and Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.) Under Red and Lateritic Soils of Odisha
Authors: Behera Subhashree , Pradhan Poonam Preeti , Sahu Gayatri , Santra Gour Hari
Published: September 2020

The present study was conducted in research plots of Central Horticultural Research station (CHES) during Rabi season 2018-2019 on Integrated Nitrogen management in chilli under lateritic soils of Odisha. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of eight treatments replicated thrice. It was observed that the substitution of N through vermicompost to the extent of 50% and remaining 50% as urea proved to be considered as the best treatment amongst different combinations of organic sources with urea (RDF). The highest yield of chilli i.e. both pod yield (14511.4 kg ha-1) and stover yield (901.05 kg ha-1) and plant growth such as plant height, flowering, fruiting, fruit length, fruit girth was observed in T5 due to combination of 50% of N as urea and 50% of N as VC. Integrated use of organic manures along with chemical fertilizers not only produced highest and sustainable crop yields but also enhanced plant growth due to quick mineralization and easy availability.
Evaluation of Planting Distance and Poultry Manure on Performance of Utasi (Gongronema latifolium)
Authors: Agba O. A.
Published: September 2020

Gongronema latifolium (Benth) commonly call ‘ Utasi”, or “Arokeke” in local Nigerian languages (Igbo and yoruba) names belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae is a neglected vegetable in Nigeria. The plant has high economic importance, the leaves, stem and roots are very useful for food, medicine and other domestic purposes. Studies were conducted to determine effects of poultry manure and planting distance on the growth and yield of utasi (Gongronema latifolium) in a tropical utisol of the Cross River University of Technology, Department of Agronomy ,Faculty of Agriculture, Obubra, Cross River state, Nigeria in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experimental design was a 4 x 5 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were 4 planting distances of 100 X 40, 100 X 60, 100 X 80 and 100 X 100cm and five rates of poultry manure at 0,1.0, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5. They were 20 treatments combination replicated three times. Data collected on growth and yield parameters were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure. Results showed that wider intra row planting distance gave higher number of leaves, branches and dry matter of plant fractions than closer row planting distance. The application of poultry manure significantly (p<0.05) increased plant height, the number of leaves and branches per plant . Poultry manure rate of 4.5 t/ha recorded the highest leaf area index , number of leaves per plant (36.2) and (38.4) at 50% anthesis in 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons respectively. The was significant interaction between poultry manure and planting distance. The highest Gongronema latifolium fresh leaves yield at 21 WAP (151.37g in 2017 and 153.42g in 2018) and dry leaf yield (60.55 g in 2017, and 61.28 g in 2018 ) yield per plant were obtained in wider intra row planting distance of 100 x 100cm that received 3.5 t/ha, poultry manure at 21 weeks after planting, while the closer inter row planting distance of 100 x 40cm that received 3.5 t/ha poultry manure produced the highest fresh leaves yield of (3.512 t/ha in 2018 and 3.613 t/ha in 2019 ) and dry leaf yield of ( 0.788 t/ha in 2017 and 0.986 t/ha in 2018) yield per hectare in both cropping seasons (2017 and 2018).Farmers are advice to cultivate Utasi ( Gongronema latifolium ) at panting distance of 100 x 40 cm with the application of 3.5t/ha poultry manure for optimum growth and yield in an utisol of tropical agro ecological zone.
PENGARUH FINANCIAL LITERACY, MATERIALISM, COMPULSIVE BUYING TERHADAP PROPENSITY TO INDEBTEDNESS
Authors: Wahono Hendry Kurniawan , Pertiwi Dewi
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti pengaruh financial literacy, materialism, compulsive buying terhadap perilaku propensity to indebtedness. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah masyarakat yang berdomisili dan bertempat tinggal di Surabaya. Sampel yang digunakan berjumlah 185 masyarakat yang berdomisili dan bertempat tinggal di Surabaya. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Metode analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan partial least square. Hasil analisis ini menunjukkan financial literacy, materialism, dan compulsive buying memiliki pengaruh signifikan terhadap propensity to indebtedness.
Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases risk associated with the incidence of presenteeism and the costs of presenteeism
Authors: Kimura Koki , Nagata Tomohisa , Ohtani Makoto , Nagata Masako , Kajiki Shigeyuki , Fujino Yoshihisa , Mori Koji
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to estimate a risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases for each worker and to determine whether this risk is associated with the incidence and costs of presenteeism, absenteeism, and medical/drug treatments.

Methods

Established risk equations were used to estimate the 10-year probability of developing coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke in male workers aged 40-65 years who were recruited from four pharmaceutical companies in Japan. The incidence of presenteeism was defined as existence of presenteeism for the past a month, and the incidence of absenteeism was defined as existence of sick-leave for the past three months by a self-administered questionnaire. Each cost was calculated based on the human capital method. Data on medical/drug treatments were collected from health insurance claims.

Results

The risks were calculated for 6047 workers. Individuals at moderate and high risk of coronary artery disease had a significantly higher rate of presenteeism and absenteeism than workers at low risk. Workers at moderate and high risk of ischemic stroke also had a significantly higher rate of presenteeism and absenteeism than workers at low risk. Mean costs for absenteeism and medical/drug treatments increased with the risk of developing coronary artery disease or ischemic stroke, while costs for presenteeism did not.

Conclusions

To prevent the costs of presenteeism, workers not only at high risk but also at low and moderate risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases should receive health care services.
Conservatism positively predicted fading affect bias in the 2016USpresidential election at low, but not high, levels of negative affect
Authors: Gibbons Jeffrey A. , Dunlap Spencer M. , LeRoy Stephanie , Thomas Taylor
Published: September 2020

Unpleasant affect fades faster than pleasant affect and this Fading Affect Bias (FAB) phenomenon is positively related to healthy outcomes and negatively related to unhealthy outcomes, which makes the FAB a healthy coping process/reaction. Rehearsal seems to be the cognitive mechanism responsible for the FAB. Although the FAB and its relation to healthy outcomes and rehearsal have been examined in many contexts, they have not been evaluated in the realm of politics. Therefore, we evaluated the FAB across event type and we examined the relation of FAB to political leaning (conservatism), unhealthy variables, healthy variables, and rehearsal for the 2016 US Presidential Election. We expected and found that FAB was larger for non‐political events than for election/political events, and conservatism positively predicted FAB. We also expected and found that unhealthy/healthy outcome variables related to FAB in predictable ways. Importantly, we found that negative affect moderated the relation of FAB and conservatism, and rehearsal ratings mediated this 3‐way interaction. The results supported emotion regulation models, such as the mobilization‐minimization hypothesis and self‐enhancement theory.
Keyboard dynamics discrepancies between baseline and deceptive eyewitness narratives
Authors: Tomas Frédéric , Tsimperidis Ioannis , Demarchi Samuel , El Massioui Farid
Published: September 2020

Information manipulation and cognitive load imposition make the production of deceptive narratives difficult. But little is known about the production of deception, and how its mechanisms may help distinguish truthful from deceitful narratives. This study focuses on the measurement of keystroke dynamics while typing truthful and deceptive eyewitness testimonies after a baseline assessment. While typing their narrative, some participants would undergo an auditory cognitive load. Results show that liars typed their story slower, and in less time than the truthful participants when compared to their respective baselines. The imposition of the auditory cognitive load showed adverse results, enhancing the amount of keystrokes and the time necessary to type the narrative. Classification shows better results for deceptive narrative when no auditory cognitive load is imposed. These results are discussed in terms of expanding current models to include the cognition of linguistic production and writing strategies.
How old was he? Disguises, age, and race impact upon age estimation accuracy
Authors: Thorley Craig
Published: September 2020

There are many situations in which a person must accurately estimate a stranger's age. For example, a salesperson must accurately estimate the age of a stranger who wishes to purchase age‐restricted goods. Information from a stranger's eyes and hair can indicate their likely age. Here, two experiments examined whether adult participants' accuracy when estimating strangers' ages is reduced when the strangers' eyes are disguised by sunglasses and/or hair is disguised by a hat. The strangers' age and race also varied, and participants' social contact with the other age/race groups measured. At best, estimations of undisguised strangers' ages were inaccurate by an average of 5.10 years. Accuracy decreased when the strangers' eyes, but not hair, were disguised and when they came from other age/race groups. Accuracy when estimating other age/race group members' ages and social contact with their members were unrelated. The theoretical and applied implications of these findings are discussed.
Keratinocytes Communicate with Sensory Neurons via Synaptic‐like Contacts
Authors: Talagas Matthieu , Lebonvallet Nicolas , Leschiera Raphael , Sinquin Gerard , Elies Philippe , Haftek Marek , Pennec Jean‐Pierre , Ressnikoff Denis , La Padula Veronica , Le Garrec Raphaele , L'herondelle Killian , Mignen Olivier , Le Pottier Laetitia , Kerfant Nathalie , Reux Alexia , Marcorelles Pascale , Misery Laurent
Published: September 2020

Objective

Pain, temperature, and itch are conventionally thought to be exclusively transduced by the intraepidermal nerve endings. Although recent studies have shown that epidermal keratinocytes also participate in sensory transduction, the mechanism underlying keratinocyte communication with intraepidermal nerve endings remains poorly understood. We sought to demonstrate the synaptic character of the contacts between keratinocytes and sensory neurons and their involvement in sensory communication between keratinocytes and sensory neurons.

Methods

Contacts were explored by morphological, molecular, and functional approaches in cocultures of epidermal keratinocytes and sensory neurons. To interrogate whether structures observed in vitro were also present in the human epidermis, in situ correlative light electron microscopy was performed on human skin biopsies.

Results

Epidermal keratinocytes dialogue with sensory neurons through en passant synaptic‐like contacts. These contacts have the ultrastructural features and molecular hallmarks of chemical synaptic‐like contacts: narrow intercellular cleft, keratinocyte synaptic vesicles expressing synaptophysin and synaptotagmin 1, and sensory information transmitted from keratinocytes to sensory neurons through SNARE‐mediated (syntaxin1) vesicle release.

Interpretation

By providing selective communication between keratinocytes and sensory neurons, synaptic‐like contacts are the hubs of a 2‐site receptor. The permanent epidermal turnover, implying a specific en passant structure and high plasticity, may have delayed their identification, thereby contributing to the long‐held concept of nerve endings passing freely between keratinocytes. The discovery of keratinocyte–sensory neuron synaptic‐like contacts may call for a reassessment of basic assumptions in cutaneous sensory perception and sheds new light on the pathophysiology of pain and itch as well as the physiology of touch. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1205–1219
Constitutive modeling of visco‐hyperelastic behavior of double‐network hydrogels using long‐term memory theory
Authors: Javadi Mohammad Hossein , Darijani Hossein , Niknafs Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Double‐network hydrogels with viscoelastic behavior are appropriate materials for biomechanical applications. In this article, the standard linear solid (SLS) rheological model for the linear viscoelastic materials is generalized to the viscoelastic materials with large nonlinear deformations. Based on this viewpoint, the constitutive equation is proposed as sum of two parts including the strain‐dependent elastic stress, and the viscous stress, which depends on the strain and strain rate. The elastic part of the stress is modeled via considering a hyperelastic strain energy function, while the main core of the viscous stress part requires a time‐dependent weight function to satisfy the long‐term memory fading principle. In addition, the weight function is proposed such that it can capture the mechanical behavior trend corresponding to the strain and strain rate for a double‐network hydrogel in the relaxation test. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the proposed constitutive equation for the mechanical behavior modeling of double‐network hydrogels, the tests on these materials have been used, and the material parameters are determined from fitting the experimental results to the theory. The agreement of test and theory results showed that the proposed model is capable to model the mechanical behavior of double‐network hydrogels.
PROTOCOL: Cognitive and behavioral radicalization: A systematic review of the putative risk and protective factors
Authors: Wolfowicz Michael , Litmanovitz Yael , Weisburd David , Hasisi Badi
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This systematic review seeks to collate and synthesize putative risk and protective factors for the different outcomes of radicalization.

Methodology

Drawing on an established theoretical framework, we will categorize putative risk and protective factors as they relate to the domains of radical attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. We will utilize meta‐analytic techniques to develop a rank‐order of factors according to effect size. Meta‐regression and sub‐group analyses will be used to assess sources of heterogeneity.

Implications

The results of the review are intended to inform evidence‐based policy in the areas of both assessment and intervention.
Establishing a quantitative volatile measurement method in tea by integrating sample extraction method optimizations and data calibration
Authors: Chen Xiaobing , Zhang Yi , Du Zhenghua , Liu Ruiming , Guo Li , Chen Changsong , Wu Hualing , Chen Mingjie
Published: September 2020

Aroma is one of the key sensory attributes of tea. Quantitative volatile measurement is essential but technically challenging. Sample extraction is the first critical step for quantification. However, volatile extraction method has not been systematically optimized. The goal of this research was to establish a quantitative volatile measurement method in tea. For this end, solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation method was used; the effects of the numbers of extraction, stirring, sample amounts, solid–liquid ratios and postharvest treatments on volatile isolation were compared. We demonstrated that stirring did not improve total volatile recovery; the number of volatiles detected was positively correlated with sample amounts and the solid–liquid ratio, excess sample amounts compromised the quantification accuracy of abundant volatiles; cryopreservation largely preserved the volatile contents and composition of fresh tea leaves. Based on these findings, volatile extraction method was optimized. The volatile compounds were qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by GC‐MS and GC‐FID, respectively; the FID relative response factor for individual volatile was calculated to calibrate individual peak area of tea volatile. By integrating these techniques, a quantitative volatile measurement method was established. As a proof of concept, the described method was applied to investigate the seasonal effects on fresh tea leaf volatile. The described method should also be applicable to other horticultural crop species.
Hydrological resilience to forest fire in the subarctic Canadian shield
Authors: Spence Christopher , Hedstrom Newell , Tank Suzanne E. , Quinton William L. , Olefeldt David , Goodman Stefan , Dion Nicole
Published: September 2020

Understanding the role of forest fires on water budgets of subarctic Precambrian Shield catchments is important because of growing evidence that fire activity is increasing. Most research has focused on assessing impacts on individual landscape units, so it is unclear how changes manifest at the catchment scale enough to alter water budgets. The objective of this study was to determine the water budget impact of a forest fire that partially burned a ~450 km2subarctic Precambrian Shield basin. Water budget components were measured in a pair of catchments: one burnt and another unburnt. Burnt and unburnt areas had comparable net radiation, but thaw was deeper in burned areas. There were deeper snow packs in burns. Differences in streamflow between the catchments were within measurement uncertainty. Enhanced winter streamflow from the burned watershed was evident by icing growth at the streamflow gauge location, which was not observed in the unburned catchment. Wintertime water chemistry was also clearly elevated in dissolved organics, and organic‐associated nutrients. Application of a framework to assess hydrological resilience of watersheds to wildfire reveal that watersheds with both high bedrock and open water fractions are more resilient to hydrological change after fire in the subarctic shield, and resilience decreases with increasingly climatically wet conditions. This suggests significant changes in runoff magnitude, timing and water chemistry of many Shield catchments following wildfire depend on pre‐fire land cover distribution, the extent of the wildfire and climatic conditions that follow the fire.
Global financial environment or monetary transmission mechanism? The (special) dynamics of Turkey's external deficit after 2002
Authors: Ertan Arhan S. , Kıran Gürbüz
Published: September 2020

This study develops a simple theoretical framework and conduct a comprehensive empirical analysis on (a) the role of monetary policy on external funding and loan growth, (b) the consequent growth in national spending and finally, (c) the effects of these on the external deficit of Turkey within the period of 2002 to 2016. We argue that this was a highly unusual period with abundant global liquidity, substantial decrease in domestic real interest rates, considerable growth in capital inflow and bank lending, but a remarkable deterioration in external balance. Our empirical approach sheds light on both short and long run dynamics among key domestic and global economic indicators, those related to monetary policy, capital inflows, domestic spending, exchange rates and external deficit. Overall, while clearly validating the import dependency of the Turkish economy, our findings provide mixed evidence about the role of monetary policy on external deficit. Among the monetary policy tools tested, only the reserve requirement policy, seems to have a direct effect, however, real interest rates seem to be influential only via the channel of consumer loans and consumption expenditures. Expansions in bank lending cause corresponding increases in components of national expenditure, which subsequently contribute to the deterioration in trade deficit. As for the policy implications of our findings, to reduce external deficit, in long run, lowering the import dependency of the economy and reducing the shortfall in national savings is vital, whereas, in short run, only distortionary policies, such as limiting loan growth or restricting imports, are only feasible options.
Assessing the effect of prolonged use of desloratadine on adipose Brillouin shift and composition in rats
Authors: Troyanova‐Wood Maria , Gobbell Cassidy , Meng Zhaokai , Gasheva Olga , Gashev Anatoliy , Yakovlev Vladislav V.
Published: September 2020

Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat allergic reactions, are known for their side effects, which contribute to weight gain. It is hypothesized that simultaneous Brillouin elastography and Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect changes in adipose tissue associated with a prolonged intake of desloratadine, a commonly used second generation antihistamine. White and brown adipose tissue samples were excised from adult rats following 16 weeks of daily administration of desloratadine. It was found that the prolonged intake of desloratadine leads to an increase in Brillouin shift in both adipose tissue types. Raman spectra indicate that antihistamine use reduces protein‐to‐lipid ratio in brown adipose tissue but not white adipose tissue, indicating the effect on adipose tissue is location‐dependent.
Evaluation of the analytical performance of endocrine analytes using sigma metrics
Authors: Liu Yanming , Cao Yue , Liu Xijun , Wu Liangyin , Cai Wencan
Published: September 2020

Background

(a) To evaluate the clinical performance of endocrine analytes using the sigma metrics (σ) model. (b) To redesign quality control strategies for performance improvement.

Methods

The sigma values of the analytes were initially evaluated based on the allowable total error (TEa), bias, and coefficient of variation (CV) at QC materials level 1 and 2 in March 2018. And then, the normalized QC performance decision charts, personalized QC rules, quality goal index (QGI) analysis, and root causes analysis (RCA) were performed based on the sigma values of the analytes. Finally, the sigma values were re‐evaluated in September 2018 after a series of targeted corrective actions.

Results

Based on the initial sigma values, two analytes (FT3 and TSH) with σ > 6, only needed one QC rule (13S) with N2 and R500 for QC management. On the other hand, seven analytes (FT4, TT4, CROT, E2, PRL, TESTO, and INS) with σ < 4 at one QC material level or both needed multiple rules (13S/22S/R4S/41S/10X) with N6 and R10‐500 depending on different sigma values for QC management. Subsequently, detailed and comprehensive RCA and timely corrective actions were performed on all the analytes base on the QGI analysis. Compared with the initial sigma values, the re‐evaluated sigma metrics of all the analytes increased significantly.

Conclusions

It was demonstrated that the combination of sigma metrics, QGI analysis, and RCA provided a useful evaluation system for the analytical performance of endocrine analytes.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Quantification Assessment of Focal Fatty Variations in Liver Parenchyma
Authors: Rafailidis Vasileios , Fang Cheng , Leenknegt Benjamin , Ballal Khalid , Deganello Annamaria , Sellars Maria E. , Yusuf Gibran T. , Huang Dean Y. , Sidhu Paul S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to quantify contrast‐enhanced ultrasound enhancement of focal fatty sparing (FFS) and focal fatty infiltration (FFI) and compare it with adjacent liver parenchyma.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study yielding 42 cases in the last 4 years. Inclusion criteria were a focal liver lesion, adequate video availability, and an established diagnosis of FFS or FFI based on clinical or imaging follow‐up or a second modality. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound examinations were performed with a standard low–mechanical index technique. Commercially available software calculated quantitative parameters for a focal liver lesion and a reference area of liver parenchyma, producing relative indices.

Results

In total, 42 patients were analyzed (19 male) with a median age of 18 (interquartile range, 42) years and a median lesion diameter of 30 (interquartile range, 16) mm. The cohort included 26 with FFS and 16 with FFI. Subjectively assessed, 27% of FFS and 25% of FFI were hypoenhancing in the arterial phase, and 73% of FFS and 75% of FFI were isoenhancing. In the venous and delayed phases, all lesions were isoenhancing. The peak enhancement (P = .001), wash‐in area under the curve (P < .01), wash‐in rate (P = .023), and wash‐in perfusion index (P = .001) were significantly lower in FFS compared with adjacent parenchyma but not the mean transit time. In the FFI subgroup, no significant difference was detected. Comparing relative parameters, only the wash‐in rate was significantly (P = .049) lower in FFS than FFI. The mean follow‐up was 2.8 years.

Conclusions

Focal fatty sparing shows significantly lower and slower enhancement than the liver parenchyma, whereas FFI enhances identically. Focal fatty sparing had a significantly slower enhancement than FFI.
A novel de novo SLC26A3 mutation causing congenital chloride diarrhea in a Japanese neonate
Authors: Konishi Ken‐ichiro , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Honma Hitoshi , Etani Yuri , Morikawa Kazue , Wada Kazuko , Yamamoto Ken
Published: September 2020

Background

Congenital chloride diarrhea (CCD) is characterized by persistent chloride (Cl)‐rich diarrhea evident from birth. CCD is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by defects in the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene, which encodes an intestinal Cl−/HCO3−, Na+‐independent exchanger. Various mutations of SLC26A3 have been described in CCD. However, no de novo mutations have been found to be responsible for CCD. Here we report the first such occurrence.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory findings during the perinatal period were obtained retrospectively from medical records. Mutations involving SLC26A3 were detected by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The male infant reported here was delivered at 29 weeks of gestation. Just after birth, he had watery diarrhea without meconium passage. High chloride concentrations in the diarrhea led to a diagnosis of CCD. Direct sequencing of all coding exons in SLC26A3 including exon‐intron boundaries disclosed 2 compound heterozygous mutations: c.382G>A, p.G128S and c.2063‐1g>t. The c. 2063‐1g>t mutation was confirmed in his mother's DNA, but c.382G>A, p.G128S was absent in both mother and father.

Conclusion

We concluded that c.382G>A, p.G128S represented a de novo mutation of SLC26A3, a very rare event in autosomal recessive disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first CCD case involving a de novo novel mutation of SLC26A3.
Analysis of CNVs of CFTR gene in Chinese Han population with CBAVD
Authors: Ma Chengquan , Wang Ruyi , Li Tengyan , Li Hongjun , Wang Binbin
Published: September 2020

Background

Congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) is an important disease of male infertility, which affects 1%–2% of infertile population. In addition to common mutations of CFTR, copy number variants (CNVs) have also been implicated as one of the pathogenesis of CBAVD. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic contribution of CFTR CNVs in Chinese Han population with CBAVD.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐three CBAVD patients were recruited. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. The Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification assay was performed which targets the region of the CFTR gene.

Results

Among 263 Chinese men affected with CBAVD in this study, 5 (1.90%) patients were detected for copy number variants in the region of CFTR gene (4 of them carried partial deletions and 1 of them carried partial duplication of CFTR gene).

Conclusions

The study showed that the rate of CFTR CNVs in Chinese population with CBAVD were basically consistent with the previous reports. And the study first revealed genetic risk of CNVs of CFTR on a large sample size of CBAVD patients in Chinese Han population, which prompted that it was necessary to detect CNVs of CFTR in Chinese Han people with CBAVD.
Validity of self‐reporting depression in the Tabari cohort study population
Authors: Zarghami Mehran , Taghizadeh Fatemeh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Kheradmand Motahhareh , Heydari Keyvan
Published: September 2020

Aims

Depression is a common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. To detect depression, we compared BDI‐II scoring as a valid tool with participants' self‐reporting depression.

Methods

The sample size was determined to include 155 participants with positive self‐reporting of depression in a total of 1300 samples with 310 healthy participants were included in the study through random selection. In order to evaluate the diagnostic value of self‐reporting, BDI‐II was completed by blind interviewing to the case group as well as to another group who reported that they were not depressed, as control.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, false positive, false negative, positive, and negative predictive values of self‐reporting were calculated 58.4%, 79.1%,73.4%, 20.8%, 41.6%, 51.8%, and 83.2% for the total population, respectively, as well as, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values of self‐report in males were 83.3%, 77.2%, 77.1%, 43.8%, and 95.6% and 53.7%, 78.1%, 71.2%, 49.2%, and 81.1% for females, respectively.

Conclusion

The positive predictive value and sensitivity of self‐reporting are insufficient in total population and females, and therefore self‐reporting cannot detect depressed patients, but regarding to its average positive predictive value, perhaps, it can be used to identify nondepressant individuals.
Clozapine‐associated severe eosinophilia following lithium rebound neutropenia: A case report
Authors: Kikuchi Kota , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Yokoyama Saaya , Hasegawa Chie , Kokubun Atsuhiko , Katsukura Shinichi , Shimizu Taro , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: September 2020

Background

Clozapine use is complicated by an increased risk of hematological adverse effects such as neutropenia and, rarely, eosinophilia.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 48‐year‐old man with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia. On day 12 after clozapine initiation, he had a cough with a temperature of 39.8°C. On day 16, his leukocyte count had increased to 9320 cells/mm3 (neutrophils 7550 cells/mm3 and eosinophils 680 cells/mm3). We discontinued lithium because of neutrophilia and damage to renal function on day 20. His eosinophil count increased until day 29, reaching 6750 cells/mm3. We suspected a drug‐induced reaction and discontinued clozapine on day 30. His eosinophil count gradually decreased, reaching the normal range by day 40. However, his leukocyte and neutrophil counts also gradually decreased to below than the normal range by day 40. His leukocytes and neutrophil counts had recovered by day 55.

Conclusion

We concluded that this patient had clozapine‐associated severe eosinophilia following lithium rebound neutropenia.
Feasibility of hepatic fine needle aspiration as a minimally invasive sampling method for gene expression quantification of pharmacogenetic targets in dogs
Authors: Hull Matthew B. , Schermerhorn Thomas , Vieson Miranda D. , Reinhart Jennifer M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Quantifying hepatic gene expression is important for many pharmacogenetic studies. However, this usually requires biopsy (BX), which is invasive.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of using minimally invasive fine needle aspirate (FNA) to quantify hepatic gene expression and to assess expression variability between different sampling sites.

Methods

Biopsy and FNA samples were acquired from central and peripheral locations of the right and left lateral liver lobes of a dog. Relative expression of ABCB1, GSTT1 and CYP3A12 were measured via reverse transcriptase, quantitative PCR. The effect of sampling method, lobe and location within the lobe on gene expression was assessed using a three‐way ANOVA.

Results

Relative expression of ABCB1 and GSTT1 were not statistically different between sampling methods but CYP3A12 expression was higher in samples collected by BX (p = .013). Lobe sampled affected ABCB1 expression (p = .001) and site within lobe affected ABCB1 (p = .018) and GSTT1 (p = .025) expression.

Conclusions

FNA appears to be a feasible technique for minimally invasive evaluation of hepatic gene expression but results should not be directly compared to biopsy samples. Sampling location impacts expression of some targets; combination of FNAs from multiple sites may reduce variation.
Chemical-neuroanatomical organization of peripheral sensory-efferent systems in the pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis)
Authors: Horváth Réka , Battonyai Izabella , Maász Gábor , Schmidt János , Fekete Zsuzsanna N. , Elekes Károly
Published: September 2020

Perception and processing of chemical cues are crucial for aquatic gastropods, for proper elaboration of adaptive behavior. The pond snail,Lymnaea stagnalis, is a model species of invertebrate neurobiology, in which peripheral sensory neurons with different morphology and transmitter content have partly been described, but we have little knowledge regarding their functional morphological organization, including their possible peripheral intercellular connections and networks. Therefore the aim of our study was to characterize the sensory system of the tentacles and the lip, as primary sensory regions, and the anterior foot ofLymnaeawith special attention to the transmitter content of the sensory neurons, and their relationship to extrinsic elements of the central nervous system. Numerous bipolar sensory cells were demonstrated in the epithelial layer of the peripheral organs, displaying immunoreactivity to antibodies raised against tyrosine hydroxylase, histamine, glutamate and two molluscan type oligopeptides, FMRFamide and Mytilus inhibitory peptide. A subepithelial plexus was formed by extrinsic serotonin and FMRFamide immunoreactive fibers, whereas in deeper regions axon processess of different origin with various immunoreactivities formed networks, too. HPLC–MS assay confirmed the presence of the low molecular weight signal molecules in the three examined areas. Following double-labeling immunohistochemistry, close arrangements were observed, formed by sensory neurons and extrinsic serotonergic (and FMRFamidergic) fibers at axo-dendritic, axo-somatic and axo-axonic levels. Our results suggest the involvement of a much wider repertoire of signal molecules in peripheral sensory processes ofLymnaea, which can locally be modified by central input, hence influencing directly the responses to environmental cues.
Fracture Repair in Cats Using a Conical Coupling Mini 1.9 to 2.5 mm Locking Plate System
Authors: Ferrero Francesca C. , Baroncelli Alessandro Boero , Hudson Caleb C. , Peirone Bruno , Reif Ullrich , Piras Lisa A.
Published: September 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical application of the Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system for the treatment of long bone fractures in cats. We proposed that the Fixin mini system would successfully stabilize long bone fractures in cats with a healing time and complication rate similar to those previously reported for feline fractures using other locking bone plate systems.

Materials and Methods Medical records and radiographs of cats with long bone fractures stabilized with the Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system were retrospectively reviewed. Signalment, body weight, bone(s) fractured, region of bone fractured, fracture classification, concurrent orthopaedic injuries, complications, time to functional union, if minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis techniques were used, plate size, number of plates, bone graft use and ancillary methods of fixation were recorded.

Results Fifty-six fractures in 54 cats were included. Mean time to radiographic union was 8.8 weeks. Complications were recorded in 8 out of 56 fractures. Major complications occurred in 4 of 56 fractures and minor complications occurred in 4 of 56 fractures.

Conclusion The Fixin mini 1.9 to 2.5 system had an overall complication rate and time to functional union similar to that of other implant systems used to treat feline long bone fractures and it appears suitable for repair of a wide variety of long bone fracture configurations in cats.
Chineseness as a moving target
Authors: Li Jinling , Kroon Sjaak
Published: September 2020

The Chinese are one of the earliest established immigrant communities in the Netherlands and they are part of the new ‘superdiversity’ of metropolitan societies around the world, where the relative clarity of previous migration patterns is overlaid by vastly more complex, multilayered and less stable trajectories of movement. Understanding globalization as superdiversity (i.e. as a diversification of diversity instead of a homogenization of global culture in local language and culture practices), this paper aims to disentangle the complexities of being and knowing Chinese in the Netherlands, with respect to internal diversities within Chineseness and its relation to changing Chinese language ideologies.

The empirical starting point for this contribution is an ethnographic project among young people of Chinese heritage living in the Netherlands in and around the setting of a complementary Chinese language school in the city of Eindhoven. The paper focuses on the polycentricity of Chinese, the transformations that occur in the linguistic culinary landscape and the discursive identity construction of Chinese-Dutch youth. Using a multi-site ethnographic methodology data are collected through structured observations, interviews with Chinese community members, linguistic landscaping and online ethnography.

Overall, the paper argues that an ongoing shift along with demographic, economic and political changes in China has altered migration patterns, language ideologies and linguistic landscapes in the Chinese diaspora in the Netherlands. Young people of Chinese heritage articulate a whole repertoire of inhabited and ascribed identities, and they do so by means of a complex display and deployment of the ensemble of linguistic and communicative resources at their disposal.
The Anti-Republican Origins of the At-Will Doctrine
Authors: VanderVelde Lea
Published: September 2020

This article highlights the origin of the employment at-will rule by providing the contextual contrast of Reconstruction free labor republicanism. To date, no work has situated the doctrine’s emergence in the heady Reconstruction discussions of labor reform that immediately preceded it. This article briefly summarizes how the at-will rule functions to subordinate employees. The article then elaborates upon the pervasive, overarching anti-subordination themes of the Radical Republican debates in Congress as well as their specific initiatives targeted at equalizing power disparities. Further, the article examines the paradox that the Thirteenth Amendment’s minimum constitutional guarantee that workers have a right to quit became doctrinally embedded in the at-will rule’s justification. Third, the article explores the contemporary post-bellum republican alternatives, both in treatises and in the dissent’s critique in the seminal case of Payne v. Western and Atlantic Railroad. While one treatise writer, Horace Wood, advanced the at-will rule, another, James Schouler, imbued with a sense of republicanism, advanced a different rule of duration based upon custom and pay period. Finally, the article examines an early critique that at-will circumstances were so insubstantial as to fail to amount to any contract at all. Overall, this article provides a different perspective from which to view the doctrine’s emergence, that is, as a retrenchment of railroads’ authority over their day laborers at the very time that Reconstruction’s egalitarian reform efforts were fading. Utilizing contract terminology, the constitutionally guaranteed right to quit was bootstrapped into a justification for the prerogative of employers to fire employees at will. Eventually, this legal construct became the predominant employment doctrine, and it continues today.
Serial Circulating Tumor DNA Mutational Status in Patients with KRAS-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer from the Phase 3 AIO KRK0207 Trial
Authors: Lueong Smiths S , Herbst Andreas , Liffers Sven-Thorsten , Bielefeld Nicola , Horn Peter A , Tannapfel Andrea , Reinacher-Schick Anke , Hinke Axel , Hegewisch-Becker Susanna , Kolligs Frank T , Siveke Jens T
Published: September 2020

Background

We assessed the usefulness of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) pre- or post-treatment initiation for outcome prediction and treatment monitoring in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods

Droplet digital PCR was used to measure absolute mutant V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene ((mut)KRAS) ctDNA concentrations in 214 healthy controls (plasma and sera) and in 151 tissue-based mutKRAS positive patients with mCRC from the prospective multicenter phase 3 trial AIO KRK0207. Serial mutKRAS ctDNA was analyzed prior to and 2–3 weeks after first-line chemotherapy initiation with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab in patients with mCRC and correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

mut KRAS ctDNA was detected in 74.8% (113/151) of patients at baseline and in 59.6% (90/151) at follow-up. mutKRAS ctDNA at baseline and follow-up was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] =1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–2.95; HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.47–3.15) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.44–4.46; HR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.23–2.95), respectively. mutKRAS ctDNA clearance at follow-up conferred better disease control (P = 0.0075), better OS (log-rank P = 0.0018), and PFS (log-rank P = 0.0018). Measurable positive mutKRAS ctDNA at follow-up was the strongest and most significant independent prognostic factor on OS in multivariable analysis (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.40–3.25).

Conclusions

Serial analysis of circulating mutKRAS concentrations in mCRC has prognostic value. Post treatment mutKRAS concentrations 2 weeks after treatment initiation were associated with therapeutic response in multivariable analysis and may be an early response predictor in patients receiving first-line combination chemotherapy.

Clinicaltrialsgov Identifier

NCT00973609.
Notes on The Lengthened Imperfect Consecutive in The Samaritan Pentateuch
Authors: Sjörs Ambjörn
Published: September 2020

It is well known that the lengthened imperfect consecutive is more common in the Samaritan Pentateuch than in the Masoretic Pentateuch, and it is usually assumed that it is formed on analogy with the cohortative. It is shown that the imperfect consecutive lengthened by paragogic hē is used to express that the speaker receives the benefit of the situation expressed by the clause, and that this function of paragogic hē can be reconciled with paragogic hē of the lengthened imperative and the cohortative. It is also suggested that the attestations of the lengthened imperfect consecutive with the same function in the Masoretic Pentateuch and the Former Prophets indicate that the construction was productive at some point also in pre-exilic Hebrew.1
A clinician’s perspective on yellow fever vaccine-associated neurotropic disease
Authors: Lecomte Elien , Laureys Guy , Verbeke Frederick , Domingo Carrasco Cristina , Van Esbroeck Marjan , Huits Ralph
Published: September 2020

Yellow fever (YF) causes high fever, liver dysfunction, renal failure, hypercoagulopathy and platelet dysfunction and can lead to shock and death with a case-fatality ratio of 20–50%. YF vaccination results in long-lasting protective immunity. Serious adverse events (SAEs), such as YF vaccine-associated neurotropic disease (YEL-AND) are rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old Caucasian man with fever, headache, cognitive problems at the emergency department. He received a primary YF vaccination 4 weeks prior to symptom onset. Cerebrospinal fluid tested positive (POS) for YF virus by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and confirmed diagnosis of YEL-AND. The patient recovered with symptomatic treatment. We reviewed published clinical reports on YEL-AND indexed for MEDLINE. We identified and analyzed 53 case reports. Forty-five patients were male and eight were female. Twenty-nine cases met criteria for definite YEL-AND and twenty-four for suspected YEL-AND according to YF Vaccine Safety Working Group. We applied the Brighton Collaboration diagnostic criteria to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical diagnoses and found meningoencephalitis in 38 reported YEL-AND cases, Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) in seven, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in six and myelitis in five. Thirty-five patients recovered or improved; however, not all cases had a complete follow-up. The prognosis of YEL-AND presenting with GBS, ADEM or myelitis was poor. Fourteen patients received therapy (corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins and/or plasmapheresis). In conclusion, YF vaccine-associated neurotropic disease is a very rare but SAE after YF vaccination. We described a case of YEL-AND and propose a standardized clinical workup of this condition based on a review of the literature. Centralized registration of complications of YF vaccination is encouraged.
Difference on the prevalence, patterns and awareness of soft drink consumption among male and female Arab students
Authors: Alfawaz Hanan , Khan Nasiruddin , Alqahtani Seham , Ansari Mohammed Ghouse Ahmed , Khattak Malak N K , Aljumah Muneerah A , Al-Daghri Nasser M
Published: September 2020

Background

The increase in soft drink (SD) consumption is emerging as a serious health issue. Our aim is to explore the prevalence and awareness regarding SD consumption among Saudi students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1000 apparently healthy Saudi students (527 males, 473 females) aged 16–23 years. A designed questionnaire including various sections was used to obtain the required information.

Results

The BMI and frequency of SD consumption were significantly higher in males (P < 0.001) than females, whereas, females exhibited higher awareness and knowledge regarding SD consumption than males. The SD consumption in females was due to society, taste, availability and markets, whereas in males it was due to cheap price. Females support the implementation of new policies to prevent consumption of SD.

Conclusions

Arab students exhibited a high prevalence of SD consumption especially in males. Although females showed more awareness and knowledge about SD, various misconceptions were notable in both sexes. New policies, health promotion campaigns must be organized to raise awareness among children and parents. Parents and health educators should motivate and encourage the children to consume more water in the context of a healthy balanced diet.